Sorry it took so long to update. I just couldn't get into the mood so I couldn't write well and then I went to camp and then I got so into a new TV show. I know it sounds like a lot of excuses, but that's because it is.

By the way, if any teenage girls are looking for fun over the summer next year I would recommend the G.A.M.E.S. Engineering camp at the University of Illinois. It was so much fun.

Since I haven't updated in awhile it is possible that the chapters won't flow as well, but I reread them and think it is fine.

Please send me feedback on my story.

Sam hesitated. The small logical part of his mind that was able to penetrate the cloud of fear recognized this as an Autobot. He was supposed to be a good guy, an ally, a friend. But here he was attacking him. He couldn't make sense of it. But, then again, Sam had never seen this Autobot before.

"Bulkhead," Optimus' voice rang out colder than Sam had ever heard it. "Stand down."

But 'Bulkhead' never got the chance. There was a blur of yellow, a loud crash, and the hand wrapped around Sam was suddenly missing. Sam scrambled away quickly and sat himself up against the cold wall of a nearby building. Rolling over he was able to see what was happening.

The Bot Optimus had called Bulkhead was huge. He wasn't very tall, as far as Autobots go, but he was wider than any of the other Bots. If metal could count as muscle than Bulkhead would be a body builder. His arms were thicker than Sam was tall and his chest was buff. He was a pale green and, as he looked at Bumblebee in confusion, his face, which had been so cold and menacing a moment ago, was now sweet and caring.

Bumblebee had tackled him as soon as he saw that he was harming his charge and now held him pinned to the ground. He knew that Bulkhead could easily throw him off, Bumblebee was no match for his strength, but he didn't. He seemed to be genuinely confused. Bee glanced at Sam to make sure he was okay. He was leaning himself against a wall for support and running his hand through his hair, trying to hide the shaking, but he was being strong, like he always was. Bee wanted to hit Bulkhead for what he had done to Sam, and he would have too, if Optimus hadn't called out "that's enough, Bumblebee."

Bee wanted to retort, to scream back at him, he wanted to hit something. But he didn't, instead he shove Bulkhead back into the ground slightly and slowly stood up off him, glaring at him all the while. Of course, Bulkhead wouldn't know what he had done. When he saw Sam so close to Bee's spark he probably assumed the worst. He wouldn't have even considered it a possibility that Bee would have barred his spark willingly to anyone, let alone an organic.

But Bee's processor whirled with what had been done. Not only had Bulkhead scared, and undoubtedly harmed Sam, but he had also ruined some of the trust that Sam held for them. Ever since having met them, one thing Sam could always count on was that nobody on their side, no Autobot, would ever harm him. And though Sam hadn't been too harmed, he no doubt felt betrayed.

Bulkhead stepped closer to Sam, not being able to understand the situation, especially through his aggression at seeing his friend supposedly threatened. Bumblebee stepped in front of him, blocking his path to Sam and growling in warning.

Optimus was suddenly there, pulling the two apart to prevent any more fighting. He seemed calm, but his stance radiated a fury. He pushed the two apart and stood between them, looking back and forth at both in turn. He wasn't saying anything out loud, not wanting to disturb the human's peace and, most importantly, not wanting the humans to hear what they were saying. Instead he activated the comm. link, directing it towards the two that were under his scrutiny but not resisting the curious prodders.

What do you two think you are doing? Optimus demanded in a voice that always made Bumblebee's frame sink in shame. There is no fighting between Autobots! Especially not on base, and never in front of humans. And Bulkhead, you are new. The humans do not know or trust you, they only have my word you are not harmful. They are a suspicious people and do not take kindly to violence from those they do not trust.

Then what are we doing here? Bulkhead asked boldly. Seeing Optimus' curious but still furious look, Bulkhead continued quickly. Why are we on a planet that does not accept us?

Optimus softened a little bit, understanding what Bulkhead was trying to ask without sounding insecure. It had been a long time since any of them had had a place they were able to settle into without fear of having to relocate once again. I believe they will, given time. A few already have, to great lengths. They may be willing to make this our home; a chance that I will not overlook, even if complications will arise.

