Optimus stepped into Ian's office without knocking.
"Hey, the Eleventh Great is throwing a party. His place up in the hills of Valora Downs."
Ian looked up from his desk.
"Just the Greats?"
Optimus shook his head.
"Nah. Families too. More like a get-together slash team-bonding thing. Honestly? I think we could use it."
Ian leaned back, considering it for half a second.
"Alright. I'll call my wife, tell her to bring the kids and meet us there."
Optimus grinned.
"Perfect. Oh, and I'm dragging Blade along too."
Optimus found Blade halfway down the corridor.
"Hey. Shower up. We're going to a friends-and-family party."
Blade blinked.
"I just got back from a mission."
"I know," Optimus said casually.
"But all the Greats are going, families are already on the way, and I paused your Great-level business for today."
Blade stared at him.
"…You did what?"
Optimus clapped him on the shoulder.
"You'll survive. We'll be waiting in the car."
Blade sighed.
"…Alright."
Down in the recovery wing, Deadshot Valor and Renn Varos sat submerged in the cold pool.
Deadshot checked his phone.
"Hey, Eleventh Great's throwing a party later. You wanna go?"
Renn raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't that Greats only?"
Deadshot smirked.
"That's what they call it. Generals, admirals, STF officers, everyone shows up. It'll be fun."
Renn nodded.
"Alright. Let's get ready."
They climbed out, turned in their gear for inspection, and headed to the parking lot. Their transport lifted smoothly into the sky, carrying them toward the hills.
They arrived late.
Music spilled down the driveway, mixed with laughter and overlapping conversations. Lights glowed warmly from inside the house.
As they stepped in, they passed groups of soldiers and veterans catching up like old friends. Moving through the house, they reached the backyard, where the party truly lived.
Renn paused.
"…That's a lot of people."
Deadshot grinned.
"Told you."
They weaved through the crowd, spotting familiar faces everywhere. At the center stood Voltairion, the Eleventh Great, his blue skin faintly glowing with Kia energy as he spoke animatedly with guests.
Renn stepped forward.
"Hey, remember me?"
Voltairion turned, smiling.
"Of course. You helped save Draykor that night."
Deadshot leaned in.
"What about me?"
Voltairion laughed.
"Looks like someone still has jokes."
They talked for a while, the tension of recent months melting away.
Nearby, Dreadwake, the Fifteenth Great, was mid-conversation with Buzzblade, the Seventeenth, when a small body collided into them.
"Whoa, watch where you're going, little guy," Dreadwake said.
The kid straightened instantly.
"Who are you calling little? I'll have you know I'm a top-notch athlete."
Optimus walked up just in time.
"Sorry about that, my son has a talent for finding trouble."
Dreadwake chuckled.
"No worries. He was just telling us how impressive he is."
The boy crossed his arms proudly.
"See? I can handle myself."
The party carried on into the night, stories, laughter, rare moments of peace.
Eventually, Ian, Blade, and Optimus prepared to leave.
They stopped to say goodbye to Voltairion.
Ian smiled.
"The three of us are taking a few vacation days. Hope you all can hold things together."
Voltairion waved it off.
"We'll be fine. Go enjoy it."