HI! DONE! Finally another chapter done! This one was really giving me grief, but I have no one to blame but myself. I honestly wrote myself into a corner with Salem's death, because I originally had plans for him to survive. That and I wasn't sure how I was going to start this one. It was fighting me because I would start with one scenario, then I would think of a new plan to write about, end up hating it and starting over again, and again, and again… AHHH!

So yeah, this is where I landed with the plot, because I had a last minute thought about Bob and how I would reintroduce him into the story. I think this works in a… Not all to M. Night Shyamalan kind of way. XD

It's mostly filler right now, but I do have plans to pick up in the next chapter if I have time. In the meantime, Cass gets some much needed R&R with his brothers, and Antaeus is up to his old tricks again. Fret not, for Knockout is in the picture and he has a plan to keep his patients safe.

As always, thank you everyone for always having my back and being patient as I get my shit together once again. More is coming, I promise.

Remember, don't be shy! Feel free to review and ask questions. I love to hear from my fellow fan readers!

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

MERCY

Chapter. 41

"Family, like branches on a tree,

Will grow in a different direction,

Yet our roots remain as one."

-Dr. Seuss

Rumors were rushing through the Nemesis like a rushing blaze. An explosion of drones of all types talking about either Megatron and his many secrets, or the recent attacks on the ship that were not being investigated at all. Which, one particular Eradicon felt relief from the neglect on himself, and Antaeus was going to take full advantage of it. The death of the Miner drone Salem was a decent enough excuse for the higher ranked troop to head to the med-bay to pay his friend Bob a visit. It was the last lose chink in his armor that he needed to hammer out before the shorter flyer was strong enough to remember how he was injured.

The halls were mostly empty considering the recreation time Megatron granted to the entire army. There was an immediate reaction, and soldiers retired to the flight decks or maintenance holds, while other less combative drones were content to recharging in their dorms. Anyone left straggling were either volunteers to maintain the ships monetary functions in exchange for a later rest period, or lovers searching for a quiet place to be alone. Miners were the usual sighting of drones finding empty rooms, or secluded hallways to be as alone as possible with their partners. Partners that they rarely had the chance to see due to their rank and position, so neither cared if they were discovered or walked in on.

Antaeus passed at least three different parties, one a menajahtwa, that were in the middle of ministrations or fourplay. Normally the giant flyer would stop and see if he could join in or find a place to just watch if the mood struck him, but at the moment he was just too exhausted. For the past couple of nights the tall Eradicon was constantly summoned to Soundwave's locations and requested to indulge in interface activities. Then when he was finished with entertaining the surveillance officer, he would return to Arachnid's quarters and have to fulfill her needs. There was little time left for him straighten out his messes, but today Antaeus had just enough time to get to the med-bay, terminate Bob, then return to his charging station for some recharge. But until he got there, he was going to have to behave himself.

On his way there he passed two battle drones standing outside the main Energon storage unit. Despite it being the heaviest guarded area on the ship, there was never a personal guard requirement. Interesting, Antaeus thought as he passed the Vehicon guards. There was no attempt to interact with the two because he was able to pick up on their signatures, and he knew they were not his biggest fans… Probably two of many. Either way, he made a note to double back on this and investigate after his time off. Or maybe he could use his newly found connection with Soundwave and ask him. A test to see just how much the communications officer truly adored him.

First things first, Bob must die. It wouldn't be long now; he was outside the med-bay only moments later. He noticed the new door lock and snickered at its simplicity.

"Child's play." He muttered while he took out a keycard from his subspace. He programmed it himself the other night while Soundwave was recharging in the communications bridge. It worked like a skeleton key, and he could use it to open almost every locked door on the ship. Now that he had better access to security codes, he was able to find better ways to sleuth around the Nemesis. He was also able to check the surveillance footage of the corridors before he left Soundwave's berth that night. Both Knockout and Breakdown were still in their dorm the last time he checked so he had just enough of a window to slip in, poison Bob, then sneak off to his heavenly berth to retire for the next twelve hours.

"What the Pit?!" Antaeus was taken aback by the voice that suddenly greeted him. Knockout was there in the center of the room with a patient he did not recognize. A miner at that, so it wasn't his target to be. That issue would have to wait because now, he had a very disgruntled medic to deal with. One he tried to avoid, but it looked like the doctor returned to his occupation around the same time Antaeus left the communication bridge. "How did you get in here?! Get out! If you don't have an emergency, than you can't be here without an invitation!"

