So many muses, so little space

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-10-10T08:20:00

2013-10-10T14:42:36Z

Power Joe: B-bastards! *as he shifts back, /sweeping/ them further back from himself with an arm, lurching up to a crouch on sheer, defensive willpower* You think you're the /only/ ones who-
DB: Power Joe!!
*DB and SM land just then, weapons out, DB crouching protectively in front of PJ*
PJ: D-drill Boy... *slumps a little, leaning on DB's back, /relieved/*
DB: What the hell!? Why did you do this!?
SM: Drill Boy. *getting his attention to quiet him - and if one of the wielders starts to try to move the ground (he saw them doing it from the air), he'll find a giant ninja star buried in the ground at his feet (startle and scare him, break his concentration) - angry but calm as he looks the group over* There are slavers in this area. That way is clear - *points the same way Power Joe did* - but don't stop moving for another half-day. Disbelieve me if you will. After nearly killing my teammate without provocation, I frankly don't /care/. Just /go/!
[the group is in a near panic when DB and SM arrive. And SM won't have to stop the hostile wielder, the wielder that put an end to OJ's torture is the one that grabs him before he can do anything and turns him, shoving him after the rest of the group..]
Man4: [the one that let PJ up...he glances back at the group as he follows the others...apology in his eyes when he looks at PJ.]

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-08-11T22:19:00

2013-08-12T04:48:19Z

Jendayi nodded her understanding. She wouldn't dare go get a treat on her own anyway, she'd expect to be punished for doing such a thing. And she so did hate spankings. They were worse than a whip. They hurt more, and were humiliating. She still had welts from taking lashes from a cane when she didn't do something just right. Thankfully, she'd come to belong to Zel after that, and was starting to believe she wouldn't have to fear such beating unless she really deserved it.

"I understand."

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-08-08T22:06:00

2013-08-09T04:33:19Z

Crim: *will be by later to coax Stars from the lab to fly with her.*
Stars: *might take some doing, but she'll manage...and he's joyful in a way he's not been for several weeks, what with the growing, not-so-secret stress of whether or not he'd be accepted full-time*
Crim: *will bug at him until he comes with her, and they fly and play for a good long time, but instead of heading home she heads them to a nice bar.*
Stars: *looking around with interest . . . he's...never actually been in a bar before, though he's keeping his cool, playing aloof*
Crim: *they'll get a table and Crim will order.....a number of various drinks* To celebrate.
Stars: *raises an optic ridge . . . but /certainly/ won't protest...nods* To celebrate.
Crim: I've been saving up for today, trying to think of the best way to celebrate.
Stars: *crooked grin* I'd say this is a decent way.
Crim: *gives him a lopsided grin* I thought you'd like this.
*the drinks come and Crim will...heh, she'll bat his hands away and arrange the drinks in a line between them*
Crim: Each drink is a different experience. One might wash your systems with a hot, but pleasurable sensation for a moment, while another might make your sensor net tingle. Nothing lasts for more than a few astroseconds at most, and all will leave you pleasantly overcharged if you have enough. Care to try.....this one? *she picks one up and holds it out to him*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-08-08T08:29:00

2013-08-08T14:56:57Z

http://socrowdedinhere.dreamwidth.org/67630.html

Jendayi stiffened when Zel got back up, but relaxed again as she was resettled.

"I-I...I remember my mommy. Shy cried when I was taken away. I remember the trainers and what they taught me..." She trailed off, peeking at Zel in a silent question of what else she wanted to know.

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-05-21T23:01:00

2013-05-22T14:03:41Z

Warp: *crouches down to get a closer look at the things, then gives TC an accusatory glare* You told me they don't exist!
TC: *shrugs* I didn't think they did. Apparently I was wrong.
Stars: Apparently. Do you intend to keep them? Is that even legal?
TC: I...don't know. *to both questions*
Shade: Amazing.
Clicks: *puffs up a bit, preening. Clickclick!*
Micro: I don't know about "keeping", but Clicks seemed like he wanted to come with us. Right, Clicks?
Clicks: *click!*
*Warp and Gismo, as he crouches beside the Seeker, will soon have pups playing around their feet.*
Shade: *will go give TC a hug* Glad you're finally back.
Warp: *snickering and playing too*
TC: *hugs back* Thank you. It's good to /be/ back.
Jumps: *also slips over to hug TC* All better then?
Shade: Heh, after the scolding he just took I'm guesing "almost". C'mon, lets have some fuel.
TC: *hugs back* Stamina still needs work, but otherwise I'm as healed as I can be. *nods and will move to follow - he's pretty hollow by this point*
Jumps: Your stamina will return quickly. A day or two at most.
Clicks: *fuel? He could go for that. He forllows the three to get fuel.*
*Gismo and Micro ar still crouched by the pups...with Warp and Stars?*
Stars: *followed Shade and TC - he won't admit it but his first concern is making sure his second really is okay*
Warp: What'd ya suppose these guys fuel on? An' how come these two are so little an' don't work right? *will scoop one of them up to follow*
Micro: They seem to fuel on energon just fine. And I don't know for sure, but I think they have to /learn/ to walk.
Gismo: Fascinating. *has picked up the other, studying it as he follows.*
Shade: *grins at Stars* Glad to have your second home again, nannybot? *yeah, she's noted his hovering.*
Stars: *frowns* Yes, of course, but what is that supposed to mean?
Shade: It means you're hovering. Didn't realize you were so interested in reformatting to a hover craft alt. *her smile says she's teasing*
Stars: *scowls* I am /not/ hovering. I'm in here being a good host and helping get energon for everyone.
TC: *hiding a faint grin*
Shade: You? A good host? I don't believe it. *she crosses her arms and studies him* Who are you and what have you done with Starscream? *as serious as she's trying to be, she can't wipe the grin from her face.*
Jumps: *amused grin and shakes his head as he fills a cube for himself.*
Stars: *waves her off* You're hopeless.
Shade: *snickers and bumps her shoulder to his before moving to fill a cube for herself.*
Clicks: *when Stars moves in to fill his cube, the fox will give him a few pointed clicks to get his attention. Clicks wants fuel too.*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-05-10T09:10:00

2013-05-10T15:43:39Z

Mini: *will tell TC everything he knows, though...the gentleness, the caring, get to him and he breaks down /sobbing/, and will.....need a while before he can say more...*
TC: *hesitates a moment before he...pulls the little mech into an embrace, though he'll let go /instantly/ if the mech indicates that was the wrong thing to do*
Mini: *lets out a buzztrill and...well he doesn't hug back, he doesn't cling, but he does tuck into TC, sobbing bitterly for half a breem.*
TC: *wraps around the little mech, tucking him close and letting him cry, rubbing his back and droning soft harmonics*
Mini: Y-you have to get him back, please. You have to...
TC: I can't promise I'll be successful, but you have my word I'll do everything I can to save him.
Mini: I knew you were the right one. I knew it. *pushes back to look at TC* You have to do it now. They'll hurt him.
TC: *small grin at the first* Show me where. Will you allow me to carry you? We'll get there faster.
Mini: *uncertain, but nods* Okay. *he's stiff as TC picks him up* *softly* I'm Micro. *since he'd not told TC his name yet*
TC: I'm pleased to meet you, Master Micro. Are you okay with heights? I can fly in root mode as well as alt. *he'll walk too, but flying would be faster*
Micro: We can fly, that's fine. I guess I should turn the inhibitor off so you can. *will get out the controls and start fiddling with them. He'll hit something wrong that will send a single /PAINFUL/ jolt through TC* Ah! N-nonono. Not that. *TC will probably get zapped a few more times before Micro figures out how to stop it and disable the flight inhibitors* ....I'm sorry.
TC: *startled /growl/ of pain as he JERKS and curls again, clutching at the collar...fans panting as he takes an instant before replying* I-it's all right. *comes out something of a growl - not angry, just...dealing...*
Micro: .....I wonder if I can take that thing off...*shifts closer, reaching out to touch it...*
TC: *shifts to look at him* It's...not impossible, Master. Most would advise against it, of course. *would he..../really/ do it?...TC /hates/ it, of course, who doesn't, but he resigned himself to it a /long/ time ago...*
Micro: I don't like it. I keep hurting you without meaning to. *a pause* You'd...still save my creator, right? You wouldn't leave? Or hurt me?
TC: .... *sits up, meeting the little mech's gaze* With or without the collar, I am a slave. There is...no legal way I can change that. I've had /several/ masters. I'm sure I'll...have many more. So far, you've been the kindest. *small grin* Accidents notwithstanding. I'd be a fool not to stay with you. And your creator needs help. I /want/ to help. So, no, you have my word of honor that I will not leave or hurt you. I am yours for as long as you'll have me.
Micro: *studies TC, and nods* Do you know how? I mean. I know you probably can't take it off, but do you know how, or if, I can?
TC: *nods and leans over to point to a spot on the back of his collar* The clasp is here. You should have gotten a copy of my file from the slaver? It has all the codes in it - how to operate all the settings properly as disengage the hookups and unlock it.
Micro: *nods and will look again at the file* O-okay. I think I see how to do this. *he'll reach out and touch a few spots and with a SNAP the collar comes open. He'll carefully peel it from TC's neck.*
TC: *can't help a /flinch/ at the snap but otherwise holds still - Micro will be able to see where the connectors punched /holes/ in his neck*
Micro: *sympathetic hiss at the sight. He drops the collar aside, and....just studies TC....will he really do as he said or was he just saying that to get the collar off...?*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-23T17:03:00

