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Post by Dylan Logan on Nov 15, 2022 3:02:18 GMT
The best part about Autobot City? It was too big for Dylan to have to worry about being figured out.
Having partly grown up among the massive skyscrapers, he knew his way in, out, and around the city. So it was way too easy to figure out an abandoned area to hide out in, and get in and out undetected. But at the same time, Dylan still kept a close eye over his shoulder, after all, he hadn't been in school for the better part of three weeks now, no doubt someone had noticed. Some of his mom's old friends would be asking around and well, he couldn't have that, could he?
He slid down the sidewalk with his skateboard, carrying a spray can in one hand as he shook.
His shit-eating grin said lots of things: he wanted to goof off, cause a little mischief. But at the end of the day, he had to be smart... Or he could just... Spray. And spray he did. On the nearest car - not sure whether or not it was Autobot, or a human worker. Not really caring either way. Either way he thought it would be hilarious in his twelve-year-old mind. "Catch me if you can." Was all he muttered with a small chuckle under his breath.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2022 21:13:11 GMT
Optimus had needed this time away.
A lot had happened in the past few weeks. More Decepticon rogues had shown themselves in more recent months, many had gone missing before they could even get to a spot at times even. The Prime began to suspect the sudden arrival of Mandroid, as the Terrans called him, along with the disappearances were linked or just a mere coincidence. He had had Hardtop's arm and a few of the apparently missing Decepticons had been at that base when they rescued Twitch and Thrash. Add this mechanism-like spider bots to the formula it was all starting to add up. And, it was a lot to have to think about. Optimus found his attention having to be pulled every which way, trying to take everyone's concerns into account as much as his own thoughts. He may no longer leading in a war, but he was still a leader that had to look out for his kind, new allies and old. Not that was any easier with peace times, as those like Dot Malto had made so very clear.
Prime questioned his own actions from time to time. He wanted to see the Decepticons brought in for their continued crimes, to see them rehabilitated and start life anew, Megatron himself was well aware of Prime's hopes. But, tension still remained between the two, and the Prime had to take certain extensive actions to see results. GHOST was also pressing for a more lock em up approach than a rehabilitative approach. This was something Optimus pointed out was definitely why the humans had their own problems in their prisons and jails, and they had backed off somewhat, but not enough that Optimus still didn't feel the pressures of trying to balance his duties. That had most definitely not changed.
So, he had stepped away for a little while, his alternate mode parked off to the side while he took a long walk in his haloform. He didn't want to be recognized and bothered for now, using the anonymity of his holoform to just be another citizen. That's all he had ever hoped to be when the war ended. But, that was far from the case unfortunately, causing the "human" to sigh to himself at the thought, dragging his feet a bit as he headed back towards his form only to have his thoughts drawn to reality once more as he felt something against his metallic skin. Stepping around the corner, Optimus spotted a young human skateboarding by, spray can in hand and hearing his quiet taunt.
A fait smile came to the man's lips, more amused than angered by the vandalism to his frame. They had special cleaning supplies for that after all. Hologram disappearing, Optimus' form suddenly roared to life, a familiar sound heard as his form shifted from truck to robot before he moved to one knee and rested a hand on the sidewalk to block the young preteen's path, "Catch you young one? All I need to do is block your exit and you won't get far." Optimus let out a deep rumbling chuckle, showing his amusement. "But, I give you an A for effort little one. Just be careful who you try to vandalize though." Optimus pointed out, showing that despite his large, sturdy appearance his tone was kind and surprisingly gentle as he peered curiously down at the human.
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Post by Dylan Logan on Nov 21, 2022 21:31:06 GMT
Dylan groaned as he, thankfully gently hit the foot.
Damn it. He had to pick an Autobot didn’t he? On his butt, the preteen rubbed the back of his neck. This was not his day for two reasons: since he was currently avoiding the “reunification project”, and because Dylan was just a little too well known in the city for this not to lead to some kind of trouble. “Aw man!” He threw his hands up as he saw someone had run over his fallen spray can. “That’s five dollars and sixty cents I’m never getting back…”
Dylan had turned around to snap at whoever had the bright idea but instead gulped.
