The Decepticons are very good hosts.….aren't they? You guys decide.

As always, enjoy!

Warnings: I do NOT own TFP or its characters, I only own my OCs! Grammar failures and misspells are possible.

Chapter 5: Distinguished guests

...

Mercy POV

I spent my very first night on the warship called Nemesis with my processor connected to gently humming computers. Recharge was advised but I had a hard time powering down. Knock Out and his friend Breakdown chatted through the whole night, making it almost impossible for me to get some rest. They tried to stay quiet but very unsuccessfully.

My head was still hurting, dull, but sensitive. I still couldn't properly grasp our situation or why we suddenly became guests. So I entertained myself, putting up a series of questions and answering them for myself during the night.

Morning came in a rush.

"Good morning everyone!" Halo practically kicked the door in, spreading her arms wide with a grin. Knock Out almost dropped his datapad in fright.

"Better mornings Halo," Crossflare came in after her, exhaustion radiating from her frame, "It's almost impossible to recharge in here."

It seems I wasn't the only one having problems with insomnia then.

"Finally you came! I have many questions," I greeted them with a weak smile. I sat up slightly but I had to be careful not to rip the cords out of my head again.

"Questions? Like what?" Halo frowned in confusion, then she realized, "Oh right! You were unconscious all the time! You can't remember!"

"To be honest, I have no idea how we got here...my processor is pretty messed up right now," I chuckled lightly, carefully running my digits over the wound. It was healing, but awfully slowly.

Knock Out greeted my friends in a less enthusiastic manner.

"There is a schedule, you know? The med-bay is not open yet," he growled, seemingly not happy to have guests so early in the morning.

"Hang the working hours on the door then from now on," Halo flashed a bright grin and absolutely ignored his complaint.

Knock Out huffed, clearly offended, then turned towards me and checked the cables and cords while carefully holding my head in one place. To be honest, now that he was this close, I couldn't not stare at his face. He was the prettiest mech I've ever seen. His white face was even smoother than mine, which was surprising, considering how mechs had rougher features in general. He seemed to notice my stare because he looked me in the optic with a smug smirk.

"See something you like?"

Catching my gaze away with an embarrassed flush, I coughed slightly and mumbled a quiet sorry. Noted: don't stare at the medic when he is working on you.

"But you do remember how we mistook the ground-bridge, right?" Crossflare stepped closer to me, saving the situation. Her gaze held a small hint of worry, "You know, in the canyon."

My last memories were scattered in pieces and while some scenes popped up when I tried to recall, they weren't exactly in line so I could only hum in deep thoughts for long minutes.

"It rings a bell but I can't remember exactly...it-it is really messy in here," I apologized.

Crossflare sent a concerned look in Knock Out's direction who only shrugged as he stepped away from the berth.

"Given the impact of the concussion and the part of her brain module that was damaged, it would be no surprise if she had amnesia at some point. Nothing serious, but she might find holes in her memory bank. With time they will return, no need to panic."

Hearing this, I quickly ran over my memory files inside my head and everything seemed to be in place. Yeah, my memories were almost flawless. Only the recent events were chaotic. But it will be back to normal soon if what Knock Out says is true. Hopefully.

"Uh, that sounds bad," Halo offered me an understanding frown, but I shook my head carefully.

"It's okay, I don't know what I can't remember anyway. I will be full and healthy within a short time, I promise."

"Lets hope you are right, because we need to leave soon," Crossflare nodded with a serious expression.

Crossflare POV

After making sure that Mercy was ready to be disconnected, Knock Out gave her permission to walk around with the only condition to return every single hour to check her processor in case it overheats again. Mercy was happy to finally move out.

The only thing still troubling me was the big question: will we really be able to leave? Will Megatron let us go on our way? The current status-quo puts us in disadvantage and even if we try to come up with excuses and rules, the warlord can easily sweep them aside if he feels like. I had this feeling that Megatron was that kind of person. A liar.

There was nothing much I could do in our current situation but to wait and think. As long as Mercy is healing I have time to plan out something. There must be a safe way off this ship.

"Okay ladies, my inner chronometer says that the next one hour is mine," Knock Out was searching for something in a box, then pulled out a rotary buffer with a big smile on his face, "Unless any of you would like to stay and help me out a little."

