Of Squirrels and Comic Books (closed)

[Deleted]

Episode 2 | Week 2 | Day 5 | 7:15 pm

Shale was tired.

The moment Bluestreak and Bulkhead had escorted her from the wreck it was beginning to really chew at her. Then someone apparently called 'Red Alert' - head of security apparently - had given her a thorough examination before they'd even left the woods. That had been a near hour long event in itself. The sun was begging to edge bright colors up the sky when at last she was given clearance and escorted to the medic she'd been begging for all night. The patchwork hadn't taken too long all together, Deuce was to thank for that.

But even once she was finally free to go she couldn't bring herself to recharge.

There was this restlessness in her, there was so much to take in. Overwhelming was a gross understatement. Both of her nights were spent slipping in and out of rest every few hours. She'd spent nights lying awake for hours before but that'd usually been fueled by the adrenaline spikes that came whenever she heard an enforcer step ever so closer to her hiding spot.

There was just too much going on, she needed something to distract herself. Busy her mind with something familiar and hope that was enough to settle it at least for a few hours. Thus why she was now sitting alone, a half empty cube settled off to the side as she stared blankly at the other side of the room.

It was helping... but not by much.

Dragging her servo down her face didn't either but it'd become just shy of muscle memory by now. She'd been doing it so much lately. With a sigh she picked up the cube, swirled the contents around slowly, sipped at it, then set it back down. Lightheadedness suddenly hit her and she rested her head in her hand to keep it steady. Slowly she placed her head down on her folded arms. She would just rest her optics for a bit.

.....

| 10:45 pm |

The cube sat still half empty on the table, Shale bent over as she rested. Simply letting her tired body rest a moment had become near passing out from exhaustion. Her hand shifted slightly to better support her head in her sleep. The cube was just out of reach of her arms so to not have it end up in the floor.

Last thing she needed now was to be lectured on wasting the resource. She shifted with a groan letting her forehead rest on the table top, her arms acting as shields against the lighting in the room. She probably shouldn't be sleeping in here, someone might think something. But this had been the most sleep she'd gotten since her arrival. She wasn't about to let that get away from her.

[Bumblebee]

It was late.

Bumblebee should've been in recharge, but found himself unable to. He'd tried, oooh how he'd tried! He lay on the berth in his quarters, counting the cans and CD's that hung from the ceiling. Thirty two cans. Forty six.. No! Forty seven CD's. There were two lava lamps, too. One blue with green lava, and one yellow with black lava. Bumblebee colors! Raf had brought those in for him a while ago as a surprise, and he adored them. Bee had seen them on TV and thought they looked awesome – and luckily for Bee, Raf's siblings had outgrown such lame things; which meant they got handed down to Raf, and in turn, him! Lava of different colors in rocket-ship spaced lamps?! It was amazing! He didn't know it was actually just wax, nor would he believe anyone if they told him.

He'd counted the various pieces of scrap metal that he'd collected because they looked cool. He had fifty nine of those, and was proud of this fact! Some of the pieces had come from the Ark itself, which he'd treasure above all else. He'd tried reading his comics. But he'd read them all before. He knew what was going to happen in them, and so they didn't hold his attention. One would think he'd be able to bore himself into recharge, but... Recharge never came, despite all his efforts. After counting everything twice, just to make sure, he gave up. He swung his legs from the berth and stretched his arms above his helm. Time to do something else...

Maybe with it being so late, he could get away with watching TV for a little while. It wasn't like anyone was around to watch it, or fight with him over what to watch; not that the others of his kind at the base even watched it to begin with – it was mostly there for the kids, and the few humans that visited the base. He'd keep the volume down so he wouldn't bother anyone. He could always revisit his holoform, he realized. His lesson yesterday with Nell had ended with him being able to walk and sit down with it; which was amazing progress. Buuuut... Bumblebee being Bumblebee meant that he'd been practicing all day today just to get better at it! Now it could run, do some kind of weird awkward dance, and he'd almost mastered getting it to do cartwheels. He was pretty much a pro!

He'd shift to a stand and made his way from his quarters, making his way down the hallway. He was trying to keep his movements as quiet as possible, the last thing he wanted to do was wake anyone up or disturb anybody.

Holoform... Or TV... Holoform... Or TV?

It didn't take a genius to work out which one of these Bee was going to pick. No point in working on the holoform and showing off if there was nobody around to see it. TV it is! Sometimes that 'Adult Swim' stuff was on, which the first time he'd seen it? He wasn't sure what to think with a name like that! It didn't have adults, nor did it have swimming! Just cartoons! He still didn't get a lot of what was on there, most of the jokes went over his helm. Not that it mattered any, the animation was what he liked. Cartoons in general were good.

