mbv, NEST HQ, The Definition of Family
Tracks: *sitting in his bed, carefully leafing through a yearbook*
Denver: *is back from the gym. Is moving a bit slower than usual, and trying to hide that fact*
Tracks: *looks up with a glad smile that turns to a frown of concern* *softly, his voice still uncertain sounding* Denver?
Denver: *small smile, moves to flop face first on the other bed* *muffled* Ahrnhahd 'n Chromia 're tough sparrin' partners.
Tracks: *pause to process, and then a nod* Yes. They are. *more concerned frowning as he sets the book aside and comes slowly over to sit by her and rub her back with one hand*
Denver: *Soft, relieved sound* *still muffled* Th't feels good....
Tracks: *smiles, and it's nearly the smile that he usually wears when interacting with her. The small but gentle one* That's good. *fingers moving very carefully, as though she were human again and he could damage her*
Denver: *lifting her head slightly and glancing at Tracks over her shoulder* 'Re Raoul 'n WakeJumpah up alreadeh?
Tracks: *concentrates on finding words, but finally settles for nodding* Breakfast.
Denver: *small smile* Ah don' th'nk Wake realahzed th't we c'ld 'ear 'im followin' aftah Raoul last nahght...
Tracks: *smiles back, then shakes head slightly* Two. *now he's got two boys who look to him, he means. He's bemused by it, but not protesting.*
Denver: *Quiet chuckle, will move so she's laying on her side* Ah dunno who's 'appiah 'bout th't... *makes a face as she tries to fight off a yawn*
Tracks: *lays down facing her, his optics searching her face as his mouth curves in that small smile that's becoming more himself with every day that passes*
Denver: *moves to snuggle against Tracks, tiredness and a bit of soreness from the sparring session with the two frontliners showing in her face and actions*
Tracks: *puts his arms around her, the upper one moving so that he can gently rub her shoulder* *very quietly, in Cybertronian* [I love you]
Denver: *arms around Tracks' waist, and then she's gently hugging him* *just as quietly* [I love you too.]
Tracks: *pulls her close and kisses her gently on the forehead, his soft purr starting up* [Thank you.]
Denver: *quiet, contented sound as she snuggles close*
Tracks: *sighs, the sound holding just a thread of discouragement*
Denver: *'hmm?'s softly*
Tracks: [Tired again.]
Denver: *snuggle* [We could both use some rest, I think...]
Tracks: *kisses her on the cheek and then nuzzles close and shutters his optics before remembering something* [Oh. Blanket....]
Denver: *slight wince as she moves to sit up so she can locate the blanket*
Tracks: *turns his head, remembering seeing one folded on the foot of this bed where the boys had left it this morning when they'd snuck back to their own room*
Denver: *has spotted that blanket, will get up and grab it*
Tracks: *lays and frowns thoughtfully as she's getting it, and then transforms* 0.o
Denver: *soft chuckle, then she's moving to unfold the blanket and cover Tracks with it before she joins him on the bed*
Tracks: *looking at his hands and then poking himself in the face and trying to peek at the hair that lays over his forehead*
Denver: *quietly* 'Ang on a moment....*getting up again, and going to retrieve something out of a couple of drawers*
Tracks: *up on his elbow to watch her*
Denver: *brings nightclothes over, as well as a hand mirror*
Tracks: *quizzical look as he sits up to hesitantly take the garments* [More....] *hasn't got the word*
Denver: [Clothes... Th'se're pajamas... Th'y're f'r sleepin' 'n...]
Tracks: *brows lift with understanding. And then he's showing how scrambled his memories still are as he moves to remove what he's wearing with no thought of human etiquette*
Denver: *Acks and turns her back, ears turning red as she blushes*
Tracks: *pauses* ...Denver?
Denver: *still blushing* Jes' lemme know wh'n y'u've changed clothes...
Tracks: [Alright.] *works at the task for a time, getting stuck in the hospital gown before he finds the ties and undoes them. But finally the soft knit pants are on and tied, and the T-shirt is... on but backward* [Alright.]
