The Italian Job (KITT/Cira)

[KI3T]

"As a Decepticon, take no shame in it. Earth is indeed a beautiful place, many don't take enough time to just stop a busy life an appreciate its beauties - I am including humans in that statement. I of course have been here longer than most Autobots and Decepticons, thus the United States in particular is nothing new to me. But there is much of the world I still have not seen due to traveling limitations. Thankfully we have a cargo plane to transport us, but going overseas requiring refueling services is expensive. There is usually a good reason involved which would prompt us to go out of the country."

KITT took the emotion displayed for granted, because he knew that most Cybertronians were more emotional than him...less so with the Decepticons, but still. The Autobots expressed an array of emotions near identical to those that humans experienced.

He waited patiently as Blindspot cleaned the rest of the sea weed off before letting himself sink closer to the ground a bit.

[blindspot]

Vulnerability of any sort was not encouraged among the Decepticons. Being honest about personal things, particularly emotions. was largely considered an opportunity to for exploitation, a weak spot. Even though he spent most of his time to himself, Blindspot was aware of this, and had done what he could not to make himself seem weak to his commanders. He had slipped up in admitting to KITT that he liked the ocean, that he had taken the sight of Earth’s beauty to heart--or to Spark, such as it was.

In return, KITT had done something very simple, very small, but very kind. He probably hadn’t even thought twice about reassuring Blindspot that he wasn’t being foolish or stupid. It had probably seemed an insignificant triviality to the Earth vehicle. Blindspot paused, however, for a few seconds after KITT spoke, and then nodded silently, resuming his duties. The two of them had carefully skirted the line between friend and foe, but KITT had just nudged them further in a friendly direction.

Something started then.

Blindspot wasn’t sure what it was, but a tiny flicker of warmth passed through his Spark, and he finished removing the last of the seaweed. He stood, looking KITT over once more before he nodded, satisfied, and then carefully lowered himself into a sitting position on the asphalt, but he did not shift back. He had spent all day in his alt mode, and he wanted to enjoy the night breeze in his ‘bot form for now. He drew his knees up and rested his long arms on them.

“Lately I have been sent out on many scout missions, but that was one of my original intended functions.” He shrugged. “I get to see so much--and meet new people.” He glanced briefly at KITT as he said this, and then back to the ocean. “If this mission is successful, it might be likely that I get sent out even more.” He shrugged his hunched shoulder-plates slightly. “I would not mind that.”

For a minute or so he just sat there in companionable silence with KITT, the only sound the distant rattle of his engine, which was much more muffled in his ‘bot form. The hypnotic hum of KITT's scanners filled the silence, underscored by the gentle rustle of the ocean. Something about the peaceful beauty of the scene apparently struck a nerve in the drone, for he very abruptly blurted, “I do not really want this world destroyed. I know that might sound a bit odd.” And in truth, he felt a bit traitorous saying it. “But… there is so much to see here, to do. It would be nice for us to be a part of a living mechanism once more. It would be a good place to raise Sparklings.” He shook his head and exvented ruefully. “But there are no more now. I worry, sometimes,” he rasped softly, “about the future of our people.”

[KI3T]

"I can relate to your understandings. That is why so many humans feel it is unfair for Cybertronians to be here, particularly the more..."destructive ones"." KITT would use the word Decepticon wisely, as not all could be included in the picture any longer. "And to be built by humans, I can appreciate Earth as well, as well as its inhabitants. It is nice to see that not all Decepticons see this planet as nothing but a place to invade and destroy whatever they do not need." he added.

KITT was glad Blindspot appreciated Earth, it seemed like the more he learned about him, the more they had in common. KITT pondered stretching out into his Bot form, but at the same time, he decided there was no need for it for now and since he was comfortable around Blindspot, he could stay in his alternate mode if he wanted to. For now he decided it was best to wait and perhaps keep it a surprise for whenever he really needed it. "It is also nice to have such peace."

[blindspot]

Blindspot tilted his head. “I understand that humans might feel it is unfair that we are here, but they brought this upon themselves. The moment they secreted my Lord and the Allspark into their government’s prison, they became involved in our war. It is inevitable now that some of them will reap the consequences.” Blindspot’s normally flat, rasping voice was vibrating with growing emotion. He was not angry, though. He was just passionate--he tended to feel emotions strongly, even if he didn’t show it. He genuinely loved the things that he took a liking to, such as medicine and science in general. The things he disliked, he tended to dislike strongly.

