mbv, Dixie's House and the /Ark/, Slight Change in Plans, part 1...

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Raoul: *sitting on the couch at Aunty Dixie's house, leaning on Jake and with his knees braced against Beau's back as the three boys spend some quiet time with their computers. Is busy making a nest for his big pet in his game*

Beau: *starting to nod off a bit as he works on homework*

Jake: *has finished his homework, is helping Seamus raid what was once BJ's holding on Lords of Haltair, but is now up for the plundering due to the account owner deciding the game was stupid and abandoning it*

BJ: *comes in and announces that all games played on PCs are for n00bs and that the only cool game is the privately made fighting game that he now plays on his Xbox 360, then demands that Raoul teach him some of his fighting moves*

Raoul: *doesn't look up* No.

BJ: *Scowls at Raoul* Whah not? *is clearly used to getting what he wants*

Raoul: Because they ain't for n00bs. *finishes the nest and grins slightly as he watches the pet settle into it and get ready to shed her skin*

BJ: *more scowl, then his expression's darkening even more as Jake snerks*

Raoul: You can't even get that easy wrestling pin right. *types in advice for a new player on his game*

Will: *coming in with Dion from playing outside with Hazard, intends to tuck the little guy in with Mama and Papa, pauses when he sees how sleepy Beau looks. Then he's moving to bring Dion over to Beau*

Beau: *Chuckles as Dion is deposited in his lap, will rub the little guy's back as Will goes to get his laptop*

BJ: *Seething, takes it out on Will by smacking the other boy as he walks by*

Raoul: *head snaps up* Hey!

Will: *shaking a bit as he gets up and bolts for the upstairs bedrooms*

BJ: *Sticks his chin out a bit* 'E w's 'n mah way.

Jake: *Tells Seamus he'll brb, moves to set his laptop where it won't get stepped on by accident*

Beau: *getting up and taking Dion out the front door to the porch without a word*

Raoul: *puts his laptop away too and then gets to his feet, a dangerous light smoldering in his eyes* You know what kinda cowardly piece 'a #@$#@#@ hits somebody smaller 'n them?

Tracks: *is the sound of feet rumbling down the stairs to try and save BJ's aft*

BJ: *Eyes narrowed just slightly* Ain't nearleh 's much 'f a piece'a chicken&*^$# 's a citeh-slicker who don' know 'is place! *Will lunge at Raoul*

Raoul: *sidesteps. Won't dirty his hands on BJ anymore* The only chicken#$@##$@ I see 'round here is you, mama's boy.

Jake: *Moving to keep Tracks out of harm's way*

Tracks: *pauses in the door by Jake, surprised that Raoul is avoiding violence*

BJ: *Calls Raoul something obscene, is going to fight dirty then* 'T least mah Mama 's still 'round! *No, he doesn't know the truth, he's just assuming that Raoul's mother ran out on him and Tracks*

Raoul: *small, cold smirk* My mama's upstairs, 'n she's worth six 'a yours. *tucks his computer under his arm and exits the room, turning slightly to get past Tracks and Jake as scorn for BJ nearly comes off him in palpable waves. The message is clear. BJ is beneath his contempt*

Jake: *To Tracks* Beau 'n Dion're out 'n th' front porch... *moves to follow after Raoul, intending to go check on Will*

Tracks: *stops staring after his son to blink at his cousin* Thank you, Jake, I'd better go check on him.

BJ: ... *A bit dumbfounded. He's used to people fighting back, so this has him well and rightly puzzled*

Tracks: *doesn't even look at BJ as he goes out to the porch to see Beau and Dion*

Beau: *Walking around the porch and clicking quietly as Dion fusses*

Tracks: Beau? Are you alright? *over to his son and baby brother*

Beau: Yessir. Dion's upset though... *will move to gently transfer Dion to Tracks*

Tracks: *takes the little one, crooning softly* Shhh, Dion. It's alright.

Dion: *Wibbles and clings to Bubby*

Tracks: *cuddles the disguised sparklet, and puts his free arm around Beau's shoulders*

Beau: 'S Will okay?

Tracks: *quietly, his eyes hardening just slightly* He will be.

Beau: *Small nod, his own eyes hardening* BJ 'ad no reason f'r 'ittin' Will.

Tracks: I know.

Beau: *reaches to gently rub Dion's back, then he's sighing quietly* Jes' wanna git t' th' reunion 'n git 'ome...

Tracks: *will kiss his tall son on the hair and give his back a reassuring rub* If I had my way we'd be back at base already. *slight sniff* But far be it from me to start a family feud.

BJ: *coming out to the front porch* *Sneers at Beau* $%^#in' fag...

Beau: *is so going to ignore you, BJ*

Tracks: *eyes narrow at BJ* Must you show your state of defectiveness so constantly?

Dion: *has had about enough of BJ. Will chomp on the hand that's reaching to yank on Beau's hair*

BJ: *YELP*

Tracks: *startled by baby brother's reaction*

Matilda: *SHRIEK, runs up to the house from where she just got out of her mini van*

Tracks: *prying a tiny mouth open with his finger* Dion, please, I don't want you getting sick!

