Disclaimers:
Transformers are owned by Hasbro.
I make no
monetary profit from my fanfic/fanart.
Summary:
Liddy, a reporter is fascinated by the Autobots ... they, however consider her
a pest.
Rating -
PG
~~~~~~
THE
"This
is Liddy Spina, reporting for Global News Affairs. A vile murder took
place in ..."
The news
progressed on. Liddy finished her report and the cameras stopped rolling.
"I'm
sick of this!" she exclaimed, angrily throwing down her schedule papers.
"Murders
..... rapes ..... more murders, road accidents, sport and politics ... When can
we do something interesting? Something different? Something which doesn't
involve prople getting killed or abused or kicking balls around a field?"
The Sport
reporter shot her a look. Liddy shot one
back as she knelt down and began to pick up her papers.
"Well,"
began Rowan MacInanny, her boss, "Next week we're going to do an interview
with the Autobots."
"The
Autobots! ....." exclaimed Liddy, dropping her parers again. She put her
hands on her cheeks. "You really mean The Autobots? .... Oh wow
....."
Liddy
could barely walk in her high heels. She tripped over camera 2's extension
cord.
"Liddy?"
"I'm
alright, Rowan," she replied standing up.
"Are
you sure? You don't seem too well."
"Yes
..... yes, I'm fine .... Ju .... just fine."
Liddy
happily skipped home to her apartment.
"Ohh
.... I'm actually going to meet the Autobots ...."
She felt
giddy. All she could think about was the interview.
"What
should I wear?" she asked herself. She rummaged through all her best
clothes, but could find nothing.
Liddy
went shopping and bought herself an expensive black and white checkered
business suit. She paid a visit to the hairdressers and had her hair styled.
Liddy couldn't resist buying new, expensive make up.
Every
free second she had, she practised what she was going to do, say and how she
would act in the interview. She practised long and hard and was quite nervous.
"What
if they don't like me? ...."
On the
day, Liddy tried to calm herself. She dressed, then put on her make up and did
her hair. She arrived a little late at work, as her stocking had laddered and
she had to pop into the local store to buy a new pair.
"Lookin'
lovely, Liddy," complimented Rowan.
"Thanks"
she said, with a smile. "I can't wait for the interview!"
Rowan
smiled at her. The escort soon arrived. It didn't take long to reach Autobot
headquarters. Liddy was so excited, she almost fainted. With difficulty, she
managed to climb out of the car. She hobbled a little on her high heels, then
hesitated, pulled her skirt straight and gave herself a moment to calm down.
She walked into Autobot headquarters, followed by the camera crew. They were
greeted by the Autobots. Liddy hoped they said something first. This was one
interview she did not know how to start. Optimus Prime looked at her.
"So,
when do we start the interview?" he asked.
"N -
now ... " said Liddy, trying not to sound too excited. "Roll
camera."
Liddy
began asking the Autobots questions, trying not to get too personal. The
Autobots answered all her questions in as much detail as they could. Liddy
loved every moment of it. She continued questioning them. Liddy didn;t notice,
but some Autobots were getting a little irritated, but didn't let it show and
answered Liddy's questions. Not that she wanted to, she had to conclude the
interview.
"Thank
you," she said. "I'd like to go on, but we haven't time."
Liddy
looked into the camera and smiled.
"Viewers
.... the Autobots ..... Aren't they magnificent?"
The
cameras stopped rolling. Liddy looked up at Optimus Prime.
"Thank
you" she said.
Optimus
smiled at her. "It's fine."
"
I'd like to stay and ask you more questions. Nt for the cameras, but ...."
"I'm
afraid we can't, Miss Spina," said Optimus, politely. "We have a
considerable amount of work to do. I'm sorry. Another time, perhaps."
Liddy
felt upset, but respected the Autobots' needs. She left with the crew.
"I
thought she'd never leave" complained Huffer.
"She
was just doing her job, Huffer," said Optimus.
"We
know, Prime," said Tracks, "But oooohhh she was so irritating
..... The way she asked her questions .... her voice .... It was awful
..... So high, snooty .... yeeech!"
"She
can't help her vocal components, Tracks."
"I
know, ... but doesn't she bug you?"
"I
can see why she annoys some of you, but she didn't annoy me. You must learn to
be patient. She didn't mean to annoy us."
"I
know" said Tracks, calming down. "When's the interview going to be on
television?"
"Tomorrow
night" replied Optimus Prime. "On the six o'clock news."
Liddy was
at home, taking off her clothes. She felt the interview had been a total
success, but what she really wanted was to talk to the Autobots after the
interview to the Autobots on a personal level to get to know them better.
"They
said they had work to do ...." she said to herself, taking off her panty
hose. "Maybe I was being a little selfish...."
Liddy put
on her pyjamas and climbed into bed.
The
interview was played the following night. It went at least ten minutes
overtime.
The
Autobots at Autobot headquarters were watching it.
"Viewers
.... the Autobots ..... Aren't they magnificent?" came Liddy's voice from
the transmission.
"Phew
...... Thank Primus that's over" said Sunstreaker. "I didn't put
enough polish on."
He
switched off the television transmission.
"I'm
just glad it's over" said Tracks. "We don't have to listen to
her anymore."
Sunstreaker
smiled.
"She
was irritating ..... but I looked awful.... I wasn't shiny enough
...."
At work,
Liddy tried to get any opportunity she could to see the Autobots, but
none arose.
Late one
afternoon, Rowan walked into the studio.
"I
need someone to conduct another interview with the Autobots."
Liddy was
at his side faster than the speed of light.
"Liddy,
you were severely overtime on your first interview. I don't think ...."
