Jack P.O.V

When you entered the room from amongst the swirling lights of the spacebridge, I could feel the atmosphere in the room change. It was as though everyone, human and Autobot alike, had been holding their collective ''breaths'' – waiting to see if you would emerge and repair the massive rift you left behind when you lost your memories.

As Raphael ran up to tentatively greet you and your familiar voice rumbled its reply, ''Hello Raphael,'' the relief and elation that swept through the room was palpable. It was as though in that moment everyone knew everything was going to be okay again. Though for me that moment happened back in the core.

I felt my mind cast itself back to the moment I approached you as you knelt dazed before me as Orion Pax. I held aloft the Omega Key, and you asked in a voice filled with humility and hesitation, ''Are you certain I am worthy?''

I replied in a voice laden with relief and desperation, ''You have NO idea,'' and holding the key high above my head, I watched in awe as your memories were restored to you and you once again became Optimus Prime – the wise and noble leader of the Autobots. In that moment as I witnessed the change in you, watched as you easily repelled Megatron's attack and allowed us to escape, I knew in that moment that everything would be alright. That you would make everything okay again. Because that is what YOU do.

I felt myself shake my head slightly to refocus my attention as I listen to Rachet reassure a perplexed Optimus as he fixed optics upon the Decepticon insignia that adorned his left shoulder that, ''from every indication, your spark never ceased being that of an Autobot.'' I felt a small smile spread across my face and I shuffled on my feet as I held my helmet against me. /I would expect nothing less from him. There is nothing he cannot do/.

Even before we arrived with the Key to help Prime restore his memories, he had somehow realised that Megatron was not on the same path he was, that Megatron's spark harboured a darkness that his simply could not and would not grasp or abide by. Prime had come to challenge Megatron and try and stop him from seeing his evil plans through, even though as Orion he knew he likely did not stand a chance against him, he had to try. He had to stand up for what was right, and he had to try to protect those who could not do so for themselves. /Just like you do/. I heard the sudden thought echo deep within me.

I felt a swell of admiration and affection bubble up within me as I watched Optimus circulate amongst his soldiers, his family, thanking them personally and offering words of encouragement. It was not just his sheer size and presence that commanded respect and attention, but the gentle compassion and sincerity with which he treats all of those around him – be they human or Cybertronian. Optimus does not demand loyalty, admiration or a desire to make him proud of you. He inspires it.

I take a moment to glance around the room and I know everyone in this room cares for Prime deeply, realise how important he is. My eyes rest on Miko for a moment and I feel the corners of my mouth twist into a small grin, /even if they didn't want to admit it out loud/. Everyone would do just about anything for him because we know Prime would do the same for us. I am no different.

I feel the ground shake beneath me as a massive read and blue imposing figure comes to stand before me. Carefully and gracefully, Optimus lowers himself towards my level so he can converse with me. His optics shine brightly as he stares at me for a moment. I run the fingers of my free hand through my mess of black hair and give a small, nervous laugh, ''Hey Prime. Glad you are okay and back here with us - where you belong.'' My voice sounds small and not nearly grand enough to be addressing the leader of a giant race of sentient robots.

The corners of his dermas turn up into what passes as his own version of a smile. ''Thank you, Jack.'' He nods at me. He tilts his helm slightly to the side, as if he is peering straight through me. Though it is unnerving, I do not flinch. ''I can see I made the right decision in choosing you to guard the Omega Key.'' His optics shine brightly. ''I believe my being here with my memories intact owes a great deal to you and your bravery.''

I duck my head away in a sudden rush of embarrassment. ''I'm not so sure about that Optimus.'' Raising my head and look him square in the optics. ''Why did you choose ME to mind that Key for you? Surely Arcee or even Bumblebee would have been better choices. I am just a small human boy, I'm nothing special.'' I hang my head.

The sound of gears and mechanisms moving indicate you have leaned even closer towards me and ever so carefully, you place one of your massive digits gently under my chin, forcing me to look at you. ''Jack, I chose you because there is more to you than meets the eye. Though you may not believe this, you remind me of myself when I was Orion Pax.'' I hear myself gasp sharply and you smile at me. ''You have a similar spark or heart, that same desire to do what is right and to protect those around you,'' he nodded in the direction of Miko and Raphael. ''And you are braver than you give yourself credit for. It took a lot of courage to venture where you did and do what you did.''

I give a small, nervous laugh once again, ''If you say so Optimus. Though I doubt I could ever be like you!'' I feel myself shuffle on my feet awkwardly. Apart from my mum and Arcee, I have never had anyone praise me and champion me like Prime just did. It felt – wonderful.

You slowly remove your digit from under my chin and begin to pull back away from me, though the smile does not fade from your dermas. ''You don't have to be like me Jack. Just be yourself. I'm proud of you.'' You begin to slowly rise to your pedes. ''One day Jack, I hope you believe in yourself the way I do.''

I feel a warmth spread across my cheeks and all over my body. A sudden rush of pride and joy sweep through me like a wave of fire. I feel the sting of tears and I blink my eyes rapidly, wiping furiously with my free hand to keep them at bay. ''Thanks Prime.'' It is all I can manage to say. It is not enough. Not nearly enough, and yet - it is.

You nod at me once again and turn to walk away to the others. Your words echoing in my head.

When you walked in the room Prime, you restored hope to everyone here. You brought back the light to illuminate the darkness we were in. You instilled a sense of calm when all we felt inside was fear. You provided direction when we had all felt adrift on a sea of despair. When you walked in the room just now, you made everything alright again. Because that is what YOU do.

You are a leader, a figurehead, a symbol and a dear friend. Yet to me you are so much more. You have accepted me, guided me, taught me, challenged me, protected me and cared for me. And just now, you believed in me. To me Prime – you are like the father I never had and for that – I am more grateful than you will ever know.