The Diego Diaries: Millow (dd7 31)
Happy Fourth of July whoever celebrates. It's been 90 degrees here in Alaska. Lord, have mercy. ;) Take care out there everywhere having hot weather. Europe, that includes you, too. ON WITH THE SHOW!
=0=Ops Center after the hoopla, about mid morning
Ratchet walked in spotting Optimus who had conference calls later on and thus he was here rather than where he usually was, tramping around Cybertron showing the flag. He paused by the center table. "Hi. You have a few moments? I have a hearing about Traachon and his son. Millow is petitioning to have control of both."
Optimus stood. "That cannot be a good idea."
"It isn't but its a court thing and you have to be there." Ratchet shrugged. "Millow is being a hard aft and we have to nip this in the bud."
Prowl watched as they walked out together.
Paragon glanced at him. "Bad news?"
"I doubt it unless your name is Millow," Prowl said.
"Traachon's bond? I know both of them through the usual whirl," Paragon said. "That is one tough individual, Millow. Maybe the most buttoned down hardcore I ever met."
Prowl nodded, "I agree," he said as he secretly was glad that that description didn't fit him anymore. His grandparents, maybe, but not him. He turned back to Paragon as they sorted data to make more extended star maps for the army.
=0=On the way
They walked out and down the sidewalk that was busy. Some touched Prime and others nodded at both as they passed by. The City was glittering in the morning light as the sun reached them over the great mound of the Mons they all dwelt upon. There were car noises, many passed by on the busy streets and highways, most of them sentient as well as the humans that were busily going here and there.
Earth 1 and half of Earth2's population were now free to come and go with only Earth 1 cleared to take their subway line at their habitat. Earth2 hadn't proven everyone efficient driving so their access to subways was still curtailed until everyone was. By the time they finished that course, their ability to survive anything would be much higher.
Banners were up and flags were flying. The Festival of Primus was in a decaorn and the colony as well as Cybertron and the related worlds were in preparation for the blessings and festivities. It was the most holy orn on their schedule but more and more reasons to celebrate arrived with every new construction and find on Cybertron, every new refugee coming to their sphere. Every personal triumph of their defeated people rising once again was the reason for the upbeat tone that would culminate in their festival shortly.
There were now two million more refugees in the colony since they began to bring them here in a constant stream through the Port of Mars near the Big Frame Shipyard near the Tri-Cities. Crater District 1 was at capacity and Crater District 2 was halfway there. Crater District's 3 and 4 were rising up already with five and six surveyed and breaking ground for the utilitarian constructions. The work force was massive, the expansions of the Industrial Park Cities ongoing and the enthusiasm to create splendor for their people both here and off world was enormous. It was a self perpetuating machine, their people's efforts; and Prime was the inspiration and leadership to make it real.
The population stood at 62,507,872 and counting.
They reached the junction, waited at the light, waved to two buses of humans heading out for tours from The Resort, waved back to those who waved on the streets or honked horns, Cybertronian and human, then reached the big double glass doors of Autobot City Processor Hospital and Outpatient Center to enter.
It had been expanded upward ten more stories some time back bringing it to thirteen overall. There were two others being built, one in Crater District 3 and a new one at Crater District 1 which had been in operation for over a year. It was a good thing since the number of those being committed to care, though small overall, was still growing through constant immigration. The inside lobby had been remodeled to show a softer more welcoming face to one of the most high security facilities on world.
It now had what a lot of public buildings had or were getting, real Cybertronian plants both in pots and in specially designed small garden displays. Some of them were tree-like and towered dozens of feet into the air, their sides showing glowing lights that created design-like displays the full length of their bodies. Some glowed with small bud-like flowers, others were just various shades of color and resembled ferns or reeds. There was even a high security display of the kind of living tentacle-like plants that made parts of Cybertron dangerous to live.
