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[primus_seeress]

*Auspex is attempting to study an obscure text. She is somewhat distracted, still reeling a bit about the recent events, the new friend she lost so soon, and what an enigma he was... as well as the experience of having her innate abilities boosted by a Cybertronian with Mini-Con power-augmenting energy, without the need of the specific port that

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[random_xtras]

-In for a penny, in for a pound,- thinks Ratchet to himself, rerouting the urge to kick Thrust's aft.

"I don't know," he says out loud. "From what I've read about Optimus Prime... he was almost exactly like Prima. Just not as pretty."

"Optimus Prime?!" sputters Ironhide, his 'ewwwww' increasing.

And Ratchet sparks with amusement at the reaction.

[startactician]

"Gender has little to do with treachery." Thrust waves a dismissive hand at the ghosts. "Yes, I know them, if only from archival photos and the Nexus, but I would think someone so high up in the Autobot ranks would know Decepticon when he saw it."

He's not quite sure what's gotten into Ironhide, but it can't be important.

[primus_seeress]

*Auspex raises a brow, clarifying dryly* In some dimensions -- including this one -- *she gestures toward the door, indicating the rest of the planet beyond* - being a fem in itself can be problematic. They are the far minority, and convention dictates pairing with the opposite gender. I can only imagine someone of Starscream's temperament enduring some of the... antics... of would-be suitors. It may affect one's patience, at the least.

*She glances at Ironhide, slightly bemused* Yours is the only female I've heard of, actually. Consider your universe unique. *little smile*

*she blinks at Thrust* What does being a Decepticon have to do with integrity? You can have both.

[random_xtras]

"Uh yeah... that was somethin' ta see," mutters the unseen spark, remembering the time he'd actually seen Skywarp say something flirtatious to Starscream. Then he raises his voice. "Well if that don't beat all...."

And Ratchet's just going to stand there and scowl with his arms over his windshield.

[startactician]

"Starscream's had plenty of suitors as it is, I've even met one of them personally. So far Dreadmoon's the only one he's accepted and the rest don't seem to hold him back at all. You create false oppression for him--or her--when Starscream is the creator of his own problems."

He's heard of genderflops before, and to be quite honest doesn't really care. It's no excuse.

[primus_seeress]

*Auspex shakes her head* We are speaking of two different subjects. I only said that it might be a factor affecting outer behavior, not that it was... nor is that relevent to the Starscream that I have had much first-hand experience with. *She sighs, looking up at Thrust wearily* The two of you must drive Dreadmoon to distraction with your rivalry.

[random_xtras]

Ratchet draws strength from Primus, nodding slightly as he feels the request to come home and wordlessly relays it to Ironhide. -Yes, sir.-

Aloud, he says dryly, "Trust me, Thrust. There's a difference between acting like a little girl and actually being one. But as much as this has been fun we have to run."

Ironhide just sends the feel of a friendly wink to Auspex and disappears.

[startactician]

Thrust smirks, stepping up to her and grinning. "Ah, Autobots. So touchy around criticism. How have you been doing, Auspex?"

Goal completed!

[primus_seeress]

*Not quite... Auspex adresses the remaining free-spark* Ah. Primus is calling you back... thank you for the news, Ratchet. I... can only hope, if the collective sparks can't find him, that he's... been restored to life, somehow. If-- *if he still exists? That's not terribly optimistic* --he still has access to the Nexus, he may appear there... I will keep watch for him.

*Her initial reply to Thrust is a tired sigh* You have poor grace at times, my friend.

[random_xtras]

"Criticism nothing," says Ratchet calmly, even a little cheerfully. "There's no point in talking when I'm just wasting my breath."

Then he gently lifts Auspex to her feet and puts his arms around her, feeling their boss touch her with comfort and reassurance... and wonders at the thought that there's anticipation there too. -Just what are you doing, sir?-

"This has been hard on you," he says softly, his hand smoothing her back in a fatherly manner. "But I think it's nearly over. And remember... neither our boss or his makes any junk. Teletraan's somewhere."

[startactician]

"You're a ghost, you don't breath anyway." Thrust again steps up, halfway into pushing Ratchet out of the way. "I do believe you said you were leaving?"

No. His.

[primus_seeress]

*Auspex accepts Ratchet's hug with gratitude, as she also takes in Primus's comfort, and notes his anticipation. I await your direction, my lord.

*She nods mutely at Ratchet's reassurance* I know. I only hope to see him, and hopefully in the form of one of Primus' own, to match his spark. Thank you, Ratch--

*She breaks off, turning aside a bit to stare disconcertedly at Thrust, with wide optics. She is stunned at the level of possessiveness in his emotion, and her optics flicker in incredulity. It takes a moment or two for her to recover; she holds her reaction for the time being, and turns back to Ratchet, with a nod* Thank you. I'll be all right.

[random_xtras]

The free spark hesitates slightly as he sees her stare at Thrust. But he's being called, and he can hear other voices joining the boss's. So he gently kisses Auspex on the forehead.

And is gone.

[primus_seeress]

((continued here.))