dv and kv, Perceptor and Kia's facility and the /Ark/, Interesting situations....

[dens-extra-pups.livejournal.com]

Kriti: *Sneak sneak sneak, grabbaBumble for snuggles!*

bittyBee: *squeaks and wriggles as she waves a puzzle piece. Was playing this!* Sissy!

Kriti: *headtilt, clicks*

bittyBee: *examines the big puzzle piece, her bright optics nearly crossing. Then clicks and looks down at the base board, her tiny mouthplate moving as she considers the simple toy*

Kriti: *more clicks as she moves to sit down by the puzzle so Bumble can put the pieces where they belong*

bittyBee: *tries to put the piece in her hands on top of a piece that's already in place*

Kriti: *gentle nudge, points to a couple of empty places* Try there?

bittyBee: *o_0 look for the empty spots. Surely if it worked in the full spots it'll work again? Tries the spot Sissy's pointing at, though. Tries it sideways first*

Kriti: *Encouraging clicks. You can do it, Bumble!*

bittyBee: *moving her mouthplate as she intently studies the puzzle, and then studies the piece in her hands again*

Kriti: *will continue to offer encouragement for her bitty sister*

Perceptor: *looks up from the bright string and wood puzzle game he's making for Kriti, and then absently pings kvRatchet's com*

kvRatchet: *sounding a bit miserable and just a touch grouchy* //Yes?//

Perceptor: //Oh. Is this a bad time for conversation, Ratchet?//

kvRatchet: //No... I've just had a bit of a rough morning, is all.... How are things with Kriti?//

Perceptor: //Kriti is functioning at her usual level of health and cheer, and at a slightly higher mental level than she has of late.// *frowns* //Do you require assistance in any way?//

kvRatchet: //Unless you know a way to get a medic to be a better patient, no...// *Yes, that was a pot shot at himself*

Perceptor: //...Which medic are you referring to?//

kvRatchet: //Well, myself for starters... And now we've got Fixer here as well...//

Perceptor: //...Has this anything to do with the discourse on Swedish fish that you gave Kia yesterday evening when she attempted to give the last update that you had requested?//

kvRatchet: //... Is that what I was rambling on about? Sorry about that...//

Perceptor: //She says you gave quite a detailed presentation.//

kvRatchet: //Well... That can probably be blamed on the three Red Alerts I had at the Black Dog...// *Sounds a bit sheepish now*

Perceptor: //...Three... Red Alerts?// *bewildered*

kvRatchet: //A high grade drink I used to get back home at Macadam's...//

Perceptor: //Ahhhhh. I understand. Er. But whatever led you to consume so much high grade energy?//

kvRatchet: //...I'd... rather not say....// *Very sheepish sounding now*

Perceptor: *embarrassed* //Please forgive me for prying, Ratchet.//

kvRatchet: //Never mind that... Was there something I could help you with, Perceptor?//

Perceptor: *blinks* //I am not certain. I only wished to show you Bumblebee's behavior and ask your thoughts on it.// *looks over to see if the little femme is still playing and sees her happily patting the puzzle piece after at last figuring out how to make it fit into its place*

kvRatchet: //Should I swing by for a visit then?//

Perceptor: //I am able to transmit images.//

kvRatchet: //Send away then.//

Perceptor: *gives the medic a real time running feed of the two little femmes playing. BittyBee has found the last puzzle piece, and is trying it on top of the last one she got onto the board*

Kriti: *Clicking and encouraging Bumble*

kvRatchet: //I take it this is a new development?//

Perceptor: //Yes. I have never seen her sit so still for such a long period of time.//

bittyBee: *is dancing now, her puzzle piece held aloft in both tiny hands as she shakes her bitty booty*

Kriti: *giggling and clapping her hands to encourage bittyBee*

kvRatchet: //Maybe she's starting to grow up?//

Perceptor: //I hesitate to draw that conclusion.//

bittyBee: *loses her mind with glee, pitches the puzzle piece and runs away squealing*

Kriti: *up and chasing after sister, happy clickstorm is a go!*

kvRatchet: *Snerks* //Then again, maybe not....//

Perceptor: //Still, she did get three of the puzzle's six pieces into place before she moved to another activity. Though it took her several clicks to fit each one into the correct spot on the board.//

kvRatchet: //That'd put her at about a month-old sparklet's level of development....//

Perceptor: *curiosity sparked* //Would it?//

kvRatchet: //Just going on what I've seen here... Sparklets that young don't have the patience for things more complex than about five or six-piece puzzles... but they love anything with bright colors, and anything they can cuddle if they're not with their guardians...//

Perceptor: *calls up records of Kriti at a month old* //According to my records Kriti was doing such tasks at the approximate age of two Earth weeks.//

kvRatchet: //That might have something to do with how she was created....//

Perceptor: //Yes, but it is useful to know that she is atypical in her development.//

kvRatchet: //I'll give you that.... But even with that, she's over a year and a half old... The only other femme sparklet from our reality was Eclipse... She's twice Kriti's age....//