Dion: *lets go after a few moments, right as Matilda is reaching to smack him*

Beau: *Quicker on the draw, catches his aunt's wrist and holds it tightly, eyes glittering dangerously*

Tracks: *stares at Matilda disbelievingly as he turns Dion protectively away from her* What kind of misfire are you??

Matilda: *starting to get red in the face as she shouts herself hoarse about Tracks, his children, and how the boys are all going to wind up in jail before they're twenty*

Denver: *Coming downstairs in a flurry of motion*

Tracks: *quiet and cold* Shut. Up.

Matilda and BJ: *boggling*

Beau: *quietly* Go 'ome, Aunt 'Tilda.

Tracks: Anyone who would raise up a child to be abusive to those who are smaller than they are has no right to be predicting prison for the victims when they defend themselves. *eyes glint as he shifts his gaze to BJ* You'll be hearing from my lawyer.

Denver: *And there she is in the doorway, eyes sparking with anger*

Matilda: *Grabbing BJ and then they're both booking it for the van* Dixie 'd best clean 'er 'ouse out, 'cause Ah ain't comin' 'round whahl those 'oodlums're 'ere!

Dixie: *Throws a box of sugary cereal at Matilda* Don' let th' door 'it y'ur %$#!

Tracks: *deep breath, and then turns. One step has him at Denver's side as his arms go around her*

Denver: *checking Dion over as the little guy razzes the retreating van*

Tracks: *shaking slightly as he holds his wife and baby brother* *quietly* We're going home.

Denver: *not going to argue this time*

Dixie: 'Tilda won' set foot 'ere whahl y'all're 'ere. 'N 'f she does, Ah'm jes' 's good'a shot 's th' men.

Tracks: *shocked look for Dixie*

Matthew: S-salt 'ns-stead 'f buckshot... 'S-s g-good f-f'r s-scarin' crows....

Tracks: *shock fades slightly to stress* I appreciate the sentiment, Dixie, but we still need to go home.

Dixie: *small nod, concerned for her niece's family* Will's up undah y'all's bed, last Ah checked... 'F th' fact th't Raoul 'n Jake're up th're too 's anehth'n' t' go bah...

Tracks: *quietly* They're under the bed with him. *expression goes serious* We'll be back for that beastly reunion... but in the meantime, will you give us Jake?

Dixie: *Buhwhutnow?* *blink blink* Jes' wh't d' y'u mean?

Tracks: *looks at Denver for help, asking her over their bond how a human would say that they'd like to bring the gentle natured boy home with them*

Denver: Th're's a ladeh 't th' base we live on th't teaches a group'a kids 'a all ages, 'n th're're more opportunities th're sahdes jes' college... 'N th're's 'ousin' on base....

Dixie: *starting to understand* 'N wit'cher military pension, y'u'd be able t' 'elp pay f'r 'is schoolin' bettah th'n Matt 'n me... Best ask 'im 'f 'e wants t' go.

Tracks: *softly* Raoul just did.

Matthew: *Shares a puzzled look with his wife, before they're both looking up at the sound of Jake hurrying to get clean clothes packed*

Denver: Raoul's gotta radio th't 'e c'n call us on... *indicates her earbud, which she's only wearing out of habit*

Tracks: -Do you think we should let them know... what we are? It seems fair...-

Denver: *small nod*

Tracks: *takes another deep breath and then glances over at Beau to check on him, his expression sharp with concern*

Beau: *looking like he wants to go upstairs and check on Will*

Tracks: *quietly* Go ahead, Beau. He's under the bed with Raoul.

Beau: *nods* Yessir. *Carefully scoots past Dixie and Matthew, then he's booking it for the upstairs*

Tracks: *turns his attention back to Matthew and Dixie* There's something that Denver and I should tell you. Jake already knows, and so does Mrs. Lamont.

Dixie: ... *Raised brow* 'S th's s'meth'n th't sh'ld be best told 'nsahd?

Tracks: *nods as he makes sure that Denver has a good grip on Dion before letting go of her with one arm and turning her toward the door*

Dion: *babbling happily now that the mean people are gone*

Denver: *taking deep breaths as she's turned towards the door*

Dixie: *Will move with Matthew to head inside, pausing only to hold the door open for Tracks, Denver, and Dion*

Tracks: *gently steers his wife into the family room, then moves to start closing curtains*

Matthew: *moves to help close curtains*

Dixie: *will close the door once Denver's inside, before she's gently ruffling Dion's hair*

Dion: *Happy babbling!*

Tracks: *stops and looks around, scanning the room and making sure everything is secure. There's a slightly hawklike look on his drawn face as he does so*

family room: *is secure, and a bit dark with all the curtains drawn. That's easily fixed once Matthew turns on a lamp on one of the end tables*

Tracks: *starts slightly and turns toward the sound as his hand goes toward his side. Takes a deep breath and forces himself to relax* *quietly* Do you remember when Denver and I mentioned that I, Will, and Dion aren't from Earth?

Dixie: *Attention sharpens as she nods*

Matthew: *curiousity piqued, gives Tracks a politely studious look*

Tracks: *glances at Denver, and then transforms* *you now have a Shelby Cobra in your family room, Dixie*

Dixie: *Surprised cuss, then she's boggling as she recognizes Tracks' vehicle mode from the wedding picture*

Matthew: *Impressed whistle*

Tracks: ...Whoops. *punchy amusement at himself over the bond to Denver. This isn't the form he'd meant to take*

Dion: Vroooom! *Giggle*

Denver: *Soft snerk*

Dixie: *coughs to hide her snicker at Tracks' "Whoops."*

Matthew: *looks to Denver, amusement sparkling in his eyes* We g-gotta m-match...

