TPF. Cybertron and Earth. Well of All Sparks and Autobot Outpost. Setting Out.

[dens_extra_pups]

Francisco: *doing a headcount of babbies as he gives them their breakfasts. It seems the number of hungry mouths increases with each meal, but he doesn't mind. They're all safe in the nest, and they're all healthy and happy, even when they get into shenanigans when he's away seeking out more energon and newborns* *quiet, pleased rumble*

Megatron: *looks up and smiles from where he's making sure Starscream fuels. Likes Vater's rumbles*

Starscream: *only half aware of the fuel being poked into his mouth. He's got a brand new nanoviolet that he just found on one of the boulders of the nest, and it's a totally new colour!*

two young Predacons: *get into a rumble just because they can, knocking their smaller brothers and sisters tumbling*

Airachnid: Heyyyyyy! I dropped my breakfast!

Francisco: *moving to break up the tussle, will offer Airachnid more breakfast as he goes by*

Airachnid: *happy again. And even happier as an Insecticon sister hugs her*

Megatron: *quietly* May I go with you today, Vater?

Tidal Wave: No! I look like Vater, so I can go. *stretches up his head and flaps proud wings, then peeks to see if anyone notices how big he is*

Francisco: *quietly stern* Tidal Vave, Megatron asked. He did nicht demand. *has pretty well forgotten anything but tending to his babbies since he came across some newborns coming out of what he'd been told was the Well of All Sparks*

Tidal Wave: *chastened wibble as he transforms to root mode and hunkers down between a Predacon brother and a happy new Seeker sister* I'm sorry, Vater.

sister: *pokes fuel in his mouth*

Francisco: Besides, I need you to vatch your Brüder und Schwestern.

Tidal Wave: o.0 I can do that? I thought Megatron was protector.

Megatron: *looks around from gently shoving away a sibling who wanted to make Starscream screech* Huh?

Francisco: Vell, Megatron ist going to be coming vith me, so ve need someone to guard se ozzers.

Megatron: *happy beam!*

Tidal Wave: *happily stands tall* I'll keep them in the nest, and keep them from squeaking Starscream!

Airachnid: *just squeaked Starscream so she could stuff fuel in his mouth*

Starscream: o.0

Francisco: *nods* Ve vill be back soon. *crouches low, so Megatron can climb on his back*

Megatron: *quickly hugs every sibling in reach, and then jumps as high as he can before scrambling up to the collar of his father's coat and holding on* I'm ready.

Starscream: *sneaks over to the rock where all his nanoviolets are. Wants to tend his garden*

Francisco: *careful as he takes off, both of the sparklet clinging to his collar and of the sparklets and predaconlings that are in the nest* *has a feeling today will be very interesting*


Earth. Just outside Jasper, Nevada


Keepsake: *staring at a little flame that just suddenly appeared in her sample of fuel and is now dancing and... singing?* Percy, am I readin' this right? Is this alive? Or am I drunker than I thought?

Perceptor: *looks over and scans, before he's boggling* Oh my goodness!

Keepsake: ...I ain't drunk, am I?

Perceptor: *alerting Optimus* N-No, Dear. I do not believe you are.

Optimus: *startles and looks away from the text she'd been reading on the main screen, then opens her comm link* //Perceptor, did you recharge last night?//

Perceptor: //There is something here which requires your immediate attention, Optimus!//

Optimus: //Define "something".// *gently pinches the bridge of her nose*

Perceptor: *sends her a live feed of the singing flame*

Optimus: *pause* *hand falls* 0.0 //Is that fire alive?//

Perceptor: //I am getting life sign readings from it, yes.//

Optimus: *pings Tobias' cellphone*

Tobias: *answers after the third ring finishes* //This is Ambassador Urahey.// *sounds just a bit zonked*

Optimus: //I'm sorry for waking you so early, Ambassador, but I need to speak to Kae Yau.//

Tobias: //That will be a bit difficult, given that she went to bed with a migraine last night...//

Optimus: *concerned and slightly confused frown* //A migraine?//

Tobias: //Yes. It was quite bad this time. She nearly couldn't see past the pain.//

Optimus: //I'm sorry to hear that.// *frowns and sends up a quick prayer* //Maybe you could help me. My scientists have just found a very unusual little flame in their lab.//

Tobias: //... An unusual flame?//

Optimus: //Yes. It has life sign readings.// *absently pick CJ up as the dog wanders over, then rubs between his ears*

CJ: *sleepy yawn*

Tobias: //... One moment.//

Optimus: //Standing by.// *frowns slightly, and then puts her dog down and tells him to find Saelen*

Kae Yau: *very groggy sounding as she talks to Tobias and to Optimus over the speakerphone* //What's t'is 'bout a livin' flame?//

Optimus: //Sending a video feed to the phone.// *sends the file Perceptor sent her*

