It's so crowded in here

Pips: We won't be alone. There will be a lot of us fighting this time, more than they would think. *grins* It is /so/ good to have all of you here. Zero and his team are good bots, always trying to help the rest of us.

Zero: *look in his optics says he doesn't wholly believe what she said...the look crossed his face when she mentioned him...*

Ratchet: *crosses his arms, cocking a look at Zero* You don't agree. *question but also observation*

Zero: *small smile* I have done too much to be called "good", though it doesn't mean I can't at least strive to bury some of those horrors with good actions.

Ratchet: *eyes him* You do realize that's a self-defeating line of logic, don't you?

Pips: That's what /I've/ told him. *huffhuff*

Zero: *spreads his hands* It's the role. You can't be "good" when you decide to become the "bad guy".

Ratchet: And are you the mantle you took on or are you /you/?

Zero: *headtilt* Aren't the mantels we wear what make us who we are?

Ratchet: *gives Zero the "do I have to teach you everything?" look that his teammates, especially Bee, have seen so many times* Only if it matches your core. Tell me, Subzero . . . are you a Decepticon? You wear the badge of one. Society sees you as one. So . . . are you? Are you /really/? *he's not accusing but looking to make a point*

Zero: ........... *he touches the badge.*

Iron: *reaches out and gives Zero's arm a smack.* Don't you think it. We stepped outside the law because law failed. Yes, it was wrong, but it was also right. I know we lost our way for a while, but /you/ brought us back out. We may do things that Cons would do, but that doesn't mean we /are/ Cons.

Zero: .........*he smiles then* Good intentions don't excuse evil deeds, Iron. But you're right, I don't actually see myself as a Decepticon.

Ratchet: You've done things in the past that were wrong, and you knew they were wrong. Or evil, or however you want to put it. You felt they were necessary, so you did them anyway, but you did them fully acknowledging that they were terrible things to do. *looks between the two of them, studying Tin and Buzz also . . . finally, quietly* Have any of you ever heard of the Omega Project?

*the Ghosts exchange looks...and nod*

Iron: It was one of the reasons I told Master Yoketron that I could no longer call myself an Autobot and feel good about it. *so he left...*

Ratchet: I'm glad to have met you and yours, as well. I'm glad to have met the so-called Ghosts.

Zero: ...*soft chuckle* That...is not something I would have ever expected to hear. *someone glad they met the Ghosts...*

Ratchet: I can't say that I agree with everything attributed to them, or how they went about it, but I can't say that I didn't recognize that what they did at least sometimes was necessary and what no one else could or would do.

Zero: ....We...hoped there would be those who would understand, but we never expected it.

Ratchet: There are those who won't, of course . . . but you might be surprised by the number of those who do.

Zero: ...I probably would be.

Ratchet: *studies him* ............go rest, Cipher. You've earned it.

Zero: ....*turns and offers his hand to Ratchet* Rest with me?  The nightmares aren't so bad when you have someone close...

Ratchet: ................ *looks over at Iron*

Zero: *wry grin* I'm not asking for my sake, doctor...

Ratchet: *frowns* I'm /fine/, Subzero. *stubborn old doc is stubborn*

Zero: *snorts a soft laugh* Stubborn.  Get some rest too.  As a medic, you're one of the most important parts of this team.  We need you at your best.

Ratchet: .................... *that...makes him a bit sad, inexplicably - he looks at OP unconscious in the capsule*

Zero: ....We have a hard and dangerous task ahead of us...we'll be counting on you...

Ratchet: ............ *climbs almost painfully to his feet* A medic's work is never done. Especially in wartime. */heavy/ sigh* All right, Ghost . . . you win. *a small grin softens the words*

Zero: *returns the little smile as he helps Ratchet to his feet and over to a berth.  He'll drag the other over and will settle beside Ratchet, a hand resting on the old medic...*  Rest well, Ratchet.

Ratchet: *hand over Zero's* And you, Subzero.