Tracks: *transforms again, this time attaining root mode. Has a sheepish expression on his well-sculpted red face*

Dixie: *raised brow as things start to make sense, including why Tracks has an apparent aversion to eating*

Matthew: *boggling slightly*

Tracks: *walks over and puts his arms around Denver, his blue optics watchful and wary, though a bit of amusement still twinkles in them* *waits for questions*

Dixie: Well, y'u ain't 's scareh 's Ah w's 'spectin...

Matthew: *eyeing Tracks' wings* C-c'n... c'n y'u flah?

Tracks: *tiny sniff, just like he does in his human form* I should think not, Dixie. *optics go to Matthew* Yes, and very well, if I say so myself.

Dixie: *Snerks and shakes her head, amused*

Matthew: *grinning a bit* C-cool....

Denver: Beau's been buggin' 'im f'r 'notha flahght s'metahm...

Dion: *giggle*

Tracks: *gently offers to take baby brother* Would you like to show Aunty Dixie your root mode, Dion?

Dion: :3 *Clickstorm as Denver gently transfers him to Tracks* Bubby!

Tracks: *takes Dion and cuddles him, purring that purr that's too soft for humans to hear. Nuzzles the little guy's soft fuzzy hair*

Dion: *Giggles and squirms, happy bitty is happy*

Dixie: *Raised brow*

Matthew: *headtilt*

Tracks: *soft chuckle, and then triggers Dion's transform*

Dixie: *Surprised sound as she takes in just what she's seeing*

Matthew: *Blink blink*

Dion: *clickstorm, and a flaily gleefit*

Tracks: Wow! Careful... *holds the excited sparklet carefully as he lifts his head to meet Dixie and Matthew's eyes*

Dixie: 'E's... Tahneh....

Denver: 'E ain't aneh smallah th'n th' otha sparklets... *one-shoulder shrug*

Matthew: *trying to imitate some of the clicks Dion's making*

Tracks: He is smaller than the Seeklets, and those young monsters of Ratchet and Wheeljack's, darling. *slightly sad expression as he thinks of Wheeljack* But I think Dixie's surprised to see a robot baby. *looks at her to see if he's guessed right*

Dixie: *Small nod as Dion clickstorms at Matthew*

Denver: *Feeling a bit uncertain now, despite knowing she should probably transform as well*

Tracks: *reaches toward her with his free arm* *quietly* There's something else.

Dixie: ... *Raised brow*

Denver: *Taking a few deep breaths* *Quietly* Few weeks back... Afta Jethro... *bites her lower lip a bit* Afta th't incident... 'Ad a miracle 'appen....

Matthew: *concerned and confused look for his niece*

Tracks: *sets Dion down on the floor before he drops the little wriggler, then gives his wife a comforting squeeze* We don't understand how it happened. We're just grateful for it.

Dion: *Crawly crawly crawly towards Aunty!*

Denver: *Small nod, leans against Tracks for a few moments before stepping away from him enough to transform*

Dixie: ... *CUSS*

Matthew: *Boggling, even as Dion chirrups and makes with the cute*

Tracks: *protective embrace for his wife, his expression saying that he'll defend her if he needs to*

Dixie: *completely and utterly flabbergasted* *And secretly thinking that Denver still looks a lot like herself, even as a robot*

Matthew: *Trying to say something similar to his wife's thoughts without realizing it, is stumbling over his words worse than usual*

Denver: *Cycling air slowly and trying to stay calm, has to shutter her optics and hide her face against Tracks for a bit as her vision starts to swim*

Tracks: *both arms around Denver as he clicks softly and rocks slightly on his feet*

Dixie: *Carefully picking Dion up, concern dancing in her eyes* Wh't's wrong? *worried Aunt voice is a go*

Dion: *Clickstorm*

Denver: *still hiding her face against Tracks* -Y'u tell 'em?-

Tracks: *quietly* She's pregnant, and the antics of those two misfires has stressed her.

Dixie: *Concern grows as she nods her understanding* Th' sooner y'all git goin' th' bettah... 'N Ah know Jake'll wrahte 'n behave 'imself.

Tracks: Will you keep an eye on the sedan while it's here?

Dixie: *Nods*

Matthew: Ah-Ah'll even ch-change th-th' ahwl, 'n everehth'n....

Tracks: Thank you. *eyes go toward the stairs as Raoul and the luggage all come rolling down them* *facepalm*

Denver: *Startles, and has to cycle air and cling to Tracks*

Tracks: *nuzzles her* Shhhh. He's alright. He always does this when he hurries down stairs. Shhh, darling.

Denver: *Small nod, is trying to get the sparklet to calm down as well, and isn't having much luck*

Jake: *Coming downstairs with Beau, and a blanket-wrapped bundle that's about the same size as Will*

Beau: *moving to help Raoul with the luggage*

Raoul: *grousing and growling in Spanish as he makes sure he didn't break anything in the bags. Is not, however, swearing*

Tracks: *cuddle, love, purrrr that soft purr*

Dion: *Happy squeal!* Ool!!!

