The Diego Diaries: PARTAY! (dd6 226)
(Note: Since Christmas is going to take about a week to write, I'm starting today. For this story, Christmas Surprise eve is tomorrow with the day itself following. If we don't do it now, we're going to over run New Years which is also their Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. It takes about a week to write an event and sometimes, it took a month to get two or three days in. I like to see what everyone is doing. That's right. I'm nosy.) :D
-0-Around the colony
"Put that in the back of the refrigerator, Chan," Corr said as he mixed a mixture in a bowl at the counter. Sitting on the counter next to him, their inscrutable faces watching his every move with intensity, Appa Ratchet's cat and Appa Corr's waited for their best opportunity. Given that it was Corr doing the mixing, they didn't have to wait long.
Sitting on the floor nearby working to put the right present into the right shiny colorful bag, Docker and Appa Ratchet made their way through the mass of gifts, some chosen a long time back, that would go to the children shortly. Their tree, a gigantic one picked out by Ironhide some time ago twinkled near the windows, its beauty a thing to see.
Corr covered the dish, then set it in the fridge to marinate. He walked to the two, then sat himself. "How is this going?"
"Very well, Corr," Chan said. "I can't wait until tomorrow." He walked over to join them, helping match the proper little gift to the proper individual. It was harder now having so many adult grandchildren but they had worked at it a long time to get it right. Things were great in their little kingdom.
-0-Kestrel and Tagg
Walking to the cafe in the University, they got their snack and drink, then found a table to sit. Tagg pulled out his newspaper datapad, then began to scan the news. "The planning commission okayed the University District last night, Kes. They said they would green light it on the schedule for construction."
"Is it still going to be on the right side of the road across from the Basilica?" Kestrel asked as he waved to Smokey who was heading to class. The kid waved back, then disappeared around the corner. "That infant is so smart. If he ever figured it out he could be a prime."
Tagg grinned. "I don't think he will. He's awfully young and adventurous."
Kes grinned. "What parts of the plan passed?"
"The campus layout as we've seen discussed. There will be a lot of buildings, each dedicated to a particular science or occupation. The Science building will have a huge auditorium for lectures that's going to double as a public presentation space. There's a language building, a social sciences building, a number of things. There will be an administration building for offices and the leadership. A student union building … that will be nice. They're going to have a big cafeteria there. Lots of space for a huge bookstore and a cinema. It sounds like fun, Kes."
Kestrel nodded. "Will they have that dorm plan?"
Tagg read, then nodded. "Yes. They want a place for those from Cybertron to live without using hotels or shared housing. They want them to have more comfort and a sense of belonging."
"That's a good idea. They need it," Kes said. "What about other things? I heard they wanted a small gallery and a sports complex. That way, they won't have to use The Sporting Centers around the colony for some courses."
Tagg read, then nodded. "They will. They're going to have a giant pool as well." He grinned. "I may have to learn how to swim after all."
"It sounds like fun," Kes said with a grin.
They sat together sharing a bite and some conversation before heading out for their last class of the orn. It would also be the last class before Christmas Surprise vacation.
-0-Roto and Terradive
They finished their chat over the monitor, then signed off. There was things to do before the next orn when all the kids would arrive for classroom parties and the arrival of SANTA PRIME! The parties were organized by the G-TA, the Genitor-Teacher Association who took care of such things. Given that conferences would be coming up after break, the teachers were bogged with work so the group handled the extras as they always did, brilliantly and well.
His classroom which always displayed art had been decorated by the G-TA with a sparkling tree and lights around the windows. All of the treats and small gifts that the G-TA always provided, usually a sparkling ornament for the kids to put on their home trees or hang anywhere else, were already in the room safely stored from prying infant optics.
The kids were outside for recess, then they would fog in and begin again. School would be usual stuff until after lunch, then they would do art and read stories. Play would end the orn until the next day when they would come back here at 0800 on the TMC. Youngling Day would commence at 0800, Intermediate at 1000 and Sparkling Day at 1200 on the TMC. Giving their staggered starts, Santa Prime(s) would make it with ease (hopefully) to everyone.
