YD Verse. Sparkplug's Shop. Family Reunions.

[dens_extra_pups]

Ironhide: *sniffs at the food in his dish and wags his tail slightly as he recognizes beans and meat. But then looks up sharply as he hears his lady opening the door. She hasn't had food! Grabs hold of the butt of her jeans and then sits down*

Denver: *startled squawk*

Ironhide: *lifts his butt off the floor and pulls her backward a little*

Denver: Ahrnhahd! Lemme go!

Ironhide: *growls and pulls backward again, aiming toward the fridge*

Denver: Slaggit, Ahrnhahd! Lemme go! *trying to get her jeans free from the old Rottweiler's grip*

Ironhide: *turns carefully, and then nearly shoves her at the fridge. Lets go and barks once, sharply*

Denver: Alrahght, alrahght. Y'u made yer point. *will get up and open the fridge*

Ironhide: *sits down to watch*

Denver: *muttering unpleasantness under her breath as she pulls a package of hot dogs out*

Ironhide: *just watching. The schedule is being kept now. His world is all good*

Denver: *more muttering as she goes to retrieve buns from the pantry*

Ironhide: *licks his leg where it hurts a little bit sometimes where his old master hit it once*

Denver: *sighs and moves to lean on the counter so she can eat*

Ironhide: *looks up and licks his lips, then goes to his bowl and slowly starts to eat a bit of the canned chili that she dumped in there*

Denver: *quiet and thoughtful as she eats. Is thinking about how she's going to get everything packed up so she can relocate to the garage, and how Ironhide the Rottweiler will handle meeting Ironhide the Autobot. Is also aware of the slight dip in temperature that's starting to take effect outside, thanks to her Pretender shell*

Ironhide: *has taken the edge off his hunger, is now nosing his dish over toward his lady's bed so he can hide the rest of the food till later*

Denver: *looking around, making note that she can really get rid of that bookshelf, since all it really does is collect dust, and has never once housed any books. The couch and bed can go as well, since she doesn't really sleep on them, she might be able to get away with keeping her hammock that she brought to the shop when she'd been scared that Tracks would go offline. There aren't any pictures on her walls, no artwork, nothing. The whole one room apartment feels a bit spartan and bare*

Ironhide: *found her book where his dish goes. Brings it over to her, worried that she'd lost it*

Denver: *soft chuckle, will relieve Ironhide of the notebook* Good boy.

Ironhide: *tail wag, and then starts to patrol his tiny territory*

Denver: *soft chuckle as she watches the old Rottie patrol. Still remembers when she got him, and how his last owner had trained him to only eat food from a can, out of concern for the dog's safety. He's been her constant companion for several years now, and she's not sure how he'll adjust to being around the Autobots*

Ironhide: *stops and makes a puzzled sound as he noses the giant teddy bear that she'd nearly forgotten to take with her*

Denver: *will move to get the teddy bear* *will also grab Ironhide's leash off of her bedside table* C'mon, Ahrnhahd. Wanna go f'r a rahd?

Ironhide: *quizzical whine. Doesn't understand that command, master* *intent and appealing look*

Denver: *makes the leash jingle*

Ironhide: *OH! Walks over and stands pretty*

Denver: *will clip the end of the leash to the ring on Ironhide's collar* *will also go to the kitchen to grab a bowl and a couple cans of chili, noting absently that she's running low* *then remembers the bowl of chili that Ironhide pushed under her bed. Retrieves that as well*

Ironhide: *okay, now he's confused. Why is his lady taking back his food?*

Denver: *moves to get some plastic wrap out, is forever glad she got the stuff that can form a seal around the rim of a bowl when pressed. Makes sure none of the chili in the bowl will get out, then carefully puts everything in one of her tote bags* Le's go, Ahrnhahd. We's goin' on a cah rahd.

Ironhide: *a bit uneasy about his lady's strange behaviour, but he follows obediently at heel as she leads him out of the apartment*

Denver: *will lead him to her Pretender shell*

Ironhide: *she's going to put stuff in the car? Ears perk, and he looks up at her with a worried expression*

Denver: *soothingly* Y'u'll lahk wh're we's goin'. Th're's moah people t' see, 'n cahs t' protect.

Ironhide: *protect? Looks around, his ears flattening slightly. He's on duty!*

Denver: *makes sure the bag is secure in the back seat, will help Ironhide into the passenger seat*

Ironhide: *suddenly shaking and crying even as he obeys. Doesn't want to go away! Wants to stay with you!*

Denver: *more soothing sounds, and ear scritchies* We's gonna go t' mah job, Ahrnhahd.

Ironhide: *distraught. His head is down, and the shaking and soft crying continues. The old warrior has turned to mush*

Denver: *will move to get buckled up and start the car. Then she'll start driving, and look, Ironhide. This isn't the way she goes when she's bringing you to the vet's!*

Ironhide: *even more scared when he sees things that he doesn't recognize. Is sure that he's being taken away and will be let out and left behind again*

Denver: *taking the turns carefully, and soon, she's pulling up front of a shop* Alrahght. Le's git insahd... *parks the car*

Ironhide: *shaking increases, but then suddenly his ears perk and he's looking up with bristling and protective shock as a huge thing comes walking out of that building and comes up to the car*

Denver: *soothingly* Easeh, Ahrnhahd.

Ironhide: *and then he stops just as a deep growl has come bubbling out of his chest. Did he just hear... a baby? Puzzled whine and looks through the window*

Magenta: Mamamamam! *screech!*

Tracks: Oh my goodness. There went my audio receivers.

Denver: *moving to get out, will come around to get Ironhide, and Ironhide's food and bowls* *to Tracks* Ah take 't she missed me?

Tracks: *looks a bit haggard* No one got any sleep, darling.

Magenta: *scrreeeeeeech!*

Ironhide: *howwwwwl*

Denver: *wince*

Magenta: *dead silent and peering toward that new sound*

Denver: *will move to lead Ironhide closer to Tracks* Magenta, 're y'u bein' 'tudy 'gain?

Magenta: *...click?*

Ironhide: *curious moving of eyebrows*

Denver: Li'l wingnut... *soft chuckle* *to Ironhide* Y'u play nahce wit' Magenta. *unclipping the dog's leash*

Ironhide: *throws her an anxious look and whines*

Tracks: *slight double take* What did you call that animal, Denver?

Denver: Ah'm gonna be rahght 'eah, Ahrnhahd. *looks to Tracks* Th's 's mah dog, Ahrnhahd.

Tracks: Ironhide?? *expression says he's amazed*

Denver: 'E's a tough dog. Used t' guard a junkyahd. Th'n 'is owner 'bandoned 'im, 'n Ah adopted 'im aftah 'e'd been 'lone f'r 'whahl. Best guard dog 'n th' world. *nod*

Tracks: ...I see.

Sparkplug: *calls through the door* That you, Denver?

Magenta: *recovers herself* Mam! Mymam!

Denver: *looks to the door* Yep. Brought mah dog, lahk Ah said Ah w'ld. *will move to give cuddles to Magenta*

Magenta: *fusses a bit because her mother's not as big as she likes her to be, but then sighs and snuggles*

Tracks: *with fond asperity* And I don't need to mention she hasn't fuelled all night.

Denver: *sigh* Le's fix th't th'n.

Tracks: Do you need to take anything else out of Flashpoint?

Denver: Ah've got Ahrnhahd's food, 'is leash, 'is foodbowls... *though now she's not sure she's not forgetting something*

Tracks: What's that fuzzy pink thing? *has leaned down to peer into the Barracuda's windows*

Denver: Oh! Magenta's teddeh beah! *will move to get it*

Magenta: Buh? *then turns her head as she senses Aunty Kriti. Hssssss*

Ironhide: *startled by that sound! Ears flap as he turns his head*

Kriti: *pulling up to the shop*

Magenta: *baby confusion when Aunty doesn't respond to their game right away*

Kriti: *soft clicks, will transform once she's out front* Where's my sparklet? *grin*

Denver: Y'ur spahklet? Yeah, rahght.

Mikaela: *looks out then, her long hair twisted up into a knot on her head* *big grin* Puppy!

Ironhide: *where? He'll kick its aft*

Denver: 'Is name's Ahrnhahd. *chuckles*

Ironhide: *huh? Yes, Boss?*

Mikaela: Does he mind strangers? *over to look at the dog, her toes curling in her old wooden sole platform sandals*

Denver: Give 'im tahm t' git used t' y'u.

Mikaela: Okay! *pauses to hug Magenta, and then heads back inside*

Tracks: ...She forgot to put something on this morning, didn't she?

Denver: *soft snerk* Th't's jes' 'ow she dresses s'metahms. *teddy bear retrieval is a go!* Th're. Ah th'nk Ah got ev'ryth'n'.

