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Market Commodity	By : Scienceteacher Category: Transformers > G1 > Round Robins Views: 11586 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Do not own the Transformers, am not making anything from this story.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
Chapter contributed by : ToonQueen

***The Tale of Kaon: PT 2*** Posted by ToonQueen, Transformers Animated future crack universe. X3

Thank you StSE for Beta reading! A small paragraph was added about the Megatron virus as well, Keekekekeke!

This is going to go from a 4 parter to a 10 parter as the universe expands in my mind. X_X

During the writing of this part I listened to a lot by the band VAST. Especially 'Dead Angels' and 'What Else Do I Need?" I have made a youtube playlist here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=0EA941930CE616E1 Hopefully other songs I have listed aren't spoilers. X3

This is very Alternative Universe. I'm following StSE's rules, but also may come up with my own ideas as I go~

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"A week has gone by and he's still not ready for on the field training?" Vishal's Commander questioned him suspiciously. The inventor recognized the man's, 'I'm very displeased with you,' body language. The man's elbows rested on his travel desk. His folded hands were in front of his mouth so Vishal could not read his expression.

"Er... well. Not only won't the hacks work, but any programs I tried to give him fail to install. Its like I have to teach him everything physically, from scratch. Like, actually LEARNING," Vishal explained to his boss, "Like a human has to learn, you know. Its not just an easy uploads."

"I know you're very bright. It’s hard for me to believe that your hacks did not work on this one particular bot. I haven't found any records of your hacks never working before. I don't want another incident like that one bot of John's you sudden couldn't repair,” said the Commander back. He rubbed his own thumbs together slightly as he waited for an answer.

"Oh comon Watt, you know me! Why wouldn't I reprogram a bot?" Vishal said as he leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. He didn't like the fact his hacks failed and this was just adding insult to injury, "And that other thing was a different matter. I'd wish you'd build cred with some city states rather than those pirates."

"Yes, I know you," the Commander then sighed. He did not address Vishal's other comment, "But take the clone out with you today. This city is pretty much barren anyhow. You two won't get in much trouble. I'll assign another bot with you just in case."

"Okay, okay, " Vishal's tone was a bit begrudged as he stood from his chair. He started to head out the Commander's tent.

"And Vishal, " the Commander started to address the inventor. Vishal paused and turned at the tent door to face the Commander once again, "Remember not to call me that."

"Yes Commander Witwicky," Vishal replied before turning back to the tent flap and heading outside. He knew the Commander had not had the nickname Watt since he was a child, but Vishal still found it so natural to call him that.

His whole demeanor changed as he was out of the tent. Vishal smiled a hello at two passing clone bots doing morning rounds in the camp. He saw two of his human team members having trouble with the water pump. The inventor asked if they needed any help. They smiled and shook their heads. They assured Vishal they had it about fixed. The cheerful looking human mech then disappeared into his tent.

"Heyyyy Kaon!" Vishal said as he stepped in. Kaon smiled up at Vishal upon him entering. This whole week he had never seen his Master in the morning. It wasn't till he got back from work around dusk did he see Vishal, usually covered in dirt from the city.

"Hello Sir! Do you not work today?" Kaon asked as he put down one of the books he now knew was in the pile to read. He had figured out that the first book he had read almost a week ago was not meant for him. He did not tell Vishal of his mistake, but wanted to soon. He had so many questions about it!

"No actually, you're coming with me today," Vishal smiled. He had not liked the idea, but the Commander was right. Perhaps on hands training would get Kaon's programing more focused. Kaon's face brightened at Vishal’s statement.

"Really?! I get to see what you do?!" smiled Kaon as he stood from where he sat at Vishal's desk. The human bot had told him what he did. He would go into abandoned cities and made sure they were cleared out of any dangers. Vishal and his team would also retrieved salvageable bots, vehicles, food, and whatever else was requested by certain clients.

"Yeah, and maybe learn some shooting too. We know you can get your weapon systems activated. We'll get in an abandoned enough area and see if you can really shoot today," smiled the blonde haired man. Vishal couldn't help but like the clone's enthusiasm. The inventor did remember back to the days before his perfected hacks. It had been so long before he trained a mini bot to do the daily grind. He suddenly felt like this was going to be a fun and interesting day.

