The Diego Diaries: Cloudy With Kids (dd7 367)
=0=The orn flows like water …
Ratchet walked along the path followed by Ironhide, Steiner, Sun, Flint and Jack. The others were ahead breaking trail so to speak which was true given they were knee deep in snow and ice. Some of it was still black from the war, stained seemingly forever by the drifting clouds of death and soot that had floated around the planet for years after the fires were out. It had settled at the poles, a terrible reminder of bot violence and the lasting spark crushing pain of hatred and war.
Ironhide was built for anything and everything but always found snow to be a bitch. His family had loved throwing him out into the soft piles of snow when they were around it, delighting in watching him trudge his way back to whatever deck or hatch where they were waiting, pointing out his progress and encouraging him before tossing him back out again.
He'd enjoyed it, there were cookies and treats to be had after the play but even so he found deep snow and ice not his 'thing'. By the time they reached the place they were going he was usually fed up and ready for his cookies.
Including now.
"Well, here we are," Raptor said as he turned to his one and only grandson. That is, until Scout The Other One™. "Sit-rep, infant."
Everyone waited for him, staring at him with amusement as he blinked, then gazed around. All of them were his heroes, his mentors and dearest deepest delight, though he'd grown to disguise as much as he could over the vorns given their rather free ranging habit of taking liberties with him. There was never a moment among them when there wasn't something to learn amongst the fun and laughter.
"Uh, it looks like the Pit here," Ironhide said glancing around. "It also looks like it hasn't snowed in ages."
"It hasn't. Why?" Hardie asked as he grinned at the very epicenter of their family's delight, the only grandson they expected to get from Blackjack and Alie, the little black armored mini-me that reminded them of the tiny grandson 'Jack once was, too.
Until Scout made it two.
The little muffin.
Ironhide stared at the great grandfather that he revered. Hardie always was getting him to think broader and deeper than he usually wanted. Football and goofing with friends was always just that much farther away when his Appa wanted to make a point. Ironhide glanced around again. "The weather system has stopped."
"Close," Hardie said.
Ironhide glanced at the blackened snow, though there were some patches where it was cleaner, thus, snow had fallen but not much and not well. "Its changed. It isn't predictable anymore or its weaker."
"Close enough," Hardie said as the others 'golf clapped' their approval.
Ironhide frowned at them.
They smiled at him in deeper delight.
"What we have here is a decimated ecosystem where the weather does what it can and will in its feeble decline. When no one cares, that doesn't mean things stop to wait for everyone to catch up. The ecology of this planet is smashed and disrupted. All isn't lost, though. It doesn't take much to make things better. You just have to care and act," Hardie replied. "We have, thus, a bit more snow now than has fallen in literally thousands of vorns."
There was snow here and there and the mountains in the distance were white with it.
"The humans have the same problem. They despair that their hubris is too much to overcome but it won't be hard or take long. All they have to do is want it and change," Ratchet said. "They're a lot like us but without the level of savageness of our wars or their scale, the completely blinkered lack of vision and morality of our leadership then, the spark crushing depth of disdain for others, the monumental levels of greed that we attained, the depravity of indifference that we reached … almost, anyway, but not quite. I'm still pulling for them, the slaggers."
"Those are the organics one planet over? The shrimps I see around?" Ironhide asked with the Tact of Youth™.
"Good thing you're not the diplomat," Ratchet said as he stepped into Ironhide's personal space. He looked up at him with smoky optics, something that he could tell registered on all the places in Ironhide that he was aiming for.
He was a doctor after all.
"You're a diplomat, too? I thought you were a medic." Ironhide caught the subtext smoldering in front of him and filed it in his secret stash that would grow into a vast library of such moments over the vorns and eons of their Dance of Doom™ aka bond.
"Oh, Ironhide," Ratchet said with a dazzling smile that struck home immediately with the big Autobot. "I'm the diplomat, the doctor, the all around keeper of your aft."
