[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Off The Beaten Path [Closed]

[Optimus Prime]

It was no surprise Rafael was helping Ratchet out. The child had done so the very first day they crossed paths even, adapting and balancing Cybertronian and Earth technology in a way that was almost unheard of, especially in the amount of time he had done so. He seemed to absorb it all like a sponge, and there was no doubt his knowledge continued to help make the base as sturdy as it now was. The number of crashed systems and large terminal issues had gone down significantly since his involement, to a point Optimus did not remember the last time the system went down while he was working.

--He could learn a lot I think!--

"Rafael is a brilliant soul. He learns with profound speed."

Normality was settling again, the somberness in Bumblebee seeming to fade to excitement once more as his mind looked over possibilities. This put Optimus at ease once again, a bit of tension bleeding from his shoulders now that the threat of a relapse was not right on the horizon. It made it so that his attention drifted away from trying to hyper-focus and read Bumblebee's body language, and instead focus once more on general actions and their surroundings. As such, the Prime's helm rose to peer ahead.

It was sad to know that Bumblebee would never know of the world before the war. Never truly know what he was fighting for other than words, hopes, and future ambitions. While Cybertron was far from perfect, a shaky structure with a veneer on the surface that made it appear far better than it was, there was still much to be cherished. From the most mundane of activities, to more grandiose life experiences, the young mech had missed out on more than could ever be conveyed and it was a sobering thought.

"You may not know much of Cybertron before the war-"

What could be somber words were spoken more neutrally, to not drag the conversation back down, his following statement said with lighthearted hope behind it.

"-yet, I am certain you have taught Rafael more than you are even aware of."

A stray comment, an odd perspective here or there... even just witnessing something Bumblebee did in reaction to an event, or even just an observation on mechanics alone... If Rafael could pick up their technology as much as he had in what felt like a flickered spec of time, then he was undoubtedly absorbing so very much in every other encounter even if he wasn't aware he was doing so.

"A true lesson will be enjoyable however. A gift."

They were nearing a wash on their walk back. A dip in the landscape with no foliage in its center, shrubbery and a few desert trees flanking the sides. Long baked in trails from heavy rainfall eroded decorative streaks, mapping out the water's progression down the ever so subtle slope. The dip would do little to stop Optimus, able to step down easily into it as if stepping off a curb, a heavy ped crushing through the baked surface to crackle some from weight alone.

[Bumblebee]

At the compliment to Raf, Bee would chirp, nodding - his posture changing almost instantly, with helm held tall and proud, servos curling into fists. Not out of anger, just… enthusiasm. Raf was just a child, a tiny human who’d been in the wrong place at the wrong time, getting involved with the Autobots and their war, yet he’d done so much for them. An insight, a different perspective on things - ideas, concerns that they wouldn’t normally have thought of.

Bee was so proud, and thankful to call Raf his best friend. So to hear Optimus say things about him? It filled him with pride. To know that this tiny human - that most others seemed to ignore - had been noticed.

--Learns and teaches!-- a tiny correction there. Raf had taught him so many things about Earth that he wouldn’t have even thought of looking up on his own, and it’d been done in such a way that even Bee could understand. Even if a lot of it came from Bee simply sitting nearby to Raf when he did his homework sometimes, it’d always come with what felt like a million questions - all of which Raf was more than happy to answer.

In a way, he taught them all things - probably even without realizing it, which was why Optimus’ next words seemed to hold more weight than they normally would’ve.

--I hope so. I guess it helps that I have plenty of stories to tell him from others, about what things were like!--

He’d heard so much about the ‘good old days’ over his years, that while he was no expert on Cybertron before the war, he could at least give a sort of general idea. He could at least recall all the major cities, and could explain a little about what went on there, too.

While the dip did little to stop the Prime’s footing, Bumblebee would hop down some - continuing on alongside Optimus.

