Hi everybody! Just a little something quick, because I got some teeth pulled last week and my mouth is giving me grief. Megatron has come to the drones for insight on cheering up Cass. In the meantime, other groups of drones are having a good time taking care of their favorite higher officer and have no trouble getting into a little trouble. X3

Special shout outs to everyone around the world that still enjoys popping in and reading my stories. You are all the best, and seeing new people and countries show up on my stats really makes my day. My week even. Thank you all so much.

Remember, don't be shy! Feel free to leave a review and comment. If you have any questions, ask away and I will get back to you with an answer as soon as I can.

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

MERCY

Chapt. 40

"At some point you have to accept,

that you have to bury the dead and fix the living."

-Maylis de Kerengal, 'Mend the Living'-

The flight decks had been very quiet for nearly two months. Not just from the sudden rise in activity, but from the lack of presence from certain drones around the ship. Drones like Tristian, the poor spark that was unexpectedly murdered on the ship. His unexpected demise had put everyone on edge, because it was actually rare for a drone to die aboard the Nemesis without an Autobot incursion involved. To add insult to this emotional injury, Tristian's mate, Salem had succumbed to his injuries inflicted on him. Everyone had high hopes for the Miner's recovery, because even the CMO Knockout became involved with his care. But the infection to his poorly treated burns proved to be too strong, and he slipped away. The only comfort his friends received of his passing was that it was peaceful, and he felt no pain in the end. The usually happy gathering on top of the Nemesis, quickly became a memorial service.

Breakdown was there to explain what had happened to the troops. He managed to find time between caring for Bob and Knockout to personally visit the recreation areas to give the troops much needed updates. The blue giant sighed in the sea of saddened battle visors and faceplates. A vast majority of the flyers and some grounders were huddled close in groups of eight or ten. Holding hands, cradling each other in half hugs, and helms pressing against each other in mourning. One Eradicon established himself as the temporary host of the party and offered his higher officer a small glass of High Grade. Judging by the static-filled skipping in his EM field, Breakdown could use a small pick-up.

"Thanks." He took the cube in kind. Not smiling, but polite about it, nonetheless. "I am so sorry that… I just wish there was more I could have done."

"You've done more than any of us could have hoped for." The violet mech smiled with a half open visor. His lip-platting scarred from years of battle experience. "You and the doctor probably provided him with the most comfort he had ever received in his function. We are grateful to you for being so kind to him. Truly, Officer Breakdown."

His words were meant to be kind, but the former Wrecker just sighed some more. His armor felt heavy with guilt and not just for Salem and Tristian, but for all of the drones he couldn't save. It was all starting to come to a head for the warrior class mech and even he was losing his resolve. At this point, if he was wavering in his strength he would turn to his mate, but Knockout was living up to his namesake and was completely knocked out from his stern exhaustion.

"Officer, go back to your quarters please." The Eradicon patted the big black digits curling around the High Grade. "You have done more than enough for us. It is your turn to be looked after."

"Erin is right sir…" Another drone chimed in from the opposite side of gentle giant while softly guiding him to the bay doors. "Megatron has decreed a state of rest for all personnel. That includes you and Officer Knockout."

"I wish that was true, but someone needs to reside in the medical ward at all times." Breakdown quickly gulped down his drink and gave the glass back to the flyer Erin. Not realizing how strong the home-stilled drink really was he needed to hold back a power cough before walking away. "S-Soundwave—Burp! Oof… Soundwave is the only other mech on board that is certified for such a task, and he… Well, he has been through a lot these past few months too. I will find my rest eventually."

"Then you really shouldn't have chugged that High Grade…" Erin and a collection of other drones behind him cringed. "Our home-stilled Energon is very, very potent. It's designed to be a sipping beverage, so if you inhale it like it's coolant—."

The tank was on his knees in seconds and his faceplate planted itself on the floor without a moment's hesitation. Not even another second later, Erin finished his sentence. "Yeah, that… Exactly that will happen."

"I mish my Bondma-Hic! I mish my Bondma-Hic! I mish my-Hic!" Breakdown slurred into the cold and soot covered floor. "… I want my Knocky…!"

