A New Dawn - Transformers Prime (4)

Chapter Forty-Seven

Three months later...

[Amanda]

"Should I be this nervous?" I asked, checking my appearance in the mirror once more. "I feel like I shouldn't be this nervous."

Finn laughed and caught my hands, putting them to his chest so I couldn't fret anymore. "Don't stress, Amanda. These are people who already know and trust you. I think no matter what you say, we'll do it."

"Okay, but I don't want that to be the reason anyone agrees to this," I said. "I want them to be on board because they want to be."

That didn't make his small smile waver, and he pressed his lips to my forehead. "No panicking. You got this."

"You're just saying that because you're obligated to as my boyfriend."

"Would I ever?" He said in mock offense, making me laugh. "You can do this, A. Remember, you're the person who rebuilt Jasper, leads a major tech company, stopped an evil goddess from rising, and took out Megatron's girlfriend. This is easy stuff."

"Is it bad if I would literally do any of those things again instead of this?"

"We thought you'd say that!" Miko exclaimed as she, Jack, and Raf burst into the room. They each gave me a hug, then we stood in a close circle.

"No worries, right?" Jack said, nudging me with his shoulder. "I mean, once you got your leader voice on, people generally just do what you want."

I groaned and Finn laughed.

"Besides, if you stay in here forever, we'll never find out what your announcement is!" Miko added. "Which I'm still not happy about you keeping secret, by the way."

"You've mentioned it once or twice," I reassured her. "Besides, you like surprises."

"Okay, but this is a big one!"

"Don't remind me."

There was a knock at the door, and June Darby poked her head in. "Everyone's ready for you, Amanda."

"Thanks, Ms Darby," I said, leaving our circle to stand in front of her. "Do you think I look okay? I can't trust their opinions."

She gave me a small smile, putting her hands on my shoulders and smoothing out my blazer. "You look fantastic, and I know you'll do fantastic. You always do."

"Thanks." I took one, final deep breath, and then turned to face my best friends. "Well? What are we waiting for?"

They all exchanged knowing looks, but laughed as they followed me out. The base had been converted into a small gala-like event venue, and some of the top military officials from around the world mingled on the platform, the sound of chatter filling the air. I made sure my clothes were straight one last time, and Finn offered me his arm, which I took. When we walked out of the back hall, Agent Fowler was waiting for us, clad in a fancy tux similar to that of Finn, Jack, and Raf.

"The podiums ready for you, kid," He said, giving me a small smile. "And before you get up there, know that you're already making us all proud."

I gave him a bright smile in thanks, and then let my eyes wander beyond the platform. Around the railing stood the Autobots, some engaging in conversations with a few military officials while others stuck to each other. Bulkhead, Wheeljack, and Smokescreen stuck to the back, subtly avoiding the fancy talk, while Ratchet, Arcee and Bumblebee were half into the chit chat. Optimus and Ultra Magnus were the only two fully engaged in the conversation they were having, and that made my smile grow.