TPF. Autobot Outpost Omega One and a US Military Base. Visitors, Verifications, and Awakenings

[dens_extra_pups]

Optimus: *comes wandering into the control room, feeling hungover and quietly asking for an update on what she missed. Hasn't fully remembered what happened to her, or fully realized just why she feels so woozy*

Jack: *worried expression as he tells the tall femme about Starscream's grounding, the discovery of the Insecticon, Silas' escape, and his joyride through the local military base with a remote controlled male doppelganger of Optimus*

Optimus: ... *deep sigh*

Raf: *is calling WakeJumper*

WakeJumper: //I haven't found anything yet, Raf... Wheeljack, that's not a good thing to use for a game of lob.//

Ratchet: *coming into the control room, though he does just clip the door frame. Wants to find Panacea and make sure she's been fed... Though he would also like to know why he feels like he got slipped a round or ten of high grade...*

Raf: *talking to the screen* No, WakeJumper. Optimus and Ratchet are awake! They just came into the control room, and Optimus asked for an update.

WakeJumper: //...And I'm stuck here... Figures...// *wants to come back and check on the couple, but he's got orders*

Raf: Can't Eclipse search that wreckage? *glances over as Optimus puts a comforting arm around Ratchet's shoulders and speaks softly to the disoriented mech* *quietly* Jack's too embarrassed to tell them that they... you know.

WakeJumper: //Eclipse doesn't have the medical scanners I do, otherwise...// *trails off as an idea comes to him* //Let me get my hand-held scanner. Wheeljack, Eclipse, keep the area secured till I get back... Don't give me that look, Wheeljack.//

Raf: Wheeeeljack, you said you wanted to help today. *stern young boy is stern*

Wheeljack: *grumbles something unprintable* *gets walloped by Eclipse* //Hey!//

WakeJumper: //... You deserved that. I need a bridge, Raf.//

Raf: Yup. Jack's on it. *looks up as Optimus comes over to the balcony*

Optimus: *softly, her rich alto full of concern as she touches the teen with one finger* Denver.

Denver: *soft sound as she turns her head slightly where she's laying on the couch with Panacea on her stomach, and Hot Rod and Sam curled around her head. Doesn't wake, though. Is still a bit feverish*

Hot Rod: *sleepy protest of the movement*

WakeJumper: *hurrying to get his hand-held scanner* *will make Ratchet sit down on a crate as he passes by the older mech*

Optimus: *turns her head* WakeJumper, what's happened to Denver?

WakeJumper: *as he retrieves the scanner from where it got knocked behind a couple of crates* Bad head cold. She'll be alright though. She just needs to rest.

Optimus: *feels the need to rest her arm against the railing of the balcony* *quietly, as she frowns* ...What happened to me?

WakeJumper: *moves to help Optimus to her chair* MECH abducted you and Ratchet... *quieter* They de-sparked your shells, and kept both of you in a small container...

Optimus: *blinks at him as she slowly sinks into the chair* Our sparks...? *glances quickly toward Jack as he excuses himself and heads out of the room*

WakeJumper: *quietly* You two bonded.

Ratchet: *bit of a frown as he works through WakeJumper's words*

Optimus: *optics go white as she quickly turns her head to look at Ratchet*

Ratchet: *dumbfounded, and just a bit stunned. Is also feeling upset, and slightly violated, though it seems the root of his upset is that he didn't get the chance to ask Optimus if she'd be his bondmate*

Optimus: *doesn't realize that her... her sparkmate can hear the soft whisper of the thought that comes to her* -What did they make me do to you, Ratchet?-

Ratchet: *quietly, not realizing that Optimus didn't speak out loud* They must not have known... The proximity... I just... I wish I could have asked you first...

WakeJumper: You two did wake up for a little while after we got you back... *soft chuckle* *to Optimus* You've got a mean right hook, according to 'Rail.

Optimus: *blinks and looks at WakeJumper* 'Rail? -You did ask me, Ratchet. When you offered me my wedding ring you asked to be my mate. But this...- *sadness washes toward him, and fleeting thoughts of what will happen if she is to fall now in some battle*

WakeJumper: One of the medics from Tau. He came to assist 'cause I was out cold...

Ratchet: *quietly, as he tries to get up so he can put a hand on Optimus' shoulder* -Come what may, I won't run.-

Optimus: WakeJumper, catch Ratchet. *leans forward in her chair with concern, but knows better than to try and get up. Someone feels woozy, and right now she's not sure if it's her or if it's Ratchet*

WakeJumper: *chuckles and moves to help support Ratchet. Will also nudge a couple of the crates close to Optimus' chair before making the older medic sit on them*

Ratchet: *will reach for Optimus' hand*

Optimus: *stern look for mate, but then gives his hand a gentle squeeze as affection flows across their still settling bond* *quietly* Thank you, WakeJumper. ...Why were you unconscious?

WakeJumper: *a bit sheepishly* I... Kind of went ballistic when Eclipse, 'Bee and I went to rescue you... According to Eclipse, it was full-aggro...

Optimus: *optic widen*

Ratchet: ... *staring at the younger medic now* Full-aggro?

WakeJumper: *small nod* It's a quirk of Quadriate-sparked multi-changers. We tend to get a bad case of tunnel vision when the people we care about or are assigned to protect are threatened, or we're suddenly thrust into a life-or-death situation.

Raf: *quietly* He went ape.

Optimus: *winces* Don't say the rest of that phrase, Raf.

Hot Rod: Ape. Scary Wake. *nodnod* *snuggle Sam*

Ratchet: *cycles air and sighs*

WakeJumper: There weren't any human casualties. *seriously* Unlike most Quadirate-sparked multichangers, I can distinguish friend from foe, up to the point that I get hit...

Optimus: You didn't recognize me that day Breakdown attacked the monster truck show.

WakeJumper: ... *raised brow ridge* Yes I did... I remember, I asked you for permission to assist in evacuating the humans from the stadium.

Optimus: *stares at him, trying to sort datafiles* Keepsake repaired you the day MECH attacked Denver and... No, wait. *frown*

WakeJumper: *confused* If you mean my processor, she fixed that the day Dockboss parked the barge on me. Way before I came to Earth.

Ratchet: *bit of a frown as he tries to make sense of this*

Optimus: -The altered time line. I remember.- *looks up as Bulkhead walks in from outside*

Bulkhead: Hey, Barge-head, where's Torky? Isn't this his day for monitor duty?

Raf: They got a call from Fixer and had to go back to Tau. Something about the tanks opening.

WakeJumper: *chuckle* They'll be back later, probably. *as he moves to head back to assist Eclipse and Wheeljack, he pauses, and then he's facepalming*

Raf: What is it?

Optimus: *quizzical look*

WakeJumper: Eclipse hog-tied Wheeljack.

Ratchet: ... 0_0 Wheeljack is here?!

Optimus: *brows lift* He's back?

Bulkhead: Yup. Jackie's back. *chuckles*

WakeJumper: Fixer sent him here just in case Keepsake needs a code infusion.

Optimus: *wince* How is Keepsake? Jack didn't say.

WakeJumper: Still a bit urky, but she'll be alright. Bulkhead found some calcien, and Perceptor's formulated some special fuel.

Optimus: And the sparklet? *startles and turns her head as the space bridge flares to life*

Muhlisha: *comes walking out ahead of a Torque who is strutting as he cuddles a tiny bundle of pink blanket close* A girl.

Optimus: ... *surprise!*

Raf: *stare*

Bulkhead: What the scrap, Torky?

WakeJumper: *chuckle* Congratulations, Torque, Muhlisha.

Torque: *grin*

WakeJumper: *to Optimus* Keepsake and Perceptor's sparklet's a mech.

Raf: I didn't know you guys were having a baby!

Panacea: *grumpy sounds at excited and surprised voice and sits up to crackle and fuss*

Sam: Row, marrrrrr, mrrrrrr. *talking right by Denver's ear*

Hot Rod: *sitting up and rubbing at his optics* Baby?

Denver: Hmm? *barely awake*

Muhlisha: We don't talk about 'em till they come out. *looks up at her mate as the space bridge vanishes* Her name's Javalina.

WakeJumper: Cute. *so amused as he moves to head back to assist Eclipse* I'll be back once we've finished searching for Silas.

Optimus: Alright, WakeJumper. Thanks. *holds out her hands toward Torque* May I see her?

Torque: *cuddles Javalina a bit more before gently transferring the sparklet over to Optimus*

Optimus: *carefully holds the tiny bot close, then uncovers the newborn's face and finds herself being peeked at curiously and sleepily* Her eyes are green.

Torque: *chuckles* Yup.

Ratchet: *confused* How is that possible?

Muhlisha: *shrugs* Mine're usually that colour. Fixer figured you guys'd like me better with blue.

Ratchet: ... *surprised*

Torque: It's normal for Tau. *not at all concerned*

Optimus: They're beautiful. And so is this smile.

Muhlisha: What? She grinned atcha? Little scrap. *amused and bemused*

Torque: Awwww... *chuckle*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle*

Denver: *trying to sit up now*

Optimus: *as Panacea crackles and pats at Denver, she hands tiny Javalina back to the sparklet's father* There'll be others. *blinks* The bridge is opening again.

Torque: *looks up from clicking to Javalina* Bhuh?

Bulkhead: *as something hulking steps through the bridge* Insecticon!

Torque: *looks* Naw. That's just Bob... *double-takes* Bob?!

dark blue femme on the Insecticon's back: *looking around with a brightly lit visor. Has a big load of energon situated just behind her*

Bob: *is an ancient beast, so old that he creaks loudly as he moves. But not so loudly as he chitters with joy upon hearing his name spoken by that beloved voice! It's the other master, the one who is paired up with one of Bob's babies! And he can hear new baby sounds here in this strange place too! So much joy!*

Optimus: *watching the feral Transformer with silent wonder, her optics shifting briefly to Muhlisha as the green and brown femme speaks*

Muhlisha: *amused exasperation* What the scrap'd ya bring that old clunker for, Kriti?

Kriti: Well, I couldn't carry all the energon by myself... and Bob wouldn't go till I climbed on his back...

Muhlisha: We've got antigrav sleds. *folds arms over chest* You 'n that old bug...

Kriti: *razz for big sister* *visor up as she looks around curiously*

Ratchet: *boggling as he catches sight of the femme's optics*

Optimus: *softly* Purple... Beautiful.

Kriti: *looks to Optimus* *blink blink* Whoah... Big lady...

Torque: *moving to introduce Bob to Javalina*

Muhlisha: That big lady's the Prima, kid. *turns to Optimus as Bob nearly explodes with joy at sight of the newborn* My kid sister, Kriti.

Optimus: Hello, Kriti. Welcome to Earth.

Kriti: ^_^ Thanks. *moving to climb down off of Bob's back* Where should the energon go?

Muhlisha: *goes to unload the old Insecticon while she waits for instructions from the Autobot COs*

Ratchet: Er... There should be room in the mess...

Muhlisha: Bulky, gimme a hand with this.

Bulkhead: Yeah yeah. *grins and goes to assist*

Hot Rod: *moving to climb off the couch, wants to get a better look at the funny-looking thing Kriti was riding on*

Denver: *quietly, sounding a bit out of it* Wh't's goin' on?

Kriti: *looks to the voice and boggles*

Optimus: *rises to her feet and gently gathers her children, Raf, and her cat into her hand, her voice soft as she returns Fuzzbutt's eager greeting from his cage* *turns and brings Denver, Raf, Panacea, and Hot Rod over toward Bob, wanting to see the old Insecticon's reaction to humans*

Raf: *pushes his glasses nervously up his nose, but trusts Optimus*

Denver: *bleary blink*

Hot Rod: *babble yap chatter, squee!*

Panacea: *just snuggling Mama and feeling glad to be being picked up by her again. Has no interest in anything else*

Sam: *climbing mount Optimus*

Bob: *looks away from Javalina as he hears those other baby sounds, and then spots the little organics. Will sniff*

Optimus: These are mine. Sparklets.

Bob: *sneezes as Raf pokes him right in an olfactory sensor*

Hot Rod: *squeaks at the sneeze, then he's laughing*

Denver: ... Wh't's th's? *still so zonked from the cold medicine*

Optimus: It's an Insecticon. A pet. His name's Bob. *looks at Torque* Bob?

Denver: ... Oh...

Torque: *nods* Yeah... ^_^ He's apparently been part of Tau since the very beginning...

Kriti: Yup... Used to follow Vissy into battle...

Optimus: But 'Bob' is a human name.

Muhlisha: So? We got 'em too.