Tobias: *startled sound*

Kae Yau: //... *CUSS*//

Optimus: //What is it?// *frowning deeply now*

Kae Yau: //It's a çira!!!//

Optimus: //What's that in English?//

Tobias: //The closest translation is "kindling".//

Kae Yau: //It's a babbeh Ifiri!!!//

Optimus: *gasps* //Yours?//

Kae Yau: //... I's got no *bleeping* clue.//

Tobias: *to Kae Yau* //Breathe, darling, you're trembling like a leaf.//

Optimus: //I'll be right there. Please rest, Kae Yau. I suspect you're recovering from birth.//

Kae Yau: *unprintable*

Optimus: *sternly* //Excuse me?// *turns and heads toward the elevator that leads down to the science bunker*

Kae Yau: //I's a mama!!! Whoah. Dizzy...//

Tobias: *fussing over wife now*

Optimus: *gentler now* //I'll be there in a moment. Settle down.//

Keepsake: *looks up from poking twists of paper at the little flame as Optimus comes in*

flame: *just a singin' and nomphing paper!*

Perceptor: *scanning and recording so much new data*

Optimus: *softly, as she comes over and looks down at that tiny life dancing in the beaker of fuel* I need to take the baby to its parents now.

Keepsake: Huh?

Perceptor: *slight start as he looks up*

flame: *small poof equivalent to a sneeze*

Optimus: *slight smile at that little puff* This is a baby Ifiri.

Keepsake: o.0 You're... *remembers the rules about cussing around babies* ...Kidding.

Perceptor: *so very surprised* It is Kae Yau's?

Optimus: She's the only adult Ifiri on Earth. *reaches a finger toward the little flame*

Keepsake: Well how the... How'd it get here? I think it's ours. We found it.

flame: *gonna taste test the big thing*

Optimus: *smiles at the feel of her polish burning away, then picks the container up*

Keepsake: I ain't kiddin'! Finders keepers!

Perceptor: *quietly* How has Kae Yau been impacted?

Optimus: She's sick. The sooner I bring her baby to her the better.

Keepsake: *pout*

Perceptor: *very worried now*

flame: *more poofs. Someone's got the hiccoughs*

Optimus: *soothing sound to the little flame, and then turns and carries the container out of the lab*

Keepsake: *starts saying unpleasant things the moment the door closes behind Optimus*

Perceptor: *sympathizes with mate. But if Kae Yau has made herself ill with worry, then perhaps it's for the best that she be reunited with her baby*


Den Ya Embassy


Mitsy: *looks so worried as she peeks through the bedroom door, a quietly concerned Frank in her arms*

Tobias: *smoothing his wife's hair and holding her close*

Kae Yau: *shaky and pale, mumbling in her native tongue*

Mitsy: *quietly* Do you want me to take Thomas, sir?

Tobias: If you would, please, Mitsy.

Mitsy: *drapes Frank around her neck, and then softfoots over to the cradle and scoops out the little bundle that it contains*

Thomas: *sleepy sound*

Mitsy: *soft chirp as she turns and leaves the room with a soft, swift rustle of skirts*

Optimus: *is a very soft tap on the heavily curtained window at the same time as the door whispers shut*

Tobias: *looks up from trying to calm wife down* *will move to see who is tapping at the window*

Kae Yau: *trying to get her feet under her*

Optimus: *big hand asks for the window to be opened*

Tobias: *will open the window* *and then move to make Kae Yau lay down*

Optimus: *hand comes to the open window, and a little song, broken by hiccoughs, is clearly heard*

Tobias: *soft gasp* Is that?

Kae Yau: *quietly* I c'n 'ear the çira...

Optimus: *hand in through the window, and then opens to show the container and the little dancing, hiccoughing, flame*

Kae Yau: *wibbly and still in a bit of pain* Look at t'at...

Optimus: *has reached the bed. Now waits for one of the couple to take the baby*

flame: *urrrp. Laugh! SING*

Tobias: *will reach for the container*

Optimus: *lowers her hand a bit when she feels his touch so that he can reach the container more easily*

flame: *excited little wiggle. Is it Daddy?*

Tobias: *soft gasp*

Optimus: *from outside* Are you taking it?

Tobias: Yes. *has the container in hand*

Optimus: *withdraws her hand and leans down to look inside* I feel bad saying "it", but I can't tell if you have a daughter or another son.

Kae Yau: *softly* We's got a boy.

Optimus: *small smile* Congratulations.

Tobias: *moves to carefully tuck the baby Ifiri in with Kae Yau, will make sure there are plenty of blankets covering his wife and surrounding the container the baby is in*

Kae Yau: *will curl around the container, murmuring softly in her native tongue*

Tobias: *slight tail poof*

Optimus: What's wrong, Tobias?

Tobias: *quietly, as the flame in the container dims slightly* There may be other children that we didn't know about.

Optimus: *alarm in her quiet voice* What do you mean?

