JV. The Pit and a Field Hospital. New Allies From A Soldier's Family

[dens_extra_pups]

Stormshadow: *groggy blinking as he hauls himself up over the side of Mama's bed. Sees her sitting by Sensei's bed. Beeps quietly*

Cat Scan: *jerks awake, fell asleep sitting up* Bhuh? *groggy blink blink*

First Aid: *without waking from where she's sprawled wearily on her side on her and Ratchet's bed* Shhhh, Cat Scan. It's alright...

Stormshadow: *turns his head to look at Grandmother, then looks back to Mama and makes his tiny clicks*

Cat Scan: *bleary blinking, will reach for Stormshadow*

Stormshadow: *looks at Sensei, and then looks at Mama. Curls one tiny hand in a summoning gesture. Mama should be sleeping*

Cat Scan: *blink* ... Right... *bit of a frown as she tries to think through sleepiness. Looks back and forth between her bed and the spot where she's currently sitting*

Stormshadow: *repeats the little gesture, but then startles and falls down into the bed as Cat Scan's phone rings*

Cat Scan: *startles and fumbles for her phone* *frown for it as she looks to see who's calling* *quietly answers the phone* 'Lo?

Stormshadow: *perks as he catches the sound of Mama's mother's voice from the phone. Will tilt his head and listen*

Bethany: *sounds quite worried* //Catherine? Is something wrong?//

Cat Scan: *quietly* Just been really busy lately, 's all, Mom....

Bethany: //Busy? You haven't called in nearly a month.// *yup, worried and a bit upset*

Cat Scan: Stuff's been really hectic.... *trying so hard to keep her voice from quivering as she thinks about what's happened lately*

Bethany: *knows her daughter's voice, and can hear that there's something wrong in it now* *quietly* //What's happened? Did Mr. Smith do something?//

Cat Scan: *cringe* *this is why she doesn't try and fib to her mom* *quietly* There was.... *bites her lower lip for a moment before continuing* There was a training accident....

Bethany: *calm, soothing, and brooking no argument* //Tell me what happened.//

Cat Scan: *deep breath* *quietly* He was hurt during a routine training exercise... He's.... *another deep breath*

Bethany: *softly* //Go on. I'm listening.//

Cat Scan: *quieter* Right now... He's in a coma....

Bethany: //Oh, honey. I'm so sorry. Do you want me there?//

Cat Scan: *quiet as she thinks* *then* When's the soonest you and Lizzy can get here? *is already making a mental note to speak with General Hawk*

Bethany: //Well, Lizzy's at a friend's house for Spring Break. But I can get her, and get to your place in twelve hours.//

Cat Scan: Alright.... Bus or plane?

Bethany: //We're coming by plane.//

Cat Scan: Gotcha... I'll talk to my CO and see about getting a car to come pick you up at the airport....

Bethany: //Alright. I'll see you soon, Catherine.// *much love and concern in her voice*

Cat Scan: See you soon, Mom.

Bethany: //I love you.// *gentle hang up*

Cat Scan: *wibble, rubs at her eyes for a moment and works on getting calmed down so she's not a mess when she talks to General Hawk and explains the situation*

Stormshadow: *soft little whisper of movement as he uses his winch to climb the wall of Mama's bed*

Cat Scan: *moves to grab Stormshadow* *is also dialing General Hawk's number. Yes, she knows it's probably the middle of the night, but she'd rather not get grief for not giving a heads-up*

General Hawk: *sounds wide awake* //Hawk here. Rodima, so help me. Stop that now! Sorry.//

Cat Scan: ... I don't want to know. *will quirk a bit of a grin as she realizes that not only did she succeed in getting Stormshadow, she also grabbed the sleeve of her pajamas*

General Hawk: *slightly grouchy* //If you and Ratchet hadn't forced me to let her move into my quarters I wouldn't know either.//

Rodima: *from the background* //Aw, come on. This is amazing. Who knew that ants were flammable?//

General Hawk: *sigh*

Cat Scan: ....Have you tried siccing Kup on her, sir?

General Hawk: //Kup and Perceptor went home three days ago.//

Cat Scan: ...Oh.... *no, she didn't know this*

General Hawk: *another sigh, and his voice sounds lightly nose pinched* //Has there been any change?//

Stormshadow: *busy tugging on the PJ arm, but isn't getting any movement*

Cat Scan: Not yet, sir.... *bites her lip* General Hawk? *glances to Stormshadow, raised brow*

General Hawk: //...I'm not going to like this, am I?//

Stormshadow: *click. Is trying to get you your sleeping clothes, Mama. Must take care of you*

Cat Scan: *slight cringe, anticipating a dressing down* My mother and sister are going to be getting on a plane here within the next twelve hours....

General Hawk: //What? No.//

Stormshadow: *just kind of swinging on the sleeve now*

Cat Scan: She called, 'cause I haven't been. 'N she's met Snake Eyes.... Knows him as Mr. Smith.... *quieter* 'N Duke can vouch for Lizzy.... She's signed the paperwork..... *will move to bring Stormshadow close to her chest so he doesn't fall*

General Hawk: //That's all well and good.// *gently* //But there's no way we can have human civilians in the Pit.//

Cat Scan: There's a really good hotel in town.

General Hawk: //But they still can't come here to the base. Do you really want to leave Snake Eyes to go see them at the hotel?//

Cat Scan: *pinching the bridge of her nose as she tries to think* *soft, frustrated sound*

General Hawk: //Let me talk to the men. Wha...?? Rodima!//

Cat Scan: *quietly* There has to be a way.... *distracted* What'd she do now?

General Hawk: *sounding grieved* //My newspaper. I hadn't had time to read that.//

Cat Scan: .... *facepalm*

Rodima: *in the background* //Well if you'd take me off medical leave, and maybe, oh I don't know, SLEEP when other people sleep! I wouldn't be stir crazy now.//

Cat Scan: .... *sigh* Rodima...

General Hawk: *temper lost* //Well if you hadn't insisted on moving in with me! My own wife knew better than to try and share a sleeping room with me!//

Rodima: //But... you're my partner.//

General Hawk: //Don't give me that puppy look!//

Cat Scan: *a bit sharply* Alright, that's enough.

General Hawk: //Excuse me, Cat Scan.// *hangs up*

Cat Scan: *frustrated sound* *sigh*

First Aid: *visor band gleaming softly as she turns her head* Cat Scan?

Cat Scan: *looks over* Hm?

First Aid: What's wrong?

Cat Scan: Rodima and General Hawk are grinding each other's gears, and Mom and Lizzy are flying in.... *sigh*

First Aid: *tips her head back as she looks at the time, then pings her husband and reminds him that his shift and Lifeline's ended half an hour ago*

Ratchet: *sheepish as he responds with an ETA*

First Aid: *shakes her head and then pings the General. Surprised optic flash* Oh!

Cat Scan: *looks up from changing into her pajamas*

First Aid: *soft chuckle* Don't worry, Cat Scan. The General's already taking care of the problem.

Cat Scan: *a bit cheekily* Which problem? The one I called him about, or the one of bored Rodima?

First Aid: Ah no. He and our Prima are still fighting. *sigh* But he's asked some of the men to make a place for your mother and sister to meet you.

Cat Scan: *small nod, fusses with her pajamas.... after checking for a certain bitty ninja to make sure he didn't get caught in the fabric again*

Stormshadow: *has managed to climb up into his little bed that hangs on the outside of Mama's. Is sitting there and watching her now*

Cat Scan: *small smile for her son, finishes getting dressed for bed*

First Aid: He's asked someone to meet them at the airport and bring them to the place. And first thing at daybreak we're to bring poor Snake Eyes there too.

Stormshadow: *looks at Grandmother as she says Sensei's name*

Cat Scan: *small nod*

First Aid: *looks toward the door as it opens, and then turns back to her human partner* *gently* Get some sleep, Cat Scan.

Cat Scan: *another small nod, reluctantly climbs into the bin bed*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle, moves to greet First Aid*

First Aid: *stands to kiss her husband, then stoops for a quick check of Snake Eyes and his machinery before she turns back to Ratchet*

Ratchet: *quietly* Any change?

First Aid: Not in his condition. But we're moving him at dawn.

Ratchet: *puzzled* Moving him? Why?

First Aid: Cat Scan's family is coming to see her, so General Hawk is having some of the JOEs build a small portable hospital in that box canyon just off base. Mrs. Wyatt will be able to stay with Cat Scan there, and we will be too. The General reminded me that we haven't taken any leave since we started here.

Ratchet: ... *slight frown as he looks to try and protest that* .... Well, aside from when Lifeline was born....

First Aid: I mentioned that. He said that maternity leave doesn't count, and that we didn't take all the time we were supposed to for that, either.

Ratchet: *as Cat Scan snerks* I thought we did.....

First Aid: It's actually several months. We only took a week.

Ratchet: ... Oh. *will move to put his hand on the panel that covers the cubby where Lifeline is tucked in with towels*

First Aid: *puts a gentle hand over his* Come to bed. You need the rest.

Ratchet: Alright... *will gently touch his forehead to hers*

First Aid: *forehead touch. Nuzzle. Then moves aside and pushes him toward the bed, turning her head to check on Cat Scan as she does*

Stormshadow: *sitting in his little bed, absently playing with a corner of his facecloth blanket as he watches Mama through the clear sides of their beds*

Cat Scan: *holding her poofy spider close as she curls up on her side so she's facing Snake Eyes' futon*

Stormshadow: *rests his forehead and one hand against the side of his bed, his tiny optic band dim and sad as he worries about his parents*

First Aid: //Ratchet, look at Stormshadow.//

Ratchet: *looks* *quietly* //He's worried about them...//

First Aid: *nods* //The poor baby. He's too young for that kind of stress.//

Ratchet: //I know... I just wish there was more we could do....//

First Aid: //Maybe this time with her mother and sister will help Cat Scan.//

Ratchet: *as he lays down and gently tugs his wife down beside him* //I hope so...//

Stormshadow: *decides something. Can't sleep with Mama; isn't safe. Climbs out of bed and goes and lays by Sensei*

Cat Scan: *even though she'll start the night in her bin bed, it's likely that she'll wind up climbing out at some point and laying by Snake Eyes as well*


Next day


First Aid: *driving carefully toward the field hospital, mindful of the patient in her hold* I forgot today was the day that Cobra Commander and Fidelia were being transferred. I hope it goes well.