Tracks: *puts out his hands for the things so that she's free to transform*

Denver: *will set the grocery bag and the teddy bear in Tracks' hands, will also transfer Magenta*

Magenta: *big eyed as always when her mother picks her up while being barely bigger than Magenta herself*

Tracks: *quietly* Witchblade woke up last night.

Denver: *looks up* Th't's great!

Tracks: *nods. Soberly* She doesn't remember anything before she woke up. Except that you're her sister, I'm your husband, and Magenta is our sparklet.

Kriti: *moves to climb into Tracks' hands as well* At least she's awake.

Denver: *bites her lower lip and nods* *then she's moving to combine with her Pretender Shell*

Magenta: *looks up from examining the teddy bear. Sees her favourite aunty!* Hsssss!

Kriti: *snuggles Magenta*

Flashpoint: *transforming and rising to her feet* *soft sigh* Le's git Magenta s'me fuel. *looks for her dog, to make sure he's not underfoot*

Ironhide: *sitting and looking at her with a very studious expression*

Tracks: *stands and offers his handful* You do realize she's trying to get you to meow at her, Kriti?

Kriti: *razzes Tracks* *will then focus on playing with Magenta* *the last time she and Magenta played, and she was meowing, Raoul started laughing and got Spike going too, so the youngbot's feeling a bit self-conscious and shy*

Flashpoint: *will get Magenta from Tracks, earning a razz from Kriti*

Magenta: *happy wriggle. Softly* Mamamamam. *nuzzle*

Flashpoint: *softly* Who's mah li'l girl? Hmmm?

Magenta: *there's the grin that's only for her parents*

Flashpoint: *careful babydancing, even as she searches for a feeding tube*

Magenta: *quiet fussing as she tells her mother she's so hungry*

Tracks: *drops Kriti lightly on the ground* Do you need a top up, Flash darling?

Flashpoint: *quick check of her gauges* Ah mahght.

Kriti: *going to try and make nice with the Rottweiler*

Tracks: *arm around Flashpoint's shoulders to guide her inside*

Ironhide: *moves his brows at Kriti, but follows his lady and her funny shaped car*

Raoul: *sticks his head out of the shop, looks around. Sees Kriti and wriggles his eyebrows, then goes back inside*

Kriti: *squeak* *scampers inside*

Tracks: *drooping a bit from walking around so much. Tries to lead Denver back to the apartment where his bed is now*

Sparkplug: *pulls his head out of the workings of a car* Flashpoint, will ya do me a favour?

Flashpoint: *looks over from supporting Tracks and holding Magenta* Hm?

Sparkplug: This young fella answered my ad fer another mechanic. He'll be here soon, 'n he's got a Southern touch as thick as yours, so I thought it might be best if you interviewed 'im. *lifts brows hopefully*

Flashpoint: *small frown* 'S Flashpoint, 'r 's Denver?

Sparkplug: *glances toward a thud as Kriti kicks Raoul on the butt and makes him bang his head on the hood he's working under, then turns back to Flashpoint* Flash should be alright.

Tracks: *softly* I need to go lay down, darling.

Flashpoint: *small nod* *moves to help guide Tracks to the apartment* *will whistle for Ironhide*

Ironhide: *comes trotting after her*

Flashpoint: Ahrnhahd, th's 's Sparkplug. 'E's th' boss 'round 'eah, so mahnd yer manners.

Ironhide: *what? Boss? Studies Sparkplug, then looks at his lady's funny car*

Flashpoint: *will bring Tracks down the hall and make sure he's comfortably situated on his berth*

Tracks: *is glad to lay down, and smiles at her affectionately as he looks from her face to the sparklet cuddled against her and drinking fuel* There's a barrel of biodiesel on the table there.

Flashpoint: *turns to go to the table in the other room* Alrahght. 'Ow're yer levels?

Tracks: *smirk* Who do you think emptied those other two cans?

Flashpoint: *snerks* *will get situated on the stool by the berth with the barrel, quietly admiring Tracks' features*

Tracks: *still smirking, till a sound makes him turn his head*

Ironhide: *nose to nose with kitty!*

Amanda: *PUPPY! Aloof lady is happy cat!*

Flashpoint: *looks* *blink blink* Wh'n'd we git a cat?

Tracks: You've heard Raoul and Spike talk about Amanda, darling. *lays his head back on his pillow with a sigh*

Flashpoint: ... Oh.

Tracks: She can do everything they've said she can, too, the little harridan.

Flashpoint: ... *snerk* *sips at the fuel*

Tracks: *sighs and sleeps*

speaker: *by the door, it crackles to life*

Sparkplug: //Just heard 'im show up outside, Flashpoint.//

Flashpoint: *will gently kiss Tracks' forehead and move to get up* Ah'm on mah way out.

Ironhide: *stands up from where he'd been letting the kitty lay down the law. Is time to go, boss?*

Amanda: *washes one pretty white paw*

Sparkplug: *after a couple crackles* //Alright.//

Flashpoint: *to Ironhide* Le's go say 'lo. *moves to exit the apartment*

Ironhide: *trots at her heels, looking around watchfully all the way*

Flashpoint: *down the hall, musing to herself about what the potential new guy's like*

Kriti: *cheerfully cussing the vehicle she's working on as Flashpoint goes past her in the shop*

Flashpoint: Th't won't fix th' problem aneh fastah, Kriti.

Kriti: It's fun.

Raoul: *snort*

Flashpoint: *snerk* 'F Magenta learns th'se words fr'm y'u, Ah ain't savin' y'u fr'm Ratchet.

Kriti: Don't worry, she already learned 'em from you.

Flashpoint: *THRRPT*

Sparkplug: *waves a wrench commandingly toward the door, though he can be heard chuckling*

Flashpoint: *rolls her optics cheerfully and moves to approach the door so she can open it*

burly young man: *standing with his back to the door as he looks around at the buildings surrounding the garage. Strawberry blond curls lightly stirred by a breeze that promises rain*

Flashpoint: *to the young man* Bettah git 'nsahd b'f're th' rain stahts.

man: *turns to look up at her with a bit of surprise* A-Ah a-a-ain't scahd a r-rain, Miss.

Flashpoint: *boggles as she gets a good look at the man* *slowly* Alrahght... Y'u 'eah 'bout th' job?

man: Y-y-yes'm. *good natured apology in his face at his stammer as he obediently steps inside*

Flashpoint: C'mon 'nsahd, hon. *pokes Sparkplug in passing*

Sparkplug: *waves her off* Coffee room. Er, first door on the right of the hall.

Flashpoint: Th's way, hon. *will move to lead the way to the coffee room* *absently whistles for Ironhide*

Ironhide: *right there by you, Boss! One big woof at the stranger*

man: *startles, but then grins* A Rottie! Ah love Rotties.

Flashpoint: *chuckles* Th's 's Ahrnhahd. *watching Ironhide for his reaction to the man, besides the big woof. Trusts the old Rottweiler's judgement on character*

Ironhide: *snuffles at the hand offered to him, then looks at his lady's funny car. Is totally unconcerned by the stranger*

Flashpoint: *will move to hold the coffee room door open for the man* *thinks to herself that he passes the Ironhide Test, so he's a good person* *to the man* So wh't's y'ur name?

man: *trips over Amanda and laughs softly* A-Ah'm Jake.

Amanda: *wanders off*

Flashpoint: Jake, huh? Gotta last name? *small smile as she watches the cat wander off*

Jake: L-Lamont. *steps into the coffee room and looks around* A stuffed grizzleh beah??

Flashpoint: *looks* Wondah wh're th't came fr'm? *amused at the apron on the bear* Ah'll ask Sparkplug 'r Spahk 'bout 't latah.

Ironhide: *snuffling the bear now and making grumbles to warn it that he's watching it*

Jake: *will stand till the lady is seated, his face softening as he sees the baby bot cuddled against her*

Flashpoint: *will carefully sit down so she can talk to Jake and so she's not in the way of the door*

Jake: *settles down on the padded folding chair, then clucks softly to Ironhide as the old dog patrols past him*

Ironhide: *ignore. Is workin'*

Flashpoint: *soft chuckle*

Jake: *gives her an alert look, plainly ready for this interview. Was surprised to see a lady Transformer as his interviewer, but his parents' training helps him mind his manners and treat the lady like any lady should be treated*

Flashpoint: Tell me 'bout y'urself, Jake.

Jake: Well, Ah'm twenty two. Got two older sisters 'n a baby brothah. *eyes on the dog, and doesn't realize that his stutter's left for the moment* Jes' finished college 'n now Ah'm ready t' work 'n pay mah folks back. *grins* Ah always 'elped mah dad repair th' farm equipment, 'n Ah 'ad a couple mechanics courses whahl Ah w's doin' th' college stuff.

Flashpoint: *small nod* Wh't'd y'u go t' college f'r?

