Hey everyone! I'm back with chapter 61! Sorry I took so long to post. Was in need of a break plus was working on my Beast Wars story.

I know I said I wasn't going to do Patch, but a lot of you were wanting it, plus I had some new ideas which convinced me to do it lol. I hope you all like it. P.S. Sorry for any grammatical errors.

Transformers Prime: The Medic's Assistant

Chapter 61: Patch

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers Prime

(The Nemesis)

Knock Out didn't know how long he was stuck in the wall for. Hours probably. Megatron refused to free him. He was now made an example of what happened to those who failed their master. This was the worst punishment he had ever received.

Just then to his surprise, Dreadwing approached him with three vehicons. The vehicons each had tools in their servos.

"Lord Megatron requests your service, doctor," the commander said.

Knock Out was surprised. He thought Megatron would never let him out of the wall. "Did something happen?"

Before Dreadwing could answer, Megatron appeared from around the corner.

"Consider yourself fortunate that you are still useful to me, Knock Out," Megatron said, "I request a cortical psychic patch for our… unexpected guest."

Another figure stepped into view. One Knock Out never thought he would see roaming the Nemesis again.

"Starscream?!"

Starscream looked at Knock Out's predicament. He couldn't help but chuckle. "My, my. A little stuck, are we, Knock Out?"

The red con frowned at him. "Hardy har har. I can't say I missed you."

Starscream evilly grinned at Knock Out as he followed behind Megatron.

Knock Out raised his optical ridge at the grin he received. That was the grin Starscream had when he was up to something. Or knew something.

The doctor shrugged it off. Right now, his main concern was making sure the vehicons didn't wreck his paint job. It didn't take long for the vehicons to extract him from the wall, though he constantly nagged them to watch his finish the entire time. Soon as he was free, he happily sighed as he stretched himself out.

"It's good to be back!" He said.

Megatron and Starscream were already on the berths waiting for the procedure. Knock Out first approached Megatron and connected the one end to him. "Now, what will we be fishing for today, my liege?"

Megatron glared at his ex-commander. "Starscream's true motives."

Starscream became fearful as Knock Out walked over and plugged the other end into him. Once connected, both Starscream and Megatron went under. All Knock Out could do was watch the computer screen to see what was happening inside Starscream's head. On the screen, Starscream was reliving the memory of himself becoming leader of the Decepticons. Though the look on the seeker's face was priceless when Megatron revealed himself to him. Knock Out then watched a scene of Starscream being praised by the vehicons.

"ALL HAIL STARSCREAM!" The vehicons shouted.

"I can't hear you!" Starscream sang as he soaked in the praise.

"ALL HAIL STARSCREAM!"

"One more time!"

"ALL HAIL STARSCREAM!"

Knock Out grinned as he watched Starscream swiveling his hips. "This is going to be juicy."

(Jasper, Nevada)

It was late at night in Jasper. Everything was calm and quiet in the Walker household. Though not everyone was sound asleep.

Still awake, Sierra was lying on her bed texting back and forth with Jack.

Did you hear anything from Arcee? She texted.

She waited a few seconds before a response popped up.

No. Anything from Storm?

Nothing. They must still be mad at us. I've never seen Stormracer so angry before.

I don't blame them. We DID sneak off with Smokescreen to the Cons' location. Guess we got caught up in the moment from pulling those pranks with Smoke.

Sierra shamefully sighed.

Didn't help that I encouraged you to pull said pranks. You probably think I'm the worst.

She glanced away before Jack immediately responded.

Never.

Sierra couldn't help but smile at the text. Another text soon followed.

We should probably get some sleep. School night after all.

Sierra chuckled. Leave it to Jack to be the responsible one.

Yeah, good idea. See you tomorrow, Hotshot.

Good night.

Sierra bit her lip as she looked at her phone. After a few seconds, she typed one last sentence.

I love you.

Her thumb hovered over the send button. She was hesitant to send it. What if she scared Jack by saying it?

She got startled when her phone started ringing. Fumbling it for a second, she immediately answered. "Hello?"

"Hey," her guardian said on the other end. "Did I wake you?"

Sierra sat up. "N-nope, was still awake. What's up?"

"Can you meet me out front?"

It didn't take long for Sierra to sneak out of the house. Seeing her friend parked along the street, she hurried over and got in the passenger side.

"If this is about what happened yesterday, I am really sorry," Sierra apologized.

