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blakelywintersfield · 3 years

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Minors

Okay so, I originally wrote this in response to this post (my friend's reblog is linked instead of the original because OP either deleted it from their blog I guess?), but I feel like this constitutes as its own post.

I know this may sound like an overbearing parent "don't trust strangers on the internet" talk, but like. I don't think a lot of you understand just how quickly a situation can escalate; it's scary. I mean that not in a condescending "you think you're untouchable you stupid little child, you don't really know what the world is like" way either, but as in, I don't think internet safety is being taught realistically, so those things you're told to watch out for are far-fetched or already seem suspect.

Predators don't work the way TV shows joke that they do -- most predators aren't going to try and message you at random posing as a teenage girl and attempt to strike up a friendship. A lot interact in community spaces like tumblr, where some level of anonymity is allowed, and it's not odd for there to be people of both minor and adult ages. They interact with a variety of people -- not just targets. They will have full-fledged social circles. Their blogs and social interactions will look like literally any other person's on here.

Then, of the different blogs they follow, they end up interacting a lot with a certain user. Maybe the kind of humor clicks, or similar opinions, or interests. Nothing out of the ordinary; that's how people make friends. Maybe then they start by sending an ask, or a message, or whatever, and that continues for a bit until you two are kind of acclimated to one another, and then, as far as everyone is concerned, it's just a new friend! Neat! That's how you make friends on the internet. They most likely did this with their other friends on tumblr. Nothing weird. In this hypothetical, the minor party has their full name and city public.

But then this person you make friends with -- the way you would any other person on this website -- turns out to be 10+ years your senior. Which like. Honestly, you don't have to cut them out of your life and block them immediately, but you inform them you're 10 years younger than them. A responsible adult would respond to that knowledge with anything from the range of "oh holy shit you're baby uhh I feel a little weird interacting with you so personally" to "oh goodness you are a youngling I will now enter caregiver/parent-like mode". And there will be an established tone from there of "we may still interact but there is going to always be a set emotional distance". It'll have a different dynamic/feeling to the friendships you have with people your age. And it should. Both parties can still care about each other! But this isn't someone you would like. Hang out one on one with. You wouldn't hang out with your mom's friend one on one, or at your teacher's home alone. That'd be weird, right? That should be the same kind of vibe you get with any adult "friendship" you make online (I put friendship in quotes because I feel like... there's a better term for it, or should be one that establishes that adult/minor relationship, but if there is I can't for the life of me remember it).

But maybe that person doesn't go down that path. Maybe it comes off that way at first, but there's a subtle level of emotional manipulation that is subtle enough that you're not certain you can accuse them of being manipulative. "Oh wow, you're so much younger than me... do you still want to talk to me / be friends / etc.? I can leave you alone now if you want." Warning sign #1: they are pressuring you to make the decision; they are placing responsibility on you. And it might feel a little mean to just drop communication all of a sudden because of age -- you got along fine before. Why should that change anything? That's a rational thought process, but it's also the one that benefits them too.

So hypothetically, you say "no it's okay, we can still talk. we were talking just fine before we found out each other's ages so why should that change?" And then maybe the conversation continues normally from there. But then they continue interacting with you as your peers would. You guys talk about stuff that's been stressing you or your problems, just like you would with your peers. Nothing seems out of the ordinary. Warning sign #2: That form of emotional connection isn't normal with an adult/minor relationship. I have minors that follow me. They have talked to me about their problems, and I've offered advice and wisdom; I don't condemn that because, well. As adults, we should help guide the younger if asked. But when it comes to my troubles, I limit how much I discuss with them. I don't bring them up myself (it's often brought up by the other party because I'll post about it on here, like a vent post or whatever). And while I don't brush them off with a short "don't worry about it", I make it clear -- I appreciate that you care enough to make sure I'm okay (because their sympathy / care is just as valuable as an adult's), but even if I'm not okay, the burdens and problems surrounding my troubles will be dealt with by me. I don't ask them for advice. I don't goad them for sympathetic words. And it's not that I believe they couldn't give good advice, or their sympathy means less, but an adult should not be relying on a minor for those levels of emotional labor. That established emotional connection where both parties exchange advice and comfort is how predators manipulate their victims because it's subtle and seemingly harmless, and difficult to paint them as a bad person when you have that level of emotional trust.

And once that emotional connection is established, that's when things can escalate, and get scary, quickly.

One day while talking they will probably bring it up -- the way one of your peers would. Something along the lines of "hey can I tell you something?" or "there's something I want to tell you but I'm afraid you won't want to talk to me anymore if I do" etc. etc.; with that peer/peer dynamic, that'll make you anxious, sure. You'd probably get anxious if they were your own age and said that too. So then, it comes out in some form that "I like you, but like... as more than a friend" or "I think you're really cute; I have for a bit now actually" or something similar. Obviously then it's uncomfortable.

But then you realize -- this is an adult. This is someone who has access to transportation. This is someone that doesn't have to report to someone (i.e. a minor can't just say "I'm going out of town for a week bye!" like your parents would, or SHOULD, be like "uh okay where are you going, who are you going to be with, why, etc. etc. etc."). And they know your full name and a general idea of where you live. You could just block them then and there and remove that information from your blog. But what if they already saved it? What if they already used one of those websites where you can look up a person's address by name for $5? What if they already know where you live, and they had planned on asking to meet up? They might know where you live. And you can't confirm or deny that they know. You can't say for sure if you removed that information before they saved it and used it for that purpose. Suddenly, there's the very real possibility that a pedophile that admitted to being attracted to you knows where you live.