Bob: *gentle nibble for Raf hand, and then for a Hot Rod hand. Is chittering so softly*

Hot Rod: *patpat Bob and talk to him*

Denver: *soft chuckle as she watches Hot Rod interacting with Bob. Will lean back as things start to sway a bit due to her fever*

Optimus: *notices Denver's weakness and straightens, turning back toward the balcony* I'm going to fold out the couch. Do you have any pyjamas here?

Denver: ... Ah th'nk so... *trying to remember what all Beau packed into the duffle bag*

Optimus: *gently sets her children down* Torque, can you mix up a packet of the hot cider drink, please? *folds out the new couch and prepares it as a comfortable bed, then moves Denver over to it before turning her attention to the over night bag* Ah. It's too small for me to open. *offers it to Denver*

Torque: Yeah... *will transfer Javalina over to Muhlisha before going to get started on making the drink*

Denver: *glad that the zipper still has the fabric pull, will get the over night bag open and start fishing through it for pajamas*

Optimus: There they are, Denver. Your footed ones.

Raf: *sound of concern as Bob transforms to root mode and comes to stand by Optimus and watch* He's only got one hand.

Kriti: Yeah... Apparently, he lost it around the time he and Vissy first met... *shrug. Isn't bothered by the lack of Bob hand*

Raf: When did they meet? *pushes his glasses up*

Optimus: *realizes that groggy Denver cannot see pyjamas and gently pulls them from the bag*

Kriti: Umm... *looks to Muhlisha*

Denver: *bleary blink blink, will move to try and get her shoes off, forgetting that she's only got socks on*

Muhlisha: *shrug* Way back. Like Primetime back.

Optimus: Denver? *stops the confused motions with a finger* You don't have shoes on.

Denver: *frustrated at her own derpiness* *bit of a sulk starting*

Optimus: *gentle and soothing sounds* One step at a time. *touches the girl's cheek with her finger* You can do it, Denver.

Denver: *shucking her jacket once she gets it unzipped* *pause. Look around. Pulls the blanket up over her head once she's got the pajamas in hand*

Optimus: I'm shielding you. *hands forming a wall around the teen*

Denver: *pants off, footie pajamas on to the waist. T-shirt off, pajamas on all the way. Zips the zipper*

Optimus: Good job. *lifts her hoodie* Is Space Bat here?

Panacea: Pace Bap! *holds the doll up*

Denver: *small smile* Pansy's got 'er.

Optimus: *scoops up her daughter and holds the sparklet near Denver*

Panacea: *offers Space Bat, her little face all creased in a frown that turns to a slight grin as Sam takes a flying leap and lands by the teen*

Denver: Th'nks Pansy... *will cuddle Space Bat close. And snerk at Sam's faceplant*

Sam: Mrrrrr. *licks his fur quickly, and then comes to Denver, loudly asking if he can sleep with her*

Raf: *grins, distracted from Bob by his favourite resident pet*

Denver: *will snag Sam and cuddle him too*

Optimus: *as she holds Panacea close* Hot Rod, do you want to lay with Denver?

Hot Rod: Nnnnope. Nap over.

Optimus: Alright. *sets Panacea down while she tucks blankets around Denver and props the girl with pillows*

Raf: *gets the tissue box and sets it by Denver*

Denver: *bit of a smile for Raf and Panacea*

Panacea: *holding hands with herself and frowning as she wonders why Denver's going to bed now. Likes snuggles. But she wants Mama right now* *or Papa*

Ratchet: *going to give standing another try*

Kriti: *headtilt as she watches* *quietly, to Muhlisha* I didn't know Percy had access to organic coding...

Muhlisha: They're like that guy I showed ya over comms. Denver's Wake's partner, 'n Raf's 'Bee's.

Kriti: *blink blink* Oh... *bit of a grin at the mention of the yellow scout*

Muhlisha: *snerks at the grin* Let's go make sure the energon's all neat.

Kriti: Okay. ^_^

Optimus: *looking and wondering where Torque is*

Torque: *coming back with a mug of the hot cider* *is being careful as he walks, so it doesn't spill*

Optimus: *brightens, and then takes the tiny mug* Thank you, Torque. *turns and offers the mug to Denver* Will you help Ratchet?

Torque: Gotcha. *moves to help Ratchet approach*

Denver: *thanks Optimus, sips at the hot cider*

Optimus: *holds Panacea close to her chest and slips an arm around Ratchet's shoulders as he reaches the balcony* *thanks Torque, and then looks toward the tunnel* Here's Beau.

Bulkhead: *comes running in, all ready to greet Miko and find out how she did on her test*

Bob: *impressed at the noise the floor just made as Bulkhead ran*

Beau: *parking the sedan and turning the engine off, but isn't getting out yet*

Miko: *out of the sedan as soon as it's stopped, is glee-flailing* I got a B-plus!

Kriti: *blink blink, looks to Muhlisha* Is that good?

Muhlisha: *as Bulkhead bellows his joy and swoops his little partner up to his shoulder* Guess so.

Ratchet: *quietly* How can something so small make so much noise? *is that a bit of a grin?*

Optimus: *blinks at him, surprised that he's not shouting at Bulkhead about the big ex Wrecker's bellowing* *then registers that Beau is still in the car and frowns toward it with concern*

Beau: *getting out now, a bit of a frown on his face*

Optimus: Beau? What's wrong?

Beau: *looks up, surprised to see her awake* *then, quietly* I got a summons to report to General Bryce...

Optimus: *frowns* A summons? Why?

Beau: Because of MECH's shenanigans with your doppelganger.

Optimus: But it was destroyed, and they've got it. *uncertainly* That's what Jack told me.

Beau: *quieter* They also got wind of your bout with stress-induced amnesia.

Optimus: *frown deepens* I don't understand why they think that's a problem.

Beau: They think you're a security risk, apparently. *slightly wry expression* And they're also still convinced that you are male.

Kriti: ... Are they blind?

Optimus: *looks down at herself* ... I suppose it must be my height.

Ratchet: *'hmph's*

Beau: They think you lost your mind, went ballistic, and that the dead drone they've got is you.

Optimus: *slow blink* Did it look that much like me?

Bulkhead: Nah. Washed out, ugly piece of scrap.

Beau: That, and the way it moved was all wrong. Which is to be expected, since Silas was piloting it, and he didn't know your movements.

Optimus: *slowly, as she remembers Jack's report* ...And you parked it on him?

Beau: The top of the structure caved in... WakeJumper, Eclipse, and Wheeljack went to check for any trace of him...

WakeJumper: *speaking of, he's calling the base now*

Muhlisha: *goes over and hits a key* S'yer quarter, start talkin'.

WakeJumper: //Funny. We have a problem though.//

Optimus: *looks over* What kind of problem?

Raf: *deep frown*

WakeJumper: //We've gone over this place twice now. There's no sign of anything organic other than some lizards and beetles. Oh, and birds. No human traces other than the soldiers eying us with their fingers on the triggers of their guns.//

Optimus: *frowns* Not even any blood stains?

Bob: *suddenly looming up behind Muhlisha and slowly moving his mandibles as he tries yet again to figure out how bots get into the funny flat panels*

WakeJumper: //Not even a drop.// *sounds just a bit peeved* //I don't understand it, Optimus. I saw the tank collapse, with the doppelganger on top. There's no way Silas would have had time to dodge, and there's no sign that he ever had any sort of teleporter.//

Muhlisha: *turns and yells toward the hall* Torky!

Panacea and Javalina: *both squawk about the yell and then resume mama snuggling*

Beau: *startled look to Muhlisha, and then he's staring* What the...

Torque: *coming back from cleaning things up* What's wrong?

Muhlisha: Take Bob 'n go help Wake. The old fart k'n proly still track.

Optimus: *follows Beau's gaze* Torque and Muhlisha have a new daughter. Her name's Javalina.

Torque: Okay. *moves to pat Bob's shoulder* C'mon, Bob. Let's go help Wake.

Beau: *over the sudden squee Eclipse just let out over comms* Congratulations, Torque, Muhlisha. *small smile*

Muhlisha: *grins at Beau as both little sparklets squawk again and Hot Rod clickstorms* Thanks.

Kriti: *unstraps Bob's collar from around her waist, and then unwraps the chain that had been looped around her shoulder and waist* Here's his leash. Vissy figured he'd need it here.

Torque: *chuckle* That's why Vissy's in charge of Tau. Mech thinks of everything... *takes the leash and moves to get the ground bridge open*

Bob: *sees his leash and is suddenly tense and chittering. Something needs to be found. He's ready!*

Beau: ... Is it really a good idea to have him running through the area? *concerned*

Torque: He's leash-trained, Lt. Col.

Bob: *takes his collar and puts it to his neck, then pulls the ends together with his fingers and loops the end through the buckle. Soon has it fastened*

Beau: ... I wish all pets were that well-trained. *so amused now*

Muhlisha: *snerking* Old suckup.

Kriti: *attention going to the rambling coming from the main screen* ... Sheesh, I forgot how hyper 'Clipsie can get when she's excited about something...

Optimus: *as Torque and Bob pass through the ground bridge* What is it, Eclipse?

Eclipse: *ramble, gleeflail*

WakeJumper: *grin* //Since Javalina's outta the tank, it means that the rest of her batch is ready too... Eclipse and I have a little one waiting for us.//

Optimus: *startled* Do you need to go? Eclipse?

Eclipse: *squee, ramblefit*

WakeJumper: //We'll make arrangements once we're back on base.//

Kriti: Eclipse won't be forming coherent sentences for awhile... *so amused*

Miko: *peeking from behind Bulkhead's leg* There's another baby bot coming?

Muhlisha: *looks over* Yup. Clipsie 'n Wake's.

Miko: Awww!

Javalina: *big yawn and lip smack, and then squints with interest at Bulkhead*

Muhlisha: Okay. *quick movement*

Bulkhead: *realizes he's holding babby* Ack!

Miko: *scoots to get a better look at Javalina*

Optimus: *disregarding shenanigans as she turns back to Beau* When do you have to go tomorrow?

Beau: Mid-morning. Nine AM on the dot.

Optimus: Do you need me along? *strong, scarred face so serious*

Beau: I think it'd help convince them that you're not the pile of parts that they recovered...

Ratchet: *concerned frown* Optimus, you just woke up from being desparked... Not to mention our bonding...

Optimus: *gentle touch for Ratchet's helm* I won't be doing anything strenuous.

Panacea: *big sigh. Mamaspark sounds happy*

Ratchet: *so much concern in those optics* *quietly* Alright.

Beau: *to Ratchet* The base is an open layout, with more than enough room for Optimus to lay in the sun in root mode if she wants to.

Optimus: *optics sparkle as she looks down at her mate* Parking in the sun isn't that bad.

Ratchet: *soft chuckle, reassured* Alright. *knows how nice the sun can feel on plating*

Optimus: *smiles, but then turns a concerned look to Denver* You're staying here tonight, Beau?

Beau: *nods* *quieter* How is she?

Optimus: She's too weak to sit up without getting dizzy. Where's June?

Beau: *frown, moves to climb the ladder to check on his sister* She went to run errands...

Denver: *finished the mug of cider, has curled up around Sam and Space Bat*

Optimus: She knows about Denver being sick? *watches the siblings with that frown of concern*

Beau: *quietly, as he gently smooths Denver's forehead* I'm not sure...

Raf: It just started last night. *looks up from where he's sitting and perusing a picture book with Hot Rod*

Hot Rod: *click, chatter, yap, points at pictures in the book*

Beau: *small frown*

Denver: *sleepy mumbling, snuggles Sam a bit more*

Optimus: *goes to the console and makes a call* June, Denver's feverish and not making much sense. Could you bring... Beau, what do you think's wrong?

Beau: *quietly* I didn't even notice she wasn't feeling well...

Optimus: *starts to say something else, but then whirls as Bulkhead suddenly shoves Javalina into Miko's arms and runs to intercept a blonde woman who just came walking down the tunnel* What?

Ratchet: *startled blurt* What the?!

Miko: *meeps and makes sure Javalina's covered by her blanket*

Beau: *looks up*

Muhlisha: *over and covering Bulkhead's back, her weapon out and at an at rest but ready position*

Dixie: *hands on hips, and a bit of a frown on her face* 'S th't aneh way t' say 'lo?

Bulkhead: Listen, lady. I dunno who you are, but I do know you ain't supposed to be here. *mountain of metal frowning down at her*

Beau: *sighs and moves to head for the ladder*

Muhlisha: It's Denver's auntie. *hunkers down to frown between Bulkhead's legs at the woman*

Dixie: *sticking her chin out just a bit*

Beau: *as he moves to approach after climbing down* Aunt Dixie, what are you doing here? And more importantly, how did you find this place? *bit of a frown going now*

Optimus: *quietly, as she steps into sight with Panacea held to her chest* Bulkhead, Muhlisha, stand down. *moves to stand by her partner and look quizzically down at the unexpected visitor with blue optics that are tired, but full of intelligence and concern* You've put yourself in danger by coming here, Mrs. Lamont.