"We better start dragging him back before he really starts crying." One of the few Miners there for recreation sighed and helped coordinate some of his friends to shoulder their favorite Higher Officer. "Trust me, I've seen him in full over-charge crying mode… It's not pretty."

"Oomph! He calls the doctor Knocky when he's drunk?" Another Vehicon grunted as he got under one of Breakdown's shoulders and hoisted the enormous arm strut around the back of his neck. The Miner scoffed in response, then snickered when the belligerent former Wrecker snuggled against the grounder.

"Oooooh… I wuv you Knocky…"

"Yeah, he calls everybody Knocky when he's drunk." He still felt bad for the four wheeler stuck in such a heavy embrace, but the Miner also couldn't hold back his amusement of it either.

It took a total of five drones to lift the heavy warrior up high enough to drag him back into the ship by the tip of her pedes. On the bright side, Breakdown appeared to be a happy drunk. He smiled, mumbled, and laughed down the echoes of the open halls, and later started singing a human shanty. The troopers actually knew this song because of their rule breaking and watching tik-tok videos behind their master's backs. When they turned a corner to the first lift, they managed to get a good rhythm going right after the line, soon may the Wellerman come, the group had to shush each other. The lift doors opened with a heavy weight resisting against them. It was no surprise to the drones as they collectively hissed at each other to keep quiet, and Megatron stepped out of the creaking elevator. He looked the group over with scrutiny in his furled optical ridges.

It was an odd sight to say the lease. Five violet look alike mech scrambling under the broad and near deadweight of their superior officer. Breakdown caught his master in the blur of his belligerence and in a moment of unclarity he bellowed with laughter.

"Uh-oh! The boss mech ish here!" He teetered to his side for one minute, but his support group kept him from falling over. "Shhh-Shush everybody… He'll hear ush…"

"It appears my Officers are taking full advantage of their recreation." The warlord said rather calmly, which put off his soldiers who were so used to his usual outbursts. The Vehicon below Breakdown's chassis spoke up first, groaning a little from the heaviness spread on his back.

"Officer Breakdown is just… Uh… Feeling a little under the weather. We're trying to get him back to his quarters for some rest."

"As you were then," the silver giant waved them into the elevator, but pointed at the Eradicon holding up the rear, "except for you. I am in need of consultation and require a drone for assistance."

"I… Um…" The flyer looked back at his friends for silent advice. They in turn nodded to him and confirmed they would be fine without one extra pair of hands. Difficult, but not impossible. "Y-Yes my Lord. One moment please."

When Breakdown and the others were tucked safely into the small lift, the flyer set the floor coordinates and closed the outer gate for them. The last thing he saw was the former Wrecker's large black digits waving at him as the tram sank below, and a new song started strong before fading away.

"Goood night…! Oh~Show me the way to go home! Everybody! I'm tired and I wanna go to bed! Just the femes!"

The lone Eradicon cringed from holding back a laugh, placing one of his servo over his oral slit and the other curled below his chest plating. He tried to straighten himself out in front of Megatron, but to his relief the warlord was still smiling. This helped his trooper feel more relaxed for being so casual around the tyrant.

"Forgive my informality Master. I truly mean no disrespect."

"It's not the first time I've got a soldier or two overcharged in my ranks, and it won't be the last…" Megatron's train of thought paused while he tried to gesture them into a slow walk down the hall. "And not while I'm still on the ship anyway."

Again, the shorter mech needed to hold back his laughter. He held his intakes so tightly his frame started to shake. There was a present fear of discipline, but there was no hint of hostility in the air just yet. In fact, Megatron's EM field was at the moment slack, and less tense than it normally is. Usually the static of his wrath would fill a small room and clog the atmosphere with anxious heat. Something was different today, but the Eradicon wasn't going to look at this gift of lividity without gratitude.

"What can I help you with, Lord Megatron?" He snorted into his palm.

"It is of a delicate nature actually. I would appreciate complete discretion on this topic." The air around the two Decepticons was still calm, but a small glint in the tyrant's optic gave a clear warning that he was still meant to be taken seriously.

"Your message is clear my Liege." The Eradicon bowed his helm. "All divulged to me shall not be offered to others without consent."

