When the following day arrived, Saphira was rather excited. She knew Optimus was set to return later today, and she would also go through the process of receiving her inheritance as well. She did not get up early again, and she felt very refreshed. Though she did wake with a sense of sadness. Receiving her grandfather's inheritance, and soon job, meant she would essentially be reconnecting with Everett in someway. It made her feel emotional at the thought and she let out a few tears, silently thanking her grandfather for everything and that she would do everything that she could to make him proud.

She made herself a quick breakfast with just toast and eggs again like she had the day before as she wanted to get the day started just right. She made sure to have the eggs due to knowing she was in for a long, busy day before the autobots even arrive back home. She had some music playing while she was cooking as well. She had put on Abba and she was dancing happily to the music while she cooked the eggs, all the way until she put the eggs onto the plate.

She particularly sang the hardest when she played Super Trooper and Honey Honey, as she definitely was thinking of Optimus and the time that she hoped to spend with him when he returned home. Plus, those two songs were one of her favorite Abba songs and she just cannot help but sing along to them. Even dancing to them, even if the way she was dancing might seem silly to a lot of people. She was simply excited for him to be home.

She had not received a text from Optimus this morning, and she decided to send him one, letting him know she was awake, and she was feeling really good today. And she made sure to include that she hoped that things were going okay on his end and that Chromia is not in any danger. So far, he has not responded to her and that had Saphira a little worried that something has happened. She didn't want to unintentionally upset him if something did happen without her knowing.

She tried to not let herself get too worried though, as she wanted to try and have a good day for most of it before later that day to remember the twins. She finished off her breakfast, cleaned up and went upstairs to get ready. She continued to sing and dance to the music happily. She was glad that Brains and Wheelie had left after playing a few rounds of pool with them the previous night. She didn't particularly want to wake up with the two of them still in the house.

Once she was dressed, she moved two of the suitcases into the car, deciding it was best to have things packed now before later. She left just one so she had something to wear, along with keeping her toiletries nearby. She gathered all of her documents to prepare to have everything transferred to her and made her way to the car. She was feeling pretty content at the moment and she did not know how long it would take for everything to be in her name.

She drove into the city to the local trustee to get the wealth transferred to her name. She did contact Andrew and he gave her advice on who to go to, and she did just that. Especially when it came to the real estate regarding the properties that were not in the country. She spent a few hours in the city first dealing with the wealth being approved for the transfer and ensuring that the money would go into the right account. Once that was settled, the paperwork for the properties was less stressful than the money. Even with the properties in Paris and London, which really was a lot easier than she had first thought. She could now go to any of the properties she wanted, and she was a very wealthy woman. It really felt so surreal to her, she was actually pinching herself all day just to make sure she was not dreaming.

But after all of that was done, Saphira did look at her phone and there was still nothing from Optimus. She was starting to get a bad feeling and she hoped nothing had happened. She thought about contacting Will, but that would give away she already knew that they were coming home today and he would know Optimus had communications with her. But she was still worried about what might be happening and she had no idea what it could be. She decided to send Optimus another text.

'You have me worried, Optimus. I have not heard from you since I sent the text this morning. I hope everything is okay. I have a bad feeling right now, and I really hope that it is wrong. Please respond when you can. I love you.'

After sending it, Saphira made her way to her car to head to a fast-food restaurant to grab something to eat as it was lunch time and she was starving. She glanced around for a moment, as the bad feeling she had made her feel nervous about her surroundings. It might not be something she had to worry about, but she knew it was better to be fully aware then not. She heard her phone go off as she got into the car. She starts the car and looks at her phone to see Optimus had responded.

'I deeply apologize for not responding to you sooner, Saphira. There have been unfortunate events that have happened. Your assumption on what happened to Chromia is correct. Would it be possible for you to come to the NEST base soon? We should be arriving in a few hours. Thankfully, no one else is hurt…but we are in need to grieve for those we have lost. I am terribly sorry this has happened before your birthday.'

Saphira felt her heart sink as soon as she read that text. Chromia was gone as well. She felt some tears in her eyes as she had become friends with the femme, and now she was gone. She took a deep breath and swallowed, debating whether or not she should just skip lunch to return to base. However, she opted to just go to a drive thru as her stomach was growling angrily at her, so she figured she should deal with that at least.

'You should not be apologizing, Optimus. This was something you and I could not control. I am sad this has happened. I will meet you at the base soon. I don't want to be selfish when it comes to me turning eighteen, Optimus. It is just a birthday.'

Saphira drove to a nearby McDonald's to grab a wrap to eat on the way back to the base. She did now know that it definitely seemed like the cons were going after the weaker autobots who were alone. That definitely made her think she would get targeted since she was technically the weakest, and she would be targeted because of Megatron's interest in her, and of course, they knew of Optimus's interest too.

She luckily did not have far to drive from Washington to the NEST base so there wasn't a huge worry, but Saphira was very weary of her surroundings. Though as she drove back to the base, she did not encounter anything suspicious, much to her relief. She was able to relax as she arrived at the entrance to the NEST base and was allowed through. She hope she will still get access to the base when she leaves, even though she did not know if she would even come back.

