Chapter 12: How to build a .T
I had forgotten how much I hated flying! I was torn between looking out the window of our transport to try and get a visual on Diego Garcia and closing my eyes and starting a litany of prayers that we would reach our destination safely. I went with the latter.
''Nervous flier?'' Epps' voice interrupted my Hail Mary's.
I gave him a cursory glance. ''Uh. You could say that. The flight from Australia to the US by myself all those years ago must have been so traumatic I blocked it out of my memory.'' I offered a weak smile.
Epps laughed a deep, throaty chuckle. ''Well, best get used to it if you intend on hanging around us and the Autobots.''
My smile faded, ''Really?'' Epps raised an eyebrow, as if to indicate my naivety in thinking otherwise. ''Well", I swallowed. ''I guess I better take a cup of cement and harden the hell up then!"
Epps let out another laugh and slapped me on the shoulder, ''Good attitude, that'll help.'' We sat in companionable silence for a few minutes. The Autobots were all in their vehicle modes to allow for space inside the aircraft. Despite the cavernous size of the Boeing C-17A Globemaster III with all the Autobots, especially Prime, and Relda parked inside, space was limited.
I had not really spoken to the Autobots during our flight. I had been focused on not disgracing myself and vomiting during take-off and they had also seemed preoccupied with their own thoughts. Besides, I had no intention of wearing out my welcome before the plane had even landed so I kept to myself.
''Oh look, there it is!'' Epps tapped me on the shoulder and pointed out the window. I nervously allowed my gaze to travel along his outstretched arm to take in the sight far below. It was actually quite a pretty site. The island was indeed in the shape of a foot, not like Italy though and much, much smaller. /Will it be big enough to hide the ''cargo''?/ I wondered.
I could make out a runway /damn it looked small!/, some buildings or a small town nestled in amongst what appeared to be bushland and some beautiful white sand that contrasted amazingly with the aqua shallows of what I assumed were reefs.
Dotted inside the island on its bays and lagoons were, what I presumed were ships, though from up here they looked like matchsticks that had been haphazardly dropped on the ocean. As far as homes went it seemed more than suitable and I felt a small glimmer of excitement.
''They call the island, ''The Footprint of Freedom,'' Epps broke into my thoughts.
I nodded to indicate I had heard him. ''Uh Epps?''
''Yeah?'' he replied.
''That, ah… that runway… it IS able to accommodate this?'' My voice trailed off and I gestured around the whole aircraft we were currently sat in. At that point, the hulking plane gave a shudder as its engines slowed and it banked to prepare for landing.
''Well,'' said Epps, ''I guess you'll find out soon enough''. He gave me a wink and headed off to check everything was ready for landing.
''Smug bastard!'' I yelled after him, but the drone of the engines had drowned out my retaliation. I began to take deep breaths and felt my stomach drop as the aircraft banked to begin its descent. Every groan and creak of the mighty aircraft made my skin crawl, and I could feel a light sweat break out on my forehead. /Maybe this was a bad idea after all/.
I could feel my knuckles tighten on the sides of my basic seat as the plane circled ever closer to its destination. It was all I could do to not scream out in panic as I heard and felt the enormous aircraft shudder as it straightened up to approach the runway. I could not bring myself to look outside the window, my eyes were firmly shut. I could feel the distance between sky and ground disappearing.
Out of nowhere I felt a lurch and a bump as the massive wheels made contact with the tarmac and the roar of the engines as they were thrown into reverse thrust and the Boeing fought to slow its considerable momentum and pull itself up. I was sure my teeth were going to be ground down to nubs by the time the plane came to a standstill. /At least now we are ON the ground/ I tried to comfort myself.
I was vaguely aware of the pilot speaking to us to inform us we had arrived at Diego Garcia. The plane had successfully landed on what I was sure was the world's shortest runway and was now taxing back to what appeared to be some large hangers.
I finally released my death grip on my seat and began to feel my heart rate return to a somewhat normal pace. There were a few other aircraft parked off the runway and I could make out some military jeeps here and there, no doubt racing about in preparation for our arrival. I was busy watching them when Lennox's voice interrupted me.
