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!

Comments

[mccrane]

Kagerou...

What were you doing so close to the badlands?

[He's worried about you, first and foremost.]

I can come if needed.

[thxforthememories]

Kay -- I'm trying to find Kay.

[But he found Perceptor instead!]

I don't think I can move him on my own... I need someone.

action

[percept]

[ Perceptor is conscious, if just barely, and he groans as Kagerou's efforts slightly shift the rocks pinning him. ]

K... Kageoru?

action

[thxforthememories]

[That's a relief to hear. More than he can express well. He pauses, before redoubling his efforts to dig.]

Yes! Yes, it's me.

Stay still, I... called for help.

action

[percept]

Where...

[ No. No, he knows where he is. Or at least approximately, anyways. What's more troubling... ]

How long have I been out? How did you find me?

action

[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.]

action

[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?

action

[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.]

[voice]

[sword_redemption]

Perceptor? What was he doing---


Never mind. Are you safe right now? Protected?

[voice]

[thxforthememories]

I don't know.

He's... still buried. I'll protect him. There's nothing else here right now. But if I have to... I'll protect him.

[voice]

[sword_redemption]

Sorry. Yeah. Sorry.

I can come out there if you need the help?

[voice]

[thxforthememories]

I need someone's help.

I can't move him on my own.

[voice]

[sword_redemption]

I'm on my way.

[Right. You've been reading those first aid manuals, Drift. Something!]

Is he responsive?

[mccrane]

I should be able to meet you, if you can send coordinates.

Are you alright?

[He's remembered to ask it earlier, this time.]

[thxforthememories]

I can try. I don't know... I don't know if it's going to send well, out here.

[Beep boop sending anyway.]

I'm fine. I'm...

He needs help. Not me.

[voice]

[thxforthememories]

He's... buried.

I don't know yet.

[mccrane]

I'm en route.

[They seem to work, but he won't know till he gets there.]

Be careful, Kagerou. If those rocks were unstable enough to fall, once, there may be others that will fall again.

I don't want you...

[He pauses.]

I don't want you getting hurt.

[thxforthememories]

I'll watch. But I won't leave him. If the monsters show up... someone has to look out for him.

[And he doesn't want to lose a friend.]

... I'm fine.

action

[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.

[video]

[showboater]

[All right, something to fight the stir-crazy!]

How's an airlift sound?

/jacking [Video]

[organ_pharming]

I'd love to assist, really. It's just that I'm currently under house arrest.

action

[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.]

[video]

[thxforthememories]

... You can fly?

video;

[thxforthememories]

Who are you?

[video]

[showboater]

[...]

No, I have a ship that flies. You might have noticed it? Big, red, floats in the air?