socrowdedinhere | Entries tagged with character: human!bumblebee

Sirrah: < Peace, Ish'ip. I will not allow you to die. Peace... >

Bee: *is MUCH younger than he acts or lets on sometimes, and he's out here alone (in a sense, in his mind - no other Autobots around...), and they're trying to kill him before he can even defend himself! . . . he's /scared/ . . . if she's telling him to calm down, he'll /try/ . . . but the people pressing so close around him will need to back off first!*

*all but a few will back off. One holding him up and another standing nearby.*

Terris: B-bee? *can't see, so he's checking*

Bee: T-ter-... *coughs*

Man's voice: That was not meant to happen. *Bee will hear someone step towards him, and Sirrah mentally warns him that that the man is reaching for his face, to stay still, and he'll feel fingers softly touch his cheek before pulling the blindfold up and off*

Bee: *was /stiff/ before but goes RIGID at the touch, /flinching/ back, wide eyes looking at whoever's in front of him* T-they...t-tried to k-kill us! *Decepticons and other /obvious/ opponents, he can take, but this . . . this has /scared/ him, at least for the moment*

Man: *he's J'har* I know. I apologize for that. *studies him, then shifts to Terris to remove his blindfold*

Bee: *gaze darting all around*

*He'll see J'har....lots of J'har...some Half-Bloods, but mostly J'har....even some in all black who have stripped off their head coverings are J'har....*

Bee: ...............wow... */softly/*

Terris: *It's as he thought....and he's suspecting they /are/ the bandits.....* We mean no harm to you and yours. A friend of ours has fallen on hard times due to his orchards being raided by bandits.

Man: *wry smile* And you followed your noses and think you've found your bandits. *smile fades* You are probably right. We do what he must to survive...

Bee: ................some /very/ good people are going to be taken into slavery if they can't pay their land taxes. Including a beautiful little Half-Blood girl whose father has been /desperately/ trying to protect her and her little brother. *they don't need to know that they took care of her ears this afternoon*

Man: *looks between them* This is disturbing news. Are you sure she is a Half-Blood?

Bee: *pulls a breath and nods* Her hair's light enough to get away with it, and they clipped her ears so that you have to be right on top of her to tell.

Terris: She is not a wielder, her eyes a brown.

Man: *nods* What is the location of this orchard? *nods again as he's answered* We will stay clear of that orchard. We do not wish to endanger one of our own.

Bee: *nods* Thanks. The whole family . . . and I mean /everyone/ who lives there . . . they're good people. The master of the house, he said bandits had been moving in, more than in the past, and his crops had been failing. He's not been able to pay his taxes in six months. We almost lost Zisheri today to bandits. We - *nods at Terris* - came out to see if we could figure out /why/ things were going like they were, so we could try to stop it. Stop /either/ of the children from being kidnapped again, or anything else happening. They're . . . theyr'e good people. They hate slavery as much as anyone, and the /few/ slaves they /do/ have - because they can't afford to /pay/ workers anymore - they're treated the same as if they were free. *please believe him, please leave the family alone...*

Man: .......*nod* They will be left alone.

Man1: What about them? They know where we are now! Or where to start looking....

Bee: ........ you're out here to be free, right?

Man: *the leader has put his hand up to quiet the others* We are. Free and safe.

Bee: *nods . . . mentally finding his footing, voice strengthening, with the places his mind is going as he continues* A long time ago - *okay, not really, not for him, but by how /these/ people measure time* - I took an oath. I'm a member of a group called the Autobots. Our leader's name is Optimus Prime. If there is one thing that Optimus teaches every one of us, it's that all life is sacred. /All/ life, regardless of race. Or even mixed race. And freedom is the /right/ of all sentient beings. *pauses, reacting a little to his own slip* Okay, that's /two/ things. But they're true. */huffs/* Slavery is /wrong/. It's /sick/ and it's /wrong/. I can't . . . we can't convince you to believe us, I wish we could - a slaver looking around at all of you would only see all the money he could make . . . but that's just /sick/! I'm /glad/ you're free. You /should/ be! And /alive/. *looking at whatever nearest Half-Blood he can pick out* We don't want anything from you . . . and we'd never tell anyone you're here. That'd be worse than murder as far as I'm concerned.

