Hey readers! I do apologize, but I have decided to rewrite just the last couple chapters I had written for the Heart of Prime. Mostly because I wasn't entirely happy with them. Sorry for the long writer's block. I am going to get back into the story now. I hope you will enjoy the rewritten chapters.

Six Months Later…

Saphira had done really well since she became the defensive driving instructor for NEST over these many months. It allowed her to forget about Galloway and the possible threats that the decepticons were considering to do to Saphira in order to try and win some kind of affection from her so that she may fall for Megatron. If she had some stockholm syndrome, that could likely happen, though that would not be the case.

She fully recovered from her injuries from the incident in Egypt and she has been doing very well in college, despite everything she already was doing. She did not go to Ratchet to learn about Cybertronian medical all the time after she learned enough. Though she did end up having to help when Skids and Mudflap did something stupid on a mission, and the two bots needed surgery. Saphira had been very helpful in that surgery and she was really happy that she was even able to help.

Chromia and Wheelie did return from their little side mission, bringing back another small bot. He called himself Brains, and he used to work with the decepticons too. And he definitely went by his name…most of the time. Brains turned out to be creepy, and she often found Brains spying on her. Wheelie tried to stop him, but the bot seemed to be intrigued by female humans and he was often found checking out women and he often wanted to stay with Saphira. He was thankfully forbidden to.

But as much as she had wanted Chromia to spend some time with her, the femme got pulled away onto missions. Ratchet and Wheeljack ended up being the only bots to remain in NEST for majority of the time. Optimus and the others would return to the base several times at the end of each mission, and would only be there for a few days before they leave. During those times, Optimus and Saphira found time to spend with each other and she loved every moment of it. And she ensured to spend time with Bee and the others as well.

Right now, Saphira had wrapped up her twentieth class of recruits who went through the defensive driving training with her. She could not believe she already taught at least a hundred students with five each class for the training. She was proud with how well she has done her job. But that was coming to an end soon. Her birthday was in a week's time, and Optimus still had not returned. She worried he wouldn't be back on time, but the phone call she had a week before seemed to indicate that they would be. She just needed to be patient.

Saphira was in her office on the base, finishing off some final paperwork, when she heard a knock at the door. She looked up and she was surprised when she saw Charlotte Mearing. It had been sometime since she had last seen her and gestured for her to come in. "This is quite a surprise, Director Mearing. I hope this is not like some good news, bad news sort of thing."

The woman smiled slightly at the girl as she approached her with a folder in her hand. "I don't have any kind of news for you. I wanted to come and personally thank you for your work here. But I would like to extend the offer of you staying with NEST and continuing working with us and teaching new recruits. If you would like the job."

"I have enjoyed the job so far, but…" She looked up from her computer and smiled at the woman politely. "However…I really want to know what my grandfather did before he passed. I feel like not taking on that responsibility might be like shoving him into the wall and leaving him behind. I don't want to do that."

The woman nodded, understanding the girl's reasoning. "For the record, you have done very well. I do have something for you though." She held the envelope towards the girl. "And man called the base earlier asking for you. It seems he is the trust attorney for your grandfather's will. He is wanting to meet with you soon."

Saphira widened her eyes and took the envelope in surprise. "But…my birthday is next week…I shouldn't even be hearing from the attorney until then."

The woman just shrugged. "I am afraid I cannot say anything more as there was no further information given. Even if you think the inheritance will be given to you on your eighteenth, maybe there is other information that has to be given to you before that. I do not know." She sat down on one of the chairs in front of the desk with a sigh. "It is a shame Everett is not alive. I looked into our records and saw he worked with the military when he was younger. And I found a few images of him with Jetfire." She gave Saphira another envelope. "I figured you would want the pictures. They don't show Jetfire's bipedal mode, but the blackbird jet he transformed into."

Saphira caressed the envelopes carefully and smiled at the woman. "Thank you. I am very glad that we have someone responsible overlooking NEST and the alliance with the autobots. I am curious though…anything regarding the decepticons or perhaps Galloway?"

The woman scoffed in amusement. "Honestly, not really. We did flag Galloway's passport at L.A a few days ago, and he was heading to South Africa. We are not really sure what the reason, but he's been pretty much under the radar. As for the decepticons, I have nothing to report. As you know the autobots are now assisting us with human issues to try and prevent wars from happening."

"Optimus still was not sure about that part," Saphira said, she wasn't sure why the autobots were being asked to assist with that either. "Anyway, at least they should be returning soon. They did promise to be here for my birthday."

The woman did not react much to Saphira's hopeful sentence. "I am afraid I do not have that answer for you. However, since today is essentially your last day working with us, I do need to let you know that once you leave, your clearance with the bots may change." She looked at Mearing in shock as soon as she heard that. "At the moment, I cannot make any promises, but…"

"Optimus was the one who gave me security clearance for the autobots, Mearing," Saphira interrupts the woman affirmatively. "And he will make it clear to you that they will want to remain in contact with me. I don't think you should upset the leader of the autobots, because he may want to end working with the military."

