I'm not going to drone on and on again about how horrible I feel about everything happening at the moment, especially seeing as you all seem to get the jiff :)

But I will say thank you for reading and please comment on what you think :)

Of The Spark And Heart

Part 1

Chapter 14

A month passed. The days appeared only by the clock hanging on the wall. Reports and updates poured through each day and were carefully scanned by a young teen. By now, her wound became sealed by the scar that laid atop it. Because of this, she was able to move around by herself and even change her own wrappings -which was not a fun experience by any means-. Slowly, a pile of reports built at the foot of the bed, full of both encouraging and disheartening news.

Recently, Doctor Shelby started to rouse her into light exercise and she was grudgingly accepting them into her daily routine. It always included something with the arms, more with the legs, and finishing with the core. There wasn't a day she went when she wasn't sore. And no matter where she hid- no matter which Autobot she begged for shelter, Terra always found her and dragged her back by her ear.

Literally.

Fera lifted a hand and rubbed the sore flap of skin, tracing her fingers along the lobe. Clean clothing caught her eye as it laid flat and folded on the counter beneath the cabinets. It was another uniform, crisp and clean. Seriously, this was beginning to feel like a very laid back version of a prison. Fera set aside her drawing pad -now halfway full after the first picture she'd sketched of Solas Kaon- and started for the clothing. But when her toe hit something, she stopped, looking down. It was a jet-black casing with silver latches holding the doors together with a small handle set to the side. She squatted down and petted her fingertips over the surface of the bumpy case. A tag with her name and a serial code number was tied to the handle.

Her hand followed the dip of the body to the neck of the black object, her thumb and forefinger halting and fiddling with the clip. This was her precious possession, her only way to express who she really was without the awkwardness and shyness she showed before others. Well, human others.

In the case was her dark Maplewood violin, tuned and ready for use. The bow would be rosined and the silver strings would be begging to be played. Its notes could ring melodically around the room with her powerful strokes, her only audience being the little black bubble that held the security camera. It was something tempting enough for her to bring it out and play off her worries and stresses and just be her.

But she drew back her hand, standing again. Not yet. She'd made a promise that she would play for Solas and she would keep that until her grave. It was apart of her dept.

Epps had brought her this after coming to her home in search of bugs or spying devices- one which he ended up finding in her room. She'd shuddered at the thought and mentally cringed at just what had that small thing had seen. However, she accepted the thoughtful gesture nonethesless.

A moment went by as she continued to look longingly at the instrument by her feet. Any time she felt herself being frightened, confused, or just overwhelmed, she just played. There was a time when she found herself and her mother downstairs in their tornado shelter, the winds rapping the loose shutters as they fought against their hatch. The father of their family was somewhere in Europe, on duty. And when the rain slipped through the cracks of the doors, Fera had calmly reached into her casing and brought out her violin.

For hours, she had just sat on the floor and crossed her legs, playing song after song over and over. Her sound masked that of the ones outside, dimming the effects and calming their nerves. And slowly, they had both calmed and just listened to her violin. Until the storm ended, she played. And even after that, she played. For the next few days, she wore bandages around her fingers because of the bleeding blisters she had acquired. It was one of the best memories Fera had in her life.

Then again, that was years ago. And now things had changed. The reminiscing grin left Fera's face and she went over to retrieve her clothing, quickly changing into the fresh cloth. Her side didn't hurt as bad as before, but her sore muscles still complained with each stretch. Before she could even pull on the jacket, the door opened, revealing the tall form of Colonel James Marks. He poked his head in the door and found her before walking in. The door closed behind him and he turned around to face her. "I see you're feeling better." he noted.

Fera only nodded, deciding to just tie the jacket around her waist instead of wearing it. "Except for the fact that my friend's in a coma, I feel great." she said in mock joy. James huffed and crossed his arms, gaining an unamused look on his chiseled face. "Well that's good." he went on, causing Fera to look up at him.

"You're needed in the command's room." he was blunt and emotionless, causing an uneasy feeling to come over her. Fera tugged the jacket tighter around her waist and she narrowed her eyes to study him suspiciously. "Why?"

James shifted on his feet and gestured towards the door. "Ladies first." he ignored her question and patiently waited for her to move. Fera raised her chin in defiance and refused to step forward, a small pinch in her pride at the way he just seemed to expect her to do what he asked so impolitely. "Tell me first." she demanded stubbornly. James let his arm fall and he seemed to be thinking about something. "Out in the hallway."

