Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Standing in the middle of a yard of an old abandoned reactor plant, Knock Out wondered how he had gotten himself into this situation. It was supposed to be a simple mission. Trace an unidentified energon signal that had popped up last cycle. Easy enough. 

Of course, things had NOT gone ‘easy enough’. When had things ever gone ‘easy enough’?

Pit, he wasn't even supposed to be the one on this mission, but he insisted to Breakdown that the ex-Wrecker needed the rest.

"Come now Breakdown, it's just tracking an energon signal, any con can do it. Besides, Megatron has been working you hard enough lately, and when was the last time you had a small break?"

Breakdown shifted a bit, trying to pull Knock Out closer to him on the medical berth they had found themselves embracing on. The two of them had started the cycle by reorganizing the medbay, but that hadn't lasted too long. Within a breem, the speedster and truck quickly found themselves laying on one of the medical berths instead, simply enjoying each other's company. As things were starting to heat up between the pair, they were abruptly interrupted when Breakdown was commed about an energon signal that popped up, and assigned by Megatron to go scout it.

"I don't know Doc, won't Megatron be upset if our best medic goes out for something like this?" The last thing Breakdown wanted was for Megatron to punish Knock Out for going in his place. Knock Out just rolled his optics as he gently traced patterns across Breakdown's chassis. "With how he's been acting lately, I doubt our mighty lord will even notice I'm missing, if he even cares at all" Knock Out commented. "So come on, sweetspark, just let me do this for you. You know how much I trust you to handle the medbay without me, can't you trust me to go on one little mission?’ The medic faux begged while wiggling his optic ridges a little for effect. 

Breakdown gave a small chuckle, before pulling Knock Out into a kiss. "Fine fine, you win bella. I'll hold down the fort here. Just….be careful okay?" he asked, a hint of worry slipping out into his tone. Knock Out just laughed a bit before kissing Breakdown again. "Please, what could possibly happen?" The medic expressed casually.

Unfortunately, running into the Autobots was something that hadn't even crossed Knock Out’s processor. To be fair, he probably should have figured one of them would show up. It wasn't a surprise the do-gooders would also be hunting down a new energon source. However, Knock Out was caught a little off guard when he ran into Bulkhead alone. No annoying beeping yellow eyesore, no feisty uncouth motorbike, no Prime. That wasnt a huge reassurance though. Even without backup, he wasn't too keen on facing an ex-Wrecker alone. Bulkhead was Breakdown's rival, not his.

"Soooo, any chance you want to just surrender to me now?" Knock Out asked, spinning the energon prod in his servo a bit before pointing it at Bulkhead. The ex-Wrecker just scoffed. "As if. Though it's kinda weird seeing you here instead of Breakdown. Where is the old slagger?"

"Even Con's need a break” Knock Out snarked. “Maybe you Autobots should learn to do the same." The medic felt a little triumphant when he received a hard glare from Bulkhead as a reward. 

Really though, Knock Out did not want to have to fight the hulking mech. He honestly would rather not have to fight in general. He mentally shuddered thinking of all the times his poor paint coat had been the most severe casualty of a battle.

But that didn't fix the problem at hand. 

Looking around the barren area and seeing no backup, Knock Out figured one clean hit to the chassis with his energon prod should finish the fight quickly. Now all he needed was an opening. Casually musing to himself about how his Conjunx would react upon hearing he was able to fell the ex-wrecker himself. 

“Since it would appear were the only two guests at this party, how about you and I finish this quickly” he goaded, giving the other mech his trademark smirk.

“Afterall, Breakdown is wai-Hey, watch the paint!" Knock Out yelled, dodging as a wrecking ball-shaped fist came flying at him. Not missing a beat, Bulkhead turned back on him, rushing forward at high speed, wrecking ball waving in the air, ready for another strike.

"At least wait till I'm finished speaking before attacking.TOTALLY. RUDE." Knock Out huffed, slowly regaining his bearings.

 The larger mech was much quicker on his pede's than the medic had expected. Although, he probably should have known that, after witnessing all of the battles between Breakdown and Bulkhead in the past.

