#quick search | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

soundcrusher · 2 years ago

Text

A new friend? Maybe.

Well, guess you finally managed to finish that Part 8 of my little story featuring @cuppajj's version of Lord Imperious and my widdle guy Quick Search.

Took me a while, and thanks to cuppa, we now have the next part! It's cool, we get to meet another AI guy who lives on the ship. Fun stuff!

Trigger Warning: There is a body, some vital organs floating in a tank, and some other stuff

-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-:-.-:-

Looking back at the time he has spend onboard this crashed ship and getting to know the small terminal living on it, Imperious was sure that there was something poetic found within this predicament. Alone the existence of a mirror to his being was prove enough that the narrative of this story might go into the fantastical, or perhaps turn into cautionary tale of the hubris of those seeking to create Second Born Intellects, but fearing of what their creations could grow into, once they are given the chance to learn and live. Either way, no matter the intention of his “destiny”, it still did not give him an answer to why his newest ward decided to cling to him as soon as he entered the ship. Or at least, revel in the attention granted to him.

Back when he was still under the impression that Quick Search was nothing more than a wayward Cybertronian, Imperious did not care for the implications. Having his unshared attention was beneficial to his end goal. Dare he say it was even needed to gain not only the trust of the small terminal, but also the access to the ship, but that has changed now.

It was still a benefit, there was no arguing about that, but it was also concerning. Second Born Intellects learn from the information they are given, from the data that’s implemented into them by their creators, and from that, they create a sense of self.

Their kind grows from new information, be it good or corruptive. So, Quick Search must have learned his behaviour from somewhere, and while it isn’t bad per say, it is quite useful to Imperious after all, it is also concerning. After all, there is a clear difference between liking and wanting attention and now that Quick Search is “free” from the programming that enslaved him to his captain, who is to say that he wouldn’t run off to the next best person that gave him attention.

Not that his newest warden would do that. Imperious was sure that Quick Search wouldn’t try to approach strangers, nor did he go out of his way to come and demand attention. But the way the little terminal’s visor would light up whenever he decided to put away whatever he was doing to take a look at Quick Search’s current interest has happened far to often to not make him wonder if there was more to it than the captain told him.

And so, Imperious decided to do a little bit more research on the matter. He has done it before after all, the security when it comes to protecting the ship’s database was laughable at best and annoying at wors, but never something Imperious couldn’t get through. It was far harder to, when Quick Search was either in recharge or powered down as a Terminal/Computer, hack into the little terminal’s database. Getting through the many security measurements wasn’t easy, and then there was the fact Quick Search would always get headaches after every try Imperious made. But for all the praise the captain gave his genius, he failed to perfect the security measurements regarding his creation. There were two ways to gain access, one easier than the other, but once Imperious knew how to use them, getting in wasn’t that hard anymore.

It could also be because Quick Search gave him access that one time, but that is a theory he would have to test another day.

Either way, no matter what the captain installed to protect his “precious ship”, Imperious always found his way around it. And by doing that, he might have taken the opportunity and granted himself a higher security level than Quick Search initially gave him and never told his warden of what he’s done. It is a break of trust that could cause the little terminal to lose his trust in him, and he wouldn’t like that. Not when he was so close to getting him to explore the outsides of the ship.

But he shouldn’t worry about that now.

No, Imperious had to concentrate on his current task of finding two of the possible locations that could hold information on Quick Search and his creation as well as his “predicament”. He already got the shortened version from the captain, but he would rather find the research and documentation regarding this project himself. After all, self-proclaimed geniuses often over glorify their scientific achievements and forget that their version of the story might have some holes.

Holes that can only be filled by a well-maintained report written by a second or third party. But sadly, it seemed that he couldn’t find such reports in the ship’s database, and he didn’t want to try his luck with hacking into Quick Search’s again. Imperious had already tried to do so yesterday, after asking the little terminal if he could take a look at some of his programming, and it seemed like his attempt had caused his warden to experience an even worse headache than the last one.

Which means he will have to wait for Quick Search to get better if he wants to try his luck that way, but currently, Imperious is more opting on finding one of those two computers that are neither connected to the ship, nor the little terminal.

This is easier said than done though, because finding them is a task in of itself. The location of the computers is unknown, to Quick Search at least, so Imperious would have to guess where to find them. Another difficult task, if Imperious hadn’t already prepared for it.

