Auspex's reality. Sanctuary of Primus and other places. Rescue mission
Bob: *arrives home and pries his charge off his cockpit so that he can put her on his berth and cover her with his carpet. Then comes back out to the main sanctuary as he rummages for his study text*
small one: *snuggles the carpet and is content*
Hormah: *is suddenly awake and feeling like the bottom just dropped out of the world. Urrrrrky*
Auspex: *looks up from her work to welcome Bob and the sparklet, though she doesn't disturb him as he puts the small Transformer in his room. She turns back to what she was doing. Very quickly, though, she's looking around again* Hormah seems to be up....
Bob: *perks* She's here? *Then he hears the sound of someone being sick and cringes*
Auspex: *winces* Yes. and she was overcharged when she passed out a little while ago... *sighs a bit*
Bob: *confused, concerned, and frightened*
Hormah: *confused, blind sick, and frightened*
Auspex: *shakes her head minutely. She stands, subspaces her datapad, and makes her way toward the back rooms, explaining to Bob* She was traumatized by the sparklet's activation... there was much pain, and she seems to be developing some empathy.
*peeks into the room Hormah's currently occupying*
Hormah: *is glad she managed to get the bucket and didn't make too bad a mess, but now she's sitting on the floor by the berth, crying quietly and griping at Primus*
Bob: *wants to peek as well, but instead moves himself to the far side of the sanctuary so that his feelings won't distract Auspex*
Auspex: *frowns slightly; Bob may have been some help here. Well, perhaps in a moment. She moves to sit beside Hormah, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. For the moment, she remains silent*
Hormah: *fusses a little more as she leans against her friend, but then stops in mid complaint as Primus answers her* ...Who t' flying blue %#@$%'s Blazer?
Auspex: *brow furrows, optics flicker* Er... Blazer is my bond-brother; he is Rodimus Prime's chaplain, in a reality parallel to mine. You recieved his name?
Hormah: *blinks and nods slowly* He good at buildin' bodies quick?
Bob: *back and peeking despite himself* :o
Auspex: *smiles briefly at Bob, encouraging him, before frowning a little in surprise at Hormah's question* Not that I know of... he does carry a base-mainframe's-worth of information, however....
Hormah: *frowning herself* But... t' boss said he was after bein' t' answer t' a quick 'n temporary shell fer Optimus.
Bob: *wondering silently, though his mouth twitches in reply to Auspex*
Auspex: *tilts her head slightly, sending her own query. Hmm...* So he does. I don't pretend to understand the reasoning... but perhaps I should contact him, then....
Hormah: *feeling dizzy and urky again* -Boss, I don' wanna go see Optimus no more. But I will.-
Bob: *slips inside and settles down on the floor on the other side of Hormah, offering his own support*
Auspex: *pats Hormah's shoulder* Should I find him, or... perhaps you need to rest a bit longer. *she frowns at her obvious discomfort*
Hormah: *softly, and with determination against her reluctance* Optimus 's fadin', b'y.
Auspex: *sighs softly* I know... but you need only show me where to find him, really. You've done so much already.
Hormah: *shocked as she turns her optics up toward Auspex's* Quit t' fight?
Auspex: *shakes her head a bit* Pass the fight on, and rest.
Hormah: *uncertain... her superior officer is saying it... but Blackout has always trained her to never back down. And then her tank surges again, and she's scrambling for the bucket*
Bob: *whimpers with sympathy*
Auspex: *winces* Relax for the moment, Hormah. I'll try to contact Blazer. *she gets to her feet, leaving the room momentarily and going to her quarters, where she moves to the communication panel that's there and taps in the code that her brother has given her* //Blazer? Are you there?//
Blazer: *has a sparklet on his back and is trying to talk to an alien delegate who is much too curious about Cybertronian physiology* Meep! One moment, Senator Organa. *backs behind a pillar, still juggling the sparklet* //Auspex?//
Auspex: *raises a brow at the semi-chaos* //Er... can you spare a moment?//
Blazer: *turns his back to the rest of the room to try and get less noise filtering through his audio receivers* Shh, Windstripe. //Of course, Auspex. What is it?//
Auspex: //Well... I'm not completely sure, altogether. To be short, Hormah's come to the sanctuary, very distressed about a disembodied living spark that is fading... and when she asked Primus about finding a shell for him, he gave her your name.//
Blazer: *optics flicker with surprise, but he nods* //I'll be right there. I just have to let Rodimus know I'll be gone.//
Auspex: *looks somewhat dubious; he seems rather busy* //If you're sure....//
Blazer: *Just a bit briskly* //You said Primus said it. I'm too tense to hear him properly myself right now, but I'm not going against what he wants.// *a smile shows now in his voice* //Just give me a few clicks.//
Auspex: *winces a little in sympathy* //All right, when you can.//
Blazer: //I love you, sister. I'll be there.// *disconnects*
Hormah: *muzzy peace*
Bob: *calm*
Auspex: *takes a moment to reflect on the emotions of the others, before venturing back into the other room* Blazer will be on his way soon, I think. *she frowns at Hormah in concern*
Hormah: *curled on her side on the berth, covered by Bob's carpet. Her head is bowed over the tiny silver one of the small one, and her optics are shuttered.*
Bob: *hovering over them watchfully. On the bedside table is the sedation gun* She's asleep.
Auspex: *nods quietly* That's good, then. I thought she knew better than to overcharge herself like that... *sighs softly* It's hard, sometimes, sharing others' pain, and to go through something like that, so soon after the ability makes itself known... it's not easy to deal with.
Bob: *gently rubs Hormah's back through the carpet, then checks on the small one, who is sleeping deeply as she clings to this new but nice person. His optics are solemn around carefully restrained fear as he looks up to meet his mentor's gaze* I know where Optimus is. And Hormah gave the little one a name.
Auspex: Ahh.. so we don't need to disturb her to get his location, I'm glad. Thank you, Bob. *she offers a weak smile* What name does she have, then?
Bob: *nods* I asked her before she went under. And Myrrh and I just came from that Nexus. *he takes a mostly empty cube of energon from his storage and offers it to her*
Auspex: Myrrh..? That's... another human word? I'm not sure I know the meaning.. *she gazes thoughtfully at the sparklet*
Bob: It's a kind of little tree. *shrugs, and then steps toward the door and looks toward the sanctuary*
Blazer: Auspex?
Auspex: *takes a glance back at Hormah and Myrrh, before heading to the main sanctuary to meet her brother* Blazer? That didn't take long. *she chuckles slightly and looks curiously at the sparklet along for the ride; he has fur..?*
Blazer: I only had to let them know I'd be gone. But I couldn't find anyone to take Windstripe. *reaches up to gently pat one of the brown-feathered wings that are wrapped around his shoulders*
Windstripe: *big green eyes peering over Blazer's shoulder from a little green face. It's a sleepy little face, and curious.*
Bob: *peering uncertainly from the hall, but then steps out behind Auspex* He can sleep with Hormah and Myrrh.
Blazer: *blink, who's this?*
Auspex: *smiles kindly at the sparklet as she meets his gaze, before nodding at Bob's suggestion* That is sound, I think, though I'm not sure what Hormah's reaction would be to finding a strange sparklet in her care.
Ah, and Blazer, this is Bob, one of my charges, though he's taking some instruction from some other servants as well. I think I've already mentioned you to Bob.. *she glances between them, with a little smile*
Bob: *ducking down a little in his shy, fearful way* Your brother, yes. And... I don't think it would bother Hormah. She's told me about the first time Pink climbed into her niche and went to sleep on top of her.... *peeks at Blazer, who has gotten the measure of him and is smiling reassuringly*
Auspex: *blinks* Well... does anything phase Hormah, really? *she chuckles softly* I suppose that's all right, then... though I've been somewhat reluctant to leave people alone here, after the incident with the servant of Unicron... *she frowns darkly*
Bob: *softly* This has.
Tessera: *wakes and peeks* :o
Blazer: Primus says it'll be alright. *coaxes the little fuzor from his back and cradles him in his arms* Where should I put him? *and then he pauses and looks up as the sound of rotors comes from the roof. As punctual as ever, a certain self-appointed guard has arrived for his shift*
Auspex: *sighs softly, nodding a bit* For the moment, yes, it has. Hopefully, she will recover sooner than she imagines. *she motions to Blazer, moving to return to the occupied guest room. She nods at the berth, once it's in sight. She also offers a short explanation for the sounds from above*
Hormah's brother has appointed himself the sanctuary lookout. He will at least let us know of something unusual happens here.
Blazer: *pauses and looks at the part of Hormah that's peeping from under the carpet* So these are your other charges?
Windstripe: *sees a sleeping place and a blankie and squirms before transforming and becoming a fuzzy white tiger cub with wings*
Auspex: *pauses, contemplating how much she can explain in a timely manner* Hormah is not my charge, so much as a pupil; she's sensitive to Primus' voice, and is developing some of the servant's empathy, even... though one of her first experiences has been enduring the fear and pain of a dying body. *she sighs softly*
The little one... her activation is apparently what triggered said death. I'm not sure I understood it all, but... she was 'born' in a rather organic manner, to the already-weakened shell of a fem, who was loaning her frame to an Optimus. *blinkblink*
Suffice it to say, said Optimus is currently bodiless.
Blazer: ....0_0 *lets Windstripe go to crawl under the carpet and snuggle against Hormah's back with purring*
Auspex: *nods dryly* That was essentially my reaction, also. So many strange things in the Multiverse....
Blazer: So I'm not wrong in thinking you're talking about a male Optimus?
Auspex: *darts a somewhat disbelieving sidelong glance Blazer-wards, her optics brightening in subtle amusement* I'm hoping that isn't the only thing you found strange about that story....
Blazer: *wincing as he turns back toward the main sanctuary* No.... How could one of us... wait. The femme, was she Maximal? Like Windstripe?
Auspex: *shakes her head* No, Decepticon, actually... but somehow, she's partly organic. I didn't want to upset Hormah by asking too many details... though I've also had an experience with a LOL, that did something very similar to an acquaintance of mine. It can happen even to perfectly average Transformers, given the very un-average surroundings of the Nexus. *she grimaces a bit*
*glances around once she reaches the main room, finding Bob kneeling by the focal mural* Where did Hormah say he was, Bob..?
Bob: *glances up, his face grave as he offers her his PINpoint* I've set it. Primus... *looks down, feeling sheepish and a little upset, but also relieved* Primus told me to stay here.
Auspex: *offers a rueful, but fond smile, applying a sympathetic kiss to his temple, as she takes the PINpoint* It's all right. Just as well to spare yourself from the worry, anyway.
Bob: *nods without looking up* Yes. Please be careful.
Blazer: *watching in sympathetic silence*
Auspex: *frowns at his reaction, patting his cheek* Things will change, given time. You are well on your way.
*she takes a moment to frown at the PINpoint, then passes it to Blazer* You use these more often than I do... *little smile*
Bob: *feels peace and acceptance as he contemplates her words, and then turns his attention back to communion*
Blazer: *slight smile* That's not saying much. *looks at it, and then puts a hand up to take hers and lead her out of range of Bob before pressing the button*
Auspex: *takes the proffered hand, hoping this situation won't be as messy as it sounds like it will be....*
*They come out in the energon room of the dressing room nexus... the place that a lot of Auspex's energy has been coming from lately, incidentally. It seems to be empty, but from one corner, masked by a heap of energon cubes, comes a low thread of weariness, worry, and determination.*
Auspex: *looks around, with a little frown of concentration. She recognizes this place as the Multiversal complex that the Maximal Ratchet and his teammates have been staying in. With her Primus-given senses, she searches for any emotion that doesn't seem to have a source. She thinks she's caught a hint, but she pauses to make sure*
Blazer: *subspaces the PINpoint and starts a systematic sweep of the room, all his senses on high. He checks behind the heap and then takes a step back as something that he can't see hisses at him* Auspex?
