hsv. Various Locations. Remembered and Forgotten

[dens_extra_pups]

Tsubasa: *over by the railed platform that's now in the infirmary for the care of small patients. Is watching Tracks and Dixie as she counts Tracks' pulse*

Tracks: *trying to stay still... Just wants out of the infirmary so he can start taking care of getting his family settled. Lost the argument with Beau about moving into the house Karen left to the teen, and is feeling just a bit down*

Dixie: *arm around Tracks' waist, fully intends to make him lay down once the medic's done checking him over, since he seems like he could use some more rest*

First Aid: *comes in slowly and peeks at the two on the hospital bed* *quietly* How are they doing, Tsubasa?

Tsubasa: Tracks still needs to rest and heal, but I think he's strong enough to be transferred. *frowns up at the taller mech* Are you sure you're up to transferring him?

First Aid: *avoids her optics, his faceplates heating slightly with shame* I think so.

Tracks: *going to fuss a bit at how tired Dixie looks, and try to get her to lay down now, kthx*

Tsubasa: *sighs inwardly at First Aid's manner, but turns back to the two humans* Are you ready to go home?

Dixie: *as she gently discourages Tracks from trying to get her laying down* Ah th'nk so.... *soft chuckle, will cuddle Tracks to get him to stop fussing*

Tsubasa: Tracks?

Tracks: *absently, is more concerned with fussing over Dixie* Hm?

Tsubasa: Are you ready to go home? *gently but relentlessly patient*

Tracks: *blink blink* Er... Yes... If it's not too much trouble.... *back to gently fussing over wife now*

Tsubasa: *looks over her shoulder for Skydive as First Aid transforms to ambulance mode*

Skydive: *helping WakeJumper organize supplies from the latest shipment*

Tsubasa: *softly* Skydive, will you lend me a hand?

Skydive: *looks over his shoulder, nods, and moves to get up. Then he's coming over to see what needs to be done*

Tsubasa: *shifts on her crutches and then moves out of his way* Tracks and Dixie need to be set into First Aid.

First Aid: *opens back doors helpfully, and then sends his holo driver around back to look up*

Skydive: Ah... *will move to very carefully lift the couple and transfer them to the inside of First Aid's alt mode*

Tracks: *a bit startled by that, tenses up*

Dixie: *also a bit startled, though she relaxes and tries to get Tracks to do the same*

Tsubasa: *picks up the big round plush that Miles had brought for Tracks two days ago and carefully drops to one knee so that she can offer the toy once Skydive's finished loading them into First Aid*

Skydive: *blink blinks at the big, round panda, before he's gently tucking it in with the couple*

Tracks: *attention going to the plush, soft clicks for the toy*

Dixie: *soft chuckle, will focus on getting Tracks comfortable*

Tsubasa: *gently closes the doors, and then pulls herself back up to a standing position before stepping back*

Skydive: *moves to offer support to Tsubasa*

Tsubasa: *smiles up at him with a soft murmur of thanks, then looks back to the ambulance*

First Aid: *softly, as he puts himself into gear* Are you ready?

Dixie: Th' sooner we git goin', th' sooner we c'n git settled 'n... *smoothing Tracks' forehead*

First Aid: Alright. *drives out of the infirmary and down the hall, then out into the desert and toward Tranquility*

Tracks: *resting his head on Dixie's shoulder, falls asleep en route*

First Aid: *turns away from Tranquility just as he reaches the outskirts of it, and follows another route*

Dixie: *soft humming as the trip continues*

First Aid: *further away from town, is nearing an area with a lot of trees and manicured grass*

Dixie: *absently, as she gently musses up Tracks' hair* 'Re we almost th're, 'Aid?

First Aid: Almost there. *turns and drives through a set of iron gates that say 'Cemetery'*

Dixie: *slight frown* ... 'Kay... *half-wonders if First Aid got lost*

First Aid: *drives down the main path, and then turns and stops next to a tall monument of red granite* *quietly* Tracks, are you awake?

Tracks: *soft sound as Dixie smooths his forehead*

First Aid: *rocks very gently* Tracks, please wake up. Everyone worked hard to get this ready for you.

Dixie: *pokes Tracks in the side, earning a startled gasp from the man, and then she's helping him sit up*

First Aid: *opens his doors and sends his holodriver back to help*

Tracks: *groggy confusion, doesn't put up much fuss as Dixie and First Aid's holoform help him out*

hFirst Aid: *gently guides him over to the monument, and then stops*

Tracks: *slight frown as he tries to make sense of what he's seeing*

monument: *tall, tasteful. Says 'Karen Bates', and the words, 'Beloved. Missed. REMEMBERED.'*

Tracks: *hand to mouth, tears starting to well up*

hFirst Aid: *softly* Optimus bought it.

Tracks: *trying to say something, but is failing at finding the right words*

Dixie: *gently rubbing her husband's back*

hFirst Aid: He said those words are important. Especially the last one. *gentle squeeze of a hug from where he's supporting the sick man*

Tracks: *very soft clicks*

hFirst Aid: *gently* We should get you home.

