tv, Autobot HQ, Minor SNAFUs
Nightwish: *gentle hand on Kriti's arm as she looks at the young femme curled beside Sideburn. Is concerned, since the usual time for bonding funk is well past, but is also slightly reassured by Crosswise's assurances that the extended downtime is due to the cold the pair endured*
Kriti: *soft murmur, snuggles closer to Sideburn*
Sideburn: *very slight shift in position*
Nightwish: *quiet clicks and a soft pat, then looks up as she hears someone come into the room behind her*
X-Brawn: *quietly* Still ain't wakin' up?
Nightwish: No. *frown for the youngbots, and then sets the cinnaSeeker Eclipse gave to her on the table near their hammock* They're in the exact same state as they were when I checked them last night.
X-Brawn: *droops slightly. Even taking the cold into consideration, and bonding funk on top of that, the continued downtime has the soldier worried about the couple*
Nightwish: *gives Sideburn a careful poke in the spot that makes Prowl squirm*
Sideburn: Nnn... *squirms slightly*
Kriti: *also squirming slightly*
Nightwish: *perks* *pokes again*
X-Brawn: *watching the couple squirm, will notify Optimus when Sideburn unshutters an optic*
Sideburn: *expression muzzy and confused*
Kriti: *bleary blinking*
Nightwish: *smiles and starts to say something, her hand going toward the cookie on the table*
Sideburn: *fight-or-flight response triggered as Nightwish's appearance clicks with something in his processor* S-stay back, Predacon! *and then he and Kriti are both doing floor time as their hammock flips*
Nightwish: *startled and confused. Turns her head and scans the room, then glances at X-Brawn before turning back to Sideburn* Calm down, Sideburn, I'm calling Crosswise.
X-Brawn: *soothing sounds as he works on getting the disoriented couple situated*
Sideburn: *trying to scoot away from Nightwish with Kriti in tow, soft groan as things spin sickeningly*
Kriti: *whimpers and clings to Sideburn, shuttering her optics again*
Nightwish: *confusion increases as she realizes that Sideburn is addressing his anxiety toward her* Optimus, Crosswise, Sideburn is delusional.
Crosswise: *appears at the door and asks the femme to step out of the room before entering himself and going to one knee next to the young couple and X-Brawn* Sideburn, can you hear me?
Sideburn: *cycling air as he nods* Y-yeah...
Crosswise: Do you know who I am?
Sideburn: You're Crosswise...
Kriti: *slight nod as she cycles air*
Crosswise: *nods, a gentle hand on Kriti as he scans her systems* What's got you so worked up, Sideburn?
Kriti: *showing the same stress Sideburn is*
Sideburn: There was a Predacon in here!
X-Brawn: *wonders if he should try to explain to Nightwish about why everyone's been so wary around her*
Crosswise: Which one? *considers a light sedative program, but waits to apply it till he knows more*
Sideburn: The one that tried to kill Railspike... *and now he's cycling air rapidly*
Crosswise: You mean the black cat femme?
Sideburn: *nods and holds Kriti close*
Crosswise: *gently* But wasn't the lady that was in here just now white and blue?
Sideburn: I know what I saw!
Crosswise: *soothing hand on his shoulder* Easy. Circulate deeply, alright?
Sideburn: *attention going to X-Brawn* You saw her, right?
X-Brawn: *quietly* Nightwish won't hurt ya, Sideburn...
Sideburn: *disbelief clear on his face*
X-Brawn: *quietly* Th' Pred that tried to kill Railspike's dead 'n gone.
Sideburn: *gonna try sitting up now... or not... Soft groan as he lays back down and circulates*
Kriti: *shutters her optics tightly and mumbles something about being dizzy*
Crosswise: *gently* Maybe we should move you guys to the infirmary. Laying on a table will do you better than swinging in that shopping bag.
Sideburn: *quietly* Do we have to get up? I'm kinda comfy here....
Crosswise: *scans them again and considers their reaction to Sideburn's attempt at sitting up* Hmm...
X-Brawn: *amusedly* Well, they wouldn't be fallin' outta bed if they were on the floor....
