SV, lV, Nexus. Various Locations. New Lives, New Hopes, New Beginnings

[dens_extra_pups]

((OOC Note: In the second and third sections of this log, there is mild, implied Starscream torture, and graphic sparklet births. Click the cuts at your own discretion.))



Skywarp: *sitting on the couch with Stiletto on her shoulder, frowning down with concern at the blanket wrapped bundle in her arms*

Stiletto: *half-awake and purring quietly*

Ratchet: *bringing some hot broth over*

Skywarp: *looks up from the pale and sweating face of the man inside the blankets* I think he's too hot. *isn't sure though*

Ratchet: *quietly* Let me check. *will scan Prowl*

Prowl: *feverish but cold sweating. Is properly wrapped for his condition* *senses the scan and opens groggy eyes* Ratchet...

Ratchet: *gently* Easy, Prowl... *offers a spoonful of broth*

Prowl: *tenses slightly at sight of it, then lifts puzzled eyes to Ratchet's face*

Ratchet: *soothingly* It's alright. I... used a wish to get the broth.

Prowl: *brows lift slightly* A wish?

Ratchet: *nod* *slight quirk of a grin and a glance to the purring lump draped over Skywarp's shoulders* Stiletto volunteered to go hunting, but right now, you need things that are easier to eat. *offers the spoonful of broth again*

Prowl: *now he understands. This broth is made especially for him. Relief on his worn face as he sips carefully* Thank you.

Ratchet: *will feed Prowl until the man indicates he's had enough for the time being*

Prowl: *gives this indication accidentally. By falling asleep*

Skywarp: *meeps as his eyes close and he stops moving*

Ratchet: *scans Prowl* *gently, to Skywarp* He's asleep. He's wrapped up just fine.

Skywarp: *big, though soft, sigh of relief* *then a worried look* Should I put him down? He was wheezing pretty bad.

Ratchet: It's comforting for him to be held right now. *knows that Skywarp holding Prowl is keeping the femme and her daughter from worrying*

Skywarp: Oh. *relaxes a little* Alright. Um... could you explain to Sunny why I'm cuddling Prowl instead of him? He looked kind of upset. I think...

Ratchet: *quietly* I'll talk to him, Skywarp. *will also move to put the broth where it won't get knocked over, and covers the bowl*

Skywarp: *softly* Thanks, Ratchet. *looks down at Prowl and carefully straightens out a wrinkle in the blanket near his face*

Stiletto: *continues to purr quietly*

Ratchet: *heads off to find Sunstreaker and find out what's got the frontliner in a grump this time*

Optimus: *out in the courtyard, intently leaning over a sanding wheel as he and Kup make rocking horses for a local children's charity*

Kup: *looks up from sorting boards* What'd ya lose this time, Ratchet?

Ratchet: Have either of you seen Sunstreaker?

Kup: I think he's super glued ta the side of the roof entrance. *attention back to boards*

Optimus: *nods in agreement, back to work* I think Sideswipe's hiding right now...

Ratchet: *snort, will move to head back into the plant and from there, to the roof*

Ironfist: *is one of the whispering voices laughing softly in the stairwell as she and Jazz steal a few moments of quiet time*

Ratchet: *doesn't stop to listen to Jazz sweet-talking Ironfist*

Ironfist: *quiet meep and arms around her mate as Ratchet shoves by*

Jazz: *laughs* Thanks, Ratch!

Ratchet: *amused roll of his optics, continues on his way*

Ace: *standing by Fireflight and contemplating his uncle with a thoughtful frown* Okay... solvent didn't work.

Fireflight: *brb, spaced*

Sunstreaker: *sooooo not amused* *especially not amused with the fact that his mouth has been covered in duct tape*

Ratchet: ... *snerk*

Ace: I can't try this stuff, the label says it wrecks paint. *scratches head and checks the label again* 'Flight, isn't this the stuff Wheeljack was drinking the other day?

Fireflight: *leave a message, nobody's home*

Ratchet: Well, now. Let's see if we can't get Sunstreaker down... *moving to try and do that*

Ace: *looks up to see what Ratchet will try*

Fireflight: *just got the giggles*

Ratchet: *scanning the glue to see if he can ID it*

Sunstreaker: *giving Fireflight a confused look*

Fireflight: Space safe epoxy putty.

Ace: 0_0 No way.

Ratchet: *sigh* She's right.

Ace: Um. So what takes that off?

Fireflight: *folds in half with mirth*

Ratchet: A specialized solvent. Which we don't have here.

Ace: ...Where can we buy it?

Fireflight: *gasp, giggle, gleeee*

Ratchet: We can't... Unless we go to the Nexus.

Ace: *facepalm*

Fireflight: *looks up, beaming*

Ratchet: *ignoring Sunstreaker's muffled cursing* I suppose you know nothing about this, Fireflight?

Fireflight: *blink blink* Buh?

Ratchet: *soft chuckle* Never mind.

Fireflight: *hops to her feet* Gonna go tell Ultra Magnus it worked. *and away she goes*

Ace: ...Whut?

Ratchet: ... *face. Palm*

Sunstreaker: o.0

Ace: Oh man, Uncle Streaker. Kup said to stop pranking Ultra Magnus.

Ratchet: ... *'scuse him while he laughs his head off and goes to get his PINpoint*

Kia: *brightly, as she peeks out of the school room on the third floor* Hi, Papa!

Ratchet: Hello, Kia. *smiles* Are you enjoying class?

Kia: Uh huh. Uncle Magnus telling stories. *explains why you can hear Slingshot snoring from clear over there, Ratchet*

Ratchet: *chuckles* Are his stories any good?

Kia: *sweet little grin* I like them.

Ratchet: *more chuckles, will offer a hug*

Kia: *hug snuggle* ^^ Love you, Papa.

Ratchet: I love you too, Kia. *gently* I have to go run an errand in the Nexus. Will you keep an eye on Uncle Magnus for me and make sure he gets naptime?

Kia: *serious nod nod* I'll make sure, Papa. Athena too.

Ratchet: *nod* And Magenta?

Kia: Magenta's already napping. All day. *yes, again. Have fun getting sleep tonight, Ratchet. It's your shift*

Ratchet: *soft sigh* Alright. *gentle patpat for Kia's back* I'll be back soon.

Kia: Okay! :D

Ratchet: *lets Kia go, will move to get his PINpoint from quarters*

Jazz and Ironfist: *oh there they are. They're on the lowest flight of stairs now*

Ratchet: *ignores them again*

Cragbuster: *waiting at the door of Ratchet's quarters when the medi-bot reaches it* *perks* Got a minute?

Ratchet: I was just going to get my PINpoint... But I've got time to talk. Sunstreaker can wait a bit longer to get unstuck from the wall.

Cragbuster: ...Duct tape bandit? *leans on his cane*

Ratchet: *headshake* Space-safe epoxy. *fighting hard to hide his amusement*

Cragbuster: *frowns the frown that says he's trying to sort through his memories* I'm not sure what that is.

Ratchet: Like super glue, but stronger.

Cragbuster: o.0 Slag.

Ratchet: I'll be getting the solvent in the Nexus.

Cragbuster: Do you know who did it?

Ratchet: *slight quirk of a grin* I know Ultra Magnus had a hand in it. And that Sideswipe is hiding somewhere in the building...

Cragbuster: *mouth drops open with shock* Ultra Magnus? The old bot?

Ratchet: *nods* The twins have been pestering him with their pranks for awhile.

Cragbuster: I knew that, but I didn't think he'd prank back. *winces as his stabilizer goes off again. Is glad for the cane*

Ratchet: *moves to help support the mech* What did you need to talk to me about, Cragbuster?

Cragbuster: *sighs and hangs his head* I wanted you to tell me just what kind of rat @#$#@$#@ I really am.

Ratchet: *quietly* You were a piece of work... We butted heads and fists on more than one occasion, and argued a lot.

Cragbuster: *shutters his optics* You weren't the only one I was a glitch to... were you?

Ratchet: *bites his lower lip* *then* No.

Cragbuster: *intakes hitch* I see.

Ratchet: *moving to give Cragbuster more support* *quietly* Despite all that... I think things will work out.

Cragbuster: *unshutters optics and stares dully down at the floor* How did I even wind up with a wife if I was that kind of scrap pile reject?

Ratchet: *quietly* It started after she got misprogrammed and fell in love with you.

Cragbuster: *winces* Misprogrammed...

Ratchet: It was a long time ago, and the person responsible did a hack job with her repairs. *continuing the explanation* After that, you told a lady named Jael that you were going with Terrion instead of her, which, in Jael's eyes, made you two married.

Cragbuster: *shaky intake* *quietly* Why was Terrion with me to start with?

Ratchet: *quietly* She was your parole officer, assigned by the IGP.

Cragbuster: *head up* 0.0

Ratchet: *softly* You lived in a very rough area of the galaxy... *shutters his optics for a moment*

Cragbuster: ...And made it rougher. *pinches the bridge of his nose* Slag...

Ratchet: *quietly* I'm sorry I was stupid enough to not go after your mother when I had the chance.

Cragbuster: It... it isn't your fault I'm... *crying now*

Ratchet: *will move to hold Cragbuster close and gently rub his back* *is trying not to get upset himself* *quieter* I still should have been there for you. There's no excusing that.

Cragbuster: *can only static and try to get his intakes to stop hitching as he leans against the older mech* I've screwed everything up. Everything.