Bulkhead looked away, unsure how to take the statement. He wanted to have a home, a place to belong, free from the war, but they had been tempted many times before with the possibility of such a place, only to have it taken away from them. He did not want to relive that disappointment.

"If it was not the result of manipulations, why were you allowing an organic boy to influence your spark?" A soft feminine voice rang out. Though the question made Sam bristle, it was not meant to be derogatory or offensive. Sam, however couldn't help but take it that way, no matter how genuine the confusion and how much he told himself otherwise.

Sam had recovered rather quickly, partly because the atmosphere had quickly released its dangerous feelings and, Sam was reluctant and horrified to acknowledge, he had gotten rather used to and adept at working in dangerous, highly pressurized situations and he was used to being roughly handled by alien robots. Now he stood and cautiously walked towards the crowd of Autobots who were split, somewhat, into two groups; Optimus, Bumblebee, and the new Bulkhead in one small pack facing the rest of the Bots. Not really wanting to get in between them or too close to the unknown allies, he stayed where he felt comfortable and safe: standing in between Optimus' and Bumblebee's legs.

Optimus instantly softened, hearing the sweet voice he had been separated from for so long, too long for either of them. But Bee stiffened, trying to figure out how to answer Elita, not sure how or what to say to convey his point without being too personal and revealing too much to the few strangers that stood among the group. He glanced down at the small human who stood stiffly next to his leg, clearly upset by the words and the attack, trying to think of how to phrase his response.

"I trust him." It was such a simple sentence, but the meaning was very complicated.

The new Autobots shifted awkwardly, unsure how to take Bee's statement, as Sam smiled and patted Bee's leg in appreciation. His hand was so small and soft and weak that Bee could barely feel it through his hard, thick armor. But the slight pressure made him feel better all the same. Though it didn't qualify as one for a human, Sam's friendly embraces always made him feel like the strongest, most capable Bot that ever lived.

"Come," Optimus cut in using the voice that Sam had dubbed his 'commander voice'. He straightened to his full height and turned his attention back to the loitering group of giant alien robots. "There is much to be done before you meet with the humans in command. Ratchet will lead you to the medical hanger."

"It's this way," Ratchet grumbled as he pushed past a mech with white armor and a blue chest who was glancing around the base in amazement and staring at Optimus in awe.

"You too Bumblebee," Ratchet growled as he passed the small yellow mech. "You've been long overdue for your medical exam. I won't accept any more excuses."

Bee whined lowly, loud enough for the group around him to catch but too quietly for the grumbling medic to hear as he slouched away. Sam hadn't known an Autobot who didn't complain about Ratchet's medical care. The mech's knowledge and ability was unparalleled as far as Sam knew, but his bedside manner left much to be desired. And while Bee would rather not be the medical Bot's patient as long as he could avoid it, he knew he wasn't getting out of it this time.

"Go, Bumblebee," Optimus said lightly as he crouched down, placing one knee and one hand on the ground to support his massive frame.

"What about… Sam?" Bee asked curiously. Sam had never been present when Autobots arrived, he knew nothing of the process, and Bee, and Sam too they knew, were rather hoping that he would be present this time.

"He can meet you in the medical hanger momentarily. I have a meeting scheduled with the planet's militaries in thirty minutes and I wish to speak with Sam beforehand. It will not take long; he will miss nothing but the medical exams, I should think."

Bee hesitated, but he followed the crowd of Bots that were disappearing around the corner, leaving Sam and Optimus alone. Clearly the reason Optimus had kneeled down before Sam was to try and put them on closer levels and to make Sam more comfortable in their talk, but Sam still felt as if he was staring up at an intimidating skyscraper. Sam doubted that, no matter what he did, Optimus could never not be intimidating. The Autobot leader and Prime was something to behold, but Sam had gotten comfortable enough around Optimus, as long as he wasn't acting in his new unsettling way, and could ignore his inferior feelings, smile up at the huge mech, and lean comfortably against the wall.