Sharpshot: *from the hallway* Wow. Deja vu... *amused expression is a go*
Crosswise: Yeah, and I'm in no hurry to get purged on for trying to move them. *looks toward Sharpshot's voice* Huh?
Sharpshot: It took Showtime and me a few weeks before we could even sit up without things spinning....
Crosswise: Yeah, but it's been nearly two months for these guys. This is May.
Sharpshot: *nod* Didn't you yourself say that part of this was due to them nearly freezing solid?
Crosswise: *nods* We're not built with failsafes against that kind of... damage? *lifts head and listens to comms, and then bolts as he catches the SOS from Ironhide again* Ironhide and Nightwish have been cornered by 'Cons over on sixth and Zoom!
Sharpshot: *sprints off to grab Showtime*
X-Brawn: *makes sure Sideburn and Kriti are comfortable before he's hustling to head for the space bridge*
Prowl: *hurrying to meet up with Ironhide, feels like his spark is in his throat*
Optimus: *looks at the small group that's gathered* Is everyone ready?
X-Brawn: *nods* Yep.
Sharpshot: *nods* We're ready.
Prowl: Yes, Optimus. *doing his best to keep his worry from showing*
Crosswise: Ready.
Optimus: *nods and transforms, then roars through the bridge* Roll out!
Sharpshot: *transforms, Showtime already in his seat in gun mode. Follows Optimus*
X-Brawn: *transforms and rolls out*
Prowl: *follows shortly*
Ironhide: *down on one knee when they reach the spot, his arms around Nightwish as she kneels with bowed head*
Optimus: *transforms* Ironhide, where are the Decepticons?
Ironhide: *looks up, a frown on his faceplates* Scourge's gone. He said his say 'n left.
Sharpshot: *transforming and moving to do a quick sweep of the area*
Showtime: Area's clear.
Prowl: *transforming and moving to check on Nightwish*
Nightwish: *looks up, her expression showing anger and confusion, then moves to hold onto him* I'm alright.
Ironhide: *stands slowly, his frown deepening*
Prowl: *will gently fuss over Nightwish*
X-Brawn: *transforming and wondering why the Decepticons attacked*
Ironhide: That's just it. They didn'.
X-Brawn: ... *and now he's confused*
Ironhide: *seriously* I need ta talk ta you, Prowl, 'n Optimus. *thinks about it* And Nightwish.
Nightwish: *looks up from comforting her mate at the sound of her name*
Prowl: *optics wary as he looks to Ironhide*
Optimus: *looks back and forth between the two mechs, and then nods* Let's get back to base.
Back at Autobot HQ
Optimus: *leaning with his back against the wall and his arms crossed, his optics focused for the moment on Prowl and Nightwish*
Nightwish: *absent frown as she watches T-AI putter around*
X-Brawn: *watching Prowl and Nightwish with a neutral expression on his face*
Prowl: *wondering to himself just what's going on*
Optimus: *quietly* Nightwish, Ironhide, what happened out there?
Nightwish: *starts to talk, but then frowns and shakes her head slightly, her expression absent as she once more searches her memory banks*
Prowl: *concerned look for Nightwish*
Ironhide: *quietly* Scourge came ta talk ta Nightwish.
X-Brawn: .... *raised brow ridge*
Prowl: *frown*
Ironhide: He congratulated her on gettin' past our guard, and said that Megatron was proud ta have her workin' for him.
X-Brawn: ....
Ironhide: Now, we'd have to be really stupid to believe somethin' like that. But... *troubled glance to Nightwish* She's been like that ever since.
Prowl: *concerned clicks*
Optimus: *gently* Nightwish?
Nightwish: *shakes her head and starts another memory search, her optics holding a troubled light*
Prowl: *moves to gently rub her back*
Ironhide: *quietly* So how'd Megatron know who she was?
X-Brawn: *slight frown behind his mask*
Nightwish: *looks up. Sharply* Was? Was I someone else? Someone I can't remember?
Optimus: *wince*
X-Brawn: *quietly* Yeah....
