JOEverse, Torka's homeworld, New Beginnings of a Different Sort

[dens-extra-pups.livejournal.com]

Kup: *Strings of ancient obscenities as he works on fixing a particular console on the ship. Is laying on his back, with his head and part of his upper torso pretty much inside the console*

Perceptor:  *is a soft whir as her mobility chair nears*  Kup, pardon the interruption.  But I seem to have misplaced my nine tenths hypersteel alligator forceps.  Do you know where they are?

Kup: ... *more grumbling, scoots out of the console with the requested tool in servo*

Perceptor:  0.o  What did you do to them?

Kup: Was trying to get to some of those slagging wires so I could fix the slagging console...

Perceptor:  *takes the large toothy tweezers and examines them with wide optics*  ....

Kup: *grumbles and mutters about how the tweezers were the best tool for the job.*

Perceptor:  *slowly*  I... er.  Proceed.  *offers them back, knowing she won't be able to use them for her project now*

Kup: *grunts a bit and moves to get back to work, adding another set of the tweezers to the "Supplies Needed" list*

Perceptor:  *turns her chair back toward her laboratory and is discomfited to find that the interrupted project is the only one currently available to work on.  Frowns a bit and presses a few buttons on her keyboard to call up projects that she's shelved for various reasons in the past*

Kup: *string of obscenities resumes*

Perceptor:  *finds her old research into creating new Cybertronians and sighs*  I am quite capable of creating new bodies, even ones able to self upgrade.  But there is always the matter of the spark....

Kup: *Yelps as the console decides to bite him*

Perceptor:  *lifts her voice slightly without looking away from her notes*  Are you damaged?

Kup: This *BLEEPING* console!!! *More, and even worse, cussing*

Perceptor:  *absent patience*  Yes, but are you yourself damaged, Kup?

Kup: Got a bit of a zap from the *bleeeeeeeping* thing...

Perceptor:  That reminds me.  I have my research into modifications that would enable us to run on organic fuel sources completed.  I should carry that into the testing phase.

Kup: *Snorts a bit*

Perceptor:  *starts running cross checks on the data and finds no flaws in the information*  Hmmm.  We currently have these parts in our possession.

Kup: *silent for a few moments, before he's wiggling out from inside the console*

Perceptor:  There's only the question of who would install them....  *tapping her fingers against her desk top*

Kup: *slight frown as he considers this, before he's sighing and moving to sit in his usual chair*

Perceptor:  Though I do have sufficient repair know how so as to render me capable of installing the mods on Kup....

Kup: *mutters almost inaudiably* It's times like this that I wish Ratchet was around...

Perceptor:  *looks around, her optics bright*  Kup, do you have a click?

Kup: *moves to get up* Yeah, kid... *will come to the door* What do you need?

Perceptor:  I believe I've found a viable answer to our energy problem.

Kup: *Raised brow ridge* Really now?

Perceptor:  Yes!  *proceeds to show him her diagrams and try to explain the modifications and the process by which they would work and be installed*

Kup: *studying the diagrams with his usual slight scowl, nods a bit*

Perceptor:  The entire process would take, to my estimation, approximately 120 mega cycles.

Kup: Huh... And this'll let us use stuff like what the JDs eat as fuel?

Perceptor:  Well, actually organic sugar compounds would work better than the calciferous organic framework which the JDs are so fond of.

Kup: *Snerks* Probably not... Don't think I've got the denta for it... *meaning the bones*

Perceptor:  *optics back to her notes*  Not to mention lacking the jaw ligatures.  So you're agreeable to the modification?

Kup: *more snerk* That too... Yeah... If it'll give us more options than the sludge they call fuel at some of those places...

Perceptor:  *small nod*  It will also spare us the need to have our systems flushed, if we take care to consume the proper fuels.

Kup: *Grimaces at the memory of his most recent systems flushing*

Perceptor:  *nodding to herself and then reciting to him a list of the parts and materials that she'll need from the hold*  Will you fetch those for me?

Kup: *nods and goes to get the parts and materials, musing to himself about how Perceptor likely wouldn't appreciate it if he started coddling her... Not that he would, but sometimes he has to catch himself before he says or does something that might come across that way. It's not long before he's double-checking everything he's got with what it is Perceptor is wanting, and not much longer after that that he's moving to climb back up to the main level of the ship*

Perceptor:  *head down on her desk when he gets back, one hand folded peacefully by her face and the other still resting on the keyboard*

Kup: *Soft sigh, moves to gently put a hand on her back* Kid?

Perceptor:  *soft murmur, and one hand closes.  But then she sighs and resumes her slumber*

Kup: *Small frown, even with knowing that her reaction is a common occurance since her repairs, will get everything out of subspace that Perceptor sent him to retrieve, and make sure it's easily accessable and organized*

Perceptor:  *startles as he sets down the heaviest component, then shudders and sighs again.  Doesn't wake*

Kup: *once he's finished organizing everything he was sent for, he moves to gently scoop Perceptor up with the intention of bringing her to her berth and covering her with blankets*

Perceptor:  *relaxed, she barely seems to weigh anything in his arms.*

Kup: *Despite his well-earned reputation as a rough and tumble mech, he is surprisingly gentle as he tucks his crewmate in, though his thoughts are starting to turn again to how it seems like the time for the Cybertronian race is fast coming to an end*

Perceptor:  *blinks slightly*  Kup...?

Kup: Get some rest, kid... You were asleep at your desk again...

