TPF. Dallas' House and Autobot Outpost Omega One. Semi-Reunion

[dens_extra_pups]

Knockout: *laying quietly on the grass in Dallas' yard, his optics dim and half shuttered. Hasn't noticed that the day is ending. Is just dozing as peacefully as he can with the way his head is throbbing from that last encounter with Witchblade*

Dallas: *is the sound of a motorcycle approaching*

Knockout: *thinks he hears something. And then thinks he's dreaming it. Turns head slightly, winces, and goes still again*

Dallas: *slows as she makes it up the driveway. Is clad head to toe in black leather, and has what looks like a fiery bird on her helmet* ... *a bit muffled* Knockout? Are you alright?

Knockout: *head turns further and optics brighten slightly as his shutters lift somewhat* ...Dallas?

Dallas: *parks the motorcycle and gets off before removing her helmet. Will move to approach, concern clear on her face despite the fading light*

Knockout: *scuffed, filthy, and appears utterly exhausted and in pain. Also is clearly not fully aware of his surroundings*

Dallas: *moving to fuss and fret as only she can*

Knockout: *wakes with a start that's followed by a groan* Oh. Is you. I... made it. *slight snerk*

Dallas: *worried* What happened?

Knockout: I got kissed.

Dallas: You're soaking wet... Did she spray you with water or something?

Knockout: Uh... *lifts head slightly* Oh. No. I think her boyfriend kicked me into a reservoir.

Dallas: *wince* Let's get you cleaned up...

Knockout: *sets head back down very gently* Hurts to move.

Dallas: I can bring a bucket around to the front.

Knockout: *slight smile as his optic shutters drop*

Dallas: *goes to get the bucket and all the good cleaning supplies*

Knockout: *passed out completely when she gets back, one arm resting beside him on the ground, and the other laying across his belly* *head still turned toward her*

Dallas: *moves to begin hosing Knockout down*

Knockout: *soft yelp and startles awake*

Dallas: *soothing sounds* Easy... I need to get you hosed down so I can start cleaning you up...

Knockout: *shivers slightly* I'm on the ground, Dallas. I'm just going... *optic shutters flutter and droop* All dirty again...

Dallas: Well, at least lemme get what I can...

Knockout: *slight twitch of a smirk* Can't... stop you.

Dallas: *being careful as she sprays water, followed by a soft, soapy sponge*

Knockout: *shivers and sighs, trying to smile. Passes out again*

Dallas: *careful and thorough as she cleans the parts of Knockout that she can reach easily*

Knockout: *silent at first, but as she continues to work his systems start a faint and broken rumbling that isn't a purr*

Dallas: *pauses* Knockout? *worried*

Knockout: *faintly, without moving* Hmmmm?

Dallas: Are you sure you're alright?

Knockout: No.

Dallas: *bites her lower lip* What's wrong?

Knockout: *peeks at her, confused* ...Didn't I tell you?

Dallas: Yeah... But you're making a weird sound... *worried*

Knockout: *brow furrows as he tries to pinpoint the sound in question, but then he sighs and settles down again* It's alright.

Dallas: *frown* Alright... *moves to resume cleaning him up*

Knockout: *dozes again, his fingers twitching occasionally in response to trips taken by his overcharged processor*

Dallas: *starts carefully rinsing the soap off*

Knockout: *sits bolt upright, his optics wide as he dreams of being submerged in the murky water of the man made pond*

Dallas: *startled squeak as she trips and lands on her butt*

Knockout: *looks down at her, still wide-eyed. Is very plainly confused and surprised*

Dallas: *moving to get up* O.o

Knockout: What... what happened?

Dallas: You were asleep while I was cleaning you... Then you woke up...

Knockout: *blink blink, then rubs face* Water. I dreamed...

Dallas: *as she moves to start cleaning his back* Do you want to talk about it?

Knockout: *chin on chest* No...

Dallas: Okay. *starts cleaning*

Knockout: ...I'm going to get dirty again when I lay down. *sounds slightly lost*

Dallas: Then I'll clean you again. *gentle scrubbing*

Knockout: *sighs, optic shutters drooping. But then staggers to feet and transforms* Someone's coming!

Dallas: *looks up, startled* But nobody comes this way after five... *worried now. Will go get her baseball bat, as well as her wild hog-scaring gun*

June: *pulls carefully up the driveway in Beau's sedan. Is giving Dixie a ride so that the blonde can come and check on her other niece* Oh. She's got a nice car.

Dallas: *expression sours when she sees who is in the passenger seat of the unfamiliar sedan* *hands on hips* Excuse me, but y'all are trespassing.

June: *stops and peers through the windshield at the unfriendly looking redhead* ...I see the family resemblance.

