Disclaimer: Nope, not mine.
Author Notes: The second story set in the Neotaric AU that has been released. This technically starts before the beginning of 'The Destruction of Innocence' but I'm wasn't a hundred percent happy with how I portrayed Perceptor then so I held it back a bit to iron out some of the details.
And yes, pirates, because everything is better with pirates.
The Wreckers
Chapter One
"Are you sure you are going to be alright?"
Perceptor started at the voice that seemed to have come from everywhere at once. It was more of a vibration than an actual voice but the concern and compassion were still just as easy to discern. It took him a moment to answer as he wondered how many more times he was going to have to repeat himself. "I will be fine."
A huff from the ventilation system took him off guard and he finally looked away from the viewport to the console in front of him. "Skyfire? Is there something wrong with your internal ventilation systems?"
"No," sighed the mech who also happened to be his closest friends. "I'm just puzzling over a bit of a problem."
A problem, something to help distract him from the events of the past orn, Perceptor sat up a bit straighter, already turning his processor on what could possibly be bothering the mech he was currently riding in. "Is there some way I can assist you?"
Another huff came through the vents, "What would you do if you have a friend that is obviously lying to you?"
Perceptor opened his mouth only to realize where Skyfire was going with his question and slumped back in his seat, "I assure you that I am not lying and, for the finally time, I will be fine."
"Perceptor," Skyfire said as he gently banked out of the aerial route and headed down into the city proper. "I know how much you gave up for this research. I don't believe that being denied by the Grand Council for continued funding and approval to return to the Obelisk to continue your research is not having any kind of negative affect on you. You gave up the past two vorns of your existence to study that thing."
Perceptor gazed shifted out the viewport again, staring blankly at the buildings that were surrounding them as Skyfire descended. "You are correct that I am upset to not be able to continue my research," he said at length. "However, I should not have set my expectations for so high so early. I should have gathered more evidence to support my hypothesis before bring my speculations forward."
"What more could you have done?" The shuttle asked as he readjusted his speed, coasting in for a landing on the landing pad built on the rooftop of a series of interlocking buildings known as the College of Nexus. It was the most prestigious advanced learning center on the planet, specializing in Xenobiology, Interplanetary and Deep Space studies. It was where Skyfire did all of his research from and where Perceptor had once worked as well. "You presented them with all the calculations and evidence that you had discovered."
"Yet it still wasn't enough," Perceptor sighed. There was a gentle bounce as Skyfire touched down and Perceptor waited patiently until the engines quieted down and the belt securing him to the seat unlatched itself and moved out of the way. He stood and turned towards the opening cockpit door, walking out into the relatively small cargo bay. The loading door that took up most of the right side of the room, opened soundlessly and a small ramp extended and dropped down, allowing the smaller mech to walk off the shuttle rather than jump.
He stepped back and waited patiently as the massive aerial transformed into his root mode. Though much smaller than he had been, Skyfire was still two and a half mechs the height of Perceptor tall, he turned to regard his friend as they both started towards the doors that would lead them into the College. "I doubt that it was a lack in your findings that lead to their decision, despite you unorthodox request. The Grand Council has other things that are preoccupying their processors."
"You mentioned something about that earlier," Perceptor frowned. "I still find it hard to believe such a rumor. How could a civil war break out at such a time of peace and prosperity for our race? Its seems ludicrous."
"I know, but now that some of the media sites have gotten a hold of it they are blowing it massively out of proportions. Sometimes I think that they purposely incite fear to make headlines for themselves." The larger mech gestured for Perceptor to precede him as they stepped onto the lift. "Anyway, enough speculation on what the media is presenting, let us come up with a convincing reason on why you should be given back your previous position. Since the College recommended you to studying the Obelisk, I don't see why there would be any trouble reinstating you." Perceptor could see a reason but it was due to his own directives rather than someone else's.
Quite frankly, he didn't want to work in a lab anymore.
-Break-
Perceptor moved through the Market, along a familiar path despite how long it had been since he had last walked the city streets, heading for one of his favorite Energon cafes. He couldn't thank Skyfire enough for helping convince the Dean of the college to reinstate him as a professor and researcher again. After everything that had happened in the past orn, it was refreshing to have some good news for a change no matter how small. It was nice to know that he wasn't totally obsolete.
Still, returning to his former possession had already been met with some cold reception. Starscream had been particularly furious and had gotten into an argument with Skyfire on the matter that had both scientists yelling at each other. It had been a distressing sight, particularly since he really didn't want to return to his old job.
