Hope you all enjoy!

By the way, someone asked me if I am an engineer. Oh heck no! My husband is, but in the civil field. I am just a chef in a casino in Las Vegas who is obsessed with Transformers, the movies, and comics, everything since I was a kid.

Ok, enough about me.

I do not own Transformers.

Chapter 14

A few weeks later, Gabby was getting ready for the 4th of July party from the Governor. She had stayed with Will Lennox and his wife Sarah the night before. She would be going with them to the party as the Autobots had been called to another energon reading outside of the state. It wasn't much, Lennox had said, but they were sent just in case. The readings had slowed a little, but were still keeping the Autobots busy.

Gabby was disappointed. She had hoped her and Optimus would be able to attend together, but duty called again.

Gabby's parents also bought her a 60 inch HDTV for her birthday and had it shipped. She had told them not to do that, because she was almost back on her feet, and would have gotten one herself, except she barely had time to watch TV anymore. They had wanted to come visit, but Gabby's aunt had fallen ill, and her mom wanted to stay with her, and help her out. Gabby had been worried about her aunt, but she seemed to be recovering well.

Her birthday was still a few days away from July 4th, and Gabby was pretty happy to have 30 years under her belt. She still felt 19 most of the time, though a few faint lines on her face told her otherwise.

Gabby had always been a tomboy, so make up and hair dos were not her thing. However, Sarah was very good at it, and did both for her. Her and Sarah had become close since Gabby had started at NEST. Sarah had visited frequently, with little 6-year-old Annabelle in tow.

Gabby looked in the mirror after Sarah was done. She had taken Gabby's normally straight hair, and made soft waves that fell a little past her shoulders. Her make up was light, with a pink lipstick.

It had been so long since Gabby had been dressed up, that she was surprised at the reflection staring back at her in the mirror.

Sarah smiled proudly at Gabby's shocked expression.

Annabelle came running in squealing, and said, "You look pretty, Gabby."

"Thank you sweetie!"

"Optimus will not be able to take his eyes off of you," she teased in a whisper.

Gabby blushed.

Her dress was a simple evening dress, in the color of white, and a crochet shift at her shoulders. As it was July in Chicago, and freakin hot and humid. It came just above her knees, and even though Gabby was loved the dress, she hated heels, so she was dreading wearing them.

Sarah looked gorgeous, and Gabby could see why Will had only eyes for her. Her black cocktail dress hugged her curves nicely, and her blonde hair was up in a loose bun with curls hanging down. Will looked so handsome in his dress uniform.

Will did send a compliment to Gabby. "Ms. Ryan, wow, you look great!"

Gabby blushed again, and laughed. "Thanks Will."

Already her heels were killing her feet, but she ignored it as they drove over the Governor's mansion. Gabby was nervous, she never attended this kind of party before. It was supposed to be out in the back gardens of the mansion with fireworks at the end of the night, and Gabby was excited, but at the same time nervous to meet so many important people at once. Never had she experienced anything elegant like this.

While they were driving over in Will's car, his phone rang. He said a few words, and hung up. He glanced at Gabby in the rearview mirror, and smiled.

"The Autobots are on their way," he said. "They should arrive not too long after us."

Gabby's breath caught, and her heartbeat rose. It still struck her funny, that an alien robot gave her this reaction.

Noticing the looks on Gabby's face, Will smiled mischievously.

Gabby thought back to their last conversation before they took off again. It actually had not been real pleasant, it had been about her new TV, and she wondered what was bothered Optimus about it.

He had installed the TV for her, but the whole time he eyed it suspiciously.

"There is something about this thing I don't like."

Gabby scoffed a little. "Why?"

The emotions played on his face as he eyed it again. "The energy from it is more than I have experienced with most other human electronics."

"Well, if it works I can't just send it back to my parents and say 'Hey, the aliens don't like it.'"

Gabby hadn't meant that to sound so harsh when it came out, she immediately regretted it.

Optimus's bright blue eyes flashed at her in slight anger. "Autobots."