Tobias: This isn't the first time she's had a migraine where she nearly couldn't see due to the pain.

Optimus: *more alarmed* She didn't recognize the symptoms?

Tobias: *headshake* She's never met another Ifiri, so she couldn't ask.

Optimus: *soft sound of amazement escapes her* You mean she was found the same way that we just found your son?

Tobias: It's very likely. I didn't meet her until she was well into adulthood...

Optimus: And she's never spoken of it? *looks toward the newborn and his mother* *softly* He's sleeping?

Tobias: *headshake* She refuses to... *looks to his newborn son, very soft chuckle* Yes. That is how Ifiri sleep when they travel in containers.

Optimus: *quizzical look* You've seen an Ifiri in a container before?

Tobias: *nods* Kae Yau prefers to travel in one if we're going to be crossing a lot of water.

Optimus: Ahh. *slight frown of concern as she hears a sound from the bed* I should let you close the window. I'll let the President know that you can't make it to the meeting today.

Tobias: *quietly* Thank you, Optimus. *will move to snuggle against his wife's back, remembering times when Kae Yau's been ill in the past and liked the comfort of his warmth*

Optimus: *very gently closes the curtain, window, and screen herself, and then turns and meeps softly as she nearly runs into Bathilda's concerned face*

Bathilda: Vhat ist vrong, Optimus?

Optimus: *softly* Nothing's wrong. *glances toward the window again and decides that it will only be kind to tell Kae Yau's best friend the news* Tobias and Kae Yau got a second son last night.

Bathilda: *surprised gasp* Vhat? So soon?

Optimus: The little boy is Ifiri, and was born the Ifiri way.

Bathilda: ... Se Ifiri vay?

Optimus: *voice still low* Yes. He's a tiny flame that dances and sings. And Kae Yau has a migraine so painful that she can barely see.

Bathilda: *wince* Ach... Poor Kae Yau.

Optimus: Thomas isn't adopted?

Bathilda: *headshake* She vas vorried about going into labor during se trip here... Sen, se day before Tobias had meant to depart, she vent into labor, und Tobias postponed his trip.

Optimus: Then I suspect that he and the little flame are twins.

Bathilda: *quietly* Ve know so very little about se Ifiri... Kae Yau ist se source of most of our information, und se old legends do nicht tell how se make more Ifiri... *blinks as she realizes something* Ach, I need to send for clozing for vhen se baby ist solid!

Optimus: *brows draw together slightly* Shouldn't he be able to share with his brother?

Bathilda: *headshake* If he ist Ifiri, he vill nicht haff a tail. Und he vill be much bigger san Thomas at sat point.

Optimus: Ah. You know that much.

Bathilda: Ja. Kae Yau vas mein first playmate. She kept lighting se simple dresses Moeder dressed her in on fire to display her displeasure.

Optimus: *chuckles, but then gasps and darts past Bathilda to run toward the entrance to the mesa as she feels Ratchet jolt awake and right out of bed in response to a shriek that just echoed down the hall*

Bathilda: *startled sound*

Ratchet: //What was that?!//

Optimus: *as she slides through the new back entrance* -Ratchet?-

Ratchet: -Where did that shriek come from?- *getting up off the floor so he can try and assist whoever's hurt*


inside


Predaking: *sitting on the side of his bed and gaping at Frieda with shock at how LOUD that was*

Frieda: *has turned her back, is blushing SO MUCH*

Ratchet: *uses a medical override on the door, fearing the worst*

Predaking: *sees him and tenses slightly, only to wince as the action bothers his healing damage*

Frieda: *squeaks and covers her eyes, cheeks darkening even more*

Ratchet: ... *facepalm*

Predaking: *quiet, though uncertain dignity* I do not know what I did.

Frieda: *so mortified sounding* Vhere are your cloz, Predaking? *nope, not looking 'til you and the red and white bot are both dressed*

Ratchet: *exasperated, but doing his best to keep calm* *saw that wince, Predaking, will move to approach slowly, with his hands up and fully visible*

Predaking: *dismayed expression, and he's forgotten about the red and white Autobot now as he turns his head to try and spot the suit that he knows he's supposed to have on right now* I... do not know.

Ratchet: We'll find it. *to Predaking* May I scan you?

Optimus: *looks in then* What happened? Was it another prank?

Ratchet: *to Optimus* It's nothing to worry about... Though I'm not sure someone didn't hide it as a prank. *still waiting for permission to scan you, Predaking*

Predaking: *surprised himself by smiling at sight of Optimus, and then looking for her pets. But now he realizes that the medibot has asked him a question and regards him with a grave frown* You may...

Ratchet: *scans Predaking, nodding slightly as he makes note of how well the predacon's injuries are healing* I don't think it will be too much longer before you're recovered enough to walk short distances as part of physical therapy.

