Chapter 1: The Arrival at the space station
"This is Cirrus of the LSS Freedom, I'd like permission to dock."
"This is Space Station Eron, permission granted."
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As the ship docked, silence overtook the ship. LONAC was going to be losing two of its crewmembers. Given the enrollment of LONAC, such a loss would be a great one.
"Are you sure there isn't anything I could do to change your minds?" Waitstate asked one more time out of desperation.
"Sorry Waitstate, I need to find out if LONAC is my true calling" Diamond Fire said in a reassuring tone.
"And I need to do the same Wait. I won't be doing LONAC any favors by fighting with half of my spirit" Drill Master added.
"The Neutron is now ready for boarding in docking bay 58" said a voice over the station's main comm system.
"Cirrus and Format have prepared files for you so you don't have to worry about the background checks. Oh, and by the way Drill Master, you new name shall be Drill Nuts" Waitstate said with a slight smirk.
Drill Master gave Waitstate a serious look. "Come on Wait, please tell me you're joking."
Waitstate chuckled. "Cork Screw. Now you better get going, you still have to sign in at the shuttle."
"Thanks Waitstate, maybe someday we'll meet again." Drill Master motioned to Diamond Fire and they left.
"Good luck." Waitstate's voice trailed off.
Distressed at their leaving, Waitstate tried to keep his mind busy. "Okay, let's put everything away and spend some of those extra credits."
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The LONAC bots went their own ways. Waitstate and Admiral stopped by the nearest bar to relax.
"So fellas, what'll it be?" the bartender asked.
"Just give us both a 'Squeaky Wheel'" Waitstate told the bartender.
The bartender shook his head. "Sorry pal, I've been to a lot of places but I ain't ever heard of no 'Squeaky Wheel.' Where youz guys from anyhow?"
"Drifting around space mostly. Being neutrals we don't see as much action as the Autobots or Decepticons. We do have our moments though" Admiral told the bartender, and little weary from their travels.
"Say, you ain't dem LONAC guys are you? Some guy was in here askin a few questions not so long ago" the bartender informed them.
Waitstate got a bit concerned. "Like what?"
The bartender seemed a bit befuddled. "Just wondering if you guys had ever stopped by. I guess he wanted to join or sumthin. Anyhow I don't think he's even on the station anymore. So, what's your names?"
"I'm Waitstate, and this Admiral Lilwall." Waitstate told him.
The bartender ducked behind the bar for a moment brought out a couple of random drinks.
"Great, I'm Starax. So how do you make dem 'Squeaky Wheels?'"
Waitstate smiled. "Two parts standard energon derivative, one part mech fluid, and a twist of lime."
"Coming right up" Starax said cheerfully.
"Wow, almost as good as my stuff" Waitstate remarked.
"You don't say? Well, I could certainly use another bar tender here. How’s about spending some time taking care of the bar until your ship is ready?"
Admiral Lilwall did not seem too thrilled about working at a bar, especially giving his past troubles with drinking. "Oh, a bartending job, this must be my lucky day."
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Off in the shadows, a figure stood unbeknownst to the LONAC crew.
"Ah, the fabled LONAC crew. I've heard such stories about you. Now it's time for this Con to have a little fun."