Perceptor:  *brow ridges draw together in a faint frown*  How... inconvenient....  *sleeps*

Kup: *very soft sigh, gently smooths her forehead*

Perceptor:  *frown fades, and one corner of her mouth turns up a bit in her slight smile*

beep:  *comes from the main com screen on the bridge*

Kup: *Grumbles under his breath, goes to answer the com*

being that looks like a cross between an octopus and a shop vac:  *blinks lights at him cheerfully*  Hi, Kup.  Do you have my parcel?

Kup: *slight snort* Yeah, Torka. It's in the hold, and we're heading your direction. *Yes, this is him being pleasant to a customer*

Torka:  *more twinkling of the lights around her top part*  You're looking shinier than usual.  Oh, and I'm 'she' now.

Kup: ... *raised brow ridge, nods* I see.

Torka:  Baby Rala is looking forward to meeting you and hearing your stories.

Kup: *Snerks* I've got a few he'll like...

Torka:  *happy light blinkings*  Cron thinks he's distilled something that you will like.

Kup: *Perks up at that* Oh?

Torka:  Yes.  He says it's an energy source made from organic grains, but that he's convinced that beings such as yourselves will be able to process it.

Kup: *Actually laughs at that, the sound holding a bit of mirth*

Torka:  *also chuckles, the sound alien, but easily understood with Kup's familiarity with her people*  But explain to me this shininess.

Kup: Let's just say I finally got dragged to a more skilled medic than Perceptor... And leave it at that.

Torka:  *and now her lights read concern*  Is Perceptor well?

Kup: *Nods* He's been told to take it easy for a little while... *slipping back into the habit of referring to Perceptor as a male, as he's not certain that there aren't Decepticons nearby, and he wants to keep the smaller Autobot safe for as long as he can*

Torka:  *still the concern*  He was damaged?

Kup: We kinda got into a scuffle with some Combaticons...

Torka:  *displeased static*  They're still chasing you?

Kup: They caught up with us at one of the space ports... We got lucky though.

Torka:  I'm glad.  *though her lights are still angry.  The Autobots have been friends to her family ever since the day many hundreds of cycles ago when her many greats grand parent had been a new program and settled hopefully into Kup's shell on his first visit to their world*

Kup: Don't worry about it, Torka. They didn't get us this time, and they'll think twice before they try again.

Torka:  *quietly*  My ancestors' memories tell me that you've said that before.

Kup: *snorts* You worry too much, kid.

Torka:  *again the dry hiss of her chuckle*  Kid no longer, friend.  It's my job to worry now.

Kup: *Fond mutter* Fusses worse than Perceptor... *chuckles*

Torka:  *more laughter, and a gesture from one of her arms that means affection*

Kup: *more chuckling, before he remembers that Torka mentioned organic grains* Yanno... Perceptor's got a new project that he's excited about...

Torka:  Really?  One of his own, then?

Kup: *nods* It's a really good idea... It'll let him and me process organic fuel...

Torka:  Ahhhhh.  Is the fuel that's available no good?

Kup: The sludge we can afford... It's not even worth what we pay for it...

Torka:  *lights blink a pattern of concern*  And you need to be able to keep the ship fueled.

Kup: I'm more worried about keeping Perceptor and myself fueled right now... System flushes aren't exactly my idea of fun. *scowls more*

Torka:  *lights stop completely for a moment*  Systems... flush?

Kup: *grimace, nods*

Torka:  *lights in a swift and agitated pattern*  Is there any way I can help?

Kup: Think you can make sense of these? *pulls up the diagrams of the modifications*

Torka:  *scans them and dims her lights as she studies them, then brightens*  Oh!  Yes, this makes perfect sense.

Kup: *chuckles* Well, we've got the parts and materials...

Torka:  I'll do it for Perceptor, too.  It will be nice to meet him finally.  *lights in a gentle pattern now*  And don't worry.  I'll come onto your ship, so he doesn't have to come out.

Kup: *small nod* And I can give you your package in person.

Torka:  *twinkles at that.  She really does*

Kup: *chuckles* How soon can I expect you?

Cron:  *moves into the edge of Kup's view and gives him an impertinent light show*  Are you already at the space port?

Torka:  *shoves him back out of the way*  You're supposed to be teaching Rala.

Cron:  *just laughs.  Has been prone to mischief since the very day he was spawned*

Kup: About a breem away, give or take a few mega cycles. *chuckling at Cron's antics*

Torka:  I'll be there to meet you.  *still pushing the younger family member, who is waving his arms and hissing merrily*

Kup: Alright. See you soon, Torka. Cron, you behave.

Cron:  I'm always good!

Torka:  For what?  See you then, Kup.  *waves a grasper and then shuts off the screen*

Kup: *proceeds with landing procedures, will go to double-check that everything is indeed there for the procedure, and will make a note to wake Perceptor in about fifteen mega cycles*

Torka:  *waiting in the waiting place on the otherwise empty field, one grasper holding a gigantic leaf from one of the massive rain forest trees like it's a lopsided parasol*

Kup: *satisfied that everything is ready, moves to head for the door, chuckling softly to himself. Once the door opens, he's chuckling more at the familiar acrid smell of the air, and his chuckling increases when he sees Torka holding the massive leaf*

Torka:  *comes rolling over, her leaf held primly as her other arms curve into a gesture of greeting and her lights blink happily*  Will you help me?  I don't think I can lift myself up your step things.