Knock Outs train of thought was immediately interrupted as a huge fist nearly came down on his helm, the sports car barely dodging to the side in time to not have his helm resemble a broken energon cube. Deciding that putting some distance between himself and the ex-wrecker was the best strategy,, Knock Out stumbled further away. Doing his best to keep out of Bulkheads immediate reach. 

The dust that exploded in a cloud when the bot hit the ground where Knock Out used to be had begun to clear. The medic could see the Autobot slowly rising back to his pedes.

"As if a Con can complain about fighting a little dirty" Bulkhead sneered, suddenly running at him and ready to take another strike. It seemed once again luck was on his side. Knock Out dodged the attack a little easier this time, now that he was starting to remember how wreckers fought. Fighting dirty huh? he thought, Well two can play that game.

 "Hmm well I do suppose that is true” He paused for a second, a small smirk shaping on his faceplate. Adjusting his view so it appeared he was talking over Bulkhead’s shoulder, Knock Out smugly raised his voice. “Wouldn't you agree, Breakdown?"

Bulkhead's optics widened as he quickly turned around, ready to strike at the imaginary foe. 

There's my opening, Knockout thought. 

He ran at Bulkhead and jabbed him square in the back with the energon prod.

The big mech’s entire frame jolted as strong shocks of electricity wracked his form. A moment later, Bulkhead was falling to the ground and landed square on his back with a huge THUD

“Ughhhh” the ex-wrecker groaned, lying on the ground in defeat.

"Hmm well, I guess you had a point. Can't make any complaints if fighting dirty works" Knock Out snarked with a small laugh. He began to approach Bulkhead’s prone form, his free servo transforming into a buzz saw. 

“Hnnngh” Bulkhead just groaned as he looked up at Knock Out, unable to move.

"Breakdown sure will be tickled once I tell him who I bested today. He may even be happy that he won't have to worry about you anymore." Knock Out mused to himself. 

But before the medic’s buzz saw could even make a mark, something suddenly hit him in his chassis and sent an electric shock through his entire frame.

W-what?! He panicked, I- I didn't see any other bots in the area, and I also didn't witness Bulkhead calling for backup, so what…who…..

That was the last thought in Knock Outs' processor before he let out a loud scream of pain and everything went dark.

With both Cybertronians passed out in the dirt of the abandoned complex, neither noticed the human-based helicopters that landed near them a few moments later. MECH soldiers rushed out, weapons at the ready in case either transformer was still conscious. Silas stepped out next, looking over the scene with a grim but satisfied expression. It was quite the stroke of luck they had when the MECH copters had picked up a reading in what he previously thought to be a deserted area. And finding not only one, but two bots! Silas felt like this was going to be a good night. 

"Sir, we only have the resources to transport one" one the soldiers spoke up. Without having to give it much thought, Silas looked over at Knock Out and smiled cruelly before answering.

"Take the victor".

___________________________________

It had taken awhile, but Breakdown had finally finished reorganizing the medbay. Looking around at all the neatly organized and newly cleaned tools, he felt a small burst of pride. And Knock thinks my servos are too big for small tasks, the ex-wrecker chuckled to himself, Heh, I can't wait to see his face once he sees his new polished medbay.

Following that train of thought, Breakdown had hoped his medic would have been back by now. Did he run into the Autobots? Is he in trouble? Breakdown shook his helm a bit, trying to get rid of those worrying thoughts. 

While he knew that the sports car would rather run than fight a majority of the time, he also knew Knock Out was a capable fighter when he had to be. The blue bot was sure that his partner could handle himself in the face of danger. 

Still, he couldn't help but worry about the currently missing medic. Most of the other Decepticons didn't know, but Knock Out wasn't just his work partner. The sleek sports car was also his conjunx endura, and Breakdown knew he would do anything for him. Sometimes the ex-wrecker still couldn't believe how lucky he was to have the charmingly vain doctor in his life. Even now, vorns later, the red con was still the most attractive mech he’d ever laid optics on. Breakdown even still recalled how flushed and nervous and EXCITED he’d felt when Knock Out first approached him about going out on a mission together.

With that more pleasant train of thought now on his processor, Breakdown felt a little calmer.

"Aaaah what am I worrying about? I'm sure he's fine. He'll be back soon”, the large mech said outloud to himself. Not only did he expect his partner to return soon, ready to regale him about how the mission was a success, but he (along with all the other Decepticons he was sure) was expecting the medic to come back bearing news of a new location to mine energon.

