mv, Tokyo, Brave Police

[microbots.livejournal.com]

*present time*

Megatron: *aware of a change in scene, but is too focused on grappling with his enemy and trying to punch the smaller bot's head in* Today you die, Prime.

Optimus: *has no intention of dying this day or any other. Has noticed the scenery change, but is more focused on avoiding Megatron's fists* Not happening, Megatron! *trying to get at wires to disable his foe*

Megatron: *manages to wrench Optimus free and hurl him at a wall, then blinks as a blue bot wearing an unfamiliar badge darts between the skidding Prime and the building*

Optimus: *didn't get combat training from Kup and Ironhide for nothing. Curls up so he can land and roll. He blinks a bit as he catches a glimpse of the unfamiliar bot*

bot: *catches Optimus* ~Brave Police! You're under arrest!~

Optimus: *calmly* ~You had better get the other guy as well, before he causes even more destruction.~ *looks unfazed at being arrested*

bot: ~I know how to do my job, sir.~ *looks up as a young human voice calls out that Megatron is under arrest, then suddenly pitches Optimus to the side and does a low flying tackle* ~No! Yuuta!~

Megatron: *growls as the human boy is swiped right from under his nose and takes a pot shot at the strange bot instead, then blinks and gets a WTS expression as the bot retaliates with some sort of projectile weapon*

Optimus: *moving to help restrain Megatron after making sure the human boy is safely out of harm's way* ~Watch out for his claws!~ *going for wiring in Megatron's back, as well as hydraulics*

Megatron: *whirls and uses his gun for a bat to launch Optimus again, then staggers and curses as the bullets from the stranger's gun keep pounding into him*

Optimus: *holding on rodeo-style. Mia would be so proud. Out comes a blade he didn't know he had, and then he's targeting the wires and hydraulics again*

bot: *dismayed shout as one of his bullets smash into Optimus' hand*

Optimus: *winces, but continues towards his goal of disabling Megatron*

Megatron: *twists and grabs the Prime by the head, then wrenches with the insane strength of desperation*

Optimus: *swings with his blade, aiming for the palm of Megatron's hand*

Megatron: *transforms to shake him off!*

Yuuta: ~Deckerd! He's trying to escape!~

Optimus: *mis-times his landing and belly-flops*

Deckerd: *opens up with his gun, only to stumble back and rub his optics with disbelief as the lanky grey bot suddenly vanishes* ~Yuuta, did you see that??~

Yuuta: *boggling* ~How did he do that?!~

Deckerd: *looks for the red and blue bot and moves over to him* ~You! Are you alright? Did you see that?~

Optimus: *trying to get to a seated position* ~I'll be alright... I don't know how Megatron managed to escape... But if it's anything like how he and I were brought here from Cybertron, I have a slight hunch...~ *winces as the injuries he got during the initial battle remind him of their presence*

Deckerd: ~Don't try to move your robot. Do you need me to help you out?~ *knees by the smaller mech, his handsome and youthful face full of concern*

Optimus: *soft chuckle* ~I'm not a smaller creature in a robot...~

Yuuta: *small frown as he studies Optimus. There's something familiar about the red and blue robot*

Deckerd: *optics flash with surprise* ~Are you controlling him by remote?~ *looks around*

Optimus: ~Nobody is controlling me.~

Deckerd: *optics flash again* *then, very quietly, his voice hushed as though unable to believe it* ~You're... you're alive?~

Optimus: *small nod* ~My designation is Optimus Prime... I lead the Autobots that reside on Earth, and am one of the people in charge of the Ark Base in the United States.~

Yuuta: *eyes wide* ~You're from that video that was shown in school!~

Deckerd: ~What?~ *looks at his brother* ~What video, Yuuta? Please tell me what you're talking about.~

Justice: *peeks from behind a parked car*

Yuuta: *to Deckerd, while keeping an eye on Optimus* ~There was a video shown last week about a military base in the United States where there are robots who look like dinosaurs... It's the Ark base...~ *trails off as he sees Justice* ~Hey!~

Optimus: *has no intention of moving without someone to help him to his feet* ~The video was about the Dinobots...~

Deckerd: ~Why didn't you tell me about it?~ *head snaps up as he tries to see what his brother is shouting about*

Justice: *huddled on his face in a submissive posture*

Yuuta: ~I wasn't sure it was real...~ *moves to approach Justice* ~Are you alright?~

Justice: I'm sorry, I don't have that language yet.

Deckerd: ~Hmm. English.~ *looks at Optimus* ~Do you know this robot, Mr. Prime?~

Optimus: *nods* ~It's the language I use most days... Today has been unusual...~ *looks to see who Yuuta is talking to, and then his expression is one of surprise* Justice?

Justice: Yes, Dad? *still submissive*

Optimus: *slightly brain broken, but will put his surprise aside for the moment* It's alright... Deckerd and Yuuta won't hurt you.

Deckerd: *looking back and forth from Optimus to Justice* No. We won't. We're the Brave Police, and our job is to help people and protect them. *repeats himself in Japanese so that Yuuta can understand*

Yuuta: *gently, as he crouches* ~It's okay... Deckerd's really nice.~ *will hold his hand out to Justice*

Optimus: *gentle clicks, is going to try and get up, even though his injuries are all but screaming at him to stay put*

Deckerd: *hand on Optimus as he watches his brother and the little robot*

Justice: *peeks, and then tentatively takes the human boy's hand and moves to a kneeling position, where his blue optics promptly go to Optimus* My father is hurt. *grave frown as his optics turn whitish*

Optimus: *cycling air for a few moments* *quietly* Maybe we should call Ratchet....

Deckerd: *moves to gently lift Optimus* Mr. Toudou will repair you. Don't worry.

