TPF. Autobot Omega Outpost One and Tau Station. Visitors and Returns

[dens_extra_pups]

Bulkhead: *laughing and saying ouch because the laughter's rattling his sore places*

Smokescreen: *staring at the little blue femmebot who just showed him freaking BIG CLAWS and hissed at him*

Optimus: *back behind the computer screen and ignoring them as she works on decrypting files from the library of Iacon*

Kriti: *has her visor down, too. Is MAD* *and leaning on Bumblebee too, so don't get any ideas, n00b*

WakeJumper: *watching this with amusement as Eclipse uses him as a meatshield* Yeah... It's a bad idea to try and flirt around here. Most of the ladies are either already claimed, or are courting someone.

Eclipse: *going 0.0 behind her mate right now. Kriti is SCARY when she's mad!*

Smokescreen: *blinks at WakeJumper* ...I said, "Hi".

WakeJumper: *slight shrug* Considering what Kriti did to Wheeljack the one time he called her a kid... Might be a good idea to keep your mouth shut around her.

Smokescreen: Okay. *curious glance toward the green, white, and black femme who is sitting over in the corner on the stack of crates hugging her legs, but then wanders off to go see if he can find something to read*

WakeJumper: *snerk, moves to make sure Bulkhead is alright*

Bulkhead: *grouches at him!*

WakeJumper: *calmly and a bit more cheerful than normal* Aw, just humor me a bit, Bulky. Gotta make sure you don't shake anything important loose.

Bulkhead: *growl. Unhappy glance with just his optics toward Witchblade*

Optimus: Denver, do you need some help? *can hear low voiced cursing over there on the couch where home schoolwork is being done*

Denver: *mutters something impolite about trigonometry*

Optimus: *quietly recites a funny little verse that makes remembering how to do the hated subject simpler*

Denver: *grumble, mutter, back to work*

WakeJumper: *glancing back and forth between Bulkhead and Witchblade. Is connecting the dots...*

Muhlisha: *wanders in wiping her mouth* Headin' out fer patrol. Gettin' Torky outta the river on the way.

Optimus: *absently* For a definition of "river".

Muhlisha: *snorts* Muddy place. *transforms and gone*

Denver: *heard that* *snickerfit* 'E realleh 's a mudpuppeh, ain't 'e?

Bulkhead: Hey, we don't give nicknames for nothin'. He even managed to get grunged up back on Cybertron before the war.

Denver: *looks up from her homework* ... 'Ow th' scrap'd 'e manage th't?

Bulkhead: He ain't tellin'. *grouches at WakeJumper for whistling*

Denver: Aww. *slight headtilt* Did y'u evah 'ave a nickname othah th'n 'Bulky'?

Bulkhead: Not that Optimus wouldn' yell at me for sayin' in this company.

Optimus: *slight snort, still intent on files*

Denver: Aww.

Kriti: Can't be any worse than some of the stuff Fixer says. *snuggles against Bumblebee*

Optimus: She's not saying it around my children. *touches the screen and eyes that one bit, then touches again and continues scrolling*

Kriti: XD Aww.

Bumblebee: Beebeewooo?

Optimus: Alright. You and Kriti patrol your usual route. Be safe.

Bumblebee: *shakes booty and gives Kriti a peck, then transforms*

Kriti: *squee, transforms*

Bulkhead: *watches them roll out and slumps back against the wall with his chin on his chest* *sure, he's only been up for three days, and can't even take fifty steps yet without faceplanting. But he feels so useless. Especially with Witchy ignoring him like that*

WakeJumper: *quietly* Chin up, Bulkhead. Just the fact that you're up and about, even if it's only for short bursts, is something.

Bulkhead: Go away.

Ratchet: *coming over from his work space on the other side of the balcony* It's time for you to get some more rest, Bulkhead...

Bulkhead: *deep sigh*

Ratchet: *careful patpat, will help Bulkhead to his feet*

WakeJumper: *moving to help with that, after a quick discussion with Eclipse about something*

Eclipse: *scoots to go see Witchblade*

Witchblade: *sees Eclipse coming and panics at thought of facing the shorter femme's customary chatter. Jumps over Eclipse's head and then transforms and speeds out*

Eclipse: :/ *frowns as she watches Witchblade speed off* *was just going to offer hugs*

June: *calls her name over comms*

Eclipse: //Yeah, June?// *sad*

June: //Could you come and give me a hand? Everyone wants a bottle at once.//

Eclipse: //Okay. I'll be there in a few clicks.// *heads for the nursery*

Keepsake: *head out of her door as her sister goes past* Hey, Percy. Betcha didn' know Clipsie kin fly.

Perceptor: *blink blink* I was not aware that she had flight capabilities...

Keepsake: *crooks a finger at him to come look over her shoulder*

Perceptor: *will move to do so, and gently wrap his arms around her*

Keepsake: *hand over her chest as she uses the other hand to let off a canned air horn*

Eclipse: EEEEK! *JUMPS*

Perceptor: *falls over*

Keepsake: *gasps at sudden lack of mate in her mind*

Perceptor: *sheepish as he picks himself up off the floor*

Eclipse: *spaaaazzzing*

Keepsake: *leans against Perceptor* Don't fraggin' DO that.

Eclipse: *spaz spaz spaz, pause* ... Wait... *looks back at sister* Keepie! *razz*

Keepsake: *face hidden on Perceptor as she intakes deeply and curses him out under her breath*

Eclipse: *worried. Scoots to fuss over Keepsake, since she's acting out of character after making a loud sound*

Perceptor: *fussing over mate and apologizing. Was just as startled as Eclipse*

Keepsake: *quietly* Clipsie?

Eclipse: Yes, Keepie?

Keepsake: *deep, shuddering intake* I think I'm gonna go blow slag up.

Eclipse: *soothing clicks*

Perceptor: *feels like a heel now, continues to apologize softly*

Keepsake: Notcher fault, Nerd. *snuggles, her arms slipping around him* That wasn' funny at all?

Perceptor: *gently rubs her back* *quietly* Next time, please warn me ahead of time of your intentions to utilize an air horn to cause your sibling to become airborne.

Keepsake: Wasn' I thinkin' about it? *no*

Perceptor: *small headshake* *gentle hug*

Eclipse: Keepie, you're a nutbar. I gotta go help June feed the kids. *heads off down the hall*

Keepsake: *thinks about it* *BROOONNNK!*

Eclipse: EEEEEK! *just ran into a wall*

Perceptor: *braced himself this time! Still jumped a little bit, but at least he stayed upright!

Keepsake: *sniggerfitdie*


control room


Optimus: *as a bleary human staggers out of the little A-frame cottage on the balcony* Good morning, Beau.

Beau: *slight squint* Mornin', Optimus...

Optimus: *as the air horn sounds a third time down the hall and is accompanied by cackling from both of Wheeljack's daughters and the distant sound of sparklets laughing* There's a fresh pot of coffee.

Beau: *nods and moves to head for it*

Denver: *foot out as Beau reaches the couch area*

Beau: *startled cuss as he trips*

Optimus: *glances over finally, and then blinks* Beau, do you know you're only wearing your pyjama bottoms?

Beau: ... *sighs, retreats to the little house he and June just moved into the day before*

Denver: Fail.

Optimus: Be kind, Denver. Ratchet had to help you into your hoodie this morning.

Denver: *razz* *back to homework*

Optimus: *chuckles as she returns to decoding the files*


meanwhile elsewhere, as the sun peeks through the cottonwood trees


dKnockout: Where's my shirt? Where is my clean shirt? We're going to be late!

Dallas: Here. *hands it to him* *back to getting Rundown ready for the day. Is just a bit antsy, herself*

Hattie: *bringing breakfast*

dKnockout: *studies shirt* Mmmm, shiny.

Dallas: *soft chuckle* And it's high-quality, too.

dKnockout: *wide grin, but then stops and looks at himself* Oh yes. I need the one for underneath too, don't I? *has been told so by Gran'ma*

Dallas: *more chuckle, gets a black fitted t-shirt out of a drawer and offers it*

dKnockout: *grins and grabs it, then slips it on. Is too anxious about lateness to stick out his chest at Dallas this morning, however*

Dallas: *admires the view anyway*

dKnockout: *tops T-shirt with the beautiful textured candy apple red shirt, then looks around to see if he can see his hairbrush*

Dallas: *can't help herself. Will move to kiss dKnockout silly*

dKnockout: Dallas we're going to bMMPPHHHH. *rumble*

Rundown: *gets the hiccups and giggles about them*

Dallas: *slight start*

dKnockout: *doesn't wanna stop the kissing now*

Dallas: *hand on dKnockout's chest* *muffled* The baby...

dKnockout: *lets her go, frowning toward the crib as he does* Is it doing something?

Rundown: *hiccing, giggling, and gnawing on the handle of Daddy's brush*

Dallas: *moves to get the hairbrush from Rundown and to try and help him stop hiccupping*

Rundown: *waves his little fists and chats. And hics*

Dallas: *picks him up and cuddles*

Rundown: *cute little noms on Mama's shoulder*

Dallas: *to dKO* Sit on the bed. I'll brush your hair.

dKnockout: *sits. Also automatically holds out hands for baby* Hurry. Musn't be late.

Dallas: *gives Rundown, will start with the hair brushing*

Hattie: *amused headshake as she watches Dallas and dKnockout interacting* Th' soonah y'all git finished bein' prissy, th' soonah we c'n git goin', 'n y'all c'n go t' th't auto show.

Dallas: Yep... And then we can get a good look at the new Porsche prototype. *grins and finishes brushing dKnockout's hair*

dKnockout: *wide, sly, grin* Yesss. *then looks at the plate Hattie just poked under his nose* I thought you didn't like coming into our room, Gran'ma.

Hattie: Y'u keep call'n me int' 't ev'ry mornin' t' get th' babeh.

dKnockout: *smirk* That's different. *curious, slightly squicked scowl at the plate* What organic detrius are you trying to feed me this time?

Hattie: Whole wheat pancakes 'n fruit.

dKnockout: *glances sideways at Dallas, one elegant brow rising*

Dallas: *chuckles* At least it's foolproof?

Hattie: *Look for her granddaughter*

dKnockout: *looks a little rebellious*

Dallas: *will stuff a piece of pineapple in his mouth*

dKnockout: *expression makes Rundown belly laugh*

Dallas: *chuckles and kisses dKnockout's cheek*

Hattie: *as she leaves the room* Jes' keep th' lovah's spat down.

dKnockout: Doesn't she understand that you weren't feeling well and that I had to keep you warm?

Dallas: *snerks and feeds him more*


and meanwhile. Abandoned energon mine in Utah


Wheeljack: *is feeling no pain. And can't remember why he had been right now, either* *does think he's laying on a tarp under the Jackhammer's wing*

Calypso: *snuggled against the white guy. Shared some home brew, and a couple other types of energy with this guy earlier*

Deluge: *passed out and snuggled against the black and green guy. Gave him similar treatment*

Lockdown: *not hurting right now either. Part of it's the nice patch Deluge gave him before she gave him painkillers*

Downrush: *has NO love for his sisters right now*

Wheeljack: *stirs slightly* Hrrrrmmm. Uh. Earth? *gets one optic shutter up to peer blearily up at the wing of his ship*

Downrush: *grumpy* It's a fragging lousy name for it. Might as well call it planet "dirt"...

Calypso: *without waking* Shaddup, Downrush. *snuggle*

Wheeljack: *peers toward the grumpy voice with the open optic* ...Who're you?

Downrush: Her brother. *nods towards Calypso* 'N her's. *nods toward the back of the cavern* We've got another brother 'n sister, but they're with Prima's team right now.

Wheeljack: Prima... *frown* Ugh. Bulky. *pokes self in communicator a few times and is growled at. Grins and shuts the connection* *then turns attention to the lady in his arms to see just what he's cuddling here*

Calypso: *is a big lady. And a flyer, but not a Seeker. She's also burgundy and orange*

Wheeljack: Hmm. Wake's sister, huh?

Downrush: One 'f 'em. Del's snugglin' yer friend.

