Chapter Text
June was in the process of cleaning her hands as she mentally went over the entire situation. With Miko nearly falling to what could have been her death and only just learning that the Autobots now had a Decepticon prisoner within the base. That said Decepticon had… saved Miko?
She was still a bit smarting over the fact that no one had taken the time to mention they even had a Decepticon prisoner. Even more that none of them seemed as concerned as she was, that the children were even near said prisoner.
If the Con hadn’t been there, then would Miko have even survived?
With a sigh and a stretch of her neck, June walked out of the human quarters’ bathroom. She was probably as ready as she could to face the craziness of what has become her reality. The nurse stuck close to the wall as she walked down the humongous corridor and up the ramp to the human lounge.
Looking around the room, everyone save for Optimus and the Con were present. Including Wheeljack who had surprisingly decided to stay. Ratchet had whispered to her of the white Wrecker’s strong response toward Skywarp and the entire situation that had occurred.
Overall, it was all rather quiet. Filled only with murmurs of conversation held under breath. Everyone was still trying to process.
Miko, herself, seemed unusually content to simply sit without a word and watch the boys play on the game console. Her eyes were half-lidded and gaze far away. Lost in her thoughts. Possibly still in shock.
June made her way over to the girl. She leaned against the armrest of the couch the children sat on. Miko turned her head to look up at her with a smile. It didn't reach her eyes entirely. The girl still didn't seem entirely in the present. Definitely in shock.
“Hi, Miko.” The woman greeted with a smile of her own.
”Hi, Mrs. Darby.” Miko gave her a respectful nod.
“Do you need anything, Sweetie?” June reached over to rub soothing circles into the teen’s back. Miko must have liked it, as she tilted towards her.
”…I don't think so?” The girl replied after thinking about it for a couple of seconds. June hummed.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed her son turn his attention to her. Recognizing the specific tone of hum she used. This in turn brought Raf’s interest. The nurse had to hold back her smile. “Well, I was in the middle of a grocery run when I got called over and I just so happened to buy the ingredients to bake some cookies.”
”Cookies?” Raf perked up, sharing a smile with Jack.
”Yep, cookies. Though only if you three come and help me. We can go see if that oven I spotted in the kitchenette still works.” June nodded. She shifted to look over at Ratchet when a thought crossed her mind. “Speaking of groceries— Ratchet? There doesn't happen to be some sort of fridge or freezer that I could place my cold items in?”
Ratchet stopped typing to think about it. Did they have some sort of freezer that could work? The only one he could think of was the small one he used in the medbay. Though he’d prefer if it was only used for his medical supplies, for sanitary reasons. Was there any other cold storage in the base?
An idea came to mind and he turned to June. “We might have something that could work. Though, I’ll need to double check, Nurse Darby.”
”Please and thank you, Ratchet.” June smiled.
The medical officer gave a single nod and walked out of the room. Leaving the humans, Wreckers, and scouts present.
From what June could tell, Arcee and Bumblebee seemed to be concerned about Optimus being left alone with the Con. Given that they kept sparing glances to the hall where the two had disappeared. While she was certain that Optimus most likely had everything under control, it was easy to understand wanting someone you cared about safe and out of danger’s way.
“So, are you all in on helping me make some cookies?” June’s question was greeted by the kids’ cheers. “Good. First thing I'm going to need you three to do, is go check out that oven. Be careful and let me know if it’s still working. If not, maybe we could figure out a way to have Ratchet help us.”
”How would he even be able to take a look? He’s too big to squeeze through and even the rooms are more fitting to our size and not anything much larger.” Jack frowned, ever the worry-wort.
”Well, that’ll just be a bridge we’ll cross when we get to it.” June ruffled his hair. He pulled back out of reach with a laugh and a grimace.
“What are you going to do, Mrs. Darby?” Raf adjusted his glasses and peered up curiously at her.
”I’m going to go grab some of the supplies.”
