Hello everybody! Before I start anything I'd just like to say… Oh my God it is cold! The entire time I was writing this chapter I have been cradled under all the blankets I have in my house. Wisconsin feels like an actual tundra outside as the Midwest is being swept under the brute force of a record breaking polar vortex. It's 30 below with a 20 below wind chill and the Great Lakes are nearly Great Glaciers once again… All in all… BRRR! IT'S FREAKIN' COLD!

But enough small talk about the weather. I'm sure you all (all who and/or whom are still interested) are wandering what is yet to come for our plucky little drone Caspian. Yes, the story has finally drawn back to his plot and character development. Nothing kinky yet, but I think I did a decent job of building onto Caspian's personality… And yes, I know what a lot of you are asking right now… Or at least in theory. Cass and Megatron will be hooking up again… Just not in this chapter. Sorry.

Before I get to my shout outs, I'd like to clear something up real quick. I mentioned in the last chapter that I made a change in chapter nine about the Decepticon law. It seems that there has been some confusion on what was actually changed. For anyone that didn't go back to check for themselves (not judging. I probably would have done the same thing), you should know that I only took out the part were Knockout explains how bearers can still interface with each other, not the law itself. The reason I did this was because I felt like I was being a little to careful with my writing. I wasn't putting in much of a worry factor into the story and I felt that this was an element I was missing. I'll give it a little more time and see if this idea still sits well.

Oh! One more thing. If anyone doesn't know what happened in Starscream's berth chamber and would like to know, be sure to read MERCY: One Shots to find out… Let me know what you think. ;)

Special shout outs too: Cao dreams in books and maria-ioanna984. To Cao, your review was just what I needed these past couple of weeks. I hope anyone reading this now knows that you are a real sweetheart and I really appreciate your kindness. Thank you. To maria-ioanna984, I am very glad to hear from you again! Your reviews are as energetic as always and I love reading them. I especially enjoyed the review you left in MERCY: One Shots. It made me laugh so hard, for a moment, my mother thought I was crazy. XD And sure, I'd be glad to read your story when I get the chance. I can't promise I will get to right away, but I will do my best. Thanks again!

Remember! Don't be shy and feel free to leave a review and ask questions. I love to hear from my readers!

DISCLAIMER: I don't own any stocks, trades, or licensing from the Transformers franchise. All rights are reserved for HASBRO entertainment.

MERCY

Chapter 12

The Search

"Commander Soundwave?" Cass walked into the communications bridge with his servo held out behind him, leading the medic inside with a kind smile. "Officer Knockout has informed me that something has happened during the reconnaissance mission. Do you require an assist?"

Soundwave turned his visor in surprise. He expected to see Knockout, but he didn't expect to see Cass just yet. Although he was glad to see the young model standing tall. Or as tall as he could reach.

"Vehicon CA-591-AN." He addressed the smaller mech. "Take control of the main console. Soundwave: Address Medical Officer Knockout in consultation."

"Yes sir." The drone bowed his helm respectively and quickly escorted Knockout over to a resting area. When he was sure the red mech was settled he switched places with his commander and took control of sorting the new data. As the two mechs passed each other Soundwave grazed his spindly digits over Cass's forearm and let them linger. Though he never looked directly at the small drone the concern in his EM field was heightened just enough for Cass to detect.

"I'm alright Commander." The Vehicon smiled under his mask and gently touched the back of Soundwave's servo with his own. "I promise, so please tend to Officer Knockout for now."

"Affirmative." The communications officer slipped away, content with the results of their brief conversation. As Cass typed away pushing buttons and flipping switches, Soundwave stood blatantly in front of Knockout whom was also standing. The red mech was still upset, but he was also keeping himself alert. He rested his shoulder against a pillar behind him and crossed his arms defensively, as if preparing himself for the worst. He waited there for a minute just staring at the blank screen that represented Soundwave's face. They both just stood there and continued staring at each other until Knockout was thoroughly irritated with the silence.

"Well," the medic growled, "are you going to tell me what's going on, or are you just going to leave me hanging here worried sick?"