"In what exactly?" Halo raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't that obvious? Buffing!" the mech waved the buffer in the air, "What else can you do with this?"

"And you want us to buff you?" Halo gaped.

"Well, usually Breakdown helps me out but he is off on duty right now and detailing is a pain alone," Knock Out sighed dramatically.

A moment of silence passed, stunned glances exchanged, then Halo and I spun around to leave. I grabbed the hesitating Mercy's wrist to pull her along before she could have offered her help naively.

"Hey! Don't just leave me behind like this! Rude!"

"Do you think we are stupid?" I stopped for a second to look back with a glare.

"Always so cold..." he muttered with a pout, crossing his arms, "Fine. What if I offer a treatment in exchange? You scratch my back, I scratch yours?"

We all exchanged glances again, not knowing what to do. He was starting to make puppy optics. Ugh, how I hated this kind of manipulation. Surely he has some kind of hidden agenda. I can't let him near Halo or Mercy.

With a very annoyed sigh I turned around and offered:

"Fine, I will buff you if you really want it."

The happiness on his face couldn't be described and I already regretted my decision the moment I spoke it.

"Ohooo, what's with the change CF?" Halo giggled behind my back in a teasing manner and I pushed them out with a deadly glare.

"Me instead of you two any day. Just make sure you don't get into trouble while...I buff the Pit out of him."

The grin was immediately erased from their faces and they nodded in unison before the doors closed between us. I turned to face the medic with a steeled expression, ready for anything to come.

"Please be extremely careful, my chassis is pretty sensitive," Knock Out traced a servo over his chest with a delighted face and I felt my optics twitch in irritation.

What's wrong with this guy? Seriously?

"What's this about?" I took the buffer from him, and narrowed my optics in suspicion as I took his figure in. He looked back in confusion.

"Pardon?"

"You want something more, don't you?"

Knock Out chuckled, starting to see why I was so tense. I didn't find the situation so funny though.

"Only if you want something more, dear," one of his eyebrows arched up, and he let his gaze wander over my frame for a second before coming back to lock with mine.

"Are you flirting with me?" my cold glare was nowhere welcoming and I hoped he takes the hint.

"Do you want me to?"

My mouth pressed into a thin line. What a prick! I whirred the rotary buffer to life and walked around him to get to his back. No way I'll give him the pleasure of staring at me.

"Can I take it as a yes?" Knock Out hummed, seemingly satisfied with himself.

"No."

"Hmph, you femmes are so jumpy about everything..."

"Says the one who was playing drama-queen a moment ago," I bit back, carefully moving the buffer over his finish at the base of his tire-holders.

"We are all more than meets the eye."

While I knew that it is true, I doubted that he would be more than what he had already shown of himself. Narcissistic, arrogant, flamboyant and flirtatious. Nothing good comes from such a combination, especially if it's paired with a Decepticon badge.

When it comes to factions, the Autobots are the more trustworthy ones. But never trust a Decepticon. They are famous for their trickery and their backstabbing nature which is very common among their ranks. Of course, there are always exceptions, but you can't find them easily.

Focusing rather on what I was doing, I began to wonder what the heck needed to be buffed. His finish was flawless. He was a beautiful car. Aerodynamic, light-armored with shiny rims and probably blessed with a powerful engine too. But that doesn't change the fact that he is awfully smug about it.

What a waste of a pretty exterior.

I shook my head. Maybe I was taking my paranoid attitude too far. He was the only one who listened to me when nobody else was giving us a chance and saved us all. I should be a little bit more grateful.

"And...when did you arrive on the planet?" he asked all of a sudden and my thoughts shifted gear.

"A few decades ago. Long before the Autobots, that's sure."

"How come we never noticed you three?"

"We were blocking our energy signatures and I kept a tight collar on my friends. Maybe it should've stayed that way."

"Hm...the whole thing smells of human contribution."

"We do have a human ally. He provides protection for us, he is a very nice person."

"Humans aid Autobots as well," he pointed out, "They are not trustworthy."

"The Autobots and their humans are on a completely different level."

"Speaking of Autobots, do they supply you?"

