othmtmte. Space Station. That's TwoBad

[marsthewriter]

Random: *moves towards the end of the hall that his Mom took him from* *trying to keep what he needs to tell his Mom in his mind but he's worried about being able to find her*

Nightwish: *is a murmur from the door just before the one he's headed to*

Optimus: *is the rumble of reply*

Random: *stops there and sees if there's a bell or something*

Optimus: *rumbles again. Then the door's opening and the Prime's looking down at the youngbot in the hall, his optics quizzical and kindly over his battle mask. Kia's laughter comes very quietly from the room behind him at the same time as it sounds faintly through the door of the room that she's in*

Random: *looks uuuuppp at the Prime* *he's briefly distracted by the laughter coming from two places, but he doesn't look away from Optimus' optics*

Optimus: *mask moves as he smiles* Are you looking for Nightwish? Or your other sisters?

Random: [Mo--]--er, Nightwish.

Optimus: *nods and steps out of the room* I'll speak to you again later, Nightwish.

Nightwish: Sure, Prime. *chuckles as Kia laughter sounds again*

Optimus: *also chuckles, and then turns and calls softly down the hall before stepping into the room that Kia and Nightstrike are in* *just invited his daughter over comms to come and visit with the girls and Garnak*

Random: *briefly hopes that Sister is up for it and feels a bit guilty if she's not able to--* *pauses as hears Sister reply in the affirmative: she'll be right there*

Kia: *delighted soft squee that sounds like she just got handed from one tall man to another*

Nightwish: *chuckles again*

Random: *looks a bit distracted again before he steps into the room*

Nightwish: *looks toward him with a smile, and then nods to the screen on the wall* Look at your sisters.

Random: *raises an optic ridge before turning to look*

Kia: *sitting happily on Optimus' shoulder and hugging her doll and Nightstrike's as she leans down to smile and speak to Sister*

Optimus: *beaming as he looks from one girl to the other*

Nightstrike: *has Garnak in a headlock in the background and is listening to his advice on how to do it better*

Sister: *not sure about this situation, but the small silver femme seems nice enough*

Optimus: *as Random watches, he hunkers down so that his daughter doesn't have to tip her head back so far, and then softly introduces the two girls*

Nightwish: *quietly* How are you feeling?

Random: *smiles a bit as he sees two of his sisters interacting before turning to Nightwish* Better. *the answer comes out automatically, but he hesitates as he gets the courage to say the things Sister's rubbing helped him remember*

Nightwish: *holds out an arm from where she's sitting curled on a big puffy thing in the corner of the small room, inviting him to join her*

Random: *will go sit down as he continues to get his courage*

Nightwish: *arm around him and a gentle cuddle as her eyes go back to the screen*

Random: *gets the courage as he feels her around him* [Mom,] I got really lucky the other day. And I think it was just luck.

Nightwish: Luck? *eyes meet his*

Random: You know, no actual skill?

Nightwish: *nods, her expression inviting him to continue*

Random: Because if Jenny hadn't shown up, I would have gotten into deep trouble, and if I hadn't been able to squeeze past another one, I don't think I'd be here.

Nightwish: *gently* What would you like?

Random: To actually know what I'm doing, so I can actually survive a fight with something other than dumb luck.

Nightwish: Do you want us to show you how to fight?

Kia: *much laughter from the screen as Garnak acks and laughs too*

Random: I need something. *is a bit frightened by the thought of skirmishing with his far more elite teammates, but he knows he lacks something*

Nightwish: *softly, hoping to settle his fear* Look at Kia.

