[accidental video]

[still_learning]

[It's been a few days since the end of the explosions that have been following him and others throughout the place. Jetstorm wasn't alone during that time, not entirely, but now that it's over, he's getting time to think about what all has happened. Who he was left with, the world he finds himself in now, the idea that they could all find themselves under attack again at any time, for any or no reason at all.]

I am a warrior.

[Where he is now isn't clear, but by the absence of sound in the room but for what Jetstorm himself makes, it's clear he's alone. If his feet could wear a path in the ground walking the same circle over and over, they would. There is no indication for how long he has been walking like this, one end of his nunchucks in each hand as if he thought he might need it. He seems fretful as he argues with himself, and completely oblivious to the little drone close by, silently recording everything.]

I am strong. I am swift.

[His hands lower and he doesn't seem to notice it or care. One hand lets go of a grip to reach up and rub down his face. A few paces later, his other hand goes a little too slack and his weapon goes down to the ground with a clatter. The Minicon looks down at it in horror with a cry.]

Ah! No!

[In a rush, he darts down to retrieve his nunchucks and clutches them in front of him again, grip renewed. One hand pulls into his subspace to retrieve the only other item he has ever carried on his person: a cleaning cloth. With a whimper, he steps over to sit down on a small stool that may or may not have been for a bot his size, or perhaps for a human, and begins to methodically wipe down his weapon from one end to the other, always in small, counter clockwise circles.]

Most humble apologies, Master Drift.

[But his fingers are trembling. He misses spots, only to go back and work over them again.]

I am strong... I am...

[Finally, he gives in and hugs his knees to himself, pinning his nunchucks against him, and shivers.]

Comments

[video] /keywords so relevant right now. XD

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[....Scrap...he shouldn't care. He really shouldn't...but...oh scrap.]

...Where are you, Jetstorm?

FIGHT IT BD U KNOW U CAN WIN

[still_learning]

[He startles and very nearly drops his nunchucks again, but no, not making that mistake again. Give him a minute to locate the sound of that voice and he'll look over at the drone.]

I, uh... [He slips his weapon back behind him and puts away the cloth and reaches out and takes that little drone so he can see.] I apologize for leaving without saying anything. I did not go far. I only needed time to think.

He's already lost this battle.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

That's not what I asked, Jetstorm.

awwww bb I'm sorry here is a tissue for your troubles

[still_learning]

[That mouth opens to say something, closes. He ducks his head.]

I had hoped not to be found, like this.

[Hoped... Too late for that. He'll just quietly send coordinates.]

[video]

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

[Oh no that's just spark breaking little guuuuuy]

Ah... Jetstorm, wasn't it?

[video]

[still_learning]

[Oh, you, he remembers.]

Yes. Are you unharmed? From the... attacks?

[video]

[happyclappyhippydrippy]

I didn't get too banged up. Just a few dents and a blown tire, but it's nothing to worry about right now. I'm just glad to see that you're okay.

[WELL, aside from the fact that he's very sad looking]

[video]

[still_learning]

[he's just fine what are you talking about that was nothing he's top notch]

I am. Please, do not trouble yourself with me. If you are damaged, you should head to the medical ward.

[video]

[10_20_15_5_50]

...wanting someone to talk to, maybe?

[Sam ventures, tone polite concern. That last 'I am,' was an ideal opening, and besides, she couldn't just ignore the broadcast. Not in good conscience.]

[video]

[still_learning]

[He's given up on any semblance of privacy where he is. He'll deal with himself and his insecurity later.]

[... No, because there's not going to be a later. He's a warrior. Enough of this.]

I apologize if I worried you. I am okay.

[don't mind that his optics say otherwise.]

[video]

[10_20_15_5_50]

You've got nothing to apologize for, man.

[...but you look the way she felt when her first and last hope for actually contacting home cratered.]

Would you like to talk a while?

[video]

[still_learning]

[He looks at her, ducks his head a moment, looks back at her.]

I do not know what to talk about. What would you like to talk about?

[Video]

[neverputincharge]

Hey kid, you okay?

[video]

[still_learning]

[He nods. Just a short nod. But he doesn't know this bot yet, and he's a little curious.]

Yes. I am adjusting.

[video]

[the_other_green_seeker]

[Jadewing shouldn't care either. Frankly he's not sure why he does, but he does. Still, must disguise the caring, at least a little.]

You OK there, shorty? And how do you know Drift?

[Thinking of course, that Jetstorm was referring to the Drift currently in Haven.]

[video]

[still_learning]

[He nods.]

Master Drift has been my sensei for quite some time, but he is not here. The Drift you may be thinking of is not the one I know.

[video]

[the_other_green_seeker]

Ah. Was wondering; you really don't have the same kind of design aesthetic as bots from his universe.

[Like the whole having no nose bit for one.]

I take it you're new around here? What's your name?

[video]

[still_learning]

[Never really needed one? Olfactory sensors work without them?]

I have noticed that about many of the bots here. We really are from different universes.

I am Jetstorm. What may I call you?

[notyourblueangel]

You are pathetic.

[That's actually Thundercracker's way of "helping". As in "snap out of it, kid." He's a VERY VERY OLD war vet who was a very high-ranking Decepticon for most of his life, what do you want?]

You're new, aren't you? Anyone given you the run-down on this place, sparkling?

[He doesn't know how old you are. He just knows how old you're acting.]

[video] congrats on being the first to get this icon

[still_learning]

[... He does not like you.]

I have not seen all of this city, but I will do so soon. Thank you.

[Let no one say he doesn't at least know how to be polite.]

[video] Hey, someone had to, right? XD

[notyourblueangel]

...hm.

[Okay, he's a bit impressed. Kid didn't rise to the jab, but it wasn't out of fear, seems like. Good. Maybe he's not a broken little thing after all. He nods.]

Name's Thundercracker. How long have you been here?

[video] oh yeah, someone was bound to get under his armor one day

[still_learning]

[Alright, small talk. He's okay with that, but there's at least a few arms' length between them. He's small, not a blubbering sparkling.]

When I arrived, there were explosions. They seemed to be chasing everyone, sent by the Miasma.

[Video]

[dirge]

Oh, you survived! [He claps his talons together.] How wonderful~

[video]

[still_learning]

[That's a thing, yes.]

Yes, it is wonderful. I would like very much not to be dead.

Re: [video]

[dirge]

Being dead often lowers one's value, yes.

What are those stick-things you are waving around?