Saphira waited in the staff area of the museum until Elena finally returned to her with Jillian. The staff were happy and satisfied that the items she had returned were real and undamaged. Jillian was still trying to accuse Saphira of wrongdoing, but Saphira showed no sign that she had stolen the items and they believed that she had no I'll intent for the items. She received the cash reward, which she was a check with the reward on it, and she was able to leave. Saphira was happy as that meant that she could go back to Optimus and the autobots.

After seeing the tribal item that had come from Peru with evidence of a Cybertronian symbol on it, she felt that remaining in the museum would be a waste of time. She actually felt that going to a library and using a computer to try and learn about the Peruvian culture and history might be a better idea. Especially now that there seemed to be something here on this planet that was potentially connected with the autobots, and there could be something here that might be able to help them go home.

But as much as that was exciting, Saphira did not know if she actually wanted them to go home now. She and Optimus have only just confessed their love to each other, and she could not help but feel a little selfish for wanting the autobots to remain. Especially Optimus. Because it would mean that they would leave and she would never see them again. And she didn't particularly want that anymore.

But I should still show them what I found. It may not lead to a technology that could take them home. It might just be evidence of Cybertronian history here on Earth. I hope that it is all that it will be. I don't want them to leave...Optimus and I have only just begun to have a deeper relationship with each other...

Because of this worry, Saphira did decide to remain in the museum to take a look at the exhibits. She had aa hard time enjoying herself, because she would look at the image of the sculpture on her camera, staring at it in disbelief. She really did not know what the autobots will do when she showed them the image. She knew it would be a shock and surprise to them, and she fully understood the reason. Regardless, she was still consider not telling them when Optimus came back to pick her up.

I don't want to be selfish about it, but I can't help it. I kind of want to keep it to myself until I know more...but I won't. I'll tell them...and they can decide what it might mean.

Saphira remained at the museum until just after twelve. She was wanting to get some lunch anyway, so she asked Optimus to come and pick her up. She waited outside the museum for him to pick her up while she thought about how to tell the autobots about the sculpture. And when she planned to tell them too. She knew she wanted to go to a library, because she might find something there regarding some Peruvian tribes connected to the sculpture. It would certainly help her a lot.

When Optimus rolled up, she didn't notice at first, until she heard the sound of air brakes hissing and she looked at him in surprise. She smiled and ran over to the passenger side before climbing into the cab. "I hope I didn't startle you, Saphira. It seemed your mind was somewhere else. I assume that something in the museum was interesting, as it has left you with some thinking to do."

Saphira smiled as she relaxed in the seat while Optimus drove away from the museum. "You could say that. Something interesting about Peru."

"Peru?" Optimus seemed surprised by her response. "I suppose that makes sense, given that you did hand over the items that were from South America. Were those items from Peru?"

"Uh, they never actually told me. I just stood there and waited for them to confirm it was right items before I received the check..." She checked her bag to make sure she still had it. And she did. "Which reminds me, I'll need to go to a bank so I can get it processed as quickly as possible. That extra money is going to be extra useful for me."

"Good idea. I doubt you would want to lose that." She shook her head immediately. "I am curious, why are you suddenly interested about Peru?" Saphira tensed a little, though she just listened to him. "I assume it was something that one of the museum staff said."

"No, actually, it was something in the museum that made me intrigued." She smiled at Optimus as she gazed at the dash for a moment. "And I kind of want to go to a library and do some more research into it, because it is a culture that is pretty intriguing. I would like to know more about it, so I want to delve deeper."

"Would you like to do that after you have been to the bank?" She nodded. "Very well. I am curious about what it is about Peru that has you so intrigued, but I am sure you will share it with me if you want to." Saphira's smile faltered a little as she did not yet want to tell him about it, but she would. "If you ever wish to go to Peru, there might be a way for us to take you."

Now that was a surprise. She did not know how Optimus would be able to do that, but she was immediately intrigued. "Um...and how would you do that? I don't have a passport, so I can't go through an airport."

