Hey everyone, I'm back! I am truly sorry for the long wait for this chapter. I was having difficulty piecing this together and had to step away from it a few times. I've also started a new story called Transformers: G-9. It's based off of The Last Stand of the Wreckers and will feature two new OCs of mine. It does have similarities to the IDW comics, but I decided to not have it set up in its story line. It's a lot darker compared to my other stories and will have a lot of robot violence/gore and character deaths. If any of you are interested in reading it, please feel free to check it out.

Also, I need to know if my chapters seem a bit rushed. I always want to give you all new updates ASAP, but I want to be careful that I don't rush through anything and miss out on adding details and other things. So if my chapters do seem rushed, please let me know, whether its for this story or for my other stories. I am so happy you are all still enjoying this story and I want to improve more with my writing.

Anyway, here is Crossfire. No action in this chapter I'm afraid, but I hope you like it anyway. P.S. Sorry for any grammar errors.

Transformers Prime: The Medic's Assistant

Chapter 38: Crossfire

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime

(The Nemesis)

Over in the warship's medbay, Knock Out spent almost the entire day patching up vehicon miners. A group of them had been caught in a cave-in and were immediately sent to the doctor for repairs. Having patched up the others, Knock Out was working on the last vehicon who fortunately only had a gash in his shoulder.

Soon as Knock Out was done, he checked his patch job before taking a step back. "There," he said, "good as new."

The vehicon moved his shoulder around to see how it felt. Without saying a word, he then hopped off the medical berth and walked away.

The doctor frowned as the vehicon walked out the door. "You're welcome!" he shouted after him. Letting out a vent, he grabbed his data pad and walked over to his chair. He let out a yawn as he sat down and started on his reports. He had been so busy with repairing cons that he didn't have time for a break. He wanted nothing more than to go out and burn some rubber, but of course, his work came first. There were times he hated being a doctor. As he said to Starscream before, he preferred breaking things rather than fixing them.

His mind soon wondered off as he remembered Velocitron. How he missed the racing planet. During his vacation time from medical school, he would travel there with his friends and spend hours racing and having a blast. Then came the rust plague. Velocitron and many other of the colonies were infected, leading to the destruction of the spacebridges to avoid the plague from reaching Cybertron. Since then, Cybertron had lost contact with the colony worlds, including the racing planet. The friends he made that lived there, he never saw or heard from them again.

Knock Out let out a loud vent as he mentally whacked himself for remembering such a sad memory. He was already overwhelmed with work. The last thing he needed was to be depressed as well. He snapped out of his thoughts soon as the door opened, making him look up to see his partner entering the room.

"Just checked up on the miners," Breakdown said as he approached him, "Megatrons having them get back out there now that they're all patched up."

"Already?" Knock Out asked, "but they still need time to recuperate."

"Hey, Megatron's orders, not mine," Breakdown said.

Knock Out let out a frustrated vent. "Swell," he said sarcastically, "that means one wrong move and I'll have to repair them all over again. Anyway, what took you so long to get back here?"

"Dreadwing flagged me down," he said, "Megatron wants me and him to deal with a situation. We're leaving ASAP along with Airachnid."

Knock Out immediately knew what that meant. "Ah," he said as he set his data pad down, "I was wondering when Megatron would give the order. Can't say I'll miss her."

"One less problem for us to deal with, that's for sure," Breakdown said.

"I still can't believe you liked her," Knock Out said, "I mean seriously, those extra limbs?" The doctor shuddered in disgust.

"So I found her intriguing," Breakdown said, "at least I'm not the one crushing on an autobot."

Knock Out frowned at him. "Really?" he asked, "you're going there now?"

Breakdown grinned. "Hey, next time we go driving, we should see if she's out and about. It's been a while since you've bumped into each other. When was the last time again? Oh yeah, when she came to you to ask about Prime."

The red con rolled his optics. "She thought I would simply give her vital information," he said, "now why would I want to waste my time with someone that naïve?"

"Because every time after you see her, she's all you talk about," Breakdown said, "which by the way you should really be careful about. Soundwave might overhear and get suspicious."

The doctor's frown deepened before he let out a vent. "You better get going before Dreadwing hunts you down," he said.

"Yeah, probably should," Breakdown said, "hey, you wanna go back to that drive-in theatre later? I think there's a new horror film playing."

