#omg this got so long lol that's perfect fits the subject huh

[avelera]

Headcanon: ADHD Hob and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria

So I went down the rabbithole on ADHD and rejection sensitivity dysphoria (and found this lecture that legit made me tear up if you have or think you have ADHD, go listen to it here) and it got me thinking, as everything is wont to do, about Hob Gadling and how if he had ADHD, which I think there's lots of fun in-text hints at that at least allow that interpretation, what are some other ways that could manifest besides his ebullient and never-ending love of life in all its endless variety?

So as sufferers of ADHD know, it's not all fun and games. The flip side of living with a dopamine-starved brain that's always seeking out new experiences and seeing the world through that lens is that other emotions slam us hard too, like rejection sensitivity dysphoria aka, "the most minor criticism can feel like an actual knife in the chest, no I don't mean mildly bummed out, I mean full on fight-or-flight brain meltdown because someone told you a comma is in the wrong place in your manuscript (not that I'm speaking from personal experience yes it's that dumb)".

ANYWAY, so I'm thinking about Hob and RSD and specifically 1789.

Specifically the line, "It's just how it's done," referring to horrific practice of human trafficking and how Hob basically shrugs while, to his minor credit, looking suddenly uncomfortable and guilty, about the fact he actively profits from this industry, and the way he cringes in on himself when called out kinda seems to indicate that he knows it's a vile practice and isn't super comfortable with being reminded of his fact by someone he respects, like Dream.

A couple notes on that little exchange between Hob and Dream:

1 ) The face Ferdinand Kingsley-as-Hob makes in that moment is absolute textbook adult ADHD rejection sensitivity dysphoria. Namely, the point where you know criticism hits you like a knife in the heart, particularly from people you respect, and you just have to cover that flinch of literal physical pain with a careful poker face.

The way Hob's tone suddenly goes cold and with his very genteel, received-pronunciation manners he levels Dream with perhaps the closest he's ever come at this point to lashing out, "You're giving me advice...?"

I'm not saying that canonically it's RSD, or that neurotypical people don't suffer pain and disappointment when receiving disapproval, but to my eyes at least, Ferdie Hob takes Dream's comment very seriously, much more so than the comic counterpart did (who needed multiple nudges before he even realized what Dream was trying to tell him about getting out of the shipping business and still seemed a bit clueless about why Dream would want that or care by the end).

2 ) Going into proper headcanon territory, I personally chart Hob's journey from destitute to wealthy slave trader as the product of someone who stopped giving a shit about others after everything he suffered in the 1600s. To be perfectly clear, this is not a fucking excuse for it, it's an examination of motives.

Because technically, after everything Hob suffered in the 1600s, he could have emerged with more empathy for the plight of others. But clearly that didn't happen. From an entirely human motivation level, that leads me personally to the conclusion that since no one helped Hob when he was at his lowest (not even Dream, though I dearly wish it was otherwise and wrote extensively on what would have happened if he had) that led him to the belief, put simply, that fuck the world so long as he got his. Why should he care about anyone else if no one cared about him?

But to go back to the topic of this essay, RSD, there's an additional element to that theory on why and how Hob leaned into not giving a shit about others, and that missing factor from what's described above is the element of everyone is doing it. Specifically worded as, "It's just how it's done."

Another really fascinating lecture I listened to on ADHD talked about how the most common trauma reaction ADHDers have to their sense of rejection, shame, and guilt that comes the way our brains react to the world is by hiding. And that also got me thinking about 1789 Hob in this context.

Because Hob as we see him in 1589 is loud in his happiness. He's sitting there, bold as brass in the middle of the White Horse, showing off his wealth with a banquet, loudly declaiming about how he pretended to be his own son twice, worked in the Tudor shipyards (what would have been 50+ years before) and just how he spent the last 100 years working his way up to his knighthood. The man does not have an ounce of caution in him. But, he is also by far the happiest we ever see Hob (up until Dream ditches him in the middle of their date).

This is important because to my eyes, Hob is living openly and unashamed and with only the barest hint of caution typified by pretending to be his own son every couple decades. The way he describes his last 100 years sounds like an ADHD dream, basically getting a boat load of money from Caxton's printing press (basically the first tech startup unicorn of the modern era) and then running around wherever his interests took him where he also made money hand over fist, kept climbing, and eventually reached the point where he could purchase the acclaim and regard of a member of the (albeit minor) nobility. All of this after being born a peasant. That's just validation and money and prestige and getting to pursue your special interest and live as your authentic self all over the place. And I do mean authentic, Hob doesn't even seem particularly worried about talking openly in the White Horse about being 200+ years old, a strong case could be made that he's not that careful in his personal life either.

So anyway, Hob has this amazing century literally followed by the worst century imaginable, filled with the sort of horrors that can tear a man's soul asunder. Losing his family, his beloved wife in childbirth with their new baby, his adult son, his home, his money, everything he spent a century building. His title and name are gone too because of the nature of how he lost it with the accusation of witch craft, which also means he can't just fake being his own son again to get it all back because they're explicitly going to notice that this time.

And how did this all happen? Because Hob got noticed. He lived there 40 years, overconfident is his own words. Which is a wild thing to say about a bunch of witch hunters showing up at his door! He blames himself for being drowned as a witch. On the one hand, I imagine he has to think that way because otherwise he has to admit to the sheer brutal randomness of life, so in a way he's trying to take control of the narrative by blaming himself.

But it also smacks of ADHD again because ADHDers very commonly shift the blame onto themselves after years of their unique nervous system response making them a round peg in a square hole of wider society. We learn over and over that the mistakes we make are our fault, because of "laziness" or "apathy" which isn't apathy at all but deep agony over our inability to accomplish tasks in a neurotypical way without the support we need, but I digress. But it sure sounds like Hob may have been paralyzed by grief for literal decades and then blamed himself for not getting the mental spoons together in that context to move on and reinvent his life after losing his wife and child. Which would be a very ADHD thing to do.

So after this absolutely brutal smackdown by reality for living too openly, too loud, too ADHD, getting paralyzed by the powerful emotions he felt (if we follow the headcanon) over the grief and loss in his life, what is Hob's next step?

Hiding.

Blending in.

Not rocking the boat.

And again, not excusing it, there's plenty of other industries he could have gone into to blend in that didn't involve human trafficking. That said, if he went to sea, which we know Hob did on many occasions from the comic, it would be seen by his peers there at sea as a normal way to make one's fortune, and then.... well, we have as evidence that this is his current peer-group the sort-of pride with which Hob announces how he's making his fortune these days in the "shipping business", as if he's expecting Dream's approval.

That to me, reads a bit like the people pleaser/social chameleon aspect of ADHD. Hob is expecting to be praised for being successful by Dream the way he would likely be praised by his peers in the shipping business or among the wealthy privileged men of England. He's so steeped in that world now that he's clearly taken aback when Dream takes the (at the time more radical but not uncommon) stance of, "This is wrong."

And Hob knew it. But he was blending in. He was going along with how things are done. He wasn't rocking the boat. He has other hints at trauma responses too, "salting money around the world" in case there's political upheaval, for example. This is not the loud, boisterous Sir Robert Gadlen untouched by loss or trauma. He has been humbled and tempered and, indeed, made afraid by what happened to him.

This sort of wild swing towards protectiveness? Again, also ADHD. As the lecturer I linked first noted, ADHDers are textbook defenders. They are always defending themselves from the world that can suddenly, unexpectedly, plant a knife in their heart because of a perceived rejection. From a world that wants their brain to work in a way it doesn't, so they have to come up with myriad painful coping mechanisms to fit in, blend in, mask, and function. Hob was forced to protect himself after the 1600s, so he did, with money, and with not caring about other people, and with insulating himself from privilege, and becoming a social chameleon.

1589 Hob tries to earn back Dream's interest, but he doesn't fawn. Dream shows interest in Shaxberd and Hob, already starting to get irritated, tells him no, Shaxberd is crap.

And you can tell in 1789 that Hob is thinking about that day again when he gets Dream's disapproval, because who does he reference? That lad, Will Shaxberd. He's fearing rejection and abandonment again, or at least it's crossed his mind after Dream's admonishment. But this time, Hob is fawning more, very nearly flirting. He's trying to play the game better this time, trying to keep Dream's interest, social chameleoning the subject onto safer topics, things he thinks will interest Dream, as Shaxberd so clearly did, so let's talk about him if that's what you care about. Again, another ADHD social chameleon, people pleaser aspect. We are nervous empaths, we are constantly picking up a bazillion signals both real and imagined. And we're so fucking terrified of that RSD knife in the heart, we become people pleasers to avoid it. After the shipping business brag fell through, Hob pivots to talking about Dream and what, in his experience, Dream seems to like and talk about favorably.

So anyway, many many ADHD-esque rambling words later, there's a few more little details I'd add to the list of "possible ADHD behavior, not just the fun parts" for Hob Gadling. Is it canon? Maybe not. But it does make for a great headcanon, in my opinion.

[whitherliliesbloom]

discord-ance

[ ffxivwrite2021 ] ★ [ masterlist ] ★ [ prompt #06 - avatar ]

[ spud squad & alphinaud ] ★ [ 603 words ]  ★ [ modern au ]

avatar: an icon or figure representing a particular person in a video game, internet forum etc

alphinaud infiltrates the spud squad discord server and finds... what else, but chaos?

Alphinaud had no idea what to expect when his girlfriend of two years had mysteriously and wordlessly sent him an invite to a server named ‘Squd Squad’ with a picture of a potato with an anime face set as the server icon... but he certainly hadn’t expected to be witness to a whole lengthy list full of channels for all sorts of subject matter - and the oddly warm reception he’d be met with in the #general-chatter channel

-> Welcome, Alphinaud. We brought you pizza.

stale candycanes: HUWAT Peachy: ????? stale candycanes: WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE Alphinaud: Hello? stale candycanes: hACKER ALART CALL JAYW stale candycanes: KAYE* stale candycanes: @fissionmoon Kaye: What? stale candycanes: what do you mean WHAT look for yourself Kaye: Oh Kaye: Huh Kaye: How’d you get in the server? Alphinaud: Illya invited me. Am I not supposed to be here? Kaye: She did?  Kaye: @liliyastarwis Kaye: Seems she’s offline now. I guess you can stay until she comes back and explains herself. stale candycanes: really stale candycanes: why tho :mikudoubt: Kaye: There’s no problem? If Illya wants him to be here then... I guess he can? At least wait for her to come back until we kick him. stale candycanes: okokok :kaitosigh: AutumnAnthems: Welcome @Alphinaud ^^ Alphinaud: Oh, thank you!  Peachy: welcome!! hope you enjoy your stay!  Peachy: oh btw kaye you might as well give him roles for access to the other channels Peachy: uhhh other than #dating-advice tho lol Alphinaud: What’s wrong with that channel? Peachy: :sweatprofusely: Peachy: nothing

Within seconds of user Peachy’s request, the mod of the server gives Alphinaud access to the other channels, turning his name within the chat history from white to a light blue... and he is alarmed by the sheer number of them he has to go through in order to clear his notifications. 

