mbv, The /Ark/, News of New Beginnings part 1
Rachel: *sitting on a table in the med ward, cuddling little Hopesong as the newspark looks around at the world with peaceful big blue optics and gnaws a bitty fist* Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'... *soft singing*
Destiny: *peeeeeeks into the med ward, snuck away from Autumn and Bert again, yus* *quiet click*
Rachel: *looks up at the click, then holds out a hand* Baby, what did we talk about the other day?
Destiny: *scoot scoot scoot! Will reach to gently touch Hopesong's head*
Hopesong: *looks up, fist coming away from her mouth as her tiny chin moves in a silent 'tatatata'*
Rachel: That's your new baby sister, Desti. What do you think of her?
Destiny: *quiet clicks* *to Rachel* Needs blanket and dolly.
Rachel: *soft chuckle* She has a blanket, see? It's got the same ribbons and lace on it as her dress.
Hopesong: *now trying to hold hands with Destiny*
Destiny: *blinkblink, small nod. Then she's clicking quietly to Hopesong and gently nuzzling the newspark's head*
Hopesong: *softly* Boov... *smile and gentle pat pat for Destiny's head, then tiny clicks*
Destiny: *gently loves upon Sissy, clicking quietly all the while*
Rachel: *glances at the monitors that show the vital signs for the other Protectobots and is glad to see them in the slow but steady pattern of deep stasis* *then looks down at the sparklet in her arms. Smile doesn't fade, but a tear escapes to run down her cheek*
Destiny: *soft clicks*
Rachel: *softly* I'm alright. *deep breath, and then rests her cheek against Hopesong's fuzzy little head and cries*
Destiny: *gently snuggles Mama and Hopesong*
Rachel: *tries to hold it in, but sobs shake her shoulders as she clings to the two sparklets*
Perceptor: *returning to the main part of the ward after checking on Kriti. Pauses for a moment before hurrying over* *Gently* Rachel?
Rachel: //Hopesong can't replace her daddy everywhere, Percy.// *hugs babies*
Perceptor: *Will gently rub her back* *Quietly* //I miss him as well...//
Destiny: *quietly* Is at peace, no more hurt...
Rachel: *cries harder despite herself* No... 'Aid will never hurt anymore. //But we will.//
Destiny: Was family... Hurts when family goes...
Rachel: *worried and checks quickly that she'd been using closed comms with Merlin, but then realizes that this was just her perceptive girl being perceptive* *softly* Yeah, it does, Sweetheart. First Aid was my first baby, though I only got him when he was all grown up.
Destiny: *slight frown as she works this over, before nodding* Like Kup and Hound....
Perceptor: *quietly* Indeed... *more gentle backrub for Rachel*
Rachel: *cuddles her littles and leans on her friend, then jumps as her cellphone rings* Ugh, grab that, Percy?
Perceptor: *proceeds to do so*
Col. Franklin: //Rachel, do you know where Patrick went? I've been trying to call him for the past hour.//
Perceptor: *puts the phone on speaker* My apologies, Col. Franklin, but would you be kind enough to repeat that, so Rachel will be able to hear as well?
Destiny: *clickstorm at the phone!*
Col. Franklin: *surprised* //Sure, Professor Percia. Rachel, do you know where your chief is?//
Rachel: Um... no. *sniffs and wipes eyes on her sleeve*
Destiny: *more clickstorm at the phone!*
Col. Franklin: //Do you know where Prowl is?//
Rachel: *quick comm sweep* Um... no.
Col. Franklin: //Do you know where Major Oberson is?//
Rachel: .... No.
Col. Franklin: //Then I guess you're in charge.//
Rachel: *opens mouth to contest this fact. Then blinks and closes it* Well, darn it.
Perceptor: If I may.... What is the situation that requires a figure of authority?
Col. Franklin: //There's a IGP constable headed your way with a letter for Lt. Col. Oberson, and a passenger that I'm hoping will be able to stay at the Ark for a couple months while she learns about Earth. I've just hired her to fill the role of Earth's first official contact with extra-terrestrial people, and she wants to make sure she fully understands all the languages and cultural quirks before she starts working.//
Rachel: o.0 Are you sure Earth is ready for that?
Perceptor: *already making a list of necessities*
Destiny: *wiggle wiggle, squirrrrrm, has lost interest in what the grown-ups are talking about, wants to go to the dolly box at home and get a dolly for Sissy!*
Col. Franklin: //They'll be ready for Nijika. She's small, cute, and trained to be adorable.//
Rachel: XD Did you just say 'Nijika'?
Perceptor: *looks up from his list-making*
Col. Franklin: *slowly* //I did... She tells that she's a Zamojin, though I've always understood them to be a larger people.//
Perceptor: ... *facepalm, gives Rachel a Look behind his hand*
Rachel: *laughs out loud, her sorrow momentarily forgotten* That's because she's a cybernetic Zamojin. The only one ever born. And she's also family here.
Destiny: *more wiggle, almost free!*
Col. Franklin: //...You know her. And you've adopted her?//
Rachel: I didn't adopt her. She's got a spark because of a little incident with some Quintessons a few hundred years ago.
Perceptor: *knows he can't escape the story being told at this point* *Soft sigh* One could say she is my daughter...
Col. Franklin: //Her spark has your coding?// *trying to understand this. Sounds surprised*
Perceptor: It does... *would rather not tell the story, because there are people on base who were there, who like to tease him about one of the things he was constantly manipulating...* We had been pursuing a segment of the Quintesson forces, when we happened upon a mysterious object of unknown origin at *names the coordinates of the gate*...
Rachel: You were SO playing with that fan, Percy.
Perceptor: *gives Rachel a LOOK* Thrrrpt.
Col. Franklin: *confused* //Fan?//
Perceptor: *point of no return... Will recount the story in its entirety*
Rachel: *laughing* And Skywarp was heckling from the back of the crowd, trying to get them to dunk Blurr.
Perceptor: Yes, though she was unaware at the time that he had injured himself in a way that being immersed in molten metal reversed....