And he clearly genuinely, zealously believed in the Decepticon cause. He went on, his enthusiasm only deepening. “I do not know if you are familiar with Sector Seven, and the consequences of Lord Megatron’s capture. A branch of the Earth government kept my Lord in captivity for quite some time, and experimented upon him for their own gain. More or less all modern Earth technology was reverse-engineered from my Lord’s captive, immobile form. In some way, even you owe your existence to him.” He looked to KITT as he said this.

And paused, seeming to realize that he was getting a bit carried away. “Still. I do not think the foolish actions on some humans’ part condones any sort of wide-scale destruction. We could carve out own place here without wrecking this world. We could make it our home, if we tried, and I think that is what we should do. I… it’s strange.” He cocked his head again and stared at the ocean once more. “The more individual humans I meet, the more I want to understand them. I suppose such a thing is inevitable. Of course I would want to know more about the race that entwined itself in our war. But not as enemies. Just as…” He paused again. “Just as humans.” he concluded.

Yet another pause, and Blindspot looked back to KITT. “Does that make any sense at all to you?”

[KI3T]

"Yes it does make sense. I have a bit of information stored on Sector 7's history in my data banks, but it is limited because much of their information is classified, and that would just require more research inquiry and hacking. I was unaware that Sector 7 experimented on Megatron, I thought they had just kept him in stasis. I cannot deny or verify whether or not you are right but it is likely so when it comes to my creation, I do not know what ends Graiman had to meet to create KARR and I, our newer forms anyway." KITT replied. If KARR were still around, he would agree with Blindspot thoroughly on that. "Regardless of that, I see your point, and I would feel the same way if I was from Cybertron. I just hope that each leader does not make the same mistakes they did on Cybertron and rather learn from it so we can co-exist instead of dominate the humans, they may have their violent tendencies and selfish behavior patterns, but they have a right to live as we do, and that is why the Autobots feel it is important to protect them where they can, to protect their freedoms. Certainly not all humans are innocent and good, the Jack Hurst person I speak of is a grand example of the wrong kind of human you want to meet."

KITT fell silent again, reviewing his history attained on Sector 7. His windows were darkened significantly and any holographic projections on the HUD inside could not be seen, but internet connectivity could perhaps be detected.

[blindspot]

Blindspot had not necessarily been expecting KITT to react with irritation--the mech had proven himself to be very calm--but he had not been prepared for KITT to serenely accept his point and to even give him the benefit of the doubt. He was a little surprised, not that his rigid and emotionless mask of a face showed it. KITT really wasn’t like the other Autobots. He wasn’t much like a Decepticon, either. He was just… well, he was just KITT. Blindspot decided that he liked that. “Just KITT” was something special.

He shifted his weight slightly and looked back to the ocean. “I agree with you, actually.” He sounded faintly surprised, himself, and he gave his trademark rough, scraping chuckle. This was followed by a few moments of silence, and when he spoke again, his voice was somber. “I would frankly prefer a ceasefire above all else. I know my Lord seeks to eliminate all Autobots, but the fact is that our race is dying.” He shook his head.

“We will not even be able to sustain a viable population if we continue like this. I know it is the will of my Lord to eliminate all Autobots, but joining with our old enemies and adding their strengths to our gene pool can only help. There is also much we can learn from one another. We have been fighting so long, have become so different, that I feel that if we rejoined once more we would be unstoppable. It is… it is not my place to say such things.” His shoulders hunched slightly in shame. He knew he was overstepping his boundaries with that sort of thinking.

“But it doesn’t change the facts, the cold equations,” KITT’s point about Jack Hurst only added fuel to the fire, and he went on, more confidently this time. “And there are even rumors that humans have coordinated efforts to eliminate both factions. I think that is rather giving the humans more credit than they are due, but if this is the case…” He shook his head again. “Then we must rely on the strength of our race as a whole. We should be focusing on rebuilding and repopulating. But… but it is not my will that matters.” These last words were spoken carefully, almost mechanically, dragged straight from an imperative that had been programmed into his processor even as his frame was being built. Obedience was very simply hard-wired into him. “It is my Lord’s. And I will have to trust his judgment.”