Denver: *turning back around, still blushing a bit, and feeling a bit too tired to try and explain modesty to Tracks at the moment* .... *quiet chuckle*
Tracks: [There's funny?] *headtilt, those icy blue eyes looking up at her quizzically*
Denver: *Gently, a fond look in her eyes* * Y'u've got y'ur shirt on backwards... *moves to help Tracks fix his shirt*
Tracks: *working slowly and uncertainly, but with determination in his expression* [Glad when all straight.]
Denver: *gently patpats his hand* *will offer the hand mirror now*
Tracks: *brows lift at the expression his reflection is wearing, and then he turns his head from side to side before frowning at himself severely and looking up to Denver as he wonders what she thinks of how he looks*
Denver: *quiet chuckle, will move to snuggle against him now, kthx*
Tracks: *sets the mirror aside and lays down again, his smile returning as he rests his forehead against hers* [Recharge.]
Denver: *small nod, quietly murmurs something as she closes her eyes*
Tracks: *gently strokes her hair, then fixes the blanket over them and pulls her close before falling asleep*
Nearly half an hour later....
Raoul: *bursts into the room, Tracks' cellphone in hand and an anxious look on his face*
Denver: *Awake! Or trying to be, at least*
Tracks: *sleeps on deeply*
Raoul: Tracks! Major Mac! Mr. Rogers's on the phone. *looks at the pair of adults* He wants t' talk ta Tracks.
Denver: *sitting up and muttering something quietly in Scottish... It might be something rude, it might not...* 'E's still sleepin'... *rubbing at her eyes a bit and trying to wake up enough to be coherant*
Raoul: Well... you take the call? You're his girlfriend.
Denver: *stretches and nods, reaching for the phone*
Raoul: *hands it over, still looking anxious*
Denver: *and now her voice will hold the slightest hint of a drawl as she speaks into the phone* This is Major Denver MacKenzie speaking... How may I help you?
Mr. Rogers: //Er... may I speak to John Trach, please?//
Denver: He's not available at the moment... *gestures to the desk, indicating that she wants the pad of paper and pen that are on it* I can take a message, if you'd like to leave one....
Mr. Rogers: //He's not? Is he alright? He's never missed a scheduled call before.//
Denver: *half-fibbing* He's been a bit under the weather for the past few days, but he'll be alright once his cold clears up.
Mr. Rogers: //Oh. Alright. ...Are you the lady he mentioned the other day? The one who wants to become Raoul's second guardian?//
Denver: *small smile that carries into her voice* I am. *Okay, so the smile's also because she finds it amusing whenever someone calls her a lady*
Mr. Rogers: //Oh great! Do you have time to talk a little?//
Denver: I do... *has a feeling she's going to get a talking to from either Rachel or Russell for not eating, but this is more important!*
Raoul: *sets down the massive chunk of rose scented energon plaster he brought for Tracks' breakfast, then gives the phone a wary streetkid look and bolts from the room*
Mr. Rogers: //Hey, it's nothing serious. I just want to learn a little about the woman who wants to take Raoul under her wing.//
Denver: *blinks a bit and then she's chuckling softly* Well, what would you like to know?
Mr. Rogers: //You're a Marine?//
Denver: Yessir. I've been an active member of the United States Marine Corps for the past ten years, since I graduated from high school.
Mr. Rogers: //Wow. Where are you usually posted?//
Denver: I'm usually stationed at Quantico, Virginia, unless I've been called out into the field.
Mr. Rogers: //Quantico?//
Denver: Yes. I live there when I'm not in the field or stationed elsewhere.
Mr. Rogers: //And where do you usually wind up when you're out in the field?//
Denver: That depends... Sometimes, I'm called out to search and rescue situations, and sometimes, I get called out for something as simple as talking to high school students. I generally get sent out to towns around the Quantico area, and sometimes a bit farther, depending on the situaton.