Looking around the immaculate med bay, Breakdown figured there was no point sticking around and just doing nothing. Especially if that ‘doing nothing’ resulted in time for his processor to spin itself around in worry. He thought about returning to his quarters and waiting there instead. Maybe prepare something nice for Knock Out when the medic returns.

Making up his mind, Breakdown left the med bay. 

He started in the direction the pair’s shared quarters....well, it was technically Knock Out's quarters. The sports car had quite the spacious habsuite, being the residential medic of the Decepticons and all. It wasn't the largest on the warship, but the hab was still quite spacious, and did come with its own wet bar, and a berth big enough for two full sized mechs. 

Even still, Breakdown knew his picky partner would argue that his room should also have its own private washrack, a privilege only reserved for Megatron at the moment. It was one topic Knock Out and Starscream could agree on (and Breakdown even suspected the two were planning a campaign to annoy the warlord into allowing them to install the private rooms).

The path to Knock Out and Breakdowns hab passed by the door leading to the bridge. Trying to make it past the room without drawing attention to himself, the ex-wrecker caught the grating vocal sound of the Nemisis’s SIC going on one of his usual tirades. 

Deciding to chance a small glance in to see what was going on, he saw Starscream frustratingly reporting something to their commander.

 Probably just giving Megatron a report, Breakdown guessed. None of my business. He wasn't one to usually listen in on others' conversations anyway. That was Soundwave's job.

"Lord Megatron, I fear Knock Out has gone missing." 

Hearing that made Breakdown stop in his tracks, his lifted pede stopped mid-step. Breakdown’s optics widened a little and his intake fell open. 

Missing? What had happened? 

The warrior softly moved closer to the door to listen in, worry starting to rebuild itself in his processor. All thoughts of minding his own business left the mech. This conversation was about his conjunx. It was ALL of his business. 

"The Autobots?" Megatron gruffly asked, not bothering to turn away from the monitors.

"No. According to surveillance by the astonishingly accurate Soundwave, Knock Out was abducted… by humans." The jet’s tone turned grating with the last words.

What? Taken by humans? Breakdown thought in shock. No. No way that Knock Out would let some fleshlings capture him so easily. They.. they must have caught him off guard. O-or something.

"Your point?" Megatron questioned, sounding more annoyed at Starscream’s continued talking than at the prospect of one of their own being captured . Breakdown’s intake shaped into a frown. He didn't like the lack of concern coming from his leader.

Starscream, ignoring Megatron's tone, just cleared his vocalizer before speaking again. "My strongest recommendation is that we form a rescue team and hunt down the ones responsible for this outrage".

After a beat of silence, still not looking away from the monitors he was glaring at, Megatron growled

"Knock Out is on his own"

Still standing just outside of the Command Centre, Breakdown felt his spark stop. He must have misheard Lord Megatron, because no… no. There's no way he just heard what he did come from his leaders mouth . Based on the audible gasp Breakdown then caught coming from the past the doorway, it also seemed like Starscream couldn't believe what he heard as well.

"Uh Master? Perhaps I misheard you but did you just say-” Before Starscream could finish Megatron finally turned around to face his SIC.

"No, my dear Starscream, you did not. And allow me to remove any further doubt.” The towering mech took a step closer to the seeker, Starscream instinctively flinching a pedestep back. “Knock Out is on his own. If Knock Out allowed himself to be captured by those smaller than him, weaker than him, then he deserves whatever fate awaits him". 

Breakdown kept listening, surprised and a little grateful to hear the jet try once again to convince their leader that the Nemesis's only medic was worth the effort of a rescue mission. 

"B-But Knock Out is a key player in our forces. He’s rebuilt our troops countless times, and he's the only medic on this Primus-dammed ship!" Starscream argued. Unmoved, Megatron just glared down at the seeker, taking another step towards him and causing Starscream to back away in fear.

 "If I remember correctly Breakdown has been assisting Knock Out with his duties for some time now?” He looked expectantly down at the disbelieving seeker for confirmation, who paused before giving a quick nod and averting his optics. A satisfied grin on his face, Megatron continued. “Then he will be an....adequate replacement for now. Should an event occur where a more delicate procedure is needed, Soundwave is more than capable to assist in that."

