Mission 'verse and Nexus. Various places. Quest completed, reward awarded.

[random_xtras]

Nightwish: *jigs sharply to avoid what looks like a rift in reality that just got thrown at her*

Dinobaby: *gripping Small Cheetor from where he's strapped in his shield cradle* Weeeee! :D

Rattrap: PRIMUSFRAGITNIGHTWISH!! *hides behind a datapad, his eyes scrunched shut*

Nightwish: *goes straight up, and then jerks as an energy beam hits her broadside*

Rattrap: *groans and whimpers, peeking over the edge of the pad* We're all gonna die.

Spazz: *from where she's piloting the ship that's standing in the ocean a little ways up* //Nightwish! Watch out for Devastator!//

Nightwish: //I'm not worried about Devastator.// Don't worry, slaarg. You and the runt won't die before I do. *spins up and around at dizzying speed*

Rattrap: *shrieks, dropping the pad in favor of digging his claws into his seat* No, we'll die as you explode into a million tiny pieces!

Nightwish: I don't explode. Don't worry. You're in the safest spot around right now. *screaming upward and then starts a dive that shoves him right into his seat*

Rattrap: *squeezes his eyes shut, pressed back into the seat* Why am I not convinced?!

Nightwish: *gets caught head on by something that snapped into being too fast for her to dodge without hurting her passengers*

Dinobaby: *blinks as the cockpit rocks, and then stares in disbelief at the glass panel where they'd been able to see the femme's spark glowing. There is no glow there now*

Rattrap: *wibbles* That's it. We're gonna die.

Nightwish: *spark suddenly flashes back into being, and she groans* Slaggin' hate that. See? *and she nearly takes The Fallen's head off as she snaps to the side and flies straight at him*

Dinobaby: 0_0

Rattrap: *shrieks* WATCH WHAT YOU'RE DOING, WOMAN!

Nightwish: I AM WATCHING WHAT I'M DOING. THAT'S WHY YOU'RE NOT BUGSPLAT ON THE INSIDE OF MY COCKPIT NOW. *spins and fires*

Spazz: //$@$#%$#@#@, Rat! LOOK AT OUR PRIMES!//

Rattrap: //Look at the Primes? LOOK AT THE PRIMES?! I can barely keep my eyes open, Lump! I want out of this cockpit NOW!!// *pauses, realizing how close he is to The Fallen* //BUT SOMEPLACE FAR AWAY FROM THE EXPLOSIONS!//

Nightwish: *twirls on her central axis and makes a small sound of surprise as she spots the massive mechanism that is running toward The Fallen*

Rattrap: *feels the lack of motion and cracks an eye open* Ah... 'course.... dey combined.

Dinobaby: Com... bine?

Rattrap: Somethin' certain Transformers could do, before th' upgrades, kiddo.

Primacron: *knocks The Fallen down like a bug, and then stomps him a few times before stabbing him dead with the Matrix*

Fallen's portal: *starts falling in on itself*

Starscream: *knocks Megatron on his aft and then vanishes through the portal*

Primacron: *stomps Megatron into the dirt for good measure*

Rattrap: *snerks* Oooh, Starscream... like a rat desertin' a sinkin' ship....

Nightwish: *snorts and is suddenly shooting toward the last crack of the portal*

Rattrap: *shrieks*

Nightwish: *is through! And shooting out through the side of the Nemesis where she sits broken on a frozen world. Turns and flies back more slowly*

Rattrap: *relaxes a bit, leaning forward to peer out the window* Whoa... Where are we?

Nightwish: Europa, the humans call it. It looks like somebody failed at landing.

Rattrap: S'a bit cold, ain't it? *hums to himself and peers around* Say, we got any energon I cin warm up?

Nightwish: All through my tubing. Why?

Rattrap: Starscream's out here, ain't he?

Nightwish: She's in the command quarters of the ship. *turns and does another leisurely flyover*

Dinobaby: *gnawing Small Cheetor's ear and watching Rattrap*

Rattrap: Another She-Scream? *facepalms* Right... Wanna come with, Brontobrat?

Dinobaby: Yup!

Nightwish: Go where?

Rattrap: Gonna bring her some warm energon and cookies.

Dinobaby: *snerks* Got mug, vermin?

Nightwish: Here. *metal mug forms on her dash*

Rattrap: You kiddin' me? *digs around in subspace, then... doesn't pull out a mug* Never mind den. Where do ya want me ta tap in?