Perceptor: //At what age was she behaving as Kriti does now?//

kvRatchet: //She started behaving like that at about the age Kriti's at now... And it's only been in the past year that she's had her major growth spurts.//

Perceptor: //Would you categorize any of Kriti's growth spurts as major?// *transmits image of Kriti rocking a blanket wrapped Bumblebee*

kvRatchet: //Well, did she double in size with any of them?//

Perceptor: //She did indeed during her last one. She was most surprised to find herself at a height with Kia.//

kvRatchet: //And Kia's about ten feet tall, right?//

Perceptor: //That is correct.//

kvRatchet: //Then that growth spurt was a major one.... Kriti may wind up anywhere from fourteen to sixteen feet when she's fully grown....//

Perceptor: *chuckles over the frequency* //She will be taller than myself and possibly Jazz as well.//

kvRatchet: //Bet he's just thrilled....// *Chuckles*

Perceptor: //Working among the humans satisfies his need to feel tall.//

kvRatchet: *Snorts*

Perceptor: //...If he has such a need.// *uncertain on that point as he thinks of his energetic protege*

kvRatchet: //He might... The one here's taller than him.//

Perceptor: //To be truthful, I do not think Jazz ever thinks of such things.//

kvRatchet: //Going by the one I have regular access to, probably not... He's probably too busy finding the loudest, brightest, showiest thing he can and thinking of ways to make it even better...// *Said fondly*

Perceptor: *chuckles again* //The Jazz of this reality puts a great deal of spark into his employment, and also into familial interaction. However, it is due to his efforts that Kriti wears more chrome than she was created with.//

kvRatchet: *Amused* //Somehow, I'm not surprised.//

Perceptor: //He has promised her an undercarriage LED lighting system when she comes of age.// *sets the puzzle he's working on aside and accepts a youngling and a chibi into his lap. Cuddles the bittybots*

kvRatchet: //... And knowing him, it won't clash in the least with her paintjob...//

Kriti: *snuggles bittyBee and Papa*

Perceptor: //He does exhibit surprising taste. I find my optics singularly attracted to the small ornament that he presented to Kia when she has it on her person.//

kvRatchet: *chuckles*

Perceptor: //But I must bid you adieu for the present. It is time for Kriti's nap, and she and Bumblebee require my undivided attention.//

kvRatchet: //Take care. Let me know if anything comes up.//

Perceptor: //Of course, Ratchet. Till we speak again, be well.// *signs off and cuddles*


Meanwhile, in kv


Rodimus: *races past* Come back here, Springer! I only want to kill you a little bit! >D

Springer: Not gonna happen, Roddy! *Running like his life depends on it*

Rodimus: NOBODY PAINTS MY AFT PINK! *laughing as he says it*

Ratchet: ... *face.palm*

Viisaus: *Soft sound*

Fixer: *optics blink as her brow plates draw together in a frown*

Ratchet: *gets up and moves to check on Fixer*

Fixer: *optics flicker a little more, and then she's focusing on him* ...Raid?

Ratchet: Sorry to disappoint you, Fixer...

Fixer: *confused now. She'd been asking if they were being raided. And now she's trying to figure out why she's laying on the table here, and why Ratchet's tending to her*

Ratchet: *scanning Fixer and getting a cinnaSeeker out of storage to offer to her*

Fixer: *free of the virus now, though her systems are still showing some of its effects along with that of the strain she'd been under. She's so run down that confusion isn't even speeding her fuel pump* What...?

Ratchet: It's energon and minerals...

Fixer: *frowns more deeply* //No.... Ratchet, where am I? What happened?//

Ratchet: You brought Viisaus to Earth after a building fell on him.

Fixer: *startles and then turns her head, optics seeking her brother*

Viisaus: *Sleeping peacefully*

Fixer: *relaxes, and then turns back to frown at Ratchet and sniff* //What's that smell? My sensors are down, I can't identifying it.//

Ratchet: It's a cinnaSeeker... What you're smelling is the cinna... *will gently put the cookie into her hand*

Fixer: *hand trembles as she lifts it to her mouth, but the cookie is carefully bitten. And then she's concentrating on chewing something larger than an energon goody* //What was that noise?//

Ratchet: Rodimus Prime chasing Springer for painting his aft pink.

Fixer: *chewing stops* //....//

Ratchet: It's normal for that to happen around here.

Fixer: //He painted the Prime's....// *face palm*

Ratchet: *Chuckles* Last time, it was all of Prime's armor. In pastels.

Fixer: o.0 *peeks through her fingers* //How in the name of Alpha Trion did he pull that off?//

Ratchet: I wish I knew. It resulted in Springer being dangled from the ceiling and the sparklets being told he was a pinata.

Fixer: //A whatnow?//

Ratchet: Pinata. A hollow paper figure usually filled with candy and small toys. Human children take sticks and swing at the figure in the hopes of breaking it and releasing the candy.

Fixer: *blink. Blink* //...I always knew the Transformer race was doomed.//

Ratchet: *Chuckles* Two idiots does not mean our race is doomed, Fixer... *Attention going to the door as an orange and black youngling peeks in* *Gently* Is something wrong, WakeJumper?