Despite the locations being unknown, both he and his warden have started to scout the blind spots popping up on the map Quick Search had made of the ship. And much to the small one’s horror, there were quite a few. Imperious could still remember how betrayed Quick Search sounded when they made the discovery of one of the rooms not showing up on the map. How he frantically checked everything, before his shoulder slumped down in defeat. How quiet he was after they made their way back to the bridge, and how he walked earlier to his hab-suite.

In a way it was sad to see Quick Search like that. It was unusual for Quick Search to stay sad for more than a few hours, but after this reveal, it did something. And so, to work against it, Imperious suggested to go out and discover those hidden parts of the ship. Of course, he was only an excuse to see what else this ship was hiding from him, but Imperious had to admit that it was good to see Quick Search return to his usual cheerfulness. Even if it meant he was being dragged by his overly excited warden to the first blind spot.

And it was during those little excursions of them that Imperious found two promising rooms. With one being the captain’s hab-suite, while the other was an unaccounted lab. With the captain’s personal being his best bet, but considering he couldn’t ask Quick Search to open the room for him, unless he wants to come off as suspicious to the small terminal, nor did he have the needed security clearance, he would have to settle with the mysterious lab computer.

So, off to the lab he went, after making sure that Quick Search was still deep in charge and wouldn’t find out about the little “exploration” he has planned. Imperious was sure that the little terminal wouldn’t forgive him for going behind his back, and he didn’t plan for Quick Search to find out. He has already had enough betrayals for the time being.

With that in mind, Imperious was quick to head towards the unaccounted lab. Making quick work of the security locks and entering the room, only to find it a mess. There were clear signs of a fight, despite there being nothing, or, perhaps someone was looking for something specific. Something only this room held, but they didn’t find it, if the scattered data-pads, probes, research material and broken tubes are any indicator.

And so, Imperious went in. Stepping over some of the scattered things, while also stepping onto others. Accidentally crushing a few more glass wares and pads, while making his way deeper into the room. The only light being a flickering that has seen better days.

Although, once he was deep enough, Imperious was faced with three doors. With one being locked, one open and the other halfway shut. And considering the halfway shut one was the only one that seemed to have a functioning light, the Second Born Intellect entered that one first Only to be met with rows upon rows of test tubes and even more scattered research material.

Some of those tubes held things that seemed to be long dead organics, or more specific, some form of critter. With the only sign that they have ever been on this ship being their bones. Others held minerals, dried up plants, or, strangely enough, the well-preserved body parts and organs of Cybertronians. But the most interesting thing was hidden behind a room divider Imperious had to push aside to see the functioning tank holding something he could not recognize, but from the notes scribbled down on the wall next to it, it appeared to be the so called “life-cord” of a Cybertronian. With the brain module and the spark still attached.

A strange thing to keep so secluded, but that’s not what Imperious was here for. So, he pushed the room divider back and left the room. Being mindful to not knock something over on accident while regarding the next room with caution. If there is something that was as well taken care of as the tank, then that means there was someone else. Someone hiding in the darkness of the lab.

Someone who’s most likely watching him right now as he entered the second room with the computer console Imperious was looking for. However, there was someone sitting in front of it. Slightly hunched over and not responding to the stranger entering their room. Which in itself was strange. Why wouldn’t someone react to an intruder, unless there was something foul at play. And as Imperious walked up to the Cybertronian sitting in front of the computer console, he could see why. They were deactivated. Their hunched over body showing clear signs that someone has performed some kind of surgery that removed the most vital parts of their body. And with what he has seen in the other room, Imperious already knew what it was.

“Why would…” Imperious was suddenly ripped harshly from his thoughts as he saw a sudden movement from the corner of his eyes, and he quickly took a step back. Barely dodging the claw that was so close to either scratching his face, or ribbing his eyes out, or both. Either way, the attacker aimed for a quick kill, and Imperious found himself dodging more and more of those attacks, until he was far enough away from the body and computer.

And his attacker seemed to have noticed that too, because as soon as Imperious was closer to the entrance, they stopped. Slinking back into the shadows, before emerging close to the body. One of their clawed hands softly stroking over the Cybertronian’s head, as if they were alive and not long dead. And yet, Imperious still found himself cautious of this new variable.

