Nexus and MV. Black Dog and /Ark/ Base. Kids

[microbots]

((OOC: Happens shortly after this log.))



Aoife: *out on the Black Dog porch in the warm winter sun. Kissing an engineer brainless*

Mr. Toudou: *had intended to be a gentleman in the relationship, but is currently being snogged silly*

Aoife: *pauses to breathe, then gives him a grin just sparkling with mischief*

Mr. Toudou: *and now he's grinning* Wow.

Aoife: *takes an arm from his neck to put a hand to his cheek* Are you alright, old man?

Mr. Toudou: *nod* I'm just fine, Aoife-san. *will reach to gently grab her hand for an affectionate squeeze*

Aoife: *grin widens a bit, and then she's back up on tip toes to see if she can't make his head spin a little more*

Mr. Toudou: *might need to sit down for a bit soon, with the way Aoife makes his head spin!*

big hand: *catches him as he staggers*

Aoife: *looks up, blinking* Hi, Ratchet.

hsvRatchet: Hello, Aoife. I don't recall you having a boyfriend. *not that he's not amused*

Mr. Toudou: Er... Hello.

Aoife: *laughingly hides her face against Mr. Toudou's chest* He's not a boy.

Ratchet: *chuckles* You know what I mean, Aoife.

Aoife: *looks up and dimples at him* Ken-san and I have been together since a little before Christmas.

Mr. Toudou: *nods his agreement and moves to put an arm around Aoife's shoulders*

hsvRatchet: *nod* Congratulations.

Mr. Toudou: Thank you, Ratchet-san. *has a feeling he knows which Ratchet this is, but right now, being cuddly with Aoife's the foremost thing on his mind*

Aoife: I guess we should stop using your hand for a bench, huh? *eyes so green with laughter*

hsvRatchet: *more chuckle as he moves to gently set the couple on their feet* That would be preferred.

Mr. Toudou: *sheepish smile is a go. Will move to lead Aoife into the Black Dog*

Aoife: *waves back to Ratchet as she's being led by the hand into the Black Dog, then suddenly pauses and looks at the pale teal and white robot that's laying sprawled on the floor near the bar*

Mr. Toudou: *surprised sound as he sees the robot* Gunmax?!

Aoife: He's from your reality, Ken. ...And he's drunk beyond belief.

Mr. Toudou: *concerned, moves to try and get Gunmax to respond*

Aoife: *touches the bot, and then recoils* So much sadness in his spark...

Mr. Toudou: *startled expression as he looks up*

Aoife: *brows up* Yes, he has a spark.

Mr. Toudou: ... We need to get him to Rachel.

Aoife: Alright. *pauses and looks up as a shadow falls over them*

Deherree: That's mine.

Aoife: *hands on her hips and now grey eyes flashing*

Deherree: *growls*

Aoife: *growls right back*

Mr. Toudou: *just a bit worried now*

Nemesis: *reaches over the bar and socks Deherree in the back* Back off or get out.

Deherree: *turns, ready for battle!*

Aoife: *PINpoints Mr. Toudou and Gunmax out onto the porch*

Gunmax: *doesn't even twitch*

Mr. Toudou: *checking what systems he can without diagnostic equipment, is also fishing his cellphone out of his pocket*

Aoife: You didn't know he had a spark? *frowning now quizzically at Mr. Toudou*

Mr. Toudou: *headshake* He was built after Deckerd and his brothers...

Aoife: Oh. And he's from the States. *looks at Gunmax again*

Mr. Toudou: *quietly begins explaining what he knows of Gunmax's record, from the law-breaking partner who got arrested, to all the times the bot has shown up at shift start absolutely plastered*

Aoife: So this isn't a new thing. *looks down and gently pokes the insensate mech with the toe of her combat boot*

hsvRatchet: *coming over* *quick scan for coordinates* Ah, so this is the one that's here most often.

Aoife: *looks up at him* Huh?

hsvRatchet: There's another one who comes in sometimes, but Deherree leaves him alone.

Mr. Toudou: She was trying to keep us from taking Gunmax home... *frowns as he realizes his cellphone is refusing to connect*

Aoife: So she is the reason he's like this.

hsvRatchet: *nod* With the fact that she combat-kisses him regularly...

Aoife: *shakes her head, her eyes clouded with grey* Ken? No signal?

Mr. Toudou: none.

Aoife: *checks to see if she can do it, then waves to Ratchet and PINpoints her little party of three right to the middle of that infirmary Mr. Toudou is thinking of*

Rachel: Yipe! *nearly jumps right over the bot on the table*

Optimus: *startles and has to hang onto the table*

Mr. Toudou: *surprised blurt of Japanese, then he's checking on Gunmax again*

Rachel: o.o Ken-san? What the heck? *stops sitting on Optimus and hurries over to look at the bot on the floor, leaving the datapad she'd been trying to get Carta to go to on the table by her CO*

Mr. Toudou: This is Gunmax. We found him passed out at the Black Dog.

Optimus: ... *so much frown as he looks towards Mr. Toudou*

Rachel: *slowly shakes her head* I've seldom seen a guy this drunk. And it looks like this is a habit.

Mr. Toudou: *nod* *quietly* It is a habit... He's shown up for most of his shifts plastered.

Rachel: *looks at him, a bit of anger showing in her face and voice* This is Deckerd's twin brother. Not his clone. Why didn't you tell us about him?

Aoife: *defencive frown* He didn't know.

Mr. Toudou: He wasn't built in Japan.

Rachel: ...I want to slap a bleep. *starts bustling around to get what she needs to treat this unexpected grandson*

Aoife: *amused despite herself at Rachel's notcuss*

Mr. Toudou: *moving to offer assistance* *quietly* Will he be alright?

Rachel: He's got scars from the continual high charge, but they're not the kind that will hurt him. *brings over the energy sink and hooks it up*

Mr. Toudou: *small nod, is just a bit irked with himself that he didn't notice the writing on the wall sooner*

Aoife: *looks at Optimus and brow quirks as she sees he's hooked up to the datapad*

Optimus: Rachel's trying to convince Charta to migrate to the datapad.

Aoife: Who's Charta?

Optimus: The Spazz virus that's in my processor.

Aoife: *eyes widen slightly, and then narrow with concentration as she steps closer to him*

Charta: -No! Dad, don't let her get me!-

Optimus: She's not hurting anything. Leave her be.

Aoife: .>_<. I'm not getting anyone, I was trying to talk to her.

Optimus: ... Oh.

Aoife: Though she's really not supposed to be outside the Nexus.

Charta: *very much hiding*

Optimus: She survived Elita's combat-kissing when we were in the Nexus.

Rachel: *looks over absently* Didn't Spazz put her there?

Optimus: I don't think so... It was one of her sisters, more than likely.

Aoife: Well... you seem to have formed a partnership with her.

Optimus: *nod* We work well together.

Aoife: But you're downloading her?

Rachel: *as she continues to work on Gunmax* Babies need to be on the outside, where they can be cuddled.

Optimus: *nods, chuckling softly*

Mr. Toudou: *soft snerk. Thinks Optimus is a bit of a suck*

Aoife: ...You do realize that most headSpazzes aren't big on cuddling, right?

Optimus: ... *did not know that*

Rachel: Ack! Whoa! Move out of the way, Ken-san!

Mr. Toudou: Ack! *scrambling back as Gunmax flails*

Aoife: *throws up her hands and tries to restrain the flailing young mech with grey-green sparkles*

Gunmax: *disoriented and reacting to the sudden return to wakefulness. String of Japanese and English obscenities as he starts to panic. More flail*

Rachel: *Japanese* [Maxi-kun, stop!] Ouch, oh rabbits. *just took a quick trip across the infirmary*

Aoife: I can't reach him, his mind's not calm enough. *still trying with her sparkles*

Optimus: *putting a call in to someone bigger...*

Mr. Toudou: *making sure Rachel's not hurt, and trying to avoid Gunmax's flailing*

Rachel: I'm fine. Russ reinforced me the last time somebody chucked me at a wall.

Deckerd: //Patrick-sama?//

Optimus: //Deckerd, we need someone to help restrain someone. They're Destron-sized. Are you able to assist?//

Deckerd: //I'm in the middle of a case, but McCrane is free. Where do I send him?//

Optimus: *sends coordinates* //Rachel is here as well.//

Gunmax: *getting a bit loud as he panics*

McCrane: *there with a swish and a slight flash of light. Piles onto Gunmax, sits on him, and pins his arms down* [Circulate deeply.]

Rachel: *blinks* You've been playing with Kup.

McCrane: No. BJ-sama.

Gunmax: *struggling, but to no avail. McCrane's bigger and heavier than him*

McCrane: [Come on, Gunmax. You know who I am.] *voice gentle* [You're safe.]

Gunmax: *obscenity as his intakes hitch*

McCrane: [No. We can't do that.]

Rachel: o.0 [Seems weird to hear Deckerd's brother saying things like that.]

Aoife: *sitting on the floor now, feeling pooped*

Gunmax: Where's Deherree? *has no idea where he is*

Mr. Toudou: *moving to gently fuss over Aoife now*

Rachel: [Probably still in the Nexus. Toudou-san didn't bring her along with you.]

Gunmax: *bit of a growl, and some more struggling*

Rachel: *looks at Mr. Toudou* [Is he always like this?]

McCrane: *quietly* [When he's awake.]

Mr. Toudou: *nod of agreement*

Rachel: *goes over and frowns at the kid, then goes and gets some very good smelling cinna sweet oil* [Here.]

Gunmax: *slightly distracted from his escape attempt*

Rachel: *sticks the big bottle in his hand and steps back*

McCrane: *cautiously lets go that hand*

Rachel: [If you pour that on your brother or me I'll sedate you.] *using the Mom voice that stops charging Dinobots*

Gunmax: *looks like he's seriously considering doing just that*

Rachel: [I mean it. Drink that. It'll help you feel better. And don't tell me you don't want to feel better, or I'll call Dead End in here.]

McCrane: ...

Mr. Toudou: ... *facepalm*

Gunmax: ... *scowl*

McCrane: [Trust me. You don't want that guy around.]

Gunmax: *more scowl. Reluctantly begins to drink the contents of the bottle* *is now going 0_0 behind his visor*

Rachel: *quietly* Okay now?

Gunmax: *will get back to you on that. Is busy chugging the good drink*

Rachel: *slight grin. Knows the smooth and gentle fuel will also help the joints and stuff that his stress level has put a strain on* Good man.

Mr. Toudou: *very slight grin as he watches Gunmax*

Gunmax: *soft, disappointed sound as he finishes off what's in the bottle*

Rachel: *goes and gets another one. Pops the top and offers it*

Gunmax: *accepts the offered bottle and begins drinking*

Rachel: *goes and gets a strawbaby one for McCrane*

McCrane: *cautiously lets go of Gunmax's other arm and takes the bottle. Keeps an eye on the biker bot as he starts to drink*

Gunmax: *starting to calm down*

Rachel: Good man, Maxi.

Gunmax: *finishes off the second bottle, and looks around. Then he's reaching for the one McCrane's holding* Hey, baby, share the love.

McCrane: Hey! *sighs and gives his bottle, knowing Grandma will give him more* It's good. That's called strawbaby flavour.

Gunmax: *staring at you now, McCrane*

McCrane: What's wrong, Gunmax? *lifts his brows slightly*

Gunmax: You know English...

McCrane: Oh. Yes, we all do. Grandmother helped us to make it sound American.

Gunmax: ... Grandmother?

Rachel: That's me.