Jake: A-Aviation, ma'am. Ah c'n flah 'n repair aneh crop dustah out 'n th' market.

Magenta: *sleepy and done drinking* No!

Jake: *blink*

Flashpoint: *soothing sounds for Magenta, will gently tap the little one's back* *to Jake* Aneh experience fixin' cahs?

Jake: Yes'm. Ah rebuilt a '59 Caddy Coup de Ville, 'n Ah rebuilt my neighbour's Jeep aftah 'e ran int' int'... *stops, embarrassed* I-i-int' a T-t-transformer.

Flashpoint: *wince* Who'd 'e run int'?

Jake: A-Ah d-d-don't kn-know, ma'am. H-he w-wa-was a 'Con.

Magenta: BURRRRRRRPF. No!

Flashpoint: *more wince*

Jake: *quietly* M-Mr. Sm-smith always w's kahnd 'f cracked.

Flashpoint: Ah see. *wondering if it's the same Mr. Smith she remembers from when she was little* Th'nk y'u'd 'ave aneh issues workin' wit' Autobots?

Jake: *absently passes his hand over his butt as his pager buzzes* N-no, ma'am. N-not un-unless th'y 'ave i-issues w-working wit' me.

Flashpoint: *small nod* Wah d' y'u wanna work 'n New York?

Jake: *bit of a shy grin* M-Mah w-wife's still 'n school.

Flashpoint: Y'u're marriehed? *surprised*

Jake: Yes'm. *distracted by dog chin on his knee and forgets to stutter again* Cat's gonna be a doctah.

Flashpoint: *small smile and a nod*

Jake: She 'as a few more yeahs t' go. *another frown, and his hand once more goes toward that buzz to shut it up*

Ironhide: *snuffles at the buzz, and then goes on patrol again*

Flashpoint: 'S th't 'er?

Jake: *pauses with surprise just as he was about to apologize, then takes out the industrial strength pager and looks at it. Frown deepens as he doesn't recognize the number, but does recognize the three digit code that follows it* N-No, m-m-ma'am. It's mah Dad.

Flashpoint: *concerned* 'S th're trouble?

Jake: *quickly checks the last call and sees that it too was from his father. Frowns and looks around for a phone* Y-y-y-yeah. *brightens as he follows Flashpoint's finger and sees the novelty phone on the coffee table. Grabs the yellow Camaro with the black racing stripe and quickly dials the number from the pager, then listens for a moment before responding* S'Jake. *brows shoot upward and his face goes pale* W-wh't??? Wh-who'd kidnap a sick ol' ladeh!?

Flashpoint: *frown* *will try and listen in on the conversation*

Jake's dad: *stuttering badly as he tells his son how Grandma Hattie's room was empty yesterday morning, and no one's found any trace of her since*

Jake: *looks like he's going to cry*

Flashpoint: *soft gasp*

Jake: *startles and glances up at her, but then voices a quiet assent to his father and hangs up the phone* *softly and shakily* Ah-Ah'm sor-sorreh, Ah gotta go.

Flashpoint: *quietly* Alrahght. We'll be 'n touch wit' y'u. *doing her best to hide how badly the news that Hattie's missing and the realization that this Lamont guy is her cousin rattles her*

Jake: *thanks her, and then hurries out*

Magenta: *awake and cranky about how her mother's spark sounds*

Flashpoint: *quiet, soothing sounds, even with her intakes hitching softly*

Sparkplug: *is that crackle from the speaker by the door* //Flash?//

Flashpoint: *quietly* Th's 's Flashpoint.

Sparkplug: //Want me ta send the other one in now?//

Flashpoint: C-C'n y'u interview 'im?

Sparkplug: //She's got it just as bad as that guy does.//

Flashpoint: T-th't gah's mah cousin.

Sparkplug: //...Oh. What's his name?//

Flashpoint: Jake Lamont... 'E's from mah Ma's sahd 'f th' famileh.

Sparkplug: //Okay. Can he do the job? Wait, I thought you didn't know or like any 'a your family.//

Flashpoint: Nevah met aneh 'f th' Lamont sahd, 'cept f'r Gran'ma... *intakes hitch slightly*

Sparkplug: //So he's good?//

Flashpoint: *quietly* 'E passed th' Ahrnhahd test.

Sparkplug: //But can he do the work?//

Flashpoint: *quietly* 'E c'n. 'N c'n fix othah engines 'sahds cahs.

Sparkplug: //Alright. I'll tell this lady the position's filled.// *click*

Flashpoint: *moves to get up* *will ping Ratchet's comm, seeking someone to talk to about Hattie's apparent kidnapping*

Sparkplug: *speaker crackle and a muffled word cut across her attempt to contact the Autobot CMO*

Flashpoint: Hm?

Sparkplug: *sounds very surprised and a bit growly protective despite the static of the intercom* //This woman sez her name's Hattie Lamont, and she wants ta talk ta Denver.//

Flashpoint: ...Wh't's she look lahk?

Sparkplug: //Little lady, with curly grey hair. ...Come to think of it, her eyes are the same colour as yours.//

Flashpoint: ... Gimme a mo'. *out of the coffee room, will transform to alt mode in the mouth of the hall, Magenta ending up situated in the passenger seat*

Sparkplug: *sound of surprise* //She's got the same thing Raoul does!//

Flashpoint: //Wh't?!// *and then her human part is disengaging and getting out so she can hurry into the main room*

Hattie: *standing there large as life, with Raoul's ear held firmly between her right thumb and forefinger* 'F a girl says stop, th'n y'u bettah stop.

Raoul: Ouch. Yes, Abuella.

Denver: *hesitating at the door*

Kriti: Hey! I can fight my own battles. *slight scowl*

Hattie: *gives the little blue girl a Look that rocks her back on her heels*

Spike: *going to grab Mikaela and retreat!*

Denver: *hesitantly takes a step forward, disbelief clear in her voice* G-Gran'Ma?

Hattie: *gives Raoul a swat on the backside after letting go his ear, and then turns toward the voice. Grin* 'Ey, Denver.

Denver: *still hesitant as she takes another step closer*

Hattie: *walks over to meet her, then puts her hands on the younger woman's arms and looks up at her with the first loving and motherly smile that Denver can clearly remember seeing* Wh't's wrong?

Denver: *wibbles* *tries to say something, but then she's breaking down and crying*

Hattie: *confused, but hugs her granddaughter and murmurs to her softly* Shhh, hon. 'T's alrahght. 'T's alrahght.

Kriti: *will grab Raoul and book it from the room*

Sparkplug: *quietly follows, his expression showing his concern and confusion*

Denver: *trembling by the time her tears stop*

Hattie: *gently leans back so that she can look at Denver's face* Y'u alright now, hon? *this close, the soft silver threads in her right cheek are plain to see*

Denver: *quietly* Y-Y'u went miss'n... Jake 'n Uncle Matt're worriehd sick 'boutcha.

Hattie: *scowls* Ah c'ldn' git t' a phone, so Ah couldn't tell 'em wh't Ah w's doin'. 'N th' nurses weren't likeleh t' 'elp. Matilda's gonna be 'n th' warpath 'n doin' all she c'n t' get me back th're, 'n th'y were all 'er good friends.

Denver: *quietly, and a bit coldly* Not 'f Ah 'ave aneh say 'n th' mattah.

Hattie: *slight, sad smile* She's mah guardian, hon.

Denver: Th'n Ah'll go t' court 'n fahght 'er.

Hattie: Y'u alreadeh did a lot. *grateful and proud affection in her face and voice* *pauses* Though y'ur 'aiuh sure grew fast.

Denver: *one hand absently goes to brush against the ends of her shoulder length hair* *quietly* Ah won't let y'u be put back 'n th't place, Gran'Ma.

Jake: *from the door* M-Me n-neithah.

Hattie: *gives him a quizzical look, thinking she knows him from somewhere, but knowing that she doesn't know many people his age at all*

Denver: *startled squeal*

Jake: *flinches and apologizes very much* Th-th' c-ca-cat g-go-got m-mah cah k-keys. A-A-Ah c-came b-back f...

Hattie: *looks at Denver* Who's this?

Denver: *quietly, once she's calmed down from her startlement* Jake Lamont... 'Un 'f Matt's kids. 'N 'un 'f mah cousins.

Hattie: *shock* Y'u're even bigger th'n y'ur daddeh!

Jake: *BLUSH*

Denver: *quietly* Ah w's three wh'n th' accident 'appened, Gran'ma.

Hattie: Ah di'n't recognahze y'u 't first wh'n y'u came t' mah room, eithah. But y'u've got Miranda's ahs. Y'u c'ldn't've been aneh'un else.

Jake: *looks at Denver from where he's got the wall phone off the hook and held to his ear* Y-y'u w-went t' Gran'ma's r-room?

Denver: *confused* No... Ah've been 'eah 'r 't mah apartment ev'ry day th's week.

