The Diego Diaries: Day Off (dd6 209)
-0-Sports Center, Tyger Pax
"CANNON BALL!"
He leaped off the board, grabbed his knees and landed in the water with a gigantic splash. A good dozen infants floating in the water surged up, then outward as the displacement took them up to the edge of the pool and back down again. Even Prowler was laughing hysterically as he rode the surf of his old man's dive. Standing on the sides, half a dozen elders watched as their little mech dazzled his own little mechs and femmes. Since all of them could swim, they were unsinkable. Given that they didn't breathe, thus, sinking wasn't a disaster, it didn't matter if they went down. They all knew how to come back up and Amma Alor who was floundering in the water, too, was there to police the bottom of the massive, deep pool.
Ironhide came up like a whale spouting water with a breach that sent the water flowing outward again. Riding the waves, their tiny helms the only thing visible, the children shrieked with laughter. Ironhide grinned, then swam toward them to check them out before more came down.
"LOOK OUT BELOW!"
A huge black mechanism bounded way the frag high up, did a complete somersault, then hit the water like a D8 cat dropping from a roof top. Away everyone went as Appa Raptor sank to the bottom himself. Even Ironhide nearly slid out of the pool on the tsunami his appa made with his dive. Hero, Iacon and Uraya did, slipping out to sit on the side of the pool walkway when the water slid back into the pool. They only had a second to wait before the secondary waves arrived to draw them back in. They went in again shrieking and laughing.
-0-Home
Ratchet lotioned Halo, then lay her on the bouncing chair that every child but Orion had used. She was sitting on the coffee table grinning at him, her beautiful long tresses falling over the edge of the device. Ratchet grinned back, then picked up the datapad laying next to him. It was his turn to add a chapter or two to the book club aka boozer circle opus that he was part of with the family and now, the members of his 'squad' who had taken to their new life like dolphins to the open sea.
"Hmm … where were we?" he thought as he skimmed the parts written by Alor, his ada and Prowl. "Wow. I better do this right," he said as he began to compose a good twenty pages of his part of the story that was still unnamed. Anders would be next. The light streamed through the windows as he sat in the huge empty apartment tending to the newest pup in the litter. It was nice.
Court would be this afternoon for his case, the redoubtable James 'Big Jim' Johnson
-0-At Earth2
He and two colleagues had come in on a ship that was carrying supplies to Earth on the regular route via Chicago. An Autobot ship sometimes landed here and there around the world to gather up this and that to take to Mars or Diego. Given that it was here to pick up unspecified things and drop a mountain of goods to the warehouses serving the eastern United States for Autobot Outpost, Inc., they picked up three humans who were hired to represent James Johnson for his hearing this afternoon. They were on a communications link that had a fifteen second delay to monitor content, something that all private personal comms between Earth2 residents and Earth still maintained at the moment as per agreements. They were still on that probationary period for all communications. They would arrive with a crate of something that was unknown, get off at the interplanetary airport, then go to Earth2 with a N.E.S.T. soldier. They would be given special life support gear that all visitors utilized if they might be staying over temporarily anywhere but the Resort. It stretched to fit all sizes.
The ship was on the local news, a breaking event when one landed anywhere. They were sitting in a N.E.S.T vehicle maintained by N.E.S.T. North America waiting for the word to board. They had donned their gear and waited with the soldier who was dispatched to bring them through, Sargent Trevor Smith. They would wear their gear all the way to Earth2 and everywhere else for the two to three orns they would be on world. It depended on how long the hearing, trial or whatever they called it lasted.
They were in contact with an attorney, a former high caste mech named Highrode who was to represent Johnson in court. This was a serious charge and Harris was taking no chances. They had done what they could to prepare. Now, it was up to the judges. This was looking to be incredible and amazing to the three lawyers who got out of the car and followed Trevor Smith to the plane. They walked upward and into the cabin where they would find a place to sit. It was vast, the ship was enormous and alien, gleaming white with a big orangish-red Autobrand on the side. There were symbols of the Primes, Mars, Cybertron, and the Empire as well as glyphs that they couldn't read. Walking to their seats, they sat, all of them staring at each other.
Trevor Smith sat back. "You won't feel the take off. The ship isn't sentient. Those tend to be transports for bots and humans. This is a cargo ship but the pilots are bots. Just sit in the seat until we get there. They will open the blast covers on the windows when we get ready to take off. You can watch the show. I would suggest that you close your eyes when we take off and leave them closed until we get into space. I'll tell you when. Some humans vomit at the speed and view when we lift off. It's nearly immediate, our return to space."
They nodded. "You've done this a lot, then," the lead attorney asked, an older man named Robert Gleason, someone Warren Roberts knew.
