Twist of Fate
Chapter 5 - Burial
Notes: I never gave a town name of where Captain Lennox lives. So, I made it that he lives outside of Santa Cruz. I feel I need to clarify more where my locations are considering if I don't, I may get confused on the story. I'm getting too many places involved and have no grounds on where to place them.
One of the saddest days had finally arrived for Katherine. Not long after seeing Ratchet in his holoform, Will was finally able to tell Katherine the victims of Mission City were being released. The Army was going to hold a public memorial service for all the victims, just like what was done for 9/11. For the families who claimed their loved ones, the victims were getting private services. Katherine wasn't long in deciding to be present for the public service. She felt the need to make an appearance as her boyfriend and loyal co-workers were among the losses.
As Katherine readied herself for the onslaught of tears, she kept reminding herself Charles was getting a private service in his hometown. Giving herself one final look in the mirror, there was a knock on her door. Sighing, she stepped towards the door, opening it, revealing her brother in his formal uniform attire. He had a solemn look upon his face. One could tell he wasn't ready for the service either.
"Are you ready to go?" he asked.
"No, but do I have a choice? Is Sara going?"
"Yes. She knew a few people. Her brother is going to watch Annabelle. Every town is having a memorial for everyone who wishes to give their respects. It's going to be a live broadcast throughout the Nation. Ironhide is ready to take us."
Katherine nodded. Leaving the room, the two made their way to the front porch steps where Sara waited. Not wasting time, Katherine stepped over to the Topkick, getting ready to open the passenger door but a hand covered hers, stopping her. She looked up, seeing Ironhide...well his holoform. He pushed her hand aside and finished opening the door. Then with a flick of his hand, a back-hatch door opened up, revealing the back seat. Silently, Katherine climbed in the back and he climbed in behind her. What was he doing?
Her eyes widened for a moment as she stared at him silently asking him what was going on. Why would an intelligent mechic organism use his holoform to climb into the back when he's actually the driver?
"Who are you?" Sara asked, climbing into the passenger seat as Will took the driver's position.
Katherine, not sure what to say, said the first thing that came to mind. "He's a friend of mine, another survivor of Mission City."
Taking the explanation, Sara turned facing the windshield. William noticed Ironhide's holoform and wondered if he had full function of the hologram? He remembered Ratchet mentioning Ironhide hadn't perfected his hologram.
As Ironhide's true self revved up the engine, William did the reactions as if he was driving. While on the road, Will would often glance in the rear-view mirror, seeing Katherine trying her best to not cry. He also noticed Ironhide holding her hand for support.
When reaching town hall, they began to make their way towards the crowd on foot. Soon Katherine stopped, noticing Ironhide wasn't following. Quickly saying she'd catch up, she went back to the hologram.
"Is something wrong?"
"I have no idea how far my hologram will go. Ratchet is on his way here."
"Ratchet is still in town? I thought he left."
"No. He has his reasons."
"You wanted to see me?"
Katherine looked behind Ironhide's holoform to see a man in a lab coat walk up to them. It was the same one who was at Will's farmhouse last week. His bright blue eyes really brought out his shaven face.
Ironhide turned away from Katherine. "How far will the hologram go?"
"Normally only about a hundred yards. However, received a message from Wheeljack and he gave me instructions on how to build a holoemitter." He pulled out his wrist. "Wearing one right now and have one for you."
"Where is your true self?" Katherine asked.
Ratchet pointed to the other side of the street. "Over there. I need to get back to Optimus and inform him about Wheeljack. If you find out anything…"
"I get the point," Ironhide snapped. "Now, just give me the slagging thing."
Ratchet shook his head. Ironhide was always so impatient. "Here. But place it where no one will see." He showed him a small device that reminded of a wrist band of sorts.
Ironhide snatched the small device and wrapped it on his wrist.
Katherine took a quick glance. "Looks like a watch."
"Come on," Ironhide rushed out, grabbing Katherine's hand. "It's about to start."
