mbv, Rachel's Attic, Locked up...

[dens_extra_pups]

Lyra: *Deedling from where she's gotten herself stuck in the wall again*

Bubba: *running at the wall, completely misses the 'door', bounces off the wall harmlessly*

Rachel:  *hears the clunk as she comes home from classes*  Bubba, come here.  *drops bag and hunkers down to hold out arms to the scatterbrained little drone*

Bubba: *Gleeskitterskiter, bumps into Rachel's bag, doesn't care, his person is home!*

Rachel:  *picks him up and wipes off some dust bunnies, then grins at Fred as he climbs up her back to sit on her shoulder*

Sarah: *happy to be home, school is a scary place!*

Rachel:  *croons and clicks, then looks around*  Lyra?  Moofy?

Moofy: *beeps and peeks up from the other side of the futon*

Lyra: *Beeping from the wall*

Rachel:  Oh boy.  *stands and looks toward Jack's room, which he's moved to lately, and sees that Greg and Simon are asleep.  Gently sets down drones to stand and try to move the futon on her own*

Sarah: *clicks and moves to help Rachel, though she gets momentarily distracted by Bubba running into the trashcan in his excitement*

Rachel:  *groaning slightly as the effort puts stress on damaged cables, but then gets up on the futon after it's moved and reaches into the hole where the plug in used to be*

Fred:  *goes to beep at Jack.  Can't quite understand why Jack isn't moving the futon like he usually does*

Jack: *moving to sit up better so he can see what's going on*

Fluffy:  *sitting up too and rubbing his head as he realizes he's all alone in his processor*

Lyra: *knows what the sounds of the futon being moved means, wiggles until she can get a foot close enough to be grabbed*

Rachel:  *grabs and gently pulls her out*  I wish I knew what's so appealing about that hole.  *gently dusts her off and rolls over on the futon to cuddle her a bit*

Lyra: *Snuggles and plays a cheery tune* ^^

Moofy: *beetles over to where Fred, Fluffy, and Jack are, quietly beeping*

Fluffy:  *perfect Merlin voice*  Oh dear, Skylar isn't nice.  *is master of cut and paste, yes*

Fred:  *baps him and lays down to reach a hand down to Moofy*

Moofy: *Glad for the hand up, happy chirrup*

Jack: *small frown of concern, reaches to gently touch the newest drone shell*

Fluffy:  *looks up at Jack.  Movie star voice*  Nobody's home, sir.

Jack: *Cycling air, knows he's probably going to get told off for pushing himself too soon, but fires up his scanners, looking for a specific spark signature*

Rachel:  *hears him and sits up, still cuddling Lyra*  Jack?  Are you alright?

Jack: *still scanning and trying to find Brawn's spark, before his systems all but scream in protest of being stressed again so soon, and he slumps* Rachel... s-something's not right....

Rachel:  *sets Lyra on her shoulder and quickly gets up to go to him*  What is it?  *scanning him as she comes into the room, checking for damage*

Jack: *cycling air, and showing system strain* Fluffy's alone in his processor... Brawn...

Rachel:  Shhhhh.  *frowns*  You used your scanners, didn't you?  *working quickly to ease the strain, will focus on the thing she knows how to fix first*

Fred:  *watching worriedly*

Fluffy:  *crawls under Jack's bed in his usual anti social manner*

Moofy: *quiet beeps, gently nudges Rachel's arm when he's sure he won't hurt anything, inquisitive chirp*

Jack: *quietly* I'm worried... what if something happened to Brawn?

Rachel:  *gentle and brisk*  He's dead, Jack.  I don't think much else can happen to him.

Jack: I know... but still... he's our friend...

Rachel:  *applies a sedation tab and gently rubs his shoulder as she waits for it to take effect*  And he knows how to take care of himself.

Jack: *small nod as he relaxes and his systems start to power down for a sleep cycle*

Moofy: *quiet, inquisitive chirp. Does Rachel have the missing friend's spark signature?*

Rachel:  *gently tucks the blankets around Jack, making sure not to lose any tools or parts for Brawn's new body.  Then she gently picks up Moofy and hugs him, knowing that he won't be able to find Brawn.  Scans the whole apartment and frowns slightly*  Brawn, if you can hear me, you better not get in trouble.

Across town

Brawn:  *hesitantly brushes against Patrick*

Patrick: *Jumps and turns around quickly, expecting there to be someone standing there* ....

Brawn:  -Optimus?  Can you hear me?-  *very gentle static on Patrick's circuits*

Patrick: *Small nod* *quietly* We can't talk here... can you follow me to my office?

Brawn:  -Actually, if it's alright can I sit in your shell?  Bein' out on my own's a little weird.-

Patrick: *slight brow raise, before he nods*

Brawn:  *there's a sudden awareness for Patrick that he's not alone, and he'll be able to feel Brawn's determination to not leave his teammates despite having crossed the veil*

Patrick: *pretending to busy himself with organizing the books from the book cart* -Brawn... what's going on?-

Brawn:  -I've been at Wheeljack and Ratchet's place since just before Swoop came online.  But I thought I'd better report in and let you know I'm here.-

Patrick: *small chuckle* -I figured something was up... Fluffy's usually very anti-social... but I'm glad someone's keeping an eye on those two... though I wish Wheeljack would propose already...-

Brawn:  -He did.  Ratchet just hasn't answered yet.-

Patrick: *nods a bit as he puts more books away* -If I know Ratchet as well as I hope I do... she's weighing the risks... I just hope that she realizes just how much she means to Wheeljack...-

Brawn:  *quietly, feeling serious*  -From what I saw when I was with her after she brought Sludge and Grimlock online, I think she does.-

Patrick: *moving the cart now, nods again* -If she feels that it's too risky.... 'Jack is a reasonable mech... He was one of the three witnesses to Elita's and my word-bonding...-

Brawn:  -Wasn't Ratchet there too?-

Patrick: *going over the memory files, nods* -Yes... and if I recall right, Jazz and Prowl were there as well...-

Brawn:  *trying to recall, but no longer has his files, only his spark memory*  -And Ironfist.  Wonder what happened to her?  She used to be pretty sweet on Prowl.-

Patrick: *soft, sad chuckle* -She was stationed on another ship... one that we lost contact with shortly after leaving home...-

Brawn:  *sad*  -Maybe she'll turn up yet.  Moonshadow can't be the only one from the other ships that made it.-

