The Diego Diaries: Bootes (dd6 347)
Pronunciation of the Bootes Constellation: (There are little marks over the 'e' but my keyboard isn't that cool. ;) "boh-oh-tees'. (It is 197,000 light years away and is among the lightest in the sky.)
-0-Autobot City Operational Center, Autobot City, Primal Colony of Mars, Cybertron and the Empire, 1:35 AM Martian Standard Time
They began to gather, drawn from their homes and berths, some with sleeping children in arms. They walked to the command table, the Senior Autobots of the Prime's General Staff. Prime sat there as he listened to Prowl explain something to him from data on the massive roll up datapad that usually lay there. It showed the entire sphere of Primal influence in almost obscenely layered detail. Prime glanced up and nodded as he listened to Prowl. Then he sat back. "Welcome. We have new intruders."
"What else is new?" Blackjack asked with a grin. He held a bundled sleeping Scout in his arms as he stood next to Ironhide who held no one. Halo was sleeping away in her crib in their berth room. Ratchet made sure of it.
"I CAN'T GO THERE EMPTY!" Ironhide had groused with a big grin on the elevator ride to the lobby.
"YOU GOT ME, BABY!" Ratchet had replied with a dazzling grin.
"LIKE I SAID-!" Ironhide began before a fist to the gut took care of that impertinence.
"What's up, Prowler?" Ratchet had asked.
Prowl flipped back through a few levels of the detailed map to begin to explain. "Here, here, there, here and these three places are the extensions of the Comprehensive Deep Space Array, the one that is maintained by the new computer nexus on Luna Base. "Its part of the greater array that covers our entire reclaimed empire in detail in all directions up to 155,000 light years in a 360 degree field."
"Kudos, Wheeljack and Perceptor," Ratchet said as he glanced at the two.
"We have a lot of talent added every time a refugee group comes," 'Jack said as Percy nodded. Resolve was too fast asleep in Percy's arms to weigh in.
Prowl grinned with deep satisfaction. "We do. It's always going to be our edge, that and encouraging research and development. This area is the deepest emptiest part of the Bootes where we're tracking a bunch of different groups. We have regular runs of Seekers out that way to tip us about what these sensor readings are in actuality. They bridge out there and back on a regular schedule so our data is pretty comprehensive about what is there and isn't supposed to be. Most of them are aliens going about their business but some of them are turning out to be break away 'Con groups or civilian pirates." He looked at all of them. "Data suggests that compared to the greater whole of the Decepticon operations thus far, these are mere snowballs compared to the Decepticon blizzard. Their operations past Cybertron were always vast and strongly held. These are splinter groups falling away. Now it would appear, one large one is heading this way and cleared the Bootes several joors ago. They appear to have limited bridging capabilities which make their traverse not only quicker but unpredictable."
"How is it that we're only noticing that now?" Raptor asked as he held Scout. A pouting Blackjack was standing next to him.
Prowl glanced at Wheeljack who turned to the group. "We have a lot of lead time with the Bootes. We can see clearly across it because of the lack of stars and galaxies occupying that part of space. There is less need for interpretation of data and monitoring so we have four cameras on each array site monitoring the general area where things might hazard to leave it but only four all told monitoring inside it. We just didn't have the traffic and there were other areas in which infiltration could occur that needed more inspection. That's why we just noticed them. They triggered our other cameras."
"What do we know about them then?" Turbine asked as he held Scout. A pouting Blackjack and Raptor stood next to him.
"We know from all the data gathered that they're a ship boarding group, a very powerful one and one that will be nothing but trouble when they get here. It would appear from transmissions that they sent to Ominous that they're led by Shrike." Prowl frowned. "Tell me that isn't his real name."
"It isn't," Payload said with a frown. "I don't know the real one but that's what he goes by. He's really, really bad news, Prime."
Nitro and Scar nodded. They conferred together, then Scar turned toward Prime. "He can't be allowed to join Ominous. He'll kill that mech, as bad as he is, then take over the combined forces and come at us. There's no strategy, no real thought to what he does. He just does it. We have to take him out before he gets here because he's afraid of nothing and no one."
"I am not clear on this one," Starscream said. "I don't know him. Do you, Elder?"
