I'll Always Be There

by ScreamGurl

All there was that Prime had for a warning was a light...a bright blue light. He didn't think anything could get any worse. But when he looked at his reflection only to find a human staring back; that's when things began to get interesting...

5. Chapter 5: Jasper

Chapter 5: Jasper

The cold air of the car's air conditioner blew gently on Optimus' face as the truck glided down the lonely highway. Optimus watched the rising sun disappear and reappear in and out of the plateaus that rose from the red earth. The sun was just rising now, and even so the desert was beginning to feel the sun's wrath of scorching heat and blinding sunshine.

Cole and Kira played quietly in the backseat, arguing about simple things that children would fight about. Optimus listened intently as Kira would retaliate to Cole's treats to steal her crayons if she did not stop trying to take his Nintendo DS. Kira responded by threatening that if he did not stop kicking her, then she would tell their mother.

Passing a silent glance to Jacklyn who stared intently at the road ahead of her, Optimus' was well aware that Jacklyn knew of both Kira and Cole's intentions toward one another if the other had not heed each other's warning.

Looking up in the rear view mirror Jacklyn growled. "If you two don't quite nit-picking at one another, I'll pull this car over."

Glancing at their mother and then at one another, both Cole and Kira grew quiet. Looking back down at the road, Jacklyn sighed and shook her head.

Looking Jacklyn over for only a moment, Optimus' attention soon drifted away and returned to looking out the window. The sun was higher now but not high enough to hide the beauty the desert mornings seem to bring.

The sky looked as if it was a masterpiece, a work of art done by an unknown figure who's eye for beauty was unmatched by that of any sentient being in this universe. Reds, oranges, yellows and violets streaked across the sky in patterns untraceable or predictable to one's mind.

The desert ground was softly littered by small and large cactus and shrubbery. Small animals like rabbits and birds scurried to find what they needed to endure the next gruesome, hot desert day to come. The plateaus stood high and mighty like god-like figures in the background of this crude landscape, overlooking everything that seemed to take place.

When Optimus was a machine, these were all things that for some reason or another he really didn't pay any mind to. But now that he sat there, staring out the window of a vehicle, looking at this world from a human's point of view, it was now clear to him that maybe…just maybe…there was a lot this planet had to offer that not so long ago he had over looked.

"Optimus—."

Looking away from the window, Optimus' gaze met Jacklyn's. "Now, you're sure you know where it is we are going once we get to Jasper?"

Optimus casually nodded and returned his gaze to out the window. "I am sure."

As the truck drifted down the lonely highway, it was mainly nothing but silence with the exception of the tires treading against the hot pavement.

Readjusting herself in her seat, Jacklyn cleared her throat. "Optimus, can I ask you something?"

Looking at Jacklyn, Optimus nodded. "Of course."

Moving her hands on the wheel she sighed. "Why do you want to go to Jasper anyway? What's there that's so important?"

Optimus was silent for a long time before he turned back to the window. "My family."

Jacklyn's jaw dropped only slightly as she looked at Optimus out of the corner of her eye, and then back at the road. "Oh…I…I didn't…know."

Optimus remained silent.

Rolling her shoulders, Jacklyn shifted. "I'm guessing you have a wife then?"

Slowly Optimus turned his head to look at Jacklyn, thinking about what she just asked him, and then slowly shook his head. "No…I do not have a ma-…I mean, wife."

Looking at Optimus for only a second, and then returning her gaze to the road, Jacklyn's eye brows raised in curiosity. "Well, if you don't have a wife…then what do you mean by family?"

Optimus remained silent as he let his head rest against the glass of the window. "It's somewhat difficult to explain."

As the truck drifted over a hill, a small city came into view. Optimus sat up in his seat and watched with anticipation. They made it.

A small green and white sign came into view. Jasper Population: 1,200

Optimus watched and took everything into view and searched through his memories.

Everything looked the same.

The only thing that was different… was him.

The gas station. The school. The restaurant Jack Darby worked at.

It all looked the same.

"Optimus—?"

Looking up Optimus' gaze met Jacklyn's. The vehicle had stopped and was idling quietly at a stop sign, waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

"Which way do you want to go?"

"Mommy!"

Looking over her shoulder, Jacklyn saw Kira sitting up in her car-seat fighting against the restraints of her seat belt.

"Mommy, I'm hungry! When are we gonna eat?"

Looking up from his DS, Cole grinned. "Yeah mom, I'm hungry too! When are we going to eat?"

Sighing and passing a glance to Optimus for only a moment, Jacklyn looked back into the rearview mirror. "Alright, fine…we'll stop for lunch. But then it's back on the road okay? I made Optimus a deal, remember?"

Giggling Kira bounced giddily in her car-seat. "I remember mommy! I remember!"

After the light turned green, Jacklyn turned into Chao Dive-In, parked and turned the car off. Taking the keys out of the ignition, Jacklyn turned and looked at Optimus. "Are you okay with this, stopping I mean?"

Optimus returned the gaze to Jacklyn and nodded politely. "Of course. Cole and Kira are in need of food. It's quite alright."

Smiling in return, Jacklyn nodded and opened her door. As soon as she did that, Cole's door flung open with him clambering out while still trying to play his game. Jacklyn opened Kira's side and worked quickly to unbuckle her from her car-seat and put her down on the ground.

Optimus watched as Cole started to approach the doors to the restaurant but stopped to wait for his mother and sister.

Now that Optimus stopped and looked at it, in his mind they were the picture of a perfect human family. PERFECT…with the exception of one thing.

"Optimus—!"

Looking up Optimus looked out the windshield to see Jacklyn, Kira and Cole waiting.