Patrick: -I hope she does... I'd be estatic to see Silverbolt and her team again... Even if Slingshot has a problem with authority...-

Brawn:  *thinks something very uncomplimentary about the Prime's creation, forgetting that Patrick will be able to hear him*

Patrick: *trying not to laugh* -Brawn.-

Brawn:  *embarrassed*

Patrick: -In all seriousness...what brings you here today?-

Brawn:  -Like I said.  I thought I'd better report in, since I'm here.-  *and he also wanted to touch base with the people he's known and loved for so many vorns*

Patrick: *small nod, slight mischevious grin* -Perceptor's teaching in a classroom not far from here... Have you paid him a visit yet?-

Brawn:  -Not yet.  And I guess I should go say hi to Red, too.-

Patrick: *totally innocent* -Visit Perceptor first... oh, and Starscream's a part of the team, so be civil if you see him.-

Brawn:  -Yessir, Optimus.-  *feeling of a salute*

Patrick: -After you've talked to Perceptor and Red Alert, I think it would be a good idea to return to your post... Wheeljack is probably worried about you.-

Brawn:  -Wheeljack, worried?-  *doesn't believe him, but is moving toward the edge of Patrick's shell*

Patrick: -He's taken to worrying about everyone lately... Just make sure he knows you were alright the entire time you were gone from the attic, and he'll relax.-

Brawn:  -Hmmm.  Will you com him and let him know?-  *concerned now for his friend*

Patrick: -I will. Oh, Brawn?-

Brawn:  *pauses, just his hand on Patrick now*  -Yessir?-

Patrick: -Try to keep from making Perceptor overheat... He's still a bit high-strung...-

Brawn:  -Yes, sir!-  *goes Perceptor seeking*

Patrick: *small chuckle before he gets back to work organizing the books on the shelves*

Elsewhere...

Merlin: *writing a long formula on the chalkboard and explaining it as he goes along*

Brawn:  *watches for a few moments, and then blinks as he realizes that a small dark-haired boy is looking puzzledly in his direction.  Concentrates on being invisible, but winds up putting out enough static to make nearby humans feel prickles, and Merlin to feel the faint jangling in his circuits*

Sean:  Professor Percia?

Merlin: *slightly tensed, turns to look at Sean* Y-yes?

Sean:  Is there someone standing just outside the door, sir?  I think I see a reflection.

Merlin: *Slight frown, trying to ignore the jangling in his circuits, glances out the door and sees nobody* ... I don't believe so....

Sean:  *frowning and looking scared as he slips out of his seat and goes to look more closely at the glass on the door*

Brawn:  *moves away, but then whirls and stares at the boy*

Merlin: *taking deep breaths* *quietly* C-class... is dismissed... t-tomorrow, expect a quiz...

Sean:  *sidestepping his departing classmates and still trying to find that 'reflection' again*

Mia: *turning around in the hall and hurrying back to the classroom* Sean! Some'a us 're hittin' th' library a'fore th' study group t'naght... wanna come?

Sean:  ....  *blinks and looks up at her with a distracted frown, frightened but determined*  Uh... yes'm.  But I just need to see something first.

Brawn:  *touches Merlin*  -Perceptor... that's a Decepticon!-

Merlin: *sharp intake of air as he turns his attention to erasing the chalkboard* -B...Brawn....I...I thought you...were in the Well...-

Mia: *puzzled expression, though she felt the slight static earlier as well* There ain't nobody there 'sides th' professor...

Sean:  *quietly*  But... I saw someone.  And I can feel something....  *frown deepens as he rubs his arms*  Something isn't right.

Brawn:  -Never mind that!  Perceptor, that's a Decepticon!  That little dark haired guy there!-

Merlin: -Are you absolutely certain? I don't want to cause undue panic, nor do I wish to set Chromia off...- *still cycling air quietly*

Brawn:  -I felt his spark.-  *certain*

Mia: Mebbe y' saw someone's r'flection fr'm th' outside?

Merlin: -Oh...oh dear...-

Sean:  *wipes impatiently at his eyes*  But Professor Percia said there was nobody out here.

Mia: *nods towards the windows that look out into the Commons area* Ah meant fr'm th' Commons...

Sean:  *looking and calculating trajectory, but then realizes something*  Wait... it was a robot.

Mia: *Concerned frown, places a gentle hand on Sean's forehead to check for a fever* Y'u sure 'bout tha'?

Sean:  Yes!  *ducks away from the hand and looks toward Merlin, thinking that his friends could be in danger if that was an Autobot looking in here*

Mia: *scanning and frowning, discussing the matter with Merlin over comms, before she shrugs a bit* Ah dunno, Sean... Wh't'd a robot want 'round 'ere?

Sean:  I have to go.  *troubled and upset youngster*  Good bye.  *heads for door*

Brawn:  -Don't let him get away!-

Merlin: *quietly* -He resides next to Starscream, Moonshadow, Skyfire, and myself...-

Mia: Wait! Sean! Wh't 'bout th' study group?!

Sean:  *just heads out and then starts running once he's out of sight*

Brawn:  *grim*  -I bet he won't anymore.-

Mia: *Frowning as she watches Sean go, before she heads back into the classroom and closes the door behind her* A'ight... jes' wh't's goin' on 'ere?

Brawn:  *touches Mia tentatively and startles*  -Chromia!  That's a Decepticon.-

Mia: *Slight flinch* Slag...

Merlin: *sitting down at his desk, cycling air quietly*

Brawn:  -He's getting away!-

Mia: *small smirk* Not 'f 'Bee 'n th' Twins catch sahght'a 'im, 'e won't.

Merlin: *looks up and gives Mia a look of alarm*

Brawn:  -Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are here?  Great!-

Mia: *nods* 'n 'Bee'll keep 'em fr'm killin' th' 'Con long 'nough t' get answers fr'm 'im.

Merlin: *biting his lower lip* *quietly* I do hope it doesn't come to having to end his life...

Brawn:  *touching him now*  -But he's a 'Con....-

Mia: *soft snort* Either 'e's a runty 'Con... *eyes widen as she realizes exactly where she's going* 'r... 'e's jes a kid...

Brawn:  *jolt of surprise goes through both living bots*

Elsewhere

Sean:  *darts off the bus and books it for the house where he's staying*

Samuel: *waiting for just the right moment.... THERE! Moves to tackle Sean, while Seamus comes from a different direction*

Sean:  *gasp of surprise and twists, aiming for his attacker's eyes*

Samuel: *twists to avoid getting his eyes injured* Why you little...

