The Diego Diaries: Swan Dive (664)
-0-Out there earlier
Ships began to move as refugees were evacuated. They lifted off with a pilot from the army flying them to the vortex nearby. As they began to go, the ships carrying the surrendered enemy waited. Sander, the nominal leader waited to speak to Prime. He sat in the unfinished command center of the enclosed base. Heavy treads drew his attention so he looked up to see a foe that had been central to his mental and emotional life for eons of time.
Prime was a big mech like he was himself but the Autobot leader towered over even him. His power was evident and seemed to be contained by an intelligence that was also apparent. Prime was an energy you felt before he reached your optics. His aura was powerful and brilliant. That it bore the mark of the Matrix was clear but Sander knew that it would be so without it. Even Megatron would read the big mech that clearly.
Prime paused to take in the measure of the bot who had solved his problem. Sander was big, front-liner big with an intelligence that most of the opposition didn't much possess. Sander held it on his face as well as in his optics. Sander stood and although tall had to look up to see Optimus's face. "Prime," he said in a deeply masculine voice.
"Sander," Prime said nodding. "Sit."
Both did. Sander waited knowing that Prime had the moment and would tell him whatever he wanted. He also knew he was in no position to argue.
"Thank you for defusing the situation. I would like to know why. I have gone through your record. You are not the type of mech easily reached," Prime said in his beautiful baritone. Prime had assessed the mech as a question mark … someone who could possibly be salvaged given the right circumstances.
"I don't believe in killing babies," Sander said as he leaned back against the bare stone wall. "Babies are rare anymore. I think I was young when I last saw one. I know they were in our army hidden among some of the secret bonds but they were kept down low away from Megatron and Shockwave." Sander glanced at Prime. "Shockwave would have experimented on them. Everyone basically knew that."
Prime nodded. "Shockwave would have. He is no longer a threat."
Sander glanced at Prime sharply. "You took care of him?"
Prime nodded. "We did."
Sander nodded, then grinned. "Poor Megatron. His alter ego is gone."
Prime nodded. "I want to know about you. I am aware that many in your crew are not going to rehabilitate. You seem more intelligent and reasonable. What about you?"
Sander sat quietly for a moment, then grinned. "I'm high caste. Did you know that?"
"No," Prime said truthfully. "I know that you were part of a road gang in Altihex."
"I was because I wanted to have fun. I was slated to be a lawyer. Imagine that. Me, a lawyer." He glanced at Prime. "I was sort of the odd mech out in my family."
"I can imagine," Prime said nodding.
"Trannis was someone who broke the rules. The Rules. Those ones," Sander said. "He didn't apologize and he didn't compromise. I rather found that exciting."
Prime nodded. "Now?"
The grin faded off Sander's handsome face. "I never killed a baby, a femme or a youngling. I only fought soldiers, Prime. You may not know that but I did." He looked at the big mech. "How are those babies? Are they okay?"
"I have not checked," Prime replied truthfully. "They are in the best of hands right now. Their genitors are among the slaves held. I am sure they will be upset about this and hold only ill will against all of you for it."
Sander nodded. "I won't blame them. Femmes, the old ones … the kids … they're innocent. I'm sorry for that, Prime. I don't know if that matters to you or if you even believe it but I am. All of us are. Most of us anyway. The bridge crew. The pictures … they made us sick. It was an easy thing to do, taking Trannis down."
"We have a colony where our people are regrouping. We hold in our security nearly five million individuals. We have a huge migration coming and several more behind it. Dai Atlas and the Knights of Cybertron along with other groups managed to save twenty million of our people sending them off world. That doesn't count the millions in the Empire and those who left on their own. The calls that I made are bringing them to me. I will not countenance anyone living free in the colony who bears ill will to the life we have created for our people there.
"We have prisons where the dregs are contained and will be for as long as it takes. We have an open door for those who come bearing no ill will and are prepared to live by the laws of Cybertron and the Will of Primus as made known through the Matrix of Leadership. I want to know where you stand, Sander," Prime said turning to stare at the big mech.
He thought a moment, then looked at Prime. "Are you looking for a project?"
Prime grinned slightly. "I am hopeless that way."
"Hopeless, maybe," Sander replied. "But not stupid. Not easily fooled. I would have to give my promise, my solemn oath not just to you as Prime but to the Matrix who will hold me to it with my life. Correct?"
Prime nodded. "Correct."
"I see. What makes you think I would keep it?" Sander asked curiously.
"We just had a funeral for a mech who gave, then broke his word to the Matrix and by extension Primus and The One. We buried the shell of his armor. Nothing was left inside of it when the fires were put out," Prime replied.
Sander nodded. "I can see."
"There are Decepticons are every level of society and employment in the colony," Prime said sitting back to relax. "There are tens of thousands of them. They live in good homes, work hard and defend the colony against all comers. They have a mentorship program for any who accept the conditions of citizenship and they enforce any infractions as long as they are minor. There is very little backsliding among them."
"Sounds exciting. Who is leading this group?" Sander asked curiously.
"There is a ruling board for the association and all newcomers belong to it. There is also transitional housing for all newcomers until they understand how to live in peace again. The leadership includes but is not limited to Nitro, Payload, Rampage, Astrotrain and Thundercracker."
