GRV. Lamont Farm and DC Base. Wakings and Upgraded Humans

[dens_extra_pups]

Ironhide: *bangs on the window of Senaiji's new prefab office*

Senaiji: *startled squawk as he topples his chair*

Ironhide: *is that frowning blue optic now looking through the glass* What the slag was that?

Senaiji: *sheepish as he rights his chair* You startled me.

Ironhide: Yeah, well, what do you think your slagging truck just did to Optimus?

Senaiji: ... *groans, moves to see what the damage to the Prime is*

Optimus: *standing out in front of the barrack, frowning bemusedly at Senaiji's Headhunter unit, which is in contented kisslock with the now very vocally indignant about ever having been called a boy Sanftherz*

Ironhide: *stops by his Prime and snorts*

Blackout: *amused look for mate*

Senaiji: ... *facepalm* *from behind his hand* So we were wrong about Sanfty being a boy?

Wheeljack: *looks over from where she's got Matt's big plow laying on its back while she gives it a hydraulics checkup* Well, yeah. Bans ain't a guy.

Senaiji: ... Good point.

Sanftherz: *purring as she meets the Headhunter kiss for kiss*

Bathilda: *sitting on the ground near Wheeljack and holding her head*

Ironhide: So who's going to make them knock it the slag off?

Senaiji: ... Someone get the hose?

Ironhide: *stink eye* That's part of you, wiseaft.

Bathilda: *dazedly* Nein. No hose.

Optimus: *shakes self with a great rattling of armour* Something must be done, though. This is causing you discomfort, Mz Hans.

Bathilda: *mutters a bit in German about how it'd feel better if Senaiji was kissing her*

Ironhide: ... *picks up the Liaison and drops him next to her*

Optimus: Ironhide!

Senaiji: *startled ack* *has NO idea what Bathilda said*

Sanftherz: *now giving Ironhide the mother of all stink eyes as she growls up at him in cat mode*

Ironhide: *clenches fist. Bring it on, catbot!*

Optimus: IRONHIDE!

Bathilda: *quietly* Sanftherz...

Sanftherz: *sits pretty and washes her paw*

Ironhide: *mutters unprintable things and stomps off*

Blackout: *laughs at him much*

Senaiji: *facepalming again. Will move to gently lift Bathilda*

Wheeljack: *glances over and starts playing that annoying song from Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'. You know the one*

Optimus: *facepalms and walks away toward the prefab that's replaced his and Elita's tent*

Senaiji: Wheeljack, shut up. *will make sure Bathilda won't fall as he carries her over to the farmhouse porch*

Wheeljack: Thrrpt. *chuckle*

Bathilda: *just planted one on Senaiji*

Senaiji: *boggles as he's kissed*

Matt: *blink blink as he steps out of the house* *soft "heh"* 'B-bout t-tahm. *moves to see what Wheeljack is doing*

Wheeljack: I see that!

Huffer: *soft sneeze through his new protective mask. Quietly, as he offers Wheeljack a tool* Me too.

Matt: *blink blink* See w-wh't? *confused*

Sanftherz: See it too.

Wheeljack: You can't witness yer own wedding, Sanfty. *shows Matt the part that was keeping the plow from working properly*

Matt: *blink blink* W-wedd'n'? *then distracted by being shown something important*

Bubba Joe: Weddin'? *wide grin from where he's sitting nearby in the shade* Ah see 't too!

Senaiji: *gently discouraging Bathilda so he can give Wheeljack a confused look* Wedding?

Wheeljack: *chuckles without looking up from showing Matt the problem with his plow* She claimed ya, and yous didn't say no. Then three witnesses spoke up.

Senaiji: ... *groan* Kae Yau's going to be on the warpath.

Bubba Joe: *whistles wedding march*

Dixie: *hands on hips where she'd been coming out with drinks for Matt and Bubba* Th't ain't 'ow 't works 'eah.

Wheeljack: What? It's not like yous guys can go the formal way 'n bond.

Dixie: 'F th'y wanna git marrehd, we's gonna need all th' paperwork, 'n a pastor.

Wheeljack: *sets the part down, then turns and snags the new young chaplain as he heads across the yard* Pastor? Like this? *holds the startled young man toward Dixie*

Dixie: ... We's still gonna need th' paperwork.

Chaplain: o.0 *not afraid of bots, but so isn't used yet to these sudden bouts of being airborne* Er, which paperwork, Mrs. Lamont?

Dixie: Th' marriage lahcense, f'r stahters.

Chaplain: *perk* Who do we need a marriage license for?

Wheeljack: Those two. They're already hitched. They just need the formal junk.

Chaplain: *startled look for Senaiji and Bathilda*

Senaiji: Apparently, being kissed and having three witnesses around to see it is enough to declare a couple married by Cybertronian standards. *so much blush as Bathilda snuggles against him*

Chaplain: ... *frowns up at Wheeljack* That won't hold in a court of law, Wheeljack. Um, and can I go back down? I lost a shoe when you picked me up.

Wheeljack: *crestfallen as she puts him down* So they ain't married?

Dixie: Th'y need th' marriage lahcense b'f're 't's legal.

Chaplain: And some sort of vows. *finds shoe, bribes Hazard to get it back*

Matt: 'N r-rings.

Chaplain: Well, actually, those aren't essential. My wife and I don't have them. *flopping big doggy ears*

Hazard: *doesn't care about having his ears messed with. He's getting loved on!*

Matt: ... *confused expression is a go*

Chaplain: *grins* We were married Orthodox. We have wedding crowns.

Wheeljack: ...Yer Jewish?

Chaplain: *snerk* No. Eastern Orthodox.

Dixie: *shares a confused look with her husband*

Chaplain: *explains about Orthodox wedding crowns*

Matt: *thoughtful expression as he listens*

Bathilda: *quietly* Zat ist different zhan ze vay mein parents vere married.

Chaplain: *interested perk* What faith system was their ceremony from? *stops making Hazard's ears flap*

Hazard: *will slarp your hand then, person*

Bathilda: Zhey vere both German evangelisch. Moeder vas Protestant, und Vader vas Lutheran.

Chaplain: Ahhhh. *grins* Combined service?

Bathilda: *nod* Ja.

Chaplain: *grin widens as he gently wipes Hazard's kiss on his fur and tells him he's a great guy. Then looks back to Bathilda* That works.

Wheeljack: //Hey, Kae Yau, quit feedin' Seeemore ta the chiggers. Bans 'n Senaiji're tyin' the knot.//

Kae Yau: *startled, sputtery response*

Wheeljack: //Uh. Was zat English?//

Kae Yau: *using WORDS now*

Wheeljack: *impressed* //That's cussing, right?//

Chaplain: *wonders slightly why Wheeljack's looking so bright eyed, but keeps his focus on Bathilda and Senaiji* Do you guys want to come sit in my office for a bit?