Sean:  *grim expression on his thin young face as he brings his knee up hard*

Samuel: *wince, cuss*

Seamus: oh you didn't... *quick glance around to make sure nobody's around to see him transform*

Bumblebee: *comes charging out of the bushes, grumbling about getting sticks in her joints*

Sean:  *eyes go enormous as he sees the transformed Autobot*  No!  *squirms and then transforms himself, becoming a very thin and frail looking green and yellow Seekerling*

Sideswipe: Make it easy on yourself, Decepticon. Surrender now, and we won't have to hurt you... *boggles as he gets a good look at the Seekerling*

Bumblebee: ... *cuss* That *$^#*^@$#%^&% is using sparklets to do his dirty work now?!

Sundog:  *crouches, panting air through his intakes, then whirls to see where the enemy who grabbed him is*

Samuel: *still curled up in pain, and muttering decidedly impolite words about someone*

Sundog:  *goes to launch himself into the air*

Sideswipe: Oh no you don't! *moves to tackle Sundog*

Bumblebee: *cycling air and calling Megatron all manner of unprintable names*

Sundog:  *squeaks and twists, using a judo-like move to try and use the bigger bot's momentum against him*

Sunstreaker: *moves to tackle Sundog from behind, while Sideswipe is distracting the Seekerling*

Sundog:  *ducks desperately, but he's not that strong, and he never had a real chance to really get used to his body before he had to put on the alt mode and come here.  He gets his wing caught on a bush and gets knocked off balance*

Sideswipe: *lets go, and backs up to give Sunstreaker room*

Sunstreaker: *Moves to pin Sundog so he can see the face of the Seekerling*

Sundog:  :\  *twisting desperately, his only sign of fear the tears that are running down his faceplates*

Sunstreaker: *sharp intake as he gets a good look at Sundog, recognizing features in the youngster's face. One sparkbeat, two... and then he's moving to pull the Seekerling close in a hug*

Sundog:  *frozen with surprise*  W... what...?

Sunstreaker: *quietly, even as his intakes hitch* Y-you're... you're Skywarp's...

Sundog:  ...How do you know my mother's name?

Sunstreaker: *moves to hold Sundog at arm's length, with a serious expression on his face* She was the one who guarded me the most when I was held prisoner... The other 'Cons called me her "pet".

Sundog:  *frowning up at him*

Bumblebee: *quietly* We never found out what happened to her after we escaped...

Sundog:  *looks at the femme, then back to the mech who's holding him*  You... you look like me.  Your face.  *confused little one, also remembering how Samuel had seemed somehow familiar when he'd first seen him*

Sunstreaker: *intakes hitching as he recognizes some of himself in Sundog's features as well* ... Those fraggers used my spark code... *worried* Is Skywarp alright? They didn't hurt her, did they?

Sundog:  *squirming again*  No!  I'm not an Autobot!  I'm not!  I'm a soldier of the Decepticon Empire!

Sunstreaker: *a bit sharper than he means to* I asked you a question, and I expect an answer, youngling. Is Skywarp alright?

Sundog:  *tries to pull away, crying out with pain as his cheap metal shell crumples a bit on one shoulder*

Bumblebee: *clicking and scolding Sunstreaker for scaring Sundog, moves to gently inspect the youngster's shoulder, concern clear on her face*

Sunstreaker: *loosens his hold so it's not painful, but still tricky to get out of. Also inspecting Sundog's shoulder*

Sundog:  *tries to sock Sunstreaker.  He may be little and weak, but he's indomitable*

Skylar: *drops his books and ducks behind a tree long enough to transform before he emerges, scowling at everyone gathered*

Sundog:  *looks up and gives a startled yelp*  Starscream!

Starscream: Oh great. Someone else who thinks I'm a monster. *grumbles and moves to leave*

Sundog:  Sir....  Skywarp has a message for you.

Starscream: *looks over his shoulder, a small frown on his face* And that would be?

Sundog:  You still owe her fifty six credits.  *shaking from pain and fright*

Starscream: *snerk* Well, tell her that she can come and get it, but she'd better not scare my mate.

Sundog:  She also said to tell you you're getting sloppy.  Megatron sent me to track you down after we heard what you did.

Starscream: ... so she agreed to send her sparklet to track me down? Honestly, I thought she had more sense than that.... and Megatron can kiss my skidplate. I'm not going to be a part of any faction that sanctifies murders in cold energon. *turns to go, pausing only to carefully pick up his books*

Sundog:  *quietly*  Megatron said that if I didn't prove my worth he'd smelt me.

Sunstreaker: *Growl* Over my cold, offline chasis.

Bumblebee: *Calling Megatron even more unprintable names*

Sideswipe: *looking ill*

Starscream: ... He did, did he? *brrr, did it get cold all of a sudden?*

*sudden roar of jets overhead as two harriers streak by in formation*

Sundog:  *optics go wide.  Whispers*  Mama.

Starscream: *pings Skywarp's comm using the frequency he remembers* //I'm going to offer you a choice, Skywarp. You and Thundercracker are welcome to rejoin my trine in exchange for falsifying the information you're no doubt going to give to Megatron. The other option is that I tell Optimus Prime about your sparklet, and let him decide what to do.//

Sunstreaker: *looking up and watching the harriers, looking for familiar markings*

Skywarp:  *as she and Thundercracker pass over again*  //Megatron can kiss my aft.  Give me my kid.//

Starscream: *snerks over comms* //Do you have a local mode you can use, other than vehiclular mode? I'll let Merlin and Pandita know we've got company...//

Sunstreaker: *pings Skywarp's comm* //You mean our kid.//

Skywarp:  //This is it.  We aren't runts like the Autobutts.  And no, I mean... Streaker?//

Sunstreaker: *small nod as he clicks to Sundog and gently tries to press out a dent* //In the spark, 'Warp...//

Skywarp:  *comes in low and taxies down the empty street as Thundercracker shoots upward and out of sight*

Starscream: *shakes his head and transforms*

Sundog:  *his mother is here... everything's going to be alright.  Stops fighting and stands submissively in Sunstreaker's grasp*

Bumblebee: *Frowning* We should get him to a medic... At the very least, to get those dents repaired better... *concerned*

