The Diego Diaries: Left Field (dd6 308)
-0-Ops Center
It was silent around the table as everyone took in the news. Ratchet sat back. "They live in a bubble., these people. I think the humans have the same problem with high castes that we do."
"I would agree," Prime said. "They cannot bring any of them here if we do not grant them visa status."
"No," Prowl said. "What we have to do is try to figure out what benefit they get from sending them here. I've scanned the news services on Earth. There's a reason why they want them to come here and we have to figure it out. Harvey Richardson is good friends with the Daniels and that could be the extent of the thought behind this, someone trying to help out a friend."
"What do we know about him, Prowl?" Prime asked. "I have heard his name come up from time to time."
Prowl thought a moment as he accessed his database and that of other places. He turned toward Prime. "Harvey Richardson is the oldest son of Louis Richardson, a manufacturing mogul who had investments in literally all manner of businesses. He bought distressed industries from the economic disaster of the Great Depression back in 1929. He had diversified and therefore, he had less to lose. He made agreements with those in trouble and when they couldn't meet them, he took them over.
"Louis flirted with fascism, hated unions with a passion and broke them even with violence in the early portion of the twentieth century, supported repressive policies of the period, was an expressed admirer of Mussolini and Hitler for their methods of achieving results and hated any form of government policy or action that stood in the way of his business and personal goals. He was a very difficult man to be around, though his sons adored him. They had a very tight and apparently happy family.
"He raised his sons to be cut throat and they were, even as adults with each other. Harvey was the favored son, getting control of the family business. He was raised according to the dictates of his father's rather extreme views which included red baiting, deep involvement in the social warfare that has been going on openly since the 1970's in governments around the world and funding those projects, groups and ideas that appeal to him.
"He has three sons, only one of which is interested in the business … Harvey and has a lot of contacts and friends around the world of high finance, multi-national big business, perhaps the opposition to us as well as rumors of being part of what's been called by some the 'deep state' or cabal. At least, that's what they say and I would think that the Resistance, the Family and MECH fit with them neatly."
"That's the group that some believe has a hand supposedly in the running of the world, a conglomeration of billionaires, multi-national corporations, the military-industrial complex, and media. They're the deep down slaggers that pull the strings and do what they want as opposed to what's decent or what everyone else wants," Ratchet said. "Close?"
Prowl nodded. "Not bad," he said. "Harvey gave Johnson and Hedges refuge and has financed a lot of dicey things. He's friends with Harris, a good one and he's friends with everyone else who has financed this project. They have a lot of contacts in government and between nations. Money hangs out with money, it would appear.
"This man is not a doddering idiot with money. He's smart and he's ruthless. He controls the narrative on his side and has a lot who believe him. Given the amount of money in governments and media he's spent and that includes all of our treaty allies, then its going to be more rather than less difficult managing this if we don't keep tight control. They've networked and all of the major treaty partners have ties to him at some level or other."
"What about the son? Is he as big a slagger as his father? Where is he and what does he do? Is he friends with Rick Harris? What about the other sons?" Arcee asked.
Prowl looked at her. "The son is named after his grandfather, Louis. The other two are in businesses but the arts. They don't appear to have their father's favor or they don't want to be in his kind of business. Louis, himself is a full partner in his father's business and lives in Dallas, Texas, thus his friendship and partnerships with Nast. He's married and has two kids, both young and not part of things.
"The interesting thing about Louis is that he was in the army with William Nast. They were friends from there and that could be the reason he wants him out of prison. Semper fi, slaggers. Friendships among these individuals appear to be very strong. Rick Harris and Cameron Frazer and now William Nast and Louis Richardson. What their long term game plan is we can't guess but the reasons they want them here are understandable."
"Where does Ted Galloway fit in here?" Elita asked.
"He was a major player in the opposition. He must still have value for Richardson the Elder to keep him around. The old man is very, very loyal to his friends and fellow travelers as the humans used to say. Ted is a tough man with a tunnel focus on what he's doing. He has no personality beyond his job identity that I can find and he's an aft but there must be something between them. He's close or was to Owen Harris," Prowl said.
"I would like to register a letter to the government stating our disappointment that they were pardoned. I do not suppose that it will be received well," Prime said. "We cannot help that. We do have the last word here about who comes. They have to pass through our immigration and customs to be allowed inside. Unless, of course, they come inside a crate."
Jetta laughed. "I wouldn't put it past them."
