The Diego Diaries: 'Combat in the System' (dd8 292)

Sorry about last night. I felt like someone had driven over me.

Wait …

:D HERE WE GO!

=0=At the HQ for the MCA, the news desk

"We've just been informed that the down feed from Autobot City has been halted and a 'stand by' sign is replacing the rotating view of the colony. There's no explanation at the moment though we're seeking one for the break in-" The newscaster paused to take a note. "I've just received a communication from Commander Jazz of Kaon, head of the Office for Strategic Communications as directed by the Prime of Cybertron."

She read it, then glanced up with a hesitant expression. "It states and allow me to read this communication …" She glanced over it again then began. "It's reported by the Senior Command of Optimus, the Prime of Cybertron that an anomalous unknown group using bridging technology has managed to breach our security network and land inside the solar system between the orbits of Neptune and Uranus.

"Initial sensor indications state that this is a former Decepticon battle group that has been fleeing Decepticon held territory through the area known on our maps as the Benzuli Expansion. They've been on our sensor net since they began to traverse the area known as The Ruins. It's an energetic field that's so dangerous to travel that no one goes there without desperate intentions of escape.

"They were the group that overflew Mars and Earth shortly ago. We sent a team after them and have some indication of their abilities and strength. Right now, Mars is on a Level 6 security lockdown due to the fact that it'll be the first target of any incursion that occurs. Everyone on Mars and Prima Station are in shelters underground. That's a mandatory obligation of level 6 security. If you have family or friends on Mars or the station, they're safe and well defended.

"The Ready-Go Flight team as well as the Alpha, Beta and Gamma battle groups have already lifted off to go interdict the intruders. All of the forward bases inside the system are already on their way and the outlying bases, Forts Apache, Recluse, Cybertron and Borderlands are sending their Seekers.

"The Supreme mechanisms that include Xantium, Kappa, Omega, Gamma, Beta and Zeta are heading toward Prima Station and Earth to provide a wall of protection for both places. Every battleship we have in the standby fleet are being readied to go to Earth and bolster the Supremes and the station.

"On Mars, every gun we have from the titans to The Fortress is either tuned in now to fight or will comply when called up. Given that most of them are habitations, we will call them last to join.

"As you read this our forces are closing in on the intruders. There is the strong possibility that there will be combat in the system. Do not be afraid. The firepower that will be going to this group will be overwhelming and decisive. We haven't called up but have on standby the security forces of Cybertron as well.

"Optimus Prime and the senior Autobots are on their way to face the intruders. Given a number of factors that are important to the integrity of the system, the dreadnought ships will not be going into the initial combat but will be securing those elements that they guard now as well as standing by to be called up as Prime sees fit.

"It's not the intention of our forces to lose nor do you have to worry that this sort of thing is a new process for us. We've been warriors for millions of years and have enormous experience in repelling invaders. We'll update you as we go along. Have faith in the courage of your armed forces and our willingness to do what it takes to protect Mars, Earth and the system."

She looked up from the pad to the cameras. "That came from Commander Jazz of Kaon, the Prime's officer of strategic communications." She glanced at the grim faced experts that had joined her as she read the statement. "This is very serious then."

They agreed. It would be a long night on the desk at the MCA.

=0=Around the Earth

Governments did or didn't tell their people about what was happening depending upon their philosophies. Many would be the humans who wouldn't know what was happening until it was over. Leaders of governments all over the world issued grave statements or came out to cameras to state their grave opinions and offer their unparalleled and unqualified support for the Autobots and Prime.

All over the world everyone went to Def-Con 4.

It would be a long tense night for everyone everywhere.

=0=Underground

Mack sat on a mat that was near a wall. His ada lay on it silent and staring. Who knew what terrors were going through his mind. It seemed that every time his genitors stepped forward they were knocked back farther.

Amaldo sat next to Corsair holding his servo. Their grandchildren were sleeping under a blanket near their ada while Mack took care of everyone. It was tense and scary in the vast underground shelters as the assigned medical and security personnel walked though comforting and assisting everyone there. They would be the first line of help for everyone.

In the basement of Tower 2 in Autobot City the same was happening with those who lived locally. Sitting against a wall on a mat, Chan rubbed Corr's shoulder. He was resting from his initial episode of terror when the sirens went off. Partition was helping them along with the children who were sleeping in a big pile next to them.

"Does Amma need anything, Appa? I can give him a sedative," Partition asked as Lancer covered Corr with a blanket.

"I think that might help him a lot, infant," Chan said tiredly. "I think he flashed back to Iacon during the war. We heard a lot of sirens then and it was terrifying when we did."

Partition looked at him with sympathy. "I'm sorry it happened, Appa. We'll help Amma. He's going to be fine." He WiFi-ed the sedative and scanned Corr as he relaxed slightly.

"I think so, grandson," Chan said as he felt Corr relax. "Thank you for that. What about you, Ratchet? Docker?"

"I think I'm okay, Chan," Docker said as she sat in the midst of three big solemn appearing titanic kids, two cats, a dog and a cow. Ratchet was with her and looked tired but defiant. "What about you, Ratchet?" she asked her bond.

"I'm good. I know we're going to be fine and dandy. MY SONNY WILL MAKE IT SO! SO WILL OPTIMUS, OUR SOLDIERS AND SEEKERS! THEY'RE GOING TO BE SORRY THEY CAME HERE!"