Optimus: *sighs* Wheeljack wasn't playing a prank. He just never put it on when he helped Predaking to bed last night. *glances at the discomfited girl beside her* *gently* They aren't naked, Frieda.

Frieda: *not uncovering her eyes, Optimus* *very embarrased Drachenschwarm teen here*

Optimus: *arm around Frieda's shoulders and will lead her out of the room* Let's go tell your mother what happened. I startled her when I ran inside.

Predaking: *watches them go, his eyes saying he's a bit sad to see them leave. But then he turns back to Ratchet and his expression is grave and wary again* The other medic was speaking last night of having you look at something and possibly doing work on it.

Ratchet: *nods* He was probably referring to your arm. The connections haven't fully healed, and some of the pieces of the joints look like they may have some unusual wear to them.

Predaking: *looks at the limb, which is still cradled in its sling* Unusual in what way?

Ratchet: It looks as though some of the pieces are developing wear that would normally not be. *concerned* Are there times when your shoulder bothers you or is painful?

Predaking: *presses his lips together and frowns at the medibot, unwilling to seem weak by mentioning any pain*

Ratchet: I need to know, so I can try and make things better.

Predaking: *looks around, and then reaches for his trunk* Please assist me in dressing? *needs to think, and to pray, before he knows the best way to reply to the medibot's questions*

Ratchet: *small nod* Alright. *will move to do so, mindful of Predaking's injuries*

Predaking: *surprised by the gentleness and the quiet and kindly words of encouragement that the old medic uses as his fresh suit is carefully put into place* *gives the smaller bot a searching look* What is your name, Medic?

Ratchet: My name is Ratchet. If I'm not mistaken, you've met my wife already. *double checks that everything is on correctly*

Predaking: *lifts brows as he offers the sling to be replaced* Your wife?

Ratchet: *as he carefully replaces the sling* Optimus is my wife.

Predaking: I see. *studies you with a close scrutiny as you fasten and adjust that sling*

Ratchet: *very calm as he double-checks the sling* We were married ten years ago.

Predaking: *lifts his brows and looks toward the door as a white form wisps inside and then becomes CJ proclaiming his joy at finding and greeting his master in the morning*

Ratchet: *chuckles and stoops to gently pet CJ* Good morning, CJ.

CJ: *swishy tail and little cryings of joy. SUCH a happy dog*

Ratchet: Who's a good boy, hmm? *more gentle pettings* Is it you, CJ?

CJ: *about to bust apart with joy. Dad says he's good!*

Predaking: *quietly* Optimus Prima says that dogs are able to judge the character of a bot.

CJ: *notices him. Bark! Wag! Happy!*

Predaking: *corners of his mouth turn up despite himself as the dog stands to put both forepaws on his shoe* Good morning, CJ.

Ratchet: *chuckles quietly* They're also very good judges of human character. It's generally considered wise to be cautious of someone a dog dislikes. Especially when it's an older dog. *quieter* I've only ever heard CJ's father growl at someone once, and it turned out that that person was part of a terrorist group.

Predaking: *lifts his eyes from the dog to the medic* CJ's father?

CJ: *runs to find that dad*

Ratchet: *nods, chuckling as CJ goes to find Cody* Yes. An elderly Border Collie named Cody. We adopted him after he was found walking along the road ten years ago, and nobody had reported a missing pet.

Predaking: *slight frown* I see. *and then he's suddenly on his feet as a yip of surprise echoes down the hall*

Wheeljack: *sleepily* You tell the *beep* kid, Cody! *yawwwwwn*

Predaking: *quizzical look to Ratchet* *what should he do?*

Ratchet: *sigh* CJ is still very young, and hasn't learned all the rules of interacting with people yet. Cody reprimanded him for something. I'll go make sure that CJ isn't hurt, and see if Cody wants to visit for a bit before Saelen takes both dogs on their morning walk.

Predaking: *starts to relax, and then suddenly his face is registering pain* *gasp* I must sit...

Ratchet: *will help with that* Easy. Just circulate air slowly. *scanning again*

Predaking: *circulates for a moment, and then speaks without looking up* *quietly* My arm does hurt.

Ratchet: *small nod and a quick search of his on board storage* I might have a painkiller tab on me... if not, I'll grab it when I go get Cody. That will help until I can get your arm fully repaired.

Predaking: *quietly* I thank you, sir.

Ratchet: *soft chuckle, has found a low level painkiller tab* *moves to apply it* We'll start with a low level tab, and if that doesn't help, let me know.

Predaking: *nods, then perks slightly as a big burp and excited chirping come from the door*

Ratchet: *looks to the door* *soft snerk* And there's Two Bad.

Two Bad: *bitin' each other on the nose! Snuck out of BED, lookin' to be BAD!*

Predaking: They are surprisingly like Darksteel and Skylynx.

Two Bad: *chirp chirp chirp! Scoot gone!*

Ratchet: *curious* What are they like? I've only seen pictures of them.

