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Post by Thundercracker-3 on Jan 23, 2009 9:09:12 GMT -5
Thundercracker remains still as Hook examines him, nodding from time to time as the medic explains his actions. A few times he has to force himself to remain still, his joints tightening as he sternly reminds himself that this is Hook doing this... not Skyfire or his world's Perceptor poking around in his systems...
At Hook's flinch, he tenses again, optics flaring with a sudden nervous chill. "What is it? Something's wrong, isn't it?"
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Post by Barricade-3 on Jan 25, 2009 19:08:40 GMT -5
"Uh... Well, sure," Barricade replies to Perceptor. "Bo- Spinister had them started before I managed to catch up, but once I got there, yeah, I helped."
Barricade notes Hook's wince and frowns in response. He's sure that what was done probably doesn't look pretty, but he'll wait to ask what's what until later. Besides, Hook might just elaborate without needing to ask more specifics, since Thunder already did ask.
ooc: back to skippable unless addressed.
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Post by Pee-Dee on Jan 29, 2009 14:56:41 GMT -5
Pee-Dee blinks at how quickly Perceptor fixes her radio. Then his radio message makes her frown. //But it was broken when I woke up- Oooh! Officer Spinister has some 'xplaining to do!//
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Hook-3
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No One Knows What It's Like
Posts: 94
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Post by Hook-3 on Jan 29, 2009 18:43:52 GMT -5
An imprecise mech might describe Thundercracker's lasercore as mauled. This is inaccurate, as all the damages are neat, created with an exquisite care.
It takes Hook's metaphorical breath away to see such a callous disregard for another being's very self.
"Yes, Thundercracker, something is wrong." Hook pulls his hands out of the Seeker and simply studies the problem. Every time he thinks he's worked out everything he needs to do, something new catches his sight.
He could do this alone, given enough time. Time, however, is a luxury.
"Perceptor, come over here."
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Post by Perceptor on Jan 30, 2009 21:26:35 GMT -5
// Indeed, // Perceptor replies drily.
"Hm? Oh. Yes, of course," he replies, nodding. Pee-Dee is closed back up with a small snap and a pat on her shoulder. "When we get back, Holi has a knack for locating paint. We will have you good as new in no time."
With that bit of reassurance, Perceptor crosses over to where Hook is studying Thundercracker's lasercore, conscious of trying to make his body language as non-threatening as possible. Unlike some mechs, though, he was never trained for such a thing, and he has no idea if it is working. He probably looks as awkward as grin on a Sharkticon.
Very shortly, though, he has far more to worry about and concentrate on than his body language. The work is subtly... interwoven, and as precise as an origami masterpiece. If it were not for the... atrocity of the very essence of the work, he might almost even be... impressed.
He feels sick, more than anything.
"How could... anyone... do..." Very soft, those few words of shock. The quiet of utter disbelief, though it passes swiftly, and the horror in his expression fades just as swiftly to one of deep concentration.
It is true; time is a luxury, and one which they lack an overabundance of.
"If we initiate the process here," he observes, a probe dropping into his hand to highlight a tiny section, "and work together from the lower functions upward, each adjustment will progress into the next, but only if we coordinate our progress precisely." He looks up then to stare gravely at Hook. "We risk cascade failure if we fail in that precision. The only other alternative that I can observe at this time is a much longer, more protracted process, and I frankly do not believe that we have the time or resources here to do so."
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Post by Thundercracker-3 on Jan 31, 2009 12:39:16 GMT -5
As Perceptor approaches, Thundercracker has to fight every instinct to bolt -- probably not a good idea to run anyhow when his chassis is laid open and his lasercore exposed. He finally deactivates his optics and forces himself to hold still as the scientist comes to a halt before him.
The horror in the scientist's words brings a rush of emotions -- fear, yes, but also anger at HIS Perceptor for what has been done... and a shame that makes him want to cover the damage that has been done, shielding his lasercore from their optics like an abuse victim trying to hide the scars.
But again, he refrains from moving, not wishing to distract Hook from his job more than necessary.
Skippable unless Perceptor or Hook-3 address him or require something.
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Post by Pee-Dee on Feb 1, 2009 19:10:46 GMT -5
Pee-Dee goes to find Mr. Singe and cuddle him.
Pee-Dee is skippable.
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Hook-3
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No One Knows What It's Like
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Post by Hook-3 on Feb 3, 2009 13:43:07 GMT -5
"With great skill," Hook says caustically. "That's how someone could do this."
The Constructicon works open the seams in his forearm just slightly and removes a selection of the tools he concealed there. "If that is what is necessary, that is what we are going to have to do. If you are as good as you think you are, then you can keep up with me."
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Post by Perceptor on Feb 7, 2009 5:57:30 GMT -5
If the situation were just a little less serious, Perceptor would have given in to his urge to offer Hook the wry grin and chuckle threatening to escape him at Hook's confidence. It just does not seem like an appropriate moment for levity, however, and so, all Hook receives as a brief quirk of one optic ridge before Perceptor retrieves his own tools.
