Chapter 11: A small request

So, turns out home sweet home was going to be none other than a small footprint shaped island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. At least that's what I could make out from my Google search of ''Diego Garcia" on my I-phone.

When Lennox and Epps had indeed showed up to both inform and escort Optimus and his team, save Bumblebee, to their new ''digs'', that was the name Optimus had relayed to his team and to us. A military base apparently leased out by the US from the British. A very strategic military base. A very secret, strategic military base - about to be made even more so by the arrival of Sentient Robotic lifeforms from Cybertron – and a middle-aged woman with psychokinesis (though the latter was yet unknown to anyone, I think?).

When Optimus had told his team about Diego Garcia and how they were moving out immediately, the fear and sadness I had been feeling moments earlier at the thought of being separated from the Autobots bubbled to the surface like icy molten lava, unable to be contained. My words erupted, not unlike a volcano; suddenly and somewhat violently. ''I'M COMING TOO AND YOU CAN'T STOP ME!'' All heads and eyes, brown, green and blue, turned to look at me in unison.

It was Lennox that spoke first. ''Sorry OC, that's not really an option nor has it been vetted by anyone,'' he said with a sad smile. At my crest fallen expression and obvious upset at these words, Lennox quickly offered, ''Look OC you've been a great help, really you have, for a civilian, but the ride stops here.'' I felt my hands move to their hips of their own volition.

The next words that came out of my mouth were of stark contrast to those spoken only moments ago, a slightly cold, hard edge to them. ''Lennox, I'm sure we'd all agree that up until this point you have proven yourself to be an intelligent and reasonable man, able to make sensible decisions based on information provided to you,'' his somewhat puzzled but curious expression did nothing to deter me. ''I strongly suggest you keep that record and opinion intact by making a concession and allowing me to come along''.

There were a few awkward coughs and shuffling of feet from various bystanders as they took in the scene unfolding before them. Epps, Mikaela and Bumblebee had some idea of what was to come as they had recalled my efforts back in Mission City and I was vaguely aware of smiles breaking out on their faces. Despite only standing about 5' 5'' I could be a force to be reckoned with when determined, like a Blue Heeler Cattle Dog doggedly wearing down far stronger and larger opponents with sheer single bloody mindedness and a refusal to give in.

''While I can understand…'' Lennox started to volley back with a rebuttal, but I did not give him the chance.

''Lennox.'' I paused to allow the weight of what I was about to say sink in. ''While all of you still do not really know who I am or much about me really, I will let you in on a few honest facts – a little Orianna Connors 101. If, after what I am about to say to you all, you disagree or remain unmoved, then I shall accept your decision." Lennox looked contemplative for a moment and then nodded his acquiescence to my terms, folding his arms over his chest, /perhaps his equivalent of my hands-on hips/ I mused briefly to myself.

I took a deep breath; I hadn't spoken of this to anyone for so long. The voice that came next was strangely calm despite the swirling emotions churning inside of me. ''I am not one who usually dumps the weight of the world on the shoulders of others. I prefer to keep my private business to myself, but I feel I need to explain why I want to come along with you to Diego Garcia.'' Here goes….''I am alone.''

Three words.

So very easy really but so very hard to say out loud. ''I have no one, and I mean no one in my life. My family all – died - years ago when I was living in Australia. Since I have come here, about 10 years ago I have had a few relationships, the last ending oh'', I glanced down at my watch to check the time, ''about 36 hours ago, give or take.'' At this Lennox and the others' expressions changed, a shadow of shock and sorrow fliting over their faces.

I ignored them and continued. 'I've Never really had any friends growing up as my family kept moving around and the habit seemed to stick as I made a new life for myself here. I know I can be of use to you. I could be some sort of Autobot/human liaison''. I felt my heart beat speed up and my breath hitch as the following words were almost wrenched from my mouth, ''For most of my life I have felt – lost, useless and broken,'' at this confession I started to feel tears prickle the corners of my eyes and my nose began to run. I wiped furiously at them lest the dam burst.

Lennox went to say something, to stop me, but I held up a hand to silence him. I told him I would be honest and that was what he was going to get, whether he liked it or not. ''Since I have met up with you all, I have felt a sense of belonging and connection I have not had in the longest time, maybe never.'' At this point I looked at each and every one of the people and beings stood before me. Some of the eyes I looked into held tears like my own, some held silent support and understanding, some held capitulation and some held an emotion I could not quite read – as long as it was anything but pity. I don't do pity.

