The Diego Diaries: Visitation Rites 3 (554) NOTE: Because I am a doofus, this is edited and changed significantly. I am sorry about that. The game took my brain off the plot line long enough to screw it up down the road. Its easier to change it here than there. So I reposted this. Hugs, honey.
-0-On the way
They walked along the sidewalk heading for the Industrial Park City. It spread out before them, a massive non-stop facility that turned out just about anything that the city and its inhabitants desired or needed.
The workers and other individuals taking breaks or heading here and there paused, then parted, their silent intense gaze lazer-like in its intensity. They walked along the sidewalk, then paused by the wide entrance. Prowl glanced at them, then continued onward. They followed along with the Autobot entourage, the Elite Household Guards taking station behind them as they walked to the giant doors that stood open allowing entrance and exit on all sides of the vast parkway.
The first enormous structure was one of seven giant steel production mills. Enormous mountains of various raw materials could be seen over the top of the buildings, delivery systems bring them in to stack and delivery systems taking them away to the furnaces. The heat of the immaculate building was the frist evidence of smelting. Enormous buckets moved on conveyors over head carrying tons of molten metals to be poured out, worked and cooled. The noise was huge but no one there was endangered because they could modulate their audials to comfort levels.
They stood watching the buckets go overhead, their molten contents seething with light and heat They paused over large metallic tables, then began to tilt, their contents pouring out. The metal spread out cooling as it did and was taken off by conveyor belt for purposes unknown. The light surged, then dimmed as it did. They stood watching the spectacle, then moved onward.
Cyclonus stared with a growing unease. The ability of the colony to not only sustain itself but provide literally everything needed and wanted was daunting. Their own ability to provide was not on this scale. In fact, the only needs really alleviated were fuel and decent food. He walked along with the others silently, his gaze ... their gaze missing nothing.
They walked onward going through plant after factory after assembling workshop. There were specialty factories for everything including energon base for food and medicine, protoforms, medical and household wares and electronics. There seemed to be nothing that wasn't given a factory or plant of its own. It took two joors to traverse through those parts of the city that Prime wanted to highlight. Munitions, electronic weapons systems and the smaller ship construction components were discussed and viewed in detail. They passed the workshops that were labeled centers for the construction and development of space bridge technology and communications.
Slacker paused, then looked at Prowl. "Looks like you can make just about anything you want here."
"That is the point," Prowl said curtly.
"I was curious how you were managing the mobs that are coming here," Slacker replied.
"There is work for anyone and everyone. Citizens get to choose what they want to do. They can go to school to learn a trade or skill. Careers are only dictated by your ability and desire. There is no system here and never will be," Ratchet replied.
"The caste system was fragged frm the git go," Slacker replied with a nod. "You won't get an argument out of us."
No one else spoke but both nodded.
Prowl turned to the group. "We are due in Aerie Hill." With that, they followed Prowl to one of the several underground stations to leave.
-0-Aerie Hill
They arrived at Aerie Hill after changing twice to other lines. The city was busy with Seekers and grounders going here and there. Standing at the station waiting for them, Rainmaker, Silverclaw and Harrier waited with family and sub clan leadership. They were formidable, stern in appearance and ready to lead the tour of their city. Beyond them, the vast curves of the terraced apartment buildings gleamed in the sunlight as mechs came and went, many transforming in air to land on their terraces.
Prime turned to Starscream and the Seeker Elders. "I will leave them in your capable servos," he said nodding to the others. They nodded back, then Rainmaker looked at Starscream. "Please proceed."
Starscream turned to the three with a smirk. "Come. Keep up and learn why you will never ever prevail over us. Come see what Megatron threw away." They turned and followed Starscream into the bustling city.
Prime glanced at the others. "Well, I think this is going well."
Even Prowl grinned.
-0-Moments later outside of the Metro District Station #1
They stood outside the cobblestone walkways to the Mare Tranquilitatis after having been given a small taste of what the colony was and possessed. Prime stood with Prowl and Ratchet, his entourage surrounding the three visitors. "Tonight, you will be my guests for dinner. Right now, you will be taken to your quarters to rest and relax." Prime nodded, then turned with Prowl to leave. They wanted him go, then Ironhide turned to the three mechs. "Come this way." He turned and walked to the path leading into the vast housing district.
The visitors followed.
-0-Ambassadorial Apartment #2, Tower 4, Autobot City, Primal Colony of Mars
The watched Ironhide shut the door leaving the three behind. He had led them upward, then opened one of the five doors that met them in the lobby of the floor. They entered, then paused surprised by the splendor of the accommodations. After a brisk explanation of the apartment and its contents, Ironhide paused. "There will be guards outside your door. You will remain here until we come to get you. Just so you know," Ironhide said coldly. He turned and with Jazz and his father, stepped out. As the door closed, the three could see guards standing in the lobby. Armed guards.
They stared at each other, then Slacker grinned. "This is some kind of place."