Sighing, Katherine allowed Ironhide to pull her into the crowd. They made it to Sara just as the memorial began. The Secretary of Defence appeared on a huge screen. The screen was what connected everyone around the Nation.
"Ladies and Gentlemen," he began. "This is a sad day. We are here to give remembrance to all the men, women and children who died in a great tragedy. Unfortunately, the toll was too much so we have made a live broadcast across our great country. This service will take as long as it needs as I'm granting permission to anyone who wishes to say something on behalf of their loved ones and friends.
"Just like back in 2001, when the World Trade Center had an unfortunate tragedy, we are taking this time to remember," said Keller. "I'll now allow Father Benson to begin the memorial for those we lost." He then stepped away and a father of the cloth stepped up and began the service. As he spoke, Katherine stepped closer to Ironhide.
During the service, speeches were made about the lost ones. When everyone got through the speeches, which took nearly four hours, the Secretary of Defence stepped up again.
"To conclude the service, lets take this time in silence to remember." He bowed his head and silence reined throughout the town.
After a few moments, Captain Lennox stepped away from the crowd and to the military officers surrounding the front of Town Hall.
"ATTENTION!" Twenty officers stood at attention with firearms in hand. "READY!" With the command they aimed their weapons to the air. "FIRE!"
Suddenly explosions of twenty firearms were going off. The sound made Katherine cringe and she huddled against Ironhide's side. He held her hand firmly.
"FIRE! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!" After each word another explosion of weapons went off.
"AT EASE!" Lennox commanded, after the last set of explosions went off.
"Thank you all for coming," the Secretary announced and then the screen went blank.
It didn't take too long before everyone dispersed. Ironhide escorted Katherine to the truck to wait for Lennox and his wife. Once getting to the truck, Katherine tried her best to control her silent tears.
"Will you be all right?" Ironhide asked as he looked at his emitter. He was surprised it actually worked.
She nodded. "After we get back, would you mind if we took a drive. I need to clear my head."
Ironhide nodded just as Lennox walked towards them. "Sure." He turned to himself and opened the passenger door before opening the other door. Giving room for Katherine to step up, helping her in like before and then got in as well. Will helped his wife into the truck before climbing in himself. Just like before he acted as if he was the one driving, but in reality it was the truck.
Upon arriving back home, it didn't take Sara long to head into the house. William stayed behind for a few moments longer. "I'm surprised you showed yourself," Will said.
"It was more for moral support," Ironhide answered. "And thanks to this device I'm now able to move further away from my own body."
"What is it?"
"I'm going to change," Katherine said as she walked to the house, leaving the guys.
"It's called a holoemitter and it's something Ratchet built thanks to the subspace message from one of our own, Wheeljack. It allows me to move further away from myself. I only can move up to 100 yards without it."
"That's good to have in tight spots. I'm quite surprised you have been able to use that body quite well. Do you have full control of your hologram?"
"No. I have begun to feel sensations in about half of the body. Still working on the legs and feet."
"What are your plans for the rest of the day?"
"Katherine has asked me to take her for a drive. Why, I don't know."
Will patted the Weapons Specialist's shoulder. "She has her ways. Can you let her know that everyone is ready for a private memorial for Charles?"
"I'll inform her."
"Good," Will nodded. "I wish you met her when she was happy. She has a fiery spirit, but now it's gone."
"That tends to happen when you lose the one you loved," Ironhide replied, speaking from experience. "But what I've learnt about you humans, I'm sure something will help bounce her back. She just needs time to recover. Your lives are very fleeting compared to that of a mech."
"Her fiery spirit is what attracted Charles to her in the first place."
Katherine soon came back out, wearing a pair of faded jeans and a T-shirt. She had a jean jacket in her hands. Seeing his sister was ready to leave, Will walked away, allowing Katherine to get in the truck. Sensing no one was around; Ironhide removed the holoemitter and placed it in the truck. Soon the hologram disappeared and Ironhide pulled away. Katherine instructed him on where to go and before long they were at a cliff, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. There was an old lighthouse at the cliff but hadn't been used in many years. There was more of a sophisticated one about a mile away and it was run by electricity.