--A gift.-- he repeated, beeps quiet. --I hope he likes it, I can’t teach him medicine or anything really about our science like Ratchet can, but I can still teach him some pretty cool stuff!--

Punching was cool, right? While it might’ve been more Miko’s thing, he was sure Raf would at least have some fun in getting to learn something.

Or, at least he hoped so!

[Optimus Prime]

--Learns and teaches!--

"That he does."

Bumblebee’s pride for his friend was very apparent, the Scout the first to boast about the little human and all he was capable of. It was endearing, and interesting to observe. The unlikely duo meshed as if they had walked side by side for countless years exploring the world and learning from one another. To know it had barely been any time at all... that only a blink had passed in which they had known one another... it was surreal. Fate must have destined for them to cross paths however, and Optimus was grateful that it occurred.

Dry clay crackled beneath Optimus' footfalls as he traversed the wash, leaving large impacts in his wake. Should they have been closer to the city, he may be wary of it, knowing that they were very distinct footprints compared to compression marks left on more solid earth, yet they were so far out he had to let it roll off his shoulder. As such, the Prime would ease forward a subtle amount once reaching the bank's edge, before he stepped up and out, continuing then towards the mesa where Omega sat.

When Bumblebee spoke about how he shared stories with others, Optimus thought for a brief moment, wondering what he could say that may be interesting.

"Before being devastated and coated in dust, many cities shone as beacons."

Trying to shakily offer another nugget of information.

"The sun needn’t shine for Iacon to glow."

Gold and ivory... glass and polished metals... lit from below with a vibrant sheen... Iacon was a sight to behold back in the day, a sight that so many took for granted. It wasn't until Optimus started traveling far and wide that he noticed the discrepancy was as broad as it was, a realization made that much more when dropping down a few levels into the darker regions of their world. It made him truly appreciate what he had, and feel blessed he was gifted such a life to begin with. It was not fair he was handed such stability while others with no fault of their own were cast into an abyss, yet he could feel profound gratitude nonetheless for it gave him opportunity to try to help. However, no matter how dark and dreary, no matter how poverty driven, the world seemed to always be active where he traveled.

"Cybertron did not slumber as much of Earth does."

Of course, the larger cities remained in constant motion.

Optimus did not know if this was worth anything, if it would lead to more questions or not, but he thought it was an interesting clash. The idea of a more rural city going completely dormant at night was surreal and alien to him. Streets holding only a fleeting vehicle, stop lights flashing instead of running through their normal cycles due to lack of presence. The air seemed to go still and quiet, and it was an eerie silence that could be seen as calming to some, or could be seen as the ominous lull before bombings began or an assault were to be launched from the shadows.

"The sky's illumination appeared to only be a concern to those who took to the air."

Fly high enough that Cybertron's glow turned to a haze, and a less than present impact could potentially be in order.

[Bumblebee]

Optimus’ words were followed by an enthusiastic nod. To know that Optimus took note of what Raf did around the base meant everything to Bee. The tiny human’s knowledge of earthly technology and understanding of Cybertronian tech had helped them so much already.

He was sure that while he was taught things about Earth and the planet itself, Raf had taught others so many important things as well. Not just about humans, but simple things that others took for granted like that weird thermostat thing in the rec room, or how the internet worked. The Omega Base had been occupied by humans once upon a time, and so many of their systems were still in place, things that while he was sure they had similar back on Cybertron, were different here on Earth.

With Ratchet and Raf’s help, many of those systems now worked in tandem - the console in the Control Room a good example of this mixed technology, and while it was only a small step in the grand scheme of things, it was fascinating to Bee that it’d worked at all.

His own footfalls were considerably smaller than Optimus’, yet still left indents in the sun-bleached clay. A wary glance was given over his shoulder, but just like the Prime, he wasn’t particularly concerned about the tracks being spotted. The small area he’d built for himself had been a ways out from the base on purpose, after all.

Stepping up the bank, he would continue on alongside the other mech - his gait slightly faster than the Prime, if only to keep up with his longer stride.

Turning his helm, he would look up at Optimus as he spoke, listening intently, yet still paying attention to where they were headed.

