Nexus. Hormah's sanctuary and elsewhere. Meet the partner
Hormah: *looks in at Rattrap, who is all by himself on the bed with no Dinobaby and no blankie, then heads on out to see her sisters*
Rattrap: *shivers, then fumbles around for the blanket, still half asleep. When he can't quite seem to get his hands on it, he lets out a groan and lifts his head and looks for it. It isn't at the foot of the bed, or on the floor, and Dinobaby isn't anywhere to be seen... WAIT* Dinobot? Hey, Dinobot, where're ya hidin'? * he slides out of bed and looks around the room, checking through every nook and cranny. Still no chibibot. Beginning to panic, he slips out of his room and slowly makes his way towards the main room, checking every room he passes* Dinobot! Dis ain't funny, Brat! Git out here now, I'm tellin' ya, or when I git my hands on ya...
Dinobaby: *looks around from where he's sitting on the blankie in a sunbeam in the main room, his small hands grasping his toes* Vermin?
Rat: *lets out a sigh of relief and bolts over to the bittybot, dropping down to his knees and scooping him up in his arms* Oh you... *for a moment, he just holds Dinobaby close, nuzzling his head and reassuring himself that the brat was fine. Then holds him out at arms length and glowers* Don'chu EVA' sneak off an' scare me like dat 'gain! I thought y'gotten yerself in trouble, or WORSE! *he holds a glare for a full ten seconds before he's snuggling the chibi again, covering his face with quick little kisses* Stupid lil' brat, makin' me git all worried an' scrap ova' ya. Oughta tan yer hide fer dat, if it weren't tan t'begin wit'...
Dinobot: .... *stands, his feet and tail scraping against the floor as he rises* I... should return to base.
Dinobaby: *abruptly shoves Rattrap's face away* No! Don't go. I like our talk.
Rat: *jerks his head up at the voice, his eyes going wide and face heating up as he realizes that he was just showing a Dinobot affection in front of... well... another Dinobot* Er.... um.... s'not what it looks like? *he clears his throat, setting the chibi back down on the floor and attempting to compose himself in a more masculine manner*
Dinobot: *red optics uncertain in his white face as he looks down at the smaller bot* I see that I am not the only one changed, Rattrap.
Rat: Actually, dat's th' way I saw ya last. But I know what'cha mean, Shredder-head. *taps his chin, tilting his head to the side as he looks D2 over* Hmm, but'cha ain't tryin' ta kill me, so I'm guessin' y'ain't th' clone exactly.
Dinobot: *slow headshake, not taking his gaze from his former friend even as his tiny alternate goes after his tail* No. I returned to myself aboard the Nemesis after Rampage's spark was dessstroyed.
Dinobaby: *transform and chonkatail*
Dinobot: *twitches it slightly*
Rat: *grins* Yeah, figgered somethin' like dat was goin' down when Optimus told us what happened. *crosses his arms over his chest and looks away, looking up towards the ceiling* Wanted to go back an' look fer ya, but dere weren't no time, or so I was told. *glances back down and winces, pointing to D2's tail* Er... don't dat hurt none?
Dinobot: *looks down* My skin is harder than his teeth, and at any rate I no longer truly register pain.
Dinobaby: *growly*
Dinobot: *looks back at Rattrap* Though if this is your own Dinobot the story must have gone differently for you.
Rat: Heh, well... better you den me... I think he's s'pposed ta be mine. Hard ta really tell wit' 'im so lil'. 'Course, what wit' dat body bein' a clone 'n all... Could bot' be... yanno... from my time.
Dinobot: *shakes head and twitches tail again, shaking the chibi in the process* Hrrm. No, Hormah says that the two of us are from different rrrealities.
Dinobaby: *having FUN!*
Rat: Guess she would know. *shrugs, reaching up to rub the back of his head* So, ah... what're y'doin' here, anyway? Jus' came by ta see yer Mini-Me, or were y'lost in th' Nexus?
Dinobot: *watching chibi now* I now live in the Nexus. I work for Blackout.
Rat: Th' Decepticon, or some alternate Autobot Blackout? *eyes Dinobot suspiciously*
Dinobot: *shakes tail a little harder* Hhhormah's creator.
Dinobaby: *going cross-eyed from shaking*
Rat: Hn. I cin live wit' dat. Howeva'! *points to the chonkatail!chibi* You tryin' ta dislodge 'im, or are y'playin' 'round?
Dinobot: *slight smile* He will not let go as long as he is able to hold on.
Rat: *scowls* I cin make 'im leggo. But I'm gittin' an idea a' what'cher playin' at, an' I don't particularly like it.
Dinobot: *frowns at him*
Dinobaby: *thunk, eyes shut and tongue stuck out*
Rat: *scoots over to scoop up the chibi* Stupid Lizard-lips, bein' rough on ya when yer jus' a kid an' all... *rubs the top of Dinobaby's head, shooting D2 a glare*
Dinobot: *crosses arms over his chest and scowls back*
Dinobaby: *little urky sound but doesn't urk. Just snuggles as he waits for the world to stop spinning*
Rat: Aww, poor lil' guy... *rubs Dinobaby's back, fussing and cooing over him. Then he looks up at D2, arching an eyebrow* What?
Dinobot: You're treating him like he's weak.
Dinobaby: *opens woozy eyes and visibly considers another pass at his bigger alt's tail, but then reaches a little claw for his blankie instead*
Rat: I'm treatin' 'im like he's a sparkling. Which, fer all intents an' purposes, he pretty much is!
