Melinda Lossman

The name or term Melinda Lossman refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Melinda Lossman (disambiguation).

Name: Mel
Faction: USA
Species: Human
Function: REPORTER
Division: Freelance
Sub-Group:
Type: OC

“

The media are the watchdogs of society.

”

MELinda Lossman is a freelance reporter who travels the country constantly, following the latest lead or whim. Her contacts within the Autobots and G.I. Joe give her early scoops on a wide range of stories, although economic hard times have made it difficult to investigate them with sufficient resources. Being her own boss works for MEL, since she has known problems with authority and doesn’t deal well within organizational hierarchies. The downside, of course, is that when she gets in a bind, which is often with her bad temper, she has few friends to call upon to bail her out. She is physically tough and a great writer, but when mad is more of a wild brawler than a trained fighter.

History[]

Canonical/Pre-MUX/Theme History:[]

Melinda Lossman was born on December 20, 1984, the same year the Transformers first appeared on Earth, making her lifelong existence intertwined with their presence. Growing up in a world where Autobots and Decepticons clashed, she developed a keen interest in the complexities of their conflict, seeking the truth beyond the simplistic good-versus-evil narratives often portrayed in the media.

In grade school, Mel met Marissa Faireborn, the daughter of G.I. JOE operatives Flint and Lady Jaye. Their friendship blossomed, and Marissa's connections would prove invaluable. When Mel's idol, Spike Witwicky, was injured by Frenzy in the early nineties, Marissa covertly shared Lady Jaye's surveillance reports with Mel. This access allowed Mel to uncover troubling information: Blackrock Industries was considering laying off Witwicky due to his injuries.

At just ten years old, Mel realized the power of the press. She crafted an official-looking letter, pretending to be a seasoned journalist, and threatened Blackrock with negative publicity if they let Witwicky go. The company caved, and Witwicky kept his job. This pivotal moment ignited Mel's passion for journalism, setting her on a path to wield the press as a tool for justice, determined to hold the powerful accountable and uncover the truth behind the Autobot and Decepticon saga.

MUX History:[]

Upon graduation, Mel landed a job as a reporter for a major San Francisco media outlet, where she quickly made a name for herself. She also joined a local roller derby team, embracing the sport's spirit and camaraderie. However, in 2012, Mel faced a significant setback when she was laid off from the paper. This forced her to give up her apartment and her roller derby pursuits as she struggled to make ends meet as a freelance journalist.

In 2013, Mel began traveling with field scientist Katie Sorensen, covering the storm chaser trail while pursuing various projects. One particularly intriguing assignment involved investigating Trucial Abysmia's claims of Autobot involvement in the rescue of Anwar Assan, as well as the looming threat of the Quintessons' invasion of Earth. Mel's tenacity and curiosity led her to uncover stories that blended the extraordinary with the everyday.

By 2014, The New Yorker approached Mel with an opportunity to write an extensive profile on the Witwicky family, a subject she was more than happy to explore. Relocating temporarily to Autobot City, Mel conducted interviews with the Witwickys and the Autobots who knew them. However, after publishing an interview with Grimlock that some perceived as critical of Autobot leadership, Mel found herself unceremoniously uninvited from Autobot City, much to her dismay.

Despite the setback, her article titled "A Chance Encounter: How The Tragic Death of A Wife and Mother Resulted in The Most Unlikely Group of Planetary Ambassadors" was published in The New Yorker in 2015. The piece received a mixed reception; while many critics praised it, others questioned her neutrality, particularly regarding her favorable portrayal of Spike Witwicky. Articles from various outlets highlighted the controversy, with Salon labeling it a "shallow puff piece" and Fox News Blog critiquing its lack of depth. However, Mel also garnered support, with The Atlantic featuring her story as a must-read, and even acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson praising her work on social media.

Entering 2016, Mel discussed her article's impact with her editor and received a new assignment to interview the exiled former rulers of Trucial Abysmia, continuing her journey through the complex intersections of journalism and Transformers.

In 2024, Mel's path took an unexpected turn when she encountered a brain-altered Greathawk in a bar in New Orleans. Confused by the situation, she found herself drawn into yet another chapter of the unfolding saga, eager to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic figure and the larger narrative at play.

OOC Notes[]

Based on BZero's Original Character from TF2k5, Melinda Lossman. A former roller girl, on skates she’s known as Juarez Piece.

Logs/Posts[]

1994[]

Letter to Blackrock Industries[]

To: Beth Vlasak

From: M <email withheld>

Subject: Possible News Story Idea

Time: February 25th, 1994

I'm currently studying to be a journalism major, so I'm always on the lookout for a relevant story. I might have found something - but I would need your input to verify if this would be a story in which that news outlets would be interested.

