Holi
Major
Captain Can-Do
Posts: 672
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Post by Holi on Aug 29, 2007 20:36:10 GMT -5
While Perceptor is busy with Hardwire, Holi steps over to Wheelie to talk, quietly.
"We have to wait for Perceptor," he explains to his rhyming friend. "Then we can go. Okay?" He glances to check on the scientist and his patient, then turns to Wheelie again. "…You're upset with Kup, aren't you?" he asks. "What's wrong?" He doesn't quite understand what the elder could have done to make Wheelie so angry at him. He'd like to know, though. Maybe he can help fix it somehow. He has to try, at least.
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Post by Perceptor on Aug 29, 2007 21:34:44 GMT -5
"Wheelie, Holi, you do not need to wait for me," Perceptor offers as he begins examining the battered bit of radio equipment offered by Hardwire. Wheelie is obviously anxious to get out and explore and be active and Perceptor... will likely be far too slow for the swift young 'Bot. Unless, of course, he imposes on either Wheelie or Holi for transport. "If you wish to set out now, I can attempt to rendezvous with you once I have completed Hardwire's repairs, or perhaps join you another day."
He sighs to cover his disappointment - he isn't immune to the effects of restlessness (and a touch of homesickness/loneliness, if he were being honest) any more than anyone else is, but there is so much work to be done, still - and shoots a look at the fabricator. "There is enough work left in all manner of projects to ensure that we will require many scavenging forays to come."
"Hmm... Transmitter and receiver are both damaged, however, it appears that the primary memory recall module is also fused to non-functionality," Perceptor explains to Hardwire. "With your permission, I shall reload all the appropriate frequencies collected to date once repairs are complete."
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Wheelie
Rookie
Can't sleep. Sharkticons will eat me.
Posts: 191
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Post by Wheelie on Aug 30, 2007 14:27:38 GMT -5
Wheelie looks away from Holi for a moment, before he finally starts to speak.
"Where Wheelie's from, it's really bad! All kinds of things to make him sad. Quintessons, sharkticons, and creepy things, all out to eat Wheelie, who's just got a sling! Been there for so long, I can't even keep track, too long, too long, my memories lack. Kup said he's a friend, a guy who is good, but what he said next makes him just some dumb hood! He knows about Wheelie and where he comes from, wants to send him back too all that! Old 'bot's just dumb!"
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Cannonball
Minor
Me, I'm dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest.
Posts: 470
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Post by Cannonball on Aug 30, 2007 21:20:54 GMT -5
Hardwire nods, smiling a bit. "Aye, sounds got tae me, lad" he answers, leaning up against the table, glancing over to Perceptor, then to the small pair before speaking up again.
"How long will ye wee lads be out? I might be inclined tae come along an' 'elp a bit. Back whar I be from, I were good at findin' stuff that were useful, or valuable" he says, grinning. "So, dependin' on 'ow long this takes..." he says, glancing back to Perceptor.
Inside, Cannonball was partially dejected. On one hand, he's accomplishing his mission of getting the frequency. On the other, he's lost his own. A bit of a conundrum, as he can't just take off once he gets it without much of an idea of which way to go. Perhaps one of the elder Autobots had a map of some sort...
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Wedge
Minor
NOT a reckless teen-bot
Posts: 413
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Post by Wedge on Aug 30, 2007 22:19:45 GMT -5
One thing Wedge learns very quickly over the past weeks is to never take standart parts and T-AI for granted...or lubricant for the matter. The canister that he had handy for originally dealing with a really hard work day is steadily running out. His applicator hasn't been terribly happy about all this activity either. Despite any complaints from his supplies, what Wedge notices the most is the heat and pressure that steadily builds up throughout the day in his left elbow...the tight one...the one that belonged to some poor unfortunate racer. This is part of the reason that Wedge is moving earnestly to Perceptor's set up. His main purpose though, is to inquire if the strange red scientist can make any sense of the space bridge plans he has rolled in his hand. They look fresh and smeared with grease marks in some places. Inside, scrawled in odd places near the diagrams, are odd notes and ends, all written in the same messy script.
