A/N: So, new type of chapter this time around! The first of the very few Bee-less chapters this fic will have. I felt that it was time Optimus and Trevor had a chapter to themselves to show some growth in their relationship. I hope you all enjoy the change of pace.

...

CHAPTER 24
A Growing Relationship

Months went by on Diego Garcia with barely a blink of an eye, or batting of an eyelash. Trevor continued his studies, training with Ironhide, and, with a license in hand, also continued on practicing with his racecar. And all the while, the Autobots continued their good fight against the Decepticons. Trevor fell into a routine and became better used to seeing his father, grandfather, and the other Autobots going off to fight without feeling too tense about it. None of it was helped by Galloway's constant mockery however, and often Trevor was still tempted to pop him in the mouth.

But Galloway didn't get much time to mock him these days. Not when he now spent much of his time around Optimus and Bumblebee, now that he had come to fully embrace them as his family. Today, he was mostly spending time around Optimus, given Bumblebee was out on a scouting mission at the mainland. Most days like that, he would go to hang out with Jazz or Ironhide, but Optimus took a chunk of these days to spend time with him. He was surprised by how many people still looked in shock and awe when they saw him riding the Autobot leaders shoulder, and couldn't see why. Given Optimus and Bumblebee were, by far, the gentlest of the Autobots.

Yet there he was, yet again, his hand on his grandfather's shoulder as he spoke to a leader in a teleconference. He recognized Defense Secretary Keller, but that was where the recognition of those in it ended. "Trevor," Trevor turned his head. "I believe Defense Secretary Keller was addressing you," Optimus motioned.

"I'm sorry, sir," Trevor shook himself out of his spacey state. "What did you say?"

Keller leaned forward on screen, and gave a small smile. "I was curious what you make of NEST so far," Keller repeated himself politely. "Given you're the only recognized human member of the "Autobot" faction, I wanted your take on it." He explained, now leaning back a little.

Trevor looked at Optimus, as if to ask how much detail he could go into. But Optimus only smiled, and nodded at his grandson, indicating he was free to say his mind. "Well, it's great for the most part," Trevor admitted, uncertainty in his voice. "But that Galloway guy, the liaison we got? He's totally abusive to the 'Bots and to me," He explained. "It's been causing a lot of tension that just doesn't need to be there."

Optimus, none to his surprise, came to his aid. He usually tried to back him up when he made a point that the Autobot leader knew was true. "My grandcreation is right," Optimus explained very pointedly, as if to affirm how serious an issue this was - given Trevor was family. "Theodore Galloway continues to say unkind remarks to us all. It has gotten to a point at which we do not let Trevor be alone in the same room with him," The boy nodded a bit. "Is there any progress on getting a replacement liaison?"

Trevor's eyes widened at that. So he had asked for a new liaison? That made him feel more relaxed than he had been by far. "We're trying, Prime," Keller shook his head. "Problem is the president likes him. And the only other candidate we have is Charolette Mearing, and, well," He paused a moment.

"Let me guess, they hate each other?" Trevor groaned.

"Oh yeah, full out blood feud."

Trevor shook his head, and rubbed the temples of his forehead in a way that made him realize he was doing an Optimus mannerism. A fact that almost made him laugh a little. By the amused look on Optimus's face, he had noticed too. "Very well, I appreciate your continued efforts, Defense Secretary Keller," Optimus nodded. "Shall we wrap this up then gentlemen?"

Trevor blanked out the rest of the conversation, but blew a bang of his blond hair out of his face. "Sorry, I know, I probably shouldn't have done that," Trevor shook his head. "I just feel like people in the government bicker like kids."

"You and me both," Optimus shrugged. "Try to be more professional about your mannerisms next time though," Trevor nodded his head. "Now, where were we before they called?"

Trevor shifted a bit, looking down at his watch. It was still barely noon, so he quickly realized that they had a long while before Bumblebee got back. "I don't know, gramps," Trevor leaned back. "You were doing other work and talking about Tyger Pax, but you wrapped up that story." Optimus nodded slightly. "Oh, I did have one question for you, too."

"Oh?" Optimus questioned. "As always, I am all audio receptors."

Trevor looked as though he was unsure how to phrase, or simply unsure whether to ask the question. He sighed a bit, and leaned back. "What do you think about the idea of me going to college?" Optimus's optic ridges raised. "I know, it's a little early. But next year will technically be my "senior" year of high school. And even if I am learning from a tutor, I've been thinking about what to do after that."

"You wish to go to college?" Optimus questioned. "Do you need that to be a NASCAR driver?"

"No," Trevor shook his head. "But before everything that happened, I liked the idea of learning mechanics too," Optimus gave a look of surprise. "You know, my dad was one and all. So I was thinking that someday, when I'm done with racing, maybe I can take over the garage," That part allowed Optimus to understand where he was coming from better. "With a minor in astronomy because the more around you guys, the more I get curious about the stars."

