The Diego Diaries: Matrixing (dd6 416)
-0-On the way
He walked in physically but he was gone by then, moving onward into a new dimension led by the Matrix. He could see the room around him and then it was gone, though he knew his body continued forward to halt before the Well and the AllSpark. The big cube had been rotating more swiftly all morning and had also been crackling with sparkling energy. It flashed across the surface which from time to time had sections here and there that seemed lit up, like there was inner illumination to be seen through its normally hard and copper toned surface.
They had watched it, the priests and those who had been in the building for whatever reason, noting that it was 'quickening' as It, too, got ready for the Solemnities. Now it were here and time for Optimus Prime ceased all its meaning. He fell through darkness, a void that had no other being. He felt himself falling or perhaps the void around him was moving and he was stilled. Superluminal space worked that way. He had no idea. It just felt completely without form and recognizable features.
-0-Outside
They waited, more than 5.5 million individuals stretching backward into what seemed like forever to those watching at street level. It was relatively quiet as they waited, silently hoping for something beautiful for their people and then, the best part of all … the Blessings, the moment when Primus and The One embraced them in unity and unconditional love. It was the moment when they felt and remembered how enormously important and loved they were, that they were unique and without flaw. Whatever followed that, they felt for a moment perfect in the embrace of the two most important individuals in their culture and experience.
-0-Darkness
He felt rather than saw those around him, dark figures who watched. Their optics glowed, bright red and blue optics, amber, white, green … all the colors that their people possessed. They didn't feel friendly but they didn't feel like they were a threat to him, these figures of darkness. He passed them as he stood on nothingness and yet fell onward.
-0-The Family Tower
Mama Fig sat on her chair with the others who didn't want to brave the crowds, her fingers flying through her crocheting. Her little dogs lay around her and her husband chatted with the others. Before her in a corner, she saw spirits, some Earth like and others not so much. They had been drawn by the enormous gathering of energy at the Temple and in the persons of some here. They usually came, she knew, because here was action and interesting things going on. They would stay and watch, then wave to her as they left. Spirits came and went. They had all her life. Most of the time they were friendly or curious, sometimes alien or human. But all of them were benign of late. Now and again, something would come that wasn't and she would ward it off with the evil eye.
The Matrix drew them, she knew. She didn't tell Mr. Optimus. That fine young man had enough to do. If they ever tried anything or came with bad intentions she would. She sipped her tea, grinned at the spirits who grinned at her as they stood by the monitor watching. She snacked, sipped and crocheted. All was well in her world.
-0-There
The falling sensation moved away as he seemed to land, though the force of it wasn't physical. It felt mental and spiritual. He looked around and saw an open door filled with light that stood by itself in the dark space. Walking toward it, he peered in, then stepped through. Nothing could harm you in the Matrix. There was a swamp in front of him, like those on Cybertron. Tall reeds grew, those with lighted edges and enormous beauty. Energon filled the swamp just like on his home world so he stepped out and began to slog through it.
The light was bright overhead, like Cybertron still had a sun. He walked on through the jungle of the reeds which towered over him almost beyond view. It was warm, the air felt textured and he knew it was summer on his home world. He could almost smell the smells that reminded him of home and his youth. He continued until a break came and he stepped out onto dry ground. A big house was at the end of a meadow, one filled with crystalline flowers. He saw a rock lined path so he took it as he walked forward to the big ornate doors of a very old fashioned Cybertronian house. He thought he could hear bugs buzzing as he did.
-0-Earth2
Texting continued as they watched the feed, eleven members of a group that had formed here, five couples that had included the Haddens Younger as well as 2 young unattached men and another one who was a significant other to one of the two bachelors. They were huddled together watching the huge screen as they chatted by electronics to Zak and Monica. Things had been tougher here when they left, the tension in the building higher as Owen issued directives that all excursions and alignments between people here and bots out there had to be reported to assist in 'formulating good relations between the habitat and the greater mech world beyond our doors'. Even the Hu-An were not exempt.
