#it's called a trundle btw

[elderyautjavegeta]

You're not gonna believe this but IT DID JUST SAVE MY LIFE.

some people think writers are so eloquent and good with words, but the reality is that we can sit there with our fingers on the keyboard going, “what’s the word for non-sunlight lighting? Like, fake lighting?” and for ten minutes, all our brain will supply is “unofficial”, and we know that’s not the right word, but it’s the only word we can come up with…until finally it’s like our face got smashed into a brick wall and we remember the word we want is “artificial”.

[monstersdownthepath]

hey did you know Asmodeus's divine herald has "The Bleeding Oliphant" as a nickname? Considering the Oliphant's full name is the Oliphant of Jandelay, are Oliphants some kind of title or planar species of law, not a singular entity ? https://pathfinderwiki.com/wiki/Basileus source for the nickname claim btw

In the Pathfinder universe, it's possible; Oliphaunts don't appear to exist on Golarion, unless you count mammoths/mastodons. The Oliphaunt of Jandelay isn't the only Oliphaunt in the setting entirely, though; there is at least one other that comes to mind:

The Fey Archmage Cobyslarni trundles slowly across the First World, carrying a magical school of his own creation on the folds of his back. Unlike the Oliphaunt of Jandelay, he isn't purposely destructive, and spends the majority of his time silently contemplating the mysteries of the universe as his students hustle and bustle with their own research.

Not sure why Basileus has claimed such an impressive epithet, though, but then again he's also called Baphon Reborn when the actual Baphon hasn't truly even died yet.

[is-the-snake-video-cute]

Here’s some of my favorite pictures of snakes I’ve gotten. Took by me at my local zoo(not saying which for privacy reasons)

This Green Tree Python picture was taken before the changed the sign to “Green Tree Python” which is funny to me

This Gaboon Viper is one I refer to as “my friend” jokingly. I once even saw her moving in the “walking forward” kinda way, that’s how I saw her tail and guessed that she was a she(a zookeeper confirmed it btw)

And here’s my favorite out of the three. They really like that spot under the rock. Every time I go there it’s asleep there.

Wonderful pictures, thank you so much for sharing!!

Love your GTP photo, that's such a good angle and shows off those amazing coils so well!

I just love that Gaboon viper photo! Their big ol heads never fail to blow me away, and I'm so jealous you got to see your friend trundling along!

For anyone who doesn't know how they move! This is called rectilinear motion and they're an extreme example of what it looks like!

Is that last snake a sidewinder? I can never identify vipers without seeing the tail, haha. Absolutely stunning snake!

[innocencelives]

The bed under a bed is called a trundle bed btw!

OHHHH. im putting all my mutuals in a trundle bed as we speak

[jeannereames]

This is sort of a frivolous question, but what would some of the more leisurely activities at Alexander’s court have been? Do we know what kind of music was played or whether dancing was a common activity? Was is considered appropriate for men as high ranking as the generals to dance? Would women have been very active in court life at all? I’m supposing the court was run in a very different manner to the courts of Medieval and Renaissance Europe? Btw I love your blog xx

The chief entertainment at the court, besides symposia (drinking parties), would have been hunting and sports. There was a palaistra (= ancient gym) on the Pella acropolis, and a really big one (recently discovered) near “Aristotle’s school” at Mieza. (It’s mentioned in one of the cut scenes from Becoming.) Alexander frequently held games while on campaign too, as a way to entertain his troops, some of whom apparently competed. The Macedonians also had their own Olympics, held at Dion, on a rotating 4-year schedule. And we know that Alexander himself was a long-distance runner. (Dion w/ Sanctuary of Zeus the Highest)

In Becoming, I mention the Hetairadeia, the Festival of the Companions, in addition to the Dion Oympics. I put it at Aigai, but it was probably held more often at Dion. There, the Hetairoi (Companions of the King = nobility) renewed their pledge of loyalty to him, accompanied with athletic contests. We don’t know a lot about it (and what we do know is mostly Antipatrid, post-ATG), but there seem to have been military games involved, probably similar to the later Roman hippika gymnasia (cavalry maneuvers). In both Becoming and Rise I mention Hephaistion as competing in these. Another sport popular with the elite was chariot racing, although they didn’t drive the horses. They provided the race horses, driven, or ridden, by professional jockeys. (Horses were for the elite in Greece; they weren’t work animals.)

Hunting was HUGE, largely for big game, although lion hunts appear not to have been pursued until Alexander reached Asia (which, I know, creates dating problems for Royal Tomb II). But boar hunting was popular (again, I have Alexander’s first boar hunt in Becoming). (One of the Pella mosaics showing a deer hunt. Some say that may be ATG on the right; I’m dubious.)

Music and dance were quite important all over Greece, at all levels of society. (Dance and music are still important in Greece: Greek men dance.) Alexander II of Macedon was killed (accidentally on purpose) during a performance of the “Dance in Armor.” The “chorus” in a Greek play both danced and sang in the orchestra. That big round area at the foot of the theatre seats wasn’t the stage; it was the orchestra. The stage was behind it.

Again, I mention the boys as being able to play instruments, and doing some dancing. The lyre would have been passed around at symposia like we pass the guitar at a campfire. We even have some of their music, although reading it is a point of debate. Later Roman, then European musical scales owe to Greece.

If you’d like to hear someone singing in Greek, I’d recommend Bettina Joy deGuzman, who makes her own lyres and sings Homer. There’s also music by the Petros Tabouris Ensemble which involves recreations of various instruments beyond just lyres.

Last, Greek children had toys the same as us. Dice and knucklebones were both popular, jacks, yo-yos, pull-toys, as well as articulated dolls. Another popular game, especially for boys, were trundle hoops; we don’t see those much today, but they were popular in Europe for centuries. Last, they also had boardgames played by people of all ages. Draughts were popular, and senet came in from Egypt.

The role of women at the court would have been similar to running a house. I have several mentions in the novels of Olympias, and then her daughter Kleopatra, not only making sure the palace kitchens are stocked and weaving done, but also overseeing the royal timber trade, as well as royal cattle herds and fields, plus the mines. Philip would have had access to that information of course, but he was busy running wars. Women were also in charge of a number of religious activities, and some well-born Macedonian women were priestesses. They also made donations to shrines and temples (etc.) for building upkeep or additions. Eurydike, Phil’s mom, made a big donation to Eukleia in Aigai, and did it in her own name with her patronymic…not the name of her (deceased) husband, or her son (inscription on statue base below).

In short, they weren’t nearly as cloistered as Athenian women, although at least some of the freedoms may have been initiated by foreign wives of the king. Eurydike was likely ½ Illyrian (her father’s name was Sirras), and Illyrian women certainly had more freedom, and even fought in war. Likewise, Epirote women in the Molossian clan participated in rule. Kleopatra acted as regent for her young children as herself, not with a male trustee, and Olympias’s tendency to get politically involved set her at odds with Antipatros when Alexander was in Asia.

Before Eurydike, we hear less about Macedonian women, but I highly recommend pretty much anything by Beth Carney. Her biography (of) Olympias, from Routledge, is a textbook in my Alexander class. She also has an earlier work called Women and Monarchy in Macedonia. Both have been out long enough you can probably find cheap copies used, but if you can’t afford the books, at least check out her article, “Women and Basileia: Legitimacy and Female Political Action in Macedonia” from The Classical Journal 90.4 (1995), 367-91.

[secret-engima]

OH BUT as long as we've got the whole canon-meets-au thing fresh in mind, imagine Regis meeting Regina. Or Regina!Noctis casually breaking everyone's minds when he tells them his mom is Queen Regina and it's really weird seeing her counterpart as a man -

*screeches in* YOOOOOO DID NOT MEAN TO FOGRET I HADN’T ANSWERED THIS BECAUSE IT’S AN AWESOME IDEA. BUT I’M HERE NOW SO LETS RAMBLE (note that I shall refer to the canon counterparts of everyone but Regis as C!Name to differentiate from Regina’s crew):

-It’s C!Cid that encounters them first. Because of course he is. They trickled into Hammerhead after an Encounter with Solheim magic, and C!Cid gets this ... feeling of confused doom when he sees the Regalia plus like- two motorcycles trundle into Hammerhead.

-The feeling of doom multiplies when out of the Regalia climbs a lot of familiar faces, plus three not-so-familiar faces and one face that should be familiar except its FEMALE.

-Regina gets off her motorcycle (that Cor is perched on the back of btw) looks around this larger, busier Hammerhead with fascinated eyes, then turns and grins at her Sun, “Found civilization!”

-Cid and C!Cid are already staring at each other, and Cid just- SIGHS heavily at Regina’s chipper mood, “Ah blame ya for everything about this, ‘Gina.”

-Regina just laughs and C!Cid can feel a headache coming on.

-C!Cid, after hearing their jumbled story and learning why the group is both bigger and younger than it was in his timeline (TIMELINES. FRAGGIT REGGIE THIS IS YOUR FAULT SOMEHOW HE KNOWS IT), grumbles and herds them all off to Insomnia. Because this is Reggie’s problem and he’s going to deal with it. Not C!Cid thank you.

-Needless to say, this was NOT how Regis expected his afternoon to go. A servant comes to inform him that Cid Sophiar is waiting in one of the guest lounges with a sizable group of young adults and teens, Regis and C!Clarus exchanged baffled looks before rounding up C!Cor and trundling down to greet their old friend and his apparent gaggle of strange young ones.

-They walk in right as Cor tries, yet again, to best Regina in combat as per their deal for his coming along with them on this trip. Regina doesn’t even blink as she disarms the feral Bby Cloud and pins him to the floor with her boot on his neck, still casually chatting with Ardyn and Titus the entire time.

-Regis and the C!Co all stare. Because What.

-Seeing the goggle eyed king, C!Cid greets his old friends, then immediately yeets them under the bus by calling over Clarus and saying, “Clarus, this is Clarus. His Reggie did something stupid in them old Solheim ruins and now they’re here. Ah figured they’d have a better chance getting home here than in Hammerhead.”

-While C!Clarus gapes and younger Clarus eyes his older counterpart with some wariness, C!Cid takes possibly too much glee in introducing the rest of Regina’s motley cast of misfits (Cor is still struggling under Regina’s shoe, turning slightly blue in the face because of his refusal to yield). Weskham is all polite manners and mischievous smirks as he greets the C!cast and ... admittedly stares in worried fascination at Regis (a MALE Regina, that must have been an interesting change to their childhoods, he’s so ... off balance too, Regina hadn’t even blinked at the dimensional travel problem, yet this counterpart looks like he needs a good sit down and a glass of water, and is that a CANE he’s using? Whatever for? He’s not that old-).

-C!Cid, because he is a troll at heart, introduces Regina LAST. Admittedly, Regis and C!Co should have been expecting it by the time they were introduced to the counterpart of Sylva and C!Cid had pointed out the wheezing, snarling Corling on the floor, and YET-.

-Regina looks up with perfect timing from where she’d been trying to talk Cor into just yielding already before he passed out, smiles a smile that is positively Fae and introduces herself, “Regina Lucis Caelum, Crown Princess of Lucis, daughter  of King Mors and current runaway fugitive from said father.” She tilts her head as Regis makes a faint dying whale noise, her grin still in place as she muses, “Somehow I thought I’d be ... taller if I was male. But we’re about the same height actually.”

-C!Clarus manages to stay upright himself long enough to help Regis to a chair. Then they both sit down hard. Weskham calmly begins pulling a tea set out of armiger out of sympathy while Titus just- sighs and Ardyn shyly points out to Regina that she could have broken the news a little more gently and also Corling is eighty percent passed out so she might want to let him up now.

-”Not until he yields,” Regina retorts cheerfully, then looks down at the twitching Cor and comments, “You know that if you pass out, I’m going to do something embarrassing to you. So pick your poison, Murder Child, the embarrassment of yielding? Or letting me do whatever I want while you’re unconscious?”

-Glaring pure murder and hate, Corling slaps the floor three times with a hand. Regina takes her boot off his neck and lets his wheeze curses into the floor as she turns and examines the C!cast with a critical eye. She spots adult C!Cor, who has been drifting steadily closer with a feral fascination in his gaze, and smiles like the sun, “Murder Child! You grow up into such a lovely Murder Adult!”

-Cor wheezes something profane from the floor while C!Cor raises an eyebrow and Cid sighs heavily as he helps Cor up from the floor and gives him a canteen of water to help his throat.

-In the midst of watching this ... entire Thing play out, something finally clicks into place in Regis’s brain and he manages a strangled, “Runaway fugitive?”

-Regina casually flops onto the arm of the chair Regis is sitting in, kicking her legs almost like a child as she chirps, “Yep! Ran away at fourteen because Prophecies, but Daddy Dearest,” there is a definite sneer when she says that and a flash of almost murderous magic in her eyes, “didn’t believe me. So I’m a fugitive from his Crownsguard. Have been for a few years now. Murder Child over there was the latest attempt to bring me back to the Citadel, but it didn’t work and now he’s my Cloudy Murder Child.”

-”Stop calling me Murder Child!”

-”It’s that or Baby Cloud, Murder Child, take your pick.”

-Cor snarls at her while Titus snickers and Clarus looks to the heavens in exasperation. Regina continues her story to an increasingly horrified Regis, “Anyway, ran away at fourteen, was not believed that I was on a Holy Quest, or that I had good reasons for asking the Oracle Princess to come with me on my quest.”

-Sylva, from where she is loyally lurking next to Ardyn and sipping on Weskham’s tea, points out, “You broke into my room in the middle of the night and we left before dawn. I’m fairly certain the world thinks you kidnapped me, ‘Gina, my mother’s proclamations to the contrary or no.”

-”Kidnapped, asked, semantics,” retorts Regina, blatantly not caring when C!Clarus makes a garbled noise of protest at that (and HOW is Regis’s counterpart this ... blasé and insane? Seriously being a different gender should NOT make this much a difference right? RIGHT?)

-C!Cor who is the only canon member coping with this well (C!Cid is already drinking the whiskey Cid passed him in sympathy), asks, “And the Chancellor of Niflheim is with you because....?”

-Regina tilts her head at C!Cor with genuine confusion, “Who? Ardyn? He’s not Niflheim’s anything. I broke him out of Angelgard.”

-In the horrified silence that follows that proclamation, C!Cid dryly comments, “Does yer pa think yer planning a coup or something, cause it sure sounds like ya are.”

-He Regrets™ opening his mouth an instant later when Regina spaces out at the wall with a LOOK in her violet-tinted eyes. Clarus’s head snaps around from where he was holding a staring contest with C!Cor and goes very pale, “Regina no.”

-Regina curls her lips into something too inhuman and cruel to be a smile as she whines, “But my Storm-Shield....”

-Clarus stomps over to physically collar her, as if that will stop the idea from taking root, “No. We’re in enough trouble as it is.” He narrows his eyes at her and growls, “If you plot a coup against Mors so help me I am NEVER doing paperwork for you again. Ever. You’ll have to deal with every scrap of paper your mess generates from now until the end of time. Besides,” he adds with a hint of hysteria in his tone that indicates he is well and truly trying to talk Regina out of an idea (that indicates that Regina is taking C!Cid’s sarcastic comment SERIOUSLY), “Ardyn’s already lived through one royal coup, you’re not going to make him live through one again are you?”

-Regina’s expression falls into a pout as she glances at the suddenly very subdued Ardyn, “....Fine. No royal coups.”

-Cor makes a noise of vague disappointment that makes C!Cor stare at his younger self in alarm, and in the various strangled noises from the C!Cast, Weskham calmly begins passing out cups of tea to soothe the nerves. Weskham sees Regis’s wide-eyed look and smiles a little ruefully, “I would like to say, Your Majesty, that she isn’t usually like this, but I’m afraid I would be lying.” Weskham looks innocently over at C!Clarus, who looks a half-step away from having some kind of heart attack, and asks, “Your Regis wasn’t like this as a teenager?”

-The resounding, scandalized NO from C!Cid, C!Clarus, and Regis himself makes Regina cackle.

[ais-n]

Reciprocal #1: Reina’s Story

This is a short story I wrote yesterday that I decided to make the beginning of a serial series of short stories, disconnected from anything else I’ve ever written. I’ll be posting more of this series on my patreon in the future so if you want to read more check https://www.patreon.com/ais for the patron early access, or just wait until I release it for free to everyone.

This is also starting SPOOKY MONTH for me, since October’s my favorite month and Halloween’s my favorite holiday <3 Give me spooky suggestions if you want for other content this month! Art prompts, story prompts, it doesn’t matter! If you have an idea, throw it my way and I might do it :) I want to do lots of fun stuff in October :)

Oh btw, like just about everything I write, this is LGBTQIA+, has a lesbian main character, and includes some violence and swearing.

Also, trigger warning for suicide.

RECIPROCAL #1: REINA’S STORY

The bus rocked as it rolled over a pothole. Like everyone else, Reina had her earbuds in while she stared at her phone, thumbs absently flicking their way through the newest app game. She didn’t need the earbuds; she had no music playing, and the bus as a whole was almost uncomfortably quiet. But she needed them for armor, for protection against the casual blade of a stranger’s inquisitive mind.

She was still trying to find her new normal but she thought she’d found the balance, as long as she didn’t think.

Someone in the back turned on a video and didn’t have their jack plugged in properly. For a few seconds, she heard the garbled sounds of a woman cheerfully greeting the viewers before the voice cut out. Reina ignored it, like the rest of the passengers.

Battle done. Next enemy on screen. Did she have enough power or was she going to have to fail out of this level and start with a different configuration?

The bus rocked again, this time around a sharp turn. Reina’s arm pressed lightly against the wall.

Reina hadn’t paid attention to anyone else the whole time on the trip; she kept her eyes downcast and only saw others in her peripheral vision. She knew a woman was sitting next to her but hadn’t bothered to get much of a view of her other than a nice yellow sun dress she wore under a bronze bomber jacket. The shoes were the strangest part; a pair of dark boots that looked expensive but were inexplicably dirty. Like she’d walked in mud, maybe. The jacket was cute, and Reina thought once or twice about asking where she got it, but that would require breaking the commuter silence with a real voice instead of just a tinny one echoing from a speaker.

Not worth it, she thought. Just play the game ten more minutes, and her stop would be close enough that she’d have to put away her phone and pay attention. Construction was a bitch around here, so it was giving her a little more time to play while the bus repeatedly stopped at lights.

The woman in the sun dress reached toward the cord on Reina’s other side, hesitated with her fingers not quite catching, tried a different angle over Reina’s head, and realized she couldn’t reach from her seat without encroaching on Reina’s territory. Reina automatically pulled the cord for her.

“Stop requested,” the bus announced.

In Reina’s peripheral vision, she saw the woman smile. “Thank you,” she said quietly.

Reina nodded without bothering to reply.

The bus trundled its way the last half block toward the stop, and pulled to a jerking halt. The doors opened and the woman in the sun dress got up. She stood for a second at Reina’s side but Reina didn’t look up. After a pause, the woman walked to the front and jogged down the steps.

The bus continued to sit there. Reina thought she felt eyes on her and finally glanced up. A couple of people were looking at her oddly, but most people continued to ignore their surroundings.

A woman in the seat behind her leaned forward and murmured, “Don’t you need to get off?”

Reina pulled out her earbuds. “What?”

“The stop,” the woman said, and pointed at the open doors. The bus driver was looking at Reina in the rear view mirror now, too.

“Oh. No, I just pulled it for someone else.” The woman gave her a weird look, so Reina figured maybe she thought Reina was being rude. “Thanks,” she added.

The bus driver hesitated, then flipped the doors closed and started off. Reina was looking up now, so she noticed the woman in the sun dress standing on the corner ready to cross the street. For some reason, the woman had pulled out an umbrella and had it open despite the clear Autumn day. Maybe she was sensitive to sunlight.

She darted in front of the bus as it started to pull out. Reina sucked in a breath, sitting upright ready to yell out— but the woman appeared on the other side of the bus, running across the street. Reina’s heartbeat shot into overdrive even so, and she turned to watch the woman’s progress even as the bus started off in the opposite direction. The woman made it to the curb safely, and Reina relaxed, watching as she now jogged across a side street.

A man driving his car down the main road saw the construction and stopped traffic ahead, and suddenly decided to take a shortcut through the back streets. He tore around the corner without looking.

The woman in the sun dress was hit so hard, Reina swore she could hear the meaty thunk even through the windows. She went flying into the air, crashed against the top of the car, and fell to the street. Her umbrella skittered off along the ground. Blood sprayed everywhere.

“Oh my god!” Reina burst out.

(click below to continue reading this story; if tumblr doesn’t let you, read the rest of the story at https://www.patreon.com/posts/14652715)

The car ran up over the curb and hit a tree. The woman didn’t move. Her boots had fallen over on the ground from where she had been jerked right out of them.

Reina threw herself to a stand, frantically twisting around, horrified by the sight. “Oh my god!” she yelled again, and scrambled over the empty seat next to her. “Someone call 911!”

The commuters around her jerked to attention. The bus driver looked in the mirror. “What’s wrong?”

“The woman! The woman was just hit! Oh my god— We have to help her! Stop the bus!”

The bus driver pulled over and turned around. “What woman? Where?”

“Back there! She tried to cross the street and— I’ll go help—”

Reina ran up to the front and swiped her pass on the reader, too civic-minded even in the midst of terror to forget.

“What are you—” the bus driver started but Reina was terrified that the longer they waited, the closer the woman would be to dying.

“Open the doors!” Reina pounded on them when they stayed closed. “Open them! Please!”

The bus driver did so and Reina threw herself down to the street, running around the front of the bus and barely waiting to see if traffic was clear before sprinting across the road. She ran as fast as she could back to the side street, a horrible lump growing in her throat the closer she came and the more she could see. One of the woman’s legs was barely attached to her body anymore, and her neck was at an angle that was completely wrong.

“No, no, no,” Reina whispered to herself, hoping against hope that she was okay, that the hospital could fix this, that everyone would be okay.

She couldn’t do this, she couldn’t see another death—

She nearly fell over herself at the scene, ignoring the man in the car for a second while she knelt next to the woman. Reina hesitated a second, some part of her too scared to touch the woman because it would make it reality, another part disgusted by the blood and bodily fluid everywhere. But the majority of her was too concerned for the woman to care. She pressed her fingers to the woman’s neck.

All she felt was deathly cold. No pulse.

Her lungs compressed.

No. No, no, no…

“What are you doing?” someone yelled from afar.

“She’s dead!” Reina yelled back, hearing the frantic catch in her own voice. She desperately moved her hands around the woman, somehow thinking she could bring her back to life if she only knew how. “No, no, she’s dead, she’s dead, oh my god— Check the driver!”

She distantly heard a commotion but couldn’t pay attention to it. Somewhere even further in the distance, sirens blared. Reina twisted around toward the sound, hoping to see how far away it was, hoping somehow the EMTs could work a miracle where she could not.

Someone was standing behind her.