It had to be Optimus Prime, huh? Though Dylan did feel a little sense of satisfaction he’d managed to tag the Autobot Leader himself… He was so dead. “Slag, you’re way bigger than in the movies,” he managed as he got his bearings. “To be fair, I was aiming for the ambulance!”
His eyes turned as he looked to see if any of the cop bots were following him still. Maybe he still had a chance to make a break for it. “I don’t suppose you’d just let this go and let me go on my merry way, huh?” He asked with arched eyebrows.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 29, 2022 21:11:21 GMT
Optimus’ optics shifted towards the spray can, lifting his foot a bit to see the squashed can. Well, he definitely was going to have to wash that out later. Oh well, hazards of dealing with humans. He didn’t mind really. The young man’s antics vaguely reminded him of the Terror Twins, mentally smiling as he wounded how the two front liners were doing.
If it were anyone else, they would probably have exploded on Dylan, perhaps even threatened punishment of some kind. But after all these years, Optimus had become quite use to them. Sometimes he was disappointed or pinched the bridge of his nose in slight annoyance, but other than that he rarely had to enact anything severe. This was also one of those times he just shook his head, unbothered by the young man’s irritation which drastically changed when he turned towards him. Well, guess that was natural. Not many exactly got to talk to him normal one-on-one, but the Prime notes the faint satisfaction in his eyes as well. “Let it go?” A low rumble of a laugh came from the red and blue leader, “Kid, if I punished every teenager and prankster for something as little as tagging, the world would be a very boring place.” He assured him, showing no signs of anger over the incident.
Really, it was minor at best, and nothing a little quick wash couldn’t fix.
But the prime raised a metallic brow, glancing back over his shoulder as he moved his hand from the street. “And what exactly are you so nervous about young one? Tagging more than just Autobots?” The Prime inquired like any parent would when sending guilt. Optimus had more than had his fair share of young bots under his command as well as protégés, so he knew the look of guilt when he saw it. Or just plain nervousness, like they had done something quite wrong.
Though it also dawned on Optimus he forgot one little thing, “And perhaps what is your name? You know mine obviously, but might make this easier to know yours.”
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Post by Dylan Logan on Nov 29, 2022 21:26:46 GMT
Well that one surprised him.
Honestly, Dylan was used to people just snapping at the first chance they got. After all, Dylan was always the one that was cussing mischief and even acted out for attention often. So to have the leader of the Autobots laugh off his antics was a little… Surprising to say the least. Was it a trap, or something else? He didn’t really know.
“Ok I’ll give you that. But most of the time people prefer “boring”,” he said as he did air quotes as he said it. Tucking his skateboard under his left shoulder as he did. “And let’s just say if I get caught there isn’t going to be much time to do -.”
”Dylan Logan, stop right there!”
Frag it all. The Bot from the Reunification Program that had somehow tracked him down stopped Dylan from getting another word in. The mech looked about ready to tear him a new one when he noticed Optimus and straightened. ”Optimus Prime, sir. Forgive my intrusion. But thank you for stopping him,” he immediately announced. ”I’ve spent the last two months tracking down where this one had run off to. Only for him to give me the slip, again.”
Dylan groaned a bit, pinching the bridge of his own nose as he did it. His eyes flicked up toward the mech with annoyance. “I told you, I’m not going back. You all have tried what is it? Fourteen homes. You’ve given up, I’ve given up,” he explained rather honestly. “I don’t have time to sit around and pretend I don’t have problems long enough for you to trick someone into taking me.”
The mech huffed, it was absolutely clear how exhausted with Dylan’s opinion on the system was. But he was formulating a retort. In that same time, Dylan turned to Optimus to clarify. “No offense to you, G.H.O.S.T and the reunification thing at all by the way. Really, you do good work,” he explained. In no way wanting to insult the Prime. “But seven years in, it’s definitely not my scene.”
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Post by Deleted on Dec 2, 2022 22:41:56 GMT
"I am not most people." Optimus responded simply, a faint sound of reluctance almost heard in his voice. Not most people...those words always seemed to echo at the back of his processor, and held a weight he had long since accepted but wished to no longer be burdened with. No, he was not most people, most bots, he was a Prime, the leader of the Autobots. That was all he felt his identity would ever be. He would never just be Optimus, or just some beat cop keeping the streets safe or an archivist living his days out in the archives.
