Transformers.2007

Mikaela Banes, wiping grease from her hands on a torn shirt, walked up beside Sam. “So what? You just… throw it into the sun?”

But Optimus lowered his head, his optics meeting Sam’s. “No, Samuel. This is where our paths diverge. You gave the Cube to me. You gave me your trust. Now, give me your goodbye. Bumblebee would never forgive me if I led you into the darkness between worlds.”

Mikaela took his hand.

And then they were gone.

“Is dead,” Optimus said, the words heavy, not triumphant. “But his ambition is a poison that spreads. The AllSpark cannot remain on this planet. It will call to every Decepticon in the galaxy. It will turn your machines, your phones, your very toasters into enemies.”

The kid didn't look like much.

Lennox straightened his uniform. “Then we buy you a window. How long do you need?” transformers.2007

Lennox grabbed his radio. “All units, defensive positions! Autobots, get the hell out of here!”

For the first time, tears welled in Sam’s eyes. Not from fear. From the sudden, crushing weight of farewell.

Lennox felt a strange pang in his chest. Hours ago, he was hunting these things as weapons of mass destruction. Now, he was standing guard while one of them mourned. He looked at Captain Sharp, who was coordinating human casualties. The man gave a curt nod. The military’s job was containment. Lennox’s job had just become… diplomacy. Mikaela Banes, wiping grease from her hands on

Optimus placed a hand, larger than Sam’s entire torso, gently on the boy’s shoulder. The pressure was immense but perfectly controlled.

Sam stood in the dust, staring at the empty air. Mikaela squeezed his hand.

“If we do this,” Sam said, his voice cracking but growing stronger, “can you fix him? Can you bring Bumblebee back?” “No, Samuel

“His spark is intact, Samuel. It flickers in the dark. He gave his voice for you once. Now, we must lend him ours. But the journey to Cybertron’s moon is long. And the Decepticons still have ears on Earth. Starscream escaped.”