Tracks: *slight nod, is going to hide his face on Dixie's shoulder now*

hFirst Aid: *will wait till Tracks is ready to move*

Tracks: *soft clicks as he inadvertently gets the shoulder of Dixie's shirt wet with his tears*

hFirst Aid: *startles slightly and cocks his head* Shhh, Raoul. We're at the memory garden... er... cemetery.

Tracks: *eventually quiets down, looks like he could fall asleep standing up... Again...*

hFirst Aid: *will see if he can't disconnect Tracks from Dixie and pick him up*

Tracks: *slight start*

Dixie: *will grab Tracks' hand and gently squeeze it to reassure him that she's not going anywhere without him*

hFirst Aid: *gets the couple back into his hold and safely strapped down, then sets out and is soon pulling up in front of the house in Tranquility*

Raoul: *comes tearing down the walk and seems to become a one man mob on the ambulance*

Tracks: *just wants to get inside and snuggle with Dixie... Is so tired... And a bit hungry... But mostly tired...*

Raoul: *gets the back doors open and yells for his brothers* Yo, get your slaggin' lazy afts out here!

Beau: *striding out calmly, even as Miles hurries out after him*

Raoul: Where's Jake? *frown*

Beau: *grin* Makin' soup.

Raoul: Oh. *stops frowning and starts directing gurney steering*

Beau: *helps with that, as does Miles*

Raoul: *grabs the front as they lift the gurney up the front steps and into the living room, which holds comfortable furniture including a bunk bed with a futon sofa bed on the bottom. This sofa bed is currently folded down and piled with soft blankets and pillows. Stuffed animals inhabit the upper bed, as does a big eared black kitten with no hair on his body except for a fuzzy crest down the middle of his skull* Let's get him on the bed.

Golda: *peeking into the room from the kitchen doorway*

Beau: *moving to get the straps undone, and then he and Miles are carefully transferring Tracks to the bed*

Dixie: *is soon joining Tracks on the bed and getting him comfortable*

Raoul: *catches the kitten as it tries to jump down and meet the strangers* Hey, you little #$@#$@.

Dixie: *soft snerk as she sees the kitten* 'T's gotta Mohawk....

Raoul: Yup. His name's Spike.

Spike: *ears up* Mew?

Dixie: *chuckles*

Raoul: *looks at the little baby thing, and then steps over softly and tucks him in beside Tracks* You pee on 'im and you're stew.

Spike: Mew! *snuggles the warm peeps and purrs his bitty purr*

Raoul: *snorts, but he's watching to see how Tracks is going to react*

Tracks: *sleepy blink for the little creature* *soft clicks*

Raoul: He don't shed.

Tracks: *very soft chuckle*

Spike: *wiggles till he can kissie the nose closest to him*

Tracks: *blink blink blink, click*

Raoul: *snerks, and then adjusts the blankets over his father and new mother before catching the panda as Miles tosses it and laying it on the foot of the bed* Jake'll probably have somethin' to eat pretty soon. You get some sleep for now.

Tracks: *very small nod, snuggles close to Dixie and is soon asleep as Spike curls up and purrs*

Raoul: *goes and gets the tiger pattern butterfly chair and then sits down to watch over him*

Destron base

Optimus: *standing and watching as a very big Driller meets a bunch of very small monster babies*

driller: Roaar?

babies: *weeee NOM!*

Shockwave: *so amused as he watches his offspring and the Driller interacting*

Optimus: ...Are you certain that's safe, Shockwave?

Shockwave: If it seems as though the Driller is in danger of being damaged, I will put a stop to the sparklets' playtime.

Optimus: o.O

Shockwave: *not worried in the least, is keeping an eye on his offspring and how close they are to the dangerous parts of the Driller*

Optimus: Er... so why did you decide to wake the Driller?

Shockwave: The sparklets showed an interest in the pets of the other sparklets.

Optimus: Do you mean Carina's bull?

Fireshock: *teeth clamped on Driller arm, being waved around*

Shockwave: And the Lennox sparklet's beagle.

Optimus: I see. ...Did you consider procuring some other variety of pet?

Driller: Yip!

Shockwave: Most other varieties of pets would not last very long here, I'm afraid....

Driller: *moves closer to Master. Has a hurt!*

Shockwave: *moves to see how bad the damage is*

Optimus: *watching this with a slightly apprehensive expression*

Driller: *showing Master the hurt place*

Shockwave: *gently scolding Shockfire for biting the Driller*

Optimus: ... Is he badly damaged? *and then ducks slightly as something whizzes overhead* What??

something: Die, Autobot scum!