Katherine got out and sat on the edge, dangling her feet over the two-hundred-foot drop. Down below were sharp large boulders and the waves were splashing against it. Seagulls in the distance were heard. The wind whipped her hair around.
She looked over at Ironhide. "You can transform. No one ever comes up here."
Seeing she was right, and it was safe, he transformed. "And how do you know that?"
Katherine looked back towards the ocean. "If you were to take note, you'll find no traces of anyone up here. There's no foot trails, the grass is too long and there's no tire marks, except for yours. The nearest home is about six miles away and there's only one home, which is a summer cottage. Before coming out here, I asked Sara where there would be a place I can just relax. She told me of this cliff. She used to come here as a child, but no one ever likes to sit and watch the ocean anymore. They are more into computers, games and music. No one has time to just sit back and enjoy the scenery. They don't appreciate what God gave us."
Deciding to let loose, Ironhide carefully sat down on the cliff's edge as well. It looked really strange seeing a huge twenty-some foot mech sitting with his feet gangling over the edge and a human beside him.
"Your brother has told me you should try and look for a job. You've been living here for two months and all you do is mope around. You realize it's beginning to annoy everyone around you?"
Katherine glared at the mech. "I have not been moping. I have been mourning. There's a difference."
"Not from where I stand it isn't. All you ever do is argue with me, play with that Sparkling or that rodent and just keep to yourself by either sitting in your room or riding those creatures. I have done some research and found it's not healthy for a human to do those things. Perhaps it would be best if you tried to get a job or something."
Katherine lowered her head, knowing he was telling the truth. She never even helped Sara around the house. Her presence was beginning to be more of a hindrance than anything. The memorial service had finally been dealt with and everyone else was heading back to their lives. Even the survivors of Mission City were getting back on track. Of course, they had the army backing them up. Katherine had no one, except her brother.
She didn't even have any friends. Closing her eyes, the wind blew against her body. She lifted her head, allowing the wind to hit her face. The waves down below reached her ears, giving her a calming sense of relief. She could even hear the seagulls over the crashing waves. Reaching behind her head, she pulled out a clip holding her hair up in a bun, or at least what did not fall out when she arrived. Her hair fell down her back and soon the wind was slightly keeping it off her body.
"I was job searching three days ago and sent an application out to the local newspaper in town. Just before going to the memorial, I received a phone call for a job interview next Monday."
"I suppose this newspaper knows you are a survivor of Mission City."
"That and more. They know I...worked...for a newspaper there."
Wanting to change the subject, Ironhide looked out over the vast ocean. "Tomorrow is Charles funeral. It's a private memorial. Everything has already been set up."
"That's good. Can you do me a favor, and not be there."
Ironhide looked at the woman. Why wouldn't she want him to be there? "You know I have to guard you."
Katherine got up and glared at the giant mech. "Why is it so important for my protection?!"
Ironhide's face-hardened. "You can be so ungrateful sometimes, you know that? Can't you just be satisfied that I'm here to protect you? Perhaps I shouldn't have saved you from Demolisher."
Katherine slightly gasped and turned away, ashamed of her comment. She sat back down and leaned against Ironhide. A single tear slid down. "I'm sorry," she said, quietly. "I am grateful you saved my life. And I'm glad to be alive, but sometimes wish I had died and then I wouldn't have to feel so remorseful. Charles died in my arms." She looked up to Ironhide and saw he was looking straight down at her. "How did you get through it all?"
Anger suddenly forgotten, he sighed. She was asking him about Chromia. "My friends. It was hard to fight and keep a straight head. Several times I could have killed in cold blood, but Optimus or someone else would remind me, I'd be no better than a Decepticon. And it's true. I was so consumed by my anger, I wasn't thinking straight. I almost cost the lives of my fellow comrades. Eventually, I decided Chromia probably wouldn't want me to seek revenge."
