Chapter 2
Maria and Orion stood on the porch; as Judy Witwicky stood at the door. "Can I help you?" she asked.
"Yes, I was wondering if Samuel James Witwicky lived here; and if he did if he was home. It is very important I need to speak with him." She asked.
"Oh Sammy, sure he is here." Judy said as Maria smiled then; as Orion grinned at Judy happy someone could finally help them to find his daddy. "Aren't you a cute little boy," Judy said.
"Thank you, my mama always says I am cute too; so it must be true." He said with a giggle.
"Yes, it must be because mothers don't lie; young man, you must always remember that." Judy said as Judy held the door open. "Come on in," Judy said. "Can I get you something ice tea, milk and maybe some cookies?" she asked as Orion lit up like a Christmas tree.
"Yes please," Orion said.
"That will be fine, thanks." Maria said.
"What's your name by the way?" Judy asked.
"Oh I am sorry, I'm Maria Williams and this handsome little guy is my son Orion." She said as Bumblebee's engines faltered slightly at the name; as he listened into the conversation.
He knew it was rare for a human to name their sparkling Orion; so it could very well have signaled he was named after... Optimus Prime?
Bumblebee was not stupid; he also loved Optimus like a creator and would not tell on him ever. He would go to Optimus first; he had to because he owed Optimus that much. He would hear his side of the story first; as to why he had been with this human in the first place. Bumblebee knew it was technically forbidden and frowned upon for Autobots any Autobot to have mates during war. Cybertronians mated differently than any other species; and their love ran deeper and stronger than any other creature in the universe. Cybertronians when they spark mark; when two sparks touch it bonds there together for eternity. So, when this occurs if one perishes; then the other becomes sick and then will perish right along with the other. Spark mates also can feel each other's emotions and feelings; it also goes for any strong bond a bond of friendship works the same way with strong feelings being able to feel the other's feelings. Bumblebee often felt that friendship link with Samuel; and was proud of the bond they had forged together as friends almost like a brother bond.
Optimus was leader and prime; so it was his job and duty to keep those rules and regulations enforced. So, it would not look good if he had been found with a femme and had a sparkling; but also a human femme.
Bumblebee couldn't count the number of ways how this whole situation was so very bad; Optimus could be removed as leader if he is found breaking a rule he was supposed to enforce himself.
Judy put ice tea on the kitchen table; and an ice cold glass of milk for Orion and some cookies.
"Thank you," Orion said politely.
"You're welcome, Orion." Judy said. "That is such a unique name," Judy said.
"He was named after his father," she said as she saw a young man and a very pretty girl enter the kitchen.
"Hey mom, what's up?" Sam asked.
"Sammy, this is Maria Williams and her son Orion; she wanted to talk to you." Judy said.
Sam looked a bit uneasy at first; and Maria could sense it and wanted to calm him down.
"You're not in trouble," she said with a laugh. "I am just trying to find someone; it is very important." She said.
"Oh okay, this is my girlfriend Mikaela Banes," Sam said as Maria shook Mikaela's hand.
"You're pretty," Orion said to Mikaela.
"Why thank you, you're pretty cute there yourself, Orion," Mikaela said.
Orion smirked; he had the same roguishly handsome smile Optimus had; she smiled softly to herself.
"Sam is there somewhere we can talk privately; would you mind staying with Orion, Mrs. Witwicky?" Maria asked.
"Sure dear, go ahead Sam." Judy said as Sam nodded.
"Let's go outside, alright?" Sam said as Maria nodded.
"I'll be right back, sweetheart be good for Mrs. Witwicky." Maria said as she headed outside with Sam and Mikaela.
"So, what is this about Mrs. Williams?" Sam asked.
"Maria please, I am trying to find Orion's father and I have reason to believe you know his father." Maria said as Sam's eyes widened.
"None of my friends that I know have any kids, Maria," Sam said as Mikaela rolled her eyes.
"Typical guy reaction," Mikaela said as Sam glared at her.
"No, Orion's father isn't human; you see he is an Autobot more than just an Autobot actually; he is the leader and the prime." Maria said as Sam and Mikaela both looked shocked.
"Optimus Prime, is the father?" Sam asked.
