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Post by blindspot on Dec 28, 2011 5:04:14 GMT -5
December 26th, Italy, (Autostrada 14)
Blindspot was convinced that he had died somehow. He had died, and now his Spark had left his body to merge with the great harmonious whole that awaited all Cybertronians. There was no way a place like this could exist on Earth. There was no way such perfection could exist… anywhere.
The drone had discovered Italy.
Moreover, the drone had discovered the Autostrada, Italy’s impressive highway system. Italy had been the first country to develop roads specifically for automobiles, and it showed. Blindspot had traveled hundreds of miles through the American interstate system, but those road trips seemed to pale in comparison to the smooth, sinuous winding of the Autostrada through Italy’s ancient and stately countryside.
He’d been dropped off in Bologna shortly over a day ago. He hadn’t done much traveling in his first day, and instead had focused on absorbing a data packet that he had been given on the region and on his mission. He was to rendezvous with a fellow drone, one who had been sent out as an aid to a long-distance scout. The drone was not from Blindspot’s batch, and was indeed much, much younger, but Blindspot was eager to meet him all the same. There were so few of them left that it was a momentous occasion. He had been traveling so much lately, but frankly he didn’t mind. He hadn’t been back to the base for more than a few days at a time in weeks, but he was being made useful, which was what he wanted most out of life.
He had struck out when it was still relatively early in the morning. Blindspot had spent the night recharging in Bologna, and had hopped on A14 to make his way south, towards his destination, the town of Bari in the province of the same name. The road happened to hug the eastern coast, and the moment he broke from the mountainside to see the sea glittering ahead of him, he nearly swerved off the road in shock at the sight. How wonderful!
Now he was powering down the highway, exulting in the curving coastline road. He didn’t see as many other cars as he’d expected. He didn’t know why this road wasn’t positively packed with vehicles; it was sublime, it was perfection in bitumen, and he never wanted to leave it. It pulled at his tires just right, it offered up cliffside curves that were made to test the mettle of an eager vehicle, and all the while it flaunted the breathtaking view of the sea, glittering and heaving off to his left.
He was trying to stick to the speed limit, but honestly, it was hard not to just gun it and see what he could handle at full speed. He knew he should be acting more mature than this, but he couldn’t help it. Something about the road just disconnected him from the calm intellectual deep inside. It turned out the decision was made for him, though, because midway down the highway, shortly after noon, he spotted another vehicle in front of him. Slag it. Now he had to slow down.
The other car was moving at a respectable clip, but it wasn’t Cybertronian speed. Blindspot slowed gradually, giving his fellow driver a wide berth for a while, half out of politeness’ sake, and half because the vehicle was blaring some loud cacophonous noise he supposed could be music if you strained your audials hard enough. The highway was only two lanes, but he could pass this other vehicle if he so desired. Maybe he would get a little closer, see if the driver would speed up a bit. As he did, a nagging sense of familiarity tugged at his processor. That vehicle looked… familiar.
Or, rather, the back of that vehicle looked familiar, because he couldn’t see the front. Something about the taillights, maybe? Or perhaps it was just the model--wait, no. No, he had definitely seen that particular rear before. He knew that rear! He paused a moment to more closely observe the vehicle. The license plate said, simply, “KNIGHT.”
Either he was right, or this was some kind of crazy coincidence. He gunned his engine and pulled up beside the car (there were, mercifully, no other drivers in sight, as he was currently in the wrong lane). He gunned his roaring, rattling engine in greeting. Blindspot had never seen KITT in the light of day, and nor had KITT seen him, but the signal was a dead giveaway. Blindspot’s dark purple undertone was much more apparent, and he looked scruffier (and considerably dustier) than he had when they’d first met, but he was definitely the same vehicle.
The drone could hardly believe it. Unless this was another strange trick, then this was the same vehicle he’d seen in Las Vegas! He had to be sure, though, and the only way he could figure out to find out was to gauge his fellow driver’s reaction--and maybe convince him to pull over for a few words.
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Post by KI3T on Dec 28, 2011 5:58:35 GMT -5
Unfortunately, KITT was long since getting irritated with the Italian music (as well as equally annoying Italian-related electronica dance songs). Cira had insisted on playing now and then. She kept yapping on about wanting to make sure she got some italian food before they left. He had to remind her if she still wanted to get that Eurocopter, she would have to be a little more convervative with her food for at least another half a year. She was just like her step dad and his dad that way, he never got away from their ways! KITT had almost begged Sarah to keep Cira focused on her duties as a flight instructor, but her duties with FLAG obviously outweighed her secondary obligations.