Mr. Rogers: //...So no combat?//
Denver: Not usually... Well, aside from the mandatory two weeks of training and assessments I have to go to every year.
Mr. Rogers: //Interesting. Could you tell me why you're interested in sharing custody of Raoul?//
Denver: *quietly and seriously* I know what it's like to not have a mother...
Mr. Rogers: *silent for a moment, and then* //But do you think you have what it takes to take a parental role in the life of a youngster like Raoul?// *gravely* //Do you know his history?//
Denver: *Even more seriously* Mr. Rodgers, I raised my younger brother after our mother died when he was just a year old. I know what it takes to be a parent to a young man like Raoul... *soft sigh* *quietly* I will admit... I don't know very much about his history...
Mr. Rogers: *quietly* //I'm sorry about your mother. Ask John about Raoul. It's... tragic.//
Irene: *outside* Seekers!
Denver: *attention going to the window for a moment* *to Mr. Rodgers* I will do that... Is there anything else you would like to know about me?
Mr. Rogers: //I think I can learn the rest when we meet. It must be a lousy cold to be keeping John down.//
jets: *scream low overhead*
Denver: I'm looking forward to meeting you in person. *getting up to look out the window without opening it*
phalanx of alien jets: *sweeps overhead again and then rises*
Ironfist: *transformed and aiming*
Denver: *eyes wide* Ack! I'm sorry, Mr. Rodgers, but something's come up and I've got to go for now!
WakeJumper: *trying to make a beeline for the lodge*
Bert: *pounces the youngling and holds him tight*
Raoul: *waving his arms in front of a furious Grimlock*
Denver: *Apologizes again and hangs up, intending to go and see what all the commotion is about*
WakeJumper: *frightened and fighting to get away so he can find someplace safe to hide!*
Sharpshot: *is also transformed and aiming*
jets: *circling wide*
Grimlock: *snorting fire!*
Brawn: *transforms himself, the better to hold Wakejumper. Pays no heed to what's going on in the sky, instead focusing on talking to the panicked youngling in his arms*
Pandita: *outside and telling Autumn and Bert to get the kids inside in case things turn violent*
Skylar: *running out and transforming before taking off to meet the jets and warn them that they risk being shot if they don't identify themselves*
Skywarp and Thundercracker: *flanking their wingleader*
Denver: *pinging Rachel's comm and doing her best to stick to the code as she tells the medic about the situation she's seeing outside*
jets: *make another pass without responding in any way but to fly higher*
Starscream: *broadcasts on both Decepticon and Autobot frequencies as he gives chase* //[This is Air Commander Starscream. I demand that you identify yourselves!]//
green and grey lead jet: //[Designation: Stormsong. Alpha squad requesting permission to land, Air Commander]//
Starscream: *to Skywarp and TC* //Have either of you heard of Stormsong?// *to Stormsong* //[What is your squad's intention by entering Earth's airspace?]//
Skywarp: //She's the only female Seeker I know of to have gained rank. You were there at her award ceremony, weren't you?//
Stormsong: //[To return to our true leader, and show Megatron the contempt that he deserves.]//
Starscream: //...// *Checking his memory files* //...That might've been around the time that I left....// *nearly stalls with surprise at Stormsong's words*
TC: .... *chuckle* //Oh yeah. We never mentioned the reputation you've had lately.//
Pandita: *transforming and moving to get airborn*
Starscream: //...// *sends a message to Colonel Franklin's phone, explaining the situation as he understands it: That some of the Decepticons are no longer a threat*
below: *orders being called out, soldiers going into parade rest, though their eyes are still on the newcomers as the jets circle back*
Starscream: *asks Colonel Franklin for coordinates where Stormsong's team can land safely* *To Stormsong* //[I can provide coordinates for a safe landing zone... However, there are several things which must be agreed to before I can provide those coordinates.]//