Bulkhead: *backs off and picks Miko and Javalina up to set them on his shoulder*

Muhlisha: *stays put*

Dixie: Well, wh't w's Ah s'posed t' do? Th' 'ouse w's unlocked, 'n no sahgn'a anehbodeh.

Muhlisha: Denver's gonna kick yer slaggin' aft, Mac.

Beau: *pinches the bridge of his nose, and is glad Denver's all but asleep right now* That doesn't explain how you found the base.

Dixie: *Look for Beau* Next tahm, don' leave a map layin' 'round.

Muhlisha: ...Actually, maybe I will.

Optimus: *looks down at Beau, and then back to Dixie* Why are you here? *quietly persistent. Is clearly not backing down or being ignored*

Dixie: Ah ain't 'eard a peep outta th'se two since th' day Ah called t' check up on 'em. *frown*

Optimus: Did you call again?

Dixie: Ah trahed Beauregard's cell phone. Repeatedleh.

Beau: ... *so much facepalm*

Optimus: What were you told the day you were able to contact someone?

Dixie: Th't Beauregard's pahtner w's restin' 'n th' infirmary, 'n th't Denver wasn't up t' talkin'.

Optimus: *quirks a brow* And you felt that information entitled you to enter a private military base uninvited? *speaking formally in her slight displeasure at having been snuck up on*

Dixie: Well, wh't else w's Ah s'pposed t' do? Ah ain't 'eard a peep outta th'se two f'r ages, 'n Beauregard promised 'e'd keep 'n touch. Bad 'nough th't Ah 'ad t' trah 'n talk th'r cousin, Dallas outta runnin' 'way ten years 'go 'n she still took off...

Optimus: I don't think something that happened ten years ago is relevant now. *frown. So stern*

Beau: *quietly* Dallas wasn't much older than Denver when she left... and Denver tried running away from home a lot... *sigh* Aunt Dixie, why didn't you just stay at the house? I would've been back eventually.

Dixie: *hands on hips again* 'N 'ow w's Ah s'pposed t' know th't?

Optimus: Logic?

Dixie: *so much scowl for the red and blue robot* 'N jes' who d' y'u th'nk y'u 're?

Optimus: Optimus Prima, commanding officer of this outpost. And Beau's partner.

Dixie: ...

Optimus: And you could have very easily lead unfriendly elements to our position, a fact that I don't appreciate very much, Mrs. Lamont.

Muhlisha: Major Mac, you might wanna move outta between 'em...

Beau: *taking Muhlisha's advice*

Dixie: *boggling just a bit now. Is starting to suspect that this big robot is the reason Denver was pulled from school*

Denver: *speaking of, she's talking in her sleep again*

Optimus: *optics brighten as clear worry shows on her face* Shhhh, Denver. I'm here. Everything's alright.

Panacea: *little crackle from the shelter of Mama's hand*

Denver: Mama... *turns onto her back*

Optimus: *reaches over to gently adjust the blankets, then turns back to Dixie with a very protective and impatient frown*

Dixie: ... *concerned* 'S Denver alrahght?

Optimus: She's sick. But our local nurse is bringing medicine. *turns her head* *quietly* Bulkhead, Muhlisha, will you check the perimeter?

Bulkhead: On it, Optimus. *carefully sets Miko and babby on the balcony, then steps around Dixie and transforms before roaring out*

Muhlisha: *follows a little more quietly after checking her newspark*

Dixie: *feeling a bit like a heel now*

Optimus: *waiting tensely, her hand absently going to the shoulder of the white and red mech who comes to stand beside her. Moments pass, and then, finally, she relaxes and looks down at Dixie* No one followed you.

Ratchet: *frowning at Dixie with his best 'Grumpy Medic is Grumpy' look*

Optimus: *unaware of the affectionate caress that her hand is giving the medic's shoulder, nor that Dixie can see it* *to the woman* Don't do it again.

Dixie: *small nod*

Optimus: And now I'll leave you in Beau's hands. *turns and walks back to the other side of the balcony, where she hovers and watches Denver sleep while doing an absent baby dance. Yes. Giant robot doing a baby dance*

Dixie: *boggling a bit as she watches*

Beau: *sighs and moves to offer Dixie something to drink*

Muhlisha: *comes back inside, transforms, and then goes to the balcony herself* Gimme my baby.

Miko: Aww, no fair... *pouts and transfers Javalina over to Muhlisha*

WakeJumper: //Optimus, we'll be heading back to base soon.//

Optimus: *looks at the screen* Alright. Call when you need the bridge.

June: *pulls up the tunnel just then, and then gets out of Bumblebee. Over to Beau and gives him a hug and a peck before she notices the strange blonde*

Bumblebee: *transforms and stretches, then snags Raf, Hot Rod, and the picture book and goes and sits on a crate with them*

Dixie: ... *slight smirk* 'Bout fricken tahm, Beauregard Allister MacKenzie.

Beau: *so much blush*

June: *blinks and then glances up at Beau before turning back to the blonde* Aunt Dixie. I didn't expect to meet you here.

Dixie: 'T's a long storeh...

June: Aw. Well I'll have to wait to hear it. *slight grin of apology, and then looks up at Beau* *softly* How is she?

Beau: *quietly* Still feverish... And a bit delirious...

June: *winces and gives his hand a squeeze, then hurries up to the balcony and leans over the couch bed, quietly answering Optimus' soft questions as she checks Denver over*

Denver: *a bit breathless as she mumbles and argues with someone in her dreams*

June: *softly* Shhhh. Denver. Here, can you drink this? Yes, I know it tastes bad.

Denver: *turning her head away from the medicine a bit* *bleary frown*

June: Just a little more, sweetheart. Come on. It'll help you feel better. *puts the little cup to Denver's mouth again*

Denver: *pulling a face at the taste of the medicine*

Beau: *goes to get a washcloth wet*

Dixie: *moves to see if she can find a kitchen, intends to make soup, if there's any to be found*

Muhlisha: *notices the blonde woman looking around* Sup?

Dixie: Wh're's y'all's kitchen?

Muhlisha: The human one's down here.

June: *looks over* Wait. Muhlisha, could you take this bag to the fridge? I brought some groceries and some things for Denver. *quickly sticks the medicine bottle in the bag too*

Muhlisha: *goes and gets, then lifts Dixie and hauls her down the hall to the kitchen/mess*

Dixie: *surprised squeak at being lifted*

Muhlisha: *brings the human to the kitchen/mess and sets her down in the human part of the big room, then makes soft sounds and baby dances as she gets a bottle out of the energon cupboard and warms it slightly in her hand* Shhhhh, baby. Mama's got energy right here.

Dixie: *will look in the pantry for some chicken and noodle soup, or chicken and stars soup... some kind of chicken soup...*

Muhlisha: Wanna take the stuff outta that bag 'n put it in the fridge?

Dixie: *will move to inspect the bag's contents, making a pleased sound when she sees a container of frozen chicken soup cubes. Chuckles at the label on the other container* "Unfortunate Jackrabbit Soup", huh?

Muhlisha: *perks and chuckles* Mac killed it with his car, 'n then told June a story about how that's how they usually kill hares for dinner in Italy.

Javalina: *is tiny purrs as she drinks from the bottle and holds onto Mama's hand with both her little ones*

Dixie: *soft snerk* *will put the rabbit soup cubes in the freezer and start heating the chicken soup*

Muhlisha: Oh oh. What the scrap's wrong now? *taps her daughter's back, and then cracks up at the result* Oh. That all? *feeds Javalina more*

Dixie: *absent humming as she works on getting the soup ready* *as she cooks* So 'ow old's th' babeh?

Muhlisha: Nearly half 'n hour. *taps out another burp and laughs about it*

Dixie: *blink blink* Th't new? *so surprised*'

Muhlisha: Yup, this' 'er first time fillin' 'er own tank. Right, Javalina?

Javalina: *soft clicks, and then another little burp before she gets the spout on the bottle and starts eating again*

Dixie: Aww...

Muhlisha: *sets the bottle in the cleaner, and then dances with baby, softly singing one of Torque's favourite tunes*

Javalina: *cuddles in the pink blanket that her parents brought to Tau for her and settles down to sleep*

Eclipse: *is the sound of excited babbling just down the hall*

Muhlisha: *grins at the sound of the chatter from the control room* There's 'Clipsie.

Dixie: *as she continues to heat the soup* Wh't's got 'er fussin'?

Muhlisha: Her sparklet's waitin' fer pickup. *turns her grin to the bitty she's holding*

Kriti: *scooting into the kitchen/mess* o.o It's one thing to know Eclipse is a spazz... Seeing it first-hand though... Sheeeesh...

Muhlisha: *brow quirk* You tellin' me you never saw it before? How'd Bob do?

Kriti: I only saw it from a distance... Torque and Bob are combing the area though... And Wheeljack's all tied up.

Muhlisha: ...Tied up where? 'N what for?

Kriti: By the bridge... Apparently, 'Clipsie tied him up for some reason...

Muhlisha: Which end'a the bridge. *looks over* Sat stuff burnin'?

Dixie: *acks and hurries to get a bowl. Was distracted by what looks for all the world like two young women talking*

Kriti: This end. WakeJumper's sittin' on him. *smirk*

Muhlisha: *shakes head* Go let 'em go.

Kriti: 'Kay. *goes to do so*

Muhlisha: *looks at Dixie* My kid sister.

Dixie: *as she finishes ladling up soup* Ah... Gotcha.

Muhlisha: I'm gonna go lay 'Lina down. Need anythin' else?

Dixie: Naw, Ah th'nk Ah c'n fahnd mah way back...

Muhlisha: Alright. *walks out with sleeping bitty*

Raf: *peeks into the room, attracted by soup smell*

Dixie: *turning the stove off so the rest of the soup doesn't burn*

Raf: *softly* Is that for Denver?

Dixie: *nod* Yup... 'T'll 'elp 'er feel better...

Raf: *nods and pushes his glasses up, then goes to the fridge and takes out the shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese* It needs this in it.

Dixie: *chuckles and offers the bowl*

Raf: *carefully puts in just the right amount, and then grabs Denver's own spoon and puts it into the bowl. Expression is so serious as he does all this*

Dixie: *gently* Whah don' y'u bring 't t' 'er?

Raf: *brightens* Alright. Oh, and I think spaghetti would be good for supper. Will you... *hesitate, looking up at her with those big dark eyes*

Dixie: *gently ruffles Raf's hair* Ah'll git 't stahted, 'on...

Raf: *grins* Thanks. *gone with the soup*

Kriti: *back into the kitchen/mess from untying Wheeljack, pauses when she sees something on the table* *headtilt, carefully picks up what turns out to be a book* 'Romantically Apocalyptic'? *blink blink* Ewwwww, these guys got peeled...

Bumblebee: *wanders into the room in search of nom, sees the pretty girl!* *pauses, those big eyes focusing and then moving around the room a bit before he tiptoes over and gently lifts her chin with one finger* Wooooooo.

Kriti: *blink blink, big grin* Hey, you.

Bumblebee: *smiles with his optics* Beebeewoo. Chrrrr. *door wing perk*

Kriti: Yeah, I'm here for a bit, while Keepie's out of commission... Have you refueled yet? *setting 'Romantically Apocalyptic' back on the table*

Bumblebee: *shakes his head. No, not yet. That's what he just came in for, actually* *soft beeping and chattering to tell her this*

Kriti: C'mon. *will gently tug on his hand to try and lead him over to the energon stores*

Bumblebee: *follows happily, and introduces her to the thick, rather strong tasting Earth oil, well mixed with carbon*

Kriti: *perks and asks about the fuel, since she likes the taste of it*

Bumblebee: *will tell her all about it*


Control room


Raf: *carefully spooning cheesy chicken soup for Denver*

Denver: *trying hard not to make a mess as she eats. Will more than likely conk out again once she's eaten most of the soup*

Raf: *softly* You sound like you need some Vick's rub. That would help you feel better. *scrapes the last bit from the soup bowl and offers it* Your aunt seems like a nice lady.

Denver: *bleary frown* Wh't... *sneeze*

Raf: *nice soft hanky is offered for her nose* Your aunt's here. I thought she and Optimus were going to get in a fight.

Denver: *frowns more and rubs at her eyes* Sh'ldn't be 'eah...

Raf: *softly* We won't let her bug you. *pat pats her hand* Optimus is setting up the hospital bed in her and Ratchet's room for you.

Denver: *small nod, sneeze* Ugh... *hates being sick*

Raf: *goes and looks in the medicine bag. Gets the vapour rub and brings it back, then opens it and offers it*

Denver: *will grab the offered container, and apply some of the vapor rub under her nose*

Raf: Here, put it on your sinuses too, like this...

