Chapter 38 – A Flying visit

It had been so good to see the Witwickys, Bee and Mikaela again, especially under happier circumstances. While, they had all asked how I was going, expressed their deepest sympathies and I had somehow found more tears, we had all come to some understanding of avoiding the subject of Chase's death for the duration of my stay. It was not a case of choosing to forget Chase, rather it was a case of choosing to focus on the here and now and the time we had with each other.

Mikaela had loved the ring and dropped some subtle hints towards Sam regarding the ''L'' word. Sam had become cagey and visibly rattled when she did. /Clearly some commitment issues there/, I thought to myself. But to be honest, who could blame him. It is a huge step in anyone's life to admit that you love another. An even bigger step to make the decision to commit yourselves to each other, and one that should not be taken lightly. Being so young, I did wonder if either of them were ready for those steps just yet. Then again, Sam and Mikaela had gone through more in the past few years than most people do in a life time so perhaps…..

Ron and Judy had enjoyed having another ''adult'' around rather than a hormonal teenager on the cusp of adulthood and one who was preparing to start the next chapter in his life - college. Judy was taking this next step particularly hard and I would often see her standing around the house at various times silently crying, reflecting on the fact she was about to lose her ''little boy.''

At first, I would comfort her but then I realised she needed those moments alone to grieve. It was a rite of passage for her. Ron, on the other hand, seemed happy to be gaining his independence from ''dependents''. You could almost hear the cogs turning in his head as he planned out what he was going to do with Sam's room. Though every now and then I would catch him with a wistful smile on his face whenever he looked upon various items belonging to Sam; baseball mitts, family photos, even the gnarly jumper he wore in Mission City, the day they almost lost their son and their lives changed forever. Though he seemed loath to admit it, Ron, like Judy, was struggling with Sam leaving home – he just hid it better.

Bumblebee had been like an excited puppy when we had arrived ''home'' and beeped and whirred rapidly, greeting me with snippets of words and phrases from the radio. Even now, as I came to the end of my stay, Bee was still happy to see me and I couldn't help but laugh at his infectious joy. ''Gees Bee, you really should get out more often! Sam, please tell me he hasn't stayed cooped up in here every day?'' I had turned to face Sam in a playful yet slightly accusatory manner.

Sam had looked almost indignant, ''NO! Of course not OC,'' there was a moment's hesitation, ''but then again, I have been a bit distracted of late, what with all the college stuff and Mikaela, so I guess I have been neglecting poor Bee a bit,'' he had the grace to look slightly embarrassed.

I tisked and shook my head, ''Well, maybe after you head off to college Bee can come and hang out with me on Diego Garcia, I can always do with more friends over there.''

Sam blushed a little and whispered to me, ''Yeah, about that, I was going to talk to Bee about the whole ''college thing'' tomorrow before I left.'' He rubbed his hand on the back of his head.

I simply nodded my head in understanding. ''Understood, I'll say no more.'' To change the subject I brightened, ''Hey, how about we all go for a drive, you, me, Mikaela and Bee? We could have a picnic on the hill where we all gathered before we left for Diego Garcia.''

Sam perked up a bit, ''Yeah, great idea! I'll call 'Kaela and see if she is available.''

As Sam headed off to call her, I asked Bee, ''So, seen any Decepticons around here lately or all quiet on the Western Front?''

Bee shrugged his shoulders and whirred, snippets of voices from the radio burst forth, ''Nothing. To report. Cap'n!'' and he saluted.

''Well N.E.S.T has been kept busy lately with at least six Decepticon incursions around the world in the past few months. Prime is convinced they are searching for something, but he is not sure what that could be. Unfortunately, Galloway thinks it is you guys! Arsehole's been making life difficult for Prime and Lennox.''

Bumblebee burred up and made the impression he wanted to give a backhand to an invisible opponent, ''Why I oughta! That. Dirty rat.''

I smiled at him and patted his arm, ''I know Bee, I know. Join the queue. I think it starts behind Prime!'' I sighed. ''Anyway Bee, just keep an eye out okay for anything suspicious and report back immediately to Prime if you come into contact with any Decepticons.'' I didn't tell him about Prime's comment to Galloway about leaving peacefully if requested. Being the fiery ''teenager'' Bee was, and his close connections to his human friends, I thought his reaction would be similar to mine and I did not want to deal with an angry, pouting Camaro with weapons.

Sam returned with a huge grin, '''Kaela is in. I'll just go let my parents know and we'll head off.'' Sam took off inside to deliver the news of our little day trip.

''Well Bee, looks like we're going on a little day trip!'' I once again patted his arm and smiled up at him.

Bee was clicking his digits, bouncing around and playing ''I'm so excited, and I just can't hide it!'' Poor thing really did need to get out, I was glad I had come if only to provide Bee with a little entertainment.

Sam returned not long afterwards, and we jumped in Bee and took off, collecting Mikaela along the way and grabbing some take out.