Dinobot: Hrrrm. *disapproving Dinobot is disapproving* He hnnn wants his blanket.
Rat: Why so he does. *bends down to pick up the blanket and hands it to Dinobaby* In case ya hadn't noticed, he's my kid now. If I wanna baby 'im, I will. Y'don't like it? Tough lugnuts.
Dinobot: Oh is he? *slight amusement, but the old mockery just isn't there*
Dinobaby: *vanishes under the blankie*
Rat: Might as well be, wit' th' way he crawls inta bed wit' me ev'ry night. An' th' way he keeps stealin' my breakfast.
Dinobaby: *hidden* Vermin missed breakifast.
Ravage: *wandering over with ears perked*
Rat: What? I did?! Why didn't somebody wake me up?!
Ravage: You were making like the rock, mouse. *sits near and smirks, his tail curled around his feet* Nothing woke you.
Rat: *shoots a pout/glare at Ravage* You guys saved me some, right?
Ravage: Well, we tried. There was a slight difficulty....
Dinobot: *glare* I, hrrrm, was hungry.
Rat: What? Aww... slag. Guess I'll jus' scrounge up some cookies. *gives DinoBlankieBaby a nudge* Y'want some too, Squirt?
Dinobaby: *no bitty bot here, nope*
Ravage: Who do you think helped his older brother? *way too amused* And don't you have an appointment this morning, mouse?
Rat: Ehn, do I? *shrugs, giving the blankie a little tickle* Who'm I s'pposed t'meet an' where? Ain't back at dat freaky mindreader femme's place, is it?
Ravage: Isn't it? *ears perked, and then notices a fly and goes to deal with it*
Dinobot: *watches the blanket squirm silently, then frowns at Rattrap* 'Freaky mindreader femme'?
Rat: Yeeeaaah, think 'er name's Liederherz? Somethin' like dat. Looks sorta like she's scanned onna dem Earth horses, or somethin' like one. An' as much as I like femmes 'n all, I don't like 'em dinkin' 'bout my noggin', yannowhatI'msayin'. *taps the side of his head*
Dinobaby: Stirs up the sludge....
Dinobot: *withholds comment on that*
Rat: *snickers and ruffles what he thinks is Dinobaby's head through the blanket* Well, guess I betta' head ova' anyway. Do I get a good-bye hug, Bronto-boy, hmm?
Dinobaby: ....
Dinobot: *lifts a brow ridge at the silence*
Rat: *pokes the blanket* Is dat a no?
Dinobot: *turns away as a small sad sound comes from under the cover*
Rat: *glances up, then rolls his eyes* Ohhh... I get it. Not wit' him around. I see. Guess I'll jus' be on my way den. *stands up and begins fiddling with his PINpoint*
Dinobaby: *small hand comes out and grabs his wrist* Not... forever. Return to me. *sounds like the little guy's trying not to cry*
Ravage: *concerned glances*
Dinobot: *scowling at the wall*
Rat: *cringes, that sad little voice making him feel like a total heel* Aww, Dinobot... *he kneels back down and pulls away the blanket, lifting the little bot up into his arms* It's jus' an appointment. Ain't gonna be long at all. I'll be back before y'know it. Besides... *glances over to D2* I bet yer big, bad self ova' dere would stay here an' play wit'chu until I get back.
Dinobaby: *looks up at him with big optics* You're going with the pretty girl to earn the creds. *glances over at his alt and sighs as he mutters something about Hamlet*
Ravage: *encouragingly* And it's nearly time for our nap. Or we could go hunting.
Rat: Guh... *twitches. those eyes get him every time* I'll bring ya back a present, okay? Don' worry, I ain't gonna leave ya behind fer no femme, no matta' how pretty or how many creds she's got. *gives Dinobaby a tight hug and sneaks a kiss to his cheek, then places him down next to Ravage*
Ravage: *leans over....*
Dinobaby: Slurp and lose tongue, cat.
Ravage: ^_^
Rat: *sighs in relief. The kid was sounding like himself again already* Right den. See yous all later. An' Dinobot?
Dinobot: *frowns at him over his shoulder* What?
Rat: *walks over and lightly punches his arm* Glad ta have ya back. Might not be mine, exactly, but s'good ta see one'a ya made it out, afta' all'a th' work th' mes put inta bringin' ya back. *grins and gives D2 a quick wink*
Dinobot: .... *yeah, dying and coming back's changed this guy a little too. Looks like he leaves the insults to the compact model*
Rat: *waits quietly for a response, but when none seem to be coming, he sighs and shrugs his shoulders* All right, enough stallin'. Y'ain't gonna talk t'me, fine, be dat way. *he presses a few buttons on the PINpoint, and teleports back to Liedherz's garage*
Liedherz: *looks up from where she's crouched by the shelves with a datapad and a cube of blue energon* Ach, you came.
Rat: Dis is th' place I'm supposed ta be, right?
Liedherz: To meet your partner, ja. I vasn't sure if you vere going to go through vith it. *stands and puts the datapad on the shelf, then takes a drink from her cube*
Rat: Hey, I said I would, didn't I? I may be a rat, but I ain't a liar! So, is she here? Or should I jus' go back home?
Liedherz: *nods toward the bench, where a small, pale green femme of bayformer construction is sitting up slowly to give him an uncertain look from round blue optics* Rattrap, this is Spazz. Spazz, this is Rattrap.
