So this story has taken a long time. It started off as another passing idea that I wrote down and published before I learned to filter my published work to only ones I knew I could finish. It quickly became my most popular story, and even though it's caused me a lot of anxiety because of that, I'm really happy that it's come this far. If I hadn't had your reviews and your favorites/follows, I never would have gotten halfway to here. It could have gone a more boring route, faltered out of my interest range, and forgotten in the dusty files on my computer like so many passing ideas.
But now I give you, the final chapter. It's a long one, and I very well could have split it up into two, but I like to post how I write. Each part of this chapter went directly into the next as I wrote it, despite how many times I revised and completely rewrote it. I sincerely hope this is a suitable ending to this story you've stayed with for so long. I tried not to rush it, but I also tried to bring a sort of 'closure' feeling to it.
For the last time in this particular story, I sincerely hope you like it. :)
Escaping Bumblebee may have been the hardest part, but at least I knew where he was. I have no idea where all the others were, though I was relying pretty heavily on the assumption they were where Bee and I left them. But there's no guarantee that one of them could be just around the corner to catch me where I am.
The third challenge was actually finding my way. I can honestly say that I don't know where I'm going, but I managed to correctly find my way around the Decepticon vents, so surely I can use the same logic to find this ship's fuel access. Probably at the very bottom of the ship, which I knew I'd reached when the halls became oddly shaped. And this room would be near the aft of the ship, probably, so I guess it's just trial and error from there.
Nearly an hour after I snuck out, I found the correct room. There was no security around it, it wasn't even locked. Not that it would have to be, no Autobot would tamper with the fuel. Well, no one but me.
I climbed up to the counter- which was more like a railing -that ran along a curved wall. There was a transparent section about an access door at the level of this countertop. I could see the blue reflected onto the top of the tank that I could see from the ground. Now that I'm up here, I can see how low the fuel line is compared to how large the tank here is. I sure don't know how high it's supposed to be, but that looks awful low. And I guess I don't know how long so much energon will last this ship, but this makes me feel even more awful about getting kidnapped.
"Alright, let's do this." I mused to myself. Even as I said that, some line opened up beyond my viewing range and drained a little more of the fuel. The last thing I want is to be doing this, and yet, here I am. No one told me to do this, no one convinced me, I snuck out.
And I have no idea how to go about trying. There's no saying I even can. There's a possibility I'm not one of these 'keys', and yet we all know better. And you need Primus's blessing to bare the Matrix of Leadership? I met the Dynasty when I died- I died! And came back. If that doesn't constitute as 'Blessing', then I don't know what does. But then, there's always that chance I just can't do this. I probably came out here for no reason, risking getting caught and in big trouble. Ratchet would kill me for sneaking out, sneaking out probably strained my ribs too much. And Bumblebee's going to be angry about me sneaking out at all.
I pressed my hands to the transparent wall- which didn't seem to be glass -and wondered how I was going to do this. Do I have to have physical contact with it? I don't think that's possible. And if I can't do this, then no one knows I came down here. I can sneak back just as well as I could out.
Starscream told us what's needed, but I have no idea how it's done. Alright, think about it logically. The 'seed' Energon is required to have a base amount to start off with. Something to replicate. The 'key' is used to unlock it, so, it'd be used. It's the tool to do the replicating. And the 'blessing' sounds like someone. The clan back on Cybertron, a Prime, possibly me, it's got to be a person. So they would be the person that has to do it. That's why Megatron needed the clan's cooperation instead of them just being present.
Glancing over to the miniature Teletraan node that's in every room that doesn't have an access monitor, I knew that I'd have several hours to figure this out. I've got several hours, an access door, and a hunch that this will even work.
Then I guess I better get to work.
...
I woke to a sense of panic and worry. Yanking me from my unconscious state, the emotions very nearly asked me directly where I was and what I was doing. With this being my first conscious acknowledgement, awareness wasn't far behind. This was almost more effective than a bucket of cold water.