Then what do you do? You should tell your parents or a trusted authority figure. But you're also a teenager and there's the likelihood that your parents might brush it off, or get angry with you, and you might get your internet taken away, etc., which is stressful because that takes away a major social area. To build upon the anxiety with that, there's the risk of unknowing if this person does know where you live, and if they do, if they are just unstable enough to do something drastic, like, y'know. Kidnap you. Because they know where you live. And they may know your school schedule too. And if your parents or trusted authority figure doesn't know about this situation, you may end up a missing child never found at worst, or found with far more trauma (5 years of life being kidnapped as opposed to a few months) that could've been avoided had someone known the situation.

But to 100% ensure your safety, it would have to be reported to the police. Because your parents can't do anything about the fact that a pedophile on the internet might know where you live. They can't confirm or deny that they know, and if they did, there's not much they can do other than keep an eye out for someone that looks out of the ordinary. But if they're most likely not home at the same time you are all the time. So, having the police involved ensures your safety -- if you open a case. You can report it to the police, and they'll ask: do you want to press charges (because it could be considered a form of child endangerment). If you say no, then that guarantees if you are kidnapped, that person would be the first they'd look to as a suspect. But to avoid that kidnapping risk at all, you'd have to say yes. And you're a kid that's now having to get involved in court just to avoid any risk to your safety because a pedophile may or may not have your address and may or may not be someone that would abduct their target, and so even if they didn't have your address and wouldn't kidnap you, you are now in a legal situation, which is. extremely. stressful. As someone's who's dealt with the court system a lot it's stressful no matter what.

And sure, you could omit the last step. But then you'll have that looming anxiety for as long as you're a minor that there is a possibility this person may show up at your house at some point. And that anxiety is fucking torture. I know it firsthand, I know all of this up to the legal portion firsthand, because this is exactly how I got tangled up with a pedophile in high school. That anxiety can make you paranoid. It impacts your sleep, which impacts your emotional tolerance and your concentration. It looms and there's nothing you can do to get rid of it other than convince yourself "they probably don't have my address; they probably won't find me". And that logic becomes sounder as time passes. But it requires time to pass, and in the meantime, you sit in constant suffering suspense.

It's just not fucking worth it, okay? You might think "this would never happen to me" but like. I was the fat emo weirdo in high school, literally considered attractive by no one and told so by peers and I still had it happen to me. So don't think "I'm not appealing enough" or whatever. Put self-esteem issues aside here, because to them, you're underage and at a power dynamic disadvantage not just physically, but most likely emotionally too. They care that you're a certain (under)age and can be manipulated into sexual acts. They will target you no matter how ugly you think you are or how unattractive your peers have convinced you.

So please. As an adult, that went through this situation (and could've had it turn out a lot worse tbh) -- do not disclose your real name (especially last names), location more specific than country, phone number, or school publicly online or to anyone you cannot 100% trust. I practice half of these in adulthood just to err on the side of caution since a full name and phone number alone could be used to find my address, and there are some preeeeetty unstable people out there. As a minor, absolutely no one needs any information unless you plan on meeting them in person, which should only be done after you've gotten to know them extremely well and both parties' parents know and are involved. It doesn't need to be on your public profile, and it shouldn't be on your public profile. I want your social media experience to be as enjoyable as possible, I don't want you feeling like you have to constantly keep an eye out for predators. But to keep yourself as safe as possible, don't purposefully make that information public. It's simple, but it’ll help you avoid so much potential stress.

Please stay safe.

#safety #internet safety #minor safety

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verdigrisprowl · 8 years

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Feb 8 Blurr’s Horror Stream - A Series of Unfortunate Events 7-8

Prowl was tired. But dammit, he wasn’t going to miss ASoUE. He also got to sit with Crosscut for the first time in a long while.