Senaiji: Er... Alright... Lead the way.

Chaplain: *gently* Want me to help with Bathilda? *concerned look for the black-haired woman*

Bathilda: I vill be alvright once ze dizzy from Sanftherz küssen Senaiji's truck passes.

Chaplain: *stops short* *amused and bemused* What?

Wheeljack: *puts Kae Yau on speaker just then so that nobody misses all these interesting words*

Chaplain: .>_o

Senaiji: -_-;; It's a good thing most of the hatchlings are in the new schoolroom with the kids.

WakeJumper: *peeks from the barn where she's been lurking until it's time to go back to Mama and Papa. Repeats Kae Yau's words* %$#%$%$$%$#.

Bathilda: ... *facepalming* *cellphone out. TELLING Kae Yau off without cussing*

Wheeljack: *realizes she might have derped again. Shuts off her connection to Kae Yau*

Chaplain: *looking over at WakeJumper with a worried frown*

WakeJumper: *ducks back into the barn*

Senaiji: *bit of a frown* How long before Ratchet and Perceptor wake up, do you think, Wheeljack?

Wheeljack: Huh? Hey, it's only ben a week. That's a pretty deep bond.

Senaiji: Ah... :/ *sad look towards the barn* WakeJumper must be pretty lonely. Even with Showtime dragging her out to play.

Wheeljack: Dunno. She spends a lotta the time she's at the Washinton base tendin' 'em.

Chaplain: *excuses himself and the two humans, then herds Senaiji and Bathilda into his office... where he finds a colourful little mechlet with back ornaments like flame shaped wings* Hot Rod! No. Out. No... out. Out! C'mon. Get outta here, buddy.

Bathilda: *snerk*

Senaiji: *chuckles* C'mon, Hot Rod. Springer's probably worried about you.

Hot Rod: *thrrrp* :D

Chaplain: *determinedly steers baby bot out the door, and then pushes him back out* Find Springer. No... find Springer.

Hot Rod: *stubborn bitty goes where he wants!*

Chaplain: *calls toward the mechs sitting by the schoolroom* Smokescreen, Bluestreak, are you missing something? Ack! No, Hot Rod!

Bathilda: *quick to grab the obstinate hatchling... or try* *oof*

Hot Rod: *booty shaking!*

Chaplain: Hey, you're going to hurt someone. That's not funny. *stern look for bitty, and then hopeful look toward the two hatchling care bots*

Smokescreen: *nods toward the disturbance, and then tells his brother to go. Knows Hot Rod listens to Bluestreak better*

Bluestreak: *scooting over quickly once he's gotten a headcount of the bitties and kids in school* Hot Rod!

Hot Rod: *freezes and chirps innocently at Mentor*

Chaplain: Is Springer with the others?

Bluestreak: No, he's sitting on Smokescreen's lap and listening in on the lesson, but he didn't want to sit with everyone else and I thought Hot Rod was sitting next to Xiaobei but I don't know how he got out without us noticing... *picks the bitty up*

Hot Rod: *squeaks and flails as he's picked up. Do not want!*

Chaplain: He was sitting in my chair with his feet on my desk and my pencil in his mouth. *shakes head*

Bluestreak: *as Hot Rod expresses his displeasure with being caught and picked up* Sorry we didn't keep a better eye on him, it won't happen again. *so embarrassed*

Chaplain: Hey, he's safe now. That's all that matters. *grins reassuringly at the young babysitter*

Chrome: *sticks head out of schoolroom* MOVIE!

Hot Rod: *blink blink* *SQUEAL! Wants to go that way, Mentor!!!*

Bathilda: *flinches at the squeal*

WakeJumper: *is hurrying over as fast as her legs can carry her*

Hazard: *scooting for the schoolhouse. Knows "movie" means his peeps will need him soon!*

Chaplain: *slight grin as he watches the ingress of interested parties to the schoolroom. Then turns back to Senaiji and Bathilda* Sorry about that. Come on in.

Senaiji: *headshake* Hot Rod's one ornery little guy.

Bathilda: Ja...

Chaplain: I hear Chrome and Springer can usually keep him in line.

Senaiji: Well, one of them is his brother, and the other is Ironhide's son, even if Chrome doesn't act like the old fart very much, if at all.

Chaplain: He may not have his temper, but trust me. He acts like him. *says this with a funny expression as he nods the two of them to sit on the simple old couch to one side of his desk*

Bathilda: *carefully sitting down with a soft chuckle, as Senaiji sits down beside her*

Chaplain: *settles in his own chair* That wasn't a car backfire this morning.

Senaiji: ... *facepalm*

Bathilda: ... Vhat are you talking about?

Chaplain: Why baby Cybertronians shouldn't lick red paint off barns. *fiddles with a pair of tiny miniature wedding crowns*

Bathilda: ... *raised brow*

Senaiji: *sees the raised brow* It's sort of like what happens when Kae Yau eats burritos.

Bathilda: *expression clears* Ah. I see.

Chaplain: *wince* Alright. So. *looks up* I know Wheeljack's good at misinterpreting things. So am I really getting you two some forms and sending for a marriage license here?

Senaiji: Er... Well... *looks to Bathilda*

Bathilda: *headshake* Nicht yet. Ve have not even begun going on actual dates yet.

Chaplain: I thought so. *grins slightly and reaches into his desk* Chinese checkers?


Outside


Kae Yau: *coming over from the direction of the crashed ship, in a pretty bad mood now* *stomp stomp stomp*

Ironhide: *pauses from where he's carrying Jazz out to sit in the sun. Peers over the damaged mech* What's got your whities in a twist, woman?

Kae Yau: *grumble* T'at Wheeljack's got some rotten timin'.

Ironhide: ...So?

Jazz: *sighs and snuggles closer to the sunwarmed Ironhide without waking*

Kae Yau: So, I was enjoyin' the mornin' wit' some decent company... *blushing just a bit now*

Ironhide: *frown* Simmons isn't decent company. *steps over her and walks off*

Kae Yau: Says ye, b'y! *thrrrpts and stomps off to sulk*

Smokescreen: *looks over as she comes by the schoolroom* ...Were you kissing Simmons?

Bluestreak: ... Why would anyone want to kiss him? I mean, wasn't he the one who was writing all that stuff and didn't our last Director try to have him arrested?

Kae Yau: *BLUSHING as she scoots for the barn*

Smokescreen: I think I'm going to have to talk to that lady's friends.

Bluestreak: *blink blink, gives Smokescreen a confused look* But doesn't she have Browning to keep her out of trouble?