"How long did it take you to move on?"
"Shorter than you think," he admitted. "It was either that or I would have been casted out of Optimus's ranks. And that I didn't want."
"Did you ever get your revenge?"
"No. The one I thought who killed her wasn't the right one. The one who really killed her is still alive, at least the last I heard but that was about 30 years ago. But I'm sure he is."
Silence reigned between the two of them for a while, neither needed nor wanted to talk. When the sun began to set, Ironhide stood from the cliff and transformed. The action caused Katherine to realize the time. She stood from the cliff and slowly climbed in the cab, before allowing Ironhide to drive her back to the farm.
On the way back, she concluded to herself, she was going to need Ironhide to take her to where the private service was going to be held. She was going to have to travel over 200 miles and wouldn't get there in time. Ironhide had the speed to get there in a few short hours. She was going to have to travel to Santa Monica, which was at the South end of California.
The next morning Katherine again had to get up early, but this time it was because she had to travel a long distance for a private funeral. She really didn't want to deal with the service, but it was the only way for her to say her last goodbye to the man she loved. When breakfast was served, the dinner table was quiet, except for the baby garble coming from Annabelle.
Both Will and Sara could see Katherine just wanted to get going and get the day over with and who could blame her? Funerals were never fun. It didn't take Katherine long to give her hugs and kisses to her family before climbing into the Topkick and allowing the truck to drive off towards the highway so the two could easily make it to the funeral on time.
With Ironhide driving and able to go speeds faster than any human vehicle, it took her less time to travel to Santa Monica than a normal person. In fact, Katherine was amazed at the speeds they took since it only took her an hour. Part way there, she contacted Charles' family and said she would be arriving soon. Upon arriving in the town, Ironhide slowed to normal speeding levels and proceeded towards where Charles' parents lived. The weapons specialist was amazed by the warm welcome Katherine received from total strangers, he guessed they were the parents of her mate.
"It's nice to see you," Mrs. Griffin said as she watched Katherine getting out of the Topkick. She rushed over to her, giving her hug. "I wish it was under better circumstances."
"Me too," Katherine said. "It has been hard."
"I know and the worst part is Charles was about to propose."
If Ironhide was in normal mode, he would have blinked. What did the man mean by propose? Well it would look like he would need to do some more searching on the human culture
Katherine closed her eyes, taking a shaky breath. She had a feeling he was going to ask her the big question, but she wasn't sure when he would have done it. She quietly sighed, forcing her tears back. "Everything is all set at the cemetery?"
"Yes. Last night, we received a call from Colonel Lennox about the private service," Mr. Griffin said as he came up to stand beside his wife. "It's kind of funny, she has the same last name as you."
"She's my mother."
"Charles' sisters and brothers are there, waiting. So, we better get going. Why don't you follow us there?" Mrs. Griffin suggested.
Katherine nodded and moved back to Ironhide. Getting in, she instructed for Ironhide to follow the car in front of them. Ironhide wanted to retort a comment but held his tongue. He could see she was visibly torn up about this meeting.
When they reached the cemetery, two military officers were waiting patiently for them. It was the same men who were with her brother the day he picked her up from the Autobots.
Getting Ironhide's promise to stay, Katherine walked over to the grieving family. But unknown to Katherine, a rescue vehicle, a Camaro and a Peterbuilt showed up at the cemetery. They parked themselves beside Ironhide to wait.
Unknown to the public eye, the army officers knew the other vehicles had arrived before everyone else did. The officers instructed for the Autobots to be scarce. But what the officers didn't know was four people exited the vehicles but stayed close.
"What is this about?" the oldest asked, he was clearly the tallest of the four men. He looked like he was in mid 40's with slight salt and pepper dark hair. He stood about six feet.
"Katherine's mate is being buried today," Ironhide answered. "Over there are his family and anyone else who knew him."
"So that is why you requested us," Ratchet said. "I figured it was something important.
"Why don't you two go over and give what support you can?" Optimus pointed to Ratchet and Bumblebee.