[KI3T]

KITT was relieved when he heard this response, and from what he could tell, it was full of sincerity. "We can only hope that we do not let emotion override logic, I fear that emotion is a big weakness in many, and the pains either faction has suffered for thousands of years makes your hatred for each other worse." KITT considered what Blindspot said about the rumors regarding humans wanting Cybertronians dead or exiled. "Rumors? Perhaps those rumors are linked to whatever this illegal activity Jack is involved in...I still do not know the name of the Project."

[blindspot]

Blindspot considered KITT’s words. “Too much of the wrong emotion, I would say. Too much rage, too much hatred, and not enough fear. We are in a very precarious situation, and we should recognize that.” It was worth noting that Blindspot only considered negative emotions. He hadn’t mentioned feelings like companionship, like trust, or love. It probably had something to do with his faction and his upbringing.

When KITT made his speculation about Jack Hurst, Blindspot jerked a little, surprised. KITT was not one to jump to wild conclusions, but it sure seemed like he had done just that. “What makes you say that? I do not have any hard evidence that these so-called Earth Defenders or whatever they call themselves even exist. If they do, and if they exist in the form of an old enemy, then it would be one very impressive coincidence.” He was skeptical, but he was willing to do the same thing that KITT had done for him: give him the benefit of the doubt.

Jack Hurst had been the man who’d had KITT taken offline. This was reason enough for Blindspot to dislike him more than the average human, but if he was making Cybertronians his targets, as well…

[KI3T]

"Earth Defenders...if they have a name, then in any number of worlds of possibilities it is possible these rumors could be true. I am not saying it is, but based on the fundamentals of logic, that is my observation." KITT replied. He attempted to search "earth defense" then, and began to delve into a whole new line of results beyond what he found searching for all things involving military technology and technological developments. There was more there than he would have originally thought. "Earth Defense brings up very interesting search results. Worrisome ones, unfortunately. Thank you for that bit of information."

His external hood holographic imagery function then booted up and 3D images were projected from it, though he could also display them in 2D right on the surface of the hood. The search results showed displayed a variety of websites and videos showing debates about alien invasions, fears and rumors about Cybertronians, political nonsense regarding military efforts and technology, and other more factual, trusted information about the latest developments. The fact was that KITT now had something of a lead to help determine what activity Jack might be in. It also pointed him in the right direction of why he was here.

[blindspot]

Blindspot looked sharply to KITT. Was there really something to these rumors? It made a complicated situation even more complicated, if so. KITT seemed to think that concern was a reasonable reaction, and he had access to data that Blindspot did not, so the drone took his opinion seriously.

As KITT activated his external display, Blindspot cocked his head, interested in this odd new sight. He shifted, bringing one arm away from his knees and supporting his weight with it as he leaned over to get a better look at the images scrolling past KITT’s hood. His arm was almost touching KITT, and he was looming over the smaller vehicle. This brought him a bit closer to the other than was probably strictly polite, but Blindspot was too wrapped up in this new interesting thread in their conversation to notice that he had accidentally intruded upon KITT's personal space.

“Well,” he said, after a moment, “I am genuinely glad it could help you, KITT. If what you are suggesting is true, we might have a common enemy.” He tapped the talons of the hand still resting against one knee (as he’d had to stretch his other leg out to lean over as he was) contemplatively against his plating. Some of the figures that were flashing across the screen (all of which he was dutifully archiving for later investigation, of course) were alarming. This Hurst had offlined KITT once, and Blindspot didn’t think that he would hesitate to, again. This time he even had better weaponry at his disposal… “Do be careful…?”

[KI3T]

"I will. Do the same for yourself, please." KITT replied appreciatively and shut off the imagery, keeping his research to himself from that point forward. He didn't show any indication of finding the fact that Blindspot was a little more close to him than he would have otherwise anticipated awkward or pleasing, and he did not know how to describe his reaction. The best way he could describe how he reacted - if he were to do so for someone else- was that he didn't particularly welcome the closeness but he also didn't care about it either. He would certainly rather Blindspot be the one in this proximity rather than any other Decepticon! "My duties have expanded beyond protecting humans, at least. Such duties now cover protecting Autobots. If such a threat really does exist then I see no harm in trying to protect both factions, for you all came from the same place, ultimately."

[blindspot]

Blindspot nodded and leaned back to his original position as KITT shut off the holographic display, completely unaware of his little faux pas. “That is a noble sentiment, KITT. I do mean it, but I would be cautious. I am not sure if you have encountered others of my faction before, but most of the others are quite… aggressive. I am simply a medic. I do not fight. But others... might, and they don't always need a reason.” He wondered what would have happened if things had been different, if he’d decided to embrace his intended role as a soldier. Would he have fought KITT on that night in Vegas?