Shockwave: *looks up*

Decepticon flyer: *comes screaming back, firing as it comes*

Optimus: *tries to leap aside, but is too slow. Vanishes in a flash of light as the area is shaken by a thunderous boom*

Fangfire: *comes tearing out of the base, hissing with rage and fear*

monster babies: *making like quail chicks*

Shockwave: *moving to protect his family from the Decepticon, will sic the Driller on it as well!*

Jazz: //Shocky, what the slag're you doin' over there? We're pickin' up seismic activity!//

Shockwave: *calmly, as he aims at the Decepticon* //There's an unknown Decepticon flier that just attacked... And I've set my pet after it. It may be wise to send a medic, since Optimus was attacked as well.//

Jazz: *cuss!* //On it!// *sends the Aquabots*

WakeJumper: //I can't go, Jazz. Someone has to stay and keep an eye on things in the infirmary...// *sounds just a bit miffed that he's missing out on the action*

Jazz: //Tsubasa's there! You gotta go, man! Op's down!//

WakeJumper: *cuss! PINpoints*

Fangfire: *grappling with a massive mech that just crawled out of the Driller's tunnel. Savaging her opponent, but not slowing the behemoth in the least*

Driller: *shielding Master and the little owwies from the boom from above*

Deluge: *is that string of cursing that just arrived, hitched a ride on Downrush's back since her alt-mode isn't suited for land*

Calypso: *belting out a rowdy sea shanty as she dive-bombs the Decepticon flier*

WakeJumper: *hurrying over to Optimus, tools out and at the ready*

Shockwave: *taking careful aim so as not to hit Calypso, opens fire on the enemy flier*

Optimus: *laying perfectly still... both of him*

WakeJumper: .... *scans both for coordinates*

Optimus: *both register as native*

flier: *launches another massive boom-inducing missile at Deluge*

WakeJumper: ... *hand on both, will PINpoint them back to the infirmary*

Deluge: *cursing and firing back, even as Downrush transforms and adds his own weapons fire to the battle. Is hurt, but isn't going to admit to it*

massive cat and two other huge mechs: *emerge from the Driller's tunnel and attack, the cat leaping on Shockwave with no hesitation and trying to eat what little face he has*

Shockwave: *going to fight dirty then... and call for backup*

Downrush: *charges the first mech that emerged from the tunnel, while Deluge unleashes a large blast of water from her high-pressure hoses on the other two mechs*

cat: *low laugh as he grapples with Shockwave* You don't even recognize me, do you, creator?

flier: *MORE BOOM on Deluge*

Deluge: *hurt badly, but determined to keep fighting... Even as she begins to bleed out from her injuries*

Shockwave: *optic narrows as he continues to grapple with the cat* *coldly* Refresh my memory.

cat: Do you think you and your pitiful Autobot allies are fighting an army? Well you are! A one mech army! *laser from the mouth!*

big gun mech: *tries to backshoot Downrush*

Downrush: *doesn't even have time to react before his optics are going dark*

Soundwave: *just let loose with a blast of concentrated sound*

Deluge: *just went down*

Calypso: *just found groundwater*

Jazz: //Holey shirt! Get reinforcements out there! NO! Bee, not you, slaggit!//

Shockwave: *calling Nightwish and asking her for her assistance* //The Aquabots are likely offline.// *managed to shield his optic with his arm, though he won't have much armor left to do that again*

Tan and navy pickup truck: *roaring onto the scene, and aimed right for the big gun mech!*

Ultra Magnus: *also on the scene, going in guns a-blazin'*

flier: *swoops in low and strafes Torque*

Aerialbots: *circling overhead, but then scatter as what seems like a black arrow shoots into sight with a sonic boom*

Torque: *swerves and whoops as he dodges, before transforming and rushing the nearest ground-based enemy*

Ultra Magnus: *going for the cat mech*

Nightwish: *snaps into root mode and grabs Fangfire's grappling partner by the neck, there's a quick crack, and then she's crushing a spark in her hand*

other 'Cons: *stagger*

cat: *leaps away from Shockwave, his eyes white with shock* No! You can't do that! My shells were created from metal found at the heart of a comet! My sparks are protected by electronic scramblers that will kill anything that touches them!

Shockwave: *calmly, as he takes aim at the cat* And your sister's spark is impossible to extinguish.

cat: Not... Urk! *yowls in pain as his other bodies abandon their opponents to concentrate their attacks on Nightwish* That's NOT POSSI... ble... *whirs to a stop as parts of him scatter across the desert*

Shockwave: *calmly, to Nightwish* I believe Ratchet will be interested in the metal of Sixshot's shells. *moving to make sure the sparklets are unharmed*

Nightwish: *as she rips apart the gun mech* You're good at finding rare metals. Do you want me to keep these sparks?

Driller: *has vanished into the earth with the little owwies*

Shockwave: *considering* No... Let them return to Primus.

Nightwish: *nods and extinguishes that third part of her brother, then watches the last three parts collapse and go dark*

Shockwave: *will call to the Driller and have it bring the sparklets back to the surface, please and thank you*

Skydive: *coming in for a landing near the downed Aquabots. Will check for vitals, and make an upset sound when he realizes that Downrush and Deluge are both offline*

Nightwish: *looks over, her optics flashing* No way.

