New Beginning - The Voice

It had been nearly two weeks since the attack on Chicago. All of America watched as more and more of the damaged city was displayed on the news, and the number of dead and missing got higher and higher. It was like 9/11 all over again, only this time, the enemy had been giant metal aliens from another universe. Katie Marshal, a twenty-three year old Illinois native, was one of the many who kept close tabs on what was happening. She had been visiting Chicago following up on a job offer when the Decepticons had struck.

Katie had suffered some bruised ribs, a sprained ankle, superficial scrapes, and a few burns during her ordeal, but that was minor compared to what had happened to other people. In retrospect, getting caught under that car had been the best thing that could have happened; it kept her from being discovered, even though she had been in mortal fear the whole time. However, it was the screams of the injured, dying, or soon-to-be-dead that haunted her the most. The giant attackers had been merciless, often tormenting their victims before killing them. Some had even resorted to stepping on people. It had been horrible.

Even so, Katie kept the news on practically 24/7 at her apartment in hopes that she could catch another glimpse of the other robots; the ones called Autobots. After being released from the hospital, she had researched what little data she could find about them. She had known about their presence after the fiasco in Egypt, but had never really taken the time to look into it. From what Katie gleaned from blogs, websites, and the news, the Autobots worked closely with the military. She even went out and bought the book Code Name: Hero by the man who claimed to be a former agent of a top secret organization and had worked with the Autobots more than once.

The government was trying to keep battle and post-battle footage of the Autobots from airing, but occasionally a blurry clip or two made it on TV. The internet, however, was rampant with videos and pictures of the attack that were taken by cell phones. Some were so graphic that Katie was disturbed that the owner had even posted the information for everyone to see, but others showed battles between the Decepticons and the colorful Autobots.  Of all the 'Bots Katie saw, there was one in particular she was looking for; the big blue one they called Optimus. To her annoyance, there were only two or three videos that even showed a glimpse of him. Deep down, Katie wished that she been able to spend more time with the big Autobot, and she regretted that she hadn't been able to do something that showed him just how thankful she was.

At the current moment, Katie was seated at the tiny table in her tiny apartment kitchen. Being single didn't demand too much in the way of living accommodations, but the apartment was cozy and clean. Since Katie was currently saddled with a pair of crutches to stay off her injured ankle, she was glad that she didn't have to go too far if she needed something. Hazel eyes scanned her laptop screen as she watched yet another YouTube video, and she sighed dejectedly as nothing particularly substantial happened outside of some distant explosions. She was brought back down to earth by the sound of someone knocking on her door. She grabbed a crutch and hobbled to the door, a small grin making its way across her face as she looked through the peep hole.

"Jason!" She exclaimed as she opened the door.

"Katie! Thank goodness!" The fair-haired man returned as he hugged her as tightly as he dared.

Jason Dowd was a high school friend that Katie had stayed in touch with over the years, and was currently an anchor for the local news station. His usually neat blond hair was rather rumpled, and his six-three frame nearly enveloped Katie completely.

"Man, it is so good to see you in one piece." Jason said as he let go. "How are you, kid?"

Katie laughed lightly at his nickname for her, even though she was only two years younger than him. "Sore, but still alive. Coffee?"

"Sure, if you have some made."

"Hot and fresh." Katie replied as she made her way back to the tiny kitchen. She started to reach for the cabinets that held the mugs, but Jason intervened.

"Nope, nope. You sit yourself down in that chair, I'll get it."

Katie rolled her eyes, but did as she was told. "Extra cream in mine, please."

Jason nodded and began to fill two plain white mugs with the wonderful, steaming substance. Katie's attention was reverted back to the TV when yet another reporter came on.

"…and we're not exactly sure of the situation, but we do know that Congress is reluctant to repeal the act passed only days ago to exile the Autobot beings from the United States. Other counties around the globe are expressing their hesitance as well."

"How do you like that?" Jason asked as he set down Katie's mug on the counter.

Katie shook her head. "It's stupid. The Autobots saved us, isn't that enough? If they had gone like those people had told them to, we'd all be in big trouble!"

Jason nodded as he sipped his coffee, and then breached a subject Katie knew was coming. "I understand you met one of those Autobot things."

"Well, if you call prying a car off of me formally meeting someone, then yes."

Jason sat back in his chair, eyes wide. "You were under a car? How did that happen?"

The young woman took looked thoughtful. "I'm not really sure. One minute I'm running for my life, the next I'm pinned under what's left of a Honda."

"Damn, kid. How long were you there?"

Katie took a drink of her coffee. "A couple hours."

"And then one of the good robots found you?"

"It was two Special Forces soldiers, actually. The Autobot did all the heavy lifting, he even took me to where the ambulances were arriving."

"That's amazing. Did he – or it – have a name?"

"Optimus. Or that's what I heard."

Jason sipped his coffee thoughtfully, then put the mug on the table and leaned forward.
"Katie, I was wondering – hoping actually – if you would be interested in telling your story in a news interview."

"I really don't have much to say, Jason."

"Yes you do. You were trapped under a car for hours during the worst attack the United States has ever seen, and then you were rescued by Special Forces soldiers and giant robot. I think that's enough."