”Rock on, cookies!” Miko pumped her fist in the air. It was good to see some of her energy returning.
The kids ran off to the human quarters and June made her way to where she had parked her car. A split decision made her redirect her course to the scouts. She looked on before her and watched as Arcee and Bumblebee continued to quietly whisper to each other.
The youngest scout perked up when he realized June was walking up to them. Kind, baby-blue optics glinted down at her curiously as she stopped a few feet in front of them.
Arcee, too, also looked to June in her own deep blue optics. Also filled with a gentle, trusting gaze. A far cry from the days when the same pair used to look at her in wary suspicion.
“Hey, Nurse Darby.” The femme greeted happily, if tiredly. “What’s up?”
“Just… wanted to know your thoughts on the whole situation.” June waved her hand in the air before placing it onto her hip. “Miko’s fall. The new decepticon prisoner that I wasn't notified of?”
The scouts winced and eyed her apologetically.
“To be fair, he’s only been here less than a day.” Arcee shrugged, exchanging gazes with Bumblebee. “We were just as surprised to come back home from our patrols and find him sitting there in the common room. Locked in altmode.”
“Locked in altmode? What does that mean exactly?” June questioned, raising an eyebrow.
Bumblebee looked from Arcee to June with a few beeps, then walked a couple steps and transformed into his Camaro. A noticeable click greeted Junes ears.
“Exactly.” Arcee nodded. “The camaro is Bee’s altmode. Ratchet manually locked Skywarp into his plane altmode. Where he can't transform or move from his position.”
Bumblebee transformed back and nodded.
“Huh, okay.” June tilted her head, mulling it over.
“It's… not exactly ideal. It could also be considered cruel, honestly. At least, if it weren't for the situation and what, even who, he is.” Arcee looked away with a glare.
June narrowed her eyes. “And just who is Skywarp?”
Bumblebee’s wings dipped in a way that June had come to read as nervous. Fingers fluttering at his sides. He gave Arcee another look that bespoke equal parts caution and concern. Letting out another cascade of beeps.
“You of all bots should understand.” Arcee harshly whispered to him. “You've been targeted by the Elite Trine more than almost anyone else.”
Bumblebee shrugged, wings tucked down and still.
June looked up at the both of them in worry. Flutters of a stronger emotion were beginning to well up deep in her stomach, struggling to take charge. Lips tilted down at the corners and her arms coming up to wrap themselves around her middle.
Arcee sighed, rubbing at a spot between her optics, before kneeling to one knee. Allowing herself closer to the human.
The anger that brightened her blue optics softening and filtering in understanding. She could see the other woman’s rising panic. “June… most of us here have had personal beef with Skywarp. More than most Cons.”
June took a quick glance around the room. Truly taking notice of the tension and the way everyone still there held themselves as if ready for something to happen.
“He’s one of Starscream’s first lieutenants. Personally trained with an unusual ability.” Arcee continued. June focused back on her, eyes widening. “We've told you how the ground bridge works, right?”
“it's like some sort of manipulation of reality? Allowing you to bend physics to get from point A to Point B.” June answered.
“Close enough.” The femme smiled. “Imagine what our ground bridge can do but it’s a person capable of doing it on his own whim.”
“That’s—” June gaped, looking between the scouts, “how do you keep him from using it? Some sort of stopping— uh, dohicky?”
Arcee raised a browridge. “Nope, no dohicky. He claims that it's already turned off.”
Bumblebee let out a few more beeps. Crouching down to fully re-involve himself into the conversation. He must have said something relevant as June watched Arcee nod in agreement. Though there was a flash of that familiar anger that briefly lit up her optics.
June struggled to keep the frown of concern off her face. Knowing that Arcee usually found herself in dangerous trouble when she let those feelings of hurt and anger control her. The nurse brought a hand up to the blue femme’s knee. The touch seemed to bring the scout back to reality.
