hsv and someplace else. Various Locations. Braves of Legend Part 1

[dens_extra_pups]

Uzulee: *standing and watching as WakeJumper and Solar Flare slap each other in the head after a day of checking the perimeter fences*

Solar Flare: *laughing so hard that he's seeing double* Yo... yo mama! *aims another slap*

WakeJumper: Awk! *laughs as he blocks the slap attempt and aims a bootshop at Solar Flare's skid* Yours first!

Solar Flare: I... *cackle* I don't even! *swing!*

WakeJumper: *laughs, will try to get brother-in-law in a headlock* Yeah, right!

Solar Flare: *laughter muffled by brother-in-law-arm* *XD as he paws at the arm*

Uzulee: *now that she can be heard* Are you two jokers busy?

WakeJumper: *looks up from trying to noogie brother-in-law* We've got time. 'Sup?

Uzulee: What are you supposed to be doing?

Solar Flare: Mmmph mrrph mmp! *XD*

WakeJumper: We finished checking the perimeter fences. We're technically on our day off and we were bored, so we decided to make ourselves useful.

Solar Flare: *mouth uncovered* We're both on paternity leave. *snerkle*

WakeJumper: That, too.

Uzulee: Feel like Travelling? Ratchet's got a sparklet to deliver.

WakeJumper: *gives Solar Flare a shake* Think we've got time, 'Flare?

Solar Flare: *happy bibble sound* Kriti and my sister say to go play. What's the sitch?

WakeJumper: We'll be helping that one Ratchet with a sparklet.

Uzulee: *snerk* That's not what I said. I said that he couldn't do this job because he's already doing something.

Solar Flare: Yeah, dummy. *reaches up and bangs on WakeJumper's head*

WakeJumper: *shaken sibling syndrome is a go!*

Solar Flare: *sniggers and grabs the bigger mech's shoulders to give him a real shake*

Uzulee: So... you are busy?

Solar Flare: *looks down from WakeJumper climbing* Huh? Heh...

WakeJumper: Let's go. *shakes Solar Flare again*

Solar Flare: *bibble*

Uzulee: *brow quirk* Don't you want to know any details?

WakeJumper: We won't have to be human for this, will we?

Uzulee: No, but you might want to try looking a little less baytech.

Solar Flare: *burp* 0_0;

WakeJumper: ... What tech would be best?

Uzulee: You know GunMax?

WakeJumper: ... That sort of tech?

Uzulee: Yup.

Solar Flare: *hanging by neck under WakeJumper arm. Lifts his own arms to try and see the panel that'll let him adjust his avatar into a disguise*

WakeJumper: *lets Solar Flare go, will check his storage for something*

Solar Flare: *squeaky toy noise as he lands on his butt. Busy tinkering!*

Uzulee: *can't keep in a snerk at that*

WakeJumper: *wish jar out. Glad he thought to buy more when he had a chance. He'll fish a wish out and cap the jar once more* I wish for my appearance to fit with bots of the tech in the reality I'll be going to.

Solar Flare and Uzulee: *staring at him once the sparkles die away*

WakeJumper: *will look himself over once the sparkles die away*

Solar Flare: *glee and surprise* I'm taller than you. *finger poke for the top of WakeJumper's head*

WakeJumper: *swats at Solar Flare's hand* Laugh it up. After the mission, you'll be the runt again.

Solar Flare: *cackles and shows a picture to his sister* -Wake's a dolly!-

Eclipse: *impression of a gigglefit*

Kriti: -No, he's not. I'm smaller than him.- *amused*

Solar Flare: *happy grin and a gentle love-bomb* -I KNOW you're a doll.-

Kriti: *gentle love bomb in return* -Yes, yours.- *shares Ceres' gleeful reaction to his aunt projecting an image of WakeJumper in the room. Also shares Ratchet's facepalm*

Solar Flare: *whoop of laughter*

WakeJumper: *smirk, will jab fingers where he knows his brother-in-law is ticklish*

Solar Flare: *now frantically apologizing for projecting that!*

WakeJumper: *awk* *got the reaction not only from Solar Flare, but from Kriti and Eclipse as well!*

Eclipse: *helpless laughing at Ratchet's reaction now* *is also laughing at her brother's derp*

Uzulee: *studies her nails with an air of waiting*

Solar Flare: *fell over at that massive sharage of tickle* *is kicking his feet and laughing at Ratchet now*

WakeJumper: *snickerfit, will try and help Solar Flare up* Eclipse sent an image of Ratchet's face.

