video;

[sciencetank]

[The video is a bit fuzzy, the screen smudged with what appears to be soot, or some other dark material. Perceptor himself is much the same, though he doesn't appear to notice in the slightest.]

[He actually looks amused. He holds up one hand, to gesture at the camera -- and there are blackened rings of something around each wrist.]

Good news! I've managed to make progress in several projects I've been working on recently, and they may prove of some use to the populace.

For starters... there was a personal defense weapon for a specific individual...

[Cough - Ambulon - cough.] So. If they would be so kind as to inform me of their coordinates, I can send the prototype there with all due expedience.

Secondly... In response to the ah... issue at hand, that involving those without Glyphs, I may be able to offer a temporary solution to any sudden bouts of destructive mania.

[He holds up what appear to be a perfectly normal pair of... handcuffs. Cybertronian style, but still.]

Temporary. The effect I've designed won't last terribly long, but. It's a start.

Comments

[thehardway]

Perceptor.

...Good work. And thank you.

[sciencetank]

A compliment from the Commander himself. I'd allow my ego to inflate, if that were necessary.

However, I must again caution you that the effect of these -- [He holds up the cuffs.] -- is temporary. A brief energy pulse disrupts motor control and cognitive functioning, rendering the individual unable to move or think clearly for a short time.

Enough to get them more securely tied down, or, if necessary, locked up.

Also quite good for inducing a brief recharge, if I do say so myself.

[thehardway]

I do not compliment often, and I do so as acknowledgement. Not for bearing on any egotistical attention.

I am aware it is temporary. That's all that we need for the moment.

[sciencetank]

I thought as much. Suppose it's good I wasn't fishing for compliments then.

If you're certain, I'll start making alterations on the other pairs of cuffs I can manage to locate.

[audio/locked]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

Ah, Perceptor, thank you, but... Are you all right? [He's looking at his wrists] Maybe you should see a medic...

Anyway. [coordinates for you~]

[audio/locked]

[sciencetank]

A medic? Why would I need to see a medic?

[No, seriously, he doesn't seem to see a problem.]

Right, then, I'll have it there shortly.

[audio/locked]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

Your wrists. [He's not even bothering to go "OBVIOUSLY"] Have them checked out.

And, thank you. I'll be here. Obviously. [Except there]

[audio/locked]

[sciencetank]

Hm? [Oh, sure, now he looks at them.] ... Ah. No, I think they're all right. Simply the result of repeated testing with the prototypes.

Good. I would hate to have to search for you. Make it rather difficult to deliver the item.

[audio/locked]

[rstlsslegsyndrm]

[The fact that you were testing your experiments ON YOURSELF - you're lucky you don't see the face he makes because DAMMIT.] Just... let me look at them when you get here, all right? Let me do that much.

Well, to be honest, the world outside hasn't been very warm and welcoming, as you know.

[wrex_it_krogan]

I've got a better solution.

[Wrex isn't here long and already he's cutting the gordian knot.]

Shoot 'em.

[sciencetank]

Hardly a solution.

In some cases, a few shots would hardly be enough to slow an individual down, let alone fully offline them. In most, however, there is a lingering attachment to think of, a fondness for the afflicted, as it were. And in all cases we cannot be sure this madness is unavoidable.

Perhaps those in charge are simply being paranoid. Executing individuals without cause is not something any decent Autobot would be involved in, nor support.

[wrex_it_krogan]

If these guys are going crazy and causing trouble, that's enough reason for me.

[sciencetank]

We don't have any valid evidence yet to suggest such a thing is going to occur at all. Only hearsay.

[video]

[drpaperairplanesmd]

Those cuffs - will they hurt the restrained?

[video]

[sciencetank]

[Perceptor considers this for a moment, before examining his wrists.]

Nothing terribly damaging, no. At least, not for Cybertronians such as myself.

Creatures like you, however, I have no way of knowing.

[video]

[drpaperairplanesmd]

Well, I'm not about to offer myself to find out. [she'd laugh but...]

I'm... I want to help out the Firstforged who offered to help the glyphless. I know he may think of them as lab rats, but I want to see if there's a way I can help. Somehow. I don't know, but... I'd like to think there's something we can do for them. Something that can cure them of their madness or at least help them control it.

If the stasis cuffs can disable a Cybertronian without inflicting pain, then those would be quite useful.

[video]

[sciencetank]

I hadn't assumed so.

These are a bit different than your typical stasis cuffs. Their power output has been enhanced to provide the initial, immobilizing jolt, and to disrupt cognitive functioning. As a result, the effect is temporary. Likely enough to relocate the afflicted, if my calculations and experiments are correct.

I'm not sure how much use they'd be to the individual responsible for... collecting the Glyphless. I'd designed them more to be used in an emergency.

[Video]

[thelastprime]

[Because Prime wants to take every precaution.]

What is this effect you have designed into them, Perceptor? Merely stasis locks?

[Video]

[sciencetank]

Something like that. However, I amplified the field. It directly interferes with basic motor function and cognitive ability. Not only is the cuffed individual immobilized, but they lack even the desire to fight. Nor do they realize there is a problem.

It's quite effective, even at my size and weight class.

[Video]

[thelastprime]

I would highly advise this to be used upon me. I am taking every precaution.

[Video]

[sciencetank]

Very well, Optimus. Is there someone in particular I should send them along to?

video

[lifepersists]

Perceptor. We haven't spoken much, but... I'm in need of your help.

video

[sciencetank]

First Aid.

What is it you need? I'll certainly see what I can do.

video

[lifepersists]

It's Ironfist.

I've tried so much to help him, but he's-- [ Going crazy. It's not the cerebroshell. That won't kill him. ] Not well.

The only thing I can think of is getting him in cold storage. The problem is getting near him to put him out without hurting him.

video

[sciencetank]

Mm. Yes, I see.

I could attempt to recreate the device I developed for the other medic. Sort of a mid-range version of a stasis field. Meant to be fired from a weapon, rather than placed on an individual.

How soon did you need it? I still have the plans here.