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Post by KI3T on Dec 18, 2011 5:13:28 GMT -5
KITT settled on his wheels again, thinking for a moment as his racing stripes shifted into a dark red, though the change would have been hard to notice if their lights weren't still on. His motion had alerted Cira for a moment as she sat up in alertness, watching warily and with mild concern, sympathizing with her partner. The color change was showing a sign of mood, which indicated the AI in fact did have some level of emotions. "If that is how you truly feel, then stay if you wish. We have no where else to go except back to Cira's hotel, and I would like to continue the conversation."
KITT also wasn't sure why he was still here, and why he was talking to a Decepticon. The Con's voice was a little raspy and creepy, but it didn't bother him. It seemed to bother Cira ever so slightly, but it was something she could ignore and deal with given how she was still listening respectfully. It wasn't necessarily that Blindspot made him uncomfortable at this point, but the notion of either of their Sparks getting consumed did.
If Blindspot listened to KITT's energy resonance again, he might hear something with everything completely silent. The Power Core, his equivalent of a created Spark would pulse steadily on an extremely low frequency, undetectable by humans or even most animals. Of course, the hypnotic, pulsating twin red scanners made it harder to hear too.
Cira laid back down and sighed as she saw a helicopter fly over head, its navigational lights and rotorbeat being the key indication of its presence.
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Post by blindspot on Dec 18, 2011 14:18:14 GMT -5
The Decepticon didn’t notice the shifting color of KITT’s stripes. Unlike KITT, Blindspot didn’t have very much in the way of sophisticated sensory equipment--his were extremely basic and designed to operate only at close quarters. He didn’t hear the subtle beat of KITT’s power core, either, and probably wouldn’t unless he were actually touching the other vehicle. He did notice the human suddenly sitting up, and for a moment directed his attention towards her, though he didn’t outwardly move. There was some sort of internal communication going on here. Something was being decided.
When KITT spoke, telling him that their unspoken decision was apparently to stay, he relaxed again, but did not move forward to retake his original position nearer to KITT. It wouldn’t do to spook him again. “I would like to stay, as well. I have nothing but a long drive ahead of me.” It was sort of true. He did have a long drive to get back to his base, but he probably wasn’t going to get very far that night before he would need to find a secluded place to settle in for recharge. He wasn’t sure he should share that information. "Not that I do not like long drives. It is relaxing, and sometimes interesting."
They would need to talk about something else, he decided. They’d established a boundary, as well as both of their stances on their positions in the war. Perhaps they should talk about something less distressing towards both sides for the moment. “If you don’t mind my asking--how long have you been in operation on Earth? What is it like?” Curiosity was rapidly overriding his earlier caution once more. “You have said that humans created you, but why? And what are her duties?” This question could have easily been directed towards Cira, but Blindspot honestly didn’t think of it.
He probably would have asked yet another question without giving the pair a chance to respond, had the helicopter not suddenly passed overhead. He fell abruptly silent, his attention focused on the chopper, every limited sensor strained to determine who and what it was, and whether he should be getting ready to flee. He assumed KITT and Cira were doing the same, even if he didn’t say as much.
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Post by KI3T on Dec 18, 2011 17:55:27 GMT -5
"To protect others, and more specifically, my partner as well." KITT replied simply. "A wise man once said 'one man can make a difference'. Our duties are to protect the innocent and the powerless, though lately such duties have extended by contract to serve the Autobots as liaison and security as well. We provide the kind of intelligence, security and protection NEST needs access to in a pinch and protect others, in return our organization gets to learn all sorts of things about the Cybertronians and their technology. I have been online since the 1980's, but had been put to rest for a while before I attained my current main form. In the 1980's I was a Pontiac TransAm. I was significantly different then." KITT showed an external holographic image of a TransAm, rotating it from different angles, showing the single scanners and the old "Super Pursuit Mode" above his hood before shutting it off.
He wasn't about to tell Blindpsot he had recently acquired a robotic form, as he presumed it was likely he figured that out already from his earlier statement. Since KITT had been online for so long now, those at FLAG had told him about his past before Charles upgraded him to a Mustang because he had lost the information in his database and was incapable of recalling after going through such significant changes. After being shut down by Torres once, all the more reason to explain why he likely wouldn't remember and why they should refresh his memory. It was something they felt like he should have known.
As he awaited a response and let Cira speak, KITT didn't pay much attention to the helicopter since he was focused on Blindspot. While Blindspot would be driving, Cira and KITT would take their company's C130 back to DC together, where Cira would continue her flying duties until she had a little time to go on base again or until there was an urgent call.