2013-04-24T14:07:49Z

TC: *stands and accepts the handshake* That's all anyone can really promise. Thanks, Evac.
Evac: *nods* You're welcome. *will walk back to the front with him.*
TC: *will follow and...if not stopped, will take his leave and head for the police station*
*The moment TC walks in the door he won't have to go looking to Turbo, he'll be summoned to the mech's office.*
Turbo: *as sternfaced as ever* What are you doing here, Captain?
TC: *small, wry grin* Looking for you, if nothing else. Can we speak in private, sir? *asking if he has permission to close the door and sit down, basically*
Turbo: Only if you go home and spend time with your family when you're done. You work too hard.
TC: *wry grin grows a bit, shrugs* Work is all I know, sir. That and getting right back up when you're kicked down. But . . . *grin gets a bit more genuine, a little fond* My little femme /has/ asked me to stay home with her and the family for at least a week. But . . . *more serious* . . . I wanted to talk to you about something first, and the sooner, the better.
Turbo: Good. Take the time she asks for. If yesterday didn't beat it into your processor, I don't know if I can, but I'll take a sab at it. You don't know what tomorrow holds, and your family means far more than this place. Take whatever time she asks, just call to let me know how long I can expect you to be out. Now... *motions for TC to sit and close the door if he hasn't already.* what did you come to talk ablout?
TC: *does so* Family, actually. Subzero and Jumpstart. Legally, they are my slaves, but they are just as much family as anyone else in our household. Currently, I have it set up that if anything happens to me, they'll go to Starscream or Skywarp. Yesterday proved that that isn't necessarily enough. I can't risk them going to the slave markets, but our sparklings are too young to potentially be left with responsibility for them, for caring for and protecting them - especially Zero - and I'm not comfortable asking that of Firefly either. I need someone outside of our hoisehold in the lineup. I know only two people whom I trust to both be willing and /able/ to take care of them. *deep vent* You're one of them.
Turbo: .....*nods* If anything happens to you and your trine, I'll take care of your family.
TC: */relief/, can /see/ the weight lifted from his shoulders* Thank you. I'll arrange things so that, if anything does happen, you won't have to worry about supporting them financially, and I can promise you that neither of them would cause you any trouble.
Turbo: *nods* Now if that's all, you should be home with them right now.
TC: Yes, sir. Thank you. I'll be out for a week, then. *stands and offers his hand*
Turbo: *nods* have a good time. *stands and accepts the hand, then shoos him out* Go on! *small grin as TC leaves*
TC: *heads home, definitely feeling better than when he left - if Evac agrees, or introduces him to someone he feels he can trust, TC will put him in line behind Turbo, but at least he /has/ someone outside of the household now*
DC: *pounces on him the moment he's home.* So? How long? Can you take two weeks?
TC: *hugs her* I have one week for now. We'll see where things stand after that.
DC: *only mildly disappointed that he doesn't have longer. She nods and takes his hand dragging him along with her and pinging everone else to please meet her in the kitchen!*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-22T23:04:00

2013-04-23T14:15:50Z

*The trine is /glad/ to have the other Ghosts coming around more. They're definitely welcome in the house.*
*As soon as they're conscious, the Seekers are on their Ghost patches reaching out to their family.*
*Their family is searching...they can get general area, but that area has a lot of places where the Seekers could be...*
DC: *comes awake and lets out a /trill/ of panic!*
Storm: *shaking but calm right now*
*Seems like there are a /lot/ of people here, if that helps. Look for places where lots of people could be held. DC's here too, so what about using her drone? This is /exactly/ why SZ built him for her. The Seekers will reassure their younger siblings as best they can.*
SZ: //Working on it. It takes time to track someone through their drone. I promise, we'll find you.//
*Mechs enter the room and will start taking captives down and leading them out in groups.*
Warp: *watching people being taken away* //.....ah, better hurry.// *wants to say more, but the minis are in the link too and he doesn't want to scare them more than they already are.*
TC: *will describe what's happening*
*Mechs approach the Seekers*
Mech1: Huh...five Seekers, and all together. *To the mechs with him* Let's not break up this little group. Keep them together, block D.
*The big mechs nod and move for the minis first. One will be able to hold each mini-Seeker, and three move for each of the other three, they seem to be expecting a fight.*
*Others have already asked the usual questions - who are you, what do you want, where are you taking us - and of course not been answered, so the Seekers don't bother. They don't fight right away either, seeming willing to go along and not cause trouble - they're biding their time for a better opportunity to act*
*They're taken into...well, kind of feels like a small arena. There are darkened viewing windows along the top of the room, and it's a decent sized room too. The trine will be strung up once more, but the minis are just bound with hands behind them and left on the ground at their brothers' feet. Both will snug up against their brothers' legs.*
Stars: *scowling* Well, this looks exciting. It'd be even more exciting if you let us /defend/ ourselves.
TC: *is describing their surroundings and what's happening to everyone outside*
*They'll be left like that for maybe a quarter joor before two big, nasty looking mechs step in. They grab the minis, releasing them from their binds before tossing them and a knife back to the ground. A voice comes over a speaker.*
Voice: Here's how this is going to work little ones. Fight these brutes, win, and you and the other three can leave. If you lose, they'll kill the other three, got it?
DC: H-hiw do we know if we've won?!
Voice: *chuckles* You'll be alive and your challengers dead, sweetling. Fight starts now, do make a good show of it before you die.
Warp: Fraggers!
Stars: Not very sporting of you.
TC: //You can do this. It's what you've been training for. They're expecting you to be easy pickings. Prove to them that you're /not/.//
Voice: It's more about entertainment than sport.
Storm: *snags DC's hand and dives for the knives.*
DC: *snatches up a knife, but it's clear she's in a near panic still.*
*One brute goes for the minis, the other moves to the Seekers and plunges a blade into TC's side.*
TC: */cries/ out, fans clattering before he tries to settle with the pain*
Stars: //Dreamcatcher, don't be afraid. Get /angry/! Think of what these fraggers will do to you if they win. Do you /want/ that? You couldn't fight last time. This time you can! Clear your head and FIGHT back!//
Warp: //You /can/ do this! It's what you've been trainin' for.//
DC: Ah! No! Th-they're supposed to--
Voice: There's only two of you sweetling, one one will be needed to kill you.
Storm: Leave them alone!
*It'll take a bit of preasure for Storm, but he'll get DC to coordinate with him. They'll fight hard. DC is still half in panic mode as she and Storm get batted around and toyed with. In the end the brute lets his guard down and Storm strikes, killing him. The other has pulled the blade from TC, nearly pried and arm off of Warp, and is working on trying to rip one od Stars' wings off when his companion falls dead.*
Brute: ...Are you kiddin' me? *irritated* Guess I'll have to take care of you two first then. *leaves Stars and his /stressed/ wing and heads for the minis.*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-21T22:50:00