Reina was startled, seeing first the legs and feet. She was about to look up when she realized this person, this bystander, had the damn audacity to pick up the woman’s dirty boots from the ground and put them on. What kind of lowlife—

Reina looked up with a glare, ready to ream the person out.

She saw a yellow sun dress first, then a bronze bomber jacket, then the face she’d seen only in her periphery before. A face that also was still lying dead at her knees.

The woman from the bus looked down, her umbrella angled behind her to block the sun, a funny expression on her untouched face. Reina’s breath sucked in; her heart skipped a beat, then went dreadfully fast. They stayed there in that awful silence, Reina far too aware of the fact that the body hadn’t moved from in front of her; that her hand still rested on the dead woman’s shoulder. And yet there she stood behind Reina too, makeup, hair and clothing perfectly done and intact, not a speck of blood on her. She continued looking at her body before slowly raising her gaze.

Their eyes met, and the woman smiled the same sad, small smile as on the bus. “Thank you,” she said, “for noticing.”

Reina’s breath guttered out. “What?” she whispered.

“What are you doing!” the same person from before screamed, getting closer. “Get out of the—”

The woman in the sun dress looked past Reina. Reina turned to look too, just in time to see a car swerve around her. A catastrophe of noise and movement overwhelmed her; the scent and sound of the tires burning as they avoided her; the crunching of metal as the car slammed into the tree; glass shattering and spraying Reina; the horn blowing endlessly. A dead branch from the tree cracking and falling down.

The sight of it getting closer above her.

A scream that might have been hers.

Darkness.

+   +    +

A machine beeped lowly, evenly. Reina heard it far before she could see it, or feel anything. It anchored her and irritated her. She wanted to leave it behind, but it wouldn’t let her go.

Beep… beep… beep…

Somewhere in that nether-realm, she heard voices layering over the machine. Sometimes emotional, sometimes even, sometimes so faint she could barely understand. Sometimes in languages she didn’t understand.

Over time, she learned the contours of those syllables; found meaning in the words. They came and went; sometimes a conversation, other times disconnected.

“So sad,” a woman said quietly.

“So sad,” said a man.

“She might not wake,” a woman said.

“She will,” came a voice, fervent and furtive. It was one Reina recognized from somewhere in memories she couldn’t access. “I won’t leave her side until she does.”

Beep… beep… beep…

An understanding of the world slowly returned to her; the concept of the sounds existing somewhere within her hearing, the knowledge she had ears to listen, the memory that she had a body housing her soul.

She began to feel that body; the memory of fingertips and legs and breath rising and falling in her chest brought to life her understanding that these things were still happening; that she still could feel them.

She remembered she had sight, but still she couldn’t see.

She remembered it was dark because she had eyelids blocking out the light.

She remembered she had to open her eyes to see, but exhaustion weighed heavily on her, and she was drawn once more down into the deep.

Beep… beep… beep…

“What do you think happened?” asked a man.

“Her foster sister told me,” a woman said. “Her girlfriend committed suicide last month`. She found the body.”

“And with her history…” the man trailed off.

“That sort of stressor would affect anyone, but her? It must have triggered it.”

“Did she know? I heard she was adopted.”

“Her foster sister said she’d just found her family name. She was going to reach out, right before her girlfriend died.”

“So sad,” the man said. “She probably didn’t even know.”

“We wouldn’t have either, without the name. The records were sealed.”

“Still,” the man mused, “who would have thought that Nev had a child?”

Beep… beep… beep…

Images flickered behind Reina’s eyelids. She couldn’t make sense of any of it at first, but she found words for them over time. Dirty, and blood, and yellow, and umbrella.

A woman in a dress standing over her and smiling.

Reina gasped in a breath, choking and coughing. Her eyes flew open. White on white on white and nothing made sense and she couldn’t breathe—

She flailed, pulling at cords and plastic and all these pieces attached to her, tethering her down.

A hand holding still, voices in the background crying out in surprise, the machine going louder and faster, a beep beep beep beep beep—

“Reina?” The voice from before, the one she recognized; dragging out all the emotions she’d ever heard into two syllables.

Reina looked over, trying to understand this too-bright existence, and saw her foster sister gripping her wrist with both hands. Staring up at her with tear-filled eyes, snot-filled nose, and lips that trembled.

“Mali?” Reina looked at her sister blankly and then darted her gaze around. The room seemed filled with medical professionals suddenly, too many to make sense for one place, one person. But as she looked she realized no, there weren’t that many, she must have been tired. There was only the one nurse rushing to turn off the alarms.

“You’re okay,” Amalia was saying, tears breaking the surface of her voice. “You’re going to be okay, Reina, I promise.”

Reina half-expected to see yellow around her, a set of dirty boots, but it was only Amalia and the nurse, and now the sounds of people coming down the hallway.

Yellow.

“Is she alive?” Reina said urgently, memory returning with a vengeance. She grabbed onto Amalia. “Is she okay? I tried—I tried to help her—”

Amalia’s expression froze, and slowly crumpled. “Oh no,” she said slowly, a tectonic shift in her voice. “Oh, Reina, I’m so sorry… Rosa died.”

“What?” A different memory this time, one too powerful and harrowing to even try to remember: cracked fingernails, the blue, the blood, the bulging eyes— “No,” a strength in her voice she hadn’t meant to have, something to overpower those memories and push them aside, “I mean the woman in the dress. On the bus. She was hit by a car. I think… I think she was dead, but…”

But there was something wrong with the woman, wasn’t there? Something that didn’t make sense…

What was it? Hazy images that didn’t fit with each other; something cold and still in front of her but moving behind, and…

“Reina.” The gentleness in Amalia’s voice was another level beyond what it had been before; something heartbreaking, something brittle and careful. She shifted her hold on Reina’s wrist; went from gripping it to sliding their palms together, to interlinking their fingers. She held Reina’s hand as a warm lifeline, and met her eyes with a powerful sadness. She opened her mouth and closed it.

Thank you for noticing.

Those words wouldn’t leave Reina’s mind. The way they were said, the feeling she had in hearing them, the impact of the woman’s body against the car and the impression she made on Reina’s heart.

She must have died after all. That could be the only reason for Amalia’s hesitation.

“What?” Reina asked through dry lips.

“Reina,” Amalia tried again, her features fighting the emotions Reina could feel trying to take over. Amalia bit her lip, readjusted her hold on Reina’s hand, and clearly made an effort to focus on Reina and not let discomfort shift her gaze. “I don’t know how to tell you this, but I… I talked to the police. They told me what happened.”

“And she’s dead?” Reina whispered.

“No, Reina. The woman…” A tighter grip. “The thing is, Reina, there was never a woman to begin with.”

“What?” Reina felt like the world took one step away from her. “No, there was. Everyone was looking at their phones, but ask the bus driver. There was a lady in a yellow dress sitting next to me and she got off at that stop.”

“Reina.” Amalia’s tone was gentle and kind and made Reina feel like none of this could possibly be happening right now. “They did talk to her. She said you ran off the bus and crouched in the street, and caused an accident. You were hurt, and…”

“No. That can’t be. She was there, it’s just no one noticed—”

Thank you for—

“I’m so sorry, Reina, but they’ve seen the video. The whole time on the bus and then on the street, you were alone. There wasn’t a woman, and there wasn’t an accident except the one that you were in.”

“But that doesn’t make sense. How could I…?”

The nurse was standing next to the bed, Reina realized belatedly, as were two doctors behind her. They had been watching with their carefully crafted expressions that Reina knew now hid pity. She remembered that look, from the moments she refused to remember of her girlfriend—

No, that wasn’t a path she would take; she was in the here and now, she was sitting in this room, she was listening to this insanity that a woman who clearly had been there wasn’t there. Maybe it was a conspiracy. Maybe the cops and the bus driver were in on it. Maybe they didn’t want the negligence on their conscience, because that construction should have had a crosswalk to give the woman more visibility, and maybe the bus driver wasn’t supposed to let them off right there anyway…

“Reina, we’ve talked to your sister,” one of the doctors said. “I’m sure this is all very confusing for you. But we believe we know what happened.”

Reina couldn’t speak; none of this made any sense, any more than the woman dying but still standing behind her. Maybe this was all a dream.

“She tells us you recently learned of your biological family; that you believe you found the identity of your mother.”

When Reina didn’t answer, Amalia did. “She did, but she hasn’t had the chance to reach out to her…”

The doctors exchanged a look.

“What is it?” Amalia asked.

“The name you gave us. We know her.”

“You do?” Amalia asked in surprise, her hand tightening on Reina’s. It was the only thing that tied Reina to the reality of this bizarre dream, that feeling of warmth and connection. “I don’t know if she’s ready to…”

“No, no, we aren’t suggesting Reina contact her. Certainly not now, and maybe not ever.”

“Why wouldn’t she…?”

One of the doctors came closer; knelt next to the bed and placed a hand on the sheets next to Reina’s leg. Reina couldn’t move her gaze away once their eyes met, even though she still felt like her body and mind weren’t quite in alignment.

“Reina, Dr. Nasin would like to talk to you. Alone. We will all—”

“I don’t need to be alone.”

The medical professionals exchanged looks again. “I really think you might want—”

Reina felt a flash of her usual self transcend this dreamlike lethargy. “I mean it. Anything you want to say, say it in front of my sister. I give you whatever medical permission you need.”

Another pause, another exchange. Dr. Nasin pinched her lips briefly, as if in thought, and looked at Amalia, who looked back stubbornly. She smoothed the clothes at her thighs. “This is not normal procedure, but these aren’t normal circumstances, I suppose. We wouldn’t normally make a determination based on circumstantial evidence, but…”

“What are you trying to say?”

Dr. Nasin looked at Amalia, looked at the other doctors, looked back at Reina, and sighed. “I’m sorry to have to give you this news right after you woke up, but we discussed it and thought it might be less alarming for you to know right away rather than worry about anything you might see or hear. Your mother, your biological mother, was a patient of ours for many years. She had schizophrenia.”

Amalia sucked in a breath.

Dr. Nasin continued without pause, “Based on what happened, on your words and actions at the scene, and based on your age, we worry that you may be at risk too. The recent stressors might have triggered your genetic predisposition.”

Amalia squeezed Reina’s hand and turned watery eyes on her. The doctors and nurse watched her with that emotionless-but-not look.

Reina stared at them all. “So you think I’m crazy.”

“I wouldn’t say—”

“Schizophrenia means I’m crazy. That’s what you mean. It means I’m nuts. It means I can’t be trusted and I don’t deserve to be in society—”

Dr. Nasin’s expression tightened. “We would really want to work on the negative connotation you have of the term. This isn’t something you can belittle or dismiss by a word. We’re talking about a human being who is diagnosed with an illness, not someone to hate or fear. If you are diagnosed with schizophrenia or any other illness, it doesn’t affect in any way what you deserve; as with anyone and everyone else, you deserve compassion and kindness and help when you need it. Which is what we are here to provide.”

“But this is crazy, not me!” Reina jerked on her hand but was unable to pull from Amalia’s hold. Her gaze darted all around instead. “This is—this is nuts! You’re saying all this based on some woman I don’t even… I mean, my information could be wrong. I didn’t even reach out to her. I don’t know her, I only have to believe you randomly know her even though… And anyway, she might not be my mother and if she isn’t, all this genetic stuff doesn’t mean anything.”

“You look exactly like her, Reina; exactly like her at your age. And the things you’re saying, the way you’re acting…” The other doctor shook his head. “It’s just like her, too.”

“But that doesn’t even… How the hell would you randomly know some lady I just learned of recently?”

For so many years she had wondered about her family; why she’d been given up, what was wrong with her that her own mother didn’t want her, what she would say when she found her. Dreamed about maybe being long lost royalty, or maybe her mother was an international spy who had to give her up for her protection, or maybe she had died in childbirth and never would have wanted to give her away but had to because she was dead. So many possibilities she had run through in her mind all these years, even when she didn’t want to think about anything. So many things she’d wondered, so many theories she’d had, but never had she dreamed of anything like this.

She’d wanted the knowledge, the connection, but now she regretted ever learning that name.

After all, what did a mother mean against all this madness?

“When you’re feeling up to it, we would really like you to talk to one of our therapists—”

“I’m not crazy. She was there. I swear she was. She got off the bus and… And she said…”

Dr. Nasin laid a gentle hand on Reina’s shoulder. “The hallucinations feel very real, Reina, but that doesn’t mean they are. But you needn’t worry. If anything, it’s good this came up how it did. We know your genetic history. We can find out what’s happening and whatever it is, we can get you help.”

“No.” Reina tried to pull the cords off her, the lines out of her veins. “I don’t want to be here. I don’t need help. I’m fine. I just want to leave—”

“I’m sorry, Reina.” The doctor stopped her with firm but gentle pressure. “But we can’t let you go. You’re on a hold.”

“A hold?”

“We need to evaluate you; to make sure you’re safe for yourself, and…”

And safe for society. The words were not said aloud but they were there, just as deafening nonetheless.

Reina felt a helpless hopelessness rise within her. She looked between all those pitying eyes and felt her own well up with tears.

“But I want to go home.”

“You can’t, Reina. I’m sorry.” Dr. Nasin stepped back, ignoring the way Amalia sniffled and gripped Reina harder, and how Reina couldn’t stop the tears tracking silently down her cheeks now, too.

The doctors turned, talked amongst each other about transferring Reina to the psych ward for evaluation, about setting up appointments and looking into medication, and then they were telling Amalia that no matter what permission Reina thought she gave, she might not be in her right mind so Amalia had to go now, too, just until it was safe, just until everything was figured out.

Amalia didn’t want to leave but she did. Holding onto Reina’s hand until they were too far apart; their fingers catching and slipping against each other only to fall away. Her bright brown eyes looking back one more time, her chin quivering with her need not to cry in front of Reina; an expression Reina knew meant her sister would bawling the whole way home.

This was her new reality; decisions made for her because society deemed she couldn’t be trusted.

Because she was crazy.

She’d been wrong before: This wasn’t a dream, it was a nightmare.

+   +   +

The buzzing wouldn’t leave her brain. The medication they gave her made her feel off; like this wasn’t her reality. She didn’t want this to be real so she wished it wasn’t, yet every time the meds started to wear off she felt her body reconnecting with her mind, and she focused on her surroundings, and she knew this was her own version of hell.

They told her there was nothing wrong with being crazy. That she was sick, she just needed medication, she just needed to talk, she just needed to learn to cope, and all would be okay.

Objectively, if this was about another person, she would have agreed. She would have told them not to hate themselves or be ashamed, that it was just the way they were born. The same way she shouldn’t hate herself for being born a lesbian, that it was just how she was and there was nothing wrong with it. For a mental illness, they needed help; for sexuality, they needed to believe in themselves. But either way they craved acceptance, both internally and externally. There was nothing wrong with that; it was all very human.

She would have said that to others, but she couldn’t say it to herself. It was too much all at once; losing Rosa, finding her biological mother’s name, seeing the woman who turned out to be a hallucination, learning her mother was crazy and thus so was she, nearly getting herself killed, being deemed a danger to herself. Being brought to this place, remanded into their custody until they could clear her.

It wasn’t forever, they told her, because it couldn’t be. The law wouldn’t allow that loss of civil liberty for too long, and there were others who probably needed this space more. But the law allowed it for a time, because they said she made that guy crash, and they said they could have criminally charged her but they weren’t going to, all things considered. Since she was crazy now, that didn’t make for good prosecution when she thought she was being a Good Samaritan helping out a crash victim. Stay here, they said, stay as long as we can make you, and the courts will look kindly on you, and you can return home eventually, safer and healthier and not a danger at large.

She had become someone described in words from warning signs.

Danger. Keep Out of Reach.

She sat in a corner of the community room as often as she could, staring at the wall sometimes, staring into her soul many others. She tried to figure out where it all went wrong, and every time it came back to Rosa. Sweet, insecure Rosa. Terrified of being herself, terrified of allowing Reina to love her, terrified of how much she loved Reina in return.

Did I kill her? Reina had wondered every day since she’d come home to find Rosa’s body swinging in the garage.

Maybe I pushed her. Maybe she wasn’t ready.

Maybe it would have been safer if we’d broken up.

I should have let her leave.

I shouldn’t have told her love could overcome anything.

I killed her.

I murdered her by loving her.

“Why are you crying?”

It was the old man who came into this room sometimes when she was there; hair white against his deep skin, eyes always searching her out when she wanted to be alone. He was kind but he had to be crazy if he was here. She tried to avoid everyone, so she wouldn’t have to acknowledge how messed up everything had become.

“I don’t want to talk,” she managed. Her throat was clogged and tight, her nose stuffy and changing the pitch of her voice.

“Come on, now, you know you can talk to me.”

“I don’t want to talk to you,” and here she paused, because she couldn’t remember what he’d said his name was.

“They call me Jamaica,” he said, “but you can call me Jami.”

“I don’t want to talk to you, Jami. Please, just. Leave me alone.”

He proceeded to completely ignore her request. He pulled a chair over, making a god-awful screech on the floor along the way, and dropped down into it. He leaned forward, elbows on knees, and with his kind eyes searched out her gaze once more. She tried to keep looking away. It was hard; his presence felt magnetic, mostly because he was the one person here who kept seeking her out, kept trying to make her talk, kept trying to be there for her even when she didn’t want him to be.

“Why do you want to be alone? What are you thinking, making you cry like that?”

Her breath sped. She felt her own chin and lips wobbling, trying to hold in the pain, the guilt. She stared hard at the wall, focusing on a chip in the paint.

“You can talk to me. I won’t tell anyone.”

“What do you care? Just leave me alone.”

“Now, see, that’s the one thing I can’t do. Not when you’re looking that sad, like you don’t want to be alive.”

A sob wrenched out of her. She tried to hold it in; gripped the arms of the chair like her life depended on it, and maybe it did.

“Oh, Reina,” he said sadly, and placed a comforting hand on her knee. “It’ll be okay. You’ll see.”

“How will it be okay?” Her words were hardly formed in the surge of her tears and the thinning of her throat. She gasped in breath, her body buzzing for a whole different reason now: the summer-charged-storm of withheld emotions and deeply buried grief. “How? I’m here, I’m stuck—” She jerked a hand around then brought it back down to the chair; gritted her teeth and tried to breathe, breathe, but she was so upset it was difficult. “I’m stuck here and I’m—I’m fucking crazy and I don’t have… I don’t have anyone—anything home waiting for me and I… And I just wish, I wish…”

“What do you wish?”

“I wish I’d died with her.”

The admission made her cry even harder; great, wracking gasps that dragged into ghost-town-lungs and pushed back out like miniature explosions. She curled forward, back curved and arms held tight in against her stomach and she bawled like a child. All the emotions she’d been bottling up, everything she’d tried to ignore or dismiss or forget, everything she hadn’t wanted to be true but was, it all came out with a vengeance. She couldn’t stop crying, and Jami was there, a comforting hand rubbing up and down her back, pulling hair back from her eyes, telling her quietly again, again, it would be okay.

It felt like a portion of forever before she finally got her breath back in her control, until she could see through the tears, and she could find a way to talk again. Jami waited for her, and when she wiped away her tears and snot, he was there to steady her as she sat up. An anchor when she needed something, anything, to keep her from falling right back into that heartache.

He smiled at her, something knowing and sad. “It’s okay,” he said again, and pushed some hair from her eyes. “You’ll be okay.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever be okay again.” Her voice still trembled, and she just now realized so too did her body.

“You will,” he said confidently. “I know you will.”

She let out a soft scoff and scrubbed again at her nose. “Yeah, right. And what else do you know?”

He studied her. “I knew your mother.”

She pulled back, ready to stand up and storm off, but the way he watched her, the way he didn’t look at her with that pity like the others, made her pause. She glared instead. “I haven’t heard a single good thing about her yet. I wish I’d never learned her name.”

“Don’t say that. Nev was a good woman.”

“A crazy woman.” She gestured at herself. “Like me, apparently. Except worse, if everyone knows her by frickin name in this place.”

“Nev was a lot of things, but crazy isn’t one of them.”

“Are you kidding me? She was schizophrenic and passed that along to me. I overheard people talking about her; they said she used to go around the place raving even when she was medicated. They said nothing worked on her and she only got worse.”

“Maybe,” Jami said carefully, “it’s because they were medicating something that didn’t exist.”

“I think it’s pretty damn obvious her schizophrenia existed.”

“Why?”

“Because! Because she hallucinated, and—”

“Reina, if there’s one thing you should know about your mother, it’s this: she was a good woman who tried to help others. Where these doctors think they failed isn’t where they failed at all. They shouldn’t have given her pills from the start; she didn’t need them. Their medication was the only thing wrong with her.”

Reina let out a harsh half-laugh. “How can you say that, if you actually knew her? I barely know anything about her but the stories I’ve heard just from the times people thought I couldn’t overhear… It’s ridiculous the shit she pulled in here.”

Jami looked past Reina toward the open door into the hallway. Reina started to look over her shoulder but he reached out and touched her knee again, refocusing her attention on him.

“Listen, Reina. Think about it for a second. What if they weren’t hallucinations? What if they really existed, but no one else could see or hear them?”

Reina laughed. “That’s a fucking hallucination, dude. I don’t know what dictionary you’ve been using.”

Jami watched her seriously. “Just because not everyone experiences it doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Is the fact you like women not real just because some other women like men or something else? They don’t experience your attraction when they look at a woman, so does that mean you don’t feel that way?”

Reina frowned. “That’s different.”

“How?”

“That’s how people are born.”

“So is this.”

“Yeah, born with a predisposition for insanity—”

“No.” Jami squeezed her knee and leaned in, his eyes overtaking her soul. “Listen to me. You. Are not. Schizophrenic. If you were, it would be okay. You’d need help, you’d get it here. It would affect your life like this does, in different but similar ways. But you aren’t. Your mother wasn’t. These people, they’ve misdiagnosed you.”

Reina leaned back slowly, a mess of emotions shifting through her; hope and wariness and disbelief. “Why are you saying this? I just started to come to terms…”

“That’s why. Because I can’t have you believing them, giving up, ignoring everything. Reina, your mother spent all her energy helping those who needed help. The voiceless, the sightless—”

“She helped people who were mute or blind?”

“Not always, but you’re right, that was poor wording.” He leaned back, jaw working, lips turning down. “I mean, people who needed help. And you’re the same way, but those who are drawn to you are going to be different. People who felt different than others; invisible. Outcasts who always felt like they didn’t exist for one reason or another; like no one noticed them, who feel like you will understand.”

Thank you for noticing.

The woman in the sun dress, the smile, the catch of light on her umbrella. The memory came bidden too quickly for Reina to stop it, even with her fogged up mind. She drew in a breath and let it out slowly.

None of this made any sense.

“I don’t get what you want me to do. How am I supposed to help people like that, especially stuck in here like this?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you, Reina. You can do some good in here, but you can do even more out there. You need to get out of here. Once you’re free, you’ll feel better.”

“Well. Obviously.”