As we sat on that same grassy hill where just a few short years ago Prime had sent his first message into the stars inviting any remaining Autobots to come and join him here on Earth, I had a moment of how much my life had changed, mainly for the better. I had made wonderful friends, gained a new family, both found and lost love, revealed my ''powers'' and honed them and grown closer to Optimus Prime. All in three short years. I turned to Sam and asked him, ''Are you looking forward to college?''

Sam thought for a second as he inhaled the last morsel of his burger and wiped his mouth, ''Umm.. yeah, I am – absolutely! I mean, who wouldn't? Besides, I am looking forward to just being ''normal'', you know, going to college, getting a job.''

I gave a small laugh, ''Sam, what ''is'' normal these days? It can be highly overrated you know, take it from me. But I hear what you are saying. 'Kaela what about you?'' I turned to face the brunette beauty. ''I bet you have mixed feelings on the subject?''

Mikaela flicked her long, silky dark locks, pulling some loose strands off her gorgeous face, ''Well, of course I do OC! I mean I want Sam to experience that part of life, but I don't want him to leave me, I'm worried we'll grow apart.'' She sounded genuinely concerned and I felt for her.

Sam put his arm around her shoulders, ''Kaela, it's not like we live in the dark ages, we can call, skype, video chat, it'll be almost like I never left.'' He tried to reassure her.

''It's not the same Sam,'' she pouted. I started to think it was a bad idea bringing this topic up.

I took a quick swig of Pepsi Max and cleared my throat, ''Ahem. Well, I am sure you'll find a way to make it work. If you want something or someone badly enough, you'll find a way to be with them. If you don't, then you'll find excuses not to.'' At this comment Sam and Mikaela stopped and looked at each other, interlacing their fingers. ''Besides,'' I said, my voice cracking slightly as I twisted my ring around my finger, ''There are greater distances that can keep you apart.''

Sam and Mikaela looked suitably chastened and embarrassed as the meaning of my comment sunk into them. Bee made a soft whirring noise and gently placed his servo around me.

''Sorry OC, you're right. We'll be fine,'' Sam spoke up.

''Yeah, we'll make it work,'' Mikaela echoed, and they gave each other a quick kiss.

''Yeah, I might be able to get a ''long distance relationship kit'' together or something?'' Sam offered and Mikaela brightened.

I took a quick breath, abandoned the ring, and smiled at them both, through slightly misty eyes. ''I'm sure you will. Now, we best get going soon, no doubt Sam your parents will want to enjoy a last dinner with you before ''D Day'' tomorrow and finish any last-minute packing before their European trip. I'm happy to go for a cruise with Bumblebee to give you all some privacy if you like?''

Sam thought it over for a second, ''Yeah that might be a good idea OC, if only for your own sanity. I reckon mum will be a bit teary.'' He gave a soft sigh.

I smiled and clapped my hands together, 'Well that's settled then, Bee, looks like it's you and I for a few hours tonight. Shall we hit the clubs?'' I winked at him.

Bee whirred excitedly waving his arms in the air, ''We came here to parrrtyy!"

I simply laughed at him, ''Well as much fun as that would be to hit the dance floor with you, I think Prime might have something to say about it.''

Bee made a sad whiney sound and shuttered his optics rapidly wiping at them as though he was crying. ''Turned down for what!?''

I patted Bee on the arm, ''It's alright Bee, I'm sure we'll think of something to do. Alright everyone, let's head back.'' We quickly cleaned up and jumped back into Bee.

Before long we were pulling up back at Sam's place after dropping Mikaela off. I quickly ducked inside to grab a jumper and a drink, say hello, and goodbye, to Ron and Judy and tell them I would be back later and to enjoy their evening with Sam. I waved goodbye to Sam and headed out to Bee, who had his engine idling waiting to head off into the night. I jumped in behind the driver's seat, to maintain appearances, and we took off down the street. ''Where you wanna go Bee?'' I asked and then quickly added, ''And remember we are keeping a low profile for Optimus' sake.''

Bumblebee whirred quietly, somewhat defeated. His radio quickly scanned the channels before the lyrics, ''Every party needs a pooper, that's why we invited youa'' played mockingly through his speakers.

''Hey!'' I gently tapped his dashboard. ''That's not nice, just trying to keep us both out of trouble. Why don't we just cruise around and you can take me to some of the places you and Sam have gone?''

Bee perked up a little and we took off, cruising around the streets for an hour or so before my phone alerted me to a message. I quickly looked at the screen and saw Lennox's number pop up. ''Oh, hey Bee, time for me to make my nightly phone call back to base to let Prime and Lennox know I am still alive. How about we head back to the hill we were at earlier today? Bit of privacy and gives a great view of the stars?''

Bee beeped a few times, ''Let's. Get. To it!'' and took off towards the hill.