"Oh
.... please .... I promise I won't go overtime this time...
Please?"
Rowan
sighed. "Well, alright - but not a second overtime."
Liddy
smiled. "Trust me."
She
happily skipped home. Again, she checked her wardrobe. Nothing. She didn't want
to wear the same checkered suit again. She used one of her credit cards to buy
a blue suit, complete with a matching hat.
The next
day, the television crew arrived at Autobot headquarters and asked for an
interview. Liddy stepped out of the car.
"Not
her again ...." complained Gears, in a whisper.
Liddy
soon began the interview.
"You
don't have to answer all my questions" she said. "If I get too
personal, just tell me."
Liddy
began questing them, mainly about the history of the Autobots and their home
planet Cybertron. The Autobots didn't mind her questions. It was the way she
asked them, her inquisitive reporter voice and manner that put them off, but
being polite, they said nothing to her about this.
Liddy
made sure her interview didn't go overtime.
"Thank
you, Autobots," she said, at last.
"It's
alright, Miss Spina," said Optimus Prime, politely, looking down at her.
She
looked up at him. He's gorgeous ..... Just gorgeous ....
"You
.... you can call me Liddy .... " she said, coming out of her daze.
"Alright
then, Liddy."
Liddy
smiled at the gentle use of her name. She wanted to stay, but had to get back
to work. She then left with the crew.
"I
wish we could construct a new voice box for her, Prime," said Cliffjumper,
watching the news cars drive off into the distance.
Optimus
gave a small smile.
Later,
the Autobots watched the interview on television.
"Glad
I put enough polish on this time" smiled Sunstreaker.
"Would
you shut up about you polish already!" Tracks snapped. "I had a bent
fender!"
During
the next few months, Liddy had many other interviews with the Autobots. The
Autobots were reluctant, but said nothing about it.
Liddy
could not afford to buy any new clothes, so wore her best old ones.
"It
doesn't seem to make a difference to then what I wear ...." She said to
herself sadly. " They don't seem to notice or care."
Slowly,
Liddy began to get the feeling that her reporter manner was putting the
Autobots off, but she didn't know how to conduct herself otherwise. She wanted
to tell the Autobots this - That she really liked them, and wasn't just using
them for her job, but wasn't sure how. It was upsetting her a lot and she
didn't know how to get around it.
After one
interview, Liddy secretly hid behind Autobot headquarters to hear if the
Autobots said anything about her.
"That
reporter is so annoying" complained Hoist.
"Yeah"
confided Cliffjumper. "Of everyone on Earth she can interview, she picks
us."
"She's
only doing her job" said Optimus Prime.
"We
know, Prime, " said Ratchet, "But oohh .... her voice...."
Liddy,
outside, felt upset, but knew they weren't meaning to hurt her feelings.
I want
to talk to them on a personal level ... But I don't know how .... I can't help
my snooty voice and manner ... I don't like it either ..... but I can't
help it. I wish there was something I could do .... I wish they'd understand
how I feel. If I tell them my feelings they'll probably think I'm a snob and
they won't understand properly ....
Sadly,
Liddy drove home. She walked up to her apartment, opened the door and went
straight to her bedroom. There, she lay on her bed and cried softly.
Liddy
cried for a long while. She began realizing there was nothing she could do
about it. She then dried her teary eyes. Crying wouldn't help.
In the
morning, Liddy woke up with an idea from a dream she had the previous night.
"I
know!" she exclaimed happily, "I can go to them, not for an
interview, but just for a visit ....."
Liddy put
on a blue dress and drove to Autobot headquarters in her cream coloured car.
"Look
who's here ...." said Grapple, as he saw her car pull up. "Miss
`Lights camera action' ...."
None of
the Autobots were in the mood for an interview, especially with Liddy.
"Tell
her to go away, Prime" urged Bluestreak. "Tell her we're busy
...."
"I
can't lie to her, Bluestreak. It's not essential. Let's just do the interview
and get it over with."
Liddy
then walked into Autobot headquarters.
"Intruder!
Intruder!" exclaimed Skyfire in a whisper.
Optimus
gave a small smile. He then turned to Liddy.
"Where's
the camera crew?" he asked, looking around, puzzled.
"I
..... I haven't come for an interview," she said, a little shyly. "I
.... I just came .... well .... for a visit ...."
"Oh"
said Optimus, rather surprised.
Liddy
didn't know what to say.
"Well,"
said Optimus, "What do you want to know? See? Do?"
Liddy
kept quiet and smiled shyly. "I don't know" she said.
"But
you always know what to say in your interviews" said Optimus.
Liddy
hesitated. "... Mmmm ..... this is .... different ...."
Optimus
smiled. He began showing her around the headquarters. Liddy asked many
questions, trying not to sound like a reporter, but as hard as she tried, she
couldn't help it. She tried not to aggravate the Autobots, but didn't realize
that was exactly what she was doing. Liddy was having a wonderful time and
wished it could last forever. She was feeling quite hungry and wanted something
to eat, but wanted to stay with the Autobots more. Optimus Prime too was
feeling hungry. He walked into the energon room with Liddy. Optimus picked up
an energon cube and drank it. Liddy smiled. She loved watching the gentle and
polite way Optimus Prime drank the cube. She knew Transformers ate, but had
never seen one of them eating before. She wanted to say something, but found it
hard.
"What
...... is it called? ...." she asked, a little shy.
"What's
what called?" asked Optimus, noticing the slight shyness in her voice.
Liddy
pointed to the energon cubes. "Your food. Does it have a special
name?"
"Yes.
It's called energon. These are energon cubes."
Optimus
Prime looked at her. "Speaking of food, you look hungry. It's a pity
humans can't digest energon, or I'd give you some."
