Castle Outside Time and the Dream bar. Castle dorm and Dream bar. Kup arrives.

[random_xtras]

*In the Cybertronian-sized dormitory of the castle, there is a pile of mechs and a handful of small dragons on one of the beds/berths.

Auspex is recharging peacefully, Heartsease curled up on her chest again, Starsong draped over her somewhere, Theodicy leaning against both. Baby Ratchet, Chichi, and Meatball are interspersed between. At some point, Cureall came to join them, propped up against Auspex on the other side. Tessera is scurrying along the floor, excitedly playing with a little ball bearing she found in a corner, batting it around in the spaces between stones.

Auspex is dreaming.*

Auspex: *she finds herself in a place that is unmistakably Cybertron, though the actual location is not clear. The landscape is almost barren but for slabs of sheared metal, jagged and war-torn, like most of the planet tends to be in many realities. A fine mist seems to cling to the ground in all directions. Other than the obvious signs of destruction, it is surprisingly peaceful here. She turns in a circle, finally catching sight of something of note; there is a single building, somewhat nondescript, with a succinct label: FUEL*

Auspex: *she blinks up at the sign, before glancing around once more, truly finding absolutely nothing else of note beyond the small clearing she's in. Considering for a moment, she shrugs, and wanders inside the building.*
*she enters a comfortably-lit space that is worn, but still pleasant and welcoming. It is also, unquestionably, a bar. She winces ever-so-slightly - her first encounter with a multiversal bar resulted in personal, if admittedly mild, injury, as well as the peril of several someones she cared about. The sight of a table on its side causes her a momentary jolt of alarm, calling to mind the sort of violence that might topple the furniture - until she notices the chairs, still neatly arranged around it. Well. She's distantly aware that logic does not necessarily apply here, though she's not entirely certain why. Still, she's understandably nervous...*
*that is, until she studies the rest of the room, finding it empty, and turns her gaze to the bar itself. There are only two people here: the mech tending the bar, and... the mech who is, after all, supposed to be her bodyguard. This makes logical sense, somehow, to see him here. She relaxes noticeably, and approaches him*

Kup: *sitting at the bar as she comes in, leaning a cheek on his fist and absently watching a hulking, battered blue baytech mech mix a drink that's bubbling out of the container and letting out a sweet scent. Turns at sound of her steps and perks, then jumps to his feet and steps toward her with his hands out* Lady, you came back. *so happy, and glad and relieved to see her*

Auspex: *she pauses, poised, head tilted, as he greets her quietly, with warmth in his tone, and relief in his aspect. It's a bit surprising to her, as he is still a relative stranger - but, she reasons, he's known her construct for more than a decivorn; for him at least, there is familiarity by association. There is a brief moment of hesitation as she studies his outstretched hands, before interpreting his intention, and puts hers in his with a kind smile* I am... not certain this is 'back'. *She still has no idea where they are, though, uncharacteristically, she's not terribly bothered by it* But, I am here.

Kup: *squeezes her hands, then huffs quietly* You scared the spark outta me, goin' off like that! Are you okay? *pulls her a little closer, moving his hands from hers to her shoulders so he can turn her and examine her all over*

blue mech: Hey, Auspex, do you drink in dreams? *sets something on the bar behind Kup*

Auspex: *her optics flicker, getting a hint of emotion from Kup that she... isn't certain she wants to try processing at the moment. She concentrates on what he's saying to her, instead, lowering her head contritely* It was not my intention... I was taken without my knowledge, actually. Thankfully, it was a benign entity; an old friend. I am fine. *she trembles slightly, under his close scrutiny. When the bartender speaks she fastens on his words, though she's not entirely sure they make sense* I... suppose so? I have never tried to, as far as I know... *she peers curiously at the glass on the bar*

Kup: *quick, tight, though gentle hug of glad relief, then lets her go except for a hand on her back* You wanna try it, Lady? It's funny stuff, but it's low grade 'n it's tasty. *and his feelings are glad still, and the warmth has increased*

Auspex: *she blinks again, patting his back uncertainly as he hugs her. He's performing his function, she muses, though with a great deal more warmth than she might expect. She's a little overwhelmed, but she's thankful for the great care he is taking with her*
*her attention is diverted, again, to the drink on the bar. She listens attentively, head tilted curiously, before nodding slightly* Very well... what is it called?

Lumen: *grins* It's called a Kup, because it's fizzy and frothy but harmless.

Kup: *starts and gives Lumen a surprised, questioning, and embarrassed look, wondering if he should feel hurt by the much older bot's words*

Auspex: *she 'hmm's in slight amusement, blinking* I would hope the drink is harmless, at any rate. *she comes forward to perch on the seat beside where Kup had been sitting*

Lumen: *rogue grin* Don't worry, the only civilian that I try to get drunk is Perceptor.

Kup: *still uncertain as he sits next to Auspex* Lady, this is Lumen, from Optimus and Vector's crew.

