Saphira was sitting on Barricade's shoulder as they both wait for the autobots to return. She thought the Xantium would be landing back at base, but there wasn't any room for the ship to land apparently, so it was going to land somewhere else, and the wreckers would move it either back to the base, or to a different location. Most likely where they themselves were kept occupied as they were the ones who worked on the ship over the last year. She had wondered if the bots were ever tempted to use the ship to just leave the planet, but with no other world to go to, they likely wanted to stay. Plus, the ship was not yet equipped with oxygen, so she could not go with them.

Barricade was fuming as he glared at the sky. He was still feeling the weight of not being believed. While Saphira did believe him, he knew that she wanted to believe that Sentinel would not go through with whatever plan he and Megatron had conspired together. Maybe he could, but Barricade would remain on the fence until he sees proof of that. He just felt as though he was pushed aside for the moment.

Saphira took a deep breath and looked at Barricade with a kind expression. "You know no one here hates you, Barricade. Everyone is happy that you are on the side of the autobots. You changed your life around, even if it was because you liked me." He turned his head slightly, looking at her with his ruby, red optics. "But I am sure you understand their position."

"I do…and it is also frustrating." Barricade lifts his hand to his head to rub. He was currently sitting down as they wait for Optimus to return. "But…I will not do anything to Sentinel. I can definitely promise that. But if he does something that makes me suspect he is still working with Megatron, I am not sure if I can stop myself."

"I know. But you should be patient, Barricade. We have to see how things go before we make any kind of conclusion about Sentinel. Though try not to hover all the time, it will just give away your suspicions of Sentinel. I highly doubt that you would be able to fool him." Barricade did not doubt that too. He simply smiled a little at Saphira before he looked away from her.

"I am curious about what he is like. I have heard he is extremely wise, and he's a great warrior. If he does choose to not go through with his plan with Megatron, he would be quite the bot to listen to. He has a lot of things that he could say." Barricade rubbed his chin thoughtfully and looked at Saphira. "There's another thing that will be interesting. I wonder how he will react when he finds out that you are Optimus's sparkmate."

Saphira had not really thought about that. She knew that Sentinel would not be able to do anything about the fact that she and Optimus are sparkmates, but if he is against it, she hoped it would not turn ugly. She already had Mearing ask her about being pregnant which is something she didn't believe. She did place a hand on her stomach as she did want to have a sparkling eventually, but she didn't think she was right now.

"Regardless of what he might think, I think he would respect Optimus's decision. At least, I hope he does…well, we will find out soon." Saphira looked up as she still wondered what Optimus was thinking. She could still feel his relief of finding Sentinel, and she was happy he felt that way. But she still had not idea what would happen. "But if he does happen to want to keep going forward with his plan, maybe we can change his mind. I know the part of you that wants to kill him is probably your decepticon side showing, but he should be given a chance."

"Yeah…maybe…" Barricade still felt otherwise, but he knew his place. "I do expect that Sentinel is going to be extremely confused upon waking up. He has been offline for many long years. I am not sure what he expected when he left Cybertron, but…" He paused as he heard the sound of engines approaching the base and looked towards the gate. "Hmm, seems like they have finally arrived. I don't know about you, but this felt like it dragged on for a lot longer than it probably has."

Saphira smiled at him as she understood. "I know. They left the Moon an hour ago, and they needed time to land and move Sentinel so they could transport him." She turned her head as she saw Ironhide, Dino, Bumblebee, Wheeljack and Sideswipe walk out to meet Optimus and Ratchet. "I see you guys are eager to meet him."

Ironhide turned his head and smirked at Saphira. "I personally knew Sentinel back on Cybertron, punk. Many, many years ago…Optimus and I have been friends a long time, and Sentinel has always been a wise and caring leader." He glanced at Barricade who was looking ahead at the gate. "I know Barricade has reservations, but I know him and I go off by what I remember from the past. I hope there is no hard feelings."

Barricade did not react or response to Ironhide, he simply kept staring at the gate as it began to hope. Bumblebee seemed to be very curious and he walked closer to Barricade and Saphira. "You have a nice perch there."

She looked at Bee when she heard him and chuckled. "Yeah. Barricade did not want me sitting on the hard ground, so he was kind enough to let me sit on his shoulder. Besides, I didn't know how long Optimus was going to be with bringing Sentinel here." She turned her head as she noticed Mearing walking out with Lennox to greet Optimus. She looked back at Bee with a smile. "I'll get down very soon. I want to watch what happens as well."

