The Exitus.
Launch day.
The bridge was alive with its crew shuffling about to prepare for its first flight. Many more waited in the spacious hall that lead to it, taking on excess tasks to ensure everything went smoothly. The ship’s architecture was futuristic, far beyond what the old Cybertronian imagination was capable of—that being because it was designed by a team with a large number of young, forward-thinking Lunarians. It had a majesty that made it hard to believe the its purpose was primarily to haul cargo.
Nightbeat and Siren were loitering far back, fully dedicated to the passive observation of everyone else’s business. They had already met a good portion of their crewmates in advance and seen nearly every corner of the ship when it was nearly empty for its preliminary fire safety inspection—those were two of the many things Siren wondered about: how being merely a reserve firefighter would differ from his previous experience, and if Hosehead would be okay without his constant presence.
The meeting of ship and crew caused, as Nightbeat had predicted, something of an alchemical reaction—namely that spirits were high, and unlike the Lost Light’s launch, it wasn’t merely because they were glad to be able to run from their problems.
Even though it wasn’t all that engaging, Siren was thankful for the opportunity to get a sense of where he’d be living for the foreseeable future—this time. Doing the same on the Lost Light before being banished indefinitely to a desk had done nothing but show him what he was missing out on. This time, it was preparation for something he would actually be participating in.
First officer Hound walked briskly past them. He had done that about 20 times already, but something about this instance piqued Nightbeat’s interest. “Hey, what’s the matter?”
Hound paused suddenly and turned to face him. He looked as if he’d seen a ghost. “Nightbeat! I didn’t even see you there.”
“I get that a lot lately.”
“I bet. You're as bad as the Lunarians I can’t find. If I didn’t know better I’d think they never really existed in the first place.”
“Don’t talk like that, they can’t help it. How would you like if I went up to someone and went on about how ridiculous it is that our second-in-command can’t do math? ‘I bet he doesn’t even know how many of them are missing’.”
“…Now that you say that, thank you for not doing that. And I do know, thank you very much—it’s four.” He discreetly checked his datapad to confirm. “So it’s not their fault, but seriously, how are we supposed to take off when we can’t find them? They’re half our bridge crew!”
“That sounds like—”
“A job!” Siren sprung to life, suddenly a part of the conversation. “For us!”
Hound looked back and forth between them, and a look of relief washed over his face—this was promising. “I know this ship’s big, but think you can get it done in half an hour?”
“Give or take. It won’t be long.” Nightbeat accepted the request with a nod, and Hound went back to take care of other business.
Siren tried to hide that he was beyond disappointed. “It won’t?”
“I’m a good detective, Siren, I don’t dawdle.”
“Maiden voyage, maiden mission, I dunno, I thought it’d be… a challenge.”
“They might be wallflowers, but one of them’s my half brother. I can practically feel where he is… whether I like it or not.”
“But I—”
“What?”
“I’d just be standing there, doing nothing!”
“That’s what we’ve been doing all day.”
“This is totally different! How am I gonna learn anything if you just do everything exactly how you used to? We’re a team!” Siren slammed his palm against his fist.
Nightbeat looked… half-convinced. Siren clasped his hands together, pleading eyes sparkling.
Nightbeat kept a straight face for as long as he could, but it ultimately fell apart. “...Okay, let’s do it the hard way. But if we run out of time, I’m in charge, okay?”
Siren’s demeanor shifted instantly. “Yes! Now you’re talkin’! I hope you can keep up!”
His sprint was in a random direction. Seconds later, he felt himself being seized by the shoulder.
“Whoa there, Si,” Nightbeat said as he circled to face him. “Love the energy, but do you have the slightest idea where you’re going?”
Siren began to admit he didn’t, but quickly changed his mind. “Well, the lounge’s this way, isn’t it? I swear I saw them there…maybe…possibly.”
“Now I think you’re on the right track. And, second thing, since we are in a hurry…” Nightbeat stretched thoroughly before transforming. He waited for Siren to follow suit.
A drive side-by-side! Siren had been waiting for this! He was almost more prepared than Nightbeat, already transformed and idling by the time Nightbeat had completed his change.
“Okay, partner.” Nightbeat rolled slowly forward. “Lead the way.”
“On it! Let’s go!” Siren charged ahead, tail lights blazing. ✦