Gunmax: ... *raised brow ridge behind his visor*

Mr. Toudou: *wondering to himself if it would be a good idea to mention the fact that Gunmax also has a mother*

Aoife: *softly, to Mr. Toudou* -Not right now, Ken. I can hear this lady thinking that they want to keep Sora quiet till Joan's born.-

Rachel: *takes a step back and transforms*

Gunmax: *startled obscenity*

Ratchet: Chief Autobot medical officer Ratchet. Hi.

Gunmax: ... Like the comics?

Ratchet: 'Shifters'? *chuckle* Yeah, well, Sundog takes some liberties with the story line. But yeah.

Gunmax: ... *then an obscenity* *starting to wonder if he's broken something in his processor*

Ratchet: *calmly* Whoever told you that you were just a robot? Full of it. You're one of us.

Gunmax: *intakes hitch*

Deckerd: *and here he comes through the door. Dropped Yuuta off at the crèche with an armload of Japanese candies and goodies, and has come to see how Gunmax is doing* ...Why are you sitting on him, McCrane?

McCrane: *tips his head back and grins slightly* He took my strawbaby drink.

Gunmax: *bit of a scowl and a mutter about Boy Scouts*

Deckerd: *pulls something crackly off something else, and then walks over and stuffs a blitzie in Gunmax's mouth* *humorously* Boyscout this.

Gunmax: *so surprised*

McCrane: *looks at Deckerd hopefully as he stands and steps away from Gunmax* Did you bring any strawbaby cakes?

Deckerd: *grins, but doesn't look away from Gunmax* Yeah. Hold on.

Gunmax: *trying to figure out what to do with the good-tasting stuff in his mouth*

Deckerd: *realizes this with a bit of a start, and then quickly hands a strawbaby cake to McCrane*

McCrane: *open package after thanking him. Takes a bite and chews slowly, a smile on his face*

Ratchet: Yeah. Like that.

Gunmax: *chewing slowly and then making soft, pleased sounds*

Deckerd: *carefully pushes the other half of the blitzie down to follow the part that got nommed*

Gunmax: *considerably calmer now that he's getting fuel and not just a crazy bad overcharge*

Deckerd: *soft laugh, and then pokes an oh oh cake at him*

Gunmax: *will eat pretty much anything you give him at this point, Deckerd*

McCrane: *pulls Gunmax up to a sitting position, and then takes the second cake Deckerd gives him* Thanks.

Ratchet: *quietly* He's your brother, Deckerd. Not like the others. He's your identical twin.

Deckerd: What? *so surprised that he just dropped the cake he was opening*

Gunmax: *muffled* Huh?!

Ratchet: You're identical spark brothers.

Deckerd: ... *turns away, but not before Gunmax will have seen him starting to cry*

Gunmax: *just a bit freaked out now* Who the heck...

Ratchet: Calm down, Maxi. *hand on his arm in a pat pat*

Deckerd: *turns to Mr. Toudou* How many more of us did Azuma send out? I thought we'd found everyone.

Mr. Toudou: *quietly* There's one in England... I'll need to take a look at him, too.

Ratchet: England? *frowns* *then turns as a startled and dismayed squeak comes from the datapad by Optimus* Gotcha.

Carta: *crying with fright*

Optimus: *reassuring clicks* Everything's going to be alright, Carta.

McCrane: *looks over there* What's wrong, Prime-sama?

Optimus: *over Gunmax's startled cuss* We've been trying to coax Carta into leaving my processor so we can give her a body.

McCrane: *compassion on his face* She's afraid?

Optimus: *nods and returns his attention to gently reassuring Carta*

Carta: *staticky* But... but... I liked being with Dad.

Ratchet: I'm sorry, baby. It's too dangerous. And now your mom will be able to spend time with you too.

Optimus: And your sisters will want to spend time with you as well.

Carta: *frightened* Scarlett and Ali are mean!

McCrane: Not really.

Optimus: They can be a bit rough around the edges, but they'll be amongst the first to go in swinging if someone hurts your feelings.

Gunmax: ... That crazy... *gives himself a bit of a shake as his tank dings full*

Deckerd: *turns back and looks at Mr. Toudou beseechingly* Can you go now, Toudou-sama?

Mr. Toudou: I think so.

Deckerd: Do you need my PINpoint? *offers the device*

Aoife: *looks over and chuckles* He's got his own.

Deckerd: *quizzical look toward that tiny, dark-haired woman* *didn't manage to make it to the policeman's Christmas ball, as he was spending the holiday with family*

Mr. Toudou: *bit of a blush, reaches for Aoife's hand* Deckerd, this is Aoife.

Ratchet: *brows shoot up* That's the girlfriend?

Aoife: *also blushing slightly as she comes over and takes Mr. Toudou's hand* Yeah...

Mr. Toudou: *surprised look for Aoife* You and Rachel-san have met?

Aoife: Rachel checked on Leggy once when she was sick.

Ratchet: Everyone knows the chocolate fairy. *grin*

Deckerd: 0.o ?

Mr. Toudou: Ah... I see. *nod*

Deckerd: You mean Power Joe wasn't just telling another story when he said you had a girlfriend, Toudou-san?

McCrane: *stares at brother, and then facepalms*

Gunmax: *tilting. Sleeeepy*

Mr. Toudou: *notices this and moves to make sure Gunmax won't fall on anyone*

Deckerd: *also notices and catches brother*

Aoife: *quietly* Ken, let's go check on the English bot.

Mr. Toudou: *nod* The sooner, the better.

Deckerd: We'll take care of Gunmax, sir.

McCrane: *nods even as he's reaching over for that blanket he sees sitting on the shelf there*

Mr. Toudou: Alright. See you later.

Ratchet: Take care, Ken-san. *grins at him a bit, her eyes twinkling despite the weariness and worry in them*

Aoife: *doesn't blush visibly, but Mr. Toudou will be able to feel it*

Mr. Toudou: *IS blushing very much, but is also grinning at the acceptance from one of his dear friends*

Aoife: *PINpoints them away as she catches Ratchet wondering just how much redder Mr. Toudou would get if the medic were to peck him on the cheek*

Deckerd: *gently* Gunmax? Do you want to come home and lay down?

Gunmax: *groggily* Don't want to go to the garage.

Deckerd: No. Home. To the apartment. *helps McCrane wrap the big soft afghan around Gunmax's shoulders*

Gunmax: Apartment?

McCrane: Yes. The sunbeams are probably coming through the sky light right now. And Nancy is home, so she can take care of you.

Gunmax: ... Nancy?

Deckerd: *quietly* My wife.

Gunmax: ... You're $$#%$#%$# me.

Deckerd: *gentle now* No I'm not. Come see?

Gunmax: *sleepy nod*

Deckerd: *looks at Ratchet*

Ratchet: *nods* Just make sure someone's keeping an eye on him all the time, okay?

Deckerd: Yes, Grandma, I understand.

McCrane: *nods too. Then straightens Gunmax's blanket*

Gunmax: *sleepy grousing that peters out as the mech falls asleep*

Deckerd: *glances at Ratchet, and then he and McCrane lift their insensate brother gently and PINpoint him home*


at the BP home


Drill Boy: *is that snore from where the sunbeam was earlier*

Deckerd: ...How did he get there so fast? He was just out on patrol with me.

McCrane: *can only chuckle at baby brother*

Nancy: *looks in to see what's happening, Tomo a happy clickstorm on her hip*

Gunmax: *soft sound as he sleeps*

Deckerd: *settles Gunmax to the floor, then watches as Nancy hurries to get cushions as McCrane grabs some too* He's my brother, Nancy.

Nancy: *startled look, and then she bites her lip as she starts arranging the pillows into a comfortable bed in the current sunbeam position*

Tomo: *crawling around and trying to help. Talking up a storm as he does so*

Gunmax: *very slight twitching and nonsensical sleep-talk*

Tomo: *squeaks and giggles*

Deckerd: *moves to gently lay Gunmax down on the bed in the sun*

Gunmax: *startles awake at the unfamiliar surface*

Nancy: *slight start herself from where she was moving to give him more blankets* Easy, brother-in-law. We're just putting you to bed.

Tomo: Bed! Ahha! :D

Deckerd: *nods*

Gunmax: *circulating air and trying to figure out what he's laying on*

Deckerd: Gunmax? Are you feeling sick?

Gunmax: *headshake, but is starting to shake just a bit as he starts to feel overwhelmed by so many rapid changes*

Deckerd: *tucks the blankets around his shoulders* *quietly* We'll leave you to rest. This is my wife, Nancy. She'll be here if you need anything.

Gunmax: *intakes hitch and the blankets start to wrinkle where the young mech is clinging to them*

Deckerd: *frowns and exchanges a glance with his wife, but then brightens and goes to grab Drill Boy and drag him over next to Gunmax* Maybe the sleeping baby magic will help.

Nancy: *perks and chuckles softly*

Drill Boy: Ugh. Sleepin'! *blinks and looks at Gunmax* [Oh hi! Can I sleep by you?]

Gunmax: *so surprised by the question, all he can do is nod slowly*

Drill Boy: *adds himself under the blankets, then turns his back, curls up, snuggles, and purrrrs*

Deckerd and Nancy: *grinning*

McCrane: *trying to distract his bitty nephew*

Gunmax: *soon nodding off again*

Tomo: Nap nap nap. *crawls under the blankets, wriggles and scrambles, and then curls up on Gunmax's chest. Is soon curled up and purring himself*

McCrane: Awww...

Deckerd: *checking to see how Gunmax is doing*

Gunmax: *sleeping quietly now, with his head back enough that his powered-off optics are just visible under his visor*

Deckerd: *smiles, and then stands and puts an arm around Nancy's waist. Kisses her gently, and then rests his forehead against hers* I'll go get Yuuta now, and then we and McCrane will be in the BP room.

Nancy: Alright. *cuddles, and then steps back with a smile for her husband*

Deckerd: *turns and heads down the stairs, McCrane rumbling in his wake*


meanwhile, back at Autobot base


Rachel: *back in alt mode, is frowning to herself softly as she pings her mate again and waits for him to pick up. Wonders what he's so intent on this time*

Jack: *arriving with a datapad in hand and a perplexed expression on his face*

Rachel: *blink blink* You didn't answer your com, sport.

Jack: *looks up from his datapad* ... *sheepish expression* Sorry... I came to ask if you know any good chess moves... Red's kicking my butt.

Rachel: And I was wondering if you'd bring me that little collection of drone bodies you've been building.

Jack: ... I can go grab it. *offers the datapad*

Rachel: *takes the pad* We just need the ones that would work for a quiet girl.

Jack: So something like Lyra?

Rachel: Even the ones you made from dolls could work. This girl's even quieter than our sweet girl.

Jack: Alright. *will head off to get some of the doll-based drone bodies*

Rachel: *hands Patrick the datapad* Russ is being mean to Jack again on the chess board.

Patrick: *as he studies the chess game* Jack's nearly got him though.

Rachel: *perks and looks over* Really?

Patrick: *nods and points out where Jack's bishop and rooks very nearly have check opportunities*

Rachel: ... *finger on the pad and makes a quick move*

Russell: *message on screen reads "Ack!"*

Patrick: *snickerfit*

Rachel: *messages back* "I told you to be nice to Jack."

Russell: //He's been kicking my skid, Rachel.//

Rachel: o.o //Really?//

Russell: //He already captured my queen.//

Rachel: //Oh. Just in this game, you mean.// *glances toward the door, and then squeaks and jumps on Patrick as someone appears unexpectedly in the room behind her*

Patrick: Ack!

