Home Chapter 12: flights are underway
Again here towns, companies and names are not real but they are mine except the ones that belong to Hasbro.
I want to clear up something, I'm sorry that I have forgotten about some of the other bots that were in the earlier chapters. so, please forgive me okay. The story is going to stay with the bots currently in the story. But, I did feel that I better bring Bee and Arcee into the story now. So, Bee and Arcee are staying in Malibu California with Sam and Carlie. Sam who has a job in a big high tech company working on computer systems and Carlie whom Sam did marry works at Johnson productions in North Hollywood. So, when Arcee arrived here on earth Bee flew back to the base for a couple weeks then Bee and Arcee left for California. They have a large metal building with big bay doors located in a secluded area in the back of Sam's four acre property. Now, Arcee did have clearance to fly back with Bee as long as she remain silent about her present. They been quite but they do get to travel with Sam when he goes on vacation. Bee is not sure what he wants to do for a carrier and Optimus has talked with him often telling him that he does sooner that later needs to find one. Acree though has been thinking about a few fields one being a teaching and the other one entering into law enforcement. I will I promise talk more about them later on in the story. This chapter Kup leaves Monday morning and then Optimus and Elita leave the base on Tuesday. I need to say that as soon as their chosen earth name was vetted, they spoke with their human contacts using that chosen name.
Thank you for reading my stories and too I want to give out a big shout out to Karlo840 who has singed up to be alerted when I update my stories and has posted this story to his favorites I'm very honored. And I want to say there's a lot of you that have liked my stories and too have add some of them to your favorite story list. I've seen a lot of people on the site here reading this story and I'm glad. Please feel free to leave a message thank, you!
It's Monday morning and Kup has made his way quietly to the rect room to make himself a glass of engeron and wake up. He was sitting at the table reading the newspaper when Optimus came walking in looking half awake and half asleep, "Prime, you really need to stop waking up so early and don't think Elita and Rammer don't know." Kup told him as he watched Optimus make himself a glass of engeron. Optimus, picked up the glass when the dispenser was done and took a swallow of his drink then he walked over to the table and sat down across the table from Kup. Optimus sat his cup down and told Kup, "Ratchet came by my quarters last night and reminded me of just that." Kup then put his newspaper down and started talked to Optimus about the little town of Fresa and his job with the sheriff's department. Optimus sat quietly listened as Kup mention about the smokey mountain range. Fred who Kup bought the property from told him that he can look out from his front bay windows a view of the smokey mountain range for miles. Kup will live up a switch back road that leads to the small log cabin at the top of the mountain. Fresa is located about one and a half hour just southeast of Nashville. Kup told Optimus he was surprised that he got a call back so soon from the sheriff there in Condan county, Sheriff Robert Kandly. The sheriff hired him to work at the county emergency 911 dispatch office. Optimus continue to listened to Kup who went on talking about how beautiful the smoky mountain range is and that many areas of it are very remote and that his house is nestled ten miles back in the woods off of a back switch road. Mobandy who owns about fifty acres just outside Fresa. "I was really struck by just how friendly people there are it seems". Kup said then he went on to say, "I love the old and some new country music." Optimus sat his empty glass down and said, "yes, I rather enjoy listening to that format of music sometimes." It was almost five thirty and others were starting to come into the rect room and get their glass of engeron for the morning. Elita came over and sat down beside Optimus and whispered in his ear. "You need to stop getting up so early, wake me up if you need to have something to keep you in bed!" No one heard what was said or what would make Optimus just make a loud sound like he was saying 'ugh' like something surprised him. But nether the less within seconds of him making that sound though, everyone had turned and glanced his way. So, he just got up and left the room. Elita just frozen with a slight smile on her face as she too got up and left the room following behind him.