Cat Scan: I hope so too.... *absently chewing on her lower lip as she checks on Snake Eyes again*

Ratchet: *as he drives* //I just hope Cobra Commander's condition doesn't worsen....//

First Aid: He seemed calm enough... and Fidelia is with him.

Goldwing: *can be seen coming down for a landing at the mouth of the box canyon, just ahead*

Cat Scan: *soft 'heh' as she catches sight of Goldwing*

First Aid: Oh, Goldwing's back. That's good. Snake Eyes needs all his family here with him.

Cat Scan: *small nod* Yeah.... *knows Goldwing and his Wust Fee siblings see Snake Eyes as their uncle*

Ratchet: *with a bit of a chuckle* //And we'll finally get to meet your family, Cat Scan....//

Cat Scan: *dryly* I can just hear the inevitable snark-off between you and Lizzy, Ratchet.

First Aid: *as she slows upon entering the box canyon, watchful for living things perhaps coming to meet her* Oh dear...

Cat Scan: Roadblock, Duke, and Ironhide have met my sister....

First Aid: So have Gung-Ho and Red. *looks ahead* Vato has now too.

Cat Scan: *looks* *winces as the tall soldier gets a stern talking-to from Lizzy* I kinda feel sorry for him.... Lizzy's gotta temper....

Ratchet: //.... Somehow, I'm not surprised.//

First Aid: *soft blurt of her sirens as she pulls up beside the comfortable and roomy looking prefab building. Opens her back doors*

Vato: *glad for an excuse to get away from the sort-of scary girl who is giving him quite the dressing down*

Bethany: *hurrying out to see who's arrived. Has a cup of coffee in one hand... and it's in Cat Scan's mug from home*

Lizzy: *huff, wasn't done scolding you, mister! Though now she's distracted as Hermie, in cat form, pounces on her toes* Hermie! *scoops the disguised Mrrpt-Nyaah up and cuddles him*

Hermie: *was watching the scoldings and hiding behind the door*

Bethany: *apologizes to Vato, then gives her younger daughter a Look*

First Aid: *very softly to Cat Scan* Will you and Vato offload Snake Eyes? I don't think Ratchet and I are ready to transform just yet.

Cat Scan: *patpats First Aid's dashboard* *quietly* Lizzy's more bark than bite.... And she's still a kid, even if she's almost as tall as me already.... *unbuckles and moves to get out so she and Vato can offload Snake Eyes*

Vato: *so amused* It's alright, Mrs. Wyatt. No harm, no foul.

Bethany: *hand to mouth as she sees "Mr. Smith" there on the stretcher*

Snake Eyes: *very still, his face pale and devoid of the watchful humour that it had held at the restaurant that day*

Stormshadow: *is that movement of the blanket at Sensei's shoulder*

Bethany: *eyes going to the movement* ....

Stormshadow: *moves again. Mama told him he was meeting people today, so he has to let her know where he is*

Cat Scan: *soft chuckle* *quick glance to her mother*

Gung-Ho: *had come out to see if assistance was needed, but is now watching Bethany and Cat Scan to see what will happen next*

Bethany: *slowly* What's going on here, Catherine?

Stormshadow: *peeeeeek. Just a tiny little face with a wise dark optic band*

Cat Scan: *quietly, as she moves to offer a hand to Stormshadow* This is Stormshadow.... *quieter* He's my son....

Bethany: ... *raised brow* What?

Stormshadow: *reaches for Mama's hand, and then climbs out from under Sensei's blanket to go up onto the hand. Catches hold of Mama's cuff, but then pauses to look up at the other lady again*

Lizzy: *giving her mom a bit of a bemused look*

Cat Scan: *quietly* I'm not fibbing, Mom.... *slight quirk of a grin* Guess that makes you a grandma....

Bethany: Very funny.

Stormshadow: *interested tilt to that tiny head, and then he's standing gracefully, folding his hands, and bowing with deep politeness to his other Grandmother*

Bethany: .... *soft 'heh'*

Cat Scan: He's still pretty young....

Stormshadow: *straightens up and looks respectfully at his other Grandmother, then turns his head to watch as Goldwing walks up*

Goldwing: *softly, as he puts one hand on Cat Scan's shoulder* Do you vant me to bring Oom inside, Tante Cat?

Cat Scan: *nod* Let's get him settled....

Bethany: *boggling now*

Lizzy: *blink blink*

Goldwing: *shy look for Bethany, his ears flicking uncertainly and stirring his blond hair as his golden eyes crinkle at the corners in a hopeful grin* Hi.

Cat Scan: Goldwing, this is my mother. The brunette holding Hermie is my younger sister, Lizzy.

Goldwing: *ears twitch as the crinkle at the corners of his eyes get deeper* I'm glad to meet you, Mrs. Vyatt; Lizzie.

Gung-Ho: *silent elbow for Vato's side as he watches*

Vato: *acks and jumps... landing nearby in his true form*

Bethany: *startles at that*

Lizzy: ... So you weren't fibbing about there being more of Hermie's people here.... *nuzzles Hermie*

Cat Scan: Why would I fib about something like that? *moving to get equipment*

Stormshadow: *up Mama's sleeve now*

Goldwing: *gently lifts Snake Eyes' stretcher without even straining, then looks at the other men* I can't bring the eqvipment too.

Gung-Ho: Dat's okay. I got it.

Goldwing: *twitches ears* Danke, Oome.

Cat Scan: *moving to hand equipment to Gung-Ho*

Lizzy: *getting the door as Hermie moves to perch on her shoulders*

Bethany: ... *quietly, sounding just a bit brain-broken* What is going on here?

First Aid: *softly* Cat Scan and the men are bringing Snake Eyes to his bed.

Bethany: *startles and skitters away from the ambulance* 0_0

First Aid: *soft voice gentle* Please don't be frightened. We won't hurt you. Right, Lizzy?

Lizzy: *eying the ambulance now* You're like Ironhide, right?

First Aid: *as Ratchet snorts* Well... I'm a Cybertronian. But... *laughter* I don't think that I could be like Ironhide.

Lizzy: ...Well, yeah. You don't sound grumpy. *grin*

Bethany: *staring at her youngest now*

First Aid: *watches as the others get Snake Eyes inside* Mrs. Wyatt, I'm going to transform now. Please don't be frightened.

Bethany: *remembers that the nice soldier that drove Lizzy and herself here promised that they'd be perfectly safe* A-Alright.....

First Aid: *unfolds slowly, lifting her head as she kneels gracefully and looking down at Bethany with unmistakable gentle kindliness despite her masked and visored face* My name is First Aid.

Bethany: Er.... Nice to meet you.....

First Aid: *softly* I'm Cat Scan's CO. One of them. Ratchet is our CMO. *arm out as Ratchet's cab opens and Lifeline tumbles out and starts crawling toward her*

Lifeline: *pop squeak peep pop pop click beep talk talk talk talk!* *cuddle Mama and smile at Bethany*

Bethany: *boggling a bit.... She never expected something so cute*

Ratchet: I'm also one of Cat Scan's COs... When she's not bossing me around. *so much gentle amusement in that voice*

First Aid: *lifts her head to look toward her husband* I've already explained that you're our CMO, Ratchet. Did you fall asleep in the sun? *amusement of her own*

Ratchet: *sheepish* Maybe.

Lizzy: *snerk*

Bethany: ... *headshake* Sleeping on the job. Sheesh.

First Aid: *reaches over and gently pats the hood of the green rescue vehicle* It's the first time he's done it.

Lifeline: Papa! Papa! *talk talk talk! Bounce on her buttpad*

Ratchet: *moving to carefully transform*

Bethany: *amused, still a bit brain broken, but amused nonetheless* Sheesh.

Lizzy: *brat grin* Not the least bit scary, if you let Catherine bully you.

First Aid: Why would we want to be scary? *soft chuckle as she scoots on her knees toward her husband and then leans against him*

Lifeline: *crawls into Papa's lap, then looks pleased with herself*

Ratchet: *chuckle* It would make taking care of everyone a bit more difficult if we were scary....

Lizzy: *snerk*

Bethany: How old is your little one?

First Aid: She's 15 months old. *helps the happy baby to stand with both plump little arms hooked over her forearm*

Lifeline: *squeeeee* ^_^

Gung-Ho: *pops back out of the building* Lifeline, you okay?

Bethany: Aww..... *remembers when her girls were that age* *looks to Gung-Ho*

Gung-Ho: *sheepishly pushes his hat back and then goes back inside*

Lizzy: *moves to head inside to catch up with Gung-Ho*

First Aid: *softly* Gung-Ho's used to looking out for babies.

Lifeline: *watching a bug on Mama's arm now*

Bethany: ... I believe it.... But Lizzy's usually skittish around strangers....

First Aid: *tilts head slightly* I think she's met Gung-Ho before. The day the team brought Hermie back to base? *looks up at her husband without pausing in her comfortable recline against him*

Ratchet: *nod* That's right. *has a feeling it would be unwise to mention what else happened that day, at least while Bethany is in earshot*

Bethany: ... When was this?

Cat Scan: The day I broke my arm. *goes past to grab the last blankets from the pile by First Aid*

Bethany: *head whips around to give her eldest a Look* What?!

First Aid: It was a clean break, and it's healed now.

Bethany: When was this, young lady? *has rounded on her daughter*

Cat Scan: *as she moves to head in with the blankets* The day I left after being on leave.

First Aid: *shoots Ratchet a concerned look*

Lifeline: *has turned to watch the humans. Frowwwwwwn*

Bethany: *setting up to fuss over her eldest as only a mother can*

Lifeline: *lets go of Mama, falls forward onto her hands and knees and crawls over to Bethany and Cat Scan* *quietly* No. No. *gentle push for Bethany* Shhhh.