Prowl: *optics darkening slightly*
Nightwish: *stunned. Sits for a moment, and then looks to her mate*
Prowl: *quietly* There was an incident at a reactor....
Nightwish: *silent for several pump beats, then, flatly* Tell me.
Prowl: *does so, from the beginning... including the parts that only X-Brawn knew*
Nightwish: *sits very still when he's finished, her optics dim and her head bowed*
Optimus: *watches her with concern*
Prowl: *hesitant as he moves to rub Nightwish's back, is halfway expecting to be slapped away*
Nightwish: *tonelessly* Railspike.
Prowl: *quietly* Will be alright.
Nightwish: *looks at her hands as though looking for claws, her expression blank and lost*
Prowl: *softly, as he gently rubs her back* That was the past... *meaning that he's forgiven her*
Nightwish: *suddenly flailing and jumping away from him, her optics white* I still did it! I'm still guilty. And you... you were all just letting me get away with attempted murder.
Prowl: *not sure how to respond to that* *looks a bit lost with his hand still in a backrub position*
Optimus: *sternly* Nightwish, look at me.
Nightwish: *does so, her normally calmly cheerful face twisted with anger and self disgust*
Optimus: T-Ai searched your memory banks, and found no trace of the Predacon femme who tried to kill Railspike. According to Cybertron law that means that she is dead, and you're someone else. It's not something we made up. I can show you the paragraphs in the Codex.
X-Brawn: *nods* That's right.
Prowl: *soft clicks, wants to pull Nightwish in for a hug, but doesn't want to make her feel crowded*
Nightwish: *stares at Optimus, her expression disbelieving* But... but it was me!
Optimus: No. The hardware and software of that femme are irretrievably gone. What memories you have you absorbed from Prowl while your spark hid inside his shell after the reactor explosion. You aren't a murderer, Nightwish, you're a new person.
Nightwish: *small sound as she shuts her optics off* But...
Prowl: *quietly* I saw everything you remembered, Nightwish... If I had seen any hint of the Predacon femme, I would have let Optimus know immediately.
Nightwish: *shaking now slightly* Then... Who am I? What am I?
Prowl: *quietly* You're Nightwish... *moves to offer comfort*
Nightwish: *turns a shoulder toward him in the way she had as a youngling* Nightwish was a murderer.
Prowl: *gently* No. You're my Nightwish.
Nightwish: *gives him that Look that he remembers so well*
X-Brawn: *recognizes that Look, gives a soft, involuntary chuckle*
Prowl: *means what he said, and it shows clearly in his optics*
X-Brawn: *amused expression is a go. Knows how headstrong both of the younger bots can be*
Ironhide: *absent mindedly starts serenading the whole group with soft strains of 'Brown Eyed Girl'*
Optimus: *optics flicker with surprise*
X-Brawn: *mutes his vocalizer to keep from snickering*
Prowl: *blushing*
Nightwish: *stops as she hears the song Ironhide had been showing her before Scourge and Mega-Octane had shown up, then frowns and listens closely to the bouncy lyrics before glancing uncertainly at Prowl*
Ironhide: *realizes how silent the room is. Realizes what he's doing* *BLUSH and turn off the stereo* Sorry...
Prowl: *is incredibly glad Sideburn and Kriti are still out of it, since he's sure he wouldn't live this down otherwise* *finds himself suddenly shy as he offers Nightwish his hand*
Nightwish: *hesitates and glances at Optimus, then goes to Prowl and hides her face against him* *quiet and muffled* But I'm not even really your mate.
Prowl: *softly* There are enough people present to witness...
Nightwish: *intakes hitch slightly*
Ironhide: *wedding march* ... *TURN STEREO OFF* Sorry...
Optimus: *sideways look with lifted brow ridges at Ironhide*
X-Brawn: *shaking with muted laughter*
Prowl: *blushing muchly now* But if you do not wish to do so, I will respect that...
Nightwish: *just clings, as she did when young and tired* All I ever wanted was to always be with you.
Ironhide: *is going to slap W.A.R.S. the next time the red Spychanger tells him that people don't say mushy stuff in real life*
Prowl: *gentle clicks as he rubs Nightwish's back* *quietly* Nightwish, I vow to love, protect, and cherish you, upon my honor as a mech and as an Autobot, till All are One.
