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Characters: @skystalker , open to any Autobots Location: Autobot Outpost, Recreation Room Content Warnings: N/A Plot Summary: Skystalker finds himself incredibly bored and when no ones around seeks the one place everyone seems to congregate.
Skystalker couldn't remember the last time he was this bored. Majority of the time he could find something to do when it came to the Autobots, whether it was combat training, patrols, or looking at the rather amusing and engrossing cat videos on what humans called the internet, there was always something. It had been sometime in his few months there that he actually could say he was not up for his typical activities. Quite frankly, he felt he needed a change to the routine, maybe try and find someone to socialize with.
But being social wasn't exactly the Predacon's strong suit. Social cues and etiquette was often lost to him, especially since he felt being direct and to the point was being social, telling someone how what was really on his processor just seemed the way to go. But was it? Perhaps not. He seemed to make several annoyed or scoff at his directness and lack of sensitivity to some subjects compared to others. Such reactions made him desire to start learning those cues or how to better socialize with his fellow Cybertronians. Though it wasn't made easy when his own temper could flare and some finding his form a tad intimidating, much less maybe even suspicious of his true nature considering he was a Decepticon project and guinea pig not that long ago, an origin he was not proud of. Though, it did fuel his desire to get back at them even if they might not necessarily be the same Decepticons he had heard throughout the time he was in his Hyperevolution chamber.
He couldn't help shuddering at recalling those thoughts as he came through the tunnel into the base, finding the surroundings familiar and strangely comforting. That was another thing about the Autobots, they seemed kinder, open-minded, giving some a second chance to redeem themselves. It almost made him feel like an outsider since such thoughts didn't always accompany his more primitive urges and need for vengeance against his "creator". There was indeed a lot of conflict and turmoil in his spark, making the mech wonder if he would ever find a sense of peace or belonging because right now he felt a far cry from it. It was like a piece of a puzzle that didn't fit or had not quite yet found the place it belonged, which was kind of sad really in Skystalker's mind.
Pushing such troubling thoughts aside, Skystalker focused back on his previous task, finding something to do or someone to talk to. Boredom was quite a pain and he hoped someone might be around to relieve it. But he found no one within the front of the base, making him frown in thought for a moment. Where did everyone usually congregate when they weren't busy? Of course, the rec room! There was always a bot or two there, surely there might be someone there now.
Skystalker strolled then to the rec room, his claws clicking on the ground in his dragon form as he made his way down the hall. It didn't take him long to approach the room, already hearing the sound of movement within just as expected. Past experiences had already told him nine times out of ten someone was indeed there, and the Predacon paused in the doorway to peer inside and see.
Inside the recreation room, Stepper had been pacing around while reading, his datapad casting a faint blue glow over his blue-and-silver frame. Optics behind his visor seemed to be zooming hard while he was trying to pick his way through an encrypted message that had popped up on his datapad not but ten minutes before. Or was it a klik before? Honestly his sense of time was all messed up at times, especially when he was deciphering encrypted messages, especially one this seemingly personal since it was HIS datapad alone.
The clicking and clacking near the doorway was not, however, lost on him, and he peeked up from his work, blinking his optics a few times; it wasn't that he was in disbelief that he was seeing a Predacon. It was merely him resetting his optics. He sure hoped that it didn't come off as rude-seeming as he thought it to be. It wasn't as though others always liked when someone kept blinking at them several times in a row, right?
"Oh! Hi!" He blurted, his voice taking on a meek squeak. "Sorry I didn't see you there before. I...kind of got caught up in my um, uh...I suppose you could say cipher puzzle..."
He wouldn't let the datapad be seen, of course. This was personal, for his optics only. He had just had a momentary lapse in what to call it so that it wouldn't seem so suspcious. Only his processor had definitely mocked him by telling him those pauses were exceptionally suspicious. Everyone was going to be suspicious of him. He shouldn't have even bothered trying covering it up.
He stood arrow-straight, venting through all of his vents at once. Just a thought, just a thought. That's what he needed to tell himself. It was okay, it was fine. The Predacon probably wasn't judging him for being a weird and annoying nerd. Or was it? He suddenly lifted the datapad over his face slightly, peeking over the top of it as though his thoughts had suddenly gotten the better of him.
The source of the movement he had heard until he had reached the rec room came in the form of a blue and silver bot. Their name though was lost to Skystalker, the Predacon haven't not quite yet learned everyone. It took him a moment to mull over the familiar faces and voices, but Stepper's only registered as someone had glimpsed maybe here and there when he made trips in and out of base, but nothing more. He felt bad though for not knowing the mech, it probably would have made things a tad easier.