Col. Franklin: //Can they land on the driveway? We can't risk having them land on the lake.//
Stormsong: //[Yes, sir.]// *hovering now, in that way that should be impossible. The rest of her squad is spread out behind her*
Starscream: *To Franklin* //Is there enough room for them to do so?// *To Stormsong* //[First and foremost... The Autobots are not to be harmed. They are my allies, and the punishment for attacking an Autobot will be quite severe for those who choose to disobey.]//
Col. Franklin: //Can they transform to root mode and land that way, like you and the other Seekers here do?//
Starscream: *To Franklin* //I'll bring them in to land.// *To Stormsong* //[The organic creatures that you will see shortly are also to be left unharmed. They are Autobots by association.... and you and your squad will need to transform to land safely.]//
Stormsong: //[Yes, sir.]// *transmits an order to her sister and the five mechs, then transforms. It's then that the smaller figure clinging to her chest will become visible*
Thundercracker: *just fell out of the air, thanks*
Skywarp: *laughing so hard she's nearly following him*
Starscream: *nearly falls out of the air in shock, has to be caught by Skyfire*
Stormsong: //[Sir? Are we under attack?]// *sensors at the max*
Starscream: //[Negative...]// *reassuring Skyfire that he's alright, gains altitude so he can show Stormsong the way to the driveway* //[If you'll follow me... I'll take you to the landing zone.]// *moving that way now*
Skyfire: *Sticking close, just in case Starscream takes another fall out of the air*
Skywarp: *hits the yard on top of her brother. Is still laughing*
Stormsong: *acknowledges and follows Starscream*
Starscream: *lands on the driveway of the lodge, flinches slightly when he hears the terrified sounds that WakeJumper is making*
Grimlock: *is now going to charge!*
Raoul: *dives out of his path!*
Autumn: *Running after Grimlock* Grimlock!!! HEEL!!!!
Grimlock: *continues the charge*
Stormsong: *looking toward him with a frown, one hand to the smaller bot on her fuselage* [Air Commander?]
Skyfire: *Going to tackle Grimlock now* Grimlock! Stop! They're not the enemy! *not that he really has a clue who the enemy is, either*
Rachel: *appearing on the doorstep just as Skywarp and Thundercracker take a flying tackleleap at Grimlock* GRIMLOCK! HEEL!
Grimlock: *stops so fast he trips and makes a new drainage ditch on the lawn*
Starscream: *Apologetically, to Colonel Franklin* //Sorry about that...//
Colonel Franklin: //What happened, Starscream? The camera that should be covering that section of the grounds is frozen.//
Starscream: //Grimlock created a new drainage ditch on the lawn...//
Colonel Franklin: *silence. Then* //No apology needed. I understand Grimlock's limitations.//
Rachel: *hobbling over to help the creche guardians with the sparklets and younglings*
Raoul: *hugging Wakejumper and talking to him now*
Simon: *still has a death grip on baby sister*
Sarah: *hiding face on Simon, kthx*
Destiny: *Arguing with Sharpshot, has lost interest in the strange jets*
WakeJumper: *shaking and doing his darndest to avoid looking at the Seekers, continues to make frightened noises*
Ratchet: *has reached her sparklets and is holding out her arms to them*
Grimlock: *transforms and nearly knocks his mother over as he charges her for comfort*
Destiny: *Juuust a minute, Mama.... * *goes and grabs Sharpshot's arm and drags the older femme back to Rachel*
Sarah: *clicking and trying to cling to Simon and Rachel at the same time*
Raoul: *looks at them, and then surprises himself by looking toward the door for his own mother. Eyes widen as he realizes how much Denver means to him already* *continues to talk to WakeJumper and hug the youngling*
Denver: *leaning heavily on the doorframe, is trying her darndest to stay upright*
Skywarp: *notices and hurries over to her friend* Denver?
Thundercracker: *tiptoeing over to stand behind Starscream. Looks like someone kicked him in the head and the tank*
Denver: *tries taking another step towards Raoul and WakeJumper, doesn't quite make it before her systems shut down to conserve energy*
Raoul: Major Mac! *looks at Autumn* She fell over!