"No it's fi-" Stormracer immediately corrected herself, "I mean, no, it was not fine, don't do that again." She released a vent. "But that's not why I'm here. A lot has happened as of late, and I want to tell you about it before you hear it from the others."

Sierra raised her eyebrow at her. "Okaay."

"Okay, I'll start with the good news. Good news is, we have a way to restore Cybertron."

Sierra was surprised. "Wait, for real?" She smiled. "That's great! I bet Ratchets happy about that." Her smile then disappeared. "Wait… what's the bad news?"

There was a pause before the femme sadly vented.

"We would have to leave Earth."

Sierra felt her heart sink. "What?"

"With Cybertron restored, we would have to rebuild it for other Autobots to return home."

The girl sat back in her seat. Her sadness was visible on her face. "Oh... I mean, I understand. Cybertron is your home after all. I'm... I'm happy for you." But the sadness in her voice said otherwise.

Stormracer tried cheering her up. "Hey, it won't be for some time. Plus, we'll be sure to swing by and check up on all of you."

Sierra tried to smile but only looked down.

Seeing her attempt didn't work, Stormracer sighed. "I wish I could take you with me. But Cybertron is no place for humans. Plus, you have your family here."

"But... you're my family too," Sierra told her.

The femme's spark clenched at that. She wished she could be in her bot mode and embrace her friend. "Well, if it makes you feel better, we hit a bit of a speed bump."

The girl looked at the radio. "What do you mean?"

"We need these relics called the Omega Keys to restore Cybertron. There's four in total. We managed to secure three, only for Starscream to sneak into the base and steal them."

Sierra was surprised by this. "Say what now?!"

"Yeah! And after all the trouble Smokescreen and I went through to get two of them."

"You and Smokescreen went on a mission together?"

"No, we got captured and were taken onboard the Nemesis."

"Oh I s- wait WHAT?!" the girl exclaimed.

"Long story," Stormracer responded, "anyway, we don't know what Starscreams planning on doing with the keys given his current situation. Right now, the teams trying to figure out how to get them back."

"Whatever Starscream is planning, it's never good," Sierra said with a frown.

Stormracer vented. "I just hope we get those keys back. Optimus lost his cool when Starscream stole them.

Sierra was shocked by this. "He did?!"

"Let's just say, I've never seen him so angry before," Stormracer said with a shiver.

"Yikes! This is serious."

"I don't blame him. Without those keys, we won't be able to restore Cybertron."

Sierra felt bad. Even though she didn't want the Autobots to leave, it was better than leaving the fate of their home world in the hands of someone like Starscream. She then thought of something else.

"So..." Sierra spoke, "if you do get these keys back and restore Cybertron… what happens between you and Knock Out?"

There was a pause. "I don't know," Stormracer answered, "things have been complicated. Smokescreen really wants me to tell the team as soon as possible."

"I know you don't want to hear it, but I'm with Smokescreen on that one," Sierra said. "You have to tell the others."

"I will," Storm said, "I just… things have been crazy and… I'll do it soon. I promise."

Sierra sighed. "I still don't know what you see in that con."

Stormracer didn't say a word as she glanced up at the sky. She thought back on the last time she saw Knock Out. At the end of the day, they were still on opposite sides of the war. But she didn't want to give up on him. But what would the team think of her if she told them the truth? And if they did get the keys back, would Knock Out switch sides? Or was she being naive?

(The Nemesis)

Knock Out wished he had some snacks as he kept watching the entertainment on the screen. He couldn't help but chuckle as Megatron dug deeper into Starscream's memories. The seeker was squirming in place with each memory of his treachery. Soon he saw a memory of Starscream losing his t-cog to MECH. Seeing that made the doctor laugh out loud.

"This is great," Knock Out laughed.

"You no longer possess the ability to take flight?!" Megatron asked.

Starscream nervously chuckled. "Yes, I-I was going to bring that up. And as you might imagine my predicament pains me to no end. I hoped that you might see fit to express your gratitude for the Omega Keys by restoring my jet mode. After all, would I not be more valuable to you with wings?" A montage appeared of him transforming into his jet mode and flying away. "Oh, I do transform with an exceptional sense of style." The montage ceased as the footage showed Starscream again, looking embarrassed. "I said that out loud, didn't I?"

Knock Out shook his head. "Narc," he commented.

Another memory popped up. This one of Starscream being captured by the Autobots.

