Chapter 48

Code Blue

Part 2

"Is that a Decepticon?" An Autobot asked as he prodded Knockout with his pede.

Knockout groaned uncomfortably but didn't online his optics. He knew that Autobots finding him meant that he was likely going to die, and he didn't want to watch as they ripped him to shreds.

"Sire, it's Knockout," Another voice informed the first, "We should help him."

"Help a Decepticon?" A third voice scoffed, "After what this butcher did to our kind? He's the reason so many drones have already died! No, we should end this. If they don't have a medic, then at least the Autobots will finally have a chance to win this war."

"But…he's helpless," The second voice whispered, "I want to stop the Decepticons as much as you do, but can we really abandon our principles?"

/Maybe we could trade him back to the 'Cons for some energon,/ Okay, that voice was definitely Bumblebee.

"Elita's right. We shouldn't help him," The first voice grumbled.

"E…Elita?" Knockout grunted, "You're…from the…lock…"

"Yeah, that's right," Elita replied venomously, "I'm the Vehicon you sickos traded for access to the Omega Lock. I hope your little power play was worth it, because it cost both sides our home world!"

"Not me…" Knockout defended himself, "…Megatron…"

"Ah yes, Megatron," Elita replied bitterly, "A very convenient monster to blame. 'It's not my fault outliers were murdered in the streets, it was Megatron'. 'It's not my fault our planet is dead. Blame Megatron!'. Guess what, 'Con? Megatron wouldn't be in power without an army to support him, and that includes you!"

"He would…kill me…" Knockout pointed out, "I can't…go against him."

"So how did you end up in this situation if your loyalty has been so handsomely rewarded?" Elita asked bitingly.

"Don't ask," Knockout rasped, his pride hurt as much as his body.

Knockout then felt his form being prodded by a servo with flat blunt digits. A Vehicon's digits.

"What are you doing?" Knockout demanded to know.

"I'm trying to figure out the best way to get your joints to go back in place," The second voice told him, "Sire, I think this will take both of us. Could you hold him steady please?"

"You're still going to help him?" The first voice asked incredulously, "After everything he's done to you and other Vehicons like you?"

"He's in pain," The second voice entreated, "Without compassion, we are nothing more than Decepticons by another name. Optimus would want us to help him."

That statement seemed to cause a silence in the air. Even Knockout resisted making a witty remark as the Vehicon traitor started pulling crooked struts straight and soldering fuel lines. It was ironic to Knockout that a drone had caused his problems and now the only one willing to save him was yet another drone. No wonder Breakdown spent so much free time with these things. They were more reliable than real mechs at this point.

Except, wait. Real mechs…Knockout had forgotten for a moment. Frenzy had told him about the conspiracy. These weren't artificial automatons. They were Autobots, civilians, and Decepticons that crossed Megatron. They were the condemned sparks of Cybertron…and now Knockout's life depended on one.

"Blaster?"

"Yes, Frenzy?"

"What's on that wall?"

"Nothing, sir."

"Oh," Frenzy sighed, "I thought I saw something phase through the wall again. Thanks."

Blaster nodded and went back to watching the monitors with Frenzy. This was actually Frenzy's job, but Blaster went everywhere Frenzy did, so they often did this task together.

Frenzy had initially kept Blaster around because he wanted to protect the last remnant of Eject's family, but lately there was a more practical reason to stay close to him. Frenzy's hallucinations had gotten worse, and Blaster was a trustworthy person to tell him what was real and what wasn't. In essence, Blaster was Frenzy's new service drone.

Unfortunately, Frenzy wasn't the only one who knew about Blaster's real identity. Soundwave had been watching the pair closely for a while now, and he was starting to become concerned.

Blaster was a mech with a complicated history in Soundwave's life. At first, when Megatronus and Orion were working together, Blaster had been one of their best assets. Soundwave actually admired his fellow host, a public comm DJ turned activist and someone who opposed the caste system as much as Soundwave did. Soundwave was a very reserved mech by nature, and didn't say much to Blaster, but he felt that this was someone who could really help their cause.