"That would be against Neutral rules," I huffed, almost affronted, "We get our fuel ourselves."

"Detectors? Miner drills?"

"Do we look like we have any of that?"

"So no technology...hmm."

The short silence gave me a moment to think and I stopped abruptly. Wait a second...Did I just say such information aloud?! My optics widened and my spark missed a pulse. No way. I'm always so cautious, how could I let my guard down?!

Was this an interrogation disguised as casual conversation? How much did I say? Oh scrap...

"Hm, about my previous offer, in my professional opinion you are in dire need of new tires. Your current ones seem old. Maybe we could wax your finish as well to give it some shine and you will look like you just got a new frame," Knock Out mused aloud, playing with such thoughts like we were chatting about the weather. He must have noticed my silence and stiffness and changed the topic to ease the tension.

"So you are saying I look old," I translated his words, trying not to show any anger. It's not like I was offended, he was right. I haven't got an upgrade in eons, I had to blend in as an average human car and I haven't visited a doctor since we made our escape from the Neutral ship. I must be in my worst shape ever.

"Nah, I didn't say that. But you look weary."

"If you were in my place, watching over those two younglings, you would look the same," I huffed. Maybe nothing is lost yet. I must keep my answers simple and meaningless.

"Well, they are young and therefore energetic. The white one is pretty!"

"If you don't want me to mess with your paintjob, you will keep your distance from them," there was a clear warning in my voice. No way I would let him corrupt them in any way.

"Haha, touchy subject, eh?" he threw a teasing smirk over his shoulder and shrugged. "Fine, I'll be on my best behavior! But no promises!"

Mercy POV

Halo was walking beside me in silence. Compared to her enthusiasm just minutes ago it made me feel uneasy. I looked at her in concern. There is only one thing that could make her so serious and quiet.

"Hey, it's okay. I'm sure Crossflare didn't mean it like that. You know that she always overreacts. Everything will be okay. Just look at us! We are alive, even after everything that could have killed us! It's a miracle!" I tried to cheer her up.

"Maybe you are right," she let out a resigned sigh, then forced a small smile, "You always know how to make things sound bright and happy, do you?"

"That is my specialty," I winked, grinning.

As we headed through different corridors, Halo wondered if she will ever learn at least one path in this enormous ship. The place was huge with many floors and based on what she said, there were restricted areas.

"How do we know we aren't walking into a restricted territory right now?" I asked, uncertain.

"We can't. Starscream said Soundwave would immediately appear to kick us out. So yeah...as long as he isn't near we are okay to go anywhere."

"Soundwave...the one who carried me back..." I remembered him. The mech with dark blue armor and a visor for a face.

"Yes. The creep."

"Hm...He seemed friendly enough," I muttered quietly. It seems Halo wasn't exactly fond of him.

"You must have hit your head pretty roughly then," she stared at me with a mix of confusion and wonder.

Before any of us could have said anything more, we stepped into a larger room and we realized that we'd found the way to the bridge.

Oh, the place where Megatron interrogated CF and Halo...

Fortunately the warlord was nowhere to be seen and I didn't wish to meet him anytime soon. Seeing him on screen in the Autobot base was more than enough.

I recognized the gray Seeker standing on the bridge though, talking to some Vehicons in annoyance, while on our left, next to the computer panels and screens stood...Soundwave. He was absorbed in his work, slim digits typing with unfathomable speed.

When Halo was about to turn around and leave the place in a hurry, I grabbed her arm.

"W-wait a moment."
"Why?" she frowned, cautiously checking our surroundings for any sign of Megatron.
"Um...him," I pointed at Soundwave a bit sheepishly.

"What's with him?" Halo stared at me with an even more puzzled expression.

"I would like to talk to him," I murmured, already turning his way, much to my friends' surprise. Not waiting for her to understand, I walked up to the dark armored mech without fear but with caution. I felt Halo's shocked gaze on my back but I decided to ignore it.

There were things I wanted to ask and I felt like a proper thank you is still needed. I wasn't sure he heard me the last time I thanked him and I was curious about who this Decepticon really is. I just wanted to know.

"Mercy! Wait! No! Mercy! Come back he is...!" Halo hissed behind me, but my attention was already elsewhere.