Or the other humans on world.
It hadn't gone over well in the facility about the Haddens and the following restrictions on freedom to congregate, though most people put their nose to the grindstone, forgoing discussion beyond whispers and the odd cold gaze at Owen Harris's retreating back. There was nothing happening about it and it probability wouldn't. People liked their once-in-a-lifetime job and their life here. This was the culmination of lifelong dreams for most of them. No one wanted to be shown the door because it wasn't clear that they wouldn't be thrown on a ship to Earth if you rocked the boat or fully expressed yourself.
It was frustrating.
-0-Door
He reached the doors and examined them. They were inlaid with precious jewels that sparkled in the sunlight which felt warm on his neural net. Pulling the door open, he walked in and noted that there was something wonderful smelling in the rooms beyond. Something familiar was cooking somewhere and the aroma filled the house. Following the smell, he found himself in a dining room where a number of individuals sat apparently waiting for him. He stared at them with discernment, then one grinned. "Take a chair, Orion. Have a seat with us. We're just about to eat."
Optimus bowed lowly, then pulled a chair to sit at the end of the table across from the one who was leader and the most upright and formal of them all, Prima Prime.
Prima, Himself grinned at Prime. "We give you dispensation to dine with Us if you wish. However, if you want to fast We will honor that as well."
"Lord Prima, I am honored to see You again, all of You," Optimus said as the others grinned at him. "This is a different kind of setting than I am used to seeing with You."
"We thought it represented how We feel at the moment. Thanksgiving, I believe you call it," Prima said.
Prime nodded. "A worthy holiday and sentiment from our neighbors, the humans."
"Yes," Epistemus said as He glanced at Prime. "Being grateful is a good attribute to cultivate."
Optimus nodded as he considered the group around the table. Solus was there, her beautiful face beaming her love for him. Solomus, Prima, Onyx and Micronus, Vector, Alchemist, Quintus, and Nexus rounded out the table. Both those of the dominant belief system and those of the Guiding Hand, both were represented. They were looking at him kindly and with amusement. "You are here, Great Ones. I could use Your wisdom and insights. There is much coming upon us and I could use Your wise counsel."
Prima sat back. "We are aware."
"The one who plagues you … Megatronus is being taken somewhat into hand, Optimus," Solomus said. "He is not aware of time passing. Vector has assisted us in teasing time for him, to prevent him from understanding how long he has been away and how much time here has passed. It gives you breathing space and prevents him coming back too soon. That is what We wish and We have stepped in to meddle on your behalf and that of our people."
Vector smirked at his brother, then looked at Optimus. "I have. He's rather a jolt, isn't he?" Vector asked the others who nodded. "I have placed a time bubble around him, preventing his focus here and an awareness of the passing of time there. I can do that and so I have. It will keep him away from here while great changes and efforts are made for The People."
Solus grinned at him, then Optimus. "We are aware of the new refugees. We have taken steps to ensure that the problem before you, Optimus, is not exacerbated by his untimely return. We are … how shall I say this?"
"Stepping in more forcefully when We feel its warranted most of the time. Given the quality of the Prime leading The People, little from us is given short of comfort and the odd sign of our support," Prima said. He stared at Optimus a moment considering the figure before him. "You do understand that All Things have free will and sentience, correct? Even your choices as Prime and all others as well?"
Prime nodded. "I do."
"You found out with Caminus when her star companion could no longer hold the center," Solus said.
Optimus nodded. "All things have life. Sometimes, it is hard to grasp that fact, to see all things as sacred but it is the core belief among us that all must be one, that all must have freedom and choice ... the right to live a life of their choosing."