"Sir, I don't think that is a good idea," Ironhide interrupted. He didn't look away from gazing at the service as his leader turned his head to look at him. Before his leader could protest, he continued. "Katherine asked me not to go to this service, but I insisted for Santa Monica is too far for her to travel in a short time. I made a promise to stay back here, out of sight. She would be more upset if anyone goes over there."
Bumblebee raised an eyebrow. "Ironhide, for once stays put? That's a first."
Ironhide snapped his head back. "You want a fist in the mouth?"
Bumblebee took a step back, giving a slight whine in his receptors indicating he was joking around. He knew Ironhide wouldn't do it, but he wanted to be sure that the weapons specialist wasn't going soft from being with the woman for the past couple months.
"We are Autobots," Optimus spoke in a low voice that meant authority. "Not Decepticons. We don't fight amongst ourselves."
Ironhide turned back to the grieving family as the service continued. "Sir, we may have another problem on our hands. Katherine has decided, which is good, to find another job."
"Why would this cause a problem?"
"She is trying to get a job at the local newspaper in the town nearby the farm. If she gets the job, she could inadvertently speak of what she knows about Mission City. And I can tell that she is confident that she may get it."
"That could cause a problem," Ratchet answered.
Optimus sighed. "I'm more concerned right now about the human that is being buried. You say he had a marking of the Autobot symbol. How did he get one?"
The four Autobots watched as the service continued until it was over. It was then the two military officers slowly lowered the coffin into the ground. They could hear strong sobs coming from the women. The older woman strongly buried her head into the older man's chest. The man even had uncontrollable tears.
"No parent should have to bury their child."
Optimus turned, seeing an older woman dressed in formal military clothing. "Excuse me?"
The woman looked at Optimus. "Oh sorry. Colonel Alice Lennox."
"Lennox?" Ironhide turned to her. "As in…"
"William and Katherine's mother," she answered. "Yes. I'm sure my children told you they come from a long line of military family members."
"They did. So, you know who we are?" asked Optimus.
"Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots and you're men Bumblebee, Ratchet and Ironhide. You lost one in battle while fighting to protect the people of Mission City."
Bumblebee walked up to her. "What did you mean by parents shouldn't bury their child?"
Lennox turned to the hologram. "Children should outlive their parents not the other way around. Parents should never have to bury their children but it happens everyday."
"How long does a human normally live?" Bumblebee asked.
"On average, anywhere from 70 to 80. There are ones, though, who have been able to live to see over 90, and fewer who live to be hundred," answered the military officer.
"That's short," Ratchet answered.
She shook her head. "Not to a human. Yeah, we always say life is too short, but in the long run 70 years is a long time."
The group quickly became silent as the grieving family turned away from the burial site and walked towards their cars, noticing the onlookers. Katherine, with uncontrollable tears, groaned inwardly. Even through blurry eyes she recognized the vehicles behind them. The Autobots had showed up, but why?
When the grievers were in front of the Autobots, Colonel Lennox pushed herself forward. "I'm sorry for your loss. He must have been a great man."
"He was our son," the man said sadly. "And today we buried our first son. I'm sorry but who are you?"
Katherine gasped and rubbed her tears away as best as possible. She took a deep breath before answering. "Mr. and Mrs. Griffin, may I introduce you to the ones who saved my life and my mother Colonel Lennox."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Colonel," Charles' mother said.
"Likewise," Lennox replied, shaking hands with the parents. "Wish it was under better circumstances. Hello Katherine, it is nice to see you doing well."
"Thank you, mother," Katherine nodded.
One of the younger women looked to Optimus. He guessed her to be one of Charles' sisters. "We consider Katherine as family. So I guess we're grateful for being able to save her. But why couldn't you save our brother?"
Optimus took a step forward. "When we saved Katherine, we were in the middle of the city. Your son...brother was just outside the city. We did not know about Charles until it was too late, or we would have done our best to save him." He knew he had to choose his words wisely. From what he had learned about the human race, they were very easily affected by words. If one used the wrong words, they would become incredibly irritated.