Breakdown had heard enough. Gritting his denta and curling his servos into fist, the blue mech started seeing red. Just outside of the Command Centers range of audio, Breakdown did his best to keep the growing growls he was emitting quiet. 

That's it?? Not even a scout sent out to see if it really was humans? If a rescue was, in fact, possible? How could he just abandon Knock Out like that? Saying that he deserves whatever happened just because some humans ambushed and managed to capture him. How could he just see Knock Out as replaceable?! How could anybody on this ship see Knock Out as replaceable?!

As anger started to heat up his fuel lines, Breakdown didn't wait to hear if Starscream had anything else to say before storming off. Habsuite forgotten, the warrior made his way back to the med bay and locked the doors behind him. It was good that med bay was the one room in the Nemesis that was relatively soundproof. The moment the door locked behind him, Breakdown..had a breakdown. He let out a loud angry yell, bringing his hammer arm down on one of the tables over and over again. Huge dents began forming in the metal and medical tools started falling to the floor in a loud clatter.

After what felt like cycles, Breakdown vented heavily and he put his hammer away as the warrior collapsed down onto the nearby not-destroyed berth. Facing the ceiling, Breakdown put his face into his servos and continued to vent heavily, trying to slow his heaving chassis. He knew simply being angry and smashing up the med bay wouldn't help. Creating a plan would. After a few kilks, the blue mech had calmed down enough to focus on what to do next.

If Megatron wasn't going to rescue Knock Out, then he would. He would get him back, rescue his conjunx, from the humans who dared to take him. Breakdown was already starting to get fired back up just thinking about it. 

Until he realized he had no idea what came after the rescue. 

Bringing him back here is not an option anymore, the warrior began to worry. Worry that was soon replaced by a rising anger.

 Now that I know how Lord Megatron feels about Knock Outs 'usefulness’...well, they can see how unimportant he is when they no longer have someone to patch them up after the Autobots kick their afts.

Wait…the Autobots….maybe…? Nahhh.

Well… he could figure out that part later. For now, rescuing Knock Out was his main priority. 

First things first though, he had to figure out how to get off this ship, something easier thought than done. Breakdown knew that even though their communications officer had the ability, Soundwave definitely wouldn't just open a groundbridge for him. Especially if he figured out where the warrior was going. The spymaster was probably the most loyal of the Decepticons. 

There’s no way he would disobey an order from Megatron, the ex-Wrecker sighed. Soundwave’s out.

Breakdown let out a long vent, deciding his last hope was his least favorite option. But for Knock Out, he’d do it. The SIC of the Decepticons was always scheming anyways, always up to something behind Megatron's back. 

He figured at least the seeker would have no issues with ignoring any orders given, especially if they were their leaders' orders. Breakdown knew that of all the mechs on board, Starscream would be the easiest to convince into opening a not-so-public groundbridge.

Caught up in that train of thought, the large mech almost walked right past the seeker, who was apparently roaming the hallways muttering about something.Turning on he heel, Breakdown didnt have to move very fast to catch up to the smaller mech. "Commander Starscream" he called out as he made his way over to the SIC. 

Stopping and turning with an annoyed look on his face plates, the seeker scoffed. "Breakdown? Is there something you need?" Starscream groused, servos planting firmly on his hips and his frame leaning slightly in apparent irritation at his self-monologue being interrupted. 

Breakdown reminded himself to keep calm before speaking. "Knock Out's been gone for a while. Ive tried his coms, but I can't get a hold of him. If its alright sir, I'd like to request a groundbridge to his mission location to see if he needs assistance. Sir" he quickly added at the end.

Starscream was silent for a moment before answering, staring at the larger mech with a mix of shock and confusion.

 "Ah yes, that's right. The good doctor is out tracking that energon signature still, isn't he? The seeker remarked snidely, as if he didn't already know.

 “However, if I recall right, you were the one originally assigned to do it. Isn't that right Breakdown?" Starscream snarked, a smirk playing off his face plates.

