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Post by Perceptor on Dec 29, 2008 21:52:50 GMT -5
Not far from where Rodimus faces his dark twin and the rest of the battle between allies and foes wages, one rather distracted, feverishly working scientist has carved himself out a niche of calm, concealed amidst a scattering of scree and terrain. Some might think Perceptor hiding there in his sheltered little nook where even the booms and crashes and shrill shrieks of weapons' fire is muffled by the earth itself.
They would be right, but not, perhaps, for the reasons which many might assume. It is not the battle which Perceptor hides from, but distraction, as he hurriedly tinkers and adjusts the components carefully cradled in his hands. It is quiet here, quiet and calm, or at least more calm that out there in the chaos, and if it lacks all the tools which Perceptor had grown accustomed to during his stay on this world, well, he'd already lost one laboratory. He's quickly learning how to make due with what he has on hand.
Which is considerably more than he had been in the habit of before he'd come here and had realized that each day might see him relocated to somewhere new and he'd best be prepared.
As for why he is not working on this project back in the makeshift work area carved out for himself in the confines of their tunnel camp, well... Every battle inevitably results in wounded, and sometimes, every hand is necessary to stave off deactivation.
Except that Perceptor's hands now grow still as he suddenly jerks his head up, gaze swinging toward the battle as the feed which Synapse is providing him reveals a terribly... familiar scene.
Only this time, it is Optimus who is being used as the shield against Rodimus.
No. No, no, no, please. History cannot be allowed to repeat itself. It cannot! It--
Rodimus... shot through Optimus, himself. Now that is certainly a novel tactic, especially as it proves to be so successful. Assuming that Optimus is not servely wounded, of course.
Not that Perceptor has any doubt in Rodimus' skill, as he tucks his project away safely and awaits Botanica and her cargo. Perceptor is simply not going to assume anything, especially since the varyied mechanisms' physiology can differ so subtly from reality to reality, that is all.
Why, yes. Yes he is being a little cynical and paranoid, why do you ask?
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on Dec 29, 2008 22:47:51 GMT -5
It takes her longer than normal to travel the distance to Perceptor's hideyhole. But then normally, she is not carrying such a heavy burden. She'd had to alter course, move around rockier patches which she'd normally simply plow through, in an effort to keep from jostling Optimus too much.
Eventually, though, the pair arrives, Botanica choosing to surface a short distance from Perceptor while snapping a quick //It's me.// over the radio for confirmation. She carries the young Prime over to the scientist and very gently lays Optimus down.
"Now. What can I do to assist?" she asks.
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Boondocker
Rookie
General Contractor at Large and Sanitation Engineer Second-Class
Pickup Man
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Post by Boondocker on Dec 29, 2008 23:58:38 GMT -5
So, here Boondocker is, helping out in the medical area once more.
One might be as brazen to suggest that he's hiding from the action, unlike Perceptor.
One would be right. Taking on a big ugly rust-bug is one thing. Taking on evil counterparts of one's friends and allies, along with the Decepticons isn't quite something that appeals to the hickbot.
Plus, he's not really built for combat, and is more useful over here, moving stuff around and helping set things up.
Botanica's call catches his attention right as he notices her burrowing up, and he winces, seeing the younger Prime's damages. "Daggum..."
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Grimlock
Major
There's no crying in Basebrawl!
Posts: 637
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Post by Grimlock on Dec 30, 2008 0:02:51 GMT -5
Shortly after Botanica surfaces, a loud thump is heard outside as Grimlock lands rather clumsily outside with a groan.
A bit of standard radio protocol: //It me, Grimlock.// Then he stumbles in, finding a clear place to take a seat. Grimlock's missing chunks of armor, has a good hole in his side, and a number of gashes and dents, almost walking-dead in looks. The Dinobot Commander sits. "Me Grimlock wait me turn. Me at least online this time, though. Me improving!"
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Post by Perceptor on Jan 1, 2009 19:26:28 GMT -5
For a moment, as Perceptor stares down at that rent red and blue plating, it is another mechanism, a very similar mechanism, that he sees, instead of this youthful Optimus. Instead of the various scrapes and dents, the tears and gashes of Optimus' legs, the massive hole blasted right through the young mech's torso, it is a gaping wound just under a wide chest plate, where the midriff meets the chest, chrome grille shattered at one corner, and sparks escaping amidst pooled fluids.
Not again. Please, not again...
Reality reasserts itself as Perceptor meets those blue optics staring up at him, and the scientist gives himself a shake. The mortal wound fades to memory once more, and the severe, but far from fatal, injuries of the present reannounce themselves. Perceptor transforms and examines the damage more carefully, his scope sweeping down and then back up Optimus' body.
This is not Megatron's shot; it is Rodimus', and the snippet of a quote from some human movie pops into his mind as Perceptor examines it: "Shoot the hostage."1 Apparently Rodimus has seen that movie.
