Saphira took a bit of time to find her way out onto the top deck of the carrier. She gasped as the wind rushing alongside the ship was very cold and she folded her arms, shivering a little and glancing at the mist when she breathed out, indicating it was very cold. Plus, it was night and there was only the moon shining down upon them. She was glad she had her hair tied up as her hair would be blinding her right now. She tried closing the door behind her as gently as possible, but that was not going to happen. It slammed due to the window and she looked around, she spotted the autobots standing at the end of the ship, they seemed to be talking. She smiled and walked towards them, she doubted they would hear her coming since the wind is so loud.
"Optimus, do you really think that?" Ratchet asked Optimus, Saphira paused a little and listened quietly to them. She knew eavesdropping was a bad thing, but she also would be able to hear some honesty from Optimus. "Are you going to tell her?"
Saphira tilts her head slightly, she was curious by what he meant by that. Optimus exhaled loudly, he was standing with his back towards everyone with his hands resting on his hips as he stared at ahead of them. "Of course I do, Ratchet. I…I care about her a lot…I think I might…well…"
"Don't you think you might confuse her by being reluctant?" Ironhide asked curiously. "I know Saphira is head over heels for you. She cares and loves you a lot, Optimus. Are you seriously going to try and ignore that?"
Wait, what?
Barricade huffed a little, shaking his head. "I think he's just scared of losing her." Optimus turned his head slightly to glare at Barricade. "I don't blame you, Optimus. I wasn't there when Megatron did what he did to Elita…" The commander tensed slightly, disliking that Barricade brought up Elita. "I can see how much it affects you though. I have never had a sparkmate, so I have never known what it is like to lose the one you love. But, I can see it is painful. I would feel the same if Saphira formed that kind of feeling for me."
Optimus looked ahead again and kept speaking to the autobots. "It is not just that. I often feel like it was our fault that has caused her life to spiral so much. If I let us get closer…I fear it will only bring her more danger."
Saphira felt her heart aching at those words. Optimus was scared of losing her and scared of getting closer to her. He was so sweet, she wanted to run up to him and reassure him that he won't lose her. "Would that be not more of a reason to spend time with her?" Ratchet asked in a gentle voice. "Humans live short lives. Saphira isn't going to stay young forever. If you wait and see, she might not wait for you."
Yes I will! I can't imagine not being with Optimus.
"I know…" Optimus bows his head slightly, he was looking down at the ocean now. "I guess you are right, Ratchet. I haven't truly forgiven myself for what happened to Elita. I don't think I ever will. Saphira almost went through something horrible if Bee, Barricade and I didn't save her from Megatron…" He shakes his head slightly. "I will blame myself for failing her."
"Elita would disagree with you, you know that," Ironhide said, walking over to Optimus and placing a hand on his shoulder. "She faced Megatron headon, she knew she could die when she did. It was not your fault, you never failed her. Optimus, there is no shame in getting closer with Saphira. She will embrace you. She has shown she cares about you from the moment we returned from Mission City."
"All the things she has done with you, that emerald field you both visited when you could and from what I hear you enjoy the simple things you do with her," Ratchet added. "She has shown by buying that wildflower clip that she is proud to be with you. She gifted you that emerald so you could remember her eyes. Even Elita didn't do that."
Saphira was surprised by that. She didn't know what the transformers did when showing affection towards each other. Though, it seemed, maybe Optimus and Elita just weren't as close as he thought they were. But, they were in a war, so there was a possibility that they couldn't. She wasn't sure though, there must have been times when it was peaceful.
"I suppose you are right. Elita was sweet on me…and I took it to my spark." Optimus lifts his arm and placed his hand over his chest. "I wanted to spend time with her, just looking up at the stars. She wanted to spend time finding out how to win the war. I admired her for her perseverance. I fell for her for it, I wished we properly became sparkmates."
"I am sure you do, however…I would say fate had another for you, old friend. And she is on this ship, resting and regaining her strength as we speak. She has shown herself to have similar qualities to you Optimus." Prime turned his head to look at Ratchet in surprise. "She has the qualities of a Prime, something I don't think many humans could say."
The Primes told me the same thing. I never thought the others would see it.
