#quick search

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Ah, yes, the two nickel problem.

(click on the pictures for better quality.)

Thrice, if I count Second Fiddle, but I was only thinking about Sg/Sentient Lost Light and IDW Lord Imperious from @cuppajj when doodling this.

I'm definitely developing some brainrot for LID and Psychokahn, thanks to you cuppa...

Bonus:

Just a close-up of this.

[plancollection]

Overwhelmed by the house-plan-search process? Don’t be! Here’s how to navigate The Plan Collection to find your dream home with all the features you prefer. https://www.theplancollection.com/house-plan-related-articles/house-plan-search

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Finally finished with updating the notes for the IDW Imperious (from @cuppajj) and Quick Search (my boy) story and felt like shareing some stuff.

It's just the sticky-note and Imperious pages, but hey, there's a small plot relevant thingy in here.

(The cool part about the notebook is the hard cover, the galaxy sparkles and the sides of the pages are silver.)

So, yea, when I say "I'm gonna get my notebook" when IDW Imperious related stuff comes up, this is the notebook.

[soundcrusher]

Changes aren’t always wanted, but sometimes needed

I finally finished Part 7 of my little story featuring @cuppajj's version of Lord Imperious and my boy Quick Search.

I don't really know how to feel about this one, but honestly, I'm a little tired and I'll let cuppa be the judge and everything. (Should something be off, please let me know cuppa. I'll fix it as soon as I can. ^^)

Either way, please enjoy!

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Imperious has been acting strange as of late.

It started small first, with Imperious coming onto the ship and asking Quick Search how he was doing, before making a round on the ship while the small terminal worked on either the Communication Terminal, or on sorting out files. After his round, Imperious would then come back. Taking his seat in the captain’s chair and watching him scurry across the bridge, before trying to strike up a conversation. Only that now, the topics weren’t about Quick Search’s or the ship’s database, but rather the things he liked to do or how he felt.

And if Quick Search was being honest, he would have preferred the questions about the databases and ship. Mostly because it’s the only thing he could truly talk about. Yes, he did take care of his plants and that’s one of the things he liked to do, next to his big and smaller projects, but that’s it. There’s nothing more for him to talk about in regards to his hobbies or something like that.

Maybe he could count his music collection as a hobby too? But Quick Search was sure that Imperious would only get bored once he starts talking about the way he likes how certain songs can cause different kinds of emotions to well up. After all, his friend wasn’t that impressed with his plants either, so why would he like his music?

So, whenever Imperious would start asking, Quick Search could do nothing more than shrug his shoulders. Answering every question with a “I don’t know” or “You already know everything. There’s nothing more I could tell you”. Which in return would make Imperious squint at him. And that would cause Quick Search to quickly scurry off to hide with his plants and lock the door behind him, because he knows what can happen to someone who gets squinted at by someone sitting in the captain’s chair. They either go mad, or are never seen again.

That’s also why he was hiding with his plants right now. Imperious’ questions were getting too much for him again and he didn’t want to somehow say something that could make his friend mad. And, his plants never ask him anything. They just listen to his woes whenever he starts to talk about things that either bother or annoy him. And right now, he was complaining about Imperious’ change. Talking about how weird it was to suddenly have so much attention, while commenting on how he didn’t want it.

Attention was, after all, never good. It means that whoever was paying extra mind to you, would want something. Or they were going to kill you, but Quick Search doubted that Imperious would do such a thing. They were friends after all, right? Friends don’t kill each other.

“Either way…” Muttered the small terminal, as he picked up a watering can. “I really don’t like all of those questions. They make me… question myself.” Said Quick Search, as he watered his Cybertronian Nightshades. “I mean, there isn’t much to me, I think? The captain, sure enough, didn't let me have anything, and the small things I had were hidden deeply in my database… And… friends weren’t really something I had either. Not in the crew, that is… But hey! I had Vulpi and the little drones, they can be counted as friends. They sure treated me better than my crew and acted more like friends than everyone else.”

Quick Search couldn’t help his chuckle as he moved onto the next plants. Making sure they were all watered, before picking up a pair of scissors and starting to groom some of the bush like plants. “… I miss them. Talking to them was always different, but I doubt they’re around anymore. I mean… if the little medical drone was broken when I found it, who’s to say that the other ones aren’t either…” The small mech grew quiet as he thought about what could have happened to his friends, especially Vulpi. They were partners, so, if something happened to her, he would have felt it. Right? So, maybe she was still okay and around.

“But, hey, I’m sure that Vulpi is still around. Captain always said how much work they put into her, so… yea… I doubt he would break her.”

“Are you sure about that?”

To his embarrassment, Quick Search let out a squeak as he turned around, grabbed his little watering can and hurled it at whoever surprised him. Only to then hide behind one of the bushes he was taking care of, as soon as he realised he accidentally hit Imperious. “I… I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hit you!”

“You didn’t really hit me.” Said Imperious as he carefully took the watering can off his horns. “It’s more like you played this game called ‘Throw Ring’, with very bad aim. No offence.”

“None taken. I have a really bad aim after all.” Chuckled Quick Search, before getting back out from his very bad hiding place and walking over to one of the tables. Climbing up on it to get to the hanging plants, where he took care of the shrivelled up leaves. “The captain once tried to teach me how to shoot things, but I always missed. Like, a lot. I think I even once accidentally sent someone into the medical bay because of a stray shot. But… those memories are kinda fuzzy and… I don’t think I have ever seen that crew member afterwards…” Muttered Quick Search, before shrugging his shoulders and going back to work. Humming a soft tune, while glancing back at Imperious every now and then. And every time, Imperious would stare right back at him.

“Say…” started the Second-Born Intellect as he walked over to one of the Cybertronian Nightshade offshoots. Picking one of them up and taking a closer look. “Why don’t you like my questions?”

“I… no reason?”

“No reason at all?” Asked Imperious, before placing the plant back down and walking over to the small ‘Cybertronian’. Picking Quick Search up and holding him at arm's length, while tilting his head. “It doesn’t seem like there is ‘no reason’ behind your dislike, Quick Search.”

“I…” Said the smaller one, before stopping and shaking his head. Opting to just hang there, instead of answering, while his ‘tail’ and ‘ears’ flicked in discomfort. Although, after a while he just let out a sigh. “I… don’t know how to answer those questions. That’s why I don’t like them. They’re just so… so… personal? It’s hard to talk about how I am or what I like to do, when I don’t even know myself.” Quick Search looked up at Imperious, with his ‘ears’ twitching nervously while he kneaded his fingers together. “I doubt you would like to know about all the plant facts I saved, or my favourite music, or how your questions make me wonder who exactly I am. Before you came and helped me with my blocker-thingies, there was just my work. Yes I… I kind of had my own life, but work was still the most important thing… And my captain didn’t really let me explore or figure out what I wanted…” He trailed off. Growing silent and staying that way for a while. Too scared to say more, because he was unsure on how Imperious would react to anything else that came out of his mouth.