Though he tilted his head curiously, wondering what was wrong with the mech's optics at first. Had he disturbed the mech from a deep concentration? From the way Stepper had been looking at the data pad it must have been important or something engrossing. Whatever it was, it obviously had the blue and silver bot fumbling with his words and seeming sheepish in trying to get an explanation. Honestly, it was enough to draw an amused growling chuckle from Skystalker more than anything.
Growling the dark and light blue dragon-former shifted to his robot mode, feeling it might be easier to speak in his robot mode. "Think I'm the one who should apologize, didn't realize I might be disturbing something important." Skystalker responded, genuinely apologetic even though it felt weird to be. Was he suppose to be feeling weird? Was it in his coding to not be polite? He wasn't entirely sure, but Skystalker did feel odd at times when he had to be apologetic, kind, or the like. He didn't quite know what was his Predacon nature and what other parts just might be him not being use to such emotions.
No, he had to keep those doubts down. He trusted these bots, they had taken him in when he had no where else to go and he knew the process would be gradual. He just had to be patient and let himself learn. "No need to be shy about things, as I said it was my fault. Should have spoken up when I came to the door way." Skystalker assured him as he approached the young bot, offering his clawed hand to Stepper, "Suppose an introduction might help alleviate things. I'm Skystalker, currently the resident Predacon." Skystalker introduced. "What's your name?"
Alright so far so good. He wasn't prying or trying to see what was going on with the data pad, as curious as he was to inquire about it. But that would be rude and Stepper probably would take his intrusion on something potentially private well. The last thing he wanted was to scare the bot off or infuriate them.
Of course, beforehand, Stepper himself hadn't quite learned the Predacon's name, though he had felt his own shame washing over him. He wasn't as social as most other bots--partly owing to the fact that he was absolutely deathly terrified of messing up. His creator and carrier hadn't really gotten to teach him as much about the social aspects of things as the commercial and technology-oriented facts of life.
"O-oh, no no. It's nothing too important. I just occasionally do puzzles like that to keep my deciphering skills sharp. I'm not a genius at it yet." He rubbed the back of his helm sheepishly. "It's really more of a game. Something I do on downtime since I'm not quite ready for big missions." Games weren't important, right? He wasn't doing anything immediate or important.
When offered the clawed hand, he searched his mental database for a few seconds before finally shaking hands. "Pleased to meet you, Skystalker. My name is Stepper. Stepper of Polyhex." The one thing his creators had indeed taught him was that it was more polite to use your full name when you first met someone. That way there was no confusion between, say, a possible other Stepper from Iacon or Praxus, as opposed to him, the one sparked in Polyhex.
He kept his datapad tucked over his face for a moment longer before lowering his arm with a sheepish smile. So far he hadn't been pushed into revealing what was up, which boded well for him.
The pause in Stepper’s returned hand shake made Skystalker wonder if the young mech was not familiar with such a custom. He knew majority of the Cybertronians there came from Cybertron and didn’t exactly follow certain customs as other worlds, and the one he had really studied was Earth’s since it was the immediate planet he could think of that he was on this whole time. It was hard to say if he came from Cybertron at the time he found himself in the desert, from Earth, or another planet entirely. Which was why he had taken to learning more about Earth and bits and pieces of Cybertron that he could really look into. Most of what he knew was Cybertronian fighting styles, and maybe some customs and traditions here and there but nothing more.
Which was also all the more obvious as Skystalker seemed confused about Stepper’s introduction. It wasn’t exactly the first time he had heard it, but saying your name and where you came from was still a concept he did not quite grasp much less the need for it. “Pleasure to meet you as well Stepper.” Skystalker said with a fanged smile, for the time being having his battle mask down since he saw no need for it at the moment. Far as he knew they weren’t expecting a battle and he hadn’t been called to aide anyone so he suspected it was safe to not have it up. Though he usually did out of habit.
Seeing Stepper lower his data pad in which he partly hid his face though, Skystalker was inwardly pleased to see that he wasn’t making the blue and silver mech nervous or stumble over himself as before. Sometimes he wondered if his form alone would trigger a bot to stumble over their words and become intimidated, but it often seemed no one minded his large dragon-like form so there seemed a positive side to this. But seeming as he was here it didn’t seem a too bad a time to get to know the car-based bot a bit more. He was intrigued to what Stepper meant about not being ready for bigger missions, giving his full name, and what he did for the Autobots. Of course, Skystalker knew he probably would end up overstepping his boundaries at some point and tried to mentally hold some restraint.
