Reawakening

[primus_seeress]

((In which Auspex wakes, after an 11-year stasis...))


Primus: *gently calls into the mind of his sleeping daughters*

tiny voice: *starts chirping happy*

Auspex: *Optics flicker online. She sits up from the recharge berth, absently scritching the babbling Tessera - ready to start a new day, the usual routine. Still, there is a lingering... strangeness. A query to Primus returns nothing of immediate calamity, but she has a strange feeling, regardless.*

Primus: *gentle affection. The sanctuary is silent. But a friend is here*

Tessera: *antennae toward the door* Ratchet! *soooo happy*

Auspex: *returns the affection, acknowledging the notification. She casts her senses about her as she makes her way toward the main sanctuary, frowning as she realizes she's alone with Tessera, and the visitor (evidently Ratchet, most likely of the Allspark messenger variety). Bob does not seem to be in his room. The strange feeling intensifies.*

Ratchet: *turns from where he's standing by the empty table that once held a Minicon-esque statue, his face brightening* Hi, Auspex.

Auspex: *strides out past the central mosaic, approaching her friend. She notes the missing statue with quiet confusion, but Ratchet doesn't seem to be acknowledging its absence himself, though he's standing by its usual spot... she'll ask later. There's probably an important reason for his visit, regardless, and it's likely more pressing than the artwork* Hello, Ratchet. What brings you here?

Ratchet: *grows slightly so he's more of a proper Ratchet size to her, and then reaches to gently take her hands, his feelings going to apology and reassurance as Primus also sparks gently with the same* How are you feeling?

Tessera: *stops chirping for a moment. The funny look she just gave Ratchet is nearly palpable. But then the happy chirping resumes*

Auspex: *smiles in slight amusement as Ratchet adjusts to her height, but it fades as the apologetic aspect emerges from both the messenger, and her god himself. Confusion returns as Tessera's babble is interrupted for as long a time as she's ever heard from the chiproach, and the question strikes her as odd* I am well enough, though I feel some vague... misgivings is too strong a word, but something lingers. Is everything all right?

Ratchet: *emotions show a bit of a wince, but he's still reassuring, and it flared up more at her question. Softly* There have been some changes. *slight exasperated humour* More than just your statue becoming somebody.

Auspex: *Her optics flicker, confusion increasing* My... *she looks back at the table where the statue should be, as though it would materialize after her having acknowledged its absence* And... more? What happened?

Ratchet: *softly, as he squeezes her hands and emotes calm and support* About a decade.

Auspex: *blinks, very slowly. She sends another query to Primus, as though she feels she's misheard the impressions from Ratchet. She makes sure she's converted the time measurement correctly.* I'm... not sure I understand.

Ratchet: *gently* There was a temporal storm. Large parts of the multiverse that you used to interact with have closed off so solidly that even Primus can't hear his alter brothers in them. To keep you safe he caused you to sleep.

Auspex: He... it's... *she is struggling to understand, sending a wordless exclamation of alarm, if she's comprehending this correctly* The... multiverse has... shifted? And... stasis? Simply myself, or my whole reality? *squeaks slightly, as she realizes the statue is evidence otherwise... Finally, she checks her chronometer, and the irrefutable data chills her* Only me?? But... *She trembles, thinking of her own, the ones who live on her Cybertron, who would have come to be served, and her having failed them, and... *

Ratchet: No no. They're alright! They're alright. Except a couple of young guys who had somehow heard some version of the sleeping beauty story and needed to be punted. *soothing sooothing* Someone was here. Your people are alright.

Auspex: *cycling air quickly, trying to calm herself; Ratchet says they were fine. Primus says they were fine. Auspex seizes on that desperately, sending a shudder of dismay, despite the reassurance* Someone... was here? *and there are more questions, but one thing at a time...*

Ratchet: *exasperated amusement not aimed at Auspex as he nods toward her empty table*

Auspex: *Stares. Blinks. Her gaze slowly drifts to the table, where the lovely statue, given to her by Thrust some time ago, once rested. Surely...* The... statue? It... *hisses softly* I sincerely hope this was its first time being a living being, if this means what I think it does...

Ratchet: *quick to reassure, as is Primus* Theodicy is only eleven years old. He was just a statue before.

Auspex: *still staring at the table, drawing in that reassurance like a lifeline, though her confusion remains. Her voice is soft with recollection, not yet willing to acknowledge how much longer ago the memory is now...* Thrust's creator, Windtunnel... he told me once that it resembled a statue made from the body of a dead Mini-Con, from his own reality. I was horrified, until we worked out that this one actually belonged to Dreadmoon, and was only ever a sculpture. The irony of this... *She chuckles, though there is not a great deal of mirth in it* How did it happen?

Ratchet: *mirth overpowers his other emotions as he deadpans and points downward*

Primus: *may... have cheated just a little. With that wish Hormah lost that time?*

Tessera: Weeeee.

Auspex: *feels the hint of amusement, perhaps a bit of... guilt? She attempts to wrap her mind around that. Something about Hormah, and...* Magic? Really... left over from something Hormah did?
Hormah...? *Oh. Oh no. Her optics brighten in anguish as realization hits* Bob? Where is Bob?? Where was he when...? *she turns to look Ratchet in the optics, pleading*

Ratchet: *rush of more reassurance as the hands on her shoulders become a hug* Bob's fine. He's got his own sanctuary in his reality of origin. *lifts head and turns it as a voice calls from the door* What? Skyhunter?

Auspex: *She tries not to clutch at his arms, but there is definite clinging going on here* Bob is all right? You know? You have seen him? He... went back home? *And it was dangerous there, last she knew. She trusts Primus, but this is so much to take in... She looks up as someone else approaches, attempting to center herself, but she's not entirely successful*

Skyhunter: *standing just inside the door, a handsome purple and rose coloured G1 tech Seeker with gentle blue eyes and a calm and gentle spark that is bubbling over with joy* It's open again, Ratchet?

Ratchet: *rubs Auspex's back* It's open again.

Skyhunter: *slight headtilt ala Skyfire, and a smile that echoes Fireflight* I'll go tell Blackout and Blazer! *turns and is airborn and gone almost before he's left the building*

Ratchet: *gentle snort of amusement, and then looks back down at Auspex. Is still transmitting reassurance and calm*

Auspex: *She would be looking at Skyhunter with gentle curiosity, if she wasn't such a whirlwind of overwhelming impressions. She drops her head down to rest on Ratchet's shoulder for a moment, grateful for his patient strength, allowing Primus to sort through what she's feeling* Blazer. Blazer is still there. *she nearly sobs in relief* Blackout...? Has been keeping track?

Ratchet: *nods, still rubbing her back* She's had Skyhunter trying the portals and the teleporters ever since Bob arrived in the Question Square with all his possessions. *pride echoes softly through his feelings* She's Warlady of the Backwater nexus now. She acknowledges that her children are her family. And she has a husband.

Auspex: *cringes for a moment, seizing on Primus's solace with a death-grip, unable to think of her gentle resident Seeker losing his home like that without grief* Oh, Bob... *she sighs heavily, giving herself another few moments to draw in reassurance before lifting her head.* 'Husband'? *she is not accustomed to the title, and it sounds a bit foreign to her. But Blackout was always rather an enigma to her*

Ratchet: *bit bemused by the word too, but feels he understands it* She lives in a world with a lot of humans, so she uses human language. She and Greatshot have been bonded for a couple years now.
*yeah, Auspex. Not Skywarp*

Auspex: *nods quietly, that does make sense, and she approves of Blackout's apparent prosperity. Still, she can't help but be centered on those she is closest to* Bob... is serving? He is safe? And Hormah is well? Blazer also? *She admits to Primus that she is terrified to ask about anyone who hasn't already been mentioned...*
I suppose I will need to meet my interim caretaker at some point, as well. *She musters a weak smile, before glancing down on her person to find Tessera, giving her a fond pat, just to reassure herself she's still there*

Tessera: *so happy. Loves you, Auspex!*

Ratchet: *squints one eye slightly as he catches the edge of that love bomb* Bob is Primus servant, evangelical pastor, and occasional lab assistant and transportation for his wife. Hormah has the sanctuary in the Backwater, she's servant, pastor, doctor, and old woman in the shoe.

Primus: *Hormah hasn't THAT many children*

Ratchet: *sorry, not sorry* XD

Auspex: *gasps softly, optics wide, as thoughts stumble over each other. She's not familiar with the second title, and there's another human term she's... did she understand that right??* Bob... has a bondmate?
*She's... this is a complicated feeling. She's proud of him, joyful, but... sad. Like... she's missed something important. She should have been there for him, and she simply wasn't there. It's painful, in a bittersweet way. She has no words for it, and mentally flails at Primus for a moment, before she accepts his soothing.*
*She turns her mind to Hormah* A... shoe? *She realizes it's a joke, one she doesn't understand, but this is nothing new, really.*

Primus: *helpfully shows her all about the old woman who lived in the shoe*

Ratchet: *quiet comfort and sympathy* Her name's Perceptor.

Auspex: *brow quirks in wry bemusement at the idea of a woman with too many children. It reminds her more of Blackout, really. She shakes her head, sobering again at the name of Bob's bondmate, speaking softly* I knew a mech by that name... probably a different universe, but perhaps the temperament is similar. Was it long after... this? *she gestures vaguely at the sanctuary at large, attempting to indicate this flux she finds herself in*

Ratchet: *nods* He lived with Hormah for awhile before he was called to his own reality. He met Perceptor in the Black Dog one day when her friend Kup fell afoul of a drink called Chromia. Perceptor is shy and was overwhelmed by the situation. *shakes his head and thinks that Bob was probably the tall handsome hero*
*chuckles at the protective mother vibes he picks up from Auspex then* They didn't get married right away.

Auspex: *She feels a touch of amusement at his reassurance - she'd had a moment of concern at first; it had sounded like they'd barely met, and she'd hope Bob would not be too easily swayed by his compassion. There is slight levity in that thought, mixed with more ache - she should talk...*

Ratchet: *picks up on that and frowns with concern*

Primus: *amusement and bemusement at a secret he knows*

Ratchet: *shhhh, Primus! Turns his head* There's Theodicy.