At least it’s all organized relatively well, he can easily hide those under the anime and video games tab that he’d be relatively uninterested in. He sees a good few text channels like #music and #art that he thinks he’d like to scour a little more thoroughly later... and a strangely named #banned channel where a lonely lalafellin boy awaited as punishment for the cursed photos he posted in #memez.

stale candycanes: hey so why is your discord username literally just your name stale candycanes: and why is your avatar literally just stale candycanes: a picture of yourself stale candycanes: ITS SO TACKY :mintcringe: Alphinaud: I use discord for school, mostly.  Alphinaud: Most of the classes I’m in have dedicated discord servers and it’s just easier for me to have a recognizable name. Alphinaud: As for my avatar... I’m not sure what other pictures I could use? Peachy: you can actually set different nicknames for yourself, at least in servers that allow it. this one does. Alphinaud: I see. Is that necessary? Kaye: Hang on, I got it. Kaye: Okay done. Illya simp: ??? What does simp mean stale candycanes: SDFNHSFHJF OH MY GODFH Peachy: OH HAHAHAHA stale candycanes: OMG I CANTHGHSGG Peachy: :kayerofl: AutumnAnthems: https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Simp Illya simp: .......Ah Illya simp: I mean Illya simp: I don’t really mind but I think I prefer my old name. Kaye: You’re picky. stale candycanes: i think it’s perfect =3c AutumnAnthems: It’s definitely fitting stale candycanes: :smugsmint: Illya simp: I’m guessing I’m going to have to put up with this for as long as I stay in the server. Kaye: You’re the one who infiltrated us so Kaye: Get used to it. Peachy: :poglily: :poglily: :poglily: Peachy: Welcome to spud squad alphy!! For now... Illya simp: ~.~

[verdigrisprowl]

Jan 4 Blurr’s Horror Stream - The Birds

Half the room wanted the birds to get on with it and kill people. There was plentiful theorization about the cause of the birds’ behavior. Shockwave was just glad that birds are real. Prowl graciously loaned his imaginary sham-wow to Whirl, who later passed it on to Laserbeak, who got strangled by dust when it disappeared.