Memory of the night before reached me- whether through natural processes or from getting dragged out of my subconscious by a certain Autobot. Giving the Energon tank a reflexive look, I quickly looked away with a sour taste in my mouth. The entire room here had a bluish tint, and all of it made me sick to my stomach. Literally. I felt like I could roll over and not move for another twenty years.
After Bumblebee had gotten over the initial shock of finding me missing, he eased up and focused on locating me. I should leave and meet him halfway. I'm done here, and yet, I can't seem to leave yet. Bumblebee wanted me to stay put. He dulled whatever self-doubt and worry he'd been feeling and instead focused on subduing me. He had no idea why I felt so... off yet, but he was helping already.
Before I had a chance to go any farther, he was already coming into the room. As he came over to pick me off the counter, his check on my 'offness' slipped and his own self-doubt poked back in unwelcomly.
I tried to push it down before he could even say anything, getting comfortable where I was instead of even bothering to turn so I could look up at him.
"Sam? What did you do?" He finally asked, calming down. And perhaps now he'd only just noticed the full Energon tank.
I raised my eyebrows, rolling my head back to look up at him. "I was just getting ready to come back."
"No you weren't." He denied quickly. "You were dead-asleep when I woke you. Why would you sneak off like that?" He glanced toward the full Energon tank again, then back to me. "You didn't need to do this- no, I think Optimus actually asked you not to try anything."
I scoffed. "Yeah, right. First the Allspark messes with my brain and makes me a key, then the Dynasty sends me back to live with their blessing to use the Matrix and bring Optimus back. I've been set up for this since the very beginning- before I was even born. You know, I wouldn't doubt it if the Allspark, or the Dynasty of Primes had something to do with Archibald finding Megatron. Was there really a chance I couldn't do this?"
He turned and started out the door, briefly covering me up completely as he lightly reprimanded me over the link. I ducked and glared up at him.
"It doesn't matter." Bumblebee denied it all. "Just because you can doesn't mean you will. It isn't your job anymore. You don't have to keep taking care of us, and after everything that's happened, I think it's about time you just forget about that."
I laughed humorlessly. "I was done with it all back in college; remember how that turned out?"
"No. Stop thinking about it. Stop trying to do anything about it. Don't touch another drop of Energon; it isn't your responsibility." He simply denied, ignoring my argument completely.
I scoffed and shook my head. "I didn't touch-"
He cut me off silently, and I bowed my head slightly. A moment of silent passed where he challenged me to try and contradict him again.
"I don't exactly have a choi-"
"What are you going to do?"
I gave him an irritated look when he cut me off again.
"I'm going to keep doing everything I can to help-"
"What are you going to do?" He repeated himself, stopping me short once more.
"I'm going to keep playing the role given to me and help you guys." I said quickly before he could interrupt me again. But he just gave a quick 'wrong' over the link.
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm not going to roll over and pretend to be a nice, bystanding lap dog." I gave him a challenging look. Maybe it's a bit harsh, but I know what he's wanting. He feels like I've gone through too much with the Allspark, then back in Egypt, then with them leaving me here on Earth unaging with this link stretched as far as it was. Then when they came back, I got twice-kidnapped. He wants me to just sit back and relax, secure and without so much pressure constantly.
Instead of recoiling from the accusation like I expected, he rolled his optics and jabbed at me through the link.
"You're anything but a 'bystanding lap dog'. You're many things, actually." I could tell he was about to make a point, so I just leaned back and waited. "You're human, you're my best friend, your my human, you're a drama queen, you're sarcastic, and you're an Autobot. But you aren't the sole tool of our survival. Taking on the job of Energon replication is not something you need to do. But making you to sit by and do nothing would make me responsible for your internal combustion."
I really didn't have a response for this. It didn't really change my position, but it kind of changed my perception of his.