Optimus nodded his head, an impressed look in his optics. "That is a rather large undertaking," Optimus admitted with a smile. "Though I commend your decision that you want to further your education. I am sure arrangements can be made," He explained. "That would not involve your father coming along, I assure you," He added.

"Good, I love dad," Trevor cleared his throat. "But that would be so awkward." He paused. "You don't uh, think that dad would take that the wrong way though, do you?" He asked, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm kinda scared of upsetting him about that. I love him, and I know he has that whole protective thing about me," He added.

Optimus was silent for a long moment, then stared back down at his grandson. He knew that he had a point, especially given he and Bumblebee were so close. Close enough that most could make the mistake that Bumblebee had raised Trevor his entire life. "Bumblebee will understand if you speak to him," Optimus explained. "He knew when he adopted you that someday, you would grow up, and move out of the base," He explained. "So long as you get into a college, I do not see him finding fault with it."

Trevor nodded his head, it was something he would tell Bumblebee as soon as he got the chance. They would talk through it all together, and then, with any lucky, he'd be okay with it. "Alright, I'll talk to him once he's back. But that won't be until really late tonight, right?" Optimus nodded, and Trevor sighed. "I guess I have a lot of time to think about it."

"I know that you'll do the right thing," Opitmus told him calmly. "You have shown sound, albeit, sometimes immature," Trevor cringed a bit. "Judgment in the past, and I have no doubt you will now as well," Trevor nodded his head. "Now, show your denta and smile," Trevor smirked a bit at that. "I thought I might take a couple of hours of a personal break. Perhaps I might indulge in another of these motion pictures you've used to enthrall me."

"Sure, I never got you through the Star Wars trilogy," Trevor replied, noticing the look of uncertainty on his face. "I know, it's sci-fi, and totally inaccurate to alien life. But trust me, it's really good, I bet money that you'll enjoy it." He added, being firm with what he said.

"Very well," Optimus hummed. "But if it were any other human, I'm not sure I would say "yes"."

"I guess that makes me special," Trevor chuckled.

"As my grandcreation, to me, you are," Optimus told him as he started towards the rec room, looking over at Lennox. "William, I am taking a two and a half hour respite," He explained, to which the major nodded his head. "Should an emergency occur, I can be reached through com or in the recreation room."

"I think the world can handle itself long enough for you to two to spend some alone time," Lennox nodded. "Go on, have fun. You need it every once and a while, you know."

Optimus merely smirked, completely understanding what Lennox meant. And with any luck, the military man would be correct.

...

About mid-way through the day, Optimus felt something he had far from expected. Trevor was surprised by the deep rumbling mid-way through A New Hope of someone named "Elita". It was a name that Trevor had heard before, in passing, but had never entirely learned the origin of. Everyone had said it was a sore subject for Optimus and Bumblebee, but he had no idea what to expect. Optimus insisted that they watch the rest of the movie before politely collecting him and leaving the rec room at the end.

"Ironhide," Optimus approached the weapons specialist, who stood in a room in front of a computer. "The last transmission about the first group of Autobots returning to Earth... Do we know how far out they are now?"

Ironhide traced his finger along a screen, and pressed it a few times. Trevor could only guess he was searching for the answer, but finally, he turned his head and spoke. "Two more weeks Earth time," Ironhide told him, noticing the look in his optics, he took a step forward. "Everything alright, Prime? You look like you've seen an astral being or somethin'."

"I felt my bond with Elita," Optimus breathed. "Faint, but I could feel it."

Ironhide's optics widened, and he looked at the screen again. "You think the vessel is hers?" Ironhide questioned, and Optimus gave a slow nod in response. "I thought I felt the twins and Chromia. But I didn't think anything of it," He grinned widely. "They're coming this soon? Primus, I'm... Happy," He then added. "Oh Primus, Ratchet will not be too happy to hear that Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are arriving," He added.

"Who's Elita?" Trevor asked. "And Chromia?"

"Still haven't told him?" Ironhide questioned.

Optimus looked down upon him and shook his head. But after a moment, a smile spread over his face that Trevor only saw when he was truly happy. "Elita is my bonded, young one," He told him gently. "And your grandcarrier," Trevor's eyes widened. "It would seem that soon, all of my functioning family will have joined us on Earth," He then added. "Perhaps starting over could truly be possible here," He added.

Trevor leaned back, a grandmother? He'd only just gotten himself accustomed to two new family members. And though he loved them all the same, he was not sure how to take this new tidbit of information. "And Chromia's mine," Ironhide nodded, looking at Trevor. "Don't worry, kid," He commented. "If you're worried, Elita'll like ye. You're as tough as the rest of your clan after all."