Hattie: *frowns at her* You came 'n gave me the stuff that saved me on... *names the day that Denver spent in walking newborn Magenta out of temper induced colic*

Denver: *headshake* Ah w's 'eah all day th't day... *boggles as something occurs to her*

Hattie: *frowns* Th'n who w's 'n mah room? Ah know Ah w'sn't dreamin'. Th's 's proof. *shows the gentle tracery of silver in the skin of her hands*

Denver: *quietly* D' eithah 'f y'u believe 'n alternate universes?

Jake: *shakes his head*

Hattie: ... *side glance!*

Denver: *saw that reaction, Hattie* *quietly* Ah've got a countahpaht liv'n' 'n anoth'a realiteh... Ah'd put moneh 'n 't bein' 'er th't came t' see y'u.

Hattie: *glances with a slightly guilty expression at Jake, who is looking confused and curious now even as he talks on the phone to his dad* Well, th't explains 'ow y'ur 'aiuh w's so short wh'n y'u were 'n mah room.

Denver: *quietly* She's a soldier. She 'n 'er 'usband both.

Hattie: *surprised by that* Wh't's she doin' messin' 'round 'n othah realitehs? *absently takes the phone Jake offers her and then lovingly scolds her son for flipping out like she can tell he did*

Sparkplug: *apologizes as he, Mikaela, Raoul, Spike and Kriti hurry out to meet Hoist and scramble into his cab*

Denver: *quietly* 'F Ah knew wh're t' fahnd 'er, Ah'd ask 'er. *goes to the door to holler at Raoul and ask him what's up*

Raoul: *sticks his head through the back window and hollers back* Wrecked Maserati with a 'Con badge in Jersey!

Hattie: *tells Matt she knows he's going to be alright now, then hands the phone back to Jake and turns to watch Denver*

Denver: ... Did you call the rest of the Autobots!? *worried*

Raoul: Glide did! Don't worry, it's junk!

Denver: Be careful! Could be a trap! *fretting inside*

Raoul: *lifts his voice as Hoist gets further down the street* Teach Spike to suck eggs! Worse than he does! *yelps as someone in the cab hits him*

Hattie: *saw that. Snorts*

Denver: *bird!*

Raoul: *crossed birds! And then a squeal as Kriti pinches him for being rude*

Denver: *feels slightly better now* *cups hands around mouth* 'Urreh back!! Ah'll make moah coffee!!

Raoul: *hands also cupped as Hoist turns the corner* Might be bringing this ta the Ark!!!

Hattie: Ark?

Denver: *quietly* Autobot base.

Hattie: *brows lift*

Denver: Le's go t' th' coffee room. Ah'll put a pot 'n.

Jake: *nods and obediently comes in*

Hattie: Boy's still hollerin'. *looking over her shoulder as she comes inside*

Denver: *snerks as she moves to get everything she needs to make coffee* *to Hattie* 'E does th't. Dunno 'f 't's jes 'cause 'e c'n, 'r 'f 'e does 't t' embarrass Kriti 'n Spahk.

Hattie: Th're's a cah parked 'n th' hall.

Jake: T-Th't's th' Transformah ladeh.

Ironhide: *guarding the car. Guarding the car*

Bumblebee: *yelps from down at the far end of the hall*

Ironhide: *bark!*

Denver: *pause* *calls down the hall* Y'u' okay, 'Bee?

Bumblebee: Yeah, Flash! Just stuck to the wall. WINDCHARGER, GET ME DOWN!

Denver: *facepalm*

Wheeljack: *laughing nearly too hard to be understood* 'Charger's got the hiccoughs!

Denver: Poke 'Charger 'tween platin', 'Jack.

Bumblebee: *good natured vexation* He can't. He's laughin' too hard.

Wheeljack: *cackle*

Denver: *sigh* *to the car* Flashpoint, go assist.

car: *transforms and begins walking down the hall*

Hattie: *blink blink* *looks at Jake*

Jake: Th't's th' Autobot ladeh. *pause* W-wait. Th't 'B-Bee gah called y'u "Flash".

Windcharger: *yelps and then burps*

Bumblebee: *dryly* Classy.

Wheeljack: That was well brought up! Too bad... ack! Flash, what'd you hit me for?

Denver: *quietly* We's both "Flash". *looks down the hall* We's got company, Wheeljack! Mahnd yer manners!

Wheeljack: *bewildered* Which of those words were cussing?

Bumblebee: *is taking his turn to laugh much*

Denver: W'sn't cussin', but 't w's still rude!

Wheeljack: Which words???

Hattie: *brows UP*

Jake: *is back in the coffee room and looking around*

Denver: Ah'll 'splain latah. *will duck into the coffee room with a sigh and a grumble about Wheeljack and manners. Then she's working on getting the coffee brewer going*

Hattie: Real redneck? *follows her granddaughter inside, and then looks around for cups after shaking her head at the bear in the apron*

Denver: 'Jack don' know th' diff'rence 'tween cussin' 'n normal words. *gets a couple of mugs out*

Hattie: 'Ow c'n y'u not know th't?

Denver: Same way 'e can't wrahte anehth'n' rahght way up.

Hattie: *has found a box of sugar packets* 'N wah's th't? *looks around* Th're's no fridge 'n 'eah.

Denver: S'meth'n' wit' 'is wahrin'. Fridge 's 'n th' shop, undah th' countah.

Hattie: *heads out and returns shortly with some milk in another mug* Th're's a lil' orange gah out th're. 'E's... singin'.

Denver: *blinks and moves to go look*

Wheelie: *turns as he hears footsteps, then perks and goes to his knees* Hello, doggie, what's your name? Don't be shy, I assure you I'm tame. XD

Ironhide: *...Whut?*

Denver: *snerk* Th't's Ahrnhahd.

Wheelie: *looks up with a cheerful grin, and then offers her a box* I'm really sorry, for long I can't stay, but they asked me to drop this for Ratchet on my way.

Denver: *will reach for the box* Ah'll make sure 'e gits 't, Wheelie.

Wheelie: *chirps happily as he gets up and hands it over, then offers a hug*

Denver: *will hug the little guy*

Wheelie: *soft croon, and then backs up and heads for the door with a wave and much happy chirping*

Ironhide: *did he just see that?*

Denver: *small smile as she watches the little bot go*

Hattie: *softly* Friend 'f y'urs?

Denver: *quietly* 'Un 'f th' youngah Autobots. Nothin' gits Wheelie down.

Hattie: *interested look toward the door* 'E's a chald?

Denver: *nod* 'E's oldah th'n Kriti, but 'e's still a chahld.

Hattie: Kriti's anotha li'l 'un y'u know?

Denver: She's th't blue bot th't went wit' Sparkplug 'n th' othahs.

Hattie: *surprised* Ah thought she w's a young ladeh.

Denver: *headshake* *quietly* She's 'bout ten now.

Hattie: *more surprise, and then a frown* Wh't w's th't boy doin', th'n?

Denver: *small smile* Waitin' f'r 'er t' be old 'nough t' marry.

Hattie: *disapproval* Ah wouldn't want anyone actin' lahk th't t' mah ten year old daughtah.

Denver: Kriti's 'n adult mentalleh... W'ld'a claimed Raoul th' same day she w's put int' 'er fahnal shell, but Ratchet said no.

Hattie: *confused frown*

Denver: None'a us'd witness f'r 'er 'til she's older.

Hattie: *starts to talk, but then meeps and turns toward a cheerful male voice*

Bumblebee: *standing in the mouth of the hall* We don't grow up like you guys do. Some of us are full grown the moment Vector Sigma's done with us. Some of us never grow up. *said without any snark*

Denver: *looks over* Bumblebee, Ah'd lahk y'u t' meet mah Gran'ma, Hattie. Gran'ma, th's 's Bumblebee. 'E's 'un 'f th' Autobots.

Hattie: *holds out a hand, which is gently shaken* 'N 'ow old 're y'u?

Bumblebee: *laughs* I've lost count. But I'm an adult.

Denver: *brat grin* 'E ain't nearleh 's old 's Chromia 'n 'er 'usband.

Bumblebee: *more laughter* Only Alpha Trion was older than them, Flash.

Denver: *laughs*

Hattie: *curious look at Denver as Ironhide goes to sniff at Bumblebee's foot and is chatted to*

Denver: *so amused* Ol' 'Hahd'd protest th't 'e ain't old, 'n c'n still bust Decepticons wit' th' best 'f 'em.

Hattie: *softly* 'Ow c'n y'u 'n th' ladeh Transformer both be Flash, Denver?

Denver: *had hoped to avoid that subject for a bit longer* *soft sigh, will call her Pretender shell over*

Bumblebee: *scoops Ironhide up and moves out of the way*

Ironhide: *surprised growl, but then looks down interested from this great new vantage point for making sure everything's okay*

Denver: Jake! C'mere.

