The Diego Diaries: Face Time (dd7 130)
=0=Morning
The kids gathered to go to school and as they did Genesis turned to Ratchet who was getting things organized beside the fridge. "Ada, are you going to Earth today?"
Ratchet glanced up. "I am. I have to diplomat today."
He grinned at Ratchet. "Can we come, too? You might need someone to protect you. I heard the humans are pretty mad about this."
Ratchet considered the offer, then grinned. "If you can come, I'll have someone get you. All nine of you. Make sure you tell the others." He glanced at Ironhide who was waiting. "They've seen them small. Maybe they need to see them bigger."
"You explain it to Magnus," Ironhide said with a grin.
"Uncle Magnus?" Genesis asked.
"He's the truant officer," Ratchet said as the door opened and relations fogged in. There were hugs and hoo-haw, then everyone was gone including the big kids.
"You really taking them?" Ironhide asked as he fixed a leash on the halter of his cow.
"Sure. Why not?" Ratchet said as they ambled out the door. It closed quietly behind them.
=0=Ops Center
Prowl worked quietly at his desk, then walked out to the center to begin his usual perusal of the data from all over the empire which came in with a rush every mid morning and afternoon unless there was a problem. He sat at the command table as Ratchet reached it. The big medic pulled a chair, then sat. "Are you ready to go?" Prowl asked.
"Born ready," Ratchet said with a dazzling smile. "I'm taking the titan and dread kids with me. I think its time they got to see what we defend."
"They already do," Prowl said with a smirk.
"Kids are great distractions. Big kids like this, nine of them standing along the back wall with their handsome faces and big boy bods will go a long way to letting Earth know they're safe with us. Maybe I'll even let them say something. Its all fluid for now, just so you know," Ratchet said with a grin.
"Fluid like your processor?" Prowl replied with a smirk. "Shall I alert Magnus?"
"Do."
Prime walked out, then to the table. He pulled a chair, then sat. "Are you ready to go? Any last questions or additions, deletions?"
"He's deleting his sanity, such as it was anyway, and upping nine titanic children," Prowl said with a grin.
"The children?" Prime asked.
"Why not. I might even add Teatro and Swan." It was silent a moment, then all three laughed.
As if. (Their genitors would allow it)
"They're spectacular, amazing, brilliant, clearly they take after me-" A stylist bounced off his helm. He smirked at Prowl.
Prowl smirked at him.
"They also asked."
"I see," Prime said with a grin of his own. "I will trust to your discretion."
"First mistake of the orn," Prowl said as he glanced at Prime.
"You mean … OUR MESSIAH HAS A FLAW!?" Ratchet asked.
Loudly.
Everyone in the room startled, then glanced at the table.
Ratchet who was sprawling in a chair with his peds up on another smiled at them. "Testing, testing, one, two, three ..."
Everyone chuckled, then went back to their work.
Prime sat back with a grin. "You're full of yourself. I expect miracles."
"You already have one," Ratchet said as he glanced at Prowl. "See what I did there-"
Another stylus bounced off his helm.
Ratchet looked at Prime. "Caste Court."
Huge laughter among the three.
=0=On the way to New York City and the United Nations
Ratchet waited at the bridge with Springer and Drift. They'd actually spiffed up (under orders) and were waiting for a gaggle of nine very tall kids to arrive. The shortest of the kids coming was 31.5 feet tall or 9.6 meters. The rest were 33 feet or 10 meters in height.
They walked into the room, then smiled. "We get to go!?" Genesis asked as the others gathered around him with excitement.
"You do. Then we're going to Diego Garcia to play around. Any questions-?"
Ratchet was buried in hugs and happiness for a moment. They stepped back as he staggered a moment. "Well, if THAT wasn't fun."
"Was it?" Springer asked with a grin.
"Oh, hell yes," Ratchet replied with a laugh. "Here's the story. I go in and you follow. Wait until I call you and find a place along the wall between Drift and Springer. I want you to have them stand along the wall that's between the two of you. Drift goes in first, then slides down the side all to way the end. Then the kids, then you, Springer. Anyone have questions?"
All hands went up including Drift and Springer.
"Why do I feel I'm going to regret this?" Ratchet asked as Lucien came into the room. "LUCIEN! Let's go."
"Very well," Lucien said as he walked through the big kids. "Are the children here for some reason?" he asked.
"They're here to look fabulous," Ratchet said. "They just have to stand there and it happens." With that, he stepped up into the bridge and was followed by a grinning Lucien.
Drift looked at the kids. "Follow me and just stand against the wall. Ada has a plan. We just have to look pretty."
"Fortunately, for some of us that isn't hard," Springer said as the kids followed Drift.