Optimus: Ratchet needs to know I'm here... My mate is still on the JD ship...

Yuuta: *will move to slowly stand up, trying to help Justice to his feet* *gently* ~Everything's going to be okay. Mr. Toudou knows a lot about fixing robots.~

Deckerd: *as he watches Justice get up* If Ratchet is a robot, then he's probably involved with the fighting.

Optimus: *soft snerk* *quietly* She's the Chief Medical Officer at the Ark...

Deckerd: Ah. Forgive my mistake. But the American robots are probably fighting against the aliens like much of the rest of the American military. *cradling Optimus now, his touch gentle*

Optimus: No... The Dinobots... *checking his chronometer* *chuckle* The Dinobots are probably asleep by now... After spending the day learning from their creche guardians... *wince* *quieter* The Autobots only fight if there is no other choice... We've been trying to live quietly and not draw attention to us for the past five years...

Deckerd: *gravely* I think you better call your friends, sir.

Optimus: It's... too far to comm without signal interference... Do you have a cellphone I could borrow?

Deckerd: ~Yuuta, can Mr. Prime use your telephone?~ *lifts head and looks at brother*

Yuuta: *nods and gets his cellphone out of his pocket, before gently leading Justice over*

Justice: *frowning slightly as he comes, his expression absent* Dad... look at the news.

Optimus: Hm? *checks the internet, and then he's boggling* Oh no.... *sitting up straighter, thanks Yuuta for the phone and then calls Rachel*

Ratchet: //Sorry, don't want any.// *sounds distracted*

Optimus: I'm not selling anything, Ratchet. Megatron and I were brought to Japan...

Ratchet: //Chief!? What the... Good grief. The fighting's there too?//

Optimus: Megatron vanished... *cycles air quietly* There's something I need help with over here... NEST business...

Ratchet: //Find somewhere to lay low for awhile. I'm not leaving the crèche right now. I can't.//

Optimus: Alright... Stay safe.

Ratchet: *quietly* //You too, Chief. Ferdy got you some new clothes. And Justice too. Ratchet out.//

Optimus: Optimus out. *closes the phone and offers it back to Yuuta, who frowns at the worried look on the Prime's face*

Justice: *quietly* Dad?

Deckerd: *concerned look*

Optimus: *quietly* Ratchet can't make it here yet... She can't leave the crèche...

Deckerd: The crèche?

Optimus: *nods* The children of the soldiers at the base, Cybertronian, human, and other races, are taught and cared for in a group, much like a daycare center.... They've got several adults who are their guardians while they're at the crèche... And many millenia ago, crèches were where new Cybertronians were raised with others of their agegroups...

Deckerd: *glances at Yuuta and translates what Optimus just said, then glances further as his truck arrives*

Yuuta: *blink blink* *to Optimus* ~You sound like a teacher or a librarian...~

Optimus: *soft chuckle* ~I am a librarian, actually... I work at Virginia Technical University...~

Deckerd: *doesn't ask anything about Cybertronians, instead he gets carefully to his feet* ~I'm going to let you ride inside my truck, sir. Please remember that you're still in Police custody, okay?~

Optimus: *small nod* ~Alright...~

Justice: *frowns* Don't you want to know what Cybertronians are?

Deckerd: *glances down at the robot boy* *quietly* I already know. Nancy told me. *translates for Yuuta*

Yuuta: *nods in agreement with Deckerd*

Optimus: *quietly* Who is Nancy?

Deckerd: *faceplates heat as he gently tucks the damaged bot into his truck* She's... *static like a throat clear* Mr. Toudou says that she's my wife.

Optimus: *soft chuckle* Your mate...

Deckerd: *slight frown* ~What do you mean?~

Optimus: *quietly explains what he means* ~If Mr. Toudou says she's your wife, at the very least, you two have claimed one another... By Cybertronian law, you two are word-mates...~ *blinks a bit as things start to sway as a combination of his injuries and residual whee from being upgraded conspire against him*

Deckerd: ~Oh. No. We didn't claim one another. But our sparks are... um. They're part of one another now.~ *then frowns with concern as he notices the blinking* ~Mr. Prime?~

Optimus: ~Ah... Sparkmates then... I think... I need to lay down...~

Deckerd: *reaches into the truck and puts a hand behind Optimus' back* ~Here, let me help you. Slowly.~

Optimus: *lays back slowly, suspects some of his problem is due to hunger as well, will shutter his optics* ~Sorry...~

Deckerd: *gently* ~It's alright, Mr. Prime. Get some rest. Mr. Toudou will have you feeling better soon after we arrive at HQ.~ *turns to help Justice into the truck so that he can ride with his father* ~While the truck is bringing them to HQ, I'll bring you home, Yuuta.~

Optimus: *small nod, is soon asleep*

Yuuta: *quietly* ~Let me know what Mr. Saejima says?~

Deckerd: *as he closes the doors of the truck and sends it away* ~I will. Will you apologize to Kurumi that I and Nancy won't be able to be at the party?~

Yuuta: *nod* ~I will.~

Deckerd: *smiles at his brother* ~Change!~ *opens door*

Yuuta: *hops in and buckles up*

Deckerd: *heads toward home*


A couple hours later


Optimus: *soft sound, unshutters his optics*

dark green and cream femme: *looks up from where she's sitting next to the jerry-rigged upright berth he's been charging in since his repairs were finished, friendly concern in her pretty blue optics* ~Easy, sir. Just let yourself reboot.~

Optimus: *quietly* ~Where am I?~

femme: ~You're in the repair facility at the precinct. Mr. Toudou put you back together and then set things up so that you could charge. How do you feel?~

Optimus: *checks his systems* ~It looks like all of my systems are in the green...~ *turns his head to look around* ~Where is Justice?~

femme: *slight smile* ~He's watching television in the engineers' rec room with Mr. Saejima.~

Optimus: *relaxes* ~He's alright then?~

femme: Hai. *smile widens a little* *looks toward the door then as it opens to admit Deckerd*

Deckerd: *looks at the femme and is suddenly wearing a much more intense version of the expression that Optimus has seen in the mirror as he thinks of Velocia's future arrival*

femme: *on her feet and going to hug the young police bot, then snuggling till he hesitantly hugs her back*

Optimus: *moves to get out of the jerry-rigged upright berth*

Deckerd: *startles and looks at him, then lets go of the femme and gently pushes her aside with a murmur* ~Excuse me, Nancy.~ *goes to Optimus to help him down from the crate the smaller mech had been standing on* How do you feel?