She drove over to Ratchet's lab and parked by it before getting out and running into the lab. She found Ratchet sitting with a sad expression with Wheeljack pacing. The two of them seemed extremely upset, and Brains and Wheelie were also on a berth. They looked like they were arguing about something, and likely it was something rather irrelevant.

Ratchet looked up and smiled sadly at Saphira as she approached. "I guess Optimus has told you." She nodded and he leaned down to pick her up gently to sit her on the berth. "I really hate it when we lose one of our own so soon…and multiple so soon as well. Chromia was also ambushed, but there was only a single human survivor this time…or…there was…" Saphira held her hands together as she listened while sitting on the berth and looking down sadly. "Optimus is really angry. Especially since we already lost track of the decepticons who attacked Chromia and the twins. But I guess there is very little we can do."

Saphira nodded slowly, not knowing what she could say other than letting a few tears fall. "We can at least honor them through memory…and ending the war. Hopefully…" The medic nodded in agreement and looked at Saphira with a smile. "I suppose that is the least we can do…I am not sure what else we can do either, Ratchet." She sniffled a little and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Chromia and I were slowly getting to know each other. And now she's gone, along with the twins…I really hope no one else ends up on that list as well."

"I know. War is just...ugly." Ratchet sighed deeply as he leaned back against the berth. "I am tired. Tired of fighting. I am glad that we have a chance to live peacefully, even on another planet." He let out a light scoff. "But the decepticons are definitely prepared to stop us from having peace."

"I am tired too, Ratchet," Wheeljack said in a gentle tone. "I almost want to think the decepticons are preparing for something, but to me they're still cowards for going after the weak. I am going to have to stay around here to ensure that I don't end up on the list."

"Same with me," Brains said nervously. He was shaking with worry. "I might be a little scrap bot, but I'm incredibly smart. I was forced to do things by the decepticons to help them improve their weaponry." Brains looked at Saphira with a nervous smile. "Thankfully, the humans seem to believe I'm useless enough to keep around here, while also helping with some other things, so I guess I'm counted as safe. Same with Wheelie here."

"I would be surprised if the decepticons would go after two little scrap bots, but I also did not expect the cons to go after Chromia or the twins." Saphira rubbed her wrists as she thought about it all. "Life is certainly not fair."

"It is not." Ratchet tapped his fingers on his knees thoughtfully. "However, we do learn from it. Of course, in this case, we grieve from it." He turned his head to look at Saphira. "And I know that you might be feeling like you are selfish for thinking about your birthday. I assure you, you are not. This is just an unfortunate situation. We will pay our respects to our fallen friends..." He paused when they all heard the sound of planes above the base. "Sounds like they are about to land."

Saphira had a smile on her face as she heard the planes. It sounded like multiple, and she knew that it was the other autobots. Ratchet helped her off the berth and put her down onto the ground before they walk to the door and looked out. Saphira saw the large military planes circling the base as they prepare to land. She was looking forward to seeing Optimus again, though she wished circumstances were different.

Saphira looked down at herself and looked up at Ratchet. "I just realized I'm not really dressed appropriately for remembering the fallen autobots. I came back here pretty much straight away when I heard what happened."

Ratchet looked at her for a moment and seemed amused. "Is there some kind of clothing that humans must wear when remembering someone who has passed? Because to me, you look fine." She shrugged a little as she knew she did have time to go back home to change. "I do not think anyone here is going to say something negative to you, Saphira. You will be fine."

Saphira smiled a little. "I guess you are right. I must sound silly to you. I should be fine." She looked up as she saw one of the planes coming in for landing. "Here come the first lot."

Ratchet watched the plane touch down on the tarmac. Wheeljack stood beside them with the scrap bots on his shoulder. They were all waiting patiently. When the plane did come to a stop and the ramp open, Saphira felt fresh tears as she saw Sideswipe, Bumblebee, Ironhide and Dino drive out and transform before the soldiers walk out with Chromia's body rolled out on a berth. And she looked in worse condition than the twins.

This met Optimus was on the second plane that was about to land. Saphira was tempted to run over to the others, but she knew it was safer to wait until the last plane came to a stop. She watched it land and roll along the runway as the pilot puts the breaks on to slow the plane down. She wondered how Lennox was as well. This would be hard on him too, knowing that his men were dying because they got targeted along with the autobots.

Once the last plane came to a stop and the ramp opened, Saphira smiled as she saw Barricade and Optimus drive out of the plane before they transformers. This time she ran towards them as it was safe now. Ratchet and Wheeljack followed behind her so they could greet their friends and leader, while also trying to console the others.

Optimus spotted Saphira running towards him and he smiled sadly at her. "Saphira..." She looked up at him as she heard the rumble of his voice. He dropped down to gently pick her up. "I hope that your day has not been completely ruined by the news." He turned to face the others, and Saphira watched as coffins roll out from the planes as well with the soldiers saluting them. "I am terribly sad that we have lost so many to cowards like this."