Auspex: *eyes the barmech, brows lifting in half-amused skepticism* What did this particular Perceptor do to deserve that?
*she nods politely at Lumen* I'm happy to meet you. Apparently, you already know who I am. *she glances between them, curiosity lighting her optics* Primus told me only a little about the mechs who aid Vector Prime and Optimus Prima. I am not sure what sort of tasks you did with them.

Lumen: He needed cheering up. *sets another pink frothy drink in front of Kup even as he shrugs his broad shoulders* I'll let the kid explain. *looks around, then wanders to the other end of the bar, making quiet dubstep as he goes*

Kup: *eyes his drink, then sips* We fought chaos 'n straightened out messes. I wasn' with 'em for very long, though.

Auspex: *one brow lifts a bit higher at the reasoning - she's not sure she agrees with it, but nods again as Lumen busies himself elsewhere, turning back to Kup*
*she 'hmm's thoughtfully, nodding slowly. She brings her glass closer to peer at the pink liquid, but doesn't try it yet* It sounds like quite a task. I have only dealt with chaotics on a very limited scale, individuals with small agendas... it would probably take quite a lot of people and power to manage the complex sorts of things Vector Prime must deal with.

Kup: I know Optimus sometimes looks like she's on fire, 'n she can cut holes in time 'n space. And there were a lot of us at the main base, with a few more at the science one. *quiet slurp, and then wipes froth off his face as the sweet scent of the drink wafts over to Auspex. He's thoughtful, remembering*

Auspex: *ponders her glass again for a moment, before taking a delicate sip. She gives a pleased hum at the flavor, though she is otherwise concentrating on the conversation* I did meet Optimus, very briefly. She used her swords to bring us to the castle.
*she hesitates for a moment, before deciding on a question* Were... all of you Exiles, then?

Kup: *leaning his elbows on the bar, turned slightly so that he can see her easily* Nah, just most. There were Lumen's wordmate 'n kids, 'n Link 'n his brothers 'n their families.

Auspex: At least not all, then. *she sighs softly, finding herself with so many questions she's trying to sort through, as well as her own feelings about the idea of Exile* I... really can't imagine, losing access to my own reality. If it's anything as painful as the access I have lost to other realities... *she trails off, shaking her head* I would want to have family with me. *she peeks up at him tentatively* Not having that... takes an inner strength that I'm not certain I'd have.

Kup: *looks at her seriously, his emotions a mixture of sadness and acceptance, with acceptance predominating* I never had family til I got to your place, Lady. I never made any ties in the reality I was created in.

Auspex: *she nods, maintaining optic contact only for a moment, before looking down to study her glass, voice soft* Primus told me as much... and all the more reason that you are strong for surviving. I am glad that he brought you to us, for your sake, and Theodicy's. Still, I imagine it's been a bit of an adjustment.

Kup: *thinks about it as he lifts his drink and has some to hide the slight blush at the eye contact and compliment. Lowers the drink* It's swell not to have to lie and hide missions all the time.

Auspex: *brow furrows in thought as she takes another sip from her own glass, setting it down carefully on the bar to idly finger the rim* I can imagine that would be stressful, yes. I counseled a tactician for several stellar cycles - he grappled more with the opposite problem, I believe, in that he needed to be honest, when he wished to lie - but I know the sort of struggle that kind of conflict can cause. *she chuckles softly* He was the one who gave me the statue that became Theodicy.

Kup: *looks down as he intakes and lets the air out, reminding himself that no one in this room would cause any danger to anyone he's left back in that old reality. Then he looks up frankly* You know what Black Ops means?

Auspex: *she gazes up at him steadily again, shaking her head, feeling the weight of his seriousness* Not that term, per se, though I imagine it relates to espionage.

Kup: Yeah. It was stuff nobody could talk about, so I couldn't explain where I was goin' all the time. I didn't have a good rep 'cause of that. *and that bothered him* And we weren't supposeta get too close ta anybody, anyway. *which hurt his sociable soul*

Auspex: *she gives him a long look, taking stock of the emotions behind the words, and nodding slowly* You... lived a life of separation, and that was not what you wanted - at least, it was not emotionally fulfilling. *she winces, looking down at her hands, only to edge a glance at him out of the corner of her optic a moment later* Is it... a painful question, if I ask what happened...?

Lumen: *over at the other end of the bar now burping and apologizing for it. But his drink's making nearly the same sound*

Kup: *shrugs and looks at his drink, feeling embarrassed as he remembers being called a Hero, and uneasy at the thought of shocking or distressing this lady he's supposed to protect* Awww, it was clumsy. I saved some mook 'n got caught in the backlash.

Auspex: *she offers him a rueful little smile at the reluctance she can sense in him* I have likely heard worse... but there is no need, if you would rather not elaborate. You seem remarkably at peace, for what you have been through. I am... gratified that you are no longer bound by the constraints that caused you grief. *she takes another little sip of her drink, politely and pointedly ignoring Lumen*

Kup: *squirms slightly, then looks at his drink and pokes the cup* Well, I was havin' nightmares, but Doc Ratchet 'n Theodicy fixed that.