Trailbreaker: *gently gathering Calypso into his arms*

Calypso: *shivering, has her optics shuttered. Is still online, though she's going into shock*

Trailbreaker: *softly* Cally, listen to me. Hold onto my voice. *ignores the risk of being taken with her if she should follow her teammates, pulls out his link wire and plugs it into the port on her wrist* -Cally?-

Calypso: *everything hurts... Doesn't understand what's going on...* *huddled in on herself in her mind* -Hurts...-

Trailbreaker: -Stay with me, Cally. Hold onto me.- *lets her feel his feelings toward her*

Calypso: *trying so hard to focus on Trailbreaker's voice and presence, even with the haze of pain and confusion she's dealing with* -'B-Breaker...-

Trailbreaker: *softly* -Yeah. It's me.- *gentle nuzzle* -I'm right here. Stay with me?-

Starscream: *over all channels* //I DON'T KNOW HOW I WOUND UP IN CHARGE, BUT RATCHET HAD BETTER GET HIS SLAGGING AFT BACK FROM WHERE-EVER IT IS THAT HE'S SLAGGING OFF!!!!//

Fangfire: *startled hiss from where she's hunkered over her babies*

Calypso: *flinches and whimpers* -Hurts.... 'Rush... Del....-

Trailbreaker: *hits himself in the head a few times to make it stop ringing, then focuses on the femme in his arms again* *love, encouragement, entreaty* -I know. But I'm here. I have you.-

Starscream: //I MEAN IT, RATCHET!//

Calypso: *mental reaching for Trailbreaker, even as she flinches again. Frightened, hurting, so confused...* *quietly* -They're gone...- *intakes hitch*

Trailbreaker: *nuzzles again* -I'm here.-

Calypso: -So tired...- *cycling air. Stubborn determination to stay put*

Trailbreaker: *gentle kiss for her cheek* -Yeah, that's it. Stay with me.-

Calypso: *soft sigh as she slips into stasis, but she's not going anywhere. She knows where she's supposed to be*

Nightwish: *gently scoops up both the black scout and the orange and brown femme, showing no strain despite their bulk* Let's get you two home... though. *looks to Shockwave* Maybe you'd be better off here if there's no medic at the 'Bot base.

Shockwave: They would recover more peacefully at the Autobot base... *is already preparing a report for Mr. Keller... Since Optimus is currently unable to do so*

Nightwish: *not sure, will ping Skydive*

Skydive: *from where he's gathering up Downrush's shell* //Yes, Nightwish?//

Nightwish: Where's First Aid?

Skydive: He should be returning to base soon... He went to take Tracks and Dixie to Beau's house...

Nightwish: And where's Ratchet if he's not snarking at Screamer?

Skydive: He mentioned something about taking Cragbuster to see another Ratchet...

Nightwish: Oh wonderful timing. So we don't have a slaggin' medic?

Skydive: *lip components thin for a moment as he checks on WakeJumper* WakeJumper's conscious... But only just... *will ask Tsubasa if she's able to assist*

Waltz: *answers, sounding frightened and determined* //WakeJumper fell on her when the shock hit. She can't move very well, and I don't think she's fully online.//

Skydive: *optics flash* //Oh dear...// Wait... Perceptor is also medically trained... *will call the scientist*

Jazz: //Screamer, gimme a few more minutes! Rap's goin' nuts.//

Starscream: //What if my babies start to cry?//

Bumblebee: //I found 'Aid. He's not going to be able to help.//

Showtime: //...I know someone who could help. Give me a few minutes... If all else fails, I'll ask Hormah for her help.//

Starscream: //Thank you, Showtime. What's wrong with First Aid?//

Bumblebee: //Dunno. He's unresponsive in a ditch.//

Jazz: //Ahah! Hey, Ratchet, pick up. I can hear this ringin'.//

Ratchet: *sounds very startled* //Yes, Jazz?//

Jazz: //Deluge 'n Downrush're dead, Optimus' ben cloned, 'Aid's catatonic, Tsubasa's squished, Wake's loopy. We needja, mech!//

Ratchet: //...// *accidentally transmits the sound of his facepalm over comms, and leaves his line open while he speaks to his alternate* //There's been an emergency back home. Cragbuster, no, don't... *sigh*//

Jazz: //Ratch, I think Screamer's gonna bust a gasket...//

Ratchet: //ETA less than a minute.// *moments later, is in the infirmary, and he's not alone*

Russell: *transforming and moving to help out where he can*

Ratchet: //Starscream, what happened?//

Starscream: *whirls and gives him an irate look from where she's tending to Tsubasa* I wound up in charge!

Ratchet: *not fazed, is scanning both Optimuses* That doesn't tell me what happened to result in the deaths of two Aquabots, Starscream.

mvRed Alert: *frowning, even as he moves to assist Starscream with repairing Tsubasa*

Eclipse: *just PINpointed back to quarters with WakeJumper*

Wheeljack: *soft cuss and goes back out to make sure his son in law's alright*

Kia: *slipping into the room with her mate* There was an attack, Ratchet. I believe Shockwave recognized the perpetrators.

dvRatchet: *as he strides into the room* What happened? *tense and optics are nearly white*

Ratchet: There was an attack at the Destron base. Shockwave will know more... *working on getting both Optimuses stable*

Perceptor: *quietly* Miss Calypso is being tended to by Trailbreaker, after the shock of losing two siblings within moments of one another rendered her near-catatonic...

dvRatchet: Am I needed here? *terse and slightly shaky in his voice*

Ratchet: *sees the tension in his alternate's mannerisms* *quietly* If we do need further assistance, we will call.

dvRatchet: *quietly* Thank you. Now I'd better go make sure my daughter hasn't caused Showtime to short circuit. *vanishes with a swish and a slight flash*

Kia: *without looking up from her work* ...Hasn't he got a son?