"Forgive my intrusion doctor but was hoping I could see a friend of mine." Smooth as ever, Antaeus casually lifted his good servo impishly. "I didn't notice the door was locked, but I really didn't mean anything malice by it."

The red mech just sneered at the random Eradicon and felt even more uneasy when his patient suddenly squeezed his wrist. It was evident that this tall drone made the Miner nervous, and Knockout wasn't in the mood for any of it.

"I don't know how you got in here but visiting hours have been canceled indefinitely." The medic stood and with a stern glare he walked over to Antaeus with his servos over his hips. "Basically until I say so the lift will stay in place. Which I might not ever lift it considering how ease it was for someone without a code to get in."

"Well, I actually got a code from Breakdown while he was still on the flight deck." Total lie, but it was believable. Antaeus knew the former wrecker was still wrecked from high grade. Almost everyone heard about it as he sang his drunken shanties down the empty halls. So it made sense that he had slight slip of his own glossa. "I told him that I was missing my friend Bob. I had no idea he was even sick or hurt. Is he here Officer Knockout? I just need to know he is okay."

The red mech could tell that this tall drone was, as the humans would say, full of shit. He wasn't buying his façade, but lucky for Knockout the truth (or the majority of it) was on his side. "I am sorry to inform you that your friend has passed away earlier this morning."

"Really?" The Eradicon faked his gasp and feigned his sadness… Poorly. "My goodness, I heard that one of our own had passed away, but Officer Breakdown said it was a Miner named Salem."

"That was a mistake, because this is Salem." Knockout pointed to the drone behind him still lying upon the medical berth but trying to shy further away. "These mix ups happen more often then I like to admit. So do me a favor and keep this discovery to yourself for now. It would be best if we took the time to fix this mistake ourselves. Less embarrassment for poor Salem in the end."

"Well… I mean, yes, of course but I have a few more questions if I may—."

"No you may not." The medic sneered as he ushered Antaeus back out the door. "Salem is still recovering and needs his rest now. The super medical highway is officially closed. Thanks for stopping by but get the frag out."

Antaeus tripped on his pedes as he was pushed out the door and he needed to suppress the urge to growl. Quickly he spun around and faked his manners as best he could. "I'm sorry doctor, but could I just—?"

"No."

The doors hissed closed on the Eradicon's face, and he stood there in shocked silence until his anger burnt out the last of his energy. So he rolled his optics and sighed to himself, "Frag it… I choose to believe Bob is dead, and I'm going to bed. Screw the rest of the world right now."

Knockout changed the door code immediately and made sure to store it in his CPU. "There, that should keep the crazy out for now… But to be safe, it might be a good idea if you stay in mine and Breakdown's housing. Just until we get everything straightened out and find a place where you can be less conspicuous."

"How did all of this happen…?" The Miner curled over the berth and nearly cried. "Of course, if I haven't said it yet, thank you very much Officer Knockout. Your plan appeared to work."

"I'm sorry about your friend by the way." The medical officer sauntered to one end of the room and reached for a vile of pain reliever on a shelf. He returned to the drone and patted his shoulder. "Take this every three to four hours and try not to exsert yourself for the rest of the recreation time. Remember not to speak if you run into anyone you might know. Salem's vocal injuries were sever enough that that shouldn't raise any suspicions."

"Primus…" The drone finally reached a breaking point, and suddenly began to sob. He removed the damaged mask from his helm, so he had room to cry. Knockout bit his bottom lip and sat beside the distort solider. He wished there was more he could do for Bob, but there was nothing he could really say to make this better for him. But if what the Eradicon said was true than there wasn't a lot of options left for him to take. Antaeus would hunt him down if he thought he was still functioning, and Bob had information about Cass's kidnapping. So until Knockout and Breakdown could properly get Megatron's full attention of the matter, the damaged Eradicon would need to be hidden. "I'm sorry… This is just so overwhelming and…"

"You don't have to explain yourself." Knockout stared down at the Miner visor that once belonged to Salem. He was so angry with himself for what happened to the drone under his care, but when a Cybertronian hemorrhages in the processor, there is little a medic can do to stop it. Not unless he discovers a blockage in an energon cable, and even than preventing it from rupturing is a crap shoot. There was nothing Knockout desired more at this time then to go back in time and check on Salem's well-being more often, but there was nothing he could do about it then or at present time. What he could was use this tragedy to protect his other patient and subsequently protect Cass and his unborn. "I really can't imagine what you're going through."