Zero: *will let himself slip into recharge...*

Ratchet: *is longer to really do so, but finally will . . . and of course, the nightmares comes*

Zero: *will do his best to soothe the old medic through his nightmares*

Ratchet: *almost gets up again more than once, it's how he's always coped before...but he doesn't want to disturb Zero more than necessary...*

Zero: *never indicates that he's fully awake, and will just try to soothe him...guess this is just how the next couple joor will pass until the capsule's alerts go off that OP is all healed and will be waking up soon.  Only then will he shift to get up.*

OP: .....................there were many times that, no, I didn't. *humorless grin* You made sure of that. And you're right. We don't murder. *optics narrow as he looks at him* And what would you do if you /did/ live? How many others would die, or wish they would?

Ric: *his optics brighten and he gives a small shake of his head* N-none.  I s-swear!

Zero: *won't tell OP what to do....but he hopes OP realizes some will promise anything in the face of death, with no intention of actually keeping those promises.  This is OP's choice though, so unless /asked/ for his opinion on this matter, he'll remain neutral and just keep his cold look pinned on Ric to make sure the Con don't get any ideas.*

OP: ........................Bulkhead, take Bumblebee to another room. Ratchet, Prowl, go with them. *never taking his optics off Ric*

Ric: *soft buzz, fear kicking up another notch.*

*Bulk hesitates, but then does as told, Prowl following*

Ratchet: ...............I'm not leaving you alone with this, Commander.

*The Ghosts aren't moving to leave either....though most of them would if OP asked them to...Zero won't...*

OP: ......................... *staring at Ric, torn - knows he "should" spare the bot, but also knows he "can't"*

Ratchet: *rests a hand on OP's shoulder* Remember asking me once what it had been like during the Great War? Nothing important, nothing necessary, is ever easy.

OP: *optics narrow at the new bot who's been brought in, /bracing/ as the bot approaches . . . h-he...he doesn't /want/ to be raped yet again, but...but maybe this one will know something of his team*

Con: *does indeed reach for OP's chestplates, opening him up.  He opens his own as well, but instead of pulling the data cable to connect he....pulls a sticker off his spark chamber?!  With one hand clamped over OP's mouth he'll place that sticker on OP's spark chamber* //Easy, Prime, I'm here to help you, but I can't do that if you get me caught and killed.//  *OP's comms don't work...it seems that patch...is working in their place...*

OP: */scowls/ in spite of himself, bracing further . . . the look turns more confused at the patch, then he /bucks/ on reflex at the hand clamping over his mouth, and he /shies/ from the thing being put on his spark chamber . . . and then he goes /still/, staring in /shock/ at the Con*

Con: *just stares back at OP, giving him a chance to process things before speaking again* //My name is Ironshade.  I came here to give you that so you can be aware of what my team /and/ yours are doing to get you out.  Your team each have a patch of their own, reach for them, you'll feel them through it, along with me and fours others.//

OP: .................. *studies him...and turns his attention a little more to the patch, fans hitching as he senses the Con in front of him and seven others*

Bulk: //H-hey, someone just got added.//

Ratchet: //Optimus?//

Bee: //Boss-bot, is that you!?//

OP: *nearly /sobs/, head dipping - it's almost a /good/ thing Iron's hand is clamped over his mouth* //Y-yes...yes, it's me. Are you guys all right?// *yes, even in the horrific condition and situation he's in, he's more worried for his crew*

Bee: //Yeah, we're okay.//

Ratchet: *can /hear/ the worry in his voice* //You, on the other hand, very much are not.//

OP: //I...d-don't...don't worry about me. What's going on?// *looks at the Con when he asks, asking him as well*

Iron: //We're going to get you out of here.  Not now, unfortunately, but by tomorrow evening, if all goes well, you'll be safe and free.//

OP: *optic narrow* //Why are you helping, Decepticon? What's in it for you?//

Iron: *little smile* //I’m not actually a Decepticon.  I’m helping because I want to, because your crew love you, and I value the opinions of good mechs.  But do keep up with the glares, we are pretending to be doing something rather sick at the moment, and I know for certain Ricochet has at least two cameras in here watching you at all times, especially when you’re not alone.  It’s why I didn’t say anything before giving you the comm patch.//

*It’s another night before Ratchet and Iron arrive at Zero’s.  Timing is just right that Zero is stepping out as the two reach the door.*

Zero: *pauses, looking startled for a moment...and then he gives Ratchet a smile* You must be Ratchet. *he offers his hand* I’m Subzero.

Mech: *holds Bee to his chest* Easy, Bumblebee.  I'm here to get you out of this pit.

