TPF. Autobot Outpost Omega One and Dallas' House. Victory and Tragedy

[dens_extra_pups]

Witchblade: *full of sass and glee as she leaps through the space bridge* Yayyyy! Where's Bulky?

Muhlisha: *stops as she follows her teammates into the control room and then frowns as she sees how Ratchet is sitting there just holding Denver close* ...What happened?

Denver: *peeks* *quietly* Bulky's 'urt... *wibble, hides her face against Ratchet again*

Ratchet: *quietly* Extensive neural damage... Courtesy of an Insecticon named Hardshell and contact with tox-en... I had to put him in stasis... He has to get stronger before I can even hope to begin repairs...

Witchblade: *squeals with distress and runs for the medbay*

Muhlisha: *watches her go, and then nods a command to WakeJumper before turning back to Ratchet* Where's Prime?

Ratchet: *quietly* Sparring with Arcee.

Denver: *isn't even going to deny the fact that she's crying*

WakeJumper: *silent as he goes to check on Bulkhead*

Muhlisha: Clipsie, stick a sock in it. *gentle boot for the excited femme* Rocky, go peel yer lady off the wall Optimus's probably smeared 'er on. Ratchet?

Eclipse: *startled squeak*

Ratchet: *looks up from gently rubbing Denver's back*

Rockface: *scoots to rescue Arcee*

Muhlisha: *elbows Torque as he comes up behind her* When's Bulky gonna be back on his feet?

Ratchet: *soft sigh* He might never fully recover...

Muhlisha: ...Yer slaggin' me.

Ratchet: *headshake* Tox-en is extremely dangerous... Hardshell's shooting Bulkhead in the back complicated matters...

Muhlisha: Scrap. *goes to rescue Rockface from Optimus and Arcee*

Jack: *deep sigh from where he's sitting up on the older couch on the balcony* Beau's going to flip.

Denver: *wordless nod of agreement, rubs at her eyes*

Fowler: *grumbles from the new couch* I... don't... need a drink. *curled up a bit and just feeling angry and miserable at coming back from talking to the mayor of New York and being met with the news of Bulkhead's expected permanent incapacitation and Wheeljack's blowing up of three tons of energon*

Eclipse: *scooting to fuss over Fowler*

Fowler: *scowls at her, but then brightens* Where's the little guy?

Eclipse: *moves the sling on her back around to her front*

Lumen: *sleepy little squeak*

Fowler: *turns onto his back to hold out his arms in silent hopefulness*

Eclipse: *transfers Lumen over to Fowler*

Lumen: *squeaks muffled by him nomming on his bunny's ear*

Fowler: Hey, buddy. *cuddles the baby bot on his chest, drawing comfort from the tiny little warm body and the trusting little voice*

Lumen: *happy little purr, snuggle*

Eclipse: *getting a picture of the cute*

Fowler: *slight smile and a sigh* Thanks, Eclipse.

Eclipse: *quietly, as Lumen goes back to sleep* He missed you a lot.

Fowler: No way. He just met me before you guys had to go back to Tau.

Eclipse: Yes way. He was pouting pretty much the entire time we were on Tau, and even sassed Vissy.

Fowler: *worried frown* You know I'm only here till Beau and June get back.

Eclipse: *blink blink* Oh, that's right... *forgot about that*

Fowler: Is he gonna be alright? *rubs babybot's back*

Eclipse: He should be... And if all else fails, I can make a recording of your voice and go from there.

Fowler: *slight grin at that, but then goes wide-eyed as he sees something on the main screen*

Eclipse: *glances to the main screen. Says something incoherently patriotic that she picked up from him*

Muhlisha: *sending a feed of what Optimus and Arcee are doing. And it is fast and furious and Arcee is bouncing off walls*

Ratchet: *watching the main screen without really seeing what's going on*

Denver: *hiding against Dad again*

Jack: Whoa... 0.0 Aren't they going to break something?

Kriti: ... Nobody ever spars with me like that... *sulk*

Ratchet: *hand over Denver, moves to get up*

Jack: *soothes Panacea and Hot Rod, then sits up and looks at Kriti like she's crazier than Miko*

Kriti: *to Jack* The fight on Tau was over before it even got remotely interesting, 'cause it turns out Wake's siblings were bored.

Jack: *opens mouth. Shuts mouth. Blinks*

Panacea: Papa!

Ratchet: *moves to pick up Panacea and Hot Rod*

Denver: *going to hide her face on the littlebots*

Hot Rod: *yap, chatter, babble*

Jack: *hands the bitties over, and then looks at the screen just in time to see Arcee fly at it and it go dark* Yike!

Fowler: *phone to ear* Prima! Report!

Ratchet: ... *goes to check on Arcee*

Kriti: 0_0 *doorwings up*

Muhlisha: *laying on the floor of the big empty room that is used for training and laughing her aft off*

Optimus: *has lifted Arcee off her CO2. Only just now realized that she and Arcee had acquired an audience* *to both femmes* Are you alright?

Arcee: I think so. *checking herself for damage. Knows the odds of her actually doing damage to Muhlisha*

Rockface: ... I don't know whether to call that awesome or not...

Torque: *cackling and showing Javalina the funny*

Javalina: *big grin. Mama laughing is ALWAYS great!*

Muhlisha: *sits up* I think I skinned my aft. *laughs more*

Ratchet: ... *sigh* *can't facepalm with an armful of kids*

Optimus: *gently sets Arcee down, and then comes over to her mate* Ratchet? What is it?

Ratchet: Someone was sharing a feed of the sparring match.

Optimus: *blinks, and then blushes as she realizes that many people have probably now seen her and Arcee's angry attempt to flatten each other as they tried to work out some of the hurt they're feeling* *is finally calm enough to feel her bond with Ratchet*

Ratchet: *moves to carefully touch his forehead to hers*

Optimus: *bends to meet the affectionate gesture, feeling her grief, anger, and embarrassment fade slightly in the wash of his love* *offers to take their children*

Ratchet: *will carefully transfer the children to Optimus*

Denver: *not sure she wants to go anywhere, but she's not really got much choice now, since Hot Rod's snuggling and purring*

Optimus: *arm around Ratchet as she waits for the children to decide if they want to come to her. Soft clicks and trills* *without looking up* Torque, please put Rockface down. On his feet.

Denver: ... *changes her mind and scares a few years off of Ratchet's life by jumping to Optimus*

Ratchet: 0_0 *fuss and fret!*

Denver: *hiding her face on Optimus' plating now*

Torque: Aww. *sets Rockface on his feet*

Rockface: Whoah... *gives himself a bit of a shake once his head is no longer aimed at the floor and goes to fuss over Arcee*

Arcee: I'm alright, Rockface. Just a bit dented.

Rockface: Okay. *moves to lead mate out of the room*

Muhlisha: *watches them go, and then looks at her own mate and sparklet* *quietly* Let's go check on Bulky.

Torque: *small nod*

Muhlisha: *takes the cheerfully chirping Javalina and then heads out, sidestepping Jack along the way*

Torque: *sidesteps Jack as he follows Muhlisha*

Jack: Hey, Optimus? Oops. Sorry for interrupting. But a Chief Burns is asking for you. He says it's an emergency.