Ratchet: *as he returns his attention to his work* His mate's spark must have budded again....

Kia: Already? My stars and garters!

Jazz: *comes in holding Galvatron and Cho* Holey shirts...

mvRed Alert: *attention going to Jazz, raised brow ridge* Er....

Ratchet: *scanning both Optimuses again*

Perceptor: *moving to get a field kit, will go and tend to First Aid*

Kia: *kisses her mate as he pauses briefly next to her, then resumes gathering medical supplies*

Jazz: Galvie's outta it 'cause Op is, 'n Cho is 'cause Galvy is.

Rap: *on Mama's back* *SQUEAL!*

Ratchet: Get them to one of the recovery rooms for now.... It will be quieter there...

Jazz: Right. *turns and hauls the small bots into the room where Tracks had been at first*

Optimuses: *groan in unison as each lifts a hand to touch their forehead*

Jazz: *looks over there, and then nearly jumps out of her skin as a huge robot Tyranosaur appears with a little yellow and white sparklet on his back*

Grimlock: Buster ready to come home now.

Ratchet: *moving to keep both Optimuses from sitting up* *glances at the Tyranosaur* Thank you, Grimlock. Does Rachel know you borrowed a PINpoint?

Cragbuster: *clickstorm, yaaawwwn, wants Mama*

Grimlock: *blinks at him* Her Mama tell Grimlock go and come right back. Somebody take him Buster so me can obey.

mvRed Alert: *very soft chuckle, moves to grab Cragbuster* Tell Rachel I'll be back as soon as possible, please?

Grimlock: Yeah yeah, what-ever. Me go eat lots of pastas now. *vanishes again the same way he came*

Jazz: *blink blink*

Optimuses: *quiet and confused* Elita?

Ratchet: *soothingly* Easy... Everything will be alright... *checking to see who can bring Elita, Hope, and Diehard to the infirmary*

Optimuses: *still speaking in unison* What... happened? *blinking of bleary and confused optics at the medic*

Waltz: *enters then, holding two little sparklets close as Ultra Magnus follows with Elita*

Ratchet: From my understanding, there was an attack...

Elita: *so dizzy... Very confused and disoriented...*

Diehard: *confused sound as he sees two Daddies*

Hope: *looks up from hugging Bubby and stares. What?*

Shockwave: *following behind Ultra Magnus* *catches Ratchet's words* One of my experiments, I'm afraid...

Optimuses: *turn their heads* Shockwave? *sudden alarm* The sparklets!?

Shockwave: *calmly* They are safe and unharmed. *impression of a slight frown as he studies the two identical mechs* Though it seems Sixshot managed to acquire another of my experiments....

Jazz: ...Zat why we got two Ops?

Optimuses: ...Two... Ops? *and now they're staring at each other*

Shockwave: Indeed...

new Optimus: But how...

Optimus: Is this possible?

Jazz: Oh no... they're pullin' a Percy 'n Kia. *hand over optics*

Shockwave: *begins explaining the physics behind the weapon he designed, and how it had originally been intended for grabbing high-ranking Autobot officers, cloning them, and returning the clones as sleeper weapons*

Waltz: *wide-eyed by the time he's finished*

Optimus: Was it ever used?

new Optimus: Before today?

Shockwave: No... I had set it aside in favor of other projects, since the prototype's completion occurred shortly after the launching of the Allspark through the wormhole...

Optimus: Where did Sixshot come from?

new Optimus: We had reports that he'd been destroyed.

Shockwave: *quieter* I suspect he survived the attack that was rumored to have offlined him.... and that he may have sought shelter with the Driller....

new Optimus: Is there anyone else...

Optimus: Down there? *tries to push himself up on one elbow*

Ratchet: *shoves Optimus back down*

Shockwave: *quietly, with a slight edge to his voice that rarely shows up* That is what I intend to find out...

new Optimus: Where there any casualties? *something feels off. There's a tension...*

Optimus: *nodding as he absently reaches for Diehard and Hope, his optics on Shockwave*

Shockwave: *softly* Regrettably, yes...

Ultra Magnus: *quietly, as he moves to set Elita down next to Optimus* The Aquabot leader, and one of his sisters... Calypso is currently resting with Trailbreaker, and WakeJumper has been relocated to his and Eclipse's quarters...

new Optimus: *had frozen and was staring with horror at Optimus and the sparklets, but now both he and his brother shutter their optics and bite back grief*

Jazz: *wibble wibble, hug her babies*

Shockwave: I have already sent a report on the situation to Liaison Keller.... *quieter* Downrush and Deluge will not be forgotten, I assure you that much.

Optimus: *holds his mate and babies close, but then looks up and reaches for his new brother*

new Optimus: *moves away slightly, shaking his head. The sorrow in his face is heart breaking*

Diehard: *sucking on his fist and trying to clickstorm around it*

Hope: *gently touching Mama's face, wondering why Mama's asleep in the morning*

Elita: *groggy, trying to wake up enough to say something.... Caught bits and pieces of what Shockwave said regarding the weapon used on her mate, wants clarification.... and for stuff to stop spinning*

new Optimus: *looks up at the CMO* Ratchet... I want you to take me offline.