Mearing glanced up as she heard Saphira speak with Bee and saw where she was sitting. She said nothing to the girl and simply looked at the gate. Driving towards the hangar was Ratchet, Optimus and a convoy of black vehicles following them. Optimus had his trailer on, and Saphira suspected that Sentinel was within the trailer as she did not see anything else that would suggest the bot was being towed some other way. Saphira smiled and gently gestured for Barricade to let her down, and he nodded as he moved her to the ground gently.

Once her feet touch the ground, Saphira walked towards the truck as she eyed it off. She could sense the love coming from Optimus, along with a sense of mixed emotions about Sentinel. She made sure he could feel her love as well. She kept her distance as Optimus drove by them into the hangar and she quickly began to follow. She wanted to witness what happens with Sentinel. She was a little nervous as well, mostly because of the unknown.

Ratchet transformed before Optimus stopped and he walked over to a large table that could fit Sentinel Prime's body, and he began to prepare it. "Hey, Saphira. Since you have done a lot of work regarding Cybertronian anatomy and medical, would you like to help me with Sentinel Prime?"

Saphira tensed a little and smiled politely. "Um, I think I will leave Sentinel in your very capable hands. It has been a long time since I have done anything with your medical, and…I have forgotten a little bit." Ratchet grinned as he understood. Saphira walked over to Optimus as he unhooked the trailer before he transformed. She looked up at him as the trailer opened and he looked down at her. "It must kind of feel like a dream for you. All this must…I don't know what I would feel in your place."

"It certainly does not happen, Saphira. But all things, I believe, happen for a reason." Optimus crouched and picked her up gently. Saphira smiled happily and he held her in his palm. Her smile faded when she saw the uncertain expression on his face. "I am not entirely sure how I feel, if I am honest, Saphira. I thought I lost him long ago…so I never thought I would see him again. And now…there's also the very idea that he has some kind of plan with Megatron…it brings out a lot of feelings."

"I bet. But try not to let it overwhelm you." Saphira rubbed his fingers gently and he pulled her closer to his face. She placed her hands on his cheeks and leaned closer to him. "I am here if you need a moment. But once Ratchet says Sentinel is fine to revive, you should do it. Even if he has a plan, we can change his mind." She kissed his lips gently and Optimus gently kissed her back as well. "And since I now have to be protected again after being attacked by the decepticons, he could come back to my apartment…oh, actually…there's somewhere that I can think of near the city we can go to. It is a national part we can camp at."

Optimus grinned at her in amusement. "Open air and green grass would be far better than your apartment. Though that will depend on what Mearing will say…"

"Ahem!" Saphira and Optimus look at the catwalk nearby to see Mearing giving them a stern expression. "I dare hope you are not going to allow yourself to be too distracted, Optimus. You should be helping the others pull Sentinel out of the trailer."

Optimus glanced at the trailer and saw the Prime being rolled out carefully from the trailer and looked at Saphira. She smiled at him and kissed him again. "Don't worry, I will be fine. Put me up on the catwalk. I don't want to be squashed by a confused transformer."

Optimus hummed gently in amusement and gently placed her onto the catwalk before approaching the trailer. Barricade walked into the hangar as he had not followed them straight away. He was watching the autobots roll Sentinel's body out, and lift him up onto the table for Ratchet to examine the condition of his body. Saphira moved so she could get a little closer to what she was seeing. He definitely had a wise appearance about him. He is red, his face seemed to have curled metal coils that made him look like he had a beard and moustache on his face. Saphira smiled, and imagined his holoform to look like a man in his late sixties or seventies.

Saphira leaned on the railing as she watched Ratchet check over Sentinel's body and system. She felt as though the suspense was starting to get to her. She tapped her foot as she waited impatiently for things to move ahead. Even Barricade seemed to be getting impatient, but the former decepticon kept his distance from the autobots for time being. Though after a few minutes, Ratchet seemed to be satisfied and began to raise and rotate the table so Sentinel would be in a standing position.

"Let us begin." Optimus opened his chassis, and the Matrix was pulled out and hovered between his hands. Watching Optimus move the Matrix between his hands gently as he approached his mentor made Saphira feel goose bumps over her skin. She was nervous as she watched closely. Optimus's expression was filled with hope as well, while she could still feel his mixed emotions. "Sentinel Prime…" He placed his hand on the side of the table and raised his hand with the Matrix. "We bid you return."