Rachel: Sorry sorry. *gets down, turns around, and then gasps*

littleJack: *hunkered down with his hands over his head as he waits to be hit or kicked*

Patrick: 0_0

Rachel: *hurries over and kneels next to the frail youngling* Hey. Don't be afraid. Did Fluffy send you?

littleJack: *peeks with amazement at the soft voice, and then finds himself wibbling at the strange looking lady who is sitting beside him. Just wants to be loved so badly, and the strange little bot told him that if he let himself be sent here that someone would make the hurting stop*

Rachel: *wibbles herself and puts gentle arms around the little guy*

Patrick: *very soft clicks, moves to hunker down nearby*

littleJack: *peers toward the clicks, and hunkers down a little more and huddles against the lady. Men are scary. But the only lady he knows isn't scary. He's sad for her because she hurts too*

Rachel: *gently kisses the dented little helm* Shhhh, baby. It's alright. You're safe here. You're safe now.

Jack: *back with several doll-based drones* *stops short when he sees who Rachel's talking to*

Rachel: *picks the youngling up as she stands, then goes over to where an empty storage bin is laying against the wall* Chief, will you fold a blanket and put it in the bottom of this?

Patrick: *nods and moves to do so*

Rachel: *looks over her shoulder and sees Jack, then* *softly* I'll explain later, alright, sport?

Jack: *quietly* Alright. *will move to help Patrick*

littleJack: *head against the lady's shoulder, and optics only half lit from exhaustion, but he's trusting her and he's feeling better than he can ever remember feeling before*

Rachel: *softly* Add the Optimus plushie from the shelf?

Jack: *will do so after setting the drone bodies on a different table*

Patrick: *looking to see if there's anything for the little mechlet to refuel on*

Rachel: Chief, grab that little pillow and put it in the bin?

Patrick: Alright. *will do so*

Rachel: *cuddles the little guy a bit more, and then lays him down in the bin. Gentle fingers trace the energy port on his chest, and then she's looking at Jack as he brings the toy over* Bring me the yzin gauge adaptor cord?

Patrick: *so much frown as he realizes just what Megatron has done. The youngling can only get fuel in the form of electricity from someone with the yzin gauge adaptor cord, which means the poor thing is starved*

Jack: *nods and goes to get the cord*

Rachel: *takes the vinyl plushie doll and transforms it from truck to bot mode, then tucks it into the youngling's arms*

littleJack: *looks at the soft thing, then sighs as he feels it warming up against him as it absorbs his own faint body heat. Tiny smile as he shutters his optics and sinks into rest mode*

Patrick: *doesn't realize that his hands are starting to clench into fists*

Jack: *already forming ideas for shell adaptations for the youngling as he brings the cord over and hands it to Rachel*

Rachel: *takes the cord, realizes he's already got the other end plugged into the wall* Thanks, sport. *gently plugs the little guy in, and then covers him completely with another big soft blanket*

littleJack: *startles awake, but then realizes that the lady is hiding him and relaxes back to sleep, still holding the doll close*

Jack: *databursts Rachel with some of his ideas*

Patrick: *very quietly* We need to get the rest of them out of there.

Rachel: *nods to Jack* But he's got to rest and get out of panic mode before we can do... *both hands over her mouth to hold in a startled squeal as someone else appears in the room*

Patrick: *startles and looks*

Jack: *startled meep*

littleOp: *optics flashing with anger from where he's now curled on the floor with both hands around the smoking hole in his torso*

Patrick: *hurrying over*

CatScan: *heard the commotion, peeks in to see what's going on* *very soft skreeks*

littleOp: *tries to head butt Patrick as the man gets close despite the pain and weakness from his wound*

Patrick: *gently preventing the headbutt, soothing clicks*

CatScan: *hurrying over, still skreeking softly as she loses yet another hair tie to her hair*

Rachel: Friends! Kid, we're friends. Didn't Fluffy tell you anything?

littleOp: *raging angry and beyond reason*

Rachel: Kitty, tranq. *tosses the gun*

CatScan: *catches the gun and quickly sedates the little Optimus*

tinyTracks: *appears then, his arm around the neck of a ferociously growling and struggling little Elita* *wary big optics look at all the people in the room* *voice, clear, though slightly scratchy* I need Fluffy's mama!

Rachel: :o *data had indicated all the little slaves to be mute*

CatScan: *points at Rachel* Ratchet.

tinyTracks: *gives the little femme he'd headlocked to Patrick, then wibbles slightly before firming his chin* Sir... the winged one killed the girl that was you.

Rachel: ...What?

Jack: ... 0_0

Patrick: ... *gently cuddling the little Elita*

tinyTracks: He wanted to stay with Master. So he threw her to the Eaters. *tears down the thin face*

CatScan: *scowl* Honorless scraplet.

tinyTracks: *sways on his feet, then drops the small blaster he'd been holding and falls to his knees*

Rachel: CatScan, start working on the little Oppy. *hurries to tinyTracks*

CatScan: *nods and moves to bring the little guy over to a table*

Jack: *will move to see if the little Elita needs medical attention*

little Elita: *starved, run down, frail... and slagged off beyond all reason*

Patrick: *soothing clicks as Jack hurries to get more of the cords that the younglings will need for the time being*

Rachel: *calls Russell with the emergency report ping* *also calls Merlin*

Russell: *arrives via PINpoint*

Merlin: *arriving a few moments later*

Jack: //Should we call Bea, too?//

Rachel: Right. I forgot about her. *calls the femme medic, and also Glit* *then sidesteps as yet another youngling appears*

CatScan: *skreeking softly as she works, quick glance over her shoulder*

littleBlitz: *smoking and charred, but sitting calmly and holding his small blaster*

Kupkid: *appears with a tumble next and tries to pull himself shakily to his feet*

Merlin: Oh, dear. *hurrying to tend to littleBlitz as Russell moves to aid the little Kup*

Russell: *scanning*

Kupkid: *expressive explanation with hands, but looks bewildered and dazed. Is critically run down*

littleBlitz: *offers his gun to Merlin* *is not of the same make as the other youngsters. Has a fuel tank and normal systems. Also has quite good armour, though it's rather melted in places now*

Merlin: *sharing these details with all the medics present* *gentle clicks and an offered blitzie*

littleBlitz: *looks at the blitzie, but then shakes his head and shoots a worried look toward where little Elita is still fighting*

Patrick: *trying to gently rub the little femme's back*

Rachel: Sedate her, Chief. Then make her a hidy box like the first little guy has.

Patrick: Alright. *will accept the offered sedation gun from CatScan, and use it on the little Elita*

navy blue dragonfly unit: *appears, arms full of sparklets as she clicks and buzzes agitatedly*

CatScan: *skreeks and instructs the newcomer to sit down nearby and wait, unless there are littles who need immediate attention*

dragonfly: *perks and holds up the fussing sparklets. Babbies is scared. Need loves*

CatScan: *skreek skreeky skreek. If none of them are hurt, then they can be brought to where there are other babbies* *over comms to Rachel* //Sparklets're scared... It's okay to send the group to Autumn, Bert, and CJ?//

Rachel: *now intent on helping the little Optimus* //Yes.//

CatScan: //I'll call Autumn. She's less scary than CJ.//

Rachel: *can only snort very absent amusement at that*

CatScan: *very slight headtilt as she calls Autumn, will skreek to the dragonfly, relaying instructions and telling who will show the way to more babbies*

femme youngling: *beautiful, strapping, and already as tall as Patrick despite being clearly a child yet* *appears with one last slave youngster under her arm*

dragonfly: *walks past the newcomers on her way out of the infirmary, the fussing of upset sparklets following her. Has one more clinging to her back between her wings*

CatScan: *skreeking softly and wondering to herself if more medics will be assisting*

Patrick: *moves to meet the newcomer* Hello?

Bea: *hurries in with Glit on her shoulder. Spots the most need and goes to assist Rachel and Jack with the littleOp*

CatScan: *moves to check the other youngsters*

femme youngling: *stands to attention as Patrick approaches her* Nightstrike reporting for duty.

Patrick: At ease. Are you injured?

Nightstrike: I am uninjured. This slave unit has gone into stasis due to lack of energy, however. *carefully offers the youngster she's holding with one arm, showing incredible strength*

Patrick: *will gently cradle the youngster and move to carry them over to one of the few empty tables*

Rachel: *as she works* What the heck is Megatron doing? Decepticons never used sparklet and younglings forms. They started out big, like we used to most the time.

Nightstrike: I understand it is due to circumstances beyond Shockwave's control, sir.

Patrick: *as he works on making the youngster comfortable before plugging them in* What sort of circumstances?

Nightstrike: *looks at him* ...Ones beyond Shockwave's control.

littleBlitz: *quietly* All the new batches starting with us just came out that way.

Patrick: ... Ah. *will listen to hear if Primus has anything to say on the matter*

Primus: *has stuck a wrench in some gears*

Patrick: *small nod* *to Rachel* Primus had a hand in the circumstances.

Ratchet: *as she works to keep the littleOp online* By putting babies in danger?

Primus: *babies are being saved now. Is sad though. More babies would be in danger if he hadn't done this*

Patrick: More would be in danger if he hadn't intervened in the way he did.

littleBlitz: *conks out and leans against the bot that's working on him*

Nightstrike: *frowns at him for doing that*

CatScan: *soft skreeking and crooning as she works*

Jack: *working on adapting support systems for each of the newcomers*

Nightstrike: *reaches over and shakes the littleBlitz*

littleBlitz: I'm awake. *turns his head and makes sure of where Nightstrike is*

Nightstrike: *severely* You're too big to act like you just came out of a tank.

littleBlitz: *nods*

CatScan: *as she works* There's nothing wrong with wanting cuddles at any age.

Nightstrike: *frowns at her deeply, and then looks at Patrick*

Patrick: It helps reinforce team bonds and sibling bonds.

Nightstrike: But doesn't it weaken the body and mind, sir?

Patrick: Not at all. I know some Cybertronians prefer solitude for the most part, but not all of us can function that way for long.

CatScan: Tactile comfort brings a sense of security to one's being. *very soft skreeks as she works*

Glit: *from where he's over examining the little Tracks and Kup* And it also strengthens the spark.

Nightstrike: *frown deepens further as she digests this information, but she salutes respectfully*

littleBlitz: *tilting again as he fights to keep his optics switched on. This was his first big battle, and his systems just want him to shut down so they can self heal and recharge*

CatScan: *being very gentle as she bandages littleBlitz's injuries. And then an idea's coming to her as to who might be the best guardians for this pair of youngsters* *will run her idea by Ratchet and Glit first though, over a private frequency* //Think Comet and Blitzwing'd be up to caring for these two?// *and that's the Cat side of her showing... Scanner would've called Blitzwing and Comet already*

Ratchet: *as she scans her little patient's spark after getting him all patched* //Give Comet a call. The sooner we get these guys settled in secure situations the better.// *and then she's blinking and running the scan on that young spark again*

CatScan: *nods and pings Blitzwing and Coment* *frowns as she gets Blitzwing's busy signal*

little green youngling: *just snapped awake and socked Russell on the nose. Now he's sitting and staring at the medic with astonishment*

Russell: *startled 'Ack' as he's socked*

Patrick: *startles and looks to see if he needs to assist*

green youngling: *looks at Patrick, his optics still wide. Then sees the 'blood' pouring down Russell's face and wibbles*

Patrick: *soothing clicks, will move to offer a hug, as Russell picks himself up and does the same*

youngling: *bewildered cringing as he looks at the two men*

Patrick: *gentle clicks, will offer part of a GingerSwindle he had in subspace*

youngling: *looks at that gently glowing lump of stuff, then back to Patrick, a confused question clear on his very mobile little face*

Nightstrike: Sir, permission to ask a question?

Patrick: Go ahead.

Nightstrike: What are you offering to the slave?

Patrick: A form of energon and calcien with minerals that are good for self-repair.