Dixie: *so much frown, lots of concern in her expression*

June: What's she saying? *shuts car off*

Dixie: Ah dunno... *moving to unbuckle*

Dallas: *so much scowl*

June: *turns the key again so that Dixie can roll down her window. Doesn't think she wants to get out when the woman they've come to see is holding a rifle and a baseball bat*

Dixie: *rolls the window down*

Dallas: Y'all are trespassing. This is private property.

Dixie: We's je's checkin' up 'n y'u, Dallas.

Dallas: *scowls darkly*

June: *ducks head and looks past Dixie* And Beau asked us to bring you this smoked turkey. *points to back seat*

Dallas: ... What?

June: *blinks* Smoked turkey. Beau said you used to love it.

Dallas: *snort* That doofus...

June: *grin that holds affection for the man in question* Yes, yes, he is. So do you want this?

Dallas: *moves to put the baseball bat and gun away*

June: *has gotten out of the sedan when Dallas returns, and is over looking at the red Acura* Aww, it looks like it was caught in a storm.

Dallas: It was just bad timing... And another idiot on the road.

Dixie: Y'u're doin' well, looks lahk.

Dallas: *see her ignore you, Dixie? She's gonna be doing that the entire time you're here*

June: *glances at Dixie, then looks at the car again* *to Dallas* Are you alright? I mean, what happened?

Dallas: Some jerkface in a big SUV acted like an overly-entitled jerk. Nothing I haven't dealt with before... Just this time, it was a closer call than I'd like, so I had to sit on the side of the road for a bit to calm down.

June: *gentle touch for the car* I can't believe anyone would try to run down something like this. Is it foreign?

Dallas: Hey, don't touch... *frown* It's an Acura NSX... Acura's a Japanese company.

June: *meeps and puts hands behind her back* Sorry. *more softly* It's beautiful.

Dallas: *nod* I like it. *highly suspects Knockout would be quite pleased if he wasn't pretending to be nothing more than an expensive luxury car*

Dixie: *small frown* 'Ow're y'u able t' afford th's, Dallas?

June: *quick glance of surprise for Dixie*

Dallas: *narrows her eyes* Years of saving. That's how.

Knockout: *rear tire trembles as he fights to hold alt mode*

Dixie: *dryly* Obviousleh.

Dallas: *to June* You mentioned smoked turkey.

June: *perks at a way to maybe clear some of the tension. Turns to go back to the sedan and get the bird, bumping Dixie with her shoulder along the way. As a result neither woman sees the tremor that passes over Knockout's whole body* Right. Turkey. Um, Dixie, give me a hand with this?

Dixie: Alrahght. *moves to help June*

Dallas: *gentle scrubbing with the soft side of the sponge, is hoping against hope that Dixie and the dark-haired woman will be gone soon, so she can finish tending to Knockout*

June: *as she and Dixie haul the big bird in its wrappings out of the back seat of the sedan* Where should we put it?

Knockout: *very very softly* Dallas... I don't think I can... hold this form... much longer.

Dallas: Here. I'll take care of it. *sets sponge in bucket and moves to grab the bird*

June: *uncertainly* Can you handle it yourself?

Dallas: I've got it. *and she really does. This close, it's apparent that she's done a lot of physical labor over the years*

June: Alright. *lets go her end of the turkey and takes a step back*

Dallas: *easily carries the turkey into the house*

Dixie: *a bit surprised to suddenly have the weight of the turkey lifted away* ... O.o

Dallas: *as she works on situating the turkey* Be careful of the pothole on your way back to the road.

June: *blinks and looks at Dixie*

Dixie: *small nod* We will. *moves to usher June back toward the sedan* *quietly* Le's git goin'... *knows Dallas could come back with her rifle, and thinks the girl looks prone to do it*

June: Did she just tell us not to let the door hit our #$$#@ on the way out?

Dixie: *nod*

June: *frowning as she gets into the car and buckles in*

Dixie: *getting in and buckling up as well* :/

June: *as she turns the sedan and starts driving carefully back down the rutted drive* Dixie, what is it about you that affects all your nieces that way?

Dallas: *watching the sedan until it's well and truly out of sight, then she's heading back out* They're gone.

Knockout: *already in root mode, sprawled awkwardly on his side where he collapsed after automatically transforming as he passed out*

Dallas: *will move to resume cleaning as well as she can, worry for the big red being in her yard showing clearly on her face* *gets the parts she can reach clean, and then goes inside and raids the old carved chest that came with the house. Soon, by dint of much hauling and pushing, has Knockout laying on several quilts. Will cover him with the rest of her collection*

Knockout: *only response to the moving and covering is a soft groan. Then he falls silent but for the regular intake of air through his cooling vents*

Dallas: *makes sure Knockout is comfortable before moving to get her little portable radio to do a weather check*


Meanwhile, at the Autobot base


Optimus: *looks around from where she'd been speaking to Saelen* Ah, here come the rest of the kids.