"What's up Boss Bot?" Sam asked. He had gotten the nickname from the twins, who had coined the term not long after their arrival. Sam had adopted it because it was a catchy, friendly name and because he had wanted to see how long he could get away with calling Optimus that. The twins were never serious and always joking, but their antics were usually ignored, if only because the other Bots had long ago recognized their efforts to stop them as futile. None the less they were finally convinced to abandon the nickname a month ago, and Sam had decided to make it into an experiment to see how long the Bots would put up with him saying it.

"Bumblebee informed me of the conversation you two shared earlier this day."

"Oh." Sam had figured that Bee would inevitably tell the others about what he had said, but he had hoped that he would be able to avoid talking about it a little longer than this.

"I admit that I do not completely understand what you meant by your words," Optimus continued in a soothing voice. He needed to speak of the matters, if only to briefly acknowledge them, but that didn't mean that he wanted to cause Sam too much discomfort.

"I just…" Sam began hesitantly, unsure how to explain himself in a way that a giant alien robot would understand, but knowing that he had no other alternative for trying. "There's so much about you guys that I don't know; and I doubt I could ever live long enough to learn it all. And that scares me, because as much as I believe that none of you will ever hurt me, I also have to recognize that I don't really know you and can't be sure."

He had gotten himself worked up now, babbling in a quick pace that touched on incoherent, as he was prone to do when stressed or upset.

"It would just be so easy for you to trick me. That's all you do, isn't it? You pretend; you act in a perfect way that makes people feel comfortable around you. You're doing it now! The way you talk and move and stand and the gestures you do, all so other people will be comfortable and not know what you are really thinking. I know that, and I try to ignore it because I trust you, but sometimes I just can't."

Optimus tilted his head slightly, thinking deeply. He still didn't fully understand what Sam was trying to convey to him, but he had a suspicion that Sam, himself, didn't completely know what he was trying to say. He was, however, very appreciative that Sam was willing to at least try to explain to him his feelings.

He supposed that Sam, through his quick stammering speech, was trying to tell Optimus that it wasn't a lack of trust that Sam suffered from; it was a lack of surety. His feelings, his instincts, his emotions; some part of him was telling Sam to trust them, but the logic wouldn't stand in his mind. It was an odd concept for Autobots, who were always in control of their minds.

"I am not sure I understand," Optimus said carefully, not sure what to say but not willing to lie to Sam. Remembering what Sam had said about how bothered he was by not being able to see what the Bots and, by extension, Optimus were feeling, he decided that honesty and explanation would be the best solution. It unnerved Optimus slightly how Sam was able to see through disguises that were so meticulously designed they could have fooled an Autobot. No other human had come close to guessing that how the Bots acted didn't always coincide with how they felt.

"I do appreciate your willingness to attempt to explain yourself, though. It is greatly appreciated and it has great meaning to me and to all Cybertronians in parallel situations. Perhaps we can 'get to know each other more'; I would like that, and then possibly I would be able to understand your reasoning. But for now the Autobots are in the medical hanger for medical examinations and programming. It was suggested to me by Bumblebee that you might find the process fascinating and I am willing to allow you to partake in the affair. I believe you know the way."

Sam turned and hurried away, partly overjoyed to have an excuse to leave the horribly awkward conversation with the giant alien robot that felt like the wise old mentor from mythical legends and partly excited for what he was about to witness in the medical hanger.

He was well aware of the fact that what Optimus had agreed to show him was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Autobots had been very hesitant to share any information about themselves, their lives, or their technology with humans. Sam understood, of course; some humans had a way of twisting what they learned around in cruel ways. He knew this decision hadn't been made lightly, and, as he quickly strolled through the maze of metal hanger, he was left to wonder why it had been made at all.

The Autobots had always been more comfortable around Sam than they had been around other humans. Optimus, Ratchet, Ironhide, and, most of all, Bumblebee had felt a deeper connection with Sam because he was the first human they had met and, in the early time of their stay on Earth, he and Mikeala were the only ones who had treated them kindly. Their trust had been gained by what Sam had done to help them in Mission City and it had been solidified by how Sam had helped Optimus in Egypt. Sam felt good having earned their trust and friendship and knew that he could count on them for anything.