The red grounder furled his optical ridges as he lifted Salem's mask to examine. There was still a large residue stain charred over the silver metal, and a noticeable crack over the bottom optical slit. It both saddened him more, and also angered him. "You don't need to put this on again. I can put in an order to get you a new one."

"Oh, no… If it's alright, I would like to keep it." The former Eradicon sighed as he reached for the visor. He winced a little as back struts stretched outward. The arial fins on his back needed to be removed so he would look more convincing as a Miner, so he was understandably going to be tender for a while. However he pushed pass the pain and pulled the mask over to him. A smile briefly etched over his lip-plates as he examined it with care. He stared at it with interest for a while, before closing his tear filled optics and pecked the top of the mask. Thick drops of optical fluid landed over the scaring on the visor as he gently kissed his friend one last time. "I'm not ready to let him go yet."

"Hold on to him as long as you need." Knockout whispered and sympathetically caressed his servo behind the distraught drones helm. He couldn't think of anything else to do than to sit beside Bob and gently whispered whatever words of kindness came to mind. "Breakdown and I are going to keep you safe… And we are going to find away to help all of your kind. I promise."

Megatron stood at the edge of the flight deck and scanned the gaggle of drones crowding around his lover. He was surprised by the immediate rush of his troops, not at all caring of their leader's presence. All of the attention was given to his mate-to-be, and the warlord may have taken more offence to such disrespect towards him. A drone should never ignore Megatron while in his presence, but it was understandable. They were all excited to see their friend, and perhaps it was a good thing that Cass had so many admirers. The more troops dedicated to protecting the Carrier, the better. Of course, while he was there, Megatron took his time to glance over his glass of high grade. He was reading the crowd as they came and went, taking care to notice anyone acting suspicious. So far, everyone was being gentle and cautious around the sweet young model. The only thing that some drones did was feel for kicking over Cass's plating or lightly started crying from happiness.

"Good evening my Lord." A random Eradicon passed in front of the silver mech and traditionally bowed. It occurred to Megatron that this was the drone he met in the corridor. "I don't mean to sound condescending, but as a formality I would like to extend a warning. The high grade is home stilled up here, so it is very strong. We offered Officer Breakdown no warning ahead of time and well… you saw the end result of that."

"I am not unfamiliar with strong drinks. I used to brew my own as well." To indicate his understanding, Megatron took another light sip of the brew. He even smiled from the texture he felt against his glossa. "This is actually quite adequate."

"Thank you, my Liege." The Eradicon bowed. His voice even expressed in an honest light appreciation to the compliment. He was about to leave and join the rest of the party, but his master appeared to need the company for a little longer.

"You're Erin, correct? The flyer I met in the hall near the lift?"

"Yes master, that was me." Erin smiled in uncertainty under his visor and bowed a second time. "Is there anything else you need of me?"

"I actually have a few questions, specifically about the culture of your kind." With a gentle gesture of his opposite hand Megatron guided his troop away from the majority crowd. This made Erin nervous, but it wasn't as if Megatron could just push him over the edge without detection. He was an Eradicon after all, and if he was pushed, he could fly back in one piece. That's when a thought crossed his mind and he hesitated where Megatron once stood. It wouldn't be difficult to murder the drone if he fell from the side in two pieces.

"Um… You need to know about my… Culture? I'm not sure I understand." The shorter flyer muttered, but he was still being beckoned by his master's glare to move closer.

"I need to know more of your world. As a drone." Megatron stared off into the distance and admired the crescent moon that was so low on the horizon it was nearly optic level. It was a very nice night, so the warlord didn't want to waste too much time dawdling on something he can ask again later. "I need to know more of the life my mate lived in, and the drones that influenced him."

"Influenced? I'm still a little confused my Lord." Erin dared himself to move closer and look up at his master curiously. His confused expression reflected through his EM field. Megatron was able to pick up on the energy and lightly chuckled.

"I supposed I'm not being entirely clear. Maybe I should be a little more direct." Glancing over his shoulder, the silver giant softly smiled at his lover who was still hugging and talking to his friends with eagerness. "Do you see that happiness on his face? How it lights the darkest crevasse on this ship and brightens everyone's world?"

