Sam mumbled as he woke up, "Are we there yet?"
Optimus rumbled, "We are almost at the Castle, Sam."
Bumblebee's holoform murmured, "We just reached England, Sam. You can sleep some more till we reach home."
Sam hummed, "Okay, wake me up when we get there."
Optimus's large truck form could be seen rumbling down the road by the early or late travellers who cross country daily. Bumblebee's car form was inside the trailer because honestly speaking the modifications were simply illegal to enter certain areas. The young Knight had grumbled about it but at the end had agreed to just hitch hike inside Optimus's trailer. Not to forget the trailer has a bed installed for human soldiers who joined Optimus during missions making it more convenient for Sam to travel in comfort and to sleep. They were travelling through the night after all hoping to reach Alnwick castle and then attending meetings. They were hoping to secure Sam's safety before dealing with anything else which included, meeting with Earth's government, the Knights and shockingly Megatron who was calling for armistice, shocking.
Optimus, "Sam, Bumblebee, we are here."
Sam woke up groggy, "Optimus? Is that the holoform you decided on?"
Optimus, "Yes, I took inspiration from the dock workerss on Earth."
Sam smiled, "Suits you! You look like a Dad."
Optimus chuckled ruffling his hair, "Thank you. Now, I believe your parents are waiting for you outside."
Sam got up walking out of the trailer, "Right! Guess I better face the music. Oooof!"
Optimus smirked, "And your sparklings too."
Sam, "I can see that. Hello Chatter, Quickshot."
Chatter, "I am never leaving you alone ever again, Dad."
Quickshot, "Yes dad, what big sibling Chatter said. You get into ridiculous situations otherwise."
Sam raised his hands placating them, "Sorry, sorry, I promise I am alright. Megatron surprisingly made sure I was treated well."
Ron huffed, "He should not be kidnapping you to begin with."
Judy, "Your father will turn bald at this rate, Sammy."
Sam, "Mom, dad, sorry for worrying you. I am alright, Megatron had more important things to worry about instead of a human that Sentinel kidnapped."
Judy, "We are your parents, Sam. We will always worry. Honestly though, when I said I wanted to be a grandma, I meant human grandchildren. But all things considered, I would not give Chatter and Quickshot up for anyone."
Ron nodded, "They seem to be the only ones who can keep you out of troublr most of the time."
Sam laughed not denying it, "I need a shower."
Judy, "Go take one the. I will prepare breakfast for all of us. Bumblebee you are joining us with your energons, drink, cube, well whatever you call that dish. And you two are finishing your energon this time ok?"
Chatter, "Yes grammama."
Quickkshot, "We will finish it."
Ron, "Good! Heaven knows you have not eaten properly at all the last few days."
Sam, "Let's eat together, ok?"
Chatter, "Okay."
Quickshot, "Yes, let's go."
Bumblebee, "I will join you all and make sure, they eat well. Just let me drop a few things at Ratchet's and get the check up out of the way."
Judy smiled, "Of course dear, go ahead! Ratchet is probably worried about you too."
Ron looked at the leader, "I am glad all of you returned safely Optimus. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you. Sam is our only child. A gift after years of struggling to have a child."
Optimus, "You do not need to thank me, Ronald. Sam has become dear to me and many of my soldiers. A family member, a sparkling we all cherish. I must confess I also see him as my own sparkling to protect."
Ron, "And that is why I trust you with his safety. However, you should take care of yourself too. Heaven knows, you have a lot on your shoulders."
Optimus chuckled, "I will leave that to Ratchet. His over care and worry ensures I stay a full health always."
Sam left to shower while Judy ushered the two sparklings to one of the larger dining areas in the castle. After shower and changing to comfortable clothes, Ratchet took him to get checked again. After getting the greenlight Sam went to have breakfast with his relatively large family now. Chatter and Quickshot talked about their new holoforms and how they were attending classes as humans now. It was only morning classes but they had made new friends with a few human sparklings. Sam smiled as he listened to the chatter happy his kids were making new friends and there were no bullying or racist problems. And thankfully no school shooting paranoia to keep him awake at night everytime they left for school. What he, Miles and Raph experienced as teens was more than enough to rattle anyone for a lifetime. Optimus meanwhile left Ratchet's tender mercies and headed to his office to prepare for the scheduled meetings.