Skywarp:  *stops near them*  //What did you slaggers do to him?//

Sunstreaker: We were told that there was a Decepticon that needed to be captured... *still checking Sundog over for any additional injuries caused by his and Sideswipe's moment of dumb*

Skylar: All I know is that I came home to this. *shrugs and bends to tie his shoelaces*

Sundog:  *looks around and resumes his alt mode as he thinks he hears someone*  *quietly*  I'm okay.  *and then his knees give out*

Sunstreaker: *Frightened squeal, fussing now!*

Sideswipe and Bumblebee: *Transforming, kthx*

Skywarp:  *twitches*  //Where's slagging Ratchet?  He's not very strong.//  *fret curse fuss*

Sean:  *unconscious, his thin face pale*

Sunstreaker: *Fussing and apologizing in Cybertronian for being an idiot and not scanning before attempting to jet-judo*

Skylar: *has his cellphone out, is calling Rachel now*

Autumn: *bapping Sunstreaker's hands away and moving to carefully lay Sean down on the ground, after ganking Seamus' jacket to use as a pillow*

Rachel:  //Rachel Smith.  Fluffy, stop that.//

Skylar: //Rachel, we've got trouble.//

Rachel:  //What kind?  Have you let the chief know?//

Skylar: //We've got a Seekerling who is in need of medical attention. And no, I haven't told the chief yet, because I'm trying to keep everyone else calm.//

Rachel:  //Seekerling!?//

Skylar: //Blame Sunstreaker.//

Rachel:  //Is he disguised?  Where are you?  Fluffy, I said stop.//

Skylar: //He's disguised. Both of his creators are here, and one of them is a Decepticon, but I think that'll change... We're near Merlin's... and Fluffy'd better be glad I'm not there. I'd turn him into a Tribble.//

Sunstreaker: *getting pestered by Seamus, finally gets fed up and transforms*

Rachel:  //And then Brawn would haunt you.  I'll be right there.  Rachel out.//

Skylar: //...Skylar out...// *Bhuh? expression*

Skywarp:  *sees his face*  //What is it?//

Rachel:  *reports to Patrick on her way over, and also lets Merlin know what's happened in his yard, so to speak*

Skylar: Something about someone haunting me if I turned one of Wheeljack's drones into a Tribble...

Autumn: *coughs to hide her snerk*

Seamus: *frowning at Skywarp* Yanno... if ol' Screamer here can fit all his mass into his local disguise, why couldn't you?

Skywarp:  *scans him*  //What's the trick?//

Skylar: Subspace for the non-essential systems.

Skywarp:  //Gimme an alt//

Skylar, Autumn, Seamus, Samuel: *all databurst different pieces of information and pictures of different humans*

Skywarp:  *goes with Samuel's human picture, and makes sure no natives are around before she dwindles down to a tall brunette in a purple jumpsuit.  A slight stumble as she gets used to the center of gravity, and then she's hurrying over to kneel by her sparklet*  *softly*  Sundog?

Samuel: *slight hitch as he takes a breath* *Quietly* You gave him part of my name...

Skywarp:  *glances away guiltily*  He's named for his power.

Samuel: *moves to kneel next to Skywarp* *quietly, so only she can hear him* I'm glad...

Skywarp:  *looks back at him, and her dark eyes say something before she masks it and looks down to gently cradle her young son*  He was too young for this.

Samuel: *small nod, concerned for the youngster that bears part of his spark code and part of his name. He'll reach to gently rub Skywarp's back, if she'll let him*

Skywarp:  *startled and puzzled look, but then returns her gaze to Sundog*

Rachel:  *pulling up by the curb and stopping the Tercel*

Skylar: *nods to Rachel and glances skyward, hoping to catch a glimpse of Thundercracker*

Samuel: *Quietly* Just how old is he?

Skywarp:  *Softly humming.  Frowns as she does a quick conversion of time units*  Three months.

Samuel: *chokes*

Skywarp:  Do you remember Beaker?

Samuel: *shudder*

Skywarp:  Well after you and the others escaped Megatron gave me to him as a lab specimen.  *quietly*  It was his idea to make Sundog.  He wanted to test some things on a young spark.

Samuel: ... *says something decidely not polite in Cybertronian about the scientist*

Skywarp:  He's dead.  *looks up and blinks as Rachel kneels across from her*  You were at the supply dump.

Rachel:  Probably.  I couldn't tell you offhand what happened there, though.  *scanning Sean*

Samuel: *quietly* There's room where Seamus and I are staying.... Autumn's staying with some of the other girls...

Skywarp:  I can't leave Thundercracker.  He's my brother.

Rachel's phone: *ringing*

Rachel:  *frowns and sticks her hip toward Seamus*  Will you get that?

Seamus: *nods and gets the phone, before smirking and putting it on speakerphone*

Javan: Yo! Rach! You won't believe what Petra, Alice 'n me found for ya! *if he were there, he'd be bouncing in place and grinning*

Rachel:  You're on speaker.  Be careful.  *bit terse*

Javan: Found ya a house.

Petra: *Grabbing Javan's phone from him* It's got a finished basement, and has three bedrooms upstairs, and one in the basement.

Rachel:  *softly as her patient whimpers*  Easy, Sean.  Your mother's here.  You're safe.  A whole house?

Petra: It's not too far from the campus, near Merlin's neighborhood.

Rachel:  What's the rent?  He'll be alright, but this really put a lot of stress on his systems.  He's going to need to take it easy till I say otherwise.

Skywarp:  *firmly*  He will.  What about the dents?

Rachel:  I'll take care of those later and somewhere else.

Petra: The rent's been taken care of, Rachel. *quieter* We're looking into who our mysterious source of rent money is...

Rachel:  *frowns as she helps Samuel pick up his son*  I just hope it's legal.

Petra: Likewise. Which is why we're looking into it.

Samuel: *Gently smoothing Sean's hair and clicking quietly*

Rachel:  Should we depend on something like that, though?  But Jack's salary might cover the rent....  *smiles as Sean gives a tired snuggle*

Skywarp:  *eyes fill as she sees the snuggle.  It's shocking to see her baby trusting someone else, but she knows that Samuel will sound familiar to the Seeklet*

Samuel: *slight wibble*

Petra: We'll keep you updated on it... Though something tells me someone close to you might know more about it....

Rachel:  *blinks and refocuses on her phone*  Someone close to me?

Petra: I can't say much here... Meet Javan and myself at *gives address* when you're able...

