Phoenix

Grounded

It wasn't long before the new unit was called to action. Andromeda prepared her soldiers while the Runners collaborated with the resident medics.

"I expect they will be a great help," head medic Blueline commented. "Especially now that so many of us must stay behind."

Andromeda nodded. Indeed, the Runners would be a great help. More than half of the resident field medics were stuck in sickbay, helping the nurses tend to the surplus of patients.

"It's time, Captain." Informed Surefire, coming over from where the Escort was getting into formation.

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Andromeda replied. Before she turned to leave, Blueline stopped her.

"Andromeda,"

She looked back to him. There was only ever one time that the medic addressed her without a title.

"... How have you been feeling? With your condition, I mean."

"I'm fine." She insisted. "My 'condition' won't be a problem."

Blueline frowned. "You know I would rather have you stay behind."

She shook her head. "It's not going to happen, doctor. Besides, I have Surefire to keep an eye on me."

"You scare him, you know." The medic told her. "The Lieutenant can't say no to you. If you would just listen―!"

"I said it's not going to happen." She said firmly. "Now, if you don't mind, I have an Escort to lead."

xxx

Andomeda flew high above the rest of the Escort, watching. Her team formed a protective ring around the medics. The Runners traveled just inside their shield, providing another layer of defense for the few remaining resident medics.

It felt good to fly again. For the past several days, Andromeda had forced herself to stay at the base while the rest of the Escort made the daily trips without her. Part of it was because of her duty to monitor the newcomers before discharging them. Another part was Blueline. He made it a priority to be concerned about her condition―especially now that the danger on the field had increased.

So I'm a little slower. She thought bitterly. A little weaker than I could be. What does it matter? I'm still faster and stronger than the rest of them, even with my 'condition'.

An explosion on the surface broke her thoughts. A grenade had landed not far from the ring. Andromeda scanned in the direction it had came, finding Decepticon soldiers not far away.

She dove.

Weaving in and out of laser fire, the Captain shot down two of the enemy troopers. The remaining one fled.

"Stay in formation," Andromeda commed to her unit. "We're getting close to the Front."

["Will do, Captain."] Answered Surefire. Andromeda returned to her place above the group.

It was time to see what these Runners could really do.

xxx.

The ground in the wake of the Front was stained blue with the energon of the fallen. Below, the rest of the Escort transformed to biped and moved into their new formation while the medics got to work. Andromeda remained in her alt form, circling the smoke-tinted sky above. She picked off the snipers, one by one. Despite Blueline's concerns, her performance was nothing less than exceptional.

... Until a stun charge found her as its target.

Instantly, her engines died.

Thankfully, it wasn't the first time she had been stunned. Taking action, Andromeda transformed to biped and righted herself, bracing for impact. She was higher up than expected, though, and the landing wasn't smooth.

"Captain!"

Surefire ran to her aid, helping her up.

"Just a stun charge," She told him. "I'll be okay."

Surefire nodded, but still looked concerned. Andromeda knew what he was thinking.

"Lieutenant..."

"I'm sorry, captain. I'm going to have one of the medics make sure."

She groaned, but didn't protest. Something in her right leg had definitely been crushed.

Of course, it was Ratchet who responded first.

The medic ran over, Surefire following close behind him. Andromeda bit back another groan.

"What happened?" He asked, kneeling beside her. Andromeda gave Surefire a withering look.

"I was just stunned." She replied. "I'll be okay."

"But the same can't be said for her legs." Surefire added. Ratchet nodded.

"Well, I can't do much here," He admitted, "But take this. It should ease the pain long enough to get you back to the bay."

Andromeda said nothing as he injected the painkiller into her arm. Part of her was bitter again. She knew she wouldn't be able to fight with a crushed leg. And only just after reaching the front! However, another part of her was sad. That part of her knew that Blueline and Surefire's concerns were for the best. Her condition made her weaker every day.

"Captain, I insist you go back now." Surefire told her, trying to be stern. "Let Blueline take a look at you. Like it or not, you're not in any position to fight."

Andromeda looked at him for a long time. She wanted to stay, to lead her Escort. Prove him wrong. But at the same time, she knew that she had to go back. She would be risking more than her own life by staying.

"Very well." She murmured, putting a hand to her chestplate. Her spark was pounding again.

Surefire looked surprised by her compliance. He sighed, cautiously relieved.

"Ratchet, would you mind taking her?" He asked the medic. "I'll lead the Escort back once we've cleared the field."

"Of course." Ratchet replied. Surefire glanced at his Captain one more time before turning back to join the rest of the Escort.

Ratchet said nothing more as he helped the Captain up, standing awkwardly to support her as she tried her less injured leg.

"Let's go, then." She sighed.