TPF. Autobot Outpost Omega One. Pre-Reunion Happenings

[dens_extra_pups]

Ultra Magnus: *glances up from his cards as he hears David's voice raise up in quiet ire*

Mason: *also looks up from his hand, brow raised*

Beau: ... *moving to get up, cards in hand*

Ultra Magnus: He's talking to his sister.

Mason: *frown* Sounds lahk 'e's arguin' wit' 'er.

Ultra Magnus: *attention back on his cards* Siblings do that.

Mason: *nod*

Beau: ... I think this is the first time David's raised his voice.

Ultra Magnus: He had words for his kitten two days ago.

Beau: ... I missed that.

Ultra Magnus: Meezer woke him by biting his nose. *shifts one card to the other side of his hand*

Beau: *wince* Ouch.

Mason: Mah wahf's cat used t' baht Dallas 'n th' nose...

Ultra Magnus: *still intent on cards* David's mentioned an incident where Dallas bit yours.

Mason: *nod* 'Un tahm.

Beau: *chuckles*

Ultra Magnus: Beau, don't play that hand.

Beau: ... Quit peeking at my cards, Magnus.

Mason: *snerks and shakes his head before playing his hand*

Ultra Magnus: *looks at the hand and clicks with sympathy*

Mason: Beau, play y'r 'and.

Beau: *rolls his eyes*

Ultra Magnus: *looks at Mason's hip as the old man's phone rings* That must be Dallas. She's one of the few that can call past our shielding.

Mason: *answers said phone, is soon discussing the argument Dallas and David had, chuckling softly as the woman expresses her joy in getting into said argument*

Ultra Magnus: *lays down a killer hand and then peers at Beau*

Beau: *plays his hand with a sigh*

Ultra Magnus: If you had bought that last card when I advised you...

Beau: *meh meh meh as he and Mason pass Ultra Magnus his winnings*

Ultra Magnus: *stows money* Tomorrow is the day of the family reunion?

Beau: *nods*

Mason: Yep.

Ultra Magnus: Are you both prepared?

Mason: *nods* Yep. *shuffles cards*

Beau: I think so. I know Denver's going bonkers getting everything ready for her family...

Ultra Magnus: *frowns* Aren't Ratchet and Optimus helping her?

Beau: *chuckles* They are. She's just being fussy because of Orion.

Ultra Magnus: Ah. *cocks an eye toward where his son is sitting in the corner with face on knees, snoring gently* Should I have concerns?

Beau: No. Let Optimus, Ratchet, and Raf get Denver calmed down.

Ultra Magnus: I meant about my own young son. I intend to accompany David tomorrow.

Beau: Some of the older generations might throw a fit, but I think he'll get a lot of attention from the grannies.

Mason: *soft chuckle as he's yet again reminded that the huge being is a baby* Yeup. 'Specialleh wh'n th'y realahze 'e's a babeh.

Tidal Wave: *sleepily, as he raises his head and knuckles one optic* I am not a baby. I am over a week old.

Ultra Magnus: *fond look for the youngling* A week old is still a baby by human standards, Tidal Wave.

Beau: *nods in agreement*

Tidal Wave: *slight frown* I see.

Ultra Magnus: There is nothing wrong with being young. *looks toward the entrance tunnel*

Trailbreaker: *rolls in and opens his driver's door* I'll bring the things in after I park, Hattie.

Hattie: *as she gets out* Alrahght, 'Breaker.

Trailbreaker: *kissy sound as he shuts the door and rolls back out*

Ultra Magnus: *NOT looking. Nope*

Beau and Mason: *laughing now*

Hattie: *to the menfolks* Oh, 'ush.

Tidal Wave: *gravely* Your dress is very pretty, Mrs. Lamont.

Hattie: *nods to Tidal Wave* Th'nk y'u, 'on.

Tidal Wave: Are you going to the reunion tomorrow?

Hattie: Ah am. *nods*

Ultra Magnus: *surprised* You are?

Hattie: *nods* Yeup.

Ultra Magnus: Are you going as a friend, or as family?

Hattie: Ah've got friends 'mong th' MacKenzies.

Mason: 'N s'me 'f those're cousins f'r y'u, rahght, Miss 'Atteh?

Ultra Magnus: Really? *interested big square bot*

Hattie: *nod* Distant 'uns, but still famileh.

Ultra Magnus: So you will also be "wearing the plaid"?

Hattie: *nod* Ah've got a shawl th't Ah w's given f'r Christmas 'un yeah.