"I'm only waiting for you to calm yourself." Soundwave startled everyone when he slid the bottom half of his mask open to speak. Cass didn't stop his work on the console, but he did slow down a moment so he could listen. This wasn't the first time he heard his commander's voice. In fact, Soundwave had been very open around the drone on occasion, but always when they were alone and behind closed doors. If he was comfortable with being so open in front of Knockout, then the situation must be more serious then Cass first thought. The Vehicon quickly went back to working faster. Doing his best to memorize as much data as he could before it was processed and filed away.

Knockout on the other hand was dumbfounded. This was the second time Soundwave had spoken to the red mech so openly. He thought that maybe it was his attempt to positively gain Knockout's attention and perhaps help him relax. Unfortunately, the hot-headed medic was not in any mood to be patronized.

"I am calm!" He snipped with his lips pouting. He had more to add and he would have said it all if Soundwave hadn't interrupted him in the most peculiar way. He had slid his servo over the side of Knockout's helm and ghosted his digits behind the red mech's audio receptor.

"You are still shaking. Take a deep intake and slow your engines." The silent mech tilted his helm in understanding. He waited until Knockout's optics narrowed softly and with the servo still on his helm, he was again led to a place to rest. He sat this time and took Soundwave's advice with a grain of salt. He knew the communications officer was right. If he remained in a panicked stupor, he would be no help to anyone including Breakdown. Knockout shivered as he allowed Soundwave to comfort him. It was odd how compassionate he was being towards the medic, but he continued to stroke the medic's audio receptor delicately. He was treating him like a sparkling that scuffed his mesh for the first time, and Knockout decided he would except this treatment with a dose of candor.

"Okay." He whispered and closed his optics so he could concentrate on his vents. "Okay. You're not wrong, and I'm sorry for raising my vocals."

"Understandable." Soundwave finally rested his servo on Knockout's shoulder. "Just tell me when you're ready to talk."

"I am ready." Knockout huffed. "I need to know what is happening."

Time flew by slowly as Soundwave explained everything that happened in the previous few hours. He started with Breakdown's first call in and he gradually led his explanation to the former wrecker's fight with Bulkhead. The red mech nodded and followed the briefing attentively. "Was there any visual feed on his whereabouts?" he asked.

"Very little." The third in command answered reluctantly. He knew that it wasn't what Knockout really wanted to hear. "The best I had at the time was audio. Caspian, could you pull up all of the recently documented surveillance within the past twenty-four hours? Filter all earth transmissions that center around Breakdown's movements."

"Yes sir. Uploading now." Cass replied over the clicking and tapping of the console and quickly lit the holo-screen with multiple images. He sorted through all of them until there only five windows left on the monitor. "I have found two video feeds and three audio feeds. Please confirm commander."

"Analysis is accurate." Soundwave pointed at the screen and directed Knockout's attention to the first window. "This is the first visual I was able to establish. It was a CCTV camera barely functioning outside an abandoned deli. It was the first confirmation I had to pinpoint Breakdown's movements."

"When exactly did you lose track of his movements?" Knockout reeled his helm along the length of the monitor, trying to find any obscurity that Soundwave may have missed.

"Cass," The communications officer stepped in the drone's direction, but still stayed next to Knockout, "please upload the last audio recording of Breakdown before all outlets were cut off."

"Yes sir…" The moment the recording resonated through the room Cass froze. He had heard officer Breakdown say this before, but he never heard it spoken in reality.

"As much as I'll miss our little reunions… Hammer-time."

The Vehicon's arms vibrated in shock over the console. It was like he was reliving the nightmare he had the night before, but he shook his helm in denial. It had to be a coincidence. He tried to tell himself that. He actually knew that officer Breakdown said 'hammer-time' a lot. There was just a chance that this was merely a fluke, and he was just over reacting to something he had no control over. So, Cass shook his helm again and recovered himself as best he could.

However, his odd behavior did not go unnoticed by his higher officials. It was actually Knockout whom first addressed it. "What's the matter with you?" He walked over to the shivering drone and placed a servo along the base of his neck cables. He had just got done helping the little glitch from malfunctioning. Last thing he needed was for Cass to fall apart on him after he had put so much work into him. The medic still had his pride after all. "You don't feel warm. Are you feeling achy anywhere?"

"N-no!" Cass stuttered. "I'm alright. Really… I'm just still adjusting to a full tank. Like I said, I haven't had one in a while."