"And why would he do that?" The woman questioned bluntly. "I know you are really good friends with the autobots, but he is a soldier. I am sure he would understand that you cannot be in contact due to safety."

"And what if Galloway and the decepticons use that to their advantage?" Saphira questioned theoretically. "You know that it could happen, right?" The woman nodded slightly as she knew Saphira was right. "What would be the protocol if I were attacked because I have no clearance to come here for help?"

"Look, I wish I had your answers," Mearing said in a calm, stern tone. "I am only hearing whispers at this time. But I would advocate for you, Saphira. You have my word. For the moment, you can finish up your work and go home for the day. I have no doubt you have questions that need answering regarding your inheritance. In a way, it would be good to get it before next week. Since you will not be able to stay in that house after your birthday…and that's not for me to decide, sadly."

Saphira had not thought of it that way, but Mearing did have a point. "Right…well, I hope I can remain in contact with the autobots. They are not just my friends, they are my family. And I have no one else anymore in the world, Charlotte." The woman's expression softened as she listened to her. "Ratchet's like the better father I never had, Chromia is like a sister I never had, Bee is definitely the brother I next had and I could go on and on for hours about what they are to me. I don't want some silly government rule to get in the way."

"I know. But I will do my best for you, Saphira. I really will." The woman stood up with a deep sigh. "At least you have been granted permission to take the M4 since you have used it the most. I suppose as a parting gift, one would say."

Saphira chuckled softly. "Meh, I still miss my old Mustang and Camaro honestly. I like the M4, but nothing beats a classis car. Unless it is a transformer of course."

Mearing smirked in amusement. "Well, you will be free to buy up as many classics as you want when you get your inheritance on top of the millions you already saved up, Saphira." She opened the door and stepped outside. "Anyway, I shall see you when I see you. Have a good rest of the week."

Saphira nodded as the woman left and she looked at the envelopes curiously. She thought about opening them now, but decided against it until she got back home. She luckily would not need to pack much when she did move out of the house. It was only her clothes she would have to pack, and since she had a car to drive around with, it made things much easier. If she was able to access her inheritance early, moving out will be easy. Especially since her NEST protection ends in a week's time.

She finished her paperwork, sent it and closed down the computer before leaving the office for the last time. She had made sure all vehicles were returned that afternoon and sent paperwork to have them serviced and ready for whoever the next defensive driving instructor would be. She felt a sense of relief knowing she would be leaving NEST, but also a little worry. Galloway and the decepticons may not have done something over these past six months, but they could still do something once she was no longer under the protection of NEST.

There was not much she could do though. She had to go with the flow. If something were to happen again, things might change. But Saphira did not really want to be under military guard for the rest of her life. She would certainly prefer having the autobots protecting her over them. Maybe that will happen eventually, but she was not sure. Especially since she and Optimus were building a strong relationship. She had managed to figure out how they could text each other without being detected, and she has loved it. They would text when she was at home, and if he was free. He explained it was like receiving a telepathic message, and she was thrilled by it.

She walked over to the black BMW M4 and got into the car before leaving the base to return to the house. Once she arrived back at the house, she made her way to the kitchen where she pulled out defrosting chicken thighs to make into four cheese stuffed kievs and placed them on the bench. She grabbed out the cheeses she would use, parmesan, cheddar, blue and extra sharp, smoked cheddar for the recipe. It was one she had found and made many times and thoroughly enjoyed.

She cut open the center of the two pieces of chicken to fill with the grated cheese before skewering them shut with toothpicks and grabbed out some carrots and beans before putting them into a pan to cook together. While she cooked the chicken, she opened one of the envelopes and she read it carefully. In the letter from the attorney, was an invitation to meet her at one of the local law firms in Washington so they could discuss her inheritance, indicating she was set to receive it when she meets him.

Saphira definitely was not expecting that at all, and she was really happy that it was possible that she might be able to have a new start. Though she knew she would not want to have that start without the autobots in her life. She hoped that she could remain in contact with them. She knew they would find a way to be with her otherwise, especially Optimus. She saw the number on the letter and she would make that call in the morning.

As she finished cooking the chicken and vegetables, she heard a knock on the front door and she was surprised. She put the food onto a plate and walked quickly to the front door, opening it and widening her eyes in surprise when she saw a middle-aged man with silver hair, clean shaven beard wearing a green shirt and black pants smiling at her. "Evening, Saphira. I hope you don't mind. I figured you might want some company tonight."

Saphira smiled at him happily. "Come in, Ratchet! I was just about to sit down and have my dinner." She turned and walked back to the kitchen to grab her plate and put it on the dining table. "You know you are welcome anytime." She looked at him with a smile. "I see Wheeljack is not with you."

Ratchet shook his head. "Nah, he's giving a weapon presentation to the military right now. He sends his regards though." He sat on a chair after Saphira got relaxed and picked up her knife and fork to start eating. "I must say, these months have really gone by quickly, haven't they?" Saphira nodded as she took a bite of the chicken. "It feels less than six months since Egypt, though I guess we have been so busy, the days just keep moving."

