Chapter 13 – Home Sweet Home
It was a short drive from Hanger 1 to Hanger 2, probably could have walked upon reflection. The hanger lay secluded behind some trees and scrub. Around it looked like numerous cement pads for what I am assuming were once upon a time tents.
''It used to be called ''Tent City,'' Lennox answered my silent thoughts.
''What happened to the tents? Don't they need them anymore?'' I asked.
''No. However, the facilities are kept well maintained by Airmen of 36th Mission Support Group, Detachment 1, so it's always ready to go again if need be.'' He nodded off in the direction of a sizeable building. 'That large disused complex which used to be a dining facility, post office, gym, internet café, movie room and barber shop is what will now host the Autobots, with a little renovation,'' Lennox explained.
We had arrived outside hanger 2, or the disused complex. Both Lennox and I got out of the car and headed over to where Optimus and the others awaited in vehicle form. There was a large roller door unlike the one on hanger 1 and a smaller double door. Lennox and I approached the large roller door and opened it to allow the Autobots to drive inside. It had been largely gutted to accommodate the new ''occupants'', there was much work to be done to make it suitable for the Autobots but I am sure it would do.
''Well,'' I said as I walked up to Optimus and the others. ''What do you think of your home sweet home?''
With that the Autobots transformed and looked around. ''Primitive,'' Ironhide once again turned up his ''nose''.
''Looks like a cool place to kick it,'' Jazz took in the space around him.
''Very crude. Where is the medical bay going to be situated?'' Rachet asked Lennox. ''I need somewhere I can repair my team.''
''There is another smaller hanger just over the compound near the lagoon, if you like we can look into converting that into the Autobot medical centre or we can perhaps section of part of hanger 3?'' Lennox offered.
''What? Have me operating surrounded by explosives?'' Rachet seemed incredulous. ''I think the other option sounds more appealing.''
Lennox nodded, ''I'll look into it immediately.''
''Thank you,'' was all Rachet said.
''Major Lennox,'' Optimus asked, ''I noticed another hanger between these two. What is that facility being used for?''
''Mainly vehicle maintenance, why?''
''I was wondering if my team and I might be able to use it for a training room of some sort to avoid drawing too much attention to ourselves training out in the open. Though I understand that will also be necessary at times.'' Prime had a good point.
''Again, I'll look into it, we might be able to move the vehicle maintenance to another location.''
Prime nodded his acceptance.
I chose that moment to speak up, ''So, been meaning to ask you guys, what do you eat or drink? I am pretty sure it isn't Pepsi Max and burgers.'' I thought I might as well begin the journey of learning about the Autobots, what better way than finding out what sustains them.
Prime knelt down to address me. ''Orianna, we consume a substance known as energon. It is both food and drink to us and is what sustains us, our lifeblood. Without it, we would eventually perish. Your planet is actually rich in resources that we can convert to energon. Unfortunately, the Decepticons are also aware of this and I fear they may try to plunder your planet's natural resources to obtain it.'' Prime's eyes seemed to flash anger and his lips set in a hard line. ''One of our primary goals must be to stop them when possible.''
I nodded. ''So, do you have any energon now? I mean, I didn't see you get a chance to make any since I've seen you.'' I was curious.
''Good question Orianna. Affirmative. We do have some energon, basic field rations that we have stored in our subspace, but it is very minimal and with our recent battle we will need to replenish our supplies very soon..''Optimus was interrupted by Rachet addressing Lennox.
''Speaking of the recent battle, I will need my medical supplies as soon as possible as my team need immediate attention Lennox, Optimus alone has hours of work ahead to have him fully operational again.'' Rachet was clearly a dedicated medic and cared deeply for his team.
''I will get onto that immediately Rachet, could you possibly procure me a list of essential items to get you started while we source the larger more difficult items?'' Lennox asked the medic.
''Um, as their liaison couldn't he tell me, and I pass it on to you?'' I offered.
Lennox gave a little chuckle, ''With all due respect OC, given your civilian status and the nature of the items Rachet is likely to require, I think it is best I send a military team with mechanical background over to liaise with Rachet.''
I gave a small indignant snort, ''What? You think a spanner, a rachet and a hammer are items beyond my mere comprehension?'' I raised an eyebrow.
Lennox froze, his mouth open. The Autobots, including Ironhide, gave little chuckles. ''Burn, baby burn!'' Jazz seemed impressed.
Lennox looked both peeved and contrite, ''Fine. You've got me there OC.''
''Actually Lennox, I've got you several times, but who's counting,'' I winked at him.
''What?! When?'' Lennox looked genuinely confused.
"Back in Mission City and Relda, on the plane." The eyebrow, if possible, was raised higher.
Lennox closed his mouth into a thin line of annoyance but resignation. ''Fine. Three it is. Your time is coming.''
I simply extended one hand in front of me and gestured ''bring it'' with a saccharine sweet smile.
''Anyway, as I said before I was rudely interrupted,'' Lennox pointedly explained, ''I will send a team over straight away to help organise some of your essential medical supplies.''
