[Video] Sad Dad Bad Had

[optout]

[After seeing Megatron's response, something certainly has been keeping Prime busy. He wasn't wrong--something did have to be done instead of wallowing in the loss (or victory) of a war. And if that meant following Megatron--well...he had to say he wasn't overly enticed by that plan. He knew the bot meant well, and would try not to let the same thing happen twice. But if there's one thing he's learned, it's that trying to change yourself turns you back into what you've been this whole time.

You can't outrun your identity. Optimus knows that now.]

I request an audience with all of you, whether it be in person or over the communications feed. As most of you know, I've talked with Cybertron itself, and although I don't exactly understand it, one part of its message was clear--we must learn to coincide with each other. To get along and make progress.  

Megatron is proposing a start to this. 

[Well, he might as well be honest.]

But there are going to be problems.  One of which is a symbol of the war--me. I am a Prime, and to some of you, I've been the toxin in your systems. The rust in your side. I'm here to dispel one thing--I'm not going to give the title up, as it's part of my identity. I will be commander to those who serve under me, as long as they'll have me. Other than that, however much say you want me to have in this world is entirely up to you.  If me stepping back will cause those who follow Megatron's dream to co-exist peacefully with the Autobots, I will gladly do so.

...

I've only been a Prime during the war. And I cannot look to previous examples for assistance. [Sentinel]

I suppose that's it. I hope that broadcasted nicely. I can never tell.

[Private to Sentinel]

Meet me by the crater.

[ROUND TWO OF REHAB, BUDDY.]

Comments

texting forever

[chickscream]

Oh, that's going to be a problem, let me tell you. If you keep on being sincere all the time, you might keep on saying very nice things, and no one will be able to doubt that you believe them. tsk tsk tsk!

What are you trying to do, Optimus, make people feel good about themselves? Make them feel like you like and value them? Keep this up and it's going to end with them liking and valuing you back, mark my words.

[By "people" and "them" she means her. She feels liked and valued and she likes it, and it is a new and very weird feeling.]

[optout]

[Oh Slipstream, your flustered state is adorable.]

Is that really such a bad thing?

Maybe that's what's key to helping us become Cybertronian again, instead of opposing factions with a grudge.

[chickscream]

Well, it's definitely not the usual style of leaders I've met.

But the other leaders I've met have been all about grudges, so maybe your way has some merit. I mean, not a whole lot of merit, being a wonderful person can't be all thatgreat, but a tiny little smudge of merit? Maybe.

[Whoops did she call Optimus a wonderful person? Couldn't have, that would be sweet of her, and she's anything but sweet.]

[optout]

Change is sometimes required. It's pretty natural for our species, especially.

We adapt.

[But he pauses at the compliment, as it's one even HE can pick up.]

Wonderful may be pushing it. I'll settle for decent.

[chickscream]

Point. Scrap, I ought to already know that, I've been through some big changes in my life already.

[Like going from not existing to existing, and switching sides to help Megatron, then deciding that situations that sent her face to face with an Autobot the size of a small mountain were terrible situations, then being brought to Cybertron... For a robot just a year and a half old, she's been through a lot.]

Is modesty part of your leadership skillset?

[optout]

[You're doing pretty well for yourself, though, Slipstream. You're getting through all the muck early so you can start living your real life. It's an accomplishment.]

Not so much modesty as it is credit where credit is due. And nothing more.

[chickscream]

[That, or she's setting a pattern of huge life upsets every couple months! But hopefully it's the first thing.]

'Decent' is still loads better than 'literally Starscream', at least! You should try being proud of that.

I'll make you a bumper sticker. "Honk If You're Not A Terrible Person!"

[optout]

Anyone who isn't Starscream gets that title, Slipstream. And that includes you.

[Because he's going to make sure you know that you're your own person even if it kills him! Hopefully not, though. We all know he'll come back, but still a hassle either way.]

I. Appreciate that.

[Was that...embarrassment?]

[chickscream]

[It's such a good thing they're communicating through text right now; Slipstream can't help but grin anytime she's reminded of how free of Starscream's legacy she is, now.]

At least you're being sensible, now. Admitting you're not Starscream is the first step to admitting you're no kind of toxin or rust.

What color would you like the sticker to be?

[Slipstream is actually going to make one, apparently.]

[optout]

I suppose I can't argue with that. Although decent is still my goal.

...









White.

[chickscream]

White it'll be.

[And that is that, apparently. Optimus can expect a bumper sticker next time they meet, probably at Robot Prom, and unless he has more to say, Slipstream will go off and start in on making it for him immediately.]