"You could be called out by the new administration to allow them in, Optimus," Ratchet said. "This might ratchet up the discord that has always been here under the shiny surface, at least from their end. I would say, this could be a wild ride."
Prime nodded. "I know. We must be vigilant and I hope that they do not make the humans who are on our side pay a price for whatever comes out of this."
"They might make us close the Embassy on Diego, worst case scenario," Ratchet said.
It was quiet a moment.
Then Jetta sat forward. "We own the land it sits on."
"We would not be allowed to do business with anyone from it. It would still be ours but we would have to do things less directly if it happens. If they close Diego to shipping, we can use Luna Base. We can stay inside but we can't go out," Ratchet said as he considered the laws of Earth. It was complicated.
"Well, we need to send a letter, Ratchet and Prowl. Then we wait to see what happens next," Prime said.
They would chat a bit longer, Prowl and Prime along with Ratchet would formulate the letter sent via his office on his formal letterhead, then go back to their lives to wait.
-0-On a bus pulling up to the tower
They sat together, half the kids coming to the party. They stood up and walked to the door where the scanner checked the humans out to go. They walked out, then gathered on the sidewalk.
Annie Lennox hoisted her backpack. "Let's go up," she said as she led the way to the doors and elevator nearby and around the corner. It was busy on the sidewalk and the car traffic was busier as they walked along the street. They were carrying gifts in their backpacks for Sandy who was having a laugh with Jaycee Jameson. They reached the doors, entered into a big elevator, then rose upward when the doors closed.
:I've never been here: Camilla Brown said.
"You can take off your helmets in the elevator," Annie said as she pulled hers off. They all did, then the door stopped. "Here we go. We're home," she said as she punched the button.
The door opened so walked inside including a very nervous and suddenly shy Sunspot.
-0-Nearby in the middle of the open space by Tower 1
They worked diligently setting up the vast game board for the war games that would happen in three orns. There were changes made especially when the players signed in to participate and announced their devices. Grimlock announced and signed up six, count them, six raptors for the game. It would need room for the rampages and to make the place safer, the smart kids from Sciences would install a nullification device whereby if the robot bots ran to stomp something and it would mean crossing the lines into the safe spaces where the spectators stood, it would drop to its face when breaking the beams.
No one told the Dinobots.
-0-At Club Cybertron
They sat together eating a light meal mid afternoon. The big game was in two orns, the Primus Cup after a long season, brutal fights and intense games. Kaon's Kavaliers were the team representing Mars while the powerhouse of Nova Cronum would represent Cybertron. The next season would fall into that pattern with Mars representing one league, the Martian, while Cybertron would be the other. The highest winning Martian team would play the highest winning Cybertronian team for the Cup going forward.
Given the season, the two had been kept at home for the duration until the championships. The twins ate their light meal to maintain their peak energy efficiency. They were discussing their plan for the game which they had been working out with the team and coaches for the last week or so.
"We need to keep the game tight. Rad-R is going to be your back up, Sideswipe. Nova Cronum is dying to get the championship for Cybertron," Sunstreaker said.
Sideswipe nodded. "I'll tell you and only you, Sunny. If anyone has to win it but us, only a Cybertronian team."
Sunstreaker nodded. "Next year, its going to be leagues. Nice surprise that they rebuilt the stadiums at Iacon and Altihex. They're working out how to play the championship on alternating seasons on Cybertron and Mars."
"They weren't that hard to do given the shells were still up. Now we can do away games," Sideswipe said. "I can't wait."
Sunstreaker nodded. "I agree."
-0-At a party way up there
They floated in the pool, bot and human children as adults sat around the huge lounge and main room. The kids had come in, put their gifts on the counter in the kitchen, then met everyone.
Sunspot held 'Aunt Judy's' hand as she introduced humans that he didn't know as well.
The introductions were made, then the kids ran off to the recreational side of the Tower. Laughing, playing together, they swam, ate snacks and talked, climbing in and out of the pool with delight. Among them was Sunspot.
And Spot.
-0-Ops Center
Lucien sat with Ratchet and the others in the big conference room as they watched news broadcasts, heard pundits, read print commentary and searched the internet for some consensus of the pardons among the talking classes and the public.
Harvey Richardson had released a statement in conjunction with the group he lead, Earth2 Science Group. It was simple. "We are glad that the President saw fit to extend pardons to our friends, James, William and Jason Daniels, Theodore Galloway and William Nast. Given their sentences which were served to a large degree in a very severe location, we feel that clemency was warranted. We are happy to welcome them back to freedom. We believe that their experiences will be helpful in their life going forward. Thank you, Mr. President, on behalf of those of us who call these men friend. -Harvey Richardson, CEO of Richardson Industries."
