knaval | cyberformed inbox, UN: boaty mcboatface

Hey Riptide.

Can we talk somewhere? There's something that's been bothering me and I guess I shouldn't keep it inside.

Meet me at the observation room?

Oh! Hey, Teeg. Yeah, of course we can talk. I'll see you there.

[AND SO: here is riptide clomping his clomping ass into the observation deck, stopping for a moment to admire a particularly interesting nebula the ship is in the process of passing. pretty!]

[Tailgate is sitting on the floor, looking out at the stars in a strange miniature mimicry of a certain purple jet.]

You came.

[He says, a little more subdued than usual.]

Here, sit with me.

Of course I did.

[he almost asks why tailgate thinks he might not, but then actually realises that's a bad idea.

riptide sits next to him, pulling his legs towards himself so he doesn't take up all of tailgate's space.]

What's up? You got me worried.

Oh, y'know.

[How is he supposed to approach this? Maybe he should just say it out loud and hope for the best?]

Why did you side with Getaway?

What made you hate us so much that you'd leave us for dead?

I didn't hate you. It-- [he exhales. they were due this conversation eventually. not even riptide was naive enough not to expect it.] --The reasons why I did what I did were really stupid and selfish. I didn't know when I did it, but they were.

We all thought that you guys were going to be left on a neutral planet with an ally. But... you know, that doesn't make it better. I wanted to kill Getaway when I found out.

But I thought we were friends. You don't leave friends on planets by themselves.

I really ought to pummel you. Make you pay for all the terrible, scary things that happened when you left us behind.

And Skids... Ravage.

No. You don't.

[he looks away; he's heard about those two. his spark constricts in grief, then in guilt for even daring to feel bad about what he'd done.]

Are you going to?

Of course not.

Not when Getaway himself is on the ship.

[He's silent for a moment, thinking about... well, everything. Weighing everything against everything.]

I think it'll stick it to him more if I just say that...

I forgive you, despite how much it hurts. And I hope we can still be friends.

Oh, Tailgate... [lightstrands well up and slide down his face from his optics as tailgate speaks. he doesn't deserve this. he doesn't deserve someone as good as tailgate, even if he's just forgiving riptide to get at getaway. the thought's still there.] I--

I'll do my best for you and anyone else who shows up here. You guys really did deserve so much better than what we did to you.

Thank you.

Forrrrr... what?

For being Tailgate's friend.

[A sigh.] I'm not sure which of you is the worse influence on the other, but- you're a good friend.

You're a good person.

I-- oh. He was the one that forgave me, you know. [for reasons he's not sure he understands, but still.

...] I made Getaway suffer for what he said.

Good. [Both the forgiveness and the Getaway crunching.]

I owe you a debt. If you are ever in need, call me, and if it's within my power I will answer.

Oh! That's-- very kind of you. You don't actually owe me anything, Cyc. I was just doing what I thought was right.

The offer stands.

[Sorry Riptide. You don't have to use the favour, but you're stuck with it.

also if you're in trouble he'll probably beat someone up for you for free]

So you think that Ultra Magnus is going to realize it was us?

No, but if he gets on the trail... Tailgate... I'll take the fall for you!! I have no conjunx to lose time with.

[Wow that makes him feel super guilty about how quickly he had thrown Riptide under the bus with Cyclonus. He'll make it up him in a totally reasonable way.]

Aw, that's so sweet! I can probably handle it myself if it comes down to it though.

We should really find you a partner some time. Too bad all the eligible bachelors on this ship kind of suck.

To be fair I did literally steal them. Like, the thing he's publicly talking about was me.

[he snorts.]

No kidding! It's alright, Teeg, I'm not really looking for anyone. That sort of thing never really interested me.

Well there goes our hilarious romantic comedy adventure I was planning.

[He's mostly joking.]

Why doesn't it interest you? Sure, it's difficult and complicated, but having Cyclonus at the end makes it all worth it.

It's not because it's hard, it's... I don't know. I guess I just haven't met the right guy yet. Which isn't an excuse for you to start looking, by the way! I don't even know what my type is!

[This is totally an excuse to start looking. Time to try to find out who here on this ship has a particular interest in boats.]

You must have some idea! Do you like cars? Red cars? Blue cars?

Maybe you like people with swords? I know I like people with swords.

I just said I don't know! Swords are super cool, though, so a maybe?? That narrows it down! Maybe I'll ask Cyclonus out!

...

That was a joke. I'm joking. Please don't hurt me.

Ha, as if you could handle Cyclonus.

[As if anyone can. Cyclonus can barely handle Cyclonus.]

You know what, I'll get back to you on this.

[It is time to be completely unreasonable about this entire thing.]

I absolutely could. Go on, you little maniac. Find me the love of my life.

Riptide.

Do you know what sort of thing Tailgate would... like as a gift? A meaningful gift.

[bro you've been dating him for like 5000 years, is what riptide doesn't say. probably for the best, seeing as last time he knew the two they were happily married.]

I think he'd like anything you got him just because it's from you, to be honest.

[Resisting the urge to sigh over here.]

That's probably true. I would just... like it to be special.

[don't you sigh at him because you can't do something simple!!]

I mean... everything I can think of would be something I'd give him, not something you would. Maybe... something that's similar to the time you guys were from? Could you write him a song in that style you're always singing in?

I... hm.

[Long pause.]

Thank you, Riptide.

Hey, no problem! And-- you know, it would be nice to hang out with you sometime. I think the only two times I've heard from you have been Tailgate related, which, fair enough, but--!

[Oh shit, Riptide is attempting legitimate social interaction, what do.]

Did you... have something in mind?

[He honestly likes Riptide but he has no idea how to approach 'hanging out'. Tailgate and Whirl mostly just happen to him whether he likes it or not. And unlike Drift, they don't even have swords in common.]

[he hums thoughtfully for a moment.]

Well... being cooped up in the ship sucks. We could just get some energon and magboots and go outside for a bit?

That sounds... agreeable.

[Staring at the stars is his top hobby, after all.]

Later today?

I am available at [time-stamp].

[riptide is sitting cross-legged on the hull next to cyclonus, happily watching the stars go by. he's holding his cube of energon, watching it float around inside the cube.]

Do you recognise any of these stars?

[Cyclonus sits next to him, a bit stiffly, but then when is he not stiff?

The view is quite spectacular, though, and he gives the question serious consideration, gaze darting across the starscape.]

No.

Yeah, I thought I'd clocked a few but turns out I hadn't. [he leans back on the hull of the ship, most certainly a lot more relaxed than however he was the last time cyclonus had seen him on the moira.] We really need to find a place that we can land on and not get swarmed. It'd be nice to be planet side for a while.

The exercise would be good for everyone, I think.

[He may be space-worthy, but there's something unique about flying in-atmosphere.

Okay, he's going to attempt small talk. Because Tailgate would want him to.]

Do you miss... [What's the word for this? Floating??] ...boating? When you're land-locked for too long?

[riptide rests his chin on his hand, evidently not bothered by how awkward this should all be.]

Yeah. I'm space-worthy, but... you know, Hydrobot. Going for a dive after a while is like having a nice cold cube of energon after a long day, y'know?

[Cyclonus gives a small nod of understanding. He may not see the appeal of large bodies of liquid, but he knows the itch of being grounded for too long.]

Is it difficult? Not having many opportunities for transformation.

[Obviously one can transform wherever, but sitting around as a boat without water seems about as satisfying as sitting around as a jet in a hangar.]

Honestly? It was at first. After the Forced Flood all of us felt really useless whenever there was no water. It was like a twisted form of Functionism, in a way.

[he takes a drink, shrugs a shoulder.]

Then then, like everyone else, I learned I'm not just my alt-mode. A little late, maybe, and sometimes I still feel a bit... out of place. I think we all do. [he looks over at cyclonus.] I guess it's like... imagine being able to turn into your jetmode, but you're on a planet with really high gravity. Made me need to get good at fighting, though! I couldn't just rely on having manoeuvrability or an exit point with my alt.

[Cyclonus has... a lot of thoughts about the war. About M.T.O.s like Riptide being made to fight before they had a chance to learn how to fight. About taking new lives and using them up like... like ammunition. Battles are meant to be fought by warriors, but he'd be hard-pressed to call someone so freshly off the assembly line even a soldier.

But he doesn't say so, because telling someone that you find their origin obscene seems impolite, even if he doesn't hold it against Riptide. He thinks the Hydrobot is doing very well in spite of his unfortunate history.

He has a drink to cover up his thoughtful silence.]