Jacklyn put one hand on her hip while the other kept Kira close. "Optimus are you coming or are you going to sit in the car the whole time?"

Sighing Optimus unbuckled his seatbelt and opened his door. He might as well get some fuel himself, besides maybe Jack was here and he could get some answers.

When they went in there was almost no one there, of course, it was almost 1.

They all took a seat at a booth as Jacklyn went up to the counter to place an order. Looking over her shoulder she sighed. "Optimus, Kira, Cole what do you guys think you want?"

Optimus was drawn a blank. He didn't know what this place had to offer as far as fuel for human consumption. It never really held any importance to know up until now.

Kira stood in the booth and chirped with a sweet disposition. "I want chicken nuggets mommy."

Cole looked up once again from his game and turned his attention to his mother. "I want a bacon cheeseburger."

Jacklyn then looked at the man who was standing behind the counter, who to Optimus' disappointment was NOT Jack, but was instead a young man with blonde hair with braces on his teeth and obviously had an acne problem. Looking up at the menu board above the counter, Jacklyn sighed. "Okay, I'll take a number 3 meal, a number seven meal, a hamburger and small fries and… hmmm…"

Looking over her shoulder, Jacklyn looked at Optimus. "Optimus, what do you want?"

Optimus was again drawn a blank.

He didn't know what he should ask for. But by Jacklyn's expression he better make a decision quickly.

Looking at Cole for only a moment and then looking at Jacklyn, Optimus sighed." I will eat the same as what Cole is having."

Cole then looked at Optimus with curiosity, but only for a moment.

Turning back to the young man behind the counter, Jacklyn groaned casually. "Okay, make that two Number 7 meals instead of one."

The man then typed on the cash register and then handed four plastic cups, three medium sized glasses and one small to Jacklyn before retreating into the kitchen. He then stopped in mid stride and turned around.

"Do you want these meals for here or to go?"

Jacklyn just smiled in a friendly manner. "Here please."

The young man nodded and then walked away.

Jacklyn grabbed the glasses and then looked to the three sitting in the booth waiting for a response. Cole and Kira jumped up right away and grabbed a cup from their mother and skipped to the soda pop fountain. Jacklyn waited for Optimus to get up only to see him staring out the window. Instead of asking if he was going to join them and get his own soda to drink, she decided that maybe he instead should be kept to his thoughts. She then turned away to make sure Kira didn't get any more soda to drink than what she needed.

Watching out the window Optimus couldn't help but question himself over the idea about returning to the base. He had come this far…he might as well go the rest of the way, and see if what he is looking for is still there.

"See anything interesting?"

Looking up Optimus watched as Jacklyn slid into the booth across from him. She casually placed a plastic glass with a straw in front of him. He looked up at her to see her smiling.

She just looked at the glasses and smiled sheepishly. "I didn't know which kind of soda you wanted, so I just got you the same kind I got."

Smiling slightly Optimus nodded and looked away. "Thank you."

Leaning down Jacklyn took a sip of her drink, looking at Optimus the whole time.

Looking around the room, Optimus couldn't help but ask out of curiosity. "Where are Kira and Cole?"

Looking up across the room Jacklyn motioned to her right. "Oh they both found some old arcade machines and decided they wanted to play. So I gave them some change so that they can play until the food is ready."

Optimus looked over in the direction Jacklyn indicated and saw Cole and Kira playing.

"So, where do you wanna go from here?"

Looking back at Jacklyn, Optimus raised an eye brow slightly. "Sorry?"

Jacklyn took another sip of her drink and then slid it aside. "Where do you want to go from here, because we obviously didn't come to Jasper just to eat."

Looking out the window, observing the surroundings, Optimus sighed heavily; and then looked back at Jacklyn. "When we are finished here, we need to head east on county road seventeen."

Resting her elbows on the table and then resting her face in her hands Jacklyn playfully batted her eyes. "And just what is east on county road seventeen if I may ask?"

Looking at his drink and then sliding it toward himself Optimus shrugged. "You will see soon enough Jacklyn. Of this I am certain."

Just then Kira ran up and rested her arms on the table. "Opmus! Opmus!"

Looking over at Kira, Optimus smiled warmly. "Yes Kira?"

Pointing over to Cole, Kira beamed. "Will you come and play with me?"

Smiling down at Kira who tugged impatiently at his pant leg, Optimus couldn't help but let a small gently smile creep across his face. "Kira, I would be delighted to go play with you. However, I am having a rather important discussion with your mother. Maybe I'll come play later when I am finished."

Jutting out her bottom lip in a pout, Kira swayed as she turned away and dragged herself back to the game that Cole was having a turn on. Crossing her arms in a pout she huffed. "Cole, you've had it long enough, it's my turn!"

Not even turning his head away from the screen, Cole laughed sarcastically. "Yeah right! You'll get a turn as soon as I finish this round."

Throwing her hands up and grabbing at his shirt, Kira whined. "You said that four rounds ago!"

Chuckling softly at their soft bickering, Optimus couldn't help but be reminded of how Jack and Miko used to fight.

In the same manner as a matter of fact.

Though they were both far more mature than the little ones before him now, he couldn't help but see a small similarity.

"Optimus—?"

Looking up Optimus saw that Jacklyn pushed her glass away to one side and was looking directly at him.

Her eyes studied him with a mixture of curiosity as well as concern. "May I ask you something?"

Optimus merely nodded.

Fiddling with a lock of hair, Jacklyn tilted her head to the side, studying Optimus face. "How did you get that scar across your right eye? I mean, I've noticed it before and so have the kids. Geez, Kira has even asked me about it several times. So I guess I'm a little curious as to how you got it."

