Fleetwind
Major
The Chancellor, His Eminent Grandeur, Marquis Fleetwind. The Insurgent Subduer of A Non-Threatening Cute Little Furry Kitten
Twined Elf
Posts: 730
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Post by Fleetwind on Oct 7, 2007 19:50:26 GMT -5
And Shockwave thought Fleetwind was scared!
Well, okay, Fleetwind is scared. But he doesn't generally panic. The Seeker's happy enough that he's not being questioned anymore, but it's hard not to sigh in exasperation at Jetstorm's cringing. He doesn't estimate a very long lifespan for the little jet at this rate.
That's certainly the most co-operative that Fleetwind's ever seen Sky-byte, but even now he's trying to bargain. With Shockwave. Well, let him.
While loath to draw more attention to himself, Fleetwind does still have orders from Starscream to concern himself with. Starscream wants Shockwave brought 'up to date' concerning Skyfire. Well, all right. But to do that, the Seeker needs to know how much Shockwave already knows. How to phrase this... "Erm, pardon me, sir, but what do you need to know concerning our alternate frequency and the situation that prompted it? I don't know everything, but I'll provide what I can."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Oct 7, 2007 21:44:16 GMT -5
Shockwave’s single optic flickers in a manner one might equate to a twitch. He stares at Jetstorm for a moment, then turns his attention back to Sky-byte.
“The structure seems to be some sort of broadcasting or receiving station. Knowing if they are all pieces of a network could only be beneficial. At best, they might yield some information as to the cause of our predicament; at worst, we will have access to data and resources that our enemies do not.” He pauses a moment, then continues, “Unless they prove completely useless, periodic monitoring will be necessary. Which may require someone with underwater capabilities.”
In other words, play nice, and you may get to frolic in the water on a regular basis.
Shockwave’s gaze goes once again to the Vehicon, but he is distracted for the moment by Fleetwind’s question. “Starscream would prefer to keep his friend Skyfire within the Decepticon ranks and ignorant of the truths behind the Autobot/Decepticon conflict.”
“This Skyfire’s voice patterns match those of Jetfire from my reality, who was also Starscream’s partner, once upon a time. An excellent scientist, if too often ruled by his spark and not his wits. Losing him was sub-optimal.” Whether the gun means lost to the Autobots or something else is unclear. “Starscream has built a house of cards which will likely soon come crashing down upon him. He is…predictable.”
And now for Jetstorm.
“Did your efficient shape come at the cost of your central support, Vehicon? What pitiful creations your kind must be. Are you unaware, perhaps, of what becomes of the useless and weak in the Decepticon world?”
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Jetstorm (BM)
Minor
Producer, Director, Actor, Writer, but not prop boy, Jetstorm, soon to be winner of some award.
Posts: 355
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Post by Jetstorm (BM) on Oct 8, 2007 13:29:11 GMT -5
Oh ho, Shockwave, you sound just like one of the voices in Jetstorm's head. And that's nothing new. Calling him useless doesn't do much to him anyway. "I may be messed up and 'worthless' to you but we're all stuck here together," Jetstorm states, glancing over and half glaring, half just plain staring. "S'not my fault your timeline is messed up even more than I am and doesn't recognize the usefulness of even something as lowly as a drone, or something as high ranked as a general," He grumbles. His fear's residing as his voices talk at him, some annoyed at Shockwave taking up -their- job.
"N'd my name's Jetstorm, not "Vehicon" cos that's my faction name."
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Sky-byte
Minor
Worst Luck Ever
Posts: 334
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Post by Sky-byte on Oct 8, 2007 20:23:08 GMT -5
Well, Sky-byte isn't a disagreeable mech, honest! He can...turn over a new leaf, given the right incentive. That and of course he's bargaining with Shockwave. Why not? Obviously, Sky-byte hasn't ever been acquainted with any single-opticed purple Decepticons in his universe.
This time, the large shark actually has to think about Shockwave's response. He mulls over the words slowly. It's like chewing something large and unfamiliar. Both actions take time and a bit of effort. 'Periodic monitoring and underwater capabilities...' Well, Sky-byte would like his opportunities to return to the ocean. He knows how to play nice (If not for an extended period of time. Unless one's talking about humans, because Sky-byte actually likes humans. They like him too!).
Well, this newly found opportunity isn't exactly what Sky-byte was going after, but he'll take it. Shockwave had better deliver on it too (Unlike a certain jet-boy with those extra rations he was talking about during the whole Autobot-Decepticon-Predacon fiasco) or else this Predacon won't be happy.