Cities like beacons… he couldn’t even imagine. The Cybertron he knew had certainly lost any and all of its luster. War did that, though. Many buildings ruined, and while some of the towers were still standing, they weren’t exactly shining beacons of glory and wealth. There were signs of how things used to be, scattered among ruins, but it wasn’t like he had time back then to stop and think about things like that. Only through stories and piecing things together did he have any clue of what his home - their home - was like before war ruined everything.

--That sounds amazing,-- there was a sincerity to his quiet beeps --I heard a few times Iacon was nice back then, but to hear it described like that? Kind of helps me picture things a little better. Most people just say it was gold and leave it at that.--

He’d spoken about Iacon to Raf a couple of times, although every description had been about how ruined it’d been. This way, though, he could start painting a better picture of what it was like before the destruction. Better words and descriptions, instead of just saying ‘it was pretty’.

--I’ll have to tell Raf that for sure, I know he’s really interested in Cybertron and what things were like, thank you Optimus.--

While Bumblebee knew he had no choice in when he’d been sparked, he did sometimes wonder what he would’ve done if he’d been around before the war started. He’d still be an Autobot when it came time to choose, there was no doubt about that at all - but to have seen things in their ‘glory days’, to have a normal job and friends that weren’t at any risk of running out into the field never to be seen again.

Ah well, this was no time to dwell, and he’d turn his attention forward once more.

--There’s a place here on Earth like that! Uh, the city that never sleeps, I don’t think that’s its actual name, though. But to have a whole planet like that? Whoa!--

Any melancholy in his tone had vanished, and a beepy hum escaped him, optics whirring as he focused, trying to think think think of the name…

--Vegas! That’s it! It’s in Nevada, actually!--

Of course, he wasn’t exactly sure if the other name for Vegas was just a play on words, or if they really did not sleep there. But it felt neat passing on a little tidbit of information, even if it was something that Optimus probably knew already.

Another hum, this time at Optimus’ words.

--I bet it would’ve looked nice from the sky, though. Even with the danger of crashing into someone!--

The first - and last - image of Cybertron from the air that he had was not exactly a good one - their homeland dark and growing distant as they fled on the Ark, the uncertainty of knowing if they’d ever get to go back. Yet, the excitement of finding Earth had been welcome in a way - even if it’d been a long, almost terrifying journey to get there. To see the blue and green marble of a planet with wisps of white? It was honestly amazing and his favorite out of all the planets in this solar system. While he wasn’t sure if they ever really intended to stop here on this tiny world, the crash landing had forced their hand - and yet? He was glad things had happened the way they had.

--I’ll tell Raf that, too, though, about the no slumber thing! I think that’s one of those little facts that nobody else would’ve thought to pass on. Maybe he can tell me some stuff in return! Uh, was there anything you wanted to know about Earth? I could ask him for you if you wanted?--

A hopeful, if a little inquisitive chirp followed his beeps, and he’d turn his helm to look up once more at the Prime.

[Optimus Prime]

A city that never slept? It was likely a major hub of some kind. A transportation beacon or coastal region where goods were ferried from continent to continent. Working off his limited knowledge, Optimus readily believed that it had to have a structural impact on utilities or products that supported civilization in the backdrop. Yet this was a utility approach, a more logical first jump which is where his mind went to initially. Upon hearing the name of the city and not just what its nickname was, it made sense and shifted his mindset away from functionality to a broader view.

A city of entertainment, one geared on letting individuals escape from what may be a bland normality. He didn't really know much more than that, only knowing as much as he did because of its location within the same state they called home. He had a sense it was more mature geared, with gambling a large focus, which just drew his mind back to the darker slums of Cybertron where individuals tried to get lucky to earn themselves big funds at the risk of everything they owned.

The majority lost it all.

--I bet it would’ve looked nice from the sky, though---

"From what I had seen, it was."