Looking back at the window, only to see his refection this time, sure enough there was a scar across his eye. Red in appearance but somewhat hidden by locks of dark black hair that hung down in front of his eyes.

Returning his glance to Jacklyn, Optimus shrugged and began to fiddle with the straw in his glass. "I received this scar during a battle."

Raising her eyes in surprise as well as shock, Jacklyn grew silent…then she cleared her throat. "Oh… I see. So…you were a soldier?"

Chuckling softly Optimus shrugged. "In a way yes…and in a way no. I am a commander."

Raising her eyes in but more surprise, Jacklyn's eyes began to study Optimus even more closely. "A commander? Really?"

Optimus simply nodded as he lifted the glass and put the straw to his lips taking a small sip.

The liquid in the glass was orange, sweet, and fizzy. He could feel the bubbling sensation in his mouth and down his throat as he drank the remnants. So this is what humans called 'soda pop'.

As he quietly sucked the liquid down through his straw, Jacklyn couldn't take her eyes off Optimus. There was something so strange about him. Strange but unique.

Why did he want to come to Jasper and for what purpose? And why so early in fact? They'd been on the road since six o' clock this morning. What was so damn important that he wanted to get out here as soon as possible?

So many questions…

"Order for a Miss Jacklyn!"

Looking up, Jacklyn saw two trays resting on the counter with the receipt sticking out on the edge. Getting up she called for Cole and Kira to come to the booth and get their food.

Kira came instinctively and took a spot right next to Optimus. Cole shouted without looking away from the screen of the arcade game he was playing that he would come after he had finished that round, which Jacklyn knew very well, could take fifteen minutes or more.

Grabbing the trays, one in each hand, Jacklyn carried them to the booth and sat it down. She handed out the food and then took her spot.

Within a few minutes Cole ran over to join them and fell into the booth with a loud thud. "Mom, I made it all the way to level twelve!"

Smiling Jacklyn nodded. "Good, so I guess since you've been all 'gamed' out that you'll let your sister play your DS the rest of the trip."

In the process of grabbing a bacon cheeseburger from the tray, Cole froze and looked at his mother horrified. "NO WAY! It's my DS! Why should Kira get to play with it?! She'll break it!"

Standing up on the booth Kira shouted. "I will not!"

Looking up from her meal Jacklyn growled. "Both of you hush! Kira…SIT."

Doing as she was told, Kira sat down and pushed in up against Optimus as if searching for protection.

Optimus watched Kira curiously. It was beyond him why exactly she seemed to think that she needed to be close to him.

Not that he really minded.

In a way it was actually kind of nice having a little one close to you. It almost gave you a sense of importance, not that Optimus didn't have that back at the base, back with being a machine and commander of a planet. But still, this feeling was in a way different…but nice.

Sitting up Kira opened her box of Chicken nuggets and ate quietly. Cole grabbed the burger he had been going for and unwrapped in noisily.

Optimus grabbed one and did the same.

Putting the juicy, greasy burger into his starved, organic pallet had to be one of the most unique experiences he had ever had (next to the experience of eating organic food for the first time). The meat seemed to just slide down his throat with the assistance of the grease. He barely had to chew because the meat was so tender. But the crisp, tangy bacon added something more to the mysterious food he now fed on. It was unique and very satisfying.

All four of them ate quietly until Cole looked up from his burger. "Mom, where are we going after we're done eating?"

Looking up from her fries, Jacklyn merely shrugged. "I don't know sweet-heart. Wherever Optimus takes us I guess."

Looking at Optimus, Jacklyn was a bit surprised to see that Optimus was watching Kira shove an entire chicken nugget into her mouth. His eyes were wide open in surprise as she put it in and then shut her mouth. She looked up seeing him watching her and then grinned to reveal the nugget between her teeth. She then dipped another in her sweet and sour sauce and held it up to Optimus' mouth. Shaking his head Optimus turned away to feed on his own meal. Squawking in disagreement Kira stood up on the booth still holding the nugget out for Optimus.

Looking at it, and then at Kira, Optimus then glanced over at Jacklyn with pleading eyes only to see her and Cole laughing softly. Shaking her head, Jacklyn motioned toward Kira. "You better just take it Optimus before she gets mad and throws it at you."

Looking back at the small child, Optimus sighed and held out his hand to take it. Kira in turn shook her head and opened her mouth to reveal a half-eaten nugget. Shaking his head and scoffing in slight disgust Optimus huffed. "Kira…"

Kira giggled and pointed to her mouth and then shut it again.

Optimus raised his eye brows in curiosity.

Cole laughed quietly as he put his burger down. "She wants you to open your mouth."

Looking over at Cole, Optimus was a bit surprised to see that he was actually talking to him. "What?"

With his eyes, Cole motioned to Kira before looking back at him. "Kira wants you to open your mouth so that she can put the nugget in herself."

Looking at Kira out of the corner of his eye, Optimus could clearly see that Kira was smiling and nodding still holding the nugget up for him.

With a heavy sigh Optimus slowly opened his mouth only to have the nugget shoved in.

Jacklyn and Cole immediately erupted into a loud uproar of laughter.

For several moments, Optimus just sat there with the nugget in his mouth before pushing it in with a finger and chewed it quietly.

After the incident of Kira's, the four began to grow quiet again and eat without interruption.

…

After they had eaten and Jacklyn had paid the bill, they had left the restaurant and were loading up in the truck again. Jacklyn smiled and laughed as Kira beamed about getting Optimus to take the nugget and was playing with her toy she got from her meal. Optimus sat quietly in the passenger side seat and watched as Kira was buckled in as well as Cole buckling his seat belt and turn on his DS.