He'd turn the corner into the doorway of the Rec-room, and froze. His helm tilting as he peered inside the room.

Uuuh. Who was... That?

Whoever it was, Bee hadn't woken her as he stood in the doorway. But... With her dozing in here? It wasn't like he could watch the TV! Well, at least not with the volume up, anyway. Maybe he could if he was quiet. Reaaaally quiet. With subtitles. That was a good plan. It would beat laying awake for hours, and if she woke up? He could direct her to one of the many empty rooms so she could recharge somewhere in private. Or something. He wasn't aware that she'd literally just arrived on the base days earlier – then again he'd been so focused on his holoform and other errands that even if there was an announcement to her arrival? He didn't hear it, nor had he seen her before until now.

With a casual roll of his shoulders, Bumblebee would make his way into the room and sit down at the table across from the stranger. His gaze lingered on her cube for a moment. Was she going to drink that..? What a waste if not... Before he'd lean across the table to get the remote (Which had been modified to be more bot-friendly so that Bee didn't crush the thing with his servos!) for the TV – which with a tap of a button? He'd switch on.

Only to be met with REALLY, REALLY LOUD MUSIC.

Whoever last watched this, and he knew exactly who it was, (Miko!!) they had the volume up ridiculously loud, and left it up when they turned it off. So whoever the next person was to turn it on? Would get a nice surprise.

Only it wasn't nice at all!

Bee squeaked out a terrified beep, not expecting that! He panicked and dropped the remote onto the table with a clatter before scrambling to pick it up again. Frantically he'd mash the volume button to turn the damn thing down! It would've been quicker to turn it off entirely, but the damage was already done. Once the volume was down to barely audible, he'd warily glance across the table to the femme.

Best first impression ever.

[Deleted]

She didn't hear Bumblebee as he stepped in the doorway, didn't notice when he walked in, and didn't move an inch when he sat across from her. Shale just kept her head down on the table sleeping peacefully. Her bent over position probably wasn't the best for her but she didn't entirely care about it. She was just too tired and it was comfortable for now. She shifted her arms tighter around her head, enjoying the quiet in the room.

Then that quiet was shot in the head...about eighteen times...point blank.

Loud noises weren't really anything that bothered her on normal terms. Working in construction had desensitized her to a lot of them. When you heard things fall from great heights, crash into each other, and noisy equipment whining loudly as they were over used on an almost daily basis it wasn't as frightening anymore. But when someone let their body fall into sleep, the most vulnerable state, it didn't matter.

Shale's first reaction was to bolt into an upright position, yelling loudly - though it was still barely heard over the loud music - as she threw her hands into the air. The table rocked slightly from her sudden movement and she quickly gripped the edge to keep it steady. Somehow the cube hadn't really moved, but she didn't question it. As the room went silent she sighed rubbing at her sore audials with tired annoyance. She looked up at the screen in the room - admitting in her head that she had no idea it could turn on - before she caught sight of the undoubted perpetrator.

Across the table sat a smaller mech, painted yellow with bold black stripes. He looked at her warily, his body tense as he watched her. Clearly he hadn't meant to disturb her, in fact it seemed that was the LAST thing he wanted. Shale wasn't as annoyed now, but some annoyance still lingered from being woken up so abruptly. It wasn't the other guys fault but that'd been the only sleep she'd gotten in days. She'd be a little bothered for a while. Shale looked across the table at her company grabbing the cube in one hand.

"Well hello to you too."

She muttered flatly before downing the rest of the fuel that was left. She should have expected to run into someone in here, there were plenty of others around anyway. But this late at night? She thought she'd be safe from social activity for a while longer, but it seemed this was going to be a different story.

She set the empty cube on the table, centering it in front of her. This was going to be a long night.

[Bumblebee]

Bee would also help keep the table steady by slamming his elbows down onto it as it rocked. His reaction time was quick - so his movements, plus the femme grabbing the table as well, kept the thing steady. He only did it to save the cube of Energon that sat upon it if he were being honest. It was wasteful to not drink it, but it'd be even more wasteful if it fell on the floor, where it would be no use to anyone except maybe Bolo. Supplies were limited here, it wasn't like they were the Decepticons and had a seemingly endless supply of the stuff.

Once the table had settled and wasn't at risk at being flipped across the room, he'd relax his arms and rest them on the table, one servo still clutching the remote. His gaze still on the other femme. Aah he felt awful. Not only had he woken her up, but it also wasn't a pleasant way to be woken, and so he'd probably spooked her terribly. Not that it was his fault! He didn't know that the volume would be up so high!