"Yes, you see about six years ago I found Optimus he had been injured by one of his brother's warriors; I nursed him back to health and during the time we were together we got close. We fell in love." Maria said.
"I don't mean to be an ass, Maria; but if he loved you why isn't he here now with you?" Sam asked as Maria felt the sting from that remark; she turned away feeling tears want to pop up.
Mikaela slugged Sam hard in his arms; and he reached his one hand over to rub his arm. "You are such an ass sometimes," Mikaela muttered.
"Well, it's true if he was in love wouldn't he have stayed with her; I am just trying to help." Sam said.
Maria suddenly had to wonder about something perhaps Sam was right; Optimus left so abruptly without even a note or a goodbye. She had learned she was pregnant not shortly after; and she hadn't been with anyone else. She loved Optimus and always would; there was no one else for her; but hearing Sam's words just made her realize something.
Optimus maybe didn't truly love her; if he had he would have stayed with her.
A stray tear ran down her face finally; and Mikaela went to her feeling badly. Maria held up her hand to stop her; she didn't want anyone's pity.
"I'm alright, look please just forgive me alright; I'll get Orion and we will leave you alone." Maria said as she hurried back into the house to get Orion who was finishing his milk and cookies.
Judy saw the tears that ran down Maria's face; and she looked startled. "Dear, are you alright?" Judy asked.
"Yes, thank you for your hospitality; but we have to go now." Maria said as she held out her hand toward her son; who took it immediately seeing his mother upset.
Maria hurried outside to her car; and as they went passed Bumblebee. He scanned once more his leader and prime's son; and was startled to find a birthmark a very special one. He bore the prime symbol Orion was a future prime; which meant if Megatron learned about this Orion and Maria would be in danger.
He had no choice now he had to tell his leader about everything; and he sighed this would not go easy at all.
Bumblebee wasn't sure what to do; but he knew as soon as Sam and Mikaela came into his vehicle form that they wanted answers.
"Bee, she says she was with Optimus Prime and that her son belongs to Optimus Prime." Sam said.
"I know, Sam; I scanned the youngling; he is a techno organic and has the mark of a future prime." Bumblebee said.
Silence...
"So, he is Optimus Prime's son then." Mikaela said.
"Yes, we have to move fast and find Optimus; I will need to speak with him about this privately." Bumblebee said as Sam went to tell his mom he would be going to the Autobot base to see Optimus Prime.
Sam rushed back out and got back into Bumblebee; and both he and Mikaela were silent as Bumblebee explained some things to them.
"It's technically forbidden and frowned upon for Autobots any Autobot to have mates during war. Cybertronians mate differently than any other species; and their love runs deeper and stronger than any other creature in the universe. Cybertronians when they spark mark or spark merge; when two sparks touch it bonds there together for eternity. So, when this occurs if one perishes; then the other becomes sick and then will perish right along with the other. Spark mates also can feel each other's emotions and feelings; it also goes for any strong bond a bond of friendship works the same way with strong feelings being able to feel the other's feelings. Our friendship Samuel is special; because often in a friendship link with someone special feelings can be felt; and I am proud of the bond we have forged together as friends almost like a brother bond. Optimus was leader and prime; so it was his job and duty to keep those rules and regulations enforced. So, it would not look good if he had been found with a femme and had a sparkling; but also a human femme." Bumblebee explained to them.
"Wait, so it's against the rules for two Cybertronians; but Maria is human and doesn't have a spark, right?" Sam asked.
"That is true; but any romantic entanglement is frowned upon; and Optimus could lose his leadership because of this. He could also be exiled from the Autobots that is how serious the offense is and law is taken on our planet." Bumblebee said.
"All because his spark was lonely; and he wanted a chance to have someone with him; and that isn't right and whoever made that rule up is a complete jackass." Mikaela snarled.
"It was ordered by Sentinel Prime; Optimus Prime's mentor." Bumblebee said.
Mikaela rolled her eyes; and she crossed her arms over her chest. Her long dark hair cascaded over her shoulders; while she leaned back against the car seat.
"Well, it's a stupid rule and I would tell him so too." Mikaela snapped.
"You can't," Bumblebee said.
"Why not," she asked.
"He's offline," Bumblebee stated.