Nightwish: *works a tube carrying her golden energon out to where he can reach it*

Rattrap: *fills the mug up, then pops the cockpit open and pushes himself out. He drifts through space towards the Nemesis, heading towards an open panel*

Dinobaby: *holding onto him, a rotten little grin on his face*

Nightwish: *transforms and catches both small mechs in her hand to move them toward the nearest rent in the side of the ship*

Rattrap: *mutters a thanks as he slips the straps of Dinobaby's cradle over his shoulders. Then he crawls through the hole, navigating easily on his own once he's inside. He makes his way towards the command center, keeping an eye out for any surprise attacks*

Dinobaby: *little mouth on Rattrap's shoulder and optics scanning the shadows as a steady, nearly soundless growl vibrates through his tiny chest*

Rattrap: *reaches up to pat Dinobaby's head as he peeks around the corner into the command center* //Uh... Screamer?//

Starscream: *looking down at him past the muzzle of her gun* //What the slag are you, and where did you crawl out of?//

Rattrap: *squeaks, staring up the barrel of the gun* //Oh Primus, I shoulda seen dat comin'.... Name's... Rattrap. I got energon an' Deceptiscout cookies fer ya.//

Starscream: .... *end of gun heats up*

Dinobaby: *growls* //Kill us and big black jet get you.//

Starscream 0_o!

Rattrap: //Down boy!// *shoves Dinobaby back, sticking his tongue out at him* //Seriously, Starscream. I'm a Transformer, jus' like you, jus' different tech.// *holds up the mug of energon* //Bit cold out here, ain't it?//

Starscream: *turns head slightly as she scans for other life signatures besides the ones that should be present* //There's no one else here.//

Rattrap: //Imagine dat.// *gives Dinobaby a Look* //Guess you got a pair a stowaways here, den.// *gives her his best, most charming smile and a small shrug*

Starscream: //You look like the kind of thing Astrotrain used to have live in his fuel tank.// *gun heats again, but then she freezes as a shadow passes between the ship and the stars*

Rattrap: *uses the heat from the gun to warm up the energon and takes a sip, smirking* //Seein' things, Starscream?//

Starscream: *hisses soundlessly into the vacuum* //Just get out.//

Rattrap: *leaves the mug of energon and some CinnaSeekers, then starts to leave* //Oh, by th' way? Megatron got curb stomped. Ya might wanna get movin' quickly, so ya cin get control a' th' Decepticons while dey're leaderless.//

Starscream: *impatiently* //Yes. That's what I was doing before you little tank parasites interrupted me.//

Rattrap: *sticks his tongue out* //Fine. S'cuse me fer bein' a gentlemech. Fraggin' Seeker-femmes.// *grumbles* //Nice ta look at, but slag if ya try ta do somethin' nice fer 'em.//

Starscream: *suddenly wide-eyed. She glances at the stuff he's set down, then snatches it up, transforms, and blasts out down the hall and out and away*

Axalon: *looks in through the front viewport*

Rattrap: *blinkblinkeyebrowarch* //What th' Pit?//

Spazz: //This thing's full of 'Cons in stasis. The Primes came to talk to them. We can go now, if you want.//

Rattrap: *rubs his head and nods* //Oughta get back t'the Sanctuary. Pink was tellin' me 'bout a kid dat lost a friend recently. Wanna talk ta him.//

Nightwish: *quietly* //Rattrap?// *yes, she just used your name*

Rattrap: *puts his hands on his hips, looking up at her* //Yeah, what's up, 'Wish?//

Nightwish: *just a dark shape against the stars that seems to suck in the light* //Take me with you.//

Rattrap: //Yer gonna be disappointed, babe. I ain't certain what'chu think I am, but I'm tellin' ya, I ain't it. Pit, I'm pretty much a 'Con in ev'rythin' but name.//

Nightwish: //You're the little slaghead that I can understand. You're just as crazy as that slagging chibi.//

Dinobaby: *slagging chibi is gnawing on Rat's shoulder*

Rattrap: *shrugs and nods, reaching back to rub Dinobaby's head* //I'll give ya th' latta', but I ain't so sure a' th' forma'. Y'd be more Dinobot's type, I'd think, but hey, if yer sure, I ain't gonna stop ya.//

Spazz: //Um, Rat? Have you noticed just how 'Con she is?//

Rattrap: //Shaddup Spazz.// *rubs his face* //Slaggit, whateva'. Y'really wanna come 'long, get permission from Diehard. I ain'cher boss. Jus'... do whateva'.//