Auspex: *she winces slightly, feeling as though she's misspoken. She sets her glass down again, frowning at it* Ah... I can believe that. I am... glad it is no longer a problem, then. *she sighs, trusting Primus that it's truly been taken care of. She's thoughtful for a moment, before seeking Kup's gaze again* You are close? *she smiles again, rueful, but also hopeful* I... realize I know so little about either of you. I would very much like to change that.

Kup: *looks up at that, his expression softening as compassion and gentle affection come from him* I keep forgettin' you only just met him. *stronger affection comes from him as he thinks of the young servant* He's a good kid.

Auspex: *her smile widens a bit, as some of his favorable feelings are for her, and she appreciates that he cares - moreso, when she sees his esteem and fondness for Theodicy, in his role as his mentor. She nods happily* I can see that he is. I am looking forward to the opportunity to know him better. It brings me joy to know my sanctuary and my people were in very capable hands while I was in stasis.

Kup: *his grin is wide and his pride is clear as he nods* Doc sez he's never seen the sanctuary so busy. And there's a camp a couple groons away, 'n he goes out there ta help too. *pride joined by concern* 'N he's stopped fights between those worn out newcomers. An... *hesitates and wonders if he should tell about that time Theodicy had encountered the rogue stinger*

Auspex: *her optics glow brighter at his pronounced regard for her construct and his work, listening with her own enthusiasm* That's wonderful. The sanctuary saw more use just after Unicron came... *she grimaces ever-so-slightly* But it tapered off quickly again. It was only a few stellar cycles later that the portal opened, and most of my visitors were from the multiverse after that. It's good that the sanctuary continued to see use after the reality closed.
*she falls silent a moment, considering* If there is a new camp, then perhaps an on-planet battle happened - it has been relatively peaceful on Cybertron itself, anyway, as of late. *she blinks* Er, when I was conscious, at least. That is troubling, but I am so pleased that Theodicy has been there to serve the people. Even in more... precarious situations than I might well serve, myself. *she lowers her gaze, with a little frown* He... at least mentioned one such incident.

Kup: Aw, there are some squabbles here, but the camp folks came from offworld. *pause* Did 'e?

Auspex: *'hmm's thoughtfully, brow furrowing* Off-world? And they did not choose a city? Are they peaceful, for the most part?
*she senses his continuing hesitation, and matches it, herself, looking away* He helped Tumbler... rescue an Autobot, he said.

Kup: Yeah, they ain't bad people. *a wince before he can stop himself, and sadness, guilt and regret get past his efforts to hold them back. Gruffly, after he finishes his drink* Yeah, he did. I couldn't help 'cause we weren't sure it was the only one. *looks up earnestly* An' you were helpless, Lady.

Auspex: *she nods pensively at his assessment of the camp-dwellers, before wincing herself, at his reaction to her admittedly vague description. They are most likely thinking of the same incident, then* Ah, no... please don't feel badly about that. You cannot be in two places at once, and I only saw a glimpse of Tumbler, but I am sure he is capable. Theodicy seems to be a sturdy mech as well - not to mention brave. Perhaps I would have been all right, for a little while... *she sighs softly* But perhaps not. You've taken your job very seriously, and that's all anyone could ask for.

Kup: *looks down at the new drink that Lumen just walked over and set in front of him*

Lumen: *rogue grin is gone, and the scarred old mug is serious as he looks down at the smaller bots* You'd better tell her all of that story, kid. You know darn well she'll hear it somehow.

Auspex: *her optics flicker as she looks up at Lumen, brows raising at his seriousness. She shifts nervously, but keeps her reaction to herself for the most part. She asks a soft-spoken question* We are referring to... the stinger?

Lumen: *looks at Kup, then frowns and feels of strong compassion as he sees how bright the young mech's eyes are. Quietly* You want me to?

Kup: *absently reaches for Auspex's hand with both of his, and then squeezes it gently as he nods*

Auspex: *She... doesn't like how they are talking about this, and the cloying sense of foreboding it conjures up. She glances between the two, sitting up straighter as Kup takes her hand, causing a little tremor of apprehension... but she does give an answering squeeze*

Lumen: *quietly, as he puts one foot up on the edge of the lowered space behind the bar that lets him not tower over the others* That Autobot they got from the stinger was Bob's friend Databurst. He'd been serving in your sanctuary since right after Bob had to leave.

Auspex: *she hisses sharply, optics bright* I remember him. He was serving? And... ah... *She wasn't the only native to her world who'd lost a friend because of the temporal storm, and she feels almost selfish for the thought never occurring to her. But more importantly... her voice is a whisper* Did he survive?

Kup: *quiet static as he shakes his head* No.

Lumen: He'd been stung too bad.

Auspex: *she is silent for a long moment, gaze dropping to the bar, before she presses her free hand to her face. Her voice wobbles, but she fights to keep it steady* I see... does Bob know? *she has more questions, but her former charge is foremost on her mind - he'd been closest to Databurst*

Kup: *heavily, as he squeezes her hand again* No. Primus said he wasn't strong enough when it happened. And then... *slight grumble in his voice* He thought it'd be best coming from you.