Ratchet: *softly* No, you haven't. *and your support is starting to shake a bit, Cragbuster*

Cragbuster: *whisper* I've got a record bad enough to have the JDs giving me a permanent parole officer, that parole officer hates my gears, I've... *static shuts off his words*

Ratchet: *quietly, intakes hitching every so often* You've been given a second chance to make things better.

Cragbuster: How do I make it better when the lady I dream of making smile won't get near me?

Ratchet: We'll think of something. I know Stiletto's forgiven you. And that the youngbots are fond of you. We'll find a way.

Cragbuster: *more static, and then a start as a female voice makes a soft sound*

Terrion: *blinking up at the two mechs before she turns and runs away down the hall toward the stairs*

Ratchet: *soothing clicks, will attempt to comm Terrion to ask her if she's alright*

Terrion: *no answer*

Cragbuster: *shaking a bit now* Dad... I... *knees try to give out. He's still not that strong*

Ratchet: Easy... I've got you. Let's get you laying down. *starting to suspect what part of Terrion's problem might be...*

Cragbuster: I think I'm going to shut down. *optic shutters closed as he grimaces with discomfort and weariness*

Ratchet: *will move to help Cragbuster into the infirmary* *gently* Get some rest. I'll talk to Terrion. *worried about you, 'Buster*

Cragbuster: *shaky intake and then murmurs something, but he's asleep before Ratchet's even got him on the table*

Ratchet: *will get the mech connected to monitors and a cube of energon, scanning out of habit*

Cragbuster: *healed, other than his stabilizer. But his systems aren't running at full capacity yet*

Ratchet: *soft, almost defeated-sounding sigh. Hates that there's not much he can do besides what he's been doing to help Cragbuster*

Sunstreaker: *is that bellow of rage and agony echoing faintly down from the roof*

Kup: *from the courtyard* Suck it up! It's just paint!

Cragbuster: *doesn't even twitch*

Ratchet: *low growl* //Mute it, Sunstreaker, or I'll mute it for you.//

Sunstreaker: *strings of obscenities*

Nightside: *over common frequency* //Uh, Optimus? I just tried pulling Uncle Streaker off the stairhouse... and I got half the stairhouse, too.//

Optimus: //... *sigh* At least he's off the stairhouse now.//

Skywarp: //Is... is he hurt?//

Nightside: //Uh, not really damaged. But that probably did hurt. Uncle Streaker, you're scaring Aunty 'Warp.//

Sunstreaker: *grumbling quiets down*

Ratchet: //Sunstreaker, quit that, or I won't go to the Nexus to get the solvent until tomorrow. Or maybe I'll wait a few more days.//

beep: *comes from that little gadget he's got in his pocket. The secret one*

Ratchet: *closes his comm line right as Sunstreaker protests* *will head to the Nexus after he takes the little secret gadget out of his pocket and presses a specific button* *good luck getting a call to him now, guys*

Charlie: *looks around as the old red and white walks up to the table he's sitting on in the Black Dog* Got some time?

Ratchet: *small nod* I do... *even if something seems to be bothering the old bot*

Charlie: *frowns, his blue eyes studying Ratchet's face* You sure?

Ratchet: *quietly* I am.

Charlie: Your face says otherwise, old man.

Ratchet: *sigh* I'm just... worried about my son.

Charlie: Son? You never mentioned a son.

Ratchet: *slight frown* I thought I had...

Charlie: *shakes his head* I've heard stories about three daughters, several granddaughters, and some grandsons.

Ratchet: *more frown* Huh. Well... I do have a son. Cragbuster.

Charlie: *eyebrows shoot upward. It's very plain that he's heard that name* The bot that's been banned from fifty stations?

Ratchet: ... *nod* Yeah... I didn't even know he existed till he showed up one day.

Charlie: *winces* Allspark product?

Ratchet: *headshake* His mother's spark budded.

Charlie: *frowns again* And you didn't know about him.

Ratchet: *headshake* Clarion and I had broken up by that point.

Charlie: Your reality's not one that needs a bond?

Ratchet: Don't ask me how it happened! *rubs at his face a bit* *quieter* Apparently, she told him that I was the one who left.

Charlie: *slow head shake* Nice.

Ratchet: If I had known... I would have gone after him.

Charlie: *can see the guilt in the old medic's face* What's worrying you about him right now?

Ratchet: *quietly* He's lost a good chunk of memory... Took on Shockwave when the slagger came to the base looking for Arcee and me.

Charlie: *winces* *gruffly* Do you need to get back to him?

Ratchet: *headshake* He's sleeping right now... And I know how to set my PINpoint back.

Charlie: So the damage isn't new?

Ratchet: He's been recovering for the past three months. He's able to get around fairly well with a cane, but his memories are scrambled.

Charlie: *frown deepens slightly* But he's having trouble now.

Ratchet: *small nod* His parole officer, who ended up with a hack-job repair and misprogramming problem that led to her falling in love with him, won't talk to him anymore. He thinks she's his wife. And it's upsetting to him that he's basically been shunned... *long, slow sigh* Earlier, he asked me just what kind of rat %$%$#%$#%#$% he had been.

Charlie: *deep wince* Can't you explain that she isn't connected to him that way?

Ratchet: If he hadn't told the girl he was dating that he was going with Terrion, I would be able to. But to everyone tied to that other girl, that makes Terrion Cragbuster's wife...

Charlie: Right. He lived on the galactic rim. *frowns* So now you're stuck in a real life soap opera.

Ratchet: It's looking like it.

Charlie: *shakes his head, but then quirks a brow* Feel like delivering babies for a break?

Ratchet: ... What type of babies?

Charlie: One's a little Decepticon, and the other's Autobot.

Ratchet: *chuckle* Alright.

Charlie: The 'Con's from a Starscream.

Ratchet: ... *brow ridges up*

Charlie: Primus got a little worried about how low the population was getting after the war finally ended there, and caused a few spontaneous spark bonds. Starscream happened to be trying to lay the smackdown on a woman named Airachnid at the time.

Ratchet: ... Huh. Not anyone I know.

Charlie: She seems to only appear in the one type of reality. You won't need to worry about Starscream though. He was a little tied up when I popped in to check things out.

Ratchet: Alright. Airachnid won't try to tear me to pieces, will she?

Charlie: She's a bit distracted by the effect of her labour pains on her mate.

Ratchet: ... *facepalm, amused snort*

Charlie: You in?

Ratchet: I'm in.

Charlie: *nod* Okay. Press the button on that thing I gave you.

Ratchet: *does so*

((OOC Warning: The next two sections of the log contain things which might make some readers uncomfortable.))



Starscream: *piercing scream!*

alto voice: *laughing and groaning at the same time*

Ratchet: *cringes at the Starscream scream* *moves to approach cautiously*

next room: *is part of a Cybertronian ship. The medi-lab, to be precise, though it seems to be used for living space as well. There's a slender winged bot with large red eyes tied to the far wall, and a femme is laying on a table near to where Ratchet is standing. The femme's got spider kibble, and she's intaking a bit raggedly. She seems to be in much better shape than her mate though*

Ratchet: *looking for the sparklet protoform*

Starscream: *spots the intruder and yelps* Hey! You! Get me down from here!

Airachnid: *stiffens and turns her head toward the door, then narrows her purple optics* *sharply* Who're you?

Ratchet: *soothingly* A medic. I'm just here to help. *is totally ignoring Starscream right now*

Starscream: Yes! Help! Get me down!

Airachnid: *still intaking roughly as she eyes Ratchet* You're an Autobot.

Ratchet: *continues to ignore Starscream* I am... But I was also asked to come here.

Airachnid: No one knows... *pauses and tenses, her optics squeezing closed as Starscream once more wails with pain* *can't contain some snerks*

Ratchet: *soft snort* Primus does.

Airachnid: *snaps her attention back to the medic, though it's clear the pain hasn't passed yet* ...Primus.

Starscream: For the love of Primus get me out of here!

Ratchet: *Look for Starscream* Shut up.

Starscream: But I'm being tortured!

Airachnid: *smirks*

Ratchet: *simply* Being tied up while your mate is in labor is not torture. *turns attention back to Airachnid* Do you have a protoform for the sparklet?

Airachnid: *intaking deeply again* He seems to have his own. Nnnnn.

Starscream: Ahhhhhh! Do you think I got these marks from her secondhand pain?! She's crazy!

Ratchet: *small frown, scans Airachnid*

baby: *is in the same sort of arrangement that Athena and her peers so recently emerged from. Is also doing his level best to fight his way free of the disintegrating tank with claws and feet*

Ratchet: *soft snort* A Seeklet... I need access to what's under this panel. *indicates Airachnid's abdominal panel*

Airachnid: *tired smirk* You'll have to cut it open, then.

Starscream: NO! D8

Ratchet: Alright. But first... *will move to tag Starscream with a sedative*

Airachnid: :\ What did you do that for?

Ratchet: He was starting to get annoying, and the fewer distractions I have while working on you, the better.

Airachnid: *plainly peeved* Next you're probably going to tell me that I need to be put under too.

Ratchet: That's a last resort, if the pain override I've got doesn't work.

Airachnid: *sharply* I don't need a pain override.