Nightstrike: You had better consume that.

green youngling: *nods and takes it, then studies it before starting to hesitantly gnaw at it. But as he opens his mouth it's quite plain that he doesn't have any teeth*

Russell: *frowns as he scans the youngling* What happened to his teeth?

Nightstrike: They were removed because he wouldn't stop eating things outside his ration.

littleBlitz: It didn't stop him.

Patrick: ...

Russell: ... *and then he's boggling as he gets a good look at the youngling's spark*

Patrick: *raised brow at Russell's expression* Russ? What's wrong?

Russell: His spark... It's got coding from Bumblebee... and from Brawn...

Ratchet: And this kid's got coding from Elita in his. *frowning down at freshly patched up youngling on her table*

Jack: ... *will move to grab a hand-held scanner. Wants to check the little Elita's coding now*

green youngling: *smashing the fuel he was given between his hands, and then eating the powder*

Russell: *looking just a bit dazed now* We have to let them know...

Jack: *low whistle as he reads the scan results from the little Elita* She's got coding from Optimus in her spark... Looks like a bond.

Ratchet: So Smeggatron ganked the Chief's coding after he and Elita were already bonded. *looks over at the youngster in front of Russell with a frown*

Primus: *to Patrick* *Optimus knows this one's name*

Patrick: ... *boggling now as he connects the dots between what Primus just told him and what Russell said* Mauler...

youngling: *looks up with a surprised grin, powder dribbling down his chin*

Nightstrike: *surprised expression*

Russell: ... *intakes hitch*

Ratchet: //Autumn, do you have time to take a call?//

Autumn: //I think so. We just got a lot more kids in the creche. But we also got a dragonfly.// *sounds so amused*

Ratchet: //Alright. ...I need you to sit down, okay?//

Autumn: //... Okay? Sitting down now.// *bit of a squeak*

Ratchet: //What was that?//

Autumn: //One of the new kids pounced me for cuddles.//

Ratchet: //They actually know what cuddles are?//

Autumn: //I have no idea... But he already bit Quickstrike's foot. CJ, quit laughing, and help Bert.//

Ratchet: *blink* Bit... Quickstrike's... foot. Okaaaay.

Nightstrike: *glances over* That's Demolisher, sir.

Ratchet: //Nightstrike says that's Demolisher.//

Autumn: //... The name fits. Now what's going on that I needed to sit down for?//

Ratchet: //Oh right.// *pauses and takes a deep breath. Quietly* //Do you remember a message someone small sent you awhile ago?//

Autumn: //...// *silent for a few moments* //Yes.//

Ratchet: //Well the kid's as pigheaded as his father.//

Autumn: *intakes hitch*

Burt: //Ratchet, what the scrap did you do to my mate?//

Ratchet: //Stop cussing like Cliff. I told Autumn that Mauler's as pigheaded as you.//

Burt: //I'll cuss... what?//

Ratchet: *quietly* CatScan, could you take Nightstrike, Mauler, and the little Blitzwing guy to the crèche? They're down in the nursery.

CatScan: *nods* Comet will meet us halfway... *attention going to the door* If she doesn't just come get us now. *amused expression is a go*

Comet: *approaching at speed*

Nightstrike: *turns as the door opens, her faithful little lieutenant sleeping in her arms*

littleBlitz: *does not snore like his original*

Comet: *in root mode, will crouch down carefully to snag kids, and to argue cheerfully with CatScan in Seeker*

CatScan: *sassy skreeks for the older Seeker, even as she moves to help Mauler to his feet*

Nightstrike: *stiffens as she's snagged, her pride and dignity suddenly sticking out all over the place*

Comet: Chill. I'm just making sure you and your brother aren't too far apart.

CatScan: *soft 'oof', frowns as she realizes she won't be able to pick up Mauler just yet* Hmm...

Mauler: *thumbs up to CatScan, and then jumps off the table and looks up at her*

CatScan: *soft chuckle, looks to Comet*

Nightstrike: He's not my brother, sir.

Comet: Friend then.

Nightstrike: *as Mauler trots over and looks up at her* He's mine, just like that sl... like Mauler is, and like the blue dragonfly unit is.

Mauler: *don't mind him. He's boogying to the music in his head*

Bea: *looks over from where she's tucking the little Optimus in beside the little Elita and chuckles softly*

Comet: ... Okay then. *not convinced the littleBlitz isn't Nightstrike's brother in some way* *snerks as she watches Mauler* Cute.

CatScan: *will move to head for the nursery*

Nightstrike: We were supposed to go with that medical unit, sir.

Comet: *nods and moves to follow* Then we'll go with her.

Nightstrike: Yes, sir. *turns to follow CatScan*

Mauler: *scoots after Nightstrike, waving cheerfully as he goes*

Kupkid: *just conked out in the middle of watching Glit talk to littleTracks*

Russell: *will move to wrap Kupkid in a blanket, then he's needing to sit down*

Ratchet: Russ, transform and get up here so Jack and I can check your processor for cracks. I saw how hard Mauler hit you.

Russell: *nods slowly and moves to do as instructed* He's definitely Brawn's kid...

Ratchet: And Bee's. *lets out a soft, slightly sobby sigh, and then looks over at Bea* Stick the little Kup in that last empty bin and cover him up?

Bea: Okay. *gets the little guy and does so*

Ratchet: Thanks. *scanning Red Alert now*

Red Alert: *pretty rattled, but at least the bleeding's stopped*

Ratchet: *sigh* Jack, take this derp home to Rinny?

Jack: *nod* I'll make sure they both lay down. Rinny's probably out of it, too.

Ratchet: Thanks, sport. *gives him a peck, and then pings Hattie's radio*

Hattie: //'Lo?//

Jack: *will help Red Alert leave the infirmary. Doesn't want to PINpoint and make things worse for his friend*

Ratchet: //Do you have room for another kid?//

Hattie: //Ah th'nk so. Wah?//

Ratchet: //Pop down to the infirmary and see.//

Hattie: //Alrahght... 'S 't okay 'f Li'l Denver comes wit' me?//

Ratchet: *slightly surprised* //She'll leave her lessons?//

Hattie: //We's takin' a snack break.//

Ratchet: *surprised look at her chrono and realizes that that much time has indeed passed since lunch* //Will seeing a youngster hooked up to a power cord bother her, do you think?//

Hattie: //... Ah dunno.//

Ratchet: //Maybe ask her to stay with Cole and Nomi.//

Hattie: //Alrahght.// *doing so, and then she's arriving in the infirmary via PINpoint*

Ratchet: *startles slightly, but then nods to the little blue guy sitting on the table and smoothing Glit's fur*

littleTracks: *learning the best way to pet a kitty and hear him purr. Is fascinated*

Hattie: *looks and then she's blinking and moving to approach the little guy*

littleTracks: *looks up as Glit turns his head, and then watches the grey-haired woman with wary curiosity. The dents on his shoulders and head are quite visible*

Hattie: *gentle clicks as she approaches*

littleTracks: *lifts his brows slightly* Hello.

Hattie: 'Lo th're.

littleTracks: *just going to sit and watch you now, and wait to see what you want*

Hattie: *gently* Wh'n y'u're feelin' bettah, 'n Ratchet says 't's okay, we'll getcha s'me comfortable clothes 'n a good bed.

littleTracks: *gravely, as though he expects to be punished for the admission but can't not make it* I don't know what those are.

Hattie: Th't's alrahght. A bed's 'notha way 'f sayin' "berth"... 'n clothes're th'n's lahk th's. *will indicate her sweater and other garnments*

littleTracks: *looks at the clothes with interest, but then goes wary again* I don't know what "berth" is.

Hattie: 'T's s'meplace t' rechahge.

littleTracks: Oh. *looks toward the bins, one of which has a pair of weary blue optics peeking through the clear side*

Hattie: *gently* Y'u'll be alrahght. Th're'll be a lot 'f diff'rent th'ngs t' learn 'bout, 'n a lot 'f new people t' meet, but th't'll come wh'n y'u're readeh.

littleTracks: *brows lift again earnestly* Yes... Master?

Hattie: *headshake* Gran'ma.

littleTracks: *ducks slightly as though expecting a blow* Yes, Gran'ma.

Hattie: *will crouch so she's closer to littleTracks' level* *gently* Y'u di'n't do anehth'n' wrong, hon.

littleTracks: *earnest peek, and then a slight start as his systems ping. Reaches up and removes the cord from his chest* Yes, Gran'ma.

Hattie: *offers to pick him up, but if he doesn't want picked up, she won't insist*

littleTracks: *so startled, but not protesting*

Glit: *scrams out of the way and goes to rub against Patrick's leg*

Hattie: *will gently situate littleTracks on her hip and click reassuringly*

Patrick: *quick check for cat hair*

littleTracks: I don't know where this goes, Gran'ma. *shows her the cord*

Ratchet: *walks over and takes it* I have that, baby. *to Hattie, via radio* //He'll need a name. Bring him with you, but keep him quiet and comfortable if you can. He's in a shell nearly as bad as the one Kriti came in.// *does not even try to point out to the itty bitty woman that the youngling's nearly as tall as she is*

Hattie: *nods and keeps her expression calm* Le's go git y'u a blanket. *walking carefully since littleTracks is nearly as tall as she is*

littleTracks: *as the door swishes open in front of them* Yes, Gran'ma. *then looks back at Ratchet and wibbles, his eyes lightening*

Hattie: *intends to nuke the blanket she gets for littleTracks before she gives it to him, so it will be nice and warm* *it might take her a bit to walk to where she needs to be, but darnit, she's determined to get there!*

Ratchet: *to the radio* //Go slow, Hattie. He's been a slave all his life, and he just saw at least one friend torn apart by xenoformers.//

Hattie: *can't really respond to you right now, Ratchet, she's got her arms full* *but will glance back, nod, and then go through the door*

Ratchet: *deep sigh, and then turns and looks at those watchful little curious eyes and wibbles as she sees that even as a starved youngling with no voice that Kup is Kup. Walks over to gently lift littleJack and his doll and blankets into her arms and then sit in the rocking chair to rock him and cuddle him as he sleeps and charges* *thinks, and has forgotten about Patrick and Carta... but that datapad has vanished*

Jack: *coming back with a stack of microwaved blankets for the kids that are still here* *will distribute them, and then turn his attention to the doll drone bodies and notice that the one that nearly became the dancing doll is missing* ... Ratchet?

Ratchet: *glances at Patrick, and then looks over at her husband* Yeah, sport?

Jack: Did you move the dancing doll?

Ratchet: *looks, lifts brows* *then ducks her head and looks at something near the floor* Look under Russ' desk.

Jack: ... *moves to look*

Carta: *meeps softly and hugs her knees, big, iridescent glass eyes turning toward him as she absently smooths the skirts of the pretty little lolita dress this body came with*

Jack: *soft chuckle* *will offer to bring Carta over to Patrick*

Carta: *another soft squeak, but lets herself be lifted. Is hugging the datapad to her chest as she tries to download all the data on it*

Ratchet: *slight smile* Pat, look.

Patrick: *looks, and then chuckles softly and holds out his arms so he can hold Carta*

Carta: *ducks her head and tries to hide behind the pad, but snuggles as she's taken. Is being so careful of her hair and dress*

Ratchet: *softly* Anti-Spazz.

Patrick: *bit of a nod, will click softly*

Carta: *face against him with a sigh*

Patrick: *quietly* Should we go see Emilia now?

Carta: *lifts her head and looks at him uncertainly, then glances toward Ratchet and the youngling that the medic is holding*

Patrick: *looks to Ratchet* *quietly* He'll be alright... Ratchet's the best CMO anywhere.