"If you wanted to do this because you actually wanted to, not because it's another role thrust upon you and you feel some obligation to take up the responsibility, it would be a different story. I wouldn't have any problem with you utilizing this ability." He went on.
"And how do you know I don't want to?" I challenged.
"Then you wouldn't have snuck off in the middle of the night." He gave me a look.
"It isn't the middle of the night." I muttered.
"So what are you going to do?" He repeated once more as we returned to familiar territory. It took a lot shorter time hitching a ride like this than walking on my own.
"I'm not going to sneak away to replicate Energon after tricking you into recharging?" I raised my eyebrows.
"Good enough for me." He allowed, opening a familiar door. Back in his room? I assumed that by now we'd just go back with the others. He recognized my confusion and bypassed the desk he'd left me on last time we were in here. "It was your idea to get some rest, rouse or not."
"You were exhausted." I defended. It wasn't entirely a rouse. It was just the most convenient way to get off on my own. But, now that he brought my attention back in this direction, I realized that he was still tired.
"Dealing with you for five minutes makes me exhausted." He grumbled. "And you didn't get any rest at all."
Mmmm... debatable. I did fall asleep after I filled the tank- which didn't take all that long.
"No, you weren't asleep any more than ten minutes. That's probably what woke me." He argued against my unspoken point.
"So you're just going to hope I don't sneak off again? Where is your logic?" I scoffed.
He just gave me a smirk and sat back on his bed, still holding me.
"I see." I sighed. "Held captive."
"Cruel and unusual punishment." He allowed. "You try anything stupid again, I'll know."
"And what if I don't want to sleep?" I crossed my arms.
Through the link, he drew out and exaggerated whatever tiredness I had. I'm really not that bad.
Even as he laid down and finally let me down in one of the corners where there was free space, I remained sitting up.
"Whether you like it or not, there's a full tank. Shouldn't we tell the others? Ratchet should know." I mean, we could at least get back to Earth faster now.
"They'll find out if they haven't already." He insisted, staring at me until I huffed and laid down. "Are you really going to make this that difficult?"
I sighed- and maybe sorta-kinda yawned -and laid down. Fine. Fine.
"Not that bad, now is it?" Bumblebee questioned, laying his own head down. I ignored him and rolled over. He lifted a hand to poke me lightly in the side. "Goodnight, Sam."
"Yeah, yeah." I sighed, resolving to resume our argument when he isn't obsessed with rest. "'Night, Bee."
...
Bumblebee was pleased to find I hadn't snuck off this time, but when morning found me, I was rather neutral. By morning, I mean the time when the sun just coming into view coincides with when I'm waking up. The others must have realized the Ark's tank was full because we were already back.
He must have recognized my sentiments because he didn't prod me for morning conversation on the way down to the very same room as before. I'm still convinced I can't just not do what the Allspark and the Dynasty so obviously want me to do, and he's still convinced that I won't be. But, that's an argument for another time, I suppose. Neither of us are going to gain any ground until one of us has better material, which basically means either I've got to convince Bee that I actually want to do this, or Bee has to suck it up and use the link to keep me from trying.
"How long have we been in orbit?" Bumblebee asked, completely drawing me away from our silent and subtle back-and-forth over the link. I followed his gaze to the diagram of the Ark's trajectory. Jazz had pulled one of the chairs around to face the monitor and propped his legs up on the counter there.
"About two hours." He answered. He looked pretty relaxed, crossing his arms and looking up at the monitor like he was watching a movie.
"Ah... why?" I raised my eyebrows with both of our curiosity and confusion.
"Prime wanted to clear the area out down there first, and apparently he's having issues pushing the civilians far enough away."
I nodded. Alright, that sounds somewhat normal.
"He expected to have more time to negotiate before we returned." Jazz rolled his head over to stare at me.
I smiled. Bumblebee glared.