Wheeljack: Do I have the cuter one? *slight grin*

Downrush: *snort* Depends on how ya define 'cute'.

Wheeljack: *tips Calypso's face up with a finger under her chin*

Calypso: *when she's sleeping, she doesn't look nearly as devious. She's not a stunning beauty, but she is pretty, in her own way*

Wheeljack: *rubs Calypso's cheek with the thumb of the hand cupping her face* Wakie wakieeee.

Downrush: *scooting back a bit*

Calypso: *wakes up, and socks Wheeljack before she's fully aware of her surroundings*

Wheeljack: Hey! *boots her off the tarp*

Calypso: Ack! What's th' big idea?! *scowl*

Downrush: You clobbered him, Caly.

Wheeljack: *flexing his jaw and feeling to see if anything got wrenched* *not looking at Calypso because he's a bit miffed*

Calypso: ... *scowls as she realizes she has no slagging clue where she woke up this time, since it's not metal on the ground* Where th' scrap're we this time, aft-hat?

Downrush: Some backwater place called Earth.

Calypso: *frown* Where's me wench?

Wheeljack: Who're you callin' a wench?

Calypso: *looks* ... *grin* Me wench! *glomp*

Wheeljack: *knocked back onto his back instead of leaning on his elbow. Tries to shove her away* You gave me a slaggin' headache, woman.

Deluge: *muffled, from where she's snuggled against Lockdown* There'd better be energon spilled or everyone can just shut the scrap up.

Calypso: *sly grin*

Downrush: *grumbles. Knows that look on Calypso*

Wheeljack: *turns his back to Calypso by rolling onto his side* Stick a plug in it, Deluge.

Calypso: *snuggles up against Wheeljack's back*

Deluge: *mutters something that might be rude, goes back to sleep*

Wheeljack: *shrug shrug, elbow*

Downrush: *going to splatsleep if Calypso and Wheeljack quiet down*

Calypso: *trying to show her wench affection* *is having fun playing this game and ignoring her brother's clatter*

Wheeljack: Hey, I'm tryin'ta sleep here. *elbow elbow*

Calypso: *grin* *snog attempt is a go*

Wheeljack: *as he's yanked onto his back* Hey! Mrrph!

Calypso: *power snog*

Wheeljack: Hmmmm. *pushes her away and eyes her thoughtfully*

Calypso: *looks pleased with herself*

Wheeljack: *slightly amused* What's the big idea, huh?

Calypso: Yer me wench. *snog attempt is a go*

Wheeljack: *pushes her back again* Sez who?

Downrush: *grouchy and awake again* We saw her claim ya, idiot.

Wheeljack: !!!!! What?? *sits up so fast that Calypso flies*

Calypso: *string of curses to put Fixer to shame*

Downrush: When we broke out the high grade right after we got here. She took one look at ya, and claimed ya as her wench.

Wheeljack: Don't I have a say in that?

Downrush: Ya reciprocated. Could'a told her t' slag off.

Wheeljack: I... did? *narrows optics* Prove it.

Deluge: *sitting up to glare* If we do, will ya shut the scrap up?

Lockdown: *small sound of pain as he moves too abruptly*

Wheeljack: *worried look toward his friend* Locky?

Deluge: *attention back to Lockdown, will gently make the mercenary lay still* *quietly* Easy. Don't move. Whatever ya got inta did a number on ya.

Wheeljack: He got in a scrap with the slagheap that stole his son.

Lockdown: Hrrn. *shutters optics wearily*

Deluge: ... *looks to Downrush, who sits up*

Downrush: Gotta name? *getting something out of subspace*

Wheeljack: Name? *frown*

Deluge: *as she gently smooths Lockdown's helm* Yeah. Of the glitch who stole Lockdown's son.

Wheeljack: *shrug* He wouldn' tell me. Said he hadta... *blink* Oh.

Downrush: ... What?

Wheeljack: *facepalm* It's a family thing.

Deluge: ... Well, scrap.

Downrush: *thinks someone upstairs is watching out for him this time. Really didn't want to go stomping about the unknown world just to start a family feud* *will get a datapad out of subspace and make his way upright so he can give Wheeljack the proof the white mech asked for*

Wheeljack: *frowns and works to get his optics to focus* ...What's this? *reaches for the pad*

Downrush: You wanted proof. *just sent the pad footage from earlier, gives*

Wheeljack: *still frowning as he looks at the pad*

footage: *shows the relaxing that was going on once Deluge had patched Lockdown up and gotten him resting quietly* *also shows Calypso chugging something dangerous-looking, and sharing with Wheeljack, before calling him her wench and Wheeljack retorting with "Ya sure it's not the other way around?"*

Wheeljack: *blinks, and then goes a bit wide-eyed as he remembers laying claim to the strapping Quadriate female* Scrap. I did, too. And I wasn't drunk yet, either.

Downrush: Yup. Shocked the bolts off'a Del 'n me... *sounds far too amused at this point*

Wheeljack: *turns his head to study Calypso as he offers the datapad back*

Calypso: *looks pretty content snuggled up against you, Wheeljack... And just a bit overcharged as well*

Wheeljack: *pokes her*

Calypso: *another grabsnog attempt is a go*

Wheeljack: *laughing as he pushes her back* Talk about a one track mind.

Deluge: Just give her more high grade. She'll settle down.

Wheeljack: *looks around* There isn't any more. *amused*

Downrush: ... *looks around* ... Wow. There really isn't... How'd we manage that?

Wheeljack: *snerking* I started drinking as soon as Locky stopped bleeding.

Calypso: Aye. *grin*

Downrush: Guess we'll have to pester the doofus and see if he knows where we can get more.

Wheeljack: You talkin' about WakeJumper? *snort* Nope.

Downrush: ... 'N how would you know?

Wheeljack: Because Team Prime was livin' hand to mouth till the Taubots brought 'em some energon.

Downrush: ... *shares a look with his sisters, and likely some wordless communications*

Deluge: And knowing WakeJumper... *sigh* Kid's probably got some thin spots in his frame now....

Wheeljack: I doubt it. *tries a poke on Calypso's side*

Calypso: *squeaks as she's poked*

Deluge: *slight o.0 look for Wheeljack* What do you mean?

Wheeljack: He's bonded to one of my daughters. She takes care of him. Besides, the senior medic here's an old worrier.

Calypso: *chuckle* 'Clipsie is fun t' go int' battle with.

Wheeljack: Really? I didn't peg her for the fighting type. *poke a mate again*

Calypso: *grabbahand* Aye. *grin* 'Cause 'f 'er, Malestrom scared th' spit outta some 'f our friends.

Wheeljack: *pauses in mid hand freeing* ...You jokers got her into your gestault?

Calypso: Aye. *nod*

Deluge: With as deep as her bond to Wake is, it's not really that big of a stretch.

Wheeljack: ... .>_<. Eesh.

Downrush: It was the first time in about a vorn that we've been able to form Maelstrom. *shrug*

Wheeljack: Can I even claim a dame that's part of my daughter's gestault?

Deluge: There're stranger relationships back home.

Wheeljack: ... I'm not gonna think about that. The thing is. Is she related to me? *points to Calypso*

Deluge: *snerk* No. Unless you're related to our parents. *gives their names*

Wheeljack: I'm Allspark make. Only people I share code with are Clipsie 'n Keepsake. And that's Percy's fault.

Deluge: *nod* Then you're only family 'cause of 'Clipsie. Which is just as important, but doesn't stop you from bonding in, too.

Calypso: *lazy thump with a fist* 'N there's nothin' wrong wit' them relationships back home. They's jes'... convoluted.

Wheeljack: *looks down at her with a little half smirk* So. Why me?

Calypso: I like yer aft. 'N th' rest o' ye.

Wheeljack: *flops onto his back, laughing loud enough to make the cavern echo softly*


bit later, back at the Autobot base


Optimus: *standing and giving the royal stink eye to a high ranking General who just decided to show up on a surprise inspection*

General: *so not impressed* How is this place even up to code?

Ratchet: *SO not pleased. Has Denver in hand to keep her out of the General's way, since he knows how she gets when she thinks her family's being insulted*

Optimus: *optics narrow further* I understand that it is considered polite to warn people before you enter their home unannounced, General.

Denver: *whatever she's about to add, it gets gently muffled by Ratchet carefully putting a finger over her mouth*

General: You're technically on US Government property, Prima. Military bases are subject to random inspections, with or without prior notice.

Optimus: You can quote protocol all you like. I recognize nosiness when I see it. *reaches over to quickly scoop Cody into her hand as the dog bounds out of the elevator, then holds him close to her chest and rubs between his ears with a finger*

Cody: *rrrrrrr. Stranger! Do not want!* *watching the General intensely, looking for funny business* *has a leash attached to his collar today*

Saelen: *comes looking for Cody, since the dog is supposed to be getting a bath after they go for a walk*

General: *frown* When did you get a dog?

Optimus: Shortly after Major MacKenzie's report to General Bryce. Do you realize you might have given away our location by coming here like you did? *slow simmering anger shows slightly*

Denver: *muffled obscenity for the General*

Ratchet: *trying so hard to keep Denver out of the way*

General: *more frown* Whatever security risk I may pose, it's nothing compared to all the violations your people have committed.

Optimus: *turns her head* *softly* Denver, you and Ratchet go to the mess, please.

Ratchet: Alright, Optimus. *hand off of Denver's mouth as he moves to bring the teen to the mess*

Denver: *has clearly been listening to what Keepsake says, as it's an unprintable string of obscinities that heralds her departure*

Saelen: ... *to Optimus* Permission to be dismissed, Ma'am?

Optimus: *offers Cody to him* Permission granted, Saelen. See if you can get that perfume scent off of him. *does not like odor of smelly ink that Cody picked up by rolling on the spot where Miko's pen exploded*

Saelen: *nods* Yes, Ma'am. *will lead Cody off for a walk before bathtime after grabbing the previously forgotten poop bag from the dispenser on the wall*

Optimus: *turns back to the General as something explodes deep within the depths of the missile silo*

General: *ducks and covers on instinct*

Optimus: According to what it says here, you have no authority over this base. *taps her computer screen* You can go. I'll send an escort with you to be sure you aren't tracked.

boom: *happens again in the silo. Cackling laughter can faintly be heard afterward*

General: What was that?!

Optimus: *impatient scowl* Our Chief Engineer disposing of unneeded human ordinance, as General Bryce requested.

Perceptor: *coming in then, looking very sheepish with his hands stuck together with duct tape* Er, Optimus?

Optimus: *scowl vanishes into surprise at being approached by the shy scientist. Turns her head to look at him* Yes, Perceptor?

Perceptor: *so embarrassed* Perhaps you would tender assistance? *holds up his hands*

Optimus: *blinks, and then extends a blade to cut the silver snare* How did you manage to do this?

Perceptor: *very sheepish* I was attempting to unwrap a package that I had sent for...

Optimus: *rips the tape away, rolls it into a ball, and flips it toward the trash can the unwelcome visitor is standing in front of* There you are. *gentle squeeze for the smaller bot's shoulder*

Perceptor: *still sheepish* Thank you, Optimus. *moves to return to whatever it was he was doing, pauses as something catches his attention* Oh, dear...

Fuzzbutt: *purking at the tape ball from his enclosure*

Smokescreen: *wandering in with Hot Rod in his arms* What are you eating, anyway?

Optimus: *looks that way, alerted by those words* *brows up* Take that away from him, Smokescreen.

Hot Rod: *nommin' on a red crayon, looks quite pleased with himself*

Perceptor: *distracted from trying to gently rouse Beau where the man has fallen asleep at the human-sized computer console. Looks worriedly toward Hot Rod*

General: *frooooowwwn* Take what away from who?

Smokescreen: You mean this isn't a candy bar? I thought Denver looked like she was up to something. *tries to get the crayon from the sparklet* Heyyy, can I see this?