Nightwish: *gruffly* //Thanks, slaarg.// *vanishes*

Spazz: //Want me to grab Rhinox and 'Cutter and Star?//

Rattrap: //Yeah, bring ev'ryone round here. I'm jus' gonna be bangin' my head 'gainst a wall.//

Spazz: //How about I bring them home while you go to Hormah's?//

Rattrap: //Dat sounds even betta'. Grab Nightwish fer me too, will ya?//

Spazz: //Sure thing, Rat.// *Axalon pushes away from the viewscreen and moves up over the top of the ship and out of sight*

Rattrap: *groans* I will NEVA' unna'stand femmes. *rubs his face one last time, then 'points back to the Sanctuary*

Hormah: *looks up from where she's sitting at the table with a great big paper book and a plate of cookies*

Rattrap: Job's done. *slips Dinobaby's cradle off and begins unstrapping him* Heard 'round dat y'picked up a kidbot named Ransack. He still here?

Hormah: *frowns a bit* Ransack died, b'y. T's Crumplezone as is hidin' out in me back room.

Rattrap: *freezes up, his eyes going wide. He looks up at Hormah, one hand gripping his chest, right over his sparkchamber* Whi... which one?

Hormah: *wincing a bit at what she's feeling from him* *quietly* Which one what? T'ey ain't from yer reality, it t'at's what ye means.

Dinobaby: *just frowning and holding Small Cheetor where Rattrap set him on the floor*

Rattrap: *shakes his head, rubbing at his chest. His spark ached badly, but he wasn't sure if it was the shock of finding out one of his alts was dead or something else* I jus'... CZ's been wit' me t'rough... practically ev'rything. Goes by Rhinox now. Sorta why I went postal on th' otha' me fer callin' 'im Lardbutt. Nnn... *shakes his head, then stands up, walking briskly towards Hormah's back room* Ain't many bots I'd die ta protect, but he's onna dem. Even if he ain't my Crumplezone exactly, I jus' cain't let 'im...

Hormah: *getting up herself and stepping over Dinobaby* *quiet* He's some jumpy, b'y. 'N 'e might be antsy 'round someone wit'out t' 'Con mark. Megs got t' Velocitron some earlier t'ere t'en 'e does in most t'em realities.

Rattrap: *looks up at Hormah, then closes his eyes, going stock still for a moment. When he opens his eyes and relaxes, all the Maximal symbols on his body fade away* Dere. Now I'm neutral 'gain, jus' th' way I was built. Will dat do?

Hormah: Maybe. *optics flick toward the sleeping room they're standing outside as she catches a sound that Rattrap won't be able to hear, and then she looks back down at the small Maximal* Jes remember ye ain't gonna be able t' keep t'is un.

Rattrap: Why not? I seem ta be pretty good at collectin' 'bots lately. *gives her a wry smile and a shrug, then slips into the room, slick as you please*

Crumplezone: *is that heap huddled over in the corner behind the berth, and that sobbing that sounds like it's going to shake something loose*

Rattrap: *moves silently through the room, his eyes never leaving the huddled form* Oh Crumplezone, you big lug... *climbs onto the berth, and settles down, reaching out to place a hand on the big mech's shoulder* All dat fuss ova' me? Really CZ, yer too slaggin' soft sometimes.

Crumplezone: *gasps a little and ducks his head* Ya already said that, Ransack. 'N I thought you left 'n wasn' comin' back. *he sounds young. Just a big dumb kid*

Rattrap: Yeah well, yer in th' Nexus now. More'n one Ransack here, an' dis particular one made it t'rough. *leans forward, wrapping his arms around Crumplezone's neck as best he can* I'mma bit olda', but I wouln't say I'm any wisa', an' I sure as th' Pit ain't th' same tech.

Crumplezone: *starts and looks up, torn between 'ewwww stop huggin' me!' and the urge to just sink back into the pit of loss and misery* Hey! You're not....

Rattrap: I am too! I jus' been t'rough... *pauses, counting back all the shells he's had* ....Slag, dat many? Man, it has been a while. *laughs, sitting back on the berth* An' you so thought I was yer Ransack before ya turned 'round, din'cha?

Crumplezone: *slumping again, his optics dull as he stares down at his knees* Yah, well, ya sound just like 'im.

