dens_tf_den | JOEverse, The Pit, Changes and New Relationships...

Desinex: *comes all but tearing into the medbay, seeking First Aid or Ratchet*

First Aid: *startles and then has to grab a couple times to keep a blood sample from hitting the floor. Once it's safely in the rack she turns toward her ward* Desinex, what's wrong?

Desinex: *clings to First Aid, hiding her face as she mumbles, intakes hitching slightly*

First Aid: *puts her arms around the smaller femme and holds her close* Shhh. You're safe, Desinex.

Desinex: *small headshake* Took her music from her...

First Aid: *tilts head with concern* Who took whose music?

Desinex: *quietly* When we were one... Took Sharpshot's music from her... Took who she was away from her... *Intakes hitch and then she's weeping quietly*

First Aid: *understands and makes a soft sound of distressed sympathy* Shhhhh. Shhhh.

Desinex: *hiccups*Heard her singing... *hiccups again* Hurt her... didn't know I was...

First Aid: *gently* You were trying to protect her.

Desinex: Still did bad.... *freezes and turns her head slightly when she hears Showtime out in the hall*

First Aid: *softly* But you said yourself you didn't know. *gentle back rub between Desinex's doorwings as she lifts her head to follow the smaller femme's gaze*

Showtime: *concern showing clearly in his optics as he peeks into the medbay, his attention fully on Desinex*

Desinex: *Low growl as her grip tightens slightly*

First Aid: *gently but firmly* Showtime, could you please excuse us?

Showtime: *nods, and heads back to the common room, causing WakeJumper to go running from her current hiding spot*

Desinex: *loosens her grip, mumbles an apology*

First Aid: *pat pats* Shhhh. You didn't do anything wrong.

Desinex: *small scowl at her own hands*

First Aid: *softly* Desinex?

Desinex: Hate being little...

First Aid: *nods* I'm sorry. These were the only shells that we had. But I've spoken to Ratchet about your need for disguise.

Desinex: *scowl worsens* Hate being like this.

First Aid: *sympathetic pat pat as she calls her husband* //Ratchet?//

Ratchet: //Yes, First Aid?// *working on building framework for two adult protoforms*

First Aid: //Do you think you'd be able to move a spark only a short time after it had already been moved?//

Ratchet: //...It would depend on several factors... how strong the spark in question is... and why it'd need to be moved... It's possible...// *pauses in his work* //Why?//

First Aid: //Desinex's size and obvious female characteristics are distressing her. She talks about it a lot.// *concerned tone in her voice*

Ratchet: //...I wonder... I did repair the damage to the shell she and Sharpshot were sharing... including the processor damage from Sharpshot's repeated running into pasture fences... I could also change the shell so it's not so obviously femminine... Would that be good enough for her?//

First Aid: *looks down at Desinex* Ratchet says that the shell you used to share with Sharpshot has been repaired.

Desinex: ...*gives First Aid a hopeful look*

First Aid: //Sharpshot?//

Sharpshot: *startles* //'Aid?//

First Aid: //Would it bother you if Desinex were to get the shell that the two of you used to share? She's unhappy in the femme shell that she has now.//

Sharpshot: //Is 'kay. Am happy as am.//

First Aid: *back to Ratchet* //Yes. And Sharpshot doesn't mind.//

Ratchet: //I'll go get the shell then... You and Desinex are in the medbay, correct?//

First Aid: //Yes, we are.// *gives Desinex a little happy squish*

Desinex: *has a ghost of a smile on her face*

First Aid: //I'll prep her for surgery. First Aid out.// *smiles back at her ward* Ratchet is bringing the shell.

Ratchet: //Ratchet out.//

Desinex: *nod* Good.

First Aid: *turns toward the nearest table, gently bringing Desinex with her* So we'd better get you ready....

Elsewhere in the Autobot base

Wheeljack: *reading from a clipboard and muttering at the handwriting of the human responsible, pauses in front of a storage room and keys the door open*

WakeJumper: *Startled squeak, trips over a couple of boxes in her surprise* o_o

Wheeljack: *clipboard flies upward!* Whawowwhat? o_0

WakeJumper: *apologizing and spazzing slightly as she moves to pick up the boxes she knocked over, before attempting to make a hasty escape*

Wheeljack: Whoa whoa, wait up, buddy. *catches the big youngster by one shoulder, his earfins blinking with concern* Where ya goin'?

WakeJumper: *squeaks as her shoulder is grabbed* I... I... *cycling air and trying to wiggle away*

Wheeljack: Hold up. I ain't gonna hurt ya. *other hand to other shoulder* Come on, kid, yer bigger than me.

WakeJumper: *hesitantly, as this mech is one she doesn't know* P-Promise?

Wheeljack: *small but cheerful laugh* Yous go ahead 'n ask anybody here. The only person I usually wind up hurtin's myself. Well, and 'Cons.

WakeJumper: ... *concerned now, her initial fear put aside* That's... not good... What're you doing that you'd end up hurting yourself?

Wheeljack: *earfins flashing with his amusement* Workin' and forgettin' ta recharge or take sleep cycles, mostly.

WakeJumper: *headtilt* Working?

Wheeljack: Yeah. I'm an engineer. I build things. *lets go of her with one hand to facepalm* Slag... you see where that clipboard went? *looking at the floor with a frown over his mask*

WakeJumper: errr.... *looking around, and above Wheeljack's head*

Wheeljack: *lets go of WakeJumper to step back and expand his search of the floor*

WakeJumper: Oh! *standing on tip-toe to try and reach the clipboard where it's stuck in the edging on one of the florescent lights*

Wheeljack: *looks up too, and then starts laughing* Only Optimus'd be able to reach that. I better go see if I kin find my broom. *turns and heads off down the hall, still chortling*

WakeJumper: W-Wait, sir! If we work together, we could get it...

Wheeljack: *pauses and turns back, his head tilted and fins flashing quizzically* Yeah? How?

WakeJumper: Y-You could stand on my shoulders?