The mech tilted his helm in my way as he heard me coming. I stopped beside him and flashed him a shy smile, making him stop typing and he turned fully towards me.

"Hi...Soundwave, right?" I asked in the friendliest way possible.

He stared at me in silence for a minute before his visor lit up. Frequencies ran over it as he replayed Knock Out's voice:

"Amnesia."

"Oh...you heard about it...," I scratched the back of my neck, catching my gaze away to look at something else, "It's not serious. Knock Out said if there is anything I can't remember right now will come back sooner or later."

For a brief moment I glanced back to Halo who still stood at the same spot, totally frozen and with her jaw dropped. Yeah, I wasn't the type to just walk up to weird strangers and start a conversation. I imagine it was a surprise.

Turning my attention to Soundwave again, I sensed his questioning stare. I was sure he was asking what I'm doing here so I felt the urge to explain.

"Knock Out let me walk around freely with the condition to return every hour for check-up and we happened to find the bridge. I saw you here so...I-I just thought I can take a look at what you are doing," I mumbled. What am I doing? I just realized that what I'm saying is really dumb. And suspicious if he takes it the wrong way. It's not like we know each other or anything or he would care about what I say. But I couldn't help myself, I kept talking.

"I don't know if you've heard the last time so I'm saying it again: thank you for helping me out."

Soundwave nodded, signing that he acknowledged my words. Did that mean he doesn't mind me here? His silence was weird but soothing at once and although the conversation became a little one sided, he acted natural and that put me at ease as well.

I gathered courage to ask a few questions about the ship and the Decepticons. His answers were either replays of recorded conversations or nods. He wasn't very talkative. But he was a good listener.

Without noticing, my questions soon turned into monologues and he turned back to typing. He only looked up occasionally to sign that he was paying attention. As I continued talking it became clear in my mind that the first impression I had of him had a big effect on me. Maybe because of his silence or his difference from other Decepticons. I don't know.

"...and it's strange that it is so dark here. I wonder why that is. By the way, is that a mask on you? It can be very uncomfortable to wear it all the time. Do you never take it off?" I was bombarding him with such silly things and he listened with incredible patience.

I totally forgot about Halo.

Halo POV

I just stood there, trying to believe my optics. Mercy...the same Mercy I know to be very shy around strangers and who usually keeps her distance from them, now just ran up to an unknown mech who looked more like a freaky sparkeater monster from haunting tales than anything normal. And now she is chatting with him like they have been good old friends since eons. What in the name of Solus? What the heck happened to my dear Mercy? Is she the real one? Was her processor tampered with?

My thoughts were halted when I sensed someone else's presence in my vicinity and I didn't need to turn my head to know who came up to me. That someone was Starscream. Of course, him, who else?

"Did you forget what I've said about restricted places? You are a bigger troublemaker than I thought," he scowled, but a smirk hid at the corner of his mouth.

"Good morning Commander. I'm just taking my usual morning walk. Is that a problem?" I replied with some dare in my voice.

"Why is your friend outside the med-bay, femme? Isn't she supposed to be resting?" he asked, his gaze shifting to Mercy and Soundwave who both stood with their backs shown to us.
"Excuse me, I still have a name. I'm Halo," I raised the volume of my voice slightly in warning.

"And I'm still not interested. I asked something and I expect an answer."

"Hhhhh...Mercy is free for now. Knock Out expects her back every hour though," instead of biting his head off for being such an afthole, I ignored his conceited behavior. I have to find a way to get on his nerves with a smart comeback somehow.

"You two are not welcome around here. This is the center of our operations, not a playground for younglings," the Seeker continued to be a smartaft like he had nothing better to do.

"Are you hiding something perhaps? Or why is it so important to keep us away?" I teased.

"None of your business, Neutral."

Suddenly an unforgettable and intimidating voice made us freeze in place.

"Is there a problem, Starscream?"

Megatron was approaching with mighty steps and his pedes shook the floor, making shivers run down my spine as well.

"Ugh..." Starscream was nowhere as confident and superior as a moment ago. Oh, that face! He wasn't so great now that the true boss has arrived!