Random: *hesitantly looks*

Kia: *is a face hugger*

Garnak: *flailing and laughing*

Optimus: *hands out, ready to step in if it looks like Kia's in danger*

Nightstrike: *laughing, though her hands are also ready to go out*

Random: *blinks a bit*

Garnak: *and he's down! Plomp on his butt!*

Kia: *lightning climb up the Optimus, and then kneels and laughs more*

Nightstrike: *pats Sister gently on the shoulder as she goes to give Garnak a hand up*

Sister: *looks relieved that Kia's okay but a little worried about Garnak*

Garnak: *on his feet, and then offering Sister a hug*

Sister: *accepts it as she sees that he's okay*

Nightwish: It's not a move that would work on a smarter person, but she judged Garnak's capabilities before she engaged him.

Random: Oh. *even his younger sister can do better than him*

Nightwish: *softly* That's not what I meant, and you know it.

Random: *startles a bit and then sighs*

Nightwish: *cuddles* *softly* What do you want?

Random: To actually feel competent in a fight. . . . And that I can actually survive one.

Nightwish: *kisses him lightly on the helm* Let me think about how to help you with that. In the meantime, I think you're up for our next Black Dog run.

Random: *reminded of why he loves his Mom as he receives the kiss* *looks at her* Really?

Nightwish: *looks back frankly* Do I say things I don't mean?

Random: I mean. Is it going to help?

Nightwish: I think it will. *slight, affectionate smile*

Random: *trusting his Mom's judgment on this* *the Nexus isn't as dangerous as the reality in most areas that he's seen*

Nightwish: *and then she chuckles a moment before Kia gives an excited squeal*

Random: *distractedly looks at the screen again before the conversation about his lack of fighting skills reminds him of something* Uh, how do I find out what my spark can actually handle?

Nightwish: We'll find out. And don't forget, right now you're getting stronger for your surgery.

Random: *looks a bit confused* We are?

Nightwish: *smiles her loving smile and nods*

Random: *wasn't the answer he was expecting*

Nightwish: *gently* We weren't making you wait to tease you.

Random: I didn't even know we were waiting. *fell asleep before he could be told that much* *and then it hadn't been brought up today*

Nightwish: *another kiss for his helm* Want me to go over everything we said?

Random: *thinks about it* *is he going to be able to keep the question he has about Jenny in his mind?* *he does have that datapad* Yes.

Nightwish: *careful word for word recounting of her conversation with First Aid*

Random: *listens as Nightwish tells him of the decision to wait a week before performing his surgery and letting Jenny out of the infirmary* *frowns and dots mentally*

Nightwish: Only First Aid has agreed to let you go see her because Optimus wants the two of you to do something for him.

Random: *blinks* Huh?

Nightwish: *slight smile* An easy job.

Random: What is it?

Nightwish: He wants you to keep an eye on a Predacon sparklet while he figures out what to do with the little guy.

Random: *tons of blinking*

Nightwish: And we thought that it'd give you and Jenny a chance to talk a bit.

Random: Oh. . . . What are we going to do about Jenny?

Nightwish: Optimus and I will be talking about that too.

Random: Shouldn't Jenny be deciding?

Nightwish: She and you will have a say too. Optimus and I just need to talk about the possibilities.

Random: Aren't they basically staying with us or finding someone closer to her size to take care of her?

Nightwish: We could also find her a formal Ownership contract, if she likes.

Random: 0_o? A what?

Nightwish: Like Frank's got. It's a contract that says that the Owner will make sure that the Owned will always have enough food, clothing, and shelter. In return, if the Owned is working for someone other than the Owner, then the Owner has a right to a percentage of the Owned's wages.

Random: *thinks it's the weirdest thing he's ever heard*

Nightwish: *slight grin* THAT is legal. Slavery isn't.

Random: *frowns because he still doesn't like the sound of it*

Nightwish: *nods to the frown* Some people don't manage very well without a protector.

Random: Oh. *that makes a bit more sense* But how does a contract help?

Nightwish: It lays out the responsibilities and rights of each person. And they're legally enforced.

Random: But if the person . . . *not sure how he wants to word his questioning of why a contract is even needed*

Nightwish: People like that very rarely make a contract.