Arcee shook her head and gave June another brief smile. Though it honestly looked more like a grimace.
“That’s right, Bee. Ratchet doesn't seem all too concerned at the moment, either. So, I'm going to follow his lead on that one.” Arcee stood back up with a stretch. Making her way further into the mesa. “June, all I ask is that you trust Optimus on this. We all know that he only looks out for the best for everyone here.”
“I suppose you're right.” June nodded reluctantly. Though a thought popped through her head quick and suddenly. “He did just save Miko from certain death, from my understanding… though no one’s really talked about how that came to be.”
Arcee’s gait faltered and she stilled for a “Well, in any case, I need to get some recharge. Before a full and exciting day of more patrol tomorrow.”
The femme waved back to them before she disappeared completely from their sight.
Bumblebee gave a low but long beep. Sounding rather distraught. It brought June back to her senses, as she looked from where Arcee left and back up to Bumblebee.
His own optics were trained to the open maw of the hall. Reluctantly he brought them down to catch eyes with June. She gave him a small smile and a pat to his leg, where she could reach. Her eyes catching the upward flutter and bob of his door wings that she assumed meant to be a positive gesture.
With a quiet sigh, June finally made her trip over to her car for the necessary supplies for cookies. Opening up her trunk, she sifted through bags. Taking out some items to place in other bags and picking out what they might need for the cookies. Placing them in the one empty bag hanging from her hand.
Heavy footsteps made their way over to her. The cadence of which had become fairly familiar to her within the last few months. With a smile, she took a step back and closed the door to the trunk. Bag now hanging from her arm. Her head tilted up to see Ratchet peering down in mild curiosity.
“What’s the verdict, doc?” June placed her hands on her hips. “Do I need to make a quick trip home or is there a place where I can put my stuff for a while?”
Ratchet blinked. Then a flash of irritation lit up briefly in his blue optics. “Wait. There was an option to send you home?”
“Hardy har.” June rolled her eyes and shook her head. He had to be the grumpiest man she’d ever known.
There was a slip of a smile that appeared on his lips. It went away about just as quickly. The Bot jerked his head toward the hallway he’d come out of. “If you’ll follow me, Nurse Darby, I have a storage room that should be about the correct temperature you may need for your groceries. Go ahead and drive your car behind me. I’ve already notified the team of our intentions.”
“Sounds good.” June did as told and followed Ratchet’s steps as she drove, waving at the kids as they walked past. Their faces made her laugh.
Jack and Raf were pretty shocked but Miko was feeling a little jealous.
“Aw, come on!” Miko cried out. Arms thrown up in the air as she watched the car drive by. “When I finally get my drivers license, I better get to do donuts in the mesa.”
“I highly doubt Nurse Darby is going to do donuts in the base, Miko.” Raf rolled his eyes good naturedly.
“Also, that would be exactly why you’d get banned from ever driving in the base.” Jack smiled, elbowing his fellow teen in the side.
She stuck her tongue out at them in response, which made the boys laugh. She joined them only a moment later.
Raf adjusted his glasses and tried to catch his breath before saying, “So, I'm pretty sure that the little kitchenette area in the human quarters just needs the electricity turned on. I'm sure the people who prepared this place for the Autobots probably assumed there'd be no need for that section of the base. We’ll probably need to ask Ratchet where the breaker is.”
“Makes sense. I doubt they knew of the Bot’s apparent need to just adopt humans they come across.” Jack smiled when his words brought another laugh out of his friends.
“They kind of do have an adoption problem don't they?” Miko chuckled and shook her head. “They could claim it's for our protection all they want but we know the real truth. They pick us up like stray puppies!”
“You're clearly a stray kitten, Miko.” Raf teased. “All claws and mange!”
Miko let out a gasp and gave the small boy a playful shove. “Rude!”
Jack let out his own laugh. “Raf is certainly living up to his spoiled runt puppy syndrome.”