Rainmaker glanced at his son, Razor who was frowning. "You know him?"
Razor nodded. "He doesn't like Seekers. He kills them where they're found. He has to go." He turned his side to show a long scar on his wing. "That fragger gave me this when I walked into a bar where he was. He just jumped up and did it."
"Teach you to go to bars," Rainmaker said with a mirthless grin. He looked at Prime. "We may have to fight this one, Prime. Unless your powers of persuasion can peel off his crews."
Prime smirked ever so slightly. "From what I remember, that is not likely. He does not honor civilians and he has been rumored to kill children for sport. This one is really bad. He cannot link up. As bad as Ominous is, this one is worse. Prowl, link me to Ominous."
Prime nodded to the night comm officer and in a few moments the face of Ominous was seen on the big monitor nearby. "Prime. You called?"
Prime stood, then turned his imposing features toward the monitor. "Ominous, I called to warn you about a Decepticon battle group that has cleared the Bootes barren and is heading your way. It is led by the criminal known as Shrike."
Ominous nodded. "He's signaled his desire for a meet up, Prime. I'm aware he's coming this way. Why would that worry you beyond the obvious? You're clearly warning me of his approach."
"He does not play second to anyone. He will overtake and kill you, then turn his guns on us. We are protecting Cybertron and over a billion individuals there, more in the local cluster and billions on Earth. We will destroy anyone and everyone who puts that into danger. You will be in his cross hairs from the moment he reaches you. You would do well to be prepared."
"For him? Or for you?" Ominous asked.
"I will leave that open for you to decide. Prime out." He sat a moment in silence, then turned toward Prowl. "How long do we have before he is a problem that needs dealt with?"
"We have three orns at their current rate of speed even using their limited bridging capacity before they traverse into our territory and pose a threat. There's two threats. The one to Ominous which will bring war to us and the one where we go to Shrike and eliminate him before he reaches us. Either one is going to be a fight." Prowl waited as Prime did the math.
"Take the command staff below and build a plan. I want him either in chains or eliminated before he reaches striking distance to Ominous. I want it overwhelming. We will make the offer of surrender or leave. If he refuses, we attack. There is too much at stake for us to finesse this situation. I want plans and a design as fast as you can troubleshoot it."
Everyone nodded, then began to walk to the door to take the stairs and elevator to the sub command deck where missions were planned as a matter of course. Given how big they were, they were also facilitated there along with the main deck. This was going to be a big hard military action.
-0-Later that morning
They drove past the Military Airfield heading toward the Hu-An Habitat and Embassy. There was a lot of activity there with big ships being rolled to their spot in the flight order to be serviced and loaded with all manner of things. Olivia recognized a military operation but the others didn't. Willow Cutter, Annie Walters, Mariah Davis, Cassie Daniels, Allison Beliveau, Cynthia Tomas, and Olivia Bowers drove past the vast space heading for Cultural Center Road and the long drive to the big habitat where Olivia was going to show the new expansion and all of the greenery that humans were allowed to come visit inside.
:What's happening here, do you suppose?: Cynthia asked.
:The Hourly News will tell: Olivia said as she turned the corner and began to drive to the huge green filled domed habitat past N.E.S.T. HQ. They passed businesses on the four lane highway including The Pit Stop and a number of administration buildings for the airfield. In the distance, the unbelievably tall and vast hangars for the big frames could be seen but none of them were out and about. :We're going to pass the N.E.S.T. HQ which is the ground zero location of the human community here. Past that is the Hu-An Embassy. It's a fully recognized embassy of The People and we're on our best behavior there. It's easy to do. The Hu-An are the greatest:
:What do we need to know, Olivia?: Mariah asked.
:They're a heroic society so they hold to honor and manners. They believe that everything is sacred, from the earth they stand on to the food they eat. They commune with plants and believe that trees hold the secrets of all life everywhere. Trees are the keepers of memory to them. All the plants inside are hand tended and considered sacred. They're private and kind. All that you will meet or see are females. The ones with fixtures on the end of their horns are warriors. They also have engravings on them to tell of their clans and achievements. They use them in combat. Most of the fixtures are steel balls that they slide onto the points to protect everyone and to show their status. The golden ones are the highest status. Larc has them and so does Tempest.
