Counterpunch to Hook

[Counterpunch]

//Lord Hook.// That's what the Mayhems call him, right? And a little flattery never hurts. //Counterpunch here. Read me?//

[Hook]

//I do.//

Neutral, almost cool. But Hook did lack in the social graces.

[Counterpunch]

//Look, Lord Hook, I been thinking about things, and I've come to a conclusion. My team? We don't have a chance. And it's not that mining worm, either. That's part of why we ain't got a chance. Everyone's focusing on Hellbender, and no one's remembering the real threat, the real force in your team.//

The words are sincere, if grudging. He's contemptuous of his own side, but at the same time annoyed with himself for admitting an honest admiration for a technician.

//And really, thinking on it? I don't want to be on the losing side. So I've got a deal to offer.//

//I'm on mid-level defense. Easy access to our team's flag. I've also got a present of use outside the game. You know that Junkion 'toymaker'? Not long after she arrived, she magnetically locked me and Thundercracker to the damned road. Did it without damaging either or scrambling our circuits.//

//I got the device she used for that.//

[Hook]

//Hmm.// One might imagine an intrigued glint on a red optic-band. //An interesting little offer. And all you want is... What? A simple acceptance of a change of allegiance? Or something a little more dangerous than that?//

[Counterpunch]

//That's right. I want to be on the winning side.//

//Well, you know, maybe you might remember this favorably in the future, but I'm not asking that of you or anything.// Hook, due to position, would know that Counterpunch needs repairs rather regularly, though he's never gotten them from Hook himself.

[Hook]

//Well. Bring your toy to <chandelier coordinates>.//

[Counterpunch]

'Bring your toy'? Well, Counterpunch shouldn't be surprised that Hook's more interested in that than the flag.

//Copy. Making my way there now.//