"But didn't he just -- fall into a pit or --?" He makes a few helpless gestures, because hell if Sideswipe paid attention in basic Cybertronian History 101. "No one's heard from him since the war ended and everything!"

It's sort of reassuring to hear from another Autobot. Even one who's fumbling with the explanations. At least Pipes seems honest and earnest about it all. Which scores a lot of points with the kid.

"Sideswipe." He blinks a few times. "Ratchet's here? Seriously? I thought he -- " But then the excited look of a kid who heard Santa's Grouchy Cousin was here turns to disdain. "Yeah, I know Drift. Mister--"

There's a pause, as Sideswipe puts his fingers under his nonexistent nose like a mustache. "Honooooorrrrr."