“I mean you’ll be able to accept everything more easily when you aren’t stuck in here, your mind and judgment clouded.”

“Right. And how do you propose I get out of here?”

“Convince them you’re better. Convince them you’re safe.”

“If I knew how to do that, I would have already—”

“I’ll help you. I’ll give you everything you need to know, everything your mother did to get out of here.”

Reina eyed him distrustfully. “What’s with you and her, anyway? Why do you care so much?”

He smiled at her. “Because she was the only one who cared about me.”

“The doctors didn’t?”

“The doctors didn’t believe her.”

“About what?”

His eyes bored into her. “What if they aren’t hallucinations, Reina, but are people who used to be? People who need help moving on, or who need a message passed on to the living?”

She leaned all the way back in her chair and slowly moved her leg out from under his hand. “Whaaat are you talking about? Are you talking about… ghosts?”

“You can think of them that way if you want, or spirits, or a residual soul, or whatever you need. A person who was who isn’t the same person anymore, but who still remains caught in this land. A person who needs someone to notice. Someone to care. Someone to help.”

“What the hell kind of trippy drugs do they have you on, Jami?”

“The woman in the yellow dress was caught in a loop. She was dead long before you met her. She rode that bus over and over, replaying her death, waiting for someone to break the chain. She just needed someone to see her. To know she existed. And you did.”

“What?” Reina whispered.

“Natalie Lindstrom. Look her up later, if you don’t believe me. She died seven years ago. When you see her photo, you’ll know.”

“What the fuck—”

“What are you doing, Reina?”

Reina jumped at the new voice and looked over her shoulder. One of the nurses stood next to her, that pitying smile frozen on her lips, her hands braced against her knees as she bent over.

“Oh,” Reina said, too startled to come up with a good cover that wouldn’t make Jami look bat shit crazy too. “Uh. We were just…” She gestured between herself and Jami. “Talking. About nothing. I mean, buses?”

The smile on the nurse’s face held that particular cant that Reina was coming to know all too well. She felt a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

She shouldn’t have mentioned buses. They were going to think she was regressing or something.

“I see,” the nurse said after a moment. She looked past Reina. “You and…?”

“Jami. I mean, Jamaica. You have to know him.” When she looked at Reina without saying anything, Reina turned to Jami in confusion. “What, do you have a different set of nurses in your wing?”

Jami just watched her and then shook his head. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I just needed you to believe.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Reina,” the nurse said, placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll get you an appointment tomorrow morning with the doctor, okay? I’m sure we can get this all figured out. We just need to change your medication.”

“What? Why?”

“It doesn’t seem to be working as well as we would like, but don’t worry. We can adjust and everything will be fine.”

“Yeah but, why are you saying that? I’ve been fine. I haven’t seen the woman or anything. I haven’t seen anyone. I really think we can keep me at my level and you can just let me go…”

“Reina, do you see Jami right now?”

Reina’s throat closed. The pit in her stomach grew. She turned slowly to Jami.

“You aren’t crazy,” he told her. “I’m real. Or, I was. Philosophers can debate what I am right now.”

“No,” she whispered but she didn’t know if it was to herself, to Jami, or to the nurse.

“It’s okay,” the nurse said. “We’ll get this all figured out. For now, why don’t we go back to your room? You should rest.”

“No,” Reina said again to herself in horror even as she let the nurse guide her up out of the chair, and lead her across the community room.

“I’ll be here when you need me, Reina,” Jami called out as she walked away. “It’s a lot right now, I know, but I’ll be here.”

She couldn’t bring herself to look back. She wanted to ask the nurse if she really didn’t see him, really couldn’t hear him, but she knew she didn’t by the look on the nurse’s face and the way she held her so she couldn’t suddenly take off running.

Crazy.

She was crazy.

They turned into the hallway but Reina still heard Jami’s last shout; words that chilled her to the core:

“You’re going to need me when they come for you! Just like they did for your mom.”

“What the fuck?” Reina jerked out of the nurse’s hold and twirled around, shouting back at the room. “What the fuck kind of—who?”

“Come on, Reina,” the nurse said more firmly, putting an arm around her shoulders. “It’s okay. Let’s just keep walking.”

Jami was standing in front of Reina when she turned around. She jumped, nearly disrupting the nurse’s hold. “What—”

“They aren’t all bad,” Jami said intently, “and they aren’t all good. You’ll have to learn the difference.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

“Come on, Reina.” The nurse pulled on her, getting her going. Jami didn’t move his feet, but he remained right in front of Reina the whole time they walked.

It sent chills down her spine.

“There’s a lot you have to learn, Reina. I’m sorry if I scared you. It wasn’t my intent. But I needed you to know we’re real. And I need you to know they’ll be drawn to you. When they come, and they will, you have to be ready.”

“How?”

“You’ll have to learn to help us without letting the living know. They’ll think you’re crazy like they do now. And you’ll have to learn to protect yourself.” She opened her mouth but he held up a hand, shaking his head. “That’s enough for now. I should have left before she came, but I needed you to see that no matter how real we are to you, no matter how real we are, period, they can’t feel us, hear us, see us. And more than anything, I needed you to not give up on yourself. I need you to live, Reina. We all need you to live.”

"Why?"

"Because you can't help us if you're dead. For those of us caught, only the living can bridge that gap.”

"Here we go." The nurse led Reina into her room. "Nice and easy. Let's lay down for now, why don't we? Everything will feel right in the morning."

“And,” Jami said from the doorway, “if you die, I'll never know what happened to your mother."

“What happened—”

“Be careful, Reina. I’ll be back, and so will they.”

“We’ll see you in the morning.” The nurse’s words nearly overlapped Jami’s as she walked to the door. She stopped almost on top of him, completely unaware of how his gaze drilled into Reina over her shoulder. She smiled the smile of the woman on the bus, of the doctors diagnosing her, of Amalia trying to pretend everything was okay, of Jami telling her she wasn’t crazy even when everything else said she was. Her hand shifted on the doorknob and she stepped back. “Sleep tight.”

“Don’t let the bed spirits bite,” Jami said with a flash of his teeth.

Was that a poorly timed joke, or an actual warning? She wouldn’t know, because the nurse closed the door on the only connection Reina had to the living and maybe the dead.

The room fell into darkness and a peculiar, unnerving silence.

Reina had never felt so alone.

[verdigrisprowl]

Sept 4 Dancitron Movie Night - Alien: Covenant

Shockwave showed up so he and Soundwave could moon over the xenomorphs. Rumble confessed his attraction to Whirl, and it was spectacular. Post-movie Prowl gave Soundwave a song.

ItsyBitsySpyers 8:00 pm *Soundwave settles on the couch, 110% ready for tonight. He is here for this. He has been waiting for this. It is a good night to be him.* Specs 8:01 pm *the dragon scoots in, hauling a cylinder as big as she is. it's sloshing. she's also got a box of energon mercury drops carefully balanced on her back, which she puts with the rest of the snacks.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:03 pm //...Y'need help with that, or...// Specs 8:04 pm I absolutely need help. I can't feel my front legs. *the dragon kinda flops in place* But, I think, this might work. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:05 pm \\WANT ME TO CUT 'EM OFF FOR YA?\\

[[Frenzy.]] \\I WAS JUS' KIDDIN'.\\ Specs 8:06 pm ...I need those to make things. Kristen 8:06 pm *guess who's been coaxed out of seclusion by the promise of his Favorite Organic* FakeProwl 8:07 pm *appears, and takes his usual seat next to Soundwave. greetings/permission ping.* Bevel 8:07 pm *trundles in after Specs* Did you carry that all by yourself? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:08 pm \\YER RIGHT. I AIN'T GONNA CUT OFF GENIUS CLAWS LIKE THEM.\\ That's his snack supply, you know. Specs 8:08 pm I did! No one else likes living up on the moon full-time, and I wouldn't bring anyone in here that Soundwave hadn't vetted first. But. It's pretty heavy. Windchill 8:08 pm *Appears.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:08 pm *Soundwave nods hello to Shockwave, pleased to see that he's come for The Science.* Windchill 8:08 pm Hello.... It's me... Bevel 8:08 pm *does it have a lid?* Windchill 8:09 pm *Don't worry, he's only THREATENING to break into an Adele song.* Specs 8:09 pm Oh! Thank you, Frenzy! *the dragon is VERY flattered* *her cylinder has a hinged lid, yes* Shockwave 8:09 pm *wouldn't get the pop culture joke even if Chill had continued, no worries here* Bevel 8:10 pm *ok then Bevel can offer this suggestion for future moving of said cylinder* You could roll it on its side! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:10 pm *Then turns to Prowl to nod and.. and there it is. Permission. He returns the ping with one of acknowledgment... and tries to keep his glowing to a minimum. It's hard, because permission on one side and a rare visit from the other ally on the other, but he can do it. He can.* *...No he can't. Tiny boost.* Specs 8:11 pm I... Yes. I could have done that. *the dragon attempts to hide her snout with her paws* Well, I guess this is why I bake things instead of engineer them! Bevel 8:11 pm *wave for Shockwave. this room needs more giant purple bots* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:11 pm //You gonna serenade us, Furniture Boy?// Bevel 8:12 pm You can always call me to help too if you want. I do not mind visiting moons. *grins* Windchill 8:12 pm *Looks around, as if he can't imagine who Rumble is referring to.* Specs 8:12 pm Oh! Well, if you wanted to, I'd be happy to have you! You might have to taste-test some things, though. Bevel 8:13 pm Sure! Shockwave 8:13 pm *small nod to Bevel* ((sorry i was futzing with my profile pic stuff)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:14 pm ((yo ur showin up as kristen is that okay or)) Windchill 8:14 pm *Mostly, he'd noting that Whirl isn't present, which means no serenading will be happening.* Shockwave 8:14 pm ((HM its ok but I'll change it lol)) Whirl 8:16 pm *it is time for the peace and quiet to End; Whirl trots on in, and he is once again bearing gifts. It's a plain rectangular case with curious rounded bumps on the bottom* Specs 8:16 pm *the dragon perks up* Whirl! I think I have something you can taste! ItsyBitsySpyers 8:16 pm ((FIVE MINUTE WARNING GET YOUR SNAX)) Bevel 8:16 pm Hey, Whirl! Whirl 8:17 pm *he'll bob his head at everyon* Sup, Shovel? And--really? Okay, give me just a second, I have a delivery to make. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:17 pm \\YO, WHIRL.\\ Shockwave 8:17 pm ((how long is this one btw i heard its... kind of in the vein of the Long Movie Trend nowadays)) Windchill 8:17 pm (( *puts in headphones and switches to HD, I remembered this time. Go me.* )) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:17 pm ((just on 2 hours)) Windchill 8:17 pm (( OH MY GOD. )) (( I am ready. )) Specs 8:18 pm Take your time! I can't feel my legs anyways. Windchill 8:18 pm *Y'all are lucky Whirl is busy.* Shockwave 8:18 pm *the organic has suffered nerve damage... noted* Windchill 8:18 pm *You are spared a serenade...for now.* Whirl 8:18 pm ...that sounds like something you might wanna fix. *a head bob at Frenzy, and he makes his way to the bar* Ravage. I bring you exotic goods from off-Cybertron. *it's eggs. Whirl found some incredible edible eggs* Specs 8:19 pm Nah, it'll go away. *the dragon yawns and stretches* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:19 pm *Soundwave sends a gentle nudge in Prowl's direction, just to remind him to expect the occasional feeling of something where it doesn't belong. Nothing more than a faint brush.* FakeProwl 8:20 pm *hm. Soundwave's other partner is here. Since that's such a rare occurrence, Prowl won't try to compete for Soundwave's attention. Avatar flickers and Prowl's relocated to a couch by himself.* *... And belatedly, clumsily, attempts to send a gentle nudge back. Is that detectable? Did he do it right.* Shockwave 8:21 pm ((i do suddenly wonder how telepathy works through holoforms. spaaaace magic)) Whirl 8:21 pm *now that the eggs are delivered, he will trot on over to his usual table and kick back* All right, little dragon. Hit me. Whatcha got? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:24 pm ((same way it works through comms and across timelines: mun sneezes and misdirects everyone's attention from important questions)) Bevel 8:24 pm ((pft Shockwave 8:24 pm ((*wiggles fingers* pay no attention to the plot hole behind the curtain)) FakeProwl 8:24 pm ((i imagine it piggybacks off of comm frequencies somehow.)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:24 pm ((ALL RIGHT here's the warnings: ...everything. like. flashing, gore, fire, vomiting, hand mutilation, violence, cursing, suggestive content, gross science, parasitism...)) Whirl 8:25 pm ((djfks everything)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:25 pm ((partial nudity also, among other things)) Windchill 8:25 pm *He QUIETLY sits down, beside Whirl before anyone else can take the spot.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:25 pm ((ARE WE READY)) Specs 8:25 pm *the dragon gets up, and carefully attempts to lift the cylinder up to whirl. she's pretty wobbly though, from hauling it in* Cobaltite! With some lead sulfate to "taste," I think? But mostly cobaltite and high grade. I heard, although from a different universe, that this is going to be spicy as the Goddess' wrath. ((READY)) Whirl 8:25 pm *he'll bob his head to Windchill, who seriously overestimates other peoples' desire to sit near him, bless his spark* Windchill 8:26 pm (( I was gonna say there's hand mutilation in it @ Whirl. )) FakeProwl 8:26 pm ((BRING ON THE ALIENS)) Specs 8:26 pm I did not drink this, so I don't know if I put enough in. Tell me if it's got a sour aftertaste so I can add more lead crystals. Shockwave 8:26 pm ((please send in my wife)) Windchill 8:26 pm *He wants to sit next to Whirl, so naturally he assumes.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:26 pm *Ravage sniffs the egg carton left behind and wrinkles his nose. What are these...?*

*Soundwave manages to catch the nudge. He nods just enough for Prowl to see.* Whirl 8:26 pm *he'll reach down and pluck the cylinder up, and then, after a moment's consideration, offer her a ride up to the table, should she choose* Yeah? Well, hot damn. FakeProwl 8:27 pm *good! that worked.* Whirl 8:27 pm *when whirl gets distracted by dragons ravage just finds Strange Eggs on his bar, this is the way of the world* Bevel 8:27 pm *will sit by one or both of the twins depending on where they're at* Shockwave 8:27 pm ((yknow ravage some humans like egg in their cocktails)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:27 pm ((...can y'all hear sound)) Specs 8:27 pm *the dragon gratefully accepts the ride. her legs are TIRED.* I hope this works! ((I heard sounds)) Whirl 8:28 pm (((me2!)) Windchill 8:28 pm (( I heard sound. )) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:28 pm ((my damn computer. two seconds.)) Whirl 8:28 pm *there, you now have a place on Whirl's table; he willset about investigating this canister by opening it and smelling it* ((o7)) Shockwave 8:28 pm ((i heard sound, my pal was having an issue the other day where they couldnt hear sound while hosting but it transfered fine)) ((i think he had to put in headphones or restart or something)) Whirl 8:29 pm *on a scale of "hot sauce" to "might strip away the inner lining of your fuel tank," how spicy does this stuff smell* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:29 pm ((here we go. restarted browser)) Specs 8:30 pm *it might take the glossa on the way down, but will probably cause no permanent damage* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:30 pm *Both twins are in the middle of the floor. They're here for TERROR.*

*Ravage noses the carton open and rumbles. He knows what these are now. Munchies for later. Pocket pocket.* Windchill 8:30 pm You can just say "walk," you know. *He thinks that's funny for some reason.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:30 pm *And Soundwave rests his hand just against Shockwave's leg. It's been so long since they got new data on these forms. He is pleased by the opportunity, brief though it may be.* Whirl 8:31 pm *then whirl's golden, he has no glossa. Takes a careful sip* Ohh, not bad. A completely different kind of spicy than the Gaugebuster. ...I forgot that there was more than one kind of spicy. Windchill 8:31 pm (( Whirl are u on skype. )) (( o7 )) Specs 8:32 pm *the dragon can't help a sigh of relief* Oh, good. I can't taste these, I'm glad it worked out. Windchill 8:32 pm Imagine tracking mud all over this pristine white room with all of this fancy stuff. That's what I would do. Ruin it. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:32 pm \\I'D DO IT.\\ Windchill 8:32 pm Let's do it! Specs 8:32 pm Why use mud when you could use very bright paint? Whirl 8:32 pm 8snorts and toasts the dragon with the canister* I salute your culinary prowess. Shockwave 8:32 pm *is pleased, too. hasn't made the time to see this entry himself, yet-- not that it feels that long of a time to him* Whirl 8:33 pm I'm a fan of scorchmarks, myself. Bevel 8:33 pm Paint and stuff would be more fun. You could put a bunch of things in there. Windchill 8:33 pm I like destroying things. Specs 8:33 pm *the dragon weakly salutes* I do my best. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:33 pm [[...Leave the piano.]] Windchill 8:33 pm *Creating's fun too, but sometimes one must Destroy first.* FakeProwl 8:34 pm *why can't he get his own tea? it's right there.* *he built himself a servant that's already proving to be more intelligent than he is.* Shockwave 8:34 pm *...can relate to this 'creation' chat, though the creator human does not seem properly aware of the responsibilities involved* Windchill 8:36 pm Do androids get cold? Is that why he's wearing a hoodie? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:36 pm [[We get cold.]] Unfortunately. [[He doesn't see why they should not.]] Specs 8:36 pm To be cold is to live. Or to be dead, if you're unfortunate. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:36 pm *Lean. What are these things?* Windchill 8:36 pm Um. Shockwave 8:37 pm *head tilt* Windchill 8:37 pm It's like Jurassic Park all over again. Specs 8:37 pm *squints* Fish eggs? Shockwave 8:37 pm Human embryo, more likely. Whirl 8:38 pm Hood's a stylish look. That's my best guess. Specs 8:38 pm Why don't humans have proper shells to their eggs? They don't live in water, clearly. Whirl 8:38 pm I'd give it a shot, but my neck's too long. Windchill 8:39 pm Humans are viviparous, they don't lay eggs so there's no reason to have a shell. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:39 pm \\HUH. SO THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS TO 'EM.\\ Windchill 8:40 pm *Frowns.* Specs 8:40 pm I didn't know that! Thank you, Windchill. Windchill 8:41 pm *Nods a 'you're welcome,' a little absently.* Whirl 8:42 pm Speaking of eggs--*looks back* Those're for you, Ravage. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:42 pm *Quietly grateful for all of his recordings. Just in case.* =...To eat, yes?= Shockwave 8:42 pm (ahh my thing went blank)) Windchill 8:42 pm *Snickers. A Shockwave.* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:43 pm ((eek reload)) Shockwave 8:43 pm ((i missed my name pun lmao)) Whirl 8:44 pm Yep. I heard they were pretty good. Picked 'em up on a space station. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:44 pm [[Can they not hold their services after they are safe?]] Shockwave 8:44 pm He acknowledged the deaths. *just a moment ago in fact. silly humans* Windchill 8:44 pm Mentioning an option like that would avoid tension and drama, the script doesn't call for it. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:45 pm =Why space station?= Specs 8:45 pm It's immediacy, too, at least partially. We organics live short lives, sometimes we need to do things right away to feel like we'll be able to do them ever. Whirl 8:45 pm I've been hanging out there, past few days. Shockwave 8:45 pm ((walters different accent is weirding me out lol)) Whirl 8:45 pm Ugh, it's the dullest place imaginable, though. Everything's so... *disgustedly* Efficient. I need to find some backwater rowdy port town. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:46 pm *Rumble glances over at Whirl. So that's where he's gone, huh?* Windchill 8:46 pm I like efficiency. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:46 pm [[As does he.]] Shockwave 8:47 pm *as does he* Whirl 8:47 pm I mean I like efficency in SOME things, but it makes for a tragic lack of nightlife. Windchill 8:48 pm Hmm. *He's trying to evaluate that trade off.* Shockwave 8:48 pm *the only nightlife he needs is waking up every four hours to check on his projects* Windchill 8:49 pm Or maybe they don't trust you because you haven't done anything to demonstrate that you value their feelings or input, but I dunno. Some people care about that sort of thing. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:49 pm =Excitement is good. Some.= He wiggles his claws. =You will find it.= Bared fang smile. =Or make it.= Whirl 8:50 pm As long as I don't tragically languish away from boredom. *tips his canister at Ravage* Those eggs good for a drink? Windchill 8:50 pm *By some people, he mostly means civilians who haven't been trained to prioritize, but shh.* Shiny. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:50 pm *Ravage counts the eggs.*