But even Sam didn't know much about the Autobots. He had picked up only a few things by observation and had been told directly even less. He didn't like to think about it. When he did he always felt insecure and nervous and when he didn't think about it directly it was easy to pretend that he knew the Autobots, that they were friends.

When Sam got to the medical hanger the Bots were, as Optimus had predicted, finishing their medical exams. Sam had seen a few of these and the process was nothing new to him, but they did seem to be much more intensive than usual. Sam guessed that made sense considering that Ratchet had either never had the chance to scan them or hadn't in a very long time and would need to update what he knew for future reference.

Sam took the time to observe the new Bots. There were seven of them all standing together, seeming more comfortable together than standing apart in an unknown place. Clearly the unimaginable number of years they had spent together floating through space had bonded them.

There were two females and five males. One of them Sam was able to identify as Bulkhead, the bulky Bot that had attacked him earlier. If Sam didn't know better he would say that Bulkhead, with his innocent face and clumsy movements was all but harmless no matter how intimidating he was built.

The other four males Sam didn't know. One was moderately small. Not small enough to look out of place but a little shorter and less built than Bumblebee. He looked young too; as young as a robot could. He looked around at everything with open curiosity and awe, reminding Sam of how he had stared at Optimus earlier. He had white armor with a blue chest.

Another was larger, about Ratchet's size with red and black armor and eyes that were brighter than any Sam had seen yet. He didn't have much weaponry, at least none that Sam could see, which made him think the Bot was probably not much of a fighter. Sam briefly wondered if Autobots had spies but he dismissed the thought quickly; none of the Bots would ever tell him if there were and, furthermore, if this Bot was a spy he wouldn't be here, he would be with the Decepticons.

The third stood slightly away from the group looking regal and in control. He had a black and white paintjob that reminded Sam of Barricade and he wondered if this one was also a police car. He had a tall, strong frame but he was slumped slightly as if something were weighing him down.

The last looked remarkably like Sideswipe except that he had mostly bright yellow armor instead of Sideswipe's shining red. They were probably related; maybe twins like Skids and Mudflap. He had never heard Sideswipe talk about a brother, but then again Sam and Sides didn't talk much anyway.

There were two femmes as well. One was tiny, about as small as Arcee had been with beautiful pale red with dark pink etchings. The other was about Bee's size with silver and purple armor. Those two seemed to be particularly close, huddled together and talking between the two of them.

Bee shuddered uncomfortably as Ratchet's laser scanner brushed over his frame. It didn't hurt, it just felt strange, as if something was invading his frame and crawling inside his armor. He tried to ignore it as much as possible, but it wasn't easy. The scan wasn't very bad, not nearly as in-depth as the other's, but not fun at all.

Bee looked towards the door when he heard Sam walk in and openly watched Sam as he observed the new Autobots. The others, save Ratchet who was focused on his exams and the results, were also watching Sam but they were doing it discreetly so Sam wouldn't notice. They were all curious about the human that Optimus had spoken so highly of.

They hadn't been given much information yet and they were all a little lost. They had arrived only a few hours ago and had only been told the many rules that had been laid out before being taken to base, where it was most safe, to be further 'read in' as humans say.

They were all curious about humans, the highly functional organics not so different form Cybertronians who had developed their own technology and civilization, so different from the other organic species they had met so far, and even more curious about the humans that Optimus had mentioned. The Prime had stressed that the Bots were to respect the rules and laws of the human organizations that they had aligned themselves with. He had furthermore told the new Bots that Lennox, being the leader of the human-Autobot alliance, was to be considered their superior officer, second only to Optimus and, when he was ready to take up the responsibility again, Prowl, despite the fact that he was a human.

And he had spoken of Sam, told them that he had an unknown and changing status, of how Sam had helped them, of the Autobot's thoughts and feelings towards him, and of how he was to be treated with respect no matter how eccentric he could act.

Then they had found their alt car modes. Now they were to undergo medical examinations and programming, meet with the human leaders of NEST, then they would finally get their answers.

"Sam," Bumblebee voice broke through his concentration and Sam's. "These are… the new… Bots. Introductions…" Bee trailed off suddenly realizing that without his voice he would never be able to put together the names correctly though jagged radio clippings.