Bee: */pathetic/* O-out? Like.../out/ out? *looks around, looks at the wheel, looks up at the mech* ..........I'm dreaming, aren't I? Or I've finally cracked.

Mech: *gives Bee a gentle smile* Out out.  And you're not dreaming...and though I honestly can't comment yet on your mental state, I can assure you that this isn't some conjuring of your mind.

Bee: ............. *breaks down with a soft sob, turning to tuck into the bot's chest, clutching at him* P-please . . . I'll be good, j-just get me /out/ of here!

Mech: *gently hugs Bee to him* You're going to be okay now.  Promise.  *he shifts Bee back just a little* Here.  Fuel a bit, I'm going to get you out of here. *he pings Prowl* //The way out still clear?//

Bee: *gasps and clutches hungrily at the cube*

Prowl: //So far, yes. You have Bumblebee?// *a beat, almost afraid to ask* //How...how is he?//

Zero: //He's exhausted, hurt, and past the point of being able to cope, I think.  I don't know him as well as you do, but I think he'll be okay with some rest and time to realize that he's going to be okay.//

Prowl: //.............I hope so. Take care of him, Subzero. On the surface, he can be an annoying brat of a bot, but...he has a great spark, and I consider him family.//

Zero: //I will.  Make sure my way out stays clear, and that we're not followed.  I'll meet you back at the agreed upon location.// *he'll let Bee gulp down the energon, then will snuggle the small bot to his chest (Bee may or may not notice his Con badge then), and will start to head out of the place...*

Prowl: //I'll take care of things. See you there.//

Bee: ................ *softly traces the edges of the badge, quietly* Definitely dreaming or cracked...

Zero: *softly* It's fake, but that's not important right now.

Bee: ......fake dream...there's a new one... *curls closer against his rescuer's chest*

Zero: *soft chuckle, not going to bother correcting him right now.  He’ll just snuggle Bee close and get him out of there.  He’ll make it to the rendezvous point before Prowl and will get the little bot settled in a berth* Just sleep.  You’ll feel better once you’ve gotten some good recharge.

Naijah: *will come sit by her* Whacha makin', munchkin?

Jendayi: A thing. Mommy taught me how. *she finishes a small loop and puts it on her head. She'll immediately start another.*

Prowl: It's beautiful. *actually wishes he could make one too, but his fingers are just too big* What is it called?

Jendayi: I dunno.

Terris: Wreath. It's called a wreath.

Jendayi: A wreath.

Prowl: Wreath… *watches another few minutes, then will excuse himself to make a quick pass of the perimeter, make sure it's secure, then will come back and continue watching and chatting*

Jendayi: *This one is /much/ thicker than the one on her head and /much/ longer.*

Nyri: *has taken to helping build it up from the other end.*

Jendayi: *murmuring quietly with Nyri...and finally they weave the loop closed. And then she looks up a Prowl.*

Nyri: *grins up at him.* Lean down here, big guy.

Prowl: *surprised* For me? *will lean down*

Nyri: *will use Air to get it settled on his head.* There. What do you think, munchkin?

Jendayi: *claps* It looks pretty on him! Do you like it, Uncle Prowl?

Prowl: */very/ gingerly reaches to touch it* I do, thank you. I'm honored, Jendayi.

Bee: *comes back out just then . . . stops, then /sputters/ laughing* Prowl, /what/ is that you have on your head?

Prowl: */dangerous/ look as he scowls* It's called a wreath. Jendayi made it for me. *"so don't you DARE make fun of it!"*

Bee: *can take a hint (sometimes), hands up* Whoa, easy, ninjabot! No need to get all serious like that.

Jendayi: *moves away a bit to start picking more flowers.* Don't worry, Uncle Bumblebee. I'll make you one too.

Bee: Uh…thanks, but…I'll pass. *not sure he /wants/ to be wearing pieces of nature that are going to shed all over him and get bits in his vents*

Jendayi: =< You don’t want one?

Sirrah: Optimus. *sitting by the wall in a large building.*

*Oh, they /definitely/ want to go in. OP especially is FASCINATED by everything. Prowl too, if not nearly as intensely. Bulk, Ratchet, and even Bee are interested as well to varying degrees.*

OP: *pauses in his exploration* Yes, Sirrah?