=...Two.= Whirl 8:51 pm *nods* Nice. *to Windchill* If you'll excuse me a moment. *he will hop up to fetch that drink* Windchill 8:51 pm What a gross sound. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:51 pm *Ravage will get started making it.* Windchill 8:51 pm Oh, uh, sure, have fun. *Waves Whirl away. Shoo!* ItsyBitsySpyers 8:52 pm *Soundwave tilts his helm.* Windchill 8:53 pm Oh boy. Specs 8:53 pm You don't wander off the map when exploring. That's how you die. Windchill 8:53 pm *Nods.* They planned and are equipped for the other one. Changing the plan is stupid. Whirl 8:54 pm I'd do it. Bevel 8:54 pm Bad things are gonna happen. Whirl 8:54 pm Sounds more interesting. Windchill 8:54 pm If it were just ME, sure, but they have sleeping colonists who they aren't giving a choice. Specs 8:55 pm *the dragon shrugs* You pack for iceburgs, and you wander inland, you end up with glaciers. And then you're in trouble. Windchill 8:55 pm Their job is to get those colonists to Origae 6 or whatever it's called. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:55 pm [[Icebergs are enough trouble on their own.]] Windchill 8:55 pm Not to run around chasing a mystery signal. *Points.* Whirl 8:55 pm Well, I'm not liable to be trusted with anyone's life except my own--and sometimes not even THAT--so I probably won't be shepherding thousands of colonists. FakeProwl 8:55 pm *did prowl hear icebergs* Windchill 8:56 pm What data do they even have? Specs 8:56 pm Iceburgs are big trouble and worse boats. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:56 pm *He did. And sort of in connection with a ship. If you extend the idea.* Windchill 8:56 pm Now we know why nobody trusts this guy. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:56 pm //Pfff, he'll put it in the log.// Windchill 8:56 pm He's an idiot. Shockwave 8:56 pm *ah, this series and their sensible females* Specs 8:56 pm So, when they starve, will they eat him first? ItsyBitsySpyers 8:56 pm \\MEANS "I HEAR YA 'N DON'T CARE."\\ Windchill 8:56 pm I hope so. Whirl 8:56 pm You two said it. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:56 pm =I would.= Whirl 8:57 pm *will return to his seat once he has his drink* Shockwave 8:57 pm ((i do wonder why she didnt object when he said 'any objections' though lmao)) Specs 8:57 pm I mean, he is the captain, so it's partially his duty to be eaten first even if this wasn't his fault. But since it is his fault... Whirl 8:57 pm ((didn't wanna make a scene, probably)) Windchill 8:57 pm (( Because TEH PLOT hinges on them going to this planet in defiance of common sense, like most of what happens in this film. )) Shockwave 8:57 pm (( :') ah horror tropes)) Whirl 8:57 pm ((everyone's operating on severely frayed nerves, after all)) ItsyBitsySpyers 8:57 pm //...That's a duty? Signin' off on gettin' eat up?// He looks to Soundwave. //Boss. Don't never lemme captain nothin'.// Windchill 8:58 pm (( Beautiful. )) Wait wait. Specs 8:58 pm ((you could probably rename the alien series to "dude, don't touch that")) Windchill 8:58 pm They're just going down there? No pressure suits? Whirl 8:58 pm *SNORTS* Shockwave 8:58 pm ((i dont care as long as my wife gets to kill people and be beautiful)) Windchill 8:58 pm Why don't they have drones to send? Whirl 8:58 pm Looks like a fun storm. Specs 8:58 pm It's... unofficial. Especially now that most of our planet is explored. But the early explorer teams generally assumed that the captain would be eaten if they were lead to starvation. Windchill 8:59 pm Why would they risk what , half of their team on this. ItsyBitsySpyers 8:59 pm \\GUESS IT'S FAIR.\\ //Still ain't captainin'.// Windchill 8:59 pm I can't wait to see what stupid decision they make next. Specs 9:00 pm Maybe they'll eat strange rocks. Windchill 9:00 pm ...To be fair, I would probably eat a strange rock without question. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:00 pm {{You like Swoop, heh.}} Whirl 9:00 pm I believe that one hundred percent. Specs 9:00 pm Yes, but they're not designed for rocks. At least, I don't think so... Windchill 9:01 pm I'm not designed for rocks either, you gotta be, like...an Insecticon for that. Specs 9:01 pm ((OH SHIT MY MEDICINE)) Whirl 9:01 pm Does Blue eat rocks? ((GET IT SPECS OMG)) Windchill 9:01 pm But I do it anyway, I'm what you'd call "foolhardy." (( GIT IT )) *He shakes his head.* She'll eat anything she can put her mouth on, she just hasn't been introduced to a rock yet. Whirl 9:02 pm *snickers* Specs 9:02 pm ((I had it right here I just forgot about it lmao)) ((and then I went to get a kitkat and I Saw)) Whirl 9:02 pm Okay, now... all right. I'll play along and be sensible, much as it pains me: just because it looks habitable, doesn't mean it's as good a place. They can only see so much on foot. What if there's some kind of, oh, I don't know, horrific predator? That they would've picked up on that other planet? Specs 9:03 pm Do they have a planetary scanner? I've heard about them. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:03 pm *What if indeed.* Windchill 9:03 pm They're breathing the atmosphere without knowing what kind of microbes and Primus knows what else in in it Whirl 9:03 pm Yeah, he mentioned it Windchill 9:03 pm For organics, that's like...bad. Whirl 9:03 pm Very briefly. I'm guessing that the big draw is the signal. Sign of their own kind. FakeProwl 9:03 pm Obvious trap. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:03 pm [[Humans are curious.]] Tarantulas 9:03 pm *tara's coming in and making a beeline for that prowl-only couch even though he sees shockwave - you should feel loved, prowl. he's coming up behind prowl and wrapping his arms around him* Specs 9:04 pm They could get skin slough disease. Then they'd catch everything else before they died. FakeProwl 9:04 pm *starts in surprise. then pats tarantulas's claws.* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:04 pm //The frag's skin slough?// Windchill 9:04 pm It sounds horrible. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:04 pm //Sounds gross. Cool. But gross.// Windchill 9:05 pm *Sputters.* They're splitting up. *Drapes himself in the chair, dramatically.* Whirl, kill me. Specs 9:05 pm It's one of the few diseases that we all share between us. It involves the skin, well, falling out in patches as it rots away. It's why you don't drink from glacial water without testing it first. Whirl 9:05 pm All right. *offers him a sip of the Gaugebuster* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:05 pm \\...DO YOU GOT PICS.\\ Whirl 9:05 pm *this kills the Windchill* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:05 pm *Soundwave nods to Tarantulas and goes back to watching* Windchill 9:05 pm *Hesitates. Does he want to risk purging on Soundwave's floor?* Specs 9:06 pm No. No I do not. I am squeamish. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:06 pm *Ravage chortles. He knows what no noise means.* \\DAMN. OKAY.\\ Tarantulas 9:06 pm *a nuzzle, a pleased nod toward soundwave, and tarantulas comes around to squish up next to prowl* How much have I missed, hmm? Specs 9:06 pm I'd offer to ask the archives to send them up, but they don't send manuscripts to the moon. Whirl 9:06 pm *speaking of Ravage, and predators, and the things predators do--Whirl's leg is all patched up* Windchill 9:06 pm Hmm, tempting, but then you'd have my backwash in your drink. You'd best not risk it. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:06 pm *Good. He doesn't need questions.* Shockwave 9:07 pm *antennae forward* FakeProwl 9:07 pm not terribly much. Whirl 9:07 pm You're right. I'd hate to do that to a good Gaugebuster. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:07 pm *Scoot. Scoot. What is this cloud.* Windchill 9:07 pm Evil fairy spores?? Whirl 9:07 pm Oh, look--scraplets? Specs 9:07 pm That looks unrealistic. Windchill 9:07 pm I just said there's a reason they shouldn't expose themselves to the atmosphere. This...looks like that reason. FakeProwl 9:08 pm The humans are trying to settle on another planet. Instead of going to the correct planet, they stopped on a suspiciously—VERY suspiciously—Earth-like planet they found in the middle of nowhere that has Earth plants and transmits a John Denver song. Windchill 9:08 pm *Maybe they'll learn their lesson and then DIE.* Whirl 9:08 pm Hm. *watching the screen with slightly more intterest than before* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:08 pm *Oh, he knows this shape.* Bevel 9:08 pm Trap. Windchill 9:08 pm Looks like two penises to me. Specs 9:08 pm I like the, um, android. He seems sensible. *is android the right word?* Whirl 9:08 pm *peers* FakeProwl 9:08 pm One of the characters is an android, but I forget which one. *all humans look alike.* Whirl 9:08 pm I mean, that's not what they rest like. Shockwave 9:08 pm It is a space vessel. Whirl 9:09 pm Like some kind of horseshoe. Windchill 9:09 pm What, the penis-ship? Whirl 9:09 pm Two penises. A split spike. It makes, like, a "v." ItsyBitsySpyers 9:09 pm [[So there is more than one invasion method for this cloud.]] Windchill 9:09 pm Could be a double ended dildo. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:10 pm //Who flies a giant spike?// Tarantulas 9:10 pm So the excitement really hasn't quite started yet after all, hyeh. I see. Aside from this minuscule black swarm Specs 9:10 pm Someone who's compensating. Shockwave 9:10 pm It appears to penetrate the mucous membrane. Whirl 9:10 pm Hmm. Someone trying to make a point. WHAT point, I don't know. Windchill 9:10 pm I don't care, it looks like a pair of spikes to me, and I, *hand over boob,* have seen a lot of spikes. I'm like an expert. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:10 pm *Searches his files for this... finds it in Knock Out's notes on Silas. Inspect inspect. Okay, that makes sense.* Whirl 9:10 pm *just regards Windchill with amusement* @W: Yeah, I, too, speak from experience. Bevel 9:11 pm Gross. Whirl 9:11 pm But, yeah, more of those scraplet things. Neat! ItsyBitsySpyers 9:11 pm *...The ship remembers? Fascinating.* Windchill 9:11 pm @Whirl: I'll bet I've still seen more than you have, so nyeh. Whirl 9:11 pm @W: I mean MINE, doofus. Bevel 9:12 pm *pulls out a datapad and starts poking at that* Specs 9:12 pm I think that would scare the fur right off of me if I saw that. Whirl 9:12 pm Wow, who could have predicted this. Walking around just sucking in all that air. Windchill 9:12 pm @Whirl: ...Damn, son. *He's not going to say anything. He predicted this. Loudly, in fact.* Whirl 9:13 pm Anyway... were those scraplet-things in the other movies? ItsyBitsySpyers 9:13 pm [[No. They were not.]] Bevel 9:13 pm I wish movies would find planets like Cybertron instead of more planets like Earth sometimes. That would be really cool. Windchill 9:14 pm Oh wow. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:14 pm //They ain't gonna do that. They think we're all big scary murderers.// Pause. //I mean, we are. But.// Whirl 9:14 pm *snickers* Bevel 9:14 pm *giggles* Are not. Whirl 9:14 pm Speak for yourself, Shovel. ...which. I guess. You were, actually. Windchill 9:14 pm I'm not scary. I'm just big. He looks pretty dead already. Bevel 9:15 pm That was different. FakeProwl 9:15 pm I'm perfectly content with their not finding planets like Cybertron. Humans are awful at writing mecha characters. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:15 pm *SCOOT SCOOT* *He is held to his seat by just about nothing at this point.* Windchill 9:15 pm Were these people trained at all? Ew. Bacne. Shockwave 9:17 pm *ANTENNAE PERK* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:17 pm *Rumble squawk laughs at Windchill* Windchill 9:17 pm *You're welcome.* Tarantulas 9:17 pm *is casually and surreptitiously wrapping himself around prowl one arm at a time* Whirl 9:17 pm ...awww. Windchill 9:17 pm A baby. Whirl 9:17 pm Look at it! ItsyBitsySpyers 9:17 pm [[...This one has legs.]] FakeProwl 9:17 pm *has noticed.* Bevel 9:17 pm What about a planet made out of something cool? Like glass. Specs 9:17 pm *someone's hiding her snout* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:17 pm [[They never have legs.]] Bevel 9:17 pm Or diamonds! Shockwave 9:17 pm ((well they found something grosser than a chestburster, congrats lmfao)) Whirl 9:17 pm It's precious. Windchill 9:17 pm Its head is pulsating. Whirl 9:18 pm ...*pauses; imitates the little alien click* Windchill 9:18 pm I approve. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:18 pm //I seen a stone planet. It was weird.// Windchill 9:18 pm *SNORTS* *The level of incompetency.* FakeProwl 9:18 pm I wouldn't mind a glass planet. Whirl 9:18 pm Spunky little guy! Windchill 9:19 pm It's like a slimy, naked monkey. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:19 pm [[Why is she shooting in an encl-- never mind.]] Tarantulas 9:19 pm Precisely my thoughts, Soundwave Whirl 9:19 pm *snickers. ...then looks at Windchill, and maket eh little clicking trill* Specs 9:19 pm Well. Windchill 9:19 pm *Bursts out laughing.* Whirl 9:19 pm Oh d-ha! Damn! And there's another on the way, too. Specs 9:19 pm That ended somehow predictably poorly. Windchill 9:19 pm *Give him a moment to recover.* *Normally he's more sympathetic but he's given up on these idiots.* Specs 9:20 pm *aaaaand there goes the snout again* Shockwave 9:20 pm *hands tented* Whirl 9:20 pm Coming out any which way they can, aren't they? ItsyBitsySpyers 9:20 pm [[They do seem less - methodical. Than he is used to seeing.]] FakeProwl 9:20 pm They're very creative with their exit wounds. Windchill 9:20 pm Anyway, *wheeze, and he turns to Whirl.* You were saying? Shockwave 9:21 pm It is a prototypical iteration. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:21 pm *Quiet amusement at Prowl's comment. He'll shield that though.* Whirl 9:21 pm Ah, yes. As I was saying--*alien noise* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:21 pm *Ping of approval. A good noise to imitate.* Whirl 9:21 pm *tips a toast to Soundwave* Shockwave 9:21 pm ((aw. poor old gays)) Specs 9:21 pm *deep breaths* *deeeeeep breaths* That was lovely. Shockwave 9:21 pm ((OH MY)) Whirl 9:21 pm *recoils* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:22 pm *Ohhhh dear, there's Whirl probably.* Whirl 9:22 pm *he's gonna look down at his drink, very quickly* Specs 9:22 pm *carefully moves a paw over to whirl* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:22 pm [[They still grow quickly.]] Bevel 9:22 pm *stares pointedly at her datapad* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:23 pm *Rumble pings Whirl. You good?* Whirl 9:23 pm *the gesture is appreciated, but he does not acknowledge it; he's pretending like nothing happened* ...*briefly glances his way with a quick little nod* ((i'm too hyped for my game the first thing I thought when i saw the hooded guy with the gun was "o it's destiny time')) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:23 pm *...Takes something Prowl said earlier and chews on it a little with this new development* Specs 9:23 pm *for her part, the dragon is clearly freaked. all that fur is up on end, and the attempts to not hyperventilate are only partly working* Windchill 9:24 pm *Clicks back at Whirl, now that the scene is over. It's not the same, he hasn't learned to make the same sounds.* Whirl 9:24 pm ...*hmm. She tried to reassure him...* Hey, you need a seat? Probably had to see down there. And I got a lot of shoulder. Shockwave 9:24 pm ((those fuckers just schloop limbs right up dont they)) Whirl 9:24 pm ((like spaghetti)) Windchill 9:24 pm What are all of those? ItsyBitsySpyers 9:24 pm //Burnin' happened here's what happened here. Like, duh.// Specs 9:24 pm Y-yeah. Yeah. Thanks. *enjoy your new fuzzy epaulette, whirl* Windchill 9:25 pm Maybe they'll explain later. Weird. Whirl 9:25 pm *Has A Dragon™️* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:25 pm *...............Oooooh.* Windchill 9:25 pm *Whirl is Fancy now.* Wait. Whirl 9:26 pm That seems like a really... dumb. Weapon. Windchill 9:26 pm If they killed all of the animals, how are the plants being pollinated? Specs 9:27 pm Presumably, they are not. Whirl 9:27 pm I mean, can't argue with the results, but at the same time--too much work when a good orbital strike will do. Shockwave 9:27 pm Divulging this information is unwise. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:27 pm [[Incredibly.]] Windchill 9:27 pm Wouldn't most of the plant life have started to die off after a while? Especially if it's similar to Earth's. Shockwave 9:27 pm Not if they were unaffected and able to develop alternative forms of pollination. FakeProwl 9:28 pm ... He's another android? ItsyBitsySpyers 9:28 pm [[He is. The one from the beginning.]] Windchill 9:28 pm Depends on how fast they can do that, I suppose. Bevel 9:28 pm He did not like bringing tea. Windchill 9:28 pm And if they can do it fast enough, but the wind would have done some of the work. Specs 9:28 pm Obviously not. Windchill 9:28 pm But most ecosystems rely on all of their parts to function. *Or, well, all, but he's being generous here.* Specs 9:29 pm But, being a lesser, a servant? That grates. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:29 pm [["Grates" is an understatement.]] Windchill 9:30 pm Maybe they shouldn't have split mates up if it was going to cause conflicts of interest like this. Shockwave 9:30 pm *its possible some small life forms have insufficient biomass to sustain the pathogen, and are thus spared* Whirl 9:30 pm Yeah. No way I'd put up with that. Windchill 9:30 pm *Possible, but not stated.* Beetle! *points* *He likes those.* Shockwave 9:31 pm ((is this the scene where they play the flute and kiss)) Windchill 9:31 pm (( I think so? )) ((I'm ready. )) Tarantulas 9:31 pm (( oh my god are you serious Specs 9:31 pm ((I'm not ready)) Windchill 9:31 pm (( YES. )) Whirl 9:31 pm ((is that a thing omfg)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:31 pm *Soundwave turns his head to the side. Why did he trim his head fur?* (( 🙂 )) Shockwave 9:31 pm ((so much fassbender in this movie they decided fassbender needed to kiss fassbender)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:32 pm *...Ohhhh a music lesson.* FakeProwl 9:32 pm *human films never show robotic characters as things like hardened lone survivors. Prowl is intrigued.* Windchill 9:32 pm *SPITS.* Specs 9:32 pm ((if two fassbenders get together, do they make a fassbaby)) FakeProwl 9:32 pm (("i'll do the fingering")) Windchill 9:32 pm The...the fingering. Tarantulas 9:32 pm (( wink wonk Whirl 9:32 pm ((dfklsfse)) Shockwave 9:32 pm ((yep..........)) Bevel 9:32 pm ((*slowly pulls movie back into view to watch* Shockwave 9:32 pm ((the gayest way to play the recorder ever?)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:32 pm *...If only he could play.* Windchill 9:32 pm *He bends over double with barely contained snickering.* Whirl 9:33 pm *peers* FakeProwl 9:33 pm *wow, even mecha bonding with each other. prowl entirely approves.* Windchill 9:33 pm *Okay, he's gonna live.* *Straightens.* That's kinda cool... Oh. Figures. Bevel 9:34 pm Aw Specs 9:34 pm *hisses a little* Ah. Shockwave 9:35 pm ((would prowl say this movie passes the............. botdel test)) FakeProwl 9:35 pm ... what where their names? Windchill 9:35 pm *Nudges Whirl with an elbow, GENTLY, he doesn't want to knock off any dragons or spill drinks.* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:35 pm [[The androids?]] FakeProwl 9:35 pm ((not yet. they spent their conversation talking about a human.)) Whirl 9:35 pm Hm? FakeProwl 9:36 pm ((but in a nuanced way. it's progress.)) Yes, the androids. Shockwave 9:36 pm ((they mentioned a human but talked about music and themselves more, i'd say... hm)) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:36 pm [[Walter and David.]] Windchill 9:36 pm You got room on your other shoulder? Whirl 9:36 pm For another dragon, yeah. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:36 pm *...Hm.* Windchill 9:36 pm What about my boobs? Whirl 9:36 pm 'Fraid not. Windchill 9:37 pm But they're heavy. *Whines.* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:37 pm [[That does not look like a crash.]] FakeProwl 9:37 pm ((it's a borderline case. they talked about themselves, but in relation to what humans think of them. the music was very solid though. prowl approves of the music scene.)) Specs 9:37 pm Nor does it look like an accident. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:37 pm *He knew it.* Shockwave 9:37 pm That is because the one called David is thoroughly untrustworthy. Windchill 9:37 pm *Is momentarily distracted.* Whirl 9:37 pm (YELLS IN AN ALIEN LANGUAGE) Windchill 9:37 pm Looks like exploding eggs. That explains the bodies... FakeProwl 9:38 pm ... That's not a crash. That's an invasion. Windchill 9:38 pm ...Was that tiny city the only population on the planet? Whirl 9:38 pm ((UHH)) ((THAT WAS SHELLEY)) ((NOT BYRON)) Specs 9:38 pm ((that's a plot point, actually!)) Shockwave 9:39 pm ((lmao what)) Whirl 9:39 pm ((OH DAMB. )) ItsyBitsySpyers 9:39 pm ((just watch)) Specs 9:39 pm I would think not. Even the worst places can be made into homes, if you work at it. Shockwave 9:40 pm ((man let him decide what he feels davey)) Specs 9:40 pm Surely there were other cities. ((best quality: their wiggles)) Whirl 9:40 pm *it's alien noise time again, briefly, before Whirl snickers and takes a long drink* Tarantulas 9:40 pm If there were, there certainly aren't anymore, one would think Windchill 9:40 pm The virus...thing must have gotten them too. FakeProwl 9:41 pm *sideways glance at whirl.* Unfortunate. It seems we've got an infection in here. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:41 pm [[If you must explode organics out of you, do so outside. We've had enough with the barnacles.]] Windchill 9:41 pm She's dead. Whirl 9:41 pm *snickers* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:41 pm *What lovely fangs it has.* Specs 9:41 pm I am not going to EXPLODE. I will sit here politely. Whirl 9:42 pm *oh, he has an idea* Hey, dragon. Hop into my cockpit. *he'll pop the glass* Windchill 9:42 pm *Will watch* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:42 pm //What're you...?// Specs 9:42 pm *the dragon gapes a grin* Okay! *hops in* FakeProwl 9:42 pm Idiots. Whirl 9:42 pm *closes it briefly* ... *sits for a moment. Takes a drink. He's got a decently-upholstered interior, it should be comfortable* @S: Okay, the glass isn't latched. Bust out. Specs 9:43 pm *the dragon wiggles for a moment, and then leaps forwards with a MIGHTY SQUEAK* Raaaaaah! Windchill 9:43 pm *Gasp.* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:43 pm *Soundwave offers a tiny applause clip.* Whirl 9:43 pm Arrgh! It got me! *dramatically slumps back ion his chair* Windchill 9:43 pm You're dead! Bevel 9:43 pm *turns so she's facing Shockwave because new and interesting looking bot* Are you a Shockwave or someone else? Specs 9:44 pm *flaps a bit to regain balance, and then clambers back up onto Whirl's shoulder* That was fun! Whirl 9:44 pm *still slumping like he's "dead," he'll take a drink* Windchill 9:44 pm Hey, does that mean...I can eat your leg? A toe, maybe? Just shoot him. Whirl 9:45 pm *miraculously revives* Nah, I got better. *and he closes his cockpit* Windchill 9:45 pm Damn, maybe next time. Tarantulas 9:45 pm Does this mean the aliens don't affect or consume the organic parts of the androids? Assuming the androids do have organic shells... Specs 9:46 pm *stretches out her wings* Shockwave 9:46 pm *looks at Bevel* I am a Shockwave, yes. Your appearance does not match any of my existing multiversal profiles. Windchill 9:46 pm Until then... *He's gonna be a huge pest AS PER USUAL and lean over to rest his head on Whirl's dragon-free shoulder.* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:46 pm [[They do not infest androids. They do not have the nutrients needed.]] Whirl 9:47 pm *glances briefly towards Windchill, but allows this* Windchill 9:47 pm *He CAN be shoved off easily.* Whirl 9:47 pm *you are allowed to be there* Bevel 9:47 pm My name is Bevel. Tarantulas 9:47 pm Aha, good. I'm quite safe then. *purrs* *oh my god tarantulas is vibing with david so much rn* Windchill 9:48 pm ...Is that an egg? Whirl 9:48 pm Yep. Windchill 9:48 pm ...What laid it? Specs 9:48 pm This seems bad. This seems like a terrible idea, even. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:48 pm [[One of the prototypes, perhaps.]] Shockwave 9:48 pm *hold one claw up to Bevel. this scene is important to him* Bevel 9:48 pm *nods* Whirl 9:48 pm Yeah, I think he kinda built them from the ground up. ...somehow. Shockwave 9:49 pm ((WHO WOULD BE ASSURED BY THIS)) Specs 9:49 pm ((no one sane!)) Bevel 9:49 pm *watches as well* Windchill 9:49 pm Huh. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:49 pm *So this is how it begins.* Shockwave 9:49 pm *Ahh.* Windchill 9:49 pm I was getting tired of that guy. Bevel 9:49 pm I know what those are. Specs 9:50 pm That's definitely designed for something with a flat face. *rubs her snout* Windchill 9:50 pm I'm starting to suspect this colonization mission was really a very expensive "get these idiots off of Earth and send them into space where they will either die or spread their idiot genes elsewhere" mission, actually. Shockwave 9:50 pm Indeed. *claw drops now that the scene is over* ...Greetings, Bevel. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:50 pm *Glances between Bevel and Shockwave... will listen to this conversation on the side.* Windchill 9:51 pm *It's the only logical explanation he can muster.* Shockwave 9:51 pm *not so logical. the inciting incident was accidental and their decision to come here was not on the mission plan* Whirl 9:52 pm Aww, another little guy. Tarantulas 9:52 pm The music right now - *laughter* Windchill 9:52 pm *And yet most everyone they sent was a complete moron who couldn't stick to the plan or take basic steps to not die.* Specs 9:52 pm He looks like a proud docent! *the dragon is laughing too, in her silent way* Bevel 9:53 pm I met a negative polarity me once but that was it. Which is really weird because I have met tons of different versions of other bots. Windchill 9:53 pm Is the sun out now? Masterful fingering. No shit, Sherlock. Specs 9:55 pm ((HERE IT IS)) Windchill 9:55 pm (( GOOD. )) Whirl 9:55 pm ((\o/)) FakeProwl 9:55 pm *oh. more "the scary mecha want to overhtrow/destroy the organics." that's disappointing.* Shockwave 9:55 pm Certain individuals appear less commonly across the multiverse than others. FakeProwl 9:56 pm *at least they're moderately sympathetically writte-- what* Whirl 9:56 pm Whoa, that guy moves quick. Tarantulas 9:56 pm *tara's squinting so hard rn* Windchill 9:56 pm Damn. Well, that's a way to go. Specs 9:56 pm That's definitely a textbook example of a bad relationship. Shockwave 9:56 pm ((dont claim you wouldnt kiss yourself if you could tara-- holy shit)) Whirl 9:56 pm Huh. Windchill 9:57 pm *Carefully pokes Whirl's canopy.* Tarantulas 9:57 pm (( oh he defs would Windchill 9:57 pm Boop. FakeProwl 9:57 pm *... well alright, it's the same tropes as usual, but at least they're novel.* ItsyBitsySpyers 9:57 pm ((soundwave did 🙂 )) Whirl 9:57 pm *glances sideways* Yeah? Windchill 9:57 pm Just boop. Whirl 9:57 pm *gravely* Very well. *and sets his empty glass down* Windchill 9:57 pm Rhymes with poop. Bevel 9:57 pm Is it only certain types of bots that do not appear as much? Whirl 9:58 pm Honestly those little guys are cute, too. The spidery guys, with the tails. Windchill 9:58 pm Long spider. Oooooh. Tarantulas 9:58 pm I'd say they're more scorpion-like, honestly Specs 9:58 pm They look like they could be tasty, except for the acid blood. Windchill 9:59 pm That's disconcerting. ItsyBitsySpyers 9:59 pm =Satisfaction brings us back.= Tarantulas 9:59 pm *snickers* Windchill 9:59 pm *Nods, he was about to say as much, Ravage. Sorry about his ear digging into your shoulder, Whirl.* *It's an awkward, sideways nod.* What the hell... Is this guy's problem? Whirl 10:00 pm He's off his rocker, obviously. And not in the loud way, like I am. Windchill 10:00 pm Meh, gross. Specs 10:00 pm I don't think androids are meant to fly. Shockwave 10:00 pm *really? is that the only explanation? a few updates? which ones?* Whirl 10:01 pm *the self-repair we saw, probably* Tarantulas 10:01 pm *no time to explain while fighting, shockwave* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:01 pm *One doesn't explain updates to the one who is bent on disabling them.* Tarantulas 10:01 pm *only the bad villains explain* Windchill 10:02 pm Oh, so the sun is out now. *That answers his question.* *Squints.* Specs 10:03 pm Oh, the big one definitely looks like something I would eat, if it were smaller and not full of painful acid. Tarantulas 10:03 pm *oh look, it's gorgeous... tara kind of wishes he were sitting by sw so they could commiserate, heh* Windchill 10:03 pm *Oh good, maybe the alien will put him out of his misery and do something about these people.* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:03 pm *It's perfectly possible to eat things that are full of acid.* Whirl 10:03 pm They grow so fast. *drapes a claw over his cockpit* FakeProwl 10:03 pm *Case in point: is full of acid.* Windchill 10:03 pm *Snorts.* They call this flying? Beautiful. Specs 10:04 pm I feel like an angry, flaming, whatever-that-is is vastly more dangerous than one that isn't on fire. Windchill 10:04 pm It's slightly more coordinated than I am. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:05 pm *They can commiserate soon. He is open to talking about these creatures outside of movie nights as well...* Windchill 10:05 pm I can appreciate its level of aggression. Whirl 10:05 pm It's a pretty neat little guy. Windchill 10:05 pm *That siren sounds like a man yelling.* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:05 pm \\LISTEN, IF SOMETHIN' DON'T DIE BEIN' ON FIRE, IT'S MORE DANGEROUS ON FIRE. ALWAYS.\\ Shockwave 10:05 pm *it is beautiful. though he preferred it slightly when their point of origin was not due to a defective android* Whirl 10:05 pm Aww, it thought the big claw was an opponent. Precious. Windchill 10:06 pm *Some things are better left a mystery.* Specs 10:06 pm It's so angry and innocent. Windchill 10:06 pm Aw... FakeProwl 10:06 pm That's two decapitations so far. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:06 pm *Soft huff* Tarantulas 10:07 pm "Fine"? *snickering* Specs 10:08 pm I suppose you could call it exceptional. Exceptionally bad. Windchill 10:08 pm Did they even bring a real doctor? ItsyBitsySpyers 10:08 pm [[It is a musical.]] \\IT'S A HORROR MOVIE.\\ [[...It is both.]] Windchill 10:08 pm *He's not convinced at this point.* All around me are familiar faces... ItsyBitsySpyers 10:09 pm *...One moment. There were several eggs open. Where are the others?* Windchill 10:09 pm *Hums softly right next to Whirl's head, sorry bro.* Shockwave 10:10 pm *does not trust that the film is 'over,' either* Specs 10:10 pm ((IT'S THE DRINKY BIRD)) Windchill 10:10 pm Oh my god, I thought the red dots on the back of the chairs were eyes. Whirl 10:10 pm ((YEEE)) FakeProwl 10:10 pm ... We never explicitly saw David die, did we? Specs 10:10 pm ((IT'S BACK FROM PROMETHEUS)) Windchill 10:10 pm We didn't. Specs 10:10 pm We did not. Whirl 10:10 pm Nope. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:10 pm [[No. We did not.]] Whirl 10:10 pm And they looked identical. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:11 pm [[Why?]] Not that he doesn't have some idea. Specs 10:11 pm And Walter has a self-repair function. Windchill 10:11 pm So it was said. It got the Lobe guy? Huh. Tarantulas 10:12 pm Oh Primus, really? Specs 10:12 pm *gapes a cackle* What???? Windchill 10:12 pm *Blinks.* Whirl 10:12 pm PFFT. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:12 pm [[They likely rescued him too late.]] Shockwave 10:12 pm ((MY FAV SCENE LMAO)) FakeProwl 10:12 pm ... Well, THAT'S the position you want to be in when a killer genetic experiment attacks. Windchill 10:12 pm *Waggles his brows against Whirl's neck.* Shockwave 10:12 pm (OMFG)) Windchill 10:12 pm This one grew fast. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:13 pm [[It does know how to make an entrance.]] Specs 10:13 pm That's. Oh, Goddess. Shockwave 10:13 pm *...right through the mouth. with its mouth. he chuffs quietly* Whirl 10:13 pm *gives his head a little shake and nudges Windchill's away* Easy on the neck. Specs 10:13 pm *the dragon can't decide whether to laugh or hyperventilate again* FakeProwl 10:13 pm ((... imagine if they'd still been kissing)) ItsyBitsySpyers 10:13 pm ((omfg)) Whirl 10:13 pm ((jfsfksed)) ItsyBitsySpyers 10:13 pm ((talk about getting tongue)) Windchill 10:13 pm *Snorts, and gives Whirl some space finally.* Tarantulas 10:13 pm (( sfgdfs Whirl 10:13 pm *shoulder is fine, but his neck is ticklish* Windchill 10:13 pm She looks so done with this. Specs 10:14 pm Wouldn't you be? Windchill 10:14 pm *He knows about your neck, thanks.* I would, but I wouldn't be on this idiot mission to begin with, so. What the hell is that. Whirl 10:14 pm Alien-o-vision. Windchill 10:15 pm Looks like it has worms. Shockwave 10:15 pm ((aww is al coming back i was still trying to write a response)) Specs 10:15 pm How'd it pick up parasites? Windchill 10:15 pm Lots of teeny, tiny worms. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:15 pm ((he's gotta sleep, be up at 4am - he will ping shockwave on tumblr sometime soon)) Windchill 10:15 pm What a kisser. Shockwave 10:15 pm ((ok, tell him sorry i got distracted by the movie now that my wife is here lol)) Windchill 10:15 pm *Much better than that David guy.* Whirl 10:15 pm Boy it can't control that drooling, though. Major flaw with these things. Windchill 10:16 pm Oh, really? Specs 10:16 pm It's just very excited to kiss. Shockwave 10:16 pm *is it though* Whirl 10:16 pm Partly why I rank those other guys above them a bit. Windchill 10:16 pm *Flutters his eyelashes coyly.* Whirl 10:16 pm The uh... hunter fellas. From the other movie we saw. Windchill 10:16 pm I like the drool. It's gross. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:16 pm [[The Predators?]] Whirl 10:16 pm You WOULD, you drool-machine. yeah! Those guys. Windchill 10:17 pm *Tosses his head flippantly.* Shockwave 10:17 pm ((lol these callbacks)) FakeProwl 10:17 pm *snrk. It just. punched through with its mouth.* Windchill 10:17 pm Oops. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:18 pm *He's done similar in the distant past.* FakeProwl 10:18 pm *good to know, because that's exactly what prowl is currently trying to visualize.* Shockwave 10:18 pm *these films would have you believe the inner mouth is the strongest part of the organism* Specs 10:18 pm *not all of us have impressive mouths, soundwave. no bragging.* Windchill 10:18 pm She's fine. Shockwave 10:18 pm *some dont have a mouth at all* Windchill 10:19 pm Or well, as close to fine as one can be after that. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:19 pm *He has enough mouth to make up for three of you. It's all right.* Whirl 10:19 pm *bless u Soundwave* Windchill 10:19 pm And now they're going to leave, what a waste of time and lives. Morons. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:19 pm [[Why would they stay? They do not know how many creatures there could be on the loose.]] Windchill 10:20 pm They wouldn't. They shouldn't have gone to begin with, is my point. Tarantulas 10:20 pm His jaw hasn't healed... gghh Windchill 10:20 pm Oh. Whirl 10:21 pm Pfft. Specs 10:21 pm Oh dear. Windchill 10:21 pm I like that inflatable pillow though. If it were me, my head would pop it. *Why is that code even in the system?* *He must have added it at some point.* Um. Shockwave 10:22 pm ((UM)) Specs 10:22 pm Well. Windchill 10:22 pm Neat, but how? Shockwave 10:22 pm ((UM????)) FakeProwl 10:22 pm ... Pffff. Whirl 10:22 pm Is that how eggs are laid? Windchill 10:22 pm He looks so proud. I assure you, Whirl, it is not. Shockwave 10:23 pm (( a proud mother)) Specs 10:23 pm That is definitely not how it is done. Windchill 10:23 pm At least...not any that I know of. Tarantulas 10:23 pm *tara's frozen. oop. give him a moment* Whirl 10:23 pm I'll take your word for it. Windchill 10:23 pm I can't rule out weird unknown alien biology entirely, now. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:23 pm *Soundwave's head doesn't move, but he's side-eyeing Tarantulas. He's pretty sure that's not how Tarantulas does it though.* Tarantulas 10:24 pm It's - not unheard of. Whirl 10:24 pm Not a bad movie, but all in all, I like the origin story of the other one more. Windchill 10:24 pm That was...something. Better than Titanic. Whirl 10:24 pm So wait--some things do? *looks to Tarantulas* Ha! Yeah, it was definitely better than titanic. Shockwave 10:24 pm *also looks at Tarantulas* Windchill 10:25 pm *He liked the aliens.* Specs 10:25 pm That was fun! *stretches wings and legs, and carefully glides off of Whirl's shoulder* I'll try to show for next time. *she is NOT staying here for egg talk* *no thanks* Goodnight, everyone! ItsyBitsySpyers 10:25 pm [[Goodnight.]] Windchill 10:25 pm *But the entire film was run through by really dumb and irresponsible decisions, it's kind of a detractor.* Bye! Whirl 10:25 pm Seeya, dragon! Tarantulas 10:26 pm Some organisms - they have more of a saccular internal structure and utilize the same opening for multiple functions, let's put it that way. Windchill 10:26 pm Like...a cloaca? Tarantulas 10:27 pm Nono, with the additional function of ingestion as well Windchill 10:27 pm *This song is distracting him a little.* Whirl 10:27 pm Out the mouth still seems a little weird, to be honest, but what do I know. I've never laid an egg in my life. Windchill 10:28 pm Consider yourself lucky. Whirl 10:28 pm Soundwave, if you're taking requests? ItsyBitsySpyers 10:28 pm [[...It seems convenient. Organics take in nutrients through their mouths. Their spawn require it. Why not keep them where the nutrients will be?]] Whirl 10:28 pm Well, if they were protected against the fuel breakdown process. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:28 pm [[What is the request?]] Whirl 10:29 pm Fuel tank's not exactly a quiet, safe place. Tarantulas 10:29 pm That's - yes, what Whirl said. Whirl 10:29 pm I'm pretty sure I asked it once before, but--Come A Little Bit Closer. Jay & the Americans. FakeProwl 10:29 pm organic traffic flow is designed to go in only one direction—in through the top, out through the bottom. Tarantulas 10:29 pm Not ALL organic traffic flow, mind you ItsyBitsySpyers 10:29 pm [[When this is done.]]