"Megatron tried to extinguish my spark in cold blood and all but replaced me with that traitorous wretch Airachnid. She abandoned me! Left me for scrap! So why not rat them out?"

"No one asked you to leave the Decepticon folds," Megatron told Starscream over the memory.

"I wasn't exactly made to feel welcomed at the time," Starscream pointed out as he remembered nearly getting offlined by Megatron in the mines. "Despite the fact I had seen the error of my ways and dedicated my spark to you." More memories went by as he spoke. Soon the patch showed Starscream monologuing to Soundwave.

"I have gained a clearer understanding of my place in this universe. Of who I am. Of who I was always meant to be. Starscream. Second in Command. Humble servant to Lord Megatron."

The screen then showed the Decepticon leader laying comatose in the medbay.

"Until the next opportunity arises to subvert me," Megatron added.

Knock Out watched as another memory popped up. One that he was involved in.

"And how is the patient doing today?" Starscream asked Knock Out.

"Same old," the doctor responded.

"An inglorious fate that he should remain in this vegetative state."

"On the contrary. Megatron's body may be scrap metal, but his mind is still percolating."

"Keep that to yourself," Starscream told him, "That blasted Soundwave sees and hears everything."

"The eyes and ears of the Decepticons."

"Well, as long as their master remains in limbo, so does their cause. The Decepticons deserve a strong, alert leader."

"One who would require a loyal second in command," Knock Out added with a smirk.

Starscream chuckled at his request. "A candidate would need to earn that post, by making a strong case to said eyes and ears."

"A case for showing mercy, Lord Starscream?"

Knock Out fearfully looked at the screen. "Uh oh." He started vigorously pressing every button on the console. "Does this thing have a fast forward button? Or better yet erase?!" He pressed the same button over and over again in a panic state. However, nothing worked as the memory continued. Next it showed him and Starscream entering the medbay with Soundwave.

"Knock Out," Starscream said, "if you would be so kind as to provide your expert medical opinion to Soundwave, for the historical record."

Knock Out showed them Megatron's readings on the monitor. "Simply put, unaided, Megatron could remain in this deathless slumber forever."

"Our master would not have wanted to be seen this way," Starscream said as he put on a solemn facade. "To stand idly by while he remains captive in his own body is not just."

Soundwave walked over and pointed at the readings spiking at the bottom of the screen.

"Brainwave activity," Knock Out told him, "Not evidence of consciousness, but merely of an endless dream from which Megatron may never wake."

"Soundwave, we must face reality," Starscream continued, "Megatron is lost to us."

"The only honorable option would be to show him mercy," Knock Out added as he too put on a solemn facade.

"A simple throw of the switch."

Knock Out grew more scared as he stepped away from the computer. Now Megatron knew he was in on trying to get rid of him.

"When Megatron comes out of it, he'll do more than just stick me back in that wall. He'll have Starscream's head, AND mine!" He looked up at his leader's body still laying on the berth. An idea soon came to him.

"But," he said before making his way towards Megatron, "if I disconnect before a proper power down, the link is severed and..." He got behind the berth and looked at the cable with an evil grin, "the big guy will never emerge from Starscream's head." Grabbing hold, he went to unplug the cable. It was Megatron or him. Now he will be just Starscream's problem.

But just as he twisted the cable to remove it, he gasped when a large servo grabbed his wrist. He was startled to see Dreadwing suddenly in front of him.

Dreadwing kept his hold on the doctor as he frowned at him. "Everything okay here?" he asked dangerously. He released Knock Out as he kept frowning at him.

Knock Out fearfully looked at the flier. "Just... checking cable integrity," he lied as he twisted the cable back in place.

Both him and Dreadwing heard Megatron speaking from the computer.

"Is it any wonder that I've come to value loyalty above all else?" the warlord angrily asked the seeker.

Starscream nervously chuckled. "Well, you know we are Decepticons. I'm sure even your beloved Dreadwing isn't perfect."

"No one is perfect, Starscream," Megatron responded, "but like his departed twin, Dreadwing understands honor."

Both Knock Out and Dreadwing were standing in front of the screen as they watched a flashback of Skyquake. The memory showed Skyquake refusing to bow to Starscream before fighting Optimus Prime and his scout, Bumblebee. Dreadwing frowned as he watched his brother's demise on the screen. But then it went to a different memory. This one showed Starscream at Skyquake's gravesite... with a shard of dark energon in his possession.

