12 Chapter 12: Heartless

The insightful tour showed how great the layout of the camp was. Firespark managed to connect with some of the survivors that she saved. Most of them were Autobots, but a small bunch were Decepticons who wanted to escape, like her parents. It pained her to see that some were missing family members, and many Cybertronians were injured or sickly. This camp was in dire need of a medic, and Firespark was determined to fill that role.

Trailblazer stopped in front of one of the barracks, "There is someone that wants to meet you," He opened the door and allowed the pair to enter first before following.

The dimly lit room housed a single form sitting on a berth, showing no response to their presence. Trailblazer crouched down in front of them and smiled warmly, "Chromeburst, we have new friends, and they have a sparkling. Would you like to see them?"

The person, Chromeburst, smiled at him, "Of course I would. Come in, come in." The voice sounded old and feminine. As Firespark and Solarflare walked closer, they could tell that she was an elderly femme. Her purple optics lit up with new energy at the sight of them, "Oh, aren't they precious. Please, what are your names?"

Solarflare cleared his throat, "I'm Solarflare,"

Firespark looked at him in confusion. He forgot to mention her. "And I'm Firespark, and this is Thunderstrike. Solarflare found him and took him in."

Chromeburst smiled, "Ain't the just the sweetest thing. So tell me, what brings you to this lowly place,"

Firespark sat next to her, "Our home got destroyed when Decepticons raided it. We have nowhere else to go,"

"I'm sorry to hear that your family has endured hardships," Thunderstrike was interested in the elderly femme and reached his servos out toward her. "Oh, aren't you the sweetest thing," Chromeburst's purple optics looked toward Firespark and Solarflare, who both nodded. With trembling servos, the white femme picked up the mechling and brought him toward her face.

Thunderstrike cooed with curiosity and dragged his digits along her features, studying her. Chromeburst patiently waited until he was satisfied, "It's been near centuries since I've seen a newspark. You don't know how much hope this brings me for our race,"

Firespark hummed in agreement and noticed Solarflare conversing with Trailblazer. She smiled at him when he saw her gaze, but he did not return it. Hurt, the femme returned her attention towards the elder and sparklet.

At the end of the tour, the orange and brown mech stopped at the last barracks, "This is your recharging quarters. Our construction team built this when we heard about your arrival. I hope it's to your liking."

Solarflare observed the structure as if looking for flaws, "Right. Thank you, Trailblazer. I'll think about your offer in the meantime,"

"You're very welcome and take as much time as needed. I know raising a sparkling is tedious work. Oh, and, Firespark, before I go, the medical bay is that building right across from us,"

Firespark nodded, "Thank you. I hope I can be of service here,"

Trailblazer seemed to relax at that, "I know you can. You're already making a difference by being here,"

The couple entered the large room and began to make arrangements. A small berth with high walls stood in the middle of the room with two berths on either side.

Firespark, noticing Solarflare's silence, decided to strike up a conversation, "So, what were you and Trailblazer talking about?"

Solarflare continued with his work, ignoring her question and brushed by her.

His behavior startled her, and she gripped his arm, "Solarflare, what's wrong?"

Harshly, the mech ripped his arm away from her hold, "There's nothing to talk about,"

"Yes, there is, and it is oblivious bothering you. Please tell me what's wrong," Frustration edged Firespark's voice as she tried to keep a calm demeanor.

The red and orange mech turned away from her and let out a heavy sigh, "It's just...I'm trying my hardest here, and it is apparent that Thunderstrike prefers you over me. It hurts when you know your child doesn't want your company or when they favor a certain guardian,"

Firespark's orange optics soften in understanding. He was talking about the event in the morning. Slowly, the femme wrapped her arms around his waist, her face pressed against his upper back, "I'm sorry, I didn't realize. I was teasing, but I can see how much it hurt you,"

Thunderstrike chirped from across the room since his adoptive parental units weren't paying attention to him.

Firespark smiled softly, "Your wrong about your company not being wanted. Thunderstrike lights up every time he sees you and copies whatever you do, and of course, I need you. You're the one who listened to my past, the one who helped fix that void of loneliness." The pink femme took a step back as Solarflare turned to face her.

"You really mean that?" he asked as he stared with blue optics. When the femme nodded, the mech smiled, "Thanks, I needed to hear that,"

The day continued as Firespark was familiarizing herself with the medical bay. The flooring was a white tile, while the floors were the same deep green as the outside. Large equipment lined up against the back wall, some in brand new conditions. The femme had no clue how some of the machines operated or what to use them on.

The doors burst open as a new mech hobbled through with a heavy box. "Where do you want me to put this?"

"Right there is fine," Firespark responded, not wanting to overwork the struggling mech.

With a grunt, the grey mech dropped the box and stumbled back off balance. "You sure, cause that thing weighs a ton,"

"I'm sure. My name is Firespark, by the way,"

"Greystripe, nice to meet the new medic personally," the grey mech stuck his servo out, which Firespark shook firmly. "You got a good grip. Nice to know that the people will be in safe hands."

Firespark nodded and wandered over toward the container to began unboxing the contents. Greystripe stood over her the entire time, studying the femme. "Is there something wrong?" she asked him.

The mech, snapping out of his trance, shook his helm, "No, actually, I was going to ask you the same thing," When she gave him a confused look, Greystripe continued, "It's just that you look sad. Did something happen recently?"

Firespark sighed, "Yeah, and I don't know what to do,"

"You know, whenever someone has a problem, they go to Chromeburst or Trailblazer, but it depends on the type. Trailblazer helps with tactical puzzles, while Chromeburst assists in the relationship and emotional problems." Greystripe explained.

The pink femme thought it over before she stood up, "Thank you, I'll take that advice,"