June: *looks over, then elbows Beau as they bundle up things to take to the room that's been set aside as human barracks* That's so cute.

Beau: *looks, slight quirk of a grin* *quietly* Those two're something else... *soft chuckle*

June: You know, in a few years it won't matter that she's four years older than him. *lifts huge bundle of futon and chucks it off the balcony, then starts bundling another one*

Beau: *small nod* I don't think either one really cares about the age difference... They're both good kids...

June: *nods, then lifts her head and sniffs* Oh, please tell me it's not spaghetti sauce and wontons again.


That night


Optimus: *kneeling in the room that she shares with Ratchet and the sparklets in their care, her body shielding the hospital bed from the door as June rubs Vick's Vapour Rub into Denver's back*

June: Thanks, Hot Rod. *dips into the jar that the sparklet's holding and rubs over Denver's lungs again, making sure that she's got a good even coat well rubbed in*

Hot Rod: *click click click*

Denver: *starting to fall asleep as she lays on her stomach, even if that makes it a bit hard to breathe*

Optimus: *gently* Hot Rod, don't taste that. It's Denver's medicine.

June: Yeah, you don't want a tummy ache, Roddy. *grins at him and continues working*

Hot Rod: *click* :/

Denver: *sleepy murmur*

June: *softly* Shhhh, Denver. Nearly done.

Optimus: *turns and gently shoves Dixie back out of the room as the woman tries to enter, then pulls the door shut*

Dixie: *is that offended protest*

Hot Rod: *looks toward the door, soft razz*

Denver: *very slight smile, shuts her eyes*

June: Here, put this pillow under your chest. Then you can breathe well enough to sleep.

Optimus: *big hands hovering, ready to help if needed* *absently* Be kind, Hot Rod.

Denver: *absent murmur, is almost asleep*

Hot Rod: *innocent expression as he moves to give Denver-sissy a pillow*

Optimus: *gently helps Hot Rod get the pillow in place, then sits back and once more pulls the door closed*

Denver: *soft little sigh as she falls asleep*

June: *rubs in the last of the Vick's, and then gently gets Denver back into her pyjamas before turning her onto her side and tucking her in*

Hot Rod: *wiggles closer and gently patpats Denver-Sissy's arm* *will look to June, lay down, and show her his back too*

June: Huh? *chuckle* What is it, Roddy?

Optimus: *is that hushed but mighty rumble of a yawn from overhead*

Hot Rod: *points to the Vick's and clicks*

June: *looks at the vapour rub, then at that little back* I'm not sure that... *looks at the Armor-all wipe Optimus is offering* Good idea.

Hot Rod: *looks, clicks*

June: Alright, Roddy. Hold still. *polishes that little back till it's shiny*

Hot Rod: *is a sleeping, purry bundle of parts when she's done*

June: *chuckles and looks up, then goes over and kicks Optimus on the knee till the Prima wakes up and can be persuaded to join her mate on their bed*


Next morning


General Bryce: *looks up as the door opens* Have a seat, Lt. Colonel.

Beau: Yessir. *moves to sit down, frowning as he sees someone with a camcorder* What is Private Daley doing here, if I may ask, sir?

General Bryce: Private Daley will be recording our debriefing.

Beau: I see. *not happy about that, but keeping his expression neutral*

General Bryce: Alright now. First we need to address the demise of Optimus Prima.

Beau: You mean the demise and seizure of the remotely operated drone that MECH created.

General Bryce: We still haven't found any trace of the alleged control hardware, despite the presence of Cybertronians at the site yesterday.

Beau: The assistant Medic of Team Prime, and an engineer. *nod* They went over the area twice. If they didn't find anything, then there's the possibility that one ex-Colonel Leland Bishop, AKA Silas, survived.

General Bryce: There were four bots present, and one of them decided to eat a motorcycle. *lifts brows*

Beau: That was a tracking unit... His handler was distracted...

General Bryce: And that was costly military hardware. *frowns at the file folder Beau is holding out*

Beau: My report on recent events... And a headcount of all Autobots and Taubots currently stationed on Earth.

Bryce: *frowns more deeply as he takes the file and studies the image of Silas that's clipped to the front page* Taubots...

Beau: *nods* They're a group of neutrals who have chosen to assist the Autobots in containing the Decepticon threat. Luckily for us, they're also not too fond of MECH.

Bryce: So if there are reinforcements now, why don't we have Megatron's head on a shiny silver platter?

Beau: Megatron is powerful, and smart. Plus, he seems to have nine lives...

Bryce: With that many mechanoids on the job, being powerful and smart shouldn't be so much of a problem.

Beau: There's also the matter of the rest of the Decepticons... The loyal ones, at least, would die to obey their leader's orders... Add in MECH, and we're lucky to keep on top of threats.

Bryce: It says here that two of the high level Decepticons have lately left the ranks. *frowning at the file*

Beau: Airachnid and Starscream. *nod*

Bryce: What's been done regarding them?

Beau: We've been attempting to locate them, though it seems Airachnid has gone to ground. Aside from when he needs something from us and has intell to exchange, Starscream seems to have been doing similar. *expression serious* Though I would rather Team Prime not utilize any information from that particular source.

Bryce: Why haven't they simply brought Starscream in? If he won't join our side then he's the enemy.

Beau: Starscream is dangerous, even when he's weakened. He's manipulative, conniving, and the only reason he hasn't tried attacking us is because he wants Megatron's head more he wants ours.

Bryce: All the more reason to take him down, if the surviving Autobots are sincere in their desire to protect this planet.

Beau: General Bryce, the safety of this planet is top priority for the Autobots and Taubots. I know they may seem like big, clumsy machines, but they're incredibly aware of where they put their feet, and how to handle humans.

Bryce: That wasn't very apparent from the last interaction with Optimus Prima.

Beau: That wasn't Optimus Prima. It was a doppelganger built by MECH. It didn't even look like her.

Bryce: *looks up, brows lifting* It looked just like the images you supplied of the robot in que... is something clicking? *looks over at the video camera in the Private's hands*

Beau: *blink blink* ... I think so... *looking around, trying to pinpoint the source of the sound*

tiny sneeze and chuckle: *from the knapsack he set on the floor by his chair* *soft clicks continue*

Beau: ... *reaches down and lifts the knapsack*

knapsack: *wriggles*

Bryce: *reaching for his gun, his eyes glued to the pack*

Beau: *lifts the flap on the knapsack, half expecting Hot Rod to be grinning at him from inside*

Javalina: *blinks big green eyes up at him, and then wriggles and reaches, squeaking softly*

Beau: *chuckle* Hello, Javalina. *will lift the sparklet out of the knapsack*

Bryce: *gun in hand, he blinks at the tiny, large-headed robot* What is it?

Beau: She's a sparklet. A baby Cybertronian.

Bryce: *boggles* Those things are breeding?

Javalina: *fist in mouth and sighs as she snuggles*

Beau: They're not things, General... They're people, even if they don't look like us.

Bryce: *grim* We never gave them permission to spread. This is just another mark against them, especially coming so quickly on the tail of Optimus Prima's insanity and aggression.

Beau: When their assistance is no longer needed, the Taubots will be returning to Tau Station. And Optimus Prima's supposed insanity and aggression has never happened. *starting to get a bit peeved, though an idea is starting to come to him* I can prove it.

Bryce: It says here in this file that she recently suffered a memory loss and displayed violent behaviour at a public venue.

Beau: She was trying to protect civilians from a Decepticon known as Breakdown. WakeJumper's medical report is there as well...

Bryce: *looks up with a frown* You keep saying 'she'. *glances at the baby robot as it squeaks and giggles*

Beau: *nods* Optimus Prima identifies herself as female. *checking Javalina to make sure she won't fall*

Javalina: *cuddles against him and talks to her fist, tiny face intent*

Bryce: ...Beau, they're robots. When I said 'breeding' it was just a generic term. Everyone knows you don't need gender to build more robots.

Beau: They're also people, sir.

Bryce: People or not, I think you're humanizing them too much. In light of that, your continued insistence that Optimus Prima is alive, and some of the things I've just read in these files, I want you to report for psychiatric assessment.

Beau: ... What if I could not only prove Optimus Prima is alive, but that she's also of sound mind?

Bryce: *lifts a brow* Go ahead.

Beau: *cell phone out, and moving to get up with Javalina. Heads for the window and pushes one of the buttons on his phone* *apparently has someone on speed dial*

Javalina: *wriggles at the window blinds, then turns her head and looks around, wondering what's going on*

Beau: Optimus, I need an assist. *so calm and confident with Javalina on his hip*

room: *shakes, and then shakes again*

Beau: *hangs up and opens the blinds*

Javalina: *much talk to the big face that's looking inside*

Optimus: What's wrong, Beau? Is Javalina hungry?

Beau: I don't think so... But General Bryce just needs to confirm the state of your health and welfare.

Optimus: *looks over toward the man at the desk. In that deep, gentle alto* I am fine, General Bryce. How are you?

Bryce: *looking a bit flabbergasted* I am well, uh, soldier.

Beau: *trying so hard not to look smug* Is that proof enough, sir? *starting to sway and baby dance*

Bryce: *makes himself stop leaning away from that big face and gets up to come over to the window* Ah... Is this your baby, soldier?

Optimus: No. Javalina's parents are two of the Taubots who've recently come to help. My children are at home.

Bryce: *shoots a startled look at Beau* Children? Plural?

Beau: *nods* Hot Rod and Panacea. *hoping that Optimus doesn't mention the human children*

Optimus: *distracted by something and straightens up to look at it* *says something as she does so*

Bryce: *frowns as he tries to figure that out, and then looks at Beau* "Kids"?

Beau: *thinking fast* She means the younger Autobots and the youngest of the Tau Wreckers.

Bryce: Ah. 0.0 *looks down at his hand, which is being held by two tiny metallic ones*

Javalina: *study hand, talk softly to hand*

Beau: *chuckle* Javalina won't hurt you, sir. She's still very young, so everything is new and interesting to her.

Bryce: *watches the tiny machine person* How young? She wasn't in your report. *scanned it quickly with the trained eye of a man who goes over much paperwork*

Beau: Only about a day, sir. She arrived yesterday afternoon.

Bryce: *wriggles his fingers to see if he can get his hand back*

Javalina: *squeaky little laugh*

Optimus: *looking through the window again* Are you nearly done, Beau?

Beau: That's up to General Bryce...

Bryce: *looks up with a slight start* I think we're done here.

Beau: Thank you, sir. *clucks his tongue at Javalina* C'mon, kiddo, let's get you back to your parents.

Javalina: *looks up, her optics wide as she squeaks and clicks softly in reply*

Bryce: ...One last question, Beau. Was she named for a wild hog?

Beau: I'd have to ask Torque and Muhlisha.

Bryce: ...Militia?

Beau: *headshake* Muh-li-sha. She's leader of the Taubot Wreckers.

Bryce: ...Interesting names. *gently extracts his hand from the grasp of the distracted baby bot and then pauses in his return to the desk* That video had better not be damaged, Private. You can go, Beau.

Beau: *nods* Yessir. I'll have my updated roster in your inbox by tomorrow. *nods to Private Daley as he carries both Javalina and his knapsack out the door*

Private Daley: *picking the camera up off the floor after the 'eeeeeek' he had at the sight of a BIG HONKIN' ROBOT FACE in the window*

Optimus: *sitting and conversing with a curious soldier in the parking lot when Beau reaches it*

Beau: That went well, I think.

Optimus: *indicates the young, red-haired Private she was speaking with* Saelen says that he knows you, Beau.

Beau: *grins at the red-haired man* Private Maloney. It's good to see you again.

Saelen: Likewise, sir. *smile*

Javalina: *cooooooo*

Saelen: *blink blink, expression brightens even more at the sight of what can only be a baby. Moves to approach* Look at you!

Javalina: *optics widen, and her little mouth falls open with delight as she stops stock still*

Optimus: *rumbles a chuckle* I think she'd rather look at you, Saelen.

Saelen: *grin* May I hold her?

Optimus: Her parents wouldn't mind.

Beau: *chuckles and carefully transfers Javalina over to Saelen*

Saelen: *totally smitten, will proceed to make an idiot of himself by using baby talk*

Javalina: *just eating this all up, her tiny fists curling as she focuses on Saelen's face. Will click or squeak softly in reply when he pauses*

Optimus: *glances at her partner* *quietly* Torque's been asking for a partner of his own.

Beau: *nod* *quietly* Saelen's similar in temperament... They'd work well together, I think.

Optimus: What do you need to do for him to be able to come? *looks over as Javalina sneezes and winces as she sees that the sparklet's leaked* Do you want me to take her, Saelen?