Random: But if a good person makes a contract, why is it necessary? Isn't the good person always going to keep it?

Nightwish: Frank tells me it's reassuring.

Random: Oh. Wait, so that means you Own Dr. Frank?

Nightwish: *nods* We all do. I think he likes you best.

Random: *a bit wide-opticked at the thought that he was part of an Owning contract without realizing it*

Nightwish: *gentle squish*

Random: *squished*

Nightwish: *quietly* That's what Jenny's asking for, too. Which is why we'll be discussing it.

Random: *looks up* But [Mom], what if I'm out of it for a week again?

Nightwish: *more gentle, one-armed squish* You have the rest of us.

Random: *reaches into subspace and pulls out Dr. Frank's book* I forgot I had this. *hands it to his Mom because he knows she won't suddenly want a nap*

Nightwish: *takes out a little loop of beaded cord and puts the book through it... except that it doesn't come out the other side. Yes, it's another of those things*

Random: *blinks before he realizes what it must be* *confident that Dr. Frank will be able to get it now if he wants it* *looks back up at his Mom* I need to talk to Jenny.

Nightwish: Do you mind the baby being there? *glances toward the door*

Random: *confused by that* What?

Nightwish: That young Predacon that Optimus wants you and Jenny to watch while we talk.

Random: *his processor had taken that question as something else* Oh. No, I guess not.

Nightwish: *a last kiss on the helm, and then she's letting him go and rising to her feet with effortless grace*

Random: *reaches into subspace and takes a sip from the energon he had forgotten he had kept from Sister* *puts it away before standing and following his Mom*

Nightwish: *opens the door, and then accepts something gently into her hands* Do you want to use this room? She could sit on the beanbag.

Jenny: *from Nightwish's hands* Random?

Random: *surprised to see her here* Jenny.

Nightwish: *turns and lowers her hands to reveal the tiny girl, who is warmly wrapped in a soft fleece gown*

Jenny: *breaks into a close-mouthed smile* Hey.

Random: *um, she's here* *now what does he do?*

Jenny: *looks up at Nightwish, then back to him* A beanbag's a squishy chair, right?

Random: Yes. *points to where the beanbag is* It's over there.

Jenny: *curiosity and interest on that mobile little face* Is it comfortable?

Random: I have no idea. *seems to have forgotten he was just sitting on it*

Jenny: *expression asks him if she can try it*

Random: *Nightwish is the one currently holding her*

Nightwish: Do you want to use this room? *glances toward Optimus as he looms unobtrusively in the background*

Random: We can, yeah. *doesn't matter to him either way* *he just needs to talk to Jenny* *trying not to be perturbed by Optimus' looming*

Nightwish: *just elbowed the Prime*

Optimus: Ooof!

Nightwish: *doesn't acknowledge the oof as she turns to come back into the room* Alright.

Jenny: Can Random take me?

Random: *comes closer, his eyes lifting to Nightwish's to see what she says*

Nightwish: *glances at him, and then smiles slightly and offers the unicorn girl*

Jenny: *just as hopeful as a girl so tired and weak can be* *smiles at Random*

Random: *takes her gently* *smiles back* *moves to bring her to the beanbag chair* *before Optimus can intimidate him again*

Jenny: *small and warm, and one small hand grips the side of one of his fingers* They said you're sick.

Random: *transfers her carefully to the beanbag chair before sitting next to it* *nod* I am. My spark's not big enough to be in an adult shell, and this shell's not good for my spark.

Jenny: *worried frown* Can they do anything about it?

Random: Different shell and a spark booster. But that's not a guarantee of much, it sounds like.

Jenny: *frown deepens* *quietly* So it's really bad?

Random: It sounds bad.

Jenny: *still quiet* I'm really sorry. *frown deepens as she nestles down and draws up her feet under her skirt*

Random: *shrug* *and mentally blames his batch initiator*

Optimus: *taps gently on the open door* *softly* Are you ready for TwoBad?