Lumen: *gently* Since you're his mom.

Auspex: *trembling* And I could not tell him, because I was in stasis...
*she flinches as Lumen makes his statement* He... thinks of me as... *she makes a strangled sound*

Kup: *that? That is clearly love mixed in with the affection and compassion. He's aching with the desire to protect her from this pain*

Lumen: *quiet "awk" as he grabs her drink and puts it to her mouth*

Auspex: *she is struggling with so much: regret that she hardly knew Databurst; she'd allowed Bob to tend to him, one of his first real meaningful friendships outside of herself and Hormah and Tessera. She regrets again that Bob was expelled from her reality, and all that he knew. She regrets that she was not there for him. She regrets that she was not there for Theodicy, never mind that he would not have existed had events not unfolded as they had. That is another complicated maelstrom. She is dimly aware of Kup's reaction, but she is sorting through so many of her own emotions at the moment, his aren't registering as completely as they might*
*she makes a tiny squeak of surprise as Lumen holds the glass to her face, but she is compliant, optics going out as she takes a drink, the coolness of it lending to the beginnings of calm, before slowly reaching with her free hand to take the cup from him*

Kup: *helps her set the glass down, then peers worriedly at her face before impulsively drawing her close for a reassuring and protective hug. Softly* Just take it easy. Lean on me.

Lumen: 9_9 *wanders to the other end of the bar, whistling soundlessly*

Auspex: *she sighs, intake hitching briefly, gazing back at Kup somewhat numbly. She lets him pull her into his arms, resting her head on his shoulder gratefully. Her voice is hushed* ...thank you. *she's grasping for something positive* I... should be thankful no one else was hurt. *like one of you*

Kup: *rubs her back gently, and his voice has static in it as he says* Lady, let me come with you. I don't like bein' all alone.

Auspex: *her optics brighten abruptly in realization, at his words and his tone. He had been crying... is that... why? She lifts her head, blinking up at him in concern* That... I have no control over that... but I can ask...
*She is suddenly aware of a shaking sensation. Reality reasserts itself abruptly...*
*...and her optics snap on... inside the castle. Auspex is awake*

Theodicy: *is anxious eyes looking into hers, his emotions, sharp with concern and confusion, cutting through Starsong's soothing sendings, Cureall's anxiety, and Tessera's unbroken cheer* Mom?

Auspex: *she hesitates for a long moment, trying to reorient herself, then reaches for Primus first - was the story about the stinger true?*

Primus: *softly sad affirmation*

Theodicy: Just wait, she's talking to Primus.

Auspex: *she sends back a pained, resigned acknowledgment, before reaching to squeeze Cureall's hand with one of hers, and smoothing the side of Theodicy's helm with the other* A dream... I'm all right.
*she comms Cureall first* //Something I learned in the dream, about a friend of one of my charges, and Theodicy's... I may need to speak to him over comm for a moment - I don't wish to frighten the sparklets.//
*then her gaze fastens on Theodicy, thumb stroking at the side of his face* //I... was told about the stinger, and Databurst... I'd not realized... who it was, and how bad it was.// *she's full of concern for her construct*

Theodicy: *blinks at her for a moment, and then puts his head down against her torso and statics softly as his emotions fill with sorrow and loss*

Cureall: *soft coo as she puts a hand on Theodicy's back from where she's sitting next to him and next to Auspex's legs, her emotions motherly and concerned*

Auspex: *she sighs softly, wrapping her arms around him tightly, chin coming to rest on the top of his helm* //I regret that I didn't know him as well as I might wish... but Bob did. And now I know you did.// *she allows I love you/I am proud of you/I grieve with you to come through in her aspect*

Theodicy: *sucks in air at her touch, and then burrows closer into her hug. So sad, misses the other young servant so much, but so very grateful and glad that his mother is awake and here with him*

Cureall: *watches a moment, and then reaches over Auspex to pull Starsong to her by the arm. Getting the older of her youngsters around the waist and cradling the younger one against her chest, the little minibot packs both her babies over to another berth some distance away so that Auspex and her son might have time together without others intruding. The soft chirping and scolding of small dragons accompanies her*

Auspex: *nuzzles at his helm, rocking softly* //You have not been given the time to grieve, Theodicy. Now that I am awake, I pray you will have that time, and more...//
*she says nothing to Cureall and her family, otherwise occupied, but the empaths will sense her gratitude for the privacy*

Theodicy: *twitches slightly and clings as a blurt of static escapes him, for the moment totally unlike his usual confident and protective self as his emotions tumble over themselves* //He'd just found hope. He was starting to think he could live without his team. He was excited about his projects...//

Auspex: *continues to hold him close, feeling her own remorse for his anguish; she knows this pain, how much it hurts to lose someone, after all the emotional investment and empathy and earnest prayer...* //I know he had many doubts and fears... Bob helped him, but Bob was not able to stay...// *she pauses a moment, working through her own issues on that subject* //I don't know how long it was between his expulsion, and when you came to be, but you were there for Databurst when we could not be...// *and she is so earnestly thankful for that*