Ratchet: ... *pinches the bridge of his nose* Fine. It's still an option though, if you change your mind. *will move to begin cutting through the panel*

Airachnid: *smirks, and then grits her teeth and scrunches her face up*

Ratchet: *working carefully to get through to the sparklet tank*

tiny hand: *greets him as soon as he lifts Airachnid's belly panel, fingers spread and claws extended. Pauses when it feels air, and then quickly retreats*

big red optic: *peeks through the hole after a bit of wriggling*

Airachnid: *panting with pain and weariness, but smirking still*

Ratchet: *soft, soothing clicks*

sparklet: *braces against the walls of his tank and heaves as his programming catches his attention again*

Airachnid: Nnnnnn! .>_<.

Ratchet: *scanning, and getting a towel out of storage*

tank: *cracks up one side*

Airachnid: *optics fly open as she feels the rush of oil* Augh! What the scrap??

Ratchet: *chuckles and sets to work cleaning up the oil* That's supposed to happen.

Airachnid: That's even more disgusting than my mate.

Ratchet: *slight shrug* It's part of what happens when your shell makes a sparklet tank... *scanning the tank to see how far along the deterioration is*

sparklet: *hisses softly as his intakes kick in, and then rattles and rustles around before bracing himself and heaving again*

Airachnid: *hisses herself and then grits her teeth as the sound of tearing metal tells Ratchet just how weak the tank has become*

Ratchet: Almost there...

Airachnid: *reaches down, gets her claws into the rip, and then tears it the rest of the way open*

sparklet: *has his dad's expression!* 0_0 *none of his fear, though*

Ratchet: *snort* Well, that's one way of doing it. Be careful, since he's still got his umbilical cable.

Airachnid: *softly, her tone belying her words as she lifts her head to look at her son for the first time* Aren't you an ugly little piece of scrap?

sparklet: *hisssss...*

Ratchet: *will gently lift the Seeklet out of the tank*

sparklet: *squirms and hisses, but the little clawed hands only grip Ratchet's instead of lashing out. Turns his head as he searches for something*

Airachnid: *watching silently, is plainly wondering to herself if she wants that tiny thing*

Ratchet: *offers to show Airachnid how to feed the Seeklet*

Airachnid: ...Kinda little, isn't it?

sparklet: *clicks much!*

Ratchet: Sparklets born the way he was tend to be smaller than their carriers.

Airachnid: Minicons, wonderful. *sarcastic smirk*

sparklet: Eeeeee. *then spots the feeding tube and pokes at it*

Ratchet: *chuckle* They also grow.

Airachnid: How... disgustingly pseudo-organic. *takes the sparklet without really meaning to, and then watches as he snuggles close with his audio receiver to her chest*

Ratchet: *soft snort, will work on finishing wiping up the last of the oil, then he'll go and reverse the sedation on Starscream*

Starscream: AHHHHHH! *optics wide, mouth open*

sparklet: *lifts head and looks over there, and then gives a tiny chuckle*

Ratchet: *trying so hard not to laugh*

Starscream: *gasps and looks toward the chuckle* *face scrunches as one optic squints* Ewwwwww. What a disgusting little bug.

Airachnid: *looks at son, who is the spitting image of his father, and then cracks up*

Ratchet: *amused headshake* *to Airachnid* Get some rest when you can.

Airachnid: *smirks* I'll think about it.

Starscream: Let me down, I say! This is insufferable! *squirms and tries to thrash*

sparklet: *laughs again*

Ratchet: *thoughtful expression* How about... no. *will move to head off so he can go to the next set of coordinates Charlie gave him*

Starscream: *as Ratchet teleports away* AHHHHHHHHHH!



local Ratchet: *startled topple from the crate he was sitting on at the sudden appearance of... Someone who looks a bit like him* Bhuh?

Ratchet: ... 0_o *wonders to himself if that's what he looks like when he's zonked*

slender dark blue femme: *pauses in the midst of her pacing to flash a gun toward the sudden visitor*

Ratchet: *hands up, soooo totally not armed* Easy... I'm a friendly.

local Ratchet: *just faceplanted as he attempted to get to his feet* 'M okay.

femme: *folds the gun away and then braces one hand against a balcony sort of arrangement that's standing over by the computer. Other hand goes to her belly as her face crumples with pain* ...Okay... 'Friendly'.

Ratchet: *moves to offer support and to try and guide the femme over to what looks like an examination table*

local Ratchet: *trying again to get up, wants to protect his mate from the stranger* *just a bit zonked-sounding* Get away from Arcee.

Ratchet: ... 0_0 *staring at the blue femme now*

Arcee: *hand upraised* No. I need to walk. I just... *scrunches face and bites her lip*

Ratchet: *will scan the local version of his mate*

Arcee: *is in the later stages of labour, to judge from her energy level and that of the little femme sparklet who is currently resting inside the tank. That tank is deteriorating, though it still has some way to go* Who're you, anyway?

Ratchet: *slight quirk of a grin* An alternate of him. *tips his head to where the local Ratchet just wiped out again*

local Ratchet: *at least he landed on his aft this time?*

Arcee: *slow blink* Uh huh. Ratchet, just how much of that pain override program did you shoot into me?

local Ratchet: *intense look of concentration as he tries to remember*

Ratchet: I know it sounds impossible.

Arcee: Yeah, kinda. *gasps and winds up leaning against him during the next pain*

Ratchet: *soothing words as he scans again, though he's pretty sure there won't be much change*

sparklet: *pushing now, though there isn't any give to the tank yet. Little thing is tired but determined*

Ratchet: The tank's nowhere near ready to be broken through... *small frown*

Arcee: *unshutters optics and looks up at him sharply* What's that mean?

Ratchet: It's gonna be a long night. The sparklet's not in distress, but she is tired from trying to get through the tank...

Arcee: *frowns* Something's not working the way it should?

Ratchet: The tank's just taking its time to deteriorate. As long as the sparklet's not in distress, there's nothing to worry about. *see how calm this guy is?*

local Ratchet: *mumbles a number*

Arcee: Oh. Alright. *intakes deeply* Great. I'm going to have an audience. *then glances at mate* Huh?

Ratchet: *soothingly* Everything will be alright.

local Ratchet: *small frown* ... I forgot what I was going to tell you.

Arcee: *frowns at mate, then looks at the strange looking guy* Is there any way for me to get the pain override without it hitting him that hard?

Ratchet: Let me see... *will scan the local guy*

Arcee: He'll hate it if he isn't able to help with this.

local Ratchet: *zoooonked... and deeply bonded with his mate*

Ratchet: Hmmm... Might have to manually override your pain sensors.

Arcee: Is that all? *perks, but then grits her teeth through another pain. Isn't feeling them fully, but is still feeling them*

Ratchet: *moves to reverse the painkiller, prepares to duck*

Arcee: *stands fists clenched and face crumpled, doing her utmost to try and block the pain from her mate*

local Ratchet: *wincing once his head's no longer foggy, will move to help his mate... only to stop and give the other red and white mech a bit of an 0_o look*

Ratchet: I was sent to help. Try not to think about it too hard.

local Ratchet: ... Alright. *moves to offer support to his mate* -...Am I really that much of a grouch?-

Arcee: o.0 -I didn't notice him grouching.- *pain hits then and her knees buckle* Hrrrmmm. Pain block maybe?

local Ratchet: *small nod, will set to work doing that*

Arcee: *sighs with relief and leans against him for a moment, then rises to her toes to give him a quick peck before pushing away so that she can start pacing again*

Ratchet: *soft snort, moves to sit down on one of the crates to keep an optic on the couple, and be amused at how fussy his counterpart is*

local Ratchet: *trying to get Arcee to lay down on the examination table, so he can get a good scan*

Arcee: *tired, cheerful, and firm but gentle chiding* Ratchet, don't make me hurt you.

local Ratchet: *slight huff, though his optics are sparkling a bit*

Arcee: *grins up at him, but then sighs and stops walking* Hey, you. Other Ratchet. What exactly are we expecting here?

Ratchet: *blink* Gender-wise?

local Ratchet: *Look for his counterpart* We already know that our sparklet is a femme.

Arcee: *absent pat for mate's chest* No. You talked about the tank deteriorating. And what's with all this pain?

Ratchet: *will explain the process as well as he can* Basically, Arcee's shell will continue to absorb the components of the tank wall, until it's thin enough for the sparklet to break through on her own. There will be a lot of oil once the tank ruptures, but that's perfectly normal...

local Ratchet: ... *concerned expression is a go*

Arcee: *blink blink* Fun. *looks down at self, then tilts head* I'm going to need an access panel, aren't I?

Ratchet: *nods* Unless you can move your plating out of the way...

Arcee: Nope. *looks at mate* Feel like giving me an upgrade?

local Ratchet: You'll need to lay down.

Arcee: Yes, I know. *smirks at him, her optics softening slightly as she teases him* -Not grouchy. Just fussy.-

local Ratchet: *moving to offer assistance over to the table* -For a good reason.- *very slight quirk of a smile*

Arcee: -Uh huh.- *shakes head and rolls optics, but lets him help her* I'm not falling apart, you know. Wait... Vital systems aren't falling apart.

Ratchet: *snort* If it keeps him from losing his head, let him help in any way he can.

local Ratchet: *ignoring that*

Arcee: *laughing now as she gets settled on the table. And then she's yawning behind her hand and groaning softly*

local Ratchet: *dryly* My concern for my mate is nothing compared to the way Bulkhead has been fussing and fretting ever since it was found that Witchblade is expecting as well.