One Jacklyn got Kira situated; she closed the door, buckled her seatbelt, put her sunglasses on her head and then turned to Optimus grinning. "Alright, which way?"

Looking around Optimus motioned to turn right out of the parking lot. "Go that way."

Nodding, Jacklyn turned out of the lot into the empty intersection and waited for the red light to turn green. Activating her turning signal she waited.

Once it did, Jacklyn turned and within moments was leaving Jasper.

…

The sun was high now and the summer wind was hot as the late afternoon. The shadows that the plateaus casted were long and drifted over the highway.

Kira lay only half awake in the back seat watching as clouds pass by the window. Yawning, Kira stretched making a cute high-pitched grunt. "Mommy, when are we gonna be home?"

Looking up in the rearview Jacklyn sighed. "Soon baby…soon."

Looking at the clouds passing overhead Jacklyn sighed loudly. "Alright Optimus, where are we?"

Looking up from resting his head against the window, Optimus glanced around and sighed. "We are almost there. Keep traveling east."

Sighing, Jacklyn nodded. "Alright…I'll keep going east."

Several minutes passed until Jacklyn sat forward in her seat with confused eyes. "What the hell?"

The truck slowly came to a halt and idled quietly.

Both Kira and Cole sat forward.

The road just ended and went one way or the other, a road leading to the right and a road leading to the left.

Standing high several yards away in front of them, off the highway in the sands stood a plateau that in a way seemed higher than the others. There was almost something majestic about it. Majestic and yet ominous.

Sitting back with a dumbfounded expression Jacklyn slowly turned to Optimus. "Okay Optimus, which way?"

Looking out the windshield in front of them to the plateau Optimus remained motionless.

Jacklyn leaned farther forward to see Optimus' face. "Optimus, which way?"

Without looking at Jacklyn, Optimus spoke plainly. "Forward."

Dropping her shoulders slightly, Jacklyn looked between the plateau and Optimus with disbelief. "Forward? Are you serious?"

Optimus looked at Jacklyn, expression unchanged. "Yes."

Jacklyn didn't do anything but sat there.

Turning the ignition off, letting everything fall silent, Jacklyn looked at Optimus more confused now than ever. "Optimus, there's no road…what do you expect me to do, off-road it?"

Optimus remained silent.

Getting out of the vehicle Optimus then quickly walked away toward the large geographical feature. Watching for only a moment, Jacklyn soon scolded herself and fought to get out of her restraints and open the door. Turning around, she looked at Kira and then at Cole. "Cole, watch your sister…I'll be back."

Shutting the door behind her, Jacklyn jogged after Optimus.

Walking up alongside Optimus, Jacklyn stopped; letting her eyes wander the same way as Optimus'…straight at the massive plateau.

"Optimus what are you looking for?"

Looking at Jacklyn for only a moment, Optimus soon turned away and approached the plateau without saying a word. Jacklyn watched with both curiosity as well as frustration. What was Optimus looking for? What was so important that he 'insisted' on coming out here as soon as possible? Why was he behaving so mysterious? But above all…what was he hiding?

Placing a hand on the red stone, Optimus looked up and over the large feature, whispering for only his mind to hear. "This is it."

Reaching behind a large bolder, Optimus used his hand to try to feel for something…something that Agent Fowler had told him about so many days ago when he and the other Autobots first came to earth.

The base that they now resided in was inherited from humans, and therefore was initially designed for humans. There were certain fail-safe systems that had been installed in the base in order to restrict intrusion when the Autobots moved in. Fail-safe systems that Optimus had guessed hadn't been added…or…had hoped hadn't been added.

Optimus just then stopped at having felt something behind the rock.

It was a lock.

Grabbing it in his hand, Optimus turned it counter clockwise, pulled it out, then turned it clockwise and pushed it back into place.

When he did that, the mountain seemed to shift ever so slightly, but enough to the point that Jacklyn could clearly see that it had indeed moved.

Jumping back Jacklyn watched and then yelled. "Optimus!"

Optimus ignored the shouts of warning. He knew what he was doing, and he knew the risks.

Two panels camouflaged as rock moved apart in front of Optimus to display a key board with human numbers on it.

The landscape stood still. Even the soft breeze seemed to stop.

Looking back at Jacklyn, Optimus noticed that she was only a few yards away from where he was standing as Kira and Cole sat upright watching out the windshield of the truck.

They were watching his every move.

Turning back around Optimus whispered as he typed in the number code that Agent Fowler had told him, the same code that he made himself memorize.

268944573

ENTER

When Optimus pressed the enter key on the keyboard, the keyboard immediately retracted back into the side of the plateau and the panels slid shut. All at once the ground around them seemed to shake when the wall of the plateau seemed to be moving down to reveal the panels of a door, a door that when the plateau side moved down, retracted apart to reveal a tunnel leading into the plateau itself.

The landscape once again grew quiet. Nothing moved. The door stayed open.

Looking back around at Jacklyn, Optimus saw a look of disbelief written on her face…seared into her eyes.

Her eyes were wide open, taking in the scene in front of her as if it wasn't really real but instead was a strange dream. Now the questions running through her head were twice of that of what they were before.

Just who was this man she offered her house to? Who was this man she gave food to? Shelter to?

Who was he…?

"Jacklyn."

Coming back to reality, Jacklyn looked down at Optimus to see him standing by the entrance, calling to her.

"Jacklyn, stay outside…I will return shortly."

Optimus then turned away and disappeared into the darkness of the tunnel.

Running back to the truck, Jacklyn threw the door open and pulled the driver's seat back and dug under the back seat beneath Kira's feet. Jacklyn then stopped for a moment at having heard Kira's shaky voice. "Mommy, where's Opmus?"