Rat: *turns towards the bench and gives her a half-hearted salute* Yo. Spazz, huh? Where're you from?
Spazz: *slight mouth twitch, and then replies in a quiet voice* Nevada.
Rat: Earth?
Spazz: *nods* One of Frenzy's Sewercons. *hops down and comes walking over, her gait graceful despite some apparent uncertainty and maybe discomfort. She's shorter than him by about half a head*
Rat: Huh... dat's funny... didn't know yer type came in mini. *he takes a step back, tilting his head as he looks down at her* An' dis kinna feels weird. Th' last time I saw a bot smaller'n me was... well, a kid.
Spazz: *slight smile and headtilt* I'm big for a Sewercon. And I'm no kid.
Rat: Well, I should hope not. I'd wonda' what kinna bots we were woikin' fer, if ya were.
Spazz: *shrug* In some realities they go into battle right off the assembly line. *curious glance down at his tail*
Rat: *flicks his tail, glancing down at it skeptically* What?
Spazz: What's that for?
Rat: It's a part of my alt-mode, fer one. Fer anodder, if y'mus' know, it's a multipurpose tool. Woiks as a soldering gun, a light, tweezers, an interface cord, or anythin' else I might happen ta need.
Spazz: Oh. Like this. *lifts her hand and rapidly sends it through several transformations*
Rat: *lets out a low whistle* Well, ain't dat useful. *glances over to Liedherz* So ah... why're we paired tagetha, might I ask? She's cute an' all, don' get me wrong, but... Shoul'nt some form a' protection be included in dis adventure?
Liedherz: Vhat, are you afraid?
Rat: *snorts* No, I'm cautious. Dis ain't no normal 'bot we goin' up against! It's th' slaggin' Fallen!
Liedherz: *shakes head* I doubt you'll meet the Fallen. But don't underestimate yourself or Spazz. You're both the most suited to this job.
Rat: Yeah, cuz we're gonna be th' only 'bots out dere lookin' fer dis Diehard Prime. *sighs and shakes his head, muttering to himself* We're both gunna die.
Liedherz: Unlikely. *ears perk* I suppose you'll vant an advance on your payment.
Rat: *perks up a little bit* Weeeelllll... wasn't expectin' one, but I also woul'nt turn it down.
Liedherz: *tosses him a chit* That's above your expense fund, vhich Spazz is holding.
Rat: *catches it and looks it over* Ehn? Expense fund? *glances over to Spazz*
Spazz: *nods* Yup.
Rat: Heh. So... does dat mean I ain't payin' fer my own weapons or parts?
Liedherz: It means that ve're covering any expenses incurred during the mission. *tilts her head and puts her ears half back in warning* Und I'll be reviewing those expenses.
Rat: Rats. *pouts, but tucks the chit away* So, we done here?
Liedherz: Unless you have anymore questions. *earperk as her bat-like silver wings rustle around her shoulders*
Rat: Nope. Jus' got a brat back home I don' want ta be missin' me, is all. *turns to Spazz and gives her a little bow* Nice ta meet ya, dollface. Be seein' ya 'round. *wink*
Spazz: I'm coming with you.
Rat: I uh.. beg yer pardon?
Spazz: I'm coming with you. We need to get to know one another so we can work together properly on the mission.
Rat: Ehehe, well, ain't nothin' I cin do ta stop ya, since it ain't my place, but uh... I gotta make a pit stop. I promised th' kid I'd get 'im a present.
Spazz: Alright. What kind?
Liedherz: *going back to her datapad*
Rat: Well, I dunno. I was thinkin' a stuffed rat. Yanno, somethin' he cin maul when I ain't around.
Spazz: *there's her slight smile again* Rats are fun to maul. But you might have a hard time finding one at the mall.
Liedherz: *doesn't look up from her datapad* Do you need a vish?
Rat: C'mon, dis is th' Nexus! Dere's gotta be a toy store wit' stuffed rats somewhere, right? An' what's a vish? Some kinna... fish?
Spazz: *chuckle* A wish. She's got a jar of them.
Rat: Ooohh.. a wish... I get it. But uh.. don'cha wanna be usin' one on somethin' more important den a toy? I mean... what if someone dies?
Liedherz: *lowers the datapad, in the process showing that the screen is blank* These vishes are toys. They're only for small things. *sets the pad down and picks up the jar full of softly twinkling bits of light*
Rat: Well, excuse me fer wishin' I had a few a' my friends back! *huffs, crossing his arms over his chest*
Liedherz: *quietly* You already have vone. *slender, clawed fingers take one of the little twinkles out of the jar and offer it. There's a sense of power around the little light, and a beguiling and very alive scent to it*
Rat: *quietly* An' don't think I ain't grateful fer it, neither. Pit, I got two of 'im, fer Primus' sake. But dere're two otha's I'd like back, too. *he reaches for the wish, keeping his thoughts clear in case that set it off. He wanted to make sure Dinobaby got something he wanted from the wish, not just something Rattrap thought he wanted*
Liedherz: *voice gentle though her face is as impassive as ever* Patience.
wish: *soft tingle in his hand*
((Rattrap said his farewells and PINpointed back to Hormah's here, but Tam lost the line >_<))
Spazz: *standing by him... when did she get a hand on his arm?* *looks around and then steps away as someone small barrels into his legs*
Dinobaby: *on a cookie high, talking a blue streak*
Dinobot: *over at the table giving a cookie the stink eye*
Rat: *yelps as he collapses to the ground* Whoa whoa whoa! I wasn't gone dat long, was I? Slow down, kiddo, I can't unda'stand a word yer sayin'!