2013-04-22T14:20:30Z

TC: *trying to /not/ hug as hard as he can, doesn't want to hurt SZ* I don't care what others think of you, they don't /know/ you. Outside of my squad and Turbo, there /are/ still those who talk down about you and tried to tell me I was right to finally be rid of you. I wanted to shut them up so badly. But you . . . I just . . . wanted to know /you/ knew it was just an act. I didn't want you to doubt any of us, doubt /me/, even for an instant. *tucks his head next to SZ's* Primus, I love you so much...
SZ: *soft huff at the emotional confession* I love you too. You know...when I wasn't sure if you'd make it in time, my biggest regret was never having said that...when I've meant it for so long now...
TC: *sits back enough to look at him* You...have?
SZ: *meets his optics and gives a nod.*
TC: *brushes a hand down the side of his face* I . . . think I have too . . . *rests his forehead against SZ's*
SZ: *shutters his optics, a hand resting lightly against TC's canopy, forehead to the Seeker's* I'm so glad to be home.
TC: I'm glad to finally /have/ you home again.
SZ: *shifts and puts his arms around TC again, just...holding*
TC: *shifts to pull SZ into his lap and just wrap around him like he's wanted to do especially since this whole ordeal started*
SZ: *doesn't resist, though he doesn't have much strength to help either. He settles against TC, snugged close, a hand solftly rubbing up and down the Seeker's canopy.*
TC: *knows he's still weak, has no problem doing all the work . . . knows SZ's been raped, probably multiple times, is careful not touch his chest too much, has /no/ problem with SZ's hand on his canopy though*
SZ: *is...torn on that actually...he has been raped multiple times, but before even becoming Cipher, and for a while after, he'd had a mate, someone he loved and shared himself with, and he still recalls how...wonderful those times were. He's not sure if he's ready, and yet at the same time he /wants/ to be with TC...*
TC: *brushes his hands over SZ, slow and tender - arms, back, helm, chest, around to his back again to /hug/ him*
SZ: *returns the soft touches, loving on TC. A hand stops at the release to his chest and just...sits there.*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-19T06:08:00

2013-04-19T14:15:19Z

TC: Mhn? Where is he going?
DC: ...I...think I just sent him to recharge.
SZ: *snickers* Probably. He'll respond to your desires as best he can. If you're hollow, he'll bring you fuel, if there's some item you want, and he can carry it, he'll bring it to you. Your concern was for his power level, and so he's off to recharge.
TC: *soft chuckle* How about we go check on him, just to make sure? *DC still cradled in his arms, he'll stand and head for the berthroom, glancing at SZ as an invite to come too*
DC: *nods, content to stay in TC's arms*
SZ: *follows them out*
Drone: *is settled on hisndocking station when they step in*
DC: ...Sparks. I'll call him Sparks. *snuggles to TC, holding onto him. She's...still got a lot of healing to do, but...this helps. Talking woth SZ helped a lot, and talking with TC /really/ helped a lot, and SZ's gift has helped a lot already too*
*By now the rest of the group has gotten up and about, so the berth is empty*
TC: How about we lay back down for a while. We can move the docking station onto the berth for the moment and try to get some more recharge...? *he's okay, but he's guessing DC's not been resting well at all and could probably use a little more sleep*
DC: ....He can stay there. *she looks at TC.* I...think I would like to lay down for a bit, though.
TC: *nods and will settle down with her, snugging her to him*
DC: *snuggles close*
SZ: *brushes a hand over her helm.* Rest well, little one.
DC: *smiles, nods and manages to snuggle a little closer.*
*Warp will come in to join them, settling on her other side so she's protected between them*
DC: *will grope around until she finds his hand, gives it a squeeze and tucks it to her side/hip just under her wing and will slip into recharge, tucked to TC and lightly trapping Warp's hand on her.*
SZ: *will leave them to recharge.*

===

DC: *will wake about a joor later from a nightmare. She wakes struggles to get away from the mechs who have caught and pinned her.*
*The Seekers sense her distress, feeling her movements even before she wakes, waking and shifting back from her to give her room, thrumming reassurances*
DC: *vents /heaving/ she looks around....and /glomps/ onto Warp.*
Warp: *HUGS her* S'okay...s'okay, you're safe.
TC: *rubs her back and wings*
DC: *huffsob* I c-can't get them /out/! *growls and squeezes tighter.*
Warp: *tucks around her* You will. It takes time but you will. I'll be honest with ya, could take a few /weeks/, it takes time, but it'll start ta fade, promise.
DC: *staticy buzz* ...How did it happen? *she won't make him tell his story, but she's curious. If nothing else she feels so /weak/ and yet someone was able to dominate one of her powerful brothers...maybe she's not so weak...*
Warp: Hm? How did what happen? *he's thinking the recovering, not the initial act, but she asked how "did", not how "does", so he's confused*
DC: When...you...were raped. How did it happen?
Warp: ......oh. *shifts...and /huffs/* It was a long time ago, back before the war so I didn't know Stars or TC yet. I lived in a rough neighborhood. Really rough. My creator fragged off the wrong mech an' got himself killed. I had no home, no trine, no family...Pit, no /worth/, ya know? So one'a the cartel bosses decided he liked Seekers an' he wanted one. Guess I was the easiest pick in the neighborhood. An' why not, right? Had no one who cared, no one who'd look for me. Fraggers had me for half-a-vorn, I think, before another cartel took 'em down. I escaped in the chaos of the fightin'.
DC: Oh, Primus. *she HUGS him*
Warp: *hugs back, shrugging* Like I said, it was a long time ago now.
DC: I'm sorry you know what it's like at all. I-I wouldn't wish it on anyone. *she kisses his cheek and tucks close with a soft trill*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-17T16:32:00

2013-04-18T14:05:15Z

TC: I wish I could claim that honor. I am Captain Thundercracker. Will you tell me what happened and who did this?
Mech2: *will tell. He'll name the mech, and the reason was petty competition. His small buisiness was gaining customers, customers who used to go to the other mechs business. His creation was kidnapped and /hurt/ over something so /stupid/!* Please, Captain. Don't let him get away with this.
Mech1: He's promised me [name] will be stopped.
Mech2: Thank you, sir. Do you know who found my creation? I wish to thank them for saving him.
TC: I'm afraid I don't. Your creation plus two of /my/ family who were taken by him were delivered here by...unknown benefactors. No one saw them. My guess is that it was some kind of covert operation, since whoever did it must have pretty much illegally broken into (Name's) place to find and retrieve them. The best thing you can do now is be here for your creation, name and register him. He's been through a lot and will likely need time to recover.
Mech2: I'm so sorry your family was hurt too. I'm glad they're all safe now. *HUGS his creation again, and smiles* He's right. You need a name. *and TC will be "forgotten" as the two start talking of names, how they defines a mech, and trying to decide on the perfect name for him.*
*TC will likely get a nudge from his wingmates about then, DC and Storm have been released to go home and Turbo will drop by later to talk with them.*
TC: *will quietly interrupt the two, apologizing for doing so, to get their contact information and let them know that police officers will visiting them to get full testimonies, and in the meantime wishes them both well, and he'll leave to rejoin his family*
*Oh right. Yes, they'll give him their info and will wish him the best.*
DC: *still tucked to Stars' chest, though Storm is carrying Clicks now. When she sees TC she reaches a hand for him.*
Stars: *would deny it if asked, but has DC /hugged/ to himself like he'll never let her out of his sight again*
Warp: *has an arm around Storm's and Shadow's shoulders*
TC: *takes DC's hand, his other brushing over her helm* How are you doing? *glances to include Storm*
Storm: *nods and gives TC a smile* I'm okay.
DC: *softly* Better. *she's at least fully calmed it seems.*
TC: *nods* Let's go home, then. I'll call us a transport. *one with large windows all around so the trine can ride home with their siblings*
SZ: I already have. They should be here shortly. Dream wanted to go outside to wait.
*They'll head outside and DC will just...gaze up at the sky until the transport arrives. They'll all get in, kind of snuggling close, and will go home. Even once home DC won't let go of Stars. SZ will herd everyone in for fuel, him, Shadow, and Jumps getting cubes for everyone so the Seekers can settle with their siblings, DC still on Stars' lap and Storm snugged between two of his brothers.*
*TC will also let everyone know that he's got two weeks' leave while his colleagues pursue this case - he's too close and...admits with a small, wry grin that he'd get /himself/ arrested if he stayed involved. Otherwise, probably not much is said even once home, everyone settling down to just.../be/ with one another*
DC: *every now and then she'll tell the that she loves them, but yes, things are quiet. That night she's still not released Stars as they tuck into berth together.*
*They'll actually tell her that they love her too - Warp /easily/, TC quietly but still readily, Stars too but only in private or when only his trine is around. He never says anything about her clinging to him, though, nor makes any move whatsoever to put her down or pass her off. And everyone settles into berth . . . prepared to help deal with nightmares.*
*Storm will...be okay, but DC will definitely have nightmares...*

===

*Over the next few days things will kind of get back to routine. DC /wants/ things back to routine. She'll get to her studies again, but there are times when she just stops and goes to find a Seeker to hug.*
DC: *slips in to the lab.* Starscream?