The siren sounded so Terradive put his snacks away and hid his (non-alcoholic) drink in his desk drawer. He walked to the door and into the hallway to banter with Mrs Lyrica, his teaching partner and Miss Coral, a teacher down the hallway working with second levels. The flood from the elevator would be loud and long. CHRISTMAS SURPRISE WAS ALMOST HERE!
-0-At the Industrial Park Warehouse set aside for Christmas Surprise
An apprentice metal worker was shining up the throne of Santa Prime. It was hilarious, beautifully colored and filled with symbolism. Some of that symbolism even related to Christmas Surprise. Most of it was inside jokes related to the Grand Poobah of Christmas (Surprise), Optimus, himself, by the big mechs who made it. It would be trucked to each place that Optimus was to go and set in place.
There had been a memo sent out by the Director of Christmas Surprise aka Blondi, the City Clerk. It had gone about like this:
To: All the Santas and Elves for Christmas Surprise (see list at bottom and your assignments)
From: Blondi, Director of Getting Things Done
RE: Christmas Surprise
We will meet up at the warehouse in Industrial City Park at 0700 tomorrow and gather to come back via horse drawn wagons to the various places you will attend with duties. I've taken the liberty of informing a number of others that they are now Auxiliary Santa Primes due to the number of home bound infants and adults as well as the growth of our populations included here. They will be listed below and will be assigned at least one elf per Santa. Any other elves have volunteered and their service to The People is accepted by a Grateful (Autobot) Nation.
Come sober and upright.
The routes that you will fulfill are marked and attached to this email. Open the one listed in your name to familiarize yourself with the job ahead. A member of the Professional Association of Assistants et al will be assigned to each of you with the plan, routes and time schedules. If we didn't do that, this would be a disaster.
ALL HAIL THE ASSOCIATION! FEMMES FOREVER!
All of you will go by horse drawn wagon. The touring company has graciously provided enough of them that all Santas no matter how convoluted your routes will arrive in traditional style. Elves will ride as well.
:( :( :( NO EXCEPTIONS! :( :( :(
You will do your duty at each stop and make merry for our people as you always do. I am proud of you. Make your adas proud, too.
:) :) :) THAT INCLUDES YOU, TOO, MAGNUS! :) :):)
There will be treats and drinks available at Ops Center when everyone is finished. You will be brought there by horse drawn carriage, upon which moment they will be freed to go and bring more beauty and light to our colony. Thank you for your PROMPT attention to this matter which is a ray of light and joy to INFANTS and ELDERS who have had hard lives.
Is that enough or do I need to make the guilt trip bigger? :D
Blondi, cracking the whip
-0-
Santas and Elves by group:
1. Optimus Prime for the Sparkling Day School, the Temple Priests and helpers, Autobot City Medical Center/Metro Femme and day cares which will come to the Central Labor Hall meeting room #142. Designated elves include Prowl as the Missus ;) (I volunteered you, Prowler. Sorry. Not sorry) Venture, Tagg and Kestrel because they asked :D Aren't they wonderful?
2. Springer as Santa for the Intermediate School, Social Care Home for Infants, Jail and the Prison. Your elves will be Drift as an elf along with Roadbuster who didn't ask, Hercy and Kup who did and Bumblebee who is a wiseacre and a good spark.
(MINI-CONS FOREVER!)
3. Ironhide for Youngling Day, the home schools, all academies and all home bound in the Seven Cities North. Your elves will be Ratchet, Docker and Roto.
4. Blackjack for all home bound in Seven Cities South, East and West along with the assisted living towers (elders and children only for now) Your elves will be Twin Twist, Paragon and Alor.
5. Starscream will handle all of Aerie Hill and the care centers there. I am told his trine 'volunteered' along with the Great Elder.
(BRAVO! It feels like team spirit around here.) :D
6. Hard Drive will handle the Metro Districts and the big Metro children. He will be aided by Delphi and Heatout along with Charlotte Mearing, Olivia and Joe Bowers and Seymour Simmons, all of whom volunteered.
(BRAVO! We are now multi species.) :D
7. Raptor for all home bound in the Crater District the Tri-Cities, the Metro District comprising Gambian and the other cities therein. Your elves will be Sandstorm, Turbine and Jazz.
8. Ultra Magnus: all senior centers in the colony. They have agreed to meet up in the biggest one in their individual city. The femme team will help you along with Arcee, Magnus. Semper fi, darling.