"It wasn't your fault, Optimus," Saphira said gently as she placed a hand on Optimus's cheek. He hummed gently as he moved her to his shoulder. Once Saphira got comfortable, she rubbed his cheek as a way to try and comfort him. She sniffled a little as she let tears fall and he glanced at her as he heard her crying. "I will miss them too. I had hoped to spend a bit of girl time with Chromia when she came back...though I guess we won't get to."

"I know you and Chromia had developed a good friendship when she arrived on Earth with the other two femmes," Optimus said gently as he approached Chromia's body. "While I do know that I am not at fault, it still hurts my spark knowing that they had passed."

"You and me both, man." Optimus looked down at Lennox who had a sympathetic expression. "It feels horrible knowing that you send people out to do a job and expect them to come home to their families. And it just does not happen. I am afraid it's just part of being a leader of a team of soldiers. I feel it all the time."

Optimus nodded and turned his head as the twins were brought out on berths to have their respects paid for as well. He looked at the coffins holding the bodies of the humans that had perished. "All of your brave men have done your planet proud, Lennox. I hope you do not forget it. As have the twins and Chromia."

The man nodded as Optimus walked over to the others. Barricade looked at Optimus before glancing at Saphira. He saw she had been crying and he smiled at her. "Hey...not the best week we have had...I feel awful knowing this is what my former leader wants to do. But it shows how much of a coward he is, going after those who are weaker on their own."

"I am in agreement with you, Barricade," Optimus said with a nod. He looked around at the soldiers who were gathered around the bodies of the fallen. He looked at the other autobots who stood there respectfully for their fallen soldiers. "My brothers…" All eyes and optics turn towards Optimus as spoke loud and clear. "Today, we mourn the loss of those who have fallen at the hands of evil. But let us not remember them for how they were killed, but the deeds they have done throughout their life. Their deaths should only have good memories surrounding them, and while we will ensure that justice will be made, we will never forget who they were. For many of us, they were not just soldiers, they were brothers and sisters. And while I have only met a few of the human soldiers who have fallen recently, I stand here and say the same thing about them. Remember them for their deeds, not how they have fallen."

Lennox nodded and salutes affirmatively, along with the other soldiers standing around and gave their respects to their fallen comrades. Saphira smiled as more tears fall from her eyes, Optimus's speech about the fallen was beautiful and well said. She was happy that he fully respects the human soldiers and his own equally, and she had no doubt that he would have thrown himself in front of them if he was there at the time.

"Little sister…" Saphira turned her head and smiled at Bee as the yellow approached Optimus. "I have missed you." She smiled as she listened to the words he used from the radio. "And I am sad about today. I hope the day ends on a high note."

She nodded hopefully. "I am hoping for that too."

Lennox looked up at Optimus with a sympathetic expression. "Though I do hate to be the one to say this, but we do have to go to a briefing with some of my superiors." He glanced at Saphira who was a bit upset, but she understood. "And it might take a few hours…and it means I have to steal the autobots again."

Saphira grumbled a little. "Really?" The man nodded. "I guess I will just have to go back to the house, I suppose." She looked at Optimus as he looked at her sympathetically. She kissed his cheek gently and smiled at him. "I guess I will see you in a few hours, again? I really dislike that we just meet and you have to go off again."

"I promise it is not all my doing." Optimus turned his face a little more so she could kiss his metal lips. "And then we can start planning the road trip to Texas so we can see one of Everett's houses." She smiled a little about that before glancing at the bodies of the three autobots. "Do not worry, we are not disrespecting them, if you are thinking that. Chromia and twins will be given a proper place to rest."

Saphira hoped to be there for that as well. She sighed deeply and looked at the other bots before Optimus lowered her to the ground. She turned to Lennox curiously. "Are you sure I can't have Bumblebee come with me?"

The man chuckled and pats her shoulder gently. "If it were up to me, I would say yes. But it is not, and we all need to be involved. He might be let out a bit sooner than Optimus, but I cannot promise that really." She sighed a little as she turned to look at the autobot bodies. "I will say though, we should not have any decepticon problem here in the US. We have not had any sensors go off, so there should be no problem here. And we have not seen any evidence of Galloway. I think the cons might have done away with him."

"That would be nice." Saphira looked up at Barricade, seeing he was standing there with a very concerned expression. "It was not your fault either, Barricade…" The bot looked down at her and did not change his expression. "I promise things will be okay."

He said nothing and looked back at the autobot bodies. The others were quiet too, and Saphira guessed she was interfering with their mourning, so she decided to head back to the house. She felt very sad about all of this, and she was glad that Optimus was able to say something about how they should remember them. And he was right. She would remember the good times with them, and not how they died. Brains and Wheelie opted to go with Saphira back to her house, and she did not mind as she did want some company while she would wait for Optimus to come to the house and they could spend time with each other, and comfort each other.