| Confounding Variables | |
|---|---|
| Date of Scene: | 02 January 2018 |
| Location: | Decagon - Atrium |
| Synopsis: | Hyperdrive doesn't appreciate the rumours going around about Swivel. |
| Cast of Characters: | Swivel, Hyperdrive |
- Swivel has posed:
Whilst Swivel did not terribly mind all the paperwork (well Cybertronian equivalent) after incidents, this one had been somewhat draining. Even after filing her report, she had other statements to deal with and some other regulatory meetings following her botched attempt to make an arrest. After all, she was not law enforcement, but was just on hand and acting on orders. Orders she hated. And it led to a fight with a fellow Autobot, which meant the protocol and processing afterwards was a bit prolonged. But as far as she was aware, it was mostly wrapped up as far as she was concerned. Thus, with a tired gait, Swivel moves slowly through the Atrium. However, she is somewhat aware of a few curious glances. Already the rumours were spreading and there were some whisperings. Whisperings Swivel was resolutely ignoring, even though she could hear most of them clearly. Curse her enhanced hearing.
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive has been looking for Swivel though all her recent report giving and stuff has made her out of touch. Persistant, he continued to try and catch Swivel at her normal routine markers and finally just took to haunting the atrium in the hopes of catching her. Which would have been find a dandy except for certain bullies making commentary about Swivel within audio range of Hyperdrive. So Hyperdrive is sporting a few new dents but overall looks pleased with himself. Which probably means certain bullies didn't realize how much training Hyperdrive has put in recently in combat and might be a wee bit more on the worse end of the situation.
- Swivel has posed:
Well it would seem that Hyperdrive's efforts had paid off. Not just staking out the Atrium to catch sight of the elusive Swivel, but combat training in dealing with bullies. There are a few people who, upon seeing Hyperdrive, suddenly go quite or change the topic. Others, however, some who were not enlisted but in the public part that heard the rumours had no incentive to cease their gossip. However, not all of it is necessarily slighting Swivel, some are impressed someone so small could take on the Terror of Traffic Laws.
As for Swivel, herself, if she is bothered by the gossip, or even flattered, she doesn't show it. She continues at a steady pace towards the exit of the Atrium. She could use a walk to clear her mind. But this is when she noticed Hyperdrive, and his dents. She slows her pace, eventually coming to a stop, albeit taking a few steps out of the flow of foot traffic so as not to be in the way. She crosses her arms over her chest and lifts her chin, catching Hyperdrive's optics as best she can. Once optic contact is made, she slowly dips her chin while arching an optic ridge. And waits.
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive looks back at Swivel somewhat defiantly before breaking into a grin. "What? I've been waiting ferever fer you ta come out. Are ya doin okay?" What dents? I don't see any dents. "I passed my latest batch of exams....I'm nearly completely caught up. Just one practical and then there's the field trial I missed."
- Swivel has posed:
What dents indeed. However, Hyperdrive sets into talking about his studies, and how well they are going, which gives Swivel very little ground to keep eyeing him like a displeased school ma'am. Some of the haggardness fades from her face, softening it to its usual pleasant demeanor. "Good. Keep it up." Swivel uncrosses her arms and steps closer, slinging an arm around Hyperdrive's shoulder, turning and angling her and Hyperdrive from some people who were still staring at her. THey can stare at tires. TIRES! "I know wot it's loik to 'ave to catch up. Which is 'ow I knew it was possible if you applied yerself." Of course, she didn't answer his question on whether she was alright, but does she need to? She LOOKS alright.
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive nods. "WEll I tried getting through them as quick as possible and all so Ican be of some use at least. Been worried about ya and all and then I couldn't get a hold of you but I knew why so I just tried being patient and eveything....not one of my strong suits.?'
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel turns to face Hyperdrive, one arm sliding across his back to rest on one shoulder, while she grabs his other hand with a free hand. She stares at Hyperdrive. "Trust me. Compared ter some of the company I keep, you are PLENTY patient."