Ultra Magnus: *thinks of the surprise that he's prepared for the reunion* Do you wear the MacKenzie plaid?

Hattie: *nod*

Ultra Magnus: I see. *turns his head as he hears the distant sound of Trailbreaker fumbling crutches and doing a faceplant on the floor* ...Trailbreaker's done it again.

Hattie: *moving to check on the bot*

Ultra Magnus: *looks at the human men* I suggest that we postpone your further attempts at regaining your money from me. People will be returning for supper soon.

Beau: *amused grumbling as he nods*

Mason: *chuckles* We sh'ld 'elp git stuff set up f'r dinner, 'n th't case.

Ultra Magnus: *optics twinkle slightly* If Mitsy and Gabriel will let you.

Mason: *more chuckle* Ah th'nk Ah'll go see 'f th'y'll let me, th'n. *moves to get up*

Ultra Magnus: And I will go and remind my wife and daughter that it's time to return to Earth. *gets up and walks over to the space bridge controls*


that night


Optimus: *slipped out of bed without her mate noticing, and is now climbing up the side of the mesa to sit and look at the stars*

Bathilda: *having a nice night flight while it's still pleasant enough to do so*

Hattie: *already up on the mesa* *has her shawl wrapped around her, is watching Batsy fly*

Optimus: *slight startle of surprise as she spots the human woman* Hattie? What are you doing up here?

Hattie: *looks over her shoulder* Jes' sittin' 'n th'nkin'.

Optimus: *steps onto the mesa top and comes over to carefully seat herself beside her small friend* Did something happen today? *grunts and frowns slightly with concern as she puts her hands up to shield Hattie from the dust of Bathilda's landing*

Hattie: Jes' rememb'rin' mah first 'usband... 'E 'n Trailbreaker w'ld'a gotten 'long well.

Bathilda: *as she tucks her wings in* You also had a first husband, Oma Hattie?

Optimus: *surprised look for the dragon lady* You've been married more than once, Bathilda?

Bathilda: *nods* Ja. Long before I met Senaiji. *expression going a bit distant as she remembers*

Hattie: *to Bathilda* W're y'u a young brahd?

Optimus: *curious perk as she remembers how young she herself was when she first brought Ratchet home*

Bathilda: *nods* Ja. About se equivalent of a nineteen year old. I vas part of a student exchange of sorts...

Optimus: *starts to ask for more of the story, but then double takes* "First husband"? Hattie, are you and Trailbreaker...?

Hattie: Engaged t' be wed. 'E proposed aftah suppah.

Bathilda: Ach! Congratulations, Oma Hattie!

Optimus: *quiet chuckle as she automatically pulls part of Bathilda's wrapper skirt over her shoulders and brings Hattie under the shelter too. A fine rain has started, but she knows that the waterproof silk will keep Hattie, and her own polish, safe* You're sure that's what you want to do?

Hattie: *nods* Ah'm sure. *seriously* Lahk Ah tol' 'Breaker. 'F Dallas c'n do 't, so c'n Ah."

Optimus: *more soft laughter* Trailbreaker is a very different kind of man from Knockout.

Hattie: Ah'll say. F'r 'un th'n, 'Breaker's a gentleman.

Optimus: *SO much amusement on her face*

Hattie: *Look for Optimus*

Bathilda: Ach! Bitte, do nicht fight!

Hattie: Ain't gonna fahght.

Optimus: *leans back against Bathilda in a comforting way* *quietly* That's why Trailbreaker refused his supper, isn't it?

Hattie: *small nod*

Bathilda: Vhat vas your first husband's proposal like?

Hattie: 'Lot lahk 'ow 'Breaker pr'posed.

Optimus: *curious look of interest. Knows DENADA about proposals*

Hattie: *will explain about how her first husband proposed, after bringing her to a very nice place to eat, and about how shy he acted the entire time*

Optimus: *eyes twinkle slightly as she listens to the story. Hattie's first husband sounds like quite a nice contrast to how Ratchet was back then*

Hattie: 'N 'Breaker fainted wh'n Ah said yes. *so amused*

Optimus: *slight wince of concern* *quietly curious* What did your first husband do?

Hattie: 'E drove me 'ome, 'n asked mah Pa f'r 'ouse buildin' advahce.

Optimus: So he was more confident than Trailbreaker.

Hattie: Not much.

Optimus: No? *brows lift slightly*

Hattie: 'E waited 'til aftah Pa's back was turned t' faint.