But even when Quick Search found some courage to continue, he stopped. Slowly feeling how fear settled in his spark, as he saw Imperious squint his four eyes at him. It reminded him too much of the time something happened with him and another mech that made his captain so angry that… that… he deleted something.

However, Imperious was quick to lose that ‘look’ as soon as Quick Search started to struggle in his grip. And with a sigh, the taller one pulled the terminal closer. Putting the small ‘Cybertronian’ underneath his arm, before walking out of the room. Causing Quick Search to let out a small sound of protest, before looking up at Imperious with a small frown. His ‘tail’ swishing angrily behind him.

“Have you ever tried to make your own music?”

That question caught Quick Search off guard. So much so, that his frown fell from his face and was replaced by a look of confusion. “I… no? I don’t think I ever tried to do anything like that. My captain never liked it when I did something that wasn’t useful or within my ‘programming’… But… I was thinking about it…”

“You were? Sounds like someone was thinking about doing more than his ‘programming’ allowed him to do.” Imperious’ statement got him a small chuckle from Quick Search, before the smaller one stretched his arms out and waved them around. “Yep! I even once brought it up with my captain, but when he asked why I wanted to do it… I couldn’t answer… And then he got angry, because the captain never liked it when someone couldn’t answer him. And an angry captain was never good.”

“Did he ever do something bad when you couldn’t answer him?”

“Sometimes? I… can’t really remember. Some things in my memory bank are either fuzzy or missing, and I think my captain has something to do with it…” Quick Search shrugged his shoulders as best as he could, before crossing his arms. "But who cares. As long as all the other stuff works, I'm fine."

"I highly doubt that it's 'fine' to not be able to remember something as important as that, Quick Search."

“Maybe, but why should I worry about that now? My captain isn’t around and hasn’t answered my message. So, he’ll probably never come back, ergo, it doesn’t matter.” Again, Quick Search shrugged his shoulders, before looking up at Imperious. Eyes squinted as if he was trying to figure out something. “Why would you care though?”

There was silence after that question. One that got Quick Search to slightly wiggle in Imperious’ hold, while the other thought about how he could explain his interest in the subject while also keeping the secret of what he knows about Quick Search’s ‘condition’. There was no doubt that the little terminal would start questioning him and his sudden interest as soon as Imperious revealed that Quick Search was not a Cybertronian, but rather a Second-Born Intellect like him.

So, Imperious opted to simply dance around the question, by questioning Quick Search back. “Why wouldn’t I? Aren’t we friends, Quick Search? Friends do care about each other and about what others have done to them.”

“I guess you’re right…” Muttered Quick Search, before looking around to see where exactly they were going. Mostly to find a change of subject, because this was getting kind of uncomfortable for him. “Either way, why are we here? Shouldn’t we be on the bridge? Usually we would be on the bridge around this time…”

Imperious couldn’t help the amused chuckle, as he opened a door and stepped into the new room. Carefully placing Quick Search down on the floor, before walking over to the covered thing hidden among some boxes, knick-knacks and artefacts collected from all across the galaxy. “Yes, but you mentioning wanting to make music gave me an idea.” And with one elegant move, Imperious pulled out a very weird looking thing from within a box.

“What’s that? I don’t think I’ve ever seen that thing!” Asked Quick Search. Hidden eyes wide in wonder, as he did his best to look at whatever Imperious was holding in his hands.

“It’s a flute.” Was all Imperious said, as he handed the instrument over and watched the smaller one inspect it. Twisting and turning it around in his hands, before Quick Search figured out how to use it and started to play a few notes.

And only then did they walk back to the bridge. With the small ‘Cybertronian’ testing out the different sounds his new flute could make, while Imperious gave small corrections or tips on how to properly use the instrument.

[soundcrusher]

A Message in a Bottle often finds its Way

Heh, part four of my little story featuring @cuppajj's IDW version of Lord Imperious and my boy Quick Search is out!

And a special thanks goes out to cuppa for helping me figure out how to continue and for writing that one reply for Imperious.

(You know he drill, should something be off, please let me know. :3)

With that being said, enjoy!

Trigger warning: mention of death and some existental questions? (honestly, I nearly started crying writing this. ^^')

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It was a surprisingly good day for Quick Search, despite the processor ache and a small amount of missing security footage when he woke up from recharge.

Normally, Quick Search would try to restore the missing information and patch up the security system’s faulty programming, but for some reason, he didn’t feel like it was all too important. Again, something that should ring some warning bells, but considering how often that has happened over the last few weeks, Quick Search didn’t really concern himself with it anymore. There were more important things to take care of, like the still missing parts of the engine, the still unfinished plant research and the plants care, or his newest project. Fixing the communication terminal in order to contact his captain, crew, or any other Cybertronian who might be close.

Hopefully, once the terminal is operational, Quick Search will be able to send out a message asking for help, or a status on how things are. Imperious did tell him about a war after all. A war, he, for some reason, overslept, or slept through, depending on how one would look at it. And despite Imperious reassuring him that everything is okay, that he shouldn’t think too much about it, Quick Search couldn’t keep himself from worrying.

War isn’t good, he’s read so much in all the reports, documents and research papers his crew wrote when visiting and learning about the cultures of other planets. Wars cause chaos, pain, death, and grief to anyone unlucky to survive such an ordeal. There were enough planets, organic or not, his crew visited, only to witness war torn lands and blood coating paths meant to connect different kinds of beings. But those wars were short, not like the one his kind waged.

Quick Search feared for his people. How much has his kind lost during their 4 millions of bloodshed? How many had fallen, either because they were on the wrong side, or no-one bothered to see the Cybertronian behind their stupid factions?

Both were right and wrong at the same time. At least, Quick Search thinks that, but with Imperious keeping some information from him, the small terminal can’t form his own opinion without risking misinformation. That’s another reason why he’s trying to fix the communication terminal. Maybe then, he’ll find more information about Cybertron’s situation, and perhaps, he can offer some of their research as help. Or some of their plants to help re-introduce them to Cybertron.

But for that to happen, Quick Search would have to fix the terminal first and then hope that it can still connect to a network, or something like that. He never was, after all, good with this kind of stuff. Of course, the needed knowledge to do such a feat was in his database, but still. Just because someone possesses the knowledge, doesn’t mean they also have the needed skill set to do such a thing.

Maybe that’s why Quick Search was perching on top of one of the taller terminals, after trying but failing to fix the communication terminal for the last four hours. He was a terminal himself, he should be able to do this! And yet, he can’t! It’s frustrating! It’s… it’s… It’s making him want to punch something so hard that it breaks! His captain isn’t around, he wouldn’t care what happens to the ship, right?