They were here to invistigate some rumored illegal testing grounds, they were about ten miles away from the nearest part of the coast line where the action was, and with them having arrived inland by their C130, they had a ways to go.
This was going to be a long trip.
Cira was at the wheel and enjoying the sights while KITT put up with the music.
"Hey, is that...Blindspot?"
"Yes, it is. What a coincidence." KITT was surprised to see the dark purple drone 'sneak' up on them. It was a nice surprise. He'd welcome Blindspot over any other Con any day, of course. KITT rumbled his engine a little as Blindspot passed illegally. He sped up a bit and signaled to him with his lights that he could pass if he wished, and slowed down a tad just in case. Cira waved curtly at the drone while KITT spoke over the communication link privately. <"Greetings, Blindspot.">
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Post by blindspot on Dec 28, 2011 22:58:18 GMT -5
Blindspot was startled and a little pleased to be offered the lead. Had he been dealing with one of his commanders, he would have settled in behind them, but dealing with KITT was a whole different experience. Socializing with someone who was more or less an equal wasn’t something he knew how to do, but he welcomed any new learning experience.
He pulled ahead and settled into place in front of KITT. His own license plate read, “HURRYUP.” Aside from a sizeable ding in the left side of his spoiler, there was absolutely nothing remarkable whatsoever about the Decepticon’s rear. <“Greetings to you, too,”> he greeted with as much cheer as he was able over the commlink. <“I have seen many strange things since I arrived here, but I think running into you again is perhaps the strangest.”> A pause. <“But it is a good strange; how are you, KITT? If I may ask, what brings you to this glorious coastline?”>
Blindspot was being even more eloquent in his manner of speech than normal. He was very clearly in a good mood.
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Post by KI3T on Dec 29, 2011 16:30:52 GMT -5
<"We were ordered to investigate some territory near the coast."> KITT replied. <"Signs of suspiscious underground activity in various countries have been occurring there and news of a major accident in the Middle East may have some connections, but we are not sure of the specifics. Why are you out here?">
Of course, KITT and Cira had few details about the activity going on in these various locations, but they would certainly find out.
KITT would speed up again once Blindspot took the lead. There was no real hurry since it was all 'old news', but they needed someone to investigate and take their time with it regardless, just in case something was connected to the wellfare of the Cybertronians. These days, who knew what kind of desperate terrorist strategies could involve Cybertronians and to what degree.
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Post by blindspot on Dec 29, 2011 18:37:12 GMT -5
Blindspot was aware that KITT was being rather vague, but he didn’t mind. It wasn’t really safe for either of them to tell one another too much about the sorts of things they were up to, given the opposed state of their respective commanders. It seemed that KITT’s business was primarily rooted in events of human concern. That would make sense. KITT had been made by humans to serve humans.
And it also made it easier for Blindspot to justify associating with him. It wasn’t as if KITT were here on Autobot business, technically. He was looking out for humans, not Cybertronians. At least, this was the assumption that Blindspot had come to. He had no idea that humans were starting to take an interest in Cybertronian technology to further their own aggressions.
<“Business, I’m afraid,”> he replied. <“But I assure you it is relatively benign. No humans will be harmed.”> This was a little vague, as well, but Blindspot had to be careful. He couldn’t imagine involving humans in his mission unless they involved themselves, though, so it felt nice to be able to reassure KITT on that front, a least. <“How are you enjoying Italy so far? I rather think it is a fascinating place. The roads are fantastic.”>
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Post by KI3T on Dec 30, 2011 3:56:05 GMT -5
<"They certainly are, I have not been to Italy before and neither has Cira."> KITT replied. <"We ought to enjoy them while we can, I am unsure of how much investigating and tracking will need to be done as of now. We aren't exactly sure what to look for.">
All KITT knew was that rumors activity of an old enemy, Jack Hurst were floating around various countries, and if they could track him down, well, maybe, just maybe, they could put a stop to him. Apparently since the KARR project, he may have moved onto something else much bigger, but since then they hadn't heard a peep from anyone, especially not the news. Mentioning the name Jack Hurst was enough to invite FLAG to do some investigating, just in case.