WakeJumper: *is that set of optics peeking out from the blanket he's wrapped in*

Beau: *checking things over as well*

Denver: *Continues to cycle air and working on calming down*

Dixie: *will carry Dion over to Raoul, attention going to WakeJumper when he ducks back down into the blanket burrito*

Raoul: Okay... I think everything's alright. *looks up and grins at the squealie* Give 'im to Beau? I gotta get Goldie off the plant stand.

Dixie: *nods, chuckling as Dion clickstorms at Beau when the teen reaches for him*

Jake: *Talking quietly to WakeJumper, will bring the blanket-wrapped youngling to Tracks and Denver, pausing only for a few moments to blink at his cousin's change in appearance*

Tracks: Thank you, Jake. *draws WakeJumper in between himself and Denver* Are you ready to go?

Jake: J-Jes gotta grab mah laptop...

Tracks: *slight frown* Aren't you going to hug your parents?

Jake: *small smile* Ah will once mah laptop's packed....

Tracks: Alright. *slight smile and then returns his attention to comforting his wife and youngest son*

Matthew: *Reminded a lot of how his dad would comfort him after a nightmare as he watches WakeJumper and Tracks interacting* *is also glad that Jake seems to be quite relaxed around Tracks, to the point that the teen has very few words that he's stuttering on*

Jake: *Goes to get his laptop, will also grab Beau's while he's at it*

Tracks: *reaches out and smacks Raoul without looking at him as teen carries over Goldie's cage and a portion of the luggage*

Raoul: *growls and slaps at the hand, then makes sure he's touching all the luggage as he puts his arms around Denver* See ya, Tio 'n Tia.

Dixie: Y'all stay safe.

Jake: *puts Beau's laptop with the rest of the luggage before moving to give his parents a hug*

Dion: *happy babbling*

Tracks: *looks for Jake*

Jake: *Being told to mind his manners, and to stay on top of his homework. Promises he'll write at least once a week, and that he'll be good and keep up on his homework*

Beau: *moves to check on WakeJumper and Denver*

Tracks: *arm around Beau to move him closer to Denver and WakeJumper, waits till Jake comes and gets grabbed by Raoul, and then PINpoints everyone and everything back to the living room of their apartment at the base* *will give Denver a kiss as soon as they arrive to help combat the bad dizziness*

Denver: *cycles air and keeps her optics shuttered for a few moments*

Beau: *Moving to get the luggage taken care of with Jake's help*

WakeJumper: *Clicks quietly to Dion, who continues to babble happily*

Raoul: *snags Dion and sets him loose, then finds his snail and tosses it beside him before grabbing Tracks and Denver's bags and running them to the master bedroom* *to Jake* When you're done with that I'll help you go get your birds.

Dion: *Chattering away to Mr. Snail as he cuddles the toy*

Goldie: *over at the side of her cage nearest Dion. Izza whiskerwiggle!*

Jake: *nods and then Beau's showing him where to bring the luggage*

Tracks: *clicks softly to WakeJumper* Are you alright being away from Mama for a moment while I lay her on the couch?

WakeJumper: *Small nod, wraps the blanket around himself a bit more*

Tracks: *kisses him on the helm, and then scoops Denver up and brings her over to the couch. Lays her down gently and pulls the afghan off the back to cover her*

Denver: *curling up under the afghan*

Beau: *Telling Jake about the creche and about some of the activities that are available for leisure as they come back to the living room* 'N 'f y'u see a gah on crutches wit' a pretteh ladeh stickin' close, 't's Magnus 'n Rain.

Jake: *Small nod as he listens, will save his questions for later when everyone's a bit calmer*

Raoul: *comes in, scoops up Goldie's cage, and puts it in its place on the sideboard* You ready, Jake?

Tracks: *pauses as he's bringing WJ over to the couch* Just be careful.

Raoul: Thrrpt, whatever.

Jake: *chuckles a bit as he moves to approach Raoul*

Beau: *Considering look* *To Tracks* Sh'ld Ah go git Doc Anderson?

Tracks: I've called him. Thank you, Beau

Raoul: *pauses and looks toward Denver with a frown of concern*

Beau: Alrahght...

WakeJumper: *Quiet clicks as he moves to cover Mama with the blanket he has*

Tracks: *stands to give Beau a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder* Do you want to go with Raoul and Jake?

Beau: *Small nod, moves to join Raoul and Jake so they can go get Jake's birds*

Raoul: *frowns, but sticks out his elbows to grab*

Jake: *puts a hand on one elbow as Beau grabs the other*

Raoul: *tinkers with his watch, and then back they go to the guest room at Dixie and Matt's* Okay do a quick check to make sure we didn' forget nothin'. *ducks down and looks under the bed, then checks under the rest of the furniture*

Beau: *checks the sheets and blankets on the bed as Jake moves to go check his room*

Raoul: *stuffs Mutt into his T-shirt and pats the toy, then heads for the stairs*

Beau: *grabs Denver's Lord's Prayer necklace and her dogtags off of the nightstand and moves to follow Raoul*

Jake: *Has his notebooks, will head downstairs as well*

Raoul: *goes through the family room, and then stops in the front door as he sees who Matt's talking to*

Marcus: *has his wife's scarf* I'm sorry that Matilda acted so horribly towards your guests, Matt....