"Figures," she said sarcastically.
Sam just shook his head; and sighed when he thought about what Bumblebee said.
"Bee, he can't be fired from being leader; that's just not right I mean he's the best, right?" Sam said.
"Yes I agree, but the counsel won't see it that way." Bumblebee said.
"Counsel of what," Mikaela asked.
"Counsel of planets," was all Bumblebee said.
"Well, I think that this is bull crap; if Optimus wants to find love and not be alone that should be his choice." Sam said.
"I agree," Mikaela said.
Bumblebee sighed, as he pulled into the secret entrance of the base; when the Autobots pulled in at. Bumblebee saw Sideswipe and his twin Sunstreaker sparring together. He waited until Sam and Mikaela got out; and then he transformed as Sideswipe turned his helm and nodded at Sam and Mikaela as well as Bee.
"Hello Samuel, Mikaela and Bee," Sideswipe said as his brother got in a sneaky hit on him when he did.
"And he goes down," Sunstreaker said.
"You cheated." Sideswipe growled.
"Doesn't matter I still won," he laughed as his twin tackled him.
"I am going to pound you Sunny!" Sideswipe yelled.
"Prove it, Sides and watch my paint, you aft!" yelled Sunstreaker as they rolled around making dents on each other.
"Come on you two; before they make you go squish." Bumblebee said.
"Oh jeez, give us some credit not to squish the natives," Sunstreaker fumed.
Bumblebee sighed, he kept trying to figure out how he would talk to Optimus about this; he couldn't tell the others not yet. He owed it to Optimus to talk to him first and not the others; he looked at Sam then.
"Do not tell anyone about this; I am going to talk to Optimus first; and then let him decide what to do." Bumblebee said.
"I am not telling anyone, Bee," Mikaela said as she glanced at Sam.
"What, I am not saying anything to the other Autobots, jeez I am not a moron." Sam said.
"Could have fooled me," Mikaela mumbled.
Bumblebee turned toward Skidz and Mudflap, "Has boss bot come back?" Bee asked.
"Yea, he just came back, he's in his office." Mudflap said.
Bee sighed, and headed toward Optimus' office unsure how to start; but knowing it had to be done.
Primus help him.
Maria was driving back to the hotel tears streaked her face; while she drove back her heart breaking silently.
"Mama, why are you crying?" Orion asked.
Maria rubbed her nose; and then smiled for her son.
"I'm alright, Orion; mama is just a little emotional right now I'll be alright though." Maria said as she took a shuddering breath; and let it out.
Truth be told, she couldn't take her mind off the very real possibility that Optimus didn't truly want her; or love her anymore. She hadn't really thought about that; she had just assumed it was something else; which caused him to leave her like that. Sam's words though made her sit back and really think about things; what if she was wasting her and Orion's time. Orion would only end up getting hurt thinking his daddy didn't want either of them anymore; she sighed then heavily as Orion looked at her.
"Mama...?" Orion said.
"I'm okay, sweetheart." She whispered wiping her eyes. "Want to stop at the bookstore?" she asked as he nodded.
"Sure mama, I would like that." Orion said as she forced a smile for her son.
"Okay bookstore, it is then." Maria said.
Maria's heart was breaking; but she couldn't let little Orion know she just couldn't.
...
Bumblebee walked rather slowly toward Optimus; who was reading one of his data pads.
"Sir, can I talk to you about something?" Bumblebee asked.
Optimus glanced up and smiled then.
"Ratchet did a good job with your voice coder, didn't he?" Optimus asked.
"Yes sir, he did." Bumblebee said as he shifted on his foot pedes; which Optimus noticed immediately.
"Bumblebee, what's wrong you seem nervous about something?" Optimus asked.
"I need to speak with you about something, Optimus," Bumblebee said.
"Of course, come in." Optimus said.
Optimus watched Bumblebee with an odd look on his face plates; he noticed Bumblebee was very quiet and dragging his foot pedes with what he wanted to talk about.
"Bumblebee...?" Optimus said.
Bumblebee looked up at his leader and prime; his optics were a little on the sad side.
"Bumblebee...?" Optimus urged once more to his scout.