"At least someone's happy we're back early." I stressed, trying to brush off Bumblebee's pointed irritation. Why don't we let it go for now? Just leave it be. He allowed this... for now. "I'm sure the humans are, where is everyone else anyways?" It wasn't lost to me that Jazz was the only one still in here.
"Everywhere. The ship's infested now." Jazz laughed. "I believe Mikaela and Smith are in the med bay with Ratchet, and Will's somewhere with Ironhide. I honestly couldn't tell you Simmons is though."
"Do they realize we're about to land?" Bumblebee asked, setting me down on the counter.
"We're not landing for another half hour at least. You actually just missed Prime's last update. He's got the area cleared, he's just finalizing the treaty now. Humans wouldn't let any more aliens on the planet until they had a certain amount of 'security'." Jazz snorted.
"Because they really need security from Autobots." I scoffed with him.
"It's actually your fault we aren't down there already." Jazz jabbed me. Bumblebee didn't come to my rescue this time, letting the poking-in-the-side go on as torture. My ribs didn't hurt anymore, but I don't think that matters.
I took a couple steps away and gave Jazz a look of irritation. "If it weren't for me, we wouldn't even be in the solar system yet. What've I got to do with it?"
"The humans want you back." Bumblebee answered that one easily.
But they aren't getting me back. No matter what Prime tells the government, he can't keep it all secret. He's got to tell them something as to why the Autobots are going to be keeping me now... and why I haven't aged.
"So what's going to happen?" I asked after a minute. The viewing window in the corner of the monitor that we'd watched Starscream earlier was still open, and through it Earth was now visible. I don't think there's a single point in my life when things weren't constantly changing and forcing me to adapt except these last twenty years, but it's still something I'm somewhat used to dealing with by now. This whole adventure proved that, but something tells me the change that's going to happen when we land is going to be something altogether different.
"Mikaela's voiced her wishes to rejoin us." Jazz mused. "And Smith even requested permission to stick around. I think we're growing on him. Lennox and Simmons already have a secured position in the new human-alliance team Optimus has approved of and they are already prepared for. We intend to stick around on Earth for a while now, if that's what you mean."
I nodded, but stared at the slowly-changing view of the planet we were circling.
"That team isn't a part of the government, is it?" I mused. It can't be. I just don't see either party being too keen on being so close again.
Jazz shook his head.
"And the public?"
"There hasn't been an official press conference, but rumors have been officially leaked to local media. There will be a statement directly from us after the Ark lands. We're going completely public." Jazz gave a grin. "There will be a government representative to vogue for their compliance and approval."
"Do I have to be there?" I raised my eyebrows.
"No." Bumblebee answered perhaps a bit too quickly.
"Optimus said he would like you to attend if you're willing to take the questions directed your direction, but you can avoid the whole thing if you'd rather." Jazz dropped his legs to the ground and sat up. "You know they might even be more interested in you than us, right? We're completely new and alien, but you're a human they feel they can relate to better."
I nodded and thought about it for a moment. Bumblebee nudged me over the link and I walked back over to him.
"And we still don't know how much we're going to say about me?" I wondered, climbing back up when Bee offered a hand. I took a seat on his shoulder so I could direct my attention back to the image of Earth. There were enough clouds in our small view that I couldn't say for sure, but I think we're above Australia right now.
"That's between you, Bumblebee, and Optimus." Jazz shook his head. "You might as well start thinking about it now, because if you're going to the press conference with us, you won't have much time after we land. You need to decide exactly what you are, because the humans are going to pick you apart until there's nothing to hide behind."
That's kind of intimidating, but true enough.
"Jazz." Bumblebee eyed him in irritation.
"I'm just trying to be honest here." He was doing something on a new window pulled up under the view of Earth, but I had no idea what it was about. "You don't want some flimsy explanation, because if you can't make it believable then they're going to see straight through you and know something's wrong. Then, eventually, the whole truth is somehow going to spill out. So whatever you tell them has to be the truth to some degree."