Auspex: *She shakes her head gently, giving Ratchet's arm a squeeze, in her own attempt at reassurance* It's an old struggle for me - where my empathy ends, and my own emotions begin. Bob is sensitive, but he is not an empath. Unless more has changed than I realize... *There is a moment of more disquiet, before her attention is directed to Primus's impression, and Ratchet's answer. What...?*
*But then, distraction... she looks up, filled with curiosity as to who has been caring for her sanctuary in her absence...*

Ratchet: *affection in response to the reassurance, and then exasperation and amusement as he thinks of Thrust. And then he's smiling widely as Auspex's former ornament scoots inside before turning around to razz cheerfully at the pink rain that's just started to fall.*

Theodicy: *is shiny, but the shine looks a little smeared, as though he was trying to dress up for something, but just isn't that worried about his appearance. Is sparking with joy and excitement, and cheeky happy confidence*

Tessera: Ooooooo.

Auspex: *She can sense the exasperation, but not why... but her optics brighten at the sight of the familiar golden statue, very unfamiliarly walking on its own power, and there is the sense of a spark, reaffirming that he is a living, thinking, Cybertronian mech.
She frowns at the rain in dismay, thinking now is a poor time for a storm... though it seems less severe than the ones she's used to. Providence of Primus...
Turning to the former statue, she crouches to get a better look at him, the beginnings of gratitude, and instant fondness, in her aspect* Theodicy...?

Theodicy: *whirls, his smile and gladness blooming brightly* Mom. Can you feel it? Primus is getting all weepy because we finally get to say hi to each other..

Primus: *harrumph*

Ratchet: *XD*

Auspex: *thoughts completely stutter for a moment at how he addresses her, taking a moment to even define the term, let alone how to respond to it. She simply lets it go for now, focusing on the joy, and her own affection, both for her god, and for the new little mech that's taken care of her and her temple. She laughs softly* I do!
*She'd say more, but again, the emotions are complicated. She lets her thank you/you are precious/you remind me of someone dear to me/you are your own, and you are Primus's speak for itself, as she reaches out to him*

Theodicy: *I wouldn't be here if not for you, say his emotions softly as he steps forward without hesitation and gives her a gentle hug as though he's afraid of breaking her*

Auspex: *returns the hug gladly, though she wonders a bit at how delicately he's treating her. After a moment, she pulls back a bit to meet his optics, blue-grey and all calm joy, with her own of indigo, and earnest gratitude* Your name means that good things can come from bad circumstances, with powerful help. And here you are, come to aid me when my circumstances prevented my function. I thank Primus for you, and what you have done for me.

Theodicy: *emotions mildly go, "nahhh" even as he gently snerks at Primus and feels eager. Softly* Primus has been working through me, because I didn't have time to learn. *pats her gently, feeling that he has to be careful with her because she has only civilian armour* It was him.

Ratchet: *no no no, that's not right, kid*

Auspex: *she recognizes how much alike they seem to be in this, with her own tendency to deflect praise and defer to Primus, optics brightening with gentle humor at the similarity, and Ratchet's pause. She lowers her hands to take his* Of course... but you are your own, as well, and you were there for my people when I could not be, where Primus cannot physically go. I am not entirely certain exactly how he brought you into being, but I had no idea when I was given that statue, how much it would bless me later on.

Theodicy: *gently squeezes her hands, the calm and joyful excitement growing in him and now mixed with amusement. Speaks with quiet humour and no trace of mockery* Thrust would be spitting tacks.

Ratchet: *sound of a sporfle choked by a hand stuffed in one's own mouth*

Tessera: *laughs at him. She's not on Auspex right now*

Auspex: *Totally caught off-guard, she makes a little squeak, turning her head to the side, both amused and slightly horrified* He would not approve at all, no. *she focuses randomly on Tessera, distracting herself before those thoughts can go to possibly morbid places. She remembers Windtunnel's story...*

Theodicy: *chuckles and pats her again, then looks down with a slight frown as he feels a little pang of worry that Primus responds to with comfort and encouragement* There's just one thing I'm not sure you're going to like, Mom. About my creation.

Ratchet: *feels like he's holding his breath, even though he doesn't breathe*

Auspex: *there is 'Mom', again. She's confused by the reasoning for the organic terminology, though she understands 'creator who is female', and is getting a good idea of the implications thereof* I imagine he used my spark in some way, to give you life? *she is, perhaps, surprisingly calm about this*

Theodicy: *lets out a huff of relief and then nods, blinking as his emotions swirl a bit. Quiet and calm* Yes. He had a statue, a wish, and you to make me. Something in my creation led to me having the irresistible urge to call you "Mom". Ratchet suspects that some sort of ... LOL? material might be the cause of that.

Auspex: I am not certain what this 'wish' really is, or how Hormah was involved... but that does sound very like a LOL. *her puzzlement is evident, but there is no negative feelings about this* The terminology and the methodology is strange to me, but I have no qualms about the sentiment.

Theodicy: *quietly lets air out of his intakes as he relaxes the rest, but then he lifts his head and leans to see past Auspex as Ratchet speaks*

Ratchet: I have to go. Will you two be alright?

Auspex: *squeezes the small mech's hands, letting the fullness of her gratitude and instinctive fondness be known, before turning slightly to gaze at the Allspark messenger* Unless you can enlighten me about this 'wish' more than Theodicy can... I will not keep you from your duties, Ratchet. *she offers him a grateful smile* Thank you for being here when I awoke. It has brought me great comfort.

Ratchet: Blame Hormah for being a klutz with the wish when she was new. *grins, his affection clear for both Auspex and her son. And then he's gone... but someone else is feeling hopeful and excited*

Theodicy: *head turning as he tries to spot that one*

Auspex: *murmurs to herself, as Ratchet is already gone* So it was hers, somehow...
*She looks up, as she senses the new presence* Do you know who it is, Tessera? *she glances at the resident chiproach, who seems to have an uncanny knack for identifying newcomers*

Theodicy: *feels surprised as he turns toward where the tiny data-bot is sitting on the table*

Tessera: Cloudtrader!

Theodicy: *curiously wondering who that is, and then startling as he realizes that the feelings are coming from a place inside the sanctuary, and that Tessera seems to be looking right at it. Questioning glance for his mother as he withdraws his hands and prepares to go investigate further*

Auspex: *she returns Theodicy's glance with a slight shrug and her own confusion, climbing to her feet. The name is unfamiliar, but it is most likely a free-spark or ferrier of some sort. She addresses the presence she can't see* Hello?

Cloudtrader: *slowly hoves into sight, a little white Seeker with sky blue trim and bright, innocent, happy eyes* Hi! Bob's really busy right now, and timing it scares him. So I came to tell you that he's really happy that he can see you again soon! Oh. I'm his little brother!

Theodicy: *... d'awwww*

Auspex: *her brow raises in surprise: A mech of Bob's construction and build, only very small and compact, like a sparklet. There is a slight pang of disappointment as the little one mentions him; she'd dearly hoped he would come to greet her, now that she knows of the time she's lost. She struggles for a moment, letting Primus soothe that away, before replying graciously* Thank you very much for the news, then! What is the 'timing' that you refer to? Is everything all right?

Cloudtrader: Oh, sorry. Timing is when you use your teleporter to go back to the time you left, or to an earlier time. Some people are really good at it, like Hormah, but Bob's not. *comes walking over and gently pats Auspex, causing a happy tingle in her circuits because he can't solidify. Also with that touch comes the feel of boundless, loving innocence mingled with the distinctive feel of Starscream* As soon as they've dug Wheeljack out of the glitched project they can come. Bob said to tell you he missed you and that he's sorry he couldn't stay, but the reality kicked him out.

Auspex: *nods in understanding* I think PINpoints could do something to that effect? I've never really understood them - I've had enough trouble going to the right location in a reality, let alone a certain time. *her expression clouds over briefly* And so much of my time has escaped me already... no, I don't fault anyone for that.
*She smiles at the free-spark's touch, such as it is, and she wonders why he doesn't seem to be able to materialize, but keeps it to herself, for now. He must be an aspect of that reality's Starscream's personality, but it's not readily evident which, especially if he's had the time to grow beyond it, as Bob has.*
*She nods in understanding at first (it sounds possibly time-consuming, yes), though her expression quickly turns to dismay* It... what? *That hurts. A lot. She wants to be angry at something, for... expunging Bob from the place he called home! But there isn't anything to be angry at, and Primus allowed it... she sighs.*

Primus: *sadly points out that Primus didn't have a say in the matter*

Cloudtrader: Wow! You really need hugs! *expectant look for Theodicy*

Theodicy: *Pat pat a Mom. Thoughtful frown as he feels calmly curious about other worlds, and wonders why Cloudtrader's construction looks so unusual*

Auspex: *She understands, knows him, knows he will see she is not blaming him; never him. It still hurts, but this soothes her, this intimate knowledge. She smiles sadly at Cloudtrader, and reaches a hand to touch Theodicy's shoulder as he offers reassurance* It is painful for me, that Bob had to suffer so much, for seemingly so little reason. But... I find comfort, that he is content now.
*she senses Theodicy's curiosity, though she isn't certain what he doesn't know* Starscream, in Bob's reality, made clones of himself, though we never truly discovered how he managed it. Each represented an aspect of his personality. *she tilts her head at the free-spark sparklet, her own curiosity apparent* I've not heard of one that wasn't identical in build, though. You are different.

Cloudtrader: *little head tilt* I'm his innocence. I never was alive.

Theodicy: *quietly* Ahhh. *and then his brows are lifting, and he's taking his hand from Auspex to automatically walk toward the door in order to greet the person that he can feel approaching*

Tessera: Blazer!

Auspex: *winces slightly, glad he doesn't appear to be overly sensitive about that - that might have been a poor statement on her part, otherwise* I see. Yes, I can imagine... *that would be a short-lived aspect, she does not say.*
*Then Tessera announces yet another visitor, and Auspex can't hide her joy at the name, turning to see* Brother??

