Transformers: The Cross

Chapter 12 - The First Clue

     "Why is this guy in the White House?" I muttered to myself, studying him as he spoke. The briefing had taken a turn. Galloway was now relaying information that was already known, clearly trying to build up to a point.

     I tuned out, uninterested.

     Shifting, I looked out the side windows, and almost had a heart attack. Ironhide was next to us. His massive form was resting on his tires, and I had no doubt that he was listening to conversation as well. If he saw me get out after hearing all of this information....

     I groaned, but it was silenced when Galloway suddenly shouted, "You! The Autobots. They're here to hunt you. What's there to hunt for on Earth besides that?"

     The director scoffed and swiveled his head to Major Lennox, then back to Optimus, who'd shuffled on his feet. "Earth will 'perish when we get it'? We're on a time limit, folks! We're clueless and don't know whether that threat comes tomorrow or in a year. And what's worse is that we are unprepared. All because you refuse to give us the necessary firepower. You are sentencing the human race to extinction.

     "So let me ask, if we ultimately conclude that our national security is best served by denying you further asylum....on our planet...." His jaw grew taut as he stared up at Optimus through his glasses. "Will you leave peacefully?"

     The side of Optimus' face was stoic and unmoving. "Freedom is your right. If you make that request, we will honor it."

     Galloway nodded, and looked around, satisfied.

     "But," the Prime said, making the director snap his head toward him. "Before your president decides, please ask him this:...."

     Optimus leaned forward, just to get in Director Galloway's face. My heart pounded for him. "What if we leave, and you're wrong?"

     As the wise Cybertronian leaned back, awaiting his answer, the question replayed in my mind. The director grew red in the face, his tongue darting out over his lips. "Well, in the event that you are exiled, if it all goes to shit, then at least we'll know who to blame."

     No one said anything after that.

     Galloway straightened his blazer rather heatedly and strode to the stairs, his chin high. When he made it to the ground level, he barked at a few random soldiers, ordering to be escorted through the ground bridge. They walked briskly to the end of the room, and while the tightly wound man stared straight ahead into the empty tunnel, a soldier who'd flanked him signaled to another in the glass corridor on the floor above. They nodded curtly and disappeared.

     Less than a few seconds later, the dark tunnel was bursting in a swell of green light, illuminating the entire room. Without hesitation Galloway walked through, despite the laser-like glares searing into his back.

     A sigh came from General Moreshower. "Theodore Galloway. Ever the drama queen."

     The chorus of chuckles that resounded throughout the room lightened the mood, but settled down quickly for the general's next words. "Lennox."

     "Sir?"

     "If you find anything, you are to report to me ASAP. Energon spikes, unauthorized or unidentifiable crafts or vehicles of any sort, any time, any place. Hell, a suspicious newscast," General Moreshower said, pawing a hand through his thinning hair. "Come to a consensus with your team so we can eliminate this threat without getting more of Washington involved. Are we clear?"

     "Crystal." Major Lennox saluted, the general returned the gesture, and the screen switched off. He turned to the crowd and called up to Optimus, who'd been lost in his own thoughts. "Your team, my team, conference room?"