Theodicy: *nods, but says disconsolately* //He's in the song. Even Primus can't track him down.// *tearing hurt and compassion at the thought that the young former soldier had been so hurt as to just let himself go*

Auspex: *she presses her face to Theodicy's helm, sensing his pain keenly, and takes a moment to reach out to Primus. She's never known of any sparks so deeply buried in the voice of the Allspark that they were no longer individuals - she has utterly no experience in this, outside of pure theory, and has no idea what would be of comfort here, outside of her intuition* //But he is there. He may yet emerge, someday.//

Primus: *reassurance. Yes, someday by his own choice. Now he is hiding away in the comfort of the Song*

Theodicy: *his intakes rattle as he feels that, and then he looks up at his mother. His optics are bright and pale with the force of his upset*

Primus: *reminders of when all will be one*

Auspex: *she sighs, reaching to smooth the backs of her fingers against his cheek, intently holding his gaze* //He is not lost... I have counseled former dead that were: lost to endless darkness, or were barred from the Allspark altogether. He is there, he has all the comfort he could ever need, and is resting in it... I fear that must be comfort enough for the living that he left behind. I know it is not always easy to feel that...//

Theodicy: *shaky intake, and then hides his face against her again, his emotions showing that he is thinking and praying about what she's said*

Auspex: *she strokes the back of his helm as he lowers his head, resuming the rocking, letting him reflect and commune, and simply being there for him - more words will likely not help at this point*
*she allows her mind to wander back to the strange dream she's just had. If the story about the stinger was true, then it is likely the rest of what Kup had told her was as well. That would include his startlingly raw response to her and Theodicy being pulled away without him. She is slightly wary of this place, and its somewhat skewed idea (in her opinion) of who should be allowed to come here, but if the Castle is willing to let Kup in, she would like that very much, for his sake, as well as Theodicy's, now that this old sorrow has come to light. She considers comming Blue to ask how one might make such a request - but later; when Theodicy's grief is less pressing*

Theodicy: *there's a dark spot on his helmet? Only it seems to be in the finish? Where have you seen gathered shadows like that recently, Auspex?*

Auspex: *she looks down at him and freezes still, optics bright in fear, unable to interpret what she's seeing... until she remembers the similar phenomena in the mirror in the dining hall - the reflection would darken before showing an image. But... why is it happening here? Will it harm him? She makes a mental flail for Primus's presence, trying to rein in her reaction, and not alarm Theodicy, when he needs time to process...*

Primus: *comfort comfort! Look!*

shadows: *clear, and there is Kup speaking with Lumen back at the sanctuary, and frowning thoughtfully as the old Wrecker nods at him. He finally nods back and gets to his feet... The shadows resume and then draw back again to show him on a grassy lawn covered with bots who are training. The trainer turns toward him, and lo, it's an ancient Kup with drastic scars and a piece of hose clenched in his dentae. The old bot and the young speak, there is nodding, and relief on young Kup's face before he goes to join the trainees... And the shadows gather, and then fade away*

Auspex: *she does her best to calm, with a deep intake of air, trusting Primus, though she has no idea why this is happening. She watches - a vision of her bodyguard, and the mech she'd just met in her strange dream... then other images that bewilder her. Kup, and an aged alternate, a conversation, and more people - and then it's gone. She stares for several moments, blinking, trying to make sense of it, and failing* -Lord Primus...??-

Primus: *Lumen suggested to Kup that going to the Heroes' base might make it easier for the Castle to transport him, since it isn't in the real worlds. The Castle showed Auspex this to tell her that the Castle knows Auspex wished to speak to her about Kup*

Auspex: *her optics widen, expressing her astonishment to Primus - she had no idea this Castle could read her(?) inhabitants so well. She'd hardly even begun to decide how to petition a castle, and it was already done.
She is more surprised that Kup is already seeking a way to get here, himself. She's not sure how he would get the Castle's attention, on his own... all the more reason for Primus to send her a dream to notify her, and she thanks him for it*

Theodicy: *looks up, frowning with concern as he picks up on her storm of feelings* Mom? What is it?

Auspex: *frowns back, not wishing to disturb him right now, but it is a bit late for that. She is nonplussed for a moment, still unnerved by the Castle's rather surreal mode of communication. It takes her a moment to find something coherent to say* The dream I had also informed me that Kup is... unhappy that we were taken without him. I think... the Castle just attempted to communicate to me that she... *she blinks, still unused to using personal pronouns for what she perceives to be a place* ...knows of his wish to be here.

Theodicy: *quiet thrill of concern and compassion, mixed with longing. Leans against her with his head turned toward the wall at the head of her bed. Contritely* I never thought of how this would affect him. He needs us.

Auspex: *she attempts to soothe him, stroking his helm again* I am afraid I didn't know enough of his nature to realize it, myself. You have known him for a long time. But I realize my awakening has changed things - I understand why you are distracted. It will take adjustment... for all of us.

