Chapter Text
Time sent: 09.05.5189M, 1459
Time received: 09.05.5189M, 1505
Time accepted: 09.05.5189M, 1506
Time delivered: 09.05.5189M, 1512
Dear Whirl,
I hope this letter finds you well.
Just as I’m excited to be accepted as your penpal, I’m worried the Centre hasn’t given you much of an explanation in regards to the ‘whats and whys’ you’re receiving this letter, as my own brief was rather vague on the specifics. Please disregard the next paragraph if you’re already aware.
I found your profile as part of the Blue Sky Correctional Centre’s penpal program. We will not know each other's address, personal comms, or email. Communication will be held through these letters, which are connected to these specific datapads only. Keep in mind that there is some sort of automated system these letters pass through before being delivered, that supposedly searches for illicit topics and the like. They may also be subject to be manually read by an administrator of the program as well. As many things are, I’m sure the reality of this is quite different - anything I’ve been told could be miles away from what’s done in practice. Please let me know of any mailing restrictions, or any contradictions to the above that you become aware of.
Other details of note are that of the 1,500 glyph count limit, the sharing of photographs (as expensive as they are) is forbidden, and sexual content is considered an illicit and therefore offlimits topic. And also, that these letters must be sent in a sequence of ‘your letter, my letter, your letter’ - as the program will not allow two letters from one party to be sent consecutively.
With that being said, and before getting into the funner parts of letter writing, I’d like to outline the specifics of what I can offer, and what my limits are.
I hope to offer, and accept, friendship and general support. My work schedule is a tad tight, but I promise to reply at least once a month. I have no intentions to lie or deceive, and unless presiding outside forces intervene, I keep my promises. I’m open to a wide variety of conversational topics, and have very few hard limits. That being said, I cannot partake in political subjects (especially those surrounding functionism), and even if the topic wasn’t banned, I will not discuss topics of a sexual nature.
With that out of the way, today’s weather in Rodion has been one of delight. The sun is warm, with a gentle northerly breeze bringing in the memories of cooler weather. It’s nice to think that the warmer season is finally here to stay, no matter what the weathermech might say. I’m sure by this season’s peak I’ll be wishing for the cool, but at least, for today I’m happy for the warmth, and to expend less fuel on keeping it so. It doesn’t come up well in conversation, but it’s a concern smaller mechs need worry about. Although of course all of this may have changed since I’ve last ventured outside.
I write to you from my office, during the shift’s designated lunch break. Usually I use the time to catch up on reading, but I’ll admit this is a welcome change of pace.
What do you hope to gain from this program?
Are you more of a book, or a film mech? Personally I’m more fond of the former.
How do you enjoy spending your time? That is to say, outside of work, what do you enjoy doing for fun? I elaborate on this due to the confusion some mechs have had in the past.
Please take the following as you will: Whirl, whatever work you do for a living, shouldn’t necessarily affect who you are, as a mech. It seems as though many mechs don’t don’t have anything else that interests them, and that’s ok. It’s also ok if the reverse is true. Personally, I love the work I do, and I also love what I do outside of office hours (though it pains me to say, quite a bit of office work is drifting outside of office hours). Lately I’ve picked up a new hobby in model-kit building, and, I love the way it feels to be using my servos for something other than typing. The time, precision, and patience the hobby takes, are all aspects that appeal to me. It’s not something to turn into a profession by any means, and I’m happy for it to remain as something to do in my freetime, for fun. Plus, it’s a rather patriotic act to partake in, as the polystyrene material is sourced from manufacturing excess - reduce, reuse, and recycle are all key components to keeping our Cybertron healthy.
I also enjoy reading fiction, and when in the area I love visiting the Iacon Crystal Gardens. Have you ever visited?
I’ve actually just recently visited when I was in the area for a conference. I walked by the stand behind the main cultural center building and couldn’t help but bring home a newly beloved potted crystal. It’s a combination of orange and red, and just about the size of my servo (quite small). While the teller assured me of this variety’s near indestructibility, it’s still a struggle for me to shake that lingering nervous feeling - to hold another's life in your servos… Do you have any experience with crystals?
As for myself? There really isn’t much to say, as much of my time is occupied with work. And, unfortunately that’s time for me. My break is over, and I must be going.
Please do not feel any obligation to reply. Thank you for your time, and I wish you the best,
Rung
A weary mech sets down the specialized datapad, uncertain if this was the right decision. Of all his worries, mentions of the garden gnaw at him most. If the recipient knows what the garden symbolizes, which way will he lean? In the distance, his work beckons. Only seven more hours to go.