The battlefield can be a good teacher, if a harsh one. ['Learn or die' can be a powerful incentive.

He taps a claw restlessly on the edge of his cube, and finally adds:] You're much more than you were built to be.

[he'd probably just sadly agree, anyway. he knows it wasn't great; he lived it.]

I don't like agreeing with that, but I have to. [riptide looks over, clearly surprised at the compliment.] Thanks. I guess-- you too? I mean, you got your conjunx!

I- [Can you hear the mental record scratch as he drops his energon?

Luckily they're in space so it doesn't fall, he just has to catch it before it floats out of reach.]

I'm sorry, my what?

Uh.

[uh oh.]

Your... conjunx. W--wait, are you behind? Timeline wise? Forget I said anything!

[Wow, you can't just do take-backsies on spoilers like that, Riptide!]

...

.....

Is it Tailgate?

...

Yeah. It is. I-- thought you knew. Sorry. I thought you'd already done it.

No, I- it's fine.

...I'm planning to ask him. Soon.

It's what the gift is for.

Wild how I didn't immediately guess that. [riptide looks over to cyc, expression painted with delight.] Tell me how it goes, yeah?

[somewhere, a sad trombone plays.]

Certainly.

[Honestly, knowing that he and Tailgate really are Conjunxes in the future is rather bolstering.

If the R2 had a generator that ran on dramatic irony, it would be powered for centuries by now.]

[riptide leans back until he's laying flat on his back, arms crossed behind his head and looking up at the stars.]

Awesome. Hey, can I ask you something?

I don't know, can you?

[This is Cyclonus being funny. You can tell because he shoots Riptide a little half-a-smirk.]

Terrible! [he snorts, despite himself, at the surprise of cyclonus joking, if nothing else.] I was just wondering... where do you think you'd live with Tailgate back on Cybertron? When we all have the option to settle it's just... really weird.

[Oh, that's actually an interesting question. Cyclonus is silent for a moment in consideration.]

Tetrahex was my first and longest home. I should like to see it again. Only... [Only Cybertron as he knows it was destroyed by the war.] I'm not sure I could bear to live on Cybertron as it is now.

[He doesn't know about the shenanigans of their universe swapping out their original Cybertron for a slightly less abused model.]

Yeah, the Functionist Cybertron we got out of it all is... a bit weird, too. You're not gonna want to see your home with all that you are your altmode rubbish all over it, are you?

[he's silent for a long few moments.]

I went back to Simanzi, to see how it was on a Cybertron before the war. I-- I don't know if I'll stay on Cybertron either. You'll have plenty choice, at least.

[Oh, there's another mention of Functionist Cybertron. But what does Riptide mean by 'got out of it all'? Cyclonus feels like he should ask but...

...He decides that for now he honestly doesn't want to know. It's not his future at the moment. He was displaced from that when he ended up on the Moira and then further displaced when he arrived on the R2.

Either he'll return to that timeline some day or he won't, but for now knowing about it isn't going help him.

He stares out a the stars instead.]

It's a big universe.

Yeah. [he puffs out a sigh, finishing his drink.] I'm not so sure how the Galactic Council feels about us back home, anyway. I guess if we have to stay here then...

Well, like you said. Big universe. There will be somewhere. [he looks over at cyclonus, optics shining for a moment.] I'm really glad you two make each other so happy. You both really deserve it.

[Oh well now Riptide has gone and made Cyclonus actually feel a little flustered. He uses finishing off his energon to buy time.]

...Thank you.

I hope you find someone who makes you just as happy. Conjunx or Amica.

You deserve that.

Uh huh. [he doubts he'll ever have an amica, but that's okay! he's accepted his fate.] Look at that, we've managed to have one whole normal conversation!

[Cyclonus almost has one whole normal response to that statement. He really could just smile and nod and say 'I suppose we have'.

Instead he widens his eyes slightly in a subtle display of shock.]

What? But my allergy-

[And then he doubles over, clutching his chest.]

[he realises almost immediately cyclonus is joking, but he still jumps up.]

Oh, my god! I'll call Ratchet! Hang on, Cyclonus! You're too young and beautiful to offline!

Wait-

[He grips at Riptide's leg.]

It's too late for me... But tell Tailgate...

...I leave all the money to Scourge.

[Somebody has watched too much human media with Swerve.]

Noooo! He was so young! Definitely not old and crusty! [riptide throws his hands up dramatically.] I'll pass your message on, you poor soul!

[Cyclonus breaks character with a soft laugh, sitting up straight.

He almost sounds legitimately offended when he adds:]

I am not crusty, Riptide.

Yeeees, you are. Just a little bit. [old man.] Well, now I know the magic words to bring you back to life!

I may be old, Riptide- [And tired.] -But my hygiene is impeccable.

If you say so.

[he shifts back, sitting back down.]

You wanna go back inside?

[A soft chuckle.

It takes a moment for Cyclonus to answer, staring thoughtfully out at the starscape.]

...I think I'll stay out here for now.

[He was probably just going to do more solemn stargazing when he went back in anyway.]

Hey Riptide! I found you, uh, a couple of blind dates!

I think you'll like them! Just be at Maccadams at [Time and date] and you should have a fun time!

Oh, wow. I can't believe anyone even said yes. Alright, I'll let you know how it goes.

Oh Riptide.

I messed up big time.

What-- hey, what happened, Teeg? You alright? Do I need to come get you from somewhere?

No.. no it's.

Ugh.

[Tailgate puts his face in his hands and let's a moment pass before he speaks again.]

Cyclonus asked me to be his conjunx.

And I said no.

Oh.

[he's surprised, but not really anything else.]

Why?

I'm sick. I wake up sometimes and I find that I've tried to claw my chest open.

And Whirl... he told me that in our proper timeline, I would hurt Cyclonus in my sleep. So I can't go and commit to someone with that still going on.

Oh, my god, Tailgate. [LITERALLY WHAT CAN HE SAY TO THAT.] I-- think I remember you telling me that, yeah. But when I know you you're... fine. I just don't know how.

Why don't you just maglock your arms to the slab when you go to sleep?

[ There's a voice message beeping over and over. Like someone has sent several messages in a short time. Message 1 ]

Is this Riptide? It's hard to see right now. But if you are. Stay away from what's mine. Optimus doesn't need the likes of you in his life.

[ A beep. Message 2]

Riptide, answer me already. I figured out this is your blasted comm link. So I'll reiterate. Answer me and stay away from my Prime.

[ Another beep. Message 3.]

He can't love you. He's not built with that capability. He's mine, my other half!

Wow. You're a total freak, you know that? How about you mind your own business and let Optimus do whatever the hell he wants?

[ Luckily Megatron doesn't gasp over the line, but he answers just as well. ]

A freak? A Freak. You don't know the type of mech Optimus is. This is all pretend!

He cares so deep because he forces it! The moment it becomes too much, he's going to come crawling back for my comfort and I'll remind him we're the only ones here who understand each other!

You're just a distraction!

Do you think I really care even if it was all pretend? He's not doing anything to hurt anyone on the ship.

You're just-- oh my god. You're jealous! Megatron! Jealous of an MTO! Hey, here's some advice: eat slag and die. You'll make everyone on this ship happier.

Not hurt anyone? No, not yet. We're the same after all, Riptide. Optimus will kill someone soon.

Optimus will cave to his basic instincts. And I hope you're there to see him break.

[ There's noise on the line. Static and muffled, like he's moving around. ]

Optimus is a monster pretending to be a saint! We're both built for war!

And nothing pure is born for war.

I was built for war too, so you can shove that excuse up your arse. [he sniffs.] Seems to me like this is just a bunch of scrap you need to believe to feel better about yourself.

Riptide, I have to ask this as a commander to an overly large Shipformer myself.

Are they all stupid? Or is it just the two I've met? Because I can't possibly see what you can get out of a relationship with Optimus!? You don't have the processor to understand how to deal with a mech like him. Maybe you just like standing next to and being a servant for someone smarter than you. Like my Tidal Wave is.

[ He'll wear this one down till he gives up this stupid friendship with Optimus. This is a rare opportunity for the Antlered Megatron. He can't waste it like he has for too long.]

[riptide was willing to leave this, but-- mm, that last part. maybe dying to getaway saying the same stuff to him did Something to his brain, but it just activates some kind of immediate fight response in him. he's up and leaving his room before he's even thinking about what he's doing.]

You sound like you're projecting.

[ Well enough as it is, Antlers is on his way scanning the room names for Riptide's. ]

Moi? Perhaps you have a working brain after all if you can piece such a strong case together. Good boy, do you want a treat?