Sirrah: *Bee can feel her still perched on his shoulder, though none seem to be reacting to her. She'll give him a happy purr across his mind, she's proud of him*

Terris: *nods* I may not be one of these Autobots, but my beliefs are the same. I have helped many J'har and Half-Bloods, and will continue to do so for as long as I live.

Man: ............*nods* I believe you. *motions and Bee and Terris will feel people shift up behind them to untie their hands* ...I still must insist that you be blindfolded and lead away from here.

Terris: You will need to learn to cover your trail. It was not too hard to find or follow.

Man: ....*nods* We will work on that.

Terris: Let me teach you. Let us leave in the morning, I can show you and your people what I know now.

Man: *glances at Bee...is he willing to stay longer?* Will people not worry for you? I do not need more coming into these parts....

Master: *shifts to put a hand on WJ's arm* I'm sorry.... *that he's been through that...*

WJ: *faint flinch . . . but gives the man a small grin as he looks back up at him* Heh . . . I'd say the past is past 'cept that it keeps sneakin' up on me when I'm not lookin', ya know? *sighs* Anyway . . . how 'bout we round everyone up an' head back?

Master: *nods at the police station* Looks like everyone is just wrapping up in there.

*Sure enough, the last of those that had been pulled in for questioning have gathered in the lobby and are just heading for the door.*

SZ: *steps out first, giving Zisheri a /grin/ and well wishes, and then giving WJ a HUG too...*

*The others come out, ready to go*

WJ: *being more careful of the man's injuries this time, he HUGS back, /soooo/ glad to see him okay!*

SZ: *grins around WJ at Bee*

Vashti: Shall we go?

Bee: */grins/ back, then nods to Vashti* Yeah, let's get these guys home.

*Nods all around and they'll head out, Zisheri tucked to her father's side. When they finally get back to the farm Zisheri will find her arms full with her little brother. She HUGGING HIM, and he's CLINGING back, sobbing against her shoulder that he's been so worried for her. She soothes him as best she can, crying softly and glad he's safe.*

*The mech!Amin will keep to the side, out of the way*

Master: *watches his children with a look on his face that makes it /clear/ just how much he loves them...and finally turns to the others* Thank you again, for all you've done. I will never be able to repay you what you've done for my family.

WJ: *concerned frown* Well . . . from what you were sayin' earlier, it's not over yet. Not by a long shot...

Master: ....It's hard to say for sure. I can't do much about bandits, but it's impossible to know how the trees will do in the next harvest...

Vashti: ...Not impossible. .....Allow us rooms for the next two nights, and your orchard will be the finest producing orchard around.

Master: ?? My lady, you can have of me whatever you wish. The rooms are yours. But...what are you going to do?

Vashti: *smiles* Make sure your trees are healthy...

Master: ?? *looks at the others*

Bee: *not surprised - he'd hoped to ask that of her himself if it wasn't too much trouble . . . just nods* How long you think it'll last?

WJ: An' what about the increasin' numbers of bandits?

Vashti: Not much can be done about bandits. You will want to hire guards to watch over your orchards. *smirky little smile and gives a nod....Tyli and Amory step up and put down the sacks of money* Use it wisely.