Theodicy: *emotions flash with gladness and curiosity as he turns back to look at his mother, and then his head is turning again as the familiar flame patterned ten foot tall mech steps through the door*

Blazer: Auspex! Sister! *wibbling hard, and there are oil tracks trailing down his cheeks*

Auspex: *Her kind does not shed tears of any kind, but if she were built as Blazer was, she'd probably be in the same state. She hurries forward, kneeling to better wrap her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder, overwhelmed*

Blazer: *sadness and loss, and ferocious joy as he hugs back and staticsobs*

Auspex: Blazer... *her voice is choked as she holds him tighter, all overcome with affection and sorrow and immense gratitude that he is here*

Theodicy: *greeting, and then surprise accompanied by a crash and a clatter!*

Auspex: *At the crash, she starts badly, distracted as she was, flinching against her brother with raw, jangled unease*

Blazer: Yeep! *jags shock, then grumbles softly and pulls back a little, though his arms are still protectively around her* Starforge, what are you doing?

Auspex: *still very much clinging, she peeks up from Blazer's shoulder, following his gaze in silent question*

Theodicy: No, Mom, it's alright. He tripped while trying not to step on Tessera. *is laying on his back on the floor, nearly buried under the red sparklet that's laying on top of him and wibbling*

Starforge: *small sneeze, and then pushes himself up, apologizing softly as his little Ironhide face shows his embarrassment and sadness*

Auspex: *withdraws from Blazer only very slightly, looking over at the mech-heap with quiet concern* Are you all right? Both of you? Do you need assistance? *She is really rather reluctant to let go just yet* Tessera? Perhaps you should come here.

Tessera: *as she zips over the floor and up onto Auspex* Oooooo...

Theodicy: I'm fine. *and pat patting Starforge, his emotions calm and happy, though still excited*

Starforge: *so sad little kid. Emotions are shy and mild otherwise. He doesn't feel much like either of his parents*

Blazer: *kindly and patient* Don't cry, Starforge. The young mech's not hurt.

Starforge: But y'u're cryin'.

Blazer: *oops*

Auspex: *allows Tessera to climb her, and pulls back a little more, torn between comforting the sparklet, or her brother (and herself)* It is complicated, little one. It isn't all sadness...

Blazer: Remember when Oriana was crying when she and Fixer got married?

Starforge: *face brightens slightly* She said she was happy cryin'.

Blazer: *nods* Some of this is happy crying. *pauses then and blinks, then looks more closely at Theodicy*

Theodicy: *up on his feet and patting Starforge gently on the back as he talks about energon goodies*

Auspex: *smiles gently as Starforge seems to understand better, retreating just enough to meet Blazer's gaze, slight surprise in her voice* There have been more bonds forged in my absence, then...
*she studies him as he peers at Theodicy* I take it you have not been here to meet my... proxy, I suppose you could call him? It is unclear to me if my reality has been available to you at all... *She tries her best to hide the pain of the idea, at least from Blazer*

Blazer: *looks at her quickly, and then hugs again* No. Only Ratchet and the other freesparks have been able to get here. *more quietly, so Starforge can't hear* For awhile we thought that this reality was lost to the mortal world.

Auspex: *She winces, pressing her face into his shoulder again, emotions in a tangle* I'm sorry. *she struggles with the words, voice strained* I know it's no fault of mine, but... it doesn't make the pain any less. I am not thinking very highly of the capricious nature of the multiverse, at the moment.
*she cycles air for a moment, before continuing* I was in stasis, and Primus used my spark, and some sort of LOL-energy left here by Hormah by mistake, to bring life to the little prayer statue... his name is Theodicy. I just met him, myself. He's taken care of me, and this place...

Blazer: *softly* Why does he look like you?

Auspex: Does he? *She withdraws slightly again, shaking her head. She's somewhat mystified, and equally quiet* It is a LOL-based phenomenon, and I think Primus took part of my spark for it. He thinks of me as his mother, apparently. I've seen such things enough times, with Blackout's offspring. It usually causes some spark-pain, but perhaps I've simply healed. It has been long enough...

Blazer: *as he watches Theodicy lead Starforge over to the supply room* So he's your son.

Auspex: *she sighs, watching also, still holding on to her brother* I'm afraid I will have to adjust to thinking in such terms... our new constructs are given brand new sparks from Vector Sigma, not derived from pre-existing ones. But... essentially, yes.

Blazer: *smiles slightly as he sees her affection for the young mech. Quietly* Is Vector Sigma still functioning here?

Auspex: *ducks her head a bit, a little sad* It is... but it is difficult to reach, and the known methods of access are gone. There have been no new native mechs on Cybertron in quite a long time.

Blazer: *compassion* Will that make life hard for him? *quick glance as the rain stops*

Auspex: *she follows Blazer's gaze again, sighing in relief at the sight of the acid rain dissipating, before turning back to him* I would not think so, but I know so very little about him, yet. If he follows the pattern of the newly-sparked on my world, he has all the skills he might need, he only lacks the experience. *she looks back the way Theodicy and Blazer's charge have gone* He has performed my function without help for more than a decivorn on his own...

mech: *young, silver and yellow. Pokes his head through the door without really looking* Theodicy, I got caught under a piece of scrap on the plain, but I'm alright! I'll see you tomorrow! *and gone*

Blazer: ... *snerk*

Auspex: *She loosens her hold on Blazer, leaning back a bit, optics widening as she turns to stare at the newcomer, who comes and goes before she can get a word in* Er...

Theodicy: //Mom? Did something happen?//

Blazer: *silent laughter*

Auspex: *a very slight smile appears on her face as she comms back* //Ah, someone called for you. Apparently he was trapped outside in the rain... hopefully he stayed dry. He said he'd be back tomorrow. He's gone again...//

Theodicy: //Oh. Tumbler. He gave me a ride home. He's not afraid of the rain.// *chuckles over comms*

Blazer: I guess that answers that question.

Auspex: *is silent a moment, pondering, concern coloring her voice and aspect* //You have no altmode...//
*she disentangles herself from Blazer finally, but holds on to his forearms* How have you been faring...?

Theodicy: //Hmm? No. I haven't needed one.//

Blazer: *backs, trying to lead her to one of the tables with seats* I've been well. Come sit down.

Auspex: *frowns, still concerned* //As long as you haven't had the need to travel, and you have had friends willing to transport you...// *Never mind the inconvenient body size... she idly wonders if the keepers of cassettes and data-mechs worry about these sorts of things with their constructs...*
*She climbs to her feet, following Blazer to the table. She claims a seat, still refusing to let go of his arms, but letting him otherwise maneuver where he will*

Theodicy: //I travel a lot. It's easier now that my friends all know which days they get to transport me. The fighting was...// *sighs over comms*

Blazer: *gently* Sister, you have to let go. I can't sit at the table like this. And I'm not going anywhere right now.

Auspex: //It does sound like you have a good system worked out.// *a flicker of regret* //You have had much time to plan it all.// *she sighs in answer* //I know. At least it is not frequent.//
*She blinks at Blazer, looking almost petulant for a moment, before reluctantly releasing his arms with gentle, self-deprecating good humor* If I must...

Blazer: *chuckle, his emotions holding amusement and affection* You must.

Theodicy: *absently* //I wasn't talking about the war fighting, Mom. I was talking about the fistfights my friends got into. Kup had to beat them apart with a stick once.//

Auspex: *shows her empty hands, as though to prove she's backed off for the moment, with a soft laugh*
//Oh. What...? Why?//

Theodicy: *sigh* //They think I'm cute.//

Blazer: *hops up on his seat and then reaches into subspace*

Auspex: *quirks a brow at Theodicy's lament* //Really...? Do they not take you seriously?//
*she watches Blazer with open curiosity*

Theodicy: //They listen to what I say, and they ask me for advice and help. But some of the people who returned recently from postings offworld are later releases, and they're still pretty young at spark. So they sometimes act something like I've seen mammalian teenagers acting in entertainment files.//

Blazer: *grins at that look of curiosity, but then turns questioningly to the door as a flash of satisfaction suddenly appears and is followed by excitement and a bit of apprehension*

Auspex: //I suppose they simply haven't seen the wider variety of body types that our people have been designed with over time. A mech of your size is a rare thing, even here... probably even moreso abroad. That could be... frustrating, if your novelty overpowers your words.// *there is a sense of fondness, sympathy, and perhaps a note of commiseration - there are those who have found her a curiosity, as a more ornamental non-combatant, than anything war-build, or even utility-build*
*Distracted, Auspex glances up at the sense of new impressions. Someone else has arrived?*

Blazer: *turns to Auspex* It's Requiem.

Theodicy: //I'm also the newest person on Cybertron, Mom.// *calm amusement and acceptance*

Auspex: //Well... yes, of course, but do they know that?// *gentle humor*
*She considers the emotions, more than she'd expect from that particular mech. She calls out to him* Requiem? Please come in, it's rained recently... *She is halfway concerned it might start again*

Theodicy: //Everybody knows how old I am. Who's here?//

Auspex: *brow furrows* //I'm... failing to understand how they would discover that - unless you are referring to the visitors that came when you were still... inanimate. Most were from the multiverse...//
//Speaking of which, this is another multiversal visitor - his name is Requiem. He once guarded the sanctuary from possible hostile visitors. I... have been failing to introduce you properly; I am sorry for that. I'm still attempting to wrap my mind around this reality having been... closed, all this time.// *there's the sense of a wince*

Requiem: *peers around the corner, humour pushing the other emotions away, along with a feeling of deja-vu* Zit okay if Sparky comes in too? She's housetrained.

Auspex: *she brightens, seeing yet another familiar face, though she hesitates at the question* I... suppose? If she is not too disruptive...? *She has no idea what 'Sparky' is, but he doesn't seem to be talking about a sentient*

Theodicy: //Mom, the sanctuary was full of worried people the day Primus made me from the statue. And then they told all their friends. Everybody knows how old I am.// *gentle humour, which swiftly turns to interest* //Starforge and Cloudtrader have found a game, and I've brought them to my room. Do you want me to come and meet your friend? And that reminds me. Where is Kup? Primus, you didn't take him back, did you?// *anxiety accompanies those last words*

Requiem: *turns his head and whistles softly, then walks in, one hand coming out to offer a smallish white box to Auspex* She only disrupts in battle.