Maybe a kiss from the Prime.

Yeah? Maybe I'll go get one. Eats you up inside that he doesn't wanna do anything like that to you, huh?

I can and will feed you your own spark.

[ He turns down the hall to Riptide's room. ]

I'll take that as a yes.

[riptide isn't in the hall! at least, not in front of megatron. the moment he sees the smaller antler'd decepticon, riptide sprints towards him and jumps up to rugby tackle him to the ground.

he does not hesitate to pull his pistol and shoot antlers under the chin repeatedly.]

[ Antlers is pushed into the ground and grinds metal. Screeching loud the floor to his chest. Then Shouts painfully as he's shot. ]

You giant process glitched CREATIN!

[ Megatron pushes himself quickly off the ground, he's not letting this bastard get the best of him. Though he's bleeding out energon and fluids bad. ]

YOU STARTED THIS, YOU WORTHLESS SACK OF SLAG! [he yells in megatron's face before he's thrown off.] You can't just leave well enough alone!

[ Megatron's upper body lifts and the tank on his back swerves to fully face Riptide as Antlers gets to standing as tall as he can. ]

I, the sack of slag? ME!? No! I am your KING!

Your life means nothing to me! I own it! I own everything!!! [ The cannon begins to charge. ]

You came-- to me! So jealous! That one guy was giving me attention! [he tries to grab the cannon and twist it back, but megatron is a megatron and a lot stronger, despite the size difference.] You don't even own a room on this ship!

[ The cannon is shoved just enough that it misses when blasts out, seering damage but it missed!

Though Megatron does throw a punch. ]

SILENCE!

YOU'RE SO JEALOUS! [the punch connects and riptide stumbles back, then immediately jumps back on antlers to slam his head into the floor repeatedly. unfortunately... this does also mean he's holding the antlers.] I'M GONNA GO MAKE OUT WITH PRIME AND MAYBE PROPOSE TO HIM!

[ Megatron says nothing. But the trickling warm of the Antlers themselves is barely enough warming for the full blast of electricity coursing through it.

And the Tyrant King only grins. ]

[he doesn't expect the zap, he doesn't know megatron's abilities. he'd kind of thought the cannon would be the surprise one.

the strong electrical current slams into his entire body, frying and burning out far too many of his systems for him to stay conscious for much longer. he only manages to let go when the current is cut off, smoking and charred almost comically.]

Haha... you're gonna bleed out... because an MTO shot you... [and then the flops down face first.]

[Megatron doesn't get to enjoy his victory over Riptide, because someone else flies into his back with an enormous amount of force, driving him away from Riptide's body. Slipstream, glowing faintly blue and her optics filled with angry determination, transforms and, using the momentum from her flight, slams her feet into Megatron's back, kicking him down into ground with enough force to send him through the floor.

She follows him down, landing on his back.]

Round Three.

[She huffs, cracking her knuckles.]

[ Megatron crashing through the floor, manages to use the last of his fighting strength to turn his cannon around. Hoping to fire back at Slip, but instead, he coughs up fluid hitting the floor faster than he realized.

He lays there on his face. ]

Don't.. I yeild...

Edited 2021-11-08 22:41 (UTC)

[it's too bad riptide didn't see any of that, because he would've been super impressed!

instead he joins the party several decks below because the slant of the broken metal caught his body.

he lands on antlers with a CLONK.]

Disappointing. I really want nothing more than to rip your head off, but this is hardly a fair fight, is it?

[The much smaller Decepticon walks up Megatron's back, kneels down, and takes a hold of one of Megatron's antlers.]

I'll just take one of these as a prize.

[And, with surprising ease, she snaps off one of Megatron's antlers. She considers leaving him there to bleed out, but something tells her that she should bring him to the medbay if she doesn't intend to kill him outright.

She sighs, and picks him up with surprising ease, and is just about to fly upwards to go get Riptide, when Riptide's lifeless body falls next to her with a loud clunk.

Oh, that's way more convenient! She grabs hold of Riptide's limp arm and begins dragging them both towards the Medbay.]

[ There's a gurgling sound from Antlers as he's dragged along the floor. Energon smeared down the floor. Yeah, he's feeling dazed and light-headed. It's a miracle he's lasted this long.

What the fuck is he even made out of. ]

Edited 2021-11-08 23:08 (UTC)

[riptide groans, coming to. he doesn't stop himself being dragged nor does he do do anything other than stare at the slowly moving ceiling with half-blown out optics.]

Megatron? Are you dragging me back to your nest? [he groans again, kicking a foot then letting it fall.] Too tired to do anything about it. Whatever! I'm still gonna... kiss Prime...

[he zonks out again.]

[Ratchet looks up as the medibay doors hiss open, then immediately scrambles for his crutches to heave himself out of the chair he was sitting in.]

What the hell happened here? [At least Slipstream isn't the one he has to repair, for once.]

I don't actually know.

[Slipstream admits, being perfectly okay for once. She attempts to pull both large bots into the medbay at the same time, but their combined bulk gets them both caught in the door, smashed up against each other. Slipstream scowls and tries to pull at them, hoping something would dislodge.

Turns out that something is the sides of the medbay doors, which eventually give way as Riptide and Megatron are finally yanked through it.

Happy with her problem solving she drags them further into the medbay.]

Mostly found them like this, to be honest.

[ There's a terrible gurgled grunt as his body is forced through the medbay. He does not whine, but ooooh how he wishes to. But that would show weakness and he's done so good to keep alive all up to this point.

And to prove he is not an easy kill, pushes himself off the floor, letting Riptide fall off him and his throat spills more. He spits out a gunk and falls back down. ]

No..t... dead... yet....

[Ratchet makes an outraged noise when she pulls them straight through the doors, hobbling over as quickly as he can.]

Careful, please! For goodness' sake--just help me get them on slabs.

[He startles as Megatron sits up, cursing as he collapses again immediately. Ratchet drops on his knee to the floor and starts patching the major lines in his neck, his optics pale.]

You stop talking until I get some of this closed up. If you aren't already dead, I want to keep it that way.

[ There's a gurgle of discontent but Antlers says nothing more. Simply letting the doctor do his work in relative enough peace. There's a flinch once, on first impact of gentle hands to patch. But nothing else.

He'll lay there, good. And let the only Doctor he respects do his magic.

But he still misses the Energon Baths. That'd have him patched up in no time. Stupid Energon of other realities make for good fuel, but they're terrible for medical supply. ]

Hey, boatbrain.

Hey, wing-- wing... butt?

We'll work on it.

Anyway, I want to do something nice for Wasp. Poor kid was a mess when we got back.

And a half. He's been staying with me -- I'm making sure he's refuelling and recharging, at least.

[he won't mention his little megatron fight.]

What were you thinking?

I wanna see if I can dig up some mag clamps, take him outside for some stargazing or something. I think getting out of the ship might be good for his head.

We could take him out for a fly, too!

Oh yeah! I bet he'd like that.

It's whatever the platonic version of a date is, then. Should I tell him or are we gonna just scoop him up and space him?

...

Actually, saying it out loud I think I worked out the answer myself.

I kind of want to surprise him but I don't know how well he handles surprises.

I'm gonna assume not very well. Seeing as... the whole jail thing was a surprise.

[so... yeah, no surprises.]

I'll bring him along after we get lunch. On Primus will I make sure that child eats before he goes outside to play.

[ Anode laughs. ]

He really is a kid, isn't he? I'm still... I dunno. It's fragged up, just throwing a kid in prison like that.

You realise I'm an MTO, right?

...Yeah? So?

It-- never mind. I'll get him and bring him over.

Sounds good.

[ Not sure what that was about. ]

See you then.

[riptide had, perhaps, abruptly realised that the whole MTO line of conversation is a little too personal, especially with how it had related to wasp. it's fine! maybe he'll talk about it with anode when they're a bit closer.

what riptide does when they hang up the call is shove a cube of energon in to wasp's hands then hoist him up onto his shoulders, carrying him through the ship to the airlock they'd decided on meeting, pairs of maglocks in hand.]

Hey, we're comin' in!

[ There's a surprised buzz from the kid as Wasp is scooped, managing to hold onto his cube and drink it even as he's being carried along. He's about halfway through it when they finally reach Anode, and Wasp's optics light up. He's gotta wave to her! It's always a good day when he sees Anode. ]

Anode and Boat-bot really taking Wasp outside ship? [ Of course he's excited!! ]

[ Anode has her own pair of mag-clamps dangling from one hand and she grins as she spies Wasp riding on Riptide's shoulders. ]

Yep. Just put on your mag-clamps, activate them and we'll go have a nice quiet time looking at the stars outside. Just the three of us.