Ratchet: *soft 'heh'* If the one you know is anything like the one I know, I can only imagine.

Arcee: *laughs quietly* Big, blunt, claims to be good only for building or breaking?

Ratchet: Big, squishy spark?

Arcee: When it comes to Miko and Witchblade? Yes.

local Ratchet: *snorts* He's just as attached to that barbarian Wheeljack. *making absolutely sure the pain sensors in Arcee's abdomen are disabled. Doesn't want to cause her even the slightest hint of discomfort if he can avoid doing so*

Ratchet: *snerk* I'm guessing your Wheeljack's pretty different from the mech I know...

Arcee: I don't know. What's yours like?

Ratchet: Well, one of his latest hobbies was feeding his sparklet son different varieties of fuel and seeing whether the little bit would urk it back up...

Arcee: *turns head and stares at him*

local Ratchet: ... *staring at the other red and white mech* You're joking.

Ratchet: *headshake* Nope. It did help him work out a good formula for sparklet fuels though, so there was some good in that... Of course, his older offspring, Keepsake, and Eclipse, aren't much better. Before Solar Flare got used to different kinds of fuel, they'd plan out solar cycles in advance who would feed him what. *thoughtful pause* And who would aim him at Infrared.

local Ratchet: 0_0 How many offspring does he have?!

Ratchet: Counting Keepsake and Eclipse? Three. Infrared is one of Red Alert and Perceptor's proteges. He and Ultra Violet see Wheeljack as one of their mentors as well, though.

Arcee: *looks at her mate* ...Do you think our Wheeljack might have run into a femme somewhere out there? We haven't heard from him in awhile.

local Ratchet: ... I really hope not. I don't think the universe could handle it.

Arcee: But if Bulkhead's replicated...

Ratchet: Keepsake and Eclipse aren't so bad, really... They're good at helping in medical emergencies.

local Ratchet: ... 0_0

Arcee: *voices his thought* You mean that Wheeljack's kids are good for repairing things, and not just blowing them up?

Ratchet: *nods* They blow plenty of things up too, but I don't have to deal with them, unless they're on Earth. *slightly smug about that*

local Ratchet: Where are they, if not on Earth? *skillfully working a small circular saw*

Ratchet: Cybertron.

Arcee: *another startled look* Yours is alive?

Ratchet: *nods* And thriving.

local Ratchet: *silent as he works, trying not to think about what happened back home...*

Arcee: *softly* Ours won't thrive again till enough time has passed. *shutters optics and sighs* Now that Optimus emptied the Matrix into Vector Sigma and the Omega Lock.

Ratchet: *small frown* Is he alright?

Arcee: *sending comfort over her bond as she feels her mate's pain* We don't know. No one's heard from him since then.

Ratchet: ... Oh.

Arcee: *firms her chin* He stayed around long enough to take Megatron down first, though.

local Ratchet: *puts the circular saw down for a moment* All we can do now is wait... and pray.

Ratchet: *quietly* Things will work out... I'm sure of it.

local Ratchet: *still staring sightlessly down at his mate* Yes... Primus has already given us new lives... and new hope.

Arcee: Yeah. Even if the new lives seem to want to come into the world like those things off Miko's movie. *chuckle*

Ratchet: *soft snort*

local Ratchet: *gives himself a bit of a shake and gets back to work on creating an access point in Arcee's armor*

Arcee: So you guys have been replicating like this for awhile? *turns head to look at the visitor*

Ratchet: We only have a few sparklets born this way. And they were all born very recently...

Arcee: *surprised lift of her brows* So you got this sudden bonding and babies thing too?

Ratchet: Not the sudden bonding, no. We had an incident a few months back where all of the Cybertronians in the city we're living in got turned human... and three of the bonded femmes' bodies interpreted their bonds as them being pregnant.

Arcee: *doing the stare again* ...Turned human.

local Ratchet: *staring as well*

Ratchet: *will explain in detail about Meltdown, and how his neglected equipment exploded, causing the sudden change in make-up*

Arcee: I... think I'm really glad my fuel tank's empty right now.

local Ratchet: *nodding his agreement, even as he puts the circular saw away*

Arcee: *brows suddenly shoot upward, and then she's chuckling as a tiny tapping sounds in the silence after the saw's been put away* She thinks it's playtime, Ratchet.

local Ratchet: Aww... *will move to gently tap a response on part of Arcee's remaining abdomen plating*

Ratchet: *chuckle* They do like that... She'll probably be trying to listen for your sparks once she's out.

local Ratchet: *as he continues to gently tap on his mate's armor* I look forward to that...

sparklet: *taps curiously over on a part of her tank that's been exposed, then pauses at the difference in sound for a moment before tapping again*

local Ratchet: *talking quietly* Everything's alright, Dove...

Ratchet: *soft chuckle as he realizes that the little one is named already, just like Athena was named before she was born*

Dove: *more little taps, and then a silence as she braces herself and gives a determined push*

local Ratchet: *scanning*

tank: *still not thin enough, but inside there a tiny chin is wibbling as the tired sparklet relaxes and taps again*

local Ratchet: *more gentle taps, concern clear on his face*

Arcee: *softly* What's wrong?

local Ratchet: The tank isn't thin enough yet... But Dove isn't stressed, just tired.

Arcee: *brows lift slightly with understanding* She wants out faster than the tank's letting her out?

Dove: *tap tap tap. Struggles to turn and tap another spot*

local Ratchet: It's looking like it...

Ratchet: *getting up, concerned* We had that happen with one of the mothers back home.

Arcee: *quick little flash of alarm over her bond with her mate* Will it hurt her if Ratchet opens the tank?

Ratchet: As long as her umbilical cord isn't damaged before it detaches on its own, she should be alright.

local Ratchet: *will get his circular saw out again and scan as he works*

Dove: *goes very still again as she once more hears that funny funny sound*

Arcee: *frowning as she watches*

Ratchet: *scanning and advising* *doing his best to keep calm, since that seems to be helping his counterpart*

Arcee: She's moving. Shut off the saw. *concerned scowl*

local Ratchet: *shuts the saw off and moves to tap a bit more*

Dove: *almighty shove! And then a squeak as her head and shoulders suddenly pop out into a strange bright place!* *blink blink*

Arcee: *gasps and stares*

local Ratchet: *surprised blurt, but then he's moving to try and help clear enough room for Dove to get out*

Ratchet: *getting towels ready*

Dove: *little wriggle, and then pushes with her feet. Soft clicks*

Arcee: Careful, that hole's tight, and it's pulling on her cable. *deep frown*

local Ratchet: *soft clicks, is trying to be careful as he works on expanding the hole so there's enough room for Dove and her cable to get through safely*

Dove: *just watching him now. She's got his optics in her mother's heart-shaped face. Is very intent as she turns her little head to keep his hands in sight as best she can*

Arcee: I... what am I crying for? *little choked laugh*

Dove: *looks over her shoulder and clicks*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle*

local Ratchet: *softly* She's beautiful, Arcee... *just about has the hole expanded enough*

Arcee: *small static sob as she reaches to offer a hand to her daughter*

Dove: *gravely closes tiny fingers around one of her mother's. Quiet little clicks that sound reassuring and quizzical*

local Ratchet: *will gently lift Dove out of the tank once there's enough room for him to do so safely* *trying not to wibble*

Dove: *little arms go out in a startled flail, and then she's looking up at him quizzically as she shivers just a little bit at leaving the warm tank*

Arcee: *watching so closely, doesn't notice that Dove's leaving the tank left trails of oil all over*

Ratchet: *moving to clean the oil up, will also offer his counterpart a fluffy towel to wrap the newborn in*

local Ratchet: *soothing clicks as he moves to gently wrap Dove in the towel* There... Is that better?

Dove: *talks with her little clicks. Wiggles slightly, then discovers the towel and tries stuffing a corner into her mouth*

Arcee: Ack!

Ratchet: *calmly, as he cleans* That won't hurt her. She's trying to learn about it.

local Ratchet: *gives his counterpart a concerned glance* Are you sure? *trying to distract Dove from trying to nom on the towel*

Ratchet: *nods* She's similar to a human infant. She'll try to learn about her world with all of her senses.

Arcee: Carson stuck things in his mouth. *reaches toward Dove again*

Dove: *makes a face about the towel and spits it out, then tries her fingers*

Ratchet: That's how they learn... And she's more than likely hungry. *will move to show the new parents how to feed a sparklet*

local Ratchet: *being incredibly careful with Dove's umbilical as he gently sets the newborn on Arcee's chest, will get some tubing and open the cover to his fuel tank. Will then follow his counterpart's instructions of sticking one end in the tank, and offering the other end to Dove*

Dove: *lifts her head and reaches for the tube, her expression full of wonder and interest*

Arcee: *soft laugh* That goes in your mouth, Dove. You're hungry, right?

Dove: *looks at Mama and lifts brows*

Ratchet: *chuckles softly as he watches*

local Ratchet: *trying to gently interest Dove in the tube*

Arcee: *pokes at the little mouth, grinning softly*

Dove: *opens mouth* ...?

local Ratchet: *softly clicking as he watches*

Ratchet: *thinks he should probably get going, and let the family get to know one another*

Dove: *has the tube in her mouth. Chews a little, and then sucks on it. Big sigh and lays her head down on Mama's chest*

Ratchet: *softly* I should get going...

local Ratchet: *looks up* Do you have any advice for delivering the other two sparklets we're expecting?