Carta: *sad little squeak and nods, then hides her face again*

Patrick: *over comms* //Keep me updated, Ratchet?//

Ratchet: //Wouldn't dream of it.//

Patrick: *will head out of the infirmary and make his way to the mess hall where Emilia's doing some homework for one of her classes*

Ratchet: *watches him go, and then turns her head and looks at Jack*

Jack: *has pulled a chair up nearby, and is currently sitting in it with his head bowed*

Ratchet: *softly* Sport?

Jack: *looks up after a moment* *quietly* I asked God for His help.

Ratchet: *slightly shaky little smile that holds her love for him* *quietly* We nearly got a little Ratchet too, but she... she's just a little snatch of memory in my spark now.

Jack: *small nod* *quietly* I just hope we can help the ones that survived.

Ratchet: *sigh that sounds softly like a sob* Yeah. *then glances at those eyes peeking from Kup's box* Sport... do you think Sora would like a gift?

Jack: *looks, very soft chuckle* I think so... and I think he'll get Desti-loved too.

Ratchet: *slight wibbly smile* Well duh. *pings Sora's com*

Sora: //Hm?//

Ratchet: //What are you doing, Sweetheart?//

Sora: //Sitting in the creche, holding one of the sparklets that was with the blue Dragonfly... Fay's with me.// *sounds so amused*

Ratchet: //What's so funny?//

Sora: *databursts an image of Fay loving on what looks to be an already very well-loved paper heart*

Ratchet: *eyes widen slightly* //I forgot that was today.//

Sora: //Raj already gave me choccy.// *chuckles*

Ratchet: //D'aww. *voice more soft* Would you like another present? One you don't have to give back to Autumn?//

Sora: //... What do you mean?//

Ratchet: //Come see.//

Sora: //Alright...//

Ratchet: //And bring a little pocket plushie, if you can.//

Sora: //Alright.// *less uncertain now*

Ratchet: *smile gets a little stronger* //I'll see you soon, Sweetheart.// *then blinks and responds to Comet's laughing report about a raid by Nightstrike and the other younglings on Reggie's armful of cake boxes* They got Reggie's cake.

Jack: ... *snerk* *will get up and raid Russell's stash of goldfish crackers*

Ratchet: I told him he'd have to share sooner or later.

Jack: Yeah... And he's probably staring at the empty boxes now, because he won't ever hit a kid...

Ratchet: *tries to chuckle, but instead winds up hiding her face on littleJack's blanket and wetting it with tears*

Jack: *coming over to give comfort*

Ratchet: *leans her head against him* //They're just babies, sport. And now some of them are dead. Nightwish just reported to the Chief, and there were little Swiper and Streaker there, and they died taking out a SixShot clone.// *gives him data on the slave situation, so he knows what she's talking about*

Jack: *cringing and clicking softly* //Primus has them now...// *not that that helps ease the feelings of having failed the younglings*

Ratchet: //If Sam and Seamus don't. My little sister came here, like a twin will sometimes when they die.//

Jack: *small nod, then his attention's going to the door as it opens*

Ratchet: *sad face gone, and is only wearing tired mother smile as she looks toward the door*

Sora: *just now entering the room, the hem of her long skirt swishing softly as she walks. Has a pocket plushie in hand*

Ratchet: *smile grows just a little as she looks at her beautiful daughter, then she nods to the box and the peeking eyes* Don't lift him, he's too big.

Sora: *very curious now, will move to approach* Too big?

Ratchet: Yup. Open the present and see.

blue eyes: *watch the black-haired lady as she comes near his box*

Sora: *soft, gentle clicks as she carefully repositions the blanket* *intakes hitch as she gets a good look at the thin and slightly lanky youngling*

Ratchet: *as the youngster sits up hesitantly and unplugs himself* *quietly* He'll need a name.

Sora: *nod, expression quietly intent as she thinks*

Kupkid: *lifts his brows at the black-haired lady, and then asks a wordless question with his hands* *what're you lookin' at me for? Do you want something?*

Sora: *will gently smooth the youngling's helm and click softly, still trying to think of a suitable name for him*

Glit: *wanders in* *sits and curls tail around paws* Would a human name suffice?

Sora: *small nod* I think so...

Glit: Well then what about Keagan?

Sora: What does it mean?

Glit: To the best of my knowledge, it means "small flame".

Sora: *small smile* It suits him. *will gently rub the little guy's back and click softly*

Keagan: *brows lift further, and then he's glancing toward the white lady as he lifts himself to one knee*

Ratchet: *nods to him*

Keagan: *looks at the black-haired lady again, and then slowly, like the sun rising for the first time over a barren world... comes the million dollar Kup grin*

Sora: *very soft clicks, is trying not to wibble*

Keagan: *remembers how the interview with his blue friend and the grey-haired lady had gone, and puts both hands to his throat to show he can't speak to the black-haired lady. But then hesitantly holds out his arms*

Sora: *will give hugs* *quietly* I'm not able to pick you up and hold you right now, but I want to...

Keagan: *optics shuttered as he hugs, but then lifts his head and grins that grin before pushing away gently and jumping down to the floor. Hands lifted. See, I'm out!*

Sora: *very soft chuckle*

Jack: *amused snerk*

Keagan: *pulls the blanket out of the box and wraps it awkwardly around his shoulders. Then turns to Sora again. There, all ready*

Sora: *nod, will offer her hand to Keagan*

Ratchet: *as Keagan looks curiously at the hand* Make sure he takes his cord with him. I'm pretty sure he could use more energy.

Sora: *nods and looks for the cord* *will carefully stoop to pick the cord up where it's laying on the floor* *bit of a squeak*

Keagan: *alarmed expression, ready to duck*

Sora: *straightening, one hand going to her abdomen* She kicked... *so surprised*

Keagan: *brows lift, his bewilderment clear*

Ratchet: *slight smile as she looks at Jack. Knows Joan hasn't had much to say yet*

Jack: *chuckles, eyes twinkling with amusement*

Sora: *quietly explaining to Keagan about Joan* I have a sparklet growing... *will indicate her abdomen again* There's a special tank that she's growing in, and she decided to move around.

Ratchet: *softly* I'm not sure he's sure what 'sparklet' means, Sweetheart.

Sora: *very slight frown as she thinks*

Ratchet: The little tiny guys the dragonfly had with her.

Keagan: *understands!* *and then stares at the black-haired lady's belly with amazement. There's a sparklet tank in there???*

Sora: *nods* She's still growing, but she's strong enough that I can feel it when she moves.

Keagan: *gentle fingers touch the dress over Sora's belly*

Joan: *must be bored or something, because she just gave the tank wall a good, solid kick!*

Sora: *squeaks at the kick*

Keagan: *backpedals, pulling his hand away quickly*

Sora: *very soft clicks*

Keagan: *expression holds apology for touching her and pleading that he not be hurt for it*

Sora: *headshake* Joan kicked again.

Keagan: *straightens slightly, his expression going to question*

Glit: Just hug the boy, Sora. *lick a paw, washa ears*

Sora: *will click softly and offer hugs*

Keagan: *soft sigh from his intakes and hugs with one arm, the other hand holding his blanket around his shoulders*

Sora: *gentle backrub is a go*

Keagan: *deep sigh, but then looks toward the door as it opens*

Alice: *coming in to get patched up. Was trying to kick Stan while she was making something to eat, and her knife slipped*

Ratchet: *perks* Jack, will you fix her finger?

Sora: *very soft crooning coming from her now*

Jack: *nods and goes to get the patching material* Be right back, Alice.

Keagan: *leaning close to his black haired lady as he watches the new lady*

Alice: Alright. Just don't... *trails off as she notices the youngling Sora's hugging*

Ratchet: *holds littleJack a bit more securely as she awaits Alice's reaction*

Alice: ... LOL?

Ratchet: *softly* Clone. Of our original.

Alice: ... Who cloned him? *getting a bit of a dangerous glint in her eyes now*

Ratchet: //Stand down, 'Cee. There's been enough energon spilt today.//

Alice: :/

Jack: *back with patching material*

Ratchet: His name's Keagan. And he's got a freaking adorable grin.

Alice: *quiet for a few moments as Jack works on patching her up* "Small flame", huh?

Glit: Yes.

Ratchet: We can tell Roddy when he gets back from the garage tonight.

Alice: *small nod* Let's just hope it doesn't get Lisa worked up.

Ratchet: *soft smile* Alice, he's Kup all over again, just the charm and the grin, without the stories and the long life to dilute them a bit.

Alice: *very soft snerk*

Keagan: *looks over toward the snerk, his quizzical expression unmistakably familiar*

Sora: Alice thinks something's funny. *small smile*

Alice: *gravely* I'm Alice.

Keagan: *gives her that grin*

Alice: *very slight quirk of a grin*

Sora: *serene expression is a go*

Keagan: *then snuggles against Sora, sensing that she isn't as strong as she appears now, and that she needs support*

Alice: *snaps a quick image of the cute and sends it to Ratchet*

Sora: *gentle hugs and soft clicks*

Ratchet: *little nod, though she doesn't look up from the child in her arms* //I see it, 'Cee.// *gently* Sora, go ahead and bring him out of here. He still needs to finish charging.

Sora: *nods and moves to gently guide Keagan out of the room. Will more than likely bring him home*

Alice: *quietly* //She's come a long way.//

Ratchet: *blinks back tears again* //She has. She's strong.// *presses lips gently to the blanket covered head of the youngling in her arms* //Thank God.//

Alice: *over to give careful hugs, mindful of the blanket bundle in Ratchet's arms*

Jack: *also over to give hugs, will click softly*

Ratchet: *WILL NOT cry. Will just lean on the arms of her family*


meanwhile, in the hallway on the way to the nursery


Nightstrike: *foot still on Reggie's chest as she passes out his special mail order snack cakes to her squad mates and the two grown Seekers* *took the mech down without mercy when he refused Comet one of the cakes*

littleBlitz: *cheek bulging with cake as he stuffs another into Mauler's mouth*

Comet: *chuckling as she accepts one of the offered cakes* Dude, you just got owned by a youngling.

CatScan: *studying the nom curiously before giving it a taste test* *pleased sound*

Reggie: *wibbling* My cakes...

Nightstrike: *arms fold across her chest for a moment as she scowls downward* Autobots share.

Comet: Ramjet's just an idiot. *nomphing cake now*

Rocket: *roars down the hall, head down and tail up. Then pauses and sticks her muzzle in CatScan's face. Clicks!*

CatScan: *startled skreek, backs up*

Nightstrike: *surprised and on the defencive* It's an eater!

SixShot: *jogging up behind his little friend in his newest alt mode, that of a very tall and broad shouldered blond man* Rocket, wait... Hey, are those those pistachio cakes? *sees Reggie then and snerks. Doesn't know who this kid standing on him is, but he likes her already*

CatScan: *over her startlement, will skreek and give scritchies*

Comet: *calmly, as she comes over to give scritchies to the friendly xenoformer* She's on our side.

Nightstrike: *wary headtilt, but stands down and offers the beast a cake*

Rocket: *sniff sniff, nuzzles and carefully takes the offered nom* *happy teakettle*

Reggie: They ganked all my cakes. *sulk*

SixShot: Serves you right. *looks at Comet* Can I have one?

Comet: *offers the package*

SixShot: Thanks. *takes it respectfully, but then peeks sideways at CatScan, who he's standing next to* *engaging grin*

CatScan: *bit of a shy smile*

Rocket: *finished the nom. Will gently nose the nice hand that gave it to her, hoping for more*

SixShot: *watches as Nightstrike hesitantly rubs Rocket's head and gives her two more cakes, then slips something into CatScan's hand and jogs back the way he came, calling to Rocket as he goes*

Rocket: *one last nuzzle, then she's scooting after Master and nomphing cakes along the way*

CatScan: *blinks and looks to see what was slipped into her hand*

thing: *is a little velvet box*

CatScan: *headtilt* *will open the box, curious about what could be inside*

box: *contains a beautifully detailed pendant depicting a winged heart*

CatScan: *blink. Blink* Comet, will you help me put this on?