...Not that the threat of Sky-byte being unhappy seems to matter to any of the Decepticons here.
"I'll be investigating those underwater structures very soon then," says Sky-byte with a thoughtful grin.
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Fleetwind
Major
The Chancellor, His Eminent Grandeur, Marquis Fleetwind. The Insurgent Subduer of A Non-Threatening Cute Little Furry Kitten
Twined Elf
Posts: 730
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Post by Fleetwind on Oct 8, 2007 21:10:42 GMT -5
"'Ruled by his spark'?" Fleetwind asks, frowning, obviously not familiar with this particular turn of phrase. "Erm. Forgive me. Obviously in that context you're referring to someone who acts more on emotion than intellect, but I've never heard it phrased that way."
G1 cartoon Transformers don't have sparks! They have laser cores!
"And it sounds like you've surmised about as much as I know about the situation with Skyfire. I was there when Starscream met Skyfire on this planet. He seems to be trying to suggest that the Autobots are responsible for the abandonment of this planet." Fleetwind shrugs. "Regardless of how long the deception holds, I don't intend that I should be the one who slips."
Fleetwind glances at Jetstorm out of the corner of his visual field as he actually dares to backtalk Shockwave. Considering Shockwave's challenges to Jetstorm's central support, however, that was probably the intended result.
For himself, Fleetwind's voice carries no less the fear it did before, and yet it still has in it that same tight control. He simply continues to balance at that spot where it looks like he should panic and run... but he does not.
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Post by Victoria Raines on Oct 8, 2007 22:25:39 GMT -5
Shockwave? Use someone’s emotions against him? Never!
“Oh I am quite skilled in identifying the useful, Jetstorm. I am equally skilled in improving upon- or removing- those models which are no longer so. Consider that, as you enjoy your continued existence. However long that may be.”
“If you can not articulate your findings, compress them for data transfer to this frequency.” Shockwave gives his frequency. To Sky-byte he says, “You can send me what you discover beneath the sea at the same. Your cooperation will be remembered."
And of course, Fleetwind now has Shockwave’s frequency, as well, to do with as he will.
Looking over the town, he says, "Have you found anything else of interest in this place, Fleetwind? Perhaps something that indicates the cause of the disappearance of the populace?" He starts to step away from the Seeker, then turns back, "You are unfamiliar with the term, 'spark'? That is...unforeseen." He then turns and begins to walk back toward the town.
And that's about as close to surprised that Shockwave gets, folks.
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Jetstorm (BM)
Minor
Producer, Director, Actor, Writer, but not prop boy, Jetstorm, soon to be winner of some award.
Posts: 355
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Post by Jetstorm (BM) on Oct 9, 2007 17:44:51 GMT -5
"Pfft." Jetstorm somehow manages to make the sound despite a lack of mouth. He waves his hand and then transmits the data. He'd rather not actually focus on what was in there, so whatever. He goes back to leaning up on Fleetwind's shoulder, glancing at the sky.
This Shockwave guy was mean, and boring. "Fleetwind, silly, a spark is what powers Transformers. Me, you, that purple guy, the... Fish thing. S'like... I dunno. Your soul."
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Sky-byte
Minor
Worst Luck Ever
Posts: 334
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Post by Sky-byte on Oct 9, 2007 20:22:30 GMT -5
'Fish thing'? Ahem, this 'Fish thing' has a name and it's Sky-byte. Either that or Sir Shark or something of equal respectability. Said shark accepts and stores away Shockwave's personal frequency for later use. 'Cooperation will be remembered.' Hah! This Decepticons knows how to treat a high-level Predacon! Mean and boring, pah!
As for this little developing conversation about sparks. Sky-byte just shrugs. They're there, and they're important.
Well then, if things here are done, Sky-byte will go ahead on his merry way. What fascinating things will he find on this planet's ocean floors? No giant squid please, Sky-byte only likes tentacles when they're on his sushi.1
1 Just like Sky-byte likes cake. However he knows about it.
OOC: And Sky-byte is heading out of this thread.
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Fleetwind
Major
The Chancellor, His Eminent Grandeur, Marquis Fleetwind. The Insurgent Subduer of A Non-Threatening Cute Little Furry Kitten
Twined Elf
Posts: 730
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Post by Fleetwind on Oct 9, 2007 21:44:17 GMT -5
"We had only arrived just before you did, sir," Fleetwind explains to Shockwave. "I wanted to investigate this because it... looks similar to some of the power receiving stations that we've seen a few places, only larger. But I was going to look for some sort of air or space port, next."
