Until The Crystal Cracked

[Springer]

//If we refuse to go on until they leave, though, that gives them something to hold over us while they're here.//

And if Springer has the loading assistance to also hold his attention, it's something to siphon his frustration into. //You keep an optic on 'em, Skid-Z. I'll load Long Haul.// Springer strolls over, and starts loading supplies into Long Haul's bed, occasionally glancing at their "guests", notably Shockwave. "Wasn't trying to trap you in wordplay - that's not my department. Yes, I'm a triple-changer. How long I've been one is irrelevant."

[Victoria Raines]

Skipping Mixmaster due to timeout. Sorry, should have done it much sooner.

---

Shockwave turns slightly toward Skid-Z when he speaks. The carbot is being remarkably affable about the whole affair. Something to be noted, and perhaps investigated later.

"Merely professional curiosity, Springer. I pioneered the triple-changer technology in my timeline. So I have a vested interest, you might say."

He stifles a sigh as Constructicon Banter^tm begins. If history is any indication, they might be here awhile.

[Hook]

"If you did it my way, you'd only have to do this once. There wouldn't be repeated failures due to inadequate construction." Over the millenia, Hook has found that 'inadequate' gets him less lip than 'poor' and 'shoddy'. After all, everyone knows his definition of adequate is... Well.

Then Springer starts loading Long Haul. Hook's optic-light flickers. Flickers again. Then- "Have you never played Tetris in your life?"

[Long Haul]

Would those words have been used before or after SkidZ called Long Haul an absolute moron for something the guy standing next to Long Haul did?

Either way, Long Haul himself doesn't know those words well because he's in the habit of insulting the guys he's working with, getting into arguments, and then, when the argument's over, moving on like nothing happened and getting on with his life. It's not a matter of 'forgive and forget' so much as just plain 'forgotten.'

//Enh. You guys don't want to work until they're gone, I can just take a break. I don't mind.//

Really. Long Haul is a hard and dedicated worker, but he's still a construction worker. Coffee energon breaks are important!

"Funny thing is, I don't remember a whole helleva lot of 'repeated failures', anyway. At least not back in my day. Maybe work quality fell off after you all became 'Cons," the dump truck answers Hook.

[Skid-Z]

Someday, Long Haul might partake in a situation as the oblivious mech who forgot how his words turned allies into the foes about to blast him.¹

//We are working right now, and you have perfectly capable help, right?// Skid-Z corrects. Platonic and again, polite. He takes in these Deceptacons again; form, color, mannerisms, sigils. Or, lack thereof on the purple cyclops.

How unfortunate that the one who does remember that verbal kick all to well is now tasked at guarding the site; he is not about to tell Cons to stop talking. Do carry on.

---------------------------------
^1. Generally speaking.

[Springer]

Springer glances at Shockwave. "Hm. Far as I know, it's just something you're built with. Some got it, some don't, simple as that.**"

He pauses in loading Long Haul as the Constructibot replies, setting what he had back down. //Fair enough, if you can call dealing with these guys a break.//

Springer then looks over as Hook addresses him. "Can't say I've heard of a 'Tetris'. I'm more of a Halo 'bot, myself."



**IDW has not shown anything special about triple-changers, other than that they exist. Of the six initial ones, only Astrotrain and Blitzwing have shown off both of their alternate modes. Broadside, Sandstorm, Tankor (Octane), and Springer have not shown to transform into a second alternate mode yet. Springer, however, in the Last Stand of the Wreckers mini is shown to have wheel-kibble on his robot mode. Back when I apped Springer, I assumed he was a Triple-Changer based on the existance of Blitzwing and Astrotrain, and hopefully by the existence of said kibble, I won't get Joss'd. And while Triple-Changing is a special ability, no history has been shown to insinuate any special circumstances behind it, like with Dreamwave, so based on that lack of evidence, I'm playing it like it's G1 cartoon - some guys just happen to have the ability.

[Victoria Raines]

Shockwave shrugs, "Interesting. I do thank you for the information. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about or situation is how little some know of their origins." Shockwave meets Skid-Z's appraising glance with his own impassive stare. Shockwave has not missed how the racecar seems to be more amiable to the Decepticon presence than the other two.