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-16T22:51:00

2013-04-17T14:06:40Z

TC: *doesn't lose it only because SZ /does/ - his voice is a /snarl/ as he gestures at the downed mech* Make sure he /regrets/ that before you're done with him. *has to /pause/ a moment, /strangling/ himself back under control before crossing to DC, voice still /edged/ but softer...somewhat* Dream . . . *fans /whir/ as he draws a cycle over his vents* We're here to get you /out/. Hold still. *will pull the nails from her wings as gently as he can, catching and supporting her*
SZ: *fans /heaving/, the hate, anger, and disgust clear on his face. This isn't just that this mech was doing something everyone knows is horrible and wrong, this mech was doing something SZ has had done to him, he knows on an intimate level just how little words such as "horrific" and "terrifying" and "agonizing" truly describe such an experience. When TC give him the okay SZ steps up to the mech* There is not /nearly/ enough time in all the span of time to kill you as slowly as you deserve. I can only /pray/ you come to intimately know the /horrors/ of what you've done to her as you spend /eternity/ in the lowest reaches of the /Pit/. *in contrast to the explosion of uncontrolled rage, he's now in complete control, his voice calm, level, and /frightening/*
Mech: *trying to scramble away, and just won't manage to before SZ is on him, pinning him down*
DC: *sees this formless being reach for a nail and she lets out a /cry/!* Oh, no, please don't touch it! *she knew only pain until she met the Seekers, and this is 10 times as intense. Wings are so very sensitive, and they've taken great delight in tweaking those nails just to make her scream or cry.*
TC: *ignores the comment, he'll make it quick, pulling them straight out . . . and /praying/ they're straight! . . . well, if not, they'll get the damage repaired quickly enough - will catch and gently support her, gathering her into his arms* It's all right . . . it's going to be all right now, Dreamcatcher. *is leaving SZ to deal with the mech...and it seems it's something that'll be /good/ for him? - TC's guessing past experiences...*
SZ:'*as much as he wants to spend the next few /days/ torturing the mech before killing him, he'll settle for a few small, but horribly agonizing injuries before expertly killing the mech.*
DC: *lets out a /shriek/ of pain and collapses into TC's arms, sobbing*
TC: *gathers her into his arms, HUGGING her* Shhhh...shhhh...it's all right...it's all right, you're going to be okay now...
DC: *struggles to try to compose herself, but is failing* S-Stormf-front... *her wings are /quivering/ from the pain, her whole body shaking.*
TC: He's fine. Others of our team have found him. *will shift her to one arm and try to pull his med kit from subspace with the other, aiming to the signal suppressants in it, and will give her a shot to ease her agony*
DC: *moans miserably as she's shifted. She /shudders/ at the shot and will slip into uncomsciousness, if not because of the suppressant, then because she's just that exhausted.*
SZ: Let's go... *will move to leave the room.*
TC: *quickly puts the kit away and scoops her up, held protectively close, and moves to follow*
SZ: //This isn't over yet.// *to TC, though all will hear.* //We can let your squad take things from here, or we can finish it ourselves.// *there's the unspoken, "which will it be?" in his tone.*
TC: //We'll let my squad take care of things, but stand by in case we're not able to. We'll take these two to Evac. Two of you will drop them off to him while Starscream, Skywarp, and I go home. Naturally, Evac will call us, and I'll get my team moving.//
*There is agreement over the patch comm and they'll head out...or start to. Warp's group will come to a stop when they hear a /howl/ of pain from a closed room they just passed.*
Warp: *JUMPS, looking at Buzz and Tin - if they don't stop him, he'll reach for the door handle, aiming to open it slowly to peek in and get an idea of the situation*
*Stop him? Pit no! They take up guard positions to watch the hall so Warp can give what's going on in the room his full attention. He'll spot the master of the house, he's holding the tip of an electro rod to the back of a mech's neck...Warp proabaly remembers just how much that hurts...the mech has been half stripped of his armor, his substructure dented and gouged. He's hanging from his wrists, and looks barely conscious.*
Warp: *pulls out a camera and snaps a quick picture, then teleports /right/ up behind the fragger and lashes out with a strike designed to knock a mech cold, something he learned in the military*
Master: *drops with a strangled cry, out cold.*
Mech: *whimpers*
Warp: *at TC's suggestion, he'll find manacles and bind the mech, then hit him again to make /sure/ he doesn't wake any time soon, then will turn to start gently but /quickly/ getting the mech down, asking one of the others to come in and try to find the rest of this poor mech's armor*
Mech: *gasps and jerks away from Warp, but can't really fight, so he hangs there and collapses back into Warp's arms when his wrists are freed. Tin will find the mech's armor easily and will gather it all up.*
Tin: You got him?
Mech: P-please...please let me go. *not...completely lucid right now.*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-15T23:05:00

2013-04-16T14:06:16Z

Stars: *will get them high up, then twist and soar and climb and freefall, banking and looping and just whatever the Pit he feels like . . . and will finally level out so she can see the city spread out far below*
DC: *laughing and whooping as he plays, not a single thing he does frightens her. When he levels off she can't stop grinning as she just watches the world go by beneath them*
Stars: *leans down to whisper - well, "whisper"...loud enough to be heard over the wind - in her audio* There is nothing at all in this whole world like the freedom of pure flight.
DC: *can only nod her agreement, smiling, and completely relaxed in his arms* *when they finally do land again DC will once again glomp onto Stars* Thank you. Thank you so much.
Stars: *hugs back* You have a Seeker's spark, little one.
DC: *hugs tighter*
Storm: *spotted them and watched them fly. He approaches now* Starscream? *shiftshift. A littl nervous, but also has a little grinin his face*
Stars: Yes, Stormfront? *will herd them back inside as they talk, he's got work to do*
Storm: Could...Could I get my reformat not!
DC: *perks* Reformat?
Storm: *nodnod* When I first came home with Starscream I wanted to be reformatted to a Seeker. We were tight ob mkney, though, and then we moved here and have the money, but everyone has been so busy... *he looks at Stars* But...I'd really like to do that now...if you're still okay with it...
DC: *looks up at Stars, optics a bit bright* Me too? Could I be a Seeker too? Then we could fly together without you carrying me.
Stars: *crosses his arms, looking at them with a smirk* Do you two /really/ think you have what it takes to be Seekers?
*The two glance at each other, then look back at Stars and answer together with a "Yes". DC is sure, and Storm sounds determined.*
Stars: All right, then. Come. *gets them inside and to one of the workshops where he can start working out formatting plans - he'll call SZ and Jumps to join him too*
SZ: *may surprise them...he's already got the plans for Storm, so they'll just have to modify things for DC's frame and the two minibots will need to pick their colors.*
Stars: *well, that pleases him, makes his job easier - they'll start on colors, then*
Storm: *colors? Colors...he's not sure. In the end he'll settle on a deep, almost maroon, red with silver trim*
Dream: *she chooses a sky blue with a dark purple and silver trim. And then she's so giddy and excited ahd bounces around hugging everyone!*
*TC and Warp have each gotten home from work by this point and come in to "meet" the about-to-be Seekers, also pleased and excited for them*
*Everyone is excited, and a week later DC and Storm are called in to start their reformat. SZ, Stars, and Jumps will work all day to get both of them done. The two are in awe. They'll go through the process of transforming a few times...and then it's time for fuel and recharge. They'll have to learn to fly tomorrow.*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-14T23:01:00

2013-04-15T14:24:10Z

Warp: *teleports to the door, BIG GRIN at the comment* I know, it's /great/, isn't it!? C'mon . . . *will lead him to the med room*
Evac: Heh, yeah, it is. *he heads up, greeting everyone before stepping to DC* Don't worry, sweetspark, you'll be fully functional soon. *he'll get to work, shamelessly puttong the others to work too*
*And no one seems to mind. The Seekers don't, in any case. It'll likely be clear to both Shadow and DC that they trust the medic /very/ much.*
*They'll all work well into the night before Evac gives DC a hand to sit up. She shifts her lefs off the berth, blue optics wide and bright in awe and uncertainty.*
Evac: Take it slow, but do stand up.
DC: *slowly gets to her feet, finds her balance (which Evac says may take a bit of praftice to get used to) and starts to shuffle forward. She'll lose her balance and will topple against one of the Seekers, clinging to him to keep from faceplanting into the floor. She turns bright optics up to the one who caught her, or age caught herslef on...* Sorry...
Stars: *was closest, and his quick reflexes keep her from falling, strong arms supporting her* Just take it easy, you'll be fine.
DC: *nods and will shift to get her fetmet vack under her, a determined /frown/ on her face as she makes her newly fnlunctional body...well, function.*
Shadow: *hugging himself, a little grin on his face as he clearly holds back sobs of joy.*
SZ: She's a tough little thing. *little grin on his face*
Evac: She certainly is.
Stars: *nods, staying close but otherwise letting her do what she needs to*
DC: *will lightly cling to him for support, but will otherwise move on her own* Thank you, doctor. Thank you, everyone.
Evac: You're very wrlcome. Now I suggest everone get a little fuel then some recharge.
*The group will get sleeping arrangements made, setting up enough berths in the main berthroom for the family, plus two guest rooms - one for Evac and one for Sahdow n DC*
*The main berthroom is already set for the family, they'll just have to get their guests settled*

