Slipstream wasted no time in assembling a search party for the missing Rainmaker. She took to the skies with Sunstorm and Starscream. Bumblebee, Knockout, and a squadron of Vehicons split-up their search on the ground. Everyone else remains on the ship.

A few hours later…

"Alright, that's it!"

Knockout slows down and transforms, continuing his trek on foot.

"This is ridiculous! There is no way that Ion Storm could've possibly disappeared without a trace! Not out here, anyway. Of course, he could be on another part of the planet, but the others would've called if they found any trace of him. So far, there hasn't been anything.

By the Allspark, this is giving me a major helm-ache! If only Steeljaw and Phantomjaw could track scents in the air, this would be so much easier! But, no, of course we aren't that lucky.

Then again, it's not like we bothered to ask them, but they are going through some stuff right now. Well, Steeljaw is, anyway. Seriously, what is up with him lately? After Phoria, it's been one thing after another. First we had that talk… sort of… then the whole Star Seekers debacle, and now his brother is back in town? And he hasn't talked to anyone else since then? I mean, I guess if someone I cared about was gone for a long time and I finally reunited with them, I would want to spend all my time with them, too.

No, quit it, Knockout! You can continue to worry about Steeljaw's personal life later. Right now, you have something more urgent to attend to, like finding a missing flier."

.

. .

. . .

"Okay, this is probably a bad idea, but now's as good a time as any to pester Steeljaw for more information, and in the meantime, he can help in the search. Two birds, one stone."

Mind made, albeit regrettably, Knockout found a cluster of rocks leaning against the hillside and sat atop them. He sighed in relief, happy to be sitting down. He shifted in his spot and activated his commlink.

{Knockout to Daytrader, I request assistance from St… WHOA!}

The red medic never finished his call when the ground gave out, sending both him and the pile of rocks he was sitting on down a hidden tunnel. He barely registered what was happening as he blacked out.

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN KNOCKOUT'S MISSING?"

After receiving the call, Wreck-Gar panicked and called back everyone immediately. They weren't happy about giving up the search, and even more so when they learned that someone else was added to the MIA list.

"Only Knockout would go and get himself lost on a simple search-and-rescue mission!" Starscream snapped, throwing his servos in the air while angrily pacing the bridge.

"I won't disagree with you there," Moonracer vented. "He's never had the best sense of direction, I will admit. Still, this planet is pretty wide open, much like Velocitron. I have a hard time believing that Knockout wouldn't be able to find his way around."

"Considering you've known him for longer than I have, I'm not going to argue with you about it."

"Thanks?"

Slipstream looked away from Starscream and Moonracer to Bumblebee, who appeared deep in thought. He was unusually withdrawn.

"Whatcha thinkin about over there?" Slipstream called out. It took a moment for Bumblebee to realize that the femme is talking to him.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, didn't know you were talking to me," the yellow and black mech perked to attention and cleared his vocalizer. "Anyway, yeah, I am thinking. Based on Knockout's last transmission, it sounded like he was requesting help."

"He was," everyone on the bridge interrupted simultaneously.

"I know. I mean, whoever he was asking for, their name starts with 'St', and there are only two bots on this ship that fit the bill: Starscream and Steeljaw. Now, Starscream was out on patrol, so if Knockout wanted his help, why would he call the ship?"

"So you believe he called for Steeljaw's assistance instead?" Slipstream inquired. Bumblebee nodded. "Why?"

"I think…"

The others looked at Moonracer. She realized she had spoken and shut her mouth.

"Moonracer?" Bumblebee said.

"Sorry, but I can't tell," the femme replied. "Doctor-patient confidentiality. You understand."

The other bots shared mixed looks of concern and suspicion. However, they were well aware of the rules, and left Moonracer alone on the matter.

"Although, now that Knockout's missing, we might as well ask for Steeljaw's help. He can track Knockout by scent, after all."

"We didn't originally consider him, since the Rainmakers can fly everywhere, thus resulting in no definitive trail," Slipstream continued Moonracer's explanation, seeing where the other femme was going with this. "However, Knockout is a grounder, so tracking him will be a cinch."

"And we may find Ion Storm in the process as well?" Wreck-Gar mentioned from beside his conjunx.

"Good point."

Slipstream turned to the others.

"So, which one of you wants to fetch him?"

Meanwhile…

Knockout's optics blinked open, taking in dim lighting. He is in a daze and sore all over.

"Mmm… that fragging sucked… ow… wasn't expecting that to happen.