Bethany: *a bit startled and confused*

Cat Scan: *and there she goes into the building*

Lifeline: *points after her Sissy* Cry. *shakes head. So serious* Shhhh.

First Aid: *unconsciously holding Ratchet's hand as she watches her daughter interact with Bethany*

Bethany: *worried expression is a go*

First Aid: *softly* Lifeline's trying to tell you that Cat Scan's been under a lot of pressure lately, and that she doesn't want her to cry.

Lifeline: *bounces on butt* Uh huh!

Bethany: *quietly* But she needs me.....

First Aid: *gently* Yes. But Snake Eyes needs her. And right now that has to come first.

Bethany: *quiet for a few moments, and then she's nodding*

Goldwing: *back out and looks around, then hesitates and perks his ears at Bethany* ...Do you need a hug?

Bethany: *hesitates for a moment as well, and then she's holding her arms out, both seeking, and offering a hug*

Goldwing: *arms go gently around Cat Scan's mother, and then he carefully envelopes her in those golden wings too*

First Aid: *eyes go soft in a grin*

Lifeline: Ohhhh. ^_^

Bethany: *surprised by the warmth radiating from the winged man*

Ratchet: *just got a cute picture*

Goldwing: *tips his head back to look down at Bethany with concern* Too tight?

Bethany: No, you're fine, hon... *more hug*

Goldwing: *cuddle. Gentle rocking on his feet*

Bethany: *taking comfort from this. She won't admit how much she missed just being held... At least, not right now*

Vato: *comes out, then stops short and perks at sight of the hug*

Goldwing: Vato needs a hug, too. *reaches over with a wing hand and pulls his best friend into the circle of his wings with Bethany*

Bethany: *soft chuckle as she moves to put an arm around Vato's waist as well*

Vato: ^_^

First Aid: *tilts her head and peeks at Ratchet, her eyes twinkling*

Ratchet: *just got another cute picture* *eyes sparkling as he shares the picture with her*

First Aid: *sends the picture to Cat Scan's phone*

Cat Scan: *responds a few minutes later with an "Aww"*

First Aid: ^_^ *shares the response with her husband*

Ratchet: *chuckles softly*

Goldwing: *holds Bethany till he senses from her body language and tension level that she's ready to be let go, then sweeps his wings back and puts an arm around Vato's shoulders. Ears twitch at Bethany in a grin*

Bethany: *soft chuckle*

Vato: *got hugs. Is a happy shapeshifter*

Goldwing: *crinkles his eyes, and then turns his head to look at Ratchet* Vhat do ve do now, sir?

Ratchet: Everyone's been settled in?

Goldwing: Ja. Moeder Vyatt 'n Lizzie have put zere sings in zere rooms. Und Snake Eyes's in his bed now.

Ratchet: Alright.... And Cat Scan?

Goldwing: *twitches his ears again* Laying beside him.

Ratchet: *small nod* *thinking over all the prep that's been done, and what might still need to be done* I think all that's left is for First Aid, Lifeline, and myself to get settled in.... *looks to First Aid to verify*

First Aid: Yes. It sounds like it.

Lifeline: *beep boop squeak. Put hand in front of mouth and do fake yawn*

Ratchet: *chuckles and moves to lift Lifeline* Is that a suggestion then?

Lifeline: *happy wriggles as Papa picks her up. Points to him. Points to Mama. Points to uncles and to the nice lady. All need naps now!*

First Aid: *soft chuckling*

Bethany: *snerk* 'Tudy kid.... *moves to usher Goldwing and Vato inside*

Goldwing: ^_^ *will obey the auntie. Doesn't let go his friend, though*

Vato: *soft little warbles of a song as he's ushered inside with Goldwing*

First Aid: *as she follows the smaller people and switches to her inside voice* It's not attitude, Mrs. Wyatt. She's a doctor.

Bethany: *surprised glance over her shoulder* She is?

Ratchet: *chuckles and nods as he moves to bring Lifeline inside as well*

First Aid: In her heart. She works with us in the infirmary. *fond glance for her daughter, who has decided that she's hungry*

Ratchet: *attention to feeding Lifeline now, though he is paying attention to where he's going*

Bethany: Awww....

First Aid: *pauses to look around the bright, airy, roomy, and very comfortable looking interior of the pre fab* Oh, this is nice.

Ratchet: *looking around* It is. *small smile*

Goldwing: *slight stretch, and then perks and nods toward a sunbeam laying on the floor* You're off shift, Vato. You can enjoy zat.

Vato: *hug, will move to flop in the sunbeam*

Goldwing: *twitches his ears, and then steps away from the others a bit before launching into the air and passing through an upper window. Plans on standing on the roof*

Lifeline: *waves bye-bye*

Ratchet: *chuckle*

Vato: *purrrrr*

Bethany: *boggling as she watches Goldwing depart*

First Aid: *softly* Mrs. Wyatt?

Bethany: *looks to First Aid*

First Aid: Are you alright? *tilts head at smaller woman*

Bethany: I'm fine... I just... I never imagined that when I went to get Lizzy, I'd be talking to giant robots a few hours later....

First Aid: *gently* Not really robots. We're cybernetic lifeforms with a living energy base.

Bethany: ... Today just keeps getting more and more interesting.

First Aid: *softly* So long as it's the good sort of interesting. *eyes twinkle behind her visor, and then she quirks a brow ridge and looks toward the sound of a husband yawn*

Ratchet: *being affected by the sleeping/purring Mrrpt-Nyaah just over there*

Lifeline: *waves one little hand slowly as she droops* Bweee. Seeepy.

Ratchet: *offers to tuck Lifeline into her preferred hidey-hole*

Lifeline: *looks at it, then tips her head back and goes on absorbing energy through her feedport* Papa seepy.

First Aid: *freezes* She just put two words together.

Ratchet: *pleased grin* I'll check to see if it got recorded.

First Aid: *beams, but then chuckles as Lifeline gives an adorable baby version of Ratchet's throat clearing sound*

Ratchet: *soft snerk as he hears Lifeline's throat clearing sound*

Bethany: *soft 'heh'*

First Aid: *gives husband a kiss* Go ahead and lay down. I'll come join you after I've checked on Cat Scan.

Ratchet: Alright. *nuzzle, then moves to go over to the big couch against the back wall and lay down with Lifeline*

Bethany: *soft snerk, moves to check on Lizzy*

First Aid: *goes to the big bedroom to see how Cat Scan's doing there on the futon on the table by the big bed* *scans to see if the younger medic is awake, so that she doesn't wind up messing up precious and hard to get sleep*

Cat Scan: *is having a bit of a doze, though it's a light one at the moment*

First Aid: *gently pulls the side of Snake Eyes' blanket over the human woman* Get some sleep, Cat Scan. Lifeline says it's nap time.

Cat Scan: *awake! Ish. Maybe. Er...no.....* *snuggles closer to Snake Eyes and makes a small, soft sound as she slips into a deeper sleep*

First Aid: *smiling behind her mask as she scans Snake Eyes. Then turns and looks at the woman who just walked up behind her* Do you want to see them? *stoops and offers a hand*

Bethany: *quietly, as she cautiously moves closer* Yes....

First Aid: Do you need me to lift you slowly?

Bethany: I'll be alright...

First Aid: *takes Bethany gently into her hands and lifts the human woman up to where she can see the couple on the futon, there beside the bin bed and the little bed on the side of the bin bed that contains a Stormshadow who is intently taking a pen apart*

Bethany: *quiet as she studies Cat Scan and Snake Eyes* *then, softly, knowing how restless of a sleeper her eldest is* She really loves him, doesn't she?

First Aid: *softly* Yes. Though it took her a little time to believe that it was actually him who was leaving her gifts.

Bethany: *blink blink, looks to First Aid's face* Leaving her gifts?

First Aid: *nod* Yes. Like her spider, lovely box lunches, and Stormshadow.

Stormshadow: *looks up at sound of his name, then watches with his little dark optic band*

Bethany: .... *raised brow*

First Aid: *quirks one of her own brows* *softly* What's wrong?

Bethany: So he gave her a kid?

First Aid: Ohhh. Well. In a way. The story's more complex than that, though.

Bethany: How complex are we talking about here? Assembling a bridle from a tangle of straps and buckles complex or managing a business complex?

First Aid: *very soft chuckle as she turns and carries Bethany out of the bedroom* Snake Eyes built Stormshadow to be a tool. But he came to love him in the process. When Cat Scan broke her arm, he asked Stormshadow to stay and take care of her. Snake Eyes is Stormshadow's father, so that means that Cat Scan is his mother. *pause* Well... *slightly uncertain* By Cybertronian thinking.

Bethany: *small nod, thinking of how some of her friends were mistaken for siblings when she was younger, due to how often they were at her house*

First Aid: *quietly* Ratchet and I also tend to think of Cat Scan as one of our younger daughters.

Bethany: *surprised* You do?

First Aid: *nods* It's the Cybertronian way to see the people you work with, and your closest friends, as family.

Bethany: ..... *blink blink* .... Huh....

First Aid: It's similar for Goldwing's people. And since he's seen Snake Eyes as his uncle since even before Ratchet and I came to Earth, he sees Cat Scan, and you, as family as well.

Bethany: *slight quirk of a grin that almost looks like Cat Scan's* Huh.

First Aid: *eyes show a grin of her own* You're so calm.

Bethany: Well, I could run around like a chicken with its head cut off, but that wouldn't help anyone.

First Aid: *gently* I mean about learning that you're interacting with people who aren't native to Earth.

Bethany: Well... It does explain a lot of Catherine's near-slips.... *recognizes the occasional verbal flub for what it is now...*

First Aid: *soft chuckle* *then pauses and looks surprised as a thought occurs to her*

Bethany: Is something wrong?

First Aid: No. I just realized though that you and your daughters and Snake Eyes are the only humans here right now. Well, full humans.