Rachel:  Can't you just come to my house?  I can't leave Jack and the kids for too long.

Petra: I'll see what we can do. Petra out.

Rachel:  Rachel out.  *looks at Skywarp and Samuel*  I think I may have a place for you to live.  The rent is good, and the area's nice.  But it won't be available for a few more days, so you should probably go to Samuel's place.  Oh, and let Sean's foster family know where he's going to be.

Skywarp:  I should tell the human femme now?  *looks at Samuel.  He knows about this place*

Samuel: I'll come with you...

Skywarp:  *tells him the address*

Skylar: ... that's next door.

Skywarp:  Where?  Oh, and she thinks my name is Sky Watson.

Skylar: *points to the house next to Merlin's* Pandita, Melissa, Merlin and I live in this house... *points to Merlin's house*

Sky:  Alright.  *getting to her feet, one hand still on her son*

Samuel: *getting up as well, sticking close to Sky*

Rachel:  *watches them go, and then turns to look at Skylar*

Skylar: ... what?

Rachel:  I don't suppose you've heard from Brawn lately?

Skylar: No... why?

Rachel:  *quietly as she tries to get to her feet and then winces and tries a different way*  Because he's here, somewhere.

Skylar: ... Is that what you meant about the haunted thing?

Rachel:  *nods and staggers a couple steps to the side as she stands*

Merlin's car: *pulling up nearby, but it's Mia at the wheel, with Merlin in the passenger seat, looking stunned*

Autumn: Here... lean on me. *Moves to help Rachel*

Rachel:  *smiles at the younger woman*  I'm alright.  My balance just went a little wonky as I got up.  *hand on Autumn's shoulder as she turns toward the car and walks toward it*

Mia: *shutting the car off and getting out to open the door for Merlin* Did th'y git 'im?

Rachel:  Sean's with his parents right now.  He's alright.

Mia: ... 'is parents? Th'r're more 'Cons 'ere?!

Merlin: *staring at the dashboard, and trying to breathe normally*

Rachel:  There are none here.  But Samuel's found an old flame.  And I'll let them tell you the rest of their story.  *looks down at Autumn and squeezes her shoulder*

Autumn: *Frowning at Merlin* Is he okay?

Mia: ... *wrinkles her nose a bit at the thought of Samuel having a girlfriend, shakes her head and sighs* Merlin's 'ad'a bit'a shock...

Rachel:  *leans on the edge of the window and looks in*  *gently*  Merlin?

Merlin: *looks to Rachel, looking a bit lost and forlorn*

Rachel:  *reaches in and gives his hand a gentle squeeze*  //He's only three months old, Perceptor.  He's no threat.//

Brawn:  *relieved, and then indignant*

Merlin: *Sharp intake of air* //He...he's just a child!//

Rachel:  //A baby.  And in a lousy shell that we'll have to replace, too.  Once his spark's up to the transfer.//

Merlin: *small nod* //A-are his creators present?//

Rachel:  //They are.  I can't tell the others because of patient confidentiality, but you're a fellow medical bot.//

Merlin: *Small nod, before he's moving to unbuckle and get out of the car*

Rachel:  *moves to let him out*  //I'll just say I never imagined Sunstreaker as a creator.//

Merlin: ... *blink blink*

Rachel:  //I don't know the rest of the story yet.  But somehow he and Skywarp have a three month old sparklet.//

Merlin: //...Sunstreaker... and Skywarp.... and nothing has been blown up... nor has anyone been put into mortal danger?//

Rachel:  //And no jet judo.//

Merlin: ... *shocked into silence*

tall, brawny dark-haired guy:  *walking up hesitantly, looking at everyone who's here with a searching expression*

Skylar: *glances over from where he's talking to Pandita* ?

Autumn: *frowning and tilting her head a bit*

Mia: *froowwwwn* 'n who th' heck're you?

TC:  *ignores the brunette with the accent and slowly walks over to the two dark-haired guys*  Starscream?

Skylar: *Small nod* It's Skylar...

Pandita: *politely confused expression*

TC:  *stands to attention*  Here I am.  Sky said to get down here.

Skylar: You have a native name yet?

TC:  TC Watson.

Skylar: ... What does the TC stand for? You're gonna get asked that a lot...

TC:  *slight frown*  My parents were running short on names.

Rachel:  *snerks to herself at TC's words*

Skylar: Okay then... I guess that works....

Pandita: ... *completely lost*

TC:  So what do we do now, Air Commander?

Skylar: Stay with Sky and Samuel until you can relocate in a few days... and look into enrolling in some of the college classes, if there's anything taught that catches your interest... You might want to think about securing a job as well...

TC:  *nods*  Yes, sir.

Skylar: Oh, and one more thing... Try not to draw too much attention to your daily activities... Humans aren't as backwards as initially thought... They will notice if something doesn't seem right...

TC:  Okay.  *zeros in on his sister's signature and heads that way*

Rachel:  *pats Merlin, and then looks at Pandita.  Quietly*  That was a member of Skylar's family that you haven't heard about yet, I take it?

Pandita: *small nod, still looking quite lost, mumbles something about bringing groceries in, and heads towards the house*

Rachel:  *watches him go, and then looks around*  Brawn?  You dope, you nearly scared Jack into a relapse.

Brawn:  *will share his guilt with Merlin*

Merlin: *Concerned* Is he alright, Rachel?

Rachel:  He's sleeping right now.  But I have to get back as soon as I know Sean's okay.

Brawn:  -She still hasn't accepted his proposal.-

Merlin: *small nod, for Rachel's and Brawn's benefit* I see...

Rachel:  *gives Merlin a slightly confused look*  Hmm?

Merlin: Make sure he gets adaquate rest... He's not as young as he'd like to believe himself as being...

Rachel:  *slight smile and shakes her head*  Teach your grandmother to suck eggs.

Brawn:  -...What does that mean?-

Merlin: *small chuckle* -That Rachel already knows what to do in this situation... It's a local expression.-

Brawn:  -Oh.-  *bit of a grumble*  -You need to talk to her Perceptor.  She's making poor Wheeljack wait.  And in his condition.-

Rachel:  *slight frown, and then understands*  Are you talking to Brawn?

Merlin: *slightly sheepish look before he nods*

Rachel:  Brawn, buddy, will you go home now?  Jack's pretty worried.

