18th Transmission -- Open Commentlog

[heavyweaponsbot]

[The sound of fireworks exploding can be heard in the background, along with the usual accompaniment of shifting metal. And the occasional, short laugh. Ironhide sounds amused when he speaks, in contrary to what he's saying.]

They really think these are fireworks? Give me my cannons back... I will show them fireworks.

[He pauses, chuckling to himelf.]

Guess it could be worse...

[He's up on the upper deck, like everyone else, occupying a secluded section of the rail, and leaning heavily against a nearby wall, should anyone desire to pester him.]

Comments

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

[ A particular neon Autobot settles against the rail next to him, quiet despite his build. He'd long ago perfected the art of stealth - at least when it came to approaching his patients - far too many chases around the base had adapted him to it.

He chuckles as his optics follow the miniature explosions in the sky, nudging the other lightly. ]

I believe these were meant to be less destructive than your particular brand of fireworks.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He startles a little. Despite being around him so much back home, he never got used to Ratchet's habit of sneaking up on one.]

Quit doing that.

[Moreover, he's surprised the other even sought him out. With everything he's said lately, he figured they were no longer on speaking terms. Let alone explosion-watching-terms. He gives Ratchet's shoulder an experimental shove.]

... That simply makes mine better. Hmn?

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

My apologies.

[ He frowned but leans back against the side of the boat, shoving him back lightly. The entire situation was uncomfortable, but that didn't make him unwilling to make an effort. ]

You do have a certain talent for explosions.

[heavyweaponsbot]

Yeah. I try to make myself useful...

[He sighs, letting himself be shoved back against the wall. Easier to stand, supported by a structure on one side, when your leg won't take the weight. He's tired of the tension - just wants to be friends again, and forget all this. But...]

Surprised you consented to seeing me.

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

There is little point in attempting to avoid you. We are still comrades, after all.

[ He glances at him with a slightly quirk of his lips, almost a smile. ]

And it is a very small vessel for the two of us to avoid each other entirely.

[heavyweaponsbot]

... Yeah. Guess we are, hmn?

[Wow, those sure are interesting fireworks. He'll... focus on them instead.]

I... Mmn. Tired of... arguing with you. Only amusing for so long. Just old now.

[medicalofficer.livejournal.com]

We are.

[ He doesn't mind. He's used to it. ]

Then perhaps we should stop. I would not complain.

[chopshopgoddess.livejournal.com]

I'd like to see your version of fireworks, Ironhide. [Look who showed up! Yay! She leans on the rail next to him with a smile.]

But these are pretty in the meantime.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He glances down at her, briefly, and shrugs.]

The major witnessed them once. I was never allowed to repeat the performance... 'within city limits' again.

[chopshopgoddess.livejournal.com]

[She leans on the rail and lets out a laugh.]

Well, I'm sure there was a valid reason for that.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He snorts.]

I assume he did not wish another of his livestock to... ignite.

[chopshopgoddess.livejournal.com]

[She gapes at him.]

You...you set a cow on fire?!

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He... shifts in place, somewhat embarrassed.]

Not purposefully.

[shockedlogic.livejournal.com]

[A certain spy has found his own spot (hopefully) out of range of potential pounding, and only throws a glance or two skyward.]

I have my doubts that the captain would appreciate your particular brand, I'm afraid.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[If he's out of sensor range, he's out of pounding range. For now.]

We have no way of knowing, now do we?

[shockedlogic.livejournal.com]

I am quite capable of assuming it.

[Then he's gotten lucky for the time being.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

I prefer tests to assumptions. Could have assumed that I could pound your faceplates in... instead, it required a test.

[shockedlogic.livejournal.com]

Tests are not required when the hypothesis's result can be deduced from previous information.

[heavyweaponsbot]

... Are you attempting to tell me you understand the captain of this ship?

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Yeah, let's have some phosphorous rounds! We'll show 'em! Oooh, that one was blue.

[heavyweaponsbot]

Yeah well... was thinking more plasma missiles. But this will do.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Have you ever blown a nuclear missile?

[The game of one-upmanship has begun]

The others and I once intercepted one by ramming it at top speed! Now that is an explosion.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He snorts, and turns sulky for a moment.]

Optimus informed me that the human nuclear devices were outside the scope of my duties. I was not allowed to detonate any.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Hee! The Major told us we were pretty stupid for doing it against orders. We don't mind, since it would have come down near her location if we hadn't.

[Gloat gloat gloat]

Of course, none of us physically survived the resulting blast, either. Since you're not someone who can live on the net like we can, it's probably best if you held off.

[heavyweaponsbot]

You blew yourselves up. So I agree.

... Hmnf. Optimus just says I get... over... excited. I can hold myself back. Not that difficult.