Nightwish: *pushes away from him slightly and looks up at him, her optics back to their proper soft blue* Prowl, I vow to love, protect, and cherish you. Upon my honor as... *hesitates and looks at the badge on her chest, then intakes deeply* ...My honor as an Autobot. Till all are one.
Optimus: *gravely, as he stands straight* It is done. These are not two, but one.
X-Brawn: I saw that. *grins behind his mask*
Ironhide: I did too. *grin*
Prowl: *faint blush* Thank you, Optimus, X-Brawn, Ironhide... *moves to gently nuzzle Nightwish's helm*
Nightwish: *face hiding again as she clings*
Ironhide: You know Sideburn's gonna have a fit when he hears about this?
Prowl: *expression serious as he holds Nightwish close* I will deal with Sideburn.
X-Brawn: Well, considerin' he 'n Kriti can't even sit up without gettin' dizzy, I'd say there's not much he c'n do 'bout it.
Ironhide: He'll get better. And you know how long his memory kin be. *amused*
Prowl: *protective of Nightwish*
X-Brawn: Well then, since Prowl's never gotten on Kriti's bad list, there's nothin' to worry 'bout! ^^
Optimus: *shakes his head at his men* Dismissed. Prowl, you and Nightwish are still off duty.
Prowl: Yes, Optimus. *relaxing ever so slightly*
T-Ai: Congratulations, Prowl and Nightwish! ^_^
Prowl: *nod* Thank you, T-Ai.
X-Brawn: *chuckles and sends Kelly a message announcing that Prowl and his girlfriend just got married*
Kelly: *gives him a dressing down for letting her miss it*
X-Brawn: *apologizes, and also shares the news that Kriti and Sideburn have finally woken up from their long sleep*
Nightwish: *peeks at X-Brawn's expression, and then looks up at Prowl* *hesitantly* Could we go see Railspike?
Prowl: *small nod, will move to escort her to the medilab*
Railspike: *optics lit, though there's no change in the quiet, steady voices of the machines he's hooked to. The old soldier is often like this lately, though he never shows any other sign of approaching wakefulness*
Prowl: *doing as he does every time he comes to visit Railspike. Updates the Bullet Train team leader on recent goings-on* *quietly* Kriti and Sideburn have woken up, Railspike... They're still too confused to leave their quarters, however...
Nightwish: *peeking, her chin firm and her optics pale as she studies Railspike's face*
Prowl: *quieter* And Nightwish and I have wordbonded. *arm around wordmate's waist*
Railspike: *quiet and rusty sounding* Finally.
Nightwish: *nearly jumps out of her armor*
Prowl: *surprised expression is a go* //Crosswise, Railspike's awake!//
Crosswise: //I know. He pinged me a few minutes ago.//
Prowl: //...Oh.// *soft 'heh'* Welcome back, Railspike...
Railspike: *slight grin* Took me long enough.
Prowl: As I've heard humans say, better late than never...
Railspike: *dryly* Try telling that to Rapid Run. I haven't heard this much comm chatter since Optimus became Prime.
Prowl: *gets on comms* //Rapid Run, settle down.//
Rapid Run: //I would LOVE to see you make me, Prowl.//
Railspike: *cuts across the impending quarrel in his usual to the point manner* //Where's Midnight?//
Rapid Run: *quieter* //He's been mopin' 'round quarters...//
Railspike: *frowns* //What for? I wasn't that bad.//
Rapid Run: //You gettin' hurt on top'a him runnin' int'a REV...//
Railspike: //'N what else?//
Rapid Run: *even quieter* //'N kickin' Ro-Tor's head off on accident.//
Railspike: *struck dumb and staring at the ceiling*
Prowl: *worried expression is a go*
Railspike: ... //Did you just say what I think you did, Run?//
Rapid Run: //The day before Kriti 'n Sideburn were found...//
Railspike: *frowns* //Shouldn't I remember that?// *then starts slightly and turns his head as Nightwish puts a hand on his arm* Hmm?