Not a flyer in any way, Optimus had only really seen aerial views from shuttles and other transport vehicles, and then skyscrapers. An observational role, calmly just evaluating what was below without feeling the wind against his plating... The views were nice, overlooking a sea of sharp structures cutting high into the air, the ambiance glow from below making a haze in the misted pollution of the world... calming if one didn’t know what chaos stirred below.

When Bumblebee asked if there was anything Optimus wished to know from Rafael, the Prime's gaze flicked over momentarily to peer at the scout for a second, before he looked back ahead. He wasn't exactly certain what sort of thing to say here. Much of what Optimus needed to know about the world was calculated, direct, and done hastily upon arrival to Earth. Getting a bead on planetary dynamics, language, infrastructure, technological advancement, tensions and threats between different regions and other things to help balance and keep them out of the public view and out of trouble. Things he felt he needed to know were promptly looked up with a clerk's deftness and speed, to read, and then move on to other tasks.

He wasn't sure what to ask.

"Perhaps, a better question is what Rafael may find interesting that initial research would not gift."

A view from an outsider, one who knew nuances Optimus was completely ignorant to... Aspects of social interactions, or a facet of humanity that would be intriguing to learn... knowing alone what Rafael may find notable itself would be interesting.

[Bumblebee]

There was a nagging question at the forefront of Bumblebee’s processor in response to Optimus’ answer. It was something he’d thought of a few times since arriving on Earth, and he was certain that many of their kind had mulled it over at least once.

Would they ever get to see their home again?

It was, sadly, one of those questions that nobody - not even the Prime, had the answer to. The planet had been decimated by millions of years of non-stop war, to the point it was uninhabitable and dark. Those that remained there? Probably would not last long without seeking some sort of aid in escaping.

He was sure that this question, which would go unsaid, was one that even Optimus himself had thought of a few times.

They just had to make sure that Earth did not befall the same fate as their home. That even despite the carnage and destruction that’d followed in the wake of this seemingly never-ending war, that this planet would be safe.

It was something he didn’t like to think about.

So he’d bob his helm, chirping at the confirmation that Cybertron did look nice - trying to cling to that thought, yet not following up with words or another question. The simple affirmation was enough.

At the question he had asked, he noted the momentary delay in response. He wondered if Optimus was thinking up some fantastic elaborate question, something that even he hadn’t thought of - and wow had he asked Raf a LOT of questions! Only he was met with a suggestion, one that made Bumblebee hum in thought.

--Maybe we can talk to him sometime and find out? I know I learn something new from him every day, sometimes even without realizing it! Not just stuff about Earth, either! Little things like, quirks about his brothers and sisters, things about his family. I’m sure he can teach a lot of little things, even if we don’t ask him a question at all!--

[Optimus Prime]

A casual conversation with Rafael?

To many, the idea of a leader of a countless year war sitting down to chat socially with a young native lifeform in such a way was a waste of time. He did not lead a subsection or represent the local government like Agent Fowler did. While there could be valuable things to learn for certain, there no way every speck of information truly worthless... it could also be peppered with the mundane like details about his brothers or sisters as Bumblebee elaborated. However, Optimus did not think along such paths, and should it boost morale in a way, he would always set aside time for his Autobots, and their friends if requested. This was even more true as Rafael had more than earned his place as an assist with his computer skills, friendship to others in the base, and his innate knowledge of Cybertronian technology and how to fuse it with Earthly technology despite being so very far detached.

Optimus had no doubt that Rafael could hear different languages spoken from Cybertron, dialects from differing regions that clash violently from one another, only to understand them with his profound gift. The way he picked up on Basic of all languages and seemed to understand it in only a couple fleeting moments? It was almost alarming in a way, as if he somehow had contact with their kind years before being brought to Omega. Yet, even then, he was so very young, it bringing up more questions than answers.

As this thought skirted across Optimus' mind, he seemed to pause again, eyes widening the faintest amounts while staring at the distant horizon.

"Actually,"

Simply spoken, inflection slightly raised as his curiosity had been scratched.

"I wish to inquire about his adaptability with our technology. If he had contact before our arrival."