Hot Rod: *um, NO. Is suddenly a very wiggly, squirmy bundle of sparklet who is determined to keep his nom, kthx!*

Smokescreen: Ack! Ack! *puts him down before he drops him*

Optimus: *steps over there and stoops, meaning to pick Hot Rod up and take the crayon herself*

Fuzzbutt: *going to bite General finger as it's introduced through his cage bars*

General: Ack! *gonna get his finger back, kthx*

Hot Rod: *is making a break for it as fast as his little legs can carry him!*

Optimus: *as Hot Rod dashes between her feet* Roddy, stop. Here, I'll trade you a blue crayon. Hot Rod! *straightens and watches the little guy run up the steps to the balcony. Frowwn* How did he get that, Smokescreen?

Smokescreen: Uh... I really don't want to have to pay for being a rat, Optimus.

Optimus: *turns toward corridor leading to mess* *sternly* Deenvveer!

Perceptor: *flinches at Optimus' shout*

Beau: *doesn't even so much as twitch* *snore*

General: *surprised squawk as his leg's latched onto by Hot Rod*

Hot Rod: *clickstorm, fuss, and then...* *poot*

General: *GAG*

Optimus: *facepalm* Beau, please call General Bryce and tell him to come here at once. *goes to the space bridge controls*

Smokescreen: *optics watering as he staggers back into the corridor*

Beau: *sits up* 'M 'wake... *fumbling for his phone*

Optimus: *terse and intent on inputting coordinates* Hurry.

Beau: *so glad he has General Bryce on speed dial* *is soon requesting the General's assistance, is out of it enough that he's got a strong drawl to his voice*

Optimus: *activates the bridge to right inside General Bryce's office*

General Bryce: *looks a bit hesitant as he enters the room through the ground bridge*

Hot Rod: *putting up such a fuss now that his tank's bugging him* *more poot*

Optimus: *turns toward the ground bridge as it dies down, then goes to one knee and rests her elbow on the floor to try and be at eye level with General Bryce* We have a problem.

General Bryce: *raised brow* Isn't that what Lt. Colonel MacKenzie is for?

Optimus: *presses lips together in a thin line of exasperation. Then* This problem outranks him.

Perceptor: *closed his intakes, will try and get Hot Rod. Suspects the sparklet is in need of a tank flushing*

General Bryce: ... *raised brow, is holding his breath since he heard someone poot*

Optimus: *glances over her shoulder and sees Hot Rod being carried out of the room, then rises up slightly and offers her hands to General Bryce* May I lift you?

Smokescreen: *somewhere back behind her blowing all the bad smell away up to where the ceiling is*

General Bryce: *hesitates for a few moments*

Beau: *sleepily* 'Bout th' safest place t' be 's Optimus' hands...

Optimus: You will be safe. I promise. *and then she's surprised into a soft chuckle as Sam strolls over and hops aboard*

Sam: *looks at the stranger and talks to him. Also purrs mightily*

General Bryce: Alright. *moves to climb onto Optimus' hands, feeling a bit foolish as he does so*

Sam: *talk talk*

Optimus: Sitting down is generally the most comfortable. *frowns as she hears another yelp from the balcony by the turkey cage*

General: *sharp and angry* What is this creature doing here?

Smokescreen: He lives there. Uh... sir.

Beau: *trying to wake up* 'E's mah sister's pet.

General Bryce: ... *facepalm. Recognizes the other General* McHale, what are you doing here?

Optimus: *lips are pressed together again as she brings General Bryce over and sets him on the balcony*

General McHale: *trying to get his finger back again* Why keep something dangerous?!

Smokescreen: Uh. He's not dangerous. ...Sir. *looks quizzically at General Bryce, who now has a Siamese cat draped over his shoulder*

Fuzzbutt: *sees his buddy with the other stranger!* Purk purk purk purk!

General Bryce: McHale, go back to your office. This isn't your jurisdiction. *quite convinced McHale is an imbecile*

General McHale: But they're in violation of codes!

General Bryce: That wasn't a suggestion, Jerry. *stern*

General McHale: May I remind you that I outrank you!? *turns white as Fuzzbutt bites him on the rear end*

Sam: *whoa, shoutiness! Jumps over McHale's head and sits on the turkey cage* Mow merowwww! Noooooooo!

General Bryce: We're the same rank, Jerry. This isn't your jurisdiction. Go back to worrying about WMDs overseas.

General McHale: *puffing himself up. Opens his mouth to retort*

Smokescreen: *backfire* 0.0!?

General McHale: *GAG* *blustering and heading for his car now*

Beau: *looks like he dearly wants to take a page out of Denver's book and tell the visiting General "Don't let the door hit your $#$#%$%$#$# on the way out!"*

Optimus: *absent, protective hand over General Bryce as she looks at her newest recruit* Smokescreen, did you eat a red crayon too?

Smokescreen: *wince wince. Nod*

Optimus: *shakes her head* Report to Ratchet and WakeJumper.

Smokescreen: Yessir. *gone, a hand over his belly as he goes*

Optimus: *uses her cooling fans to blow fresh air around Bryce* Sorry about that.

Sam: *paw nose* *cry*

General Bryce: I wasn't aware that crayons could do that...

Optimus: It's actually the minerals in the red dye. They taste quite good. But the aftereffect is anything but pleasant. *watches on the big screen as Arcee follows General McHale's car away from the base* *reaches an absent hand to Beau as he comes over*

Beau: *mutters as he leans on Optimus' hand* Never really liked that guy anyway...

General Bryce: *amused headshake, knows he'll probably get a Look for this* I know we just got rid of McHale for being nosy... But is Javalina here today?

Optimus: *turns her head quickly from looking fondly at her human partner, and that is an unmistakable amused grin that you're getting, General Bryce* She's in the nursery. With the other sparklets.

General Brice: Hot Rod and Panacea, right?

Optimus: *gently tells Beau to go and have a nap on his bed, then offers her hands to the General* *quietly* Come and see.

Beau: *nods and heads back for the cottage*

General Bryce: *will carefully climb onto Optimus' hands*

Optimus: *lifts the General, and after pausing to watch as Beau goes inside the A-frame and leaves the door open, she cups Bryce near her chest and lets Fuzzbutt out of his cage, then adds him and Sam to her handful of living things before turning and heading down the corridor that begins across the room from the computer terminals*

Sam: *OH HAI! U NEEDZ KITTEH?* Mow mrrewww mrrrrrrp?

Fuzzbutt: *pulls Sam's tail and is ignored*

General Bryce: *will pet the cat, since it's being friendly*

Fuzzbutt: *what? What? Stranger is giving lovings? Sits on the stranger's leg and purks at him*

General Bryce: ... Err... *hesitantly reaches to pet the turkey too*

Optimus: *glances down* Fuzzbutt is as gentle as Sam. He bites buttons, though.

Fuzzbutt: *oooo, button!*

General Bryce: And fingers? *heard what McHale was yelling about*

Optimus: Not usually. General McHale was teasing him.

General Bryce: Ah. I'm not surprised.

Optimus: *going deeper into the corridor, and then finally stops at a door very deep inside the mesa* *softly* Ahh. Javalina's asleep. *leans down to set her handful of passengers on the floor*

June: *looks over from where she was tidying up as the sparklets cuddle in a little heap of soft blanket and lovies. Except for that little white one in the recliner chair*

Panacea: *sees Mama! Then sees a stranger and holds her dolly close as she frowns at him* *ignores Sam as he comes over to talk to her*

General Bryce: *as he moves to get down* I see... *attention going to where the little blue sparklet is laying on their back with one tiny fist clenched on the ear of a blue bunny doll*

Panacea: *tiny sound as she watches the stranger*

Lumen: *sleepy sound in response, doesn't move from the snuggle pile though*

General Bryce: Whose child is that? *indicates the blue sparklet*

Optimus: He's the son of our junior medic and his wife. WakeJumper and Eclipse. *pleased at the words the General used to describe Lumen* He's the same age as Javalina.

Javalina: *little squeak and nuzzles closer to Lumen, her grip on her pink blanket firm*

General Bryce: And I'm guessing this is Panacea? *looks to the white sparklet*

Panacea: *scowl! Clickstorm! RAZZZ! Swear word!*

Optimus: *from behind her hand* Yes.

June: *both hands over her mouth in shock at the vehemence of Panacea's reaction*

General Bryce: *boggling at the reaction* *is amazed at the temper of the little one compared to Optimus, and compared to Javalina*

Optimus: *starts to say something, but then looks down as Denver hugs her leg*

Denver: *quietly* Mama.

General Bryce: ... *surprised look for Optimus* I thought you only had two kids.

Optimus: *glances at him with a bit of guilt* *quietly* Denver has been one of mine since soon after she and Beau arrived at base.

Denver: *notices stranger now. Stink Eye*

General Bryce: ... I see. *wasn't expecting that, though he remembers some of the things Beau has told him about the teen's antics. Can see how protective she is of Optimus, and visa versa* *also now realizes why Beau was so relaxed about his sister being taken in by foster parents*

Panacea: *shouts at General Bryce for attention. Wasn't done TELLING him*

General Bryce: *attention going back to Panacea now*

Optimus: *stoops down to gently touch Denver's back* *quietly* Has Ratchet spoken to you?

Denver: *small nod*

Optimus: What did he say?

Denver: *quietly* 'M grounded f'r a week, staht'n now.

Optimus: *sympathetic back rub for the teen with one finger even as she nods agreement to the penalty* Making your little brother sick wasn't a good prank.

Denver: *another small nod* *then* Wasn't mah ahdeah f'r Smokescreen t' eat a crayon, though. 'E did th't all on 'is own.

Optimus: *very slight trace of humour* Better Smokescreen than Hot Rod.

Denver: *one last nod, and then she's indicating she wants to be picked up so she can sit on your shoulder, Optimus*

Optimus: *does so, though she's rumbling to herself slightly as she listens to Panacea's tirade* I may have to take a nap. Panacea isn't settling down for June.

General Bryce: *looks up* But then you'll be enforcing the behaviour. She'd settle down after awhile.

June: *hands on hips* You don't leave a frail baby to "settle down after awhile"!

Denver: *MORE stink eye for the General*

Ratchet: *standing behind his mate and eldest daughter now, his mouth slightly open with indignation as he looks down at the visitor* *then snorts irritably and walks away*

Denver: *looks like she's plotting all kinds of evil things now*

Optimus: *warning frown for her daughter*

General Bryce: ... *apologetic* I wasn't aware that your youngsters could be frail.

Optimus: *gravely, as she reaches for the bitty that June brings over* Panacea developed failure to thrive from being away from Ratchet and me. It's why she and Hot Rod were brought here.

Panacea: *huggadolly, crackle. THRRRRPT!*

Lumen: *clickstorms in his sleep*

June: *goes over and kneels to gently touch the little blue guy's head* Shhhh.

Optimus: *grave humour now* I don't think "Shhh" is a mode Lumen possesses.

Denver: *must laugh*

General Bryce: ... Is there a reason for that?

Optimus: *turns to meet the little orange and black lady who just brought Hot Rod and his handful of shredded military reports to her*

Eclipse: *'streaking!*

Optimus: Oh no. Beau's homework.

Denver: ... *facepalm*

General Bryce: ... And that must be Hot Rod.

Hot Rod: *chirp? Someone said his name!*

Optimus: *looks down* Yes. And Hot Rod is in time out. *takes the shredded paper and gives the little guy to June*

June: *carries him over to the empty playpen in the corner*

Hot Rod: *fuss! Wants to play with the paper some more!*

Lumen: *awake! Hears Mama! Yap yap yap!*

Eclipse: *squeaks when she notices that Lumen's not asleep, will move to pick him up and baby dance with him*

General Bryce: ... *raised brow. Suspects he already knows the answer to this* I take it she doesn't have a "shhhh" mode either?

Optimus: *looks down at him with a frown, but then her optics brighten* Eclipse has developed one with age. *glances back to where June is now cuddling the sleeping Javalina in the upholstered rocking chair and smiles her slight smile, then looks at Torque as he stops behind her*

Torque: Forgot something and came back. You need anything, bossbot?