===

*It's been a couple days. DC is doing well, Shadow is doing well, both helpingnout however they can when not in the massive library together, learning. Whoever wanted to be there is in the slave markets today, looking for a potential medic for their house.*
*Nobody particularly /wants/ to be there, but Stars and TC are looking. TC did some digging too, to try to find files of mechs who might suit them*
*They've actually looked at a few now, fhis is the last one on TC's list of potentials. His name is Jumpstart and he's currently curled submission before a potential buyer who seems to be taking great pleasure in beating the medic turned slave.*
Jump: *holding back his cries as much as he can, but otherwise not resisting his potential master.*
TC: *will catch the fragger's hand, speaking both to him and to the slaver* May I ask what this mech has done to deserve such treatment?
Slaver: A mech doesn't have to have a reason to beat a slave. He was testing obedience.
Mech: *jerks his hand free, but doesn't move otherwise*
Stars: *grimaces* That's a fragged way of doing it.
TC: *lets go of the other mech's wrist but will ignore him, focusing on the slaver* Has he been purchased?
Mech: No, sir. Completely available. *eyes Stars, recognizing him from the news a few days back.* This one is a good buy. Trained medic, graduated top of his class. He's definitely worth...oh say... [price]. *it's a higher price, the mech is trying to milk his rich customers for a little extra.*
Mech: *snorts at the price and tosses the whil down* You can have him for that price, but I wouldn't pay that much for this murderous glitch. *he'll leave*
Jump: *curls a bit at the acusation of murder. It is what his charts say. He was a rich mech's private medic, and when the mech died in his care he was accused and convicted of murder. His is a life sentence.*
*They've also done their homework on price. They'll haggle him down as much as they can, not giving away that they have no real intention of leaving with the medic*
*They'll haggle down to a more fair price, though they'll still overpay. Jump is wondering what things will be like with these two, they've not even spoken to him yet. He shudders when the sale is finally made and waits for his orders.*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-11T16:42:00

2013-04-12T14:11:03Z

Warp: *will try to approach it, getting down on his knees* Hey...
Fox: *shifts, letting out a soft whine from stressed fans, but doesn't growl or retreat.*
SZ: *will stay back so as not to crowd*
Warp: *will try to pet and pick it up if it'll let him*
Fox: *shies a bit, but allows the petting, and a soft grumble is all the protest Warp will get to its being picked up. It's a bit stiff in his arms, but doesn't struggle.*
SZ: XD Wow.
Warp: Haha, I've got a turbofox! So how do we fix it? It's leg, I mean.
SZ: I don't know. *shifts in closer to look at the leg.* I think i can help with at lease some of this. Maybe there's some old stuff online that we can find to help. Why don't you just hold him for now. I'll see what I can find.
Warp: 'kay. *petpetpet, will head back into the berthroom to wake Storm and show him*
Storm: ?? What is that? Is it...alive? *amazed as he pets it*
Fox: *relaxing* *seems to like the attention*
Warp: Yeah, I think so. Zero says it's a turbofox.
Storm: W-wow. I didn't think they were real. Where'd it come from?
Warp: I dunno. I wanna know how it got in the house, though. *Stars is going to be upset at the possible breach in their security - if an animal can get in...*
Storm: Yeah. *petpet* You hear that?
Fox: *making soft little clicking sounds, it sounds...content.*
Warp: Yeah. Heh, s'at you? *leaning over a little to look at the creature, rubbing behind one audial*
Fox: *looks at him with crystal orbs for optics and makes a bit of a louder clicking/purring sound*
Warp: *laughs* So cool! Hey, think we can keep it? At least till it's healed...
Storm: Heh. I think that's up to you right now. You're technically the boss of the house right now.

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-10T16:34:00

2013-04-11T14:06:40Z

TC: *a /bit/ stiff, a bit unsure, and doing well to hide it - nods respectfully* Better, thank you.
PB: I am glad for that. *She steps to the window to look out* I was worried about you yesterday.
TC: *maintains his position and stance, a somewhat half-relaxed parade rest position.* My trinemates were with me, and I had the favor of excellent medical care. *no need to worry*
PB: Does your third join you every time you fly?
TC: Not every time. Sometimes he's working and can't get away. But yes, whenever he can.
PB: That must be very nice for you and your wingmates. *she turns to study him, a question in her optics*
TC: *stiffens a bit, not sure how she means that* We didn't figure there would be a problem with it, since Starscream and I are staying within the parameters you set on us. Should Skywarp not be joining us? *they hadn't expressly asked her permission, but there'd been no rule against it and they'd not been secretive about it*
PB: Skywarp may do as he pleases. If I did not want you seeing him, I would not allow you to fly.
TC: *slight bow-nod, acknowledging . . . and wondering why she drew him in /here/ to talk...*
PB: *studies TC...steps up to him and slides a hand down his arm and back up it again. She circles behind him and slides her hands over his wings from tip to tip.*
TC: *manages to not draw back when she steps up to him, the hand across his wings gets soft shivers*
PB: *comes back around before him.* ...Pick me up.
TC: *gives her a look - that's an odd request - but he scoops her up into his arms*
PB: *sits there a moment, a thoughtful frown on her face...she'll shift so that he has to put her down or drop her. He walks back to the window, looking out...she'll stand there a few minutes, ignoring him.* I want to fly, Thundercracker. Is there a safe way for you to carry me?
TC: *faint hitch of fans and he carefully "drops" her back to her feet again* Yes, Mistress. I have carried people before - standing, held back against me, arms wrapped around their chest. If they're afraid of heights, I carry them so they're facing me.
PB: *turns and studies him again...and nods* Take me flying.
TC: *small grin* Of course. *gestures for the door - after her*
PB: *very slight smile, though it's enough for TC to know she's happy, and she leads them out. She stops, looking over her shoulder at him, expectant.*
TC: *steps up behind her, instructing her to cross her arms before he wraps his around her* Ready?
PB: *a bit stiff, but she nods* Yes.
*She seems nervous, so he'll keep the flight simple, shooting smoothly into the sky and then lazily soaring about*
PB: *fans hitch and she stiffens all the more. It won't take her long to relax* What else can you do?
TC: How adventurous are you feeling? *can hear the light amusement and faint challenge in his tone*
PB: ....Very.
TC: Heh, in that case... *barrel rolls once or twice into a nosedive, freefalling for several seconds before pulling out into a soaring corkscrew, then a loop, and levels off again for a moment to see how she's doing*
PB: If he could see the look on her face he'd probably laugh. It'll take her a moment to say anything* Do it again...