"We all call him our light, Lord Megatron." The violet flyer sighed. As he stared in the same direction as his master, Cass noticed the duo staring at him from afar. The little Vehicon blushed but waved at his friend. Erin waved back gently and began to blush himself when Cass also blew a kiss. He knew it was meant for Megatron, but he just looked so adorable doing it. "We all loved and cherished him since he was a youngling in our care… And now he's… All grown and…"

Erin shied away, realizing he was becoming emotional. He didn't want to show such signs of inferiority in front of Megatron. His EM field was his enemy at that moment, and his silver overlord picked up on the signal instantly. It wasn't just a feeling of nostalgia spurred by sadness. Erin was expressing an air of anger, and maybe a hint of disappointment. In this newfound knowledge, Megatron surprised his troop with his next action. He patted his large, clawed servo over Erin's shoulder and even curled his digits with empathy.

"You have all been great guardians to this young model, and in the wake of your efforts to protect him, he has become a wonderful mech. But despite all of the love that was encouraged in his life, he has still become a target." Megatron didn't want to upset this soldier any further, but time was growing short for finesse. "I understand if you and others have stored anger towards me for choosing Caspian that faithful night. Knowing what I understand of his innocence now, I would feel the same way, but that is precisely why I am here tonight. I care for and love Caspian, and I want nothing more in this universe then to protect him. So I need to know more of him… And the company he once kept."

"Knowing of your feelings actually puts my thoughts at ease, Lord Megatron." Erin sighed with honesty, feeling braver with his openness to the tyrant still holding his shoulder strut. "If it truly is for Caspian's benefit, you can ask us of anything, and we will all answer you to the best of our knowledge."

"Very good." Another sip from his cube gave the impression that his master was only loosely paying attention to the conversation. But that didn't appear to be the case and his next question again, surprised the smaller flyer. "Now that we understand each other, I need you to tell me everything about your hidden ranking system, and anything you can tell me about the Eradicon drone Antaeus."

Caspian was overjoyed to see all of his friends almost as much they were to see him. For a moment, he didn't care how jealous Megatron would get of his companions getting close to hug and paw him. He was on the verge of crying from happiness himself, but instead he just indulged himself in the chaos that was his friend's love.

"We missed you so much!" An Eradicon to Cass's right nuzzled into an embrace. "Has Megatron been treating you well? He hasn't hurt you? Are you feeding well?"

"Of course he's been fed well." Another flyer scoffed and pointed at Cass's torso. "Look at that rounded plating. No offense Caspian, but if Lord Megatron is offering you nothing but sweet mineral, you just say no for a while."

"Clearly you haven't heard any of the rumors David." A Miner to the left of Cass chimed in, his comment encouraging the others nearby to laugh. Even the mech of the hour giggled into the curl of his digits, but in the calm of chuckles he reached out for the clueless Eradicon's servos.

"Here… Put your servos here." The little four-wheeler smiled at everyone that tilted their helms in confusion, but a small handful of the troops just continued to snicker. Some of the mechs there either already knew what was going on, had a suspicion of what was going on, or were completely left in the dark and had no idea what was going on for the past three to four months. However, no one was going to say a thing as the flyer addressed as David while he was guided by the young model. Each hand was placed over the opposite sides of Cass's black plating and his friend blushed a little under his visor. He waited there for a few seconds, not really expecting anything to happen, but when it did his armor nearly turned white in shock. Something trilled under his palms, and it frightened the drone enough that he wanted to pull his hands away, but in fascination of what he experienced he kept his servos in place.

"Wait? What…? What?! Wh-What was that?!"

There was more laughter and a taller Vehicon came up behind David to slap his back in good humor. Cass also laughed as he swaddled the top of his tummy, enjoying the reactions of everyone surrounding him. "Don't be afraid David, it's a sparkling. I'm carrying."

All of the drones that already knew what was going on continued to giggle and laugh. Others jumped where they stood and some continued to murmur under their breath, not fully understanding how this was possible. Not every drone knew that Cass was not actually a drone, but the select few that did continued to laugh or stood there completely silent. It was the silent ones that Cass was looking for, and he reached out for the one quiet Eradicon closes to him.

"And now that there is no longer a reason for me to hide this secret, there should be no reason to hide the secrets you have kept from me." The atmosphere quickly change from jubilation to a cloud of depression. He knew bringing up this topic would sadden some of his brothers, but this was important for both his future and his young one. Cass needed to know more about who he really was, and the only source he had besides Soundwave were the drones who brought him up. "I want you all to know that I am not angry or upset. I mean, I was surprised to learn about all of these things about my body and amazed by how much I really didn't know… But what I have always known is that you all loved me and took care of me my whole function. And I also love all of you too much not to at least try to understand your reasoning for keeping things from me."

