I looked to my left.
Nothing but midnight blue, speckled with shimmering stars and whirling planets. Icey rings danced around them, bathing their moons in a bluish glow.
I looked to my right.
Clank was fast asleep, metal hands tucked behind his round head. His eyes were shut, his jaw slack. I chuckled softly, marveling at how such a tiny robot had once carried the weight of all of time on his minute shoulders.
Chewing at my lip, I flipped the auto pilot on, letting us drift for a little. We had no where to be anytime soon and adventure could wait for a little.
"Ratchet?"
I glanced down at Clank, flashing him a toothy grin.
"Hey there, sleeping beauty." I teased, reaching over to dig my knuckles into his metallic cranium. "How ya feelin'?"
Clank gave me an honest shrug, interlocking his blocky fingers on his lap.
"I will miss my family back at the Great Clock." He sighed softly, neon green eyes trained on his feet.
Suddenly, he sat up, a very well missed grin plastered on his silvery face.
"But I did not leave to mope. I am here for adventure with my friend."
"Just friend?" I cocked an eyebrow, smirking. "We save the entire universe MULTIPLE times and you can only call me your 'friend'?"
"Best friend. Closest friend." Clank smiled apologetically, tapping my elbow with his small fist.
I laughed, short and light. We had been through so much. Near death experiences on every occaision. Lies, deceit, chaos, anarchy, pain, grief, and loss. But we still found each other. Even after being separated for months at a time, we always found our way back. It was like an invisible string was tied to my hand and his. Every time we drifted too far apart, the string would grow taunt and we'd be yanked back together. It was funny how things worked out like that.
I gave a loud sniffle, holding back a few tears. Azimuth's limp body had left a standing impression on my mind. It made me think of my father, how he had given his life to protect myself and my people. My hand instinctively groped at my chest, clutching the locket under my suit. It was bulky, but the rusty metal felt familiar against my chest.
". . . I said what is the plan? Ratchet? Are you listening?"
I shook my head, abruptly grabbing the wheel. When I remembered we were flying auto pilot, I pulled my hands away, awkwardly folding them in my lap.
"Sorry, Clank. What were you saying?"
He gave me an exasperated sigh and a frustrated scowl.
"I asked where might we be going. I do not think it wise to drift around space with no plan like this."
The tiny robot inspected my face, bright eyes narrowing slightly.
"Are you alright, Ratchet?"
I feigned indifference, scoffing with a roll of my emerald eyes.
"Are you kiddin' me?" I waved my hand, dismissimg the thought. "Of course I'm fine, why wouldn't I be?"
Silence.
". . . He really did seem to care. General Azimuth, I mean."
My eye twitched and I felt tears well up. All his talk of "you look just like your father" and "oh you're Kaden's son!" made my stomach churn. It also seemed to hurt deeper, tightening my throat and plucking at my heartstrings. I swallowed hard, pushing the tears back.
Then I looked back to Clank.
He had stood by my side all this time. By now, it felt like we had grown up togther. Any moment without him felt empty and awkward, like I was missing a crucial piece of myself. He was far more than just a friend or a "sidekick". He was my brother. My companion. My backbone and support.
Puffing out my chest, I flicked the auto pilot off and opened up the thrusters, feeling the familiar purr of the primary stabilizers under my seat.
"Where are we off to, Ratchet?" Clank beamed, digging his fingers into the arm rests.
"Wherever the stars take us, Clank."

"Where ever the stars lead."