"No."

"Why won't you cooperate?"

"Because I am a very bratty child."

"Ha ha, very funny."

"How am I supposed to know what I'm walking into?"

"You think I'm going to hurt you?"

"I haven't really known you or the others. Or trust you yet for that matter."

"Then who do you trust?"

"Solas Kaon, the Autobots, Epps, and my mother."

"Your mother is already there."

At this, Fera's eyes widened and she felt her mouth fall open. "She's there?" she asked confusedly. James nodded and waved towards the door. "I can catch you up on the way there." he offered, once again standing in wait. The room was quiet for mere heartbeats before Fera once again shook her head. "You can't make me." she decided. If James wanted to tell her something, why not just say it here? So far, Fera didn't have that much reason to put trust in this man or his peers, and now was no different. So what if he comforted her about Solas' 'death'. James clenched his hand, visibly on-edge of annoyance. "Miss Lennox, you are being difficult."

Unless she knew exactly where she was going, Fera would be as difficult as need be. James could be bringing her to a torture interrogation session or possibly handing her over to the Decepticons for all she knew. Nothing she had was needed by the Autobots apparently, so why not just give the enemy what they wanted? Wait... these enemies wouldn't just randomly want people. They were ruthless organisms that had a reason behind their motives. "So what if I am? I'm not being brought into something blind. I don't care if you're a colonel or the president, but I'm not that stupid." she took her turn to cross her arms and James narrowed his eyes.

"Smart." he commented.

There came a snort from the teen before him and she gave a sarcastic 'thanks'. "But you still have to go." he turned to the side and opened a path for her to walk through. She didn't budge. "Otherwise, I will be forced to take you myself. Now move." he stated firmly. Fera raised her eyebrows and tightened her fingers on her arms. "Is that a threat?" she inquired. The fact that James hadn't already taken her by force meant that he was either a gentleman, or under strict order. And Fera didn't think it was the first option.

James turned back to her and he too crossed his arms, planting his feet. "That was an order." to which she immediately replied "Bite me." and then he abruptly moved, dropping his arms and coming close. Fera leaned away, uncomfortable at his closeness. Her back bumped against the counter, her arms pinned to her chest. James got low and furrowed his brows.

"This is a threat: If you do not move, I'll move you myself. Got it?" his jaw snapped shut, but Fera didn't answer right away. She didn't doubt that James would keep good on his threat, but something kept her grounded. Instead of backing down like he seemed to want, she shoved her face close enough that their noses almost touched.

"My name is Fera." she growled.

For a few seconds, the colonel just stared right back into her searing gaze, unaffected. But then he leaned back, studying her. When he was far enough away, Fera shoved her body from between himself and the counter and she whipped around, her posture tall. No longer was she going to be intimidated. Not by a human at least. By now, she didn't care if she had never been in a war or fought with a gun, she just cared that she was alive and actually worth something to someone. To a group actually. Fera Lennox no longer stood as the unnoticed mock of attentions. No one was going to try degrading her again.

The door before her opened and Fera strode through into the hall. James joined her in mere seconds and passed her up, leading the way. At first, it seemed like they were going through the same halls towards the eastern wing, but then James took a sharp right and they walked down a smaller hall; one that seemed almost cramped compared to the soaring ceilings of the base. The grey shadows became illuminated by the lights that buzzed above them, but dark pockets of black still sat by the corners of the wall and floor. The doors appeared spread far apart, at least ten feet between each. There was always a pair of these dull, green metal sheets on each side of the hall. By the fourth set of doors, Fera and James had come to the end of the hall, a bolted barrier blocking their way.

James entered the code and allowed them through, revealing the room behind. Fera walked through and slowed her step, taking the time to look around. It looked like a modern-day situation room. Concrete made up both the surrounding walls and floor, monitors and a large flatscreen hung on the back wall. A short, U-shaped dashboard sat directly below the largest of the screens, flashing with square buttons and other unfamiliar dials, signals, and computers. Chairs sat scattered around either by the walls or left by a large wood table in the middle of the room. They were simple folding chairs, with small, padded cushions sitting on the seats. Men were running all over the room, their uniforms or suits ruffled. There were a long table of other computers and men over by the far right wall, each man sitting with bulky headsets over their ears.