Both me and Anode have space-worthy alts if you wanna go for a little fly, too!

[he picks wasp up off his shoulders, holding the smaller pair of clamps out.]

You remember how to put them on?

Wasp... Thinks he knows?

[ He's going to fuss with them for a little while, but he'll figure it out; part of the delay is just how he's vibrating with excitement. He's going into space! Without having to have a ship between him and it! He might even be slightly jealous, these two and their fancy space-capable alt modes. ]

Wasp wants to go flying! Can Anode and Boat-bot go as fast as Wasp wants?

[ Anode is lazily attaching her mag-clamps. ]

Well, yeah, of course! We just can't get too far from the ship. Don't want to get left behind.

Aw, we won't get left behind! I let some of the vehicons up on the bridge know we were going out. Quarterdeck owes me, anyway.

[he crouches down to lift wasp up again, because some deep-seated instinct in him just tells him to constantly lift that baby up.]

After you, m'lady. [his expression crimps.] Oh, eugh. Bad. Not saying that again.

[ Wasp giggles a little at Riptide, easily and happily letting himself be scooped. He's perfectly content to just dangle there, knowing he's in good hands. Riptide's a good scooper. ]

Come on, Wasp wants to be out there!

[ Anode gives everyone a glance over to make sure they're set for the spacewalk, then activates the airlock to gently float out into space. She hovers there for a moment, then stretches out and lets a foot 'clunk' against the hull. Not that there's sound because space. ]

[riptide is out after anode, carefully holding wasp out so he can connect to the ship's hull. he's done this so many times himself he isn't afraid about pushing himself out after and into space, floating around for a moment.]

Ahh...! [internal comms so they can hear each other, even if everyone hates it.] Fresh air. I haven't been out since we did that comet surfing.

[ Wasp experimentally plunks down onto the ship's hull, spinning a little slower than he'd like to watch Riptide float away a bit. He grins and waves out to him, opening his mouth for a moment before remembering the whole thing about space and also switching to those internal comms. ]

Wasp remember that! Wasp saw a Decepticon hit a comet.

[ Anode stretches and peers out into the void of space. Always humbling. ]

You did? Was that poor Slipstream?

I think it was! I came out to surf with her too and she ended up a mess. I swear, you put one pretty lady in front of her and she falls to pieces.

[he respects it! she knows what she likes. riptide floats out in space, then activates his magclamps to stick to the ship.]

It was probably pretty funny to see though, right?

Yeah! [ Wasp giggles a little. ]

Wasp don't know a Slip-bot. What is Slip-bot like?

All I said was that she had good wings and a pretty color scheme. Honestly.

[ Anode laughs. ]

She's a flyer, Decepticon. She's nice, though. Really earnest.

She's great. [he tilts his head over at wasp, having crouched to flip around on the hull, legs floating back behind him, arms crossed in front of him. like he's laying on a bed, but upright. space!] Have you met a Decepticon before?

Wasp met a Sound-bot, and talked to Autobot Mega-bot. Both were nice to Wasp...

Better than Spider-bot before Wasp got here. [ He nods, and then tries to go floating too. Pushes himself off experimentally and tries 'swimming' over to Riptide. ]

[ There are some silent giggles as Wasp tries to swim. She gently pushes herself towards him. ]

You need to push off from someone or something. Without engines you can't control your direction.

Oh, my god, Megatron is so weirdly nice now, right? [he says, shifting to give the two space, though clearly ready to grab them should something go awry.] You can't push too hard, though! You don't really slow down in space. It takes some getting used to.

[ There's a message over the datapad, beeping the Antlers Comm signel. The preview is simply. ]

I'm sorry.

[ But the rest of the messages is: ]

I'm uncertain how your match-up will play out. I do wish it luck. Optimus is not as docile as he seems, so be prepared for some harsh realities. He's good at heart. But we are still the same coin.

frag off

Riptide, may I ask you a question? Like, a sorta serious one.

sure whats up?

How do you approach your own independence and individuality?

wow that is a big one hang on

[he switches to video.]

Hey! Okay, that was going to be a nightmare to type out. Ummm... so, I don't know if I'm gonna be able to give you much advice for this, 'cuz I'm still working my own stuff out. I was made after the war started as an MTO, right? I survived my mission, so I got shuffled around with the other Hydrobots because people don't really know what to do with super specialised alt-mode MTOs. Not a lot of fighting in water-y locations, you know? For the rest of the war it was just point and shoot. [he sighs.] After it... I spent ages - centuries trying to find out what I wanted to do with my life. Tried all sorts of jobs, but I never had the confidence to try one that was anything other than being told what to do.

[he pauses in his speech.]

Um... back home the war's been over for centuries now, but I still don't really know what I'm doing with myself. So I guess I can't really give you a proper answer to that, but I can tell you I'm trying to work out the same thing! It's so weird, right?!

Edited (yikes) 2021-11-14 23:30 (UTC)

[Slipstream listens with open interest, not just because Riptide is her friend, but because she finds herself interested in hearing how other universes did their wars. Sounds pretty bleak, if she's honest.]

That's actually really surprising. There was just something about you that I thought that you had things figured out. You just seem like you know who you are. You're a friend to everyone and fun to be around because of the way you just go with things when they happen.

I guess I wasn't really looking for advice, I just wanted to see how you approached it.

I-- oh! Wow, that's really nice of you. I think you're pretty great to be around as well, Slipstream! Even if you are really small.

[womp womp friendship over probably]

I think... to be honest, if I've learned anything over the last few centuries it's just that... having things figured out isn't really something anyone has. I tried out a bunch of different stuff because I was made for one thing and-- you know, the whole point of the war was that we aren't just our alt-modes. I guess at some point you just start to do things on instinct. Kinda like if I threw something at you you'd block it, right? That's Slipstream protecting herself, not someone telling her to!

It feels a bit like that. For the good decisions and the bad ones.

I see... I think I understand.

[And she thinks she is picking up what Riptide is saying. Maybe the more things she just does the more likely she'll start asserting her individuality without realizing.]

Thank you Riptide, that was very helpful.

Oh, and I forgot to grab some of those cookies that that cute little blue and white guy was handing out. You wouldn't happen to have any spares, would you?

It's okay! If you wanna practice being impulsive and stupid then you know where to find me. [he gasps lightly, clearly surprised at himself for forgetting to give her some!] Oh! Yes, of course.

[...]

You know these have, like, a lot of drugs in them, right?

Yeah?

Why else would I want them?

I saw what they did to Grimlock, and I want to try them myself.

I respect that. I'll drop them off by your room.

[he'll put a little bow on them and bring some normal energon for her, too. she seemed a little melancholy.]

Hey Riptide.

Don't tell anyone this, but I'm beginning to think that sometimes my actions have consequences.

Uh. Do I need to come get you from somewhere?

Nah. I'm pretty sure I almost died, though.

I was just trying to make friends with that new jet Acid Storm and that kind of got out of hand.

Just lead me to think that maybe I should think of things more, yeah?

Oh. I'm glad you're okay. [he trusts that tailgate would at least tell him if he was injured.] I-- yeah, maybe. I know death isn't permanent here... but it would really mess up Cyclonus if that happened. And you! I mean, it's a horrible feeling.

And... you deserve to treat yourself better, you know? You owe it to yourself.

I treat myself just fine!

...But I guess it wouldn't hurt to be a bit more careful from now on. I know already cause Cyclonus so much grief already. Sometimes it feels like I'm the source of all his troubles. At the same time though, I feel like if I just sat down and behaved, life would be super boring, yeah?

You literally just did a shenanigan that almost got you killed! Imagine how poor Acid Storm would've felt!

[he huffs, mulling this over for a bit.]

I'm sure he loves you the way you are, but it definitely wouldn't hurt not to almost die every now and then. We don't even know if you will come out the space bridge. Maybe everyone only gets one freebie? I hope we don't get to find out.

I guess I'm saying... don't behave all the time, but don't jump into a pit of fire for entertainment either?

It's better you learn this lesson with a near miss than by... you know. Doing something really bad. [not that... he has experience with that part of it, or anything.]

When did you become so serious and responsible?

Where's my friend Riptide who also never thinks about the consequences of his actions?

Did I not tell you when I died I went home and lived like a couple thousand years or so? I guess when we're not on adventures and have to take responsibility for ourselves it just... sinks in.

Ugh.

Lame.

