The Diego Diaries Part Seven

by arctapus

This is a continuation of the universe started in Diego Diaries and continued through parts two to six. The premise is a joke that led to world building. This is about family, friendship, overcoming adversity and finding the best parts of yourself. This is an adventure, a trek through the world of Transformers and its a comedy/drama. Everyone is here and if you are, too, then YAY!

281. Chapter 281

The Diego Diaries: Mission (dd7 281)

=0=Evening

"Are you still pissing and moaning?"

Ironhide glanced at Ratchet, then grinned in spite of himself. "No. Are you?"

"No. I thought you looked fetching, myself," Ratchet said. "You looked like a big bouquet of posies."

"Those slaggers hurt when everyone stands around you and shoots you point blank. They didn't tell me that they spray you so it'll wash off. I had to have the works at The Paint Box."

"You're lucky that they could fit you in," Ratchet said with a chuckle.

Just then, a flock of sparklings ran out laughing madly as they ran for the big kid's rooms. The two watched them flash past with a cat, a bouncy dog and a little cow plodding along as fast as he could. Sunspot was with the big kids. They would be with them, too. Screeching and laughter rang out down there as they disappeared into the lounge where the kids were playing video games together.

Ratchet grinned. "Sounds good. What are you doing tomorrow? You have joors for school to attend to. I did all of mine already."

"We should get a discount given the number of kids we have," Ironhide said as he switched the channel to the news and muted it. The Bulletin Board was scrolling.

"You're on the slagging School Board. Make it rain, Ironhide," Ratchet said.

He grinned. "I am, aren't I."

The news came back so he turned up the sound.

"Welcome back to the evening news. I'm Geode reporting. And now for the sports and weather. We turn to Jacx for sports. Jacx?" he said to the mech sitting beside him.

"Well, we're in for a full slate of football games now that military personnel are back and signed off for play including our own Optimus Prime," he began.

=0=Up there

"… including our own Optimus Prime," said Jacx.

Prowl frowned.

Prime grinned. "Yes. Our own Optimus Prime."

Prowl frowned deeper.

Optimus loved when Prowl frowned.

=0=Down there

"There will be three games played during the week between Nova Cronum, the reigning champions and the Crater Comets, Tesarus versus Polyhex and Kalis versus Kaon. That game will be played in the stadium at Praxus, the Tesarus and Polyhex game at Polyhex while the Comets and Brigadiers will play in the Iacon Municipal Stadium in Iacon.

"All of these will be tough games. The Cybertronian teams play a very rough game with strong defenses and the usual mix up of running patterns. It was the edge for Nova Cronum to take the championship last year and I expect the same to be a big bonus for them this time around.

"Optimus Prime who leads the Comets was injured during the last mission to bring in a battle group ironically fought in space over the city of Nova Cronum. He was put on the injured list along with several other key players and only just now is deemed fit to play. I expect that to be a very tough game in the arena of his home town.

"Three games will be played here in the municipal and school stadiums. Vos versus Altihex. Polyhex versus Iacon and for the first time, Crystal City's Crushers will be here to play Simfur. All of the teams are fit, tough, determined to score wins and bring honor to their namesake cities and city-states. We'll be broadcasting all of them live with the honors handled by Commander Jazz of Kaon and Commander Blaster of Polyhex. There will be a pre-game show live from Cybertron in which we'll discuss the historic and cultural significance of these games as they stand, Mars and Cybertron joined in sport and include the human broadcast team from the MCA as well as take questions from sports writers all over the Earth, Cybertron and Mars.

"The Autobot City Amateur Rugby League will open play this weekend with games between the University League and the Open Ranks Municipal League for the chance to win the Martian Rugby League Cup this season. The winners last year were the University of Mars Senior Mech's team. We expect to carry that live following football.

"That line up will also be supported by broadcasts of the entire card of races at the Autobot City Speedway. The top match up and final race will be between Blurr of Iacon and Medco of Velocitron. Blurr and Medco are becoming quite a rivalry with both of them matching wins on three cards. They stand at 3 wins apiece against each other and three losses out of six races. This one, a tie-breaker is expected to be extremely exciting and the manager of the speedway has said that pre-race capacity attendance on site has been reached. The race will be carried live on Channel 182, the Sports Channel for those who can't attend but want to see great racing.

