audio | location: ... SOMEWHERE AWKWARDLY CLOSE TO THE BAD LANDS

[thxforthememories]

[There's nothing much to the message. Just another plea for help from a robot -- those have gotten pretty common lately, haven't they? Especially from this one.]

I need someone's help -- out on the edges of the badlands... I --

I found Perceptor out here.

[Not exactly who he was looking for, but. A friend is a friend.]

He's damaged. Buried in rocks. I don't know what happened... I can't get him back safely by myself.

[The sound of rock shifting can be heard. Despite what he says, he's trying to get the Autobot out of trouble. Without much success.]

He needs help, please!

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[thxforthememories]

Weeks? A month? I... I thought you were gone for good.

[Maybe if he shifts this rock over here, he can touch the other 'bot. Just reassure himself...]

I've been looking for Kay. Sensors... they picked you up.

[The blessing of prototype spy circuits, apparently.]

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[percept]

That long..?

[ No wonder he feels like slag, then. He's been running on empty for far too long. It explains why his self-repair systems aren't responding properly. ]

Someone else is missing?

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[thxforthememories]

Yes. That long.

[He manages to get something shoved aside enough to free one of Perceptor's arms.]

Kay is missing... my -- my family. There's monsters everywhere, and I haven't seen her in days.

[He rests his palm against the Autobot's armor, looking for a hand or something -- just for reassurance.]

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[percept]

[ Perceptor squirms until he can just barely reach Kagerou's hand with his own, trying to squeeze it comfortingly. ]

If she's out here, you'll find her. You found me, after all.

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[thxforthememories]

[He squeezes back. Probably a little too tightly.]

I did... I'm sorry it wasn't sooner.

But you'll be fine. We'll get you out. I'll keep digging until someone else comes. I won't leave.

[That came off a little desperate there, but he's never been one to handle stress well.]

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[percept]

It's alright, Kagerou. I don't... I don't think I'm very damaged. It's just the weight of the rocks--

[ he tries to shift with a small groan, not really getting anywhere, then squeezes Kagerou's hand reassuringly. ]

It will be alright.

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[thxforthememories]

Then... then we still need help to dig you out. I'm trying, but I can't -- they're too large for me.

[He squeezes again, tighter.]

What can I do? What else?

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[percept]

Just stay with me Kagerou. That's enough.

[ He tries to smile. ]

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[thxforthememories]

Yes, of course. I won't leave you.

[He means that, too. He's worried Kay is lost -- how can he leave someone else behind?]

We'll get you out, and... everything will be right.

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[percept]

Yes, it will. Thank you.

[ Right now he's more worried about keeping Kagerou calm until help arrives. ]

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[thxforthememories]

You're my friend. I... You don't need to thank me.

[He's trying to. Though whether it's actually working is anyone's guess.]