Liddy
smiled at him.
"You'd
better go," said Optimus, after a while. "We don't have any human
food at the moment. I don't want you to starve."
Liddy was
absolutely starving, but said, "no, Optimus. I've been meaning to go on a
diet. I'm alright."
"Liddy,"
said Optimus, kneeling down. "You don't need a diet. You'd better go into
town and get something to eat. I'd love to give you a lift, but I have too much
to do."
Liddy
would have loved that, but just nodded, trying not to look too sad.
"It's
alright, Optimus," she said. "I've got my car."
Liddy appreciated
Optimus Prime's concern for her, but really wanted to stay. She walked
out of Autobot headquarters, almost crying.
I wish
they'd understand .... she thought, sadly, but they don't know they're
hurting me. It's not their fault. I can't blame them for that ....
Liddy
climbed into her car and drove to the side of Autobot headquarters, listening
to what the Autobots were saying about her.
"Good
riddance!" snapped Air Raid.
Optimus
Prime came to him.
"She
doesn't mean to be a pest" he said.
"Yeah
.... but she is .... anyway, what did she want this time?"
"She
came for a visit, not for an interview."
"Yeah
..... I'd believe that any day ..." said Air Raid, sarcastically.
"Probably had a tape recorder tucked in her bra."
Optimus
smiled.
"Perhaps"
he said, "but she likes us. She ...."
"She
pretends to like us, Prime. Not that she hates us, but the only reason
she does all those interviews and stuff with us is for her job and popularity.
You should see the ratings. She's number one. I mean with her voice, you'd
wonder how she's even have a job as a news reader - let a lone be the
top of 'em all."
"Don't
be nasty, Air Raid. You know she can't help that."
"Sorry,
.... But I can't stand her .... How could the people vote her as the top
news reader in the country? Sometimes I just don't understand humans ...."
"Don't
let it bother you. You're getting angry and uptight about something that really
doesn't concern you."
"It
does when she comes here and we have to listen to her."
"Just
try to put up with her."
"I do
try .... She's just using us for her job, Prime..."
Optimus
Prime thought about what Air Raid had just said.
"Perhaps
she is using us for her job, but, what she's doing is not wrong."
"I
know, but ...."
"She's
not hurting us or using us in any cruel way."
"I
know that, .... I suppose I don't hate her."
"I
know she's irritating to most of us, but we need to put up with it."
"Suppose
I could try a little harder ..... But I'd rather see an entire Decepticon
attack force heading toward us than her car pull up outside."
Optimus
smiled a little.
Liddy,
outside, also gave a small smile, but she was more upset.
"Prime"
said Air Raid, ".... what if she lies about us? Says something .... Y'know
how the news sometimes manipulates stuff?"
"Sso
far, all her interviews and articles have been truthful and as they are taped
here. That's a good thing about her. She doesn't lie."
Liddy
smiled, grateful something about her was appreciated by the Autobots.
"I
suppose that's good, but I hate how she's so irritating" said Air Raid,
angrily. "Frankly, I hope she never comes back."
He walked
off before Optimus Prime could say anything.
Liddy's
eyes filled with tears, but felt she couldn't feel angry with Air Raid.
He
doesn't know how much he's hurting me .....
Liddy
then heard Air Raid and Optimus Prime coming outside. She gasped.
"I
can't let then see me - especially crying ... or my car.... " She quickly
drove home, trying not to feel upset, but it was unavoidable. "I've gotta
try and help them in some way ..... " she said to herself, " but how?
...."
Liddy
spent days thinking about this.
"If
I ask them, they'll politely say they don't need or want my help .... and
they'd probably think it's a publicity scam. There's gotta be another way
..."
A few
days later, in a live news broad cast .....
"This
morning," began Liddy, "the Decepticons attacked a nuclear power
plant and .... YESSS! THAT'S IT!! ..... " she screamed. She
suddenly became extremely embarrassed. "Uhh .... excuse me ..... sorry
...."
The
Autobots, at Autobot headquarters were watching the news broadcast, and were
also puzzled at Liddy's sudden outburst.
Back at
the studio, Liddy tried to discreetly leave the set. Rowan stormed after her.
"What the hell happened there?"
"I
.... I don't feel too good ..... I need some time off...."
"I'll
say .... Why the hell ...."
"I
don't know, Rowan .... Something came over me .... I'm sorry. I don't feel too
good."
Rowan
then looked sympathetic. "Alright, you can have a week off - but please,
in future, try to contain your outbursts - especially on live
television."
"Sorry.
Don't be too upset. It'll definitely get on `T.V bloopers!'"
Rowan's
frustrated frown changed to a smile.
"Alright,
Liddy, see y' next week."
Liddy
smiled and walked out of the automatic doors. She was not feeling ill, but
brilliant.
I've
thought of what I can do to help the Autobots! She raced home and began to
plan it. "If I can spy on the Decepticons some how ..... I might be able
to get some information for them .... but how will I get to Decepticon
headquarters? It's in the middle of the Atlantic ocean - under the water
...."
Liddy
thought for a while.
For a few
days, Liddy took scuba diving lessons and bought some scuba diving gear. She
sailed out to Decepticon headquarters in her mother's old speed boat. She swam
down, and tried to get into the headquarters, but just as she'd found a way, an
alarm sounded. Liddy gasped, frightened.
Soundwave,
a Decepticon ran to the computer and looked at the monitor.
"Human
intruder outside headquarters" he informed. "Laserbeak, eject -
operation, capture."
Liddy
tried to escape, but it was no use. Laserbeak flew with her, in his claws into
Decepticon headquarters.