"It's noted that the Infant Football League and the T-Ball League for Primary Children will begin again in three decaorns. A call for coaches has resulted in the usual flood of good sparked individuals and they're much appreciated. Meetings for organizing will be posted on the Bulletin Board under Youth Sports or you can call Commander Ironhide who is the overall director of the program. For T-Ball, you can call The Watch Tower and leave a message for Commander Springer, Commander Drift and Commander Arcee of Iacon. All are invited to come watch the children play. The game is fierce and the skills are remarkable." He glanced at Geode. "That's sports tonight, Geode."

"I go to the children's sports. Such good play and such good sportsmanship. The adult leagues could take a page from their book," Geode said.

Jacx chuckled. "I agree."

Geode glanced at the camera. "Now, weather with Melli."

A young petite femme smiled at the camera as it switched to her. She was yellow, smart, personable and studying to be a meteorologist at the University. "Thank you, Geode. Today, the weather was a real trial for most of us with the sand storm and drop in temperatures that it engendered." A huge map of Mars came onto the screen with the locations of all the groups of cities, the outlying stations, the human habitations and various depots that were part of the Cybertronian landscape here and overlays of weather notations including a translucent beige shape showing the extent of the sand storm. "Let's check the temperatures today. Here in The City, the temperature at its highest was -120 degrees. Most of the urban centers reported temperatures in the same range.

"Seven Cities North, their hub city reported the lowest temperature in the colony at -132 degrees during the orn. Human habitats ranged in the -100 to -110 degree range. Its fortunate that they're in lock down during the sand storm which is the cause of such unseasonably cold day time temperatures. This trend will continue into tomorrow when the storms are expected to die down around 2400 joors on the TMC. The alerts and lock downs will remain in place until that happens and the all clear is given.

"Particulates will be present in the air for a few orns following due to weak gravity and our thin atmosphere. They'll eventually filter down but it might take some time and a haze makes transportation difficult. There's also berms of blown sand and dust which will be hard packed due to the winds. Public Works will be removing them as the winds die down but it'll take time. You're encouraged to move about with care. The Grid GPS system will continue to be available for link in by anyone who desires through the emergency.

"As for the planet itself, we are entering late spring with all its various winds and melting of permafrost in equatorial and temperate locations. In the north, the cold has descended upon the ice pack and will continue to hold it in check through this, the warmest part of the year. Even if there are greater temperature fluctuations here, they'll be negligible for the southern and northern climes," she said as she pointed out temperatures and special conditions for most of the cities and locations of import on the map, stating them as she went along.

"The decaorn's forecast is a continuation of the pattern that's been dominating our equatorial position for the past seven decaorns. Winds will be negligible following the sand storm with mostly calm periods during the daytime. There will be continued melting of ice in the regions both north and south of us, though it'll not be harmful to any of our activities or outposts including those in the craters of Olympus Mons.

"We expect winds variable between 15 and 30 miles per hour over the next few orns with them tapering off to 2-4 miles per hour. The winds measured in the current storm are between 85 and 185 miles per hour but will taper off tomorrow and end about midnight of the same orn. Visibility for the next few orns will be limited and in some places impossible. If you travel on the TransWorld Highway be prepared to encounter drifting sand and dirt as well as experience limited visibility. Internal GPS and widely set sensors are suggested. Be prepared to wait in some areas where drifts have reached impassable levels.

"The forecast will play following this presentation. It is updated every joor by the Meteorological Center at the Emergency Command Center at Fortress Maximus. The road conditions call number and that of the weather forecast center can be found in the Community Bulletin Board in the IntraCom folder. You may also call the emergency number for conditions at the Emergency Command Center at The Watch Tower in Metrotitan. The number is 2221444." She turned to Geode. "Back to you, Geode."

"Thank you, Melli. When we come back we will have all the news in summary and notices. Optimus Prime will be giving a statement about the bombing that took place in the Watch Tower in Metroplex tomorrow at 1200 joors which will be carried live. For now, we will return after these messages."

The Community Bulletin Board began to roll showing temperatures and forecasts of nearly every important, settled or developed area world wide, then switched to Cybertron for the same complete with detailed maps.

=0=Up there

"Do you know what you'll say?"

Prime considered that. "Mostly."

"Are you going to talk about the Pantheon and how They intervened?"

"Yes," Prime said. "They are trying to make a point and I think I know what it is. I will assist them in this endeavor."

=0=Down there

"What do you think, Ironhide?"

"I think lunch looks good at the Youngling School tomorrow," Ironhide said with a grin.

"That's my mech," Ratchet said with a snicker.

=0=Up there nearby in a hospital room

"What do you suppose Prime will say?"

"I don't know. He did mention that the Pantheon was involved so I suppose everyone will expect him to speak to it," Springer said. He was feeling pretty well. Therapy was kick ass, mostly his own and though he hated it, the pain was receding and he felt the gathering of his old self on the horizon. Drift on the other hand was still a hot mess.

