Chapter Six

"Look, I understand Optimus wanting to speak to the kid, Maria, I just don't think I can let you go, at least not at this time." Will sighed. "I'm sorry, but you're needed here on base."

"With all due respect, Major, I would be of more use going with Optimus and speaking to Sam on behalf of the military. If the Prime is committed to seeking help from this kid then I think it's important!"

He shook his head. "I get that, really I do."

"Then let me go with Optimus. Everything you want me to stay on base for can just as easily be done when I get back. I'd still be working anyways, just off base." I glanced backward to watch Optimus speak to his fellow Autobots, no doubt telling them his plan to get Sam Witwicky. It won't hurt anyone if I go."

"You're right, it won't." Will paused. "He wanted you to go with him?"

"Well, he didn't ask me, I suggested to join him and he agreed." I looked back at Will. "Does this mean you're letting me, Major?"

"It would seem so. Don't do anything stupid, Captain, and stay with Optimus at all times."

I smiled and saluted him respectfully. "Understood." Then less formally, "Thank you, Will. We'll be back in no time." I quickly made my way to the barracks, grabbing my backpack of things I might need-my phone and it's charger, hair ties and a brush, a toothbrush and toothpaste, an extra change of clothes, and some food that would stay good for a while. I hoisted it over my shoulders and adjusted my beret before leaving the room and meeting Optimus in the hangar.

"So you're off with the boss, huh?" Ironhide asked me when I approached.

"Sure am. Sorry you weren't invited." I winked.

He chuckled. "Ah, no hard feelings. It'll be a boring trip anyways. I'd rather be here with the rest of the action."

I watched Optimus shake his head slightly before turning to look down at me. "I assume you are ready?"

"Yes, sir." I watched as he transformed into his vehicular mode, the gears shifting into place. It was fascinating how it worked, I could honestly watch it forever. The driver's side door swung open and I climbed into the truck, placing my bag on the passenger seat. The seat belt slipped around me and clicked into place on its own.

"Travel safely, Optimus. We are unaware of other Decepticons, but they could be out there." Ratchet said.

"Not to worry, old friend, we will return promptly," Optimus replied. His engine started, and he drove slowly out the hangar doors and towards a large ferry that was to transport us across the ocean and onto U.S soil. The both of us were quiet as he drove onto the large boat, but strangely I felt completely comfortable in the silence with him. But at the same time, I was uncomfortable with the idea that I was basically sitting in him, and I felt awkward moving around or touching something for too long.

Optimus rolled to a stop and opened the driver's side door. "I would suggest you walk around as much as you can now. There is a lot of driving ahead of us."

I jumped out and watched as he transformed into his bipedal mode. I made my way to the edge of the ferry, leaning against the railing. I watched as the boat cut through the salt water, creating waves of its own as it did. "Were there oceans on Cybertron?" I asked.

"No. Not like the oceans here on Earth, anyway. Cybertronians did not evolve like you humans did, therefore there is no need for water on our planet."

"Oh. Do you not need sustenance to survive? You don't need water, obviously, but there must be something?"

"My race survives off of Engergon. It is the lifeblood of all Cybertronians."

"Energon." I whispered the foreign word. "How do you get that here on Earth?"

"There are many Energon deposits hidden on your world. My race has been here before in your planet's history, during a time before even myself or Megatron."

"There is Energon here? How?"

"My predecessors, the Dynasty of Primes, harvested stars in their time in order to create energy for the Allspark. They came here to do just that, but after coming into contact with your own ancestors, they stopped. They would not harvest a planet if it carried sentient life."

"So there were Transformers here on Earth thousands of years ago?"

"Indeed," I said nothing in response, instead retreating into my own mind. There was a much larger history of the Transformers than I originally thought. They have always been here. It is likely that if I had not joined the military I would have never known that. "There is much that we do not know, Captain. There are elements of my own history that remain foreign to me. All you can do is seek out information in the hopes of learning more."

I looked up at the Autobot. He was crouched down and was looking out at the ocean, his blue eyes were bright and full of life. He glanced down at me briefly before looking out again. I shifted my weight and looked at the open water again. It was so awe-inspiring to be in the presence of someone like Optimus Prime. All that time spent wondering if there is sentient life out there in the universe, and here they are. And they are beyond intelligent. This Autobot carries wisdom and knowledge beyond anyone I've ever heard of, and they are incredibly powerful. It makes you realize how small you are to the world around you.

"What is this Sam Witwicky like?" I asked.

"He is still very young, but he has experienced things that many would not even dare dream of. It is because of that exposure that he now seeks a normal life away from us all, but I fear that it will follow him for some time yet. Sam is a courageous boy but can act impulsively. More than that, however, he is incredibly selfless. It is because of him that I am alive today, he saved my life by using the Allspark to destroy Megatron."

"He does sound like an incredible kid," I stated, impressed.

The ferry ride lasted for an hour, and Optimus wasted no time in leaving the military base in the States. Of course, they were expecting us and allowed us to leave without question, saving a bunch of hassle. The sun was beginning to set, oranges and purples filling the sky. I don't remember falling asleep, but I woke up the next day to soft music playing from the radio. It took me a second to orient myself and realize that I was with the leader of the Autobots.

