The Diego Diaries: Requiescat In Pace (dd6 277)
-0-Courtroom
Prime pulled up a chair to sit across the table from Blackstone who looked emotional and drained. He leaned forward on his elbows. "This is not your burden. Short of being declared incompetent, they had the power and right to do this. If they fell short of their self chosen goal, that is not yours to bear."
"I believe they're incompetent to make those decisions, Optimus. I believe they're impaired and even if it doesn't match some specified labeled illness, it still is so. They had no idea of the direction they were headed and no amount of reason could touch that. I believe they're ill," Blackstone said tiredly.
"I had to have more information, Blackstone. I cannot work with assumptions and feelings," Prime said.
"I know," Blackstone said. He looked at Prime with a rueful expression on his face. "Two years service for each life taken?"
"It seemed fair. They at least have a chance to be freed at some point. We cannot take the chance that they can ever act on their beliefs and convictions. Who knows what will be waiting one million years from now?" Prime replied.
Everyone gathered around the table, pulling chairs closer. Ratchet patted Blackstone's servo. "You are the antithesis of them, a loving empathetic spark to their cold emptiness. They devised this process and in the doing, wrote their own end. They committed at the very least, blasphemy. By the way, Optimus … Dai Atlas commed me and said he would come as soon as possible. They're having a big group come in and they need him to help organize it. He called me to ask for more specialist medical doctors which I sent." Ratchet looked at Blackstone. "He chooses the light because the Guiding Hand stands in it. These individuals perverted that. This is on them."
"We've all suffered so much. This could have been their reaction to slavery. Not everyone rises to the heights of Delphi and Hardie. Sometimes you break and it isn't readily seen. I feel badly for all of us, for Cybertron … for all of us." Blackstone vented a sigh. "What do you expect now, Optimus?"
Optimus considered his question. "They will weigh in. This was no small thing. Genocide … it requires a higher power devoid of sentiment and the hope that things will get better when perhaps they can not, especially considering the individuals involved. I can feel a sense of gathering … They will have Their say."
"The others. The 22. What about them?" Blackstone asked. "You hesitated from sentencing them."
"I will," Prime said. "I need to consider the situation and their actions. The idea that they can just claim they were following orders is not one I will honor. That being said, they have some mitigation in that they were more minor players. Of course, that doesn't mean they cannot think and decide how to act in an immoral situation. Their group think is the problem for me. I am having to think about it, Blackstone. I will call them forward when I have decided. Perhaps the Pantheon will give me inspiration when They come forward with Their own decision."
"We then come … all of us?" Coln asked as he glanced at the others.
"Yes," Prime said. "All of you must come back here to be present. Until then, I think we need to adjourn to dinner. I would be honored if you would join me, then disperse back to your lives to regroup your spirits in the midst of your families. What is done is done."
They got up slowly, then followed him outside. The evening was coming with its bracing chill and the fading light of the sun. Long shadows stretched across the ground, a mournful metaphor for the afternoon spent in deciding responsibility for the loss of the unthinkable, a half million of their brothers and sisters. Walking along the sidewalk, they talked in hushed tones as they headed for The Pit Stop. Entering, they pushed tables together and sat.
Alto, Barron's bond entered with Lyssa, the femme bond of Blackstone and Carsa, the femme bond of Coln-2. They joined the group and orders were taken. It was a subdued gathering. But all in all, the food, drink and conversations were a welcome thing to all as the night began to exert itself outside.
-0-Later on
The kids were bathed and put to bed. Ironhide walked to the living room and sat heavily in his chair. Pulling Halo out of his hold, he smiled at her. "You little thing. You make a lot better."
Ratchet sat down and grinned at her. "I almost forgot we had one of these."
Ironhide chuckled. "You and me both. I wonder if things will ever slow down and we can play."
"I don't know. I just know I'm glad I'm not one of them. What a joyless life they lived."
"We have to find their other settlement and check it out. We can't allow whoever is there to lie around unmourned," Ironhide said. "Jazz is looking hard."
"Good," Ratchet said as he leaned back to relax. He turned on the monitor and the evening news was playing. Fortunately, it wouldn't have a word on the trial until the next orn.
-0-On a balcony several floors upward
"What do They say?" Prowl asked as they watched the evening sky together on the balcony of The Residence.
"Nothing yet," Optimus replied. "I think this may mean an appearance."
"Do you really?" Prowl asked with surprise. "I've never seen one of those, though I heard about it."
"This feels different," Optimus said as he slipped an arm around Prowl. "I do not know what They will do but I feel They may come."
Prowl nodded, then hugged Optimus tightly. "It will be okay."
They stood together on the balcony watching the lights around them and the busy airfield below.
-0-The next mid morning
Ratchet walked into the Offices of the Secretariat of State heading for Lucien's own. He walked in and sat down. Staring at Lucien who looked up at him, he grinned. "Analysis of the trial, use your personal views and feelings. I don't want a cold rendering. I want to know what you think and feel about what you heard."