I should have known the first rock pile in the middle of the biggest green patch in the history of green patches in the universe was a red flag. Frag me and my need to rest on a perch of some kind. Next time, just stick to flat earth."

Knockout ran a diagnostics check on his systems. So far, so good. Functioning well. Sustained some damage, but nothing major. His scarred leg was pulsing with pain; nothing he couldn't handle, though. When not in attack mode, Knockout uses his Energon prod as a walking stick.

Leaving his prod on a low voltage setting, just in case, Knockout limps off further into the tunnel, hoping to find another way out, and, quite possibly, a clue to Ion Storm's location.

And as if luck was coming back around…

Wait, isn't that…

Knockout hobbled over to an unusually blue stalagmite in the tunnel's bend. Upon closer inspection, it looked more like a large blood stain, where someone had leaned against the rock, causing the liquid of life to flow out and paint its surface.

Energon! It's dried out by now, and a different color, but it's definitely Energon! And it still looks fresh enough for someone to have come through here recently. The past week, I'd say.

Then a thought hit Knockout.

Oh scrap. If this is Ion Storm's Energon…

Knockout shook his helm, refusing to dwell on a grim possibility.

No, don't think like that. If this was a human, they would be dead by now. Based on this, Ion Storm will be weak, but not hopelessly so. He should be fine, unless he's damaged himself even further, or he started rusting… or worse.

"Come on, Knockout, think on the positive side. You're the one who always looks on the bright side, right? Speaking of the bright side, my finish needs to be completely redone, again! Buffed, painted, waxed… why does the universe hate my paint job so much?"

Knockout was going to continue complaining, but as he rounded another bend and entered a cavern, his optics widened and mouth hung slightly agape as he gazed upon the form resting against one of the rock pillars that littered the area. A lean, electric blue mech, with black and silver detailing. Wings and red optics perked in surprise, but were quickly replaced in a bout of fear. Optics narrowing to slits, and wings pressing against his backplate, the mech immediately backed away.

"Whoa! Easy there!" Knockout exclaimed, raising his servos in a way to let the other mech know he wasn't here to hurt him. He stepped closer, careful not to make any sudden moves. "Ion Storm, right? I'm Knockout. I met your pals Acid and Nova."

Ion Storm paused and blinked, but only for a brief moment. Still on the defensive, he continued to back away until he couldn't anymore. Ion Storm jolted in shock when he hit something, turning around and faceplate becoming even more fear-filled than before once he realized he was pinned against the cavern wall. Noticing the panic in the other's optics, Knockout stopped walking and lowered himself to his knees.

"Don't worry, I'm here to help," Knockout said in a calm, comforting, and friendly tone of voice. "I promise, I will get you out of here… somehow. Now, I noticed some dried Energon earlier. If you are injured, I can help, as I am a medic. Not that you would know that, I don't think. Maybe. I have no idea. A lot's been happening recently and I'm just a little… um… stressed. But I can assure you, I am perfectly work capable! So, shall we?"

Ion Storm remained where he was, analyzing the mech sitting in front of him. He showed no signs of wanting to cause him harm, and it sounds like he has at least met Acid Storm and Nova Storm. He remains cautious, but if this mech is who he says he is…

"If you trick me, I will force you offline for eternity," Ion rasped, surprising Knockout. "What?"

"Nothing!" The red medic exclaimed, taking out his med-kit and moving closer. "I just wasn't expecting you to talk, or to threaten me like that. Don't worry, I won't trick you. I may be a former Decepticon, but I prefer living with a perfectly undamaged frame, thank you very much."

"I don't suppose you realize how bad it looks right now?"

"Oh, trust me, I do. Fell through a hole in the ground with a bunch of rocks."

"Lot's of hidden traps around here."

"Is that what happened to you?"

Ion Storm fell silent. He shifted in his spot and gave a slight nod.

"Okay… where's the damage?" Knockout asked, looking over Ion Storm. So far, he doesn't see anything terribly wrong with the blue mech, but his curiosity rises when he finally notices some discoloration beneath a clenched servo. "Care to tell me what happened?"

"I… um… was trying to dig out some Energon crystals, and I wasn't being as careful as I should have been and got caught in a cave-in," Ion Storm explained, curling in on himself.

"Ouch."

"Yeah. I was surprised yet happy that I survived, but I had no way out, and my commlink was busted…"

"And your injuries?"