Saelen: *blinks and looks around* Kids like Denver?

Optimus: *as Bulkhead, Bumblebee, and Arcee roar down the tunnel* Jack and Miko are Denver's age. Raf is younger. *turns and steps forward to meet the youngsters as they exit their guardians*

Raf: *pokes glasses up* How's Denver?

Jack: *his expression echoes the question as he looks up at the Prima*

Optimus: *glances at a hyper as usual Miko* Her fever broke this morning. She's still ill, but June says it won't take long for her to recover. She's sleeping right now.

Cody: *sees more peoples! Moves to get up from where he's been laying next to Saelen's feet* *AROOOOOO!!!*

Miko: *startled ack*

Jack: Wow! What the...! *arms up as he winces away from the unexpected noise*

Raf: *startles, but then grins widely* It's a dog!

Miko: We got a dog? Sweet!

Cody: *will move to sniff at the peoples*

Saelen: Cody won't hurt you... He might make a lot of noise at first, but he warms up to ya quick. *chuckle*

Raf: *has a hug for a dog and squinted shut eyes for a dog kiss*

Jack: *uncertain but happy grin as he looks at Saelen* Is he yours?

Saelen: No... The white guy with the green on him... Wheeljack? *looks up to Optimus*

Optimus: *nods* Wheeljack found him. He'll be staying here while I try to find his owner.

Raf: And if you can't find them?

Optimus: Then Cody will stay here.

Bumblebee: Bweebeeboo! *fist in the air. Then looks around for a little blue femme*

Arcee: ... Does he shed? *eying all that fur*

Cody: *waggatail as he sits by Raf* *is a good dog, yes?*

Optimus: *looks thoughtfully at the dog* Probably no more than Sam.

Bulkhead: I dunno about that. *chuckle* He's bigger and has longer fur. *stoops to offer a hand to the dog*

Cody: *sniffahand, lick*

Saelen: As long as he gets brushed regularly, it shouldn't be too bad... *chuckle*

Bulkhead: Heh. What is it about organic pets 'n polishin' people? *then lifts his head and looks down the hall as someone acks and demands that Bob stop trying to wash them* Okay. Pets in general.

Miko: Aww, I think he likes you, Bulkhead. ^_^

Cody: *waggatail*

Kriti: *squealing and laughing now* Bob! Lemme go! That tickles!

Cody: *ears up, headtilt*

Bumblebee: *races down the hall to rescue Kriti! Is soon squealing helplessly and trying to protect his face from slurps*

Kriti: *trying to fend Bob off as well* Bob! No! *laughing*

Optimus: *straightens, frowning slightly as she thinks that all the noise will wake Ratchet, Panacea, and Denver* Bob, heel!

Raf: ...Will that work?

Cody: *more headtilt* *then he's moving to get up as he realizes something* *bit of a whine*

Saelen: Oh! Um... Optimus, where's the nearest secure door to the outside?

Bob: *chitters and comes to see who's calling his name*

Optimus: *as she gently fends off the old Insecticon's offers of affection* The elevator. No, Bob. Settle down.

Saelen: Okay. Cody, come... *moves to bring the dog to the elevator*

Cody: *oh, he's going to be let out, okay. Need to pee!*

Bulkhead: *looks at Arcee* ...What was that all about?

Arcee: ... I have no idea.

Optimus: *as Bob goes to lay on WakeJumper's feet... and much of his lower legs* Cody needs to eliminate waste.

Bulkhead: *exchanges glance with Miko* Ewwww.

WakeJumper: *scritches for Bob, is sitting on a couple crates as he watches the monitors*

Kriti: *busy fussing over Bumblebee, kthx*

Optimus: *shakes head at Bulkhead and Miko, then turns to Arcee* Rockface is resting quietly.

Arcee: *small nod* *will head for the infirmary to sit with her mate*

Optimus: *and then calls Beau on his cellphone to let him know that June and Dixie just pulled up the tunnel in the sedan. And that they don't look happy*

Beau: *from where he's sitting in the mess and trying to figure out how to word "Sparklet ate my homework"* //...How not happy do they look?//

Optimus: //I think they might have been fighting.//

Beau: *groan* //Oh, no...//

Optimus: Yes. *straightens, and then wobbles*

Bulkhead: *steps forward and catches her* ...Have you been following doctor's orders?

Miko: *meeps*

Optimus: Yes... *winces and puts a hand to her chest* WakeJumper?

June: *out of the sedan and worrying* Optimus? What's wrong?

Raf: *worried kid climbing up onto the balcony*

WakeJumper: *shoves Bob off of his lap and moves to scan Optimus*

Bob: *so much worried chittering and hissing! Will try to gank Miko and protect her*

Miko: *eeeeks!*

WakeJumper: Optimus, go get some rest. *is calm now that he knows what's going on* You've been pushing yourself a bit too much again...