"Very good." The larger mech glanced straight forward and answered without his usual volume of sternness. "I am certain by now the whole ship knows I have taken on a new mate… A young Vehicon."

"Oh…" The drone sighed and glanced at his slow treading pedes. "Forgive my canter, but I believe you are speaking of Caspian?"

"Yes. Do not fear saying so aloud, for I will be announcing our arrangement to the rest of the ship later. I just want to keep the rumor mill from speeding up too quickly."

"Understood Lord Megatron." His servant tightened his dermas under his mask. This was clearly an uncomfortable topic, but he was still curious enough to tempt fate. "H-How is Caspian? We miss-uh… That is… We have not seen him in so long…"

"I have come to understand that he is close to a lot of the troops." The silver giant nodded without looking away from the end of the long hall. "That is why I have sought you or one of your brethren out. Caspian is currently in a state of physical healing and is doing well in this aspect… But he has received knowledge of one of his friend's passing. A Miner—."

"Salem…" The violet mech whispered, unintentionally interrupting Megatron. "We have all received word… That is why Officer Breakdown was on the launch pad with us."

Megatron acknowledged the change of emotion from his flyer counterpart. He hummed to himself as he pondered his wording carefully. Not that he sought out the intention to be considerate of a servant's feelings, but since the conversation was going well, he would try to be a little open minded. "What is your name?"

"Designation 3-RIN—."

"Not to sound condescending, but I asked for your name, not your serial number."

Erin stopped and stood in place a moment. Temporarily shocked by the warmonger's politeness towards him. A sudden thought ran across his mind that didn't seem too farfetched of a question… 'Is he dying?'

"I… Erin, Lord Megatron. M-My name is Erin."

"Very good…" The taller flyer turned to face him and lightly chortled on an afterthought. "Has Breakdown also called you 'Knocky' yet?"

"Oh my. Are you implying he has once given you the same title, my Liege?" Where the drone found the courage to be so laid back with his master he didn't know, but it appeared to pay off. Watching Megatron laugh without a hint of maniacal malice powering it was an extraordinary thing to witness for a drone. It was almost like an adrenaline rush to not feel such fear towards the most fearsome mech in the universe. He actually felt comfortable laughing with his Overlord.

"That's between him and I, yes?" Megatron's slight outburst petered out, and he returned to his original topic. "Back to Caspian… He is very saddened by this news of the late Salem, and I… Regretfully admit, I am out of ideas on how to console him. I was hoping one of his former colleagues would give me some insight. There are still some things I do not know of my new love, and I wish to learn."

"Former colleague?" The Eradicon's EM field shivered slowly into sadness, and he folded his hands below his neck-cables. "He will not be returning to work?"

"He wishes to, but at the moment it is best if rests a little longer." The reply was kind and Erin received it with less suspicion. If there was going to be a scuffle with his master's temper, it would have happened by now. "Be assured that he is in a safe place and being very well looked after."

Erin stood quietly, thinking carefully on his next response. He didn't want to upset Megatron, but he also wanted to do what was best for his friend. Especially if he could not see him for a longer period of time.

"Well… The only thing I can think of at present my Lord… Are the flight decks." He knew he would receive an odd look, but Megatron was seeking honesty so Erin would deliver it openly. "He really liked to come to flight decks at night to stargaze. No one really knows why, because when asked, his answer was uncertainty. Cass just knows he likes the night air and it made him happy."

"Hmmm…" This was good information for the Decepticon leader, and he surprisingly came to a conclusion quickly. "Knockout actually suggested fresh air for Caspian's treatment. I was going to take him to the crystal conservatory when we landed tomorrow, but this might be more beneficial."

"That would be very nice for him." Erin bowed. "I will go ahead and inform the current party of your arrival so we can clean—."

"Not necessary." Megaton interrupted. "I think part of this surprise would be nice if he saw a few familiar faces… Or battle visors."

Up right in a spark flux the shorter model gasped excitedly. "Trully, Lord Megatron?! Y-You would not mind us on the decks with you and Caspian?!"

"If you don't mind me there cramping the party vibe?"