"How do you feel?" Springer asked for the dozenth time that orn.

Drift grinned, then glanced at Springer as best he could around the neck brace. "Ask me tomorrow when my bling is removed."

Springer grinned. "I hear ya. You better be on your peds for the game. We have to go to Iacon to see it. The kids are coming and 'we have to go, Commander, or it won't be as fun'."

They grinned at each other.

"Well, that settles it then," Drift said with a snicker. "Can you pass me the bowl?"

Springer handed him the popcorn bowl as the news came back on.

=0=News

"Welcome back to the Hourly News. I'm Geode of Camerton and these are the headlines today. A sand storm of unprecedented size and strength has descended upon the colony from the west equatorial region of Mars that follows the Valles Marineris. Given a unique combination of circumstances, a storm of level 3 magnitude arose and marched toward the colony almost without warning. It has lowered visibility to nearly zero, halted a great deal of ground commerce and travel while only slowing down the flight schedule off world.

"The tourist industry is taking a hit at the moment but the Head Meteorologist at the Emergency Command Center at Fortress Maximus, Kaylo of Uraya said that this storm would conclude at or about 2400 joors on the TMC tomorrow. Even though there'll be lingering effects of particulate matter in the atmosphere fifteen miles into the sky, it'll clear in a matter of orns. The human visitors to Mars have been captive in the Resort of Autobot City and a spokesman there said that any days missed inside will be added to their vacation stay to make up that time for sightseeing and other resort experiences.

"Public Works is mapping out a plan to carry away the millions of tons of sand, dirt and rocks that have blown in from the deserts but concede it'll take time to accomplish this. You are asked to be patient during this process.

"Schools will continue as will most businesses and industries but the human habitations will be in lock down until the situation is safe for them to return to normal activities. All transport of goods and services will be running though the overland trains will be out of operation until their tracks are cleared." Geode said as he continued the news.

=0=Up there nearby

"Daddy?"

"What, Princess?"

"Did you ask Uncle Optimus if we can come to Iacon for the game this weekend?"

Will Lennox glanced over his paperwork to peer at his daughter who was finishing up her homework. She was sitting on the floor with all her stuff spread out on the coffee table. Nearby at the dining table, Sarah was working on her stuff which was spread out as well. They looked like an accountant convention. "I don't know if that will happen. Cybertron isn't safe and the stadium … I haven't see it since it was a ruin."

"It won't be. They rebuilt it. We're studying city-states in geography and we're working on Iacon and Praxus. The city wouldn't have a game if it wasn't rebuilt. Right?" she asked with a grin.

Lennox considered that. "I'm not sure that I want either of you on Cybertron right now. Its still a wreck and the camps … you can't imagine what they're like."

"Then we have to go, Daddy. We have to see how our city is coming along. Cybertron needs to know we care about them, all of us. We're Cybertronian, too." She stared at him with a solemn serious expression.

He found himself floundering. "If Optimus thinks its safe, then I'll consider it."

She smiled like the sun. "Call him, Daddy. I want to go with Sunspot, Bos, Co-D and Reflector. They're coaches of both Kaon and the Comets. Bos and Sunny are going with the twins to Polyhex and we can coach the Comets in Iacon, me, Co-D and Reflector." She smiled again. It made sense to her. "If you call him, I can face time everyone. The Watch Youth Auxiliary are going, too. They wouldn't if it wasn't safe."

Will stared at her, then his smirking wife. It never ended, his amazement, how much both of them took to this place. He sat back, then brought out his encrypted phone. He dialed it. After a moment, the velvet tones of Optimus Prime could be heard. "This is Prime."

"Optimus, this is Lennox. Sorry to call you at home but my daughter has a question for you," Will said as Annie jumped up and ran to him, sitting down beside her dad. "Uh, I think she wants to ask it."

"I am listening," an amused voice said over the line.

"UNCLE OPTIMUS! HI! HOW DO YOU FEEL?"

"I am fine, Annabelle. I am told you have a question," he said.

"I do. The Watch Auxiliary is going to your game on Cybertron. I was wanting to know if I can come, me, Dad and Mama. I want to see you win and show the Cybertronians there that the Cybertronians here love them, all of them," Annie said.

It was silent a moment.

"William, what is your feeling about this?"

Lennox glanced at Sarah who grinned, then shrugged. He sighed. "Well, I don't know how ready Cybertron is to have someone come who requires as much effort to care for as us. I was sort of hoping you could tell me what you think about this? You know we love football and Annie is your biggest fan but things are still rough there and … you know," he trailed off.