Welcome to the 'speedxstealer' room. The chat room has been cleared by the moderator. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Trudge trudge. Couch time. Be free and spread out, minions.* Shockbox changed their nickname to Shockwave. Shockwave: *He is present. * ItsyBitsySpyers: *So far, nobody else is. He could probably raid the snacks.* Frostbite: hallo all ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Greetings. Designation?]] Frostbite: I was going to name myself shockwave but i see someone beat me to it Dart: (( you can have more than one shockwave here )) Frostbite: i know xD i just figured it would be easier instead of everyone referring to multiple ones FakeProwl: *comes in. sits down. props his chin on his hands. immediately puts avatar into sleep mode.* Whirl: *trots on in* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...Wonders why Prowl isn't just sleeping. Well, he'll keep others from messing with it.* Dart: [ shoving NOS inside. Waves a servo ] Hi , mechs! ItsyBitsySpyers: //Uhhh... hi?// NOS: [ grumbling and stumbling inside. Carrying a tray of snacks ] FakeProwl: *because he likes A Series of Unfortunate Events* Whirl: *had paused mid-striide, taken aback by the unfamiliar music, and now swivels his helm around to regard Dart, narrow-eyed* You Whirl: . Dart: .. Yes? ItsyBitsySpyers: *It is tempting to dance to this, but there are too many people here now. Alas.* NOS: [ sets tray down and huffs ] There. Snacks made. [checks off a datapad] Whirl: You're one of THOSE guys. Not gonna cause any trouble, are you? Frostbite: *does a lil dance in their chair* :D Dart: ... THOSE guys? Whirl: ((wait. speddy which one of these guys is the KSI mech)) Whirl: ((or are dart and nos both lmao)) NOS: (( both )) Whirl: ((also........ would whirl have met these individuals before)) Dart: (( Idk if he's been on the ship, I guess )) Whirl: ((I don't....... actually know where I'm coming or going from here)) Whirl: ((all right y'know what NEVERMIND. JUST. SCRATC WHIRL'S REACTION TO DART. STARTING OVER)) Dart: (( shrugs ?? )) Airachnid: [peeks in the room before waking in] Frostbite: hello! Whirl: ((sorry dude we haven't even had those threads yet 8);; )) Whirl: *so, INSTEAD of eyeing Dart suspiciously he's gonna just glance at him, bob his helm at Airachnid and Soundwave, and trot on over to his hammock* Dart: [ well, this is so awkward. Reading a datapad ] Dart: [ the scenarios are like lesson plans. They're like substitutes. This should be simple ] Airachnid: [waves at Whirl before chirping at Whirl. Is he willing to share the hammock tonight?] Whirl: *but of course, ma'am; he sits up and shifts to make room for her--and the usual crowd, should they decide to come* Airachnid: [happy chirp before climbing into the hammock] Whirl: *nods, amused at her chirping* Evening. Frostbite: (i'm normally asleep by now, it's 3:30am for me so this is all new) NOS: Well, you guys can get snacks if you want, I guess. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[...Who are you?]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Curious lean away from back of couch* NOS: [ points to self ] I'm NOS. [points to Dart] That's Dart. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Of?]] Airachnid: Good evening. [she's just happy to see Whirl, not a good night last night] NOS: The Skeleton Crew. NOS: Look, I wouldn't willingly visit this place. I have a job here. Shockwave: *Stealing snacks while everyone is distracted. Shhhhhhh.* Frostbite: LOL shockwave plz Frostbite: leave some for everyone else ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Hmm. And what job is that?]] Dart: [ smirks ] NOS's job is to swab each and every deck. Shockwave: *He stops for a moment to stare directly at Frostbite. Damnit, he was being so stealthy too.* NOS: It is NOT my only job! NOS: [ places servo on his chassis ] I'm the ship's explosives artist. Dart: Yes, he did a number on the kitchen. It was, hmmm, mind blowing. Frostbite: ((i run a shockwave blog too you rascal, i know the ways)) Whirl: *now turns his attention to these two strangers* Wait--so you're regulars? I've not seen you two around. Dart: Oh, we recently changed our frames. Shockwave: (( Oh do you now? What's your url?)) Frostbite: ((illogicalshockwave <3 )) ItsyBitsySpyers: //Heh. Mind blowing. How many minds?// ItsyBitsySpyers: //Hope somebody cleaned 'em off the walls after.// Shockwave: (( Ah, I've reblogged your art before.)) Dart: Not many minds. Dart: Just his own. Frostbite: how does one even blow up a kitchen?? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Easily.]] Airachnid: Gernades can do that. Frostbite: i meant with cooking but that works too Dart: NOS was attempting to cook. Whirl: And what better way to clean a kitchen, than with a grenade? NOS: Hey, I succeeded. NOS: I cooked the snacks, Dart set up the thing. Airachnid: Bad energon or bad energon preperation. Dart: [[ lemme know when you guys are ready i guess ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((ready)) Whirl: So where did Teach scrape YOU two up? I wasn't aware e was doing recruitment. *snorts* Whirl: ((ye)) Shockwave: (( I'm good to go)) FakeProwl: ((ready)) Frostbite: ((ready!)) Dart: ... He's been recruiting. It's been kind of a big deal. Shockwave: *He finishes stockpiling and returns to his seat.* NOS: We're from Tyran. NOS: He picked us up a long time ago. Well... sort of. Frostbite: shockwave i'm sharing with you! dibs on the scientist! FakeProwl: *optics flicker on. who's the obnoxious fan?* Shockwave: ....Well, if you insist. Whirl: ...*pauses and zoops his neck out slowly, peering; NOW it's time for Whirl to stare suspiciously* Did he happen to pick yuo guys up from Earth? Frostbite: *sweats nervously* ((is the only human in the room)) Dart: ... Did he pick us up? NOS: He picked parts of us up, I guess. Shockwave: (( oh, didn't know you were human.)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave makes himself quite comfortable on his couch and prepares to watch the Count human fail yet again* Shockwave: (( in that case i retract that original response in exchange for:)) Whirl: Wait. Are you--are you one of THOSE mecha? Kinetic Solutions? Dart: We're NOT KSI's mechs... Shockwave: You are in no place to lay claim me, fleshling. NOS: But, we WERE built from the same technology. Shockwave: ((*claim to)) Shockwave: (( goddamn lag. )) Frostbite: hey i'm part metal at this point FakeProwl: *there's the obnoxious fan. why is the obnoxious fan a member of a species that the person they're fanning over helped threaten.* Whirl: *snorts* Yeah, yeah. If humans didn't make you, who DID? Dart: Blurr did. Shockwave: That makes little difference. You are still of human origin. NOS: Stole the tech, he said. Dart: Created us for help, he said. Whirl: I'll be damned. He's a proud PAPA. *snickrs* FakeProwl: Another fire. Whirl: Well, if Blurr made you, then you're all right with me.. *looks around* Where IS Teach, anyway? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Earth is particularly flammable.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Not knowing is definitely worse.* Frostbite: ((please do not set fire to the earth)) Dart: Don't call him that. NOS: Ugh disgusting... Whirl: Teach? NOS: .. .Teach you what? Whirl: Yeah. Blurr. Teach. Whirl: Your PAPA. NOS: .. Papa? ItsyBitsySpyers: *The eye.* Shockwave: *In any case, he begins casually refueling while paying attention to the show.