Hello, my fellow fan readers! Chapter eight is finally under foot and now the plot is finally thickening…. First thing I'd like to address about this chapter is that all week I was writing this, I have been high on cough medicine, so if I'm missing any curtail details I apologize in advance and I will do my best to correct later in the future. Second, I'd like to remind anyone who forgot that I have not read any of the comic books or watched a lot of GEN 1. So everything I have written about how drones are created, or how trines work is completely made up on my part with only a little knowledge I looked up on the internet. So if I got anything wrong, I'm sorry… That I'm not sorry if I might've gotten anything wrong, I'm just apologizing for not changing it if for some reason I offend someone.

Also, I have decided to make a branch off of MERCY. This is going to be extra side stories of other characters that I can't quite fit into the main plot. Basically it's just a set up for some one-shots and lemons, and the first line up goes to some much-needed Steve love! Yay! (Again, I'm a little high on cough medicine. Give me a little wiggle room for my dorkiness this week… -.-) I will simply be calling it MERCY: One Shots. Let me know what you think of this.

Special shout out to maria-ioanna984: Yay! Another familiar name! Thank you for reading and reviewing again, and I hope this chapter answers any questions you might have, but it might actually raise a couple more… Have fun!

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

Chapter 8

Comedy and Drama

"Soundwave!" Breakdown finally caught up with the third in command. The briefing with Megatron didn't last as long as anyone expected. It was quick and to the point, and Breakdown received his orders with no fuss. He was to go on a reconnaissance within the hour, but first he wanted to check on Knockout and Cass before heading out. He just happened to run into Soundwave on his way back to the med-bay. "Wait up!"

The silent mech slowed his pace and turned to see the large mech briskly walking up behind him. He didn't stop however, but he gave Breakdown a chance to catch up with him.

"Are you also heading to the med-bay?"

"Negative." Soundwave replied. "Destination: Communications bridge. First task: Set up surveillance of reconnaissance mission."

"But the communications bridge is on the other side of the ship." The two continued walking side by side. "Why are you walking this way?"

"Energon levels: Low. Running on 30%. Detour: Mess hall." Soundwave ignored the quirked optic ridge over Breakdown's faceplate.

"That low?" Breakdown rubbed the back of his helm. "Why didn't you refuel last night?"

Soundwave didn't answer. He held his helm up high and walked confidently, but Breakdown already pieced together why the silent mech felt the need to starve himself.

"You know, you will never be any help to Cass if you let your health deteriorate." The larger mech sighed heavily. "What kind of relationship do you have with him anyway? The two of you seem to be very close."

"Concern: None of Breakdown's." The silent mech lightly flexed his EM field. There were some things that he wished to keep to himself, and Breakdown understood that. But curiosity got the better of him and he continued to press.

"I mean no offense by asking, but are you in love with this drone? I understand if you are—?"

"Concern!" Soundwave's EM field erupted in anxiety. "None existent for Breakdown! Refrain from prying!" His visor glanced at up at large yellow optics and he briefly felt remorse. Breakdown had been surprisingly kind and patient through all of this, and perhaps he didn't deserve to be snapped at. So, before turning away he added, "Please: Hostility not intended. True intentions: Privacy for self and Vehicon drone CA-591-AN… Apologies."

"It's alright." The former wrecker held his servo up and waved. "I get it and I apologize too. I really didn't intend to offend you." When the mechs came to a corner, Breakdown held out his waving servo over Soundwaves' chassis and they stopped. "But with that said…"

Soundwave didn't have time to react as he was flung into the curved wall behind him; instantly being pinned by the giant's forearm. Breakdown's other servo immediately raised, and he hurled it beside the third in command's helm. Heat radiated from his passionate glare of anger. Yellow optics that were once so kind had immediately turned back into a warriors' fervent scowl.

"Don't you ever…" He hissed with venom in his vocals. "Ever! Threaten Knockout like that again! Do with me what you want. I don't care what happens to me, but you leave my partner… My lover in peace."