Theodicy: *small sound, then* Primus isn't telling me if Kup's going to be able to come. He says he doesn't know.

Auspex: *she nods wearily, an edge of frustration in her aspect* This Castle is entirely outside of Primus's will, and, while I think she can communicate with him somehow, she does not always appear to agree with his will, or his ways. *she tips her head up, hoping to appeal to the Castle at large somehow, earnestness welling up in her* I can only... honestly tell her that it hurts me to know that one of my lord's people is in pain, and to be the cause of it, even partially, is not of help to my restfulness.

Cureall: *swift little feet are suddenly heading for the door as the little Minibot swells with dismayed protectiveness* No. You mustn't bother them. They need time to be together.

Kup: *softly, feeling tired and relieved* I'm supposed to be with them, ma'am. I'm the lady's bodyguard.

Theodicy: *just nearly startled right out of his mother's arms*

Tessera: *right by Auspex's audio receiver* EEEEEEEEEE!

Chichi: *SUCH scold for loud sound!*

Starsong: *trying unsuccessfully to silence the little dragon with a blanket*

Auspex: *she cringes, voicing a totally inelegant yelp, as her chiproach companion suddenly makes the loudest sound she thinks she's ever heard from her, hugging Theodicy closer as though to shelter him from the noise* Tessera, please!

Tessera: *sorry sorry HAPPY love* Kup!

Auspex: *she sits up a little more, still cradling Theodicy in her arms, calling out to her minibot friend. She's touched by her protectiveness, despite it running cross-purpose to Kup's* Cureall... I... asked the Castle if he could come. I believe... he needs to be here. It's all right... *she lowers her gaze slightly, looking at Theodicy for his input, clearly unhappy that Kup's appearance has caused conflict*

Theodicy: Aunty, he's part of the family too.

Cureall: *stops pushing at the patiently insistent mech and looks around to make sure she's heard correctly, her emotions a soft swirl of curiosity and other things as she considers this tall stranger* Sister?

Auspex: *she meets Cureall's gaze, with a very complicated, conflicting aspect, voice soft* He is Theodicy's mentor; they've been family to each other. I... cannot yet speak for myself, in that regard, as I've not been awake. *she winces - the pain of everything she's missed will be fresh, for a long time to come, she thinks* But I will call Kup family of family, and Primus did bring him to guard me when I was in stasis; he has been nothing if not faithful in that. I believe that affords him my respect.

Cureall: *sympathy, and then the sound of a little pat pat*

Kup: *gruffly, his feelings a grateful quiet maelstrom* Thank you, ma'am.

Cureall: This one is Cureall. She is Auspex's sister. Meep! You don't need to bow.

Kup: *mildly embarrassed and a bit absent in his reply* Sorry. Your way of talkin' made the habit pop out.

Cureall: *another pat pat, and then a little squeak as her feet tap away. Softly* Oh, Starsong, you mustn't wrap Chichi in the blanket. She needs to breathe.

Kup: *nonplussed. He can come in now?*

Theodicy: *turns his head to look toward his mentor, still snuggled in Auspex's arms*

Auspex: *an empath might sense the flicker of confusion at the bow, and how it might relate to Cureall's unique method of speech. Auspex makes a note to ask about that, someday. After blinking curiously at the sparklets and the dragons, she tilts her head to gaze at Theodicy again, aspect uncertain and questioning - she will defer to him, ready to let him go if he wishes to move*

Theodicy: *only gazes at his mentor for a moment, his expression speaking, then gives Kup Auspex's own sweet smile before shuttering his optics with a weary sigh, content now with the world that he's in and returning to his communion*

Kup: *nods slightly, then grins slightly at the smile before glancing at Auspex. Orders?*

Auspex: *she hesitates. She blinks down at Theodicy, then back up at Kup, optics wide and bright. She looks totally taken off-guard* Uhm...

Kup: *alarm, and then contrition for alarming her. Touches his forehead with one finger, and then turns and takes up a guard position by the door*

Cureall: *speaks up from her nest of children and pets, her emotions showing concern, confusion, and a bit of hidden suspicion and laughter* What are you doing, Mr. Kup? That's not how you treat family! Why don't you go sit beside them?

Auspex: *she frowns a bit at Kup, as he stations himself at the door. She can see he takes his function so very seriously, and she respects him very much for his professionalism... but this Castle seems to have things very well in hand, so to speak (and she's grateful to her for allowing him to come; she hopes she can read that from Auspex, somehow!). Surely he doesn't need to watch so closely, in a place like this? She also hasn't forgotten what she saw of him, in the mirror...*
*Her optics snap over to Cureall as the other fem speaks up... and a gratified smile creeps onto her face. How much she's missed her friend, and her infectious warmth... it seems very much needed here, at the moment*

Kup: *uncertainty* I'm fine, ma'am. I don't want to intrude. *winces as a small jag of pain, weariness, and illness slips past his control*

Cureall: *gently* That's nonsense. Go now and sit across from them, if you do not want to sit beside them.

