Chapter Text
“Well, this is it,” the computer Eclipse drawled. “Meet Solar Flare.”
“Hello,” said the pale yellow and orange bot standing before Kill Code.
“Hello, Solar Flare,” Kacey said cautiously. “State your purpose, if you please.”
“I am Solar Flare, my purpose is to protect Kill Code and follow his orders over all others.”
Vermilion, held in Kacey’s arms as he mostly was of late, clung closer to his father.
Nodding, Kacey spoke, “I am Kill Code, and my first order is to call me Kacey when in my presence. I do not mind if you refer to me otherwise outside, but please respect my choice.”
“Affirmative, name change accepted. I will serve you faithfully, Kacey.”
Eclipse said spitefully, “changing your name doesn’t change what you are.”
“I understand that, I’m the one who changes what it means to be me,” Kacey chuckled, “Solar Flare, feel free to ask any questions you may have at any point.”
“He wasn’t programmed with sentience, just so you know,” the snarky computer pointed out, “though with our luck, he probably will gain some. And just like you asked, his priorities are you first, and only listening to me or Blood Moon if that doesn’t interfere with protecting you or your own orders.”
“Then you have done well, my son. Thank you. Come with us, Solar Flare.” Kacey walked out of the room and the new bot followed him silently.
As soon as they were out of earshot of the lab, Kacey said, “I have another order. You are to keep Eclipse from ever going through with any threats against Vermilion here. Or Blood Moon, now that I think about it, but they can handle themselves very well. I know you put myself first, but Blood Moon and Vermilion are to be put second on your priority list of protection.”
Solar Flare nodded, “Understood. Priority set for protection: secondary Vermilion, tertiary Blood Moon.”
“Good. Eclipse is also my son,” Kacey said softly, looking conflicted, “but he has not learned how to see beyond his own desires yet. I cannot help but be cautious for my other children, especially since he has already threatened to end them more than once.”
Solar Flare blinked at him and stated, “I will do everything in my power to protect you and your other children from Eclipse.”
Vermilion asked softly, “Does that mean I can have Solar Flare protect me if you’re busy and Eclipse gets angry?”
Solar Flare nodded, “Yes, Vermilion. You are second priority to protect, thus, if Kacey is not in need of me, you will be my next stop on seeking a purpose.”
“your purpose is to live, solar flare,” Kacey said gently, “I know you cannot understand that at this point, but remember I told you this, and when you do understand it, I will be happy.”
Solar Flare’s eyes flickered a moment, “Understood. Committed to long term memory.”
-
Since Kacey was meditating in his room, Solar Flare walked to the upper parts of the facility and heard Eclipse, “Now come here, you little waste of code!”
“No!”
That was Vermilion’s voice. Solar Flare went at full speed to the lab and plucked Vermilion out of the robotic arms that were attached to the ceiling.
“What?! Give him back, Solar Flare,” Eclipse sounded angry. Solar Flare did not care.
“Vermilion is not to be harmed, as per Kill Code’s request. Eclipse request denied.”
“I was going to study him, not hurt him,” Eclipse growled and Vermilion clung to Solar Flare.
“It does not matter. Vermilion’s vital signs read as panicked and in danger, therefore you are no longer allowed access to him at this time.” Solar Flare turned around and walked away before Eclipse could even formulate an answer.
When they were in the lower levels of the bunker, Solar Flare asked, “Are you unhurt, Vermilion?”
“Y-yes, but he…Flare, I don’t want to go back in there.” Vermilion relaxed as Solar Flare sat him down on his bed.
“You do not have to, Vermilion. Your father will ensure he has no way to force you there and I will ensure he cannot ever have the ability to leave that room.” With what little will of his own he’d gathered, Solar Flare gently copied the gesture of patting Vermilion on the head. “Your father has tasked me with helping you when he is busy, therefore I will do so quite willingly. You are a kind soul, Vermilion, and I prefer you most of the children. Eclipse is rude and ungrateful, as well as violent. Your twin brothers are also violent and careless at times. You are quiet and kind, and very loving to those who have earned your trust. This is what Kill Code has told me he wants for all of you. Kindness and an understanding of the value of others.”
The small red bot nodded, still shaken after his encounter. “Thank you, Flare. C-could you stay with me until Father is finished with what he’s doing?”
“Of course. I shall be here if you need me.” Flare happily sat on the floor beside Vermilion’s bed and focused on his own thoughts and feelings about the situation here in the bunker. So, being occupied, he did not expect when Vermilion began to pat the flat part of his head spikes.
“What?” he asked, and Vermilion stopped.
“you pat my head like Father does, so…I thought I’d do the same to you. Because it makes me feel happy when I do a good job. And you did a good job saving me,” Vermilion said quietly.
“oh. Thank you. You may continue if you wish.”
Giving a small laugh, Vermilion did so, and Solar Flare found himself enjoying it.