"The truth isn't something anyone on Earth is going to like." Bumblebee mused. "Sam is my charge, we'll just act like nothing has changed here since we left. It was true at one point in time."
Jazz scoffed. "Right, twenty years ago. That kid is supposed to be in his forties and he looks like he just got out of secondary school."
"I'm an Autobot." I nodded. "You guys are my family, and Cybertronian families work different. It works a bit differently, but the closest and simplest they could understand it is, Bumblebee's my guardian." I smiled at them both confidently. "It's all true, none if it's even a partial lie."
Bumblebee grinned at me. "You are an Autobot." He confirmed.
"Fair enough, but what are you, Samuel Witwicky?" Jazz turned to eye me. "Maybe it's just me. Maybe I read too much into too many Earth cultures, but I wouldn't let that just slip through. Everyone plays a role in a family, and though even humans are familiar and accepting of adoption, why? Why did you feel the need to go through everything you had and get this close to the aliens? What role do you play here?"
He seemed to ask this as a rhetorical question, because he promptly turned and got back to work on the computer. There was writing scrolling across the screen that he wasn't writing, but I didn't pay much attention to even try and figure out what any of this was about. Instead, I was drawn back to Bumblebee's and my argument.
Well, if I am an Autobot, then what makes me think I can claim that title? I've found a family with them, sure. They like to keep me around, and Bumblebee's gone as far as to insure they could keep me around longer than humanly possible. But if that's all it is, then I'm about as useful as actually being a pet here. By no means is that my status, but if all I do is hang around and only deal with the government like I used to, then I'm not much of an Autobot am I? Bumblebee would never let me anywhere near a gun, let alone the front line, and I'm certainly no scientist or medic.
How have I helped them? Through various artifacts, obviously, but always with resistance. Even now, they just won't leave me alone!
Bumblebee prodded me over the link and I looked up.
"You alright?" He questioned, poking at me again. I pushed these thoughts back down, not wanting to get into another argument with him.
"I'm good. Just can't wait to land and everything finally settles down." I sighed. "And terrified to see my parents."
They both laughed. "I'm just as nervous." Bumblebee admitted. I smiled, allowing for this. The public- and the government -won't be knowing the whole truth, but Mom and Dad will probably have to.
...
The building I'd been investigating when I was first kidnapped and swept underground was completely repaired. There were several modifications, so by now no one would mistaken it for an old garage. In the middle of Small-Town, USA, there was an entire block of high security systems and very nervous civilian homes. Just down the street to the left was a quaint bank and dollar store, and to the right down the hill was an average memorial park with a Chinese restaurant that hid a rather secluded set of rental trailers behind it. All of this would stay the same for years to come, but only for today was there a large, anxious crowd of reporters and regular citizens.
Alright, it's probably going to be crowded on this street like this for several weeks. It isn't every day you find out a bunch of aliens have decided to take up residence in your hometown.
They were all out in the street without any quarrels about staying behind the barricades and traffic cones set up to separate us from them. Local police were acting brave, keeping their cool to maintain authority. They stood along the orange and white barrier with their backs to us, eyeing the crowd for anyone who even tries to step too close. Honestly, I'm not sure if that's because keeping order or because they were still nervous about us all.
Seven Autobots standing in the back, closest to the building, had already given their prepared part in this press conference and now stood patiently while the thirty or so humans standing in front stood by after their own. Will was their spokesperson while Optimus was ours. There was one other party present that I did not include in the 'humans' category, which I reserved for native, bipedal organics accepted into our trust-circle; the suits. There were three of them, finishing their statements. The government and the aliens have established an agreed treaty of peace and cooperation, but they will have no formal authority of each other. The land given to the aliens within this mid-continent base is a peace offering, a fair and irreversible trade for the knowledge the aliens have been gracious enough to share for the betterment of mankind.