Being out doing field research had opened his optics to just how much more exciting the world was outside the controlled environment of the lab. It had been amazing. That even the most minor mistake could send him into a downward spiral of catastrophic failures sent his circuits tingling with cyberadrenaline. The fact he was left to his own devices for everything from making sure he processed enough energon to ensuring that his equipment would continue to function properly and not having to deal with anyone, colleagues or otherwise, meant that the silence he preferred to work in was never disrupted.
He was bumped into by a younger mech who called out a quick apology as he continued to run down the street, effectively derailing his process of thought. He did miss the solitude. The Market seemed to be almost too busy even though he knew from past experiences that it was a long ways from the real afternoon rush. He heaved a sigh as he entered his destination, it was just another thing he would have to accumulate himself to again. Along with dealing with the other scientists at the lab as he tried to fit back into the niche he had once had.
He ordered a red energon and was waiting patiently for it when he realized that he was being stared at by a group of mechs on the other side of the room. He didn't recognize any of them and, as he met the gaze of the helomech sitting there, he realized that they were intentionally watching him. The helomech smiled warmly and crooked a digit at him in the classic 'come here' gesture.
Perceptor stood undecided for a moment as he regarded the group of mech's now watching him closely. They all out massed him by a lot. One was at least four times his size. The easy going and inviting smile on two of the three faceplates helped to easy the intimidating appearance of the mechs. The third and largest of the mechs wore a facemask which made it impossible to guess his mood but, judging by the hunch of his shoulders, he was either embarrassed about something or shy. They didn't appear to be dangerous.
After a moment's internal debate which seemed to take vorns, Perceptor started for the table. The argument had finally come down to the fact that Perceptor realized that he was bored with what his old life and the prospect of something new. Before his sabbatical on the far reaches of their solar system, Preceptor wouldn't have even debated talking to these strange mechs. He would have ignored them and left the cafe if he had even noticed them at all. Now though, the slight thrill of not knowing the outcome and a general curiosity of what the outcome could be was just a small reminder of what he had out on the Obelisk.
The teal helomech that had originally beckoned him over smiled even more broadly with his approach. "Perceptor, right?" he asked when he was within auditory range. He waved his servo at the smallest of the three mechs who was sitting across from him. Responding to the unspoken command, the mech reached over and grabbed a seat from the nearby empty table and spun it around so it was next to him. He slid it back enticingly as his visor flashed. "Why don't you join us for a moment?"
Perceptor glanced at the chair next to him and then back at the helomech before sitting down in it. He felt rather small sitting at the table with these three mechs, even the smallest of them was about twice his size. "You obviously know who I am. May I inquire as to what your designations are?"
"Certainly, I'm Spinner," the helomech then nodded his head at the largest of the three mechs that was sitting across from Preceptor. "This is Overhead."
"And I'm Rundown," the smallest of the three mechs said sitting off to Perceptor's left. Unlike his two comrades who appeared to be designed with strength in mind, Rundown was a bit lither and streamline. He still had reinforced armor on but he had been built more for speed than the other two were. He flopped back lazily in his chair at the same time as Spinner leaned forward a bit, drawing Perceptor's attention back to him as he spoke.
"I'm not the kind to try and make this sound fancy or anything so I'm going to cut straight to the chase here. I want to offer you a job."
"A job," Perceptor parroted as he looked over the mechs again. The reinforced armor suggested that they were miners of some kind but they were amazingly well polished and maintained for that kind of work. There wasn't a dent or scratch to be seen on their armor either.
"Yeah, a job. We're explores getting ready to launch an expedition out to the Beta Five cluster. The scientist who we managed to get signed on has backed out, I wanted to know if you would be interested in his position."
Of course he was interested. Very interested. The Beta 5 cluster was clear across the known universe from Cybertron, sitting on the fringes of unexplored space. The grouping of planets revolved around a yellow hydrogen based star and several of them tested positive for organic life that had yet been studied at all. The thought of studying those unknown organics in their natural habitat sent a quiver through his spinal strut.
However, he had just retaken his post at the College and didn't dare just turn around and turn down the offer, especially after Skyfire's highly convincing argument on his behalf. To back out from that now would have repercussions on both himself and Skyfire in the scientific community at the College. There was a chance that Skyfire could even be discredited and relieved of his position
and that was something that Perceptor couldn't do to the aerial. Not after everything he had done for him.
"I thank you for considering me but I must decline this offer," he said with a sigh. "I have already returned to my former position at the College and simply cannot leave at this time."