The warrior’s optics widened a bit. Growing more frustrated, he clenched one servo tightly. The mech felt his anger rising again and did his best to keep his expression neutral, lest he lose the last chance for a ground bridge he (maybe) still had. 

Starscream figured out what had happened, and it was pretty obvious he was also dropping some blame on Breakdown's part for the situation. As if it was only the larger mech's fault for Knock Out's capture, and no one else. Fragger.

Breakdown closed his optics slowly and silently vented and exvented to control his rising temper. He knew the seeker liked riling his comrades up, especially when it was over their dumb mistakes. 

As if you haven't made a billion mistakes yourself, fragger, he stewed angrily.

After a klik of silence, Breakdown opened his optics and looked back down at Starscream. “Knock Out insisted I needed rest. Doctor's orders. But seeing how long Doc's been gone though well… he might need backup. It was....supposed to be me out there anyways, so I should go." He mumbled near the end, his shoulder giving a little shrug.

Starscream didn't say anything at first, giving the grounder an inquisitive expression and tapping one of his clawed digits against his arm. The seeker was probably thinking how he could use this for his own gain. 

After what felt like too long, Starscream finally answered coolly "Well I suppose I could send you to see if Knock Out is in need of assistance. After all, if something has happened I'm sure you'll be able to handle it" he mocked, casually turning on his heel as he motioned for Breakdown to follow.

Slag, Breakdown really wanted to punch that stupid smarmy grin off Starscream's face. It was the least he deserve. Still he got what he wanted, so he'll take it. The blue mech definitely wouldn't miss having to deal with Starscream. The reminder of their walk was spent in silence.

Arriving at the bridge, Starscream began to order the vehicon stationed at the console to activate the groundbridge. Luckily for both mechs, the drone didn't ask any questions and simply followed the order. The jet and truck were suddenly illuminated in bright green and blue light as the large swirling vortex opened in front of them.

As Breakdown moved towards the groundbridge, Starscream called out to him. "I hope when the right time comes you'll remember this favor I've done for you Breakdown. And for Knock Out."

Had he not listened in on the conversation between Megatron and Starscream earlier, he would have been confused towards the meaning of Starscream's words. 

But now. Now he knew exactly what the seeker was implying. Of course he only was doing this so Breakdown would be indebted to him.

 I don't know why I had hoped it was for a different reason, the ex-wrecker internally sighed. 

Breakdown didn't say anything. He just nodded and made his way through the groundbridge, determination in each step.

"Hold on a bit longer Knock Out. I'll be there soon."

Chapter Text

As the groundbridge closed behind him, Breakdown looked out into the empty courtyard of the abandoned base. Searching for any sign of where Knock Out could have been taken. Taking a few steps forward, Breakdown heard a small crackkk come from under his pede. Looking down, the ex-wrecker saw Knock Out's (now broken) energon prod lying on the ground; it looked like the speedster had been in a fight before being taken.  

Breakdown picked up a piece of the weapon, turning it over in his servos contemplatively, when he noticed tire tracks in the dirt below. 

Wherever they lead, at least its a clue, Breakdown decided

Storing Knock Out's weapon pieces in his subspace (to hopefully be repaired later), it was time for the next step and, well, he wasn't exactly looking forward to it. Breakdown knew that whatever had happened to the doctor, this was most certainly a rescue mission now. Clenching his fists in anger, he mentally cursed whoever did this to the Pit. 

However, that last thought made him pause for a klik. Who DID do this? He figured it surely wasn't the Autobots, as they would have no doubt contacted the warship by now. If not for a trade then at least to let the Decepticons know their only medic had been captured.

Upon realising this, and despite how much he wanted to charge in headfirst and rescue his conjunx, the large mech knew it would be foolish to do so on his own. 

That said, Breakdown didn't actually know who to call for said help. Any Decepticon was out of the question; since hearing his (former?) leader's opinion on Knock Out’s ‘worth’ he knew none would come to his aid against Megatron’s orders.

That left only one option. Breakdown mentally sighed, as he knew asking the Autobots for help would involve a lot of crow eating. But at this point, cut off from his faction and with no other Cybertronians on the planet that he knew of, it seemed like his only choice. The blue mech really didn't want to do this.

But for Knock Out, he would. 