Uzulee: *slight grin* Ready now?

Solar Flare: Am I gonna be too big?

Uzulee: No. You might not fit in the house, but I think you'll be okay.

WakeJumper: Let's get going, then.

Uzulee: *nods* Have you ever watched 'Brave of Gold'?

WakeJumper: ... A few episodes. Why?

Uzulee: Did you see the one where he wound up on the western theme world?

WakeJumper: ... *and now he's cracking up*

Solar Flare: *lost grin*

Uzulee: This reality had the Braves being Cybertronian. And the world's a lost Cybertronian colony.

WakeJumper: *will databurst Solar Flare the episode in question*

Solar Flare: *incredulous expression* This is scrap.

WakeJumper: It's anime. It doesn't have to make sense.

Solar Flare: BPJD does.

Uzulee: ...How much have you talked to Gunmax?

Solar Flare: *bibbly sound*

WakeJumper: *snerk* I think we're ready to go, Uzulee.

Uzulee: The girl's Twilight.

Solar Flare: *sobers and looks at WakeJumper*

WakeJumper: *serious now* Let's go.

Uzulee: *nods and sends them* *miscalculated with Wake, and drops him on his butt in the yard*

Solar Flare: *soft meep as he winces*

WakeJumper: *much wince, will move to get up so he can rub his skid*

Solar Flare: *offers him a hand* *quietly* Okay, bro?

WakeJumper: *reaches for Solar Flare's hand* I'm alright.

Solar Flare: *lifts him to his feet, and then freezes with his gaze on the barn* Hi. Is your mom home?

WakeJumper: *looks up from dusting himself off*

two sparklets: *hiding in the barn. Look like they're protecting the big guy who's in stasis*

Solar Flare: *soberly* //I don't think his team found him.//

WakeJumper: *quietly*//I'll do what I can to help him, after we help Twilight.//

Solar Flare: *looks at the house* There's a little girl in there helping her mom with some burlap and stuff. Looks like they were making feed sacks. *startles as something bellows*

WakeJumper: *startles at the bellow, looks around* What was that?!

Solar Flare: *totally spooked* I don't know. It came from over there.

WakeJumper: ... Nobody else seemed to notice. I don't think it's a threat, whatever it is.

soft voice: *comes from the door of the house* It's a hungry thundertron.

Solar Flare: *looks over there and frowns as he sees how tired and worn that small black lady is*

WakeJumper: *turns to look as well*

Twilight: *quietly* Can I help you, strangers?

WakeJumper: *moving to approach* We're here to help where we're needed. My name is WakeJumper. The tall guy is my brother, Solar Flare.

Twilight: *softly, her expression gentle but wary* I'm Twilight, and this is my daughter Dorayo.

Dorayo: *narrow-eyed look* *don't you try anything!*

Solar Flare: -Wow. Suspicious bitty is suspicious. And a lot bigger than she was in what you showed me.-

WakeJumper: *gentle clicks and a polite bow* -I'm guessing that's because she's either older than the bitty in what I showed you, or because of who her mother is.- *out loud* It's an honor, Twilight, Dorayo.

Twilight: I'm sorry that your journey was for nothing, but we don't need any help right now.

Solar Flare: -She's running on empty.-

WakeJumper: *gently* We were brought here to help... I'm a medic. -I still have wishes in the jar, 'Flare.-

Solar Flare: *inspiration as he sees Twilight firm her lips and start to speak* The bill's already been paid.

Twilight: *startles* Who paid you to come?

Dorayo: *moves protectively closer to her mother, eyes narrowing*

Solar Flare: Friends of your husband.

WakeJumper: *nods and moves to get the pink rag kitty that Kriti insisted he hang onto out of storage* They also said I should try and find a friend for this little one... *will offer the kitty doll to Dorayo* *gently* Would you know anyone who would be a good friend for her?