"From what Barricade and the twins have said, Saphira is a Prime on Earth," Ratchet continued in a proud voice. "You would be a fool to turn her away because of your fear. I know you will do what is right by her."
Prime was silent as he processed the words that Ratchet had told him. "I…I had not noticed she had those qualities. She is not the same as me…but…if she shares the same qualities…I have been blind."
"You also were offline during the time," Barricade said in a sarcastic tone.
Optimus hummed softly in response to Barricade. "That is very true. I am very proud to hear these words. Saphira has grown so much since we met her. She's gone from a young woman who seemed to be struggling to find her place in this world, even if she would deny that, to someone who is starting to find her feet."
"Eh, she did worry 'bout her future," Skids said suddenly with a slight shrug. "She said she didn't know what she would do after all this."
"I know. But Lennox gave us the good news. She will be under protection for a while…only until her birthday." Optimus did not like that it was only until her birthday. He felt she should be there all the time. "Though…I suppose she needs to find out more about Everett. I myself am intrigued by her grandfather."
"I would say there are those out there who would have known him. Plus, there might be transformers here who knew him, not just Jetfire." Ratchet looked over towards Bee who was sitting and listening quietly. "You and Hot Rod have been here longer than we have. Have you been in touch with him?"
Hot Rod?
Saphira didn't know who that was, but it seemed he was an autobot. Bee shrugged and shakes his head. "We haven't spoken in years," He said through the radio. "Last I heard, he rode off into the sunset to England."
Saphira wondered how long ago that was. However, it made her excited that there as another autobot out there. Perhaps he had met her grandfather. There was so many mysteries to solve and she hoped to solve them.
"I suppose if he wanted to come forward, he would have already. He would have seen what has happened in this world, I say it is okay." Optimus looked ahead of him again to stare at the horizon. "I am glad we came to this planet. Even if there was a way to fix Cybertron, I don't think I want to leave."
"I agree. This is our home now." Ratchet nodded in agreement.
Barricade was frowning a little and looked at Optimus. "I wish it were a simple thing to think, Optimus. But…I know something you might not know."
The commander turned slightly to look at Barricade curiously. "I am listening."
"You remember when Sentinel left Cybertron, don't you?" He asked slowly, and Saphira widened her eyes as she remembered saying that name in the college class.
"Of course. I watched his ship myself. Why do you bring that up?" Optimus narrowed his eyes slightly at him. "If it is something that Megatron has said, I doubt it is true."
"Actually…I witnessed it. Sentinel and Megatron made some sort of deal…to rebuild Cybertron. They both had planned to try get the Cube and activate the machine to get more energon, and to use Earth's materials to rebuild our home." The commander's face did not change as he listened to Barricade. "But…I am not sure what happened. Sentinel isn't here. But…"
"Are you trying to tell me my mentor and old friend has betrayed us?" Optimus asked in a low voice. "I don't believe you."
"Well, I have no reason to lie to you. I overheard them speaking. But…I hope I am wrong about it too." Barricade turned his head slightly to look at the ocean. "Hmm, so…when we get back, are we all going to have a little rest before doing more missions?"
"I believe so. After all, we have all been through so much in a short period of time. Though, I will say…" Ironhide looked at Barricade with a smirk. "It will be a little weird for you to be joining us. But, you are not so bad. Not so bad at all."
"Yeah, well, I don't mind giving my fellow decepticons a good beating." Barricade grinned as he was amused by it all. "You know, we never did this. Just sit and talk in a nice way, it was always about the next plan. No thanks, no nothing. This is so much nicer."
"We are definitely a much nicer crowd. You know Prime, I was thinking…" Ironhide rubbed his chin as he thought of something, looking at Optimus with a smile. "Since Saphira gave so much recently, I think you should give her something."
"Like another necklace?" Optimus asked curiously.
"No, I was not thinking that. How did you find that necklace anyway?" Ironhide tilts his head curiously, Saphira wanted to know that too.
Optimus shrugged slightly. "Do you remember when we went to Europe?" The autobots nod, except for Barricade, as they listen to him. "After we have killed the decepticon at that junkyard, I was on my way to speak with Lennox when I accidentally nudged the case open with my foot. I didn't even know what it was at first, I saw it had stones of blue and red, like my coverings. So, I took it and showed Lennox, he told me what it was and that I should give it to Saphira. And I did."