But it's not like I showed more courage when we turned around to greet him. I positioned myself somewhere behind Starscream but not conspicuously, just covered enough to be in a safe distance from the warlord.

"Ah, Lord Megatron! I was just talking to our special guest. Don't mind her. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Megatron wasn't completely pleased with the answer.
"Starscream, I hope you are treating our guests as they should be."

"But of course!"

Nah, I would like to correct that. He is treating us like we were inferior pests. Was it due to his high rank or his disdain for Neutrals, I had no idea. Or simply because he was a Seeker, thinking that he is the crown of evolution.

"I hope so. We don't want to make our guests feel uncomfortable, do we?" Megatron loomed over him almost threateningly, his optics radiating with an intensive crimson light.

Starscream visibly flinched and his wings lowered. Oh, he was scared! I just realized that his wings moved in sync with his emotions, giving away his true feelings. I will have to learn how to read it...

The shorter mech nodded in agreement, earning a satisfied smirk from his Lord.

"Excellent. Now go and make yourself useful."

"Yes, my liege," Starscream bowed his head and we stepped out of the way when Megatron passed by us like he had no further interest in us and made his way to the main computer on the bridge.

I stuck my tongue out behind his back, knowing that he can't see me. I didn't like his attitude either. When I looked back to Starscream he was staring at me with a shocked expression. I shrugged with a careless grin.

"Who said I have to respect him?" I whispered.

To my surprise, Starscream snickered in response, seemingly appreciative of my little comeback.

Megatron suddenly stopped though, turning his attention back in our direction, and we both jumped in fright, only to realize that Soundwave was the one calling the warlord over.

Mercy POV

I heard Megatron coming and my spark almost burst out of its chamber in fear. I flicked my gaze over the place, trying to find a spot to hide or get away but he was already next to us and I did everything to keep myself in Soundwave's shadow.

The leader was scarier in person. He was tall and robust with sharp edges everywhere. The way he moved and behaved clearly showcased the pride and power he was walking with among his fellow Decepticons.

Soundwave looked down at me, then turned his attention back to Megatron who didn't seem to even acknowledge my presence which was confusing and a relief at once. The two of them stared at the screen where Soundwave was pointing at.

A purple Decepticon symbol suddenly started pulsing in red color. I had no idea what that meant but the warlord's frown made me assume it had to be bad news.

"That's Breakdown's signature. He must be under attack," Starscream strolled closer, stating what was obvious to everyone except me and maybe Halo, "Should I send a back-up squad?"

"Hmph. No. As one of our strongest warriors, he should be able to solve the problem alone," Megatron rejected the idea immediately, dismissing the alert with a casual wave of his servo.

That was all the reaction he showed before he turned away and left. After making sure he was far enough I distanced myself from Soundwave, trying to find a good excuse for my inappropriate behavior.

"Sorry. Your leader is quite frightening in person..."

Then I heard Starscream yell at someone behind us and we turned our heads to see him argue with a very amused Halo.

"Yes, I saw that! How dare you stick your tongue out behind my back too?!"

"I'm innocent I swear!" giggling like that, Halo looked anything but innocent.

"Don't lie to me!" Starscream was fuming, "And stop laughing! How disrespectful!"

"Sorry for making you feel bad, Commander!" Halo continued to laugh wholeheartedly, ignoring Starscream's constant screech.

Exchanging surprised looks with Soundwave, I couldn't hold back a soft chuckle. It seems Halo has found the perfect person to torture.

"You have no idea who you are making fun of, femme! I am Starscream, the second in command of the Decepticon army, and I used to be Air Commander of a squadron of Seekers!"

"S-sorry, but I've never heard of your story before, pardon me how uneducated I am!" Halo tried to calm down but she burst into laughter all over again.

"Stupid femme!" Starscream hissed with clenched fists, trembling in fury like a wounded animal ready to strike, "You don't know when to shut up, do you?!"

"Halo, I think that's enough," I decided to warn Halo before she went too far. She always liked testing limits but I had the feeling that maybe in our current situation it might be dangerous to play with the patience of our hosts.

Starscream snapped his gaze in my direction. Noticing Soundwave's stare, he straightened himself, folded his hands behind his back and settled back to normal.