Rachel: She just thought it was going to be a funny show, knowing her. Or that he'd jump out, and it would harden and slow him down enough to make him lose his mind.
Perceptor: Not only did it not harden and slow him down, it repaired a great deal of the cosmetic damage he had taken during the crash landing on the Zamojin homeworld.... *remembers the stunned look on the Seeker's face when Blurr emerged mostly intact*
Rachel: Roddy says she punched that Quintesson in the head when he said something about the doll being possessed, too. *chuckling*
Perceptor: *blink blink* I had not been aware of that...
Rachel: I guess the Quint hadn't realized they might chuck you into the metal bath too, or that Nijika's body wasn't as tough as ours.
Perceptor: *quite concerned now* Oh dear... *and now he'll go over his list and revise it*
Rachel: *realizes she's lost a Destiny and lets Autumn know, then uses the free hand to pat pat Perceptor*
Col. Franklin: //So will Nijika's coming to the Ark be a problem?//
Perceptor: *musing out loud about quarters and making sure Nijika is comfortable during her stay*
Rachel: In other words. Nope. What's the expected ETA?
Col. Franklin: *relieved* //I'm thinking somewhere around ten o'clock, your time.//
Rachel: Okay. What's the Constable driving?
Col. Franklin: //A cloaked skimmer. He'll probably call ahead for parking coordinates.//
Rachel: Gotcha. We'll be ready.
Hopesong: *bitty clicks* Boov.
Col. Franklin: //Was that a sparklet?//
Rachel: That was Hopesong. She was born this morning, and she's healthy.
Col. Franklin: *softly* //Congratulations.//
Rachel: *hitch in her voice as she remembers* Thanks.
Col. Franklin: *signs off then*
Destiny: *back with dolly for Sissy!*
Rachel: *softly* You scared Uncle Bert with all the disappearing. *gives the big sparklet a kiss on her dark hair*
Hopesong: *looooooking at dolly as she gnaws her fist*
Destiny: *clicks and gently tucks the chosen dolly in with Hopesong*
Hopesong: *soft clicky talk to the dolly*
Rachel: *smiles softly, and then looks at Perceptor*
Perceptor: *nerding and having Blaster or Teletraan check the dimensions of empty quarters*
Teletraan: Percy, chill. *laugh* You're gonna give Kia fits if you keep bouncin' 'round like that.
Perceptor: *wringing his hands a bit. Is excited, but at the same time, he's quite nervous about Nijika arriving, as it has been quite some time since they parted ways*
Rachel: *quietly* The Zamojins have been out in space for a long time since we visited. Their culture's grown up.
Perceptor: *small nod* Indeed....
Teletraan: And we gotta coooool lookin' ride sittin' on Lisa's back lawn!
Perceptor: *surprised*
Out on the lawn
burly JD constable: *helping a tiny figure out of his ship and setting her down on a spot where the snow isn't too deep* There you are, Miss.
Beau: *pauses during his run, before he's grinning and hurrying over* Uncle George!
George: *straightens from gently fussing at the stylishly furry coated little female* What... Beau? You're nearly as tall as I am!
Beau: *laughs* 'Ad a growth spurt 'round mah last birthday... *notices the little being in the pink coat* *blink blink* 'Lo th're....
Nijika: *looks up from gathering herself a big armload of snow. Has a sweet little pale face that frames two big dark eyes and a bright stone on her forehead* *sweet voice* Hello, Beau. Constable MacRily has told me some lovely stories about you. *soft chuckle*
George: *grins and chuckles*
Beau: *surprised, but will be nothing short of polite* 'S nahce t' meet y'u, miss...
Nijika: I am Nijika of Zamojin. The Sky Dancer. *her pretty smile says that she's sure Beau won't know the name or the world, and that she likes him no less because of it*
George: *quietly* Miss Nijika is going to be Ambassador to Earth.
Beau: *impressed sound* Oh! B'f're Ah f'rget... Sis 's married now...
George: *sudden sharp and surprised look that seems also to be relieved* What? Really?
Beau: *nods* 'N Ah've got a couple 'a nephews... Even 'f 'un 's th' same age 's me... *small grin*
George: Imagine that. *slow head shake*
Beau: W'ld y'all lahk t' c'me insahd?
George: *looks around* I'm supposed to report to someone named Doctor Ruteger. Is she here somewhere?
Nijika: *has made a snow maiden!*
Beau: Lemme check... *gets his cellphone out and calls Rachel*
Rachel: //Bug Merlin, Beau. I've got somebody to meet as soon as I get Prowl and Nightbird out of this closet.//
Beau: Th' Constable fr'm th' Intergalactic Police, rahght? *pause* Wait... Whah 're Nahghtbird 'n Prowl 'n a closet?
Rachel: //Yes. ...Is he here? And because the Stunties stuffed them in it, and then they decided to start their honeymoon while they were locked in.//
Beau: Yes'm... *soft snerk* Th't 'splains wah Marcia w's parked 'n front'a th't broom closet....
Rachel: *sigh* //Could you bring the Constable and the Ambassador down for me? QUINN, SO HELP ME... sorry, Beau. STOP THAT!//
Beau: Yes'm. *snickers as he hears Seamus yell something about Jet Judo in the background* *to George* Ah'll bring y'all t' Doc Ruteger... *is quite amused, yes*
George: *tapping the side of his helmet, looking for the frequency* I'm missing something good, aren't I?
Beau: Couple'a Seekers bein' derps, 'n 'un 'f th' frontlahner twins savin' Doc fr'm th' derps.... *will offer to carry Nijika*
Quinn: *comes tearing out of the barn, Seamus hot on his heels, and then he's transforming and taking off... which really doesn't do much to deter Seamus, as the man is soon scaling up the woodpile by the barn and scrambling for the roof*
Nijika: *frozen in mid-mitten clap to watch the little drama play out*
George: o.0!!
Beau: *paying the main part of the drama no mind* Th' Seeker's Quickstrahk... 'n th' derp 'n th' roof 's Seamus, aka Sahdswahp.