"It's notable that they left Earth 2 group out of this announcement," Ratchet said as Prowl pounded out the letter.
"Perhaps," Jetta said as he lounged in his chair. He and the intel department would manage any of them should they be allowed to come here. "What about the calls for interviews?"
"We're still mulling over the situation. We want to see how Prime's letter is received," Ratchet said.
Prowl finally finished, then glanced at Prime. He nodded, so Prowl read it. "This is going out on the Primal letterhead and will be sent to the Secretary of State, whoever that is right now for delivery to the President. " He began to read it. "Today, the Prime of Cybertron was informed that William, James and Jason Daniels, William Nast and Theodore Galloway were pardoned by the President of the United States for their convictions against not only Autobot Nation but the United States of America and all the related and affected citizenry of Earth.
"It's a deep concern for our government that these individuals were given clemency for their crimes which included treason, actions of criminal intention against our embassy and conspiracy to commit acts of war against not just the United States and Autobot Nation but the peoples of Earth itself. These were not simple crimes. They put into jeopardy the entire security of Earth. They were committed with the leadership of the Decepticon faction with the intention of making alliances that from our long experience with them would have lead to the extinction of the human race.
"It was made clear to our allies that such alliances are never successful. No one has alliances with this faction. They do not make them. They endangered the entire population of Earth and its security by their actions. Their pardon is surprising to the government of the Prime of Cybertron. We register our strongest and most firm displeasure with these actions. We make our agreements in good faith and work hard to protect Earth and this system. We understand how the Decepticon faction works. This is very disappointing at best to us and all we do.
"It is our hope in future to be consulted on points of interest between us. Even if it makes no difference in the outcome, we wish to ensure that your decisions are made with solid and complete information. It is also our hope that this does not undermine a relationship that I value and work daily to secure. Our relationship is of the utmost importance and we shall do our part to keep it strong.
"Sincerely,
"Optimus Prime, the Prime of Cybertron, Mars and the Cybertronian Empire
Autobot City, Mars"
Prowl looked at Prime, then the others. "Short and curt."
"I do not mind. Short for now is good. I do not want them to think that we are pushovers. I also know we will be slagged for this letter. I do not believe that the President is going to enjoy receiving this but we have to set up our position. I have decided that if they want these men to come here, I will allow it after putting up resistance."
"Better having them here," Jetta said.
Optimus nodded. "Any window into their side is worth the short term inconvenience. We can always toss them off world. It might be a good thing to do that with someone to set the tone."
"I have to go to Diego for the afternoon presentations and I have one more orn after that. Given that I'm the Secretary of State for this government, what do you want me to say to anyone who asks?" Ratchet asked.
"Say that the government is in consultations about this and that we take this very seriously," Prime said. "Lie."
Ratchet laughed. "You came to the right door for that."
-0-Par-tay
They stood before the buffet with their plates. Each of the plates had their names on them and would go home with them along with silver forks and spoons which also bore their names. Human kids were in line for their food and the Cybertronian kids waited in line for Mrs. Lois and Amma Barbara, her mom, to serve them their food. It all looked delicious, the trays of cakes, little sandwiches, fruit and other delicacies devised by Rampage.
Sitting on a table nearby surrounded by presents, two cakes waited. They were identical, both of them two tier birthday cakes, one energon and the other lemon flavored and buttercream frosted. Flowers were made for both and they each said, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SANDY!", one in English and one in NeoCybex. Around the top layer of each were Autobrands at intervals.
"This looks so good, Mrs. Lois. Thank you, Amma," Rambler said as Spirit and T-Bar waited behind them. Sunspot and his dog were next as were the other bot kids. Plates were piled up as Amma Fig poured 'juice' into glasses with the children's names engraved on them to carry to the table.
Fig, Epps, Lennox, and Graham had made a point to be here along with just about everyone else that was off duty and on world. Scientists, family members old and new, soldiers, genitors and all the rest were gathered here to eat and play with Sandy and her friends. She was over the moon with happiness. Given that she was low key and shy ordinarily, watching her laugh, run around with the other kids, play the games devised by the adults and swim without being body self conscious, her parents were ecstatic.
Mindy turned to Linda Graham who was sitting with Aedh in a chair nearby eating a plate filled with goodness. "We need more parties, especially with children. These ceilings are big enough. We need to have a dinner party with some of the bots. Maybe start with Ratchet and Ironhide."