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive squeezes her hand a little and sighs. "That's why I try ta be patient. Ya got so much other stuff ta deal with. Stuff that I'm not even aware of yet since I'm still a cadet. You have idiots cracking jokes about situations and no one sees ta want to shut them up. I know I can't help with everything. But I'll do my best with what I can.:
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel momentarily shifts her gaze from Hyperdrive and beyond him to a small group of onlookers, who quickly change the subject the moment Swivel looks at them. She then returns her attention to Hyperdrive. "Let them talk. They're free to do so." Swivel says in a firm tone. She then releases Hyperdrive's shoulders and turns away from the gaggle of gossips. "Something else will come along 'n they'll chew on that fer a whoil. I'd be more distressed if folk wot actually knew me well were ta believe them."
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive grins a little, "There's gossipin...and then there's mean spirited pickin. I'm glad ta see we're back ta only gossipers." Yep he's smug about getting back at a certain crowd. "Either way, I'm hopin ya realize I'm ready ta help ya in any way I can. I'm sorry I didn't get to ya the other day." A worried expression is fleeting before he smiles again. "But I'm glad he didn't hurt you at least...I think it'd really upset him if he hurt you...I don't think his mind is in the right place...or maybe its not entirely him in control. He's had as much of that crud as you hasn't he? Or nearly as much?"
- Swivel has posed:
"Not by a long shot." Swivel responds to his question as to Hot Rod's exposure, smirking despite the severity of the situation. "I've been exposin' myself to PS since before I even joined the Autobots. I really shouldn't 'ave much of a brain module left with 'ow much damage it's taken." Swivel pauses uneasily. "They, uh, sure love runnin' tests on my 'coz of that." Swivel drops her gaze. "But, yeah, 'e probably wouldn't be too 'appy with 'imself if 'e were to 'ave seriously 'urt me. And... we'll probably both never talk about it. That's 'ow we do things. Just dun talk about it and move on."
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive says, "So...what do we do?" He looks at her thoughtfully, emphesizing the WE. "I can talk ta Prowl about helpin out on scoutin trips and all. At least maybe run regular patrols to see if I catch sight of him in the open. You probably know best where he might normally sculk around.""
- Swivel has posed:
"Nyon would be too obvious. But it wun..." Swivel had begun to talk, but then she LOOKS at Hyperdrive as if he'd grown a second head. She clears her vents. "Talk ta Prowl?"
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive shrugs, "What else would I do...it'd be that or Jazz. I promised I wouldn't just go runnin off half cocked and stuff. And if I' gonna prove that I'm not just another Hot Rod in the makin, I gotta show that I'm willin ta try and go through proper channels. Even once I'm not a rookie...It looks like it keeps their optics off you if you at least pretend ta want ta comply. Misdirection and all. I know I'm not gonna be allowed ta chase into danger like I'd want ta do ta help ya search. But if I'm out and about and you DO need help then I'd probably be allowed to lend backup. I'm showin that I'm tryin ta play the games by their rules. But that doesn't mean I don't have my own set of house rules that I use when I'm with my friends."
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel listens to Hyperdrive in silence. She does, however, lopper her arm in Hyperdrive's and begins waiting as he talks. For whatever reason, she felt standing in one place for too long talking was unfavorable. Or perhaps she's just restless from staying still too long. Either way, she prefers to, even if slowly, be in motion as they carry on their conversation.
"Good. You prove that ye kin be relied upon. You do that." Swivel huddles in a little closer, speaking in a quiet voice, "But more often 'n not talkin' ta Prowl is a waste of toim." For someone who has been singled out by Prowl, she really doesn't seem to have a good opinion of him. "Thing is, I'm not gunna search for 'Ot Rod. I want 'im found. But I wun be the one lookin'."
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive nods. "More than likely he's gonna be combative if he's found." He walks along with Swivel. "Expectin Prowl ta do anything might be a waste of time....however talkin ta him seem ta work okay when he came in beratin me on stuff. I just kept calm and accepted blame where I deserved it and spoke up when I thought it in my favor. He might not be the one ta go ta ta get things done...but he's the one who can put ya in the brig if he choses.'