This time Raf let out a gasp. Though the big smile on his face gave away his clear delight in the ribbing.
They continued to prod and tease each other as they made their way over to Bumblebee. The Bot in question happily watched them as they came over. It was always nice to see the younglings being younglings. No fear of the never-ending war.
He sometimes wished it could have been like that when he was growing up. Having only ever known the civil war that destroyed their planet. Always having to deal with the ever present fear of a possible attack on whatever base they lived in, in the back of his mind.
He was thankful, of course, that the Autobots had given him a home after the fall of his hometown, Tyger Pax. Neither had he regretted his decision to join them once he'd officially become of age.
The scout carefully sat down in what the humans called “criss-cross applesauce”. A funny name and, for some reason, after a food item. The kids seemed approving of his choice, as they immediately clambered onto his lap. Their teasing of each other never faltering.
This small yet huge show of trust shot a burst of warmth through Bumblebee’s spark chamber. His doorwings fluttering in a show of his joy. Pedesteps that Bumblebee had come to recognize as Wheeljack came up behind him. The Wrecker walked into his line of vision and copied his choice of seat on the floor.
The kids happily greeted Wheeljack before going back to their conversation.
Bumblebee could tell how much that meant to the Wrecker. From the easing of the mech’s tight plating and the small hint of a smile that softened his features. The scout was almost reluctant to ruin it when he opened a private comm with him.
::Wheeljack….::, Bumblebee slowly initiated. He wasn't very intent on hiding his interest in a serious conversation where the children couldn't hear. He honestly wasn't certain he was the correct bot to be having this conversation. Given the fact he was younger and still only a scout.
But it seemed no one else was going to give ‘Jackie a talk. Either too preoccupied or reluctant.
The Wrecker stiffened only slightly but accepted. ::Bee.::
:: At any moment, Optimus and… the prisoner, will be walking back in. Are you going to be able handle it?:: Bumblebee watched the twitch of a brow ridge on Wheeljack’s face. The only show of irritation from the mech. The scout gave a slow, apologetic dip of his doorwings. Something that the other didn't miss. ::I’m sorry that it is me approaching you about this. I recognize that it may not be my place but I need to be certain you aren't going to tear this place apart to exact whatever “revenge” you feel you need. Potentially hurting our charges in the process.::
Wheeljack took a quick glance down at the kids in Bumblebee’s protective hold. Still so unaware of the growing tension between the two Bots. They were still so innocent.
Wheeljack felt his ironclad anger and pain give way to the guilt of possibly scaring, or even hurting, the humans. The Wrecker looked back up to meet Bumblebee’s stern yet soft gaze. He was surprised by the jolt of reproach that shot down his systems once they locked optics.
It only made his guilt deepen. His shoulders dropped as he tried to convey his understanding. Lightly brushing his EM field against his fellow Bot. ::I wasn't thinking right, Bee. When I saw that familiar black and purple paint job on a jet, I was seeing red. It didn't help, what happened to Miko. Especially when I took in the very same colors that the hologram was wearing.
::If I can't behave myself, I'll be the first to escort myself out of the base, alright? I’ll go for a drive around town to cool off or something.:: Wheeljack shook his head. ::But please don't ask me to go. I just can't handle the thought of leaving Bulk and Miko without backup. Wreckers stick together. ::
:: Alright, Wheeljack.:: Bumblebee nodded. He could feel himself relaxing now that he’d gotten that uncomfortable conversation out of the way. ::I’ll vouch for you with the others but only if you promise that you will leave, if you can't handle it. If only to “cool off”, like you said. ::
:: I promise. Thanks, Bee. :: Wheeljack’s optics flashed with relief. Then he gave the younger mech a teasing grin. :: I think I understand what Bulk was talking about now. ::
:: What?:: The scout blinked. Optics going wide and his head tilted. It was the closest he’d ever looked to his age.