Optimus: Better than I was during the fight... *and this is probably going to be a bit of a surprise* Is there any way I could help repair the damage Megatron and I inflicted upon the city?

Deckerd: *optics flicker, then shakes head* No, you don't have to do that. *eyes darken slightly with sadness and he looks away slightly* I just sent my brothers to do it.

Optimus: Your brothers?

Deckerd: Hai. McCrane, Power Joe, and Dumpson.

Optimus: *doesn't miss the look of sadness* *quietly* Is something wrong?

Deckerd: *shakes his head* No, sir.

Nancy: *quietly* They aren't alive.

Optimus: Oh.... *will gently patpat Deckerd's leg. Understands the sadness now*

Deckerd: *looks down at him* *quietly* The people who sold my spark are gone, so the ones in charge can't buy sparks for them.

Nancy: *hand on his arm* *softly* But Mr. Toudou has found a way to fix it, remember?

Deckerd: *scared expression returns fleetingly*

Optimus: *slight optic flash*

Mr. Toudou: *is that protesting voice on the other side of the door. You can't just barge into the repair facility! There are people resting in there!*

Rachel: *is calm Japanese demanding entry*

Deckerd: *head turned that way, alert frown on his face*

Optimus: *attention going to the door* It'd be a good idea to let Rachel in....

Deckerd: *uncertain look, then looks at Nancy, who vanishes through a door on the other side of the room. Waits till she's gone before going and opening the door to look down at the four small people who are standing in front of it* ~Hello?~

Mr. Toudou: Don't worry, Deckerd. I won't let these army types bother you.

Felicity: *puzzled expression is a go* But I'm not army.... I'm just a student... *holding onto the bag of clothes she brought with her*

Deckerd: ... ~They're not army people, Mr. Toudou. They're Cybertronians.~

Mr. Toudou: ... ~What?~

Optimus: ~The lady you were arguing with is the CMO for the Autobots, and the Destrons when they hold still long enough...~

Felicity: *expression brightens* Dad!

Mr. Toudou: *looks over his shoulder, blinking, and then turns back and makes a slight sound of dismay as he looks at Rachel's face*

Rachel: *looking up at Deckerd, her hand over her mouth and her eyes full of tears* ~Oh slag. Look at you...~

Deckerd: *puzzled and scratching his head with one finger*

Optimus: *moving to speak to Rachel and get some clothes, since he's pretty sure what he was wearing when he and Emi parted ways won't fit right* *quietly* [His spark was purchased... I think he's the one that Kriti's first guardian was talking about...]

Denver: *very slight tension in her posture and expression. It would likely go unnoticed by anyone not familiar with her*

Felicity: *happily telling Optimus about how she got a whole bunch of clothes for him and how they're all back at home, waiting for him*

Rachel: *softly* [Can't you see Hound in his face? And Sharpshot too.]

Optimus: *small nod* [His behavior is a lot like Hound's...]

Rachel: [And that alertness is all Sharpshot.] *wibbles and wipes her eyes*

Mr. Toudou: ~Don't cry, lady.~ *anxious and confused*

Optimus: *quietly* [She'll want to meet him, knowing her...]

Rachel: *nods* *to Mr. Toudou* ~He can't stay here. We have to bring him back to his family.~

Mr. Toudou: ~What?? No. You can't take Deckerd away.~

Deckerd: *alarmed expression*

Optimus: *headshake* [Rachel, he has family here.]

Rachel: *frowns at Optimus* [We can't leave him here, Chief. He's been kidnapped just like Kriti!]

Mr. Toudou: ~His family is right here!~

Deckerd: *quietly* ~I need to do my job. I can't go to America.~

Optimus: *gently* [He has brothers here... and a mate.]

Rachel: [We'll bring them back too!]

Denver: *trying so hard not to be too intimidating* ~Mr. Toudou, how many members are there in his family?~

Mr. Toudou: *turns a deep frown to the tall American woman* ~His wife, Yuuta, me. And he's a Japanese citizen, so you can't just take him away!~ *is getting a little angry here*

Denver: *considering look* ~Would the Brave Police Program be open to the idea of cooperation with NEST? We'd be able to assist you in more ways than just funding... Especially if more Decepticons show up.~

Mr. Toudou: ~I'm just the engineer. I don't know about anything like that.~ *frown still firmly in place, but now he's taken a protective stance in front of Deckerd*

Denver: ~Who would I need to speak with about such a thing?~

Deckerd: *looks very protective toward the human man, and also resolute and frightened* ~Mr. Azuma, Mr. Saejima, and the board of directors...~

Denver: *small nod* ~Very well. I shall arrange a meeting then.~ *Mr. Azuma and the board of directors, Mr. Saejima included, are going to be in for a surprise!*

Felicity: *studying Deckerd with gentle curiosity clear on her face*

Mr. Toudou: *frustration boils over. Snaps at Optimus* ~Speak a language I understand!~