"That sounds like a winner," Linda said. "Maybe we can go on a pub crawl with them."
"And get arrested?" Mindy's mom, Debby said with a laugh. "Only if I can come along, too."
The meal ran on and then more fun. Finally, Judy Witwicky pulled out two pans and clapped them together. "TIME TO EAT CAKE AND SEE PRESENTS!"
The kids ran into the great room gathering together, bot and human. They smiled at the adults, then Mindy pointed to the tables. "Sit, babies. Time to eat cake and look at things."
Everyone ran to a table and sat, watching as Sandy sat at the big table heaped with stuff. After a moment's fumble, Appa Omar Epps was asked to hand out the gifts to Sandy.
He grinned then walked over. "What a fine duty. Here we go," he said handing the first to Sandy.
She was delighted and blushed brightly as she took it. That and the next few were beautiful clothing to wear inside from humans here. Her parents got her two new environmental suits with embellishments that were very cute and something a girl her age would find delightful. Then he handed her a package from Rambler, Spirit and T-Bar. They smiled as they watched her open the beautiful box that held it. It fell away from the gift exposing it to everyone's view. Everyone stared at it, then gasped.
"We went with Ada and we liked that, Sandy," Spirit said as he turned in his chair to sit on his knees. He smiled and she smiled, too.
The gift was a sculpture of a dolphin swimming in a sea. It was made of precious stones that were commonly found here. The dolphin was a massive diamond carefully shaped. The sea it was swimming was made of giant carefully cut sapphires. There was so much brilliance in the sculpture that it fairly twinkled. "Oh, wow. Thank you," Sandy said as she looked to the table where the three boys were smiling at her. "This is so pretty."
"Here you go, sweetie," Amos said as he slid the present from Sunspot.
She smiled, then opened it. She stared at it, then Sunspot who was smiling hopefully. "Wow." She looked at it again. It was a necklace and earrings. There was also a tiara because (Ratchet). They were all brilliant, the size of large grapes, the big stuff in the settings and all of them were surrounded by smaller (relatively) white diamonds. It was beautiful.
The presents came and they were oohed and awed over. The presents from the bot kids were made of local gems, something you would have to go to the Tower of London to find stones of similar quality and size. The gifts from the human were beautiful, more personal and weren't composed of several hundred carets of gemstones. It was astonishing how many millions of dollars of items made of jewels were given to Sandy for her birthday by the oblivious bots of Mars.
When the last gift was given, they turned to the cakes after she hugged everyone in the room.
Sandy sat as the cakes were lit. "How about we sing Happy Birthday to the birthday girl?" Mama Fig asked with a big smile.
They did. Then they did it again in NeoCybex. It would be a very, very happy afternoon for everyone.
-0-TBC 3-25-18 edited 4-1-18 1-19-2022
I am going with the flow of who is the leader of the treaty countries mentioned. I like the world and what's going on so I keep up on other countries and things going on there. I may not name them or maybe rename their leaders but I want this to be current given this is the eighth year of its writing. We're on our second American president. LOL! Hugs, one and all. :D
Just so you know … pardon and clemency …
While clemency and pardon are not interchangeable, a pardon is a form of clemency. Clemency is a general term for reducing the penalties for a particular crime without actually clearing your criminal record. A clemency can come in the form of a pardon, which is forgiveness of a sentence, a commutation, which is reduction of a sentence, or a reprieve, which is a temporary putting off of punishment while the situation is analyzed further. Therefore a pardon is always clemency, but when someone receives clemency, it does not necessarily mean a pardon.
A pardon is meant to indicate forgiveness of a particular crime, either because a person was wrongfully convicted or the punishment was not appropriate for the crime committed. A commutation is a merciful act offered when it is determined that the penalty given was too harsh. A common use of commutation is to reduce a death penalty verdict to life in prison. A reprieve may be given when more information is needed before it can be determined that it is appropriate for a person to serve a particular sentence. This is also often used in death penalty situations.
It's important to note that in all cases of clemency, pardon or otherwise, the person's conviction is not overturned or removed from the public record. In fact, some people feel that accepting a pardon is tantamount to an admission of guilt. Those seeking to remove a criminal record will need to pursue expungement or having their record sealed. When a conviction is expunged, it is as if it never happened. There is no need for any kind of clemency because the crime is deleted from the record. This is obviously the ideal situation and it happens more commonly than one might think. For many first offenses, even felonies, expungement is a real option. (Expungement means erasing something.)