Bethany: ... *brows up*

First Aid: It's true.

Bethany: ... So Gung-Ho isn't fully human then?

First Aid: *glances over to where a big red house cat is pat patting Vato on the face, its ears flattened with mischief* Red?

Red: *looks up, catches softly whispered question, and shrugs, then resumes her teasing*

Bethany: *looks to where the red house cat is* *soft snerk* Cats will be cats....

First Aid: *quietly* And Red will be Gung-Ho's sister.

Bethany: .... 0_0

First Aid: They talk about a family curse that shows up in one person of every generation. We think that there might have been visitors to Earth somewhere back in the family history.

Bethany: .... Wow....

Vato: *opens one eye.... grabs Red and cuddles her*

Red: *hiss! Bap! Yawwwwn and flop*

Vato: *amused ear flick, snuggle, purr*

First Aid: *softly* From what they tell me most people don't show the 'curse' as strongly as Red does.

Bethany: *small nod* *quieter* And Vato?

First Aid: *glances toward the Mrrpt-Nyah man and once more does that soft whisper that humans can't hear, asking if it's alright for her to tell Bethany about him*

Vato: *slight nod. Is just too comfortable and happy here in this sunbeam to do much more than be lazy*

First Aid: *looks back down to Bethany, there in her hands* Vato is one of Hermie's people. They call themselves the Mrrpt-Nyah. *pronounces the name as one of the people in question would*

Bethany: *slowly* And they're not locals?

First Aid: *slight head shake* No. They're not locals. Vato is an ensign in the Intergalactic Police.

Bethany: .... And Hermie?

First Aid: Hermie hasn't told us about his past. But he's Gung-Ho's son now.

Bethany: Aww....

First Aid: The Mrrpt-Nyah are organic Transformers.

Bethany: Transformers? *unfamiliar with the term, despite having an inkling as to what First Aid means*

First Aid: *smiles behind her mask and visor* You saw how Ratchet and I got here.

Bethany: ....So you mean people like you....

First Aid: *gentle correction* I mean people who naturally have more than one form.

Bethany: ...Oh...

First Aid: *surprised squeak as she turns her head and muffles a yawn against her upper arm* Oh!

Red: *amused ear flutter from down there in the sunbeam*

Bethany: *chuckle* I think it's time for a nap....

First Aid: *sighs ruefully as she goes to one knee to set Bethany down* We haven't been sleeping much lately.

Bethany: *gently, as she climbs down* If things have been so busy that Catherine hasn't had time to call in a month, I can imagine how hectic they've been for you and Ratchet...

First Aid: *slightly wan grin behind her mask, but then perks and looks toward the door*

Blades: *standing in the doorway with Wild Bill on her shoulder and whooping back out at someone in the yard*

Bethany: *follows First Aid's gaze and blinks* Er...

First Aid: *waves to the woman in the doorway* My younger sister, Blades. And her partner, Wild Bill.

Bethany: Gotcha....

Blades: *takes Wild Bill off her shoulder, and then bends over to drop him on the floor*

Wild Bill: *admonishes her to get some rest, and then goes running out of the building, calling to Gung-Ho and Lizzy to wait for him*

Blades: *watches him go, then snorts and comes inside*

First Aid: Thanks for coming, Blades.

Blades: *quietly* Whatever. Where's my room?

First Aid: *points* *softly* It's there, at the other end from mine and Ratchet's.

Blades: *nods to Bethany and goes into her room, then shuts the door*

First Aid: *sigh*

Bethany: *small frown* *concerned* Is something wrong?

First Aid: *ducks her head in a very human gesture of indecisiveness. Then, quietly* It... it's not my story to tell.

Bethany: *gently* Alright. *patpats First Aid's hand with her own calloused one*

First Aid: *blinks, and then smiles slightly* I better go lay down before Ratchet misses me.

Bethany: *chuckle* Go on. I'm going to take a nap as well...

First Aid: *smile is stronger* Very good idea. *stands* Sleep well.

Bethany: You too, First Aid.

First Aid: *eyes twinkle down at Bethany, and then she walks over to lay down by her husband*

Bethany: *soft chuckle, moves to head for the room that's been designated as hers while she's here*


That afternoon


Goldwing: *sitting by Cat Scan and filling out a magazine survey*

Cat Scan: *frowns as she realizes that she's just read an entire page in one of her books and didn't even comprehend any of what she read. Again.* *sighs and starts over, though she'll glance at Snake Eyes for a moment before making her third? Fourth? Fourth attempt*

Goldwing: *marks 'married' on his survey*

Cat Scan: *small, frustrated sound as she flips back to the start of the chapter so she can make sense of what she just finished reading* *gives an absent glance at Goldwing's survey*

Goldwing: *marks 'no children' under his 'married'*

Cat Scan: *brows up as she sees that*

Goldwing: *nibbles on her favourite pen that he's borrowing* No... I never eat vegetables. *marks that*

Cat Scan: *soft snerk* *as she returns her attention to her book* Just be careful not to eat the pen. Ink doesn't taste very good.

Goldwing: *guilty start and removes the pen he'd just put back into his mouth*

Cat Scan: *as she tries to find her place in her book again* So.... You're married then?

Goldwing: *curious look* Ja. Didn't you read my file?

Cat Scan: Just the parts concerning health-related stuff...

Goldwing: *facepalms and chuckles his deep soft chuckle* Dork.

Cat Scan: *razz* *then* So what's she like?

Goldwing: *chuckling harder now* Tante, she's your best friend.

Cat Scan: *looks up* ... *soft snerk* You and Vangie, huh? *so amused*

Goldwing: Ja. Ve've even got the papers for it. *makes another mark on the survey*

Cat Scan: *chuckle* So I get to pick on her for not telling me? *teasing, yes*

Goldwing: You know vhat happens vhen you pick on her. *ear twitch*

Cat Scan: *rolls her eyes and grins*

Goldwing: *gentle nudge with a wing, and then another chuckle as he hears Bethany calling to Lizzy and asking what she's getting up to*

Cat Scan: *snickerfit*

Lizzy: *calls back that she's coloring 'Vampire Robot Monsters'... and just broke her red pencil. Again*

Bethany: *grumbles as she returns to her own reading material, which is 'Skin Tight' by Carl Hiaasen*

Goldwing: It's like library hour. *looks over to the big couch, where First Aid is in human mode and snuggled with Lifeline as the two peruse a children's picture dictionary. Beside them, Ratchet is intent on one of the medical journals that he loves so much*

Cat Scan: *chuckle* Yeah, I guess...

Goldwing: ...Vato's reading ze dictionary again. *watches as the ensign slowly leans over till he's using Bethany's foot for a pillow. Chuckle*

Cat Scan: *looks, snerk* At least he's reading something.

Hermie: *scoots down the stairs from Lizzy's room to the main floor, clutching a picture book to his chest as he looks around for an uncle or auntie to snuggle against* *was looking through all the picture books Lizzy brought with her and trying to decide which one he wanted to go through first*

Goldwing: Ja. *soft call to Hermie and waves to the child*

Hermie: *ears up, soft chirp, scoots over!*

Bethany: *looks up as she hears the chirp* *blink blink*

Goldwing: *sets down magazine and pen, then hops down to scoop Hermie up and cuddle him* Vhat've you got, hmm?

Hermie: *soft chatters, warbles and chirps as he shows Uncle Goldwing the picture book, which seems to be about a frog getting ready to go to market*

Goldwing: Oooo. So zis ain't vone of Lizzie's books. *turns and leaps back up onto the table without spreading his wings, then settles down to sit Hermie in his lap*

Hermie: *snuggles and chatters*

Bethany: *soft chuckle as she watches*

Cat Scan: *reading the title of the book* "Francine Frog Goes to the Market".... *chuckle*

Goldwing: *gently opens the book* Ja. Lessee vhat zis frog does.

Outside


Ironhide: *standing up on the canyon wall, playing Rock Paper Scissors with Skywarp, with bets of pennies. Wins again*

Skywarp: *grumbles and pays up. Again*

Ironhide: *grins and pops his winnings into his mouth, then looks up sharply* Incommin'.

Skywarp: *looks up and takes off to intercept*

Blitzwing: *pauses when he sees the Seeker coming, then transforms and hovers there in the air, scowling*

Skywarp: *scowl* What the slag do you want? *relaying a feed of this to Ironhide*

Blitzwing: *still scowling* I'm turning myself in to the Autobots. Get out of my way or I'll blow you out of it.

Skywarp: ... *looks down* You getting this, Ironhide?

Ironhide: *nods, his arms folded over his chest*

Blitzwing: *surprised now* What... You're with them?

Skywarp: *scowl* Been with 'em for awhile now.

Blitzwing: *lost and peeved expression on his scarred old face as he realizes he's been making his wife cry for nothing* And you're one of them?

Skywarp: Yup. *another look down to Ironhide* You callin' this one in, or am I?

Ironhide: Y'u go raiht ahaid, 'Warp. *frowning at Blitzwing and telling him wordlessly that he's a skidplate*

Blitzwing: *dark scowl back as he catches that look*

Skywarp: *pesters Duke.... and also pesters General Hawk*

General Hawk: //He's surrendering?//

Rodima: //Took him long enough.//

General Hawk: //Stop hacking my frequency.//

Skywarp: *snerk* //Yup. Broke his brain a bit finding out I'm with the Autobots now....// *still watching you, Blitzwing*

General Hawk: //How trustworthy is this guy?//

Skywarp: //He only deserted the 'Cons 'cause Megatron kicked him out for some stupid reason.//

General Hawk: //How likely is he to try and win her favour by taking out one of our bases?//

Rodima: //He's not that kind of guy. Besides. He's got a wife and baby.//

Skywarp: //Yup.//

General Hawk: //What do you advise, Rodima?//

Rodima: //Uhh... Justamo.//

General Hawk: //Alright.//

Rodima: *after a few moments* //Back. Kup says he won't do anything that would endanger his family. I think we should give him a chance.//

General Hawk: //What do you think, Ironhide?//

Ironhide: //'E owes me credit.//

Rodima: *snickerfitdie*

Skywarp: //So do like what I went through. Put him on probation 'n restrict where he can go unescorted for awhile.//

General Hawk: //Alright. Ironhide, do you need more backup out there?//

Ironhide: //As if! Nosir.//

Skywarp: //Ironhide 'n I got this one, General Hawk.//

General Hawk: //Alright. Duke, keep an eye on them.//

Duke: //We already were, sir.//

General Hawk: //Good. Hawk out.//

Rodima: //So long as it's not hawk up.//

General Hawk: *groans as he shuts the connection*

Skywarp: *snerks and looks to Blitzwing* When'd you fuel up last, Blitzwing?