"I'm Elita 1," the sliver and purple femme said. "This is Chromia," she pointed towards the other femme standing next to her. "Bulkhead, who you have been… acquainted with. This is Smokescreen," she added gesturing to the white Bot. "And Redbelt," the black and red Bot bowed his head to Sam in greeting. It was an odd name but he assumed it made sense and stemmed from the stripe of red twisted around his midsection. "Prowl," she said, almost sadly, as she looked toward the white and black one. "And lastly, this is Sunstreaker. He is the bond brother of Sideswipe."

Sam frowned over the unknown term. "What's a 'bond brother'?"

Elita hesitated awkwardly and shot a concerned look towards Ratchet, but he hardly seemed to notice what was going on around him besides reading over the information from the scans.

"It is a… chosen brother… they form a… connection… and usually share… similar… frames and… other characteristics," Bee explained. "It is the only… type of… sibling… besides twins… who split a… spark… when born."

"Split a spark," Sam exclaimed, shocked and mildly horrified. "How is that possible? Wouldn't that kill them? Isn't your spark the source of your life?"

"Enough with the chit-chat," Ratchet cut into the conversation in his usual grumpy way. Despite looking perfectly at ease and letting nothing slip through his behavior to suggest it, Sam was sure that he was changing the subject, uncomfortable with the way the conversation was going. "We need to start the programming if we're going to keep to the schedule."

Sam, understanding that, no matter how much he might protest and refuse to let it go, he wasn't going to get any more information about bond brothers or sparks, and also curious about this programming that he had heard them talking about only a few times before, let the topic change slide. Ratchet beckoned Sunstreaker, who was closest, over to a huge medical berth.

"Aw," the yellow Bot groaned. "Why do I always have to go first?"

"So what is programming?" Sam asked as he climbed into Bee's hand. Be placed him on top of another giant medical berth across from the one Sunstreaker was on. He watched with a curious and wary expression that Bee found rather amusing while Ratchet attached a large cord to the back of Sunstreaker's neck the yellow Bot's optics went out. "I mean I could make an educated guess, but sometimes those don't go to well."

Bee hesitated. He could guess how Sam, how any human actually, would react to this part of Cybertronian behavior. Bee himself was a little conflicted about it. There were aspects of it that he liked, and he knew how useful it was, but at the same time he didn't exactly like the feeling.

"It's like… how it sounds… like programming a computer… it sets… restrictions… in a… Bot."

"You mean it controls you?" Sam exclaimed, horrified. "Like mind control?"

"Hardly," Ratchet snapped irritably. No Bot liked the restrictions that programming caused in them, but he was a large supporter of it, as long as it was used properly. He had spent a lot of time and effort writing programming which allowed for the most freedom while also ensuring the functions were upheld as well as possible. "The mind remains perfectly intact. It just ensures certain procedures are followed."

"So it's like you can't control yourselves?"

The Autobots shifted uncomfortably, not sure how to answer the question. It was true, but saying it so outright made it sound wrong.

"Well, I suppose," Ratchet said reluctantly. "But it's not so cut and dry. Most of the programming just forces us to acknowledge a fact, and then allows us to choose how we proceed. It is how we guarantee no human is accidentally stepped on. And nothing is introduced that the Autobot does not agree to."

"I'm not saying I don't appreciate it… I just don't… like it. What happens if someone refuses to do it?"

Ratchet hesitated, not sure what the answer would be or how to phrase it. "I do not know. That has never happened before. That would be a question for Optimus. Now I must concentrate."

Sam watched as every new member stepped forward to sit on the berth with trepidation. He didn't like this 'programming' but he eventually decided that it wasn't his place to have an opinion. He certainly couldn't decide what was best for the Autobots, especially with how little he knew about them. And it had apparently been working for as long as any of the Bots could remember considering how at ease they were with it. He couldn't suggest that they change what was probably at least thousands of years of tradition just because it made him uncomfortable. And he was worried that he reacted too strongly to this piece of information, which the Autobots apparently considered small, they wouldn't trust him with any more.

