The Diego Diaries: Rumble (dd7 336)
=0=The Temple at Simfur
The roar was unbelievable that rose from the crowd once the enormity of what Prime had said sank in. The physicality of the sound could be felt against his chassis as it rolled forward toward him. The sea of color and sound before him was as beautiful to Prime as anything he'd ever seen. The people here, victims of eons of abuse, deprivation and despair were wild with joy at what had happened.
The group with him watched the masses as they chanted, hugged each other and began to move closer. Prowl turned toward Optimus who was standing on the steps. :Optimus, they're heading for the Temple. What do you want to do?:
Prime glanced downward to Prowl. :Get ready to go, Prowl. I will conclude this:
Prowl glanced at the others. :Be ready to go:
Prime tuned in again to the crowd. "Please … may I have your attention?" he asked.
The crowd paused, then stopped in place. It became silent again.
"I am aware that you want to see the miracle for yourself," he said as the crowd surged their pleasure in a murmur. "I would hope that you do this in a good way. They will be there even if you do not see Them today. I am going to back to Mars where I am based. I will be coming to Cybertron as will my general staff to make sure that whatever it takes to bring Cybertron back to itself happens. I am proud of you," he said as the crowd quieted even further. "I know this is so difficult and it is not happening fast enough for your eventual well being in a home of your own. But I give you my word of honor on the Matrix that this goal is mine as well, that it animates me day and night and that what it takes to make it reality will be done.
"We are the most fortunate people, you and I. All of us together make miracles happen and today we received two that will assist us further into the future we all deserve. You are not alone and never were. The Powers were always with us and They gave us this extra blessing during the sacred time of our festival. I hope it gives you hope and courage. Thank you for your great goodness. I am proud to be your Prime." With that, Prime began to walk down the steps toward the plaza as Elite Guards joined him.
The crowd roared again as he got closer. Several ran out to touch him and to squeeze his servo. By the time he reached Prowl and the others, a bridge flared into life. Glancing around at the crowds, he nodded his helm. As he did everyone nearest to him knelt down to a knee and bowed their helms back to him. It was like a ripple on a pond as those farther back did the same until it disappeared into the darkness beyond.
Prime stared at them with emotion and pride, his people who were good. After a moment he reluctantly walked forward headed toward the bridge. He entered and was followed by his entourage. When Drift and Springer rode into it, the bridge disappeared.
The crowd rose, staring at the spot where Prime had disappeared. Then some in the front next to the street began to walk toward the steps. At the top ready to assist, priests and Watch security would help them organize into lines so that they could enter in a good way to see the relics. The only one they wouldn't see was the Matrix Flame. That relic stayed with Prime in the Temple on Mars. Given Its unique nature and need for proximity with the Prime It served, It wasn't duplicated.
=0=Mars
They walked out onto the airfield which was nearly cleared of individuals. The crowds had headed out, some for clubs and bars, others for homes and parties. It would still be a while before the siren breaking fast but they were going to dance and party anyway. Some noted their return, then hurried to Prime to ask questions and shake his servo. By the time they made their way to the tower, it was easier going.
Drift and Springer spent a moment chatting with Raptor and Sun, then with the others who were waiting nearby mounted up to patrol until dinner at Ratchet and Ironhide's house later. Family members walked to the tower to go to their own houses or up to the various households of Prime and Ratchet. Children were parted out and so were animals. When the last group caught a cab or entered the tower, Prime and Ironhide joined them.
They both stepped into an elevator for the ride upward. Ironhide glanced at Prime whose aura was still blasted with white light. Cybertronians could see it. They were energy beings but humans couldn't. They would, however, feel the effect of it on their emotions if they were around him for the next orn or so. It would feel like warm and loving emotions. "That was a surprise."
Prime nodded. "It was. I want a survey of the planet. We need to pivot our efforts if this is a world wide phenomenon. They said it was and I believe Them."
The door opened and both stepped out to walk to The Residence. The front doors were open and laughter could be heard inside. They entered to the delight of the children and the unease of some of the adults. Styre, Stealth, Shadow and Zenith were still aware of the intensity of the moment and the proximity of this mech to The Powers. They stood and bowed their helms.
"That is not necessary, though your kindness is much welcomed," Prime said as the four stared at him. "Now is the time for celebrations."
"It is. Is there anything I can do for you, Lord Optimus?" Stealth asked with a slight fidget of nerves.
"No, thank you," Optimus said as he glanced at Prowl who was smirking from the doorway nearby. "Right now, we should just enjoy each other and the moment. I suppose that the children will be fed?"
"We can do that," Stealth said as he glanced at the others. "You shouldn't worry about that," he said as he picked up Possibility and turned to guide the others toward the kitchen.
Prowl watched them stream in, his elders, as they gathered to feed the children. It would be a while before they would dine themselves, only after the siren. It was always so in his family on both sides. No one ate during the fasting period.