Ratchet: The main thing is making sure the mothers and sparklets aren't stressed, and overriding the pain. Once the sparklets are born and their umbilical cables detach, the mothers' bodies will reabsorb the tanks.

Arcee: Witchblade survived the entire war being a Decepticon grunt, and Vesper survived as a slave. I don't think they get stressed over much. *gently rubbing her daughter's shoulder through the towel*

local Ratchet: *a bit dryly* No... Witchblade just manages to stress me as much as Bulkhead and Wheeljack do.

Ratchet: *soft snerk* Be glad they're not twin brothers.

local Ratchet: *quietly, his optics on Dove* I've known a couple twins. One was a mech I knew back on Cybertron... Sideswipe helped pilot the Ark. The other's a Seeker who's taken to our side after we relit his brother's spark.

Ratchet: Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are stationed at the base I call home... *slight quirk of a grin* And Sideswipe is 'Dad' to two sets of twin mechs. Runabout and Mudflap are just like him.

Arcee: *glances up* You sounded a little like my Ratchet when he talks about Wheeljack when you said that.

local Ratchet: ... *and then he's facepalming. Went and listened again and now he's hearing it too*

Ratchet: *slight shrug* Alternates tend to be similar, even if there're big differences in tech.

Dove: *sneezes repeatedly and then grumbles softly and rubs at her intakes. Doesn't stop drinking, though*

local Ratchet: *will gently fuss over babby now*

Ratchet: *thoughtful expression* So when are the other expectant mothers due?

Arcee: *looks at her mate and sees him highly distracted* Well, we discovered Rafaela the same day we found out why my energon wasn't staying where it should, but Ratchet said she was younger. When he finally managed to chase Witchblade down he thought Ichiro was about the same age as Ella.

Ratchet: *small nod* So it might be in the next few days...

Arcee: *nods as well, distracted now herself by a bitty sound from Dove*

Ratchet: *looks over to his local counterpart. Poke* It was mentioned that Vesper was originally a slave?

local Ratchet: *gives his counterpart a Look for the poke* She was one of the last born of the Allspark... And is around the same age as Bumblebee. She was captured, and enslaved, when the bots who found her were ambushed. The way she was treated, and the lack of energy have left their marks, but she's strong.

Arcee: *looks up, her expression serious*

Ratchet: *brow ridges up* Does she have any sign of slave programming?

Arcee: *scowls* She's fine. Quiet, but she can stand up for herself.

local Ratchet: As Witchblade has found out on two separate occasions.

Ratchet: ... I don't want to know. *so amused though*

Arcee: *sudden huge yawn and a groan. Scrunches optics shut against weariness so heavy that it nearly hurts despite the overrides* Ughh...



local Ratchet: *will fuss over mate and babby now*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle* Get some rest. *will move to leave*

Arcee: *quietly* Wait...

Ratchet: *pauses in reaching for his PINpoint* Hm?

Arcee: *as her mate turns to look at his alternate. Cracks a small grin* Thanks.

Ratchet: *nods* You're welcome. *PINpoints back to the Black Dog. Thinks it might be a good idea to bring Cragbuster something nice to eat*

Terrion: *over at one end of the bar, staring down at it as she frowns to herself*

Ratchet: *surprised expression is a go, will move to approach* Terrion?

Terrion: *blinks and looks up* Oh. Hi, Ratchet. I didn't know you were in the Nexus.

Ratchet: Er... I had business here.

Terrion: Oh. *slight smile that only moves her mouth*

Ratchet: *concerned* Is something wrong back home?

Terrion: *uncharacteristic look of temporary confusion as she visibly searches her memory. Is usually right on top of most of what goes on at the plant*

Ratchet: *slight frown* *gently* Is something bothering you?

Terrion: *winces and looks away, her expression answering instead of her voice*

Ratchet: *quietly* He asked me what kind of 'rat %%$$%$%$$#%#' he was...

Terrion: *flinches slightly and looks like she's going to cry* *quietly* I heard.

Ratchet: *softly* He needs you, Terrion.

Terrion: *shakes her head* *quiet* I can't.

Ratchet: *soft sigh. Isn't sure what else to say*

Terrion: *looks up at him, her optics bright* I know what he thinks of me, Ratchet. If I went to him now, and let him think he loves me... *bites her lip* Can you imagine how angry he'll be when he gets his memory back?

Ratchet: He told Jael he was going with you, instead of staying with her...

Terrion: And we've both seen how he's regretted that. *droops so that her face is on the bar*

Ratchet: *will move to gently rub her back* *quietly* What about telling him how you feel? He'd listen.

Terrion: I have, when he's himself.

Ratchet: Then try talking to him as he is now.

Terrion: Like I said. If I did that he'll really hate me when he gets his memories back.

Ratchet: He might not. But if you don't at least give it a shot, you might not ever find out for certain.

Terrion: Ratchet, I've been working with Cragbuster for a long time. Maj. Dillard is the several greats grandson of the man that originally built me.

Ratchet: *seriously* People can change.

Terrion: *quietly* I won't take advantage of him when he's like that.

Ratchet: *Look* Since when is talking to someone and trying to patch things up so you two can at least tolerate one another taking advantage?

Terrion: Because he normally wouldn't do it.

Ratchet: *circulates air and lets it out in a sigh*

yOp: *pauses on the way past as he talks to oTarantulus* Ratchet? What's wrong?

oTarantulus: *gives Ratchet one of his quiet and wary looks*

Ratchet: *slight start, relaxes when he recognizes yOp and oTarantulus* Do you want the long or short version?

yOp: *glances at Terrion and frowns slightly with concern* Maybe the short one.

Ratchet: *small nod* Cragbuster was badly damaged by Shockwave about three months ago. It affected his memories and personality. Before the incident, he didn't give two scraps about whose feelings he hurt. Now, he does... And he doesn't fully understand why Terrion avoids him. She doesn't want to take advantage of him, and also doesn't want to be hurt when he regains his memories.

yOp: *blinks, then quirks a brow* *gently* Er, Ratchet?

Terrion: *sharp look for the Guardian Fae*

Ratchet: ... Don't tell me... *pinching the bridge of his nose now*

yOp: *softly* Cragbuster won't be regaining those memories, unless you have backups.

Ratchet: *very soft sigh* *quietly* I was afraid of that. I don't have backups... He never would let me give him a check-up.

yOp: *sympathetic hand on Ratchet's shoulder* *gently* Primus sends people back that way sometimes.

Ratchet: *shutters his optics and nods his understanding*

yOp: Don't think of what he's lost. Think of what he's gained.

Ratchet: *quietly* A second chance...

yOp: *nods* Not quite as drastic as ours. *glances at oTarantulus*

Ratchet: *another small nod*

yOp: *softly* Do you want a hug?

Ratchet: *nods* *is trying to keep from leaking how he feels through to Arcee, since he doesn't want to make her worry*

yOp: *big hug*

Primus: *affection, reassurance*

Ratchet: *slight intake hitch*

Primus: *Cragbuster can now become what he was meant to be. All the rejection and hurt is gone* *it's not what Primus wanted, but it can be used for good!*

Ratchet: *small nod*

Primus: *more comfort and approval*

Terrion: *hesitant hand on Ratchet's arm as she hears the static coming from his intakes*

Ratchet: *very soft clicks*

Terrion: *pat pats him, but then squeaks and jerks her hand away as a spark seems to shoot from yOp and hit her*

yOp: 0.0 .>_<. *mutter*

oTarantulus: ...?

Ratchet: *startles* What the?! *scanning Terrion now*

Terrion: *blinking and putting a hand to her head* I... Something... *stumble*

yOp: *deep sigh* You're... well, welcome to the family. *facepalm*

Ratchet: *soothingly* Easy... *supports Terrion*

Terrion: *dazedly* What happened, Ratchet?

Ratchet: ... You've gained a spark, Terrion.

Terrion: *blinks and looks up at him with wide optics that are now shining softly* What? But...

yOp: *going to step away a little, his faceplates very red*

Ratchet: *gently* Let's get you home, and resting.

Terrion: Yes. That... sounds like a good idea.

yOp: *softly* Ratchet?

Ratchet: *looks over* Hm? *just a bit distracted now that he's got another patient to care for*

yOp: *holds out a jumbo box of softboils, the fancy flavoured ones*

Ratchet: *slight quirk of a grin, will reach for the box* Thanks...

yOp: *sheepish grin in return* Make sure you share with Cragbuster.

Ratchet: *nods. Fully intends to make sure Cragbuster gets the majority of the softboils*

yOp: *sees that and his grin clears a little* Want me to send you back? It's gentler than the PINpoints.

Ratchet: That'd be appreciated. *will make sure Terrion's steady*

yOp: *nods*

*and then suddenly Ratchet and Terrion are surrounded by the familiar quiet of the medi-lab*

Ratchet: *will move to guide Terrion to the unoccupied table*

Cragbuster: *stirs as Ratchet nears, then opens his eyes and blinks* *sits up* Dad, what happened?

Ratchet: *quietly* We had a bit of excitement at the Black Dog.

Cragbuster: *looks at the drooping Terrion and frowns* Are you alright?

Ratchet: I'm fine. Terrion will be alright once she's had a chance to rest.

Cragbuster: *hesitates, but then squares his jaw and slides off the table to come over* *quietly* What happened?

