[Video]

[sword_redemption]

[It's just a short video feed, from what was--briefly, one of the Perceptor's labs.  A half-built space bridge is in the background.]

Perceptor's gone.

And now Ratchet.

Either someone's kidnapping them, [Looking at you, First Forged. Or Prism.] or they're wandering someplace dangerous and getting killed. Because neither of them are good fighters.

Or....something else.

[He's not sure he's covered all the angles. He's a swordsmech, not Nightbeat or Prowl. But those are conclusions he can draw.]

I'm heading to the Badlands to at least settle that angle.  And I have...business out there, anyway. [And he's not quite dumb enough to go against Prism on his own. But the Badlands, he can handle.]

Anyone else missing? Anyone have another solution?

Comments

[sword_redemption]

That's what Vector Prime is hinting. [He's not going to say on an open line if he trusts Vector entirely. ]

He didn't say I couldn't. I just don't want anyone risking themselves for me.

[percept]

Perhaps I will need to address Vector Prime directly about this...

I'll come with you.

[sword_redemption]

You'd likely get more out of him than I can. [Drift: subtle as a brick made of hammers.]

....[He's on the verge of arguing but he can't. He doesn't want to argue with Perceptor, and it would be good to spend time with him.] All right. But if something happens to me, get clear.

[percept]

I'll seek him out next time I have a moment free.

[ Ah good, no protests. Perceptor had been preparing to argue his case for coming along. ] Very well, but only if there is no chance of being able to assist you.

[sword_redemption]

The more pieces of the puzzle we have, the better we can figure it out. I hope.

[Oh, he'd thought of arguing. Only, he knows the futility of arguing with you when you want something.]

Actually you could help me most from a distance. Like on Cybertron. [That would keep Perceptor safer, too.]

[percept]

I would appreciate it if they were at least straight forward with all of their information...

Mm, I'll bring my rifle. [ Which is to say yes, he'll keep his distance. But only so long as Drift stays in one piece. ]

[sword_redemption]

I'm not sure how much they care what we 'appreciate' or not. [That's as blunt as he'll get on the network. Which is...pretty blunt, really.]

Good. There's no one I trust more, Perceptor. How long will you need to get ready?

[percept]

I'd be ready to move immediately. [ It's not like it takes him very long to get ready, after all. He just grabs his guns and goes. ]

[sword_redemption]

Give me a cycle? I have some things to prepare.

And Perceptor?

Thank you.

[percept]

Just let me know when you're ready.

It's my pleasure to assist you, Drift.