"Let
me go!" she screamed.
Laserbeak
dropped her in front of Megatron. Megatron looked down at her, while she stood up.
"Decepticons"
he said. "We must find out more information about Autobot plans and
weaknesses - and the only link we have is this pathetic reporter on the six
o'clock news - and she doesn't give away any valid information."
Liddy
felt angry at being called `pathetic,' but then again, Megatron thought all
humans were pathetic. He then looked down at her. "Come to spy on us to
get information for the news, eh? ...."
"Well
.... no .... not really .... I ...."
"Silence,
you pathetic Earth Germ."
Liddy
silenced, but wanted to say something to Megatron. She then decided to keep
quiet.
"If
I didn't have a use for you I'd terminate you now."
Liddy
felt frightened. "What do you want?"
"Tell
me all the Autobot secrets you know."
"I
don't know any" replied Liddy, truthfully. "All I know is what they
tell me on the interviews."
"Well
they must've told you something. You're their friend, aren't you?"
"Yes
.... well ..... sort of ...."
"I
have the perfect plan to terminate them ...."
Liddy was
worried. Megatron then radioed Autobot headquarters.
"Prime
...."
"What
do you want, Megatron?" interrupted Optimus.
"I
have something you'd be interested in ...."
Megatron
paused.
"Get
to the point" demanded Optimus.
"Alright,
then, Prime."
Megatron
then televised Liddy, in energon chains, next to him.
"If
you do not surrender within 24 hours, your friend will be terminated --"
Megatron concluded the transmission. Optimus turned to the Autobots.
"Friend?!"
exclaimed Fireflight in surprise. "What friend? Do we have to save
her?"
"Yes"
said Optimus Prime. "We can't let the Decepticons kill any innocent
Humans. "
"Yeah
.... but what a drag .... rescuin' that Human ..."
"We
can't all go " said Optimus Prime. "They'll detect us for sure.
" Fireflight, you come with me."
"Why
me .... Anyway with any luck she'd've driven the Decepticons crazy by
now."
Optimus
gave a small smile.
The two
Autobots soon arrived at Decepticon headquarters. With difficulty, they managed
to make it to Liddy's cell, undetected. Optimus stood guard while Fireflight
went inside. He grabbed Liddy. "How'd they get ya?" he asked, anger
in his voice.
"I
was ..... was spying on them .... I ...."
"Spying?!
They could've killed you, not that that'd be any great tragedy."
"That's
enough, Fireflight," cut in Optimus. "We have to get out of here
before the Decepticons detect us."
They
managed to make it to the surface with Liddy.
"Why
were you spying on the Decepticons?" asked Optimus.
Liddy was
silent. She was shivering inside and almost crying.
"She
was spying to get stuff for the news, Prime" accused Fireflight.
"What else?"
"No,
I ..." began Liddy.
"Shut
up, or we'll leave you here."
"Fireflight
...."
"Prime,
she's caused us enough trouble."
Prime
knelt down to Liddy. "I know some reporters go to great risks to obtain
information, but, Liddy, this was too risky. It ...."
"Risky?!"
exclaimed Fireflight. "Idiotic is more like it."
Optimus
looked at Fireflight in a way which told him be quiet. He looked back at Liddy.
"Please Be careful, Liddy. Keep your news reviews to the basics."
"Yes,
Optimus ...." she said, feeling like a moron.
She
wanted to tell them that the only reason she spied on the Decepticons, was to
help them, but felt she couldn't. She tried hard to keep her tears back.
"Fireflight,
take her home. I have to get back to headquarters."
Reluctantly,
Fireflight obeyed. He flew Liddy to her street with a rather rough ride.
"Hey,
watch, it, okay?"
"What's
amatter? Did I break your fingernail?"
Liddy
said nothing to counter Fireflight's sarcasm. He then landed in her street.
"Can
I cone back to Autobot headquarters with you?" asked Liddy, knowing the
answer.
Fireflight
angrily threw her onto the road.
"We've
had enough of you!" he yelled, furiously. "Get lost - and stay
lost!"
Fireflight
transformed into his A4 Phantom mode and flew back to Autobot headquarters. He
hadn't realized that he'd hurt Liddy a lot physically when he'd thrown her onto
the street, but he'd hurt her feelings more. Liddy waited until Fireflight was
out of sight and burst into tears. She stayed sitting on the street for a
while. She saw a truck coming down. Liddy slowly stood up and limped up to her
apartment. She sat down at her dressing table and cried loudly.
The next
few days were very hard for Liddy, trying to get over it. She took a few more
days off work and went to work a few days later. She tried her best not to look
upset on her news reports.
After one
broadcast, Rowan came to her.
"What's
the matter, Liddy? You don't seem yourself lately."
"I'm
not, Rowan. I'm not feeling too good .... but I don't know why ...."
"Come
to my place after I finish work. We can have dinner or something."
"Thanks"
she smiled.
She felt
grateful someone appreciated and care about her.
She spent
the night with Rowan. He drove her home the next morning for the weekend.
A few
weeks later, Liddy had stopped feeling sorry for herself and thought of
something else she could do.
"I
know ...." she said to herself, "I could spy on the Decepticons again
..... I know how I was captured the last time and perhaps I can avoid it this
time ..... I hope I avoid capture. The Autobots'll hate me even more if they
have to rescue me again...."
Liddy put
on her scuba diving gear again and sailed out to Decepticon headquarters. She
swam at a different angle, fortunately passing the radar scanners. She then
found a small entrance which was unlocked. She quietly crept inside and snuck
around for a while. She then heard Megatron's voice. Liddy felt frightened, hid
behind a thick metal post and kept as quiet as she could. She listened intently
to what Megatron was saying.