Predaking: *wryly, as the sound of gas and complaining comes from Smokescreen's room* Like that.

Ratchet: ... *facepalm* I take it keeping track of Two Bad will be easier in comparison?

Predaking: *gravely* Till he gets larger.

Smokescreen: *yelp!* Alright alright! I'm up. Let's go see what I can get you for breakfast. Oh. Hi, Little Bob. You decided to join the party too? *sigh. Flatly* What a huge surprise. *walks past the door a moment later, a baby monster in each hand*

Ratchet: *sigh* I'll go get Cody. He moves slowly, due to his age, but he's a very wise dog.

Predaking: *nods, and then frowns down at his ascot and begins to adjust it one handed*

Ratchet: *out the door to get Cody*


control room


Optimus: *fingers dancing over the keyboard as she calls the President. Misses Maria, but the young woman is currently away on leave*

President Pratt: //Good morning, Optimus. Is something wrong?//

Optimus: Good morning, President Pratt. I'm calling to let you know that Ambassador Urahay won't be able to keep his meeting with you today.

Freida: *is a big eye sloooowly and shyly peeeeeking over Optimus' shoulder at the screen*

President Pratt: *surprised and concerned* //Is everything alright?//

Optimus: *made sure she had permission to pass on the news before she made this call* The Urahays saw the birth of a new son last night.

President Pratt: //Awww! Do they need anything for the baby? Clothes? Toys?//

Optimus: *mouth twitches* Would you like to see a picture of him? *readies the image just snapped by Tobias when she'd called for permission*

President Pratt: //Sure.//

Optimus: *sends picture. And then blinks and looks quizzically at Frieda as the girl bumps into her from behind*

President Pratt: *surprised sound*

Frieda: *curious about the President*

Optimus: *turns back toward the screen* He's Ifiri, like his mother.

President Pratt: //What a pretty color... What's his name?//

Optimus: As Ambassador Urahay's second son, he's named after his grandfather. Quincy.

Frieda: *peeking again. Brow ridges lift!*

President Pratt: *chuckles and adjusts her glasses* //If he's anything like his mom, he won't have to put up with bullies making fun of his name for very long.//

Optimus: *brow ridges up with surprise at the thought* I'm not sure the Catwold have bullies.

President Pratt: //... Good point.//

Frieda: *very softly, to Optimus* Who is zis?

Optimus: *steps aside and turns to Frieda, noting the girl's dismay at her actions but speaking to distract and reassure her* President Pratt, I'd like to introduce you to Frieda Hans, one of Magistrate Hans' daughters. Frieda, this is the President of the United States, Denise Pratt.

President Pratt: *as Frieda ducks her head shyly* //Hello, Frieda. It's nice to meet you.//

Frieda: *sheepish and shy murmuring of a polite response*

Optimus: *and then she notices Ultra Magnus standing silently to attention behind Frieda and lifts her brows at him*

Ultra Magnus: *softly* Will you please call Dallas MacKenzie after you've finished speaking to the President?

Optimus: *looks at the man curled in her brother's hand, hiding his face against one of Denver's knit animals* *softly* David?

David: *trying to keep his breathing even*

Optimus: *so gently, as President Pratt and Frieda chat behind her* I'll call your sister in a moment. Would you like to speak to the President?

David: *headshake, continues to hide his face against the soft doll*

Optimus: *softly* Alright. *turns back to the screen*

President Pratt: *explaining that she's got the long scarf on because she gets very cold in her office*

Frieda: *concerned*

Optimus: *quick eyes miss nothing* And because you're still knitting it.

President Pratt: *sheepish grin* //That, too.//

Frieda: Ach! *so surprised*

Optimus: *quiet chuckle* I have to do other things now, Miss Pratt. Would you like to talk to Frieda a little longer?

President Pratt: //Sure.// *grin*

Optimus: *smiles back, and then looks at Frieda. Softly* Tell her about your birds. *has heard about the little pets from Bathilda and Hattie*

Frieda: *small nod, will begin telling the President about her birds*

Optimus: *smiles, but then sighs and goes over to the smaller screen. Keys in the number for Dallas' cellphone, hoping that the woman hadn't intended to sleep in today*

Dallas: *answers on the second ring* //Hello?// *wide awake*

Optimus: *quietly* Good morning, Dallas. Are you busy?

Dallas: //... Why?//

Optimus: *steps aside for Magnus*

Ultra Magnus: *gently holds David, cupped in both his hands, up toward the screen. Softly* There she is. Say something.

David: *peeking from behind the soft doll* D-Dallas... H-hey.

Dallas: *boggling* //David! When did you get back to the States?//

David: *quietly* L-Last night.

Ultra Magnus: *carefully adjusts his hands to try and make it easier for David to see Dallas. Expression is intent as he does so*

Dallas: //Are you alright? Have you eaten yet?//

David: *quietly, ducking into Ultra Magnus' hands a bit more* I-I'm o-okay. I-I ate b-breakfast a-already.