When the cause changed however, so did Soundwave's feelings regarding this mech. Blaster had not only supported Orion's ascension to Optimus Prime, but had said Megatronus was a poor choice to lead due to his lack of diplomatic experience. Blaster refused to join the Decepticons, and Soundwave could not forgive him for that.

That red and yellow menace had denounced the violence of the Decepticons on public broadcast systems, and his reputation had convinced many that joining the Autobots was the better option. Soundwave worked hard as Megatron's propaganda arm, and Blaster did the same thing for Optimus Prime. That alone was enough to make them mortal enemies.

Now, even as a brainwashed drone, Blaster was inserting himself into Soundwave's life. Soundwave didn't want Frenzy to associate with that traitor, but Frenzy assured him every time that it didn't matter because Blaster's memories were suppressed. Soundwave knew however…as long as Blaster lived he would continue to be a threat. Elita One was enough to convince him of that, as the moment her memories returned all pit broke loose.

No, if Soundwave was going to save his symbiotes from the corrupting Autobot's influence he would have to do it himself. Well, maybe not all by himself. He still had one friend he could turn to for just such a crisis, the one friend who would understand his concerns better than anyone…Megatron.

Knockout's optics were finally able to online, though the old pains of his injuries were mixed with the new pains of the extensive surgeries the Autobots performed on him. The Vehicon he assumed was Elita One stood guard over him along with Bumblebee, while Ratchet and another Vehicon put him back together. Knockout still couldn't believe how different Ratchet looked. The vorns had not been kind to the old medic, but to be fair Ratchet had lost almost everything during the war. Of course he would look like scrap at this point.

"What are we even supposed to do with him once he's fixed?" Elita huffed, "He'll just run back to Megatron and tell him our location."

"No, I won't," Knockout objected, "Well, I mean, I will run back to Megatron, but I won't tell him anything. I owe you that much."

"You don't have to go back," The surgeon Vehicon pointed out, "I know life on the Nemesis is probably more comfortable than living on the lamb, but what kind of life is it when you live in constant fear of your own leader killing you?"

"I'm used to it," Knockout replied nonchalantly, "After all, you don't get ahead in life by being soft. Autobots are soft, and they lose their lives. Optimus Prime is soft, and he lets Megatron get away again and again. There's some people you just can't save. Believe me, as a doctor I am well aware of that fact."

"But there's some people you can," The Vehicon insisted, "Like Breakdown."

"Don't you dare mention Breakdown to me," Knockout hissed venomously, "He died a pointless death and I am the only one who cares."

"No, you're not," The Vehicon told him, "A lot of us loved him. I know what a good mech he was, and I would defend his honor to anyone, even Bulkhead. I think if he had been given a better option than Megatron he would have taken it. I believe he deserved better than what his faction did to him. I also believe it's not too late for you. You're still alive, and you can still make the right decision. You don't have to be an accomplice to what Megatron has done to our world and its people. You can still help us, if you want to."

Knockout just groaned, unable to get up and leave. Who did this Vehicon think he was, dredging up his best friend like that? Knockout didn't want to think about all the suffering he had seen his friends and family go through over the vorns. It didn't matter what side they were on, and it didn't matter how strong they were. There was one common denominator…him.

It was only a moment later when suddenly an aircraft engine could be heard closing in on their location. Knockout at first thought it was a seeker armada, or maybe Starscream, coming to rescue him. His hopes were dashed however when he heard Ratchet cry out "Wheeljack?".

"Wheeljack? The Wrecker?" Elita asked him.

"So, he did make it out alright," Ratchet said softly, seemingly relieved.

Elita, Bumblebee, and Ratchet ran to meet the Jackhammer as it landed among the trees in the forest they were hiding in. The surgeon Vehicon however chose to stay by Knockout's side and continue to work on him.

"Not a fan of the Wreckers?" Knockout quipped wryly.

"Wheeljack is cool, but I have to monitor your welds," His 'doctor' replied.

