Sam opened his eyes, 'Huh! I am back in the mindscape.'
Allspark cooed, "Hello Sam."
Matrix, "Thank you for helping us."
Sam, "You are welcome. Should you be here though? I mean everyone knows that your main body is with the Cybertronians."
Matrix humped, "It may be so but they cannot hear us unfortunately."
Allspark, "You on the other hand are in a very interesting position. You died once and was reborn here. Humans who go through life and death situations have a very interesting enlightenment."
Matrix, "And humans who have died and come back have a very interesting mental disposition to the rest of the living world."
Sam furrowed his eyebrows, "You mean trauma? Yeah, it is not the best thing to actually experience."
Allspark was amused, "No, we are not talking about trauma Sam. We are talking about how you perceive the world. It is very interesting so to speak."
Sam, "I see. So, what are your plans?"
Matrix, "We find the staff next. It has been a while since I saw them."
Allspark, "True, I wonder if they are still dormant or already awakened."
Sam, "They were dormant in my memories till cousin Vivian touched them."
Matrix, "Think we could wake them?"
Sam, "You tell me. I only saw a movie I did not live it. Heck, Sam did not even live through it. A lot of theories suggested he was killed by other humans long before the events occurred."
Allspark, "That is troubling. We need to plan for your safety too."
Matrix, "Agreed!"
Sam, "Maybe but I think I have all the security I could think of."
Matrix, "Hmm... Perhaps I should forcefully pull young Elita to talk. The older Prime's have been curious about her. She is what humans would call new blood."
Sam, "Well have fun with her but do take it easy on her. She is still quite nervous about this."
Bumblebee, "Sam is sleeping."
Ratchet, "Good, I will give him a check up to make sure he is alright."
Bumblebee, "Much appreciated."
Ratchet, "How are you feeling Bumblebee?"
Bumblebee, "Ironhide has offered to train me to master the new gun based programs and Optimus will help me with the sword ones. Elita is dealing with her own new programs so Chromia will help me with the hand to hand."
Ratchet, "Sam is doing fine though he seems to be having quite the dream."
Bumblebee, "Well, as long as he gets sleep it is fine I think."
Ratchet, "Sit Bumblebee, I will give you a check up as well."
Bumblebee, "Thank you. Have there been contact with Miles, Raph, Chatter and Quickshot?"
Ratchet, "Yes, they are relieved to know he is safe and well. Furious he put himself in danger but mostly relieved he is safe."
Bumblebee, "I see, that's good."
Ratchet, "You are behaving today."
Bumblebee, "I would be a hypocrite if I ran from my check up. Especially when I am always hovering over Sam about his own health and safety."
Ratchet, "You act like a Sire. Being a parent is a positive look on you."
Bumblebee laughed bitterly, "Some Sire I am turning out to be. Sam got taken advantage of by the Allspark more than once and I could not do anything."
Ratchet, "Stop! Do not start down that line."
Bumblebee, "Hard not to."
Ratchet, "Seriously Bumblebee, do not go down that thought. Since you wish to be a Sire you must focus on being a Sire and should not be distracted by other thoughts."
Bumblebee, "I will try though I am not sure how it will turn out."
Ratchet, "Get some rest. We leave Egypt tomorrow. It will be a long drive to avoid being detected by Seekers."
Bumblebee, "Seekers? They are already here."
Ratchet, "Starscream is back and with Soundwave on the solar system it can be taken for granted they are here."
Bumblebee cursed under his denta, "No wonder Sam always talked about security and safety. He was expecting something like this to happen."
Ratchet, "Bluntly speaking, many of the human soldiers theorised it would happen during that one drunken party."
Bumblebee, "And most of the crazy ideas came from Miles and Raph with Sam goading them on."
Ratchet, "They have quite the imagination though it is not without merit. Alright all done, now, get some rest Bumblebee. We have a long drive tomorrow. With Megatron coming back we have to be more careful."
Bumblebee sighed, "Yes, I know I get it. I just wish I could enjoy the peace a bit more. I have gotten soft."
Ratchet spoke pointedly, "Good night Bumblebee, or do you need something to help you recharge?"