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Post by Cira Knight on Dec 18, 2011 18:03:34 GMT -5
"Mah duties are similar as his, but beyond the contract we speak of, I'm a civilian helicopter pilot, currently an instructor. An' tryin' ta save up fer my own chopper. First owned vehicle will be an aircraft, go figure." Cira replied with a chuckle. "Yeah, my parents are kinda legends, especially my step dad. They're not my 'real' parents, but besides my Aunt they're the only ones I've ever known and loved. I don't remember much of my blood parents. I'm also sort of a freelance Parkour and martial arts instructor, I offer ta teach anyone Parkour that has an interest in learning either." she finished.
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Post by blindspot on Dec 19, 2011 0:18:54 GMT -5
To protect others. It was very similar to Blindspot’s assumed function, if it was thought about in a very abstract sort of way. They both did what they could to keep lives from being lost, albeit on two opposite sides of the war. He listened carefully to KITT’s other functions, and had made a mental note to look up exactly what this “Pontiac TransAm” was when KITT helpfully supplied a model.
Blindspot immediately forgot his decision to keep a respectful, non-creepy distance and once again rolled forward (though not quite as close as before) to investigate the holographic projection. “That is very interesting,” he remarked. He rather liked the look of the old design. it was quite angular, and visually pleasing from a Decepticon-aesthetic point of view. In his current form, KITT looked larger, more robust. It was almost as if he had reached adulthood. Blindspot felt that it was an appropriate change. KITT's new form suited him. “Hm. I would say our functions are fundamentally similar, in their own ways.”
Blindspot was privately amused by the comparison; when Cira jumped in, he gave her his attention. He didn’t know what to say in regards to her parents, but he muttered in a wry tone of voice, “I know a chopper.” It would have been more correct to say he knew of a chopper. He tried to avoid rotary Decepticons when he could. They had a bit of a reputation for being unstable, and Blindspot’s loyalty did not extend to being taken apart merely for the whims of a superior officer. It was one thing to spend his life for his superiors, and another entirely to have it wasted.
Blindspot absently checked on the chopper passing overhead, and, satisfied for the time being that it didn’t seem to be circling or coming in for a landing anywhere near him, turned his attention to Cira. “What is Parkour?”
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Post by Cira Knight on Dec 19, 2011 2:08:19 GMT -5
As Cira began to explain what Parkour was, KITT's HUD stayed active and switched to various free runs in DC involving Cira and Jazz as well as a few runs with Cira going solo in the most random locations in the city. The ones with Jazz involved them frolicking near an old Steel Mill. "Parkour is a human life style of moving in the most efficient manner possible over obstacles of any size. As you can see, it is a style that can be applied to self defense as well." Cira explained, as KITT then showed various sparring scenarios of Cira fighting with fellow co-workers and family at the SSC: her step dad Mike, Sarah, and Zoe. Blindspot would see how Cira and Mike moved around so efficiently even in enclosed spaces with not many obstacles other than walls.
"Yes, I suppose you are right that our duties are similar.." KITT commented as his engine rumbled softly. The color of the racing stripes gradually faded to normal. "Apparently Cybertronians have a very similar way of moving when needed." he mused, as it was a recurring thought of his when he watched them move about. They were so graceful, and it was obvious that deep down he was so glad to have a good robotic form now, so that way he could help fight more efficiently if the time came.
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Post by blindspot on Dec 19, 2011 2:30:00 GMT -5
Blindspot immediately returned his attention to the holographic display that KITT was projecting for him. What a useful and impressive trick! Blindspot wasn't capable of anything similar. He watched the various scenes flicker through, watching the fluidity with which Cira utilized her environment. This "Parkour" was quite appealing. The movements were fast, economic, logical. He didn’t recognize that Cybertronian she was with, but he could see that it was one of the Autobots.
“Oh, I’ve done that before, in battle,” he rasped after watching a few moments of the footage. “It is not quite the same, of course. It is not as… organized, I think. At times I am also able to revert to my vehicle form to retain speed. There are usually many obstacles between myself and my patient. Sometimes,” he added dryly, “those obstacles are trying to kill me.” He went quiet again as he watched, speaking up during one clip of Cira executing a wall run. “I have done that, for instance. It is very useful.”
He had nothing to add on the fighting scenes. Blindspot was very fast, and quite agile, but the moment he was cornered into a fight, he was done for, and he knew it. He respectfully let the holographic display finish itself before he spoke up again. “If I may ask, what brought you to…” he paused a moment to pull the name of the city from his databanks, “To Las Vegas? Were you coming here for a race?” Blindspot had never been in Las Vegas before that day, and was unaware if it was famous for such things as racing.