He'd been startled awake by loud noises before, and it wasn't fun. He'd been right in the middle of a recharge cycle and it'd left him jumpy and on edge all day. At least Miko had been banned from air-horns after that, not that it would probably stop her.

--Aaah.. Hello! Sorry 'bout the noise, uh.. I didn't think it'd be so loud! Sorry for waking ya up!--

He hoped she could understand basic, or this would probably be even more confusing for her. He sounded sheepish and genuine with his apology, though, one arm lifting to rub the back of his neck awkwardly. At least she didn't seem too mad. She wasn't yelling. That was good. Getting yelled at wasn't one of Bee's favorite things to do, and she wasn't doing that – so maybe he'd stick around in here and not slink off to his quarters in shame which was what he had planned to do once he apologized. Not that he'd be able to recharge after all this, it'd startled him awake even more than he already was!

He'd watch as she drank the contents of her cube, thankful that she had – he knew times were hard and things had to be rationed. She was probably aware of that though, if she'd been spoken to by Red Alert.

--Ya new around here? Don't think I've seen ya before. I'm Bumblebee, but ya can call me Bee if that's easier.--

He wondered if she'd been given a tour yet. They were always boring and recharge-inducing, so they could both benefit from it probably. If he couldn't find anything on the TV, which he still planned to watch, he'd maybe suggest that. It'd be some way to pay her back for scaring her half to death, plus it was something to do on this awfully boring night.

[Deleted]

The smaller mech helped steady the table, keeping his elbows firmly on the table top as it came to a rest. Once the immediate threat had been handled she looked up at him when he spoke. Basic? She hadn't heard that in a pretty long time. Most of her brushes with Basic users were addicts who had gone a little too far and they were damaged because of it. Shale paid close attention to his body language, how alert he seemed to be and the steadiness of his hands.

There was no way this kid was a long time addict.

Then why was he speaking Basic? She decided not to pry, she could understand him just fine and he was apologizing for the disturbance. With a dismissive shrug she leaned back in her chair, one leg crossing over the opposite knee.

"Don't worry about it."

Shale wasn't one to go on a rampage just because she'd been woken up so abruptly. It was irritating yes but not worth running down the halls like some angry psycho over a few hours of beauty sleep. The strange mech then changed the subject, asking if she was new around here. At first she nodded leaning forward to rest her elbows on the table before giving a verbal answer.

"Yeah, landed planet side about three days ago."

He then introduced himself as Bumblebee. Bee for short if she wished. Shale lightly taped her chest indicating herself.

"Shale."

Her attention turned again to the screen, watching bright colors flash across it and motion dance to and fro. What an odd spectacle. Shale turned back to Bee and motioned to the flashing screen with a nod of her head.

"What's going on with that?"

It was kind of making her optics hurt. Yet another thing she didn't understand yet, another confusing thing to be tossed on the pile. Super. She brushed her hand over her chin as she watched the bright colors move around. In an odd kind of way it was... entertaining. She rested her head on the back of her hand as she stared at the screen.

[Bumblebee]

She told him not to worry about it, but he couldn't help it. He felt awful! Even more so once she told him she'd only been here three days. This was a terrible first impression. Especially as everything would be so new to her. The tiny base, the new faces... The human things everywhere, like the TV and the weird tiny white box that contained snacks for the kids. Things that Bee, and everyone else at the base were more then used to. But for a newcomer it would be a lot to take in. Then there were the humans that she'd probably have yet to meet! That'd be fun to watch!

--If ya sure. Still, I'm sorry for giving ya a fright!--

He cared a little too much what others thought of him, sometimes, and he'd hate for this mistake to tarnish a possible friendship or make things awkward in future. He was getting way too ahead of himself with his thoughts, but he couldn't help it. His gaze would shift from her cube to look at her, and he'd nod as he listened to her speak.

--Three days? Man that aint long at all.. Welcome to Earth! As ya can see there's lots of.. Uh.. Earth... Things. Here. Some louder than others! It's nice to meet ya though, Shale. 'Spose I should welcome ya to our humble little base, too. So welcome!--

His beeps were a little cheerier at that, and he chuckled. The base was exactly that. Humble. Small. But it worked. It was home. While it was nothing like what any of them were used to back on Cybertron, it was nice here. Bee had quickly grown attached to Earth, the humans that lived here, and everything else. The strange human additions were a welcome sight to him, and he'd feel weird without them here. Especially the television, how else would he watch cartoons?!

As she motioned to the TV, he'd follow her gaze and look at the screen.