"You won't need one. Our good friend, Stratosphere, will be able to transport us. And Wheeljack has been residing in South America for a while so..." Saphira frowned in confusion for a moment before realizing these were other autobots on this planet. "Have we told you about them yet?" She shook her and folded her arms. "I see...I deeply apologize. I am afraid that information has not been given to you because we have failed to inform you of their existence."

"I see." Saphira hoped it wasn't because they still lacked trust in her. "So how would this Stratosphere help?"

"Because he can transport all of us to Peru with no problem." That meant this autobot was big. Saphira was trying to imagine how large he would be, but she wasn't sure. "Stratosphere kind of keeps to himself. He explores the world quietly without disturbance. Wheeljack landed in South America when we arrived on Earth, and he has said he likes the location. So he did not want to join us, even when hunting for Transit."

Saphira tapped her fingers on her arms thoughtfully. "Hmm...well...I must say I am surprised, Optimus. I really thought I knew every autobot on this planet. Are there any other autobots hiding on this planet that I should know about?"

"No, sadly, no." Optimus could tell that Saphira was curious, and he understood. "Do not feel burdened by this knowledge, Saphira. I can tell you are thinking we did not inform you due to lack of trust. It is not the case." She flinched as his holoform formed beside her. "It was a genuine mistake." He smiled as he shifted closer and leaned to kiss her cheek, making her blush and look away from him. "It seems the weather will be nice tonight with a full moon. I have an idea of making this up to you."

Saphira raised an eyebrow as she was instantly curious. Clear weather with a full moon...the fact he said that was his way of hinting something romantic. And she already wanted to figure out what it was exactly, and she could not wait. But she also knew that knowing this, she probably would not tell him about the sculpture until tomorrow. Mostly because she didn't want him to be thinking about something else if he ends up getting very distracted and wanting to know more.

Ugh...I already feel like I am put in a difficult place. If I don't tell him, I'll feel guilty about it. If I tell him, I probably will regret it if it leads them to a way home. This really makes me feel like I'm in a tug-o-war where I am in the middle with no way to win.

"Can I get an idea of what you have in mind?" Saphira asked him curiously. "Like...location...or perhaps..." He hummed in amusement as he listened to her questioning. "I am just very curious, Optimus. We haven't done anything romantic...so...I am very curious."

"It will be a surprise." She giggled softly at his response, as she was still very curious of his plan. "But I intend on ensuring that it will be good. I am not able to eat food, so I cannot share a meal with you. But I will find some other way to spend close time with you, Saphira." He kissed her cheek again before she and Optimus begin to kiss. She let out a soft sigh before she moving to crawl closer to him. "Remain in your seat. We are still driving through the city, and I doubt you want the law enforcement to pull us over."

Saphira chuckled and leaned back from Optimus, playing with some strands of hair in her fingers as she looked at him with a subtle, seductive expression. "I would think it would be a little difficult for them to see if we jump in the back..." She gestured to the back of the freightliner, and Optimus's smirk widened. "But I guess it would be distracting to you...so probably best to wait until you pull over, so you don't roll all around on the road, and cause an accident. Then I would definitely have a problem."

"That would be correct. You have to remember my holoform is connected to my full form. I can feel and experience everything that I do with my holoform. So any kind of distraction can cause me to not pay attention." Saphira had not forgotten, she still just thought it was funny. She already knew that she was right about moving into the back, because no one would see them, unless someone climbed up to the window to look inside. "But I am pleased to know that you are intrigued with what plan that I have for us tonight. If you wish to go to the library after the bank, I will take you. Then Mirage, Bumblebee or Arcee will pick you up."

Saphira frowned a little as that meant that Optimus was going to do something during that time. "Oh? You won't be able to pick me up?" He shrugged a little, while also not giving much away to her. "Okay...now I am really intrigued. Especially since you don't really have availability to money, aside from what I have, and whatever is still useful that can be found in the alleys where people have thrown the items. But maybe I'll be surprised."

Optimus nodded. "You will be. I hope it will make you happy."