"Khm, coming to mind, shouldn't you two be back in the med-bay by now?"

"Not even an hour has passed!" Halo protested quickly.

"Would you like to risk your friend's well-being?" Starscream narrowed his optics as he leaned closer to Halo, regarding her in a challenging manner.

Soundwave looked down at me and nodded, agreeing with the Seeker. Truth be told, my small moment of panic had strained my processor a bit, but save from that, I felt okay so far. But maybe they were right and I shouldn't push my limits that much even if I was feeling alright.

When I left at Halo's side, we heard Starscream throwing curses after us. A small relief came over me when we reached far enough not to hear his voice anymore.

However, as we arrived at the med-bay, a surprising scene welcomed us.

"Can you hold still a bit longer?"

"I-I guess..."

"This might hurt a little, but..."

"Argh! Knock Out! That hurt!"

"Sorry, dear. I warned you."

"I still don't get why I have to lay on my back. Wouldn't it be easier the other way around?"

"No, I have a better insight like this and I see a small problem here...hm..."

We exchanged puzzled looks, trying to decipher what we were seeing. The first thing that registered in my mind was Crossflare in her alt-mode and turned upside down while Knock Out casually sat beside her, with a small tool in his servo picking at something in the gap of a missing tire.

"Um...what is going on here?" we asked in unison.

Crossflare POV

After what I've learned so far, I should have rejected the offer, but the more Knock Out pushed it, the less I protested so in the end I gave in. He was eager to run into the back of the med-bay and get a hold of the best tires he had lying around. It seems Decepticons had a whole storeroom of spare parts which is quite an advantage unlike at the Autobots base. They can barely make up for any lost limb or severed body-part.

"You know, I often tell my fellow comrades to get new upgrades but they are all so, khm, old fashioned. Nobody appreciates my creativity," he complained while I took a look around, noticing some pretty and detailed weapons.

"You engineered these?" I marveled at them, carefully touching the shiny surface of a gun with the size of my whole arm.

"Don't touch that!" he smacked my servo away, "It charges between 0.5 and 0.8 seconds and its firepower almost matches a fusion cannon!"

"Why is it lying around here then?" I pulled my servos back, ignoring his angered tone.

"Lord Megatron ordered me to keep it locked up. A tragic fate for a perfect gun, isn't it?" he was back to drama again.

I nodded in silence, admitting that his practical knowledge and skills are something he can be truly proud of. As we headed back and he put the last tire on the table, I wondered how this whole procedure would go.

"Hm, may I take a look?" he gestured towards me - or rather behind my back - and I turned around, letting him inspect my tires from closer. I expected him to touch something he shouldn't, but his servos moved professionally, checking the hydraulics carefully.

"Doesn't it hurt when you transform? Somewhere around here," he poked a spot which registered in my processor as dull pain, barely detectable.

"Yes, but it's very faint. I'm already used to it."

"Dear, that is rust. And looks horrible. It must be taken care of or else one day your tire will just fall off," he spoke with that dramatic tone again, "Please turn into your alt-mode."

"What? Why?"

"This procedure can be the shortest if you are a car."

Folding resignedly into my requested form, I uncomfortably turned my rearview-mirror up and down. He picked up some tools before coming back to grab both of my sides and turned me upside-down.

"Hey, hey what are you...!"

"Just checking something, don't be shy," he casually waved a hand, then began unscrewing my front tire on the left. To be honest, I wanted to transform back right then but instead I decided to wait patiently for now. He was right afterall, a rusting part can cause some serious trouble.

Putting the tire aside, Knock Out slightly turned me again, this time almost balancing me on my side. The most uncomfortable position for a car ever.

"Can you hold still a bit longer?" he asked, seemingly busy inspecting something inside with his headlights serving as the source of light.

"I-I guess..." I mumbled in response.

"This might hurt a little, but..."

"Argh! Knock Out! That hurt!" there was a stabbing pain under my plating like he had just jabbed his claw into me.

"Sorry, dear. I warned you."

"I still don't get why I have to lay on my back. Wouldn't it be easier the other way around?"

"No, I have a better insight and I see a small problem here...hm..."

"Um...what is going on here?" two familiar voices from the door's direction made us both freeze.