Seamus: *transforms, then lets out a loud war whoop and jumps onto Quickstrike's back when the Seeker tries to dive-bomb him* JET JUDO!!!!
George: ...Does this need reporting? *has never seen this kind of nonsense before*
Nijika: *squealing and laughing*
Beau: *looks up* *headshake* Naw. They's jes' play'n... *looks as Wayne comes running out to join in the drama, followed shortly thereafter by Skylar, Alicia, Susana, Sabrina, Scarlett, and Felicity. The skies are soon filled with fliers* *snerk* Looks lahk th' flahers w're gettin' cabin fevah...
Rain: *launches and transforms to root mode as soon as she's out. Slaps Quickstrike in passing, and then ducks as Windbreaker and Sunspot go past* *cussing in Seeker!*
Fireflight: *banks hard to avoid a flock of birds that got startled by Seamus*
George: *quietly* You mean this is normal? No alert?
Beau: *nod* We's considered 'n R'n'D Military base... *smile* 'N 'f th' Dahnobots w're 'eah, Swoop'd be flah'n too.... *spoke too soon, as here comes Swoop!*
Nijika: *laughing and dancing as she watches the mayhem overhead* Oh, they look happy. *ducks as a Seeker plows into the snow covered driveway* Except for him!
Whiplash: *gets back to his feet and shakes his fist at Air Raid and Slingshot, cussing them out in Seeker*
Swoop: *accidentally adds insult to injury by wiping out as she tries to get airborne and knocks Whiplash over*
Nijika: *hands over her mouth with shock as she laughs*
George: *bit of a frown* We'd better get the Ambassador inside where it's safe.
Swoop: *loving on Whiplash and checking him over for owies*
Beau: *nod* We c'ld PINpoint 'f 't'd work bettah....
George: Is the skimmer going to be safe out here?
Beau: Sh'ld be...
George: *measures the distance to the barn, having surmised that that is where they need to go* I think we can make it on foot...
Stephan: *bursts out of the barn* Sarah... Swoop! Wait for me! *transformed and in the air!*
Beau: 'Kay... *snerks as he watches Stephan*
Nijika: Swoop is here! Swoop is... ah, he cannot hear me. *soft laugh and then looks up at Beau*
George: Lead the way, son.
Beau: *nods and moves to carefully pick up Nijika. The little being puts him at ease, and he's also quite charmed by her*
Nijika: *tiny arms around the lanky teen's neck as he lifts her. She smiles at him, showing perfect little teeth, and then looks up again as a dogfight screams overhead*
George: o.0
Beau: *well used to Seeker and Aerialbot antics, will move to lead the way to the lift*
George: *follows, though he's watching how that Seeker woman is shooting the heck out of that other Seeker*
button quail: *all scoot out of sight as the people go past. And then PEEK*
Nijika: Oh, look at the the little birds! *claps her hands with delight* They're so pretty!
Beau: Th'se're mah cousin Jake's button quail... *Smile*
Nijika: *tilts her head to look at him* Pets?
George: Yup. *chuckle*
Beau: *nod, smiling* Yep. Jake raised 'em all fr'm eggs... *heading for the lift* 'N 'e's livin' wit' us now...
George: Really? Are Dixie and Matt here? *following and looking around with cheerful interest* *bonks head on the way into the lift* Oops.
Nijika: *giggling*
Beau: *soft snerk, before he's shaking his head* They's takin' care'a Jake's siblins.... 'N Gran'ma 's 'eah too....
George: *big grin* I brought that photo I promised her. This is great.
Nijika: *resting her head against Beau's shoulder as she pulls off her mittens and gently picks ice off their fur*
Beau: *will carefully push the button that corresponds to the part of the Ark that the med ward is in* Wondah wah Mr. Oberson ain't able t' meet y'all rahght now...
George: Is that your commander?
Beau: 'E's th' c'mmandah 'f th Autobots, 'n most'a th' Destrons listen t' 'im 's well, 'cept f'r Laserbeak... *chuckles*
Blaster: *over the PA* Welcome to the Ark base, Constable MacRily, Nijika.
Laserbeak: *was sitting on the lintel of the lift door. Pulls Beau's hair and then flies away as he comes out*
Nijika: *looking up toward Blaster's voice, she's startled by the raven and gives a little cry*
Beau: Th't's Laserbeak... She's mostleh 'armless... 'Less y'u're a minnow... *chuckle*
Merlin: *has come out of the med ward to greet George and Nijika*
George: Is she Cybertronian too? *watching the raven till she vanishes around a corner of the hall*
Nijika: *bit of a pout, though there's no anger in it*
Beau: Yep.
Blaster: She's one of Soundwave's... *chuckles and then he's focusing his attention elsewhere*
Merlin: *approaches* Greetings, Constable, Nijika... I hope your journey was not unpleasant...
Nijika: *head swivels* Ohhhh. I know that voice! Is it... oh, but you look so different... *little frown of uncertainty*
Merlin: *soft chuckle, and then he's transforming* It has been far too long, Nijika.... There is much that has changed since we last made contact....
Nijika: *soft squee, and then she's reaching for him, her smile wide and her eyes bright and overflowing with happy tears* Perceptor!
Beau: *will bring Nijika over to Perceptor, a bit of a puzzled expression on his face*
Perceptor: *will gently cradle Nijika in his arms, clicking softly as he does so*
Nijika: *leans against the scientist's chest, her big eyes closed and her forehead gem shining softly as she listens to his spark*
George: *watching silently, a slight smile on his face as his eyes sparkle a bit*
Perceptor: *gentle clicks for Nijika, will move to hold the med ward door open, inviting George into the room, revealing that Destiny is over in the rocking chair*
Destiny: *clicking quietly as she gently rocks Hopesong* *looks up, blink blink* ??
Beau: *soft chuckle* 'N Desti snuck 'way fr'm th' creche 'gain, looks lahk....