Blitzwing: *shrugs* Still got something in my tank. *turns his attention to the building, his expression showing pain and regret* I wanted her and the new one to be safe. *shakes his head* I... we slaggin' got a kid before the bond was even settled.

Ironhide: *from below* Quit braggin', y'u ol' windbag.

Skywarp: *snerk* Well, land... You any good at 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'?

Blitzwing: *as he settles to the canyon rim with a soft thump* ...What?

Skywarp: *as he moves to settle back to where he was sitting* 'Rock, Paper, Scissors'. Ironhide's cleaning me outt'a pennies like nobody's business.

Blitzwing: Ah. Not now. Is she down there in that building?

Skywarp: *shrug* I think so.

Ironhide: Yeah. She's there. *calls ahead and lets Ratchet know who's coming* Y'u go ahead 'n let 'er know yer here.

Blitzwing: Alright. ...Aren't I supposed to restrained or something?

Ironhide: *shoves him off the rim*

Skywarp: *cackles*


Inside


Ratchet: *looks up from his reading*

First Aid: *watching her husband after feeling his spurt of surprise*

Ratchet: Blitzwing's here.

First Aid: *hand to her mouth, and then gives the book to Lifeline and hops down off the couch, transforming as she does so*

Ratchet: Wait... He's on probation, like Skywarp was... He came to turn himself in...

First Aid: *right over to the door and meets the big old flyer as he comes in. And then, for the first and probably last time in her life, the female medic acts with violence. Two handed shove for Blitzwing!* You... stupid jerk!

Goldwing: :o

Ratchet: 0_0

Cat Scan: *on her feet now, and staring*

Hermie: *and now he's hiding!*

Vato: *on his feet, and protecting Bethany now*

Bethany: *startled ack at the flurry of sudden movement* *tries to figure out what's going on*

Blitzwing: Hey, what? *looks over First Aid's head and lifts his brow ridges as he sees a familiar face* Ratchet?

Ratchet: *moving to get up* It's been a while, Blitzwing...

Blitzwing: Uh... yeah. What's his problem? *looks back at the hands on hips medic in front of him*

Ratchet: *looks to First Aid* -Should I explain, or would you prefer to do so?-

First Aid: -I don't want to say anything I'll regret.- *feels like she's going to cry*

Ratchet: *moving to approach now, will put a hand on First Aid's shoulder* *to Blitzwing* For now, you're on probation.

Blitzwing: Yeah. I got that. *not protesting it*

Blades: *her bedroom door creaks softly as she opens it and looks quizzically down at Bethany and Vato*

Bethany: *looks up and shrugs. She has no idea what's going on*

Vato: *watching Blitzwing and keeping himself between the big man and Bethany*

Goldwing: *standing poised and watchful beside Cat Scan and Hermie*

Ratchet: *looks over to where Blades is standing* Hello, Blades.

Blades: *frowns as she looks up to meet her brother in law's gaze, and then freezes with a little gasp*

Blitzwing: *bites his lip, his eyes bright as he looks at her*

Cat Scan: *frown, moves to climb down off the table and approach Blitzwing*

Ratchet: *as he moves to put an arm around First Aid's waist* Just don't raise your voice...

Blitzwing: ...Raise whose voice? *still watching his wife*

Cat Scan: *gonna whack you on the leg now, Blitzwing* You're a jerk.

Blitzwing: o.0 *looks down* What the slag?

Bethany: *boggles at her daughter* Catherine!

Cat Scan: *scowls at Blitzwing* You made Blades cry. You're a jerk.

Blitzwing: *frowns down at the red-haired human* *gruffly* She needed to be somewhere safe.

Cat Scan: You could'a come with her sooner. *so much scowl on that face and so much fire in those eyes!*

Blitzwing: I didn't know. *and then he's shouting and stepping over Cat Scan to catch Blades as she crumples. Goes to one knee as he cradles her and holds her close, murmuring to her softly in his native dialect*

Vato: *just picked Bethany up and carried her out of harm's way* *chatters nervously in his own native tongue*

Bethany: *startled squeak as she's picked up*

Ratchet: 0_0 *lets go of First Aid and hurries over to scan Blades*

Blades: *fainted due to sudden release of tension*

Cat Scan: *so much scowl for Blitzwing before she moves to talk to First Aid*

Blitzwing: *looks up at Ratchet, and his eyes are white-blue* *hoarsely, as he continues to hold his wife close* Is she...?

Ratchet: *soothingly* She's alright... She just needs some rest, and it looks like you could do with some rest as well.

Blitzwing: *carefully rises to his feet, still tenderly holding Blades close. And then he's freezing again and turning his head to find the source of all that clicking, popping, and beeping* What the slag is that?

Lifeline: *pointing toward Auntie's room! That is where Auntie sleeps!*

Ratchet: *quietly* Lifeline is a baby Cybertronian.

Blitzwing: *presses Blades closer as he studies that tiny red and white being* ...He's little.

Ratchet: She...

Blitzwing: *startled look*

Lifeline: Bweeeeee! *point!*

First Aid: *walks over and picks her baby up* *quietly* She's a baby girl.

Blitzwing: *slight frown, but then looks down at his wife, and his eyes lighten... and they're blue* Well... ours is just as good, even if he is just another boy. *cuddle Blades*

Ratchet: Go get some rest, Blitzwing. *noticed the change of eye color, won't comment on it right now*

Blitzwing: Alright. Where's the berth?

Ratchet: *nods towards the room Blades came out of* Right through that door.

Lifeline: Oh! *huffs*

Blitzwing: *startles and looks at her*

First Aid: *softly* She's been telling you where her Aunt's bed is.

Blitzwing: *even as he turns toward the room* What's 'Aunt'?

Ratchet: Sister to her mother.

Blitzwing: *is plainly surprised, but keeps walking. It's easy to see that the old soldier has served under harsh commanders*

Lifeline: Unca Bitz. *another little huff*

Ratchet: *can't help but snerk at that*

Goldwing: *chuckles from his perch on the table*

Cat Scan: *rolls her eyes and moves to climb back up to the table*

Hermie: *peeks from behind Uncle Goldwing, soft little mew of a question*

Vato: *looks to the table and responds quietly, nodding a bit as he does*

Hermie: *snuggaUncle*

Goldwing: *softly, as he puts a wing around the child* Vhat's up, Hermie?

Hermie: *quiet little chatter, more snuggle*

Goldwing: *wraps him in the wing and then turns his head to watch as Blitzwing gently lays Blades on their bed and then lays down beside her*

First Aid: *walks over and shuts the door softly, then goes to her husband and leans her forehead against his shoulder*

Ratchet: *soft clicks as he gently rubs his wife's back*

Cat Scan: *quiet for a few moments as she gets settled again* Next time, 'Aid, leave the 'Scary Medic' act to me. It doesn't suit you at all. *back to her book*

First Aid: *startled look toward Cat Scan*

Lifeline: *quiet and snuggling*

Bethany: Catherine Dan'ette Wyatt... *headshake for her eldest when she gets a cheeky grin from the redhead*

First Aid: *looks over at Bethany without moving away from Ratchet* What is it, Mrs. Wyatt?

Bethany: *dryly* She was never this much of a handful at home.

Cat Scan: *snickerfitdie*

First Aid: *puzzled eye quirk behind her visor* Hand... ful?

Goldwing: Zat's how Cat Scan alvays is, Tante Bethany.

Ratchet: *amused headshake, nuzzles First Aid's forehead*

Bethany: And Elizabeth's turning out just like her. *hands up in mock defeat, though she is grinning*

Lizzy: *as she comes down from her room* Just like who?

Goldwing: She says you're like your sister. *ears twitching with amusement*

Lizzy: *wrinkles her nose* No I'm not. For one thing, I don't fight robots on my computer for fun.

Cat Scan: No, you just hide your dolls in your friends' closets and scare the snot outta 'em.

Lizzy: What? You said I should play with dolls.

Bethany: *Look for her youngest* Elizabeth...

Lizzy: *impudent grin and a hug for the furry, horned, one eyed monster in her arms*

Cat Scan: *snerk* I've created a monster. *so amused*

Lizzy: *as she moves to find Hermie so she can show him her doll* ...Yup. Pretty much.

Goldwing: *watches Lizzy go, and then looks at the little guy tucked into his wing* ...Vhere's your doll, Hermie?

Hermie: *looks around, soft, worried chirp*

Goldwing: *also looks around, then back to the child* Should ve go see vhere he's at?

Hermie: *nodnod, is very worried about his floppy friend*

Goldwing: *picks Hermie up and jumps down from the table again to go outside and look for the soft doll that Chromia made for the little guy from second hand towels, and which is taller than Hermie himself*

somebody: *scoots across a rafter overhead. Just a few minutes ago he'd been collecting dust under the couch*

Bethany: *looks up, slight quirk of a grin*

Vato: *grinning at her when she looks back down*

Bethany: *blink blink* Er.... *isn't sure what to say now*

Cat Scan: *moves to check on Snake Eyes, as she has several times already today*

Bethany: *distracted from Vato. Watches her eldest daughter with a bit of an absent frown on her face*

Cat Scan: *will gently smooth Snake Eyes' forehead after checking his vitals, clicking softly all the while*

laughter: *comes in through the open door*

Bethany: *blinks and moves to approach the open door, wants to find out what's so funny*

Gung-Ho: *head tipped back away from Hermie, who he has hunkered down to cuddle* Hey now. No more kisses. You gonna embarrass somebody.