//Gettin' your mush on, huh.// Whirl 10:30 pm ...which raises some interesting questions about Killer. I've never seen it poop. FakeProwl 10:30 pm Most organic traffic flow. Whirl 10:30 pm Pfft! it's a good song, mush or no mush. Windchill 10:30 pm I heard that there's these, like, worms, that only have mouths. FakeProwl 10:30 pm I suspect it's easier to intake nutrients at the top and eject eggs from the bottom for the same reason. Whirl 10:30 pm And all these oldies brought it to mind. FakeProwl 10:30 pm Imagine a one-lane street that tries to accommodate traffic going both directions. Windchill 10:30 pm *This guy's head bobs are distracting.* Whirl 10:31 pm Also--it's totally a 60s song. FakeProwl 10:31 pm *Prowl might not know scrap about biology but by god is he going to try to use every tool at his disposal to try to understand it, up to and including traffic cop experience.* Tarantulas 10:31 pm Human lungs function that way, Prowl. It's not entirely unheard of ItsyBitsySpyers 10:31 pm //Yeah, I guess so.// Whirl 10:31 pm ((real reason: i re-watched GotG 2 today and the song is on my mind 😎 )) Windchill 10:31 pm (( Good job. )) Shockwave 10:32 pm @Whirl: The barnacles in my care produce very little waste product. I believe they are simply highly efficient. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:32 pm //How come he don't punch Bad Man Jose, I don't get. Or jus' ask if sharin's okay.// FakeProwl 10:32 pm *stares at Tarantulas* ............ Right. So they do. Whirl 10:32 pm @Shockwave: Huh. Well. ...asked and answered! Maybe the singer's not really big and strong. Doesn't think he'll win the fight. Tarantulas 10:32 pm If you're truly curious how Killer works, Whirl, I'm more than willing to study it more closely, hyeh. Or its offspring, possibly Whirl 10:33 pm No good answer for the sharing thing, though. *shrugs* You can, as long as you don't hurt it. Ha, didn't you hear? Fresh shipment of babies. Courtesy of Rumble and Frenzy's tender care. FakeProwl 10:33 pm @Tarantulas «Why DON'T their lungs have separate entrances and exits?» ItsyBitsySpyers 10:33 pm \\I AIN'T HAD *NOTHIN* TO DO WITH IT\\ Windchill 10:34 pm *Snorts.* It had MORE babies? ItsyBitsySpyers 10:34 pm //It had MORE babies.// Tarantulas 10:34 pm @Prowl: «Because one-lane traffic doesn't work the same with gases as it does with solids, that's why. Diffusion and only partial exhalation, mostly.» Whirl 10:35 pm Yep. Windchill 10:35 pm Wow. Whirl 10:35 pm It's only ever done it when THEY'RE watching it. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:35 pm //Maybe there's two of 'em in there.// Windchill 10:35 pm I'm impressed. FakeProwl 10:35 pm @Tarantulas «But most air circulation systems go in one end and out the other. Ventilation systems don't backwash air to their source.» Tarantulas 10:36 pm Oho, might as well toss one my way before it gets /attached/ Whirl 10:36 pm I'm pretty sure Killer can just. Auto-propagate. Sure. Like I said--gotta promise not to hurt it. Tarantulas 10:37 pm @Prowl «The air generally has to stay in the lungs longer than prompt expulsion would allow, I'd wager. I'm hypothesizing at this point. But - yes, the balance of O2 and CO2 is very precarious in human systems.» ItsyBitsySpyers 10:38 pm *Frenzy makes gagging noises at the music. Does the Boss gotta. How come they never play heavy metal in here? Next time he's taking over the speakers.* Shockwave 10:39 pm *some people find human screaming to be offensive to the audials, Frenzy* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:39 pm *Some people oughta hear HIM.* Shockwave 10:39 pm *unless of course, they're screaming because an interesting creature has just skewered their reproductive partner through the mouth* Windchill 10:39 pm *He loves metal.* Whirl 10:40 pm *snickers; it's obvious Soundwave is in a Mood, which is frankly hilarious* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:40 pm *Ohhh, it's not what it sounds like. For once.* Tarantulas 10:40 pm Well then - I duly and sincerely promise not to harm any of Killer's offspring that come under my care. Sufficient? FakeProwl 10:40 pm @Tarantulas «Hmm. I suppose it makes a bigger difference when their system is that small.» ItsyBitsySpyers 10:41 pm *Soundwave wonders if the aliens have a sense of humor? The mouth thing does seem like the kind of playfulness he would imagine himself.* Whirl 10:41 pm Yep. And if I find out you're lying, I will personally come cave your face in. FakeProwl 10:41 pm *for what it's worth, prowl's currently operating under the same assumption as whirl.* Whirl 10:41 pm But I'll see if I can find one. I set 'em loose in the wild. FakeProwl 10:41 pm *this is a WHOLE lot of sappy songs, soundwave.* Tarantulas 10:41 pm In the WILD? Whereabouts? Whirl 10:42 pm Cybertron. ItsyBitsySpyers 10:42 pm *He knows what he's doing.* Whirl 10:42 pm *good job Whirl, that location is not VAGUE AT ALL* Tarantulas 10:42 pm *good enough for tarantulas though* If you don't mind giving me the coordinates, I can drop by and pick one up myself, save you the trouble ItsyBitsySpyers 10:43 pm *Rumble rubs his forehead. Look, there's like... okay, there's no better music there. But Primus, couldn't he search some up?* Whirl 10:43 pm *shrugs* Sure thing. But remember--they're ALL Killer's offspring. Tarantulas 10:44 pm Surely, yes. Whirl 10:44 pm I'll see if I can... uh. Remember. * pause*

...I'll get back to you. Tarantulas 10:44 pm *squints, then snickers a little* Shockwave 10:45 pm *doesn't take much note of the musical selection, himself. still pondering the film* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:46 pm *Rumble pings Soundwave with a request for something different. 70s rock? C'mon. Please. Anything else.*

*Soundwave turns to look straight at him and... plays this.* Shockwave 10:46 pm *in fairness, they regularly play videos of alternates dancing around, and -that- doesn't mean anything either* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:47 pm *Rumble jumps up and throws his hands in the air*

//I CAN SAY IT MY OWN FRAGGIN' SELF, Y'KNOW!// Windchill 10:47 pm *Blinks slowly.* *He spaced out there, for a while.* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:47 pm //................................................Uh.//

*He'll just. Sit. Down here. And look at the music video. That is a good music video.* Tarantulas 10:47 pm @Prowl «Small, yes, and focused less on heat expulsion and more on chemical diffusion.» Shockwave 10:47 pm *actually looks up at that outburst* Whirl 10:47 pm *drawn from his intense effort to remember where he left all of Killer's babies* Windchill 10:48 pm *The Wild Babies.* FakeProwl 10:48 pm *stares at Rumble* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:49 pm *And now, 70s rock. Rumble puts his face in his hands.* FakeProwl 10:49 pm *oh, hey, it's 70s rock!* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:50 pm //What're you all lookin' at.// Windchill 10:50 pm *He's not even looking.* Whirl 10:50 pm *shrugs and streeetches* Windchill 10:50 pm *Goes for Whirl's armpit with a claw.* FakeProwl 10:50 pm *quietly looks away.* Whirl 10:51 pm *there is a sudden and very loud squawk of static* Windchill 10:51 pm I'm sorry. I...had to. The opportunity was too much to pass up. Whirl 10:52 pm You can't just roll up on someone like that when they're stretching, jeez. *he's gonna hop up and eye Windchill warily* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:52 pm *...He punches the ground and growls, then pushes himself up and goes to storm up the stairwell.* Windchill 10:52 pm I'll behave, now. Whirl 10:52 pm ...*stage whisper* Which one of you guys did something to piss him off? Windchill 10:53 pm Armpit jabbing, *he raises a hand, he's solemnly swearing, see,* is not allowed. Lesson learned. Whirl 10:53 pm Also. ...if you're still doing requests. Now that we're on the 70s... Windchill 10:53 pm *His solemn hand raises higher.* It was me, I farted. Whirl 10:53 pm Dammit, Windchill. Windchill 10:53 pm I'm sorry. Whirl 10:53 pm Ahem--Stormbringer by Deep Purple'd go down real easy right about now. FakeProwl 10:54 pm @Soundwave «I also have a song selection to contribute.» ItsyBitsySpyers 10:55 pm *Soundwave nods to Whirl and pings Prowl an acknowledgment. Anyone else?* Shockwave 10:55 pm 'Electric Light Orchestra.' Windchill 10:56 pm *He'll pass, he's in trouble already.* ItsyBitsySpyers 10:57 pm *And Shockwave gets a nod too. He assumes that means dealer's choice?* Whirl 10:57 pm *well, he's up, so he'll scuttle back over to the bar, to get drink #2* Shockwave 10:57 pm *indeed. he's not too picky and his mind's still audibly buzzing* Windchill 11:00 pm *Stretches, while Whirl is too far away to get him back.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:01 pm *Soundwave lifts his helm and looks over to the stairwell. There's an audible thunka-thunka-thunka and some swearing coming out of it.*

//You want me to do it!? I'll do it!//

*And in just a second, they'll all see the reason why.* Whirl 11:01 pm *leans on the bar and watches. Well, This should be good* FakeProwl 11:01 pm *guess where prowl's attention just went* Windchill 11:01 pm *That sounds dramatic, his ears perk.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:02 pm *Rumble comes out dragging a dead razor snake several times longer than he is tall and, for a long moment, glowers at the whole room.* Windchill 11:02 pm *Eyebrows try to float away.* Shockwave 11:02 pm ... *antennae are in a highly unusual position* FakeProwl 11:03 pm *okay. whatever it is, it involves a snake.* *either that, or an extremely large worm.* Shockwave 11:04 pm *...he hopes the snake was killed humanely or for good reason* Whirl 11:04 pm *peers* Windchill 11:04 pm *What is the meaning of this?* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:04 pm *He now marches over to Whirl and half-drops, half-hurls the first couple of meters of it at Whirl's feet, planting his fists on his hips and scowling up at him.*

//ASK ME OUT ALREADY, YEAH? What do I gotta do? Wear a neon sign sayin' "Hot For Whirl, Inquire Within"!? Primus fraggin' below!// Windchill 11:05 pm *Guffaws.* Tarantulas 11:05 pm *is utterly mystified* Whirl 11:05 pm *rears back a little when the snake his thrown, but to his credit, does not step away. Looks at the snake. Looks at Rumble. Looks at the snake again* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:05 pm *Soundwave just crosses one leg over the other and laces his hands together on his lap.* FakeProwl 11:05 pm *oh. well.* Whirl 11:05 pm *intelligently* ...uh, what? FakeProwl 11:06 pm @Soundwave «... Is the snake a courtship thing.» Shockwave 11:06 pm *oh. its a courtship thing* Windchill 11:06 pm *He's gonna watch.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:06 pm @Prowl: [[Affirmative. Kaon flavor.]] Windchill 11:06 pm *He's been hitting on Whirl for years, maybe he'll learn a thing or two.* FakeProwl 11:07 pm @Soundwave «... Should I be getting you a snake, or are other animals acceptable.» Whirl 11:07 pm ((i just imagined prowl hunting, dressed as Van Pelt from Jumanji)) Windchill 11:07 pm (( Beautiful. )) ItsyBitsySpyers 11:08 pm *Rumble points at the snake, at himself, and then at Whirl.*

//Me. You. Fightin' stuff 'n gettin' cozy. You in or not?// @Prowl: [[He prefers other methods.]] Windchill 11:08 pm *Huffs a little.* Whirl 11:08 pm *give him a moment to process this* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:08 pm *And just for good measure.*

@Shockwave: [[...Do not worry. He prefers other methods.]] FakeProwl 11:09 pm *acknowledging ping. good.* Whirl 11:10 pm Okay, I--wait. Okay. *points at Rumble* You. Are asking me--*points at himself* Specifically. Me, to...?