George: *enters and looks around. Sees that dark-haired young lady and nods to her, though he's hanging back because he knows how a ten foot tall member of another race can sometimes affect baby-holding women*
Destiny: *carefully gets out of the chair, clicking curiously all the while*
George: *sees the curiosity, and recognizes the sounds as some of the ones he's been coached with. Smiles and comes to meet the big sparklet* Hi... what's your name?
Destiny: Am Destiny.... *studying George, isn't the least bit afraid. In fact, she's acting almost exactly the way a young child who has been raised not knowing fear would act* Who you?
George: I'm Beau's Uncle George. *peeks at the baby in the bundle* Ohhhhh. So little!
Destiny: Is Hopesong-sissy. *nodnod*
George: *brightens* Your baby sister?
Destiny: *nodnod* Is baby.
Perceptor: *pings Rachel's comm*
Rachel: //Give me a mo, Merlin. I have to get these guys straightened out and check on Jack.//
Perceptor: //The ambassador and the Constable are here, Rachel...// *sounds quite amused*
Rachel: //What, do you need me to rescue you from Nijik... AH!//
Perceptor: //Goodness, no... I was merely going to mention that Miss Destiny seems quite content to show the Constable her new sister...// *slight pause* //Is something amiss?//
Rachel: //I need you to go rescue Javan! Irene's in labor. Prowl, lay down!//
Perceptor: //Oh dear...// *apologetically, to Nijika* It would appear that, for now, we must part ways...
Nijika: *looks up sadly* Is something wrong? Will I be able to help?
Perceptor: One of the expectant mothers on base just went into labor... *slight wince in response to the panicked comm call he just received from Javan* And her mate is in a state of panic...
Nijika: *eyes wide as she starts to speak*
Perceptor: *gently* It would be best if you stay with the Constable for the moment... I shall return soon. *will move to carefully transfer Nijika to Beau*
Beau: *quiet, gentle clicks* Ev'ryth'n'll be alrahght...
Nijika: *sits in the teen's arms and watches Perceptor with worry on her small face*
George: *glancing over from where he's talking babies- real and fabric- with Destiny*
Perceptor: *goes to grab a sparklet shell, before he's hurrying out the door and over to Javan and Irene's quarters*
Destiny: *quietly* Baby for Jazz and Ironfist now... *small nod*
George: *concern* He looks worried.
Nijika: *looking up to Beau, a bit of disappointment mixed with sadness on her face*
Beau: *quietly* Ahrnfist 's been through lotta bad stuff since she got 'ere....
Destiny: *quietly, as she nods* Bad place took and hurt...
Nijika: *shivers slightly* That's what I'm here to prevent. Someday more humans will understand people who are different from them.
George: *gentle big hand on Destiny's shoulder*
Destiny: *quiet clicks, attention going to Nijika* *blink blink, small smile*
Beau: *small nod* We sh'ld wait f'r Doc Ruteger t' get wh't she's takin' care'a done....
Rachel: *calls down the hall* Someone want to come help me get this derp back in bed?
Beau: ... *SNERK* 'R we c'n go 'n 'elp 'er...
Destiny: *scoots down the hall!*
Rachel: *looks* Desti, sweetheart, put Hope with Daddy? George and Beau... *gets pushed aside by groggy Prowl and rolls her eyes*
Nightbird: *also groggy, is trying to get Prowl to lay back down and snuggle*
Destiny: *clicks and goes to find Daddy*
Beau: *will carefully set Nijika on the hospital table that's next to the bed, before moving to try and get Prowl to lay back down*
Prowl: *being insistant on trying to help Javan, since he can hear his brother's panic and how the other is getting smacked around* *is in no shape to be up and about*
George: *scoops the tottering Cybertronian into his arms and lays the mech down beside the black lady* The situation is in hand, sir. Better you rest here while it's taken care of.
Prowl: *groggy protest, till Nightbird grabs him and kisses him silly*
Rachel: *doesn't trust him to stay down. Will now put straps on him*
George: *surprised* Is that really necessary?
Rachel: Yup.
Beau: *amused* Prowl c'n give Sis a run f'r 'er moneh 'n th' stubborn d'partment...
Nightbird: *keeping her mate quiet by keeping him dizzy... is pretty dizzy herself, and has no intention of going anywhere*
Rachel: And Javan's getting a slight beating. :\ I called Joe to go help him and Merlin.
George: Joe?
Rachel: *soft, fond laugh* Our tough.
Beau: *nod* 'E's also Oriana's dad.
Destiny: *back, sans Hopesong, as she carefully tucked the newborn in with Daddy in his bed*
Alice: *peeks into the room, baby Maria clicking away on her back* *snerrrrk* About time....
Rachel: Lousy time. I can't get the Chief on the line, and Irene's in labor. *herding everyone out of the room*
Alice: *small frown* Can't get ahold of Emi either, I take it?
Rachel: *dryly but humorously* I have the visitors here, with me. Does it look like I found someone to outrank me?
Alice: *small frown, pesters Mia and Alex over comms, snerks at the response she gets* Well, Alex and Mia will find the Chief and Emi... *small nod, is holding onto one of the handrails for balance*
Rachel: *looks at her* Don't make me have Constable MacRily put you back to bed.
George: *looks around from where he'd been peeking through an open door at where baby Hopesong is sleeping next to an older looking man*
Alice: Thrrrpt... *will head back to the room she and Stan are currently staying in then*
Maria: *squeaky sneeze, clickstorms about it even as she and Mama go into the room*
Rachel: *shakes her head with a slight, slightly wan grin. Then goes to check on her husband and make sure that Hopesong can hear his spark well enough to imprint*
Jack: *sleeping peacefully, with a small smile on his face as he dreams*
Rachel: *smile gets a little stronger and she looks at Destiny* Are you sleepy, baby?
Destiny: *headshake, scoots to hide behind Beau*
Rachel: Do you want to go back to the creche? Isn't it snack time?
Destiny: *blink blink, scoot! Will soon be back with the creche*
Beau: *chuckles as he watches the large sparklet go* Ah th'nk y'u said th' magic words, Doc...