"She wore it with pride too," Bee said through the radio, smiling at Optimus and gave him a thumbs up. "She never stopped caring for you."
"I am glad to hear that. I had never thought she would repay me with a large gemstone like she did." Optimus chuckled softly and looked at Ironhide. "I am sorry, you were telling us your thoughts. Please, continue."
Ironhide grinned at him. "As I was saying, a necklace is probably not big enough to give to her. You suggested going back to that field…but…I was searching the worldwide web and I think I found somewhere you both will enjoy."
"Really? Where is it?" Optimus asked curiously, turning his body towards Ironhide.
Saphira wondered what Ironhide had found, there were so many places she would want to visit. However, she also wanted it to be a surprise. Ironhide didn't say anything, he just smirked and it seemed he shared the information with him as she heard something clicking from Ironhide and Optimus blinked and she heard whirring which sounded like he was processing it.
"Hmm…you might be right." Optimus hummed, smiling as he processed what was shared to him. "It seems beautiful, I hope she will agree. I intend on getting permission to give myself sometime away from NEST, hopefully Saphira can come with me."
"And a minute ago, this man was talkin' about how much he feared getting' closer!" Mudflap mocked with a chuckle. "Ye really need to make up yer mind!"
Optimus rolled his optics and looked at the twins. "Be quiet you two!"
Skids giggled and elbowed his brother. "Yer right brother! Big man can't make up his mind!"
"But she made up her mind," Mudflap responded playfully. "She is committed. Don't be breakin' her heart. I don't think even I can forgive that."
Saphira did wonder how the autobots had not yet worked out she was standing there listening to them. But, it did give her the chance to hear some honesty from Optimus. It gave her the ground to understand his feelings. She almost felt glad she eavesdropped, because it wasn't all bad that she was hearing at all.
"I don't want to break her heart. I suppose that was why I hesitated at the start." Optimus looked away from the twins, glancing at the sky curiously. "I think we should stop. The sky appears to be…not so good."
Saphira wondered what he meant, but she caught the smell of rain and glanced around curiously to see what he meant. It took a moment for her to spoke a flash of lightning ahead of them. She tensed a little as storms on the ocean was a fear of hers.
"Lightning. We are heading towards a storm." Ratchet points towards the direction. "Perhaps we should warn the captain."
Saphira suddenly walked forward, acting casual as she did. "Hey, guys!" She called up to them, startling the autobots. "I thought I would find you all out here. It's nice and fresh at the moment."
"It sure is. How are you feeling?" Ratchet dropped to one knee as he observed her. "You seem to be doing better. Aside from it being much cooler than it was earlier."
She smiled at him. "It will take a few months for my ribs to heal, along with that burn too." She breathed in deeply and shivered. "But I had a big meal just before, so I think I will be all okay."
"That is great to hear." Ratchet turned his head towards the storm. "Is it possible you can let the captain know about that?"
She looked towards it and shuddered a little. "I am not sure, I'll have to speak with Lennox." She bit her lip a little as she stared at it, flinching slightly as more lightning lit up the sky. "But, I assume they already know. It's going to get a bit rough."
"It seems so." Optimus walked closer to Saphira with a smile. "It is nice to see you are feeling better. I also hope your shoulders are not too bad."
She shakes her head. "Not really. They don't bother me as much as the ribs do. But, I'll be fine." She smiled at him and flinched again when more lightning lit up in the sky. "Um…I might go and get inside."
"You're not nervous are you?" Barricade asked curiously. "You just went through a bit battle and brought Optimus back to life, a little thunder and lightning isn't going to hurt you."
"It isn't that. It is the combination of a storm and a raging ocean that frightens me." Saphira walked back the way she came to get back inside. "I am not sure you know, but the ocean shows mercy to no one when it is rough. I know the ship will handle it, but I may not."
"You could allow me to hold you, I won't let anything happen to you," Optimus offered as he followed behind her.
She was tempted by the idea, but she shakes her head. "No thanks, Optimus. That is a nice offer, but I will go inside and find somewhere to hide until it is calm again."
Optimus glanced towards the storm and looked back at her again. "Very well. We will be okay. It takes more than rough seas to dislodge up from our feet."