All in all, it was a fairly plain, but bustling space. And looking around, Fera could tell by the phones hanging on the concrete walls and the serious-faced occupants of the room that this was no playful working space. A few of these men stood by the table, one with grey hair, another bald, and the others with decent heads of hair. But they were all obviously past their 30s, with lines etched deep into their foreheads and frown marks around their lips. These were experienced people. One had his jacket off and laid over the chair behind him, his body leant over an array of papers laid across the tabletop. Those around him at the table were talking at him or to each other, but he seemed to completely ignore them. One of the men lifted a hand to loosen his tie, moving the pinching fabric from his pudgy neck.

Bright eyes scanned the room before darkening to a darker blue. "Where's my mother?" she asked, turning back around to James. He didn't look at her as he passed, his attention directed towards the table. "She isn't here." he answered simply. Fera's eyes widened and she nearly punched him in the back. "What? You lied to me?!" her voice grew louder and a few of the men closest to them turned towards the noise. James stopped cold and he swung around, his face cold with the seriousness in his tone. "Yes. I did. It seems like that is the only way to make you do what you are asked." he stood taller and opened a hand at the table. "Now if you wouldn't mind..." he trailed off, urging her to move.

Seething, Fera stalked past him, making sure to drive her heel into the front of his shoe. James grunted and cried out, cutting it off abruptly as they gained another curious look. Fera glanced over her shoulder and feigned concern. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't see your foot there." she apologized fraudulently. One of the men close to them chuckled from his position at the computer, but it soon turned to a cough as James sent him a warning glare. Pride flooded over Fera as she turned back to the table. The man at the far end of the circle of wood glanced up and then back down at his paper before doing a double take. James walked forward, signifying Fera do so as well.

When most the other men around him had seen where he was looking, the conversations stopped and they each looked at James and Fera. The chubby man peered over her and then whispered in his counterpart's ear. The one to the grey-haired man's left knitted his eyebrows in confusion and took a once over Fera before turning to the apparent leader of the table. "A civilian? Really General?" he demanded in a displeased manner. Fera nearly spat a rebuke, but stopped herself until she found out just who she was standing before. The General caught Fera's eye and then he looked to his peer. "She's not a civilian Solamen. She has clearance." he stated with a breath of waning patience. Solamen whipped his head in her direction and narrowed his eyes. They were a boring brown, oddly different from the black hair atop his head. "By who?"

Fera stared right back, unaffected by his suspicious look. "By our superiors that's who." the General shot back, moving to take a flat board from a flurried assistant beside him. Solamen huffed and leaned on the tabletop. "She's just a kid!" he argued. The General flipped through his papers as Fera sent a stabbing glare through the back of Solamen's head. After a few moments of listening to the noises around them, Fera perked up when the General spoke again. "Well apparently this 'kid' has been given complete guardianship by one of Optimus Prime's soldiers. She's written as a 'priority under guard of allegiances by order through, and approved of superior, of Vice President Snow'." he read off a paper and then lowered it, looking over at her with an impressed expression.

Under the gazes of the men, Fera shyly looked to the floor and moved closer to James. He might be someone she barely knew, but that was more than she could say for the men before her. Solamen pinched the bridge of his nose and the veins in his hands strained. "Under order of my upper command, I see no reason why she shouldn't be here." the General commented, setting the clipboard on the table. Solamen stood straight and crossed his arms. "But this is a classified area, full of classified information. He barely scrapes past requirements." he jerked a thumb in James' direction and the soldier just stood silently, taking the words without blinking.

The General let one of the papers from the clipboard fall from his fingers and he sighed, obviously loosing patience. "Colonel Marks, why don't you tell us a little about this situation. We are about as informed as Miss Lennox there is." he nodded at Fera and she looked away, her stomach tense in nerves. Marks could be felt shifting and Fera watched him as he nodded and moved forward, standing tall. "Yes sir. What is it you want to know?" he wondered. The General leaned on his hands and his fingers splayed across the surface. "I have the Technologies Department breathing down my back of some mass hacking of the electrical grids involving Americans' cellular devices and an attempt at sneaking through national firewalls." he began, offering the start without emotion.

Fera did not know where the conversation was going, but if the feel of the room had anything to do with the direction of it, then she didn't like it. James nodded and began going into detail.

