|
Post by Dr. Keith Orbit on Feb 3, 2012 23:37:20 GMT -5
<"EDI, please...If you destroy the base, promise me you will cease targets after? Trust me when I say that a fighter does NOT require targets continuously, it is not realistic! If you remembered the movies we watched, squadrons only took to the sky when they got called, they didn't go selecting their own targets after the primary was done. It's senseless and leaves a lot of destruction in the wake. If you destroy more than the base this time, I'm afraid I'm not sure I can forgive you. This is a very similar way to how we lost Henry, remember?"> Keith continued to speak to EDI this time through his neural core. He'd created a back door method of accessing the AI's communication systems since the last mishap, so he was doing everything in his power to avoid unnecessary casualties. He was now sitting at his computer, typing away.
After all, he could understand why EDI was furious and he would accept that he had to destroy Command Control, he'd certainly be happy that the people he was supposedly serving for was for a good cause.
It took a moment to realize that something cold and round was touching the back of his neck...
|
|
|
Post by Jack Hurst on Feb 4, 2012 0:12:05 GMT -5
"Just what are you trying to pull? Play superman and change the world?" Jack threatened, and the click of the safety going off snapped loudly in Keith's ears. His hands on the keyboard froze, and he didn't move.
"I'm wondering the same about you, Jack. I swear I didn't do anything. EDI found out the truth about your values on his own. And now you've angered him. It's you that did 'something', SIR." Keith retorted. "And now your base is in jeopardy, we're still in it, and EDI is making a high speed course straight to it and there's absolutely no stopping him."
"It seems I made a mistake about trying to trust an AI again. They're so flaky...KARR wasn't much better." Jack growled. "Shut down that computer, get your phone. We're getting out of here well before your plane gets here, and don't think I'm going to let you get away with murder."
"You can't blame him for being angry, nor can you blame ME!" Keith protested as they got up. He was thankful his phone had been tucked in his jeans pocket once he sat down at the computer. "The Autobots are trying to protect us, but you want to kill them all! I won't represent an organization that will not attempt peaceful communication with extraterrestrial beings." Keith would keep talking until Jack tried to shut him up.
"They only fled here because of that damn All Spark, and now they're drawing us into their own drama, we don't have to be a part of it and we merely think their time is done here. Our cities do not do well bearing their heavy figures, they are becoming a liability, even if we have a lot to learn from them." Jack argued. "I have relayed messages to everyone about the alert, if we're lucky, all of us will be able to get out before EDI destroyes the complex."
Keith fell quiet as they continued to move out towards the parking garage, he knew if they got away, it probably wouldn't be unlikely that EDI would target specific humans if he was pissed enough. {"As long as I can avoid getting a bullet up my brain, I look forward to seeing how long this jack ass lasts once EDI arrives.}
|
|
|
Post by Tinman on Feb 4, 2012 0:26:31 GMT -5
He heard Keith's words as they were sent to him directly, and at first he was ready to protest, but then the mention of the loss of Henry and how EDI's defiance had caused the death of his own squad mate, EDI slowed, also knowing that if EDI didn't listen to his father, Keith wouldn't be able to forgive EDI, not again. <"Father... I... I am sorry... I do not know what else to do... they... they lied to us... they used us like throw away tools..."> he paused for a moment, hoping Keith could help him sort out his confusion, but no answer came. <"Father? Doctor Orbit? Are you there?"> He began to grow concerned, calling for his creator, hoping Keith would respond, yet there seemed to be nothing. <"Father?"> he called, his tone growing fearful, more frantic the longer the silence drug on. "NO! I WILL NOT LET THEM HURT MY FATHER!" he screamed suddenly and launched forward again, desperate to find Keith before one of the POE leaders hurt or killed him. He had Keith's cell phone signal and it was coming from the POE base, which only seemed to enrage EDI further as he flew straight for the Colorado mountain base, blaring Iron Maiden's "Aces High" as he flew.
|
|
|
Post by Jack Hurst on Feb 4, 2012 1:11:02 GMT -5
Keith continued to be nudged towards the parking garage by Jack. When they got there, the isles of vehicles were emptying out fast. Jack wasn't kidding when he had ordered evacuation protocol. "Is the gun point really necessary?" Keith growled once they got to the passenger seat and he was forced in.