:No one farms like them. They allow us to have gardens of our own and help us. All of the stuff they grow is genetically engineered to feed them. All of it and I emphasize … every single thing they grow for themselves no matter how much it might still look like it could feed us will kill us almost immediately. It's not fit for human consumption now because they changed it to suit them. We will show you what you can pick and eat here and nothing more. Always asked before you do. Be safe and not sorry.
:The new dome is open and they're preparing it for cultivation among other things. They're building a river, already have a big lake for the birds that live there and are creating a small forested stand for their contemplation. They go into the trees on their home worlds to think and get visions. They're really spiritual and honest. We all get along on world, all of us. There are so many different philosophies and religions here. We all have to be intensely respectful of everyone:
It was quiet a moment. Cassie Daniels leaned forward from the bench in the back of the truck where she was riding. :What about you? You teach one of their religions here. What happened? I remember you from before, you and your family. We don't live that far apart in Virginia:
Olivia grinned at her as she slowed to turn toward the Hu-An habitat entrance. :That was then. I teach a philosophy of life tied into the Guiding Hand. It's the most wonderful thing I ever did. I was a selfish person before, someone who didn't care how others were treated as long as Joe and I came out on top. It was stupid and selfish. Unloving. Here, I found my footing. This place is home to me in ways I can't describe. My life began in a true and loving way when I came here. You will see. Give it time: She turned in, then slowed. On the other side of the big door was a Hu-An named Mingo. She grinned and waved. :Good morning, Mingo. We'd love to come see the new addition. Is it open for visits?:
:It is for you, Olivia Bowers. I'll let you in: the big female said over the radio. The doors opened so Olivia drove inside. They closed, the habitat atmosphere became normal immediately, then she drove forward as the inside doors opened. "Welcome," Mingo said with a grin.
Olivia pulled her mask, lowered the window, then leaned out. "Hi! How are things this morning? I heard that the bees are working out really well."
"They are. We find they aren't harmed by our genetic modifications. In fact, it sort of assists them. What we're working on now is if this change can immunize them against environmental hazards on Earth to prevent colony collapses. Your bees on Earth are in dire need."
"Just about everything on Earth is in dire need, my friend," Olivia said. "I love bees. Thank you, Mingo, for the genius of your people."
Mingo grinned. "Follow the road to the junction. One way, the right road leads to the new habitat. The road is a roundabout and will being you all the way around our domain. The left road goes the usual way."
"Thank you," Olivia said.
Mingo nodded, then watched as the little vehicle drove ahead. Checking the list to see if more visitors were due on the monitor next to the habitat controls, she saw she was free for a while and went back to the little station house where she would work her shift as sentry for The People.
-0-Downstairs
"We're going to go to war," Hardie said as he spoke to the group who would be under his field command. "Therefore, we have to prepare for all manner of possibilities and make them overkill. There's always a chance they'll run or surrender but its a very small possibility with this group."
"We shall prepare strike teams to support ships. I am assuming you want a number of nimble ships for close in and to protect the battleships?" Starscream asked.
Hardie nodded. "I'm considering dreads or titans but I'm also aware that could just delay the inevitable. If they flee, we'll be back at this later. I want this concluded with perhaps titans in reserve. Given that this is supposed to be a regular formation of ships, having big ones in the mix could make it hard to maneuver. We'll plan a three part strategy," he said as he turned on a monitor and picked up an electronic stylist. "Lissie, you get the close in combat," he said as he glanced at his good friend and in-law relative. She nodded.
"Starscream and Rainmaker, you'll provide the usual brilliant air cover," Hardie said as the two grinned.
"Raptor, you'll command the heavy ships." Hardie turned to the board and began to outline a standard encirclement strategy that they'd work on for two orns before presenting it to Optimus who would agree.
-0-Down the road in Shangri-la
They drove past the cobblestone path that led to the upwardly spiraling habitations of the Hu-An. They were beautiful and from every window and ledge there trailed vines and flowers in window boxes. It was a fairy tale confection of deck platforms fronting round shaped houses with big windows that spiraled upward into the sky and were reached by communal stairs. The grounds were perfection, manicured with skill and nearby was a small playground for children. Dashing past, they drove down a wide two lane dirt road that was lined on each side for the duration of its length with flowering bushes interspersed with tall trees.