Sirrah: I think you will like this. *kind of nods for him to come over to her.*

OP: *easily approaches at the cue*

Sirrah: *nods to a spot on the wall, a round bump the size of a man's hand...or a large Autobot's fingertip.* Press there.

OP: *curious but does as told, pressing carefully*

*The lump depresses into the wall a little and then there is a rumble and grind of old gears. The machinery protests but moves, opening into a wide and tall hall. Electric lights come to life down the hall, well...some do, nearly half of the ones that do come on pop and go dark the next moment, but it's enough to see clearly.*

OP: *stares, fascinated* What /is/ this place? I didn't think they had electricity or machinery of any kind here. *switches on the lights on his chest and shoulders and ducks inside for a better view*

Terris: It's an ancient place that shows just how much we've lost. *shakes his head* We don't even realize what we used to be... *follows OP in*

OP: What you used to be? *addressing Terris but doesn't take his optics off what's around him as he ventures farther in*

Terris: We've lost so much of our culture, our history, our...technology. This place makes it clear that all people of this world have no idea what we used to have, used to live like.

OP: *small frown* I’m sorry. I can't imagine what that must be like. Maybe we can find some things in here that we can take back with us. Start sharing this technology again?

Terris: There is a lot in here. Perhaps you can help me figure it out. *he's been here before.*

OP: I'd be honored. *and he turns his attention in earnest to the things around them*

*As they reach the end of the hall they’ll enter into a massive room.  The hall, more a ramp, led down into the ground.  The room is massive, holding all sorts of things.  It looks like a huge storage room for everything from equipment, information, and even kitchen supplies.  It’s quite the amazing spread...*

Ziomi: *moves closer to Prowl....and smiles* I believe a certain little girl is waking up....

Prowl: *perks, looks...small grin* I believe you're right. *will leave her be until she decides to come out*

Jendayi: *crawls to the end of the bedding, a lump under the blankets until she emerges from the end with a roll.  She sprawls on the rock for a moment before sitting up and looking around.  One look at Prowl brings a GRIN to her face and she'll get up to go to him*

Prowl: *is /grinning/ at her and shifts to offer his hand* Good morning, Jendayi.

Jendayi: Good morning.  *she bounces over to his hand and climbs easily into his palm, beaming up at him*

Prowl: *lifts her to his chest for a hug* Did you sleep well?

Jendayi: Mm-hmm.  You were in my dreams. 

Prowl: They were pleasant dreams, I trust?

Jendayi: We made pretty things with flowers together, like my mommy taught me.

Prowl: That sounds pleasant. I'm glad you had fun. Do you have plans for today? *not that he does either, just asking*

Jendayi: I don't know....do you?

Sirrah: I was not concerned about numbers. *nope, just getting an idea of who he is.* And does your team have a specialty?

Bulk: Space bridge maintenance! *wow, so proud*

Bee: *optic roll* Yeah . . . we had the /glorious/ job of rock clean-up when asteroids clutter up bridges before we found ourselves trying to keep the AllSpark from Megatron himself.

Ratchet: An' I'd say we've done a slaggin' good job of it so far.

Bee: Only because the AllSpark blew up and scattered to the four corners of Michigan!

OP: ………to answer your question, Sirrah, no, not the way you might be thinking. We had the duty we'd been assigned to. We're technically a repair crew.

Prowl: And I was originally along for the ride until they returned to Cybertron, our homeworld, after my ship was accidentally destroyed. I'm a cyber-ninja with the Autobot Cyber-Ninja Corp.

Bee: *snerks, looking at Ratchet* And /who's/ fault was that?

Ratchet: */scowls/* As he said, it was an /accident/.

OP: *just…long-suffering look - he loves them, he really does, but…sometimes…oy.*

Sirrah: *looks at Prowl* So Optimus is not actually your commanding officer?

*The two exchange looks.*

Prowl: Technically…no. Not directly. But he does outrank me, and he is the commander of the crew I've attached myself to for the time being. By that, I recognize his authority. *kind of a wry grin as he looks at the rest of the crew, then back to OP* Unless and until I am assigned elsewhere . . . this is my team.

OP: *small grin, nods - it took him long enough to really /get/ that, so glad he finally did (even if it /did/ take nearly dying…)*

Sirrah: Point is, you did /choose/ to follow him.  Why is that, if I may ask?