The room that Wedge had hoped to be empty is quite the opposite. He stops in the doorway and glances curiously at the activity going on. The two little bots over there, Holi...and Wheelie? Then that black and green bot near Perceptor was...Hardwire.
"I take it you're busy right now," says Wedge, fighting the urge to frown as his arms fall back to his side.
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Holi
Major
Captain Can-Do
Posts: 672
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Post by Holi on Sept 1, 2007 12:33:03 GMT -5
Holi wouldn't consider it an imposition at all if Perceptor wanted a lift. In fact, he'd be very flattered that Perceptor asked! But this is all hypothetical. As it is, he looks up at the scientist uncertainly. He isn't sure what to say, really; he'd prefer to wait, but it seems Wheelie just wants to go….
And no wonder why. Holi listens to his friend's story and the expression on his face is one of steadily increasing concern and bafflement. He doesn't know Kup that well, really, but he didn't think Kup would say anything like that.
"Maybe…" Holi begins, then stops and shakes his head. Much as with Perceptor, he isn't sure what he can tell Wheelie. Really, what can he say? He can't just declare Kup would never say something like that, or that Kup didn't mean it; he can't because… well, he can't. But he can't simply sit by and watch this go on, either. Wheelie's upset. If Kup really is Wheelie's friend, after all, he must be upset about this, too. How can Holi call himself a friend of either if he doesn't try to help them? "Wheelie," he tries again, and whatever sincerity isn't in his voice is written all over his face, "maybe… maybe Kup just doesn't understand? Or…." He isn't very convincing, is he? No, he doesn't really think so, either. He fixes a glum stare on the orange bot and, for a brief moment, his optimism wavers under the weight of his worries. "I don't know," he admits in a small voice, "and I'm not sure it matters… I don't know if we'll be leaving any time soon." At least he manages to muster up something of a smile. "So I guess you won't have to go back for a while. …Maybe a long while." He won't say 'ever'. As bad as Wheelie might have had it, Holi can't even think that none of them will ever get home. They have to, somehow.
Hardwire's question goes unanswered amid Holi's ruminations. Not that he knows how long they'll be out today, anyway. Really, it'll depend on how much they do or don't find and how far they have to go to find it. Wedge's arrival jars the Micromaster back to reality and the usual, cheerful smile is quickly back in place.
"Hi, Wedge!"
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Post by Perceptor on Sept 2, 2007 9:06:12 GMT -5
As usual, the Autobot scientist is running multiple subroutines as he works; Perceptor absently tracks Wheelie's comments to Holi, and they sadden him. Unfortunately, he hasn't the faintest clue how to respond. He's certain he understands why Kup had said what he'd said to Wheelie, but he can't really think of an appropriate counter to the argument-- for either side. At least not one that won't possibly alienate Wheelie utterly.
This interpersonal relations thing just isn't Perceptor's forte.
Hardwire's radio, on the other hand, is. Especially since he'd been in the middle of fine circuitry assembly in the bowels of the fabricator and happened to have a handful of compatible buss fuses, jumpers, and circuit boards handy.
"It should not be long at all," he observes absently. "You were quite fortunate; the level of damage to the components of your radio is relatively light, particularly for the specific type of photonic discharge the damage patterns display. Are you aware of which individual it was who had fired the discharge that damaged your radio?" Kup would want to know that, and that particular Decepticon's participation in battle should be highly encouraged. At least, it should be encouraged over mechanisms such as, for example, Starscream.
Perceptor pauses and turns a brief look back over his shoulder at the new voice that catches his attention.
"Ah, Wedge," he replies, noting the disheveled roll of paper clutched in Wedge's hand and the subtle, so subtle, hesitation and stiffness in one of Wedge's joints. He's a scientist; observation is his function. Until he'd developed such a vested interest in the mechs around him, he'd never really paid as much attention to the mechanisms around him as he did his work. However, now, with his role of scientist subsumed by his repair skills, the mechanisms around him are his work now.