A few minutes later we arrived at the hill and I jumped out of Bee heading to the edge of the hill overlooking the town below. Bee had transformed and sat beside me. I took my phone out and dialled Lennox's number. A second later his familiar voice erupted from the other end.

''Aussie! So, you are still alive? Good to see.'' There was a playful tone to his voice.

''Lennox! So lovely to hear your dulcet tones. My how I miss our chats,'' I allowed a small amount of sarcasm to enter my voice though I really did miss my friend.

At that, a wonderfully familiar baritone voice interrupted the conversation, ''OC, how are you? Are you well?'' To most people nothing would seem amiss in Prime's tone though I could tell there was an air of concern underlying his words.

I smiled brightly, allowing it to seep into the words, ''Prime! I'm fine thanks for asking. Always a pleasure to speak with you,'' I threw Bee a wink. Bee whirred away and beeped a few times. ''Bee says hello Prime and Lennox.''

At that Bee's radio belted out, ''Hello from the other side, I must have called a thousand times'' by Adele.

Lennox and Prime chorused, ''Hello Bumblebee.''

Prime then continued, ''Have you come across any Decepticon activity recently, anything suspicious?''

Lennox added, ''We have been getting hits in various other places around the globe, shit is getting real OC.'' Lennox was a seasoned soldier. The tone in his voice put me a little on edge.

''No. Nothing has happened while I have been here. We have all been on the lookout, but it has remained quiet. A good thing, I think. Whatever they are looking for clearly isn't to be found here.'' A felt a small wave of relief flood through me.

Prime's voice travelled down the line again, ''I am relived. Maintain your vigilance, especially tomorrow as Sam is leaving for college, they may try something during that transitional phase.'' Though Prime would not outwardly admit to concern like Lennox just did, I could hear it in his voice.

Bee gave some clicks and whirs, ''Aye, aye Cap'n!''

''Understood Prime, we will be careful.'' I decided to change the subject then. ''So, how are things back on base?''

There was a moment's silence, Lennox spoke first, ''As good as can be expected when Tweedle Dee and Twiddle Dumb are in town.'' I allowed a snigger to escape my lips – Mudflap and Skids were at it again.

''Is Relda ok?'' I asked with some trepidation in my voice.

''She is fine OC,'' Prime put me at ease. ''They know better than to do anything to incur your wrath.'' There was a slight pause and the next was spoken slightly under his breath, ''I just wish they would learn that about everyone else.''

I laughed out loud at Prime's exasperation. ''Would you like me to sort them out for you boss?'' Bee made actions with his servos as if he was punching something.

''That won't be necessary OC, though I am sure your return will brighten everyone's day, you have been missed.'' I held his words close to my heart. Everyone included Prime. While he would not say it out loud in front of Lennox and Bumblebee, I knew what he was trying to say.

''I miss everyone too Prime. I'll be home in two days. Hopefully plus one,'' I turned to Bumblebee conspiratorially.

Bumblebee waved his servos about, ''Guess who's back, back again, Shady's back, tell your friends,'' by Eminem blasted out. I couldn't help but laugh.

Lennox called out, ''Oh hey Bee, that's awesome, could always do with an extra pair of hands, er servos,'' Lennox corrected himself.

'You have performed admirably in your task to keep Sam and his family safe Bumblebee. It is time for you to return to the team and work with N.E.S.T to take the fight to the Decepticons. See you soon soldier,'' Prime intoned. Bumblebee seemed to glow with Prime's praise. /Hero worship indeed/, I thought back to Rachet's words that night in the Med Bay.

Lennox spoke again, ''Alright OC, Bee, time's up. Enjoy your last day tomorrow, be on your guard and see you soon.''

''See ya Lennox, we will.'' I called out to him.

''Good night OC, please, stay safe. Bumblebee, watch over her please.'' My heart fluttered slightly at the protective tone in Prime's voice. It felt good to know I was cared for.

Bumblebee let off a succession of whirs and clicks, which I assumed were the equivalent of ''Sir, yes sir!''

''Night Prime, I'll see you soon!'' and with that the line went dead. I sighed. My heart ached a little. I did miss my ''home'' and the people and ''beings'' I left behind. While it had been great to see Sam, Mikaela and Bee again, I admit I was keen to head back to base again.

I glanced at my watch it was about 11pm. ''Ok Bee, I am guessing we have allowed enough private family time for the Witwicky's, what say we head on back there and call it a night?''

Bee nodded, got up and transformed. I jumped in and we sped back to Sam's place. When we got there, I bid good night to Bee in the garage and walked to the house - via the path. Using the spare key I had been given, I unlocked the door and quietly made my way up to the guest room. /Looks like everyone's in bed, including Sam/.

I quietly prepared for bed and slid beneath the covers. I lay there for a brief moment, feeling my body sink into the mattress. Tomorrow would be a big day. My eyes began to feel heavy and my breathing become deeper. Sleep was slowly taking me – and I let it.