Dinobaby: *broken Shakespearian English!*
Ravage: *looking pooped* Naptime soon.
Rat: Nap time? Yer lucky yer gonna get 'im ta sit down! *looks back to Dinobaby and shakes his head. try as he might, he couldn't hold in the amused smile* I'm guessin' dat means you 'n th' bone head ova' dere had fun wit'out me, huh?
Dinobaby: *yakk yakk yakk yawwwwn yakk!*
Rat: *nodnods, as if he understood all of it, then snickers and bursts into a grin* Hey, y'want yer present, brat, or are y'gonna keep talkin' all day?
Dinobaby: *sudden dead silence and big optics* *then* Present?
Rat: I said I was gonna get ya one, didn't I? *snickers, pulling out the wish and holding it out to Dinobaby* Here, kid. It's a wish.
Dinobaby: *staring at the little bright bit, then looks quizzically at his friend*
Rat: Er... right... Spazz? Yanno how ta woik dis ting? *he turns to the femme hopefully*
Spazz: *comes over and slowly settles onto her knees, as though the motions hurt* You hold it and say and think of what you want, using the words 'I wish'.
Rat: *eyes her knees briefly, but says nothing about them and returns his attention to the chibi* Dere, see? Easy as shootin' Preds inna barrel. So eh... go fer it, kid. Anythin' you want.
Dinobaby: *stares at it*
Rat: Or keep it. Yanno, save it fer later? S'up t'a you, kid. *shrugs, patting Dinobaby on the head. He knew what he would wish for, even if it couldn't bring people back from the dead, but who knew how Dinobot's head worked, chibi or normal* Want me ta put it in our room till ya know what'cha want?
Dinobaby: *mutters, then grabs what appears and transforms to dino mode so he can toddle at top speed toward the bedroom with his prize in his arms*
Dinobot: *holds up the cookie* What is in these things?
Ravage: *sniggerfit*
Rat: Oh, yanno. Th' usual. *picks up a cookie and pops it into his mouth* Man, yanno, I am starvin'. I ain't had a bite ta eat all day.
Dinobot: *shoves the rest of the box over to him, then gets to his feet* I must return to base. There is a training drill today. *pauses and looks at Rattrap with a slight frown, his expression enigmatic, then turns toward the door but hesitates because he's not sure what to say*
Rat: *watches D2's retreating back with a frown of his own, box of cookies in one hand* Y'cin stop in at any time, yanno! Th' brat needs you 'round, even if he doesn't know it. I mean, jus' imagine how he'd turn out wit' me an' Ravage raisin' 'im.
Dinobot: *face clears as Rattrap's words resolve his quandary* Fear not. I will return. *and there he goes*
Ravage: *snerks and heads for a sunbeam, then pauses and contemplates Spazz with interest*
Rat: Fear nothin'. *pops a cookie* I think havin' a Dinobot wit' brains would be hilarious. *smiles to himself, chuckling quietly*
Spazz: *rising slowly and with difficulty* With brains?
Rat: *waves towards the door with the cookie box, then helps himself to another* Dat one charges inta battle wit' no plan an' nothin' but honor ta back 'im up. Figger wit' me watchin' th' lil' one, he'd pick a thing or two 'bout watchin' 'is back an' knowin' how ta hide.
Spazz: *light chuckle* Charges into battle... does he think he's an Autobot?
Rat: He thinks he's a Predacon. How he acts is anotha' story. Always wondered 'bout dat, myself, buuuuuuut... gettin' anythin' from 'im s'like pullin' teeth. Good luck.
Spazz: *over to the table by him* And now he works for a Decepticon Warlord. *thoughtful look* It wouldn't be hard for me to get things from him. *one hand absently transforms to a datajack*
Rat: *narrows his eyes at her, his hand clenching into a fist* Touch 'im, an' I'll rip yer processor outta yer skull wit' my bare hands.
Spazz: *just gives him a mild, curious look as her hand shifts back* You're weird.
Rat: An' don't you ferget it. *gives her a little smirk and brushes past her, heading back to his room*
Spazz: *beeps softly with alarm, and then there's a clatter as she hits the floor. Once there she curls up and shuts her optics off*
Ravage: Hey! Mouse....
Rat: *jerks his head around at the sound, eyebrow arched* Th' Pit? I barely even nudged 'er!
Ravage: *goes over and puts his muzzle to Spazz's face* Are you alright?
Spazz: Ouch. Don't. Go away.
Rat: *sighs and facepalms, shaking his head* Why do dey always say dat ta me? *he saunters over and nudges her with a foot* Hey, you okay down dere, chicky?
Spazz: *small sound of pain* I'm not lined up all the way with this new shell yet.
Rat: Clearly. Ya wan' a lil' help, or somethin'?
Spazz: *optics back on and a slightly confused look* Help?
Rat: *shrugs* All lil' guidance, a comfortable place ta relax while ya get settled in, some food, I dunno. We got dis 'uman game, Dance Dance Revolution, y'could play wit' dat a bit. Might help ya get useta dem legs.
Spazz: *hesitates, frowning a bit. Where she comes from unless you're going offline or damaged badly the most care you get is some pointing graspers and laughter. Then uncurls, damping down her pain sensors against the feedback* Alright.
Rat: Right. *holds out a hand to help her up* C'mon, I'll show ya where it is, an' get'cha goin'.