I took a deep breath again, ''With all of you – I feel a sense of home, of purpose and direction, like I can help - make a difference. Please.'' Almost a whisper now. ''Please don't take that away from me.'' I closed my eyes at this last plea, partly in embarrassment and partly in silent prayer that my words would not fall on deaf ears.

There was silence.

/Have they walked away?/. I reopened my eyes. Lennox had taken a step towards me and had placed his hands on my shoulders. He looked down at me for a second as if forming the words. ''I'll see what I can do OC. As far as I am concerned, welcome aboard.'' The breath I didn't know I had been holding exhaled roughly and I blinked away fresh tears rapidly. Mikaela and Sam came over to give me a hug as did Epps.

Bee took a tentative step towards me. Crouching down he gently extended one of his arms out towards me allowing one of his ''fingers'' to brush down the side of my face, ''You go girl!'' followed by the sounds of the Sister Sledge, ''We are family'' blasting through his radio. I managed a small laugh and heart felt sigh, ''Thanks Bee. Back at you.''

Looking over at the other Autobots, something I had tried to avoid after my initial brave stare down, there were mixed emotions. Jazz was excited and gave me a thumbs up, ''Hey girl we roomies now.''

Rachet seemed indifferent though not annoyed but Ironhide looked like he had just swallowed something distasteful. /Yeah – the news more humans would be crawling around him/.

Prime. Prime had not said anything or shown any real reaction - as if he had been contemplating what I had just poured out. Ironhide not happy with me tagging along was one thing. Prime not wanting me around – for some reason that was a whole other issue and one I had to clarify now.

''Optimus?'' It was a whispered request. The great Prime heard and lowered himself down to address me on my level.

''Yes, Orianna?'' he said simply.

''Do. Do you mind? Is it ok with you if I come along with you and your team to Deigo Garcia?'' I paused a moment, almost not believing what I was about to say. ''If you don't want me to come along, I will honour your wishes and remain here.'' I cast my eyes to the ground, my heart clenched as it prepared to be dealt a harsh blow.

Instead, I felt the strangely warm tip of a giant metal finger ever so gently touch the underside of my chin, encouraging me to look up into two azure pools of kindness, wisdom and acceptance. It was as though everyone and everything had frozen – awaiting what was about to be said.

Prime's deep baritone voice rumbled, ''Orianna Connors. I thank you for your honesty. You have once again demonstrated your great capacity for bravery and self-sacrifice. I would be honoured if you would join my Autobots and I at our new base and help to establish a human/Autobot liaison programme to facilitate our transition to your planet.'' What could be taken for a small smile graced his ''lips'' /must learn what ''their'' body parts are called. ''I believe Captain Lennox stated it best…. Welcome aboard.''

Without thinking I grabbed the tip of Prime's finger and hugged it to my face. So many emotions flowed through me, the most pressing one being gratitude. I released Prime's finger, looking somewhat embarrassed and allowed the noble leader to once again regain his full height and composure.

''Thank you. Thank you all so much!'' I was practically radiating with happiness.

''Well'', Epps said, clapping his hands together. ''Hate to break up the fun but Lennox, we got some calls to make and some deals to wheel.'' Epps started to head back to their black SUV.

''Indeed, we do Epps, best get to it.'' Lennox sent a smile out to me again, and I nodded.

As he walked away, I couldn't resist it. ''Hey Lennox?'' He turned. ''That's twice, but who's counting.'' I broke out into a radiantly, cheeky smile.

Lennox, seemed at a loss for a moment, before recognition dawned on his face as he realised, I had out argued him twice. ''Oh, this will be fun living with you on Garcia. Bring it!'' He turned to address the others, ''Sam, Miakela, Bee, we'll be in touch, thank you all for your help. Optimus, we'll meet you and your team,'' he turned to face me, ''plus one, at the designated rendezvous point at 06:00 hundred hours as discussed.''

''Affirmative,'' the Prime intoned.

And with that they drove away, and the new chapter of my life began, one I could hardly wait to start writing.