She chuckled softly as she blushed while thinking of what he had planned. "Of course it will make me happy. You make me happy, Optimus. I don't care what you manage to put together for us to enjoy, because I get to enjoy it with you. And I almost don't want to go to the library so I can see what you plan to do, because it does kind of sound spontaneous too." He made a strange gesture like he was agreeing that his plan was indeed spontaneous, and she giggled at him. "To be fair, sometimes spontaneous ideas can be better than plans made days, weeks or months ahead, so I think I am going to really like whatever you have in mind for us."

"I suppose that could be true. I am not sure what that would be like yet as you yourself have yet to decide on what to do this year." She grimaced and looked away. "I know you want to spend all day with us, but it is not feasible from what I can see. It would be best if you find another job, Saphira. We will support you, and you know it."

"I know...I'm still not over the trauma of last year. I guess that is what is holding me back. At least I will have a lot more extra money in the bank, so it will help a bit." Saphira understood why the autobots were encouraging her to pursue another job. But she honestly didn't want to at this time. She wanted to wait a little longer. "Maybe when spring comes around, I'll look. But I want to spend quality time with you, Optimus."

"I understand. Arthur showing up last week did not help either." She could not deny that at all. "Whatever you choose to do, we will be by your side. Ig you did want to change scenario and move to another city, we will go with you. We don't have to remain in New York." Saphira knew that, but she hadn't really thought about it. And she's realized that she has become complacent because of that. She guessed if there was somewhere she wanted to move, it would certainly wouldn't be another large city. "And maybe it will be cheaper for you to get a house as well. From what I understand, this city is rather expensive to live in."

She nodded. "Yeah...it sure is. There is no denying that fact. And you are right about potentially leaving the city. I would just need to think about where to go before telling you, so I don't unintentionally make you run around the whole country for me. That would not be particularly fair I think."

"I don't think we would mind, to be honest. There's a lot of places in this country that we have yet to see ourselves, so it is unlikely that we would be upset." She would still feel bad making them drive all over the country just to find a place where she could be content and happy. Optimus might be right about them being okay about it, but she wouldn't. "But I won't pressure you, Saphira. There is still plenty of time, and I think it will be okay for you to just think about what you want to do and where you want to go."

"Thanks, Optimus." She really did appreciate the patience he had with her. "At least the only thing that is on my mind today is the surprise you have for me tonight. I am so excited! I wish it was evening already!"

Optimus was very amused. He fully understood why Saphira wished it was evening already, as he also wished it was evening. Spending time with Saphira is special to him, as it was special for her. And there was nothing wrong with wanting the day to be closer to evening, as it would mean it would be closer to the time to spend with each other. But they both had to be patient, especially as Saphira had planned to do something this afternoon.

Optimus brought Saphira to the bank she uses and waited patiently for her to go in to get her check processed into her account. He did wonder what she had learned at the museum. She had been deep in thought when he arrived, so something really did catch her interest. He suspected it was something very important, and she hasn't told him what it was for a reason. He hoped that she would tell him, even if it took time before she would admit it. But he was patient.

Once Saphira left the bank, feeling happy that she now has more money in the account, she now wanted to go to a public library. And Optimus was happy to bring her to it. Saphira knew he was, because it would give him time to get ready. Though she still did not know yet what he planned to do, since they were limited with what they could do. Regardless, she was excited, and she hoped to try not let that excitement distract her from what she wanted to do.

When she was dropped off at the library, Saphira had to locate the books regarding the history and tribes of Peru. When she did, she grabbed several books to read through to see if any of them would give clues to any connections to Cybertron. And there was a lot of material to go through, so it took time to fine anything regarding remotely close to what she was looking for.

Peru has a long history, so Saphira was patient in trying to find something of interest. There were some things that intrigued her, like images of cave paintings and of temples with depictions of a large gorilla, rhinoceros and jaguar or cheetah, which was strange because South America was not home to gorillas or cheetahs, and native rhinoceros to the region died out long before the tribes of Peru existed. And yet, there was evidence in their history that there were animals here living among the tribes.

She did find evidence of falcons as well, which was good, as that was on par with the sculpture that the museum had taken possession of. Saphira wondered if it was possible these were mythical creatures to the region, as she knew folklore can run deep in many ancient cultures, and Peru would be no different. But she wasn't sure, since the depictions were of animals that exist on this planet.