Blackarachnia: *protective and angry* Back off, Autobot!
Auspex: *frowns, following Blazer. That's about where she thought she'd sensed something, yes... the disembodied voice would seem to confirm that, obviously. She answers it, though a little uncertainly* He will not harm you. I am neutral, myself, and I will not, either.
Blackarachnia: *a faint outline stalks out from behind the stack of cubes, a slender femme of alien beauty. Four ruby optics narrow as they take Auspex in* Honey, you and your shrinky dink friend couldn't hurt me if you tried. *the worry is still there. And the stronger thread of it is coming from her. She's nearly frantic with it, but determined to protect that other spark back there*
Blazer: *gently* Hormah sent us.
Blackarachnia: That's supposed to mean something to me? *bares her teeth*
Auspex: *tilts her head, though she answers patiently* Then there is no need to be defensive.
*she backs up Blazer's explanation* She rescued the sparklet... and saw what happened to Optimus. I can sense your worry for him... please, let us help? *she expects more questions, but leaves it at that for the moment*
Blackarachnia: Maybe if I knew or cared what a 'sparklet' was. *crouches slightly, as if she were something dangerous instead of just a wisp of living energy. But then from behind her comes a voice, low and tired*
Optimus: Blackarachnia, wait. They're... they're friends.
Blackarachnia: Don't waste your energy. *exasperation toward him*
Optimus: Let them... past.
Blazer: *spiking with concern at how faint that voice sounds*
Auspex: *sighs, clarifying* The... small Cybertronian that came from the body that is now... gone. We serve Primus; he sent us here to help Optimus. *she glances at Blazer, her expression matching his sentiment*
Blackarachnia: *twinging with disgust at mention of the small one* Help him how? I don't see any nice new body, or life support pods.
Optimus: Blackarachnia... please....
Blackarachnia: *turns to snarl at him with frustration* You don't even know if they're telling the truth!
Blazer: *walks through her*
Blackarachnia: !!!!!!!!!!!
Auspex: *raises a brow at her brother's rather direct action; she'd prefer to have had the fem let them by, but Optimus does sound rather bad off; there is little time. She's not sure, exactly, what Blazer is going to do, herself; but she trusts him, and she trusts Primus. She speaks to the other fem softly* We don't want him to die, any more than you do. Blazer can save him....
Blackarachnia: *wavering between rage and concern, but finally turns back to Auspex with a quietly sorrowful look on her face before she turns and goes back into the alcove behind the energon*
Blazer: *hands out over something invisible as he carries on a low conversation with his patient to be sure of exactly where he is. From those hands a cocoon of softly glowing light is slowly taking form* //Auspex, do you know what he's supposed to look like? He's too weak to hold his natural form.//
Auspex: *notes Blazer's actions, even as she frowns after Blackarachnia with quiet sympathy* //Ahh... a body of light; I hadn't thought of that, myself... that is why I am not in charge.// *her tone is faintly amused - until she finds herself frowning in dismay at Blazer's query* //I'm afraid I don't, though I suspect he has design elements in common with others named Optimus, from the other universes.//
Blazer: Hmm.... *frowns just a little as he starts to pray*
Blackarachnia: *sharply* What's wrong?
Auspex: *attempts to reassure her* It's... mostly a cosmetic concern. My brother can make a body for him, but we don't know what he looks like. That may be awkward for him.
Blackarachnia: *looks at the white femme long and hard, then turns and scowls at Blazer before going over to the other side of Optimus and putting her arms around him*
Optimus: ...what? You... didn't... recharge... already?
Blackarachnia: Shhhh. *flickers and winces, her face creasing with discomfort as she discharges as much energy as she can. Then she's gone, and Optimus' faint outline is visible, surrounded by an even fainter spider outline*
Blazer: 0_0
Auspex: *optics flicker in alarm as the other femme disappears. She exclaims wordlessly at Primus... and is quickly reassured. She sighs with relief, but still, she shakes her head slightly* She went back to her current housing... but that was not a risk I would have had her take. Not for this.
Blazer: *relieved as he looks at the form within his cocoon. Then he pauses and looks more closely* //I wonder if they know there's a natural bond forming here?// *his face goes intent as the light starts to thicken. Systems begin to form, and Blazer is unaware of the world around him as he accesses old data and painstakingly weaves his hologram*
Optimus: *silent and unconscious, but the weariness isn't so acute now*
Auspex: //I have a feeling there is a complicated story between them. Perhaps that is not as unexpected as they might wish to believe. I may attempt to ask, later.//
*she continues to watch in fascinated silence; she's seen the results of Blazer's ability to weave light into matter, but not the process of it. There is quite a bit more work involved than she initially realized....*
*and so the hours pass, till the flame marked beast-former looks up with an expression of distracted urgency*
Blazer: I need a matrix.
Auspex: *watches over them silently, and, though she hadn't anticipated this long a wait, she is as patient as always, communicating with Primus through light commune as she waits. She is somewhat startled, however, when Blazer finally speaks. She blinks at him blankly for a moment* ...a matrix?
Blazer: A piece of metal that I can tie this to, and that he can carry with him. *like that Autobadge pendant that Oriana is never without*
Auspex: *is taken aback slightly* Oh. Well, surely there's something around here... *she stands, wandering about to examine the various objects in the room, with a little frown; it's obvious she's unfamiliar with surroundings like this.*
*That's plastic, that's fabric, that's... she has no idea what that is. Ah, there - after a few minutes, she notes that the storage compartments have some sort of removable locking mechanism, mostly of metal.
*She carefully extracts one of the loose units from a door at random. Returning to Blazer, she offers the lock* Will this work?
Blazer: *looks up, his distraction lighting to a smile* Perfect, hold it here. *he nods to a place beside and slightly between himself and Optimus* Wait, pull the knob off first.
Auspex: *is relieved she's found something of use, though she pauses a moment to frown at the plastic knob. Breaking it off is a bit of a chore - it is certainly human proof, but not quite non-combatant-Cybertronian-proof. She scoots forward to hold the lock between them* As long as it anchors to the object, and not me....
Blazer: *with soft humor* I can focus.
*his optics go absent again, then as he makes a last few adjustments. And then they flicker as he takes the lock from his sister and presses it into Optimus' hand* Hold onto this. I'll get you some energy.
Optimus: *quietly, frowning and flexing his free hand tentatively* Alright....
Blazer: *turns and looks up at the stack they're behind, and then stands to try and reach the top. Failing at this, he's gone around the stack to find one that he can get*
Optimus: *muzzy frown as he watches the small mech go, and then he turns his weary and slightly pained optics to Auspex* You've seen the little 'bot?
Auspex: *despite having watched for the last few hours, she's still somewhat amazed that Optimus is actually solid, when Blazer hands him his focal point.*
*She does have a good five feet of height that Blazer doesn't, but someone should stay with Optimus; she lets Blazer be. She peers at the re-embodied Cybertronian with some concern. He looks so tired...* Yes, she is staying at my temple with some pupils of mine, for the moment. She is doing rather well, and has no trauma.
Hormah, however... *she frowns* Well, she'll be all right, but she was very upset that she couldn't save you.
Optimus: *winces at the memory* The little orange femme... she was leaking. *he tries to push himself up from where he's slumped against the wall, but then falls back as his spark shudders. This is something that he's used to since being infected with the virus that killed his first body, but his feelings and expression are grim as he waits for it to steady*
Auspex: *it takes her a moment to understand what he's referring to, then nods* Some of our kind shed tears - but yes, she is developing the senses of an empathic servant, and experienced some of your pain, as well... I'm sorry both of you had to go through that.
*She breaks off as he attempts and fails to move. She reaches to put a hand to his arm* You probably shouldn't do that, yet....
Optimus: *looks up at her, his spark twisting with sadness as he considers her words. But he obediently lays still, his optics flicking over to where Blazer is returning with a cube of energon and a drinking tube*
Blazer: *pushing himself against exhaustion even as he communes with his creator* Here, drink slowly.
Auspex: *frowns a little as she sees his weariness, as well* Both of you need to rest.
Blazer: *makes sure that his patient isn't having any trouble before he lifts those mild blue optics to his sister* I'm alright.
Optimus: *wincing at the strength of the hunger pangs and forcing himself to drink at a reasonable speed*
Auspex: *looks somewhat skeptical, but doesn't argue. She concentrates, instead, on Optimus' recovery, even projecting a little of Primus' peace at him, hand still on his arm. She's still not sure of the whole story of this body exchange and sparklet birthing, but she's reluctant to ask so soon. Let him rest, let him recover....*
Optimus: *stops drinking when the cube is half empty and looks from Blazer to Auspex* I have to get back.
Blazer: *mildly* You need to rest.
Optimus: I can do it back at our base. But.... *winces and looks away, panging with sadness and some guilt for causing his team that much grief* They think I'm dead.
Auspex: *sighs softly* That isn't your fault. Still, if we could contact them from here, it would save you the trip....
Optimus: *blinks* I... have to make the trip anyway. I live there.
Auspex: *she shows a hit of patient smile for a moment* Well, yes, but is that wise, just yet? I don't wish for you to overtax yourself....
Optimus: *just frowns at her, feeling the need to go home. And the urge to check on Blackarachnia. His optics flick to Blazer, who is quietly finishing the cube*
Blazer: She's older than me. I listen to her.
Optimus: *blinks*
Auspex: *tilts her head, with a concerned frown of her own* You seem so very tired, I'm not sure you should push yourself... but if you insist, perhaps we can help you. I understand why you are concerned. How is it that you came to be here in this Nexus, in the first place?
Optimus: *winces and looks toward his feet, accidentally sliding a little flatter as he does so* This is where I died. One of my team brought everyone here to get us away from an attack.
Auspex: *grimaces, reaching forward a bit as he slumps, even as she nods in understanding* I see... are they still in danger, then?
Optimus: Blackarachnia says that Grimlock ate the creature that had possessed our teammate. And that two of the team are in stasis, and the mech who was possessed is sick because his spark-mate is one of the ones who are in stasis. *he sighs and winces at the discomfort of his position, putting down an elbow to try and do something about it* She says everyone else is alright.
Blazer: *twinging with sympathy as he gently tugs on the larger mech to try and get him into a more comfortable position. But Optimus is a big mech and the young Bridge is weary*
Auspex: *also attempts to prop him up; at least she's bigger in scale, if not stronger* Possessed... ate...? Oh dear. It sounds as though you all need to rest. And... it was in the middle of all of this that the sparklet came? *her expression speaks volumes of tired sympathy*
Optimus: *wincing more* Maybe just help me lay down, instead.
Blazer: Alright. *tugs him the other way*
Auspex: *nods silently, pulling gently at his arm* You don't have to explain everything, if it's too tiring... I'd just like to know what can be done to help.
Optimus: *sighs with relief as he winds up flat, then scrunches his optics at the corner as Blazer stuffs a wad of discarded clothing under his head for a pillow* Thanks....
