Perspective

Optimus kept driving as darkness fell. Sam had kept his promise about being patient. In order to pass the time Optimus had asked Sam to tell him stories of his childhood. Sam did, feeling self centered as he did so. Optimus seemed fascinated by the stories, continuously asking for more details no matter how trivial they were. Sam was aware that he was exposing his life story to Optimus and felt slightly awkward. He knew next to nothing about the Autobot leader except for the fact that he had been fighting Decepticons for hundreds, possibly thousands of years. Despite all of the questions swarming around in his brain, Sam asked none of them. Optimus was the kind of guy, or robot, who would talk about himself only when he wanted to.

"We are almost there," Optimus said, filling the silence that had fallen after Sam's last story. "This place is not as exciting as the abandoned town but I believe it holds special meaning for both of us." Optimus drove to a field and Sam realized that it was the same field that he and Mikaela had seen Optimus crash into the night the Autobot came to Earth. The vegetation was still burnt and there was still a crater in the ground. Optimus opened the passenger door and Sam exited. Optimus transformed and followed Sam out into the field.

"You made a mess of the place when you landed," Sam said.

"The others made a bigger mess."

"I saw," Sam said darkly. He looked at Optimus and saw that the Autobot was looking up at the sky. "You like star watching?"

"Yes. It puts into perspective how small and insignificant we are. It is humbling."

"I've always liked astronomy," Sam said suddenly. "Something about the stars and planets always fascinated me. I always wanted to be an astronaut and travel through space. 'Course you know what that is like."

"Yes. Out of all the solar systems I have visited yours has been a favorite. Many of your planets are quite beautiful. My favorite is Saturn."

"Mine too!" Sam exclaimed, happy that he actually did have something in common with Optimus.

"Do you see that cluster of stars?" Optimus asked, gesturing to the sky.

"Those ones?" Sam asked pointing.

"No, more to the right. Yes, those stars. Cybertron lies just beyond them."

"Wow," Sam said softly. "What's it like?"

"With the All Spark gone only death and destruction remain. At one time Cybertron was as beautiful as this planet. Life was everywhere. Millions of my kind roamed Cybertron. We had peace and all enjoyed life. That is the Cybertron I prefer to remember."

"I'm sorry Optimus," Sam whispered. "It's all my fault."

"What is?"
"Cybertron being dead. When I destroyed the All Spark I sentenced your race and Cybertron to death. You could have restored it and now you can't because of me." Sam realized he was on the verge of tears. "I just realized that. You and the others probably hate me."

"Sam, you forget that I wanted the All Spark destroyed," Optimus said softly. "We had no right to fight our war on your planet. I brought our war to the universe when I sent the All Spark into space. There would have been more death if the All Spark had been allowed to survive. You saved your planet and the universe from a terrible fate when you threw the All Spark into Megatron's spark." Optimus paused. "You also saved me. All Autobots would rather have the All Spark destroyed then let it fall into the clutches of Megatron and the Decepticons. Feel no shame for your actions."

"Thank you," Sam said hoarsely, dabbing at his eyes. "Ugh, there is something out here that I must be allergic to. My eyes won't stop watering."

"Yes, that must be it," Optimus said, softly. "It's getting late Sam. I do not want your parents to worry about where you are. I know how protective your mother is of you."

"Yeah, mom might come after you with something more deadly than a broom," Sam said. "Something like a rake or maybe a flamethrower…" Optimus nodded in agreement.

Optimus drove back to the house and parked behind the garage. Sam raced across the yard as fast as he could towards it, hoping he could get inside before his parents realized he wasn't there. He knew that he was past his curfew but he didn't tell Optimus. He didn't want Optimus going down the neighborhood at breakneck speed.

"Nice job staying off my lawn," a voice called. Sam looked and saw Ron and Judy sitting in lawn chairs with wine glasses in their hands.

"Oh, hi dad!" Sam yelled, jumping onto the rock path that wound its way through the yard. "How are you handsome man? Mom you look beautiful tonight," he added, trying to flatter his way out of trouble.

"Your nine minutes past your curfew," Judy said. "That means your father will have to ground you." Ron grimaced at Sam and shrugged his shoulders helplessly. Sam hung his head sadly.

"What were you and Bumblebee doing anyway?" Ron asked. "You were gone all day."

"I wasn't with Bumblebee," Sam said. "He's taking a little vacation." Ron opened his mouth to respond but no words came out. His was gazing past Sam at the garage with his mouth still hanging open. A large humanoid shape with glowing blue eyes was heading towards them. "I was with Optimus," Sam added, gesturing to the large Autobot who was now walking across the grass.

"Hello Mr. Witwicky and Mrs. Witwicky," Optimus said politely. "Are you having a pleasant evening?" There was no answer. Judy was holding her wine glass at an odd angle, apparently preparing to throw it at Optimus. Ron's mouth was still hanging open. Sam groaned in embarrassment. "I overheard your conversation with Sam," Optimus continued. "I miscalculated how long he would be with me. His lateness is due to me. Please do not punish him for something that was not his fault."

"I… that's….ok," Ron stammered. He was now gazing at the Autobot's feet. "My lawn," he said feebly, "my precious yard." Optimus raised a foot and they all saw that there was no damage.

"I am using extra caution," Optimus said, lowering his foot back to the ground. "What happened the first night I came here will not happen again."

"Good!" Ron and Judy said at the same time.

"I'm tired so I'm going to bed. Goodnight," Sam said to his parents. "Goodnight Optimus."

"Goodnight Sam. I hope that you enjoyed our adventure as much as I did."Sam smiled and nodded. He once again began heading towards the house.

"My lawn Sam!" Sam groaned and jumped back onto the rock path. When he got to his room he peered out his window. Optimus was still out there and was kneeling down. He appeared to be talking to Ron and Judy. Sam grinned. A giant alien robot was talking to his parents and they weren't freaking out. It really brought into perspective how much the Autobot's had changed his family's life. Sam was still grinning when he fell asleep.