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-09T22:48:00

2013-04-10T14:02:06Z

Stars: Sonicwing's home looks like a medics' camp a megamile off the frontline of a warzone. There are about fifty mechs, most of them like this one. He came to plead Sonicwing's case.
Warp: *holds up the mech so he can see PB*
Data: ...Mistress, my name is Datapoint. I'm here to beg you not to take Sonicwing from us. He's all we have, he's the reason we can live without pain, that we're alive at all. We need him. Please.
PB: *looking between Stars and Data* What happened to you?
Data: My creator gave up on me when he sparked me and discovered I could neither move nor speak. Sonicwing found u-me, and has given me a voice, and when he is able, he will give me the ability to move as well.
Sonic: *stirs at the famiar voice* ?? Datapoint? !! Oh! Oh, what are you doing here? *frightened for Data and the others.*
Stars: *rolls his optics* Speaking on your behalf. Calm down before you spring a leak.
Data: It's okay. I'm okay. Like Starscream said. I'm here to speak for you.
PB: *looks at Stars* Were they all like this?
Stars: *shrugs* Didn't talk to many others, just one, but reportly many are worse off than this one. Some apparently live on signal suppressants. He's missing body parts because he takes them out of himself to repair them.
Sonic: *fans whines with embarrassment.*
Data: It's true. He does all he can for us. Sometimes more than he should.
PB: .... *sudying Sonic* I will consider other options. For now, I want you fully repaired. Both of you.
Sonic: *optics brighten* B-both...? *looks at Data*
Data: ...*too shocked to say anything*
*TC has awakened during this time. Stars will help him up and Warp will lay Data to take his place.*
PB: *calls a medic then turns to TC.* How are you feeling?
TC: *still /aches/ and things haven't finished calibrating so dizzy and still kind of weak, but he squares his shoulders* I'm functional, Mistress. Thank you.
PB: "Functional" does not tell me how you are feeling.
TC: .............things are still integrating. I'll be fine.
PB: *nods and points at a chair* Sit. Continue to rest.
*The medics are working on replacing parts in Sonic and getting Data functional. When they're done...*
Sonic: *will thank the medics, even as he's scolded to stop canibalizing himself like that.*
Data: *has a look of...overwhelmed awe on his face once he's able to express and move.*
*TC sits for a while. By the time the medics are done with Sonic and Data, he's standing again, with his trime. Seeing the three together, it's likely very apparent the closeness and the heirarchy.*
PB: *studying the three Seekers...yes...she can tell how close they are...*
Sonic: *sobbing with joy when Data first sits up on his own.*
Data: *trembling softly, both overwhelmed and still weak. He looks himself over, ends up glomped onto by Sonic, and hugs back easily, but he looks to PB and the Seekers* Thank you. *his voice doesn't sound "off" anymore, now that he can move his mouth.*
*They're glad, they really are, even though they're keeping to themselves*
Stars: One down, forty-nine to go?
PB: I'm afraid that as rich as my home is, I cannot afford to completely repair so many. *soft sigh* I release you from your debt, Sonicwing. Take care of your family. And no more taking parts from yourself.
Data: I'll make sure he doesn't, mistress.
Sonic: *goes submission before her* Thank you. Thank you so much.

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-08T22:47:00

2013-04-09T14:12:47Z

TC: ...............oh. *looks over at the other mech* Are you okay?
Mech: Oh yes, I'm fine. A-are you all right?
TC: I will be. *glances at Stars, getting more info - to the mech* So your engines just /quit/? Have you gotten that looked at?
Mech: Oh, I'll be all right. *no, he wouldn't let them...he's been ridiculed enough for what he does...* *looks at Turbo* May I go now, officer? Please?
Turbo: *looks at PB* I'm afraid that is up to her, mech. It was...her property you damaged. *it's clear he doesn't like talking about TC like that...*
Mech: *optics brighten and he looks at PB* P-please. I /need/ to get home.
PB: ....no. You will compensate the expenses of repairs. If you have the money now, then you may go, if not you will serve in my household for half the year. *TC knows she's being rather generous. It's just about the least of what she could rightfully demand of him.*
*The Seekers won't really say anything. Not their business...or rather, they have no say in it.*
Mech: *optics go /bright/ in near panic* N-n-n-no! No! Please! I must get home! I must! Please! *he's off the berth and moving for PB*
*Stars is too far across the room to react in time, Warp can. He teleports over in front of PB, arms croosed.*
Warp: Nuh-uh. If they don't get ta go home for what /they/ did, you don't get ta go home for what /you/ did. An' yours is /half/ their time. *resentful?...yup, he wants his wingmates home!*
Mech: *jerks to a stops* Please... Th-they need me. *he looks around Warp at PB...and drops to his knees, folding in submission.* Please. I'll do whatever you want, just please let me go home.
Stars: I'm sure "they" can get along just fine without you for a while.
Mech: *shakes his head with a miserable sob.* Some, but others may die with out care. Please.
PB: *frowning...this stinks of excuse, and yet....* Starscream, you will go with him to his home to assess the truth of his words.
Stars: *nods* Skywarp.
Warp: *also nods - he'll go with too*
Mech: Thank you.
PB: I am not releasing you. What I decide will depend on how truthful you've been.
Mech: *seems to have relaxed* I understand. *he'll get up and look at the Seekers.* Shall we...go?
Stars: *arms crossed* No. Not until you've let a medic look at you. If you drop out of the sky again, I am /not/ catching you.
Mech: *shoulders /slump: and he...nods*
*A medic is called and will start to look at what may have happened to the mech's engines.*
Medic: ....I...how were you able to fly at all, mech?!
Mech: *so embarrassed*
Stars: *frowns* What is it?
Medic: *will start listing various parts that arm missing. He guesses it's possible to fly without them, but his engines could give at any time, there's no way he can land, not without crashing. And it looks like the larts were removed, not missing, not damaged, just...removed.*
PB: *eyes the mech* What happened to those parts?
Mech: ....Others needed them.
Stars: *frowning* What are you, some kind of walking spare-part storage? What kind of mech /lets/ people just /take/ from his own body like that?
Mech: They didn't take anything! I...they needed help. Please, I...
PB: *looks at Warp* May I ask you a favor? I noted that you are a teleporter. If you know the coordinates of his home would you be willing to help Starscream get there?
Mech: *optics brighten - w-without him?!*
Warp: *shrugs* Depends on how far it is, might just be easier ta fly, but yeah.
PB: *nods* Yes, but he will find the place faster with your help. Thank you. *she turns to the mech* What is your name?
Mech: Sonicwing... Ple--
PB: *holds up a hand* Hush. You will tell me the coordinates of your home.
Sonic: I can show them, I really should be th--
PB: No. You will stay here. Tell me the coordinates.
Sonic: ......*he tells, then looks at Stars and Warp* Please...don't hurt any of them. They're good mechs...
PB: *turns to Stars and will diable his inhibitor completely, allowing him access to his subspace, where his rifles are* Go now.

snuggles for when you get up

2013-04-08T13:35:47Z

Stars: *nods* Can we go then? *no, he knows it won't be as simple as that...but he has to try*
PB: Not yet, there is something else I wish to do with both of you. *she gets up and moves to stools to sit before a window, far enough apart that the Seekers wing tips would be a few inches apart once sitting.* Take a seat, facing the window.
*The two give her quizzical looks*
Stars: *frowns* Is this some kind of test?
PB: Of a sort. I am not going to harm you, if that is what you are afraid of.
Stars: Harm, cause pain, or otherwise take advantage of having us at a vulnerable angle?
TC: *faint rueful grin* Tease us with a view of the skies?
PB: I will not harm you. *a bit of pain and taking advantage of their vulnerability is part of the point* *headtilts TC...* Pass this test and I will allow you both to fly for a time...half a joor. *knows it's not a lot of time, but then they've not flown at all since they were arrested...probably nearly a month ago now with all the court proceedings included.*
*Optics narrow a bit at the confirmation that she intends to hurt them, then /brighten/ at the promise of the skies, the /flick/ of their wings betraying their longing.*
Stars: A test . . . what exactly is the nature of this test, then?
TC: And what is needed to pass it? *how will they know they've passed if they don't know the goal*
PB: Obedience. I will not ask of you anything impossible or harmful, to yourself or the other. I will not harm you. Nothing I do will require repairs.....by the standards of free mechs.
Stars: *frowns* Obedience?
TC: *also frowns in uncertainty, then faint grin as he glances at Stars, as if just thinking of something*
Stars: *glances a /glare/ at TC, then /turns/ on his heel and plops himself onto one of the stools, "facing" the wall but shifted to look over a shoulder at /both/ of them, arms folded*
PB: *raised optic ridge at Stars, then looks at TC and motions for him to sit too*
TC: ........................ *does so, STIFF and braced*
Stars: ............. *shifts to face forward also...shaking ever so faintly*
PB: You may look out the window, or at the floor before you, nowhere else. *they'll hear her step away then step up behind them again.* You will not move from the stool until I give you permission, and you are not to speak unless you are asking me to clarify an instruction I have given you or unless I ask you a question. Do you understand?
*They nod, both /visibly/ TENSING, wings /flicking/*
PB: *touches something to the top edge of Stars' wing and draws it along from base to tip, then along TC's wing from tip to base.*
Stars: *fans hitch, /flinching/ forward, wings /flicking/*
TC: *fans hitch too but manages not to pull away*
PB: *feels like.....a rod, will fall soft strikes across TC's back and out long the wing a bit. fwap fwap fwap fwap fwap*
TC: *fans /whirring/, /braced/ as he holds as still as he can*
PB: *the strikes never get any stronger, not even hard enough to leave any marks at all...* *she moves to Stars, lightly clawing from one wingtip to the other, landing a few light fwaps before her hand.*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-04T23:53:00