Master: *just....gapes....*

Zisheri: *laughs! Life Light, this is wonderful! And HUGS her brother tighter.*

*The mechs just /grin/.*

Bee: Still . . . maybe I should do some scounting around? *just in case*

Vashti: Do as you wish, but there is no telling if these bandits are all in one group, or opertunistic travelers, or just scattered vagabonds. You may not find much. *but she won't tell him not to, or that doing so is stupid.*

*The Amin will head out to and try to get her scent. Seems she was taken from her room. The room is torn up, things thrown all over the place....but there's no sign of her outside, and this is her home, her scent is everywhere. Even on the edges of the property it's impossible to find a sure trail, and there's acres of land to cover, she loved walking the orchard or the field....*

*WJ and Bee will help all they can, but . . . if their other Amin friends can't find the trail...*

*When it becomes clear that they're not going to find Sher Vashti will head into town with a few others to....make a withdrawal. Master may not have the money, but she does, and handing the money over may be the only way to get the girl back alive....they can always get her money back after...Come evening another message is delivered by an arrow shot into the yard....they know where to go...*

WJ: *at some point before that, he will pull Vashti aside in private to ask if she'll help him with at least /some/ of his wounds - won't ask her to /tire/ herself at all, knows she can't heal /all/ of him and still be ready to deal with these fraggers . . . but whatever she /can/ do, is /comfortable/ with doing....he'll take it, anything will help*

Vashti: ........*agrees....but she can't do much, not here, it would be a risk that could get them all murdered. But she'll do enough to help...*

WJ: ......... *had but /hadn't/ thought of that* Maybe...we shouldn't. M'sorry. I shouldn't have asked. I was thinkin' the bandages would hide it, but...

Vashti: They will, but I still should not do much.

WJ: No, it's . . . it's okay. Not like I've never been hurt before. I wanted ta make sure I'm up ta speed for helpin' with Sher . . . but not like I'll be the only one there. I should...I'll be okay. Thanks, though.

Vashti: *puts a hand on his arm* As soon as we leave here. I promise.

WJ: ............. *will /hug/ her if she'll let him* *partly because . . . /he/ could really use it!*

Vashti: */easily/ hugs back, mindful of his back, but not hesitating to wrap her arms firmly around him*

WJ: *had been ready to just give a quick hug and then back off...b-but at that he just...HUGS!, tucking his muzzle to her shoulder . . . softly* M'sorry... *for the trouble he's been? for his current weakness? hard to say*

Vashti: Shhhh. *snuggles him, one hand shifting to pet at the back of his head*

WJ: */struggling/ to not just break down . . . breathes a few times and finally pulls back, looking at her* T-thanks.

Vashti: *gives him a smile and touches his muzzle, the gesture soft.* You are very welcome. Come. It is about time to meet with these bastards that would kidnap a young woman.

WJ: *nods* She's very kind. You'll like her. */scowls/* If those fraggers have hurt her at /all/...

Vashti: *would be surprised if they haven't...but won't say as much...*

*They'll head out, Master, Horen, and WJ going where they're obvious, Vashti, Bee, and the others following where they can't be seen so they can either stop the bastards that took Sher, or follow them back to where they were hiding, however things work out... They arrive, Sirrah invisible and staying close to either WJ or Bee depending on Bee's preference, and will wait for the kidnappers to arrive. It won't take long. Five men approach, one holding a girl over a shoulder, a sack over her head to her waist....she's not moving....or at least, not struggling*

*/First/ thing in the morning WJ is taken in, his wounds cleaned and bandaged, and then taken to the master's office.*

WJ: *unresponsive*

Master: Look at me, Jack.

WJ: ............... *does so - if /anything/ flickers in his eyes, it's a hint of anger and defiance*

Master: *sees that.......nodnodnod* Good, you haven't completely lost yourself. My daughter, Corland, and Keldin have told me that you were kidnapped from your home. Is this true?

WJ: ............... *doesn't answer - this man /purchased/ another's life because he can't be fragged to make the time to take care of his own child . . . he's not really ready to trust this man for /anything/* *a little more life /does/ come to his eyes, though*

Master: Corland said you were taken from your son. *watching WJ closely. The life coming back to his eyes? That tells him a lot without WJ saying anything. So he's watching for such reactions* My children are my world, I can only imagine that your son is yours. If it is possible to reach your home, then I will see you returned there. Returned to your son.