It was six thirty and Kup was parked down at the beach having a brief few minutes of reflection as he looked to the sky in the direction where their home planet Cybertron would have been. He was really surprised so far how things are going with his plans. Not more than twenty minutes later as he was sitting there at the beach Prowl was calling him over their comm link to come back to the hanger. Kup thought to himself, that kid ain't never going to stop barking orders! That made Kup wonder and chuckle to himself that who ever Prowl ends up working for Prowl better be able to take orders from. Kup had packed the last minute things of his this morning. He didn't have much but a bed and a nightstand and those things he will rarely use in his new home but they will be shipped out this coming Saturday. His generator, which looked like half the size of a human refrigerator and his tool boxes were already packed into crates and they will go with him today. Kup came back to the hanger and saw Prowl there with the others waiting just outside by the hanger that for years the bots had called home. He saw his personal stuff already being hauled over to the air strip. One of three cargo planes that were designed to transport the bots on recon missions or where needed to go had already landed. Kup transformed and stood by the others that were gathered there and was the first to say, "well, I guess my train has arrived." All the others gathered there one by one stepped up to Kup to say their goodbyes and give Kup a going away gift which is a custom here on earth in many places. Prowl, was in line first and he said to Kup, "I wish you all the best in your endeavors in Tennessee." Prowl then handed Kup a small case that had a guitar in it and then Kup took it and said to Prowl, "this is a guitar thank you, I will learn how to play it using my holoform." Each bot had said their goodbyes each giving him a gift of something from Tennessee. A few minutes later when it was Sunstreaker and Sideswipes turn they handed him an old jug that is known to have ties to moonshine, a liquor made from corn. The idea suddenly came to Kups mind and he said, "ok you two pranksters yeah I like my high grade but, if this is what I think it is; it is illegal." Sunstreak and Sideswipe both looked at each other then busted out laughing, "No way it's empty! Just take the cork out." Kup carefully pinched the cork out and sure enough there was nothing in it. Kup smiled and told them, "thank you but I don't think it would be smart for me to store my high grade in. But it does represent a piece of history that started there in that region of the country over a hundred years ago." Every bot had given him something that represent Tennessee. Staylie who doesn't listen to anything but hard rock like her father; had given Kup a greatest album of classic country music. Bounce had given Kup a postcard of a picture of the Grand ole Opry in downtown Nashville. Ratchet told him that he better learn how to cook BBQ a well known favorite cuisine in that part of the region and Ratchet gave him a cook book called, 'the best of food from the smokey mountains.' One by one the rest of the bots and humans gather gave him something and said there goodbyes and the gifts were small enough to fit in a small crate he had put in the bed of his El Camino . Lennox and his team got to give Kup somethings from them and they wished him the best. Optimus was last he had just a few minutes to say something before Kup had to transform and board the plane. Optimus told Kup,"I'm glad you made it here to earth and I'll remember your stories about the good old days back on Cybertron before and during the war. Elita and I just wanted you to have a ticket for next month to go see Gorge Strait at the Grand ole Opry." Kup in returned told Optimus and Elita, "thank you for the ticket and I know I have probably already told you but, you are a very respected leader. I heard that from many Autobots you didn't know and from some bots they were the last words they spoke. I knew if not in my life time and believe me there were times that almost happen; but, I knew you would lead us through it and you found a home for us too." Kup said, "I just want to tell you one more thing and that is Optimus, your name means optimistic and believe it or not kid you kept all of us optimist through our darkest hour." Optimus felt honored and bowed his head he didn't know Kup that well before now but Kup had heard from many bots young and old of Optimus. They then embraced in a brotherly hug then Kup turned around and gave Elita a hug and told her to take care of him and she nodded and told him I will. The one of the plane crewmen came over to Kup and said, "Sir, it's time to load up." So, Kup turned back to his friends there standing around and said, "you all got my cell phone number and I have yours so call me so we can share stories and with that I say goodbye and good luck" Kup gave a final wave to everyone there then he transformed and headed for the plane.
Everyone waved goodbye as the plane taxied down the runway and stood around until the plane took off. Elita was standing next to Optimus and she looked up at him with that smile of hers and told him, "you know I heard many bots both female and males ask me about you after your team left I told them that Rammer and I will never gave up that some day we seen you again. Many of them told me when I do find you to thank you for your leadership and your kind spark" Optimus bowed his head in remembering those dark times. Then Elita reached her hand up and cupped her hand under Optimus's chin and slightly raising his head up then she looked him in the eye and told him. "It's what we are blessed with now and together we will take on this new chapter in our lives together." Optimus smiled and nodded his head then he leaned down and softly gave her a kiss on the lips and told her, "yes, we are."
