Sinead was unable to attend base the next day as there was an all-day event at her father's workplace that he claimed the family was required to attend. She wasn't fooled by this at all. Her father wanted her to join the family business once she left school, instead of going on to college like she wanted, and she knew this event was just another attempt to convince her.
All day long though, she had a bad feeling that something was happening but she didn't know what and couldn't contact any one to find out. As the day progressed the feeling gradually got worse.
It was early evening when they were approached by her grandfather. "Sinead, nice to see you. Although I must say, I wasn't expecting to see you and your mother here today."
"Father said it was required."
Steve Leahy narrowed his eyes. He was well aware of his son-in-law's intentions and he wasn't happy. "Speaking of which, where is your father? I need to speak to him. Your mother as well."
"He's over there somewhere." She pointed.
"Is there a problem?" Susie Connelly asked.
"I'm afraid so. Sinead, could you excuse us please? Wait, before you do, I've got an early birthday present for you." He handed her a wrapped box.
She smiled. "Thank you."
Steve returned the smile. He liked Sinead and thought her father was a fool. "No worries. I'll get some one to give you a ride home whilst I speak to your parents. Jason, can you spare a moment?"
"Sure Steve, what do you need?" A tall man with black hair walked over. He listened as his boss told him. "Sure thing, come on Sin."
David Connelly had been watching in disgust. He didn't understand why anyone would want to spend time and money on his waste of space daughter. He never had, and he never would. He wasn't in a position to complain however. His thoughts turned to what Steve wanted to speak to him about. What was the problem, and why? He couldn't think of anything he might have done, or not as the case may be. He was about to find out as his wife and boss headed in his direction.
It was a fifteen minute drive home. Jason had just dropped Sinead off when she saw Bulkhead drive down the road and stop outside Jack's house. She watched as Miko got out and walked into the garage. A few moments later, she walked back out looking extremely frustrated. She got back in Bulkhead and they drove off.
Although Sinead was curious about what had happened, she was too tired. She let herself in and went up to her room. She sat on her bed and unwrapped the box. It was a brand new phone, set up and ready to use. 'This will come in useful.' She would have to hide it from her father though.
Speaking of her father, she heard the sound of a car pulling up, followed by a loud slam. That was accompanied by the sound of arguing voices, and then a second slam. This time the front door.
Sneaking out of her room, she lurked as quietly as she could, listening to what was happening.
"Under investigation. Can you believe him? After all I've done for that company." David was furious. "Sinead, get down here."
"Oh, no. You're not taking your anger out on her. And don't you dare take her present away." Contrary to Sinead's belief, her mother didn't agree with everything her husband said, and was quite prepared to stand up to him when necessary.
"Steve shouldn't be wasting his money on her. What good is a phone to her anyway? It's not like she has any friends to contact. Besides, she knows what I think about that."
"So do I, and it's a complete load of rubbish. I happen to know that you have friends, and for that matter so do I."
"At least we have things in common with our friends. Can you imagine anyone wanting to be friends with her when she behaves strangely and uses words that no one understands. I thought she would've grown out of that by now. There's something wrong with your daughter, there has been since she was born. She's not normal."
"Our daughter. And the only reason you think that, is because you've never bothered getting to know her."
David glared at his wife. "You know full well I never wanted a daughter. I don't know why you spend all day every day worrying over her."
Susie placed her hands on her hips. "Someone has to whilst you spend all day every day at work. There's only so much housework I can do. Maybe if I had something else to distract me, like the books and TV programmes I used to enjoy, it wouldn't be a problem. But no, you won't have those things in the house, because you think they're a load of nonsense."
"They're just a load of fictional crap, written by a bunch of lazy people who couldn't be bothered to get a proper job. There's no productivity in just sitting around."
"There's not supposed to be. They're just ways for people relax, especially after a long day. Not everyone's a workaholic like you."
"You don't even go to work. And we both know why that is, don't we."
"David! That is enough! Honestly, there are some days when I really wish I'd listened to my father when he warned me about you. Even yours thought I was making a mistake." Susie then turned and walked off, leaving him looking stunned.
Sinead stumbled back into her bedroom, her arms wrapped around her and tears falling down her face. She knew her father hated her, but it never got any easier hearing it.
Meanwhile at the missile silo
Despite the fact he'd had a rough day, Ratchet had wasted no time looking at the data that Miko had taken a photo of.
"It can't be...Optimus."
His leader walked over and he turned to speak to him. "These are the plans for a space-time vortex generator."
"Megatron's building a space bridge. If he hasn't all ready."
"The sooner he leaves, the better." A voice stated behind them, causing Optimus to turn.
"A space bridge runs two ways, Bulkhead. Megatron may not have plans to leave earth, but to bring something through to it. His conquering army."
"The main event he referred to," Ratchet put in. "But...the only place possible for him to recruit that many fallen warriors..." His voice trailed off.
"Precisely. Cybertron."