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Post by blindspot on Dec 30, 2011 4:29:06 GMT -5
Any nervousness that Blindspot might have had about his chance meeting with KITT evaporated when the other mentioned enjoying the roads while they had the chance. “<I will have plenty of time to explore. I do not think my contact is expected for another three days. They did not think,”> he added with a touch of pride, <“that I would be able to cross the country any sooner than that.”> He chuckled to himself, but the soft scraping noise was lost to the rushing seaside winds. Blindspot was quite proud of his speed. He’d worked hard on the modifications.
There was quite a bit to do as far as investigating this strange place went. There were plenty of winding mountain roads, quaint villas, and ancient, crumbling architecture to investigate. Blindspot would have liked to explore the museums, but to do that he would have to acquire a holoform, and he was not going to masquerade as a human.
However, as tempting as it all sounded, it didn’t seem as if it would be as interesting as being near KITT while he did… well, what he did. The alien vehicle was very interesting, and Blindspot was eager to see how he operated while in action. <“May I ask where you are heading? Obviously you must be going south, if you are on this road--is your destination the city of Bari, by any chance?”>
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Post by KI3T on Dec 31, 2011 1:06:14 GMT -5
<"We are in no real time constraints either, technically. That is close to where we will be investigating first. Perhaps I can drop off Cira and I could continue the investigation closer to the coast line while Cira investigates the city.">
He spoke to Cira then, asking if she would like to be dropped off to explore Bari while they drove around. It was easy to have eyes in many places that way, since Cira was armed and could protect herself if someone tried to attack her for whatever reason. "Sure dude, I dun mind. That allows me ta go incognito a bit."
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Post by blindspot on Dec 31, 2011 1:23:30 GMT -5
Blindspot was surprised at his reaction to KITT’s news: he was pleased. Their last encounter had gone rather nicely, and it was only natural that he should look favorably on any further interaction. Still… when it came time to get down to business, it would probably be better if they kept well away from one another. Blindspot had no interest in engaging KITT in battle, but he wasn’t sure if his comrade would feel the same.
<“You will probably see me around, in that case. I am interested in the city--specifically, the museums, as I am sure there are many fascinating things inside--but they are not built to accommodate someone of my size. I shall probably be exploring the natural wonders of Italy’s coast until my contact arrives.”>
He fell quiet for a moment as he drove. He wasn’t about to offer to help KITT. He didn’t think that the other would want or need his help. Besides, he wasn’t sure he could do it without feeling like he was betraying his Lord somehow. But coincidence had brought the three of them together again, and Blindspot knew better than to waste opportunities. To short-lived drones like himself, he didn’t have the luxury.
<“If your investigation permits, you are welcome to join me.”> He finally said. He tried not to get his hopes up (and briefly wondered why he would even get his hopes up in the first place). Despite KITT’s assurance that there were no strict time constraints, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume that the other vehicle wouldn’t have quite that much spare time.
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Post by KI3T on Dec 31, 2011 3:39:59 GMT -5
<"For the time being it does, I would like that, particularly since in this case Cira and I are able to separate while still being effective."> KITT replied honestly. Of course he was still leery about being around a Decepticon, but there was something about Blindspot that still intrigued him, and they had a similar racing style too, which he liked. He was just a little dissappointed he couldn't invite him to cruise along the bay with him...
He forced himself back to reality. "I think I ought to change my appearance in the city, we are afraid an enemy we know, not a Decepticon, is around these parts, or was. Friends of his still might be here, so we must be careful." With that said, KITT's nanoskin shifted into a pearly white and he transformed into his old 1976 Mustang Cobra form as they got closer to the city.
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Post by blindspot on Dec 31, 2011 4:03:21 GMT -5
Blindspot felt a distinct wave of satisfaction at KITT’s agreement. He had prepared himself to explore this strange place alone, but the thought that he might have some company along the way--in particular, the strange but endlessly intriguing KITT--was even nicer. When KITT clarified that it would be particularly nice because he would be away from Cira, the drone assumed it meant that being separated from his human partner made the car lonely.
He was contemplating on the ramifications of this (was KITT dependent on his human in some way that he hadn’t clarified, like a symbiote was to a host Cybertronian?) when KITT changed. Blindspot turned his attention to KITT, instantly curious rather than startled. When the shift was done, KITT was a strange new shape. It wasn’t quite as aesthetically pleasing (as attractive, Blindspot noted to himself) as his default form, or his Attack Mode (which Blindspot remembered with particular fondness), but it certainly was distinct. He liked the color, as well.