* NOS: [ wrinkles nasal ] No. Shockwave: (( brb )) Whirl: Yes. *optic squints into an amused expression* NOS: Disgusting. Airachnid: Yes, the Earth is very flammable. It's annoying sometimes. Whirl: But, yeah. Where IS he, anyway? FakeProwl: They've made mention of a volunteer fire department. I suspect that in this series, fire is more significant than just something that occasionally happens on Earth. NOS: Who, Blurr? Dart: He's... out. Right now. Dart: [ technically not lying ] Frostbite: ((like a light apparently)) Whirl: Out? *sly look* Whirl: Mm-hmm. I'm sure. Dart: ... Yes. Whirl: *going to make the completely reasonable assumption that Blurr is on... (dramatic music) a DATE* NOS: [ glances at Dart ] ... [shrugs ] Frostbite: with roadbuster maybe Dart: [ shrugs as well ] Whirl: *snickers* Dart: [ the lie sold itself ] Whirl: *settles more comfortably and swivels his helm about; is any of the usual crew going to join him?* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy will come lounge.* NOS: [ moves to flop on Blurr's couch. Stretches legs out ] Dart: [ slaps his legs down and moves to sit next to him. Twitches doors. ] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[That was oddly specific.]] Frostbite: i'd be crushed, i'm staying where this human won't be accidentally squished Whirl: *will happily make room. Between Whirl, Airachnid, and Frenzy, this is the fiercest hammock that's ever been* Whirl: Hey mech, how're you liking working with Teach? *nudgs Frenzy* FakeProwl: Very oddly specific. Airachnid: [the terror hammock] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy tips a lazy salute at Airachnid.* \\HE FIGHTS REAL GOOD. DON'T MEDIC HIMSELF FOR NOTHIN'.\\ ItsyBitsySpyers: //...Ain't that a downgrade.// FakeProwl: *lights out at six o'clock, "more time for dreaming." Prowl likes this guy.* Airachnid: [chuckling at the salute, it was cute] Whirl: *Frenzy is a ball of violence and charm. Violent charm; Whirl is secretly a little delighted to see them making the first steps towards "maybe these two will get along"* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy slowly pushes his visor a little closer to his face, just in case any optomomotrees get near his optics.* Dart: [ hums ] He really doesn't know how to medic. That's what Axis is for. Whirl: Yeah, tell me about it. I've never met a mech wh takes care of himself that shoddily. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Aha.]] Whirl: *snickers* ItsyBitsySpyers: //He's a damn liar.// Whirl: ((omg... it's kevin's mom)) NOS: (( it is )) Whirl: ((catherine 'hara!)) Whirl: I bet she's gonna eat it up, too. Whirl: ((omg. is that Getaway's pickup line....)) FakeProwl: ((i think so)) Shockwave: (( back. )) Frostbite: ((welcome back)) Airachnid: [Olaf is reminding me more and more of someone she doesn't want to think about] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[A good dream.]] Whirl: *Sonny continues to be the BEST CHARACTER* ItsyBitsySpyers: *That was supposed to be asterisks, but whatever, I'll roll with it* Frostbite: ((dang it it's 4am, gotta get up at 8. must peace out now, it was fun hanging out while it lasted)) Whirl: ((Gnight!)) Shockwave: (( Ah, goodnight. May we meet again sometime. )) NOS: (( night )) NOS: ... Logging? That's not that hard, is it? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Has often wondered how this works. Leans forward to watch.* FakeProwl: *leans on Soundwave. he's trying to keep up, but he's sleepily blinking.* Dart: Not really. It's in my programming. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oh? Will sit back to be a better cushion.* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Rest needed? Whirl: You were built to... *wat would he even call this?* Log? Dart: Every human machinery process is in my programming. Dart: It's in yours, too. NOS: ... yeah. Whirl: Haha! Whirl: Sonny is the best. Whirl: Look at her go. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Yes. I didn't get enough last night.» Whirl: Huh. What kinda vehicle are you? ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Recharge. Can observe files together later. NOS: ...Huh? Whirl: For logging. What kind of vehicle logs? NOS: We can do anything a human-made machine can do. It's...sort of what they intended for us. I think. Whirl: Ohh. Right. Gotcha, FakeProwl: @Soundwave «I'd rather watch it now if I can.» Shockwave: ((My poor computer's going to explode if I stay for much longer, and the lag is getting sort of bad.)) NOS: (( aw. Sorry ;-; )) Shockwave: ((I'll see you all next week. )) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((give your computer a rest and have a good night)) FakeProwl: ((gnight)) Whirl: ((gnight!)) Shockwave: (( G'night to all you too. )) NOS: Glasses? Ew... Whirl: *oh yeah, it'[s that guy again* Whirl: *whirl noticed the hook hands, of course* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Tiny nod. Very well. He will pull the avatar close and occasionally ping something.* Whirl: Pfft. Whirl: *he's picked up enough French to get that joke* Whirl: *... the jke about it being called Spanish, not the one about it being a euphemism* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It -does- sound like a fun book.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: \\WOO! LOOKIT HER GO.\\ Whirl: *see now, this is the kind of romance whirl can get behind* Whirl: *coordinated couples ***-kicking* NOS: Who has time to cross out all of that? That's too much work. Airachnid: Ah, I love a good conspiracy. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Sloppy.]] FakeProwl: Who would take all the time to cross all those out but leave one intact? NOS: They got tired? Whirl: I'd have destroyed 'em. Airachnid: Perhaps they forgot about that one. FakeProwl: There's the emphasis on fire again. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Perhaps he'll save the paper?]] FakeProwl: He made an effort. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Run, human child.]] Whirl: *shifts a little* Airachnid: Never trust a chair with that many restraints. Whirl: ...good advice. Dart: I dunno. That's how they kept us for a while... Wasn't it? NOS: Parts. Remember, we were made in that weirdo's city. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[...Is this what happened to the optimist?]] Airachnid: ...most likely. Airachnid: Now that's just deplorable. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[...]] Whirl: Mine control is a hell of a thing. Whirl: *mind ItsyBitsySpyers: //Mus' be the fried egg thing.// Dart: Ugh, yeah... especially when it's a human. NOS: Using those annoying controls. Move your arm this way, move your arm that way! Whirl: Oh, the Vertigo shot. Nice. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Vertigo shot?]] Whirl: The shot of Klaus just now--with the weird zooming effect. Hitchcock invented it. Whirl: You zoom in while pulling the camera away. ItsyBitsySpyers: //What, the birds fragger?// Whirl: Yep. Whirl: He made some good movies. Whirl: You should come to the next Culture Club night--we're gonna watch North by Northwest. FakeProwl: ... *blinks* Well. ItsyBitsySpyers: //'Course I'm goin'. Boss swore he'd be.// Whirl: In other news--hell of a bait and switch the show just pulled. Airachnid: I had a feeling it was too good to be true. Airachnid: It is called "A Series of Unfortunate Events" after all. Whirl: Well, true. Dart: (( do you guys want a break or just go? )) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Nudges Prowl. He'd wondered why the citrus human was investigating, hadn't he?