I stifled a snort and Bumblebee echoed my own amusement over the link, but helped to suppress it enough not to draw physical attention to either of us. Sure, we're giving them some knowledge, but that's not how we got this base. Decepticons attacked, the Autobots came swooping in to defend it while I was getting twice-kidnapped, and discovered the operation happening here. The government knew exactly how awful The Machine and the hoarded energon was, so in a fit of shame and 'please don't hate us forever', they destroyed The Machine, formally offered the Energon to Optimus, and handed over the base as asylum on Earth.
A lot has happened while I was on vacation.
The humans joining this Autobot-commissioned team will receive a government allowance as further show of full government cooperation. I expected the government to be more resistant and angry, but they're acting like reprimanded children here. Either they truly feel like they've done something wrong, or the power of public opinion is that powerful.
Well, I guess we're about to find out, because Agent I'mNotImportant was stepping back to his designated circle in the dirt. The three they'd sent to speak here wasn't anyone I or anyone else here had met before. Even Maggie and Glen were unfamiliar with them, which I guess is good. Anyone that had been a part of the program here was not very welcome. Except Maggie and Glen. They were on our side and had- I had no idea about this before now -been secretly sabotaging The Machine since it started. They've been excited about the science involved, but they've always stayed a step ahead and kept it far from functionality.
There was a moment of silence while the latest speech settled in, just as there had after Optimus and Will had each respectively spoken. But the silence never lasts long before Optimus spoke up again.
"We will now accept questions from the public until six." I'm pretty sure that gives about forty-five minutes. People will walk away unsatisfied, but not all questions can be answered in one day. Not everything can be learned at once. This, all of this, is going to take years for people to get used to.
Will stepped forward to brave the flood of voices and hands that went in the air. I could hear children trying to shout their questions, and half the arms in the air had notebooks or pencils in their grips. Reporters, children, parents, average people... I'm not used to this. There are humans standing with us in the face of questions, even. Usually, I sit with the Autobots while the government grills us for explanations. At least, that's how it used to happen.
"You, there." Will started in the front.
"Yes," The man- a reporter -looked ecstatic to be the first to speak. "Ah, you say that this human team will not be a government division, but it will be government funded? Will we be paying for this with taxpayer money?" He directed the first question to the easiest party here; the government. Everyone knows them. But aliens? Humans that are with aliens? They don't know anything about us.
"Salaries will be transferred from the funds for a recently cut sector." The same man from earlier spoke. That cut sector being the original inhabitants of this base. "There will be no change in taxes or government budgets."
"Good, good." Lennox nodded and turned back towards the crowd, which went into an uproar again. "You there."
Another reporter like a kid on Christmas; "How long do you intend to stay on our planet, Mr. Prime?" This one was braver, for she addressed an alien personally.
Optimus was obviously pleased by this. "Our presence will not be a constant or permanent settlement, but I intend to maintain this base in Autobot authority indefinitely. As it happens, we now have the option of returning home that we hadn't when we first came here. When restoration on Cybertron is begun, I intend to initiate Earth into our own grid of communications."
The next reporter jumped out of turn and spoke before Lennox could signal Optimus was done speaking. "What exactly does that mean?"
"We will not abandon the Earth. It has been a good home to us during our time here, whether we were truly welcome or not. Once the Grid on Cybertron is repaired, a node will be erected here in this base to allow easy communication between our planets." Optimus wasn't bothered by the out of order questioning.
Will eyed the crowd, but nodded. He only pointed this time when the next reporter jumped forward.
"Can you explain what this 'Grid' is?" He stared with wide eyes, microphone in hand while his partner held a camera.
I grinned at the turn of events; already they're more interested in learning than getting. Maybe it's just the difference that decides if a person would be a reporter or a political?
"It's closest Earth equivalent would be the internet. It is very similar, but primarily used for communications and recording histories. We take a great pride in our histories." Optimus lifted his chin.
