*Chapter 1: Family Matters*

It's been weeks since the war in Chicago, Illinois. Back at home in Washington where Sam and the Autobots live to recover since the battle, Sam's parents, Judy and Ron, received a phone call from the foster center. Their niece and nephew are there because their parents were killed in the car accident by the Decepticons weeks ago, and the children must be transferred over to Judy and Ron's new house as their new home.
Upset of the loss of the family members, they must go to the funeral and take the kids with them. It's hours away from their hometown, but the kids are family and won't let them stay at the foster center. When Sam heard the news, he was shocked and upset about his deceased aunt and uncle who were killed, and he will comfort his younger cousins at the home while his girlfriend, Carly was out in business until then. It wouldn't be so bad to have two cousins to live with his parents, he had his own place, but...he thought of something to cheer up the kids.

The sun was setting outside of the cemetery where everyone was dressed in black. Judy held the two kids close to her, holding back her tears. A 14 year old boy with light brown hair, freckles, and green eyes is named Camron. And a 13 year old girl with brown hair and blue eyes is named Hope. The three were standing in front of the gravestone where the children's parents were buried not too long ago. A gravestone had the parents' names on it. Sean Simmons & Tracie Simmons: Beloved Parents.
Ron came towards his wife, nephew and niece in silent. He couldn't believe that his sister was killed by those Decepticons. At least the kids were okay from that incident. Those evil robots are gone.

Driving home, the kids sat in the back seat silently, looking out the window to see lights in the city that they are leaving. Ron was driving and Judy was in the passenger seat. They never said a word since they got in the car. Judy turned to face them.

"You two are going to love it there. Sam will be visiting you two tomorrow. You guys have a lot to catch up on." She said. Camron looked at his aunt, but Hope never looked away from the window. But she is listening to the conversation.

"How was he these days? Is he still working with those robots?" Camron asked.

"Yes. He is." Judy said. "But, he also needs to find another job. His girlfriend went out for a business trip, but she will be back in a couple days and you will get to meet her."

"Oh." Camron says. "So, Sam will be busy now and then, right?"

"Oh, he'll have the time with you guys. Believe me, he will have the time." Judy said with a smile. "He was actually looking forward seeing you two. And you will be meeting his friends." That part caught Hope's attention. They are going to meet the Autobots in person? Now that is something.

"We have four different rooms upstairs, but one of them is mine and your aunt's. Just go on up there and pick a room that you want to stay in." Ron says coming in the front door with suitcases and Judy had two more of them as well. Camron and Hope walked upstairs and went to the right side and found two room next to each other. Camron walked into the room which it big enough for him, and there is a window that shows a backyard. Hope came in and told him that the rooms are the same almost. At least they each have beds all set up for them. Judy came in with Camron's suitcases and Ron went into Hope's room with her suitcases.

"So, what do you think?" Judy asked Camron who looking in the closet. The other side of the wall is Hope's closet. Hope went back in her room, so she could help her uncle. "We just got this place and I knew it's worth it." Judy said, placing her hands on her hips, nodding.

"I like it." Camron replied. "Should I unpack now or tomorrow?"

"How about clothes for tonight and the rest is later, okay?" Judy says. "Or you can just take out your clothes to wear for bed if you like. It's up to you. I want to make sure you feel comfortable. I'll go to Hope's room." As she left, Camron brought one of his suitcases on his bed and opened it to reveal his clothes.
In Hope's room, Ron left so Judy could be inside with her niece. Hope took out her pajamas to wear for tonight.

"Well? What do you think?" Judy asked.

"...It's fine." Hope replied in a quiet voice. Judy sighed a bit. Hope is still upset about the death of her parents. She sat next to her on the bed and wrapped her arm around Hope's shoulders.

"I know it's tough, sweetie. But, I know what your parents want from you and Camron. They want you to make them proud and want you happy." Judy said. "We're here for you two. We love you both very much. And I am glad that we have you now." Hope wiped her face with her hand.

"...They killed them." She said. "Those evil robots killed my mom and dad." Judy embraced her niece who became teary eyed.

"I'm so sorry, honey. But, they are gone now. The Autobots destroyed them." She said. "You're safe with us. You and Camron are not alone." Hope pulled away and wipe her tears away from her eyes. "If you need me or Ron, we'll be downstairs. I'll leave you with your new room." Judy said as she got up and went out of the room. Hope sniffed a bit and brought her pajamas with her to go to the bathroom.

"No. Not now, Bee! It's too late!" Sam said to the yellow Autobot who made the radio noises and talks through the radio. Bumblebee's head lowered a bit. "My cousins just came back from the funeral and they need time to get to know my parents' place and I will go get them tomorrow afternoon. That means you will be my ride there." Same says. Then, Bumblebee began to play music in happiness. Sam chuckled a little at his robot guardian and friend. Bumblebee had heard that Sam's young relatives came here to stay and will be new friends of the Autobots, but not as fighting allies.

"Will I be able to reveal myself there?" Bumblebee asks hopefully.

"Uh, save that when we get to NEST, Bee. Trust me, I know my cousins will be in for a treat once they find out they are riding with the Autobot like you for a whole time." Sam says. Bumblebee shrugged a bit. "But, don't try to scare them if they are that scared of something. No offense."

"None taken, Sam." Bumblebee said. Same smiled at his robot. When it was time to turn in, Sam went back in his apartment as Bumblebee transformed into a car to get in the garage to sleep. The yellow Autobot had free time to be with Sam again since the battle was finally over. Even the leader, Optimus Prime just regained his arm and made a full recovery. But, what's depressing for Bumblebee and the rest of the Autobots was that they lost Ironhide and Wheeljack. They are good robot soliders, and good friends. Never be forgotten.