"It was reported by Captain Robert Epps that a unit of his subordinates encountered an extraterrestrial being we have learned to be designated 'Decepticons' while it was in midst of updating an unknown device into a major core of a linked electronics grid on the borders of Missouri and Illinois. When attempts of arrest were made, the target fled and left no available leads to why or what they were attempting to accomplish in their attempts. As of now, Optimus Prime and his men are trying to decipher their actions as of late." he paused and fell silent, waiting for further word.

For a few moments, the General was quiet as he seemed to think over what James had said. The pudgy man next to the General made a move to speak in the man's ear. The General in turn leaned over and listened intently to what he had to say. Fera rubbed her arm, paying close attention to what was transpiring. "Who is that man?" she whispered, coming close to James' ear. James glanced from her to the General and then back. "Speaking to General Hendricks is Director Halleway of Homeland security. The one next to him is Director Caster of the National Reconnaissance Office." he jerked his chin in the direction of the seething man who had bitten at their feet since they'd gotten there.

"That's Director Peter Solamen of the Central Intelligence Agency." he stopped as Fera knitted her eyebrows at the director. "The CIA?" she asked curiously. Marks nodded and crossed his arms. "Yes, and that pompous attitude you'll be finding out soon about him is just normal. The last man sitting in the chair over there is in charge of the technologies district, Director Ferk." he stood straight as General Hendricks removed himself from talking to Director Halleway. Hendricks stared at the tabletop and cleared his throat, not moving as he looked up back at Marks. "Now, my peer Director Halleway has just informed me that he is needed elsewhere, but he has information that may help us. Director Ferk, this may interest you." he pointed out, catching the distracted man's attention.

Director Halleway moved to collect his jacket and then he turned back, straightening his tie against his bulging neck and then pulling on the coat. "Director Ferk, it is in our best interests that I inform you that I have just learned of a new development in this mass hacking." he began, rolling his shoulders and grabbing the edges of his jacket to shift it into a better fit. Director Ferk straightened in his chair and his stapled fingers lowered. His peer took a handkerchief and wiped his forehead, continuing, "My partners in the Missouri Electronics System have found the main point of the virus and are tracking its movements. If we are able, we will try predicting the path of the intrusion and cut it off-"

"This thing isn't a living organism, it's an electronically implanted condition in which it destroys its trail as it goes. My men have tried to predict its movements already, but to no avail." Director Solamen inturrupted, crossing his arms. "It's impossible to use biological tactics against a cyber-based enemy. Therefore, we are currently trying to find it and isolate it before it has the opportunity to destroy its tracks and escape again."

General Hendricks looked between Director Solamen and Halleway before turning his attention to Ferk. "Director Ferk, do you agree with this strategy?" he asked. Fera felt like there had been a hint of skepticism in the man's voice. But she couldn't be sure, for her eyes reverted back to Ferk. "Actually, I'm partial about it." he answered, looking forward through the air. "Although impossible to actually track the virus itself, you maybe able to track the path in which it is taking." Fera saw him glance over at the General, "If it is a program from a traceable source, you maybe able to find the main systems master grid control center and thus allow you to find the dominant point of access. However, if it is an independent virus -which is almost impossible by all technological, bioorganic, and bioinorganic standpoints- then it will have the abilities to adapt and somehow contain knowledge of evading our firewalls and anti-ware."

The fingers tented by his mouth pressed against his lips and everyone watched him expectantly. Fera was keeping up, but just barely. Where was this going? "But what does that mean?" General Hendricks pressed. Director Halleway made his leave and the rest of them were left to sit in the thick atmosphere. Fera felt her stomach twinge and her mind raced. She wanted to say something that may aid her situation, but she couldn't think of anything. If maybe the virus was...well "alive", then did that mean they were chasing a mini Decepticon? What would that mean for finding the thing? And why had it been implanted in the first place? Fera shook her head and looked to her side as the wailing of a computer sounded.

