Phoenix

Fate

Surefire was bursting with energy. He had to move fast. No time to talk. Blueline had given him a flicker of hope, and he snatched onto it. He knew it wasn't the wisest idea to be so reliant on such a small chance, but he was desperate. Desperate mechs know no logic.

"Open the long distance pod." Blueline instructed, bringing the cot as he followed the Lieutenant. Surefire did as he said, typing in the launch code to the pad on the door.

"The extra support systems should keep her stable." Blueline explained as Surefire helped him place the Captain's limp body in the stasis chamber.

"I'll take care of her." The Lieutenant assured him, sealing the chamber.

"I will take over things here until you return." The doctor told him. Surefire nodded.

"Thank you, Blueline."

xxx

The pod left the bay with a jerk. The engines outside roared at full power, sending the pod streaking towards Cybertron's larger moon.

Surefire watched the monitors on the stasis pod. The trip would only take about an hour or so. The pod was in perfect condition, one of the fastest models on the market.

Surefire could only hope it would be fast enough.

xxx

It was an unfortunate accident. Some would think a cruel twist of fate―that a passing shuttle would knock them off course.

Surefire slammed against the wall behind him. Outside the pod, the ignorant shuttle passed by, pilot unaware of the crisis he had just worsened.

"No, no, no, no, no!" Surefire repeated it over and over, but it didn't make the pod comply. The manual rudder must have been damaged, leaving only the autopilot. The autopilot, which apparently hadn't noticed the change in direction. The pod righted itself and continued its hurtle through space...

Missing the moon by miles.

xxx

After activating the pod's distress beacon and trying in vain to change the course, Surefire finally realized there was nothing more he could do. He looked at the stasis chamber, coolant tears welling in his optics.

"I've failed..." He murmured.

Then he noticed the second chamber.

"... But perhaps not for the last time."

The pod was already programmed to land on whatever moon―or planet―was at the end of its path. Surefire hoped it wouldn't come to that, though. Perhaps someone back on Cybertron would notice the beacon and come to their aid before they found themselves stranded on an alien planet.

Either way, there was no telling how long he would have to wait.

"Here's to hoping, Captain," The Lieutenant sighed.

Hope.

It was all he had left now.