Wheeljack: *blink* Yeah, I could. You sure yous wanna try that?

WakeJumper: *nods and moves to crouch so Wheeljack doesn't have as far to climb up* Y-yeah. *surprised at how bold she's being*

Wheeljack: Okay.... *climbs up and puts his feet on WakeJumper's shoulders before standing up*

WakeJumper: *Carefully stands, putting her hands around Wheeljack's ankles to brace the mech*

Wheeljack: *snerks and flails a bit as his head goes through a ceiling panel, but he feels around till he finds the clipboard* Got it!

Ironhide: *steps out of a nearby door and stops to stare, then shakes his head and goes back inside*

Wheeljack: *oblivious to this*

WakeJumper: *concerned* Are you alright?

Wheeljack: *muffled but echoing* Yeah, I'm fine. But yous might wanna duck down a bit so I kin get my head outta here. *still highly amused*

WakeJumper: *Sheepish* Sorry about that... *moves to duck down*

Wheeljack: *turned while he was up there... his earfins are stuck. Braces hands against the ceiling panels and pushes*

WakeJumper: *so focused on making sure Wheeljack is steady that she doesn't realize where she's placed her feet, and then she's tripped and landed on her skidplate* !!!

Wheeljack: Whoa, where'd yous go?!! *a short shriek... and he finds himself blinking and a little stunned in WakeJumper's lap*

Ironhide: *looks out again. Once more shakes his head and withdraws*

WakeJumper: *Apologizing and fussing over Wheeljack now, checking him for injury*

Wheejack: *blinks a bit more, but then yelps and rolls away from WakeJumper* Sorry, buddy. Slag, how embarrassin'.

WakeJumper: *slight wibble* It was my fault... I should've been paying more attention...

Wheeljack: *pauses, earfins darking with dismay* Hey, kid. I should'a ben watchin' more too. Don't cry. *comes back and hunkers next to the younger Transformer to offer an awkward pat pat on the shoulder*

WakeJumper: *wibbling more* It was my idea to have you stand on my shoulders though... *freezes when she sees Showtime, before she's moving to hide behind Wheeljack*

Showtime: *oblivious, is on his way to another part of the Pit*

Wheeljack: *Looks at her, then to Showtime* Yous do realize yous could punt that guy halfway across the base, right?

WakeJumper: *intakes hitch slightly as she nods* S-sorry... O-old h-habits die hard...

Wheeljack: *gives her a concerned look* Old habits? 'Cons're never that small.

WakeJumper: S-Some m-mechs are... a-and th-they d-don't know the meaning of the word "no"...

Wheeljack: *pauses and frowns at her* What... yous mean.... Or.... *optics wide!* Kid... are yous a girl?

WakeJumper: *ducking and trying to hide, but nods*

Wheeljack: *wince wince wince, quickly takes his hand back and puts a polite distance between himself and the femmebot*

WakeJumper: *confused expression, doesn't get why Wheeljack's acting strange now*

Wheeljack: Uhh... does Ratch know?

WakeJumper: *nods*

Wheeljack: Well... that's good. Howabout Optimus?

WakeJumper: Optimus knows.

Wheeljack: *Nods, his optics showing worry for the Commander, who hasn't wakened except for brief periods since his collapse three days ago. Stands and hesitantly offers her a hand up, his head ducking nervously* That's good. And... this really wasn't your fault.

WakeJumper: *gently grabs Wheeljack's hand* Still... it was my idea to have you stand on my shoulders...

Wheeljack: *lifts her to her feet* I know how tall I am. *slight chuckle, his earfins starting to show humor again, though they're still tinged with pink and he's still ducking*

WakeJumper: *small smile* Okay, so it's my fault AND your fault.

Wheeljack: Guess I can live with that. *pauses and looks down, letting go her hand as he realizes he's not holding the clipboard* Oh no....

WakeJumper: ... *blink blink* You mean after all that, we didn't even get the darn clipboard?

Wheeljack: *looks down, looks up, and then looks under his feet before leaning and patting one of hers* Yous standin' on anything?

WakeJumper: Err... *lifts one foot carefully*

Wheeljack: *checks the floor, and then goes to his knees to look at the bottom of her foot* Nope.

WakeJumper: *Startled, skidplate meets floor, and the bottom of her other foot is now visible*

Wheeljack: *yelp! Blink blink blink as he stares at her with surprise*

Ironhide: *doesn't even bother looking this time. He knows what's out there*

WakeJumper: *carefully moves to check the bottom of the foot that was on the floor*

Wheeljack: *slightly forced small laugh* There it is.

WakeJumper: Oh dear... *embarrassed*

Wheeljack: *takes it and looks at it* *thoughtfully* You know? I think I'll hand it in like this. That way I won't haveta write a report on what I think'a it.

WakeJumper: Will that be okay though? *worried expression* I don't want you to get into trouble because I was a klutz...

Wheeljack: *amused and chuckling again as he puts the battered and shredded clipboard away* I won't get in trouble. Don't worry, kid. *glees a bit at not having to try and read the rest of it, too*

WakeJumper: *Getting up carefully* ... *Squeaks as something occurs to her* I won't get into trouble, will I? *Worried*

Wheeljack: *once more offering a hand* Nope.

WakeJumper: *as she carefully holds onto Wheeljack's hand* A-Alright... if you're sure....

Wheeljack: *earfins blue for a smile that also shows in his optics* I'm sure. The General's a good guy.

WakeJumper: *manages a small smile*

Wheeljack: *realizes he's holding her hand and his earfins go slightly purple as he blushes as well as smiles* So....

WakeJumper: Oh! *Blushing, but not moving to let go of Wheeljack's hand* M-My name is WakeJumper...

Wheeljack: Yeah... I know. I kinda heard it around. I... I'm Wheeljack. Uh... you probably know that, too.

WakeJumper: ... *grins as she now has a face to go with the name* It's a pleasure to meet you...

Wheeljack: *earfins more pink than purple now, but they purple again as he grins a bit himself* Same here.