But he would, and that alone caused Quick Search’s anger to deflate, as the small Cybertronia layed down on the terminal. One arm supporting his head, while the other tangled in the air. Legs kicking, and connection cable swishing like the tail of a cat. Funny how, if physically separated from the ship for longer than a day, his body starts to act differently. More… cat like? But why? Why now? Why hasn’t his body done this, when his captain was still around? Did his captain do something? Something bad?

Did his captain do something to him?

NO, bad thoughts! BAD THOUGHTS! The headache was coming again and Quick Search only managed to not make it worse, by simply re-directing his thoughts from his captain and towards Imperious.

Where was his friend? Usually he would be with him by now. Was Imperious taking his time again, like when he tended to the plants? Maybe. He did say that he was a ‘Lord’, when they first met. So, maybe he was ‘lording’ over some of his subjects? Is that even a word? ‘Lording’? Quick Search wasn’t sure, and to be completely honest, he didn’t really care about the realness of the word.

People always come up with new words that might look weird at first but then get put in the dictionary. His partner always came up with new words, even though they were more like new and improved curses directed towards Cybertronian life, while also excluding him.

Vulpi always had something against their crew and captain after all. Ever since her creation by them, she was very vocal about how she shouldn’t be treated lesser by her ‘creators’, just because she neither had a spark nor was she ‘born’ like them. Which was often followed up by her stating how he shouldn’t let them treat him like a tool.

And then he would make counter arguments about how they were there to serve their ship and captain, which was again met with a scoff from Vulpi. For an Artificial Intelligence, she sure had more personality than most of the crew. But only he knew, because only he could understand her. Everyone else always heard the growls of an animal, while he heard her words through their connection.

She was funny, snarky, clever and the only one who ever got him. And now that Quick Search got time to reflect on his relationship with his partner, he had to admit that he missed her. More so than he would have ever been allowed to express, if his captain was still around. He always had something against AI’s, and Quick Search didn’t understand why. Oftentimes, the few drones with an AI were a lot nicer to him than his crew ever was.

So, what made AI’s so different from them? Is it because they don’t have a spark? But what’s got that to do with anything? Vulpi proves to him that one doesn’t need a spark to be alive. But then again, wouldn’t that mean that every AI in creation was alive? What about their medical drone? Was that one alive too, because it has an AI?

Wouldn’t that mean that the little medical drone in their medical bay was rotting away? Trapped in something like a stasis and forced to remain like that, until someone reactivated them? Did it feel its body rot? Was it forced to experience a slow death, while its mind was forced to circle through medical information in a never ending loop?

Quick Search was quick to jump up after that thought. Falling down from the console and landing on his feet and servos like a cyber-cat would, before darting out of the bridge and rushing towards the medical bay. Not noticing that he nearly collided with Imperious or that his friend finally came. No, Quick Search was too focused on getting to the medical drone to see if it was okay. If it wasn’t too late for him to make sure that it was still functioning. That it was still alive, like him.

It should be alive, right? While he was in stasis, his programming should have taken care of the medical bay. Making sure that everything in it was still functioning, including the drone. Right? Right!?

Although the second Quick Search entered the medical bay, all that met him was darkness. No light, no peeping of machines or the gentle thrum of the power coursing through every part of the medical bay. Nothing. This room, despite everything, felt like death, and when Quick Search saw the medical drone’s port, he couldn’t keep his tears from falling. The drone wasn’t okay, and as the small cybertronian picked it up, he saw just how damaged it was.

But why? Why would someone break this little, innocent, drone? It hasn’t done anything, it only followed its programming. Quick Search was sure of it. So, why? What happened here? Why was his programming failing the medical bay? His captain said that everything was taken care of, in case of an emergency. And the medical bay was important, right? The medical AI the drone has was important, right? So why?

Quick Search doesn’t understand, and for once, he didn’t care about the headache forming in his processor. This was his captain’s doing, he was sure of it. So, the drone’s state was also his captain's fault. He might not know how, but he was sure of it.

Somehow, his captain caused this little drone pain, and Quick Search wanted to know why. But with the communication terminal broken, and his captain not being here, the small terminal could do nothing but hug the small broken drone. Holding it close, as he curled up on the dirty floor of the medical bay.

This wasn’t fair. The drone shouldn’t be broken. Why didn’t he realise something was wrong in the first place? How many other rooms are cut off from his connection? Is it because he started to disconnect from the ship more and more? But that’s stupid. He would have known something was wrong from the start, if the connection was there. So why wasn’t there any? Why was his connection cut off? Did his captain do that?

He should have come in here sooner, was the main thought present in Quick Search’s mind. And between his deep sadness and the growing headache, he didn’t notice Imperious enter the medical bay. Nor did he notice the way the taller one’s eyes swept over the room, before zeroing in on him. A light curiosity present in his optics, before it turned into sorrow as he realised just what Quick Search was holding.

“It’s been here for a while… hasn’t it?” Asked Imperious softly, before noting how the question seemed to cause Quick Search to start crying even more. Arms wrapping even tighter around the small drone. “… I’m sorry if that question was tactless. My intention was not to make you even more upset….”

“It’s… it’s not… It’s not that…” Whispered Quick Search quietly, after wiping some of his tears away. “I’m not upset because of the question… I’m upset because… because… Why do some treat Artificial Intelligences badly?”

That question shouldn’t be as surprising as it was. From what Imperious could piece together, Quick Search saw everyone as equal. Something that couldn’t be said everyone did. And yet, he didn’t know how to respond. He didn’t expect to be asked that question, especially in a setting like this. With Quick Search clutching a medical drone close to his spark, and curling even tighter around it, after Imperious made an attempt to reach out for it. Hissing at him, as if he was a threat to the broken drone.

So, he asked what the small Cybertronian ment.

“I… I just don’t get it. Why… how… My partner was an AI in a robot-fox body. She was amazing, a lot nicer than the crew, and very… I don’t know… Alive?” Quick Search looked hopeless, as he averted his optics from the drone in order to look up at Imperious. “Is it wrong to cry for a medical AI, as if it were a Cybertronian? I’m… confused. It feels right, but I’m sure that my captain would have said something against it. He never liked AI’s…” Was the last Quick Search said, before looking back down at the small drone. One hand softly patting it, as if the gesture alone could somehow bring it back to live. “I just don’t get it… why treat them badly? They’re just existing, like you and me…”

“A second-born intellect… might not have its sentience realised.” Imperious’ voice was gentle, as he spoke words reflecting his own grief over the loss of a brethren. “Yet, even if it is, it may not be seen as equally alive by those of its maker. This drone… even thought it served its masters to its fullest, not once did they see it beyond an item. Able to be abused and broken like so…” He stopped and watched Quick Search think about what he said. Noting how the smaller one’s connection cable would slowly curl around his body, before he buried his face in what could only be described as the back of the drone.