As if to simultaneously answer his previous inquiry to who the boy was and emphasize his point of never being a normal bot, one of the cops suddenly called out the boy's name causing the red and blue mech to turn towards him. Logan? That name sounded painfully familiar. But, Optimus would worry about it sometime later as he pushed himself up to his full height as he looked down upon the bot as he listened closely. So, Dylan was a run away was he? Hm, Optimus couldn't exactly say he was mad about that either, knowing the Reunification Program was still not quite the most perfect solution. They were trying, but efforts had been just as bad as the human foster care system. As much as he wished it could be, the process was definitely not perfect...
"If he has indeed been running away all this time, then I think I can take it from here." Optimus' tone had shifted to one more of a commanding tone showing that side many had become quite familiar with. Besides, he had been an officer once upon a time, he knew this could get rough if handled wrong. "At ease officer, I will take things from here." Optimus announced in response, perhaps surprising both as he peered down at Dylan. "No offense taken, Dylan." He assured the young teenager, not wanting to give him the wrong idea that he was hurt or offended. In fact, there was a sympathetic, knowing look in the Prime's cerulean optics.
He knew there had to be another way.
Turning his attention back to the officer, the Prime gave a small nod, "Continue your patrols officer, I can take care of things from here." He said with a bit more firm tone, just to drive the fact the officer had done more than enough for now. "If a problem should arise, tell your supervisor to speak with me directly and I will clear things up."
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Post by Dylan Logan on Dec 3, 2022 7:24:15 GMT
Dylan was a little stunned, take it from here?
The preteen grimaced, already not enjoying the idea that he was going back. Regardless of how he felt. Dylan had been through enough, he didn't want to get sent to another family. Or to another processing center, or group home... He was tired of being bounced around, and that was just the plain old facts. The mech that Optimus addressed on the other hand, seemed to tilt his helm in thought. "For the record, that's not true, we don't give up on kids. Unlike your government that lets them rot," The mech grumbled. And if Dylan thought about it, it was probably true - given they had never stopped looking. "I'll leave you to it, Prime. Just keep your optics on him."
Taking a deep vent, the mech was disappearing around the corner.
On one hand, Dylan wanted to argue right back at Optimus. On the other, he also knew when he'd been cornered, even if this wasn't the bad kind of cornered. Taking a deep breath, he thought through his next words carefully. "I just don't get why I have to do this anyway. If they haven't given up, I don't get that either," Dylan admitted with an honesty in his words. "I'm never going to be what these people want, I can't just flip a switch and forget what I've been through."
Honestly, he was more talking to himself than anything else. But if Optimus had wanted to put in his two cents, he wouldn't mind either. As he turned to acknowledge the Prime again. "So what, you're gonna escort me back to social services? That oughtta be fun."
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Post by Deleted on Dec 26, 2022 15:51:02 GMT
Optimus waited patiently for the officer to do as he was told, giving him a raised brow. He suspected this would be yet another part of the mounds of paperwork he already dealt with on a daily basis. A ticked off supervisor was nothing he hadn’t dealt with before. He’d had had his fair share of butting heads with his leading officers as well, such as Prowl and Ratchet, so not like he wasn’t already expecting such back and forth. Letting out a soft vent, Optimus finally turned his attention back to Dylan, “ By all means, Dylan, if you have any other ideas I am all ears. But as it stands, I will take you back for the time being but we can discuss alternatives to avoid legal issues down the line.” The Prime spoke sternly, finally transforming back to his vehicle mode and opening the passenger side door for the young teen, “ But, I will not take you back as of this moment. The least you can do is explain the situation and perhaps we can brainstorm different ideas to help you avoid further trouble.” It was not often he found himself dealing with smaller situations such as this. Given everything going on, Optimus always seemed focused on the bigger politics and troubles, barely having time for respite or relaxing, or tackling much smaller issues such as the Reunification Program. But, improvements always were needed, and he suspected a talk like this might help generate ideas. Plus, it would take his mind off the growing unease he had been feeling as of late. Tags: Dylan Logan
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Post by Dylan Logan on Dec 27, 2022 4:41:17 GMT
Dylan was silent.