“You do have me curious my young friend, but what is it that you do exactly? Everyone here seems to have some kind of function or job they do, but I haven’t exactly figured out what all of them are.” Skystalker inquired, feeling a bit strange to say “young friend” considering chronologically Stepper was probably very well older than himself but from their encounter it sounded as if Stepper was the younger one between them. “And why is it some of you use the name of the Cybertronian city you came from in your name introductions? It seems a rather odd custom to have. Wouldn’t it be more reasonable to just state your designation and be done with it?” The Predacon mech asked, crossing his arms loosely in front of his chest.
There was nothing but curiosity and intrigue in the Predacon’s expression and stance. Even if someone found him intimidating it was clear that Skystalker was interested in learning some things, especially about his own kind of which he felt distinctly distant from considering his own creation and legacy, much less what he was created for. (Tags: @stepper)
Oh, he hadn't been quite so familiar with such a custom. He hadn't even socialized very much as a Sparkling or in his early Youngling years, and now he was having to pay for it. He was having to learn on his feet, thrown into the deep end of social situations like an Earth child being thrown in the water and being told to "sink or swim". And frankly, Stepper was ten million percent sure that if he were taught like that, he would be the one sinking. He was trying to watch human media to learn social graces, but thus far had been left a lot more confused as to what was and wasn't socially appropriate.
For the moment, he seemed to have a happy-go-lucky look to him. He wasn't so much intimidated by anyone who looked fanged and dangerous, as he was with social situations. Being sheltered when he had been younger hadn't helped him, nor had losing his mentor quite early into his being thrown into the war and told to sink or swim. Honestly, it seemed like his whole life was a crash course in crash courses in things. It was lucky that he hadn't needed a crash-course in crashing himself or something or else he probably would have a full systems crash. But that was neither here nor there. He could handle this right now. He could. It was just a crash course in socialization with someone bigger, stronger, and much more experienced than he was. Well, that's what Stepper thought anyway.
"I suppose you could mostly say I'm a computer technician." His optics darted to the left. "I'm...also a marksman-in-training." He figured he might as well just be honest. He did computer work and was learning to actually shoot a gun still. Well, that and to compensate for the fact that he really eventually needed to get optical circuitry repairs that he could probably get at his final upgrades anyway. And then there was that question. "I...was taught it was polite to state my full designation--in case there's another Stepper out there, like a Praxian one or one from Vos. But that's neither here nor there." His digits seemed to be twitching nervously. "I hope it didn't come off as rude though. I-I'm sorry if I seem a little rude. I'm really trying to learn social graces and it's really a, how did the humans put it? A 'sink or swim' process for me."
He drew a deep vent, trying to let his posture relax, trying not to seem like a standoffish little wreck of nerves. He gave a small smile and settled himself, his optics giving their own curious look. "Apologies if it sounds rude, but what are you?"
"Computer technician huh. Interesting, and sounds like a position that requires quite a bit of patience but quite handy too." Skystalker commented, contemplating what he knew on the subject but it wasn't much. All he knew was they tended to handle hacking and other computer-based concerns, some were quite adept and talented in using it and others did it when it was necessary. Truly it had to be a position where one was patient and took their time, something the Predacon mech wasn't exactly fond of. It was why he tended to concern his logic and planning side towards battle and coming up with strategies and battle tactics above anything else.
But he gave a sympathetic smile when he realized Stepper seemed to become nervous with explaining about learning about becoming a marksman and his social sills not being the greatest. Now there was something Skystalker could actually relate to. "You weren't being rude at all Stepper, and I wouldn't feel too bad about the social contexts. I'm still learning social cues and boundaries myself, perhaps as difficult as that may be to believe." Skystalker admitted, definitely being able to emphasize about the social concerns. Skystalker wasn't exactly savvy to knowing when his thoughts should be kept to himself, how he should speak at times, and when something seemed more appropriate for one situation but not another. It was a lot to take in and to learn, and he was trying.
"Look at it this way, we're learning the elaborate ritual of social life together as we speak." The dark and light blue mech pointed out, trying to crack a joke to hopefully ease the nervous tension of the young mech. Though, it probably wasn't a very good one in his case. Humor and jokes tended to escape Skystalker just as much unless it was just in the moment, but this...probably not so much.
Seeing Stepper visibly relax, Skystalker's smile returned but soon began to fade when Stepper inquired about what he was. Inwardly, Skystalker couldn't help grimacing at the memories of his hyperevolution chamber and before he wound up in the Sahara Desert. But it was only fair since he had kind of bombarded Stepper with his own questions. "My Decepticon creator called me and my brethren Predacons, a new generation that is from his experiments from ancient Predacon CNA. Essentially, from what I could gather we were meant to be super soldiers for the Decepticon cause, mainly hunters and trackers. But that was all I could ever figure out before I wound up sent away from that accursed lab." Skystalker explained, growling towards the end in bitterness and rage but quickly tried to press it down.