Optimus: No!

Ratchet: *firmly* I will do no such thing.

mvRed Alert: *moves to scan Elita, soft 'Hmm'* It seems she's getting feedback from both of you...

new Optimus: *quietly, his voice shaking* I'm extraneous, and my continued existence will cause harm to Elita.

Optimus: Brother, your dying will harm us too.

new Optimus: I'm only a clone! *hides his face in his hands*

mvRed Alert: *quietly* You are a person in your own right.... And offlining you would do more harm than good. It's similar to a twin bond....

new Optimus: I'm not a twin. I'm an extra... unneeded.

Optimus: I need you. *reaching for brother again, his optics bright with concern*

Hope: Bweee! *goes to see other Daddy. Is this the old Daddy she remembers? Hmm. Nope. But she likes him. Snuggle*

Diehard: *clickstorm, babbles happily*

Elita: *soft sound, is trying so hard to say something...*

Optimus: *looks down and calls to his mate over their bond*

Elita: *reaches for her mate* -Not... Unneeded...-

Optimus: -No. He isn't.-

Elita: -Tell...- *snuggles close*

Optimus: -I have.- *gasps as he's suddenly hit by his twin's overwhelming sorrow at the realization that Elita isn't his, and how badly it hurts to watch her being held by Optimus*

Elita: *small shiver as she picks up on that as well*

new Optimus: *and this baby in his arms isn't his either. Overwhelmed by grief, he lays back and shutters his optics*

Hope: Bweeeee!

Diehard: *clickstorm*

mvRed Alert: *scanning new Optimus, has a bad feeling*

Optimus: //Ratchet, sedate him. At this rate his sorrow is going kill him.//

Ratchet: *small nod, will gently sedate new Optimus*

Optimus: Is that weapon still operational?

Shockwave: *quietly* It should be.... I had Soundwave bring it back to the base... *has a hunch about why you asked, Optimus*

Elita: *not nearly as groggy as she was earlier* *quietly* He needs a family of his own....

Optimus: *softly* We can give him a sparkmate, and nephews and a niece. *optics asking her if she is willing to go through with this*

Elita: *small nod, is willing to go through with it*

Optimus: *looks from Ratchet to Shockwave* Please... clone Elita.

Shockwave: *small nod, PINpoints back to the Destron base to get the weapon*

Ratchet: *moving to get new Optimus comfortable for the time being, will also go to check on Galvatron and Cho*

Galvatron: *sitting up and looking a little dizzy* What was that all about?

Ratchet: One of Shockwave's prototype weapons was used on Optimus... And now we have two of him...

Galvatron: *slow blink as Cho turns her head* What... *facepalm* I thought we destroyed that.

Ratchet: What was used was the prototype... And Shockwave likely intends to destroy all of the designs and the weapon itself once we've finished what we need to do with it...

Galvatron: The prototype is the only one I knew about. Starscream shot himself with it back on Cybertron when it was still in the construction stage, and then spent several oorns chasing his clone around and shooting at him.

Ratchet: *soft snerk at the idea* Somehow, that does not surprise me... *offers to bring Galvatron and Cho into the main part of the infirmary*

Galvatron: *climbs the medic's arm toward his shoulder, leaving his mate to fend for herself since he knows very well what she thinks of his trying to help her*

Cho: *sits up and settles on Ratchet's hand, her expression thoughtful as she remembers how nice and quiet things had been while Starscream had been busy chasing himself around*

Ratchet: *careful as he brings the couple into the main part of the infirmary* *quietly, over comms* //The Aquabots are down to two surviving members... Downrush and Deluge were the casualties...//

Galvatron: *shutters his optics* May they find joy in the Song.

Ratchet: *very small nod* *quietly* And may those who went before them have the common sense to not call Deluge 'small'.

Galvatron: *slightly shaky chuckle* *looks over toward the two large forms laying on the tables* *quietly* Put me near the new one.

Ratchet: *moves to do so*

Shockwave: *back with the weapon prototype*

Optimus: *turns his head as he hears the PINpoint, and then very gently lifts his lady away from him, offering her to Shockwave*

Shockwave: *careful as he gets Elita situated. Once that's taken care of, he's aiming the weapon and activating it*

Optimus: *can nearly remember an explosion when the weapon had hit him, is covering Diehard's audios in case*

Galvatron: *sees that and frowns as he wonders*

weapon: *goes off without a sound, but there's the flash of light that Optimus might remember.... and when it fades, there are two Elitas*

Hope: *startles and fusses at the soft boom of displaced air*

Galvatron: *oh, that. Comfort the niece*

Diehard: *why Sissy cry? Clickstorm*

Elita: *feeling a bit dizzy again, startles when Shockwave moves to put her back with Optimus*

Ratchet: *will bring new Elita over to new Optimus and gently tuck her next to the sedated mech*

new Elita: *dizzy and confused*

Optimus: *cuddles his mate and addresses his new sister in law* Elita?

new Elita: *slight start, before she remembers what was going to happen. Then she's moving to look at Optimus* Yes?

Optimus: *softly* How do you feel?

new Elita: A bit dizzy.... But I will be alright.