Bumblebee was about to protest but then had a thoughtful look before agreeing to get a med to help him recharge. Ratchet gave him a shot and although he did not show it in front of Bumblebee, he was worried about the newly turned Knight. Ratchet sighed as he left the tent Bumblebee had claimed for himself and his ward only to be greeted by Jazz and Prowl. The two mates were worried about their youngling and Sam who was pretty quickly becoming their grand sparkling aside from Quickshot. The two pulled Ratchet aside much to both his amusement and exasperation and started throwing questions at him.
Ratchet, "Calm, calm, they are ok. Do not fret too much."
Prowl, "How can we be calm when our little ones are distressed?"
Jazz nodded, "Yes, it was hard to ignore but somehow we managed to due to the fight earlier."
Ratchet, "Yes, that explains the stressed out lines in your programs."
Jazz, "Sorry for placing this on ya, my man."
Ratchet raised his servo, "Do not apologize for worrying about the young ones. It is a very normal and natural part of being a family unit, Sires and Carriers."
Prowl, "Will he be alright? Will they be alright? Sam, he has been sleeping a lot as well. I know humans require sleep but this is not normal is it?"
Ratchet sighed, "No, it is not normal. From the beginning the Witwicky family has kept records on people who come in contact with Cybertronian items getting affected. The effects can differ from increased ageing to insanity to well organs shutting down."
Jazz, "Sam?"
Ratchet, "Shows none of those yet. Keyword being yet but you never know."
Prowl, "Does Bumblebee know about this?"
Ratchet, "Yes, I sent you all a record of it the moment Sam showed signs of being affected by the Allspark. Sam did not show any of the recorded signs of decline so it is a positive if you ask me."
Jazz, "I still do not know how to respond to that."
Ratchet hummed, "We can only hope for the best I suppose. The Allspark really seems to adore him so perhaps Sam will come out of this with a better luck compared to others."
Sam woke up the next day feeling gritty all over, "Morning Bee."
Bumblebee, "Morning, feel better?"
Sam, "A bath would make me feel better I feel sand in places it should not be."
Bumblebee, "One of the towns folk nearby volunteered their facilities."
Sam eyed him, "Let's give you a wash too, Bee. If I feel like covered in dirt you look like you are in dirt."
Bumblebee, "I look that bad, huh?"
Sam ran a thumb across his hood, "Nah! It is just dirt. Plus, cleaning you will be good for me too. I have a few things to think about."
Bumblebee, "Hmm... It has been a while since I had a wash."
Sam got in as Bee started his engine, "The last time was before Allspark came up with the plan to calm Megatron."
Bumblebee rumbled down the road, "Yeah, that was a week ago."
Sam looked at the house, "Is that the place?"
Bumblebee, "Yes, a man named Kadar and his wife Romilla offered the use of their premises."
A man with dark brown skin appeared, "Ah! You must be young Sam. Come in child, you look like a mess. Romilla dear, they are here."
Sam, "Can I wash Bee, I mean my car first?"
Kadar, "Of course child. We have a platform that you can use. Our son and daughters use it whenever they come to visit to wash their vehicles."
Sam, "Thank you sir. I really appreciate it a lot."
Romilla, "That child is younger than our youngest daughter. His eyes though they are old and has seen a lot."
Kadar, "Indeed, I just pray to the Lord above he finds happiness."
Sam looked around the platform and found a water tap with buckets beside it that he used to gather water. Bumblebee always kept sponges and car wash in one of his more inner compartments since Raphael insisted on it. The brunette took the items from the compartment and started his methodical cleaning which took half an hour. By the end of it Bumblebee was now shining with the new wax that was rubbed all over his brand new armor. Bumblebee did not say it out loud but the cleaning and waxing really did help him relax and he kept an eye out as Sam took a bath.
Kadar, "Done? Come join us for breakfast."
Sam, "Thank you."
Optimus, -Bumblebee, come in.-
Bumblebee, "Hearing you loud and clear Optimus."
Optimus, -How are you and Sam faring?-
Bumblebee, "As good as we can. Got a nice wash and now waiting for Sam to finish his breakfast. It consists of paratha, stir fried vegetables and boiled eggs. Do not fret Ratchet, for liquid there's water, milk and coffee."
Ratchet, -With everything that happened I cannot help but worry.-
Bumblebee, "They are done. We will meet up with you soon."