Comet: Huh? Put what... *trails off as she sees what CatScan is holding* ... *SNERK* You know, if you put that on, it'd show that you like the guy who gave it to you.

CatScan: *looks up, getting a stubborn set to her jaw* Well, at least he's pretty to look at.

Comet: In which mode? *grin*

CatScan: *very soft, uncertain skreek as she thinks*

Mauler: *settles onto his skidplate with a soft clang, then accepts another cake from littleBlitz and stuffs it into his mouth*

littleBlitz: *barely awake, but helping his Lady distribute the spoils. Becomes aware of the silence of the adults and looks over uncertainly*

Comet: *hand on CatScan's shoulder* Just make sure you know what you're getting into, Kitty cat...

CatScan: *more soft skreeks as she studies the pendant*

Nightstrike: Is something wrong? *cake in her own mouth*

CatScan: *small headshake, quietly excuses herself. Needs time to think*

Comet: *bit of a frown as she watches CatScan leave* *asks Storm to check on the young Seeker later on, please*

Nightstrike: *uncertainly* Something is wrong with the medical unit?

Comet: This is her first heart day celebration. She's never received gifts like that before.

Nightstrike: What is heart day? *slight head tilt*

Comet: It's a local holiday where people show their appreciation of their loved ones by giving gifts to one another.

Nightstrike: What sort of gifts? And what does "loved one" mean?

Comet: Candy, usually. Or flowers, or pretty things to wear... and 'loved ones' means the people you'd go to war to protect.

Nightstrike: *slight frown* Isn't it a soldier's duty to go to war for all?

Comet: Well, yeah, but one's loved ones are the ones worth going to war to protect even when there's not a war going on.

Nightstrike: *winces but admits* I don't understand.

Comet: *very slight headtilt as she thinks of a better way to explain it* The people you trust to watch your six, and who trust you to watch their six, and who you'd jump into a fist fight to back up if they needed it.

Nightstrike: *suddenly moves away from Reggie to catch littleBlitz as he keels over. Urgent quiet Decepticon as she shakes him*

littleBlitz: *tries to wake up, but it's just been a heck of a day and he's still healing*

Mauler: *hands to mouth with worry*

Comet: *will move to help, skreeking and clicking softly*

Reggie: *sits up and frowns as he wonders what the heck just happened*

littleBlitz: *quiet clicks in his sleep. Young systems can be heard labouring softly as he struggles unsuccessfully to wake*

Comet: *will move to gently lift the little guy* He needs rest...

Nightstrike: He's never failed before.

Comet: Today's been a heck of a day for everyone that got brought here.

Reggie: Being tired when you're hurt isn't failing. *puzzled scowl*

littleBlitz: *snuggles in his sleep*

Comet: *soft clicks, then* It just means you need to slow down so you don't damage yourself.

Bert: //CatScan, Comet, where the sleeping beauty are you?// *angry and tense sounding*

CatScan: //... Is someone hurt?// *just a bit distracted-sounding*

Comet: *sends coordinates*

Bert: //You were bringing someone here!!!//

Comet: *blink blink* Oh, right. //En route. Got distracted by a snack detour. Should I bring some pistachio cakes?//

Bert: //I don't give a...//

Autumn: *quietly* //Bert, language...//

Bert: //Arrrghh. Just get that kid down here, Comet.// *click!*

Comet: *blink blink* Guess we should get to Autumn and Bert then.

Reggie: *winces as he gets smacked for trying to save some cakes* Who do you think you are, anyway, kid?

Nightstrike: I was Megatron's heir. Now I'm no one. *hides all cakes in subspace*

Reggie: ... Slag...

Mauler: *just transformed to a little industrial roller and is heading down the hall*

Comet: C'mon, Nightstrike. Let's go make sure Autumn will be alright. * *will move to follow Mauler*

Nightstrike: *quietly, those green optics intent on the face of the femme beside her* Why would Autumn not be alright?

Comet: *very careful shrug* Something to do with Mauler, I guess.

Nightstrike: *frowns after the little workbot* He's never done anything wrong.

Comet: *another careful shrug* We'll find out what's up soon enough.

Nightstrike: *still frowning* Yes, sir.


few moments later, at the nursery


Melissa: *looking with wide eyes at the bed that contains the premie and newspark sparklets that were just brought to the crèche*

Demolisher: *over there, making Sven yell*

Airwolf: *helping Demolisher with that*

Sven: *having a grand time*

Autumn: *sticking close to Bert and trying not to fall to pieces. Never expected the news that Mauler is alive*

Mauler: *pushes against the metal mesh "screen door" and then blinks as it falls over*

Autumn: *startles and looks*

Bert: What the? *scowls toward the door, then gasps* Oh slag...

Melissa: *frightened sound and turns to cling to her mate*

Skylar: *soothing sounds for Melissa, holds her close and frowns at the door*

Mauler: *looks over his shoulder and receives no harsh words for the damage, so he runs right in. Pauses and looks around, his grin blooming on his cute little face*

Bert: *goes over and scoops the youngling into his arms, not bothered one bit by the weight of Mauler's industrial strength shell. Hugs the little guy, his shoulders shaking* You scared the scrap out of us. Don't slaggin' do it again!

Mauler: *KNOWS WHO THIS IS! LOVE!*

Nightstrike: *just staring at that from where she's standing and holding the broken door*

Autumn: *hurrying over, has to fuss over her son* *and wibble, and cry*

Mauler: *this has got to be Mama. Reaches an arm and cuddles against her without leaving Dad's grasp. Such a happy grin he's wearing*

Nightstrike: *calls to her dragonfly not to interfere with that, and then looks at Comet* It looks like they know him.

Comet: *blink blink* I guess so.

Autumn: *insisting on quiet family time now, even as she hugs Mauler*

Bert: *calling to the other crèche guardians that Maja's in charge now even as he fishes for his PINpoint*

Nightstrike: Wait! You can't just take him! *steps forward, still holding the door*

Bert: *scowls at that tall, strapping bot* I can and I am.

Autumn: *quietly and firmly* He's our son.

Comet: ... Huh. *small nod, will move to sit down nearby and cuddle littleBlitz*

Nightstrike: He's mine.

Granny Rabie: *comes over* *gently* Settle down, b'y. He's made from t'em two 'n needs ta be some close wit' 'em right now. Won't keep 'im from bein' yers too.

Nightstrike: *stares at the little, wrinkled being and wonders at the respect she feels for her*

Comet: Hi, Granny. *smile*

Granny: *grins* What'dya got t'ere, Comet?

Bert: *scowls and brings his mate and youngest son home*

Comet: *smile* Itty bitty Blitzwing... He arrived with Nightstrike and Mauler.

Granny: *grin widens* So yer after tellin' me ye needs a baby shower now?

Comet: Sure, why not? *chuckles*

Granny: Ye'll have ta share wit' me sister. Hattie jes' got annuder 'un too.

Comet: So we both have two kids now?

Granny: Two? *looks at how the dragonfly just wandered over and leaned against Comet*

Nightstrike: *gives her dragonfly several cakes, and then turns and seeks permission from Comet to pass the rest around to others in the room*

Comet: *nods, both to Granny, and to Nightstrike* Yeah.

Granny: Ye ain't countin' the big 'un, t'en?

Comet: *blinks at the Dragonfly* ... Three, then. *chuckles*

Granny: *grins, but is watching Nightstrike as she moves around the room passing out cakes* *stealthily takes a wish out of her pocket and wishes there's enough cake for everyone here to have enough*

Yuuta: *intensely curious expression as he looks at this new kind of treat!*

Blitzwing: *from behind Comet* *startled, so speaks in Japanese* [What happened to the door??]

Comet: *looks over her shoulder* Mauler opened the door. *chuckles*

Blitzwing: *stops short and frowns. He knows that name from talking to Bert* ...Mauler?

Comet: *nod* He's built like Brawn... but he's definitely 'Bee's kid too.

Blitzwing: *eyes widen* When did he get back? Wait. *looks at the dragonfly* ...Does this have anything to do with the raid on the 'Con base?

Comet: *nod*

Blitzwing: *hand on her shoulder as he moves closer* *soft and gruff* What have you got there?

Comet: An itty bitty version of you.

Blitzwing: *face darkens to a scowl* Was he one of the slaves?

dragonfly: *indignant head shake*

Comet: *headshake* *tilts her head towards Nightstrike* He's her second.

Blitzwing: *looks toward the strapping femme, recognizing her youth, and some of her genetic origin* Who's she?

Comet: Her name's Nightstrike. She was Megatron's heir, but now she's with us.

Blitzwing: *scowl* Megatron's heir?

Comet: *nod* She's on our side though.

Blitzwing: I thought Megatron's heir was Deadlock.

Demolisher: *just scooted over with Airwolf at his side* Deadlock! Bahahahahaha! *amused bitty falls over laughing*

Airwolf: *clickstorm*

Blitzwing: Scrap, that looks like miniMegs.

Comet: *slight shrug, looks to Demolisher* But cuter and friendlier.

Quickstrike: You call that friendly?! *shaking his foot* He slaggin' bit me!!!

Airwolf: *looks at foot, gallops over on all fours. CHONK*

Quickstrike: *SKREEEK!!!!*

CatScan: *hurrying in* ... *turns her attention to fussing over newborns and premies once she sees what's going on*

Blitzwing: *brb, laughing till he has to lean on the door post*

Skylar: *to Quickstrike* You deserve that. *returns attention to comforting Melissa*

Quickstrike: *subsonic obscenities*

Wesley: *arms around Airwolf's middle to carry the little Seeklet away from Daddy* Not noms. Not noms.

Carmine: *laughs* Not noms!

Cindy, Mabel, and Aurora: *look up from playing with play dough, and then grin and offer little cakes*

Demolisher: *ooooo? Is noms?* *runs over to look*

Airwolf: *wriggling and clicking and screeking and laughing*

Skylar: *skreeks for babby* *offering cuddles to him, too*

Stony: *elbows on the table as he stands over by a busily colouring Dion* Heh.

Dion: *babbling happily*

Blitzwing: *wipes his eyes, and then looks at his little clone again* Why do you have him?

Comet: *putting on her best cute pout* Can we keep them?

Blitzwing: *startled look* What?

Comet: *nods toward Nightstrike, the Dragonfly, and littleBlitz* Can we keep them?

Blitzwing: I... Uh... Comet, do you know what that used to mean to Destrons?

Comet: ...

Blitzwing: *clears his throat, but looks quite flustered for such a stoic old cop*

Comet: *slight headtilt, confusion clear on her face*

Road Queen: *wanders up behind them in the hall. Sees Blitzwing's face* What, did Comet beat you to proposing?

Blitzwing: *face. Palm*

Road Queen: *chortles and walks off again*

Comet: *blink blink* *blush* Oh.

Blitzwing: *embarrassed small smile* It's... the human day for courting. I thought... *rubs back of neck*

CatScan: *skreeking softly to herself just over there, where the sparklets are*

Comet: I knew that... *blushing just a bit now* *attention going to CatScan* *quietly* I think she's just a bit confused.

Blitzwing: *looks over there, glad for change of topic so he can get his processor back on track* What's she confused about?

Comet: Sixshot gave her a pendant. I think Whiplash gave her some chocolate earlier today, too.

Blitzwing: *brows up slightly* Ah. That's started. *brows back down and drawing together as he frowns*

Comet: I don't think she's ever gotten heart day gifts before. *attention going back to littleBlitz* They need a family, and they need to be kept as a set. *quieter* Autumn and Bert's son came back...