Knockout wasn't really buying it, but if the smaller mech wasn't showing any real signs of a malfunction he wouldn't push the issue. Instead he placed his focus back onto finding Breakdown. Soundwave had followed the red mech and stood behind him. He waited for Knockout to step aside so he could attach a data feeler to the computer. He swiftly downloaded another audio file, but before he played it, he explained how it was obtained.

"This is a recording I acquired through Breakdown's comm links. Everything else had been completely shut down, and because he had turned off his communications, I needed to turn them back on manually." He turned to face Knockout and held up his servo in empathy. "Brace yourself. There are no trace sounds of Breakdown. I believe at this point he is unconscious, and I have perhaps picked up the voices of his possible abductors. I will explain what is being played as it runs. Are you ready?"

"Just quit stalling." The red mech grimaced. "I understand that you are trying to be sensitive… And that coming from you is honestly a little strange, but the longer you drag this out, the longer it will take to find him. So please stop trying to sugar coat it."

Soundwave remained unfazed but nodded in agreement. "Very well." He played the message as promised but decided he would remain quite until it was finished or if any questions were asked. Knockout listened with a knot in his tanks. He could hear the apache helicopters touching down, the foot soldiers surrounding the receiver that was Breakdown's audios, the whine of electric powered weapons, and a voice. The voice that was without a doubt the ring leader of all this, and Knockout instantly loathed the sound of it. Cass on the other hand, had to take a step back upon the familiarity behind it all. It was real. It was all the same as his dream, and it was real.

"Take the victor."

"Caspian!" Soundwave spun around and caught the young drone before he hit the ground. His knees had given out from under him, but he was fully aware of it and he reached out to grab hold of his commander's arms. They immediately clung together as Soundwave carefully led Cass to the ground. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry…" The weak Vehicon whispered. "I don't know… What came over me…"

"You are shaking." The communications officer grazed the side of the smaller mech's battle visor. "Please, if there is anything wrong tell me now."

"No, it's nothing." Cass began to stand on shaky legs. Hearing that voice again frightened him so much he nearly passed out, but he knew this wasn't about him. This was about bring Officer Breakdown back to the ship, and if Cass was going to be any help he needed to pull himself together. "I'm sure I just wasn't paying attention, and I tripped over my own pedes. You know I can be a real klutz from time to time."

Soundwave was reluctant on letting his favorite drone stand up just yet, but Knockout stepped next to him. "Let him up." The medic addressed him sternly but was benign with his approach. When he was sure Cass had his pedes firmly underneath him, the red mech gently pushed Soundwave aside.

"Hold still," Knockout lifted his servos to the clasps on Cass's helm, "I'm going to remove your mask."

"B-but…" The Vehicon pulled back slightly and Soundwave grasped one of the medic's wrists.

"I know this is a little forward," Knockout rolled his optics, "but I need to look into your optics. I need to see how bright they are, or if they're fluttering too much."

The communications officer growled. He was not happy with how fresh the red mech was being towards the sweet Vehicon, but Cass's EM field sent out his own feelings of understanding. He encouraged his commander to step away and allow Knockout to continue. He was also still reserved, but he also remembered how frightened the medic looked before they came to the communications bridge. He felt that Knockout had his reasons to look him in the optics and decided that he would trust the red mech's judgement. He hadn't lied to him so far.

"That's it." The red mech whispered as he slid off the mask. He waited patiently for Cass's sight to adjust to the light. He nearly gasped when he saw the drone's optics for the first time. They fluttered delicately and whirled in bright colors like a painted skylight filled with red, yellow, and green. Knockout stared in awe for just one moment before his glance hardened and held their optic contact. "Do you remember what you told me before we entered the room? You said you have yet to break a promise."

"Yes officer Knockout… I remember." Cass lowered his helm. "I made you a promise as well… And I am letting you down."

"No," the red mech looked into his optics again, and smirked, "your exact words were, 'I will do everything in my power to make sure he comes back to you', and you did great. But you have been in recharge for an entire earth day. Even if your tanks are full, there is a chance your frame is still adjusting from being in remission for so long." He finally let go of Cass's chin and took up his arm instead. "You should rest just a little longer. Just until you can get your struts under you. Take a seat."

"But…"

"Don't argue with me." Knockout waved his index digit in the air. "Just rest for a little while longer. You don't have to recharge, but just sit. You can listen in while Soundwave and I try and locate Breakdown." He tapped his digit above the small drone's fore-helm, and Cass followed with is optics. "Just a little longer, for me please."