Optimus: *quietly* Can you feel any trace of my brother?

new Elita: *nods* I can... *quieter* He's asleep right now...

Optimus: Yes. We had to sedate him while you and your sister were experiencing his discomfort.

new Elita: *very small nod, reaches to gently smooth new Optimus' helm* *quietly* He's wrong about not being needed...

Optimus: *quietly but strongly* He is. *love for brother hums across his bond with his Elita*

new Elita: *even quieter* I need him... *moving to snuggle against new Optimus*

Elita: *small smile, doing like her sister now*

Optimus: *nuzzles his mate's helm, and then looks at Ratchet and Shockwave* Please wake him... but stand by.

Ratchet: *nods and moves to reverse the sedation on new Optimus*

new Optimus: *wakes with a gasp and stares blankly up at the ceiling*

Hope: *reaches over from where she's snuggling Unca Galvy and pat pats other Daddy*

new Elita: *gently squeezes new Optimus' hand*

new Optimus: *startles slightly and looks down toward that warm form he feels against his side. Gobsmacked expression* What... *looks over at Optimus and sees the femme laying there, then snaps his optics back down to the one next to him* How...?

Ratchet: The prototype weapon... *scanning and checking vitals*

new Optimus: *big, strong hand is shaking as he reaches across himself to touch new Elita's face. His optics are glistening*

new Elita: *free hand coming up to rest on new Optimus' hand, gentle lovebomb*

new Optimus: *shutters optics with a soft gasp, and then turns on his side to engulf her in a hug* -My wife. My beautiful one....-

new Elita: *quiet contentment as she's hugged. Feels safe in new Optimus' embrace, and has no intention of going anywhere without him* -Yes, yours.... And you're my husband.- *more gentle lovebomb, snuggles close*

Optimus: *quiet, embarrassed amusement as he watches his brother snuggle new Elita* -I hadn't realized... No wonder people are always teasing me after they see you and me together.-

Elita: *fond affection for Optimus* -You can be a sap... but don't ever change.-

Optimus: *rumbles, and then looks down at the little Diehard bitlet tucked between them*

Diehard: *sucking on his fist and looking like he's ready for a nap*

Optimus: *looks around for Hope, and then takes her from Galvatron as the smaller mech guides her over* Thank you, brother.

Galvatron: Get some rest. You're going to need it when all the inquiries and such start.

Optimus: *pinches the bridge of his nose and nods, then sighs and droops against the pillow as he holds his Elita and bitties close* *quietly* Check on WakeJumper and Calypso, please.

Galvatron: *nod, his optics darkening as he hears the grief in his brother's voice* I will. Rest now.

Shockwave: *quietly* I shall be in contact once I have thoroughly searched the caverns where the Driller was hibernating... *and once he's blown the prototype weapon to slag and back*

Optimus: *quietly* Thank you, Shockwave.

Shockwave: *small nod, PINpoints out with the weapon prototype*

Ratchet: *moving to get blankets to cover both couples with as Cragbuster clicks sleepily from his back*

Tsubasa: *turns her head slightly and then shutters her optics with a quiet and slightly shaky chuckle* Optimus, sir, get a room.

Optimus: 0_0 *looks over at brother and facepalms as he sees the quiet snog session happening*

Elita: *soft amusement*

Kia: *turns and looks* Oh my. *embarrassed*

mvRed Alert: *is that soft clang of a facepalm*

Ultra Magnus: *not looking, NOT LOOKING. Going to go let Red Alert know that Eclipse might not be on shift for a few days, kthx!*

new Optimus: *pauses and looks up, then blushes and hides his face against his mate, shoulders shaking as he rumbles softly with laughter*

Optimus: *is laughing too*

new Elita: *also laughing softly, and snuggling against her mate*

Elita: *too amused, and starting to get affected by sleepy baby magic*

Starscream: *shakes her head wearily* Go to sleep, all four of you.

Optimuses: *nod and settle down, arms around loved ones and optics shuttered*

Elitas: *joining loved ones in sleep, the one holding her children, the other held in her mate's embrace*

mvRed Alert: *quietly, to Ratchet* If you need additional assistance, don't hesitate to call. *moves to get going, will PINpoint back to his reality*

Ratchet: *quietly, with a bit of amusement in his voice* He certainly recovered from being combat-kissed...

Starscream: *looks at Ratchet* What?

Ratchet: *as he moves to get Cragbuster off of his back* That Red Alert got combat kissed one day... Kia, do you remember the day we were at the Black Dog with the human-sized alternate of Perceptor?

Kia: I do indeed. *looks up from checking Tsubasa's vitals* You've yet to meet his daughters, I take it.

Ratchet: *chuckles* I did get to meet them the other day... And Brawn is happily bonded as well...

Kia: *nods* Yes, to their original Bumblebee. *thoughtful expression* Now we too have three versions of Optimus. Though all of ours are native.

Ratchet: *nods* Their reality recently acquired a new Cliffjumper... He's still in stasis, but he is recovering. *moves to get Cragbuster tucked into a blanket nest in his office*

Clarion: *peeks out from under his desk*

Ratchet: *offers her Cragbuster*

Cragbuster: *is sleepy, Mama*

Kia: Mercy. Some realities must have some sort of magnetic attraction to those who are lost. *looks over through the door*

Clarion: *takes little son and cuddles him, then reaches up and squeezes mate's hand, her optics soft*

Ratchet: *quietly, as he gently squeezes Clarion's hand* It was that reality's Bluestreak that found him... As well as the majority of the larger Exiles that reside there currently...