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Post by KI3T on Dec 19, 2011 5:00:51 GMT -5
On the mention of obstacles, a sense of discomfort and bitterness stirred through KITT's processor, he wished the War would end, and he hadn't even survived the real chunk of it on Cybertron! There was so much strife, so much stress, suffering, and violence, couldn't it end for the sake of preserving another 'alien' planet? He didn't want Earth to be devastated like Cybertron, and he wished the key differences between and Blindspot would go away so he didn't have to feel so awkward and paranoid. He truly had taken interest in Blindspot, but the hard truth was that their differences of how they served in the opposing factions stood in the way as a figurative obstacle of its own.
The HUD shut off completely then. If he could sigh, he would have by now. KITT was more confused than he had been in a while at this intensity. He sunk on his axles a little bit, but the movement was not noticeable. What would he do if he encountered Blindspot at a future battle field when he was trying to protect those he sided with? He didn't wish to deal with that. Perhaps Blindspot should meet KARR, and get to know him, the risk level was far less that way. Why did KITT have to meet Blindspot instead by pure happenstance? Why did such odd encounters have to happen? {"I suppose I am confused merely because I am technically a neutral entity. At least I think so...I have always been programmed to do good."}
Thus he remained silent, letting Cira answer that question.
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Post by Cira Knight on Dec 19, 2011 5:14:03 GMT -5
Cira was paying close attention their body language now and not so much the stars any more, she was somewhat concerned with how KITT was acting because of how he hesitated to leave a couple moments ago. But she understood his fears, especially since that upgrade had taken place.
Cira smiled as Blindspot pointed out that he recognized some of the moves. "If da opportunity arose, which it did, yes. Otherwise I was just here fer the simple things: good food, and a new environment to practice Parkour in! Literally all I have done this past week or so is eat, do Parkour, do some races, join a party or two here and there, sleep, then repeat! It's the first vacation I've had in a while. It's not that fun going alone but having your partner around makes it a little better! We also practiced a little "Gymkhana" on some more isolated areas outside of town or in empty parking lots late at night. So much fun. Gymkhana is like, the racing equivalent of Parkour. Ya don't need any ordinary race track for it. That's why KITT's got some pretty good moves!" she grinned.
She then dipped her head a little and pouted, thinking of how awesome the race was and how Cybertronians could be so graceful. "I wanna be a Bot so bad...I want all that power and grace, I don't wanna be some shrimpy, short female human, I wanna help in the fights, use mah skills that I already have had for a long while. I dream of havin' a robot body on a regular slaggin' basis. I'm around em enough that I caught on to some of their lingo." She sketched in the dust a little with her fingers. The images of Jazz moving so gracefully reminded her of her biggest dream ever, but of course reality sucked, it hadn't happened yet, and probably wouldn't. But maybe, just maybe she could ask Wheeljack about it sometime...
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Post by blindspot on Dec 19, 2011 18:10:48 GMT -5
Blindspot failed to notice KITT’s distress yet again. He wasn’t very good at reading KITT’s subtle body language--or, really, anyone’s subtle body language. Later, when he hit the road, he would likely mull over the consequences of this chance meet-up, and he would work himself into quite a worry, but for now he seemed content just to enjoy this unusual and interesting encounter while it lasted.
“Gymkhana,” he repeated carefully, logging the name away. “That sounds very intriguing.” He paused for a moment of thoughtful silence. “I have been here, on Earth, for quite a while now, but it never occurred to me how little I knew about it. Not before this evening. Hmm.” He had always thought about Earth in a very abstract way--a dusty ball of mud crawling with dusty creatures. Maybe he should take interest in these people, this race that had clawed their way to greatness on the bones of his imprisoned Lord. If nothing else, they knew how to have a good time.
When Cira spoke up next, Blindspot felt an unexpected pang of sympathy. It was only natural that the poor human should desire to be as great as the superior beings she spent all of her time around. Well, technically superior, anyway. They were Autobots, so they were not quite as superior as Decepticons, but they were still a step above humans. “I cannot say I blame you,” he responded, genuine sympathy in his voice, “but we do not get to choose the manner in which we are brought into this world. We simply get to decide what to do with ourselves.” This was an odd piece of advice coming from someone content to be pushed around as a soulless drone for the rest of his life.
Perhaps Blindspot should take his own advice, once in a while. “If your comrades tolerate your continued presence, presumably it is because they already like you, and in such case you needn’t change into a superior form to appease their sensibilities.” This probably came off as a bit rude, but Blindspot was honestly trying, and the message was kind enough, even if the delivery wasn’t. “Also, you are picking up some of the… baser aspects of our language from them. I would be careful.” Blindspot did not curse, as a rule, except under extreme circumstances.