Spazz: *takes the hand and creaks to feet, then determinedly sets out to beat the first levels on DDR*
((Co-written with slaggin_preds))
Rattrap: *shivers, then fumbles around for the blanket, still half asleep. When he can't quite seem to get his hands on it, he lets out a groan and lifts his head and looks for it. It isn't at the foot of the bed, or on the floor, and Dinobaby isn't anywhere to be seen... WAIT* Dinobot? Hey, Dinobot, where're ya hidin'? * he slides out of bed and looks around the room, checking through every nook and cranny. Still no chibibot. Beginning to panic, he slips out of his room and slowly makes his way towards the main room, checking every room he passes* Dinobot! Dis ain't funny, Brat! Git out here now, I'm tellin' ya, or when I git my hands on ya...
Dinobaby: *looks around from where he's sitting on the blankie in a sunbeam in the main room, his small hands grasping his toes* Vermin?
Rat: *lets out a sigh of relief and bolts over to the bittybot, dropping down to his knees and scooping him up in his arms* Oh you... *for a moment, he just holds Dinobaby close, nuzzling his head and reassuring himself that the brat was fine. Then holds him out at arms length and glowers* Don'chu EVA' sneak off an' scare me like dat 'gain! I thought y'gotten yerself in trouble, or WORSE! *he holds a glare for a full ten seconds before he's snuggling the chibi again, covering his face with quick little kisses* Stupid lil' brat, makin' me git all worried an' scrap ova' ya. Oughta tan yer hide fer dat, if it weren't tan t'begin wit'...
Dinobot: .... *stands, his feet and tail scraping against the floor as he rises* I... should return to base.
Dinobaby: *abruptly shoves Rattrap's face away* No! Don't go. I like our talk.
Rat: *jerks his head up at the voice, his eyes going wide and face heating up as he realizes that he was just showing a Dinobot affection in front of... well... another Dinobot* Er.... um.... s'not what it looks like? *he clears his throat, setting the chibi back down on the floor and attempting to compose himself in a more masculine manner*
Dinobot: *red optics uncertain in his white face as he looks down at the smaller bot* I see that I am not the only one changed, Rattrap.
Rat: Actually, dat's th' way I saw ya last. But I know what'cha mean, Shredder-head. *taps his chin, tilting his head to the side as he looks D2 over* Hmm, but'cha ain't tryin' ta kill me, so I'm guessin' y'ain't th' clone exactly.
Dinobot: *slow headshake, not taking his gaze from his former friend even as his tiny alternate goes after his tail* No. I returned to myself aboard the Nemesis after Rampage's spark was dessstroyed.
Dinobaby: *transform and chonkatail*
Dinobot: *twitches it slightly*
Rat: *grins* Yeah, figgered somethin' like dat was goin' down when Optimus told us what happened. *crosses his arms over his chest and looks away, looking up towards the ceiling* Wanted to go back an' look fer ya, but dere weren't no time, or so I was told. *glances back down and winces, pointing to D2's tail* Er... don't dat hurt none?
Dinobot: *looks down* My skin is harder than his teeth, and at any rate I no longer truly register pain.
Dinobaby: *growly*
Dinobot: *looks back at Rattrap* Though if this is your own Dinobot the story must have gone differently for you.
Rat: Heh, well... better you den me... I think he's s'pposed ta be mine. Hard ta really tell wit' 'im so lil'. 'Course, what wit' dat body bein' a clone 'n all... Could bot' be... yanno... from my time.
Dinobot: *shakes head and twitches tail again, shaking the chibi in the process* Hrrm. No, Hormah says that the two of us are from different rrrealities.
Dinobaby: *having FUN!*
Rat: Guess she would know. *shrugs, reaching up to rub the back of his head* So, ah... what're y'doin' here, anyway? Jus' came by ta see yer Mini-Me, or were y'lost in th' Nexus?
Dinobot: *watching chibi now* I now live in the Nexus. I work for Blackout.
Rat: Th' Decepticon, or some alternate Autobot Blackout? *eyes Dinobot suspiciously*
Dinobot: *shakes tail a little harder* Hhhormah's creator.
Dinobaby: *going cross-eyed from shaking*
Rat: Hn. I cin live wit' dat. Howeva'! *points to the chonkatail!chibi* You tryin' ta dislodge 'im, or are y'playin' 'round?
Dinobot: *slight smile* He will not let go as long as he is able to hold on.
Rat: *scowls* I cin make 'im leggo. But I'm gittin' an idea a' what'cher playin' at, an' I don't particularly like it.
Dinobot: *frowns at him*
Dinobaby: *thunk, eyes shut and tongue stuck out*
Rat: *scoots over to scoop up the chibi* Stupid Lizard-lips, bein' rough on ya when yer jus' a kid an' all... *rubs the top of Dinobaby's head, shooting D2 a glare*
Dinobot: *crosses arms over his chest and scowls back*
Dinobaby: *little urky sound but doesn't urk. Just snuggles as he waits for the world to stop spinning*
Rat: Aww, poor lil' guy... *rubs Dinobaby's back, fussing and cooing over him. Then he looks up at D2, arching an eyebrow* What?
Dinobot: You're treating him like he's weak.
Dinobaby: *opens woozy eyes and visibly considers another pass at his bigger alt's tail, but then reaches a little claw for his blankie instead*
Rat: I'm treatin' 'im like he's a sparkling. Which, fer all intents an' purposes, he pretty much is!
Dinobot: Hrrrm. *disapproving Dinobot is disapproving* He hnnn wants his blanket.
