#optimus.

the autobot's brakes squeal to a halt in an instant, the entire body of the peterbilt jerking forward, then tugging to a standstill. he feels the small human frame in his cab wham against the steering wheel — an unfortunate side-effect to carrying passengers. "are you all right?" optimus inputs his voice through the radio as he settles in his tires. "did you notice something of importance?" immediately his holoform, dressed in a simple red t-shirt and blue jeans, appears in the passenger's seat, the physical projection of his hands reaching to check on his human companion's well-being. that was quite a stop, and the peterbilt did not deploy any protective equipment to cushion her hit. she may be injured. abrupt braking can often cause damage to the face, including (but not limited to) bloody or broken noses, bloody lips, and other facial injuries caused by the sturdy, large steering wheel. he scans her for any sign of trauma. kara doesn't appear to pay him much mind. "i would appreciate warnings in the future, as braking in this manner can significantly harm a human, or a human vessel, like you." he does not realize he is, in a way, 'captain obvious' with this comment. "what is the matter?" that's the more pressing matter here. "what did you see?"

it takes the autobot a moment to register the movement so far below his field of view, but once optimus notices an outstretched hand in his direction, he shifts. his body creaks, hisses, metal scraping as he lowers down, kneels in the soft earth, and comes to rest before aerith and her... gift? "what is this?" optimus knows it is flora, a flower, the seed-bearing part of a plant, but he knows they have multiple names. there are various types of flowers on earth. what type is it? one quick scan with his optics, and... "bellis perennis," the autobot comments. "a daisy. is that for me?" his hands and fingers are far too giant to hold the flower without crushing it, so instead, optimus holds out his hand. he guides aerith onto his palm, hoists her up onto his shoulder, and deposits her safely upon the metal plating (once he's stood back up). "if you would like to put that somewhere," optimus goes on. "i do not want to pick it up and destroy the flower." then... "this is kind of you, aerith." he cannot feel when she tucks the flower stem somewhere near his face, but optimus knows it's there. "thank you for this gift."

realizing his mistake, the peterbilt truck lumbers forward, following maddy's insistent gestures, and rolls away from the curb. the truck pauses, waits, and then lumbers forward again in an attempt to locate a better, legal place to sit. inside the cab, maddy peers out windows and judges prime's placement of, well, himself, and he waits for her approval yet again. "here?" the autobot's booming voice is as quiet as he can make it, rumbling around within the cabin walls. "i believe this is what you humans call a parking lot. that would imply my ability to park here." he's confused. he doesn't realize the position of the truck and its extremely long trailer have blocked the lot exit. "i... do not believe i can turn around here, either." oh no.

so i got distracted...........

if the human looks closely at the figure in the driver's seat, he may see it go to static and fizzle a bit in a temporary power fluctuation. that may be startling. otherwise, everything appears relatively normal and calm... for now.

"that is kind of you." optimus is exceedingly careful with his stance, afraid to tip too far to the front or back. madeline sits on his shoulder, seemingly comfortable, so the tall autobot tries his best to ensure she's safe up there as long as she wants to stay. "unfortunately, madeline, i have caused many wrongs in my vast lifetime. that is why i am trying to atone. that is why i am trying to do better and protect innocent life like yours from suffering our same, catastrophic fate." beyond their gaze, the horizon is painted a beautiful glow of reds and oranges, and the sight reminds the autobot of nights on cybertron. it makes his spark ache, thinking back to the planet they lost, the world his fellow autobots once knew. this earth must be preserved for people like madeline, for the young generation of humanity rising to the forefront and learning along the way. "do not be afraid of making mistakes, madeline," optimus goes on, his voice low. "do not be afraid to learn. the mistakes you make will teach you to do better. that is how we grow." optimus cannot directly look at her on his shoulder without bumping her with his face, but he does offer her a side glance. "what time are you expected home? we should leave. i do not want your family to worry."

"you know of your enemy, this doctor. where would he go?" optimus surveys the area, taking small steps forward in the grass and crossing the ruins, the burning structures, the obvious signs of attack. "it may be hard to track them, but if we have a good idea of where they may hide..." optimus turns his head slightly. his blue optics find the hero on his shoulder, and he nods. "either you lead the way, or ride with me. your choice." a pause, and the autobot actually smiles. "your method of travel seems far more exciting than a simple drive in a commercial truck, but it is your decision."