It would not be an interrogation; he did not intend to go into such a discussion with an accusatory motive. It was something that should have perhaps been approached at an earlier date, however it had been sidelined with other more lethal issues to contend with. If he were to yield and sit down with Rafael and Bumblebee for a more casual discussion, it would be interesting to breach such a topic and see the child's thoughts on the matter, or if it was an innate instinctive click that could not be explained beyond an ethereal concept.

"The way in which he understood you with no introduction to the foundation of the language is curious."

The real challenge would be how to approach any question at all. Optimus knew he had a commanding and sometimes intimidating presence, and he worried that any question, no matter how mundane, could come off in a different way than intended.

[Bumblebee]

As Optimus spoke, Bumblebee would glance up at him.

His own processor still lingered on what he had spoken of moments earlier - namely Raf’s family, and he realized that even though the tiny human had mentioned them a few times, there was still so much about them he didn’t know.

Which was why when Optimus changed the subject to their technology and… possible prior contact? He was caught a little off guard. Not watching his footing, or paying attention to where he was going he would stumble some over a small boulder that normally would’ve easily been stepped over.

Catching himself before he faceplanted onto the desert floor, he would beepily hum to bleed off the slight embarrassment he felt, giving a quick thumbs up to show he was okay - and would continue walking.

Contact before their arrival?

Surely if Raf had met a Cybertronian before, he would’ve said something - or at least mentioned it. But then again, Bee had never asked. He’d never really thought in depth about how easily Raf had picked up on their technology, or how out of all the humans Bee had interacted with so far? Raf had been the only one to understand him.

He wouldn’t say that he took it for granted but… now that Optimus had brought it up, it certainly got him thinking.

--You know… I never really asked him about that before. I guess I always assumed it was just one of those things that some people could do. That maybe somewhere out there, there are other humans who can understand me.--

That was wishful thinking on his part. While the language barrier did not bother him most of the time, there were times that it made him feel lonely - wanting to join in a conversation with Miko and Jack when they were talking about video games or a song they’d heard, or simply being able to fill Fowler in on details then and there instead of having to find someone else. Without Raf there, or another Cybertronian to translate? He couldn’t talk to humans, even if he really really wanted to.

--Kind of like how some humans are double-jointed, or can sing really well! I just thought Raf being able to understand was some nifty little skill. I never thought about where or how he learned it…--

A beepy hum of thought.

--It would be a good question to ask, though, absolutely. I’m sure next time he’s helping fix something around the base, we can bring it up?--

[Optimus Prime]

The topic shift may not have been the smoothest one out there, yet Optimus had not believed it was too incredibly jarring. To him, it was all still related in a way, centralized around Rafael and what he had taught Bumblebee and vice versa... However, evidently something about this transition was off, as the yellow mech instantly seemed to stumble in response as if slapped sideways, clipping a rock as though he were going to strike the ground. In quick response to this, Optimus' nearest arm would lurch up with his hand fanned out, wanting to try to grab him to keep him from crashing down, only it was too little too late for something that wasn’t even needed.

While Bumblebee caught himself, Optimus' arm would gradually lower back down, his stride having stopped before the awkward thumbs up was offered with a droned hum paired with it. Despite what had almost occurred, it was likely best to not comment on such a thing, pride being something Bumblebee held tightly at times. With this in mind, Optimus would ignore the near fall entirely from that point forward, helm turning back ahead while starting to walk once more.

-I just thought Raf being able to understand was some nifty little skill-

"For all we are aware, it may be just that."

Optimus was also under the impression that if Rafael had contact with Cybertronians, or such technology before Bumblebee and Arcee found him, then it undoubtedly would have come up by now. There would be no way that such a topic could conveniently be danced around for so many months at this point through luck and happenstance. While they may not have thought about asking Rafael outright, the child would have likely shared it by now unless it was being intentionally avoided for one reason or another.