"Sir, who is Maria Williams; and of what importance is she to you?" Bumblebee asked as Optimus' optics widened then.
"W-Why do you ask about Maria Williams?" Optimus asked.
"She's looking for the creator of her sparkling; and her sparkling is a techno organic whose name is Orion." Bumblebee explained as Optimus' spark raced with fear suddenly as he realized what was at stake now. "I won't tell anyone, Optimus; I promise you I won't tell anyone; but she's looking for you and she could find NEST and start asking questions to them." Bumblebee said as he added. "The sparkling has the prime mark, Optimus; he is a future prime." Bumblebee said as Optimus didn't know what to think.
He was a creator; he had a son who was a future prime.
"You want the story, don't you?" Optimus asked as Bumblebee nodded.
"Please sir, if you don't mind telling me." Bumblebee said.
"Alright, I will tell you." Optimus said as he leaned back against his chair.
Bumblebee glanced at Optimus; he could tell his leader and prime was uneasy at first. Optimus sighed; and suddenly got to his foot pedes and paced.
"I was on this planet before you ever arrived; I was led here I am not even sure why. I was ambushed by Barricade and Starscream; and left for dead. Maria found me badly damaged; and fighting to survive." Optimus started to explain.
Flashback starts...
Barricade had sent several crippling blows to Optimus; while Starscream from above sent the final blow which sent the Autobot commander flying against an old run down abandoned farm house. Starscream took off laughing; while Barricade took off as well going their separate ways. Optimus groaned, and desperately had tried to crawl into the woods to avoid detection from the natives on the planet.
He was bleeding energon profusely, and he had felt his tanks whirling wanting to purge. He would offline at this rate; if he didn't receive help from his medical officer who wasn't even on this planet. He had told no one he had come here to this planet; he was not even sure what he was thinking and now his troops would pay for his illogical thinking.
He wasn't even aware a human femme had pulled up; and was looking at the barn which was a mess. She followed the spilled energon; which led her straight to Optimus.
"So, you're the reason my barn is a mess," she said as Optimus glanced at the small femme.
"I-I will n-not harm y-you," Optimus whispered as his optics flickered.
"You're badly hurt, what can I do?" she asked as she approached him unafraid of him.
"I-I am..." he said to say as he passed out suddenly as the human femme stared at him.
"Well, it's a good thing I am a doctor and a surgeon; because you my dear fellow are in need of a doctor." She said as she smiled sadly. "I also dabbled in mechanics." She said.
Within a few hours, Optimus onlined once more with a groan as he realized the human femme had patched up several of his wounds.
"H-How did you know how to help me?" Optimus asked.
"I'm a doctor and surgeon also dabbled in mechanics," she said as he coughed a bit of energon up. "I'm Maria Williams, and you are?" she asked as she took care of another broken energon line for him.
"I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots; I am from a planet called Cybertron." He said as she smiled.
"I figured you weren't from around here," she said as she ran her hand over his face. "Don't worry, I will stabilize your systems; but if you don't mind I want to get you to my house it's in the middle of nowhere don't worry." She said as he nodded.
The weeks had turned into months; and Maria had healed up Optimus perfectly; and he found himself not wanting to leave her side. He was becoming attached to her; his spark wanted something stable.
One night his temptation for her to be in her arms got the best of him; he threw away it away because he craved her and her love. He was falling in love with her; his spark was lonely and truth be told he was tired of war and death. He wanted someone in his life; was that so bad so wrong to want that?
He used his holoform; he stared at her bedroom door and stood there for about ten minutes until the bedroom door opened startling him. Maria stood there in the most alluring nightgown; she smiled at him.
"You know for an advanced alien being and leader; you are really are a chicken when it comes to females, aren't you? Get in here, would you?" she said as she reached her hand out taking a hold of his hand leading him into her bedroom.
The two fell together onto her bed; and their lips met in an explosion of passion. Maria gave him another surprise though; which made him smile.
"Don't use the human holoform; I want you and only you." She said as his eyes blinked in confusion; but did as she asked.
She wrapped her arms around him; while Optimus' spark clung to her. It wanted her, needed her; he needed and wanted her with his entire spark. Optimus made a sound as she kissed him once more; Optimus wouldn't let her go, he was finally happy.