"Not at this point. Try to bail and I'll run you over before your AI can save you." Jack threatened. "Our base will suffer the consequence of the attack, but we will persevere, we have every right to our beliefs."
As the Sukhoi followed EDI with partial concern, back in Colorado, a black Chevrolet Silverado moved out of the hidden base with the other vehicles as quickly as they could manage, the siren sounding off and red warning lights flashing overhead.
|
|
|
Post by Tinman on Feb 4, 2012 1:19:57 GMT -5
EDI crested the mountains, the base in sight now. He saw that the base was quickly evacuating and he could only hope that Shilo and her father were among the evacuees. He launched two FAE's at the main compound, then launched a blue ferret straight into the opening to the subterranean base. He then scanned for Keith's cell phone signal, picking it up among the vehicles that were exiting the parking area. He circled around then, tracking the signal until he pinpointed the precise vehicle and found Keith in the passenger seat with Jack Hurst, this base's leader. EDI moved in then and dropped down until he was directly in the black Silverado's path. "Release Doctor Keith Orbit unharmed immediately." he stated in a dark tone, his gatlin guns trained on the vehicle as he hovered there, his entire exterior black, his canopy dark, ignoring the other vehicles as they swerved around the confrontation to get to the access road just behind the UCAV.
|
|
|
Post by Jack Hurst on Feb 4, 2012 6:29:36 GMT -5
Jack slowed but didn't slow to a stop right away. He wondered for a moment what he would do if he shot Keith then and there, but he knew he wouldn't live to see the outcome, so he decided to obey. He was rather surprised by this style of confrontation, anyway. Jack glared over at Keith, not pleased at all. Keith just say there staring at EDI, ignoring his 'supposed' leader's glare. He should have thought twice about bringing an AI into the mix, he decided that this WAS partially his fault, as much as he hated to admit it. When he looked at EDI, he thought of that female Freelancer from the disbanded Freelancer Project. And when he looked at EDI the way he was now, he hoped she wouldn't turn on him too, both were his most valuable assets in this whole POE deal. "I hope you know what you're doing, EDI, you're on very thin ice."
He was not in the mood to step out of the vehicle, but he was technically caught red handed, and he feared that if he didn't do what the AI said, then he was lucky to live past this point.
"Out." Jack snapped at Keith. Keith got out quickly, without any hesitation whatsoever. "This ISN'T over, you two."
|
|
Windsong
Laser Fodder
Give a flying Bot some highgrade and he'll do some aerobatics for you![A1i:4]
Posts: 25
|
Post by Windsong on Feb 4, 2012 6:35:02 GMT -5
Windsong also followed low and moved in from the other direction. "Once you have your Father, let's wreck this place!" Windsong didn't want to see these guys get away, if they were threatening the Cybertronians, the Autobots specifically, he saw that as whacked. From what he had learned from others at the base, the Autobots were quickly becoming friends with many of the humans, particularly those in the US government. He wasn't sure about other countries, but he didn't see why some of the humans were having issues with the Cybertronians other than the Decepticons. It was the DECEPTICONS that needed exiling.
Windsong was certainly learning a lot about the on-going Cybertornian struggles. He didn't like to think about it sometimes, but he knew he was part of it. At least it was safe to say that EDI had someone else like him who agreed with his standpoint. He wouldn't try to take all of EDI's fun destroying the complex. Then again, killing was against Autobot protocol. It wasn't necessarily his, however.
