CHAPTER 61
Decisions

For such a simple solution, the meeting seemed to go on forever in Mark's eyes. It was much to the relief of everyone involved that the President shook hands with, and thanked Optimus Prime for his help. Securing the fact that the Autobots would not be forced into hiding again, and making many of them relax. Meanwhile many things were discussed in regards to rebuilding, with the Autobots agreeing to help things in Dallas, just as they had in Hong Kong, and briefly, in Chicago. In return, each government representative present agreed to dispel any bad press, or harmful words spoken out of turn. With Sam, who was stated to be their unofficial "ambassador", agreed to hold a press conference about everything that day.

It all went by so quickly that Mark was surprised he had even been able to keep up. After a long time however, things seemed to die down, which was when Optimus finally turned his head towards him. "And now, we have one more thing we must discuss," Optimus began. "The fact that with NEST base being dislocated until repairs are complete... What is to happen to Markus?"

Hound's grip on his shoulders tightened as his tension rose. He knew it was to tell him that everything would be okay, but it still made him worried. "I'd really like," Hound paused a moment. "To adopt him once the base is rebuilt and we have a proper home again," The other officials muttered to one-another. "I know it's never been done before. But I love Mark, more than anything, and I'd like the right to continue to raise him."

The looks in the room ranged from confusion, approval, and in some cases, looks of disgust. But it was Sam, to Mark's surprise, who stepped up to their defense. Then again, why would he even be surprised? It wasn't like the man didn't know and trust the Autobots. "Guys, Mark's been living with them for almost a year," Sam explained. "The Autobots have gone above and beyond the call of duty in taking care of him. Hell, they staged a recuse mission in the middle of Dallas first thing when he was taken."

"But you're talking about letting a giant robot adopt a human," A representative spoke up. "Taking financial and legal responsibility for him. With Hound fostering him it's one thing, but we can at least monitor him," Mark tensed up at that, but Hound gently rubbed his arm comfortingly. "But social services would have no say in him if he's adopted. He'd for all intents and purposes be the son of-."

"A good mech," Mearing spoke up from the corner, having been present as well. "I agree with the Witwicky kid on this one, sir. What Hound and Mark seem to have is very real. And while I'm not jazzed about having a fourteen year old on my base," She sighed a bit. "Hound deserves the same rights as any foster father. Mark's an orphan, and he definitely has found a family that loves him. Isn't that the entire point of the foster care system?"

The president stood there silently, his mind running through the options. Mark almost felt bad for putting the man on the spot, and would have felt worse if this wasn't about his fate. He backed up closer to Hound, worry in his eyes. What would happen to him if he said no? Would he be allowed to at least be fostered by Hound still? He supposed that didn't sound so bad, after all, he didn't need a piece of paper to know who his family and father was. "Alright," He finally spoke, looking between Optimus and Hound. "We can arrange for a formal adoption hearing to be done once the main base is back up and running. But not a second sooner."

Mark felt a wave of relief fall over him, Hound was going to adopt him. He was going to have a legal, official family, and for that matter, one that no government official as crooked as Coulton could take from him. "Well then," Hound patted his son's arm lightly. "It looks like you're gonna be stuck with me for a long time," He kissed the top of Mark's head gently. "Told ye we had nothing to worry about." He whispered.

Mark was too relieved to remind Hound of just how nervous he had been too. Though he still wondered where he'd go for the time being, given he couldn't exactly live at NEST base anymore. "Until then, I'm guessing you'll go and live on the base Mr. Witwicky runs?" The president commented. "After all, we can't let him stay in your care while you're living out on the street. But we can get away with it if you have a place of residence."

Optimus took a step forward, as if he had already anticipated this. And indeed, the Autobot leader had. "I've already spoken at length with Cade Yeager, Mr. President," He noted. "He has agreed to house us all until our base is back up and running. He says that his spare bedroom in Mark's to take," He then added. "I believe Hound can very easily continue his duties as parent there. And we will not need to be displaced from the town we have called home."

Mark smirked, good old Cade Yeager, he'd have to thank the man later. At this point, nearly everyone else that had been against it had fallen silent. Where could they argue after all? The Autobots had just saved their butts, again, and the president himself had given his blessing on the adoption. "Well, now that that's settled," The president nodded. "I believe we can all be excused to prepare for Mr. Witwicky's press conference."

Slowly, everyone in the room began to gather their things, leaving (in some cases in a huff). Mark looked up at Optimus, who smiled back at his young human friend. "By "us all"," Mark began. "Does that mean you're sticking around for a while?" He questioned.

Optimus's smirk widened, and he shrugged. "I've heard nothing from the creators," He admitted. "And I believe, now that Galvatron is dead, the Decepticons will want vengeance," He explained. "It would seem that Earth needs me more pressingly at the moment."