Optimus: *sighs and nods wearily* Bulkhead, will you help me?

Bulkhead: Yeah. Sure. *supports the Prima as she makes her slow way to the hallway and then to bed*

June: *looks up at WakeJumper* Was she disobeying your orders?

Dixie: *frowning a bit as she watches Optimus get helped down the hall*

WakeJumper: *headshake* She's just been over-doing it a bit. At least this time, we caught it soon enough that it wasn't a problem.

Miko: *trying to get away from Bob, kthx*

June: *quietly* Is it the spark damage?

WakeJumper: *small nod* And some of it is from she and Ratchet trying to figure out their bond... They're more deeply bonded than Eclipse and me...

Raf: *frowns and rests his chin on his hands, which are on the railing*

Miko: *as she manages to escape from Bob* They're gonna be alright, right?

WakeJumper: *as he moves to put a hand on Bob's face* They will be. They just need rest.

June: How long? *looks toward the hallway as she thinks she hears Beau's step*

WakeJumper: *quietly* It's hard to say. If it was simply the deepness of their bond, I'd say probably a couple of weeks, at most...

Jack: But you're sure they'll get better? *worried frown from where he's climbed up to stand by Raf*

WakeJumper: *nod* The damage to their sparks is healing.

Beau: *quietly* And having their kids close by is helping, too. *checked on Denver before coming to the control room*

Miko: Even with Ratchet's squish-phobia?

Beau: Denver's still on the hospital bed, Miko.

Dixie: *giving Miko a bit of an O.o look now*

June: *sighs and walks over to lean against Beau in quest of hug* *quietly* Dallas seems to have about the same opinion of Dixie as Denver does. She was happy to have the turkey, though.

Beau: *quietly* Dallas is Denver, ten years older... Or she was the last time I talked to her... *gives hugs*

June: *head on his shoulder as her hands clasp behind his back* She sure has a sweet car, though.

Jack: Miko. *small exasperated sound* Stop making faces at Mrs. Lamont.

Miko: She started it. *sulk*

Beau: *chuckle* Lemme guess, something vintage that she restored from a rusted out frame? *thinks he knows his cousin so well*

June: Candy apple red Acura NSX. Some jerk ran her off the road today.

Beau: ... *raised brow*

June: *looks up as she feels him tense slightly* What's wrong? *glances over toward the teenager argument on the balcony, but doesn't see anything out of the ordinary*

Beau: The other day, Denver showed me the cover of her newest 'Car and Driver'... One of the featured cars looks just like Knockout's alt mode... The Acura NSX...

June: *eyes snap back to his face* ...One of the Decepticons?

Beau: *nod, lips thin*

June: *quirk a brow* You don't think Dallas' car is a Decepticon?

Beau: It's a possibility... Bulkhead and Witchblade did mention that they crossed paths with Knockout this morning...

June: *deep breath* We have to tell her.

Beau: I just hope she won't try throwing anything at me on sight...

June: Do you want me to come along?

Dixie: Come 'long wh're? *looking over from trying to stop Miko and Jack from arguing*

Raf: *also looks over from where he'd been trying to distract Dixie from her fruitless attempt at intervention*

Beau: To talk to Dallas.

Dixie: ... Good luck wit' th't. *turns back to the squabble*

Raf: Mrs. Lamont, Miko's only arguing because you're trying to stop her.

June: *facepalm* Miko, please!

Saelen: *back from letting Cody out* Whoah!

Cody: *ears up, moves to put himself between Miko and Dixie*

Bob: *chitters and comes to look at Cody*

June: *looks back to Beau, her brows lifting as she waits for his answer* *quietly* Or maybe you should bring one of the Cybertronians.

Beau: *small nod* That might work... Especially since Knockout is known to be dangerous...

June: *looks over to the bot by the monitors* WakeJumper, where is everyone?

Jack: *aware that something's up and leaning on the railing to frown down at his mom*

WakeJumper: *moves to check* Well, Optimus and Ratchet are resting in their quarters... Kriti, quit making that face at me. I won't repair you if your face gets stuck like that. Bulkhead is with Witchblade... Up on the mesa... Torque's patrolling near the riverbed again... And Muhlisha's tending Javalina in the nursery.

June: Can you call any of them back for a mission with Beau?

Wheeljack: *as he leans against the wall at the entrance to the hall* I'm game.

June: *looks over doubtfully* I don't know... *glances at Beau as she thinks of Wheeljack's loose cannon tendencies*

Beau: *sizing Wheeljack up and mentally comparing the mech to what he remembers of Knockout* Maybe Bumblebee should go too.

Kriti: *frowning muchly now* I want to help out...

Wheeljack: This isn't a job for a kid. But don't worry, there'll be other... urk! *looks down at the angry little blue thing fixed to his front*

Bumblebee: *just came in. Optics widen* Woooo...