I'm gonna see if I can set myself on fire underwater.

Bet Brainstorm could get you a gun to do that if he were here.

I miss Brainstorm. It's more fun when things go wrong because of his stuff.

...

Also explain the "thousands of years" thing.

Edited 2021-12-04 21:01 (UTC)

Right? I'm sure I can do it with enough petrol...

[he hums.]

Thou...sands of years passed? It was real, because it lines up with what Drift remembers, too. Weird stuff.

Oh! So then.. just to confirm...?

Cyclonus and I are definitely going to get married and live happily ever after, right?

Yeah. You guys had been off-world travelling for a while, so I hadn't seen you for a while. You both looked really happy, despite the circumstances.

It was nice.

Oh... I think I'm going to cry.

Drift said as much too, but hearing it twice...?

I need to step up and finally propose to Cyclonus!

What! You haven't already?! Do you-- do you want help?

I'm getting to it!

I just need the perfect gift!

Are you kidding me? You don't need a gift! You're just-- you're putting it off! That's so obvious even I saw through it! Tailgate!

[Given how news spreads around at Maccadam's, even though Grimlock can't read Cybertronian, he knows that there's going to be a dance, and it involves dates.]

[His first choice is his first date.]

Me Grimlock want second dancing date!

[He says, right as the video feed turns on.]

Woah! Sure, big guy!

[he's already asked optimus, but riptide is a firm believer in doing whatever he wants. and this is what he wants.]

To Mac's thing, right?

Yes! Me show you how to do good dance!

[A little while later, though, Grimlock calls Riptide again.]

Me just talk to Optimus Prime. He say you date him. Me let him win this one.

Yeah, I was gonna go with both of you. Seemed more fun.

[He nods.]

That fun. But me already say let him win. So no cheat.

Edited (can't believe I left out an entire word) 2021-12-12 23:12 (UTC)

Okay, well, if you change your mind... otherwise I'll see you there?

Me se you there. You have good time. Give Optimus Prime good time too.

Yeah. He deserves it, huh?

[Riptide will receive a wrapped gift marked "To Riptide, From Minimus Ambus - DO NOT OPEN UNTIL THE 25TH".

Inside is a small rack with hooks for hanging any kind of trinkets or keys.]

[riptide hugs the gift to his chest for a moment then hangs them up to be used near the door to his habsuite. god, he's sad he fell out of contact with minimus.]

[For Christmas Grimlock will give Riptide a bag of boat-shaped energon cookies, haphazardly decorated in teal and purple. He also gets a wooden block, used to help certain organic species through the process of teething.]

[He leaves no signature, but there's only one person aboard the R2 who would want Riptide to improve his biting skills.]

[he works it out pretty immediately, but hey! he gives the block a few bites and that entertains him for a while. thanks, grimlock.]

have u ever thought about when u dig up dirt or a rock that could be the first time it has seen the sun in millions of years?

i dont really dig up rocks??

To: Ratchet, cc Riptide
From: Star Saber (UN: StarSaber11)
Subject: Getaway
Priority: Urgent

I know this is a hard subject to broach, but I have been alerted to the Autobot Getaway's crimes. Could you explain your experiences with him to me in detail?

-- Star Saber, Supreme Commander of the First Autobot Army

WHAT DID HE DO THIS TIME I WILL KILL HIM

Please remain calm.

He has, not to my knowledge, committed any new crimes. I am only asking you for a report about his previous crimes in his home universe.

everythting he did EVERYTHING

Forgive me if this reopens some old wounds, but please, can you list some specifics?

gaslighting lying murder torture mental manipulation literal mental manipulation with a gun murder lots of murder of other autobots

These are all serious crimes. I am sorry for everything you suffered at his hands.

[Riptide's replies are too passionate to be from a mere witness.]

Was any disciplinary action ever taken, regarding him?

hes dead also i tried to kill him a few times here can i borrow ur sword?

What do you need it for?

[He can guess at the answer, but still hopes beyond hope that Riptide is just curious over the legendary sword, instead of intending to use it for violence.]

stab getaway

No.

The Saber Blade is a sword of the finest caliber, a refined weapon. It must be respected as such, and only drawn against unforgivable enemies.

i hate you

Riptide, Its Optimus... Bambi. I have considered it to be awhile since we have engaged in eachother's company.

[ There's a pause between texts and three minutes later. ]

I'm being too formal, aren't I? I have not seen you since... In awhile. Perhaps we can Hang Out? As the saying goes.

bambi?? it has sry been busy on maintenance ppl keep breakin stuff it's not a saying you are SO CRINGE but yes :) let's hang out u wanna go anywhere specific?

I have acquired the nickname Bambi, I am reclaiming as to not be made fun of. Is this a poor choice?

[ Optimus will not comment on being called Cringe. but his finnels do rotate down and he looks cautiously about as if someone were to catch him in the act of being... cringe. ]

The Library opened recently, there is also the observation deck and a game room. I'm sorry, I'm terrible at picking spots to stay. But if you do not mind the cringe. A picnic at the observation deck?

[ Welp, he's probably ruined it. Time to hide in a dumpster big enough hold him. ]

i get it its not!!!! ur not bad jeez picnic at obs sounds really nice

Then its a date!

[ Optimus seems to of put a few heart emojis in the text and they're there long enough to be seen before Optimus quickly deletes then thinking he's coming on too forward and strong. ]

[and it is agreed! riptide leaves the conversation there, as he figures he might as well go and meet the prime.

which still kind of wigs him out. he's going on a date with a prime? damn. as casual and confident as he acts, a small part of him can't help but wonder if this is a trick and he's just constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop...

...but he tries to push those thoughts out of his mind when he shows up, waving at optimus with a bright little smile.]

[ Optimus is shiny for the first time in a while, during his down shift into misery he let dust collect onto himself. Yet here he is, shiny and mask down with a smile. He makes his way to Riptide holding a large basket of energon goodies and drinks.]

I have... attempted a few cooking tricks on my own. Followed directions, I thought you might like something hand crafted but There's also professionally made treats here too.

Wow. Look at what everyone else is missing out on! [he puts his hand on optimus's forearm when he comes over, smiling a genuine, happy smile.] I bet your stuff is really good! Professional stuff ain't always made with love.

[ Optimus fishes out a small treat from the basket and holds it up to Riptide to see. It's lumpy like it's overfilled and speckled with rust flakes.]

I am quite proud of it. I even tried mixing some of the drinks myself. Though I'm much more proud of the baking aspect.

[riptide doesn't seem bothered, taking the treat and shoving it into his gob regardless of how it looks.]

Woah! That's really sweet. I love it. Did you go to Mac's for pointers?

[ Optimus gets sheepish and tries to turtle his head into his body. ]

I have been reading cooking tips in my datapad and then I may of just gone the rest on instinct. Which is why I needed to be extra clean for the picnic, I was... covered in goop for two hours before asking you out.

I was in admittance, petrified.

Ha! Aw, I wouldn't have minded the goop. [anyone trying to make themselves look nice for him is such a foreign concept that riptide barely grasps it. it makes him feel warm in his spark, though, and he likes that.] You don't have to be. You know-- we haven't set anything on fire, yet. By all accounts this is going pretty well!

[ Optimus chuckles as he starts walking to the Observation Deck.]

I would of felt like a poor date and even worse a friend. Whatever we are, I wanted to make sure I was presentable.

No fires, I hear those do set a mood so if there's any lit on accident I guess it's a sign. [ A light joke. ]

A sign of what, I really don't know.

You gotta stop judging yourself so much. [he says, knowing he does the same thing.] And-- wait, are you propositioning me?

Was that too forward? I was hoping some playful flirting would be ... [ he goes quiet, one could feel the heat off him and he starts moving quicker. ]

I think I see the deck just ahead of us. Let us worry about what I was doing later.

No, no. You could ask to frag right on the floor here and I'd be-- well, okay, that would be too forward and I'd probably leave, but you get the idea.

[he says this, casting a grin over at optimus.]

I'm not worried. I'm just making conversation. It's nice to know you and what you do in your spare time, you know.

I have only started developing hobbies... I mean not entirely true, but I have for the ship here started them. Though I admit, the cooking is newest to me. [ He sets the basket to the ground in front of the large window to watch the stars pass. ]

Would you... like to kiss me? Perhaps that is a forward that is right for both of us? It could be chaste to the forhead, it could be on my lips. It could mean what ever you want it to mean. [ Optimus turns to face Riptide.]

You are a dear friend, a friend whom I care for in a way I can not explain.

