Spoiler: tgwp Ahhhhhhh, I didn't even think of that, wrt the cameras! No lie, every time I reread that section, I get distracted by remembering a priest from way back in elementary school who used to juggle random objects when he came to our classrooms, and still calls all of us on our birthdays, and I'm apparently too busy thinking about juggling priests to actually catch plot details XD That's a really awesome catch!! And I'm so torn on whether or not Jazz meant for anything to happen with Hound and the Combaticons. Like, it's a ridiculous stretch to think that it would actually work, and it puts Hound in a really dangerous position. But Jazz, you're so fucking sketchy. I'd assumed that Jazz put the foil somewhere in his chest compartment or something, but having access to subspace would be a nice extension of some of the other sketchy things he can apparently do. The author's comments on one of the most recent chapters were about how Autobots are supposed to have their weapon targeting abilities disabled. Buuuuuut Jazz was totally able to shoot a bunch of insecticon drones when he REALLY should not have been able to do that, and as soon as things calm down a little, Soundwave is going to be extremely suspicious. Secret subspace access would be right in line with that.
Spoiler: tgwp oh, i meant this part specifically! Spoiler: quote "Still nothing? Well, maybe if I try here." He moved his fingertips to just behind her left wingstrut. "No? Well how about... here?" His hand moved to her right wing, but instead of tickling anything, he darted his hand back and flashed into existence a bright red sheet of foil. "Well look at what I found! How do you suppose that got back there?" Laserbeak's spark lit up with delight, but she promptly shrunk back against Jazz when she felt Soundwave's displeasure. "Jazz -" "Oh c'mon, Soundwave, don't be such a killjoy." Jazz waved a dismissive hand, metallic red flashing under the lamplights. "It's one sheet, not worth even half a credit, and that vendor would probably keel over if you track him down to pay it. Nobody's even going to notice it's gone." Soundwave wondered how Jazz had even managed to slip the one sheet away without anyone noticing, without access to his subspace. It must be a well-practiced technique of his. Soundwave eyed Jazz curiously. "Inclination to steal, not generally compliant with Autobot propaganda." like the suggestion that jazz is so good at sleight of hand that he doesn't need subspace to steal stuff. but now i like the secret subspace idea more omg
also also i REALLY LIKE YOUR THEORY ABOUT Spoiler: tgwp hot rod and megatron's hands!!!!! i didn't think of that at all, omg..... and i mean, we're shown that hot rod's very much starry eyed when it comes to His Glorious Leader but he's also not the slightest bit shy about asserting himself and Doing What's Right, like how he immediately is like 'oh yeah we race all the time, it's good for x y and z reasons, sorry for not asking permission' like not at all nervous or groveling before megatron, just honest and confident, and then immediately helping bluestreak up and smiling at him like it's no big deal to show kindness to an autobot slave, and.... ahhh my handsome good-hearted son..... and that would explain why megatron was so HULK SMASH about it, omg i LOVE this theory....
Spoiler: TGWP I'm not even halfway through the chapters out, but Spock mentioned the autobots end up cutting off Jazz? And I have to wonder if they think he's been like, mindfucked by Soundwave. Because everyone knows Soundwave is a telepath and obviously he's in everyone's heads all the time, etc etc, so like. That might give them even more incentive to cut him off, because even if they trust pre-Soundwave Jazz, they can't be sure what Soundwave is doing to Jazz, and Jazz might not break under physical torture but obviously something is going on and-
Spoiler: TGWP Basically as sketchy as Jazz is with his interactions with Soundwave, I think by necessesity that also applies to the Autobots. Jazz has an endgame. But it's one that can't be compromised, and as a career spy, I don't think he's averse to lying his ass off to people he dearly loves to reach his goal, especially if it's to help them. I have not hit the build-up to being cut off, so I can't really judge, but it'd be interesting if this was... not expected, to Jazz, but something he was willing to go through for said end goal.
These are good points!! But also there's some nice, nice emotional buildup to that happening. It's going to be SO awesome to read :DDDDD (ps you should totally post back here as you hit juicy plot points, I love love love seeing people's reactions to these things)
oh man seconded, this fic is SUCH A ROLLERCOASTER, i want to hear ALL your thoughts and reactions >:3c
so I just Spoiler: tgwp hit the part just after Jazz found out about Blaster's cassettes QuQ also "Jazz was stepping a wide arc around Soundwave, on what flooring there was, fists clenched tight and visor blazing with anger. Soundwave had never seen Jazz like this, unhidden behind fake smiles and glib comments, his emotions raw and wild. He was unbearably beautiful to look at." dfgh soundwave NO
I KNOW, RIGHT? And one of the best parts of my reread was going back to the first few chapters with the foreknowledge of that reveal. Mmm, hurts so good :DDD
also. i don't know who the artist was for these pages but BLESS THEM for making jazz into a Confirmed Babe Spoiler: jazz confirmed 4 babe
Spoiler: TGWP ...and he's saying this where some of the other autobot slaves can hear? Is this part of the buildup?
All things told, there are not too many autobot slaves! You tend to see a disproportionate number of them at the high command meetings, because those are the super important people who did get slaves, but there's a lot of Autobots who just plain died and never made it to slavery, so actual slave concentration levels in the city, even in the command center, are fairly low. Now in answer to your question: in some ways, yes! But also this fic is a niiiiice slow burn.
I've got my own song for TGWP. Spoiler: TGWP The only thing that's certain Is your indecision I guess it must be working Cause you hit me with such precision Now the strings are breaking Their fingers run with blood But they keep on playing The cycle never stops Who's in control? Who's playing who?
oh man... oh man Spoiler: combiner wars ramondelli is improving (slightly) but he cannot fucking draw a bar to save his life the IMPORTANT thing, though, is that mirage and ironhide are CASUALLY CHATTING!! and BONDING over VISIONS!! and bob is snoozing in the corner!!!! ironhide, mirage, and sunstreaker all in one place oh man that is some... that is some history there.... BOB SAID "RUFF!" ohh good stuff. good stuff
Guys guys guys guys I found a very important (mildly nsfw) megaop AU And @applechime, despite the artist, I loved that scene so much! But it was so!! Short!!!! I was so sad that there was hardly any lingering at all :( Not even a little uneasiness or just a pinch of angst and regret. Where are all the emotions at! I just wanted them to talk forever and be awkward friends together.
Spoiler: tgwp "You are setting yourself up for your own sparkbreak, Soundwave." When would he ever learn how to predict Jazz? His slave bent forward, using his temporary advantage of height to rest his forehead lightly against Soundwave's. "I'll always be out of your reach, never want the things you want me to want. Throw as many movie nights at me as you like, I still won't be a part of your family. I'm still an Autobot, dreaming of my freedom." "Jazz, slave. Mine forever." Soundwave grasped Jazz's chin in his hands, holding him a little distant so he could stare him down properly as he stood. "That what you thought about the other four?" This fic killed me. I am dead. Bury me with it.
Guys guys, I need help I'm trying to put together a playlist and I need lots of music to give me and @meowtini on the rocks transformers feels.