"The wounds are not fatal," he pronounces with relief as he transforms back and immediately begins seeking the tactile networks to adjust to limit Optimus' pain.
"Boondocker," Perceptor calls calmly. "Please retrieve supplies from the cache," he instructs, nodding to where he had stashed the few raw materials he had arranged to be brought out for just such need.
"You can assist in halting the fluid loss, please," he answers Botanica, nodding toward Optimus' legs where lubricant and fuel ooze sluggishly from some of the damage as he glances absently up at the bedraggled Dinobot that has just plopped to a seat.
And pauses, staring for a moment at the damage.
Concern wars with exasperation as he swiftly takes in the severity of the damages. He cannot help but think back on that too recent day when so many of his friends fell. Cannot help but worry and fret and fear for his friends here, out there facing that demon Prime and the Decepticons both. Have they not suffered enough? What else must they lose, who else must they lose before the fates are happy?!
Fates? Perceptor sighs, shaking his head as exasperation wins out. He does not believe in fate, merely in evidence and logic with a leavening of compassion. And perhaps just a bit of wry amusement.
"That is good, Grimlock, because I do not have a pail with me this time in which to transport you, otherwise."
1 - Quote taken from "Speed".
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on Jan 2, 2009 20:42:03 GMT -5
Botanica nods sharply at Perceptor's command, then sets to work tying off the broken lines in Optimus' wound. She was never a medic, and despite her engineering expertise, this is not her element. She may be acting division head, but here and now, Perceptor is in charge.
Besides, even the medics in her day seldom had to get this hands on with their patients. They had cryo-stasis repair chambers for such extensive injuries.
With one of her free hands, she tries to pat Optimus lightly on the shoulder. "A brave act, if a bit brash. But you will be fine."
"Perceptor, how are you co-," she breaks off at Rodimus' entreaty.
//Does anyone else require extraction. Or removal?// She is not above dragging a foe beneath the ground and leaving him or her to dig themselves out.
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Boondocker
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General Contractor at Large and Sanitation Engineer Second-Class
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Post by Boondocker on Jan 3, 2009 22:10:40 GMT -5
Boondocker nods at Perceptor's request, heading over to the area where said supplies are stowed, digging out a couple armfuls of materials and bringing them to the work area, carefully setting them down, and going to arranging them.
A quick glance at the Optimus makes the hickbot shudder, making his engine hitch for a moment.
Daggum... boy thar's got some guts...
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Grimlock
Major
There's no crying in Basebrawl!
Posts: 637
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Post by Grimlock on Jan 3, 2009 22:17:26 GMT -5
Grimlock snorts bemusedly, adjusting a bit. "Mmph. Me Grimlock put others in pails!" He attempts a boasty gesture... And the sleeve-plating on his right arm falls off, seperating into the front and half pieces when it hits the ground.
"..."
The Dinobot Commander grumbles a bit, picking the pieces up and setting them in his lap while he waits for his turn.
---------- Skippable. Grimlock will comment on events as he sees fit.
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Optimus Prime
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Post by Optimus Prime on Jan 4, 2009 8:43:56 GMT -5
Optimus is conscious but in a lot of pain as he is brought to Perceptor. He does his best to hide it.
His mouth-guard, left on for so long, finally slides back revealing his face. He is still gripping his axe in his hand, and as work begins on his damaged systems, his grip tightens.
"Just... just a patch job for now, Perceptor." The fight is not over yet.
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Wreckage-3
Cadet
Numbness is Better Than Pain
Posts: 50
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Post by Wreckage-3 on Jan 5, 2009 12:15:37 GMT -5
Wreckage has been running flat-out for distance from Oracle since his last radio call. The frequencies have been busy, but he has had no guidance, leaving him to simply circle the crater in hopes of finding someone friendly. Even that plan crumbles and he has to change course when the flames burst forth and wash him over with searing pain, sending him veering wide of the crater to escape their reach. He nearly steers back to seek out Springer when the Autobot makes his call for help, but Skystrike answers first, leaving Wreckage on his current heading.
He doesn't know if he should go to the aid of the screaming Autobot – Skid-Z? – and even as he debates turning again into the shrinking flames, the blackened and scorched Stryker comes barrelling in unwitting toward the repair area still at his top speed. He first sights the rock formation and only once he closes the distance more does he notice the movement of mechanoids sheltered by the stone. Still more terrain behind him and he can make out colours and distinct shapes… like grey mock-wings and a red shoulder-mounted barrel. He brakes at the sight, and when the loose stones and volcanic sand leave him skidding, he engages transformation so he can dig in his feet.
//Wreckage approaching coordinates <location of the repair area>. Grimlock… Perceptor… current locations?//
OOC: Wreckage-3 is still a short distance out of the repair area, but coming in fast.