<“An antique look. Very nice.”> He paused for a moment as they went through a series of turns, giving his attention to the demanding curve of the road and relishing in the buffet of the wind on his hood. <“I suppose I should not be surprised by your abilities, but I don’t think I will ever get used to your veritable arsenal of alt modes.”>
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Post by KI3T on Dec 31, 2011 20:00:00 GMT -5
<"The alternate modes are not limitless, however. I have to scan new schematics and must change up my commonly used forms to acquire something completely new. Not including my modes used for practicality, I have four main alternate modes stored in memory currently. Five if you count the F150 which is used for off road situations. Because of the structure, my scanners are visible no matter what form I acquire."> KITT rather liked the 4x4 alternate mode, and he often wished he could use it and the submarine mode more often. The 1976 Cobra was used for going old school, to be something totally different but one that could also blend in a little better even with the scanners still visible.
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Post by blindspot on Jan 1, 2012 0:21:20 GMT -5
Blindspot double-checked, and sure enough, there were the scanners. He wouldn’t have noticed them at a glance, though. <“Unlimited it might not be, but it is still impressive.”> he admitted frankly. He was still curious about KITT, but the initial spike of fascinating in what KITT was had faded since that ight in Vegas. Blindspot found that, after this second chance encounter, he was becoming a little more interested to who KITT was.
The rest of the drive to Bali was uneventful. Blindspot was happy to lead the way, occasionally offering up his opinion on an observation. They passed over a small seaside town once, and Blindspot expressed awe over how tiny the roads were. Of course, they were never meant for cars, but it was still strange to him. He occasionally had a comment on other drivers, or on perhaps any fleeting glimpses he might have of the wildlife.
For the most part he spoke mainly if he was spoken to. He was concentrating on the road and silently enjoying his company. Even if he wasn’t saying anything, it felt nicer to be experiencing all of this when he knew that someone else was with him, experiencing it, too. He stuck close to his follower, and anyone who wanted to pass him had to pass both of them. In addition, if KITT needed to stop to let Cira use the restroom, Blindspot would silently wait for them.
Finally, they came to the city of Bari. Blindspot was still in awe of the architecture here, at the way the ancient rubbed shoulders with the new. The city itself was surrounded by picturesque mountains, bordered by the heaving sea, and overall quite a wonderful, alien place. The drone felt excitement welling in him again. He needed to see everything, and he needed to see it at once. KITT and Cira were here on business, however, so that needed to be attended to. <“Where shall we go first?”> he asked his two temporary traveling companions.
He had not, precisely, offered to help them. No, that wouldn’t be proper.
He seemed willing to follow them, though.
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Post by KI3T on Jan 2, 2012 7:15:54 GMT -5
<"Let's drop Cira off first, then...perhaps we can tour the city and go from there."> KITT replied, having little preference as to where he go. He wanted to go to the Coast regardless of their duties, and he wished he could also use his submersible mode for a while. Cira was notably uncomfortable from a long drive, he had a feeling as soon as she got out she would explore the city and do some Parkour on her lonesome and find a place to eat, he could hear her stomach rumble and furthermore, he could feel her shifting uncomfortably in the driver's seat as she drove, having taken over the wheel part of the way. <"I recommend we stick to the coast as much as possible, we can get a good view of everything that way then we can tour more inland if we still have time.">
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Post by Cira Knight on Jan 2, 2012 7:22:25 GMT -5
Cira presumed the two vehicles were chatting it up without inviting her into the conversation, so she gave them their space and listened to music contently, going between different types of techno and rock for now since that was what she and KITT usually listened to the most together. "I dunno what y'all have been chattin' about or anything but damn I am so glad we're almost there...could use a bite ta eat and I'm gettin' fidgety. Sucks that we're on duty this time but meh, hey at least we get ta enjoy the sites and go somewhere new!" she said cheerfully, glancing at KITT's voice orb even though she was sort of just talking to herself.
She was beginning to wonder how interested KITT was in Blindspot, neither strayed from the other since they discovered each other, and no quarreling had come up...It was just so puzzling to think that this was in actuality a Decepticon they were driving with, and they weren't even going after similar objectives. Imagine that...It was much more pleasing to deal with than that temperamental Decepticon she had encountered in the parking garage last month. Thankfully, she HAD acquired that AA12 since then, and it was with her now.
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