The reactions Fleetwind gets to his statement about 'sparks' are... rather startling, and the pastel pyramid cannot prevent the expression of puzzlement that peeks through his fear. He frowns at Jetstorm and mutters, "I don't know about anyone else, but I'm powered by energon." He looks between Jetstorm and Shockwave and adds, "I've never heard the term 'spark' as a synonym for 'soul.' A soul is a soul. It's nothing physical." Other Transformers may have a physical body part that is known to house their souls, but the original G1 guys had to deal with the question the same way every other species in the universe did: just assume they had them.
Well, until Seaspray dipped himself into those funny magic change waters, anyway.
"When I hear the word 'spark,' it's generally referring to... you know, electricity jumps from one point to another. Like in a short, or a broken wire." He shrugs faintly, a shivering movement. "It's not generally seen as a good thing, and certainly not a necessity."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Oct 10, 2007 11:31:49 GMT -5
Shockwave gives the data Jetstorm sends him a very brief evaluation; he will take the time to properly sort and catalogue it later. The structure appears to be a research facility, rather than a power station. It also seems to have been acting as a receiving tower. A pity it is sized for organics; perhaps there are other small ones who can be as easily persuaded to aid him as the Predacon was.
The Seeker seems truly ignorant of the ideas behind sparks, mythological or scientific. Congratulations, Fleetwind, you’ve just gotten Shockwave’s attention! Of course, standing here and playing Twenty Questions would get tiresome; more information can be gained by playing to Fleetwind’s curiosity and confusion.
“Energon fuels us, Fleetwind, but we are defined by our sparks. They contain our baseline genetic code1. If one were to believe the myths the Council of Ancients subscribed to, we are linked through our sparks to Primus, the Matrix, and Vector Sigma.” Shockwave’s tone is as even as ever, presenting facts as he understands them. “Even those who believe in atechnogenesis will concede that we are at the least connected through our sparks to Cybertron itself.”
He continues, “Judging by your confusion, that may not be the case for your lot. I would be interested in hearing your timeline’s creation myths; however,” Shockwave takes to the air, hovering a bit above the group, “rather than stand here marking time until your Air Commander deigns to acknowledge my arrival, I propose we continue investigating the area. On my initial approach, I noted some hanger-like structures a short distance inland.”
This time Shockwave really does head away from the group. He didn't order Fleetwind and Jetstorm to follow; it is just a suggestion the two might find it prudent to consider.
1 Thank you, Dreamwave, for giving us the idea of genetic programming. SCIENCE!
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Jetstorm (BM)
Minor
Producer, Director, Actor, Writer, but not prop boy, Jetstorm, soon to be winner of some award.
Posts: 355
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Post by Jetstorm (BM) on Oct 10, 2007 13:39:36 GMT -5
Jetstorm looks thrilled. He floats in front of Fleetwind, gazing at the other with a sense of childlike awe. "You're WEIRD!" he exclaims happily as he looks at the other, tilting his head to the side. "I mean, I'm powered by energon too, but you don't have like, a soul or anything? No bits inside that help make Fleetwind, well, Fleetwind?" Jetstorm goes to poke at Fleetwind's arm, and then floats away.
"I mean, I have a Maximal spark detection system, but I'm sure I could get it tweaked to sense you guys... And then I could see who's got what! Ooh how exciting!" He squeaks. Yes, he rather squeaked, being so excited.
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Fleetwind
Major
The Chancellor, His Eminent Grandeur, Marquis Fleetwind. The Insurgent Subduer of A Non-Threatening Cute Little Furry Kitten
Twined Elf
Posts: 730
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Post by Fleetwind on Oct 10, 2007 14:07:10 GMT -5
So. Fleetwind is apparently now engaged in a theological discussion with an alternate version of Shockwave and a tiny, spastic Transformer from the future.
How the hell did this happen?
The Seeker follows Shockwave's lead, his steps light and quick on the metal street, feet placed one in front of the other almost as though he were striding across a tight rope.
"... I have never heard of Transformers having a genetic code. We're robots,1" he begins, then corrects himself nervously. "I mean, sir, if you say they do where you're from, I'm certain they do. It's just not a concept I'm familiar with."
"We do have a physical... assembly that serves as the seat of intelligence and personality. That would be the laser core. And we do have souls... or at least, we believe ourselves to have souls, and I've even heard rumors that this was proven some years back, but a soul isn't... it isn't a physical object! It just is!"
