on the subject of spotlight megatron, spoilers possible

[ex_dishonestly997]

I need a good many things, but I don't need your pity.

And I don't need to be homed, either, I'm perfectly content where I am.

That was a long time ago. Unlike some people, I don't use the past to distract me when I have a perfectly workable present to make use of.

Don't you have tags to get to.

Comments

[ex_dishonestly997]

Of course you'd guard your years jealously. I barely keep track of how many millenniums I've seen. [and conspicuously tries to forget history so he makes no mistakes]

That's a good way to answer a direct question. Very Decepticon. What's your rank?

[viced]

My, er-- Rank?

I'm the Vice-President of the United States. I don't think your people have presidents.

[ex_dishonestly997]

President. [thoughtful chin-tapping] Doesn't he fly a plane? One of those... I think you call it the Air Force.

You're right, though. We don't. We choose our leaders through force and guile. More force than guile, these days, though I'd have it otherwise.

It's a nice tie.

[viced]

Well, there's your problem. We use mostly guile, although most people call it backdealing, but that's the way the game goes.

[ A pause, because he can't believe he's being complimented on his fucking tie by a robot. ]

Thanks, by the way. I don't really pick out my ties, though.

[ex_dishonestly997]

Game? Political advancement is something your people do for amusement?

Oh. [an awkward pause HOPEFULLY HIS TOTAL IGNORANCE isn't showing for a change] ...Do you enjoy being in the second in command position?

[viced]

I enjoy getting the opportunity to serve my constituents in any way I can. [ A pause. ] By the way, we only call it a game because a lot of our citizens think it's one, it's something that takes a lot of cleverness to get ahead in. Think of it like a metaphor.

[ex_dishonestly997]

You keep only indirectly answering my questions. [and this comes out like a whine and he's clearly upset about not sounding all gruff and in control about it] I... I mean, it's all right. You can trust me. You don't have to worry about giving me information on your people, I won't use it to harm you.

[viced]

That was honestly the furthest thing from my mind. I'm where I need to be, and that's a fulfilling place to be at.

[ex_dishonestly997]

All right, just answer me this one question. Directly.

[clears vents with a humany coughing sound]

Have you ever wanted to murder your superior and take his place?

[viced]

Of course not, that's treason.

[ Dude your body sounds weird. He tips his head, slightly. ]

That's an odd fucking question, isn't it?

[ex_dishonestly997]

It's the primary method of Decepticon advancement. ...Despite it being, ah. Occasionally frowned upon. It really depends on your popularity, like most things in life.

[viced]

We just run for office, actually. It still depends on your popularity, of course, but this way we don't have a murder charge under our belt when we take office.