"My apologies, Thundercracker," he intones softly. "Portions of this process will not be pleasant for you." It will be more pleasant having it undone than having it done, at least, since neither Hook nor Perceptor are sadists who enjoy the suffering of others, however, they are still manually manipulating core systems and programming. There is only so much "mental anesthesia" even those two and all their skills can provide.
And given the choice between comfort and function/survival, Perceptor will have to choose function/survival, and he's rather certain that Hook will do the same.
"If you are ready?" Tools in place, a nod toward Hook, and once everyone is prepared... it begins.
ooc: time skip through all or part of the work?
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Hook-3
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No One Knows What It's Like
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Post by Hook-3 on Feb 11, 2009 12:37:35 GMT -5
Hook would not understand Perceptor's amusement, anyway. He lives to fix the broken and bring peace to the dying, but he is also very aware of his own skill.
"I am ready," Hook murmurs as he sets his tools in place. Once it begins, the exacting nature of Hook's skill becomes readily apparent.
---
Good for a timeskip.
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Post by Perceptor on Feb 14, 2009 0:19:40 GMT -5
Had it really only been such a very short while ago that Perceptor had wished for a challenging project to collaborate upon with this Hook? Perceptor would not have yearned for any such thing if he'd had any inkling that it could have been such a dire need that would drive them to these heights of cooperative skill, for certainly and surely they have.
He would fear for Thundercracker, would worry for him, but Perceptor has no time. Working in such a manner, dependent upon Hook's work and Hook's skill and Hook's exquisite timing takes far more concentration - and trust - than working through a similar project alone. If he had the processing power to spare, he would marvel at the way their skills intertwine, mesh, becoming more than the sum of their abilities. Hook, this Hook, reminds him much of Wheeljack in that regard...
Except that Wheeljack had never had quite this level of perfectionist finesse.
It is exhilarating to partake in, and Perceptor finds that his hands and mind work all the swifter for it.
He will miss Hook when it is time for the Alternates to return. Miss him sorely. And some small part of Perceptor almost regrets when the work begins to draw to a close and wind down.
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Hook-3
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No One Knows What It's Like
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Post by Hook-3 on Feb 20, 2009 16:39:31 GMT -5
Beware wishes. The powers in the universe are not like people.
As the work comes to an end, Hook scans over the changes he and Perceptor have made. Is there anything that could be improved before they close Thundercracker back up? Anything at all?
No, there is nothing.
The Constructicon smiles and settles back on his heels. "There."
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Post by Thundercracker-3 on Feb 21, 2009 17:10:39 GMT -5
At Hook's announcement, if it could be called that, Thundercracker powers up his optics, which he'd offlined early on in the procedure. He wasn't sure if he could stand watching anyone, let alone Perceptor, poking around in his lasercore, despite knowing they're doing this for his own good...
He feels... different. He can't decide if he feels better or worse yet, but he certainly feels different. And he's not sure what to make of it quite yet...
"It's over?" he murmured. "I... ah... thank you..."
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Post by Barricade-3 on Feb 21, 2009 17:40:29 GMT -5
Done? They're done?
Barricade has been watching anxiously while the two medics had worked - Hook with hope, and Perceptor with continued suspicion. Not that he would have known anything was going wrong unless Hook had reacted, but had Hook reacted, well, Barricade had been ready to pounce and rip the Autobot's hands off.
"Thunder?" he calls softly, that hope he'd been clinging to obvious in his voice. "How d'ya feel? Are you..."
Barricade cannot help but cast a worried, inquisitive look at Hook. Is he back? Is their Thundercracker really back?
ooc:skippable
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Post by Perceptor on Feb 21, 2009 17:47:22 GMT -5
"You are welcome," Perceptor replies, but steps back so as not to loom over the prone Seeker as he does so. Although the programming and obedience should now be repaired, nothing will repair Thundercracker's memories but time. Time which is still such a precious commodity, and even time will likely not be able to do anything for the abuse Thundercracker had suffered at his Alternate's hands. So he steps back, not crowding his patient, and waits.
After all, now it is up to Hook to ensure that they have been totally successful. Perceptor knows nothing about what Thundercracker had once been. Only Hook and Barricade know that.
He casts Hook a look of silent thanks for being allowed to do his part in this proceedure, although he doesn't expect Hook to even notice or acknowledge him; Hook still has a patient to tend, after all.
So does Perceptor, actually. There isn't much he can do for Pee-Dee out here with few tools and no materials, but he can at least clear away some small bits of the slag of the demarcation between the old bits and the new, and trim parts of her new structures to better fit and move, if she'll allow him. He withdraws to her side and silently offers to do exactly that as he waits for Hook's final remarks upon Thundercracker's repairs.
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