"Wow! I can't wait!," Kaon smiled. He had not complained, but he did not like being cooped up in Vishal's tent all day while he was gone. Going out and being with his Master and learning to be useful was exactly what he wanted. He had felt useless in his current state. The program he had Vishal seemed to have no interest in executing. Even Kaon's basic knowledge of human culture was wrong, since this future seemed drastically different. But now today he was going to be useful!

"We're going to have another bot with us too, just in case. When we get back I'll introduce you to some more of the team, alright?" smiled Vishal. Kaon still looked happy himself and nodded excitedly at meeting more bots and humans. He had only seen a few glimpses when either had come to retrieve a half awake Vishal in the morning.

"I can't believe I got stuck with you again," muttered a green mech in the doorway of the tent. His arms were crossed annoyed. If the tent flap had been a solid doorway he would be leaned in it, attempting to look tough. Since Kaon was a newly activated clone, he seemed to lack some tack.

"Wow, you're short for a bot," the unpainted Seeker said as he noticed the green bot was barely five feet in height. He did not mean it to be an insult at all. The new bot was just stating what he observed. He was certain none of his kind were meant to be made that small.

"SHUT UP! I was a custom order," The green bot's pale yellow faceplate showed a bit of a snobby look as he said so. Vishal tried not to laugh at Kaon's previous statement. A few snorts escaped his human audios, "YOU TOO! I heard that!"

"Oh!," Kaon seemed to process that calling on the bot's height may of been rude. He then looked to Vishal and addressed him, "I'm sorry I insulted your friend Sir!"

"Apologize to him! Not to me!" chuckled Vishal. They haven't even stepped into the city and he was already enjoying this.

"Sorry.....," Kaon then turned to Vishal again, "What is his name?"

"Ask him," Vishal chuckled softer this time. He realized keeping the Seeker cooped up in the tent may of made him a little too dependent on him. He would have to introduce him to others later today.

"What is your-" started Kaon. Before he could finish the smaller bot answered him. His tone was slightly annoyed.

"Hunter," the small bot muttered. Despite his grumpy attitude he offered the new bot a hand to shake. Kaon's processors looked up the human custom. He then shook the smaller bot's hand.

"My name is Kaon," the bot smiled as he shook Hunter's hand, "Are you a speed bot? I'm a Seeker! It will be fun to work with you today!"

"Fun, heh, right," muttered Hunter. He could tell this bot had been spending too much time with Vishal. Only the inventor ever called the daily work 'fun'. The human Autobot waited for Kaon to stop shaking Hunter's hand before speaking.

"Okay then! Lets head out," Vishal smiled as he put on a half stuffed backpack. Hunter looked over at Kaon while the new bot was busy watching Vishal. The green bot was surprised how clearly he could remember when he had been that innocent.

"Do you need help carrying anything?" asked Kaon, eager to help his Master. He planned to be very useful today and wanted to get off on the right start.

"Nah, its fine. If I had something else to carry I'd make Hunter do it anyways, " Vishal said jokingly.

"Puh. You're probably damaging the equipment by being up at that high altitude," Hunter quipped He was clearly making fun of Vishal's height. The blonde human bot took it in stride as though this was their usual behavior.

"Well, maybe its better if you carried it. If you were to drop it it wouldn't get much damage from the fall," returned Vishal. The green bot snorted in reply.

The three headed out to the nearby city. Kaon was quiet for most of the walk. He was too busy taking in his surroundings. The area they walked down looked to be what was left of a highway. Nature was doing its best to cover up the cement scar that ran through it. Grass and even small trees were randomly sprouting on top of it. The walk was down would be at least an hour and a half. After just ten minutes the green bot started to grumble about the distance.

"I might be closer to the ground but at least I have an vehicle mode," and with a chuckle Hunter changed to his small speedster car alt. He zoomed towards the city, making sure to go around the occasional tree.

"You jerk!" Vishal shook his fist at the disappearing mini mech, "Kaon! Change to your alt mode! You can follow him, I'll catch up!"

Kaon didn't hesitate at all to turn into his alt mode. With soft clicking noises, he was in the form of a small jet. However, Kaon was confused by how light he felt. He wobbled side to side a bit while in his unfamiliar alt.

"Are you sure its alright to leave you Sir?" the mini jet asked. Vishal had made it sound it may be a dangerous place to be alone. Kaon didn't want his Master to be in any danger.