I feel that, [he mutters, looking over when he optimus looks at him. he gets the impression optimus wants a proper kiss, so he leans into meet his mouth with his own.]

[ Optimus' face is pleasantly warm, reaching his hands up to touch each side of Riptide's own. Loose enough for him to slip away with done, but not before Optimus kisses softly back. ]

[it's nice, the warmth. makes it feel like he's doing the right thing, makes it feel comfortable. riptide can't help himself smiling into it before he pulls back.]

You're getting good at that.

I like to think I'm a quick learner, and seems I am correct this is assumption.

[riptide abruptly slaps optimus's aft with a loud clang.]

Frag yeah, you are!

[ The sheer startle of the slap sends Prime stumbled a step with a yelp. He stands there arms forward, leaned and posed quite foolishly. He slowly returns to stand and silently as his finnels pose back stares up at Riptide. ]

[ The finnels move back and forth as he looks back and he brings his arms to his chest, there are gears turning in his head and he nods. ]

I'm okay.

Edited 2022-02-09 00:33 (UTC)

Oh. Er. Should I not do that again?

[ Optimus shrinks a moment, trying to hide his growing blush and ups his mask for the moment. ]

Startled is all, you meant no harm. IT was playful, comradery. You meant no harm, I've just never had my rear... slapped before. Not even Jetfire had done that.

Jetfire? [he asks, glancing over.] You haven't told me much of home, you know. The other Autobots you know. Ah... I think it's this door up here.

[it is definitely that door. there is a large sign denoting it as the observation deck.]

Jetfire is my Second in Command... I don't know what more to say. [ He picks back up his equipment and heads through to the deck. ]

Perhaps it's hard, to think of home...

And he never even touched your aft? [riptide gasps scandalously.] I don't believe that for a second. I bet you two at least kissed on a late-night mission. You're way too good at it!

[ Optimus' body heat rises as he tries to act in control of the situation, setting his basket down and draping a blanket down for them to sit on. ]

Well, It was as professional... as those that Powerlink could be professional. But I heard the jokes once in a while, I was a top? Which I didn't get, maybe someday...

Oh, Optimus. [he says with a laugh, refusing to explain that one.] I think it's a medical term! Ask Ratchet. The tall one.

[ Optimus nods, gets the treats arranged all delicately. ]

I will have to ask after our ... date is over. [ His mask falls back down and he smiles alittle sheepishly. ]

I don't know when the last time I had so much free time to be jovial like this.

Heh.

[ratchet's gonna kill him. he's okay with that.]

I feel that. I mean, kind of. I had a lot of free time back home but... I wasn't doing anything with it. Everything felt real empty.

Empty, yes... It must of been a lonely time. Perhaps we can fill the time together? In the sense of... company. Company makes the world less empty... [ Optimus fumbles his words alittle trying to make it sound the least weird way as possible. ]

I... [ Laughs. ]

I don't have much practice being normal. Everything needs to be a grand display in some way... I'm sorry it must be annoying.

Sure, [he says, putting a hand on bambi's shoulder.] That is indeed how it works.

Do you really think I would want to hang out with you if I thought you were annoying?

[ In truth, Bambi is now lost for words. Simply smiling up at Riptide with small cracks to a laugh. Leaning to his touch and reaches a hand up to touch him in return on his lower arm. ]

Hey Riptide, let me know when you have some free time. I'd like a chance to speak in person.

free now u ok?

Yeah, everything is fine. See you soon?

see me where weirdo

you're the weirdo. I'm coming to your hab.

jeez ok weirdo

[seeing as wasp is out, riptide just leaves his door open. he's lounging on the sofa, watching some space opera on the tv on the wall when drift gets there.]

[ Drift arrives in a few minutes. Almost casually, he lets himself drop down onto the sofa next to Riptide, eyes on the space opera for a few moments. ]

Don't think I've seen this one.

I have. There's a twist coming up. You'll love it.

A twist? Exciting.

[ Drift grins at the thought, shifts his weight back onto the sofa a little more. ]

So. I've been doing some thinking and... I'm gonna accept.

Acc...? Oh!

[his optics fly open and his face goes even pinker, heavily contrasting to how casual he was when he first asked.]

Nice. Awesome. Super cool. Love you, bro! Uh, amica-like, though. Not conjunx. Obviously.

[super cool.]

Obviously.

[ Drift repeats the word with a fond little smile. He reaches over and gives Riptide's shoulder a friendly squeeze. ]

...Did you want to go through the whole ceremony? With the baring of sparks and all that? I know Rodimus and I did that, when we decided to be amica.

[ Even if Rodimus hadn't always lived up to it. ]

Yeah, but, uh, not right now? I need to prepare. I didn't actually... prepare for either answer.

[he still looks very sheepish -- it seems riptide was expecting to be rejected.]

Sorry. I didn't mean to let you feel like I was just letting you down easy by telling you I had to think about it.

[ Drift gives another affectionate pat to the the other's shoulder. ]

You're a good kid, Riptide.

You know, I actually trust if you wanted to say no you would've just said no. [he rests his cheek on his fist, looking sidelong at drift.] I guess I just didn't think too far ahead...

Also, that makes you sound really old. You're so old, Drift.

[ Drift's lips quirk upwards a little. ]

I'm older than Megatron, actually.

Old! You're so old! [he laughs, shoving at the other autobot.] Wow. I can't believe you're so ancient and everything in life led you to watching this dumb TV show with me!

Not that ancient. Not like, Ratchet ancient.

Ratchet was a grumpy old man waving his cane at people before Primus existed, I'm sure. [he says with a snort. then abruptly remembers that ratchet died of old age and burn out and immediately feels a little terrible.] ...What, uh, was it like when you and Rodimus did it? Do we have to like... do it a certain way or is it literally just however?

[ Drift smiles. Any ribbing of Ratchets age is in good fun. Of course when Riptide asks him that question he can't help himself. He dissolves into full on laughter. He doubles up on the sofa, hooting with wheezy laughter for a good thirty seconds. Sorry Riptide. It's not a dumb question, he promises.]

[riptide watches him for a good ten seconds before he finally realises this isn't going to stop any time soon.]

...What?

I'm sorry--I'm sorry--!

[ Drift is finally starting to catch his breath. Phew. ]

Uh. It's just that Rodimus and I used to hook up. So the phrasing...

Ha! Everyone knew it! [he slaps his hand off his thigh.] Gross! But also! Oh, we've all thought about it, right? Uh, Rodimus, I mean. Not you two, uh, together. That would be gross.

It's not like we were subtle.

[ Drift sounds amused by that. ]

He's a pretty mech. For a bit I thought we might end up more than amica but I don't think he realized what he had while he had it.

[ Drift leans back into the sofa with an amused laugh. ]

Why's it gross? It's just fragging.

I mean, it's not, but I don't really make a habit of thinking of people I know doing it? That's kind of... your business, you know?

Yeah, yeah. I get it. I guess I just never really worried about it too much.

[ He leans over against Riptide, bracing himself against the bigger mech. ]

But uh, for the ceremony, it's pretty standard. We bare our sparks, say why we want to be amica. All that stuff. It's really nice, honestly. Feeling close to someone like that.

Is there any Spectralist parts to it? Because, you know, I'm happy to do that for you if that's what you wanna do.

Ah, no. There's no specific Specralist additions. I appreciate the thought, though.

Okay!

[riptide leaves the tv running and stands up, popping his tits open to show his spark.]

Let's do this! Changed my mind. Second wind of confidence.

[ Drift blinks, then pushes himself up to his feet. Laughs softly. ]

Should we turn the TV off first?

Oh! Forgot about that.

[he shifts over awkwardly, reaching around his open chest panels to jab at the device.]

Right! Let's do this.

[ Drift stands opposite Riptide and offers his hands out to the other. At the same time, he lets his own spark chamber slide open, bathing the room the combined glow. ]

Ready.

Oh, this feels weird. [okay. okay. riptide shutters his optics for a moment to concentrate.] Okay. I choose you to, uh, be my amica, because... um... you're really cool! And funny! I love you a lot despite everything you think should make me not like you.

[ Drift stifles a laugh. ]

Riptide, I accept your friendship and also choose you to be my amica. For your bravery, your honesty, and your kindness.

Cool! Super cool. It's done. I'm gonna-- put this away. It's getting cold.

[clack! chest panels closed.]

Well. That was easy!

[ Drift snaps his own chest panels shut with a solid 'click' and reaches out to lay a hand against Riptide's shoulder. ]

It's pretty straightforward, but it feels a little different afterwards.