Kriti: *visor down, has both sets of claws sunk into Wheeljack's midsection now* *low growl* I am not a kid.

Beau: *boggling*

Miko: 0_0

WakeJumper: *pinching the bridge of his nose*

Jack: *see above*

Raf: o.o

June: Kriti, knock. It. Off. And I don't mean Wheeljack's head. *hands on hips. Mad mama face is go*

Kriti: *coldly* Fine. *gets her claws out of Wheeljack. Doorwing angle suggests that she might be a bit irritated right now... Approach with caution!*

Bumblebee: *leans over and beeps softly at Saelen. What did he miss?*

Saelen: *as Kriti storms off* Er... I think Wheeljack just dissed her...

WakeJumper: *up and over to see what the damage is*

Bumblebee: *turns and gives Wheeljack a Look* THRRRRPT!

Raf: *small laugh at funny sound*

June: *looks up at Beau and pokes him*

Beau: ... That... was a bit frightening...

Wheeljack: *as WakeJumper makes him sit down* That was Desi's kid... No doubt about that...

Bob: *pushes past Wheeljack to go to his baby. Baby is sad!*

Muhlisha: *comes walking out a bit later* Wheeljack, you want I should kick yer slaggin' aft?

Wheeljack: What? *scowls at WakeJumper as the medic works on patching gouged fuel lines*

Muhlisha: *gets hold of the back of Wheeljack's skidplate and heaves upward*

Wheeljack: *startled protest*

WakeJumper: Muhlisha, I need to finish repairing that, so don't break him too badly.

Muhlisha: What's all the scrap about anyhow? *smacks the skidplate she just yanked. You got spanked for being rude, Jackie*

Wheeljack: *just a bit confused and trying to figure out what the scrap is going on* Hey! *trying to swat back, scowl*

Jack: *calls over* Hey, Wheeljack?

Wheeljack: What? *trying to escape Muhlisha's grip*

Jack: You don't want to do that.

Miko: Unless you wanna be a pancake. :D

Bumblebee: Bwoooobeedeep!

Wheeljack: What'd I say?

WakeJumper: Calling Kriti a 'Kid' is a stupid thing, Wheeljack.

Bumblebee: *talks earnestly*

Raf: And you're swatting at a superior officer.

Miko: And somebody who could make you into a pancake. XD

Jack: Miko, quit with the pancake. *face palm*

Miko: ... *looks to June and Dixie* *grin* Can we have pancakes for dinner?

June: Not now, Miko. *frowning toward the quarrelling bots*

Beau: *to Muhlisha* We might have located Knockout after his most recent encounter with Bulkhead and Witchblade.

Muhlisha: *lets go of Wheeljack* Bee, yer with me. *looks at Wheeljack thoughtfully* //Kriti, you okay stayin' with Lina? I gotta go check this Knockout thing.//

Kriti: //Yeah...// *can you just see the pout that's starting, 'Lisha?*

Muhlisha: //Don't worry. There'll be other afts ta kick.//

Kriti: //Yeah... Wheeljack'd better quit runnin' his vox while I'm here.//

Muhlisha: //He'll learn.// *looks up at the mech in question* Yer comin' too. *goes to Beau and hunkers down* Where, Mac?

Beau: *names the address* It's just down the road from the ranch.

June: *quietly* His cousin's place.

Muhlisha: ...That's a kinda sister 're brother, right?

Beau: The son or daughter of a parent's sibling.

Muhlisha: *nods, figuring she's right* So you wanna come too?

Dixie: ... But th's ain't a 'Bot problem... *confused*

Miko: It is if Muhlisha says it is.

Beau: *nod* *to Muhlisha* The sooner we get going, the better.

Muhlisha: Wake, how fixed is afthat? *looks over*

WakeJumper: Lemme patch that last bleeder, then he'll be battle ready again. *no, he's not going to fix the claw marks in Wheeljack's armor*

Muhlisha: Kay. *transforms and opens her door*

Bumblebee: *waves to Raf and then transforms himself*

Beau: *moves to get into Muhlisha's interior*

WakeJumper: *finishes patching the line* Okay. Get going. Don't shoot any humans.

Wheeljack: *grumble, mutter*

Muhlisha: Yeah, Jackie. Stay in line. *sounds so Brawn right now*

Wheeljack: *at one with his scowl* *till he transforms*

Muhlisha: *quiet horn toot* You're in charge till I get back, Wake.

WakeJumper: Stay safe.

Muhlisha: Duh. *chuckles and roars down the tunnel*

Bumblebee: *revs and follows close behind!*

Wheeljack: *reluctantly brings up the rear*

Jack: *as the team leaves. Looks at Dixie* Why wouldn't it be 'Bot business, Mrs. Lamont? *quirks his brows quizzically, aware of Raf also looking toward the blonde woman*

Dixie: 'Cause Beau 'n Dallas' fahght o'er 'er boyfriend 't th' tahm ain't anehth'n' t' be worry'n' 'bout.