*he takes a moment to gather his strength and organize his thoughts, then turns his head to look at Auspex. He finds he feels the need to tell the story, perhaps because this femme knows the ones who are caring for the little 'bot*
Bumblebee said the thing looked like a mutant space barnicle on steroids. To me it just looked like a blob of goo wrapped around Prowl's chassis. He attacked the rest of us, and we tried to fight him off. I... Blackarachnia's body was already weakened, and in the fight I lost several limbs. I was leaking badly, and Bumblebee and Koko were nearly offline, by the time Bandit decided that she couldn't stand seeing us get pounded on anymore and brought us all here.
*he shudders slightly at the memory of what came next, flinching from remembered pain and fear*
Ratchet was working to save Koko's life when the little... when Hormah came. She'd brought a small purple friend to help Ratchet.
*a moment as he carefully sets his matrix into a storage compartment so that he doesn't wind up crushing it as his hands clench, and then he looks away, toward the wall* I'd been feeling pain since sometime during the fight, but I hadn't realized what it could be until I felt the urge to get away from everyone else and find somewhere dark and quiet.
Blazer: *hiding his 0_0*
Auspex: *wide optics* He must be quite a powerful warrior....
So... it happened right afterward, while your team was still in disarray? *she sighs softly* One could hope for better timing, yes....
Optimus: *wearily, as he remembers the aches and terrors of that day* He's a ninja, and that... thing made him berserk. And yeah. Hormah said stress probably caused it.
Auspex: I'm almost afraid to ask, but do you know how Grimlock is?
*she nods slowly* They do need to know if you're all right... but you've been through quite an ordeal, yourself, and I'm glad we had a way to remedy at least some of it. Blackarachnia told you of them, can she tell them of you?
Optimus: *slowly* Grimlock's grieving... he seems to have decided that I was his best friend. And Blackarachnia won't tell them.
Blazer: *looks up with a puzzled frown*
Auspex: He... sounds as though he's still functioning normally, then... that's good.
But... why won't she tell them? Ah, well, then again... being a Decepticon, she is probably not kindly disposed toward them. Though she seems to be protective of you.
Optimus: *pangs of sadness and guilt mix with exasperation and suspicion* She hates and distrusts all Autobots. Especially me.
Auspex: Hmm. *gently* I gather there is a rather complicated story there... it's not as simple as that. Though you may not wish to get into that..
Optimus: |:\ I don't. *There is old hurt in those words, and bits of the newer feelings that Auspex is picking up, too*
Auspex: *nods in understanding* I'm glad the sparklet came safely, at least. I only wish it hadn't cost you this.
Optimus: *looks away, trying to understand the protective feelings that rise up in his spark as he thinks of that little scrap of silver Cybertronian* She was worth it. And so is Blackarachnia. Maybe now I've finally atoned for part of what I did when I left her behind all those cycles ago.
Auspex: *smiles slowly, somewhat heartened* You have a kind spark. We should arrange a visit with her....
Optimus: *quietly but resolutely* No.
Auspex: *tilts her head, somewhat taken aback, but catching the finality of this decision. She attempts to understand* You wish for her to have no ties?
Optimus: *still looking away* The Autobots of my reality don't look favorably on organic things. She doesn't deserve to be ostracized because of how she was created. And my life is too uncertain. I won't leave another femme behind.
Auspex: Ahh. *nods quietly* Prejudice can be a powerful thing... I understand why you would want to spare her that. Still, I'm not sure it's visible that she has any sort of organic origins... but I will respect your decision, if you are certain. *she frowns at his soft comment, but leaves it be - she does imagine it has to do with Blackarachnia*
Optimus: Hormah said she'd find her a place where she'd fit in. *thinks of that little face, framed by towel, and feels sad. And wonders at the sadness*
Blazer: *very soft clunk as he slips into recharge*
Auspex: *softly reassuring* She will be fine, all of us will see to that.
*does a bit of a double-take as Blazer's face hits the floor* Er. Oops.
Optimus: *turns back to look at the small mech* 0_o
Auspex: ...apparently, crafting things from hard light is more taxing on his systems than I knew. *reaches over to carefully turn him on his side*
Blazer: *tries to wake up, but winds up slipping into a dream*
Optimus: Is he... going to be alright?
Auspex: *blinks a bit* He should be... I imagine recharge will put him in normal working order soon enough.
Optimus: *frowns at Blazer, feeling a little confused and wary now that his mind is clearer. Why are all these complete strangers going through so much personal hardship on his behalf?*
Auspex: *senses his wondering about them. She seems to remember having mentioned Primus... but considering the state he was in, it's no wonder it didn't quite connect. She explains quietly*
We are servants of Primus; he sent us to help you - and that can't always be done without personal risk.
Optimus: Hormah mentioned Primus, too. But I don't know who that is.
Auspex: *is confused for a moment. Ah... she'd forgotten the nature of his universe, and its strange Allspark....*
In most universes where our kind exist, Primus is the being who created our race, ages ago. He is vastly powerful, and each of us carry a bit of his essence in our sparks. I have heard of your universe, and its Allspark - I suspect that it somehow ties in with his power, though your people don't know of him.
Optimus: *one optic narrowing slightly as he contemplates this, and then he looks up again* But why would the creator of the entire Transformer race send three different people to help me?
Auspex: *tilts her head a bit* That, I'm not sure of. We are not necessarily told these things, when we are sent.
I am an non-combatant, an empath, and emotional healer. Blazer is a battlefield chaplain - he is trained to stay focused in chaos... *she remembers the comm conversation before he arrived, and a hint of a smile surfaces for a moment* Moreso than I am, at least. Hormah is very young - she is a fighter, though she is developing a gift for empathy, as well. There are, perhaps, different reasons for the different servants.
Optimus: Hormah looked.... *tries to think of a polite way to describe the surprising appearance of the little femme, who was even more different from what he's used to than Auspex and Blazer are*
Auspex: She is from a very different universe; her people's construction tends to seem very alien to the rest of us. *she reasons that this is confusing enough, without explaining the hybrid issues*
Optimus: *nods, accepting this, though he's frowning still* But the three of you are all part of the same team.
Auspex: *brow furrows slightly* I suppose you could say that. We all serve Primus, and he seems to bring those of us together, who have access to the Nexus. He is a multiversal being.
Optimus: ...Multiversal being? *confused*
Auspex: Some of the more powerful beings in creation can span universes. They always exist, though they may not always have a presence in every universe. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but Primus does sometimes tell me of things that he has observed in other realities, as well as mine. He knows the Cybertronians, wherever they come from, and brings me impressions of their emotions. I cannot sense other races.
Optimus: *trying to decide if he believes this*
Auspex: It's quite a bit to take in, I know. We can never understand all of it.
*frowns as Primus nudges her mind gently, exchanging a few thoughts with him* How are you feeling?
Optimus: *quiet but determined* Tired. But I have to get back. My crew needs to know I'm alright.
Auspex: *nods slowly* Primus seems to think it is time. Do you... know how to get back? Will you be all right, or shall I help? *she gazes at him in concern* I'd like to be sure that you get home safely....
Optimus: *pushes himself up carefully, leaning against the wall as he looks around for the source of a sound he hears. Then his optics widen as he realizes that there's a portal opening on the opposite wall, and that he can see the common room through it* I... know how to get back. But I think I'll need a hand.
Auspex: *nods a bit, crouching beside him* I think Blazer will be all right, here, in the meantime. What do you need? I'm not terribly sturdy, but I can at least help steady you, if need be.
Optimus: *puts a hand on her shoulder and gains his feet, then apologizes and puts an arm around her shoulders as his knees try to buckle* Can you see the... doorway? It's right there in front of us.
Auspex: *pays apologies no mind, putting a hand to his back to help brace him as well as she can. She looks up, at his direction, blinking with an humorously puzzled expression* Well. That's convenient. *she chuckles a bit* The way things are arranged just so, sometimes...
*she carefully takes a step, trying to hold what weight she is supporting*
Optimus: *trying to keep from leaning on her too hard as he sets his jaw and determinedly heads for that concrete couch that he can see there* I'd blame it on the Allspark... but ours is... gone.
Auspex: *almost stumbles for a moment in surprise, though she keeps her footing and her hold* ...gone? How so?
Optimus: *hand goes out and braces against the side of the portal for a moment, making sure that he doesn't crush her* It was shattered during the battle after the Decepticon leader was rebuilt. And then our medic used the shards to resurrect an old war hero to help us in the last big battle.
Auspex: *optics widen* Oh dear... I've spoken to one or two from analogs of your reality; they told me of your Allspark, but I don't think that had happened yet... so the power still lives on, in the shards?
*She carefully steps through the portal, attempting to match his pace*
Optimus: They've brought one other dead mech back from the dead, and sparked several human vehicles into Transformers. *jaw clenching as they cover the last few steps to the couch*
Auspex: *'hmm's absently, even as she winces in sympathy* Careful, then... *she attempts to help him lean far enough to actually sit* It has the power to create, then, as well as recreate, and perhaps it is discerning in exactly what it sparks, at times?
Optimus: *puts a hand on the couch and settles himself with a soft clank, then carefully starts getting himself laid down* I... wouldn't say that.
Auspex: *'hovers' somewhat, to see that he's comfortable, only then pausing to glance around curiously, though she keeps her mind on her questions* It's only sparked vehicles, as far as you know?
Optimus: *remembering the assembly line mess and that runaway train* Other machinery tended to go a little crazy when affected by an Allspark shard. *gets settled with a sigh of relief, head on the arm rest*
Auspex: *nods, considering this* The life-giving powers are similar to objects that Primus has used to bring sparks to his children... they appeared a bit more discerning, but then, shells were usually brought to the object, rather than vice versa. I can only imagine the sort of strange things that might happen if one was brought to Earth.
*she shakes her head slightly* In any case, Primus utilizes conscious thought, on a level even above our own; and he's seen to it that you are safe, if tired... will your people find you here, or should I find them..? *she glances around once more*
Optimus: *smiles, looking much more relaxed now* I'll be alright. ...Thank you. All of you.
Auspex: *spares him a gentle smile* That is why we are called. And Primus looks after his own, even if his name is not known to them. I am at your disposal, if there is anything I can do for you, or your people, or Blackarachnia. My name is Auspex, my brother is Blazer; Cybertronians in the Nexus will likely know one or the other, should you need to find us.
Optimus: *still smiling, though the light is fading in his optics and the shutters are drooping as his systems insist that it is time for sleep mode. He nods, unsure of what to say, since repeating 'thank you' seems silly*
Auspex: *optics brighten in amusement* Rest. Hopefully, we will meet again. Take care, and I wish your people well. *she turns back towards the portal (still open, thankfully), taking one last glance around, before stepping through it, back to the dressing room. The portal closes behind her with a soft chime reminiscent of Allspark song, leaving her alone with the stacks of energon and her sleeping brother, who- thankfully- has their PINpoint on his wrist*
Auspex: *blinks, mildly surprised as it disappears again. Absently sending her thanks to Primus, she returns to Blazer's side, prodding him gently. She addresses him with quiet mirth* Blazer? Can you help me help you get back to the sanctuary, or shall I carry you?
Blazer: *only outward response is a feeling of rueful apology and affection as he tells a dream Auspex that he seems to be stuck in recharge*
Auspex: *blinks again, trying and failing to hide her smile* Very well then....