Raoul: *soft snort as he comes to stand beside Matthew, his expression hardening slightly* You should be sorry, man. It's your fault.

Marcus: *Blink blink* Excuse me?

Jake: *heading out to the barn, kthx*

Raoul: *quietly* It's a guy's job ta take care of his family, not to let them run around acting stupid. Man, that game BJ's braggin' about is so bloody 'n full of guts that it's illegal. 'N if Chris keeps eatin' that cereal he's gonna grow up really messed up.

Marcus: *Drawing himself up to his full height, only to get pointed towards the steps by Matthew*

Raoul: *squares his jaw, grieved that Marcus won't listen to what he said*

Matthew: *once Marcus has pulled out of the driveway, he's moving to gently squeeze Raoul's shoulder*

Raoul: *looks up at him sadly* Tracks was serious. He don't like nobody hurtin' his family.

Matthew: *Small nod* *Quietly* 'N s-s'me p-people can't b-be 'elped... 'R th-th'y d-don' wan' 'elp....

Raoul: *thins his lips, his jaw working. Then shrugs slightly and moves toward the steps* I gotta go help Jake get his birds.

Matthew: *Nods and goes to get something from the kitchen*

Hazard: *waggatail, will follow you, Raoul*

Raoul: *reaches to gently pull the mastiff's ear, then steps around the corner of the barn and looks toward the beautiful and snug home that Jake built for his button quail* We bringin' the fence?

Jake: 'Les th're's a place f'r 'em on th' base.....

Raoul: *looks at the sturdy pen that's attached to the house* Does it come apart? *poke poke*

Jake: *Nod nod, grabs a screwdriver and pushes one of the hinge pins up till he can grab it and pull it out* Made 't th't way so Ah c'ld take th' pen 'part f'r th' fair....

Raoul: *brightens* Cool. Were you jokin' when you said you got school marks for this? Yeah, hi, Freddy, I love you too. Go see what Tio Matt's got for you in the barn.

Freddy: *purk purk purk, waddles away to visit the ducks*

Jake: G-Got 'n "A" 'n 't... *ducking his head a bit*

Raoul: *grins* Sweet. *then glances after the turkey and can't help but snerk* He's gonna need to lose a little weight if he wants his new lady ta look at him.

Beau: *Snerks*

Jake: D-Dad's g-gotta treadmill f'r 'im.... *Yes, he knows how absurd that sounds*

Raoul: *mouth falls open* Yer slaggin' me.

Jake: *headshake*

Raoul: *looks at Beau, and then leans his head against the side of the quail pen and has a nearly silent snigger fit* I love Tio Matt.

Beau: Uncle Matt's a good gah...

Jake: *carefully picking up one of the quail and talking to it quietly*

Raoul: *has read about button quail. Gives a slight grin when he sees the one in Jake's hands* Guess he never read that they're supposed to be shy 'n skittish, huh?

Jake: *small grin* R-Raised Lucy 'n 'er siblin's f'rm eggs....

Raoul: Whoops. She. Sorry, Lucy.

Lucy: *Headtilt, looks at Raoul curiously*

Raoul: *soft chuckle* Tell me what to do, man.

Jake: Gotta git th' p-pen disassembled...

Raoul: Well, yeah. But I'm a city slicker. So I dunno how to do that. You gotta tell me.

Jake: 'S jes' f-few 'inge p-pins t' jimmy loose....

Beau: *Going to get to work on that, using the screwdriver Jake used earlier*

Raoul: *looks. Learns. Pulls out his pocket knife and gets to work*

Pen: *once the hinge pins are removed, the whole thing falls apart without much fuss*

escapee duck: *comes and bites pant legs*

Lucy: *more headtilty at the duck*

Jake: *gently gathering up Lucy's siblings and talking quietly to them as they approach him*

Raoul: Awwww. They ain't gonna be riding in the house, are they?

Jake: Th'y's used t' r-rahd'n' 'n mah pockets...

Raoul: *blinks and then laughs* *laughs harder when he sees one little button quail hopping up and down as it finds itself last on the ground*

Jake: *tucking quails into his cargo pockets, will lift the last one up and apologize for making it wait*

Raoul: *can see that place under the house, will tuck the fence panels into there. The peeping of the little quail has wiped all the gloom off his face. So have the antics of the crazy escaped duck*

duck: *trying to steal Beau's shoe lace. Trying hard*

Beau: *trying to discourage the theft of his shoe lace*

Hazard: *gonna nudge the duck back towards its pen*

Raoul: *getting the panels tucked in neatly. Frowning again as he works*

Hattie: *Coming out to help after depositing her overnight bag on the porch*

Raoul: *just glances at her with an absent nod* Hey, Abuela.

Hattie: *Quietly* 'Tilda's luckeh Ah w'sn't 'ere earliah.

Raoul: You can't say anythin' to people like that. They can't hear it.

Hattie: Nevah said nothin' 'bout sayin' stuff. Marcus w's nevah th't stupid b'f're 'e met th't twit.