"Don't worry, its a straight shot there, just follow Hunter! I'll be there quicker than you expect," Vishal reassured the Seeker clone. Kaon then reluctantly shot off into the sky, doing what he was told. It wasn't long until he caught up with Hunter, who was already stopped right before a long underpass. The small Seeker wobbly landed, still not used to his lightness. He had an expectation of what flying would be like, and something seemed off.

"Looks like you need more practice there, champ," the small green bot crossed his arms as Kaon transformed back to bot mode. Kaon instantly then turned to the direction Vishal would be walking from.

"It’s going to take him a long time to get here, " Kaon let out an audio whine that was common with Skywarp clones. Hunter looked over the unpainted Seeker. With no color there was a chance he could be another model.

"Are you a Skywarp clone? You could warping there and warping him back," muttered Hunter, "He'll catch up fast anyways though. Just wait a moment."

Kaon seemed confused on how sure Hunter was of Vishal's arrival. The bot was 'human', he couldn't transform into a vehicle, or could he? Hunter kept his arms crossed while looking onward down the road Vishal would come from. The green bot felt a moments awkwardness at the silence. He decided to make the moment uncomfortable for the new bot too.

"Whats it like to still have the original programming?" asked Hunter with an raised optic at Kaon.

"Original programming?" the unpainted Seeker was first confused at the question. Once he analyzed what he thought the meaning was he gave a pout, "Its annoying. Vishal doesn't respond to any proper stimulation. All he lets me do is give him back rubs after work. "

Hunter held back a laugh down to a light snicker. That was not the direct answer he had expected, but it was entertaining. The new bot sounded frustrated with Vishal's denial of bonding with him.

"Don't take it too hard man. He's just doing his job," Hunter held back another chuckle, "I survived a long time before that programming was taken out of me. You'll learn in time. Doesn't make humans any less frustrating though."

"I am not supposed to have the programming that makes me like Vishal?" Kaon asked the small green bot. Something about Hunter's demeanor meant he was much older than Kaon.

"Er, liking is alright, I thought you meant more the wanting have your way with him," Hunter was now at a loss of what to explain how. He wondered if he had been this dense when he had his first conversation with other bots. Kaon was busy processing the meaning of, 'have your way with him.'

"Liking someone and wanting to interfacing with them are two separate things?," questioned Kaon to the shorter bot. Hunter placed one hand on his faceplate in a facepalming motion.

"I am not going to teach you the birds in the bees," Hunter muttered partly into his hand. He decided to leave his tall friend an amusing topic to deal with at the end of the work day, "Thats Vishal's job.... ask him later."

"Of course!" smiled Kaon as though Hunter's words gave him the sudden realization it was his Master's job to teach him. The newer bot then looked back out to the road. He saw something approaching. It appeared to be a yellow mech. Kaon knew he was Vishal, and he had sworn he had seen this form before. A yellow plating seemed to cover Vishal's whole body. His goggles were pulled down to cover his eyes. Even from a far distance Kaon was able to pick up that his Master's eyes were glowing blue while in this form. His feet were covered in the metal as well, like heavy boots. From the bottom of the boots were roller blades that Vishal moved much faster than any human could go.

The image was so familiar to Kaon. He smiled wide and thought it was because he liked the man. He was able to tell the human Autobot was a bot within moments of activation. It was only natural that this robot form seemed normal too. It only made him more curious about Vishal and his journal. He had to know everything about the man, and the Cybertron he had mentioned several times.

"He's showing off right now, so you know," explained Hunter as he looked up again. Kaon did not seem to hear the green bot's comment. He was too busy watching his Master skate up to them. Vishal turned at a slight angle to stop himself short of the two.

"See, not that far behind for not being a vehicle mode, eh?" chuckled Vishal as he pulled up his goggles. A battle mask covered his mouth and nose, but by his eyes gave away he was grinning wide. He dusted some dirt off himself as his roller blades retracted. In a moment all the yellow plating on himself slide past clothing back into his body. Soft familiar clicks and whirls were heard as the process ran through. He then stood in his human form the two bots were used to.

"You're a bot with a human alt mode?" questioned Kaon. He wanted to ask if he could feel the armor while it was out. He swore he saw it almost liquidate to pass through clothing Vishal wore. Any dirt that had been on the armor now rested on the man's skin and outfit. Kaon smirked softly as he now knew why his Master came home so dirty everyday.

