White House, Washington, DC, Two Weeks Later:

I can't believe I'm actually here.

Lennox gazed at the lush green lawn, the colorful flowers and the trees around him. He then glanced over his shoulder at the Romanesque building of white marble.

The White House. He was actually at the White House.

Lennox stared at the others standing shoulder to shoulder beside him in the Rose Garden. The members of his Spec Ops team, wearing their dress blues and berets. Next came Simmons, Secretary Keller, his DSS bodyguards, and Lieutenant Ali Saeed and his Qatari soldiers.

No surprise to Lennox, the eyes, and cameras, of nearly the entire press corps were directed at the Autobots. Hell, what are human soldiers compared to giant alien robots?

He didn't harbor an ounce of jealousy. If anything, he preferred to let the Autobots get all the attention. Like most Spec Ops soldiers, Lennox would rather avoid the spotlight.

That might be kinda tough now. Adrianna Rojas's live reports during the Battle of Ponce had turned him and his Green Berets into celebrities.

He spotted the former San Juan TV reporter at the forefront of the press corps. After Ponce, the major news networks jockeyed with one another to land her services. In the end, FOX News won out.

Lennox noticed the attention of the reporters and camerapeople turned to the patio.

"Ten-hut," said Lennox.

All the soldiers stood ramrod straight as the President of the United States came down the steps and stood at the lectern.

"Two weeks ago, a battle unlike any other in human history took place from the sands of the Middle East to the streets of Puerto Rico. Our world, our civilization, was under assault by a race of extraterrestrial beings. Their weapons and technology were formidable, but that did not deter the men you see behind me from doing their duty, not only to their respective countries, but to the entire human race. Against great odds, their courage and ingenuity proved vital in defeating the enemy."

The President grasped the sides of the lectern and continued. "While one group of aliens sought our destruction, another group came to our aid. Optimus Prime and his Autobots asked for nothing in return, had no ulterior motive. They fought for every man, woman and child on this planet because they knew it was the right thing to do. All the men . . . all the beings standing here, risked everything to stop Megatron and his Decepticons. Some, both human and Autobot, made the ultimate sacrifice so we all may live."

Lennox swallowed, glancing down the line, thinking of those who should be standing here today. Fig. Hiatt. Bluestreak. Powerglide. Sidhu and Poddar from the Qatari army.

The President turned to the Autobots. "To Optimus Prime and the Autobots, the debt we owe you can never fully be repaid. On behalf of the people of the United States, the people of Earth, I wish to express my deepest thanks for everything you have done for us. We all look forward to a lasting friendship between our two races."

Optimus nodded.

The President continued. "While the Battle of Ponce ended in a victory for the human race, it was just one battle. The Decepticon threat still exists. To that end, the Autobots and the leaders of most of the nations of Earth have signed a treaty with the Autobots establishing the UEA, United Earth Autobot alliance. Together, we shall take steps and be prepared in the event the Decepticons attack Earth again."

The President went down the line, handing out medals and giving words of congratulations to the Autobots and humans. Lennox stood straighter than he ever had when the commander-in-chief came up to him.

"Congratulations, Captain Lennox." The President pinned a Distinguished Service Cross on him, then shook his hand. "Thank you for your service. You and your men are a credit to this country, to the entire world."

"Thank you, Mister President." Pride swelled within Lennox. Medals held little meaning for him. One didn't become a Green Beret to earn a mountain of awards and commendations. Still, getting something, anything, pinned on you by the President of the United States himself was a big damn deal.

Following the ceremony, the press surged forward, followed by a slew of politicians and senior military officers. Most sought out the Autobots, either for interviews or photo ops.

A few, however, came Lennox's way, including Adrianna.

"So, Captain, your thoughts on being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross?"

He paused for a breath, gathering his thoughts. "It's a great honor. Many great soldiers have received this award dating back to World War One. Honestly, though, my men and I did the same thing in Ponce we did in Iraq and Afghanistan, defend the country."

"So are you going to be working with the Autobots in this UEA alliance?" asked Adrianna.

"I don't know. I haven't gotten any orders regarding that."

"Would you like to?"

"Of course," Lennox replied. "Again, that decision's up to my superiors. I go where they tell me."

Adrianna nodded and waved a hand in front of her throat, signaling her cameraman to stop recording. "Those were some pretty canned answers, Captain."

"They also happen to be true."

"Well, give me some time and I can improve your interview skills."

"Come again?" Lennox raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I am FOX's chief correspondent for Autobot-related news," Adrianna told him. "I'm sure we'll be running into each other a lot."

"It depends on if the Pentagon assigns me to UEA duty," said Lennox.

"Trust me, after what you did in Ponce, who else is more qualified to work with the Autobots?"

Adrianna extended her hand, which Lennox shook. "See you around, Captain."

She strode off, holding up a finger. "Mister Simmons. A word, please."

"Well I hope to see her around more," Donnelly said from behind.

Lennox turned to face him. "You're welcome to. Remember, I'm married."

"I, for one, look forward to talking with Adrianna more," said Bumblebee, who walked up to them with Ironhide and Optimus. "She's nice."

"You're all welcome to talk with her as much as you want," grumbled Ironhide. "I find reporters annoying, no matter what planet they're on."

Lennox briefly chuckled.

"As much as I appreciate your people's hospitality," said Optimus, "it is time for me to leave Earth. With Megatron . . . gone, I plan on leading our forces in a large-scale offensive against several Decepticon strongholds."

"What about Starscream?" asked Lennox. "What kind of leader is he?"

It was Ironhide who answered. "He is cunning, manipulative and ambitious, but is quick to retreat when a situation proves difficult."

"Most of the other Decepticons don't like him at all," Bumblebee added.

"Heh!" Donnelly blurted. "Do the 'cons like anybody?"

"Starscream is nowhere near the leader Megatron was," said Optimus. "It is my hope that launching a major attack now can severely degrade the Decepticons' capabilities, perhaps . . . perhaps even end this war." His words sounded hesitant, as though speaking them aloud would not make them come true.

Lennox stared at the Autobot leader. He hoped, prayed Optimus could finish off the Decepticons. But a nagging worry clawed at the back of his mind. He thought back to the aftermath of the Battle of Ponce. The Autobots and the Navy had searched off the coast of the city. Even now, ships, submarines and aircraft scoured the Caribbean Sea.

No one had found a trace of Megatron's body.

THE END . . . ?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Thank you for reading my version of the Transformers movie. I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks to all who have favorited this and left reviews. For some of my original works, published under John J. Rust, go to Amazon and check out my sea monster thriller "Sea Raptor," my invasion of America novel, "Fallen Eagle: Alaska Front," and my alien invasion novel "Dark Wings."