Autumn: *sends Rachel a message to let her know that Destiny's back with the rest of the kids*
Rachel: Well, Lisa and Melissa worked hard on those snacks. *acknowledges Autumn as she wanders back to her desk*
Beau: *more chuckle, moves to follow. He wants to ask Rachel how long she thinks it will be before Denver's due date, but at the same time, he doesn't think it would be alright for him to make it known that his sister is expecting* *To Nijika* T'day's a bit hectic, seems lahk... Usualleh, th'n's ain't so rush rush rush...
Rachel: *plunks in chair, eats Russell's crackers* I'm sorry, guys, but with the amount of work I've got right now I'm going to have to ask you to grab a bunk somewhere and wait a day or so. *apologetic look*
George: Oh. That's alright, sir. I have friends here on base.
Nijika: *silent nod, has her head on Beau's shoulder again as she prays for Javan and Irene and their baby*
Beau: *innocently* C'n Ah give 'em th' official tour, Doc?
Rachel: *eyes go from George to Beau and back* ...Are you the friend?
Beau: Me 'n Sis....
Rachel: Ahhh. Okay. Nijika?
Nijika: *soberly* I think that I would like to rest a little while.
Beau: W'ld y'u lahk s'meplace quahet t' rest?
Nijika: *looks up at him* Yes, please, Beau. I would like that. *turns back to Rachel*
Rachel: Don't worry. I'll let Merlin know where you are. *quirks a half grin*
Nijika: *relieved and looks back to Beau*
George: I'll grab your hand bag. *turns and heads out*
Beau: *calls Tracks to ask how noisy the family quarters are*
Tracks: //I'm afraid I can't tell you at the moment, Beau. I'm in California shooting a stunt scene.//
Beau: *blink blink* Oh... *a bit surprised* Alrahght...
Tracks: //Though your sister is enjoying a very delightful nap.// *fond amusement in his voice*
Beau: *small smile* Alrahght...
Tracks: //Now I'm going to make a jump, so I'd better focus. Talk to you later.//
Beau: See y'u wh'n y' get 'ome, Tracks.
Nijika: *watching his face as he talks*
Rachel: *filling out forms and eating Russ's crackers*
Beau: *ends the phone call* 'Cordin' t' mah dad, Sis 's nappin', so our place sh'ld be pretteh quahet....
Rachel: *doesn't look up* Raoul and Trevor aren't in much condition for noise either, so I'm guessing it's pretty quiet.
Beau: Will's 't school, 'n Jake's wit' th' creche... *had a staff development day at his school, otherwise, that's where he'd be right now*
Rachel: Yeah, Hattie's probably been driven to watching sitcoms. You better go save her.
Beau: *soft snerk* Talk t' y'u latah th'n, Doc... *Will move to head out of the med ward*
Rachel: See ya. Watch out for Laserbeak.
Beau: Saw 'er earliah... *chuckles and heads down the hall towards family quarters*
George: *meets him in the lift, was already coming back down* I was buzzed by the black bird lady. She's talking to the little quail.
Beau: *soft snerk* Laserbeak's s'meth'n' else... But she ain't nearleh 's nutteh 's 'er brothas...
George: Really? *looks up as a panel pops up in the lift ceiling*
Frenzy: *slips through, closes it, and then drops to the floor in his bot mode. Looks up to grin at his fellow passengers and then freezes* Saayyyyy. It's a pretty lil' dame da same size as me! :D :D
Beau: Case 'n point...
Frenzy: D: What?
Beau: *chuckle* Noth'n...
Rewind: *pings Frenzy's comm* //There are ROUND NOMS in the kitchen!!!//
Frenzy: //I know. Dere usedta be more.// *rotten chuckle over comms even as he continues to give Beau a quizzical look. The box of pilfered cereal is hugged to his chest*
Rewind: //... THRRRPT.//
Beau: *soft snerk* Ya ganked a box 'f honeh nut cheerios fr'm th' kitchen 'gain, huh?
Frenzy: I refuse ta say anythin' incriminatin'. Who's da big guy?
Beau: Th's 's mah Uncle George. *grin* Wh'n Ah w's youngah, 'e usedt' bounce me 'n 'is knee.
George: *slight rumble of a chuckle* Why don't you introduce us all around, Beau?
Beau: *nods* George, Nijika, th's 's Frenzy... *will move to crouch so Nijika and Frenzy are closer to the same level*
Nijika: *charming, slightly shy smile* Hello, Frenzy, it's nice to meet you.
Frenzy: <3_<3 Hiiii.
George: *snerk*
Beau: *thinks to himself that Frenzy is a derp, but won't say that out loud* Nijika's 'n ambassador f'r th' Zamojin people.
Frenzy: 0_0 Ambassador? Yous means some kinda big cheese?
George: She's going to be representing all of us to the general human public.
Frenzy: *ACK! Big words!* Uhhh. I think dis is my stop. *zoom!*
Nijika: *giggling* He's cute.
Beau: *laughs* 'Is brotha's cut fr'm th' same cloth, but Rumble's wahf keeps 'im mostleh 'n lahn... wh'n th' three 'f 'em ain't gettin' int' th' cheerios, froot loops, 'r aneh otha tahp 'f round food wit' a 'ole 'n th' middle....
George: ...What's the appeal of food with a hole?
Beau: Ah 'ave no ahdea.
Nijika: *more giggles, but then looks up as the lift beeps and stops at their floor*
Teletraan: Sixth floor, panties, pastries, and power tools!
George: o.0
Beau: *sigh* 'N th't's Blaster's wahf.... Same sense 'a 'umor.... *Will hold the door open for George*
Teletraan: Same great humor! Same great mind! *dirty rotten chuckle*
Beau: ... Ah ain't even gonna ask... *will lead the way to the quarters he shares with his family*
Raoul: *over on the cot at the side of the living room, makes a slight soft sound as he stirs inside his sleeping bag cocoon in response to the door opening. Doesn't wake*
Trailbreaker: *passed out in the parking space. Is rather spread eagled there on the rug*
Hattie: *conked out on the couch, the book she was reading just about to make an escape for the floor*
Dion: *snuggling with Raoul in the sleeping bag, is a bit crowded by the older boy's stuffed shark, Mutt, and Mr. Snail, but looks comfortable nonetheless*
Beau: *quietly* Th't's okay... Sis'll prolly be wakin' up soon 'nough, 'f 'er dreamin' gets interestin' 'nough t' distract Tracks... *will bring Nijika over to the recliner* Ah'll go see wh't Ah c'n fahnd 'n th' way 'f blankets...