"She wasn't there to meet me though," Trevor replied with uncertainty. "You don't think that suddenly having a grandkid the size of her thumb won't be a little... Shocking, to her?"

Ironhide shrugged, looking at him calmly. "Elita has always been adaptable," Ironhide replied. "At least you aren't the wild turbo fox that Bumblebee brought home when he was fourteen vorns old," Trevor snorted, the mental image amusing him. "Don't worry about it too much, kid. If anyone doesn't like it then they'll have to deal. You're here to stay."

Optimus ran a finger along Trevor's head gently, his optics lowering. "Elita is more than capable of loving someone of another species," Optimus told him gently, his voice soothing. "She's always told Bumblebee and I how much she wanted grandcreations," He explained, crossing his arms. "Let us keep this on the down-low until they have arrived. Lest the information fall into the wrong hands..."

"Galloway?"

"Galloway," Optimus agreed.

Trevor shuddered at the thought, knowing this must have meant they could reproduce again. Galloway would definitely not be happy to hear that, and he definitely would be angry at the thought of more of them. Let alone, more of them that could help to create miniature Autobots. Let alone miniature Autobots that could end up just like him, the kid he didn't like. "Yeah, I don't see this going very well with Galloway in the picture," Trevor shook his head. "But who cares? He's going to find out eventually. Or the government would ride your afts for hiding it."

"Right you are, m'boy," Optimus replied. "But we must keep it from him as long as possible," He then added. "The closer they are, the less convincing an argument he can make about letting them land," Trevor nodded in agreement. "And thus, I repeat that this must be between the three of us," He then added. "As well as Bumblebee once he has returned."

Trevor nodded, giving a thumbs up in confirmation. He could do secrets, especially when it came to the secrets of a group that had done so much for him. And especially when he was keeping them from a creep like Galloway. "You want me to take Trevor for a bit?" Ironhide finally asked. "Surely you could use a break having been carrying him around all day."

"He is more than fine where he is," Optimus shook his head. "Unless he wants to do some more weapons training?" Trevor shook his head, still exhausted from the last bit. "Then I do believe that he might enjoy a short trip of our own," Trevor raised an eyebrow. "There is an aircraft carrier off the coast of our island. Where I have agreed to meet a very important military figure and discuss some important matters," He then added. "If a human representative were with me, perhaps he would feel more comfortable, as most seem to be intimidated by my presence. And, unfortunately, holoforms only serve to make things more confusing for them to deal with."

"A sixteen year old with an important military figure?" Ironhide questioned. "Are you trying to have this not end well?"

"Hey, you old rust bucket," Trevor snorted. "It's not like I'm you."

Ironhide gritted his denta a bit, but backed off. After all, he knew it was merely playful banter, which was quickly becoming the staple of their friendship. "Just try and remember to keep what you heard a secret," Ironhide told him calmly. "One person slips up and this whole thing could go south," Trevor nodded.

To tell the truth, he too was a little nervous, and yet, excited. It was the first time he would get to meet someone in this manner. But as exciting as it might have been, it was a scary thought as well. Given that at the end of the day, he was a big reflection of the Autobots, and the slightest slip-up may end things badly for them all.

...

The flight to the aircraft carrier was long, and quiet. But eventually, they landed and Trevor was able to exit the massive military transport they had flown in. The aircraft carrier he stepped onto was huge, and there to greet them were a group of naval officers. "They are not a part of NEST," Optimus began as Trevor turned his head. "They have clearance, but the man we are looking for is being recruited."

"Who is he?" Trevor asked, looking up at him.

"General Morshower," Optimus explained. "He "hitched a ride" upon the aircraft carrier to meet with me. But requested we meet before he reached Diego Garcia," He explained. "Be on your best behavior, Trevor. With this man's help, we may get more government funding," He explained. "As well as a proper mission leader, who can go above Galloway's head."

"Smart," Trevor nodded.

"Optimus Prime, I presume," A man began as he walked towards the two of them with a warm smile on his face. "It's about time I got to meet one of you face-to-face. I've been curious ever since Mission City," Trevor took in the grey haired, formal, and big boned military general known as Morshower quietly. "Might I ask who the guest is?"

"It is an honor to finally meet you General Morshower," Optimus replied in a professional manner. "And this is Trevor, my grandson," He added, before motioning to Trevor. "I have brought him here as to ease any intimidation you may feel. Given many are fearful of my size and strength. I believe once you see how I treat someone as young as he is, any intimidation should go away," He then added, crouching down. "And so you may hear from a "human" member of my team about why you should help us."

Morshower nodded, and turned to Trevor, who gave a salute. To his surprise, the general returned it, despite the fact Trevor was not military. "At ease," He stated once he relaxed. "So you're the kid that has half of the government in awe," He observed, to which Trevor simply nodded his head. "As for intimidation, not necessary. I don't judge you based on what you look like, I go on personality," He then motioned forward. "Please, follow me."