"Hm, why not," Knock Out said as he picked up his data pad, "hopefully I will be done with these reports soon so we can go."

"Nice," Breakdown said, "see ya later."

Knock Out watched as his partner left the room before resuming his work. As he did, he started thinking about the autobot femme and when they last spoke. Even though he thought her attempt to get intel was rather foolish, he was still impressed that she went and did it anyway without even telling her teammates about it. He let out a chuckle as he remembered how flustered she was by his comment before he left. He found her reaction both funny and adorable at the same time.

Realizing what he was thinking, he immediately shook his head and vented before bringing his focus back on his report.

(Autobot Base)

Over at the smaller computer, Stormracer was studying through some medical notes as she quietly read them out loud. Earlier she had asked Ratchet if she could study them during her free time and was given permission by the medic.

Bulkhead walked by and saw her looking through the notes. Hearing her mumbling, he curiously walked over to see what she was doing.

"Hey, Storm," he said, "what's that you're reading?"

"Ratchet's medical notes," the femme said, "I asked him if I could study through them just to refresh my memory on some things."

The green bot raised his optical ridge at her. "Why?" he asked, "you planning on becoming a medic now?"

"Not really," she said, "Ratchet will always be Team Prime's medic. At the same time, he's taught me a lot on repairing bots. I want to put that knowledge to use if ever the time calls for it."

"But you're already good at patching up bots," he said, "why the need to improve?"

She turned away from the computer to look at him. "Because of what Ratchet said to me," she said, "when he told me he knew I could do the T-cog transplant for Bumblebee- well, first time he said it I panicked. But afterwards when he told me why, it made me realize I can do more. I want to step up my game."

Bulkhead laughed. "Well, you've certainly been stepping up your game a lot. Before, Ratchet would have you just cleaning up the base. Now you're helping out on the field and working on the SynthEn formula with him. I'm proud of ya."

The medical assistant smiled as they fist bumped each other. "Thanks, Bulk," she said.

Just then the main computer started beeping, gaining both of their attention. Ratchet, who was already at the computer, was looking into it as the other two walked over to him.

"What is it?" Bulkhead asked.

"A high frequency signal, with an embedded message," the medic said.

"Again?" Bulkhead asked.

An image of the former decepticon commander then popped up on the screen.

"Starscream," Ratchet said before he started reading the message out loud, "I have obtained information of extreme interest to you. Bring medical kit." Both Ratchet and Bulkhead glanced at one another, each having the same look.

"I take it Starscream messaged you before?" Stormracer asked.

"He did this when we were looking for Optimus," Ratchet said, "that's how we obtained the coordinates for the spacebridge."

"So, we're doing this again?" Bulkhead asked.

Ratchet vented. "We'll see what he has to say," he said.

"You need me to come too?" Stormracer asked.

"I need you to stay here and man the groundbridge," Ratchet told her as he grabbed his medical kit. He looked at the green bot. "Let's go, Bulkhead."

Soon as Stormracer activated the groundbridge, the two exited through the portal to see the ex decepticon. Letting out a vent, the teal femme stood by and waited. And waited. Time went by as she started pacing. She almost wanted to bridge herself there to see what was going on. For all she knew, Starscream had tricked Ratchet and Bulkhead into coming and lured them into a trap. With that thought now in her mind, she was about to check up on them before Ratchet's voice came in through the commlink unit.

"Stormracer, bridge us back," he said.

Stormracer immediately went back to the groundbridge controls and reactivated the bridge, allowing Ratchet and Bulkhead to return to base.

"What happened?" she asked them, "what did he say?"

"We need everyone in here," Ratchet told her urgently, "now."

(The Nemesis)

Finishing up the last of his reports, Knock Out let out a vent of relief as he leaned back in his chair. Now that he was free, he could finally take a much deserved break. Getting up from his seat, he walked out of medbay to see if Breakdown and Dreadwing were back. He made his way to the bridge where he saw Dreadwing speaking with Megatron, but saw no sign of his partner. He gained their attention as he approached them.

"Sorry to intrude," Knock Out said, "I assumed Breakdown would be here. Where is he?"

Megatron angrily looked at Dreadwing. "Yes, Dreadwing," he said, "why don't you tell Knock Out where his partner is? In the mean time, I have something I need to take care of myself." The decepticon leader then stormed away and exited the room.