He guessed that Optimus made a point that he had to think of alternatives if he wanted to. Dylan took a seat on the curb for a moment as he sat his skateboard on his lap. “Look, it’s not that I don’t…. Like the program. All of you Autobots have treated me well. And I actually feel safe here,” he admitted. “But I’ve been in this program seven years now.”
It was the honest truth, he’d been there longer than ninety percent of kids in the program. And it sucked. “I had one adoption pull out last year when they got sparked. And this year, I didn’t even get a placement,” he admitted. His eyes lowering to the ground. “… Sometimes it just makes me wonder what’s wrong with me, huh? I skate and I’m goofy and whatever… But I’m trying, all my friends have been adopted out by now. What’s wrong with me?”
He then added. “So I said screw it. If no one wants me I’ll just be the artful Dodger and live on the streets.”
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Post by Deleted on Jan 20, 2023 17:20:48 GMT
Optimus quietly listened to the young teen’s plight, saying nothing as he explained the problem. The Prime had heard similar stories spoken of among those who helped work the program. Like the foster system and adoption system some kids aged out, some just couldn’t find their right home, and many didn’t want to be changed. It was…imperfect, the Prime already knew that. Which was why in his spare time he tried to research new alternatives.
It was just a matter of finding the time to implement them.
Settling on his wheels, Optimus activated his holoform once more feeling it would be easier to talk with and level with the human teenager. “It is not a perfect process Dylan, I will admit that.” Optimus admitted, sitting on the curve beside the human, watching the activity around them as he did. “Cybertron was not much different than what humans go through. Many were left to their own devices, without family or guidance, and turned to the streets.” Optimus himself could say with a fact he had never actually experienced having a family unit of his own. “Even I did not really have a family when I first came online. What I had was what you humans call a father figure, a mentor who took me under his wing to find my calling.” Optimus figured sharing something personal of his own might help relate to the boy a little more, empathizing he understood some of the struggle.
Yet, it also dawned on Optimus then and there exactly what might help. How could he miss such an obvious idea? Resisting the urge to facepalm himself, Optimus looked at Dylan with some hope in his eyes, “Which makes me realize there actually might be another way. If kids like yourself can not be adopted or go without, perhaps what you could use are mentors.” Yes. The red and blue Autobot leader had come across such programs when researching, and they were often times more successful than just what they had. They had the foundations to enact the strategy, it was just a matter of getting it going. And maybe opportunity presented itself with him meeting the young Dylan.
“What if I took you under my wing? My schedule is busy, but it would be better than risking trouble with authority.” Optimus suggested, gesturing to his still graffitied form.
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Post by Dylan Logan on Jan 31, 2023 5:00:54 GMT
Not a perfect process? He guessed that was true.
What did surprise Dylan was what the mech had to say next. Optimus Prime, the Optimus Prime who he had grown up to know as the greatest hero of all time was an orphan? You could have knocked him over with a feather, to be honest. But what he had to say about mentorship wasn't the worst idea that Dylan had heard before. After all, it would mean having a consistent adult in his life - even if he seemed to convince himself on bad days that he didn't need that.
If one looked into his heart, they'd see that's what he wanted.
And Optimus Prime? Who could actually turn that down? Though Dylan felt a tightness in his stomach, unsure of what exactly he could say or do in this situation. To say no would be to insult him. But what if he decided, like the many others before him, that he wasn't worth the energy? It was this reason that Dylan silently contemplated Optimus' words for more than a few minutes.
But what the heck? It was better than going back to no prospects. "Ok, I guess that's... A good idea," He finally replied. "It definitely beats not having anyone around if I get placed and ditched again. But are you sure that you're cool with that? I mean, you're a fragging busy mech like you said. I don't want to be any more of a burden to you guys than I already am."
After all, despite it all, the Bots who had stuck by him - he owed everything to.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2023 18:39:40 GMT
Optimus chuckled softly at Dylan's concerns and inquiries. It was not like those thoughts had crossed his own processor, and Optimus knew quite well how busy he could get now that GHOST was a thing. "Dylan, if I am to take you under my wing you will be there for a majority of what I do anyway. I know how to multitask young one so you would not have to worry." Optimus assured him hoping to ease any of those doubts the young human had.
Though if he was skeptical, Optimus couldn't blame him either given his experiences.