9. Every other place that isn't outlined here falls into miscellaneous and encompasses sites here and there. Expect to ride a while, Jetta. :D Elita, Mack and Blaster have been dragooned to be your elves.
-0-
For the human facilities, EVERYONE in the committee and senior staff is expected to hit the N.E.S.T. Habitat and Sciences. Everyone of the Family will be there all orn having an early 'beer blast, Blondi. Come if you can'.
*pencils in beer blast*
You may act accordingly. Everyone is expected to gather to go to Earth 1, Earth2 and the Resort tonight as well. We will signal when you come. The Hu-An will be included with that group as well.
I'm unclear that anyone is left out but if they are, call me at 2387-ASB70-S2S21, my private number. Thanks for being sports. Out of this, memories are born.
*cough*
XO, - (Look it up, Magnus)
Blondi, still working out the details
PS Sorry for the sloppy email. I'm trying to get slag done so I can come and straw boss this train wreck tomorrow. Idle servos are the Liege Maximo's workshop or so my ada says.
MERRY CHRISTMAS SURPRISE!
-0-All around the place
"Seriously, Arcee, you have to get better friends. Your standards leave something to be desired lately," he groused as he stood in the doorway of his office in City Hall.
Arcee hugged him tightly. "Why, Magnus … I bonded with you didn't I?" she asked with a big smile.
He grinned in spite of himself. Deep inside, he was elated to have the seniors again. He would have made it happen if Blondi didn't already know.
-0-In a group at Ops Center
"This is going to be fun but it means we film everything so we can see what we miss," Raptor said as he leaned against the Tactical console.
"That's the downside of this," Ironhide said. He grinned. "I get Youngling Day again. The wagon ride is going to be great. It's going to take a while, though. Good thing we go to the schools first."
Hard Drive grinned. "I volunteered if truth be known." He glanced at Delphi who was grinning. "I volunteered you, too. Oh, and I 'volunteered' Keystock as well."
They laughed loudly, then Raptor slapped his father on the shoulder. "Guess what? I volunteered Cargo."
"Oh, frag, Delphi and Turbine … film is mandatory," Alor said.
"I think I have you all beat," Ironhide said as he commed off a private call. "That was Ratchet. He just volunteered Lucien."
HUGE laughter and unanimous agreement followed. Ironhide had them all beaten.
-0-Smokey
He walked out of University happy as a clam that his classes were over until after New Years with its combination of Memorial and Veteran's Days for the bots. Then he paused on the sidewalk. What now? He was feuding with Hot Rod and now he was on his own during the time when they would be like two ticks on a cow. He stood rooted to the spot for a moment, then glanced toward Club Cybertron. Maybe Hot Rod was there, he thought, as he waffled in his resolve. Maybe he was at Club Hoyle. Maybe he was at his apartment. He wasn't at the one that Smokey had in the bachelor tower.
Frag, he thought, as the expanse of holidays through the new year yawned out before him like a bottomless cavern. Then he gathered his guts and headed for Club Cybertron. Mechs would be there and maybe he could join a game. He stepped out with resolve after subbing his textbook datapads and other school paraphernalia. It wouldn't do for his all around self image as a FRONT-LINE mechanism with SKILLS to be seen as a college boy. He meandered onward into an uncertain future and a dinner with an empty place at the table at his Appa and Amma's house.
It was fragged.
-0-Around
"So … what do we do?" Seymour Simmons asked as he sat at the dining table in their apartment in the Family Tower. Since no one cared if you shacked up unless any breakup might disturb the overall good atmosphere of the human colony, they had shared an apartment from the moment the DJD got slagged and Vos's facial helm rolled across the floor of the battleship, Salton Sea. They were a pair to draw to, both assuming roles as reps for Sector 7 on world or as the liaison between the bots and Earth on serious matters of law and conduct. Charlotte Mearing was essentially room monitor for the human population on Mars. It was her job to manage the fall out of the antics of the mercenaries at Earth2, for instance as well as other major things that could 'impair, impede or otherwise harm the relationship of the humans of Earth and the sovereign people of Mars', or so the United Nations charter said.