Sparky: *peacefully follows her master. She's a gigantic black mammoth wearing a spiked collar and carrying a pallet of energon cubes on her one big sweeping tusk*

Auspex: *there is a rush of surprise as Theodicy explains. She queries Primus with confusion, and receives a confirmation - there were more people here than per normal, to see Theodicy become animate for the first time. She knows of few from this reality that come here, and not all at once - usually. It would certainly be simple enough for Primus to orchestrate their arrivals at the same time, to see the little mech. There is wonder evident in her tone and aspect when she replies* //Ahh. I see. It sounds as though you were rather a momentous event, then!// *It serves to heighten her appreciation for her unexpected construct, as it were - if that were possible, really*
//Ah, it is not necessary, if you are content where you are. Assuming our reality will remain open...// *there is a little waver of concern, here, but it disappears almost as quickly as it comes* //...there should be plenty of time to meet the multiversal visitors that... remain from before.// *faint grief, also quickly suppressed*
//Kup? I met a parallel in the Nexus once, but I'm not sure the one native to this reality is on Cybertron. Unless this is a free-spark?//
*As she is discussing with Theodicy and Primus, her optics are widening as a huge organic creature lumbers in behind Requiem... she's quite sure she's never seen a creature of flesh that large! They remain riveted to the beast, even as her hand fumbles for whatever the Decepticon is handing her...*

Theodicy: //He wanted to make sure I wasn't lonesome.// *he sparks concern, then emotes comfort as he feels that brief flash of grief* //Kup isn't native, or dead. He's one of the Heroes that follow the Guardians of Time and Space. I don't know why he isn't here.//

Requiem: *gruff gentleness is in his voice even as his spark holds quiet amusement and pride in his pet* Easy. Sparky's good. *one big hand gently goes beneath her fumbling one as his other carefully hands her the box- which smells very good* Blackout sent you a bottle 'a sweet oil and this energon.

Sparky: *little sounds as she moves her tiny ears and looks at the nice new person*

Auspex: //I am glad for that.// *there is more evident affection, before it's interrupted by a somewhat abrupt sense of her pulling away - she hadn't meant to share that grief, and isn't certain she's ready to even acknowledge it yet. Another moment of hesitation, then a bit of apology - she's not intentionally hiding it from Theodicy, it's just... tender, right now.*
//He is... also guarding the sanctuary, then?//
*She tears her optics away from the mammoth, gazing up at Requiem with somewhat nervous amusement, finally looking at what her hand is reaching for. She takes the boxed bottle carefully, giving her old acquaintance a grateful smile* Thank you... I'm touched you've thought of me, after... my and my reality's long absence.

Requiem: *brow plates lift* Blackout's never stopped thinking of you. You saved 'er life.

Theodicy: *small hand rests on Auspex's knee as Tessera gives her little taste tastes on the helmet. Both feel supportive and affectionate*

Blazer: *feels like concern as he frowns at his sister*

Auspex: *She sets the box beside her as Requiem replies. Her expression wavers for a moment, as his affirmation of them remembering her strikes a chord. Then her optics flicker, startled, as Theodicy seems to be suddenly there, offering his touch and his concern. She feels Blazer's regard for her as well. Suddenly, she's having trouble keeping her composure. She trembles.*

Blazer: *frown deepens as the feeling of his concern fades, and then he's lifting a hand to his ear and taking on the expression of someone in a conversation*

Theodicy: *support love*

Requiem: *concern accompanied by a scowl as he studies Auspex's face, then* I'll put the energon away. Come on, Sparky.

Sparky: *more small sounds as she follows her master away from Auspex's group and down the hall*

Auspex: *There's a moment of contrite regret at Requiem's reaction; she knows he doesn't think she's being ungracious, but the emotion comes anyway. She's holding it together, but it's a struggle*

Blazer: *rises to his feet on his stool and leans toward Auspex with his hands on the table* This isn't working. You've got to have a chance to deal with everything that's happened before you can take up your mantle again.

Theodicy: *looks up with an interested slight frown, then feels of concern as he changes his focus to his mother*

Tessera: *softly trying to happy everything better*

Auspex: *She looks up at her brother with dimming optics, cycling air, but softly, for the moment* I... there is so much regret. *there's a bit of a hitch in her voice* It's been so long... I have no idea... how many of them are left. People I have loved. How much, how many more, have I lost...?

Blazer: *gently* Nothing is ever lost, Sister. "When all are One" is truth. *reaches with one hand* Hormah, Bob, Myrrh, and the other Myrrh. From Hormah: Rhinox, Fireflight, Miracle, Pi, the two Oppys, and Nightwish. And most of those with their own sanctuaries in their own home realities, helping, supporting, loving. While you slept your legacy has grown.

Auspex: *She is visibly struggling to keep calm* And I am... grateful for that, that Primus continued to work in my absence. That brings me joy. But... what of my charges? Where have they gone? Have they turned to the ones you have mentioned? Were they even able? How many more dimensions have shifted, portals shut, realities... no longer reachable? *If she starts thinking of specific names, she's going to fall apart...*

Blazer: *hops down from his stool and then comes around the table to Auspex's side, where he holds out a hand to her* Come with me. Bring anything you need. I just wish I didn't have so many responsibilities.

Theodicy: *sadness and longing not aimed toward Auspex. And some of the concern isn't aimed toward her, too*

Auspex: *hesitates, blinking up at him* Go where...? I'm... not sure I can... face the Nexus, in this state. *she shudders - at least she is being honest that she is grappling with her emotions, now* I can't... keep you from your duties, either. *There is guilt, that she is having this struggle at all, and it's interfering with others, now*

Blazer: *gently* You won't be in a nexus. It's a quiet place where you and Theodicy can get to know each other. *moves his hand, asking her to stand and come with him*

Auspex: *still hesitating, though she takes his hand. Grief is mingling with guilt and doubt, her expression is acquiring a pinched look, squinting painfully* Will you... can you stay? *she looks so miserable for even asking... she's also aware of Theodicy's aspect, and worries for whatever responsibilities she might be interrupting for him, because she is hurting*

Blazer: *gently tugs her, trying to get her to her feet* I won't be able to stay with you all the time, but there's a servant there.

Sparky: *soft noises, and then there's a gentle trunk tip touching Auspex's free hand*

Auspex: *finally stands, hesitantly, though she nudges closer to Blazer than she otherwise might, head bowed, trying to draw some sort of comfort from his presence. Her voice is almost a whisper* Not long, it doesn't have to be long, just... I need to know you are not... gone. *She does choke then, and she's solely in the realm of emotion - her own, and the sparks around her. She's not really registering the mammoth's attempt at comfort*

Blazer: You won't lose us again.

Auspex: *squeezes her brother's hand, grateful for the support...*

Sparky: *surprised sound as someone shoves her away from sad nice lady!*

Requiem: Hey! Don't hurt her!

Theodicy: Kup!

Kup: *tall grey and sage mech shoves the big hairy thing away, then puts a protective arm around Auspex as he scowls up at Requiem* Keep it away, then. The servant doesn't need to be poked right now. *ferocious protectiveness mixed with blinding guilt and worry*

Requiem: *fist clenches as his eyes flash*

Auspex: *It is a sudden thing, that she is aware of Requiem's pet attempting... some sort of comfort?... and is just as suddenly gone, pushed aside... Abruptly, there's an arm around her, and... oh. She recognizes him. She had met his alternate once, long ago (longer, now, considering... that, yes), though this one appears considerably younger, and he's surrounded with his own flurry of strong emotions, and her optics are wide and flaring bright, as she squeaks with surprise. She registers Requiem's annoyance, and attempts to speak, though her processor is not completely caught up with events yet* I... I'm alright, don't hurt the creature...

Theodicy: *nods in agreement with his mother* Kup, that's a friend. The animal's a pet. *concerned study of his friend* What's wrong with you?

Blazer: *blinking up at the tall soldier, his emotions muted but busy*

Requiem: *fist goes limp as soon as Auspex speaks, though he's still annoyed that someone would act like Kup just did*

Auspex: *Is confused, peering sidelong at Kup, though she hasn't moved an iota, still has Blazer's hand. She looks up at Requiem with a look of bewildered apology, as though this is somehow her fault, before focusing on Theodicy, hoping he can perhaps shed some light on what is happening here*

Kup: *meets her eyes, his faceplates heating as his emotions shift to sheepish embarrassment and a need to escape.* Sorry. *takes his arm from her, then turns away*

Auspex: *Her optics widen again, at Kup's reaction. There is more discomfort and self-consciousness here than the situation warrants. It's exceedingly complex, and she's not certain she's reading him right. She's only just met him. Surely that's not right. She's about to attempt to say something hopefully reassuring...*

Theodicy: *looks back at Auspex* //I don't know what's wrong with him, Mom. He usually doesn't act that way, even toward the guys who used to try and sneak in to kiss you.//

Tessera: *firmly happy*

Auspex: *she locks gazes with Theodicy, somehow looking even more shocked and still than before* //The... what??//

Theodicy: *and here is the first bit of temper she'll have felt from him* //They were hoping to wake you up. Like the story about the Sleeping Beauty, from Earth.//

Blazer: *squeezes his sister's hand comfortingly as he watches Kup stomp off toward the back of the building*

Requiem: *amused muttering*

Auspex: *Her gaze bounces between Theodicy, Blazer, Requiem, and Kup, lingering on the latter with furrowed brow as he exits with very apparent chagrin*
Her mouth opens, but it takes a few tries before words come* I... feel the need to sit again. *she re-deposits herself in her vacated chair*
*She fixes Theodicy with a piercing look, not liking how little she's comprehending the situation* Apparently, I've become mixed up in an Earth story...?