General Bryce: *remembers something! Walks over to the door* Soldier, will you take this envelope and give it to the person written on it? Make sure you only give it to him.

Torque: *takes bitty envelope and looks at it, then looks up helplessly at Optimus*

Optimus: You'll have to tell Torque who to deliver it to, General. An injury when he was new gave him dyslexia.

General Bryce: That envelope needs to go to Captain William Lennox. He's on the base at *names location*

Torque: Captain Lennox. *nod* Gotcha. Can I bring Saelen with me?

Optimus: He's walking Cody before his bath, but I don't think either of them would mind a ride.

Torque: Sweet! *haphazard salute, then he's going to find his partner and the base's dog*

General Bryce: ... It might be a good idea to give lessons on a proper salute, and on waiting to be dismissed...

Optimus: *reaches down to offer him her hands* Torque has survived millions of years of being one of Cybertron's mightiest protectors. He's learned to obey all orders with alacrity.

Fuzzbutt: *sees Mama. Flies right up while Big Mama is low to see Mama*

Denver: *will cuddle Fuzzbutt*

General Bryce: *as he moves to climb back onto Optimus' hands* I see.

Optimus: The Wreckers are a Special Ops team, and Torque was one of the originals. *makes sure General Bryce is safe, and then straightens, only to pause and cock her head as she faintly hears a chime from the screen in the control room* Tau station is calling. *hurries to go see why*

Panacea: *snuggles Mama and stink eyes General Bryce*

Denver: Th'nk Fixer's call'n' t' check on Jackie 'n Lockdown? *knows it's not likely*

Optimus: No. She'd only call if she thought we needed to know how to properly recycle them.

Denver: *soft snerk*

General Bryce: ... Recycle them?

Optimus: The bots of Tau station are practical people. They let nothing go to waste. *more quietly* Not even the dead.

General Bryce: ... *looks a bit ill at the idea*

Optimus: *lifts her head slightly with surprise as she sees who is on the screen when she arrives* Viisaus? Is something wrong? *and then she spots the tiny being clinging to his shoulder* *soft surprise* And another little Seeker.

Viisaus: //No, we've had a fairly quiet past several shifts.// *smiles* //Her name is Jubilation. She is my mate's and my offspring.//

Optimus: *quite visibly startled* Your mate? I didn't know you were bonded, Viisaus.

Viisaus: *gently* //Not many do... But that is a matter for another day. I have a request to make of you, Optimus Prima...//

Optimus: *straightens* What is it?

Viisaus: //We have a crew member who wishes to journey to Earth, to work with Muhlisha. She is young, but she is a citizen of Tau.//

Optimus: *slightly puzzled frown* I've extended a welcome to any Taubot Wrecker who wants to come to help defend Earth.

Viisaus: //She is not yet a Wrecker... And she is not Cybertronian.//

Optimus: *brows lift* Not Cybertronian?

Viisaus: *headshake* //Her people simply call themselves "people"...// *slight pause to make sure Jubilation is not slipping* //They are human, though their appearance differs slightly from the ones I have had the pleasure of speaking with who call Earth home.//

Optimus: Differs in what way? *glances down as Panacea notices the babby on the screen and crackles at her*

Viisaus: //One moment...// *will carefully reach for someone off-screen*

General Bryce: *surprised by the clear appearance of age that this bot shows*

Jubilation: *soft little chatter and skreek to the people she sees on the screen*

Optimus: Hello, Jubilation. How has your day been?

Jubilation: *soft squeaky skreeky*

Viisaus: *brings someone in a sleek-fitting space suit and a bubble helmet into view* //This is Zeebin.//

Optimus: *brows lift as she sees the dark kelly green of the girl's short hair, and the vibrant gold of her hazel eyes behind what looks like some sort of clear protective shield* *and then they climb further as she notices the girl's fur and tail*

Zeebin: *attention and salute* //Cadet Zeebin requesting permission to come aboard, Captain.//

General Bryce: ... *brows up* Er... *to the girl* You've been through quarantine, right?

Zeebin: *head tilts as she focuses on the man in Optimus hand* //Sir, I've just come out of medical care for chicken pox. And my immunization records are up to date.//

General Bryce: ... Alright... *looks to Optimus. Is surprised to see Denver has conked out while holding Fuzzbutt*

Optimus: Why do you want to come to Earth, Zeebin?

Zeebin: *surprise* //To be with my sisters, sir. Muhlisha and Kriti are both stationed with you right now.//

Jubilation: *licking Papa's shoulder now*

Viisaus: //Zeebin was raised on the station until she was in her fifth year, when she returned to her people for education.//

Optimus: I see. *and obviously surprised* *looks down at the visitor in her hand* General Bryce, do you have any objections to Zeebin coming to Outpost Omega One?

General Bryce: You are aware that the Autobot presence on Earth is a covert affair?

Zeebin: //Yes, sir. I am, sir.// *still holding that perfect attention, though her tail is starting to droop just a bit*

General Bryce: How do you intend to avoid attracting unwanted attention?

Zeebin: //What do you mean, sir?// *puzzled expression*

General Bryce: *trying to think of a tactful way to word what he wants to say*

Viisaus: //You have no need to worry about Zeebin demanding time outside your base. She has never lived beneath an open sky in her life, and she is an exceptionally disciplined young lady.//

General Bryce: ... Alright. How will she be arriving?

Viisaus: //We have the space bridge, and can provide escort for Zeebin.//

Optimus: Who else is coming, Viisaus?

Viisaus: //Mistfire and Scattershot have volunteered to escort Zeebin.//

Optimus: *frown* I thought Scattershot wasn't able to return here due to the trauma he experienced during his last visit.

Viisaus: //He volunteered. We were unable to dissuade him.//

Optimus: *very slight start as a voice speaks behind Viisaus*

Scattershot: //GottafindBrother!//

Mistfire: *soothingly* //We'll find the afthat, don't worry, Gorgeous.//

Denver: *snore*

Optimus: Ah. Yes. In his mental state speaking to Knockout's drone via communicator probably doesn't reassure him. *gently, so gently jiggles her shoulder to remind Denver to hold on*

Denver: *mumbles something and clings tighter to the part of Optimus she's clinging to*

Viisaus: //Indeed...//

General Bryce: *brows up as he sees the bright pink mech insistantly tugging on the hand of a lilac, pale yellow, and pale pink femme*

Optimus: I see he's wearing the Tau badge now.

Viisaus: *nods* //He is usually working out in the debris field.//

Optimus: *looks down* General Bryce?

General Bryce: That's a very strange color for a soldier to be wearing...

Optimus: Scattershot's a civilian.

General Bryce: ... And he wears a badge? *trying to make sense of this*

Viisaus: //The only Taubots who go unmarked are the very young, as they have not had the life experience to be able to choose for themselves which faction they will belong to.//

Optimus: Not all factions are of a military bent. In space it is safest to let others know where you come from and what you stand for at a glance.

Scattershot: *interrupts whatever Viisaus was about to say with an impatient-sounding whine*

General Bryce: ... *can tell the pink mech is getting distressed and agitated* The sooner they arrive, the better.

Zeebin: //Sir. Thank you, sir.// *very slight droop of her shoulders. Still a bit run down from the chicken pox*

General Bryce: And get some rest when you get here.

Zeebin: //Yes, sir.//

Viisaus: *soft chuckle* *to Optimus* //I also have a message for Muhlisha and Kriti.//

Optimus: Oh?

Viisaus: //There is someone who is newly arrived to the station whom they will wish to meet at their earliest convenience.//

Optimus: Is that all you can tell me? *quizzical slight head tilt*

Viisaus: //She is similar to Rockface, in that she is a clone, though her originator was Desinex... Her name is Sharpshot.//

Optimus: *sucks air through her intakes in a soft gasp* *quietly* I'll tell them.

Viisaus: *small nod* //Thank you, Optimus Prima.//

Optimus: It's no problem. *brows lift slightly* Is that all?

Viisaus: //For now, yes. Though I do not doubt that there will be another call from Tau in the very near future...// *chuckling again*

Optimus: *quizzical look, but then turns her head as the space bridge flairs to life*

Viisaus: //Please keep me updated on the situation on your end.//

Optimus: I will, Viisaus. *then blinks and looks back to him as he makes a throat clearing sound*

Viisaus: //I do not believe I have made the acquaintance of the gentleman in your hands, Prima...//

Optimus: Ah. Sorry. General Bryce, this is Viisaus of Tau. Viisaus, this is General Bryce, the human who oversees our activities here on Earth with the help of our Liaison.

Viisaus: //It is a pleasure to meet you, General Bryce.//

General Bryce: Likewise, Viisaus.

Zeebin: *over by the now closed bridge* Oh wow! This doesn't look strange at all. It's nice and homey.

Mistfire: Yeah, homey. Good for you, kid. *transform and GONE after mate*

Optimus: *turns her head and sighs*

General Bryce: ... I didn't even see the pink guy come in.

Viisaus: //He has his moments... Thank you again, General, Optimus, for allowing Zeebin to stay on Earth.//

Optimus: You're welcome, Viisaus. I should go now and help her settle in.

Viisaus: //Very well. Safe journey. Viisaus out.// *closes the connection*

Optimus: *types on the touch board* Arcee, Scattershot and Mistfire are heading for Dallas MacKenzie's home.

General Bryce: ... Who is Dallas MacKenzie?

Optimus: *looks down at him calmly* That's a story for another time. Right now I... Yes, Keepsake?

Keepsake: *absently munching a piece of a boomstick* That's the guy that gave me that slag ta blow up?

Optimus: *warily* This is General Bryce, yes.

Keepsake: Schway! Hey, gimme some more. That's all fragged.

General Bryce: I'll get more outdated munitions sent out as soon as possible. *has had a very long day already, and it's not even noon*

Keepsake: B----in'! Thanks, Boss! *stops and meeps with a hand to her chest* You fraggin' shut the *censored* up, kid. It's nap time. Ack! *vituperation* Fine! I'll go make more boomsticks 'n test a few. Little fragger. *walks off grouching*

Optimus: *mighty face palm* I'm sorry, General Bryce.

General Bryce: ... Do I even want to know what that was about?

Optimus: She's... pregnant.

General Bryce: *sympathy wince*

Optimus: It's not our usual mode of reproduction. I'm becoming more thankful that it's not every day that I watch Keepsake deal with it. *realizes there are now two girls on her shoulder instead of just one and a turkey* *brow quirk*

Denver: *sleeping on, totally oblivious*

General Bryce: ... I'm just going to stop asking questions for now.

Optimus: *gravely* I find that's my favourite method of avoiding brain breakage.

General Bryce: *realizes this is why she asked him not to ask about some things. Nods* I should be getting back... Before people start wondering where I've gone...

Optimus: Alright. *sets him carefully on the balcony so that she doesn't have to stoop and disturb Denver*

Zeebin: *IS disturbing Denver! Poke poke poke...*

Denver: *grumpy sounds, baps the poking hand away and mutters something unprintable about her brother*

Zeebin: *pause. Grins and resumes poking!*

General Bryce: ... *headshake* *can SEE what's going on up on Optimus' shoulder* *can also hear Beau snoring in the A-frame. Thinks the man needs to invest in some Vick's*

Optimus: Thank you for coming at such short notice, General Bryce.

General Bryce: Thank you for letting me see the children.

Optimus: *quietly* It was not an easy decision to make. *unspoken: please don't betray that trust*

General Bryce: *nods* I understand. *moves to climb down the ladder and head for the area that the space bridge opened up in* *pauses as he's close, and then turns* I do have one question though. Just how many Autobots are there?

Optimus: *gravity increases* I know of eight Autobots. I'm told that the population of Tau station numbers some three hundred sparks.

General Bryce: *much wincing is a go*

Optimus: I can't give you an estimate for the Decepticons, or for the other factions that I met on the way here.

General Bryce: *small nod. He can feel the sincerity of Optimus' promise to protect the Earth and Humanity now*

Optimus: *gravely as cursing breaks out on her shoulder* Go safely, General Bryce.