Gabby took a deep breath to calm herself. "I'm sorry, I just can't send it back to them without just cause."

"I'm just not liking this instrument. I am sorry you took offense since it was a gift."

"I am just not seeing what you're making a big deal about."

Optimus's eyes flashed again, and he said, "Because I am your guardian, and my job is to keep you safe."

It was Gabby's turn to take offense. "Is that all I am to you? Someone for you to guard?"

Optimus shook his head in frustration. "That is not what was meant, and you know it."

"Well, that is what I got from it."

Optimus walked over to her, and held her shoulders. "Why are you doing this?"

Gabby had been in a mood already that day. It was not that she doubted his feelings for her, but it was just that she wanted to hear them from him, from his mouth. It seemed like they were still trying to drive a stalled car or Autobot. Besides, she wanted more than just kissing.

Gabby wanted to cry, and thought, because I love you dammit! I have not heard the same from you, and you won't tell me anything except you miss me or something stupid like that!

Instead she had taken the coward's way out. "Why are you fretting about a TV?"

Optimus turned his head away from her for a moment. She knew this look by now, and it was a call for him to go.

"Go," she said flatly.

He turned to her still fighting his anger, and other emotions still playing across his holoform face. "Bee will be here soon. Do you have your caller?"

"Yes," she lowered her head a little.

They stared at each other for a little bit, and then he was gone again!

Gabby sighed in exasperation for she did not understand why he was worried about a TV. Then they fight about something so silly.

Gabby was frowning in the back seat of the car without realizing it. That was the last time they had a chance to speak alone, and she had been fuming a little on it since. It was unresolved, and Gabby hated to leave things hanging.

"Are you alright, Gabby?" Will asked seeing her facial expressions.

Gabby's head shot up bringing her out of her memory. "Yes, sorry, just thinking."

Will laughed slightly. "Don't do that tonight. Have a good time, we all deserve it, including you."

Gabby smiled again. "Thanks Will."

They pulled up to the Governor's mansion, and Gabby noticed right away how heavily armed the area was. Armed guards were everywhere, either in uniform or plain clothes.

The mansion was actually smaller than Gabby had expected, but still a big home. It was obviously a Victorian era home, and she noticed the brick exterior right away. (Author's note: Google Illinois Governor's Mansion, and you can see pics)

Will mentioned it was built in 1855, so Gabby was close to the Victorian Era. She was mesmerized by it. She could the see the area decorated for Fourth of July with patriotic décor everywhere on the house, and lights everywhere. People were exiting obviously expensive cars in the driveway.

Will showed his ID, and invite, and they drove past the security. They pulled up to the front of the house, and a valet driver awaited them.

Gabby exited the car, and looked around. It would be a beautiful night, and even though she was nervous about the party, she still was looking around for the Autobots to make their entrance.

Will was already complaining about the heat, and having to wear his military uniform. Gabby snickered at him a little, and Sarah shushed him.

They walked in and all Gabby could think of was opulence. The décor was kind of old fashioned but tasteful. There were couples everywhere, some in groups, and some by themselves. Mostly all were carrying drinks of one thing or another. There were servers running around with what looked like trays of wine and hors d'oeuvres.

Will and Sarah stood there looking around and taking in the scene as well. Gabby fell a little behind.

A stout woman approached Will and Sarah. She had one a black evening gown, but it looked cool, and her grey hair was short.

"Good evening. Are you Colonel William Lennox?" She asked with a smile.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I am Cheryl Reed, the head of household for the Governor. He has been expecting you," she said.

Will and Sarah exchanged looks. So, they were going to go meet the Governor.

"I will follow you," Will said.

Cheryl turned, and said, "This way."

Gabby hesitated, but Will turned to her, and said, "Come on Gabby."

They were led through the main entrance of the house, and then out the back door. There was a huge garden in the back with every flower native to Illinois that Gabby could point out. There were soft lights hanging everywhere, and more patriotic décor.