Kia: Yes, I've heard of her propensity of finding those in need of succor. *sighs* I fear that I find myself unable to do further good here, Tsubasa. Your workmanship...

Tsubasa: *small smile* It's alright. I know.

Starscream: *as she moves to pick Galvatron up* Shockwave will take care of her. *quiet certainty*

Ratchet: *glances out the door at Starscream, fond amusement for the winged femme clear on his face*

Starscream: *looks tired* Do you need me any longer, Ratchet?

Ratchet: No... Go get some rest...

Starscream: Alright. *carries Galvatron out of the room. Will bring him to Trailbreaker's quarters and then go and look into the cradle where she left her sister tucked in among her three sparklets*

Tsubasa: *turns her head a bit, wishing she could see inside the CMO's office* Ratchet, sir?

Ratchet: *reluctantly letting go of Clarion's hand, moves to return to the main part of the infirmary* Yes, Tsubasa?

Tsubasa: They didn't bring First Aid in. Is he alright?

Ratchet: I let Perceptor and Bumblebee know to bring him to his and Foxtrot's quarters so he can rest... He'll be alright.

Tsubasa: *quietly* What happened? Was he in an accident? *hasn't been told of the MO2's problem*

Ratchet: He's been working too hard... He's getting better about not doing so, but old habits are hard to break...

Tsubasa: *concern in her optics, but then looks worried* Oh... I won't be able to get the twins from the nursery.

Ratchet: One moment... *will ping Hound's comm*

Hound: //Hmm?//

Ratchet: //Are you and Desinex still in the recreation room with the sparklets, Hound?//

Hound: //Yes, we are. But Cragbuster's not here.//

Ratchet: //I know... He's with Clarion... But that's not why I'm calling... Would you mind bringing Uno and Doozy here? Tsubasa's unable to come get them currently...

Hound: *surprised* //Slingshot took them a few minutes ago.//

Ratchet: *surprised* //Oh?//

Hound: //Yes. Do you want me to track him down?//

Ratchet: //No, that won't be necessary.... *pauses* You're sitting on Desinex, aren't you?//

Hound: *slightly embarrassed* //Actually, now she's sitting on me.//

some bitty in the background: //More kisses for Aunty! *cheer*//

Ratchet: *snerk* //Well, at least she's not trying to go out and fight...//

Desinex: *acking over comms* //Hound! Help!// *sounds like she's close to breaking something from trying not to laugh as the sparklets find ticklish spots*

Hound: //Whoa, careful, guys. Don't make Aunty Sky bust a gasket.//

Ratchet: *snerks more* //I'll let you rescue her then... Ratchet out.//

Hound: //Hound out.//

Ratchet: *glance goes to the door as Skydive peeks into the room* *is also calling Slingshot*

Garnet: *uncertainly* //Slingshot asked me to ask you what you want, because he's busy.//

Ratchet: *gently* //I just want to ask him if he'd mind bringing Uno and Doozy to the infirmary...//

Skydive: *moving to approach, will stand next to Tsubasa's table and offer wordless assistance*

Garnet: //Well... they're sleeping.//

Ratchet: //...Oh... Well, best not to disturb them then...// *to Tsubasa* It seems they're spending time with Slingshot and Garnet... *soft chuckle* And that they're already asleep...

Tsubasa: *lifts brow ridges, and then looks at Skydive as she realizes that she's truly part of a family now. One that includes people to care for her babies when she's unable*

Skydive: *small smile*

Tsubasa: *smiles back, but then winces slightly as she inadvertently tries to move something that's broken*

Skydive: *will gently fuss over you now, Tsubasa*

Ratchet: *scans, will get a pain override if necessary*

Tsubasa: *and then she's remembering the deaths, and the reality is hitting now that the excitement is over, and she's in silent tears*

Skydive: *very soft clicks, will carefully hold her close and try not to cry as well*

Tsubasa: *whisper* How will they stand it? Their brother and sister...

Skydive: *quietly* WakeJumper has Eclipse, Thundercracker, Keepsake, and Lumen to anchor him... And Trailbreaker is taking care of Calypso...

Ratchet: *quietly* We'll keep an optic on them...

Tsubasa: *more silent tears for the bereaved and for those who have crossed the veil, but then looks over at the two Primes and their mates and cries a little more with weary relief that they're alright*

Skydive: *considering, and then he's moving to carefully join Tsubasa on the table. Will gently cuddle*

Tsubasa: *doesn't even blink. Just accepts this and hides her face against his chest. Leaks a few more weary tears before the comfort of being held overpowers her other feelings and she slips into sleep mode*

Ratchet: *covers this couple with a blanket as well, before looking around as he realizes that Jazz has left with Waltz and Rap, and that Ultra Magnus left at some point as well* *very soft chuckle, will monitor things in the infirmary from his office as he cuddles Clarion and Cragbuster*

((written with random_xtras))