Smokescreen: *nods toward a tiny thread of cuss scooting along from the direction of the downed Reaper ship*

Bluestreak: *boggling now* Did she leave him behind or did he get stuck or something? *worried*

Smokescreen: I have no idea, but the kid's got a worse vocabulary than Wheeljack does.

Bluestreak: Wheeljack's not that bad, Smokescreen...

Smokescreen: Browning's is worse, no matter how bad hers is. *then startles as a confused screech comes from the barrack* I think Slipstream's awake.

Bluestreak: Uh-oh... *worried again*

Smokescreen: *checks the Seeklets and sees them still intent on the movie from where they're perched on the bookcase at the back of the classroom*

Bluestreak: *quickly* I'll stay here if you go check on her.

Smokescreen: Whiplash is over there.

Bluestreak: But Slipstream doesn't like him.

Smokescreen: *patient look for kid brother* What makes you think she's gonna like a ground pounder more?

Bluestreak: Well... Whiplash might not cower as much if someone's there with him...

Smokescreen: *shrugs* One thing I learned a long time ago was that you never slag off a Seeker when you've got work to do. *snags Hot Rod*

Hot Rod: *babble, yap, chatter*

Springer: *smacks Bubby* Shhhhh. 'UP'!

Hot Rod: *baps back!* Thrrrpt

Springer: *sits on Hot Rod's head and resumes watching the movie through the window*

Smokescreen: *laughs at the hatchlings, but then goes wide-eyed as a flash shows clearly through the infirmary windows* Oh... *bites off curse* Ratchet's gonna love that.

Bluestreak: 0_0 They didn't...

Smokescreen: There isn't anybody else in there, Blue.

Bluestreak: *facepalming muchly now*

Smokescreen: *sighs and reports to Optimus*

Optimus: *goes walking over to the barrack to check on the new couple a few minutes later*

Bluestreak: *soft, worried clicks as he watches the barrack*

Smokescreen: *and then his face is clearing and he's snerking softly* Those stupid drones are at it again.

Bluestreak: *looks* Bathilda's gonna be dizzy again. :/

Smokescreen: *quiet snerk, and then his attention is needed to break up a Springer vs Hot Rod moment*


Over by the house


Wheeljack: *fits the piece back onto the plow* There. That oughtta work now.

Matt: Th-thank y'u, Wheeljack.

Wheeljack: *grins* Hey, just doin' my job. *sniff sniff, sneeze* So, does what Dixie, Mrs. Epps, 'n Mrs Lennox's cookin' smell good ta yous?

Matt: *sniffs a bit before grinning* Y-Yup. *will head for the house*

Wheeljack: *shakes head and pats Huffer on the back, then goes over to see Bubba Joe* How's yer incision feel? Not itchy?

Bubba Joe: *headshake* No, Ma'am.

Wheeljack: Ya pickin' anythin' up yet?

Huffer: *meanwhile takes the hose to two loving drones*

Bubba Joe: Li'l bit. Not much yet.

Wheeljack: Ah well. Give it time. Batsy could'a just ben fast. *optics widen as she hears a shriek from Bathilda* What? Huffer, cut it out!

Bubba Joe: *snerk* Faaaail.

Huffer: *bewildered* But, you said...

Bubba Joe: *to Wheeljack* Di'n't Miss Bat'ilda also git 'er implant rahght 'n 'er 'ead?

Wheeljack: Yeah. But yers is hooked ta that main neural relay in yer back strut.

Bubba Joe: Huh. Dunno th'n.

Wheeljack: Eh. Give it time. *turns and looks over to where Sanftherz is laying and crying softly as Bathilda comforts her*

Bathilda: *looks just a bit spooked herself, but she's doing everything in her power to comfort her partner*

Sanftherz: -Bad bad bad. All vet.- *whimper*

Bathilda: *soothingly* -At least it is sunny out, und varm...- *sympathy* *oh, and a stinkeye for Huffer*

Huffer: I thought I was doing what I was supposed to! *sneezes behind his mask*

Bathilda: Nicht vhen ze 'Bot ist verbunden ein person... *grumbles a bit in German* Ich spürte die Kälte...

Huffer: Well nobody told me! EEEP! *whirls toward the house as one of the women drops a jar of pickles which explodes like a gun going off*

Wheeljack: Holy... *and then her optics go bright* BJ, yer up!

Bathilda: *startled look*

Bubba Joe: *triumphant expression on his face as he stands on the porch*

Wheeljack: That's why ya can't feel yer partner yet! *picks the young man up and scans him closely* Yer implant's doin' self repair first.

Bubba Joe: *puzzled expression is a go* Self repair?

Wheeljack: It's puttin' yous back tagether. *sets him down on his feet just as his mother comes out to see why his name was called so loudly*

Bubba Joe: Oh. *surprised by this*

Matilda: *panicked expression as she sees Wheeljack set Bubba Joe down, though it fades into confusion as she realizes Wheeljack isn't acting worried*

Bubba Joe: *sees his mother's expression, will walk over to her to check on her*

Matilda: *bit of a wibble as he gently fusses over her, and then she's carefully hugging him and making the shoulder of his shirt wet*

Wheeljack: *earlights dim with confusion* Tildy? What're ya cryin' for?

Matilda: *muffled, still has her face on BJ's shoulder* Ah'm jes' glad 'e's alrahght.

Wheeljack: *perk* Oh. Alright. ^_^

soldiers: *wandering from all corners of the farm and across the road to head for the mess hall*

Buster: *following his handlers. Is holding the massive hoe he's been using in the walnut and pecan grove*

Bathilda: *to Sanftherz* Ve should eat, ja?

Sanftherz: *indicates that she wants to cuddle her mate*

Bathilda: Your mate? Senaiji's truck?

Sanftherz: *deep feeling of affection for both Senaiji and his truck*

Bathilda: ... *soft chuckle, and a bit of a blush* Vell, Senaiji und I are still courting, so go easy on ze kissing, ja?

Sanftherz: *sad kitty look*

Bathilda: I vas getting dizzy.

Wheeljack: Oh, hey, Batsy. Blue says Kae Yau was kissin' Simmons.

Bathilda: *startled blurt* Vhat?! *boggling*

Bubba Joe: *makes a face* Who'd wanna kiss th't idjit?

Wheeljack: Ask her. She's hidin' in the barn.

Bathilda: *going to do that, kthx*

Sanftherz: *will follow her partner, tail twitching at the tip in response to Bathilda's feelings*

Matilda: *slight shrug* Ah guess th're's s'me'un f'r ev'ry'un...

Bubba Joe: *still making a face* Still. 'E's 'n idjit.

Matilda: Be nahce.

Wheeljack: *confused look for Matilda* I thought yous wanted 'im ta be honest.