"You're very good at this," Knockout commented, "I'm surprised you learned so quickly."

"My sire is a good teacher," The Vehicon replied, "He is very patient with me."

"Your sire?" Knockout asked curiously.

"Yes, Ratchet. We scanned my spark, and I am his youngest son," The Vehicon explained, "Knockout, do you really want to go back to the Decepticons? We Vehicons were once mechs and femmes with our own thoughts and feelings, and Megatron took that away from us. As a medic, can you really accept the harm that has been done to our people? Do you really just not care?"

Knockout considered answering him, but they were interrupted when they heard Elita shout "Optimus!"

Bluestreak turned, and saw that not only were Optimus and Wheeljack with them now, but so were Jack and Miko. Bluestreak didn't think the kids would have to run too, but he was glad they were…wait. Where was Raf? Bluestreak hoped he was just with another team. Either way, he couldn't stop himself from running up to them and seeing everyone. He was sure Knockout was stable enough to leave for just a moment.

"Wheeljack, Optimus Prime, Jack, Miko!" Bluestreak shouted as he ran to them, "You guys are okay!"

Instead of the jubilant whooping noises Miko usually made however, he noticed her face looked…solemn. Wheeljack seemed alright, but there was still a tension in the air. Something was clearly wrong.

"Optimus, what happened?" Elita was the first to address the silence.

"I am sorry to report…Skywarp has become one with the Allspark," Optimus announced gravely.

"Skywarp?" Bluestreak whimpered, "No, that can't be right. He ran away. He wasn't even a part of this."

"It's a long story," Jack sighed, "The short version is that we were with Skywarp when Wheeljack and Optimus found us. Skywarp saved Optimus when his spark was injured. He…he didn't make it."

"It's not fair," Miko suddenly said, tearing up again, "I know his brothers were jerks, but they meant everything to him. He didn't even get to say goodbye to them."

"I don't know why everyone is so worked up about this," Wheeljack groused, "I know Skywarp did one noble thing in his worthless life, but he was a 'Con. I don't think a few weeks of flip-flopping make up for the thousands of vorns he spent shooting down our boys and serving Megatron."

"But sir," Bluestreak spoke up, "It's not about time. It's about what's inside your spark. I think if Skywarp died to save someone else then he proved he had a good…wait. I'll be right back!"

Before anyone else could question what was happening Bluestreak ran back to Knockout and checked his vitals. Knockout was fine, and was staring up at him quizzically. Bluestreak had a frenetic energy that the Decepticon medic found to be more than a bit puzzling.

"Knockout, I just remembered a story I wanted to tell you," Bluestreak declared, "If you want proof that there's more to life than conquest and fear, then let me tell you about my last orn as an individual."

"Do you have to?" Knockout asked, surprisingly more nervous than sardonic.

"Yes," Bluestreak replied, silencing further argument, "My name was Bluestreak, and I was a sparkling of about 9 vorns old. Give or take, I actually can't remember my exact age. I've had a lot done to my processor, after all. Anyway, I was one of the victims of the great attack on Praxus, which was the first act of widespread terrorism the Decepticons ever committed. I was trapped under the rubble, and afraid for my life. I couldn't find my big brother, who was babysitting me at the time. When I was finally dug out, I thought I had been rescued. That was when I saw that my 'rescuer' was a purple seeker with a wicked grin. He wasn't there to save me. He was there to capture me."

"Do you remember how they did it?" Knockout asked, "Turned you into a drone, I mean."

"Yes, and it's an experience I wouldn't wish on Megatron himself," Bluestreak told him, "That isn't the part I want to focus on, however."

"I don't blame you," Knockout replied dryly.

"I want to focus on the seeker," Bluestreak elaborated, "He enjoyed the fact that I was suffering. He was happy to serve the Decepticons. To my young optics, he was a monster. Knockout, that monster's name was Skywarp, and he was eventually turned into a Vehicon too."

"What?" Knockout asked incredulously, "No, Skywarp died in a crash landing after fighting Fortress Maximus."