Rachel: *gives him a look*

Optimus: *attention going to Mr. Toudou* ~How long ago was Deckerd brought online?~

Mr. Toudou: *still scowling* ~About a year ago. But he's old enough to make his own choices!~

Optimus: *quietly* ~He has an older sister in the United States whose spark was created by the same people who sold you his spark...~

Mr. Toudou: *winces*

Rachel: ~And an older brother.~

Mr. Toudou: *shaking now with the effort of holding in his fear and anger at the thought of losing Deckerd* *tries to word another protest*

Deckerd: *quietly* ~I have four brothers here. And also my wife. And my job. I'm a Brave Police detective.~

Mr. Toudou: *looks up, temper draining away into sadness for the young bot* ~You still count them, even though they're not alive.~

Optimus: *quietly, over comms to Rachel* //He's already got his function, and he's been doing it for most of his life...//

Rachel: *small sound* //But...// *looks up into those steady orange optics and turns away*

Hopesong: *is that pretty blond baby on Rachel's back* Bthh?

Deckerd: *surprised sound*

Mr. Toudou: 0_0

Optimus: *attention going to Hopesong, gentle clicks are a go*

Hopesong: *wiggle fit and a big sweet smile as she takes the clicks to mean that it's safe to click her little spark out to him*

Mr. Toudou: ~...A baby?~

Deckerd: ~She's Cybertronian too.~

Mr. Toudou: *suddenly grabbing Rachel and turning her to face him* ~I need you to tell me about Cybertronian babies!~

Optimus: *moves so he's back in Hopesong's line of sight, will tell the little one about Deckerd*

Hopesong: *smiles and asks to be taken from being tied to Mama's back with the shawl*

Rachel: Whoa! Whoa! What the heck? Why... ~Why do you need to know about Cybertronian babies?~

Optimus: *will remove Hopesong from the shawl and cuddle her*

Mr. Toudou: *looks right and left, then glances at Deckerd* ~I just do. What does the expecting mother need? Do they make their own bodies, or do they need to have their sparks put into a body?~

Rachel: *eyes him. Her BS-fu is strong*

Felicity: *fussing over Hopesong and Optimus now*

Rachel: ~Chief, is there a sparklet here?~

Deckerd: *has that expression on his face again*

Optimus: *small nod* *gently, to Deckerd* ~Rachel is Ratchet. She's brought many new Cybertronians into the world.~

Rachel: *disbelief on her face now* ~Deckerd is going to be a dad?~ *looks up at the police bot* ~You're going to be a dad?~

Deckerd: *sweat drop. Nod*

Rachel: *looks like she's going to bite Mr. Toudou's head off*

Optimus: ~Rachel, don't frighten the poor guy...~

Denver: *nodding her head a bit, has been setting up a meeting this entire time*

Felicity: *wonders what's going on, then decides that Deckerd looks like he needs a hug*

Deckerd: *small, surprised sound, but puts a gentle hand on Felicity's back* ~Hello...~

Rachel: *deep breath. Deeeeeep breath*

Mr. Toudou: ~None of us knew it could happen. And the idea of kissing causing babies is only a joke for humans.~

Felicity: *gently* Everything's gonna be okay. You'll see.

Optimus: *to Deckerd* ~That's one of my daughters. In this form, her name is Felicity Oberson.~

Deckerd: *curious expression* ~You have different names for your different forms?~

Optimus: *nods* ~Many of us have taken on human-sounding names to blend in... My other name is Patrick Oberson.~

Deckerd: ~To blend in?~

Optimus: *another nod as he baby dances with Hopesong* ~Most of the Cybertronians on Earth take on human form, since we don't want to cause a panic...~

Deckerd: ~Ahhh.~ *and then tilts his head down and frowns slightly as he realizes that now Rachel is taking her turn at shaking Mr. Toudou by the shoulders*

Rachel: ~I can't tell you anything unless you show me the girl, man!~

Mr. Toudou: *a bit startled at the strength the redheaded woman* ~If she wants to be seen, she'll come out...~

Deckerd: ~I told her to go hide.~ *straightens where he's on one knee and looks toward that other door* ~But she's coming back now.~

Rachel: *lets Mr. Toudou go, and then transforms to root mode so that she's got all her sensors and scanners unobstructed*

Deckerd: *startles*

Mr. Toudou: *also surprised, will back up a few steps*

Ratchet: *looks from Mr. Toudou to Deckerd, who are both somewhat blocking the door* ~Excuse me, please. May I come in?~

Deckerd: *moving now with an embarrassed apology and a bow*

Mr. Toudou: *moves out of the way, a bit floored by what he's seen*

Nancy: *softly, from the door to the back stairs* ~Mr. Toudou? Deckerd?~

Deckerd: *standing to one side, he turns his head and smiles at his wife* ~This is a Cybertronian doctor. She knows about babies.~

Nancy: *surprised and relieved expression as she looks back to the small white, red, and black femmebot*

Ratchet: *is startled as she scans Nancy* ~You're not Earthborn. You're from Cybertron.~

Mr. Toudou: *quietly* ~She's the one who taught us that sparks are alive... And that your people are Cybertronian...~

Nancy: *nods* *then ducks her head slightly* ~I didn't know very much else. My parents went away so long ago that I barely remember them.~

Ratchet: *floored* ~A feral youngling. Oh, dear Primus.~ *glances at Optimus with dismay*

Nancy: ~I'm not a youngling. I'm a woman.~ *frown*

Primus: *feels pleased to have brought Nancy somewhere safe after so long*

Optimus: *quietly* ~Primus is happy that she's someplace safe.~

Mr. Toudou: *frowns and looks from Ratchet to Optimus* ~Who's Primus?~

Ratchet: *slips past him to go look at Nancy more closely* ~Ask the Chief. He just got ganked three days ago.~

Optimus: *blink blink, looks to Ratchet* ~Three days?!~ *clearly wasn't expecting that*

Felicity: *quietly* Mom and Soli came back at the end of the first day, and Mom was really out of it....