George: *softly* Distract Tracks? *hands Nijika her bag and nods at her thanks*
Beau: *small nod, will go get the blankets and one of the beanbag chairs so George will have a place to sit*
Goldie: *peeks from her nest in the tower and then is a tiny scuffling sound as she curls up again and goes back to sleep*
Beau: *quiet clicks for Goldie, then he's heading for the hallway that leads to the bedrooms. It isn't long before he's back, beanbags and blankets in hand*
Dion: *happy clickstorm as he snuggles Raoul-bubby*
George: *hears the clickiness over there! Walks over to investigate and sees the dark-haired bitty tucked in with the older boy, who is frowning slightly in his sleep instead of waking up*
Beau: *getting the beanbag situated, will bring the blankets over to the recliner* *quietly, with a very faint hint of worry* Raoul took a tumble down a flahght'a stairs couple'a days ago.... knocked 'imself silleh...
Dion: *very quiet, curious chirr, headtilt*
George: *concerned expression* *quietly* Is it alright if I pick up the little guy? I think he's finished napping.
Beau: *softly* Sh'ld be... Dion ain't fussin' 'none.
George: *very gently unzips the orange sleeping bag, then scoops up the baby and the soft towel he seems to be attached to. Tucks little guy into the crook of his arm and tries to rezip the bag one-handed, murmuring softly to the baby as he does*
Dion: *quiet clickstorm, is curious about this big*
Beau: *moves to help rezip the bag*
George: Thanks. *attention back on the baby, and he gives the little guy a smile as he turns and walks over to the beanbag chair* Hi there.
Dion: *soft chirp and clicks* Hi. :3
George: *delighted grin* What's your name?
Dion: 'M Dion. *making with the cute!*
George: Dion, huh? Well I'm Beau's Uncle George. *eyes dancing with delight at this new little friend*
Dion: *slight headtilt as he works this over in his mind, before he's grinning* Bubby. *nod nod*
George: *brows lift slightly* Beau's your bubby?
Beau: *soft chuckle* Th't, 'r 'e's callin' y'u bubby...
George: *surprised* *blink blink* Is he your brother?
Beau: *nod* 'N Tracks, Raj, 'n Magnus' brothah, too... 'E's a Cybertronian sparklet.
George: Ahhh. *looks back down at the little one* I hear Cybertronian family is a complex system.
Beau: *nod* Yep... *small grin*
Dion: *snuggle* Bubby. *nod nod, then his attention's going to something or someone down the hall* :D Mama!
George: *straightens and looks down the hall, and then he's tucking baby back into the crook of his arm and striding to meet Denver as she comes down it. His free arm wraps around the dark-haired woman in a strong hug, which is accompanied by the soft grunt that George's hugs are often accented by*
Denver: *soft chuckle as she's pulled into a hug* 'S been awhahl, George...
George: *gentle kiss for the side of her head* Yes, and something tells me that the years have brought a lot of changes for you, Major. *lets her go and sets his free hand on her shoulder as he looks down at her with twinkling eyes and a grin*
Denver: *nods* 'N more ways th'n 'un...
George: *quizzical look*
Denver: Ah've a mate now...
George: Mate? *turns to lead her to the living room* ...Not husband?
Denver: *nod* Tracks 's 'un 'f th' Cybertronians... *quieter* 'N Ah 'm now, 's well...
George: *stops short* ...What?
Denver: *will quietly explain what lead to the surprising news*
George: *frowning as he listens, his head cocked to one side and his eyes focused on Denver's face*
Denver: *quietly* We still 'aven't figured out wh't 'xactleh 'appened, but Ah, f'r 'un, 'm grateful f'r 't... *attention on Dion as the little one clicks and squeaks at her* Dion's 'ealtheh 'n 'appeh... th't means more t' me th'n anehth'n' th't th' Nexus c'n offer.
George: *softly* But... you're different. *glances toward Beau* Is Beau changed too?
Beau: *headshake* Nope. 'M still me...
Dion: *can't keep quiet about this any more* *will point at Mama's chest* Sissy! *was being so good about it too*
Denver: *fond exasperation* *to Dion* Ah know y'u're excahted, Dion, but Sisseh's not readeh t' c'me out yet...
George: *freezes, his mouth open, for a moment. And then his head whips around and he's giving Denver a look of utter surprise*
Denver: Mah spark budded a couple'a weeks back... Ah'm due 'round th' end'a th' month...
George: *mouth opens and closes, and then he's gently taking her hand and squeezing it in heartfelt congratulations*
Denver: *quieter* 'S a girl... 'N f'r now, we's callin' 'er Rose....
George: *softly, his deep voice holding his gladness* That's a beautiful name.
Denver: *small smile* Thanks....
George: *gives her another hug, this one gentler but still very full of affection* So this means Beau won't be disappointed by what's gone on in my life.
Denver: Oh? *curious*
George: *looks around to see where she could sit*
Denver: *moves to grab one of the chairs from the kitchen table*
George: *offers her his beanbag*
Denver: *small headshake* Ah w'ldn't be able t' get back up on mah own...