The smaller mech didn't retaliate. He was expecting something like this to happen, and he wasn't going to deny Breakdown his outburst. In his mind he felt he deserved it, and he would take his punishment with dignity… If the larger mech would allow it.

"I know a little of your past Soundwave." Breakdown's optics softened. "I feel empathy for you, truly. Nobody deserves to go through the horrible things that happen to you… Not even my worst enemy." He then slowly relieved the pressure against Soundwave and let his pedes slip firmly onto the floor. The servo that landed into the wall was also pulled back and it had left a large and imposing dent in thick metal. "Keep this close to you Soundwave, because if any harm comes to Knockout, and I find out you are responsible for it in any way… I will find you, and I will end you."

He backed away and gave Soundwave time to compose himself, then he waited for some kind of response. He could've walked away. Enough had been said, but something kept him there. Perhaps it was the odd way the silent mech's EM field suddenly dipped in some odd way. It was unreadable, which wasn't unusual for the telepath, but his body language had become all to telling. His shoulders slouched, and his helm hung low. Letting his visor stare at his pedes. Was this a sign of guilt? Remorse from the most emotionless Cybertronian on Nemesis? Breakdown may have gotten an answer from him when he lifted his helm to finally respond but was interrupted by the sound of metal clumsily clanging around the corner behind him.

"Ah! Steve!" A flabbergasted voice called out. "S-slow down… Wait until we get to your room. Anyone can see and hear us here."

"I can't help it Commander." Another voice rasped. "I haven't had the chance to touch you in weeks. I feel like I'm having withdrawals."

No doubt that the first voice was Starscream, and it was no surprise to anyone that he had taken up a new lover. But it was odd how despite all these years of openly sneaking around, Megatron still had no idea what was going on. At least that's what everyone chose to believe. Soundwave knew his leader all too well, and if he did know about Starscream's affair he wouldn't really admit it. Mostly because he just didn't care, and if this was his second in commands attempt at getting his attention it was never going to work, but that was precisely why Starscream was drawn to someone else in the first place. Strascream was a seeker, and he didn't just want attention, he needed attention… And if he couldn't get it from his master, he would find it in anyone that showed even the tiniest interest.

"Crazy seeker…" Breakdown summed it up. "And you thought me, and Knockout were bad." He quickly glanced around the corner, then looked back at Soundwave with a shudder. "Looks like things are starting to progress a little fast, and their kind of blocking your way to the mess hall."

Soundwave took a step forward unaffected, but the larger mech pushed his servo over the brazen mech's chassis again. "Okay, hold your engines a second. As much as I might like to see the look on Starscream's faceplate when you walk in on him in the act, I would kind of feel like a hypocrite if I let you."

That soft look was back on the former wrecker's faceplate, and he calmly coxed the third in command to fallow him down the other side of the corridor to the med bay. "Come to the med bay with me and get your energon there. You can take it from our emergency stock as long as you replace it later, and you can even check on Cass while you're there."

If Soundwave were to be honest, he would admit that he wasn't quite ready to see Cass again. The only thing that was keeping him from worrying himself sick was work. He did all he could to keep himself busy until the inside of his visor flashed a warning, alerting him to his low fuel emissions, but Breakdown's suggestion seemed to be the most logical course of action to take. So he relented and fallowed the former wrecker to the med bay once again… Just in time to hear Starscream's muffled, orgasm filled scream.

"That was quick…" Breakdown whispered palpably.

The med bay was a light with computer monitors and data pads. Knockout flew between all of them trying desperately to make sense of what was being presented in front of him. He checked the integrity of his monitoring cables, replaced cordial connectors, he even tried turning his equipment on and off again in desperation. The moment the screen blinked back to life, the medic through his servos in the air in irritation.

"What the actual Pit?!" He shouted just in time for Breakdown and Soundwave to walk in.

"Whoa, what's got your spark plugs in a twist?" The larger mech closed the door behind him and pointed Soundwave to the energon store cabinet. The silent mech helped himself, and completely ignored Knockout and the computers he was coveting.