Rapid Run: *checking with Crosswise*
Prowl: *worried about Railspike*
Crosswise: //He did go through a lot of trauma, Rapid Run.//
Nightwish: How did you know I was with Prowl? I... didn't really exist till after you got hurt.
Prowl: *will gently rub Nightwish's back*
Railspike: *quirks a grin* X-Brawn showed me that old picture.
Rapid Run: *quiet sigh* //Yeah... 'M just glad the old fart's still with us.//
Railspike: *grin fades* //I heard that.//
Rapid Run: *cheekily* //I wanted ya to.//
Railspike: //Don't act out yer insecurities with me, you...//
Rapid Run: //When you're not fallin' apart at the seams anymore, I'll take ya on any time, any track.// *yup. Someone's happier now*
Railspike: *snorts* //Hey, Midnight, when're you gonna come see me?// *frowns at the silence that answers his call* //Midnight?//
Prowl: ... *and now he's worrying more* I'll go check on him.
Midnight: *very quietly* //Railspike?//
Railspike: *perks* //That's me. I'm stuck in the infirmary. Got a pretty lady checking on me, but she comes with Prowl, and you know how much fun he is.//
Nightwish: *glances at mate*
Prowl: *slightly smug, but not letting it show. Yes, he's the lucky guy with the prettiest girl on base*
Midnight: *voice squeaks* //I... I was just going to take a sleep cycle...//
Railspike: *optics blink* //Midnight, it's not even noon.//
Prowl: ... *going with his first instinct, will move to go and check on the youngest train*
Nightwish: *looks after him, her hand still on Railspike's arm* Prowl?
Railspike: *quietly* Stick around, 'Wish. I could use a little company.
Nightwish: *looks at him, frowning*
Prowl: I'm going to check on Midnight Express... I'll be right back.
Nightwish: *sudden flicker of understanding and suspicion in her optics* Alright.
Prowl: *hurries to quarters*
Midnight Express: *door closed*
Prowl: *knocks on the door*
Midnight Express: *very silent*
Prowl: *very worried now, will try and get the door open*
Ultra Magnus: *is that burst of sparkfelt profanity over the common channel. A burst that started in mid word*
Prowl: *startled*
Ultra Magnus: *bellows for a medibot*
Sideburn: *awake! And then he's cursing soundly, and using words that Kriti herself prefers*
Nightwish: //Sideburn??//
Ultra Magnus: //NOW, FRAGGIT!//
Sideburn: *to Ultra Magnus* //I'd come if I wasn't *$%$# dizzy and could tell which set of arms and legs are mine and which are Kriti's!//
Sharpshot: *sharply* //Coordinates, Ultra Magnus. Now!//
Ultra Magnus: //I'm in the slagging infirmary!//
Sharpshot: *hurrying to the infirmary*
Railspike: *will be the first thing Sharpshot may notice. The old train-bot is up on one elbow and staring toward where Ultra Magnus is huddled protectively over something a short distance away*
Nightwish: *trying to get Railspike to lay back down even as she shoots worried glances toward Ultra Magnus*
Sharpshot: *quick nod to Railspike and Nightwish as Showtime hops down from his shoulder, beeline for Ultra Magnus*
Ultra Magnus: *has his back turned to the door, and there's a steady stream of low-voiced and shocked cursing coming from him*
Sharpshot: *in 'combat mode'* *tersely* Situation report.
Ultra Magnus: *growl* Watch your tone! You scared him.