A stage was set up in the middle of the garden with a band currently playing soft music. To Gabby's left was a table with food and fruits, and a bar to the right of that.

Wine sounds good right about now, she thought.

The garden was absolutely packed with people. Gabby and the rest of them could barely get through the group, causing Gabby to feel a little claustrophobic. God, I need a drink, she thought.

Her anxiety was heightened. She was not one who liked big groups of people.

Finally, they made it to the middle of the group, and there surrounding the Governor was Charlotte Mearing, and dammit, Theodore Galloway, and a few others.

Gabby was a little taken aback at how pretty Director Mearing actually looked. She had on a pink, wow pink, chiffon evening dress, and her hair was styled kind of like Gabbys. Her face in a relaxed smile.

Galloway had his usual dark suit on, and Gabby could see he was sweating just a bit. He spotted Gabby, and they both did a stare down for a few seconds before Galloway looked the other way.

Luckily, the night was starting to cool off, but it was still pretty hot from the lights around the garden.

Cheryl introduced Lennox and Sarah to the Governor. His name was Richard McCreedy. He had been Governor of Illinois when the event happened. He had the typical politician smile that made Gabby want to puke. His dark hair perfectly cut, and Gabby wondered if he sweated, because he looked perfect in his light suit. His wife, Gabby forgot her name already, was the textbook blonde with the fake boobs, and face. Gabby about rolled her eyes, but kept it at bay.

Suddenly Will was introducing Gabby to the Governor. "Governor McCreedy, this is Gabrielle Ryan, our assistant civilian engineer. She works directly for the Autobots."

Gabby put out her and, and she shook the Governor's. "It is a pleasure, Governor. This is wonderful thing you're doing for the Autobots tonight."

He smiled brightly at her, and said hello. His wife piped up, "You work directly with the Autobots? That must be so neat."

Neat?

Gabby smiled politely despite the fact she wanted to run the other way. "Yes, Mrs. McCreedy it has been an opportunity of a lifetime for me."

She thought she heard Galloway scoff a little at Will's introduction of her. Gabby wondered if she could just grab Will's gun and put the little turd out of his misery right then and there. Gabby couldn't help herself; she smiled widely at the thought.

The group began a discussion for a new base again, so Gabby took her leave, and snuck away.

She made her way through the crowds, and spotted Maria at the bar. Maria spotted her and waived. The female military were able to dress in civilian attire tonight. Maria had on an emerald green dress with a black bodice. Her black hair up in a bun with little emeralds placed in strategic places through the bun. She looked beautiful.

"Here," she said handing Gabby a glass of red wine, when Gabby walked up. "I thought you could use that."

Gabby gratefully took it, and took a sip, careful not to spill on her white dress. She was not a big drinker, but she might make an exception tonight. "Thanks," she said. She would have something colder when she was done with that.

Maria and Gabby started talking, and Gabby started to relax being around her friend. Still, she would wait for the big blue, and red guy to get here.

Maria and Gabby decided to grab some food, and piled up their plates. Gabby was getting anxious for the Autobots to get here.

Her and Maria continued to talk when the announcement was made that they were here. Epps came over one time, and talked to them for a while. Despite Optimus not being there yet, Gabby was enjoying herself.

Maria smiled knowingly at Gabby, and she smiled back to her friend.

The crowd parted as the Autobots filed in one at time, and started clapping. She could tell that Dino, Sides, the twins, and Bee were enjoying the attention, but Ratchet looked embarrassed, and Jolt looked ready to bolt. Gabby laughed to herself at the rhyme. Then there he was. Gabby could have sworn the heaven's had parted when Optimus walked in. His eyes scanned the crowd, and she did her best to get his contact. His holoform eyes seemed to glow the brightest out of all of them. Gabby felt a swell of pride at his humble demeanor in the situation.

Gabby caught her breath in her throat. He had on a black suit, with a red and blue striped tie. She knew the suit would not affect him in this heat at all. He looked mesmerizing. Her stomach turned when for the slightest moment their eyes finally made contact despite the crowd. He showed no emotion as he was led to the stage though.