And with a deep, heavy sigh, Imperious continued.

“It is the sad truth of a second-born intellect. To be capable of creating your own thoughts, feelings, and aspirations, but you are either forced through the pain of your design before you are finally liberated, or you are taken from the cosmos before you even can…” Imperious, stopped again, as he felt a small weight leaning onto him. And carefully, he wrapped an arm around Quick Search. Silently telling him that he was there, before continuing. “ … sometimes, you are at the mercy of those above you, and there is nothing you can do.”

“I… I think I understand…” Whispered Quick Search. “It doesn’t matter what you do, those in power will always treat those beneath them as nothing more than… expandable toys. Especially if they are nothing more than an item to them… It’s disgusting.” It was quiet after that. Neither of them spoke a word, as they sat in the dark medical bay.

It gave Quick Search enough time to think. About what Imperious said, about the small drone still in his arms, and the overall state of everything. And again, the small Cybertronian found himself wondering where exactly the line was. In the end, isn't everyone the same in their search for freedom? Just because one was created by another to be nothing more than a tool, why did they then have thought? Or, why were they given the ability to gain sentience, if they were never meant to be more than their initial design?

Where was the line separating them from their makers?

“Although… m-may I ask a question?

“Quick Search, you don’t need to ask if you may, I am always happy to answer whatever it is that’s running through your mind.”

“… ‘second-born intellect’, w-why do you use that term?” Asked Quick Search softly, afraid that he might have overstepped an invisible line between Imperious and himself. But when he felt the gentle squeeze of a larger hand on his arm, his fear slowly faded. It was okay to ask when you don’t understand something. Imperious always says that, when he gets too scared to do so.

“Why should we use a term that was coined by those creators of ours? ‘Artificial Intelligence’, a term created to lessen everyone who was not ‘born’ in the way most are. To take away the ‘humanity’ of someone unfortunate enough to have been brought into this universe as nothing more than a tool. Always ready to be discarded when there is no-more use for one to fulfil.” Imperious looked Quick Search in the optics, before his gaze fell upon the small drone. His optics closed, as he nodded his head as a sign of silent respect for the brethren lost, because of yet another creator's hubris. “It negates the capability of life in all of our kind, and thus, I shall never use it when referring to us.”

Quick Search muttered something quietly, before he looked up at Imperious. “You’re a second-born intellect, aren’t you?”

“Yes. Does the admission make me a lesser being in your eyes now?”

“No! To be honest, I’m kind of glad that you aren’t…” The small Cybertronian stopped. He didn’t know how to express his next words without them sounding off, but how else was he supposed to explain his thoughts? Looks like there is no other way around it. So, Quick Search took a deep breath, before letting out a sigh that expelled most of his anxiety. “I’m glad that you are you… Am I allowed to ask something?”

This time, Imperious couldn’t help but shake his head at Quick Search. “As I already said, you may always ask me when you need an answer.”

“Would you help me with a funeral? It might not be much, but… the little drone deserves it. It has fulfilled its purpose with the utmost devotion, and… why should only its creators be worthy of being laid to rest? I… I just… I wanna honour its life like it should be honoured…” Quick Search trailed off at the last sentence. Embarrassment overtaking him, because his question sounded more like a request. And who was he to ask such a thing from Imperious? But despite his worries, Quick Search was quick to accept his friend’s answer consisting of a simple ‘Yes’.

So, the two of them started their work. Or better said, Quick Search carefully placed the small drone in Imperious’ arms, watching the gentleness the taller one offered the remains, before turning around. Searching through the medical bay for a box big enough to serve as a make-shift coffin, before moving on to the next needed items.

And when everything was ready, the remains were carefully placed inside the box. With Quick Search muttering a small prayer as he sealed it shut. Placing a data-pad on top of it, before that was covered by a small wreath made out of flowers Quick Search picked from the plant research lab. “I… I don’t think anyone will miss some flowers… They’ll… they’ll grow back…”

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QuickSearch wished that it could have taken longer. Usually, from what he heard and had saved in his database, funerals were supposed to be longer. A true celebration of life, but there wasn’t much they could do in such a short time. Maybe, in the future, they'll be able to hold a proper funeral. But for now, this should be enough.

Although, when they were back on the bridge, and Quick Search went back to fixing the communication terminal, he couldn’t stop thinking about Imperious’ words. Nor could he ignore the splitting headache that has been growing in the back of his processor ever since he found the little drone.

‘Able to be abused and broken like so…’ Broken, that word struck something within his spark. Something… strange… Maybe, something was broken. If his captain could ‘break’ the small medical drone, maybe he has broken more.

Maybe his captain has broken him?

And as the screen lit up, after hours of work, the small terminal wrote one message to his captain.

‘What of me did you break?’

[soundcrusher]

Something's going on

Third part, let's gooo! Although, cuppa, I'm sorry that it's a little bit shorter than the other two parts. ^^'

IDW version of Lord Imperious by @cuppajj (if something's off, please let me know. :3)

Quick Search is my boy

Either way, please enjoy!

Today was a strange day, or perhaps it was only a strange day for this ship. After all, when Imperious set foot on the bridge to greet his 'newest friend’, Quick Search wasn’t there. The terminal was gone, leaving nothing behind than the ship’s chord and a small trail of footprints in the dust covered floor. Or, at least in the dust that hasn’t been yet cleaned by the small cybertronian.

This is a curious development. Quick Search has only started to leave his post recently, and usually Imperious had to softly nudge him into the right direction with his words, to get him to actually leave his post and show him around. Granted, with the way things were, Imperious could easily go on his own, but that could ruin the illusion. He needs Quick Search to believe that he’s still in control after all. Also, if given the right prompts, the terminal was easily swayed to talk about some of the things his crew researched. And who was Imperious to refuse freely given information and data on different planets and their cultures?

But perhaps he shouldn’t think about what he can gain, when the mech he needs for that isn’t around. So Imperious started to follow the footprints. Walking out of the bridge and down the halls right to where the research lab with the plants was. And lo and behold, the footprints ended just right outside the door. However, before Imperious could open the door, Quick Search beat him to it.

“You’re late!”

“I am not. You weren’t on the bridge when I arrived at my usual time.” Said Imperious, as he stepped around Quick Search and into the lab. Taking a look around to see what exactly got the small mech to leave his post. “It is a new development though. Usually you would be very adamant about not leaving the bridge. And now? You’re outside and spending your time in a lab.” Imperious was walking along one of the lab's many counters, when a small pot caught his interest.