"Is that so?" he asked as he stepped just a smidge closer.
"You have no idea," Ratchet purred as he leaned in just that much closer. He was surveilling the big lug without his notice, using secret equipment that always kept him zoned in on the mechs around him. You never knew when one would bust a mainspring and flip out.
It was silent and heavy as Ironhide struggled in his helm over his next move. This was something deeper and more feral than he was used to and the mech before him was supposed to be his bond. He was, actually, but it was new. It would be like someone out of the blue telling you that you were the Queen of Sheba. You might like the idea of a crown but it was still disconcerting and new with overtones of disbelief at the honor.
He liked this 'crown'. He liked it a lot. He felt the tinglies going here and there as they stood off each other. He also noticed the crowd of mechs gawking at him with big sappy grins, then stepped back. "Slagger."
Ratchet stepped back, too. "Putty in my servos, Ironhide. Just know that."
"You never won a battle, Ironhide. You're bonded with the Prankster King of the Autobot Army," Raptor said. "You lucky slagger, you."
Ironhide grinned in spite of himself. "If you say so."
"I'll take him off your hands, ingrate," Hercy said with a grin.
Several others answered in a mocking chorus.
Ironhide smirked at them. "Get back to me later. Right now, we're still on a temporary trial run."
"The FRAG you are. I told you earlier. I'm not raising our 57 children by myself, slagger," Ratchet said. Then he bent down, made a snowball and obliterated Ironhide in the face before he could react.
The fight began in earnest. Ironhide would get ten times the snowballs as everyone else.
The slagger.
=0=Later that afternoon on Mars
They walked from the office heading for lunch. Orion had wanted to see the effort expended in his name and under his rule. The colony was like a present and he wanted to open as much as he could. They compromised by using cabs.
Tagg sat across from his son and Prowl, alongside Kestrel who was making conversation because he was that sweet and concerned. Tagg stared at Prowl. He looked less tense but there was a wary need to protect Orion that was interesting to watch. Prowl was a hard nut to crack but Prowl gave himself to the two of them without caveats, he and Kes, because he was so grateful for Orion and because he loved them.
It wasn't an easy thing for Prowl to love, he thought. Prowl was high caste, extremely high and they never seemed to know how to feel openly in Tagg's experience. Prowl was Orion's second at the time of his accession and they had come to know him as well as they could when living in The Residence with their son before war destroyed everything and had parted them for what seemed forever. Orion had wanted it for them to live in comfort with him so they accepted to take the burden back from him about their safety. There were dinners and planning sessions held in the office of The Residence where Orion and Prowl had worked together. Then had seen both up close for a long time.
Kestrel saw it first, deducing the feelings that Prowl had for their son. He held them close to the vest but it was obvious even to him that Prowl had romantic feelings for Orion. Given the closeness of their family and their understanding of their son, a thing still growing and expanding even now, they knew Orion had the same. They also knew he would never act on it and it was futile to bring up. They would wait for him to do that for himself instead.
They would wait forever, it seemed.
They respected Prowl for his care of their son. They loved him because he was kind and good, both to them and their son. They loved him as the ada of their grandchildren, something all three in their family never expected to have. Orion was Prime. It was a lonely solitary life without the hope of love and family. No Prime had ever bonded and there were no Primal children until these, their beloved grandchildren.
Prowl had been the carrier for all but three of them and those three he'd taken on even before he discussed it with Orion, truth be told. It was a big thing for a mech with a reputation among many as hardened, tough, seemingly humorless, ruthless, calculating, difficult and rather machine-like. It was an intimate role for such a mech but he'd taken to it with gratitude. It was clear to both of them, he and Kes, that there was nothing too big, small, dangerous, difficult or unlikely for Prowl that he wouldn't do for and because of Orion. He'd created a family and a home for their son that had made him happy.
Orion was a father because of Prowl. He had a home life that was deeply fulfilling to him because of Prowl. Orion had love, real fulfilling love at last. He was all he wanted to be … a mech who made a difference, one who could help their people reach their best and have the private life he never hoped to gain as well.