Optimus was honestly speaking not looking forward to the meetings at all, especially the one with his brother. There were too many betrayals and pain between them to just brush off like another skirmish happening. Years no, vorns of horrific war and backstabbing marred their relationship and history far too much for him to just accept the meeting. He would have to confer with Elita once she returned from her own meeting with the Knights because honestly she had her own history with Megatron, something he tries not to interfere in. Although, it is difficult sometimes as the three of them clashed multiple times together rather than not. Optimus sighed as he sat down opening his terminus to enter the meeting with other Earth leaders and explain what happened while making sure none of Sam's secrets were spilled. Most leaders were just relieved the situation was contained with the Asian countries dubbing it as child snatching incident.
Optimus almost snorted at that and decided he would send some form of compensation as an appeasement to the countries that were not satisfied with his answer and explanation. Also, thank Primus, Elita was not here to listen to the questioning, she would have taken that as a challenge and fought them. Primus knows she has become more protective over them after becoming a Prime herself and tended to hover over everyone. Apparently, the Matrix had made her feelings and desire to protect her family stronger as a show of support. It was interesting and Optimus was glad he was not the Matrix holder, he had too much pent up disappointment and anger inside him. He feared how he would have turned out if it were him holding the Matrix and was glad that no one would have to know.
Elita, "We mostly live at Alnwick's castle or the Witwicky farm."
Dragonius, "It must be a new castle."
Elita, "New by Cybertronian standards, old by human."
Dragonius, "You looks tense, young Prime."
Elita, "Ah! I am that obvious, huh? Well, things have been happening and I will not deny I am worried about someone dear to me."
Dragonius, "Is it the Allspark host?"
Elita, "Samuel Witwicky, yes. I will not lie. In the beginning I was planning on just keeping him safe from a distance. But he.... "
Dragonius, "Gave you a home."
Elita, "Indeed, he gave us a place to call home. A nice little home, we could return to after long hours of work to let go and be taken care of instead of being the .... "
Dragonius, "The one in charge."
Elita, "Yes, I fear he might have made most of us addicted to the idea of having a home to return to now. Everyone migh expect, the Knightship to be used as a means to head home, back to Cybertron."
Dragonius mused, "Is that so? Well, I am not surprised, she is a fine ship after all."
Elita, "A beautiful War ship indeed. And Primus knows the Lost Light cannot be moved from it's place without causing significant damage to the castle."
Dragonius chuckled, "Amazing, isn't it?"
Elita, "What is?"
Dragonius turned to where Vivian and Hot Rod were pussing over old scripts, "How short human lives are in all honesty. And yet, despite that, we want to watch them live a long life, hoping and praying they do not die soon."
Elita, "Pleasantries aside, are you ready to rejoin Cybertronians in public? From what I understand, you came here to hide."
Dragonius, "We did but we also know and understand our responsibilities as Knights."
Elita, "We will reach Alnwick castle in a few days at this speed, though I believe this ship can move faster."
Dragonius, "The slow movement is to hide the ship from certain individual's sight. This ship was created by the Staff creating a unique signature. It cannot be copied nor can it be hidden easily."
Elita mused at that, "I can understand that. This ship has her own advantages and disadvantages which would make this ship both desirable and a pain to have. I mostly see the advantages right now."
Dragonius laughed, "Is that so, young Prime? I am flattered. IS something wrong, young one?"
Hot Rod smiled, "Well, could I have a spot which I can share with Vivi, please? She fell asleep mid - work."
Dragonius cooed, "How adorable ~ I recall, young King Arthur doing similar things much to everyone's worry. Stubborn sparklings, all of them."
Hot Rod, "She certainly had fun learning about the late Pendragon. I must say however, your organic sustenance distiller is an interesting peice of machinery. Was is made by the Staff too?"
Dragonius, "No, that one was made by our scientist, Skullitron. She was very worried about how we could care for Merlin and spent cycles creating it. She suspected one of his descendants might appear at some point."
Elita, "Thank Primus for scientists, then. I would love to meet her and introduce her to some of my own scientists."
Dragonius smirked, "A play date can be arranged."
Elita laughed lightly, "We should prepare either way."