Saphira did find information about an old temple with a circular ruin on the ground. It had carvings of the animals on what looked like plates that had been carved into the ruin. Saphira did not know how old this was, but the books indicated that this temple was very old. She didn't know if anything had been built over this place or not, but that didn't matter. Saphira felt that she was already finding evidence of something strange. There was no evidence of the strange, Cybertronian symbol that was on the sculpture though, so she had yet to find any other evidence of that.

But there is definitely something strange in the history of Peru. There may not be anything regarding the symbol, but I know that there is something strange. I have been living with the autobots for too long now to just ignore this. Especially as gorillas, rhinoceros and cheetahs don't exist in South America. The big cat could be a jaguar, and falcons do reside in Peru, but it makes no sense for them to have depictions of a large gorilla. King Kong was not even a thing until 1933.

Saphira did wonder if maybe some travellers who arrived in Peru could have brought stories and information regarding the animals. It was unlikely, given the time period of these depictions and ruins, but she didn't know how else the tribes of this time would have learned about those animals. And have depictions of the tribes coexisting with these creatures as well, which was the main thing that caught Saphira's attention.

She continued to look through the books, and nothing else really stuck out at her, and she put them back before making use of the public computers that were available in the library. However, she couldn't take much time on them, primarily due to the fact that she spent a lot of time reading through the books, and the library closes at four-thirty. And it was five minutes to four, so she didn't have a lot of time to research. But she knew she could come back to keep researching.

I know the autobots are going to be pretty suspicious on what I have found when they realize I want to keep researching something. Ugh...I'll have to tell them about what I found. I won't do that tonight though. I will tell them tomorrow, and see what they say.

Once she was on the computer, she began to go through the internet to try and find more information regarding the temple in Peru, and more about the depictions itself. As she would read through the information that she would find, she realized a lot of what she was reading was the same as what was in the books. She did not know how to find the Cybertronian symbol either, unless there was only one item with that symbol on it. It was a little frustrating, but Saphira kept searching.

If this place was connected to Cybertron in a way, it might be worth travelling to Peru to find out more. At least she would get to meet the other two autobots that she has yet to meet. She did wish that she would have known about them already, because it did feel like information had been kept. It might not have been deliberate, but she still felt that it was something she could have known sooner. But she wasn't going to be upset about it.

"Hey, Saphira!" Saphira flinched and slapped her hand over the ring as soon as she heard Arcee's voice through it, making her look around in fright, in case someone heard her. No one did, and Saphira was relieved. "Um, I think the library is meant to be closing about this time. You might want to come out because they lock you in. I don't fancy breaking and entering just to get you out."

Saphira looked at the time, and she realized she only had five minutes to leave. She sighed and logged out of the computer before she made her way to the entrance as quickly as possible. She did not respond to Arcee, knowing she would get some odd looks, but Arcee knew she had heard her as Saphira was making her way out. When Saphira walked out of the library, she spotted Arcee parked in the motorcycle parking bay and smiled, walking over to her and grabbing the helmet that was there.

Once she put it on and swung her leg over to sit down, Arcee started her engine and rolled back to drive away. "Sorry, Arcee. I was really locked in on my reading that I simply lost track of time. I didn't realize that four hours had gone by, because I thought only one hour did. But I guess that is what happens when you are having fun."

"I guess that would be true, because the sun is going to go down very shortly." Saphira nodded, looking up at the clear sky that was already getting dark. It was still the afternoon, but the sun still went down very early. "At least the night is going to be nice and clear. I assume Optimus has not told you what he plans to do tonight?"

"Uh, no...but I am okay with that." Saphira blushed as she was very excited about tonight. "I am just going to be happy that I am going to be spending time with him, Arcee. That is all that matters to me." She hummed a little as she thought about tonight. "But...since it is going to be special..." She paused as she thought a little more. "I don't have anything to wear for the occasion."