Panacea: *curls a little hand into grudging byebye. Don't let the bridge close on your aft!*

General Bryce: *nod* Stay safe, Prima. *heads for the bridge as the portal opens, waving back to Panacea as he goes*

Optimus: *watches the General go, and then shuts off the bridge and removes the fist fight from her shoulder*


meanwhile, in Fixer's medbay


Fixer: *yanks on the gown worn by the bot that just came into her space* What the slag sucking pit is this?

Sharpshot: *squeaks and tries to keep the gown from getting ripped* I-it was a gift from my foster parents... Mother couldn't come to see me off, so she gave me one of her favorite dresses from when she was small...

Fixer: *gives the little blue femme a funny look* *then looks over at the pile of baggage that she brought in with her on a hover sled* ...Don't tell me you wear that slag all the time.

Sharpshot: *small nod* They didn't want me getting cold...

Fixer: *scowl* Is it that cold on that fraggin' dirt ball?

Sharpshot: Some places can be... Plus, it's not proper for a lady to go around naked...

Fixer: *another light tug on the gown as she snorts* You've got plating.

Sharpshot: *starting to get a stubborn set to her jaw* It's still not proper to go around without some form of clothing on...

Fixer: ... I told that slag sucking glitch brained scrapheap that sending you to the Drachenschwarm was stupid.

Sharpshot: *frown, makes sure her gown isn't ripped*

Fixer: Well I need to get a look at you anyway. So get this off.

Sharpshot: *bit of a wibble, but does what she's told*

Fixer: *optics getting rounder as layer after layer is uncovered*

Sharpshot: *trying not to shiver as she gets down to the innermost layers of her outfit*

Fixer: You're going to need a body upgrade.

Sharpshot: *headshake* No. This is me. This is who I am.

Fixer: *blinks and then scowls more deeply* You don't have any armour or insulation to speak of.

Sharpshot: I don't want to become a stranger to my family. I'm no machine of war. *might sound more confident if she wasn't shivering*

Fixer: *optics narrow and brighten with ire* None of us are machines of war, missy! We came out here to avoid the slag sucking war!

Sharpshot: *hunkering down slightly and trying to keep calm* *is just a bit frightened now*

Brawn: *from the doorway behind Fixer* You wanted to see me, Fixer? *can see luggage and wonders if she wants him to carry it somewhere*

Sharpshot: *goes still as she hears the voice she's been hearing off and on in her dreams since she can remember*

Fixer: *stops cussing and steps aside, her expression turning to a smirk as the reason this little femme was born and sent away to be raised on another world makes himself known* Get in here, Brawn.

Brawn: *can't. Is staring in utter gobsmack at that beautiful little blue ghost*

Sharpshot: *slowly turning to look* *quietly* Brawn?

Brawn: *optics pale with shock* ...Desinex?

Sharpshot: *headshake* *bites her lower lip a bit before answering* M-My name is Sharpshot.

Brawn: *confusion, sadness, disappointment* Oh. ...You ... You sound like her.

Sharpshot: *moves to approach the strong minibot, quietly repeating something Desinex said a very long time ago* Everything's going to be alright... One thing at a time...

Brawn: *sucks in air with a gasp, and then reaches for her, his expression pleading* You look like her. You sound like her.

Sharpshot: *quieter, as she moves to hug him* I'm her clone... She told me so herself... *then* You're warm... *snuggle*

Brawn: *so very careful as he holds her close* Clone... *lifts his head and gives Fixer a Look*

Fixer: *smiiirrrk*

Sharpshot: *listening to Brawn's spark now* *looks so content right where she is*

Brawn: *softly, tenderness in that deep voice* Be mine? I... I know you're not her. But... I can't lose you again. Please?

Sharpshot: *nods* Yes.

'Rail: ... Holey slag. I didn't think he had it in him to be mushy.

Sharpshot: *startles badly, and out comes The Gun*

'Rail: *startled cuss, falls over backwards onto his skidplate*

Brawn: That's her gun!

Sharpshot: *cycling air for a few moments, puts her weapon away before hiding her face on Brawn* *muffled* Desinex wouldn't quit pestering the person who had it until he sent it to me...

Brawn: *concerned* Is she resting now?

Sharpshot: *quiet* I think so... *starting to calm down*

Fixer: She's right there. That's why Sharpshot's got Desinex's spark memories. *absent stink eye for 'Rail*

Brawn: What?

'Rail: *sheepishly picking himself up off of the floor*

Sharpshot: *confused look for Fixer* I don't understand... Would you please explain what you mean?

Fixer: According to my scanners your spark's older than it should be. That means that the original spark with that coding merged with yours. You're Sharpshot, but you're Desinex, too.

Sharpshot: *bit of a frown as she thinks*

Brawn: *quietly* You've got two daughters.

Sharpshot: *surprised, and then she's making a happy-sounding squee*

Brawn: *startles at the squee* 0.0?

Fixer: *hands over audios* What the *explicative deleted*?

Sharpshot: I never imagined I'd get to be a mother! *so happy now*

Brawn: *grins at Sharpshot's delight* You were with the Drachenschwarm?

Sharpshot: *nod nod* I have three sisters, several brothers, and possibly another pair of sisters on the way...

Brawn: So you're just visiting, then?

Sharpshot: *headshake* It was decided that once I was of age, I would return here. To be with fellow Cybertronians.

Brawn: Ohhhh. *grin*

'Rail: *throat clearing sound* So... he proposed... *wants to hear the answer!*

Sunhalo: *just gnaws on Daddy's head and looks half asleep*

Sharpshot: *more grin, snuggle* *quietly* Mine.

Fixer: *surprised* You remember that?

Brawn: *just grinning widely*

Sharpshot: *small nod* There're witnesses... He claimed me, I claimed him...

Fixer: Should've known Desinex'd make sure you remembered that. *shrug* Beats having to wade through all that scrap the drachs do. //Viisaus, get your slaggin' can to the infirmary.//

Viisaus: //Is something amiss, Fixer?//

Fixer: //We need a third witness. The plan's gone together faster than you thought it would.//

Viisaus: //... I shall be there shortly.//

Fixer: //Hustle!// *kicks 'Rail on the rear for urging Brawn to kiss Sharpshot*

'Rail: Ack!

Viisaus: *can be heard approaching a few moments later* *clunk quiet clunk*

Fixer: You need a third witness. So just have the old rust bucket officiate it.

Sharpshot: Oh... I remembered needing witnesses... *snuggles against Brawn*

Viisaus: *small nod as he comes in* Claiming before three witnesses is legally binding, but it was brought into being by the hardships of life before Tau existed.

Fixer: And the old scrapheap loves complicating things. *hip hitched so she can perch on the edge of the examining table*

Brawn: *quietly* Do we have to wait, Viisaus?

Viisaus: Are you both certain about this?

Sharpshot: *nods* I am.

Brawn: Yes. *holds Sharpshot a little closer*

Sharpshot: *very soft squeak as she realizes she's naked* *massive blush*

Brawn: *confused by her reaction* What's wrong?

Sharpshot: *so embarrassed* I... I d-don't have any c-clothes on... *though she is starting to see that everyone else seems to be sans clothes too*

Brawn: *blank look as Fixer facepalms and cusses under her breath and 'Rail snerks* Clothes?

'Rail: *so amused* Drachenschwarm cover demselves wit' big cloth covers... 'N Sharpshot was raised by 'em...

Brawn: Oh. Right. ... But we've got our plating, Desi. I mean, Sharpshot.

Sharpshot: *hesitant and quiet clicks. Feels way outside her comfort zone right now, even with the fact that she's snuggled up against Brawn*

'Rail: *just got a good look at Sharpshot by scanning her* *brow ridges up* *will go get one of the things out of the neatly folded pile on the examination table and offer it to the couple* *to Fixer, over comms* //She don't even got insulation, Boss...//

Fixer: //You think I didn't notice that?//

Brawn: *taking the soft white full petticoat and offering it to Sharpshot*

Sharpshot: *grateful for the petticoat, will quickly get it on*

Brawn: *trying to help, though his fingers are clumsy on the little hooks and ties*

Sharpshot: *still blushing a bit, but only because she remembers seeing Mother getting help from Father in a similar manner, and now she's feeling a bit giddy*

Brawn: There, I think. No. Wait. *goes after that one hook again, scowling with concentration*

Sharpshot: *gently guides Brawn's hands, clicking softly all the while*

Fixer: *looks at Viisaus* //I told you sending her to the drachs was a stupid idea.//

Viisaus: //They are the ones responsible for the blankets and pillows... And Senaiji is a good person, as is Banshee.//

Fixer: //Look at her, though. And she refused her slaggin' adult upgrade.//

Viisaus: *bit of a frown* //Is there any way to modify her current shell so she does not fall into unsafe temperature ranges?//

Fixer: *shortly, as 'Rail chortles over Brawn's blush at having his hands guided* //No room.//

Brawn: *finishes fastening the hook, and then the scarred old soldier is biting his lip and peeking down at the femme that's even shorter than he is*

Viisaus: *looks to 'Rail and Fixer* Do either of you have any objections to their union?

Fixer: Other than that they technically just slaggin' met?

Brawn: *scowls* You said Desinex's spark is here.

Sharpshot: *and there's that stubborn set to her jaw* I'm of age.

Viisaus: *looks to Fixer* Perhaps we should discuss this matter more?

Brawn: Slaggit, Viisaus. She's got Desinex's memories. She knew me as soon as she saw me!

Fixer: *growls at him and snags a pointy thing from where it had been laying on a tool tray*

Brawn: *scowls at her, undaunted by prospect of flying stabbity*

Sharpshot: *and there's hints of the dangerous look Desinex used to get when she was mad*

Sunhalo: *clickstorm from where she's scootched down behind Daddy's back*

'Rail: *backing up a bit* If she's got Desinex's memories, 'n's of age... Why not let 'em?

Brawn: And she already claimed me!

Viisaus: *serious expression is a go as he thinks*

Fixer: *sees that Brawn's ready to face up to her over this and decides she's in no mood to need to repair her workspace right now. Snorts and tosses the tool back onto the tray*

Sunhalo: *squeaky razz for the tool*

Sharpshot: *hides her face against Brawn again. Is starting to feel a bit overwhelmed*

Viisaus: I have no objections.

Fixer: *shrug* I withdraw mine. But they better not come slaggin' whining to me if something goes wrong.

Sharpshot: *happy little sound*

Brawn: *smiles down at her, and then looks hopefully to Viisaus*

Viisaus: *nods* As the union is one of mutual consent and there are no objections, let us proceed.

Brawn: *gentle hand on Sharpshot's back as he stands to absent attention*

Fixer: *now has a Sunhalo. She's going to be quiet and gentle till the shy bitty goes back to 'Rail*

Sunhalo: *knows how to make the world quiet!* :3

Sharpshot: *watching Viisaus for cues*

Viisaus: Brawn, do you swear to provide for Sharpshot to the best of your ability, to honor her, cherish her, and love her until All are One?

Brawn: *gravely* With all my spark.

Viisaus: *nod, looks to Sharpshot* Sharpshot, do you swear to provide for Brawn to the best of your ability, to honor him, cherish him, and love him until All are One?

Sharpshot: *nods* I do.

Fixer: *slaps 'Rail in the back of the head for whatever the slag that stupid noise was*

Sunhalo: *gives her a reproving look*

Viisaus: Then it is agreed. You have stated your claims before three witnesses and Primus. You are now wordmates.

Brawn: *is blushing a bit as he looks down at Sharpshot*

Fixer: *snorts at that and is Sunhalo pat patted*

Sunhalo: *quiet quiet! Daddy likes watching this stuff*

Sharpshot: *shy grin, snuggles*

'Rail: Aww, c'mon! Kiss already!

Brawn: *shows 'Rail his fist without looking at him*

'Rail: *knocked aft over honesty*

Sharpshot: *so much blush*

Brawn: *looks at the pile of clothing on the table* ...Do you need help putting the rest of this on?

Sharpshot: *quietly* I have a new day dress in my luggage...

Brawn: *confused* Day dress?

