The Ultimate Guide to the Red Star System! (AKA: What the Fuck are We Doing?)
Hello, everyone! It’s been quite some time since we’ve made something ourselves, and we figured that it’s high time we try to do that. Today, we saw a post about how someone should post a thing about how their system works, how their headspace looks, etc.. So I, the host, wanted to do just that. It may be mostly me typing this up, but the others may chime in from time to time. I’ll have to color the paragraphs accordingly whenever we reach the final stages of editing this massive wall of text.
(Note: There may be a new face appearing in this document-- I’m not sure if he’s ready to talk yet, but he is here as we type this.)
So, where should we start? Ah, I know!
System Structure
The structure of this system is somewhat based on a sci-fi space crew; think Star Trek. Internally, there are only two sets of ranks so far, but there may be more in the future. These ranks include: Medical Officers, and Security Officers. These rank sets divide further, depending on the headmate’s purpose. For example: if someone has the rank of Chief Medical Officer, it means that their primary job is to make sure that my physical needs, medical or otherwise, are met. They can also ask other Medical Officers, or Security Officers to check in on me whenever need be. Now, let’s look at who’s in what rank in the system!
Members & Ranks
• Knockout is, as stated in our pinned introduction, the Chief Medical Officer. As I said above, his job is to make sure my body’s needs are met. And, he also counsels me on what actions to take in regards to my health.
(Note: Since he isn’t human, he can’t truly discern what the human body requires to function; aside from organs. So, he always tells me to contact my doctor.)
• Breakdown is simply a normal Medical Officer. This basically means that he’s a nurse of sorts. His job, like Knockout, is to monitor my physical state, and help me do things to better my health-- mostly through suggestion. He also doubles as a Security Officer, meaning that he protects me from certain things; mostly emotional stressors.
• Starscream is a Security Officer. However, unlike Breakdown, he protects me from confrontation. If there’s any sign of aggression, he steps up to the front to handle it. Or, he advises me through it while he’s co-conscious. He’s also a Boundary Enforcer, meaning he helps me set hard boundaries on whatever makes me uncomfortable.
• Nanaki is a Councilor, meaning that he offers advice in times of turmoil or distress. He aids mostly in helping me deal with my anxiety.
• Cloud is, like Starscream, a Security Officer. However, his duty is to protect me whenever I’m in social situations that involve crowds. So, think crowd control. Whenever I start getting nervous in crowds, he fronts.
• Miguel is Head of Security. Whenever there is a perceived threat, physical or otherwise, it’s his job to handle it. He’s a lot more aggressive than the other Security Officers, so he may come off as nasty to some.
• ???: Given what he does in his universe, I’m willing to say he’s a Security officer. (That’s me! Heyyo! :3c)
Are There Any Differences Between Your System Members & Their Canon Selves?
For some, yes. Others, no.
Knockout, Breakdown, and Starscream aren’t all that different from what’s seen in Transformers Prime. However, the one difference with them is that they joined the Autobots’ side some time after the events started.
Cloud and Nanaki are the same as their canon depictions.
Miguel, on the other hand, is a stark contrast to what we see in ATSV. He has a ton of differences, both physically and in regards to personality. For starters, his defining physical characteristics are that he has gray hair on the back of his neck. On his face, are two scars. One over his left eyebrow, and one going kitty corner-- left to right, across his lips. His eyes are red, and he wears a black, white, and red suit. Personality wise, he’s a lot calmer, and a lot sweeter when you get to know him. He’s also not as willing to resort to violence (So no, he didn’t hurt Miles.). He’ll only get aggressive if he has to. He’s also very accommodating to others’ needs (See the Headspace section!).
??? is very similar to what we see in his canon depiction. However, he still has his wings in their entirety.
System Type
Our system is Endogenic in origin, meaning we do not stem from trauma. However, that doesn’t mean we aren’t disordered. As you’re about to read, Shane has some disorders of his own that may have resulted in our arrival here.
The Host
Hi there! I’m the host-- you know, the one typing all this up! You can call me Shane or Sylum. I’m physically disabled-- Muscular Dystrophy, to be specific. I’ve had it since I was born, meaning I can’t do any physical activities without assistance; aside from typing, of course. Aside from that, I also have diabetes. On the mental side of things, I have both anxiety and depression. And, on the developmental side, I have Inattentive Type ADHD, formerly known as ADD. So, as Knockout said up there, I’m disordered. Fun stuff, huh?
So...What’s it Like?
Well, as someone who’s usually really bad at descriptions as it is, I find it really hard to describe my experiences. Compared to able-bodied system hosts, there are so many differences. If I were to list them all out, we’d likely be here forever. Overall though, I think I can say it’s fairly boring.
For able-bodied system members, like me, and well...Everyone else here, it’s kinda unnerving whenever we front sometimes. Knowing what Shane’s body needs, and not being able to physically meet those needs can be upsetting. So, we usually just give him a mental poke when something’s off. Or, we’ll co-front until he does what he needs to. Like now! Most of us are up here, adding our two cents, or watching him work.
Literally everyone’s up here, and it’s making my brain fuzz out like an old, overused VHS tape.
(You’re showing your age, baby! <3)
So, you kinda know what my experience is like, but there’s another question to ask:
What Does Your Headspace Look Like?
Ah, the headspace. The place where you and your headmates/system mates go to hang out and do whatever the hell they do when they’re not busy. For some folks, the headspace either doesn’t exist, or they’re hyper specific and detailed to the Nth degree. For me, it’s somewhere in the middle; it’s there, it might be a tad specific, and it’s somewhat detailed.
Due to my tendency to hyperfixate on certain pieces of media, it tends to change from time to time. Most of the time, however, it stays in one form. If you’ve seen the movie Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, then you may be familiar with Miguel’s gargantuan base. The tower that’s several miles high, and hella expansive. Well, imagine that, but slightly different. And I mean slightly. The only key difference is that the corridors are painted different colors so that I can find my way around. (I get lost easily in a Walmart for fuck’s sake. Don’t @ me. Lol) The main space, where I tend to hang at, is Miguel’s lab. And yes: He has that raising platform you see in the movie. And yes: It’s as hilariously dramatic as depicted.
The base itself acts as a hub of sorts, where the others can come and go as they please.
So, How Does All of This Work?
Well, there isn’t really a set method to how we do things here. Usually, whoever’s free gets to look after me. It goes down the chain:
Is Knockout busy? Breakdown watches me. Is Breakdown busy? Then, Starscream watches me. Etc. Etc. on down the list.
Who’s the Most Active?
Sometimes, it’s hard to gauge who’s active on any given day; especially when I’m not feeling well. However, going off the short time we used Simply Plural, I’d say both Nanaki and Miguel are the most active. Nanaki’s always free, so he’s usually up front with me. Whereas Miguel briefly fronts to check in and make sure I’m okay. He sometimes sticks around if something triggers my fear response. His presence is very soothing for me.
Recently, the new guy’s been very active, so he’s definitely on par with Nanaki and Miguel already.
Do You Have A Relationship Beyond Systemhood?
Shane’s a little nervous about writing this bit, so I’m taking it from here. He has a relationship with me, Knockout, Breakdown, Starscream, and the new guy. The mechanics of it are complicated–too complicated to really go into here. What I can say is that it’s a very close relationship.
That’s all, Folks! (...For Now!)
Thank you all for reading this, quite frankly, large wall of text! Your patience is greatly appreciated! We hope you enjoyed this little guide to our system, and we hope to see you later! Buh-bye!
( Since you're done here, why don'tcha drop by the pinned post? You'll find my intro down near the bottom a little while after this gets submitted.)
