The Diego Diaries: Return (dd6 263)
-0-At a staff meeting called to clear the decks
They walked in, the senior Autobots. Gathering at the table, they sat down to wait for Prime and Prowl. The civilians weren't called this time given that the missions outstanding were to be the only topics discussed. Prime and Prowl walked in, then sat. Prowl looked at his data pad, then glanced at Percy and Wheeljack. "We would like an update on the bridging plan for planets, gentleman. It's been a while since we touched base about it."
Wheeljack glanced at Perceptor, then Prowl. "We've moved a pair of gas giants to the Tau Ceti system. It took a bit of timing and effort to place them in the farthest planetary orbits we could calculate and still have them do the job of cleaning up the system's garbage. Since its only 12 light years from us, about a little more than three parsecs, we can reach it in about three orns flying at normal speed by ship or ten seconds by bridge. We want to bring Cybertron with at least one moon because of the oceans and seas. They have wave action and we have to calibrate their transfer, perhaps bringing Cybertron with Moonbase, then the others after."
"Can you do that? It seems a very huge order, Wheeljack," Prime asked.
"It is. That's why we're working so hard to make it foolproof," Wheeljack said.
"As foolproof as it can be. We're on fourth generation field stabilizers now," Perceptor said. "Our bridge team is working to make them enormously powerful generators for the field integrity part of this. Our ability to use triggers will be ready when the two new big ones are built. Given that they all fly, we can station them in the Tau Ceti system to bring the planet there. When everything is regulated and stable, we can fly them back to this system and park them, say, around Neptune or Uranus. When Cybertron is moved and stable, we can put them there for safe keeping. Of course, that depends upon the ground game on Cybertron. I, for one, will be glad to see sunlight in the skies there again."
"What is the likelihood of that happening? At the moment, our atmosphere, such as it is, is poisoned and thin," Prowl said.
"We know," Wheeljack said as Perceptor nodded. "The atmosphere is recovering incredibly slowly but we can work on that when Cybertron is secured. As you know, we can terraform planets, adding atmosphere and whatever we need to create what we want. We always could and we still do sometimes. To some extent, we did that here because we control the weather and no longer contend with the colossal sand storms that enrobed this planet for months on end. We can do a lot of things and we're working on new tech. If we lose more atmosphere moving Cybertron, it won't be a great loss because its so polluted. We can begin atmospheric regeneration through the terraforming tech we have now. It might take a while but its possible to restore an Earth-like atmosphere on world at some point."
"That would be wonderful," Ratchet said. "The human soldiers are jonesing to go there again. They like the place."
"Who doesn't?" Perceptor asked.
No one argued.
"Continue with Tau Ceti, please," Prowl asked.
"It's a stable star with 78% of Sol's mass and about 55% of its light output, thus requiring inner planetary placements closer to the star than Earth planets," Perceptor said. "It has two planets of its own, not the four or five conjectured by humans. That creates a very heavy dust disk which we will vanquish with the gas giants. We've 'already inserted two gas giants into the farther flung system space to absorb the impacts of debris and gather the dust from the planetary disk. We've ascertained that they're stable and secured thus far, though we've stationed a science vessel there to continue to assess the situation. This must be perfect all around for Cybertron and her moons. Since its a single star, we don't have to balance and calculate more than Cybertron's orbit and companions around it, so firm are we on the other bodies. There's a low luminosity star nearby that the humans were convinced was a companion. It isn't. It's just in the line of their viewpoints. Nothing stands out as a problem and insertion was relatively easy.
"If you seek a bright sky like Earth for Cybertron, it would have to be placed closer than Earth is to Sol, meaning an orbit like Venus. There's a lot to do but we're getting closer. If we move Moonbase and Cybertron together, it will take at least two and perhaps more triggers. The new ones that are going to be built by Saturn will be modified to move gigantic features, bigger ones than the two we have. Those will be linked to not only give more power when we do this but to also provide stability in the transfer. Given that Cybertron is four times bigger than Earth and nearly seven times bigger than Mars, it will take that kind of device."
"When will the building begin?" Optimus asked. "Will it be a problem for the Trypticon station?"
"We have the specs going through deconstruction by the engineers. We're going to build a lot of it here, then transport. It will be nearly twice as big, each of them, than the ones we have now. It's going to take time to get them made and troubleshoot them for all manner of scenarios," Wheeljack said. "There should be no trouble with Trypticon because our orbit will be farther outside the rings than his. We will have ship traffic delivering things to contend with so we're being careful about that."
Prime nodded. "We have this construction, the new housing development, the deep space station on the trading trails 800 light years from here … what else is a mega project?" Prime asked.
"Other than things happening on Cybertron, nothing else," Jetta said. "We have project managers working on each that coordinate with Scar at Industrial Park Cities, Slacker through the ports and us."
Prime nodded. "That is good to know. We cannot cut corners on this bridge project. If it takes time, we make it. What is the status on Gliese for a move?"