Rat: Why so he does. *bends down to pick up the blanket and hands it to Dinobaby* In case ya hadn't noticed, he's my kid now. If I wanna baby 'im, I will. Y'don't like it? Tough lugnuts.
Dinobot: Oh is he? *slight amusement, but the old mockery just isn't there*
Dinobaby: *vanishes under the blankie*
Rat: Might as well be, wit' th' way he crawls inta bed wit' me ev'ry night. An' th' way he keeps stealin' my breakfast.
Dinobaby: *hidden* Vermin missed breakifast.
Ravage: *wandering over with ears perked*
Rat: What? I did?! Why didn't somebody wake me up?!
Ravage: You were making like the rock, mouse. *sits near and smirks, his tail curled around his feet* Nothing woke you.
Rat: *shoots a pout/glare at Ravage* You guys saved me some, right?
Ravage: Well, we tried. There was a slight difficulty....
Dinobot: *glare* I, hrrrm, was hungry.
Rat: What? Aww... slag. Guess I'll jus' scrounge up some cookies. *gives DinoBlankieBaby a nudge* Y'want some too, Squirt?
Dinobaby: *no bitty bot here, nope*
Ravage: Who do you think helped his older brother? *way too amused* And don't you have an appointment this morning, mouse?
Rat: Ehn, do I? *shrugs, giving the blankie a little tickle* Who'm I s'pposed t'meet an' where? Ain't back at dat freaky mindreader femme's place, is it?
Ravage: Isn't it? *ears perked, and then notices a fly and goes to deal with it*
Dinobot: *watches the blanket squirm silently, then frowns at Rattrap* 'Freaky mindreader femme'?
Rat: Yeeeaaah, think 'er name's Liederherz? Somethin' like dat. Looks sorta like she's scanned onna dem Earth horses, or somethin' like one. An' as much as I like femmes 'n all, I don't like 'em dinkin' 'bout my noggin', yannowhatI'msayin'. *taps the side of his head*
Dinobaby: Stirs up the sludge....
Dinobot: *withholds comment on that*
Rat: *snickers and ruffles what he thinks is Dinobaby's head through the blanket* Well, guess I betta' head ova' anyway. Do I get a good-bye hug, Bronto-boy, hmm?
Dinobaby: ....
Dinobot: *lifts a brow ridge at the silence*
Rat: *pokes the blanket* Is dat a no?
Dinobot: *turns away as a small sad sound comes from under the cover*
Rat: *glances up, then rolls his eyes* Ohhh... I get it. Not wit' him around. I see. Guess I'll jus' be on my way den. *stands up and begins fiddling with his PINpoint*
Dinobaby: *small hand comes out and grabs his wrist* Not... forever. Return to me. *sounds like the little guy's trying not to cry*
Ravage: *concerned glances*
Dinobot: *scowling at the wall*
Rat: *cringes, that sad little voice making him feel like a total heel* Aww, Dinobot... *he kneels back down and pulls away the blanket, lifting the little bot up into his arms* It's jus' an appointment. Ain't gonna be long at all. I'll be back before y'know it. Besides... *glances over to D2* I bet yer big, bad self ova' dere would stay here an' play wit'chu until I get back.
Dinobaby: *looks up at him with big optics* You're going with the pretty girl to earn the creds. *glances over at his alt and sighs as he mutters something about Hamlet*
Ravage: *encouragingly* And it's nearly time for our nap. Or we could go hunting.
Rat: Guh... *twitches. those eyes get him every time* I'll bring ya back a present, okay? Don' worry, I ain't gonna leave ya behind fer no femme, no matta' how pretty or how many creds she's got. *gives Dinobaby a tight hug and sneaks a kiss to his cheek, then places him down next to Ravage*
Ravage: *leans over....*
Dinobaby: Slurp and lose tongue, cat.
Ravage: ^_^
Rat: *sighs in relief. The kid was sounding like himself again already* Right den. See yous all later. An' Dinobot?
Dinobot: *frowns at him over his shoulder* What?
Rat: *walks over and lightly punches his arm* Glad ta have ya back. Might not be mine, exactly, but s'good ta see one'a ya made it out, afta' all'a th' work th' mes put inta bringin' ya back. *grins and gives D2 a quick wink*
Dinobot: .... *yeah, dying and coming back's changed this guy a little too. Looks like he leaves the insults to the compact model*
Rat: *waits quietly for a response, but when none seem to be coming, he sighs and shrugs his shoulders* All right, enough stallin'. Y'ain't gonna talk t'me, fine, be dat way. *he presses a few buttons on the PINpoint, and teleports back to Liedherz's garage*
Liedherz: *looks up from where she's crouched by the shelves with a datapad and a cube of blue energon* Ach, you came.
Rat: Dis is th' place I'm supposed ta be, right?
Liedherz: To meet your partner, ja. I vasn't sure if you vere going to go through vith it. *stands and puts the datapad on the shelf, then takes a drink from her cube*
Rat: Hey, I said I would, didn't I? I may be a rat, but I ain't a liar! So, is she here? Or should I jus' go back home?
Liedherz: *nods toward the bench, where a small, pale green femme of bayformer construction is sitting up slowly to give him an uncertain look from round blue optics* Rattrap, this is Spazz. Spazz, this is Rattrap.
Rat: *turns towards the bench and gives her a half-hearted salute* Yo. Spazz, huh? Where're you from?
Spazz: *slight mouth twitch, and then replies in a quiet voice* Nevada.
