From Within The Sand (Sunstreaker and Sideswipe Bayverse)

Chapter 33

Once we were sure all the remaining cons were dead. We loaded up and headed back to the ospreys. Then it was time to go back to base. Sunstreaker and Sideswipe fought over who I should ride with, but I had no energy to argue. As my body continues to decay, so does my energy. Half of me already feels like it's missing. My eyes are droopy and my body feels sluggish. My boys are worried. As soon as they noticed, they started fretting over me. Sideswipe, for the first time, cradled me in his holoform arms during the flight home. There isn't much left in me.

"Please don't go. Not yet." Sideswipe cried into my hair as he held me close.

The base is quiet as we all roll in. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker transform after rolling off the Osprey. I'm still in the palm of Sideswipes servo. I carefully sit up, watching the soldiers move my body from the hmmvw and place it on a table. From the Decepticon base back to ours, my body has deteriorated even more. There isn't much skin left. It's oozing and evaporating. My bones are more visible. It's a nightmare to look at. I only have a few hours left.

"Soldiers, we are in the presence of a hero. Someone who selflessly used the last of her life to finally defeat the Decepticons. We only have three hours to pay our respects. Hart is one of us. Fearless and determined. A soldier none of us are ready to lose. We will honor her respectfully." Lennox struggles to speak.

"I was only doing my duty." My words come out hoarse. As my body slowly dies, so do I.

"You will be remembered." Lennox proclaims.

The room shouts in agreement. From being a nobody a year ago, now everyone knows my name. This is not the outcome I imagined. I figured I would be alone, no one knowing who I was or my story. I would vanish one day, not showing up to work. Eventually, someone would discover my lifeless body buried under the sand. My eyes wandering around the room, a small smile rests on my tired face. There is not a dry eye in the hangar. Sideswipe kneels down, slowly bringing me to the floor. Soldiers crowd around me. Hugging, clapping me on the back. I try hard to keep myself together, but with each moment passing, it gets harder and harder.

"Go sit down." A rough voice whispers in my ear. A large hand rests on my lower back, guiding me to a chair that sits next to my coffin.

I glance over to see Sunstreaker in holoform next to my right. A hand grabs my left and I see Sideswipe. Tears are leaking down his human-like face. So, they can cry. I give his hand a squeeze and he gives me a sad smile back. Not looking me in the eyes. Soldiers part like Moses did the sea. We walk through, and everyone has something to say. This is the most I've talked to any of these fine men and women. I'm sad that it will be my last. Sunstreaker helps me sit down and the twins take post next to me.

I feel awkward sitting here while everyone mingles and waits their turn to talk to me. My energy is fading fast and I honestly don't want to talk to anyone. I'd like to be alone. Alone cuddling with my boys in my rack. One of the many memories we made spring into my mind. It feels like yesterday when Sunstreaker was laying, curled up in my side and Sideswipe was laying on top of us. I'd give anything to do that one more time.

After another hour passes, a flicker washing over me. There are gasps from those who see it. The twins kneel, looking me over. Panic in their eyes. Their beautiful silver and gold eyes. The way to see into their souls. They are scared. I know that. But they know it's time. I did my job. Now it's time for me to go.

"I'm okay. My time is getting closer. I'm sorry I can't stay longer." I say in a raspy voice.

"We may not have got a lot of time with you, but at least we had some good times with you." Sunstreaker holds my hands in his while he whispers, resting his forehead against mine.

"I'll always be with you and Sideswipe. You may not be able to see or hear me anymore, but I'll always be in here." I point my finger to his heart/spark.

We sit in silence for a while. Sunstreaker moves me at some point and places me in his lap. His arms wrapped around me. Everyone is standing around waiting for me to disappear. They are all curious. Wondering what will happen. A few soldiers have tried to sneak by to look at my body. I don't care, but Sunstreaker and Sideswipe growl at anyone who gets to close. A part of me wonders what they will do once I'm finally gone. Will I still be able to see what happens or will I be taken somewhere else? What will happen to my body? Will it turn into just an empty skeleton? Or maybe turn to dust? Soon enough, everyone will know. But I'll be gone. Finally, put to rest.

"Hart." I snap my head up to the sound of my name being called. Optimus looks down at me, "Thank you for everything you've done. We know it may not matter much now, but we would like to make you an honorary Autobot. You have proved yourself worthy."

Optimus reaches down and hands me a small metal emblem of the Autobot crest. It fits perfectly within my hand. I will cherish it forever. Even if forever is only one more hour.

"Thank you, Optimus." I stand up, a little wobbling at first, but then I salute him. He gives me one back. I'm sure the first time he's ever done that back to any soldier.

I turn around and look at the twins. "Please make sure I'm buried with this."

"You got it." They say in unison.

I sit back down in Sunstreaker's lap, staring at the Cybertronian piece. Brushing my thumb over the intricate detail. This symbol tells me it has all been worth it. Even after I'm gone, I know I did something good in my life. I helped save the world. Not many can say they did that. I won't be able to say it much longer. Wish my family could see me now. Would they be proud of me finally? Would they let me back in now after I've sacrificed myself for my country and world? They will most likely never find out. I specified in my will my remains were to never go back to my parents. They would get nothing from me. They lost their chance to have any kind of relationship to me.

Another flicker washes over me, along with a shudder. These flickers are like a ticking time bomb. Sunstreaker loses his grip on me for a second. His stoic posture falters as he tries to hold on to me. My soul is yearning for my body. Ready to be connected again. A life as a ghost isn't something I'd recommend. I hope no one ever has to go through what I did. I slowly get off Sunstreaker's lap. I feel as if I'm not moving on my own accord. He gives me a confused look as I move away. I lean forward, giving him a kiss on his forehead. Then I walk over to Sideswipe, and he leans down, knowing my plan. After I kiss his forehead, I walk to my casket. I look over my decaying body. Almost all bones now.

"It's time for me to go. I will miss you all. Thank you. Especially you two, Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. I'll never forget you."

"I'll miss you. Melione. We will never forget you." Sunstreaker holds back his tears.

"We love you, Hart." Sideswipe musters out.

"I love you both, too." I smile happily at them. "See you later."

I give one last wave and turn back to the glass casket. A bright light shines around me. One I'm not sure anyone else can see. It's my exit. My end destination. It's time for me to go. I take a deep breath and walk into the light.

*With the Autobots*

Everyone watched intently as Hart walked into the casket and slowly dissipated from view. Sunstreaker held a hand out towards her, not ready to let her go. Sideswipe looked away after she was gone, wiping a lone tear. One he tried to hold back. The hangar grew deadly silent, watching as the last bit of her body decayed. All that remains is her skeleton. The way it should have looked when she was dug up. No one is sure what to do. Everyone standing, wondering if something else will happen. Sunstreaker is the first to move, placing her metal Autobot medal on the casket.

"See you later." He whispers to her.