The two leaders had another discussion as Hot Rod went to the unit he was given to rest and made himself comfortable. Sam meanwhile had settled back home and his parents insisted on staying with him for a few more days. Raph had scolded him the day before for getting kidnapped again and not taking his security seriously. Sam had jus let him rant and let his high emotions out before hugging him and promising he was safe and unhurt. Raph grumbled some not so nice things under his breath about kidnap obssessed idiots. Raph then started to talk with Bumblebee who finally took pity on Sam and decided to distract the red head by talking about security. The yellow Knight personally thought his little charge deserved a bit of scolding for always being the cause of nightmares for him. It was not intentional but it did not stop it from happening, he kept those thoughts to himself.
Bumblebee, "Optimus wants to meet you later."
Sam, "Alright... Did he say why? Normally he just calls if he needs to just talk."
Bumblebee scowled for a split second then hid his expression, "Megatron contacted him as a Prime to another Prime."
Raph tensed, "Why?"
Bumblebee, "He called an armistice."
Sam, "I am not surprised. It was bound to happen at some point. I just was not expecting it so soon."
Bumblebee, "Then, when were you expecting it?"
Sam, "In another two centuries maybe? He has shown he disliked humans. I do not blame him of course. Sector Seven did study him like an inanimate object. It must have truly stung his pride as a proud Gladiator."
Bumblebee grumbled, "Of course you would know about that. Did the Allspark tell you?"
Sam, "Yes, they are pretty fond of that period. They say, Megatron's gladiator era was when he fully understood the true corruption Cybertron was filled with."
Raph, "And let me guess. He wishes to see Sam for whatever reason. Most likely to make some absurd ridiculous demand."
Bumblebee, "Yes, but we cannot ignore a Prime's request. Especially, without them declaring it a challenge."
Allspark, -With us as the prize.-
Sam made a face, "I am not a trophy? Excuse me! That is childish, sparky."
Bumblebee, "Allspark... You told Sam, of course you did. I should not even be surprised at this point."
Sam, "Well, I am not snitching so your secrets are safe with me."
Bumblebee, "When you mean secrets.... "
Sam, "Yes, it includes everything the Allspark tells me, mostly your sparkling days."
Raph giggled, "So, the Allspark is more of a proud momma who loves showing off her kid's toddler photos."
Sam, "Photos only I know about."
Raph closed his mouth, "Unfair!"
Bumblebee, "It could be worse."
Sam, "Do not worry too much. Once you guys get your adult frame, the Allspark stops it's direct monitoring. They only collect information through the public channels."
Bumblebee, "I can imagine it can be hard to keep monitoring forever though... Hm... "
Raph, "What is it?"
Bumblebee shook his helm, "On Cybertron the City Speakers have a saying."
Sam, "Oh?"
Bumblebee, "Do not rush to be an adult, it is like waking up to the cold world."
Raph, "Huh.... I guess they are talking about the Allspark no longer monitoring them."
Bumblebee, "They are more sensitive to the physical planet then spark sensitives like me who are more sensitive to the Allspark."
Sam, "Isn't Windblade a City Speaker? The Allspark speaks fondly of her. Apparently she met with the last few remmants of Jungle Planet Cybertronians."
Bumblebee perked up, "Yeah?"
Sam nodded, "Yes, she is helping them gain a footing again after civil wars rocked their palnet very literally."
Bumblebee, "That's my sister. Thank you Sam, Jazz and Prowl will be relieved, proud and happy to hear this news."
Sam, "Of course! Before you ask the titans have their own line that the Allspark has a connection to. That's how they know."
Allspark, -My kiddo is doing really well. I hope she and Longarm find their own happiness too.-
Sam, 'Of course, Sparky. They sound like smart people. I am sure they will.'
Allspark, -Smart at politics? Yes. Emotions? Debatable.-
Sam, 'Harsh! But then again I am in no place to judge.'
Raph, "Miles!"
Miles, "Hey!"
Sam, "Hi yourself. Prowl, you are here too."
Prowl, "I was training with Miles and then Bee here sent me the news."
Sam smiled, "She is doing well according to Lamaria, the Titan from Jungle Planet the second. Yes, there are two Jungle planets. The Titan keeps an eye on her people."
Prowl relaxed, "I truly appreciate the news dear one. Windblade was our first femmeling, you see."
Sam, "You do not need to explain, Prowl. She is your family and you love her. Of course you would worry about her well being. That's what loving someone means."
Prowl, "Indeed, I saw your mom by the kitchen. She is as the humans say, cooking up a storm."
Sam, "Ah! She is stress cooking. We mostly let her do that to get all the stress out of her system first."