He was glad, though, that Bee didn't have to be 'programmed'. He wasn't sure he would be able to take watching his best friend in the world being, for all intents and purposes, brainwashed. He would probably do something stupid and end up just causing more problems.

It didn't take long before they were finished and were all ushered away to go to a meeting with the human leaders, who Sam assumed were basically Lennox and the few people that were close to him in rank. Sam wouldn't mind meeting them himself, but no one, save Lennox, had shown any interest in him and he didn't want to push the matter.

Either way he wouldn't have the chance to accompany the Autobots to the meeting and what Sam assumed would be one of the rather intensive tours that Lennox enjoyed giving. Bumblebee stayed behind with Sam and as soon as everyone else had left he transformed into his yellow Camero and opened the door for Sam with a short "dinner time," as explanation.

"You okay, Bee," Sam asked as he climbed into the driver's seat. He had once asked Bee if it was okay that he sat there seeing that it might be awkward for the Bot to be 'driven' around by a human but Bee had brushed off his concern and Sam hadn't bothered himself with it again. "You seem a little upset."

"I'm fine… just thinking."

"What are you thinking about?"

But Bee didn't answer him and he didn't press for more information. Either Bee didn't want to tell him or he couldn't. There was nothing Sam could do about the later and Sam assumed that if it was the former Bee would tell him when he was comfortable with it.

Dinner was short. They were serving very common and very plain spaghetti but the brownies that were added to make up for it were actually very good. There were very few people in the mess hall and none that Sam was familiar with so he ate by himself against the wall.

When he was done Bee wasn't waiting outside for him like he had assumed and he wasn't sure what to do with himself. He didn't really need Bee around to entertain himself, though it was much easier when he was. But he did need Bee to tell him if he could go try to find the other Autobots and hang out with them. Usually Bee and Sam hung out with the other Autobots or, if that was not possible, with each other after dinner so if Bee was missing then it was probable that something was going on and he had been pulled away by the others.

Sam decided that he would go down to the Autobot's hanger and see if they were there. If they didn't want him around they could always just tell him to go away, though he wasn't sure he would necessarily listen. And if they weren't there he would go back to his room and try to focus on finishing his never ending homework.

The sun was starting to go down and the air was a little chillier and Sam was glad that he had brought his hoody with him earlier. As he walked across the rough concrete that wove around the metal buildings he grew more and more concerned. There were very few people around, which was extremely strange. Usually there were more than a few soldiers training or walking around or loitering with comrades. Now the only people he saw were the occasion soldier or employed civilian hurrying by or sometimes the small group standing off to the side talking animatedly in hushed tones. Sam knew than something had happened to cause the tension that floated in the air.

By the time he reached the Autobot's hanger his original intention of just seeing where the Bots were to hang out had been replaced with figuring out what was going on. He could feel the beginnings of excitement running through his body. A little adrenalin was starting to run through his veins, his heart sped up slightly, and his breathing deepened as horrible thoughts started to go through his mind; news about the Decepticons' plans, an attack against the Autobots, some tragic accident.

The Autobot's hanger was by far the largest building in the entire base. It was tall enough to generously fit the tallest Autobot that Sam had ever seen, which just so happened to be Optimus, and the building covered more ground than the three following biggest building put together. There were two sets of door at every entrance, one big enough for the Autobots to fit through and one for humans which looked miniscule in comparison.

The doors opened with a squeak, too quite to be overly noticeable but loud enough for the Autobots that were inside to hear and cease their conversation which prompted the humans, who had missed Sam's entrance, to do the same. And they were definitely conversing about something important.

Sam wasn't sure conversing was the right word even. He could see the tension in everyone, even in the Autobots. They seemed to be arguing with many people talking over each other, even the Bots who usually preferred control over disorder, as close to yelling as they could get without it being classified as such.

Please review and send me feedback and ideas on the story. I still haven't decided where I'm going go with it right now, I'm just writing what I want to when I want to but I do need a plot. If you want to share your ideas I would really appreciate it. I might really like them or it might spark something of my own.

I'll try to keep up with the updates but I make no promises on how quickly they will come. But I do promise I will not abandon the story unless I really am done or can't think of what to do with it.