Prime sat down on his chair to relax. Ironhide settled with him. It would be entertaining to watch the elders, flustered to the last one, briskly help Prowl with the children.
=0=Down below
Ratchet sat on his chair with a grin as the door opened and closed. Mechs and femmes came bringing drinks and food for the food fest that would occur here after the siren. Some came to stay and others would come back when dinner was ready.
Ravel put things in the warmers and ovens, discussed with Docker where to stack drinks and had the big boys do the toting. Children watched them, a little flock of them following everyone here and there.
"This is good," Ratchet said to Alor who was lounging in Ironhide's chair. "Nothing like the minions doing the hard work."
Alor grinned. "I would kill for a plateful. Everything looks good and smells better. My compliments to Ravage and Company."
Huge laughter and some push back from the elders who actually made something took a moment, then everyone settled. Cows and children along with dogs and a bug bounded to their bedrooms to play madly with stocked toy boxes.
"So, does anyone know about boys night out?" Delphi said as he sat on the couch next to Turbine.
"I believe its still on. Frankly, I think its necessary. Optimus can't have a halo when he's loaded," Ratchet said with a dazzling smile.
"RATCHET!" Ravel peeked around Docker. "That is the Prime you're talking about."
"I know. Speaking of getting loaded … what about the camping trip and booze up in the Valles? Are we still on?"
Bluestreak grinned as he walked toward the door. He had delivered food and was heading up to help keep the conversation going with Zenith and Shadow there. "I am. What about you?" Blue asked as he glanced at the others.
"Wild horses, Bluestreak," Delphi said with a smile.
A short interlude on the internet ensued for meaning, then plans were made. Of course, given the changes on Cybertron, it could all go up in smoke. But for now, all stations were go. Blue stepped out and the door closed.
Ratchet glanced at a wall clock. "Frag. We're going to have a wait."
They would.
=0=Out there
They rode along the highway which was packed. The towns were filled with happiness and revelers as clubs and restaurants were packed. Bars and other places where individuals came to party were going full blast. Many there were observing the fasting principle and others weren't. There was no harm, no foul for either choice. The streets were packed with those walking around or hanging out with their friends and family. It would be a high time in the old town(s) tonight.
They were hooted and hollered, Drift and Springer as they rode slowly down the street of Terra heading for the highway that led to other places. Security was out in force though it would be a paltry haul made by the Watch on this night. Mostly, it would be drunks having a high old time.
"I'm starving."
Drift grinned. "You always are. What do you think about this?"
"I think the Pantheon can do whatever They want. I would hope they see the utility of finding Megatron and swatting him into the outback of the beyond some fine orn," Springer said.
"I can get behind that," Drift said with a chuckle.
Behind them riding a horse with Bezel and Lon, Smokey the Younger was chatting in his usual amusingly animated manner. "The Pantheon can do anything."
"I'm glad that the relics are where they started but it seems weird to have two of each now," Bezel said.
"They're multidimensional singularities," Smokey said as if that were enough.
"I suppose your learned that in college?" Bezel asked.
"I could explain the physics to you but I don't want to. I learned it. I earned the degree. Now all I want to do is forget it," Smokey said.
"You can't," Lon said.
Smokey glanced at him. "What do you mean?"
"You're not finished."
Smokey stared at Lon a moment. "What do you mean?" he asked again. "I have the degree. Its hanging on the wall at Amma's house."
"Its a beginning degree. You went general studies, right?" Lon asked.
Riding in front of them and behind, a number of mechs were grinning. They knew that Devcon and Company wouldn't settle for Smokey to have a relatively useless degree as a first level general studies. Apparently Smokey was the only one who wasn't aware of that salient fact.
"Yeah," Smokey said with a slightly defensive tone. "So?"
"So you have to keep going. You have four levels to complete and you've only completed the first one," Lon said with a smirk at Smokey.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN! I WENT! I FINISHED! HOW WOULD *YOU* KNOW!?" Smokey said with rising emotion.
"Because I went to college, too. Four steps, four levels before you get an actual awarded degree. You've only done step one," Lon replied.
It was silent a moment, then Smokey pulled out of the group and began to head cross country to The City at a gallop.
The group watched him go, then glanced at Lon.
"Nice one, Lonny," Splice said as the others laughed. "I'd pay a lot to be there when they fill in this part."
It would be an amusing ride around the colony as they watched the joy around them. Dinner at Ma's house couldn't come soon enough.
=0=At an apartment
He burst through the door with his usual finesse. That is, with none at all.
Moda, Tress, Smokescreen the Elder and Devcon were sitting in the living room talking together.
Smokey stared from one to the other. "WHAT'S THIS ABOUT HAVING TO GET THREE MORE DEGREES?!"
His elders glanced at each other, then the object of their greatest adoration. Smokescreen patted the couch. "Have a seat, infant. Its time to read the fine print together."
=0=TBC 7-24-2020