"This
video tape ...." he said, "is our ultimate key to victory -- Once we
play it to the Humans, they will believe the Autobots are evil, thanks to my
genius .... Why didn't I think of this before? ...."
Megatron
left the tape on the table and exited the room with the other Decepticons.
Liddy kept as still as she could. She was passed unnoticed.
I have
to get that tape ....
She
waited until all the Decepticons were out of sight, then made sure no one was
looking and no cameras were monitoring her. She then quietly ran into the room,
jumped up and grabbed the tape from the table. Luckily, she managed to make it
out of Decepticon headquarters without being detected. She sailed away to shore
and drove home as fast as she could. She destroyed tape, then melted it.
"At
last ....." she breathed with total satisfaction. "I did
something for the Autobots ..."
This was
the happiest she'd had felt in ages.
"I
want to tell the Autobots about it, but they'll think I'm lying. I have no
proof, except for this melted tape, but it's so mutilated, it could have been
any tape ...." Liddy threw it in the garbage. "They'll think it's
just to get them to like me ..... Well it is ..... sort of .... but in a friendly,
personal way - as a friend. How can I ever do that?"
A few
weeks later, went on a drive out into the country. She then stopped her car and
climbed out. Nothing but a few large rocks and dry grass could be seen for
miles. Mountains could be seen in the far distance.
"It's
so peaceful out here ...."
Liddy
left her car and went for a long, lone walk. She saw some Decepticons land and
rushed for a large rock and hid under a smaller rock near it. She was very
frightened. She tried to camouflage herself, but was quite conspicuous. Her
black and white checkered suit which she wore on her first interview with the
Autobots stuck out amongst the brown, dry grass. She ripped up some grass and
covered herself, hoping the Decepticons wouldn't notice her.
"This
is the perfect place to avoid spies and detection" said Megatron,
"and the perfect place to assemble the bomb --"
A
bomb? .... thought Liddy, worriedly.
The bomb
didn't take the Decepticon long to assemble.
"Put
it by the rock over there" said Megatron.
Liddy
heard them coming towards her. She could faintly see them through the grass.
She was very frightened, but tried not to shiver. Rumble and Frenzy placed the
bomb down. Liddy watched them walk away. She knew a little about the
deactivation of bombs, as her father had been a sergeant in the army. She
quietly pushed away her camouflage and began to work on the bomb. She knew
nothing about Decepticon technology, so it was quite hard. She also had to
think back many years. A painful memory flashed at the back of her mind - A
memory of her father. Liddy tried to forget it.
Finally
she managed to deactivate it, or so she hoped ...
She
quickly camouflaged herself again as the Decepticons came to get the bomb.
"This,"
said Megatron, with an evil smile, "will blow the Autobots into oblivion
--"
That's
what you think ....
The
Decepticons then flew away.
Liddy
quickly lifted up her skirt and ran to her car. She drove as fast as she could
as near as she could get to Autobot headquarters. The Decepticons secretly
planted the bomb underneath the headquarters. They flew to a high cliff.
Megatron used a remote control to detonate it. Nothing happened. "WHAT??!!"
Megatron tried again. Still nothing "I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS!!!! ....
Foiled twice in one month! First the tape goes missing and now
this!!"
"Perhaps
if I were the Decepticon leader, Megatron, these unfortunate mishaps would not
have happened."
Megatron
pointed his fusion cannon in his face. " Perhaps you'd better shut
up -- "
Starscream
immediately silenced and backed away a little. The Decepticons flew back to
their headquarters. Liddy drove home.
"I
wish I could tell the Autobots .... the bomb's still under their headquarters,
but they'd probably think I made a pretend bomb ..... I feel great about
helping then, but I wish they could feel great about it too ...."
A few
days later, she decided to visit the Autobots again. She bought an expensive
long yellow dress, with a matching straw hat. She quickly drove to their
headquarters. Ironhide swore when he saw her car pull up outside.
"Prime
.... we've had enough of her. She gives us the pip! tell her to go
away."
Optimus
looked around. All the other Autobots shared Ironhide's view.
"Alright
....." he sighed, giving in.
The
Autobots could see he was going against his will, and thanked him,
respectfully. Liddy then walked into their headquarters.
"Liddy,
we're very busy at the moment" said Optimus, reluctantly. "We can't
do an interview today. I'm sorry. Some other time, perhaps."
"Optimus,
it's not for an interview, I just want ...."
"I'm
sorry, Liddy, we can't."
"But
...."
"But
nothing " said Ironhide, literally pushing her out of the headquarters.
"You heard the chief. Out! Prime said no!"
Ironhide
then angrily closed and locked the door. Some Autobots cheered.
Liddy,
outside was extremely upset, but felt she couldn't blame the Autobots.
"They
didn't even look at my dress," she sobbed. "If I were to come
stark naked, they probably wouldn't notice either."
Liddy
sadly, angrily threw herself into her car and sped home.
Optimus
Prime watched Liddy speed off. He wasn't really in the mood for a conversation
with her, but couldn't help thinking he shouldn't have lied to her.
"If
she doesn't slow down, she might have an accident .... I wish I didn't have to
lie to her ...."
"Don't
worry about it, Prime," Ironhide consoled. "She's just peeved off
'cos she didn't get her own way."
"I
suppose so ...."
Liddy was
in her room, ripping her new clothes off. She threw them on the floor and lay
on her bed in her underclothes and burst into tears. "Why does everything
always have to be so hard? Why can't they understand??? ....."
