The Diego Diaries: Here we go. 3 (292) edited

-0-That night

A group of cars pulled into the driveway of the house of their benefactor. He was a very wealthy man who had very narrow views of what was 'acceptable' for the universe that he believed mankind occupied and what wasn't. They were gathering to plan the public relations end of their campaign for the hearts and minds of the human population of Earth in all the corners of the globe. They parked, then walked down the path to the house, entering. Others were there, none of them with a name that they would claim as their own.

No one was that stupid.

They got drinks, ate some finger food, then sat together around a big table. A monitor was available for their plans to be seen and edited as they talked for hours about what they would do. They discussed the money trail and the divisions of labor. They would use the social media networks that were already in place and organize others. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and other outlets for their campaign would be utilized. Organized letter writing campaigns to send the same message to newspapers all over the world as well as online movies and videos was already in the works. It was a tried and true method to make something appear more popular than it actually was.

They would begin to saturate markets in every possible manner to turn the tide. It would not start to bear fruit right away they all agreed. But they were good at waiting, taking progress steadily if somewhat slowly. The goal was getting the aliens out of the solar system. How they would protect it themselves was very clear to them. They would do it themselves.

There also was the idea of using the Decepticons against the Autobots themselves. Let them kill each other.

Someone on their side of the mental landscape once said that you, the great mass of the unenlightened 'lived in reality' but they, the enlightened 'made their own reality'. Such is the grip of delusional thinking and the power of the ego over reason.

-0-That night elsewhere

The infants were in bed and they were lounging. The news had just concluded, the city was ready for a weekend and they were ready for down time themselves. A migration was coming and they had to get ready. Not much was known but this would be the first traverse now that two new groups were players in the game. Paragon and the other as yet unknown group were now something more sinister and held the possibility of disrupting what had become a very organized operation.

"Interesting orn. The artifacts and relics are something else. Alpha and the priests taking them to the Temple was a good idea," Ratchet said as he sipped his 'beer'.

Ironhide nodded. "I know. Some of them are dangerous and some of them are only available for Primes. Putting them in the deep freeze is a good idea. The weapons Solus made are beautiful."

"They are. Optimus is deserving. Megatron can't use them, the slagger. They belong with us," Ratchet said.

They chatted a while, then began to gather themselves for recharge. "What do you want to do tomorrow?" Ratchet asked as he hauled himself to his peds. He extended his servo. "Get up, slow poke."

"The pool seems like a good idea," Ironhide said as he stood up. They turned things off and walked to the berth, Ratchet falling upon it wearily. "Good idea. Enjoy it. I am assuming you'll have the bigger bots and I get the two bitty ones."

"Seems like a fair trade," Ironhide said as he turned out the light, leaving the wash rack. He lay down wearily and relaxed. "We'll work it out tomorrow. Right now, I'm too tired to think."

"You and me both," Ratchet said spooning behind the big black Autobot of his waking nightmares. "Good night, Only One."

"Good night, Ratchet."

They fell into recharge immediately.

-0-Elsewhere

Paragon walked to his quarters, cube in servo. They were recovering physically pretty quickly on the quality and supply of energon available to them now. It was extremely wonderful not to just think about good food but to actually have it. Finally, a break was going their way. His allies on the other side of the migration trail had good and plenty energon for themselves as well. It was fortunate. He was sure they were heading for a shooting war with Prime.

The film from the relay leak was discouraging. The amount and types of defenses and weapons they had at Autobot City as well as throughout their solar system was startling. It wasn't unexpected. The Seekers were always heading toward the city. But nonetheless, seeing it was hard to take. They would have to beef up their game. His call was working. They had allies. More would come. He had gone to Ops Center to catch up on the intel that told them a number of Arks had been gathered up by Prime'sspace bridges, ships that apparently bore 'relics and artifacts of some consequence'.

That was the statement they received before Autobot City told them to go silent. By the time he had considered an interception, no small feat without a space bridge, Prime had already done it. Now he was left with a smaller migration but one of great importance. Apparently, the High Chieftain of all Seekerdom was heading this way with his band, a number of civilians and Seeker flights that had been chased away by Megatron.

He considered what a coup it would be to have him come their way. Seekerdom considered him nearly a god and to have him join with them would put Seeker loyalties to the test. He had sent a message asking for a meet up and after an excruciatingly long wait, a reply was received. He would deign to meet with Paragon for a moment and sent coordinates. He had gone to his ship and they had stood out for the long journey to the meeting place. Right now, he was heading for his cabin for a long talk with his partner, Arrow. As he did, a Seeker flight was heading toward him to meet at the place their leader had designated.

It would take half an orn to reach that spot for both of them. During that time, they would be monitored by Prime, Prowl and the Alpha team at Autobot City.

And the Alpha team at Fort Apache.