''Ok OC, you asked for it. Here it is - Diego Garcia in all its glory.'' He gestured outside the window.
''Yeah. It seems nice Lennox. Thanks again, I really appreciate it, more than you know.'' Lennox had had to pull a few strings and personally vouch for me, the enormity of which was not lost on me.
He smiled and briefly patted me on the shoulder. ''Don't thank me yet. You might hate the place and book the next flight out of here! Well, cargo bay door will be opening any moment now once we have clearance. You might want to be ready to move that rolling green turd of yours out of the way.''
My face darkened somewhat, ''Lennox given you have helped me I shall let that offensive comment slide about my beloved Relda but you have been warned, any further name calling of my car will result in an all-out verbal slinging match which may or may not be accompanied by practical jokes and pranks that may or may not involve pain and embarrassment ln your behalf.''
Lennox simply continued to smile. /So, he doubted me. We shall see then/.
''Whatever you say OC. Now, if you could make your way to…..'', he paused and seemed to reconsider his words, ''your car…. I would be much obliged''. /So, not a fool then/. He turned and walked off no doubt to inform Prime of disembarkment procedures.
I smiled a small victory smile, /that's three times/ and quickly unfastened my seatbelt. All of my belongings were in Relda including her keys in the ignition. I walked up to her. I had to undo the massive tie down straps that had held in her in place during the flight. One of the crew that had travelled with us helped. After thanking him, I climbed in Relda and patted her steering wheel, ''This is it Relda. Our new life. Don't fuck it up!'' Though the last was more a threat to me if truth be told.
The fuselage suddenly filled with bright light as the rear of the plane was cracked open like a giant mechanical maw. Once given the go ahead, I carefully drove Relda down and out of the plane, following the directions of the ground crew. I had been directed to the largest hanger off the runway and so I made my way there, parking Relda where I thought I would be out of the way.
As I sat there, I watched the Autobots roll out of the Boeing and towards the same hanger - Prime, naturally at the front leading the others. His paintwork, though somewhat tacky, shone brilliantly in the sunlight, despite the numerous scratches, dents and gouges from his battle in Mission City. I found it hard to take my eyes off him. To anyone he looked the world like a Peterbuilt 379, no one would ever suspect he was actually a giant alien robot that could transform. More than meets the eye with these guys.
I marvelled at my new ''family'' as they rolled into the hanger and came to a stop inside. I started Relda again and followed, parking off to the side next to Jazz.
Lennox and Epps had hitched a ride over in another black SUV and had made their way to the centre of the hanger and what appeared to be a large catwalk of some sort. /What on earth was that for?/. Once all the Autobots and Lennox and Epps were safely inside the hanger, the massive doors were closed. At this point the unmistakeable sound of gears moving and transforming broke out as Optimus and the others shifted back into robot mode.
''At last! I was seriously crampin' up! While I look cool either way, stayin' in vehicle mode for hours on end is tha pit,'' Jazz stretched his arms and legs out.
''The pit?'' I queried.
He turned his head to look at me, ''Oh, hey little lady. Well to put it in your terms, hell, shit - fucked up,'' an equivalent of a grin broke out on his ''face''.
''Right, makes sense. I guess now that I am, or will be, designated as your ''Human/Autobot Liaison,'' I need to start learning about you guys, your language, history,'' gesturing to all of Jazz I simply said, ''You''.
''That's cool OC, be happy to 'splain everything I know,'' Jazz gave the thumbs up signal. /Hope I could pick up their body language, quirks and mannerisms as fast as they have done with ours/ I silently thought.
''Well there's the shortest data pad ever written!'' Ironhide had weighed in to the conversation as he strode past.
Jazz looked like he started to bristle but then changed tactic, ''Aww..Don't mind 'Hide OC, his processor needs defragging and he's just jealous you asked me and not him.'' Jazz sent a cheeky wink towards Ironhide. /Jazz, cool by name and nature it would seem/.
I gulped expecting the infamous ''cannons'' to reappear. Instead Ironhide simply grunted and walked off closer to Prime who was now engaged in a discussion with Lennox. I was relieved to not have to try and intervene in an Autobot scuffle day one of arriving in my new home and new job.
