Of This Life and the Next

Chapter 28 : New Perspectives

Location: Diego Garcia- N.E.S.T Base

Time: 11:45 A.M

Sam grunted as he squirmed in Optimus’ hold- not because he didn’t want to be held or anything, but because he was so darn curious about everything going on around him! He had never been to this base before, so all these new sights and faces sparked his interest.

There was so much to see and explore, and yet, here he was, in a tiny, little body, held approximately twenty feet off the ground.

‘So not fair…’ Sam thought as he pushed himself against Optimus’ chest. The feeble attempts earned him a good-natured chuckle from his sire. Soon after, Sam was shifted around so that he could have a clear view of the main hangar.

Having gotten what he wanted, Sam arched his head back to look up at Optimus, ‘Thanks, dadimus!’ He then cooed as he looked around at the bots and humans going about their business.

Everywhere Sam looked, humans were typing away at computers or hustling about with reports and forms in their hands, sometimes stopping to exchange them with someone else and then going on their way with only a few words shared between the two. Others, were seen at their desks, talking on their phones, no doubt discussing security issues with world leaders. A few more could be seen chatting it up with some of the newly arrived Autobots. Some of the Autobots themselves, were engaging in their usual get ups. Every now and then, a troop would approach the leader to ask or report something before going about their business.

Eventually, General Morshower arrived, stating he and Director Mearing needed to speak to Optimus in regards to their upcoming move back to the mainland. Optimus, of course, complied with the general’s invitation.

“It’ll only take a few minutes.” General Morshower insisted.

Optimus nodded, “I understand. Just please allow me to find someone to watch Orion while we talk.” He looked around for a suitable sitter before his optics landed on a pair of salmon and aqua twin femmes. “Stormclash. Skyburst. I’m sorry to hassle you, but would you mind watching Orion until Elita or I are available to retrieve him?” His blue optics flicked down to the sparkling, who stared up at them in interest.

Stormclash, the femme with the visor, smiled down at the sparkling while her twin readily agreed to the request.

“It would be an honor to watch over him!” Skyburst gushed as she held her hands out for Orion.

Optimus voiced his thanks, and Sam was handed over. “I won’t be long, and Elita should be finishing up her training rounds.” He assured as he watched his son babble up at the femmes.

“Rest assured Prime, he’ll be safe with us.” Stormclash promised before reaching forward and wiggling a finger at Sam playfully.

Sam humored her and batted at the finger with a little smirk.

Optimus gave them another, silent nod before turning and following Morshower to the more remote section of the base.

Sam watched his father go before returning his attention to the twins that had been tasked to watch him. He was more accustomed to Whirl or Brushfire or Arcee, but it was nice to be sparkling-sat by someone else for a change.