"If you have the schematics, I could probably set up the T-cog changes in a few cycl... I mean hours."
"If you have the schematics, I could probably set up the T-cog changes in a few cycl... I mean hours."
"My Transformation Cog and I are on good terms... I don't think I'd need external help, but thank you, Skitter. That's very kind of you."
Redshift pauses to contemplate for a moment.
"I wonder if we couldn't find a way to get you more stealthy mode of operation... How are you on active camouflage?"
"Ok, so let's head to the C160 then. I'll arrange one of these Rimac C-2's to be loaned out and we'll stop in LA long enough for you to scan it, then we can get dropped off."
The bots and humans walk out to a cargo elevator, and begin to ride up to the base proper. "So, we've had some odd activity in Nevada, near our assembly plant where we get our XP-21F's built by Lockhead. Unlike the main US forces, we don't build to committee, so our planes get locked in ahead of time, and don't change until the next gen. Means we can get ours from drawing board to airframe much faster. We've also begun using lasers we've back-built based on what we've learned from cybertronian bodies we've found. Unfortunately, we've had leaks, and Cobra's gotten some of our tech as well. We're concerned that Cobra may be either getting ready to steal or sabotage our factory."
Wild Bill nods. "Hope you boys like the desert. Lots of dust and scrub brush." He laughs. "Be the first time actual aliens are near Edwards. The alien loonies would go nuts."
Roadblock laughs. "Yeah, everyone knows we keep the aliens up here in the Alleution Islands."
@Redshift: "Hmm, are you thinking about a hologram device? Or more of a light refraction field? I believe either would be possible, though I would need some time to tinker." He starts muttering to himself as he calculates rates of power drain, but snaps back to here and now when the humans speak up.
"Cobra? I'm afraid I don't... ah, all caps. Yes, I see now," Skitter says as he downloads relevant information. "I understand their desire for superior technology, but I fail to understand their basic motivation. Is it simply power for its own sake? Seems narrow-minded."
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"A simple active camouflage subroutine on your exterior coloration would be a good start," Redshift replies. "Project the image of whatever is 'behind' you onto your various surfaces. Actual field refraction would be ideal. Invisibility has its purposes. It's murder on energy reserves, though, so I can't recommend it at this time."
At the discussion of COBRA, Redshift is silent for a moment.
"There will always be those who seek to put their own power and glory ahead of the good of their own people. Petty tyrants and power-mad dictators seem to follow civilization like a plague."
Redshift looks at Jaye.
"You say that COBRA got their hands on some of your laser technology? We... may be able to help you with refinement and efficiency issues. Give you an advantage over them, if possible. If nothing else, we can give you a different attenuation and focusing technology, so you can tell yours apart from theirs easily on the battlefield."
Roadblock nods. "That would be great, anything to put those Cobras in their place."
Jaye nods. "Help would be appreciated, I'll see if we can free up a new-built plane to bring up here, so Skitter can take it apart and see what he can improve on. Just remember, you two are still highly classified, so we can't have you wandering around the plant. But having you two in the parking lot in case things go sideways would be appreciated."
Once the elevator reaches the hanger, Jaye waves the two autobots onto a massive C-5 Galaxy. Wild Bill bangs the side of the plane as they walk up the ramp. "Glad neither of you boys are big enough to turn into Bode here. We'd have a right heck of a mess on our hands."
Once everyone is aboard the plane, Wild Bill climbs up a ladder on the forward cargo wall to reach the cockpit, while Roadblock and Jaye strap themselves into seats along the side of the cargo area. There are several vehicles, including a large black cargo van. "You two should probably travel in vehicle or animal mode, less chance you'll lose your balance and punch a hole in the side of the plane." Jaye suggests.
"Ah, yes. No problem," says Skitter as he transforms into his quadrupedal form. He seems genuinely excited to take a look at whatever tech the Joes have acquired. Most of it is admittedly low tech, but quite creative given their limitations. With a few leaps, he bounds up the ramp of the plane and settles down in an unoccupied spot.
"Well, if I must."
Redshift transforms and takes his spot in the... "airplane."
Jaye nods. "Safer that way, this thing can really jump around if it hits a wind sheer or an air pocket."
The plane taxis out and takes off, and shortly after it does, both bots are glad they're in their four wheeled/legged form, as the plane does drop 50 feet when it hits an air pocket, only the straps holding both down keep them from flying around the interior of the giant plane.
Other than that though, the flight is relatively quiet for the next 7 hours. Quiet other than Roadblock's radio which plays one earth tune after another in a truly frenetic pace, interspersed with his views on the proper way to cook jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filet gumbo. Apparently the most advanced dishes that humans eat.
Jaye has on a pair of earphones the whole trip, as she does paperwork on her tablet. Her toes seem to twitch in rythems that don't match the music from Roadblock's radio, perhaps indicating she has alternate music selections on her tablet to listen to.
The plane arrives in San Francisco, and parks in another monster plane hanger. Redshift's new look is parked in the corner, for him to scan.
All three humans, along with 2 or 3 others who appear to also be Joe's look on in interest as the group deplanes. "Is this something you need privacy for? Or can we watch?" Jaye asks, nodding toward the pricey looking new car. "And you aren't going to damage it are you? It's a rental."
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Redshift chuckles.
"I'm not a Constructionalist, so I won't need to eat it. The detailed schematics and the vehicle itself should be enough."
Redshift studies the schematics and the vehicle for a short while, and then transforms.
Skitter spends most of the flight listening to Roadblock. By the time they reach the air base, he's confident he could whip up a satisfying human meal. He has also digested the corpus of Hank Williams and something called "zydeco."
At the base, he trots over to the new vehicle to examine it (not bothering to transform). By the time Redshift is complete, he's already thought of multiple ways this earth vehicle could be upgraded to something truly amazing. So much to do, so little time.