"But it is still winter, Saphira. You don't need to get a dress, and Optimus knows you are beautiful. I understand what you are thinking right now, but it won't be necessary. Trust me. I had my doubts for a long time that Optimus had any interest in you. But I started to realize weeks before you both admitted to it, and I am happy for you both." Saphira smiled as she was glad that the autobots were accepting. "I also could not help but be a little worried. Optimus is, well, even though he can be a gentle giant and all...he is still bigger and stronger than you. Even his holoform is strong. So I do worry that he could hurt you. Unintentionally, of course. I know that should not really impact on how you and Optimus feel for each other, and I understand that. But I still worry."

Saphira knew what Arcee was warning her about, and Saphira doubted that anything more than physical affection would happen tonight. Saphira didn't feel ready to go to the next step, but she appreciated the concern. "Thanks for your concern, Arcee. I do appreciate it. But I don't think anything that intimate will happen tonight. I am not ready for that yet."

Arcee was silent for a moment as she pondered on what Saphira said. "I am glad that you aren't rushing it, Saphira. You and Optimus have taken a long time to get to this point, and I don't expect you to rush even further. This is new for the both of you, and I am sure that it is still something you are both working out in your minds. But I did feel that I should warn you. Plus, I know Optimus would know this. He will feel super guilty if you get hurt because of him."

"I know he will. But I am sure things will go smoothly, Arcee." Saphira felt butterflies in her stomach at the moment, as she was very excited about tonight. She could feel the cold air as Arcee drove through the city, and while it made her shudder, she didn't care. She knew she would be surrounded by the warmth of Optimus's body very soon. "It is quite the contrast to the first time we met. I remember when Optimus literally held me in his hand...he could have crushed me right then and there."

"I know. We all remember it. It wasn't the best meeting, and we all kind of had a part to play in it. I wasn't that friendly towards you either, because I had followed Optimus's instructions clearly, whereas Bumblebee and Mirage weren't doing that." Arcee let out a light sigh. "If we only knew what a good person you were, and how much pain you had gone through. But things have gotten better, and I am happy they have turned out this way. With spring not far off, I think it will definitely be a sign of a new, bright start for us all."

"I believe that as well." Saphira looked around as she gazed at the different buildings that they were driving by as she was thinking about how the night was going to go. She did already notice that Arcee was taking her somewhere different, and she was excited. "There aren't many places in New York Optimus and I can go tonight...I can't get a hint of where we are going?"

Arcee let out a light chuckle of amusement. "All I can see it will be somewhere overlooking the water." Saphira's smile widened as she knew that could be anywhere. "And don't worry. It is private, and we will be keeping an eye out for you anyway. Though it is unlikely you will be disturbed."

"Good to know..." Saphira could not help but feel dreamy about it as she wondered on what Optimus had thought of. "Ooh...I am so excited! I wish we were there right now!"

"Relax, Saphira. It will only take a little more time until we get there."

A little more time...I don't mind the wait...I am already looking forward to it.

Saphira really did feel like she was dreaming at the moment as Arcee drove through the city. The lights around them felt more magical than they used to be, and the light of the moon filtered down from above. Saphira had no doubt that where she was being taken to will have no skyscrapers blocking the sky. It will just be clear, and she would get to see the stars and the moon, and maybe she might see a falling star and make a wish. No matter, she was going to be happy regardless.

When Arcee drove from the busier part down to a quieter suburb, Saphira grew more impatient. She didn't bother Arcee about it, but the femme knew that Saphira was excited, and that she wanted to get to Optimus as soon as possible. She was amused by the human's impatience, and there was nothing that the femme could do at the moment. Regardless, Saphira could only wait until Arcee brought her to the location where Optimus was waiting for her.

And eventually, Saphira would see where Arcee was bringing her to. Saphira was surprised and she smiled widely as it was in a quiet area by the river with a nice view of the Statue of Liberty. Saphira could see Optimus parked by the river, along with Mirage and Bumblebee. She noticed she couldn't see anything outside the truck, but she could see dim lights glowing within the truck, and Saphira giggled as she felt her blush deepening, guessing that Optimus has decorated the interior of the cab. She didn't know if Bee and Mirage helped, but Saphira was really eager to see what Optimus had planned. She could not help but feel a fire in her stomach, and she could not wait to be in his arms.