Sam thanked the older couple for the kind hospitality and then they left the area heading to the Egyptian army base. They had to clear up a few legal paper work and on top of that Sam had the lovely lucky chance to come face to face with Galloway of all people. Bumblebee kept him away from his ward as much as physically possible but that human was stubborn and persistent till Optimus pulled rank. Now, Sam was hiding with Optimus and Elita in their side of the base away from the curious and nosy humans.
Elita, "Are you alright Sam?"
Sam, "I am good. Do not worry too much. How are you holding up my new Prime?"
Elita flushed blue, "I... It's a new experience so to speak. I was already recalibrated once from Ariel to Elita One, leader of femmes."
Sam, "Sounds like a heavy yet badass position."
Elita, "I talked with some of the other Prime's and they have asked me to consider a new designation. Elita One is the designation Alpha Trion gave me so I could be a leader to those who needed it."
Sam placed his hand on her servo, 'I think I remember this.'
Elita smiled softly at him, "He is what humans would call a father to me. He taught me everything I know about being a leader and I miss him."
Sam, "Was this before or after you met Optimus?"
Elita, "Before I was part of the advisor unit, collecting information and deciphering it to come up with the best solution... It led me to visit many places around Cybertron with my clutch of younglings.. We saw many things that no youngling should have ever been exposed to."
Sam, "Take your time Elita. No need to rush, we are going to be here till Optimus clears the paperwork."
Elita laughed, "Yes, bureaucracy never changes no matter the world. The visits well most of them were more mentally taxing rather than physically. Then in one of my more solo visits I noticed how the lower caste people were treated. I could not explain it back then, all I knew was it just felt wrong in so many ways."
Sam, "Did you start a rebellion? Goodness Elita One, you are a Femme Fatalie."
Elita grinned, "Thank you but no, not a rebellion at least it was not when I started it, more like a help group. Then I heard about the rebellions across different cities and I was curious about them. But I had my servos full with the people I already was in charge of."
Sam, "Something happened though. If you are not ready to speak about it, that is fine too."
Elita, "Thank you for not pushing Sam I am not ready to talk about it. What happened that cycle killed Ariel and Elita One was born, I will tell you one day."
Optimus knocked, "Not interrupting am I?"
Elita, "Ah no, I was just informing Sam about the designation problem the Prime's in the Matrix has given me."
Optimus nodded, "You were already given a designation befitting a leader but now you are a Prime and they wish to claim you as one."
Elita's optics twinkled, "How fascinating! So, none of your paramours ever had a chance to be with you. You were already taken."
Optimus chuckled sitting next to her, "That is one way to look at it, though after what happened to Shockwave, I have not... "
Sam, "I will not ask but I am here to listen anytime you want."
Optimus, "Mnn.. You are like Ratchet in a way, do you know that Sam? Always listening to others talk and complain but the difference being you rarely doing so yourself."
Sam smiled, "You already have your servos full, I do not want to bore you with my personal problems. Also to be perfectly honest, the Allspark and now the Matrix enjoys playing the part of an advice giver."
Elita paused sitting up, "What? But the matrix is with me."
Sam, "It does not stop them from contacting others they think is fascinating. I am not a Prime before you ask, not a Cybertronian after all. However they like observing others that catch their interest."
Elita, "I see, that's interesting to remember for the future. If it gets too much just tell me I will tell them to give you space."
Sam nudged the holo form of the red head woman with blue eyes and pink jacket, the look was obviously Elita's favorite. Optimus on the other hand had taken a newer holo form of a man that had raven black hair with blue eyes wearing a dark blue long jacket over a white T - shirt. Sam had the stray thought that if anyone walked in on them they would think they were a family of three talking comfortably with each other. That thought was quickly brushed away despite the teasing from the Allspark and the Matrix saying it was not a bad idea.
Elita, "Your eyes became glassy for a second there. The Allspark or the Matrix?"
Sam, "Both of them saying things over each other mostly about family."
Optimus, "Oh! Well, you certainly are family to us Sam."
Elita nodded, "You are our boy, our friend, our sparkling, someone we care for greatly."
Sam flushed, "Awww! You guys say the sweetest things. Speaking of sparklings, the Allspark says thanks to the Matrix joining, they got a boost. It is enough to create a sparkling but they are missing materials."
Elita got up hugging him, "A third sparkling?"
