Chapter 19 - Government meeting
"Alright, thank you for your concern. I'll bring them over and decide what will happen from there."
Leaning against a wall, Nate drops his hand to the side with his phone still holding on to it. He pinched the bridge of his nose before cursing under his breath. The bombing of Driftveil City — the news spread across the Internet like wildfire, no doubt reaching the political spectrum.
Nate promised the Autobots he'll help them any way he possibly can, he wasn't about to give up too soon. Regardless, the world saw the aftermath of the battle (thankfully not the Cybertronians) and are now frightened who could cause such destruction.
The young man just got off the phone with his Superiors at the International Police HQ. It was no surprise they wanted answers to the situation, yet he couldn't tell them the whole truth because he himself didn't know the whole truth either. What caught the organization's interest was the mention of dimension travel.
Nate wanted to grit his teeth at the mere thought. The International Police wasn't so kind to Fallers who came to this world. Using them as bait for their own schemes. Nate wasn't going to let them treat the 'bots that way too.
"Nate?" A familiar voice echoes his name.
"Hey, Hound."
The Autobot had his own set of a human avatar much like when he first met Arcee and Bluestreak that fateful day.
"Something happened? You've been on edge ever since we got here."
Nate sighed heavily, how should he tell him? "I've been talking to my superiors about the whole mess. They want some high official Autobots to come to Castelia City, plus the trainers who first found you guys. I was about to tell Optimus about this… It got complicated went they heard you guys are from a different dimension."
Hound moved his way closer to his ward, "I'm sure you'll be able to pull it off. I'll take you to Optimus now if you want. Not too long ago I saw him talking with Ironhide."
"Thanks."
Nate followed behind his guardian, leaving the inner halls and inside the hanger. The avatar fizzled out leaving the human by himself on the walkway. Sound of transformation echoes through the hanger, finally seeing that friendly face. Nate smiled at his new found friend as Hound offered his servo to the man. Nate climbs onto the robot's hand.
Everywhere around the hangar were civilians and emergency rescuers met. Audibos and Blisseys helped the injured while Wiggletuff and Furret kept the children entertained. By the open gate, Nate saw Optimus answering questions from anyone alike. Awe and laughter were given as rewards to the Prime.
The people and young Pokemon left when they saw the duo heading towards the Prime.
"Nate, Hound."
The trainer coughed off his embarrassment but it quickly went away when he got serious. "There's something I need to talk to you in private."
"A meeting hosted by Unova's President," Optimus repeated, tasting the words on his glossa.
Nate was now on the floor standing between most of the commanding officers.
"Do all of us have to be present? Surely it wouldn't hurt to have only one or two of us go." Ratchet commented.
"I also thought the same but my superiors insisted I bring you. You'll be surrounded by people who're high in political power, hard to say if they'll be willing to cooperate."
"That won't be a problem, we've dealt with their kind before. Judging by the probability that we had, it's safe to say it's going to be a 45/50 chance." Prowl spoke.
"It's that low?"
Prowl continued, "Most humans on the political scale are reluctant to help us. Sometimes when they do, it's always for their own agenda. It's also why we could never stay having a Human-Cybertronian alliance."
The Cybertronians watch Nate anxiety slowly start to rise, creating subtle gestures by pinching his nose. Of course it wasn't going to be easy, but when was life ever easy? When Nate started his journey against Team Plasma, it was him and his team against the world. The trainer turned around, "When was the last Human-Cybertronian alliance?
"On E-86 it's called: Earth Defense Command. It's an alliance we made with the UN protecting Earth and its solar system," Optimus replied.
Space, their dimension, had humans in space. It made clear sense, if we had transformers in our world wouldn't we have advanced technology too?
"I do have to ask. Did your superiors say when we'll be meeting?"
Nate looks at Prime, "Two days, we'll be meeting by Castelia base at 1300; it should be enough time to reach Castelia City. I know the higher ups want all of you but I'm only bringing Optimus."
"That will invalid your superior's commands." Prowl stated.
Nate laughed at his reasoning telling the SIC that it wouldn't be the first time. He'll deal with the consequences later. However, Optimus wasn't onboard with the idea but insisted Jetfire to come due to his alt mode. Just as their private meeting came to a close, Skyla ran up to them.
"Whoa, okay, sorry if I'm interrupting anything but the press just came in. Clay and a few colleagues are holding them off but they want you, Nate!"
Nate turns back to the commanding officers waving at them, "Two days, Optimus. Look your best!" before he joins up with the flying gym leader.
"The kid's got spirit I'll say." Ratchet commented.
Optimus agreed with his old friend, watching the duo from the back of the hangar exit.
Nate was freaking out, after dying down the reporters and sending them away (they just kept asking questions after questions) the public started spreading rumors about a secret war happening. Some believed it could've been a powerful pokemon but others theorize it was an attack from another region.