Matilda: Simmons ain't 'n idjit. Call'n 'im 'un's 'n insult t' real idjits.

Wheeljack: *blink. Blink?*

Bubba Joe: *cracking up now, kthx*

Wheeljack: Uh. So. BJ, you introduced yer partner ta yer mom yet?

Bubba Joe: *headshake* Not yet.

Matilda: *slowly* Does th's 'ave s'meth'n t' do wit' th' fact th't BJ's walkin' 'gain?

Wheeljack: *stops short, and then gives Bubba Joe a slow look* Didn't yous tell 'er, BJ?

Bubba Joe: *frown for his mom* Ah tol' y'u 'bout th's, Ma.

Matilda: *bit of a frown as she thinks* Must've slipped mah mahnd.

Wheeljack: *helpfully* The Pretender thing.

Matilda: *blink. Blink* Ooh... 'S th't wh't y'u were talkin' 'bout th'n?

Bubba Joe: *nods* Yes'm.

Wheeljack: Yous signed the papers without knowin' what they were for?

Matilda: Ah thought 't w's jes' authorahzation f'r th' surgery.

Bubba Joe: Ma's been buseh train'n f'r th' Special Olympics.

Wheeljack: *soft "heh"* Ratchet better quit yellin' at me for just signin' stuff anymore. *grins at the two humans*

Bubba Joe: *snerk* Well, guess now's a good tahm t' introduce Ma t' mah partner.

Wheeljack: Yup. *looks around* Where is 'e?

Bubba Joe: *fingers in mouth, sharp whistle*

human child-sized bot sporting the same orange as the General Lee: *startles where he's standing and watching the same movie as the hatchlings* *looks and blinks*

Matilda: *blink blink* 'S th't y'ur partner, BJ?

Bubba Joe: *nod* Yes'm. *smiles as the bot hesitantly edges closer* Been call'n 'im Mini-Lee.

Wheeljack: He's kinda skittish yet, 'cause the bond ain't settled.

Mini-Lee: *stops a bit short once he's spotted Matilda. Looks like he's considering bolting back to where the hatchlings are*

Bubba Joe: *will move to approach Mini-Lee* *gently* 'T's alrahght, Mini-Lee. 'S jes' Ma. She won't 'urtcha.

Wheeljack: *offers the little Pretender drone a piece of sweetened calcien 'cookie'*

Mini-Lee: *hesitantly reaches for the cookie once he's worked out that the big is offering something good*

Matilda: 'E's a cute li'l th'n'. *watching the little bot with a slight smile*

Wheeljack: He's part 'a BJ now. *gently gives cookie, clicking reassuringly*

Mini-Lee: *clicks softly, will inspect the cookie curiously*

Bubba Joe: Wh'n th' bond settles, 'e won' be neahleh 's skittish.

Matilda: *small nod, and a bit of a considering look*

Wheeljack: Uh, and BJ ain't exactly all the way human anymore.

Matilda: ... Wh't?!

Mini-Lee: *flinch, hides behind the big's leg*

Bubba Joe: *slightly uneasy looking now*

Wheeljack: Well, he's part human. But he's part Transformer, too. *worried look for Matilda*

Matilda: *long confused stare. Then* 'Ow does th't work?

Wheeljack: *reaches down and turns Bubba Joe so that his back is to his mother. Then gently lifts his shirt to show the nearly healed incision on his back next to his spine. There's a very faint silver sheen to his skin around the scar*

Matilda: *blink* ... *blink. Surprised sound*

Wheeljack: I didn't realize the self repair'd kick in before the bondin' protocols. *scans the silvery scar with interest*

Matilda: 'N 'e's able t' walk... *quietly* Th't means a lot t' me.

Wheeljack: He'll always get over stuff a lot better now.

Matilda: *small nod*

Bubba Joe: 'Re y'all done look'n 't mah back?

Mini-Lee: *peeking around partner and clicking softly*

Wheeljack: *blinks, and then chuckles* Dunno. Whaddya think, Tildy? Good lookin'?

Matilda: *chuckles* 'E's got 'is dad's back.

Bubba Joe: Aww, Ma. *blushing just a bit. Knows his mom likes it when his dad works without a shirt on, because she likes looking at his back*

Wheeljack: *happy earlights. Managed to tease her young friend. Carefully pulls his shirt down, and then tries to tuck it in. Has cold fingers*

Bubba Joe: *yelps and skitters away from the cold*

Mini-Lee: *squeak, skitter!*

Wheeljack: Uh... what?

Bubba Joe: *stinkeye* Y'ur fingers 're COLD.

Matilda: *laughing now*

Wheeljack: What? No they ain... *touches self on a sensitive part of her plating and yelps*

Bubba Joe: See?!

Wheeljack: *good natured grumble as she retreats to go sit by Bluestreak till the humans are all done eating*

Bluestreak: *will lean on her a bit and cuddle*

Wheeljack: *watches Bubba Joe and Matilda go inside as she slips an arm around Bluestreak* Know why that bond ain't takin' now.

Bluestreak: Hm? *curious expression is a go as Mini-Lee follows Bubba Joe after a moment's hesitation*

Wheeljack: The implant's healin' him first.

Bluestreak: *blink blink* Is that why he's able to walk? *bit of a grin starting*

Wheeljack: Yup. *happy lights*

Bluestreak: *so much grin as he hugs Wheeljack* That's great!

Wheeljack: ^^ 'N Batsy kin see. *glances toward the sound of the quarrel coming from the barn*

Kae Yau: *storms out after saying something unprintable, will stomp off to sulk someplace more private*

Bathilda: *grumbling as she exits the barn*

Browning: *flails his tiny arms and yells at top of tiny voice* Boss!!!!

Kae Yau: *hurries to where Browning is*

Wheeljack: *softly, so that only Bluestreak can hear* //Fig's partner's already bonded pretty strong.//

Bluestreak: *blink blink* *small grin* //That's good, right?//

Wheeljack: *softly* //Fig wouldn't be able ta think or anythin' if it hadn' worked.// *bows her head a bit* //His processor got damaged pretty bad.//

Bluestreak: *wibble, holds Wheeljack close* //He'll be alright though, won't he?//

Wheeljack: *intakes* //I hope so. He scared the slag outta me this mornin' by talkin' through his Pretender shell.//

Bluestreak: *more hug* *quietly* //That... kinda seems like something he'd do though.//

Wheeljack: *soft snerk* //He wanted ta tell me about gumbo, 'n make sure I had the recipe ta give Mrs. Lamont.//

Bluestreak: //Mrs. Lamont'll like that, I bet. She seems so sad about what happened.//