Beau: We'll need an NDA... And to speak with his CO...

Saelen: *puzzled look for Optimus* Why? *not bothered by the fact that he's essentially been peed on*

Optimus: *big finger moves to point to the little oil stain on Saelen's fatigues*

Saelen: *looks down* I've had worse on me than a little oil, Ma'am.

Optimus: Ah. Who is your Commander, Saelen?

Javalina: *rests little face against Saelen and conks out*

Saelen: Platoon leader's Captain Lennox...

Optimus: *glances to Beau*

Beau: William Lennox. I know him too. I'll give him a call.

Optimus: Saelen, do you think you'd like to change assignments?

Saelen: *looks up* That'd be alright... As long as I wasn't transferred overseas for awhile...

Optimus: Why's that? *brow quirk*

Saelen: Well... I'd like to stay close to home, since my dad's health's going downhill...

Beau: The base you'd be transferred to is around Jasper, Nevada.

Saelen: *blink blink* Well, that's not so bad...

Beau: *chuckle* Optimus is the commander at the base.

Saelen: *and there's that sunny grin*

Optimus: *chuckles* There are a lot of large feet moving around sometimes.

Saelen: Sounds a lot safer than working on tanks and personnel carriers...

Optimus: Maybe. *lifts her head and looks across the parking lot, once more tracking a sound*

Beau: *looks to see if he can see what's got Optimus' attention*

Saelen: *subtle shift in stance from relaxed to on alert* Is something wrong?

Optimus: *quietly* I'm sure I've heard someone mention Silas at least three times since we've come, Beau.

Beau: ... *frown* Should I alert General Bryce?

Optimus: I don't know. I haven't managed to pinpoint the source yet. *frowns and turns that big head, her optics intent*

Saelen: *protective hand on Javalina's head*

Beau: *quietly* I'll see what I can do.

Optimus: *and then she's zooming in on a building across the way* There.

Beau: ... Saelen. Go get General Bryce. *and out comes the handgun he always has in a holster under his jacket*

Saelen: Yessir. *moves to do so, determination on his face*

Optimus: Wait. *holds out hand toward Javalina*

Saelen: *quick, careful about-face, will gently tuck Javalina into Optimus' hand* *then he's making haste with going to alert the General*

Optimus: *carefully tucks the baby away out of sight in Beau's knapsack, and then holds the knapsack hidden in her hand*

Beau: *far too calm-looking* Shall we then, Optimus?

Optimus: *quietly recites exact coordinates, and then rises to her feet* You might get hurt. Let me go.

Beau: I'll watch your six. *no argument in his tone*

Optimus: *nods and then strides forward just as General Bryce exits the building his office is in. Reaches the other building and slams her fist through the wall of the room where she heard the talk of Silas*

MECH agent: *so startled that he doesn't even have time to do more than drop his phone*

Beau: *gun aimed at the guy's chest, icy expression is a go*

Optimus: *looks at the markings on the man's shirt* It looks like you were right about MECH including active military members.

General Bryce: *arrives then* Lt. Colonel MacKenzie, what's the meaning of this?

Beau: MECH agents, sir. *soooo not taking his gaze off of the MECH agent*

MECH agent: *if his face wasn't hidden, he'd be pale now*

Optimus: *reaches down* Though why he's wearing his mask now... *pulls mask off*

MECH agent: *is a soldier right around Beau's age*

General Bryce: ...Major Johnson. What have you got to say for yourself?

Maj. Johnson: *keeping his mouth shut. And trying to subtly step on his phone*

Beau: Don't move.

Optimus: *reaches down and takes the phone, then offers it to General Bryce*

General Bryce: *ack! Big hand... Wince wince, take phone* Thank you, soldier.

Maj. Johnson: *neutral expression. Is totally keeping his mouth shut*

Beau: *now where does he keep those handcuffs he just used on Maj. Johnson?*

General Bryce: *puts on glove to further touch phone, and then takes out his own phone and calls a squad of soldiers to come and take Major Johnson away*

soldiers: *making haste to do so*

Optimus: *optics narrow as she watches them, and then she puts out a hand and stops one of the men* You are also part of MECH.

soldier: *freezes* 0_0

Beau: ... Two-fer. *so amused*

General Bryce: *deep frown* How do you know that, soldier?

Beau: *as the soldier in question cringes* Cybertronians can see things that humans might miss....

Optimus: I recognize his breathing pattern, and the slight hitch in his stride when he steps with his right leg.

Saelen: *giving the soldier SUCH a hurt Look*

Optimus: *quietly* I also recognize the nick on his finger that he got while using a circular saw to cut out my spark.

Beau: ... *expression hardens*

Saelen: 0_0 *startled look for Optimus*

General Bryce: *blink blink* What?

Beau: *quietly* Optimus Prima and Chief Medical Officer Ratchet were abducted and subjugated to what amounts to torture. Their sparks were removed from their shells. It would be like removing a person's heart, sir.

General Bryce: *deep, shaky breath, and then turns and looks at the soldier with the limp, who's already been grabbed by two others* Do you recognize anyone else?

Optimus: *leans very close and notes the reactions of the men and woman in front of her* No. The rest of these people are honest.

Beau: *nod* Alright.

General Bryce: *sends the soldiers off to put the MECH people into the brig* We'll need you to turn in a report, Beau.

Optimus: *brow quirk*

Beau: Understood, sir.

General Bryce: You don't have an office here, but the chairs in the mess are comfortable.

Beau: *small nod* Yessir. *to Optimus* I'll get my report done, then we can go.

Optimus: Alright. *uncertain look from Beau to the General, and then steps back and transforms. Sitting on the grass*

Saelen: ...Whoah... *impressed*

Beau: *heads for the office*


About half an hour later...


Optimus: *feeding Javalina from her own tank as she dozes in the sun*

Saelen: *back from talking to his CO about the transfer*

Beau: *just got done filling out paperwork for Saelen's transfer, is making his way out to where Optimus is parked*

Optimus: *very soft jazz music from her stereo as she murmurs to the newborn sparklet cuddled on her passenger seat*

Saelen: *salute for Beau*

Beau: *snerk* At ease, Saelen... Let's get going...

Optimus: *visible startle at the sound of her partner's voice, but then starts her engine and opens her doors* You've gotten everything done?

Beau: Reports are filed, and Saelen's transfer papers have been signed off on. Unless you want to call Torque and tell him he needs to pick up his partner?

Optimus: No. I think the General probably prefers his base without mud.

Saelen: *blinks as he moves to climb into Optimus' cab* Mud?

Beau: *chuckles* Probably... *moves to climb in the driver's seat* *to Saelen* You'll see why Torque's nickname is "Mudpuppy" soon enough.

Javalina: *sees Saelen again and spits out her drinking tube with excitement*

Saelen: Heeey, did you miss me, Javalina? Huh? *more baby talk*

Beau: *grabs the drinking tube* Has she filled her tank, Optimus?

Optimus: Hrrrm. If she's not asking for any more I think we're good to go. You might want to burp her, Saelen.

Saelen: Alright... *looks for a towel*

Optimus: She doesn't tend to spit up.

Beau: It's a good idea to have a towel though, just in case. *knows how babies are*

Optimus: Is her blanket in your back pack?

Beau: Along with a soft towel. *digs out the blanket and the towel*

Optimus: ...You carry a towel around? *quizzical note to her voice*

Beau: *nod* Just in case it rains, usually. *chuckle*

Optimus: I see. *also chuckles* Seat belts, guys.

Saelen: *buckles up and accepts the towel offered to him. Will position it, then do the same for Javalina. Gentle pats of the sparklet's back are a go*

Beau: *chuckles and fastens his seat belt*

Javalina: *wriggles and makes soft little clicks, then squeaks a burp and giggles about it as Optimus switches into gear and pulls around to leave the lot*

Saelen: *baby talk for Javalina*

Optimus: No, Beau. We're not listening to Country music. *switches the radio back*

Beau: Awww... Not even old school?

Optimus: If you want old school... *cab fills with soft jazz trumpet*

Beau: *groan*

Saelen: *too intent on loving on Javalina to notice or care*

Optimus: *soft rumble of amusement* It's beautiful music. And reminds me of an old friend.

Beau: *puzzled* Really?

Optimus: *quietly* Yes. His name was Jazz.

Beau: ... What was he like?

Optimus: *chuckle holds eons of memory* Something like Miko, and something like Jack. And there was a touch of Raf in him too.

Beau: *quiet as he tries to think of what a 'Bot like that must've been like*

Optimus: He was one caste level above me. A data processor. One of my first sparring partners. If Ratchet hadn't come along...

Beau: Things would have been pretty different, I'm guessing?

Optimus: In some ways. But I wasn't Jazz's kind of girl.

Beau: Did he have a girl you could tease him about? *bit of a brat grin on his face*

Optimus: He hung out with a lot of girls. Considering the rarity of Cybertronian females...

Beau: ... Sheesh...

Optimus: He was at about the exact opposite to Ratchet on the charm and personableness scale.

Beau: Ratchet has his moments.

Optimus: I've been working on him for several million years.

Beau: *chuckle* I don't doubt it....

Optimus: *turns to go onto the highway that leads in the direction they need* Huh. Strange. What's Wheeljack doing sitting there with his door open?

Beau: Wait, what?! *looks* ... Huh...

Saelen: *looks up from cooing and fussing over Javalina* Something wrong?

Optimus: *stops next to the laconic Wrecker* Wheeljack? Is something wrong?

Wheeljack: I think I caught something.

mostly white dog: *looks to the people voice from where it's sitting in Wheeljack's driver's seat* *headtilt*

Optimus: ...That's a dog.

Wheeljack: It was walking along the road.

dog: *ears up. You want dog?*

Beau: ...What kind of dog, and how big?

Optimus: It's mostly white, and I'd say it's... Six times larger than Sam?

Beau: ... Hang on. *moving to unbuckle and get out*

Optimus: *opens the door to let him out*

Beau: *once he's gotten out, he's moving to approach*

dog: *stranger!* *HOWL!*

Wheeljack: *startled jerk* What the scrap?!

Optimus: *startles as well* Beau?

Beau: *was a little startled by the loud howl, but continues to approach, crouching a bit and offering his hand to the dog*

dog: *bit more howl, then sniff at the person* *wags his tail and lets the person give pettings*

Beau: It looks like a collie of some sort... Probably Border Collie, if I had to guess... It's got a collar...

Optimus: Is there an address on it?

Beau: *looking* No... Just a name... 'Cody'.

dog: *ears perk, more tail wagging*

Optimus: Hmmm. Do you think someone dumped him?

Wheeljack: Dunno... Maybe...

Beau: It's likely... *'shaking hands' with the dog* He's been walking for awhile...

Optimus: *scanning* He's really a dog.

Beau: *chuckles* He's a good boy, too... *is petting the dog's ears and getting his hand licked*

dog: *found peoples! That smell like peoples!*

Wheeljack: That's all well and good, but what do we do with him?

Optimus: Can you get him out of Wheeljack, Beau?

Beau: Yeah... *moving to do so*

dog: *oh, you want him out of the car? Okay! Jumps out*

Wheeljack: *shuts his door*

dog: *worried look for the car person* *was told to find the car peoples*

Optimus: Go ahead and return to base, Wheeljack. *thoughtfully studying the dog*

Wheeljack: Gotcha, Optimus. *moves to get back on the road*

dog: *whine*

Optimus: ...Is he crying?

Beau: *soothing sounds* Think we should bring him with us, Optimus?

dog: *so confused*

Optimus: But we have Sam and Fuzzbutt. Aren't large dogs like this a danger to cats and turkeys?

Beau: If they're trained to be aggressive, yes... but this guy wasn't. He would've tried attacking me the moment I approached if he was.

Optimus: ...Saelen, what do you think?

Saelen: Well, if he's not aggressive... And since he was probably abandoned... Might be a good idea to get him to a vet's first, to make sure he's up to date on his shots and in good health...

Beau: *blink blink* Well, he's got his vaccination record... *just found the little pocket on the dog's collar* And you're up to date, aren't you, Cody?

Cody: *ears perk and looks at the suit person*

Optimus: Hrrrm. We'll post about him around town and on the Internet boards. *opens Saelen's door*

Beau: *moves to lift Cody into Optimus' cab*

Cody: *huhwhut? Startled expression is a go as he wiggles a bit*

Saelen: *soothingly* Who's a good boy dog?

Cody: *oh, more peoples!*

Javalina: *squeak, tiny clicks*

Cody: *ears up, sniff at the thing that looks like a baby* *nose on Saelen's leg as he sits at the soldier's feet*

Beau: *chuckles and carefully shuts the door*

Optimus: Just wait, Beau. There's another vehicle passing.