Looking up Jacklyn froze at seeing both Cole and Kira watching her with concern…you could even say frightened eyes. Kira swallowed hard. "Mommy, where is Opmus?"

Grabbing a flash light out from under the back seat Jacklyn shook her head. "I'm not sure baby…but I'm going to go find out."

While looking up at Cole, Jacklyn raced to tie her hair back. "You two stay here in the truck. Keep the windows open and just play with the things you brought to keep you occupied. I'll be right back. Cole, keep an eye on your sister, okay?"

Nodding Cole watched his mother with concerned eyes. "Yes mom."

Nodding to Cole, Jacklyn climbed in the front seat and moved the truck into the shade of the plateau, then took the keys out of the ignition. She jumped out of the truck, shoving the keys into her pocket and raced to catch up with Optimus.

She came to the entrance of the plateau where she turned on her flashlight and slowly entered.

But it was only a matter of time before a series of loud bangs and pops echoed through the cement corridor of the mountain side. The light of day that was behind her was now gone, with the exception of the flashlight now setting in her hand.

The doors had sealed shut again.

A cold chill of fear ran up through Jacklyn's spine as she stared at the now sealed door.

How was she to get out?

Optimus.

Returning her mind set to the problem at hand, Jacklyn pushed forward to find Optimus.

…

…

The sound of her footsteps echoing through the hallway was the only sound present to comfort Jacklyn's weary mind. That was until a light started to come into view.

The site that fallowed nearly took Jacklyn's breath away. The ceiling seemed to stretch as high as the mountain itself. The florescent lights high above cast their light down to the floor below were Jacklyn…and Optimus stood.

Jacklyn stopped at seeing Optimus standing in the center of the room, looking around at the various cat-walks and suspended work zones in dazed confusion.

This isn't right.

Where was Ratchet?

Where were the Autobots?

Where were the kids?

This isn't right.

A small part of Optimus had been hoping that they would have been here, that they too had been thrown into this nightmare. But just like everything else he's hoped for, this too was a mere means for letting himself get his hopes up only for them to come crashing down. At this moment now, he truly felt alone.

"Optimus-?"

Suddenly Optimus jumped at having felt a hand rest on his shoulder.

Optimus' hopes were lifted for only a moment before realizing that it wasn't anyone from the base addressing him…it was Jacklyn.

Pulling her hand away, she looked at him with both curiosity as well as concern. "Optimus, are you alright?"

Looking away Optimus shook his head. "I don't know."

Stepping up beside Optimus Jacklyn sighed and let her attention drift in the same direction as Optimus'.

"Optimus…why are you here? What is it you're looking for?"

There was along moment of silence.

Jacklyn looked at Optimus only to see him still staring off into the cat-walks. Sighing Optimus shook his head. "To be honest Jacklyn, I'm not very sure what it is I'm looking for anymore. Maybe it's a part of me looking for answers; maybe it's me wanting closure. I am not certain anymore."

Again resting one of her hands on Optimus' shoulder Jacklyn used her other hand to grab his chin and direct his attention toward her. "Optimus, I don't know what exactly it is going through your mind…and I don't know what exactly it is that happened in your past, but obviously it must be something important to make you search for a place like this. I don't know how you knew this was here. And …I don't know how it is you knew how to get in. I may never know. But what I do know is that you're hiding something…something big…something important."

Jacklyn tilted Optimus head up slightly to make his eyes meet hers. She looked in his eyes and spoke from her heart. "Optimus, whatever is bothering you...where it is you truly came from…you can tell me."

Rolling his eyes Optimus pulled away. "Jacklyn I value your words…truly I do…but I don't think you would believe me even if I did speak the truth."

Crossing her arms while looking up and down, Jacklyn merely smiled. "Try me…"

Immediately a warning flashed within Optimus. Could he trust Jacklyn with the truth of him really being a sentient machine from a distant planet? That alone he would think could be thought of as being 'over-the-top'.

The more he thought about it, the more Optimus questioned the wisdom of telling Jacklyn the truth. He has only known her for a few earth days. How could he count on her believing what it is he says?

Sighing heavily Optimus made a decision. Now whether or not the decision he made was the right one would in time be defined as right or wrong.

Looking Jacklyn in the eye Optimus sighed heavily. "Jacklyn…the truth of the matter is…I…I'm…"

Laughing softly, Jacklyn gently caressed Optimus shoulder…seeing as how he was struggling to find the right words. "You know what Optimus…don't worry about explanations now. When you think you're ready to tell me. Then you can tell me."

At that moment Optimus' eyes met Jacklyn's for the first time. Optimus couldn't help but analyze the details of the blues and greens in the irises of her eyes. Jacklyn was captivated by just how sapphire blue Optimus' eyes really were.

Looking away Jacklyn couldn't help but blush a little. Optimus tilted his head watching her, knowing very well why she had turned away, and in a way, was almost flattered.

Clearing her throat and trying to change her expression, Jacklyn turned back to Optimus lightly hitting him in the shoulder. "Come on, let's get out here. The kids are still in the truck and we need to get back home before eight thirty so the kids can get up for school tomorrow."

Turning away beside Jacklyn, both Optimus and her walked in unison back down the hallway. Optimus watched her, admiring the way she knew he was hiding something, but to her credit did not push him to reveal his secret. The more Optimus thought about it as the door came into view, the more he started to think…that maybe…there was more than meets the eye to Jacklyn.

…

…

After coming home, Optimus carefully carried Kira's limp unconscious body into the apartment behind Jacklyn with Cole fallowing close behind. Kira's body lay up against Optimus' shoulder with her face resting against Optimus' neck.