Not that it makes him any better, in the least, about knowing how to address their mental traumas, only that he's a bit more keen to actually pay heed to his observations of their physical ailments. And his current observations of Wedge's physical ailments indicate that that elbow of his might require just a bit of retooling.
"Only momentarily," he continues as he turns his attention back to finishing up the repairs. "Hardwire's radio will only be a few minutes more."
He glances over and shoots Holi and Wheelie a brief, apologetic smile. "Perhaps another scavenging foray can be arranged later. I lack the capability to maintain a pace of ambulation which would not restrict your activities, in any case," he explains as he turns his attention back to carefully excising the last bits of slagged circuitry. "Hardwire will be ready to join you shortly, while I assist Wedge."
He's not disappointed to not be able to escape this ramshackle base of operations to go explore and study a small example of this world's technology and physical structure, a world that had been, by all appearances, so mysteriously abandoned. Honest.
Really.
And he's definitely not starved for companionship with mechs who seem to genuinely enjoy his company, rather than merely tolerate it. No, definitely not. Must be your imagination.
Of course, as soon as it rises, his CPU recalls the roll of paper Wedge had brought with him, and another subroutine fires up to speculate, quickly subsuming his disappointment. Design plans, perhaps? For something of Wedge's creation? Or something he'd found, perhaps?
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Wheelie
Rookie
Can't sleep. Sharkticons will eat me.
Posts: 191
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Post by Wheelie on Sept 2, 2007 22:28:57 GMT -5
"Could be, I guess, but I don't think so. But here and now, it's so hard to know!" Wheelie complains, but he seems to lighten a little. Holi is, after all, trying to help.
"Go or stay, Wheelie's okay. So long as there's people who actually care, Wheelie'll go and do any dare!"
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Cannonball
Minor
Me, I'm dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest.
Posts: 470
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Post by Cannonball on Sept 3, 2007 22:32:45 GMT -5
Hardwire nods to Perceptor, relieved that the radio repairs wouldn't take very long. "Wunnerful, laddie." He then frowns at the question as to who it was. "Ah'm certain as tae 'o it were. That Starscream buggah wit' the big mouth" he answers, clenching his fist. "Ah'll pay 'im back first chance ah git..."
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Wedge
Minor
NOT a reckless teen-bot
Posts: 413
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Post by Wedge on Sept 3, 2007 22:50:29 GMT -5
Well, they are design plans, that is, if anyone can make any sense of them. Writing for gestalt teammates is a bit different than writing for, well, non-gestalt-mates. One knows your mind and the other doesn't (Unless they're psychic, and who's ever heard of a mind-reading mech?).
Wedge's attention goes elsewhere as Kup calls him over the radio. He leaves the transmission and shrugs apologetically at Perceptor.
"It's alright, don't worry about it. Gotta go!" He flashes a smile and subspaces the papers. "I'll catch you later then. Salvaging? Pick up any computer parts you see, can you?" He tosses a wave at the rest of the occupants and moves quickly down the hall and out of the base, Kup's coordinates fixed in his mind.
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Post by Perceptor on Sept 4, 2007 20:03:23 GMT -5
OOC: Perceptor posting in lieu of Holi with Holi's player's permission.Wheelie's response calls forth an encouraging smile for Holi that Perceptor is only just turning to offer the micromaster when Hardwire's answer registers. "Starscream?" he asks with surprise. This damage had been caused by Starscream? A mech fully capable of using that same weaponry to kill had managed to merely fry the components of Hardwire's radio? A shockingly vicious little voice deep in his CPU suddenly pipes up, wondering why Hardwire had managed to receive such a light injury. Why not Ratchet? He bites back any such response, however, and covers the shock and anger with a sympathetic nod. "You are quite fortunate," he manages. "Starscream is a formidable opponent, however your repairs should be complete momentarily." Even though he knows that it is likely an utterly irrational emotional response - unresolved grief fostering misplaced jealousy - Perceptor cannot help but wonder at Hardwire's revelation. Something... just doesn't seem quite right about the situation. Perhaps Kup and Xaaron can assist in placing the information into proper perspective.Perceptor pauses, turning a look of almost comic bafflement on the now-empty doorway at Wedge's somewhat abrupt departure. "Err... ah... Well then... If you are willing to wait another few moments, it appears that I will be free to accompany you during your foray after all," he observes with a touch of wry chagrin. "Although, it may become necessary to impose upon someone for transportation if speed is an important factor..."