"You slept well, Captain?" His low voice was calm.

"Uh, yeah, thank you. Do you need to rest?"

"Not at all, I won't need to recharge for a while now. Although, I wouldn't mind being able to stretch if that is all right with you?"

"Of course!"

He turned off the highway and drove down a dirt road, distancing himself from possible spectators. When we were a fair ways away from people in any direction he allowed me to exit before transforming. He lifted his arms above his head and took a few steps around me before sitting.

"We still have a ways to go, don't we?"

"Indeed." Optimus nodded. "When we are closer I will contact my scout, Bumblebee to retrieve Sam and meet us somewhere secure."

I nodded, then reached for my bag beside me, unzipping it and pulling out an apple. I ate slowly, allowing more time for Optimus to stretch and move about.

"Captain, I must admit, there is much about you that I do not know," Optimus stated suddenly.

"Oh? Well, you are more than welcome to ask questions if you wish." I shrugged. "Although, I'm not very interesting."

"Do you have a family, Captain?"

"I do. Both my parents are still alive, and I have an older and younger brother." I looked up at the Prime. "What about you?"

"I consider the Autobots to be my family." He said a small smile on his face. "We have all been through so much together."

"You're a great leader, Prime. Though I suppose you know that." I chuckled.

"The Autobots deserve a great leader. I simply do everything that I can to ensure their safety. And now, the safety of humankind as well."

"Well, I know that I am very glad you and your Autobots are here on Earth." I paused. "I don't know what that damn director and the president are thinking by suggesting that you all leave. That is just plain stupid right there."

"I understand your frustration. Many of your team share your feelings, my Autobots included. I cannot be certain what your political leaders are thinking, but I must respect their decision."

"You heard the way the director spoke to you! He had no respect for you! If they do decide to boot you off the planet I would tell them to kindly go fuck themselves if I were you." I aggressively bit off a chunk of my apple as Optimus chuckled.

"That would hardly be appropriate, Captain, though I appreciate your passion. My point remains the same. My Autobots are guests here on your world. We simply must respect the decisions your leaders make."

"Even if they're wrong?"

"Even so, I'm afraid." He sighed heavily. "I only hope that by having Sam speak on our behalf it will help the situation. However, we must remain calm no matter the outcome, Captain."

"Please, call me Maria."

Optimus smiled. "We must accept the decision your government makes, good or bad. But never lose faith, Maria." He stood up. "Let us continue the journey." He transformed back into the Peterbilt semi-truck, and I climbed in the driver's side after throwing the core of my apple into the grass.

The drive was much more relaxed, I felt more open with the Prime as he asked questions about my life, like how I met Will and why I joined the army. After some time I almost forgot why we were traveling, I was simply enjoying my time with the Autobot leader. I asked questions about his life as well, discovering that he and Megatron really did go way back. It was interesting to hear about this different history, and the way Optimus spoke about his past was invigorating: he spoke with such a great passion. As the sky darkened once more, however, my eyes grew heavy.

Optimus unbuckled the seat belt. "There is bedding in behind the seats if you wish to sleep more comfortably."

I smiled lazily and clambered into the back. I grabbed my bag and took off my military pant wear, switching them for my leggings. I curled up on the cot, surprised to find that it wasn't uncomfortable at all. The radio switched to gentler music, and I smiled. "Goodnight, Optimus Prime."

"Goodnight Captain Maria." He replied. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep.

I awoke early the next morning to find that we were nearing a city. I changed my pants once again before making my way to the front seat. I looked towards the drivers' side to find a man already sitting there, driving. I yelped and jumped back, my hands going up into fists in front of my face.

"Easy, Captain, it is merely my hologram," Optimus said through the radio. I peeked out from behind the seat to look again at this 'hologram'.

"So, uh, what is that exactly?"

"It is a projection of myself. A human one, so that I do not cause suspicion by moving about in public without someone in the driver's seat."

A smart idea, to say the least. The projection was of a man about William's age, not much older than myself. It had stubble along its jaw, and dark brown hair, and was wearing flannel over a white tee and jeans. I climbed into the passenger seat. "It looks pretty real for a projection."

"I can move it as I wish." He replied. The hologram turned to look at me and smiled. Its eyes were extremely bright blue. Would this be what Optimus looked like as a human?

"Impressive," I said. I looked forward and pointed to the city. "Is this where we'll be meeting Sam?"

"It is, yes. We are thirty minutes out. I have already alerted Bumblebee."

I sighed and pulled down the visor to look in the mirror. I readjusted my bun, and pulled out my beret from my bag, placing it properly onto my head. I pulled on my jacket, making sure everything looked right.

"You needn't worry about appearances, Maria."

I scoffed lightly. "I need to look professional."

"You do." He replied simply.

"Thank you, Optimus." I pushed the visor back into place. "I must say I am excited to meet this kid."

"Let us hope he is willing to listen."