Sharpshot: Scared... him? *puzzled now*
Ultra Magnus: *turns, his optics pure white as he shields the tiny red and blue bot in his arms*
Sharpshot: .... *startled obscenity over comms*
Grimlock: //Nice. Who's that for?//
Sharpshot: //Optimus got shrunk!//
Grimlock: //Whaaat?//
Prowl: //...Ultra Magnus, where were you and Optimus before you arrived in the infirmary?// *strongly suspects a LOL*
Ultra Magnus: *protecting his defenseless brother* //We went to that slagging Nexus to get cookies for Railspike and Midnight Express.//
Prowl: //...Could you databurst me an image of Optimus?// *has the beginnings of a plan*
Ultra Magnus: *growls and curses some more, but sends an image of the big-eyed tiny bot*
Optimus: *is meanwhile watching everything with great curiosity and wonder*
Prowl: *thanks Ultra Magnus. Thinks to himself that Optimus does look cute... before he's sending the image to Midnight Express*
Showtime: *moves to click to Optimus*
Sharpshot: *wearing a brain-broken expression*
Midnight Express: *terrified babbling about Nightwish*
Prowl: *gently* //The Predacon femme responsible for hurting Railspike is dead, Midnight Express. Nightwish is someone new.//
Midnight Express: *frightened whimper*
Railspike: *concern on his face as he puts a protective arm around Nightwish* //She's just a little thing, Midnight. With big blue optics.// *looks at the femme* *gently* //And you just made her cry.//
Midnight Express: *and now he's crying. Prowl will be able to hear him*
Prowl: *gently and soothingly* //Everything will be alright, Midnight Express.//
Ultra Magnus: Will somebody fragging do something?
Showtime: *gives Ultra Magnus a slightly stern Look* Well, our resident Nexus experts are currently working through their bonding funk, so we're not exactly sure what to do.
Ultra Magnus: *optics go even whiter*
Optimus: *wriggles and squirms till he can turn to look right at Showtime, his tiny hands on his brother's arm*
Showtime: In the meantime, settle down, or you'll scare Optimus more than Sharpshot did... *attention going back to the little mech, and then she's offering him a cookie and clicking softly*
Optimus: Ooooo! *grabs the goodie with both hands, then stares at it happily*
Ultra Magnus: We can't just leave him like this!
Showtime: *calmly, as she gently smooths Optimus' helm* We won't, but we need to know what caused this, and what to do to reverse it.
Optimus: *squeaks and wriggles in a way that asks for Showtime to take him*
Ultra Magnus: *tightens grip on the little bot*
Optimus: *protest, frown, squirrrm*
Showtime: *voice taking on maternal tones as she clicks* It's alright, Ultra Magnus... He's curious, that's all...
Ultra Magnus: *intakes deeply, and then reluctantly offers her the wriggling bitty*
Railspike: *just watching all this and transmitting it to his youngest teammate*
Showtime: *showing the same care and gentleness that she did when Kriti and Stardust were young and helpless* *soft humming as she holds Optimus*
Optimus: *snuggles, but then holds the cookie up to show it to her*
Showtime: *soft chuckle* Yes, that's yours...
Optimus: *little squeak, and holds it up again*
Midnight Express: *trembling as Prowl pushes him into the room*
Showtime: *gentle clicks and then her attention is going to Midnight Express*
Optimus: *excited squeaking! Holds the cookie up toward the tall bot*
Ultra Magnus: *stares at his brother* You do remember...
Midnight Express: *is focused on Nightwish and Railspike and doesn't notice the offering*
Showtime: *soft sound, will move to bring Optimus over to Midnight Express*
Railspike: *tired, but wearing that slight grin* He's talkin' to you, Midnight. *nods toward the tiny being*
Midnight Express: *blinks, and looks. Then gasps and drops to his knees* Oh, Optimus. Oh dear, this is terrible...
Ultra Magnus: Take the cookie, stupid.
Midnight Express: 0_0
Showtime: *to Ultra Magnus* Be nice.
Sharpshot: *amused to hear someone else being scolded for once*
Prowl: *moving to put his arm around Nightwish's waist again, is a bit flabbergasted at Optimus' change in appearance*
Optimus: *peeking at brother, but then squeaks some more and once more offers cookie!*
Midnight Express: *hesitantly, as he takes it* Thank you, Optimus. This smells quite lovely.
Optimus: *such a happy tiny bot!*
Ultra Magnus: *is a sound of grinding dentae*
Showtime: *shoots Ultra Magnus a warning Look that all but screams "Don't you DARE."*
Sharpshot: *very quietly* Midnight Express needs to know that nobody is blaming him for what happened.