Fixer: *turns her head to look at the youngster* //One of those idiots is our leader.//

WakeJumper: *headshake, scoots into the room*

Ratchet: *can has bitty on his back!* *chuckles* He's not that bad, Fixer... You should see him working with the humans....

WakeJumper: *peeks at Fixer and clicks quietly*

Fixer: *thinking of Torque now* Hmmph. *has another bite of cookie*

WakeJumper: *quietly* Hello....

Fixer: *swallows quickly* Hello.

Rodimus: *going past again* Seriously, Arcee's the only femme that will ever see me for who I am instead of what I am. And she doesn't like me that way. So I'll just be an old bachelor.

Jazz: Nawww, I betcha if ya asked, any one 'a Chromia's teammates'd go out wit'cha, Roddy.

Rodimus: I doubt it. All anyone ever sees is 'the Prime'.

Fixer: *lifts a brow as the voices fade*

Ratchet: *Shakes his head and sighs quietly*

WakeJumper: Roddy's bein' dumb...

Fixer: No, youngling. He's just speaking from what he knows. *attention back on her meal as she frowns to herself*

WakeJumper: Oppy-mus got th' girl....

Fixer: If I remember rightly, Optimus had known that girl since he came off the assembly line. And she was a leader herself.

WakeJumper: Still.... Roddy's bein' dumb.

Fixer: *shrugs, and then winces as she pinches her lip while eating the last bite of cookie* *doesn't even growl*

WakeJumper: *moves around to Ratchet's side so he can see where Fixer's hurting*

Prowl: *from the door* Ratchet, do you have a moment?

Ratchet: Yeah.... *moves to set WakeJumper on the table next to Fixer. Then he's turning to look at Prowl* Is something wrong?

Prowl: *shows him a bit of security footage from his return the evening before* Can you identify these two bots for me? Red Alert blew a circuit at the sight of them.

Ratchet: ... That would be one of my alternates and his mate.... *sigh*

Prowl: *sharp look at the sigh* Is something wrong?

Ratchet: How many personnel know why they brought me home?

Prowl: Ironhide, Red Alert, Rodimus, and myself.

Ratchet: Well, at least it wasn't Sunstreaker and Sideswipe.

Prowl: *frowns deeply* Is something wrong, Ratchet? Does this have something to do with Viisaus and Fixer's arrival?

Ratchet: *pings Prowl's comm as WakeJumper tugs on his hand* //Let's just say I didn't realize something that should stay unmentioned for fear of having a probe launched at me.//

Prowl: *sideways look for the CMO*

Ratchet: *as he helps WakeJumper with something* //Fixer... liked me at one point....//

Prowl //....//

Ratchet: //I was dating this reality's Clarion at the time.//

Prowl: *shakes head* I have to get back to my post. Expect Red Alert after Eclipse and Inferno have stopped him from smoking.

Ratchet: *nods* I'll get things ready then.

Prowl: I'll see you later. *slight smile and a nod, and then another smile for WakeJumper before he turns and walks away*

Jazz: *ducks into the medbay, a massive energon pizza box in hand. Pauses to grin at Ratchet, and moments later he's heading back out, wearing WakeJumper on his back as the youngling tries to gank the slice of pizza he kept. Door to the med ward slides shut behind the pair*

Ratchet: ... *moves to check the door, then he's calling Jazz something unprintable as he realizes it's been sabotaged and won't open*

Wheeljack: *can be heard faintly humming as he welds that door shut*

Ratchet: Wheeljack, you'd better not be doing what I think you're doing!

Wheeljack: *no reply. But the torch sounds continue, and the door still won't open*

Orion: *Over a public channel* //You'll be just fine, Ratchet... Besides, you need to take a break.//

Ratchet: .... He would've never done this when he was Optimus. *informs Orion that he's a slagger*

Rodimus: *laconically* //Takes one to know one, Ratchet.//

Ratchet: *over the public channel*//I hope you wind up with a kid who's just like you, Rodimus.//

Rodimus: *laughs* //Like that'll happen.//

Ironhide: *Being just a bit ornery by staying on the public channel* //Don' be so sure 'bout that, Prahm... Stranger things've 'appened.//

Ratchet: //Who all is out there besides Wheeljack, Orion, and you, Rodimus?//

Rodimus: //All your well wishers.// *transmits a yawn, his customary bored amusement at full strength*

Ratchet: //...I hate all of you right now. Especially you, Prime.// *Setting up to sulk*

Ironhide: //Aw, yer jes' mad 'cause we di'n't leave ya any gingerSwindles....// *Sounds far too amused*

Wheeljack: //There we go. Nice and sealed. Don't worry, Metroplex. I'll fix it after a couple days or so.// *sound of a pat pat on the wall*

Ratchet: *over a private line to Wheeljack* //You know I'm going to get even with you. Someday, when you least expect it.// *Still sulking*