:: He said that you might be young but that you were also wise beyond your years.:: Wheeljack let out a quiet chuckle. Which didn't go unnoticed from the youngest human in their vicinity. :: Bulk has wondered from time-to-time to me, on why it is that you haven't received any promotions of rank. ::
::Oh…:: Bumblebee looked down, then back over to Wheeljack. ::It’s because of me. I don't want any promotions. Leadership of any measure… is just not for me.::
::That’s a shame, kid. You’d make a magnificent one.:: Wheeljack ended the comm and turned his focus back to the younglings. Leaving Bumblebee to mull over his words.
.
When Skywarp was led back to the Common Room, he was encouraged onto the berth situated in the makeshift medbay. He complied, though not without a boatload of complaining. Most of which was honestly full of hot air. Not that he was sure the Autobots would recognize it.
The seeker stayed still under the threat of future restraints if he chose to make a move that the Autobots didn't like. Allowing Ratchet to magnetize him to the berth and go through the motions of his check up. Starting with double checking that all of the seeker’s weapons and subspace were still properly disabled, and that his warp-drive truly was still offline. Which it was. He felt confident to move along in his work.
The medic was far more gentle than Skywarp had ever expected. Which was saying something, because his current primary physician was very good at what he did. Ratchet was still on a whole other level. Though no matter how skilled, the seeker still found himself wincing as the medic worked out his dents. Especially for his wings. After which, the old medic then sprayed disinfectant and a mild sealant on any open cuts in his protoform and armor.
“Alright.” Ratchet walked over to his counter and cabinets. Cleaning and placing away his tools. “He’s clear for questioning.”
Skywarp felt a sharp jolt of shock. Not entirely certain why he was so surprised. He should have known that with Miko’s fall and his own actions… they were going to want to know what exactly happened, and he’d allowed himself to relax. Scrap.
The only outward tell of his anxiety was his claws tightening around the table that made-up the makeshift “berth” for the medbay. To disguise himself further, he lightly began to sway his pedes back and forth. A small, goofy smile applying itself onto his face. Trying to get back into that rusty mask of being an annoyance that had gotten him both a lot of trouble and reprieve, depending on the situation.
His optics zeroed in on the approaching Autobot. Blinking when he realized it was Bumblebee. What? Why him?
It could be due to the scout having the most familiarity with him. Given their history. It was equally possible that the scout had, in fact, moved up within the spec ops ranks. Though the seeker couldn't find himself truly believing in the little bug having the proper bite for interrogation.
But then, he'd also found himself in plenty of implausible situations. Plenty enough for him to take a good long look at the approaching Bot. Watching for signs that the youngling had truly gone and grown up since they'd last swapped plasma shots in battle.
The bug’s optics held themselves with a wizened heaviness. All the hard decisions and harsh experiences of war finally succeeding in wrestling down the wild youth. Even still, there was a stubborn brightness that refused to be quelled.
Skywarp tilted his head and brought up his servo to wiggle some digits. “Hiya, Bumbles. I don't think we’ve properly caught up in a long while.”
“[Now that’s just too bad, isn't it? We should rectify that.]” The nonchalant response held echoes of the scout’s musically inclined mentor. It made the seeker shiver.
Briefly, Skywarp debated on using the CMO’s terrible choice to only hold him down with the built-in magnetic clams of the berth. He knew that he could easily break out of the hold and make quite the mess. Even without access to his weapons and warp drive.
One the other servo, there were too many high profile Autobots in one small area. With half already aware of how he fought. He would have a higher chance at making his captivity worse for himself than he would in managing a proper escape.
He could take a human hostage. There were plenty to choose from. He thought in a brief moment before immediately scraping that idea. As much as he still wore the insignia, he hadn't been an active-duty decepticon in decades. He was retired as far as he was concerned.
It seemed so silly… and yet so sad, that there was apparently a small smattering of Bots and Cons that truly believed the war was still in full swing. What was even left to fight about?
