16 Chapter 16: Stand by Me

Reluctantly, Firespark removed herself from Soundwave's embrace and gathered her thoughts. "I have something to ask you,"

The mech nodded, "What do you want to share with me, my sparkling?"

"It's just that," Firespark hesitated, "Megatron can't build the military base here. There's a whole camp of neutrals who want to live in peace." With those final words, the femme was worried that she gave away too much if she was wrong to confront her sire.

Soundwave sat there, legs crossed, listening intently to every word his daughter spoke. Finally, he nodded, "I see how that would trouble you. What do you hope to gain by telling me this?"

Firespark vented before blurting out, "I was hoping you'd tell Megatron not to build here. Maybe convince him to go somewhere else,"

The Third in Command straightened up, "You want me to purposefully mislead Lord Megatron just for a small camp with little significance?" He shook his helm in disapproval, "I'm afraid you're asking too much; however, I do have another option. Rejoin the Decepticons. You'd be safe, and we can be a family once again,"

Firespark sank in disappointment, "As much as I would love to be with you again, I think you already know my answer. This camp is more than what you think it is. I have a mechfriend and a sparkling to look after, and that camp has offered us everything we needed after Megatron deployed a team to destroy my home."

Soundwave was taken aback at her words, "What? When did this happen, and what sparkling?"

Firespark smiled sorrowfully, "Life's ironic really because we found a sparkling the same way you found me. We lost our home just two weeks ago after a troop raided it. We were lucky enough to find this refugee camp because I never wanted to join the war cause that would mean I would have to fight against you. My spark can't handle that, and I know your's can't either," Bringing her orange optics to meet the dark visor, she added, "Please, I'm asking you, as your sparkling, to change some numbers in the database."

The navy blue mech sat there in silence as a breeze blew by them. "Would you be happy if I do this?"

The pink femme nodded with tears brimming around her optics, "Yes,"

"I know, as well as you do, the price I'd have to pay if Megatron finds out about this treacherous deed, but-" he removed his visor revealing his beautiful blue optics, "I'd be satisfied knowing that I did it to protect my daughter and her family."

"Oh, sire!" Firespark cried, throwing her arms around him, tears escaping her eyes as she silently wept.

Soundwave wrapped his long slender arms around his beloved femmeling, whispering gentle words. In an attempt to cheer her spirits, he asked, "Can I get the name of this mech who stole your spark?"

The femme laughed softly, "Yeah, his name is Solarflare, and he was the one who found the sparkling. We named him Thunderstrike, and he's the most joyful being you'll ever meet until he's hungry."

Soundwave hummed thoughtfully, "Maybe I should pay a visit to Solarflare and see if he's the right one,"

"Sire!" Firespark shrieked as he stood up and began to walk.

The mech only chuckled before placing her back on the ground, "But that will have to wait until this war ends."

"Or..." the pink femme trailed, "You could join us, you know,"

Soundwave gave her a sad smile, "I think you already know that answer," before sliding his visor back on.

Firespark watched him leave before shouting, "I love you!"

~~~~~~~~

` Five hours passed by in a blur, Firspark recalled as she swept the concrete floor. Her mind was elsewhere due to the repeated action of cleaning in the same spot. She was so out of it that she didn't notice a person enter the room. Someone cleared their throat, almost making Firespark drop the broom.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," Trailblazer apologized as Firespark recollected herself. "I came by to compliment you on your hard work. I've never seen the people in better condition, thanks to you."

"Thank you, sir. I try my best," Firespark responded shyly, fiddling with the broom. "Um, do you happen to know where Solarflare is?"

"I saw him leaving Snowdrift's barracks. He was alone, so I assume that he dropped off Thunderstrike with Snowdrift's sparkmate, Eclipse. He was heading toward his post, the right sector." the mech answered, pointing the direction of the north side of the wall.

"Thank you, Trailblazer," the femme said as she threw the broom aside and dashed toward the stairs that led toward the top of the wall, leaving the commander confused.

At the top, the view over the treetops was breathtaking, and the sunrise painted the sky in beautiful hues. Firespark speed walked along the narrow pathway, trying to find Solarflare. She sighed in relief when she caught sight of his red armor, glistening in the falling sunlight.

His blue optics widened in surprise when he saw her frantic form, "Firespark, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

"I think it would be best if we talked in private," the pink femme whispered just loud enough for him to hear her.

A look of seriousness replaced Solarflare's worried expression, "Follow me,"

The pair walked into an empty room, and Solarflare shut the door behind them. The room smelled of steel, and multiple blasters hung on the walls.

"What is it that you want to speak with me?" the mech lowered his voice, wary of anyone overhearing their conversation.

"The Decepticons are here, just south of the island on the beach. I saw them this afternoon when I was on my break. They're going to build a military base here," Firespark informed him.

Solarflare stiffened, "Are you sure of this?"

Firespark nodded fiercely, "Yes, I'm sure. Steve, a Vehicon I know, told me everything, but that's not all. I got to see and talk to Soundwave. I've managed to convince him to derange their plans."

Solarflare held a look of disbelief as he paced around the room, holding his helm in a servo. "And you trust them?!"

"Yes! I knew them my whole sparkling hood. I know you don't trust them, but you have to trust me on this, please, Solarflare," Firespark pleaded, grasping onto his arm, causing him to look at her.

He sighed heavily, "I do trust you, with all my spark, but this is difficult to take in. We got our lives back, and we're happy." He paused to observe the femme, "We have to warn Trailblazer,"