Bathilda: *soft snort*

Optimus: *wince of sympathy for the unknown man* *then looks curiously up at Bathilda* Was your first husband like Senaiji?

Bathilda: Ja und nein.

Optimus: Explain? *absently picks CJ up and holds him close as the dog finds her and paws at her gently*

Bathilda: He und Senaiji vould have gotten along. His personality vas like Senaiji's... But he vas nicht a Drachenschwarm.

Optimus: *looks up with surprise*

Hattie: *surprised* 'E w'sn't?

Bathilda: *headshake* Nein. He vas of se Ilban-ui Hwangso people.

Optimus: I've never heard of that race. *absently cuddles CJ under her chin*

Bathilda: I vill get you a book on sem, Optimus. *small smile*

Hattie: *casually* W'ldn't mahnd s'me new storehs mahself...

Bathilda: *chuckles* Sen I vill get you a book as vell, Oma Hattie.

Optimus: *grins down at her smaller friend, teasing twinkling in her eyes*

Hattie: *snorts softly, giving Optimus a smirk*

Bathilda: *more chuckling*

Optimus: We may have to find you addictions counselling, Hattie. *says the woman who spends hours a day in front of the monitors*

Hattie: *brat grin* After we git y'u 'n th' same program, Optimus.

Optimus: *draws up slightly in mock self righteousness* I do research, and translation. *squeak as Bathilda beeps her on the helm with a finger*

Hattie: *laughing now*

Optimus: *looks up at Bathilda, eyes laughing at her fellow reading fool* Lori was using your latest serial episode as a tent this morning.

Bathilda: Ach! So sat's vhere it vent!

Hattie: *excuse her. She's currently laughing herself silly*

Optimus: *laughing too* I take it you're at an interesting point in the story. What is it this time? Space opera or frontier adventure?

Bathilda: Both.

Optimus: *laughs more, shaking her head* You're as bad as Miko and her zombie show.

Bathilda: *wrinkles nose* Nein. Ser ist nicht se amount of ick in mein stories.

Optimus: ...Fine. You're like Denver and 'Firefly'.

Bathilda: *chuckles* Sat ist a good show. I am glad sat sey haf preserved it.

Optimus: *looks down at Hattie's reaction to that statement* Hattie, breathe.

Hattie: *wheezing now*

Optimus: *shakes her head again, then looks up* *quietly* Tell us about your first husband, and how you met him?

Bathilda: *small nod* He vas born vith a spinal disorder, so he vas unable to go out to haul curds und meet girls... His family took care of him, until I arrived. I vas part of a student exchange program.

Optimus: *dryly, but well knowing her friend* Which you instigated, right?

Bathilda: *ducks her head slightly, a sheepish grin coming to her face* Ja.

Optimus: *gently taps on Hattie to help her recover from laughter* They stopped taking care of him when you got there?

Bathilda: He vas able to support himself vith his embroidery skills. It vas qvuite se surprise for me to learn sat se men are se vones who do se embroidery. Chungsilhan vas one of se best at it.

Optimus: *softly translating the name* "Stalwart".

Hattie: *quietly* Mah boys learned embroidereh 'n school... Used t' make football pennants. Th'r Pa taught 'em ev'ryth'n' th'y needed t' know 'bout cahs 'n fixin' th'n's, so Ah tol' 'em th't th'y sh'ld take th' sewin' class.

Bathilda: *nod* *to Optimus* His family gave him a strong name, in se hopes sat he vould be capable of great things. He vas a very kind man, und se best arm wrestler in se city. *to Hattie* I taught se men several new patterns sat sey still use to sis day.

Optimus: *as she holds an edge of Bathilda's train in her hands and examines the embroidery there* Arm wrestling, hmm? He would have liked the Wreckers.

Bathilda: He vould haff been shocked at se language se Vreckers use.

Hattie: Hon, Ah w's shocked at th' language s'me 'f th' Wreckers use.

Optimus: *sigh* They have no brain/mouth filter.

Hattie: Nope. *so amused*

Bathilda: *dryly* Vhich is vhy sey get along so vell vit Kae Yau.

Optimus: *still examining the embroidery* She does it on purpose. Where did you meet Chungsilhan?

Hattie: Quit interruptin' th' storeh.

Bathilda: I met him vhen I first arrived in se city, und I vent out vith se vomen so he could carry curds.

Optimus: *quietly* D'awww.

Bathilda: I had time on my hands und he'd sit und tend the curds in skin bottles. One day, a rowdy old bull dragon sat had never been beaten down decided to attack me... I boxed its ears und got it to submit. Sen se ozzer vomen taught me how to fight, so I vould nicht embarrass my husband.