Lucien sat back, staring at Ratchet a moment in silence. "It was appalling. They murdered half a million individuals for nothing."
"They used your ideology when they did. How do you feel about that?" Ratchet asked.
"They didn't. We don't hold their beliefs," Lucien said with some offense.
"Really? They believe that some are intrinsically better than others. They don't allow anyone to step out of their place defined by them alone. They use laws and religion to enforce their world view and keep everyone in place. They have no mercy for anyone who wants better and tries for it. They use the law against such actions, jailing and even killing those who persist. You do remember empurata and shadow play, right? You do remember jailing those who wanted a different life than the one you assigned them. You do remember the repressive laws that you passed and enforced to keep everyone in their place. You do remember that, right? I could go on with similarities but I think I made my point."
Lucien stared at him. "You're enjoying this. It makes you happy to do this to me. You get to hammer me with your rhetoric."
"Again, you'd wrong. I'm of the camp where anything is possible, where redemption is always on the horizon. I believe in you whether or not you do. I believe in your family, your sons, your sweet bond. I believe in everyone. I'm the King of Fairy Dust and Unicorns. I'm the one who never gives up. I took you on when no one else would because I have empathy. This isn't pity, Lucien. This is empathy. I'm sad for you that you came from a long line of deluded fraggers who had more in common with these killers than they had with Solus and Prima. You were born on the very back of empathy and you have none."
Lucien stared at him. "What are you talking about?"
"The humans talk about the Good Samaritan who came forward when no one else would and helped a total stranger when it was against their rules and laws. Rules were rules but when it comes to suffering, nothing stands in the way of helping others if you have even a scrap of empathy. Maybe its because I'm a doctor or maybe its because my family in the face of great injustice and evil mindedness never let it become who they were. Do you know any greater sacrifice than that of Primus for us? He gave up His life and freedom to save us and keep us safe. What did we do in return? We did all of this. He didn't give up everything for just a few to benefit. He gave up His life for ALL of us. How can you justify your views in light of His sacrifices? Try and tell me how what you believe squares with the selfless loving and empathetic actions He committed to give us a home and safety. I dare you."
It was silent as Lucien stared at him. "I don't care for this conversation."
"I know. You have no argument. Primus is the very embodiment of love. He IS love. Your ideas and behaviors are the very opposite of what He did for us. You have no argument." Ratchet leaned forward. "Prime believes the Pantheon might show up for this one. This is no small thing and he believes They might come to have Their say. You're ordered on the pain of a gauntlet by the Former Decepticon Association to be there when the call comes. You and Traachon … Cargo, Waldeen, and Keystock, too. You will be there or its a gauntlet. The Court gives me the say so on it. Do I make myself clear?"
Lucien stared at him. "Perfectly."
Ratchet stood and stared at him for a moment, his optics glittering with malice. "I'll make sure you regret it majestically if you disobey." With that, he walked out the door to do his job.
Lucien watched him go with something new in his spark.
Fear.
-0-On Cybertron
Keystock and Cargo stood to one side of the gaping hole in the ground. It was in the Manganese Mountains and the ground below their feet was that part of the planet that was still organic. They were discussing a cache of weapons that were stored there and how they would pull them out for transport to oblivion in one of the nearby stars. The two were talking off line. :We were ordered to be at the sentencing of the others and for the possibility of the Pantheon weighing in. If we don't, Ratchet will order a gauntlet from the Former Decepticon Association: Cargo said with a slight tone of dread. :What do you think about the Pantheon coming?:
Keystock glanced at his brother, then the hole where Raptor and Hard Drive were looking at bombs with Ironhide and some of the locals. The rest of their team but for their adjutants were standing up here with them while the others took notes on the problem with the generals. :I don't know. I … I don't know yet. What about you?:
Cargo glanced at him, then focused on the hole in the ground. :I don't know. I'm nervous:
Keystock nodded. :I know:
It would be a long tense orn for everyone but Pudding who would amble along on his leash and enjoy the mechs who held or patted him. He would also enjoy the tidbits slipped to him when they would pause to eat something.
-0-Earth2
The luncheon was set and the ladies and men of the Auxiliary had begun to show up. They walked to the dining room with their hostesses and gathered. It was a smaller one with a view outside and beautiful tables inside. A buffet ran along the wall and there were pitchers of mimosas for everyone. Taking a drink, they gathered in groups to chat. There were ladies and men from the Consulate, Earth 1 and Sciences. Everyone was trying hard to forge a community that included everyone on world who was human. There were several visiting journalists from magazines like Vanity Fair, People, Vogue, and OK!, all of whom were there to tell about life among the humans on world. They were an eclectic group, each of whom came with a photographer and reporter. They were staying at Earth2 thanks to Mariah and her group who were determined to get good publicity for their habitat following the salacious incident with Jim Johnson.
