Autobrand Party: Perceptor meanders

[Perceptor]

Perceptor isn't what one would call a "mingler", and yet, he does a fiarly admirable job of floating about the fringes in a suitably unobtrusive manner. It's more a function of simply observing various facets of everyone's interaction than any conscious decision.

He'd be much more stilted and stiff, in all likelihood, if he'd actually been making a conscious effort to "float".

Unfortunately, he really isn't paying much attention to his rather meandering route; his route may inadvertantly hem their newest Xaaron in, if said notable doesn't spot the unintentional encroachment and slip out of the way.

[Emirate Xaaron-3]

They are on a roof. It has corners. Perceptor's path just so happens to put Emirate Xaaron into one of those corners. There is a moment where he seems to be seriously considering that his survival chances would be better if he jumped off the roof than if he engaged in conversation with Perceptor.

Then he reminds himself that these people are no his people, and if he jumps off the roof, they'll probably try to repair him.

Sorry, but he isn't going to let a medic touch him if he can avoid it.

Maybe if he pretends he isn't here, Perceptor won't notice him.

[Perceptor]

Perceptor would be horrified to know that Xaaron would honestly consider leaping from the roof to be less hazardous - or at least comparable - than speaking to him. He'd be just as horrified to find out that Xaaron is that frightened of letting any of them repair him, something Perceptor would do, and has done, as a matter of course should Xaaron, Swerve, or any of these Autobots here become injured.

Unfortunately, he doesn't notice that he's blocked Xaaron in, or that the individual closest to him even is Xaaron, until he turns, energon in hand, to offer a polite greeting out of habit.

"Good even-" Oh. This Xaaron had not seemed very comfortable around him. This... may not go well. "Greetings, Xaaron. Are you well?"

[Rattrap]

Far be it from Rattrap to miss out on a party – especially one with readily available stupid juice. He's had enough bad news since he got here – never mind he probably had a good half of it coming – to last him a few stellar cycles and nothing sounds quite so good as drinking it out of his system for a while.

He's been here at least long enough to get a respectable head start on that high grade, small and unnoticed with his mug of booze and his conveniently crated-in corner. It's a goofy souvenir mug from Six Lasers Over Cybertron, used to have a lame mascot's face holo-screened on it with the park logo, but the film has long since faded and worn thin and the polymer glass is clouded with decades' worth of scratches. He's had some adventures with this mug; there's a chip on the bottom lip where he clocked some gearhead with it in a barfight a while back. That one was a blast and a half. The thought of getting plastered without this mug is just too weird, even if he's a little too fuzzy in the processors at the moment to remember why he has it with him. He doesn't normally take it along for infiltration missions. Ah well. He has it now and boy is he glad for that. He isn't so glad about the thing being just about empty. Slag. Heeey, time for a refill!

Except there's a Xaaron blocking his way. And there are two of them at the party, unless Rattrap's already toasted enough to be seeing double. But there aren't two Perceptors, just the one also blocking Rattrap's path to the bar refreshment table, and Rattrap would like to think he can hold his energon a little better than that. The night's hardly gotten started!

"'Scuse me, fellas," Rattrap squawks. "Yeh, down heah. Rat on a mission comin' through, don't mind me much." He sidles neatly between the two Autobots, pausing long enough to down the last remaining mouthful of energon in his mug when a "cheers" sounds out.

[Emirate Xaaron-3]

Emirate Xaaron's alternate's speech makes Emirate Xaaron want to curl up and cringe. They are all horribly alone, and they are going to die alone. He refuses to believe that people are really out to understand each other. It's easier to believe that they can't relate, and that is why they get up to such horrors.

Take Emirate Xaaron. He's surrounded by people, and the only one he knows is off having drinks foisted on him. He's alone, for all that he's surrounded.

There's Rattrap, who is less terrifying only because Emirate Xaaron could actually step on him. He attempts to get out of the way and stutters, "G-good cycle, Perceptor. I bet you're, ah, uhm, busy."

[Perceptor]

Perceptor steps back out of Rattrap's way deferentially, offering, "My apologies, Rattrap. I did not mean to obstruct your progress. Do you require assistance?" He's rather thankful, however, for the brief interruption from the awkwardness.

A quick sip to join his Xaaron's toast after his brief speech, before Perceptor turns his attention back toward the newer Xaaron. "Err... There is always some measure of work to be accomplished, yes," he offers politely, much encouraged by Xaaron's lack of flight from the immediate area. Progress, perhaps? Maybe?

"Refreshments?" he asks hopefully, pushing his luck.

[Rattrap]

"Nah," Rattrap declares, waving off Perceptor's offer with his free hand. "I'm good. Just headin' fer seconds." Okay, so it's more like thirds. Look, if there's a cutoff, he'll lie to get around it.