Skywarp’s grin slipped just enough to shrink slightly as that question reran through his processor. What was even left to fight about?
There wasn't anything. Not anymore. They destroyed all of it. Autobots and Decepticons.
There was nothing left to fight for, so he wouldn't. He’d try his best to enjoy the time here with the rest of the “Autobot army”. All the while his brother realizes he's gone missing and rounds up a search party. Perhaps then, there could be a proper explanation.
For now he just had to wait.
.
If there was one thing that he’d well and truly forgotten about during the height of the Great War. Back when they were caught in the midst of the front lines and subterfuge. Something he’d have been happy were it never brought up again. It was how stubborn and vexing Skywarp was.
Bumblebee had to withhold the huff that threatened to expose how much the seeker was getting to him. He had been using every single trick in the book that Spec Ops would use to pry the transwarper into revealing info. Normally it was easy and simple to confuse the mech into revealing tidbits of the Con’s “latest plan” or “weapon of mass destruction” or “Shockwave’s current experiment”.
This time what they were asking about wasn't even anything near as debilitating to the other side of the war. The Autobots just wanted to know how and why Skywarp had this crazy advanced hologram.
A regular hologram was a projection born from inner-most energon. It could typically move its head or, in the case of those who really took the time to exercise it, nod its head. Even wave on occasion. It was a simple allusion. Not meant for anything more than to pass a vibe check or help in a quick getaway without alerting the humans to the presence of aliens.
It was typically very hard for a cybertronian not properly trained in utilizing it. Even more, it wasn’t exactly considered to be a useful skill. Using inner-most energon to create projections of alien life in order to “blend in” was hardly a worry. Most known galaxies being very aware of Cybernetic beings. Those that weren’t, were normally races that hadn’t yet managed to traverse beyond their own planet, and therefore weren’t ready to interact with the intergalactic masses.
Cyberninjas, alternatively, were most known for harnessing inner-most energon to project solid weapons and, for those more advanced, manipulate matter around them or the minds of other beings. Though it has hardly been seen by others whether cyberninjas were truly capable of the before mentioned things. Which made such debatable.
There were, of course, a few rare cases --like Optimus and Megatron-- who had a natural ability to form weapons most suitable to them. Which gave proof that it was, indeed, something that Cybertronians were capable of.
But what Skywarp had… it was so eerily human in its own right. Nor was it covered in a sheen of the typical blue. The hologram hadn't formed anywhere near where Miko was falling. In a flash of light it had crafted itself into existence exactly where it was supposed to: Skywarp’s cockpit.
The hologram had flung itself out, after manually opening the glass dome. And ran at an unhuman speed to catch the falling girl. Of which he was undoubtedly successful.
Briefly Bumblebee allowed a glance to check on the girl in question. Miko had finally finished up her homework and was happily swinging her legs. Perched happily on Jackie’s shoulder. The three Wrecker’s were huddled in the farthest point away from the medbay. Bulkhead’s doing, most likely.
It seemed like pointed verbal jabs and roundabout talking wasn't going to get Ol’Warpie to budge today. So Bumblebee settled for a more straight forward approach.
He slumped his shoulders and asked, “[Skywarp, would it really kill you to just explain that insane piece of camouflage tech? We’re not looking to take it. We— We’re curious. That's all].”
The seeker had taken to lounging on the med-berth in such an aloof and relaxed manner. Having disabled the magnetic lock ages ago and flaunting the fact. He’d, in fact, been happily compliant the entire time he’d been there. Despite the absolute wailing he’d received by Wheeljack earlier.
The seeker still continued to act amicably and, for the most part, respectfully. It was so eerie. Given his normal tendency to cackle while acting out every idiotic idea that would come to his mind. Most of them being pranks that typically promised to injure the victim.