WakeJumper: *hiding even more now, kthx*
Stormsong: *frowning as she watches Skywarp pick the Autobot femme up*
Autumn: *hurrying over to see what's wrong*
Starscream: *coming over as well* Skywarp?
Skywarp: She's low on energy. *looks at her brother* Do you have any energon in your tank?
Starscream: *Nods* I refuelled earlier... *and now he's looking for a tube that can be used to siphon fuel into Denver's tank*
Skywarp: *is a mother. She's got it right here in her hand*
Raoul: *coaxing WakeJumper to come to where Denver is. Talking to him steadily and soothingly*
WakeJumper: *clicking and clinging. Raoul, you've just been promoted from "friend" to "big brother".*
Raoul: *clicks back slowly and carefully, the sparkling friendship sound, and a new one that he's heard the others say a lot and that he's got no idea means 'creator' or 'mentor'*
Skywarp: *watching the energy going into Denver's tank* *glances over to where her brother is talking to Stormsong as she does so*
WakeJumper: *nods, still clinging to Raoul, will go with the teen*
Denver: *soft sound*
Skywarp: Easy, Denver. Give yourself a chance to absorb that. *hand on her chest to hold her down*
Denver: *barely moving her head as she looks for Raoul and WakeJumper*
Raoul: *is there, actually trying to shoulder Starscream over a bit so he can reach Denver. Still has a firm grip on WakeJumper*
Starscream: *can take a hint, will move aside just enough that Raoul can get to Denver*
WakeJumper: *Clicking quietly*
Raoul: *figures out how to go to his knees* Lookit, WakeJumper. She's okay. Right, Major Mac? *hopeful, trying to be strong for WJ, grin*
Denver: *small nod* *Quietly* Jes' keep Rachel fr'm kickin' mah butt too badly, 'kay? *manages a soft chuckle*
WakeJumper: *clickclickclick*
Raoul: *glances over his shoulder and winces* Uhh... Doctor Ruteger's disappeared under a kidpile.
Skywarp: *transforms so she's taking less room, then checks Denver's tank to see how full it is*
Denver: *tank is nearly full*
Sky: *pinches the tube and looks up at Starscream* You can take it out. She's got enough.
Starscream: *nods, moving to do so*
Sky: *puts the tube away and then props Denver up on the doorstep before rising to her feet and once more glancing toward her brother, who is now holding Stormsong's sparklet*
Starscream: *Resisting the urge to go over and fuss over the sparklet as well*
Denver: *moving carefully, wants to make sure Raoul and WakeJumper are alright*
Sky: *transforms again and then glances at Starscream* *smirks when she sees his expression* She's one of ours.
Starscream: *nods, wants to fuss over the cute*
Sky: *quietly* We kind of never mentioned TC's being bonded....
Starscream: ... *Butt, meet ground*
Sky: *watches him* ...Word bonded.
Starscream: ...Oh....
Sky: Which is why he had no idea about... whatever that little kid's name is. *going to go see now*
Starscream: *scooots closer*
Thundercracker: *looks up at the sound of their feet crunching through the snow* *still looks shocked* Her name's Thundersong.
Thundersong: *sleeping kthnx*
Starscream: *Resisting the urge to "D'aww"*
Skyfire: *is heading over to see if Denver, Raoul, and WakeJumper need help back inside*
Stormsong: *quietly* She was born along the way. I have no idea if we did it right.
Rainbird: *worried frown as her sister says this*
Starscream: *glances to the kidpile he knows contains Rachel, pings the medic's comm*
Rachel: //Little busy! Geordi, HALP!//
Rainbird: 0.o
Jack: *acks as his boots fail to gain traction on the ice, lands on his butt* Owww.
Simon: *looks up at the thump and the ow* Dad?