Ultra Magnus: *doesn't hear them, is focused on his brother with a strange look on his face. Then growls abruptly and leaves the room*
Optimus: ... *squeak?*
Showtime: //Ultra Magnus, where are you going?//
Ultra Magnus: *no reply*
Nightwish: *looks up at Prowl*
Railspike: Let him be. He won't go far.
Showtime: *concerned* Alright... *will offer Optimus to Midnight Express*
Prowl: *slight frown* *to Railspike* You're sure he won't?
Railspike: *quietly, as both Optimus and Midnight Express hide from the proposed visit* He's worried sick about Optimus. Just give him some time ta try and work through it a little.
Showtime: *soothing clicks, will tuck Optimus into the crook of her arm and gently patpat Midnight Express' leg*
Prowl: Ah...
Railspike: *and then he's frowning and looking over to where Optimus is holding up bitty hands to Showtime and squeaking hopefully* So the Matrix got shrunk too?
Showtime: Where's a scanner so I can check?
Railspike: ... I have no idea.
Showtime: *small frown* Well... We can wait till Crosswise is awake to find out, can't we? *will gently rock Optimus*
Optimus: *squeaks a little more insistently*
Nightwish: *uncertainly* Where does he wear it?
Showtime: ... *puzzled look* I have no idea... *will gently patpat Optimus' back*
Railspike: In his chest, by his spark. *wonders what Optimus wants so badly*
Showtime: *going to try bringing Optimus over to Railspike and see if that helps*
Optimus: *tiny hands now patting at Showtime as he starts to manifest signs of being upset*
Showtime: *okay, that didn't work...* *considers something* Does anyone have a drinking tube?
Prowl: *suddenly lifts his head* Wait. Ultra Magnus said they were going to get cookies for Midnight Express and Railspike.
Midnight Express: *uncertainly* And now I have a cookie...
Showtime: ...
Sharpshot: *getting a cookie out of his stash and then he's moving to give it to Optimus*
Optimus: *seizes on the goodie! All the upset vanished as he squeaks up a storm and looks toward Railspike*
Showtime: *chuckles and moves to bring Optimus closer to Railspike*
Optimus: *holds out cookie! So much squeaking!*
Railspike: *bit of a grin as he very carefully takes the treat* Thanks, Optimus.
Optimus: *hands in the air, Gleeeeeeeeeeeeee!*
Sharpshot: *going to see if Optimus wants a goodie as well, has a small smile on his face*
Optimus: *squeaks to the cookie, then hugs it absently and rubs his face on it wearily*
Showtime: *gentle clicks, will send Sharpshot to grab a blanket*
Nightwish: *has wandered away from Prowl and climbed up to look at the things on the counter* Found it.
Showtime: *looks up from fussing over Optimus* Oh, good.
Nightwish: *jumps down with the scanner in her hand and comes over to the smaller femme*
Showtime: *gentle sway as she brings Optimus over*
Nightwish: *turns on the scanner and runs it over the tiny mech, then looks at the screen before running it over her own chest. Looks again and then tries it on Showtime* I don't think he's got anything in there but his regular systems.
Showtime: ... *small frown*
Prowl: ... *putting a few things together in his processor, optics flash as he reaches a conclusion*
Railspike: Prowl? What is it?
Prowl: When Ultra Magnus attacked Optimus while he was LOL'd, he said something... *going to try and find Ultra Magnus and question him now*
Ultra Magnus: *in the control room, his hands on the console as he stares blankly at the screens*
Prowl: Ultra Magnus, I have a question for you.
Ultra Magnus: *absently* So? Ask it.
Prowl: *optics watching the mech for any sign of dishonesty* Do you have the Matrix?
Ultra Magnus: *scowls at him puzzledly* *bitterly* No. It chose Optimus.
Prowl: *sends a message to Nightwish, asking her to bring the scanner to the control room* *simply* Well, he doesn't have it right now.
Ultra Magnus: *scowl changes to alarm* What?
Prowl: *will explain what was found*
Ultra Magnus: *curses and looks around distractedly, wondering what could have happened to the artifact and how he'll ever wind up taking his rightful place if it's gone*
Prowl: It may be possible that it transferred to you when Optimus was changed...