The quietness now was certainly setting the crew on edge. It gave more weight to the admittance that his warp-drive was to blame. But why was the warp-drive even off in the first place?
Ratchet, on the same wavelength, pinged Bumblebee with that exact question.
The scout didn't move an inch while he sent back an acknowledging ping. Though he did straighten up when it was obvious that Skywarp wasn't going to answer his earlier question.
“[Okay. You've made your point on not budging with the holo-technology. Let me ask you, then, on why your warp-drive shut off?]” Bumblebee sighed and crossed his arms.
“Sure.” The Seeker shrugged. “My honorary “parole” officer had it shut off. I used it to sneak into the triplechangers’ quarters, cause I know they were the ones who stole my secret stash of goodies.”
“Wait, are you saying you got your warping privileges taken away for energon treats? Cause that’s kind of hilarious.” Bulkhead snorted. He shared a smile with Arcee, who had to purse her lips to keep from showing her own amusement.
“Like you wouldn't go through all the lengths for such a rare treat. Can you honestly remember the last time you actually had something other than mid or low grade?” The decepticon countered with a pout. “I mean, come on! It was so unfair. I could have been in LA for my job in a literal snap. Instead I had to fly for nearly three hours like some normal jet.”
“Oh, the horror.” Ratchet muttered under his breath with a roll of his optics. The humans in their lounge next to him snickered as they heard him. He had to hold back a smirk.
“[Who’s your overseeing officer?]” The scout asked.
Skywarp, taken away by his rant, opened his mouth to answer. When it caught in his throat. With wide optics, he looked between all the Bots in the room and, instead, said, “Well, I can tell you. Probably even will but… you won't believe me.”
“I believe we should be the judge of that for ourselves. Out with it now.” Ratchet huffed impatiently. Ducking his head briefly when Optimus gave him a stern, short glance.
"Okay…" Skywarp nodded slowly. Optics now wide as he thought over what should be said and how he should say it. Though his worry was soon overcome with a bright flash of his optics and a grin. His face now marred in a devious quality. It only seemed to grow when he spotted the curious humans peering over at him quietly. He remarked, “Well, then it should be said that my overseeing officer is… your mom.”
A stark silence overcame the room as everyone processed what he’d said. The audacity of it.
A small snrrk from the human lounge broke the surprise and Skywarp found himself being forcefully manhandled into the med-berth by two very unhappy Autobots. One a large green Wrecker and the other a very persnickety two-wheeler.
"Alright, I think that’s enough out of you for the day. If I have to deal with your particular string of idiocy any longer, I’m going to suddenly find myself stricken with an unusually harsh case of proto-rash.” Arcee snarked with a particular snarl. She was purposely inconsiderate of her strength when she had to duck under and then catch a stray arm that had managed to break free from her and Bulkhead’s hold.
The Seeker was cackling with certain delight. The sound of it deranged and far more familiar than the previously relaxed personality he’d been hitting them with for most of the time they’d been dealing with him. It was so much so in line with his typical brand of crazy that Ratchet felt the need to reaffirm for a third time that the warp-drive was still offline. It was, thankfully. So he focused his attention then on inserting the Seeker into a forced, temporary medical stasis.
No one spoke a word as Arcee, Bulkhead, and Ratchet regained their breath. Suddenly able to hear the echoes of a far off drip in the mesa’s halls that would likely need mending. The Wrecker looked over to the humans to check on them and had to wince. Jack had an arm wrapped around a frightened Raf. While Miko held a hand up to her mouth with wide eyes.
He opened his mouth to— well, he wasn’t quite certain what he wanted to say. Only that he needed it to be comforting to their younglings. He wasn’t able to get anything out when the clacking heals of June brought her back into the Common Room.
“Okay, kids! Everything is finally prepped for baking some cookies--”, June halted half a step as she took in the state of everyone in the room and the unconscious Seeker in Ratchet’s medical corner, “I missed something, didn’t I?”
~~
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