Mark smiled at that, liking the idea of Optimus sticking around again. It would seem that, for once, the Autobots were getting a truly happy ending.

...

"So you're the old "alien kid"."

"And you're the new one."

Mark laughed at Sam as they met outside the room a few minutes later. Now that they were in a less serious situation, some of the tension seemed to leave him. The man nodded his head, sizing him up a bit, before shrugging. "You're younger than I was," Sam commented. "A bit shorter and bulkier too. I bet that's from training with Sideswipe, isn't it?" Mark shrugged, but nodded a little. "Nice, keep that up, the girls will love it."

Mark laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know my girlfriend does."

Sam raised an eyebrow, giving an impressed smile, and nodding. "You've already gotten a girl, huh? Impressive," Sam replied. "I didn't get one until I was sixteen, and that was only with Bee's help," Mark snorted a bit. "You want a bit of advice from one "alien guy" to another?" Mark nodded. "No matter how crazy your life with them gets, hold onto that. I lost one, almost lost two to it."

"Almost?"

"Long story," Sam laughed.

"Reliving old war stories, Sam?"

Mark watched as a young British woman approached them from down the hallway. She was blond, and probably one of the most beautiful girls Mark had seen next to Alexis. In her arms, she held a young child of about three or four, who shared his father's brown hair, and his mother's striking eyes. "Hey gorgeous," Sam looked over to his wife, and kissed her on the lips. "Just giving a little advice to the latest "Autobot ally"." He then took the boy from his mother's arms. "Hey big guy, how's your day going?"

Mark smiled as Sam interacted with his son, taking a deep breath. Memories of his own father flashing by in his mind, although interrupted as the boy caught sight of Bumblebee. "UNCLE BEE!" The boy shouted.

"DANNY!"

Mark laughed as Sam set his son down so he could rush to the scout's waiting holoform. Both his parents laughed, but his wife quickly looked up and shouted. "Daniel, be careful! If you ride his shoulders hold on tight!" Sam put a hand on her shoulder as if to say "tone it down". "Don't give me that, Sam. Last time Bumblebee nearly dropped him." She turned to Mark. "Sorry, so you're the new kid? It's nice to finally meet you, Mark, right?" Mark nodded as they shook hands. "I'm Carly."

"It's nice to meet you too," He looked between the two of them. "I've heard stories, lots of them."

Sam nodded his head, watching Carly as she stared over nervously as Bumblebee held Daniel. Clearly, she was worried about what the mech would do with her four year old once they got to his real form. "Go with 'em, Carly," Sam laughed "I'll catch up."

"I think I will," Carly smiled. "It was nice to meet you Mark!"

As Carly jogged off and Bumblebee began to carry Daniel away, Mark looked at Sam again. There was an awkward silence between them, neither sure exactly what to say or do. "So," Mark began. "Any other words of wisdom you have for me? I'm still trying to figure out what more I'm in for, because that battle in Dallas, was..." He paused a moment. "Intense."

Sam laughed, knowing that at the end of the day, that was probably going to be only the start of his adventures. After all, if there was anything he had learned, it was that a life fighting alongside the Autobots was not a boring life, at all. "Just be ready for anything," He explained. "You're going to do fine, I can tell. You survived the first battle of your life without running away screaming," It was Mark's turn to laugh. "You're going to do okay, I think. It looks like I'm passing the torch onto a pretty great kid. If what the 'Bots have told me about you is any indication."

Mark grinned. "You really think so."

Sam put a hand on his shoulder, and rubbed it slightly. "I know," Sam winked. "Something just tells me," A long moment passed. "I think I should go get that press conference started now though. Afterwards, maybe we can catch up and hang out a bit more," He added.

"I'd like that," Mark smiled.

And then, Sam was off, down the hallway, and out of sight. Mark found a hand on his shoulder, and turned to see Hound, who smiled broadly. "There's a celebration happening outside," Hound nodded. "It felt a little empty without my kiddo out there. So I think it's time ye joined," He threw an arm around his shoulder, and smiled.

"Dad?" Hound stared down at him. "Are you sure... About this adoption thing?"

Hound looked at him as if he was surprised that he even had to ask. But he simply rested his holoform's head against his son's, and smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way, kiddo," He told him quietly. "It's going to be an honor to sign those papers and officially make you mine," Mark smiled back up at him. "Now come on," He added. "No more distractions. You're coming to our celebration."

Mark laughed, and allowed Hound to lead him off down the hallway. He had to admit, celebrating their victory did sound like a good way to spend the few hours they had before the press conference.

...

A/N: Sad to say this story is just about done. Next chapter will be the last!