*she attempts to remove him from the floor. He's heavy, but not unmanageable. She frowns a bit at the PINpoint, before determining that it's set right, and activates it. One rather disconcerting, lurching moment later, she finds herself outside the sanctuary. Finding this somewhat unexpected, she shifts Blazer carefully, and begins picking her way down the path threading through the natural slabs of metal on the plain*
Windstripe: *bounds out from behind a heap of rubble in his alt mode* Blazer! Uh... is he okay?
Bob: *stands up and looks around the heap, his expression concerned and a bit fearful, though that protective determination that characterizes him when he's caring for Myrrh is there too*
Auspex: *blinkblinks, taking a moment to recognize the strange creature hurtling toward her. He is very reminiscent of a Maximal... She gives him a reassuring smile* He's very tired, but he'll be all right. He needs to recharge for awhile. *her gaze wanders over to Bob, a silent question on her face*
Bob: *shifts on his feet like he wants to come and help her, but then looks down at something hidden by the heap and feels bemused*
Windstripe: *notices where Auspex is looking* Myrrh's eatin' metal!
Auspex: *slowly raises a brow* She's..? Don't sparklets do that, at times...? *she walks closer, making sure she still has an adequate hold on Blazer*
Windstripe: Nuh uh. Not like that.
Myrrh: *looks up with optics only as she pauses in the act of chomping on a big chunk of scrap metal*
Bob: *quietly, as he steps over to take Blazer* ...Something tells me this is a Myrrh thing.
Auspex: *smiles appreciatively, carefully handing her brother over to Bob, though she is studying Myrrh with a curious air* Hmm. Not unlike the Insecticons of my universe... though they'll eat almost anything - they have powerful energy converters, so anything is useful to them.
Myrrh? *she addresses the sparklet directly* Do you know if you can process that? I'd rather not have you risk damaging your energy processors, otherwise... *this is, of course, assuming Myrrh even understands what she's talking about*
Myrrh: *reluctantly sits up and takes her bite of metal from her mouth, revealing quite impressive little teeth* I can eat it. I need it. *as she sits up Auspex may notice that she's a lot bigger than she was when the white femme left*
Bob: *sheepish and guilty* She ate the new mural you were working on before I realized what she was doing.
Auspex: ...*takes a moment to get her mind around that, finally wincing* Ah well... at least she's staying away from the ones already on the walls, then...
*she nods, seeing both the evidence and hearing the affirmation* You will grow to be quite energy-efficient then, I think. And, hopefully, more discerning of exactly what you eat. *She can't help but chuckle a bit*
Myrrh: *the small one's expression goes graver* No one told me not to eat it. And eating the walls would break the sanctuary. Primus wouldn't like that.
Bob: *succumbs to the need to take care of people and turns to carry Blazer inside and put him to bed. He trusts that the sparklets will be safe with Auspex*
Auspex: *nods, unfazed at her first comment, somewhat surprised at the second* True enough, on all counts.
...how much do you know about Primus, then? *is this Bob's influence, or is this inherent knowledge?*
Myrrh: *considers* I know a lot.
Auspex: Things you learned when you were with Bob's teachers? Or things you simply know?
Myrrh: *Reaches over to put her fingers through Windstripe's fur, and then lifts her brow plates as he purrs* The teachers told me some, and Bob told me some, and Primus told me the rest.
Auspex: *she should be surprised, perhaps, but Primus has brought many sensitives her way, lately* You can hear Primus speak, then?
Myrrh: *surprised by the question. She looks up, her hand stilling on Windstripe's fur* Yes. Like everyone else.
Auspex: *hrm...* I suppose you've had a somewhat skewed glimpse of life, so far. Very few Cybertronians can actually sense the language of his Spark. Some, such as Bob, can instinctively discern Primus's wishes, some, such as Hormah and myself, can actively communicate with him. But there are many more who cannot easily find his presence in their lives; even fail to believe he exists. If you can speak with him, you have a rare gift.
Myrrh: 0.o *confused small one is confused*
Windstripe: Blazer 'n Threnody 'n Pax can hear him. They're Bridges.
Auspex: *nods patiently* They are also servants of the sort who can speak with him. But you do know that not everyone can hear him.
Windstripe: *nods* Yeah.... *glances at Myrrh, who is still contemplating what they're saying, and then rubs his cheek against her hand to see if she'll scratch his ears*
Myrrh: *blinks at him and takes her hand back* But... *still confused*
Auspex: *looks somewhat regretful, moves closer to sit beside her* When I was new, I had programming to help me understand the differences between those who are servants, and those who they serve, as well the different sorts of servants Primus employs.
Many servants, in my universe, are like me; they were created to serve, they do not fight, and Primus shares his knowledge of the feelings of the people they talk to, so they may heal with emotional insight. Some, such as in this little one's universe - *she nods to Windstripe* -are warriors, in one faction or other, but help whoever comes to them, though obviously most are from their own faction. Some in yet other places, are called to actively fight Primus' enemies, who would seek to destroy him.
The Cybertronians that are not servants, are generally fighters - and in many universes, they are, unfortunately, fighting amongst themselves. They sometimes forget that Primus is there, and so he sends us to minister to them, and remind them.
Myrrh: *listens with intense focus despite her hunger and despite being jostled by Windstripe as he climbs into Auspex's lap and snuggles and purrs. When the white femme finishes she ponders her words for several moments*
Auspex: *blinks a bit at Windstripe, but obligingly scritches, with a bit of a smile. She watches Myrrh, hoping she hasn't given her too much information at once*
Myrrh: *contemplates and communes; draws conclusions and checks them, never doubting that Primus will answer her. Then she finally nods and looks up* I'm like you. And that's what I'm going to do when I'm finished.
Auspex: *notes the finality of her declaration; she questions Primus curiously, and he returns a note of confidence.* Primus seems to wish that; and if you wish to honor his wishes, and wish to serve others, then it is a fair assumption that your calling is to be a servant.
Myrrh: *grave little smile, and then she's totally distracted by a wave of hunger and forgets everything else other than munching on the bite of metal she'd taken and then taking more of them*
Bob: *pauses, his shadow falling over them* Are you coming inside, Auspex?
Windstripe: *looks and feels half asleep with contentment. There is a strong feeling of affection from the little fuzor*
Auspex: *turns to look at the young ones with her* Myrrh? Have you had enough, or do you wish to stay here? *she is concerned that she doesn't go hungry, as it were*
Myrrh: *considers gravely even as she munches*
Bob: *stoops to gather up an armload of metal rubble* I can bring some inside for you.
Myrrh: *contemplates this novel idea, then looks at Auspex* Can we do that? Primus says you don't like junk in the sanctuary.
Bob: *pause. blink. Look at Auspex*
Auspex: *chuckles softly* If you're eating it, I consider it fuel. That will work. *she moves to stand, carefully lifting the little organic-like sparklet in her lap*
Windstripe: *opens optics and looks around, then snuggles and continues purring. This big lady is nice*
Bob: *feels happy and resumes gathering up the metal, then reaches for Myrrh with his free hand*
Myrrh: *draws away* I want to walk. It's good for me.
Auspex: *considers Myrrh quietly, before nodding just slightly and continuing forward, peering at her furry, sleepy burden curiously*
Myrrh: *the small one also picks up a piece of metal, then turns and walks toward the sanctuary. She's a strong little thing, but this is new and she's too small to go very fast*
Bob: *hovers over her protectively, feeling a bit anxious*
Windstripe* *licks Auspex's arm* ^_^
Auspex: *doesn't move all that quickly, waiting for the others. She blinkblinks at Windstripe; she's not completely familiar with organic animals' behavior (or anatomy such as tongues, for that matter), and finds this somewhat strange. She shrugs, and applies scritches to the furry winged feline's head*
*In time they reach the sanctuary, where Myrrh plunks down wearily on the floor and takes a bite of her burden*
Bob: *sets down his load and kneels beside her* You're tired. Let me pick you up?
Myrrh: *blinks at him as she chews, nearly too pooped to compute*
Windstripe: *has decided he's marrying this lady when he grows up*
Auspex: *frowns absently at Myrrh. But then, that was a long walk for short legs....*
Bob: *scoops up his little charge and holds her close as she nods and then slips into sleep mode. Softly* She's so brave.
Auspex: *hides a smile* She is bold. That can serve her well. *she pauses for a thoughtful moment* She told me she can hear Primus.
Bob: I thought so. She knew more than we'd told her. *gently rubs the little silver back, then looks at Windstripe* They're both asleep again.
Auspex: *chuckles* I think that is a characteristic of sparklets, as well. I suppose they can return to the guest room... I assume you put Blazer in one of them..?
Bob: They act so differently, otherwise. Windstripe couldn't understand some of my answers when he asked about the plain. *glances toward the hall* Yes, he's in the one next to Hormah's.
Auspex: *nods a bit* They are from different universes, and the processing power is different, though I assume there will become less of a contrast as Windstripe ages. Myrrh's body is small, but her mind is operating more efficiently than a sparklet's.
Bob: *accepts this as he waits for her to lead the way to the back rooms, though he's looking thoughtfully at his charge and wondering about her a little*
Auspex: *glances between the small ones, shrugging slightly as she walks* I'm not sure he'd mind, really, but I think I'll put Windstripe with Blazer, if only because that's who he's most familiar with.
Bob: Alright. And I guess I should put Myrrh with Hormah. Hormah's used to sleeping with someone small.
Auspex: *blinks a bit* Oh? Has Blackout acquired another 'recruit'? *her optics brighten with amusement*
Bob: *as he slips into the little hybrid femme's room* Beamrider was affected by the same fountain that made Sheol. His creation is afraid of the dark.
Auspex: *is silent for a moment, only optics widening and brow raising as a response* Oh dear, I see....
Bob: *from inside the room as he gently tucks Myrrh under the carpet next to Hormah, who is still deeply asleep* Beamrider won't have anything to do with her. Blackout asked me to talk to him. But he wouldn't have anything to do with me either, until Requiem rapped him against the wall. *sighs*
Auspex: *winces, shaking her head a bit as she continues to where Blazer is resting, smiling absently as she bundles the little furry Transformer next to him. With a parting glance, she returns to her conversation with Bob* LOLed offspring often... take their creators aback.
Bob: She's too different. He's a quiet and studious sort, and she's... much like Hormah, only with giggling and claws. *also comes out into the hall, though he's looking over his shoulder and wanting to go back inside*
Auspex: That... could be a problem, yes. Well... hopefully they'll work it out eventually, with minimal emotional hitches... at least she has Hormah, then.
*she pauses, seeing and sensing his wish to watch over them* If you wish to stay with them, I will, as well. I want to be nearby, in the event that Blazer wakes, anyway.
Bob: Blackout likes Pink, too. *turns and gives her his smile, feeling grateful, then goes back inside to sit by Hormah as Auspex often sits by him during his rest cycles*
Auspex: I would hope she does. *chuckles slightly*
*sits nearby, contemplating all of her sleeping friends* They're all exhausted... Blazer used most of his energy to construct a body for Optimus, from hard light. I'm not sure how that works, but that is a special talent of his.
Bob: *gently rubs Hormah's shoulder through the carpet as he leans against the wall, the usual fear overlaid strongly with concern and relief. And now thankfulness* We fought a great battle today.
Auspex: *tilts her head slightly* Restored a life... though I saw new pains in him. But I believe he is content, at least in some way, now that he is home and knows that Myrrh is safe. I worry more for Blackarachnia, she is bitter... but time and Primus' care may heal that.
Bob: *nods, feeling confident* Yes.