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Post by Cira Knight on Dec 19, 2011 23:09:05 GMT -5
"Noted. It's not that I wanna fit in or be like y'all, it's because I REALLY want it. When I first learned of you guys and started to work with KITT and the others, I realized I wanted more than what our bodies could offer. It may sound greedy and selfish, but I respect y'all so much for what you are. A Cybertronian body is like...what I wish I had in another life, and what I'd want the most if I could get it, some how. I don't want it to fit in, I want it for myself, and not TO boost ego. I want it, just because it would be so much fun and so AWESOME. I'm not sure how else I can clarify that really...ever since I met your kind, I just found myself awe and slight jealousy..." Cira looked up at Blindspot as she spoke, her words sincere. "It's not because I wanna be like y'all to please y'all. It's because I want it for mahself."
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Post by blindspot on Dec 19, 2011 23:38:34 GMT -5
Blindspot fell into contemplative silence. When he did speak, he did not sound smug. He took Cira’s admiration for what it was, a fact, and didn’t let it go to his head. “That is…” A pause. “I am not sure I understand.”
His engine rumbled thoughtfully, the sound somewhat analogous to a human clearing his or her throat. The ever-present rattle under his hood rose and fell with the deep growl. “That is not to say I do not know what you mean--it makes sense. You are human. You are born with choices. If that is a choice you make, at least you seem to be doing it for the right reasons. I’m not sure it is possible, though.”
Perhaps it was because she had impressed him with her racing abilities, or that he was just comfortable enough to speak to her without the constant threat of battle hanging overhead. Maybe it was the fact that, for once, Blindspot was talking to something like an equal, someone who didn’t have utter power over whether he lived or died. Whatever the reason, he did something he never thought he would do for a human. He issued advice.
“Just be careful,” he offered simply, but sincerely. Blindspot went quiet again for a moment, before he offered up, somewhat uncertainly, “What I meant when I said I don’t understand--it is simply--the concept…” His engine rumbled (and rattled) again, in frustration. “Doesn’t sit. In my processor.” Blindspot simply couldn’t wrap his mind around the concept of wanting something simply because you wanted it. Everything he had wanted had been for a purpose: to serve his Lord. Hadn’t it? “I fear it is beyond my scope. I apologize.”
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Post by KI3T on Dec 20, 2011 0:00:03 GMT -5
"If it is possible, Wheeljack would know." KITT spoke up thoughtfully. "I am not too sure about how successful the process would be either, it sounds highly dangerous but if it is a risk Cira is willing to take, which it sounds like she is, then it is worth the try. And I must say I would respect her decision to do so even though I would lack a driver. I suppose then I would have more freedom, at least. I can understand why she would want a robotic body, we do possess far more power than the humans do, and we are far more durable. Humans and Cybertronian behaviors are rather similar, from what I have observed since starting to work with them."
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Post by Cira Knight on Dec 20, 2011 0:18:34 GMT -5
"Thanks, Blindspot. No need ta apologize though. I understand that it's a bit of a foreign concept for you guys ta wrap yer processors around. I'll think it through very carefully, if I ever even get the option to do that. Though talkin' ta Wheeljack IS a good idea. KITT's right, if anyone knows about that stuff, it's him. That's one thing we haven't talked about yet, but I'll save that fer another time later on when at the base next. For now, we got about more more day of this vacation ta enjoy, we're not goin' back home till later tomorrow night." Cira replied laying back down and stretching.
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Post by blindspot on Dec 20, 2011 0:29:52 GMT -5
Blindspot was quietly doubtful that he Cybertronians and humans could really have that much in common, but he didn’t voice this. KITT had spent more time around humans, but he was not Cybertronian. The drone figured the only way he would find out for himself was if he studied them himself, or spent more time around them. He couldn’t honestly see that happening. Then again, he probably hadn’t expected to be here, carrying on a civil conversation with a human and what basically amounted to an Autobot under the light of the desert stars.
He had nothing to add on Cira’s decision. It had nothing to do with him. He watched her lay down and reflected on her frailness. She was so small. Lying down like that, all it would take was a careless slip forward in his alt mode--not that Blindspot would seriously consider killing someone. It just wasn’t in his nature. He felt his spark twist in revulsion at the mere thought. He could see, he supposed, why she would want to be less weak. And then she thanked him.
That was… nice.
Blindspot was not often treated very badly; he was simply ignored, which was actually a blessing among the Decepticon ranks. He was not used ot kindness, though, and a little bit went a long way. “You are welcome,” he replied slowly, as if he were realizing that he meant it only as the words escaped his glitched vocoder.
He decided to change the subject. Talking about that sort of thing was making his processor ache with the effort of understanding things that he was never even meant to contemplate. He decided instead to focus on a subject easier to handle and personally more fascinating: KITT. “So you are capable both of being driven and autonomous motion. There is no limit to where you can go, should you choose?” He’d seen KITT make small movements without Cira inside, but those could easily have been defensive measures.
It was somewhat amusing--at first he thought that KITT drove himself. Then he learned that Cira could drive him, and now completely questioned his first theory in its entirety.
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