He pushed the Matrix into Sentinel's chassis, and his whole body twitched in surprise from the surge of power coursing through his veins. Optimus stepped back to give Sentinel space while his system hummed as it came alive. When his optics open, Saphira let out a shriek as Sentinel lunged at Optimus suddenly and pulled out his sword, aiming it at Optimus's face ready to strike him. Barricade immediately armed his cannons and approached quickly.

"Hold your fire!" Lennox ordered loudly as he and Mearing ran closer to Optimus and Sentinel while remaining on the catwalk.

"Stop! Sentinel!" Optimus shouts as Sentinel glared at Optimus, before he seemed to blink upon hearing Optimus's voice. "It is I, Optimus Prime…" Sentinel Prime glanced around and realized where he was. He saw he was nod on his ship and he glanced up at the catwalk to see the humans looking at him. "It is alright, you are safe."

Ironhide noticed Barricade with his cannons ready and placing his arm out to stop him. "There is no need for that. He is simply confused about where he is, Barricade." He looked back as Sentinel stood up, looking around the room as he saw the other autobots gathered.

"There is nothing to fear," Ratchet spoke to Sentinel in a calm tone, watching Sentinel lower his blade and his body relaxed.

"We are here," Optimus added in, in a calm tone as he was relieved that Sentinel did not hurt him. "You are home, Sentinel."

Saphira let out a sigh of relief as seeing Sentinel attack Optimus like that scared her. She took a deep breath and looked at Sentinel as he glanced around the room. "The war…the war!" Sentinel eventually spoke. His optics spoke Saphira standing close by, though he glanced at the other humans staring at him.

"The war was lost." Optimus grabbed the Matrix after it had fallen onto the ground and stood up. "Cybertron is now but a barren wasteland. We have taken refuge here on planet Earth." He glanced at Saphira and gave her a comforting smile to let her know he was okay. "Its human race is our ally. This planet has become our home since they have welcomed us to this world."

Sentinel still seemed to be out of it however. "My ship! We came under fire!" He clenched his hand a little as he thought on it and looked at Optimus. "The pillars! Where are the pillars?!"

"You saved five of them," Optimus responded to Sentinel affirmatively. "Including the control pillar."

Sentinel seemed to be shocked that there was only five pillars saved. "Only five?! We once had hundred!"

Hundreds? Interesting…maybe the rest were destroyed upon impact on the Moon…

Mearing, who had been standing nearby, was listening. She and the military were curious about the pillars that were being spoken about by the two Primes. "Excuse me, gentlemen, may I ask what is this technology you're looking for?"

Sentinel looked at the woman and seemed a little annoyed by the question, but he answered her regardless. "It is the ability to reshape the universe. Together the pillars form a space bridge." Saphira listened with intrigue as he explained what the pillars were for. "I designed, and I alone, can control it. It defies your laws of physics to transport matter through time and space."

The woman was intrigued, but she also seemed to become concerned about the technology as Sentinel explained what it was for. "You're talking about a teleportation device, aren't you?"

"Yes," Optimus nodded affirmatively to the woman's question. "For resources, for refugees…"

"Refugees, or troops of soldiers, weapons, maybe bombs!" Saphira looked at Mearing in shock as the woman began to clearly voice her assumptions to both Optimus and Sentinel. It was almost as if she was trying to provoke them, but it almost seemed like she was angry at Optimus for it too. She groaned and rolled her eyes, not liking those harsh assumptions at all. "A means of an instant strike!" Even Lennox seemed uncomfortable with Mearing's words, but he did not step him to stop her. "That's its military function, isn't it?"

"Is that lady for real?" Bumblebee questioned quietly as he listened with folded arms. Saphira glanced back at Bumblebee with a smirk and he placed his index finger to his mouth to shush her, and she nodded as she wouldn't say anything.

Sentinel himself also seemed annoyed by her condescending words, though he kept his calm composure. "It is our technology, and it must be returned."

"Yes, if humans say so," Mearing responded to the bot sternly. She was showing absolutely no fear in front of this bot, and Saphira just couldn't help but face palm herself. "You can't just bring weapons of mass destruction into our atmosphere!"

