The Diego Diaries: Meeting (dd8 328)

=0=Conference Room at the Ops Center

"We then will re-invest the returns into water projects in sub Saharan Africa. All of it will be put back to use on Earth," Caro said, then sat down to congratulations. He was so sweet that it happened every time.

Payload was intensely glad to see it given him being a besotted lover boy.

"Thank you, Caro. I'm very proud of your efforts to ensure that the profit of most of our ventures makes it back to the humans," Prowl said. He glanced at his father. "The Temple report?"

"I would like to say that Hot Rod and Smokescreen the Younger finally cleared the precinct of sand from the last huge storm. Thank you, General Raptor, for their service," Ven said as he smirked at Raptor who was getting to be a great poker ally.

"Any time. Those two have a real affinity for working together," Raptor said to loud laughter from the bots.

The humans grinned getting the subtext from memory of a brawl during a football game back in the orn.

"As for the Temple itself, it was untouched by the barrage and no one appeared to head our way from the street conflict," Ven said to everyone's relief. "We will be having an exhibition of icons and iconic images in the Pavilion and the Museum behind it. They're among the latest finds from Cybertron and of such an antiquity that we're actually going to put a security system in to protect Them. Sometimes seeing things like that has a strange affect on a processor and those who can be the most law abiding of individuals will do odd things in Their presence. It might even be something about Their energy.

"The school is going to be back in gear starting tomorrow. We have eight children attending the Primary and we have plans to add two more years to the program before they go to either private, religious or public schools. We will be adding eight infants each year going forward and the facility itself will expand to eventually house 150 children. It has finally finished its accreditation with the District and will be part of that umbrella organization partaking in all manner of activities and dual projects." He grinned. "Its all so very exciting."

Everyone around the room grinned at Venture, a decent sweet soul who loved his grandchildren in particular and children in general to an immense degree. He was the school's delegate to the School Board, a position he held in great esteem.

:What about Sela? Is she still giving lessons to the children of other schools or is she full timing at the Temple School?: Judy Witwicky asked.

"Lady Sela is teaching the older children after the primary dismisses for the orn. She has trained a number of very good acolytes to teach the babies and supervises them closely," Venture replied. "Some of them are in the auxiliary program. That program trains and supports those who want to help at the Temple but don't want to take orders. That is pulling in a lot of young people which is wonderful. Some of them did their public service for Intermediate School in the outreach programs and liked helping others. This way they still can and do other things."

"That's good to hear," Prowl said as he mentally made a note to check up on when that occurred for Rambler. "Anything else?"

"I'm clear," Venture said. "Our economic situation was covered by Caro. Sam might have something more to add but I'm good."

Everyone glanced at Sam.

:Caro did good. The situation on Earth is stable in spite of things going south now and again. If some punk billionaire didn't shoot his mouth off and cause a crash every other week it would be better: Sam said.

"We can't have what we want all the time," Prowl said dryly.

:But we get what we need: Sam said finishing the Rolling Stone song, one he knew Prowl wouldn't know.

Maybe.

"Yes. Right. Next?" Prowl said curtly as he smirked at Sam.

Sam smirked back.

It continued until the habitat reports were up. This would be the first time that Cindy Tomas as newly installed leader of Earth2 could speak for the installation. She rose with her data pad in hand. : We have all the damage of the habitat cleared up including the disruption to the offices in the Administration Center. It was mostly negligible and replaceable. The breakage was repaired right away and the crew of the installation, our wonderful mechs and femmes put the shiny back on. I want to let you know what a wonderful crew we have of mechs and femmes who come everyday and make life better for us in every way.

:Security from our team was magnificent during the lockdown and I want to personally thank Striker and Victorious for their fearless and selfless defense of our home topside when the Decepticons broke in. We were in the shelters listening and it was ferocious. They were magnificent and we cannot say enough good things about their effort. They saved us, I believe. As titans, I know they do that but to those of us down below ground who've never had to experience such things, they were giants. Gods. We thank them with all our hearts:

The mechs and femmes listening felt the same back to Cindy who had a stellar reputation among them anyway. She was speaking from her heart and giving credit away in the most sincere manner which was a new feature to this Earth2 presentation. Owen Harris always thanked those who had a hand in things but it always felt proforma, without emotion and ticking off the boxes. Cindy Tomas ascended the last echelon that was necessary to her full and spark felt inclusion into the ranks without a clue that she had.

:We will reschedule the conferences that were coming and check with Commander Springer and you, Prowl concerning limitations and suggestions you might have after this event. We want to be in line with any new changes or thinking that arise from this, if any. Its our hope that we can get our schedule back online in short order to present the habitat, its residents and crew to the best light possible for Earth visitors. If you can inform me of any changes I would be so glad.