Rattrap: Well, I like my voice. Swapped out my vocalizer once or twice, but always kept th' original. Th' othas jus' weren't me. *shrugs* So kid, wha'cha gonna do now? Yer Ransack's gone, an' even though dere're othas like me out inna multiverse, dat one, dat one, special Ransack dat was yers... *looks down at his hands, the corner of his mouth twitching, then shrugs* Well, wha'cha gonna do? Gonna go back ta Megatron or what?

Crumplezone: *still looking at his knees* *dully* That orange dame says Override's comin' ta get me.

Rattrap: Oh good. Yer gonna get th' proper edumaction den. *smiles a bit, nodding* When we firs' went ta Cybertron, y'went an' signed yerself up at th' Academy an' made yerself inta' 'n amazin' engineer. An' me, I went an' jus'... wasted my life away.

Crumplezone: I don't want no edmuction. *shivers* An' if Megatron ever finds out he missed wid' dat blast....

Rattrap: So what, y'wanna be like me? Ya wanna spend yer life woikin' hard, spendin' ev'ry credit y'earn in th' bar on femmes and high-grade?

Crumplezone: *silent and miserable*

Rattrap: *hmphs and crawls into his lap* Dummy.

Crumplezone: *snaps back to the present and frowns* Raaansack! Get offa me! Yous was always whinin' about me gettin' too huggy about things, do don't yous start now!

Rattrap: Well? Whaddya wan' me ta do? Yer sittin' here all mopey an' slag, an' y'spect me ta jus' stand by an' let'cha? *scowls, crossing his arms over his chest*

Crumplezone: *puts the smaller mech back up on the berth, and then leans his head against it* *low* I jes' saw yous... saw my Ransack git shot 'n then sucked dry like an e-tank. 'N he was screamin' fer me ta help 'im. *shoulders shaking*

Rattrap: *pats his head* Yeah, an' y'also jus' saw 'is ghost. Whaddid he tell ya?

Crumplezone: That I should'a run over Hot Shot instead'a Red Alert. 'N ta stay away from Megs, 'n ta go wit' Override.

Rattrap: Y'ran ova' Red Alert?! What th' slag, Crumplezone! Did ya not see th' red pluses on 'im? Th' flashin' lights an' sirens? He coulda done somethin'.... *stops himself, shaking his head* Neva' mind, dat, ain't important. What's done is done. But he was right... Stay 'way from Megs. Gettin' off Velocitron, gettin' away from dem, alla dem... best thing I eva' done. Maybe I ain't no great hero, or genius engineer like you, but I would'a ended up as scrap back dere. An' you would'a too.

Crumplezone: I wasn' watchin' where I was goin', I was jes' runnin'! *hugs himself* I ain't gettin' off Velocitron. That's where Override is.

Rattrap: ....Din't Override join th'... oh, dat's right. *smacks his forehead* Sorry, s'been a long time fer me, an' den dere's th' multiverse mixin' things up... *waves his hands dismissively* Ferget it, anyway. Ya wanna go wit' th' Autobots an' make somethin' a' yerself, is all I'm tryin' ta say.

Crumplezone: She joined th' Autobots. But they're on Velocitron. *shivers and then winces as the smell of energon comes from him* Slag... I broke it open again.

Rattrap: *perks up a little, eyebrow arching* Broke what open? Lemme see!

Crumplezone: *straightens out a little, his face twitching with pain as he reveals a huge weld that goes diagonally across his torso* Hormah already fixed it twice....

Rattrap: *slips back into Crumplezone's lap, running his hands over the weld* Yanno, if y'jus' replaced th' whole piece, it wouln't be a problem.

Crumplezone: *weary wincing as he looks away* I wouldn' hold still long enough, so she welded me 'n let me go.

Rattrap: Fffffff.... You big baby!

Crumplezone: *shivers more* Don't like bein' held down. *jerks as a soft knock comes from the door*

Rattrap: *shakes his head sadly and gives him a little hug, then goes to answer the door* Yeah?

Override: *looks down at him with some surprise* Who're you?

Rattrap: *looks Override over, his pervy grin sneaking onto his face* Well, helloooo nurse, hehehe...

Override: .... Ransack?

Rattrap: Awww, ya recognise me, even in dis techno-organic body! Ain't dat jus' a peach?

Override: *snorts* It's hard to overlook the voice and the smarm. *looks past him, her voice softening* Where's Crumplezone?