"Ah, I prefer to not think of either form as an alt. I'm just running two different operating systems in one," chuckled Vishal as the blue glow from his eyes faded He then reached to pull a large folded map from his pocket, "We're supposed to go to zone.... 72 B today. Pretty much boring. All the other zones around it have been empty. This might be the first time we've ever came to a city and never been attacked by anything!"

"Attacked?" questioned the unpainted Seeker. He did not show fear like the usual Skywarp clone. His tone was interest in what Vishal was saying. The human Autobot started walking towards the city, not needing to tell the two bots to follow him.

"Oh, um, I may of forgot to mention that. Sometimes there are crazy bots around," Vishal then turned to face the two bots while he walked backwards, "See this virus happened, and it made a lot of the mini bots go crazy and take out humans and other bots. Theory is, bots that didn't have a spark was susceptible to the virus."

"You did say I had a spark, correct?" Kaon asked with slight worry. He could not imagine hurting his Master. Though the human bot was neglectful in utilizing his programming, he was too kind for anything bad to happen to him.

"Yes, you actually had spark energy upon activation," Vishal spoke. One of Hunter's purple optics twitched at the statement.

"How is that possible?" asked the green bot. He then looked to the strange unpainted Seeker. Vishal just shrugged.

"Kaon came with a designation already too," Vishal told Hunter as he then looked to the Seeker, "I'm thinking you are a recycled bot. You were sent to the factory to be reprogrammed and refreshed. That doesn't really explain the unpainted thing, but stranger things have happened."

"You have a spark too?" Kaon questioned Hunter. The newer bot seemed uninterested in figuring out his own past. The bots around him were so much more fascinating! The green bot muttered. He did not have the patience to teach a bot like Vishal could. He looked around at his surroundings a moment. They had began to walk down one of the off ramps of the highway that lead into the city.

"Yes. Every bot on our team does, " stated Hunter simply, "Who's had the virus or not is another matter."

"Sir, you are so smart. Are you able to cure bots with the virus?" Kaon asked Vishal. He wanted to know more about sparks, but he had so many other questions to ask. He set to his processors to remember to ask more about sparks later.

"I can cure the first stage of it.....," Vishal answered softly. For a moment he was not his usual cheerful self. After a second he smiled lightly, "Sometimes we even find virused bots and help them. But only if they're first stage. If they're not I try to offline them. I'll leave them where they were found so if a higher level cure is made they can still be fixed."

Vishal turned around to face forward a moment. He kept up the pace of walking. His eyes looked over the surroundings as Hunter just did. They were not in the skyscraper city itself, but at the small residential area nearby. The tall buildings could be seen in the distance. Vishal pulled up his small laptop from his pocket and started to type in information. Kaon wanted to ask more but saw his Master was busy. He looked over to Hunter.

"Did you have the virus?" he asked the green bot. Hunter shook his head. He did not say anything more so Kaon prodded him for more information, "What happened when the virus came? What did you see?"

The green speed bot raised and optic brow at how the bot worded his questions. Something seemed odd about the bot's excited tone. Hunter looked over at Vishal, who was busy getting zoned into his laptop. The blonde inventor was probably scanning the area for any bot signals. Hunter now felt stuck with answering Kaon's questions.

"I saw many things, " Hunter vaguely answered as he followed Vishal. He usually avoided new bots for this reason. Even without the original programming many would become intellectually clingy to an older bot. While Hunter did sometimes like attention, the type that involved his past aggravated him. Kaon seemed to pick up on the emotion and stepped forward to see what Vishal was up to.

"What are you doing?" asked Kaon as he peered at the cell sized laptop his Master was furiously typing on. He tried his best to spy on the screen, but all he saw was random numbers and letters.

"Checking for bots in the area," answered Vishal was he kept this eyes locked on the little screen, "I see too nearby. Active. Both are fourth stage virus."

"So much for an easy job," muttered Hunter. His hands switched into long jagged stingers. A bit of electricity crackled over the built in weapons. Kaon looked over at Hunter and the back at Vishal imploringly.