Optimus: *optics flash and alarm surges over her bond*

Panacea: *crackle of protest at the sound Mama spark is making now*

Ratchet: *attention sharpens* What sort of emergency?

Hot Rod: *snuzzles Pansy*

Denver: *peeking again*

Jack: He didn't say. He just said he really needs to talk to Optimus. *frowning with concern. Also has dark circles under his eyes*

Ratchet: *frowns and scans Jack*

Optimus: *gently urging the youngsters to go back to Ratchet as Panacea complains and waves her arms angrily* I'd better go see what Chief Burns wants.

Hot Rod: *kissies for Pansy!*

Denver: *wibbles and nods as she gets transferred back to Dad*

Jack: *very very busy day and lack of meals and the shock of Bulkhead's injury is catching up with the teen*

Ratchet: *will add Jack to the collection of kids then* *intends to make sure all the kids have been fed* *to Optimus* Let me know what's going on?

Optimus: *as Jack flails and protests with surprise at being picked up and tucked in with her kids* I will, love. We have canned pasta in the cupboard. *turns and strides out of the room*

Ratchet: *nods and moves to head for the mess*

Jack: *from where he's gently squished against Denver* Ratchet, what's going on? *frowwn*

Ratchet: *as he walks* There is a team of non-combatant Autobots stationed out on the East Coast of this country. One of their liaisons contacted us, stating that there's an emergency...

Jack: Okay. But why did you pick me up? Ouch, Denver, those are my ribs.

Denver: Sorreh... *careful repositioning*

Ratchet: The sooner you eat something, the sooner you can get some rest, Jack... *won't admit that he's gotten fond of carrying kids around*

Jack: Oh right. Eat. *looks down* I'm not really hungry.

Optimus: -Ratchet. I have to go. Eclipse is keeping an eye on Bill, and Bumblebee will be meeting me on location from where he'd been sitting by Raf's house.-

Ratchet: -What happened, Optimus?-

Optimus: -The local head of science was experimenting with a time machine. The Rescue bots, Cody, and his young friend have all disappeared.-

Ratchet: *stops short* -... Oh, no...-

Optimus: *feeling of exasperation and impatience* -Kriti's coming with me.-

Ratchet: -... At least she's a combat model.-

Optimus: -Yes.- *feel of a sigh, and then a soft wash of affection* -Hopefully we'll be back soon.-

Jack: Ratchet? *has been talking to you for a bit here, Ratchet*

Ratchet: -I'll make sure there's energon ready.- *slight start, looks to Jack*

Jack: *deep frown of concern* What's wrong? You stopped moving.

Ratchet: Optimus updated me on the situation on Chief Burns' end... *resumes walking* She, Kriti, and Bumblebee are en route...

Jack: Is it something like the meteor that Bumblebee helped with? *frowning as he absently puts his arms around Panacea*

Ratchet: *quietly* Griffin Rock's head scientist found a time machine, and was testing it... The Rescue Bots were pulled into the time vortex...

Jack: *looks up with a start, and then goes limp as his overworked, underfed, and seriously overstressed mind decides to quit on him*

Panacea: *squeal!*

Denver: *acks! Fusses*

Hot Rod: *squeal!*

Ratchet: *soothing sounds, will move to take care of the kids*


meanwhile, elsewhere


dKnockout: *comes walking out of Dallas' bedroom, buttoning his shirt. Stops cold as he realizes that there's a tiny, older, human woman standing there in the hall. Slowly lifts one brow* And you are...?

Hattie: *hands on hips* Dallas' gran'ma. *so much frown for you, man that she does not know!*

dKnockout: *has nooo idea what "gran'ma" means. Calm arrogance* Are you supposed to be here?

Hattie: Dallas said Ah c'ld be.

dKnockout: I don't believe you.

Hattie: *so much frown on her face* 'N Ah c'n't b'lieve th't y'u're not 'elpin' Dallas bah work'n 'r 'elpin' take care 'f th' baby.

dKnockout: *cool annoyance* What are you nattering about? *finishes buttoning shirt*

Hattie: *more frown* D' y'u even 'ave a job? *so much accusation in that short question*

dKnockout: *stiffly* Not that I consider it any of your business, but yes, I do. *turns toward the kitchen as he tucks in his shirt*

Hattie: *drat. Foiled on her main argument. Not to worry, she has a back-up plan!* *moving to block the guy's path* 'Re y'u 't least 'ntend'n' t' marreh 'er?

dKnockout: *dangerous look* Move.

Hattie: *and now she has a look on her face that's scarily similar to the expression Dallas gets when she's mad about something* Answer th' question.

dKnockout: *voice cold and hard* I don't recall you being my CO, so unless you want to sustain damage I suggest you get out of my way.

Hattie: *standing firm* Ah asked y'u a question, young man. Ah 'spect 'n answer.

dKnockout: *shoves her out of the way, his mind on preparing some fuel for Dallas and this snuggle doll*

Hattie: *didn't get to be a grandmother without raising her share of rebellious kids. Quick as can be, her hand's going for dKnockout's ear, her intent to give the man a stern talking to*

dKnockout: *hand lashes out, and there's a crack from Hattie's wrist just as the front door opens*

Hattie: *startled curse, and then her other hand's going up to box the young man's ear*

Dallas: What the?! *hurrying to break up the fight* That's enough!

dKnockout: *turns his head* Dallas, get this reprehensible scrap off me. *voice demanding, but the edge it held while speaking to Hattie is absent from it now*

Dallas: *moving to get the two combatants separated. dKnockout gets Rundown plus carrier, Hattie gets pulled aside so Dallas can take a look at her wrist*

dKnockout: *slightly dismayed look and then a sigh as he looks at the bitty in his arms. Flatly* Oh, hello.

Rundown: *tellin' him about it! :D :D :D*

Dallas: *to dKnockout* I've got to take her to the hospital. *voice a bit sharper as she moves to herd Hattie out the door* Then I'm taking her back to her hotel.

dKnockout: *looks up with shock, and the yearning on his face is clear* But I don't know how long I've got. My boss is in a twist over losing his favourite bug.

Dallas: *tells Hattie to go wait in the car* *is NOT amused at the antics of her kin* *quietly* I'll call a cab to take her to her hotel.

dKnockout: *offers happy and wiggly baby back* I was trying to get to the kitchen to prepare fuel for us. *voice is soft now, and his eyes are lit with his gladness to see her*

Hattie: *sees that as she heads out to the car*

Dallas: *slight smile* I'll hurry back. *quick kiss on the cheek for dKnockout*

dKnockout: Wait. What about the scraplet? *holds up the happy Rundown*

Dallas: *soft chuckle, reaches for the little bit*

Rundown: *talks to Mama, but then squees as thunder booms somewhere in the distance outside*

dKnockout: *frowns and looks up*

Dallas: *looks up at the thunder* ... I didn't think it was supposed to rain...

dKnockout: It's not. But they said there might be lightening. *scowling now* I don't want you out in that, sugar.

Dallas: Well, I can't call an ambulance for Grandma. That'd attract too much attention...

dKnockout: *scowl deepens* What did she come here for?