"This looks great," Judy Witwicky said as she glanced at the buffet. "You do know how to put on a party, Mariah."
"Thank you, Judy. I do want the social life here to be fun." Mariah glanced at the others. "Thank you so much for coming. We need to make the connections between our habitats stronger. The human community here are trail blazers and we love to party when we can."
"I'll drink to that," Barbara Morshower said to great laughter.
A reporter from Vanity Fair who was nearby walked to them. "Tell me about the interactions between the habitats. I heard about the book clubs and the auxiliary."
"We built up good will with the bots early on. Judy, here," Lois said as she nodded to Witwicky, "was the first to know them. Then the soldiers and their families … my dad among others was next. Little by little, it grew. We have strong ties together, especially among The Family. We want that to stay that way. We have groups that do things in the community with the bots and with each other, the two groups being just a few."
"What about the rumor that the bots are going to build a huge habitat and have humans live there under contract to them, working on beneficial projects for Earth, yet be their employees unattached to anyone but Autobot Nation? I heard that the entire habitat will hold about 20,000 humans and they would work on industries and products for Earth as employees of the Prime," the Vanity Fair reporter, a man named Britt Stoner asked.
The humans gathered stared at him for a moment, then Barbara and Judy glanced at each other. "Do you know about that, Judy?" Barbara asked.
"No," Judy said with surprise. "I don't," she said. She looked at the reporter. "Where did you hear that?"
"I did from no one in particular. It's just a rumor," Brett said.
"Well, no one told us," Judy said. "I'd think if it was true we'd know but we don't. Interesting. 20,000 more humans. I think I need another drink," she said to great laughter.
-0-At the Circle of Light Guild Store in Terra
"Thank you for visiting. I hope you come again soon," Edict said as he handed a purchase nicely wrapped to a youngling couple who came for a tapestry.
"Thank you, Edict. We will," the younger of the two said with a smile. They walked out and the door closed with a tiny jingle of the bell.
Madura who was hanging up a replacement for the one just purchased glanced at Edict. "You have a very nice manner for retail, Edict. I compliment you."
Edict chuckled. "Thank you, Maddie. This feels less like a business than a club house for me."
Joon who was weaving nearby grinned at both of them. "Since everyone came here to work, this has become a wonderful gathering place. I've enjoyed your company so much."
Madura grinned, then walked back to sit beside Joon. "This is so lovely. So much skill and love go into them. I want to learn some fine orn when I have the time."
"They teach classes at the Halls of Order. You can have a small one to keep at home and make the smaller pieces. The patterns are easy to learn."
"I want to take one," Madura said as he watched the shuttlecocks fly under Joon's expert direction. They slid back and forth as she sent them along, touching the control on the floor with her ped to make the loom press each row into place. The threads today were a spectrum of yellows, from gold to nearly white, all of them made from specially textured metals. "Who do I ask?"
"Ask Cloudy in the cultural department on the fifth floor. He's in charge of restoring the really old items and he can help you enroll. The looms you'd want to start with are easily transportable and you can have one at home. I do. I have the one I learned upon. It makes all manner of things including rugs and little blankets that I give for separations," Joon said.
Madura nodded. "Proteus and I have considered getting a spark from the Well. We never had children of our own. There was never time," he said with a trace of bitterness in his voice. "It was probably for the best. I wasn't in any good condition to be a father."
"But now …?" Joon asked as Edict walked back to listen.
"Now, anything is possible and I want to have a family. So does Proteus. We want to be fully in the life again and children are so wonderful," Madura said. "I think we both feel fools for what we've missed."
"Then don't wait. The Well is a good thing. They give you the spark that was destined to be yours alone. The delivery method is the only difference," Joon said.
"Would you come? I think I would like all my friends around me," Madura asked hopefully.
"Why, Maddie … we're a squad. We'll all be there," Edict said.
-0-A short time later
Ratchet walked into Ops Center and sat down beside Prowl. "Guess what I've been doing?"
Prowl glanced at Ratchet, then sat back with a smirk. "Is this 20 Questions, Loon?"
"No, you brittle old bag of wind," Ratchet said with a dazzling smile. "This is good news."
Prowl laughed aloud, then grinned slightly. "Tell me, Loon. You know you wanna."
Ratchet grinned back. "Madura and Proteus are getting a spark from the Well in two orns. I just helped them plan a protoform for a SPECTACULAR little mech-"
"Are there any other kind? After all, they all belong to me," Prowl said with a bigger grin.
They grinned at each other a moment, then Ratchet leaned back in his chair with pleasure. "The entire squad will be there or be square."
"Did you ever doubt we would be?" Prowl asked. "After all, I have to be there to take in the sight of my newest progeny."
"You're certifiable," Ratchet said with a huge smile.
"I hang out with you. Case closed," Prowl said with a huge smile back.
-0-TBC 2-17-18 edited 2-22-18