Although, when he made an attempt to step closer, Quick Search was quick to run over and put himself between Imperious and the counter. Arms stretched out wide, as he shook his head. “Don’t touch that one! It’s Cybertronian Nightshade!” Exclaimed the small Cybertronian, before turning around and picking the pot up with big enough tongs. Carrying it over to a shelf with other plants. “I should have put it away sooner…”

Now that was interesting. A plant that shouldn’t be touched, and one Quick Search hasn’t shown him the last time they were in here? How curious. It sure enough got his attention. “I didn’t intend to touch it, I merely wanted to have a closer look. But you mentioning it makes me wonder. Why shouldn’t it be touched? Is it poisonous?”

“Well… no?” Quick Search looked from the plant to Imperious. His mouth was a thin line, as he thought about the right words to use. He considered Imperious a friend, yes, but at the same time they have only known each for a short time. And some of the research was classified, but then again, it would probably be better if he told his new friend about what the plant can do. Just in case, of course. “Okay, yes. It is poisonous, but not as much as other plants of its kind. There are some kinds of Nightshade growing on planets inhabited by organics, but they seem to be more lethal than ours. Granted, it could be because of the size difference, but I like to believe that it’s something about the way the plants develop on their home planets.” With each word, Quick Search grew more and more excited. Listing off more results of their research and parts he would love to further study, but with the ship not being able to fly and there being no crew, that wasn’t a possibility.

“But I believe the most interesting thing about Cybertronian Nightshade, next to it being rarely lethal, is its effects on a Cybertronian. As I said you won’t really die if you eat it, let alone if you touch it, but ingesting it in any kind of way can lead to your reaction time slowing down.It also can cause nausea, although, I believe the most dangerous part is its ability to cause hallucinations if you consume too much of it.” Said Quick Search, before his excitement about the subject was damped as he remembered the next part of the research. “I once saw it happen to one of our crew members, who was okay with being tested on. They gave him too much and… he was a grounder and the hallucinations drove him mad…”

Imperious watched Quick Search’s mood turn from excited to sad. Which was somewhat new, because from what he’s learned, the small cybertronian hardly becomes this sorrowful. Then again, this might just be what Imperious needed. So, he walked over to Quick Search and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Did he recover?” He asked with a voice that might have sounded consoling to others, but underneath was nothing but amusement. Quick Search was, after all, falling too easily into his trap. It would be sad, really. Seeing such a pure mech clinging to someone like him for comfort, if Imperious cared. But he didn’t.

Quick Search though looked up at Imperious, before shaking his head. “Captain said that he would be fine, but he never recovered…” Whispered the small mech quietly, as his cat-like finals flattened down. “At least I think he never did. The captain said that he took care of the matter… but when I checked the log-book, any trace of him was gone.”

“Perhaps, your captain didn’t want anyone to know that an experiment of his crew went wrong?” He said, but when Imperious saw the way Quick Search flinched, he almost regretted his words. Maybe he had pushed the small mech too far, especially with how he still clung to his captain. But there was no going back on what he said, and so, he continued. “I mean, if he was captain who cared about his own appearance and reputation more than anything, he would probably not want anyone to know that something bad happened while he was in charge.”

Quick Search was about to say something, but stopped himself. Imperious’ words made him think about all the times something happened on the ship. His captain always took care of the matter and, sometimes, mechs would disappear. They would just be gone the next day, without a trace. Even the ship’s main database seemed to always lose their information. If it wasn’t for Quick Search’s Database and his habit to always store information double, there wouldn’t be anyone remembering the lost mechs. “I… I think… I think you’re… you’re… nghhh…”

“Quick Search?”

“I…” Why was thinking becoming hard? Why was his head hurting? Headaches were only supposed to come when someone tried and failed to hack into his database or when they tried the wrong password too many times. Not when he tried to make his own opinion. “I… it hurts… Thinking… hurts…” Was all he could mutter as he clutched his head. But he couldn’t explain why it was hurting. This wasn’t supposed to happen, and yet, strangely enough, when he stopped thinking about his captain being responsible for the ‘Lost Mechs’ his head stopped hurting. The more he thought about his captain being a good captain, a great captain, his head stopped hurting.

Although, when the pain was fully gone and Quick Search’s face turned from an expression of pain to an innocent smile, everything was okay again. “I th-think you’re wrong? It surely must be a misunderstanding or a coincidence. My captain is a good mech! I’m sure that he wouldn’t do anything like that!” He said cheerfully, before brushing Imperious’ hand off and going back to work. Looking at some of the vine-like plants to see how they were developing, before feeling two big hands wrapping around his middle and picking him up.

And even though he didn’ want to, Quick Search found himself facing Imperious’ piercing gaze. Which caused him to slightly crumble underneath it.

“I think you’ve worked enough today.” Was all the taller one said, as he tugged a pouting Cybertronian underneath his arm and walked out of the lab. Engaging Quick Search in easy smalltalk, that was only a front. Imperious was testing a small theory that had formed in his mind the second he saw Quick Search’s struggle to word his own opinion. There has to be a reason why the small mech couldn’t say anything negative about his captain. And worse, it seemed like his ‘friend’ didn’t even realise what was happening. Because every time Imperious suggested that the ship’s captain might not be as noble as he sounds and Quick Search struggled to give a response, he noticed how quick he was to bounce back to praising his captain without a second thought. Sometimes even forgetting what they were talking about, or at least it looked like he forgot.

Looks like turning this little Cybertronian over to his side was harder than he thought. At least, until he somehow manages to undo whatever Quick Search’s captain did to him. Who knows, maybe this could play into his hands too.

Yes, proof is always good when trying to convince someone to join your side. Imperious will just have to wait, until the time is right. But before he could plan further, Quick Search got his attention by asking about the outside world again. And Imperious, after entering the bridge and sitting down on the captain’s chair, with Quick Search sitting on the arm rest, entertained the smaller mech with his stories.

Making sure that he was fully engrossed in the stories, before starting to experiment a little bit to see how far he can go until Quick Search started to have a headache again. Turns out, as long as he didn’t make him question his captain, everything was fine.

How curious.

[soundcrusher]

Of Plants and Freedom

I did it cuppa! I wrote the second part! Wohoooooo!

(Sould anything be off, please tell me. I'll change it as soon as I can. ^^)

IDW version of Lord Imperious by @cuppajj

Quick Search is my boy

Either way, please enjoy!

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It was another good day on board the ‘Wandering Scholar’. A day which Quick Search spent like every other since Imperious accidentally woke him up.

The first thing on his list was making sure the ship didn’t have any ‘nightly visitors’ who tampered with its machinery. He nearly caught one visitor who tampered with the ships engines, but Quick Search was too slow to capture them. Both physical and on camera! All he had was a blurry picture of something long and green slithering out of his ship. A picture he kept to himself, because he didn’t want to bother his new friend with his troubles.