Dallas: She probably put two and two together... *a bit sheepishly* I was asking her for advice about babies...

dKnockout: *scowl goes to frown of confusion* ...For advice about babies?

Dallas: *nods* I've never been a mom before...

dKnockout: But why would that cause her to come here?

Dallas: Because she probably figured out that I've got a baby now. And she's a grandmother. It's what they do.

dKnockout: Do they also give orders where they have no right to? *scowling again*

Dallas: Grandma probably thought you were being an aft... She's one of those older sorts who gives respect to those who treat her with respect... And she did raise five kids, so she's also got some experience...

dKnockout: I've had a slagging hard two days. I come here to relax and be spoiled, not to be pushed around more.

Dallas: ... *bit of a frown* What happened?

dKnockout: *flatly, but with a very faint hint of pleading in that snotty voice* I don't want to think about it.

Dallas: *another quick kiss on the cheek* The hospital's only about ten minutes away if I go the speed limit. Give me twenty, just to be on the safe side.

dKnockout: No. Let your obnoxious cousin take care of the gran'ma.

Dallas: ... You want me to call Beau, who I'd rather avoid at all costs?

dKnockout: I don't want anything to happen to you. *turns and scowls as he hears Hattie coming back*

Dallas: ... *looks to see what dKnockout is looking at* ... *raised brow* I thought you were waiting in the car, Grandma. *careful to make sure Hattie can't see Rundown*

Hattie: *so much frown* Jes' wh't's goin' on 'eah?

dKnockout: *promptly* You're butting in where you aren't wanted?

Hattie: *scowls and tips her head towards Rundown* Th't ain't a babeh.

dKnockout: *dark eyes narrow and very faintly Dallas will be able to see a glint of red in their depths*

Dallas: *putting herself between dKnockout and her grandmother* Yes, he is. And you're not going to tell anyone else about him.

Hattie: *so much disapproving frown on her face* 'N wah not?

dKnockout: You want to live to older age, don't you? *speaks matter of factly*

Dallas: Because I'm one of the people who gets a say in what nursing home you go to someday. I also get to say when that should be. *she might be bluffing*

Hattie: *SUCH a Look has not been leveled at Dallas since the day she told her mother where to put the stick that was someplace uncomfortable*

Rundown: *has been cuddled against Mama during all these sharp words, his big eyes going from face to face and his little mouth wibbling at the tension and anger he's sensing but doesn't understand. Suddenly sneezes, then laughs and coos before launching into a story about it*

Dallas: *distracted from blackmailing her grandmother by the need to fuss over Rundown*

dKnockout: *doesn't look at the babybot, but there's a subtle but plain shift in his body language that makes it clear that he sees himself as protecting Dallas and the little guy from Hattie*

Hattie: *frowning as she tries to make sense of what she's seeing. The protective stance the strange man has is a contrast from how he was acting earlier... and the strange thing that sounds like a baby, that Dallas was insisting is a baby, but doesn't look like a baby...*

Dallas: *is totally ignoring Hattie in favor of fussing over Rundown, and leaning on dKnockout*

Rundown: *toot! Stops short with a gobsmacked expression just like any baby might*

dKnockout: *steps away quickly* Dallas, what did you feed him?

Dallas: *coughing a bit as she tries to explain that the only thing she's given Rundown has been the fuel provided*

dKnockout: *deep frown, and then a scowl at Hattie* You've upset him.

Rundown: *going to whimper. Doesn't like that smell, and now his belly is bothering him*

Hattie: *bites her lower lip*

Dallas: Do we have anything that might settle his tummy?

dKnockout: I'll go check. *ducks his head to kiss her and then turns and pushes past Hattie to go out the back door and then to the garage*

Rundown: *so much bittywibble*

Dallas: *soothing sounds, will gently rub his back*

Rundown: *softly, as he cuddles against her* Bweee...

dKnockout: *back, a grin on his leanly handsome face as he holds up a bottle of fuel additive* That's it, Dallas. I'm keeping you.

Dallas: *snerk*

Hattie: ... *mutters* 'N Ah thought Denver's runn'n' w's weird... *will see if she can find an elastic bandage or not*

dKnockout: It's a pity I'm not all here and can't taste this myself. *sniffs it as he opens the bottle, and then goes into the kitchen to mix up a diluted dose for Rundown* *totally ignoring Hattie now*

Dallas: There'll be time for that later, hopefully. *more backrubs for the bitty*

dKnockout: *sticks a blue elastic band that came on broccoli into his mouth and chews it as he works, then comes back and offers the feeding bottle to Dallas* There, sweet, offer him that.

Rundown: *grimacing as he toots again*

Dallas: *will offer the feeding bottle to Rundown once she's got it in hand* Here, kiddo...

Rundown: *turns his face away and whimpers*

Dallas: *soothing sounds, will try again* This'll help you feel better.

Rundown: *tiny squeal as his little fists clench, but then he's obediently drinking. Big eyes start to close as the soothing fuel and additive comfort his upset tank*

Dallas: *will soon be quietly humming the same lullaby she always hums*

dKnockout: *must slip up behind her and put his arms around her as he rests his chin on her shoulder!*

Dallas: *leans against him and smiles*

Hattie: ... *doing her best to quietly leave the family to their quiet time without being noticed*

dKnockout: *sharply, without looking up* You're not leaving yet, Gran'ma.

Hattie: *so much frown* 'N wah not?

dKnockout: Because you're a security risk.

Hattie: Excuse me? *disbelieving look on her face*

dKnockout: You've seen Rundown, and if you run your vox you could endanger everything I have here. I won't have that happen. *that look of unrelenting coldness is in his face again, and once more he is speaking in a tone of calmness that is more chilling than any threat*

Hattie: ... *starting to get a bit scared now*

Dallas: ... *frowns and glances toward the door* I hear a moped...

dKnockout: *curses and lets go of Dallas to go and look out the living room window* *that curse was not in any human language*

lanky female: *getting off of a green and black motorbike and taking her helmet off... She might look a bit familiar...*

dKnockout: *curses again* It's your Autobot loving cousin, Dallas.

Dallas: ... Which one? *starting to scowl*

dKnockout: The femme. *expression cold and hard*

Dallas: ... Why would Denver come here? *so confused*

dKnockout: *angry growling sound as someone pounds on the front door* *then yanks it open* Get lost!

Denver: *startled, but not enough to back off* *obscenity*

Hattie: Denver! Language! *disapproving frown*

Dallas: *has ducked back into the hall*

Denver: *expression darkening just a bit as she gets scolded about cussing*

dKnockout: I've had enough of your friends for one day. So just get back on that little toy machine and leave. *swings door shut*

Denver: *okay, now she recognizes the voice* %$%#$%$#%$%#$ y'u, Knockout! Y'u deserved wh't y'u got!

dKnockout: *freezes with one hand still on the door* Excuse me?

Denver: *as she heads back to get her bike* Trah'n' t' 'urt mah brothah th' way y'u did, y'u d'serve th' ruined finish!

dKnockout: *starts a comeback, but then yelps as he finds himself suddenly holding an unhappy Rundown as Dallas pushes past him*

Dallas: *MURDER in her eyes now, and then she and Denver are making World War 3 happen on the front lawn*

Denver: *shrieking insults and curses as she and Dallas grapple on the ground*

dKnockout: Oh pit! *shoves Rundown at Hattie and then heads out himself* You better not damage my femme, you little $%#$%&#@.