Optimus: *to Ratchet* Is Emilia okay?

Ratchet: *without turning from Nancy, who is now laying on a low table* She was asking for pickled goose eggs when we left.

Optimus: *visibly relaxes*

Mr. Toudou: ... Goose egg? ~Who wants goose eggs?~ *quizzical look for the red and blue robot*

Optimus: *quietly, with a small smile* ~My wife. We're expecting.~

Mr. Toudou: *wrinkles his nose slightly* ~But... goose eggs?~

Ratchet: ~Pickled goose eggs.~

Mr. Toudou: ~...I'll get you a jar of pickled quail eggs. Maybe she'll like those.~ *sympathetic grin for Optimus*

Optimus: *chuckle* ~I think she'll like those...~ *surprised sound as Felicity ganks Hopesong from him and hands him the bag of clothes* *actually laughs at that* Alright, Ferdy, I can take a hint...

Ratchet: ~Do you have a body ready for this guy?~ *glances to Mr. Toudou*

Mr. Toudou: ~There are three bodies that need sparks.~ *perks a bit*

Ratchet: ~If you're talking about Deckerd's brothers, that's not going to work.~

Mr. Toudou: *surprised expression* ~It won't?~

Ratchet: *points to Hopesong* ~This is a baby. Like her. A normal little sparklet who hasn't had his spark amped and messed with. It'll be a really long time before he's strong enough to power a big clunker like that.~

Denver: *looks over after she finishes her call* ~Do you need me to get anything, Ratchet?~

Mr. Toudou: *crestfallen so much that he doesn't even object to the alien woman's words about his handiwork* ~But I was hoping... and Deckerd wants them to live so badly.~

Ratchet: *glances at Deckerd and scans him* ~Yeah, Denver. Could you bring me the blue tool kit? And ask Jack to show you cryo kit three.~

Denver: *nods* ~I'll be back soon.~ *PINpoints out*

Jack: *calling via cellphone*

Ratchet: *flips open her phone and puts it to her ear* I'm not using it on myself. Relax.

Jack: //You promise?//

Ratchet: I'm working on building grandkids and great-grandkids here.

Jack: //... Ah...// *is showing Denver where cryo kit three is*

Ratchet: *tells him about Deckerd and the police bot's wife and brothers* Oh yeah, and send along a mechling protoform too, would you?

Jack: //Gotcha.//

Denver: *returning a few minutes later with the blue tool kit, the requested cryo kit, and a mechling protoform tucked under one arm*

Optimus: *ducking behind the door and quickly transforming to put on his new clothes*

Mr. Toudou: *makes a surprised sound as Ratchet takes the little protoform and pokes it into his arms, then studies it with reverence for the workmanship* ~Is he ready to be born already?~

Ratchet: *snerk* ~No. He's just starting out. Don't worry, you'll know when he's ready.~

Mr. Toudou: *concerned frown* ~What do you mean?~

Ratchet: *as she sets out tools on a rolling table that she just shoved someone's lunch off of* ~It's called labor pains.~

Nancy: *worried*

Deckerd: *more worried*

Mr. Toudou: *concerned!*

Ratchet: *looks up and sees their faces, then gives Mr. Toudou a sedation tab and tells him how to use it if the pains get too harsh*

Felicity: *going to peek behind the door and check on Optimus now, before she's pointing out the shoes and socks that she put in the bag as well*

Ratchet: *glances over as she catches a glimpse of Patrick* *laughs and whistles*

Mr. Toudou: *looks up from carefully stashing the protoform and the sedation tab to give her a funny look*

Patrick: Thrrrpt. *working on tying the laces on his shoes, notes that they're a couple sizes bigger than he used to wear, but they're comfortable, so that's all that matters*

Ratchet: *smirks, and then asks Mr. Toudou to go get the three bots who need sparks, because she wants to have a look at them. Once he's gone she explains to Deckerd what she wants to do*

Deckerd: *listening to the details of the operation and showing no trace of fear, only hope* ~Won't they just be copies of me?~

Ratchet: *snerk* ~Nope. That's not how sparks work. Right, Ferdy?~

Felicity: *looks over to Ratchet, and then her expression is lightening when Patrick databursts her a language pack* ~Nope!~ ^_^

Ratchet: ~Felicity's spark is one of a set of five.~

Felicity: *nod nod* ~My sisters and I are the Aerialbots.~

Patrick: *standing up a bit straighter now, notes that he's gained a few inches of height*

Deckerd: ~What does that mean?~ *head turned as he regards Felicity with grave interest*

Felicity: *going to take a cue from Ratchet, and transform. In root mode, it's obvious that she's a flyer of some sort* ~Air Raid, Slingshot, Skydive, and Silverbolt are at home right now... We can combine into a bigger 'Bot called Superion, but we only do that if we have to... since Superion's not exactly subtle...~

Ratchet: *tries to hold in the snerk but it gets away*

Deckerd: ~And your sparks all came from one spark?~

Fireflight: *blink blink, headshake* ~Our sparks came from Vector Sigma, before the Decepticons broke it... Mom and Dad asked for our sparks and we were all born about the same time, but since we were built to be a combiner team, our sparks are coded similarly... And for some reason, our alt-modes all look similar...~

Deckerd: ~Oh. Why are you larger than the others?~ *glances at Ratchet, who is wondering where her baby went*

Fireflight: ~Well, Superion's a combat unit.... And my sisters and I are built to fly.... If we were any smaller, we'd be torn apart by the wind...~ *will crouch and offer Hopesong back to Ratchet*

Ratchet: *kisses baby* ~No. I need my hands to operate. I just wasn't sure you still had her. Chief, are you up to playing assistant surgeon?~

Patrick: *as Fireflight grins and cuddles Hopesong* ~Just tell me what you need me to do and where.~


Few moments later


Ratchet: *as two new sparks bounce happily in the cryo unit she watches the third one head for the ceiling* Well darn...