Dorayo: *shrinks away*

Twilight: *hand to the sparklet's shoulder as she studies the two mechs in her yard*

Solar Flare: *looks frankly back at her and waits*

WakeJumper: *soft, gentle clicks. Will wait quietly*

Twilight: *shaky sigh* *quietly, as she looks down at her daughter* We're still paying the doctor's fee for when the children came.

Dorayo: *looks back at Mama, scowling*

WakeJumper: *gently* Everything will be alright, Twilight.

Twilight: Dorataro and Dorajiro, these are friends. Come and greet them.

Solar Flare: *turns to see twin little mechs regarding him with wary interest that changes to affectionate and protective looks for their mother*

right hand child: I'm Dorataro. Welcome.

left hand child: *starts to talk, only to lose courage and hide his face in his hands*

Dorataro: *arm around brother* Dorajiro doesn't talk good yet.

WakeJumper: *gentle smile* That's alright.

Solar Flare: Your dad's friends sent this. *pulls bubbles of fizzy and cans of botmado mud out of his pockets*

Twilight: *puzzled expression* What is it?

WakeJumper: Good fuel.

Solar Flare: *sits down on the ground and pulls the top off one of the cans*

Dorayo: *eyes wide at the scent that is coming out of the can*

Dorataro and Dorajiro: *arms around each others' shoulders and eyes just as wide as their sister's*

Twilight: *softly* Go ahead, children. *gives her daughter a gentle push, and then turns to go back into the house*

Solar Flare: -Wake, catch her before she hits the floor!-

WakeJumper: *moves to do so, clicking softly. He's paid for deliveries from SwindleCo for the family, so they won't have to do without fuel anymore*

Twilight: *little squeak of surprise as he catches her. Big eyes blink at him blearily for a moment before closing*

WakeJumper: *will scan Twilight, clicking softly all the while* -'Flare, she's starving... And having her mate sick isn't helping her either.-

Solar Flare: -I saw. We can help, right? Eeep! Sorry, little fingers.-

WakeJumper: *quiet squeak in response to the transmitted sensation of tiny fingers between plating* -Yes, we can. And we can help her mate as well.- *setting to work on helping Twilight* *he'll start by putting fuel into her tank, after mixing it with calcien*

Twilight: *groans quietly, and then realizes that she's being held by the stranger. Squeaks and tries to sit up*

WakeJumper: *soothing clicks, will put a stop to trying to sit up* Easy. You're safe.

Twilight: But... I have a couch. *embarrassed little lady*

WakeJumper: *gently* I'll bring you there once I've finished repairing you.

Twilight: ...I'm broken?

WakeJumper: You've got some loose connectors, and your frame is showing some of the effects of starvation.

Twilight: *looks away, ashamed* I have to pay the doctor's fee.

WakeJumper: *gently* We'll get that taken care of. You need to rest and recover.

Twilight: *gives him a searching look, uncertainty and sadness lurking in the back of her big eyes* Why didn't Dran's friends come themselves?

WakeJumper: *quietly* They're on their way. They got a bit caught up in something on their way here.

Twilight: *still the look* How did they know he's married? *more quietly* I... don't think he knows.

WakeJumper: Primus let them know. *gently* We'll help with that, too.

Twilight: Primus is Dran's friend who sent you?

WakeJumper: Primus is the creator of all Transformers.

Twilight: ...What are "Transformers"?

WakeJumper: People like us.

Twilight: *big eyes* I... I don't believe in religion.

WakeJumper: *gently* That's alright. Even if you don't believe in religion, there is someone watching out for you.

Twilight: *slight squirm of embarrassed discomfort*

Solar Flare: *absently* -He says he's not a god.-

WakeJumper: *gently* Primus isn't a god. He's a parent.

Solar Flare: -And he's really bad at poker and should stop playing.-

Primus: *Wake will have felt THAT response!*

WakeJumper: *coughs to hide his snerk* And apparently, he's bad at poker. My brother thinks he should stop playing that game.

Twilight: 0.o? *at you now*

WakeJumper: My brother can hear him better than I can.

Twilight: *softly, with confusion* Oh.