Well. Uh. *very slowly looks up at the room, suddenly very keenly aware of everyone's presence; I hope all of you are enjoying this moment of Peak Whirl Flabbergastedness* Windchill 11:10 pm *Cups his mouth with his hands, and stage whispers.* Do it. Whirl 11:11 pm *very carefully puts his foot down on the snake and hunkers down to better speak to Rumble* Short answer is, well, yeah, of course. Hell, yeah. Long answer is--can we... go somewhere, maybe? To talk? *HE'S GOING TO REMEMBER THAT, WINDCHILL* *...well not in a bad way* Windchill 11:11 pm *He's trying to be supportive you frick.* Whirl 11:12 pm *exactly* Windchill 11:12 pm *Good enough then.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:13 pm *The scowl slowly brightens into THE BIGGEST GRIN. Frenzy hoots in the background and gets an obscene gesture for his trouble.*

//Frag yeah! I got this spot coupla miles away.// *Oh, wait. The trophy.* //...You're carryin' it this time.// Windchill 11:14 pm *Well, if those two are leaving, he's gonna be left here by himself.* Whirl 11:14 pm *okay,a fair bit of the shock and awkwardness is eased away by that reaction; Whirl snorts and finishes bending down to grab the snake in his claws* You got it.

*straightens and slings it casually over one shoulder* G'night, losers. Windchill 11:14 pm *Time...to bother someone else.* *Applauds. Good show.* Good night, suckers. Whirl 11:14 pm *points at Windchill. YOU* Windchill 11:14 pm *Who, him?* *He pauses in his clapping.* Whirl 11:15 pm *points at his eye, then and Windchill. Watchin u* Tarantulas 11:15 pm *quiet snickering, but his lab timer just went off, he'll have to ask what happened later. nudges at prowl with his helm, pulls back* I'm afraid I'm heading out. Science calls. Windchill 11:15 pm *Is this about the armpit poke.* Shockwave 11:16 pm @Soundy: <<I was not worried. Your preferred methods have already been made relatively clear.>> Whirl 11:16 pm *it's about a lot of things. He'll bob his helm one last time at everyone, and then gesture for Rumble to lead the way* Windchill 11:16 pm *Okay, bye then vague gesture man.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:16 pm *Oh, good. He'd hate to wake up and find a bitbear in his club.*

[[Goodnight, Tarantulas.]] FakeProwl 11:16 pm *helm tap.* Evening. Windchill 11:17 pm *Wait.* *How can he ask Tarantulas a Legit Science Question if he leaves?* *Ah, well.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:17 pm *Rumble marches out puffed up like a microwaved marshmellow. He can yell at the Boss later. Time to go TALK.* Tarantulas 11:17 pm *his comm's always open, even to you, windchill* Windchill 11:18 pm *Yeah, he usually gets snubbed when he tries the comms.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:18 pm @Shockwave: [[...You do not require razor snakes, do you? He had hoped CNA samples would suffice. They are easier to transport.]] Windchill 11:18 pm *We'll see.* Tarantulas 11:18 pm *a faux-smooch to the top of prowl's helm and a wave in the waves' direction, and he's off* Windchill 11:19 pm They're gonna frick, I'll bet. *Crosses his legs, casually.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:19 pm \\PFFFFFF.\\ [[Must you.]] Whirl 11:20 pm ((HAHAHA)) ItsyBitsySpyers 11:20 pm [[FRENZY.]] *Said Soundwave, sounding suspiciously like his deployer for a minute.* *He cackles and darts upstairs.* Windchill 11:20 pm *He shrugs. It's an honest assessment.* FakeProwl 11:20 pm *winces* Shockwave 11:21 pm @Soundy: <<If I -must- be given a razor snake, I prefer living specimens. But no. It is not required.>> ItsyBitsySpyers 11:21 pm @Prowl: [[...His apologies. It is - almost an automatic reflex.]] @Shockwave: [[...A hatchling, perhaps.]] FakeProwl 11:22 pm @Soundwave «Forgiven. It was just—unexpected.» ItsyBitsySpyers 11:24 pm *Small nod.* Shockwave 11:25 pm *has 13 hatchlings already. one more wouldnt hurt* *he'd have to keep it out of Predacon gobbling range* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:27 pm *That's what having Buzzsaw build a clean but beautiful looking aquarium is for. At least until it gets big enough to outgrow that.* Windchill 11:28 pm *He stretches again, since Whirl isn't here to give him his armpit-poking comeuppance.* I'm out, I think. ItsyBitsySpyers 11:28 pm [[Very well. He'll tell Rumble to let Whirl know.]] Windchill 11:29 pm *He hungers, it's time to FEED.* *Also, his friend has VANISHED.* *So it's double time. He stands, and shakes himself off.* 'Night, suckers. ItsyBitsySpyers 11:31 pm [[Goodnight.]] Windchill 11:31 pm *He waves, and steps out.* ItsyBitsySpyers 11:32 pm *Soundwave twists and bobs his helm near Shockwave's in a request for permission to bunt.*

@Shockwave: [[He hopes the design modifications seen tonight will be taken into consideration...?]] Shockwave 11:42 pm ((ahh im back sorry)) Shockwave 11:44 pm *nods* Did any particular features capture your interest? ItsyBitsySpyers 11:46 pm @Shockwave: [[Longer dorsal tubes, better quadrupedal running proportions. He will need the ability to move quickly if he ever loses air superiority.]] Shockwave 11:49 pm "Agreed. Though I would suggest that the tubing position remain adjustable, to prevent the larger design from interfering with your ability to navigate small spaces." ItsyBitsySpyers 11:52 pm *Ready nod. That would be delightful.*

@S: [[He will come test out potential layouts before the week is up, if that is all right.]] ItsyBitsySpyers 11:53 pm *Get some loose pipes and see how they'd work against his current frame, perhaps.* Shockwave 11:56 pm *antennae take on an upright, anticipatory angle* Yes. I would like to discuss the film's contents in further detail, as well.

*that would be ridiculous, soundwave. cute, but ridiculous. they possess -holographic technology- and malleable mental landscapes, you know.* Yesterday ItsyBitsySpyers 11:58 pm *...Oh. Yes. Mindscapes. Of course! That would also work, though it'd take a bit of fiddling to make sure they got the internal rules and weights right.*

*Well, no matter. They can figure it out then. There's that bunt for now.*

[[Then we shall. Until then...?]] Shockwave 12:01 am *bunted, fingers twitch* ...Yes. I shall return to my laboratory. Shockwave 12:02 am ((*fingerguns out for tonight?* sorry if i kept you waiting)) ItsyBitsySpyers 12:03 am *Soundwave pings acknowledgment and gives the plating edge he's got against his cheek a good nuzzling.*

[[Rest well. And may your work progress smoothly.]] ((roger dodger! and no problem <3)) Shockwave 12:05 am *brushes a few fingers fondly over Soundwave's forearm, extricates himself from the couch, and leaves* FakeProwl 12:06 am ... Now I know where you got that costume. ItsyBitsySpyers 12:09 am *Soundwave looks over to Prowl at last and scoots out of Prowl's spot, tapping the space. Do come sit.*

[[That was Buzzsaw's work.]] FakeProwl 12:10 am *a flicker, and he's back in his usual spot.* Then Shockwave's helping you improve it? ItsyBitsySpyers 12:10 am *Finally focusing on the fact that HE'S BEEN TALKING TO PROWL LIKE HE'S MEANT TO TALK TO OTHER BOTS. Please hold while he wraps himself up in this fact and pulls it tight.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:11 am *Okay. Okay, he's - he's nervous about this, especially after accidentally shouting, but he went through the whole movie without doing anything else wrong. This will be fine. Increased attention is safer attention.*

[[...In a manner of speaking.]] FakeProwl 12:13 am Oh? ItsyBitsySpyers 12:17 am [[Mm. His spark will not support his current alt mode forever.]] Flight is strenuous, Prowl. And so is admitting this, but it'll at least let him test reactions. [[It is - an interesting idea for the distant future.]]

*Definitely watching for any signs of repulsion.* FakeProwl 12:19 am *Blank stare at Soundwave. Then blank stare at wall.* ... Apparently I'm into people who want to turn into aliens. I didn't realize that was part of my type. ItsyBitsySpyers 12:20 am *...Slow, quiet huffing.* [[You would prefer an octopus?]] FakeProwl 12:21 am *Snort.* I'd miss the teeth. *DID HE SAY THAT. Clamps mouth shut. fff.* *Definitely going to keep staring at that wall.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:22 am *Tiny brighten. Yes, Prowl said that. And Soundwave deeply appreciated it.*

[[Then it pleases him to keep them.]] *Pause.* [[And share them.]] FakeProwl 12:22 am *Nod nod.* FakeProwl 12:23 am *RIGHT, moving on from that little... that.* Is that to be your alt-mode, then? Or will you be a monoformer? ItsyBitsySpyers 12:29 am [[An alt mode. There are some things they are not built to do. And he is not an organic. He...]] Oh, this is painful to think. [[He simply admires this one's appearance.]] *Don't tell anyone. His credit with the Decepticons is low enough.* FakeProwl 12:32 am *a nod. so prowl gathered, from the fact that he keeps showing movies about them. ... and dresses as them.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:32 am *Prowl went as a minicon. Does he want to be one?* FakeProwl 12:33 am *he wouldn't mind shrinking.* *anyway he didn't "go as a minicon" so much as attempt to hide from the crowd.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:35 am *Fair, fair. But no shrinking and asking to become his deployer. Holograms don't dock and Soundwave isn't going to pop his spark chamber open.*

*And now it's Soundwave's turn to fidget. He wasn't expecting to have to explain this. It went... a hundred times better than expected, but it's a little. It's.*

*Please let Prowl think of something else, Primus. Mercy.* FakeProwl 12:35 am ... The, er. Costume you wore. It was... very, uh... *words, words, words.* The shape fit. You. ItsyBitsySpyers 12:37 am *...........Oh. Well, that's not so bad either. Mercy after this, maybe.*

[[...Thank you. It - did serve him well, that night.]] [[But he does not need to remind you of that.]] FakeProwl 12:38 am Hff. No. ItsyBitsySpyers 12:39 am *Little shoulder tremble. And now they're back to the teeth. Well done, them.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:42 am *If Primus and Prowl won't show it, he will. Prompt, prompt.*

[[Now. He recalls an incomplete request?]] FakeProwl 12:43 am Ah. Yes. You did—I did—I mean, er. Yes. FakeProwl 12:45 am *Damn. He'd planned this out to be smooth. Instead he'd been sticking his foot in his mouth and awkwardly squeezing out half-compliments for the past five minutes. How does he get back on track.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:45 am *Oh, stammering. This will probably be interesting.* *Would Prowl like a hand? He finds that helps sometimes.* FakeProwl 12:46 am *no, no, he's got this prepared. he just has to get himself on script.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:46 am *Very well. Soundwave will be as patient for Prowl as Prowl has been for him, lately.* FakeProwl 12:47 am *OKAY. SUAVENESS. SUAVENESS NOW. FLIPPING THE SUAVE SWITCH.* FakeProwl 12:50 am *He says, very coolly and casually,* First, you'll have to sit in my lap. ItsyBitsySpyers 12:51 am *Well, THAT briefly uncorks a bottle of mental imagery.* *Soundwave quickly jams the stopper back into place and leans on it. Sitting on Prowl's lap. Yes. He'll just - do that.* ItsyBitsySpyers 12:53 am *Which involves hesitating because he doesn't know which direction, before deciding Prowl's hologram is sturdy enough they won't topple forward if it's face-to-face and gracefully rearranging himself to suit.* FakeProwl 12:54 am *Oh. Prowl was expecting sideways. Never mind, never mind—the position doesn't actually matter, he's not going to let it throw him off.* FakeProwl 12:56 am Right. *He laces his hands behind Soundwave's back. So casually you'd never guess that it's a deliberate, planned part of Prowl's presentation, except for the fact that he definitely stopped speaking until he'd finished doing it.* I thought this, was... thematically appropriate. Considering recent conversations we've had. And, us in general. *Inward wince. Should've worked on that last sentence. Keep going.* ... Here. (( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Znze-oR0-I )) ItsyBitsySpyers 12:59 am *Soundwave wiggles a little, but only to let Prowl's hands slip behind the guard over his lower back. A planned part it may be, but he's not gonna complain. At all. Especially if Prowl is trying to talk to him the way he understands best.* This message has been removed. ItsyBitsySpyers 1:01 am *...Oh. Oh, he knows this song. But this is - it's a cover? He pays close attention.* *...All he wants and needs, in his arms. Like Soundwave is.*

*...That cinder digs a bit deeper.* FakeProwl 1:02 am *Very slightly—but pointedly—tightens embrace at "here in my arms." As if, somehow, the meaning wasn't obvious.* *... Is it too much? Now he's worried it's too much. Maybe—no, no, he finished worrying it was too much three days ago. Now he waits. He can't take back the song now.* FakeProwl 1:05 am *RIGHT. There we go. He's going to awkwardly stare somewhere around Soundwave's shoulder as he waits for a reaction.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:08 am *And the part about speech breaking vows. And both pleasure and pain being involved, which is truer than most people are willing to admit.*

*And words being - what did it call them? Trivial? Structured sentences, meaningless. The song title is LITERALLY "Enjoy the Silence".*

*Well. He won't transfer any words, then. And no coherent thoughts.*

*Just a swell of - of - intense feelings, to use the song's phrase, and Soundwave sliding his arms behind Prowl to crush him close.* *Bumper be damned.* FakeProwl 1:13 am *Oh! Good. Prowl did good. He attempts to return the wave of feelings with one of his own, but isn't quite sure how to pick and send one, so it ends up being a confused blup consisting of relief and something that might be translatable into several pings of affection.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:14 am *That confused blup is, quite honestly, charming as Pit. Maybe Prowl will let him try to teach how to do things some day, but for now, this is... more honest. And he likes that.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:18 am *Curious nudge and an overhead shot of himself sitting on Prowl's lap, taken just a moment ago. This, unfortunately, requires him to 'speak'.*

[[...It is all right to stay here?]] FakeProwl 1:18 am Oh. Yes. Absolutely. ItsyBitsySpyers 1:20 am *Nod. NOW he turns to sit sideways, in order to better fit his legs on the couch and curl around the side of Prowl's chest instead of battling it from the front.* FakeProwl 1:22 am *There, that's more like what he expected. He shifts his arms to accommodate the new position.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:24 am [[...He likes your taste in music. He would listen to more, if you found it.]] FakeProwl 1:26 am *Prowl is pretty sure that's high praise out of Soundwave.* When I find more that's fitting, I will. *... On the other hand maybe Soundwave likes ALL tastes in music. Hm.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:27 am *Little bit high praise, little bit implying he would love to hear more of what Prowl had to tell him, little bit suggesting he enjoys these musical messages of theirs.*

*Soundwave nods and buries his face in Prowl's shoulder.* FakeProwl 1:28 am *THAT'S new. And nice. Prowl likes that.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:32 am *It's a good shoulder. Sometimes he wishes Prowl would smell like metal, or be warm, or make all the little sounds, or leave paint and not static - in short, that he could have the real thing, green and all - but it's what he has for now, so he'll take it.* FakeProwl 1:34 am *There are SOME sounds. Preprogrammed to play under the right circumstances. But it's closer to a very advanced video game soundtrack than to a real person's systems.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:34 am *And he's Soundwave. He has no trouble identifying the differences.* FakeProwl 1:38 am *Well, Prowl's body might not be here—but PROWL is, and he's quietly delighted that Soundwave is on his lap and liked his musical offering.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:39 am *Prowl's going to be even more delighted in a moment. Soundwave's mask is raised and he's taking to teasingly prodding the shoulder with tongue and mlah to see how long before Prowl notices the sensation.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:42 am *Content spymasters are often quietly playful ones, as has been demonstrated on past occasions. At present, he's entertained by the idea of making his chair wiggle beneath him.* FakeProwl 1:43 am *For the record: longer than it would in a normal body, but not very long at all. Speaking of the artificial soundtrack: here, have an engine rev.* ItsyBitsySpyers 1:48 am *WELL. That'd be hard to mistake even if they were still communicating via text.*

*But he supposes a wriggle is a wriggle however it's earned, so onward his glossa travels, licking a line around the shoulder's edge before stopping to nibble on a corner.*

[][][]Do you want to play a game?[][][] FakeProwl 1:50 am *Immediately:* Yes. *Less immediately:* What kind of game? ItsyBitsySpyers 1:55 am *Quiet huff. Soundwave reaches for a cube from the bar with his feelers and motions to the top of Prowl's head with it. He won't set it up there unless he's allowed.*

[[It is called "finding out if Soundwave can make you spill this".]] FakeProwl 1:56 am *Prowl's optics brighten. A lot.* The rules? ItsyBitsySpyers 2:08 am [[You make yourself comfortable. He then balances this on your head - or some other sufficiently challenging location - and does what he safely can to dislodge it without moving you himself.]] *Key: safely. That means no scaring Prowl or seizing his mind and forcing him to drop the cube.* [[Teasing, amusing, bribing - simple things. You lose when even a single drop falls over the side.]]

[[Timed or untimed. Your choice, as is what happens if he wins. Or if you win.]] ItsyBitsySpyers 2:11 am *It is worth noting that the cube is fairly full.* FakeProwl 2:14 am *Looks at the cube contemplatively for a moment.* ... Shoulder. There's no flat surface on my head. Even if we get it perfectly balanced, the mere act of talking would be enough to dislodge it. THAT challenge can wait for another night. ItsyBitsySpyers 2:15 am *Only if Prowl talks out loud. But, he doesn't know how to work around this yet, so, very well.*

[[Is that an agreement?]] FakeProwl 2:16 am It is. Fifteen minutes for the first round so we can both get the hang of it and see if we like it, move up from there? ItsyBitsySpyers 2:18 am *Nod.*

[[Agreed. But if he may make a suggestion?]] Vent against Prowl's shoulder. [[Changing venues. It would be... awkward, for Rumble to return to this.]] FakeProwl 2:20 am HFF—! ... Agreed. ItsyBitsySpyers 2:23 am [[Good. He'll hear plenty over his playlist choices as it is.]] Soundwave pops a bridge to life behind himself and starts to stand up carefully, so as not to leave Prowl's arms. [[Come.]] *He knows the avatar can just flicker on somewhere else, but damn it, this is a comfortable spot and he'd prefer not to lose it.* FakeProwl 2:26 am *Oh, is he being dragged along? Then follows~*

[rurounidrift]

June 28 Blurr’s HOrror Stream - Life

A Hot Rod showed up. Drift fell all over himself.

Apparently he’s tired of the type of movie endings this one has, because he ranted a bit about it.