Beau: *that wasn't a snerk from him... okay, yes it was. He's seen his sister's love/hate relationship with beanbag chairs*
George: Oh. *sits, settling Dion on his knee as he does and pulling the towel up around the little guy's shoulders*
Denver: *brings a chair over, will also nab a couple of cinnaSeekers and some cookies to offer to George*
George: *grins as he takes the cookies, then sets them on the coffee table and lifts his butt slightly to get at his personals pocket*
Denver: *getting situated in her chair, will break off a piece of one of her cinnaSeekers to give to Dion*
George: *has the little flat black square that is his wallet. Opens the side panel and presses buttons, then turns it over and offers it to Denver with the photo he selected visible*
Denver: *curious, will reach for the wallet*
George: *hands it to her, and there's a grin on his face as he does. The picture shows himself in full dress uniform, standing by the side of a beautiful JD woman in a civilian wedding suit of soft green*
Denver: *soft, surprised sound, and then she's grinning* C'ngratulations.
George: *grin widens as he ducks his head just slightly* Her name's Ginny. She's civvie, but her mom's in the Force and so are five of her sisters and brothers.
Denver: *offers the wallet back, still grinning*
Beau: *gone to grab a framed picture*
George: *takes the wallet and shows it to Dion* *quietly* She's not a breeder, but that's alright. The worlds need full time workers too.
Dion: *clicks quietly* Lady. :3
Denver: *leans to gently patpat George's arm*
George: *smiles at Denver, his dark eyes holding no regret* Yeah, Dion. Isn't she pretty?
Dion: *nodnod, clickclickclickclick*
Beau: *back with a large picture frame in hand, and an amused look on his face*
George: *looks up, his brows raising as he sees the size of that frame* What's that, Beau?
Denver: *facepalm*
Beau: 'S Tracks 'n Sis' weddin' pic... *will turn the picture so George can see it*
Dion: Bubby vroooom. :3
George: *at first he doesn't recognize the smiling woman standing between a Cobra and a Barracuda with one hand on the hoods of each of the beautiful cars, but then his mouth falls open* Denver... You don't have pants on.
Denver: Ah wanted t' be 'n mah fatigues, wit' a ginormous gun, but mah sisters w'ldn't let me...
George: *sideways look* Sisters?
Denver: Th' 'uns Ah've chosen 's family. Skahwarp, Stormsong, 'n Rainbird.
George: Right. Your Cybertronian family. *looks at the picture again* But why were they insisting on a human custom that you don't even like?
Denver: 'Cause th' picture went t' th' family Ah'm related t' bah prah'r circumstances....
George: Ohhhhh. Now that makes sense. *soberly* But wasn't it kind of unfair that Tracks got to wear something more comfortable? *yup, he's got a good idea about one of those cars*
Denver: *quietly* 'E w's stoned outta 'is processor 'cause 'f a bad flashback...
George: *winces* For your wedding?
Denver: *still quiet* 'E's got PTSD.... 'N 'bout 'n 'our b'f're th' picture w's taken, s'meth'n triggered th' flashback.... 'E jumped 'un 'f 'is brothahs wh'n th' mech w's trah'n t' restrain 'im t' keep 'im fr'm 'urtin' 'imself....
George: *hugs Dion close as he absently offers his wallet to Beau so that the teen can see his picture* *softly* Right. I forgot. He's a soldier too, isn't he?
Denver: *small nod* Most'a mah Cybertronian family 's...
Beau: *both brows up as he realizes what he's seeing* Y'u got 'itched, Uncle George?
Dion: Bubby's lady. :3
George: I did. That's Ginny. *slight smile for Beau, and then turns back to Denver with a nod as he cuddles Dion* Have you heard any new updates on Cybertron?
Denver: *small headshake* Sahd fr'm wh'n Nahghtbird came t' Earth aftah Megatron trahd t' kill 'er... 'N th't w's ages ago....
George: *nod* We've got some Decepticon femmes hidden away in some of our safe places. And a few of the men, too. *voice drops* But when we went to offer aid Megatron ordered his people to attack us. Some of the guys died in the assault.
Denver: ... *expression goes to one that George may very well recognize from a few other instances of someone hurting friends*
Beau: *backing up after giving George his wallet*
George: *wallet away, and then he's reaching to put a hand on Denver's shoulder* *gentle squeeze*
Denver: *and now she's wincing and putting a hand on her chest*
Dion: *Clickstorm*
George: *concerned* Denver?
Hattie: *awake now, and moving to sit up*
Denver: *quietly* Sh'ldn't 've gotten worked up.... Rose doesn't lahk 't too much...
George: *gentle rub for her shoulder* Shhh. Deep breaths. *offers her Dion*
Dion: *clickstorm as Mama reaches for him*
Hattie: *will get up* Le's git 'er t' th' couch.
George: *gives baby, and then gently scoops Denver into his arms* *quietly* Is something wrong with the baby?
Trailbreaker: *sitting up groggily* Hattie?
Denver: *headshake* She's jes' fussin' 'cause Ah got worked up.... *is cycling air slowly*
Hattie: *moves to gently pat Trailbreaker's shoulder* We's got s'me company...
George: *setting Denver and Dion on the couch and tucking a pillow under Denver's head* Ahh. Yeah. If you're due at the end of the month she's pretty big, huh? *quick and curious glance at Trailbreaker, his brows lifting just slightly as he sees the black mech put an arm around Hattie*
Trailbreaker: *groggy. Wants to hide face against Hattie for a moment as he reboots*
Hattie: *gentle backrub for Trailbreaker*
Denver: 'Er spark's growin' next t' mahn...
George: *soft smile* Awww. So you can feel her really well. *another distracted peek at Hattie and Trailbreaker*
Denver: *wryly* 'T also means th't wh'n she 'as a fit, Ah feel 't....*closes her eyes and tries to get the fussy little one to settle down*
Dion: *patpatting Mama's chest and clicking quietly*
Hattie: *a bit oblivious to the audience now, is focused entirely on Trailbreaker*
George: *low whisper* Denver?
Denver: Hm?
George: What am I seeing over there?
Trailbreaker: *just gently gave Hattie's hand a thankful squeeze and smiled up at her*
Denver: *opens one eye to look, soft chuckle* Gran'ma's fussin' over 'er boyfriend.
George: o.0 Boyfriend?
Denver: *small nod* Blame Teletraan...
George: *mouth twitches slightly as he realizes something that surprises him* Um. I never ever pictured Hattie as a cougar.
