If Only

Standing at the edge of the ocean, I watched as Bumblebee's body was dropped into its deep abyss. Beside of Lennox, Epps and a few others who were his closest friends, we lifted out rifles to fire seventeen times. Seventeen showing full honor, how he fought in the war without giving up, and how he always stood up for his comrades.

With one last salute, after Optimus had given a speech, each soldier said one last goodbye. It all felt the same, the same as the day of my families funeral. Sure I hadn't know him as long, but he was a close friend and now he's gone; killed by Link, by hacking into his mind. I feel as if I could of done something, that I could have stopped this from happening. Everyone from suffering from Bee's death, me feeling this way all over again.

What's been done is done, we can't bring back Bumblebee now and Link is now behind bars, there's no going back. We need to all try and move forward no matter what, just in case the Decepticons attack us. We need to stay strong, to end this war for our fallen friend; for Bee we must continue fighting.

One thing I hadn't know they did, was they took a piece of Bumblebee 'S Armor to keep, as some ritual. The Autobots had done it to all of their fallen warriors and friends. It wasn't clear to me why, but I'm sure time will tell.

Returning to base, everyone looked so dim. We all stayed in the Autobot hangar and simply waited for someone to begun with something to say. The best thing to do now is to admire all of the great acts he had done in his life. Lightening up in my slumping position, I say, "He had saved so many civilians. Bumblebee is someone I look up too."

They all looked to me. Although he might be gone but you will always have the memories you made with him. Memories are something you can always keep, and don't have to be lost like a person can be.

"Yeah, he always watched after me, no matter what." Sam added, walking up the platform and taking a seat next to me.

"Ha, he lost both his legs during the first battle just to protect the soldiers, all turning out to become N.E.S.T later on." Ratchet says lightly.

This would hopefully help some, remembering my family and all their great moments help me.  Bumblebee was such a great Autobot, he deserves to be remembered in the highest manor. I hope the military and the rest of the Autobots understand that.

"Do you remember the flying on the Ark, around Cybertron for the first time?" Ironhide began, lifting his head for the first time.

They nodded.

"Bumblebee helped quell a raging river and planted explosives in a Decepticon mining cave. We were partners at the time, had a great time. I wouldn't go back and change anything at all, even at the time I was almost killed when he accidentally set off a bomb." He chuckled the slightest.

"Yeah, at the time he led us, while Optimus was off the planet. As he searched for a home for us, Bumblebee became the leader. Sure he was young, but he did a great job." Ratchet said with pride. Who looked to Optimus, who was looking down to the floor, dolefully. He frowned to this to say, "Aren't you proud, Optimus?"

Looking up, Optimus flashed a sad smile. "Yes, Bumblebee proved himself many times to be a great leader. Greater than me, it would seem." Looking back down at the last part.

Greater than him, what was that supposed to mean? Was he questioning his leadership skills? Probably. A team mate just died, and he couldn't do a thing about it. Bumblebee perished, at the hands of Link Tyson. If I were the leader, I would feel awful too.

"Optimus, you're not a bad leader. This was not your fault." I protest, rubbing my brow.

He barely added a smile, before turning and walking off. Everyone watching with curious eyes, concerned for their friend what could be going on. Although, they had their guesses. As a leader, its hard to loose a member of your team, especially as in honorable as Bumblebee had died. Bumblebee was such a close friend to all of us, including Optimus. I could understand his grief.