Auspex: *smiling slightly, she makes herself comfortable, content to watch silently over her friends for awhile*
((co-written with primus_seeress mun))
small one: *snuggles the carpet and is content*
Hormah: *is suddenly awake and feeling like the bottom just dropped out of the world. Urrrrrky*
Auspex: *looks up from her work to welcome Bob and the sparklet, though she doesn't disturb him as he puts the small Transformer in his room. She turns back to what she was doing. Very quickly, though, she's looking around again* Hormah seems to be up....
Bob: *perks* She's here? *Then he hears the sound of someone being sick and cringes*
Auspex: *winces* Yes. and she was overcharged when she passed out a little while ago... *sighs a bit*
Bob: *confused, concerned, and frightened*
Hormah: *confused, blind sick, and frightened*
Auspex: *shakes her head minutely. She stands, subspaces her datapad, and makes her way toward the back rooms, explaining to Bob* She was traumatized by the sparklet's activation... there was much pain, and she seems to be developing some empathy.
*peeks into the room Hormah's currently occupying*
Hormah: *is glad she managed to get the bucket and didn't make too bad a mess, but now she's sitting on the floor by the berth, crying quietly and griping at Primus*
Bob: *wants to peek as well, but instead moves himself to the far side of the sanctuary so that his feelings won't distract Auspex*
Auspex: *frowns slightly; Bob may have been some help here. Well, perhaps in a moment. She moves to sit beside Hormah, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. For the moment, she remains silent*
Hormah: *fusses a little more as she leans against her friend, but then stops in mid complaint as Primus answers her* ...Who t' flying blue %#@$%'s Blazer?
Auspex: *brow furrows, optics flicker* Er... Blazer is my bond-brother; he is Rodimus Prime's chaplain, in a reality parallel to mine. You recieved his name?
Hormah: *blinks and nods slowly* He good at buildin' bodies quick?
Bob: *back and peeking despite himself* :o
Auspex: *smiles briefly at Bob, encouraging him, before frowning a little in surprise at Hormah's question* Not that I know of... he does carry a base-mainframe's-worth of information, however....
Hormah: *frowning herself* But... t' boss said he was after bein' t' answer t' a quick 'n temporary shell fer Optimus.
Bob: *wondering silently, though his mouth twitches in reply to Auspex*
Auspex: *tilts her head slightly, sending her own query. Hmm...* So he does. I don't pretend to understand the reasoning... but perhaps I should contact him, then....
Hormah: *feeling dizzy and urky again* -Boss, I don' wanna go see Optimus no more. But I will.-
Bob: *slips inside and settles down on the floor on the other side of Hormah, offering his own support*
Auspex: *pats Hormah's shoulder* Should I find him, or... perhaps you need to rest a bit longer. *she frowns at her obvious discomfort*
Hormah: *softly, and with determination against her reluctance* Optimus 's fadin', b'y.
Auspex: *sighs softly* I know... but you need only show me where to find him, really. You've done so much already.
Hormah: *shocked as she turns her optics up toward Auspex's* Quit t' fight?
Auspex: *shakes her head a bit* Pass the fight on, and rest.
Hormah: *uncertain... her superior officer is saying it... but Blackout has always trained her to never back down. And then her tank surges again, and she's scrambling for the bucket*
Bob: *whimpers with sympathy*
Auspex: *winces* Relax for the moment, Hormah. I'll try to contact Blazer. *she gets to her feet, leaving the room momentarily and going to her quarters, where she moves to the communication panel that's there and taps in the code that her brother has given her* //Blazer? Are you there?//
Blazer: *has a sparklet on his back and is trying to talk to an alien delegate who is much too curious about Cybertronian physiology* Meep! One moment, Senator Organa. *backs behind a pillar, still juggling the sparklet* //Auspex?//
Auspex: *raises a brow at the semi-chaos* //Er... can you spare a moment?//
Blazer: *turns his back to the rest of the room to try and get less noise filtering through his audio receivers* Shh, Windstripe. //Of course, Auspex. What is it?//
Auspex: //Well... I'm not completely sure, altogether. To be short, Hormah's come to the sanctuary, very distressed about a disembodied living spark that is fading... and when she asked Primus about finding a shell for him, he gave her your name.//
Blazer: *optics flicker with surprise, but he nods* //I'll be right there. I just have to let Rodimus know I'll be gone.//
Auspex: *looks somewhat dubious; he seems rather busy* //If you're sure....//
Blazer: *Just a bit briskly* //You said Primus said it. I'm too tense to hear him properly myself right now, but I'm not going against what he wants.// *a smile shows now in his voice* //Just give me a few clicks.//
Auspex: *winces a little in sympathy* //All right, when you can.//
Blazer: //I love you, sister. I'll be there.// *disconnects*
Hormah: *muzzy peace*
Bob: *calm*
Auspex: *takes a moment to reflect on the emotions of the others, before venturing back into the other room* Blazer will be on his way soon, I think. *she frowns at Hormah in concern*
Hormah: *curled on her side on the berth, covered by Bob's carpet. Her head is bowed over the tiny silver one of the small one, and her optics are shuttered.*
Bob: *hovering over them watchfully. On the bedside table is the sedation gun* She's asleep.
Auspex: *nods quietly* That's good, then. I thought she knew better than to overcharge herself like that... *sighs softly* It's hard, sometimes, sharing others' pain, and to go through something like that, so soon after the ability makes itself known... it's not easy to deal with.
Bob: *gently rubs Hormah's back through the carpet, then checks on the small one, who is sleeping deeply as she clings to this new but nice person. His optics are solemn around carefully restrained fear as he looks up to meet his mentor's gaze* I know where Optimus is. And Hormah gave the little one a name.
Auspex: Ahh.. so we don't need to disturb her to get his location, I'm glad. Thank you, Bob. *she offers a weak smile* What name does she have, then?
Bob: *nods* I asked her before she went under. And Myrrh and I just came from that Nexus. *he takes a mostly empty cube of energon from his storage and offers it to her*
Auspex: Myrrh..? That's... another human word? I'm not sure I know the meaning.. *she gazes thoughtfully at the sparklet*
Bob: It's a kind of little tree. *shrugs, and then steps toward the door and looks toward the sanctuary*
Blazer: Auspex?
Auspex: *takes a glance back at Hormah and Myrrh, before heading to the main sanctuary to meet her brother* Blazer? That didn't take long. *she chuckles slightly and looks curiously at the sparklet along for the ride; he has fur..?*
Blazer: I only had to let them know I'd be gone. But I couldn't find anyone to take Windstripe. *reaches up to gently pat one of the brown-feathered wings that are wrapped around his shoulders*
Windstripe: *big green eyes peering over Blazer's shoulder from a little green face. It's a sleepy little face, and curious.*
Bob: *peering uncertainly from the hall, but then steps out behind Auspex* He can sleep with Hormah and Myrrh.
Blazer: *blink, who's this?*
Auspex: *smiles kindly at the sparklet as she meets his gaze, before nodding at Bob's suggestion* That is sound, I think, though I'm not sure what Hormah's reaction would be to finding a strange sparklet in her care.
Ah, and Blazer, this is Bob, one of my charges, though he's taking some instruction from some other servants as well. I think I've already mentioned you to Bob.. *she glances between them, with a little smile*
Bob: *ducking down a little in his shy, fearful way* Your brother, yes. And... I don't think it would bother Hormah. She's told me about the first time Pink climbed into her niche and went to sleep on top of her.... *peeks at Blazer, who has gotten the measure of him and is smiling reassuringly*
Auspex: *blinks* Well... does anything phase Hormah, really? *she chuckles softly* I suppose that's all right, then... though I've been somewhat reluctant to leave people alone here, after the incident with the servant of Unicron... *she frowns darkly*
Bob: *softly* This has.
Tessera: *wakes and peeks* :o
Blazer: Primus says it'll be alright. *coaxes the little fuzor from his back and cradles him in his arms* Where should I put him? *and then he pauses and looks up as the sound of rotors comes from the roof. As punctual as ever, a certain self-appointed guard has arrived for his shift*
Auspex: *sighs softly, nodding a bit* For the moment, yes, it has. Hopefully, she will recover sooner than she imagines. *she motions to Blazer, moving to return to the occupied guest room. She nods at the berth, once it's in sight. She also offers a short explanation for the sounds from above*
Hormah's brother has appointed himself the sanctuary lookout. He will at least let us know of something unusual happens here.
Blazer: *pauses and looks at the part of Hormah that's peeping from under the carpet* So these are your other charges?
Windstripe: *sees a sleeping place and a blankie and squirms before transforming and becoming a fuzzy white tiger cub with wings*
Auspex: *pauses, contemplating how much she can explain in a timely manner* Hormah is not my charge, so much as a pupil; she's sensitive to Primus' voice, and is developing some of the servant's empathy, even... though one of her first experiences has been enduring the fear and pain of a dying body. *she sighs softly*
The little one... her activation is apparently what triggered said death. I'm not sure I understood it all, but... she was 'born' in a rather organic manner, to the already-weakened shell of a fem, who was loaning her frame to an Optimus. *blinkblink*
Suffice it to say, said Optimus is currently bodiless.
Blazer: ....0_0 *lets Windstripe go to crawl under the carpet and snuggle against Hormah's back with purring*
Auspex: *nods dryly* That was essentially my reaction, also. So many strange things in the Multiverse....
Blazer: So I'm not wrong in thinking you're talking about a male Optimus?
Auspex: *darts a somewhat disbelieving sidelong glance Blazer-wards, her optics brightening in subtle amusement* I'm hoping that isn't the only thing you found strange about that story....
Blazer: *wincing as he turns back toward the main sanctuary* No.... How could one of us... wait. The femme, was she Maximal? Like Windstripe?
Auspex: *shakes her head* No, Decepticon, actually... but somehow, she's partly organic. I didn't want to upset Hormah by asking too many details... though I've also had an experience with a LOL, that did something very similar to an acquaintance of mine. It can happen even to perfectly average Transformers, given the very un-average surroundings of the Nexus. *she grimaces a bit*
*glances around once she reaches the main room, finding Bob kneeling by the focal mural* Where did Hormah say he was, Bob..?
Bob: *glances up, his face grave as he offers her his PINpoint* I've set it. Primus... *looks down, feeling sheepish and a little upset, but also relieved* Primus told me to stay here.
Auspex: *offers a rueful, but fond smile, applying a sympathetic kiss to his temple, as she takes the PINpoint* It's all right. Just as well to spare yourself from the worry, anyway.
Bob: *nods without looking up* Yes. Please be careful.
Blazer: *watching in sympathetic silence*
Auspex: *frowns at his reaction, patting his cheek* Things will change, given time. You are well on your way.
*she takes a moment to frown at the PINpoint, then passes it to Blazer* You use these more often than I do... *little smile*
Bob: *feels peace and acceptance as he contemplates her words, and then turns his attention back to communion*
Blazer: *slight smile* That's not saying much. *looks at it, and then puts a hand up to take hers and lead her out of range of Bob before pressing the button*
Auspex: *takes the proffered hand, hoping this situation won't be as messy as it sounds like it will be....*
*They come out in the energon room of the dressing room nexus... the place that a lot of Auspex's energy has been coming from lately, incidentally. It seems to be empty, but from one corner, masked by a heap of energon cubes, comes a low thread of weariness, worry, and determination.*
Auspex: *looks around, with a little frown of concentration. She recognizes this place as the Multiversal complex that the Maximal Ratchet and his teammates have been staying in. With her Primus-given senses, she searches for any emotion that doesn't seem to have a source. She thinks she's caught a hint, but she pauses to make sure*
Blazer: *subspaces the PINpoint and starts a systematic sweep of the room, all his senses on high. He checks behind the heap and then takes a step back as something that he can't see hisses at him* Auspex?