It was only a few moments before the signal stopped and the business in the room returned to normal. A sigh came from the General and it caused Fera to snap her attention back to the table. "We're all on edge lately." he shook his head sadly and looked at the table, laying a pen on the surface after signing a document shown to him by his assistant. "So Director Ferk, what you're telling me is that we are dealing with a possibly organic hostile?" he summed up. The Director nodded and laid his arms flat against the table. He blinked and raised his chin, thinking before giving a steady answer, "Maybe. Maybe not. It is uncertain whether it is a biological or artificial concern. However, either way we will have to properly find this threat and locate the main command or point of supply and cut it off. Any life form would need a source of energy to survive. You get rid of that, and it will die in a matter of time."

Conversation died and the noises around them were the only sounds nearby. James was waiting patiently, probably awaiting order while Fera bit her lip and occupied herself by looking around. Hanging lights were held by thin cables as the swung slightly through the air. The smell of wet rock and humid fog hung heavily around them. Fera suddenly understood why Director Halleway had been sweating as much as he had. Men at the computers typed away and completely ignored the meeting at the table. Screens coated in differing colors and maps decorated the most of the computers, a few actually containing something that appeared as some form of radar.

"Do you have any idea how we maybe able to tell if this virus is either?" it was Hendricks again, his voice bringing Fera back to attention.

Director Ferk paused and then stood, looking around at the computers behind him. "I don't think the technologies here are sufficient in aiding us. It is a difficult enough task deciphering if it is an artificial or biological condition, along with the fact that we need enough data about it if I am to figure out our situation..." he looked back at the General, "I need specific programming designed for this task. And the only system capable of meeting this need is back in Washington." he reached over for a sheet of paper in the middle of the table and he bought out a pen to scribble on it. "Now I'll need transport if I am to get to the location on time. And considering our enemies are beginning to figure our plans, it will have to be a protected vehicle." he placed the paper back on the table and pushed it towards the General.

James and Fera watched the men in silence as they made the exchange and Hendricks picked up the sheet. "Our faster allies are not armored as their larger counterparts are. I will speak with Optimus about transporting you. He would be your safest option." he decided, lowering the document. Fera started, her eyes wide. Optimus? But he couldn't, he was still taking care of his sparkmate. And besides that, he was busy enough being the leader of an alien unit of soldiers. One of whom was actually in a coma.

"But sir," she blurted, catching their eyes, "he's the leader of the Autobots, what will they do when he's gone?" she stopped as James grabbed her wrist as a warning.

The General watched her for about a second before answering, "Yes I know. However, it is apparent that this situation does not only affect ourselves, but them as well. Optimus Prime is a close ally to myself and I am sure he would not mind making the time." he said smoothly. Fera tensed up as she yanked her wrist from James' grip. "But he has a sparkmate to take care of as well as his duties as an Autobot commander. Do you feel as though he would be able to risk the safety of his comrades and her to take a man to Washington D.C?" she asked this and knitted her eyebrows, genuinely concerned. If he was to leave, then that would leave the base wide open for attack. And the Decepticons had made it well known that they know exactly where they are hiding.

Director Solamen huffed and scowled, his expression deep in though and anger. This was some temper he had. Before Hendricks could speak, Ferk made his move and he too burrowed his brow in confusion. "I'm sorry, but we do not take suggestions from civilians. This is a government matter to which we cannot afford to make a mistake." he stated firmly. Fera stood her ground, but her hopes slowly deflated with his statement. He was right. She was in no rank of the government group, meaning she had almost no say when it came to their decisions. "After you have grown up a little maybe you can help." Solamen added tauntingly. Fera sent him a stabbing glare, which he returned with a smirk.

"Actually, Director Solamen," the General put in, catching Fera's attention again. He was holding back a page on the clipboard, his eyes scanning the contents. "she will be 18 in less than a week. That is 'grown up' in my eyes, do you not agree?" he wondered, dropping it. Fera's lips stretched into a grin as she recalled that fact and how the General had randomly mentioned it. Solamen's eyes narrowed and he tightened his fingers on his arms. Hendricks didn't actually seem to need an answer, which became clear when he demanded none from his peer. "Legally, she has a say in government matter. That is if she is involved. And since she has clearance, she has say." Hendricks went on.

Fera almost smirked herself with the embarrassment made of the Director, but she knew that is he wanted to, he could make her life very, very miserable. So for now, she held it back. "General Hendricks, I must say I actually agree with Fera." James put in, locking his hands behind his back. The General nodded and remained silent. Seeing the General's quiet, James went on, "One of Optimus' troops are in a comatose state as well as his soldiers are taking longer to heal than we'd originally thought. If he were to leave now sir, I'm afraid I wouldn't be surprised if the Decepticons were to attack in his absence."