"They definitely do." Saphira could not disagree with Ratchet. "I am curious…" She smiled hopefully at him as she hoped he had an answer. "Do you know if they are coming home soon? I have asked Optimus and tried reaching Lennox, and Mearing didn't have an answer today, but…" Ratchet shook his head and shrugged at her. "You don't know either?"

"I am afraid not. I wish I did. I was only pulled away for one mission this whole time. Thankfully, I've been allowed to remain here and work under my best conditions." He saw Saphira's expression turn to sadness and worry. He placed a hand on her shoulder gently. "Do not worry, Saphira. They will celebrate your birthday. If it isn't on the exact day, they will do it afterwards. I intend on being there for you."

"It won't be the same, Ratchet. I have…hopes and wishes for Optimus and I…I really want to make things official between us." Saphira looked over at a vase that was filled with blue daisies that Optimus had sent to her a day ago. "He keeps reminding me and sending me special things…you know he sent me a box of chocolates last week?" Ratchet nodded with a light chuckle. "I know he's doing it to make sure he knows I feel loved…but nothing can make me feel that way than him telling me so."

Ratchet completely understood Saphira's concerns, and he wanted to reassure her things would go smoothly. But he could not. "I had wondered when you both would want to become official sparkmates. But do be aware, Optimus might not feel the same way yet. I know you turning eighteen is considered a very important step in human lives. And I can see why you would want that to happen. But Optimus may not wish to go ahead at this time. Just be aware of that, and don't get too disappointed if he does not wish it to be on your birthday."

Saphira listened and smiled at him. "You are right. I will respect it. But…the last couple times we interacted…I don't know. Optimus has mentioned looking forward to making me his officially recently…maybe he will." She shrugged a little as she blushed thinking about it. "And I hope he will. But you are right, I will not force him."

Ratchet was unsurprised. He was well aware that Saphira and Optimus had managed to communicate with each other without being found out by the military. He thought it was rather amusing that they found away around it, but it was good. It gave both a piece of mind that they could still communicate. "What do you plan on doing for the next week before your birthday, Saphira?"

"Well…I am not sure yet. I have thought and thought about it…but I had hoped Optimus would be here right now, so I could have done something with him." Saphira sighed deeply and shrugged, though she knew what she was going to do the next day. "I'll think of something. Besides, I might as well take a bit of a break. These last six months have been very intense, even for me. And I have been able to pass a few of my first assessment already, which is amazing."

"And you have also passed autonomous robotic medical thanks to my expertise," Ratchet said in an enthusiastic, sarcastic tone, which made Saphira laugh and nod in agreement. "You don't need a certificate to prove that, because I know it very well. You were phenomenal when you assisted with the twins. I trained you right."

"I still remember the looks I got from the soldiers when they saw me helping you. It was hilarious!" She smiled as she thought back to it. "Even though they twins weren't in danger, seeing that my hands were covered in energon and working on removing that beam that got stuck in Skids seemed to make them squirm. I honestly could not believe it."

Ratchet huffed in amusement. "Maybe because it is similar to how they would see a human being operated on. In fact, I would not be surprised that is how they saw it. Though Skids said you were amazing, even though you were under my guidance the entire time."

"Probably. Though I can't really see a difference. I can't stand medical stuff when it comes to humans, but being a little autobot doctor has been good. And I don't see it as something to squirm at." Saphira finished off her food and leaned back in her chair with a sigh. "I am definitely going to enjoy relaxing tonight. Once I've cleaned up, I am going to sit in that jacuzzi for a couple hours before I got up and watch a movie in some comfy pyjamas."

Ratchet chuckled gently in amusement. "I wish I was able to do that. That sounds quite relaxing. But I'll have to head back soon. I just figured I would stop by and see how you are doing. I do know the twins are supposed to be coming back soon, they are on a mission to Eastern Europe somewhere, though I am unsure."

"Hopefully, they will behave this time." Saphira picked up her plate and stood up, walking over to the sink to begin washing up. "I am sure you'll tell me all about it though."

Ratchet nodded and opened his mouth to say something before he frowned. "Hmm…I just received an alert." He stood up and stepped towards the front. "I have to go now. I am sorry that I have to cut things short…"

"No, no, no! Go on!" Saphira smiled at the bot, completely understanding that he had been called. "Don't let me keep you around, Ratchet. Whatever it is, it will be important. We can talk tomorrow sometime."

"Thank you, Saphira. And I deeply apologise." He ran towards the door so he could return to his vehicle form. "I will talk with you tomorrow, if I have time to do so."

Saphira heard the front door close and she was left to clean her plate and fry pan. Once she was done, she actually went up to spend a couple hours soaking in the bath before she watched a movie to end the night. She sent a text to Optimus to see if he was available, but she had no reply, so she ended up deciding he wasn't available and watched the movie until late before she would go to sleep. She had something to take care of the next day, and she intended on finding out more. She did like the idea of moving into her grandfather's farmhouse before her birthday, and hopefully find out what he did with in regards to the job he had done before he passed and wanted her to do as well.