Random: *starts and looks at Optimus* *moment of confusion* Oh, you mean the Predacon?

Optimus: *nods* He's not sentient yet, but he's been taught to respect other people.

Random: Okay . . . Sir.

Optimus: *faceplate moves in the smile that makes his eyes twinkle, then he turns his head and whistles softly. There's a soft croon in reply and the sound of claws clicking against the thin rug*

Jenny: *eyes wide*

Random: *shifts to be in front of Jenny without realizing it, not sure what to expect*

TwoBad: *strides into sight, two sets of intelligent amber eyes sweeping the room before fastening on Random with curious interest. They're a set of conjoined twins- one body and two perfect heads and necks. Their back is a little higher than the level of Random's waist*

Random: *which, since he's sitting, would mean that the new mech is currently taller than him* *hesitates before holding out his arm like he would to an animal*

TwoBad: *all four eyes brighten, and the rangy youngsters lope over to rest a chin on each of Random's shoulders*

Optimus: *just a last moment of watching to make sure everyone's going to be alright in here*

Random: *was NOT expecting that* *will hug the thing instead?*

TwoBad: *soft and happy sounds, and then the head on his right nuzzles him gently*

Random: *that seems to have been the right thing?* *rubs the Predacon's back*

TwoBad: *more happy sounds, and then a glance back with one head as Optimus leaves*

Random: *smiles a bit* *this strange Predacon just wants some hugs and attention*

TwoBad: *draws back from the loves to look at each other, and then the head on Random's right gently bites the other on the nose before they both look at Jenny the same way that they just looked at Random*

Random: *looks to make sure the bite was friendly* *sees where they're looking next* Gently, guys.

TwoBad: *lowers their heads and makes soft sounds to Jenny*

Jenny: *curls up with her arms over her head* Nnnnnn. It's metal troga!

Random: Predacon. He's--They're just young.

Jenny: *shivers and makes that soft sound of fear again*

TwoBad: *looks at Random, eyes sad and confused by the reaction of this new friend*

Random: *rubs TwoBad's back before pushing them* Step back a bit, guys.

TwoBad: *huff huff* *talking look, and then turns and lopes out of the room*

Jenny: *tooth chatter*

Random: *Um, well that didn't work out how he thought* // Um, [Mom]? The Predacon just ran from the room, and Jenny didn't take well to him. // *turns to Jenny* Jenny?

Jenny: *soft crying sound*

Nightwish: //Optimus says they'll come back. How's Jenny?// *calm concern in her voice*

Random: Jenny? Can I hold you? // Reliving her bad experiences with troga, probably. //

Jenny: *reaches up a little frantically, but then pauses and stares past Random*

Random: *will pick her up then* *once has her looks over to what she's looking at*

TwoBad: *standing there with hopeful eyes. One head is holding a little plush doll by the paw, the other is gently offering a squeaky toy*

Random: . . . *looks down at Jenny* I think they're trying to give a peace offering

Jenny: *blinks, and the fear fades from her little face* He's trying to make friends.

TwoBad: *soft sound from the right hand head- the one holding the squeaky*

Random: *or that*

Jenny: *absent snuggle, and then the reaching of a hand* Are those your toys?

TwoBad: *eyes brighten, and then they gently try to put their toys into Random's hands with Jenny*

Jenny: *starts to laugh, though she's too weak to do it very loudly*

Random: Careful, guys.

Jenny: *gentle pat for his hand* Maybe if you put me back on the chair. *ALL traces of fear are now gone*

Random: *sees there's a difference* Okay. *moves to carefully move her to the chair*

Jenny: Thanks. *accepts toys. Speaks of their beauty. And then blinks and looks up as TwoBad leaves again*

Random: *thinks this is an odd development*

Jenny: *glances toward him, one hand absently feeling the texture of the plushie's fur* What were we saying again?