Jack: ... They're not worrying about a fight. They're going to investigate a 'Con sighting.

Raf: *nod nod. Ducks a Miko grab. Fixes glasses*

Dixie: ... *just a bit of a blank look going on now*

Jack: Knockout is a Decepticon.

Miko: A bad guy!

Raf: *looks over at Saelen*

Saelen: ... Joy.

Miko: It's always a joy to get rid of 'Cons. *makes another grab at Raf* *pause* I hear clicking. ...Where's Roddy?

Jack: 0.0 *off the balcony and running for the hall!*


Meanwhile...


Muhlisha: Think you oughtta call yer cousin? *absently puts classic rock on her stereo*

Beau: She'd just hang up with me. Part of the reason she left was that she and I had a disagreement over something stupid...

Muhlisha: ...How stupid?

Beau: Stupider than Wheeljack calling Kriti a kid.

Muhlisha: ...Spill it, Mac.

Beau: *sigh, reach to change to a country station* I tried forbidding her from seeing the transient she was dating at the time...

Muhlisha: *changes back* Transient? What's that in dumb talk?

Beau: Homeless guy who wanders. *so we have a battle of music then?*

Muhlisha: My stereo, my tunes. ...Homeless guy like the one behind the high grade dump in town?

Beau: Yeah... *frown*

Muhlisha: ...Yuck.

Beau: *nod* See why I didn't want her seeing the guy anymore?

Muhlisha: That old 'n that smelly?

Beau: Not quite, but he was in his twenties, when Dallas was still sixteen.

Muhlisha: ...Zat a problem?

Beau: There are some really sick people in the world who only see children and teenagers as something to be used.

Muhlisha: ...Oh. Well Torky ain't one.

Beau: You were an adult when you met him, right?

Muhlisha: Percy 'n Fixer figured my processor was mature enough fer me ta lead the Guard.

Beau: *small nod* So you were legal. The authorities wouldn't be able to do anything about your relationship. Dallas was still a minor, like Jack, Miko, Raf, and Denver are now...

Muhlisha: Ahhh. Hrrrm. Maybe we should'a brought Saelen along.

Beau: ... That would probably tick Dallas off enough to wield a heavy object with lethal intent.

Muhlisha: Heh. She sounds like some'a my batch sisters back home.

Beau: What are they like?

Muhlisha: You've seen the lotta us Wreckers. Some of them 're Wreckers too. The rest're similar, only they don't shoot so often.

Beau: Ah... Alright

Muhlisha: What're the coordinates again?

Beau: *repeats the address*

Muhlisha: ...Coordinates, Mac.

Beau: *looking those up now. Miko took the time to show him how to navigate the internet on his phone the other day*

Muhlisha: Do I turn here? This's the road that goes past yer place.

Beau: Yes. Keep going till you see *names the number of Dallas' house* The number will be on a blue sign.

Muhlisha: You guys have the dumbest... *remembers manners* Weird ta see a planet all numbered out like a station.

Beau: Well, it works for getting emergency services out to a remote location.

Muhlisha: So would coordinates. *roars on down the road that goes past his ranch* ...Yer door locked?

Beau: Yes, it is.

Muhlisha: Good. Denver's gettin' feisty again.

Beau: *chuckles* Good...

Muhlisha: *drives on a bit more, and then passes the ranch with its gnarly old scrub oaks showing up darkly against the very last rays of the setting sun*

Beau: *after a little while* There's the driveway.

Muhlisha: *as she slows to turn* //Jackie, Bee, you guys wait out here.//

Bumblebee: *soft sounds as he slows and obediently pulls to the side of the road*

Wheeljack: //You'd better save some for us if there's a fight.// *just a bit grouchy as he pulls off the road behind Bumblebee*

Muhlisha: //Stuff a sock in it.// *pulls onto the driveway and navigates its ruts and potholes with AWD ease*

Beau: ... That's a lot of quilts. *staring at the large quilt-covered shape out in front of the tiny adobe house*

Muhlisha: *glances that way with her sensors* ...Yup. Knockout. He's in pretty rough shape... *startles slightly* Is that a gun?

Beau: ... I think so. *worried*

Dallas: *just started moving to get up, since she heard another vehicle approaching*

Muhlisha: *stops just at the end of the driveway, her engine idling as she watches the red haired human woman* ...Mac, she just patted 'im.

Beau: ... *raised brow* Okay, so that could mean he's not holding her hostage... *that, and the fact that Dallas has her gun in her hand*

Muhlisha: Don't think he could hold anythin' anywhere right now. You've seen guys after Witchy gets 'em.

Beau: *nod* Aaaand she's seen us...