Kup: *increasing discomfort as tiredness sweeps over him as relentlessly as pink rain* No... I'm... *takes a step to correct his balance*

Cureall: *trill of dismay*

Auspex: *her smile fades just as quickly as it came, as she takes a moment to really examine Kup carefully. Between Tessera's earlier processor-addling squeal, and his own rather tangled relief, she'd almost missed the deep fatigue in his aspect - with the new additions of pain and the sense of being... rather unwell. It's only now that she remembers what Primus told her, to accompany the mirror vision - he had been overcharged. Oh. Dear. Apparently, he still is? Or he is simply... not recovering well?*
*she hesitates for a long moment, pondering the logistics of continuing to hold her construct while also making sure Kup gets to a horizontal surface before he falls over. Well... Theodicy has made it clear he doesn't mind being carried. Grappling with indecision, she finally stands, carefully lifting Theodicy to brace his tiny body against her side, and hurries to where Kup stands and wavers, reaching out to attempt to steady him with a hand on his windshield* Come, please, sit near us...

Kup: *blank, bewildered look. He's been pushing himself too long, and even self control can't help now as his run down body and processor fight to shut down* Uhhh?

Theodicy: *looks up, his feeling of prayer deepening*

Cureall: *soft thread of worry that's echoed by Starsong's own concern and soothing*

Auspex: *she looks into his optics, her own widening in dismay - she can see now how much Kup has been overtaxing himself, and how it's finally become too much. She shakes her head in disbelief, disappointed in what he's done to himself... but there are more pressing things at the moment, such as getting him over to where he can rest. She shifts again, taking his elbow in her free hand and tugging gently toward the berth next to the one she and the others had been using* You are tired, and you should be resting. Come.

Kup: *small sound of discomfort escapes him as he focuses on her face, and through the growing fog he sees Theodicy and reaches for him* Theo... come here. Don't make... Lady carry you.

Theodicy: *softly, with compassion, concern, and exasperation* She likes to carry me, Kup. But you're upsetting her by not listening to her.

Kup: *eyes flash and widen with hazy surprise and dismay as he once more looks at Auspex's face and tries to focus through the growing storm of distress signals from his systems* I... sorry?

Auspex: *she winces a bit at Kup's scattering self-possession as she watches this exchange, emotions closely matching Theodicy's in this. She shakes her head, both to discourage Kup's scolding, and his apology* Don't worry about it now... we can talk about this later. For now, rest. Please. *she continues her attempts to carefully maneuver him toward the berth*

Kup: *obediently lets himself be steered. He's sucking in air raggedly before the short trip is completed, and all but falls bum first onto the bed, only to startle and gasp as the mattress bounces him gently*

Theodicy: :< ;_;

Auspex: *she winces, quickly setting Theodicy down to delicately grasp Kup's shoulders, hoping to prevent him from possibly toppling forward as he sits heavily on the berth* Be careful...

Kup: *sucks in air and looks up at her blankly, apology in his emotions. Then he turns his head and looks toward the head of the bed, a long look, and he ponders how to lay down there without falling down from the dizziness*

Theodicy: *walks on the bed and puts his hands against his mentor's back to keep him from toppling backward, which he knows would feel miserable when Kup is that dizzy from weariness*

Cureall: *gentle hand on Auspex. Softly* Move over please, Sister. I need to check on him.

Auspex: *she nods, giving Cureall room to work, aspect and voice heavy with concern as she speaks very softly* I saw him earlier, in the mirror... Primus told me he was overcharged. I hadn't realized he'd still be this bad off... I suppose we'll need to lay him down ourselves?

Cureall: *intent on her scanner* He's not overcharged anymore. *concerned little huff* But he worked very hard when he should have been resting after having so much energy. *looks up at Auspex, her eyes a little lighter in colour from her concern* He needs to rest for at least a solar cycle after behaving so badly.

Theodicy: Kup, this arm, bend it at the elbow, and then lean on your elbow. *pats the arm that is nearer the head of the bed*

Kup: *snaps out of a micro doze and blinks, then carefully bends the arm and starts to lean toward it*

Auspex: *she sighs, both relieved and concerned for new reasons, all at once* Poor mech... I think he was trying to distract himself... *she lingers uncertainly, reaching out to hover fingers over Kup's torso as he attempts to slowly maneuver himself, wary of him tumbling*

Kup: *arm gives out, and he grunts softly as he lands on his face on the pillow. There's a moment of startled and hazy attempting to think, and then he manoeuvres the arm out from under himself, reaches out to touch Auspex and make sure she's there, and then conks out still on his face*

Cureall: *little cluck, and then reaches into her subspace and produces a painkiller tab, which she applies*

Theodicy: *hand on his friend's back as he frowns with concern toward the back of Kup's head*

Auspex: *she blinks, startled, and grips Kup's arm as he reaches out to her* I'm here. *then, he's out. She sighs again, shaking her head* We should turn him over, at least...