The air felt a little lighter as Cass walked by the drones nearest to him. He smiled more and reached out for them in kindness, sometimes brushing his servo against the side of an individual's mask. More was needed to be said and explored, so this light feeling was going to come to an end. Cass prepared himself for this outcome and rehearsed what he needed to say aloud many times when he was alone in Megatron's quarters.

"My brothers… My friends… I am not a youngling anymore. I need to know what you have all been protecting me from. It is too late to deny it now after all."

Every single drone backed away nervously. It's not like they didn't predict themselves that this day wouldn't come, but the timing could have been better. Did they really need to talk about Cass's past with their tyrannical Master so close by? Within auto shot? Maybe this was their penance for dragging this out for so long, and with that thought in mind, one of his brethren finally stepped forward.

"Caspian… Please always remember… We love you. We have loved you the day we laid optics on you, but if you must know the truth… There is actually a lot that we don't know either. Your Eradicon and Vehicon brothers from the first batch of Mid-digits left instructions to us. If there was no one left to look after you when they were gone, that we would be held responsible for your safety. There was a lot of questions we had that were left unanswered."

"We will do everything we can to make up for such irresponsibility on our part." Another Eradicon approached from behind and grasped his smallest friend by his wheel-wells. The flyer guided Cass over to the seated area and helped him sit in the center of the smallest bench. They both sat there in a gentle half hug and quietly listened to the breeze above their helms. "If you want to know now, we can talk now. Ask anything of us and it is yours."

"As always Andrew, you all have been so good to me. I hope in my new positions, I can soon return the favor." Cass's smile widened and he fully embraced Andrew, finding comfort in the familiarity of his EM field. As the warmth of the Eradicon's armor encased his frame like a shroud, the little grounder purred in appreciation. "I wish Tristan and Salem were here."

"They are my sweet…" His friend sighed over his helm. "Remember, the departed can hear our thoughts when we think of them. They know that we love them."

"Forgive me for interrupting," as Cass was being surrounded by more of his friends in a deep group hug, Erin appeared with a bit of indifference around him, "but Megatron has requested your presence. He is waiting for you on the edge."

"So soon?" A Miner holding Cass's servo whimpered while he bit his bottom lip. "He just arrived. It's only been an hour."

"You will all see me again soon." The carrying mech smiled and clasped all of the servos nearest to him. "Megatron is going to announce my carrying to the whole army, and when that happens, he will create a security team to protect me. You will all see me more often; I guarantee it anyway. I still have questions, and… Well, aren't you all excited to see this little one when she enters the world?"

"She?!" Now Cass did it. The calm was now stirred up with excitement again. He had no idea everyone would be so happy to hear the gender of his sparkling, but then he remembered how excited he was hear it from Knockout. Even if technically he already knew through his dreams. Before the crowd could get too wild celebrating, Cass reached out for Erin, and with a silent smile he pleaded to helped up.

"Huzza!" The drones shouted and started the stereo system, not caring if it bothered their master any longer. It was time to dance and be merry. Who wouldn't be excited to hear about new member of their family on arrival? And a little feme at that?

"You really are lucky to have so many friends." Erin whispered as he pulled the carrying mech away from the rambunctious crowd.

The young model sighed through a fresh grin and gave the lone flyer a hug. "I'm lucky you're my friend too Erin. I'm glad I got to see everyone tonight. I missed you all so much."

"We missed you too. I missed you." The Eradicon hugged Cass back as he continued to escort him to the edge of the ship. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I have to ask Cass… Are you happy?"

"I never knew that I could feel such away for another mech, let alone Megatron." Cass was honest with his answer. There was nothing in his voice that indicated any dishonesty. "But what I'm most happy about is this. About Mercy… And my mind is at ease knowing she already has a family waiting to meet her. She will be brought into a world of love, because I know I can always rely on my brothers. Always have and always will."

"You are right. You and yours will always have a place in our world." It was the last stop for Erin as they finally approached Megatron close enough that they could depart ways. "We will never abandon you little brother. Always remember and hold on to that."

"I will, and you and yours will never be far from my thoughts… I truly love you all." They separated and the small grounder waved goodbye before turning away completely. "Now go and be merry with the others. This rest period won't last forever after all."

Erin waved back and was glad he still had his visor over his face. Last thing he wanted to do was end the night worrying Cass with his uncontrollable expression of doubt. A lot was said tonight that helped the drone feel less anxious about his friend's well-being, but now he understood the full extent of the young model's situation. The only benefit that came of this was how Megatron had personally chosen him to be one of Cass's escorts. He would once again be allowed to watch over the little grounder like he did for so many years.