Murmurs around them gave agreement to that statement.

Partition listened, then glanced at the others. "I have reports on the rest of the family. Prima and Scout are with Amma Scout and Appa Trooper under the Performing Arts Center. They have the cow, too. The femmes and Magnus are staying here to run the home defense and get everyone into safety. Ammas Delphi and Turbine along with Appas Hard Drive and Raptor are with the fleet. Appas Blackjack, Sun, Jack and Auntie Lissie are with the fleet while Amma Alor is in the Ops Center running the show from here. Prime and Prowl are with the fleet."

It was silent a moment, then Ratchet glanced at Partition and Lancer. "You children go do what you have to do. I'll take care of everyone. Don't you forget that I was an Autobot soldier once. Way back in the olden days."

Partition looked into the frightened optics of Ratchet, then hugged him tightly. "I know, Appa. You were a hero. We're suppose to check in with everyone off and on. We'll be back. Call me if you need something," he said glancing at the others. "Anything, anytime."

They nodded silently, then reluctantly Lancer and Partition rose to go do other duties related to the family and the defense of The City proper as well as the Temple District if it came to that. They were gone in seconds.

Ratchet watched them go then looked at the others. "We're in wonderful hands. I'm going to get a snack. Who wants one, too?"

They would if nothing else to have something to do.

=0=Outside

Elita stood in the center of an intersection in the silent commercial center of Autobot City. As far as the optic could see and they could see a long, long way, there was no activity beyond that of the airfields that had vessels that were still lifting off. Waves of ships would arrive in the vicinity of Uranus and Neptune to put to the sword the intruders.

Greenlight, Firestar and Arcee were with her as she glanced around to spot any lingering individuals. No one could be seen.

"Let's check out the Temple," Elita said as she began to walk that direction. They would do so under the flags of their people and the upcoming holiday, Thanksgiving.

=0=Temple

Gravitas stared at the Allspark which was rotating slowly without a seeming care in the world. It was as inscrutable as ever. He wished his own insides were. They were swishing madly as he took a moment to center himself in the calm unperturbed energy of the relic.

A lot of individuals had swarmed the Temple, rushing inside to the shelters below. He'd helped them go there, utilizing the elevators to get below. Now he was standing here waiting for any stragglers as the others helped literally thousands find a place to sit and rest underground.

He walked to the steps then hurried up to spy a couple of elders standing in the middle of the huge room looking around distractedly. He rushed to them. "Welcome, elders. Let me help you get below."

"Where is this place?" the little mech asked with a distracted voice.

The femme with him nodded. "We don't know where we are."

Gravitas felt his tanks flip at their helplessness. "That's alright, Elders. I know where we are. Come with me," he said as he took their servos. He would guide them to a waiting elevator, watch Mraz and Templar gently take them in, then disappear below. He would help a large number more, then at long last finally take it down below himself. The Allspark and the other relics would be on their own.

Again.

=0=Down below

A gang of kids sat together on a mat with their families nearby. They were a 'gang' which had come together here, like minded high spirited kids playing at being 'bad aft'. They weren't bad, they just liked to fight and no one in their families would know about this until later on.

"I wonder who they are?" one of them asked as they played cards together. "Prime's going to kick their afts."

Most of them nodded. "I know," another said. "I'd love to be there. I'd love to kick them hard."

"I would, too, but they'd kill us. They're 'Cons," another replied.

It was silent a moment then another put in for a change of cards. "All the more reason to kill them back."

It would be a quiet wait in this shelter. It was just below Watch Substation #172.

=0=MCA

"We have a new bulletin from the Office of Strategic Communications at Autobot City. Its from Commander Jazz of Kaon, its director. It says that the groups are nearly in sight of each other and that the intruders have formed a battle configuration. The force is large and well armed but statistically inferior in numbers and character to the group sent to interdict them.

"Optimus Prime is said to be in contact with them at this moment. What that may lead to is still not known. The leadership of the intruder group is highly skilled, technically advanced and well known to the Prime. So far they haven't stood down from their position. When more is known and cleared for transmission, it will be sent. Its the position of the Prime that no one should fear the outcome of this encounter," the news reader concluded. She looked at the others. "What do you think?"

"I'm amazed each time with the information that they give out. I would think that they'd hold to the conclusion what's going on but they always fill in the blanks," a Civilian commentator said.

Mick Moran, colonel and chief of staff for Glenn Morshower sat back with a slight grin. "Well, they don't believe in lying to people or holding back information that might actually help people understand what's going on. They're a more free and clear society than most of us."

"What do you interpret from this communications, Colonel?" the news reader asked.

Mick considered the question. "I think Prime is closing in on the intruders and giving them terms to surrender. Given the leadership, they might but I see a fight. Prime won't let them advance any closer than they are and from the configuration of the fleet going with him they won't be able to."

A political commentator glanced at him. "There will be those who say if the bots weren't here this wouldn't happen."

"They'd be full of shit," Moran said, irritated by the same old, same old. "They'd come for the energon and we'd have to face them alone. Consider that fact for a moment. Who here would prefer that scenario to having the protection of the Autobots?"

No one including the political commentator did.

=0=TBC 11-3-2021

By the by, yesterday was the 11th anniversary of the publishing of this story. I actually wrote the first ten parts starting on October 26th but it took a week to figure out how to post to Fan Fiction. LOL! I'm slow. ;) HUGS to one and all FOREVER!