"Um…" The red mech couldn't hold back his smile when he saw the Vehicon blush under crossed optics. He was truly an adorable little scraplet. The drone smiled sheepishly under the medic's heavy attention. "O-okay… If you say so Officer Knockout."

Cass was led to the resting area where he was set right next to Laserbeak's banister, and before the drone could protest the symbiote woke up. She immediately registered that Cass was sitting right next to her and she leapt down onto his lap. She was very excited to know he was awake and chirped happily while nuzzling the drone's legs. The young model was very thrilled to see her, but Knockout was startled so much he nearly fell backwards.

"Gah!" He yelped. "You little flying rat! Where did you come from?"

She ignored him and fluttered her wings eagerly and cooed musically under Cass's touch. "I'm glad to see you too Laserbeak." The drone smiled sweetly as he stroked her wings. "I didn't even notice you weren't resting on the commander's chest. Have you been in recharge this entire time—?"

He stopped moving his servo when he noticed the crack stretched over her haul. He graced a digit gently over the slim opening, and quickly pulled back when Laserbeak jostled painfully. "Commander Soundwave? What happened to Laserbeak's frame?"

"I tripped in the hall on my way here." Soundwave looked away remorsefully. "I tried to protect her, but she restrained my arm. She took the full front of the impact."

Knockout looked the third in command over, amazed that he didn't take care of the symbiote right away. "Why didn't you fix her before you started setting up surveillance?"

"Her injuries are not serious." Soundwave sighed. "I had made a promise to you as well, Knockout. That I would keep an optic out for Breakdown, and I didn't have enough time to fix her haul and to survey the reconnaissance mission at the same time."

"You love Laserbeak…" The medic blinked in confusion. "You put her needs aside for Breakdown…? For me?"

"Not quite." The communications officer went back to the main console and pulled up a map of the Russian peninsula. "I did it mostly for Caspian. He likes Breakdown, and I still owe the two of you… I put you through a lot. It was the least I could do."

"Are you out of your processor?" Knockout walked back over to Soundwave, leaving Cass to care for the wounded symbiote. "You already took a risk switching our schedules around." He whispered so the Vehicon couldn't hear him. "Okay, so what you did to get my help was a bit of a… As the humans call it, a dick move, but you kept your word and more. As far as I'm concerned, we were square."

"I didn't feel that way." Soundwave snaked his data feeler back into his frame and studied the map. "I'm not proud of what I had to do… But I didn't know what else to do. Would you have helped Cass if I had simply just asked you to?"

"You did simply ask me…" Knockout narrowed his optics. "But you have a point. I was very… Very unenthusiastic about taking in a drone, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt on blackmailing us…" The red mech glimpsed up at the monitor as Soundwave zoomed in on the town. It was such a small settlement, but it was surrounded by so much vast empty wilderness. Breakdown could literally be anywhere inside or outside the town. With that thought, Knockout bowed his helm. "We're getting off track. Do you have any idea where Breakdown is now? Is he still registering a life signal?"

"Yes, but it is untraceable at the moment." Soundwave started tapping away on the console and brought up Breakdown's signal. It pulsed slowly along the monitor, indicating that the former wrecker was alive, but unconscious. Knockout knew this right away and he shuttered at the thought of his partner alone and out cold. "His last known whereabouts were at the center of the town, while he was fighting the Autobot, but after that his trail goes blank." The third in command continued. "There is a good chance MECH has more advanced technology then anyone really expected."

"Do you have a plan on picking up his trail?" The medic asked and waited a whole two seconds for an answer. "Soundwave? Anything?"

"I'm sorry," Soundwave whispered ruefully, "I'm not sure where to start."

"What about the seismographs?" Cass spoke up. "I noticed that both the town and the base of the mountain are currently surrounded with them. According to the data I briefly filed for you, Commander."

"How do you propose we use them, Caspian?" Soundwave directed his attention to the Vehicon with a serious tone. He overlooked Knockout's expression of astonishment entirely.