Solar Flare: -Wake, if you feed these things they give you energon.-

WakeJumper: -What are you talking about, 'Flare?- *to Twilight, as he finishes fixing the loose connections* There. Let's get you resting on the couch.

Solar Flare: -Thundertrons are like Transformer milk cows!-

WakeJumper: -...Why the scrap are you messing with the cows instead of checking on Dran?-

Solar Flare: *shows him footage* -Because three little babies begged me to buy feed for their cows.-

WakeJumper: -Oh. You know, you could just add stuff to feed thundertrons to the SwindleCo delivery I set up.-

Solar Flare: -They don't carry this ore, but they got us some.-

Twilight: *stops looking at the couch when she isn't brought to it. Looks up at WakeJumper instead*

WakeJumper: *slight start* Sorry... Was arguing with Solar Flare about something. *will gently lift Twilight and move to carry her to the couch*

Twilight: *concerned* Is something the matter with the children? *can hear the thundertrons bellowing, so knows that someone's by the pen*

WakeJumper: No. They're feeding the thundertrons with Solar Flare.

Twilight: *startles with surprise* You didn't buy ore, too?

WakeJumper: We got some from a reliable supplier.

Twilight: How will I ever pay all this back?

WakeJumper: *gently* Family doesn't have debts.

Twilight: *uncertain look from those big sad eyes as she absently reaches for the blanket on the back of the couch, and the bag she'd been making when the guys arrived*

WakeJumper: *will help drape the blanket over her* Get some rest, little sister.

Twilight: *softly* Alright.

WakeJumper: *will quietly exit the house, then head for the barn* -'Flare, do you have any info on who the farm owes money to, besides the other doctor fees?-

Solar Flare: *absently* -Nope. The kids don't know. Ugh. Slarped...-

WakeJumper: -You deserve that.- *will try and find the datanet to see if he can hack in and find out the answer to his question*

Solar Flare: -Well, it was gratitude. You working on Dran now?-

WakeJumper: -Just about to. Trying to find out an answer to my question, too.- *will peek into the barn*

Solar Flare: -Don't you have Uzulee's number? Ugh, Clipsie, don't squeal that loud in my head.-

WakeJumper: -Can you ask? I have a patient. Eclipse, circulate.- *moving to scan Dran*

Solar Flare: -Sure. Just lemme get over this squeal eek.-

Dran: *badly run down. His spark is damaged. His processor is damaged. And so is his body*

WakeJumper: *quick to clamp down on his upset at Dran's state. Will focus on repairing what he can with his onboard tools and redundancies*

crate: *appears beside him*

WakeJumper: -'Flare? What's in the crate?-

Solar Flare: -Uzulee didn't tell me.- *impression of carrying sleeping babies out of the thundertron pen*

WakeJumper: -...Bet you a CinnaSeeker it's parts.- *moving to check*

Solar Flare: *from the door* Don' t have any with me. Is there anything good for beds in here?

WakeJumper: *as he pulls parts out of the crate* Yeah. There's some dried grass.

Solar Flare: *comes in and sees stalls. Tucks the triplets and the pink rag kitty into one of them* I have to clean them up before their mother sees them again. They got licked... and then rolled around in the dirt.

WakeJumper: *snerks* Cute kids being kids. *moves to work on repairing Dran*

Solar Flare: *surprised look for his brother-in-law as he comes out of the stall* I've never seen any of the ones at home get that dirty.

WakeJumper: I have. *shares the memory of a certain trio of no-longer-sparklets and the day they tried to help the soldiers at the base with grounds maintenance*

Solar Flare: *sputters, but then gets serious as he looks at their patient* What do you want me to do?

WakeJumper: *will point out a few areas that he'll need a second set of hands working on, and databurst images of parts needed to make the repairs* Right now, you're acting as nurse.

Solar Flare: Works for me. I'm more repair than medical anyway.

WakeJumper: *soft snerk* That's not what Ratchet says. *recalling what the CMO said about Solar Flare's bedside manner and abilities as a physiotherapist. The yellow mech's words are nothing but complimentary and sincere*

Solar Flare: *doesn't look up from finding parts in the crate* ...I did good work on his scanner the other day.

WakeJumper: *as he works* You've also been a big help with both Ironhides.