Wheeljack: //Hey, this is payback. I still owed you for what you said to Blue when you found out about Eclipse, remember?//

Ratchet: //I apologized for that! And besides, Viisaus is still recovering, as is Fixer!//

Wheeljack: //Well you have everything you need in there.// *common channel* //See ya, Roddy, 'Hide, Jazz, 'n Orion! Poker at eight?//

Orion: //Yup. Don't forget, it's your turn to bring the snacks.//

Wheeljack: //I didn't. Been fighting Blue off 'em for the past three weeks.//

Rodimus: //Wait, you mean those pennies you were ganking from him the other day?//

Wheeljack: //Yup.//

Orion: //Oooo... Haven't had pennies in awhile...//

Ratchet: //Hate you all so much right now.//

Jazz: *over a private line to Wheeljack* //Ratch'll hate me even more in a bit... I got Wake to gank his PINpoint... Ain't no way he's gettin' outta there....//

Wheeljack: *laughter is audible through the door as he walks away*

Ratchet: *grumbling and muttering as he tries to find a possible escape route. Finding none, he moves to grab his PINpoint, only to launch into a fit of quiet cursing of Jazz, Jazz's ancestry, and anything related to Jazz*

Fixer: *blinks awake and squints at him* //Nice.//

Ratchet: They've locked us in here, and sealed the exits. *Why no, he's not mad about that, not him*

Fixer: ....

Ratchet: I tried pointing out that Viisaus is still recovering, and that you are as well, but apparently that's not enough to get them to see reason. *sighs*

Fixer: *face palm* //Was I talking while I was glitching?//

Ratchet: *Going to lie through his dentae* You were mostly cussing Viisaus out for the time he went and got his leg caught in that machinery....

Fixer: *lowers hand and gives him a Look that could cut steel*

Ratchet: *backing up a bit* And... You mentioned some of the things that I'm guessing you and he discussed while you were fixing him after that....

Fixer: //Ratchet. I know what I talk about when my processor's on auto pilot.//

Ratchet: ... Oh...

Fixer: *gives him more Look*

Ratchet: *hunkering down a bit* *Quietly* I didn't know... And you were right about Clarion....

Fixer: //I didn't mean you to know.// *tiredly* //Give me a little time to gather my strength and I'll get us out of here.//

Ratchet: Metroplex might be disinclined to agree with your attempt, Fixer... and knowing my luck, Ironhide's guarding the door.

Fixer: //Things like that have never stopped me yet.//

Ratchet: You've never dealt with a cityformer before, have you?

Fixer: *frowns* //They say that Cybertron is Primus.//

Ratchet: Cybertron's one thing... *sighs and moves to sit down in his usual chair* We could always wait till Wheeljack unseals the door, disable Ironhide's motor controls, and make a break for it.....

Fixer: *knows Wheeljack well enough to snort at that*

Viisaus: *moves slightly as he dreams*

Fixer: -Settle down, slagger.-

Viisaus: *Soooo not awake* -Torque's hiding in the walls again... gotta find him...-

Fixer: *shakes head and grumbles, then switches from the faint and uncertain communication over their uniquely strong sibling bond to the more reliable commlink* //Torque doesn't fit in the walls anymore. Remember?//

Viisaus: *awake... but not very awake* //...Oh....// *goes back to sleep*

Fixer: *snerk*

Ratchet: *raised brow ridge*

Fixer: *settles back and then sees Ratchet's expression* *frowns at him*

Ratchet: Just what's so funny?

Fixer: //Viisaus was dreaming.//

Ratchet: Do I even want to know?

Fixer: *shrugs* //He was looking for Torque.//

Ratchet: ...Torque?

Fixer: //The sparklet we're mentoring. ...Youngling, now.// *yes, Ratchet. Fixer is a mother*

Ratchet: ... *and now he's looking a bit brain broken* No offense, but you're the last person I'd expect to be a mother....

Fixer: *mild stink eye as she transmits an image of a bright eyed newly sparked Cybertronian sitting on Alpha Trion's head and gnawing on it* //Could you pass that up?//

Ratchet: ... Good point... How long have you been mentoring him?

Fixer: //Twelve stellar cycles.//

Ratchet: Heh.... So he's not much older than the Aerialbots....

Fixer: //The whatnow?// *frown*

Ratchet: The last of the Vector Sigma output before the key was destroyed....

Fixer: //Ahhh.//

Ratchet: You'll get to meet them at some point, once we get let out of here...

Fixer: *snorts and eyes the door* //Why doesn't the city just let us out?//

Ratchet: I get the feeling Metroplex was in on the planning.

Fixer: .... Wonderful. *expression says she thinks the cityformer's as lacking as the Prime*

Ratchet: *Sighs and moves to offer Fixer some of the pizza in the box Jazz left behind*

Fixer: ...o.0 //The slag is that?//

Ratchet: It's called pizza.... It's energon and minerals made to look like organic fuel... It's not half bad, honestly....