Rattrap: *steps aside, holding the door open for her* Hidin', prolly. He's still feelin' pretty low-down.

Override: *quietly, though she knows this Ransack hasn't really got any say over her intended protege* I'll be taking him home with me.

Ransack: *tilts his head back, arms folded over his chest* I'll let'cha have 'im on two conditions; you treat 'im good, an' you teach 'im how ta make it on 'is own.

Override: *small smirk that holds no mockery* Like I'd do anything else?

Rattrap: Hey, jus' makin' sure my buddy's taken care'a. *shrugs, giving her a smarmy smile* He deserves th' best.

Override: Just go say goodbye. I have to get him back before we leave Velocitron.

Rattrap: *sticks his tongue out at her, then goes back to the room, crawling under the bed* Hey CZ? Override's here fer ya.

Crumplezone: *shaking and leaking a bit from where he cracked his weld* I... I'm scared, Ransack.

Rattrap: *places a hand on his shoulder, giving it a little squeeze* Hey, it's Override, CZ. What'cha got ta be 'fraid of? Sure, she's any mech's dream girl; got looks, brains, an' one heck of 'n engine, but... she's gonna take care'a ya.

Crumplezone: But we tried killin' her 'n 'er new Autobot buddies.

Rattrap: Are you kiddin' me? We tried, sure, but we din't even scratch th' paint, half th' time. We were decoys fer Megatron, pawns, tools. You know dat, don'chu?

Crumplezone: *trembling nod, but doesn't look very reassured* She's gotta be mad though, right?

Rattrap: Din't look too mad ta me. Jus' th' usual "Get away from me, Ransack" sorta annoyed, yanno?

Crumplezone: *soft sound of misery that's interrupted by a yelp as he surges forward and nearly puts his head through the wall*

Override: *bit startled to his reaction to her putting her hand on his foot* *softly* Easy, Crumplezone. I'm not going to hurt you.

Rattrap: *yelps and moves out of the way as fast as he can* CZ?! You okay?

Crumplezone: *brb, brain meltdown of fright and confusion and weariness in progress*

Override: *frowns, and then braces herself and pulls on his foot to get him out from under the berth*

Rattrap: Primus, what'd ya DO ta 'im? *stares between her and Crumplezone in disbelief, crawling out from beneath the berth* I ain't seen him move so fast since... ever.

Override: *grimly, as she continues hauling the wounded young mech out of his hiding place* This isn't my doing. It's Megatron's.

Rattrap: *wilts a little, crossing his arms over his chest* An' I thought I was skittish...

Override: *manages to get Crumplezone out and then puts her arms around him* Shhh, kid. I've got you. And I won't let anyone hurt you again.

Crumplezone: *comes out of his cringe just enough to turn his head slightly, his optics wide with shock*

Rattrap: *pouts, jealous*

Override: *soothingly* I just want to take you home and have Brakedown and Clocker fix what ails you, then let you get some rest, okay?

Crumplezone: *starting to register that Override is hugging him??!? Shock increases, but there is just a tiny tiny bit of glee in his optics next to the stunned hurt puppy look*

Rattrap: *smirks as he sees Crumplezone catch on, then quietly turns and slips from the room, hugging himself tightly. Crumplezone would be okay without him*

Hormah: *gives him a silent quizzical look from where she's leaning against the wall by the start of the hall*

Rattrap: *looks up at her a moment, then scoots his butt right over to her and tackles her into a hug*

Hormah: *chuckles as she lets herself be knocked over, then squishes the little mech gently* So ye got yer epic quest all finished, eh?

Rattrap: Yep! *happily cuddles up to her* Spazz should be here wit' th' crew soon, if she ain't here already. Picked up a femme, an' Boxcutter's picked up a new misfit. Pink's gonna show 'im combat kissin'.

Hormah: *laughs and gives him a kiss on the cheek* So ye gotcher pretty femme, eh, b'y. *then up she gets and hauls him into the main room, where she sets him down on the table by the plateful of pickle cookies* Like she knows anyt'in' 'bout t'at.

Rattrap: *plops himself down and helps himself to a handful of cookies* Hey, don' look at me! She's th' one who brought it up! Will prolly be his first one, too. Kinna wanna see how he reacts t'dat, actually. Prolly be funnier 'n slag.

Hormah: *flicks her fingers at him* Yer some great big brot'er. *then tilts her head and deedles softly* T'ey're all at t' Dog havin' a victory party.

