The Diego Diaries: Rumble (dd6 93)

-0-Earth2

She stood in the lobby of the massive facility along with the others. They were all annoyed. The first group to go out was the leadership and a few of the scientists. Among them, members of families who lived here had inserted themselves. Judy Witwicky was driving a big vehicle, one designed to carry passengers in a trial that would allow The Resort to take smaller groups deeper into the colony. Each of the five vehicles could carry 10-20 individuals. There would be fifty going today but tomorrow, there would be a full complement of 100 civilians heading out to see what it was like to wear the gear in the world beyond the windows and walls of their habitat. "This is not a good way to ingratiate yourself into the community," Judy said as she paced back and forth. As she did, a number of individuals were running toward them, exiting out of a corridor nearby. She waited as they gathered. "Is everyone here or is someone still getting a manicure?"

Cynthia Tomas who was embarrassed turned to the others. "We have to hurry. This is a courtesy and we have a schedule. Let's move it now." She turned to Judy and the others. "We're sorry, Mrs. Witwicky. It won't happen again."

"That's right," Judy said. "Gear up. We're going to load you according to our own lists. This is Lois Morshower Howell, her mother, Barbara Morshower, Judy Fulton and Jessie Landon. They are the kings of their cart. If you fuck around, we beat the shit out of you, then drag your carcass back here. We will report you to Lennox and you will never set foot outside again. None of us care if you're somebody somewhere else. Here? This is our kingdom. Any questions?"

There weren't any. A green light was flashing signaling the outside drive through was atmospherically supportive so they walked out. One-by-one, they walked through the door and were scanned. A frazzled scientist who was overcome by the notion that he could go outside had to be helped, but in seconds they were all outside. They gathered before the vehicles. Judy glanced at Barbara Morshower, then nodded.

"I'm Barbara Morshower. All of us are experts at dealing with this atmosphere and the dangers out here. This isn't a zoo or a holographic diorama. This is the real deal and if you make a mistake you will die in a minute or so. In your gear is a locator device that will trigger a bridge and a team to get you if something goes wrong. But act like it isn't there. Just because it is doesn't mean they will grab you to safety fast enough.

"We're going in the vehicles ten to a car. They're safe but you will keep your gear on at all times. No one is to take anything off and if there's a problem TELL US. We're going to the airfield. The reason its so early is because Prime's taking out an armada. There are settlements that need rescue and there could be trouble so he's taking a major strike force with him. We're going to a safety structure to watch. This is an amazing sight, to see an army and air force gather to go to battle. We have to move it because the aerie, as we call it, will fill up fast. Jessie will let you know which vehicle and driver is your guide and transport. You will always use the same process during our travels. Don't change it up. You don't have permission." She turned to Jessie who had a datapad.

"First car with Lois Morshower driving," Jessie began. Names were called and they climbed inside. Down the list she went until all were aboard. "We're go, Judy."

"Then let's haul ass. We don't want to miss the show," she said as she climbed into her vehicle. Cynthia Tomas was sitting next to her as the vehicle sealed up. She pulled forward waiting for the doors and atmosphere to do their part, then sped out followed by four other vehicles. They were gone into the darkness in seconds.

-0-On the way

It was dark between the huge tower lights that gave great pools of illumination at intervals. The darkness was intense and felt ominous to the newbies. Hamilton Brown, Owen Harris, Mariah Davis and her husband, Kyle were sitting just behind Judy Witwicky as she drove down the nearly empty highway toward the lights of the cities beyond.

"What sort of armada is going out?" Harris asked.

"A huge one, bigger than I've ever seen before. I also hear that its being augmented by groups from Cybertron," Judy said as she flew along.

"Have you been to Cybertron yet, Mrs. Witwicky?" Cynthia asked.

"Judy," Judy said as she glanced at Cynthia with a grin. "Not yet. We're going to be going when things smooth out. It's dangerous there, toxic and problematic. Some of our soldiers have been there. It's not a pretty sight. It's pretty much a graveyard from end to end. We're hoping to go there after Halloween."

"What's the possibility of you taking a few of us along?" Harris asked.

"Slim to none," Judy said with a grin. "Make no mistake … you have to earn your bones as they say. When you show your trustworthiness and that you have enough honor and character, things will be lighter and more open. We have a good thing going here, the humans and the bots. We don't want you all to come here and fuck it up."

Two figures flashed past, humanoid shapes carrying what appeared to be rifles and gear bags. One of them turned backward with a wicked smile on his handsome face as he roared along. He flashed his lights, got a flash in response, then turned back to disappear with the other into the roadway ahead.

"Who was that?" Cynthia asked with surprise.

"That was Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. They got called up it looks like. They live in Tyger Pax with their bond, Bluestreak and three of the CUTEST babies you ever saw," Judy said with a grin. "Love those boys, both of them."

"Can you tell us about them? Their family?" someone asked.

"Maybe later," Judy said noncommittally. "Right now, we have to get there."

They passed bots riding horses back toward the town. Honking, they continued onward as the Night Watchmen waved. The humans watched them, then turned back to the front. Mariah leaned slightly forward. "They have horses."