Blackarachnia: *protective and angry* Back off, Autobot!
Auspex: *frowns, following Blazer. That's about where she thought she'd sensed something, yes... the disembodied voice would seem to confirm that, obviously. She answers it, though a little uncertainly* He will not harm you. I am neutral, myself, and I will not, either.
Blackarachnia: *a faint outline stalks out from behind the stack of cubes, a slender femme of alien beauty. Four ruby optics narrow as they take Auspex in* Honey, you and your shrinky dink friend couldn't hurt me if you tried. *the worry is still there. And the stronger thread of it is coming from her. She's nearly frantic with it, but determined to protect that other spark back there*
Blazer: *gently* Hormah sent us.
Blackarachnia: That's supposed to mean something to me? *bares her teeth*
Auspex: *tilts her head, though she answers patiently* Then there is no need to be defensive.
*she backs up Blazer's explanation* She rescued the sparklet... and saw what happened to Optimus. I can sense your worry for him... please, let us help? *she expects more questions, but leaves it at that for the moment*
Blackarachnia: Maybe if I knew or cared what a 'sparklet' was. *crouches slightly, as if she were something dangerous instead of just a wisp of living energy. But then from behind her comes a voice, low and tired*
Optimus: Blackarachnia, wait. They're... they're friends.
Blackarachnia: Don't waste your energy. *exasperation toward him*
Optimus: Let them... past.
Blazer: *spiking with concern at how faint that voice sounds*
Auspex: *sighs, clarifying* The... small Cybertronian that came from the body that is now... gone. We serve Primus; he sent us here to help Optimus. *she glances at Blazer, her expression matching his sentiment*
Blackarachnia: *twinging with disgust at mention of the small one* Help him how? I don't see any nice new body, or life support pods.
Optimus: Blackarachnia... please....
Blackarachnia: *turns to snarl at him with frustration* You don't even know if they're telling the truth!
Blazer: *walks through her*
Blackarachnia: !!!!!!!!!!!
Auspex: *raises a brow at her brother's rather direct action; she'd prefer to have had the fem let them by, but Optimus does sound rather bad off; there is little time. She's not sure, exactly, what Blazer is going to do, herself; but she trusts him, and she trusts Primus. She speaks to the other fem softly* We don't want him to die, any more than you do. Blazer can save him....
Blackarachnia: *wavering between rage and concern, but finally turns back to Auspex with a quietly sorrowful look on her face before she turns and goes back into the alcove behind the energon*
Blazer: *hands out over something invisible as he carries on a low conversation with his patient to be sure of exactly where he is. From those hands a cocoon of softly glowing light is slowly taking form* //Auspex, do you know what he's supposed to look like? He's too weak to hold his natural form.//
Auspex: *notes Blazer's actions, even as she frowns after Blackarachnia with quiet sympathy* //Ahh... a body of light; I hadn't thought of that, myself... that is why I am not in charge.// *her tone is faintly amused - until she finds herself frowning in dismay at Blazer's query* //I'm afraid I don't, though I suspect he has design elements in common with others named Optimus, from the other universes.//
Blazer: Hmm.... *frowns just a little as he starts to pray*
Blackarachnia: *sharply* What's wrong?
Auspex: *attempts to reassure her* It's... mostly a cosmetic concern. My brother can make a body for him, but we don't know what he looks like. That may be awkward for him.
Blackarachnia: *looks at the white femme long and hard, then turns and scowls at Blazer before going over to the other side of Optimus and putting her arms around him*
Optimus: ...what? You... didn't... recharge... already?
Blackarachnia: Shhhh. *flickers and winces, her face creasing with discomfort as she discharges as much energy as she can. Then she's gone, and Optimus' faint outline is visible, surrounded by an even fainter spider outline*
Blazer: 0_0
Auspex: *optics flicker in alarm as the other femme disappears. She exclaims wordlessly at Primus... and is quickly reassured. She sighs with relief, but still, she shakes her head slightly* She went back to her current housing... but that was not a risk I would have had her take. Not for this.
Blazer: *relieved as he looks at the form within his cocoon. Then he pauses and looks more closely* //I wonder if they know there's a natural bond forming here?// *his face goes intent as the light starts to thicken. Systems begin to form, and Blazer is unaware of the world around him as he accesses old data and painstakingly weaves his hologram*
Optimus: *silent and unconscious, but the weariness isn't so acute now*
Auspex: //I have a feeling there is a complicated story between them. Perhaps that is not as unexpected as they might wish to believe. I may attempt to ask, later.//
*she continues to watch in fascinated silence; she's seen the results of Blazer's ability to weave light into matter, but not the process of it. There is quite a bit more work involved than she initially realized....*
*and so the hours pass, till the flame marked beast-former looks up with an expression of distracted urgency*
Blazer: I need a matrix.
Auspex: *watches over them silently, and, though she hadn't anticipated this long a wait, she is as patient as always, communicating with Primus through light commune as she waits. She is somewhat startled, however, when Blazer finally speaks. She blinks at him blankly for a moment* ...a matrix?
Blazer: A piece of metal that I can tie this to, and that he can carry with him. *like that Autobadge pendant that Oriana is never without*
Auspex: *is taken aback slightly* Oh. Well, surely there's something around here... *she stands, wandering about to examine the various objects in the room, with a little frown; it's obvious she's unfamiliar with surroundings like this.*
*That's plastic, that's fabric, that's... she has no idea what that is. Ah, there - after a few minutes, she notes that the storage compartments have some sort of removable locking mechanism, mostly of metal.
*She carefully extracts one of the loose units from a door at random. Returning to Blazer, she offers the lock* Will this work?
Blazer: *looks up, his distraction lighting to a smile* Perfect, hold it here. *he nods to a place beside and slightly between himself and Optimus* Wait, pull the knob off first.
Auspex: *is relieved she's found something of use, though she pauses a moment to frown at the plastic knob. Breaking it off is a bit of a chore - it is certainly human proof, but not quite non-combatant-Cybertronian-proof. She scoots forward to hold the lock between them* As long as it anchors to the object, and not me....
Blazer: *with soft humor* I can focus.
*his optics go absent again, then as he makes a last few adjustments. And then they flicker as he takes the lock from his sister and presses it into Optimus' hand* Hold onto this. I'll get you some energy.
Optimus: *quietly, frowning and flexing his free hand tentatively* Alright....
Blazer: *turns and looks up at the stack they're behind, and then stands to try and reach the top. Failing at this, he's gone around the stack to find one that he can get*
Optimus: *muzzy frown as he watches the small mech go, and then he turns his weary and slightly pained optics to Auspex* You've seen the little 'bot?
Auspex: *despite having watched for the last few hours, she's still somewhat amazed that Optimus is actually solid, when Blazer hands him his focal point.*
*She does have a good five feet of height that Blazer doesn't, but someone should stay with Optimus; she lets Blazer be. She peers at the re-embodied Cybertronian with some concern. He looks so tired...* Yes, she is staying at my temple with some pupils of mine, for the moment. She is doing rather well, and has no trauma.
Hormah, however... *she frowns* Well, she'll be all right, but she was very upset that she couldn't save you.
Optimus: *winces at the memory* The little orange femme... she was leaking. *he tries to push himself up from where he's slumped against the wall, but then falls back as his spark shudders. This is something that he's used to since being infected with the virus that killed his first body, but his feelings and expression are grim as he waits for it to steady*
Auspex: *it takes her a moment to understand what he's referring to, then nods* Some of our kind shed tears - but yes, she is developing the senses of an empathic servant, and experienced some of your pain, as well... I'm sorry both of you had to go through that.
*She breaks off as he attempts and fails to move. She reaches to put a hand to his arm* You probably shouldn't do that, yet....
Optimus: *looks up at her, his spark twisting with sadness as he considers her words. But he obediently lays still, his optics flicking over to where Blazer is returning with a cube of energon and a drinking tube*
Blazer: *pushing himself against exhaustion even as he communes with his creator* Here, drink slowly.
Auspex: *frowns a little as she sees his weariness, as well* Both of you need to rest.
Blazer: *makes sure that his patient isn't having any trouble before he lifts those mild blue optics to his sister* I'm alright.
Optimus: *wincing at the strength of the hunger pangs and forcing himself to drink at a reasonable speed*
Auspex: *looks somewhat skeptical, but doesn't argue. She concentrates, instead, on Optimus' recovery, even projecting a little of Primus' peace at him, hand still on his arm. She's still not sure of the whole story of this body exchange and sparklet birthing, but she's reluctant to ask so soon. Let him rest, let him recover....*
Optimus: *stops drinking when the cube is half empty and looks from Blazer to Auspex* I have to get back.
Blazer: *mildly* You need to rest.
Optimus: I can do it back at our base. But.... *winces and looks away, panging with sadness and some guilt for causing his team that much grief* They think I'm dead.
Auspex: *sighs softly* That isn't your fault. Still, if we could contact them from here, it would save you the trip....
Optimus: *blinks* I... have to make the trip anyway. I live there.
Auspex: *she shows a hit of patient smile for a moment* Well, yes, but is that wise, just yet? I don't wish for you to overtax yourself....
Optimus: *just frowns at her, feeling the need to go home. And the urge to check on Blackarachnia. His optics flick to Blazer, who is quietly finishing the cube*
Blazer: She's older than me. I listen to her.
Optimus: *blinks*
Auspex: *tilts her head, with a concerned frown of her own* You seem so very tired, I'm not sure you should push yourself... but if you insist, perhaps we can help you. I understand why you are concerned. How is it that you came to be here in this Nexus, in the first place?
Optimus: *winces and looks toward his feet, accidentally sliding a little flatter as he does so* This is where I died. One of my team brought everyone here to get us away from an attack.
Auspex: *grimaces, reaching forward a bit as he slumps, even as she nods in understanding* I see... are they still in danger, then?
Optimus: Blackarachnia says that Grimlock ate the creature that had possessed our teammate. And that two of the team are in stasis, and the mech who was possessed is sick because his spark-mate is one of the ones who are in stasis. *he sighs and winces at the discomfort of his position, putting down an elbow to try and do something about it* She says everyone else is alright.
Blazer: *twinging with sympathy as he gently tugs on the larger mech to try and get him into a more comfortable position. But Optimus is a big mech and the young Bridge is weary*
Auspex: *also attempts to prop him up; at least she's bigger in scale, if not stronger* Possessed... ate...? Oh dear. It sounds as though you all need to rest. And... it was in the middle of all of this that the sparklet came? *her expression speaks volumes of tired sympathy*
Optimus: *wincing more* Maybe just help me lay down, instead.
Blazer: Alright. *tugs him the other way*
Auspex: *nods silently, pulling gently at his arm* You don't have to explain everything, if it's too tiring... I'd just like to know what can be done to help.
Optimus: *sighs with relief as he winds up flat, then scrunches his optics at the corner as Blazer stuffs a wad of discarded clothing under his head for a pillow* Thanks....