It was a laughing highly charged group that disappeared into the bridge to walk out into a parking lot at the United Nations in New York City millions of miles away.
=0=At the other end
N.E.S.T. officers, a number of Morshower's people and a selected couple of cameras from the M.C.A. were waiting in a cordoned off parking lot for the Ambassador and his party to show. They were gathered in groups chatting quietly when a bridge burst into sight and out of it walked Ratchet followed by the others.
He smiled, bowed slightly, then walked to the men he was told to look for. He knelt, then began to chat.
Springer walked out, then nine big kids followed by Drift. When he cleared the bridge it collapsed and all was nearly silent again. Everyone stared at them, a forest of incredibly tall individuals including about nine whom appeared to be as tall if not taller than Optimus Prime.
Ratchet finished his chat, then stood. He smiled down at Mick Moran, a human he really liked. "As you can see, I brought my entourage."
Mick grinned. "Prowl told us you would. Are these your boys?" he asked looking up at the tall kid versions of their elders. All of the kids looked like Fort Max and Metroplex though much smaller and younger, if one could tell. Once a bot reached a certain age their physical appearance became inscrutable. One ascertained age by their auras. Humans with few exceptions weren't high enough vibrationally to do that beyond the odd psychic.
"These are," Ratchet said with a dazzling smile. "This is Genesis who asked to come along and the rest came because we're going to Diego afterward to swim. They are Quadrus, Saber, Santee, Verilus, Tru and Lumi. They're immature metrotitans. These three are Genesis as I said and those two," he said pointing to two other mesmerized kids, "are Quasar and Fireball. They're immature dreadnought class frames." Ratchet turned to them. "Say 'hello', boys."
The nine looked at Ratchet, then the humans. "Hello," they murmured.
"These two are Springer and Drift. And may I say, when the handsome was passed out they both took more than their share." Then he flashed a dazzling smile.
Huge laughter greeted that as the kids glanced around.
"Time to go inside then?" Ratchet said.
"Everyone is waiting," Mick said.
"I'm bringing the kids. They're going to stand along the walls and perhaps sit on the platform if necessary. There's also the hallway we're going through as well," Ratchet said glancing at the kids. "I'll lead. You follow Drift. He's going in first, then you kids, then Springer and Lucien in the doorway. If room is tight we can make adjustments."
"What do we do, Ada?" Lumi asked.
"All you have to do is stand there and look handsome. If I think it might help the humans understand us, I might have you speak. But right now, that's not first on my list," Ratchet said.
The kids nodded, then watched as Ratchet led the way. Following was Drift, then the kids, Lucien, then Springer who picked up Mick and Miles Vander Voort who was another aide to Morshower. They rode on his servo as the big mech walked in.
The cameras had filmed the entire thing and did so until the last bot disappeared inside. During that time, the talking heads on television and radio all over the world would be discussing and marveling at the scene.
=0=Inside
Ratchet appeared in the doorway, then walked to the side to direct everyone in. Drift appeared, hesitated, then walked along the side to the end of the wall some distance over and around. The room was huge but this was going to be interesting. After him came a hesitant Lumi. Ratchet directed him to follow Drift. He was followed by the rest. By the time they were in Springer and Lucien would be relegated to the doorway.
They stood on both sides of the room in the space reserved for overflow audience. The doorway was a special addition from the first time they had come to talk. It led from a corridor that had outside access and tall ceilings that were raised to allow even the taller to come, though perhaps hunched over a bit. Optimus Prime had reimbursed the United Nations for the extensive renovations made during their first visit and they remained, a sign of the new paradigm for everyone.
The General Secretary spoke with Ratchet, then walked to the podium as Ratchet knelt down before a microphone placed for him so he could speak with everyone. The entire room was filled to overflowing.
"I would like to welcome the Ambassador of the Cybertronian People and the Secretary of State for the Prime of Cybertron to speak to us here at the United Nations General Assembly about our most serious and pressing issues. He has brought a number of individuals who may or not speak to them today. Without further ado, Mr. Ambassador?" He stepped from the podium and took up his place nearby.
Behind Ratchet mounted on the wall on each side of the dais were giant screen monitors which showed him in full color at a gigantic size. Much of what the elegant vast room offered was never shown on the broadcasts. The focus was always on the speaker.
"Thank you, Mr. Secretary. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished members of your country's diplomatic corps, those leaders of world governments that I recognize and those who are new to me as well as all viewing or listening to this broadcast everywhere else, I'm honored to be before you to talk about many things of mutual interest and import. The Prime of Cybertron, Optimus of Iacon sends his warmest greetings and salutations as well.