Wheeljack: //He's 'er brother.// *deep sigh* //Don't really wanna go back yet, but somebody's gotta be there fer Fig 'n the dopes stationed in town.//

irascible voice: *over comms* //Wheeljack, are you lost again???//

Wheeljack: 0_0 XD //Welcome back, Ratch.//

Bluestreak: 0_0 *overcome by a fit of the snorting giggles*

Ratchet: //Mind telling me what's so funny?// *nope, not amused... maybe*

Wheeljack: *cheerful, but her weariness shows in her voice* //You.//

Ratchet: //...Who's hurt?// *can hear the weariness in your voice, Wheeljack*

Wheeljack: //Kin yous get up yet?//

Ratchet: //I might be able to...// *and then there's a soft clang accompanied by a bit of a groan* //Or not...// *just a bit dizzy now*

Wheeljack: //Don't gotta go far. I just needja ta check on Fig.// *who wasn't there when you and Perceptor bonded*

Ratchet: //...Why is Fig here?// *puzzled and concerned*

Wheeljack: *quietly* //'Cause the human medics said he wasn't gettin' better. I... I gave 'im the Pretender treatment, Ratch.//

Ratchet: //What?!//

Bluestreak: *wince wince wince at the volume*

Wheeljack: //Go talk ta 'im.// *hides face on Bluestreak's shoulder*

Ratchet: //I can't believe you did delicate surgery on humans without my supervision!// *worry, fret, worry. Startled "Ack!" as she nearly tumbles off of where she and Perceptor were laying*

Bluestreak: *rubbing Wheeljack's back*

Wheeljack: //Just talk ta 'im. Slaggit, Ratchet, his mate even left 'im!//


Washington base


tall, brawny silver bot: *peers into Ratchet and Perceptor's room* Hey, Doc, you okay?

Ratchet: //...// *blink blink at the silver bot. She knows that voice. Even if it is bigger and deeper now* Er... I think so. *going to try standing*

bot: *hurries over and puts an arm around her waist* Easy, Jackie said you ain't gonna be up ta much for awhile.

Ratchet: *bit of a grumble that has more to do with her frustration at her current dizziness than anything else* *quietly* I suppose not. *studying the bot now, though she's not sure she could get her scanners to cooperate at the moment* How are you holding up?

bot: *mobile and very humanoid face breaks into a grin that's unmistakably familiar* Not too bad. I just figured out how ta get Gator up on his feet. Was gonna poke Bobby, but then I heard you fall.

Ratchet: *soft chuckle* I'm glad to hear that, Jorge... *decides to wait until she can get her scanners to cooperate to try and scan the bot*

Fig: *grin widens* Well, technically, this is just Gator yet. Wheeljack wasn't too sure about how to work my life support into him, so I'm still on the table in the other room.

Ratchet: *boggling now*

Fig: Er... What? Do I need to duck?

Ratchet: *so shocked* *quietly* How are you able to use your shell without being in it?

Fig: o.0 Uh... Magic?

Ratchet: ... *bit of a facepalm*

Fig: *wince* Sorry, science ain't my thing, Doc.

Ratchet: *headshake* Don't worry about it. I'm sure between Wheeljack, Perceptor, and myself, we'll find a way to work the life support equipment into Gator.

Fig: *grin returns, his optics gleaming happily* That's great. I'm afraid to go too far yet, and it's pretty boring in here.

Ratchet: *nods* I can imagine that it would be.

Fig: *tilts his head to study the blue of Perceptor sleeping soundly behind Ratchet's grill* *quietly* How's he doin'?

Ratchet: *quietly* He's sleeping peacefully. *hand over her grill and a bit of a smile on her face*

Fig: Awww. That's good. That's real good.

Ratchet: *nods*

Fig: *looks over his shoulder back toward his room* I guess Bubba Joe must've gone back out with Jackie.

Ratchet: ... Why was Bubba Joe here?

Wheeljack: *sends her a picture of the teen chasing his girl cousin across the green*

Ratchet: //...// *surprised sound*

Fig: To get his shell. *missed the databurst*

Ratchet: ... *pinches the bridge of her nose*

Fig: *slight cringe* Oh oh...

Ratchet: *quietly* I just wish she would have waited until I could supervise.

Fig: Oh. Uh... I'm kinda glad she didn't. Do you know what a coma's like?

Ratchet: *very slight wince*

Fig: At least this way I can think about how to work out alimony and all that.

Wheeljack: *startled squawk from where she's listening in through Ratchet's open channel* //I never told yous she left!//

Ratchet: .>.o *quietly* How did you find out about that, Jorge?

Fig: *also quiet* I've known since I figured out how ta work with Gator. I tried callin' her to let her know I was okay. *hangs head slightly*

Ratchet: *will put a hand on Fig/Gator's shoulder and gently squeeze*

Fig: *deep sigh and tries to talk, but instead just wibbles*

Ratchet: *soft clicks*

Fig: I... I guess I am kinda high maintenance.

Ratchet: *gently, knowing full well that a certain inventor is still listening* After everything's said and done, if you're only in the infirmary due to injuries half as often as Wheeljack, that's not high-maintenance.

Fig: *startled look for Ratchet*

Wheeljack: *snerk. Razzzz*

Ratchet: *ignore a Wheeljack, is trying to figure out what she means to say*

Wheeljack: //Oh yeah. That reminds me. You might wanna send Skymine ta come get Batsy, 'cause I'm sleepin' here tonight.//

Ratchet: *out loud as well as over comms* Batsy?

Fig: *grins* Mz Hans. Jackie calls her that.

Ratchet: ... *headshake* Wheeljack... *so amused though*

Wheeljack: //Huh?// *weariness very apparent now in her voice*

Ratchet: //Get some rest. I'll arrange transport for Miss Hans.//

Wheeljack: //Thanks, Ratch. I said welcome back, right?//

Ratchet: //Yes, you did.//

Wheeljack: //Okay. Blue, you wanna say anythin'?//

Bluestreak: *meeps over comms*

Ratchet: *chuckles* //Goodnight, Bluestreak.//

Bluestreak: //Goodnight? But it's only lunch time and nobody else is going to sleep...// *and there he goes on a ramble-fit*

Wheeljack: *must have just kissed him to hush him up so fast* //See ya sometime tomorrow, Ratch.//

Ratchet: //Alright. Stay safe, Wheeljack.//

Wheeljack: //Yous too.// *click as she closes the channel*

Ratchet: *softly* Bluestreak will have his hands full when they finally get around to bonding.

Fig: *faceplates heat up* Uh... Yeah?

Ratchet: With Wheeljack's track record for explosions...

Fig: *winces* Oh. Right.

Ratchet: Though it's nice to know that she has someone. *expression going a bit absent as she puts her hand over her grill again*

Fig: *brightens slightly* He don't usually sleep that hard, does he?