Optimus hugged him as well, "That is wonderful news Sam. As for materials, leave it to us."
Elita, "Yes, we will worry about the materials you just stay put."
Sam grinned, "Sure! Is Galloway still demanding information? Last I remember this is not USA so any threats he makes can be taken as breaking the law."
Optimus, "I will deal with him, do not worry about the fool."
Sam hummed, 'What a pity we did not get the plane scene. But then again things are different here.'
The happiness was contagious it made the rest of the Autobots happy and upbeat about a possible new spark. The other human soldiers noticed the positive attitudes and could not help but grin at their out of this world comrade in arms. As far as they knew, they protected Egypt and her people so to the Egyptian soldiers they were fellow fighters and protectors. Sam was honestly glad for that positive outcome, he recalls the Autobots relations with Egypt had soured in the comics and movies. That was mostly because they Pyramid of Giza was destroyed, this time luckily that pyramid was still standing. On the contrary, the archaeologists who had been sent to check on the monument had sent an email expressing gratitude.
That had confused Bumblebee but Sam explained that when he had went to retrieve the sun harvester he had also come across a chamber filled with records and relics of times past. Bumblebee had been confused about it but had just nodded and gone along with it while Optimus looked curious his researcher side showing. Although what Sam believes truly made them grateful were the gold and silver jewelry and coins from before the Cleopatra era. At least, that's what he understood from the barrage of emails they received a few hours later. A more positive turn of events than the one in the movies and more importantly a future base in Egypt.
Bumblebee, "You have been quiet."
Sam, "Hmm? Ah! Just thinking about the archaeologists who were so happy to find a new chamber. If only the rest of the world was just as easy to satisfy."
Bumblebee, "You humans, you get excited over the simplest of things. I swear no other species are as adorable as you when it comes to finding joy."
Sam, "I will take that as a compliment my good sir. Also with this we have a future base in Egypt that the Autobots can use."
Bumblebee, "Right, and that wasn't your true plan?"
Sam, "It honestly isn't mine. The last few days, the Allspark was enjoyed doing their own thing. But who knows? Maybe I influenced the Allspark, you can never tell."
Bumblebee chuckled, "Really now? Pulling a secret Carmen San Diego on me."
Sam, "Eh! Makes things fun."
Bumblebee, "Get some rest. We are going to cross Libya, Chad, Niger and Nigeria in a few hours. It will be a long drive."
Sam, "Yeah, thar would be a better idea. A long drive is one thing but driving through the different countries for a whole day is a different matter."
Bumblebee, "Rest! It will be a long drive."
Matrix chirped as Sam reappeared in his mind scape, "I have news. Elita has finally chosen what she wants to do."
Sam, "Hmm? So, what's the decision?"
Matrix, "She will remain Elita but instead of one it will be Prime."
Allspark, "Sounds good. It has a nice ring to it too."
Sam, "I agree."
Allspark, "I have been trying to detect the Knights but it has been difficult. They keep moving around."
Sam, "Right! In the movie they were on board the Kightship. It kept moving from one place to another."
Matrix, "That makes this difficult. Let's put the Knights in the back seat. Your next memories were about the place keeper."
Sam, "Place keeper? That's a thing?"
Matrix hummed softly, "Yes, especially when the relics like us are unable to help out on the planet. There is a precedent that was placed a long time ago. It allows the citizens to vote for a temporary Prime."
Sam, "That explains so many things. I was wondering how he became a Prime without any relic choosing him."
Allspark, "Humph! What am I? Chopped liver? I was still on Cybertron and I chose Optimus as my Prime. But no, the audacity of that place keeper. Tsk!"
Sam, "I understand. He was not well liked in my world either. Back then, many would say he was written in order to give Optimus development but he is just arrogant. As far as I can remember most Cybertronians defer to relics like humans deferring to the Holy scripture."
Allspark, "I was hoping to reinstate him as a warrior this time around. He may be a place keeper and not a real Prime but it does not change the fact he can battle."
Sam, "Your wish is my command. I will see what I can do. I will have to inform them about this place keeper thing though."
Matrix, "Please do so. Also this time I am rejecting him."
