Autobot-7712

He did understand. That was the worst part.

He reached out and took her hand—the one that still worked. His plating was cold. Hers was colder. autobot-7712

“What do you want?” he asked.

“Command will call you a deserter,” he said. “They’ll erase your designation.” He did understand

He went alone. That was his choice. Sunder and Runnel watched him go from the trench lip, their optics unreadable. autobot-7712

“She’s not a deserter,” 7712 said quietly.

The next cycle, he went back to the supply trench. He checked the pressure seals. He walked the perimeter. He did not laugh. He did not speak unless ordered.