- Swivel has posed:
"Prowl is the Second in Command. Never ferget or deminish that," Swivel responds in a grim tone. "'E can do more than brig you. 'E could destroy you." Swivel shakes her head. "'E isn't petty from wot I kin tell, so just gettin' on 'is bad soid isn't gunna earn ya a one way trip to obscurity. But 'e chooses what are acceptable losses and 'oo ought to sacrifice themselves fer the greater good."
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive says, "Like my friend Tap-out. I know. And when I ran in after you, I radio'd Prowl that I was gonna try and get you two back and that I figured I was an acceptable loss compared ta him tryin ta send anyone else. ANd that I was at least here. That's what Prowl was yellin at me about...Me considerin myself an acceptable loss....which really kinda confused me. But I have no misconceptions on my real worth in the grand scheme of things. I'm a single nut in a factory. Easily replaced and not half as useful as I might think I am."
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel arches an optic ridge when she says Prowl yelled at him for considering himself an acceptable loss. "The thing is... 'E is the one 'oo decides, not you. That's why 'e was yellin'." Probably. Swivel can't get a true read on Prowl. "Folk loik that dun loik people muckin' up their plans. You know. Confoundin' variables." Swivel shrugs a little. "I... do not doubt that Prowl's aim is to reduce the loss of life. 'E dun demand people ta throw themselves needlessly into the fire unless it kin actually achieve somethin'. Posturin' and shows of bravado, on the other 'and, 'e 'as no use for. At least. I think. I'm still figurin' 'im out. Still. Just... just be wary of Prowl, okay?"
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive nods. "I will. If fer no other reason than ta keep ya from worryin more than ya do. Besides, if I'm gonna be a variable...than I need ta be the type no one can figure out right? Makes life a little more fun that way."
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel fixes Hyperdrive with a long stare. "Roight. Sometoims I wonder if I told ya to jump into the Sonic Canyon if you would." Swivel says, playfull reaches over and tapping his helmet with her fingers.
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive says, "If there's enough good metal at the bottom...I could do it and probably survive. Magnetic suspension fer my grav lift....and I'm small enough that I have pretty good lift. Oh wait...yer sayin it like jumpin would be a bad thing right?"
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel stares at Hyperdrive as he begins justifying doing something so foolish. Rather than use words, she reaches over as if to slide her arms across his shoulders again in a friendly fashion, looking away. But then she swiftly tries to hook him into a headlock with every intention of delivering a much deserved noogie.
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive acks as he's headlocked by Swivel and noogied. "My beautiful finish! You fiend!" He laughs and wriggles, "Oh comeon....Ya know I wouldn't jump...unless ya jumped first. Okay maybe if you asked me ta...."
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel doesn't hold him too long, and even a little bit of wriggling frees the other minibot. "Oh so you are determined ter make all the same mistakes I make rather'n learn from them?" Swivel asks, cokcing her head to one side and putting her hands on her hips.
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive says, "Nah..not the same mistakes....Perhaps similar but with a decidedly Hyperdrive twist. But no, I'm willin ta learn from ya. But yer my friend. Which means I will do everthing ta help ya if ya need it. So hopefully you learned from yer own mistakes and don't lead me in the wrong direction. Just....don't use that whip on me. That was sooo mean not tellin me it had a shock feature."
- Swivel has posed:
Swivel arches her optic ridges. "Well. Toim will tell if you kin live up ter everythin' you say. I really 'ope you can." Swivel pauses. "And I make no promises about my whip. Be'ave and it's unloikly I'll use it." Swivel turns. "Anyway, I'm spent. I was gunna go 'it the Red Guardian... but I think I'll just go to the barracks instead."
- Hyperdrive has posed:
Hyperdrive nods. "I'll let you go. If ya need me ta bring ya somethin from the Red Guardian later, I can. I've got a little bit too much free time it seems after all the time catchin up on classes."
- Swivel has posed:
"Naw... I'll pass. But thanks for th'offer..." Swivel murmurs before walking around Hyperdrive and heading to the barracks.