Sam grinned as the Matrix grumbled at the scene of Optimus simply handing him over to Sentinel Prime without any test. Sam then heard a call for his name and woke up to Bumblebee parking in between Optimus and Ratchet. The medic was using his holo form to wake him up for lunch, they were outside a restaurant and in the country of Nigeria already. This impressed Sam, he knew they would be gunning it but he was not expecting to cross a few countries already. He thought the required paperwork for clearance would take some time but apparently not, Jazz had mastered the fine art of clearing out legal documents.
Ratchet new holo was a Caucasian woman with a tight bun, "Come on kiddo, let's get some food in you."
Sam, "Okay, just let me wake up to eat properly."
Prowl's holo which was an Indonesian man walked out, "We will stop for half an hour. If you need to use the bathroom or grab snacks or anything. Do so."
Sam yawned, "Yes Grand Sire."
Prowl froze as Sam walked past, 'Did he just?'
Bumblebee watched him amused, "You okay there Sire?"
Prowl shook himself, "Everything is fine. Come Bumblebee, Jazz will keep an eye out for them."
Sideswipe, "About time you joined us."
Ironhide, "Shall we?"
Prowl, "Sure."
Optimus, "Stay out of trouble and keep an optic out for any Decepticon signatures."
Elita, "While it may just be paranoia on our part, it will be much more safer for Sam if there are no spies around."
Sideswipe, "After we reach the base we need to talk Prime."
Optimus's lips twitched, "Which one?"
Sideswipe, "I am not falling for that. We need to talk to you both about who will be under who and following who."
Elita, "Of course Sideswipe, best to avoid confusion."
The last few days Optimus had been helping Elita adjust to her new position and had been mostly discussing the regulations and laws Prime's were expected to follow. The new Prime went through the notes she received diligently and discussed many questions she had in the past but had no business asking before. Now that she is a Prime however she had a right to that information and answers including the reasons behind some decisions and actions that she did not approve of. She was no longer just some warrior or soldier under Optimus Prime's order, she was now an equal, a Prime.
Elita, "Optimus, I need to know. What exactly happened to Shockwave? Why did it happen in the first place? Did Sentinel really order it?"
Optimus, "To be completely honest with you Elita even now I am completely unsure. I am not confident if it was Sentinel who allowed such travesty to happen. Dionstar was the one investigating it when the riots reached an all time high."
Elita murmured, "The people did not like what happened to the Senator. If that could happen to him then the rest of us stood no chance, that was what everyone thought."
Optimus, "A very legit worry. However before Dionstar could figure out who was behind it, he was offlined. I fear there were more than one powerful figure behind it."
Elita was not happy, "Oh! I suspected as much."
Optimus made an observant remark, "This seems personal to you."
Elita, "He... What he did to Arcee... I am trying to understand why. Arcee mentioned he wanted to see if he could make her stronger than ever before."
Optimus, "I see. That sounds like something that Shockwave would do regardless of his own situation."
Elita, "It's just he forced those changes on her that rubs me wrong. If Arcee agreed to it then that was one thing but she didn't."
Optimus, "Empurata takes away more than physical traits, it also takes away emotions and empathy. It leaves behind only cold logic and reasoning in a Cybertronian. We are not like humans who can undergo multiple surgerit's and walk away sane."
Elita grumbled, "Most of the humans who undergo it are not even unwell but rather obssesed with beauty."
Optimus, "Strange beings are they not? I am just glad Sam does not have such inclinations or I fear how Bumblebee might react."
Elita, "Looks like they are done."
Ratchet and Bee were fussing over Sam who was to Optimus and Elita's amusement wearing a very patient expression on his face as he reassured them he was fine. It never failed to impress Optimus how having a young around could turn the most Unicorn may care Cybertronian into a fussy Carrier or Sire. It was especially funny watching Ironhide change as he got closer to his charges especially Annabell and when Chromia joined, it was history. The little girl would never have a scratch on her if the Conjunx couple had their way so Sarah had to put her foot down. She pointed out that too much of anything is detrimental to human growth and health and they needed to dial back.
Ironhide, "We are back Prime."
Optimus, "Good, let's go."
Bumblebee, "Are you sure you got everything?"
Sam, "Yup, do not worry too much."
Ratchet, "After everything that happened it is impossible to not worry child."
Sam, "Well... Huh?"
Bumblebee, "What's wrong?"
Sam, "I thought I saw a Jet Fighter, I could be wrong. Never mind!"