Bethany: *moves to lean against the outside wall, an amused smile on her face*

Hermie: *chatter, squeak, chirp*

Gung-Ho: *reaches up and gently wipes at his tall young adopted son's face* Where you get dust already? *voice so full of father love and pride in his boy*

Hermie: *squirms at the face wiping, but stands still and chatters*

Gung-Ho: *chuckles* Yeah, sure. *finishes the wiping, then stands and gives the youngster a last hug* I gotta git back ta work. You go on 'n find dat friend 'o yours.

Hermie: *small nod, scoots back to Uncle Goldwing*

Gung-Ho: *watches them go as a huge, burly, black Cybertronian walks up behind him*

Bethany: *boggles as she sees the huge black Cybertronian*

Ironhide: *scoops Gung-Ho up without so much as a by your leave*

Gung-Ho: Hey, give a guy some warnin', 'Hide! *laughs and takes a swing at his friend, then crouches on Ironhide's shoulder as he's parked there*

Ironhide: Quit bein' stupid. Y'u knew Ah was there. *turns and stomps off toward the entrance of the canyon, exchanging trash talk with the human all the way*

Bethany: *staring after them now*

Ace: *glances over from where he's chugging water out of the hose in the shade of his partner* You okay, lady?

Bethany: Er... I think so....

Ace: You sure?

Bethany: *turns her head to see who's talking to her, and then she's looking up.... and up....* Er....

Skywarp: *blink blink* ... What?

Ace: Don't worry, 'Warp's friendly. And good at watching where he puts his feet. *still ruffled from being too close to a sudden fistfight between Springer and the new Prime back at base*

Skywarp: I have to be. Humans're freaking fragile....

Ace: *grumble* Wish other people'd remember that.

Skywarp: Well, I did offer to pick you up.

Ace: I have legs for a reason. *shakes head and chugs more water* Stinkin' hiccoughs...

Bethany: ... Try bending over and holding your breath.

Ace: .>.o Yeah, did that. This' working.

Bethany: *bit of a frown now as she thinks of other methods* *then she remembers something that was bothering her earlier* *to Skywarp* So.... are all Cybertronians big like you and the one that carried Gung-Ho off?

Skywarp: ... *SNERK* Lady, that's like asking if all humans are the same size.

Ace: *absently lets the hose run water on Skywarp's foot as he looks curiously at the woman* You're Cat Scan's mom, right?

Bethany: *nods* I'd love to know how she got that nickname though....

Ace: *exchanges a glance with his partner, while still watering said partner's foot. Then looks back to Bethany* It's her code name.

Bethany: ... Alright.... *will ask someone else another time*

Ace: All human members of the JOEs use one. To protect family and all that.

Bethany: ...Oh.

Ace: And now, well, the Cybertronians are used to that kind of name. So it helps them identify with us. *notices the wet foot at the same time Skywarp does*

Skywarp: *startled not-cuss*

Ace: *snerks and then sticks his thumb in front of the spray while aiming upward*

Skywarp: *yelps and teleports a few yards away*

Bethany: 0_0

Ace: *doesn't notice her surprise. Skywarp's not out of hose range yet! And he's in pursuit!*

Skywarp: *DO NOT WANT! Is going to take off and leave you in his dust, Ace!*

Stormshadow: *little clicks from where he's peeking around the side of the door frame*

Bethany: *looks down* Er... I have no idea what just happened.

Stormshadow: *holds out tiny hands in a shrug, then tilts his head and studies her with that wise little black optic band*

Bethany: ... Let's go back inside... People are a bit more sane in there....

Stormshadow: *head tilty. Is wondering where she's seeing crazy. But then he comes over and starts climbing the outside of her corduroy slacks*

Bethany: *stands still while Stormshadow climbs. Doesn't want to accidentally hurt the little guy*

Stormshadow: *pauses when he reaches her windbreaker and studies it closely, then ducks underneath and continues his climb*

Bethany: Now just what are you up to? *so amused*

Stormshadow: *small clicks as he journeys onward, and then he's peeking at her from the collar of her jacket*

Bethany: *soft chuckle* Alright.... *will move to head back inside*

Stormshadow: *down the front of Grandmother's shirt*

Bethany: ... *will go back to where Cat Scan is... and calmly inform her where Stormshadow has wound up*

Cat Scan: Stormshadow, no riding in Grandma's shirt. *trying so hard not to snicker*

Stormshadow: *peeks. Soft little quizzical clicking of a 'confirm?' code*

Cat Scan: Outside of Grandma's shirt only.

Stormshadow: *moment of silence, and then he drops out the bottom of Bethany's pant leg and scoots under Snake Eyes' blankets*

Bethany: 0_0

Cat Scan: *so amused* *soft little clicks to her son*

Bethany: What I don't get is why he hides so much....

Cat Scan: He's not hiding.... If he was hiding we wouldn't see him, Mom. He's making sure I know where he is.

Bethany: It's not like he's a ninja, or anything.

Cat Scan: He's a ninja.

Bethany: .... Alright, I'll take your word for it.....

Stormshadow: *is that scoot across the floor in alt mode*

Bethany: *blink blink* ... Aww....

Stormshadow: *under the Cybertronian couch, and then comes into sight again rappelling upward to the arm*

Cat Scan: *small smile as she watches*

Bethany: *bemused headshake, will go make sure Lizzy isn't getting into something she shouldn't be* *but then pauses on the edge of the table as she spots Vato down there waiting to see if she needs a hand. Turns around and retreats a little, hands on her hips* I think that one guy's... hitting on me.

Cat Scan: *snerk* *quietly, to her mother* Vato sees you as family.

Bethany: ... *headshake* Good grief...

Vato: *distracted by welcoming Ace*

Ace: *hug. Pat pat* Yeah, glad to see you too, Vato. We got any pastrami?

Vato: *nod* *goes with Ace to get the requested nom*

Cat Scan: *attention going back to her book* Coast's clear.

Bethany: *rolls her eyes and moves to climb down to floor level*


Later. That evening


Bethany: *sitting outside and looking to the sky with a bit of a wistful expression on her face*

Hermie: *stalking a bug*

Ironhide: *perks, and then calls a deep-voiced goodnight before setting Gung-Ho down. Is going home to help Chromia with getting the triplets settled for the night*

Bethany: *looks to where Ironhide's voice came from, brows up*

Hermie: *looks up from stalking the bug to chirp and warble something*

Ironhide: *soft boom* G'naght, Hermie. Y'u be good, alraght?

Hermie: Myup. *nod*

Bethany: *soft chuckle*

Hermie: *gonna pounce on the bug he was stalking and bring it to Daddy*

Ironhide: *grins through the growing dusk, and then turns and hugs a less stocky 'guy' that looms out of the shadows to meet him* Thanks fer comin', Desinex. Ever'thin's quahte raght now.

Desinex: *nods as 'he's hugged* *voice has a slight tenor tone to it* Let's hope things stay that way.

Ironhide: It oughtta. *last glance at his partner as Gung-Ho goes to meet Hermie, and then he's walking off* Specially with Blackout up there behahnd that ridge. *gone*

Desinex: ... *soft snort, looks to the human in 'his' hands* Should I set you down, Tripwire?

Tripwire: Sure. Hey... I think I smell steak.

Gung-Ho: *looks up from exclaiming over the bug* Y'kin thank Mama Bet'any fer dem steaks.

Desinex: *blink blink, looks toward the building* *to Gung-Ho* Is the lady sitting on the ground the person we should thank, then?

Gung-Ho: Yep. Dat's yer other mama. *grin*

Bethany: *surprised expression is a go* Er....

Desinex: *chuckles and moves to gently set Tripwire on his feet* *to Bethany* I consider Cat Scan one of my siblings. *yeah, like that really clears anything up?*

Tripwire: *already on his face!*

Desinex: *will gently lift the soldier and try again to get him standing. Is clearly used to this sort of thing*

Bethany: ... *looks to Gung-Ho, is hoping for a bit of clarification*

Gung-Ho: What is it, Mama?

Bethany: How does that make me his other mother?

Gung-Ho: *grins* It be a Cybertronian t'ing.

Bethany: ... That's going to be said a lot while Lizzy and I are here, isn't it?

Desinex: *more chuckle* Probably.

Gung-Ho: *nods, grinning*

Tripwire: *down again!*

Desinex: *round two of setting Tripwire on his feet*

Gung-Ho: *laughs without mockery* Mebe you better jes' carry dat guy inside, Desi.

Desinex: *absent-sounding hum of agreement*

Bethany: *sympathy for Tripwire, though she's a bit puzzled as to how he fits in with all the soldiers*

Tripwire: Oh maaan. I just got the splint off that finger.

Desinex: *soft clicks, will move to bring Tripwire inside to get a splint put on the injured finger... again*

Bethany: Poor guy....

Gung-Ho: Lest it was jes' a finger. *looks toward the half an oil drum that Wild Bill is currently presiding over* Still t'ink gumbo would'a gone fine wit' dem steaks.

Bethany: ... He's been hurt worse in the past?

Gung-Ho: Dat guy can give hisself a concussion by walkin' down de hall.

Bethany: Eesh... What's he doing here then? *concerned*

Gung-Ho: *quizzical look as he takes Hermie's doll and pats it absently* Whatcha mean?

Bethany: If he keeps getting hurt, then this isn't really the best place for him....

Gung-Ho: He'd git hurt worse wit'out ol' Desi watchin' him.

Bethany: ... Still....

First Aid: *looks over from where she just came out to check on Wild Bill* *softly* Tripwire is the JOE's best explosives expert. It wouldn't be fair to keep him shut away all the time.

Gung-Ho: What he say.

Bethany: *blink blink* He's an explosives expert? *quiet disbelief*

First Aid: Yes. *soft laugh in her voice, which doesn't sound so feminine now that she's outside* Being around explosives calms him and steadies him. He's very good at working with them.