Ion Storm vented, turned around, and removed his servo. Knockout gasped at the sight: a crushed shoulder plate and a fractured wing, both wounds still leaking Energon, as well as forming rust.

"I'm not leaking as much anymore, and the pain's become bearable…" Ion Storm started, looking between his damage and Knockout's gaze.

"I can't do anything about the rust right now, and that's the thing I'm most concerned about!" Knockout exclaimed, interrupting the blue mech.

"That's not making me feel better. I'm already worried about it enough as is."

"Sorry, sorry. I can get a little carried away at times."

"It's alright. So can my sister."

"Nova Storm?"

"Mhm."

.

. .

. . .

Later…

After hours upon hours of talking, Ion Storm had fallen asleep in Knockout's lap. The red medic had wrapped his arms around the injured blue mech and held him against his chassis, comforting him and keeping him safe.

"I promise we'll both get out of here," Knockout muttered. "I just wish I knew how."

Knockout felt something move and looked down. Ion Storm was waking up.

"Mmm… did you say something, Knockout?" The blue mech asked.

"Just talking aloud to myself. Sorry about that."

"It's okay…"

"What?"

"What?"

"It looks like you're about to say something."

Ion Storm whined and crawled out of Knockout's lap.

"I was just thinking about what I think you're thinking about, too," he answered.

"You mean a way out?" Knockout clarified.

"Yes, that. Maybe we could go back to where you fell in and get out there."

"The tunnel's blocked by rocks."

"Are you sure?"

". . ."

"You didn't check, did you?"

Knockout vented and shook his helm. Using his Energon prod, Knockout got back to his pedes, then reached down to help Ion Storm up. Keeping a tight hold on each other, the mechs backtracked the way one of them came in.

Eventually, they reached Knockout's tunnel.

"Huh, it's much brighter here than it was earlier," Knockout said.

"Are you sure? Weren't you still a little… you know… seeing darkness when you came-to?" Ion Storm inquired.

"Maybe…"

"HEY, IS ANYBODY DOWN THERE?"

Knockout and Ion Storm froze.

That's Bumblebee's voice!

"Steeljaw…"

"After the Insecticon incident, you better not be questioning my tracking skills!"

Oh, thank Primus! My transmission went through! Maybe. I don't know, but right now, I don't care!

"He's right, Scout."

"Don't you start, too, Starscream!"

"I'll start whatever I want, whenever I want!"

"For the love of Primus, not again."

Knockout started laughing. Ion Storm raised an optic ridge.

"That's how they always are, trust me," Knockout said, then yelled, "HEY, SCREAMER, STOP ANNOYING EVERYONE!"

The arguing ceased.

"Knockout?" All three voices replied in unison.

"Who else?" The red medic jokes. "Oh, yeah, and I found Ion Storm!"

The following reactions were mixed.

"What? You did?"

"Explains why no one else could find him."

"Of course Knockout would find someone by sheer dumb luck!"

"I heard that, Screamer!" Knockout teased. His demeanor quickly turned serious when he felt Ion Storm nearly slip out of his grasp. "Uh, not that I don't love messing around with you guys, but Ion is in bad shape and we really need to get him out of here."

"Sorry, Knockout, we're on it!"

Soon, Bumblebee joined Knockout, and together, they were able to carry Ion Storm through the tunnel. It wasn't easy, but they managed. Once they reached the other end, Steeljaw grabbed Ion, then Starscream grabbed Knockout, and Bumblebee climbed out all on his own.

"Thanks for the save," Knockout said.

"Don't you mean another save?" Steeljaw corrected, keeping a firm yet gentle hold on Ion Storm, the injured mech lying in his arms bridal style.

"Considering we've saved your aft how many times now?" Starscream added, crossing his arms.

"I don't know… a lot?" Knockout guessed. Starscream just rolled his optics.

"Knockout, you really need to be more careful…" Bumblebee started.

"I was being careful!" Knockout snapped. "I even called for assistance! How was I supposed to know that there were hidden tunnels all over the place? I didn't drive over a single one, and the one time I stopped to make a call, viola! Suddenly, one magically appears out of the blue!"

"Okay, okay, calm down, Knockout! I'm sorry! We were all just worried about you. Okay?"

Knockout vented and calmed down.

"Yeah, I know, but on the bright side, if that didn't happen, I wouldn't have found Ion Storm!"

That fact alone was enough to get them off his back for the time being. Bumblebee called the ship and requested a bridge. One appeared seconds later, and they all walked through. They entered a room, which was occupied by Wreck-Gar, Slipstream, Sunstorm, and Shockwave.