"Sides is oozing hotness tonight," Maria commented with a sly smile taking a sip of wine.

"A thousand other ovaries think so too," Gabby said laughing.

Maria cracked up laughing, and nodded still eyeing Sides.

The Autobots along with the leaders of NEST took their places on stage. Gabby felt sympathy for Optimus, as she could tell he looked really uncomfortable. It was too crowded for her to move closer though and give him some moral support. She hoped he would feel her vibes from where she stood.

The Governor walked up on stage and shook all of their hands, and went to the microphone.

He then gave a speech thanking NEST and the Autobots for all their hard work, blah blah blah. "They have been an asset to Earth, blah blah blah." Gabby and Maria exchanged looks and rolled their eyes. Not at the appreciation for the Autobots, but the politics of this whole thing. Gabby hated politicians.

The crowd cheered when the Governor was done, and the Autobots dispersed into the crowd, except Optimus. He was still stuck on the stage with the Governor and the rest of the leaders. The band started up again, and couples were starting to move to the makeshift dance floor.

Suddenly Sideswipe walked up to them, and said, "Ladies, you are both looking very lovely this evening." He smiled in his charming way.

Sideswipe turned and whispered something to Maria who giggled. Gabby raised an eyebrow and then rolled her eyes.

Sides turned to Gabby and said, " Ms. Ryan, I must say you look stunning."

"Thanks Sides," she smiled at the compliment.

He took her hand and kissed it. She caught his smile and veiled plot. She narrowed her eyes at him. He stood back up and whispered to her. "My leader can't stop looking at you."

Gabby blushed, and Sideswipe laughed lowly. His blonde hair was brushed back, and his silver tie was neat on his shirt.

He took Maria's hand, and she waived goodbye, and they were gone. Off to the wooded area somewhere leaving Gabby standing there shaking her head in amusement.

The rest of the Autobots greeted Gabby then. Ratchet hugged her. He had on his yellow tie, and Bee with his black and yellow tie. Jolt's was a dark royal blue. The twins were hot pink, and green. All had black suits on, and all with those glowing blue eyes. Gabby could tell the twins looked uncomfortable. Ratchet said Optimus warned them to be on their best behavior. She knew better, they were practically bursting to start some mischief.

Dino then approached her, and kissed her hand. He looked highly amused.

"What is so funny?" Gabby asked him smiling.

Dino's eyes glinted in amusement. "If there was a gun in his hand, I would be dead right now."

Gabby scanned the crowd again, and realized that Optimus had left the stage. Her eyes searched, but could not locate him. Though she could feel distant eyes on her.

Dino smiled brightly again. "Do not fear, Ms. Ryan. He will be with you shortly. He has been distracted all night so far, with your political leaders. For he is the reason I keep you in my company."

Gabby blushed again! Stop it! Dino and Gabby started a small conversation, but Gabby could feel a rush of heat in her cheeks, and her palms were sweating. Her heart fluttered in anticipation. Though they had quarreled the day before she knew she just wanted to see him, and feel his lips on hers.

Dino took her hand again, and squeezed it. Gabby couldn't help but notice that his hand didn't radiate half the heat that Optimus's did. He did look awesome though. His black hair was slicked back, and his goatee perfectly shaped. He had on a black suit with a deep red tie.

Gabby was about to ask Dino if they could find Optimus, when the crowd parted a little again. There he was…..

Optimus came up to them, and eyed Dino. He then turned to Gabby who swallowed hard. Their eyes locked in something that Gabby could not place, but she was so happy he was here finally.

Optimus turned to Dino who was smiling broadly. "You are dismissed," he said lowly to Dino.

Dino didn't protest, and said goodbye to Gabby.

Gabby and Optimus stood there for a long time just staring. Gabby could feel her nerves explode in her body. The background around her had quieted. She wondered what Optimus was thinking.

He then took her hand and led her through the crowd. Gabby spotted Ratchet smiling at her, and lifted a drink in his hand in a salute to her.