Ultra Magnus: *quietly and seriously reports* Two soft boiled eggs, toast, two bites of ham steak, and a glass of blue Kool Aid.

Dallas: *purses her lips a bit, worriedly*

David: *quiet* H-How are you, Dallas?

Dallas: //I'm fine.// *not pleased with how little you actually ate, David. Or with how pale you are*

Ultra Magnus: *worried frown when he sees her expression* We've ordered doughnuts.

Optimus: *disbelieving look for her brother. Doughnuts? Near Ratchet?*

Ultra Magnus: *sees no look*

Mira: *sleepy stumbles toward husband. Wants snuggles. Or just to lean against him and sleep*

Ultra Magnus: *offers her his back*

Mira: *soft hum, will climb on and snuggle*

David: *very slight smile as he sees that*

Dallas: //... Who is that?// *raised brow*

Ultra Magnus: *checks to see if she's speaking to him* I am Ultra Magnus. The lady on my back is my mate. Mira.

Dallas: *soft snort* *will be asking Knockout about the two later* //Okay then.// *still very worried about her brother, and it shows*

David: *getting a bit more comfortable in Ultra Mangus' hands. He's glad his baby sister's doing alright* I-I'm g-glad you're d-doing okay, Dal...

Ultra Magnus: *gently reminding whisper* You told me that you wanted to go see her, David.

David: *small nod* *hesitates in asking, is too used to people telling him "no"*

Ultra Magnus: *see a by the book, serious soldier give you a pleading look from behind your big brother's back, Dallas?*

Optimus: *turns away, moved by how much her brother cares for his new friend*

Dallas: //There's nothing really pressing on the calendar for today... David, do you want to come over for lunch? You can meet my husband and son.//

David: *very small, shy smile as he nods* I-I'd l-love to, Dal.

Optimus: *looks back to the screen as she hears a familiar bark from it*

Dallas: *sigh, looks off to the side* //No, CJ. Down.//

Ultra Magnus: *confusion on his face now*

Dallas: *rolls her eyes* *mutter* //Crazy dog.//

Optimus: *worriedly* Is he causing trouble?

Ultra Magnus: *glances at sister*

Dallas: //No, he's just being a pest right now.//

Ultra Magnus: *brows go UP as a surprised yip comes from the screen, followed by trash talk in a lazy and smug male voice and the chatter of a sparklet*

Dallas: *looks over her shoulder* //Quit teaching Rundown bad habits.//

male voice: *insouciantly* //He was pulling the dog's tail before I ever did.//

David: *very slight frown*

Dallas: //Then quit re-enforcing the bad behavior.//

male voice: //You wanted the furball to stop bothering you, goodie. Make up your mind.// *sound of rustling as the unseen man stretches*

Dallas: //Never mind that. We'll be having company over for lunch.//

Ultra Magnus: *looks down at David as David looks up. Do we want to know what that guy just did?*

David: *frowning more* *quietly* W-What's going on?

Optimus: *watches Dallas throw something* *quietly* That's her husband.

Ultra Magnus: Her husband? *fishing for a name, because he thinks the voice is familiar*

Optimus: *turns and walks away* Yes.

David: *about to comment on that, flinches as something clatters loudly on Dallas' end*

Dallas: *yelling off to the other side now* //Oy! Eve, knock it off, and I don't mean his head!//

Ultra Magus: *attention snaps back to the screen* Miss MacKenzie, do you require assistance?

Dallas: //Huh? Oh, no. Just the bodyguards being idiots.// *rolls her eyes* //I'll make 'em go outside and spar in a bit.//

David: *eyes wide, is extremely worried by the news that Dallas needs bodyguards, to the point he's starting to tremble from racing thought patterns*

Ultra Magnus: *quickly, though quietly* Bodyguards?

Dallas: //They live with us because they're part of the family. And at big events, it's kind of nice knowing I don't have to worry about some creep trying to put his hands on me and claim he was only protecting me.//

Ultra Magnus: I see. *checks with David to see if he should ask more questions*

David: *not reassured, Dallas*

Ultra Magnus: *attention turns back to Dallas. Expression says that David is not reassured*

Dallas: //IF they can behave themselves, you'll get to meet them. Don't hold your breath though.//

Mira: *yawns. Sleepily* I'll straighten 'em out.