"They've had horses for a long time. Haven't you kept up?" Judy asked.

"Actually, no," Mariah said sitting back to stare at the road behind them. "I rather love horses. I wonder if we're going to see them today."

"It depends. Things sort of dictate themselves around here," Judy said as she drove past the Basilica, quickly followed by the Mausoleum.

"That's their graveyard back there, right?" someone else asked.

"That's right. They bury their dead there. Some of the more deserving for whatever reason are buried in the Basilica," Judy said. "Our lady's auxiliary works at both places helping out the priests to keep them up. We can get the down low spots spic-and-span."

"What about us joining your group? I hear that you have book clubs and other activities too," another voice in the back asked.

"We do," Judy replied as she began to merge into traffic in the Metro Cities. They sped forward as the brilliantly lit and beautiful form of Autobot City loomed ahead. "I'll talk to the others. We're democratic group."

"What sort of books do you read? Are they Cybertronian? Are there bots in the group?" Cynthia asked.

"We read all kinds of books. We read a lot of the writings of the different groups here because, one … we want to learn more and be better neighbors. And two … they're really interesting and insightful. All of Heatout's books are on our list. We're waiting for his new one which is supposed to drop in a couple of days. He's a sellout writer. So is Nitro."

"I love his books, Nitro," someone else said. "I love the shows they've made of them."

"I know," Judy said with a laugh. "I've been in them. We have bots in the group, mostly friends who are civilians and the odd soldier. We're a great tight knit group. I love them all." They merged into the city passing the Temple which glowed in the lights that shown on it at night. "That's the Temple of Primus. That's all you're allowed to know."

"What about Olivia Bowers? I know her family. I understand that she knows a lot and is allowed inside," Mariah said as they drove down Metro Highway 1 toward the bright lights and movement of the Autobot City Military Airfield.

"She does. She's been accepted into the Circle of Light and is a real asset to the human community. She teaches, volunteers … maybe at some point you can take her classes on the Circle. Don't ask now. It's forbidden. She's the greatest. She came as an asshole and emerged a great friend. There's hope for all of you," Judy said with a laugh.

Everyone smiled, though they weren't sure if they had just been insulted or not. It didn't matter. The group drove onto the field toward a big box on stilts that appeared to be made of glass. It was lighted and there were humans both in it and others walking to get there. Judy pulled up, then shut off the vehicle. She turned to the group. "You're mine and I have command authority over you every second that you're not at Earth2. We'll be scanned before leaving these vehicles, then we go up there. It's bulletproof and safe so we can watch without getting shot. Things are always being made better for us. The bots are the best."

She pressed a button, a scan rolled down the length of the vehicle, then cleared everyone. "Stay here and I'll let you out," she said as she stepped out and closed the door. Gathering with the others, they began to call their charges to come forward. Walking in lines behind their guide, they walked across the tarmac to the stairs that would take them upward. They could feel rumbles under their feet and the brightly lit airport beyond was alive with movement and sounds. They went up, were scanned into the building, then the doors closed behind them.

Inside, watching at the window, most of the N.E.S.T. garrison, a lot of the most famous human civilians and a couple of mini-cons were standing together. They turned to the group, nodded, then offered them refreshment. Grabbing breakfast rolls and coffee, the newbies walked to the window to watch. The scene outside was astonishing.

-0-Early around the colony

Sunstreaker and Sideswipe hugged Bluestreak who was detailed to the babies, then slipped out with their gear. It would be a speedy trip on the road using their skates to get to the muster. They would beat the military trucks there by several minutes. Of course, they cut across different streets and cheated to do it but they did.

Score.

-0-Up there

Ironhide hugged Ratchet, took the bag of food that Ratchet handed him, then slipped out. He would be at the Ops Center in minutes to get updates and the latest intel. He would need it as co-commandant of the battle group with his father.

-0-Way up there

Venture closed the door on Optimus and Prowl who slipped out to take the helm of the mission, Prowl here and Optimus out there. Miler had already left for Trigger Command and Control on Trigger 1 to act as flight navigator for the bridges. He looked around, noted all was well, then relaxed on the big couch by the windows to watch the show below.

-0-Raptor, Hard Drive and Delphi

They left their homes, met up at the train platform in Terra, then headed toward The City. They had a quick snack but nothing more. That would be served from the ship's kitchens to everyone once they lifted off. Right now, they had their jobs to do while Turbine stayed behind. He would be on standby call to Cybertron to handle any Primal relics that were found. Two would be.

-0-Partition

He stood on the tarmac with Hercy and Kup who were struck by his determination and interest. There might be more to this kid than met the optic both of them thought as they answered his questions and declined his request to come. He would come with Ratchet, they said. He would join them later. It would be an interesting time at the muster with the new ki-d.

-0-TBC 8-15-17 edited 8-16-17

Hopefully, my new laptop will arrive tomorrow and I can reply to your notes and do even more writing. My desktop is a demanding thing. HUGS to all.

Thanks for catching the misnaming of Olivia. :D Bad, me. Bad she. ;)