Will looked back to the crowd, which took the cue and went into a rush again. I could see his 'up to no good' grin from here as he pointed to the next questioner.
It was a little boy, probably about seven or eight. The young boy's eyes got wide and his face lit up red, but he was practically bouncing.
"Oh- ah..." The kid had his hand up, but he probably hadn't even had a question. If he had, he'd forgotten it now. "Ah... how come there's a kid up there?" He pointed up towards me.
I haven't even been mentioned yet. I've gotten looks, glances, but no one had mentioned me in any of the official statements. I was prepared to be brought in- otherwise I wouldn't still be here -but I'm surprised it was a kid that finally brought me up.
This time, Optimus and Will- our two main spokespeople -looked to me. Bee sent me some encouragement, and I just gave a grin. I already had one of those clip-on microphones that everyone else had, so I didn't feel the need to shout from all the way up on Bumblebee's shoulder.
"Because I wanted to be with my family here, just like you." I gave an equally simple answer. But, I was incredibly nervous that their questions would now focus on me.
Will chose another- neither a child nor a reporter -and they looked up at me too.
"Aren't you that kid that went missing a while back?" It was an old woman, who appeared to be gripping a younger girl's shirt humorously. I shook my head, deciding not to question it.
"I am." Was all I offered in answer, glancing down at my parents. They stood in front of Bee and I, while the Lennoxes stood before Ironhide and the Eppses before Jazz. There was a sort of pattern, but when it came down to it, they just looked like a small mob of humans standing close enough to a couple aliens to show there was trust there.
"Alright, how about you?" Will picked another person in the front.
This reporter shook his head and held his microphone towards Will this time. "How do you feel, leaving your family so close to the aliens?"
I would have glared, but Will just laughed it off and gestures back to Annabelle and Sarah. "Just like leaving them at home. Ironhide's an old buddy of mine. None of them would ever hurt anyone here. And you?" He pointed to someone farther back that threw their arm in the air first.
"They're awfu large, Mr. Lennox. Even gentle humans have accidents when they're a bit stronger than the average man."
Will snorted. "And I'd trust the 'bots before I trusted this 'gentle giant' of a human. When I say they wouldn't, I mean it. I don't know much about their protocols or whatever it's called, but I once had to sit through a lecture from the one on the end there about how they've got certain precautions when it comes to humans." Will nodded over to Ratchet, who picked it up there.
"We've designed security protocols to enable alongside our automatic security-sensory systems. The same thing that tells us the enemy is near tells us a human is near and we are then extra cautious when in close proximity. The levels vary by the case, but on average, we won't come near enough for 'accidents to happen."
Lennox looked back out to the crowd, but the same reporter lifted his microphone again to show he wasn't satisfied with the answer. "Yes?"
The reporter then pointed over to me. "What do you have to say on his case? That looks like a rather 'cozy' example."
Bumblebee was actually about to speak on my behalf, but I indicated I wanted to speak through the link. He nodded and looked to me.
"I am not an example." I denied the 'accusation'. "I am an Autobot just as they are. No one here will lift a human up and toss them around like I am, because I am not as cautious of them as any human would be. Even Will down there, who they leave their protocols pretty lax around, won't be handled as I am. Because I am family, and I know how to handle them."
Lennox nodded to the next questioner.
"I don't think I quite understand. How are you family?" They eyed me in confusion. I opened my mouth to answer, but Optimus beat me to the punchline.
"Samuel was once as average human as anyone here. Our precautions around humans are as rigorous as the human's caution towards us. For those more comfortable around us, and able to handle our own antics and environments appropriately we are far less formal with. Just as you may be more formal towards coworkers than with family. Samuel remained a close friend and a loyal ally for many years and he is completely unafraid of us." Optimus reached over to pinch the back of my shirt and hang me in mid-air for demonstration, which got several gasps and mutters. I shrugged and just hung there, giving Bee the short end of my irritation so at least someone knew this wasn't going to be forgotten. "He is also a special case because he has Bumblebee as a guardian. Bumblebee's primary protocol is for guardianship, which strikes fear into us all should we come close to accidentally mishandling the boy."