Fixer: *snorts and wanders off. With 'Rail's babby!*

Sharpshot: *small nod* It's... easier to wear... and since I'm not traveling anymore...

'Rail: *realizes Fixer has his babby* *picking himself up to try and rescue said babby*

Brawn: *so lost* *points to the petticoat and bloomers pile* It's not one of these?

Sharpshot: *small headshake. Will move to try and find the dress she's got in mind*

Brawn: *picks up one of her spat leggings and looks at it puzzledly*

Sharpshot: *is also putting away some of the travel petticoats while she searches. Looks up to see what Brawn is doing* *slight blush* That's one of my leggings...

Brawn: Where does it go?

Sharpshot: *more blush, stammers as she tries to explain*

Fixer: //Viisaus, you stunned aft, get out of there and leave them alone. You're not even slagging supposed to be looking at that thing Brawn's waving around.//

Viisaus: *and he's out the door* //I have no idea what that even is...// *startled sound as 'Rail grabs him and hauls him off for something*

Fixer: *as she closes the door behind them* //I think it's some kind of stocking. You know like Banshee was having a conniption about that time?//

Sharpshot: *so mortified*

Brawn: *hears Viisaus get captured* Heh. He's finally getting his new foot. *looks to his new wordmate and frowns with concern, then sets down the legging and walks over to offer her a cuddle*

Sharpshot: *muffled as she snuggles against him* Things are so different here...

Brawn: *smooths her helm* *gruff gentleness* Like you said. One day at a time.

Sharpshot: *small nod, clings to him*

Brawn: Look. Look at this. *shows a holo of Muhlisha and Kriti. Doesn't take into account that this will be her first view of female Taubots other than Fixer, and that Muhlisha doesn't go by the traditional armour painting pattern that makes it look like she's wearing a croptop and bikini bottom. Nor do either of them have Fixer's "modesty flap" style bottom armour, or any courtesy skirt*

Sharpshot: *quiet for a few moments, then she's letting out a startled squeak and blushing as she covers her optics*

Brawn: *surprised and very confused* Sharpshot?

Sharpshot: *stammering* Th-They're n-naked...

Brawn: No. They're wearing their armour. *blinking*

Sharpshot: *from behind her hands* Th-that's armor?

Brawn: Yeah. This is naked. *argues with an arm plate, and then gets it off and shows her what his arm looks like underneath* Trying to do this with your chest plating? Will get you tossed through an unfocused space bridge.

Sharpshot: *blinks a bit, hesitantly and curiously begins studying his arm*

Brawn: *gently touches her shoulder with the hand of the arm not opened up* You don't have a lot of insulation, do you?

Sharpshot: *small headshake* *quietly* It wasn't ever this cold on the Drachenschwarm homeworld...

Brawn: *frowns with concern* All these covers help any?

Sharpshot: *nods* Some of them are flannel... It's warmer, but not as pretty...

Brawn: Fixer could upgrade your shell, add mods for warmth. *lifts his brows with concern*

Sharpshot: *bites her lower lip* But then I wouldn't be me...

Brawn: *blinks* *thinks* *frowns* You wouldn't?

Sharpshot: I'd look and smell strange to Mother, Father, and my siblings...

Brawn: Oh... //Fixer...//

Fixer: //Slag off. Busy!//

Brawn: //Hey, 'Rail.// *absently fastening little buttons as he comms the younger medic*

'Rail: //'Sup?//

Brawn: //Can you make some kind of thing that Sharpshot could wear that could warm her up? She wants to keep this shell.//

'Rail: //Gimme a few shifts ta come up wit' somet'in'...//

Brawn: //Alright.// *startled sound as he feels Sharpshot's hands rest on his and stop them*

Sharpshot: *quietly* Some of the buttons are missbuttoned...

Brawn: *brows lift and he studies what he'd been doing* Yeah. They are. *unfastens and starts over* *still has the image of Muhlisha and Kriti hovering there in the air*

Sharpshot: *still a bit embarrassed as she studies the image* *quietly* Kriti looks a lot like me...

Brawn: *without looking up* She hasn't got my ugliness to overcome your looks.

Sharpshot: *blush, very quiet squee before she continues* But she's also got some of Showtime's looks to her...

Brawn: *stops cold* Showtime?

Sharpshot: *small nod* She and Desinex were sisters... After Showtime gave Desinex part of her coding to save her life....

Brawn: *quietly* So that's where the other coding came from. I guess they must've taken it out to make you. I know 'Lisha hasn't got anybody but you and me in her coding. Well, and now that scrapbrain she bonded.

Sharpshot: *blink blink* She's bonded?

Brawn: *gruffly* Bonded and a mother. *flips to another image* No, not that. That's Kriti being silly with Bob.

Sharpshot: ... Bob?

Brawn: *flips back to the picture so that she can see* Yeah. He's the ugly one.

Sharpshot: *raised brow ridge as she sees that Kriti has Bob on his back and that the big bot is "playing dead"* What is he?

Brawn: One of the original Insecticons. He can kick Shockwave's knockoffs' afts even with as creaky as he's gotten.

Sharpshot: ... *quiet* Wow...

Brawn: He came here with Viisaus.

Sharpshot: That was a long time ago, right?

Brawn: Yup. Back just after the war started. They left Cybertron before it got going.

Sharpshot: *small nod* *soft clicks as she studies the blue femme standing on the Insecticon*

Brawn: And here's the shot of Muhlisha and Torque when they got Javalina. *flips to that image*

Sharpshot: *quietly* Mudpuppy's clean, for once...

Brawn: *perks* You remember him?

Sharpshot: *another small nod* There was someone else you, Torque, and Desinex worked with the most, right?

Brawn: Well, not after we left Cybertron. *pause* Wait. Oh. We didn't work with Lockdown.

Sharpshot: *slight frown as she tries to recall who it was she's thinking of*

Brawn: *flips to image of Lockdown and his daughters* Him, right?

Sharpshot: *headshake* No... That's Desinex's brother...

Brawn: Oh. *deep frown* You're not thinking of a red guy, are you?

Sharpshot: *such a dark scowl on her face now* That... slagger... made her cry.

Brawn: *quiet and gruff* He's dead.

Sharpshot: Did Lockdown finally get him?

Brawn: Muhlisha says he got himself to keep Optimus from arresting him.

Sharpshot: ... *headshake, back to the topic at hand* The one you hung out with... bigger 'Bot?

Brawn: *blink blink* You mean before we left?

Sharpshot: *nod*

Brawn: *calls up an image of Bulkhead mugging in front of a wall where a 'Con's shadow is burned into the tiles* Him?

Sharpshot: *studying the image for a few moments before her expression brightens* Yes. Who is he?

Brawn: That's Bulkhead. He's on Team Prime now.

Sharpshot: *small nod, will move to snuggle against you now, Brawn. She's starting to get a bit tired, and she's got something more on her mind than old memories*

Brawn: *rubs her back, being careful to miss the buttons on her dress* Bulk's with Lockdown's daughter.

Sharpshot: Which one? The white one or the pink one?

Brawn: *flips back to the picture* Witchblade's green, black, and white. Like her old man. She's the one that snagged Bulkhead.

Sharpshot: Okay. *small nod*

Brawn: *gruff again* Mistfire's with Knockout's ditzy brother.

Sharpshot: ... Scattershot...

Brawn: Yeah. Him.

Sharpshot: Vain idiot...

Brawn: *quietly* Broken idiot, now.

Sharpshot: ... *puzzled look*

Brawn: *explains Scattershot's mental state*

Sharpshot: *wincing at the end of the explanation*

Brawn: Misty takes good care of him, and he can put in a good day's work in the belt.

Sharpshot: *small nod* *then, quietly* I want to meet Muhlisha and Kriti sometime...

Brawn: We can do that soon. They're helping Prima right now.

Sharpshot: Alright... *snuggles and enjoys the close contact*

Brawn: *puts away the holos and nuzzles her gently* Guess we should get your stuff to quarters.

Sharpshot: *small nod of agreement. Is pretty happy right where she is*

Brawn: *hesitantly* And we could lay down for a bit and talk.

'Rail: *through the PA* //Snog, you mean.//

Brawn: *growwwl*

PA: *click!*

Sharpshot: *blush*

Brawn: 'Rail's a glitch. Don't mind him.

Bullet: *over common channel comms* //Brawn, mon. You got a week of honeymoon. Don't waste it!//

Brawn: *now he's blushing*

Sharpshot: *SO much blush*

Brawn: ...Gonna kill that kid.

Sharpshot: *hiding her face now*

Taubot Wreckers: *now all laying into their chief with gleeful affection*

Brawn: 0_0

Sharpshot: *MORTIFIED*

Brawn: .>_<. //SHADDAAAAP!//

Fixer: *lets him know what she thinks of him bellowing over the common channel. No, it's not printable*

Sharpshot: *just wants to get to quarters, please and thanks!*

some of the other Taubots: *joining in the heckling*

Sharpshot: *so mortified. Is hiding her face against Brawn and blushing furiously*

Viisaus: *over the common channel* //If you're going to be harassing Brawn, perhaps you could put some of that energy into assisting him with Sharpshot's luggage?//

Fixer: //Always knew you weren't as tough as you fraggin' let on. Don't even know what to do with a word mate.//

Brawn: //Get slagged, Fixer. I don't see you bonding with Lio.//

Fixer: *VITUPERATION*

Sharpshot: *so mortified, she can't even make a squeak of protest*

Brawn: *softly* You'll be safe soon, Desi. I mean...

Sharpshot: *muffled, since she's still hiding her face* C-Can we go, p-please?

Brawn: Yeah. *gently sees if he can't guide her along with him*

Sharpshot: *is fairly easy to guide once she gets going*

Brawn: *is soon bringing her through the door of the small inner room that he calls home. The quarters are spartanly furnished, and currently crammed with luggage*

Sharpshot: *so surprised by how sparsely decorated Brawn's quarters are*

Brawn: *looks around and pokes at one of her trunks* Huh. Guess we'll need a bigger place.

Sharpshot: *quiet* Yeah... *can hear the hecklers outside the door*

Brawn: Well... Here's the charge port, and here's the berth. *folds the latter down from where it was up against the wall*

Sharpshot: *looks to the berth* *small nod* *will study the charge port curiously*

Brawn: It's for when you need a quick shot of energy. You stick your finger in.

Sharpshot: Huh... *clearly fascinated by the idea, but won't try it right now*

Brawn: *rubs the back of his head* ...Want to lay down?

Sharpshot: *small smile that quickly turns into a blush as some of the hecklers outside the door get a bit loud with their catcalling*

Brawn: *opens door, punches faces, closes door* *turns back to wordmate*

Sharpshot: *quiet for a few moments* *then* I should probably put my night gown on... *trying to remember which piece of luggage the those garments are packed into*

Brawn: 0.0 Nightgown?

Sharpshot: *small nod* For sleeping in... *moving to try and find the garments now* *quietly, as she searches* It probably seems a bit silly...

Brawn: Well. I don't know about silly. Confusing. *sits on the edge of the berth and watches her search*

Sharpshot: It's... something I learned from Mother and Father... and the Drachenschwarm... *soft sound of dismay as she realizes the chest with all of her lovely new peignoir sets in it is under most of the other luggage*

Brawn: What's wrong?

Sharpshot: The chest is under everything else...

Brawn: *frown* We don't really have room in here to shift things. *looks around* ...I have a blanket.

Sharpshot: *bites her lower lip a bit, and then she's nodding* *quietly* That'd work...

Brawn: *gets up and gets the heavy woollen blanket that Viisaus gave to him because he once admired the image woven into it*

Sharpshot: *moves over so Brawn can help her get her day dress off*

Brawn: *blinks, and then sets the blanket on the berth so that he can once more work the tiny buttons on the back of the dress*

Sharpshot: *very soft, affectionate trill*

Brawn: *perks at the sound. He's heard Drachenschwarm couples say it to one another and had the meaning explained to him* *quiet and gruff* You want me to show you how we say that?

Sharpshot: *slight headtilt, nods* Please do.