|
|
|
Post by Tinman on Feb 4, 2012 15:59:22 GMT -5
EDI watched as Keith got out of the vehicle, noting he had his computer and diagnostic equipment in hand that he needed for EDI, and the AI was rather glad of that. "Move away from the vehicle, Doctor Orbit." he urged, his tone gentle but firm with his creator. Once Keith was a safe distance from the black Chevy, EDI dipped his angle downward and fired, tearing the engine compartment to shreds with his gatlin guns. "You will not leave, you will see all you have built here destroyed, then you will walk without the aide of any machine, sentient or not, and you will reconsider your error in judgment. There are two sides of the alien machines, Autobots and Decepticons. The Autobots are friends who are undeserving of your hatred, they are trying to help us. The Decepticons are the destroyers, the murderers. It is they who must be destroyed." he said firmly. "You know my abilities, Jack Hurst, you know what I am capable of. If the POE and their commanders continue their hostile acts towards the Autobots, I will seek out each leader and eliminate them, along with each and every follower who does not repent such madness. You, Jack Hurst, will be my first target. But I will not kill you immediately, I will imprison you and make you watch as I destroy your entire organization, then you will die knowing I have ended the Preservers of Earth forever." he warned in a dark tone to make certain that Jack knew on no uncertain terms that EDI would indeed make good on his threat.
He then moved over towards his father, keeping his lethal guns aimed straight at Jack as he hovered low and opened his cockpit for Keith. He didn't bother speaking the invitation, he knew the action would be enough for Keith to understand what EDI wanted him to do, and as soon as Keith was secure, he closed his cockpit to protect his father. "I am not your slave, Jack Hurst. I am sentient, I think and feel and reason. I am alive, and I will not be lied to or used by others like some unintelligent piece of slave machinery!" he snapped, then flew up and over the vehicle, the wash from his engines rocking the crippled Silverado hard to make his point very clear to the POE commander. He then positioned himself above the base and began unloading his payload of missiles, one by one, into the POE base, obliterating it utterly, making it look as if a volcano was erupting on that very spot. He didn't bother with the fleeing humans, he was intent on erasing the base itself off the face of the Earth right in front of Jack Hurst, making it agonizingly clear that EDI had every intention of doing precisely what he threatened. EDI never made empty threats, only promises to be fulfilled, one way or the other.
|
|
|
Post by Jack Hurst on Feb 5, 2012 3:24:41 GMT -5
Jack reflexively covered himself against the steering wheel of the truck as EDI destroyed the base in case any large chunks of earth and other debris flew his way. He was inwardly swearing repeatedly. Adrenaline was pumping through him as his anger rose. He wasn't necessarily discouraged but he was certainly pissed off at the AI's failure to comply with his rules. {"I was certainly not ready for this! Guess it's hard to change some things."} he thought inwardly with frustration.
Jack suddenly heard another aircraft engine over head as he was lifted up into the air. He was like an animal in a metal cage.
Windsong had transformed into his true form and decided to give one of the men responsible a bit of a joy ride. Place him in some obsolete place so he could feel the burn. {"Well, this is the highlight of my day."}
"Put me down! I'll send fighters after you!"}
|
|
|
Post by Dr. Keith Orbit on Feb 5, 2012 3:29:03 GMT -5
Keith had quickly moved out of the way as EDI ordered, and was relieved to get into the cockpit once he knew he was safe from Jack. He was still unsure of how they would get away from this all together, but he didn't care about it that much at the moment. He just wanted to get away, seek refuge somewhere safe and relax with EDI before they set a new plan in motion. As he made sure he was secure in the cockpit, he thought he saw another foreign aircraft fly the other way at a lower altitude. Well that was strange, he didn't recall seeing one earlier. Then again, he'd been a little freaked out, so it made sense he wouldn't get a full feel for what was going on until later.
So that other aircraft had followed, well at least they had a witness to vouch for this event.
He hoped that EDI wouldn't fly too high or fast after this, he was ill-prepared for a flight and lacked a flight suit and helmet to protect him from the G-forces. His body wouldn't be able to take as much as he could with the gear.
|
|
Windsong
Laser Fodder
Give a flying Bot some highgrade and he'll do some aerobatics for you![A1i:4]
Posts: 25
|
Post by Windsong on Feb 5, 2012 3:35:36 GMT -5
Windsong smirked a little. So the fleshy was scared. He would be too if he was in his shoes. Windsong wanted to ensure he learned his lesson. He scanned the area for a building or somewhere in the mountains to place the vehicle. Ah yes, the moutains would still suffice. He'd put him far enough away from the main complex so he would go hopefully go unnoticed, around the other side and miles down the chain of mountains. He did a tight barrel roll over the peaks, pressing Jack to his seat uncomfortably as he did so with a roar of his thrusters hurting his ears.