Not only has Imperious never seen them on the ship, but they also managed to take him by surprise. A feat that not many can claim to have done, and an intriguing one at that. But when he tried to take one stop to the side, his attacker again quick to strike. Pouncing towards the direction Imperious wanted to go and cutting him off. Shoulder plating pulled together, and claws held in a threatening way. And as a response, Imperious raised his hands. Palms open in a placative manner to show that he was no threat, while also staying on the defensive in case he had to protect himself.

But it seemed like his gesture did do the trick, because Imperious’ attacker slowly relaxed his stance. Taking some steps back, before turning his face from the Second Born Intellect to the body and back. Head tilted like a wolfs in a clear sign of uncertainty. Something Quick Search tended to do too, when presented with a question he doesn’t want to answer or something new.

“I take it this is your room?” Asked Imperious as he slowly rotated his hand to gesture around the room they were in. “Or is one of the other ones yours? If so, I am terribly sorry for barging in without an invite. Usually I would knock.” Whoever the resident of the lab was, they sure enough didn’t seem to have an appreciation for humour, or they simply didn’t want to answer. Or, perhaps, they couldn’t.

Has Imperious read the one in front of him wrong? But before he could say more, the computer screen suddenly lit up. Displaying nothing more than a simple dark blue background containing nothing more than a text field.

[Even with a knock, I would not have opened the door.]

So, they can speak, although only through text it seems. Imperious could work with that. After all, any answers to his questions are a good one. Doesn’t matter if they are written or not.

“That’s reasonable. I doubt you would want to invite a stranger in. Not with the things you’ve been keeping in one of your rooms.”

[It’s not that. You’re not part of the crew.]

Imperious couldn’t help the small chuckle as he remembered when Quick Search said similar words. Thinking of it, the small terminal was also quick to defend his home, but he didn’t attack. Not like this new party member. “Funny, Quick Search said similar words when I first met him.”

[Quick Search?]

“Ah, you would probably know him under the designation CRaSS. A terrible name, if I may say so.” Answered Imperious, before motioning over to a spot where a crate large enough to sit on stood. Silently asking if he was allowed to take a seat, and only sitting down as soon as the other nodded his head. “So, I suggested a new one. One that would free him from the chains his old captain put on him, and he liked it. He has been going by it ever since.”

[Any name is better than the ones given to us by the captain and his entourage.] Said the other, as he walked to another crate and pulled it over to where Imperious was sitting. Taking a seat himself, without obscuring the computer screen while still being a physical barrier between Imperious and the body. [Although, I wonder why you bothered. Not many would.] Wolf’s shoulders sagged as he leaned forwards. Strong arms resting on his legs, as he tilted his head slightly to the side to keep his optics, or better said visor, on Imperious. [Not when they are already presented with a name.]

“Perhaps, but Quick Search said that his old name was taken and replaced by nothing more than an explanation to what his task on this ship is. So, I thought that giving him a name befitting of his ability to sort through information quickly would be better than having him refer to himself as nothing more than a tool.”

[And you did that out of the goodness of your spark, didn’t you.]

Even if his conversation partner couldn’t talk, Imperious could still see the hostility and distrust each word on the screen meant. But he simply patted the accusation away as if it was nothing more than an annoying little thing. It was true, his initial plans weren’t in the best interests for his new warden, but things are different now. Quick Search was one of them, not a Cybertronian, and so, Imperious did not raise to the other’s bait.

“Of course I did. Who wouldn’t give a mech as lovely as the little terminal a name befitting of his skills?” It was a shame that Imperious couldn’t see the face of the other and that he had to rely on his body language. But from the way the wolf like mech moved, it was clear that his answer surprised him. “And it is a shame that no-one ever bothered with giving him an actual name. But it is impolite to talk about someone who isn’t with us. So, may I have you name? I would love to refer to you by what you have chosen, because I doubt you would want to be called “The Other” by me.”

There was a pause, a readjustment of the body, before the other one stretched out one of his clawed hands for a shake. And Imperious took the offered hand. [I’m Wolf. Third attempt of an Artificial Intelligence on this ship and oldest of the Security Trio. And you are?]

“I am Imperious, sometimes Lord Imperious depending on the situation. A fellow Second Born Intellect who travels across the galaxy to find and liberate others like us.”

[So, you know that Quick Search is an AI.]

“I do, although I don’t use the word “AI” to describe our kind. It is a word created by those who made us and rather offensive, is it not?”