When confronting Skyla about how she thinks of the situation, she shrugs. "I've seen way crazy stuff. Also, have you ever noticed that Cybertronians look like they are wearing underwear?"
The young man halted at the response, taking a quick glance at some nearby Autobots (Sideswipe and Sunstreaker to be exact). When you looked at it at an angle… I see what she means.
Mienshao stood by his trainer's side, rubbing his head against Nate's hand.
"I'm okay Mi, let's go find Jetfire."
It didn't take long for the pair to find the white tall Autobot with wings talking to Preceptor. They both were behind the hanger with a couple of engineering specialists.
The pair went up to them.
"Hello, Nate. Optimus has informed me about our departure."
"Yes…! I was understanding when we'll be leaving?"
The Autobot faced confusion. "On the second day?"
Nate and his Pokemon expressed defeat. This is going to take a while.
Particles of dust floated in the atmosphere of the Nemesis' brig creating an eerie feeling. It didn't bother the native dimensional Autobot, he was used to such tension. Rodimus, however, was surprised how Megatron was lenient on him — no, rather what the 'con wanted from him.
Answers, he wanted answers of this world. Rodimus didn't have to say much, they had a Soundwave that could read his mind, it was too bad they didn't get information they wanted. Soundwave… the Autobot linger on his name, they had a Soundwave that could read minds too.
Then there was the fact he was now in the future, the future Rei came from. That child was well beyond his years of experience, it was no wonder he became a high rank Galaxy member. Future… something he can't allow these Decepticons take away from this planet.
Rodimus lifted his helm hearing soft padded steps heading his way. Seeing in the dark, he spotted a fluffy black coated blue tip creature. "A shiny Zorua. It seems humans have become nicer to your species."
The gaps in the cell were enough for the little pokemon to waltz on through. The Autobot could tell this little guy had a nature of a daredevil, venturing into places it shouldn't be.
But this isn't a habitat a youngster should be in unless it just wandered in here or…
Heavier footsteps echo the brig. What came into view or who came into view could be anyone's guess.
Standing in front of the Autobot's cell was none other than blue Starscream.
The Decepticon stared inside the cell, eyeing the critter as it made its way back to the 'con.
"Since when Decepticons kept pets? I'm sure Buckethead would be thrilled to know you have one."
Thundercracker finished picking up his friend, "Not a word, Autobot!" Saying the word Autobot as though it was a slur. He was about to step away from the cell when Rodimus spoke up.
"What's her name?"
"What?" he spun around watching the red and flamed yellow 'bot stand up.
"Did I stutter?"
"Why should I answer that? And how did you know she's female?"
"Because why would a 'con like you keep a Pokemon around? To have as a pet, companionship, or a twisted social experiment?" Rodimus asked, saying the last word with venom. He continued, "But you could also guess that I've been on this planet longer than you."
Thundercracker took a step back from the cell also remembering what Shockwave is doing to those poor creatures. "What do you know about Pokemon?"
"You didn't answer my question."
"You answer mine first!"
Rodimus stared blankly at the blue and black 'con before seeing the Zorua with sparkles in her eyes. "I had a Pokemon partner, a Zorua just like yours except they looked differently back then."
"What do you mean?"
"They called it 'Hisuian Zorua', shunned by humans who were afraid of it and died in the cold. They come back to life with strong resentment. Although, it seems as now humans are no longer afraid of them."
Times were different back then, humans and Pokemon didn't get along with each other and feared one another. It took brave souls on either side to overcome their differences.
Thundercracker looked at his Pokemon before going back to Rodimus. "What happened to it? You said you 'had' one."
"I gave him to a friend, a wielder of Pokemon. By then, my Zorua had fully evolved into a Zoroark."
"Buster, her name is Buster. How did your Zorua evolve?"
"Time, love, compassion. You'll see in many ways how a Pokemon can change you then you truly understand your blind faith in Megatron."
Not wanting to stay any longer, Thundercracker places Buster in his cockpit. Walking away from the Autobot who flipped the conversation to a different matter. It bothered him, the cracks were already deep. Why were you trying to make it deeper?
Nate watched as Jetfire transformed into a mixture of a F-14 Tomcat and a F-22 Raptor which holds a container big enough for any Cybertronian to ride in. Jetfire opens his cockpit for the human. Optimus went over to the trainer and scooped him off the ground causing him to yelp at the sudden action, Optimus apologized.
"Wait, I was supposed to be in the front set?" Nate asked as Prime carefully placed him in.
Jetfire replies, "Of course, it's a two hour flight from here to Castelia City. Can't have you cramped up with Optimus.
The human smiles whilst he buckles himself in. As the canopy went down, marshallers began to guide the scientist to the runway. A signal from the control tower beeps through the radio giving Jetfire the clearing. Not before long they were off in the air.
No matter how many times Nate saw it, the view over Unova will always be breathtaking. Although it felt different riding in a sentient aircraft — actually, this is his first time riding inside a Cybertronian. What was it like to have another conscious living being inside of you, can you feel anything, how can they see?