--Oh, that? That's called a television! Or ya can call it a TV, way easier to remember that! Look, see!--

He'd change the channels slowly to show her, going from the music video that was on, to what looked to be some politics, he'd switch to the news (booooriiing...), a cooking show... A cartoon – which he'd linger on for a moment because damnit he wanted to watch that! But he didn't want to seem like a sparkling! So would hesitantly continue... A nature documentary looking thing with some furry animals... Then he'd switch one last time to some weird infomercial channel and leave it there.

--There's so much to watch! It's a great way to learn about everything here on Earth! Well, once ya got some downtime anyway – can't sit around watchin' the TV all day, as tempting as it is sometimes or ya will get into trouble for being lazy! Did ya want to try it? Just hit the button that has the arrow and 'CH' written and ya can flick through the channels!--

He'd lean across the table and offer out the remote to her. Maybe she'd stop on the cartoons because they looked fun and interesting. He could hope!

[Deleted]

This kid was way too worried about the thoughts of others. He wanted to feel accepted as far as Shale could tell by the way he apologized again. Why was that? He didn't seem to be the sort to have a long history of neglecting those around him only to now feel guilty about it. There were also his subtle movements, the energy he radiated, the way he used his words.

This was a young bot, how young Shale wasn't sure but young for sure.

He welcomed her formally and eagerly making the femme smile lightly. On most occasions she would avoid contact with other people but she found this energetic little four wheeler to be ... charming. He had an energy she hadn't had in ... well an amount of time she didn't really know nor did she want to. Shale didn't need to be reminded how long things had been this way.

Bumblebee then addressed the 'tv' and Shale watched as the pictures began to change at each press of a button. There was so much to drink in as he flicked through the channels. She noted when he hesitated slightly at a station, the exaggerated looking characters staying on the screen marginally longer before it changed. The screen finally rested at a shot of some strange object on a slowly rotating pedestal before panning out to a wider shot.

Shale was visibly surprised as she watched the two moving around the screen. Those were humans? Bumblebee caught her attention again as he explained how this was a great way to learn about earth as long as it was done in moderation. Being caught on it all the time would probably net you a nasty punishment, Shale took note of that right away.

Gingerly she took the remote from Bee, turning it slowly in her fingers before moving to point it at the screen and press the button. She returned to the documentary watching as a dusty looking human watched a creature from afar as it snoozed in the shade. The creature was considerably larger than he was but he still approached turning back to the camera every so often to speak. At the current volume Shale couldn't hear what he had to say but it was clear he was both extremely nervous and enthralled in what he was doing.

He kept approaching the creature, now he was just several feet away. The camera picked up the slight motion in the appendages on it's head, the slow flick of the long thin tail that ended with a tuft of brown fur. The same grew around it's head and down its back. The human approached even more getting as close to the animal as he could before-

"Why would you touch something that's bigger than you? When it's in recharge no less?"

It baffled her... but she couldn't look away. She watched a moment longer before muttering to herself.

"So those are humans huh?... Weird."

She shook her head before turning back to the channel that Bee had hesitated on and setting the remote down on the table between them. She leaned back in her seat to watch this new mayhem unfold. These were not humans, art least not physical ones from what she could tell. Their colors were far too bright and they had similar features to the gentleman who was now no doubt running for his life but they were greatly exaggerated. One was large with a strange bulbous thing coming out of the center of his face.

What was even going on in this scene?

"Deuce was right... this culture shock is no joke."

She rubbed at the rim of the empty cube, beginning to feel a little restless now. It always happened when she sat for too long. That tingling feeling at the back of her neck, the voice in the back of her head that screamed for her to do something. Sleep wasn't really an option right now, maybe she could walk around the base? The halls were bound to be empty this time of night. She could easily lose herself in exploration, maybe even find something interesting to fiddle with for a while. Yeah. That could work.

[Bumblebee]

Bee really was eager to please and to make new friends. The fact he'd entrusted her with the remote at all showed as much – not that he was some remote hog, he was so unselfish and always put others before himself - but it was his 'olive branch' as it were, to hopefully try and make up for startling the newcomer in a really rude way!

He watched, optics wide with curiosity and excitement as she flicked through the channels. His gaze shifting between her expression, and the screen as it changed from channel to channel. He was gauging her facial expressions to see if she was enjoying this, or hating this. He hoped she liked it! Having another bot to watch TV with sometimes would be awesome!

His gaze lingered on the nature documentary, sitting up in his seat some. This looked good. He did sometimes watch these weird documentaries – and he didn't remember seeing this one. He did recognize the man on the screen, though.