''Prime, we will soon have a secure link open to General Morshower, who will be liaising with us and establishing the outline of our new operations as directed by our President and his advisors, parameters of action and basic protocol whilst residing in Diego Garcia''. Lennox, now a Major after his efforts in Mission City, began to walk up the catwalk towards the various monitors and equipment.
''Affirmative,'' replied Prime taking a step towards the gangway where Lennox now stood. It was a simple reply. The Prime, I had noticed, chose his words carefully, and seemed to only speak when necessary. I gazed up at him and marvelled. /How did I get here?/ I simply took a seat on Relda's hood once again to listen to the proceedings and see if there was anything I needed to add or help with.
Shortly after one of the monitors sprang to life revealing an older, bald man in a khaki coloured shirt with several gold stars along its collar. Despite his age he looked sharp as a tack, radiating a sense of calm and no nonsense at the same time. First impression was - I liked him.
''General Morshower,'' Major Lennox saluted, ''reporting for debriefing. Whilst I can't let you see him, sir, I would very much like to introduce you to the leader of the Autobots – Optimus Prime.''
Morshower had nodded his greeting, ''Major, understood, proceed''. Like Prime, a man of few words.
Optimus' deep voice reverberated around the hanger as he addressed the General. ''General Morshower, it is an honour to make your acquaintance. My name is Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. We are indebted to you and your Government for granting us asylum on your planet and providing us with a base for operations.''
The General simply nodded towards where he must have thought Prime stood. ''Whilst the casualties were high in Mission City, the report Major Lennox and his team filed indicates that without your assistance, the outcome would have been disastrous. We, in turn are indebted to you Optimus Prime for choosing to ally yourself to us and fight alongside us.''
The Prime inclined his head even though Morshower could not see, ''Freedom is the right of all sentient beings General and the Autobots and I hope to sustain a mutually beneficial relationship and continue to work alongside each other to eliminate Decepticon activity on your planet.''
''To that end Prime I am under instruction from my President and Joint Chiefs of Staff, or JCS, to relay to you and your team, in conjunction with Major Lennox and his team, your capacity, conduct and jurisdiction under our newly formed Classified Government documents, ''Alien Autobot Cooperation Act and Non-biological Extra-terrestrial Species Treaty.''
/So many big words. Might need to purchase a dictionary. Focus OC!/.I thought to myself.
''Major Lennox and his team are to work alongside you Optimus Prime and your team, in hunting down, capturing or exterminating enemy Decepticons that pose a threat to our Nation and way of life. You are to engage in such activities in as secretive and covert way as possible to avoid arousing public suspicion of giant alien robots walking amongst them. Any major loss of life and property during these engagements will be looked upon harshly by our Government and your actions WILL be called into question and held accountable for, understood?'' The General stared firmly towards the screen, clearly unintimated by whatever or whoever stood on the opposite side.
''Understood General. Avoiding unnecessary casualties and loss of life is of paramount importance to my Autobots and I,'' Prime intoned.
/Except maybe Ironhide/ I thought wickedly to myself.
General Morshower continued, ''Good. You and Major Lennox will be acting as part of Operation N.E.S.T - ''Non-biological Extra-terrestrial Species Treaty,'' the document I referred to previously. Deigo Garcia is to be your base of operations for the foreseeable future. Whilst there is a minimal civilian population and all Military personnel have been briefed as to your existence, I strongly suggest you and your team exercise caution whilst residing here. Interpret that how you will. That goes for your newly appointed ''liaison'' that I believe will be staying with you and working alongside you. She is to follow protocol as strictly as other members of the team. I am unsure as to whether this liaison is a good idea but in my experience Lennox's judgement has been above reproach. I shall be monitoring her involvement and conduct closely.''
I subconsciously stood to attention, my stomach knotting. /Should I go up there?/. Lennox must have sensed my intention as he looked in my direction and shook his head subtly but quite firmly. /Fine by me!/.
Prime replied, ''Agreed and acknowledged General. I shall be sure to convey to my fellow Autobots, and our liaison, your wishes,'' he shifted his considerable weight from foot to foot. /Agitated or bored?/ I wondered.
