[Text]

[red_dust_rising]

So.

Hi. Operative 417. Nice to meet you all.

Anyone around knew Derek Rayne?

Or hold Derek Rayne's loyalty. Friendship. Something like that. I'd like to know, if you don't mind.

Comments

[Private]

[red_dust_rising]

...which was a spurious explanation in the first place.

It makes sense that the Operative program would use available bodies, instincts, the wealth of experience, knowledge and skills amassed during a lifetime. It also makes sense that they'd want that kept secret.

[Private]

[red_dust_rising]

The fuck if I know. I've got loyalties, things I knew were true, and then I've got these shadow-memories - memories of having memories, of all fucking things. And they don't fit together.

Really, we're talking the identity crisis of all identity crises.

[Private]

[red_dust_rising]

Yeah, and when I was him last week, I tried to make sure some kids felt safe here, but then he joined the Decepticons, who apparently hate everyone and want to kill them.

So, you know, I'm a little iffy here on whether he was a good person or a bad person. Or whether he stood for something or not. Because there are higher ideals than hanging out with someone you love, and being in love doesn't place you outside the ordinary moral spectrum.

I don't think nearly as many Martians are terrorists as people on Earth would like to hear.

[Private]

[red_dust_rising]

Someone calls you something often enough, you start embracing it, not rejecting it. Make it yours. It's how you survive.