"How do I activate my weapons? How do I fight?" asked Kaon almost with the frantic tone a Skywarp clone would have, but without the fear. He wanted to fight along side Vishal, and he wanted to be good at it. Kaon watched as the man's yellow armor covered him again. It seemed to magically slide out from Vishal's skin and liquidate through his clothes. Kaon's processors still found it fascinating. The inventor was truly a combination of bot and human, and Kaon found that strangely attractive.

"Um, your weapons grid is functioning, you just have to 'call' on your weapons. They'll be blasters on your arms. Focus on activating them, it should be easy," explained Vishal.

"What models are they?" asked Hunter as Kaon attempted to get his blasters online. He was not finding it as easy as Vishal said it would be. Vishal slipped his laptop into his backpack. It still rested on his back comfortably even in his bot mode.

"A Thundercracker and a Wasp. Not a short stack one like you though," Vishal still poked fun at the smaller green bot. The green bot muttered annoyed, not able to come up with a good comeback at the moment. Vishal turned and still saw Kaon struggling to get his weapons online. The Seeker looked at Vishal with optics slanted at worried angle, "We won't need backup. Fourth stages are practically falling apart anyhow. You can stay a little ways away and watch."

"That is not what-" the Seeker's wings sunk back to add emotion to the pout on his faceplate. Kaon thought he was going to be useful today. He couldn't get Vishal interested in him physically, and now he couldn't even help his Master in combat.

"Hey, hey, don't feel bad," Vishal seemed to pick up on the disappointment Kaon was feeling, "No one performs to the best of their ability the first time."

Hunter couldn't help but snicker. Because of the conversation he had earlier with Kaon, the bot put a double meaning to what Vishal said. The Seeker and the human bot had no clue what Hunter found so amusing. Vishal raised an eyebrow to his small green bot friend.

"Whats so funny?!" Vishal asked accusingly. Hunter chuckled more at the inventor's reaction.

"Nothing nothing.... so where are these infected bots?" Hunter asked to change the subject.

"The first gas station up ahead, they haven't noticed us yet,” explained Vishal. Kaon let out a whine.

"If I could help you Sir, I really would!" the Seeker clone complained. Vishal found it 'sweet' how the Skywarp clone would make the same worried sounds a Skywarp would make, but were never related in being shy or scared. It was an odd combination, yet adorably cute. Though Vishal's mouth was covered by his battle face guard, his eyes showed his warm smile.

"I know you would Kaon. We'll get you in some weapons practice later today, alright?" The human Autobot offered in comfort. Kaon smiled at Vishal's words. It was frustrating he could not be useful to his Master. Yet, the man was never ever upset about it, "We're going to walk ahead some, but make sure we're still in your sights."

"Certainly Sir!" Kaon knew he could at least do that. He couldn't wait to learn to fight so he could help his Master. Though, he now was interested in seeing the man fight. He could even learn from just watching Vishal and Hunter in battle. They walked head and were by the gas station sign in a short time. Vishal took off his bookbag and pulled out a strange small blaster. Kaon watched as his yellow armored Master then used his free hand to pick up at rock from the road.

Vishal threw the rock in one of the gas station's smaller windows. The Seeker's processors wondered why his Master would do that destructive action. In a moment two decrepitude looking clones came out and rushed at Hunter and Vishal. If their armors had been flesh it would equal being a rotted corpse. Exposed wires showed on both the bots. Some panels of metal were still hanging loosely from their armor. What was left of their paint was bubbled up like boils.

Kaon watched the infected blue Seeker from afar. The clone easily had slender laser cannons rise up on its arms. However, the clone did not move graceful at all. Kaon knew in his Seeker programming he was supposed to be graceful! From Vishal's lower arms stingers like Hunter's rose up without his hands needing to 'switch out' for them. He blasted the Thundercracker clone back against the building. The force of the blow caused one of the Seeker's wings already loose wing to fall off. Kaon winced watching that, like he knew having a wing come off would hurt a lot. The damaged Seeker showed no pained reaction to the loss. He supported himself to slowly rise up, planning to attack Vishal again. The inventor then shot his blaster, causing the bot to suddenly power down with no damage.

The Wasp clone went after Hunter as though it was a blind personal vendetta. It changed to stingers, but only one seemed to function. Hunter quickly dodged the rotting clone's blast. He then returned fire to both the clone's shoulders. Vishal watched the fighting while he waited for his EMP blaster to recharge. Though the other Wasp was a foot taller, Hunter showed his ability to take down an infected clone. The rotted bot swung his damaged arm at Hunter. The short bot quickly ducked down to dodge.