On the upside of things, if Gallant Goldbritches there just so happens to be worried about the viability of the refreshments, Rattrap has no problems playing taste-tester. Although… on second thought, he can get by on things that have no business running through a fuel filter, so maybe he isn't the most ideal candidate for the position. Either way, further exposition can wait until he gets back. No doubt his ability to scale the table and obtain his own refills will be hampered by the aforementioned refills as the night wears on; it's simple convenience that keeps him independently inebriated at the moment.

Mug again full nearly to the brim – topped off a couple times to accommodate both of those additional toasts and man are these folks drink-happy – he works his slow, lazy way back toward his unofficially claimed corner and the unexpected company there, careful of his steps and his drink; gonna nurse this one for its own sake. And it's a good thing he's a fairly quiet drunk nowadays, isn't it?

"Sorry fer the interruption," he chimes once within earshot.

[Emirate Xaaron-3]

Emirate Xaaron cannot suppress a cringe at Perceptor's offer of refreshment. Immediately he apologises, "I'm sorry, I don’t want to be rude; I'm just... not hungry," he finishes lamely, miserably. Emirate Xaaron doesn't want to stand out, not with three toasts whizzing by him, and he doesn't want to give away just how scared he is.

He isn't succeeding. Emirate Xaaron shouldn't have come, he sees now. He could have stayed curled up on the corner of the crammed new arrivals room.

Emirate Xaaron assures Rattrap, "No, that's quite all right."

[Perceptor]

There doesn't appear to be any limitations intended to be imposed upon this gathering, beyond the volume of libations that has been supplied. Of which, there isn't enough to get Omega Supreme thoroughly overcharged - and really, that's probably for the best, all things considered - but everyone else should be able to land themselves in whatever state of fuzzy inebriation that they desire. Or beyond what they desire, more likely.

In other words? Drink away, Rattrap. Go crazy, have fun. Or, as Perceptor would say...

"I believe that there are sufficient quantities for everyone to achieve an appropriate state of enjoyment this evening, Rattrap."

Well, except for NewXaaron, who is obviously still too terrified of this whole situation - and if that expression is anything to judge by, Perceptor's concoctions - to even so much as relax, let alone allow himself any enjoyment.

"No, no... It is quite all right, Xaaron. Please, do not worry. I do not think you rude," Perceptor assures him hurriedly, stifling his own regret. He cannot help but feel as if he should apologize for the transgressions of the other mechanism that wears his face, and he isn't even certain of everything that this other Perceptor might have done. Only that his own presence is so very disquieting and discomforting to these two refugees.

"My apologies, Xaaron. If there is anything that I might do to assist you... please do not hesitate to ask?" It's not much, but he has to make the offer. That'll probably frighten this Xaaron, too, unfortunately, and Perceptor... feels tired, suddenly. He's glad of the distraction of Rattrap's return.

"No interruption, Rattrap. How are you enjoying the evening thus far?" he asks, plastering on a bit of cheer as he addresses the much smaller mech.

[Rattrap]

Thankfully for Rattrap, trying to put together responses, Grimlock provides a handily-timed stall. Nothing like a guy who can't handle his energon making a harebrained spectacle of himself at a public event to really lighten the mood. It's even better when they're big.

"Ehh… not too bad, I s'pose," Rattrap finally answers Perceptor after Grimlock assures everyone he didn't damage something important – like his sword-arm – on landing. The spy takes a sip of his drink, then another. "The people are alright, the high-grade goes down easy, got plenty o' entertainment. I've been ta worse parties than dis. Slag, dis is downright tame, but, eh… s'what happens when things get formal." He shrugs, then stares contemplatively at his mug for a few nano-kliks before downing another good mouthful, glancing sidelong first at Perceptor, then at antsy Xaaron.

Well. Looks like this little rat has stumbled his way into some tension, unless he's reading things all wrong. Which is possible; he has been drinking. He's been known every now and again to mistake violent threats for graphic propositions with enough energon in his systems. It was only a couple times, really, and in his defence, he hadn't been fluent in the local language at the time. And they did sort of look like chicks.

"…Sure seems kinda stilted over heah fer a party, though," he continues, idly swirling his drink. Totally innocent observation. Not a hint of expectation, no implied threat. "If there's somethin' you two wanna talk about, I got no problems makin' myself scarce." Because he isn't about to try playing counsellor to a bunch of giant robots, no sir. He's kind of having a good time and if anybody's gonna ruin that tonight, it can at least be Rattrap himself.

[Emirate Xaaron-3]

Emirate Xaaron says sincerely, "I hope that I will never need to avail myself of your services, Perceptor." Boy, does he means it. His past history of being used as a tear-apart doll aside, Emirate Xaaron really does try to avoid getting injured.

He looks over at Rattrap like Rattrap has just suggested that Emirate Xaaron should proposition Perceptor's creation factory. Talk out his issues with Perceptor. Why in Unicron's name would Emirate Xaaron want to do that? Talking to a Perceptor at all is half of why Emirate Xaaron has so many issues!