Magnus: *looks over his shoulder at his mate, and then to the side as Optimus' hand appears and gently deposits the little kitten that he sent for very early this morning into his hands with David*

kitten: *climbs right up to look at the screen, crossed eyes intent!*

David: *distracted from the screen by the kitten*

Dallas: *to Mira* //Good luck with that.//

kitten: *kissies for David and David's dolly friend* *also much talking in a rough little Siamese voice*

Dallas' CJ: *hears a kitty. Calls for the kitty, sounding confused*

Dallas: *chuckles as she sees David calming down*

David: *very gentle as he pets the kitten and makes sure it won't fall*

Mira: *to Dallas* Bet I could. *sticks her chin out a bit*

Magnus: Patch, please.

bodyguards: *suddenly silent, and then a scramble of departing footsteps and a deep male voice asking Eve why she's running away*

Dallas: //... What just happened?//

Ultra Magnus: ...I don't know.

male voice: *amused and laconic drawl* //I've no idea, goodie.//

Dallas: //I'll ask Eve what's up later.// *to David* //What time should we expect you, David?//

David: ... N-Noon? *looks to Ultra Magnus*

Ultra Magnus: No problem. We'll take the first leg of the journey via space bridge.

Dallas: //...You mean the ground bridge. Space bridge is for locations other than Earth.//

Ultra Magnus: ... *brow lift*

Mira: *snigger*

Dallas: //Denver explained the difference one time.//

Ultra Magnus: *keeps himself from speaking stiffly so that he doesn't worry David* I see.

Dallas: *posts a set of coordinates* //This is the best location to ground bridge to, in order to get to where my family and I live. You'll need to go north half a mile and be buzzed in at the gate.//

Ultra Magnus: I've promised David a drive, so we won't be bridging to a point that close. *checks with David to see if this is still alright*

Dallas: *chuckles* //The gate's at the edge of our property. The main house is a ways away from it.//

David: *quietly* I-Is there anywhere a bit f-further away?

Ultra Magnus: *names coordinates that he picked from a map* That would give us two hours of driving before we reach the gate. Is that enough, David?

David: *small nod*

Dallas: //Alright, suit yourselves.//

Ultra Magnus: *as Optimus' hand appears on screen again* Eep. Oh. Doughnuts?

David: *quiet thanks, will help himself to the donuts*

Dallas: //See you around noon, David.//

David: *quietly* S-Save you a d-donut?

Dallas: *small smile* //You'd better.//

David: *nod*

Ultra Magnus: *must check* Do you know the right variety, David?

David: *nod nod* P-Plain glazed.

Dallas: *amused chuckle* //Even after all this time, you do remember what type of donut we used to argue over...//

Ultra Magnus: *smiles, then eeps softly and jinks his side away from those green fingers poking into it down there*

David: *meeps!*

Dallas: *worried, though she's trying not to snicker at the expression on the blue guy's face*

Ultra Magnus: *voice has that slightly pained tone to it that you've heard before, David, and which just means his mate is playing with him* I'm alright. Nothing is wrong.

Dallas: //I'll let you guys go. You'll have a bit of a drive ahead of you.//

Ultra Magnus: *still slightly squeezed sounding, because he's biting back a yelp* Very well, Miss MacKenzie. *looks to David, and bends sideways just a leeetle more*

David: *as Dallas hangs up* S-Set me on the console? *can tell Mira's fingers are poking sensitive wiring*

Ultra Magnus: *very carefully sets down the man, doll, doughnuts, and kitten. Then takes three quick steps back, reaches over his shoulder to grab his mate, and then whirls so that he's holding her in front of him* *Look*

Mira: *sticks chin out*

Ultra Magnus: I feel inclined to leave you behind today.

Mira: *smirk* You'd leave me behind with Jackie, the Mudpuppy, and Bulky?

Ultra Magnus: And Keepsake and Optimus.

Mira: *scowl*

Ultra Magnus: *implacable. David needs quiet and reassurance. Not... stress* *shocked tone* Miko, did you just kiss him?

Miko: On the cheek. *pat pats David on the shoulder, and then packs the bot baby in her arms over to see what Frieda and the President are plotting about*

David: *so shocked that he dropped his donut*

Mira: ... Good grief, lady. Ask next time! *frowns at Miko*

Miko: *looks back, sees dropped doughnut and becomes quietly apologetic* I'm sorry. I didn't think. It was only on the cheek. *bites her lip to keep from wibbling*

David: *not sure what to do, fumbles over whatever he's trying to say, getting more and more flustered*

Mira: *tries to wiggle out of husband grasp*

Ultra Magnus: *drops mate and turns to David* *gently* Deep breath.

David: *deep breaths*

Mira: *moving to carefully pick the dropped donut up, will inspect it for a few moments* I don't see any dirt on it. *offers it to the chaplain*

Ultra Magnus: *approval for his new friend* Good. Keep going.

Miko: *tiptoes off to where she can't be seen*

David: *still a bit flustered*

Ultra Magnus: *offers hands*

kitten: *jumps into hands!*

David: *moves to join the kitten in Ultra Magnus' hands*

Mira: *will make sure David has his donut as well, then she'll go get his blanket from the hammock*

Ultra Magnus: *tucks David and the kitten, doughnuts, and doll close to his chest with one hand, and then uses the other to close the call* Would you like to have another try at that ham steak?