"No, he survived that, barely," Bluestreak corrected him, "Skywarp thinks Megatron turned him into a Vehicon to punish him. Personally I think he either thought it was easier than fixing him, or else wanted to punish Starscream. We'll probably never know. The point is, his story didn't end there. He joined the Autobots and got his memories back. He befriended organic younglings and Autobots alike. He was my friend, and he just recently died saving the spark of Optimus Prime."

"You're lying!" Knockout argued, "No way would Starscream's own brother save the life of the Prime. That irreverent slouch was one of Megatron's best lackeys."

"So was Breakdown," Bluestreak pointed out, "These mechs didn't love Megatron, they feared him. One died a hero, and the other died a pawn. Megatron will never care that Breakdown is dead, but Optimus is so obviously wracked with guilt over what Skywarp did for him. I don't know about you, but I'd rather work for someone who cares whether I live or die. Megatron just wants to rule. He doesn't care if he rules over mechs or lifeless drones."

"Bluestreak…can I be honest with you?" Knockout asked, his voice suddenly very quiet, "…I'm too scared to leave. The Autobots are going to be slaughtered, and I don't want to join them. I don't want to die a hero, yet living as a coward is starting to take its toll on me. Megatron is Cybertron's ruler, end of story. It doesn't matter if I like it, and it doesn't matter if it's right. I'm afraid of becoming a drone, but I'm also afraid of…what was it like?"

Bluestreak was taken off guard by the sudden change of subject, and didn't immediately answer.

"What was it like? Turning into a Vehicon?" Knockout asked again, "What process did they use?"

"They melt down your physical body with acid, leaving only the processor and spark chamber," Bluestreak replied bluntly, "It feels like an acid rain that bores through your plating. Nothing is left, and you experience it all. Megatron has done this tens of thousands of times to possibly hundreds of thousands of Cybertronians. You know what's happening now, and if we let you go, you'll have to live with whatever choice you make. Please Knockout, there's still time. Don't go back to him."

Knockout then did something Bluestreak didn't expect. He reached out for and grabbed the Vehicon's servo. Bluestreak could tell Knockout needed comfort, despite how tough he was trying to act a moment before, but he didn't expect Knockout to admit to such a thing. This gesture made Bluestreak hope there was still a chance to reach him.

Any hope Bluestreak felt however, was soon dashed. The sound of at least a dozen jets rained down from above, and soon the Autobots were surrounded by Eradicons, all led by Starscream.

"Well, well, well," Starscream rasped, "We only came here to rescue a comrade, and now we found the jackpot. So many Autobots. I'm sure Megatron will be pleased."

"Autobots, defend our position!" Optimus ordered.

Just like that, Optimus and the others began firing into the Eradicons, who then scattered to begin their aerial assault. The Autobots had the advantage due to the trees obscuring the flight maneuverability of the Eradicons and Starscream. The problem however was that if they tried to flee in the Jackhammer it would even the playing field for the Decepticons, and thus risk the lives of everyone on board.

A barrage of plasma bullets was heading straight in the direction of Jack and Miko, so Bumblebee grabbed them and quickly transformed into his alt mode. He drove through the forest, but the Eradicons were gaining on him. Elita shot up at the formation, hoping to offer cover fire for her son, but the Eradicons were faster than her. They split up, and then continued their attack.

While the battle was raging, Bluestreak was left with the prisoner, and shielded Knockout with his body just in case anyone fired in their direction.

"Are you insane? Get off me!" Knockout barked, "I can transform. Leave!"

"You're not healed yet!" Bluestreak shouted over the blaster fire, "I won't abandon my patient!"

"I'm not your patient, I'm a Decepticon!" Knockout yelled out, "Get off me and run, you idiot!"

Ratchet, meanwhile, was running in the direction of Bluestreak and Knockout. He was dinged in the shoulder guard by a stray blast, but it didn't break the plating. He finally made it to his son, only to see him shielding Knockout with his own frame.

"Bluestreak, we have to get out of here!" Ratchet ordered.