''Thank you for your assistance Lennox, we are grateful,'' Prime had once again regained control of the conversation.
''Is there anything else I, or we, can help you with?'' I asked.
''Negative. My team and I shall take this opportunity to become acquainted with our immediate surroundings and discuss possible solutions to our current living quarters to make them adequate for our needs as well as discuss strategies to share with your team Major Lennox. If this is agreeable to you?''
''Of course Prime, this is your home now. Decorate away! Well then OC, let's say we leave them to it and plan to meet up again tomorrow morning say 0600 hours?''
''Um, is that 6am?'' I asked already knowing the answer.
''Yes, why?'' Lennox again looked genuinely confused.
''Well I generally only acknowledge one 6 o'clock and it isn't in the morning!'' I looked mortified.
Lennox laughed and good naturedly punched my shoulder, ''Well OC, I suggest you buy an alarm clock downtown and get used to it. You're in the military now.''
''Ah, civilian liaison to the Autobots,'' I corrected.
''Who are now a faction within the military… ergo….'' Lennox looked like he was the cat that got the cream.
My turn to force my mouth into a thin line of annoyance. ''Fair call. That is still only one''.
''Oh, I'll take it. Alright let's head off then OC, before you decide to speak again.'' Lennox waved farewell to the Autobots and made for the door and the awaiting SUV.
''Oh, you wouldn't like to hear what I had to say anyway, definitely NOT PG rated." I muttered under my breath. I waved to the Autobots, ''See ya round like a rissole guys''. At their clearly perplexed expressions I quickly explained, ''It's an Australian expression, just means catch ya later, see you ''a-round'', rissoles, a burger type meat, are ''round'' in shape, play on words.'' They seemed to understand.
''Couldn't you have just said ''Goodbye'' like most other humans?'' Ironhide asked.
''Well I could have Ironhide, but where's the fun in that?'' I shrugged.
Ironhide just stared at me for a moment. ''You are a strange, annoying individual,'' Clearly, we had some walls to tear down.
''Take's one to know one I guess,'' and I winked as I turned around and walked away. ''See you tomorrow at 6 o' bloody clock,'' and I exited the hanger to the sounds of Ironhide grumbling to Prime about why I was here again and Jazz and Rachet laughing. Prime, as usual, was silent in the face of such banter, though his eyes shone brightly as he regarded me.
Once back at the hanger I jumped in Relda and followed the road with the directions Lennox had explained. It would have been very difficult indeed to get lost, but I didn't have the best sense of direction.
After a short drive I arrived in the ''downtown'' part of Diego Garcia. It actually seemed quite nice. I found my quarters on the lagoon side of Eclipse Point, I noted it actually looked down the bay towards Point Marriane where the Autobots were stationed in their hanger. Once in the basic room, I placed my bags on the double bed and surveyed the room. Not bad at all really, I'd had worse. There was a small kitchenette, a table that sat 4, a lounge and tv area off to the side. A small balcony with a view down the bay and a bathroom and bedroom. There was also a closet with laundry facilities inside – yes! I quickly unpacked my few belonging I had hastily gathered when I left my ex's house in what seemed like years ago and made my way to the bathroom to have a well-earned shower.
Emerging minutes later I felt my tummy rumble and realised once again I had not eaten in some time. Grabbing my phone, I left my room and headed outside to take in the local area. It was now after 7pm so I thought I had better find a place for dinner post haste as I had no idea when things closed down around here. After wandering the streets and taking in the local scene, I settled on a small takeaway shop that sold some fish and chips. /Yes!/ I thought excitedly when I spied a Pepsi Max in the fridge. I grabbed several. I was not a coffee drinker or even not much of an alcohol drinker but ''Max'' was my preferred drink. Totally unhealthy I know but hey – we all have to have one vice.
As I sat on my little balcony, looking out over the calm waters of the bay eating my dinner and swigging my Pepsi, I reflected on the day and my current situation. In less than three days I had gone from losing my job, my boyfriend, my home and nearly my life to meeting Alien robotic lifeforms that were now my new ''family,'' new friends, a new ''home'' and a new ''job''. /Now if I could just find me a suitable boyfriend, I'd be happy as a pig in shit/. ''Then again,'' I thought out loud to the cool night breeze, ''Only heartache comes from giving your heart to another, maybe I am best to hold on to mine for the foreseeable future and be content with what I have?'' It seemed reasonable advice, but why then did my heart ache at the thought?
I turned my gaze towards Point Marianne and where the Autobots were sequestered in their hanger and sighed out loud. /I wonder what they are doing right now? Do they sleep? Have they ''eaten''? Is Ironhide still being a pain in the arse? I chuckled at the thought of Ironhide. He would be a tough nut to crack but I loved a challenge.
Without warning I felt my eye lids start to droop with the weight of sleep. I sighed again, stood and packed everything away. Turning off the light I slid into my bed, and lay staring at the ceiling, listening to the sounds of the ocean. My last thoughts I recalled, before darkness claimed me, were of a pair of penetrating, azure eyes and red and blue flames consuming me.