WakeJumper: *blushes again* So....

Wheeljack: So... whaddayous think 'a buildin' things?

WakeJumper: Depends... some stuff's kinda boring to build...

Wheeljack: Oh. Uh... right now I'm workin' on the suspension systems for a couple'a shells that Ratchet's buildin'.

WakeJumper: *perks* Do you need any help with that?

Wheeljack: Sure! *happy earfins* It's easy stuff, but kinda complex.

WakeJumper: *grins* Sounds like it'd be a challenge...

Wheeljack: ^_^ *then* Um... you want yer hand back?

WakeJumper: *Blink blink, looks down, then back at Wheeljack* Um... *slight blush as she nods, though she seems a bit reluctant to let go of his hand*

Wheeljack: *lets go regretfully* So... my workshop's this way. *turns down the hall, then glances at her to make sure she really wants to come*

WakeJumper: *nods* Lead the way. *small smile*

Wheeljack: *^_^ and leads the way*

Elsewhere...

Sharpshot: *quietly singing to herself as she watches Hound*

Hound: *talking to the humans on monitor duty as he too watches the massive screen in front of the complex console*

Sharpshot: *Curious, leans in her chair in an attempt to get a better look at the screen* *which shows a couple of maps and a few satellite feeds*

Hound: *looks toward her with a smile* Whatcha looking at, Sky?

Sharpshot: *tilts head and nods at one of the maps* Where?

Hound: *well used to her abbreviated speech* That's Africa. We're thinking Cobra's newest base is there somewhere.

Sharpshot: *small nod, frowning as she studies the map* Details?

Hound: *types on the oversized keyboard in the center of the console* This is the Congo. Pretty thick jungle and not very nice for humans. But we've gotten a couple rumors about giant snakes.

Sharpshot: ...*Snerk*

Hound: And we're not talking about the kind in that movie. *studies map thoughtfully*

Sharpshot: Trees provide cover... *studying the map*

Hound: Yup. A lot of it. And there's a lot of water around there too. Some parts of the area haven't been explored yet.

Sharpshot: *clicks a bit, frowning* Lotta trees, close to water, Cobra hiding spot?

Hound: The rumors suggest it could be. *frowns himself* Nobody's sure why they've been quiet for so long, except for the usual thefts via Mass Device. Cobra Commander's hacking of World of Warcraft's stopped too.

Sharpshot: *headtilt* Maybe has new hobby?

Breaker: Maybe. But he's the kinda fella you don't like to have be quiet for too long.

Sharpshot: Causes bigger trouble later then?

Breaker: It's like with little kids. It usually means they've ben up to somethin' real bad.

Sharpshot: ...send someone to check?

Breaker: We have ben. But they ain't found nothin' yet.

Sharpshot: *frowwwwn*

Breaker: That's where Hound was a lotta the time up till a little while ago. *types a bit and listens on his headset* Rock 'n Roll's singin' in the shower again.

Sharpshot: *makes a face*

Hound: *chuckle as he presses the button and the tuneful baritone bellowing comes from the speakers* Nah, Sky. He's pretty good.

Sharpshot: *tilts head and listens*

Breaker: Boy'd be famous if he weren't so shy. *chuckle*

Sharpshot: *blink* *quietly* Famous...was famous... long time past...

Hound: *softly* Yeah. You were, Sky. *reaches and puts a gentle hand on her shoulder, wishing he'd thought to keep some of those recordings he'd once had*

Breaker: Really?

Sharpshot: *nod nod, leans into Hound's touch* Usedta sing... can still sing... dunno if any good though...

Hound: *softly* I like what I've heard.

Sharpshot: *blink blink, blushes a little* n_n

Breaker: *grins, his dark eyes twinkling as he looks up at them*

Sharpshot: *reaches for Hound's hand and patpats it*

Breaker: So, when's the big day?

Hound: *blinks and takes his attention from Sharpshot to look at the communications officer blankly*

Sharpshot: *Blink blink* Big day?

Breaker: You know. When're ya tyin' the knot? *grin boyishly*

Hound: *gives him a Look* Don't be stupid.

Breaker: .... *confused*

Sharpshot: *puzzled chirr, searches for some string*

Hound: *pauses when he sees her looking* What're you doing, Sky?

Sharpshot: *finds a spare piece of string, and proceeds to tie a knot in said string, before holding it up proudly* Knot.

Hound: *winces inwardly and gives Breaker and the other com tech a warning look lest they laugh* Good job, Sky.

Breaker: *wondering why he's getting such negative feedback from the usually amiable Autobot, but says gently* I meant tie the knot with Hound, Sharpshot. Get married.

Hound: *over Breaker's earphones* //Shut. Up. I don't want her forced into anything she can't understand.//

Breaker: *wince wince, slight cringe*

Sharpshot: *blink blink, reaches to patpat Breaker gently* Not time for that yet...

Breaker: *quietly* I'm sorry. I won't bug ya no more.

Sharpshot: *blink, gives Hound a confused look* Bug?

Hound: *remorseful now at having been so harsh to Breaker* *gives her the dictionary definition*

Sharpshot: *small frown, nods, reaches to patpat Hound's hand again, before her attention goes back to the map*

Hound: *glad for subject change* It was easier to find them before they changed how the Mass Device worked.

Sharpshot: *blink* Mass Device?

Hound: A teleporter.

Sharpshot: Like Skywarp?

Breaker: Kinda. But it works a lot different.

Sharpshot: ... *blinking and puzzling over this now*

Hound: Have you ever seen 'Star Trek'? It's a show on TV.

Sharpshot: Captain Picard... *small grin*

Hound and Breaker: *both chuckle*

Hound: Well, you've seen them beam up? That's how the Mass Device effect looks.

Sharpshot: Beam me up, Scotty... *giggle*

Breaker: *big grin*

Hound: *chuckles and nods*

Sharpshot: Maybe way to track pingy?

Breaker: If there is we ain't found it yet. And not from lack 'a tryin'. *sad expression as he misses Doc.* Wheeljack's workin' on that.