Optimus didn't realize right away; his chest plates on his holoform opened out of instinct. He had never spark merged before. He had interfaced sure; but never spark merged with anyone before the war. He had a lonely life at times; he hated being prime sometimes it was a lonely life.
His spark went into Maria's chest without thinking twice; it wrapped around her heart as she gasped at the same time Optimus did. His vehicle mode jolted at the contact as the two became one Optimus transformed into bi pedal mode outside. He dropped to the ground, his optics purple as he realized just what this meant he spark mated and he loved this human.
But in that same moment he realized his life would never be the same; he loved her yes; but he had broken a Cybertronian rule. His spark broke; he was finally happy with this human femme and he would have to leave her. His life was so unfair; and he hated that.
"Forgive me, Maria; please someday forgive me. I love you so much; please someday know that." Optimus whispered to himself.
Flashback ends...
Bumblebee stared at his leader and prime; he couldn't help but see the energon tears; which rolled down Optimus' face plates. He loved this human; and he had to give her up.
"Sir, couldn't you change the rules you are prime; and you could allow mates to be together?" Bumblebee asked.
Optimus sighed then.
"No, this was not just Sentinel's rule; it was also passed down by the Counsel of planets." Optimus said.
"That is stupid though, pardon my bluntness, sir." Bumblebee said.
Optimus wiped his optics then; his spark twisted within its chamber.
"You truly love her, don't you?" Bumblebee asked.
"Yes, but with a little one who is a future prime; I must bring them here to be protected from Megatron's troops." Optimus said.
"Sir, what about the rules about not having spark mates; wouldn't it make things hard on you?" Bumblebee asked.
Optimus looked at Bumblebee; and looked sadder than he did while explaining things to him.
"I love her; it would not be fair to her or the little one. I will deal with the consequences; and if Prowl takes leadership then so be it." Optimus said as a sigh escaped him.
Bumblebee looked at Optimus, he idolized Optimus; but right now he was just scared for him.
...
Far out in the universe...
Several beings were seated discussing some things; they had white garments on and they had silver eyes. They were all bald beings; and they held odd symbols on their foreheads. They were the Counsel of planets; and they were discussing of all things Optimus Prime.
"We will have to pass judgment on Optimus Prime; he broke the rule of being mated and he also allowed the Allspark to be destroyed." One of the beings said.
"Perhaps, we should contact Lockdown to bring him in instead?" another said.
"Lockdown is on another mission right now," another answered.
"Then when he is finished with his mission; we will send him to Earth to fetch Optimus Prime." Tylon said.
"Very well," the others said.
They all nodded, and sat around so calmly planning the fate of a hero; a leader who was lonely and desperate to fill his lonely spark with something he truly needed without a care about how it would affect the future at all.
Maria berated for going to see Samuel James Witwicky; it was the most stupid thing she ever pulled. She couldn't believe she'd done it; what was she thinking? Then her eyes went to her son reading some new books; and she smiled sadly. She did it for him; he needed his father.
She heard a song come on from her burned CD; Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin brothers 'A broken lady'. It was like a dam broke; she had gone into the other room and just in time she broke down into tears. She cursed how songs had the ability to make her cry; when they hit a spot with her.
Then another song came on by Kelly Clarkson – Because of you; and her wall completely broke just as there was a knock at her door. She reached for a tissue and wiped her eyes; and then headed for the door.
She reached for the handle; and opened the door and her heart raced when she saw Optimus Prime's holoform there at the door.
"Optimus...?" she whispered her eyes widened as his eyes landed on her.
"Maria, please may I come in?" he asked as she opened sighed and opened the door wider for him.
He looked at her and around the hotel for his son; but didn't see him.
"Where is our son?" he asked.
"In the kitchen such as it is," she said.
"We need to talk;" he said.
"Sam told you I was there; didn't he?" she asked.
Optimus frowned then; and he shook his head.
"No, Bumblebee told me; he is Samuel's guardian the Camaro which was parked there is my youngest warrior he is my scout. I also raised him; he is like a youngling to me." Optimus said.