"Gliese poses different problems due to its unique makeup, Optimus. We don't want to settle it in the same star system as Cybertron for obvious reasons. We're considering Sirius, a binary star system 8.6 light years from Earth for Gliese. There are other worlds around Gliese that show promise. We're building a dossier on them as possible transfers as well. Given the tech, we can design systems for our own purposes and have more opportunities to develop our situation the way we want it here," Wheeljack said.
Prime nodded. "I would like to be in the loop on this process, gentlemen. Thank you."
"You got it, Prime," Wheeljack said.
"What about Cybertron now?" Prowl asked.
"Our divisions are making good headway. Iacon is cleared out to the Wells, back through to the Foothills and Western Districts as well as the Valley. We have stockpiles of metal and broken debris gathered in the former airports of the Tander area and we also utilize the warehouse district. We don't use them for stores because there's a lot of work to do on the subterranean infrastructure there yet to do. Our buildings are going upward at a better clip because of this. We've risen from 15% rebuild to 22. It may seem like a small thing but its major. We have shelter for the most vulnerable in the towers now but we can do better. Our camps are a thing to behold but the general attitude is still good."
"That's the big thing," Hard Drive said. "That's why all of us go out into the field constantly, take down needs and meet them within half an orn at most. We have extended communications into the farthest regions we have in our district which is major and meaningful for the people there. We expect we have less than half of our own people in good housing, that is, housing we bring in. The rest are still living rough but food and medical have reached even the most backward areas in my district."
"Mine, too," Turbine said. "This helps greatly. Overall, it would be too much to do without delegating and dividing into areas of expertise and management. Right now, we have several thousand locals working smaller districts, getting information to us so we can have needs met in country. Its a miracle that we haven't had more trouble than we have thus far. We have hot heads who figure it should be faster, some who feel they need or deserve the rising housing themselves, a few that are just mental and a lot that are mean. We've worked out the policing with Springer and its up to the task. We're taking down the gangs in my district as we catch them. The tolerance for them now is less than zero among the people."
"Same here," Delphi said. "Those slaggers are being hunted down. Some of the soldiers doing duty at HQ are being sent out to stamp them into the dust. I don't want a single civilian being afraid of them."
"Springer, please get together a plan to send special teams to the different districts to hunt these individuals down. I want them eradicated. No one is to live in fear any longer if we can help it." Prime looked at the directors of the districts, most of them Ironhide's family. "Let them know what you need and they will help. Trackers, shooters, tech experts, bomb sappers, and a medic, Springer. Special team it."
"On it, Prime," Springer said. He looked at the district commanders. "I'll put it together and shoot it out to you for final approval. Then we can go on it."
"Excellent," Raptor said. "The sooner, the better."
They discussed Cybertron, troubleshot a bunch of problems, then discussed the new construction projects. Prime sat forward after a moment. "What is the word on Caminus and the situation with Razorclaw? Ominous is out there and I want to know what is happening now that Dangerous and Clipper are there. What is the status quo?"
Ironhide leaned forward to look down the table. "Right now, Razorclaw is minding his business. What's going on behind the lines on his end of things, we aren't sure. We know there are emerging civilizations that way and a number of pre-space ones as well. We should check that out somehow. Perhaps bridge that way. As for Ominous, they're still digging in. They had a few scouting flights toward Caminus and were warned off by the dreads. I don't think they want that kind of pain."
"We need to keep this all in line. Starscream, I would like to know what, if any danger other planets and species might be undergoing out of sight of us by Razorclaw. Would you take care of the bridge flights to find out?" Prime asked.
"I will do that," Starscream nodded. "We need to map that area anyway. The more information, the better."
Prime nodded. "I agree. Prowl?"
Prowl stared at him, then the others. "I have asked for a personal meeting of the Praxians here so unless there is more, this meeting is concluded."
There were no other agenda items, so most of the room left. Jetta rose to leave, then Prime called him to sit. Springer and Drift were called as well. When the door closed, only family was left behind. Prowl stared at the tabletop, then Hard Drive. "You're the senior Praxian Elite, Hardie, and by virtue of that, the senior high caste in the colony. I have a problem with my grand genitors that needs your advice and counsel," he said formally.
Hardie nodded. "I will give it if I can and hope to help you," he replied formally.
Ratchet who watched and who loved a good ritual himself once again marveled at the stultifying level of tight aftness high castes labored under.
"My grand genitors are very, very old school. They're incredibly hardwired into their system of life. You know of them, perhaps?" Prowl asked.
Hardie nodded. "I know them and know of them. Their form of practice is well known to me and I have dealt with the odd thing with this style on a few occasions. I was called in to informally settle a dispute."
"You have," Prowl asked. "I am … concerned that they may dislike our lives here and invoke. I need to know what, if anything, Elites can do about that."
Hardie considered that. "The invocation of our culture is a two headed snake, Prowl. It's custom and law among our culture as Praxians but its also formalized into the legal system. When someone files an invocation with the Prime's office, its as formal as any law or document. That makes things a bit more difficult with it as a standard and long time legal action."
