It's the end of the boat as we know it ...

[elegante_masks]

[The End is always weakest while consuming, while gorging itself on a world full of life or even a tiny morsel. But now, as it focuses on the single creature that it had ever truly struggled with, the only self-aware entity who had the absolute temerity to survive, it clings to Redd stubbornly, refusing to give up this prize

Comments

[heavyweaponsbot]

[If Autobots could pant, Ironhide would be. As it stands now, air is rushing in and out of his vents, trying to cool the massive frame. It's not really effective. His systems are too keyed up, running too hard and hot from the fight, from the emotions flooding through his spark. He straightens up, scanning the assembled passengers.

They made it. They... made it.

He should feel relieved. But when he looks out over those people and that nothingness, his spark drops. This... can't possibly be good. As much as he wants to run and find his loved ones - his charges, he can't. As much as he wants to sag onto the deck and recharge, he won't. There's a more pressing matter to see to first. After all... not everything is back to normal.]

Where is the bridge? We should get moving again.

[It might help something, at least. Maybe find an escape route, something.]

[initforthebento]

[Ironhide's question jolts Doumeki out of the stupor he was sunk into, and after half a moment of gathering himself, he pushes himself to his feet]

We should. We might be able to find the bridge now.

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He grunts, and glances toward the strange human. He's never met him before, but oh well. Something... occurs to him.]

Find the bridge. And hurry.

[He then nods, and looks back toward the rest of he ship. He sets himself, and, in his best battlefield voice, calls out.]

Anyone still on their feet! Try to find the bridge. Get this vessel moving!

[initforthebento]

[Doumeki nearly winces at the volume, but refrains, waiting until he's done, and observing what some of the other passengers are doing before deciding where to go]

[brittlenerves]

[Out of everything, this, Xanth can do. He's still a cabin boy. This is still a ship.]

Y--Yes s-sir!

[heavyweaponsbot]

Good. We leave as soon as we have assembled a team.

[He clasps Xanth on the shoulder -- carefully!]

... And look. You did not die alone after all, hmn?

[brittlenerves]

[Xanth still winces - everything hurts - but Ironhide manages to get a smile from him.]

I... I-I guess... not.

[Smile, yes. Eloquent reply, no.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

[He doesn't care about eloquence. This is Ironhide, after all.]

Be proud of yourself. While we have a moment to regroup.

[brittlenerves]

[It takes a moment for that to sink in. Ironhide is telling him that he should be proud. Ironhide finds reason for pride in Xanth's actions.

Ironhide is... proud?

With that thought, Xanth beams.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

[Ironhide is very proud. And that beaming expression just makes him shake his head. This kid has come a long... long way.

At that thought, he takes a moment to ignore the pressing danger, and lifts Xanth up, onto one massive black shoulder.]

[brittlenerves]

[Xanth is surprised to be lifted, but that surprise is overwhelmed by a flood of emotion. He swallows hard, smiling brighter than he has in a long time.

Despite the pain, despite the nothingness that surrounds them and despite not knowing what the hell to do next, Xanth is hopeful.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

[Seeing that expression, out of the corner of his good optic, Ironhide snorts. Not a derisive sound. Almost... amused.

Whatever they have to face next, they'll beat it. They have to. For people and for moments like this.]

[iffadogcandoit]

[Hey, Toaster is still on his feet.]

I'll do it!

[heavyweaponsbot]

[Ironhide just... sort of... stares.]

What happened to you?

[iffadogcandoit]

I was just helping out. It's really no big deal.

[Really.]

[heavyweaponsbot]

You have... a bullet in your face.