Solomus nodded. "That is so. Then you understand that the Earth has a spirit, as does her moon as well. Her spirit is restless for her people. Her people are restless together. Bad things are surfacing there to the review of all as they must and change is in the air. It will come though when I cannot tell you but know it is on its way. Earth loves her people. She is waiting for them to wake up. They are, after a fashion. It will be exciting times to watch her rise up to her greatness. I do love planets and stars," he said to the others.
They grinned at him. He was a sweet good personality.
Prima looked at Prime. "Some of the behavior of the humans and what they do is related to Earth and the changes she is experiencing. Birthing a new paradigm can be a messy process. It is part of the problem before you with the humans. All of the evil that they've done has to come out to affect change. Thus, the Harris type individuals are part of that process. Do not give up or despair."
Optimus nodded. "That is good to know."
"All is well but there are many changes, not the least being Earth. Speaking of changes," Solomus said. "Tell me about the Functionalists. I am curious about their path forward since the end of their perversion of Our thoughts and wishes. This group, anyway."
"I have talked to Master Cyclonus who has taken them on through the Guiding Hand community. It is slow progress, Lord Solomus. The children are very flat in their behavior and appear to be without initiative. There is no spontaneity and their lack of spark as children is disturbing. The adults are struggling as well. They were raised in a system that crushed them. I am concerned but we will not turn our back on them and their situation. Cyclonus is considering placing the children in the homes of other Functionalists who have not adopted this perverted vision of Your philosophy."
Solomus who along with Prima, Epistemus, and Adaptus represented most of the Guiding Hand mythos conferred together off line as Optimus waited. Then Solomus turned back to him again. "That will have mixed results. It could be a bridge too far as the humans say for some of them, though most won't be able to process the loss of their children at the time. Choose well and wisely. We would consider taking the children with Us to help them here but the adults might be too frail right now to accept that even from Us. You have a hard decision to make. Be aware that some of the adults might not be able to manage that decision and there will be chaos from them."
Optimus nodded. "Thank you for the advice, Lord Solomus."
"You are concerned about Razorclaw and Ominous," Prima said.
Optimus nodded. "I am. We cannot have them hanging around with the increase in activity that we face here. I am concerned about aliens who live in their sphere of influence as well as a direct confrontation that will make them bolt. They would be everywhere in joors if we confront them including Earth and the migration trails."
"Good considerations," Onyx said as he glanced at Solomus and Epistemus. "What say You, brothers?"
They considered things a moment, then nodded. "They would roll in all directions like balls. I would think hard on that one, brother. Use your intuition. It has not failed you before," Solomus said.
Prima nodded. "We are aware that the architects of Our brother's misery are coming up for trial. You have a hard thing to do, to find the truth and if its warranted, what sort of punishment they shall receive, especially Sentinel. He has caused a great disturbance for all of Us. Our good name and title has been besmirched everywhere because of what he did and what he set into motion, though all things happen for a reason. It might not seem so, Optimus, but it is. All things happen for a reason and no one involved is an unwilling participant, though they might think so at this level of their understanding."
Prime nodded. "I will weigh the facts in partnership with the Matrix."
"Your fairness is commendable and I believe you," Adaptus said.
"I would boot them into a star myself, but that's just me," Onyx said with a grin.
"Good thing you are merely a god," Prima said with a grin.
"You are on a good path, Optimus. You have a lot of things before you. You have good individuals on your side, all of whom love you and work hard for the benefit of all. We feel you are on the right path," Onyx said as the others nodded. "What did you come here for yourself?"
Optimus considered the array of problems. "I came here for our people who are scattered to the wind. I will not recharge well again until they are all found."
"Then continue forward," Solus said. "Do not fear. It's wasted energy. Be determined. You are wise and good."
They stood together as Prime scrambled to stand. They laughed a moment, then grinned at him. Prima, ever wise and serious grinned slightly. "Keep going. You are not now and never will be alone, Optimus. Until all are one." With that, they all faded away.
Optimus waited a moment, then turned around. He was back inside the Temple.
-0-TBC 7-18-18 edited 7-19-18