--He knows what he's doin'! Trust me he does this all the time! He's real good with animals! That one is called a Lion!--

He, too, couldn't look away. There was something about the mans personality and charm that Bee adored. He loved animals, and this guy was always so enthusiastic, and it showed that he cared and loved animals a lot. Even though Bee himself could never have an animal, he loved watching and hearing about them. It was the next best thing!

--And yep! That's a human! A grown up male! There's a few around base that ya will probably meet at some point, including some tiny ones that are called Children! Their names are Jack, Miko and Raf. Raf is my best friend!--

He sounded excited as he beeped. He loved talking about Raf to others. Even if most others saw the kids as a pest? Bee didn't. Well, Miko was a little bit sometimes, but he tolerated her. He couldn't really judge her, he knew he could be a bit of a brat sometimes himself!

He was just getting into the show, when the channel changed to the cartoon. He relaxed his posture some, gaze still on the screen. This scene was familiar... Had he seen this one before? He watched a few moments, before realizing he had. Ugh repeats were the worst! Then he took note of the fact she set the remote down.

--Since ya new to Earth, maybe we should leave it on the other thing so ya can learn!-- Not that she'd ever run into a lion, but it was better than watching a repeat of a silly cartoon that Bumblebee didn't understand half the jokes of. --I remember when I first arrived to Earth! I was one of the first, so I had to learn all this stuff by myself!-- He boasted, beeping cheerily. --So if ya have any questions about anythin' ya see, or whatever? I'm the bot to ask!--

He'd lean forwards to grab the remote once more, changing the channel quickly back to the animal documentary with the enthusiastic but adorable man. Although he couldn't help but notice her body language, watching as she rubbed the rim of her empty cube. Maybe she wasn't into the television as much as Bee was, which was a shame... 

--Soooo, I take it since ya fell asleep on the table, that ya aint really had a tour of the base yet or anything?--

She couldn't have, otherwise she'd be more than aware that there were rooms for the Autobots to sleep in, and the Rec. Room was not one of them.

[Deleted]

He knew what he was doing? She certainly hoped so. It probably wouldn't turn out so well in the humans favor if the 'lion' - as Bumblebee called it - turned and attacked him. It'd most likely end with the host becoming the lion's next meal. Bee then confirmed that was indeed a human and notified her that there were a few humans that frequented the base. Three of them being 'children' named Jack, Miko, and Raf.

Raf being close to Bumblebee himself.

The excitement in his beeping attested to that. He liked talking about his little friend it seemed. Shale began to wonder just what these little humans were like, she'd most likely find out sooner rather than later. Bumblebee reaching across the table and turning back to the documentary momentarily surprised her. He'd seemed so excited about that other station, why change it? Unless he'd seen it before. When you knew how a story went it began to lose some of its wonder after all.

But Shale was grateful that he'd changed his mind. She kind of liked watching this human risk his life for something he loved and to educate others about said subject. She liked the animals too. As the channel changed the dry, sparsely green landscape was replaced with it's polar opposite. Thick foliage surrounded the crew on every side, and apparently the host had won against the lion as he was sitting at the end of a water craft as they sped across the water.

Something came along that made them stop, and it was no lion. This creature was aquatic, lingering at the very top of the water. It's body was long and heavily built with thick plating on its skin. As it lifted its head out of the water a long muzzle filed to the brim with sharp teeth just barely missed the camera man. Shale pointed at the tv before turning to Bee for an answer.

"And that would be?"

The humans were interesting enough to watch but these creatures were something else. Her mind was a buzz with questions on how many species inhabited this planet and how each of them lived their lives. She would definitely come to the little bot for questions when she had more of them.

A tour?

Shale had spent these past few days more or less in a haze, walking around aimlessly as she tried to make sense of it all. She'd never been shown the Omega outpost in full. She shook her head slightly as she replied.

"No, between trying to overcome this sudden change and recovering-" she tapped at her shoulder, the weld marks still visible from her patch just a few days ago " - I haven't."

She hoped that meant they'd be on the move soon. While she was enjoying this program the restlessness was returning. She could feel that irk in the back of her head. You've been sitting long enough, get moving. It slightly irritated her. She wanted to keep watching, see what other oddities lived on this planet. If she wouldn't lose her mind they'd probably sit here all night watching this man put his life in danger for the sake of knowledge. But not many would approve of that, especially herself.

She wanted to see more of the base too, she'd be living here after all. Best to get to know the place.

[Bumblebee]

Bee was transfixed on the television screen now, his optics whirring as the aperture lenses widened as he stared in fascination at what was happening on the show. This was what he'd seen the man do before! Not like this in a boat, but he'd seen the man sneak up on these huge creatures before, sometimes he even jumped onto their backs! The man was always so enthusiastic and trusting of all the animals, even though one wrong move could end with him getting his hand bitten off!