Brawn:  *sighs*  -She's still got that 'gentle command' thing down pat.  I'll see you later, Perceptor.  See you, Chromia.-

Merlin: -Do take care, Brawn...-

Mia: *Slight nod, is currently distracted by yelling at Seamus that he'd better not wreck the car, or she'll kick his butt!*

Brawn:  *slight pang of memory at Mia's yell, and then he's gone*

Rachel:  *rubs her arms*  What's he so jangly about?

Merlin: *Quietly* He's concerned about Jack... and your delaying of providing an answer to what he proposed...

Rachel:  *straightens and blushes*  Busybody.  *sighs and shakes her head, her expression troubled*  I want Jack to be stronger before I tell him my answer.  *because it's not what he wants to hear*

Merlin: *gives Rachel a knowing look* Because you're worried that if you accept, you could lose him, or he could lose you.

Rachel:  *glances at the others and lowers her voice*  You know the shape I'm in.

Merlin: *quietly* As does Jack.

Rachel:  You guys have already proved that you can do without me.  Jack's a different story.

Merlin: Because he wants to be where you are.

Rachel:  *very quietly*  I don't want anything to happen to him.

Merlin: *nods and switches to comms* //He feels the same way... He even put his body on the line to protect you the day we claimed the fuel dump... If that is not the mark of a mech who is willing to risk everything for the femme he loves, I cannot think of anything that is.//

Rachel:  //But like I say.  You guys can do without me.  You have other medibots.  But only Jack can build the things you need.//

Merlin: //Yet none of us with medical training are as skilled, nor as level-headed in a crisis. And none of us are willing to run the risk of having exploding kitchen appliances.//

Rachel:  //They don't explode....//

Merlin: //The toaster, the hotplate, the blender, the microwave...//

Rachel:  //Caught fire.  There was no explosion.//

Merlin: //Still.// *sighs* //If not for the fact that I haven't seen Jack anywhere near as happy as when he's spending time with you, I'd be more inclined to agree.//

Rachel:  *startles as her phone rings and presses the button to answer, forgetting that it's on speaker*

Sarah: Mama! You come home soon, yes?

Rachel:  *jumps again, but holds the phone up so that she can use the little screen to let her daughter see her face*  I'll be home soon, sweetheart.  Is something wrong?

Sarah: *Wibbling* Him Daddy making bad sounds, moving 'round in bed lots... *whimper*

Merlin: *concerned glance at Rachel*

Rachel:  *frowning worriedly*  It sounds like he's having bad dreams.  Try laying down beside him and snuggling?  I'll be there as soon as I can.  Don't be afraid, alright, sweetie?

Sarah: *nod nod, wibble as she moves to hand the phone to the closest big brother*

Rachel:  Hi, Simon.  Don't be afraid.  Jack's just having a bad dream.  But if you lay down beside him and give him a careful hug he should be alright.  I'll be back soon.  *smiles at his brightening face*  I love you.  *chuckles as he hangs up without saying good bye, then hangs up herself and switches the phone off speaker*

Merlin: *gently* Perhaps, it would be best if you were to return home...

Rachel:  I'm going.  *slipping the phone away*

Merlin: I will update you on the situation at this location...

Rachel:  Thanks, Merlin.  *turns toward her car*  Bye, guys.

Mia: *nods as she and Seamus get into an argument while Autumn tries to break it up*

Skylar: *nods to Rachel, while trying not to laugh at Seamus for doing a dumb and trying to argue with Mia*

Rachel:  *in passing*  If you guys get in trouble for being a public disturbance I'm not bailing you out.

Mia: *without missing a beat* Tha's Patrick's job.

Rachel:  I'll talk to him.  *in her car and doing up her belt*

Merlin: Do keep us updated on Jack's condition?

Rachel:  *looks toward him and nods*  I will.  *slight smile and pulls away*

Back at the house

Lyra: *running in circles and beeping franticly while Moofy clings to the screen*

Rachel:  *looks up and then hurries up the stairs*  What's wrong, Moofy?  *hears the beeping more clearly, and hears Fluffy's curse track.  Frowns and yanks the door open*  Simon?  Greg?  Sarah?  Are you alright?

Sarah: *hiding beneath a blanket* Him Daddy making worse sounds now! *whimper*

Rachel:  *goes into the bedroom and going to where her black bag is sitting to get an antidote for the sedation tab*

Bubba: *runs into a bookshelf in his haste to get Rachel's attention*

Rachel:  *and then scans Jack and gasps, grabbing tools instead as the antidote hits the floor*  //Perceptor!  Help!//

Merlin: *getting back into his car without an explanation to the others* //What happened?//

Rachel:  //Jack's going into stasis lock....//  *working to try and revive her friend and locate the cause of the problem*

Simon:  *has caught Lyra and Bubba and is now sitting on the futon and hugging them as Greg hides in the corner by him*

Sarah: *hiding against Greg and whimpering*

Fred:  *sitting by Jack and watching with big optics*

Merlin: //... *Rare cuss!* I'm on my way over now. Alert Optimus and Red Alert as well.//

Brawn:  *his jangling fades as he gets out of the house for fear that his presence will cause trouble for Jack*

Jack: *makes one last choking gasp before going still as his systems finish going into stasis lock*

Greg:  *hugging baby sister and being very quiet*

Rachel:  *scans more deeply, trying to find the cause even as she grabs her jerry rigged spark support system and remotely triggers Jack's transformation sequence*

Wheeljack: *the majority of his systems that have been under stress recently are showing signs of beginning to recover, though core systems are still strained, as is his spark*

Rachel:  *gets him hooked up to the support as she sends out a distracted SOS to her chief and Red Alert*

Merlin: *pulling up outside the house*

Patrick: //Optimus here. What's the situation?//

Russell: //Red Alert responding. Situation status?//

Rachel:  *gives a detailed and correct report, though she has no knowledge of what she's saying*

Simon:  *gets up and looks through the screen door, then pulls Moofy off it and opens it*  Uncle Merlin.  Him, Jack hurt.  Her, Rachel crying.

Merlin: *hurrying up the stairs and removing equipment from his subspace storage as he goes* How badly is Jack hurt?

Simon:  Her, Rachel crying.

