It was dark outside by the time Knockout and Bumblebee reached their destination. Both mechs were tired, one more so than the other. Knockout retrieved the items from his subspace, placed them on a table, then collapsed on his berth. Bumblebee stood and waited for the medic to say something.
"Well?" Knockout eventually spoke-up. When he didn't get a response from Bumblebee, he adjusted his body into a sitting position on his berth, facing the other mech.
"You think I have a screw loose or something?"
Bumblebee hesitated for a minute before answering.
"Well, I wouldn't exactly say screw loose…"
"But you still think it's a far-fetched idea."
"I mean… yeah, kind of…"
Knockout sighed as his gaze fell to stare at the ground.
"Wait, Knockout, I'm sorry. It's just that others have tried to make what you're suggesting a reality. Honestly, it's kind of an impossible idea."
"Improbable."
"Huh?"
"Improbable," Knockout countered, raising his optics to look at Bumblebee. "Just because something seems impossible, doesn't mean it is impossible. It just means that it'd be extremely difficult for said thing to happen. Ergo, the outcome of the idea, regardless of how good or bad it is, is an improbable one, not an impossible one. Does that make sense?"
"Yes, it does. Listen, Knockout. I'm not saying that it's impossible per se for what you're thinking of trying to do to actually happen, but it is highly unlikely that the Council will allow there to be the existence of Decepticon Island."
Bumblebee joined Knockout on his berth and put a comforting arm around the red mech.
"I'm not saying this to dissuade you. I just want to make sure you know what you're up against, if you still want to go through with it."
"I know you do, and thanks," Knockout replied, leaning into the embrace. "I just want to do something that matters. I've already tried it with the Autobots, and I'm sure you've seen how well that's going over."
"Not good?"
"I mean, it could be better. But what're you gonna do?"
silence
"Knockout?"
"Hm?"
"What makes you think you're better off trying your luck with Decepticons?"
"Honestly, Bee…" Knockout paused, then sighed. "I have no idea. I guess I just..."
"Have a feeling?" Bumblebee interrupted.
Knockout didn't answer. Instead, he pressed closer to Bumblebee until his slouched form rested against his chassis, optics closed and servos resting in his lap. Bumblebee was surprised, but he didn't object. He tightened his grip around Knockout without disturbing him, then proceeded to gingerly rub his servo up and down his frame in order to comfort him.