Fixer: .... //Made to look like.... Why the slag would anyone want that??//

Ratchet: You'd be surprised... *going to have a slice*

Fixer: *looking slightly revolted as she watches him, but then frowns as she realizes that the stuff doesn't smell half bad*

Ratchet: *will offer another slice*

Fixer: *gives it a stink eye, but tries to get shaky hands to listen to her and take the fuel*

Ratchet: *Will also offer help with that*

Fixer: *grouches and grumbles, but gets a bite* >_o! Xp

Ratchet: *concerned* What's wrong?

Fixer: *gasp* Flavor! 0_0

Ratchet: ...Good or bad?

Fixer: ...Strange. *stares at the pizza slice with wary interest*

Viisaus: *awake and blinking blearily in response to the surprise his sister just transmitted over their bond* Bhuh?

Fixer: *turns head to look at brother, and then smirks* //Give some to giggles, Ratchet.//

Ratchet: *Snerks softly and moves to help Viisaus take in fuel* You're still calling him that even after all this time?

Fixer: *shrugs and smirks as she watches for her brother's reaction*

Viisaus: *Startled by the flavor, is used to standard ration-grade* *making very interesting faces now*

Fixer: *nearly silent snigger fit at his reaction*

Viisaus: ;p

Fixer: //Some of that's pretty slagging strong.//

Ratchet: Blame Jazz... He probably put the order in.

Fixer: //I still don't see the point in aping organic fuel. Give me another bite.//

Ratchet: *Laughs and goes to poke more pizza at Fixer's mouth*

Fixer: *eats, and pulls more faces as she hits a bite of garlic flavor pickle*

Ratchet: *Explaining about some of the components of the pizza*

Fixer: *squinting one optic closed as she chews* //Slagging glitched.//

Ratchet: Yet you're still eating it. *chuckles*

Fixer: .... //You want me to waste fuel?//

Ratchet: Not at all. Especially since you need it.

Viisaus: I'd like a bit more, please....

Ratchet: *nods and moves to feed Viisaus some more of the pizza*

Fixer: //I know I'm low, but is it possible for me to be propped up so I can do a better job of trying to feed myself? And is this sludge going to cause any trouble for my systems when they're in this state?//

Ratchet: *moves to help Fixer sit up, will prop her up with a slab of concrete* It may make you feel a bit overcharged if you haven't had good fuel in awhile... but it's not going to do any damage. The minerals in it are good for self repair systems.

Fixer: //Overcharged. Joy.// *reaches for fuel*

Ratchet: Once your systems get used to having good fuel on a regular basis, the slight overcharge won't happen. *going to check on Viisaus, who looks ready for more sleep*

Fixer: *snorts and curiously starts pulling her slice apart* //Giggles, how are you feeling?//

Viisaus: //Tired... I should probably rest some more...//

Fixer: *turns her head to try and scan him, but then snorts* //Ratchet, cover him with his tarp.//

Ratchet: *chuckles* Get some rest, Viisaus... You'll be just fine. *will cover Viisaus with the blanket and patpat the mech's shoulder*

Viisaus: *Quietly, as he powers down to rest* Thank you, Ratchet.

Fixer: *watches her brother, one side of her usually grim mouth turned up slightly*

Ratchet: *quietly* He'd kick my aft if he were able to.....

Fixer: *optics go to him* //What are you talking about?//

Ratchet: *is keeping his gaze on Viisaus, but that's not enough to hide the faint blush going on* For wanting to court you properly...

Fixer: *drops her pizza as her optics widen*

Ratchet: *more blush*

Fixer: *forgets about saving energy and not straining her systems and speaks aloud* Are you fragging serious?

Ratchet: *lifts his head to meet Fixer's optics, is clearly quite nervous about admitting this* I am....

Fixer: *blinking, nonplussed* But... why?

Ratchet: ... *Just had a 'derp' moment*

Fixer: *stares at him for several more clicks, but then realizes that he isn't going to reply* *impatiently* I'm just a fighter from the tunnels. You can't be that desperate to get out of here.

Ratchet: *Quietly* It's not desperation....

Fixer: *scowls at him* Pull the other leg.

Viisaus: *trying not to laugh and give away the fact that he's awake*

Ratchet: I'm being serious here, Fixer.

Fixer: *glowers her disbelief*

Ratchet: I'd kiss you if that'd prove it to you... but I don't want to stress your systems right now....

Fixer: *blinks, the glower dissolving into bewilderment and a blush that heats her cheekplates* But.... *hands to her face as she turns it away from him*

Viisaus: -I'll witness...-

Fixer: *eeeks and startles*

Ratchet: *acks, will fuss over you now, Fixer!*

Fixer: *even more embarrassed, and now discomfited to discover that she's gotten pizza all over the place. Going to focus on that instead of what she still can't get into her processor yet* //Slag... mess....//

Ratchet: Let's get you cleaned up then... *Goes to get a bucket*

Fixer: *turns her head to shoot her brother a panicked look* //Viisaus...!//

Viisaus: //Cycle air, Fixer.//

Fixer: *struggles to do so, her vision greying slightly under a storm of swirling emotions* //What do I do? What the slag do I do now??//

Viisaus: //For one, tell me why you're on a repair table....//

Fixer: ........ >._>.