-0-Some time later

He landed on the rock and stood quietly as his flight landed all around him. He was big and bore his dignity as well as the scars of a long fabled life on his body. They had arrived first so they spread out sitting and standing as they waited for Paragon. His name was Rainmaker and he was the acknowledged clan chieftain for all of his kind. He was considered to be the oldest still living Seeker, the etchings on his format telling the tale of his long life as well as the scars, burns and bullet holes of his body.

His sons and their sons stood with him as was their habit. He carried his staff, one that bore the glyphs of all their people's tribes and clans, the staff that gave him extraordinary authority over all their kind. He walked to a rock and sat. He would sit there until Paragon came. When they talked, he would not rise. Paragon would know of the insult but do and say nothing. Megatron had breached the compact when he had angrily and stupidly put out the death warrant upon them. Rainmaker would not be standing for a Decepticon again. He would stay seated during discussions to make clear his point.

And it wouldn't be lost on Paragon.

-0-Early morning in Ops Center

The Beta team had tracked the bogies on sensors all night long as their shift wove its way though the evening toward morning. The Seeker flight which had cut its way across the migration trail like the Arks had was getting closer. Sending the message he had been asked to send once they reached a certain distance, the Officer of the Orn sat back to wait.

Optimus and his senior crew were on their way.

-0-Out there

It was evening somewhere and morning somewhere else. In the vastness of the sector that they entered, it was only dark and cold. His ship and escort fights fell into orbit around the planet as onboard Arrow and Paragon discussed protocol for the Great Elder. Seekers were in orbit already signaling their readiness to obliterate his ship and escort upon orders of the Great Elder. If told, they would. If they did, they could.

None of it was lost on Paragon. They turned and stepped out together, Paragon riding down alone on the back of his partner. They were lost from view almost immediately.

-0-Ops Center, Mars

Optimus sat at the command table and watched the intel on the monitor over communications. It was filling the screen with intriguing possibilities. An important Seeker group was meeting with Paragon. They had tracked his group since they left their small fortified system. A series of heavily shielded sensors, small but incredibly powerful, thank you very much, Wheeljack were strategically placed in the hinterlands to help boost the gain on their equipment. They could follow Paragon wherever he went until distance really strayed into the equation. He would never be able to sneak up on them even if he was as clever as he thought he was.

"Starscream is coming," Prowl said turning from Teletraan III. "He's been tracking this group all night."

Prime nodded watching as Ironhide walked into the room with his genitors heading for the table as well. They would sit and watch the data, see the groups on the big datapad and wait.

-0-Out there

He touched down and the two walked across the hard smooth surface of a giant planetary fragment that floated through space like an asteroid. Nearby sitting on a rock, Rainmaker waited. He was studying them but showed no signs. He was aware of everything, this almost mythological figure and Paragon knew he had his work cut out for him. Pausing before the big mech and his silent body guard, he bowed low. :Elder, it is an honor to see you and to speak with you about important things:

Rainmaker waited a moment, then nodded slightly. :You may speak:

Paragon straightened, then considered the figure before him. This mech had been almost a king on their world, the Seekerkin referring and deferring to him with almost messianic respect and reverence. He had earned it. Before the Fall, he had been the guiding servo behind their air supremacy. He had chosen the mechs who would become powerful for their kind. Silverclaw, Harrier and Starscream were his students.

He had fought for the Decepticons because he believed it was time for change and opportunity. No one supported the status quo. Not even the Autobots. Optimus Prime was someone he actually could relate to and he respected him greatly as a mech, a warrior and a leader. Prime kept his word and he was religious. He was the First Disciple of Primus and had guarded their people and relics with all his ability. That he had lost had been more a testament of the situation at the time than a referendum of his ability.

Prime had tremendous ability.

But the thirst for revenge and respect as too great among the Seekerkin, the group which some wag once said was 'so low, they couldn't reach high enough for a caste'. They were the lowest rung of Cybertronian society, a designation that still burned hot in Rainmaker's chassis. He was part of the Decepticon makeover and his people went with him.

Then Megatron lost his processor. Some said that he had finally decided to terminate Seekerkin because of Starscream. That bot had finally worked his last nerve. So be it. Starscream was his student, his lieutenant and someone who had taken the abuse for their people. He had always been the wall between the tyrant and Seekerkin and Rainmaker respected and liked Starscream tremendously, personal quirks and all.

Another source of anger for the Great Elder was that in the end even Megatron didn't respect them. Not after all they had done to further the Cause whose values he had appreciated enough to commit their people to that side of the argument. He was livid.

:I am making a fortification and calling all of the Decepticons within the sound of my voice to join me. We are in a place where energon is actually plentiful and easily retrieved. We want to rebuild our forces and resurrect the Cause from its ashes. Soundwave has a base within three orns distance from us and we are establishing another nearby with wandering fleets. We want to make a force big enough to neutralize Prime and retake Cybertron. We would be honored if you and your forces would join with us. Seekerkin obeys you, Lord Rainmaker. We would become unbeatable even for Prime and the Seekers with him would come at your call:

Rainmaker considered that, more than aware that this was the reason for their meet up. He wanted allies. Rainmaker looked at Arrow who bowed lowly and waited. Proper response, Rainmaker considered. After all, Arrow belonged from the looks of his tattooes to his personal clan. :You are Arrow, from my own clan:

The Seeker nodded and waited.