Patrick: //Stay calm, Ratchet. Focus on what you know how to do.// *is ordering Red Alert to go and assist Ratchet and Perceptor, and getting an affirmative response*

Russell: //I'll be over shortly, Ratchet. Is Perceptor there yet?//

Rachel:  *totally calm but for the tears on her face*  //Acknowledged.  He's here.//

Merlin: *closing the door behind him and heading to Jack's room*

Russell: //ETA: less than three minutes. Red Alert out.//

Rachel:  //Acknowledged.//  *has Wheeljack hooked to spark support and is now working to try and get him out of the stasis lock*

Patrick: //I'll notify Bluestreak and let her know that her assistance will be needed in the morning. Optimus out.//

Merlin: *scanning Jack and biting his lip before moving to assist Rachel*

Rachel:  //Acknowledged.//  *steps aside a little to make room for Merlin, but continues to work*

Russell: *pulling up outside and tossing his helmet out of the way before he hurries up the stairs*

Simon:  *gives Russell the spook look, doesn't think he knows this guy*

Moofy: *Deedles, remembers this guy from the other day!*

Sarah: *peeking out from her blanket* Him Russell here...

Simon:  *looks at her*  Who him, Russell?

Brawn:  *touches Simon*  -It's alright.  He's a friend.  He's here to help Jack-

Rachel:  We need to get him out onto the futon so we have more room to work.  *hits head on ceiling*

Russell: And let me guess, there's barely any room to manuever him?

Merlin: *bites his lip as he bumps his head on the ceiling as well*

Rachel:  *comes out of the room and stands in the doorway of her own*  Simon, Greg, Sarah, come in here please.  Bring the drones.  *looks at Russell*  Help Merlin get him onto the futon.

Sarah: *Wibble* Him Jack be okay?

Lyra: *Fussing and beeping up a storm!*

Rachel:  Shhhh, Lyra.  Yes, Jack's going to be fine.  *reaches for them as Simon hauls Greg out and they come to her*

Sarah: *picks up Lyra and follows her siblings*

Bubba: *chirp!*

Simon: *arm around Sarah's shoulders as Rachel moves to let them all in and then gets them settled on her cot, clicking soothingly all the while*

Russell: *muted his vocalizer to keep from cussing in front of the kids, has bumped his head too*

Merlin: *supporting Wheeljack's upper half while Russell supports the mech's feet as they gently deposit him on the futon*

Rachel:  *gives her kids the rest of the energon cookie samples and asks them to stay put, then comes out herself, moving her camp chair out of the way as she comes*

Merlin: *once he and Russell have set Wheeljack down, he's transforming and switching to his special lenses*

Rachel:  *busy once more, her scanners running as she works to rouse her friend* Wait.  I found it.

Perceptor: *looks up from the system he was running diagnostics on, a hopeful look on his face*

Russell: Found what?

Rachel:  *tells them, since her holoform projector no longer works.  Gently stroking Wheeljack's head as she does* It's a crack in one of the circuit boards in his processor.  Do you still have that gadget that makes things bigger and smaller, Merlin?

Perceptor: *nods* Indeed, I do... though I never imagined it would come in useful in this sort of situation... *closes down the diagnostic program and searches his subspace, before offering a device to Rachel*

Rachel:  *takes it and sets it down, then makes sure the door to her room is closed before carefully opening Wheeljack's head and finding the damaged circuit board*

Russell: *frowning and keeping a close eye on Wheeljack's vitals*

Rachel:  *gets the board increased, and then starts to repair it.  Her hands aren't quite as steady as in the past, but they are incredibly steady considering the circumstances*

Perceptor: *quietly assisting and looking very relieved that what's caused his friend to go into stasis-lock is something repairable*

Greg:  Me, Greg, scared.  Want creators.

Simon:  Shhhhh.

Greg:  *growls*

Fred:  *baps him*

Greg:  0.o  *cries*

Fred:  *distressed*

Moofy: *deedling*

Sarah: *hiding against Greg again*

Bubba: *Chirp!*

Rachel:  Red Alert, will you go to the kids?  *doesn't look up from her work*

Russell: *nods* Anything I need to watch out for?

Rachel:  Just be calm and firm.  Greg's mostly bluster.

Russell: Alright... *clicks quietly to Rachel, before going to her room and closing the door behind him*

Rachel:  *softly, to the circuit board*  Come on, Wheeljack.  You've already shown them what you're good for.  Don't give out now.  Your kids need you.

Wheeljack: *just as still as he was earlier*

Perceptor: *clicking quietly and trying to remain calm*

Rachel:  *finally done with the crack, and then gently diminishes the board back to its proper size before reinstalling it and getting everything hooked up again*  -Primus, please let this work.-

Wheeljack: *for a moment nothing seems to be happening, but then his cooling fans kick back on, as do his engine and intakes. Other systems follow shortly, though the mech himself remains unconscious*

Rachel:  *lets out her breath, and then leans down and kisses him on the forehead*  Do that again and I'll throw out the toaster and the strawberry cream cheese.

Perceptor: *letting out the breath he was holding in a relieved sigh, before he transforms back to alt-mode*

Rachel:  *making sure Wheeljack's systems are steady, and then triggers his transformation too*

Merlin: *slight headshake* One would think that by now, one with his condition would have gone out at least thrice-over... I almost wonder if he has held on as long as he has in order to prove those who would say such things wrong...

Rachel:  *softly*  Of course he has.  *smooths her friend's hair, her expression tender*

Merlin: *as he's packing everything he got out away again* I just hope... that this is the last time he does this sort of thing...

Rachel:  *Nod*  We need him.  *sighs then and looks around*  And I finally see just how this place doesn't fit us anymore.  *even though she loves it, and it's been safe and full of happiness*

Merlin: I believe Javan and Petra mentioned a house?

Rachel:  Yes.  I asked them to look awhile ago.  *settles down on the futon, feeling exhausted*  Russell, you can let them out now.

Russell: *opens the door and steps out of the way in time to avoid getting run over by a fussing Lyra*

Lyra: *makes a beeline for Rachel and Jack*

Rachel:  *picks her up and cuddles her*  Shhh, baby.  Shhh, my beautiful girl.  It's alright.  Jack's okay.

Simon:  *steps to the door and peeks out, then withdraws*  We, kids, should stay out of way.

Sarah: *quietly* Him Jack okay now?