* ItsyBitsySpyers: ((i'm fine with going but idk others)) Whirl: ((A little break would be nice, I wanna grab a snack(( FakeProwl: *glances at?* Dart: ((k )) Dart: (( break )) Airachnid: I'm cool but I'm willing to wait)) Crosscut: -Comes in and glances around the room- NOS: You know, I made all those snacks. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Prowl caught narrator investigation reason? NOS: And you guys aren't gonna eat 'em. NOS: That's rude. Crosscut: Am I late? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave lifts his hand and taps his visor. Sorry, NOS.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak will plow right into them though* NOS: ... [ stares at Soundwave ] ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yo, Crosscut.// FakeProwl: ... *slowblink* @Soundwave «I'm tired.» Whirl: How the hell do you expect me to eat them without a mouth? Crosscut: (Freaking weird music for CC t suddenly walk in to XD)) NOS: ... [ breaks his faceplate apart in pixelated pieces and reprograms them to lok like a visor ] Me too! Whirl: ((CC'S NEW THEME)) NOS: [ changes his face back and grins ] Cool... Dart: Stop doing that. They're gonna think we're weird... Airachnid: ... [just going to ignore that] FakeProwl: *in other words no. it must have happened somewhere in between "those were somebody else's parents?" and "I'd THOUGHT the hypnosis was broken too easily"* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave sits up a little straighter and stares at the visor for a second* ItsyBitsySpyers: *If there's a Galvatron here...* NOS: [ laughs and wiggles in his spot ] I love meeting new mechs! FakeProwl: *?? looks at what soundwave is looking at* Crosscut: -Finds a place to sit- NOS: [ breaks his frame apart and spirals around the couch to move to stand behind it ] NOS: You guys are pretty rad. You should be friends with /me/ instead! Airachnid: ... Crosscut: I apologize for not being around as much lately, its been a while since I've been to any of these film nights. FakeProwl: *... unimpressed blink.* Sorry. Already saw that one yesterday. Dart: [ glances at his datapad ] Oh, hello. [waves at CC ] FakeProwl: Unless you can one-up creating earthquakes, I'm not impressed. Airachnid: [she's just going to stay in her lane, or in this case, in the hammock] NOS: Earthquakes...? Huh. Nope, we don't do that. FakeProwl: Hm. NOS: But Dart and I figured out how to com-mmfh. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Watches the spiral flit overhead and twitches slightly. As long as they don't lay a hand on him...* Whirl: *chimes in* These guys were made by folks on Earth--KSI. or, well, partially. Looks like Teach brought them together. Dart: [ drags him back ] Shut up. Crosscut: -Waves back, not sure if he recognized who this is just yet- Whirl: Human tech with a Cybertronian twis. Adaptable... *swivels his helm around to star at both* But easily killd. FakeProwl: *is that Crosscut's voice? looks around for the source. ah.* It's been a while. Dart: Don't threaten us. This is our Captain's ship. Dart: We work for him. Dart: NOS just has a very big EGO that someone can't keep a lid on. NOS: [ helpless shrug ] I'm better than most people. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): ...Apologies. Narrator stated beloved Be-a-triss failed question before loss. Question: Count Olaf's present location. Crosscut: -Looks to Prowl and smiles under his mask- Yes it has, its good to see you..well, sort of see you I suppose. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Thank you.» Airachnid: [optic roll before she filed her talons] Whirl: I'm sorry? Did that sound like a threat? FakeProwl: "Sort of," yes. Airachnid: It sounded like more like stating a fact. Whirl: Clearly you just need to work on your conversational skills. *flexes claws* Airachnid: Or, an opinion. Whirl: ((i must take out the garbage brb)) Dart: [ frowns ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Glances over, then up at Crosscut. Should he make room?* Dart: We're not stupid... well, NOS is. Dart: I'm not. Airachnid: However you interpret it. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\THE BEST THREATS IS WHEN YA GOT 'EM IN YOUR CLAWS ANYWAY.\\ Crosscut: Do you know what it is we'll be watching tonight? Dart: We're not here to fight. Despite what NOS says. Dart: We're supposed to run the night like normal. FakeProwl: A show called "A Series of Unfortunate Events." Three human youths have lost their parents and are being stalked by someone who wants their money. Dart: [ looks at datapad ] The lesson plan doesn't call for a fight. Crosscut: -CC is fine to sit anywhere, if Prowl wants him to sit by him he'll gladly do so if room is made- Crosscut: Hmm, interesting. FakeProwl: *Prowl would like so, but isn't going to make the offer. he's technically a guest on Soundwave's couch.* Airachnid: Things do not always go according to plan. Dart: Okay, well, they have to here. Dart: If the Captain finds out it didn't, he's gonna blow another fuse. FakeProwl: The dialogue is very informative and straight-forward. *this is high praise from Prowl* NOS: [ nudges him ] Not that he did. We just mean he'll get himself in a knot. Whirl: And? I still don't see what this has to do with me. Dart: It means- nothing. Dart: Forget it. Dart: (( are you guys ready again? )) Whirl: *looks quietly satisfied* Of course. Already forgotten. Whirl: ((YES i am back)) FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Would you mind Crosscut joining?» FakeProwl: ((ready)) Dart: [ scoffs and throws the datapad on the couch . Looks at NOS. Starts talking in another dialect. They talkin' some mad shyte ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Responds by clearing some room* NOS: [ waves servos and rants back. Motions to the group like WTF ] FakeProwl: *scoots with.* Would you like to sit with us, Crosscut? ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Another fuse?]] Dart: Pardon? [ahem. Twitches doors ] Dart: (( is it offline? )) ItsyBitsySpyers: [][][]If the Captain finds out it didn't, he's gonna blow another fuse.[][][] [[Another fuse. One after one already blown.]] Whirl: ((did it died--it's back!)) FakeProwl: ((its back)) Dart: ... Did I say that? Dart: I meant, you know, when he gets mad. Dart: It's a phrase. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Why was he mad before?]] Whirl: Did you guys torque him off? *now taking an interest* Dart: He wasn't mad... Dart: I mean, he didn't seem mad Whirl: ((that guy is me rn LOL)) NOS: He was mad when we attacked that cargo ship. Whirl: ((coughing myself Into the Sun)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Hmm. Fine.* Dart: He seemed fine after we beat Thundertron. NOS: He was giddy about that upgrade. Whirl: We saw! Crosscut: ((Sorry! The dog had a peepee emergancy!)) Crosscut: ((I am back)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((np np. slendy and prowl made room on couch, prowl offered seat)) Crosscut: Oh, yes of course. -He nods and takes a seat next to Prowl- ItsyBitsySpyers: \\THE SCHMUH THING!\\ Crosscut: ((Murry~!)) Airachnid: [she knows that feeling, do not be impolite to Airachnid, you'll get hit back] Whirl: Is that what being twitterpated DOES to you? Good lord.