There was a flicker of disappointment across Spinner's faceplates before he schooled his features again to open and friendly. "I'm sorry for my loss but congratulations on being reinstated."
"Thank you," Perceptor said and started to excuse himself when he was interrupted.
"You really want to hang out in a stuffy old lab rather than come with us?" Rundown seemed hurt and shuffled his seat closer and threw an arm across Perceptor's shoulders. Perceptor stiffened, not use to being so close to another mech. Rundown didn't even seem to notice his unease as he pulled him closer. "We're really not that bad. Think of all the wonders we are going to see. This is a trip to the other side of the universe!"
The kid -at least he gave Perceptor the impression of being younger- seemed to leak of excitement and despite himself, Perceptor was excited for them too. He was sad that he could not accompany them but excited for what they were undoubtedly going to see. "It would be amazing to travel there but I simply cannot leave the College at this time."
"Rundown, Perceptor has made his choice," Overhead rumbled quietly. "Don't try to force him one way or the other."
Perceptor nodded his thanks to the large mech as Rundown slid his arm off his shoulders with a sigh and proceeded to pout in his chair. Spinner spoke up again, "Sorry, Rundown can get a bit over excited sometimes."
"It's quite all right," Perceptor slid his seat a little further away from the mech that had his arms crossed over his chassis and trying to glare a hole in the table as he slumped in his seat. "I can understand why he is so excited."
"Rundown is the youngest member of the crew," Overhead offered as he seemed to sink a bit in his seat. He did seem shy and Perceptor wondered how often this mech usually talked. Judging by the lifted eye ridge that Spinner shot him, it was more than usual.
"I do have one more question for you, if you don't mind. It would help us immensely if you could answer for me," Spinner said as he turned back to him.
"Not at all," Perceptor responded taking a sip from his neglected energon. "I would be happy to help."
"Rumor has it," Spinner said leaning a little closer and dropping his voice a bit as if he was sharing a secret. "That you have discovered a way to travel across the universe in the shuttering of an optic." Perceptor froze with the energon halfway to his lip components. He didn't know that his discovery had already made it to mainstream knowledge. He had just briefed the Grand Council on it that morning. "If you are willing to share what that is, it would speed our expedition up a lot, and I would happily compensate you for helping us."
Preceptor set his energon down, servo trembling slightly as he remembered the events of that morning and the harsh rebuttal he had received. "I must apologizes but I cannot share that information with you," harsh words that threw his carefully laid out presentation into disarray. The mocking comments and close minded thoughts of their planet's leaders. There were few who hadn't said anything and only one who tried to defend him. It was all fresh in his processor and would be for many vorns to come. "I never was able to finish my research on my findings."
"We could help you finish it up," Rundown said perking back up suddenly as if his word alone made it as simple as that.
"That is impossible," Perceptor sighed as he remembered the Council's verdict to his findings. "The Grand Council has decreed that my findings are highly controversial and has band all further research on the subject." That hadn't been the whole truth but it had been close enough. Not receiving the funding to return to the Obelisk and being denied access to a Matrix of Leadership had thrown his research into disarray. How could he prove that his theory when he was denied access to an artifact he needed and lack funding to return to the site. "I am sorry that I am unable to help you further," he stood quickly. "Have a safe journey," he turned and headed for the shops exit without a backwards glance.
He ignored Spinner saying his name and stepped out onto the street. The meeting was still so fresh in his processor that it hurt to think of it. Two vorns of his life wasted out on the edge of deep space with nothing to show for it but for a desire to go back to that lifestyle. Back to his solitude, where all it was about was the research and keeping himself online to discover the next bit of data gleaned from the coal black surface.
"Perceptor!" He nearly jumped out of his armor as a servo grabbed his arm and pulled him to a stop. His ventilations nearly caught in his intakes as Spinner pulled him to a stop gently. "You forgot your energon," he said, holding up the cube for Perceptor to take.
For a moment he could do nothing but stare at it before he shakily took it as Spinner released his arm. "Thank you," he said in a small voice.
"Sorry about spooking you," Spinner said as Perceptor shook his head, that was not the reason at all. "No, I shouldn't have been so blunt. You have no right to trust me, I should have given you more information about our expedition before asking for your research so here. I insist," he handed Perceptor a thin piece of metal with a comm code scribbled on it. "To make it up to you, any time you need anything, give me a shout. I'll see to it that it gets done."
He looked at the communication code only to jump again as Spinner grabbed his shoulders and looked him square in the optic.
"I'm serious, Perceptor," Spinner said as. he let go and started to turn away. "If you need any kind of help, no matter what it is, call me."