The feeling of her gentle, shallow breathing was almost in a sense relaxing.

Closing the door behind Optimus, Jacklyn watched as Optimus cradled Kira in his arms, holding her close, listening to her. She couldn't help but smile as she passed him and ushered him to follow. Optimus did as he was signaled to do and followed.

Walking into Kira's room behind Jacklyn, Optimus watched as Jacklyn opened a drawer and rummaged through it digging out pink pajamas.

Setting the clothes down on the bed, Jacklyn turned to Optimus and held out her arms. "Hand her to me."

Carefully Optimus did as he was told.

Jacklyn then quietly ushered Optimus out and closed the door.

Waiting outside of the room in the hallway, Optimus' mind again began to wander back to the things he saw this afternoon.

The base.

When they were there earlier this afternoon, Optimus couldn't help but notice that the base looked the way it had before he and the other Autobots first started to inhabit it. It looked untouched.

At that moment Optimus realized that if the base was indeed untouched, that meant…that the Autobots were never there.

"Optimus?"

Unfolding his arms, Optimus watched as Jacklyn slowly came out of the dimmed lit room. "Kira is sound asleep."

Smiling Optimus just simply nodded.

Passing Optimus' Jacklyn slipped into Cole's room which was already dark. Optimus watched as Jacklyn kneeled beside Cole's bed where he laid and kissed him on the forehead whispering . "Good night sweet-heart."

Yawning with his eyes still shut Cole spoke softly. "Good night mom."

Slowly rising, Jacklyn quietly excited the room shutting the door behind her. Looking up at Optimus smiling, Jacklyn ushered him to follow her to the living room.

As they both sat down on the couch, Jacklyn just laughed softly in amusement. "Kira is so cute when she sleeps."

Nodding Optimus looked back down the hallway. "Yes she is."

Tilting her head at Optimus Jacklyn smiled. "You are aware that Kira is quite fond of you, aren't you?"

Again Optimus nodded…this time smiling.

Getting up Jacklyn walked into the kitchen and then came back with a drink in each hand. Sitting down next to Optimus, Jacklyn offered it to him. "Would you like some orange Fanta?"

Nodding Optimus took it graciously. This orange soda stuff he really liked.

After sitting down, and crossing one leg over the other, Jacklyn sighed leaning back into the cushions of the couch holding her drink in her hand. "So…are you going to tell me what that place was that you took us to this afternoon?"

Looking up from the glass at his mouth, Optimus slowly swallowed and then placed the glass on the coffee table in front of him.

"It was former missile silo that belonged to your government."

Setting her drink down beside Optimus', she looked at him with curiosity. "How did you know it was there? And why do your refer to it as 'my government' instead of 'our government'…you're American aren't you?"

Optimus was hesitant for only a moment before he chuckled softly. "Do you think the name 'Optimus' is as you say 'American'?"

Thinking for a moment, Jacklyn shrugged. "I guess not. But still how do you know that that base was there?"

Shrugging Optimus leaned back into the cushions of the couch beside Jacklyn. "In a sense Jacklyn, I used to live there…"

Leaning forward toward Optimus, Jacklyn raised her attention in surprise. "What?"

Sighing hard Optimus turned away. "Jacklyn, I am not certain that this is something I wish to be discussing."

Leaning back again Jacklyn dropped the volume of her voice slightly. "Oh, I'm sorry."

Out of the corner of his eye Optimus nodded. "It's alright Jacklyn. You are curious…and there is no fault in that."

…

The moments dragged on in awkward silence.

Neither Optimus nor Jacklyn said anything for quite some time…until finally Optimus cleared his throat and spoke.

"So…where exactly is Kira and Cole's sire?"

Jacklyn passed an uneasy glance to Optimus and remained silent while turning away.

Optimus leaned forward watching her, concerned. "I've said something I shouldn't have, haven't I?"

Sighing heavily Jacklyn shook her head. "No. You didn't."

Looking at the ceiling Jacklyn huffed. "Cole and Kira's father, my ex, has been gone for almost five years. He and I got a divorce after I found out he was cheating on me. I kicked his ass out and told him to never come back. Shortly after that happened I found out I was pregnant with Kira…"

Looking down at Optimus, Jacklyn turned to face him. "…when my ex found out I was pregnant with Kira, the divorce papers had already been finalized and I had already filed for child support. Kira has never seen her father and Cole…well…he vaguely remembers his father and isn't too fond of him. Maybe that's partly my doing since I haven't really watched what I say about him around them."

Blushing, Jacklyn turned away. "I'm sorry Optimus, you asked where their father is and instead I'm giving you a whole life's story as to how our marriage went wrong."

Optimus smiled warmly. "It's alright Jacklyn. It gives me a better understanding of everything going on."

Smiling Jacklyn nodded. "Well, as far as I know Kira and Cole's father is somewhere in Manhattan. He's a big business man or something like that. Apparently the small, at home, domestic life wasn't the kind of life he wanted."

Optimus quietly turned away growling to himself.

Looking over in curiosity, Jacklyn raised an eye brow. "Optimus?"

Looking back at Jacklyn, Optimus huffed. "I just don't see the logic, or morality of abandoning one's own offspring or one's mate for another female. I guess in my experience if you're lucky enough to even find one mate, it's you're sworn obligation to remain loyal to that female for as long as life itself."

Jacklyn was speechless. Never in her life did she ever imagine that words like that would come out of a man's mouth, and yet she heard it straight out of Optimus'.

But now she couldn't help but wonder, did he truly mean what he just said or was he now trying to get something from her by trying to woo her and sweep her off her feet. From her experience she had to be careful around men. Optimus was no exception.