All of it was sustained by contained feeds of nutrients and liquids and the plants shifted with the light. They were doing better here than on Cybertron which was still dark. They were here to comfort patients and their families, to add to the décor and to allow Cybertronian botanists to study them and see what the obstacles to bringing back their bio-zones on Cybertron would be like some fine orn.
Ratchet waved to the desk crew, then walked past the security station into the building with Prime in tow. They walked down the hallway to a large office area, then took the elevator to the next floor where a conference room waited for the hearing. At the end of the hallway, Millow was talking with Highrode, his attorney of record and had a couple of friends with him. They were engrossed as the two walked into the conference room where Coln-2, No-a and Jarro sat.
Two others walked in to sit with them, Mind-E and Co-Mo who were both therapists for the two in question, Traachon and Waldeen. Their caseworker, a mech named Tailor was already there as well. Ratchet sat, then introduced everyone to Optimus,
Prime went off line with No-a and Coln for a chat. Ratchet sat back to wait, then Millow entered followed by his friends and Highrode who looked tense. They pulled up chairs to sit.
It was tense and quiet a moment, then Ratchet glanced at No-a who nodded. Ratchet sat forward to stare at Millow a moment. "This is my domain and I run it with the expertise of everyone here. Optimus is in charge of things but I made the hold on both Traachon and Waldeen myself. Therefore, I have to turn over control of the hearing to Prime which I do. No-a is here to consult since a Primal Hold is federal and because of the cases that were pending against both which are not concluded. So, Optimus, this is now your ball." He sat back and composed himself for what in all likelihood would be a barn burner.
Prime leaned forward. "I have gotten the gist of your petition, Millow, from No-a and everyone here is ready to listen to a good argument about why it should or not be granted. I would like to reiterate a few things so all of us understand why the two of them are here.
"The Powers weighed in during the trial of Sentinel and the others. Traachon and Waldeen were both present when They did. The Powers made it very clear where They stood regarding the systems and conditions upon which we were to live. Those systems are love-based and designed to allow us to find our way toward high levels of behavior and expectancy between us. None of them are based on the artificial beliefs and systems of superiority and supremacy. None of the Powers believe that those two concepts have any value. In fact, They made it crystal clear that these ideas were not only counter productive to our advancement as a species but they were not going to be tolerated any longer.
"The Powers, Primus in particular personally declared that these ideas, practices and concepts were outlawed, that our great experiment was over and that They were prepared to intervene if they continued. They stated without any other intention than to be specific that They were prepared to intervene personally if this was ignored. They tire of receiving dead children at the Matrix. They tire of the misery with which these ideas and practices kill both in body and spirit. They see no more value in such things continuing and even though They never interfere with someone's free will, They have decided that this experiment has no more value.
"I cannot stress more completely the finality of Their view on this subject. Until all are one is the creed of our people and it means all of us, everyone one of us, all of us together. This colony and the resurrection of Cybertron and the Empire is predicated on this idea and directive. It is the path of love and advancement for all. It is the only path forward that includes everyone and allows everyone to grow to the fullest of their desires and capabilities.
"We will now discuss this matter but understand … anything that relates even in the smallest manner to The System of Exception will fail." Prime sat back, then glanced at Highrode. "Please, Highrode, present your petition for Millow."
Highrode nodded to Prime, then glanced at Millow who sat as calm as a sphinx. He never showed his emotion to anyone outside of his family and was the perfect bond for a scheming, grasping, social climbing and ambitious mech like Traachon. "Lord Optimus, for some time now Millow has had reduced contact with his bond and son. Its been extremely hard on him not being with them and being a direct part of the treatment plan for their eventual release. As you know, both of his daughters are in medical detention as well.
"Millow was allowed to visit both when they were first confined here but that was curtailed two decaorns into their detention. He feels that he's essential to the ability of both to be returned to their lives and that depriving him of access to his family is deleterious to that prospect. We're asking that full rights be re-established and that Millow be a part of the treatment program at the very least. He is even more convinced that their release into home care and his company would do more than this place can. He feels that their detention here is more dictated by political reasons than that of their health."
