[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

–dear. This doesn't look right at all.

[The perspective shifts from the skewed angle of the temple to a shiny, gold-plated head. The pair of eyes shine brightly as they look at nothing in particular, the politeness in C-3PO's voice coming in clearer now. It barely wavers as he continues prattling on.]

Oh no. I'm certain I was never deactivated within the past few minutes! This hallway seems to have changed. [He sighs, shaking his head.] And everything was going so well– wait a minute. [He looks up.] Artoo? Artoo, where did you go?

[Taking a look around, he has failed to notice the Acolyte that approaches him.]

You can't have disappeared on me. You don't even move that fast. I knew I couldn't count on you for anything.

[In the middle of this, he realizes he still has the comlink in his other hand. Again the angle shifts, now giving a perspective of the droid's upper body.]

Master Luke? Oh! I forgot I turned it off. [Click.] Master Luke? Are you there, sir? Sir?

Comments

[Video]

[littlecrowgirl]

Oh wow, you're definitely a worrier. I didn't think robots could really worry like you do. What's the term you use for that? Is 'pop a gasket' too insulting?

If not, don't pop a gasket, mister!

Did you listen to the Acolytes?

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

Oh! Who is this? You're not Master Luke. [Hold up.] I beg your pardon– "Pop a gasket"??? My word. I most certainly do not have any gaskets on me...

What do you mean, Acolytes?

[Video]

[littlecrowgirl]

Nope. I'm a Kay. Kay Faraday!

...You know, the Acolytes! The giant robed guys who told you why you're here and gave you the Link! You encountered them, right?

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

[For a droid, he looks a little perplexed.] No, I have not–

[And then he turns around, finally seeing the Acolyte up close and personal. He screams.

Hold on, he'll be a moment.]

[Video]

[littlecrowgirl]

[Kay is just finding this absolutely hilarious.]

THERE HE IS! SAY HI!

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

[SO VERY HELPFUL, KAY]

I don't want to say hi!!!

[Video]

[littlecrowgirl]

Well, I guess you could say 'good morning' instead, but that's more for...you know. Morning. I can never tell what is and isn't morning here anymore. The stars above don't really help.

[Video]

[organ_pharming]

Mm, what a simple looking automaton you are. I would wager your points of articulation could be counted on one's fingers. Amazing.

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

[Even if he can't show it, C-3PO's slight movements speak of being offended.]

–Why, I never.

Re: [Video]

[organ_pharming]

Interesting speech module they've given you too. Humans create the strangest toys.

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

Toy? Oh no, sir, I am a protocol droid! C-3PO, human-cyborg relations.

Re: [Video]

[organ_pharming]

'Droid'? Can't say I've heard that term before. Although protocol is certainly an interesting job for a robot.

Human-cyborg relations. [Dare he ask?] What kind of relations?

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

It is a regularly-used term back in the star systems I'm accustomed to, so I doubt it would have been heard around here. Wherever 'here' is, so to speak. And I never tire of my programming, thankfully. If I did, I wouldn't know what I'd be doing. That or become dreadfully bored of my current line of work.

[He remains absolutely clueless, delighting in explanations. Oh boy.]

Relations of the diplomatic kind, sir. When dealing with different alien cultures and languages, there needs to be a go-between and translator during these missions.

[Video]

[invisiblepinkboat]

[Well, that's an... odd-looking mechanoid. Elita considers for a moment, and then shakes her helm slightly.]

I'm pretty sure we have no one answering to Luke on the planet for the moment, so unfortunately he's not here.

And you're not home anymore. I see you missed the Acolyte's explanation?

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

[He's odd? She's...well, she's very advanced, but that's not the point.]

I...believe I did receive the explanation soon after the initial shock had passed.

No one? Oh dear. This is worse than I thought. I knew had a bad feeling about this.

[Video]

[invisiblepinkboat]

[Yes, he is, she's just an alien!!]

Oh, good. [She could give it, but it's easier if the Acolytes are actually listened to.]

If we're all lucky, no time will have passed between the moment any of us left our realities to when we hopefully return... So if he's in trouble, it should be all right.

[It's... simpler to hold onto that than imagining things going on without. Especially as there's been some implications that they're all taken from different times, even if from the same reality.]

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

[Well, it was sort of rude for him to scream, but he was able to handle it. Sort of.

Give him some credit. His composure has returned a little faster than usual. But news of this lets Threepio relax some.]

Oh. Oh, I hope so. I appear to have left during a very pivotal moment and it would be terrible if Artoo and I have missed any calls since then.

[Video]

[invisiblepinkboat]

[She nods briefly, tapping a finger against her chin.]

Yes. And I am certainly hoping so as well, even if I didn't leave an emergency behind, but I know others who've left... sensitive situations.

So I hope this... Luke? will be all right.

Any questions not answered by the explanation from the Acolyte?

[Video]

[we_re_doomed]

[He nods. It's more of a cant of his head than a nod, but he can only go so far with his limited motions.]

Yes. I suppose I will have to try and believe that for the time being.

He was rather brief, but it was concise enough to process. Cybertron is not a planet or a system I am familiar with at all, so my guess is as good as any in terms of thinking this is very far from home if it concerns rifts in reality and whatnot. But what do they mean by before Cybertron has awakened?

[Audio]

[kick_astromech]

[Insert a long string of beeps and tweedling that definitely sounds familiar.]

[Audio]

[we_re_doomed]

Well, that about clears everything up. Cybertron, Acolytes, Firstforged, Primus' arrival. Not only that, but there is very little chance of ever seeing anyone from home again.

...I can't believe I'm even missing that little R2 unit. [He sighs forlornly.] Oh, Artoo. If you were only here.

It's almost as if I can hear you now...

[Audio]

[kick_astromech]

[Really Threepio, really?

Artoo twitters irritatedly.]

[Audio]

[we_re_doomed]

Perhaps too clearly.

My memory banks must be on the fritz. I wouldn't be surprised if it is a side effect from that inter-dimensional traveling stint. Who knows how long that would take to repair.

[Audio]

[kick_astromech]

[A flat-sounding buzz and another rattling of beeps.]

[Audio]

[we_re_doomed]

What– what do you mean "it will take forever to repair a junk circuit like yours?"