Blitzwing: That doesn't surprise me, after what Brawn pulled himself. *eyes on his little clone again as he frowns and thinks*

dragonfly: *quiet little wing rattle, and then looks at the face of the small lady she's leaning by*

Blitzwing: You're a perfect Sapphire Blast, aren't you?

dragonfly: *quizzical look with those big optics*

Comet: *soft chuckle*

Blitzwing: *frowning again* Why aren't you talking?

Sapphire Blast: *touches neck and shakes her head*

Comet: *small frown* Prolly can't... *attention going to Wasp as the youngster scoots over to get cuddles too*

Wasp: *stops short and headtilts when she sees Sapphire Blast*

Sapphire Blast: *sister! Eyes just light up, and her wings make a soft buzz because she's shivering with excitement*

Nightstrike: *back over with the last couple cakes* *sees Wasp and quietly skreeks a greeting as she offers a cake to her*

Wasp: *skreek, clickstorm, will pounce Sapphire Blast for snuggles* *purrrrr*

Sapphire Blast: *happy wriggles, and then grabs the cake and smooshes it on Wasp's face in attempt to feed her while falling over from being pounced. No sounds yet*

Wasp: *snuggling and making happy sounds*

Blitzwing: *takes cake* Thanks... Why isn't she saying anything?

Nightstrike: *lips thin* She can't. The dragonflies wouldn't stop keening for fallen sisters, so Shockwave removed their voxes.

Comet: *wince wince wince*

Blitzwing: *slow head shake* I killed that scrapheap once. I'm looking forward to the day that I do it again.

Nightstrike: *blinks and looks at the grey-haired man* Who are you, sir?

Comet: This is Blitzwing. *small smile*

Nightstrike: *little sound of shock* Blitzwing died gloriously upholding the Decepticon ideals?

Blitzwing: The slag I did. *snorts and eats cake, since he sees that Boton, Bunny, and Granny all have one*

Comet: *confused* Who said he did?

Nightstrike: *slowly, her head slightly bowed to show submission and apology for saying something displeasing to the superiors* Everyone at Megatron's base.

Comet: ... Well, they're all full of it.

Nightstrike: *quietly* I didn't know.

Blitzwing: And we're not going to punish you for not knowing. Excuse me. *gentle squeeze for Comet shoulder, and then goes to talk to Usagi and Granny as Boton leans against him and nibbles her cake*

Nightstrike: *watches him go, and then looks back to Comet, obviously awed by having been in Blitzwing's presence*

Comet: *watching Blitzwing go, a small smile on her face*

Nightstrike: *quietly* You are of his triad?

Comet: Something like that... We're courting.

Nightstrike: *doubtful look* You're worthy?

Comet: I'm one of the Destron Warlady's seconds.

Nightstrike: *winces at not knowing what she's talking about* The Destron Warlady? I don't know who or what that is, sir.

Comet: When she's in root mode, she goes by Nightbird.

Nightstrike: *stumbles back a step, her eyes wide*

Comet: *blink* Is something wrong?

Nightstrike: The Nightbird!

Comet: *headtilt. Not connecting the dots here*

Nightstrike: Only Stryka ever neared her for strength and grace, till Megatron tamed her.

Comet: ... *puzzled* Megatron never tamed the Warlady. She nearly took his head off when he declared femmes to be useless and ordered 'em all killed...

Nightstrike: *stops short, her expression showing her bewilderment* *doesn't know what to say now*

Comet: *will ding Nightbird's comm and ask her to come to the nursery* I know, 'cause Sidewinder and I had to pull her off of him after he hit her.

Nightstrike: *quietly* But I was born from coding that included hers, and the others talk often about her being in Megatron's quarters.

Comet: ... Huh. *will be puzzling this over this for awhile*

Nightbird: *arriving then, managed to gank Fixer from Joe*

Fixer: *trotting along beside the Warlady, her expression alert but reserved*

Viisaus: *sleepy expression as he follows Mom and Fixer*

Wasp: *clickstorm, can see Mama and Sissy and Bubby!*

Nightstrike: *lifts her optics toward the clickstorm, and then follows the green dragonfly's gaze. Optics widen as she sees the face and bearing of the femme that just stepped through the shattered door, and then she's on her knees with her head bowed*

Sapphire Blast: *confused look for her Lady, but emulates her*

Nightbird: *puzzled frown as she sees that* You don't have to do that.

Blitzwing: *is back* That's one of Megatron's latest heirs, Warlady.

Nightbird: *bit of a frown* I see.

Nightstrike: *lifts her face, and Nightbird will be able to see how young she is, and also traces of her ancestry in her features*

Nightbird: *moves to sit down nearby*

Viisaus: *will sit down next to Mama and lean on her*

Wasp: *goes to Mama for cuddles*

Fixer: *stands with arms crossed over chest and scowls at Nightstrike, wondering why the other youngster sounds familiar*

Comet: *discussing something over comms with Nightbird, and then she's boggling*

Nightbird: *slight nod, will ping Ratchet to ask about Nightstrike*

Wasp: Love Mama. *happy sounds*

Nightstrike: *looks at Wasp* Mama?

Nightbird: *boggling as she learns that Nightstrike has coding from herself, Nightwish, Stryka, and Megatron*

Blitzwing: *gruffly to Nightstrike* It's a term of respect and affection for a female mentor.

Nightstrike: Ah. I understand. *and then she's frowning questioningly down at the tiny human girl who has come to bow and offer her a candy and a shy greeting and welcome*

Wasp: *waves to Usagi and clickstorms*

Blitzwing: *watches his little Bunny with pride. He'd gone to ask his daughter and granddaughters if they minded new family members, and the three humans hadn't even paused to think it over very long before they'd said that they didn't*

Nightbird: *looks to Nightstrike* You share coding with Wasp, and with Fixer.

Nightstrike: I share coding with all the dragonflies, Lady. And... *curious look toward Fixer, optics narrowing just slightly with interest as she senses the other girl's sparksong*

Fixer: *SCOWL*

Wasp: *headtilt* Is sissy?

Nightbird: *nods to Wasp, chuckling softly as the youngster scoots over to give Nightstrike hugs* Fixer's creators were Stryka and Lugnut.

Nightstrike: Who is Lugnut?

Fixer: *quiet growl*

Nightbird: He was a Deepdweller, and most Decepticons didn't think of him as a person. *quieter* They only saw a weapon.

Viisaus: *very quietly* Lugnut was a strong warrior.

Blitzwing: You've got Deepdweller coding yourself, kid. Stryka had it, and so does Nightwish.

Nightstrike: *expression says that she's ashamed to admit that she doesn't even know what they're talking about*

Sapphire Blast: *stretches and rattles her wings, just to be able to make a noise*

Wasp: *clickstorm for sissy!*

Sapphire Blast: *playful hand on sissyface*

Wasp: *squeak, will try and get the hand outta her face*

Blitzwing: *ignoring the tussle between the two young fliers as he tells Nightstrike about the Deepdwellers*

Nightstrike: *awed and amazed*

Blitzwing: *then looks at Nightbird* Your wingsister asked me to help her mentor these younglings. *not sure if the Warlady understands that he's asking permission to marry Comet according to ancient Destron custom*

Nightbird: *blinks and then looks to Comet, who ducks her head and blushes* *slight quirk of a grin* The two of you should have an easier time bringing up these than you did raising Astrotrain on your own.

Blitzwing: *formally* Thank you, Warlady.

Demolisher: *runs up just then and falls at the Warlady's feet, then cuts her a grin full of wicked charm and offers her a mangled paper heart*

Nightbird: *nods to show she heard you, Blitzwing, will turn her attention to Demolisher as she reaches for the offered paper heart* Thank you.

Demolisher: *clickstorms and wriggles around like a puppy*

Fixer: *very delicately steps on the sparklet*

Demolisher: *growls and flails and wriggles more*

Viisaus: *soft clicks*

Demolisher: *bite!*

Fixer: *swat!*

Demolisher: *HOWLS*

Viisaus: *jumps* 0.0

Nightbird: *startles* *and then moves to try and break up the scuffle*

Demolisher: *clings to her when she lifts him. Has no thought of manipulating the lady to his side, this is just the instinctive clinging of a little sparklet who has met his first daunting battle. But he's looking with bright eyed and challenging interest at Fixer*

Fixer: *scowling right back at him*

Airwolf: *so amused, and letting the world know about it*

Sirius: *has come over to watch too!*

Nightbird: *calmly, to Fixer and Demolisher* That's enough, both of you.

Alpha Trion: *has come over with a little blanket. Looks at the young sparklet with amusement* Well, he's going to be a handful.

Nightbird: *small nod, will set Demolisher down, ready to intervene again if she needs to* I noticed.

Fixer: *promptly picks the little menace up and wraps him in the blanket, then shows the cuddling and purring bitty to Viisaus*

Viisaus: *sleepy amusement, will snuggle up to Mom again*

Alpha Trion: *slight smile as his knowing old optics look at Nightbird* This one hasn't any family yet.

Nightbird: It will be a challenge, teaching him to be gentle with Taiyou.

Alpha Trion: Ah, true.

Fixer: *just whomped a little skidplate in response to a hard jerk on her mouth*

Demolisher: *wails and cuddles*

Viisaus: *jerks awake, had nodded off again. Puzzled look for Fixer*

Fixer: *first words since her breakdown* He has to stop fraggin' hurting people.

Alpha Trion: *smiles* Would you like me to take him, Fixer?

Fixer: *growls at the Elder and insults his coding*

Nightbird: *has no right to look that amused*

Fixer: *then turns and offers little Demolisher to her mentor*

Nightbird: *will carefully nab Demolisher and situate him on her lap*

Sirius: *back, packing a Taiyou*

Nightbird: *has plenty of room on her lap*

Taiyou: *big sunny grin around the cake he's nommin' on*

Demolisher: *pokes the funny soft kid, his eyes wide with curiosity*

Taiyou: *laughs at the poke, will poke back*

Nightbird: *catching Demolisher's hand* Be gentle. Taiyou's not made of metal.

Demolisher: *tugs on hand and clickstorms, but then leans forward and kisses the squishy kid*

Taiyou: *kissies back!*

Demolisher: *squeaks!*

Fixer: *looks at Alpha Trion like, "And you're still here, why?"*

Nightbird: *head bowed for a moment, is talking to Prowl*

Viisaus: *will use Fixer for a pillow now, kthx*

Sapphire Blast: *points to the little on that lady's lap, then looks at her green sissy*

Wasp: Is bubby. *nod nod*

Sapphire Blast: *oh really? o.0* *soft wing rattle, and then looks at Blitzwing as he calls to her*

Wasp: *looks* Uncle.

Sapphire Blast: *thoughtful expression*

Blitzwing: *to the blue youngster* To you I'm Dad.

Sapphire Blast: o.0?

Wasp: *nodnod of agreement* Sissy Dad Wasp Uncle.

Nightstrike: I don't understand.

Sirius: That's okay. Just go with it. *turns and trots off*

Blitzwing: *blinks after the Seeklet*

Comet: *blink blink, snerk*

Nightbird: *soft chuckle, will focus on loving on her kids*

Blitzwing: *as Granny comes with Boton to join the family* Let's go, Comet. I've already got us a bigger place, and there's a party on the table.

Comet: *nods and moves to snag Nightstrike as well*

Nightstrike: *follows with obedient bewilderment, and Sapphire Blast brings up the rear, still softly rattling her wings*


meantime, infirmary


Ratchet: *lifts head* Deckerd's got another brother.

Jack: *blink* He does?

