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Contrary to popular belief, a Navybot's favorite past time activity was not serving their Admiral or gloating about themselves. The annual talent show was a beloved tradition in the lives of Navybots, whether or not one participated in the showing of talents. Those talented and brave enough to set foot on stage and show off their magnificence were rewarded with cheering while those in the crowd were rewarded with a day of grand entertainment; most importantly, both parties were graced with the chance to be close to Lord Admiral Piston himself.
Admiral Piston has made sure to never miss a day of this time honored tradition. Though he was busy with the war against those stinking Rattlers and VIP parties and locking up lazy Steambots and making sure his armor always shone brighter than the sun, he prided himself on being considerate and timely. He cancelled all his plans for the day, practically bathed in polisher, and made his dramatic entrance with a flourish of his cape.
Though, this year's talent show seemed to be… Lacking. He wasn't sure if his people were distracted by the things going on outside or if this batch of talent just didn't have their hearts set on it. He was disappointed, to say the least. Bored.
Then, someone caught his eye. Someone in the background who was much more suited to be the star of this act's play. He was captivated by their performance, enraptured with the way they carried out their role… When the play was over and the judgment began, Admiral Piston stood up and pointed to the lucky bot.
"You, come forward." He announces, and you look around before pointing at yourself. "Yes, I mean you. I want to get a better look at you, oh-ho!"
You shuffle forward, still in the stupid costume your mates put you in. You glance over the crowd, unable to really get the Admiral out of your gaze. He really was the sun… You hear your friends begin to whisper to each other, shocked and jealous that, out of everyone on stage, you were the one who got noticed by the Admiral Piston. You really didn't understand it either.
"There you are, right in the spotlight where you belong!" Admiral Piston's voice boomed with unwavering confidence. If he believed in you, maybe you had some reason to believe in yourself. He starts to speak to the rest of the cast. "I must say, I found the rest of your performances to be utterly lacking. I was not convinced at all of your roles! But this," He gestures to you. "This bot managed to capture my attention wholeheartedly!"
The crowd that had been clapping for the rest of your crew turned their attention to you and even began to nod their heads. Their cheers were for you now. The sudden attention weighed heavy on you, and you had to drop your gaze and shift in place.
"Lord Admiral…!" The lead begins, voice shaking. There were gasps all around you, both from the audacity of talking back to the Admiral and from the audacity of disagreeing with him. "They... They played a tree…!"
Admiral Piston disappears in a flash of pink, and he reappears on stage. He bows as the crowd cheers for his awesome display of skill, and he turns to the back talker. His arm snakes around your leaves, and you tense in place, your eyes struggling to look up at him.
"This is why I found your performance lacking most of all! This bot's portrayal of one of our many beautiful palm trees had me totally convinced you brought an actual one into the building, huh-huh! You simply do not understand the artistry you purport!" He flares his hand, shooing the lead off stage. "Away with you! Come back when you improve!"
He stares up at the Admiral and then down to you with a look of shock and betrayal before leaving the stage without another word. Admiral Piston turns to you, and you bow your head before he has a chance to see your flustered face.
"Chin up, my darling! You're a star!" He hooks his finger beneath your chin and tilts your head up. You hardly had time to react before he turns you to face the crowd once more.
You were loved, you were adored, for an outstanding performance you did not know you could carry out. You thought you'd never be capable of such grandiosity, but Lord Admiral saw potential in you. You would be stupid to not trust his judgment. Is this how he felt all the time? Words die in your throat, fingers grasping at nothing to prevent yourself from jumping on him in pure overwhelming joy.
The talent show quickly comes to an end, and you would be reeling for the next— well, probably forever. You didn't even care that the rest of the crew were upset with you, they could never understand the happiness that fluttered through your pipes.
The Admiral Piston noticed little ol' you… What did you do to deserve such attention?