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Wheelie
Rookie
Can't sleep. Sharkticons will eat me.
Posts: 191
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Post by Wheelie on Sept 4, 2007 21:41:03 GMT -5
Wheelie gives Perceptor a curious look, trying to work this one out in his head and failing utterly.
"A question, if Wheelie can, he must ask, Mister Microscope Man! You ask to go with one of us, that's true, it's no pack of lies! But that can't work! You are too big! We are too small in size!"
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Cannonball
Minor
Me, I'm dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest.
Posts: 470
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Post by Cannonball on Sept 5, 2007 2:17:30 GMT -5
"Aye, it were him, but like ah said, it were a grazin' shot" he answers, smirking a bit. "One cain't dodge 'em all, after all."
At Wheelie's...ah...inquiry, Hardwire looks over at the little orange bot, finding him most odd, yet slightly entertaining, if a bit nerve-grating.
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Holi
Major
Captain Can-Do
Posts: 672
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Post by Holi on Sept 5, 2007 23:50:35 GMT -5
So Wedge appears, says hello, then leaves as quickly as he arrived. So are they waiting, or not waiting? It sounds like waiting! Great! …Oh, boy, does that ever sound weird.
At Wheelie's roundabout question regarding transport, Holi stops and blinks. Hum. He has never seen his Perceptor transform, but he has heard that the Autobots' best doctor (well, in Holi's time, at least) can become much, much smaller when he does.
"I think it'll be okay, Wheelie," decides the Micromaster after taking a moment to think. At least Wheelie seems less unhappy now. That's good! Holi then peers up at Perceptor. "Alright, Doctor, sir. We'll wait!" he chirrups. No, he isn't latching onto the only familiar person he's seen this whole time. Really. He isn't!
…Okay, so maybe he is. He'll have to be careful not to bother Perceptor too much.
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Post by Perceptor on Sept 6, 2007 2:11:08 GMT -5
Perceptor glances back at Hardwire, actually paying attention to the odd markings "tattooed" across the mech in Constructicon green, before radioing a confirmation to Kup, Nightbeat, and Xaaron. Bridge schematics. How intriguing. Why would anyone cover themselves - or allow themselves to be covered in - bridge schematics? Perceptor is beginning to question his offer to "reload" all of the pertinent frequencies onto Hardwire's repaired radio.
He stalls.
"My alternate mode is significantly more compact than my robotic mode, when I choose to exercise that ability," he explains, catching himself before he launches into a lengthy dissertation on the specific scientific principles and mechanics for how such an ability functions.
"Suffice it to say, I possess the ability to shunt significant portions of my overall mass to the same general storage medium as where I store my weaponry when not in use." Which is pretty much most of the time, beings as he's a science geek, not a special forces fighter.
Of course, if these suspicions about Hardwire begin to prove true, he may be needing to call that weaponry out rather sooner than he'd anticipated. Particularly if Wheelie and Holi are still present, since Perceptor has always been far more likely to defend others than he has been to defend himself.
Speaking of a certain micromaster...
Holi will likely have to go to extraordinary lengths to succeed in "bothering" Perceptor; even in the brief time since they have found themselves on Gillanan III, the scientist has begun to find Holi's presence rather... comforting. He's growing quite fond of the micromaster's youthful cheer and generally helpful demeanor, and it just seems as if it is all but impossible for him to do anything but respond in kind when Holi is around. Given the choice between buoyant cheer and self-recriminating depression, Perceptor much prefers the former, thank you.
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