Optimus just dropped me and Bumblebee acted on instinct, catching me and practically round-housing Optimus. Alright, no one but I knew about that last part because he got ahold of himself before anything like that started, but he seriously would have done it.
But the glare Optimus received was one that demonstrated Prime's point perfectly.
"Samuel has simply grown into our family, most notably as Bumblebee's charge." Optimus ignored Bumblebee, who stepped back in line and refused to put me back up onto his shoulder.
"Was that necessary?" Will asked.
"I was merely proving a point." Optimus answered. And, true enough, he did. The best way to convince everyone of the Autobots' integrity in preserving their human-relation protocols is by exhibiting the most exaggerated of them. And apparently it worked, because when Will pointed to the next questioner, I was forgotten.
"What about these 'Decepticons'? Are they still a threat?"
"At the moment, they are not. They are stranded on our home planet without a sufficient supply of fuel to return here and do any substantial damage." Prime paused, and I wondered what else could possibly be said on the topic. "However, as we have discovered a new method of fuel renewal, I am confident that the Decepticons will eventually identify their own means. Another reason I do not hope to leave Earth for a while."
"Their own means? What does he mean?" I whispered to Bumblebee. He didn't answer verbally, but sent a general feeling of 'later' to me. "No, can they seriously come back? What could they possibly have that could act as a key?"
"Shh." He hushed me, and intensified the 'later'. I could feel goosebumps rising on my arms.
They were already into the next question by the time I looked out again. The government was answering again.
"-two years, when the original treaty was revised appropriately. We-" I tuned them out and looked back to Bee, hissing under my breath again.
"Do they still have a shard? Or some random object, or what?"
"We can talk about this later. It's just a theory Optimus has." Bee insisted, trying to act normal.
"No, now. Just tell me what it is." You can't just drop something like that on me. "Is it the Cube's original resting place?"
"You realize everyone can see you and I whispering, right? Do you want to draw attention back this way?" He demanded. I didn't even look back out towards the crowd; the government was still talking and it wasn't all that interesting. But this? This is important! They have everything except a 'Key', and now you're saying they might have the potential to create unlimited energon just as we do? You can't leave me hanging like that! No! That's my job! I'm supposed to create energon, I'm supposed to make some big, stupid revelation and accept my fate as forever a tool to the stupid Allspark and the stupid Dynasty because it's the best I can do to help my family! And now the Decepticons have further opportunities to taint and damage the Allspark?
"Bee." I shook my head shortly. Is this a serious threat?
He glanced towards Prime, who nodded. We were being quiet enough that no one could hear us from the ground- since I flicked the microphone on my shirt off -but Optimus and Wheeljack could probably both hear us easily.
"It isn't the Cube's home, it's the Cube's place of death."
I locked my jaws and turned back towards the crowd so I could lean back comfortably to process this new information.
The Cube's place of death. Megatron. I myself shoved it into his spark casing; that's where the Cube had died with him. Megatron- or perhaps his spark casing -is capable of energon replication. I can't imagine the terrifying Decepticon leader allowing this religious clan to use him as a tool, as a key, even to save their species. But... that may mean that Megatron is stronger than ever, and they may still make a comeback.
How long would it take for them to realize it?
Thanks everyone for reading my story and staying with it. For people who have only recently started following- I've gotten a surprising amount in just the last month -I apologize for only spamming you with one more chapter. But this is it. Things are settling down, but the war is still there. It is never over, but it may be decades before the Decepticons ever realize- if they do -that they didn't need Sam.
If you even read these things, thank you for your patience. Now, if I can ask, please tell me what you thought of the story overall and how it finally came to an end. Please, R&R!