*he takes a moment to gather his strength and organize his thoughts, then turns his head to look at Auspex. He finds he feels the need to tell the story, perhaps because this femme knows the ones who are caring for the little 'bot*
Bumblebee said the thing looked like a mutant space barnicle on steroids. To me it just looked like a blob of goo wrapped around Prowl's chassis. He attacked the rest of us, and we tried to fight him off. I... Blackarachnia's body was already weakened, and in the fight I lost several limbs. I was leaking badly, and Bumblebee and Koko were nearly offline, by the time Bandit decided that she couldn't stand seeing us get pounded on anymore and brought us all here.
*he shudders slightly at the memory of what came next, flinching from remembered pain and fear*
Ratchet was working to save Koko's life when the little... when Hormah came. She'd brought a small purple friend to help Ratchet.
*a moment as he carefully sets his matrix into a storage compartment so that he doesn't wind up crushing it as his hands clench, and then he looks away, toward the wall* I'd been feeling pain since sometime during the fight, but I hadn't realized what it could be until I felt the urge to get away from everyone else and find somewhere dark and quiet.
Blazer: *hiding his 0_0*
Auspex: *wide optics* He must be quite a powerful warrior....
So... it happened right afterward, while your team was still in disarray? *she sighs softly* One could hope for better timing, yes....
Optimus: *wearily, as he remembers the aches and terrors of that day* He's a ninja, and that... thing made him berserk. And yeah. Hormah said stress probably caused it.
Auspex: I'm almost afraid to ask, but do you know how Grimlock is?
*she nods slowly* They do need to know if you're all right... but you've been through quite an ordeal, yourself, and I'm glad we had a way to remedy at least some of it. Blackarachnia told you of them, can she tell them of you?
Optimus: *slowly* Grimlock's grieving... he seems to have decided that I was his best friend. And Blackarachnia won't tell them.
Blazer: *looks up with a puzzled frown*
Auspex: He... sounds as though he's still functioning normally, then... that's good.
But... why won't she tell them? Ah, well, then again... being a Decepticon, she is probably not kindly disposed toward them. Though she seems to be protective of you.
Optimus: *pangs of sadness and guilt mix with exasperation and suspicion* She hates and distrusts all Autobots. Especially me.
Auspex: Hmm. *gently* I gather there is a rather complicated story there... it's not as simple as that. Though you may not wish to get into that..
Optimus: |:\ I don't. *There is old hurt in those words, and bits of the newer feelings that Auspex is picking up, too*
Auspex: *nods in understanding* I'm glad the sparklet came safely, at least. I only wish it hadn't cost you this.
Optimus: *looks away, trying to understand the protective feelings that rise up in his spark as he thinks of that little scrap of silver Cybertronian* She was worth it. And so is Blackarachnia. Maybe now I've finally atoned for part of what I did when I left her behind all those cycles ago.
Auspex: *smiles slowly, somewhat heartened* You have a kind spark. We should arrange a visit with her....
Optimus: *quietly but resolutely* No.
Auspex: *tilts her head, somewhat taken aback, but catching the finality of this decision. She attempts to understand* You wish for her to have no ties?
Optimus: *still looking away* The Autobots of my reality don't look favorably on organic things. She doesn't deserve to be ostracized because of how she was created. And my life is too uncertain. I won't leave another femme behind.
Auspex: Ahh. *nods quietly* Prejudice can be a powerful thing... I understand why you would want to spare her that. Still, I'm not sure it's visible that she has any sort of organic origins... but I will respect your decision, if you are certain. *she frowns at his soft comment, but leaves it be - she does imagine it has to do with Blackarachnia*
Optimus: Hormah said she'd find her a place where she'd fit in. *thinks of that little face, framed by towel, and feels sad. And wonders at the sadness*
Blazer: *very soft clunk as he slips into recharge*
Auspex: *softly reassuring* She will be fine, all of us will see to that.
*does a bit of a double-take as Blazer's face hits the floor* Er. Oops.
Optimus: *turns back to look at the small mech* 0_o
Auspex: ...apparently, crafting things from hard light is more taxing on his systems than I knew. *reaches over to carefully turn him on his side*
Blazer: *tries to wake up, but winds up slipping into a dream*
Optimus: Is he... going to be alright?
Auspex: *blinks a bit* He should be... I imagine recharge will put him in normal working order soon enough.
Optimus: *frowns at Blazer, feeling a little confused and wary now that his mind is clearer. Why are all these complete strangers going through so much personal hardship on his behalf?*
Auspex: *senses his wondering about them. She seems to remember having mentioned Primus... but considering the state he was in, it's no wonder it didn't quite connect. She explains quietly*
We are servants of Primus; he sent us to help you - and that can't always be done without personal risk.
Optimus: Hormah mentioned Primus, too. But I don't know who that is.
Auspex: *is confused for a moment. Ah... she'd forgotten the nature of his universe, and its strange Allspark....*
In most universes where our kind exist, Primus is the being who created our race, ages ago. He is vastly powerful, and each of us carry a bit of his essence in our sparks. I have heard of your universe, and its Allspark - I suspect that it somehow ties in with his power, though your people don't know of him.
Optimus: *one optic narrowing slightly as he contemplates this, and then he looks up again* But why would the creator of the entire Transformer race send three different people to help me?
Auspex: *tilts her head a bit* That, I'm not sure of. We are not necessarily told these things, when we are sent.
I am an non-combatant, an empath, and emotional healer. Blazer is a battlefield chaplain - he is trained to stay focused in chaos... *she remembers the comm conversation before he arrived, and a hint of a smile surfaces for a moment* Moreso than I am, at least. Hormah is very young - she is a fighter, though she is developing a gift for empathy, as well. There are, perhaps, different reasons for the different servants.
Optimus: Hormah looked.... *tries to think of a polite way to describe the surprising appearance of the little femme, who was even more different from what he's used to than Auspex and Blazer are*
Auspex: She is from a very different universe; her people's construction tends to seem very alien to the rest of us. *she reasons that this is confusing enough, without explaining the hybrid issues*
Optimus: *nods, accepting this, though he's frowning still* But the three of you are all part of the same team.
Auspex: *brow furrows slightly* I suppose you could say that. We all serve Primus, and he seems to bring those of us together, who have access to the Nexus. He is a multiversal being.
Optimus: ...Multiversal being? *confused*
Auspex: Some of the more powerful beings in creation can span universes. They always exist, though they may not always have a presence in every universe. I'm not entirely sure how it works, but Primus does sometimes tell me of things that he has observed in other realities, as well as mine. He knows the Cybertronians, wherever they come from, and brings me impressions of their emotions. I cannot sense other races.
Optimus: *trying to decide if he believes this*
Auspex: It's quite a bit to take in, I know. We can never understand all of it.
*frowns as Primus nudges her mind gently, exchanging a few thoughts with him* How are you feeling?
Optimus: *quiet but determined* Tired. But I have to get back. My crew needs to know I'm alright.
Auspex: *nods slowly* Primus seems to think it is time. Do you... know how to get back? Will you be all right, or shall I help? *she gazes at him in concern* I'd like to be sure that you get home safely....
Optimus: *pushes himself up carefully, leaning against the wall as he looks around for the source of a sound he hears. Then his optics widen as he realizes that there's a portal opening on the opposite wall, and that he can see the common room through it* I... know how to get back. But I think I'll need a hand.
Auspex: *nods a bit, crouching beside him* I think Blazer will be all right, here, in the meantime. What do you need? I'm not terribly sturdy, but I can at least help steady you, if need be.
Optimus: *puts a hand on her shoulder and gains his feet, then apologizes and puts an arm around her shoulders as his knees try to buckle* Can you see the... doorway? It's right there in front of us.
Auspex: *pays apologies no mind, putting a hand to his back to help brace him as well as she can. She looks up, at his direction, blinking with an humorously puzzled expression* Well. That's convenient. *she chuckles a bit* The way things are arranged just so, sometimes...
*she carefully takes a step, trying to hold what weight she is supporting*
Optimus: *trying to keep from leaning on her too hard as he sets his jaw and determinedly heads for that concrete couch that he can see there* I'd blame it on the Allspark... but ours is... gone.
Auspex: *almost stumbles for a moment in surprise, though she keeps her footing and her hold* ...gone? How so?
Optimus: *hand goes out and braces against the side of the portal for a moment, making sure that he doesn't crush her* It was shattered during the battle after the Decepticon leader was rebuilt. And then our medic used the shards to resurrect an old war hero to help us in the last big battle.
Auspex: *optics widen* Oh dear... I've spoken to one or two from analogs of your reality; they told me of your Allspark, but I don't think that had happened yet... so the power still lives on, in the shards?
*She carefully steps through the portal, attempting to match his pace*
Optimus: They've brought one other dead mech back from the dead, and sparked several human vehicles into Transformers. *jaw clenching as they cover the last few steps to the couch*
Auspex: *'hmm's absently, even as she winces in sympathy* Careful, then... *she attempts to help him lean far enough to actually sit* It has the power to create, then, as well as recreate, and perhaps it is discerning in exactly what it sparks, at times?
Optimus: *puts a hand on the couch and settles himself with a soft clank, then carefully starts getting himself laid down* I... wouldn't say that.
Auspex: *'hovers' somewhat, to see that he's comfortable, only then pausing to glance around curiously, though she keeps her mind on her questions* It's only sparked vehicles, as far as you know?
Optimus: *remembering the assembly line mess and that runaway train* Other machinery tended to go a little crazy when affected by an Allspark shard. *gets settled with a sigh of relief, head on the arm rest*
Auspex: *nods, considering this* The life-giving powers are similar to objects that Primus has used to bring sparks to his children... they appeared a bit more discerning, but then, shells were usually brought to the object, rather than vice versa. I can only imagine the sort of strange things that might happen if one was brought to Earth.
*she shakes her head slightly* In any case, Primus utilizes conscious thought, on a level even above our own; and he's seen to it that you are safe, if tired... will your people find you here, or should I find them..? *she glances around once more*
Optimus: *smiles, looking much more relaxed now* I'll be alright. ...Thank you. All of you.
Auspex: *spares him a gentle smile* That is why we are called. And Primus looks after his own, even if his name is not known to them. I am at your disposal, if there is anything I can do for you, or your people, or Blackarachnia. My name is Auspex, my brother is Blazer; Cybertronians in the Nexus will likely know one or the other, should you need to find us.
Optimus: *still smiling, though the light is fading in his optics and the shutters are drooping as his systems insist that it is time for sleep mode. He nods, unsure of what to say, since repeating 'thank you' seems silly*
Auspex: *optics brighten in amusement* Rest. Hopefully, we will meet again. Take care, and I wish your people well. *she turns back towards the portal (still open, thankfully), taking one last glance around, before stepping through it, back to the dressing room. The portal closes behind her with a soft chime reminiscent of Allspark song, leaving her alone with the stacks of energon and her sleeping brother, who- thankfully- has their PINpoint on his wrist*
Auspex: *blinks, mildly surprised as it disappears again. Absently sending her thanks to Primus, she returns to Blazer's side, prodding him gently. She addresses him with quiet mirth* Blazer? Can you help me help you get back to the sanctuary, or shall I carry you?
Blazer: *only outward response is a feeling of rueful apology and affection as he tells a dream Auspex that he seems to be stuck in recharge*
Auspex: *blinks again, trying and failing to hide her smile* Very well then....
*she attempts to remove him from the floor. He's heavy, but not unmanageable. She frowns a bit at the PINpoint, before determining that it's set right, and activates it. One rather disconcerting, lurching moment later, she finds herself outside the sanctuary. Finding this somewhat unexpected, she shifts Blazer carefully, and begins picking her way down the path threading through the natural slabs of metal on the plain*
Windstripe: *bounds out from behind a heap of rubble in his alt mode* Blazer! Uh... is he okay?