There was something about the way he said it, the seriousness in his optics and the tone of his voice that set him on edge. He had been gaping at the helomech when he had took him by the shoulders but now that he was leaving, Preceptor managed to pull himself together somewhat and nodded his helmet in agreement. Spinner smirked as he headed back into the cafe and Preceptor found himself tucking the slip of metal into his small wrist storage compartment as he headed back to his apartment.
-Break-
His comm was beeping again but he continued to ignore it.
It was probably just Skyfire checking on him.
Again.
Perceptor signed and continued to balance the screwdriver on its point, barely touching it with the digits on his servos as it wobbled back and forth on the desk. He wouldn't deny he was sulking. Two vorns. He had wasted the past two vorns. Two vorns studying the smooth metal mass on the edge of their star system was all for nothing. He knew he could petition the Grand Council but he would need so much evidence to prove that he needed continue his studies. It would take several more vorns just to compile and then to simplify that data... More time wasted when he knew he was right.
He sighed and the burst of exhaust caused the screwdriver to wobble precariously. He turned his processors away from that dark train of thought. He had given up everything and let his specialty consume him, just to prove he was right about the Obelisk. He knew that it was how their ancestors could jump halfway across the universe and he was positive that his hunch on the Obelisk was true.
Why couldn't they see and understand that?
He sighed and let the screwdriver fall, listening to it land on the desk and watching as it rolled back and forth as it dissipated its kinetic energy. He really wished there was something else he could do besides starting the arduous task of preparing the petition. He was tempted to dig around in his cabinets for the high grade he knew was in there but he knew drinking away his problems would only solve them for the night. His problems would still be there the following day cycle and he would most likely have a processor ache to help deteriorate his mood even further. Being over energized for the night cycle wouldn't be worth it in the long run.
The door took that moment to chime but he didn't bother to answer it, staring at the now immobile screwdriver. It wasn't until it chimed for the ninth time Perceptor heaved a deep exhaust and headed for the door. He would at least check who it was and then decided if he would open the door or not. A digit jabbed the door camera and he started when he noticed a rather annoyed looking courier mech. He rushed to open the door, fumbling slightly with the door controls in his haste. "I am so sorry!" he half yelled at the now very startled mech. "I-I was caught up in a process and didn't even notice the door chime." He added lamely as the courier quirked an optic ridge at him.
"Um… right. Please sign for this." The mech said handing him a datapad and a stylus which Perceptor quickly scrawled out his glyph on. "Thank you," the courier said as he took back his
datapad and handed Perceptor a standard sized datapad in return. "Have a good cycle."
Perceptor nodded his helmet even though the other mech had already started off down the corridor, tapping the door controls as he did so. He tapped the screen, activating the datapad and froze when the pad displayed the seal of Grand Prime Sentinel before fading out and being replaced by text.
Why would a Grand Prime be contacting him now? He remembered that Grand Prime Sentinel was the mech who had tried to stick up for him in the arguments during his meeting with the Grand Council. Was it possible that he actually agreed with Perceptor to some extent? As his nervousness peaked his servos began trembling with the increase of hydraulic pressure in his systems. He forced himself to take a deep exhaust to help settle his systems. None of his questions would be answered until he read the letter. With a slight nod of his helmet, his systems now back to their
normal parameters, Perceptor began to read the letter.
Perceptor,
First, I wish to offer my condolences on the results of the vote today. I can understand what it means to put all your effort into something only to be denied from reaching the conclusion so close to its end. I had hoped that my fellow councilmen would have seen what you were trying to accomplish with your research and permitted you access to a Matrix of Leadership. I am so very sorry that this did not happened.
While I cannot act against the council's decision, what I can do is offer you increased funding and resources to further your investigation of the Obelisk. If you would be so inclined to discuss this further, I would be more than happy to meet with you at your convince in the near future. Below is the communication sequence identifier that will allow you to contact me directly. Please do not hesitate to call if there is anything I can do to help you continue your research.
The letter was signed with the large flourished sigil of the Grand Prime with contact information below to his office. Not a secretary but directly to Sentinel's comm line. Perceptor couldn't believe his luck. "Unbelievable," he whispered to himself as he stepped over to his terminal and sat down in the chair rather hard as the abused hydraulics in his legs depressurized. "Absolutely unbelievable."