Kup: Sure thing... *small smirk* Kid. *moves to help Torka up the stairs*

Torka:  *reaches up and gently grasps his nose, the same way she did when she first met him four and a quarter years ago as a newborn*  Not a kid.  I'm the mom.

Kup: You're younger than me. You're a kid. *cheeky grin*

Torka:  Sometimes I think I'm at a later stage of growth than you are.  *hisses softly and makes the affection gesture as he sets her on the deck, then offers him her leaf, which is decorated with broad splashes of white and smaller markings of red*

Kup: *fondly* I'll believe that when I see it, Kid. *Accepts the leaf with a chuckle*

Torka:  I am head of my family.  You are still laughing at Cron's antics.  *hiss and then she looks around, her lights showing a pattern of curiosity*  So this is your home.

Kup: *nods* Yeah... Been home for a few thousand vorns....

Torka:  *turns as though looking at him, and then turns a slow circuit*  I never realized how small it is before.  *compared to him, she means.  It's a very large space for her*

Kup: *small nod* Eh, it gets us around.

Torka:  True.  Where do you want me to work on you?  Oh....  *another turn around*  Where's your friend?

Kup: Perceptor's resting on his berth... I figure I'll give him another fifteen mega cycles before I wake him up...

Torka:  This is your down cycle? *still looking around*

Kup: Naw... He's still regaining his strength from when we both had to have our systems flushed... *makes an epic face at the memory*

Torka:  Ahhhh.  *soberly as she rotates to face him again*  Should you be resting too?

Kup: *tips his chin stubbornly* I'm fine.

Torka:  *even with no face and no expression, and her lights moving in a slow and reserved pattern, it's clear that she doesn't believe you, Kup*

Kup: *snorts and moves to lead Torka to where the materials and parts are* I'm going to go check on Perceptor.

Torka:  Alright.  *lights show concern as she moves over and starts sorting tools*

Kup: *small nod, moves to head for Perceptor's berth*

Perceptor:  *still sleeping deeply, her hand closed once more around the corner of her pillow's wrapper*

Kup: *small, quiet sigh. Doesn't want to wake the sleeping woman, but knows that she will more than likely wish to meet Torka* *Gently puts a hand on her shoulder* Perceptor...

Perceptor:  *startles and opens her optics wide, but then looks confused*  Kup?  ...I'm already on my berth, why are you interrupting my recharge cycle?

Kup: *Apologetic* Sorry Perceptor... But we've landed on Torka's homeworld, and Torka offered to help us with something...

Perceptor:  Assist us with something?  *moving slowly to sit up*  

Kup: *nods as he moves to help her sit up* Torka's family specializes in building bodies and modifying them.

Perceptor:  *understanding dawning*  *quietly*  And you trust her.

Kup: *nod* Hard not to... *wry chuckle* I kinda did found her family....

Perceptor:  *small smile at that, though her optics are twinkling*  True.  *shutters her optics and leans against his hand for a moment, muttering at the weariness*

Kup: *As gently as he can manage, which would likely seem pretty gruff to anyone not familiar with him* We'll be outta this mess with the fuel soon enough, kid.

Perceptor:  *quietly*  Yes.  But to what purpose?

Kup: *Slight frown at that* Hey. Keep your chin up, kid.

Perceptor:  *startled jerk as she looks up at him.  Hadn't realized she'd said that last out loud.  Then nods as her faceplates heat, and moves to slide off her berth*  Yes, yes, of course.

Kup: *moves to help the scientist off of the berth* *then he's chuckling as he remembers what Torka mentioned* I honestly can't wait to see what it is Cron distilled....

Perceptor:  *looks up again, her expression shifting to curious interest*  What it is that Cron distilled?

Kup: Some kinda liquor or something made with organic grain... Wonder if it's anything like high grade?

Perceptor:  *blinks*  I find it curious that he's creating fuel substances that are unnecessary to his own people.

Kup: *Careful shrug* No clue why that crazy kid does half the things he does... Even when he was brand new, he was crazy.

Perceptor:  *quizzical look*  Was he?  I remember the day he... 'settled' is the proper term, yes?

Kup: *nods* Yeah... But before that, the slagger tried hitching a ride with me at least four times... *fond grumbles*

Perceptor:  ...Ahhhhh.  That explains your temper when you returned to the ship.  

Kup: *another nod* Yeah... He was doing it on purpose after the first two times...

Perceptor:  *softly*  My word....

Torka: *is that soft clank from Perceptor's lab as she lays out parts*

Perceptor:  *looks in that direction*

Kup: *to Torka, as he moves to bring Perceptor over there* Baby Rala anything like the last one?

Torka:  *without turning from her careful organizing of parts on the floor*  He seems to have a similar cheerful nature.  *soft hiss of a chuckle*  And my ancestors' memories tell me that he is how Rala should be at that age.

Kup: *nods, chuckling* Primus preserve us when it's Cron's turn to be she....

Torka:  *pause as all her lights go on with shock at the thought*  Sweet Engineer have mercy.

Perceptor:  *watching those lights with interest, and also studying the carefully laid out tools and parts to see if she can work out the pattern*

Kup: *laughs*

Torka:  Though... he does seem to respect the important things.  *sounds reassured by this as she turns to face her front toward him*  Oh, hello, Perceptor.  Please forgive my intrusion into your work space.

Perceptor:  It's quite alright, under the circumstances.  *friendly, though wan smile*  Kup was just telling me about your young brother's antics on his first day of life.