Ultra Magnus: *stares at him, and then looks angry again* It abandoned him?
Nightwish: *comes in then, followed by a curious and frowning Grimlock, who'd come back for a couple cans of energon for the crew*
Prowl: It may be with someone who can safeguard it while Optimus is LOL'd.
Ultra Magnus: *scowls as he considers this, and then bemusedly considers the fact that he's not even really interested in the Matrix right now*
Nightwish: *offers Prowl the scanner*
Grimlock: *leans against the wall and watches*
Prowl: *thanks Nightwish, will scan Ultra Magnus*
scanner: *beeps excitedly about the energy levels it's picking up, and shows an image*
Prowl: *checks the image*
Matrix: *yup*
Prowl: *blink. Blink. Will show Ultra Magnus the image*
Ultra Magnus: *looks at the scanner screen, his face expressionless*
Prowl: It seems my guess was right...
Ultra Magnus: *continues expressionless as he realizes that he has no interest in bearing the artifact or the responsibility it entails*
Grimlock: Magnus Prime?
Ultra Magnus: *whirls on the old mech, his face suddenly cold with fury* Shut your stupid vox, you old rust bucket!
Prowl: .... *raised brow ridge*
Grimlock: *hands up defensively* Sheesh. What a hotheaded blowhard. *snorts, then turns and goes to get the energon*
Prowl: *glances to Nightwish*
Nightwish: *looks back quizzically. All she knows of Ultra Magnus is yelling and cursing at people, so this seems normal to her*
Prowl: *attention back on Ultra Magnus* Then we need to work on finding a way to return Optimus to normal. *has a hunch as to why Ultra Magnus is acting so out of character*
Ultra Magnus: *optics flash and then narrow* That's what I said!
Prowl: *not fazed* It may take a little while, if you don't want to wait for Eclipse to get to the point...
Ultra Magnus: *white opticked stink eye*
Prowl: *sooo not affected* *attention going to the hallway as Showtime brings Optimus in*
Showtime: *softly* Railspike's sleeping, and Midnight Express is sitting by him... *will offer Optimus to his brother*
Ultra Magnus: *takes the tiny sleeper and holds him close, then growls and paces*
Prowl: *going to be just a bit ornery and wait to be dismissed*
Ultra Magnus: *nearly runs into the smaller mech, but stops and scowls down at him* You're in my way.
Prowl: *simply* Are we dismissed?
Ultra Magnus: *actually steps back, but then nods tersely as his scowl blackens* *this done, he turns away and stares absently at Showtime*
Showtime: *gently, as Prowl moves to guide Nightwish away* If you need any help, just ask.
Ultra Magnus: *waits till the others are gone and then tips his head back with a frustrated expression* That $#@$#@ LOL isn't fully gone.
Showtime: *puzzled expression is a go* What do you mean?
Ultra Magnus: *embarrassed and angry. Voice low* I want chocolate.
Showtime: ... *soft 'heh', will get some choccy out of her subspace* That, I can help with. *will offer some of her candy stash to the soldier*
Magnus: *stares down at the little squares, then lifts his optics to Showtime's face. Totally nonplussed*
Showtime: The cobalt blue ones are bittersweet choccy with strawbaby cream filling.
Magnus: *brow ridges lift* Is that anything like strawberry creme?
Showtime: According to Eclipse, it is.
Ultra Magnus: *frowns at it, but then takes a square and tastes it* *sigh*
Showtime: *offers Ultra Magnus a white square*
Ultra Magnus: ...You're tempting me to eat all of it.
Showtime: I can get more.
Ultra Magnus: *hesitates, and then lowers his hand to her level and tips it over palm up in silent request of all the sweets she's willing to give*
Showtime: *gives him several squares of both varieties of choccy*
Ultra Magnus: *gruff thanks, and then turns away to blankly watch the screens again as he absently munches and holds his brother*
Showtime: *as she turns to go* I can get you in contact with my supplier... *heads off to check on Kriti and Sideburn*
Ultra Magnus: *absent sound, is glad to be left alone in the silence of the control room*
((co-written with random_xtras))