Jake: *comes jogging into the room, his lost keys in hand* Yes'm?

Denver: *waits until her Pretender shell is standing beside her, gives it the command to transform*

Hattie: *surprised word that has Jake staring at her*

Denver: *checks on Magenta before giving the command to combine and transform*

Jake: *just repeated the word his grandmother used*

Hattie: *is speechless*

Flashpoint: *moves to crouch so she's closer to Jake and Hattie's level. Her movements are less stilted, and there's a light to her eyes that wasn't there when Denver was outside*

Hattie: ...'Ow does th't even work?

Flashpoint: 'T's s'meth'n' called 'Pretendah Technology'. Lets me c'mbahn wit' mah 'Cuda t' become Flashpoint.

Hattie: Does 't 'ave anehth'n' t' do wit' wh't th't othah y'u used t' 'elp me? Or wh't th't boy 'as?

Jake: *half listening, and half chatting with Bumblebee*

Flashpoint: Sorta... Wh't y'u 'n Raoul got 's nanobots. Ah've got th' next level.

Hattie: ...Th' next level?

Flashpoint: Ah've got 'n 'mplant th't lets me c'ntrol th' shell even wh'n Ah ain't 'n 't. Ah c'n feel wh't 't feels, too.

Hattie: *softly* So y'u're a Transformah too. Y'u aren't jes' controllin' 'un.

Jake: 0_0 *worry*

Flashpoint: *small nod* *quietly* Ah chose th's path.

Hattie: Wah? Were y'u 'urt?

Flashpoint: *headshake* S'me'un deah t' me w's, though.

Hattie: Wah would tha't make y'u need t' git changed?

Flashpoint: *quietly* So Ah c'n 'elp 'im 'eal 'n git strongah.

Hattie: Ah don't undahstand. *then startles as a screech comes from the vicinity of Flashpoint's chest* Wh't th'...?

Flashpoint: Whoops! *quickly getting Magenta out* *soothing sounds for the sparklet*

Jake: *grins as he sees the baby again, but then blinks* Th't's y'ur daughtah?

Hattie: ...

Flashpoint: *nods* *quietly* 'Dopted 'er wh'n 'er Ma dahed. *up to baby dance*

Jake: *oh, okay. That makes sense*

Hattie: Ah don't undahstand. 'Ow w'uld y'ur changin' 'elp y'ur friend 'eal?

Flashpoint: *quietly* B'cause now, Ah c'n bond wit' 'im 'n 'elp 'is spark git strongah.

Jake: *red ears and looking around for a way away from the conversation*

Bumblebee: That's NOT what she's talking about. *so amused*

Flashpoint: Ah sh'ld check 'n 'im...

Hattie: Ah'll come wit' y'u. *still frowning slightly*

Flashpoint: *will head for the hallway, adjusting her stride so Hattie doesn't have to run*

Hattie: *walking along with the stride of a woman who has spent most of her life in open places wearing pants*

Magenta: *has passed out again, her cheek against her mother's chest*

Flashpoint: *soft, absent humming*

Tracks: *is the sound of a soft cough as they near the open apartment door*

Flashpoint: *worried, will speed up, ready to call Ratchet* Tracks?

Tracks: *no reply*

Hattie: *walk changes to a run as Flashpoint speeds up, her concern very apparent* Wht's wrong?

Flashpoint: *quietly, to Hattie* Tracks got 'urt badleh awhahl back... *just a bit scared now*

Tracks: *sound asleep, but frowning in that sleep as he coughs again*

Flashpoint: *moves to gently touch Tracks' face with her free hand*

Tracks: *startles awake and blinks at her blearily, then scowls as he coughs again* Ugh. It's mis-calibrated again.

Flashpoint: *relief clear on her face* Want me t' git th' tools t' fix it? 'R sh'ld Ah call Ratchet?

Tracks: I think I've seen quite enough of Ratchet lately, thank you. *cough*

Flashpoint: *soft chuckle, will move to gently tuck Magenta in with Tracks. Will also give him a quick, gentle kiss*

Tracks: Mmmm. Are you sure this won't make me better?

Flashpoint: *soft chuckle* Th're'll be tahm f'r snugglin' latah.

Tracks: *sighs and coughs disconsolately* Oh very well.

Flashpoint: *gently touches her forehead to Tracks'* Lemme go git th' tools.

Tracks: Yes, dear. *closes his eyes*

Flashpoint: *will move to get the tools*

Hattie: *standing by the door giving her a funny look*

Flashpoint: *blink. Blink. BLUSH*

Hattie: *quietly* Y'u bettah hurreh 'n git th'se tools.

Tracks: *coughs, and then sharply* Who's there?

Hattie: *grimly* Yer grandmothah-'n-law.

Tracks: 0.0

Flashpoint: *scoots off to get the tools, faceplates heated with the force of her blush*

Hattie: *up on the bed when she gets back, a hand on Tracks' side as he winces and coughs a little harder*

Flashpoint: *moving to touch Tracks' cheek*

Tracks: *opens eyes and looks at her pitifully, which means he's feeling pretty low*

Flashpoint: *soothing murmurs*

Tracks: I'm getting so tired of this.

Flashpoint: Ah know, Tracks. *will gently smooth his forehead* Ah'll do wh't Ah c'n t' 'elp y'u feel bettah.

Tracks: *nods and concentrates, then pops his helm catch so she can take it off*

Flashpoint: *incredibly gentle as she moves to remove Tracks' helm*

Hattie: *watching in silence, her hand still on Tracks' side*

Flashpoint: *hand held scanner that she 'borrowed' from Kriti's workstation out and beeping quietly as she checks to make sure it's the same problem area as last time*

Tracks: *same problem, mixed with a dustbunny. Magenta's been sticking things in his intakes while he sleeps again*

Flashpoint: *soft sigh* We's gotta teach Magenta th't dustbunnehs need t' stay 'n th' floor.

Hattie: Wh't?

Tracks: *sighs too, and then coughs more*

Flashpoint: Tracks 's gotta dustbunneh 'n 'is intakes. *will get a sedative tab out and use it on Tracks*

Tracks: *another, fainter, sigh as he sinks into stasis*

Hattie: *winces* Th't's wah 'e's coughin'?

Flashpoint: Paht 'f 't. *will start recalibrating the part of Tracks' processor that needs recalibrating. Will also work on clearing out the dustbunny*

Hattie: 'N th' babeh did 't t' 'im? *expression says she's remembering things*

Flashpoint: *as she works* Yup.

Hattie: Adopted 'r not, th't's Miranda's granddaughtah.

Flashpoint: *soft snerk*

Hattie: *quietly relates the four separate occasions when she'd found a little toddler feeding her sleeping father dust bunnies*

Flashpoint: *has to stop work because she's snickering so much*

Hattie: *expression amused and fond as she watches this young woman that she's just getting to know*

Flashpoint: *once she's got her snickering back under control, she'll return her attention to recalibrations*

Hattie: *softly* So y'u're givin' up y'ur 'umanity f'r a man from anothah world.

Flashpoint: *quietly* Afta all Ah've been through... Th're ain't much 'umaniteh' left f'r me t' 'ave faith in.

Hattie: *pity in her face* Y'u've given up alreadeh?

Flashpoint: Jethro kicked me out wh'n Ah w's fifteen, Gran'ma. 'Cause th't stupid bint 'e shacked up wit' w's 'scared' 'f me.

Hattie: *face darkens* Shacked up?

Flashpoint: *nod* Afta Ma dahed. *quieter* 'N Ah w's basicalleh treated lahk Ah w's less th'n a person.

Hattie: Wh't d'y'u mean?

Flashpoint: Cinderella w's a pampered princess c'mpared t' me.

Hattie: *face hardens* Wh're's Beau?

Flashpoint: *so much scowl as she finishes working* Livin' wit' Jethro, 'n bein' a #$%#$%$#%$#%$#%$#%$#.

Hattie: *quietly* So th't's wah th' othah y'u tol' me t' ask 'bout y'ur brothah Beau.

Flashpoint: *quietly* 'E, Jethro, 'n a bunch'a Jethro's wedlock brats showed up 'eah a few weeks back... Th'y wanted t' drag me back wit' 'em t' marry me off t' th's rich gah. *expression dark* T' save Jethro's business 'n cleah th' name 'f 'un 'f 'is brats in jail.

Hattie: *hoo boy, look at her eyes flash. And they're really giving off little tiny sparkles, too!* Soon 's Ah c'n, Ah'm gonna 'ave words f'r th't man.

Flashpoint: Take s'me'un wit' yu. Bumblebee 'r Wheeljack, 'r s'me'un big.

Hattie: Th't mahght cause th' wrong kahnd 'f trouble.

Magenta: *stretches and turns her head* Trubba.

Hattie: Ah bet y'u are.