"Vector Sigma is one of the methods of programming an operational laser core, and I suppose there might be some connection to that Autobot bauble, the Matrix, but I've never even heard of a Primus. As for how we were created..." Fleetwind shakes his head, and shrugs. "I've always just... assumed we were built." You know. Robots.
The light "clink-clink-clink" of metal feet against metal road pauses for a moment, and Fleetwind points. "That does look to be some sort of air control tower... at least, it seems to share basic similarities with the structures that served such a purpose back home."
1 We can thank Furman for Transformer genetics, but not Dreamwave. Furman was using that bizarre little concept even back in his Marvel days, but it doesn't apply to the cartoon. In fact, the Creation Matrix was regularly referred to as a "genetic matrix."
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Post by Victoria Raines on Oct 11, 2007 8:59:19 GMT -5
Studying the structure Fleetwind has pointed out, Shockwave agrees, “It does at that. Perhaps we will find something useful. Spare parts, perhaps some tools and the like.”
Glancing back at the little Vehicon, Shockwave asks, “You have sensors that can identify ones faction based on his spark? Interesting. I think, perhaps, sparks in your world work a bit differently than they do in my own. With the exception of the more recently created, faction allegiance was not a part of our original formatting. However, when the war began those with similar functions made similar choices.”
“Built or born, Fleetwind, some are programmed to explore and conquer, other to hold and protect. Based on what I have surmised since awakening on this planet, that seems to be the one constant among the realities.”
As they close in on the tower, the general channel crackles to life. The only indication Shockwave gives that he is listening is a murmured, “They have a Perceptor? Unfortunate.”
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Jetstorm (BM)
Minor
Producer, Director, Actor, Writer, but not prop boy, Jetstorm, soon to be winner of some award.
Posts: 355
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Post by Jetstorm (BM) on Oct 11, 2007 15:48:36 GMT -5
"Stop lookin at me like that. Eesh," Jetstorm mutters as he flies to the opposite side of Fleetwind, away from Shockwave. "Creepin me out! And yes, I have a spark sensing system. S'kinda useful, probably even more so now. Except with Fleetwind! He's got no spark." He leans over a bit, "By the way, you're still cool to me."
Ooh.
OH. My god. It's Thrust!
"Uh. ... Guys, that one jerk blowing people up in the mine? That's my friend... Thrust. We gotta make sure he stops being a jerk. I'm gonna try contacting him one on one to see if he's ok!" Jetstorm states, before rocketing off back to hang a bit in the air near the mines in order to be able to reach the other.
OOC: Out and waitin for stuff to happen
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Fleetwind
Major
The Chancellor, His Eminent Grandeur, Marquis Fleetwind. The Insurgent Subduer of A Non-Threatening Cute Little Furry Kitten
Twined Elf
Posts: 730
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Post by Fleetwind on Oct 11, 2007 18:06:37 GMT -5
The steady 'clink-clink-clink' of Fleetwind's footfalls once again stutter out as the Seeker stops short, his optics wide in surprise. Then he starts walking again, although when he speaks, voice soft, he's looking towards their destination, a distant expression on his face. "Actually, I had always figured... something similar to that, anyway. Although what I had thought was more that... that they were supposed to be the civilian support to our military, such as all militaries require to operate properly. I've... long held that the Autobots sin against their own natures twice over, first by taking up arms at all, and second, by taking them up against us."
It feels... strange to hear sentiments he has long kept to himself echoed, if not precisely, then closely by this Shockwave from a reality not his own.
"Perceptor, Omega Supreme, Kup, Grimlock, and, oddly enough, Long Haul are the Autobots that I recognize. I did encounter a red car-former of some sort, but he didn't look familiar. There were several others on the battlefield, but as I was tasked with distracting Omega Supreme, I didn't get good looks at any of them."
Fleetwind nods towards Jetstorm and frowns faintly as the small jet thing withdraws. Well, until he's ordered otherwise, the problem in the mines is not his.
As the Seeker approaches the actual airfield, his steps grow lighter as he puts more thought into not making noise. He's not trained in stealth or anything, but he is very agile and, as a dancer, has a greater awareness of his body and how it moves than many. This planet has had enough left-over, nasty surprises so far... why take unnecessary chances?
OOC: This is a spaceport. There will be a few landed atmospheric craft, but, while there are spaces to maintain, fuel, and launch interstellar craft, none of significant sizes will be found. There may be a left over, berserk maintenance drone or something similar, as you guys desire, to spice things up.
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