Fireflight: ~I'll catch it...~ *covering one hand with a force field and reaching to catch the spark*

Mr. Saejima: *holding the door open for Justice* *pauses when he sees Fireflight*

spark: *zip, dart, comes to see Justice*

Ratchet: *watches the spark. Sees the newcomer and startles*

Justice: *soft smile and gently cups that big spark in his hands* ~Hello. Are you lost?~

spark: *happy pulse. Isn't scared or angry in the least, just wants to see the world!*

Fireflight: Here, Justice... *will offer Hopesong in exchange for the spark* Aunt Ratchet's helping this person's brothers right now...

Mr. Saejima: *a bit floored* ~I thought we weren't going to be able to get more...~

Mr. Toudou: *coming up behind him, the yellow robot at his heels* ~More what? Huh???~

spark: *heeey, what's that? Zips over to the empty spark compartment*

Mr. Toudou: *gaping* ~Deckerd, stop!~

Justice: ~That's not Deckerd.~ *grave grin*

yellow bot: *registers spark and opens chest as programmed*

spark: *oooh, neat! Settles into the spark chamber*

yellow bot: *closes chest and then reboots*

Mr. Toudou: o.0?

Mr. Saejima: *blink blink, surprised. And then he's startling as the yellow bot suddenly laughs*

yellow bot: *examining his hands and grinning* ~This is cool!~

Ratchet: *grinning* ~You are a goof, you know that?~

yellow bot: *blink blink at Ratchet* ~No... I'm Power Joe.~

Mr. Toudou: ~BP 302?~ *looking up at the yellow bot and unable to believe his eyes*

Power Joe: *blink blink, looks at Mr. Toudou* ~Is that my number?~

Mr. Toudou: ~It... is. How do you know the name that Deckerd called your body?~

Power Joe: *puzzled look, scratches his helm a bit* ~I just... Knew... I guess...~ *turns his head, blinks a bit at the other two robots, both of whom are just standing there blankly*

Mr. Saejima: *as he moves to approach Ratchet* ~This is... a miracle...~

Ratchet: *looks at him* ~This reminds me of when my bigger kids were born. Could you herd those other two drones over here? We might as well get these two going too.~

Mr. Saejima: *blink blink, looks, and then he's laughing, the sound heartfelt and happy*

Power Joe: ~I'll help!~ *going to herd his brothers over*

Ratchet: *grins and opens the cryo chamber door, then reaches inside with a shielded hand* ~Okay now, who's next? Get them to lay down, Joey.~

Power Joe: *helping the darker-colored bot lay down before he moves to help the red bot lay down as well* ~Is Deckerd okay?~

Ratchet: *quick check* ~Yup. He and Nancy are sleeping. I'll wake them up once everyone's finished.~ *waves hand at the two sparks and offers energy*

Power Joe: Okay! *grin, and then he's acking as one of the sparks darts out of the cryo chamber*

Mr. Toudou: *gasps and goes wide-eyed*

Ratchet: Ack!

spark: *fizzing mad and putting up a bit of a fight*

Ratchet: Good grief. *tries to catch the fizzer*

Mr. Toudou: ~What's wrong? What's happening?~

spark: *fizz, spark, is a feisty thing*

Patrick: ~It looks like this one's got a strong personality, and a temper...~

Ratchet: ~This is Sharpshot all over again. Gotcha!~

spark: *fiiiiizzzz, is MAD*

Ratchet: ~Somebody get a spark chamber open!~

Patrick: *moving to do so* ~Sheesh... and I thought Sharpshot was a spitfire when she was younger...~

Ratchet: ~Putting her in her shell was just like this.~ *pops the angry spark into the red body, then steps back as the spark compartment and chest close*

red bot: *slight scowl as he moves to sit up*

Mr. Toudou: *softly* ~Dumpson?~

Dumpson: *a bit grouchily* ~Yeah?~

Power Joe: *lightly baps Dumpson* ~Be nice.~

Mr. Toudou: ~I'm just glad you're okay.~ *glances at Mr. Saejima*

Mr. Saejima: *amused glimmer in his eye*

Hopesong: *soft clickstorm at Dumpson. Reaches for him, wanting to fix the sad*

Mr. Saejima: *attention going to Hopesong, raised brow*

Dumpson: *snarking at Power Joe and getting like in exchange, pauses when he realizes that the little baby is reaching for him*

Hopesong: *big grin and an encouraging wriggle*

Dumpson: *a bit flabbergasted, looks to Power Joe, who grins and nods. Then he's hesitantly reaching for Hopesong, looking a bit unsure of himself*

Fireflight: *gentle clicks as she carefully transfers Hopesong over to Dumpson*

Hopesong: *big happy sweet grin*

Dumpson: *looks just a bit like he's out of his comfort zone, but will hold Hopesong the way Fireflight shows him*

Ratchet: *clicking softly as she reaches for the last new spark*

spark: *is a lot calmer than either Power Joe or Dumpson, will come to inspect Ratchet's hand*