Welcome to the 'speedxstealer' room. Shockwave: *He takes a seat.* B l u r r: / He has arrived. In his nice cloak made of mech's parts and such./ B l u r r: [[ one second ]] Shockwave: *How fashionable. This establishment rivals the Culture Club in terms of class.* B l u r r: / Oh does it? / B l u r r: Hello, Shockwave. Shockwave: Greetings. It appears I have arrived before the rest of the frequent guests. Whirl: *trots right in and makes a beeline for the Whirl Hammock* Eyy, Teach! Shockwave: ...Well, that did not last long. B l u r r: Yes, it appears so. B l u r r: / wiggles claws at Whirl / Shockwave: Do you require any assistance in setup, Blurr? Whirl: *snip snips his claws back* B l u r r: Ah, well, if you'd like to. B l u r r: I don't have many snacks. The journey for the key was a bit time consuming. Whirl: The key? *tilts head* B l u r r: Yes. A key. Shockwave: That is fine, I do not necessarily require any. FakeProwl: *huh. he thought he'd be late. but no.* B l u r r: / smirks at Shockwave/ Well then. You can help me roll out the tables if you'd like. Whirl: What kinda--are you down there having all kinds of adventures on Earth WITHOUT me? Shockwave: *He gets out of his aquired seat to assist. Consider this a subtle 'thank you' for the first energon donation.* Shockwave: *Of course, this doesn't pay it back in full, but he's doing what he can for now.* FakeProwl: *claims seat on Soundwave's couch to wait for him to show up* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave is preceded by a yammering crowd of minis who all seem excited to see tonight's movie. Laserbeak and Buzzsaw are the most vocally excited.* B l u r r: / setting tables up/ No, it wasn't on Earth, actually. B l u r r: Although... we've... come to a compromise. Roadbuster and I. Whirl: Oh? *tilts his head, interested* Whirl: They're not staying here any more? B l u r r: They are, but... just until I... /grumbles/ Shockwave: *He nods to soundwave just as he's finishing up with a table.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave himself nods his helm to everyone on the way to his couch and - aha, there's his usual companion already waiting for him. No arguments here. He'll slide in and be pleased.* Whirl: ...*Blurr: Ah, sorry. Y'know it probably should've dawned on me that it's... y'know. Sensitive Subject. Whirl: *will spare a moment to nod at Soundwave and the usual crowd* Whirl: Well, you know where to find me if you need anything, yeah Teach? *tilts his head to an even further degree* B l u r r: / waves at Soundwave / B l u r r: / twitches finials/ Actually, we might need your help. B l u r r: [[ is Whirl comming Blurr right there? ]] FakeProwl: *nods to Soundwave* _Whirl: ((yes he was)) _Whirl: ((the "well, you know..." was out loud tho)) B l u r r: [[ ooh okay ] _Whirl: ((but the more personal stuff, he DID exercise a basic modicum of tact lol)) B l u r r: @Whirl: :: Don't worry about it. It's not so sensitive anymore... :: B l u r r: [[ heard! ]] _Whirl: *sits up a little straighter* Yeah? FINALLY time to go down and get wrecking? ItsyBitsySpyers: \\THERE'S WRECKIN'?\\ B l u r r: ... Yes, maybe. B l u r r: / waves to Shockwave/ The tables look fine. _Whirl: *he'll bob his head, but he manages, with no face and only one staring optic, to convey an expression that says, "Yeah, SURE."* Shockwave: *he nods and returns to his previously chosen seat.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy gets a running start and slides up to Blurr on his heel wheels with fingerguns pointed.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *He then flops down and looks as interested as possible.* _Whirl: ((omfg frenzy)) _Whirl: ((his heelies will never not amuse me)) Shockwave: (( okay, okay, at some point we need to watch this movie consecutively after watching The Birds: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075620/ )) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Buzzsaw settles over near Shockwave, Laserbeak and Rumble with Whirl. Chimera and Laserbeak take the not-Prowl-occupied space on Soundwave's couch. Birds everywhere.* Shockwave: (( frenzy is beautifully extra, yes. )) ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Iacon progresses well? ItsyBitsySpyers: ((excuse me that should be Zori and Rumble)) FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Well enough, I suppose.» _Whirl: ((omg shockwave)) FakeProwl: ... *ping. pictures of New York City being rebuilt.* Shockwave: (( /chuckling. )) B l u r r: / shhh let him be in denial / _Whirl: *Zori will happily be helped up, and Rumble, if he requests it* _Whirl: *nope sorry Blurr Whirl's gonna be Real with ya& B l u r r: / waves at Frenzy / ItsyBitsySpyers: ((lmao excellent followup choice)) B l u r r: Anyway... it's a long thought out process. B l u r r: The whole... Earth thing. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Assistance ne-- Shockwave: *He nods a welcome* I understand you enthusiastically anticipate this cinematic experience? Shockwave: *To buzzsaw* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Files? Files! Is this New York City? Prowl already got them? He's gonna spend a minute flipping through them with interest* _Whirl: Well. _Whirl: *tilts head EVEN FURTHER. HIS NECK LOOKS BROKEN* You know what I can do. WILL do. Will ENJOY doing. ItsyBitsySpyers: }}It is to be savored. A cathartic experience.{{ ItsyBitsySpyers: }}...For me~{{ B l u r r: We might need air support. B l u r r: And you're the only flier I know who'd be perfect for that. B l u r r: [[ are people ready / everyone is here? ]] FakeProwl: *look, they fixed the statue of baldy the wolf-dog. ... that probably means nothing to Soundwave, who as far as Prowl can recall wasn't at that movie night. but Prowl's still pleased for them.* _Whirl: ((I am!)) _Whirl: I can give you air support, ground support, whatever kind of support you need. Shockwave: I see. So you have seen this one before? B l u r r: im willing to wait for anyone who isnt ready ]] _Whirl: Setting-Things-on-Fire Support. Exploding-Things Support. Squishing-All-of-Our-Foes Support. B l u r r: You have to look like one of them... one of those mechs. B l u r r: You have to change your look FakeProwl: ((i need like 2 minutes)) B l u r r: [[ okay! ]] B l u r r: [[ no problem! ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((i'm here when everyone's ready)) _Whirl: We can manage that, probbaly. I dunno... hmm. If their cross-dimensional scanner type still will work on me. _Whirl: *looks down at as much of himself as he can see, critically* I'll probably need to bulk my armor up a bit again. Shockwave: *so he's checking out his boobs pretty much?* _Whirl: But, let's be honest--I don't look a lot like mecha from my OWN dimension. Can't be too hard, fitting in. _Whirl: *basically. But he's also probably covered in minicons now* B l u r r: No, but I need you to at least blend in with their air support. B l u r r: Which means maybe a repaint? _Whirl: *or, one minicon and one used-to-be-mini-con* _Whirl: *shrugs* Hey, it's more work than I'm doing NOW. I don';t mind a re-fit. I can always swap back later. _Whirl: Will I need an Earth alt? B l u r r: Hmm... depends on if your alt blends in with theirs. _Whirl: *wiggles* One minute, you two. *and extricates himself from his hammock* ItsyBitsySpyers: *He has no idea what the canine is, no. It's a nice statue though... for a dog.* _Whirl: *steps back, into a clear space, and then shifts abruptly into alt-mode; he bobs neatly in the air before hitting the ground, but his rotors are kicking up a windstorm. A surprisingly quiet one* _Whirl: What's the verdict? *he looks like a goddamn spaceship, obviously. Whirl will blend in 0%* FakeProwl: ((ready!)) ItsyBitsySpyers: }}Oh yes. A favorite. Isn't that right?{{ B l u r r: / tilts helm and looks over Whirl/ Mm... no, you're going to have to change a little. ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Heh heh. Faaaaavorite.}} _Whirl: Why don't you toss me one of their frequencies? I can ask 'em what they need me to be, unless you got a model for me to look up. _Whirl: *continues just. HOVERING. He's an almost eerily quiet flier* B l u r r: I've got some images I've gathered. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\I WANT IN ON THIS SUPPORTIN'. HOW COME HE GOTTA CHANGE UP? IS THAT A THING?\\ B l u r r: / looks at Frenzy / Because Whirl won't blend in on Earth... not this kind of Earth _Whirl: Gotta blend in! We're trying not to tip these creeps off that there are multiple dimensions interacting here. _Whirl: Just ping them my way. starscream: this song is bad B l u r r: Plus, if they find out there are multiple universes, they might expand their search. Shockwave: *Clasps his hands as best as he can with only one hand and sits back. If the birds like The Birds, it'll at least provide insight into their tastes.* B l u r r: / vents and pings over images to Whirl / FakeProwl: *mainly though it's a mix of humans walking around construction zones and new buildings, with a few scenes of dealing with the still-remaining rubble* B l u r r: [[ okay you guys are ready then? ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((yep)) Shockwave: (( extremely ready.)) FakeProwl: ((yep)) B l u r r: [ k ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave pings Prowl, finally finished with looking through these photographs. The speed at which humans do their rebuilding is - well, like Megatron once said. Humans. Resilient.* Shockwave: *acknowledges starscream's existence. even if he is a rash decepticon, he is still a decepticon* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Even if they haven't completely reworked it all, they're making impressive progress.* _Whirl: Got it! ..oh, hey, Hitchcock! Nice. Shockwave: *Oh man, those sure are the silhouettes of some birds.* _Whirl: I don't think I've seen this one. *raises up a bit so he can shift back, landing neatly and smoothly on  his many-jointed legs before carefully clambering back into the hammock* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Appreciated. Important progress record. What owed? FakeProwl: *prowl already hates the noises they make* B l u r r: Anyway, we have an actual job to do... B l u r r: On Earth, I mean. FakeProwl: *he'll give Soundwave the same request Arcee gave him* @Soundwave «Nothing right now. I'll let you know if I need images of anything similar later.» starscream: Their flight doesn't seem very effective.  They're slow. ItsyBitsySpyers: *An IOU? Very well. He nods.* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Peh! You slow. Us good flighting.}} Crosscut: -quietly slips in- ItsyBitsySpyers: \\WHAT'S THE JOB? DO I GOTTA CHANGE UP IF I WANT IN? CAN I GET IN?\\ ItsyBitsySpyers: *Notices Crosscut.* starscream: ((Miner birds are awful)) ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Prowl wants seat shared? Soundwave moves over? B l u r r: / looks at Frenzy/ I don't know, Frenzy. Maybe not this job... but you can help me with something else if you want. starscream: ((great typing *myna)) B l u r r: I don't think Soundwave would let you on this job... ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak and Chimera can always perch on his arm.* FakeProwl: *didn't see Crosscut, doesn't understand the question* @Soundwave «I sat here, didn't I?» ItsyBitsySpyers: *Sour sulk. It sounded fun.* \\WHAT'S THE SOMETHIN' ELSE?\\ FakeProwl: *sees Crosscut. understands the question.* @Soundwave «... Ah. I'm fine now.» B l u r r: Well, I've got the key I needed. What do you say to coming with me to see what's behind the locked door. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Good. He was about to pass over room coordinates. He just nods* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Get free! Leave!}} _Whirl: For the record, the way birds fly--flapping their wings, analogue flight--IS slower than a jet. But--*looks to Starscream* It's also some of the most INTERESTING flying I've ever done. Shockwave: Foiled by a hat. _Whirl: It's really something else. Fascinating flight dynamics. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\...DO I GET ANYTHING BEHIND IT?\\ starscream: Why would you want to fly that slowly? _Whirl: Maneuverability. Crosscut: ((I think i'm just gonna go.)) _Whirl: Also, it's just FUN. Shockwave: *He rests his helm on an arm.* starscream: I maneuver just fine at high speed _Whirl: Pfft. Keeping telling yourself that. Anyway, rotors are obviously the best, but analogue wings? Not bad, not bad. ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Not so fast as Bird!}} FakeProwl: *that man was obnoxious from beginning to end.* _Whirl: ((seeya, CC!)) FakeProwl: *they're probably going to end up dating and Prowl will be very annoyed.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Chimera spreads their wings and rustles the feather plates. One moment of pride for the least noticed.* B l u r r: I suppose I could share with you IF you behave, Frenzy. /smirks/ starscream: If this ends in romance I'm going to be disappointed ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy grins.* \\ME? I'M A SAINT.\\ starscream: ((the real question is why would someone want a myna bird, they're awful)) _Whirl: *swivels his halm around to nod at Chimera--he isn't sure if that was in response to his statements butit seemes like it was* _Whirl: *he "saw" you spreading them wings on the sonar, little dude* B l u r r: If you come with me, you become part of my crew. Which means you listen to me. ItsyBitsySpyers: *It was. Chimera is quite happy rn.