Nate's eyes darted all over the place.
"I can see you are thinking hard, no need to feel nervous. This shouldn't be your first time riding inside a Cybertronian, right? You are Hound's ward."
Nate looks to the side, "It is. Most of the time I'm being carried by arms. This is surreal though, does it not bother you?"
The human can't tell if the 'bot was thinking or not but the silence said otherwise.
"Not particularly, you are not the first human and nor the last."
A simple nod Nate gives the mech. He wanted to ask more questions but he guessed he already talked too much. Jetfire was an unusual 'bot per say. He was taller than Optimus and he spoke with gentle manners, almost having an accent that was similar to Galarians.
The flight to Castelia City was rather peaceful. A few extra small talk here and there but nothing of importance. Optimus had a peaceful time to himself, though he listened to the duet through the comm-link.
"Unknown rider, identify yourself immediately."
Nate's heart raced hearing the voice on the radio. The trainer didn't have much experience talking with ATC, mainly using flying type pokemon to get from point A to B.
Jetfire has already been through such things, he already sent a code to the ATC showing he's friendly.
They were headed to Castelia base, the location they needed to be at.
"Jetfire, Castelia Base, Runway 22 is clear for landing."
The Autobot slowly descended to a low altitude before making a perfect landing. He taxied to one of the gates where a few soldiers waited outside.
The canopy opens revealing Nate hoping out of Jetfire; a man walks up to him.
"Secretary of Defense, it's a pleasure to meet one of Unova's heroes." as the high figure reached out a hand. Nate grabs it, shaking it.
"Where are the dimensional guests?"
This causes Nate to brighten up his smile, turning around to watch Optimus come out of the cargo in truck form. Much for dramatic entrance both Autobots transformed into their robot forms receiving awes form bystanders.
The Secretary of Defense welcomes both Autobots. Seeing them getting a little too close for comfort, he took a step back prompton the travelers to follow him inside the base.
Most of everyone stood on the catwalk, a perfect way to keep eye level with the already tall Autobots. The area of the Base had open space allowing the Cybertronians to freely walk through; unfortunately, they'll have to be careful not to step on any humans over pokemon.
Jetfire cleverly gazed around the base, noticing organic eyes staring back at them but also how most military personnel had one Pokemon (low-key specifically) to them. Each Earth day that passes by Jetfire is inclined to know more about the relationship between Pokemon and Humans, such mutualism would be an excellent study. Wondering if back in the day, he and his old friend would enjoy such study.
Walking down the catwalk, a in black suit with a blue approached the Autobots. "It's a pleasure to finally fit you. I want to thank you for saving the citizens of Driftveil City. Gym leader Clay had filled me in about the situation."
"We were merely doing our duty as Autobots," Optimus proclaimed.
"Right. I believe you want answers as to why you are here, let me explain. After the events that happened last week the public has grown concerned about their safety, many fear their city might be next."
Optimus grew familiar with such speech and it only leads to one thing.
"We would like to form a treaty with you."
Nate became stunned by the proposal but recovered instantly. He was expecting something completely different of a demand, however, a treaty would have the public lenient in trusting them.
"May I ask what the treaty would be about, Mr President?" Nate query.
"Non-biological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty — NEST for short. Under the Alien Cooperation Act, your people would share intelligence and personnel with Unova. Help defend this region from your enemies but aligned to advance our technology."
Optimus agreed to the treaty under one condition, "We will not be sharing our used in weaponry. Our advanced weapons are not suited for other species to handle, it will only cause chaos and destruction."
The President hummed while the Secretary of Defense agreed to the condition.
Nate became silent for most of the meeting. Hearing things about a new base of operation: Autobots Omega Outpost One and introducing the Autobots to the public. At first, Jetfire tried to convince the Prime to not go through with it, even so, Optimus accepted the offer.
Before the meeting came to a close, the President invited the Autobots to a Winter ball and festival that will take place in December where they can meet and introduce themselves to the public. He tells them to bring the children they first came across along with their parents.
At this point in time, Nate was outside the hanger feeding a treat to his Pokemon, Jetfire came along.
"I wonder how they are going to handle the treaty… The humans had us under another human so I wonder who it is going to be?" Jetfire mumbled to himself. He looks down to his left seeing the trainer's emotionless expression.
"They're going to keep me here, I won't be going back with you." Nate said with disappointment in his tone. "But this is not my journey, I'm only here for the ride" — he looks up at Jetfire — "We'll see each other around, it was really nice to get to know you all! This is my number, can you give it to Hound for me?"
Jetfire lends over to grab the folded piece of paper and puts it in his sub space, "I will."
Nate and his Pokemon broke paths with the Autobots leaving the military base, Optimus came outside after finishing talking with the President.
"You believe this might be a turning point in the war?" Jetfire asked.
"I'm not sure but I'm willing to believe."
As The Journey Continues...