To have funding and resources, from a Grand Prime no less, was a dream come true. He had never had that level of funding before, not even close to it. The College could never match the funding of a Grand Council member. He reread the letter just to make sure he was reading the information correctly but even after reading through it four times nothing had changed in it. Grand Prime Sentinel was offering him funding and support. He set the letter down with a shaky servo as he covered his faceplates with his other servo taking a shaky intake as his plating rattled. It was too good to be true.
Something fell off a table with a loud clunk and Perceptor jerked slightly in surprise but he didn't move from his position still to overwhelmed by all that had happened in the past orn. It was probably just the potential energy being transferred into kinetic energy in the screwdriver he had been playing with. His processor turned back to its original thought process. He didn't get a Matrix to prove his theory but he was going to be receiving support from a Grand Prime. He would be foolish to not accept such an honor. Better yet, he could still maintain his post at the College while he worked for the Prime. Access to the resources of a Grand Prime and having one of the best research laboratories at his disposal was a dream come true. He took another shuddering intake, giggling slightly to himself as he wiped at his faceplates, shuttering his optics and leaned back in his chair with a soft vent. The future didn't look so bleak and monotonous anymore.
Wait, what was the catalyst that turned the potential energy into kinetic?
He opened his optics only to jerk in surprise at the mech standing before him.
The mech had an oily smile on his face as he stood in front of Perceptor with his servos calmly tucked behind his back. There were three large spikes across each shoulder and his peds seemed
abnormally large compared to the rest of his frame. Perceptor assumed that the mech had thrusters built into them. The mech shifted slightly and as the light played off his armor, Perceptor realized that the unknown mech didn't have black armor like he had original thought. It was a very deep purple that could only be discerned properly when the mech moved just right in the light. The only things that weren't black on the mech were his dark gray faceplates with the ruby red optics and a much lighter purple insignia sitting prominently in the center of his chest plate.
"Perceptor," the mech purred at him his optics dimming slightly. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, faceplate to faceplate."
"W-Who are you?!" Perceptor squeaked in alarm, rising out of his chair. His security system hadn't even raised an alarm. "How did you get in here?!" The mech glancing behind him was
Perceptor's only warning as a pair of servos landed on his shoulders and forced him to seat back down hard. He twisted his helmet around to another never before seen mech holding him in place. A quick glance around his lab revealed several other mechs standing about waiting for something. Something that Perceptor was sure he didn't want to know about or be around for. "What do you want?!"
"Please calm yourself Perceptor," the mech in front of him said causing Perceptor to look back at him. "We are only here to give you exactly what you want."
"Wh-what I want?" There were four mechs in his lab as far as Perceptor could see. The one in front of him, the one holding him in his seat and the two -and possibly more- stationed around the room. The other two mechs he could see were peeking out the room's windows and dimming the lights which only added fuel to Perceptor's growing fear.
"A Matrix of Leadership," Perceptor looked back at the mech he assumed was the leader of the mechs who had broken into his lab. "Along with any financial amounts or resources you could desire."
Perceptor shifted in his chair nervously. How did they know about that? His voice was quiet but determined when he spoke, finally losing the stutter he had developed previously. "What is the catch?"
"Catch? There is no catch. I merely want to see if this Gate Theory of yours is true. That's all. Think of it as something mutually beneficial."
"I do not believe you. You've broken into my home, had me restrained, and, judging by the other two mech who are surveying the outside of this edifice, you're ensuring that there are no witnesses." His voice warbled slightly but Perceptor managed to force it down. Panicking wouldn't solve anything. "What's the catch," He demanded.
"I've already told you, there is no catch. You will be doing research to help the betterment of Cybertorians everywhere."
The purple insignia was reminding Perceptor of something and the more he stared at it the more he began to recognize it. It was an emblem that an extremist group had adopted it as their symbol. The group was devoted to 'change' Cybertron for its 'own good' no matter how many they had to deactivate for it or what they had to destroy. Both the Enforcers and the Spec Ops had engaged them numerous times. Each engagement was more violent and destructive than the one before. There were whispers in the energon bars and over the social media networks about a civil war starting up despite the media and Councilors venomously denying it. "You're with the Decepticons?" he whispered not expecting an answer.
"Yes we are and so shall you be Perceptor."
He jerked, trembling at the thought, "I refuse!" His engine whined in distress as the smile on the mech in front of only grew in size. He tried to get up only to be held still be the mech behind him despite the fact he was using all his strength to get up. "Let me go!" He cried as real panic began to claw through his systems despite his efforts to quell it.
"Oh Perceptor, I don't believe you understood me correctly." The mech purred as he stepped closer, bending down so that he was looking right into Perceptor's terrified optics. "I didn't give you a choice…"