Torka:  *lights do a shuddery blinking pattern*  Ugh, don't remind me.  The brat.

Kup: *shaking slightly as he mutes his vocalizer. He's actually laughing silently*

Perceptor:  *turns her head to give him a quizzical look, but then chuckles as she realizes what he's doing*

Torka:  Anyway.  *lights and limbs make like shaking themselves*  Who's first?

Kup: *moves to gently set Perceptor on her feet* I guess I'll go first...

Torka:  *moves over closer to Perceptor*  Yes, I think that's the best idea.

Perceptor:  Because then I can guide you through the procedure the first time and double check your work.

Torka:  Yes!  *delighted blinkings*

Kup: *good-natured grumbling and grousing*

Perceptor:  *moves to grab a tarp from a drawer in one of the chests that wall off the corner where her berth sits*

Torka:  *lights show her concern as she sees how slowly the small Cybertronian is moving*  Why don't you tell me what you need, and I'll get it for you?

Perceptor:  Oh no it's no tro....  *slight wince to herself*  Yes, thank you.  It's in the bottom drawer of the green chest.  The tarp.  I'd like it spread out on the floor so that Kup can lay on it as we work.

Kup: *concerned, moves to help get the tarp*

Torka:  I have it, Kup.

Perceptor:  *quietly*  I think it may help Kup feel more confident in the face of being modified if we allow him to assist in our set up.  *knows well that when Kup wants to help he's going to help, and you can't stop him, Torka*

Torka:  Oh, yes.  *turns to look up at her friend*  Thank you, Kup.

Kup: *Grumbles and moves to spread the tarp out*

Perceptor:  *brings over the small plastic stool that she likes to sit on at times and settles onto it with a sigh*  Yes, thank you, Kup.  Now if you would lay on your back, with your head in this direction?

Kup: *more grumbling, complies. Nervous mech is nervous*

Torka:  *graspers gently running along his side as she searches for the means of opening his chest panels*  Don't worry, Kup.  This will be a snap.

Kup: *Squirms slightly, before showing Torka where the catches are, grumbling all the while*

Perceptor:  Wait, Torka.  You'll need to shut him down first.

Torka:  Ahhh, it's a good thing you're here, Perceptor.  Will you show me how to do that?

Perceptor:  Yes, it's right here....

Kup: *optics shut down as he goes into stasis*


One hour later


Kup: *optics flicker for a few moments as he begins to reboot*

Torka:  *pats him gently on the chest*  Can you hear me, Kup?

Kup: Yeah, yeah, kid... *will try and sit up now, kthx*

Torka:  Easy.  Let your systems come back online before you try to move too fast.

Kup: ... *frown* Where's Perceptor?

Torka:  Shhhh.  *turns toward where the little scientist is laying beside her stool, her limbs arranged in a comfortable looking position and one corner of Kup's tarp covering her*  He fell asleep while he was directing me.

Kup: *soft snort, nods*

Torka:  *quietly, that fussing and mothering nature clear*  I didn't like to wake him.  Though I suppose one of us needs to now so that we can start his modification.

Kup: *another nod, moves to gently touch Perceptor's shoulder* *quietly* Hey, Perceptor...

Perceptor:  *intakes air and then frowns with confusion*  What....  Oh dear, not again.

Torka:  *hovering wordlessly as she watches*

Kup: *moving to help Perceptor sit up, concern clear in his actions and his optics* Maybe we should wait...

Perceptor:  No no.  I don't like to detain Torka longer than necessary.  *rubs her face, and then transforms to scope to scan him*  Oh, very good work, Torka.  I couldn't have done this better myself!

Torka:  *lights in a pleased pattern*

Kup: *Harumphs, lip components quirking in a bit of a grin, though there is still concern dancing in his optics as he watches Perceptor*

Perceptor:  Now if you would be so kind as to move aside, Kup.  We'll just get my own modification underway.  *looks up at him, her optics twinkling despite her weariness*

Kup: *snorts a bit, before moving out of the way*

Perceptor:  *settles her small person onto the tarp, gently grilling Torka about the points of sedation and the operation.  Satisfied that her pupil does indeed know what she's doing, she submits to being shut off herself*

Torka:  *looks for the catches on Perceptor's chest and opens them up, then studies the red scientist's inward workings*  Hmmm, not quite the same as yours, Kup.  But I can understand the differences I see.

Kup: *small nod, is trying not to hover and be distracting, but he's worried*

Torka:  *and then her lights are moving in her version of a frown*  These connections don't look very strong, and there's tape holding these together.  *'looks' up at Kup*  He's had more done than a systems flush.

Kup: *quietly* We almost didn't get away from the Combaticons this time... *lip components pressed thin*

Torka:  *touches his hand comfortingly with one grasper*  But some of this looks old, though it's just recently been repaired.

Kup: *quiet grumbles, mutters about old injuries and buildings*

Torka:  *softly*  I'll be very careful.

Kup: *small nod, is still going to worry*

Torka:  *sets to work, carefully removing the redundant systems so that they may be replaced with the new ones*  I'd really like it if the two of you stayed on planet for awhile, Kup.  Neither of you are in any shape to be flying around in space.

Kup: *soft snort, before he remembers that Torka's got a package in the hold. Then he's moving to go and retrieve it*

Torka:  Where are you going?