Others now headed off in their own direction and Optimus and Elita headed back to their quarters with Rammer. It was going to be the last night they were going spend together for awhile because Optimus and Elita were leaving Tuesday morning. Optimus got a phone call earlier this morning (Monday here Diego Garcia time) which was around 9am central time Sunday morning time back in the states. The manager and co-owner Alan Rolland of AR&Wren Trucking company in Homan, Louisiana had talked with Optimus in depth about the company and had then told Optimus that he wants him to come by their offices Friday morning to fill out paperwork and get his rig and trailer inspected and detailed with company logos. Optimus told Mr. Rolland that he would be there at 8am on Friday and Alan said good.
While it was Monday morning here at Garcia air base it was still Sunday back in the states. Those who would be attend either a university or college started last week with getting their courses schedule and paid for. Also, last week they quickly got busy calling places that were up for rent or sale. Their one time payment income they got from the government they are using to pay for their courses ,rent or buy property. But, a major part of the money some of them have put it in IRA's. They will find jobs and that income will help there needs such as rent water light bill and their internet connection they will have will be through civilian providers, cell or house phones and anything else they need or want. Tomorrow is today and the reality of that now has begun.
Tuesday Morning 4am
Elita this morning was up before Optimus who was still in a deep shut down. She left out of their room quietly and went down to the rect room to make a glass of engeron for Optimus and her. She made it back just as Prowl came around the corner. "Good morning Prowl, I hope you don't need anything from Optimus yet he was still asleep when I left five minutes ago," Elita asked Prowl. "I just got word from the captain from cargo plane Z1856 that he will be arriving earlier than planned." what time Elita asked and Prowl told her six o'clock. Prowl stood outside the door as Elita went in only to find Optimus just got up. She told Optimus that Prowl was standing outside their door and just told her that the plane is arriving at 6 this morning not 10 as planned. Optimus took a swallow of his hot engeron drink then told her good morning and gave her a kiss as he was headed out the door to talk with Prowl. Elita smiled back at him as he left then she went next door to wake up Rammer who was up late last night watching TV. Rammer was surprised to hear a knock on his door this early in the morning but he got up and opened the door to find his mom there.
"Good morning Rammer, I know you were up late last night but your father and I just learned that our plane is arriving at 6 this morning instead." Rammer looked back at the clock on his wall and shook his head and softly groaned and then he told his mom, "good morning mom, I'll be over to you and dad's room in a few minutes." Elita told him I know you hate waking up early cause you can work during the night without interruptions on you project and your father and I are proud of you but, you know that. He got up out of his bed and Elita left and head back to her room. Optimus and Prowl were in the command center talking and Optimus asked Prowl when he was leaving and Prowl told him he was leaving with Rev. Levon Goodberg Wednesday morning. Prowl told Optimus that he had not decided what he wanted to do yet and that Rev. Levon has a Lake house that his family spends the summer there and it's very remote but, now since the school year is about to begin in a few weeks the family will be back at their home in Javen, Tennessee and Rev. Levon has told Prowl he stay there for now.
By now it was 15 minutes till Five o'clock and as Prowl and Optimus were talking Prowl sent out messages to the other bots and Col. Lennox. Optimus left the command center for the last time and headed back to his quarters where Rammer was now with Elita packing up last minutes stuff to take with them. Optimus spoke up as he picked up the small box of their photos they had on their wall and told Rammer, "it's bitter sweet good bye from here where we have called home for several years now. But, our dream, all of our dreams of being able to begin a new life as civilians has come to fruition." Rammer then said, " yes dad it is and as soon as I get settled at my place I think it would be cool if we three go down to New Orleans." Optimus and Elita agreed it would be a good experience for us. Just then there was a knock on the door and Optimus turned around and went to open the door and it was Ratchet and moony there.