Beau: Alright. *waits*

Optimus: *watches the car go by* ...Knockout's met Witchblade today.

Beau: ... *snerk* I bet that was fun for her.

Optimus: *wince wince as the flashy car nearly drives into the ditch* General Bryce would be wondering why we don't catch him and bring him in.

Beau: We don't have the facilities to hold a Decepticon for any length of time.

Optimus: *quietly* Yes. But I heard him asking for heads on a platter.

Beau: He wants Megatron gone.

Optimus: *opens the door for him* So do I. And it will happen. At the right time.

Beau: *nods as he moves to climb in* And not a moment before.

Optimus: Yes.

Javalina: *bitty fist accidentally punched doggy nose*

Cody: *startled yelp*

Saelen: Ack! *makes sure Javalina didn't hurt the dog*

Javalina: *wibbling and looking around*

Cody: *not hurt, was just startled. Will nose the little metal person and study it*

Javalina: *forgets about the scare and talks to the white and black critter in her bitty newborn voice*

Cody: *lick*

Javalina: *giggle*

Optimus: *carefully pulls back onto the road and sets out*

Beau: *wonders how everyone will react to Cody's presence*


bit later


Optimus: *pulls down the tunnel and opens the doors*

Dixie: *coming out to the main part of the control room. Just got told to stop hovering by June*

Cody: *sees more peoples! HOWL!*

Fuzzbutt: Purk purk purk! *stretching his neck over in his pen to try and see the strange sound*

Dixie: *startles at the loud howl* Wh't th'?!

Saelen: Shhhhh, Cody, it's okay...

Muhlisha: *gets up and comes over, then hunkers down in front of the new guy who has her baby* So who're you?

Saelen: *surprised* Er... My name and rank are Private Saelen Maloney, Ma'am... *getting out and helping Cody out as well*

Beau: *as he moves to get out* He's Torque's partner, Muhlisha.

Muhlisha: *big grin, and stands to yell down the hall* Torky, ya got one!

Optimus: *as she transforms* Dixie, how's Denver?

Dixie: Sleepin'. June w'ldn't lemme stay close. *frown*

Optimus: I'm sure June knows what she's doing. *walks toward the hall to go check on her daughter herself*

Torque: //Something wrong, 'Lisha?// *acks over comms* //Oh, that's it, GET BACK HERE ROCKFACE!//

Muhlisha: //Dumbaft, yer partner's here!// *looks at Saelen* I'm Muhlisha.

Saelen: Ah... Okay...

Beau: Javalina's mom. *chuckles* *to Muhlisha* Javalina seems really fond of him.

Torque: //Kinda busy kicking Rocky's aft.//

Muhlisha: Lina's fond'a everybody. *offers to take her tiny daughter* //You wanna human or not?//

Torque: //I'm coming... Ow! Arcee fights dirty!//

Muhlisha: //Yeah. Bulky warned us about that when you... Hi, dog.// *looks down at Cody*

Cody: *waggatail*

Saelen: *doing a bit of baby dancing*

Muhlisha: *gentle poke for the dog* We gotta dog?

Saelen: Wheeljack found him walking on the side of the road...

Muhlisha: Huh. He don't look rough or anythin'. *another gentle poke for dog* *takes other hand back, since Saelen's not giving baby up*

Cody: *sniff at the finger poking him, then lick*

Torque: *coming down the hall* What'd Wheeljack find?

Muhlisha: *looks up at mate* Dog. And the guy with Lina's yer partner. *stands to jerk Torque's head down and touch her forehead to his*

Torque: *grin* Sweet.

Muhlisha: *lets him go and looks down at Saelen*

Saelen: Er... *offers Javalina to Muhlisha*

Muhlisha: *take a baby and cuddle her close to her chest, murmuring softly*

Torque: *surprisingly gentle as he lifts Saelen*

Saelen: *surprised, but not frightened*

Muhlisha: *watches them study one another, and then looks down at Beau, Dixie, and the dog*

Beau: This is Cody. *indicates the dog* He's up to date on his shots, and it's possible he was abandoned.

Muhlisha: *blink* Shots? Dixie, ya look like ya ate a lemon.

Dixie: *'hmph's*

Beau: *nod* Rabies, for one... He's also not aggressive, so he should be good around the kids.

Muhlisha: 'Kay. Only meanin' I know fer shots is with guns.

Beau: Ah... The version I mean is sort of like antivirus programming.

Muhlisha: Okay. Now I gotcha. *looks at mate* You gonna stand there 'n stare at that guy?

Torque: *careful as he sets Saelen on his shoulder*

Muhlisha: o.0 I never heard you that quiet.

Torque: Arguin' with Rocky over comms... *just a bit distracted*

Muhlisha: Oh. *turns and wanders back toward the computer*

Saelen: ... Is that normal then?

Beau: *looks up* Yeah. Rockface is a bit of a punk, even with Arcee keeping him in line. *chuckle*

Cody: *gonna lay down and watch everyone*

Sam: *voice echoes down the hall* Miao miao, raooooooooow!

Cody: *ears up*

Hot Rod: *clickstorm as he comes tearing down the hall*

Sam: *holding on and narrating the ride!*

Cody: *on his feet and moving to approach*

Dixie: *watching, ready to step in between the dog and the sparklet*

Hot Rod: *stops short, puzzled headtilt* Bhuh?

Sam: *sees big white and black thing. Hops over Hot Rod's head and minces over to sniff noses* Miao? Miao? Mrrrrow?

Cody: *head down to sniff at kitty cat*

Hot Rod: *toddling over*

Sam: *kissy! Tongue is rough*

Cody: *going into a play bow position, tail wagging* *is playtime, yes?*

Sam: *prance prance! Stops to look at Roddy*

Hot Rod: *clickstorm, grabs at the big furry thing*

Cody: *yelps as his ears get pulled*

Dixie: *moves to discourage ear-pulling*

Sam: *cries his sympathy for the big white guy*

Hot Rod: *puzzled chirrup*

Beau: *as he moves to lift the sparklet* Puppy ears aren't handles, Hot Rod.

Sam: *wants picked up too! Cry cry talk!*

Dixie: ... *snerk, stoops to pick the cat up*

Sam: *slight squirm so he's laying like a baby. Then purrs* Niao, niao, mrrrrrr.

Dixie: Crazeh cat... *chuckle*

Beau: *to Dixie* How's Denver?

Dixie: Sleepin', Ah reckon... *frown*

Beau: ...What's wrong?

Dixie: T's nothin'... Jes... Ah ain't so sure 'bout Optimus' attitude...

Hot Rod: *looks up* *blink blink*

Beau: ... What do you mean?

Dixie: Well, 't's jes...

Beau: *sigh* Optimus has been leading for a lot longer than there've been people on Earth, Aunt Dixie. The safety of the team is amongst her top priorities.

Dixie: But she's been chasin' me 'way from mah own niece!

Beau: *quieter* She's also the only adult besides June, Bill, and Ratchet that Denver's warmed up to.

Hot Rod: Denver sissy sleepin'!

Dixie: ... *small, absent frown as she remembers how Denver called for "Mama" and Optimus responded*

Hot Rod: *looks back and forth between the bigs, hoping to be able to contribute more to the conversation*

Beau: She hasn't tried running once. That means more than anything else to me... Just trust that this is the best place for her, please...

Hot Rod: *wriggles and points. Wants Bubby and the new lady to go back to where Pansy and Sissy and Pansy's Mama and Daddy are*

Beau: *chuckles* Alright, Roddy... Let's go. *moves to lead Dixie down the hall*

Hot Rod: *yaps at the dog, telling him to come too*

Cody: *follows at a good trot*

Optimus: *standing at Ratchet's shoulder as he sits on a crate, baby dancing Panacea and watching her mate interact with Denver*

Ratchet: *chuckling at the joke Denver just told him* *is holding the teen so she can lean against his chest for support, since she's just a bit weak still. His posture is relaxed as he and Denver converse*

Denver: *pleased that her joke went over so well*

Hot Rod: *happy chatter when he sees Sissy grinning*

Optimus: *chuckles and gently touches Ratchet's shoulder, then lifts Panacea so that she can touch her forehead to the sparklet's tiny one*

Panacea: *wriggles and crackles and grins*

Denver: *chuckles and clicks to Panacea*

Panacea: *turns head to see Sissy. Wriggle!*

Optimus: *tenderly tucks the sparklet into Denver's blanket wrapping with her, then rests a cheek on Ratchet's head*

Ratchet: *expression gentle as he reaches to touch Optimus' cheek*

Optimus: *nuzzles his hand, her arm going around him. Her optics are a deep, contented blue, and she is wearing a rare smile*

Denver: *cradles Panacea close*

Panacea: *little crackles for Sissy. Is a contented babby*

Hot Rod: *looks up at Dixie, smiling*

Dixie: ... *bit of a frown*

Hot Rod: *smile fades* *looks at Dixie a bit, and then reaches up to pat her cheek*

Dixie: *surprised sound*

Denver: *looks toward that sound, frown* Wh're'd th' dog come fr'm?

Ratchet: Dog?

Optimus: *glances over, her smile fading* Wheeljack found him on the highway.

Ratchet: ... *sigh* This place is turning into a zoo.

Optimus: I'll be putting up posters. He might not be staying.

Denver: *more frown* 'F 'e w's 'n th' sahd 'f th' hahghway, 'e mahght'a been abandoned...

Optimus: That's what I thought too, but we have to make sure. Is something wrong, Beau?

Beau: I'm just wondering where he could have come from... It's obvious he was someone's pet...

Optimus: Ah. *down to one knee and holds out hand* Cody, will you come to me?

Cody: *heard a command he understands! Will go over to the big, metal lady, tail up*

Optimus: *gentle touch for the side of the dog's head, then sees if he's alright with her using both hands to pick him up*

Cody: *huhwhut? Looking around and hunkering down a bit* *is holding still though*

Optimus: *cups one hand over him protectively, then lifts him and brings him over to where Denver and Panacea can see him*

Panacea: *itty bitty hand reaches for puppy nose*

Cody: *ears up. Is baby?*

Denver: *leans a bit so Panacea can touch the dog* Looks lahk a colleh...

Ratchet: *to Panacea* Be gentle. *is keeping a close optic on the canine*

Panacea: Kitty!

Cody: *waggatail, doggy kiss for the baby*

Panacea: *crackle, click, wriggle*

Dixie: *starting to realize she's not needed here* *starts to loosen her hold on Sam*

Sam: *wakes up* Miao?

June: *looks toward Sam's voice, and then walks over to offer to take Hot Rod from Beau*

Beau: *transfers the sparklet* *quietly* Denver looks better...

June: Her fever broke about two hours ago. *talking to Dixie as well as Beau as she absently baby dances and rubs Hot Rod's back*

Hot Rod: *chatter, yap to Aunty*

Beau: Good.

Dixie: *small nod*

June: *taking her first close look at Dixie now that she's no longer in nurse mode* *quietly* You look like you could use a cup of something. Join me in the mess?

Dixie: Alrahght...

June: *kisses Hot Rod on the cheek, and then offers him back to Beau* *to Dixie* Do you like peach tea?

Beau: *will baby dance with Hot Rod, since the little guy looks like he might be needing a nap soon*

Dixie: *nods* Th't'd be nahce...

June: *offers to take Sam as the young cat squirms slightly unhappily in Dixie's slackened grip* Have you ever had it with a spoonful of peach jam in it?

Dixie: *blinks as she transfers Sam over to June* Nevah even thought'a trah'n th't...

June: *gives Sam to Beau and Hot Rod* Want to try it now? Oh, and we have fresh cinnamon buns.

Dixie: *nods* Le's go...

Beau: *chuckles as he does a bit of careful juggling to hold both sparklet and cat*

Hot Rod: *clickstorm, Sam tail in mouth*

Dixie: *frowns and moves to try and discourage that*

June: *gentle hand over the older woman's* *softly* Sam's used to it.

Dixie: *so much frown*

June: Let's have that tea. *slight smile*

Dixie: Alrahght.

June: *silent as she leads Dixie out of Optimus and Ratchet's room and down the hall to the mess. Pauses on the way to look into Bulkhead's room* Witchblade, if you're going to sleep why not use the bed?

Witchblade: *slight blink* *mumble* Wasn't on it when I got sleepy...

June: *face palms and then walks on*

Dixie: ... Ah ain't even gonna ask. *following June*

June: Apparently her generation never got in the habit of having a bed to sleep on at night. I've found her and some of the other Taubots sleeping in the craziest places. *leads the way into the mess*

Dixie: ... Aneh reason wah?