Somehow, he didn’t think so.

“But I do understand what you mean. If this third faction--if, indeed, it does exist--were to get their hands on Cybertronian technology…” Things could get very ugly, very fast, for both factions. There was plenty of technology available now that could harm Cybertronians, but that thought of them developing a weapon intended specifically to harm Cybertronians was worrying.

KITT’s last sentence stuck in Blindspot’s processor. He stared out at the ocean again. He still had most of his sensory suite disabled, and the only things he could sense were the soft shrugging of the waves, the glint of the moonlight off the water, and the hypnotic hum of KITT’s scanner. He had heard others talk about Cybertron, some of them in an angry, regretful way, and others in a wistful manner, and it had always made him feel strange, because he could not relate.

“I do not really remember Cybertron,” he said very softly, his vocoder crackling slightly from the strain of his conversation with KITT. He wasn’t used to speaking so much in one sitting. He fell silent, then, partly because he wasn’t sure he really wanted to talk about that, but mostly to give his vocoder a rest. He had been talking quite a bit, he realized, and felt a little embarrassed to have gone on so much. So he fell silent, a strange, almost melancholy mood echoing through his Spark. The only sound he made was the soft, rhythmic passing of air through his vents.

[KI3T]

For a moment, KITT thought he heard breathing, but then as he focused on the sound more so than the ocean, he realized it was Blindspot's air vents merely moving at a similar pace. He liked the sound because of this similarity. "I of course have never been there. But do not feel bad, your life is younger than most others' that are here." KITT saw little reason as to why Blindspot might feel guilty other than lacking a sense of pride and knowledge over his home. Earth was just as grand in his view, and the fact that Blindspot had stayed online so far was good, as it had allowed them to meet after all.

"And hopefully, we will not have to worry about such conflicts, but only time can tell..."

[blindspot]

Blindspot nodded wordlessly. Sometimes, especially on quiet, clear nights like these, when he could see the full splendor of the stars overhead, it made him feel strangely un-tethered. Most of his comrades remembered the home they had come from, the home they had fought for. They had become warriors because they existed in a war. They had been many things before that--scientists, aristocrats, and honest laborers--but had changed themselves to suit the current state of conflict. If it ended, then they would likely return to those old familiar ways.

But what would happen to a drone, created to serve in battle? Blindspot was already discovering that there was a sort of careless aimlessness to a drone who had out-lived his original function. If there was no war, would he be considered one of them then? Would he have earned his right to citizenship? He hoped so, but at the same time, the thought of a broad, blank future ahead of him, full of decisions he would have to make, frightened him. Death was not frightening, because it was a certainty, but a future without authority, a future of boundless freedom was a future of pure uncertainty, and just thinking about it made his Spark stutter in a mixture of fear and giddy anticipation. He didn’t know how to put this into words, so he kept it to himself for now.

He shared KITT’s hope, though, that soon the remaining Cybertronians would pull themselves together, and fight the real war: the war for their race’s survival. He would face all the uncertainty in the world if it only meant that his people would be able to carry on.

“Have you ever wanted to?” he asked. “Er, what I mean to say is, have you ever wanted to explore off of Earth? There are tales of worlds out there. I have never seen them, but I have read about them. I think that maybe that is what I would like to do, if I survive to see the end of this war, to go and see them. Imagine the sorts of wonders one could see! Alien races, cosmic phenomena… there are even stories of Cybertronians living on far-off colonies. I wonder if there are any out there, who have been cut off from Cybertron, who know nothing of our war, and are simply waiting for their mother-planet to contact them once more.” He shook his head. “I have always rather liked space. Maybe I’ll return to it someday.”

[KI3T]

"Perhaps." KITT replied with a dash of hope. "I have never thought of exploring space, but if I had the equipment, I certainly would. I do not think it would take much for me to be capable of it either, if I had the right vehicular mode to transform into. I would have to be granted the ability to fly, first and foremost. Unfortunately, all though my nanomachines are easy to manipulate, being in absolute zero, even a place like Antartica can freeze them into a near-useless state because the intense cold air slows them down drastically. That is the only feature of mine I would lack most likely. If I had the alternate mode some day, I certainly would like to explore. For now, I am content here on Earth to aid the humans and the ongoing War."