''Good. Major Lennox?'' The General barked out.
''Thank you, Sir, yes Sir?'' Lennox snapped to attention.
''I believe we have covered all essential communiques for now. Do you have anything to add?''
''No Sir. My team and I will begin settling the Autobots and their liaison into Deigo Garcia, outline a strategic approach and report back to you tomorrow Sir.'' Lennox once again saluted.
''Good. Great work. Prime, welcome to Deigo Garcia and best of luck,'' the General once again nodded.
''Thank you once again General Morshower''. And the screen went blank.
Lennox visibly relaxed, Prime looked contemplative and I collapsed back onto the hood of Relda. /How often do I have to do that?/.
Prime turned around on the spot to address his Autobots, which now included me. ''No doubt you just heard the message conveyed by General Morshower and the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in. It is of utmost importance that we honour the Government's wishes and work alongside our human allies to rid this planet of Decepticon hostilities. Although this base seems to be secure enough, I warn all of you to keep a low profile if possible, to minimise drawing attention to ourselves.'' Prime's tone indicated he was indeed serious. ''Any objections?''
None of the Autobots gathered said anything, there was nothing really to say, I guess. It would seem if Prime had given the order and his word, they would carry it out. What Prime said, went, it appeared.
''Orianna?'' He now turned to face me. I felt my heart both speed up and contract at the same time.
''Yes Prime?'' my voice sounded pathetic.
''No doubt you heard the General's exchange with me regarding your conduct and role?'' I nodded. ''Then you would be aware of the need to exercise caution and secrecy when interacting with us whilst residing on this island?''
''Yes Prime, I am aware, and I assure you I intend to do you, Major Lennox and your team proud,'' I looked at him trying to convey my sincerity.
Prime stared back at me for a moment, those azure eyes shining, ''I am sure you will Orianna. Major Lennox,'' Prime now turned to face the Major who remained on the catwalk.
''Yes Prime?'' Lennox leaned on the gang walk's rail.
''I believe we have a shared understanding of what is expected of us. Now, if you would be so kind as to show my team and I, and Orianna where we can set up our personal quarters and conduct a basic tour of our new base, we would be most grateful.''
''Of course, Prime,'' Lennox started to descend the stairs. ''Well as for the Autobots this hanger, hanger 1, will serve as communications/intel and general debriefing. Hanger 2 further down that way,'' he said gesturing towards some bush area, ''will serve as your team's personal quarters and recreation area and hanger 3, next door, will serve as a munitions and weapons facility.'' Lennox had come to a standstill beside Prime's feet. Epps had since joined him.
''That is agreeable, thank you Lennox. And Orianna, where shall she be stationed?'' The Prime asked.
''OC, will initially be stationed in the downtown area on Eclipse Point. There are plenty of military barracks there, shops, ''creature comforts'' she may wish to avail herself of,'' Lennox smiled. ''That's where most of the civilians and some of the military personnel reside.''
Although I really would have preferred to be closer to Prime and the others, I wasn't about to be a spoiled and ungrateful brat, ''Thanks Lennox, sounds great. When do we get going? I could do with a hot shower and a meal.'' I stood up clapping my hands together.
''No time like the present I believe. Let's go.'' Lennox started to move off.
''Oh wait!'' He froze. ''As the Autobot's liaison I should first ensure they are settled into their quarters and if they have any questions.''
''That won't be necessary Orianna,'' Prime replied. ''Though we appreciate your diligence in your role, we shall be able to organise ourselves sufficiently.''
''No seriously, I insist. Least I can do to help out. I can hitch a ride with Lennox, help you settle in and then hitch a ride back to Relda and be on my way.''
Lennox gave a sigh. ''Prime, recent experience has told me it may just be best to agree. OC can be very - persuasive.'' Lennox warned Optimus.
There was a small smile on Optimus' face. ''Very well. If that is what she wishes.'' With that Prime ordered his team to transform and roll out towards hanger 2. I climbed into the black SUV with Lennox ready to follow them and commence my roll as the newly appointed ''Autobot Liaison.''