It has come to my knowledge (I go by 'Mel' on discussion boards like 'Corporate Malpractice' and I'm one of the head contributors to the Y2K Prevention board) that a young man has been critically injured in an attack on a construction facility. Although the construction facility was not liable, there have been rumblings that this person may be dropped from said construction company's health insurance coverage.

Removing the fact that said company would be dropping said employee not only when said employee is still paralyzed, but also a NEW parent AND supporting a wife who is in grad school - I found it interesting that before said employee sustained this catastrophic injury - this employee's team took a project that was 4 weeks behind schedule (which would have cost said construction company $4 million in late fees) - and took it to being 3 weeks ahead of schedule (which I think is a $2 million bonus for this corporation) - and that was after the damage done after the attack on the injured employee. Not to mention that team being down a project lead (the injured employee).

I suppose said business organization has every right to do this action. However, as a human-interest story, I believe my contacts at ABC News and the Washington Post would be VERY interested in this piece. However, if this not the case, if this corporation intends to keep the injured employee on its payroll, which would include paying for his medical bills, as well as his wife and son's medical bills - then I don't believe this would be a story worth pursing.

P.S. - I know said corporation would love to get in with the Autobots about developing technologies to combat the Decepticon menace. If Autobot leadership were to know said company dropped their human ally from their coverage plan when said employee was both paralyzed and had a newborn baby to care for, I guarantee said corporation would not be involved in any future Autobot/human collaborations.

Would you agree?

2000[]

January 26 - "Marissa and Mel," Flint visits his daughter at school.
January 26 - "Mr. Dreamy" - Flint brings his daughter back to the dorms.

2002[]

April 10 - "Visiting Mel on Campus" - Katie pops into Cedar City to look for Mel.

2006[]

January 20 - "Silly Mel" - Katie encounters Mel on her rollerblades, and silliness ensues
January 25 - "The Very Concept of Applebee's" - Katie and Mel head out to eat with Katie's daughters.
September 26 - "Dinner Time! - Katie and Mel stop by Subway.

2010[]

February 11 - "Baroness Interview" - Melinda Lossman interviews the Baroness by phone.
February 11 - "Attacks Strain US Relations with TC" - Recent attacks on US military installations by Cobra has put to rest hopes for improved relations with Cobra Island and has strained US relationships with Trans-Carpathia as well.
April 19 – “The Looking Glass Breaks” - Ebony Returns to the SG world, Scarlett's Cover is broken in the SG-Pit, General Flint is killed, Scarlett is rescued!

2012[]

October 7 - "Cascade Failure" - Soundwave spots Hubcap making a deal.

2013[]

July 16 - "Violent Robot Ninja Turtle" - Autobots investigate a fight in the swamp, assisted by a human reporter.

2014[]

June 18 - "Decepticons Attack Niagara Falls" - Mel reports on a Decepticon energy raid

2015[]

February 24 - "Bionic Six" - Mel reports on a new team calling themselves the Bionic Six.
March 16 - "Autobot to Back US Against Cobra" - Melinda Lossman interviews Optimus Prime.
March 19 - "Dinobot Commander Disagrees with Autobot Policy" - Melinda Lossman get an exclusive interview with Grimlock
March 27 - "Decepticons Attack Oil Route" - The Combaticons attack a Blackrock oil route, and the Dinobots respond.
April 11 - "Transformers Battle in Georgia" - Mel reports on Vortex's attack on the Old City Cemetery in Macon, Georgia

2016[]

December 23 - "Occupied Cities New Normal" - Mel writes about Cobra's occupation of San Francisco.

2017[]

September 29 - "Biker Gang Terrorizes City" - Mel reports on the Dreadnok attack on LA.
October 18 - "Putin Believed Killed" - Rumors swirl of the death of the Russian President.
November 14 - "Spike Interview - Mel interviews Spike in Autobot City.
November 22 - "Decepticon Mystery Solved!" - Mel belatedly reports the fate of Trypticon.
December 6 - "Email from Mel to Spike" - Mel sends a horrified apology to Spike.

2022[]

Cobra Commander scepter — Cobra Commander

May 17 - "Fort Knox Theft Triggers Hyper-Inflation" - Cobra Commander throws the financial world into chaos.

2024[]

January 14 - "Bees In The Brain" - Zarana hauls Greathawk out of that undisclosed medical facility and on a road trip while the other woman is still broken from her experiences with the infernal device. Somehow... Lifeline and Low-Light are alerted and arrive.

2025[]

Arashikage dojo SF — **Arashikage dojo**

1 February - "San Francisco Dojo Attacked" - A group of blue-clad assailants resembling fictional ninjas launched a violent attack on San Francisco's Arashikage dojo, leaving the community in shock and raising concerns about safety and the motives behind the incident.

Players[]

Created and played by BZero. She was temped by SpikeWitwicky in a 1994 flashback, and also in 2014 for her interview with Buster.

Shattered Glass[]

In the Shattered Glass universe, Mel is a correspondent for PBS, the media arm of the Colton Administration.

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