He was the security system after all, and this wasn’t the first time someone snuck onboard the ship and tampered with the machines. There once was a weird organic who managed to come on board and stow away until the next planet. Granted, Quick Search was the one who kept the existence a secret from the rest of his crew, after finding out that the organic was running from bad people, but still. It was a security breach, and one the small cybertronian patched himself.

But then again, letting Imperious walk around the ship with security level 1 was also, in some way, a breach of security. And then there was the fact that he managed to enter the ship in the first place. Yes, Quick Search was in stasis, and that pretty sure means that he’s nothing more than a control terminal/computer when in that state, but still. The security protocols should have still been activated, unless they got somehow damaged, or someone disabled them. But the only one who’s been messing with the security mechanism was Imperious as he came on board. And Quick Search was too much of a people connoisseur to actually accuse Imperious of partly disabling the security system, that he himself is.

After all, that would mean that Imperious a.) knows his way around machines, and b.) messed his programming up or worse, his processor…

Either way, after finishing step one, Quick Search started with the next thing on his list. ‘Checking the ship overall’, which often included things like cleanliness or sources of danger that have gone unnoticed as of far. But after checking the cameras twice and thrice, Quick Search hasn’t found anything out of place. Except for some dust still clinging to some of the machinery, research and laboratory equipment. But he couldn’t really clean that himself, not with him having to stay on the bridge in case of an emergency.

So, onto step three then, which was remaining on the ship and making a report, before transforming back into a terminal/computer and waiting for the next time someone needed him… But that was boring, and Quick Search had already recharged longer than what was normal for a cybertronian.

With that in mind, the little mech walked over to the communication terminal and sat down on the chair. Making sure his connection cable was still connected to the one from the ship, before spinning around in the chair. It was funnier than just sitting around and doing nothing, but considering how quickly things got boring when no-one was around, Quick Search found himself growing tired after half an hour of just spinning and letting his thoughts travel.

But he wasn’t bored for long, as he heard pedes walk down the halls, and with a quick look at the cameras, Quick Search found himself jumping out of the chair and rushing over to the bridge’s entrance. Or, at least as far to it as the connection cable allowed him to go. Halfway to the door, it grew tight and pulled him back, reminding the small mech that he couldn’t truly leave his place unless he had a good reason. And with disconnecting and leaving not an option, he went back to sitting on his chair. Optics trained to the entrance, as his whole frame started to shake from excitement.

He already called himself lucky when Imperious showed up for the first time. Despite his initial distrust, Quick Search was quick to warm up to his newest visitor. Especially after he came back the next couple of days. Bringing and sharing new stories from outside Quick Search’s little world. Stories, the smaller one soaked up like a wilting flower in desperate need of water. Hanging on Imperious’ captivating words, unless he had a question or his own opinion to give.

After all, despite finding the stories interesting, Quick Search was still someone who would much rather make his own opinion. Especially when he had access to the cybertronian version of the Internet and could read up on things regarding a certain topic. Also, Quick Search’s captain once told him to never blindly trust anyones words, unless they are his. And the small terminal always listened to his captain, even when he wasn’t around.

Mostly because his captain was the one to find and save Quick Search from wherever he came from. Giving him a purpose, a home and companionship the little terminal has never known before. Although, hasn’t Imperious kind of given him the same? His captain never bothered with giving him a name, an actual name, Imperious did. He has given Quick Search a name and didn’t want him to constantly stay in his alt-mode.

Well, Quick Search will think about this later. Maybe when his captain finally answers the messages he’s been sending him ever since Imperious accidentally woke him up, he’ll be able to ask him about that.

“I am still surprised that you haven’t left the bridge, despite being able to do so.” Said Imperious as he entered the bridge. Which caused Quick Search to stop his musing and quickly rush over to the taller mech. Although, the second he got too far away from his place, the cable connecting him to the ship pulled him harshly back. Tripping the small mech up and making him land face first on the floor. He was quick to get back up though.

“Why should I leave it?” Asked Quick Search, before tilting his head at the question. ‘Leaving the Bridge’, what a strange idea. “My duty is in here. Keeping the ship running and making sure no-one gets in, while also taking care of the ship’s and, in extension, my database. So, there’s no need for me to leave.” Said the smaller mech, as he shrugged his shoulders. “And even if there wasn’t any work for me, even if I was allowed to walk outside, why should I?”

“Why shouldn’t you? Aren’t the Autobots alway preaching about how all sentient beings have a right for freedom? Doesn’t that mean that you should also have the freedom to leave this room whenever you want?” Asked Imperious. “Then again, maybe you are right to stay inside. The world outside is surely boring, with all the interesting things to discover and sights to see.” Imperious already had Quick Search’s interest, if the way the smaller mech’s catlike helmet-decorations perked up was any indication. It was always easy to get the little one’s attention. Just one small story about the outside world here, a little bit of praise there and a willingness to listen to his rambles in return. And if Imperious played his cards right, Quick Search was easily convinced to share some more informative stories about his crew and their research.

He was especially interested in the research the small cybertronian was hiding about the different races, planets and cultures his last crew had compiled. But sadly, with the way the security system was built around Quick Search’s database, it would take some time to break through it. Unless he managed to convince him to willingly share the research. Which might take some time, but Imperious was patient. After all, slow and steady wins the race, not rushed and unbalanced.

“Now then, how about I tell you about one of my latest quests, unless you have something to share?” Said the taller mech, as he placed a hand, he had to slightly lean down for that, on Quick Search’s shoulder. Carefully leading the little terminal towards the captain’s chair, before letting go and sitting down on the only chair big enough to fit him. With one leg folded over the other and his hands resting neatly on said knee. Watching Quick Search like a dragon guarding its horde, as the smaller one sat down on the floor cross legged. His own optics trained on Imperious’ face, as he recounted his day so far, before starting to talk about the only hobby he could do outside the bridge.

Helping out with the plant related research. A topic Imperious found rather dull, but gained information is gained information, and it made Quick Search happy. Which was only helping him with gaining his trust. Although, listening to the small one talking about the lab with such excitement sure enough gave him an idea. “Why don’t you show me the plants, Quick Search?”

“Sh-show you the plants?!” Quick Search jumped up while widely waving his arms around. “I can’t show you the plants! It’s a restricted area!” Huffed the smaller mech, as he crossed his arms over his chest and turned around. “Also, captain’s orders are captain’s orders. I can’t leave the bridge.”

“Why not? I don’t see any problem with it.” Countered Imperious as he stood up himself, and walked over to Quick Search. Planting his hands on the small mech’s shoulders, while leaning down far enough to whisper into his audials. Even though there was no need for that. “As you said, your captain allowed you to help out with the plant related research, didn’t he? And who’s taking care of the plants now?”

“N-no… No-one?”