Ratchet: *nods* His name's Duke. They've started the Brave Police project in the UK.

Jack: ... *bit of a frown* Sora's going to kick our afts for not telling her sooner, but we can't tell her right now.

Ratchet: She has Keagan. She'll forgive us. Besides. *makes a quick call and suggests that Destiny wants to go visit bubbies in Japan*

Destiny: *very much agreeable to that!* *can you just hear her squealing?*

Ratchet: *bit of a grin* //Drift, are you there?//

Drift: *groggy sounds, more than likely just woke up from a nap* //Hm?//

Ratchet: //Up to visiting Japan, buddy?//

Drift: //Think so... Gotta see what Fixer says...// *accidentally transmits a yawn*

Ratchet: *quietly* //There's a new guy there. He's going through a rough time, and the guys might appreciate another set of eyes right now.//

Drift: // 'm up...//

Ratchet: *briefly explains Gunmax's tendency to wind up on the floor charged out of his senses, and the young mech's beautiful poison of choice*

Drift: *quiet for a few moments* //... So he gets kiss-drunk?//

Ratchet: *quietly* //Deherree is Blackout's.//

Drift: *can you just see the wince he's got going on now* //Gotcha.//

Ratchet: //You should be able to get some rest there. Drill Boy's having a quiet day, from what I hear.// *meaning the young soccer detective is in full blown snuggle mode after staying up all night making the heart for Fay*

Drift: //We need coordinates...//

Ratchet: *tries to think, and sighs* //Desti has them.//

Drift: //Alright.// *will talk to Destiny, and then to Kup*

Ratchet: *looks at Jack* There's another Jack in England, though he's not related to you.

Jack: ... Huh. *puzzling over this now*

Ratchet: *quietly* I know what this one's name will be. *looks down at the frail youngling cuddled in her arms*

Jack: *curious expression is a go*

Ratchet: *tucks the blanket a bit better* *softly* Judah.

Jack: *very soft chuckle* It suits him. *will move to give careful cuddles*

Ratchet: *leans her head against his shoulder* It means 'Praise'. *perks slightly as Bea comes in*

Bea: You guys should go rest. *plunks down in Russell's desk and cuddles Nova, who is being a cranky pants*

Jack: *nods* We will, Bea. *will help Ratchet to her feet*

Ratchet: Careful. Judah's still plugged in.

Jack: *soft clicks, will check on Judah, and consider designs for a portable charger*

Ratchet: *muffles a yawn* We can go down in the basement. There's a plug right by the couch that folds out.

Jack: *nods* Let's get going then.

Ratchet: You need to unplug him, sport.

Jack: *nods, will work on doing so*

Judah: *small movement as he feels the energy get cut off. Trembles and wonders if someone's mad at him. But then he feels a soft tingle on his head through the blanket, and hears a soft clicking. Relaxes and slips back into sleep, holding his doll close*

Jack: *soothing clicks for the little guy*

Ratchet: *turns to leave the infirmary slowly with her husband and new son, knowing that Judah will soon be surrounded with more love than he'll know what to do with*


Denver's office


Ginny: *sitting at a tiny desk next to her mother's. Is busily counting paperclips and carefully wiping her runny nose on tissue. Makes a mark on her paper for every five paper clips that she drops into the piggy bank*

Tracks: *peers into the room and smiles slightly* Is Ginny feeling better?

Denver: She's staht'n' t'. *small smile*

Tracks: That's good to hear. Putting her to work, hmmm?

Denver: Y'u know 't. *chuckles*

Tracks: Was she pleading to be able to help, or did she just help herself this time? *so amused at his little human daughter*

Denver: She w's pleadin'. *more chuckling*

Tracks: *quiet chuckle of his own* I suppose you know what today is?

Denver: Raoul 'n Jake made sure Ah knew. *so much amusement in her expression*

Tracks: *bit of a frown* Hoodlums.

Denver: Beau got me chocolate 's well... 'n flowers 'n chocolat f'r Carter. *so amused*

Tracks: *shakes his head despondently* I see. *nope, there is nothing in his hands*

Denver: *will get up, approach her husband, and attempt to snog him silly*

Tracks: *catches her by the arms and pushes her back a little, his icy blue eyes dancing now* I suppose you don't want my gift, then.

Denver: *Look* Y'u 're a massive suck. *might be more convincing if her eyes weren't sparkling with mischief*

Tracks: *pouts* Well if you're going to insult me...

Denver: *snog attempt number two is a go... and this time, she'll try sticking something in your back pocket, Tracks*

Tracks: *meeps ticklishly at the poking of something in the pocket, but doesn't draw away from the kiss*

something: *trills softly down by their knees*

Denver: *blinks and looks down*

cat: *looks back. Is an exquisite lynx of the African type, with beautiful dark markings, long legs, and large feet*

Denver: Awww, kitty! *will stoop to give pettings*

cat: *once more gives the soft trill, her big tufted ears perked*

Tracks: *quietly* I could feel how badly you wanted a cat, darling. So I... well, Amanda here is how they say police dog on her world.

Denver: Awww... *will get up from her crouch to hug you now, Tracks* *is quite pleased*

Tracks: *holds her close, his face buried in her hair* -I love you, Denver.-

Denver: *snuzzles* -I love you, Tracks.-

Ginny: *is little arms around their legs and a soft croon*

Tracks: -Are you very busy right now, darling?- *gentle love bomb*

Denver: -Nope. Ginny 'n Ah w're jes' finishin' inventoreh...-

Tracks: *leans back a bit to smile into her eyes* -Do you think Ginny would like to nap on the couch with blankets and her dolls while you and I cuddle on the bed?-

Denver: *soft chuckle* -Ah th'nk so.-

Tracks: *smile turns into that insufferable smug smirk*

Denver: *will move to scoop Ginny and Amanda up*

Amanda: *oh no. Down please, boss. Kisses as she makes the request*

Tracks: *as he watches* I think she thinks she's working, darling.

Denver: *raised brow* *will carefully stoop to let Amanda down*

Amanda: *loves against her leg, and then looks alertly for orders* *and then she turns her head as Major McHale walks into the wall across from Osk's office door* *chirp?*

Ginny: Oh oh!

Denver: *snerk, facepalm*

Tracks: *brow quirk* Jerry, your sense of direction seems to be even more off than usual.

McHale: *blink blink* Er... Yeah... *gives himself a bit of a shake*

Tracks: *so amused* Osk's office is behind you.

Denver: *shoulders shaking with supressed laughter at the expression on McHale's face*

McHale: Yeah... *bit of a stupid grin*

Tracks: *amusement growing* Do I want to know?

McHale: ... *shrug* She said 'Yes'. *grin*

Tracks: *eyes widen slightly, and then he's smiling* Well, congratulations.

McHale: Thanks... *going to find Osk, kthx* *walks into another wall in the process*

Tracks: *winces and goes over to steer the Major so that he can find the door*

Denver: *so much amusement in her headshake, and wondering what Tracks thinks of his gift*

Tracks: *comes back, his hand going to his hip pocket* It's lovely, darling. And just what I need. *glances over his shoulder. More quietly* Osk looks like she's going to faint.

Denver: *concerned for Osk* Mebbeh we sh'ld intervene...

Tracks: *listens* *gently* I don't think they'd like that.

Amanda: *quizzical chirp as Ginny calls to her*

Denver: C'mon, th'n... le's go 'ome.

Tracks: *picks up the cat despite her protests and comes over to slip an arm around his wife's waist. Rests his forehead against hers*

Ginny: *love love you, kitty!*

Amanda: .>_<. *can't breathe, but loves you, baby*

Denver: *soft, contented sound, snuzzle*

Tracks: *takes Denver, Ginny, and Amanda home for a quiet and pleasant afternoon*


in town. Lisa's garage


Jake: *trying to work up the courage to ask Umeko something*

Umeko: *came to bring her boys their late lunch/early supper, since they intend to stay and work late. Also brought each of them a chocolate heart from the last remnants of the heap she'd bought for today* *is now laughing as Raoul dances about the food*

Jake: *deep breaths, squares his shoulders and tries to get Umeko's attention*

Raoul: *notices that and scrams*

Umeko: ... *big eyes of surprise, but turns toward Jake to offer the lovely bento box that she packed for him* *sees his expression and surprise turns to a quizzical look*

Jake: *bit of a blush, stammers something about dinner, and going out*

Umeko: *hand to her mouth and almond eyes absolutely enormous now* Jake-san...

Jake: *so much blush*

Umeko: *then flails a little, puts her hands to her cheeks, and gives a breathless squee before laughing happily*

Jake: *hopeful expression as he offers his hand*

Umeko: Yes. Yes! *hands both to her mouth now*

Jake: *and there's that slow grin he does sometimes*

Umeko: *blushes deeply as she realizes just how cute that grin is*

Jake: *will move to give hugs, grinning like a loon*

Umeko: *blushes even more, but lays her hands and her cheek against his chest* *quietly* I'm happy, Jake-san. I never realized that you thought of me this way.

Jake: *quietly, still stuttering a bit* Ah 'a-ave f-f'r awahl...

Umeko: *hides face against him* Oh.

Jake: *holds her close and gently nuzzles her hair*

Raoul: *peeks in and considers taking off with Jake's lunch*

Lisa: *rambling about something just over there*

Raoul: *scoots over and offers her the umboshi that was sitting on his rice*

Lisa: *thanks Raoul for the umeboshi, then squeaks as her abdomen makes an audible 'ping'*

Raoul: *sticks his face to her belly and makes a loud razzing sound against it*

Lisa: *more squeaks as Trailback kicks again*

Raoul: *laughs* You keep it down, little man. Who d'you think you are, huh?

Lisa: He's being 'tudy... .>.<. *abdomen pings again*

Raoul: *gently pokes at Lisa's belly* Jake's got a date.

Lisa: *blink blink* Who with?

Raoul: *grins as he continues to communicate with the unborn* 'Meko.

Lisa: *happy squee*

Lisa's abdomen: *goes quiet at the squee*

Raoul: *soft snerk* Try the plum now, Mrs. Garcia.

Lisa: *will do so, puckering up at the sour taste*

Raoul: *laughs and gives her a kiss on the cheek, then runs back to the car he was working on, slapping Jake on the back lightly in passing*

Umeko: Eeek. *peers after him*

Jake: *soft 'oof', bit of an amused stinkeye for Raoul*

Raoul: *down under the car, working away*

Umeko: *shakes her head* I hope he chewed his food.

Jake: Knowin' 'im, 'e did. *knows that Raoul probably ate the things that wouldn't keep and put the rest away for later*

Umeko: *quietly* I should get back. There are new babies, and Autumn-san had to leave.

Jake: *small nod* *quietly* 'S Frahday a good day f'r our date?

Umeko: *smiles* I don't have anything else planned for that day.

Jake: *and there's that grin again* Alrahght. Ah'll git th' reservation taken care'a...

Umeko: *concerned* Don't spend too much. I don't need to go somewhere fancy.

Jake: 'T'll be nahcer th'n th' Sip 'n Dip, 't least.

Umeko: *and then she flails again* Oh! That reminds me! *eyes shining* Major McHale asked! Today!

Jake: *perk* Wh't'd Miss Osk say?

Umeko: She said yes, of course. *shakes her head at him*

Jake: *snerk* Bet McHale walked int' a wall'r two...

Umeko: *nods, chuckling, her eyes still bright*

Jake: *gentle hug*

Umeko: *cuddles, and then steps back. Gives him a smile and a little wave, then PINpoints away*

Roddy: *coming out to check on Lisa, snerks as he sees the note Raoul slapped onto Jake's back*

Jake: *will be 'Lover Boy' till he goes home that night*

((Written with random_xtras))