((And now for the "official" version to commence...))

[prankster_femme]

((This takes place as roughly the same time as this arc*Wingblade fumbles as she inputs the access code Steadfast gave her. She's shaking and the air is hitching in her cycling systems, though she's physically undamaged. Once the door slides open she throws herself in and onto the berth, then opens a comm to Steadfast, her voice breaking

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[lavender_wings]

Steadfast is shivering and trembling, aware of Wingblade's pain as if it was her own. She makes desperate, incoherent noises, holding on to Wingblade for dear life.

The small part of her that's still coherent realises that she can't handle this on her own. Struggling to keep herself under control enough to do so, Steadfast comms two particular Autobots - //Strata, Photon! Come here quick, your sister needs you.// The tone of the message should be more than enough to get the point across, but Steadfast has the afterthought it would be a good idea to tell them where "here" is. //We're in my quarters at Terradessa-1. Please come!// She still has the presence of mind to transmit the elevator codes for them as well, before curling up, desperately clinging to Wingblade.

[strataseeker]

The reply is prompt and brief, a thin note of urgency in their dualed reply to hint that they understand exactly what Steadfast is calling them to.

// Acknowledged. Out, // they transmit simultaneously, their voices blending into a single harmonious tone.

[lavender_wings]

Steadfast wraps her mind around the knowledge that they're on the way, drawing strength from it as she wraps herself around Wingblade, her touches a wordless message - 'It will be all right. Endure.'

[prankster_femme]

*Wingblade continues to shake as she clings to Steadfast, though that in itself is a good sign--she's not giving up on her life just yet even though she feels like her whole world is gone. But still, her pain is powerful enough to almost touch and goes straight to her spark.*

[lavender_wings]

Steadfast is glad - if that word can at all apply in this situation - that Wingblade at least still has the strength to cling to her. If she's seeking comfort, seeking something - someone - to hold on to, it must mean that she wants to hold on, that she doesn't want to die.

However, the lavender Seeker has no illusions as to how much it takes Wingblade to do even that act of holding on. The young Seeker's pain is as obvious as can be. Narrowing her optics, setting her face, Steadfast tries to will herself to make her own shivers stop. However much it takes, this is not the time for her own grief. She knows she has to be strong for Wingblade. She has to.

[strataseeker]

Anyone monitoring the general comm frequency for Terradessa-1 will be privy to a pair of Autobots, courteously informing the base that they have arrived, simultaneously transmitting the clearance codes to summon the entry tower. A moment later, the massive elevator tower bursts from the sea's surface, the door dropping open in time for twin flickers, one red, one black, to flit inside

[lavender_wings]

Steadfast puts up no resistance to being held by the Autobot Seekers, but she isn't ready to let go and curl into their arms. Her posture is stiff, and she doesn't loosen her own hold on Wingblade.

The twins' words are met with a shuddering intake of air. Let go? How can she...? She can't. Must be strong for Wingblade...

[prankster_femme]

*Wingblade's only apparent reaction to the arrival of her sisters is to shift slightly so that they can get closer. She continues to sob and cling to Steadfast, her entire frame shaking.*

[strataseeker]

While Wingblade is consumed by and lost in her grief, there is little they can do but hold the younger Seeker and wait for her to decide to live again.

[lavender_wings]

The sight of Wingblade as she is now - shaking, shaken - cuts Steadfast to the core. She clings to the young Seeker, her expression one of grief and near-despairing, raging helplessness. She holds back the urge to wail, but some shuddering, incoherent noises escape her, and anguish is evident in her entire posture as she cycles air far too rapidly.

[prankster_femme]

*Choked noises come from Wingblade in response, and she clings fiercely to her mama. But the shaking is starting to die down slowly, even if the pain is still too fresh to let go of.*

[strataseeker]

Much as they did once for Elita, another proud warrioress struggling under too great a burden for far too long, Strata and Photon mere maintain their silent vigil. Though Steadfast isn't willing or able just yet to relax and accept much more than their sheer presence, Wingblade seems to be calming down.

"You must go on," they murmur gently.

[lavender_wings]

Steadfast, by this point, is too worked up to be aware of much, but she still manages to focus on Wingblade. She shakily rubs what parts of Wingblade are under her hands, managing to get out the words, "Yes, listen to..." before making more choked noises.

The noises become coughs and, shudderingly, she spits up some regurgitated fuel. Shaking and panting, she looks up at Strata, moving one hand to almost reach out to her, before replacing it to where it rested on Wingblade's armour. Much as she knows it's good to have the twins there, she isn't supposed to reach for help now. She is supposed to help Wingblade; and her inability to do so adequately makes Steadfast feel painfully ashamed, that shame evident in her flickering optics.

[strataseeker]

Strata reaches forward and wraps her hand around Steadfast's.

// So long you have been dreading and waiting for this day... So long you have been strong for Wingblade. You never truly grieved for them, did you. Are you afraid that we will think less of you for having a heart? For listening to the sorrow in your broken spark? Too many mechs have hardened their sparks, have built their pride into armor to shut out the world. Don't teach Wingblade that. It takes a truly strong mech to admit that they cannot stand alone. Stop denying yourself, Steadfast. Being a Decepticon warrior, being a Seeker worthy of their legend does not mean you must be a creature of stone heart and steel spark. There is no shame in mourning the loss of great warriors. In needing comfort against the grief of losing one's mate. We offer freely and without expectation. This is what family does. //

[lavender_wings]

Steadfast nearly withdraws her hand again at first, but then decides otherwise, gripping Strata's hand tightly instead. The rest of her is still shivering, and she averts her face from Strata, the feeling of shame still too great to look her in the optics

[strataseeker]

// She hurts anyway. She will hurt more when she realizes that you are tearing yourself to pieces to spare her, because she is bright; she will figure it out. Pain shared is pain halved. //

Strata tightens her grip on Steadfast's hand, a gentle squeeze to remind the elder Seeker that she isn't alone, never alone.

// Armor becomes brittle if left in the cold too long. Brittle armor is a weakness that will find the worst moment to fail. Honor them. Mourn them as you haven't allowed yourself, and let your family return the gift of your strength, Steadfast. //