Perceptor's Introspection

[Perceptor]

After watching Swerve take off at top speed, Perceptor heaves a sigh of frustration and opens a secure transmission to Arcee and Synapse.

// If we cannot find some common ground... I fear that the Decepticon's work will be all but completed for them, // he observes privately. // I had not ever considered that Autobots would have such a difficult task of simply finding... commonality. //

He's quietly contemplative for a long moment, and when he continues, his voice is sad.

// They are hard mechanisms, Arcee, Synapse. I... find them baffling, and yet... Somehow, we must merge into a more cohesive unit if we are all to survive. //

Frankly, that concept frightens him.

[Arcee]

//You're right, Perceptor,// Arcee responds. //I just don't understand it. They're Autobots, the same as us. And yeah, we've got some nasty pieces of work on out side--Sunstreaker comes to mind--but he's nothing compared to them.//

She too, grows quite for a moment. //We need a real leader. Someone with the strength to pull this whole lot together. ...We need Optimus.//

[Perceptor]

// We cannot know what they have been required to endure, Arcee, // Perceptor replies, temporizing. // Perhaps we have been more fortunate than we realize in the progression of events that fate and happenstance have afforded our reality, despite outward appearance. //

Perceptor heaves another long sigh, his thoughts whirling about him as quick as the light he depends upon for his function. He does not like where they lead, and so he chooses to send them along a new tangent for now.

// Synapse? Are you well? // he asks, concerned for the green mech's quietness. // Did your components suffer damage? Do you require rest? //

After all, Synapse had returned from his survey only to be thrown directly into this mission, without pause for rest.

[Synapse]

// Huh? I-I'm fine. Nothing's wrong...I-I'm sorry I got so snappish. // murmurs Synapse quietly. He knows that the apology should be directed towards Swerve though. It surprises him then when the racer is the first to offer it. // Ah...wait a second? //

[Perceptor]

// I did not feel that you were "snappish," Synapse. No need for apologies, // Perceptor replies gently.