The Diego Diaries: Telephono 1 (dd3 457)
-0-On the airfield
The ships were moved toward the landing zones nearby lined up to be loaded. They were swarming with technicians who were doing the work of re-instating the signal systems and signature mechanisms that would make them read as Decepticons. They already carried the ship sized bridges that had been common on Autobot ships in the Golden Age, a treat secured by the bridge tech refugees from earlier migrations. The vessels glowed dully, the dreaded gray paint of The Fallen and the cryptic purple Deceptibrand discomforting to see once more.
The ship which would be the medical base was being outfitted with surgical mobile units, crammed with supplies, parts and equipment as well as enormous containment vats of all of the different grades of energon that would be needed. The ship would carry the medical team as well as half of the Seekers that were coming along for air support.
They'd be repainted themselves to carry forward the charade. It wasn't a happy thought for the Seekers nor was it for the ground forces that would be part of the assault on the camps and prisons that they were going to strike. The biggest ship, the former Rapier would be the command vessel. It would carry most of the ground troops and the other half of the Seekers with room for the more intact healthy prisoners rescued. Blackjack and Alor would man that vessel. Ironhide would follow in the former Terror while Ratchet's vessel was the former Darkness.
He stood on the tarmac with his father watching the efficient crews and techs working to make another miracle. "The briefings are going to start tomorrow morning. It looks like old mech is going to lose an orn of home detention."
Blackjack grinned. "Sounds about right. Ratchet with time on his servos is a dangerous Ratchet." He looked at Ironhide. "Has he found out about Springer yet?"
Ironhide nearly preened. "Nope."
"You two are hopeless," Blackjack said moving to allow a small vehicle to pass, towing a trailer filled with ammunition. "And entertaining."
Ironhide chuckled. "I think I've upped my game over the eons sparring with old mech. He's one crafty bot. All he has to do is glance at some of us to make us worry."
Blackjack nodded. "Give me your son." He grinned at Ironhide. "You may consider that an order."
Ironhide snorted, then smiled. "I think I need to report a theft," the big bot said as he slid his Seeker bag enrobed infant out to his father.
Blackjack kissed Prowler, then tucked him into the crook of his arm rather expertly. "Whiner," Blackjack said as he smiled at his smallest newest grandson. "Your atar is a whiner."
"It comes with the bond," Ironhide said with a grin. "Come on. Let's check out the work." They walked to the Rapier where Ironhide's genitors would lead the expedition. It felt like old times for him as he walked with a light tread beside his father and son.
-0-Tower 2, 24/24, Autobot City, Mars 8-3-19
Happy Birthday Dear Timmy