Ratchet: You remember Oppy, right?

Cragbuster: *blinks* Hormah's sparklet?

Ratchet: *headshake* The big one that sparkles sometimes.

Cragbuster: *face clears* The pizza bot. ...The one without feathers. *nod*

Ratchet: *nod* Well... We ran into him. And somehow, Terrion gained a spark.

Cragbuster: *optics go wide, and then he's looking at the white femme with a smile that's quietly gentle and shy*

Ratchet: Right now, she needs to rest, and reboot.

Cragbuster: *goes and grabs his pillow, then tucks it under Terrion's head*

Terrion: *doesn't wake, only turns her head slightly and murmurs*

Ratchet: *slight quirk of a smile, will set the softboils box down for a moment while he gets a blanket. Will give the blanket to Cragbuster*

Cragbuster: Thanks. *takes the blanket and covers Terrion carefully, making sure that her feet don't stick out*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle* *moves to offer the softboils box* Big Oppy also gave us this.

Cragbuster: *pauses and sniffs, then grins* Kendell'll love that.

Ratchet: *soft 'heh'* Yeah... *offers one of the softboils to Cragbuster*

Cragbuster: *blinks and glances at Terrion, but then straightens to take the treat and have a bite* Mmmm.

Ratchet: *out of habit, scans Cragbuster*

Cragbuster: *last remaining system damage is gone. Is running very well for a mech his age*

Ratchet: *surprised sound*

Cragbuster: *lifts brow ridge* What?

Ratchet: *quietly, sounding relieved* It's nothing...

Cragbuster: *looks at the diagnostic screen on Ratchet's chest, and then goes wide-eyed and looks around for his cane* I feel fine...

Ratchet: *nod* There's no more system damage.

Cragbuster: *frowns* So how'd that happen?

Ratchet: *quietly* Primus had a hand in it, I'm guessing.

Cragbuster: Why would he go out of his way to repair me? *still frowning*

Ratchet: *slight quirk of a grin* Because, he cares about all of us... Even the ones that're self-proclaimed 'Rat %$%$*^%$#%$#%$#%$'.

Cragbuster: *blinks, and then bows his head* *quietly* That's just what nearly everyone seems to see me as.

Ratchet: *quietly* Then prove them wrong. And watch out, because Stiletto will probably try to pounce on you. *chuckles* She's very fond of you.

Cragbuster: *grin steals over his face. Quiet and slightly gruff* She's a sweet one.

Ratchet: *more chuckle* It always amazes me that she's not more like her father...

Cragbuster: She's been through a lot, hasn't she? *doesn't realize that this hasn't made him differ hugely from his father*

Ratchet: *small nod, expression going a bit somber as he thinks about what the youngster's been through*

Cragbuster: Does she like these flavoured softboils?

Ratchet: No... She'll pick them out of pizza when they're there.

Cragbuster: Hrrm. *then forgets softboils as Terrion makes a sound* *softly, as he pats her shoulder gently* Shhh. Just rest.

Ratchet: *very slight smile, is being quietly thoughtful as he thinks about the past three months*

Terrion: *settles down again*

Cragbuster: *satisfied that she's in stasis, he steps back and takes his hand away with the air of one who oughtn't to have really been over there to start with*

Ratchet: *moves to gently patpat his shoulder* *quietly* Let's go see if anyone else would like some softboils.

Cragbuster: *low, with a slight grumble* Yeah... *last glance at Terrion as he turns toward the door*

Ratchet: *quietly* Everything will be alright, Cragbuster.

Cragbuster: *glances at him, and then away* *also quiet* I just wish I could take back whatever I've done to her to make her hate me like she does.

Ratchet: *more patpat* *softly* I don't think she hates you... But I do think you two need to talk, and soon.

Cragbuster: *quizzical frown that lacks ire*

Ratchet: After she's gotten used to having a spark... *will move to try and herd Cragbuster out to where the sparklets are*

Cragbuster: *quietly* What are you saying, old man?

Ratchet: *quietly* I'm saying that you two should at least try and talk things out.

Cragbuster: *glances over his shoulder with a thoughtful frown* Do you think she'll finally listen? Whoa! *bends to catch the little black bitty that just slammed into his shins*

Ratchet: It's worth a shot. *chuckles as Runabout starts yapping away once he's realized who caught him*

Runabout: *babble babble clickstorm! Loves you, Unca Buster!*

Cragbuster: *cuddles the little bot* Is that so? Where's your brother, hmm? *glances to Ratchet to let him know he heard*

Ratchet: *chuckles* *then* If Mudflap's being quiet, we're in for trouble.

Runabout: *babble babble, yeeee!!! Gleeflail!*

Kup: *from the big open space in the main room* He's out here.

Ratchet: *chuckles and moves to herd Cragbuster and Runabout toward the main room*

Cragbuster: *grumbles at Ratchet amiably, but then stops and turns his head toward a soft squeaking sound over in the big open space where the DDR sometimes stands* *blinks*

Ratchet: *looks to where Cragbuster is looking* ... *boggling now* What the...

Optimus: *keeping an optic on the sparklets as several of them ride the merry-go-round he and Kup put together from some of the extra wooden horses and spare materials*

Kup: *sitting on a stool with a belt from one of his alt mode tires to the merry-go-round. Glances over at Ratchet's exclamation and then boots Optimus and nods toward Cragbuster's lack of cane*

Optimus: *slight start, looks... and STARES*

Cragbuster: *discomfited* What? Have I got grease on my face or something? *frown*

Optimus: ...Where's your cane, Cragbuster?

Cragbuster: *looks at his hand and quirks a comical expression like his father would do. Then looks at said father* I left it in the medi-lab?

Ratchet: *nods* *quietly* It's in the medi-lab...

Cragbuster: ...I feel just fine. *bounces Runabout gently*

Runabout: *babble babble, clickstor-BEEEEG yawn, snugga Unca*

Cragbuster: *cuddles the little guy close and rubs his back*

Ratchet: *chuckles* I think someone's ready for a nap.

Kup: So how's he walkin' around so pretty? *chews his cigar type thing and quirks a brow*

Ratchet: *quietly* Primus had a hand in that.

Optimus: *quiet for a few moments as he listens*

Fireflight: *comes tearing down the hall, sideswipes Ratchet, and tackle glomps Cragbuster*

Cragbuster: Ack! #$#$#@! *protects bitty bot even as he tries not to fall too hard and to hug the bigger youngster*

Kup: *stink. Eye*

Runabout: *sleepy little clicks, splatsleep on Unca. Purrrrrrrr*

Ratchet: *facepalm*

Optimus: *not the least bit concerned about cusswords or anyone getting knocked over as he reminds Fireflight to be careful since Cragbuster is holding Runabout* *sees his daughter's recklessness as a reply to the query he just sent Primus' way*

Cragbuster: *gruff kindliness that sounds just like Ratchet* Fireflight, why don't you ask Grandpa for a softboil?

Fireflight: What? Softboils? It's not supper time. *lifts head from listening to Cragbuster run and looks around at Optimus and Ratchet*

Ratchet: We were given a box of them. *chuckles and offers the box*

Kup: *slows and then stops the merry go round as interest in riding on wooden ponies undergoes a very sudden dip*

Kendell: *as she carefully climbs down off her rocking horse* Me too? Papa, is it alright for a snack now?

Mudflap: NOMS! :D *faceplant off the pony he'd been riding backward*

Optimus: *nods* Perfectly alright. *will move to pick up as many of the littles as will let him*

Magenta: *gleefully smacks him on the face a few times* Omnomnomnom.

Athena: Oh? Hey... *frowns at Magenta for hitting*

Steelsong: *sending big grins toward Ratchet even as she's picked up*

Shia: *leaning back to watch Sunhalo climb up onto Optimus' head* *chatter, chirp, click!*

Ratchet: *getting pictures of the cute*

monitor light: *suddenly flashing on his chest*

Fireflight: They're awake! :D

Kup: ...Whatnow? Slingshot? *has a Ridgeback dangling from one hand*

Ratchet: Mistfire and Scattershot.

Optimus: *trying to reposition bitties so he can grab the box of softboils*

Ratchet: *will gank Magenta and one of the softboils once he no longer has the box, and head off to check on the pink couple*

Mistfire: *quietly, as he opens the door* Gorgeous... slow down. Can't understand a word... *soft groan and turns her head toward her mate's rapid-fire chatter*

Scattershot: *has a bit of a data loop going, and is disoriented. Has no idea what day it is or even where he is at the moment*

Ratchet: *will gently set Magenta and her softboil down next to Mistfire, and give Scattershot a good bap to the back of the head*

Scattershot: *startled flail*

Magenta: *sitting and blinking as she looks from one pink bot to the other, her softboil forgotten in her little hands*

Mistfire: *winces* Ouch. Doc, what...?

Magenta: *that voice! Piercing shriek!*

Mistfire: o.<.

Scattershot: *cycling air and trying to figure out where he is* *flinches at the shriek*

Ratchet: *wince wince wince* Easy, Magenta... *to Mistfire* It distracted him into shutting up, didn't it?

Scattershot: *circulating a bit rapidly, though he is starting to recognize his surroundings. Turns his head to look for Mistfire* *blink blink*

Mistfire: *frowns up at Ratchet* *quietly, weakness apparent in her voice* What happened?