--Oh! Oh!! That's an.. Aaaa... I think that one is a crocodile! It moved so fast I can't tell! See there's things called alligators and ones that are called crocodiles! Yup! Alligators have cuter snouts, they are more rounded like a U shape, and crocodiles are more pointy! It's more like a V shape!--

He'd raise one servo to mimic the shapes, curling his servo into a U, then opening it slightly to mimic a V – then making it chomp the air, his gaze not leaving the screen as he did so.

--Yeah, see! That one is definitely a crocodile!-- Yay he was right! The man confirmed it shortly afterwards, as well as calling it a 'big beaut' – whatever that was.

He'd calm some, though, not wanting to be too loud and annoying. He'd relax in his chair, gaze finally shifting back to Shale.

--It's a lot to take in, I know! But ya will get there! Ya don't need to know the name of every single animal on Earth, even I don't know them all yet!-- Although he would one day. --We can just stick to the small stuff right now to not frazzle your processor, such as who's who at the base, and where everything is! Well I say small stuff, it's probably more like the important stuff, hey!--

His lenses would retract some as she pointed to the fresh welding marks on her shoulder, and he'd let out a soft whir of a hum in thought. Crash landing wasn't fun, but at least she seemed to have minimal injuries. The soldering work didn't look like Ratchet's work, though, and he wasn't sure who Deuce was who she'd mentioned earlier.

--Weeeell... Did ya want a tour? I can give ya one!-- He beeped hopefully, thumbing to his chassis proudly and peering at her. Unlike her, he could stay up all night watching the television, but when they had an entire base to explore? It was obvious which was the more entertaining of the two. Maybe all the walking around would tire him out a little, too. Part of him hoped she would say no, that she was too tired, but the other part? Well that part loved giving tours! He'd show her everything. What was left of the Ark, his quarters and all his cool stuff, where the Medical Bay was.. The base may be small, but there was a lot to see!

--While I can't introduce ya to Raf and the other kids just yet, I can show ya around for sure! Then whenever Raf is here next and ya free? Ya can meet him, too!--

Any friend of Bumblebee's was a friend of Raf's, afterall.

[Deleted]

Bee's hand motions as he explained the two similar creatures were pretty funny, Shale smiling as she watched him. This kid was too much. She normally went out of her way to avoid people, her social skills poor at the very best of times, but she could get used to Bee. She liked the energy he had. As the host confirmed the beast as a crocodile she nodded.

His reassurance of not knowing every animal himself did make her feel a little better, but she still felt overwhelmed. In time she assured to herself. In time. He lingered on her scar for a brief moment, just as the medic - Ratchet was it? - had several hours before. He wasn't sure who had done the minimal repairs and had questioned her on it. Shale had just told him: 'someone with a mansion and a yatch took the time to help me.' That had earned her a confused and irritated look but it only lasted for so long.

It made his job easier so he didn't complain... much.

Bee then offered to give her a tour and she nearly stood up right away. Movement, yes. But she managed to stay still long enough to give him a smile and a proper answer.

"That'd be great, thanks."

She was about to stand when he spoke again. Shale chuckled softly as he promised to introduce her personality to the children, Raf especially. He really did treasure his little friend. It was sweet she had to admit.

"I look forward to that."

Shale wasn't too sure if she was really excited to meet these little humans but it was hard not to feel that way in this moment. Bee was dead set on introducing her to them and she was more than willing to humor him. She stood then grabbing her empty cube before looking around. What was she supposed to do with it, she didn't know what proper procedure was. Did she throw it away? Wash it out to let it be reused?

She turned to Bee and gestured to the cube.

"Do I just...?"

She left the question open, hoping he'd finish it for her.

[Bumblebee]

Bee would lower his servo after doing his little crocodile impression, fidgeting with the remote. His gaze would drift back to the screen, optics adjusting as his attention lingered on the man who was now climbing onto the back of the crocodile. There was a tiny part of him that'd hoped she wouldn't want a tour right this second, he really did like this show! But at least there would be re-runs, and if not? He could always ask Raf to get the episode up on the computer for him to watch later.

He seemed to zone out a moment, optics wide as he got caught up in the excitement of the man struggling with the huge crocodile. Before his attention would snap back to Shale and he'd chuckle nervously, giving a cheery thumbs up with one servo. The other would switch off the television with the remote before it stole his attention once more.