WJ: ................. *at that, the shield comes down and there's /anger/ in his eyes* Is that the /only/ reason? /Master/? *so much /hate/ for that word, like it's a /curse/*

Master: *now that WJ is really looking at him, he looks like a worn and weary leader...has that /tired/-but-can't-rest-yet look about him that Prime tries so hard to hide* *he answers without hesitation* There are many reasons, Jack.

WJ: *isn't looking that close, doesn't actually see it, just sees a man "having" to deal with his newest, troubling slave too early in the morning* Slavery is /wrong/. Even /criminals/ deserve better. /No/ livin' being has the right ta lay a claim of /ownership/ on another just because he can afford some opportunistic /fragger's/ arbitrary price.

Master: *He doesn't get mad, doesn't seem offended. He just nods* It is sick. And while legally there are a number here that I "own", I will not ever own anyone. Not truly. *pulls a breath and lets it out in a tired sigh* *he writes something, signs it, adds his seal, picks up the paper, and comes around his desk, offering it to WJ* Clearly, you have no reason to tell me where your home is. This will get you so far, legally, though not all will honor it. Be careful, Jack; as you've learned, the caravans in these parts are not known for their integrity, and you'll be traveling alone. *if WJ views the letter, it's something short and sweat saying WJ is on an errand for his master and is not to be hindered.*

*The last Bee knew he had been fighting for his life, and the lives of his creator and friend, Amory, when pain exploded across his stomach. He'll have faint memories of motion, and seeing Amory's face above him....and then nothing. He'll wake to find Kendra sitting beside him, watching him with a worried frown, and Rashek working at the nearby table. He's not in pain, but he feels very, very weak.*

SZ: Maybe I can help with that, likely not tonight, but maybe in time. *studies WJ a moment* You ever share your berth with anyone? *he's been helping traumatized mechs for a long time, he knows a number of "tricks" that may help with nightmares...*

WJ: *glances up at him with a /flinch/, looking /supremely/ guilty as he looks away - it's a moment before he can make himself answer, softly* One . . . sometimes . . .

SZ: *not sure what to make of the look WJ gives him* ....Did it ever help ease the nightmares?

WJ: ..............yeah...a-a lot...actually. */buries/ his face in his arms suddenly with a soft huffsob, how much he MISSES Ratchet suddenly squeezing his chest and making it hard to breathe*

SZ: .....Homesick...? *leans down to gently hug WJ as best he can...*

WJ: *huffs* ....yeah... *only half-convincing - he misses /all/ of his friends, of course, both here and among the Autobots, but times like /right/ /now/ are when he feels like he /needs/ Ratchet...*

SZ: *starting to guess that....if WJ doesn't have his mind on a mate, then it's on a close friend. He hesitates, not wanting to assume too much, to push himself on this mech he's only just met. He'd not intended anything more than to help....so he pulls back enough to shift and lie down by WJ, gently pulling the Amin to him and hugging him. He's shifted up enough that WJ's head will easily tuck to his chest/shoulder*

WJ: *flinches back, looking up . . . making /sure/ he's not misunderstanding . . . b-but then . . . can't . . . just /can't/ resist, and /tucks/ into the Human with another soft huffsob, trembling*

SZ: *ready to pull back, ready to apologize and assure WJ he's done nothing wrong, but then WJ tucks in and he hugs a little tighter, softly petting at him. Only when WJ seems to be calming down a bit again will he speak, voice soft* Try to get some more rest, Wheeljack. I'll be right here.

WJ: *finally /loses/ it for a few minutes, /sobbing/ brokenheartedly...but quietly, at least . . . when he quiets, it's to /apologize/ again...*

SZ: Shhh. Shhh. Don't apologize for grieving, Wheeljack. It's okay. *petsnugglelove* Try to relax, rest some more.