Katie mulled over his offer for a minute. "Will you be conducting the interview?"

"Of course."

"How long will it be?"

"We can give you as much time as you need."

"Alright…I'll do it."

Jason clapped his hands together excitedly. "Sweet! My boss is going to love this."

"On one condition, though." Katie interjected.

"And that would be…?"

"You're picking me up. I am not walking all the way to the bus stop with these stupid crutches."

Jason laughed and patted Katie's shoulder. "You got a deal, kid."

---

Director Charlotte Mearing was a woman with whom one did not trifle. She did not believe in bowing out under pressure; she was at the top of the proverbial food chain and she wasn't about to leave any time soon. Some even said that Mearing had more authority than the President, and in some cases that was probably true. She did not take orders, she gave them, and God help the poor moron who ever dared question her command.

Other than that Witwiky kid…but he had friends in high places, literally.

Sam Witwiky, however, was couldn't be further from Director Mearing's mind at the moment. Mountains of paperwork cluttered her usually neat desk and she had signed off so many times she felt like her hand was going to get carpel tunnel. Not for the first time this week did the high and mighty Director find herself subtly craving a good smoke. She hadn't lit up a cigarette since she was a green horn in the FBI, but stress tended to bring the old habit to the surface, even though she refused to give in.

Rubbing her eyes, Mearing glared down at yet another stack of federal demands. No, no, and no. How many times did she have to tell these Congressional idiots that she had no authority over the Autobot's actions in Chicago? If they thought they could use her as a scape goat, they had another think coming.

A soft rap at the office door caused the Director to look up over her glasses and Colonel Lennox stuck his head in.

"You wanted to see me, Director?"

Finally, something else to do.

"Yes, Colonel. Come in."

Will stepped in and closed the door behind him. It was always unnerving to be summoned to the Director's office because you never knew if you would leave with your hide intact. He eyed the white stacks on the office sympathetically.

"They're after you too, huh?"
Director Mearing scoffed as she stood. "I assure you, Colonel, they aren't about to get me."

Lennox nodded, biting back a 'Yes ma'am' just in time. He couldn't help it, it was a habit. Mearing continued.

"There's something I wanted you to see, Colonel."

Oh hell, what did we do wrong this time? Lennox bemoaned inwardly. However, instead of reading him the riot act like he expected, Mearing turned on the TV to show a recorded news interview. On the screen sat a young woman with straight dirty blonde hair, dressed in a plain, but nice suit and had a cast around her ankle. She had a few fading bruises and scrapes on her face, but was otherwise fairly attractive. The Colonel crossed his arms as he watched the interview play out, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she looked very familiar.

"Ms. Marshal," the man conducting the interview began. "could you please tell our viewers what you experience during the alien attack on Chicago?"

"Well, there isn't much for me to say, really. I was in Chicago for a job interview when it started. I remember hearing a rumbling sound, and looking up to see this big space ship blocking out the sun. I stopped to look at it, like everyone else, and that's when it started shooting the building I was about to go in. Everybody started running and these giant robots started to appear out of nowhere. They were…"

Here the young woman began to choke up and took a deep breath to compose herself.

"They started shooting people. Everybody was running and screaming and all I could think about was getting out of the city as fast as I could. I was knocked down, and the robots started to throw cars. One bounced off the ground and rolled on top of me before I could get out of the way."

"That's it!" Will suddenly exclaimed, nearly startling Mearing. "That's why she looks so familiar!"

"I beg your pardon, Colonel?"

"Epps and I pulled that young woman out from under that car after the fight was over, and Optimus took her to the ambulances."

"That explains the rest of the interview." Mearing muttered, trying to will away the beginning of a headache.

Now fully interested, Lennox watched the rest of the interview, and he couldn't help but chuckle as Katie described how she was pulled out from under the car and taken to medical help by Optimus, but he didn't miss that she kept the descriptions of him and Epps deliberately vague. The questions went on for another ten minutes, but the final one was had the most interesting response by far.

"Before we wrap up, Katie, I have one last question for you. What do you think of Congress' unwillingness to return official sanctuary to the Autobots?"

Katie's face darkened and the flash in her hazel eyes was visible even on screen.

"I think that it's absolutely ridiculous, asinine even. The Autobots saved our lives, our planet. If they had left Earth like all the worldwide leaders demanded…who knows what would have happened. They've earned the right to be here and we owe it to them, in the very least, to give them a place to stay. I think Congress is just sore because someone had the gall to stand up to them and do what needed to be done instead of what they were told. I met one of those Autobots, and I can say that, even though I only spent a few minutes with him, they want to help us, they care about us as a race, and this is my message to Congress: Let them stay."

Mearing paused the recording, leaving a very determined-looking Katie on screen. Lennox chuckled and shook his head in admiration.

"I really like her."

"This interview was taken three days ago." Mearing said as she tossed the remote back onto her desk. "It's been replayed on all over the news, and has hundreds of thousands of hits on the internet. Your friend Katie has become quite the celebrity."

"What kind of response is she getting?"