* _Whirl: *well, Chimera has something to be proud of* _Whirl: *at least in this chopper's book* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Original question return. Assistance needed? Shockwave: *Ah, that driving greenscreen though.* Shockwave: *That's quite realistic looking.* Shockwave: *//sarcasm* ItsyBitsySpyers: \\I CAN DO THAT.\\ He fidgets. \\I MEAN, TH' BOSS GOT PRIORITY 'N ALL, BUT Y'KNOW. I COULD!\\ B l u r r: Well, I don't think I can take you to Earth. But after I'm done there, I'll take you with me to see what this key goes to. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy jumps up with a delighted yell and does a cartwheel before sitting down again.* ItsyBitsySpyers: \\KAY.\\ _Whirl: Yeah, no offense, Frenzy--but I don't think you'd blend in. _Whirl: It's gonna take some doing for ME to do it. ItsyBitsySpyers: }}Less bipeds. More birds.{{ B l u r r: The plan is simple, but I'm sure we'll face complications. starscream: She's going a long way out of her way for a pest FakeProwl: *and now SHE'S being onoixous. who stalks somebody just to passive-aggressively give him birds.* _Whirl: Yeah, can't say I'm enthusiastic about this pair yet. Romance, in my experience, isn't Hitchcok's strong suit. _Whirl: We should watch North by Northwest in Culture Club sometime. Shockwave: *This must be like trying to watch bayverse movies for laserbeak and buzzsaw.* starscream: Romance is boring, no matter who writes it B l u r r: This isn't even romance. B l u r r: this is boring. _Whirl: It can be nice enough, if done properly. _Whirl: But usually people just sort of... shove it in there, with no work. Or use it as a metaphor while not bothering to make the actual romance APPEALING. _Whirl: Even good movies suffer THAT flaw. starscream: If they start eating each other's faces I'm leaving B l u r r: If they start eating each other, THEN it's romance. _Whirl: *snrks* What? eating faces off ISN'T courtship where you come from? *looks to Starscream with a round, surprised optic* Shockwave: Wouldn't cannibalism finally make it a horror film, or do humans find that acceptible? Shockwave: ((*acceptable)) B l u r r: Humans don't find much acceptable. That's why they're humans. starscream: I'm talking about kissing, obviously ItsyBitsySpyers: *Prowl's never heard of giving someone the bird before?* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[What is North by Northwest?]] _Whirl: Another Hitchcock Film. Probably my favorite. _Whirl: Also, oh, yes. Kissing. The warm-up tier before you start gnawing your true love's face off. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[And cannibalism is frowned upon by most species.]] _Whirl: Weak stuff. B l u r r: Is it? How boring. _Whirl: These two have more chemistry than the other two. starscream: Courtship could probably be improved by murder.  At least it wouldn't be so boring that way. _Whirl: Murdering together? As a couple? Probably. B l u r r: It's fantastic... FakeProwl: I may put in North by Northwest for my next Culture Club suggestion. FakeProwl: I haven't seen it, but I have faith in the quality of Hitchcock's work. _Whirl: No pressure, co-president. *dryly* But I always enjoyed it. It's... not quite a comedy, but it's a sort of light take on a spy thriller. starscream: Either way.  I'm never dealing with courtship though, so I don't have to worry about the details. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Little perk up. That sounds like his jam.* B l u r r: Or day. B l u r r: Murdering together as a couple is the best... way to spend a night. _Whirl: Well, of course YOU'RE not. You're Starscream. FakeProwl: No, it's on my list of films to watch anyway. That would be convenient. starscream: I wouldn't, even if I had an offer starscream: It's inconvenient _Whirl: And let's be honest--who would offer? You're Starscream. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Heh heh heh.// starscream: Not looking for offers Shockwave: (( which universe is your starscream from? )) starscream: ((armada, i switch though)) ItsyBitsySpyers: [[He would appreciate the selection. We do not see enough of that genre.]] _Whirl: ((gotcha)) _Whirl: Well! I think neither of you will be disappointed, then! Shockwave: (( have not seen armada, but cool. )) _Whirl: Rodimus has next pick, but after that, you can go. _Whirl: And, Teach--you should swing by Culture Club sometime! B l u r r: Hm? FakeProwl: ((the one prowl was helping rescue. btw what happened on that thread? did y'all need me to jump back in, or is it one of y'all's turn?)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Prowl is getting something for using his film choice on that. Soundwave doesn't know what, but something.* starscream: ((Tarantulas' turn)) starscream: ((yeah, that's me)) FakeProwl: ((o7 want me to remind her?)) _Whirl: *sighs* I've had enough of this nonsense. Can the birds please start eating everyone now? ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Bird already has snacks.}} ItsyBitsySpyers: *She waves a few rust sticks in one feeler claw* _Whirl: *snickers* Well, if this keeps up much longer, then you're gonna hafta devour me. _Whirl: Out of mercy. ItsyBitsySpyers: =Promise?= ItsyBitsySpyers: *A dark rumble-laugh from Ravage* starscream: ((I'm just worried that they've been too busy to reply)) _Whirl: No promises for YOU. *eyes Ravage slyly* B l u r r: Don't worry ,Ravage. _Whirl: Anyway, I mean, I guess you can eat me when I die--didn't I say so, if it meant that Piston wouldn't get my corpse? B l u r r: I have plenty of bodies you can chew on. _Whirl: I don't really care one way or the other. Toss my body i the trash, o soemthing. B l u r r: Piston is INTENT on having your frame. FakeProwl: (("young lady cut herself" bruh why don't you tell him the damn bird did it)) _Whirl: wHY!? _Whirl: He has so many to chooce from! FakeProwl: ((why you make it sound like she had an accident)) B l u r r: Because you made an impression. _Whirl: Well. ...okay, I'll grant that. I tend to leave those wherever I go. But, still. B l u r r: He talks about it a lot. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((seagulls eat trash. it's not polite to call your love interest garbage, however mismatched)) _Whirl: Aside form bing weird-looking, there's not... a lot going on. I'm not an outlier, or anything. _Whirl: ...*pauses and peers* O, okay. I see. NOW I see. Har har, very funny. B l u r r: Don't ask me, he's the one that wants the frame. Do you want me to call him in here? B l u r r: He'll answer all your questions. Shockwave: (( she's starting to sound quite obsessive. )) _Whirl: *snorts* Nah, I don't wanna disrupt the film. _Whirl: * but he is now Highly Skeptical. Clearly, this is a prank* Shockwave: (( are we sure the TRUE HORROR of htis film isn't human infatuation? )) Shockwave: (( *this)) B l u r r: / smirks and shrugs/ If you choose to talk to him later, go ahead. starscream: ((it definitely is)) Shockwave: (( Trus this movie to be an especially introspective flick. )) _Whirl: *snorts softly through his vents but doesn't remark further* _Whirl: ((also, starscream--are u the same one that comes to prime nights?)) starscream: ((sometimes)) _Whirl: ((if not, then Whirl might not have been quite so rude to him--that Starscream has needled Whirl a lot in the past)) _Whirl: See? They would make a much more interesting couple. starscream: ((yes he has, that would be mine)) _Whirl: ((OKAY, gotcha 8) then... yes if this is the same one, carry on. I just had a moment of "OH NO WAS I MEAN TO A NEW PERSON FOR..... NO REASON" lmao)) B l u r r: ... That looks like a house you can murder someone in. B l u r r: / smirk / starscream: ((used to that reaction anyway, starscream's awful)) _Whirl: Blurr. I bet you say that about EVERY house. B l u r r: That is absolutely untrue. B l u r r: Drift's house doesn't look like a house you can murder in. B l u r r: My house, however, is definitely a place for murder and slaughter. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\YOU JUS' AIN'T TRYIN' HARD ENOUGH.\\ Shockwave: (( i may have to leave immediately after the movie ends, as it is Late.)) starscream: only Drift's? B l u r r: [[ aww, okay ]] B l u r r: Dodge designed Drift's house without ill intent involved. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((noted)) Shockwave: (( i told my mom i was watching The Birds, and she immediately chastised me. )) Shockwave: (( Apparently this movie gives my grandmother nightmares. )) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((your poor grandma D:)) starscream: ((how?)) Shockwave: (( she's still afraid of large flocks of birds to this day. )) B l u r r: [[ yo ive been attacked by a bird ]] Shockwave: (( i don't know, old people logic isn't my logic. )) starscream: ((i haven't seen this movie before)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((i've met a lot of older people who are wigged out by bird flocks cuz of this film)) _Whirl: *snickers* Clever kid, Shockwave: (( neither have i.)) _Whirl: And, okay. Fair. FakeProwl: ((I've seen it... two times? three?)) B l u r r: BUT. Every house can be a house of murder if you try hard enough. _Whirl: THAT's more like the Teach I know. B l u r r: K-Kyehheeheh. _Whirl: *gasps* Oh, no. Guys. I'm so sorry. _Whirl: I just realized... how scandalous. _Whirl: I'm naked right now. Shockwave: ...You haven't removed your plating. _Whirl: ...of course not? Then I'd be, like. Partially dissected. B l u r r: I can remove limbs if you'd like. B l u r r: My body is mostly knives and sharp edges. I'm ready. Shockwave: ..... *returns to the movie.* _Whirl: Nah, someone just get me a sock or a hat so I can have some clothes. FakeProwl: *gets out of his seat* FakeProwl: *walks over to whirl* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave looks up, confused. What did he do?* _Whirl: *raises his head and regards Prowl solemnly* FakeProwl: *offers him: a holomatter avatar of a shamwow* _Whirl: Are you here to arrest me. FakeProwl: I'm here to make you decent. _Whirl: *reaches up and gently takes it. Then drapes it over his head* At LAST. FakeProwl: *returns to his seat* ItsyBitsySpyers: [][][]Master has given Dobby a sock.[][][] _Whirl: *raises his head proudly* Prowl has done us all a great service, this night. _Whirl: *LAUGHS* Shockwave: (( I'm fuckign )) _Whirl: Anyway. See? Much more chemistry. I'm telling you. It could've been a great twist--the film sets things up like the obvious couple's gonna be the couple, yeah? FakeProwl: *puzzled look. he doesn't understand the reference* _Whirl: But then these two team up when the crisis hits and they hit it off. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oh. Okay, he can fix that. He doesn't want Prowl to be confused.* B l u r r: Meeting mother figures is obnoxiously drawn out starscream: Sort of hoping they all die instead B l u r r: There are so many questions starscream: Before the romance gets any worse ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Human movie dialogue. Context: Magical creature servant given no comforts freed if clothing given. Accidental sock delivery freed creature. _Whirl: Luckily, I don;t have one of those. ...unless you count Vector Sigma. _Whirl: I guess that's technically my mother. Shockwave: (( Does this movie pass the bechdel test??)) ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Reference not claim Prowl keeps servants; sock-shamwow focus only. B l u r r: Me neither. We're recycled. Shockwave: Being that this is film is of the horror genre, that is still a potential outcome. _Whirl: I wish it was, but I doubt it. FakeProwl: ((i don't think the love interest talking to the sister counts, since she's probably trying to set up her brother with him)) FakeProwl: ((**her brother with her)) ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We were originally created by the Well.]] A pause. [[Chimera has a creator, however.]] B l u r r: We weren't created, but recycled by Terminus. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave reaches over and gives the odd bird a gentle scratch on its spine. Chimera wriggles happily.* Shockwave: (( how much time does this movie have left? )) _Whirl: Really? *swivels his helm around, curious* Who made you? starscream: *isn't joining the conversation on creation* ItsyBitsySpyers: <<Chimera's creator is Shockwave!>> Happy chirp. _Whirl: Oh, yeah? The same one who comes by? The worm guy? FakeProwl: @Soundwave «I see.» ItsyBitsySpyers: <<Yes!>> No. _Whirl: Neat. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Terminus again?]] _Whirl: I guess he decided the geriatric squad needed a second babysitter. *sly look at Soundwave, Ravage, and the birds* starscream: ((seriously why a myna bird)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Ravage closes his optics and looks away. He ain't acknowledgin' your rudenes.* _Whirl: *GRANDPA RAVAGE* Shockwave: *his attention was caught at the sound of his designation, looking behind at the conversation taking place, only to find that they were speaking of the alternate who frequents these showings.* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Well, I'm not terribly into being called master. But I'll make an exception.» Shockwave: *still, he catalogues that little piece of data.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak and Buzzsaw shiver with glee. Here it goes.* _Whirl: ....*looks back to the screen. At last. ...ALREADY SNICKERING* Shockwave: *ah! so the birds finally arrive.* B l u r r: [[ also the movie has 53 minutes left ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave goes slightly rigid. He wasn't expecting that. It takes him a second to figure out how to respond.* B l u r r: What do you mean 'again'? _Whirl: This. Is hilarious. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[You mentioned Terminus before in passing.]] starscream: I'm pretty sure humans could kill those if they stopped scaring them away ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): ...What preferred? B l u r r: Ah, yes. Well, it is where we come from. B l u r r: See, we don't have a Primus or All Spark. FakeProwl: *ah. at last. leans forward, focusing on the movie, looking for clues about what's causing these unusual attacks* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «My name.» ItsyBitsySpyers: *Oh thank Primus. He wasn't sure what he would do if Prowl said something worse here.* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Keheheh!}} _Whirl: *laughs* Shockwave: (( 50+ minutes? gah. that's quite a bit.)) _Whirl: *JUST. CRACKING UP* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Special delivery!}} starscream: Those are definitely small enough for humans to be able to kill B l u r r: [[ no, wait. It's about halfway. ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Ah. Then your figure is called that?]] _Whirl: LOOK AT THEM. THEY'RE LIKE BIG BUGS. B l u r r: Figure? starscream: What's wrong with these people, squash them _Whirl: This is HILARIOUS. FakeProwl: *the first one was when she was on the boat. one bird. the second was when she was at the other lady's home. one bird.* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Prowl's preference logged. Shockwave: *He now understands why laserbeak and buzzsaw enjoy this now.* FakeProwl: *the third was right after her conversation with the man, and the mother came out to see them.* FakeProwl: *the fourth was when they were talking about her staying the night* Shockwave: (( okay, presumably older people: should i leave in about 20 minutes or make it to the end? )) _Whirl: Look, they can't even fly into walls without dying! B l u r r: / kicks pedes up and lays out on his couch/ How odd... _Whirl: I'll bet the schoolteacher is already dead. B l u r r: Humans are afraid of the most idiotic things. starscream: Surely humans are strong enough to kill the smaller ones at least FakeProwl: *the species are different, but attack in flocks. unlikely to be disease, as they specifically hunt out targets to attack.* _Whirl: After all, she already served her BORING purpose: dumping exposition for the romance. B l u r r: [[ tbh there are about 60 minutes left ]] _Whirl: ((I'd say, that's up to you, shockwave! I've never seen this)) FakeProwl: *all known incidents seem to surround this one woman. that may not remain true— ah. apparently no longer true.* Shockwave: (( /hmmmmmm./ )) ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Them suicide bombers.}} starscream: How did they kill him, surely losing their eyes won't kill a human immediately? B l u r r: Mmm... ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Them bird many more than human. Two, three not big sad loss.}} B l u r r: / scrubs claw down face / Sometimes it can . Shockwave: (( depends on how deep the cut goes, it could penetrate to the brain. )) Shockwave: (( unlikely in this case, still viable in general. )) _Whirl: They probably burrowed past there into the processor. B l u r r: / makes a noise and sinks into his couch / _Whirl: ...*ah, ***, he fucced up again* B l u r r: / kicks a leg out to lay better. There. / ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy pats the leg.* _Whirl: B ut it doesn't matter--it's still ridiculous. They're so small, you could just swat em and kill them. B l u r r: / twitches pede / starscream: how close are human's eyes to their processors?  No barrier between them? _Whirl: Dunno. Doesn't matter--it's just a movie. Shockwave: *He tilts his head for a moment. Heavily considering asking someone here to retrieve one for him for dissection.* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Them many, MANY more. Human can't punch all bird.}} _Whirl: *busies himself with checking on Zori; he usually doesn't like horror films. How's he holding up? Awake?* Shockwave: *In this case, a dissection would actually be quite useful, seeing as humans have aligned themself with the enemy.* _Whirl: Yeah, I guess being squishy makes it more dangerous. I mean, I can see fearing someting... like. Microscopic. How do you fight that? You can't. _Whirl: Bu something big enough to hit is just... a nuisance. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Zori has his claw over his optic after seeing the human without them but he's holding on.* FakeProwl: *emotional dependency. Ugh* B l u r r: They could use a tennis racket. Or a baseball bat. ItsyBitsySpyers: *They could probably find a bird for Shockwave next time they crept down to Earth.* _Whirl: *gently rests his claw on Zori's back; he would offer him a hiding place if Zori wasn't so huge* ItsyBitsySpyers: *He'd have to ask though.* starscream: ((I thought that said basketball bat for a moment and I was very confused)) B l u r r: [[ well i mean if u try hard enough it could be a basketball bat ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Is the older one trying to get her killed?]] Shockwave: *He'll probably ask after the movie, but he would find having a human to dissect to be more beneficial* _Whirl: Oh, guess she's not dead yet. _Whirl: But I bet she's not gonna last much longer. FakeProwl: It's possible. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Zori whistles and carefully - CAREFULLY - pats the claw with the side of his stinger.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *No acid.* _Whirl: *Probably for the best. Whirl woul;dn't feel it but getting a new claw made would be a pain* Heh. What's that translate too, Professor? starscream: They need some cats _Whirl: The real horror is this damn song. B l u r r: It's meant to assist in memorization ItsyBitsySpyers: *Ravage looks at Starscream. That's the first sensible thing he's said all night* _Whirl: It's still awful, ugh. FakeProwl: ((i love how they keep cutting back and there are more birds)) B l u r r: It's a good tool to use, though. ItsyBitsySpyers: }}Do you know what Earthlings call groups of crows?{{ _Whirl: At last, we're released. B l u r r: Oh Oh I know this one! _Whirl: No, what? B l u r r: Pick me!! B l u r r: / waves claw / ItsyBitsySpyers: }}Yes. Blurr?{{ B l u r r: They call it a murder! K-KYAHAHA! / kicks a pede out again / FakeProwl: ... Appropriate. _Whirl: Quick thinking. ItsyBitsySpyers: }}Isn't it!{{ _Whirl: And, yeah--that's cool. B l u r r: ... If they had just walked, they wouldn't have brought attention. _Whirl: *LAUGHING AGAIN* Shockwave: (( Why are the birds pulling at their hair instead of going for the eyes? )) starscream: wring it's neck ItsyBitsySpyers: *The twins swoop and soar around the room, cackling to themselves* Shockwave: *There goes shockwave's sitting partner.* starscream: she literally had the bird in her hand and didn't kill it ItsyBitsySpyers: *He'll be back in a moment.* _Whirl: *pulls his holo-sham-wow over his eye, making exaggerated sounds of mock-horror* _Whirl: The birds!! Shockwave: *Those certainly were some Birds.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak perches on Whirl and waves her feelers around* _Whirl: I'm done for. _Whirl: Just eat all of me, okay, Laserbeak? _Whirl: *peeks out from under his shamwow to regard her solemnly* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Lightly pinches Whirl's head with feeler claws* Shockwave: (( /kinkshaming whirl )) ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Om nom!}} _Whirl: ((PFFT)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((omg)) Shockwave: (( bird vore. sounds niche. )) _Whirl: Truly, this is the most excrutiating way to die. *he does not bat her off his head* _Whirl: ((OHO OUTDATED SCIENCE, corivids are ABSOLUTELY SMART ENOUGH FOR THAT)) ItsyBitsySpyers: {{You get tennis racket and Bird zaps.}} FakeProwl: ((corvids are smart cookies)) B l u r r: [[ that's me ]] _Whirl: All I have to defend myself is my... thing that Prowl gave me. But then I'll be naked. starscream: ((pretty sure she doesn't know what she's talking about)) _Whirl: ...also, you can zap? ItsyBitsySpyers: *She lifts her feeler up. Crackle crackle. She can zap.* _Whirl: Huh. Neat! _Whirl: How hard? _Whirl: Could you knock me clean out? ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Bird dropped big big Prime~}} FakeProwl: *so whirl is into being eaten by birds and treating giant fliers like footrests. good to know.* B l u r r: I'd like to drop a big big prime /mumbling/ ItsyBitsySpyers: \\GROSS.\\ B l u r r: He'd be ang-rrry. _Whirl: Give me a test zap. Not on the head, though. ... _Whirl: *LAUGHS AGAIN, swiveling his helm towards Blurr* I bet you WOULD. Still willing to help you, with that. *cheeky look; he's a good wingman* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak's feeler wiggles uncertainly* Shockwave: (( he's also apparently into being zapped. )) _Whirl: ((when will the roller coaster end)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *She's not sure she's allowed to do that here.* Shockwave: (( i mean, whirl being kinky shouldn't be a surprise to anyone, really. )) B l u r r: Help me with what- dropping a Prime?I _Whirl: ((the funny thing is: he isn't. At least not yet. He's woefully inexperienced. But I am not saying he can't learn to enjo some form of... most of these things)) B l u r r: ... I'm not looking to anger him. Yet. _Whirl: ((but he doesn't know that yet)) _Whirl: Help you getting stepped on by that Prime. _Whirl: I know you want him to. *EVEN SLYER LOOK* B l u r r: ... Ah, yes. /hums/ Shockwave: (( oh man he needs to go on a *sexual journey of self discovery* )) B l u r r: He'd crush half of my internal workings with one stomp... B l u r r: / covers face with claw / ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Bird arrested if Whirl zapped?}} _Whirl: ((just one long horrific music montage of getting zapped and bitten and putting his feet on people)) _Whirl: *snickers again, and then looks back to Laserbeak, then to Blurr* Hey, Blurr, can she zap me a litle? I'm just curious. Shockwave: (( what music would be playing in the background? )) FakeProwl: ((and gently wafting over it all is the scent of pinesol)) B l u r r: ... I don't care? _Whirl: ((god. PINESOL I FORGOT ABOUT THE DAMN PINE SOL. also: Yakkety Sax)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave flicks a servo. If the others don't have a problem, neither does he. It'll teach them not to doubt his deployers.* Shockwave: (( PFF)) _Whirl: ((that or the Goon's cover of Unchained Melody)) starscream: Birds usually make a lot of noise, how do these people who presumably are on the alert not hear them coming every time _Whirl: All right! Okay. Hit m--wait, will Zori and Rumble get it, too? _Whirl: Shoudl I get up? ItsyBitsySpyers: //Yeah, don't get us toasted. C'mon, Bug.// _Whirl: ((FOR THE RECORD IM LISTENING TO THAT NOW OVER THIS AND IT'S MAKING THIS HILARIOUS(( starscream: genius B l u r r: Wow. The birds are better arsonists than Nos. Shockwave: (( /SNORTS)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble hops down and motions to Zori to follow him. Bug does.* Shockwave: (( that's just hilariously stupid. and the birds planned this?? )) ItsyBitsySpyers: //All clear!// starscream: ((smoking kills)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *She floats up off Whirl so as not to knock herself out too, sticks both claws on his back, and gives him a half-level jolt. Which is to say she -shocks him like hell-.* FakeProwl: ... That was unlikely to be planned. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\THEY'RE RUNNIN' WITH IT THOUGH, AIN'T THEY?\\ Shockwave: *did buzzsaw ever return to his seat? * ItsyBitsySpyers: *Yes! Yes he did. Sorry.* Shockwave: *Shockwave welcomes him.* starscream: Yeah I think their only target was the guy they attacked at the pump FakeProwl: Even if we're to believe that the birds are intelligent and malevolent enough to have caused the gas spill, they couldn't have predicted the match. _Whirl: *he sits up eagerly right before she jolts him and JERKS LIKE ANYONE WHO JUST GOT THE HELL ELECTROCUTED OUT OF THEM WOULD, optic flashing and a startled burst fo feedback BLARTing out of his vocoder* _Whirl: Hhhhot damn! HA! _Whirl: Not bad! *gives a little wheezing laugh* That;'s pretty wicked. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[It can be worse.]] FakeProwl: It seems likely to me, then, that we're— *wtf was that noise, whirl* _Whirl: *don't worry it wasn't a Chriograph moment* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Bird giggles. That was a great reaction.