No... it was a gift. Some profound outlier skill that separated him from his peers. Even among Cybertronian, Outliers were known things, individuals that held some sort of skill or talent that should not be possible for their frame. Rafael must simply be a biological version of such a thing, yet instead of having something as simple as a double-jointed trait or a talent for the arts, he could hear an alien dialect and piece through it enough to detect words, phrases, and emotions on some sort of level.

"It may certainly provide an interesting discussion."

Would Rafael understand their primary language? Not the one Bumblebee spoke in, but the actual dialect used on Cybertron?

Optimus was quite curious now, somewhat invested in trying to understand something that may just be answered with a shrug and an 'I don't know'.

[Bumblebee]

While Bumblebee was appreciative of the quick reflexes of Optimus, he was more thankful that the stumble hadn’t been followed up with a concern-filled question. He was absolutely fine, if a little embarrassed by it, but would continue onwards.

This time, paying more attention to his footing.

Shaking out his arms, he would turn his gaze straight ahead once more as Optimus spoke. He couldn’t help but wonder if Raf had met Cybertronians before now - maybe even without realizing he’d done so. While that did not explain how he understood Basic speech, it would be another piece in this small puzzle that he found himself mulling over.

--Maybe it’s something to do with the fact he’s really good with computers? Like, he knows different languages there, programming and code and stuff, maybe it’s just… kind of like that?--

Was that a weird way of looking at it? Maybe. Bee wasn’t exactly a computer, for one thing! But- it kind of made sense? Instead of written code, a written language, it was vocal - beeps and trills of various pitch - that maybe, just maybe could be understood by Raf because he knew all these other dialects - even if they were simply written down.

Ugh, he was confusing himself some - and a small, rumbled beep of frustration escaped with a slow ex-vent of a sigh.

At least it’d certainly given him something to think about though, on top of the things he and Optimus had already spoken of this day.

--You’re right, though! In that it will be interesting to talk about. Even if it does end up being just some skill that he doesn’t quite understand, I’m just… thankful that he has it, y’know?--

While there were many Cybertronian at the Omega Base now, people - and friends - that could understand him? It would feel so much lonelier if he didn’t have Raf.

[Optimus Prime]

No matter how one spun it, or translated the scenario, it was difficult to try to add logic to something of this sort. There were no real direct correlations between the provided examples beyond the broadest of concepts as far as Optimus could see. A skill with computer languages and other communication attributes such as morse code may theoretically assist in such things, a knack for that sort of translation... yet... this was not another form of speaking Rafael's native language. This was a completely alien dialect that had grammatical differences and terms that didn't always transfer over one to one. That was the bridge that confused Optimus most of all, though his attention shifted at Bumblebee's last words.

When the yellow mech mentioned how he was grateful that Rafael had such a skill, a small twinge of pain flicked through Optimus' spark. He may have never had to deal with a situation such as Bumblebee's own... the inability to even speak to others while able to understand them... he could empathize and understand how damaging such an experience could be. The feeling of alienation had to be immense, always needing to have someone else present to be able to translate what wanted to be said or expressed. He could listen to the humans, understand them, and want to interject to help! Yet would only be able to mime and gesture wildly if he didn't have a translator.

It had to feel so isolating, and Rafael created a bridge that was irreplaceable. Bumblebee would be able to articulate and express himself as he would anyone else. This would be truly priceless on its own, yet the child also held interests that lined up with Bumblebee’s own, and they simply walked side by side as if they had been friends for eons. It was almost as if they were predestined friends in a way, and the bridge between languages was the final piece of the puzzle to make it a reality.

If only such an odd quirk wasn't needed, however... if only they could restore Bumblebee's voice. Yet, that was neither here nor there, and was beyond any of their capabilities at this point.

"As am I."

A soft, almost somber statement. Without Rafael, there is no saying how different things may be around the base for the yellow Scout.

"I am curious if others could learn a limited version of the talent as well, with guidance."