Oh, it does. I feel... [he trails off, staring at the blank screen of the tv.] ...I don't know, actually. How do I say something like you were my first without you laughing at me?

It's not something you have to be embarrassed about, Riptide.

[ Drift smiles, trying to convey a sense of confidence and ease. ]

It's not like I've done it that many more times.

[Sent while Tailgate is fleeing in a direction opposite of Riptide.]

Oh man oh man we're going to end up in jail this time!!!

[riptide is getting a good distance away with his longer legs, though he's not sure if tailgate remembered to transform or not.]

No, we won't! It's fine! Everything's fine!

[He is, in fact, zooming away on his tiny little tires.]

Why didn't you tell me that you added a bunch of stuff in there before I added my bunch of stuff?

WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU ADDED A BUNCH OF-- mmm!!!!! Do you even remember what it is you added?? What if it's radioactive or whatever and hurts the organics?! We'd be in so much trouble!

[alibi, he needs an alibi.]

I'm pretty sure I added my magical space drugs.

[Which, come to think of it, might be a big factor on why it exploded.]

I don't think it'll hurt any organics! At least, not any more than the explosion did.

That's... something. I guess. [he slows down from where he's running, wheezing lightly.] What... do we do now? Just pretend someone else did it?

I'm sure if we just pretend we have nothing to do with it, everything will turn out fine!

It's worked so far, hasn't it?

Wasn't that the entire reason our message from the future... past... future-past didn't work?

[Riptide has gotten too complacent. At some point, he leaves his habsuite, acting as if he were not involved in a recent explosion, and Ultra Magnus quickly steps in front of his pathway.

He looks down at this aquatic disappointment.]

What did you hope to accomplish with that stunt of yours?

[he looks up at magnus and feels something in his spark sink. that's a new feeling. the fact magnus showed up and not minimus kind of hurts, too. that's how he knows he's really in the shit.]

What stunt?

The explosion caused by you and Tailgate.

[He leans over, waaay over, taking advantage of his height.]

Quite a number of us were terrified for our lives, and our schedules were interrupted.

I'm sure I have no idea what you're talking about. I've been with Drift all day. We heard the explosion, but just assumed it was some nonsense.

[he moves to close the door.]

Let me know how the investigation goes!

Riptide.

[He holds out a hand to stop the door.]

I spent this afternoon putting aside my other plans to check the damages and find the responsible parties. This investigation will conclude swiftly if you come with me. [And then Minimus can get back to doing other things hopefully before bedtime.]

You're too good at your job. Has anyone ever told you that? You're very good and smart and handsome. I mean Minimus, not Ultra Magnus.

[relenting, though, he stops trying to close the door and stands dramatically so minimus can put handcuffs on him.]

I worked alone, copper! Thems the facts!

[Who are you, his boyfriend? Flattery has no effect on Minimus, and he unceremoniously slaps the handcuffs onto Riptide.]

You have the right to a fair trial. We will discuss your involvement at the interrogation room. [He hooks a hand under Riptide's arm and leads him away. It's a long road to the security office, and Magnus sure isn't starting a conversation, not when he's the officer.]

Can't you just skip that part? I hate that part. I did it, okay!

Yes, and we have to record your statement. [It's going to take time but that's the life of a security officer.]

Ugh. Fine.

[he walks along behind magnus with no further complaint, miraculously.]

For the record, it was an accident.

On your end, or on the other party's end?

There wasn't another party, so just my end.

[Squints.

But the public walkway isn't the place for an interview, so Magnus leads Riptide into an interrogation room in silence. At least one guy came in of his own volition.]

[riptide follows in silence and sits in the chair he is indicated.]

What now? Do I tell you the fun time I was having with Drift?

.........Drift was involved?

No! I'm just saying, I was hanging out with him all day!

And you admitting to setting up the bomb. If you were with him all day, would he not have witnessed you at the explosion?

Hey, no! Setting up implies I was doing it on purpose, and bomb implies that's what it was meant to be from the beginning! I resent that! I'll have you know it was neither of those things.

[he leans back in his chair, crossing his arms.]

I don't remember how any of it went down, but Drift had nothing to do with it!

It wasn't meant to be a bomb. What, then?

[If this conversation must go in circles, let it be. Riptide isn't convincing Magnus.]

How did it explode accidentally?

I... cannot answer that. Both of those. Because I don't know.

[type type, he's writing down this entire bit.]

Would Tailgate or Drift know? The former was caught on camera.

[riptide, as an mto, is nothing if not dedicated to the bit.]

Nope!

[There's a long, silent pauses while Magnus reviews his work.]

I will speak to them later.

You will stay here for the night.

...In this chair?

Of course not. There is a spare room in the brig.

Bluh.

[AND SO: riptide allows himself to be ferried to the brig without much complaint. a couple days later, when the strings appear around the ship, he doesn't really pay them much heed. whatever. what new bullshit. he knows one of them is attached to getaway, and he hates that.

doesn't realise there's one connecting him to magnus! riptide hasn't bothered to touch them much after he felt getaway's.]

[Eventually, Minimus has to sweep the brig and create safe walking paths free of strings and other hazards. He returns to the brig armed with a long broom and a sack of bricks, avoiding touching any of those unnecessary emotions. Strangely, there's one connected to his hand that won't sit aside like a well behaved string, no matter how much he angles it.

It turns out that it's because it's directly linked to one of the mechs jailed here.]

Riptide? [He hooks the end of the broom handle on the string and pushes it aside.] Please organize your cell. I have some supplies to keep them from touching you.

[Namely, bricks.]

Nah, I'm good. [he says with a shrug, then holds a hand up when he realises it makes one of the strings move with more intensity. it connects to minimus, and one of riptide's optical ridges raise.] Woah...

Yes. I see it.

[He sets the bag on the ground and starts sliding bricks between the bars one by one.]

Strange how it appears to grow shorter the closer we are to one another.

Right? Super weird. I guess it's a subspace thing?

[he reaches out to touch it and push it aside while he grabs a brick, then gasps lightly, expression delighted.]

Is this how you feel about me?!

[riptide doesn't have to words to say "parental" but he sure does understand that protectiveness and appreciation. his own feelings towards minimus cant heavily toward a lot of love and respect too, despite the situation he's currently in.]

No, don't-!

[Too late, time for emotions. Minimus grabs his own end as if he could possibly yank it out of Riptide's hands and ends up feeling a sense of respect. Despite being in jail, he...cares about making Minimus happy?]

...What?

[unaware of what minimus is feeling (despite them being riptide's own feelings), he sticks his tongue out and tugs the string a few more times.]

What, what?

[This is going to go on forever. Minimus looks at the string, then at Riptide, then between the two multiple times.]

...You...wish that I were proud of you?

[his optics widen a little when minimus says that and he shrinks back into the cell a little.]

Uh.

[riptide's expression pinches as he tugs the string slightly.]

I guess that matters to me, yeah. [he's trying and failing so hard to be normal about this.] 'Cuz... you know, I don't really... know how that feels. To have someone you care about be proud of you.

Well, I'm certain...someone must have...

[Who? Riptide was an MTO, an expendable soldier. He had no older sibling to approve of his successes. No Tyrest picked him to play the role of his tool.]

What of your friends? Surely they care for you.

Uh, the ones I betrayed? Like I did you? I don't know, Minimus! Maybe not so much!

[he leans back against the wall of his cell, shifting uncomfortably.]

I guess it was easier to, uh, distance myself from it again when I wasn't around anyone for all that time.

The mutiny was understandable from your perspective. You were unhappy with Megatron's position on the ship, and you took Getaway as a leader. [Minimus also was angry about Megs but look where they are now.]

I do wish you see you improve yourself, Riptide. I can see that you wish to be better.

[he looks down at his hands, feeling small suddenly.]

It wasn't... just that, you know.

[Minimus leans forward at a two-degree angle to indicate interest.]

I am listening. [He could learn something about improving the command structure on this ship.]

Um. [awkward nervousness floods the string.] Getaway's thing, he... convinced me that everyone thought I was just a dumb waste of time because I keep doing things wrong and... you know.

I didn't see a reason to disagree with that?

[Well.......Minimus can't say that no one on the ship thinks that.] Megatron has spoken to me of your effort to learn. From our conversations, he is fond of working with you.

Did he say that was true of everyone that was left on Necroworld?

[riptide knows that too, it's partly why getaway's manipulations worked so well.]

...Yeah. I mean-- why would I have wanted to stay around a bunch of people I thought considered me... lower than dirt?

No, that is understandable. Getaway lost the trust you had in him.

...

As did we.