Optimus: *looks up* You were already married? Or they considered you to be?

Bathilda: I vas considered to be married vhen Chungsilhan couriered his first load of curds.

Optimus: *slight nod* Did you transport him?

Bathilda: *nod* He vas unable to valk, but he vould sit und shake se skin jars of curds so sey vould mature.

Optimus: *curious frown* How are they usually matured?

Bathilda: Sey usually mature in se rocking motions of a many days journey on squirrel back.

Optimus and Hattie: *both now staring at Bathilda* 0.o?

Bathilda: *will explain about the pachyderms that have the name "Squirrels" on the world her first husband came from*

Optimus: *chuckling with amusement at the end of the explanation*

Hattie: Th'y sound ornereh. *amused*

Bathilda: Sey aren't really. But sey vill do anysink for a yam.

Optimus: *looks up again, eyes bright as she waits for the continuation of the story of Chungsilhan*

Bathilda: *will tell the rest of the story* *quietly* I vas his vife for nearly forty years before he died.

Hattie: *patpat* *quietly* 'Ow long aftah th't did y'u 'n Senaiji meet?

Optimus: *thoughtfully, as she mulls over the story* How long were you on the world after he passed?

Bathilda: *to Optimus* Ten years. Sen se ozzer vomen sent me avay to get kids for Chungsilhan.

Optimus: *blink blink!*

Bathilda: Vhen I arrived back on se homevorld, I vas exhausted from travelling, und asked se Greatest Creator for a clear sign about who I should be marrying. Und vonce I stepped off of se ship, Senaiji stuck a pansy in my face.

Optimus: *brows lift* That was your sign?

Bathilda: Vell, I had asked sat se sign be crystal clear, because I vas exhausted.

Optimus: Don't people offer flowers at your space ports?

Bathilda: Nicht in faces or up noses!

Optimus: *brows UP!* Up noses?

Hattie: *looking up with an expression that says she's half inclined to laugh*

Bathilda: Ja. He stuck it vright in my face, so I got a noseful of pansy.

Optimus: *can't help it, the mental image has her lowering her legs and doubling up to laugh till she rattles*

Hattie: *has to wipe her eyes*

Bathilda: *rolls her eyes at Optimus and Hattie*

Optimus: *wipes her eyes after a moment and sits up, only to crack up again as she gets an anxious comm ping* Oh, Ratchet.

Bathilda: *sits up a bit* Ist ser trouble?

Hattie: Wh't'd Ratchet do th's tahm?"

Optimus: *still chuckling as she gently pushes Bathilda's train off her shoulders* He's just found out he's got nothing to snuggle.

Bathilda: *soft snort* Go snuggle.

Hattie: *snickerfit* 'E's a cuddlejunkie.

Optimus: *sighs softly as she gets to her feet* *with quiet amusement* He's a possessive, bossy, fussy, bully.

Bathilda: *laughs*

Hattie: Y'u c'n kick 'is butt though. *chuckles and moves to get up*

Optimus: *looks down humorously* I can't pick on him. *then offers a hug to Bathilda* Good night. Good sleep.

Bathilda: *winghug* You as vell, Optimus.

Optimus: *grins, and then looks down as she steps away from the hug* Do you want a ride down, Hattie? Or are you staying?

Hattie: Ah'm 'eadin' 'n, too.

Optimus: *stoops down to offer her hands*

Hattie: *will situate herself in Optimus' hands*

Optimus: *presents Hattie to Bathilda's face so that they can say goodbye* Don't worry, I'm aiming away from the nose.

Bathilda: *as Hattie starts cracking up* Thrrp.

Optimus: Now you don't need a shower in the morning, Hattie. *eyes twinkling so much*

Hattie: *now it's her turn to razz*

Bathilda: *mock-offended huff* *gentle wingbump for your arm, Optimus*

Optimus: *grins at her, and then offers a Hattie for saying goodnight to*

Hattie: *will hug Bathilda's snout*

Bathilda: *will gently touch her forehead to Hattie once the woman has backed up* Good sleep, Oma.

Optimus: *eyes now twinkling with happiness at this peaceful leave taking*

Hattie: Nahght, Batsy.

Optimus: *turns and carefully carries Hattie toward the new staircase, her thoughts turning toward sleep on a comfortable bed beside a snuggly husband, with her babies and pets in their beds by the wall*

((Written with random_xtras))