Trevor nodded. "A few times. We're going to New York next to pick up a few people, then to Diego to let off the crate. Then we go to Mars. I'll drive you to Earth2. You will be escorted, all of you, to and from the habitat. Because you're new, Ultra Magnus made that decision."
"The mayor," Gleason said.
"Mayor, colonial manager and Chief Administrative officer of Mars, Cybertron and the Empire. He's a lifelong friend of Optimus Prime. They grew up together and are like brothers," Trevor said.
"That sounds like a lot of responsibility," another older man said, someone named Colin Phillips.
"He's more than up to it. Ultra Magnus is an amazing person," Trevor said. "Close your eyes," he said as the ship began to gather up to rise into space.
The three humans did as the ship rose to space, then sailed downward again in a perfect arc to New York City. They were landing at LaGuardia Airport in no time. "You can open them," Trevor said as the ship set down gently. It had only taken about a minute or two to go from Chicago to New York.
"That fast?" the third man asked, a younger partner named Michael Parker.
"That fast," Trevor said as he rose to walk down the cabin to the door. '
They watched him, then glanced at each other. "Incredible," Gleason said as the others nodded. They watched as Trevor helped release the hatch with a tiny bot that had appeared from the rear. They laughed as they watched it open, the two, then a ramp could be heard descending.
Trevor leaned out to take a bag from Warren Roberts who was walking up in gear followed by Sam Witwicky and an aide, Bill Tillis. They chatted a moment, then walked to the seating section to join the others. After introductions were made, they sat. Gleason grinned at Warren. "You are the luckiest man alive, Warren."
"Tell me about it," Warren said with a grin. "Just for full disclosure, Bill and I will be at the hearing as well. Ambassador Ratchet will be there to hear the case and handle the diplomatic niceties. I will be there to personally represent the Prime with Bill as my legal counsel. Sam Witwicky is coming for the weekend down time."
Everyone nodded to Sam and shook his hand.
"Prime won't be there?" Collin Phillips said. "Pity, that. I was hoping to see and maybe meet him."
"That might be possible, though I won't promise," Warren said as down the hull the little mech was closing the hatch. He grinned. "Better close your eyes."
They did.
-0-Sitting in a gerbil cage
He had a change of clothes, food and a good shower. Doing so in the presence of so many walking back and forth was strange but he managed. Tossing his things into a sack, he sat on the narrow bench that passed for a bed. It was soft enough but it was as transparent as everything else. The light was on all night and every so often a cop would bring a drunk, an idiot or a fucker in to disturb what little sleep he got. Sometimes, one of the bots would walk over to stare at him. It was unnerving wondering what they were thinking about as they stared at him silently. He usually flipped them off. They would grin, return some gesture that he thought was probably their version, then walk off to talk rudely to each other in their strange language.
He had received a message with his meal and change of clothes that attorneys from Earth were coming and that a former high caste lawyer with a stellar reputation named Highrode would represent him in court. It was comforting but if it was enough, he had no idea. He sat and watched the cops outside as the clock ticked onward.
-0-Diego
They landed as swiftly from New York as they did from Chicago, their trajectory carefully calculated to do so. Setting down, Trevor walked to the door with the little mech who had been inspecting the crate. No one introduced him and he didn't bother to do so himself. Trevor, Warren, Sam, and Bill Tillis knew and were friendly with him as he stopped to talk about family, New York and Autobot City for a moment. Then he walked to the crate to inspect some electronic thing attached to it. Gleason glanced at Warren. "What's that?"
"Something," Warren said with a shrug. "It gets off at Diego Garcia for the Embassy. Then we go to Mars. We're taking a bridge so it won't take very long."
"A bridge," Michael Parker said with a grin. "How do I get a job here?"
They laughed, then relaxed until Trevor who was sitting silently leaned forward and told them to close their eyes. Three of them would.
-0-Coming out of a bridge at Mars
They had barely closed their eyes before they opened them again. They were just coming out of a maelstrom of greenish-blue light that signaled a space bridge vortex. Flashing forward, they saw before them a vast reddish-orange world with any number of devices, ships and other constructs in view. There were levels where satellites circled unbothered. Above them were the lanes where ships waited to go downward to the planet. Some of them were huge and many looked military. They leaned forward to watch a sight none of them in their wildest dreams ever expected to participate in.
Mars. They were at Mars.
The ship fell into its lane and waited to go. No one spoke as all were absorbed in the view. Then the ship began to descend with the red planet rising to meet them. It was coming closer, the glittering city of the Autobots, the sprawling colony that was a sight to behold. The ship flew in, then came around, hovering its way to the Autobot City Municipal Interplanetary Civilian Airport. Down they went toward a massive airfield which was swarming with ships big and small, commerce feeding a vast hangar district and worker bees.