Magenta: *shaking and whimpering. Softboil is moosh*

Ratchet: *quietly* When you went into labor, Magenta broke her connecting cable before the tank finished deteriorating. It sent both of you into shock, and we nearly lost you and Scattershot.

Scattershot: *quiet little clicks for the tiny pink sparklet he sees*

Mistfire: *squeezes her optics shut and quietly mutters an unprintable word, then looks up at Ratchet again* She's alright? Where... Junior partners?

Magenta: *staring raptly at the pink guy. Still shaking and making tiny sad sounds*

Scattershot: *will try turning onto his side since his doorwings are starting to bother him. And he wants to hold the tiny sparklet*

Ratchet: *nods* She's alright. Temperamental as all get-out, but considering who her parents are... *snort* Wheelie and Rumrunner are with Ace, Stiletto, and some of the other youngbots. Arcee's teaching class right now.

Mistfire: *tries to get a hand up to touch the tiny whimpers, but then sighs and lays back* 'N how'm I?

Magenta: *just took a leap off the table toward those pink arms*

Mistfire: *gasp!*

Ratchet: *acks and moves to catch Magenta*

Scattershot: *startled squeak*

Magenta: *caught and screaming bloody murder, this is NOT the bot she wants!*

First Aid: *is that clatter of feet as she runs to come and see what's wrong*

Ratchet: .>.o *will bring Magenta over to Scattershot's table and tuck the upset sparklet in with her father*

Scattershot: *soft, soothing clicks, will try and rub Magenta's back*

Magenta: *clings to the good sounding pink bot and gets softboil all over him* *hides her face on him too*

Scattershot: *quietly* She's little. *yup, still a bit out of sorts, but at least he's calmed down*

First Aid: *a couple uncertain tries, and then speaks* She's little because she's just new. *optics go to Ratchet, and then back to Optimus, who saw her pass the hallway entrance and came to check on her*

Scattershot: Oh... *gentle nuzzle for the sparklet's helm*

Ratchet: First Aid, do you want to help me transfer Mistfire over so she and Scattershot can get to know their daughter?

First Aid: *quietly, as she glances up at her mate* There's more room on the big bed in the guest room upstairs. Optimus can help?

Ratchet: *nods* It'll be quieter there too. And we have portable monitors and equipment.

Optimus: I've got a PINpoint. We can bring everything in one go.

Mistfire: ...Don't think I'm up ta that right now, Prime... Magnus. *faint smirk*

Optimus: *small nod* I understand.

Scattershot: *has most of a happy... Just needs the rest of his family, then he can has full happy*

dRumrunner: *is that soft scuff of a little foot as he peers into the medi-lab, his face creased into a quiet frown of concern*

Wheelie: *peeking around dRumrunner cautiously*

Mistfire: *looks over there and see the bright colour behind Optimus' legs* *slight smile* 'Shot. Partners.

Scattershot: *looks, smile* Hey...

Wheelie: *soft little click* *knows you're supposed to be quiet in the medi-lab*

dRumrunner: *quietly* Can we come in, Ratchet? Kup said we should come check on Mistfire 'n 'Shot.

Ratchet: *nods* We'll be bringing them up to the guest room in a bit, since it's quiet up there, and there's more room for everyone to lay down together. *remembers all the times he's seen the Junior Partners snuggled with either adult in recent days*

dRumrunner: *echoes the nod* Do you need help with that?

First Aid: *gently* Optimus is going to help.

dRumrunner: *looks up with a frown, but then looks satisfied* He's big enough to do it right, now. Right, Wheelie?

Wheelie: *nod nod*

Optimus: The sooner we get going, the sooner everyone can pile onto the bed... *slight smile for Pink Squad*

First Aid: *nods and steps out of the way, her optics going to Ratchet*

Ratchet: *moving to get a couple of portable monitors, will give those to First Aid*

First Aid: *takes them and turns to go up to the guest room and get the equipment set up. Knows there are blankets up there. Some small bots use the big guest bed as a fort*

Ratchet: *will move to carefully lift Mistfire after disconnecting her from the stationary monitors and turning those off when they start to protest*

Optimus: *will carefully lift Scattershot and Magenta... and hold still while Wheelie scales his back*

Mistfire: *winces and lays her head against Ratchet's shoulder* Don't feel so great, Doc.

Ratchet: *gently* I know... It's a side-effect of the trauma. It will fade, just give it time.

Mistfire: *slight nod, and then winces* Softboil on 'Shot. *yup, she's noticing the condition of her pink thing*

Ratchet: *chuckle* We'll get him cleaned up...

Mistfire: *slight frown that says even now she's wanting her mate as shiny as possible*

dRumrunner: *carefully pushing curious bitties with softboil sammiches out of the hall* Go back to Kup 'n 'Buster.

Ratchet: *makes sure Mistfire's as comfortable as possible before moving to head for the guest room*

Optimus: *follows, clicking softly to the gathered sparklets*

Jazz: *sitting on the second of the second floor flights when they get up there, is all by himself. Jumps up when he sees what's going on* Whoa, welcome back, 'Shot.

Scattershot: *looks up from cuddling Magenta* *small smile* Hey, Jazz.

Jazz: *softly* Ben kinda crazy down in the rough parts'a town without you representin'.

Scattershot: *small frown* What kind'a crazy?

Jazz: Like it was back before you lay down the law 'a pink, I guess. *grins as he walks beside Optimus*

Scattershot: *more frown* Oh...

Ratchet: There'll be time to sort that out later.

Magenta: *growls at Jazz as he reaches to gently brush softboil off her little face* NO! MINE!

Jazz: *chuckle*

Scattershot: *soothing clicks, will fuss over babby a bit more*

dRumrunner: *suddenly runs ahead to make sure First Aid's got the blankets and everything good*

Blackarachnia: *standing right at the head of the stairs when they reach the top*

Optimus: *stops*

Wheelie: *rests his chin on Optimus' shoulder*

Jazz: *quizzical look for Optimus* What's up, Magnus?

Optimus: There's a visitor at the top of the stairs...

Jazz: Ohhh. *glances back at Ratchet*

Ratchet: *small frown* Who is it, Optimus?

Optimus: *quietly* Blackarachnia.

Jazz: *visor dims slightly as he scans the area*

Mistfire: *frowns and turns her head, then startles and stares at something just in front of Optimus*

Ratchet: *much frown now*

Optimus: She's been hanging around the plant for awhile... *frown* I haven't seen her inside the building before though.

Scattershot: *frown* What's she want?

Ratchet: *quietly* You said she usually doesn't see us, Optimus?

Optimus: *nods* Usually... *watching Blackarachnia now*

Blackarachnia: *moves a bit restlessly, but then startles and looks right at Mistfire*

Mistfire: ... *sneer*

Blackarachnia: *just stares at her, looking a bit scared and lost*

Optimus: *gently, to Blackarachnia* She won't hurt you.

Blackarachnia: *shows no sign of having heard the young Magnus, instead she walks through him, Scattershot, and Magenta and stops in front of Ratchet*

Mistfire: *narrows optics*

Ratchet: *small frown* *can't see what Mistfire and Optimus are looking at, but going by their expressions, he's pretty sure he knows where the freespark is*

Optimus: *steps up off the stairs and turns to watch Blackarachnia*

Blackarachnia: *reaches to touch Mistfire, and flinches slightly as the tri-colour femme hisses at her* *softly, barely audible to only Mistfire and Optimus* It nearly happened to you too.

Mistfire: *shows teeth* No touchy.

Optimus: *very slight frown at Blackarachnia's words*

Scattershot: *worried expression is a go*

Blackarachnia: *recoils at the show of teeth and looks hurt and confused* But you're still alive. *slowly shakes head* My sparklet's with Waspinator.

Mistfire: ... *deep, puzzled scowl*

Blackarachnia: *looks around, and then vanishes*

Mistfire: *slowly looks up at Optimus* She's gone.

Optimus: ... *small nod* *quietly* We'll need to find Waspinator.

Ratchet: *brow ridges UP*

Jazz: Waspinator? That crazy bug cat Bee told stories about?

Optimus: *nods*

Wheelie: *hides his face against Optimus. Remembers when Wasp was pretending to be Bumblebee*

Jazz: Why, O.M?

Optimus: *quietly* For starters, Blackarachnia left her sparklet with him.

Ratchet: 0_0

Scattershot: ... Whoah.

Mistfire: *deep, thoughtful scowl* "Nearly happened to you, too..."

Scattershot: *wibble*

Ratchet: *quietly* You flatlined at one point, Mistfire.

Mistfire: *looks up* *quietly* So she kicked the bucket havin' her kid.

Optimus: *quietly, shuttering his optics* I knew she was offline.

Jazz: Well, yeah. How long's it ben since Prowl first showed 'er to ya? *frowning*

Optimus: *quietly says the date that Prowl first pointed the freespark out to him* And she'd been around for a couple of weeks before that day.

Jazz: Right... before ya got the bling upgrade. *turns as First Aid peeks out of the guest room to see where everyone is*

Optimus: *small nod, won't even comment with his usual "It's not bling" argument*

First Aid: What's wrong? *comes out of the room, her brow ridges drawn up with worry*

Optimus: *quietly* I'll explain later. After we get Mistfire and Scattershot settled.