Dallas: *frowning and watching the brown and green SUV now*

Muhlisha: How quick on the trigger is she?

Beau: It depends on how awake she is.

Dallas: *expression unreadable as she gets a good look at Beau*

Muhlisha: *opens the door, still closely watching the human woman*

Dallas: *eyes narrow as she notices one of the symbols on the SUV that Knockout told her meant someone to avoid, sets down gun and gets to her feet. Will stand with her feet firmly planted, hands on hips, and attempt to stare the SUV down*

Beau: *cautiously getting out after unbuckling* *knows Dallas has that gun within reachable distance*

Dallas: Go away. *so much scowl on her face*

Muhlisha: *so only Beau can hear* Got yer back, Mac.

Beau: *slight nod* *to Dallas* I'm not here to fight with you, Dallas.

Dallas: *coldly* Then get off of my property.

Beau: I can't do that, Dallas.

Muhlisha: *watching quietly, her stereo silent now*

Dallas: Too bad. You're getting off my property now. Both of you.

Muhlisha: ...!

Beau: ...

Dallas: *not budging* Get going.

Muhlisha: *abruptly rises up into her true form, the intensity of her feelings making the true colour of her optics show and seem teal through their blue glass covers* Like Mac said, we can't do that.

Dallas: *sooo not scared* You're trespassing.

Muhlisha: We're trackin' a criminal.

Dallas: Bull.

Muhlisha: Nope. Bot.

Dallas: *expression darkening* Get off my property. Now.

Muhlisha: You want the law on yer aft?

Dallas: I could ask you the same thing.

Beau: *staring at his cousin and thinking to himself that she definitely has cajones*

Muhlisha: We're US military representatives, on the trail of a known threat to the security of the country and the safety of its citizens. *where did her accent go?*

Dallas: Military or not, you need a warrant to be searching my property.

Muhlisha: *pulls out that standard one Agent Fowler gave Optimus awhile back and holds it out. Upside down* Not like we need to search. He's right there.

Dallas: *so much scowl... Can you see the family resemblances?* You're not taking him anywhere.

Muhlisha: Yeah. We are. *frowns* Starting with someplace with a good energy sink.

Dallas: *backing up until she's almost touching Knockout* You leave him alone. He's had a crappy enough day. *protecting the Decepticon*

Muhlisha: Look lady, I know ya love the creep. But he's a sonuvaglitch that's gotta pay fer what he's done.

Beau: 0_0 *giving Muhlisha an incredulous look*

Dallas: *just a very slight blush going now*

Muhlisha: 'N he needs medical help. *walks over and leans down to pull one of the quilts aside*

Dallas: *worried now, moves to check on Knockout*

Muhlisha: *gently prodding the Decepticon medic* Slag. This don't look like just Witchy's combat kissin'.

Beau: ... Maybe we should call WakeJumper...

Dallas: *bites her lower lip* He said something earlier about getting kicked into a reservoir... *setting up to fret in her own way*

Muhlisha: *removing quilts, and then easily lifting the larger mech and looking at his back* *low cuss and removes a dart such as what MECH uses* He run inta somebody else after Witchy 'n Bulky, Mac.

Beau: ... Scrap...

Dallas: *boggles as she sees the ease at which Muhlisha lifts Knockout. Knows it took a lot of pushing and careful tugging just to get the mech onto the quilts by herself*

Muhlisha: Which means we gotta get that extra energy drained, or he's nothin' but spare parts.

Dallas: *bites her lower lip again* ... I'm not leaving him.

Muhlisha: *looks at Beau. He's the human expert here*

Beau: *can tell that Dallas is worried about Knockout* ... And me without a blindfold.

Muhlisha: *frown* No way we're bringin' a 'Con back ta base. Not with Lina 'n the others there.

Beau: Call WakeJumper and Eclipse.

Muhlisha: *does so, and tells the pair what she and Beau have found*

Eclipse: //... I might have something that could help...//

WakeJumper: //Coordinates?//

Muhlisha: *looks around, and then gives coordinates to where Wheeljack and Bumblebee are sitting, since there's no real room for bridging in here*

WakeJumper: //We'll be right there... No, Lu, stay with Raf.//

Muhlisha: *warns Wheeljack* //Don't go shootin' 'em.//

Wheeljack: //Please. I've seen what Quadriate-sparked mechs can do when they're startled.//

WakeJumper and Eclipse: *there as the ground bridge opens... and heading up the driveway*

Dallas: *staring at the orange and black Search-and-Rescue SUV that's flanked by an orange and black Nissan Fairlady Z 350* ... What the...

Muhlisha: *down on one knee now as she supports Knockout* Hurry up, guys.