* FakeProwl: ... that we're supposed to believe this event is supernatural in origin. B l u r r: / snort / starscream: Wouldn't they have attacked in her usual city if it was her? FakeProwl: If we weren't supposed to believe that, then they would have depicted, for instance, a bird diving at the man to cause him to start the fire. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[He doesn't understand why a supernatural force would opt for birds. Surely insects would be worse.]] Shockwave: *oh that blood looked VERY REAL right there.* _Whirl: *his involuntary noises are very strange, as he has non-standard vocalizer* Damn respectable, laserbeak. *nods to her* _Whirl: ...and, yep. Figured this would happen. ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Whirl should feel whole thing.}} _Whirl: *nods; Laserbeak. He is absolutely willing* starscream: get back inside idiots, the dead can wait til the birds leave _Whirl: *did you guys forget he chugged that entire cube of Gaugebuster WHILE HE COULD TASTE IT. Whirl loves this kind of stuff* ItsyBitsySpyers: *All right, well. Don't say they didn't warn him.* starscream: go inside ItsyBitsySpyers: *Eat electricity, Whirl.* FakeProwl: *covers audials* _Whirl: *shifts and sits up* If you th--*WELP HE'S ZAPPED* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[How many days have passed in this town?]] _Whirl: *Sorry everyone with sensitive audials another poorly-synthesized wail warbles right out of his vocalizer--it sounds, birefly, like a Casio keyboard IN PAIN* Shockwave: *but to what extent would a cybertronian find electricity to be painful?* _Whirl: *followed by another wheezing vent, and Whirl shaking his head to clear it, after a few moments that breathless laughing can be heard, softly, and he rasps* Nice. _Whirl: I think you very nearly knocked me out, bird. Shockwave: *in any case, shockwave's audials /are/ sensitive, and he immediately shoves one side into the couch to block some of the noise out.* FakeProwl: *mr sensitive audials here appreciates the apology, but at least he was prepared* FakeProwl: *... in hindsight, since he's a holomatter, he could've just cut his own audio feed, but whatever* _Whirl: *snorts again, loudly, and shakes his head. He seems a little bit dazed but all right* You know what? That was more fun than this movie has been. B l u r r: / Velocity is louder at times- he's used to these noises / B l u r r: / maybe not exactly that sound, but the volume / _Whirl: I like Hitchcock but this is a stinker. Shockwave: *immediately after this and a good recharge, goddamnit, he's going to develop some dampeners for these excursions.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *She's slightly disappointed he didn't pass out like Optimus did, but she flutters with pride anyway* _Whirl: *son';t worry, Shockwave, Whirl isn't usually this dang loud; and don't feel bad, Laserbeak. Whirl is hard to put down. VERY hard* starscream: Kill the lovebirds ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl, Shockwave: [[His apologies. She gets few moments to shine.]] B l u r r: Look, just do me a favor. Don't run into any power lines on Earth. /scoffs / starscream: how have they not already done that _Whirl: ((the faces of true killers)) FakeProwl: *small nod* Shockwave: @Soundwave: Apology accepted. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\THAT'S HOW COME YA SHOULDA LET ME GO. I'M TOO SHORT FOR DUMB OL' POWER LINES.\\ _Whirl: *flops back, stretching on his hammck* Thanks, mech. That's a neat trick. Definitely damn useful in a fight. *raises one arm and clicks a claw, a touch sluggishly* I think it's dapmened my reflexes-- ItsyBitsySpyers: \\BUT I'M GOOD WIT' THE DOOR. GONNA FIND ME SOME COOL SCRAP!\\ Shockwave: @Soundwave: So sounds of such amplitude are not so common? starscream: Like you need worse reflexes than you already have B l u r r: / snort / I would take you to Earth, but I don't know if you'd be cleared for that. _Whirl: --a bit. Damn useful if you're trying to take out someone bigger. *of COURSE he's gonna analyze the combat potential of that right after he gets hit with it* Okay. Hammock's safe. Everyone can pile-- ItsyBitsySpyers: [[No. He is not.]] _Whirl: -back in. ...pfft. *looks to Starscream* My reflexes are perfectly fine, actually. Dunno who told you different. B l u r r: You see? Soundwave said no. /pouts a little/ But you can come with me to see the door. starscream: Go kill the birds B l u r r: The Quintessons were responsible for the door, I hear. ItsyBitsySpyers: //They ain't shut the damn chimbley?// ItsyBitsySpyers: @Shockwave: [[Negative. Most guests are not electrocuted in public.]] Shockwave: *Yeesh these bird noises are loud.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //What for they think doors 'n stuff's gonna stop birds? Ain't they hearda woodpeckers?// _Whirl: OR the windows? Shockwave: @Soundwave: Reassuring. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble helps Zori climb back up before hopping onto Whirl's legs* _Whirl: *will also lend his assistance if it is needed before settling in* ItsyBitsySpyers: \\QUINTESSONS? THEM WIGGLY FACE ALIENS?\\ _Whirl: *Laserbeak is free to leave, or stay, if she wishes* B l u r r: Yep, those are the ones. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\THEY AIN'T RIDIN' AROUND IN ME. I'LL FEED 'EM THEIR OWN LEGS.\\ ItsyBitsySpyers: *She'll stay. She earned this perch.* B l u r r: K-Kyeheheheh. Well, good. If we encounter any, we'll kill them. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Buzzsaw is being a much better guest. He hasn't shocked Shockwave at all.* _Whirl: *she is certainly welcome to; Whirl is probably alreadycovered by a Lot of Scorpion. He has perchable places on his anatomy* _Whirl: *excuse you the shocking is a PLUS* Shockwave: *And /his/ name is already partially electricity themed.* Shockwave: *shockwave would prefer to not be shocked, at this point in time.* B l u r r: Besides, anything the Quintessons locked up is bound to be valuable. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\DAMN STRAIGHT.\\ B l u r r: But first, I have to hand deliver a few Wreckers to their boss. _Whirl: *LAUGHS* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Go through the fraggin' door, lady.// _Whirl: It's RIGHT THERE. B l u r r: [[ this scene always bothered me when i found out he didn't tell her he was gonna throw real birds at her and then did ]] FakeProwl: *wreckers boss? quietly listens in on blurr's conversation* starscream: ((Isn't this the scene where the actress almost lost an eye)) B l u r r: [[ yeah ]] FakeProwl: ((wow really? rude)) Shockwave: (( >8/ )) _Whirl: ((not surprised, it was hitchcock--he was an ***)) B l u r r: [[ a real bird got close to her eye when they threw it ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: \\WHAT WRECKERS?\\ B l u r r: [[ He said he wouldn't use real birds and then told his assistants to throw real birds at her ]] _Whirl: *blinks and also looks over, curious* ItsyBitsySpyers: ((damn rude hitchcock)) B l u r r: [[ not ALL of them are real, but some are ]] starscream: ((he did that a lot)) B l u r r: [ indeed ] Shockwave: (( 20 minutes left? )) starscream: ((told the actors one thing, did something else, usually more dangerous instead)) B l u r r: Look, I saved the morons, so I may as well... B l u r r: I may as well take them all the way back. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\YA ACTUALLY GOT SOME LEFT?\\ B l u r r: [[ 9 minutes left ]] B l u r r: ... /dims optic at Frenzy/ Well. I don't... but I found some in another universe. _Whirl: Who leads the Wreckers, in that universe? Shockwave: (( oh good. )) B l u r r: Roadbuster said he didn't know if anyone was still alive. /tilts helm/ ItsyBitsySpyers: \\WHERE'S BACK? THAT GONNA TAKE A LONG TIME?\\ B l u r r: When I knew Roads, the leader of the Wreckers WAS Roads... But Leadfoot and Topspin worked along with him, so they answered to Optimus Prime on Earth. B l u r r: I'm not sure who Roads' superior was on Cybertron. Probably someone pompous like Ultra Magnus. FakeProwl: *none of those are wreckers that prowl cares about. tunes out of the conversation* B l u r r: / looks at Frenzy again/ ... I said I would take them back to Optimus Prime of Tyran. _Whirl: *Topspin! There's a name he rexognizes* So... Optimus leads them directly? *seems somewhat skeptical. It should be noted he's still wearing the sham-wow* B l u r r: No, Optimus is their leader now that... well, this Roadbuster was listening to Leadfoot. / vents/  Couldn't save that one. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): ...What strategy, movie situation? B l u r r: So, Roadbuster and Topspin came onto my ship and I... told them I would take them to Optimus Prime. _Whirl: *nods* Ah. Gotcha. Well. Of course. *sits up a bit, that sly look coming back into his optic* ItsyBitsySpyers: *He'd like to know what he ought to do if the entire flobster population ever loses its damn mind.* _Whirl: Of COURSE we gotta take them to Big O himself. B l u r r: ... What? B l u r r: / looks at Frenzy/ Er, I'm not sure how long it will take. FakeProwl: *hmm. sits forward and thinks* @Soundwave «On a macro or micro level?» ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Both. This never experienced. ItsyBitsySpyers: *The closest he could think of would be scraplets, but they'd attack the moment they noticed him.* ItsyBitsySpyers: \\...EH, I CAN WAIT. QUINTESSON SCRAP'S GOTTA BE GOOD.\\ B l u r r: / props his helm up with his elbow/ They used to work close with NEST, but I'm not sure where NEST went. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\PRIME BETTER PAY YA REAL GOOD THOUGH.\\ FakeProwl: @Soundwave «The first step needs to be discovering the amount of time in between attacks.» FakeProwl: *another long moment of thought* B l u r r: ... I hope he hits me with the end of that rifle fresh after a shot and it burns a permanent mark on me. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\PFFT.\\ FakeProwl: @Soundwave «... Then, get a flamethrower and a scuba tank.» _Whirl: *SNICKERS* _Whirl: All angry, right up there in your face? _Whirl: Want me to be super obnoxious so he gts nice and riled? B l u r r: In any case, I said I'd get them there safe. _Whirl: *he is a good wingman, Blurr* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave shakes with silent laughter.* B l u r r: ... what id he shoots you instead of me? B l u r r: *if _Whirl: Eh, I can take it, B l u r r: But /I/ want to take it. FakeProwl: *glad he appreciated that* B l u r r: / vents and moves to sit up/ In any case, Roadbuster and Topspin will need an escort, so that's us. I plan to get them there alive. starscream: Why are they taking birds with them?  How dumb are they _Whirl: Hmm. This will require some level of finesse, then... ItsyBitsySpyers: //...What if the birds is mad cuz them other birds is caged up?// _Whirl: I'll do my best. This is a... *prime* opportunity for you, after all. B l u r r: Not that they'll sit there and walk while we fight...- B l u r r: Wow. FakeProwl: The birds are caged and can serve as an early warning system. If the caged birds become agitated, they know to take shelter. _Whirl: *looks inordinately proud of himself for that one* B l u r r: / judgment, whirl / _Whirl: *STILL PROUD* _Whirl: Wow, what a stinker THAT was. ItsyBitsySpyers: //...Wha, that's it?// ItsyBitsySpyers: //They make it somewhere or not? Whattabout the rest of the world?// _Whirl: Hitchcock can do much, much better. FakeProwl: ... That's it? B l u r r: Still, you can't take humans lightly. starscream: So the answer is... B l u r r: They've taken out more than just a few mechs... starscream: From that performance I would say you can B l u r r: / grabs datapad and pulls up a roster. Turns it around to show Whirl/ Look at their list. ItsyBitsySpyers: }}No doubt they consumed all the humans.{{ starscream: They had birds in their hands and didn't kill them on multiple occasions _Whirl: I'm with Buzzsaw. I choose to believe they got eaten. ...*tilts head at datapad* Is this the humans' kill-list? Shockwave: @Soundwave: For confirmation: the creatures featured were nonfictional, nor are they extinct? ItsyBitsySpyers: @Shockwave: [[The creatures displayed were real and remain alive.]] B l u r r: This is the list from the verse Roads was from. /taps screen/ Before they stopped it all. _Whirl: Hmm. ...do WE have a list? Yet? FakeProwl: I'd suspect that when they're holding one bird and another twenty are pecking them, their priority is not killing that one bird, but moving it away from their body as quickly as possible. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Shockwave: [[They gather. He does not know if they attack.]] FakeProwl: In order to move onto relocating the next twenty. B l u r r: For the verse I've dipped my claws into? _Whirl: Because I can guarantee you I can do better than THAT. *optic flickers as he shifts to to regard Blurr eagerly* B l u r r: / taps screen and brings up a new list / This is the new list. Optimus Prime is on top- the humans are going to want him first. Shockwave: *Even if the movie was a bit preposterous at times, he can appreciate that the creatures were real.* B l u r r: Which means not only do we need to watch out for Cemetery Wind humans, but Lockdown as well. starscream: ((interesting, the book seems to actually have the answer to what caused it)) B l u r r: / swipes screen/ Lockdown wants Optimus Prime, the humans want to catch Optimus for Lockdown - it's all some long, complicated plan. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((oh? what was it?)) FakeProwl: ((what was it in the book?)) starscream: ((not a very good one, but one anyway)) B l u r r: But, the humans get free parts if they kill all of the mechs they want to get there. B l u r r: [[ what is the book reason again? ]] _Whirl: *oh *** it';s that STUPID RIDICULOUSLY SEXY GUNFACE LOCKDOWN AIN'T IT* starscream: ((it has to do with the tides)) _Whirl: *GOD. DAMMIT.* Shockwave: There was talk earlier of speculation towards human anatomy. If anyone is willing to provide a sample, I may provide answers upon our next gathering? starscream: ((so just go out when the tide is at a safe point)) B l u r r: / YES WHIRL / Shockwave: *clearly just really wants to dissect something* FakeProwl: ((huh)) B l u r r: [[ weird ] FakeProwl: ((I had a film professor who theorized that the attacks came when the mom was feeling jealous about the new girl moving in on her son)) _Whirl: *GONA BE A SHAME TO OBLITERATE HIM BUT these things happen* Right. Well, I mean, we're... not working with any limitatuions, here? _Whirl: No "don't kill the humans" policy, right? Because if I don't have to worry about collateral, I can see this being a walk in the park. FakeProwl: ((which is why they could just walk out the door at the end—not because it was a safe phase, but because the mom is taking care of the girl and doesn't see her as a threat)) B l u r r: [[ the birds are ruining the romance that sucks anyway ]] B l u r r: /frowns/ I haven't talked to Roadbuster about that. I mean, we have... but, he seems intent on protecting the ones who are on their side. /taps screen and holds up images/ One Cade Yeager and his - B l u r r: daughter, Tessa Yeager. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave cannot assist Shockwave in finding a human, but perhaps Blurr and Whirl...?* FakeProwl: ((which is an interesting theory, but doesn't explain things like attacks at the school or in town)) _Whirl: *sighs* Seems like a dumb idea but, whatever, I'll humor them. Shockwave: Hm. Though an alive sample would be preferred, but something preserved but deceased would provide more information than nothing at all. B l u r r: [[ does the tide bring it inland? Maybe that's why? ]] B l u r r: / vents/ It's not our universe. At the end of the day, we get to walk away with absolutely, positively, no connections. None at all. FakeProwl: *quietly scowling at shockwave* B l u r r: / sounds like he's trying real hard / _Whirl: *Whirl's not going to deliver human remains to an active Decepticon, so no use asking him* starscream: ((In the book they eventually take over the whole world apparently)) _Whirl: Well, Blurr, I'm not from your universe. I'm not even from the universe I LIVE in, right now. Shockwave: (( good ending. )) FakeProwl: ((Planet of the Aves)) B l u r r: [[ good ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((LOL)) _Whirl: ...frankly, I don't really know WHERE I come from. Different universes doesn't mean anything. We can still roll with these guys when we're done. Might need to. B l u r r: / making a face / No. Impossible. B l u r r: Roadbuster and I have made it clear that we are not... friends. B l u r r: / they're in denial friends, tbh / Shockwave: @Blurr: *pings for attention.* _Whirl: *shrugs* Whatever. *Whirl hasn't seem them interact so he can't call Blurr out on his **** I'm not saying you gotta hold hands and sit around a campfire singing SONGS. B l u r r: !! @Shockwave: :: Yeeees?:: _Whirl: But sometimes you've gotta keep in touch. Seems like it might be useful. B l u r r: okay okay, fine.  Fine fine fine. /vent/ Even so... this is about delivering them from point A to point B. Shockwave: @Blurr: Is it possible for you to provide a live or well preserved human sample? B l u r r: @Shockwave: :: With pleasure! I can get you anything you want. :: _Whirl: *nods* Right. Escort mission. And we'll be fending off Cemetary Wind and possibly Lockdown. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave is having nothing to do with wherever Lockdown is. Lockdown means Galvatron. No.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy is definitely not going.* B l u r r: ... Can I trust you to fight Lockdown?  /smirks / B l u r r: / looks to Frenzy/ And you. I need you to help me out with this door. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\SAID I WAS GONNA, YEAH? DONE DEAL.\\ B l u r r: We might need to... break into a few places. I want the main treasure. You, Frenzy? You can have ANYTHING else. ItsyBitsySpyers: \\...FRAG, REALLY?\\ B l u r r: Of course. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Whooping noises* Shockwave: @Blurr: My thanks. Do you require compensation for such work? B l u r r: @Shockwave: :: If the human dies, that's compensation for me. :: B l u r r: I'll try to contact some old... / VENT/ Friends. from the Tyran I know. B l u r r: Maybe they can give us some supplies or tips. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Well, while the others aren't looking, he's sneaking a lean. He hasn't stolen many of them on the Lost Light lately.* _Whirl: *snorts* Of course I'll fight him. I'm not scared of some overconfident bounty hunter. B l u r r: Trust me, they're all like that, apparently. B l u r r: / taps his datapad/ Some should have their mouths sewn shut. _Whirl: And, breaking and entering, can do. B l u r r: / scrubs faceplate/ What am I supposed to tell Optimus Prime... B l u r r: "Hi, I found these, I think they're yours." _Whirl: I'll look into the list you sent me and get an alt-mode conversion in the works. ...PFFT. _Whirl: Okay, here's what you do. You're taking the chainsaw, right? B l u r r: Mine? _Whirl: Yes. B l u r r: Yes. Always. Shockwave: @Blurr:....Hm. Very well, then. You have my coordinates, yes? ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Disappearance cause visitor questions prepared when Prowl's stress: lower. B l u r r: @Shockwave: :: Yes, of course :: _Whirl: All right, good. So, you've got your chainsaw, and, hopefully, by this point you'll be covered in the energ--fluids. Whatever. f your enemies, yeah? maybe smoking a little. Just generally looking-- _Whirl: --like you walked through the Pit and the Pit could nopt contain you. That's key. Okay? Follow? B l u r r: ... Yes? _Whirl: Call his name, but before you get real close. Good effect. And when you're right in front of each other, shoulder your chainsaw--make sure it;s a smooth motion, maybe a little, like, cocky. Put your-- Shockwave: @Blurr: Then we have a deal. Thank you for hosting us tonight. B l u r r: @Shockwave: :: A pleasure, of course. LL _Whirl: --weight on one hip. Looks as confident as you possibly can and say--"I believe I have something that belongs to you." B l u r r: * :: ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Purpose: Threat assessment. Until then, postponed. _Whirl: Can't fail. B l u r r: ... /makes a face/ Uh...huh _Whirl: Trust me. It'll be awesome. Shockwave: *Alright it's late as *** so he's leaving, saying goodbye to anybody he considers a friend, and leaving.* B l u r r: Right.../vents/ B l u r r: / waves at Shockwave / Shockwave: (( g'night. )) _Whirl: ((night!)) starscream: ((night)) B l u r r: It's just a pity that I can't get into contact with any of the Autobots I used to know, aside from Jazz. B l u r r: We should just grab that moron and throw him at the humans... ItsyBitsySpyers: ((bye)) _Whirl: He's the one who made Zori all big, right? He might know a few tricks. B l u r r: [[ ni ni! ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Do not give Jazz to the humans.]] B l u r r: Mm. I believe so? I don't know. We don't talk as often. ItsyBitsySpyers: *He just said that. That came out of his mind. Primus.* B l u r r: / flicks finials/ Well , why not? _Whirl: We're not giving ANYONE to the humans. _Whirl: We're killing the humans. _Whirl: They picked a fight--they're the enemy now. B l u r r: They have ALWAYS been the enemy. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[...He must be preserved. His timeline cannot afford to lose him.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *WHYYYYY* B l u r r: His timeline? He has no one LEFT in his timeline starscream: I thought Autobots usually aligned themselves with humans ItsyBitsySpyers: [[More can be created.]] B l u r r: ... /looks at datapad/ Except Optimus Prime of Tyran , who is currently MIA. Sideswipe, MIA. Mirage, MIA. _Whirl: *dryly* Those of us severed from our timelines don't necessarily consider ourselves useless, you know. ItsyBitsySpyers: //These ain'tcher normal humans, Screamer.// B l u r r: / vents and looks at Soundwave/ Just because he thinks he's a special night lite doesn't mean he gets to sit in the back. _Whirl: Yeah. these folks catch and dissect Cybertronians. I've run into... similar folks before. Humans are just another species of alien--they don't get special treatment when they pick fights. ItsyBitsySpyers: //They been pullin' us apart both sides 'n turnin' us into creepy fraggin' li'l slave machines.// B l u r r: ... Besides. /smirks/ Jazz has a lot of power. If I twist his arm the right way, he'll do me a few favors. FakeProwl: ((i disappeared, sorry. i went downstairs to use the fridge and i got offered an astrology reading.)) B l u r r: [[ the best fridgeventure ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[And if the humans get hold of him? Dissect him? Destroy him? Steal what he contains?]] starscream: ((not going to lie, that is a sentence I never thought I would hear)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((wb. soundwave is leaning on prowl and said he wanted to ask questions about the two needle nerds when prowl felt strong enough to handle it, for threat assessment purposes)) _Whirl: ((omfg)) B l u r r: I'd never let the humans TAKE him... B l u r r: Regardless, he IS still... he was nice to me. A few times. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((and soundwave is defending a jazz where everyone can hear and hating every second of it)) FakeProwl: @Soundwave «"Disappearance cause visitor questions"?» *he can't parse that phrase* B l u r r: [[ SOUNDWAVE WHY ]] B l u r r: [[ Jazz in the bg, wiping a tear ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): ...Two mnemosurgeons appeared. Prowl disappeared. _Whirl: He seemed nice enough to Zori. *that's reason enough for Whirl, apparently* FakeProwl: @Soundwave «There were two of them?» ItsyBitsySpyers: ((lemme check chat)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((please hold. i am pretty sure someone blabbed)) FakeProwl: *he only heard Chromedome before leaving* FakeProwl: ((yeah someone blabbed. but prowl only noticed one of them)) B l u r r: Well, if I could get in contact with Sideswipe, we'd have his swords. But, he's missing, too. ItsyBitsySpyers: ((okay yeah and that's the one soundwave got told to follow during host week. i'm good)) B l u r r: Last I heard from Jazz, no one is answering his calls except Scorponock. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Chromedome; "Nimbus"/Trepan, "masseuse" on space station. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «... Chromedome is hanging out with Trepan again?» B l u r r: / taps datapad and leans back / Regardless, it looks like it's you, me, and the Wreckers. _Whirl: Well, if we can't get him, no big loss, I GUESS. B l u r r: It's more like a short loss.. B l u r r: / snicker / ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): What 'again'? Reminder: Soundwave not native. _Whirl: *sits up, optic glinting gleefully with the promise of mayhem. He is still wearing that damn sham-wow* Sounds like a hell of a party. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Contact me tomorrow, after my work shift. And if you should go somewhere Trepan is, watch your neck.» ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): ...Understood. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «And around Chromedome, of course. But Chromedome is an unconfirmed threat. Trepan is an active one.» B l u r r: / smirks and kicks a pede out/ Though, I want Optimus Prime of Tyran in my debt, I would rather deliver them to their real boss. B l u r r: It was unclear who it was... any guesses? B l u r r: I hope it wasn't Sentinel... he was a prime assshole. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Small visible plating puff. And they were all in the room with him unaware...* FakeProwl: *well, he should at least be aware of the danger of Chromedome* _Whirl: I... wouldn't be able to tell you anything, but I've never known the Wreckers to answer to a Prime, and if YOUR Sentinel was anything like OUR Sentinel... _Whirl: then he's. A dead mech walking. ItsyBitsySpyers: *No, no. They all, as in him and his minicons, around a mnemosurgeon who isn't necessarily limited to one more surgery before death* _Whirl: OUR Sentinel was just. *shakes his head* I can't talk about that guy right now. I want to keep my MOOD. B l u r r: My Sentinel is an idiot. Tyran's was a slagger. ItsyBitsySpyers: *His plating settles. He's good. He'll be sure none of his group go near those two.* B l u r r: / vents and just sits up more / Optimus Prime of Tyran /does/ have a destructive attitude. B l u r r: It wouldn't surprise me if they looked up to him.

