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

[heavyweaponsbot]

...

[He falls silent. Over the comms, there's a soft crinkle sound - photo paper, probably. Of all the things to talk about, this one wants to talk of sacrifice. His voice is heavy.]

... Change the subject, tank. Babble about something else.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

... [It hasitated, audibly whirling it's eyes— someone could use some fresh oil.]

I got a few excellent gifts over the holidays?

[heavyweaponsbot]

... What does a tank find enjoyable?

[Yes, this is a better subject.]

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

A panoramic photograph of everyone back home at Section 9. It's been two years since any of us had been there, so it was a really thoughtful gift, you know?

[Then, with barely uncontainable glee] And the Major and Mister Batou gave me souvenir whales! It was the happiest day of my whole life.

[heavyweaponsbot]

Yeah... Would say that... such a photo is a decent gift. [There's a deep intake of air through his vents.] ... Saw fit to give me one, as well.

[The heaviness leaves his voice at the glee. This tank sort of reminds him of the little Autobots back before the war.] You like these whales as well?

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

[Have a pair of vigorous squeaks in reply] They're amazing! For such a simple mechanism, you can get a wide variety of sounds. I've never actually had any possessions before.

[its voice goes a little wistful] I'm gonna be awful sad to lose them.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[... that may have been a short laugh, right there.] If I had not given mine away, I would pass it on as well.

... Why would you lose them?

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Well, when we get to the Golden Shore, the Major and Mister Batou will probably want to get back to work, which means I will as well. I don't think they'd let me keep them at section 9; there are all kinds of rules about what you can have in the tank bays, ever since one of us stacked a bunch of books in there.

[It seems...resigned, if a bit sad about this prospect. This is the way things are, and this is the way they will be. Ho hum.]

I guess I'll just have to enjoy them while I'm here.

[heavyweaponsbot]

You are a sentient being. Why should you be limited on what you may take to your quarters? Couple plastic animals are hardly going to do any harm.

[He grunts. No Autobot would be treated like that. If the tank is sentient... doesn't it deserve freedoms? Like Prime said?]

Yeah. That too.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

I already told you why, remember? You've got to pay better attention!

It's alright, really. If you want to be part of a military application, you've gotta make sacrifices in your personal life~♬

Right?

[heavyweaponsbot]

Just a toy. Do not see what harm it could do.

... I would not know. Never... had... a 'personal life'.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Me either, except for the social interaction with the other Tachikoma.

Oh! I once did a stint as a civilian construction robot! But that was only for a couple of months.

[heavyweaponsbot]

Yeah... Spoke with the other soldiers. Sometimes had a drink, or... more. Never that close to them.

[Which was good, considering what then happened.]

Who uses a tank in construction work?

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Well, at that point I had been retrofitted without weaponry and with a severely reduced weight thanks to an unarmored chassis. It's not exactly a combat-worthy design, you know, but it was pretty good for high-altitude wire work in the construction of skyscrapers in urban settings!

Even though I eventually abandoned my post, I can't say it was a completely unpleasant interlude.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He snorts.] That sort of life would not suit us all, Tank. Some of us soldiers... made only for war.

Count yourself lucky you were able to enjoy it.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

...It's not as if they didn't mess around with my memories beforehand, you know.

I was glad when it was over. I really miss Mister Batou, when I'm not on duty with him.

[heavyweaponsbot]

No. I did not know.

... Normal to miss your commander, if they are a good leader, and you trust them. That is... what he is, hmn? Your superior officer?

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

That's right! I always follow Mister Batou's orders, whenever I possibly can.

[It says this with some pride, as if it had some merit or unique honor in doing so— it has neither, but that's the way Tachikoma are about Batou]

He always takes good care of us.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[If he could be seen, he would be smirking.]

Good. That... is the function of a decent commander. But we must... we must look after them as well, hm?

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

That's right! Mister Batou and the Major are the best.

[heavyweaponsbot]

You are lucky, then... that they are here with you.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Lucky nothing! I'm not getting separated from the Major again unless I'm completely deactivated, or if she orders me to.

...


But yeah, I'm pretty lucky to have Mister Batou, right now.

[heavyweaponsbot]

... Good. Stay with them. You... never know what will happen... in combat.

[tachikhromatic.livejournal.com]

Oh, definitely. Once, the Major had her whole head blown off! It was pretty dramatic, let me tell you. Not long after that, Mister Batou nearly died fighting a huge ARM-suit!

Not that we Tachikoma are much of a match for that kind of thing, but like I said, personal choice in the realm of self-sacrifice is an important tenet of Tachikoma sentience.

[heavyweaponsbot]

... How did she survive?

Bet I could handle this... arm of yours.