Bethany: .... *just a bit flabbergasted by that*

Gung-Ho: Dat proly why he works so well wit' Desi.

Bethany: ....Desinex is a bit like explosives then?

Gung-Ho: *chuckles* More dan a bit, Mama.

Bethany: ... Remind me to stay on his good side.

Gung-Ho: *shrugs* He's Cat's brot'er.

Bethany: ... Alright.... *will puzzle over this later*

First Aid: *walking over* Wild Bill wonders if you'd like to whip up a salad, Mrs. Wyatt.

Bethany: *nod* I'll go get started on that. *moves to head for the kitchen*

Tripwire: *sitting on the big soft chair in the kitchen, nursing a cup of something warm but not hot enough to burn if dropped* *slightly apprehensive look at the strange, short-haired lady*

Desinex: *quietly, to Tripwire as 'he' fusses over the soldier* Ratchet and 'Aid said she's been told....

Bethany: *quick nod to Tripwire and Desinex as she moves to get the makings for salad*

Tripwire: Yeah... *hunches shoulders slightly. This is just his natural nervousness. Oh, and now he looks like he peed his pants. The cup slopped*

Bethany: *starting to hum quietly as she chops lettuce and other vegetables for the salad*

Desinex: *gets a towel and offers it to Tripwire* *quietly, 'his' voice shifting closer to a low alto tone* If not for the fact that I know how upset Rap and 'Clipsie would be, I'd have brought Kriti with me so she and Lifeline could have a playdate.....

Tripwire: *offers her his mug so he doesn't dump it while cleaning up* Yeah. Krit'd probably lose her mind after awhile, too. *glances over cautiously at the salad makings and murmurs something about chopped hard boiled eggs*

Desinex: *does a towel for mug swap* Yeah.... And at that point, not even Showtime would be able to get her settled down for bed... *looks to see what else is being put in the salad* Are there any hard boiled eggs?

Bethany: *pauses in her chopping* Let me check.... *moves to put action to her words*

Tripwire: *hopeful glance even as he stands and uses both hands to wipe up the mess* Yeah, that wouldn't be pretty.

Desinex: Maybe tomorrow, I can see about bringing all three kids with me....

Bethany: *triumphant! Will begin peeling shells off of hard boiled eggs over at the sink*

Tripwire: *perks at sight of the eggs* Yeah. Maybe. If Ratchet's alright with it. *looks up at partner* Do you think you should offer to help peel the eggs? *knows he wouldn't be any good at the job*

Desinex: *considering* *softly* Get ready to catch if she startles and tosses the eggs. *stinker grin*

Tripwire: *wince* Forgot about that. Okay. *sets the towel down and balances on the balls of his feet*

Desinex: *transforms to human mode* *stretch* *moves to approach Bethany* Need some help with those?

Bethany: *startled squeak, and there goes one of the eggs*

Tripwire: *easy catch with one hand*

Bethany: *staring at the dark-haired woman that is now sharing kitchen space with her*

Desinex: *begins peeling shells off of eggs*

Tripwire: Desi? *holds up egg carefully with both hands*

Desinex: *looks over her shoulder and moves to get the egg from Tripwire* Thanks. ^_^

Tripwire: *grins, and then checks the chair and settles into it*

Bethany: ... *so very brain-broken now*

Desinex: *as she returns to peeling eggs* //First Aid, I think you might need to talk to Cat Scan's mom....// *why no, she doesn't sound amused, not her....*

First Aid: *elects to transform to her human form lest heavy footfalls interfere with human food* *as she walks in* Mrs. Wyatt, are you alright?

Bethany: *looks... and boggles* Er....

First Aid: *blinks* ...Didn't you see this mode earlier? I was sitting on the couch and helping Lifeline with her reading.

Bethany: .... I.... I don't think I realized it at the time......

First Aid: *walks over and pats her gently on the shoulder* Do you need to sit down?

Bethany: I.... I think I do....

Desinex: *peeling eggshells*

Tripwire: *out of the chair, and flat of his face*

First Aid: *shakes her head and puts the kitchen stool behind Bethany, then goes to rescue Tripwire*

Bethany: *moves to sit down*

Heavy Duty: *just arrived as well* *looks in* Wild Bill says the steaks're ready. Man, Trip, what'd you trip over this time?

Tripwire: The floor.

Desinex: We'll get the salad finished, and be right out, Heavy Duty.

Heavy Duty: Okay. We're eatin' on the picnic table. *in for bread and condiments, and then out again. Well trained guy, what?*

First Aid: *finishes checking Tripwire for injury, and then goes back over to Bethany*

Bethany: *quietly* I thought Desinex was a guy.....

First Aid: *blinks with surprise* Oh! Oh. No. Didn't your NDCs explain our situation?

Bethany: They did.... But I met Desinex outside... She looks a lot less feminine than you do.

Desinex: *as she moves to carry the peeled eggs over to the cutting board* And she wasn't expecting me to use my human mode. *chuckle*

First Aid: *clucks her tongue at daughter* Desinex, you should be kinder.

Desinex: Hey, I didn't shift my voice till I was in here... That should'a clued her in.....

First Aid: *softly* She's worried about Snake Eyes. And not used to us yet.

Desinex: *bit of a frown, soft clicks*

First Aid: *goes over to give the younger woman a hug*

Desinex: *hug*

Bethany: *deep breaths* *pinches the bridge of her nose*

Lizzy: *looks into the kitchen* *blink blink* Who're they? *nods to Desinex and Tripwire*

First Aid: *looks toward the girl* This is my daughter Desinex, and her partner Tripwire.

Lizzy: Oh.... Okay. Cat's sleeping. Should I wake her up for dinner?

First Aid: *softly* No. Let her sleep. I'll save some for her. She loves steak sandwiches, and cold steak cut up in scrambled eggs.

Lizzy: *wrinkles her nose* Ew.

Bethany: *quietly* She also likes to put ketchup on her eggs....

First Aid: *soft laugh* Especially the purple ketchup that Roadblock makes. *pat pat for Desinex and lets her go*

Desinex: *moves to finish chopping eggs and other salad stuffs*

Lizzy: *more nose wrinkling, goes to sit outside with everyone else*

Bethany: ... *looks to First Aid* Purple ketchup?

First Aid: *nods* I'm told it's good. *chuckles and goes to look and see if she can't help at all. Sees that everything is being done, and so goes back to stand by Tripwire's chair*

Desinex: *absently humming.... though she's a bit (okay, way) off-key*

Bethany: *absently wonders to herself which of the people Cat Scan mentioned one time is Ettienne, and which one's Marvin* I see....

First Aid: Do you like Texan style barbecue, Mrs. Wyatt?

Bethany: I don't get to have it very often.... I'm curious about how elk will taste in that style... *chuckle*

Tripwire: *cautiously* Wild Bill's a good barbecuer. Though he won't make wings anymore.

Desinex: *bluntly* I don't blame him.

Bethany: *blink blink* *puzzled look for First Aid*

First Aid: *softly* When Blitzwing and Blades first got married, Blitzwing locked Wild Bill up with only buffalo wings and bourbon for supplies.

Bethany: .... Poor guy....

First Aid: It took him a few days to recover. *looks at the door*

Wild Bill: *comes and looks into the kitchen, his wide and cheery grin on his face* You got the rabbit food ready yet, gals? Ratchet 'n Lifeline went for pizza for the Cybertronians.

Bethany: *looks to Wild Bill, and then back to First Aid* You guys eat pizza?

Desinex: *looks over as well* With pickles? *hopeful expression*

Wild Bill: He said he was goin' for an Oppy special, darlin'. *wide grin, and then a wink for Bethany* They say it's pizza.

Desinex: *happy grin, back to adding finishing touches to the salad*

Bethany: ... Okay? *a bit surprised to find herself faintly blushing as she makes eye contact with Wild Bill*

Wild Bill: *grin turns roguish as he sees her expression, and he tips his hat as he withdraws*

Bethany's inner self: *flailing and squeeing*

Bethany: *blink blink* Er... *just went a bit stupid. Don't mind her*

Desinex: *moves to carry the big serving bowl of salad out to where everyone's going to be eating*

First Aid: *goes to look into the fridge* Did Heavy Duty get the salad dressing?

Bethany: *blink blink* Er... I think so?

First Aid: *takes out a brand name chocolate cake* Yes. We're ready to go. *offers her the cake*

Bethany: *accepts the cake*

First Aid: *smiles and gently herds her and Tripwire outside*

Bethany: *as she's herded out, she looks over up to the table that Snake Eyes is situated on* *quietly* Catherine's snuggling him......

Tripwire: *watching where he's going* Good. He'll like that.

Bethany: *quietly pensive now. Is thinking about how worn down Cat Scan sounded over the phone*

First Aid: *gently rubs Bethany's back as they step out into the soft, toad-singing darkness of a desert spring night*

Desinex: *trading BS for BS with Lizzy*

Hermie: *sniffing the air and chirping hopefully*

Vato: *attention firmly on the source of the good smells*

Gung-Ho: *plates all set out* *looks up* Now we jes' gotta wait fer Ratchet 'n Lifeline.

First Aid: *steps past Tripwire and Bethany, then transforms and goes to check on the bigger table that's been brought out for the Cybertronian picnic table*

Tripwire: *just going to stand very still till someone saves him, thanks*

Desinex: *once she's got the salad service bowl on the table, she's moving to gently guide Tripwire to a seat*

Tripwire: Thanks, Desi. *settles on the bench, and then bends his head to look into the can near his place at the table* Wow! A whip scorpion.

Gung-Ho: Dat what Hermie's bug is?

Tripwire: Yeah, they're not that common anymore. I heard Dusty talking about them the other day.

Hermie: *looks over when he hears his name* *chirp?*

Gung-Ho: *looks at his son* T'ink it's time we let dis bug go home, sha?

Hermie: *nod* *now that he knows what it is, his curiosity is satisfied. Moves to get the can so he can let the whip scorpion go in a safe spot*

Gung-Ho: *passes the can, and then looks around* Where's dat Ratchet?