Ratchet: *headshake* *quietly* He hasn't slept so soundly in quite a long time...

Perceptor: *little murmur of wordless contentment over the bond, and then a clear image of being linked to a larger bot as he rests in a symbiont port*

Ratchet: *blinks a bit as she sees that image* *and now she's contemplating her own frame*

Perceptor: *images switches to a view of the world seen through Ratchet's grill and a strong feeling of finally having found a new home*

Ratchet: *very soft chuckle* *now she understands why he prefers to sleep there*

Perceptor: *senses her thoughts and greets her without waking, then makes a nestling motion and drifts back to deeper rest and defragging*

Ratchet: *gentle lovebomb* I believe Bluestreak said something about it being lunchtime...

Fig: *blinks* Oh, you're back. Yeah. But I can't eat yet.

Ratchet: *sympathy* We'll figure something out.

Fig: *looks toward his room again* *quietly* Yeah, I can't wait. This feels like I'm split in half.

Ratchet: *surprised expression is a go as she realizes that Fig is feeling things through the shell as well as being able to control it*

Fig: *turns back and sees her expression* Uh. Are you talking to somebody again?

Ratchet: No... I just didn't realize you would be able to feel things through the shell.

Fig: o.0 Mz Hans feels things that Sanfty feels.

Ratchet: ... Sanfty?

Fig: Her shell. The big cat. I can't say her German name.

Ratchet: ... I suppose I'll be meeting Sanfty later today then? *is considering giving Wheeljack a stern talking to the next time she sees the inventor*

Fig: *sideways look* She said you helped her with that one, Doc.

Ratchet: ... I only assisted with replacing Miss Hans' eye.

Fig: *ducks head* Oh... Heh. Um.

Ratchet: *sigh* I'm going to need to have a talk with Wheeljack the next time I see her.

Fig: *sad look* But she's helped us, Doc. She's helped us all a lot.

Ratchet: *gently* I understand that, Jorge. I just want to make sure she understands that I'd like to be there to supervise next time, and that I'd like to know exactly what will be going on, in case there are any complications we might not have anticipated.

Fig: *worried look* You think something could go wrong?

Ratchet: I don't, but it's better to be prepared for the possibility, however unlikely.

bond: *sudden almost click, and Ratchet's dizziness has faded. She is fully aware of what her sensors are picking up, and also fully aware of the input from that second set of optics that are peeking sleepily and quizzically through her grill*

Ratchet: *pauses for a moment, will offer her hand to Perceptor, wordlessly asking if he would like to sit on her shoulder, or if he'd prefer to remain where he is at the moment*

Perceptor: *replies over the bond, though he knows she already knows the answer. He's happy here, where he can hear the beautiful song of her spark. And he adores her utterly, totally, and completely*

Ratchet: *blushing as she moves her hand away*

Fig: *can feel her standing straight now* Doc?

Ratchet: Yes, Jorge?

Fig: You okay? You sound different.

Ratchet: *simply* Perceptor is awake. And he says "Hello".

Fig: *grins* So you're all settled now? *lets go of Ratchet and steps away from her*

Ratchet: I believe so. *isn't listing or looking like she might be introducing her skidplate to the ground any time soon*

Fig: So... Do you need some lunch?

Perceptor: *knows their tanks are well stocked. Cuddles, feeling surprisingly lazy for such a busy and active mech*

Ratchet: *headshake* We both have sufficient fuel.

Fig: *hopeful perk*

Perceptor: Certainly we'll finish your conversion, Jorge.

Ratchet: *will move to head for Fig's room* *will also comm Skymine*

dark blue femme: *looks into the main infirmary just as Ratchet reaches the door of Fig's room*

Ratchet: *stops short* Er...

Fig: *comes back and looks out of his door. Follows Ratchet's gaze* Oh. That's Sharpshot. She showed up while you two were sleeping.

Sharpshot: *backing up a few steps and giving Ratchet a bit of a wary look now*

Ratchet: *both hands up, showing she means no harm* *gently* It's alright.

Fig: *grin for the blue femme, who he knows was coming to check on him* She sings, Doc.

Ratchet: *blink blink* Really? *surprised by the notion*

Sharpshot: *hesitant nod as she moves to fuss over Fig and Gator a bit* *quietly* I like to sing...

Fig: *gives her a hug, marvelling yet again that a bot her size can seem tiny and delicate to him*

Ratchet: *gently, to Sharpshot* It is nice to meet you, Sharpshot.

Sharpshot: *another hesitant nod as she's hugged, will lean into the hug a bit*

Fig: *quietly* This's the head Doc, Ratchet. She's gonna get me all fixed up.

Perceptor: *stirs back behind the grill and moves away from Ratchet's plating, then leans on his elbows and watches Sharpshot*

Sharpshot: *expression brightens* *quietly* Then you won't be hurting?

Fig: *startled look* I never said anythin' about that, Sharpshot.

Sharpshot: *confused now* But I thought only people who were hurt, or medics, were supposed to be in the infirmary...

Fig: Oh. Yeah. I was hurt. My other body isn't really good for anything anymore. But Gator will let me get around again. *turns his optics to Ratchet* Right, Doc?

Ratchet: *nods* That's right.

Sharpshot: *soft little clicks, and more hug*

Perceptor: -I do not think that Jorge will be staying single for long, Ratchet.-

Fig: *grins and gives Sharpshot a gentle forehead touch, then lets her go and turns back into his room*

Ratchet: -I'm inclined to agree with your observation, Perceptor.- *soft, amused chuckle as the dark blue femme follows Fig*

Fig: *lays Gator down on his table, then smiles at Sharpshot... and then you can see that he's just not there in the shell anymore*

Sharpshot: *will gently smooth Gator's forehead a bit, then move to fuss over Fig as well as she can without jostling the life support equipment*

Ratchet: *will study the equipment*

Fig: *is on full life support, his formerly powerful soldier's body looking limp and helpless under its blanket as he lays there utterly still and seeming lifeless*

Perceptor: *softly* -Yet his mind is still there.-

Ratchet: -Humans... are surprisingly resilient...-

Sharpshot: *is the source of the very quiet singing that just started*

Perceptor: *glances toward the singing even as he studies Fig's life support through his mate's optics. And then he's thinking of the systems they could add to Gator, and how the two beings would become one whole person*

Ratchet: *also thinking of how to go about integrating Fig's life support into Gator's systems, and absently noting a soft creak that seems to be coming from Sharpshot*

Perceptor: *quietly* -She seems to have some disability of the left knee joint.-

Ratchet: -We'll repair that once we've completed Fig's upgrade. I doubt she'd consent to being worked on before that.-

Perceptor: -No. It's quite apparent that she wouldn't. Ahhh. I think we have everything we need for this operation.- *surprised and pleased disbelief as he looks at Ratchet's memory of her stores and realizes this*

Ratchet: *pleased by this* -Then let's get what we need.-

Perceptor: *looks toward the door and startles, then laughs softly*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle as she sees Perceptor's sight of Skymine standing in the doorway and munching on pieces of what appears to be blue plastic rain barrels* Hello, Skymine.