Rat: Earth?
Spazz: *nods* One of Frenzy's Sewercons. *hops down and comes walking over, her gait graceful despite some apparent uncertainty and maybe discomfort. She's shorter than him by about half a head*
Rat: Huh... dat's funny... didn't know yer type came in mini. *he takes a step back, tilting his head as he looks down at her* An' dis kinna feels weird. Th' last time I saw a bot smaller'n me was... well, a kid.
Spazz: *slight smile and headtilt* I'm big for a Sewercon. And I'm no kid.
Rat: Well, I should hope not. I'd wonda' what kinna bots we were woikin' fer, if ya were.
Spazz: *shrug* In some realities they go into battle right off the assembly line. *curious glance down at his tail*
Rat: *flicks his tail, glancing down at it skeptically* What?
Spazz: What's that for?
Rat: It's a part of my alt-mode, fer one. Fer anodder, if y'mus' know, it's a multipurpose tool. Woiks as a soldering gun, a light, tweezers, an interface cord, or anythin' else I might happen ta need.
Spazz: Oh. Like this. *lifts her hand and rapidly sends it through several transformations*
Rat: *lets out a low whistle* Well, ain't dat useful. *glances over to Liedherz* So ah... why're we paired tagetha, might I ask? She's cute an' all, don' get me wrong, but... Shoul'nt some form a' protection be included in dis adventure?
Liedherz: Vhat, are you afraid?
Rat: *snorts* No, I'm cautious. Dis ain't no normal 'bot we goin' up against! It's th' slaggin' Fallen!
Liedherz: *shakes head* I doubt you'll meet the Fallen. But don't underestimate yourself or Spazz. You're both the most suited to this job.
Rat: Yeah, cuz we're gonna be th' only 'bots out dere lookin' fer dis Diehard Prime. *sighs and shakes his head, muttering to himself* We're both gunna die.
Liedherz: Unlikely. *ears perk* I suppose you'll vant an advance on your payment.
Rat: *perks up a little bit* Weeeelllll... wasn't expectin' one, but I also woul'nt turn it down.
Liedherz: *tosses him a chit* That's above your expense fund, vhich Spazz is holding.
Rat: *catches it and looks it over* Ehn? Expense fund? *glances over to Spazz*
Spazz: *nods* Yup.
Rat: Heh. So... does dat mean I ain't payin' fer my own weapons or parts?
Liedherz: It means that ve're covering any expenses incurred during the mission. *tilts her head and puts her ears half back in warning* Und I'll be reviewing those expenses.
Rat: Rats. *pouts, but tucks the chit away* So, we done here?
Liedherz: Unless you have anymore questions. *earperk as her bat-like silver wings rustle around her shoulders*
Rat: Nope. Jus' got a brat back home I don' want ta be missin' me, is all. *turns to Spazz and gives her a little bow* Nice ta meet ya, dollface. Be seein' ya 'round. *wink*
Spazz: I'm coming with you.
Rat: I uh.. beg yer pardon?
Spazz: I'm coming with you. We need to get to know one another so we can work together properly on the mission.
Rat: Ehehe, well, ain't nothin' I cin do ta stop ya, since it ain't my place, but uh... I gotta make a pit stop. I promised th' kid I'd get 'im a present.
Spazz: Alright. What kind?
Liedherz: *going back to her datapad*
Rat: Well, I dunno. I was thinkin' a stuffed rat. Yanno, somethin' he cin maul when I ain't around.
Spazz: *there's her slight smile again* Rats are fun to maul. But you might have a hard time finding one at the mall.
Liedherz: *doesn't look up from her datapad* Do you need a vish?
Rat: C'mon, dis is th' Nexus! Dere's gotta be a toy store wit' stuffed rats somewhere, right? An' what's a vish? Some kinna... fish?
Spazz: *chuckle* A wish. She's got a jar of them.
Rat: Ooohh.. a wish... I get it. But uh.. don'cha wanna be usin' one on somethin' more important den a toy? I mean... what if someone dies?
Liedherz: *lowers the datapad, in the process showing that the screen is blank* These vishes are toys. They're only for small things. *sets the pad down and picks up the jar full of softly twinkling bits of light*
Rat: Well, excuse me fer wishin' I had a few a' my friends back! *huffs, crossing his arms over his chest*
Liedherz: *quietly* You already have vone. *slender, clawed fingers take one of the little twinkles out of the jar and offer it. There's a sense of power around the little light, and a beguiling and very alive scent to it*
Rat: *quietly* An' don't think I ain't grateful fer it, neither. Pit, I got two of 'im, fer Primus' sake. But dere're two otha's I'd like back, too. *he reaches for the wish, keeping his thoughts clear in case that set it off. He wanted to make sure Dinobaby got something he wanted from the wish, not just something Rattrap thought he wanted*
Liedherz: *voice gentle though her face is as impassive as ever* Patience.
wish: *soft tingle in his hand*
((Rattrap said his farewells and PINpointed back to Hormah's here, but Tam lost the line >_<))
Spazz: *standing by him... when did she get a hand on his arm?* *looks around and then steps away as someone small barrels into his legs*
Dinobaby: *on a cookie high, talking a blue streak*
Dinobot: *over at the table giving a cookie the stink eye*
Rat: *yelps as he collapses to the ground* Whoa whoa whoa! I wasn't gone dat long, was I? Slow down, kiddo, I can't unda'stand a word yer sayin'!