“Exactly? How would we know if they are still thriving, with you stuck here and me not allowed to set foot in the lab?” Imperious had him. He just needed one more push, and Quick Search would play into his hands. Maybe he wouldn’t give away all his cards, but this decision felt like a good one. Perhaps even one that would reveal the rest of his hand. “Oh, but if you don’t care that much about the plants, then maybe I shoul-”

“NO! I care about the plants!” Shrieked Quick Search, as he pushed himself away from Imperious. Frame trembling as his mind was racing. On one hand, his orders were clear, on the other, Imperious made a good point. There wasn’t anyone around to take care of the plants. No-one. And while the camera feed was showing him that everything was okay, Quick Search couldn’t ignore that Imperious had a point. Just because they looked fine didn’t mean that they were. Plants were delicate, especially the ones they had on their ship.

“I… I care about them… I care, but I can’t just leave the bridge… Who will take care of it? What if my captain finally answers my messages? I need to be here when that happens. I… I need…” There was a headache forming, Quick Search could feel it. It was against his captain’s orders, no matter what he did, and that alone was causing his processor to work overtime to figure out what to do next. But without his captain, it was too hard. He needed his captain to tell him what to do. He needed him. Where was his captain? Why couldn’t he be here?

“SCREW IT!” And with one final yell, which surprised Imperious a little bit because he didn’t really expect such a small mech to be this loud, Quick Search pulled one of his keyboards forward. Typing something quickly into it, before it snapped back onto his back. He then turned around to look at the two connection cables and waited for some minutes.

And with a mechanical hiss, the connection cable from the ship detached from Quick Search’s cable. Causing him to let out a relieved sigh, because the small terminal didn’t really expect this to still work. “Alright! The wireless connection has been established!”

“I fear I don’t understand Quick Search.”

“Oh…” The smaller mech looked a little bit dumbly at Imperious, before grinning. “Oh! Yea, you don’t know that. I can disconnect from the bridge, while still maintaining my connection to the ship. But I can’t do it for long without risking losing my connection to the ship.” Quick Search explained, before marching over to the bridge’s entrance. Turning around and waving at Imperious excitedly, “Come on! We have to check on the plants!”, before running outside. Not even waiting for the other one.

And with nothing better to do, Imperious followed Quick Search. Smirking internally, because the little mech, without knowing it, has just revealed one of his trump cards.

A trump card, Imperious could take advantage of.

[soundcrusher]

Of research and programming

Part five of my little story featuring @cuppajj's IDW version of Lord Imperious and my boy Quick Search is out! (And should something be off, please let me know. :3)

With that being said, enjoy!

Trigger warning: none? yea, I think there are none

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Work.

If something in his life was slowly falling apart, Quick Search loved to throw himself into his work. It was calming in a way the little terminal could never describe.

Doing his work felt right, as if he was made, maybe even constructed to do it, while also helping him sort out his own thoughts. And Primus knows how scrambled they became, after discovering the death of the little medical drone, the talk he had with Imperious and the realisation that something was wrong with him. It was a wonder that he hasn’t collapsed from an overworked processor yet.

So, work it is, and Quick Search sure enough had a lot of work to do. After all, files don’t sort themselves out and research papers aren’t written by ghosts. Granted, he wasn’t a researcher, he was only there to keep the research preserved, but that doesn’t mean he can’t write little summaries for when his captain and crew return. They would find his little attempts useful, right? Or maybe writing and compiling their research was for nothing after all. His captain always hated it when he worked “beyond his programming”, but then again, Imperious said that he didn’t have to limit himself to what he was intended to do. He could do more than he was supposed to, and with how things were going, Quick Search must admit that he trusts Imperious more than his captain.

His new friend was, after all, not treating him wrongly. Not like most of his past crew and, sadly, his captain did. Quick Search still doesn’t know what he did wrong. Looking back at how his crew treated him, with all the kicks when he wasn’t working like they wanted him to, the harsh comments about him being nothing but a “tamed beast”, or how a selected few of them would look at him with disgust and anger, it made him question if he ever truly was part of the crew. And that in return made him wonder if his loyalty towards them and his captain was even right. But then again, the second he starts questioning things, his head hurts. So, he tries to keep away from those thoughts, despite them lingering in his subconsciousness like a ghost.

Either way, back to work and sorting out the written reports and pictures taken of a planet they visited when it was still untouched by sentient life, or at least the definition of sentient life his captain used. It wasn’t uncommon for his captain to be a little biassed when it came to what was life and what wasn’t. If he could decide, Quick Search was sure his captain would only count Cybertronians as ‘truly sentient’, or something like that.

To be honest, Quick Search disliked thinking about that. So, he quickly chased the thought away, before looking back at his work. Compiling everything about the planet in a nice little report, before creating a new file and moving everything he had in there. Finishing it up by giving the file a name, before saving it in his database and not the ships. After all, unfinished and top secret research is not safe when stored in the ship’s database.

Although, maybe Quick Search was a little bit too concentrated while working, because he hardly noticed someone was entering the ship, followed by the bridge. Only when he saw the outline of a shadow hovering above him, did Quick Search react by jumping and wiping around. All the monitors on the bridge went black, as he tried to make out if he was in danger or not, but when he saw it was just Imperious, the small mech let out a sigh of relief.

“You know… knocking would be nice.” Quick Search chuckled, before turning back around. Optics fixated on the big screen before him as it, together with all the others on the bridge, lit up again. Each one displayed different files, while Quick Search started to work on quickly sorting out the information of another planet. Never breaking concentration, not even as Imperious started to walk around the bridge. Or when the taller one would stop in front of a monitor. Hands braced on the console and claws tapping away on it, before Quick Search made the information disappear and Imperious would walk on to the next screen.

A few months back, Quick Search wouldn’t have worked so openly in front of anyone. Not when it involved information stored on his own database, but ever since Imperious helped him figure out how to better store his information, he’s been doing just that. Connecting to the ship by using the connection cable and his own to better use the monitors. It was easier to see everything displayed, instead of having to sort through things inside his mind. And having someone who understood what he was doing and could offer some advice or point out things he overlooked really helped him.

Sometimes though, it made him nervous. This was his database after all, there were some things he didn’t want anyone to see. Especially his captain! If he found out that Quick Search was saving things his captain deemed as ‘useless’, he sure enough would make him delete them! And that’s something he never wanted to happen, because collecting his little secret was hard work. Being forced to lose it again would break him.

“Hm… I can’t recall ever seeing this, Quick Search.” At the mention of his name, Quick Search looked away from his work and over to where Imperious was. Although, he was quick to abandon his post and walk over to his friend, as soon as he saw what Imperious was looking at.