Jack: *Sheepish grin, moves to get up carefully*
Stormsong: *watching this, then glances at Starscream*
Thundercracker: *also looking at Starscream hopefully, wondering if his Wingleader will adopt Thundersong as he has Skywarp's four*
Starscream: *moves to bring Jack over* The newest member of the squadron needs a check-up to make sure she's healthy. *Meaning: Starscream's accepted the new arrivals, including Thundercracker's wordmate and their little one*
Jack: *blink blink* Alright... *will transform, trusting Starscream to not let him get vaped*
Stormsong: *stiffens just slightly, but then forces herself to relax* [That's Wheeljack.]
Thundercracker: [Yup. And the femme under the sparklet heap is Ratchet.]
Sharpshot: [The others are sparklets, Thundercracker.] *is currently being teddy-bear cuddled by her twin*
Thundercracker: .... [Right.] *still focused on the tiny one in his arms as she clings to him and makes small sounds in her sleep*
Wheeljack: *scanning Thundersong*
Thundersong: *healthy, but a wee bit premature, which is why she's sleeping so hard. Strong though. Her shell could use work to make it better*
Wheeljack: *soft chuckle* Well, aside from being a bit premature, she's strong and healthy... I will be honest though, her shell could use some work to make it better...
Stormsong: [What did he say, Thundercracker?]
Starscream: *answers for Thundercracker* [She's healthy and strong, but she was born a bit prematurely, and her shell could use some work to make it better than it already is.]
Stormsong: [I thought it wasn't time. And... well, we're Seekers, not engineers, sir.]
Thundercracker: *soft croon* [We should get her inside, where it's warm.] *and where he can snuggle Stormsong too*
Wheeljack: *moves to scan Stormsong as well, so he can alert Russell about what to expect*
Stormsong: *has energy in her system, but is still showing signs of stress and strain. Most of it isn't from Thundersong's early separation, though her spark's wearing a slight scar from that*
Rachel: //I think I've become one with this snowbank....//
Stormsong: [Air Commander... do you have the files for the language they're using?]
Wheeljack: *Acks and goes to rescue Rachel*
Starscream: *Databursts a language pack to Stormsong and the rest of the Seekers who don't have it*
Stormsong: *slight frown as the data settles into place, and then she tries out her own name in English*
Thundercracker: *dopey grin* Pretty.
Skywarp: *rolls her optics at him*
Starscream: *considering look at the gathered Seekers, and then he's databursting the new arrivals about how to hide in plain sight, as well as a plethora of pictures of humans so they can get a general idea of what their alt-modes need to look like*
Seekers: *swiftly seem to vanish one by one, to be replaced by a group of dark-haired humans. All except for one blue and yellow mech who frowns intensely, his optics flickering*
Stormsong: *looks over and winces* *quietly* Nullfire was droned in the last big battle we met. He can still follow orders and watch our backs, but anything complicated.... *shakes her head grimly*
Thundercracker: *dark scowl*
Starscream: *frooooown*
Skywarp: Are you that short of people?
Stormsong: *softly* No. He's that loyal. He won't lay down and stop.
Brawn: *pauses and looks over from where he's helping Jack get kids off Rachel* ....
Starscream: ...
Skyfire: *Quietly moving to lift Denver, will suggest heading inside to Raoul and WakeJumper now*
Raoul: *nods* *quietly* But man, you ain't gonna fit inside like that.
WJ: *clicks*
Skyfire: *nods, before transforming back to alt-mode*
Raoul: *sudden start* Who's with Tracks?
Pandita: ... I'm not sure...
Denver: *quietly* oh, #@$&.... knew Ah w's f'rgettin' s'meth'n....
Raoul: *shoves WakeJumper at her and clicks the sound for caretaker, then bolts inside and down the hall*
Pandita: *blink blink* *To Denver* Did he just call you 'Mother'?