Ratchet: *lets him inspect, and then moves to gently scoop him up* ~C'mere. You want some eyes and ears and hands to use?~

spark: *gives a gentle pulse*

Ratchet: Awwww. *looks up* ~What's this guy's name?~

Mr. Toudou: *too busy supervising Dumpson to hear her*

Power Joe: *looks over from making funny faces for Hopesong* ~That's McCrane.~

Ratchet: *snerk* ~Niiice.~ *carries the gentle spark over and tucks him into his new body, then steps back to let the panels close*

McCrane: *lays still for a few moments, taking everything in before he sits up*

Ratchet: *grins at him* ~How're you feeling?~

McCrane: ~All systems are functioning at ideal levels...~ *attention going to Power Joe and Dumpson, slight smile*

Ratchet: ~Good.~ *grins and turns to waking Nancy and Deckerd up*

Deckerd: *groans and props himself up on and elbow, rubbing his head* ~Did... did it work? My brothers...?~

Power Joe: *looks over* ~Hi!~ ^^

Deckerd: *startles and sits right up* ~Power Joe!?~

Power Joe: *nods, smiling*

Deckerd: *grins, and then notices the others* ~Dumpson! McCrane! You're all alive!~

Dumpson: *nods, is more concerned with holding Hopesong*

McCrane: *moving to get up* ~Are you alright, Deckerd?~

Deckerd: ~Yes. My spark hurts a little, but it will be alright.~ *so happy, and it shows. Then makes a soft sound and smiles down at Nancy as she comes to sit by him. Puts an arm around her and looks back to McCrane*

Nancy: *softly and demurely* ~Hello, McCrane.~

McCrane: *nod* ~Hello...~

Mr. Toudou: *is giving Ratchet a Look* ~What did you do to Deckerd's spark?? Where did these new sparks come from??~

Patrick: *reassuringly* ~Deckerd will be alright once he's rested...~

Mr. Saejima: *attention on Justice, since he had no idea that the grey robot is a child as well*

Ratchet: ~For one thing, I helped repair that wound you left on it.~ *folds arms over chest* ~I've been taking care of sparks before Earth was more than a good thought of God, so don't get all tied in knots.~

Deckerd: *distracted from brothers and cute baby* ~Wait. You what?~

Mr. Toudou: ~What...?~

Patrick: *attention going to Ratchet, concern clear in his eyes*

Ratchet: ~You had a scar on your spark, Deckerd. I repaired it.~

Mr. Saejima: ... *concerned now*

Power Joe: *scoots over to Deckerd and gives hugs*

Deckerd: ~Well... I guess if it's alright now.~ *is still frowning a little bit as he hugs his brother in return*

Mr. Toudou: ~Show me this scar.~ *deep frown, is very unhappy that the medic of Deckerd's own race is angry at how he's been caring for the bot*

Ratchet: ~No. The kid's been spark mooning people enough today. Let him get to know his brothers.~

Power Joe: *conks out at that moment, snuggled against Deckerd*

McCrane: *on his feet, as is Dumpson* Power Joe? *concerned, moves to approach*

Dumpson: *also approaching, though he stops to offer Hopesong back to Ratchet*

Mr. Saejima: *surprised* ~Is Power Joe alright?~ *also moving to approach*

Ratchet: *snuggles her softly cooing sparklet* ~He's fine.~

Nancy: ~All the new data's caught up with him.~ *puts a gentle hand on young brother in law's back, then laughs softly as Deckerd tries to figure out how to put Power Joe onto the repair table*

Deckerd: ~Help me, will you, brothers?~

Dumpson: *nods, a bit of a bemused expression on his face as he grabs Power Joe's shoulders* ~On three...~

McCrane: *calmly grabbing Power Joe's feet* ~One... two... three...~ *then he and Dumpson are lifting the yellow mech and moving him onto the repair table* ~We may want to lay down soon as well...~

Ratchet: *hands Hopesong to Fireflight so that she can transform, then reaches to take the bitty back* ~They're probably going to be data munching like you wouldn't believe for the first couple days.~

Mr. Toudou: ~I have all the information we gave to Deckerd.~ *hovering slightly, watching the four brothers as Nancy stands aside and watches Hopesong*

Fireflight: *once she's no longer holding Hopesong, she'll move to transform so she can fuss over Justice and give him a bag of clothes*

Dumpson: *surprises himself by yawning, before he's moving to lay down as well at McCrane's gentle urging.... only to be used by a pillow by the dark-colored mech* *grumps about that a bit as he wriggles around to find a comfortable position*

Mr. Saejima: ... *going on a whim, will go get a few tarps for the newborns to use as blankets*

Mr. Toudou: ~What're you doing, Saejima-san?~ *looks over his shoulder with a frown*

Deckerd: *sort of hovering helplessly as he watches his brothers. Wants to help, but isn't sure what's needed*

Mr. Saejima: ~Where are the tarps, Toudou-san?~

Patrick: *gently, to Deckerd* ~Why don't you lay down with them? The sound of a familiar spark will be comforting to them.~

Mr. Toudou: ~Ah. Here, I'll show you.~ *hurries around Deckerd toward the storage room*

Deckerd: *looks down at Patrick with surprise* ~You mean, as though they were babies?~

Patrick: *nods, a small smile on his face* ~Siblings often gravitate towards one another when they seek comfort, if their creators aren't around...~ *quick glance to Felicity, who is still gently fussing over Justice*

Rachel: ~And they are babies, Deckerd. It'll probably only last a few hours. But right now your brothers are just babies.~

Deckerd: ~I see.~ *serious expression as he settles near the brothers. And then one hand goes out automatically and without thinking toward his wife*

Nancy: *looks over, and then gets up from where she'd been sitting in Japanese lady style and helping Justice with his shirt. Comes over to sit by Deckerd*

McCrane: *small smile for Deckerd and Nancy, before he's blinking and covering his mouth as he yawns and snuggles his brothers*