Bob: *stands up and looks around the heap, his expression concerned and a bit fearful, though that protective determination that characterizes him when he's caring for Myrrh is there too*
Auspex: *blinkblinks, taking a moment to recognize the strange creature hurtling toward her. He is very reminiscent of a Maximal... She gives him a reassuring smile* He's very tired, but he'll be all right. He needs to recharge for awhile. *her gaze wanders over to Bob, a silent question on her face*
Bob: *shifts on his feet like he wants to come and help her, but then looks down at something hidden by the heap and feels bemused*
Windstripe: *notices where Auspex is looking* Myrrh's eatin' metal!
Auspex: *slowly raises a brow* She's..? Don't sparklets do that, at times...? *she walks closer, making sure she still has an adequate hold on Blazer*
Windstripe: Nuh uh. Not like that.
Myrrh: *looks up with optics only as she pauses in the act of chomping on a big chunk of scrap metal*
Bob: *quietly, as he steps over to take Blazer* ...Something tells me this is a Myrrh thing.
Auspex: *smiles appreciatively, carefully handing her brother over to Bob, though she is studying Myrrh with a curious air* Hmm. Not unlike the Insecticons of my universe... though they'll eat almost anything - they have powerful energy converters, so anything is useful to them.
Myrrh? *she addresses the sparklet directly* Do you know if you can process that? I'd rather not have you risk damaging your energy processors, otherwise... *this is, of course, assuming Myrrh even understands what she's talking about*
Myrrh: *reluctantly sits up and takes her bite of metal from her mouth, revealing quite impressive little teeth* I can eat it. I need it. *as she sits up Auspex may notice that she's a lot bigger than she was when the white femme left*
Bob: *sheepish and guilty* She ate the new mural you were working on before I realized what she was doing.
Auspex: ...*takes a moment to get her mind around that, finally wincing* Ah well... at least she's staying away from the ones already on the walls, then...
*she nods, seeing both the evidence and hearing the affirmation* You will grow to be quite energy-efficient then, I think. And, hopefully, more discerning of exactly what you eat. *She can't help but chuckle a bit*
Myrrh: *the small one's expression goes graver* No one told me not to eat it. And eating the walls would break the sanctuary. Primus wouldn't like that.
Bob: *succumbs to the need to take care of people and turns to carry Blazer inside and put him to bed. He trusts that the sparklets will be safe with Auspex*
Auspex: *nods, unfazed at her first comment, somewhat surprised at the second* True enough, on all counts.
...how much do you know about Primus, then? *is this Bob's influence, or is this inherent knowledge?*
Myrrh: *considers* I know a lot.
Auspex: Things you learned when you were with Bob's teachers? Or things you simply know?
Myrrh: *Reaches over to put her fingers through Windstripe's fur, and then lifts her brow plates as he purrs* The teachers told me some, and Bob told me some, and Primus told me the rest.
Auspex: *she should be surprised, perhaps, but Primus has brought many sensitives her way, lately* You can hear Primus speak, then?
Myrrh: *surprised by the question. She looks up, her hand stilling on Windstripe's fur* Yes. Like everyone else.
Auspex: *hrm...* I suppose you've had a somewhat skewed glimpse of life, so far. Very few Cybertronians can actually sense the language of his Spark. Some, such as Bob, can instinctively discern Primus's wishes, some, such as Hormah and myself, can actively communicate with him. But there are many more who cannot easily find his presence in their lives; even fail to believe he exists. If you can speak with him, you have a rare gift.
Myrrh: 0.o *confused small one is confused*
Windstripe: Blazer 'n Threnody 'n Pax can hear him. They're Bridges.
Auspex: *nods patiently* They are also servants of the sort who can speak with him. But you do know that not everyone can hear him.
Windstripe: *nods* Yeah.... *glances at Myrrh, who is still contemplating what they're saying, and then rubs his cheek against her hand to see if she'll scratch his ears*
Myrrh: *blinks at him and takes her hand back* But... *still confused*
Auspex: *looks somewhat regretful, moves closer to sit beside her* When I was new, I had programming to help me understand the differences between those who are servants, and those who they serve, as well the different sorts of servants Primus employs.
Many servants, in my universe, are like me; they were created to serve, they do not fight, and Primus shares his knowledge of the feelings of the people they talk to, so they may heal with emotional insight. Some, such as in this little one's universe - *she nods to Windstripe* -are warriors, in one faction or other, but help whoever comes to them, though obviously most are from their own faction. Some in yet other places, are called to actively fight Primus' enemies, who would seek to destroy him.
The Cybertronians that are not servants, are generally fighters - and in many universes, they are, unfortunately, fighting amongst themselves. They sometimes forget that Primus is there, and so he sends us to minister to them, and remind them.
Myrrh: *listens with intense focus despite her hunger and despite being jostled by Windstripe as he climbs into Auspex's lap and snuggles and purrs. When the white femme finishes she ponders her words for several moments*
Auspex: *blinks a bit at Windstripe, but obligingly scritches, with a bit of a smile. She watches Myrrh, hoping she hasn't given her too much information at once*
Myrrh: *contemplates and communes; draws conclusions and checks them, never doubting that Primus will answer her. Then she finally nods and looks up* I'm like you. And that's what I'm going to do when I'm finished.
Auspex: *notes the finality of her declaration; she questions Primus curiously, and he returns a note of confidence.* Primus seems to wish that; and if you wish to honor his wishes, and wish to serve others, then it is a fair assumption that your calling is to be a servant.
Myrrh: *grave little smile, and then she's totally distracted by a wave of hunger and forgets everything else other than munching on the bite of metal she'd taken and then taking more of them*
Bob: *pauses, his shadow falling over them* Are you coming inside, Auspex?
Windstripe: *looks and feels half asleep with contentment. There is a strong feeling of affection from the little fuzor*
Auspex: *turns to look at the young ones with her* Myrrh? Have you had enough, or do you wish to stay here? *she is concerned that she doesn't go hungry, as it were*
Myrrh: *considers gravely even as she munches*
Bob: *stoops to gather up an armload of metal rubble* I can bring some inside for you.
Myrrh: *contemplates this novel idea, then looks at Auspex* Can we do that? Primus says you don't like junk in the sanctuary.
Bob: *pause. blink. Look at Auspex*
Auspex: *chuckles softly* If you're eating it, I consider it fuel. That will work. *she moves to stand, carefully lifting the little organic-like sparklet in her lap*
Windstripe: *opens optics and looks around, then snuggles and continues purring. This big lady is nice*
Bob: *feels happy and resumes gathering up the metal, then reaches for Myrrh with his free hand*
Myrrh: *draws away* I want to walk. It's good for me.
Auspex: *considers Myrrh quietly, before nodding just slightly and continuing forward, peering at her furry, sleepy burden curiously*
Myrrh: *the small one also picks up a piece of metal, then turns and walks toward the sanctuary. She's a strong little thing, but this is new and she's too small to go very fast*
Bob: *hovers over her protectively, feeling a bit anxious*
Windstripe* *licks Auspex's arm* ^_^
Auspex: *doesn't move all that quickly, waiting for the others. She blinkblinks at Windstripe; she's not completely familiar with organic animals' behavior (or anatomy such as tongues, for that matter), and finds this somewhat strange. She shrugs, and applies scritches to the furry winged feline's head*
*In time they reach the sanctuary, where Myrrh plunks down wearily on the floor and takes a bite of her burden*
Bob: *sets down his load and kneels beside her* You're tired. Let me pick you up?
Myrrh: *blinks at him as she chews, nearly too pooped to compute*
Windstripe: *has decided he's marrying this lady when he grows up*
Auspex: *frowns absently at Myrrh. But then, that was a long walk for short legs....*
Bob: *scoops up his little charge and holds her close as she nods and then slips into sleep mode. Softly* She's so brave.
Auspex: *hides a smile* She is bold. That can serve her well. *she pauses for a thoughtful moment* She told me she can hear Primus.
Bob: I thought so. She knew more than we'd told her. *gently rubs the little silver back, then looks at Windstripe* They're both asleep again.
Auspex: *chuckles* I think that is a characteristic of sparklets, as well. I suppose they can return to the guest room... I assume you put Blazer in one of them..?
Bob: They act so differently, otherwise. Windstripe couldn't understand some of my answers when he asked about the plain. *glances toward the hall* Yes, he's in the one next to Hormah's.
Auspex: *nods a bit* They are from different universes, and the processing power is different, though I assume there will become less of a contrast as Windstripe ages. Myrrh's body is small, but her mind is operating more efficiently than a sparklet's.
Bob: *accepts this as he waits for her to lead the way to the back rooms, though he's looking thoughtfully at his charge and wondering about her a little*
Auspex: *glances between the small ones, shrugging slightly as she walks* I'm not sure he'd mind, really, but I think I'll put Windstripe with Blazer, if only because that's who he's most familiar with.
Bob: Alright. And I guess I should put Myrrh with Hormah. Hormah's used to sleeping with someone small.
Auspex: *blinks a bit* Oh? Has Blackout acquired another 'recruit'? *her optics brighten with amusement*
Bob: *as he slips into the little hybrid femme's room* Beamrider was affected by the same fountain that made Sheol. His creation is afraid of the dark.
Auspex: *is silent for a moment, only optics widening and brow raising as a response* Oh dear, I see....
Bob: *from inside the room as he gently tucks Myrrh under the carpet next to Hormah, who is still deeply asleep* Beamrider won't have anything to do with her. Blackout asked me to talk to him. But he wouldn't have anything to do with me either, until Requiem rapped him against the wall. *sighs*
Auspex: *winces, shaking her head a bit as she continues to where Blazer is resting, smiling absently as she bundles the little furry Transformer next to him. With a parting glance, she returns to her conversation with Bob* LOLed offspring often... take their creators aback.
Bob: She's too different. He's a quiet and studious sort, and she's... much like Hormah, only with giggling and claws. *also comes out into the hall, though he's looking over his shoulder and wanting to go back inside*
Auspex: That... could be a problem, yes. Well... hopefully they'll work it out eventually, with minimal emotional hitches... at least she has Hormah, then.
*she pauses, seeing and sensing his wish to watch over them* If you wish to stay with them, I will, as well. I want to be nearby, in the event that Blazer wakes, anyway.
Bob: Blackout likes Pink, too. *turns and gives her his smile, feeling grateful, then goes back inside to sit by Hormah as Auspex often sits by him during his rest cycles*
Auspex: I would hope she does. *chuckles slightly*
*sits nearby, contemplating all of her sleeping friends* They're all exhausted... Blazer used most of his energy to construct a body for Optimus, from hard light. I'm not sure how that works, but that is a special talent of his.
Bob: *gently rubs Hormah's shoulder through the carpet as he leans against the wall, the usual fear overlaid strongly with concern and relief. And now thankfulness* We fought a great battle today.
Auspex: *tilts her head slightly* Restored a life... though I saw new pains in him. But I believe he is content, at least in some way, now that he is home and knows that Myrrh is safe. I worry more for Blackarachnia, she is bitter... but time and Primus' care may heal that.
Bob: *nods, feeling confident* Yes.
Auspex: *smiling slightly, she makes herself comfortable, content to watch silently over her friends for awhile*
((co-written with primus_seeress mun))