Theodicy: Bluestreak brought it back from Earth, and told it to people. *frowns, his anger fading down to a sigh* And then when Tumbler learned you were sleeping, he compared you to the sleeping beauty, who was wakened from a hundred years of sleep by love's first kiss. *blinks and looks up toward Requiem as the larger youngbot chuckles*

Blazer: *light scowl changes to question as he also looks up at Requiem*

Auspex: *Stares. Just stares. This lasts for several moments* A story. About a human. Sleeping an abnormally long time. Awoken by a kiss. Am I understanding that right? *She also turns to glance up at the Decepticon* You are familiar with this story?

Requiem: Yeah. 'N I've seen Love's First Kiss work. *red eyes twinkle down at her over his faceplate in a way they wouldn't have when she knew him last*

Blazer: *silently nodding as Requiem speaks. He's seen that too*

Auspex: *she makes an odd, choked noise* So, while I was in stasis... there were those who... tried to reactivate me...? Like that? *She's been in the Nexus, she's heard stranger things, surely... she just can't remember at the moment*

Theodicy: Yes. That's why Primus called Kup.

Auspex: *sighs heavily, palm meeting face, though there is exasperated humor in her reaction* That... is one of the strangest reasons to need a guard, that I've ever heard...
*She's quiet for a moment, deep in thought, passing her hand over her face before resting her chin on it* And Kup dealt with the, er... potential interlopers... with no... undue stress? *she could query Primus, could try to reach her senses out to the mech in the back rooms... but she is, uncharacteristically, apprehensive...*

Requiem: *steps forward and gently touches her head* Kup's a security unit. I have to go. If you need backup, call me.

Auspex: *That's... not what she meant... and perhaps Requiem knows that, or perhaps not. Still, with that, she is again reminded of the situation with the realities, and the portal, and the entire reason she needed to be awoken, in the first place. She stands hurriedly, reaching to pat at Requiem's hand as it nears, gratitude, contrition, and humor on her face all at once* Thank you for the gifts, and thank you... just for coming, for being here. I hope to see Blackout with my own optics in the near future, and the others as well. Hopefully with a little less... emotional turmoil, on my part. *she offers an apologetic smile*

Requiem: We'll be there. *pauses, and then goes to one knee and stoops to give her a gentle one hand hug, the gesture that of a young bot offering comfort to someone he respects and cares about*

Theodicy: *just d'awwwed under his breath without realizing*

Auspex: *practically beams with pleased surprise, though it's threaded with poignancy, as she puts an arm out to pat his side in return, with fondness* Thank you, Requiem. I look forward to it.

Requiem: *gentle look from those ruby optics as he holds her a moment and then sits up, and then a soft chuckle as a kissy sound accompanies a gentle trunk touch to her cheek*

Theodicy: *chuckles at that, feeling appreciation of the cute*

Blazer: *also happy and approving*

Auspex: *blinkblinks, looking askance at the oversize furred organic, before patting the extended trunk as well, with a little chuckle of her own* Your pet is affectionate.

Requiem: *as he rises easily to his feet* Yeah, mammoths're family people.

Sparky: *heard this tiny bot's reaction to loves, so she is now putting her trunk down to his cheek and repeating her squeaky sound*

Theodicy: 9_9 *wow. LOL!*

Blazer: *griiiiin*

Tessera: Weeee!

Auspex: *Takes in the positive emotions of the moment, treasuring them, attempting to balm her own very ragged ones... she laughs softly as Theodicy receives the same treatment*

Requiem: *grinning behind his mask as he reaches and gets the box of sweet oil, then hands it back to Auspex* Don't forget this, okay? And here's something from Mouse. Wait to open it til you get where you're going? *offers her a flat box decorated with pretty sparkle stickers*

Auspex: *tilts her head, taking the box again, and examining the additional gift, slightly distracted. She's still focusing on the levity of the moment before, seizing on its comfort* I will. *she stows them both in subspace*

Theodicy: *quietly and curiously* How did you know she's going?

Requiem: *looks down at the smaller youngbot* My femme code donor gave me crazy sensors. I heard what Blazer 'n Auspex said.

Theodicy: *curiosity quickly pushed aside* I see. *smiles and offers a hand* I'm glad I got to meet you, Requiem. Thanks for coming.

Requiem: *as Sparky kisses Blazer and then heads for the door* Likewise. *more quietly* Take care of her.

Theodicy: *understands a soldier model's protective instinct and nods. Also quiet* I will.

Auspex: *blinkblinks in surprise, disappointed in her distraction, and missing details. This only serves to point out how distraught she truly is... she spares a smile as the mammoth bestows affection on Blazer as well, before her gaze drops to the floor with a little sigh*

Requiem: *gentle nudge to her shoulder with his knuckles* It'll be okay. *and he's up and gone*

Theodicy: Is he always that abrupt?

Blazer: It's a Destron thing.

Auspex: *peeks up at Requiem, with a tiny smile, which widens ever-so-slightly at Theodicy's comment, though it fades again in mild surprise and confusion at Blazer's remark* Destron...? Did Blackout... drop her faction?

Blazer: *good natured grin* Blackout's faction is Blackout's army. Destrons are the soldier models who don't follow Decepticon teachings. They can belong to any other faction.

Auspex: *shifts her optics thoughtfully, finding herself much more disconcerted by that than she feels she ought - so many of her charges, Decepticons, soldiers, could have benefited from a movement such as that... had one existed. What inspired that, and why was she not there to see it? The yearning for some sense of normalcy in all of this dimensional upheaval returns*

female voice: *deep, smooth alto, accompanied by a predatory though benign set of emotions* And for many realities, that start of returning to our ancestral tribes was sparked by your actions, Auspex.

Blazer: *turns* Thanks for coming, Nightwish.

Auspex: *lifts her gaze again at the new voice, studying the arriving fem with curiosity, though her brow furrows in weary confusion* ...me? But what have I done, that any other servant could not...?

Nightwish: Loved a big black femmebot from another reality. *a tiny bit over ten foot tall, gleaming black, slender, stunningly beautiful. Molten golden eyes and massive bat-like wings. And a Maximal symbol worn beside a small image of Cybertron* *looks over at Blazer* I can take this form easily.

Blazer: *nods* Good. Are you sure you're up to manning the sanctuary?

Auspex: *bows her head, slightly mollified, though she still demurs* I'm... pleased to have served her, but the credit for that is not mine...
*more confusion, with a hint of piqued curiosity, as she glances from Blazer to Nightwish* You can... take on other forms?

Nightwish: *steps forward, her movements showing the power and grace of enhanced strength, then reaches up to take Auspex's hands, gently nudging Blazer slightly aside as she does. Gently and firmly, as those molten optics catch Auspex's gaze and impart love and approval* You had to be willing to listen for the work to be done, Auspex. *slight smile* You've always been one of the more determined of the servants. And yes. Nightwishes are the strongest sparks ever born in the realities where they appear. Mine is undamaged, and bears the power of a sun.

Blazer: *slight amusement and approval as he's nudged*

Auspex: *sighs softly, letting her hands be taken, looking down at them, before glancing up to meet the other's optics, accepting her words in thoughtful silence* Perhaps so... I only regret how much time I have lost, now...

Nightwish: *gentle squeeze for the taller woman's hands, her expression and emotions showing understanding. Softly* I can serve as an avatar of Primus. He wants to hug you so badly that he's giving me static.

Auspex: *Now that catches her attention. Her optics brighten with interest in an esoteric discussion* That is an amazing ability. It is not something Primus has ever asked of me - I don't think I am built solidly enough to sustain that for long. *still, she is troubled - she hasn't been listening properly, hasn't been connecting with Primus's impressions as constantly as she should be, since she woke, if she hadn't picked up on that, herself. On the other hand, she's been rather distracted by the news...*

Nightwish: *closes her eyes, and a feeling like that of a warm, heavy blanket comes to Auspex's shoulders, comforting and nurturing* Well, people can stand in the presence of Primus's spark. Mine tends to nuke people. *opens eyes, and suddenly they're a deep, ancient blue, and her expression is different as she looks up at Auspex with compassion and affection*

Theodicy: *small sound of surprise as he catches some of what his mother is feeling through his hand on her leg and sees the change on Nightwish*

Auspex: *Optics flicker: perhaps Nightwish will explain her origins later - she sounds like a very unusual Cybertronian, indeed.*
*She's feeling that warmth and comfort, still looking the newcomer in the optics when they change - and they are the same shade as her own, as the servants on her world, who were built to serve their creator, and she knows them... and suddenly she is having trouble standing, is clinging to those hands for all she's worth, head bowed, cycling air, trembling* -Lord Primus...- *she's overwhelmed with reverent joy and sorrow, both*

Nightwish: *holds her up easily, mouth curving gently at the corners as the iridescent black shell grows taller and then wraps her in its arms. Voice deeper and sounding less feminine* I've got you. I have you, child. I'm so sorry that you had to go through this.

Auspex: *she chokes on a sob, allows herself to be held. She's taking in the comfort, but she can't stop trembling, voice a whisper* It was not your doing, I know...

Primus: *gently rubs her back with one hand while continuing the hug with the other. Quiet acknowledgment* I worked with my brothers in other realities to fight the storm, but it was fruitless. Even Vector Prime and his mate were unable to reweave the threads of time and space til now.
*sees Auspex's confusion and explains* I am not omnipresent, Auspex. There is a different Primus in each reality, but we are linked as the members of a combining gestalt are linked, aware of each other and of what happens to those others.

Auspex: *The tactile support is a lifeline, interweaving with her metaphysical link to him, but she is still shaking, intake still hitching frequently, still holding onto this avatar of his presence with everything she has, as she dimly processes his explanation. It's something she's thought about, but not in great detail; not enough to ask him specifically. Everywhere she's been, she's been able to hear his voice, and that's always been enough*
*Her voice is still very faint, and unstable* At least you still can - always can - reach where I no longer may go... in some form or fashion. And my reality, at least, has been found again...

Primus: *softly* Yes, some one of me can reach those realities still. *feel of a perk, and then absent amusement as he brushes something away. Wants to hold and comfort his child*

Auspex: *she is overwhelmingly soothed to be held, face buried in a shoulder that, if not for the mind directing it, would be unfamiliar, but she cares not a whit about that. The trembling is slowly easing, her air intake beginning to stabilize. She is aware of the faint mirth in his aspect, but doesn't ask, knowing he will tell her if it is important. This is a rare opportunity, to have any sort of physical representation of Primus to interact with, and she's not taking it for granted. Still, it's difficult not to revert to thoughts instead of words. -It hurts that I cannot comfort the ones I can no longer reach, and watch them grow... but you can, so long as they let you...-

Primus: *signs and murmurs* So long as they let me. But now it's time for you to be comforted.