Trevor followed the man calmly with Optimus standing tall once more and trudging right behind him. Normally he would have wondered why Optimus didn't give his normal shoulder perch, but he also knew that this was a professional mission. "I'm going to be honest with you," Morshower began. "I have a lot on my plate as is, and while you've interested me since the incident at SOCCONET," He looked back at Optimus. "You'd be hard-pressed for me to take over as military supervisor of the NEST forces. It may seem as easy as granting missions to you all, but it's much more complicated."

"I understand," Optimus nodded his head. "I only hope to convince you. For you come highly recommended from a good friend of mine, Major William Lennox."

Morshower nodded his head, scratching his chin. "Yeah, Lennox would recommend me," Morshower shook his head. "He always thought I was the best at what I did. But at this point, he should know how hard it is to take on such a tough position," He then added. "No offense intended, of course. But the whole aliens working with military thing is a little out there."

"Look, man," Trevor shook his head. "You haven't met the only other person with higher power over Will right now," He shook his head. "This guy Galloway's handling both sides of it right now. And, pardon my French and all... But the guy is a real asshole," He explained.

"Trevor," Optimus warned. "Course language is not to be used in an important meeting such as this. Please use your formal tone, and words."

Trevor blushed a bit, but knew that Optimus was simply trying to teach him. Morshower stopped in his tracks, and spun around, his eyes moving between the two of them. "You're talking about Theodore Galloway?" Morshower questioned, Trevor nodded a bit. "Oh yeah, I know all about him. We were privates together, and the kid is right," He shook his head. "Only reason he's even in that position now is because he wants to one-up me. Couldn't stand when I was promoted to general over him," He added.

"He fought for our country?" Trevor shuddered. "I don't like the sound of that guy with a gun."

Optimus might have corrected him, if not for the fact that he agreed. Slowly, he took a few steps forward, and looked at Morshower calmly. "I understand that you are a busy man, general. And that just coming to meet me here was difficult," The man nodded. "But we cannot have a man like Galloway in such strict power. His presence is not only a nuisance, but his prejudice is seething," He then added. "You have already shown me that you can see us as more than the... "Machines"," He flinched at the word. "That Galloway does," The man was silent. "I ask you from the deepest part of my spark to consider this job."

Morshower was silent, swallowing a little, as he put his hands behind his back. Trevor tried to read the man as best he could, but he appeared unreadable. "You're asking a man you barely know," Morshower commented. "What makes you think that I'll be better than Galloway?"

"I have done research on you, General Morshower," Optimus replied. "And if you'll excuse my harshness... It reads far better than the way Galloway's presents itself," Morshower smirked a little at that. "I have also put my faith in Major Lennox, who has never shown me a reason not to trust him," He then added. "And therefore, I trust his judgment in sending me to you," He then added. "Should I not trust you?"

Morshower's attention then turned to Trevor, who straightened a bit. "Is your grandfather always this blunt, or does he loosen up once and a while?"

Trevor held back a little snort, but shook his head, and shrugged. Remembering how he had nearly thought the exact same thing when he first met Optimus. "You get used to it," Trevor replied, shrugging his shoulders. "But he's right, y'know. Will's a pretty good judge of character, so I don't think he'd steer us wrong," He added.

For a long moment, Morshower continued to stand there. Trevor was beginning to think they were talking to a brick wall. One that wouldn't go down no matter how many wrecking balls they drove through it. "Alright, I'll do it," Morshower shook his head. "But only because I like you and Will. And I don't like Galloway either," Trevor felt himself relax. "Now, I think we have a lot more to discuss. And I'm sure you're probably hungry for dinner," He pointed to Trevor. "Is there anyway you can come with us, or do we need to handle things out here?"

Optimus's holoform appeared beside Trevor almost immediately in response. "I will be able to join you," Optimus nodded. "Lead the way to where we may begin negotiations, and acquire food for Trevor," He then added. "As a scan does show he is indeed, hungry."

"How did he-?" Morshower pointed at the holoform.

"You get used to it," Trevor shrugged. "We can explain while we're talking."

Morshower nodded, motioning for them to follow. Trevor stared up at Optimus, a smile on his face. "Well that went a lot better than I thought it wouldn't," He said with a sigh of relief. "I didn't screw that up too badly though, did I?" He questioned.

"No, you handled that surprisingly well given it was your first time meeting an official like this," Optimus smiled, his holoform placing a hand on his shoulder. "Just continue to handle it in a mature way, and you'll be fine," He winked a little "Shall we follow Morshower now?"

"Yeah," Trevor heard his stomach growl. "I guess that's what my stomach's telling me."

As Optimus and Trevor began to follow the man, Trevor was thankful the worst of it all was over.