"Man, you didn't have to dodge, he wasn't aiming low enough anyhow," chuckled Vishal, at ease even moments after combat. Hunter muttered as he dodged another swing.

"Why haven't you put this guy out yet?" complained the shorter green bot. Hunter tallied in his mind that he now owed Vishal three comebacks in retaliation for past comments.

"Still charging.. still charging," Vishal flashed the gun, showing that only four of the six small bulbs on the side were lit up. The man then turned to head to his bookbag, planning to pull out his mini laptop. The rotted Wasp clone saw the weapon flashed. In his barely functioning processor he saw it was a threat. He ignored Hunter and made a charge at Vishal.

"NOTCH! Look out!" called Hunter. Kaon even saw the danger. Despite his non-functioning weapons he still started to rush down to the gas station. Vishal quickly dodged without turning around. He flipped around and pinned the infected bot down. The tumble caused the left side of the Wasp clone's jaw armor to fall off. In the tussle Vishal had dropped the EMP blaster beside the rabid clone's head. Before Hunter or Kaon could rush into help, Vishal kneed the pinned bot in the stomach. The bot's struggling to get free stopped for a moment.

Vishal managed to keep the bot somewhat still pinned as he freed one hand to grab for the gun. The Wasp clone, with one hand free now, tried clawing at Vishal's armor. Before any of the rotting clone's attacks could escalate it was hit by the EMP blast. Vishal had fired directly at its cranial processor. The human Autobot then got off the ground not shaken at all.

"Heh, show off," muttered Hunter. The green bot then looked over to the offlined blue Seeker. He wanted to make sure that one was not getting a surprise jump on them as well.

"Oh SIR! I was so worried! You're so brave!" Kaon suddenly hugged his armored Master. Vishal seemed more startled by Kaon's hug than he had been about the attack.

"Hey, hey. I'm fine! Nothing to worry about," Vishal flailed a bit to pry the winged mech off him. He could hear Hunter laughing behind them. Kaon blinked and released his Master, not sure how to feel about the negative reaction. Vishal pulled back from the hug slowly. Kaon started to save the information that his Master did not like to be hugged. Before he could, Vishal gave him a gentle pat on the arm. The gesture seemed to be done to acknowledge the hug as not being a negative thing. Vishal really didn't know what he meant by the motion of comforting the bot. He released Kaon's arm and went back to going through his backpack.

Vishal's armor slid back to his human form. He walked over to the powerdowned Thundercracker clone with his small laptop. Kaon followed behind him and watched intensely. Vishal hooked up a small wire from his phone sized laptop to the rotted Seeker. Kaon watched his brilliant Master's eyes follow the rapid rush of code that went by on the tiny screen.

"Wow, WOW!" Vishal looked amazed at what he was seeing. He barely properly unplugged from the Thundercracker clone before he went over to the Wasp clone. He quickly hooked up his computer there and compared both their datas.

"What is it?" asked Hunter. He had never seen Vishal this excited about clones he could not cure in any way. Kaon looked happy for Vishal, who seemed to be enjoying the information he was reading.

"These two were slaggin smart! When they were both at stage two of the virus, the Thundercracker clone came up with the idea to install his stage two virus into the Wasp clone. Effectively curing himself and putting the Wasp clone at stage four," Vishal explained excitedly.

"But viruses don't.. work like that," Hunter muttered as Vishal blabbed on.

"Thats just it, this virus didn't start as a virus. The original Decepticon clones were programmed with a Trojan horse, which MIT found and ‘upgraded’ out of them. But after the Autobots produced their own line, Megatron found out his clones were now ‘clean’. The cons then released a new program which would infect both types of clones so that he could control all of them. But it 'evolved' on its own into an actual virus. This Seeker effectively made the virus a program again and uploaded into the Wasp clone, which is different than infecting a virus. But get this, apparently every month or so they would switch! Like... I'm not sure how exactly they did it. But the uninfected bot would download the infection from the other, and let the other have time to roam around uninfected. They took TURNS being infected," Vishal's quick explanation took a moment for the two non-science bots to take in.

"Wait... what?" Hunter questioned. He never understood why science bots got excited even over the dreariest things. However, Kaon stayed glued on Vishal's words as though he understood it perfectly.