Still, there was no harm in trying was there. "I once told the same thing to my mentor. He was our Archivist, the keeper of recording our history and various other records on Cybertron. Perhaps a very glorified librarian if you want to get down to it." The mech mused a bit towards the end. "But, he still made time to teach me things, to help expand my knowledge and understanding outside my police duties. He was busy, but I could never have asked for a greater mentor." In other words, Optimus wasn't worried about not having the time. He could teach and guide Dylan as he went just as he had done with other young bots like Bumblebee. He was no stranger to the mentor role by now.
But, he would not force the young man if he was still reluctant. "But, if you feel otherwise we do not have to. I can take you back to the home and let you think about it some more if you would prefer, swing back by in a day or so and see your thoughts." The Autobot leader also suggested, not wanting to pressure the youth into potentially something he was reluctant to do.
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Post by Dylan Logan on Feb 6, 2023 5:47:50 GMT
Dylan listened carefully to the mech.
Honestly, he hadn't ever thought of any of this, so what Optimus had to say did intrigue him. Between him and Skyfire, he might even have a pair of people he could count on. It was just that sometimes, whether Dylan admitted it or not, he had a hard time putting his trust in people still. It was hard when you'd been burnt out so many times - how did he know that Optimus would even keep his promise? Or remember him in two weeks when the next big thing happened in his life?
But then again, when did people get a chance like this? Not often. If anything they'd have been reprimanded at some point before that.
So, with a deep breath, he nodded his head and eyed Optimus calmly. "OK, I'll do it. as long as you're sure that you want to do it," He admitted honestly. Trying not to sound too nervous about this. "Like I said, it's better than going back to a clean slate... Again." He explained honestly.
He did have one condition though, especially if he was going to be around him closely. Especially since he knew his father was out of prison now and there might come a day when he showed up. "I just have one favor if I'm going to do this," Dylan explained honestly. "... Part of the reason I was running was because my dad got out of prison. You probably heard about it - Gene Logan. It was big a few years ago. He did some... Really bad slag to me."
With a deep breath. "I know I might have to travel with you at some point with your job. But we're having trouble getting a real restraining order, and..." He looked thoughtfully. "I know you've got pull with the human government on some level. Think you can pull a few strings and get me one? I'll feel a lot safer going back. And traveling if I ever have to."
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2023 5:40:51 GMT
Optimus was a little surprised Dylan didn't want to give it more time to consider his offer first. Considering everything he had told him, the Prime would have figured the teenager would want more time to think before jumping right in. But, it seemed he had been convinced to give this arrangement a try.
"Starting over is not always easy Dylan, sometimes it takes starting over a number of times before everything starts to fall into place. Like I said, I know that feeling myself." Optimus told him, sympathizing with the young human. Unfortunately that was something yet again the Autobot leader could share. There were more times than he cared to count when he had found himself having to restart his life, change the very individual that he was. Perhaps the hardest new slate he had taken on was becoming the Autobot leader, finding the role as the new Prime to have been more than he bargained for, more of a weight that he could bear at many times.
It was why he had become the way he was.
At the one condition, Optimus listened quietly, rubbing his chin as he considered the request. The Prime remembered the news report sometime ago, and they weren't uncommon things there on Earth. Abuse of power always made Optimus wonder sometimes, having been an officer himself for a short while before the war broke out. And he technically did have some leverage, but it would take time to do. "Not an unreasonable request Dylan, I will have to see what I can do. Just be aware, something like that is not done over night either, it will take time but I will see if I can use my connections." Optimus promised wishing he could make guarantees. But even his pull would be unlikely to fully make that happen.
Still, it was better than nothing.
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Post by Dylan Logan on Jul 8, 2023 20:53:11 GMT
That was fair. But Dylan wasn't sure all the same.
Still, he understood what Optimus was saying. Both with starting over, and about it taking time to get these things done. But at the very least, he could get behind at least taking some time. At the very least, he was willing to see what he could do about that, and it would help him to sleep a little better at night all the same. "Honestly, I'm just grateful you're willing to try," He admitted honestly. "The people at the program are. But my dad had a lot of influence over a lot of people. I didn't expect him to be able to push back, but he did and it's been a mess."
It was the honest truth, Eugene still had a lot of friends in both the government and in the police force after all.
With that being said, he did have to wonder... "So, how do we even get something like this started anyway?"
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