Paragon nodded as he turned slowly, his optics taking in the view. He walked toward a doorway that was first of many in a hallway off the main living room. "A beautiful apartment," he said as he walked further in. After a moment, he stepped out. "This berth room has a private wash rack."
The others walked to the room staring inside. It was immaculate, enormous and luxurious. It was also one of five just like it. After a tour of the apartment, they met at the wet bar. Silently they studied the labels and amenities, the well stocked larder and beautiful glasses. Slacker shook his helm. "This is more luxury in one place than I ever was around my whole life. Prime really knows how to live." He took a bottle, pulled the cap and filled three glasses. Pulling out immaculate confections that had never been in the grasp of any of them including Paragon, he took some and his glass. Walking to a couch, he sat relaxing into the luxurious sofa. "This is the life."
Cyclonus took his glass and a couple of the snacks that Rampage had personally prepared, then walked to a chair to sit. Paragon watched them, then looked at the bounty. Taking the plateful and his glass, he walked to a chair to sit. "You do understand that nothing we say will be confidential."
"You do understand that I don't care," Slacker said. He took a bite, then shook his helm. "Frag, that is so good. This energon is so high grade I can't even name it."
Paragon took a bite, savored it, then nodded. "I would say Class A or B. What makes it better than our own high grade is the technique of the preparation and the skill of the chef."
They ate, sipped their drinks, then Cyclonus reached for more snacks. "Prime has done well for himself."
"He has," Paragon said. "This place is superior to every other organization I've seen since Cybertron before the Fall. He can meet any of us or all three of us together without much effort and prevail."
"I saw Omega and the femme. I think there are at least three or four more," Cyclonus said nodding.
"Don't discount the metro formers. Three near Tyger Pax along with Fortress Maximus and Metroplex here in the city itself," Slacker said. "There is one being repaired in the shipyards."
Cyclonus nodded. "I wonder how long you would last if we mentioned you hunted that format?"
Slacker grinned. "Not long," he replied. "I sort of came wondering if I could pass around here. Apparently, my activities aren't known to these formats."
"That can be remedied," Paragon replied quietly. "We are expected at the dinner tonight. I would suggest that not be a topic of conversation."
Slacker nodded. "I'm not telling." He grinned. "Prowl and Springer together. I am curious how much each knows about the other? Prime didn't seem too troubled by having them side-by-side. I also saw the kid, Bumblebee."
Paragon nodded. "Intriguing but of little consequence. I will say that their dynamic is highly amusing. Prime doesn't suggest to me a superficial personality but maybe unlimited power corrupts."
Slacker nodded. "Prowl is one tightly wound fragger. His mainspring is going to break some fine orn and take out half this colony."
"Prime is no fool. I would not discount him too much," Cyclonus replied. "The Matrix chose him for a reason. It wanted him out of all the multitudes. Only a fool underestimates him. Megatron always did and look what he has to show for it."
"Nothing if I can help it," Slacker said as he walked to the bar to get the bottle. He refilled everyone's glasses, then sat. "Even if we get everyone we can who is out here to come to one of us and we pool all of our resources, we still will not be able to take him out. That would seem impossible. With every refugee wave he gathers numbers and strength. We need to do something else to remain here or he will come and take us out. He smashed Soundwave to the ground after all."
Paragon considered Slacker, then raised him a couple of notches higher in his processor. He was smarter than he looked. "What do you suggest?"
"An alliance. How about making an alliance with Prime? Then we can remain here in this sector without looking over our shoulder," Slacker said.
"And do what?" Cyclonus asked.
"Keep the routes free of slaggers and pirates. Other pirates that is," Slacker said. "We can be a resource." He mouthed, "For now."
They sat a moment staring at him, then Paragon reached forward for another delicacy. Sitting back, he took a bite savoring something that he hadn't eaten since he was a child on holy orns. "It has possibilities for me."
Cyclonus nodded. "Discussion is reserved for elsewhere."
They looked around the room, then at the big former Decepticon. Both nodded.
-0-Prowl at the Residence of the Primes
He stood in the living room of his apartment staring around the vast area. There was room enough for a great number of individuals. The table itself with extensions could sit 22 individuals. The apartment itself was immaculate. It was decorated with things borrowed from the Museum and private donors. Every inch of the apartment was scrubbed, polished and perfect. The rooms of the children were locked. Images and other family indications were removed from the space.
He walked to the kitchen and saw the equipment that would be used to both prepare and maintain all of the foods that were going to be served during an elegant dinner party. The bar was stocked as well, beautiful crystal glassware lining the shelf over it. He walked from room-to-room checking out each little thing. He locked Prime's office door, checked the children's doors and three other rooms. Their own berth room and the public rooms would be open to scrutiny.
A knock on the door drew him to it. He opened it, stepping aside as Rampage and his assistants entered. They carried box after container of ingredients and cook ware. Walking to the kitchen, they began to set up for their debut as the personal chef and crew of the Prime of Cybertron.
-0-TBC December 16, 2013