In the door Mercy and Halo stood visibly stunned. They couldn't decide whether to laugh or be worried.

"Back so soon, ladies?" Knock Out seemed to be at peace with the whole situation, pretending as if we were doing nothing weird, "You are early."

"Oh, does that mean that we just interrupted something?" Halo pulled that teasing grin again, making me growl in discomfort. For once, she could've been running around exploring a bit longer.

"Nothing serious," I abruptly transformed back to bipedal mode and stood, dusting myself with swift movements. I ignored how I almost elbowed Knock Out in the face while doing so and he had to recoil in alarm.

"Did something happen? Are you feeling unwell?" to avert the topic I immediately stepped to Mercy, trying to get a look on her wound.

Knock Out gathered himself as well, stood and put his tools aside.

"No, I'm absolutely fine. We just...ran into Starscream who wanted us nowhere near him," Mercy sent a meaningful glance in Halo's direction and both of them chuckled like gossiping femmes amongst each other.

I rolled my optics, assuming what this was about.

"Ah, and one more thing," Halo looked over to Knock Out, this time looking serious, "It seems Breakdown is in great trouble."

The medic's optics widened and his carefree atmosphere quickly dispersed, concern taking its place. That expression surprised me more than I expected.

"What?"

"Soundwave is trying to get the details at the moment. I just thought it might interest you as well," she said with a small shrug.

"Scrap...!" Knock Out clenched his fists and quickly ran to the door, but turned back for a moment to warn us, "Don't you three dare touch anything, I'll be back in a nanoclick!"

The mech hurried out and as he left, troubled silence fell on us.

"Oookay. Now tell us what happened here because I feel like we've missed something," Halo broke the silence and put her elbow on my shoulder, winking one optic in a teasing manner.

"It's not funny. I was about to get new tires because it turned out I have a rust infection," I shook her arm off with a huff. I didn't mention how I failed to keep secrets. It's better if they don't know.

"Rust infection? Ugh, must be pretty painful," Halo innocently raised her servos.

"I barely feel it. I'm used to the pain."

"Is it serious?" Mercy's concerned voice made us look in her direction.

"Of course not!" we answered in unison. One thing that Halo and I never allowed ourselves to be in the presence of Mercy: weak. From the three of us she was the most fragile one both physically and emotionally. Seeing us strong gave her strength and it was our duty to keep her standing. So we always made sure she didn't have to worry about us.

"More importantly: what were you two doing while you were away?" I quickly changed topic and the amused smile returned to their faces.

"Mercy made new friends with Mr. Creep," Halo pointed at Mercy in an accusing manner.

"What?" I stared at her in confusion and Mercy cast her optics down bashfully.
"H-his name is Soundwave and he is absolutely normal," she corrected Halo's statement.
"What is absolutely normal to you? He hasn't got a face, but he has these weird tentacles and he is mute!" Halo retorted.

"Okay, maybe his physical appearance is a little bit spooky but he is way more friendly than Starscream!"

Looking from one to the other, I couldn't decide which one of them to be much more worried about. I stood there trying to think of something nice to say, but I soon realized that I had to be harsh.

"Girls, we are not here to make friends," I raised my servos, stopping their bickering immediately.

They fell into silence and looked at me with a mix of bewilderment, worry and curiosity.

"We need a very serious conversation here," I emphasized, trying to look serious myself.

"But we didn't do anything bad..."
"Tell me what exactly happened with you two."

After hearing them out I drew some conclusions. First of all, I couldn't blame Starscream for being mean to Halo after the disrespect she has shown, however that didn't excuse his bad attitude either. On the other hand, Soundwave was rather suspicious in my opinion. Ever since I first saw him there was something off about him and his behavior.

Sighing in exhaustion, I tried to reason with my troublesome companions:

"Unlike the Autobots, these Decepticons are not trustworthy at all, we can't believe anything they say. Keep your distance from them."

It's always fun to write Starscream and Halo bicker. And Knock Out is a sneaky little bastard. Watch out for him. Soundwave is…well, Soundwave.

Anyway, leave a comment if you've read this far! I'm really curious about what you guys think!

See you later and thank you for reading! :D