Mearing peered over her glasses, and for once it wasn't an intimidating look. "People agree with her, quite vehemently in fact. Her "let them stay" statement is becoming a popular tag line all over the country."

"So why am I here?" Lennox asked.

The Director sat back down and smoothed out her jacket in a professional manner. "I've been thinking that since the Autobots can no longer keep a low profile, they could use a spokesperson; someone that can speak at the people's level."

Lennox looked to the TV screen and then back to the director. "You're thinking about her?"

One manicured eyebrow rose. "You disapprove?"

Lennox nearly stumbled over his words. "No, of course not. I just thought you didn't like civilians getting involved."

Mearing looked back down at her paperwork, signaling that the discussion was about to come to a close. "I might have been mistaken."

The Colonel had to chew the inside of his cheek to keep from grinning, Mearing had had small change of heart after the battle in Chicago, and this was the closest she would ever get to admitting that.

"I'll talk to the Optimus and the rest of the Autobots."

"You do that Colonel." Mearing said as the tip of her pen scratched across yet another sheet of paper. "Let me know what they say."

Will ducked out of the office with a final nod, chuckling to himself all the way down the hall.

---

Colonel Lennox found the Autobots in their usual haunt; a large warehouse modified just for them. As Will entered, he was reminded just how much the latest battle had cost them all. It had been two weeks, but everyone was still licking their wounds and a heavy, somber mood hung over everyone at the casualties that had been sustained. Lennox glanced over at the two empty hangars and felt an ache in his chest. Because the Autobots were so few, any losses were twice as hard on them, and the Colonel was beginning to realize just how attached he had become. Wheeljack had been a Godsend to the Autobots with his brilliant, if not occasionally spastic, ideas. Losing him meant the 'Bots were back to square one when it came to weaponry development, maintenance, and repair.

Even though no one had said it, the loss of Ironhide had taken the greatest toll, and Will couldn't help but feel furious at Sentinel Prime all over again. 'Hide would have wanted to go out fighting, not to be shot in the back by his own former leader. The atmosphere at N.E.S.T was emptier without the big, black mech and his rough but dedicated attitude.

"Colonel Lennox, what brings you here?"

Lennox was brought back from his thoughts at Sideswipe's question, whose voice lacked its normal spunk. Several pairs of blue optics swiveled to observe the human commander.
Sideswipe, Ratchet, Arcee, Bumblebee, Mirage, the Twins, Dino, the three wreckers, Jolt, and Optimus Prime were all here, but even then, Will couldn't help but feel the sheer exhaustion that hung over them.

"Sorry to bother you guys, but I had something to ask you. Optimus, how you doin'?"

"As well as can be expected, I suppose." The Autobot leader replied, currently seated so Ratchet could work on his arm. Due to the limited supply of specific metal that Ratchet needed to mend his comrades and the sheer number of injuries, progress on Optimus' arm was slow at best. Even now, Ratchet had only managed to replace the shoulder mechanisms and attach a nub that he could continue to build off of.

"Watcha need, Lennox?" One of the twins asked.

"Let the Colonel get to the catwalk first." Optimus interjected. He always insisted that any human that wanted to talk be on a catwalk that raised them to the 'Bots' eye level.

"Here, lemme give you a boost." Sideswipe offered, crouching down and holding out his hand.

Lennox gratefully climbed into Sideswipe's palm and hung onto the big thumb as he was lifted into the air. He and Epps were part of the few that the Autobots truly regarded as friends, and he had to admit, having that kind of standing among these giant, alien robots was pretty cool.

"Well, like I said, I've got something to ask." Will said once he was situated on the catwalk. "I'm sure all of you know that our relations with the general public has changed."

"No kiddin', it's like we're celebrities." Skids piped up. "Can't go nowhere anymore, not even in alt mode."

Lennox nodded. "Well, something's come up. There's a news interview with a Chicago survivor that's starting to get pretty popular. Have any of you seen it?"

"You're talking about that blonde chick, right?" Wheelie asked.

"Yep. Optimus, did you recognize her?"

The big blue mech nodded his head, wincing slightly as Ratchet pulled at a wire. "Indeed I did."

"Director Mearing had a suggestion." Lennox began slowly. "Since you guys are going to be dealing with the public anyway, she said that you could use a human spokesperson of sorts, someone that civilians won't have trouble relating to."

"Colonel Lennox, are you suggesting this young lady for that position?" Ratchet asked, pausing a moment to look up from Optimus' arm.

"Yes, we are."

There was a general whirring noise as the Autobots looked at each other and then back to the Colonel.

"If I may ask, why her?" Arcee spoke up from below.

Lennox took a deep breath. "As I'm sure you've noticed, people like what she had to say. She'd be a familiar figure, and probably be received better than some government or military official."

"Does she know?" Jolt asked.

"Nah, Mearing thought this up ten minutes ago."

A contemplative silence fell over the warehouse for a few minutes until Optimus spoke up.

"I propose that we meet Ms. Marshal if she is willing. I want all of us to approve of her appointment if she accepts Diretor Mearing's proposal."

Murmurs of agreement floated from everyone floated around, and Lennox smiled in relief.

"Alright, I'll see what I can do."