Brawn: *finishes unbuttoning the dress and then very carefully lifts up the skirt and pulls the garment off over her head* Where do you want me to put this first?

Sharpshot: *will point to one of the chests* On top of there is fine for now.

Brawn: *embarrassed* I don't know how to fold it.

Sharpshot: Here... I'll show you. *moves to do so*

Brawn: *gives her the gown, and then watches carefully. Knows he's not going to be able to do that. Delicate work is just not his function* Huh...

Sharpshot: *hands move with the ease years of practice have given her. Soon has the dress neatly folded and placed on top of the chest she indicated earlier*

Brawn: *gentle hands on her shoulders as he stands behind her*

Sharpshot: *soft clicks as she turns to her wordmate*

Brawn: *bites his lip slightly and feels awkward* Alright, now. You say that like this... *shy and uncertain peck*

Sharpshot: *surprised. Has no memory of ever seeing any of the Drachenschwarm doing this... But then she's kissing him back*

Brawn: *shares a bit of energy*

Sharpshot: *tries to figure out how to reciprocate*

Brawn: *breaks the kiss and looks at her quizzically, his face heated with a bit of self-conscious embarrassment*

Sharpshot: *blushing and feeling self conscious herself* *quietly* That felt nice...

Brawn: *blushes more as he grins* *then leans down and offers to do it again*

Sharpshot: *accepts the offer, figures out how to share energy*

Brawn: *slight startle, and then a pleased rumbly sound*

Sharpshot: *likes the rumbly sound, will see what increasing the energy she shares does*

Brawn: *she was already making his head spin, now he's got to engage magnetics to stay on his feet* *breaks kiss and blinks down at her owlishly* Wow.

Sharpshot: *diizzzy, and there's a silly grin on her face. Has to cling to Brawn to keep upright* Wow...

Brawn: Uh. What were we doing?

Sharpshot: ... I don't remember...

Brawn: I think I need to lay down.

Sharpshot: That sounds like a good idea...

Brawn: *picks her up and brings her over to the berth. Then flops down beside her with his head on the rolled blanket*

Sharpshot: *snuggles close*

Brawn: *again with the contented rumble as he puts his arms around her*

Sharpshot: *soft sound as she realizes the blanket's in the wrong spot*

Brawn: Huh?

Sharpshot: The blanket's in the wrong spot... *moving to try and tug it so she can pull it over Brawn and herself*

Brawn: Huh? *lifts his head and looks at it* Oh right. *gets it and dumps it open, then pulls it over their shoulders*

Sharpshot: *pleased sound, will offer more kiss since it felt good, and they're laying down now*

Brawn: *more kiss? Yes please*

Fixer: *standing outside their door with her hands on her hips as she frowns at Viisaus* *blinks at the flash that she can sense without seeing it*

Viisaus: *soft chuckle* Have they bonded, then?

Fixer: *gruff* Yeah. Now they can both settle down.

Viisaus: *small nod* Perhaps we should relocate them to larger quarters...

Fixer: *thinks it over* Brawn's not easy to disorient, and Sharpshot doesn't seem to have Desinex's kill-you-all switch. Knock yourself out. *walks off*

Viisaus: *very soft chuckle as he moves to find schematics in order to figure out whether there are any larger quarters available*


evening at Outpost Omega One


Denver: *in a sulk, is facing the wall of the elevator shaft with her hands in her pockets*

Zeebin: *beside her, hands in pockets, nose to wall, eyes closed as she sleeps*

Bumblebee: *zips down the tunnel and then honks his horn cheerfully as he opens his doors to let Raf and Miko out*

Zeebin: Ack! *falls on butt*

Denver: *snerk* *mutter* Fail.

Bulkhead: *quiet, grumpy, and sad* Hey, Miko. *at least he's out here to greet her instead of sulking in his room this time*

Miko: *scooting to see Bulkhead* *stops short when she sees Zeebin* ... Who's that?

Bulkhead: *tiredly* New kid.

Jack: *looks over from where he was talking to Arcee about the major ditch dive Rockface took along a section of highway without any ditches* ...What?

Raf: New kid?

Bumblebee: Wooo?

Ratchet: Children, this is Zeebin. She's Mulisha's partner.

Zeebin: *standing there all bright, shiny, squeaky clean, and at crisp and perfect attention*

Kriti: Things're gonna be interesting... *so amused, will go get fuel for herself and Bumblebee*

Denver: *muttering*

Miko: She's so square... *yet here she goes, heading for the balcony to get a better look at the new girl*

Zeebin: *maintains her salute, golden hazel eyes staring straight ahead*

Raf: Aw c'mon, Miko. Be nice. *followed his friend up the stairs, and is now offering Denver a hug*

Jack: *also came upstairs to meet the newcomer*

Denver: *hugs for Raf*

Miko: What's that for? *indicates Zeebin's tail*

Zeebin: *still staring straight ahead, though her eyes just started to twinkle* Field sign. *very obviously rude gesture with the tail at Denver!*

Denver: ... *snerk*

Zeebin: *stance cracks just a little as she smirks and does another one*

Denver: *snickerfitdie* Go do th't t' Beau!

Zeebin: *shocked stare after her head whips around to look at the other girl* He's a higher up.

Denver: 'E's mah brothah. *nods to Jack* 'N 'is Dad now...

Jack: Don't make rude signs at Beau. *frown*

Zeebin: *rubs her chin, and then perks* I know. *looks around to see where the man's gotten while she had her nose to the wall*

Beau: *trying to negotiate a peace treaty with a mischievous sparklet in exchange for his pen back*

Hot Rod: *has the pen in his mouth*

Zeebin: *football crouch that has Jack's eyebrows climbing*

Denver: *muffles her snerk in Raf's hair*

Miko: *hands over her mouth, is grinning like a loon behind them*

Zeebin: *and then she charges! Broadsides the higher ranking soldier in a flying tackle glomp which is a perfectly acceptable way to attack those above you, and is even considered respectful, where she comes from*

Beau: *startled yelp, handful of pennies going flying*

Hot Rod: *so surprised, pen falls out of mouth. Point, squeal!*

Optimus: *jerks awake from where she was sitting in her chair with Panacea* What? What happened?

Ratchet: *face palms and wanders out of the room, distancing himself from shenanigans*

Bulkhead: *too busy sneaking glances at Witchblade to have even noticed something that would normally have had him cackling*

Miko: *holding her sides and laughing herself silly*

Beau: What the heck?!

Zeebin: *cheery grin* Hello, sir.

Beau: ... *sigh* You've only been here two hours, and already, you're picking up my sister's bad habits.

Zeebin: Bad habit? *worried look as she lets go of him* This is how we keep the instructors on their toes at the academy.

Denver: *muffled* 'E means givin' 'im a moah physical greetin' th'n a 'ug. *is trying so hard not to laugh*

Zeebin: Is that a bad thing? *looks over at the other kids, and then grins as she sees Jack's face palm*

Miko: You totally owned him! *grinning*

Hot Rod: *scooting to see if the big peeps is okay* *clickstorm!*

Optimus: *is that big sigh that sounds like the sighing of a semi's brakes as she goes back to sleep*

Zeebin: *settles on her knees next to Beau and watches the little clicky guy*

Hot Rod: *clickstorming rapidly and setting up to fuss*

Beau: Heeey, it's okay, Hot Rod. Here. *will give the upset babby cuddles*

Zeebin: *offers a hand to the sparklet* I wasn't hurting him, little guy.

Hot Rod: *wibble, clickstorm* *rubs at his optics a bit as he's cuddled*

Beau: I think a lot of it is that he's supposed to be napping... *will show Zeebin how to rub a little back to get a fussy sparklet settled down*

Zeebin: *gentle rubbing and soft clicks* *thoughtfully* May I go, sir?

Beau: *nods*

Hot Rod: *sleepy little protest sound. Is starting to conk out, at least*

Zeebin: *quick but very proper salute, and back to the other kids* I need local clothes. *looks at Jack* Can I wear some of yours?

Jack: Err. *BLUSH*

Zeebin: *quirks a brow, and then looks at Denver* How about you?

Denver: Ah've prolleh got s'me th'n's th't'd fitcha...

Zeebin: We're about the same size, except this thing. *waves tail, which has a bit of bright silver wire wound around it near the tufted tip*

Denver: ... 'F y'u don' mahnd skirts 'n dresses, Ah've gotta lotta clothes th't'd fitcha.

Beau: *facepalm*

Zeebin: *face drops into disapproval* How's a body supposed to do anything in something like that? *curious glance toward Miko sniggers and a Raf chuckle*

Denver: Miko manages well 'nough.

Zeebin: I guess I can wait till I can buy something. *glances speculatively at Jack*

Jack: *too busy checking on Hot Rod and Beau, and then Optimus and Panacea, to notice*

Beau: *has gotten to his feet and is now baby dancing with Hot Rod*

Denver: *contemplative look as she thinks*

Raf: Didn't you have a T-shirt that you said made you look all washed out, Denver?

Denver: Yeah... Trah'n' t' remembah wh're Ah put th' darn th'n'...

Raf: *rubs his nose* Aren't most of your clothes in your bed?

Denver: ... Prolleh.

Raf: *grins* And you said you had too many pairs of pants.

Miko: She did? o.0

Raf: Yeah, when she was trying to get all her clean laundry into her bed.

Denver: *gives Raf a bit of an affectionate squeeze, moves to head for her bed to see if she can find the clothes in question*

Raf: *looks at Zeebin* You better go with.

Zeebin: *distracted from watching Jack* Hmm? Oh, alright. *bounds after Denver*

Miko: Oh, great. Now we have two Denvers... *moves to talk to Bulkhead, notices where he and Witchblade are situated* *frown* Hey! What gives?!

Bulkhead: Huh? *turns head to frown down at her from where he's sitting on the ledge by the main computer console* *looks very sad and dejected*

Miko: *hands on hips* Why aren't you two sitting together and being frick and frack like usual?

Bulkhead: *frown deepens and he looks away*

Witchblade: *jumps down from her perch and turns toward the hall*

Miko: Witchy! Get back here! *and now she's heading down to the floor to chase after the femme*

Witchblade: *stops, but doesn't turn back* I got stuff ta do, Meeks.

Miko: Yeah, like talkin' to Bulkhead. *moving to put herself in Witchblade's path*

Witchblade: *blinking back tears as she scowls down at her little friend*

Miko: *so surprised by the femme's uncharacteristic behavior* Witchy? What's wrong?

Witchblade: *wibbles, and then hides her face in her hands* *shakes her head*

Bulkhead: *is that grunt and almighty crash as he falls over while trying to come see what's wrong with his girls*

Optimus: *awake!* Bulkhead?

Panacea: *crackle grouch!*

Witchblade: Eeee! Bulky! *runs to him after automatically grabbing Miko*

Miko: *acks as she's picked up, and then she's setting up to fuss over Bulkhead*

Bulkhead: *pushes himself onto his side* You're crying...

Witchblade: *stops and turns her face away. More wibble*

Miko: You two need to talk. Like, right now.

Bulkhead: *looks at Miko, and then drops his gaze* She don't have time for some old broken down hulk.

Witchblade: *head whips up and she scowls at him* You ain't no old broke down hulk!

Miko: Yeah! You might've been down, but you're not out yet!

Bulkhead: Then why won't ya even look at me anymore, Witchy? *anger and hurt in that deep voice*

Witchblade: *bursts into tears* I was tryin' ta give ya space. Figured ya didn' need some ditzy bopper hangin' off ya right now!

Raf: *very softly* Whoa...

Denver: *biting her lower lip and sorting clothes without a word as she listens to the voices echoing down the halls from the control room*

Miko: See, this is why you two need to talk! *gives Bulkhead and Witchblade a Look*

Bulkhead: *blinks and opens his mouth, then shuts it* *then, softly to Witchblade* You aren't a ditzy bopper. You're the hottest thing I've ever seen.

Jack: *is the sound of throat clearing and herding Raf over THERE*

Beau: *excuses himself, will take Hot Rod to the mess*

Miko: *quietly* I just... don't like seeing my best friends not talking.