I dare hope she does not regret it later, if he happens to shoot her first…

"You kinda have to clear Customs first! A little formality called paperwork!" Mearing glanced at Optimus who was pressing his metal lips together as he listened to the woman speak. He himself was not impressed with her words, but he did not interrupt. "Kinda separates us from the animals."

Oh sure, just because we use paperwork doesn't mean there aren't animals that have their own form of quarantine. If only she knew how worker bees act with new queen bees.

"I will overlook your condescending tone, if you heed the gravity of mine." Saphira wondered if he was about to threaten them as she watched Sentinel frown at Mearing for her words to him. "The decepticons must never know the space bridge is here. For in their hands, it would mean the end of your world."

Mearing took a deep breath and seemed satisfied with the response. "Fine. I fully understand. However, we do have a former decepticon in our presence who has seemed to imply that the decepticons already know of the pillars." Sentinel widened his optics and looked around before spotting Barricade. "He turned from being a decepticon within last couple years, so he's aware of some of the plans that have yet to happen."

"Is that so?" Sentinel seemed intrigued as he observed Barricade quietly. "What is your name?"

"Barricade."

"Barricade? I think I heard about you. Though I only heard echoes of your name thrown around whenever I fought the decepticons." Sentinel walked closer to Barricade, and the former decepticon just narrowed his optics. "Though you still have kept your red eyes…"

"Yes, but they are ruby red. It isn't deep red like I had originally. Besides, they are just color." Barricade smirked a little as he placed his hands on his hips. "Eye color has no place in determining my personality and loyalty. The autobots accepted me into their ranks after proving my worth."

"What changed your mind? I know some decepticons change sides, but…I am always curious." Sentinel glanced around at the other autobots curiously. "Did any of you successfully change his mind?"

"No, actually, it was my friendship with Saphira…" Barricade gestured to Saphira and Sentinel looked at her curiously. She waved shyly and placed her hand on her arm nervously. "I…I built a friendship, and I realized for the first time…that maybe it is pointless to fight now. We are only losing more lives, and if Megatron had his way, he would bring destruction to the whole universe. Not just Cybertron and Earth." He intakes heavily and exhales. "I was getting tired of fighting. I didn't see a point when there seemed to be no end in sight. So I changed sides. At least now I have proper friends."

"I guess one does get weary of fighting. I welcome that you have changed your spark to our side. I know there is no going back on the things that you have done as a decepticon, but I am of the belief that second chances are good." Sentinel turned as he heard Mearing walk away. "I believe you are the leader of this base, are you not?"

Mearing looked at the bot and nodded. "Yes, I am. I forgot to formally introduce myself, my name is Amanda Mearing. I am the Director of National Intelligence."

"As you are the leader, I do not wish to break any rules, Director. With your permission, Optimus has been on this planet for a lot longer, and I wish to get to know your world. It is already presenting interesting beings whom I wish to speak with." Saphira had no doubt that Sentinel was talking about her. "And if there is a vehicle that I can scan for my alternative mode, I would thoroughly appreciate it."

Mearing seemed to appreciate that as she listened to the bot. She looked at Saphira and Barricade as the two of them still seemed uncertain about Sentinel, but she looked back at him. "I do believe you should stay with Optimus, Sentinel. For the moment, all the autobots are to remain here. But Saphira will be given autobot protection for some time."

"May I ask why?" Sentinel looked at the girl again and he saw she was nervous. "You have no need to be afraid, young one. I promise that I will not bite. I might be quite large, but I am not as intimidating as you might think."

Saphira smiled at him and took a deep breath. "I guess you won't. Um…I kind of wish I got to introduce myself properly, but…oh well. The reason is, is because I was attacked by a decepticon earlier today." He raised an eyebrow curiously at her. "And the simple reason is…I got some information about them, and he was trying to kill me. Thankfully I am alive, but now I have to be protected."

Sentinel hummed a little as he observed her curiously. "I suspect you have delivered that information to Optimus." She nodded affirmatively. "Good to know." He looked at Mearing with a relaxed expression. "I trust that the pillars will be kept safe and locked away."

"You have my word they are going to be stored safely." Mearing looked at Saphira and gestured for her to follow. "I need to speak with you, Saphira. Come with me." Saphira glanced apologetically at the autobots as she followed mearing up a set of stairs and entered an office. "Now that Sentinel is here…" She closed the door as Saphira looked at her in confusion. "I believe that you should stop trying to look for things that could bring you into danger."