:Our science is on point and we expect to have a strain of wheat that will grow in just about any condition of light and moisture ready for large scale testing on Earth in spring. This has been a real challenge but its a tough grain that will be able to feed people in marginal areas. I'm so proud of our scientists and wish to thank Wheeljack, Perceptor and their genetics department for helping us with our project. A lot of hungry people on Earth are going to be served by this joint effort, hopefully just the start of many more. Thank you, all of you, for what you do for us. Earth2 is such a beautiful community and to be a part of yours is an honor we take to our hearts." She sat to applause.

Prowl who was marveling at how a person could be emotional and dignified at the same time glanced at pensive looking Owen Harris. He sat silently as she spoke and didn't add anything. "I think I would like to hear from Earth 1."

Brandon stood. :I echo the sentiments of Cindy. Paribolus came to our defense and was our hero when we needed one most. The titans are such enigmas to our people sometimes. Such selflessness is not hard to find on Earth but its really not valued. I want you to know that we do. We understand the bond between them and your people and share it. Our habitat was saved by him and we thank him and the mech crew who helped put us back together. We love our colleagues and thank you for allowing us to have Cybertronians in our daily life there.

:The habitat is hard on the path of rice strains that can function without as much water as they need now to grow. Our studies regarding our animals living off world are progressing beautifully. Our bunnies just multiplied. We found out that Albert is really Alberta:

Chuckles rounded the room as he spoke eliciting the same warmth from the bots and other humans that Cindy Tomas did. It was a much more relaxed and charming moment hearing the reports this time around.

:We will send in our monthly reports today, Prowl. Thank you for the extension. That last conference was intense: Brandon said as he sat.

Carly stood, then grinned at Brandon. :I hear that all the babies are spoken for. I have some ferrets that a youngster found in their sock drawer that need homes. I'll put in the Community newsletter:

Chuckles and commentary about ferrets being a 'warrior's warrior pet' greeted that.

:Unidad Terra 1 is housing the consuls and their staff as well as family. We can do that easily and will until they return to their own building. Its a pleasure to do so. Please don't worry about them. We have it in hand. As for the habitat report … we have three conferences coming which will be shared among Earth 1 and Earth2. We've decided to invite Prima Station to the meetings to showcase their wares and opportunities. The agendas and plans for possible collaborations with Earth will be forwarded to you, Optimus, for approval. Everyone who comes knows that anything that transpires requires your approval.

"All is well. I am happy for Earth 1 and Earth2 that things went as well as they did. We're going to put the bulls butting the Decepticons on the in house channel and if you approve we can add it to our Youtube channel on Earth. I have to say its pretty hilarious:

Much commentary about bulls rounded the room, then it was silent again.

:I would also like to tell you that Sam Witwicky and I have set a wedding date for January 19th next year and we would like for you to officiate a Praxian ceremony, Optimus: she said as Sam shrunk slightly in his chair.

Bedlam.

Moments later …

"I would be honored, Carly and Sam," Optimus said with obvious pleasure.

:We want it at The Fortress, then a ceremony at the Chapel in the Woods. Everyone here is invited along with anyone you want to bring. We love you all so much I think I'm going to cry: she said as she teared up.

"What about Jesse and that brother of yours?" Ratchet asked because he was Ratchet.

:Jesse and James are looking at Valentine's Day: Carly said. :They hope the same can be had for their wedding as well, Optimus:

"I would be available pending disaster," Optimus said to huge laughter.

On that light note she sat.

Prowl grinned at her, checked his agenda, then looked at Will Lennox. "Alright, shortie. Your turn. The Hu-An are celebrating the birth of another baby and will be out of sight for a week. That makes fifteen children born here. Children who are mine I might add."

HUGE applause greeted that, then everyone turned to Lennox.

Will smirked, then stood. :The HQ was totaled. A water main broke and everything turned to shit. Literally:

"Of frag. A sewer pipe, too?" Drift asked with disgust and fascination.

Will grinned. :Sure:

HUGE laughter and scorn greeted that.

:Our team took one for the team. I can't say enough good things about the mechs and femmes who help us so I won't try:

Cue HUGE scorn and finger wagging.

:We're back in operation though there's still a faint odor of swamp in the Ops Center: he began before being buried alive. :However, we're on it. A new group of Beta and Gamma strikers are due shortly so be aware that they haven't had the full treatment yet. I'm not suggesting they DO, but they haven't. So there you go. They haven't:

"I think the little slagger is suggesting something," Raptor said with a smirk. He leaned into Lennox. "You suggesting something?"

Will grinned at the mech who was his spirit animal. :Nope. Maybe. Sure:

Bedlam.

He finished his report to a chorus of abuse and hoo-haw.

Then Ratchet grinned. "Given that its now for the good of the order, let me tell you about my basketball outfits," he began before ending up face down in a garbage can in the hallway.

It made Prime's orn.

=0=TBC 12-19-2021