Dumpson: *quiet grumping even as he powers down to rest*

Patrick: *very slight quirk of a grin as he watches*

Mr. Saejima: *back with four tarps, will begin spreading them over each of the Build Team like blankets... and will offer Deckerd the fourth tarp*

Deckerd: *thanks him gravely, and then wraps the tarp around Nancy before holding her close*

Mr. Toudou: *is that grumbling as he wonders who messed up his storeroom*

Rachel: ~Mr. Saejima, do you understand the ramifications of what you've done here, and the consequences?~

Mr. Saejima: *looks to Rachel, seriousness in his eyes* ~Whatever happens, I accept full responsibility, as head of the Brave Police Project.~

Rachel: *sternly* ~You bought people, Mr. Saejima. Sentient beings.~

Mr. Saejima: *quietly* ~It wasn't until we met Nancy that we found out... The people who sold us Deckerd's spark neglected to tell us that, but it does not change the fact.~ *is totally prepared for whatever Rachel deems fitting punishment*

Rachel: *nods toward the door, indicating that she wants to talk in the hall. Will hand Hopesong to Patrick*

Hopesong: *cuddle*

Patrick: *cuddles Hopesong and clicks softly to her*

Mr. Saejima: *will move to hold the door to the hall open for Rachel*

Rachel: *out into the hall, and then turns with her arms folded over her chest as she waits for him to join her* *blue eyes are snapping*

Mr. Saejima: *closing the door behind him as he joins Rachel in the hall*

Rachel: *quietly, in English* The people you got Deckerd's spark from have been shut down. Most are in prison on several charges of kidnapping, murder, torture, slavery, and sexual interference.

Mr. Saejima: .... *and now he looks quite ill*

Rachel: Deckerd was born without the consent of his parents, and his code father was one of the people who were killed.

Mr. Saejima: *quietly* And his mother? *almost afraid to hear the answer*

Rachel: *softly* Shattered. Literally.

Mr. Saejima: ...Shattered? *just a bit pale now*

Rachel: *nods* *quietly and grimly* She wound up with two fully developed personalities, both of whom are now in separate bodies. One is a baby, the other... has very few memories of her ordeal, but what she has sends her into flashbacks.

Mr. Saejima: *cringes, cursing quietly*

Rachel: Several of Deckerd's siblings were carelessly stuffed into inadequate containers and abandoned. *jaw clenches* Only one of them survived.

Mr. Saejima: *hands clenching into fists, doesn't realize this* *quietly* We weren't told any of that... But as I said earlier, it does not excuse the fact that we did purchase Deckerd's spark from them....

Rachel: *nods* Lt. Colonel Trach is probably telling all this to your board right now.

Mr. Saejima: *lips thin as he nods* Whatever action NEST deems necessary, we will cooperate.

Rachel: *more gently* He's already said he wants to stay here. Colonel Franklin's not a jerk. But there will be visitors. You can bet on that. Especially after Deckerd and Nancy's son is born.

Mr. Saejima: .... Their son? *totally left in the dark about that, Rachel*

Rachel: *blinks* ...You didn't know Nancy's pregnant.

Mr. Saejima: .... o_o *totally surprised now* *beginnings of a big grin on his face*

Rachel: He'll be born in about four and a half weeks, and when he does he'll be little, like my Hope.

Mr. Saejima: *small nod, is already making plans to get all manner of baby things on his way home from work*

Rachel: I'll be sending Mr. Toudou information about Cybertronian infants. *brow quirking at that grin*

Mr. Saejima: *another nod* What sort of baby toys would be appropriate for a newborn of your race?

Rachel: *glances toward the door as she thinks* Judging by Deckerd and Nancy's personality, I'd say some sort of big, brightly coloured stuffed animal. And some simple puzzles and blocks.

Mr. Saejima: *big grin is a go, and his eyes are sparkling. He's going to have fun shopping for baby toys*

Rachel: And soft blankets. But we've got a good supplier for those.

Mr. Saejima: Oh?

Rachel: *nods and looks at her watch, then grumbles and sighs* We've got a war to mop up after. But someone will be back here sometime in the next few days.

Mr. Saejima: *small nod*

Rachel: *eyes him, then tilts her head* I think you're wanted in the board room.

Mr. Saejima: *another nod, will move to head for the board room*

Rachel: *turns and goes back into the room where the others are* Lets go home, Chief. Emi just prodded me.

Deckerd: *looks over with a quick frown*

Patrick: *nod* ... I still need to get her some pickled goose eggs...

Felicity: *happily scooting over to Rachel, will lead Justice over as well*

Rachel: Speaking of pickles, it seems Javan is deep frying the cucumber and the jalapeño kinds.

Mr. Toudou: *looks around from talking to Nancy* Right. Pickled eggs. Wait here. *hurries out of the room*

Patrick: *getting a slightly distant look on his face as he talks to Emi, a small grin coming to his face when she shares something with him* *to Rachel* So we should've looked in Switzerland as well when Brandon and TC were in Poland?

Rachel: Yup. *blinks* Um, and Sunstreaker's running around covered in blue zinc ointment.

Patrick: .... *looks like he wants to facepalm*

Mr. Toudou: *back with a jar* ~Pickled quail eggs.~ *holds up a second jar* ~And the same thing with spice.~ *slight, quizzical grin for Patrick*

Patrick: *nods* ~I think Emi will like those. Thank you, Mr. Toudou.~

Mr. Toudou: *bows as he gives them* ~I'm repaying a debt.~

Patrick: *quietly* ~Until our paths cross again, Mr. Toudou.~ *will move to bring Hopesong over to Rachel*

Rachel: *snugs her baby, and then bows to the engineer before PINpointing Patrick and the others home*

((written with random_xtras))