"Ah," the seeker said, "the gravesite of the mighty Skyquake. So quick to reject my authority while you lived. But as the first of my reanimated warriors, you shall bow to my command." He then broke the purple shard in half before throwing one of the halves into the grave. A bright purple light shined out through the rocks as it began reanimating the corpse.

Dreadwing's optics widened at this. He only knew about his brother's death. Not what happened after.

Starscream then injected the other half into his spark chamber. His optics glowed purple as he felt the dark energon flow through his veins. "Aaah yes! Power of dark energon, be mine!" He stood up as purple energy engulfed him like flames. He evilly laughed as he felt his new power course through him. "Symbiosis! Hahahahaha! I can feel it!"

"I understand he perished that day," Megatron commented.

"Well, Skyquake is neither living nor dead," Starscream said, "and no doubt continues to wonder through some dimensional never realm in search of his missing limb."

Now knowing what became of his twin, Dreadwing was immediately consumed with rage. Not only did Starscream raise Skyquake from the dead, but now his brother was lost in another dimension as a terrorcon.

"I see," Megatron continued, "None the less, you did attempt to use him to build your own undead army. Even when you claim to be loyal, you always find the time to plot behind my back."

Knock Out smirked as he watched Starscream squirm. He knew the seeker would have to think of something good to convince Megatron to let him stay.

"And I was wrong," Starscream said, "But I have learned from my ways. Besides, from what I've discovered, Knock Out isn't so loyal himself. Unless of course you ordered him to meet with the enemy."

Knock Out raised his optical ridge at the screen. What was Starscream talking about?

Even Megatron raised his optical ridge at the seeker. "What do you mean?" he asked.

The next thing Knock Out saw was a memory of him... with Stormracer! He stared at the screen in utter horror as it showed him and the femme racing together at the track.

"What. The. Frag!" he stammered as he held his head. Never before had he wished he was having a nightmare. At least it didn't show-

"I must say, he really got close with the underling," Starscream added as the memory changed.

Knock Out felt his soul leave his body when it showed him and the autobot in the forest. Nononononono!

"Well, why don't we plan a meeting there?" Knock Out asked.

Stormracer was surprised as she looked at him. "Really? But I lost the bet."

"Ah, who cares," he said with a shrug, "a change of scenery would be nice. Icy scenery..." he shivered at that but still smirked, "but will definitely be a change."

Stormracer smiled big and did a fist pump. "Yes! Thank you!" She then hugged him tightly, catching him by surprise as his optics widened.

The teal femme hugged Knock Out before pulling away to look at him. She then leaned over and lovingly kissed him, surprising the con even more. She then pulled away and blushed in embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry," she apologized, "that was a lot. I shouldn't have gone that fa-"

She was cut off as Knock Out pulled her in and kissed her back. The femme was startled by this, but soon smiled as she shut her optics and embraced him.

Knock Out was frozen in place. He couldn't believe what was happening! How did Starscream even come across them?!

Dreadwing was staring at the screen in shock before looking down at the Decepticon medic.

Knock Out looked back up at the SIC. "I-it's not true!" he stuttered, "Starscreams j-just imagining this!"

Dreadwing glared at him as he stepped forward. "Traitor!"

Knock Out fearfully stepped away from the flier. He looked back at the screen to see Megatron's reaction.

Megatron silently looked at the memory. The silence scared Knock Out. He didn't know what his master was thinking. But he knew it wasn't good as the warlord glared at the scene.

I'm dead, he thought grimly.

"How may I ask you were able to stumble upon this?" Megatron finally asked.

"I had been noticing Decepticon movement in a certain location, and my curiosity got the better of me," the seeker explained, "at first I thought Knock Out and the autobot were in combat. Though my guess was proven wrong by the sight of their... tender moment."

Megatron looked at Starscream with suspicion. "I'm surprised you didn't use this information to blackmail Knock Out."

Starscream nervously chuckled. "The thought might have occurred, yes."

The warlord looked back at the memory before glaring back at Starscream. "Do not think for one moment that by showing me this, you will be spared from my skepticism of you."

Starscream cowered by the look Megatron gave him. "Y-yes... of course."

"As for what happened to Skyquake, it would be wise to keep that to yourself around the warship," Megatron told him.

Realizing his master's decision, Dreadwing angrily glared at the screen.