So it wasn't so much the talk that did it but the actions behind the talk. He doesn't want to give Perceptor ideas. He's sure that Perceptor has plenty enough ideas on his own.

He forces a warm smile and insists, "Oh no, Rattrap, feel free to stay, if you'd like. Just stiff old gears getting to me, I'm sure."

[Shanodin]

Botanica made a point of stopping off at the refreshment table after her impromptu speech, then began working her way back to the out fringes of the crowd. A good thing that, since she had to pause not once but twice for additional toasts.

Oh for the love of....there was a Grimlock in her history, most definitely, but she doesn't recall the archives saying anything about him being this...well, silly. With a sigh and a shake of her head, she continues on.

Ah, there is Perceptor. They haven't had their daily check-in session. Of course, now isn't exactly the best time, with both of them indulging in drinks with a bit more kick. And he is talking to that other Emirate. And Rattrap. Bugger.

She stops within hailing distance of that group, taking a sip of her drink while she scans the crowd, looking for a perhaps less volatile group to join.

---

Cross-posted to Welcoming Skyfire.

[Perceptor]

Perceptor cannot help fixing a look of amused disbelief on Rattrap; formal? Formal would have been not inviting Grimlock at all. This is a casual, relaxed gathering to him. It's certainly no Junkion Ball, but it's certainly not formal.

Rattrap must lead such an interesting life.

It's quite fortunate that Perceptor is not privy to Xaaron's thoughts. He'd be horrified beyond his ability to maintain the integrity of his fuel tanks if he were. All he notes is that Xaaron's response, if somewhat hasty, had been cheerful enough, lacking that certain faint edge of beaten pet terror that seems to be a component of this Xaaron's default mood.

Well, except for that look he tosses at Rattrap, but, really, that could mean anything, right?

At this Xaaron's final qualifier, Perceptor is reminded of the one time he'd had the opportunity to see his own Xaaron's systems and make repairs. There is no reason to think that this Xaaron is any younger or more fit than his own Xaaron, who, for all of his external polish, is easily as ancient as Kup, if not moreso. No wonder this Xaaron might be stiff and sore!

"I could perhaps assist with that," he offers politely, almost shyly eager. It's as if he needs to help, to prove himself, perhaps, to these refugees. "I would welcome Swerve's assistance with such an endeavor, and between us both, I am certain that we would be able to at least limit your current physical discomforts. If you wish, that is."

Alas, Perceptor is currently so fixated on offering something, anything, with which to put this Xaaron at ease, that he misses Botanica's approach.

[Rattrap]

"Dey got ways a' fixin' things like dat, y'know," Rattrap says idly to Xaaron before taking another swig and adding, much more loudly, "Arright, if you say so!" He doesn't try to insist he had the corner first. He suddenly can't even remember just when Xaaron got there and eyes his drink critically. Looks like this is the sort of stuff that sneaks up on you after a few rounds. Hooboy. Tonight might be better than he thought it was gonna be. Never a bad thing.

See, Rattrap leads the life of a spacer, miner, demo man, and spy who, up until a few months ago, practically had to make the interesting happen. If it isn't interesting, it doesn't hold him very long. Same goes for his women; sure, a couple of 'em taught him all new uses for datalinks, but they were still just one-trick ponies. He likes a little more spice, more spring. He likes things interesting.

So what's so interesting about the plant lady, anyway? It's a question that starts nagging at him the instant he spots her just milling around, looking everywhere but toward this particular corner. On purpose, he's sure. What is it with her? Alright, fine, she knows him and he knows her in the future sometime, he gets that part. They're fellow Maximals, okay, got that. But what's the connection? What's with the looks she always gives him, those weird remarks about this and that and the other thing? Don't tell him he pulls a Rhinox sometime and donates parts to save her life and she's doing the eternally grateful-please-let-me-serve-you thing.

…Okay, that doesn't sound so bad. But that's never the case because that works out too nicely for Rattrap.

"'Ey," he greets Botanica, distinctly sour. "Too good ta say so much as hi t' us lowly peons inna corner?"

[Emirate Xaaron-3]

Gah, crazy feral plant lady! But Emirate Xaaron doesn't want to come down with a crippling rash!

But this isn't the Botanica he knows, he reminds himself.

Emirate Xaaron considers Perceptor's offer, a 'no' on his lips, but he is brought up short. The offer of involving Swerve both reassures Emirate Xaaron and dismays him. He really doesn't want Swerve to know. Swerve has seen enough. He doesn't need to know Emirate Xaaron's past, etched into his gears, as it is.

Finally, he sighs and replies, against his better judgement, "You would not like what you would see. Perhaps you need to see it, though." Perhaps it will give him the wrong ideas and thereby doom this reality. Perhaps it will prepare him for what is to come.

Emirate Xaaron makes a pained face when Rattrap mentions that they have ways of fixing things. The ones who are supposed to fix things also have a way of breaking them.