Solar Flare: I love those old guys. *more quietly* I'll miss the one when he goes home.

WakeJumper: *quietly* I will, too. But that's not going to be for a long time.

Solar Flare: This month.

WakeJumper: *very surprised by this, will look up to boggle at you, Solar Flare*

Solar Flare: *looks back seriously, and then offers the new fuel pump*

WakeJumper: He's strong enough, then? *accepts the offered fuel pump*

Solar Flare: He's got a safe home to go to. And his brother's back.

WakeJumper: ... *and there's a lot of relief in his grin* That's great! *remembers all too well what things were like for the bots of bvIronhide's reality when he went to repair the mech*

Solar Flare: *soberly, as he returns to the crate* They had to leave Earth.

WakeJumper: ... *quietly* Scrap...

Solar Flare: *slight frown as he pauses to look at a picture* ...Bathilda? Huh?

WakeJumper: ... Is she with a guy named Senaiji, and best friends with a woman named Kae Yau?

Solar Flare: Yeah. But she used to be human. *shakes head with surprise and looks into the crate again* Ah, here're the connectors.

WakeJumper: Huh. Different Batsy than the one I know of. *will hold out his hand for the connectors*

Solar Flare: *brings them over and then lays out the other things they'll need* She's native to their reality.

WakeJumper: That's probably why I don't know her. *working diligently*

Solar Flare: *as he sets to work on his first part* Ya think?

WakeJumper: Thrrpt. *still working*

Solar Flare: *glances toward a sound from one of the triplets and clicks to the little one, then turns his attention back to his work after the sparklet's settled down* I don't know if you noticed that mess on your bed, but I apologize for it. Ceres was telling Doc to bring noms to people, and he didn't realize you wouldn't like a ripe apricot. I tried cleaning it up, but there was still juice on the mattress when I had to go get Dad out of his mess.

WakeJumper: *soft snerk* So that explains why Eclipse was asking the humans for help with laundry.

Solar Flare: *curious sound* Laundry? I didn't hear that.

Eclipse: *KERCHOO*

Solar Flare: ...Heard that.

WakeJumper: *soft chuckle* It happened right after we left to come here.

Solar Flare: Ahh. Guess that explains it. *gentle adjustment to the part he's working on, and then a satisfied sound as it starts working*

WakeJumper: She mainly wanted to keep Lumen from getting sticky. *pleased hum as the part he's working on begins operating at the rate it was intended to*


a little over three hours later


WakeJumper: *absently humming 'Rebel Rebel' because Eclipse has it stuck in her head, and she's sharing the love. Between his efforts and Solar Flare's, Dran's been completely repaired* *finishes tightening a connection that's meant to hold armor in place*

triplets: *are a soft murmur from the stall where they're busy turning hay into useful baskets*

Solar Flare: *quiet replies as he coaches the babies and hums 'Rebel Rebel' to them*

Dran: *that sound didn't come from the stall or WakeJumper*

WakeJumper: *looks up from the armor part he's working on*

Dran: *deep, shaky intake, and then another quiet sound of pain*

WakeJumper: *soothing clicks, will scan Dran, to see if a painkiller tab would be the safest pain management method*

Dran: *eyes flash to light as he finds out that his arms are bound to his sides* What?

WakeJumper: Don't try to get up. You were in pretty bad shape a few hours ago. *will apply the painkiller*

Dran: *tries to focus on him, frowning* ...Who?

WakeJumper: My name is WakeJumper. My brother, Solar Flare, is keeping an eye on the kids. That's him singing.

Dran: *confusion shows on his face as he shudders slightly* What... kids?

WakeJumper: ...Dorayo, Dorataro, and Dorajiro.

Dran: *further confusion* Why... they... here?

WakeJumper: My best guess is they've been here for at least a few days.

Dran: *wearily shuts off eyes and tries to get his processor to give him data. Finds no kids in the newest files, but does find a memory of his battle to defend...* *eyes on again* The girl?

WakeJumper: Twilight is resting. She's safe.

Dran: *looks at the light, and the confused frown turns to concern* Resting? Did she... get... hurt?

WakeJumper: She gave birth, and she didn't have access to enough fuel for a little while.