"Hold it songbird." The red mech said ironically and pushed an arm in front of Soundwave's chassis. "I've got some questions about your little squiggle toy. Starting with his EM field." Knockout did his best not to sound angry, but the way he gestured as he pointed his other servo to the monitor, he shook in a mild frustration.

Soundwave followed the medic's servo with a wavering frame. His low energon levels were taking its toll and he nearly crashed right there. Luckily, Knockout saw the signs of fuel deficiency and he tucked his arm under the silent mech's opposite shoulder.

"Oh for crying out loud!" He sneered. "You too?"

Breakdown was right behind him and he carefully carried Soundwave to a stool set next to where Cass was still resting. When he finally got his wits about him, he expected Breakdown to hand him a cube of energon. He was just as surprised as Knockout when the medic handed him the cube. "Drink this and listen, and when I ask you a question, I expect an honest answer. Understand?"

The third in command took the cube and opened the base of his glass visor. With a small hiss, a tiny green light split up the middle of the screen then divided in the center. The light that traced along the glass clicked open and revealed the bottom half of Soundwave's faceplate. Both Knockout and Breakdown forgot the third in command could even do that, and both blinked in surprise…. They nearly jumped out of their armor when they heard him speak in his normal voice.

"Affirmative." Soundwave answered the now long forgotten question, but he was quick to remind the gawking red mech. "Commence with your statement, Doctor."

Breakdown looked back at his partner, and when Knockout still didn't respond to anyone, the giant mech softly smacked the back of his helm.

"Ouch!" Knockout would've snapped back if Soundwave hadn't cleared his intake.

"I don't have all day Knockout, and neither does Breakdown." The usually silent mech's voice was something surreal. It was a smooth alto, almost a song in itself, and it made anyone wonder why he would go to such great lengths to hide it.

"Right…" The medic shook his helm. "As I was saying, I have just noticed an anomaly with Cass's EM field and… Wait. Breakdown? Where are you going?"

With the last bit of glass covering Soundwave's optics he pulled up a small manuscript detailing the reconnaissance mission Megatron had assigned for the former wrecker. Knockout studied it with concern. "An energon signal? By an active volcano?"

"Yeah. It's near an abandoned village around Russia." Breakdown patted the side of Knockout's arms. "It looks like an in and out recon. I shouldn't take long. Half a day max."

"Alright…" The red mech sighed and he squeezed one of Breakdown's servos in understanding. "Be quick and come back in one piece."

"I'll be careful." He kissed the top of Knockout's helm, but before he left, he whispered. "Keep thinking of me while I'm gone."

"Out!" Knockout knew what his lover was doing, and he wasn't going to fall for it just yet. "Save that for our time off." He winked and slapped the large mech on his aft as he walked out the door. Once Breakdown was gone, the medic tilted his helm up and quirked an optic ridge. "Where was I?"

"Doctor?" Soundwave made Knockout jump again. He quickly swung around and leered for a minute or two, before he remembered Soundwave was now physically talking to him. "Please. You said there was something wrong with Caspian's EM field. Is he at risk in anyway?"

"Start drinking that cube while I explain." Knockout switched right back to his medic mode and encouraged his patient to worry about his own wellbeing. Soundwave nodded and complied as he slowly sipped on his given fuel. Satisfied with this the red mech turned around and again pointed to the monitor. "Look here. This is the standard EM field of an adult Vehicon. Notice how it pulses in time with its spark beat and the texture is smoothly fluxing in a clockwise motion."

"Naturally." Soundwave agreed and gestured to the EM field reading below the one Knockout had pointed out first. No doubt the bottom reading was Cass's. "The two readings look similar even to me. I can't see what is so concerning."

"Take a closer look." The medic tapped his console with light touches of his digits and blew up the images. This slowed the animated pulse as a result. "I thought it looked rather normal too, until I enlarged the images. They both have the same texture and the same timing, but when I started to concentrate on Cass's EM field, I noticed that it was pulsing in the opposite direction. Do you know what that means?"