Optimus was not the best at social conversation, yet he was making a real effort here. Not letting things drop to dead silence, not just walking in quiet even if that was what he was most comfortable with... he wanted to keep Bumblebee's mind active and aimed forward, so that he didn't slump back down to his more somber state of being from the beginning of their discussion. He did not know if he was setting the other mech up for failure or not with this idea. A brief hope that could end in disappointment... Yet, there was logic that certain tones and pitches could be linked to basic terms. an ability to communicate even if they were canned responses.

Cyan eyes flicked up and forward, looking at the large mesa that was gradually growing ever closer.

[Bumblebee]

Bumblebee could only dip his helm at the somber words, though did not turn to look at the Prime. His attention and gaze were straight forward - though there was a gentle whir of his optics as he took in the surroundings as they got closer to home, even though by now all the desert seemed to look pretty much the same.

The familiarity of it all was a comfort, though, and it made him think about just how truly lucky he was that they decided to set up base here outside the sleepy town of Jasper. While Optimus’ earlier comments had led to thoughts about there maybe being others out there who could understand him, there wasn’t another Raf.

He was certain that Optimus knew and understood that, too - just how important the human child was to all of them, even if he was sure that many simply wrote him off because of the fact he was so small.

Raf brought so much to the Omega Base - not only in general with helping Ratchet around the base itself - but his presence, as little as it was, was such a welcome one. He was so, so very important to Bumblebee. The tiny human alone had helped Bee with so much, even if it was simply helping him feel a little less isolated in a world full of humans where he wasn’t understood.

It was at Optimus’ second comment that Bumblebee would turn to look at him, and there seemed to be a moment of… huh.

He’d never really thought about that before - while the majority of his beeps sounded the same, they did vary in tone and pitch, even length depending on the word used. While he was certain another human probably wouldn’t be able to differentiate the majority to the point of understanding full sentences, for various key words it could be useful indeed. Especially for someone like Fowler when it was so important to relay messages at times.

--That’s… That’s actually such a good idea!-- he chirped --Though, do you think Fowler would be interested in sitting and learning like that? Maybe we should try with Miko first, or one of the other humans? I’m sure Raf would be more than willing to help, though!--

Bumblebee hadn’t met the majority of their human allies around base, simply because he’d been unable to communicate with them. An attempt had been made with Nell a long, long time ago - but it’d ended up being more frustrating than anything else, even if eventually they’d worked things out.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus' gaze flicked over to Bumblebee as he spoke, some confusion felt at just what the Scout was saying. There was no confusion with the fact he was excited about the possibility of another human learning... that was to be expected. The young Cybertronian was oftentimes easy to rile up into action. What was confusing however, was the implication he would actively seek out Agent Fowler first to try to bridge a language barrier. He would have thought Miko or Jack would be the initial ones to reach out to, and not a stepping stone to try to work with their human liaison.

Perhaps it had something to do with him being an individual with authority, someone that could be reported to and spoken with about current events regarding the Autobots as a whole, rather than simply social interaction for fun.

"There is no harm in asking, though I would start with the children first."

One of Fowler's soldiers would likely be willing to listen and see what could be learned as well, though Optimus would not bother Agent Fowler himself with such a thing at this time. He had far more work than was even justifiable with covering up some of his Autobot's more reckless actions, and likely had numerous additional tasks to manage as well. To ask him to sit down and try to learn a few different words in a language he didn’t really decipher the same way as Rafael? It was asking too much of someone they owed a thousand times over.

Cyan optics lifted away from Bumblebee once more then, looking over the Scout in the far right where thin lines were starting to become visible. A chain of wooden posts flanked the road leading from Jasper to Omega. The worn, sparse power lines could act almost like a beacon to guide individuals home should someone not recognize the mesa. For those who had lived here some time, it would be difficult to mistake their new home... yet such a path had use beyond just being an arrow to the base.

With an ease of movement as to not cut off the smaller Cybertronian, Optimus would alter his course, gradually turning in the direction of the gently curving road.

[Bumblebee]

The way Bumblebee saw it, Fowler was probably the most important person to teach a few ‘words’ of Basic too. While it’d only happened a mere handful of times, the embarrassment Bee had felt whenever Fowler had been the one to contact the base and had been left unable to have a conversation with the one who answered was immense.