2013-04-05T14:09:57Z

*The one under Warp's other wing would have had to work his way in there. With the propeller vents on his chest, the reinforcing bands, and sufficient padding on a berth, a Seeker /can/ lay facedown and not risk damaging his canopy, but he has to cock somewhat to one side or the other, tilting the angle of his wings in doing so. But it's not impossible - Warp /was/ pretty exhausted, all things considered, and feeling safe, so it could have been done without him waking for it.*
Warp: *stirs . . . and startles, shifting to see who/what the other mass is* ....eh?
Storm: *wakes...and gives him a smile*
Vox: ?! *wakes at all the movement, and pats Warp's arm...and then notices Storm! I-It's him! The one who shot master!*
SZ: *grins* Good to see you awake.
Warp: Storm? Hey . . . when did you-? *turns at SZ's voice* Zero! Stars! Pit, are /you/ guys a sight for dim optics! *works himself up to sitting, careful not to lean on either minibot*
Storm: *grins* About half a joor ago.
SZ: *soft laugh* Glad you're glad to see us. *he crosses to Warp to help him sit up, then pulls him into a hug.*
Warp: *HUGE TIGHTLY, softly enough only SZ is likely to hear* 'Course I'm glad ta see ya. Pit, I'd be dead or /worse/ if not for you.
Stars: *stands to also greet his wingmate*
SZ: *just to Warp* That's what friends are for...hugs a bit tighter then lets go and moves away so Stars can reach him.*
Stars: *steps in, clasping Warp's shoulder* You don't do anything by halves, do you? Especially when you get into trouble.
Warp: *pouts* Hey, not my fault this time!
SZ: Considering what could have happened, I think this is a rather acceptable middle ground.
Stars: Indeed. *squeezes Warp's shoulder - he's just not the huggy type - and lets go* How are you feeling? *glances to include Vox*
Vox: *tucks a bit* I'm okay. *who are these people?*
Storm: I don't think we've met yet. I'm Stormfront, that's Starscream, and that's Subzero.
Vox: Hello. *wait, he should give his name, huh?* I'm Vox.
Warp: Oh, right. Yeah, Starscream's my trine leader. TC's our second, an' I'm the third. An' Zero an' Storm're from our household too.
Vox: It's good to meet you. *looking at each of them.*
Storm: It's good to meet you too. And thank you, for helping Skywarp.
Vox: *just nods, not wanting to say anything to get them in trouble.*
Storm: *HUGS Warp*
Warp: *HUGS back - to Stars and SZ* So . . . we cleared ta go now? I'd /really/ like ta go home now.
SZ: A medic will be in shortly to release you.
TD: *steps in* Oh, hello.
Stars: *steps to him, offering his hand* Touchdown? I am Starscream, trine leader. Thank you for helping my wingmate.
TD: *nods....and pings everyone in the room* It was right. //And thank you for helping me.//
Storm: *tucks, shy, he still can't believe he shot someone. He was sure if it came to that then SZ or Stars would be the ones shooting, but...* //I did what I could.// I'm glad you're all okay now.
Warp: Yeah, me too. Thanks ta all'a you guys. *snugs the minibots, one on either side of him, then shifts for the door* Okay, I am /so/ ready ta go now.
Medic: *meets Warp at the door* Not so fast now. Sit back down. Let me look at you. *points at Vox* You too.
Vox: *hunches*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-02T16:46:00

2013-04-03T14:08:25Z

Leader: I've often been told I have a twisted taste in entertainment. *he's reheating the blade again*
Warp: How the frag is this /entertaining/!?
Leader: I'm afraid it's one of those things I just can't explain. *draws the flat of the heated blade down Warp's canopy.*
Warp: *YELPGROWLS, /jerking/ back from the blade, fans /rattling/*
Leader: *will continue for a bit, but then someone comes in and whispers something to him.* *optics go bright, and his voice is a bit shaky* Seems i have underestimated Cipher. But they're still too late, they can't have you back. *pulls a blaster to shoot Warp in the head*
Storm: *he's the one in position to help, he's the one with the clear shot. He makes himself fire!! ...and the shot is true*
Leader: *lets out a /buzz/ and /drops/*
Warp: *optics /bright/, looks around for who shot the fragger...brighten even further to see who* S-storm?
Storm: *meets his optics, the. Ducks back out of sight.*
TD: *his own optics bright* Wh...what's going on?
Warp: *pulls his gaze from where Storm was to look at TD* T-they told me not ta tell ya so ya couldn't give 'em away somehow, but my trine's comin'. An' TC's bringin' his SWAT team. That was our buddy, Stormfront. I knew he was comin' too but...
TD: We're...we're saved then? *frowns* Why didn't he shoot sooner?
Leader: *moans and shifts.*
Warp: I dunno . . . maybe he didn't get here till just then? */scowls/ as the fragger starts to wake again* Yeah, don't think so. *will KICK him - in the head if he can reach - aiming to knock him back out, keep him senseless, /something/*
Leader: *is too far for Warp to reach with a solid kick. He only end up lightly knocking the mech away.*
Mech: *the silent one. He's the only other in there. Leader liked to do as much of his...play time...alone. But this one isn't considered a person. He's been in the corner, out of sight, and......he's scared. Master is down, but...help is coming, but if master gets up before that help arrives then these two are dead, and he possibly will be too. Leader is groaning and starting to push to his elbows when he...comes out of nowhere to his his master over the head with a piece of pipe.* *shaking he looks up at TD and Warp*
Warp: */flinches/ at the unexpected movement, optics bright again...and then he /grins/* Yeah, that's it! Now, get me down. We'll make sure this fragger doesn't wake before my trine gets here.
TD: *lets out a whoop!* All right! Don't worry. No one will hurt you for this. I promise.
Mech: *frightened, looks like he might argue, or at least ask questions, but can't and so get shakily moving and will get Warp down.*
Warp: *tries to support himself b-but just /can't/, not initially anyway, so he collapses in a heap*
TD: *once he's down he'll help Warp sit up* So what's the story? If your friend isn't showing himself then I'm guessing he isn't supposed to be here. *glances at the mute* Could always say he got the courage to knock the fragger out.
Mech: *optics bright....he did his his master...*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-02T07:45:00

2013-04-02T14:21:24Z

Warp: *makes a rude gesture at him and turns away to ignore him*
TD: *doesn't bother with a gesture, it just amuses the mech, but he does /brace/ like he's expecting something horrible to happen*
Leader: *laughs!* You see this, Touchdown? You used to be amusing too.
TD: And then I caught on to your enjoyment and have swore not to.
Warp: *doesn't bother reacting to either of them, resolutely turned away and studying some less-than-interesting pattern in a spot on the wall, the occasional twitch of his wings the only indication he's even still online - he's still in A LOT!!! of pain...and without his trinemates here, he's scarcely recharged at all*
Leader: *moves a bit closer to Warp.*
TD: Watch out!
Leader. *if Warp doesn't move fast enough, his wing will end up shocked.*
Warp: *the agony and exhaustion keep him from moving quite fast enough - he SHRIEKS and then lets out a string of snarling vindictives as he scrambles out of reach*
Leader: *cruel grin and starts circling, trying to reach Warp again*
Warp: *moves to stand in the center of the cage, shifting and turning to keep the mech in front of him*
*The cage is small enough that he can be reached at the center, but the Leader won't risk Warp taking the rod from him...which is why another mech will zap him from behind if Warp doesn't move when TD warns him.*
Warp: *this time, he's ready - he spins around with a snarl, lunging to make a grab at the other mech's electro-rod...even if it shocks his hand, he'll try to grab and yank it from the mech...whether he succeeds or not, he'll spin back again, expecting Leader to make another attack on him too and will grab at /that/ rod*
*Warp won't get the rod away, if only because the shock weakens his arm just enough for the other me h to yank it back. When Warp spins back Leader is just letting go of TD. He'd grabbed the mech through the bars and jammed the rod to the base of his helm. TD slumps heavily to the floor with a buzzmoan.*
Leader: You know better, Touchdown, than to interfere.
Warp: */snarls/ but doesn't otherwise act - what can he do?*
Leader: *looks like he's going to continue tormenting Warp when another mech comes up and whispers to him* Hn. I'll be back. *leaves*
TD: *moans softly and starts to try to shift to sit up*