"I-I-I—!" Erin couldn't formulate the right words. Was he excited, or shocked? Could he be both? Did he care? Would Megatron lay him out if he tried to hug him in his glee? "I don't… I don't know if you understand how much this will mean to all of us? Caspian has meant so much to us… And—!"

"You have my permission to go ahead of me and warn your comrades of my arrival." The giant rested his clawed servo over a shivering shoulder, but Erin didn't even flinch. "I will arrive with Caspian in a collective thirty minutes. Like I mentioned earlier, I have yet to publicly announce our relationship… I often worry that such secrecy put him in danger in the first place."

"Danger?" Erin questioned.

"Oh… A note for later, but for Caspian to indulge himself." Megatron waved his servo casually in the air before walking back towards the lift. "Try to keep the conversation on the flight deck as long as you can. I would like to try and surprise him."

"Yes sir!" He could hardly contain his jubilation, and the Eradicon found himself running to the flight deck. "We will prep for his arrival as well! We shall see you both in thirty minutes!"

Whether Megatron heard his exclamation or not did not matter. He was going to see Caspian for the first time in more than half a year, and he couldn't be happier if Primus himself anointed him to God-hood. It almost felt like his friend was finally coming home, and he was going to make sure he had a wonderful homecoming.

It was the middle of the night by the time the four drones managed to inch Breakdown to his quarters. They were so exhausted that they just dropped the blue giant in front of his door with a full deadweight thud. His aft hit the ground so forcefully that it shook the floor beneath him, and the soldiers panted heavily from their hard work. The Vehicon holding up Breakdown below his chassis just plopped down in front the blue giant and used his ginormous frame like an armchair.

"When… Did he… Pass out?" The grounder heaved while resting a servo over a large propped up knee-joint.

"Either sometime after Spanish Ladies, or in the middle of Irish Lullaby…" A Miner replied down at his pedes since he twinged the center of his back strut and couldn't stand up right. There was a slightly loud pop when he tried to straighten himself out, but it didn't seem to really bother him long. "Good news is… Oomph! He stopped singing."

"I hope he wasn't too much trouble." Knockout appeared behind the group with a weak smile. He was in the med-bay when he heard and felt the ruckus outside. The red sports car was clearing the ward of loose wiring, medical equipment, and cycled energon spilled on the floor. He had read about Salem's passing on his daily datapad and since Breakdown wasn't there when he woke up, he figured his partner was personally announcing their patient's deactivation. The warm sparked mech could use time to himself after that, so Knockout took it upon himself to clean the aftermath of the poor Miner's deathbed.

"Not at all…" The Vehicon in Breakdown's lap casually saluted the medical officer in his strained attempt at recovery. "Give us a couple of minutes… Yes? We'll help you… Carry him the rest of the way in…"

He waved his servo up at the other two battle drones to help him up. The only other flyer waved back while he was still crouched over his knees and hyperventilating. But the other grounder, and the Miner pulled him back on his pedes. Knockout just shook his helm at the show in front of him and smiled at them all. "You poor mechs… I will help you and leave your designations so I can send you all some extra ration tokens."

The red mech knelt in front of his mate and reached out to cup his servo around Breakdown's orange cheek-plating. Knockout always thought the big lug looked adorable when he passed out from overcharge. How his face blushed from his internal heat in just the right light, and how he would gently snore and drool just a little bit out of the corner of his oral cavity. Like a big sleeping baby.

"Oh my Breaky… You are too good for this world."

"And too heavy…" The grounder standing behind Knockout chimed in. He didn't mean to sound condescending, but he was so tired at that point, he had trouble remembering his own designation number. But the job wasn't done yet. "Come on guys. Let's get him up."

"Actually, wait here for a minute." Their sober superior stood and walked back to the med-bay. "I have a low-roller dolly behind our storage cabinet. We can use that to scoot him, but don't tell him I have it. He doesn't know that I use it when he passes out."

"It wouldn't embarrass him, would it?" The Miner tilted his helm and curiously pondered what Breakdown would look like on such a tiny scooter. It seemed one of his Eradicon brothers had the same thought and they snorted at the same time.