Smiling Jacklyn nodded. "Now I only wished all men thought the way you do Optimus."

Optimus just smiled warmly and took another drink of his orange soda. Putting it down he swallowed the contents in his mouth. "Jacklyn, I know it really is not my place to speak, but perhaps it would just be best for you as well as Kira and Cole to just try to forget your previous husband and move forward with your life."

Flopping against the cushion Jacklyn huffed. "But Optimus, how am I supposed to move on with my life? My husband is gone. I always end up dating losers. My children are forced to grow up without a father. How am I supposed to move on?"

Lowering his gaze while smiling, Optimus shook his head. "Jacklyn…I didn't say 'move on' with your life, I said 'move forward'. Yes your husband may be gone and yes your children may be growing up without a fatherly figure. But I must ask, do you always end up dating losers?"

Jacklyn nodded.

Optimus tilted his head and smiled mischievously. "But I thought that you were courting with me Jacklyn?"

Jacklyn looked up and was surprised by the look he was giving her. The mischievous smile on his face was both a thing of curiosity and concern. He was so…handsome. And the way he was smiling…it was so…tempting.

Blushing Jacklyn grinned and shrugged. "Okay well… maybe you're an exception."

Leaning forward Optimus watched Jacklyn's reaction. She was avoiding him now.

Stopping Jacklyn's expression changed. She leaned forward…and sniffed Optimus, then moved back suddenly. "Optimus?"

Looking at Jacklyn Optimus smiled. "Yes Jacklyn?"

Jacklyn huffed looking Optimus up and down with an appalling look of disgust. "When was the last time you've bathed?"

…

…

…

Optimus stood in the doorway of the bathroom with a blank look of confusion while holding a folded towel in his hand.

Jacklyn kneeled beside the shower fumbling with the handle.

Suddenly, all at once water started to gush out the faucet, and steam rose from the bathtub. Putting her hand in the water and holding it there for a few seconds, Jacklyn nodded and pulled a small handle on the faucet making water spew out the showerhead.

Turning to Optimus, Jacklyn patted him on the shoulder and started for the door. "The shampoo and soap is in the basket at the back of the shower. The wash rags should be back there too, and try to make it a quick shower, I still need to take one yet tonight too."

Looking down at the towel in his hands and then at the running shower, Optimus mumbled quietly under his breath. "I don't want to take a shower."

Looking up Jacklyn scoffed. "Why?"

Optimus remained silent.

Shaking her head Jacklyn gently closed the door behind her while reminding Optimus to make it quick.

After she was gone, and the door was securely shut, Optimus sighed. "I don't want t o take a shower Jacklyn, because I haven't a clue what I look like under these clothes."

Looking between the shower and the mirror on the wall above the sink, Optimus fought with himself whether he should truly change and bathe as humans tend to do, or should he bathe with his clothes on in order to avoid the awkward task of gazing at himself without the protection of clothing.

The more Optimus seemed to think about it, the more the idea of bathing with his clothes on seemed idiotic. If he were to bathe the way he had earlier proposed, then he in all reality wouldn't get clean. If he was to wash himself properly he would have to change out of these clothes. That fact was inevitable.

Looking at his reflection took several minutes. Much had changed since he had gazed at himself in the window of the store. His dark black hair was longer now and his face looked more scruffy now. His scar was still the same. That above everything was no different. A solid reminder of the life he had left behind and was so desperately trying to go back to.

"Optimus, you in the shower yet?" Jacklyn's voice sounded right from behind the door.

Optimus called over the sound of the rushing showerhead. "No, but I will be in a moment."

Optimus could clearly hear Jacklyn scoff from behind the door. "Well, make it quick, I don't want to waste too much hot water."

As Jacklyn's footsteps disappeared down the hallway toward the living room, Optimus looked himself in the mirror again.

Sighing heavily Optimus tried to coax himself to do what needed to be done. He HAD to take a shower. His body odor admittedly was becoming hard for even him himself to bare. After all, taking a shower couldn't be near as bad as the experience he had the first night he was here. The experience of "empting-his-organic-waste-tank" is one that he longed to forget…both ways.

Optimus shuddered in disgust. There were some things in human nature that he wished he never had to know.

Sighing, Optimus casually stripped off both his over and under shirt in one swift motion and again stared at his reflection, actually surprised at the image staring back.

He was in human terms quite muscular. Okay, very muscular.

The reflection staring back at him was a man of strength…a man who in his day had seen plenty of action and had the scars and muscle tone to prove it. Light black hairs littered their way across his chest all the way down to the upper part of his mid-section. His abdomen was clean and hard. If he remembered right from memory, the human mid-section when built up to this degree of strength was referred to as abs…or in slang terms…a six pack.

Turning to look over himself, Optimus sighed a soft breath of relief, actually…if he didn't know any better, he himself would say he looked pretty good…for a human. But there was still more to see.

Looking down below his abdomen Optimus knew what came next.

Slowly Optimus slipped off his pants and stared at the solid blue boxers hanging on his thighs.

In a soft sigh Optimus slid off his final garment and again stared at himself.

So THIS is what a true, to the skin, male human looks like.

He would lie to himself, not now not ever, it has crossed his mind once or twice as to what a human truly looks like but never had he ever thought he'd get a front row to seeing that thought, and his own body in fact.

Gazing over himself, Optimus couldn't help but let his attention drift downward, and quietly he mumbled to himself. "So THAT'S what a human male looks like…down there…"

A human male in comparison to a Cybertronian male had both similarities…as well as differences.

Both had the initial…rod…but not these fleshy sac like—.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door.