WJ: *n-nodnods, snuggling in - if nothing else, because /he/ needs it...and h-he...he /does/ feel safe and supported and cared for, and that's.../so/ what he needs right now*

SZ: *will let his hands go still, arms around WJ to just comfort and protect. He'll doze lightly so long as it seems WJ might sleep a little more.*

WJ: *the nightmares take a little longer this time...but soon he's /whimpering/ in his sleep again, flinching and shuddering and faintly pleading*

SZ: *without really thinking about it he manages to at once loosen his grip on WJ and still keep him firmly and protectively held. He murmurs softly in WJ's ear* You 're safe. It 's okay. I 've got you, and I won't let anyone harm you. I'll protect you. You're safe.

WJ: *whimpering pleas turn to pathetic apologies as he /curls/ in on himself, trembling /hard/*

SZ: Shh. Shhh. You don't have to apologize. It's okay. You're safe. I've got you. I won't let anyone hurt you. *hands start to softly move, petting, loving*

WJ: *sobs harder till he finally wakes himself up with a harsh gasp and pulling back in alarm from whoever's got hold of him!!! . . . takes him a moment to recognize SZ and then he collapses on himself, sobbing again*

SZ: *lets go, enough that WJ can pull away. He gives the Amin-mech a smile and huggles him close again* It’s okay.... *he’ll snugglelove for a bit then coax WJ to sit up*

WJ: *reluctant, wanting to just disappear into himself . . . but doesn't resist*

SZ: *once sitting up he huggles WJ close, just loving on him* It’s still afternoon, would you care to try to eat a bit more...?

WJ: *rubbing at his eyes with huge, awkward paws, gulping air trying to calm himself back down, still /shaking/ hard . . . doesn't trust his voice yet so he just nods*

SZ: *will snuggle and comfort, not rushing him at all* Take your time, Wheeljack. It’s okay.

((*tosses this up and goes to bed*))

*They’ll reach a cave that.....has rather expertly been turned into something cozy and welcoming. They’ll take WJ in and Terris will finish seeing to his wounds, getting his back stitched and bandaged, his wrists bandaged, and the patches of missing fur treated with a salve to help the fur grow back. After getting him to eat and drink a little more, and this time the challenge may be /stopping/ when they say he needs to stop eating, they’ll fix up a place for him to lie down and get some sleep, promising that is his stomach is feeling okay when he wakes he can eat as much as he wants then.*

WJ: *doesn't care /where/ they take him so long as it's /safe/ - he's quiet and obedient as they tend to him and he does as told, including stopping when told, though it /is/ a bit of a struggle . . . he'll lie down and is almost instantly /out/ . . . and the nightmares aren't far behind*

SZ: *WJ will likely wake from those nightmares to find SZ sitting by his shoulder, softly petting his head or rubbing an ear, while he softly murmurs comforts to the mech* It’s okay. It’s okay, you’re safe now. You’re safe. Wheeljack, you’re okay.

WJ: *FLINCHES back from whoever's too close, CURLING, /frightened/ eyes darting up to see who it is . . . there's a moment of frozen confusion before he relaxes in increments, looking around* I'm s-sorry... *still panting a bit, heart still /racing/*

SZ: *pulls his hand away until WJ seems to recognize him again, and then goes back to softly petting at him* You have nothing to be sorry for.

WJ: ...............I-I get like this. Restless. *yeah, that's one word for it* Don't...don't worry about me. I'll be okay. I'll just keep disturbin' ya if ya try ta stay here. I'm okay...

SZ: It’s all right. I’m here to help. Just try to rest.

WJ: .......I don't wanna keep ya up. What... *shifts to try to see out the cave* What time is it?

SZ: Not late enough for me to want to recharge yet. Just rest. *it is still light out...*

WJ: I'll, um...probably be doin' this all night. *just so he knows* It's normal.