"Oh no, nothing like that." Knockout also laughed lightly but raised his voice a little as he stepped into his clinic. "This doesn't happen a lot, but whenever he passes out from overcharging or exhaustion, and there's no one around to help me carry him, I use it to move him myself. I never told him about it and to this day, he hasn't figured out how I get him to bed."

"Seems a little odd to keep that a secret." One mech blinked curiously while stretching his arms high above his helm, happily groaning on every solitary pop in his spinal struts. Knockout returned with a soft smile reflecting the kindness in his optics. A look that most drones on the Nemesis rarely caught a glimpse of from the usually stonewalled medic.

"Not really. He's always there to carry me when I need him. Sometimes I just think… He would like to believe someone can carry him every now and again."

The group sighed collectively and tilted their helms against one another's. The Miner and one of the Grounders even leaned against each other in a half hug, thinking how sweet the scene in front of them was. The doctor blushed a little but ignored the sudden audience reaction. Glancing over his shoulder Knockout could've sworn he saw little hearts floating in the air around the troops, making him huff from the silly thought.

"Feel free to jump in at any time and help me get the dolly under him."

"Oh!" The flyer closest to him snapped out of his fuzziness first. "Right! Let me get his legs for you."

On the count of three, Breakdown was up on tiny wheels and was carted away into his living quarters. One more heave onto his bed and the job was done. There was a little room for the group to celebrate their hard work, giving a round of high fives and nodding glances. Knockout even joined in on the fun and patted the Miner on the back. He walked back with the drones into his living area, but the grounder closest to him insisted on taking the dolly from him.

"No, no doctor. Please, I insist. Let us take care of it for you."

"It won't take me long to put it back." The red mech pulled his arm back at first, but inevitably gave into the offer. The Vehicon took the little cart and held it up passively.

"May we borrow this for tonight actually?" He nodded at his brothers with a plan in mind. "It will make clearing the flight deck tonight a little easier and quicker."

"Sure, I guess that can be acceptable." Knockout knew the drones were up to something, but it was just a roller dolly. How much trouble could four little drones get into with a low riding cart? Then again, did he really care? No, in the end, it really wouldn't be the medic's problem unless one of them broke a strut. And if they did, Knockout would have a fun time lecturing them for being so foolish while putting their pieces back together. Even the Miner, whether he was battle efficient or not. "Bring it back to me in the morning around ten. At my quarters."

"Sir." Everyone bowed and said their respectable good night before shuffling into the hall. As soon as the door shut behind them, the Miner finally spoke up.

"We don't need that for cleanup. We never had trouble before."

"I know…" The Vehicon giggled as he landed aft first on top of the dolly and rolled into the unexpecting arms of his Eradicon friends. "And because it was my idea, I get the first push."

Every single battle visor hid the mischievous smile behind them, and everyone took turns exchanging playful glimmers in their optical slits. Only a second later, the Miner was dashing down the hall towards the nearest elevator and bonding recklessly around a corner. "I get the next ride!"

"Not if we catch you first!" One of the flyer's shouted back as he and his partner shoved their grounder friend. In turn, the Vehicon laughed while triumphantly pointed a digit forward into the air.

"Onward my lovely angles! Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ra! Too-ra-loo-ra-li!"

Everyone chimed into the song, letting Irish Lullaby echo as their temporary anthem. The noise cleared in the halls as soon as they reached the lift, leaving the corridor to the med-bay presently empty. However, the song still found its way back into the dimly lit space. A sweet voice hummed in the darkness, and it grew as the source of the voice appeared from lengthy shadows.

"What are you humming my treasure?" Megatron asked while cradling his lover to his side. He had reached his living quarters by taking a second floor elevator so he could arrive on the opposite side of the medical ward. He thought it would be best to avoid the little party he stumbled upon earlier. Once he was there, he went straight to Cass, and swept him out the door. The young mech appeared to be in higher spirits when the warlord greeted him, but the night called for a change of routine. A slow walk was a great start to what would soon be a rambunctious evening.