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-04-01T01:02:00

2013-04-01T13:17:43Z

Warp: *whimpering and /sobbing/ from the agony of whipfire, /begging/ his wingmates to find him!*
*They're having no luck in figuring out where Warp is, even SZ isn't having any luck...*
*Another mech approaches. Subservient, head bowed. He steps around Warp to stop any leaks.*
Warp: *has managed to get /some/ control of himself again* L-lemme down! Lemme /down/! I-I'll /KILL/ that fragger!
Voice: *from a sark area to Warp's left* Won't work with that one. He's as broken as they come.
Mech: *Warp might as well have said nothing for all he reacts...*
Warp: */flinches/ and looks over* Who said that!?
Voice: *Someone in the shadows shifts. He'll move to the side of his cage.*
Warp: *peering into the darkness* Who are you? Whaddya-AH!! */jerks/ in pain, twists around to try to face the other mech* Stop that! J-just leave me alone!
Caged: He's going to patch you up a bit.
Warp: W-well, maybe I dun /want/ 'im too!
Caged: I understand, but he's going to anyway.
Warp: No, he's /not/! *twists again, jerking around fast and pulling his feet up to /kick/ the mech away, ideally hard enough to damage him or knock him out or /something/*
Mech: *grunts and hits the ground hard, sliding a ways. He won't move for a moment, but will finally, slowly, pull himself together and get up.*
Caged: You'll get youself and hik beaten again if you don't let him do his job.
Warp: */growls/* I'm gonna get beaten again /anyway/, right? So what's the difference? An' whadda /you/ care? *to the other mech* I said LEAVE ME ALONE!
Caged: Not necessarily. He'll want a ransom now, he won't want to do much, if anything, more to you. And he can't answer you. His vox was ripped out.
Mech: *gets up and...stands there a moment. He'll try approaching Warp again, try slipping back behind him.*
Warp: */snarls/* He won't get anythin' but /death/. My trinemates'll KILL that fragger! *to the other mech, voice /lethal/* Don't. TOUCH. Me! *back to the caged mech* An' what do /you/ care!? Who are you? Whadda /you/ want?
Mech: *hesitates...and goes submission, shaking. His own back as shredded as Warp's*
Caged: Name's Touchdown. I care because it's right ti care, and I want the same thing you want, to go home.
Warp: *optics brighten at the sight and he makes himself look away - not his problem, just wants /out/ of here!...will start STRUGGLING with the chains again*
TD: *realizes Warp isn't willing to listen right now. He'll settle again...*
*It's about a joir before his captor returns.*
Leader: *takes one look at the mech in submission and frowns* You should have let him patch you up a bit, mech.
Warp: *has nearly dislocated both wrists, or it feels like anyway, looks up with a /snarl/* Why, so you can start in all over, ya sadistic /glitch/!? I'm /not/ gonna play your slaggin' games!
Leader: If you'd let him patch you up, we'd have called your family and started the process of getting you home. Now, though, I will beat you again.

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-03-28T22:47:00

2013-03-29T13:08:35Z

*Stars has moved back outside, to a different location . . . after scavaging the dead fragger for parts. He's hidden, gotten the leaks to stop again, and has done as much work as he can. Now he's just waiting for his trinemates to arrive. Scanners are stretched to their max, but the rest of him is powered down in light stasis to conserve. He . . . won't answer when Storm calls for him. That whole thing is a big mess that he just really wants nothing to do with.*
Storm: *won't call for Stars. He knows all the best hiding places and finds Stars in the third one. He pauses, wondering if he should approach or not, just studying the Seeker for a moment.*
Stars: *after a long moment when the mech doesn't go away* You're looking better.
Storm: *nodnods* Feeling better. How are you? *can tell Stars did a bit of work on himself.*
Stars: I'll live. My trinemates will be here soon. *okay, not "soon", but...*
Storm: *approaches slowly and will sit by the Seeker if he doesn't protest* That's good. *looking out over the land* A storm is coming. *points* That dark wall...that's the stormfront. *that dark wall glides across the land, and soon the storm is upon them, though they're sheltered well enough in the little hidding spot. It really does kind of look like the storm was flying just above the ground*
Stars: *sighs* What are you doing out here, Stormfront? What do you want?
Storm: *shoulders hunch, gaze dropping* To make sure you were okay...to get out, get away. *curls up* I hate this place. I always have, but after what we found? I hate it even more. I don't want to go in there again. Ultrasound says I shouldn't leave until the police arrive though, else they might assume master's death was my doing, and was murder instead of self-defense. I just...I want to go, but I don't know where. And I'm scared. *huffs* S-sorry...I'm rambling.
Stars: .....have the police been called yet?
Storm: I don't. You said on of your friends is an officer?
Stars: Yes. My trinemate, my second. He's still several joors out yet, though.
Storm: Oh... *he's quiet for a bit.* Starscream? Could...could I go with you?
Stars: ..........only if you intend to earn your own keep. There is no room in our home for freeloaders.
Storm: *smiles and nods* I will. I will I promise. *jus smiling out at the storm * ...what's it like to really fly?
Stars: *also looks out and up, broken wings /twitching/ - he transformed before landing, hoping to catch himself on something, it's the only reason he's in root now, unable to transform due to all the damage* Freedom. Superiority. Rising above /everything/ - threats and problems and those who would keep you back, hold you down. There's nowhere to go but /up/. There is no greater exultation than Seekers in a free-form aerial dance. There is nothing more deadly in combat than a flight of Seekers, especially a bonded trine. They say that "the sky's the limit", but groundpounders don't understand the true meaning of the saying. Only those who can truly /take/ the skies, who can take /to/ the skies, can understand its vast limitlessness.
Storm: *softly* I want to be able to fly someday. *glances sheepishly at Stars* Maybe I can be a Seeker someday. *mostly watching to see what Stars thinks of that.*
Stars: .............you want a full reformat? Do you think you could handle it?
Storm: ...I can handle anything. *there's a tremor to his voice, like he's not sure he believes that, but like it's the mantra that's let him get through.*
Stars: *the answer surprises him, turns to look at the little mech . . . and nods, resettling, optics fixed on the skies*
Storm: *there's a haunted look in his optics, but he pushes it away to watch the sky.*
US: *he's looking for them. He's calling Storm.*
Storm: Over here!
US: *steps into view.* Starscream. *he's who US really wanted to find.* How are you feeling?

socrowdedinhere @ 2013-03-27T23:00:00

2013-03-28T13:30:07Z

Stars: *says something to insult the mech, if only because it's in his nature to challenge and defy.*
Master: *his calm /snaps/ and he lets out a /snarl/! He rushes at Stars, /kicking/ his slave out of the way.*
Mini: *pained /yelp/ and tumbles to the side, hands over his face*
Stars: *ready for him, crouches to defend himself - he's both experienced and a /dirty/ fighter*
Master: *inexperienced and wild. Stars, evenas weak and messed up as he is right now, can tale this mech. He'll land one solid blow on Stars, a punch to the face that'll nearly know the Seeker off his feet. He won't be able to touch Stars again.*
Stars: *knows his body's limits, how to read an opponent, and how to use everything he can to advantage - if he doesn't /kill/ the mech outright, he'll at least be knocked out for the count . . . and he's not being squeamish about killing*
*This fight will end with master dead...and Stars no longer able to stand.*
Mini: *peeks at the sound of two bodies crashing to the ground, optics go /bright/ at the sight of his master, but then he sees that Stars is still alive and his gaze locks on the downed Seeker.*
Stars: */shaking/ and growling with pain, will just...lay there a moment, dealing*
Mini: *shaking he crawls to Stars, peta at him and start repairs again.*
Stars: *did himself quite a bit of damage, undoing at least half the work Storm did on him - will lay a moment longer, letting the mech work, then will force himself to shift and help*
Mini: *getting work done os hard now, because he's /shaking/. After a bit, though * Think you can make it inside? *voice soft*
Stars: *grunts, petulant from pain* Do I have much choice? *but he forces himself to his feet again, /snarling/ with pain and effort, and will follow wherever Storm leads*
Mini: Y-you don't have t-to... *when Stars gets up he'll shift close to let the Seeker hold onto him. He can't give any true support, too small, but her can give some and can give some stability too. He'll just take Stars into the bearest room. There's a berth if Stars wants to lie down in it.*
*Getting on the berth takes more effort than just dropping onto the ground, but his pride won't let him do that, so he works himself onto the berth.*
Mini: *crawls up with him and will get back to work.* I-I...what...d-do you think will happen to me now? I-I've h-heard th-the markets are horrible. *he's scared*
Stars: *grimaces* They are. But you didn't commit a crime to get into slavery and you didn't kill your master to get out of it. You're free . . . or will be as soon as Thundercracker gets here and helps me figure out what laws to address.
Mini: *soft buzz* Wh-what about you then? W-will you be in trouble?
Stars: Self-defense. You are my witness. I am already damaged. He attacked first, and you know he would have killed me given the chance. I had no choice.
Mini: Y-yes, but couldn't someone argue that you were tresspassing? Then you'd be in trouble, wouldn't you?