For a runt, Brightbill had done quite well for himself. He’d gone from a directionless gosling, unable to swim, let alone fly due to his unusual upbringing by his ‘mother’, Roz – who he loved so much, despite his harsh words to her in the past which he wholly regretted now – to a fully-capable goose able to lead a flock of his own. After the sacrifice Longneck had made to save him, he wanted to make sure that, as leader, he lived up to everything he’d learned from him.

Sure, it hurt to be judged based on how he’d first spoken and acted to those who looked like him… though when your teacher in social etiquette is a robot, it doesn’t exactly lead to the best results. But Roz did her best with what she had, as did the wily fox who had become something of a father figure to him, Fink, and for that, he owed them so much. The robot in question was back at Universal Dynamics, currently working to find a way to get the company off her back to prevent another catastrophe, but he’d make sure to visit her when he got the chance.

Meanwhile, Brightbill and his flock were about to prepare for the annual migration, and Fink had come to see him off. He paddled along the lakeside with a warm smile, greeting the other geese who would be coming along – some old faces, some new, but he’d make sure they’d all get there safe and sound.

He noticed one particular new face amongst them, one who looked entirely out of their element. They were kinda… small too, like he was.

Could they be…?

Determined, he set off towards them with a welcoming smile.

“Hey there! First time, huh? Don’t worry, it’s gonna be great, I promise. My name’s Brightbill, by the way – head of the flock!” His smile softened a little as he eyed them over. “Hey, um, can I ask – a-and you don’t have to answer if you don't want to, but are you a… well, are you feeling a bit… underprepared?”

They meekly nodded. Brightbill let out an understanding sigh.

“I get that. Really, I do. Just between you and me, though, from one runt to another… you got this, alright?”