Rundown: *crying and shaking*

Dallas: *lets Denver go after giving the teen one last sock to the eye* You scared my kid! *beeline for the house, will fuss over Rundown* *doesn't notice that her lip's been split open, or that she'll be sporting a raccoon mask tomorrow*

Denver: *one last obscenity, gets on her bike, and is soon making a dust cloud*

Hattie: ...Jes wh't w's th't all about? *worried frown*

dKnockout: *yelps from out in the yard*

unknown engine: *guns toward the house*

Dallas: What the?! *moves to look through the front window*

dKnockout: *stumbles into the house and collapses as a beautiful red and white car roars around the house from where there had been no car before. Meets a green, black, and white car head on*

Dallas: 0_0 Knockout!

Hattie: Wh't th' 'eck 's goin' on?!

cars: *suddenly rise up into two tall, lean bots who pummel each other as fiercely as Dallas and Denver just did*

Dallas: *worrying and fretting*

Knockout: *shoves his adversary away* Get lost, Lockdown. Nothing here concerns you!

Lockdown: *comes back low, a shining blade in one hand* That's my son, you son of a glitch!

Knockout: *sidesteps and then kicks the other mech in the face*

Dallas: *has a baaad feeling. Will move to try and get Hattie and Rundown someplace safer*

Hattie: *boggling and going where she's herded*

Dallas: *after making sure Hattie and Rundown are safe, she'll go back for dKnockout*

Knockout: *out in the yard, holding his side but refusing to move from his protective stance in front of the house*

Lockdown: *low and angry, paying no attention to the big pickup that just pulled up behind him* That's my son.

Knockout: He's Dallas'. She needs him. And she doesn't go mailing him over space bridges.

Lockdown: *going to try and get you good with the energon blade, Knockout!*

Torque: Oh, scrap! Lockdown got here first!

Knockout: *meets Lockdown with his drill. His gasp of pain is echoed by one from the other mech*

Dallas: Knockout! *does something very stupid, or very brave. Goes running towards the combatants*

Knockout: Dallas, no! *turns his head, and then meeps and sinks to his knees as Lockdown gets him again*

Lockdown: *backing off with confusion because he just knifed his enemy because the other mech was distracted- by warning a little squishy organic woman?*

Dallas: *putting herself between the mech she doesn't know, and Knockout. Will hold her arms out in a shielding gesture* Go away!

Lockdown: *steps forward, and then growls as he feels his arm caught in a strong grip from behind* I want my son.

Knockout: You've already got two brats. *wheezes and tries not to leak anywhere near Dallas* *softly* Dallas... this isn't safe.

Dallas: *stubbornly, though there is a slight quiver of fear in her voice* I'm not leaving you, Knockout. And I'm not letting him take Rundown away from us.

Rockface: *from where he's watching behind Torque* Scrap, she's more insane than Denver mentioned...

Arcee: Either that, or Knockout did something to manipulate her. *would be going .>:/ if she were in root mode*

Knockout: *scathing though wobbly look toward the blue motorbike* It's called charm. Not that you industrial drones would know anything about... *sways and fights to stay awake*

Lockdown: *to the human woman* I'm his father! *angered further by the sound of Rundown's frightened wailing from inside the house*

Dallas: *standing her ground* GO AWAY.

Lockdown: NO!

Knockout: *growls and suddenly flashes into motion. Knocks Lockdown and Torque flying backward before collapsing onto his face*

Torque: *startled curse*

Dallas: Knockout! *hurries to the downed mech's side*

Rockface: ... He risked his finish for her... *staring now*

Arcee: ... Nobody will believe this...

Hattie: *bringing Rundown out to Dallas, since he's crying so hard that he's not taking in air, and she's worried he'll choke*

Lockdown: *perks at sight of his son, but then stops and stares in bewilderment as the sparklet reaches for Dallas* Rundown. I'm here.

Rundown: *wants Mama so bad!*

Dallas: *trying to keep calm so she doesn't scare Rundown any more than he already is, will cradle the little guy close* Everything's going to be alright, Rundown... *can't hide the slight quiver of fear as well as she'd like to*

Knockout: Back... Off... Lockdown! *tries to push himself up, but then whirs to a stop and faceplants*

Dallas: *startled sound* Knockout!

Lockdown: *so much confusion on his face as he turns his head to look at Torque*

Torque: *picking himself up* ... Huh... Maybe we should get DocBot here...

Arcee: I already called Ratchet.

Lockdown: *shutters his optics, and then gets up and transforms from a running start. Roars away down the driveway*

Rockface: ... Oh, that can't be good...

Rundown: *quietly* Mama. *hiccoughs. Was sick on Hattie earlier*

Dallas: *fussing over Rundown, is trying not to panic*

Hattie: *quietly excuses herself so she can go change clothes*

dKnockout: *pushes himself up weakly as Hattie goes past him* *mutter* Oh great. How am I going to explain this?

Dallas: *attention going to dKnockout* *scoots over to him*

dKnockout: *trying to get himself standing, one hand propped against the wall* *groan*

Dallas: *working out how to get the snuggle doll standing while cradling Rundown close with one arm*

dKnockout: *manages to focus* My... my main fuel line. Darling... patch? *weebles but reaches for the whimpering and hiccoughing bittybot so that she can have her hands empty*

Dallas: *nods and hurries through the house. Out the back door to get her toolkit*

dKnockout: *sinks to the floor again, trying to keep his grasp on Rundown* *still muttering* You're... you're a pain... know that?

Rundown: *cling and wibble*

Dallas: *runs from the garage with tools, and starting to work on patching Knockout's main fuel line. Is trying to be careful, but she's just a bit freaked out right now*

dknockout: *becomes aware of someone near him and lifts his head to try and focus groggy eyes on Hattie* *frown*

Hattie: *moving to drape a blanket around dKnockout's shoulders*

dKnockout: *frown deepens slightly, but then he turns his head toward the open door* Help me...

Dallas: *cussing at Rockface and Arcee, since they're trying to keep her out of the blue puddle around Knockout*

dKnockout: *groggier, his head drooping* Help... me.

Hattie: *hurrying out to help her granddaughter*

Dallas: Let go! His main line's leaking and I have to patch it up!

Muhlisha: *just pulled up and transformed* *striding over toward the others* Sup?

Rockface: Lockdown kicked Knockout's aft...

Arcee: *is about ready to pick Dallas up to keep her out of the spilled energon* His main line's damaged.

Muhlisha: *frowns and picks up the injured Decepticon up, then lays him on his back on the driveway and pulls out a roll of duct tape* //Ratchet, hustle.//

Hattie: *bit of a frown as she studies the puddle* Jes' wh't 's th's blue stuff, anehway?

Ratchet: //I'm nearly there, Muhlisha.// *can you hear his siren going off as he gets closer?*

Muhlisha: //Knockout's almost drained.// Rocky, get this cleaned up.

Rockface: On it. *sets to work as Arcee picks Dallas up, to the displeasure of the woman*

Ratchet: *pulling into the driveway a few moments later* *door opens* Torque, get Denver.