"Just a song I heard once while logging an Earth transmission for Soundwave." Cass clung to Megatron's hip. Knockout had removed his boot the night before, but he still had a limp in his stride. So he settled into his master's side and fit perfectly like a curved cut puzzle piece. His helm nuzzled over the side of Megatron's chassis, and his arm laced over the larger one hugging his lithe frame. The carrying mech didn't know why he felt the need to sing the song, but it didn't seem to bother his lover. "I don't know the words, but I hum it to Mercy sometimes. I think it's pretty, and it seems she likes it."

"Why wouldn't she?" Megatron took hold of Cass's servo with his free hand and bent a little to kiss the shiny silver digits. "Such a beautiful voice to parody such a sweet melody… I'm sure our feme loves all you have to share with her. I know I do."

Cass would have been more enthused by his master's flattery, but he couldn't help the saddeness still sinking in his Spark chamber. So much has happened, and he lost so many friends in such a short amount of time. Salem was the deepest blow at the moment. Cass was so hopeful for his recovery, and since he heard the news, the young model had been stricken with an unforgiving amount of survivor's guilt. This feeling slipped into his EM field and Megtron was able to pick up on his bereavement right away.

"I am sorry you lost your friend Caspian. I wish I could do more to take your grief away."

"So much death… I thought I was used to it by now, but I…" The two lover's passed the med-bay in a slow stride, and Cass cradled the bump on his black plating. Sadly, he tilted his helm further into Megatron's metal and inhaled deeply. The musky scent of his mat-to-be easing his angst. "May I ask something of you, M' Lord? A favor on the behalf of others?"

"You know I would do anything for you, my love." Megatron furled his optical ridges, finding the way Cass asked the question odd. "What can I provide for you?"

"I would like to discuss the ration mandate, and the medical restriction for the drones that are not battle certified." Now was perhaps not the best time to bring up such issues, but there was a chance that if he didn't discuss it now, he might not get a second chance. At least not for a while. "In my free time... Which has been quite abundant lately, I have been looking over the rations output and the energon intake logs. There has been a significant increase in mining production for the past four months and if things proceed as such for the next two months."

"That's looking rather too far ahead even for us." His leader answered. His voice stoic, but nodded in understanding. "I have given the medical restrictions some serious thought, however. Dark Energon poisoning has become a problem with an abundant number of the Miners still harvesting around the volcano."

Cass sighed, worried that Megaton's decision would actually cause more problems than solutions. There was still only one medic and his assistant on the ship, and the Double Digits didn't have the knowledge or the resources to deal with Dark Energon sickness. The warlord cradling him squeezed his clawed servo over Cass's shoulder, and inevitably he caved to his berthmate's whim.

"I have planned a meeting to discuss neglected issues on and off the Nemesis. Later, after the R&R mandate… If you wish, you may join us. And I will be sure to look over the rations issue. No promises on change, but it will be addressed."

"Thank you M' Love." Cass smiled, and both mech's stopped walking so they could glance at each other. Megatron stared into his Bearer;s optics, now back to their original colors, and stroked his thumb tenderly over rounded cheek plating. The smaller mech smiled back at him and a soft hum trilled through his throat. "Forgive my selfishness… But may I request one more discussion? For tonight?"

"To your spark's desire…" Megatron whispered and dipped lower to ready himself to steal a kiss.

"You are my desire…" The young model whispered back, smiling cheekily over parted silver lip-plates. "And the doctor had mentioned, I am clear for interfacing if we discuss a plan… After your surprise, I would like to make our plans tonight."

"Mm…" His master bit Cass's dermas gently before replying in eagerness. "As you wish… My treasure."

"Oh!" Cass flinched when Megaton withdrew his digits, accidently grazing them against the small welt on his neck-cables. He quickly put up his own servo to assure his love he was alright. "Sorry. It's still a little tender."

"Do you wish to go back to our quarters?" The warlord pulled Cass into an embrace and tenderly stroked his back struts. "If you're still tired, I can always reschedule the surprise I have planned for you."

"No, I think my cabin fever is outweighing the tenderness in my frame. Woah!"

In an instant, Cass was swept off his pedes and cradled bridle in his giant lover's arms. More kisses were offered to him as the silver giant slowly started walking to the elevator again, and softly whispered sweet nothings into the carrying mech's audios.

"I love you… So much."

"And I you… M' Lord."

-END-