--Awesome! Alright! Tour of the base it is~ I wish ya could meet Raf right now, he's real awesome. He understands my beeps, and he's super smart! Like really smart! I guess I'll hafta take ya with me sometime when I pick him up from school next, since ya will no doubt need a tour of Jasper, too, right? Nooot that there's much to really see, but it's always good to know where everything is!--

He'd set the remote down onto the table and push his chair backwards, pushing himself up into a stand. He'd tilt his helm as she gestured to the cube.

--Oh, right! The cube! Yeah, ya can leave it in that container over there,-- He'd point to the corner of the room where there was a container of cubes that were waiting to be cleaned. --But take that one with ya and I'll show ya where they get cleaned out. I wonder what chores ya will be given once ya settled, since everyone has to do their part around here to earn their keep!--

He'd stretch his arms above his head, lowering them and giving them a quick shake out before he'd move toward the door.

--I'll show ya the boring stuff first. Supply rooms, where to clean ya cube, stuff like that.--

With that, he'd move from the Rec-Room and down the corridor to the left. He'd take the first door, holding it open for her to be polite. Inside the room was nothing special, shelving units that looked to be mostly empty aside from a few empty cubes, and a few barrels along one of the walls. At the back of the room was a large sink. Still small by Cybertronian standards, but it was big enough that they could use it to clean things without being too awkward.

--That there is where ya clean the cubes,-- He'd point to the sink, which had a hose attachment as well as various faucets. --Then ya stack em on the shelves to dry out, or ya can take them back to the Rec-Room. They don't need much cleaning, just a rinse will do. I spose ya aint ever used a sink before, huh?--

He didn't want to be overbearing and take over, so he would linger and watch – wanting her to try and work things out for herself. He missed when everything was new and shiny, and it was going to be awesome teaching this newbie to Earth all this cool stuff and watching her experience nearly everything for the first time.

[Deleted]

Now this human was wrestling this crocodile creature to the ground! Whether that was brave or completely insane she didn't know but it was impressive to say the least. With another motion Bee turned off the tv and slightly lamented over how she couldn't meet Raf just yet. She'd probably tag along solely to get a feel for the area, but meeting this excitable little bot 's friend was a priority she'd definitely put high on the list. A human that could understand basic? Now she'd heard it all.

Shale looked over her shoulder to the crate Bumblebee pointed at. There were already a few emptied cubes waiting to be cleaned lying inside. But she'd be cleaning her own cube tonight, just for the sake of guidance. Pushing her own seat back she got to her feet and followed after Bee holding the cube between two fingers. He walked down the hallway and hung a left, holding the door open for her.

"Thanks."

She didn't want want to be rude, especially not to the bot who would be showing her around. The room he'd brought her to wasn't anything special by any means. The walls sparsely lined with shelves, a few barrels, and a sink on the far wall. It wasn't as big as the ones back home but it was still usable. Shale crossed the room in a few steps looking over the faucets curiously for a moment before settling on grabbing the hose attachment.

She turned it upside down inspecting the wide opening at the bottom. In this process her fingers slipped from her hold on the top of the nozzle. And landed right on the hair pin trigger. For the second time tonight she yelled as she was suddenly and violently hosed down. Throwing the hose back into place with a clang she stumbled back trying to wipe away the water on her face.

She looked back at Bumblebee, mortified but unfazed by the laughter that would probably be coming from him in a few seconds. If she were in his pedes she'd probably get a chuckle out of it too. She sheepishly took her time rising the cube - keeping the hose at arms length - before setting it top down on the shelf to her right.

She just wanted to move on, hopefully she wouldn't be seeing this room for a while. That was twice tonight she'd been startled and she didn't appreciate it. Shale stepped past Bee and back into the hallway.

"I think I've had my fill of sinks tonight."

[Bumblebee]

Bumblebee would lean on the frame of the door as Shale moved further into the room, arms folded loosely across his chassis. While he was lingering back some, he was more than ready to jump in and help show her how to use the faucets if needed. He found that other bots liked to find things out and learn for themselves through trial and error, only asking for help if they felt it absolute necessary.

Or maybe that was just Bumblebee because he was stubborn.

Either way, he'd watch curiously to see what she made of it. His optics would adjust, widening slightly as she turned it upside down and inspected the opening of the tube.

Shale no, what are y- For the briefest of moments he did consider warning her. You never point a hose at your face! It could end in disast-

Trial and error. Only this had so much error.

The water sprayed from the hose and Bumblebee squeaked out in surprise, lowering his arms and taking a hurried step into the room – ready to bolt over and turn the water off if this went on too long. Luckily? The water was off as soon as it came on, so it was only a short, sharp burst of water.

Then she looked at him.

Don't laugh don't laugh dooon't laugh.