"We're back," Bumblebee announced.

"About time," Slipstream hissed. Her mood did a complete shift when she took notice of the blue frame in Steeljaw's arms. "Is that..?"

"Hi, Slipstream," Ion Storm rasped, half asleep due to his ordeal. "I hope my absence didn't cause too much trouble."

.

. .

. . .

"Sunstorm, please retrieve Acid and Nova," Slipstream said, her optics never leaving Ion Storm.

"Two panicking yet otherwise perfectly fine Rainmakers coming right up, boss!" Sunstorm piped, giving a little salute and running off.

"Oh… panicking… that bad?" Ion replied meekly.

"Acid Storm lost his temper with everyone," Slipstream said, causing Ion Storm to stiffen. His optics flew wide open.

"Okay, so it really was that bad. Acid never loses it like that, ever."

"It's fine. I'm just glad you're safe."

Wreck-Gar nodded in agreement with his conjunx. Shockwave remained silent as he walked over to Steeljaw and Ion Storm. Knockout, Bumblebee, and Starscream stood out of the way. The scientist looked the injured mech over. Ion Storm did not say a word. Steeljaw stood stock still.

.

. .

. . .

"Shockwave, I'm sorry, I…" Ion Storm stammered, breaking under Shockwave's gaze, but immediately fell silent when the scientist placed his servo on his good shoulder plate.

"You are injured, so it would be logical for you to save your strength and rest," Shockwave responded, his tone surprisingly gentle. "I am glad that you are still online and functioning."

"Me, too, Shockwave, and thank you for looking out for us."

Shockwave patted Ion Storm lightly, then retracted his servo from the injured mech, but didn't move from his side. The other bots stood idly by, dumbfounded by what just happened. None of them, not even Wreck-Gar and Slipstream, expected Shockwave to act like that.

Like a father or uncle figure.

"Is there something wrong with all of you?" Shockwave asked, a hint of irritation expressing itself through his voice.

Having been on the receiving end of Shockwave's anger before, – nowhere near on the same level as Megatron's rage; he somehow managed to avoid harm when getting on Shockwave's nerves – Starscream immediately whisked away his disbelief and denied ever possessing any in the first place. The others – namely Knockout and Bumblebee – followed suit.

"Thought so."

"Smug, aren't you?" Starscream teased, getting an unknown reaction out of Shockwave.

"What's this I'm seeing?" Knockout mused, sensing a golden opportunity to not only annoy Starscream, but Shockwave as well regarding their relationship. "Courting, are we?"

"What? Knockout! No!" Starscream spluttered, faceplate developing a blue tint. "You know how much I love to patronize others! That's all there is to it!"

"Specifically Shockwave, and especially recently."

"I like to annoy him! So what? Nothing more, nothing less!"

"Are you sure about that? What do you think, Shockers?"

"Don't call him by that absurd nickname!"

"Aw, what's the matter, Screamer? Jealous?"

"Of what? You? Of course not! Don't be ridiculous!"

"I will neither confirm nor deny anything," Shockwave suddenly said, interrupting the quarreling mechs… for all of 10 seconds, possibly less.

"Oh my, that certainly wasn't a no!" Knockout chuckled.

"It wasn't a yes, either," Starscream grumbled, crossing his arms and turning away.

"Aw, sounds like poor Screamy is disappointed."

"What did I tell you about those absurd nicknames!"

"Oh, please, you love 'em!"

"No, I don't!"

"Yes you do!"

Bumblebee, Wreck-Gar, and Slipstream were thoroughly entertained by Knockout and Starscream's arguing. Even if he didn't seem amused, Shockwave was at least invested in the argument, if only for the sake that he was dragged into it. Ion Storm just looked plain confused.

"Do not!"

"Do, too!"

"SHUT UP!"

Steeljaw's yell scared everyone, and silenced both Knockout and Starscream. The other mechs and femme turned to the Lupicon. Much to their confusion, he appeared extremely upset.

"Steeljaw, are you okay?" Bumblebee asked.

"Does it look like I am okay to you?" Steeljaw snapped. He handed Ion Storm to Shockwave and left, passing Sunstorm, Acid Storm, and Nova Storm on his way out.

The Rainmakers were beyond overjoyed to be reunited, but Knockout, Bumblebee, and Starscream weren't concerned with that anymore.

Now, they had someone else to worry about.