Confused, Knock Out looked at Dreadwing. "What was all that about?" he asked.

Dreadwing let out a vent. "I'm sorry, Knock Out," he said, "Breakdown... is gone."

Knock Out's confused expression was immediately gone as shock took over. "What?" he asked, wishing he heard wrong, "what do you mean gone? What happened?"

"We were tasked to terminate Airachnid, but she was well aware of our mission. She got away and Breakdown took off after her. His spark signature disappeared moments later. I fear Airachnid may have terminated him."

The medic couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Are you sure?" he asked, "did you at least bring back his body?"

"There was no trace of him anywhere," Dreadwing said.

"No trace?" Knock Out asked in disbelief, "so what are you saying? Airachnid, who is three or four times smaller than Breakdown, dragged his body off somewhere?!"

"I don't know," the flier said, "all I know is that I couldn't find his remains."

Knock Out frowned at him. "Where were you when this happened?!" he asked, "why weren't you with him?!"

"Airachnid restrained me with her web," Dreadwing said, "I told Breakdown not to give chase, but he didn't listen. Soon as I was free, I tried contacting him as I searched, only to receive no response. I am truly sorry."

Knock Out was silent as he let Dreadwing's words sink in. Breakdown was gone. He was gone and they had no idea what happened to him. "and where exactly is the spider femme now?" he asked with a hint of venom in his voice.

"She contacted Megatron not long after you entered the room," he said, "Megatron is off to deal with her now."

"...I see," Knock Out said as he still frowned, "well then, thank you for informing me."

Turning around, he silently walked away from the flier and exited the bridge. He didn't say a word as he made his way back to medbay. Soon as he stepped into the room, he stood there as the door closed shut behind him. Anger was taking full control over him as his servos balled into fists and his denta grinded together. Letting out an angry yell, he turned around and banged his fist against the door with all his might. He vented heavily as his anger slowly turned into sadness. Letting his servo slide down the door, he shut his optics and sadly lowered his helm.

(Autobot Base)

Soon as everyone was present, Ratchet and Bulkhead shared the information Starscream gave them.

"An insecticon?!" Stormracer exclaimed, "where and how did Airachnid get an insecticon?!"

"Starscream said he stumbled upon them," Bulkhead said, "scary part is that spider con can control it somehow."

"The coordinates Starscream provided are within an abandoned decepticon mine," Ratchet said as he brought the coordinates up on the computer screen.

"Hold on," Arcee said, not sounding too happy, "so you just fixed him up and sent him on his way?"

"Isn't letting him walk around freely a bad thing?" Bumblebee bleeped.

"What were we suppose to do, take him back here?" Bulkhead asked.

"Not that I wouldn't jump at any chance to take Airachnid down, but she isn't the only one who's robbed me of a partner," the two wheeler pointed out.

"You weren't there, Arcee," Bulkhead said, "Starscream was weak. Defenseless."

"And learning of the insecticon could prove highly tactical," Ratchet said, "Starscream's intel has proved credible in the past."

"Sure!" Arcee said angrily, "when he wasn't busy stabbing us in the back!"

"Without the resources we possessed on Cybertron, we lack any means of capturing and imprisoning our enemies," Optimus said as he approached her, "none the less, I do not condone the termination of any defenseless life form."

Arcee let out a frustrated vent.

"Autobots, prepare for departure," Optimus said.

"What if it's a trap?" Stormracer asked.

"While that is a possibility, we still must investigate," Optimus said before looking at the medic, "Ratchet, activate the groundbridge."

Soon as the bots left, Ratchet and Stormracer were back at the computer. Minutes went by as they waited for the others to call back.

"I don't like this," Stormracer said.

"What's that?" Ratchet asked.

"Waiting."

Ratchet looked at her, knowing she would rather be out there helping the others. "I know you want to help, but the team can handle the insecticon," he said.

"I know they can," she said, "at the same time, us staying here bugs me. No pun intended."

Ratchet let out a vent. "I know the feeling," he said, "but we play vital roles here as well. Speaking of which, how are those notes I gave you?"

"They're good," she said, "thanks again."

"I'm glad you've decided to expand your knowledge even further," he said, "Cogwheel would even be impressed."

Stormracer smiled as she remembered the arachnicon medic. "She always did encourage me," she said before letting out a sad vent, "I miss her."

"As do I," Ratchet said, "I've known her for a long time, ever since I was a junior medic."