Random: *turns to her* *oh, right, that* Are you sure you want to stay with me?

Jenny: *expression goes serious* Yes.

Random: I live with a bunch of bounty hunters, do you really want that? Witchblade, I know, is crazy.

Jenny: I've seen your captain. She doesn't seem slimy.

TwoBad: *click of nails crossing the threshold*

Random: She's not. But we're not used to small people underfoot, so you'd have to be extra careful because we're only used to the vacuum drone.

Jenny: I thought the doctor said you have another organic crewmate. Huh? Oh wow. Thanks. These are beautiful too.

TwoBad: *one head is nicely giving her a slightly bigger plushie. The other has a pink fleece blanket wadded up in his mouth and is waiting for Random's attention so he can offer it*

Random: He's done some crewing. So I guess he knows how to look after himself. *looks to see what TwoBad has* *hesitates a moment before accepting the blanket* *reminds himself that the doctor hasn't BEEN with them long either*

TwoBad: *gentle sounds as the head that gave the blanket nudges it gently and then looks at Random*

Jenny: I guess if he can do it then I can too.

Random: *takes the blanket and covers it partially on himself and partly over the beanbag chair that Jenny is on* *thinks about what he knows about the Alphyn* Dr. Frank knows how to hold on tight. And there's another thing. 13's not really made with organics in mind. Dr. Frank's got a pod that takes care of his needs.

Jenny: I had one, when Mom and I first made planetfall. *sadness makes her look away, one hand absently rubbing the gentle big head that cries softly and sniffs at her*

Random: . . .

Jenny: *impatiently wipes at her face. Quietly* I was born in space.

Random: So you know about having to stay in a pod until something's fixed?

Jenny: *nods* And everyone's always been bigger than me.

Random: [Mom] could find people more your size.

Jenny: *shakes her head* I want to stay with you.

Random: Why? I can't even protect myself, and who knows if I'd be able to fix something if something goes wrong with my spark how it is!

Jenny: *gives him a LOOK that she has no idea is ridiculously adorable* Maybe I'll protect you!

TwoBad: *protect? PROTECTION HERE! Where bad thing? Where bad?*

Jenny: *absently* Lay down, TwoBad.

TwoBad: *huh? Oh. Okay. Flop. One head in Random lap, one laying by Jenny*

Random: *sighs and rubs the head now in his lap* I . . . just . . .

TwoBad: *soft, deep, PURRRRRR*

Jenny: Look. You're the first person that's ever treated me as something other than some kind of rat. I just want to stay where things are good.

Random: *will keep rubbing the purring thing* *distractedly realizes what he's doing* *to his [Mom]* // Am I supposed to be treating TwoBad like an animal or a person? // *pauses another moment before turning back to Jenny's dilemma* But what if there's better?

Nightwish: //He's not sentient. Just be loving and positive.//

Jenny: *BLEEEP* better!

Random: // But I thought Optimus . . .? // *back to Jenny* I thought being with my batch initiator was the best I could get until I met Nightwish. There's got to be a better.

Nightwish: //Right now his alt mode instinct is dominant. He may never outgrow that.//

Random: // Oh. //

Jenny: *quiet and emotionlessly* Do you know what I am?

Random: *not sure what she's asking* A unicorn?

Jenny: Do you know what a unicorn is?

Random: Not really.

Jenny: *points to the little, skin-covered horn on her forehead* The cure of all ills.

Random: *blinks*

Jenny: But only if it's cut up. They say eating unicorn will renew youth, too.

Random: *shudders*

Jenny: Your mom's the Black Angel. I can't get safer than that.

Random: *slow nod* *slow exhale*

Jenny: And don't suggest finding my own kind. *intent on the purring head laying next to her* I don't think I have a kind.

Random: *rubs the TwoBad head in his lap* Just people closer to your size. Less likely to treat you like a rat.

Jenny: *again that Look* And more likely to want to live forever.