Perhaps, just perhaps, he might need to seek this one out again.

"I realize that your prejudice will force you to dismiss the offer, but if I could be of any assistance in your efforts here, do let me know. I can be reached at <frequency>." Yes, it's his real frequency. The offer is there for show, for the most part. And perhaps to cast even more doubt on a young mind.

"Hook, I think we may be outstaying our welcome," Shockwave says, tone still damnably even and polite, "Are you satisfied enough with Long Haul's well being in the care of such individuals?"

[Long Haul]

OOC: Skipping Hook due to time out.

Waiting for a moment when Springer isn't actually in contact with Long Haul's truck bed, the Constructibot transforms. The supplies already in place promptly vanish into subspace.

"Y'know, I'm notin' somethin' distinctly unconducive to my workin' in the present, erm, env- well, round here. So I think I'm gonna go check to make sure the next gathered load is properly ready to be loaded up and strapped down on our next transport over there," Long Haul points to a more sheltered area of the crash site, a central area where people have been gathering the supplies to, "and I'll see about coming back when whatever the blazes is goin' on has blown over."

With that, Long Haul transforms again, the scraps of metal in his truck bed re-appearing as he does, and rolls towards the sheltered area.

OOC: Out of thread.

[Skid-Z]

Skid-Z might barely shift a cog in his neck, a slight tilt that conveys little to nothing as he continues staring at the Cons. "I'm sure that we are on our best behaviour and take real good care of our brethren, thank you."

[Hook]

After Long Haul's outburst, Hook almost tells Shockwave that he's more than satisfied that the Autobots haven't done anything to damage his brother. Then the garish racecar opens his mouth.

Hook cants his head to look at the mech. "Fascinating. I wasn't aware you were named Hook as well. However, I have something of a fondness for the name. I'm afraid I'll have to kill you for it."

[Springer]

Springer's jaw clenches as Long Haul rumbles off. Even moreso when Skid-Z replies to Shockwave. Come on, Shockwave just mentioned being ready to leave...

Then Hook comments, and Springer's posture stiffens, cutting a glare in the direction of the Constructicon. "Didn't think I'd be saying this, but I'm agreeing with Shockwave - what small shred of a welcome you had has been worn out."

[Victoria Raines]

Shockwave does not turn his head to look at the Constructicon. His voice does not raise, does not sift from the conversational tone he has used throughout this encounter. Yet there is still a much harder edge of command to his word as he says, "Hook. Leave it."

And adds privately: //For now.//

"Very well, Springer. We shall go, since we are obviously making you so uncomfortable. But do not worry; your feelings of inadequacy will pass, I'm sure."

Shockwave turns to walk away, then pauses, looking back over his shoulder, "Oh, and if you will please tell Perceptor I did so much enjoy our conversation the other evening, and that I look forward to the next."

And with that parting shot, Shockwave leaves the site and leaves the thread.

---

OOC: Obviously, Shockwave expects the Constructicons to follow him. Totally up to Hook if he does so or not, though if he tarries too long, Shockwave will come back and attempt to drag him off. >_>

[Skid-Z]

Skid-Z does not look surprised at all upon receiving a death threat. He moves not, and makes no sound.

-----
Ending Skid-Z involvement in thread if nothing dramatic happens.

[Hook]

If Long Haul were still here or Mixmaster were paying attention, they would know it was less of a death-threat and more of a 'Hook loathes people answering for him' threat.

He smiles and flicks fingers to point at his optic-band then at Skid-Z. 'I'll be seeing you again.'

Then he saunters after Shockwave.

---

Out of thread.

[Springer]

Springer's fists clench as Shockwave throws a few final verbal volleys, jaw clenched even moreso until Shockwave and his Constructi-groupies are gone.

Then Springer hauls off and punches a nearby wall, sputtering out a noise of pure frustration. After letting air cycle several times, calming himself a bit, the Wrecker wanders off. "I'm goin' on break. A really long break."

--
OOC: Out of thread!