"But your question isn't rude Stepper, I don't mind answering your inquiries since you have been patient enough to answer some of mine." The mech assured him.
((Sorry I've taken so long. My nephew's been a right jolly pain in the arse handful.))
Stepper's optics widened. He hadn't thought about that! "It does, doesn't it? Having to repair computers and confirm they're working properly--all the way down to programs...it takes a lot more patience than I thought. Kind of like learning to use a firearm correctly to become a sniper."
He swallowed hard for a moment. He was still learning everything, this was true. He'd not been socialized well when he was younger and he had been anxious to be awakened a few times without a familiar face to teach him. "This is true. We're still learning. We're...we're works in progress, right?"
He listened closely, starting to feel bad. He'd dredged up bad memories for Skystalker, hadn't he? However, when reassured, he relaxed visibly again. "Thanks. I...well, I'm glad that you're alive, even if it's not from the same origin as I am." His optics were bright behind his visor.
"Perhaps you have greater patience than you might think my wheeled friend, something I can certainly commend you for." Skystalker agreed, not exactly one for patience but he had more of it than most of his brethren it felt like. Perhaps it would be bots like Stepper that the Predacon could learn a thing or two from, especially in terms of watching his temper and opening up more. And as the young bot had just put, they were works in progress, learning how the world worked around them from the most important things to the smallest and most casual.
Such a thought made Skystalker cross his arms and look rather thoughtful, "Yes...I suppose we are when you put it that way. Perhaps that is a good thing, especially being among..." Skystalker paused a moment, considering what word seemed fitting before adding, "Being among allies." Alright, maybe not his greatest choice in wording but that was the first realistic thought to cross his processor. When it came down to it, the Autobots were his allies right now, a support system and anchor, nothing more or less. Maybe for Stepper they were like friends or even family, but such concepts were lost to Skystalker at this given point. He didn't yet fully feel he was a true Autobot, or on a personal level he had yet to come to terms with feeling he was deserving of being a true Autobot yet.
"I think at one point I wouldn't have agreed with you Stepper, given the origin of my creation," Skystalker said but soon was smiling once more, "But, seeming as fate seems to have dealt me a hand for a second chance, I am glad to be alive, especially among those who I can one day consider friends. You included"
"You...really think so?" Stepper's optics were wide and excited. "I would have never thought about it like that. Then again, I usually think I'm a little more impatient...guess it's in the optic of the beholder?" His frame seemed to fidget, his wheels revving slightly. His digits clicked together for a moment, a fidget he'd had for a long time.
He drew a deep vent. He'd never really thought about the Autobots as a family, and he wanted to think of them as friends--but for now they were allies and comrades. He crooked his finger in front of his mouth then closed his optics. "I'm glad to be...among allies. Among comrades. Who I hope to become friends with as I work on myself more." He looked to Skystalker. It was tough admitting he really didn't have friends--just acquaintances, allies, and comrades. But it was something he needed to do for himself to give him a chance.
"I believe...things happen for a reason. Maybe there's a reason I was shunted from colony world and trade world to colony to trade. Or I'd never have ended up here, among those I know I can trust. I can trust won't hurt me.
"Perhaps it's just a matter of perspective, maybe it's just me making an observation in the moment Stepper. But far as I can see, such a function would require quite a bit of patience, more so in trying to learn it at all." Skystalker pointed out with a soft chuckle. True, it probably was in the optic of the beholder, but it certainly sounded like someone would need much time and patience to be concerned with such skills as the ones Stepper was working with.
So, they were just allies for the young mech as well. When Skystalker thought about it it didn't surprise him too much. With the short time he had spoken with Stepper it was clear the mech was not the greatest socially, something he could relate with to a point. "I'm sure you'll form close relationships soon enough Stepper. The cybertronians here...they are good bots, reliable, trustworthy, you are surely in good hands here." He assured him, trying to give the mech some encouragement.
"I agree in a sense. We all have a purpose in our life, its just a matter of finding it." Skystalker admittedly didn't know what his real purpose was in life. He had initially held purpose to kill the very bots he was aiding, but with rebelling to that purpose, he found himself lost with trying to find a new one.
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altria : please dont be dead?
Jun 14, 2023 22:40:34 GMT
Partia: Is this still alive?
Dec 17, 2022 6:02:02 GMT
Partia: Is this still alive?
Dec 17, 2022 6:01:34 GMT