"Good morning," Ratchet said and Optimus told Ratchet and moony to please come in. "I just wanted to say again that I'm personally happy for the fact you are a family again and we, moony and I wish you the best in your next endeavors." Just then Ratchet handed Elita a small package and Ratchet asked they wait and open it up when they get to their new home. Elita and Optimus both said of course and Ratchet then gave Optimus a brotherly hug while Moony reached over and gave Elita a good bye hug and she told Elita, "I will miss you and you were the best female commander and friend anyone could have ask for." Elita responded by saying, "thank you and I'm honored to have been but, I could not have for filled that command without you and the other Female officers whom I always considered my dear friends." Elita had a tear roll down her face as she struggled to remain cheerful. Mean while Ratchet was talking to Optimus and he had told Optimus, "I'm glad to have known ya from the beginning and I'll always be there if you ever need me." Ratchet handed Optimus a tablet that gave information of course probably telling Optimus among other things his email address and phone number. Ratchet and Optimus may not see each other for awhile but, have no doubt he will still be sort of a mother hen to Optimus about over doing himself for others and to now do that for himself and his family. Ratchet and Moony left and by this time it was about five thirty and they picked up the few crates they were going to take with them and headed out to the air strip where the other bots and Col. Lennox and his team waited to say their goodbyes. The plane had just landed and was taxing down the runway and Optimus paused as all the bots suddenly got into formation and stood attention for the last time for their Leader. Optimus then gave his last command, "at ease soldiers." He struggled but he felt honored and yet overwhelmed with emotion at the same time. There wasn't much time left for all of them to say their goodbyes but, Optimus did say, "our efforts and friendship has endured the roughest times of our lives and yet here we are. I will say again my friends, Elita and I wish you the best in your next phase of your path and although we won't be physically together as we have been I know I'll won't hesitate to call you if I need you and I know you will do the same. There was a roar of cheers and Lennox walked over and stood by Optimus and Elita just as they leaned down one knee then Lennox looked straight at Optimus and Elita both and said, "I know you have to leave in a second but, I just want to say on behalf of my team and I good luck and we are so proud to have been apart of helping you bots the war of all wars to end forever and now you finally about to live out your dreams. And one more thing but, just as important, we will miss even more the fun we all had out on the beach. Let's keep those wonderful moments in our hearts and mind and I hope we all at sometime in the furture get together once again." That made Optimus smile and he stood up and transformed and Lennox stood back and a moment afterwards Optimus activated his holoform and walked around his truck and first shook Will's hand then they quickly embraced each other in a brotherly hug and it was then the captain of the plane walked up and said, "Commander Prime it's almost six thirty sir, we have to leave now." Optimus holoform disappeared then the crowds around them parted a path as Elita and Optimus left and drove over to the plane. Optimus drove up then they both transformed and waved goodbye one last time then they went back to vehicle form and boarded their plane. As they did yesterday when Kups plane taxi down the runway and then took off they all stayed their until Optimus and Elita's plane took off. It was a solemn feeling to all that were standing around together. It was the last time Optimus would be there and for the rest of the bots they had to be all gone by this Saturday. That day the cargo planes will be delivering the rest of their belongings to the same airport they chose that was closest to their new home state.
Later that day Rammer and the other younglings gathered on the beach where they have had the happiest time of their lives thus far and talked more about their plans living in the states. It was really happening and the were elated. The older bots met in the rect room and all of them sat down drinking their last keg of high engeron that Ratchet had made. Many shared final decisions with each other just as the younglings were doing earlier in the day on the beach. Just then they all received a message from Kup that he has spent the day getting his stuff settle in his new home and said that the site that he saw out of his bay windows of his home was absolutely amazing and he also sent a picture of it too.
Okay next chapter will cover Prowl and Rammer's departure. Rev Levon's last message to everyone still on base as he too will not coming back. Also, the twins Sunstreak and Sideswipe will be leaving as well. Any of you have questions please ask. I'm running with story for now and after I get every bot settled then I'll switch tact and work on another story.