Magenta: *sits up and studies Hattie for a moment, then turns her face away* No.

Flashpoint: *soft snerk* *to Hattie* Ah'd feel betta knowin' y'u've got a 'Bot t' watch yer back.

Hattie: Ah got 'un son left. *slight grin* 'N 'un fahne grandson.

Flashpoint: *chuckles* Two grandsons.

Hattie: *quizzical look*

Flashpoint: Jake's gotta babeh brotha.

Hattie: *laughs* 'E mahght be a mite too small t' 'elp 'is granneh git 'er point 'cross.

Flashpoint: *soft snerk*

Hattie: *sad* Ah know Tom's gone. Ah c'uld see 'n 'eah jes' fahn, even though Ah c'uldn't move.

Flashpoint: ... *quietly* Wh't w's 'e lahk?

Hattie: *quiet chuckle* Quahet. 'E didn't stutter lahk Matt and Jake, but 'e never 'ad much t' say. 'Cept th't day 'e found skunk babiehs undah th' front step.

Jake: *from the door, where he's standing with three full cups of coffee* We still 'ave two grandbabiehs from 'un 'f th'se skunks.

Flashpoint: *startles and looks over*

Jake: 'S th's y'ur cup? *holds up her favourite one*

Magenta: *points* Mam's.

coffee: *is the only one without spray whipped cream on top*

Flashpoint: *nod* Lemme finish Tracks' repairs, th'n Ah'll join y'u f'r coffee. *attention back on Tracks, will get the last of the dustbunny out, and then get his helm back in place*

Jake: Yes, ma'am. *pause* *blush* A-Ah d-drank th' m-milk whahl Ah w's t-talking t' Bumblebee.

Hattie: *snerk* Y'u're Matt's alrahght.

Flashpoint: *bewildered expression is a go, even as she finishes getting Tracks' helm back in place and secured*

Hattie: *turns back to her and notices the expression* Wh't's wrong, hon?

Flashpoint: Ah don' undahstand. *reversing the sedation on Tracks*

Hattie: *gentle patience* Undahstand wh't?

Flashpoint: Wh't does Jake's drinkin' th' milk gotta do wit' 'im bein' Matt's son?

Hattie: *laughs out loud and gets pouted at by Magenta* Matt's drunk a quart 'f milk fresh evah since 'e got big 'nough t' staht milkin'.

Jake: Still does.

Flashpoint: *mystified*

Hattie: *quizzical look for mystified granddaughter*

Flashpoint: *to Jake* Wh're d' y'ur folks live?

Jake: Tannehill, Alabama. *slight grin*

Flashpoint: ... Wh't d' th'y do?

Jake: Organic f-farmin'.

Flashpoint: *blink. Blink!* *didn't even know that was an option*

Jake: 'N Dad's got a rare breed 'f fanceh t-turkeh. *grin widens slightly*

Flashpoint: Fanceh turkeh? *brow ridges up as she touches Tracks' cheek*

Jake: *nods* T-they's real pretteh.

Tracks: *quiet groan, and then a sleepy peeking of tired blue eyes*

Flashpoint: *gently, as she brushes her thumb against his cheek* 'Ow d' y'u feel?

Tracks: *blinks, and then smiles wanly* I could use a little top up on the energy.

Flashpoint: *soft chuckle, leans to give him a quick kiss*

Tracks: *pleased sound, and a sigh*

Hattie: *clears her throat*

Tracks: *eyes fly open* 0.0

Flashpoint: *meeps and gives Hattie a guilty look*

Hattie: Ah th'nk Ah sh'uldn't be 'n th' bed rahght now.

Tracks: .>.o

Flashpoint: *faceplates heating as she offers to help Hattie down*

Hattie: *gentle, slightly sad teasing in her smile as she lets herself be helped* Thanks, Hon.

Flashpoint: *small nod, at a loss for words right now*

Jake: *suddenly looking out the door as he hears a bustle. Hurries over and gives two coffees to his grandma, then knocks his own back and runs out of the room*

Hattie: ...Th't'll leave whiskahs.

Flashpoint: *frowns and moves to see what caught Jake's attention*

Ratchet: //Could use a hand out here, Flash. Is Denver aboard?//

Flashpoint: //Yep. Ah'm 'n mah way out.// *to Tracks* Gotta go assist Docbot.

Tracks: *worried frown and a short nod*

Hattie: *sips coffee and frowns, but thinks she better stay out of the way. Someone needs to keep an eye on the baby, and she's pretty sure Tracks isn't up to it*

Flashpoint: *moves to give Tracks a quick peck, then she's hurrying out to help Ratchet*

Ratchet: *has the pit where Tracks' bed used to be open, and Sparkplug and Raoul are in it, working on the underside of the battered orange car that's sitting over it. Ratchet's leaning over the car's engine, his hands flying as he closes circuits and replaces burned out and shattered parts* Work on that part over there.

Flashpoint: *moves to do so* So wh't're we dealin' wit'?

Bumblebee: *nearby, sitting on the floor and holding his toes as he watches soberly* It looks like someone blew her up.

Windcharger: *butt perched on a milk crate* *nods, looking slightly sick*

Ratchet: The explosives were inside her.

Flashpoint: *so much scowl* 'N-fahght'n' wit' th' 'Cons?

Hoist: *from the door* *a little wanly* She is a 'Con, my dear.

Flashpoint: *small nod, still working*


back in Tracks' room


Hattie: *sipping from one of the coffee mugs Jake handed her, studying Tracks over the rim of the mug*

Tracks: *eyes the other mug, then shrugs and knocks it back* *grimace!* Xp

Hattie: *soft snerk*

Tracks: 8p

Hattie: Th't looked lahk 't w's black coffee.

Tracks: *light cough* There was sugar in it. *one eye shut as he grimaces again*

Hattie: *small frown* W's 't okay f'r y'u t' drink th't? 'T w'n't 'urt y'u?

Tracks: That little amount wouldn't hurt an Autobot. *inadvertent "Thrrpt!"*

Hattie: *soft snerk* *then she's getting a serious expression on her face* Wh't 's Denver's 'n y'ur relationship?

Tracks: *turns his head to look at her, then slowly moves to his side and cuddles the sparklet that's intently mugging a teddy bear beside him* *quietly and frankly* She's my wife.

Hattie: ... *raised brow* Since wh'n?

Tracks: *slight frown as his tired processor tries to calculate, and then his brow smooths* Three weeks.

Hattie: 'N Denver's 'f age?

Tracks: *quizzical look* She said she's nearly twenty one.

Hattie: ... *slight frown as she realizes just how long she was stuck in that room*

Tracks: *frowns back, wondering what she's angry about*

Hattie: Ah spent eighteen yeahs locked up 'n th't room... *quietly* Ah've got a lot 'f catchin' up t' do.

Tracks: *blinks* ...What room?

Magenta: *squeezes the teddy bear's muzzle* No.

Hattie: Ah w's 'n a nursin' 'ome.

Tracks: I haven't the foggiest what that is.

Hattie: *quietly* Be glad f'r th't.

Tracks: *frowns deeply* Some sort of prison?

Hattie: Mahght 's well 've ben.

Tracks: *tries to think of what to say* *quietly and seriously* You have a white cream moustache.

Hattie: *soft snerk, will wipe her upper lip with the hem of her shirt*

Tracks: *watches her, his face slightly shadowed with weakness*

Magenta: *watches her with a deep, pouty, scowl*

Hattie: *quietly, as something occurs to her* Wh't's Denver lahk, normalleh?

Tracks: *blinks, and then looks thoughtful* I haven't the foggiest. However, since she gets along so well with Sparkplug and those hoodlums Raoul and Mikaela, she's probably not the most refined woman on the planet.

Hattie: *small frown* Wh't 'bout 'obbehs?

Tracks: ...She keeps a dog, and squeals most piercingly at sight of certain car makes.

Hattie: *quiet now as she thinks about this and realizes that there's so much about her granddaughter that she doesn't know, and can't understand yet*

Carly: *looks in then* Tracks? How are you... oh. Hi. I'm Carly. *grins at the grey-haired lady*

Hattie: Er... 'Lo. Mah name's Hattie.

Carly: Hattie? Are you a friend of Tracks'?

Tracks: *eyes shut. Just conked out*

Hattie: 'Is wahf's mah granddaughtah.

Carly: *so much surprise* You're Denver's grandma? *knew instantly who the lady was talking about*

Hattie: *nod*

Carly: But she said she didn't have any family. *sets her schoolbooks on the table by the door and comes in a bit, her forehead creased curiously*

Hattie: Ah w's 'n a nursin' 'ome f'r most'a 'er lahf. 'N Jethro kept 'er 'n 'er Ma 'way fr'm th' Lamont sahd 'f th' famileh.

Carly: *expression darkens* She told us that last part. And then the jerk tried kidnapping her.