To think that her words were actually making a difference in the conversation had the courage building in Fera. She felt herself relax and she made a mental note to try putting in her own opinions every once in a while. "That is true Colonel. However, we must get the Director to Washington." General Hendricks said, motioning towards the man he spoke of. James paused and his General waited. Neither spoke and Fera looked between the both of them. James was trying to figure out the solution, but she could tell he wasn't really prepared. The answer was obvious- at least to her. But it appeared like neither James nor Hendricks knew the Autobots well enough to figure out what she was thinking.

Suddenly, the General looked to her and she jumped. "Would you have a suggestion Miss Lennox?" he wondered. Fera brought her hands behind her and dug her nails into the skin of her palms. If her plan was presented and failed, she would be responsible for the life of both Director Ferk and the Autobot she mentioned. "Please call me Fera...sir. And yes, I do have an idea of a suitable mech for this mission." she began, waiting for his reaction. The General nodded and waved her on. All eyes on her, Fera looked between them, including Solamen's, and she took a deep breath. "The Autobot Hound would be a good decision for this mission because of his durable exterior and faster speed than Optimus Prime. He as well has good instincts and is very cooperative with human presences." she explained quickly. As soon as this was over, she was going back to her room for a nap.

The General thought on this and movement caught Fera's eye. Looking down, she saw James' thumb up. Approved by a Colonel. Great. Super. She deserves a medal.

Solamen definitely was planning on her painful, yet "accidental" demise, and Director Ferk didn't seem to care any way as long as he got where he wanted to go. "You speak of this machine as if you've known him for years." Ferk commented. Fera nearly slapped the man. Her arms tensed and she clenched her teeth. Her throat tightened and she blinked. "Excuse me sir, but I have to correct you on your comment. Hound is not a machine but a living being capable of emotion and life. Machines are not. And I have only known him a month or so." she almost snapped.

Ferk watched her with an emotionless expression, not showing any notice of her tone. But James took note and he leaned over to hiss a warning in her ear. "These are my superiors, have some decorum. Any one of them could fire me with just a stamp on a piece of paper." he moved away, but Fera ignored everything he'd said. The General burrowed his eyebrows and looked at her in confusion. "We haven't yet proved they are capable of anything but what they've shone us. However your earlier statement of a 'sparkmate' interests me into contacting our researching department. Fera, I would like you to contact Hound and have him meet me in the lobby area. Colonel Marks," he looked to the man beside Fera, who straightened at his name. If he went any straighter, Fera feared he may fall over backwards. "get as much information as you can about this virus and report anything you find to Director Ferk or his associates."

The Colonel nodded and stepped back to stand directly next to Fera. "As for Director Ferk, you will accompany me to the lobby while my assistant shows you out, Director Solamen." the small woman in a slim-fitting suit clutched a clipboard to her chest. She had a tight ponytail holding back her hair and a pair of thin, black-rimmed glasses on her nose. Solamen grumbled as he grabbed his jacket and pulled it on, stalking after the hurried woman, her heels clicking across the concrete floor. Fera stood tall as she called a farewell behind her, "Goodbye Director." she didn't turn, but she could feel his hot gaze burning into the back of her head. The heavy metal door squealed open and slammed shut. The General caught her eye and gave a small smirk of amusement.

He walked around the table and Ferk walked with him, the both of them passing Fera. But before he left, the General patted her shoulder with a heavy, calloused hand. "I'm starting to like you Fera. Keep that fire, it'll be interesting having someone like you here with all these stuck up boards around." he then mentioned something about her reminding him of his time in service and then he left. James turned and led her from the room as well, closing the bolted door behind them. The quiet was instantaneous, the buzzing of the lights seeming like the roaring ocean. The look on his face said it all. "That was interesting." he muttered, not looking at her as he brushed by and started down the hall. Ignoring his comment and actually becoming quite satisfied with herself, Fera held her head high as she followed behind.