Saphira smiled as she walked to the door and opened it, gasping a little when it swung open. She walked inside, closing the door behind her and began searching for Lennox. She did not know if she should return the ward, or if there was a room for her. She walked through the hallways briskly and found Lennox talking with Epps and a few other soldiers in a hallway.
"Will! Will!" She shouted a him, getting surprised expressions from the men as she ran up to them. "We are heading into a storm.
"I know, the captain informed us ten minutes ago." William was calm about it, but he saw Saphira seemed worried. "Are you okay?"
"I don't do well with storms and rough seas," Saphira responded nervously. "Is there a room I can bunker down in until it is over?"
Will nodded with a smile. "There is. I went to the doctor before and they said you don't need to go back, so I'll show you to the room. Should I get you barf bags as well?" He gestured for her to follow him so she could be in the room.
"I won't be sick…I just will be terrified." Saphira walked behind him briskly so they could reach the room as quickly as possible.
"Should I get the big man and have him bring his holoform in to comfort you?" He asked curiously with a slight smirk.
She shakes her head. "That won't be necessary."
Will chuckled a little at her. "Don't worry, aircraft carriers can handle rough seas. They might not be an ocean liner like the Queen Mary 2, but they handle the ocean very well."
She smirked slightly. "I believe that. It is just…well…a fear I have."
"I understand." Will was used to the rough seas, though he understood there were people out there who hated that kind of situation. "Though let us know if you need company. I am sure the autobots won't mind at all."
"I know they won't, but I will be fine." Saphira glanced around as Will made a right to lead her down a hallway filled with rooms either side. She saw there were numbers on the doors, and she would have to remember hers.
"Alright, number twenty-three is your room." Will opened the door for her and she smiled, stepping inside. "There are some spare clothes here and you have your own bathroom and entertainment system. This isn't a cruise ship sadly, but we have what we have to keep people entertained. Though, you don't need to worry about getting too comfortable."
Saphira smiled at him. "Thanks, I'll be fine in here." She turned and grabbed the door. "No need to worry for me."
"I hope so. Anyway, try and be calm. You are safe in your room." Will gently taps her shoulder as he spoke before turning away. "I need to go and finish my debrief anyway. I am not looking forward to the big one when we get home."
She smiled and closed the door, she knew that would happen. She didn't blame him though, being in the military had good and bad points. She walked around to familiarize herself with the room. She checked the drawers and wardrobe, finding the clothes she would need and pyjamas as well, which was really nice.
However, as she walked around she felt the shifting of the ship roughen and she was quick to pull her boots off and jump onto the bed. She grabbed the sheets and pulled them around her, the rocking of the ship intensified and shuddered as it sailed into the storm. She laid on her side, trying to ignore the feeling. Though, she was able to hear the rumble of thunder even through the ceiling and walls of the ship. She flinched and clenched her eyes shut as there was another shudder in the ship and thunder clapped loudly from above. She was able to even ignore the ping of pain in her shoulders and side from this distraction.
Though, she did not realize it, but she fell asleep after thirty minutes as she woke up to the feeling of someone brushing back strands of her hair. She opened her eyes slightly to a darkened room, and the sense of someone else being in her room made the hairs on her skin stand up. She was very groggy though as she rolled over and she was met with bright blue eyes looking back at her. She could not see this person properly and frowned at him.
"What are you doing?" She asked in a groggy voice.
"I am sorry for waking you. I just came to see if you were alright," He responded, Saphira's frown deepened as she recognized the voice. "Go back to sleep. It is not yet dawn."
She saw his shadow turn towards the door and open in. She sat up slightly, grimacing as the light from the hallway filtered in. "Optimus?" The man froze slightly and she was able to see the back of the back with incredibly broad shoulders and dark, blue, shoulder length hair. "This is your holoform right? I feel like I've seen it before."
"As I said, it is not yet dawn. Go to sleep, Saphira." He did not turn around and stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him.
She couldn't understand it. She wanted to run after him and ask him to stay with her, but she decided against it. She yawned slightly and laid back down, staring at the ceiling. The gentle rocking of the waves were soothing, and she smiled slightly, feeling herself blush and running her fingers along where Optimus had touched her. It was a warm touch, and she looked forward to see his holoform properly if he allowed her. For now, she fell asleep again for the rest of the night.