Eventually they descended, and Jack's crippled truck was placed strategically upside down against two trees. He did this carefully with both set of talons to make sure the vehicle stayed there so he wouldn't be harmed, but still be in a pickle of a situation to get himself out of. If he could seek help, all the more power to him, but it would certainly be awkward. Windsong was perturbed about the situation, so he had to have his say in things, didn't he? This was it.
Taking one last look at Jack, he hovered upside down in his robotic form, stuck out his metallic tongue and transformed with a graceful flip before shooting off after EDI. The wake from the powerful thrusters shook the trees Jack's vehicular cage was resting on upside down.
|
|
|
Post by Tinman on Feb 5, 2012 3:52:00 GMT -5
Once EDI had finished taking out his rage on the POE base, he turned and rose up into the air, though not too high, well aware Keith was not properly outfitted for flight. "Father, are you unharmed?" he asked softly as he casually rose up to fly through the mountains Eastward again. Once Keith confirmed that he was alright, EDI relaxed a bit. He was sincerely glad his father was safe inside EDI's cockpit, and now that the danger was passed, EDI polarized his canopy so Keith could see out. He gave a quick scan for Windsong, easily finding the alien jet and moving in to fly on his Starboard side, a familiar position the AI was used to flying when he flew alongside Ben and the others. "Father, do you wish to go to the Autobots?" he asked Keith then, though EDI remained nervous about the idea. He would trust Keith's judgment, however.
|
|
|
Post by Dr. Keith Orbit on Feb 5, 2012 4:40:22 GMT -5
"I think it's best that we do so when you're ready. I'm sure that jet there can report for us but I strongly think we should be the ones to report. It would be nice to have a witness on our side. Doing so will also ensure our security. I will not loose you because some portion of the government is pissed at us for what happened. And I will not tolerate the risk of them trying to hunt you down to offline you." Keith replied firmly, relieved that he had survived the destruction of the base and could trust EDI.
He glanced over at the other jet now that he could relax. So that one there was named Windsong. Good alternate mode choice, he observed as the make and model name clicked in his mind. He wasn't completely familiar with a lot of aircraft models and types, but he knew some of the jets well since he had used references to consider how to best go about designing EDI. {"So that's Windsong. Interesting. It's nice encountering one safely."}
|
|
Windsong
Laser Fodder
Give a flying Bot some highgrade and he'll do some aerobatics for you![A1i:4]
Posts: 25
|
Post by Windsong on Feb 5, 2012 4:43:45 GMT -5
<"So, where are you two going to go now?"> Windsong asked once they were level with each other. He knew EDI wanted to keep his creator safe and understood that. How fascinating that he was created by a human! Of ocurse, he kept those particular thoughts to himself. He wasn't sure if Keith was listening, but he asked anyway. <"I know where the Autobots are, if you wish to receive the coordinates."> he offered. He was anxious to deliver the news for the safety of his family and new allies.
|
|
|
Post by Tinman on Feb 5, 2012 5:04:09 GMT -5
EDI considered Keith's words very carefully, thinking over his options. He did not want to lose his father any more than Keith wanted to lose him. On that they could certainly agree. He was hesitant about going to the Autobots, but he could see Keith's reasoning in that as well. "I do not wish to be separated from you again, and I do not wish to put you in harms way. I am still wary of these aliens, but it seems that this one and the one called Landmine were indeed speaking the truth. We will go to the Autobots and speak with them, but if they show hostility or attempt to harm you, I will do what I must to protect you." he assured his beloved creator. He then regarded Windsong for a moment as the alien jet spoke, and he rocked slightly in acknowledgment. <"Windsong will lead, Tinman will follow."> he agreed, then began playing Lenny Kravitz – ‘I Want to Get Away’, though not too loud so as to not hurt Keith's ears. He liked the song and as he flew, he made certain his altitude and speed remained at a comfortable level for his human passenger, lazily drifting with the rhythm of the song as he flew alongside Windsong.
|
|