All of it was because of Prowl.
And Ratchet.
Tagg grinned at the story that they'd pieced together from comments and conversation. His son was a great and glorious being but suave was not a thing for him. Tagg watched Prowl gently explain things to Orion who listened carefully. Both of them were meant for each other.
They arrived at The Pit Stop and climbed out.
Prowl turned to the three of them. "I think you'll like this place, Orion. We come here a lot with the children."
Orion nodded, then hesitated before speaking. "If you feel the children will benefit from being home again, I will endeavor to do my part with them."
Prowl stared at him, then grinned slightly. "That won't be hard for you. You're an amazing father." He glanced at the door, then stepped toward it. The three followed him inside.
=0=On a ship heading for somewhere else
Ratchet sat next to Ironhide grinning at a story Raptor was telling about how Ironhide was the cutest little mech that ever lived and how they all took turns showing him the 'wily ways of the Autobot'. He felt Ironhide's amusement beside him. :So, you were a spoiled little slagger from separation?:
Ironhide glanced out of the corner of his optic at the wily bot staring at his grandfather. Taking a moment to admire Ratchet's profile, he grinned slightly. :I was their little mech. I sort of fell into it:
:I noticed: Ratchet replied. Then he grinned. :You sort of got what you wanted then?:
Ironhide who didn't have a clue about The Game™ all the low caste Autobots played amongst each other over the class barriers that led to their near extinction bit the bait. :I stood there and they filled my hand:
Ratchet considered that. :Must have been nice. Must have been nice to get whatever you pointed at:
Ironhide glanced at Ratchet with a slight frown. :I wasn't spoiled:
:Neither was I: Ratchet began. "It must have been nice to give Ironhide all that he ever wanted. Must have been nice."
Springer grinned. He loved this game though he was never going to win it. Mid-caste slaggers were considered high amongst those who had lived mostly harrying and limited lives in the low castes.
Drift nodded. "I didn't get nothing down at the dump."
Ratchet glanced at Ironhide. "Drift grew up in a cast off container box at the dump in Kaon. It sort of spoils you but not in the same way."
Ironhide frowned at Ratchet. He didn't know about the game or he would've shut his pie hole. "I wasn't spoiled."
Everyone glanced at his elders.
Raptor grinned. "He didn't ask for it but he never said no." He grinned bigger. "Neither did we. He as so cute, the little slagger."
Ironhide frowned at his grandpa.
"I never got anything handed to me. We didn't even have a door on our container," Drift said as he sat back to slag his 'dad'. "Sort of let the wind blow in."
"Did it?" Springer asked.
Drift nodded. "Wasn't all bad. Sometimes something good would fly in."
"What sort of thing?" Sideswipe asked as he grinned at Drift.
"I lived in a dump. Let your processor wander," Drift said with a chuckle.
"What the frag? You really lived in a container box at the dump in Kaon?" Ironhide asked.
None too wisely.
It was on.
Drift nodded, then glanced at Springer. "A dump in a dump."
Springer felt the futility of the game grab him by his bearings. "I … I didn't live in a dump. I lived over our store, though. Does that help?"
"Nope." -everyone there.
Raptor sat back with his arms crossed over his chassis. Everyone else did as well among the elders of Ironhide's family. :I love this game:
The elders nodded. They did, too.
=0=TBC 8-31-2020 edited
NOTES:
leoness chapter 365 . Aug 29
*chuckles* ratchet is re-wooing ironhide all over again.
ME: HE IS! Its fun to write this arc. It might not be the longest arc we have but its going to be fun and have consequences. I'm planting seeds now. ;)
Guest chapter 361 . Aug 24
When Autobot city was just starting and they had the TF Prime shows in the cinema, it was said that Prowl took pictures from that Optimus, because he looked so young and he didn't have any. Well, now he can take plenty…
ME: LOL! I forgot about that. He does now, Our Prowl.