He hoped Optimus did.

=0=At the other end

Prime grinned at Prowl who looked amused himself. "I do believe his daughter is determined to do her best to be a good Cybertronian. I think that deserves support. What do you think?"

"I agree," Prowl said with a snicker. "I also like to see Lennox flail."

"Me, too," Optimus said with a grin. He released the mute button. "I have discussed it with Prowl and we both find nothing there that would be a danger to you or your family. We would both be gratified to have you come to the game. I will instruct Sciences to modify the travel cases for your daughter. I am assuming there will be others who want to come as well?"

Lennox stared at the phone with a mild sense of betrayal. "Uh, I would imagine it."

"Then we are of one processor, William. I will be delighted to grant Annabelle's request," Prime said.

"THIS IS SO GREAT, UNCLE OPTIMUS! HUG UNCLE PROWL FOR ME, OKAY?" she said with delight herself.

"That will also be accomplished. Is there more, William?" Prime asked with notable amusement in his tone.

"Uh, no. That about does it, Optimus," Lennox said with resignation.

"Very well," Prime said. "Good night to all." Then he hung up.

Lennox stared at his phone, then his daughter.

Annie hugged him tightly. "THANKS, DAD! YOU'RE THE GREATEST! I HAVE TO GO TELL EVERYONE!" She jumped up and ran for her room down the hallway of their apartment.

"Annie-" Lennox began. He stared at the hallway. "Don't bring your whole class," he said then glanced at Sarah. "I'm not very good at this am I."

Sarah who was laughing shook her head, then grinned at him. "No. I don't think you are."

=0=Up there

Prime hugged Prowl who he pulled onto his lap. "This one is from Annabelle Lennox," he said as he hugged Prowl again.

"Thank you, Annabelle," Prowl said in the middle of Prime's massive arms. He laughed. "Poor Lennox. Such a schmuck."

"I think I like that word."

Prowl grinned. "It's yours."

It was silent a moment, then Prowl glanced upward. "I was thinking of bringing my amma and appa as well as Jetta's genitors. Jetta and Elita said they appear to be much better and maybe a game will do them a good turn. I'll ask him about whether going to Cybertron the way it is will be detrimental. If it is, then we can have them over for dinner instead afterward, all of them and your genitors after the game. It'll be a good way to get back together again. I think having Arcee and Magnus over as well would be a nice touch."

"It would be, a very nice one," Optimus said. "If they can benefit from coming, it might be fun for them to watch half their family beat Nova Cronum."

Prowl snickered. "I like a mech with confidence."

Prime grinned. "I try," he said as they both laughed.

=0=Down there

It was the usual goat rodeo getting five infants, one youngster and three tall youths in their berths but it was accomplished. A list of who got the cow and who had to wait their turn was hung on the bulletin board outside the office. Genesis got Robby tonight. It was a cozy fit on the berth with a titanic youngster and a cow that expected his share of the pillow. Light went out and two big mechs trudged for the berth themselves. They did their business then fell onto the berth, weary to the core.

It was silent a moment, then Ratchet glanced at Ironhide beside him. "Don't forget church tomorrow."

Ironhide snorted, then glanced at him. "You're a sorry source of support. Just so you know."

"Actually, I've been basking in your high moral sanctity since this began. By the way," he lied. "There was a message from Appa Trooper to have you come over and audition for a singing part in his operetta, Destiny."

Ironhide glanced sharply at Ratchet. "You're joking. Right?"

Ratchet grinned. "I am."

Ironhide let out a softly vented sigh. "Slagger."

Ratchet grinned. "It was from Amma Scout."

"WHAT THE FRAG!?"

It would take a while to get five concerned little kids back to their berths and even longer for Ratchet to find a pillow and blanket for the couch.

=0=TBC 5-15-2020 LONG ONE TONIGHT! :D:D:D. 5-16-2020

I hope all is well. I was outside pulling weeds when a pair of fighter jets from Elmendorff Airbase in Anchorage flew low and slow over the town. They were there to salute the nurses, doctors and caregivers as well as other essential workers. I thought about Starscream and his trine when I saw them. Fighters that close up are an extraordinary thing to see. I last saw them during 9/11 when the world shut down flying and they were making a rectangular route over Alaska for patrol. Take care out there and know you are loved. Please, practice what they told us. Its starting to spike again since everyone relaxed the rules. We've been together, many of us for ten years. Here's looking at ten more. This, too, shall pass. I'm old. Believe me. ;)