Rattrap: Hey, I only known 'im a couple days! Gimme some slack 'ere, ain't like Boxcutter made him.

Hormah: *gives him a noogie* Naw, 'Cutter didn'. Rhinox did.

Rattrap: *squeals and squirms, giggling the whole time* Hey cut it out! An' dat don' surprise me much; kid soaks up knowledge like a sponge. I was showin' 'im how ta defuse a bomb durin' onna our jumps, an' by th' end a' th' shift, he was practically doin' it blindfolded.

Hormah: *laughs and sets him down again, then snags a cookie for herself* Ye better go join t' party afore ye misses it.

Rattrap: Yeah, all right. *snickers and gives her a wave before 'pointing off to the Dog*

crowd of bots: *gathered around a table where Nightwish and a massive cobalt blue mech are seated, each of them chugging down something the colour of a Cybertronian sunset. Nemesis stands at at the bar mixing another of the drinks, and Archiva is bringing two more of them to the drinkers' table*

Rattrap: ....Ooooh, boy. *crawls up onto the bar and flashes a smile at Nemesis* Hey baby, it's been a while.

Nemesis: *quick, reassuring glance toward a small yellow mech who is sitting and talking to Pooka on the far corner of the bar. Then she cracks a grin at Rattrap* You went somewhere?

Hot Rod: *nearby* *excitedly* Ten to one on Scattor. He can drink forever.

Kup: 0_o They've already each had enough to kill a ship crew, kid.

Rattrap: Oh c'mon, don't be like dat! Ya missed me, admit it. *makes kissy faces at her and winks*

Nemesis: *flicks a tiny chunk of mineral at him and resumes mixing the drinks as she sees Archiva coming for the next round*

Rattrap: *laughs and catches the mineral, happily munching on it as he wanders over to Kup and Hot Rod* So, 'bout this bettin' thing ya seem ta have goin'.... What's th' stakes?

Hot Rod: They're drinking till one gets bored. Everyone's sure Scattor's going to win.

Kup: Not that sure. There's somethin' about that femme....

Rattrap: I'd bet on Scattor, myself, but I know somethin' you fellas don't. Bet I could make her lose int'rest in drinkin' real fast.

Hot Rod: *doubtfully* Wouldn't that be cheating?

Rattrap: *smiles sweetly* Is walkin' up ta a femme an' givin' her a kiss against th' rules?

Kup: You don't have the ball bearings.

Scattor: *clearly over the crowd sounds* Full.

Rattrap: *arches an eyebrow, turning to face the drinkers* Well, I had the bearings, but looks like it's kinna moot now.

Nightwish: *eyeing her opponent doubtfully* You quit?

Scattor: Yup.

Nightwish: I thought you said you liked this stuff.

Scattor: *amiable shrug*

Nightwish: So then I win?

Scattor: Yup.

crowd: *groans*

Rattrap: Good thing I din't put no money down! *laughs and 'points over to the table, smirking* Hey, Bruiser, you enjoyin' th' Dog so far?

Nightwish: Yeah, it's fun. *to Scattor* Then I wish I were a Maximal.

Rattrap: *blinkblink* What?

Scattor: *reaches over and taps Nightwish on the chest*

Nightwish: *vanishes in a flash of cobalt blue sparkles*

Rattrap: Hey! What?! What's goin' on here?

Scattor: *just looks at the smaller mech, and then reaches over and helps himself to Nightwish's last drink*

Rhinox: *running over from where he'd been arguing with Spazz at the back of the crowd*

Rattrap: *growls, reaching back for his blaster* Whaddya think yer doin'? Din't'cha jus' say you was done, an' now yer helpin' yerself ta a femme's drink? D'you lose on purpose or what?

Scattor: Got thirsty again. *shrugs*

Nemesis: Rat! Lose the noisemaker.

Rhinox: *under the table* Just take it easy and let your shell reboot.

Rattrap: Lose it?! He jus' did somethin' nasty ta Nightwish!

random Bumblebee: *looking under the table* Um... no, I think he granted her wish.

Nemesis: No slag in my bar.

Rattrap: *throws his blaster at the poor, unfortunate Bumblebee, then scrambles under the table to see what's going on*

Rhinox and Spazz: *crouched beside a beautiful gleaming iridescent black cat with dragon/bat wings as she twitches and groans*

Spazz: *looks up at Rattrap, her optics a little wide*

Rattrap: *stares at her blankly for a bit, then shakes his head in disbelief* Cats! What is it wit' 'bots an' cats?