Prowl, "I understand. I need to talk with Bumblebee."
Miles, "Sure big guy. Sam, we need to talk about the security."
Bumblebee left as Sam groaned at the topic again, "Prowl?"
Prowl, "Here, let's give our youngest charges their space."
Bumblebee, "Very well. Just to let you know my programming will not let me be too far from Sam. And I am not just talking about the fact he is my charge."
Prowl, "Optimus warned us your Knight programming might be kicking in."
Bumblebee, "Yeah, it is. What is it?"
Prowl, "You should be made aware Elita is bringing the older Knights over to Alnwick castle as they have shown interest in meeting the host of the Allspark."
Bumblebee, "I expected it. It is not always that a sentient organic becomes a host."
Prowl, "That is not all, dear one. They are Knights. You are most likely the youngest Knight on this planet."
Bumblebee, "Are you suggesting they will try to recruit me?"
Prowl, "I suggest you keep your options open. I know that all of u have bonded with our human partners very deeply. However we cannot deny, they will only live upto an extent while we will be forced to move on."
Bumblebee glared at the ground, "I do not like thinking about that."
Prowl, "No one does, but it is something we must face and accept soon. It does not have to be right away of course."
Bumblebee nodded, "I will keep that thought process."
Prowl placed his servo on Bee's shoulder plate, "I am not saying you have to go with the Knights right away. Just keep the option open if they offer. Sam is not the only one they are interested in meeting after all."
Bumblebee, "I see. Well, I will meet with them and have a discussion with the Knights about it. I will not be joining it anytime soon though. I can already see the nightmare logistics are going to be."
Prowl, "They will probably not let you go once Sam's time has passed. No, not probably, most likely will not let you go. It is not always that a Knight is acknowledged so openly by a relic."
Bumblebee, "I know, but I have more important things to do instead of worrying about a Knighthood that I can focus on later."
Prowl, "It is your life, Bumblebee. However, you should be wary, if you ever return to Cybertron. The nobles will be watching you."
Bumblebee bristled before nodding, "I know what the nobles are like. I will be careful Sire, do not worry about me."
Prowl, "I know you will, my little spark. Your Carrier and I want you to be happy, nothing more. You could just be a data clerk, a priest or even just a sweeper for all we care, as long as you are happy we have no complaints about it."
Bumblebee, "I will be alright, Prowl. I promise, besides I did not become who I am by being helpless after all."
The next few days after that the castle was in a flurry of activity with Cogman ordering everyone around to clean everything from top to bottom. The repair took some time but by combining technologies of two worlds, the castle had been rebuilt. This time with added security features placed into it. Edmund just sat back with Ron and Judy watching the flurry of activities with amused eyes. The three of them had become pretty close the last few years sharing stories and gossip about the latest politics that was going on. Judy was not really impressed by what was happening in the political arena, especially with the soldiers coming forwards accusing their leaders. It was a complete mess, especially when the records from their uniforms showed defenceless children and women. Edmund had simply shook his head muttering about fools being in charge when they should not be.
Sam, "Mom, Dad, Uncle, there you are."
Ron, "Son, come here."
Judy, "Sit with us. Have you finished work?"
Edmund smiled brightly, "Have a biscuit, nephew."
Sam smiled, "Thank you Uncle. Mom, do not worry about work. You too, dad."
Judy, "Bumblebee is not with you?"
Sam, "He is updating the security. He has entered what the kids call, mama bear mode."
Ron chuckled, "I see. Are you feeling ok, son?"
Sam, "I am fine, Dad. Do not worry too much."
Judy, "As long as you are okay, Sammy. Do you want to go shopping later? It has been a while since we did."
Sam, "Sure mom, I was thinking we should get matching accessories to wear. We will look united when we greet the new guests we will be having soon."
Judy's eyes twinkled, "Wonderful, you are coming with us too, Edmund, Ron. We need your meaasurements too and Aunt Alice too. I will send her a message now. We need a break from all thses depressing political talks."
Edmund watched the happy mother go, "So, young man, has the Allspark said anything about all this?"
Sam, "They are gushing over the fact the Knights are coming soon. They are a proud mom through and through."
Ron sighed, "I do not think I will ever like the fact an alien item is using you as a built in mobile home."
Sam, "Dad, do not worry about it. It is like having a third parent who decided I would be a fine kid to adopt, no questions asked."