David: *very small nod, is hiding his face against kitten and doll and taking deep breaths*

Mira: *back with the blanket* *will gently tap Ultra Magnus' hands, indicating that she wants to drape the blanket around David's shoulders*

Ultra Magnus: Would you like your blanket now?

David: *more nod*

Ultra Magnus: *lifts his top hand from over David, and then reaches into his pocket for the snap top container that contains the rest of the steak and the "refried" potatoes that David wanted put with it*

Mira: *gentle and careful as she drapes the blanket around David's shoulders, clicking softly all the while*

David: *glad for both of his comforting items, the kitten, and his new Cybertronian parents*

Ultra Magnus: *offers him the container of breakfast food*

David: *accepts the offered container*

Mira: //Did you remember the utensils, too?// *will go get them if not*

Ultra Magnus: Yes, they're inside a compartment in the box, wrapped in a napkin. David, are you comfortable with Mira holding you for a moment while I transform?

Mira: *nod* Alright then. *looks to David, will hold out her hands*

David: *small nod*

Ultra Magnus: *carefully uses both his hands to move David, then steps back, checks for small people, animals, or toys, and transforms* *flips open his driver's side door*

Mira: *will carefully crouch and gently help David into the cab*

David: *starting to relax a bit more*

Ultra Magnus: *smoothly reclines the seat very slightly, and slips it back from the steering wheel, so that David has plenty of room to eat* Mira, please get the kitten's carrier. Optimus took him out of it, but we're going to need it for the trip.

Mira: Alright. Where is it?

Ultra Magnus: *quick scan* *sigh* Optimus knows.

Mira: *patpat for your roof, Ultra Magnus* I'll go ask her. *heads off*

David: *kind of picking at his food right now, but give him a bit and he may take a few bites*

Ultra Magnus: I forgot. Mira, please bring the green tomato ketchup, too.

Mira: //That's in the mess, right?//

David: *looks up, surprised*

Ultra Magnus: *aloud and over comms* //Yes. I left it on top of the fridge.//

Mira: //Alright.//

David: *very small grin*

Ultra Magnus: Do you want the radio on?

kitten: *laying beside David on the seat, snuggled against his leg and purring loudly*

David: *quietly* Once we get going, yes.

Ultra Magnus: Alright. *rumbles softly, unconsciously matching the kitten's "tune"*

Mira: *coming back with the ketchup, will stop by the balcony to retrieve something*

Ultra Magnus: *perks and opens the door again so that she can give David the ketchup*

Mira: Open the other side, too.

Ultra Magnus: Alright, but why? *does so*

Mira: So I can get the carrier fastened in. *moves to do so after handing David the ketchup*

Ultra Magnus: *watches curiously*

Mira: *using her smaller hands to great effect as she carefully gets the carrier fastened in properly* There. That looks like how the instructions show it should look.

Ultra Magnus: *surprise in his voice* That's a cat carrier?

Mira: According to Optimus, it's a special pet car seat.

Ultra Magnus: Ah. Do you know how the cat's supposed to go in it?

kitten: *looks up alertly and yowls softly* *what do you want the cat to go in, big talking car?*

Mira: Yeah. *will move to unzip the top* *clicks to the kitten*

kitten: *looks at David to see if he's done with the cat right now*

David: *one last pet for the kitten*

kitten: *purrs and rolls over to catch the hand and hug it* *gives it cool kitty nose kisses too*

David: *soft chuckle*

Mira: *clicks and offers hand to kitten* C'mere, you...

kitten: *oh! Rolls over and runs to the big hand, chirping quizzically. Oh oh. It is his box. Is he supposed to go in that? Does! By crawling through the open porthole on the side!*

Mira: ... Okay then. *will zip up the porthole and the top once the kitten is inside* *also zips up the other portholes just to be safe*

kitten: *lays down and sings, waiting for the big talking car to go*

Ultra Magnus: *quietly amazed* He likes being shut inside the cage?

Mira: *will shrug once she's got her hand back*

David: *softly* He's well trained.

Ultra Magnus: Oh, is that it? *studies the kitten thoughtfully, then carefully closes both his doors* Please engage your safety restraint devices.

David: *will buckle up*

Ultra Magnus: Alright, Mira. Remember the speed limit. *heads for the entrance tunnel, his engine rumbling*

Mira: Weren't we going to bridge out?

Ultra Magnus: Optimus is going to send a bridge for us after I've tried these tires.

Mira: Ah. Gotcha. *transforms to her alt mode, which is distinctly Cybertronian*

Ultra Magnus: You're going to need to find something new to put on before we get to that bridge too. *offers her the URL of a vehicle site*

Mira: ... What's wrong with what I have now?

Ultra Magnus: *starts listing all the earth laws it violates*

Mira: ... *sigh* Fiiiine. *going over the website now*

((Written with random_xtras))

Continued here