Kup: To get your package outta the hold. *moves to climb down the ladder*

Torka:  Oh.  Alright.  Actually, I can use some of that fine wire here. *yes, she's going to do more repairs.  Try and stop her*

Kup: *has no intention of trying to stop her, and it's not long before he's climbing back up the ladder with the package in hand*

Torka:  *blinking to herself in the silent language that her people use at times.  The communication patterns have the look of a frown to them*

Kup: Here, Torka. *sets the package down where she can reach it*

Torka:  *doesn't look around*  Could you open it and unspool about fifteen rens of the wire?

Kup: Yeah... *sets to work doing that*

Torka:  Perceptor has the self repair systems you told me about, right?  *carefully removing something else*

Kup: Yeah... *still unspooling wire*

Torka:  Good.  What's this box?  Is it important?  I need to change some of the wires attached to it.

Kup: *looks up from unspooling wire to see which box Torka's talking about*

Torka:  *gentle grasper resting on Perceptor's spark compartment*

Kup: *sharp intake of air* That's where his spark is.

Torka:  His spark?  *quizzical lights*

Kup: What makes us alive...

Torka:  *withdraws her grasper*  Ahhh.  Will it be destroyed if I remove these wires?

Kup: *looks to see which wires she's talking about*

Torka:  *is pointing to the wires that bring energy to the spark compartment, and which allow the spark to interface with Perceptor's shell*

Kup: It's best not to mess with those wires... they let his spark interface with his shell, and bring energy to it...

Torka:  *frown pattern of disappointment*  I see.  I won't need so much of the wire, then.

Kup: How much will you need?

Torka:  One ren should be enough.  *sounds unhappy, but her graspers are steady as she carefully installs the new fuel system components*

Kup: *winds the wire he's already unspooled back around the spool until there's just one ren left unspooled*

Torka:  *fastening the clamps and screws to hold Perceptor's new tank in place*  You never really answered about staying here.

Kup: *considering look* Well... I think I should talk it over with Perceptor first...

Torka:  *firmly*  You need the rest.

Kup: *Grumbles and nods, sighing a bit*

Torka:  *pats him on the leg with one grasper even as she uses two more to carefully splice the new wire into Perceptor's torso*

Kup: *keeps watch out of habit*

Torka:  *quietly*  You've never told us much about your world or your people.

Kup: *soft sigh* There's a reason for that, kid....

Torka:  I... sensed long ago, or rather my ancestors did, that you and Perceptor are alone.

Kup: *another sigh, accompanied this time by a nod* It's likely... We haven't heard anything from our comrades since we left Cybertron...

Torka:  Is it something to do with why the Combaticons pursue you?

Kup: We're Autobots. They'll chase us just because of that....

Torka:  *finishes the connection and gently closes Perceptor's chest plates*  I don't understand.

Kup: *quietly* A long time ago... The Decepticons and the Autobots were at peace... Then Tyrannous decided that certain beings weren't worthy of living... and that triggered the war... A lot of innocent people died... And Cybertron also died.... The Combaticons are Decepticons... It's pretty much in their programming to hate Autobots...

Torka:  *frozen, her lights barely blinking*  

Kup: All we can do anymore... Is keep ourselves alive... *sighs and reaches to gently smooth Perceptor's forehead before he realizes what he's doing*

Torka:  *very slowly and sounding strained*  ...That certain beings weren't worthy of living....

Kup: *optics downcast and dimmed* Women.

Torka:  *small twitch of surprise*  Your people are two gendered?

Kup: We were....

Torka:  *quietly, the strain her voice increasing*  But... the two gendered need both genders to replicate.

Kup: Tyrannous was a glitch.

Torka:  He must have been insane, and all those who followed him.  To deliberately destroy your own race?

Kup: We didn't know why we were built with two genders, Torka.... We had Vector Sigma to create new sparks....

Torka:  The things that make you alive.  *lights do a rapid, racing pattern of stress like a JD would rub his face*

Kup: *nods, sighing a bit. It's times like this that he really starts to feel his age, and that sneaking inkling that the sun has set for the Cybertronian race is still bothering him.*

Torka:  *gently brings Perceptor back online, and then makes a small, nonplussed sound when the little bot only sighs and begins to intake regularly*  Kup?

Kup: Huh?

Torka:  He's not activating.

Kup: *slight wince* He needs more rest.... I'll put him on his berth...

Torka:  *spins to look at him*  He's functioning normally for his circumstances?

Kup: *a bit quieter* He took a bad hit when we got away from the Combaticons this last time...

Torka:  So it's not normal.  *worried lights*

Kup: He'll be alright... He just needs time to recover...

Torka:  ...Alright.

Perceptor:  *flinches in her sleep, one hand searching for her bedclothes*

Kup: *moves to lift Perceptor* *Quietly* Easy, kid. I've got you... You're safe.

Perceptor:  *optic shutters flicker*  Kup?  What...?

Torka:  *lights making much frown as she watches*

Kup: *a bit gruffly, trying to hide his worries* Back to your berth, kid. You need to rest.

Perceptor:  *soft sound, then a wince*  I'm rather cold.

Kup: I'll get your heating pad turned on when you're on your berth again.

Perceptor:  Thank you....  *even air circulation resumes*

Torka:  His tank is empty.  He should probably put something into it.  *starts to fold the tarp*

Kup: I'll see if we have any energon.... *a bit gruffly* But for now, the kid needs his rest... *moves to carry Perceptor to her berth, will turn the heating pad on once he's set the scientist down*

Perceptor:  *soft sigh as her slender fingers close around a handful of one of her thick blankets*

Kup: *gently covers her with the blankets, before moving to try and locate some energon*

galley:  *cupboard holds two small cans of fair to middling mid grade*

Torka:  *shocked sound from over by the door*

Kup: *Grabs both cans, before moving to see what caught Torka's attention*

baby Rala:  *out on the landing field, spinning around happily on his casters.  Is bright orange with yellow markings*

Cron:  *blinking a grin up at Torka.  Is now wildly and brightly spatter painted*

Kup: ... *would facepalm, has his hands full*

Torka:  *sputter, hiss*  Why??