Optimus sounds nice, whatever his age.
ME: HE's a good guy and I don't think films and such show that side enough. He's just born to be good.
Curious to see where you are taking the story from here. Thanks for writing it for us.
ME: You are most welcome. :D:D:D
What Lies Beyond chapter 358 . Aug 21
Holy crap! I forget to read for a week and THIS happens?!
ME: BWAHAHA! YOU SNOOZE! YOU LOSE!
I honestly cannot wait to see how this situation unfolds-there's so much to unpack here that I don't know where to begin. It almost feels, at the moment, like a cross between the Orion Pax arc of TF Prime and the Star Trek fic 'Insontis'... (Excellent fic, btw. Highly recommend if you haven't already read it.)
ME: I agree. Its interesting to see what these guys will do with a personal crisis given their positions in the leadership. I love this and I'm going to check out the fic. Thank you. Some of the best stories I ever read are recommendations. :D:D
I don't recall quite which chapter it was, but there was a reference to the Dead Zone and what might exist there... My mind jumped to a certain terrifying winged DW monster. I know you probably weren't planning on incorporating that franchise, but if you do I really hope they don't show up!
ME: The dead zone is such a complex thing I'm sort of putting it off mentioning beyond a word or two until I fully understand it. I'm still struggling with Headmasters and some of this stuff. LOL! Empress Kumquat on Youtube is a good sorter outer. :D
Disturbed's cover of 'The Sound of Silence' is amazing. Truly, one of the most haunting songs I've heard.
ME: Its glorious and lifts the soul. HUGS my darling!
Dark Mind and Saddened Soul chapter 358 . Aug 21
I think I am overtired, but I am really sad about this situation. Poor Ironhide and Optimus, they must be so confused, and poor Ratchet and Prowl... I am highly interested in seeing where this new arc is going to go, and how they are going to try and sort it out, so I am awaiting the next chapter.
Ta, Lisa
ME: This is going to take a bit of time but its going to allow me to tell more about their backstory and things before they became Autobots. HUGS, darling. I'm the original pollyanna. I don't kill or torture my characters. Much. :D:D I always try to have a good purpose for everything. Ta back, Lisa honey. :D
leoness chapter 358 . Aug 21
disturbed's sound of silence is one of my favorite songs.
ME: Those guys are great. That song soothes something I didn't know needed it. HUGS!
and this arc is anxiety inducing!
ME: BWAHAHAHA! SUCCESS! :D
Shad0wShift3r chapter 356 . Aug 19
OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! OH MY GOD! NOOOOOO! I need moreeeee
ME: ON IT, MY DARLING! :D:D:D
optimus prime101 chapter 356 . Aug 19
What is happing did the one do that?
ME: Maybe. Maybe not. ;)
DreamChaser99 chapter 356 . Aug 19
Ahh! The suspense is going to kill me! Just when everything was going good ... BAM, something happens!
ME: I think someone pressed the life sucks button. :D More to come, darling. HUGS!
optimus prime101 chapter 355 . Aug 18
Oh my gosh put up another chapter please i want to read what happens is that is that the one?
ME: Tippy tapping day and night, my darling. :D
Dark Mind and Saddened Soul chapter 355 . Aug 17
Ah jeez... what is going on now?
ME: I would have to write a book to explain it. Oh, wait … :D:D:D:D:D HUGS!
leoness chapter 354 . Aug 16
Love a kid casually taking things in stride and blowing the adults' minds haha. Annie is gonna wind up something else as an adult given how awesome she is as a kid.
ME: I agree. Kids these days has another meaning than I remember. LOL! HUGS!
Guest chapter 354 . Aug 15
Hmm.. Are we possibly getting back to the different dimensions and Primes and the bad guy there, whoever it was?
ME: Its on the list. I love lists. LOL! HUGS!
Enjoy the last of the summer weather, the autumn will be here soon. Take care.
ME: And you, too, darling. All of you take care. XO, ME