"No slag?" Sander asked with surprise. "You have a Predacon on the panel?"
Prime nodded. "We have Stunticons living peacefully in the city. All of the Seekers fly for us and fight with us. They raise their families alongside of the rest of us. There are fifteen major formats in the city now along with millions of others. We are rebuilding our culture as well. The Temple is restored along with the relics."
"The AllSpark? Megatron will be displeased," Sander said with a grin.
"Good," Prime said with a grin of his own. "You are welcome to come and live the way we were meant to be but it means you have to change and abide by the rules. Small price to pay I think for the chance to be who you really were intended to become."
"A lawyer," Sander replied. "That is what I was supposed to become."
"The System is dead. It will never return. You have the right and personal duty to become who you were meant to be."
"You always were an optimist. Your name reflects your nature," Sander said with a grin. He leaned back again. "I am sorry for the babies. I an truly sorry for that."
"Then make the decision." Prime sat quietly waiting as outside the noise level of ships leaving began to rise.
"I can give it a try," Sander said looking at Prime. "Old habits die hard but I think I want to see this colony. I want to see what we could become without the System."
"You have to give me your oaths, then keep them. If you break them you will die a horrible death. Do not be the second one to find out if the Matrix keeps its own word," Prime said. "I assure you it does."
Sander nodded, then offered his servo. "I know," he said quietly.
Prime took it, the electrical spark emphasizing the moment and degree of commitment offered and returned. Then a greater effect could be felt. A presence made itself known between them, an energy that bespoke of power and forgiveness. They sat together feeling it rise around them embracing them in its ancient grace. Then it receded.
Sander who sat grasping Prime's servo leaned back. "The Matrix?"
Prime nodded, then rose. "It apparently holds hope for you. Whether you welcome it is up to you. It is rare when it weighs in on an individual's personal decision about their life."
Sander stood, then nodded. "I will remember that." He paused, then grinned at Prime. "I was raised religious. My ada and atar would be proud of this moment."
Prime nodded. "Do them proud then."
Sander considered that, then nodded. "What now?"
"Autobot City," Prime said turning to walk to the door. "Come with me."
Sander turned to follow to a battle shuttle nearby. They entered, then stepped onto the bridge platform of the ship. They walked out of the bridge heading to the command deck of Salton Sea, pausing by the command desk where everyone sat watching. Prime introduced Sander, the big mech nodding, more than aware of the opportunity in which he found himself.
"You prepared to stop being a fragger and be a true Cybertronian?" Ironhide asked in his usual manner.
"I'm prepared to keep my promise. I would like to protest having to live in a place called Autobot City though," Sander said with a grin.
"I can see your point. I suggested Starscream City myself," Starscream said as he lounged in his chair beside Prowl. "But beggars can't be choosers or so the insects say." He turned to glance at Thundercracker who was sitting at the flight console, a big smirk on his handsome face. "That is what they say, right?"
"You ask me?" Thundercracker asked.
A chuckle broke the tension, then Prime turned. "Sit down and relax. Nitro and the others will be waiting for you when we get to the colony."
Sander nodded, then sat down next to Ratchet who was sitting beside Ironhide. The big medic looked at Sander. "You did the right thing putting Trannis down. I won't ask why. I am just glad this didn't require shooting."
"So am I," Sander said truthfully. It was weird to be surrounded by Autobots but in the mix were Decepticons including senior officers like Starscream and Thundercracker. It was almost disorienting.
"What is the status of the reclamation?" Prime asked as he sat down across from Sander.
"The last ships are going through the bridge now, Prime," Hound said at sensors. "We are ready to leave ourselves along with the giants."
Prime nodded. "Prime to Metrotitan."
"Metrotitan here, Prime."
"How are your comrades?"
"They are optimal and ready to leave. It has been a long time since they have been in the company of family. They will require a lot of repair and sustenance."
"It will be waiting," Prime said glancing at Prowl who nodded. "Take them through next, Titan. We will follow."
"Affirmative, Prime. Thank you," Titan said with a heartfelt tone. "It has been an honor to serve."
"The honor is mine, Titan," Prime said equally spark felt.
The forward screen shifted to images of three massive ships holding a pattern in the debris field. Then Metrotitan moved forward followed by Hydrax. They made a line after a moment of adjustment for the infant, heading for the vortex, Metro-Hex bringing up the rear guard. They flew into the swirling energy, then disappeared. There was only one ship, Salton Sea and two shuttles left.
Prime turned to Sanders. "We would need your help sorting the wheat from the chaff. We can not allow anyone to live in the city unless they can be trusted. We have civilians who have suffered and their families. No can be allowed to harm them again."
Sander nodded. "I understand."
"Take us home, Revo," Prime said turning to the pilot sitting at the con behind them.
The big former Decepticon who was listening to the conversation intently nodded. "Consider it done, Prime."
With that, the massive battleship, Salton Sea and two Wrecker shuttles entered the vortex. No one would be back until later when a work crew and garrison guard returned to finish the job that Trannis had started. Fort Recluse would be added to the list of installations that were in place to protect the solar system of the Cybertronians and their allies. It would not be lost on the predators that lurked nearby watching them go.
It would be a huge surprise two orns later when the metallics would come back and they would be forced to flee.
-0-TBC March 27, 2014 edited 3-27-14