He read a moment over his notes, then glanced at Millow. "You wished to make a statement."
Millow nodded, then looked at Prime. "When we came here we were never given a chance to be a part of this new paradigm. We were taken into custody and charged, some of us were placed under house arrest and our ability to learn how this situation works and how to live in it was never allowed to happen. Jail and restrictions have been the way of life for all of us since we came here. My daughters are in medical stasis.
"We feel that this is motivated by politics and personal grudges rather than anything else. Its clear that you've made your decision against the way of life that made our Empire great. So be it. It's also clear that you've decided to ensure that those of us who supported it pay a price. This is less about my family's health than your belief that they represent some kind of threat to you and your power structure here. That somehow they might create problems for you that impact your ability to lead.
"My bond's family was important to the development of the Empire, our culture and the values that our species held dear for generations. Its clear to me that you don't agree with them and that you have your own ideas about what constitutes the greatness of our people. In the end, I have no power here to dispute that. The Caste Courts ensure that differing opinions don't have a chance to be understood and developed. I feel that given the outcomes of the several cases brought to them that this is also under your sway and therefore, its a useless venture to undertake. All avenues for us are closed due your dictates that include even an honor fight if this isn't adhered to as you command.
"I want access to my family. I don't believe that my bond and son are a danger to anyone. I don't believe that I'm counter productive to their well being. I believe that they're political prisoners held by a power mad Prime who wants to deliver paybacks to those who disagree with him. I don't believe that Primus or the Powers said what you declare. They never intervened at any point in the past to deliver what you say are Their objections. How can that be true when They had eons upon eons to intervene and never did? Instead, The System and those who were given charge to implement it created on Cybertron and throughout the Empire the greatest cultural flowering and possibility we ever had. This created the Golden Age of our people. Where was their objection then?
I do believe this is personal, punitive and designed to make an example of my family to ensure that the path that our people took to become great never gets a chance to return."
It was silent a moment, then Prime glanced at Jarro. "I would like to know what the condition is of Traachon and Waldeen, both when they arrived here and how they are now."
Jarro glanced at his datapad, then the three who were most directly involved with the two. "Alright, Lord Optimus," he said. Then he began.
=0=TBC 7-6-19
ESL:
deleterious (del-ih-tary-us) something that isn't good for someone or something. Eating glass is deleterious to someone's good health. :D:D
NOTES:
Ragemoose chapter 27 . Jun 30
I'm so glad they get to continue doing what they love! I'm just worried that their parents will be cold to them, just to spite them. I've had a lot of experience with entitled people acting like that, and throwing away their relationship with their children just because their children don't obey them unconditionally. Hopefully, that's not the case here. They deserve better than that.
As always, thanks for the great read! I hope you stay safe and that the fire up there dies down soon! Much love from Texas!
ME: Sometimes parents need to see stuff to understand it. I also think that these genitors have lived such dull lives that seeing this would be enlightening. Entitled people are FASCINATING to me and that this should be such a big part of the TF world makes for all kinds of possibilities. Their own hierarchy will help. The ammas and appas want their kids to have experiences and be happy. Good thing that their kids, the kid's parents have to obey them. LOL! HUGS and much love from Alaska which way 92 degrees yesterday.
Sunstreaker's Girl chapter 27 . Jun 30
I'm so glad the kids can continue with their outside duties. It's helpful and makes them better. The Praxian Elites are the best!
ME: I like the image of Ironhide as a bad ass contrasting with the idea that he's the highest caste, his family is wealthy, educated and in show biz as well and that he had all the advantages. That he's such a bad ass owes to his elders who are, too. I love them. They are one of my most favorite parts of the story. HUGS!
leoness chapter 27 . Jun 30
Sheesh. Some parents would give their right arm for kids that loving, hard working, and well behaved. Sadly, they remind me of my mother, who I believe in some way tried to love me, but who wanted to control and shape everything about me to suit her desires, beliefs, and wants. Loving the idea she had created and causing harm to the person who did not fit that idea. I appreciate you writing this. My mom never learned and so for my safety and sanity I do not speak with her. I hope the genitors in this story can learn differently.