Once they had reached the end of the hallway, they said their goodbyes and parted ways. Fera set out to find where Hound was because to put things simply, she had absolutely no idea where the hulking 'Bot was at. Thinking quickly, Fera ignored the soreness in her side and jogged down the hallways to the third towering door of the southern wing, her fingers hovering over the keypad as she fought to remember the code given to her by Rethalia. The fembot had been generous and trusting enough to give Fera the skeleton key of codes, allowing her to enter any room she pleased so long as it wasn't deadlocked. When she finally remembered, she entered in the 5-digit sequence and waited as the door slid to the side. She would never get used to the futuristic feel of the base, just the same as she would never get used to seeing one of the Autobots.

Bumblebee stood on the other side, sitting on a tall metal table with a flat device in his hand. His feet hung over the side and he seemed totally engrossed in the object in his hands. Small clicks or whirrs would come from him every few seconds and Fera almost laughed when she realized what he was doing. Entertaining a cyberling must mean the same for any human kid: video games. Bee might be a giant fighting robot, but he was still a child on the inside. It was almost sad to think about what he must have gone through in his shorter lifetime then that of his older counterparts. Fera walked into the room and up to his feet, placing her hands on her hips when he seemed not to notice her. "Bee?" she called. He didn't take his eyes off the pad in his hands.

He jerked and cried out, poking the screen furiously as the noises of the game he played overtook Fera's voice. Slightly amused, Fera jumped up and grabbed the lowest point of Bumblebee's foot, which was his toe. She grunted with the effort as her arms strained to drag her atop. She rolled over and laid on her back, looking up at the rear of the game pad. Bee didn't move to look at her. Groaning, she got to her feet and balanced on one of the random parts of his legs. He made a disappointed noise and gave a quick shake of the pad. A few of the clicks and low noises coming from him suddenly reminded Fera of the language that Ratchet, Optimus, and Rethalia had used before her mother's 'talk' with Optimus.

Fera took a few of his plates in her hand and she found a foothold for her to start on. She began climbing and she had to abruptly grab tightly to him as he moved every so often. When she reached his knee, she finally was able to stand again, but she was almost knocked over as her arms windmilled from Bee's jerking movement. Finally, she'd had enough, and she stalked up to his arm, using her tree-climbing talents to skillfully swing herself up and around his arm. "Bumblebee." she called again. He didn't take notice. Her amusement faded and it left only irritation.

"Bee." she said again. Nothing.

Taking a deep breath, Fera built up her voice and let it go.

"Bumblefrickenbee!" she yelled, cupping her hands around her mouth.

Bumblebee jumped like he'd been shocked and Fera lost her balance, gasping as she fell. She hit his knee and then flew off, her eyes wide as her stomach dropped. Bee leapt forward and caught her, carefully cupping her in his hands before she could hit the ground. Releasing her breath, Fera grabbed her necklace and got on her elbow. "Jeez, that was close." she sighed in relief. As Bee lifted her higher, she got to her feet and avoided looking down. "I think you're seriously deaf." she crossed her arms and Bee whirred sadly.

"Sorry...fair...ah." he apologized, flipping through the channels of his radio. How was he getting signals down here? Shaking the thought, Fera uncrossed her arms and softened her expression. "It's ok. I was just wondering if you knew where Hound would be?" she asked hopefully. Bumblebee shook his head and stood, leaving the gaming pad behind him.

"Well can you help me find him? It'll be a lot faster if we go together." she suggested. Bee nodded and brought her to sit on his shoulder. They came to the door and Bee opened the lock, walking out into the hall and down the right out of the wing. They came by a few rooms before Bee turned towards a large bulge in the middle of on of the sub-halls leading to another door. Bee opened it and peaked inside. It was a relatively plain room, with a few metal tables by the walls and scattered tools. There were beakers and some containers of weirdly colored liquids by one of the tables and some notes beside them. A cloak was over a large, lumpy mass by the back corner as well as a few smaller creations surrounding it.

No one was in the room, but as soon as Bee turned, Wheeljack came walking towards them. "Hey Bumblebee." he looked down and saw Fera beside his head. "Hello Fera. What are you both doing here?" he wondered, looking back up at the mech. Bee clicked and whirred, raising his hands. "Looking...for...Hound." he said, cutting off the broadcast. Wheeljack nodded and pointed behind him. "I just saw him with Sarah. They were talking about going for a drive." he informed them. Fera got on her knees and laid a hand on Bee's head. "Where were they headed?" she asked. Wheeljack looked down at her and lowered his hand. "Towards the south exit. It's the only other way in or out than the main one." he said. Fera nodded and sat back down. "Thanks. Let's go." she patted the panel Bumblebee's shoulder and he started to move around Wheeljack.