Sharpshot: Not gonna 'splode?

Hound: *laughs* That's mostly a story, Sky. 'Jack's stuff works more often than it blows up. Unless we let him get bored.

Sharpshot: *Smiles* 'Kay.

Hound: And if he 'n Ratchet get bored the explosions are usually Ironhide's fault.

Sharpshot: *Deadpans!* Or Chromia's.

Hound: *chuckle* Yeah. That's true.

Sharpshot: *small frown as she thinks back over the last few days* Where?

Hound: Hmmm?

Sharpshot: Chromia not here... where?

Hound: Oh. I'm not sure. Either doing her shift or spending time with Ironhide.

Sharpshot: Ah... *nods*

Hound: You want to go see her?

Sharpshot: *gives Hound her best cute look*

Hound: *chuckles and offers her his arms* Alright. Let's go see what she's doing.

Breaker: See ya. Have fun. *grin*

Sharpshot: *grins and moves to climb into Hound's arms*

Hound: *scoops her up and gives her a little kiss on the head, then nods to Breaker and the other com guy and heads to check the rec room first*

Sharpshot: *perfectly content*

Showtime: *looks up from the datapad he was reading to give Hound a puzzled look*

Hound: Have you seen Chromia or 'Hide anywhere?

Showtime: Ironhide was in here earlier... *small shrug* As for Chromia, nope... sorry...

Hound: Huh. Well, I'll go check the repair lab and their quarters. *turns and heads down the hall, passing right by the repair lab when he sees the light over the door is red*

Sharpshot: *snuggles against Hound, her attention lingering on the door for a moment*

Hound: Ratchet and 'Aid are fixing someone up. *continuing along to Ironhide and Chromia's place, and wondering in passing about the hole in the hallway ceiling panels*

Sharpshot: *nod nod* Helping Desinex.

Hound: *looks down at her with concern as he stops in front of Ironhide and Chromia's door* Helping her?

Sharpshot: *nod nod* Help to feel safer.

Hound: *presses on the doorbuzzer* What do you mean?

Sharpshot: Desinex not feel safe as am... Getting put in safer-feeling shell. *nods*

Ironhide: *sitting on the couch, being kissed stupid... but at the buzzer he starts flailing* //Lemme go, darlin'!//

Chromia: *reluctantly does so*

Hound: Ohhh. *looks up as a dazed looking Ironhide keys the door open and frowns at them* Hi. Sharpshot's hoping to visit with Chromia a little.

Ironhide: .... *turns and looks at mate for her verdict*

Chromia: *moving to sit up, is feeling a bit dizzy, but manages to nod a bit*

Sharpshot: *clicks, concerned*

Hound: Uh... *looks back and forth from the mech at the door to the femme on the couch* Are we interrupting something?

Ironhide: Just get in here. *turns and flops down into his armchair*

Sharpshot: *Clicks, nudges Hound and nods towards Chromia*

Hound: *looks down at her, and then back to Chromia* We can come back another time.

Chromia: I'm fine... just a little tired... Gung-Ho wanted t' make gumbo... and you know how he is about having the right ingredients... *small chuckle*

Hound: *grin* There are going to be a lot of unhappy JOEs tonight.

Ironhide: *snort*

Sharpshot: *confused*

Hound: *explains to Sharpshot the general JOE opinion of Gung-Ho's gumbo.*

Sharpshot: *blink blink*... *small shrug, will let the matter drop for now*

Chromia: *moving to get up, concern for the other femme clear on her face as she pings Hound's comm* //She's still not all there, is she?//

Hound: //She's there. She just has a hard time letting the world know it yet.//

Chromia: //You sure 'bout that?// *watches as Sharpshot snuggles against Hound more*

Hound: //I'm sure. You have to remember she's a little like a baby... just starting out. Only her mind has more data and it won't take her as long to come up to speed.//

Chromia: *quiet sigh as she nods*

Sharpshot: *patpats Hound's hand before she shutters her optics*

Hound: *surprised* Sky? Are you tired? *had thought she wanted to talk to Chromia*

Sharpshot: *Quietly* Need time for thinking... and Chromia needs time with mate...

Hound: *quietly, trying to understand what she wants* So, you've changed your mind?

Sharpshot: No... Wanted to be sure Chromia okay... was cuddling mate... is okay.

Hound: Gotcha. *apologetic grin to Chromia and Ironhide*

Ironhide: *....snore*

Chromia: *small chuckle, nods to Hound before moving to sit on Ironhide*

Hound: *nods back and then turns and carries Sharpshot out and down to the rec room to watch 'Nightwind'*

Ironhide: *twitches as the door slides shut behind their departing guests, but doesn't wake*

Chromia: *quiet chuckle, gently smooths Ironhide's forehead*

Ironhide: *nuzzles against her hand and rumbles contentment*

Chromia: *moves to gently kiss him again, before she'll go and lay down for a bit*

Ironhide: *optic shutters lift as he smiles sleepily* What're y'all so tired for, darlin'?

Chromia: *small shrug* Dunno... Been tired for the past couple'a days...

Ironhide: *frown of concern as he wakes more fully* Ya run a self-diagnostic lately?

Chromia: Haven't had the time t'... Been so dag-nab busy these past few days... *moving to settle so she can run a self-diagnostic now that Ironhide's gotten her thinking about it*

Ironhide: *puts arms around her and helps her settle with her back toward his chest*

Chromia: *running the diagnostic, optics flash when she finds something she wasn't expecting*

Ironhide: *feels her surprise and grunts quizzically*

Chromia: *runs the diagnostic again, just to be sure, before she squeezes Ironhide's hand. She's gleeing, a bit shocked, and trying her darndest not to wibble and begin crying*

Ironhide: *optics widening as he feels the emotional barrage and leaps to the conclusion closest to his wife's mind in recent months* 'Mia?

Chromia: *Quietly* We'll have to tell Ratchet...

Ironhide: *wraps his free arm around her even as the hand she's holding squeezes hers* Kin Ah see?