Torque: ... Okay. *moves to do so*

Ratchet: *transforming once Denver's out of his cab, moves to start repairing Knockout*

Hattie: *so much frown as she repeats her question* Jes' wh't 's th's blue stuff, anehway?

Muhlisha: *looks over. Thinks about it* Blood.

Hattie: ... *blink. Blink* Oh. *will move to check on Rundown and dKnockout again*

dKnockout: *chin sunk on his chest. Is totally unresponsive to Rundown's whimpers and little wrigglings*

Hattie: *will try and grab Rundown. Can tell a frightened baby when she sees one*

Rundown: *wibbles at her pitifully*

Hattie: 'T'll all be okay, 'on... *will start babydancing with Rundown*

Muhlisha: *out in the yard, she comes over and takes Dallas from Arcee* Hey, shut it. *shakes her gently*

Dallas: *startled curse*

Denver: *groggily* 'F 'Lisha says t' shut it, shut it.

Muhlisha: That ain't shuttin' it, sister. *lifts Dallas up to frown at her as the redhead continues to curse*

Dallas: *upset enough that her accent is leaking through* Baht me. Knockout's MAH responsibiliteh.

Torque: *comes over and leans over his mate's shoulder to look at Dallas* What do you see in that jerk?

Dallas: *so much scowl, and doesn't she look a lot like Denver right now?* He sees me.

Muhlisha: ... Huh?

Torque: *nooo idea what the human means* ... Anyone with working optics can see you...

Dallas: *rolls eyes* Not what Ah meant.

Muhlisha: So what do ya mean? *leans back against Torque, since he's there*

Dallas: *quietly, as her attention goes to where the white and red mech is working on repairing Knockout* He's able to look past my appearance.

Muhlisha: *frown* Still ain't gettin' it. All he cares about's his looks.

Arcee: He was trying to protect her from Lockdown earlier.

Muhlisha: *turns and raises an eyebrow at the blue femme* Yer yankin' my servo.

Arcee: *headshake* If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't believe it either.

Rockface: *sends a databurst with the footage*

Muhlisha: But this's the guy that dumped Locky's sister. *deep frown*

Dallas: ... Lockdown was th' jerk who attacked Knockout?

Muhlisha: *frowns at her* Yup. Locky owes 'im one.

Dallas: *so much scowl* I don't like Lockdown.

Muhlisha: Yeah? Well think how I feel about the glitch that dumped my mother ta go follow the crazy aft @#$&%$#@ that wanted ta take over the galaxy.

dKnockout: *comes wobbling out of the house and walks up to Ratchet* Fuel pump.

Ratchet: *raised brow ridge, but sets to work repairing the fuel pump. Repaired fuel lines and coolant lines already*

dKnockout: *looks around, frowning as he keeps himself from falling by leaning a hand against Ratchet's leg* Dallas?

Muhlisha: *sets the woman down and lets her go*

Dallas: *scoots over to dKnockout's side* I'm right here. *will support the snuggle doll*

dKnockout: *chagrined and outraged expression as he sees her empty arms* ...Kid?

Dallas: Grandma's got him.

dKnockout: Oh... *sounds a bit loopy. Groans softly and puts a hand up to rub his face*

Dallas: *going to make him lay down... and offer her lap as a pillow*

dKnockout: Think... Think he got... fuel pump... with that... energon blade. *turns head slightly and frowns with confusion* ...Baby?

Dallas: *soothingly* Rundown's safe. Grandma has him... *looks up as the older woman brings Rundown over to her*

Hattie: *quietly, as she offers Rundown back to Dallas* 'Eah...

Rundown: *squeals with fright, but then sees who he's being offered to* Mamadada!

dKnockout: *squints at the little bot, trying to figure out what he's saying*

Dallas: *will reach for Rundown* Everything's going to be okay, kiddo...

Rundown: *cuddles, and then beeps surprise as he sees dKnockout's hand coming toward him*

dKnockout: *seems definitely out of it as he reaches to touch the sparklet* Lockdown's got two... Doesn't... doesn't need this... one. Took... *winces* My... stupid... brother... too...

Dallas: *blink blink* You've got a brother?

dKnockout: *weak nod as he fights for consciousness* Little... brother.

Dallas: ... Huh... *didn't expect that*

Ratchet: *working to keep Knockout online*

Denver: *going to have a bit of a nap, don't mind her...*

dKnockout: *muttering as he looks at Rundown, who's wriggled down to cling to him*

Dallas: *quietly* So what is Lockdown to you then?

dKnockout: *eyes closed* Ex... Brother in law. Now... His daughter's my... my sister in law.

Dallas: ... *frowning as she puzzles over this and does her best to comfort both dKnockout and Rundown*

Muhlisha: *hunkers near the small family* His brother's Taubot now.

Dallas: ... Like you guys?

Muhlisha: Like me 'n Torky 'n Rocky. 'Cee 'n Docbot're Autobots.

Dallas: *frowning muchly now as she thinks about this*

Muhlisha: *points to the inert form that Ratchet's working on* He's 'Con.

Dallas: *thinking this over* *quietly* He's my 'Con. *looking a little pale now*

Muhlisha: What'd ya go 'n steal Locky's sparklet for?

Dallas: *frown* Didn't steal him... *feeling a bit dizzy but paying that no mind*

Muhlisha: *also frowns slightly* Whaddya call it, then?

Dallas: *very slight shrug* Dunno... I just know he was brought to me as a gift...

Muhlisha: *frowns and gives dKnockout a Look, muttering under her breath with clicks and squeaks*

Dallas: *quietly, her eyes looking a bit glazed over now* Gotta protect both'a 'em...

Muhlisha: *winds up her muttering with "fraggin' jerk"*

Dallas: *scowl* Th' jerk who ruined 'is finish's the jerk...

Muhlisha: *turns back, her optics flashing slightly* He tell ya how he tried drillin' Jacky? That's Denver's brother.

Denver: *slight shift of position where she's dozing, and a bit of a growl*

Torque: *quiet, soothing sounds as he cuddles the teen*

Dallas: *confused frown* ...

Muhlisha: I wouldn' do that ta somebody weaker 'n me even if they're an enemy.

dKnockout: *slight grimace without opening his eyes* Glad... Ratchet stopped. Mess.

Dallas: *sounding a bit out of it now* Enemy... Huh?

Muhlisha: *gives Dallas a quick rundown of Decepticon history*

Dallas: *very glassy-eyed by the end of the explanation* ... 'N y'all're Taubots? *no idea that she already asked that*

Muhlisha: *frowns and scans the woman* Ratch, this one's busted too.

Ratchet: *glances over as he finishes repairing what he can on Knockout* *frowns, scans* She's got a minor concussion...

Muhlisha: Okay. *relaxes slightly and sees if she can't get Dallas to lay down without dKnockout trying to defend the woman* 'N what about KO?

Ratchet: He needs time for his fuel pump to heal... Lockdown's blade did a lot of damage...

Dallas: *confused frown as she's made to lay down*

Muhlisha: *looks up* Fuel pump? You mean Locky trashed 'im?