"I am Ambassador Plenipotentiary for my government and was authorized to come here to discuss subjects of mutual importance. I've brought with me a number of individuals who I'll discuss further later on but for now they are Commander Drift of Kaon who is sub-commander of all security both on Mars, this solar system and the entire empire of the Prime. The youngsters that are here are part of that defense and they represent two different and distinct titanic frames among our people.
"They are from farthest to closest, Fireball, Quasar and Genesis who are immature dreadnought class frames. The rest of these kids are Santee, Saber, Lumi, Tru, Quadrus and Verilus who ware immature metrotitan frames. None of them are fully grown and none of them are adults. All of them bear pretender gear to be here because without it the dreadnought kids alone are over six miles long in ship format."
He paused a moment to listen to the gasps of surprise and other responses, then continued. "Last but not least are two, one of whom is my son, Commander Springer of Polyhex who is commandant of all security forces throughout the Prime's sphere of influence including this solar system and chieftain of our most undaunted and powerful special operations team, the Wreckers. The other bot is Lucien of Capital City who is my political attache."
Springer nodded slightly to the humans who were looking at the group with intense interest and some small amount of awe. Lucien was gauging them in his usual manner which everyone but the humans could see. He was a mech of many nuances, all of them dedicated to the bots now.
"The reason I'm here is very sad and disconcerting. I'm here to speak to the murders that occurred at our colony on Mars and the two spies that we captured who'd infiltrated our greatest friends and allies, the N.E.S.T. operational headquarters on Mars as Beta trainees.
"It's part of our presentation here to reaffirm our alliance with N.E.S.T. and our love and respect for them as our partners, friends and allies in the defense of this solar system and Earth. There's love and esprit de corps between us that's enduring, endlessly honored and sealed by fire. N.E.S.T. was infiltrated like most armies of this world are by extremists and others who would tear down what blood, sweat and tears has brought together.
"I'm here to re-affirm the strong ties that exist between Earth and Mars, between humans and Autobots and between your governments and ours. Optimus Prime is adamant in his desire and the effort he expends to ensure the safety of not just those who live on Mars but everyone in the solar system. That's not a negotiable item. That is expressed in the ties that bind us beyond the treaties and agreements.
"What I'll tell you now is what happened, what we know and how we caught these individuals in the first place," Ratchet said.
The kids watched and listened with intensity. The cameras did the same to them.
=0=TBC 11-11-19 11-12-19
I salute veterans and their families today all over the world. You also serve who sit and wait. It's Veteran's Day in America as it is in many other places. Take care and know you and yours are loved.
NOTES:
fancyspinner chapter 129 . 10h ago
Silas is going to be all kinds of problems, isn't he? I really want Harris to get his ass kicked. He deserves it so much. Still loving the story. All the best.
ME: I think he is. His last name and mine are the same, Bishop. LOL! I like him because he's such a hardcore narcissist but fully functional anyway. HUGS and all the best back. :D
Guest chapter 100 . Nov 9
Well, it will interesting when the bots finally sit down with the Reptilians to eat. I wonder if they remember that Mars was their ancestral home. If they are the same Reptilians, of course. It will also be interesting to see where the old lady next interferes: your imagination must be working full time when you sleep! Or is it the old lady visiting you and giving you ideas?
ME: They're coming up. I like that they do some things fast and then take forever for others. There's lots of rumors about Reptilians on Earth and have been for centuries. They are said to come from the constellation Draco or the dragon.
The old lady is watching and abiding. I think she does come in my sleep because occasionally a bot will show up. LOL! Not often but close enough. :D:D HUGS!
SkyenhaMarisa chapter 127 . Nov 8
Have you seen the Halloween costumes where the kid actually transforms into either Bumblebee or Optimus Prime? You missed your favorite 'HUSBAND LIST' twins doing Sunny and Sides.
ME: OMG! WHAT A GREAT IDEA FOR THE TWINS! I haven't seen the transformer costumes. I think I'll google. The kids are so darned cute and happy when they do that. :D HUGS!
Fancy spinner chapter 127 . Nov 7
Well, I had to get a new phone and the fan fiction app says it's no longer available so now I am reading on the website. I'll login at some point. :-) I love mini cons they are just like the funnest thing ever. The story just continues to be funner and funner. I can't believe it's been going on for a decade. It's the best thing going.
ME: I hate it when apps don't last forever. :D:D Just glad to have you along, Miss Fancy. The mini-cons are meant to be. I would have to invent them if they didn't exist. LOL! I can't believe a decade either and I don't feel its even half over. :D HUGS!
fancyspinner chapter 125 . Nov 5
Happy decade to the Diego diaries. :-) Might have another decade at least!