The ship settled and was led by a bot with signal lights to the jetway that would be utilized by the humans. It rolled to a stop, then a clear sided umbilical walkway slid out to grip the hatch area of the vessel. The environment settled, then Trevor and the little mech, a flight specialist named Soni opened the hatch. He chatted with Warren, Bill, Sam, and Trevor before stepping back to allow everyone off. He shook hands with the newcomers, grinning at them politely as they departed. Stepping down, then did what all new humans did. They stopped a minute to reflect that they were on another world.
All around them, the business of business went onward with ships parked, moving or being towed all around them. Seekers landed nearby, slamming into the ground in transformation. They walked off together, laughing about something. Others by a hangar leaped into the air, transformed into jets, then blazed off to who knew where. It was busy, colorful and incredibly science fiction for the three newcomers. They followed Warren as he beckoned.
Entering the airport, it was between flights from Earth for the Resort. There was plenty of those coming and going, very few of them human, but lots of different kind of bots. They walked toward the Immigration and Port of Entry area of the facility, then halted before a petite little femme who waited for them. She smiled. "Hello, Warren and Bill. Hi, Sam. So glad to see you again."
"We're glad to be back, Mileta. How are you and your family?" Warren asked as he handed the paper work of the three newcomers to the little femme.
"So much better," she said as she processed and stamped the passports and visas. "My ada is up and running again. You can't keep a good amma down."
"No, you can't. You minis are tough as nails," Bill said with a grin. "How's your brother? Did he get the job he was applying for?"
"He did," she said with a giant smile. "He's so happy. He can get bonded now. Malot's family is old school. No good career, no bond."
"When's the ceremony and party?" Warren asked as he got the papers back and turned to hand them to the three men.
"Soon. I'll let you know. My ada and atar would love to have you come," Mileta said.
"We would love to come," Warren said. They chatted a moment, then the group followed Trevor to the barrier.
"You need to put your gear on and leave it. Don't for any reason whatsoever took it off or mess with it. You will die nearly instantly. If you have a problem, tell me," Trevor said as he helped the men. He turned to Warren Sam and Bill Tillis. "The segway by the door is for you."
"Thanks, Trevor. See you later at N.E.S.T. Is Lennox there or is he out?" Warren said as he put on his gear.
"He's out but he'll be back later. I think he wants to see the hearing," Trevor said with a grin.
"Well, we'll look for you then," Warren said as he, Sam and Bill walked through the barrier, reached the segway and boarded. Sitting in the driver's seat, Warren gunned it and they left.
The three men looked at them go, then turned to Trevor. He nodded to the enclosed vehicle, a big truck that N.E.S.T. now also utilized. "We're going in that. Follow me," he said, then donned his helmet. Checking the others, he walked through the barrier with them without triggering an alert. They walked to the vehicle, then climbed inside. It sealed and the green light came on. :Don't take anything off. Just because the light is on doesn't mean you can. You don't know how to live here: Trevor said as he gunned the vehicle.
They drove outside and crossed the airfield in the lanes. It was an astonishing sight to see. Ships moving and sitting, Seekers coming and going, heavily armed mechs walking along, some of them waving to Trevor who waved back, sentient and non-sentient vehicles towing this and that, all of it was busy, strangely reassuring and oddly familiar. They drove onto Fortress Road heading for the junction and the long ride to Earth2. The Fortress was incredible and imposing as they passed it. Horsemen on patrol, part of the elite riders of the Watch rode past heading toward the Prison on their beat waved to Trevor and he waved back.
:You know a lot of mechs: Michael Park said.
Trevor nodded. :We all do. I love them all: He pulled up at the corner to wait for the light and the left turn toward the Temple District.
:Just like home. How many of the vehicles around here are sentient?: Robert 'Bob' Gleason asked.
:Most of them: Trevor said as he drove forward, turning to the left to pass through Temple District, heading for Metro District 1. :The white cabs aren't but most of the vehicles you see are sentient. They have no drivers:
They spent time watching that, then the incredible beauty of the Metro District appeared. They were on their side of an immaculate eight-lane highway that led straight through. :These cities are sentient: Colin Phillips said.
:They are: Trevor said. :The two we just left, Metroplex and Fort Max … Fortress Maximus are as well. They're mighty among their people. So are these: He said as they drove through in moderate traffic. :We have two more to go before the big junction to the Terra Hub, the Tri-Cities and Industrial Park Cities or straight ahead to the country. We call it that because habitations start to disappear:
They headed onward as to one side the shining towers of the cities and the gleaming roof of the Temple could be seen. :That's the Temple of Primus, right?: Bob Gleason asked as they leaned over to the side to see it.