"Viruses spread. When one bot has it, they give it to another, but still retain the original virus in their systems. As a program though, it could remove itself from one bot and be transferred to another, the original bot then not having the virus at all. Instead of the Thundercracker clone abandoning the now full virused Wasp, they took turns being infected," Vishal repeated as he then looked over the scrolling code from both bots. His eye movement became more rapid as he read it over and over again, "They would keep the infected one locked up in the backroom of his gas station while the other one ran around virus free."

"Heh, but then, how did they both end up being infected?" asked Hunter as he finally understood the man's rapid information dump. Vishal stood from where he was bent over the Wasp clone. Kaon still stayed near him, like he would do something to guard Vishal if one of the powerdowned bots suddenly attacked again.

"While the Wasp clone was taking his turn being uninfected... he became infected. He pretty much decided 'Fuck it' and released his infected friend from the backroom here," Vishal said as he gestured back to the gas station building.

"Sir, you said the virus made bots attack each other. How could they take turns infecting each other without them hurting each other?" Kaon asked softly, "Sorry if I should not have asked..."

"No, NO, that’s a brilliant question.... hmmmm...," Vishal walked over to Thundercracker clone again. With a few touches and presses around the chest the yellow cockpit slid down. Beyond the opened cockpit was a diamond shaped metal casing. Vishal rehooked some wires from his computer back to the Thundercracker clone.

With a few simple strands of code the diamond casing slide open. The inside of the casing had an empty round center. The circular gap did not contain a spark. However, some ribbons of energy faintly pulsed on the walls of the spherical indent. Kaon watched fascinated. He knew he must be built the same way. He would have to see if he could open up the same way. Kaon wanted to see what his own spark looked like. Perhaps sometime later, back in the privacy of Vishal's tent.

"That’s different," Hunter stated simply. From hanging around Vishal a lot he had seen many open chambers on bots being analyzed or repaired. He had not seen anything 'in between' like this was.

"As I thought... both of these bots were probably on the cusp of having a spark before becoming infected. Even when one was infected they had enough ability to know not to attack the uninfected one," Vishal explained astonished, "Now whether the virus was keeping them from getting a full spark, or if getting a full spark would rid them of the virus is another matter. Studying these two might make a big dent in finding a cure!"

“Sir! You are so brilliant! I am sure you’ll have a cure in no time!” Kaon said as he looked at Vishal. The human Autobot chuckled, he could get used to having a ‘yes’ man around.

"The boss isn't going to let you take them back to base. They're WAY too infected. He won't risk it. And how he is because your stage two cure didn't-" Hunter began to state something Vishal knew. He stopped himself since he did not know how much Kaon knew.

"I know... but... hm...," Vishal snapped his fingers a few times as he was thinking an idea. Kaon saw the little snapping habit and couldn't help but smile at it. Vishal looked up and smiled back lightly at Kaon before turning to Hunter, "I have an idea. We'll just say the Wasp clone is permanently offline, and we're taking it back for if we ever need emergency spare parts for you."

"Alright.... but you better not throw me under the bus if Wicky finds out different," muttered Hunter as he changed his stingers back to hands. He grabbed the Wasp clone by the collar armor to drag him. Vishal looked to his small laptop to do a quick sweep for any more bots, "Nothing else around... if you want to take the Wasp clone back to base alone. The two of us will be fine."

“Sure, sure,” Hunter replied as he started to drag the decrepit Wasp clone towards the highway exit they came from. Vishal chuckled before Hunter was more than a short distance away.

“And while your at it you can come up with some comebacks!” snickered the inventor. He had also been keeping track how many Hunter ‘owed’ him. The speed clone muttered. It was times like this that made Hunter not admit to the human bot that he actually would volunteer to work with him. Vishal was truly a kindhearted soul. Hunter knew his spark it was a shame that neither the majority of humans or bots accepted him as one of their own. He turned and looked back at Vishal and Kaon chatting. The clone was so eager to learn, and Vishal was so happy to teach him.

Hunter smiled a bit as he looked forward still dragging the clone. He had a feeling Vishal having a clone companion that had to be dedicated to him would be good for the inventor. Hunter owed Vishal more than a handful of witty quips. The man had helped him a lot in the past. He planned to payback Vishal by making sure he hooked up with that Seeker clone of his.
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