Cron:  Aw c'mon.  We look good!

Kup: You look like slaggin' yahoos!

baby Rala:  Slaggin' yahoos!

Torka:  *looks up at Kup*  ....

Kup: ... *groans and proceeds to beat his head against the door frame*

Cron:  Hey, Kup!  I brought you something!  *points to the very large tank on wheels that's sitting near where Rala is dancing*

Torka:  *doing slight arm flailing and light blinking*

Kup: ... Is that the stuff you distilled, Cron?

Cron:  Yup!  *lights blink in a grin*

baby Rala:  Slaggin' yahoos!  Weeee!  *happy static*

Kup: I'll have a bit, once I've given Perceptor his fuel...

Cron:  Okay!  *happy lights*  I'll leave it here.  *turns and goes after Rala, which makes the baby hiss and scoot toward the road back to their town*

Torka:  *crackle, mutter, blink*

Kup: *moves to take one of the cans of energon to Perceptor, gently reaching to touch the scientist's shoulder with the can*

Perceptor:  *burrows more deeply under her blankets*

Kup: *Gently* Hey, Perceptor... You need to take in fuel...

Perceptor:  *moves again, and then sits up, blinking up at her friend wearily*  ...You're right, Kup.  Thank you for reminding me.  *reaches for the can*

Kup: *as he gives her the can* *Quietly* Torka wants us to stay for a few days and recover...

Perceptor:  *drinks slowly, and then looks up at him*  Do you feel that that would be wise?

Kup: Well... yeah... I trust Torka and her people... And we could both use the break...

Perceptor:  *slight smile*  Very well, then.  *hangs her head a bit, holding the can of fuel close*  I must admit that I find the thought of being planetside for a short while rather appealing.

Kup: *chuckles* At least it's not spawning season...

Perceptor:  ...Thank Primus.

Kup: *snerks and gently pats her shoulder* Get some more rest when you're done refueling, kid... Maybe in a few days, you'll be able to handle whatever it is that Cron distilled... If I don't die from it first. *amusement and fondness clear in his voice*

Perceptor:  *looks up, concern clear in her optics*  Please do be careful, Kup.  As I have so oft pointed out, it would be most unpleasant for me if you were to join the Allspark.

Kup: *another gentle shoulder pat* I'll be careful. I'm not gonna have much of the stuff... Probably'd knock me flat on my back at this point...

Perceptor:  *and there's her slight smile*  Alright, then.

Kup: *soft chuckle, and then he's moving to go put the leaf that Torka gave him on his wall and muse about something for a few minutes*

Torka:  *from the bridge*  Kup?

Kup: I'll be right out, Torka. *gives the leaf one last considering look, before he's moving to head for the bridge*

Torka:  *standing by the door with her parcel in her arms, blinks glad lights to see him*

Kup: Let's go see what it is Cron distilled. *moves to gently lift Torka and carry her down the stairs*

Torka:  He was comparing it to that fuel sample that you left behind during your last visit.  And wishing that we had something to test it on.  But since we don't use that sort of fuel, and the d'kang don't either....

Kup: *nods his understanding* Yeah... Well, Perceptor and I are gonna be here for a few days at least... So we'll probably be able to test it out for you.

Torka:  Just please be careful.  It's not that I don't trust Cron... alright.  I don't, fully, because of all the silly things he does.  But he was being very careful with this.

Kup: *nods as he moves to set Torka down on the ground* I don't think I'll have very much... At least not right now...

Torka:  Alright.  *blinks at him in a smile even as she makes the gesture for affection.  But then she notices something Rala dropped and groans*  I better go put that back on him.

Kup: *groans as well* Crazy slaggin' kid...

Torka:  Babies do that.  But it won't be long before he knows not to pull bits off himself.

Kup: Good. Hate to think of the kinda trouble he could get into doing that...

Torka:  No.  Our important parts don't come off that easily.  *already heading toward the part and the road, her parcel carried on top of her 'head'*

Kup: *Snorts and moves to approach the tank*

tank contents:  *greet him with a very beguiling smell before he's even close to the tank*

Kup: *raised brow ridge, looks for something to get a bit of the fuel in so he can have a taste, finds the hose on the tank* Heh... Kid thinks of everything...

fuel:  *smells so sweet*

Kup: *Surprised at the smell, before he's moving to connect the hose to his secondary fuel intake and put a bit of the fuel into his tank*

fuel:  *tastes so sweet, and flavorful, and satisfying*

Kup: *approving sound, disconnects after his tank's partially filled, as he's not sure how the fuel will affect his systems*

fuel:  *also very very full of energy and very easy to process!*

Kup: *blink blink* Whoah...

Torka:  *turns to wave at him from over at the start of the forest road*

Kup: *blinking a bit, absent wave*

ship:  *beeps because the door's still open*

Kup: *blinks and looks in that direction, before moving to bring the tank to the ship. Once he somehow manages to get the tank into the ship, he's closing the door behind him, and moving to sit down near Perceptor's berth*

Perceptor:  *just a little lump under the blankets, and one small hand peeking out and curled in sleep*

Kup: *reaches to gently poke her hand, intending to tell her about the really good fuel*

Perceptor:  *hand closes and withdraws, and then Perceptor's lowering the blanket and blinking at him quizzically*  What is it, Kup?  Has something happened?