Ratchet: *small nod as he moves to lift Knockout* Yes. He's in no shape to be going anywhere...

Muhlisha: *quiet, worried look for Dallas and for the little sparklet that Knockout's drone is holding*

Hattie: *saw that look, bites her lower lip*

Ratchet: *quietly* All we can do at this point is make sure they're safe...

Muhlisha: Gotcha. How're we bringin' 'im back? *gets up and walks over to the damaged Decepticon, who is deep in stasis*

dKnockout: *shakes his head* Staying... here.

Ratchet: *frowning as he scans the drone*

dKnockout: *functioning perfectly, and hardwired to Knockout's mind in a way that would be undetectable to any normal scans or frequency hacks*

Ratchet: He's... hardwired his drone. *surprised*

Muhlisha: *looks up* What's that mean?

Ratchet: He's aware of his surroundings, even when he's in stasis.

Muhlisha: *quirks a brow, and then pokes KO in the side with her thumb*

dKnockout: *growls* ...Not ruined... enough??

Ratchet: Oh, mute it. *not sure if he should be amused or not*

Optimus: //Arcee, do you copy?//

Arcee: 0.o //... I'm here.//

Optimus: //Report?//

Arcee: //Lockdown found Knockout. Knockout's too damaged to be a threat right now... And apparently, he's built himself a drone...//

Optimus: *slight pause* //Where are you?//

Arcee: *sends coordinates*

Optimus: //Beau's cousin's home. Beau, Lockdown found Knockout at Dallas' house and nearly destroyed him.//

Arcee: //...I thought Beau and June were "Honeymooning"?//

Beau: //Bill called and told us to come home.//

Optimus: //Bridging in now. Arcee and Rockface, go ahead and start your usual patrols.//

Rockface: Aww. *oofs as Arcee elbows him* //Okay...//

Arcee: //We'll check in later, Optimus.//

Optimus: //Alright. Hurry up so I've got room to come into the yard.//

Arcee: *starts herding Rockface towards the road*

Rockface: *acks when Arcee jabs him in a ticklish spot, transforms, and off he goes*

Arcee: *snerk* He never learns... *transforms and heads off on patrol*

Muhlisha: *looks at Ratchet* Bossbot's comin' in.

Ratchet: Alright. *moving to clear space for Optimus to bridge in, shoving aside the big fifth wheel cargo trailer that Torque brought with him*

Dallas: *so confused and dizzy right now*

ground bridge: *opens, and then a huge form is walking through*

Optimus: *hunkers down to look at Dallas and dKnockout* So this is Lockdown's baby son.

dKnockout: No. ...Mine.

Dallas: *out of it enough that she's hunkering down and hiding against dKnockout now*

Optimus: *lets Beau and June down from her shoulder, then turns and looks at Knockout* Is it safe to move him, Ratchet?

Ratchet: *as Beau moves to check on Denver* I've done what repairs I can. He's not going to be up to any trouble...

dKnockout: Wait... *suddenly sits up, looking hazily alarmed* No. Not taking me... alive!

Optimus: o.0? *at the drone*

Dallas: *hiding against dKnockout and making a bit of a protesting sound as he moves*

Ratchet: And there's the drone. *half-tempted to sedate it to see if that has any effect*

Beau: O.o What happened? *distracted from worrying about how Denver got a black eye this time, since Miko has been sitting on Bulkhead since before he got back*

Optimus: Ah. Knockout's drone? *reaches for him*

dKnockout: Hands off! I didn't... didn't do anything. He did. *shaky hand points to his main body, then acks and holds Rundown more securely* Shhh. Shhh, baby.

Dallas: *quietly* I don't feel so good...

dKnockout: *turns to her with concern*

June: *comes over and hunkers next to the couple* Easy, Dallas. You should be in bed. What did you run into?

Muhlisha: Denver's fist.

June: *face palm* Denver...

Beau: And I'm guessing Dallas' fist happened to Denver?

Muhlisha: Yeeup.

Optimus: *sighs* June, please take the baby from Knockout's drone?

dKnockout: *holds Rundown tighter* No. Not me. Him. Can't... can't touch me legally. Poor finish...

Dallas: *hiding her face against dKnockout*

Beau: *sigh* Well, this is quite the mess...

Ratchet: *quietly, to Optimus over private comms* //The drone is hardwired to Knockout... He's aware of his surroundings...//

Optimus: Can you put the drone into stasis too?

dKnockout: Can't touch me. *faint smirk* 'Gainst... law.

Optimus: *looks at him, and then looks at Beau*

Beau: ... *frowns* The only way that'd apply would be if he hadn't actually had a hand in Rundown's abduction...

Dallas: Wasn' even born then...

Beau: ... *bit of a scowl* He's right.

Optimus: *frowns and looks from the drone to the Decepticon he belongs to, trying to decide what to do*

Knockout: *suddenly spasms, and then falls back*

dKnockout: *stands up and tries to tuck Rundown into Dallas' arms* Let's get you to bed.

Optimus: ...

Muhlisha: What the scrap was zat?

Dallas: *hiding her face on dKnockout again* *muffled* Why 'zere two of stuff?

Ratchet: *scanning Knockout!*

Knockout: *no processor activity at all, and no sign of the connection to the drone. Is to all extents and purposes brain dead, though his spark is still healthy*

Ratchet: 0_0 *looks to the drone, scans*

dKnockout: *processor strong and healthy, running rapidly as he speaks soothingly to Dallas and tries to get her to take Rundown so that he can carry her into the house. Also rebuffing June's attempts to help by taking the baby* Gran'ma, get over here.

Hattie: *bit of a frown as she moves to approach*

Ratchet: *reporting his findings, and looking just a bit baffled*

Optimus: *blinking with shock* He did what?

Ratchet: He somehow transferred all of his higher functions to the drone, leaving only the baseline systems running to keep his spark online. *so completely and utterly baffled by this*

Optimus: *baffled look for dKnockout*

dKnockout: *insufferably smug smirk can't hide the affection that shows clearly in the way he's holding Dallas* I don't do prison. Especially the kind I have to be brain dead for. *turns to bring Dallas inside after making sure Hattie carries Rundown ahead of them*

Beau: ... What a smarmy git.

Denver: *half-awake, mumbles* Jerk trahed t'... *trails off as she conks out again*

Ratchet: ... *moves to scan Denver and see if there's any way he can help her* *quietly* -I'm not sure what to do about Knockout, Optimus...-

Optimus: *quietly* -We'll bring his body and spark to base. Without the link, he isn't going to be able to go back to it.- *sober as she realizes the Decepticon medic just burned his bridges*

Ratchet: *small nod, will gently lift Denver and cradle her close to his chest* -We'll have to have someone patrol out here regularly... If Megatron finds out about Dallas...-

Optimus: *as she loads Knockout into Torque's trailer* *quietly* He won't.

June: *comes out of Dallas' house, and then hurries over to where she saw Denver last. Sees no teen and looks up at Ratchet* Let me have a look at her. *to Beau* Dallas is going to be alright.

Beau: *small nod as Ratchet carefully kneels so June can check Denver over* How badly is she hurt?

June: *as she speaks softly to Denver and looks into the teen's eyes* Mild concussion, black eyes, and a fat lip. It shouldn't leave any after effects. She might have a slight mark on her nose, though.