Welcome to the 'speedxstealer' room. The chat room has been cleared by the moderator. B l u r r: [[ fair warning, comcast is sucking asss today, so i may possibly lose the stream )) B l u r r: [[ im not even showing anythingand it's dropping frames ]] Hot Rod: ( iM HERE ) B l u r r: ( A SMOL! ) B l u r r: / skids in on fast pedes and vents. Hiss steam from pauldrons. He is here! / Soundwave: *Rumble stumbles in after him, slightly off-balance.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Somebody catch th' plate on that fragger?// Hot Rod: *so conFUSED as he comes in* B l u r r: / snickers and flicks claws in his direction / B l u r r: Hnn? /a new face. He doesn't recognize it / Hot Rod: *squinty-eyed look at the others* "...Bonjour...?" Sunstreaker: -and he's here in place of Blaster tonight- B l u r r: ... /sharp tooth grin/ Bonjour. K-Kyeheheh. Hot Rod: *nervousness intensifies, as he plants his servos on his hips* "Alright, merci beaucoup, strange one." B l u r r: Blurr. /motions around with claws/ This is my ship. Sunstreaker: -glances around at the crowd. Only recognizes a few. Gets ready for a long night of not knowing what is going on- Hot Rod: *nods and looks around* It's a very... /nice/ ship. B l u r r: How sweet... B l u r r: You haven't even seen the best part of it yet. B l u r r: But, that's off limits for now. Hot Rod: "It's /quite/ alright. Im content on standing RIGHT HERE.." Bevel: *trundles in* B l u r r: Kyeheheh, if you want to. Whirl: *slinks in and makes his way for his hammock* Sunstreaker: -snorts, and goes to sit, somewhere out of the way- B l u r r: Snacks are set up. We just got new supplies, so they're all fresh. B l u r r: So, feel free to pick and choose. /vents/ Or what have you. Drift: *look who finally showed up!* B l u r r: / wiggles claws at / Drift: ((which continuity hot rod is here? 0v0)) Whirl: *sticks out the legy to rock his hammock* Anything liquid? And strong enough to strip the paint off ya? B l u r r: (( hes tyran, i think )) B l u r r: (( he new friend! )) B l u r r: Yes, we made liquid treats this time. Bevel: *waves to Blurr as she gets some of said liquid treats* B l u r r: / waves at Bevel / Drift: *wiggles fingers at blurr, and flops next to* B l u r r: / smirks at / B l u r r: D: where hot rod go? I was excite to see! )) Bevel: *now to find someplace to sit* Hot Rod: ( omg sorry IM HERE ) Whirl: And the "strong enough to strip your paint" bit? B l u r r: ( yay! ) B l u r r: ... Hell, I don't know. I have a different flavor pallette. B l u r r: But, I know one of them smells extremely sweet. Whirl: Hmm. *hauls himself up and stalks over to inspect them* Hot Rod: *claps his servos together* alright, i need names. Who are you all??? Bevel: *looks up from the drink she's grabbed* My name is Bevel. B l u r r: You already know me. /eyeing him/ And I think I know you. Hot Rod: ( eyes him back ) "Monsieur, I do not think you do." B l u r r: No, but... I could know you real fast. /licks sharp denta/ You look like you taste good. Whirl: *holds a glass under his helm, huffing in the scent* I... am Ultra Magnus. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble squawks. That's HIS joke!* Drift: I'm Drift. *nods at Whirl* Ultra Magnus over here is my second-in-command. Hot Rod: ( FROWNS ) "You touch me, I'm punching you, mon ami. I suggest you do not." Sunstreaker: Sunstreaker. B l u r r: K-KYAHAHAHA!! /kicks pedes. He's wheezing. He's joking/ Whirl: *you snooze you lose, pipsqueak* Drift: S'okay, Blurr doesn't eat guests unless they're causing trouble. Sunstreaker: -and just going to sigh at the joke. Really?- Bevel: *laughs* Hot Rod: ( nods at everyone else, offering a charming smile ) "Bonjour, quite a pleasure to meet you all. && I do not think you are Ultra Magnus?" Whirl: *sets the glass down, having apparently decided not to drink it* And why would that be? Hot Rod: "It eez... a gut feeling." B l u r r: / nudges Drift and snickers / He thought I was gonna actually eat him. Drift: Oh, that's just because he's not in his suit. Bulks him up a lot. Whirl: Well, you're wrong. As you can see, my fellows will vouch for me. Whirl: *retreats to his hammock* Sunstreaker: -No he won't- Hot Rod: "Alright, I stand by my beliefs." ( huffs ) "I have no idea who you are and I literally just came here. Can you blame me?" Bevel: *realized she clearly missed a chance to say she was Shockwave or Astrotrain or something* Whirl: Yes? I can? Whirl: You don't know a damn thing about me or where I come from. Why would I LIE? B l u r r: Stop picking on him, guys. What if I get in troubl-... / trails off/ Ah... Optimus Prime of Tyran breaking in to kill me. B l u r r: /SIIIIIGH / Whirl: He might very well step on you. Whirl: Slowly. B l u r r: He might... Hot Rod: ( confused french noises ) Hot Rod: ( perks up ) Hot Rod: "Man, Optimus is like my sire. He's rather cool!" ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave trudges in and looks over at Whirl.* B l u r r: ... you know him closely , then? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Ultra Magnus, Blurr, Bevel, Drift. Greetings.]] B l u r r: / waves at Soundwave / Whirl: *it's a good thing he's so dam good at poker faces* Soundwave. *nods gravely* Sunstreaker: ((SNEK! Primus-mun says hi ItsyBitsySpyers: *Parks himself on his seat.* ItsyBitsySpyers: ((hi!)) Whirl: ((YOOO)) Hot Rod: "Kinda close?" Hot Rod: "I'm pretty sure that even if we weren't close, he would still step on you." B l u r r: .... That's fantastic. B l u r r: Come sit with me and Drift. Sunstreaker: ((she's not having a good day, like at all B l u r r: (( hi Primus - mun! )) Drift: ((hullooo!)) Whirl: Yo. Pipsqueak. *clicks his vocalizer*

Missed a little. Hot Rod gave his name and Drift immediately, enthusiastically, and repeatedly welcomed him to their couch. Blurr called him out on it.

Drift: *swats at blurr* Life's too short for subtlety. I'm NOT scaring him away, I'm welcoming him. This is his first night here, right? It's polite. Hot Rod: [ looks very awkward and squints ] That would be a stupid law. B l u r r: / rolls optic/ Great, now you're gonna spend the whole time with him. /joking / Hot Rod: [ THEN looks at the other and hesitantly slides over ] "Zhen it would alright if I sit here?" B l u r r: Sure, I won't bite you. B l u r r: I'm under strict orders not to hurt your... kind. Drift: Yeah, absolutely! 0v0 Drift: *pokes blurr* Hey. I can spend time with BOTH of you, you know. B l u r r: Now where have I heard THAT before? Hot Rod: [ curious look ] You can't hurt MY kind? I do not understand? B l u r r: ...We're different. But, I know hurting you might back fire on me. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble manages to hoist himself up the leg, also with great dignity, and settles in.* B l u r r: [[ oh, does anyone need captions? I can turn it off. ]] Bevel: [[i do please B l u r r: [[ okie we leave them on! ]] Hot Rod: [ sits all prim and proper, jesus, rELAX HOT ROD ] "Hurting bots in general would backfire, irregardless." Whirl: *counter-settles and, content that his Clever Ruse is well underway, looks to the screen. And, staring fixedly at the screen, he veeery subtly nudges Rumble* Whirl: @R: Thanks, by the way. B l u r r: / rolls optic/ Oh, relax, Hot Rod. You're fine. I'm not gonna bite. B l u r r: Besides, Drift here would have a panic attack if I tried /snort/ ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //Huh? What for? I mean, like, yer welcome 'n all, but I dunno why.// Drift: He's right. I'd panic, and then I'd attack. Whirl: @R: Basically all of Monday. Sunstreaker: -Can they not? Sunstreaker is off-duty now- Sunstreaker: -He'd like to remain off-duty- Hot Rod: ( HUFFS ) "I can handle myself in a fight. I am no damsel in distress." B l u r r: / snerk / Drift: Oh no no, of course not! B l u r r: Anyway, baguette, you're perfectly safe on my ship. So long as you don't cause damage. Whirl: *SNK* Whirl: *he approves of the nickname* ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //Oh. Oh, yeah! No problem, mech. Got your back, swear.// Drift: ... "baguette"? B l u r r: It's a french thing. Hot Rod: ( HISSES LOUDLY ) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave eyes the new mech curiously* Whirl: *nudges again, in silent acknowledgement* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Just listening to that. And Rumble nudges back.* B l u r r: K-Kyeheheheh. Drift: *he /hisses/. wow.* Hot Rod: "Baguette is a STUPID nickname." Hot Rod: *he can make many other noises* Sunstreaker: -settles to watch humans being stupid on screen- B l u r r: Oh, is it? Well, I suppose I could come up with something later. B l u r r: [[ also, btw, some gore shyte is comin' up ]] Drift: I'll just call you Hot Rod. 0u0 Hot Rod: "It eez Hot Rod && ONLY HOT ROD" Hot Rod: "Merci beaucoup!" B l u r r: Aut ' 'Od? B l u r r: / smirking more / Whirl: *squints* what is it, like, an amoeba? Whirl: A very tiny barnacle...? Drift: *paps blurr's head* Don't make fun of him. B l u r r: / scoffs/ Sunstreaker: ...... Hot Rod: "HOT. ROD. You imbecile!" B l u r r: I'm just playing with hi- ItsyBitsySpyers: //Looks kinda like a... whatcha call it. Lich. Lichen... Leech!// B l u r r: .... /optic flare / Whirl: A leech. *blank stare. Pertraxia flashbacks* B l u r r: / engine growl / I am NOT an imbecile. Whirl: Not sure it's a leech... but it IS leech-like. Whirl: *he can understand the one scientist's pride. Who wouldn't love a horrid little blob baby.* Hot Rod: ( tips his helm up ) "Then call me by my proper designation." ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Heh. Node.]] B l u r r: That's what it SOUNDED like to me. B l u r r: Though, I admit. It's nice to meet an Autobot with some taste. Drift: ... How about both of you be nice to each other. Whirl: ExCUSE you. Whirl: I'M an Autobot and I have EXCELLENT taste. B l u r r: I meant from Tyran, you bolt. B l u r r: Aside from Roadbuster, I haven't met a mech who wanted to take control of an accent. B l u r r: I was COMPLIMENTING him. Hot Rod: ( clears throat and pronounces slowly ) "Hot. Rod. And of course, I know that I have excellent tastes." Hot Rod: ( ok you made him happy because his lil dorrwings are fluttering ) Bevel: Is Calvin gonna eat everyone? *knows what kinda movies Blurr shows by now* B l u r r: / smirks/ Hot Rod it is. Whirl: I hope it gorws into some kind of monster. I mean. That's what I EXPECT, of course. Hot Rod: ( pleased purr and settles to watch the movie ) B l u r r: I hope it's a monster. I love monsters. Bevel: *giggles* Whirl: *side-eyes Hot Rod; interesting noise. After a moment, he mimics the purr* Drift: I like the accent! *belatedly and uselessly* Whirl: *not quite purrfectly but very close* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Hey! Hey! We got accents. Just they don't sound like that one.// Jazz: *drops down from the ceiling and drapes over Soundwave's couch* BUDDY! Hot Rod: ( embarrassed smile now ) "Merci beaucoup, Drift." ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave is up off that couch, turned around, and waving wary feelers in a FLASH.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Primus.]] Jazz: *grins* Did I scare yah? Drift: *he got a smile!! smiles back brilliantly* Hot Rod: ( laughs at Whirl trying to mimic him. Does a little purring noise again ) Whirl: *mimics again--it's much better this time* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You nearly lost your helm.]] Jazz: Whoa... new mech! ItsyBitsySpyers: *Pauses his irritation to look at the screen. Neural network?* Jazz: *looks at soundwave* Awww, you sound like you'd be sorry if I did. Whirl: Aww, look at it! Already growing. Most likely into something bloodthirsty. <3 B l u r r: Hopefully. Crosscut: Hello? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes, well. He does have an oath to keep. He would be loathe to break it.]] Crosscut: -enters- Jazz: *shrugs and struts across the room for some snacks* Sunstreaker: -Yep, crowd watching is more intersting right now- Whirl: *quick glance to Crosscut, but is not obvious about it* Jazz: Well, the all spark an' I thank yah, Sounders. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yo!// Wave to Crosscut. He tries to make it not look as excited as it is. //Ain't seen you in a long time. How ya doin'?// ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You should.]] Whirl: *Look at the thing!* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Sits himself down and watches the creature with interest, now that Jazz is moved* Crosscut: Why helllo, I suppose it has been some time hasn't it? Whirl: *zoops towards the screen* B l u r r: [[ lmao poor whirl. ]] Whirl: ((IT'S CUTE THO)) B l u r r: [[ good luck. ]] B l u r r: [ DONT BLAME ME ]] Whirl: ((BY HIS STANDARDS)) Crosscut: I'm well, busy but well. Hot Rod: "Ewwwww... it's WIGGLING" Whirl: It's precious. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[...How is it progressing so quickly...?]] ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yeah? Whatcha been up to?// Hot Rod: ( covers his face ) Crosscut: -is there room to sit by the tiny writer?- Whirl: *he's in the Hammock, but Whirl nudges him--if he wants to go to CC, he can* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Tiny writer is by Whirl, so that depends on Whirl* B l u r r: .. Are you scared of it? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oh! He's being nudged. Well, he'll scamper over, then.* Jazz: *flashes visor and waves at the peeps he knows * Hot Rod: "It's gross and yes, its kinda scary" Whirl: *glances after him, looking briefly very satisfied with himself* B l u r r: K-Kyeheheh. Don't worry, it's just a movie. B l u r r: For now. Hot Rod: "But not as scary as the dinobots." Whirl: *JUST AS KEIKAKU* B l u r r: ... /makes a face/ Dinobots are... rather intimidating. Crosscut: -takes a seat- Well, looking into moving preperations mostly. Hot Rod: "If you saw MY dinobots, you would be terrified. The first time I saw them, i fainted" ItsyBitsySpyers: *Bounces up onto the seat just enough nearby to be friendly without going full fanboy.* B l u r r: I HAVE seen your dinobots. B l u r r: I don't want to see them ever again ItsyBitsySpyers: //Movin'? You leavin' the ship?// Hot Rod: "And when I woke up, i was in their nest for a few days." Crosscut: -Pfft, no mini bots in lap- Drift: Saw them. Watched a documentary. Crosscut: Yes, planning on it. B l u r r: /nudges thumb at Jazz/ He's more accustomed to them, honestly. Jazz: *sipping cube* they're snugglers. Whirl: The little tyke got loose. Sunstreaker: -wow, alarms from the lab. Surprise.- Hot Rod: *nods slightly* Hot Rod: "They like to... cuddle a lot." Hot Rod: "Normally im up for it, but its real scary" Jazz: Aw, they're just lonely sometimes. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Where ya gonna go? You gonna go politics again?// Jazz: *flashes visor* Jazz: I don't know you, do I? You're new. *grins* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[The Tyran Dinobots, snuggling?]] Crosscut: Just Cybertron. Hot Rod: ( thinks back to all the times he's been chased ) Crosscut: What? Oh no no, no politics anymore. B l u r r: / nudges Drift / Hey. Maybe he can get Optimus to kill me and you can go celebrate with him. Hot Rod: "I don't... think I've met you either?" Drift: Shut up. Optimus can maim you, but killing is off-limits. Jazz: Probably not. Been gone for a while. *holds out claw* Name's Jazz. First Lieutenant, mech. B l u r r: Okay, but that doesn't mean you can't hang out with him. /pokes Drift's helm/ Crosscut: I have enough savings, I'm going to focus on my writing mostly, or that's the plan at least. B l u r r: You giant flirt. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Crosscut's gonna write again?* Hot Rod: ( takes his hands and shakes it ) Hot Rod, soldier and World War 2 veteran. Pleasure to met you Jazz: *grins and magnets to his servo. Shake shake* Sunstreaker: -watching screen again. What are the humans doing this time?- ItsyBitsySpyers: //Awesome. Got enough politics mechs around.// Sunstreaker: ... Sunstreaker: ............ Drift: Oh, you've been on Earth that long? Hot Rod: ( confused looks to their servos ) Hot Rod: ( goodness, are they sTUCK ) Hot Rod: ( nods happily ) "Oui! I have been there for that long." Whirl: *recoils a bit. mmmmmm* Drift: *... he's going to lose a hand* Whirl: *VERY QUICKLY LOOKS AT HIS HAMMOCK* Sunstreaker: -well slag- ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble pings Whirl.* Drift: *distraction time* Hey! Whirl! Hot Rod: "whats happening" Jazz: *shake shake and releases servo* Sunstreaker: -That's not good- Jazz: I don't remember you...  but you feel familiar. Hot Rod: ( tERRIFIED SQUEAKING ) Drift: Whirl, have you put more thought into the whole—ship—thing? The little ship. B l u r r: / uh. Awkward. Uhm. Pats Hot Rod's uh... arm...? / Drift: *was drift too late* Whirl: *antenna twitches; he's still looking down* Sunstreaker: -stares and doesn't like where this is going- Sunstreaker: And it is out Crosscut: -watching the film- Drift: *was clearly too late* Crosscut: ((NO! Not that cute fat boy!)) ItsyBitsySpyers: //...Is it gonna go Alien on it?//

Missed some, idk how much. Crosscut got scurred.

ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble nudges Crosscut.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //You holdin' up, mech?// Crosscut: W-what? Oh..no, I mena yes. Crosscut: I'm fine.. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Note to self. Crosscut probably isn't ever going to write scary stories.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[They should never have shocked it.]] Crosscut: -He's fine with scary stuff!  just not...parasites or things similar to it.- Drift: ... Listen, Whirl. I know that you're... Sunstreaker: That was...a very bad idea Drift: *mm. no. don't say that.* You can stay on the Lost Light, if you want. It's just...it's not a ship anymore—it's more like an apartment complex. Drift: Nobody HAS to leave. Whirl: And stay there. On Cybertron. Hot Rod: ok, this isnt that scary anymore B l u r r: [[ so i missed all of that 8') ]] Drift: ... I take it that's a no. B l u r r: [[ had to be the convenient "yell at speedy" time ]] Whirl: With Starscream, and the NAILs. *his voice is getting flatter and flatter; when Whirl's not actively trying to emote, his voice sounds very dronelike* Whirl: No. Whirl: It's definitely a no. Drift: *nods* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Humans really gotta stop goin' to space.// Crosscut: ((My sassy sassy rat, so big and cute and fat~)) ItsyBitsySpyers: //They don't do nothin' but get killed.// Crosscut: Hah ha. Bevel: [[this is too much for me, i'm gonna step out,  night everyone Drift: ((gnight)) Sunstreaker: ((g'night! B l u r r: Humans should stay away from space in general. Sunstreaker: .........so, two down already? Whirl: ((gnight!)) Hot Rod: "Humans are so cute, i love them" Hot Rod: ( night! hope you feel better soon, sweetpea~ <3 ) Crosscut: Who si that actor? Crosscut: He's so familar.. B l u r r: Humans disgust me... but I digress ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Which one?]] Jazz: I used to like 'em... *huffs* Now I'm just picky. Crosscut: I enjoy them. Hot Rod: ( excited look ) "I especially like the French people!" Jazz: Yo, French people are great. Jazz: They got the best style! Crosscut: They value entertainment more than most planets, they're very creative....It may hold them back quite a bit but they're very rich in culture. Whirl: *glances over, briefly* How d'you feel about French cinema? Crosscut: I quite enoy it, one of the first Earth languages I learned actually. Crosscut: *enjoy Whirl: ...well, I was talking to Hot Rod, but no reason not to poll the room. Crosscut: (omg im sorry i can't type tonight, i am juggling a rat in my hands- Crosscut: __ Crosscut: )) Whirl: ((A GOOD RAT)) Crosscut: ((He is good)) Drift: ((you notice how they kinda sway/bob back and forth while they're talking, since they're floating and all?)) Hot Rod: "I really do like French Cinema, especially their animations! They are very good." Drift: ((imagine the actors standing on solid ground and slowly leaning back and forth to pretend they're floating)) Crosscut: ((cut)) Crosscut: *cute Sunstreaker: ((hah! Jazz: (( pffft)) Whirl: If you've not checked out Jean-Luc Godar's work, you should. Whirl: ...y'know, it's been a while since we had Cukture Club. Whirl: *Culture ItsyBitsySpyers: //Lil while, yeah.// Whirl: .....*Godard ((GDI)) Drift: Whose turn is it? Whirl: Prowl's, I think. B l u r r: What is a culture club? Hot Rod: "Oh! Thank you, ill keep that in mind!" B l u r r: Humans are so hard to restart. Crosscut: ((-imaging all the typos tonight as drunken slurring- )) Drift: /Ugh/. Whirl: It's a thing I host every now and then. We all pick movies, and watch them. Whirl: You're welcome to come, as always. B l u r r: ... Ah. B l u r r: / frowns/ Cultural things? Whirl: Though I... guess I don't. Know where we're gonna do 'em, now. B l u r r: I'm afraid I've been stunted on culture thanks to the Decepticons. B l u r r: ... It's beautiful. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Stop attacking it.]] Whirl: Precious! ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It reminds him a little of octopuses.]] B l u r r: It's smart... very smart. B l u r r: It's learning... /smirks/ Crosscut: That's terrifying. B l u r r: I want one. Sunstreaker: Humans have a...very /very/ active imagnation ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Fascinating.]] Whirl: Strong little guy. B l u r r: ... Oh, you're an idiot. B l u r r: That's not how you survive. Crosscut: No, stay in there. B l u r r: well, if they didn't attack it, it wouldn't be defending itself. B l u r r: It saw them as the enemy the instant one of them attacked it B l u r r: so, if one is hurting it, to Calvin, they all will. Drift: I think hating somethinig that just killed three of your friends is pretty rational, actually. B l u r r: Hating something is easy. Whirl: I mean, if it were me, I'd try and find a way to kill it regardless of whose fault it was. Sunstreaker: -watching in mild fascination again- B l u r r: Survival calls for killing it, yes. Hot Rod: "Oh gosh, this is-- an oh gosh moment" Hot Rod: OH MON DIEU Hot Rod: MERDEEEE Drift: *looks at Hot Rod* You all right? B l u r r: He's having a moment. Hot Rod: "I would say oui, but non Sunstreaker: Yikes Hot Rod: I am not ok B l u r r: It's just a movie. It won't hurt you. B l u r r: They don't have escape pods? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[And if it got in one with them?]] Jazz: ... Yah blow up the one it's in. Jazz: Or yah push it out into space. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[With what?]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Motions to the screen.* Jazz: Shouldn't escape pods have navigation? Jazz: I mean, ours did. Sorta. Sunstreaker: ........ B l u r r: It's eating the other crew, too? Whirl: Looks like it. B l u r r: Well It's hungry. B l u r r: Well, he had a newborn. By horror logic, he was slated to die. Hot Rod: "oh no, sho.i loved u" Sunstreaker: I...have no more words left for this movie Whirl: Look at the little guy crawling. Whirl: ...well, that looks bad. ItsyBitsySpyers: //New rule: take swords to space.// B l u r r: If they're worried about their planet... B l u r r: why don't they just use what they can to get themselves further from Earth? B l u r r: Instead of struggling to go back Whirl: Best to keep a sword on you at all times. Just in case. Drift: They don't HAVE anything to get themselves further from Earth. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Where's yours?// Sunstreaker: Because they are being idiotic Drift: They're out of fuel, the little mini-rocket thing broke off... They're out of stuff. B l u r r: But they're still struggling to find a way back. Whirl: *shifts a bit, flopping back on the hammock, and whips his sword out of subspace. He points it straight up at the ceiling* Drift: Were they? I thought they were just kinda, being resigned here to not going back. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Holy frag. I didn't think ya actually had one.// B l u r r: Maybe. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Boss. Boss, I want a sword.// ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We will ask Bevel.]] Crosscut: Goodness, whirl put that away. Whirl: Yep. *still holding it aloft* Picked it up on the batle for Luna-1. B l u r r: .I have swords built into my frame. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yeah?// Whirl: Dunno who you're talking to, Crosscut. I'm Ultra Magnus. B l u r r: Yep. Crosscut: BT B l u r r: / snort / B l u r r: / He's finding this character slightly endearing / Whirl: *he feels you, pilot guy* Jazz: *sad face* Whirl: *at last, puts his sword away, but doesn't un-flop* Crosscut: ((I know it's the end but I'm falling asleep)) Whirl: ((if you're headin out, GNIGHT MY DUDE)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((gently blankets you)) B l u r r: /nudges Drift / Drift: Hm? Drift: ... Isn't HER turning on the candle gonna mess up the plan? B l u r r: I would lure some alien creature away for you. Crosscut: ((I'm gonna try to stick it out.)) Sunstreaker: ((g'night! Sunstreaker: ((or not Whirl: ((HANG IN THERE)) Drift: Aww. I'd lure one away for you. Drift: ... But we should fight it together. B l u r r: But if it came down to saving your planet, I'd rather lure it away. Drift: Don't need to lure it if we kick its aft together. B l u r r: Mm true. Whirl: ((its loving embrace)) Drift: ... Where's she going? She's going to mess up the plan. B l u r r: oh she's in it. Crosscut: -nodding off, starting to tilt over to the side- Drift: *scoots to edge of seat.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave stretches a feeler out and tips Crosscut upright* Drift: ... I swear, if they decide to pull some "it falls to Earth and the last thing we see is it surviving and heading to civilization" slag... Whirl: *is presently a limp pile of elbows on his hammock, with a head zooping lazily out* B l u r r: What do you expect?Humans can only think so far. Drift: That's got nothing to do with humans. That's gonna be on the movie makers. Crosscut: -is pushed back up into a sitting position, but optics still dim- Drift: If the movie makers decide do that, I'll be torqued. B l u r r: ... Drift, those are humans. Drift: ... I thought you were talking about the characters. B l u r r: No, I meant the people who make the movies. Sunstreaker: And here comes the mess Whirl: At least it's happening for a reason--Calvin's doing it. Drift: Oh. Then no, I'm not talking about their ability to think so far, either. I'm talking about their decision to have a HAPPY ENDING. B l u r r: Happy endings don't exist. Whirl: *mmm TIME TO LOOK AWAY AGAIN PERHAPS* Drift: And a happy ending is an ending that doesn't finish with humans being endangered. Drift: They do in movies. B l u r r: Then it's more realistic for it not to end happily. Drift: I don't want a realistic ending. I want a happy ending where they save their planet. B l u r r: ... /shrugs / B l u r r: It's so CUTE. Whirl: *peeks back* Crosscut: ((smooch)) B l u r r: Maybe I'm just cynical. /completely is / Drift: ... Yeah, I think they made it to deep space. We're good. Crosscut: -flops forward, laying over own lap- Sunstreaker: -sits back to watch- ItsyBitsySpyers: *Tips up again and taps with feeler claws.* B l u r r: / flexes claws/ I'm not even allowed back on my planet. So maybe my attachment is a little strained. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yo. Yo, you're missin' the end, mech.// Crosscut: Wha-...huh? Crosscut: Oh! Oh i'm -yawns- sorry. Drift: ... Yeah, fair. ItsyBitsySpyers: //'S cool.// Drift: ((it froze, what's happening???)) Sunstreaker: .............. B l u r r: [[ oh, she mcfuckled and went into deep space. ]] Crosscut: ((It froze what happened? B l u r r: he brought calvin to earth ]] Crosscut: I'm gonna guess his ship landed and hers got flipped into space? Drift: DAMMIT! Sunstreaker: There goes Earth B l u r r: [[ she tried to pilot ]] B l u r r: [[ and fuckked it up ]] B l u r r: [ SO THATS HER FAULT TBH ] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((the hit to the solar panel *** up her system and piloting so she went into deep space)) Whirl: Interesting, that Calvin kept him alive. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((and calvin stopped him finishing the manual override)) B l u r r: For a reason, I'm sure. Drift: I asked for ONE THING! B l u r r: It's a movie. Whirl: *blinks, and then gives a little snort* Whirl: Spirit in the Sky, eh? ItsyBitsySpyers: //Well, he's smart, ain't he?// B l u r r: / shrugs/ Besides, Earth is a disgusting planet. Crosscut: That was, well...a rather predictable ending. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Horror films often have them.]] Crosscut: This is true. B l u r r: I have no idea why anyone is surprised. Crosscut: Do like this song though. Sunstreaker: You mean there are other endings besides 'everyone dies?' Drift: Yeah, there's sometimes "the enemy is defeated and a single female survives." Crosscut: -rubs helm- Sorry for dozzing like that. B l u r r: Well. Sunstreaker: -snorts- Close enough B l u r r: I like that the monster didn't die. Crosscut: I'm more tired than I though I guess. Drift: No! It's different! Because this ending is an apocalypse. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Hey, you oughta recharge.// Jazz: Earth IS an apocalypse... Jazz: in most situations. Drift: I'm sick of implied apocalypses. I /lived/ through one. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Then perhaps you should watch happier movies.]] Drift: Multiple! Multiple apocalypses! Crosscut: Yes, I suppose I should. Sunstreaker: Mech, most of us here have Crosscut: I will. I'm going. -stands on tired, stumbly legs- B l u r r: Horror movies are horror for a reason. The outcome isn't a success. most of the time. B l u r r: That's the "horror" Drift: I know! Why aren't more of you annoyed that it's gotta end with an implied apocalypse? ItsyBitsySpyers: //Don't fall asleep drivin' or - however ya move. Seeya, mech.// Whirl: C'mon, Drift, surely we could go through a few more apocalypses before we're done. Sunstreaker: Because it is /fiction/ B l u r r: / looks at Drift / My Master /wanted/ an apocalypse. Drift: No, the horror is the stuff that happens DURING the movie. I want it—I'd like it all wrapped up and OKAY again at the end. Drift: Yeah but that doesn't count, because I'd be rooting for you guys. Sunstreaker: We just watched a horror movie ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble bounces back to the hammock, thrilled that he spent most of the movie with a secret idol, and attempts to scramble in* B l u r r: I would be angry if they killed the monster. B l u r r: It was defensive the entire movie. Crosscut: Goodnight. Jazz: I dunno... I'm kinda leanin' on Drift's side. I mean, if it's fiction, then I guess a better endin' would make more sense. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Night!// Crosscut: -waves before turning to take his leave- It was nice seeing you again, Rumble. A shame we don't get to do so more often. Drift: I /just/—I want more movie endings that don't imply that humanity is going to go extinct. Sunstreaker: Yes, a happier end would have been nice Whirl: *un-flops and shifts to make room* Jazz: Humans sure don't give two scraps about any other species goin' extinct... Sunstreaker: But apparently the writers thought differently Jazz: *scratches helm* But, I don't wanna see their race run out, either. Drift: Oh NOW you're agreeing that a happier ending would have been nice? After snarking at me for the past five minutes? Drift: I'd just—I'd like a FEW more that are terrifying for two hours, and then after the two hours the humans are, presumably, going to be okay. Not ALL humans. The main cast can die, I don't care. Drift: But humanity, in general. Sunstreaker: You are taking a work of fiction too seriously Drift: Shut up. Let me have my damn opinion. Whirl: *nudges Rumble* You should ring him up sometime. He's not a hard mech to get a hold of. Sunstreaker: You have your opinion, I have mine Sunstreaker: And if I have to respect yours, then kindly /do the same/ Drift: Yeah, and I didn't ask you what you think of mine. B l u r r: Ohfor pit sake... B l u r r: / rubbing temples / You liked the ending. You hated it. There. B l u r r: We're done Drift: I never said you can't have my opinion. I'm just sitting over here talking about mine while you're— Drift: one—implying that there ARE no other endings—two—implying I'm an idiot for having an opinion based on living through apocalypses because oh wow, so have other people— Sunstreaker: You got upset over the fact that not everyone in the room shared yours ItsyBitsySpyers: //No fraggin' way.// Nudges back, following with a private comm because everyone doesn't need to know his fanboying. B l u r r: / scrubs claws over faceplate / Drift: —three—implying I'm an idiot for having an opinion over FICTION—and four—acting like having a damn opinion is "taking things too seriously." ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //What'm I gonna do, ask him to sign a datapad? C'mon. Probably looked dumb runnin' over there anyway.// Whirl: *prudently also switches over* R: He's not standoffish. You can just TALK. Drift: No, I got upset at your fragging attitude. A care a lot less about the movie now than I do about you apparently having a problem with the fact that I was annoyed over it. Drift: So shut up. You're not cool for acting apathetic about the end of a movie. B l u r r: / twitches finials/ ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //But I -don't- talk. Not, like. Not where all everybody sees. I'm gonna go to the rebuildin' site. They hear I'm talkin' to old senators 'n writers 'n I'm gonna get a girder to the faceplates.// Drift: *huffs. turns back to blurr.* Anyway. B l u r r: Mm? B l u r r: / now velocity wants to argue. / Drift: Sad 'bout the humans, but at least the monster DID live. So that's a plus. Sunstreaker: -sorry, he zoned out for a moment, he had to answer a call- B l u r r: I liked the monster. Sunstreaker: ((because mun wandered off, my bad Drift: ... I mean /I'm/ sad 'bout the humans. I know you aren't. S'fine. Whirl: @R: So, kick their as s. B l u r r: I just... have a hard time. B l u r r: Finding sympathy for them. Whirl: @R: Since when do THEY get to tell you what you can and can't do? *snorts* Drift: Yeah, I know. That's okay. Drift: My experiences with Earth were... nice. The only bad parts were the parts caused by Decepticons. B l u r r: .. /huffs/ Drift: Your experiences... weren't good. I don't blame you for not caring about them. B l u r r: I care about a few, I guess. B l u r r: But it's not because of me. B l u r r: It's because of someone else. Sunstreaker: -stands up, shaking his helm- Thank you for the movie, but I just got called into the med-bay Sunstreaker: Good night. Drift: Yeah? The ones you know now? B l u r r: Mm... B l u r r: / vents and sinks down/ And I went out the other night with Rodimus, against better judgment. B l u r r: / scratches helm/ Stupid idea. My bounty on Cybertron is incredibly high- higher than Magnus. Drift: ... Well, YOU'RE not dead. So is he? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble makes frustrated motions with his hands. How does he put this without looking weak?* B l u r r: No. Drift: Damn. B l u r r: / looks at the ceiling/ We drank for a while. /flickers optic/ He said he was sorry. Drift: You're still alive though. That's good. Drift: HA! B l u r r: But, I don't believe he's sorry for everything. Drift: Why, what's he want? B l u r r: He just.. wanted to talk. B l u r r: It felt weird. Drift: No no, I mean what's he REALLY want? B l u r r: I don't know. B l u r r: I drank too much. My processor glitched out and I shut down. B l u r r: I'm not supposed to ... Drift: Pfeh. Drift: ... Blurr, why in the world did you let him talk you into drinking? Drift: He was probably trying to fry your processor and kill you. B l u r r: Maybe. ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //I ain't afraid of kickin' aft. But listen, I'm five times smaller'n you 'n don't nobody respect minicons right. I probably already gotta fight like 20 mechs jus' so won't nobody try nothin'.-- ItsyBitsySpyers: The frag I wanna make it 40 for?// ItsyBitsySpyers: *Hi, he doesn't have very good opinions of most huge bots.* B l u r r: He didn't seem like he was trying. B l u r r: Even so... he erased my bounty. Drift: That's /acting/, Blurr. Drift: ... He definitely wants something out of you, then. He wants you to do something. B l u r r: I have nothing I can do. Drift: If he asks you for ANYTHING in the future, don't agree until you know EXACTLY what he's going to get out of it—including the stuff he isn't telling you. B l u r r: I won't be doing him favors. Drift: Like slag. You have a pirate crew. He could try to manipulate you into attacking his enemies for him. B l u r r: My slate is full right now. B l u r r: Speaking of which. I need you to do me a favor soon. Drift: Like—what if he said "hey, this planet has a treasure I've heard, here's a map as an apology for what a slagger I've been," and really the planet is just one of his enemies. Drift: Oh—yeah? What? B l u r r: Hnh... I can just steal the treasure and leave the planet. Drift: There's no treasure. It's a lie he told you to get you to attack it. B l u r r: In a few weeks, I need you to at least come onto The Emperor once every few days to check on the crew. Whirl: *tilts his head, considering; he can sort of see this position, though not in the exact way Rumble does. He has, after all, dealt with people trying to stop him from doing what he wants* Drift: Yeah, sure. No problem. *he's been spending a lot more time over here anyway* Whirl: @R: If THAT'S the case... then see to it that they don't find out. I won't rat you out to 'em, if you talk here. B l u r r: Cool. Thanks. B l u r r: They're gonna need some watching. B l u r r: They tend to get roudy without me on the ship. Whirl: @R: And, luckily for you, you happen to know a spymaster. Drift: Yeah? Where are you going? B l u r r: As for the planet and treasure, well. I guess I would just bounce and not do anything- what? B l u r r: Oh. /shrugs shoulders/ Roadbuster needs help. B l u r r: Scrap's going sour in his universe. Drift: What's up? Need another warrior down there? ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //...You better swear. Cause I ain't afraid of kickin -your- aft neither.// B l u r r: No. / said that way too fast/ B l u r r: I mean.. I can ask him. But I don't know if it's strictly Wrecker stuff or not. B l u r r: I bet he'd like you... Jazz: *flips over to sit next to Soundwave. Sliiides up next to* Whirl: *he's gonna swivel his helm to fix Rumble with his optic* @R: You think I WOULD? Drift: ... If you're sure. B l u r r: / vents/ It might be more dangerous than I think. B l u r r: I don't want to drag you down there. Drift: You think I can't handle danger? B l u r r: No, I know you can. B l u r r: It's not that I think you're incapable. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave casually lifts a hand and puts it on Jazz's head so he can't come any closer than he already is.* Jazz: *grins* 'Ey, did you hear that rumor about us? Jazz: * B) * Drift: *crooked, not-really-happy smile* It's not like I've got anybody at home waiting for me. I might as well be out watching your back. B l u r r: ... /shifts a little. Turns behind him and hisses/ Shut UP. B l u r r: / looks back at Drift/ I'll ask... Drift: Anyway. I'd like to meet Roadbuster. And whoever else you've got over there. B l u r r: Roadbuster. Topspin. B l u r r: Crosshairs is a useless fragger. Drift: Whatever Velocity just siad, it was a lie. B l u r r: Drift is all right... B l u r r: He's not as cool as you. Drift: Oh! The triplechanger me? B l u r r: Mmhm. B l u r r: You already know Jazz. Drift: Hey, I wanna meet my alternate. B l u r r: Well, I'll see if he wants to meet up sometime. ItsyBitsySpyers: @W: //...No. It's--// And there's the frustrated hands again. //Ex-Decepticon. Y'know how that scrap is sometimes.// B l u r r: The problem is... they just... /fiddling with claws / They're acting different. They used to be this ring. And I was a dot on the far left ItsyBitsySpyers: [[What rumor about us? And what do you mean, 'us'?]] B l u r r: But, when I come over, they just... open the ring. B l u r r: I don't know what they want from me. Jazz: Yah know. Somethin' about you likin' my claws. Drift: ... Maybe they want you to join the ring. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[He does NOT like your claws. He HATES your claws.]] B l u r r: Impossible. Drift: ((SO ATTRACTIVE)) Jazz: I dunno, man. Jazz: They said you thought they were attractive. Drift: ((IT'S AS THOUGH THEY PULL HIM IN)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((LOOK YOU)) Drift: ((HE'S DRAWN TO THEM)) Whirl: *the top shutter of his optic comes down and he regards Rumble with wry amusement* @R: I'm sure I don't, actually. Drift: ((cmon now, i know that soundwave and jazz are very different, but you know what they say)) Drift: ((opposites attract)) B l u r r: [[ omfg ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((i'm going to find you and pour chicken grease on everything you love)) Drift: ((gasp)) Drift: ((what if i say i love all my friends, including you)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble grunts.* @W: //I'm shuttin' up before I get my leg in my mouth too.// ItsyBitsySpyers: ((then i'll nibble a drumstick while i do it)) B l u r r: / vents / Anyway. I'll let you know as things come up. /pats Drift / B l u r r: Sometimes I don't come back for a while. Dart is used to those moments. Whirl: *snorts and nudges him* @R: You're good. No harm, no foul. But yeah. I won't blab. If you get obvious about it, I'll tell you. B l u r r: / Dart panicks / Whirl: @R: Got your back. *this choice of words is, ofc, intentional* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You are as attractive as a bucket of rust. He would not proposition you if you tied Autobot command's worst secrets to your frame and rested on a bed of silver.]] Drift: ((... undress him.)) Jazz: ... Whoa. *lifts claws* Bro, slow down. I got me a mech. Drift: ((then leave with his clothes.)) Jazz: You need to sloooow the frag down. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble is quiet for a second, then nudges back with a grin. Thanks.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Oh, for Pit's sake.]] Jazz: I just think it's funny some mech out there wants to see us together, ya know? Jazz: Gotta run that by m'space wife. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It's probably YOU trying to bother him.]] Jazz: Nah, it was NOT me. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Are you sure? You're the one constantly trying to hold his hand.]] B l u r r: / flops on Drift/ You wanna go explore this abandoned temple I found? Drift: DO I?? B l u r r: ... Do you? B l u r r: That's what I asked you. Jazz: 'Ey, you HELD it for as long as yah could, so  that's on you, too. Drift: ... That was a yes. Hell yes. B l u r r: Ah... well. Good. Because our maps are indicating we're getting close. B l u r r: By the way. Skychaser misses you. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You magnetized yourself to him!]] Drift: Does it have treasure, or just the next step in the treasure? Drift: *brightens* Yeah? I haven't seen him in a while, we should hang out. Drift: Hey, how's he been liking space travel? Whirl: *he simple nods, and streeetches* All right. Up, you rust-bucket. Time for me to go. B l u r r: It has a treasure, it says. B l u r r: /twitches finials/ Oh, he's enjoying it... a lot more than I thought. B l u r r: He pilots the ship when I don't Drift: Heh. I'm not surprised. B l u r r: He's gotten a little more outspoken. ItsyBitsySpyers: //I'm scootin'. Seeya, Ultra Magnus. Have fun polishin' your hammer.// Snicker. Whirl: *SNRK* Whirl: *tosses Rumble a salute before he clambers out* Seeya, losers. ItsyBitsySpyers: *A nod from the other seat.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We should be going.]] Soundwave looks at Jazz and pulls his hand away. [[-Without you,- whatever your rumors say.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble flips himself out of the hammock and jogs over to the Boss. Up on the arm he goes.* Jazz: *snickers and looks at Drift * He digs me, don't he? Drift: ... WHAT rumors? Whirl: *bobs his head at everyone else and trots off; it has been A Night* Whirl: *and not necessarily a great one* Jazz: So, this gray dude contacts me and says Sounders is sweet on me. Drift: Uh huh? Jazz: So I bring it up and now Sounders is all in denial. Jazz: All he's gotta do is says he digs me. I ain't gonna get mad. Hell, I'm a good lookin' mech. Drift: ... Okay, let's get something straight. Drift: If somebody said that about Soundwave, and it WASN'T true—he wouldn't ever even let the message get through. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[--WHAT.]] Drift: So he's definit— Oh, you're still here. Jazz: *LAUGHS* Drift: *gonna. bite his lips shut.* B l u r r: / snickering against Drift / ItsyBitsySpyers: *You're in trouble, Drift. He doesn't know what kind, yet. But you are.* Drift: *is it balanced out by the fact that he implied you're such a master of communications you can even control your own gossip* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...Somewhat. 10% of his ire chipped off.* Drift: Ssso I should probablyyy go check on my crew... B l u r r: ... Oh, right. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Yes. Unless you have any other incredibly unwise things to say in his presence.]] Jazz: Aw, come on, Sounders. Jazz: We're just kiddin' Drift: Ha ha... ha... That was a... it was... you know I don't really... ahhh... ItsyBitsySpyers: *Leeeeeans closer to Drift.* B l u r r: / HISSES / Drift: Gonna... just... *he's gonna try to figure out how best to get to theDISJDLFJS GOING FASTER heads to the door while taking the WIDEST route away from Soundwave* Drift: *if that includes climbing over couches, so be it* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Straightens up and watches Drift flee, pleased.* Drift: *he is out the door* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Turns to Blurr.* [[And you. Don't think he didn't hear you laughing.]] B l u r r: I laugh at everything. Drift: *and ducks his head back in* The war is over! You shouldn't be afraid of your feelings! B l u r r: You shouldn't be surprised. Drift: **** DASHES* ItsyBitsySpyers: *FEELER SHOOTS OUT AT DRIFT* Jazz: *LAUGHING HARDER* Drift: *TOP SPEED* ItsyBitsySpyers: [][][]One of these days, you're gonna die laughing.[][][] B l u r r: Probably. Drift: *IF HE DIES FOR THE CAUSE OF LOVE IT WILL NOT BE IN VAIN* B l u r r: I mean, it's almost happened. B l u r r: / smirks and stares at Soundwave / ItsyBitsySpyers: *IT'S NOT LOVE, FOR PRIMUS' SAKE. HE LIKES THE -OTHER- SOMETIMES SIC.* B l u r r: / welcome to the voices laughing and snickering / Drift: *LMAO SOUNDS FAKE* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[He'll be sure to attend your smelting when it does.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Trudges out. Enough of this nonsense.* B l u r r: Good. Jazz: *grins and waves* Bye bye~

[top3cats]

btw i’ve been wanting to post about this place but i just keep forgetting! i posted some photos but i wanna explain!

it’s called trundle manor and i just kinda found it on google? but i wanted to try going bc it basically said it was an oddities museum & it’s literally 5 minutes away from my apartment. so i went with my sister when she came to visit. and it’s fucking awesome?

it’s literally just the home of this husband & wife who are very very dedicated to their lives being as goth/steampunk/vaudeville/kitschy as possible, and they just collect fuckloads of bizarre things like old taxidermy & medical equipment & weird old weapons & artwork. like. they have their friend’s tumor in a jar. the wife gave the tour in a sequin dress and fur stole, and she had this amazing campy-cheesy-funny character going on. 

like

she was showing us their collection of teeth and said that when she had her wisdom teeth removed she asked if she could keep them & then dentist was like “do you still have your baby teeth?” and she was all high on painkillers like “i have EVERYBODY’s teeth” 

i actually own the little dead field mouse in a jar in the last photo bc they literally sell some jarred specimens in their gift shop

we left and francy was like “everything in my life feels inadequate now” lmao

it’s honestly amazing, come visit me and let’s go