Auspex: *There's a trace of regret, that it even crossed her mind, knowing that those sort of thoughts pain him as much as, if not more than, they do herself. She stretches her arms out further, closer, apology in her aspect. The sorrow and the disappointment and the grief are still there, the trembling and the instability... but he is here. He is always here, of course, but the embrace brings comfort in a way his impressions alone cannot - and so she concentrates on pouring out all the gratitude and love and devotion that she can...*

Primus: *gentle squish* I am so grateful for my avatars. *quiet chuckle as something thuds outside in the distance*

Theodicy: *quiet laughter of his own*

Blazer: *?? Goes to look out the door*

Auspex: *Sighs, turning to rest her head against the avatar's shoulder, feeling her systems finally stabilizing after all the emotional upheaval. She doesn't answer verbally, but there is agreement, and gratitude, in her aspect. This is a wonderful thing, indeed.*
*After a moment, her brow furrows, hearing the noise, feeling the impressions of amusement, countering it with her own puzzlement* What is that...?

Theodicy: That's Locket playing out on the plain. Her alt mode is a mobile mortar launcher. *turns his head to watch Kup go tearing through the room and out the door* And now she'll have an argument to amuse herself a little more. *shakes his head, feeling amusement and also affection for the unseen femme. Then looks up and pat pats with the hand that's on Auspex's leg* She's Tumbler's mate.

Auspex: *lifts her head to regard the little mech patting at her leg, just in time to see Kup run by. She frowns in concern (his emotions are still very much in the negative), though she smiles faintly at Theodicy's clarification* I see. It sounds as though there's been more activity here at the sanctuary, than there has been in many years. *there's a trace of a question, though* Does that upset Kup?

Theodicy: *frowns and looks toward the door* He doesn't usually get angry at her anymore. They're sparring partners. *looks up again, his expression helplessly perplexed* Kup usually smiles and laughs.

Auspex: *The face she makes almost exactly matches Theodicy's* That is odd...

Primus: *quietly* Something happened today that bothers Kup, and he is also uncertain about how to interact with Auspex now that she has wakened.

Blazer: *wonder from the door*

Auspex: *She frowns more deeply at the additional information* He is unsure... of me? He needn't be...
*She turns back to the avatar, pulling back slightly, concern shifting to...* Nightwish... is she all right? This is not an undue hardship on her, holding this form and your aspect, is it? *not that she expects Primus would harm her in any way, but she doesn't wish to cause her discomfort, either*

Primus: *smiles, a touch of wonder and thankfulness coming into his emotions* The Primus of Nightwish's reality was extinguished by a plague released by Megatron. Nightwish leaped down their Well of Allsparks and released her spark, which revived the spark of my brother. He still insists that she gave him sparkburn. Carrying part of my spark will not harm her.

Blazer: *as he returns, shaking his head* No. You don't need to worry about Nightwish, sister.

Auspex: *gasps softly, greatly unsettled at the thought of any harm coming to him. She shudders* That is... terrible. My lord... *she can feel his gratitude, toward Nightwish, and toward his own Creator. It brings her some solace* I could not imagine losing you in such a way. I am thankful you were spared of that... *not him, not exactly, but they are interwoven in such a way that the distinction isn't entirely necessary. That it was one of his own children that afflicted him, she does not dwell on. There have been more than one mech by that name that sought to harm Primus; no need to cause both of them more pain, now, thinking about it*

Primus: *gentle soothing circle on her back with one hand, emotions going to affection for someone not here* Will you be more comfortable with Nightwish taking your place, or being herself as you and Theodicy take a holiday?

Auspex: *she lowers her gaze, considering, even as she soaks up the hug like a proverbial sponge* Is there... a specific place we are going? I... understand the necessity, that I should not immediately attempt to serve again, with my feelings in such disarray... *she sighs* But you know it is also my joy to serve you. It will not be something I can completely cease doing.

Primus: The place is called The Castle Outside Time. It is a place for the wounded of any race to heal, and right now there are two other Cybertronians there. One of them is becoming a servant herself even as she works through the pain that brought her there.

Auspex: Would Nightwish, taking on my form... *she interrupts herself, attempting to rephrase herself more to the point* I am concerned that could be considered some sort of subterfuge, to the less trusting. But perhaps that is an empty worry.

Primus: *he nods* Nightwish made the offer of taking your form so that you could feel that you were still here, caring for your people. She would be able to share the memory of everything that happened during her service in this place. But she would also be happy to serve as a sister who is here to serve while you are away.

Auspex: *nods absently, thoughtfully* I believe I would be more comfortable if Nightwish remained herself. I would hope that none of the visitors here would be unduly upset by who is serving, especially considering... they have not seen me serving in any capacity, in a long while. *she winces at that, not so much for herself, as for those who may be wrapped up in appearances more than necessary* And as long as they will not miss Theodicy, for the same reason.
*She hesitates, before venturing another question. There is much caution in her aspect* And what about Kup? He serves as a guard for the sanctuary? Or specifically for me, as I was in stasis? *She isn't sure if that tangle of emotions she'd sensed from him is something that should yet be examined*

Primus: *looks down at the tiny bot by Auspex's side*

Theodicy: *nods and then turns and runs out of the building*

Primus: *attention back to Auspex* Theodicy will go tell Locket, and she will let the others know. As for Kup, he is, in his heart, your bodyguard. He is young, compared to the majority of his brothers throughout the multiverse, but Kup is always trustworthy and true, and in the reality of his origin he died a hero despite misunderstanding and prejudice.

Tessera: *happy happy happy love happy...* ...CHOOO! O_O!

Blazer: *snerk*

Auspex: *pulls back slightly, looking the avatar in the face, unfazed by the relative unfamiliarity - it's the optics, that she's fixing hers on, the mind that hers can sense, and he will feel her gratitude, as well* As you wish, then.
I suppose, then, that Kup would be most content continuing in that capacity. I'm unsure that I need a bodyguard, now that I am reactivated... *and she is firmly not thinking of a certain charge, who always felt she should have one, for reasons entirely benefiting himself* But if that is what he wishes, and there is nowhere else you would rather he be, I will be happy to become more familiar with him, as well as my... unexpected construct. *her optics warm with good humor, a moment later accompanied by a little chuckle, as the chiproach camped out on her head suddenly (loudly) clears her intake*

Primus: *has a belly laugh. Uses it, and then looks toward the door as Theodicy returns, sitting comfortably on Kup's shoulder*

Kup: *calm now, and his blue eyes search for Auspex's, quietly cheerful and questioning. Orders?*

Theodicy: *cheerily* What did I miss? What was funny?

Auspex: *smiles warmly at Kup and Theodicy, both, as the former brings both of them back indoors - she's relieved that he seems to be in better spirits - and she suspects this will be an expression she will often wear in the latter's presence* Tessera, being herself - she sneezed. *she reaches up to scritch at her resident dispenser of happy*

Tessera: Auspex! *happy little laugh and then more chirping*

Primus: *lets Auspex go to a point, one arm around her shoulders as he smiles at the newly arrived duo. Warmly* Auspex, this is Kup, who watched over Theodicy and the sanctuary while you slept. Kup, this is Auspex.

Kup: *touches his forehead and speaks in a voice of soft gravel* Ma'am.

Auspex: *directs her gaze upwards (she can't see Tessera, but it's the thought that counts), smile widening at the tiny voice chirping her name*
*She turns slightly as Primus's avatar partially releases her, nodding graciously in return, for Kup's gesture of deference* Theodicy has indicated to me that I have much to be thankful for, in your vigilance. I am grateful for the care you have taken to ensure my well-being.

Kup: *ducks very slightly, youth overcoming his confidence for a moment. Gruffly* Doin' my job.

Auspex: *She is slightly concerned at his bashful reaction, and, with a glance at Primus's avatar (he is there, after all, and it is his power she is using), tentatively reaches out, hoping she's not inadvertently shamed him somehow*

Kup: *little embarrassed by the praise. Feels he hasn't done anything worthy of it. But he's glad of it*

Auspex: *she is reassured that he is simply modest. She understands the mindset all too well, herself...* I do appreciate it.
*she turns her attention to the others, optics brightening with curiosity: what do they wish to do? She is content to follow their direction for the moment*

Blazer: *curiosity in his feelings as he looks toward the back hall, and regret as he thinks he needs to go soon, but then he looks up with a smile* I have a gift for you before I go home, Auspex.

Auspex: *she picks up on her brother's regret, and matches it, for a different reason - she'd asked him to stay, and knew he could not. She is grateful for the time she has had with him, however, and reaches to take his hand with her own free one. Her voice dips soft again* Your presence has been more of a gift than I could have asked for, Blazer.

Blazer: *squeezes her hand, his mouth curving as humour sparks within him* Yes, but several angry women would step on me if I didn't give this to you.

Auspex: *blinkblinks, startled, laughing softly* All right, then. I suppose I am obligated.

Blazer: *reaches into subspace and pulls out a golden disk that will fit comfortably into the palm of Auspex's hand. Holds it up so that she can see the beautiful etching of Cybertron on the upper surface*

Primus: *can faintly be felt to be feeling pleased, but he's not wanting to impose his feelings*

Auspex: *mouth opens in a little 'o' of surprise, she lets go of his hand to finger the disk carefully* This is beautiful... where did it come from? Did someone craft this?

Blazer: It was crafted by the women of the dwarven clan in the Backwater nexus, with the help of the Three Wheeljacks of the Backwater. *turns the disk over and uses his thumb to trigger a hidden catch, revealing several buttons of various colours and a couple blank ones, as well as a larger green one* These will bring you to the sanctuaries or homes of your friends. The green one is a panic button, if you ever need to escape.