Dinobaby: *broken Shakespearian English!*
Ravage: *looking pooped* Naptime soon.
Rat: Nap time? Yer lucky yer gonna get 'im ta sit down! *looks back to Dinobaby and shakes his head. try as he might, he couldn't hold in the amused smile* I'm guessin' dat means you 'n th' bone head ova' dere had fun wit'out me, huh?
Dinobaby: *yakk yakk yakk yawwwwn yakk!*
Rat: *nodnods, as if he understood all of it, then snickers and bursts into a grin* Hey, y'want yer present, brat, or are y'gonna keep talkin' all day?
Dinobaby: *sudden dead silence and big optics* *then* Present?
Rat: I said I was gonna get ya one, didn't I? *snickers, pulling out the wish and holding it out to Dinobaby* Here, kid. It's a wish.
Dinobaby: *staring at the little bright bit, then looks quizzically at his friend*
Rat: Er... right... Spazz? Yanno how ta woik dis ting? *he turns to the femme hopefully*
Spazz: *comes over and slowly settles onto her knees, as though the motions hurt* You hold it and say and think of what you want, using the words 'I wish'.
Rat: *eyes her knees briefly, but says nothing about them and returns his attention to the chibi* Dere, see? Easy as shootin' Preds inna barrel. So eh... go fer it, kid. Anythin' you want.
Dinobaby: *stares at it*
Rat: Or keep it. Yanno, save it fer later? S'up t'a you, kid. *shrugs, patting Dinobaby on the head. He knew what he would wish for, even if it couldn't bring people back from the dead, but who knew how Dinobot's head worked, chibi or normal* Want me ta put it in our room till ya know what'cha want?
Dinobaby: *mutters, then grabs what appears and transforms to dino mode so he can toddle at top speed toward the bedroom with his prize in his arms*
Dinobot: *holds up the cookie* What is in these things?
Ravage: *sniggerfit*
Rat: Oh, yanno. Th' usual. *picks up a cookie and pops it into his mouth* Man, yanno, I am starvin'. I ain't had a bite ta eat all day.
Dinobot: *shoves the rest of the box over to him, then gets to his feet* I must return to base. There is a training drill today. *pauses and looks at Rattrap with a slight frown, his expression enigmatic, then turns toward the door but hesitates because he's not sure what to say*
Rat: *watches D2's retreating back with a frown of his own, box of cookies in one hand* Y'cin stop in at any time, yanno! Th' brat needs you 'round, even if he doesn't know it. I mean, jus' imagine how he'd turn out wit' me an' Ravage raisin' 'im.
Dinobot: *face clears as Rattrap's words resolve his quandary* Fear not. I will return. *and there he goes*
Ravage: *snerks and heads for a sunbeam, then pauses and contemplates Spazz with interest*
Rat: Fear nothin'. *pops a cookie* I think havin' a Dinobot wit' brains would be hilarious. *smiles to himself, chuckling quietly*
Spazz: *rising slowly and with difficulty* With brains?
Rat: *waves towards the door with the cookie box, then helps himself to another* Dat one charges inta battle wit' no plan an' nothin' but honor ta back 'im up. Figger wit' me watchin' th' lil' one, he'd pick a thing or two 'bout watchin' 'is back an' knowin' how ta hide.
Spazz: *light chuckle* Charges into battle... does he think he's an Autobot?
Rat: He thinks he's a Predacon. How he acts is anotha' story. Always wondered 'bout dat, myself, buuuuuuut... gettin' anythin' from 'im s'like pullin' teeth. Good luck.
Spazz: *over to the table by him* And now he works for a Decepticon Warlord. *thoughtful look* It wouldn't be hard for me to get things from him. *one hand absently transforms to a datajack*
Rat: *narrows his eyes at her, his hand clenching into a fist* Touch 'im, an' I'll rip yer processor outta yer skull wit' my bare hands.
Spazz: *just gives him a mild, curious look as her hand shifts back* You're weird.
Rat: An' don't you ferget it. *gives her a little smirk and brushes past her, heading back to his room*
Spazz: *beeps softly with alarm, and then there's a clatter as she hits the floor. Once there she curls up and shuts her optics off*
Ravage: Hey! Mouse....
Rat: *jerks his head around at the sound, eyebrow arched* Th' Pit? I barely even nudged 'er!
Ravage: *goes over and puts his muzzle to Spazz's face* Are you alright?
Spazz: Ouch. Don't. Go away.
Rat: *sighs and facepalms, shaking his head* Why do dey always say dat ta me? *he saunters over and nudges her with a foot* Hey, you okay down dere, chicky?
Spazz: *small sound of pain* I'm not lined up all the way with this new shell yet.
Rat: Clearly. Ya wan' a lil' help, or somethin'?
Spazz: *optics back on and a slightly confused look* Help?
Rat: *shrugs* All lil' guidance, a comfortable place ta relax while ya get settled in, some food, I dunno. We got dis 'uman game, Dance Dance Revolution, y'could play wit' dat a bit. Might help ya get useta dem legs.
Spazz: *hesitates, frowning a bit. Where she comes from unless you're going offline or damaged badly the most care you get is some pointing graspers and laughter. Then uncurls, damping down her pain sensors against the feedback* Alright.
Rat: Right. *holds out a hand to help her up* C'mon, I'll show ya where it is, an' get'cha goin'.
Spazz: *takes the hand and creaks to feet, then determinedly sets out to beat the first levels on DDR*
((Co-written with slaggin_preds))