Witchblade: *presses Miko to her face along with her hands for a moment, and then flying tackle glomps Bulkhead*

Bulkhead: *yelp! And then puts his arms around her* Don't squish Miko!

Miko: *acks as she's nearly squished, and then she's making sure nobody got dented*

Witchblade: *lets Miko go, and then plants a snog on Bulkhead*

Bulkhead: Mrrph. Hmmmm. *returns the snog*

Optimus: *facepalms and goes to break them up*

Miko: *glad to see that they've kissed and made up... and made out*

Denver: *attention in the direction of the control room, and a shirt in mid-fold held in her hands*

Zeebin: *also looking toward the door* They're not yelling anymore.

June: *peeks in, and then enters to offer Denver a hand* What was that just now? Do you know? *then blinks as she notices Zeebin* Oh, hello.

Denver: *quietly* Miko trahed t' git Bulky 'n Witchy talkin' t' each othah 'gain...

June: *distracted from the new kid. Presses lips together* Do you mean they were fighting?

Denver: Th're w's yell'n'. *looks down at the shirt in her hands* ... *very slight frown as she tries to remember what she was doing with it or planning on doing with it*

June: *frowns, but then puts a hand on her young sister in law's shoulder* *gently* Who's your friend?

Denver: 'Lisha's pahtnah... 'Er name's Zeebin. *to Zeebin* Th's 's June. She's Jack's Ma, 'n Beau's wahf.

Zeebin: Your brother's wife? *alert look to the dark-haired, bald-skinned woman*

June: Yes. *smiles* Welcome to the base, Zeebin. Do you girls need anything? *looks at the shirt Denver's holding*

Zeebin: Denver's finding something for me to wear, Ma'am.

Denver: *small nod of agreement* ... *offers the t-shirt*

June: Do you need any help, Denver? *glances toward the nice metal mesh bin that was bought for Denver clothes, and which currently holds a pile of crumpled math notes*

Denver: *another small nod*

June: *moves closer and puts her hand to the back of the teen's head, then gives her a hug* *quietly* It's alright. Meep!

Zeebin: *helping with the hug*

Denver: *deep breath, is trying to be tough*

Zeebin: *quietly* So, is it okay with you guys if I flirt with Jack?

June: 0_0

Denver: 0_0 *can you hear the brakes screeching in her head* Wait, wh't?!

Zeebin: Is it okay with you guys if I flirt with Jack?

June: 0_0 *tries to get her voice back* Isn't that... isn't that up to Jack?

Denver: Dunno 'f 'e'd reciprocate though...

Zeebin: I need to make sure nobody's going to kick my duff for trying, Ma'am. *looks at Denver* ...Couldn't hurt to try?

Denver: *shrug* Mahght 's well trah.

June: *still speechless. Will cover her shock by letting go the girls and starting to fold some of Denver's laundry and put it into the storage bin*

Denver: *moves to help June. Deep breath* Scattershot 'n Mistfire 're 'n Earth too.

June: *wary look* The pink Decepticon?

Denver: *nod* *studies one of the shirts before offering it to Zeebin instead of the one she'd offered first*

Zeebin: *notices this shirt! Takes the garment and looks at it with interest to see what it looks like*

June: *frowns* What's he doing back?

Denver: Look'n f'r 'is brotha, 'parently.

shirt: *is identical to the one Denver has on right now, aside from not being as faded. Depicts a couple of animals in profile, one with diamond-shaped plates on its back saying, "Curse your sudden, but inevitable, betrayal!"*

Zeebin: I don't get it. *but she's stripping off her jumpsuit with no thought of trying to hide herself first*

Denver: *ack* *turns to give Zeebin some privacy. Will also offer pants*

Zeebin: What's wrong? *takes pants as she pauses to look at her new friend*

June: *has also turned her back*

Denver: No'un evah 'splained th' concept'a modesty?

Zeebin: *finishes stripping down, and then pulls on the pants* ...I don't know that word.

Denver: ... *looks to June* Y'u c'n 'splain 't th'n.

June: Modesty means... erm. *tries to think how this goes*

Zeebin: ...Wait. I offended you by taking off my space suit? *so much surprise in her voice. And her face and tail say she's gobsmacked*

June: Well, not offended...

Denver: *trying to think of how to explain, is drawing a blank*

June: It's just not the custom here to take off your clothes unless you're alone.

Zeebin: ...Oh.

Denver: *digging through the clean laundry again, trying to find something else now*

Zeebin: I don't understand it, but I'll keep that custom while I'm here. *fiddling with pants* *chuckle* These are so baggy that my tail can go down the leg.

June: *blinks and looks* ...Denver, do you mind me altering these pants?

Denver: Go 'ead. *holds out a belt and an unopened package of underpants*

Zeebin: *hand on underpants package* What's this?

Denver: *as she continues to search* Stuff t' go undah th' pants.

Zeebin: Oh! I have a lot of these. With the right holes on the butt and... eeep? *looks over shoulder as June sets to work on the pants she's wearing*

Denver: M'kay... *still searching for something in the clean clothes*

June: *snerks suddenly* Bright neon pink underwear. That's quite the contrast to your fur.

Zeebin: *laughs* At home the tail sleeve's always covered.

Denver: *very soft snerk. Lobs a package of socks towards Zeebin*

Zeebin: *looks at the picture* ...Foot underwear?

Denver: *nod* Plus 't keeps shoes fr'm leav'n blistahs.

Zeebin: *brows and tail quirk with surprise, and then, much to June's surprise, she's opened the package and is putting on socks while standing there and having her jeans butt worked on. No trace of a wobble*

Denver: *stretch, grumble, resumes search*

June: *recovers from surprise and goes back to work* What are you looking for, Denver?

Denver: 'Un 'f th' sports bras Aunt Dixie sent. *wrinkles her nose at the mention of the blonde woman*

Zeebin: What's a sports bra?

Denver: S'meth'n comf'rtable t' weah undah shirts... *finds one and holds it up as an example*

Zeebin: Oh! *pause* I'm going to bring those back someday, and all the women who are big in front like me will call me a hero.

June: *straightens and looks at Zeebin's modest A chest* o.0?

Denver: ... Y'u ain't much bigga up top th'n me.

Zeebin: But I'm huge for one of us. *curious look at June and then blinks and winces*

June: *crosses arms over chest and frowns*

Denver: ... *SNERK*

June: *so disapproving is this mamaface* Your pants are done, Zeebin. I'll be in the mess if you girls need me for anything. *turns and heads out*

Zeebin: ...I offended her?

Denver: ... Ah 'ave no ahdea.

June: *is a sudden startled yelp from further down the hall*

Zeebin: *turns quickly to the door just in time to see a red and white bot stride past it. Can hear someone male shouting now*

Denver: *startled cuss*

Ratchet: *picked up June as he hurried after the shell* What is going on here?!

Witchblade: *shouts as KO's body comes into the control room, then takes a protective battle stance in front of Bulkhead*

Bulkhead: Knockout?

Optimus: What? Ratchet?

KO body: *transforms and roars down the tunnel*

Zeebin: *wary and narrow eyed from where she followed the white and red bot down the hall*

Denver: *hurries to make sure Raf and Jack are alright*

Jack: *boggling and standing protectively in front of Raf*

Raf: *mouth open as he tries to figure out what's going on*

Denver: *sliiiides and trips as she hurries*

Optimus: Ratchet, report! *protective hands over Panacea as she looks around*

Ratchet: I don't understand! Knockout's shell got up on its own! *so flabbergasted and worried*

Optimus: //Bumblebee, Kriti, intercept the bot that just left the base! Witchblade, intercept if you can.//

Witchblade: *transforms and roars out*

Kriti: //What bot?// *sounds confused* //'Bee and I are the only ones out here...//

Optimus: *surges to her feet and checks the monitor* *optics narrow* A space bridge just closed a safe distance from the base. *quickly calls Dallas MacKenzie, unaware of the green furred girl who just climbed her and helped Denver up as well*

Dallas: *takes a few moments to answer* //Hello?//

Optimus: *sternly* This is Optimus Prima. Where is your husband?

Dallas: //...Standing right next to me. Why?//

Optimus: Because his sparked shell just got up, left the base, and then went through a space bridge.

Dallas: //... Knockout...// *sounds like she's trying to get the drone's attention now*

dKO: *faintly, in the background* //Yes, sweetheart?// *sounds distracted and amused*

Dallas: //... Apparently, your... shell... got up... left where it was... and went through a space bridge?//

dKO: *silence, and then clearly enough for everyone in the control room to hear it* //IT DID WHAT???//

Dallas: //Let's get back to the house.//

dKO: *angry and indignant* //WHAT DID THAT AUTOBOT QUACK DO TO IT??//

Denver: 'E di'n't do a dahn th'n'!

Optimus: *sharply* I would prefer to continue this conversation over a more secure connection.

dKO: //Of course.// *distracted and very worried* //...Where's the baby?//

Optimus: *can't contain the slight smile that crosses her face at sound of that last question*

Dallas: //Right here. In his stroller. Where he's been since I tucked him in there.//

dKO: //Where's Gran'ma?//

Optimus: I will let you go. Contact me as soon as you reach home. Optimus out. *closes connection and then turns her head and bemusedly discovers that there are two teenagers on her shoulder*

Denver: *dark scowl* Ratchet di'n't do anehth'n' t' th't %$#%$#%$#%#'s shell.

Optimus: *quietly* Calm down, Denver. *turns to look at her mate, absently taking Denver down and offering the teen to Ratchet as she does* *quietly* Ratchet, report?

Ratchet: *quietly* I was examining the shell, since there was a slightly different energy signature coming from it... And as soon as it was out of stasis, it got up and left.

Beau: ... What sort of difference?

Hot Rod: *cares not for conversations about energy signatures, is splatsleeped*

Optimus: *sets Zeebin down by the other kids as she waits to hear her mate's reply*

Ratchet: I'm still not entirely sure. It's not like any energy signature I've ever encountered before.

Optimus: *frowns deeply and baby dances as Panacea squirms and crackles* Did you record it?

Ratchet: I did.

Optimus: Study it. See if you can find out anything about it and what it might be. *back to the screen and telling all able-bodied bots to up their alert level*

Ratchet: *nods and sets June down on the balcony*

Muhlisha: //Gotcha.//

Bumblebee: //Beewwoo!//

Kriti: //Don't gotta tell me twice.//

Smokescreen: //Yessir, Optimus!//

Arcee: //We'll keep an eye on things.//

Optimus: Alright. Keep me updated. Optimus out. *looks at the kids on the couch and quirks a brow as she sees an incredulous but not offended Jack sitting with Zeebin's head on his shoulder as she watches him do homework*

Raf: *leaning against Denver as he taps away on his laptop*

Denver: *arm around Raf's shoulders, is watching him tap away*

Raf: Well... it wasn't a tracking beacon. *studies frequency thoughtfully*

Ratchet: *moves to take a look at Raf's laptop screen*

Optimus: Where are WakeJumper and Eclipse?

Ratchet: *absently, as he too studies the frequency* Sleeping. Apparently WakeJumper's sisters and brother are all drunk as lords.

Raf: ...It's an automatic start up, and a callback to return to base. Look, Ratchet. *points to patterns on the screen*

Ratchet: *so much frown* So now Megatron has Knockout's shell...

Raf: Yeah. *looks up* *quietly* Do you think we're in danger? You said the shell didn't have any programming.

Ratchet: It has basic life support functions.

Raf: Okay. You said it didn't have any personality programming. There's nobody there, right?

Ratchet: All of the personality programming is in the drone.

Raf: Maybe... this time we're safe.

Ratchet: *quietly* Let's hope so, Rafael.


meanwhile, Nemesis medbay


Megatron: *watching as Soundwave carefully downloads a bare-bones copy of Knockout's personality matrix into the newly retrieved shell* It seems that Optimus Prima has learned deception. *unpleasant grin* This treachery will not go unpunished.

((Written with random_xtras))