Denver: *definitely came out the loser in the fight. Already has an impressive shiner, and another one just starting to form, and her eyes are a bit unfocused. There's a bit of dried blood from when her nose was bleeding, and she's also got a split lip*

June: *gently soothing sounds* Denver's got another mild concussion. Her nose is broken worse than Dallas' is, her lip is already swelling badly, and I don't think she'll be seeing out of these eyes for a few days. I'll call her school when we get back to base.

Beau: ...What got those two so riled up that they'd fight like that? *concerned*

Denver: *groggily mumbling something about drills and someone stupid*

Optimus: Knockout and Jack had an encounter aboard the Nemesis. And then our team that went to New York... apparently ran over Knockout with a subway train.

Beau: ... *facepalm*

Torque: *snickerfitdie*

Optimus: *looks over at her mate* Maybe I should be glad that Miss MacKenzie isn't feeling well. I'd hate to have her hurt herself by attacking me.

June: *quizzical and confused look upward*

Ratchet: *nods in agreement, even as he moves to transfer Denver to June so he can transform* And then we'd have Knockout on the warpath for that...

Torque: Yeah... 'Specially since he was tryin' to protect Dallas from Lockdown...

Optimus: *in reply to June's quizzical look* Ratchet punched Knockout for trying to use his drill on Jack.

June: ... *growl*

Muhlisha: 0.0 *laugh* Way to go, Ratch.

Ratchet: *opens his doors* *quietly* I couldn't just sit idle...

Beau: *quietly, as he carefully gets Denver situated on the gurney that's in the back of Ratchet's alt-mode* After all this excitement, I really hope things settle down for a bit.

Optimus: Go back with Ratchet please, Beau and June. I'll deal with Mrs. Lamont and then patrol a little on my way home.

Beau: *small nod* Keep us updated?

Optimus: Of course. I won't be going far. *slight grin and a finger touch for her partner, then turns to lean down and kiss Ratchet gently on the roof* Be careful.

Ratchet: Stay safe, Optimus. *has his passenger compartment doors open for Beau and June, as well as the back doors*

June: *gets into the back with Denver and straps herself down to one of the jump seats*

Beau: *will do likewise*

Ratchet: *once Beau and June are secure, he'll close his doors and start heading out*

Torque: *stretches* Guess we should go on patrol too, huh?

Mulisha: Sure, but we ain't goin' too far from Op. Not with those MECH slaggers 'round. *transforms and rolls out*

Torque: *nod* Yeah... *transforms and rolls out as well*

Optimus: *watches them all go, and then leans down and taps on the front door of the little adobe house with one finger*

Hattie: *answers the door... and looks up... and up* ... 'Lo?

Optimus: Mrs. Lamont, I'm Optimus Prima. I have to ask you for a favour.

Hattie: ... Okay... Ah mahght be able t' 'elp... D'pends 'n th' favor...

Optimus: *offers the tiny to her sheaf of papers that is the non disclosure forms and their accompanying information* *tone of quiet command* Please read this and sign it. I'll return in half an hour.

Hattie: ... Alrahght. *accepts the papers and heads back into the house to see if she can find a pen*

Optimus: *watches the door close, and then turns and transforms. Pulls the trailer out of the yard and many miles away from the little house in the shelter of the cottonwood trees. Then comms Megatron*

Megatron: //Optimus Prima... This is an unusual situation, for you to be contacting me...// *sounds juuuuust a bit miffed about something*

Optimus: *holds up a piece of candy apple red armour in front of the holographic screen she's using* *crisply* You might want to find a new medic, Megatron.

Megatron: //... What?!// *yup. He's mad*

Optimus: Knockout is offline. *tosses the armour down* Lockdown found him.

Megatron: *SO much scowl on his face, and in the background some Steves can be seen cowering at the mention of Lockdown* //I see.//

Optimus: This is all of the body that's available, if you want it.

Megatron: //That won't be necessary.// *closes the line*

Optimus: *nods and picks up the scrap of armour, then goes over and drops it gently into the trailer with KO's body* Torque, will you bring this back to base? *pause* How did you get that dirty from that small puddle?

Torque: *startled ack, laughs* Busted... *will move to get the trailer hooked up* As for the puddle, I'm just that good.

Muhlisha: *chuckling over the fact that her and her mate's lurking wasn't lurky enough to miss the Prima's attention* So then 'Cee's gonna watch yer back?

Optimus: *fully aware of that lurking couple too* Sure, why not? *slight humour in her expression*

Muhlisha: *chuckles and revs her engine slightly* You 'n me're patrollin', Rocky.

Rockface: Aww, okay. *knows he won't get away with ANYTHING*

Arcee: *would facepalm if she were in root mode, since Rockface just blew their cover*

Optimus: *chuckles as she watches Torque, Muhlisha, and Rockface drive away together. Then she looks down at Arcee and sighs*

Arcee: *quietly* This isn't how I expected today to end...

Optimus: Hrrm. *transforms and turns back toward Dallas' house* //I never expected to see a Decepticon give up everything to stay with a human woman.//

Arcee: //Didn't think I'd ever see that either... Or that same human yelling at Lockdown to go away...//

Optimus: //Well, I hear Lockdown has never been threatening to small things.// *takes a right turn*

Arcee: *as she turns* //...It figures... But still... She was trying to protect Knockout... Maybe he was telling the truth about not blackmailing her...//

Optimus: *slowly* //No... There's no blackmail there, Arcee. WakeJumper's seen them together before, and Knockout tried to protect Dallas then by claiming that she was a hostage.//

Arcee: //... He would try that...//

Optimus: //Apparently Dallas owns the luxury car wash in town.// *slows and pulls to one side to let a farm truck with a Hereford bull in the back go past from the other direction*

Arcee: //... C&D Car Wash?//

Optimus: //Yes.//

Arcee: //Torque told me about it one day... The day Breakdown attacked that power plant...//

Optimus: //We never did find out why he did that.//

Arcee: //Who knows with 'Cons?//

Optimus: *thinks of the case they're discussing here* //True.//

Arcee: //He was probably bored.//

Optimus: //That seems to be the dominant theory.// *muffled static as she stifles a yawn*

Arcee: //Maybe you should get some rest when we get back.//

Optimus: //We all probably need to power down.// *turns onto the last road*

Arcee: //Yeah... Ratchet will be up for awhile worrying about Denver, won't he?//

Optimus: //No. He's already sleeping in my chair and holding her in his arms.//

Arcee: //...// *snerks, though the sound is lost to the road* //Even if she doesn't have a spark, and isn't Cybertronian, she's still your kid.//

Optimus: //Well... yes.// *sounds like she's wondering what point you're trying to make, Arcee*

Arcee: *chuckling over comms* //Kriti said to tell you that that's what she meant when she told Frankie that you're a mom...//

Optimus: //Ah... I know I am. To Denver, Hot Rod, Panacea, Sam, and Cody.//

Arcee: *more chuckle* //Until Cody has to be let out... Then he's showing Saelen a lot of affection.//

Optimus: *transmits a chuckle* //Yes. Till then. *slows and then turns down Dallas' driveway* //Wait here.//

Arcee: //Alright.//

Optimus: *over tapping on the door again*

Hattie: *back out a few moments later, offering the papers and looking bemused*

Optimus: *scans the tiny sheets, and then nods and stores them away before looking at the woman again* Do you have any questions?

