Phoenix

Goodbye

It was a month later that Andromeda stood over her daughter's grave. Once again, it was her faithful Lieutenant Surefire, and the medic Ratchet, that stood at her side.

"I was going to name her Solace." She said quietly.

Neither of the mechs knew how to respond. There was silence for a moment, and Surefire finally spoke up.

"If you don't mind me asking, Captain," He paused, "... what are you going to do now?"

Andromeda looked up, staring out over the vast Nevada desert.

"To be honest, I'm not really sure." She answered. "The only thing I know for sure is that I'm done with this war."

She hesitated, knowing that a part of her remained loyal to the Autobots.

"However, should you need my help, I will always be at the service of the Autobots."

There was silence again. The mechs waited, knowing that wasn't all. There was something else.

Andromeda closed her optics, quiet for a moment longer.

"I can still feel him." She murmured. "Deep in my spark, I know we are still connected. He's distant now, though."

She was talking about Megatron. Ratchet knew. Surefire knew. Their Bond had never been broken, even now that he thought she was dead.

Andromeda opened her optics again.

"Somehow, I could never bring myself to hate him. Even during our last battle."

"You have a faithful spark, Andromeda." Ratchet told her. "I've only ever seen the same in Optimus himself."

Andromeda smiled a little, flattered by the comparison.

"Perhaps." She said. "But I am no Prime. And I am glad I am not."

Again, silence. Andromeda was thinking.

"My youth is slipping away." She whispered, ever quieter. She looked to the sky, as if searching for something she knew was out there.

"The mighty warlord yet lives, but I know his years have gained as well." She looked at Ratchet. "I know you feel it, too. Our generation is fading."

The medic dipped his head. "Unfairly so, I'm afraid. Megatron has kept his vigor."

The captain nodded, understanding.

"Yes. And I hope―with sadness―that he will be weakened soon. Though he is still my Sparkmate, he has done so much evil... I cannot allow my spark to get in the way of judgement."

Surefire was startled to see a single tear roll down her faceplate.

"... Don't ask me how I've found the strength to do it," She wavered, "But I forgive him."

Ratchet was surprised now, as well.

"Why?"

Andromeda blinked, lowering her gaze.

"Like I said... he is still my sparkmate." She replied. "And while I must allow him to be brought to justice, I have hope yet that he will return to me. The chances are slim, but slim chances have brought me here. I know that I should not be able to stand here with you today."

Surefire began to understand what she meant. If he had not taken the chance to try and save her, she would not be alive. If Ratchet had deemed her too far gone to revive, she would already be buried. Just like her precious sparkling.

"I will not let my spark be broken again by hoping too much." Andromeda confessed. "... But I will hope anyway. I will forgive him, in the case that he may yet repent. However small the chances are."

Ratchet nodded slowly. What he said earlier was proving truer and truer. She had the spark of a Prime, the love of a mother, and the faithfulness of a wife.

While she still had her flaws, Ratchet knew that she was the closest to perfection he would ever see in his lifetime.

Andromeda the True.

She looked North, now. A flicker of longing in her gaze.

"Captain?" Surefire inquired. She sighed.

"You asked me what I am going to do now." She told him. "... And I have made my decision. I know it is sudden, but I will tell you now. Come with me if you wish, or I shall go alone. My spark tells me that is where I will go."

She pointed, and the mechs looked. It was the same view as any of the other directions, but for some reason, she knew there was something different beyond.

"You know I will always follow you, Captain." Surefire answered without hesitation. This was a decision he didn't need to think on.

"Very well, then." She murmured. "Let us say our goodbyes."