Dran: *blink* She's... a robot.

WakeJumper: She's Cybertronian, just like you. You both have sparks.

Dran: *blank. You just went right over his head, WakeJumper*

Solar Flare: *makes the barn smell like botmado-y goodness* -Wake. Don't spring things on him yet.-

WakeJumper: -Well, I have to explain this somehow.-

Solar Flare: -No. Just put him to sleep for a little while. Remember how he freaked out on that show? If he does that in his condition he could go out.-

WakeJumper: -Fair point.- *to Dran* I'll explain it better later. Right now, you should rest, too, so you can heal.

Dran: But...

Solar Flare: *flips a sedation tab over the stall wall*

WakeJumper: *catches the tab* I mean it. You need to rest and recover. *will tag Dran with the sedative*

Dran: *sound of protest as he feels himself fading into stasis rest*

WakeJumper: *checks his subspace for a spare blanket*

Solar Flare: *flips one over his brother-in-law's head* -The kids are done with this.-

WakeJumper: *blanket got!* *will cover Dran with the blanket* -Five bucks says we'll find them snuggled under it with Dran, pretty soon.-

Solar Flare: *stands with sparklets in his arms* They just asked to go see their mom.

Dorayo: *bitty face intent as she hangs in the engineer's arms and works on finishing her basket*

Dorataro: *sleeeeeepy. Yes, again. Nomming is hard work!*

Dorajiro: *poking bubby's head*

WakeJumper: Awww. *small smile*

Solar Flare: *grins* Why don't you go to town and give that doctor his fee?

WakeJumper: *nod* Don't blow up anything important while I'm gone.

Solar Flare: *shakes his head* I grew out of that a long time ago.

Dorayo: *holds out her basket to WakeJumper, her expression appealing*

WakeJumper: *gentle clicks, will thank Dorayo as he accepts the basket*

Dorayo: Pease sell it? *baby wants to help!*

WakeJumper: I'll make sure it gets bought. I promise.

Dorayo: *beautiful smile as she shyly looks away and snuggles against her brother*

Solar Flare: *approving grin for the babies as he picks up the rag kitty and tucks it in with them*

Dorajiro: *takes kitty and pokes it instead of brother*

WakeJumper: *will head out of the barn and try transforming to alt mode after carefully storing the basket in subspace*

Solar Flare: *looks at that small, low vehicle with the big fat tires* o.0

babies: *all three intently watching WakeJumper now*

WakeJumper: ...Well, that wasn't what I was expecting, but it works. -Solar, get an image to show Eclipse and Kriti later.- *much amusement*

Solar Flare: *shares the amusement of the aforesaid ladies even as he takes the picture* -Got it.-

WakeJumper: I'll be back as soon as possible.

Solar Flare: See you then. *meeps and is suddenly juggling three tiny cars and a rag kitty*

babies: *delighted laughter*

WakeJumper: *laughs and drives away*


An hour later...


WakeJumper: *arriving in town. Is a bit dustier than when he left, and a little crabby about how far from town Twilight and Dran live*

burly bot: *lifts his head from where he's pounding on a couple of disreputable mechanisms in front of the saloon, and then sits up and watches the colourful stranger with interest. Is tan and navy blue. And missing his helmet*

WakeJumper: *transforms and stretches, giving himself a good shake before looking around*

burly bot: *absently bangs together the heads of the guys he's sitting on as they start cussing and squirming, then stands and absently feels around in the dust with one foot as he continues to watch the stranger*

WakeJumper: *attention going to the cussing, amused snerk as he sees the reason for the cussing and the end of it*

burly bot: ...What's so funny? *still searching with his foot*

WakeJumper: Just seeing someone deal with a couple of rowdies. *friendly smile for the burly bot. Has a hunch he knows who this is, but he'll wait for the other bot to introduce himself*

burly bot: Rowdies? Those guys? Try bullies. *scowl for the two in the dust. Scowl turns to a happy sound as he stoops to grab what looks like a white cowboy hat. Straightens and thumps the hat a couple times, then puts it on his head*

WakeJumper: Sometimes, they're one and the same.

burly bot: *good-natured grin makes his dusty and dented face shine* No. Rowdies're fun.