Auspex: *she gasps softly, glancing back at the avatar briefly, (visibly reluctantly) letting go, to come just short of sweeping her smaller brother up in a hug, so touched is she by the gift* Blazer! Thank you! I'd never have thought of such a thing! That will be immeasurably useful! *she's practically beaming*

Blazer: *cheerful meep and then hugs her back* Bob designed it, and Blackout funded it.

Auspex: *hugs him tightly, fondness for him and Bob (he designed it! He's so clever!) and Blackout (she had the resources, and the inclination!), and gratitude to everyone involved in creating such an amazing device, is readily visible to those who can sense it - and, well, probably those who can't, also*

Blazer: *quiet laughter* It sticks to your chassis. Ornaments like this, though in different shapes, are popular among the ladies in many realities right now.

Auspex: *'hmm's thoughtfully as she lets him go, before looking down at herself. She carefully brings the etching up to a spot below the windshield of her altmode, there on her chest, next to the golden ornamentation on her finish. With a soft 'click', it cleanly adheres there. She admires how well the gold of the medallion matches her detailing* And does it stay when I transform?

Blazer: It will unless your transform bumps it out of place, then it'll automatically go to subspace and return when you transform again.

Primus: *curious hrrm and studies the badge*

Blazer: But it also won't come off unless you take it off. No one else can remove it and access your teleport points through it.

Auspex: *she shakes her head* It should be out of the way of any of my moving parts here, I believe. And I am very impressed that it cannot be stolen at all... that makes very good tactical sense. *With a smile, she stands, turning to allow the avatar to see it more closely, with the air of a child showing a parent a newly discovered bauble*

Primus: *nods approvingly. With quiet pride* You are already beautiful, Auspex, but that ornament accents your beauty.

Theodicy: *he agrees!*

Kup: *nodding without thinking of it*

Auspex: *Her smile turns more wryly amused at the observation, as she folds her arms* I believe you are all somewhat biased; I am aware that those of my make are already rather impractically ornamented, compared to a utilitarian build.

Kup: *protest on his face in in his feelings* Boss, we weren't talkin' about your shinies. You're a fine lookin' woman, sure. But that little doodad there reflects the inside beauty.
*and then he blinks and blushes and subsides with muttering as Theodicy and Blazer chuckle at his vehemence*

Auspex: *her optics flicker, taken slightly aback by Kup's objection, and then his reaction to his own words* Ah... *softly* It is only an object, is my point. A very useful object. But... thank you for saying so.

Primus: *grinning* And it made your eyes shine like stars.

Kup: *nods slightly as he sheepishly turns back, feeling relieved*

Theodicy: *moves from Kup's shoulder to Primus's, and then over to Auspex's. And then he pat pats her*

Tessera: Theo!

Auspex: *tiny chuckle* Because it is such a precious gift - I can't entirely help it. *she gives Blazer a fond glance, before she starts slightly, as Theodicy comes climbing over. She holds very still as he settles there, reaching up to pat him carefully in return*

Primus: *nods, resounding softly with approval, then sobers and turns to Blazer* You must go.

Blazer: I know. *offers a last hug to his sister*

Theodicy: *hand on the edge of Auspex's neck flang, no uncertainty in his seat or feelings at all, though he's sad to see Blazer say goodbye*

Auspex: *kneels again to better put her arms around Blazer, still more carefully than she might, with Theodicy perched on her shoulder, but she trusts him to keep himself seated. She rests her forehead against Blazer's, for a moment, optics dim* Thank you, brother, for coming when I needed you. Thank you so much, for the sigil, as well. I hope to hear from you or see you again, very soon.

Blazer: *gently smooths her cheek as his forehead rests against hers, his emotions holding affection and assurance* I'll see you soon.

Starforge: *is that tentative hug from the back of her*

Auspex: *smiles, getting slightly emotional again, but doing well enough to keep it under control. She blinks a bit at the unexpected hug, pulling an arm away from Blazer long enough to curl it around to where the sparklet has attached himself, very gently maneuvering him to where she can see him* Ah... goodbye, little one. Hopefully we can meet properly some time, when things are more... back to normal. *she offers him a warm smile*

Starforge: *looks up and gives a serious nod* 'N if Kup needsa break, my sister kin come make sure y'u'r safe.

Blazer: *laughs out loud at that* You'll have to pry her away from Rodimus Prime first, Starforge.

Kup: *gentle amusement as he looks at that little guy and shakes the leg to which a small freespark has gleefully attached himself*

Primus: *is amused at Kup's situation*

Auspex: *her smile widens, finding Starforge's solemn nature endearing* I suppose that would depend on Kup... *she glances up, laughing softly as she sees the mech in question peering at the ghostly sparklet affixed to his leg* ...and on your sister, herself. But thank you for the thought. *She brings her other arm forward, bundling the little mech closer to Blazer and setting him down*

Starforge: *happy little chuckle that calls Ironhide to mind, then looks up at the mech on Auspex's shoulder* Bye, Theodicy. Thanks fer lettin' me play with y'u'r game.

Theodicy: *warm smile* You're welcome, Starforge. I'm glad you had fun.

Blazer: *last smile for his sister, and then friendly wave for Kup and a nod exchanged with Primus, and then he's taking his charge's hand and leading him a little distance away from the others before the two of them vanish with a swish and a slight flash*

Theodicy: *startles, and looks to Auspex to make sure that was supposed to happen*

Auspex: *returns the smile, optics glowing brightly with warmth, as she watches her brother disappear*
*Then she blinks over at Theodicy at the feel of his surprise, and pats his arm with reassurance as she carefully stands up* Multiversal travel often involves teleporting technology such as that. It did take some getting used to the abrupt disappearing and reappearing, when I was first sent to the Nexus. I tend to use the portals, myself. There is one on the plain, a short distance from here. I can only assume it reopened, when this reality did... *she glances up at Primus's avatar, questioning*

Primus: It is there. Though it may no longer lead to the places you once knew.

Auspex: *she nods* I imagine things have changed very much. And I know my friends' exceptional gift will make travel between worlds much faster - the portal was more for the benefit of visitors. At some point I will explore, and see what is left... *she frowns, sighing softly*

Primus: *gently* Yes, but now you must rest. Will you be alright with my leaving Nightwish for now? She wishes to speak with you herself.

Auspex: *nods, beaming, sending him a mental nudge full of warmth and adoration. She steps forward, holding her arms out, delicately reaching for him* I fully intend to rest, and sort out what troubles my mind, and where your spark would lead me.

Primus: *gentle hugsquish* I know.

Auspex: *loses herself in the embrace for a moment, sending gratitude as hard as she can* Thank you, my lord, you and Nightwish, for giving me this gift of your presence here. You know how much I treasure this.

Primus: *quiet chuckle and a pat on the back, and then the hug loosens slightly and Nightwish is leaning back to look at Auspex with those molten golden eyes*

Tessera: Oooooo.

Theodicy: *can't help it, must chuckle at that comment*

Auspex: *smiles warmly at the Maximal fem, stepping back a pace* Thank you so much, Nightwish. That is a very powerful skill Primus has given you, and very useful. Are you aware, while you are hosting his presence?

Nightwish: *slight, warm smile* I can be, but this time I chose not to be. *eyes go to Theodicy as he moves*

Theodicy: *leaning to look down at Auspex's abdomen*

Kup: *also looks at Theodicy, and then frowns* You need some fuel, Lady. Lemme get you a cube.

Auspex: *she begins to answer Nightwish, but her gaze shifts sideways to peer at Theodicy in mild surprise. Her fuel tank did just now indicate that her reserves are depleted (small wonder, given how long it's been since she's last ingested anything, now that she's thinking of it...), but she didn't exactly emote that, and how did he pick up on that...? And how did Kup pick up on him picking up on that?* Theodicy...?

Theodicy: *looks at her alertly, expression and emotions questioning*

Nightwish: He's part of you, Auspex. He can feel what you feel. And Kup's learned to take his cues from Theodicy.

Theodicy: *looks from Auspex to Nightwish, then clues in with amusement at himself and nods* I can feel you all the time, Mom.

Auspex: Ah... *her optics dim, looking very embarrassed* I apologize; it will... take me some time to adjust. I've not had ties of this nature to anyone before, other than Primus himself... *she reaches up to smooth Theodicy's helm in apology* Though Kup reads you very well, then.

Theodicy: *as Kup hurries down the hall with Cloudtrader still gleefully affixed, the little mech on her shoulder feels a little purr of contentment and leans into the affection* We were all there was, most of the time. And he's used to having to read his CO when they did covert missions.

Auspex: I suppose that would be a useful skill, in those circumstances, yes. *Her optics brighten in response to Theodicy's appreciation of the gesture. She hides a smile at Cloudtrader's antics, and Kup's patience with the little free-spark. She turns back to Nightwish* Primus told me that you saved his life, in your reality. I have difficulty imagining facing such a difficult task, let alone achieving it...

Nightwish: Like I said. My spark can destroy normal bots. There's a lot of energy in it. *slight head shake* I didn't upgrade when everyone else became Maximals and Predacons. I couldn't, because there wasn't any more of the material I'm made from, and no one to work it.

Theodicy: *and now the alert look is on Nightwish*

Auspex: *wide optics* Do you know the circumstances behind your creation? I haven't met anyone like that, before... *her curiosity is piqued, and it is readily apparent*

Kup: *back with cube in one hand and a VERY good smelling small envelope in the other. One corner of his mouth is twitching, and he's emoting the kind of feelings that go along with, "Sneaky jerk. Heh!"*

Auspex: *she eyes Kup with furrowed brow; he seems to be rather smugly amused by something he's found - she assumes it's in the envelope. Her smile is quizzical* What is it...?

Kup: *offers the envelope, from which comes a delicate, complex, very enticing aroma* That tall kid found Seeker Salt wafers somewhere and left them for you.