Hattie: 'E's gonna be 'n f'r a world'a trouble.

Carly: *hopefully* Really?

Hattie: 'Specialleh 'f Ah 'ave anehth'n' t' do wit' 't. *serious*

Carly: *eyes widen* Hoo boy.

Hattie: *quietly, changing subjects slightly* 'Ow long've y'u known Denver?

Carly: *brightens* Oh, around four years.

Hattie: 'Ow 's she normalleh?

Carly: What do you mean?

Hattie: Wh'n she ain't dealin' wit' th' aftamath'a realiteh-'oppin' friends, 'n famileh droppin' 'n unexpectedleh.

Carly: Oh, you mean what's she like? *grin*

Hattie: *nods*

Carly: She's a lot of fun. She likes cars and car events, and all that really cool stuff. And she's been a lot of help for Tracks and Raoul; really patient. *sobers a bit* She's like my sister.

Hattie: *soft chuckle as she nods* Ah see.

Carly: *quietly* I just wish Mr. Witwicky had met her sooner. She doesn't talk about the years between getting kicked out and coming to work here, but I know they had to have really sucked.

Hattie: *quietly* Wh't w's she lahk wh'n y'all met 'er?

Carly: A lot like Mikaela and Raoul. Only... I don't know, more closed.

Hattie: ... Wh't're Mikaela 'n Raoul lahk?

Carly: Well, you know. Street kids.

Hattie: *so much frown as she thinks*

Carly: Though I don't think she ever did time, like they have.

Hattie: *more frown, is doing some math in her head* Jethro kicked 'r 'out 't fifteen... She's twenteh 'un now...

Carly: Yeah, but she's always been tall like that. So, maybe it wasn't so hard to get work? *hopeful and slightly troubled expression on that bright young face*

Hattie: Th't's two yeahs 'tween th'n 'n wh'n y'all met 'er... *troubled by this*

Sparkplug: *from the door* Bargain Central.

Hattie: *startles and looks over* Huh?

Sparkplug: I cornered 'er a couple weeks after she came ta work here, 'n wouldn't let her off till she told me what she'd been doing. She showed me almost two year's worth of pay stubs from Bargain Central, signed by the lady that runs the local youth hostel.

Hattie: Bargain Central? *has never heard of the place*

Sparkplug: Fill 'er in, Carly. I gotta get the *doohickybobber* to keep that kid out there alive. *continues down the hall*

Carly: Biggest bargain department store in New York City. Usually has huge lineups and not enough staff. And it's known for hiring immigrants and illegal aliens.

Hattie: ... *quietly* 'N after y'all took 'er 'n?

Carly: What do you mean?

Hattie: Did she c'ntinue t' work th're?

Carly: No, because she answered Mr. Witwicky's ad for part time after school help and then just started pretty well living here.

Tracks: *soft snore*

Carly: *looks up there* Ack! Magenta, don't put that in his intakes!

Hattie: *relieved* Good. *starting to feel a bit tired after all the excitement* *looks up to see what Magenta's doing*

Magenta: *got the ribbon off her bear. Is trying to stuff it up her father's air intake*

Hattie: Oh, sweetie, stop. *moving to try and discourage the action*

Magenta: *yanks the ribbon and hides it. Pouty scowl!* No!

Hattie: *moving to climb back onto the bed to try and get the ribbon from Magenta*

Magenta: No! Ooof!

Tracks: *patpatted the baby without waking up*

Hattie: *gently, but firmly* Letcher daddeh sleep 'n peace, hon.

Magenta: No!

Hattie: *stern look*

Magenta: *squeal!*

Tracks: *murmurs and turns his head*

Magenta: *high strung baby is going to pitch a fit*

Hattie: *soothing sounds, trying to do her best to prevent the fit from being pitched*

Magenta: *trembling as the stranger comes closer, but then suddenly the trembling stops and she's examining Hattie with raised brows and baby studiousness*

Hattie: *glad that there's not a fit being pitched, will continue with the soothing sounds*

Magenta: Mine? *leans close and listens intently with sparklet senses, then sighs as she realizes that this one sounds similar to her mother* Mine.

Hattie: *small smile* Yep, sweetie. Y'urs. *will offer snuggles*

Magenta: *cuddles close and offers ribbon*

Hattie: Th'nk y'u, sweetie. *will accept the offered ribbon and move to tie it back on the teddy bear*

Magenta: *points to Tracks* Papapa. *points to the door* Mamamam. *points to Hattie* Buh?

Carly: *helpfully, from the floor* She's asking who you are.

Magenta: *sternly* Shtup!

Carly: *meep*

Hattie: *not sure whether to scold Magenta for that or snicker* *hand to her chest* Gran'ma.

Magenta: *turns back to her* Nan? Nanan?

Hattie: *soft chuckle as she nods* Yes.

Magenta: *happy chirp, then looks toward the floor* Down.

Carly: I'll go get Bumblebee. *turns and runs out of the room*

Hattie: *soft chuckle* *stretch*

Magenta: Ditchead. *snort*

Hattie: *quietly* Th't's not vereh nahce, Magenta.

Magenta: *pouts* Nanan no! *yup, testing your authority*

Hattie: Namecallin' ain't nahce. *so serious*

Magenta: No!

Bumblebee: *comes walking in, grinning cheerfully* You need a hand, Mrs. Lamont?

Magenta: *back to him* No!

Hattie: Th't'd be appreciated. *blinks a bit, then her hand's going over her mouth as she yawns*

Bumblebee: Tired huh? *gently picks her up, then yeeps and catches Magenta as the sparklet indignantly jumps after her*

Hattie: *squeaks as Magenta jumps, eyes wide with fright*

Magenta: *clings to Hattie, but then realizes something and looks around for her teddy bear. Sees it still on the bed* MINE!

Bumblebee: *gently sets them down on the floor, then looks back toward the bed* What did we forget?

Hattie: *looks* 'Er teddeh beah.

Bumblebee: *gets the doll down and shows it to Hattie* This?

Magenta: *indignant* Mine!

Hattie: Best let 'er 'ave 'er teddeh. *nods*

Bumblebee: Here, I'll give it to you, and you can give it to her. *offers*

Hattie: *will reach for the bear*

Bumblebee: *gives it* *gently, as he picks Hattie and Magenta up again* We've got a spare bed down the hall. You wanna use it?

Magenta: *grabbed bear as soon as it was in reach* No. *pause* Fanks.

Hattie: Ah prolleh sh'ld.

Bumblebee: D'awww. You're welcome, Magenta. *turns to the door, and then pauses and squeaks when he sees Flashpoint there*

Flashpoint: 'Ey, Magenta... *will offer to take the sparklet from Bumblebee and Hattie*

Hattie: We's jes' 'n our way t' th' spare bedroom.

Bumblebee: *helpfully* She's tired.

Magenta: *pouty scowl*

Flashpoint: *a bit hesitant now*

Magenta: My Nanan.

Hattie: *about to comment on that, covers her mouth as she yawns*

Carly: *somewhere down behind Flashpoint* It's okay, Flash. A lot of Grandmas like to take care of their grandkids.

Bumblebee: *looks toward the blonde with a grin*

Flashpoint: *still a bit hesitant, but nods and makes sure she's not in the way, and that Carly's not at risk of being stepped on* .. *quietly, as an idea comes to her* Nanan needs a nap, Magenta. Will y'u make sure she gits 't?

Magenta: o.o Nanan nap???

Hattie: A nap'd be nahce.

Magenta: *looks at her incredulously*

Hattie: *rubbing at her eyes a bit, hand over her mouth again as she yawns*

Flashpoint: *quietly* She's tahrd, Magenta

Magenta: WewInebber!

Bumblebee and Carly: *snorting giggles*

Hattie: ... *snerk*

Flashpoint: *facepalm, snickerift*

Magenta: *firmly, to Bumblebee, to whom she's giving a stink eye for laughing* Nanan nap!

Bumblebee: Wow! Alright, alright. *turns and slips past Flashpoint and Carly, then takes baby and grandmother to the spare human room, which is on the top floor of the closet-like human apartment in the hall*

Flashpoint: *to Carly* ... Y'u're sure th's 's okay?

Carly: Yeah. Grandmas do it all the time. Mine came to help Mom and Dad when I was born. *looks over her shoulder at a shout of dismay from Ratchet, and then books it toward the shop in her polka dot ballerina flats*

Flashpoint: 0_0 *hurries to see how she can help*


meanwhile


Halcyon: *comes back to awareness with a hiss* Who the *BLEEP* is singing?! Where the pit am I?

light male voice: *from behind her* It's all the other dead guys who aren't currently slumming. Ignore it.

Halcyon: *growl* That doesn't answer my other question. Where the pit am I? *will try to turn toward the voice*

pink guy: *grins at her* Between here and there. Limbo?