Missed some.

NOS: (( EXACTLY )) NOS: ... Yes, see. This is why I hate humans. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Someone attempted to adopt you?]] NOS: No, humans liked using mechs like us for their own profit. Whirl: Yeah--Blurr. NOS: Blurr did not adopt us! Whirl: Here's a newflash for you, NOS--Cybertronians do that to each other, too Crosscut: -understands the acting is supposed to be kinda campy and cheesy on purpose but its still a bit bothersome.- FakeProwl: So. "Lucky" is the trigger word for a highly suggestible trance, "inordinate" deactivates it. ... Why "inordinate"? Airachnid: Of course they tried to ue you, they see machines as things to be used and don't see that we're living things. Dart: Because inordinate was the word she used to say she missed him. Whirl: Here's some life advice for you, from me: assume that everyone will screw you over, regardless of who they are or where they came from. Because as soon as you show a hint of weakness, they WILL. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\HOW OFTEN YA HEAR INORDERATE IN A FACTORY?\\ Dart: Right? Isn't that something that reaches further than the brain? FakeProwl: I doubt the fact that she used it CAUSED it to be the deactivating word. FakeProwl: It was most likely pre-programmed. Dart: Mm. Airachnid: [sage nod @ Whirl] Whirl: *at least someone appreciates his wisdom* Dart: [ glances at Whirl ] Well, that's why we work with Blurr. He... thinks that way, too. Crosscut: -rubs bridge of nose- Whirl: He's right. FakeProwl: That is an incredibly thorough rejection. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[...He cried on it.]] FakeProwl: Of course he did. It's a two hundred page rejection. Airachnid: [innocent whistling] Airachnid: [she doesn't have skeletons, more like various other body parts] Whirl: *looks to the door, and then back* So, what time'll Blurr be back, d'you guys think? Dart: [ glances at NOS ] Uh. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[She must have written it very late.]] NOS: We don't really know... ItsyBitsySpyers: *This is why he tells people so early.* Whirl: Well, where IS he? Dart: Not... here? ItsyBitsySpyers: \\HE FINALLY GETTIN' MEDICINED UP?\\ Whirl: *tilts his head doubtfullly* Why don't you know where your own Captain is? NOS: Axis fixed him, yeah. NOS: [ shrugs ] He doesn't tell us. Whirl: You two are useless. *snorts* NOS: We're not useless. Dart: He just didn't say anything before he took off. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy flicks Whirl.* \\YA GOT THAT SMELLER. SMELL 'IM OUT.\\ Whirl: Eh, I'll just comm him. Whirl: I can smell like nobody's business, but I can't smell through dimensions, if he is where I think he is. Dart: His comms aren't on. Whirl: ? *tests this to see if it's true* ... why are his comms down? NOS: [ shrugs ] NOS: He has a habit of turning them off when he doesn't want to be bothered. Whirl: I've never known him to do that... ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Another one?]] Whirl: *looks back to the door again; h seems doubtful but he doesn't have anything to go on* Dart: Really? He really does do it. Crosscut: Hmm, a lot of confusing visuals for mapping the point in time this is set in. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Ha!// Dart: (( season lmfao )) FakeProwl: Does the point in time matter? Whirl: ((pfft)) Whirl: I get the feeling it's meant to sort of feel... fairy-tale like, disconnected from the real world. FakeProwl: Fire? Airachnid: [she can relate to Olaf in that sense, she loves revenge] Crosscut: I suppose that's interesting in its own way, a bit distracting. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Why does he keep it?]] Crosscut: Its odd to see modern clothing and devices plopped into an older looking setting. Whirl: Aw, look! The best character! Whirl: Pfft! Crosscut: -steches out a bit, wiggling his pedes- FakeProwl: *leans forward* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Joins* FakeProwl: ... So what caused the fire. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[The laser, he assumes.]] Whirl: ((I wonder if the Prufrock is a reference to the poem)) FakeProwl: Mm, fair. Better question, WHO caused the fire. FakeProwl: ((Wouldn't be surprising, Snicket likes sneaking in references like that.)) Whirl: ((*KEEPS MY EARS PEELED*)) Crosscut: -fishes out a data pad from his subspace to mess with- ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Fascinating.]] FakeProwl: Hmm. Whirl: I missed some of this show, but it was pretty well put together. Dart: Apparently there will be another season. Dart: Which is pretty cool. FakeProwl: *is made very nervous by the way the banker keeps turning that wheel back and forth* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Visibly?* FakeProwl: *well. he might be staring a bit harder than usual. but otherwise no.* Dart: all right, uh. I guess that's it. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[When there is another season, he would like to see this.]] FakeProwl: As would I. Dart: [ looks at datapad ] The next season isn't announced yet. Whirl: *streetches* All right. Dart: But, Blurr has Stranger Things slated for his birthday... Whirl: Not too shabby, for your first time hosting. NOS: ... Heh. Airachnid: The show was alright, for being human made. ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Bird agrees}} with a mouthful of fuel NOS: [ punches Dart's back ] See? I told you we'd be fine! Dart: [ swats at him ] Uhm, please feel free to take the snacks... Dart: [ reading datapad ] It says he offers that. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Tell Blurr to contact him when he returns. He has something for the mech.]] Whirl: Again, I ask you--how the hell am I to do that without a mouth. NOS: Oh? Uh, maybe you should just leave it with us. NOS: We'll give it to him when he's better- back. Crosscut: What is it that will be playing next week? NOS: Both. Whirl: *carefully clambers out of the hammock so as not to overtun it* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Suspicious stare* Dart: Uhm... [ looks at a list ] there's a list of movies we can pick from. Whirl: ...better? Dart: I'll have to... pick one. NOS: You know, better... he got his aft kicked by Thundertron pretty hard. Airachnid: I cna just make my own snacks. [and for once, she isn't hungry] Crosscut: So a film instead of a series? Whirl: *narrows his optic and turns it on NOS* Better. You wouldn't happen to have gone fibbing on me, would you? Dart: Yes, a film. NOS: ... [ makes a noise ] Me? No. NOS: [ points at Dart ] he lied first. Crosscut: Ah, then I'll try to attend if I can. Dart: [ smiles and nods at CC ] ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yeah, ya gotta see more stuff. Gotta show up them humans.// ItsyBitsySpyers: *"He lied first"?* Crosscut: Afraid I was rather lost since, well, I haven't made it to any of the other nights you were watching this one. Dart: [ throws datapad at NOS ] /I / did not lie. Whirl: *there's no authority figure to keep Whirl from getting nasty; in three strides he crosses the room and draws himself up. He slouches, so it's easy to forget how huge he really is* FakeProwl: I recommend rewatching from the beginning. Dart: Don't worry, mech. [ to CC] A movie will be better. Whirl: *and all of that hugeness is looming over NOS* Where is Blurr. Crosscut: Hmm, perhaps but from what I saw it didn't seem my cup of tea. NOS: [ yIKES ] NOS: I told you, he's not here! Crosscut: I'm rather picky about small things. Dart: Well, maybe a movie will be better. Airachnid: [gonna watch from the hammock, this should be interesting] Whirl: What happened to him? Talk, or I send you the way of your BROTHERS. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Prowl succeeded. *plays tiny, four-second fanfare over comm* Recharge cycle entered soon? NOS: [ yIKES MORE ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave will let Whirl continue to do the interrogating. No need to waste energy he may need later.* NOS: [ stumbles back a little ] We don't know! NOS: We really don't. FakeProwl: *mouth twitch* @Soundwave «What's THAT tag for?» Whirl: I can't believe you sniveling little--are you telling me he just disappeared? NOS: Not physically! Whirl: *swivels his helm to regard Dart as well* Do YOU know? I'd better get some anwers from you guys. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Yes, as soon as I leave.» Dart: [ BIG SIGH ] Look. Dart: Physically, Blurr is here. On the ship. Okay? Dart: He's just not... here. Whirl: Take me to where he is. Dart: What- no. We were told not to. Whirl: *SLAMS his claw against the nearest wall* NOW. NOS: He's not even gonna notice you're there- CRIPES! This is all YOU Dart. NOS: [ waves servos ] I'm out. I'm out. ItsyBitsySpyers: *He sees that twitch.* @Prowl: (txt): Congratulations humor. Good. Inform Constructicons needed noise level: far below this. Dart: You little coward. [ grumbles and glances at Whirl ] You gotta relax, mech. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Gestures to Whirl, who he's still listening to and watching* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «They sleep when I sleep.» FakeProwl: *roughly, at least.* Whirl: You're not in any position to be telling me to do ANYTHING. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): ...Fortunate. Share secret in future. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Do refrain from killing them. Then we will never find Blurr.]] Dart: ... [sighs ] Whirl: I don't need them alive to find Blurr. Whirl: *he responds to Soundwave, but he's still staring straight at Dart while he says it* Dart: If I let you in on the scrap, will you at least stop making noise? Whirl: We'll see. Dart: ... I don't know what happened last week. Dart: But, we noticed the Captain missing a few days after hismovie night. Whirl: He's been out fo a WEEK? Crosscut: -Its been a while since he's been to something like this, perhaps he's gotten rusty with these little social events? Not really sure who to talk to or what to say- Dart: We commed Roadbuster, but he didn't have him there. Whirl: And nobody thought t--well. Of course. *his antenna pins back* Yeah, of course no-one did. Dart: We went by the bridge's history. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Feel free to speak to your more familiar couch partner while he's still here. Soundwave won't monopolize.* Dart: His last travel was Roadbuster, so we commed him. Whirl: *shakes his head* No, you wouldn't get it. *this isn't the first time Whirl's been the last to find out about Blurr being hurt; nobody ever tells hima nything* Dart: [ omg whirl no one knows ] FakeProwl: *he's vaguely watching the fight* Dart: [ UR THE FIRST CONGRATS ] Whirl: Okay, now you're stalling. We can talk on the way, mech. *steps away from NOS and towards Dart* Let' FakeProwl: ((u found out before drift)) Whirl: s go. Dart: (( u did )) Dart: I'm not stalling- look. Whirl: ((HE DID. but lbr if Drift was here he would've found out first)) Dart: Axis said no one can know. Whirl: No, I'm done LISTENING to you. Dart: No one. So we didn't tell anyone. Whirl: Let's. Go. NOS: Dude, just take him. It's not like Blurr's gonna do anything. He doesn't do anything. Crosscut: Hmm..