"We get to ride in the wagon and watch things. I find I've always like Christmas," Charlotte said as she washed the dishes from their breakfast. It was her turn. She also found that they were like two peas in a pod. Life was good. Christmas was penciled in to be enjoyed for once. That it took this and another world to make it actually happen was not lost upon her.
"What's the party schedule like?" Seymour asked as he perused the local newspapers on-world.
"We have to do this with the Prime tomorrow. Then we have to go to a Christmas Eve dinner here. Everyone has agreed to spend Christmas Eve in their own habitats. The colonial leadership is going to Earth 1, Earth2, the Hu-Ans, and the Resort to pay their respects as usual tomorrow, by the way. I have a cab for that reserved. We're going, too, Seymour. The last stop is the Hu-An Habitat, then we come home to have the children open some presents. On Christmas Day, everyone is going to be going to Earth2 for a huge dinner and dancing."
"They better lock up those fucking mercenaries. I don't trust them a bit," Seymour said as Charlotte sat down with her coffee and newspaper datapad. "I don't, either," she said as she began to catch up as well. It was extremely pleasant in their apartment on the second lower deck floor of the expanded and updated Human Family Habitat of Mars.
Who knew?
-0-Earth2
Mariah Davis worked at her computer in her apartment putting together the party that would be broadcast to Earth on the MCA. Fortunately, the last one wasn't or the world would know that a human was now residing in the jail for being a dumb ass rather than that a 'misunderstanding' had happened between some of the men who had too much to drink, or so the press release said. When the letter from the Office of the Prime via the Ambassador of State, the designation for the bots equivalent to Secretary of State or Foreign Minister on Earth arrived at their respective governments, it had been curt and to the point. Anyone who broke the laws of the colony would serve a full penalty for it.
A great deal of apologies followed along with a lot of discussion on Earth about a number of things. First and foremost, there was indignation among the more nativist elements about a human being held in jail by a bot. Secondly, there was discussion about the wisdom of inviting mercenaries, especially those, to a place like Earth2. Thirdly, there was the astonishment that after all these years, this was the first human on-world arrested for any crime. A lot of self congratulations were had for that and justifiably so. Only after this was there a concern about it harming the relationship. Conference calls were made, statements and appearances expressing regret by the relevant officials followed.
Mariah and the humans at Earth2 were still getting questioned about it and where was the miscreant? They kept it vague. Earth found out anyway and the Prime's Office had to release information and pictures about it to appease the outcry. That was when Ratchet went onto television to speak about it.
-a few ago
"You ready, Ratchet?" Jazz asked with a big grin.
"I'm waiting for my beer first," Ratchet said with a dazzling smile. "I think authenticity counts don't you?"
He snickered, then began to countdown. "Three … two … one. You're live."
On the other end, the smiling face of Ratchet appeared using the Prime's set. He nodded to the camera. "Hello, Earth and everywhere else. I'm here to address the confusion and concerns regarding the arrest and incarceration of a human in our jail. First, the details. During Thanksgiving, Earth2 held a party for every human on-world. By all accounts, it was a great party and everyone was enjoying themselves, making friends and building the relationship between all the human habitats here. Just so you know, they include Earth2 with over 5,000 residents, Sciences Habitat that now clocks in with 120 inhabitants, Earth 1 with nearly 400 full time residents since families have joined the locals, the Family Tower Residence which has about 600 full timers, The Resort of Autobot City which is home to nearly 250 humans for various positions including the transport part of their business, United Nations Consulate which houses 112 people, and N.E.S.T. Headquarters which is home to 210 humans and their families. There are so many humans here we have redesigned and expanded the Human Tower and N.E.S.T. Headquarters buildings already. We have nearly 6,700 residents of the human persuasion on-world. They're our neighbors, friends and colleagues. Their children attend our schools and we have great times together. That's why this is so distressing.
"The party was going extremely well by what we were told when a micro mini-con who works there, Tika, accidentally bumped a human's arm passing by. This mini-con is a very talented and experienced individual who stands about four feet nine inches in height. He is a father, grandfather and a sweet natured kind person well liked by all who know him. He was chosen to work inside to be of assistance to the humans and he handles all problems as per his job as habitat millwright. He was startled by the furious reaction of the human, James Johnson, and followed his training and orders if something happened that was out of order. Being set upon for something like this is out of order.