Raoul: *shrug, stoops to pick up the next panel*

Beau: *laughing as Hazard decides he needs kisses*

Raoul: *gives a slight snerk at that, then hisses softly as he mashes his finger between two panels as he puts the new one in the compartment*

Hattie: 'Ere... *will gently check to see how bad the mashed finger is*

Raoul: I'm okay. *tries to avoid the checking, but there's a streak of red on the frame of that one panel where the blood blister burst*

Hattie: Lemme getcha a bandaid. *Goes to her overnight bag and gets her travel first-aid kit out, which mainly consists of bandaids and neosporin*

Raoul: *watches her go, and then sticks the finger in his mouth* Mmmkay.

Hattie: *Back with a bandaid* *Soft snerk, sticks the bandaid in her pocket just in case, gets back to work helping Raoul*

Raoul: *tries to work, winces as the finger stings and smarts. Finally sighs and sheepishly offers it to the grandma*

Hattie: *soft chuckle, will apply the bandaid*

Jake: *getting containers of quail feed and talking to the quails that are peeking out to see where they're being brought*

Raoul: *watching Jake, is slightly on his toes as he controls his urge to get back to work*

Hattie: Th're y'u go.

Raoul: Thanks. *strides over and grabs the next panel*

quail house and gear: *soon stowed*

Hattie: *Goes to grab her overnight bag*

Raoul: *notices that and frowns* You goin' someplace, Abuela?

Hattie: Ah'm c'min' wit' y'all.

Beau: *Trying to discourage Hazard-kisses* Huh-ACK! *kiss'd!*

Raoul: *stops short, his frown deepening as the wary look returns to his expression* Why?

Hattie: Ah gotta 'ave a word wit' th' Col., 'n Ah don' wanna be 'round t' be tempted t' clobbah th't stupid twit 'f she shows 'er face 'round 'ere aneh tahm soon.

Raoul: But Major Mac needs peace 'n quiet.

Hattie: 'S part'a wah Ah gotta 'ave a word wit' th' Col., seein' 's 'e c'n point me t' a 'otel.

Raoul: He ain't at our base, though. *protective, and confused about why Hattie wants to come when she could call Col. Franklin from here*

Jake: Gran'mas 're s-s'posed t' c'me 'n 'elp wh'n th're's a bebeh 'n th' way...

Raoul: *surprised look for cousin*

Jake: She came t' town wh'n Lizzie w's born too...

Raoul: *glances at Beau*

Beau: *a bit confused, doesn't know that Hattie also came to visit when he was born*

quail: *peep. Are going?*

Jake: *gonna pick up Beau and set him on his feet now* C'mon....

Raoul: ...Okay. *figures Tracks can defend against grandmothers* *goes and grabs the corner of the quail house, then looks around to make sure nobody's looking*

farm yard: *Empty aside from Matt's work truck, the sedan, Hattie's truck, and some of the farm animals*

Raoul: Okay, lets go. Hurry up, guys.

Beau and Jake: *hands on Raoul's shoulders*

Hattie: *hanging onto a handful of Jake's shirt hem*

Raoul: *presses the button and brings them all to the barn at the base*

Greg: Wasn't me! *runs off*

Raoul: o.0

Beau: ... *SNERK*

Jake: ... *Blink blink*

Raoul: Uh. Go ahead and find a place for the birds, guys. I gotta go see what Greg was doin'. *jogs out of the barn*

Hattie: *chuckles and helps Jake and Beau get the quails situated and fed*

big dark-haired guy that looks just like Greg: *wanders in* Me help?

Beau: *Smiles* 'Ey, Simon... Th's 's Denver 'n mah cousin, Jake. Jake, th's 's Simon Ruteger.

Jake: *carefully transfers the quail he was about to put into the pen to one hand so he can offer his other for a handshake* 'Lo.

Simon: *friendly, gentle grin as he gives Jake his hand* Hi, cousin Jake. You visit us?

Jake: *nods as he shakes hands with Simon* F'r 'whal, 'f wh't Tracks 'n Denver've said 's anehth'n t' go bah...

Lucy: *Peeps at Simon*

Simon: *distracted by the peep* You cousin Jake have little chicken?

Jake: 'S a button quail... *Will offer Lucy to Simon* Th's 'un's name 's Lucy.

Simon: *big hands turn just the right way to support and go over the tiny bird* Hi, Lucy. You even littler than me Simon and her Sarah's chickens.

Jake: Th'y ain't g-gonna git much biggah....

Ryan: *comes in with a Sarah on his back* Simon? Oh. *stops and looks at the two strangers with a quizzical smile*

Sarah: *Peeks over Ryan's shoulder* Him Simon have little bird?

Jake: *Attention going to Ryan and Sarah, a small, shy smile crossing his face* 'L-lo...

Simon: *carefully shows sister* Her name Lucy. Her not getting much bigger. This cousin Jake. Lucy am his.

Ryan: *grins* Button quail are cute. I didn't realize just how little they were. *smile toward Jake is friendly* Whose cousin are you? Beau's?

Jake: *nods* 'N D-Denver's.... *is starting to get a bit nervous*

Sarah: Her Lucy cute little bird!

Raoul: *coming back. Sees the crowd and trots over to hug Ryan and Sarah, and then Simon* Hey, Jake, you get introduced yet? *gives Beau a bit of a Look*

Beau: We's work'n 'n 't, Raoul... *will introduce Jake to the rest of the group before indicating Hattie* 'N th's 's Denver's 'n mah grandma, Hattie. *slightly cheeky grin* Ev'n Uncle Mike's a bit scared'a 'er...

