Extraordinary: It ends with us (Ironhide) (2)

Chapter 1. The beginning

Welcome, this is the second book extraordinary series. In the second book of the trilogy I go back in time before Starlight was born.

   *      *      *

Death.

An invisible force but always lurking around the corner. The first time Maggie Forester had to deal with it was after her fifth birthday. There wasn't much she remembered, just the tears and hysterical cries of her mother. A heart attack, that was the evil that killed her beloved grandfather. The only thing she clearly remembered was the confusion. He had survived the war, people shot at him, chased him, tortured him and then, he was dead. In just a few seconds his life was over. All the stories she heard hadn't scared her, it made her stronger. It gave her courage to become just like her legendary grandfather.

Maggie pulled her SUV up in the parking lot. She always dreaded her first day. She cut the engine and reached for her bag next to her. For a few seconds, she remained in the seat, encouraging herself. It's going to be okay. She reassured herself. She knew Major Lennox very well. They had served together a couple of years ago in Qatar. Due to an injury, she had to leave earlier and it had saved her life. She hopped out,— closing the door and strode towards the entrance. It wasn't like she had expected it to be. She grew up in the military and had seen many bases, this one was different.

Although it was located in the center of the capital, it was also poorly guarded in comparison with other bases around the world. Most bases had advanced weapon systems, gates and a lot of soldiers patrolling. For so far, Maggie had only seen a few two soldiers outside and the gate was a joke. Just a simple fence.

Maggie walked up to a large metal door, showing her badge. 'Ah, the rookie.' Maggie snorted. 'I am not a rookie, thank you.' The man raised his hands in surrender. 'Major Lennox is waiting for you,' he replied. Maggie passed. She had somewhere hoped he would point out where she had to go. The base was huge. She took a few turns, following the signs. Taking a turn, she bumped into a man. 'Oh, I am sorry.' She stepped back. The tall man tilted his head, eying her with his piercing blue eyes. 'You're new around here?'

'Yes, I am. Sergeant Maggie Forester.' She shook his hand. 'Ironhide, weapons specialist,' he replied. 'Nice to meet you. I guess we will be seeing each other more often then.' Maggie flashed him a smile. 'I am certain of that.'

'I am looking for Lennox, is his office that way?' Maggie pointed ahead of her. 'There are several routes, if you go left it's shorter,' he replied. 'Thank you.'

'I need to go the same way, I can drop you off if you'd like.' Maggie smiled at his friendly gesture. 'Thanks.' She felt her nerves fade the longer she was with him. At least Major Lennox wouldn't be the only person to have a friend now. 'I hadn't paid you as a soldier... I thought you were a model or something,' Ironhide broke the silence. 'A model? Really?! I am wearing a uniform. I am from a very long blood line of soldiers. My great-grandfather, my grandfather, father, mother and so am I. You might know my mother, Brooklyn Forrester, named after the USS Brooklyn, she served in Afghanistan and won several medals. My grandfather was part of the team on the USS Arizona. One of the few survivors.'

'I have heard the stories. Lennox told me.'

Maggie smiled while thinking about her grandfather. She hadn't known him for too long, but the stories had always intrigued her. She followed Ironhide and walked inside the office as he opened the door for her. 'Maggie Forrester.' Lennox got up.

'William Lennox.' They embraced. 'You two know each other?' Lennox nodded. 'I served with her in Qatar and Afghanistan.'

Ironhide ohh'ed and tapped with his hand on the door post. 'You can go, unless you need anything?' Lennox added as he caught Ironhide staring at Maggie. 'What? Oh, yeah... no, I am gonna go.' He turned on his heels and walked off,— closing the door behind him.

'Close friends?'

'Ironhide is my guardian. He's an Autobot.' Maggie smiled. 'I already figured that out by hearing his name,' Maggie replied before she seated. 'I am glad you wanted to come. I wasn't sure if you wanted to take the job when I called.' Maggie slumped back. 'Me neither but there wasn't much left for me in Boston. My mom passed away last month. Stage 4 liver cancer.'

'I am sorry for your loss.' Maggie waved her hand. 'How did you end up in this mess?' She joked to change the painful subject. 'After the base in Qatar was attacked, we were called by the government to help a boy named Sam Witwicky. Apparently had owned a pair of glasses that held the location of a scientific Cybertronian artifact.' Maggie snorted. 'You always end up in a mess, huh?' She joked. The major smirked,— fiddling with a pen.

'I guess I do, but now you can be part of my mess. Epps was excited to hear you took the job. Guess the three of us are back together.' Maggie laughed. 'You guys wouldn't survive a day without me. How's Sarah doing?' He sighed. 'She was pregnant but lost the baby in the second trimester. She wanted to wait, I guess she's scared to lose another baby.'

'I am sorry to hear.'

Lennox waved his hand. 'It's okay. I felt bad for not being there for her, but she's okay.' Maggie flashed him a smile. 'Anyway, I want to invite you for lunch at 12 PM with Optimus Prime, Prowl, Ironhide, Jazz, Ratchet, me and Epps. They are excited to meet you and Epps really want to see you again.' Maggie nodded. 'I will be there.'

'Great. I don't need to tell you how the military works, but I figured you might want a map until you get used to the base.' Lennox handed her a case file with several papers in it. 'There are also some forms you need to fill in.' Maggie flopped through them briefly while nodding. 'I will give them back by the end of the day,' she replied. 'Great. Do you have any questions for me?'

'No, everything is clear, thanks.'

Maggie got up. 'I will start my shift and see you at twelve.' Major Lennox got up as well. 'Great.' Maggie turned around. 'Mags?' She turned. 'I am really glad you're here. I really missed having you around.' Maggie smiled. 'I missed you too.'