Ratchet: *is that sound of PINpoint arrival inside*

First Aid: Oh, here he is. //We're out here, Ratchet.// *using her less feminine voice again*

Ratchet: //Alright....// *soft chuckle* //Cat Scan's sleeping pretty hard...// *shares an image of the redhead snuggled close to Snake Eyes* *will move to bring Lifeline outside*

First Aid: //We saw. I decided to let her sleep. I'll save some of the human food for her. Oh, and Desinex hopes you didn't forget the pickles.//

Ratchet: //Good... She needs all the sleep she can get... I got a pizza with extra pickles for Desinex, and I also got something that the seller said was the organic equivalent to the pickles... Something called slimy keeny...// *and there he is, with Lifeline tucked into the crook of his arm*

First Aid: *goes to her husband and takes the bamboo canister from him, then scans it* Oh, this is that relish that you brought before in the plastic container, Ratchet.

Ratchet: Ah, alright. *chuckles and offers Lifeline to First Aid*

First Aid: *takes contented little daughter, who is sleepily gnawing on a dumbbell shaped object that smells tasty. Then takes the canister and hands it to Heavy Duty* Will you open that, please?

Ratchet: *will begin getting pizzas out of his storage holds*

Desinex: *returns to root mode and scoots over to the Cybertronian table* *quietly, in her deeper voice* Garlic pickles!

Lizzy: *pulls a face at the idea*

Bethany: *making her daughter sit down like a civilized person*

Hermie: *scooting to see what Uncle HD has*

Heavy Duty: *gets the wax seal off the bamboo canister and sniffs* ...I dunno what this is, but it smells like something I wanna eat.

Hermie: *headtilt, chirrup*

Ratchet: It's a type of cucumber that's been fermented....

First Aid: Are you sure? Isn't 'keeny' zucchini?

Gung-Ho: I'm jes' gonna pretend it's not. *scoops some of the stuff onto his plate by his salad and his steak* *tastes, and then offers some to Hermie*

Hermie: *nom nom nom, purr*

Tripwire: *likes the smell of that stuff too* *is looking forward to getting some himself*

Vato: *curious about the good-smelling stuff too*

Bethany: *moves to help get everyone served* Well, whatever it is, it's time to eat.

Wild Bill: *grins at her, his hat down beside him on the bench now and his curls exposed to the night breezes* Yes'm.

Bethany: *moving to make sure everyone's been served*

Wild Bill: I used my less spicy seasoning blend. *pokes the lovely steak on his plate, and then looks thoughtful and puts his keeny on it*

Ace: No horseradish?

Gung-Ho: Y'don't need dat junk wid' Bill's cookin'. *bows head for a moment*

Wild Bill: o.0 *bows his too*

Bethany: *bows her head as Lizzy does the same*

Ratchet: *getting a brief Look from Desinex as he does like the humans.... after nudging the soldier with his foot to remind her to be respectful*

Gung-Ho: *notices that others are following his example and says aloud a brief and simple thanks for the meal, then looks up* Les' eat! *grin*

Lifeline: *bops* GodisgreatandGodisgood,andwethankHimforourfood!

Bethany: Amen. *smiles as she looks up*

Ratchet: *chuckles at Lifeline's addition to the mealtime prayer*

Gung-Ho and Wild Bill: *grinning up toward the lively little baby*

Wild Bill: Ain't that sweet?

Gung-Ho: Y'did it good, Lifeline. *chuckle*

Ace: *looks like a chipmunk*

Heavy Duty: *frowning at him*

Lizzy: *carefully cutting her steak into small bite-sized pieces, the way her dad taught her*

Hermie: *his eyes at the level of the table as he gives his steak a kitten look*

Gung-Ho: Want me ta cut dat, Hermie?

Hermie: *looks to Daddy and nods. He's still a bit clumsy with silverware, even in human form*

Gung-Ho: *carefully cubes the steak, and then passes his knife through the little guy's salad too* How's dat?

Hermie: *nod nod, chirps his thanks*

Gung-Ho: *gently squishes Hermie's ears, and then turns his attention to his own meal* Pass de ketchup?

Bethany: *passes the ketchup over to Gung-Ho*

Gung-Ho: Thanks. *applies it to his steak, and even in the low light it is clearly not red*

Hermie: *digging in happily, chattering and chirruping all the while*

Bethany: *blink blink* ...Is that purple?

Tripwire: *looks up* Yeah. Like they mentioned inside. *then ducks his head shyly and tries to make like hiding behind Heavy Duty as he turns his attention back to his meal*

Bethany: ...Huh.... *turns her attention to her meal*

Lizzy: *surprised sound*

Gung-Ho: *looks over at Lizzy* What de matter, sha?

Lizzy: *getting her napkin and putting it to her mouth* *muffled* I think I just lost a tooth....

Gung-Ho: *concerned sound as he leans toward her* Lemme see?

other guys: *also looking and concerned, even Ace*

Lizzy: *carefully moves her hand and napkin away from her mouth, and lo and behold, she is indeed missing one of her teeth*

Ace: Did you swallow it?

Tripwire: *shivering* R... Ratchet?

First Aid: *glances at the humans, and then looks to her husband*

Lizzy: *headshake, holds up her napkin*

Ratchet: *getting up and moving to approach*

Gung-Ho: *slight grin and holds out his hand* Lessee?

Lizzy: *hands the napkin over and pulls a face* It feels weird.....

Bethany: Well, at least it's one of your baby teeth... *remembers the circus that happened when Cat Scan was little and first started losing her baby teeth*

Desinex: *moving to fuss over Tripwire*

Tripwire: *wince, cringe... perk* There's no blood?

Lizzy: Nope.... Just feels weird.... *bit of a pouty scowl*

Ratchet: It doesn't look like it.... *a bit curious now* I wasn't aware that humans had 'baby teeth'...

First Aid: *surprised look for her husband* It's in one of our textbooks, Ratchet. *fiddles in one of her storage compartments, then makes a soft sound of satisfaction and takes out a five dollar bill. Leans over on her seat to give this to Lizzy*

Lizzy: *blink blink* *soft snerk as she accepts the money* Thanks, First Aid.

First Aid: *eyes twinkle behind her visor* You're welcome.

Wild Bill: *hand on wallet, disappointed look on face* Aw shucks, didn't move fast enough.

Desinex: *blink blink, puzzled headtilt*

Heavy Duty: *snerks at Wild Bill* Hey, she could probably use another five.

Lizzy: :P *attention going to her food again*

Bethany: *chuckles and shakes her head at soldier antics*

Desinex: *going to puzzle over the money thing for awhile now*

Wild Bill: *sticks out his chin, and doesn't offer a five. Instead he offers a full stamp card for Smoothie Heaven*

Lizzy: *finishes the bite she's carefully chewing and thanks Wild Bill* *is glad that she'll at least have some way of eating some of her favorite fruits*

Wild Bill: *pleased that the simple gift went over well, and that the little girl likes something that he himself enjoys* *returns to his steak with a grin*

First Aid: *grins at her husband and offers her hand, inviting him back to the bigger table*

Ratchet: *chuckles and moves to gently herd Desinex back to the Cybertronian table*

Desinex: *puzzled clicking, still doesn't get why there's gift-giving*

First Aid: *offers her daughter a can of sweet oil and quietly tells and explains the fable of the tooth fairy*

Desinex: *still a bit puzzled, but will focus on refueling for now*

Wild Bill: *glances at Bethany, and then offers her the container of slimy keeny*

Bethany: *as she accepts the offered container* Thank you, Bill. *smile*

Wild Bill: T'wern't no problem. *grins*

Bethany: *faint blush, will move to put some slimy keeny on her plate before offering it to one of the other adults at the table*

Tripwire: *eek face. It smells good, but the texture makes him nervous! And so does the thought of interacting with Bethany*

Gung-Ho: *rescues him from the interaction and the strange pickle* T'anks, Mama.

Bethany: You're welcome, Gung-Ho. *quick glance towards the building, wondering to herself if Cat Scan will be waking up soon*

First Aid: *glances at Skywarp* ...Why are you staring at your pizza, Skywarp?

Skywarp: Trying to figure out what all's in it.... It smells good....

First Aid: It tastes better. ...Oh. Desinex shared his pickle pizza with you?

Skywarp: Yeah.... *poking at the folded nom*

First Aid: Is something wrong? *absently tucks another bite behind her mask without taking said mask from her face*

Skywarp: Naw.... Just trying to figure out what's in it....

Desinex: *a bit gruffly* Shut up 'n eat, Skywarp. *setting about putting action to words now, kthx*

Skywarp: *snorts at Desinex, then picks up his pizza and takes a bite.... only to start coughing as he encounters a huge chunk of garlic flavored pickle*

Lifeline: *points* Bweee!

Desinex: *gives Skywarp a good thump on his back*

Skywarp: *pulling an epic funny face now*

Ace: *looks up, sees that, and sputters in his drink*

First Aid: Oh, poor Skywarp. *offers sweet oil*

Skywarp: *accepts the offered sweet oil and drinks until he can no longer taste the strong garlicky pickley flavor*

Desinex: *headshake* *nom*

Ratchet: Maybe garlic pickles aren't for you.... *concerned*

Skywarp: *after he finishes drinking* No, really?

First Aid: *offers him a wedge of the larger folded and breaded pizza* This one only has cheese and softboils.

Skywarp: Thanks... *will have a bite of the wedge once he's got it in hand* *perk* *nom*

First Aid: *pat pats Desinex's hand*

Desinex: *absent hum as she eats*

Ace: *chuckles and returns his attention to his meal*

Bethany: *is amazed at how human the Cybertronians are, and just how safe she really does feel right now, with them here. Understands a bit better now just why Cat Scan prefers to stay on base, even when she has plenty of leave time* *sits and thinks of this as she finishes her meal. Later, she'll help her first born tame epic bedhead and make sure she eats the plate of steak and vegetables that were saved for her*

((Written with random_xtras))