Random: *doesn't see the look because he's distracting himself with TwoBad's head*

Jenny: *ragged and weary sigh* *tiredly* If you don't want me around, just say so.

Random: I just want you safe. And happy. . . . And don't know how I can be it.

Jenny: You're my friend. *another, quieter sigh*

TwoBad: *sympathy sigh*

Random: *looks over at her*

Jenny: *nearly asleep there, curled among the toys, and with Bad's gentle big head snuggled against her*

Random: *turns back to the TwoBad face and rubs it some more*

Two: *PURRRRRR* *and he's still young enough to put out sleeping baby magic...*

Random: [Being a friend's enough?]

Jenny: *eyes closed* [Friend.]

Random: *small smile* *had fallen back into Further Rim because his processor's starting to protest the harrowing conversations he has had today after the excitement of yesterday--that was yesterday?*

Jenny: *curls up a little more and hides her face against the plush animal doll, and then her breathing goes deep and even*

Random: *not sure what to think now*

TwoBad: *snugglesnuggle*

Random: *deep sigh*

Jenny: *startles and sits up, looking around with wide eyes*

Random: [It's okay.]

Jenny: *looks up toward his voice, and her expression says that she's glad to see him* Are we good now? [We okay?]

Random: [I don't know.]

Jenny: *accent is slightly different than his, but it's plain that the language he's using is familiar to her* [I can take it. I'm not a wimp. I really want to stay with your crew. I'll find something useful to do.]

Random: [I don't even know if I'll be able to do my job.]

Jenny: *lays back again* [What's your mom say?]

Random: *turns to look at her* [About what?]

Jenny: ['Bout you doing your job.]

Random: Oh. *what DID his Mom say?*

Jenny: *lifts her brows at him*

Random: *back to speaking the common language* I think she was confident I'd be okay. *that seems to be what his Mom often thinks*

Jenny: *quietly* The only things moms lie about is about them being okay when they're trying to feed everything to you.

Random: Huh? 0_o

Jenny: Never mind. You guys have lots to eat. Oh! *looks up at him again* Thanks for the marshmallow stuff.

Random: Mistfire and Dr. Frank helped me figure out what to get. *smile* *because was TOTALLY clueless*

Jenny: *little closed mouth grin* I've never tasted anything so good.

Random: I'm glad you liked it.

Jenny: *smile becomes a grumble as she rubs her eyes with her fists*

Random: Maybe we should get you back to First Aid.

Jenny: *frowns up at him* You've got a TwoBad in your lap.

Random: *not sure how that relates* Huh?

Jenny: *isn't really either. She's just tired and doesn't want to move* *frown deepens as she tries to think of what to say, but she winds up yawning hugely instead. And giving a comical squeak*

Random: // [Mom]? //

Nightwish: //Hmmm?//

Random: // I think Jenny and I are tired. // *not sure what else to say*

Nightwish: //Are you having a nap? Where's TwoBad?//

Random: // He's here. On my lap. //

Nightwish: *surprise in that rich voice* //All of them?//

Random: *are you hearing how tired your son is?* // Just his head. One of them. //

Nightwish: //D'awww. You're safe there, if you want to rest. Or First Aid's in the hall, watching the door.//

Random: *not sure what he's doing* // She's really adamant, [Mom]. // *adamant was the word, right?*

Nightwish: *gently* //How do you feel about that?//

Random: // I just want her to be happy. And safe. //

Nightwish: //I think she has a chance of having that with us.//

Random: // I hope so. She thinks that being with people her size is more dangerous for her. //

Nightwish: *quietly* //Unicorns aren't really safe around a lot of other people.//

Random: // *sigh* //

Nightwish: //There's a place that I know. But we won't be going that way for a while.//