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Post by Perceptor on Jan 5, 2009 18:48:03 GMT -5
Perceptor has his duties, and those duties do not allow for him to go haring off to Rodimus' aid. It sounds as if he may have a bit too much aid, anyway. Besides, Botanica would be far more suited to being truly useful out there, anyway, and he gives her a nod to indicate that if she needs to leave quickly, to not linger on his account.
"Thank you, Boondocker," he replies, intentionally splitting his attention to keep his naturally multi-tasking mind from wandering down less pleasant paths. Like dwelling on the brash young Prime's injuries and letting them fade into memories again.
Fortunately, Grimlock is a considerable balm to that stifled ache. Perceptor's hands barely even pause as he turns an almost wry look upon the Dinobot Commander, optics lingering for a moment upon that cracked armor guard. "Hmm...."
A few more tactile sensors are flipped offline with practiced fingers as Perceptor returns his gaze back to his work upon Optimus. He doesn't quite manage to mask his small snort of disbelief. This? This requires something a bit more intensive than "just a patch job."
"I'll be the judge of that, if you please," he observes, frowning as he bypasses damaged motor relays and begins re-routing vital fuel lines. "Your enthusiasm and willingness are to be commended, however, I have had to sort out enough pails of off-line mechanisms this week. You will receive the repairs you require, and not one weld less."
Perhaps someone if feeling the edges of the effects of those fading dark flames as expressed irritation that he would normally swallow and keep to himself.
Or perhaps the worm has turned and is packing a light cannon.
// Wreckage, location is <current repair area>, performing repairs. Grimlock is awaiting his turn for repairs in the same location. Your location please? //
Hopefully that jet he can hear approaching at high speed is the friendly Wreckage and not Starscream or one of the other hostile jets about to give them all a bad day.
"Boondocker, Botanica, please be observant for hostile forces. Grimlock, stay put, or I will happily weld your tail to the ground."
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Shanodin
Major
The Chamberlain, Her Chivalrous Immensity, Lady Botanica. The Unyielding Vanquisher of Weed Killer
This is NOT her field of dreams
Posts: 700
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Post by Shanodin on Jan 7, 2009 12:13:46 GMT -5
No one answers her on radio, and Botanica frets. Her alternate's earlier radio call meant she was somewhere near the conflagration's center, and that alone is worrisome. But she also knows her orders from Rodimus, which some seem to have forgotten, orders which amount to "Stay the hell out of my way once I start doing what needs doing."
For now, she will stay and assist Perceptor. Or protect, if need be.
She snorts at Optimus' brave but very foolish request, "What is it about Optimii? You all seem to have the desire to die in some foolhardy yet heroic way." Her tone is sharp, but in no way cruel. "There are other options beyond rushing in headlong and smashing things, you know." Did Botanica just give Grimlock a Look? Yes, she did.
She reaches over and attempts to take Optimus' axe from him. "Let me set that aside, please. It will only get in our way, and will come to no harm if you let it out of your hands for the duration. Please."
She looks from the young Prime to Boondocker and back again, then shakes her head. Neither have seen enough of battle to understand. She, herself, has seen precious little compared to these other-worldly Autobots, but she has seen horror. Nothing like having your soul eaten by a megalomaniac to change your perspective on things.
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Boondocker
Rookie
General Contractor at Large and Sanitation Engineer Second-Class
Pickup Man
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Post by Boondocker on Jan 7, 2009 22:39:20 GMT -5
"No problem, suh. An'll ah'll git t' watchin' fer unfriendlies. Y'all jus' holler some if'n y'all need me." Boondocker puts on his best helpful grin, heading over to near the entrance, where he had heard someone coming in over the radio.
//Uh...y'all what were askin' 'bout Grimlock an' Perceptor, is that you that's all big, white an' red an' haulin' skidplate?//
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Grimlock
Major
There's no crying in Basebrawl!
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Post by Grimlock on Jan 7, 2009 23:33:47 GMT -5
Grimlock boggles slightly in Perceptor's direction. "Me Grimlock no plan on going anywhere. Me Grimlock tired, just making comment about what me do."
Too bad Grimlock wouldn't know the meaning of Rhetorical if it came up and bit him on the skidplate. If he did, he might make sense and get his point across better.
Then, Grimlock looks at Botanica, and snorts. "Maybe that true. Where Perceptor built to make things and fix things, me Grimlock built to break things. Suits me Grimlock just fine."
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Optimus Prime
Minor
Oh yeah? Well I don't know what that means!
Posts: 383
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Post by Optimus Prime on Jan 8, 2009 19:08:11 GMT -5
"Rodimus is going to need all the help he can!" Optimus says, starting to get angry with his caregivers. "I was doing fine out there until the other Rodimus caught me. The full repair can wait until the crisis is over!"
When Botanica reaches for his axe, Optimus snatches his hand back. "I can put it away if it's in the way." He reaches behind his back to stow the weapon.
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