"Theoretically, if they invoked on me … given my bond and his …" Prowl frowned deeply. He stared at his balled fists on the table. "... caste … what if anything can I do about it? Other than defy them? Have you ever heard of or known this to happen?"
Hardie considered that as he walked through his data files. "If they invoke, its a legal as well as culturally binding action. I have never heard of anyone fighting the action, especially since its a thing families usually do and few want to defy their loved ones. You can defy it, I suppose. It would be new territory but I think you would bring an action by the state and even the caste."
"Can caste court hear this sort of thing? Do they have standing?" Prowl asked.
"Caste courts can hear anything. You can bring this there but precedent and law have a lot of weight. We would hear it, then decide. There's another thing that can happen, something most don't know because most take the action at face value, as an unassailable thing. One or more of us can have a chat with them if they do. It would be informal and it wouldn't be binding but it can happen. I was asked to 'chat' on two occasions. The invocation held but there was a new understanding between the parties. It worked out, rather, after a while. I would do that for you if you ask. I can also bring others."
"If we or I defy them … what then?" Prowl asked.
"You risk being shunned by your own family," Hardie said. "Your family will be in the position of choosing what to do."
"If they invoke on my genitors, I stand with them. That applies to my family here," Prowl said as he glanced at a pensive Optimus. "No one is going to do anything to my family that won't involve a fight."
"There is always that, too," Hardie said. "You can fight it out, an honor fight or choose someone else. I will tell you about Zenith and Shadow. Zenith is highly skilled in hand-to-hand combat. He's old school and they do nothing halfway. If there is an honor fight, someone is going to get hurt badly."
Prowl nodded. "My appa knows a lot of styles. It was one of the few things we did together that interested and entertained me. He's why I know what I know."
Hardie nodded. "I know a lot of them, too … some even the two of you don't. I offer myself as your champion if it comes to that."
Prowl stared at him. "That's incredibly good of you, Hardie, but I could never ask you to do that."
"That's why I'm Praxian Elite and you aren't, Prowler. I'm the senior Praxian in the colony and maybe even in the universe. You would have to give ground to me if I say so. What I say is the last word," Hardie said. He sat back. "We may be borrowing trouble. Then again, I want to know if they agitate or attempt to bring The System back even in the smallest way. I can challenge them both on that in a number of ways including but not limited to Caste Court." He grinned slightly. "I am old and I remember everything, Prowl. Delphi and me, we know more than they do. I will be told and I tell you formally, I will be told about violations of the Prime directive on The System or if they wish to make life hard for you. It is my duty to maintain order among the high caste Praxians. You will obey me."
Prowl stared at him for a moment, then bowed his helm. "I will, Abba. Thank you, General. You ease my processor, but I will not allow you to fight my grandfather alone."
"You will." Hardie said with a grin. "I don't know that it will come to that. After all, I am exempt and so are you, Delphi. We know a lot more than we ever made known. I would hate to show it to either of them."
Delphi grinned. "Hercy didn't become Hercy by being anyone's fool. Three exempts is usually two more than a problem needs."
Hardie grinned. "I agree with that."
Ironhide who had been watching the two grinned. "I am one lucky slagger with you for grand genitors. You're holding back on me again."
"You are and when you grow up, we'll fill you in, infant," Hard Drive said as he grinned at his most beloved grandson.
Huge laughter greeted that as everyone sat back and relaxed. Turbine turned toward Prowl. "Don't borrow trouble, Prowl. A Primal directive outweighs anything else and if anything they do touches on The System, Prime and the Caste Court can step in and quash it."
"I hope so," Prowl said as he vented a sigh. "This is not going to be an easy thing to do, getting them to bend from their training. They're so rigid, I don't even know where to start."
"They will bend or break," Hard Drive said. "Either way, we aren't going to make them an exception. We all live or die together now. Perhaps having them slag out a few holes and carry the dead to shuttles on Cybertron might do a bit of good."
"It couldn't hurt," Delphi said.
"You don't know my grand genitors," Prowl said.
Hard Drive grinned, then leaned forward on his elbows. "I do. I knew them, their genitors and their great grand genitors."
"How did they get so rigid and hard?" Ironhide asked.
Hardie sat back, then relaxed. "A lot of reasons. Some because it helped them survive the Quintessans. Some because it served to keep them alive in the Functionalist tyranny. Some because they're built that way. Just know that its in all of us to adapt and change. In the beginning when things were terrible, we all did. They will. Everyone comes back to this place with their own baggage. The generations of your family were conformed almost into oblivion. This is millions and millions of years of cultural conditioning at play. It will be harder to change them but they must."
Prowl nodded. "I hate this. I hate how my life feels now with this in it, this … unexploded ordinance."
Hard Drive nodded. "Imagine how bad it would feel to them if they could really know?"
No one had a response to that.
-0-TBC 2-1-18
Note: Some scientists believe there may be four or five planets around Tau Ceti but for the sake of this story, I am asserting two. :D:D:D
Something that is unassailable (un-uh-sail-uh-bl) is something that can't be breached or broken or taken over.
To ascertain (ah-cer-tane) something is to find out about it.