:Speak to me of this alliance and why I should ever trust a Decepticon after the warrant against us: he said coldly.

Arrow nodded and stood, his optics downcast in an expression of respect and abject subserviance. Such was the proper behavior of a subordinate mech to a superior one. :Great Elder, we ask you to come with us to allow us to reclaim the honor and glory of the Cause which has been cast into dishonor by Megatron. We have turned from him as have others because he has not shown either leadership or respect for our people and our values as Decepticons.

:We would be honored to serve with you and seek your wisdom. I myself am asking as a Seeker and as a Decepticon for you to join with us to rectify the great wrongs perpetuated upon us by Megatron and to seek retribution against our enemies:

Rainmaker considered that, pleased that the youngster understood and demonstrated not only a respectful attitude towards him but also the correct way to show remorse. :You may look at me, youngling:

Arrow straightened, his helm bowing slightly. It was thrilling to see the big elder and know this mech was part of his own clan CNA. Rainmaker looked at him, then Paragon. :Tell me about Prime and the new alliances:

:Prime has a heavily fortified secured solar system ahead that extends out a great distance. He has his own outlier forts as well. He has called and is receiving the refugees that I am sure you have been passing along the way here. He currently has collected over one and a half million mechs. There is a major city being built on the fourth planet in the system. There are rumors that the AllSpark and other relics, some Prime related reside there in a restored Temple. It is an impressive sight:

:And Seekerkin? Do they reside there too?: Rainmaker asked.

:No: Paragon lied. He felt the surge of emotion from Arrow, something he didn't expect. But he surged back and they both waited, no emotions betraying them as they did.

But it didn't matter. Rainmaker had heard the call of Prime. He had heard the calls of Prime and Starscream together. He was aware of the situation on Mars to some small extent. :They do:

Paragon looked at him, then bowed his helm. :They do, sir. But I am not clear on the conditions by which they are accepted. I merely intended to say no, I am not clear about that. I apologize for any misrendering of the answer for your inquiry: He bowed his helm and held it. It was the proper ettiquette to retracting a lie.

Rainmaker knew that and accepted it. This mech had a thankless job. He could remain with the Empire and suffer the consequences of madness or he could make his own way, build his own empire and make alliances as he could. There was no harm here. No foul. Rainmaker looked at both of them. :Thank you for coming:

They paused a moment, then bowed. Taking their leave, they returned to their ships and began the way back to their base once more. It would have been insulting to wait. Rainmaker would know the way to their base. Sitting on the command deck, Paragon waited impatiently. "I hope you understand my remark back there."

Arrow nodded. "I did. So did he. No harm there. If he doesn't come, its because of the insult to our people that the death warrant renders. It won't because you didn't try properly. He will either demonstrate his acceptance of the new Cause you outlined or he will demonstrate that his anger will never be placated against Megatron. If this fails, its Megatron's fault."

They waited together hoping against hope that the harm caused by Megatron wasn't so deep that the Great Elder would refuse to forgive. As they did, they watched the Seeker group rise into the sky and begin their trek once more.

A trek that would take them away. Away from Paragon and his sphere of influence.

They had their answer.

-0-TBC

5-3-13

NOTE: The remarks about living in and/or making your own reality was actually stated by someone who was in a position of power about ten or eleven years ago. Delusional thinking is almost impossible to budge when its feeling justified. Thus, these diehards are actually part of our real life. Unfortunately. :D

There are a number of things about TF's that I love. The vastness of the scope of characters and events, universes here and there including shattered glass. :D What I am interested in here with the Smokescreen thing is taking the enigma of Smokescreen the G1 gambler and making a story for him. Since he's a gambler, I wondered what else he was. Was he bonded? Did he have kids? He's an older bot and the possibilities are great.

When I began to write him in this story, the image of Smokescreen from TF: Prime was in my mind more than I thought it was. Some mentioned how they thought of him as the G1 adult figure, not the young kid from TFP. I considered that and decided to make him more neutral in the future to allow readers to decide which one they wanted to feel he was.

I like the younger version too so I decided to merge the two and make a back story for G1 Smokescreen by having his 'grandson' here looking a bit like him, but not him. It will be part of that to have his family come, his bond, his son and bond and with Smokescreen the Younger who will be referred as Smokey now... what happens then? Was Smokescreen like a stereotypical gambler who cheated around and was less than dependable? How did a gambler become a devoted Autobot? This will either work or not. :D :D :D But your comments are incredibly welcome as are your view points on this story. Keep them coming. :D I love my readers.

Either way, I am good with it. :D Hugs, readers. I have really enjoyed your comments. Sorry I was not more clear. I am tweaking this to make it make more sense.