Maria nodded; she wanted to hold him. She was scared; she was not sure if he would want her to touch him. She refused to set herself up for heartbreak; so she didn't hug him or kiss him. Optimus wondered why she didn't at least hug him; she had loved him once; but then he realized something. He had hurt her; he had left her without any explanation why should she give him any affection.
"Maria, I am sorry; I never meant to hurt you. I was not sure what brought me to this planet; perhaps it was fate. You made me so happy; I fell in love with you." He said as her eyes turned angry then.
"Oh so, when you are happy you normally just leave and don't say anything to the one who made you feel so happy?" she asked sarcastically as Optimus glanced at her the sharp retort hurt him.
"I did not mean to hurt you; our planet has a rule made by Sentinel Prime the prime I followed; he was my mentor. He passed a law no Cybertronians can spark mate during war; and the Counsel of planets agreed. I could be punished very badly for this; I could lose my leadership of the Autobots or even be banished from my troops to live alone on this planet without anyone." Optimus said with emotion in his voice.
Maria glanced away, her arms crossed over her chest as her eyes met his. "I'm sorry then, I should never have come here; we will leave the last thing I want is to get you into trouble." She said as he looked shocked for a moment.
"Maria, can I see my son?" he asked.
"Of course, you can." Maria said as Optimus stopped her for a moment.
"There is something you need to understand; my brother's troops are still at large regardless of his death. My son is a future prime; Maria he has to be with me now." Optimus said softly.
Maria glared at Optimus then.
"WHAT...!" she yelled.
"Maria please, I am the only one who can protect him properly from the Decepticons." Optimus said as fresh tears sprang into her eyes.
"So, let me get this straight I lose both you and our son all in one fair swoop; all because of this damn rule made from some older rusted up prime?" she demanded.
Optimus frowned then.
"Sentinel Prime was my mentor, Maria; I can't help that he made that rule." Optimus said.
Maria walked away from Optimus her world was crumbling down now; only this time she would be losing not just Optimus this time but their son. She knew she could not protect Orion from the Decepticons; and what Optimus said was the truth. It just hurt her too much.
"Do I get to be in his life at least or no because of that damned rule?" she asked.
Optimus looked confused at first; and was not sure why she was acting so strangely. What did she think he was asking her to do just turn over their sparkling without accompanying them to the base?
"Maria, do you think I would cast you aside?" Optimus asked.
"Why not you did it before so why not again," she snapped.
Optimus glanced at her his spark hurt that she could think such a thing; he was there for a reason not to bring her pain.
"I am here to bring you both back with me; I will accept my punishments from the others." Optimus said his eyes betraying how lost leadership and banishment would cause him if done to him.
"No I cannot bear to see that taken from you; I will explain to Orion; and you will take him with you." She finally said as Optimus' spark plunged into a pit of despair.
"No Maria, you will not do that; I love you and you are my mate and carrier to my sparkling. I will not lose you a second time; if I am banished and removed from being leader... then so be it." Optimus said as he pulled her close into his arms.
He bent his head down and captured her lips in his; his arms wrapped around her slim waist and pulled her close just as Orion walked up eating a Popsicle.
"Remember mama, you and papa must give me a sister or brother; hey papa!" Orion said as Optimus glanced at their son with his innocent expression on his face and smile.
"Orion, come here boy," Optimus said as Orion ran into his creator's arms.
"Papa...!" Orion exclaimed.
Optimus had tears running down his face; as he held his son. Maria's hand went to her mouth; as she watched them together.
"Orion, how would you and your carrier like to live on the base with me?" Optimus asked his son.
"YAY...!" Orion exclaimed.
"We have a lot of stuff, Optimus?" she said. "It's in storage though." She said.
"Pack what you have in this room; and I will have someone arrange to pick up the others you have in storage later on." Optimus said as Orion showed Optimus his color Nook.
"Mama got this for me; it's a color Nook with lots of books in it." Orion said as Optimus grinned.
"Yes, those are very nice, aren't they?" he asked.
"Yes papa, they are." Orion said.
"Come here, my sparkling." Optimus said as he picked up Orion in his arms.
Maria watched Optimus and Orion together; she smiled but sadly. She was worried; what if Optimus truly lost his leadership over her and Orion or worse yet was banished because of it? Could she live with the thought she had caused it; because she returned to look for him better yet could he live with it?