Chromia: *nods and shifts position, chestplating moving aside as she turns, and spark chamber opening. Then Chromia is starting to wibble as she sights a little spark tucked firmly next to her own*

Ironhide: *gazes with awe* A lil' gal. *then blinks as he notices something just peeping around the side of Chromia's spark* Wait a minute....

Chromia: *confused, and concerned* Ironhide? What?

Ironhide: *takes his hand from hers to point* Look thar.

Chromia: *looks, and then lets out a surprised sound* T-twins...

Ironhide: Wahl Ah never.... *mild shock*

Chromia: *Setting up to wibble again*

Ironhide: *quickly but gently closing her spark compartment and then her chest plating, wanting to protect those two tiny lights. This done he turns her so that she's partially facing him and wraps his arms around her in a gentle bearhug, his own chin firm as his optics go suspiciously bright*

Chromia: *intakes hitch slightly as she leans against Ironhide. It's starting to sink in now that her spark has indeed budded*

Ironhide: *cuddle. LOVE.... Cry*

Chromia: *snuggles close* *quietly* We gotta tell Ratchet...

Ironhide: *nods and squeezes his optics shut, then rests his cheek against her face* -Ah love you, 'Mia. Ah love you.-

Chromia: *nuzzles* -I love you too, Ironhide.-

Ironhide: *hides his face against her, unable to do anything for the moment other than think about the wonder of what is happening to her. That not one, but two new sparks. New female sparks... are forming there in his wife's spark chamber. The thought makes the old warrior weep afresh*

In the repair lab

First Aid: *looks up from monitoring Desinex's vital signs as she thinks she catches a trace of emotion over her link with her husband* Ratchet?

Ratchet: *looks up from checking connections* ...Something... has Ironhide worked up... *raised brow ridge as he pings Ironhide's comm*

Ironhide: *no reply*

First Aid: You can feel Ironhide's emotion?

Ratchet: *hesitantly* Not usually... When I do, it's faint... He... and I have been working together for a very long time... And he's not answering his comm... *concerned as he gently finishes what he was working on and closes up the paneling on Desinex's arm*

First Aid: *quietly* I can finish here. You better go check on... your brother.

Ratchet: *nods, moves to gently pat First Aid's shoulder, and then heads out to check on Ironhide and Chromia*

Hallway outside Ironhide and Chromia's

Ironhide: *startles at the door buzzer and growls, his arms tightening around his wife*

Chromia: *clicks quietly*

Ratchet: Ironhide? Chromia? Are you alright in there? *Concerned*

Ironhide: *hides face again and ignores the disturbance at the door*

Ratchet: *listening* ... *sighs and uses his override code to open the door, before stepping in slowly* Ironhide? Chromia?

Ironhide: *lifts his head just enough to give him a dirty look over Chromia's head. That dirty look is dimmed by tears*

Ratchet: *worried now, hurries over and scans Chromia, fearing the worst* ... *blinks a bit, and resists the urge to give Ironhide a Look of his own* Congratulations...

Ironhide: *gruffly as he gently turns Chromia to face Ratchet* Look closer.

Ratchet: *raised brow ridge, scans again, before his optics widen and he inadvertantly transmits his surprise to First Aid*

First Aid: *transmits concern back* //Ratchet? Is something wrong?//

Ratchet: //No... Chromia's spark has budded...//

First Aid: //That's wonderful! They must be so happy.//

Ironhide: *grim and tearful smile at Ratchet, as though saying 'see?'*

Ratchet: //Fraternal twins...// *Reaches over and gently pats Ironhide's arm, giving the gruff-natured mech wordless affirmation*

Chromia: *clicking quietly to her husband, even though she too, is tearful*

Ironhide: *quietly, not loosing his hold on his wife* Guess we ain't too old after all.

Ratchet: I'm glad I was proven wrong in this case... *gives Chromia an amused look* But did you really have to clobber me that time?

Chromia: *small nod* Yes, I did.

Ironhide: *nods too, his expression grimly triumphant*

Ratchet: We'll get started on building protoforms...

Ironhide: *quiet and gruff* One's gotta be golden.

Ratchet: *blinks, but nods and forwards the request* And the other one?

Chromia: Lilac... like the flowers...

Ironhide: *...still thinks they're stinky.*

Ratchet: *Chuckles and nods, before changing the schedules to reflect what's going on* I've changed the schedules... It will be several months before the little ones are ready to be born...

Ironhide: *wiping his optics with the heel of one hand* 'Mia gonna have trouble like Bumblebee did?

Ratchet: I don't believe so... considering the fact that Chromia's bigger than Bumblebee...

Ironhide: *hugs wife and just thrills with love and pride* Good. Don't want nothin' ta happen ta mah lil' gals. Or their Mama.

Ratchet: *nods* As of now, Chromia, you're on maternity leave... Get some rest. I'll stop by later. *pats Ironhide's arm again as Chromia nods and gets comfortable against her husband*

Ironhide: *gruffly* Git out 'n quit yakkin' at 'er then.

Ratchet: *Gives Ironhide a Look, before shaking his head and chuckling as he leaves*

Ironhide: *shifts his grip on Chromia and creaks to his feet. Then walks over and lays her on the couch* Y'all rather be on yer berth, darlin'?

Chromia: Couch's got room f'r all'a us...*yes, she wants to snuggle a bit more*

Ironhide: *feels her desire for closeness and figures he could use a little rest. Lays down carefully and shifts so that she's laying partially on her side, and partially on his chest as he lays on his back* How's that?

Chromia: *small nod, shutters her optics and lets out a contented sigh* *quietly* I'm glad...

Ironhide: *tears up again* Two lil' gals....