He couldn't help it. The sight of her getting blasted face first by the water, scrambling to throw the hose back into place, and the water dripping onto the floor? Bee doubled over in a fit of beepy-giggles, his servos planted on his knees. He tried to stop. He really did. But he couldn't.

--Aaaahh!! I'm sorry!! I shoulda warned ya that the trigger is sensitive!-- He managed to beep out inbetween more beepy-chuckles. It did remind him that he should add another place to the tour though, which was the wash-racks. So many fun rooms to see.

He stood up straight, about to offer his assistance in finishing the task at hand - which was rinsing off the cube – but it seemed she had it handled. Fast learner! He'd nod in approval as she put the now clean cube onto the shelf.

--I'm good, I'm good.. Sorry for laughin'!-- He wasn't quite done, it seemed – venting in sharply and clearing his throat to get over his little giggle-fit. Sometimes a good laugh was needed, and while he felt bad for it looking like he was laughing at her, he was really just laughing at the situation in general. --If it makes ya feel any better I did the same thing. More than once.--

He'd follow her out of the room, closing the door behind him.

--Next rooms I'll show ya are just storage rooms.. Boring I know, but ya need to know where they are.--

He'd lead Shale through the main control room, before heading through another corridor. He moved quickly, as there was a lot to see – despite how small the Omega Base seemed, it had a few rooms tucked away! He'd lead her down some steps, into the underground level of the base. Another corridor.

At the end of the corridor was a large room. It looked... Half finished. Exposed pipes, raw stone walls in places. One side of the room looked a little more decent, with epoxy floor and refined walls. The other half looked like it'd been carved into the side of a mountain. The lights were strung on bolted hooks and flickered slightly. All in all? It could be considered quite creepy down here – although it didn't seem to phase Bee any.

This was even less to look at than the room they'd been in previously. Around the room were shelves which held many boxes of many things. To the left of the door were stacks of wooden pallets. Some of them were broken, and there were a few twisted metal beams and shelving parts stacked up against the wall.

--The uhh.. Storage area! We're still in the process of movin' stuff down here, aint sure if ya saw the hanger but it is fillllled with boxes and stuff. I was the one who put the shelves together down here!--

He'd boast, thumbing to his chassis proudly. He conveniently left out the part where Carbine had helped, and most definitely left out the part where they'd gotten into a huge fight over it, which had left both of them wounded and needing medical attention.

--So if ya ever tasked with bringing something down to the storage area? This is where ya bring it... Although I aint really sure if there's any sort of order down here or what...--

[Deleted]

(Here's a ZZ cameo)

Behind a set of shelves, a body stirred.

The red minibot who had been placed in charge of the storage area six days ago had initially frozen at the sound of approaching footsteps coming his way. He'd been in the process of sorting the contents of a box and was actually enjoying the quiet solitude.

For once.

The first times working down here...had not been pleasant. Not when he could still hear the echoes of that conversation with Prime in this exact same place, rattling around his head and knocking the worst moments of his life loose so he could relive them all over again when he least expected. Take a box down from a shelf, re-experience the death of one cohort member. Rinse, repeat, occasionally mix in that whole nightmare of an encounter with Megatron, move along.

Thank you memory core, for all the encore performances featuring the Decepticon warlord. No, really. It was great.

Not.

So today had been good in that everything in his processor had been nice and quiet and nothing disastrous had come his way. Zoom-Zoom had been able to focus just on sorting out what was currently in the room as it was so that later he could re-organise everything. As time passed, he become more absorbed in his task and he unwound the slightest, tiniest bit.

If one turned their head and squinted, it appeared that the minibot actually was in a good mood for once. Apparently today was a day for impossible things.

Of course, these things could never last.

There were people down here.

Why.

Who.

Whhhhhhy.

Zoom-Zoom had recognised Bee's voice -and his footsteps too, but the other bot was a stranger. Slowly, the minibot straightened up as he tuned in to their conversation, every bit of stress piled back on to him as though it had never left. Behind his visor, Zoom-Zoom narrowed his optics at Bumblebee's claim that he'd put together the shelves. Hadn't Carbine…? Ugh, not that he cared what the helibot did. Whatever.

The minibot stepped out from around the shelf, his gaze quickly sweeping over the other two Autobots. He was right, the second one was the new arrival from a few days prior. Zoom-Zoom's interest stirred only briefly before it was buried beneath his desire to go backwards in time to before he had intruders down here.

"Hey," Zoom-Zoom said, determined to hold on to the smallest shreds of peace he'd earned himself. "I'm having a good day right now so could you kindly leave and don't ever come back."

There, he'd been polite, right?