Kup: *sudden burst of strong emotion. Platonic love and gladness, and then... he straightens out on the bed without turning over and he's gone into deep recharge*

Theodicy: *grinned at that emotion bomb, and looks up as his mom speaks* I think he's okay.

Auspex: *she looks dubious, herself, but shrugs. At least he's happy to be there with them* He will be better off... not on his face, probably.

Theodicy: *shakes his head* We would only wake him up. He sleeps on his face on the table nearest the door at home.

Cureall: *looks up at that, emoting surprise*

Auspex: *eyes Theodicy with definite disapproval - though not necessarily directed at him* Really. *there is some definite exasperation happening here* All right... whatever makes him comfortable, I suppose...
*she sighs, feeling a bit drained herself, now* Tessera? *she looks around for the chiproach*

Tessera: *ever present chirping is interrupted by a little, "ooo?", and then the chiproach pops out from under Kup's leg and runs to the side of the bed to look up at Auspex*

Theodicy: *laughter as he too comes to the side of the bed*

Cureall: Sister, you haven't refuelled since the start of the shift. Could this one bring you something?

Auspex: *she smiles tiredly, reaching to gather Tessera up in her hand, stroking the little back with her thumb, and stretches the other arm out to Theodicy, wordlessly questioning if he'd like to be held again. She turns her head to blink at Cureall, in the meantime* I am... more emotionally tired, I think, than depleted... but if you'd like to, I will not argue. *she smiles gently, suppressing another little sigh*

Cureall: *gentle pat pat as she feels of sympathy and affection* Should I take my children out to play, so that it's quiet for you?

Theodicy: *walks carefully over to Mom, his expression and emotions going thoughtful and inward again*

Auspex: *she sets Tessera on her shoulder, curling the other arm around Theodicy and lifting him. She briefly squeezes Cureall's shoulder as the minibot pats her, then wanders back to the berth they'd left earlier* No, unless they want to. I'm not upset, so much as... I hate to think Kup foolishly hurt himself on our account. *she fixes her construct with an earnest look* Does he push himself like that often?

Theodicy: *absently shakes his head* I've never seen him do it before, not even the day Databurst died.

Cureall: *little puff of a sigh as she turns toward the door* Men often do foolish things like that. Look at what this one's husband did while she was away. *she doesn't mention another time she's remembering, which involved an honorary big brother who is gone*

Auspex: *she doesn't answer immediately, sitting back on her berth, slightly loosening her hold on Theodicy to let him settle where he will, though she takes one of his hands; she studies its smallness in hers, frowning thoughtfully*
*she shifts her gaze over to Cureall as her friend adds her own observation, frown deepening - she's hearing what Cureall's saying, and getting a bit of a sense of what she's not* Possible self-destructive behavior can be a natural response to... deep hurt. *and that, in this context, alarms her greatly; her optics brighten subtly*

Cureall: *quietly, sadness and nostalgia blending with thankfulness as she starts up the steps* Yes, yes, it can.

Theodicy: *pat pat Mom and snuggle against her side, then turn his head as Tessera runs down to chirp at him*

Auspex: *her optics linger on Cureall's retreating form, sighing softly, feeling a pang of sympathy for the little fem as well; though her friend's sadness is tempered with appreciation for what she has - it reminds her to be thankful, herself. Auspex squeezes her construct's shoulders affectionately, blinking down at the chiproach with a little smile*

Theodicy: *quiet chuckle, his feelings settling to peace as he shutters his optics with a sigh. Softly* Wow. Why am I so tired?

Auspex: *she frowns down at him ever-so-slightly, hugging him closer, speaking softly* Hard emotions will cause exhaustion very quickly... *and he, apparently, has not experienced this? His own feelings seem to have been ill-addressed, and it concerns her*

Theodicy: *groggily* I guess that's why Primus kept it from hurting before.

Primus: *poor guy didn't have his mom*

Auspex: *she makes a small, inarticulate sound, hesitating only a moment before scooping Theodicy up again, hiding her face on his helm. It's not her fault. She knows that. His existence, the meaning of his very name, is a testament to how necessary it was for her to not be there. But... she's dwelling on the past again. She is here now. And she will do her utmost to see that his pain will not be neglected again*

Primus: *sadness and apology. He'd done his best. But is so glad that Theodicy can now heal and grow for himself*

Theodicy: *sleepy snuggle, and falls into recharge while contentedly listening to his mother's systems running*

Auspex: *she sends deep gratitude to Primus for Theodicy, his life, his bravery, and his service to others - and for how much he already means to her. The circumstances weren't ideal, by definition... but they will improve; they already are. Auspex presses a kiss to Theodicy's temple as he drifts off. She leans back against the head of the berth to watch over him for awhile, as well as Kup and Starsong and Heartsease. The oldest sparklet has softly begun to sing to her brother; it lends an air of peace to their surroundings, and Auspex dims her optics, communing quietly as she awaits the return of her adopted sister. For now, at least, everything and everyone around her is quiet and content.*


((Co-written with primus_seeress))