-Maybe he should go before this fight breaks out in the middle of the room- Dart: Look, we're not going anywhere until you listen. [ stands taller ] This isn't your ship and you aren't in charge. Dart: You're not OUR Captain! NOS: Oh man, he's gonna eat you alive. NOS: [ lingering in the back of the room. So helpful ] Whirl: *takes a swing with one massive claw, aiming to clobber Dart upside the head* Crosscut: You know -Shifts in his seat- Maybe I'll turn in for the night. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[If you wish. Goodnight, Crosscut.]] Dart: [ bursts into his FANCY DOODADDS and reforms on the other side of the room ] Airachnid: [good, fists are flying] Airachnid: [or claws in this case] Crosscut: Uhmm...Prowl, before I leave FakeProwl: Not a bad idea. FakeProwl: Hm? Whirl: *turns on his heel, lowerig his chest and clicking his guns ominously* Don't think I won't escalate this. Whirl: I might not be your captain, but I AM the mech who's going to send you to the scrapyard if you don't take me to Blurr, right now. *slow, stalking strides across the room* Crosscut: I've been doing a bit of translating of alien litature in my past time, mostly for Hoist and others to be able to read. Would you like a copy of some of them? Dart: [ levels himself and forms his lance. Paladin mode! Crouches ] I'm not scared of anyone... not even you. But, you're gonna need to relax. NOS: Geez. Thank the pit we didn't tell his OTHER friends. We'd all be blown up. FakeProwl: Oh—sure. What cultures? NOS: If this one doesn't blow us up first. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((ngl that's one of the best lines in a song)) Dart: (( it really is )) FakeProwl: ((it's magic)) Whirl: *snorts and pulls his plasma-thrower from his subspace, leaning on one hip and resting it vertically against his shoulder* I'm not asking you to be scared. Whirl: I'm asking you to be smart. Crosscut: Quite a few diffrent ones actually, I've just picked a handful of ones I've enjoyed reading in the past. Dart: ... [ heat doesn't do so well with them. Grumbles and swings his lance up. Stands down and huffs ] You can't tell anybody. Dart: If word gets out that he's gone, it'll go south. Dart: Especially with the fleet. Whirl: What kind of idiot do you think I am? I'm not gonna jeopardize Blurr's hold on the whole fragging fleet! Whirl: Idiot, I just want to SEE him. Dart: Well... relax. [ grumbles and waves an arm ] All right, but the sight isn't good. NOS: I think it's a tiny imrpovement. NOS: He doesn't talk anymore- that's a plus. Crosscut: Some or history books, novels, poetry, plays from multiple planets. Slume, Traquins, Cytonian, Symbosis, to name a few. Whirl: *waits a moment longer before returning the plasma-thrower to subspace; he figured it'd do the trick* Enough chichat. Let's move. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble's head snaps up. So does Soundwave's.* FakeProwl: Hmm. Sure. Thank you. Dart: [ shrugs ] You mechs know your way out, right? Airachnid: [the fight's done, pity she thought it would last longer] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Hm - yes. We do.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: @Whirl: [[Tell him what you find, if you will.]] Whirl: *it was all ridiculous posturing* Airachnid: [she's just going to climb out and wave @ Whirl before leaving] Whirl: @Soundwave: We'll see. Dart: [ looks at Whirl ] Well come on, mech. [ turns to lead the way out ] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Farewell Airachnid.]] Whirl: *he'll look back and bob his head at her* See you guys. Crosscut: Wonderful, I'll send the files to you at some point tonight, sound good? Airachnid: [eh, might as well wave at Soundwave too] Whirl: *as well as Soundwave and the gang, and then he is gone* FakeProwl: Sure. I won't receive them until the morning. Crosscut: I see, that's fine. There's certainly no rush, I just thought you'd find them a rather interesting read. Crosscut: Perhaps we can discuss them some whenever it is you get around to them NOS: [ leans against the couch ] Well, we'll see you guys next week, I guess. NOS: We'll still be here [snort] ItsyBitsySpyers: \\HOPE NOT. NO 'FFENSE.\\ NOS: That's rude. I'm better looking than that bot. FakeProwl: Mm. Perhaps. It will likely be a while before I have time for recreational reading, though. Crosscut: Ah, I see Crosscut: Well whenever you do get around to them I hope you enjoy it. Crosscut: I'll be off then, goodnight, Prowl FakeProwl: Goodnight, Crosscut. NOS: anyway... [ waves servo ] Get used to us. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Idly imagines this with Starscream. Puffs in amusement and rises* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We will see.]] NOS: Hmmm... [ shrugs ] You guys don't seem so bad. NOS: The only one I don't like is Drift. He hits me all the time. NOS: ... And Menace. [ makes a face ] they both hit me. FakeProwl: *a farewell ping to Soundwave* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Pings Prowl goodnight and calls his group to him* NOS: [ then again, he DOES usually deserve it. SHRUGS ] ItsyBitsySpyers: \\SO HIT BACK.\\ NOS: ... No, I don't wanna hit that guy. NOS: Drift's cool. NOS: And Menace is weird. He'd kill me. FakeProwl: *flickers and disappears* NOS: anyway, I gotta go make sure Dart isn't dead. So. See yah, space net. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\SO RUN FASTER. YER PRETENDIN' TO BE THE BOSS.\\ ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave nods.* [[Farewell.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Off they go.*

#chat

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