Kup: *is clearly cratered* You gotta try the stuff Cron made... It's gooood... *dorky grin*

Perceptor:  0.o  Er... Kup, I do believe you're over charged.

Kup: *rumbles* Maaaybe...

Perceptor:  *looks at him uncertainly as she sits up*  Are you feeling alright?

Kup: *nods slowly* Cron did a good job on the fuel... *chuckles*

Perceptor:  *scans him and frowns*

Kup: *blink blink, reaches to gently touch her face* Aww, don't frown...

Perceptor:  *startled look up at him as her hand goes to his* *isn't sure what to say in response to this uncharacteristic behavior*

Kup: *gently brushes his thumb over her cheek* Frowning doesn't suit you at all...

Perceptor:  *quietly, her expression changing to confusion*  Just how much of that fuel did you intake, Kup?

Kup: *blink blink* Not muuuch.... *trying to remember*

Perceptor:  More than a standard can?  *fingers unconsciously curling over the back of his hand as she looks up at him*

Kup: *small frown, is still trying to remember* Maybe? *perks up* You should try some!

Perceptor:  You said that once already.  I'm not certain.  If that much....

Kup: *moves to scoop Perceptor up* It's fine... The fuel's really goood....

Perceptor:  *startled flail and meep!*

Kup: *Soothing sounds, holds her close and tells her how the fuel tastes*

Perceptor:  *shutters her optics and leans against his chest, managing to look utterly frail and helpless as she talks her systems down from alarm mode*  But I have also just refueled.  I am not certain....  *looks up at him and blinks*  Kup, are you purring?

Kup: *more soothing sounds* At least try a little bit? It'll make you feel better.

Perceptor:  *brow ridges raising as she looks at his expression*  I... suppose a taste....

Kup: *is trying his hardest to see straight, can't help but notice how... cute... Perceptor looks right now, even as he moves to gently set her down next to the fuel tank so he can offer her the hose*

Perceptor:  *takes the hose and looks at it, then blinks once more and moves her nose close to the end of it*  Why... this is nearly pure ethanol, though with something else that I cannot quite identify.  *kicking into science mode!*

Kup: It's good, is what it is. *sappy grin*

Perceptor:  *analyze analyze*  *starts to detail the molecular structure*  It's very similar in form to the liquid energon, or as close as an organic based substance can be.  Startlingly close, in fact.  I would very much like to have a sample of that grain, as it doesn't fit with anything that I have studied up to date.

Kup: Are ya gonna try it or not?

Perceptor:  *starts and looks up at him, then takes a cautious pull from the hose.  Her optics widen and she shivers*

Kup: *aaand now he's going to gently fuss over you, Perceptor. His touch is gentle as he brushes his thumb against her cheek again* Perceptor?

Perceptor:  Energy....  *shivers again and tries to process what she wants to say.  Is mildly mortified to hear herself give a small laugh and announce*  Tingly!

Kup: *soft snort, nods, noticing again that Perceptor is actually kinda cute* Good stuff, huh?

Perceptor:  Very good.  *stares dazedly at the hose, then offers it back to him with an unsteady hand*

Kup: *accepts the hose, considering having a bit more, but then he changes his mind as he puts it away* Perceptor, you okay? *gonna fuss over her again*

Perceptor:  I've never felt better.  *tries to get up and winds up landing on her face*

Kup: *acks and moves to help her up, before impulsively offering cuddles*

Perceptor:  *dazedly trying to get her optics to focus, then looks down at the floor before turning her head and staring cross-eyed at Kup's chest*  My word, you are.  How fascinating....

Kup: Am what? *confused, and just a wee bit tipsy now*

Perceptor:  You're purring!

Kup: *blink blink, moves to try and stand up with Perceptor in his arms, can't get his legs to cooperate* Aw, slag me....

Perceptor:  *concerned, she squirms slightly in his arms as she attempts to turn and look at him better*  Is something the matter?

Kup: Legs don' wanna cooperate... *carefully shifts Perceptor just a bit, a considering look coming to his face* Then again... Maybe it's not so bad...

Perceptor:  *looking down at his legs, her chin resting on one of his hands as she tries to scan his supporting servos*  I don't think you're damaged.  *distracted then and makes a small snuggling motion as she sighs*  You're warm.

Kup: *rumbles quietly, holding Perceptor close* 'N you're nice to hold... *hesitantly nuzzles her helm*

Perceptor:  *wriggles a bit, trying to turn so that she's facing him.  At the nuzzle her optic shutters drop and she rests her head against his chest, listening to that deep rumbling sound that she cannot quite identify as comfort gently seeps through the haze over her thoughts*

Kup: *It's likely that he wouldn't say what he's about to say if he wasn't overcharged... but then again, he might...* *Quietly* Perceptor... There's somethin' I've been wantin' t' ask ya....

Perceptor:  *arms wrapped around herself and tucked comfortably between her body and Kup's.  Doesn't lift her head*  What have you been meaning to ask me, Kup?

Kup: *quieter and with a bit of hesitation* Would you be my...my mate?

Perceptor:  *blinks owlishly and looks up at him*  Your mate?