June: Why were they sleeping there? It was where they were when they got tired. *goes to human size kitchen area*

Dixie: ... *starting to suspect she'll never understand*

June: The younger Wreckers had to grow up fast. I'm surprised they don't have more odd quirks. *checks coffee pot, and then sets it up to make tea*

Dixie: *frown* Wh't sort'a 'quirks' 're we talkin' 'bout 'eah?

June: The sleeping wherever they fall over. Combat kissing. Blowing things up as a hobby. Being unable to tell the difference from cursing and normal words...

Dixie: ...Th'y sound lahk redneck neighbors.

June: *slightly surprised glance, and then turns her attention back to tea making* From what I hear Tau is a pretty rough place. Muhlisha's talked about how the "old junkers" sleep strapped down so that they can be sure they wake up still in bed.

Dixie: ... Sheesh...

June: Muhlisha's dad recently punched a pirate ship in the nose. Could you get the buns? They're in the oven.

Dixie: *moves to get the buns* ... A whole ship?

Kriti: *coming in to get some breakfast, since she's only now waking up* M'yup. They had it comin' though...

June: So you finally realized you were sleeping on Bumblebee and not on a pillow? *grins up at the petite blue Wrecker*

Kriti: *slight smirk* Who said I didn't do it on purpose?

June: *mouth falls open slightly, and then she laughs* Do all Taubots move that fast?

Kriti: Naw... *chuckles* I'm just messing with you. Plus, he was the only one who had room... Wheeljack was passed out behind some crates last night.

June: I think some of you guys sleep behind the crates by choice. I know Torque and Muhlisha have a room, and I've never seen them use it.

Kriti: *blink blink* Really? Huh...

June: Bob must be in the training room with the guys. *gets down a plate for the buns*

Kriti: I guess... If he's not sitting as close to Hot Rod, Pansy, and Denver as he can.

Dixie: *carefully getting the hot buns onto the plate*

June: They're with Optimus and Ratchet right now, and I didn't see any sign of the big guy. *grins as she sees the pecans on the bottom of the southern sticky buns that Beau taught her how to make*

Kriti: *chuckles* He's getting to see some of his other babies. Bob's such a goof. *sips at her fuel*

Dixie: *soft chuckle as she sees the pecans*

June: Is it natural for him to creak that loudly when he moves?

Kriti: Yeah. He's older than Tau Station.

June: And it's pretty old, huh? *checks tea, and then takes the carafe out and sets it on the table. Adds two mugs and two small plates for buns*

Kriti: *nod* Vissy and Fixer started it right near the start of the war, from what I've been told.

June: *nods* A couple million years, huh? *looks up as she sits down* You're Muhlisha's sister?

Kriti: *nod* Half-sister. We share a code donor, and mentor.

June: Same... dad, right? *looks to Dixie, inviting her to sit*

Kriti: Yeah... Brawn. *smile* But our shared code donor isn't him. It's Desinex.

Dixie: *sitting down and trying to figure out what Kriti's talking about*

June: Oh. Your mom.

Kriti: *shrug* If that's the term used here. I never met her though, and neither did 'Lisha... She's been gone for a few dozen vorns...

June: *nods* Yeah, I've heard Bulkhead and Torque talking about her and how she went. *concerned* So you never had a female mentor?

Kriti: I have one. Fixer's been teaching me.

June: Ah. Fixer. *frowns as she thinks of what the burgundy and white femmebot said to her the last time she'd been manning the computers*

Kriti: Hey, Fixer's not so bad. Yeah, she scares the spit outta the pirates stupid enough to try raiding Tau, and can bring the fight to Lugnut and Stryka when they get the ball bearings to try and drag her back with them, but she's not the monster people make her out to be. She just works hard at making Tau home and keeping it safe.

June: *presses lips together slightly, but isn't going to bad talk a child's mother to her* *instead she blinks at the container in Kriti's hand* That's not energon.

Kriti: Yes it is. I brought a bunch from Tau. *sees nothing wrong with her fuel of choice*

June: It's supposed to be green?

Kriti: It's synthesized. We've even got our own still.

June: Nice.

Kriti: It beats what Fixer and Vissy had to do at first. *shrug, drink*

Bumblebee: *peeks around the door frame* Woooo?

Kriti: *smiles behind her cube and pats the spot next to her*

Bumblebee: *shakes his head and gestures, talking away* *come and sit on the mesa top with him for a bit before patrol!*

Kriti: *doorwings up, more smile* *to Dixie and June* 'Scuse me. *moves to follow Bumblebee*

Bumblebee: Bweeeee. *please bring a cube for him?*

Kriti: *will grab a cube for Bumblebee*

June: Have fun.

Kriti: We will. *grin*

June: *watches the two young bots leave the room, and then turns back to Dixie*

Dixie: *amused headshake* Kids...

June: *chuckles* Yeah. Kriti is. She didn't get the crash course in growing up. *offers the jar of homemade peach jam*

Dixie: ... Wh't d'y'u mean?

June: Like I said. They had to grow up fast. *pokes the buns, and then uses a fork and butter knife to separate one from the others*

Dixie: *small frown* Seems kahnda cruel t' me...

June: Tau's a rough place. They fight space pirates, and recycle any that wind up dying during the fight. *offers fork and knife* And those people Kriti mentioned? Lugnut and Stryka?

Dixie: *as she accepts the offered utensils* Wh't 'bout 'em?

June: *quietly* They're Fixer's parents.

Dixie: ... Yer jokin', rahght?

June: I'm not. They're the people that met her when she was new born and raised her till she was a young woman.

Dixie: ... 'N th'y 'tack 'er 'ome?

June: She refused to follow Megatron, and left Cybertron with her friend Viisaus. They're both Megatron loyalists.

Dixie: *frown*

June: I know. It doesn't sound real. That the same race could produce people like that, and people like Optimus and Ratchet.

Dixie: *small nod* *careful sip at tea*

June: *as she adds jam to her own tea* *quietly* You don't really like Optimus and Ratchet though, do you?

Dixie: *sigh, sets her cup down* Ah ain't sure 'ow Ah feel 'bout 'em...

June: *lifts her brows slightly, inviting Dixie to continue talking*

Dixie: 'T's jes... Ah know Denver... 'N Ah know all th't she 'n Beau've gone though since Miranda dahed...

June: *softly* It hasn't been easy.

Dixie: Denver w'sn't even a yeah old wh'n Miranda got sick... 'N Beau w's so buseh wit' train'n 'n missions...

June: *nods, her expression showing that she's listening to something she knows all about, but that she wants to hear Dixie*

Dixie: F'r th' longest tahm, Jethro jes' di'n't seem t' care 'bout 'is kids.... Ah can't count th' numba 'f tahms Ah'd stop bah 'r Hattie'd stop bah, 'n poor Denver'd be runn'n 'round wit' jes' a diapah... 'n Jethro passed out 'n th' couch... *headshake*

June: *quietly* You started seeing her as yours.

Dixie: *small nod* 'N mah second eldest, Jake, 's th' same age... Felt lahk Ah 'ad two sets'a twins...

June: And then Jethro died, and Beau and Denver were on the ranch on their own.

Dixie: *nods* Beau w'sn't even a Lieutenant yet...

June: *nods as well and sips her tea* I remember.

Dixie: *surprised look for the dark-haired woman*

June: *slight smile* Denver was one of my set of twins, too. I washed her in the tub with Jack, and I used to put his shirts on her when I found her running around without any.

Dixie: ... Huh...

June: She and Jack started kindergarten together, and Jack came home with a black eye for trying to protect her.

Dixie: *facepalm*

June: Even back then, Denver rarely wanted anyone to stick up for her. *has a bite of bun and savours the subtle cranberry flavour*

Dixie: *quietly* Dallas, 'er cousin, ran 'way fr'm 'ome wh'n Denver w's six... Ah r'member trah'n t' explain t' Denver th't no, Dallas 'adn't dahed, 'n th't Dallas still loved 'er...

June: *lowers her head as she remembers holding the little brunette as she cried and told the story of the lost cousin*

Dixie: Wh't Ah w'ldn't give t' 'ave been able t' talk sense int' Dallas... Denver realleh looked up t' 'er...

June: *quietly* But Dallas has turned out alright.

Dixie: ... Y'u've talked t' 'er?

June: *head shake* I've just seen her around Jasper. But she's got her own business, and her own house.

Dixie: ... *quiet for a few moments* Y'u'd best tell Beau 'n Denver soon... 'Fore th'y fahnd out 'n th'ir own... *knows first hand how Denver reacts when she feels she's been lied to*

June: Like I said, I haven't really talked to her. I just see her, and I've heard her car wash spoken about at the hospital.

Dixie: ... *soft snerk* Girl alwehs w's crazeh 'bout cahs...

June: *slight grin* I think it's the one called 'C&D Car Wash'. I haven't been to that side of town since... *shrug* Since Jack's dad left when he was a baby.

Dixie: *small frown*

June: *sudden perk as she hears alarm in Optimus and Ratchet's voices, then settles down as they calm in response to Beau's* Good grief. New parents are so spastic sometimes.

Dixie: C'n y'u blame 'em? *slightly wry smile*

itty bitty clickstorm: *approaching the mess, and no, it's not Hot Rod*

June: Optimus has got new motherhood on top of being a newlywed to cope with. *looks up again* I hear Lumen.

Dixie: Lumen's th' orange 'n black couple's babeh, rahght?

June: *nods, smiling into her tea mug* He's definitely his mother's son.

WakeJumper: *covering his mouth with one hand as he yawns, while Lumen is cradled against his chest with the other*

Eclipse: *soooo not awake as she dangles from WakeJumper's back*

Lumen: *wide awake and bright-opticed as he chatters up a storm!*

Dixie: *soft snerk* Yup.

June: He wouldn't let you sleep anymore, WakeJumper? *eats a pecan*

WakeJumper: *slow headshake* He slept through the night, at least...

Lumen: *babble, yap, chatter, click* *squeaky sneeze that has WakeJumper chuckling*

June: *soft chuckle* That's something, for a guy his age. *pulls something out of the pocket of her cardigan and offers it* I changed the eyes on this guy last night after Denver went to sleep. I thought your little one might like a buddy of a similar colour. *offers foot tall long eared blue crochet bunny*

WakeJumper: *careful stooping to grab the offered bunny* *chuckle* Look, Lu... *shows it to the sparklet*

Lumen: *big optics are a go, reach. Wants to know what this thing is!*

June: *watching with a smile as the tiny sparklet gets his first introduction to the crochet rag bunny*

Lumen: *clicks and pokes at the soft thing*

Eclipse: *sleepy mumbling*

WakeJumper: Thank you, June.

June: You're welcome. *chuckles as the bunny's ear is snagged* It's not the kind of yarn that you guys like to eat.

WakeJumper: *chuckles as Lumen mouths the bunny's ear and makes a face* Good.

June: I've seen what happened to things. Pansy ate a lot of buttons before Miko clued in and put felt eyes on her doll. And Hot Rod's eaten a few things I never thought I'd see eaten.

WakeJumper: Like Keepsake's tools? *chuckle*

June: Among other things. *nods* Are you guys here for breakfast?

WakeJumper: *nod* Nothing like being smacked in the nose by a hungry sparklet...

June: *brow quirk* He's barely bigger than your nose.

WakeJumper: Yeah, I know... Startled the heck out of me... *chuckles and moves to deposit Eclipse next to the wall*

Eclipse: *bleary blinking* Bhuh?

June: *grins and turns back to Dixie*

Dixie: *snerks and shakes her head*

June: I wonder if Lumen's the kind of kid that only lets go of a doll the day it disintegrates. *dips a bit of bun in her tea*

Dixie: *bit of a grumble* Denver nevah once took 'n interest 'n aneh 'f th' dolls Ah got f'r 'er... 'N now she's got th't orange th'n'...

June: *grins* Space Bat?

Dixie: *nod* Th' orange th'n' wit' th' butt.

June: Maybe the dolls you got her just weren't the right type. *lifts brows. Is still smiling*

Dixie: Ah guess...

Lumen: *squeaky clickstorm as Daddy tries to feed him*

June: *looks toward the clicking and laughs to see the firm grip of a tiny blue hand on one bunny ear* Well, did you like all the dolls that came out when you were a girl? I know I had a pile of barbies I never looked at.

Dixie: ... True...

June: And the plush Alf just gave me nightmares. *mmm, more bun*

Dixie: Alf w's creepy.

June: And how. But my parents wouldn't let me buy ET. They thought he was ugly.

Dixie: E.T. w's lahk a Troll doll. So ugleh, 'e w's cute.

June: *tips back slightly as she laughs* And he was so sweet. Did you see the movie?

Dixie: *nod* Lost count'a th' numbah 'f tahms Ah saw 't.

June: *laughs again* So what kind of dolls did you like?

Dixie: *chuckle* Mah brothah's armeh dolls.