Chromia: *nods, snuggling close, and trying to keep from tearing up as well*

Ironhide: *rubs her back and begins to gently hum their favorite song, his mind fading toward sleep mode despite his continuing wonder and emotion. It's an old song, one that thanks Primus for the things he made*

Chromia: *listens to Ironhide sing, even as she fades toward sleep mode as well, her own feelings of pride and wonder welling up*

Out in the hall

Ratchet: *pauses outside of Optimus' and Archiva's room, before gently knocking on the door*

Archiva: //Come in. The door's open.//

Ratchet: *comes in and discreetly scans Optimus* *gently* How is he?

Archiva: *sitting in her little recessed niche in the wall by Optimus' recharge bed, her elbow hanging over the rail* He hasn't woke up since last night. But that one little alarm stopped.

Ratchet: *concerned* Which alarm?

Archiva: There was a soft beeping sound after he had that seizure I sent you the text message about.

Ratchet: *small frown as he scans Optimus*

Optimus: *about the same, but one set of nerve circuits shows a recently self repaired burn out*

Ratchet: *small nod* His self-repair fixed the damage caused by the seizure.

Archiva: *looks up at him, shadows showing under her eyes. She's kind of wondering why he didn't come to check on Optimus this morning, but thinking that he knows more about Transformers than she does* Is his energy level up at all?

Ratchet: *small headshake* No... But that doesn't mean it won't come back up...

Archiva: *slight smile as she says quietly* This won't finish him. Not yet.

Ratchet: *nods in agreement as he scans Optimus again*

Optimus: *showing a higher energy level now*

Ratchet: *small chuckle, reaches to gently pat Optimus' arm*

Archiva: *perking herself as she feels something different*

Optimus: *head turns slightly* ...Ratchet. *optics brighten and he jerks a bit as systems come online with a rumble*

Ratchet: *gently* How are you feeling, Optimus?

Optimus: Tired. But there's no pain. *shifts and lifts a hand to reach for his wife, who slips out of her bed and into it*

Ratchet: *small nod* That's to be expected...

Optimus: *holds Archiva close for a moment, and then grunts and tries to sit up*

Archiva: *frowns and looks up* Should you be doing this?

Ratchet: *concerned, scans as he moves to help*

Optimus: *leans against his friend* Maybe... not. *optics twinkling down at her in a weary smile... it's the same expression he used to give Elita when she scolded him*

Ratchet: *soft snort, reaches for something to help prop Optimus up*

Optimus: *looks up at the snort, and there is the old 'innocent' expression that he hasn't worn since Elita One died*

Ratchet: *Gives Optimus an all-too-familiar look in return, before shaking his head and chuckling*

Optimus: *sighs as he leans back against the support* Thank you, Ratchet. How are things around the base?

Ratchet: Interesting...and we've got another reason to celebrate... *small smile*

Optimus: *slowly, going for the possible bad news first as always* ...Interesting in what way?

Archiva: *soft chuckle as she leans against him*

Ratchet: Well, there's the usual moments where we find WakeJumper in a closet... Though I checked her usual hiding spots just a short while ago, and she wasn't in any of them... and Desinex has been put into a different shell, as she did not feel safe in the shell she was in...

Optimus: How is she adjusting, otherwise?

Ratchet: WakeJumper? or Desinex?

Optimus: Desinex. *glances at his wife* I... wasn't aware that WakeJumper's secret had been widely disclosed.

Archiva: *bit of a surprised expression*

Ratchet: It hasn't, to my knowledge... *small chuckle* Though it's becoming quite common to find her in closets... *serious again* As for Desinex... She's adjusting to life here better than anticipated... She still seems to have some difficulties trusting others, but going by what I've seen, she is starting to come around.

Optimus: *concern* It sounds like we might have to appoint a mentor for WakeJumper. And I'm glad about Desinex. *moves slightly to get more comfortable* Now what are we celebrating?

Ratchet: Ironhide and Chromia are going to be parents.

Optimus: *optics flicker with surprise, and then shine brightly in a grin* Yes! I knew they could do it!

Archiva: *hands over her mouth as she grins widely*

Ratchet: *nods* Twins... and femmes at that... *small smile*

Optimus: *laying back against his support* *quietly* If anyone deserves that honor, it's them.

Ratchet: *nods, before chuckling a bit* I fear for the mechs that will try to court the twins when they're old enough.

Optimus: *chuckles himself* Jazz's sons will be up to the job.

Ratchet: More than likely... if they can avoid weapons fire from both parents.

Optimus: If anyone can do it, it will be those two. *grinning*

Ratchet: *Chuckles, before realizing something* ...Gung-Ho is going to go head over heels... *amused*

Optimus: *his free hand goes up to pinch the bridge of his nose even as he chuckles* He is. And now he'll have even more children to tell stories about.

Ratchet: *laughs* Primus preserve us!

Optimus: Amen. *and then there's the rumble of a yawn through his intakes*

Archiva: *jumps at the sound and looks up*

Ratchet: *small chuckle, pats Optimus' arm again* Get some more rest...

Optimus: Yes, Ratchet. *sighs and shutters his optics, but then opens them again as Archiva's stomach growls.* You need to go and refuel.

Archiva: I have some snacks.

Optimus: *quietly insistent* You need real fuel.

Ratchet: *heads for the door, chuckling softly*

Optimus and Archiva: *too busy arguing quietly to notice*

petite blond: *meets Ratchet in the hall* I'm sorry I'm late for my checkup.

Ratchet: Ah, First Contact... It's okay. Things have been a bit hectic today...

First Contact: *concerned look* How's Optimus?

Ratchet: He's awake, and arguing with Archiva.

First Contact: .... *big grin* That's a good thing!

Ratchet: *nods* And it's another thing to add to the list of "Good things that have happened today"... *Chuckles as he pings First Aid's comm to check on how Desinex is doing*

First Aid: //Just waking up.//

First Contact: Really? So it's been a good day over here? Gung-Ho got past Roadblock in the kitchen over on our half of the Pit.

Ratchet: //I'll be bringing First Contact by for her checkup...// *Snerks a bit* Gumbo time, I take it?

First Aid: *distracted* //Oh right. She's late.//

First Contact: Yes. And even Nicky won't eat it this time.