The next
Saturday, Liddy went to do her household shopping. The Decepticons attacked the
city that day, leaving much devastation. The Autobots knew nothing about the
attack until it was over, and could do nothing to help the unfortunate,
innocent victims. They were anxiously watching the news for the full outcome of
damage, injuries and deaths. Some Autobots had already gone to repair the
damage and, more importantly, to aid the wounded.
The news
gave the following report: "1.6 million dollars in damage, 46 wounded, 14
dead, four children, five women and five men...."
Optimus
Prime turned his attention away from the commercials which sounded from
Teletraan I's transmission. He was very upset and in such a deep state of
thought, he barely heard them, though the volume was considerably high. Optimus
felt angry, but much more upset and hurt.
How could
they hurt and kill so many innocent people and for what purpouse? What have
Humans ever done to Decepticons? .... Why did they attack them? We're
their enemies. Why didn't they attack us? ...
All
Optimus Prime's questions were left unanswered. He then jerked, as he hadn't
noticed how loud the television transmission was. He turned Teletraan's volume
down a little, and continued to watch the news broadcast.
"Hey"
said Bluestreak, in surprise, "that's supposed to be Liddy's section on
the news ..... 'Bout time they had a change..."
The news
reporter paused for a while.
"What's
'e waitin' for?" asked Cliffjumper.
The
reporter began.
"Due
to the untimely unfortunate death of Miss Liddy Spina, in the Decepticon attack
today, this section is now....."
The
Autobots all felt shocked. Optimus Prime quickly switched off the transmission.
None of the Autobots said anything for a long while.
"She
.... she's .... dead .... " stammered Bluestreak, at last.
"Why
did the Decepticons kill her?" asked Optimus Prime, after a longer
silence. "Did she have something they wanted? Did she do something against
them, or was she an unfortunate victim of their attack? ..... "
The
Autobots wished they knew the answer, but could only shrug.
"Suppose
I kinda feel sorry for her now ...." admitted Ironhide.
"I
know she was a pest to most of us," Optimus said upset, "but she certainly didn't deserve to die for
it."
All the
Autobots agreed with him.
Optimus
Prime walked outside and stared into space.
"I
can't help thinking it's my fault ...." he thought sadly. "We
brought the war to this beautiful planet. This is our war. We must
protect the Humans at all costs, even if it means sacrificing ourselves
..... But why did the Decepticons attack them? It was without warning
.... without reason .... It wasn't fair ..... What did they have to gain? .....
I wish there was something I could have offered them to have prevented the
attack...."
A tear
rolled down Optimus Prime's cheek. He wiped it away and turned to the Autobots.
"We have to find out why the Decepticons .... killed her."
Optimus
Prime found that hard to say. He then transformed into his truck mode and drove
out of the headquarters, followed by a convoy of Autobots. They drove as fast
as the speed limit permitted to the Global News Affairs studio. It was
damaged, but in good shape compared to most of the buildings in this vicinity
of the city.
"Mr.
Rowan MacInanny," said Optimus sadly, "we're very sorry to hear about
Liddy ..." Optimus paused, then continued. "But we have to find out
exactly why the Decepticons killed her. Do you have any information?"
Rowan
sadly shook his head.
"Do
you know if she would have any information where she lived?" asked Optimus
hopefully.
"Again,
I can't help you, Prime. I don't know much about her private life, but she
might have something there. I know she was having problems at work, but
...."
"Thank
you for your help."
Rowan
nodded, feeling upset about Liddy. The Autobots drove to her apartment.
"It's
too small for us to enter" noted Optimus. "We'll have to take the
roof off. We'll put it back once we're finished, but we must find some
information."
Optimus,
Ironhide and Grapple helped take the roof off the building.
"Careful"
said Optimus, gently putting it down.
The Autobots
began searching for clues. They searched books, video and audio tapes, personal
files, but found no clues as to why the Decepticons had killed Liddy. They were
just about giving up.
"No,
wait" said Optimus Prime. "We haven't searched her bedroom yet."
He looked
through her chest of drawers, but found only make up, underclothes and shoes.
The wardrobe contained only clothes.
"She
wore many of these garments on her interviews" he noted. "Quite
pretty. She was always well dressed."
Optimus
saw a book, half under Liddy's bed. He reached for it and picked it up. On the
front cover was a single word.
--
DIARY --
"Hmmm
.... this may be the clue we've been looking for ..." Optimus opened the
hard cover.
--
PRIVATE DIARY --
I hate
invading on anyone's privacy, but we have to know why the Decepticons ....
Optimus
read on.
NAME
--
Lidiah Ann Spina. Liddy for short
AGE -- 28 at present
Optimus
Prime glazed his eyes down the page of personal memoranda, but found no
evidence. He then turned the page and began to read with the other Autobots.
`Dear
Diary, This is my first diary ever. Got it yesterday. Well, not really my
first. My first diary, I had when I was seven years old. She burned when our
house burned down. There's not much to tell about my childhood, except that it
was lonely. My mother died in the fire and my father died in the army when he
pulled the wrong wire in trying to disassemble a bomb. I spent the rest of my
childhood with foster parents.
I am now
28 years old and am a news reporter on Global News Affairs. I had always
wanted to be a reporter, ever since I saw
The day
of the interview came. I was so excited, I could barely keep my skirt on. The
interview went quite well, but a little overtime. Severely overtime,
according to Rowan, but well, all the same. I wanted to stay with the Autobots
to talk to them on a personal level, but Optimus Prime, the Autobot leader said
they had a lot of work to do. I guess I might have been a little selfish. By
the way, Diary, Optimus Prime is sooooo cute!'
Optimus
Prime looked up and smiled, starting to understand how Liddy felt. He and the
other Autobots read on.