Halcyon: *narrows her optics behind her visor* What the *bleep*?! I killed you!

Scattershot: *big cheesy grin* Nope. You killed the guy that's currently helping Ratchet and Cyclonus chase Galvatron across Tokyo's manga district.

Halcyon: ... *more growl* Why are the Autobots here?!

Scattershot: I know the answer to that! This is their base. :D

Halcyon: What?! *claws out*

Scattershot: Oooo. Shiny. *pokes one*

Halcyon: ... What the scrap is your malfunction?!

Scattershot: Ratchet thinks it's because I got blown up. But personally? I was always like this.

Halcyon: ... *snort* So you're an idiot by birth.

Scattershot: *answers with that one song the crazy blanket knitter in the Nexus likes*

Halcyon: *going to ignore you now. And try to figure out if she has enough energy to escape the Autobots*

Scattershot: I wouldn't if I were you. It'll hurt worse once Ratchet's got you sucked back into your body.

Halcyon: ... What the pit are you talking about?

Scattershot: *points to the mess Ratchet's yelling over* That's you.

Halcyon: ... *scowl* Thought I used enough explosives.

Scattershot: Oh, more than enough. But Primus decided to give you another chance, since you're just a babby yet. *more smarmy, slightly vapid grin*

Halcyon: *growl* I am a warrior, not a 'babby'. *will move to storm off*

Mistfire: *appears right in front of Halcyon and grouches as the orange girl passes through her* Watch it, kid. *feeling of latent power and menace during the pass through*

Halcyon: *growls at the other femme, briefly wondering about what she picked up*

Mistfire: *smirks a smirk that might be familiar to the young femme* Ain't you jes' a bundle 'a sunshine 'n nano violets?

Halcyon: *low growl* You. You're related to Lockdown.

Mistfire: Yeah, but I fixed it. *sudden image of Lockdown going kaboom*

Halcyon: *snort* So he's pathetic enough to be blown up.

Mistfire: *shares the whole fight, images, feelings, and sensations*

Halcyon: ... *excuse her, she's going to go be weirded out now*

Mistfire: *smirks and steps back to watch her. Oh, and to gently slap Scattershot in the head for poking her*

Halcyon: *shudders once she's well away from the other femme*

Scattershot: *perks and looks behind Halcyon* Desi! You came! Great.

Mistfire: ...He's got yer gun memory again, right?

Halcyon: *uninterested in the conversation*

ghostDesinex: Yes, he does.

Halcyon: *freezes*

Mistfire: *sighs and shakes her mate till a big blue gun falls soundlessly to the ground*

Scattershot: *makes funny noises as he's shaken*

ghostDesinex: *will calmly pick up her gun memory and reattach it* *stern look for Scattershot* Quit taking my gun memory.

Halcyon: *looking over her shoulder, disbelief clear in her expression*

Scattershot: *rattling sound and a cheesy grin* *still manages to talk coherently* So, will you talk to her?

ghostDesinex: I'll speak to her, but whether she listens or not is up to her. If she's anything like her mother...

Mistfire: *stops shaken Scattershot syndrome* Ya finally tracked 'er down.

ghostDesinex: *nod* *soft chuckle* You won't believe where she's been hiding.

Mistfire: We're synced, remember? I kin see it now.

ghostDesinex: *so amused as she thinks of the golden Autobot that her counterpart has posessed*

Halcyon: *disbelieving snort* That glitch?!

Scattershot: It's your dad.

Halcyon: *opens her mouth to comment, but at that moment, she's shocked back into her body* *SCREEECH!*

Rachet: There she is! *works quickly to keep the young femme online*

Flashpoint: *moving to pin the femme down as she thrashes*

Ratchet: Get the sedation gun!

Kriti: *scrambles to get the requested item*

Raoul: *tosses it to her to get it to her faster*

Kriti: *catches it and rushes it to Ratchet*

Ratchet: *applies it to his patient, being careful not to shoot himself in the knee that he's got braced against her*

Halcyon: *stops thrashing as the sedative takes effect*

Ratchet: *sighs and subspaces the gun, then automatically checks on Kriti and Flashpoint to see how they're reacting to the damaged girl's awakening*

Kriti: *doing her best not to wibble*

Flashpoint: Th't... w's not wh't Ah w's expectin'.

Ratchet: *glances at Flashpoint even as he starts to work again* No?

Flashpoint: She's strongah th'n she looks.

Ratchet: Ah. I'm not surprised.

Raoul: *from where he's working on the orange femme's legs* Misty 'n Shot're back.

Ratchet: *grumbles* I wish they'd just go home.

Kriti: *shivers* Yeah...

Raoul: *snerks but doesn't share what Scattershot just did*

Sparkplug: *glances up from his work* I think I just heard one of 'em.

Raoul: Misty slapped Scattershot on the aft.

Kriti: *quietly* Desi's here, too.

Raoul: *looks at her* Your mom?

Kriti: *small headshake, hugs her arm* My sister.

Raoul: *frowns and looks around, then studies the blue femme he can see* Wonder what she wants.

Ratchet: Well, considering this girl is related to Kriti, I'd say she's hovering because one of her creations is standing on the edge of the veil.

Raoul: Huh?

Spike: Wait, what?

Carly: Really?

Kriti: *looks up* What?!

Ratchet: She's got the same claws that you do, and her spark coding has enough similarities to show that she shares a donor.

Kriti: *boggling*

Ratchet: *finishes a last part replacement, and then stands and watches the monitors he's got hooked to the patient* I think that's all we can do on this part of her till she's gotten a little stronger. The trauma of more surgery right now could permanently damage her.

Kriti: *small nod. Will move to hide her face against Raoul*

Raoul: *gently rubs his girlfriend's back*

Flashpoint: *quietly* Wondah who she 's?

Ratchet: I suppose we'll find out when she wakes up. *stretches his back, and then walks over to put a gentle hand on his daughter*

Kriti: *can't help the soft clicks she lets out. Needs family close time, please, Mentor*

Ratchet: *gently picks Kriti up, clicking quietly in response, and then quirking a very slight grin as Raoul grumbles about not being picked up too*

Flashpoint: *didn't snerk, you can't prove it. Will move to tend to Ironhide's food bowls*

Ironhide: *looks over from where he's been laying by the door and watching the street outside. Funny Rottie head tilt*

Flashpoint: *transforms to vehicle mode, then Denver's disengaging and moving to get out*

Ironhide: o.o

Jake: *looks up from what he's working on* o.o

Denver: *will get the food bowls out, removing the cling film from the one she put cling film on. Sets the food bowl down near the fridge. Will fill the other bowl with water before setting it down as well* Th're.

Ironhide: *wags tail, and then gets up to nose his food bowl under the counter and behind the milk crate full of magazines there*

Denver: *soft snerk, will wait for the dog to return so she can lovingly mug him*

Sparkplug: What's he doing?

Denver: Makin' sure 'is food's safe so 'e c'n c'me back t' 't wh'n 'e's 'ungreh 'gain.

Carly: *looks up from the spot on the orange 'Con's dismembered leg that she's working on* You mean he puts his stuff away?

Denver: *chuckles* Yup.

Ironhide: *trots up and leans against Denver's leg*

Denver: *gently mugs the Rottweiler* Who's mah good boy, huh?

Ironhide: *wag wag while he grins bashfully*

Sparkplug: *chuckles* Tell Ratchet his name.

Denver: *soft snerk, looks up to meet Ratchet's gaze* Ah named 'im Ahrnhahd.

Ratchet: What? *looks up from Kriti with a start*

Sparkplug, Mikaela, Raoul, Windcharger, and Wheeljack: *laughing*

Denver: *unrepentant grin* Ah named mah dog aftah th' ol' fart.

Ratchet: *starts laughing too* I can just imagine what old Ironhide will think of that.

Sparkplug: *sighs and wipes his hands after covering the orange femme's legs with a tarp* Alright, you yahoos. It's break time.

Denver: *small nod, will reach into one of the milk crates under the counter and fish around under the magazines for the package of dried fruit she hid there last week*

Jake: *well trained. He goes to get the coffee maker from the coffee room and bring it back*

Spike: *grumbles and goes to get the homework that Carly brought him*

Sparkplug: *sticks his head in the fridge* Aw nuts, we're outta milk. Be back in a few. *grabs his keys and heads for the door*

Bumblebee: *perches his butt on a milk crate as he reaches to the fridge to get sammich fixings for his human friends*

Jake: *getting the coffee pot going*

Denver: *found her snacks, will also bring another milk crate over and set it next to Bumblebee. Is looking forward to doing some spring cleaning and getting the seldom-used room ready for moving out of. And she'll wonder to herself if maybe Hattie'd like to move into the apartment. But that can come later, after things have settled down a bit. Right now, it's time for a meal with her family*

((Written with random_xtras))