WakeJumper: *can't help but laugh* That's true.

female bot: *opens the door on the building down the street, the one with the sign that kinda looks like a colander* Torque, you *beep* quit playin' and come git this order. You want yer boss to come lookin' for you again?

burly bot: *yup, that's Torque* *startled meep, and then he's hurrying toward the summons* Sorry, Swindle. I'm coming.

WakeJumper: *curious, will move to follow Torque. Maybe he can sell the basket here, and find out where the doctor is at the same time*

building: *is the general store! With all kinds of the most basic and cheap stuff that bots might need*

Swindle: *piling packages into Torque's arms and ignoring his attempts at conversation*

WakeJumper: Er, pardon me...

Swindle: *packs the last parcel on Torque and then turns to frown at the stranger* What's yours?

WakeJumper: Do you buy items too, or just sell what your suppliers give you to sell?

Swindle: Depends on the merchandise. What've you got?

WakeJumper: *will get the basket out of subspace and offer it to Swindle*

Swindle: *frowns at it* Looks sturdy. How many've you got?

WakeJumper: Just the one, for now... But I can make arrangements with the folks who made this one...

Swindle: *turns away* Don't waste my time. Come back when you've got the goods.

WakeJumper: I've also got a few things that I can get delivered for you to sell. *out comes cans of botmato mud*

Swindle: *doesn't turn back*

WakeJumper: *will open one of the cans*

Torque: *quietly* She won't deal now.

WakeJumper: Well, darn. *will gather the unopened cans* *to Torque* You can have the one that's open. It's good fuel.

Torque: *glances at Swindle, then chivies WakeJumper out of the store*

WakeJumper: *sigh* I was kind of hoping I could get the basket sold. I promised...

Torque: Promised? *has pulled out a net and is putting the parcels into it as he stands on the porch*

WakeJumper: *nods* A little girl made the basket, and asked me to try and sell it to help out her family.

Torque: *looks up quickly* Which little girl?

WakeJumper: *quick look around to make sure nobody who shouldn't hear this is around to eavesdrop* *quietly* Twilight's little girl.

Torque: *sucks in air, his eyes going wide* When did Twilight get a little girl?

WakeJumper: A few days back. It's a long story, and not mine to tell.

Torque: *looks a little sick* Lockdown's gonna burn her farm down.

WakeJumper: ... *much scowl* Not if my brother and I can do something about it. -Solar, are you hearing this?-

Solar Flare: -Yup. And you better be glad you're not hearing what Kriti's saying right now.-

WakeJumper: -I can just imagine.- *kind of wishes all of his siblings were still alive. He can just imagine what Downrush, Deluge, and Frostbite would do*

Torque: *quiet and sad* I'll buy that basket.

WakeJumper: -Looks like we might have a friend here. I have a feeling we'll be using our fists and firepower soon, though.- *attention to Torque, names a very fair price*

Torque: *pulls out three times the amount and hands it over* I know I counted it wrong. I want her to have it. She'll have fees 'n stuff.

WakeJumper: Speaking of that... Do you know where I can find the doctor?

Torque: Ratchet? He's at the hotel. *points to the biggest building, which is leaning noticeably to the left*

WakeJumper: *gives Torque the basket* If you're still in the area after I talk to Ratchet, and aren't busy, I'd like to talk a bit more.

Torque: Well... I gotta get this stuff back to the ranch. *head turns as he hears the sound of something breaking in the saloon. Automatically drifts that way*

WakeJumper: *soft snerk. Will head for the hotel* *looks around once he's inside, not sure whether to expect the red and white most Ratchets seem fond of sporting, or the yellow that he's more familiar with*

room: *dusty despite the efforts of the sparklet with the broom over by the counter. Faded calico half curtains on the windows do little to keep out the glaring sunlight. Two tables stand on the board floor, and at the one further from the door a white bot with red trim is morosely sawing at a lump of something metallic and rusty on his plate*

sparklet: *pauses her broom and stares at the stranger just as hard as she can*

WakeJumper: *polite nod to the sparklet, will move to approach the white bot's table* Ratchet?

Ratchet: *without looking up* What's the damage? *bite of stuff in his mouth and crunches it*



Continued here.