`I want
to get to know the Autobots on a personal level .... I want to be their friend.
Another
opportunity for an interview came. Rowan didn't want me to host it as I went
overtime on the last one. I begged him to let me host it. He finally
gave in. I promised Rowan not to go overtime. The interview ran
smoothly. I have already met the Autobots, but I feel I haven't. I really want
to meet them.
After the
seventh interview, I stayed outside Autobot headquarters, to see if they said
anything about me. I know I shouldnt've been spying, but I really wanted
to know what they thought about me. I heard Air Raid, one of the Autobots, say
I was annoying. I try not to be annoying, Diary, honestly, I do, but I can't
help it. A lot of Autobots say they hate my voice, but I can't help this. I
can't help it that it sounds snooty. I try to make it sound different, but I
can't. Nothing I did to try to change it worked.
Diary, today
I went to the Autobots, not for an interview, but for a visit. It was much less
formal and felt much better, but my voice still sounded like a blasted
reporter. I asked questions, but out of personal interest, not out of
professional interest. When I was there, I saw Optimus Prime drink an energon
cube. [Transformers food] He was so gorgeous, gentle and was so polite when he
was eating .... There were so many things I wanted to ask him, but I wasn't
sure how and I suppose I wasn't game. Optimus Prime later said he would drive
me into town, even though I had come in my car, I would have loved that,
but I can't have everything. I really enjoyed myself today, but in a way, I
felt sad. The Autobots still didn't understand how I felt inside.'
Optimus
Prime looked up from the page, feeling sad. He then turned the page and read
on, with the other Autobots gathering around him.
`The
Autobots think that I'm just using them for my career - to get good ratings. I
couldn't care less about the ratings. Well, good ratings is good, but who I really
care about are the Autobots. I wish they would understand. Understand that they
are more than just popular celebrities to me. I consider them as my friends. I
wish they saw me as a friend. I want to tell them how I feel, but I
can't. I won't be able to explain it properly and they won't get the right
impression. Diary, how can I get them to understand? ..... How???'
Optimus
Prime saw the writing was a little smudged and the paper wrinkled was a little
wrinkled where a tear had dropped. He felt sorry for Liddy and slowly turned
the page.
`There
was a good thing that happened to me today, Diary. I heard the Autobots talking
about me and I heard Optimus Prime say - Quote: "So far, all her
interviews have been truthful and full as they are taped. That's a good thing
about her. She doesn't lie." '
Optimus
Prime looked up and smiled. He remembered saying that. He then back down at the
page and read on.
`I would never
lie to the Autobots, even if I was paid a million dollars to. Good friends
don't lie about each other. I wish the Autobots realized that I am a good
friend.
I wanted
to help the Autobots, but they'd rather be helped by a Decepticon -
figuratively speaking of course. I had to think of a way to help them. I
thought of one right in the middle of a live news broadcast and yelled
" YESSS! THAT'S IT!! " It was quite embarrassing after I
realised where I was. I then started to leave. Rowan was not pleased. I
told him I didn't feel too good. The truth was - I felt great! But I
couldn't tell Rowan why. He gave me a weeks leave.
The idea
I had come up with to help the Autobots was simple - to spy on their enemies,
the Decepticons. I took scuba diving classes and bought a diving suit. I hoped
everything turned out alright. Disaster. I was captured by Megatron, the
Decepticon leader. I was so frightened. Frightened for two reasons: - One: The
Decepticons might hurt or kill me, and two: Megatron radioed the Autobots to
surrender .... This would make my relationship with them much, much worse.
It sure
did. Fireflight and Optimus Prime rescued me, but Fireflight would have rather
left me there. He took me home, and he wasn't too pleased about it. I asked him
if I could come back to Autobot headquarters with him. I don't know why I bothered
asking. I already knew the answer. Fireflight angrily threw me onto the road.
It hurt a lot. It felt like every bone in my body was broken, but I felt I
couldn't blame him because he didn't realize. He yelled at me. This hurt a lot
more than being thrown on the road. He then transformed and took off. I waited
until he was out of sight, then burst into tears, sitting in the middle of my
street. I saw a truck coming down the road and wondered if I shoyuld stay
there. I was still in pain, but slowly stood up and limped to my apartment.'
"Sorry,
Prime ...." Fireflight confessed. "I didn't know I..."
Optimus
nodded. "We are all to blame, Fireflight. We all made the
same mistake." He read on.
`The next
week at work, I was feeling really down and upset about what had happened. I
tried not to let it show when I was on air. Rowan, my manager noticed that
something was troubling me. He was worrid about me. He didn't want to fire me.
We're friends and he wanted to hep me. He offered to take me to dinner that Friday
night. I felt glad that someone seemed to care about me.'
"We
care about you" said Optimus Prime, softly, sadly. "We all
care about you."
`Rowan
then took me to his house after a lovely dinner. We then watched some episodes
of Rowan's favourite comedy series, They were very funny. I needed something to
laugh at for all I was going through right now.
After
that, it was quite late. Rowan insisted I stay the night. I agreed. It was
raining outside and I did not feel like trekking home. I stayed the night with
him. We had an affair.'
Optimus
Prime's eyes widened a little. He blinked and read further down the page. He
read about Liddy going to great risks to spy on the Decepticons a second time
and how frightened she was. He read about her destroying the tape and the bomb.
"She
..... she risked her life to save us ...." he said, a tear rolling down
his cheek, "and we didn't even realize .... Why didn't she tell us?
...."
Optimus
looked down at the page.
`I felt I
couldn't tell the Autobots about what I had done for them. They'd think I was
lying or showing off. I suppose I could have showed them the melted tape and
the deactivated bomb, but they'd probably think I made them for `proof.' I feel
sad that they don't know, but grateful I had saved my friends.'