Viisaus: //Fixer....//

Fixer: *slight growl* //It's called saving your rusted out shell.//

Viisaus: //My shell wasn't rusted out, and you know I'd gladly get clobbered by a building if it meant keeping you safe, Fixer.//

Fixer: //Well someone had to keep you running till I could get you here!//

Viisaus: //You couldn't put out an SOS?//

Fixer: //I repaired what I could, but the sibling bond had me scrambled. So I remote synced our systems and headed to Earth.//

Viisaus: //...Fixer... I wish you wouldn't take risks like that... but I know I'm the last person who should say anything about that sort of thing...//

Fixer: //You tell me what the frozen slag I was supposed to do otherwise??// *narrowed optics*

Viisaus: //I don't know...// *tries to turn over onto his side so Fixer can't see how troubled admitting this makes him*

Fixer: //I did what I had to! And you slagging know it!//

Ratchet: *is that string of very creative cursing coming from the store room* I swear, I'm welding Wheeljack to the fragging WALL.

Fixer: *looks that way, her expression changing back to turbofox in the headlights*

Viisaus: //You two will only end up regretting it later on if you don't at least give courting one another a shot. Besides, Ratchet's got a level head on his shoulders. Even if Wheeljack's an idiot.//

Fixer: .... //I... still haven't processed.... He really said that? I'm not still glitching?//

Viisaus: //He really said that. I promise I won't shoot him if he courts you, as long as he does it in a manner that isn't insulting to your intelligence.//

Fixer: *snorts as Ratchet comes back in* //You've been telling me for 78,313 vorns to tell the mech how I feel, and now you're planning on shooting him if he slaggin' well looks at me the wrong way?//

Ratchet: ...

Viisaus: //I will if I have to... But something tells me I won't have to.//

Fixer: //You realize I have no slagging idea what to do here? I....// *sees Ratchet* //Oh slag.// *hiding again*

Viisaus: //You're a smart 'Bot, you'll think of something.// *and now he's going to conk out again*

Ratchet: ... *will focus on cleaning and try to avoid making optic contact with her*

Fixer: *it's been awhile since she's had a chance to clean up. Warm cleaning solution feels good when you're as tired as she is, and she finds herself relaxing with a quiet sigh*

Ratchet: *is careful and gentle as he cleans the pizza off of Fixer's frame, and once he's done with the cleaning solution and dried her off, he's covering her with a blanket and moving to put the cleaning supplies away*

Fixer: *turns her head to watch him, thinking that he hasn't changed much since she saw him last*

Ratchet: *Pauses for a moment, and then cleans Viisaus too though the new protoform is clean. He's pretty sure the mech will appreciate the comfort as well*

Viisaus: *relaxing even more as he dreams of playing with Torque and getting his head gnawed on by the youngling*

Fixer: *doesn't realize she's smiling as she watches brother being cared for and feels the contentment of his dreams*

Ratchet: *glances over his shoulder to visually check on Fixer, blinks a bit when he sees how much lovelier she looks with a smile instead of a scowl*

Fixer: *catches his eye and absently smiles a bit more, pleased with her brother's contentment*

Ratchet: *Blushes and returns his attention to what he's doing*

Fixer: *realizes what she did and blushes too, her optics dropping to the strange tarp that's covering her*

blanket: *is a variety of colors, mostly blues and greens, with some purple mixed in*

Fixer: *picks at the covering a bit, then blinks and tilts her head as she realizes there's an Autobot symbol on it*

Ratchet: *Trying to keep from stammering* We get blankets in the Nexus... There's a human there who knits them.... I'm not sure where she got the idea to make some big enough for Cybertronians... But I'm glad she did...

Fixer: //It's got the badge on it.//

Ratchet: Yeah... Den's a fangirl... She also knits Decepticon versions, but apparently those don't sell as well...

Fixer: *frowns at him* //Fangirl?//

Ratchet: I'll explain better when we can go to the Nexus... If we're lucky Den will be there, and you can meet her.... She's a nice lady, if not a bit on the odd side....

Fixer: //Hrrmph.// *startles and puts a hand to her chest as the door makes a pop and slides open*

Ratchet: *Startled blurt that's mirrored by Ironhide just outside the door*

Metroplex: //They've admitted they like each other. The doors don't need to be sealed any longer.//

Fixer: *blink blink. Snerk. Crack up*

Ratchet: .... *face.palm*

Viisaus: *sleepy murmur, curls up under his blanket*

Ironhide: ... Well, shucks...

Fixer: *intakes deeply, but then looks at Ratchet and blushes as she tries to figure out just what the slag she's supposed to do now. She's a fighter, and before that she was a no nonsense student. Courtship is outside her protocols*

Ratchet: *very faint blush as he tries to think of what Fixer may need or want while she's here on Earth... And then an idea comes to him* Once you're feeling better, would you prefer quarters close to the medbay?