Kup: *nods, faceplates heating slightly* Y-yeah... You know... bondmates...

Perceptor:  *optics go even rounder.  And with her next words she shows just what an unsocialized nerd she was even before Cybertron died*  What does that mean?

Kup: *explains as well as he's able to in his overcharged state* It... it means... we'd be one.  And you... ah.  You'd be my wife!

Perceptor:  *knows what wife means, and now her optics are truly enormous*  Your wife??

Kup: *sheepish nod* I-if you want to...

Perceptor:  *slowly, trying once more to get her thoughts into some semblance of order*  I had no idea that you felt that way.  Well... you mustn't have, before that last encounter with the Combpat... Compa... Coppa... Combaticons.

Kup: *quietly* I just... I want to protect you.

Perceptor:  Though, it would be a logical move.  And perhaps if we were wed... I had no idea that our people had such customs.  I fear me that my education was sorely lacking in many aspects, though very well suited to my designated profession.  But among the organics.... what was I talking about?

Kup: ... I have no slagging idea... *amused rumbling, more gentle helm nuzzles for Perceptor*

Perceptor:  *cuddles, her arms going around one of his*  Everything is warm and fuzzy.

Kup: *content* Yeah... *snuggles, and gently kisses her forehead*

Percpetor:  *shivers slightly and makes a small sound of surprise*

Kup: *blink blink, wasn't expecting to feel a slight tingle* Er...

Perceptor:  Tingly!

Kup: *Snerks and decides the tingle didn't feel too bad, will gently kiss Perceptor's cheek this time*

Perceptor:  *quietly, sounding dreamy*  It's some sort of energy transfer.  *sighs and snuggles, her arms tightening around his*

Kup: *blinks a bit* Huh... Hey, you never did answer me 'bout the mate thing...

Perceptor:  *small smile*  Yes, Kup, I will become your bondmate.  Though as I say, I have no idea of the customs involved.

Kup: *aaaand now he's grinning, and moving to hold Perceptor even closer*

Perceptor:  *murmuring something about knowing the mechanics of organic replication but knowing very well that Cybertronian physiology includes no analogue, and then gravely pondering the possibility of making sparks without the aid of Vector Sigma and concluding that according to her research such a feat is impossible*

Kup: *Snorts softly, before moving to gently kiss her on her lip components*

Perceptor:  *startled out of her musings, and then shuttering her optics as her senses spin gently*

Kup: *breaks the kiss when things start spinnning*

Perceptor:  *small sound as he stops, then looks up at him with a slight frown even as she blinks and hopes she doesn't spin into orbit*

Kup: *blinking a bit* Maybe we should lay down... *blink blink blink*

Perceptor:  *looks around*  ...I seem to have misplaced my berth.

Kup: ... There's room for both of us on my berth.... I think...

Perceptor:  *curious*  I've never seen your berth.  *yes, her head is swaying slightly in time with the spinning that her senses are doing*

Kup: *gonna try standing again, can't quite do it with Perceptor in his arms, but darnit, he'll try!*

Perceptor:  *finds herself clinging around his neck and wincing at the thumps of his failed attempts to rise*  Don't... don't damage yourself!

Kup: *frowns as he settles onto his skidplate again* Well... slag... *pouts comically*

Perceptor:  *hesitantly*  Perhaps if you were to partake of more energy?  *not sure this is sound logic... but it really seems to make sense right now!*

Kup: Maybe.... could be 'cause my processor's spinny as slag...

Perceptor:  *hands to either side of his face as she tries to focus on his optics.  Her small, plain face is intent*

Kup: *is still overcharged, and it shows in his optics... but then he's got a considering look on his face*

Perceptor:  *expression becomes even more intent as she tries to scan those bright shiny optics*

Kup: *gently tries to reposition her, before offering another kiss*

Perceptor:  *blink blink, thought process derailed.  Shutters her optics and tries to kiss back this time*

Kup: *engine rumbles quietly as things begin to spin even more and he holds onto Perceptor to keep from spinning into the ceiling*

Perceptor:  *starting to understand why certain organic species persist in doing this in all sorts of public places*

Kup: *breaks the kiss when something begins to make itself known in his processor* *blink blink* The slag?

Perceptor:  *small fussy sound*  Why did you stop?

Kup: Some slaggin' program I don't recognize just popped up...

Perceptor:  *blinks and turns her scanners inward*  ...Oh, yes... I see.  *rests her forehead against his chin as she studies the program in question*  ...I do adim... admit my sensors are rather scrambled at the moment, but it seems to be a very simple program, and also appears to be one integral to our normal... er, whatever that is we use to think with.

Kup: *mentally poking at the program* It didn't show up till just now.... When we were kissing...

Perceptor:  *brow ridge rises*  Perhaps the kissing was the trigger to call it up.  I feel that experimentation is called for.

Kup: ... What sorta experimentation?

Perceptor:  Kiss me again?

Kup: *perks up* Gladly. *will do so, gently*

Perceptor:  *sighs and resumes the interrupted exercise, watching the program for a few moments before the spinning of her processor makes her forget it's there*

Kup: *more engine rumbling, has clearly forgotten that the program is there himself*

Perceptor:  *happy happy happy... wait... click?*  *goes limp as light flashes*

Kup: *huhwhutnow? also goes limp, still holding onto Perceptor as he tips over backwards*

Perceptor:  *sleeping soundly, her head cuddled under Kup's chin as the ship settles into comfortable silence*  

((co-written with random_xtras))