Ratchet: *trying not to laugh* Oh dear... *can't help it, snickers a little* Anyways... shall we go to the repair lab?

First Contact: Give me a lift? *big blue eyes hopeful*

Ratchet: *nods and stoops, offering his hand for First Contact to climb onto*

First Contact: *hops up and settles down comfortably* How's Lifeline?

Ratchet: *gently pats the cover of the storage compartment near his spark* Sleeping quietly... though she was playing in there earlier...*chuckles*

First Contact: *slight sigh* I know I'm married to Nicky... but do you think there's any hope I'll ever be able to help with the population?

Ratchet: It's possible...granted, it would be through a similar method to how you were created...

First Contact: *droops a bit* So my kids wouldn't be real Cybertronians anyway.

Ratchet: *gently but firmly* They'd be Earth-born Cybertronians.

First Contact: Yeah, with artificial, potentially unstable sparks. *shakes her head*

Ratchet: *gently* If any newspark created from your code showed signs of instability, I'd be worried, considering how strong your spark is.

First Contact: But would they be normal kids? *looks up again*

Ratchet: I believe they would be.

First Contact: It's just... I've been reading about artificial sparks. And I've seen the Dinobots.

Ratchet: *gently* The Dinobots and the other sparks were created with normal energy sources.

First Contact: That makes a difference?

Ratchet: *nods* Your spark was created with the power of the Matrix... The Matrix has about as much energy to it as Vector Sigma did.

First Contact: *settles down* ...Does that make Optimus my mother? *still cheeky as ever*

Ratchet: ... *SNERK*

Prowl: *looks around from where he was just about to press the buzzer by the repair lab door* No, it does not. *quietly affronted tone that he would never have used back on Cybertron when his little sister was alive*

First Contact: *cheesy grin at the red chevronned mech*

Ratchet: *nods to Prowl as he moves to get the door open* Is there something wrong, Prowl?

Prowl: *quietly, his face showing his concern though his tone of voice is flat* Esperanza's coughing.

Ratchet: *concerned* Is she with you?

Prowl: *touches his chest beneath his spark* I asked Sideswipe to stay at our quarters because she's slightly hysterical.

Ratchet: *nods and moves to usher Prowl into the medbay*

First Aid: *looks around as they come in, but doesn't move from Desinex's side where the femmebot is sitting up on her table*

Desinex: *frowning and pretending to be more interested in working her newly-retractable claws, but is keeping track of Prowl*

Prowl: *doesn't even glance at Desinex. Instead he goes to the closest empty table and opens his storage compartment so that he can lay his little red daughter down*

Esperanza: *whines, and then coughs, the sound like a series of tiny backfires*

Ratchet: *moves to gently set First Contact down next to Desinex, quietly asking First Aid to take care of the smaller femmebot's check up, before he'll move to scan Esperanza in an attempt to figure out what's causing the baby's coughing*

First Aid: *murmurs her assent to her husband, and then smiles at Desinex before giving Esperanza a worried glance and setting to work*

Prowl: *tense, his faceplates drawn*

Esperanza: *slight mis-calibration of one tiny fluid pump, and she's also low on energy and overheated because of the discomfort*

Ratchet: *clicks quietly to Esperanza, before getting out the tools he'll need to recalibrate the fluid pump* Let's get you feeling better...

Esperanza: *whines some more, and then takes one look at his tools and shrieks loudly*

Prowl: *snatching her up and giving Ratchet a reproachful look*

Ratchet: *slightly bemused look as he also gets out one of the sedative tabs designed for babies* It's a mis-calibrated fluid pump.

Prowl: *manages to imply accusation despite lack of emotion in voice* You're frightening her.

First Aid: *hand on First Contact to stifle her snerking*

Desinex: Thrrrrrpt.

First Aid: *soft and gentle chiding* Shhh, Desinex.

Ratchet: *gives Desinex a look, and gets another raspberry for his efforts, before he offers Prowl the sedative tab* Since apparently, I'm such a terrifying sight for babies...

Prowl: *looks at the tab and then at Ratchet, his optics flashing with alarm* I'm no doctor.

Ratchet: *gently* I'll show you where to apply the sedative tab...

Prowl: *hesitates, and then says something that he would have never said once* I can't.

Ratchet: *a quiet sigh and small nod, moves to gently apply the sedative*

Prowl: *face screwed up with distress as he watches*

Esperanza: *sighs and falls asleep as the program takes effect.*

Prowl: *relaxes a little, and then tenses again as his baby's coughing resumes*

Ratchet: *gently* Let's get her pump recalibrated.

Prowl: *forces himself to lay her down, and then steps aside to brace his hands against the table and watch*

First Aid: *slips over and sedates him too*

Prowl: 0.o *clunk*

Desinex: ...

Ratchet: *begins working carefully to recalibrate the mis-calibrated fluid pump*

First Aid: *moves Prowl to the table on the other side of Esperanza's, and then goes back to Desinex and First Contact*

Desinex: *tilts head as she watches Ratchet work*

First Contact: ...So why'd you tag Prowl?

First Aid: His wife is an identical twin. And both her twin sister and her twin sister's husband can be hard to deal with when they're upset. You're good to go. *sets the smaller femmebot on the floor* I don't think you need to keep up the monthly checkups.

First Contact: *distracted from her suspicions about the sedation* Really? Sweet!

Esperanza: *starts running more silently as the pump resumes its proper level of function*

Ratchet: *finishes working, closes up the tiny protoform, and applies the antidote to the sedation tab* First Aid, if you'd take care of Prowl...

First Aid: *looks around from seeing First Contact to the door* Hmmm? Oh, alright, Ratchet. *coms Sideswipe and asks her to come to the repair lab as she goes back to Desinex's table*

Ratchet: *putting his tools away and clicking quietly to Esperanza as he moves to get another antidote tab out to apply to Prowl*

Esperanza: *rolls onto her tummy, clicking and chirping*

First Aid: Ratchet... don't you think it's a good idea to let Prowl rest? Do you think he'll be able to do it on his own now? *looks at the joint on one of Desinex's knees, frowning slightly*

Ratchet: *nods* Which is why I'll give this to Sideswipe... She can apply it after he's had a full sleep cycle.