Eclipse: *transforming, as is WakeJumper*

WakeJumper: Set him down, 'Lisha... *scanning Knockout and then he's helping Eclipse hook one of her contraptions to the ailing mech*

Muhlisha: *backing away slightly and watching as the medic and his mate work*

Dallas: *warily watching the mech work, even as she gently touches Knockout's face*

Muhlisha: *quietly* What're we gonna do, Mac?

Beau: *quietly* Even if he is a Decepticon, he was attacked by someone who could attack an Autobot next... I think we need to focus on finding whoever it was that attacked him, if only to cover our own afts.

Muhlisha: So we gotta let the slagger go this time? *presses lips together with displeasure*

Beau: *small nod* *quietly* We'll get another chance.

Muhlisha: *grumbles and turns her attention back to the operation*

WakeJumper: *scanning Knockout to make sure Eclipse's contraption isn't harming the mech as it siphons excess energy away*

Dallas: *talking quietly to the mech, though it also sounds like she's trying to reassure herself*

Muhlisha: *to WakeJumper* Looks like the glitches shot 'im after his run in with Witchy 'n Bulky.

WakeJumper: *frown* That explains a lot, really... Did you hang onto whatever he got shot with?

Muhlisha: *holds out the dart*

WakeJumper: *frowns and carefully reaches for the dart* Looks like something MECH uses...

Muhlisha: That's what I'm sayin'. *gives it* Tazer charge.

WakeJumper: *small nod as he carefully stows the dart in a storage compartment*

Beau: It would be our luck that they're pulling crap even with Silas MIA.

Muhlisha: Well we caught the $%@#$#@. Not our fault you guys let 'em go.

Beau: *Look* We didn't let them go. The members of MECH that weren't captured broke everyone out.

Muhlisha: Same difference. *attention snaps to Knockout as the mech groans*

WakeJumper: Easy... Don't move yet. *attention back on the patient*

Dallas: *fretting just a bit more*

Knockout: *optics flicker on and are accompanied by a look of alarm*

WakeJumper: I mean it. *scanning and moving to disconnect Eclipse's contraption* So what happened after you ran into Witchblade and Bulkhead? *far too calm-seeming*

Knockout: *blinks, and then takes on a look of intense concentration as he searches his garbled processor* I... have no slagging clue. I don't even know how I got here.

Dallas: *quietly* You were here when I got home from work...

Knockout: *frowns, and then goes a little wide-eyed for a split instant before he sits up* I have a hostage! *Dallas in hand!*

Muhlisha: *snerk* Sheeeya, right.

Beau: %$#%$#, please. *rolls his eyes*

Eclipse: *staring at Beau now*

Knockout: *bewildered glance at Dallas, and then holds her up* She's right here.

Muhlisha: *snerkle*

WakeJumper: *rolls his optics* We're not here to fight, Knockout.

Dallas: *looks to Muhlisha* You're still not taking him anywhere. *scowls at the femme*

Knockout: Dallas, that isn't helping...

Muhlisha: *turns away to hide her guffaws*

WakeJumper: We'd better get back to base, guys... *so amused. Will pick up Eclipse, just to make her squeak*

Muhlisha: Yeah, yeah. *transforms and opens her door*

Beau: *moves to get in*

Eclipse: *rambling and bapping mate now* Put me down, Wake!!!

Knockout: *staring at the Autobot and the Taubots, but then abruptly stumbles to his feet, Dallas absently held to his chest* Wait! Where's Breakdown?

Dallas: *startles and clings*

WakeJumper: ... *shrug* If he's not with you, then we've got no idea.

Muhlisha: Ain't heard'a him since our last scrap. *turns toward the driveway*

Eclipse: *squeaks as WakeJumper lets her go, then hauls off and slugs him on the leg before transforming and driving off*

WakeJumper: *cringe* At least it wasn't a wrench this time... *moving to transform*

Knockout: *settling back onto his quilt bed as his processor spins, still holding Dallas without realizing it*

Dallas: *gently patpatting his chest*

WakeJumper: *soft snerk, will drive off once he's transformed*

Knockout: *realizes that he's being patted and looks down a little blankly* ...They forgot something.

Dallas: *puzzled expression is a go*

Knockout: Me. They had me, but they left me here.

Dallas: *quietly* I'm glad they left you here.

Knockout: ... *blink blink* ...What did you tell them?

Dallas: That they weren't going to take you anywhere. And that they needed a warrant to be on my property... and that they were trespassing.

Knockout: That... wouldn't have done the trick. *optics dim as his chin droops* Ugh...

Dallas: *gently* Get some rest. I'm not going anywhere.

Knockout: *lays back despite himself* You're at risk. No telling what those idiots will blab over the wrong channel... *slight grimace and squirm of discomfort at the dull ache in his joints and systems, then remembers himself and lets Dallas go*

Dallas: *quietly and firmly* I'm not afraid.

Knockout: *faintly, as his systems shut down to rest and repair* I am.

((Written with random_xtras))