Ron snorted at that, "Is that so? Well, at least they take care of you and watches over you properly."
Sam, "My favourite are the pictures of childhood."
Edmund smirked, "You should share those with your mom. She will enjoy looking at those and maybe calm down as well."
Ron nodded, "Good idea! She does adore your kids so, it would not surprise me if she likes them too."
Sam laughed, "I suppose you have a good point. I will find a way to print the photos out on photo paper. Maybe I should make them for Optimus and others too."
Judy returned after a while with Bumblebee and Alice in tow who still looked very active despite having aged well. The two ladies rallied them into Bumblebee's SUV form, the Knight had found he could change into a larger vehicle for a while. It just felt a little odd for him to be in SUV form though Jazz and Prowl had a lot of fun collecting the logistic on the new devlopment. The debate on T - cogs and their ability to transform had never truly died down even during the war. A lot of the civilian Cybertronians had forced themselves to transform to escape the war zones before the tragedy with the Sparkling Care Unit struck. Bumblebee parked outside the shopping mall and his holo - form appeared opening the door. The family got out with Judy and Alice taking the men along while Sam and Bee followed amused. Alice saw a cute pendant that she decided would look wonderful on Vivian while Sam browsed for cuff links and ties.
Bumblebee, [Bee here, what is wrong?]
Cogman, [Bumblebee, was the penguine plush toy that Chatter always hugged with you?]
Bumblebee paused checking his sub space, [No, why would I bring that to a shopping spree? That is a little odd. No one touches that toy.]
Cogman, [I will look around. It might be somewhere close by.]
Bumblebee, [We will get another one just in case it has been misplaced.]
Cogman, [Very well.]
Sam, "Everything okay?"
Bee, "It seems, little chatterbox misplaced their favourite pluch toy."
Sam, "Ah! We should buy a new one then. What do think of that one? I recall they have been interested in Digimon lately. Patamon, I think this one is called."
Bee, "Alright, it is adorable after all. Excuse me. I will grab the basket."
Sam, 'Penguine plush toy? Could it have been LAserbeak? I recall they are able to take on forms of more child friendly toys. They did it in the movies after all. Oh shit! Bee had killed Soundwave in the movies. They are still alive right now.'
Bee was talking to the cashier who charged it up for him while mentioning other characters that came out. The dark blonde man just nodded saying they would get those next time they were here. After dropping off the toy, Bee returned to see Sam had been manhandled by his mother into wearing suits and different style cuff links in blue color. Sam himself looked interested in the dark aquamarine studded cuff link and Bee went to grab it. The two ladies's eyes however just lit up in glee as they peatered Bee to try out new styles too. The blonde had protested saying he was using a holo but the ladies insisted getting him a couple of suits too. Sam simply smiled and told Bee to just try some and grab the ones he liked to wear. It never hurt to have some back up just in case something happened.
Vivian, "We are back Alnwick castle."
Dragonius, "Quiet active isn't she?"
Elita, "Hot Rod has his servos full because of her. Honestly speaking though, having a human charge has been good for the morale of most of our troops."
Dragonius, "Yes, you told me about what happened to the sparklings. That should never have been allowed in the first place."
Elita "We are here. Mind you, Cogman can be a little dramatic."
Dragonius, "So, you have said."
Cogman, "Elita Prime has returned home with her guests, the Knights of Cybertron."
Nebulane chuckled, "Dramatic indeed."
Optimus, "Welcome back, Elita. And I welcome you to Alnwick castle, honored Knights of Cybertron. My designation is Optimus Prime and I greet you."
Dragonius, "Well met Optimus Prime. My designation is Dragonius and I accept your greetings."
Heatwave, "Greetings, my designation is Heatwave and I am currently the leader of Rescue Bots due to unforeseen circumstances. It is an honor to meet you."
Dragonius, "My greetings to you as well young bot. My condolences for your loss, young one. Sometimes our destinies force us to acknowledge them faster rather than later."
Heatwave nodded, "Something I learned the hard way. Luckily I had wonderful family and friends to support me."
Dragonius's optics went to the third group, "Ah! You must be the youngest Knight on this planet."
Bumblebee bowed gracefully, "My greeting to you, Senior Knights. It is an honor to meet you. I have heard many tales about you."
Dragonius, "The honor is ours, young one. It is not always someone proves themselves to be a Knight to two relics at the same time."