First Aid: *pat pats the knee* That seems like a good idea.

Desinex: *Blink blink*

First Aid: *looks at her ward with a smile* How do you feel, Desinex?

Esperanza: *sees Desinex and beeps at her*

Desinex: *hesitantly clicks to Esperanza*

Esperanza: *wriggle, kick, try to sit up! 'Talk' up a storm*

Ratchet: *chuckles and looks over to the door as Sideswipe hurries in, looking a bit frazzled, if not downright weepy*

First Aid: *comes to meet the red and black femmebot* Shhhh, Sideswipe. Everyone's alright. Listen to Esperanza. *smiles*

Sideswipe: *wibbling* She's gonna be alright? *moving to get closer*

First Aid: *soft and soothing* She's fine. Just a little re-calibration. It was never really dangerous, just uncomfortable.

Esperanza: *Mama!* *Squeal!*

Lifeline: *curious beep*

Ratchet: *moving to get Lifeline out of the compartment she's tucked into*

Desinex: *watching without saying a word or moving in the slightest*

Sideswipe: *Clicks and moves to pick up Esperanza*

Lifeline: *greets Papa, and then looks around, only to go utterly still in amazement. There's another little Transformer here!*

Esperanza: *is a bitty wriggle monster!*

Sideswipe: *Fussing slightly and doing her level best to keep her daughter from wiggling out of her grip*

Ratchet: *Chuckles* Would you like to say 'Hello', Lifeline?

Lifeline: *looks up at him and beeps quizzically*

Esperanza: *oh yeah. Hungry now, Mama! Yells*

Sideswipe: *clicks as she gets Esperanza situated and hooked up to her feedport, while gently smoothing the little femmebot's head*

Esperanza: *yeeelll.... oh. Looks up at Mama and clicks*

Lifeline: 0.0

First Aid: *grinning at her little daughter's reaction to the other baby*

Desinex: ... O_o

Ratchet: *chuckling and clicking to Lifeline*

Esperanza: *sighs, and then sees Lifeline* 0_0 *goes rigid with surprise. That's NOT one of her cousins!*

Sideswipe: *blink blink, gives First Aid and Ratchet a "Bhuh?" look*

First Aid: What's wrong, Sideswipe?

Sideswipe: I thought Desinex was supposed to be locked up?

First Aid: Ohhhh. *turns and goes back to her ward* No. *smile for Desinex* She's one of us now.

Sideswipe: ... *Doesn't believe First Aid, and it shows clearly on her face* Uh-huh...

First Aid: *firm look that says the red and black femmebot is being rude*

Lifeline: *know what, Papa? She thinks that other baby is getting energy, and she wants some too*

Ratchet: *soft snerk as he moves to gently connect Lifeline to the feedport he has*

Desinex: *tilts her head a bit, sticking her chin out and giving Sideswipe a Look that results in the red and black femmebot taking a small step back*

Sunstreaker: *comes marching into the repair lab, ready to protect her twin! Sees Desinex and considers a life as an only child*

First Aid: //Ratchet, do you think we should suggest moving Prowl back to he and Sideswipe's quarters?//

Ratchet: *nods as he clicks to Lifeline* //Not only for their safety, but also Sunstreaker's...//

Desinex: *glaring at Sunstreaker and shifting position slightly*

First Aid: *throat clearing sound* Sunstreaker, Sideswipe, would you like to move Prowl to his own berth so that he can complete his sleep cycle at home?

Sunstreaker: *frowns at First Aid, and then notices brother in law on table* ...What did you do to him, Ratchet?

Sideswipe: He hit him with a knockout tab. *moving to stand by Prowl*

First Aid: *gently* No. I did it. He was so tense that I thought he must be causing both of you a lot of discomfort.

Sunstreaker: *snorts as she goes to join sister* You can say that again, the uptight glitch.

Ratchet: *Gently* I can't say I blame him...

Sideswipe: *giving sister a dirty look and remonstrating with her over their bond*

Sunstreaker: *baps twin upside the head and pretends she didn't* Yeah sure, whatever. *hoists Prowl up and gets him over her shoulders in a fireman's carry* Sheesh... what a leadbutt. *stands and turns toward the door*

Esperanza: 0.o *what is Aunty doing with Daddy?*

Lifeline: *point! 0.o*

Desinex: *relaxes and moves to lean against First Aid a little*

Ratchet: *small frown* Do you need any help, Sunstreaker?

Sunstreaker: *gives him a smirk* Nope. But if he scuffs my paint or dents me I'll be back. *out the door*

Sideswipe: *small start at the bap, before blinking when Ratchet hands her an antidote tab and instructs her to apply it only after Prowl has had a full sleep cycle. Then she's following her sister and snarking a bit over the twin bond, while still feeding Esperanza*

First Aid: *pat pats Desinex and watches the twins go, smiling a little as she hears Skywarp's snark and the muted sounds of a baby for Prowl trade before the voices move off down the hall*

Lifeline: *beep beep boop!*

Ratchet: *Clicks and checks to see if Lifeline's done feeding*

Lifeline: *still drawing energy. Also laying her head against him as she tips it up and back to look at him*

First Aid: *has hopped up next to Desinex to talk to her. Gives Ratchet a smile as she glances over at him*

Ratchet: *small smile, chuckles a bit as he gently smooths Lifeline's helm*

Desinex: *clicking quietly*

Lifeline: ^_^ *points to the office. Paperwork?*

Ratchet: *Soft snerk, glances to First Aid* //Will you two be alright out here?//

First Aid: *smiles at him and sends a soft wash of affection over their bond* //Of course we will, Ratchet.//

Ratchet: *nods, before moving to head to his office*

*The repair lab soon settles down to a soft hum of conversation and work, and the rest of the Autobot base also takes on its evening semi silence*

((Co-written with

random_xtras))