Denver: *SNERK*
Hattie: Ah ain't a cougar. Tray's older th'n Ah 'm.
Beau: *has to leave the room so he doesn't wake Raoul up with his laughing*
George: *face is DARK with the force of his blush as he hangs his head with mortification at being overheard*
Trailbreaker: ...You're not a cougar, Hattie. You're a human.
Hattie: *patpats Trailbreaker's shoulder* George thought Ah w's goin' after s'me'un younger th'n me.
Trailbreaker: Oh. Well, you're more mature, but I have more years. *finally sitting up and showing the proper colour in his visor* *then thinks about things and transforms into a near Sean Connery clone*
Hattie: *soft chuckle, more shoulder patpats*
Denver: *soft snerk when she gets a good look at Trailbreaker's alt mode* -Tracks, y'u ain't th' onleh James Bond-lookin' gent anehmore...-
Tracks: *emotes concentration* -Hmmm?-
Denver: -Trailbreakah's alt mode looks lahk 'e c'ld be Sean Connery's brothah...- *finds this quite amusing*
Tracks: *snerk* -I'm not sure how well that face fits him.-
George: *apologizing to Hattie as he continues to blush*
Denver: -Gran'ma don' seem t' mahnd much...- *soft chuckle*
Hattie: *moves to patpat George's arm, amusement dancing in her eyes*
George: *sheepish grin for Hattie, and then he's giving her a gentle hug* It's good to see you again.
Tracks: -...No, I suppose she wouldn't.-
Denver: *very soft snort, shares a memory of watching "Hunt for Red October" when it came out in theaters, and how Hattie had commented that Sean Connery was one fine-looking gentleman*
Tracks: *amusement over the bond, and then a mild meep as he catches himself and gets back into his lane for the racing scene he's doing*
Denver: -Be careful, Tracks.- *affection*
Tracks: -I will, darling. But I'd better let you go for now.- *love and see you soon*
Denver: -See y'u wh'n y'u git 'ome.- *more affection, then she's focusing on the goings on in the living room*
Hattie: 'T's been too darn long.
George: Well, I've been back to Earth a few times, but you were never around. *still holding Hattie as he looks down at her with a smile*
Hattie: *slight shrug* Ah ain't got no excuse f'r th't....
George: You were probably taking care of your family. *slight chuckle as he stoops to kiss her cheek. Then lets her go and checks on Denver and Dion*
Dion: *clicking and talking to the little spark he can hear*
Denver: *looking a bit more relaxed now that Rose has settled down*
George: *grins and moves to go back to his seat, but pauses to look at Nijika along the way*
Nijika: *curled in the big chair under the blanket she took out of her bag. Big eyes are closed, she fell asleep while praying*
Hattie: *moving to get refreshments for the guests*
George: *settles on his seat* ...Is it normal to not be able to find any of your commanders?
Denver: No.... *small frown* 'S Mr. Oberson miss'n?
George: Dr. Ruteger couldn't contact him.
Denver: ... *more frown* Th't ain't lahk 'im....
George: *worried now* Dr. Ruteger was just working in her office when we left. *glances at Beau*
Beau: *moving to head for the door* Ah'll see 'f Emi's 'round....
Javan: *over the special announcements frequency* //Steelsong's here, 'n healthy!// *sounds like he wants to cry*
Trailbreaker/Trevor: *head comes up* //How's your mate, Jazz?//
Raoul: *sitting up now and rubbing his eyes*
Javan: //Percy hadt' sedate her... But he says she's gonna be just fine....//
Trevor: //Congratulations.// *quiet, sounds a bit choked up* //She and Beachcomber's sparklet have the same birthday.//
Javan: *quietly* //Yeah....// *deep breath, is still quite shaken up from the delivery*
Raoul: *pokes himself in the ear* You need any help, man? *has forgotten that he's in no shape to be going places*
Javan: //Joe's here... But thanks, Raoul...//
Raoul: Okay. Hey, what's the sparklet's name again?
Javan: //Steelsong... We're gonna call her Stella when she's in alt-mode...//
Raoul: Awwww. We got two new songs today, huh? That's sweet.
Javan: //Yeah...// *and now there's a loud thud as it really sinks in that he's a dad*
Trevor: Oh oh...
Hattie: Wh't w's th't? *is back with snacks*
Raoul: Man, who was the doc over there with Mr. Del Sol?
Beau: Percy... Doc Ruteger 'ad t' 'old down th' fort 't th' med ward....
Raoul: *pokes ear* Professor Percia?
Perceptor: //Yes, Raoul?//
Raoul: Are you still there with Mr. Del Sol?
Perceptor: //I am, indeed... Joe just removed him from the floor...//
Raoul: Oh good. *relieved*
Perceptor: //He will be alright, Raoul... And weren't you supposed to be resting?//
Raoul: I'm still in bed! *rubs eyes again with his good hand*
George: *softly to Denver as he watches the boy on the cot* Who's that?
Denver: *proudly* Th't's Tracks 'n mah eldest son, Raoul.
George: Ohhh. *watches Raoul lay down and vanish once more into the sleeping bag* Looks like a born leader.
Hattie: *sets the plate of snacks down on the coffee table and goes to get something else from the kitchen. Will soon return with a bottle of water, which she'll offer to Raoul*
Raoul: *startles a bit, but then moves to sit up again* Oh... thanks, Abuela.
Hattie: *will gently pat his shoulder and chuckle before moving to sit next to Trevor*
Raoul: *thirsty drinking and then puts the lid back on and conks right back out*
George: *examining the snacks curiously. Human food has always been intriguingly weird to him*
snacks: *are nothing fancy, just some celery with peanut butter and raisins, and some crackers*
Trevor: *looking at Denver. Yes, he's a 'ladies first' guy*
Denver: Go ahead... Ah 'ad a snack earliah..
Dion: Nom! :3
Trevor: *offers the little guy a cracker*
Dion: *happy clickstorm! Will nom on the cracker now*
George: *chuckles and sits back, ready to catch up with his friends*
continued here