"Are you having a good time my treasure?" Megatron held out his servo for Cass and carefully pulled him close. The shorter mech gasped on a thrill as he noticed how close they were standing to the edge. The tips of his master's pedes were nearly over the ships lining, and Cass remembered that even he didn't dare to get that close. Then again, for flyers the fear of falling was probably less of a priority. However, the silver could feel Cass's back struts tense, but as his small lover clung closer to him, Megatron growled softly behind his sharp toothed grin. He backed away from the edge, only a couple of steps, but it was enough to hear the carrier's sigh of relief.

"Yes M' Lord… I am very happy to be here." Cass nuzzled his faceplate over the side of his mate's chassis. The sound of Megatron's spark fluxing beneath the warm steel making it easier for the carrying mech to relax. He glanced outward to the night sky, taking note of how bright the night was despite the phase of the moon. It was such peaceful sight and Cass closed his optics in delight. The cold air was brisk, and he enjoyed the feeling of the breeze flowing past his seems, but it still made him shiver.

"Are you cold Caspian?" The warlord set his half empty cube aside on a ledge close by, but it still tipped and spilled over the side. He made no attempt to catch it since both his hands were busy embracing his Bearer and bent slightly to kiss Cass's lip-plates. They were trembling slightly, but Megatron couldn't tell if it was from the cold, or from eagerness. "I don't want to take you away so early from your friends reunion, but if you're already feeling cold or tired, we can head back inside… And I could heat your metal…"

"Oh Megatron…" Cass whispered back, feeling the base of his chest ripple as the giant began to deepen the kiss. Neither of them caring if the others could see them or what they were thinking about as they witnessed such intimacy. "This evening has been so wonderful. I don't want it to end, but I also want… Oh it's embarrassing to say aloud… Outside the confines of your quarters…"

"I think I understand your needs…" Megatron became a little emboldened as he slid a hand over the sweet grounder's side and gently grasped his hip. Cass moaned quietly and tilted his helm away. He knew his lover was trying to thrill him, but he did not want to be so exposed to his brothers in such away. The tyrant knew this and made it obvious he was only teasing. He didn't really want to give Cass too much grief, but he did discover that he enjoyed the way the little mech squirmed when he was being shy. Megatron would stop, but not until he was done with his delights.

"Ah! M-Megatron…!" Cass covered his oral cavity with his knuckles, feeling a gentle cascade of warm air gliding over his audio fin. His quivering increased as hot exhaust was softly blown over his receptor and lingered over his neck-cables. "Please… N-Not here…"

"Forgive me…" The former gladiator's grin deepened and carefully corrected Cass's glance by tilting his helm by his chin. His faceplate was burning from a mix of embarrassment and arousal. "I don't mean to bully you… But you are gorgeous when you blush."

With his optics fluttering on heaving intakes, Cass needed to cross his leg-struts and hide the thin trail of lubricant running down his thigh. He could feel the pinging from his modesty cover indicating his panels were ready to open, but he forced himself to keep his equipment in check. "M' Love… C-Can you…? Carry me back…? I think I am… Ready to retire…"

Cass nearly lost all control of his senses when Megatron swept him of the ground, but he collected himself and laughed. His voice tickled the side of the giant flyer's collar as he walked closer to the sea of excited drones. The troops noticed him walking by and created a path for him to pass and bowed as he made way. He made it to the bay doors without any incident, but before he disappeared inside, he set Cass back down. He knew his lover asked to be carried because he was trying to hide his sudden excitement, so Megatron gently tucked his little frame behind his.

"I will be quick… I have one more thing to announce." He whispered before holding his arm up to proclaim a decree. The Vehicon closest to the stereo turned the music off so his master had room to speak without shouting, but Megatron took it upon himself to below anyways. It was just the way he was used to addressing his troops.

"Tomorrow morning, I have new instructions and information that must be addressed. Ten, Earth time sharp, I will be in the main bridge to address all who reside both on ship and off. If anyone is unable to attend personally, be sure to find a nearby operation station and wait for the streaming intel. Until then, enjoy the rest of your night and find rest when it calls you."

"Yes, Lord Megatron." Everyone bowed again but was ignored when their master scooped Cass up again and finally left the flight deck. Before the doors closed and both mech's were out of sight, the young carrier waved goodbye over Megatron's shoulder.

"Good night brother…" The majority of drones whispered to themselves and waved back. Most were happy to see Cass was still in good health and appeared to be happy, but there were a few of them that still feared the worse. Especially now that the young model was asking questions about his past.

-END-