"This is gorgeous," Cassie said quietly as they stared all around themselves through the windows. "I can't believe it exists under domes."
"It's wonderful. I can only imagine the beauty of their home system," Olivia said. "They keep this place Earth standard oxygenated because the planets they engineered do better in it. They do everything well, everything is beautiful. Even the gardens they put aside for us. It's all beautiful."
They sped past orchards carefully tended with the white stacked boxes of beehives. They would see them everywhere, near every flowered area and near the fields of vegetables and grains they were growing. "They just introduced a lot of insects and butterflies. All of them have protected status here. They're doing some research for Earth here as well. These are the best people," Olivia said with feeling.
They passed a pasture with barns near the back that held a small group of goats, sheep, miniature horses, and miniature cows. "They keep the animals and the birds that live here for their children. They want them to grow up to understand that they're a part of and not on top of the ecosystem they live in. All things matter to them. Trees keep the memories. Water does, too. Water is either living or dead to them. They prefer living water."
"What's the difference?" Mariah asked with surprise.
"Living water comes directly from the planet itself. It isn't treated and it doesn't bear chemicals. Its pure and untouched. That's the kind they want … not the stuff from a faucet that's been treated. Of course, our water requires it but I feel better with the filtered stuff in the habitat. Every thing to the Hu-An is alive and has a voice. They use respect with everything. They work so close to nature that they say they hear it talk to them. We once did but we've stopped listening," Olivia said. "They absolutely revere trees."
They sped onward to the junction, then took the right hand turn. It was astonishing how big the habitat was. It was many square miles of area with plans on board to expand again. It was not only for the good of the Hu-An people but because they were taking on issues from Earth to work on and it would require micro habitations and acreage. They were building a river to study fish that would lead from the lake that was in the distance in the midst of plowed fields, go all around, then end up in the lake where it would start again. They were putting together a small forest for their own meditative wanders and for the purity of having more trees. Birds were being brought in along with all manner of different insects which would be studied as well. All that they learned would be gifted to Earth.
The road meandered through the plowed fields, past tall stands of corn and sunflowers, between fields of vegetables and tall bushes of berries, then through a carefully handcrafted rocky rise of hills. Planted among the rocks with prepared soil were small trees, grasses and bushes that were placed there to experiment with land reclamation against flooding and landsliding. They finally came out of that range of terrain into the open again and in the distance there were Hu-An working on a canal that would traverse the entire facility to irrigate as well as facilitate the fish. Driving down the road, they swung around a stack of rocks anchoring a fence, then onward until they came even of the crew. Pulling up, Olivia stopped the truck, then climbed out.
The Hu-An working on the canal, lining it with smooth flat rocks and fast drying cement to hold the water in walked to where they were parked. They were big, warrior class and females. One of them bent down on a knee, then grinned. "Olivia Bowers. Welcome."
"Hi, Eppa. I love the stonework along the drive over there," she said pointing in the direction of the winding sloping road they had just passed through.
"We're working on plants that hold soil. Something that can combat mudslides on Earth and hold good soil in place is much needed," Eppa replied.
"That's so good of you. We appreciate it so much," she said with a smile. "How much of the new habitat are you going to plant now?"
"We're going to put two big fields to fallow and work with the soil but plant the rest. About half of the land we don't transform for other needs. We want to vary the diet a bit. More berries and fruit will be welcome. We also want to build butterfly habitats here as well."
"I love that you have them. They always made me feel good to see them," Olivia said. She introduced the others to the big femmes, walked to the canal to look at the careful work going on there, then grinned. "Are there going to be boats for us shorties for the canal, river and lake?"
Eppa grinned. "We'll add that to the list."
They chatted, laughed, then everyone piled back in. Waving to the crew, they drove onward following the road back to the older habitat. The Hu-An watched them go, then got back to work. There was a canal to build and experiments to begin. That didn't happen by itself.
-0-TBC 5-6-18 edited 7-3-18