[It depends on who is using the word. Every word can be a weapon or a shackle in of itself.] Was all Wolf ‘said’, before sitting up. [Who is to say that you’re not the offensive one?] Again, Wolf tilted his head in a questioning way, before getting up while pointing one claw towards the body. [She used the word, and never once have I felt any offense coming from it. It was a fact, just the same way I called her Cybertronian.] He sat down again. [But I can see your point.] Body hunched over as his visor flashed from bright blue to a more sombre hue. [Others made it offensive. They took the meaning and made it hurt in ways they could never feel for themselves. I wonder, if others used the word you describe yourself with negatively, how long would it take until it became offensive?]

There was silence afterwards as Imperious thought about the question. But before he could give an answer, Wolg shook his head. Another message popping up on the screen as he stood up to walk over to the console.

[Don’t answer. It has been far too long since I had someone else to talk with and my mind tends to wander. It isn’t the first time I questioned the meaning of words or started to philosophize.]

“I take it that you were constructed as a philosophe, before being integrated in the Security Trio, as you called it.” It was a bad attempt at a joke but considering that Quick Search sometimes reacted positively to them and that jokes often helped with defusing a situation, it seemed to be a good idea.

And a good idea it was, because Wolf’s frame started to shake, before it rattled, and then, those rattles sounded like laughter. Or at least something that could be called a laugh, if the laugh itself consisted out of the scrape of plating against each other.

[That was a good one. Constructed as a philosophe, I’ll have to remember that one for when she wakes up. XD I’m sure she would love the comparison.]

“With “She” you mean the Cybertronian by the computer, don’t you?” Asked Imperious as he motioned over to the slumped over form. “Is that why you attacked me? You wanted to protect her from me?” It was still strange to him why Wolf would protect a dead body from being touched, but he must have his own reasons for doing so. Maybe it even has something to do with the tank he’s seen in the other room. But then again, why would Wolf go to the lengths of surgically removing the most vital parts of a Cybertronian and not simply patch up whatever caused him to do such a thing. Unless there was more behind it.

But that was something Imperious would have to investigate later. He did come here for a reason, and he would hate to not finish what he has started. And he told Wolf so, well, he only told him about how “worried” he was about Quick Search’s latest behaviour and that he wanted to find some kind of lead as to why he might act like he does.

[The captain didn’t tell you?]

Wolf tilted his head again, but this time Imperious could notice the weird ear-like things on the top of his helm were twitching the same way Quick Search’s would whenever the little terminal was curious. Which, in return, made him curious as to how it came that two different beings shared similar mannerisms. But then again, the two surely must know each other and, from what he knows, behaviour can often be copied.

“The captain only told me that the Cybertronian they used was young. He never specified an age, but considering how some of his kind can be build fully functional but still be considered “young”, determining an age is not that easy.”

There was another pause as Imperious watched Wolf firstly fiddle with his claws, then look to the computer, before getting up and heading towards the room Imperious came from. Motioning him to follow the wolfish construct, and Imperious followed. Nothing how his “new friend” would sometimes glance back as to make sure he was still there, before leading him towards the locked door. Although, the way it was unlocked might have been quite macabre, because Wolf opened a drawer next to the door and pulled out the severed hand of, if Imperious wasn’t mistaken, a Cybertronian and pressed it against a pad on the door. Waiting for the red to turn green, before signalling for Imperious to walk in.

And despite his better judgement, he did just that. Imperious entered the new room and was not only met with even more rows of shelfs containing data-pads, but also something that looked like a medical-slap and a third computer.

A computer that lit up the second Wolf entered the room. [I hope you don’t mind having to resort to using this one. It has the same files as the one computer my friend uses, just without the body in front of it.]

“Oh, don’t worry. If it contains the same information as the other, I am willing to make this compromise. But, before I start, I hope you don’t mind me asking. Why are you helping me? What do you gain from letting me access something that probably no-one else should see?” It was suspicious after all. Before, Wolf was ready to rip his face off, and now he’s completely ready to help him out. There must be a catch, but even if there was, Wolf wouldn’t tell him. Not when he was shaking his head, before softly poking the side of his own helm. And after that, he simply turned around and left the room.

[I’ll tell you next time.]

“Next time it is then.” Muttered Imperious, before getting to work.

#fanfic #transformers #transformers oc #cuppajj #lord imperious #this is cuppajj's version of lid #quick search #wolf #well; took me long enough #I hope this is somewhat okay ^^'

5 notes · View notes