Skymine: Ratch call Skymine. *munch munch*

Ratchet: *nods* Wheeljack will be staying at the farm tonight, but Miss Hans will need transport back here.

Perceptor: -Don't forget WakeJumper, love.-

Ratchet: WakeJumper will need transport as well.

Skymine: Okay. Skymine get. *hands a mushed rain barrel to Ratchet and then offers another to Sharpshot*

Sharpshot: *quietly thanks Skymine. Will nibble on the barrel in her hand now, kthx*

Ratchet: *chuckles* Thank you, Skymine.

Skymine: *bit of a grin* Truck crashed. Compy give whole shipment to bots. *turns and walks away to go and do her mission*

Ratchet: *blink blink, soft snerk, will offer some of the plastic to Perceptor*

Perceptor: *breaks himself off a small piece and savours it. Lo and behold, Ratchet also gets the flavour* Hmmm. There's fire retardant foam on this.

Ratchet: *surprised by that* Hmm... I wonder what company it came from... *moving to get tools and supplies for completing Fig's upgrade*

Perceptor: *has found the news report on the crash, and there are firemen spraying the burning truck with the foam*

Ratchet: *small nod as she watches the news report, before turning her attention to Sharpshot as the femme moves*

Sharpshot: *getting up as she sees Ratchet and Perceptor going* *quietly, still a bit hesitant* Do you need any help?

Perceptor: Have you any medical training, my dear?

Sharpshot: I've helped take care of people before.

Perceptor: I believe we'd benefit from the presence of a skilled nurse. *friendly smile on his little face*

Sharpshot: *small smile* *quietly* What do I need to do first?

Ratchet: First, we need to get *names off all of the supplies and equipment needed, will move to show Sharpshot where everything is, and soon has the femme carrying what she herself wasn't able to bring in one trip*


Four hours later


WakeJumper: *is a squeal heading down the hall just as fast as her small legs can go*

Sharpshot: *looks up from where she's gently smoothing Gator's forehead again* *will move to catch the hatchling, give her cuddles, and then transfer her to Ratchet*

Perceptor: *slides down Ratchet's shoulder to greet his daughter* WakeJumper! Oh, what's wrong, little love?

WakeJumper: Papa! *clings to him, and to Mama with all her bitty strength*

Ratchet: *soothing clicks* Everything's alright, WakeJumper...

Perceptor: *hugs the cranky little one* Shhhh. It's alright. Look, Uncle Jorge is feeling better.

Fig: *dozy blinking of his optics at the ceiling*

WakeJumper: *peek, soft little clicks* Unca better?

Sharpshot: *nods and turns her attention back to fussing over Fig*

Fig: *looks over toward that bitty voice he just heard, and then grins wanly* Hey, WakeJumper.

Perceptor: Yes. He'll soon be all better. *gently rubs WakeJumper's back*

WakeJumper: *itty bitty smile, snuggaPapa for a few moments. Pauses, then puts her audio to Mamachest and chirps puzzledly*

Perceptor: Yes, Mama and Papa sound the same now. It's alright.

WakeJumper: *bit of an :/ expression as she works this over in her processor*

Ratchet: *more soothing clicks as she gently rubs the hatchling's back*

WakeJumper: *decides that since Mama and Papa are acting the way she remembers, it's alright if they sound the same. Snuggle, purrrrrr*

Fig: *quiet chuckle at the cute* Any orders, Doc?

Ratchet: *will scan Fig to check his energy levels and to see how the upgrades are settling before she answers*

Fig: *human body will need healing time on the new life support implants, but the rapport between that and the Pretender shell is still strong. Pretender shell has a fairly good supply of energon, despite not being to generate it like the Allspark born bots*

Ratchet: Take things slowly, for now, and make sure you get plenty of rest.

Perceptor: *amazement as he scans the Pretender shell* -Ratchet, it has the means of processing organic foods into a form that the inner body can use.-

Ratchet: *surprised by that* -I wonder if Miss Hans' shell is similar.-

Sharpshot: *going to gently fuss over Fig, and try to hide the slight wince she just did*

Perceptor: *about to reply, but then he's distracted by that wince, and then again by the appearance of an unknown small silver femme in the doorway of Fig's room* *brow ridges up quizzically*

Ratchet: *distracted from her scan of Sharpshot, will look to the doorway*

femme: *slight quirk of a smile as she sees WakeJumper* Good. VakeJumper vas starting to get qvuite upset on ze trip back.

Perceptor: *startles* Mz Hans?

Ratchet: *boggling now*

Bathilda: *nods* Ja. It ist gut to see zhat you und Ratchet are avake. *more smile*

Perceptor: *uncertainly* Ah... You're using your Pretender shell. *so nonplussed at the change in the human woman's appearance* *and also by the fact that even as a bot, Bathilda clearly looks like herself*

Bathilda: *nod* Ja. Sanftherz und I verk togezher.

Perceptor: *unconsciously voices Ratchet's thought* Would you mind if we were to scan you?

Bathilda: *blinks a bit before moving closer* I do not mind. *figures this is just a medic being fussy*

Ratchet: *will scan the Pretender shell, one hand absently going up to keep WakeJumper from falling after the hatchling slips into a sleep cycle*

Perceptor: *sees that Bathilda is capable of intaking liquids with her shell, and then drinking them through a straw from a tank that keeps them fresh. Also sees that the shell is at least partially capable of fuelling itself on kinetic energy* -My stars.-

Ratchet: *quite surprised by this* -I don't recall the shells being capable of this...-

Perceptor: -The Pretender technology we used on Cybertron was not sentient, either, and these clearly are after a limited fashion.-

Ratchet: -Indeed...- *amazed by this new development*

Bathilda: *going to talk quietly to Sharpshot and Fig now, kthx*

Perceptor: *and then he gives a little flail as Bathilda has an absent bite of the cookie she's holding between her finger and thumb* My stars!

Ratchet: *startles at that* *boggles*

Bathilda: *blinks and looks at the medics* Vhat?

Perceptor: You are eating!

Fig: *blink blink. Brow quirk*

Bathilda: *blank look*

Ratchet: *scanning a bit more closely this time!*

Perceptor: I see it now. The shell transfers the food from its own mouth to that of its symbiont.

Ratchet: *intrigued by this*

Bathilda: *more blank look* Er... Alvright.