Spazz: *blink blink* Um. They don't drool?

Rattrap: Yeah well.. dere're a lotta diff'rent animals dat don' drool. I'm a rat, an' I don't drool! *Yes, he does.* An' lizards! Lizards don' drool! Or birds, or bugs, or anythin' but cats.

Nightwish: *shaking violently and then pulls away from Rhinox with a hiss and sits up to look at herself, the inspection of her paws ending with the protruding of a set of wicked three inch silver claws* A cat? Cats don't have wings.

Rhinox: *straightens and watches her with a slight frown of concern*

Rattrap: Th' base is a cat. Sayin' y'ain't a cat jus' cuz ya got wings is like sayin' Silverbolt ain't a dog. *pause* Which he ain't no more, but dat ain't th' point. Silverbolt was a dog in ev'ry way possible, 'cept fer 'is wings and th' clawed bird hands. *waggles his fingers all menacingly*

Nightwish: *shrug* I can always scan a new mode, right?

Rhinox: I guess so. *still watching her to make sure she's taking the upgrade alright*

Rattrap: Hey, only do it if you wanna... Jus' cuz I don't like cats don't mean you gotta change it.

Nightwish: *gives him a Look, then rears up* Nightwish, maximize. *straightens into a femme about a head and a half taller than Boxcutter, with shapely curves, those wide wings, and a pattern like fangs on her cheeks*

Rattrap: *steps back as she transforms, his jaw dropping and eyes going wide. He spends a good few cycles just staring at her appreciatively* Cats? I love cats. Cats're good.

random Sunstreaker: Whoohoo! Baby, forget about the rat and come with me. :D

Rattrap: *goes for his blaster, then remembers he threw it at Bumblebee and just makes a rude gesture in Sunstreaker's direction.*

Rhinox: *frowns at Sunstreaker* The lady's spoken for.

Nightwish: *looking back at Rattrap with a smirk* Make up your mind, Slaarg.

Rattrap: Mind? Y'want me t'make up my mind when th' only thing in my CPU is....

Rhinox: *glances at the kids in the crowd and slaps a hand over his friend's mouth*

Nightwish: *snerks and steps closer, then drops gracefully down to sit on her heels in front of Rattrap with a challenge in her optics* You're mine, Slaarg.

Rattrap: *looks her over again, then gives her a baffled look* You expect me ta say no?

Spazz: Hey.... *looks around* Don't you guys have anything better to do than stare?

Kup: If we had somethin' better to do we wouldn't be in a bar.

Rattrap: *rolls his eyes and turns on his heel, stalking towards the door* C'mon, Big Momma. I may be a perv, but I ain't in th' mood fer 'n audience.

somebody: *plays 'Brick House'*

somebody else: Nah, that's Blackout.

Rattrap: *rolls his eyes, making a rude gesture over his shoulder*

Nightwish: *rises to her feet and stalks after Rattrap, her every move showing strength and grace* I think I want to try out my new wings.

Rattrap: I think I'm scared a' what dat means, but I'm gonna do th' stupid thing an' go wit' it.

Nightwish: Hey, I kept you safe the last time we went flying, didn't I? *smirk*

Rattrap: You call dat safe, woman? I thought I was gonna have a spark attack!

Nightwish: I don't see any marks on you.

Rattrap: Dat only means no outward, physical damage was done! You know how many times I had ta put Dinobrat's head back tagetha' cuz he jarred somethin' loose? More times den I wanned ta, I cin tell ya dat.

Nightwish: I'm talking about when you were in my cockpit. *optic roll*

Rattrap: Ya missed my point, sweetheart. I mean, jus' cuz y'cain't see th' damage, don' mean it ain't there.

Nightwish: What, now you have shellshock or something?

Rattrap: No, but I could'a!

Nightwish: Princess, if you're so fragile maybe I should go fly alone.

Rattrap: *sticks his tongue out at her* I been called effeminate all my life. Don' think name callin' like dat's gonna make me run ta my berth an' cry.

Nightwish: *snorts and resumes her progress toward the door* Whatever. Come on, if you think you can keep up.

Rattrap: Hey, yer th' one who's chasin' afta' me! If I ain't up ta yer standards, ain't my fault.

Rhinox: You're being left behind.

Rattrap: *sticks his tongue out at Rhinox and scoots his butt out the door*


((Co-written with slaggin_preds))