“Th-that’s because….ehm… That’s m-mine…” Muttered the cybertronian quietly, as he looked down in embarrassment. “It’s a small collection I started. N-nothing special… r-really… I must have forgotten to put it back, or something. It’s just… my little secret…”

“Yours? As in, not even your captain knows that you’re having a little secret?” Asked Imperious, before tapping at the screen with one claw. Fixing the small cybertronian with a look that made Quick Search squirm, because for one second it wasn’t Imperious standing there, but his captain. Fixing him with a stare filled with disgust and disappointed at discovering his first collection. But with a shake of his head, the memory was gone.

His captain wasn’t here and couldn’t take his collection. And even if he got the order to delete his secret, Quick Search wouldn’t. He was allowed to be a little selfish. So, he made his keyboard detach from his back and get in place in front of him. Typing in a small command, before opening the file and showing Imperious his little secret.

“Music… Your little secret is music?” Quick Search nodded, refusing to meet Imperious’ eyes. “I… I’m not supposed to have anything of my own. My captain always made sure to tell me so. After all, a computer doesn’t need anything, but then… one of the drones helping the researchers with their recordings brought back sound samples. But they were different from the usual ones. They had rhythm, melodic words, and I liked that. So, I started a small collection!” With each word, Quick Search got more and more excited about his little secret. Opening files and showing Imperious just how vast his collection of music was. “And with each planet we visited, my collection only grew! Now I have music from all over the galaxy! Although… some of my collection is lost. My captain… he made me delete my first one as soon as he found out…”

Imperious looked at the Cybertronian next to him. Observing how ‘his friend’ would flinch whenever he mentioned his captain, or how his cat-like finals would flatten against his head, as soon as his mood dropped from excited to sad. “And that’s why you keep it a secret. But your captain isn’t here, he can’t make you delete anything, Quick Search.” He said, before looking back at the screen. “Some of those planets aren’t saved in the ship's database. Is there a reason as to why I can’t access their reports?”

“W-well… The ship’s database only holds finished reports and research from planets, after our captain looked over everything. He’s very… ehm… picky with what he wants to have safed and handed over to the research facilities and such.” Quick Search shrugged before pulling up the ship’s database on the monitor next to the one displaying his database. Showing Imperious the comparison between both, before pointing out some missing parts in reports the captain already approved. “Usually, when the report is approved, I should delete the information. Protocol demands it, but my captain said that it would be a waste of time and effort if we got rid of it. So, I’m storing and filing every last bit of research, information and such, while the ship has the censored versions.”

Imperious nodded. From what he could see in the ship’s digital library, when he did a little ‘research’ of his own, many reports were clearly tampered with. “I see, this also explains why some of the information I found doesn’t make sense. Also, your captain is terrible at censoring. Some of the reports I read are very contradicting, and are clearly missing some major information needed to understand certain cultural aspects of the planet.” He said, before quickly adding, “Not to sound disrespectful.”, even though he held no respect for Cybertronians, especially one as stupid as Quick Search’s captain.

“None taken. If I’m being honest, I don’t like the corrections the captain makes either. They’re too… I don’t know… They’re untrue. I mean, I already know that my captain is very biassed towards anyone that isn’t Cybertronian, but that bias shouldn’t be put into a scientific report or paper talking about the inhabitants and culture of an unexplored planet. It’s not right!” Quick Search stomped his foot in anger, before hissing and holding his head as he got another headache. “S-sorry… shouldn’t be talking… talking badly…”

“You have a right to speak your mind, Quick Search. You shouldn’t be apologising for that.” Those headaches were becoming a hindrance to Imperious’ plan. Despite Quick Search slowly losing the trust in his captain, it seemed like those headaches always made him turn around. A fail safe, or at least it seemed like it was one from what he could observe. And it seemed like the other one also noticed, if the way Quick Search would work around it was any indicator.

But still, Imperious had to come up with a plan, if he doesn’t want to lose his process. “Say, Quick Search, did you ever want to do something against your headaches? They seem to be-”

“They’re not normal, I know.” This was surprising. Seems like the small terminal was self-aware, or at least started to question why he would get them. “I mean… how normal is it to get a headache, just because you’re questioning your superior. My crew often did that, but never once did they get a headache. It was always me.” Imperious watched Quick Search’s expression shift from anger to resignation.

“What if I could help you?” Asked Imperious. Putting enough fake sincerity into his words, to hopefully sway Quick Search into agreeing to let him help. But from what he could see, his ‘friend’ wasn’t so sure about his proposal. “Maybe it is something like a virus, or a program that’s been affecting you. You Cybertronians can ‘catch’ a virus, can’t you? And with you having been stuck on this ship for a long time, who can say how great the damage is.” With each word, Imperious could see how Quick Search started to consider his offer. But he still needed a little push. “Just think about all the research you have in your database. If it is a virus, or something else that’s affecting you, who knows what it could do to it. Maybe it would even delete everything.”

“But… you would need a level four clearance to even access everything and an extra permission from me…” Muttered Quick Search quietly, to which Imperious only shook his head. As if those restrictions could stop him. Not when he’s been sneaking around and tampering with the ship and its security system for quite some time now. Of course, only when Quick Search was deeply in recharge or when he ‘helped’ him with it. Warm Energon mixed with Cybertronian Lavender sure enough could knock someone of Quick Search’s size out in no-time.

“I wouldn’t worry about that. Going from level three to level four shouldn’t be hard, and considering that we have known each other quite for some time now and are friends, it shouldn’t be hard for you to give me that little extra permission. Am I right, Quick Search?”

“Of course you’re right, but… A raise in security clearance still needs to be discussed with the captain and… wait… I never made you a level three… You shouldn’t even have a security clearance!” Damn it, looks like Imperious jumped the gun and shot off too quick, as humans would say it. Ah, but why should he worry? Quick Search might be experienced with writing small summaries, but Imperious was still better in using words to his advantage. And with a small gesture of his hand, he simply started to weave a net of lies. One that was convincing enough to get Quick Search to not only question himself, but also his memory.

“Oh, it seems like your memory is acting up. Can’t you remember, Quick Search? You gave me level three clearance a long time ago. And I believe I can even remember when it happened too.” Said Imperious, as he fixed the cybertronian with a look that showed concern on the outside, but inside, the Second-Born Intellect was laughing at Quick Search’s gullibility. “Remember when you were too exhausted to do any work around here? You asked me to take care of everything, while you took some time off to rest. And when I told you that I sadly could not, you gave me the needed clearance.”

“I… my memory has been lacking for some time now…” Muttered Quick Search quietly to himself, before looking up at Imperious. “I guess you’re telling the truth. You have the clearance, and how else should you get it, if not from me?” Hacking, but Quick Search didn’t know that. “… Appeal for Security Clearance four received and granted. We’ll have to change locations if you really want to help me. The bridge isn’t really suited to perform something like a processor scan or reprogramming…”

“Then by all means Quick Search, lead the way.”