June: *snerk* GI Joe?

Dixie: *nods* Yup. But not Duke 'r Flint. *chuckle* Mah Ma w's c'nvinced th't Ah'd wahnd up livin' 'n sin 'cause mah favorite w's Roadblock.

June: Awwww. Jack still loves those cartoons. Roadblock was a nice guy.

Dixie: *nod* *chuckle* 'N Ma w's always a bit nuts...

June: *sips tea* What about now? *slight grin* Did you grow out of dolls?

Dixie: Mah ma made mah brotha 'n me give up our toys...

June: *wince* That's too bad.

Dixie: *slight shrug, sips tea*

June: But then I got rid of mine because my husband didn't want them around. *rolls eyes at self*

Dixie: *absent 'hrm'. Is thinking about how much more relaxed Beau seems*

June: *and then takes two small things from her cardigan pocket and sets them on the table by the bun plate. One is an obviously aged pompom toy with large plastic bare feet, wiggly eyes, and a nurse's hat. The other is a vintage Lego person lady in scrubs and with a stethoscope printed on her chest* Beau made sure I started a new collection.

Dixie: ... *blink blink, soft snerk* 'E always w's a bit 'f a soft 'earted gah...

June: *small smile curves her mouth gently* His heart is marshmallow.

Eclipse: *awake! Ish.* Is it morning? *bleary blinking*

Dixie: ... *snickerfit*

June: *snerks softly and finishes the last of her bun and tea* Have you met Perceptor yet, Dixie?

Dixie: Ah don' recall...

June: *as she pushes her chair back and gets to her feet* You'd remember if you had. He's married to Eclipse's sister.

Dixie: *blink blink* Eclipse 'as a sistah?

Eclipse: *looks over* Yeah... Keepsake.

June: I'm just going to check on them. Want to come with me, Dixie? *absently stuffs her little nurses back in her pocket*

Dixie: Sure... *moves to get up*

June: *puts cups and plates in the sink, knowing that Raf will take care of them later, and that if there are no dishes he will come looking for some* We can leave the rest of the buns there. The kids'll be glad to see them.

Dixie: *nod*

June: See you, WakeJumper, Eclipse! *slight wave as she heads for the door, then pauses at a clickstorm* Sorry. See you, Lumen.

Lumen: *chatter click, nom*

WakeJumper: See you later, June.

June: *grin for the big orange and black mech holds friendship and a memory of the half teasing crush she'd had for him till he'd mentioned he was married*

Dixie: *soft chuckle*

June: *glances at her as they walk down the hall* Hmmm?

Dixie: Y'u're fond'a WakeJumper?

June: *chuckles and looks down at the floor* I had half a crush on him when I first met him. He was too much fun to tease.

Dixie: *amused headshake*

June: *shrugs and chuckles* He's a lot like Beau. But younger.

Dixie: *raised brow* Wh't d'y'u mean?

June: *glances at her* About what?

Dixie: 'Bout WakeJumper bein' younger.

June: Oh. I'd say he was the equivalent of a human in his early to mid twenties. *sidesteps as a bellow comes right down the hall from the training room*

Dixie: *startles* Wh't th'?!

June: It sounds like Bob fetched Rockface again. *frowns toward the commotion, but then knocks on the big door she's stopped in front of* Perceptor? Are you awake?

Perceptor: *takes a few moments, but then he's answering the door* *quietly* Ah, hello Mrs. Darby...

Dixie: *surprised by how weary the little (in comparison to the rest of the Autobots and Taubots) red bot looks*

June: *gently* How's Keepsake?

Perceptor: She is resting, though she is quite aware of our conversation.

June: Why don't you go grab some breakfast? Dixie and I will sit with Keepsake. *lifts brows, the offer more than half a gentle order*

Perceptor: *hesitates. Isn't sure whether he should leave Keepsake's side for now*

June: *brows lift a little more* You need to keep up your strength.

Keepsake: *from the bed* Getcher aft outta here, Percy.

Perceptor: Yes, dear. *carefully moves past the humans*

June: *watches him go, and then leads the way inside* How're you feeling, Keepsake?

Keepsake: *rolls onto her side with a sigh* Dunno. Knocked up, I guess.

Dixie: 'Ow far 'long 're y'u? *concerned*

Keepsake: *quirks a brow at the stranger* Four weeks, I think.

Dixie: 'N 'ow long d' y'u 'ave t' go?

Keepsake: *sigh* No pit blasted idea.

Dixie: *concerned frown*

June: *quietly* Cybertronians usually don't get pregnant. We think Keepsake's...

Keepsake: Slaggin' little surprise.

June: >.o Keepsake's son is the result of some damage Perceptor's spark took awhile ago.

Dixie: ... *brows up*

Keepsake: *quiet, and sounding resigned* We usually take about a year local time ta grow in our tanks.

Dixie: *boggling now*

Keepsake: *frown* What?

Dixie: A yeah?!

Keepsake: Yeah, Percy takes 'em out as soon as they can live on their own.

Dixie: ... 'N 'eah Ah th'ght nahn months w's bad 'nough...

Keepsake: *puzzled scowl* Nine months?

June: That's how long humans are usually pregnant.

Keepsake: Ohhh.

Dixie: *nod*

Keepsake: *slight shrug* Hey, it takes us over a vorn ta get ta where we're fully developed.

Dixie: ... *blank look*

June: Eighty something years.

Dixie: *jaw drops*

June: And Cybertronians are usually considered youngsters for their first few thousand years. Bumblebee's not a full adult yet, though he's close.

Keepsake: Yeah. We kinda sped things up.

Dixie: Thousand?!

Keepsake: Yup.

June: *nodding*

Dixie: *flabbergasted*

Keepsake: Metal 'n all that scrap's pretty sturdy.

Dixie: 'Parentleh...

Keepsake: *wince* Most the time... Heh.

June: *gently* Get some more rest, Keepsake. *startles and looks toward the door as she realizes somebody big and white's been standing there for a few minutes*

Wheeljack: *unreadable expression as he watches Keepsake*

June: Wheeljack? Do you need something?

Keepsake: *quiet "heh", but is mostly asleep again*

Wheeljack: *slight start, looks down to June*

June: *quizzical smile and quirked brows*

Wheeljack: *snorts and moves to head off*

June: Wheeljack, wait. Do you want to come in and sit till Perceptor gets back?

Wheeljack: Why? The nerd's on his way back.

Dixie: *moving to put herself in Wheeljack's path. Hands on hips and Look for the white mech* Getcher can 'n th're.

Wheeljack: 0_o

June: *tappa foot*

Wheeljack: *looking back and forth between the two humans* ...

Dixie: *so much scowl*

June: *foot still going, arms still folded, the brows are going up again*

Keepsake: *very soft "gurk" sound in her sleep*

Wheeljack: ... *moves to step back toward Keepsake*

June: Good job. *turns and heads for the hall*

Dixie: *headshake* Stubborn gah... *moves to follow June*

June: *quiet chuckle* He just learned he was a dad the same day he learned he was going to be a grandpa. And both concepts are new for these guys.

Dixie: 'E's still stubborn.

June: Yeah. *stops and looks into Optimus and Ratchet's room and chuckles*

Dixie: *looks* *soft "heh" as she sees that Denver and the sparklets are tucked in the crate with Sam and Cody. Can also see Ratchet conked out on the bed, with Optimus leaning against it with her chin on her chest and Beau sitting on her arm*

Beau: *also conked out, and snoring softly*

June: *hand on Dixie's arm to lead her on past* *softly* Good. He worried about that meeting all night.

Dixie: Meetin'?

June: *surprised glance* He was called to base this morning to give some sort of report.

Dixie: Wh'n w's th's? *was asleep on the couch when Beau and Optimus left*

June: He had to be there by nine o'clock. So he probably left around six thirty.

Dixie: *small frown, and a nod*

June: *winces at a bellow from down the hall, runs back and checks on the sleepers, and then shouts toward the noise* Rockface, there better be energon for that much noise!

Rockface: *hollers back that he's fragging bleeding from a torn line*

June: *and she's suddenly kicked into high gear and racing past the mess door to go see if she can help* Torque, squeeze the line! Dixie, go wait and see if we're going to need to make an emergency call.

Dixie: *frown* Alrahght...

June: *reaches the training room and quickly checks for puddles*

Torque: *holding Bob back*

Arcee: *pinching the torn line closed, worry on her face*

Rockface: *trying to get up, even with Arcee sitting on him* *steady stream of obscenities*

June: Bulkhead, hold him down. *trots in past puddles and carefully climbs to where she can see* Scrap. WAKEJUMPER!

Bulkhead: *one hand planted on Rockface's face now*

WakeJumper: *hurrying in not even a minute later, tools out and ready* Who's hurt?

Rockface: *protesting the hand on his face*

Arcee: Rockface, don't argue.

Bulkhead: *dryly* Rocky. Of course.

June: What did you guys do this time? *glances over toward Bob's anxious chittering and upset hissing*

Bulkhead: Arcee did it.

Arcee: *looking pretty upset about it*

WakeJumper: Rocky, don't make me sedate you. *working on patching the line* Arcee, chill. I've helped fix him after Sharky got ahold of him and tore his arms and legs off.

Rockface: *'urk' sound, shuts up*

Bulkhead: Good boy. *slight grin, and then frowns and watches the operation*

Dixie: *peeking in, since she heard June yell for WakeJumper*

June: *holds up a bit of patching material once WakeJumper's ready for it. Carefully cut the piece to fit as WakeJumper did the initial cleanup*

WakeJumper: *thanks June as he grabs the patching material* *calmness personified*

June: *peers at the wound again, and then cuts a second, smaller piece of the patch and holds it up*

WakeJumper: *bit of a smile for June, and a brief nod. Will use the second piece of patching material* There. *to Arcee* Make sure he doesn't do anything too stupid for the rest of the day.

Arcee: *bites her lower lip and nods*

Bulkhead: Don't worry, I'll do your patrol. After Torky 'n I clean this up. *looks around as he takes his hand off Rockface's face*

Witchblade: *walks up behind Dixie, rubbing her optics* What happened?

Rockface: *so much sulk right now*

Torque: 'Cee and Rocky had a mishap during sparring. Nothin' Wake 'n June couldn't handle.

Witchblade: *pause and blink, then snigger* Faiiiil.

Rockface: *scowl/sulk*

Arcee: *moving to help Rockface to his feet*

Witchblade: *looks down* Meep! Human. *picks Dixie up*

Dixie: Ack!

WakeJumper: Careful, Witchy. She's not as used to us as the Lt. Col. and the kids.

Witchblade: Yeah, I kin tell. Standin' there right in squish range... *frowns at the woman in her hands*

June: *makes a very amazing face just then as she tries to contain a yawn*

WakeJumper: June, why don't you go get some rest? I can keep an eye on these nutbars.

June: *rubs eyes* Yeah, I guess I'd better. *then blinks as her brain sputters on lack of sleep* o.0

WakeJumper: *carefully wiping his hands down and stowing the towel for now. Will gently lift June and cradle her in his hands*

June: *blink blink. Wan and sheepish grin* Sorry.

WakeJumper: *chuckles and moves to bring June to where Beau is* *pauses when he sees where the Lt. Col. is sleeping, will check the crate for room before gently tucking June into the blankets on the hospital bed*

June: *twists and reaches for her feet to pull ties loose, then kicks off her shoes. Is embarrassed about being treated like a little child, but has learned that the Autobots and Taubots simply can't understand her protests about it* *sudden blink* Wait. What did you guys do with that red haired guy?

WakeJumper: Kriti said he's working on the human barrack. And talking about cooking lunch.

June: Oh. Alright. *grins, muffles a yawn, and conks out after checking on Optimus, since the Prima's the only person she can really see other than WakeJumper*

Witchblade: *standing in the doorway with Dixie in the crook of one arm* Should we shut this door, Wake?

WakeJumper: *as he moves to exit the room* Might be a good idea.

Witchblade: Okay. *gets out of his way and then goes to put Dixie down and see if she can't have fun hindering Bulkhead and Torque's cleaning efforts*

WakeJumper: *gently lifts Dixie to keep her out of harm's way* *talks to Eclipse over comms, small nod. Moves to occupy a couple of control room crates as the orange and black femme brings Lumen there as well*

Dixie: *as she gets gently set on the balcony, her thoughts turn to just how much like a big family the Autobots and Taubots are*

Lumen: *half asleep, talking and hiccoughing around a mouthful of bunny ear as Mama brings him in*

Dixie: *moves to sit on the couch as she remembers how Miranda used to hold Beau the same way Eclipse is holding Lumen. Will think about how Beau is currently being held and muse to herself for awhile on how Denver's not the only MacKenzie that has been adopted here*

((Written with random_xtras))