Chapter Seven

By the time Optimus and I had reached the city it was well past midnight. I rubbed my eyes and rested my head on the passenger window. The Prime's hologram glanced at me briefly.

"You are more than welcome to rest. Sam will not reach us until daybreak."

I smiled softly. "I just might have to. Where are we meeting him again?"

"A secluded location. Far enough from where Sam is staying to ensure he does not feel as though we are intruding on his personal life. He has become quite protective of that recently."

I nodded once before looking out the window once more. I watched the passing lights of cars and my eyes slowly closed, and I fell into a light slumber.

I awoke to the sound of Optimus, the smooth baritone of his voice coaxing my eyes to open and make myself aware of our present surroundings. He had parked in a cemetery, and I could tell it was still early morning, as there were few cars on the roads across from the river.

"Thank you, Bumblebee. I look forward to our meeting." His hologram faced me. "Good morning, Captain. Sam and his guardian, Bumblebee, will be arriving shortly."

I ran my hands over my face and stretched before opening the passenger door and jumping out. I shook out my legs and walked around Optimus. I turned at the sound of gears shifting, and I watched as the Prime transformed to his bipedal mode. He shifted slightly, and looked out across the river.

I smiled and tilted my head. "No need to be nervous, Optimus. I am certain that the boy will see reason. Why wouldn't he help?"

His eyes were a shade darker than normal, something I took notice to immediately. "Sam Witwicky has made it clear in the past that he wishes to move on from his experiences with us Transformers." He sighed. "I am not so certain of what the outcome may be today."

The sound of an engine caught both our attention, and we turned to see a yellow Camaro with black stripes pull up to the cemetery. Sam stepped out of the car, and walked up to our position.

"Huh. So you won't give me a day?" He said accusingly. "You won't give me one day in college."

"I am sorry, Sam. But the last fragment of the Allspark was stolen."

"Like, what? Like, Decepticon stolen?"

"We placed it under human protection at your government's request." He walked closer to the boy. "But I am here for your help, Sam. Because your leaders believe we have brought vengeance upon your planet. Perhaps they are right." He glanced away briefly in thought. "That is why they must be reminded, by another human, of the trust we share."

"This isn't my war." The boy said.

"Not yet. But I fear it soon will be." Optimus said seriously. "Your world must not share the same fate as Cybertron. Whole generations lost."

Sam looked away. "I know...and I want to help you, I do. But I am not some alien ambassador. You know? I'm a normal kid with normal problems. I am what I'm supposed to be. I'm sorry...I really am."

Optimus stepped away. "Sam, fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing."

"You're Optimus Prime. You don't need me." The kid was walking away, heading towards the Camaro. Shaking my head I ran forward.

"Excuse me! Sam Witwicky!" I yelled. I jumped down to the road where he was, the car door already open.

"Do I know you?"

"No. My name is Captain Maria Roskowick. I work at NEST with Major William Lennox, who you do know." I walked closer to him, attempting to make the conversation more personal by closing the distance between us. His eyes were scrunched up, his eyebrows furrowed, and I could tell that he was ready to leave the moment he got here. "I understand the desire to create a new life after everything you have been through. As a member of the military, I definitely get wanting to walk away from it all, leave everything behind, start fresh. But you know what, it really isn't that simple. It stays with you, forever. You won't ever forget your fight with the Decepticons." I pointed to Optimus. "I drove with Optimus Prime from our military base to meet with you. The Autobots needs your help, more desperately than you may even realize. The government is losing it's trust in them, in us. You need to really think about this."

"I have, lady, trust me. And I made my decision when I sent out my college applications. All I want is a normal life. Is that too much to ask?"

"In a time like this, I don't think very many of us will be living normal lives." I offered a small smile. "You should know I respect you, Sam, for everything you have done for this country and this world. Stopping Megatron like you did," I shook my head. "Incredible, really."

He looked away, taking in a deep breath. "Thanks. But, uh...I can't help you, I'm sorry." He stepped in the car, closing the door. The window was rolled down, and I rested my hand there as I leaned down.

"Very well. But remember that you won't be able to stay away from this forever. Stay safe, Sam." I rested my hand on his shoulder and squeezed once before stepping away, allowing the Camaro to drive off. I watched the car until it was no longer in view, then turned my attention to the Prime. He was walking away, towards a small grouping of trees. I started to follow behind him, running to make up the distance.

"Optimus?" He said nothing in response, instead he transformed into the semi. I rested my hand on the driver side door gently and sighed. "I'm sorry, Prime."

"The fate of my Autobots lies in the hands of your government. I am incapable of doing anything to sway them, to allow them to see that we mean your world no harm." He sighed through the ventilation system. "However, I understand your government's caution, I would do the same." I tapped my index finger once on the door lightly, but said nothing. "I cannot blame Sam for wanting a normal life. He has the freedom to choose that."

"You're upset, Prime. There's no shame in that, it's okay." I whispered. The door opened slightly, and I took that as an invitation to step inside. I closed the door behind me as I sat in the drivers seat. "Take your time, Optimus."

"No. It's important I get to my Autobots and discuss our next course of action. It would be best to start our journey back."

I shifted to the passenger seat and clipped in my seat belt. "Very well. I'll inform Will that we're on our way back."

"Captain." I turned as Optimus' hologram formed in the driver's seat. "I do appreciate your presence here, I am grateful that you decided to join me. Thank you."

"Don't mention it." I smiled. "And please, Prime, call me Maria."

I saw a small smile form on the face of his hologram as he nodded once. The engine roared to life, and he slowly began to drive away from the cemetery.