Don't do that, [he says, standing up suddenly.] Don't make excuses for it.

I don't want a repeat of the mutiny. To do that, I have a responsibility to ensure that you and the others can rely on the ship leaders.

I don't think there's going to be another one. [riptide starts to pace around the cell as he thinks this over. clomp clomp clomp.] If there's going to be any problems it's all the Decepticons following their own Megatrons, right?

I'm saying this genuinely, not just as an Autobot, by the way.

Well...yes, they pose the greatest danger, but we should not ignore the complaints of our own faction.

[Ratchet's voice is poison-sweet.]

Hello, Riptide. So kind of you to send Optimus to me for, ahem, medical advice.

Where are you right now?

No problem! I hope you enjoyed doing your job! [riptide must be somewhere very secure if he's giving ratchet this level of bullshit.

and so:] In jail. Why?

For the record, it is very distinctly not my job to explain your kinks to the truck you're dating. [Scathingly.]

What did you do this time?

Hey, he brought it up! I thought you'd be better off explaining a physical thing to someone. It is indeed your job.

[he scoffs.]

Just a little explosion. I don't need any treatment, before you ask. I'm fine.

It's not a physical thing, do I also need to have a talk with you about it? Because I categorically refuse.

What did you explode?

How is it not physical?! It's literally-- ugh, whatever. I don't wanna waste my one call on this. [a beat.] You know, I don't know. Just a miscellaneous item.

It's not 'literally' anything, it's--wait, why did you pick up if this is supposed to be your one call?

I like talking to you?

You know, it's annoying when you make it hard to be mad at you.

[He still sounds grouchy, but... differently so.]

How long are you in for? I'm not busting you out, you blew something up and I don't want Magnus to be disappointed in me, it's excruciating.

I don't want you to. I feel bad when I upset Minimus as well, you know? I think I'll just serve this and be good for a change.

A refreshing surprise for him, I'm sure. Come see me when you get out, I want to check how bad the explosion rattled your brain module.

[There's a pause.]

And to say hello.

Hello! [he chirps happily, like he hasn't just been blown up and arrested.] See you later! Love you!

Maybe I'll be able to convince Magnus to let Optimus in for a visit.

[Wickedly, before he cuts the comm.]

[ Riptide would receive a message, obviously from Optimus. The Bambi Optimus. Which is probably why the voice holding strong seems false, forced, and concerning. ]

Forgive me, Riptide. This perhaps sounds strange to get this message now... I just do not wish for you to worry if you see me.

So... something happened, right? What happened? I'm worried. I am very much worried.

I will simply... visit a medic. I made a poorly thought decision [ He will not. He's lying and he doesn't know what to do regretting sending a message at all. ]

I don't-- can you just tell me what's going on?

[ The message glitches and shuts off as Optimus starts his day in a daze for a medkit.]

Hi, Riptide! Good job on not dying on the creepy spaceship!

Woah, I got a message from someone! Aw, thanks Riptide!

Are you and Optimus still broken up? [ Smug ass voice and all, instantly pinned as the self proclaimed intellectual Megatron. Antlers. ]

I know I'm late to the party, but I suppose the pains healed by now yes.

Yes. The pain is gone. Let's go on a date right now. Where are you?

[ignore the sounds of a gun being loaded in the background. it's nothing. it's the tv.]

Don't be so quick to anger, I did try to warn you. But alas. I won't be telling you where I'm hiding today. I'm playing hard to get this time.

I hate every word you say so much. Too bad I know how to get you out your little hiding spot, Megatron.

[ahem...]

Do you ever think so much about how Optimus chose me over you? Multiple times! After the first date, too. We barely knew each other.

[ That gets Megatron out of the crawl space of the ship, the scraps of his armor against the tunnel and then stops. Laughing and responds. ]

You almost got me! Very good, but it does anger me that Bambi chose something like you. Clearly you think he's easy. Which he very much might be.

I wonder, I wonder. [ He slinks to the side and taps at the walls. Then pops out of the hiding space.]

Tell me Riptide, Do you truly think he's an easy catch? What does that make you? An fool who ate poison.

He's not easy. Shut up. [wait, who is trying to rile up who again?] I think he's smart enough to know not to go anywhere near you. He'll never want you. Do you realise that? Never.

Perhaps, that's not the point in this moment is it. You're still hurt because he did choose someone like me. You're just not dangerous enough for his delicate tastes.

I suppose that makes you both quick fixes. You snatched up someone out of your league and he had a distraction to fill a niche obsession.

[ The cracked laugh ends abruntly as Megatron shuts off the comm. No need to get into a fight in the moment. Leave him to stew... ]

[ There's a long thought silence on the line. Before finally a voice speaks. ]

I missed spending time with you, dear Friend. I know I have pained you deeply and I wish if there was some way. To start over. It does not need to be what it was before, I simple wish to earn back your trust.

...I missed you too. I kind of overreacted...

[but, but, it wasn't a blow up over nothing.]

You need to work your scrap out with Megatron, dude.

I know. I can not continue to give into him.. I want my care for you to outweigh what ever I fear of him...

[there's a lot here, so riptide decides to get to the core of what he feels the matter is.]

Do you... have feelings for him?

I wish the answer was no, I wish he wasn't someone I found alluring. I wish I had a normal response to fearing him.

I wish he never threw me into that star or held me. [ The most horrifying thing is admitting any of this. He barely opened up about it Mini Ratchet.]

It reminded me of when I was young and naive first meeting Antlers

Wait, he killed you and you still, like, like him? I don't get it. Getaway killed me and I'd pull his spine out for fun. [he says this like that is normal and optimus's thing is the weird thing.] Wait, do you have feelings for Antlers?

I mean, that spiky Megatron I get, but Antlers?!

I wish I was normal, Riptide. [ Optimus says as if Riptide IS the normal one. ]

When I was a young cadet, I admired him. Antlers was a hero at one point, celebratory Hero of Cybertron. I don't expect you to understand the blind admiration, I'm uncertain any can understand. I do not, I do not understand any of it.

Megatron calls me his light and he, my darkness.

I... kind of do, actually. [he says that with a sigh, the metaphorical wind falling out his equally metaphorical sails.] Not the same way, but that's kind of how MTOs were brought up. We had to see our superior commanders as knowing everything and their word as law. All it did was end up making me hate myself for not being as good as them and not having the capability to be as good.

...You realise Megatron needs you more than you need him, right? He needs you to be someone he can fight.

I realize this, over time. Its different back home, if I did not fight him... he'd take over everything he'd oppress the Autobots, enslave the Minicons... Primus knows what he'd do to organic life.

Here I have... freedom in a sense. I know I can avoid Antlers. But Skybound is a different beast. I'm scared, what I am if I have no one to fight. Will I turn out like them without my Matrix to control and regulate myself... I'm scared, Riptide.

I am not innocent, I am not as kind or wise as I know I can be... I am so scared of saying no to them and what that means when I do [ The words are calm, but if Riptide could see the Prime, he'd know he was hiding in a corner of his room. Wishing he was not a monster ] This is too much... Perhaps I should stop speaking for the moment. It must be upsetting to hear.

Avoiding him isn't dealing with him.

[quite the opposite. riptide wonders if he will ever be lucky enough to have a problem he can just avoid.]

I just-- I don't get it. He is literally trying to end the universe right now. I think he would probably gut you for fun. You're nothing to him. No-one is anything to him. That's kind of the point.

The worst reason I can give... is I might not be so different. And that knowledge is the most terrifying admittance I can voice.

[ The prime's voice nearly cracks. ]

I am addicted to this. I do not want to be, I want to be free.. Riptide, I ... care for you, I want to stay by your side. Riptide why does love in either direction feel like I'm being torn asunder... How does one manage these emotions. [ Optimus laughs. ]

[LOUD WHEEZING:] L-love?!

I.. do not have a better word. [ Optimus nearly stutters. Fearing he's ruined this by using the term at all. ]

I do not want to chase you away.

It's just... a lot. Everything with two while Megatrons and love and... I don't know.

What... are you going to do about any of this?

I do not know. But I am glad I have reached out to you, I am glad you did not turn me away.

I am sorry for how I hurt you. I am happy to hear your voice again.

Look, I... kind of hurt you too. I didn't react well. We can talk about it properly another time.

...Can I, uh, stay at yours tonight? I'd like your company.

I would like that. It will be good to be in your presence again... I'll leave my room unlocked for you I'll be here all day

cyberformed inbox, UN: boaty mcboatface

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do we wanna jump to really awkward conversations in space?

U KNOW IT

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