Denver: ...Ah dunno... *is clung to by WakeJumper*
Simon: *slipping past them with Sarah in his arms* Him Raoul getting good at baby talk. *and he's gone, pausing only to look back for the rest of his family*
Destiny: *Acks and moves to drag Sharpshot after Simon and Sarah*
Rachel: *head on Wheeljack's shoulder as she winces at the reaction of circuits insulated only with foam rubber to being stuffed in a snowdrift*
Grimlock: *stuck to her like glue*
Wheeljack: *Soothing sounds, will move to bring the rest of the family inside now*
Autumn: *Following after Wheeljack and Rachel. Is NOT a happy creche guardian, but is keeping quiet about things for right now*
WJ: *muffled murmur as Autumn moves past* *uses the same sparklet word Raoul did*
Autumn: *slows and blinks a bit, before a small smile crosses her face*
Pandita: *soft chuckle as he moves to carry Denver and WakeJumper to their room* They are calling you 'Mother'.
Denver: *surprised, and now she's trying to hide her very slight wibble and smooth WakeJumper's helm at the same time*
Raoul: //[Mama], he's okay. Worried as heck, though.//
Denver: *small nod* //One of the cadets is escorting Sisko and myself to your location.//
Raoul: //If he's Jake, are you his dad?// *laughs and closes the link*
Denver: *Soft snerk, gentle patpats for WakeJumper when the youngling clicks quietly*
Ironfist: *arguing with Prowl as she's lead past* Nonononono!
Prowl: *trying to be soothing, and also trying to get Ironfist to go back to the room she and Javan share*
Ironfist: There are Seekers out there! *trying to pull away*
Prowl: *Calmly repeating what Starscream is telling him* They're not the enemy anymore.
Ironfist: *optics fading toward white as she plummets toward a flashback* NO!
Prowl: *Alarmed sound, calling Javan, NOW*
Pandita: *hurrying Denver and WakeJumper to Tracks' room NOW*
Tracks: *standing and looking out the window as they arrive. He's still in human mode, and one hand is absently resting on Raoul's shoulder as the boy stands beside him and also watches what's going on below*
Pandita: *Will set Denver and WakeJumper on one of the beds and quietly excuse himself now*
Tracks: *quietly, and with more coherency than he's managed thus far* That blue and yellow one's not transforming.
Raoul: I wonder what's wrong?
Denver: *Quietly, as she moves to sit up properly* Ah ain't too sure... but Starscream di'n't look too thrilled 'bout it....
Tracks: *turns quickly and frowns at her* You....
WakeJumper: *trying to make Denver lay back down*
Raoul: *looks up at his mentor, wondering if Denver's getting a lecture now. It sounds like it*
Denver: *Quietly* Ah messed up.
WakeJumper: *trying to make Denver lay back down again, this time a bit more insistantly*
Raoul: Tracks, can the lecture wait? You're gonna scare WakeJumper more than he already is.
WJ: *looks to Tracks, as Denver gently smooths his helm again* [Mama shut down earlier. She needs rest...]
Tracks: *stops short* *with quizzical surprise* [What did you call her?]
Raoul: *hiding his grin by scratching his nose, head ducked to do so*
WJ: *trying yet again to get Denver to lay back down* *uses the sparklet word this time* [Mama.]
Tracks: *glances at Denver*
Denver: *slight nod, is trying to gently dissuade WakeJumper from making her lay back down*
WJ: *wibbling and clicking rapidly in a worried way* *looks at Tracks, optics clearly pleading for assistance* [Help...]
Tracks: *blinks and moves toward the bed*
Raoul: *pointing at Tracks and mouthing the sparklet word* [Papa papa!]
WJ: *Wibbling, moves to cling to Tracks when he realizes he's not going to be able to make Mama lay back down* [Mama needs rest... Help, Papa...]
Tracks: *moves more quickly, and then he's got a hand on Denver's shoulder* You don't understand Sparklet, do you, darling? WakeJumper's very worried about you and would like it if you rested.
Denver: *startles slightly. Was clearly expecting a lecture*
Tracks: *moving to gently lay her down* Raoul, if you're going to flop on the bed please take your shoes off first.