Random: // Oh? //

Nightwish: *gentle again* //Yes. But I better not tell you about it right now.//

Random: // Why not? //

Nightwish: //Because I haven't even told 13 the exact coordinates.//

Random: *thinking his Mom is making no sense*

Nightwish: //It's better if people don't know where it is.//

Random: // Oh. // *that makes a bit more sense*

Nightwish: //It's a safehouse. A world size one.//

Random: // I told her you could find a place. //

Nightwish: //I know. But she's got to be ready. Right now it looks like she's attached to us.//

Random: *just relieved that he was right*

Two: *snuggles Random for sounding happy*

Random: *smiles and rubs the head in his lap*

Two: *sighs and purrs some more*

Random: *knew his Mom could find something* *she's just that awesome*

TwoBad: *snuggle snuggle* *sleeeeeeeeeeeep wif me*

Random: *trying to figure out if he's said all he needs to say*

Nightwish: //Still there?//

Random: // Yes! //

Nightwish: //What do you think of TwoBad?//

Random: // I still don't know what to make of two heads. //

Nightwish: //What do you mean?//

Random: // He's got two of them! //

Nightwish: //That's because they're a conjoined twin. Their spark didn't separate.//

Random: // Oh. //

Nightwish: //But there are two distinct personalities in that one spark, which caused the two-headed mutation of their protoform.//

Random: *not sure what to say to that*

Nightwish: //Does it bother you a lot?//

Random: // Just not sure how to act or think. //

Nightwish: //Optimus says that he thinks of the quieter twin as Two, and the mischievous one as Bad.//

Random: // Okay. //

Nightwish: //He wonders if you've seen Two bite Bad on the nose yet.//

Random: // I've seen one of them bite the other on the nose. When he first came in. //

Nightwish: //He was reminding his brother to be good.//

Random: // Oh. //

Nightwish: //How do you feel about them otherwise?//

Random: // He seems nice. //

Nightwish: *quietly* //Do you think there's room for them on 13?//

Random: *thinks about it for a moment* // Yeah. I think there's room. . . . Though maybe not to run as much as he wants. //

Nightwish: //Are you sure? They'll probably going to want to be around you the most, because they'll see you as a guy their age.//

Random: // My only thing is not knowing if he's a person or an animal and how to think about two heads. //

Nightwish: //Right now, to all extents and purposes, they're two young animals. Well-trained, but still pups.//

Random: *still hear how tired he is, Nighwish?* // Okay. //

Nightwish: //Are you alright resting there?//

Random: *not entirely comfortable with the idea* // I don't know. //

Nightwish: //Do you want me to come get you?//

Random: // Yes. //

Nightwish: //I'm on my way.//

Random: // Okay. //

Nightwish: //Fuel levels alright?//

Random: // Oh. // *needs to have another drink* // See you, [Mom]. // *without realizing it, he nods off*



Some time later



Random: *a bit groggy as something wakes him up* Huh?

Frank: You need to wa... *cross and upset at himself* Oh, not you. Go on back to sleep.

Random: *still not entirely awake* *frowns at Dr. Frank as he feels something warm on his side*

Frank: *in his kindly, dry way* I just have to get these pups out of here. I know you don't like people sleeping on you.

Random: Pups? *moves his arm and is surprised when it hits something* *looks in that direction*

TwoBad: *cuddled between Random and the wall, both sets of optics shuttered as they sleep with the peaceful total relax of the young and content*

Random: *blinks as well as he can when he's still groggy* Oh. *somehow manages to compute he's not in the hammock and smiles* *yawn* He's okay. My brothers never wanted to huddle. *shutters his optics and puts his arm around TwoBad*

Frank: *startled silence, and then his small dry laughter* Alright. I'll be in the upper bunk if you need me. *sound of small hands and feet scrambling away*

TwoBad: *snuggles, and one head gives a tiny sigh. The other rests his chin on Random's shoulder*

Random: *already back into recharge* *takes comfort in the safe contact he was deprived of as a newspark* *rests peacefully until the start of the next shift*



((co-written with random_xtras))