"I can't!" Bluestreak insisted, "Knockout can't be moved yet!"

"I'm fine! They're not going to kill me!" Knockout pointed out, "Just go!"

Before Ratchet and Knockout could convince Bluestreak to abandon his post, Starscream and five of his troops surrounded them and pointed their weapons at them.

"So, the medic remains behind," Starscream taunted, "Funny, I was sure it would be more difficult to capture you. Oh, don't worry Ratchet, we don't intend to harm you. You're much more valuable to our cause alive."

"What makes you think you can take me alive?" Ratchet replied as he shifted his hands into blades.

"You came back for this traitorous Vehicon," Starscream noted, "So obviously you find it valuable. Its frame isn't nearly as sophisticated as yours though. Funny how these older models have a tendency to…fall apart."

Starscream then shot at Bluestreak's shoulder guard, and his gun arm fell off!

"No!" Ratchet screamed, and shielded Bluestreak with his body, "Stay away from him!"

"There are Eradicons behind him as well, medic," Starscream pointed out, his smile positively smarmy, "You have a choice to make. Either run, and let us destroy the drone, or surrender, and we take you to the warship. Frankly, I hope you choose to run. The chase is always so rewarding."

"Um, Cybertron to Starscream!" Knockout suddenly shouted, "What about me? You care more about taking the Autobots' medic than saving your own?"

"You know our orders," Starscream chided, "Ratchet is to be taken to our base at once. Besides, you let yourself get captured. I think walking home is a fair punishment."

"Starscream, if you don't let me through that bridge I'll see to it your next checkup involves several tests revolving around exhaust probing!" Knockout threatened.

Starscream cringed then, but quickly recovered.

"Fine! You can take the ground bridge with us," Starscream spat, "Now, about our prisoners…the Vehicon's other arm looks a little heavy for its own good…"

Starscream then raised his weapon, ready to fire.

"No, wait!" Ratchet exclaimed, "I'll…I'll go with you. Just don't hurt Bluestreak."

"A wise decision," Starscream grinned, "Troops, secure Ratchet and the Vehicon. Knockout, get the frag up!"

"You can't bring Bluestreak with us!" Ratchet protested, "You said you wouldn't hurt him!"

"And we won't," Starscream assured him, "So long as you remain compliant."

Ratchet shut his optics tight, hating himself for not being able to better protect his son. Bluestreak used the servo that was left to pat his sire's back.

"I'm sorry, Sire. This is my fault," Bluestreak lamented.

"No," Ratchet replied, "You followed your medical programming. No matter what happens, I'm proud of you, son."

The Autobot prisoners were then led through a ground bridge, and Knockout grunted loudly as he forced himself to stand. His torso was throbbing and his legs felt wobbly. Still, he was able to force himself to walk alongside the drones as they marched into the ground bridge.

Optimus, meanwhile, had been fighting by Wheeljack's side to protect the Jackhammer. Elita was running to try to catch up to Bumblebee, who was still protecting the kids. Bumblebee made a sharp turn and drove back toward the Jackhammer, and Elita followed suit without hesitation. It was times like this she really missed her super speed.

If the group could just get into the Jackhammer, then they would have better firepower to defend themselves. Like a miracle however, the Eradicons suddenly broke formation and flew away.

"They're leaving! Woohoo!" Miko cheered.

"Something isn't right," Elita noted, "They weren't losing, so why retreat?"

As if to answer their question, Optimus turned and saw a ground bridge, with the Eradicons, Starscream, Knockout, Ratchet, and Bluestreak walking through.

"No…" Optimus whispered in dread.

Without even giving an order to attack, Optimus ran after them, time of the essence. If he could get to that ground bridge then he could save Ratchet and Bluestreak. Of course, by the time Optimus made it there, the bridge had just been dissolved.

"NOOOO!" Optimus roared, a sound no one was used to.

Everyone followed him, and Optimus sank to his knees. Ratchet, one of his oldest and dearest friends, was now in the hands of the enemy.