"He fled to the tower elevator that would take him up to the command deck, a space that's designated by treaty, contractual and military agreements both verbal and written as sovereign territory of the Cybertronian people. Given the nature of the equipment that runs the habitat, its proprietary nature and your long time and annoying habit of taking tech and making guns out of it, this was the agreed upon decision of both parties. We would run the place, you would use and live in it. Please be aware, the Prime and his government have only leased all of the habitats on-world that house humans. They do not 'belong' to you. You have leases on all of them for a period of 100 years, whereupon at that time, you will renegotiate them. I personally don't see that as problematic for your continuation 100 years from now but its the way the contracts and treaties were drawn up.
"The complexity of maintaining safely a habitat that houses so many people is up to us. You don't have the skills or tech to do it. Since you want 80,000 humans here, it would seem wise that you abide by your agreed upon and signed documents to ensure that all will be well with those you have now. Every group that comes here is a trailblazer for every group that might come next. It would do you well to keep your agreements, keep your word and show yourself mature enough to come to this, a zero error environment. You can only live here to the degree that you do because we do all the work, provide the apparatus for you to survive and only ask that you obey the laws.
"When our mini-con was chased, he ran to the elevator that went upward to the command center and entered. His pursuer, James Johnson reached the elevator and managed to enter before it closed and went upward. The others who came to Tika's rescue, soldiers of N.E.S.T. who saw what happened and some of the longtime civilians on-world, were locked out because you aren't allowed to go upward. There's only one human there by agreement. N.E.S.T. sends an observer who attends to a shift there in case there are times when a human's advice is needed. The Prime asked for and received that clause for the comfort of the people. He didn't have to do it but he did.
"When they arrived on deck, he pursued our bot. The commander of the shift, Siso, was shocked to see what happened and before he could do anything about it as per the rules, N.E.S.T. soldiers who were at the party and the security head of the Resort, Gavin Pritchard arrived on the deck having overridden the elevator codes, something that Major Lennox can do. The soldiers included General Morshower, commanding, Global N.E.S.T. and Colonel, pending Brigadier General John Fulton of Diego Garcia who were there for the party with their families. They were able to access the control room in time to watch fisticuffs between On-World Commandant of Human Activity, Major William Lennox and the renegade individual, James Johnson. It ended, the Night Watch was called to collect Johnson and the incident was detoxified.
"Johnson spent the night in the jail at the Courthouse and during Magistrate's court had Cybertronian counsel. He was found guilty of his offenses and sentenced to 30 days in jail which is a reasonable sentence all told. He could have very well been deported. As it is, he has another chance to act according to the law and with dignity as a representative of the human species to us here on-world. He is currently there now and will be there until December 30th when his sentence is over. He will then be on step one of his rehabilitation. Any further offenses will be met with deportation and a lifetime ban from this planet.
"We are under the impression that the law matters and that abiding by them, being a good citizen and working for the common good means something to you. If you feel that in any way we have mishandled this incident by expecting him to pay his debt to our society, the one that has given him a very rare and wonderful chance to have a great personal adventure, then perhaps you need to rethink your stance. If we came to Earth and broke your laws, you would expect payment. We do, too. Right now, the debt he owes us is being repaid. Anything less than that would put into jeopardy our unity and alliances with Earth. Either your word means something or it doesn't. That's the final concern between us.
"We wish you the greatest and most happy holiday season and the greatest and most peaceful new year. From the Prime of Cybertron, Mars and the Empire, from the people of the same places, we look forward to deepening the relationship between our two great peoples. Nothing like this strains our ties here when its all sorted out. If they do at your end, that's on you. May you have peace, prosperity and unity in the new year ahead. As my people say as our creed and greatest prayer, until all are one. Good night."
"Cut," Jazz said.
-0-TBC 12-22-17 HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL (just in case I forget) :D:D:D edited 1-11-18
What a lovely surprise and card, Miss Cherry. Hugs to you and your sweet baby. :D:D:D
ESL:
nativist: usually someone who puts country first, resists anything new and sometimes can even be a racist with a good hatred for 'outside forces', usually anything that isn't original to their point of view.