With an annoyed but defeated groan, he pulled up a comm link to send a message. He just hoped they would actually answer and agree to help. 

___________________________________

Bulkhead groaned a bit as Ratchet continued to patch him up, the small touches sometimes stinging his open wounds.. 

The ex-wrecker didn't recall too much on what had happened once Knock Out had speared him. After what felt like forever, he recalled onlining again to find that Knock Out was just...gone. Bulkhead found It odd that the Con hadn't finished him off, considering he nearly had him dead to rights. Knock Out also didn't seem like the type who would just leave his enemy online, but perhaps it was best not to strain his processor by thinking on it too much. He did make it out alive, after all. 

"Engaging the enemy on your own was foolish, Bulkhead," Optimus said as he entered the main area of the Autobot base, with Arcee and Bumblebee following behind him. 

"The pack of cons we thought would be all over the signal? Well it was only Knock Out when I got there. I knew I could take him, and-HURGH." Bulkhead let out another pained groan as he moved slightly to face Optimus. "Stay still," Ratchet scolded as he continued working on patching the former Wrecker up. 

"Heh, if it was just Doc Knock there, I'd hate to see what his paint job looks like after fighting you, Bulk!" Miko said with a large grin, only for Bulkhead to frown slightly and look away awkwardly.

"Yeah. uh.... about that." 

Miko frowned a bit at hearing his answer. "You mean you didn't wreck him?" 

Bulkhead just shook his helm a bit, still looking away. "No, not exactly. He kinda..got a sneak attack over on me and.. the last thing I recall was everything going dark” Bulkhead finished kinda lamely. Miko’s frown deepened a little.

“It was weird though” the green bot continued. “When I came back to, Knock Out was gone. I dont know what happened to him, but I think I remember hearing a copter getting closer before passing out." He finally looked back up, searching his teammates' faces for what they thought of the situation.

Before anyone had a chance to speak, one of the monitors in the room began beeping with an incoming message request. 

"Who’s it now, more Cons asking where their doctor is?" Arcee snarked, as Ratchet finished patching up Bulkhead and moved over to the console to take a look.

"The frequency appears to be concealed. But there is an embedded message" Ratchet grumbled, letting out a huff and muttering under his breath about how he'd need to make time to upgrade the firewalls if random messages could get through this easily.

 +What does it say?+ Bumblebee beeped curiously, tilting his helm slightly. After a moment of hesitation, Ratchet opened the message.

 [Need help. Come to these coordinates quickly. Bring Prime. Hurry.] 

+It sounds kinda urgent. Who do you think it could be from?+ the scout questioned.  

Arcee just crossed her arms and frowned slightly. "Sounds like a trap if you ask me," she said. “How many times have we been contacted by Cons trying to get one over on us before?” She stated harshly. 

Ratchet just nodded in agreement. "It also appears that the coordinates in the message are for the same location where we picked up Bulkhead." 

"Think Doc Knock got in trouble after running off and is desperate for help?" Miko asked with a grin. 

"If that was the case, why message us and ask for Optimus?" Arcee questioned. “Why not his own faction?”

“I'm not sure….Optimus, what are your thoughts?" Ratchet asked, looking over to him. 

Staring at the screen and the coordinates that had been brought up on the map display, Optimus contemplated the message for a moment before answering. "We will proceed with caution. If the content of this message is real, then we must answer the call and assist. Ratchet, open a groundbridge." 

Ratchet was hesitant to do so, after all, it most did seem highly likely to be a trap. "Are you sure about this Optimus?" Ratchet checked, his tone filled with concern. 

Optimus nodded. "Do not worry, old friend. Arcee, Bumblebee both of you will come as well. Should we need reinforcements, we will contact the base." The aforementioned bots strode up to stand besides their leader at the entrance to the groundbridge. 

Bulkhead simply sat on the medical berth and watched. He had no historical malice against the Decepticon medic, but after just getting his aft handed to him by said medic, he wasn't too keen on joining the rescue party if said message was from the red con. He also knew Optimus, Bee, and Arcee could hold their own. 

At the controls, Ratchet nodded and typed in the coordinates. "Just be careful," he said as he activated the groundbridge. Optimus nodded back and headed towards the groundbridge

“AutoBots, transform and roll out!”