It wasn’t a huge deal the majority of the time, he’d simply get someone who Fowler could understand, communication would occur, and life would go on. But what if it ever was a huge deal? What if Fowler needed an urgent status report, or if the Autobots were in trouble and Bee was literally the only one able to contact someone outside the base for help?

He was planning for the direst of situations, for things that would hopefully never, ever happen - but it never hurt to be prepared. Teaching Miko and Jack a few words was all well and good, but they were just children, and in a life or death situation couldn’t really do much, especially as they weren’t at the base the whole time and…

There was the smallest huff, a gentle sigh almost as he vented out.

--Next time he’s around Omega we can ask him, maybe? To see if it’s something he’s interested in or even has the time for. I know he’s super busy, I just thought him knowing a few words would be good.--

He wouldn’t actively seek Fowler out for it - after all, he was so very busy - but if the liaison ever stopped by? It would be a good opportunity to approach the idea - the worst that could happen was he said no, or at the very least? Knew the names of some soldiers who would be willing to learn.

As Optimus altered his course, so too would Bumblebee - no awkwardness to the movement, carrying on as normal.

--Miko would probably be a good place to start though!--

While he was sure Miko wouldn’t really listen to him compared to someone like Bulkhead or Optimus, being able to communicate with her a little bit - especially if she was doing something she shouldn’t - would be so very helpful indeed.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus' expression did not change; however, he was somewhat confused once again when Bumblebee said 'we' can ask Fowler. Perhaps it was a reference to Rafael, and not necessarily Optimus translating?

"It is worth looking into."

Reassurances. Worst-case scenario Fowler would shoo Bumblebee off with a no, however given the fact there was a high chance Rafael would be the one asking on Bumblebee's behalf, he would ideally not be abrasive in doing so. In contrast, when it came to Miko, the worst-case scenario there was the fact she would likely try to learn cusses and other things rather than more important words. Attempting to mimic the trills she could not reach. Optimus did not interact with her very much, yet he felt he had a good enough sense of her character to know she would find amusement in such things.

It was at this point Optimus faltered on continuing with the discussion. He had wrung things out as much as he could, and for him it was getting awkward as he tried to force discussion. In this struggle, he let things slip away to a calm quiet, listening more to the sound of their footfalls and crackle of the terrain rather than trying to find voice to create a distraction. He had wanted to keep Bumblebee thinking and active, so his mind didn't go back to the more somber thoughts, but perhaps he could find peace in the quiet just as Optimus could.

As they were now aiming to walk towards the road, the Prime's casual glances towards Bumblebee would essentially stop. He transitioned to a sort of high alert, gaze flicking from one end to the distant road to another to look for a shadowed shape or a glint of light bouncing off a car. Should they see another vehicle? Then it was likely they would be spotted in a couple fleeting seconds. Once getting to the asphalt things would be fine for rather obvious reasons, however it was that bridge between deep desert and the road that was an awkward void.

Currently, things were clear and empty, nothing able to be seen except a simple vacant stretch that carved through the desert like a blade. With every moment the tensions Optimus felt would raise however, every step closer... They could have easily walked through the desert the rest of the way rather than take the road, however what was going to be a slow walk to think to himself and try to find some form of equilibrium, was accompanied by Bumblebee who decided he too wished to come home rather than remain at his impromptu racing course.

There was no ill will felt towards the young Scout for joining him on the way back, however Optimus simply did not have the energy any longer to grapple with socializing. There was nothing personal there at all. As such, when they got near enough that the ground started to level out, he would slightly bend his knees and lean forward.

The sound of transformation snarled loudly, the recognizable clip that most of their kind's t-cogs seemed to produce cutting into the silence that had formed between them. Rubber swiftly thudded down against the dry earth, dust kicking up that curled absently around before trying to settle. Optimus' unseen gaze would flick over to Bumblebee, not yet moving forward.