Semi
Optimus had chosen his alt mode because it fit his massive size and he loved the coloring. Sure, Iron Hide was vocal about his appearance. So was Optimus, on a quieter level and he basked in the feeling of being comfortable in his own chassis. For vorns they had been left to the void of space with only their proto forms as external covering. Thinking of those dark times he soaked in the warmth of the NM sunshine, settling with a hiss onto his wheels.
The driver side door opening broke him from his thoughts, his holo form solidified into being and smiled at Sam. Who was doggedly attempting to climb into the passenger seat. It was a challenge for most humans and his bonded in particular. One handed it was more difficult and he offered an outstretched hand. Grateful but embarrassed Sam accepted it and leverage his way up.
"Have I mentioned how much it sucks getting in here? Cause it sucks." The comment was punctuated with gestures to the running board and two inset handles. Combined they helped one access the interior but it was still a challenge. "MMmhmm but you love it all the same" True, Sam thought the 329 Peterbilt was stunning and he enjoyed seeing the world flash past from above the height of most vehicles on the road.
Sharing the drive with other Peterbilts,Volvos, and Western Stars in a rainbow of colors and chrome. Originally he had been worried Optimus with his red, blue, and flame detailing would stick out. That quickly faded when he began noticing eggplant purple, tangerine, and a shade of green that nearly matched Skids. Some sported stacks like the Elders while others had rooster tails that put his own to shame.
When not on recon, Optimus kept his speed down to a more acceptable level. Mimicking the speed of other semi's to help the illusion. It meant the boy often complained about the slower pace. Sam had grown use to Bumblebee's blistering fast break neck bursts. Said illusion also meant sticking to the slow lane because semis didn't stray far from it. They weren't allowed in the third and fourth lanes, doing so quickly brought unwanted attention.
It also meant having the proper DOT papers in order for the intermittent weigh station pull over. The first time that happened Sam had freaked out. Thinking their cover would be blown because he knew nothing about driving a truck least of all a semi. Before they had even pulled off the interstate Optimus had subtlety shifted his exterior to pass inspection?
Mud flaps, proper colored running lights, correct number of exterior mirrors all shifted into being. Adding a license plate with the required stickers and an ID number stenciled on the side. Sam watched googled eye as even the interior changed to match the correct specifications. Dials and gauges popped up on the driver side dash, the gear shift added extra gears. Effortless Optimus guided himself (that never got old) into one of the lanes to wait. Engine in idle he busied himself with double checking the DOT paperwork
Having the internet at his processors beck and call, allowed him knowledge of what was expected of him. Tossing the folder over to Sam he said quietly. "Inside is the insurance paperwork that allows you to be on the road with me. After all you aren't an official employee nor do you poses the proper license (CDL class). Gulping Sam riffled through the folder, "what if they ask me something?" This was a pop quiz from Hell "It's alright, they won't" The Elder said and offered a wave of calm along the bond. "All you have to do is hand them the folder if asked" The boy nodded in relief and settled back against the seat.
He had a cell phone and so did Optimus. It added another reality to the illusion and helped ease the separation. That meant if Optimus could help it, daily calls to fill him in about the others were abouts. Often resulting in amusing commentary as Optimus tried to read the passing mile markers and other signs. Fresh off a round of conferences, his cell phone rang.
From deep within his shirt pocked the opening stanza of "Eighteen Wheeler" by Alabama could be heard. Sighing in relief he answered the call from "Orion Pax", a photo of Optimus's holo displayed on the screen. He had taken it earlier in the summer on a run from NM to UT. They had stopped near Bryce canyon for a much needed break. Unbeknown to the Elder the boy had taken the picture with his iPhone. Optimus had been leaning against the driver's side door, glancing down as the twilight deepened around them. The sepia quality of the fading light offered an appearance of a tin type. With his black mustache and gray Stetson the Elder looked like he belonged in another century. Smiling softly to himself he answered. "Do you know if Kansas actually has tornados capable of uprooting a house"? The familiar deep voice muffled by the speaker greeted him. He simply laughed letting the miles fall away as he talked.
Authors notes:
-My BFFs parents are truckers so I borrowed some of the information I've learned from hanging around them.
-The Western Star comment is a nod to Optimus's current alt mode while the Peterbilt is his original alt mode in the films. Used till AOE, when he scans a Western Star semi.
-The song is real and frankly is a perfect fit for Optimus. It's about coming home to one's family and he considers the humans just that.
-Return of the Stetson cause I can't get enough of it.