Saphira frowned at Mearing. "But…why?"

"Because the information you were given pretty much was evidence of where Sentinel was. And I don't believe it proves that Sentinel is working with Megatron. Not anymore." The girl clenched her jaw a little, but she said nothing. "While I will make sure that you remain protected, and you'll get sometime to spend with Optimus and Sentinel, just know there's no plan on sending them on missions for the time being. Until we have screened Sentinel and work with him to see if he will work with us. But don't stick your nose and find evidence that might not be anything."

Saphira wanted to argue, but she decided against it. "Fine…um…I will listen to your orders, Mearing. But if more evidence comes to find me...should I contact you or something?"

"You should know the answer to that. Plus, aside from his confusion upon waking up, he seems like a nice bot. But we will keep an eye on him for a few months before they go on another mission. So you should enjoy your time with Optimus."

"Right…" Saphira turned and grabbed the doorknob. "Is there anything else?" Mearing shook her head and Saphira walked out of the room. "Thank god for that!" Saphira walked back down the stairs and saw Barricade by the catwalk. She smiled at him and he nodded before she turned her head to see Optimus and Sentinel walking to the doors. "Wait up, Optimus!"

Sentinel turned as he heard her shout. Saphira ran down the stairs and ran towards them. "Optimus told me there is a place that we can visit. He said that he enjoys being around the nature of this world, and I am very curious to see."

Saphira grinned at him and looked at Optimus. "We could go to the Prince William Forest Park, and stay at the Turkey Run Ridge campground. It is close enough to the trails there. But…" She looked up at Sentinel, still thoroughly curious about. "We do need a vehicle mode for you."

"Some options are going to be shown to him." Optimus leaned down and held his hand to her, allowing her to step into his palm. Sentinel watched with keen interest as Optimus straightened up with the girl in his hand. "And Sentinel, Saphira here has been the bravest human on this planet. She almost died saving my life in Egypt…after I gave mine for hers."

He blinked in surprise and disbelief, glancing between Optimus and Saphira curiously. "You did? Why?" He frowned a little and he could not seem to process the information. "I guess you might be friends…though…"

"We have been friends since the day we arrived on Earth a few years ago. However, since that arrival, Saphira and I have developed a much closer relationship. One that I thought was not possible…and I know it is dangerous…" Sentinel's frown deepened. "Saphira is my sparkmate. She has been my sparkmate for a year now."

Sentinel's optics were wide. He stared at Saphira and Optimus as the news about them being sparkmates was not something he expected. It took for a moments for him to process it before he spoke. "That would explain why I sensed spark matter from you, young one." He glanced away for a moment and looked back at Optimus with a smile. "I cannot say much about who you love, Optimus. I am surprised you chose a human to be your sparkmate. Their life cycles are much shorter than ours, but if Saphira proved herself, which it sounds like she has, then I am not going to judge the two of you. Especially if you have been sparkmates for a year."

"Thank you, Sentinel. And it is from Saphira that I have come to enjoy the nature of this world. Getting away from the base sounds like a good idea." Optimus looked at Saphira with a smile. "Maybe we should stop by your apartment to get your tent."

"Sounds like a good idea!" Saphira said enthusiastically. She was ecstatic that Sentinel had accepted their relationship. Even if did not approve, which she got the sense he did not, he at least accepted it. "I bet you have a lot of stories to tell, Sentinel. I would love to hear about them."

Sentinel smiled at the girl and nodded. "I would be very glad to tell you some stories that I remember from the good years of Cybertron. I remember those golden years extremely well. Maybe even some stories about when Optimus Prime here was young."

Saphira liked the idea of that, and she hoped that she could get along with Sentinel. Optimus carried her out of the hangar where Sentinel was given several options for his alt mode. There were a lot of trucks picked out for him and, he ended up picking the Rosenbauer Panther airport fire truck as his vehicle mode. It was going to be a little odd seeing that vehicle driving through the streets, but Saphira doubted most people would care much. After that, Optimus, Sentinel and the other autobots proceeded to leave the base so they could go to the forest park. Barricade followed reluctantly as he wanted to keep a close eye on Sentinel, but he was still concerned. Especially as it seemed as though now that Sentinel was awake, everyone seemed to be inclined to believe Sentinel might change sides back to the autobots, or the deal was never actually made.