Missed some.

_Whirl: It's very rare for a Wrecker to retire. B l u r r: Some shouldn't. B l u r r: /flexes claws / I don't know why I agreed to this. It's a pain.... annoying. FakeProwl: *it's so nice to be dating someone with humor standards low enough for Prowl to meet them* _Whirl: *shrugs again* _Whirl: I think I might. *he tilts his head and stares at Blurr; Roadbuster, he wagers, has a LOT to do with it. But he's not gona say that out loud* B l u r r: / vents and just looks back at him./ Oh, yeah? _Whirl: *he's also gonna finally remove his sham-wow* Well, prowl, I appreciate it, but at the end of the day, we all know the truth: I'll never be a decent mech. _Whirl: So I might as well be naked. B l u r r: /snort / FakeProwl: That's fine. The sham-wow was fake anyway. FakeProwl: *a sham sham-wow* _Whirl: It was a metaphor all along. _Whirl: For pretending to be a decent, polite person in company because that's whate everyone expects. ItsyBitsySpyers: //My optics! I'm blind!// _Whirl: *sagely nod as he drapes the sham-wow on Laserbeak's back. His gift to you for so generously electrocuting the shi t out of him* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Rumble rolls off Whirl and twitches dramatically* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Request permitted? _Whirl: You're naked, too. _Whirl: Our first casualty. But, Rumble... *zoops his neck over the edge of the hammock* I've got bad news, pal. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Sits up.* //Sup?// FakeProwl: @Soundwave «Request permitted but response not guaranteed.» *depends on the request* B l u r r: / shifts and motions to Frenzy/ Look. This is the door. /shows him datapad/ It's not like a real door, but it blocks something vast. Isn't it awesome? ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Rest near Constructicons. Active threat, assailant association not trusted. Starscream's security: sham. ItsyBitsySpyers: *He's not asking you to sleep -with- them. Just... by them. For safety.* _Whirl: You're naked too. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «... I sleep with them every night.» FakeProwl: *so we've got that covered.* ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Good. Stay. FakeProwl: @Soundwave «I intend to.» ItsyBitsySpyers: *And that means no running off to be across the house wiggling at Tarantulas* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Do your wiggling near them* FakeProwl: *there's a reason a Constructicon was lurking outside the door, and it's not because said Constructicon felt like watching.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //I ain't neither, sir, 'n I'm offended at your insinu-nations. I got more platin' than the Boss do.// _Whirl: *snorts and twitches his long, thin stabilizer fins for emphjasis* So do I. _Whirl: I've got plenty of PLATING. Just no clothes. ItsyBitsySpyers: *Small nudge against avatar. Thank you. He does not want to ping you and find out they've taken everything else.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *After all, he doesn't know enough about what's yours to rip it out of them afterward yet* ItsyBitsySpyers: //I got a tarp. That count?// ItsyBitsySpyers: ((OH WHOOP i missed a question from blurr hold on)) _Whirl: Well, you're not WEARING it, are you? ItsyBitsySpyers: *Frenzy belatedly snatches up the datapad and stares at it. He doesn't see anything doorlike.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *...He's looking at it upside down. There we go.* FakeProwl: *what does the nudge mean? is this like the hand-tapping thing that Ratchet did. nudges back.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Good.* FakeProwl: *good job prowl, Successful Social Interaction* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Boss! Tarp.// B l u r r: / snort / ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave pauses to fish around in his side and pull out a folded heating tarp. He flicks it to Rumble, who drapes it on himself like a cape.* ItsyBitsySpyers: //Now what, smart-aft?// _Whirl: There ya go. _Whirl: Now, you're not naked. ItsyBitsySpyers: //Then I'm the classiest bot in this fraggin' room. Perverts.// ItsyBitsySpyers: \\...THIS GOTTA BE ONE BIG KEY.\\ _Whirl: Excuse you. *points to Laserbeak, who now has the holo sham-wow* B l u r r: It goes to a console on a command center floating around there, I think. B l u r r: Anyway... I have the key ItsyBitsySpyers: //That ain't real. It's fake clothin'. Bootlegger, bird.// ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Peh. It mine.}} _Whirl: It's good enough. FakeProwl: It's digital cothing, and therefore high-tech. Scorponock: ... [shuffles in to bring a few snacks ] FakeProwl: *don't u diss his fake sham-wow* _Whirl: *NUDGE NUDGE YOUR BUDDY'S HERE* _Whirl: ! *nudges Zori* ItsyBitsySpyers: \\BRING IT NEXT TIME, I WANNA S--YO, THE OTHER BUG!\\ ItsyBitsySpyers: #:O #my friend! B l u r r: / snort / Oh, there you are. I thought you were still hiding. He's been shy lately. ItsyBitsySpyers: *WHOMP Zori is off that hammock and scuttling over to pap his big bug buddy all over HI* B l u r r: I will bring it to show you next time, Frenzy Scorponock: [ chittering!!! ] Scorponock: [ clicks the claws and wiggles tail side to side ] Yeeez. I have come vizeeeet. _Whirl: *was quite prepared and is NOT dumped; he just sits up straighter and ajusts his balance, watching Zori with a subtle mixture of amusement and fondness* ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Bird's shamwow. Prowl can't have back, heh heh.}} ItsyBitsySpyers: *Flies around with it* _Whirl: ...*which he straightens into a neutral expression when he realizes he's making a face. ...well. Sort of. As much of a face as Whirl CAN* FakeProwl: You realize I can turn it off, right. ItsyBitsySpyers: {{No!}} ItsyBitsySpyers: {{Rude.}} ItsyBitsySpyers: #are you okay? #you have been gone a long time #yes #very long ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave caught that, Whirl.* Scorponock: Yeez. I am veeery okay. Been zeek _Whirl: *snickers* Looks like you'll have to get your own. *NO U DIDN'T* _Whirl: *DON'T LOOK AT ME* FakeProwl: I'll warn you before I leave, but it's going to be soon. ItsyBitsySpyers: #D: ItsyBitsySpyers: #you are not sick now? B l u r r: / shifts and looks back at his datapad/ When can you be ready to go, Whirl? Scorponock: No! Am no zeek anymore _Whirl: When d'you need me? I might need  aday or two to get my alt switched up, but otherwise... *shrugs* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Bird whistles and loops and - oh. Hmm. It didn't stay on. That's the trouble with clothes, she supposes.* _Whirl: We've been docked on Cybertron for ages. I'm not being useful back home at all. _Whirl: *so Laserbeak* You need a scarf. ...and a neck for the scarf. ItsyBitsySpyers: *She grabs it in a feeler and holds it out to Prowl. Here. It is a bad Autobot cloth anyway.* B l u r r: I'll have to talk to Roadbuster , but it might be a few days. ItsyBitsySpyers: #good #do not be sick more #only healthy #we missed you #:( _Whirl: All right! I'll get ready. *bob his head* FakeProwl: ... You don't have to give it back now, I'm not leaving for another couple of minutes. And it doesn't really need to be "given" anyway. ItsyBitsySpyers: {{And leg! Good leg.}} ItsyBitsySpyers: *In that case, it's HER bad Autobot cloth for another few minutes. She floats around dusting everyone's helms with it because try and stop her.* Scorponock: You meez me? FakeProwl: *have fun with your bad autobot cloth* ItsyBitsySpyers: #yes! FakeProwl: *... when it disappears, all the dust it mopped up is going to drift away. and probably into laserbeak's vents.\* _Whirl: Yeah! *neatly ducks as she tries to dust him, HAHA LASERBRAIN* The legs on that bird body I got were pretty great. ItsyBitsySpyers: *BAD AUTOBOT CLOTH* Scorponock: I meez you too, yeeez. _Whirl: If you think you might use the scans for an upgrade, let me know. I bet it'd be wicked. Scorponock: Been looking for Blacky. ItsyBitsySpyers: [[We are considering it.]] FakeProwl: *well maybe laserbeak shouldn't dusting things with imaginary fabric* _Whirl: Nice! ItsyBitsySpyers: *dirty dirty TRICK is what it is. see if she trusts Prowl and Whirl presents again* _Whirl: *excuse you he's innocent in all this* _Whirl: *aside from being shamefully naked* FakeProwl: *prowl didn't make her dust things* ItsyBitsySpyers: #I did not see him #only little helicopters Scorponock: Oh... [droopy scorpion ] ItsyBitsySpyers: *well what else was she supposed to do with it, eat it?* _Whirl: ((what if we find him on Earth)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((EEEEE)) B l u r r: [[ whirl he dead ]] _Whirl: ((whirl grabs him by the... robot lapels "Look here you little sh it. Your scorpion is worried about you. GO. HOME.")) B l u r r: [[ he's dEAD ]] _Whirl: ((well. ...i mean if we find his body I suppose, closure)) _Whirl: ((but I like shaking him by the robo lapels better)) B l u r r: [[ oh my god that would be so sAD ]] _Whirl: ((........soundwave have you ever wanted to have TWO SCORPIONS)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((HE CAN'T CARRY SCORPONOK)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((WHERE'S HE GONNA ATTACH? HIS EVERYWHERE?)) _Whirl: ((GET SHOCKWAVE TO MAKE HIM ABLE TO SHRINK, DUH)) FakeProwl: ((gigantic backpack)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((...okay but scorponok isn't made for that.)) B l u r r: [[ a scorpobackpack ]] _Whirl: ((Shockwave tho)) B l u r r: [[ HE IS BLACKOUTS SPINE I MEAN ]] _Whirl: ((he can do anything)) B l u r r: [[ well he comes from his spine ]] FakeProwl: ((like those "skinny white nerd going on a camping trip and overpreparing" backpacks)) _Whirl: ((and if he is Very Small, maybe one day he, too, will be granted the right of hiidng in whrl's cockpit from Movies That Unsettle Him)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((well then why doesn't he get very small and whirl can have him)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((skip the middleman)) _Whirl: ((Whirl is not a carrier)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((lmao puff soundwave is top heavy enough)) FakeProwl: ((second suggestion: replace ratbat. ENORMOUS FANNY PACK)) B l u r r: LOL ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((NO)) _Whirl: ((Scorponok can be a triple changer and just turn into a scorp-gun)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((THIS IS NOT THE SOLUTION TO HIS AFTLESSNESS)) _Whirl: ((attched to a shoulder mount)) _Whirl: ((....actually y'know what scorpo-gun sounds cool I'll take him instead)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((seeeeee)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((now blurr and prowl need scorps of their own.)) FakeProwl: ((why does prowl need one)) B l u r r: [[ why would blurr need one omg ]] _Whirl: ((EVERYBODY GETS A SCORPION)) _Whirl: ((YOU geta  scorpion. and YOU get a scorpion)) FakeProwl: ((his thigh pockets have already been mapped)) _Whirl: ((well technically Prowl already has a spide)) B l u r r: blurr has velocity. He's like a bug ]] ItsyBitsySpyers: ((i forgot about the thigh pocket map... soundwave needs to just bring that up again randomly one day)) _Whirl: ((HEHEHHE)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((lmao velocity is the worst kind of pest)) _Whirl: ((YOU GOTTA MAP THE OUTSIDES NOW, SOUNDWAVE)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((HE'S WORKIN ON IT)) FakeProwl: ((starting from the face and moving out)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((Sorta. The old outsides. He'll have to start over again later. This is not a complaint.)) FakeProwl: ((the thigh pocket map was a beautiful accident)) _Whirl: ((Gotta be thorough)) ItsyBitsySpyers: ((ok i'm gettin sleepy time to call the nerds to the bigger nerd)) _Whirl: ((AIGHT)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *And so it was done, with Soundwave being partially tipped over by Rumble and Frenzy's fight to dock first. Carrier troubles.* _Whirl: *will clamber out of his Hammock* Just give me the word when you need me, Teach. And pass me the frequencies of your guys, too, or have 'em contact me, in case they need to give me any more details, y Scorponock: [ aw the friend going home ] _Whirl: *yeah? ...*bobs his head goodbye to the Soundwave Posse* B l u r r: ... Yeah, sure. I'll contact you. B l u r r: / waves claw / ItsyBitsySpyers: *Zori gently taps his claws against Scorponok's* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave nods* _Whirl: *clicks his claw back at Blurr in farewell* Scorponock: [ claw tap!! ] ItsyBitsySpyers: #you be safe #I will see you soon! #:D Scorponock: Bye bye, Zzzzoree! ItsyBitsySpyers: #we will go to sand ItsyBitsySpyers: #bye! Scorponock: Zaand! [ claws to the air ] Bye ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave manages to right himself once both twins are docked and flexes his hands. Okay. They got on the right ones.* ItsyBitsySpyers: *He bobs his head at Prowl.* _Whirl: *he will now scuttle off to look over this list of alts Blurr has sent him& FakeProwl: I'll see you next week. ItsyBitsySpyers: @Prowl: (txt): Company always enjoyed. Rest well. FakeProwl: *poofs out* FakeProwl: *nod* FakeProwl: *SHAM-WOW DUST ATTACK* B l u r r: / wow / FakeProwl: ((cmon livestream you know the nod and the poof should've been in the opposite order)) ItsyBitsySpyers: *Laserbeak immediately explodes into coughs and hiccups as she drops otu of the dust cloud to try to get clean air in her vents* ItsyBitsySpyers: *Soundwave shakes his helm and rescues her.* ItsyBitsySpyers: [[His apologies. We will bring dust cleaning materials next time.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: [[Be safe, Blurr. Do not fall to the meatbags.]] ItsyBitsySpyers: *Out they go.* B l u r r: Aw, thanks. B l u r r: I won't. I think...