"Officer Breakdown is not a light mech under any circumstances… By that I mean conscious or out cold." He stood while cradling Laserbeak over his chassis and flipped a few random switches over the console. The map lit up with multiple lights showing where all of the seismographs were within the town. Three of the lights started to blink and he pointed to each of them. "Notice how the first movement detector activated in the center of the town, right around the same time everything was cut off. This was his last known location, however, eight minutes later another detector went off. Each seismograph is separated from each other two by five miles apart and judging from the pattern of the third activated detector, Breakdown and his alleged captors are heading towards the base of the volcano. South by southwest of the town."

"I…" Knockout was at a loss for words. Everything Cass had just said nearly flew over his helm, and for a generous amount of time he lulled over the drone with wide red optics. "You… How… Smart. How are you so smart?!"

"Caspian has always been a clever one." Soundwave answered for the Vehicon, noticing how uncomfortable he was with the question. Drones were never really known for their intelligence. They were all equally smart enough to maintain the ship, run standard equipment, and fight off Autobots… Given that they were also strong enough. "He is very special. That is why he works with me."

"He…" The medic was still trying to wrap his helm around it all. "I… Ooookay… When this is over, and we bring Breakdown back to the ship, I want you to report back to the med-bay for a full examination. That is an order."

"Negative." The usually silent mech rose his vocals and slid in between Cass and the CMO. He flexed his EM field with static and glared through the remaining slit of his visor. "Caspian has been through enough. He will remain with me."

"Commander Soundwave? Officer Knockout? Please…" Cass stepped back a little, surprised by the sound of insubordination in his own voice. "I don't understand why you two are arguing about me, but the longer we focus on me, the longer it will take us to rescue Officer Breakdown."

Both of the taller mechs tilted their helms curiously at the timid drone. Knockout was the first and only to speak up. "Don't you mean it will be harder to find Breakdown?"

"No sir." The Vehicon blinked. "I'm pretty sure I've found him. The third seismograph is at least three miles west of a subterranean tunnel of some kind." He paused to gesture at the map and zoomed in on the location he pointed out. "I'm not sure if it's an old mining entrance or an abandoned railway system. Either way it's large enough and deep enough to harbor at least two large Cybertronians… Based on the diameter of the entrance anyway. If I were MECH, that is where I would take him."

"Seriously," Knockout pointed at him in shock, "you're starting to scare me."

"I believe you mean, thank you." Soundwave pushed the medics' servo aside. "He just found Breakdown for you. He maybe a drone, but I think his hard work deserves a little gratitude."

"He deserves a promotion. And I would gladly give him one if it weren't for two things." Knockout sneered at the overprotective mech. "One, I'm not Megatron and two, he's a drone!" He then leered around Soundwave's shoulder and raised an optic ridge in Cass's direction. "Again… No offense."

"I'm good." The smaller mech nodded, still not understanding fully what Knockout meant. "But now that we have found Officer Breakdown, we now need a plan to rescue him."

He glanced between both of his higher officers with his wide optics and innocently asked. "Do you think Lord Megatron would send a rescue party to retrieve him?"

Everyone fell silent. Even Laserbeak was quiet. Nobody really knew the answer, not when it came down to their leader's warmongering thought process. It could go either way if the said issue wasn't presented to him in the best way, and it had to be presented as if somehow it was all his idea to begin with. That wasn't going to be easy, and nobody knew that more than Soundwave.

"There is a high chance that he won't if he believes it would be a waste of resources… Even if Breakdown is a higher officer." The communications officer huffed. He watched Knockout's faceplate shift from what little hope he had left to a fearful well of disappointment. He still didn't really like the medic. Like Laserbeak, he found his arrogance to be a little tedious at times. But even under duress he did help Cass… Even under the duress Soundwave had caused him in the first place.

Guilt ran out his resolve and in another rare show of physical sympathy, Soundwave ran his servo along the top of Knockout's shoulder. "We will think of something." He whispered, and again everyone fell silent.

Cass studied the map intently and continued to pet Laserbeak. The wheels in his CPU began to turn, and behind those wide and bright optics an idea was forming. He already had a plan, but what he needed most was his commander's help to do it.

"Commander?" He whispered shyly. "I think I have a plan, but… I might have to do something reckless to get it done."

"And what would that be?" Soundwave didn't like the direction Cass was going with this, and he wasn't quite sure if he was going to support it.

"I… Will have to break a promise." He blushed and hunched his shoulders. "A promise I made to Lord Megatron."

-END-