First Aid: Oh... alright. *goes back into the room*

Mistfire: *weary droop with her head against Ratchet's shoulder*

Magenta: *decides she's hungry and starts licking softboil off the pretty pink bot*

Scattershot: *slight squirm*

Optimus: *will bring his passengers into the guest room*

Ratchet: *will do likewise*

First Aid: *has the monitors set up and ready, and dRumrunner tucked into the blankets on the far side of the bed. Gives her mate and mentor slightly anxious looks as they come in, but doesn't say anything*

Ratchet: *will gently tuck Mistfire into the blankets and get out of Optimus' way so the Magnus can do the same for Scattershot, Magenta, and Wheelie*

Mistfire: *just lays there, looking exhausted, though she smiles at Wheelie as she catches sight of him*

Magenta: *lick lick LICK*

Scattershot: *squeaking as he gets licked*

Wheelie: *gonna scoot so he can curl up against Mistfire*

Ratchet: *will start hooking Mistfire up to the monitors, and once Scattershot's tucked in, will do the same for the pink mech, though hooking Scattershot up is just a precaution*

First Aid: *PINpoints away, and then returns, staggers slightly, and then pulls up a chair* I'll make sure Mistfire and Scattershot fuel. *has a big jar of pudding in her hand*

Optimus: *small nod* Alright.

First Aid: *just a bit surprised by Wheelie and Rumrunner's refusal of an offered bite of pudding*

Wheelie: *has a full tank. Had a softboil earlier, just wants to snuggle Mistfire*

dRumrunner: *ditto on the full, and besides, Mistfire and Scattershot need that!*

Scattershot: *blinking a bit and pulling an epic face as he tries not to yawn*

First Aid: *puts pudding in the almost yawn*

Scattershot: *startled sound, though it quickly turns into a pleased sound*

Mistfire: *soft snerk*

Jazz: *looks from Optimus to Ratchet, his brow ridges raised over his optic band*

Ratchet: *soft chuckle* *quietly* First Aid will keep an eye on them. *moves to try and herd Jazz and Optimus out of the room*

Jazz: *lets himself be herded, his expression thoughtful*

Optimus: *lets himself be herded* *quietly* They'll be alright.

Jazz: Yeah. I know. What I'm wonderin' is... where's BA's mate?

Optimus: I don't know.

Jazz: *as they walk down the hall toward the stairs* Guess her dyin' would'a done him in, too.

Optimus: *pensive and distracted* Yeah. :/

Ratchet: I'm guessing we'll find out when we find Blackarachnia's sparklet and Waspinator.

Jazz: That's true, Ratchman. *looks at Optimus* You hear anythin' about a kid of BA's from the Nexus or yer other friends? *nods toward the Magnus' chest*

Optimus: *pauses and nods* Yes. In the Nexus. There's an alternate of her that is at the Black Dog sometimes with her family.

Ratchet: *perks* I know who you're meaning. Myrrh, and her adopted brothers and sisters.

Optimus: Yes... And I've met another Myrrh, too. She trained with Hormah.

Ratchet: *nods* I know about that one too.

Jazz: Yeah? That the only BA kid you cats've heard 'a?

Ratchet: It's all for our tech... *slight frown as he thinks* There's a Blackarachnia from one of the off-shoots of basic tech realities who's a mother too.

Optimus: *surprised expression is a go*

Jazz: 'N who's she with? *stoops on the stairs to scoop up a Steelsong*

Ratchet: A mech who might be an alternate of Silverbolt.

Optimus: ... 0_0

Jazz: 'N their kid?

Steelsong: *gently bapping daddy to hear him ping*

Ratchet: The little bit's named Silverstrand. The bartender said they're Maximals. *no idea what that means*

Jazz: 'N who's Myrrh's daddy?

Ratchet: The one that I know of that has a father is the daughter of a mech named Tarantulus. But not the one that works at the Black Dog.

Optimus: *looks at his friend* What do you mean, "That has a father"?

Ratchet: Well, another Ratchet who comes to poker night mentioned one time that Myrrh considers the version of you from their reality to be her honorary father.

Optimus: ... *nod* She mentioned that. *looks a bit sheepish to have forgotten that*

Jazz: Hmmm. I think somebody needs a trip ta the Nexus. *pats Steelsong's back as they come out of the stairwell and into the downstairs hall*

Optimus: *small nod* *is back to being pensive and distracted*

Jazz: *quirks a brow ridge and looks at Ratchet*

Ratchet: *headshake, will herd Optimus down to the main floor*

Kup and Cragbuster: *on the couch with Fireflight and bitties, busy ruining any hope of wanting supper. Oh, and buying 'Nightwind' reruns from the pay channel*

Ratchet: *so amused at that. Just got an image*

Fireflight: *looks over the back of the couch at Optimus* Myrrh hasn't got a dad.

Jazz: *stops short* ...Or we can ask our resident lady that knows everythin'.

Optimus: Alright.

Fireflight: Confused organic DNA. *blinks at the sammich Ridgeback just stuffed in her mouth* Mrrph.

Optimus: ... Oh.

Jazz: So... you know where the Myrrh here's at?

Fireflight: *shakes head*

Optimus: *quietly* We'll find Waspinator and the sparklet.

Fireflight: *around her mouthful* Waspy likes baby.

Optimus: ... So we'll have to be careful.

Fireflight: *nod nod* Be nice. *scoops up the nearest bitty and hums to him*

Cragbuster: *talking to one of Mudflap and Runabout's baby brothers* Rider? Your name is Rider? What kind of name is that?

sparklet: *pouts slightly and folds his bitty arms over his chest*

Kup: Knock it off, Buster. And gimme that softboil.

Cragbuster: I'll softboil you, you old... *razzafrazzen mumble grumble. Passes the box, which is nearly half empty*

Striker: *other younger twin is gnawing on Mudflap's fist. Is only gnawing on that 'cause Stiletto wouldn't let him gnaw on her ears or tail*

Cragbuster: *offers Striker a softboil, shell and all* Here, eat this instead. I hate to think where that fist was last.

Striker: *clicks and studies the softboil once he's got it in his hands*

Mudflap: *chirps at Unca Buster. Is bein' sassy*

Cragbuster: *gives Mudflap a mild Look, and a spicy cookie*

Mudflap: *gnaws the cookie*

Jazz: *meanwhile* So now what, Boss? *now is holding sleeping Steelsong*

Optimus: *thinking for a few moments* For now, we'll need to work on finding Waspinator and the sparklet. And trying to think of how to show him we're not a threat.

Jazz: We startin' right away?

Optimus: First thing in the morning.

Jazz: Alright. *heads back down the hall to find his wife and maybe convince her it's nap with baby time*

Ratchet: *amused snort*

Kup: Hey, Optimus. If you're not goin' anywhere come help us finish these softboils.

Blaster: *comes running down the hall and over to the couch* What'm I supposedta bring for Arcee? Ohhhhh. :D

Optimus: *soft snerk, will move to sit down so littles can climb all over him while they watch 'Nightwind'*

Blaster: *happily hauls off about half the softboils that are left, along with a bag of sliced blitzbread, for the bots at school*

Cragbuster: *watches him go, and then quirks a brow ridge at Ratchet*

Ratchet: *amused headshake* *will move to gank a couple of the sparklets who look most-ready for naptime*

Kendell: *smiles at Grandpa, and then cuddles with a sigh*

Cragbuster: *gently transfers the bitties he was holding over to Optimus and Ratchet, then gets up* *quietly* I'll be right back. Just going to check on Terrion.

Ratchet: *small nod* Alright.

Optimus: *puzzled look*

Cragbuster: *heads across the floor and out of the room*

Kup: He's not getting those files back, is he? *feeds bitty some softboil shell*

Ratchet: *headshake* No.

Kup: *sigh* Well, that's hard. But I can't say I'm too broken up over it.

Ratchet: *quieter* Just give him a chance.

Kup: Eh? *chomps cigar thing, and then winces and takes his chomped finger out of a bitty mouth*

Ratchet: He knows he hurt people. And that most everyone can't stand him. And he's upset by the fact that he hurt people.

Kup: *frowns deeply*

Optimus: *quietly* Primus gave him a second chance.

Kup: *perks* But didn't send back the whole package?

Ratchet: *quieter* It's not that he wanted things to happen this way. But it happened, and now there's more of a chance for things to work out for everyone.

Kup: *nods, then offers some bottered blitzbread as he frowns*

Ratchet: *thanks Kup as he accepts the offered nom*

Kup: *catches a yawn from several bitties who share at once* *gives bitties a Look* Thanks a lot.

Optimus: *soft snerk* *then yawns and goes 0.o*

Ratchet: *snort*

Kup: *muffles another yawn* I think I'm gonna go lay down someplace a little less crowded. Mudflap, that's mine. *gets cigar thing back*

Mudflap: *sulky huff*

Kup: *collects 'his' grandbabies, nods to Optimus and Ratchet, and then hauls them off to go conk out in the sun on the roof*

Sunstreaker: *is that muffled cursing over the common channel when Kup tells him that Ratchet's busy eating snacks on the couch and watching TV*

Stiletto: *coming down the hall, is looking for her second-favorite person, wants to nap on him*

Mudflap: *cheerful razz for Stiletto*

Stiletto: *tailswish, pads off toward the medi-lab*

Optimus: *pauses to actually listen to Sunstreaker's ranting, and then quirks a brow* Ratchet... did you forget something?

Ratchet: ... *remembers solvent* *facepalm*

((Written with random_xtras))