:That is: Trevor said as he changed lanes.
:Have you been inside?: Colin asked.
:I have. I have permission. It's the greatest honor I ever received to be able to go there when I want to, that place and the shrines: Trevor said with heartfelt emotion.
Gleason who was sitting next to him nodded. :I can imagine. What's after the metro districts?: he asked as they reached the edge of Metro District 1.
:We come to the Mausoleum, their main cemetery, then the Primal Basilica. After that, we pass some of their administrative buildings, then Earth 1, the Consulate, then Earth2. The highway continues onward now to become part of the TransWorld Highway that circles Mars: Trevor said. :We have 25 Cybertronian miles to go from the airport to Earth2:
:Cybertronian miles? How far is that?: Michael asked.
:Fifty miles, the outer most limits that Prime will defend. Earth2 is the last stop on the inhabited highway before you reach science outposts several hundred miles from here: Trevor said.
:They wanted to be a 100 miles away: Bob Gleason said. :That would be … what? 50 Cybertronian miles?:
Trevor nodded. :Yes:
It was silent a moment as they watched Metro District 2 roll toward them as they barreled along. Then Gleason glanced at the dial on the dashboard. :What's the speed limit around here?:
Trevor grinned. :We're in the slow lane. We go at about 70 miles per hour. The fast lanes around here can average 4-500 miles an hour depending on traffic and if the Watch is nearby. No one is supposed to drive faster than 200 miles per hour:
:Wow. That's insane: Michael said.
:Look to the right and see: Trevor said as they did. The other lanes were passing them by without a backward glance.
:They have races here. What's the fastest you ever saw someone go?" Colin asked
"I saw Blurr and the others race the other day. Blurr can break mach three if he wants to and so can the others. The Velocitrons, a group that lived on Velocitron, a planet dedicated to nothing but racing, can go as fast as him. Its a HUGE prestige thing: Trevor said.
:How the fuck do they stay on the ground at that speed?: Colin asked with great surprise
:Sometimes they don't. They have special internal gyros I was told. They were born to do it: Trevor said as they entered Metro District 2. It was silent as they passed through it and Metro District 3.
Gleason glanced at Trevor. :Its weird seeing Christmas trees everywhere:
:They love it. They love anything that makes their elderly and young happy: Trevor said. :It was learned and loved at Diego and brought here:
They entered an open area as they left Metro District 3. There were huge buildings here and there along the right side of the road as they zoomed along. The Mausoleum came and went as they drove onward.
:The statues … who are they?: Michael asked.
:The Pantheon and someone else. I can't say more: Trevor said as they continued onward. In the distance, the Basilica and beside it, the completed Shrine to Solus Prime stood in all their majesty. They passed it as the three men leaned that way to look.
:How tall is that building?: Bob Gleason asked.
:Over 200 feet: Trevor said. :Its a building you can visit. You don't need special permission. Just manners:
They continued to a big junction, then stopped for the light. :To the right is the road that takes you to the Tri-Cities, Tyger Pax, Centurion, and Kalis as well as the Industrial Park Cities. This road also will take you to another turnoff that goes to the Terra Hub or you can go straight to another one just before the Industrial Park Cities that leads to the Crater District development. We're going straight. It's a non-stop road to the habitats:
He pulled forward motoring onward as they went through the extraordinarily beautiful countryside that led to the human habitations. There was little to break the scenic view as they jetted along until they came to the turnoff for Earth 1. They looked at it as they sped along and also with the Consulate which came into view. They whipped past, then finally reached the colossus of Earth2. Turning in, Trevor drove across the vast paved tarmac to the doors which opened for them to enter. He did, then pulled up. When the all clear was sounded, they stepped out.
Harris and his team stepped out of the hatch for their elevator and welcomed the three as Trevor got out their baggage. He turned to the men, then nodded. "If all is well, I'm going now. I'll escort you to the courthouse when its time, me and two others."
"Thank you, Sargent," Harris said as the group watched Trevor climb back into his vehicle. They took their baggage and went back into the elevator as the building processed Trevor out. He drove off to go back to The City and his job at N.E.S.T. HQ. Harris turned to the three men. "Welcome to Earth2, gentlemen. Come up with us to have a bite and a chat."
The men grinned, then followed Harris and the others upward to the administrative building where Harris ruled his kingdom.
-0-TBC 12-04-17 edited 1-10-18
speeds of this velocity are measured in 1000 miles per hour bursts. mach three if 3000 per hour
planes make sonic booms when they pass a mach speed