Hattie: *amused snort and a headshake*

Simon: *perks* Grandma? *looks at Hattie with interest even as he very carefully gives Lucy back to Jake*

Hattie: *nods* Denver 'n Beau's mothah w's 'un 'f mah kids.

Jake: *Will put Lucy in with her siblings so she can eat*

Simon: *doesn't really understand what Hattie's said, but...* You Jake and you Beau share grandma?

Jake: *nods* M-My d-dad's 'un 'f Gran'ma's sons...

Beau: *nod* Jake's pa 's mah Uncle Matt.

Destiny: *Peeks into the barn, will pounce-snuggle Raoul*

Raoul: *chuckles and squorshes Destiny* Hey, kid!

Destiny: *Snugglecling*

Ryan: *grins* No, he's wondering if you guys will share your grandma with him. Because he hasn't got one.

Simon: *nod nod* Him Ryan have grandma, but me Simon, and her Sarah and other Dinobots no have.

Hattie: *soft chuckle* Ah w'ldn't mahnd 'avin' more grandkids.

Jake: *Small grin*

Beau: *chuckles* Y'all jes' got a gran'ma.

Sarah: *Happy clickstorm!*

Simon: *will now hug Jake* And cousin!

Jake: *Quiet chuckle as he hugs Simon back*

Sarah: Him Jake staying with us kids?

Raoul: Yup. He's stayin' with us now.

Simon: Yay!

Ryan: Welcome to the Ark, Jake. *easy going grin*

Naomi: *comes trotting into the barn*

Raoul: *distracted, his expression softening as he looks at the little girl*

Jake: *attention going to Naomi, curiosity clear on his face*

Hattie: *has noticed Naomi as well* 'Lo th're...

Raoul: *lets go of Destiny with one arm to gather Naomi close as she twitches her ears at the newcomers* Abuela, Jake, this's Naomi House. Nomi, this' my cousin Jake, 'n Major Mac's Granma Hattie.

Naomi: *more ear twitch as her dark eyes sparkle in the grin that doesn't show much on her face* Guten aben. Velcome to the Ark.

Jake: 'L-Lo... 'S-s n-nahce t' m-meet y'u...

Hattie: 'S nahce t' meet y'u, Naomi. 'Re y'u related t' James 'n Sunshahn?

Naomi: *nods as she leans against Raoul* Ja, they're my parents.

Hattie: *chuckles* Ah've metcher parents 'fore...

Naomi: *ear twitch, but then blinks and turns her head as Grimlock wanders into the barn*

Grimlock: *up to Raoul and the girls he's hugging, big face nearly against them* There. Me Grimlock untie stupid major.

Hattie: *Boggling a bit*

Jake: *Brows up*

Beau: ... Who got tahd up?

Raoul: Easy, guys. This is just Greg again.

Grimlock: Stupid major. Dumb guy with dog that him Nosebiter bite.

Beau: *Facepalm* Wh't'd Major McHale do t' deserve bein' tahd up?

Jake: *about to say something when his stomach rumbles a bit* *Sheepish expression*

Grimlock: Gave us Dinobots lesson on knots. *and now his nose is right up against Jake's stomach* You should eat.

Naomi: *looking very innocent. No... she didn't stop Greg from trying out his new knowledge on the teacher*

Hattie: Wah don' we all go 'n git s'me lunch?

Raoul: *pokes himself in the ear and checks in with Denver* Yo, Major Mac, you there?

Denver: *sounding a lot less worked up than she was earlier* //Hm? Wh't's goin' 'n?// *being Tracks snuggled*

Raoul: We're back. Abuela wants to go eat.

Denver: //Alrahght... Doc Anderson says th't th' sparklet's 'ealthy 'n th't th' protoform's gonna be readeh 'n a few days, so th't 'un less th'n' t' be worryin' 'bout....// *Yawns and apologizes for yawning over comms*

Raoul: *soft chuckle* You 'n Tracks get some sleep. You need me to come get Dion?

Denver: //Sure... 'E's got 'is snail...//

Raoul: How's Wake?

Denver: //Snuggled 'tween Tracks 'n me.//

Raoul: Okay. I'll be right there. Raoul out. *looks up at Beau* You bring everybody to the mess? I gotta go get Dion.

Beau: *nods* C'mon... 'F we urreh, we c'n 'void th' rush... *Will move to gently usher everyone towards the door that leads to the lift*

Raoul: *gently pushes Destiny and Naomi away, and then vanishes with a PIN flash*

Brawn: *looks around as Beau's group comes into the mess. Has the other two Dinobots with him and is bouncing a cranky Stormsong in his arms* ...Hey, where's Major McHale? He was supposed to be watching those guys.

Sandra: *shrugs* Me Sandra not know.

Sven: *Attention on Jake and Hattie, scowl* Who them?

Raj: *looks over from where he and Sora are sitting, raised brow* I thought Tracks wouldn't be back for another several days...

Sora: *blink blink, listens to what Destiny is telling her* Major MacKenzie and Beau's cousin and grandmother are here....