They left the mech behind and started for the south wing. Once through the door, Bee quickly moved towards the back part of the wing. When they took a different route than that of the medical hall, they almost immediately saw the bulky Autobot and Fera's mother. He was squatted down low, speaking to her with his hands hanging between his knees. Bee approached the two slower than he'd been walking before, jostling Fera far less.

"Hey mom." Fera greeted. Sarah and Hound looked up, seeing the two before them as they came closer. Hound stood and clapped a hand with Bee. "Hey lil' buddy, how's it goin'?" he asked happily. Bee lifted a hand and allowed Fera to climb on it, gently lowering her to the ground.

Fera walked up to her mom and grinned, giving a short wave. "Hey." she said. Fera's mother grinned and looked over her to see the mechs. "Fair...ah...wanted to...see you." Bee said, looking down at the teen by his foot. Hound looked down as well, coming down to squat again. "Is there somethin' you wanted to talk 'bout Missy?" he asked. Fera had come to be known as "Missy" to Hound ever since her arrival. And no matter how many times she tried to correct him, he always returned to calling her Missy. Pushing aside the sting, Fera turned completely to him and reported, "I talked with General Hendricks and he wanted to see you in the entrance lobby." the mech sighed and stood.

"Alright. I guess we'll hav' to drive some other time then." he decided, speaking to Sarah.

Sarah nodded and shrugged, grinning. "I guess. Good luck." she watched as her temporary Guardian moved and walked away, leaving Bumblebee and the women alone. "So," Fera's mother began, catching their attentions. "what should we do?" she looked from her daughter to Bumblebee, who then looked to Fera. Fera gave a broad smile and she turned towards Bumblebee. "How about going for a drive? I'm sure I've healed enough." she opted. Sarah grinned and Bumblebee shifted in excitement. "Are you sure Terra won't mind?" Fera's mom asked, suddenly concerned. Fera froze and then groaned dramatically. "Yes. I'm sure she will."

Sarah crossed her arms and looked to Bee. "Well then I guess it's just you and me." she said, turning. Fera watched after her with her mouth agape. Bee stood and began after the woman, his posture pleased nonetheless with getting some exercise. "Wait, what am I going to do?" she called after them. Sarah stopped and turned, walking backwards as she continued to follow Bumblebee.

"How about you visit Sol? You haven't even seen him for almost a month." she suggested, turning around again. Fera watched after them, her shoulders sagging. She bit her bottom lip as her heart dropped and the back of her neck tingled. Slowly her arm came up and rubbed her forearm.

Going to Sol's room was what she had been avoiding for this past month. It would bring too many confusing pains and griefs back like what she had faced those first few days. He wouldn't be there to tease her or say something that was irritatingly true or just be his big clumsy self. The feeling that it had been her fault he was in his state hadn't weakened. And even though Ratchet had told her that he was stable, she still felt guilty. He was in a coma for who-knows-how-long and no one knew how to wake him up. She lifted the hand from her forearm to her necklace, grabbing on to it tightly. Yes, she was needed here. But why? If being important meant the deaths of those who wanted to protect her, she would rather go back to the nobody she was before.

But she turned around anyway. Maybe today would be different. The clock on the wall said 2:45. Would this be it? Would he wake up? Her hands locked and she wrung them nervously. What would he say if he found out she hadn't visited him once? If it were her, she would be disappointed and sad with the news. She would have expected at least one trip.

Then that decided it. She dropped her hands and took a breath. He would visit me, so I'll do the same, she thought simply. Although, words were easier said than done.

Mustering what she had, she forced her legs forward and she started for the southern wing. He might be annoying sometimes. He might tease her and anger her to no end. But he would sacrifice himself for her. And if that weren't enough to be called a friend, she didn't know what was. Soldiers moved out of her way and paid her no attention as they went about their business. Her uniform didn't catch their eye and so she guessed she looked like just another soldier; a much younger looking soldier, but a soldier nonetheless. Doctor Shelby even passed her, but she didn't even look up when she went by. Fera strode through the halls and leaned around the corner, finally slowing to the door.

First he would have to wake up. Apologies were for later.

Well this just got boring...let me see what I can do :D