Simon:  Her, Rachel say him okay now.  *sits on the cot and hugs her and the silent Greg*

Fred:  *up on the futon and watching over Jack*

Moofy: *deedling and looking for Fluffy and Brawn now*

Bubba: *runs into the wall again*

Sarah: *Snuggles Simon and Greg*

Fluffy:  *is under Jack's cot over in the other room and refuses to come out*

Simon: *calls to Bubba*

Brawn:  *brushes against Russell*

Russell: *Jumps, and looks around with wide eyes*

Moofy: *Deedles to Fluffy, will go snuggle with Fred and Jack then*

Bubba: *happy chirp, makes way back to Simon* n.n

Simon:  *picks up and snugs the little brother again*

Brawn:  -Is that you, Red?-

Russell: *sharp intake of breath before he nods. He wasn't expecting this when he came to help with Jack*

Brawn:  *unhappy feeling*  -This is my fault.-

Russell: *puzzled* -I...don't understand...-

Brawn:  -I saw from Ratchet's thoughts that he had a stress attack when I left to go see if I could find Optimus.  I should have used my... well I don't have a processor now, but I can still think.-

Russell: *small frown* -He's also still recovering from creating Sarah...so it wasn't entirely your fault... and besides... you know Wheeljack's a worry-wart...-

Brawn:  -He didn't used to be.  Before the crash nothing got him down.-  *sad*

Russell: -He also wasn't expected to be alive this long...-

Brawn:  -...What?-

Russell: -He and I were creche-mates... I still remember hearing some of the medics say that if he made it to his first vorn, they'd personally take him out to meet pretty femmes...-

Brawn:  *scandalized*  -They said that around new sparks??-

Russell: -They didn't know I wasn't in sleep-mode.... but that's beside the point... Wheeljack's lived a lot longer than anyone who had access to his medical file expected him to... and I think nearly losing Ratchet brought home the fact that while we are longer-lived than most beings... we're not immortal...-

Brawn:  *settles down, but then grumbles*  -She won't tell him yes.-

Russell: -...- *facepalming*

Brawn:  -She's afraid of hurting him if she dies from the damage she picked up in the crash.-  *didn't stop to realize that Russell didn't know about that damage*

Russell: -...what damage?- *concerned for Rachel now*

Brawn:  *oops!  But in his oops he inadvertently transmits everything he knows*

Russell: *Sharp intake of breath*

Brawn:  *gonna go hide now*

Jack: *soft noise as he shifts position slightly, but does not wake*

Rachel:  *monitoring his vitals, her expression turning to a sigh and then she lays her forehead against his arm to hide her tears*  I need a repair lab.  He needs better equipment.

Russell: *quietly* What equipment do you need?

Rachel:  We don't have it here.  *sits up, wiping eyes*  He'll be alright.

Russell: *frown* But will you?

Rachel:  *turns and gives him a funny look*

Russell: I know Lisa's coming over to help tomorrow... and knowing her, she'll get Rodney, Mia, and Alex to help... but have you thought about doing something just for you? *serious man is serious*

Rachel:  *rolls her eyes and turns back to Jack*  I don't have time for that kind of thing.

Russell: *sigh* //With great risk, there's great reward... but you have to be willing to take that risk, Ratchet.// *heads for the door*

Rachel:  //Wait.  What are you talking about, Red?//

Russell: //What you were offered, by 'Jack.// *getting his helmet and getting on his scooter*

Rachel:  *blushes massively*  //Primus, does everyone know about that???//

Merlin: *clicks quietly and moves to gently smooth Jack's hair a bit*

Rachel:  Brawn, are you here?  I can feel you, you glitch.

Brawn:  *noope, no he's not.*

Merlin: *quietly, once Russell has left and can no longer be heard in the area* I do hate to sound morbid or pessimistic... but it's much more likely... especially now... that Jack will be the one to return to the Well first...

Rachel:  *pauses in her stationary quest for Brawn and looks at the scientist with a frown*

Merlin: He was never expected to reach this age, Rachel... and you know as well as I that nothing lasts forever...

Rachel:  What are you saying, Merlin?

Merlin: *looks Rachel in the eye* You only live once... so make the most of the time you have.

Rachel:  *frowns at him some more, then glances toward her sparklets before looking back at him*  Jack says you were there when he got me out of the shuttle.

Merlin: *nods* What he left out was how much of a panic he was in upon discovering that your spark had gone out.

Rachel:  *quietly*  He's kind of transmitted that to me since then.  I know he loves me, Merlin.

Merlin: How do you feel about him?

Rachel:  *silent as she straightens Jack's hair on his forehead, her expression pensive as she thinks*

Merlin: *offering gentle scritches to Moofy, who clicks and deedles quietly*

Rachel:  I don't think I could function without him anymore.

Merlin: *small nod, understanding* Do you want to, or was that question irrelevant?

Rachel:  *looks up, eyes widening slightly*  Want to function without him?

Merlin: I am merely trying to make sure that I am not assuming anything...

Rachel:  *looks back down.  Quietly and truthfully*  No.

Merlin: *small nod, reaches to gently pat Rachel's arm*

Greg:  *reviving enough to get in a snark war with Fluffy*

Simon:  *telling him to stop*

Sarah: *soft noise as she snuggles Greg's arm in her sleep*

Rachel:  *looks that way*  Greg, stop it.

Greg: *hunches down and falls silent*

Fluffy:  *razzes him*

Bubba: *Chirp!* n.n

Rachel:  *sighs and looks back at Merlin, her expression tired*

Merlin: *gently* Get some rest... and not in one of the chairs. I'm almost certain that Miss Lisa will be by in the morning with one of her casseroles....

Lyra: *quiet lullaby*

Rachel:  The cot won't fit in here with the futon.  *rubs face and then pulls her legs up and rests her forehead on them*

Merlin: *matter-of-factly* Is there no room on the futon?

Rachel:  *gives him a slight frown*

Merlin: *innocent*

Rachel:  He needs his space, and I don't want to bump into any of the wires.  Use your head, Merlin.

Merlin: *small sigh* I suppose you're right...

Rachel:  *slight smile*  You can matchmake all you want after he's better, alright?

Merlin: *small chuckle* Alright... though if Miss Lisa catches wind of this from Russell, she may attempt to drag you off to get a dress.

Rachel:  *shakes head*  I know how to distract her.

Merlin: *nods* Do call if you need any additional assistance?

Rachel:  I will.  *absent hand on the chest of Jack's ducky pyjamas*

Merlin: *small nod as he heads for the door, pausing only to glance over his shoulder once before he heads out to his car*

Rachel:  *watches him go and then fixes Jack's blankets and makes sure the rest of her family is fed before sitting on the edge of the futon to keep watch*

((Co-written with random_xtras))