Jumping at the sudden sound, Optimus immediately threw himself behind the door, bracing his naked self against the door to keep it shut, knowing full well it wasn't locked.

It was Jacklyn.

"Optimus are you in the shower yet?!"

Breathing heavy at being spooked Optimus sighed. "No Jacklyn, I am not."

Frustrated, Jacklyn hit the door. "Optimus, I don't know what it is you're doing in there, but you need to quit screwing around and get your ass in the shower before I come in there and put it in for you."

Looking at the door Optimus huffed. "You will do no such thing Jacklyn."

Shoving the door in partially, the door cracked open with Jacklyn's full body force behind it. "Try me."

Optimus was surprised at just how strong this small human being was turning out to be, both mentally as well as physically. Even with her small, petite frame, she was holding up to Optimus strength to hold the door open just a crack.

Optimus hid behind the door out of Jacklyn's line of site. "Alright! Alright! I'll get in!"

Jacklyn released her hold on the door and backed away allowing it to fly shut again. In a huff she walked away mumbling under her breath.

Optimus waited and listened as her footsteps once again disappeared down the hallway.

Looking at the shower, Optimus sighed and then crossed to room. He pulled the curtains back and climbed in closing the curtains behind him.

The warm water felt good on his skin, relaxing the muscles and heating his chilled frame. This in a way sort of reminded him of the frequent rinses he would take back at base after either a scouting mission or patrol, only with that the water was slightly colder and he never really had to remove anything. The only time he would "remove-protective-plating" was when he found the need to do so, which was often. Very rarely in his lifetime had it ever happened where Ratchet would become upset with him after a diagnostic check and would find that he wasn't keeping himself clean. He always thought of himself as being a bot of cleanliness. But being human was slightly different. When he was a machine he never really had to worry about having an emanating odor coming from him. The only thing that was cause for cleaning was getting dirt and debris stuck in the pivoting point of your limbs, which when not taken care of and washed properly, could end up becoming points for pain. But when human, you constantly have to remain clean to eliminate body odor form perspiration.

Rubbing his face in the stream of water Optimus thought more…mostly back to the memories of when he was a machine. Of course, what really seemed to trouble his mind now, as he stood alone letting the hot water drain down across his skin was the thought of his Autobots. Questions. Concerns.

Where they alright?

Did they even know he was gone?

And if they did, what were they doing to find him?

Was there anything they really could do?

Letting his head fall, Optimus rested a hand against the wall of the shower, letting the water fall freely over his head and dribble down over his face.

Was there anything HE could do?

…

…

As Optimus fumbled to button up his over shirt and open the door at the same time, he was a little surprised to find Jacklyn standing in the hallway; arms crossed and foot tapping on the floor.

"Did you have a nice shower?"

Optimus could tell right away that she was not pleased at all about him taking so long to clean up, but not wanting to seem oblivious, he simply nodded.

Lightly pushing Optimus out of the way, Jacklyn moved into the bathroom, closing the door with a thud, and locking it from the inside.

Optimus was puzzled. The door locked from the inside? Why didn't he just lock the door to keep Jacklyn from coming in earlier instead of what he had done?

Pushing those thoughts aside, Optimus moved quietly down the hallway.

Walking into the living room, over to the couch, Optimus hit the cushions with a soft thud. Sighing he leaned his head back, grabbed the remote and turned the television on.

All the while bright, vibrant, colorful commercials flashed on the screen, Optimus couldn't help but wander back to the thoughts eating away at his mind. There were so many unsolved questions he had. Questions that he so desperately wanted answered.

'What was the outcome of the battle between him and Megatron?'

'Were Ratchet, Bulkhead, Arcee, Bumblebee and Smokescreen alright?'

'Were Jack, Miko and Rafael alright?'

'Has Ratchet taken over my command in my absence?'

'Was Ratchet on the verge of finding out to him and how to get him back?'

But above all, the thing that hounded Optimus' mind was the question;

'Would he ever be able to go back?'

Lying down on the couch Optimus pulled his pillow over his head and released a soft moan. Again, he had so many unanswered questions. Would they ever be answered?

…

Wandering out into the living room, Jacklyn fumbled to dry her hair with the towel she had in her hand. She stopped, seeing Optimus lying on the couch with the TV on, but instead wasn't even watching and had a pillow on his face.

Sitting on the arm of the couch, Jacklyn gently rested her hand on Optimus' extended leg. Looking up from under the pillow's cover, Optimus was a bit surprised to see Jacklyn looking back with a concerned but comforting smile. "Optimus, what's wrong?"

Looking away Optimus really didn't say anything. He just shrugged and then covered his face back up.

Looking away in slight disappointment, Jacklyn slowly stood and stretched. "Well, I'm going to bed."

She then threw Optimus' blanket over him seeing as he already had his pillow. She then proceeded to walk over to the door and lock the dead-bolt and chain lock. She then turned off all the lights except those in the bathroom and living room.

At the mouth of the hallway she stopped and turned back to Optimus'. "Good night Optimus."

Optimus nodded and tried to display the best smile he could muster.

After Jacklyn was gone, and Optimus sat a few minutes alone he too decided that maybe it was a good time to try to put his mind to rest. Thinking this Optimus proceeded to rise from the couch and turn off the bathroom and living room lights. He then turned off the television making the room almost dark, with the exception of the city lights emanating from the balcony window.

Optimus unfolded the blanket that Jacklyn had thrown at him and draped in over himself. He then quietly fluffed his pillow up and laid down, adjusting himself, all the while thinking as sleep began to drift over his drowsy mind.

What was to become of his Autobots and their cause?

What was to become of him?