Transformers Galaxy Force: Thunder Storm

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers.

Author's Note: It is surprising how many people have asked, but Emily doesn't get a 'monthly visitor'. Because she's a Terraformer, her body absorbs, recycles, and reuses it.

Chapter 73

Coby woke up to the smell of Diana Simmons' cooking and the growl of his stomach. He swore if his mom and Lori's mom teamed up on a cooking show, they'd make the camera's drool. He got up and changed into his usual white polo shirt and blue cargos and left the guest bedroom for the kitchen. After he and Lori had dropped off Emily at the Stanton's, his parents had called him on his cell, telling him to stay at Lori's for the night because the front lawn of his house was covered in reporters.

There are many famous people who like the attention of the press, but Coby wasn't one of them.

Lori was already sitting at the table, wolfing down strawberry pancakes. She stopped just long enough to smile at him, and then returned to her carnage. Coby grinned as he sat down next to her, idly wondering how she could eat so much so fast without getting sick. Then again, she grew up like that.

"Here you go," Mrs. Simmons said as she placed a stack of pancakes – without strawberries since he was allergic – in front of him.

"Thanks, Mrs. Simmons," he told her as she turned back to the stove and continued cooking. He took the syrup, poured some on, and began eating.

Mr. Simmons walked in dressed for work and with the morning paper rolled up in under his arm. He went over to the coffee maker to get it started before sitting down and unrolling the paper. Coby felt a sudden need to clear his mouth and looked up at the older man sitting across from him. He could tell from the way his eyes scanned the front page that something was not right. Eventually, Mr. Simmons set the paper down on the table so Coby and Lori could see, mumbling, "This cannot be good." Coby's eyes bulged and his jaw dropped while Lori choked on her pancakes in surprise and horror at the headline.

A Threesome in the Cybertron Army? Is the Famous, Chivalrous Coby a Player? Coby only had to look at the writer to know that he didn't want to read it.

"By Miss Ella 'Dumb-witch'," he growled. "You're right, this isn't good."

Lori recovered from her choking, "We'll just have to lie low for awhile, or at least until we leave on that vacation Bud planned."

If only things were that easy. The reporters soon ditched Coby's house and began camping out on Lori's front lawn. It was only by sneaking out at night that they were able to escape to Earthfall, and even then they weren't completely safe. Twice, Ella Dowilch managed to sneak inside in an attempt to interview someone. After the second time, Lori filed for a restraining order.

When the time came to get on the plane to Contact Point, Coby and Lori didn't think a week would be long enough.