Nightwish: *slight smirk as she waits to reply til Auspex has seen the treat*

Tessera: *babbling SO intensely as she points her little antennae toward that envelope*

Auspex: *blinks curiously - the strange forms of edibles that exist outside of her reality never cease to amaze her* It does have a pleasant scent... Tessera certainly seems to think so, also. *amused at the chiproach's reaction, she carefully takes the envelope, peering inside*

Theodicy: *laughs as the babbling intensifies, his curiosity mild and contented*

Tessera: Nom nom Auspex!

envelope: *contains three small round wafers of a creamy white colour*

Auspex: *She shrugs at her own hesitance, fishing into the envelope for one of the wafers. She breaks off a tiny, tiny crumb, offering it to the chiproach on the tip of a finger, and tentatively nibbles the edge of the rest. Her optics brighten at the flavor* Ooh. They are very good! *She immediately offers some to Theodicy, questioningly*

Tessera: *taste taste licky lick* Oooooo. *runs in mad happy circles on Auspex's head!*

Theodicy: *studies the offered goodie, then leans forward and nibbles before sitting up with surprise as his eyes flash* I didn't know things could taste like that!

Kup: *laughs* Not many people do. That stuff's worth eight times its weight in Cybertonium back where I come from.

Auspex: *chuckles at Tessera's antics, and beams joyfully at Theodicy's reaction* Our world has always seemed to be rather limited in edibles, compared to much of the multiverse. I've been very surprised, on multiple occasions.
*Her optics widen as Kup puts the treat's worth into perspective* Oh dear. Perhaps they are best enjoyed in small quantities... *she ponders the wafer in her hand for a moment, before breaking it into fourths. She offers a piece each, to Kup and to Nightwish. She will save the last piece for Theodicy*

Nightwish: *shakes her head* I don't need fuel, and I've already tasted Seeker Salt.

Kup: *steps back* That's yours, Lady.

Auspex: *hesitates, nodding once in understanding to Nightwish, but persists in trying to hand Kup the other piece* It would please me very much to share this, Kup, especially if it is as valuable as you say. Allow me some small token of generosity, in return for your diligence? *she smiles gently*

Kup: *frowns, his emotions full of hesitation, embarrassment, and protest. Then, gently* Lady, that's not for somebody like me. That's for important folk.

Theodicy: *much affection for his friend*

Auspex: *sighs softly, wincing at his embarrassment, but her wish to bestow this gift is greater than her reluctance to cause him discomfort. After a moment of thought, she breaks the fourth into an eighth, and offers that, instead, optics questioning*

Kup: *blinks with surprise, and then shakes his head again* They were given to you.

Auspex: *tilts her head, sighing again* There are more. They are non-essential. And I wish to share them. *she confers with Primus for a moment, hesitating: should she? He seems encouraging. With a mental acknowledgment, she carefully reaches to take Kup's hand, bringing it forward enough to place the sliver of wafer in it*

Kup: *surprise is swiftly followed by laughter as he tries gently to take the hand back and avoid the piece of treat* Heyyyyy now. Why don't you eat your own cookies?

Nightwish: *soft snerk escapes her at his protest* All wise people know that sharing makes things taste better, Kup.

Kup: Huhwha? *startled look for the dark lady*

Auspex: *smiles, feeling mildly vindicated* She is right, you know. *she presses the piece more firmly into his hand, before withdrawing to offer one of the other quarters to Theodicy*

Kup: *sputters slightly, feeling amused and indignant. Looks to Theodicy, gets laughed at, grumbles at the little bot, and finally takes the bit of cracker* Oh fine...

Theodicy: *still laughing* Thanks, Mom. *accepts his cracker bit and sniffs it, then hold it up for Tessera to run down and lick before going back to her race track on Mount Auspex Head*

Auspex: *chuckles softly, replacing the leftover three-eighths in the envelope, for now* I apologize, Kup, but I do not care for stations and hierarchy; I will treat you as I think you deserve, rather than how you might expect. I suppose you will have to adjust. *she isn't, and doesn't sound, terribly sorry after all*

Tessera: *down for another lick, and then emits a tiny squee before resuming the zoom*

Kup: *faceplates heated slightly as he looks down and mutters, but he's not really displeased. More embarrassed by the attention and gift. Sets the cube of energon on the table, and then excuses himself with the excuse that he has to see where Cloudtrader went*

Nightwish: *watches him go, then arches a brow* He knows very well he's got a little freespark on his head. Heroes can see the disembodied.

Auspex: *she is sorry, however, for embarrassing him enough that he feels the need to escape. She suppresses another sigh, though the smile remains* He is too modest. *her attention is briefly diverted to the hyperactive chiproach on her head* I hope you are not going to over-energize, Tessera...
*she comes forward to sit at the table where Kup left the cube, absently setting the little envelope nearby. She is still nibbling at the wafer, but she'll most likely need some actual substantial energon in her tank in a moment* I am curious about your origins, Nightwish. *she gestures to another seat in invitation*

Nightwish: *settles onto the stool across from Auspex, nodding as she does* So you said. *pauses to let the other woman know that she is choosing what to say, then* I was one of Shockwave's experiments. He used a copy of Starscream's spark as a base, and tried to make a spark that was truly immortal and indestructible.

Theodicy: *slides down into Auspex's lap*

Auspex: *sets what little is left of the wafer aside for a moment, stopping to drink a bit from the cube. Her optics brighten: it is very good; milder and sweeter than what she's used to. She smiles down at Theodicy for a moment as he shifts, before frowning uneasily as Nightwish begins. Oh dear* You are not the first to be created in a bid to duplicate whatever caused certain alternates of Starscream to have an indestructible spark... *the one she knew best did not have such a mutation; he was simply very very stubborn, and refused to die. But some did...* But you are probably aware of that.

Nightwish: Actually, in my reality I was the first. X came later, when Maximal scientists tried to repeat Shockwave's work. You see, he used metal from a meteor for my shell, and the secret of working that metal died with him. This body can never be replaced, because my spark would be fatal to others without the shielding that the metal provides.

Auspex: *sighs, nodding* I see. That is... unfortunate. But I suppose the material you are made from is very hard to destroy, so at least there is that...? And I am sorry the Maximals could not leave well enough alone afterward...
*she sips at the cube, curiosity still evident in her aspect* How did you become a servant of Primus, then?

Nightwish: *humour* By jumping on top of him and giving him sparkburn.

Auspex: *chuckles* Er, so he told me. Though not everyone feels that they owe Primus anything, let alone wish to risk their existence to save him. In your case, I suppose that was less of a factor - but the motivation did not have to be there.

Nightwish: *chuckles and shrugs* My husband already spoke to him. And there isn't much hope for Transformer kind in general without our principal and source. I've been extinguished... it never sticks. And I knew that if Primus didn't send me back to Rhinox, then he'd make some sort of provision so that the big fat suck still had someone to love.

Theodicy: *looks up with shock from his conversation with Tessera when he hears those words*

Auspex: *she nearly chokes on her sip of energon, at the choice of words to describe Nightwish's mate; but she can sense the humor, and the fierce love in them. She curls an arm around Theodicy, and Tessera by proxy, as she continues* Of course that is true; it simply seems to be common that someone with such tumultuous origins might be somewhat embittered. I suppose that I am simply amazed, and gratified, that you are not. I have noticed that you are perceptive; you are probably an empath, as well?

Nightwish: *nods* I nearly was before. Cold reading is easy when you can hear the rate at which systems are working, see temperature changes, and see twitches. *smiles at the little bots, then looks back to Auspex. Quietly* Many Nightwishes are embittered, even ones that Shockwave didn't attempt to nullify after he saw what he's made.

Theodicy: *so sympathy and sad*

Nightwish: *looks at him* But I set out as soon as I was able, and was on my own til I met my husband.

Auspex: *'hmm's, nodding* Starscream, curiously, was not empathic, in any of the realities I am familiar with - I suppose that was more a result of the experimentation, rather than the source material.
*she sighs, rubbing Theodicy's arm, understanding his sadness, and she looks at the other fem with sympathy* I can imagine. I praise Primus, then, that you survived... *one gathers she's speaking more emotionally, than physically* ...and that you are his, after all that you've been through.

Nightwish: *lifts her brows as she looks at Auspex's face* My spark and frame are indestructible. I could host Primus for a lot longer than I just did. *she rises slightly in her seat, there's an abrupt transform sound, her form becoming somewhat taller than Auspex and of a more familiar tech* And this is what I actually look like.

Theodicy: *wait... what?*

Auspex: *raises her own brow, sitting up a little straighter* I did wonder, but I suppose you picked up on that. I'm... not actually sure what the affects of being an avatar for Primus would be in the long-term - as I said before, I've never had to try. I have channeled his consciousness, but that's more of a relay...
So you alter your form to look more familiar to your people. How many forms can you take on?

Nightwish: *little spark of amusement at the surprise, though also some compassion and protectiveness aimed at Theodicy and Tessera* Right now I have five alt modes.

Theodicy: *looks down and feels a little bit embarrassed*

Auspex: *her brows raise a bit more* And you can add more as needed? That is impressive.
*She gives Theodicy a little half-hug, understanding that talking about altmodes may make him self-conscious.*
*She finishes the last bit of wafer she had left, before draining the rest of her energon cube*

Theodicy: *looks up at her, emotions blooming with affection and thanks, as well as humour against himself*

Tessera: *that quiet babble means she's asleep*

Nightwish: *starts to reply, but then looks at the door, brows drawing together curiously*

Auspex: *she looks up also, optics on the entrance - she can faintly see Cloudtrader there. She's a little confused - he was attached to Kup, last she saw...*

Cloudtrader: *sees her looking and grins, then beckons her to come. Come! Is happy and excited*

Auspex: *glances at Nightwish, shrugging a little* Ah, excuse me? What is it, Cloudtrader? *she looks at Theodicy in question - a little awkward about what to do with him*

Theodicy: *stands on her lap and holds out his arms, then realizes she's still new to this and enunciates what he just said with body language* Pick us up?

Cloudtrader: Come see!

Auspex: *smiles at Theodicy, a little sheepishly, then loops her arms under his and hugs him to her carefully as she stands, making her way over to the free-spark sparklet, curiosity evident*

Cloudtrader: *happily dances ahead of her, an innocent little will o the wisp*

Nightwish: *watches Auspex and her children vanish, then glances downward with an amused snort before getting to her feet to tell Kup and comfort him*

((Co-written with random-xtras))