The Autobots
were feeling grateful to Liddy, but also, extremely guilty. They slowly read
on.
`A few
days later, I bought a beautiful yellow dress. I wanted to go to the Autobots
for a visit again. I was quite excited and hoped everything turned out alright.
When I arrived, Optimus Prime said the Autobots were busy, which was true,
obviously, because Optimus doesn't lie.'
Optimus
quickly looked up from the page, remembering how he had lied to Liddy
about that. He felt terrible. Ironhide saw how guilty Optimus was feeling.
"Prime,
don't be upset. You didn't know how she was feeling, I mean none of us did. You
didn't mean to upset her."
"I
know, but I shouldnt've lied."
"None
of us were in the mood for her then" said Cliffjumper. "And none of
us knew how she felt. Don't take it too hard on yourself. We all feel
bad."
Optimus
knew that was true. He nodded slowly and sadly read on.
`I really
wanted to talk with them and be with them. Ironhide then pushed me out of the
headquarters and quickly closed the front entrance. I was both shocked and very
upset. I stood up, dusted myself off, and sped away in my car. I almost crashed
it and got an expensive speeding ticket. The fine and smashed headlight were nothing
compared to how upset I was feeling. I was also feeling angry, but I shouldn't
feel angry with them. They don't understand how I feel and they would care if
they knew, but they don't know and I don't know how to tell them.
I'm so
upset .... I feel like committing suicide ..... If I died, the Autobots
probably wouldn't care ..... I can just hear them saying: `Good riddance.'
I just
want to be friends with them, but I guess I'll never be able to. They hate me
..... Ohh.... I wish they'd understand......
.....
Another thing Diary, Optimus Prime, apart from being extremely good looking,
was always so kind and gentle .... I had always wanted him to touch me, but he
never did.
The
Autobots never realized that all I ever wanted was to be their friend.'
A tear
rolled gently down Optimus Prime's cheek and splashed onto the page, smudging
the words `but he never did.' He then closed the diary. All the Autobots felt
as upset and guilty as he did.
"....
All that time ...." he said, sadly, "all she wanted was our
friendship .... and now it's ..... it's too late ...."
"I
wish we'd've understood the little miss" said Ironhide, keeping a tear
back. "I feel so damn guilty."
"We
all do," said Optimus, "but there's nothing we can do."
The
Autobots returned to the Global News Affairs studio and called Rowan.
"Did
you find any information?" he inquired. "Did you find out why the
Decepticons killed her?"
"No"
replied Optimus. "She must've been an unfortunate coincidental casualty of
their attack, but we found out something else .... We read her diary."
Rowan nodded.
"She
was pronounced clinically dead at the hospital about an hour ago" he said.
"She's on a life support system."
"Can
we see her?" asked Optimus.
"Sure.
You know where the hospital is?"
Optimus
nodded and slowly transformed into his truck mode.
The other
Autobots synchronously transformed and followed him. They soon arrived at the
hospital. It was quite large. The Autobots were shown to Liddy's ward. Optimus
Prime looked at her, lying helplessly on the bed. He looked at the life support
machine. The line was almost one hundred and eighty degrees horizontal.
"She's
alive" said Optimus, "but barely ...."
A tear
rolled down his cheek and splashed onto Liddy's hand. Optimus knelt down and
gently touched her, his warm, soft hand, covering her body. More tears poured
out of his eyes. The life support machine gave a few sudden blips. Optimus
Prime was too upset to notice. Feeling the warmth of his hand, Liddy very
slowly and weakly, opened her eyes. She could not believe it.
She was
extremely weak, but said, "Pr .... Prime ... wha ... uhh...."
Optimus
Prime jerked. "Lidiah!"
Liddy had
a puzzled look on her face.
"How
... do you .... know my .... real name? ..."
Optimus
handed her the diary. "Sorry" he said, "I know it was private,
but we had to find out if there was any special reason the Decepticons killed
you. We found no particular reason, but .... we're sorry ....."
Liddy saw
Optimus Prime crying. "What the matter? ...." she asked, both gently
and weakly.
Optimus
paused for a moment, then said, "we didn't realize how much we hurt you
.... We ..."
Liddy
smiled. "It's alright " she said, feeling overjoyed that her greatest
dream had come true. The Autobots understand me now. Liddy still felt
weak, but her condition was improving.
"I
can't tell you how sorry we all are ...." confessed Optimus sadly.
"Is there any way we can repay you?"
Liddy
smiled gently. "Your understanding is enough" she said. "It's
all I could ever hope for."
Liddy
kissed Optimus's. Optimus Prime smiled and gently stroked her head.
"We
felt so guilty ...." he said softly. "Thank Primus you're safe
now."
Liddy was
in the hospital for a few days before she was well enough to leave. The
Autobots were very different towards her now. Optimus Prime then drove her to
Autobot headquarters.
"Now"
he said, "you're our guest. You can get to know us on a personal friendly
level. What do you want to do first?"
Liddy
didn't know what to say. The Autobots started her off and a friendly
conversation began. Liddy tried her absolute best not to sound like a
reporter and succeeded. She was grateful her ultimate dream had come true. The
Autobots too were grateful they now understood her feelings.
"Liddy"
said Optimus Prime, "thank you for helping us."
"Ahh
.... It's alright ...." she said, smiling. "I had to."
"Thank
you" said Optimus, again, "but please be careful."
"I
will, promised Liddy, putting her hand on his finger.
"And
you know, Optimus Prime, I think I'd like it if you and the Autobots called me
Lidiah."
The
Autobot leader smiled gently.
*