Starpounder: *comes over to meet the newcomers, Daniel a little wiggle in her arms*

Simon: Sven, Sandra, this OUR gramma and cousin! *happy grin*

Greg: What? *stares at brother*

Jake: *Remembers Starpounder, greets her*

Sven: *Harumphs and grouses*

Sandra: *confused, looks to Brawn, hoping for an explanation*

Starpounder: *brightens and hugs the young man, then carefully offloads her tiny son into his arms before turning and shouting across the room for her husband*

Brawn: *bit of a frown. Looks at Hattie* Ma'am, did you adopt these guys?

Hattie: *Sticking her chin out a bit* Ah did.

Seamus: *Looks up from feeding Silas, will get up and bring the little one over to Starpounder*

Brawn: Oh. Alright. *turns to Sven and Sandra* You guys just got a grandma. Be nice to her, alright?

Starpounder: Seamus, look. This is Jake.

Hattie: *Wasn't expecting acceptance of the fact, is at a loss for words right now*

Seamus: ... Jake as in Lord Jake?

Jake: *Sheepish grin as he nods*

Seamus: *Grins and reaches to pat Jake on the shoulder*

Sandra: Me Sandra be nice to her Grandma.

Starpounder: *will now herd Jake off to her family's table*

Simon: *happy hug for Hattie* You Sandy help me Simon and her Sarah show her Grandma where to get food? Her elder, so her go first.

Beau: *Amused as all get-out, moves to sit next to Brawn*

Sandra: *nod* Me Sandra help.

Sarah: *looking around the cafeteria* Her Aunt Autumn with rest of kids?

Brawn: *settling at a table near the door, one hand rubbing Stormsong's back* Yeah, she should be bringing them pretty soon now that Comet's come and gotten Slipstream. *face darkens a bit as he names the young Seeklet*

Greg: *growls and rubs his arm, which is sporting a bandage* Me Greg NO LIKE HIM SLIPSTREAM!

Beau: *blink blink* Who's Slipstream?

Sarah: *quiet clicks, lets go of Ryan so she can go and fuss over Greg a bit more*

Brawn: Sidewinder's son. *sour face* He's just like his mother.

Endstar: *singing announces the approach of the rest of the creche!*

Beau: Oh... *Attention going towards the singing* ... *raised brow* 'N whose li'l bit 's th't?

Brawn: *big grin* Wanda and Pandita's.

Beau: ... *amused laugh*

Autumn: *bringing Endstar in* Alpha Squadron's flying, so it'll be a bit before we see the other Seeklets... *pauses when she sees Beau*

Endstar: *sing sing... sees friends and waves* Hi! Is time to eat!

Stormsong: *angry sniff* Me Song wanted to fly too!

Brawn: Well you should've thought of that before you bit Slipstream. *gentle back pat*

Greg: Him Slipstream... me Greg shutting up now.

Sven: *Grumbles agreement with Greg* Would rather have dog.

Greg: And not him dumb Chance.

Beau: *to Brawn, quietly* 'Ow's Professor Ruteger?

Brawn: *big grin* He recognizes more people every day, and just today he let out a belly laugh after they left the door to his and Ratchet's room open and Red was yelling at Samuel for stealing his goldfish crackers. And he transformed sometime last night.

Beau: *perks up* Th't's great!

Brawn: You can say that again. *grin turns glad* And Ratchet's not getting sick at all.

Beau: Th'ts good... *wondering if he'd get into trouble for sharing the good news that Denver and Tracks have*

Raoul: *comes over then, arms full of sparklet, snail, and bunny towel* Yeah, yeah, Dion. *laughs* Sissy. But Sissy ain't gonna come out for a little while yet.

Dion: *excited huff*

Beau: *Snerks and reaches for the little guy*

Raoul: *passes baby brother and his lovies* You ain't got anythin' yet?

Beau: Been talkin' t' Brawn.

Dion: Bawn! Bawn! Sissy! :-D

Raoul: *snerks and looks over toward the kitchen, fully relaxed now that he's home* You know what there is?

Endstar: *reaching for Dion. Clickstorm!*

Autumn: Chili today.... *Will nab Dion and chuckle as the two sparklets set up to have a merry conversation of clickstorms* Now what's this about a Sissy?

Raoul: Oh, Tracks knocked Major Mac up. *scoots over to join the food line*

Autumn: ... *looks to Brawn* Did I hear that right?

Brawn: *repeats it to her* But what's it mean?

Dion: Bubby, Mama, Sissy!

Beau: Sis 's 'spect'n.

Brawn: Oh ho, that's what I thought it meant. *grins and tells Ratchet over coms. Snerks at her reply. Then tells Magnus and Raj*

Magnus: *Groggy response that may or may not have anything to do with the news*

Raj: ... *looks over at Brawn from across the room*

Brawn: *big grin*

Sora: *expression showing both her surprise and Raj's*

Brawn: //Any bets on what the little femme'll be like?//

Raj: //I pray that she takes after Tracks more than Denver... I doubt the base could handle two of the Major...// *oofs as Sora elbows him in the stomach*

Brawn: //Turbo chicken.// *chuckles and turns to look into the big bowl that Raoul plunks in front of him* Hey, I didn't know chili had ravioli in it...

((Co-written with random_xtras))

Continued here.