Hattie: *small nod* 'S th's wh't got Dixie so rahled up awahl back?

Optimus: Probably. *presses lips together slightly as she remembers the blonde woman's visit*

Hattie: *bit of a headshake* 'T least Denver's got s'me'un t' look up t' 'gain...

Optimus: *optics widen with startlement* Dixie mentioned that?

Hattie: *headshake* Ah saw 'ow th' red 'n wahte 'un w's actin'.

Optimus: *expression softens* My husband, Ratchet.

Hattie: ... 'Mkay... Anehway, 'e w's 'oldin' 'er real gentle lahk... 'n she w'sn't putt'n' up a fuss...

Optimus: He's her favourite parent. *one corner of her mouth quirks upward slightly*

Hattie: *small nod* Ah'm jes' glad she's got some'un...

Optimus: You're her grandmother too?

Hattie: *nod* 'Er Ma w's mah youngest chahld....

Optimus: I see. *nods, and then looks over Hattie's shoulder as Rundown fusses loudly inside* He's colicky.

Hattie: *worried expression is a go* 'Scuse me... *going to try and see if she can do anything to help*

Optimus: *mentions the name of the fuel additive that they use at base when the bitties get upset tanks, and how they dilute it*

dKnockout: *frowns around a corner at her* I didn't think to try that one. Hmmm... *vanishes back into the kitchen*

Optimus: *startled by the interaction*

Hattie: *blink blink* Er... Alraght th'n... *will move to check on Dallas*

dKnockout: Gran'ma, help me with this. I can't put him down to mix it.

Optimus: *realizes who's holding Rundown and blinks*

Hattie: *back to the kitchen, will hold Rundown then*

Optimus: *listens to the interaction, waiting to see if Hattie will return*

dKnockout: *soon has bottle and sparklet and is heading for the bedroom*

Hattie: *back to the door, looking a bit perplexed*

Optimus: *also looking perplexed at lack of KO snark, or even lack of acknowledgement of her existence by the drone* Do you have anymore questions?

Hattie: Will Denver be alraght? She 'n Dallas realleh went t' town 'n each otha...

Optimus: *nods* She took greater damage from the fight than Miss MacKenzie did, but she'll heal. She's sleeping right now.

Hattie: *small nod* 'Er birthday'll be com'n up soon... Does she still lahk Matchbox cahs?

Optimus: *slight smile that lets weariness show without meaning to* She does. And I've bought her the second book of her favourite comic book series.

Hattie: *chuckles* 'T least Ah'll be able t' git 'er a gift she'll actualleh lahk.

Optimus: Do you have her wish list? *tilts head with interest*

Hattie: She's gotta wish list?

Optimus: Yes. It's published at the Matchbox Maniac's collectors' site.

Hattie: Ah'll 'ave t' check th't th'n.

Optimus: *smiles* She also wants a boyfriend doll from this online shop. *recites URL*

Hattie: *looking for something to write that down on*

Optimus: *realizes what Hattie's looking for and pokes around in her storage. Finds one of Beau's old notes about picking up eggs and offers it*

Hattie: Th'nks... *chuckles as she sees what Beau wrote, jots down the URL for the online shop, and then she's snerking as she realizes two of her grandchildren are interested in boyfriend dolls*

Optimus: *quizzical look* Is there something funny about Beau's list?

Hattie: Naw... Jes' th' fact th't Dallas 'n Denver 'ave similar interests... *chuckling*

Optimus: Ah. Cars.

Hattie: Th't too, but Ah w's mean'n' th' 'ole boyfriend doll th'n'...

Optimus: Ah... *confused* Dallas likes them too?

Hattie: S'meth'n lahk th't... *glances back toward the house and chuckles again*

Optimus: *nods uncertainly* I should go and let your family rest.

Hattie: Alrahght. Don' be a stranger. *smile*

Optimus: *had started to straighten, but now pauses to give the grey haired woman a look of clear surprise*

Hattie: Ah mean 't.

Optimus: *uncertain glance toward the interior of the house* Er... Thank you. If you like, I'll call and let you know how Denver's doing.

Hattie: Ah'd 'preciate th't, Optimus. Beau's got mah numbah.

Optimus: *and here is one of those rare true smiles. It lights her scarred and weary face*

Hattie: Drahve safe.

Optimus: *nods her head* Always. You too. *turns and walks along the driveway a little before transforming*

Hattie: *waves to Optimus and Arcee before ducking back into the house*

Arcee: ... Well, at least some of the Lt. Col.'s family is sane...

Optimus: //Roll out, Arcee.// *heads down the drive*


inside


dKnockout: There... *satisfied small smirk as Rundown stops fussing and shivering and settles down to sleep. Tries to see if he can't take the baby bot from Dallas' bed and put him into the crib*

Dallas: *turns her head a bit and makes a soft sound. Is in the midst of a bad dream involving monsters coming to take Rundown away from her, with Knockout nowhere in sight*

dKnockout: *doesn't realize that he just crooned softly to the baby as he lifted him into his arms. Awkwardly but carefully carries the little one over to the crib to tuck him in as he's seen Dallas do*

Rundown: *exhausted bitty is sleeping hard and holding onto his blankie like grim death. Doesn't even twitch as Daddy puts him down*

Dallas: *hands searching for Rundown and dKnockout, is starting to get a bit restless*

dKnockout: *looks over as he finishes covering the baby up. Frowns with concern and comes back to the big canopy bed. Gentle hand on Dallas' shoulder* Shhh. Rest.

Dallas: *startles awake, looking a bit wild-eyed even with as out of it as she is*

dKnockout: *brows go upward with surprise* Dallas? Can you hear me?

Dallas: *speech a bit slurred from a combination of grogginess and the concussion* Don' take mah sson!! *definitely not all the way awake or aware of her surroundings at the moment*

dKnockout: *deep frown* He's in his crib, Dallas. *sits on the side of the bed and gently smooths her hair back the way the guy on one movie did when his lady wasn't feeling good and was upset*

Dallas: *trying to fight back against the monsters from her dream, is muttering things she would never say around Rundown if she wasn't concussed*

dKnockout: *frowns, but then perks and starts unbuttoning his shirt. Stands to take it off and unfasten his pants*

Hattie: *coming in to check on Dallas* ... *raised brow, walks right back the way she came*

dKnockout: *looks over his shoulder with surprise as he wonders what happened. But then he remembers the human taboos about nudity and smirks. Finishes removing the pants and sets them with the shirt, then finds clean pyjamas and slips them on before going to the bed and laying down. Offers Dallas a hug and soothing clicks*

Dallas: *slight start, but then she smells dKnockout's cologne and snuggles close*

dKnockout: That's it. *rests his forehead against hers* Rest now, my sweet.

Dallas: *going to cling and snuggle until she falls asleep again*

dKnockout: *will lay and watch over her and Rundown, and listen to Gran'ma moving around in the house, till something disturbs him*

((Written with random_xtras))