Sharpshot: *don't mind her, she's just sitting down because her knee's bothering her*

Perceptor: *and now he's distracted by Sharpshot* *softly* I fear something is very wrong here.

Ratchet: *to Bathilda* The Pretender shells have adapted to meet the needs of the people who use them. We didn't anticipate that, though it is a pleasant surprise. *meanwhile watching what Perceptor sees as he scans Sharpshot*

Sharpshot: *knee joint is in pretty rough shape, and some of the wiring in that area is starting to fray*

Bathilda: ... *snerk* Vheeljack did not say anyzhing about zhat.

Perceptor: *absently* No doubt Wheeljack has also added her own touch to the shells. Miss Sharpshot, if you please to step out to the main room so that we can have a look at that knee?

Sharpshot: *small nod, will carefully get up, doing her best to avoid putting too much weight on her leg*

Bathilda: Knowing Vheeljack, it ist likely. *moves to help Sharpshot up when she sees the femme is having minor difficulties*

Ratchet: Indeed... *will also offer assistance to the dark blue femme with the arm that isn't cradling WakeJumper and Perceptor*

Sharpshot: *bit of a startled sound before she can stop herself*

Perceptor: *gives her a quizzical little frown* Did we cause you pain?

Sharpshot: *sheepishly* No... Just startled me for a second.

Fig: *half asleep* She ain't useta bots. Don't crowd her so much.

Perceptor: *quizzical look for the Pretender, which he then turns to Sharpshot*

Sharpshot: *quietly* Dad wasn't a bot.

Perceptor: *as Ratchet steps back and lets Bathilda assist the blue femme* What do you mean?

Sharpshot: *as she leans on Bathilda for support* He was Meredronian. He found me when I was a hatchling and took care of me.

Perceptor: *blink blink. And into Ratchet's mind comes the image of a gargantuan triceratops type beast riding an asteroid past a ship's window. Awe and wonder accompany the memory, along with the knowledge that the rock rider was only a small and young member of his race*

Ratchet: 0_0 My word...

Sharpshot: He taught me how to take care of people. *will check a storage compartment for the holo-image projector she has*

Perceptor: *quietly* Most people have never even heard the name Meredronian. We know next to nothing about the race.

Sharpshot: *blink blink, will offer the image projector* *quietly* Dad said one time that his people are deep space goers. And that the drones like him are for interacting with little people, including baby fertile siblings.

Perceptor: *takes the projector as Bathilda helps Sharpshot up onto the table, and then makes a soft sound of wonder as he turns it on and sees the being portrayed in the first image* Why... he's humanoid.

Ratchet: *studying the image now*

Sharpshot: *quietly* That's Dad. *sounds a little sad*

Perceptor: *gently* He's moved on? *studying the man's copper penny skin and bright happy golden eyes*

Sharpshot: *small nod* It was a long time ago, but I still miss him.

Bathilda: *will gently rub Sharpshot's shoulder in sympathy*

Perceptor: *settles down to sit on the end of the table next to the sleeping WakeJumper* He found you, you say?

Sharpshot: *nod* I got separated from my crèche by an attack, and was wandering and crying on the field by the space port, so he brought me along with him.

Perceptor: *absently watching as Ratchet opens up the femme's knee* Do you know the date?

Sharpshot: *shutters her optics and thinks back for a few moments before giving her best guess*

Perceptor: *small jag of fear, and then intakes deeply* *quietly, as he pushes away the flashback and the memories it stirs up* You are the same age as many of our hatchlings. Showtime, for example. *shows an image of that little blue femme holding a tiny game chick on her hands*

Sharpshot: *studies the image silently, then her optics widen* *quietly* I... I recognize her.

Perceptor: *attention back to the present* Do you?

Sharpshot: *nod* *quietly* She's my crèche sibling. We were separated in the attack. *intakes hitch*

Perceptor: My stars. *startled blinking as he looks to his mate*

Ratchet: *quietly* She and the rest of the hatchlings are safe, and thriving.

Sharpshot: *small nod, shutters her optics and clicks softly*

Perceptor: *gently* Though the current crèche is composed of individuals from several previous ones, born at various times.

Sharpshot: *another small nod* *softly* I'm just glad they're safe.

Perceptor: *shows an image of Showtime sitting on Chrome and feeding him can lids* We also have this little fellow now.

Sharpshot: *looks. Puzzled expression is a go*

Perceptor: *softly* Chrome was born here on Earth. He budded from his mother's spark.

Sharpshot: *slight headtilt* Sort of like how organic babies are created?

Perceptor: Ahhh. *explains bonding and the rare gift of the bond spark*

Bathilda: *boggling by the end of the explanation*

Sharpshot: *blink blink* Huh.

Perceptor: They are very rare. Chrome is a most welcome gift, and quite the future leader. *looks up at a spark of disgruntlement from Ratchet as she gets Sharpshot's knee apart*

Ratchet: *bit of a grump going now* -I think we're in for another case like Huffer...-

Perceptor: *absently answers a question from Bathilda* -My stars. Can we do something with splints or nanobots?-

Ratchet: -It's possible. For now, though, let's focus on repairing what we can.-

Perceptor: *moves slowly away from WakeJumper so as to not wake her, then comes and helps his mate with the surgery* *embarrassed by a yawn* -I think we must rest after this, though we have but recently wakened.-

Ratchet: *small nod of agreement as they work* -I think that will be beneficial to WakeJumper as well.-

Bathilda: *will move to check on Fig and see if he'd like a blanket*

Perceptor: *slight startle and chuckle as the door to Fig's room opens and lets out deep snoring* My stars.

Ratchet: *looks up, very soft snort of amusement* I think that we could all use some rest.

Perceptor: Indeed. *turns his attention to helping finish up the knee replacement* Nearly done, Miss Sharpshot.

Sharpshot: *small nod, has turned her head toward the source of the snores*

Perceptor: And done. *uses his slender, nimble fingers to close the knee up, then moves out of the way so that Ratchet can help Sharpshot to her feet*

Sharpshot: *will quietly thank Perceptor and Ratchet before heading to Fig's room to sit with him while he sleeps*

Perceptor: *yes, he thinks that Fig will not long remain abandoned* *sighs and looks up at Ratchet from where he's sitting by WakeJumper again*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle, will move to gently lift mate and hatchling* Let's go get some rest.

Perceptor: That... sounds very appealing, love. *so tired he is*

Ratchet: *will bring her family to the berth*

Perceptor: *cuddles mate and daughter, his systems settling into rest mode even before Ratchet has finished settling herself*

Ratchet: *will hold her family close and settle into a peaceful sleep cycle*

Bathilda: *will check on the family and cover them with a tarp before heading off to her office to finally tackle some paperwork she's been putting off*

((Written with random_xtras))