Fixer: *frowns slightly* //Quarters close to the medbay?//

Ratchet: For when you visit, and while Viisaus is recovering...

Fixer: *frown deepens* //You mean someplace outside the medbay?// *trying to process this. In the tunnels the only home she's known for the past several thousand vorns has been her repair ward*

Ratchet: But close by, in case there's an emergency requiring your assistance...

Rodimus: //Hey, Ratchet? How do you spell Viisaus? I want to get it right on his transfer papers.//

Fixer: //...You mean outside the repair ward.//

Ratchet: *nods, and then he's boggling a bit* *to Rodimus* //Transfer papers?//

Rodimus: //Yeah. So he and Fixer are official.//

Fixer: *looking slightly brain broken at the idea of living outside the workplace*

Ratchet: //... Who on Cybertron authorized the transfer?//

Rodimus: *a bit impatiently* //The Prime authorised the Transfer. Though it's more an exchange.//

Ratchet: //...Who's going to Cybertron?//

Rodimus: //The Protectobots are convinced they can do a lot of good there.//

Ratchet: //...Well... it's their choice... Viisaus is spelled V-i-i-s-a-u-s...//

Rodimus: //Hey, they're big bots. And they've never had a chance to really see the old place yet.//

Ratchet: //True...//

Rodimus: //And we can't very well leave Cybertron without a high class medic.//

Ratchet: //No kidding...//

Rodimus: //Oh yeah, and do you want your new quarters on the second or third level?//

Ratchet: //My new quarters?//

Rodimus: //Well yeah. Fixer, Viisaus, and Torque aren't going to fit in that closet you live in now.//

Ratchet: //...// *and now it's his turn to look brain-broken*

Rodimus: //Ratchet? Yo, is this thing on?//

Ratchet: //...I don't... which level's got the bigger quarters again?// *yup. totally brain-broken*

Rodimus: //Both of the ones I mentioned have family quarters.//

Ratchet: //Which one's closer to the medbay?//

Rodimus: *sings elevator music under his breath as he looks at the map*

Ratchet: //...// *to Fixer* ... Rodimus is a sneaky slagger.

Fixer: Mrrph? *turns one optic back on to look at him and raise a browplate*

Ratchet: He's authorized a personnel trade between Cybertron and here, so you, Torque, and Viisaus will be here, while First Aid and his brothers go to Cybertron to help out with the repairs and anything else that may come up....

Fixer: *snerk* //Next time he takes damage I'm on duty.//

Ratchet: *snerk* I'll gladly let you take that challenge on... His spoiler wings are sensitive, so if you need to make him hold still, just put a hand there and he'll freeze up.

Fixer: *gives the small smirk that still makes Ultra Magnus shake in his brake shoes*

Ratchet: *dirty rotten chuckle*

Fixer: *and then the smirk changes to a considering look aimed at Ratchet*

Rodimus: //The third floor one's actually closer, especially if you go out the window and then in through the side gate.//

Ratchet: //Out the... Rodimus, no. No going out the window.//

Rodimus: //Well, even if you go the boring route it's still closer.//

Ratchet: *face.palm* //That one then.//

Rodimus: //One former diplomat suite now family suite assigned to Ratchet and family!//

Ratchet: //I'm still miffed that you thought it would be a good idea to lock us in the medbay, Prime.... but thank you....//

Rodimus: //That was Orion's idea.// *totally ratted out his predecessor*

Ratchet: //I should've known...//

Rodimus: //But I better let you go. You've got important stuff to do, and I have to stop Wheelie from throwing things at Spike through the window.//

Ratchet: //You do that... and think about getting a different movie to watch.// *closes the connection*

Fixer: *still watching him*

Ratchet: Well, it looks like we've now got family quarters....

Fixer: *brow quirk* //We're already official?

Ratchet: Official enough.... What's Torque like, personality-wise?

Fixer: *slight frown as she considers the question* //He's... interesting.//

Ratchet: *raised brow ridge* Interesting in what way?

Fixer: //Interesting in the same way all the sparklets that lived in the tunnels are. He knows how to run, and he knows how to disappear.//

Ratchet: ... Which means the majority of the Protectbots might have a hard time finding him....

Viisaus: *half-awake* -Tell him about Torque's glitch....-

Fixer: //Is it important for him to know about Torque's glitch? And you're supposed to be recharging!//

Viisaus: -In case there's a problem...- *soft sigh as he shifts position enough to be almost completely covered by the blanket*

Fixer: //Ratchet, fix giggle's tarp.// *frowning at brother with concern*

Ratchet: *As he moves to do so* What's this about a glitch?

Fixer: //Torque can't read. And he never will be able to read.// *speaks with finality*

Ratchet: *small frown as he thinks about this* Any idea what caused it?

Fixer: //I know exactly what caused it.//

Ratchet: *as he finishes adjusting Viisaus' blanket* Oh?

Fixer: //It's now he's made. Just like Seekers always know which way is up and which way is north.//

Ratchet: Huh... Well, it would only be a problem if we didn't have means to translate words to images...