Raoul: *grinning like a maniac as he sits up on the other bed to do so*
Denver: *relieved look as she lays down*
Tracks: *absently pats the little guy's hand on his shoulder, and then moves to sit next to Denver, the skin around his eyes drawn slightly with weariness despite his recent long nap*
Denver: *concerned, quietly suggests that Tracks lay down and get some rest as well*
Tracks: *turns his head to look at WakeJumper, gauging the youngling's emotional condition at the moment. Though he's never cared for any young thing besides Raoul, his Autobot programming and seeing Autumn and other guardians in action provides a rudimentary knowledge of what a young Cybertronian needs, and he's trying to see if WakeJumper needs him awake, or if some 'snuggle pile' time would benefit the orange youngling*
WJ: *nuzzling Tracks' shoulder as he clings to the older mech's back. Now that he's safely away from the Seekers and with his family, he's starting to shiver a bit*
Tracks: *frowns and moves to pull the youngling off his back* Raoul, come here.
Raoul: *sits up, alerted by the tone of his guardian's voice* Somethin' wrong?
Tracks: WakeJumper needs [snuggle time]. *no, he really doesn't know the English words*
WJ: *Trying to cling to Tracks now, kthx*
Raoul: *scooting over to sit on the other side of Denver, clicking the sparklet friendship sound as he frowns with concern at his friend*
Denver: *moving to sit up again, concern clear on her face*
Tracks: [Shhh. WakeJumper. We have you. You're safe here. Shhh.] *gently rubbing the thin orange back as he tries to shift around so he can lay down*
Denver: *will carefully scoot over so there's room for Tracks to lay down with WakeJumper*
Tracks: *settles on his side, his arms around the youngling* [We're here. It's alright.]
Raoul: *clicking and then meeping as he nearly goes over the edge*
Denver: *Reaches and grabs a handful of Raoul's shirt to keep the teen from taking a topple off of the bed*
WJ: *hiding his face against Tracks now, though he is reaching one hand out to try and pull Denver and Raoul closer as well*
Tracks: *to Denver, without looking up from WakeJumper* Cybertronian youngsters need quite a bit of physical contact with those they trust.
Raoul: *scrambles over Denver and winds up tucked between the adults with WakeJumper* Aw man... ain't I kinda old for this?
Denver: *small nod and a quiet chuckle* Ah kahnda figgered.... wh't wit' all'a th' tahms Ah've seen Dr. Ruteger's kids all pahled up t'getha....
WJ: *clicking quietly to Raoul*
Tracks: And no, Raoul. You are not too old. That's why I used to let you sleep in my back seat.
Raoul: *sober as he hugs WakeJumper*
Tracks: *gives his ward's shoulder a gentle squeeze, then looks across the boys to Denver*
Denver: *reaching for the blankets, intends to give WakeJumper a bit more of a secure feeling*
Tracks: *nods and uses his free arm to help get the covers arranged, and then he's stifling a yawn against his fist before he gives that fist a bemused look for being squishy and flexes it*
Denver: *quiet chuckle* Ah th'nk we all c'ld use a li'l rest...
Tracks: Despite just having wakened, at least on my part. *gives her a rueful smile*
Raoul: *comfy, warm.... WakeJumper is purring.... Knows he's fighting a losing battle against sleep here*
WJ: *close to sleep, is making contented purring sounds and snuggling Raoul*
Denver: *Quietly, to Tracks* 'M sorreh Ah took off...
Tracks: *gently touches her cheek* Don't worry about it, darling. *eyelids feeling heavy as WakeJumper's purring and Raoul's sleepy warmth get to him*
Denver: *leans into Tracks' touch, guilt still showing in her eyes*
Tracks: *sees the guilt and frowns* It really wasn't that bad. You need to stop beating yourself over the head so much about things.
Denver: *Quietly* Ah'll work on th't...
Tracks: *strokes her cheek with his thumb, and then moves his hand to rest on the younglings as he sighs and slips into sleep mode despite his best efforts to the contrary*
Raoul: *OUT like a light*
WJ: *clicking quietly in his sleep for a little while before he slips deeper into sleep mode*
Denver: *keeps watch over her adopted family until she too succumbs to slumber*
((Co-written with random_xtras))