ME: I hear you. Teaching school for 30 years, you see and hear it all. I think some who control, like my dad did when I was young has to do with their upbringing. His mom was a major controller all her life and he did what he knew until all of us showed him a better way. We were all hard heads. LOL! His mom would cause havoc if you didn't obey and given that none of her daughter-in-laws did, it got easier for her five sons to get out of the habit of being like her. Your mom in her own way loves you madly and its her job to decide to change or not. I think we're all in a big play here and backstage we all share make up and bagels together. LOL! Some fine day, you will reconcile either here or over there. I'm a bit of a big girl that way, my spiritualist roots are showing. I know that we have two paths, love or fear. Some are programmed early to choose their path. You OBVIOUSLY have chosen love and her example for good or ill helped. That makes you my hero, Leoness. Seriously. I saw how hard it was for my dad to free himself and he was my BIGGEST hero. Just know you are loved by me. HUGS, dear Leoness. :D
SkyenhaMarisa chapter 27 . Jun 29
Ok chapter 25 is still fire watch. Chapter 26/27 have the 26th chapter head but two different stories. I'm very glad your ok.
ME: Thank you for telling me that mix up. :D This is a thread of my heroes. LOL! The fire is now over 100,000 acres and a smoke bomb. But its going in the other direction, thank goodness. Take care out there, my dear Sky. HUGS!
Sunstreaker's Girl chapter 25 . Jun 27
Stay safe. That's all that matters. We know you post daily so it's unusual if you don't and we'll worry about you. Thank you for letting us know about the situation. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ME: Thank you, darling. We have smoke jumpers galore up here, good looking boys with no common sense. Parachuting into a fire to fight it is not my thing but I sure as hell admire them. My cousins did that. Can't thank everyone enough for your kindnesses. HUGS!
ValentinesGuest chapter 24 . Jun 26
I hope you're safe up there! Prayers for everyone affected by the fire
ME: Thank you, darling. I have always lived in fire country. I hate it. So far, so good. :D HUGS!
SkyenhaMarisa chapter 24 . Jun 26
Be safe fires can turn on a dime. Here in Albuquerque, we are getting the smoke from Arizona. Allergies suck
ME: I hear ya. When I walk the chihuahua, we both wheeze. :D Take care of yourself. I believe in masks. I've used them for fires and volcanoes both up here. Yes, I live in a strange place. LOL! HUGS!
Sunstreaker's Girl chapter 23 . Jun 26
I'm glad the kids are settling in nicely. Everyone seems to be taking the new situation in stride. Then again, kids normally do. I'm glad for all 15.
ME: Kids dream of the possible. Adults lumber under the reality that they accept. Kids still haven't learned about inevitability and I hope they never do. LOL! Hugs, dear heart.
fancyspinner chapter 23 . Jun 25
I think I forgot how beautiful the prime residence was. :-) I really like this chapter and watching all those kids get introduced to the family. Will the squad be checking in? They might want to talk to these high cast idiots.
ME: I remember when the workers made it and took Prime on a tour. They would do this for him in a big way because he's such a nice guy, Our Optimus. The squad will be checking in. They will be making more appearances now that things are getting a bit more calm. Nothing like Paragon and Prowl tying one on. I shudder at the possibilities. LOL! HUGS
leoness chapter 23 . Jun 25
Love the tent thing. Forts are fun.
ME: I agree. My aunt was a big believer in tents. I have a great picture of her playing in a blanket tent in the house with her little nieces holding dollies with them as she sat on the floor. LOL! I love that picture. Raptor reminds me of her. :D:D HUGS!