"I remember when you introduced me to her and the others," Stormracer said, "she and First Aid were the first to welcome me. Pharma however wasn't too pleased with you taking in someone who had zero medical experience. Pretty sure he didn't like me."

"He may not have shown it, but he meant well," Ratchet said, "he was a good doctor. They all were. I can only hope that they are still online."

"I'm sure they are," Stormracer said, "we'll see them again."

Ratchet smiled at the thought before looking back at the screen. "I hope the teams doing alright," he said.

"Maybe they got Airachnid and the insecticon to bug out of there," Stormracer said with a smirk.

Ratchet groaned in annoyance. "Now that one was definitely intended!"

The femme snickered. "Couldn't resist," she said, "if you like I can just bug off."

"Stormracer!" the annoyed medic said as his assistant laughed.

It wasn't long until the others called for a bridge back. Soon as everyone returned to base, they told the two what happened at the mine.

"So Starscream knew Megatron would be there to face the insecticon," Ratchet said.

"Yep," Bumblebee bleeped, "luckily, Megatron was able to take down the insecticon for us."

"We would have taken Megatron down if Dreadwing hadn't dropped in with back up," Bulkhead said with a frown.

"And Airachnid is still out there somewhere," Arcee added as she frowned as well.

"Hey, the important thing is you all came back in one piece," Stormracer told them.

"Stormracer is correct," Optimus said, "and even though Megatron and Airachnid are still out there, let us take comfort that we no longer need to worry about the insecticon."

(The Nemesis)

Knock Out didn't say a word to anyone ever since he received the news. He didn't even leave Med Bay. He frowned as he tried distracting himself, but he couldn't. He kept hoping Breakdown would walk in through the door, laughing like it was all some sick joke. But who was he kidding? His partner was gone. And if what he was told was accurate, Airachnid was to blame. His energon boiled inside of him every time he thought what the arachnicon had done to his partner. At the same time, he questioned why there was no sign of Breakdown's body. He was confused, angry, and sad all at once.

Once Megatron and Dreadwing returned to the warship, Knock Out repaired his leader while they told him what happened.

"An insecticon?" Knock Out asked.

"Yes," Dreadwing said, "fortunately, Lord Megatron was able to dispose of the beast."

"What about Airachnid?" Knock Out asked as he finished patching up the decepticon warlord.

"Unfortunately, Airachnid is still alive," Megatron said as he stood back up, "she disappeared during the fight and is most likely shielding her energy signature."

Knock Out frowned. "Then allow me to be the one to hunt her down, my liege," he said, "that much I can do for Breakdown."

"I am well aware you are upset by the loss of your partner," Megatron said, "but you will remain here and deal with more important matters."

"But Lord Megatron-"

"That is an order, Doctor," the decepticon leader said sternly.

Daring not to argue with his master, Knock Out lowered his helm. "Understood, my liege," he said.

"Airachnid cannot hide forever," Megatron said, "soon as she reveals herself again, she will be dealt with swiftly."

Knock Out watched as him and Dreadwing left the room. Soon as they were gone, he frowned as he looked at the floor. He didn't feel any better. He felt worse actually. He was the only one truly affected by Breakdown's death. The worst part was he had no one to talk to about it. Breakdown was the only one he ever confided in. And now his friend was gone.

His frown deepened as he thought about Airachnid. He didn't know what she did to Breakdown, but he did know one thing. If he ever saw the spider femme again, she would receive no mercy from him when he offlined her.

Poor Breakdown :'(. And poor Knock Out. I hope you all liked their last scene together and Knock Out's reaction to losing Breakdown. I think it would have been nice to have seen Knock Out's reaction in the show since he and Breakdown were partners.

And yeah, I brought up Cogwheel! For those of you who don't know who she is, she is mentioned in the Covenant of Primus and is an arachnicon medic who had worked with Ratchet when he was a junior medic. I also decided to throw in First Aid and Pharma as well just cuz lol.

Overall, I hope you all liked this chapter. I would say the next chapter is Nemesis Prime, but there's a chance I might squeeze in an original chapter. Will it be another SR/KO chapter? We'll just have to wait and see. I also plan to do a flashback chapter for Grill which will show how Stormracer became Ratchet's assistant.

Anyway, that's all for now and hopefully I will update again soon. Until next time! God bless!