Fixer: *stink eye* //I don't want him to ever start thinking he has a problem.//

Ratchet: ...

Fixer: //I mean it. Bad enough what that little pink glitch of Auria's tried telling him.//

Ratchet: Do I want to know?

Fixer: *lips in a thin and angry line*

Ratchet: Never mind then... Is there anything in particular he likes to do?

Fixer: *expression softens surprisingly* //He takes care of the ones that are weaker than he is.//

Ratchet: *chuckles softly* Think he'd like a pet to take care of once he gets here?

Fixer: //You mean besides those slaggin' glitchmice and turborabbits?//

Ratchet: *snerks* Well, I was thinking something in the same size-range as Starscream's pet foal, but if Torque's already got pets, then he'll just need someplace for them to sleep, right?

Fixer: //What's a foal?// *snort* //I'll watch you try to make him keep them somewhere other than in his shell.//

Ratchet: *Gets a datapad out and calls up a picture of Silverbolt II and Starscream snuggled against Eclipse during a recent movie night* I finally convinced Beachcomber to keep his pet mice in a cage at night... I think I'm up to the challenge.

Fixer: *squints at the image and then snorts* //I've seen pictures of those things before, but not with wings or feathers.//

Ratchet: Silverbolt II came from a different reality, so she's not exactly like other foals...

Fixer: *frown* //What, you're telling me the laws are different in different universes?//

Ratchet: *nods*

Fixer: *scowwwwwwwwwwls* //My head hurts.//

Ratchet: Get some rest... I'll explain a bit more about other realities later....

Fixer: *growls at him* //How do those exhaust for CPUs propose to transport Torque?//

Ratchet: Either with Omega Supreme, Cosmos, Skyfire, one of the Aerialbots, or by PINpoint.

Fixer: //Omega Supreme! They better not try putting him on that old rustbucket!//

Ratchet: Well, there's always Cosmos, Skyfire, one of the Aerialbots or by PINpoint... but PINpointing might make him sick....

Fixer: //Forget it then. Though I've caught him eating things that have no right going into a Transformer tank.//

Ratchet: I'll see who's available to go with the Protectbots then.... It might end up being Cosmos or Skyfire...

Fixer: //And they'll have to find him first.//

Ratchet: First Aid is good with youngsters, as is Groove...

Fixer: //They're still strangers.//

Ratchet: I have faith in First Aid and his brothers.

Fixer: *doesn't, but just scowls and glances at her own brother*

Viisaus: *Sleeping peacefully again*

Fixer: *intakes deeply, and then looks back to Ratchet. The uncertainty is in her optics again*

Ratchet: Everything will work out alright, you'll see...

Fixer: *snorts and then eyes him as she thinks about what she'd like to do right now*

Ratchet: *and now he's making a list of things for the quarters, mumbling to himself* Let's see... blankets for certain... *Chews on the end of the stylus as he thinks*

Fixer: *eyes him a bit more, and then looks over at the open door and the red and black bot that's busy rasping off the weld scars* //Ironhide.//

Ironhide: *looks up* //Yes'm?//

Fixer: //What the slag is this 'courting' business?//

Ironhide: //Well, 't mainleh involves makin' 't known that y'u'r interested 'n s'me'un, 'n givin' 'em gifts...//

Fixer: //Gifts?//

Ironhide: //Could be stuff lahk things th't th' person needs, 'r things th't th' person's been wantin'....//

Fixer: *frowns, but then quirks a brow* //Like repairing a build sibling?//

Ironhide: *nods, mouth quirking in a bit of a grin* //Or givin' 'em a blanket t' hahd under...//

Fixer: *scowwwwwl* //He's not hiding.//

Ironhide: *absent shrug*

Fixer: *stink eyes him, and then looks at Ratchet again, her expression measuring*

Ratchet: *still working on making a list of things to request for the quarters*

Fixer: *mouth twitches* //The slagger's humming, isn't he?//

Ironhide: *Soft snerk* //Prolly...// *pretends to be working when Ratchet glances at him*

Fixer: //I don't recognize the tune. Something from Earth?//

Ironhide: //Yeah... Y'all'll hear more 'ventually...//

Fixer: *glances at Ratchet again* //So do I want to know what he's singing about?//

Ironhide: //That particular song's 'bout travellin' all over the United States. 'T's bah a gent named Johnny Cash, 'n 'e ain't half-bad...//

Fixer: *snerk* //Traveling. What a glitchhead.//

Ratchet: Hm? *glances at Fixer*

Fixer: *looks back at him, and then smirks. Yes, she is trying to mess with his head*

Ratchet: ...

Ironhide: *Chuckles and resumes filing away at the welds that held the door shut*

Ratchet: Okay, what's going on?

Fixer: No slaggin' idea what you're talking about. *yawn*

Ratchet: .....

Fixer: *pulls her blanket up around her shoulders and grins at him, then shuts her optics off and reaches for sleep mode*

Ratchet: ... *sighs and picks up where he left off on planning and writing a request chit for the family quarters, wondering what he's getting himself into*

((Written with random_xtras))