"Can't say that I do Doctor." The third in command spoke calmly. "Is this something we need to worry about?"

"I don't know yet." Knockout admitted. "First let me explain the difference between a grounder's EM field and a fliers. Basically, all EM fields tend to rotate in a length wise spiral. Grounders rotate clockwise, left to right, and fliers rotate counterclockwise, right to left."

"So you are telling me that Caspian's EM field is pulsing like a flier, not a grounder?" Soundwave had finished his cube and focused fully on the situation in front of him.

"That's not all." The medic tapped over the console again. "Finding this as strange as it was on its own, I decided to dig a little deeper. It is common knowledge that all EM fields have their own unique core pulse. If you strip the outer spiral and fluxing of a spark born Cybertronian you can find a straight line of energy varying in color. But drones are not spark born, they are built and artificially sparked. They shouldn't have a core pulse, but as you can clearly see…."

Soundwave made a shallow noise that somewhat resembled a gasp. The comparison field turned out blank as Knockout had explained, but Cass's lit up. It was a long smooth line with a mix of light cool colors, and if what the medic had told him was true, then that meant only one thing.

"This can't be." He apprehensively reached out for Cass's servo and held it close to his chest. "There must be something wrong with your equipment."

"I checked everything Soundwave." Knockout assured the concerned communications officer. "Don't panic though. So far this isn't affecting his health. It just means…. Well…." He paused, thinking carefully of what to say next, but he couldn't formulate the right form of words. Eventually he shrugged his shoulders and gave up trying. "Honestly I don't exactly know what it means, but all I can gather from this is that that his EM core shouldn't exist."

"What do you need to know from me?" Soundwave frowned.

"I need to know everything you know. Everything and anything about Vehicon drone CA-591-AN. I need files on his creation, his first time abroad, his arrival on Nemesis, information about the group he was created with…." Again he stopped to watch the way Soundwave cuddled the recharging drone. The medic sighed some more and in a rare show of empathy for the third in command, he patted the back of Soundwave's helm. "I think you get the idea, but right now all he needs is a few more hours of uninterrupted recharge and a full cube of energon. Speaking of which, are your tanks full?"

"Oh, yes." Soundwave almost forgot he was given a cube to drink. All of his focus went right back to Cass when he finished it. "I'll replace it when Breakdown returns from his mission. I need to get back to the communications bridge and set up surveillance for him." He stood and handed Knockout the empty cube. His gaze lingered on the monitor with obvious worry. "Can this be real? Caspian… Not only is he not a drone, he's technically not a grounder?"

"I'm just as amazed as you are." The red mech said as he threw the empty cube into an incinerator receptacle. "But this could actually explain why you and Megatron have such an unexplainable lure to him. If his EM field registers as a flier, it makes sense that he would attract more fliers."

"And perhaps that is why he enjoys exploring the flight decks." The third in command added.

"He does?" Knockout was really confused and fascinated at the same time. "This kid is by far the strangest case I have ever been given, and that includes Megatron's sudden revival."

"Mmmm…." Cass began to stir in his recharge, making both mechs tense. Once they realized he was still resting they both sighed. Happy that he hadn't heard a word they said about him yet.

"We should continue this conversation later." Soundwave announced before he covered his faceplate. He continued to communicate through his EM field and he kindly gestured his servo over Knockout's shoulder before he left. "Knockout: Care for Vehicon drone CA-591-AN. High satisfactory. Thank you."

"You're welcome I guess." The medic rolled his optics. "I'm going to tinker around with his readings while you're gone and compare them to the other readings of mechs I have on record. I'll give you a heads up if I find anything."

"Affirmative." Soundwave was almost out the door before Knockout stopped him one last time.

"Hey…. Um…. Keep a good eye on Breakdown while setting up for him. I know this is routine but…. I still worry about him. Keep me up to date, will you?"

The third in command smiled behind his glass visor and nodded. "Affirmative."

-END-