"If you would excuse me, I need to get my wife home," the older man said.
Each of Charles' family members gave Katherine a hug before moving away and getting in their vehicles. When they were gone, Katherine turned away from the exit of the cemetery. Ratchet could tell that she was quickly getting angry and he guessed it was because they were there. Before she could explode her wrath, the two military officers came up behind her.
"Too bad we didn't know of you guys before Sector Seven found you," one of them said.
"I feel the same. Thank you for allowing us to stay, but we need to get back to our duties. Autobots!" he announced. "Roll out."
His hologram disappeared as the semi revved up his engine, before driving off. The other Autobots did the same, except for Ironhide. He stayed, staring at Katherine with intensity. The two officers knew to leave well enough alone, they quickly moved away from the remaining Autobot and their superior and left the cemetery.
Katherine didn't know what to say. She was about to scold the Autobots for being at the service but now she was left with her only way back. She continued to glare at the Autobot hologram, ignoring her mother for the moment as he stared at her.
Finally getting tired of her glare. He began to glare back. "Now, what is your problem? I did what you asked, I stayed away from your service."
She finally found her voice. "Why were your friends here?!" she demanded. "I didn't want to have to lie to them."
"Telling them we saved your life isn't lying."
Alice remained where she was, listening to the argument. She had to see for herself how difficult her daughter was being to her guardian.
"No, but not being able to explain what really happened is. I cannot go up to them and say, 'Mission City was attacked by huge mechs from another planet and they decided to kill your son for sport'. And I didn't want you at the service because they would think I'm betraying Charles and he wasn't buried yet."
"Katherine," her mother finally intervened. "I'm going to stop you right there. I was the one who asked for the Autobots to be present."
Katherine blinked, looking to her mother. "You? But why?"
"Classified," she replied. "And stop being so stubborn and let them help you."
Ironhide looked to the Colonel before his gaze was back on his charge. "What would me being with you make them think you're betraying your mate?"
Knowing her mother, Katherine had to keep her voice down. "Because, Rebecca, the eldest sister, would think you're my boyfriend. Rebecca is the only sister who doesn't really like me. She puts up a strong front to keep the peace. Rebecca would do anything just to get me to stay away from her family."
"Why would she dislike you?" Ironhide looked puzzled.
"For one, she's jealous because I have a military family background. My father is a retired police officer for the LAPD. And you can see my mother is an Air Force Colonel and my brother is a Captain for the US Army. I also have a sister in New York working for the NYPD and I have another brother who works as an LA Crime Investigator. So my whole family works in some sort of military type fashion either through the police or army."
"What is LAPD?"
Katherine would have chuckled if it weren't for the fact she was in a cemetery.
Colonel Lennox turned her attention to the hologram. "Las Angles Police Department. NYPD stands for New York Police Department."
"So you have a name for every different law enforcement?"
"It lets people know who belongs to what city police. I didn't want you to come because of Rebecca. I didn't want her to start up trouble. And now she just might," Katherine finished.
"Well then let her. You know the difference and if she were to know who I really am, I don't think she'd be so quick to judge."
Katherine became silent as she walked away from Ironhide's hologram and walked over to his transformed self. She turned back to the hologram when she grabbed for the door. "Can we just get out of here and find a nice motel to stay at. I should keep up with appearances by staying here for a day before heading back to the farm." She turned to her mother. "Mom, it's good to see you again."
Her mother stepped over to her, giving her daughter a small embrace. "I had to be here for my daughter in her time of need. I'm glad William is letting you stay with him."
The hologram nodded and disappeared. It reappeared in the driver's seat of the Topkick. Katherine pulled away from her mother to climb in, allowing Ironhide to pull out. As he did, she turned her body, facing the back window, watching as they slowly drove out of the cemetery. She looked to the grave that was just filled with fresh soil and knew her life would never be the same. She knew the four giant mechs were quickly adapting to human life and her life was going to revolve around them.