ME: THANKS! I think it could take that much longer. I wrote a series in Star Trek Voyager that lasted 15 years. :D:D Yes, I am nuts. HUGS!
Guest chapter 124 . Nov 4
We shall see how the story goes for this game... Keep on writing another nine years :)
I was wondering about something totally unrelated to this. Since the bots now have dogs and horses and whatnot, are the animals able to reproduce? Are we going to see Spot and Doug have a puppy, since they are always together?
ME: Thanks, honey. Its a compulsion to write. :D The other part is intriguing. I'm going to think it over. Spot probably wouldn't mind puppies but bull dogs are cuter when preggers. They sit up to nap when their gut gets too big. Google it. It's hilarious. :D:D:D HUGS!
Megatron Owes Me Money chapter 124 . Nov 3
I was going through a 'Optimus paired with anyone' phase waaaay back and didn't click on your fic at first because the description had a Ironhide/Ratchet pairing but your fic keep coming up on the Transformers update page over and over and over and ... well I had it and started reading because at first I needed my Optimus fix and you were one of the few who updated on a regular basis. Then as I kept reading I realized you were approaching things more logical than most when it came to things like refugees, culture/religious differences and such.
ME: I wondered what it would do to all that you believed and did and were to survive a catastrophic thing like this. The ideas of a story are as important as the action. I wanted to see what they thought and as each thing came up more did as well. It couldn't be easy to regroup and it wasn't.
You didn't make the bots total outsiders and you didn't make them perfect either. All that kept me reading. That and you brought back Jazz and didn't kill off Ironhide! Woo hoo!
ME: I liked that Prime was so warm and honorable, something that isn't always put out there. None of them are perfect but they're fun and pretty good folks. I like that they try. I love the remark that Prime made to Magnus during TF:P when he didn't get what the agent said. He just nods when the human agent gets 'oblique' like he gets it. That still makes me laugh. So the potential to have moments where they don't square, like with the harassment of women military and other points is fun for me.
So happy 9th anniversary of writing Diego Diaries and thank you for sharing your wondrous imagination with everyone around this blue marble we call home!
ME: Its my ENORMOUS pleasure, dear $Megatron$. I'm so glad you're here. I love everyone who reads this madly wherever they might be. I also will NEVER forgive Bey for killing my boys. SNIFFLE! Take care and know you're loved. :D:D:D
xoxoxoxoxoxo
leoness chapter 124 . Nov 3
here's to another awesome nine years.
and this chapter was a hoot. now i want to see a pirate come in because they want to be a medic…ME
ME: Thanks, Miss Kitty. On it. :D:D:D You and me both. The pirates sort of crack me up. HUGS!
What Lies Beyond chapter 124 . Nov 3
*quietly snickering* And this is why I love sports chapters. Game shenanigans, audience shenanigans, comentator shenanigans, and the hinted-at hilarity of the last-ditch effort…
ME: The sports sort of came from a fondness for Australian Rules Football and rugby. :D I love oddball sports. :D
They need a Quidditch league. I don't know why my brain made the connection between basketball and Quidditch (probably because I was a member of my college's Quidditch club) but I would pay to see their version of it. It'd probably end up a combination of football and basketball (with a few other tweaks given the source material), but it'd be absolutely hilarious. Or adorable, if you got a kids' league going, which is definitely something I could see…
ME: Oh, that would be so cute. Quidditch looks like a blast. They could make it work with the brooms, too. LOL I think I'm going to give it to Percy and Wheeljack to tweak. Consider what a great addition a player like that would be to the war games. :D:D:D HUGS!
leoness chapter 122 . Oct 31
lol, prowl never learns…
ME: BWAHAHAHA! I have relatives like him. Just goad and its over. LOL! HUGS!
Another NOTE: Ambassador Plenipotentiary: Ambassadors are diplomats of the highest rank, formally representing the head of state, with plenipotentiary powers (i.e. full authority to represent the government). In modern usage, most ambassadors on foreign postings as head of mission carry the full title of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. (I would say Ratchet is extraordinary and pleni in his potentiary.)
STILL Another NOTE: Just so you know … the way these kids were born determined their size. The nine titan and three dreads were created the normal way and thus they can use the pretender tech the way everyone else does. Swan and Teatro were created through an osmosis sort of process and thus, they have limitations. Also because they're really immature in development, the pretender gear isn't for them at this age. They're essentially toddlers. The dreads and titans are low end teenagers or they would never have been allowed to hunt in their packs. They're older than Teatro and Swan, too. As for the rest … its being studied. ;) Any further questions I will refer to Wheeljack and Percy. :D:D:D