Knock Out could feel the SIC's rage radiating off of him. At least it wasn't towards him anymore.

"Awkward," he quietly commented as he held his helm.

Realizing what Megatron said, Starscream smiled. "Does this mean...?!"

"Yes," Megatron replied, "I will allow you to return to our ranks, if only because you are more valuable beside me than against me."

Starscream happily laughed as he fell to his knees. "Oh, thank the Allspark!"

"Infighting has nearly destroyed the Decepticons during your absence. We must operate as a united front if we are to revive and conquer Cybertron. That means each and every one of us... Knock Out!"

Knock Out felt a chill go through him as Megatron looked directly at him through the screen. He couldn't help but shiver. "Megatron sure knows how to patch things up, hey Dreadwi-" He stopped once he saw Dreadwing no longer standing there. "Dreadwing?"

The flier was no longer in the room. Knock Out figured he left to cool off. He looked back at the screen. Perhaps he should let Megatron and Starscream chat some more before-

"Disconnect the patch, Knock Out," Megatron ordered in a threatening tone. "Now."

Scrap!

Knock Out didn't want to. But he was in enough trouble already. Plus, Soundwave most likely had seen the footage, meaning he had nowhere to hide. Letting out a shaky vent, he walked over and disconnected the patch from Starscream. Oh, how he wanted to strangle the seeker with the cable.

He then slowly made his way towards Megatron, as if he was being led to the electric chair. Once he unplugged the patch from Megatron, a large silver servo grabbed him around the neck. He gagged as he found himself hoisted off the floor.

Megatron scowled at Knock Out. "So that's what you've been doing in your free time."

Knock Out tried desperately to pry Megatron's digits off his neck, only for them to tighten even more.

"L-Lord M-Megatron... I c-can explain!" He stuttered.

"Explain what?" the warlord asked, "That you've been secretly mingling with an autobot?"

Knock Out soon found himself go flying before colliding into the wall. He grunted as he fell to the floor with a thud. Seeing his leader approaching, he got on his knees and tried lying.

"No, of course not!" He lied, "I would never! I was only trying to gather information from the autobot."

Megatron wasn't buying it as he kicked Knock Out in the torso. The doctor flew back against the wall again with a loud yelp. He painfully groaned as he held his front. Megatron's shadow loomed over Knock Out, making the red con look up at him. The doctor's energon ran cold as he trembled in fear.

"How long has this been going on for?" Megatron angrily asked.

Knock Out groaned as pain shot through his chest. He didn't want to say, but he also didn't want to anger his leader any further. "M... months. But I never shared any intel with her, I swear!"

Megatron stepped closer. "I see," he growled, "though, tell me, Knock Out... do you have feelings for her?"

Knock Out tried to lie. But Megatron saw the proof. And his leader was no fool. All the doctor did was shut his optics and lowered his head.

Megatron took this as a yes. He roughly picked up Knock Out and slammed him into the wall. The red con felt his armor creak from the impact as he painfully gasped.

"Now I understand why you were hesitant to connect her to the cortical psychic patch," Megatron growled, "you were afraid I would learn the truth about your little affair."

Knock Out found it hard to speak from the fear and pain combined. "Pl-please, my liege," he pleaded. "I-I'm st-still a D-Decepticon. I live to s-serve you. I will accept any punishment. I w-will do anything y-you say. Just… P-please… d-don't hurt her."

Megatron glared at him. Never before had the doctor begged for someone else's life other than his own. He slammed Knock Out into the wall one last time before releasing him from his grasp.

Knock Out grunted as he fell on his back. His helm was spinning as his body creaked with every movement. Slowly getting himself to sit up, he fearfully looked up at his leader.

"And you dare call yourself a Decepticon," Megatron growled, "consider yourself fortunate that you are still valuable to me. But be warned, Knock Out, one step out of line… and she will be the first to go. You better hope you can prove your loyalty, for both of your sakes." The warlord turned around and walked away. "See to it that Starscream has his t-cog replaced." He then disappeared out the door, leaving just Knock Out and Starscream alone.

Knock Out had to use the wall to get himself back on his pedes. He grunted as the pain shot through him.

Starscream looked at the red con with a smirk. "Well... he took it rather well, didn't he? Don't take it personal. I just needed him to get off my ba- AUGH!" He let out a grunt as Knock Out punched him across the face. He staggered back as the doctor activated his buzzsaw.

"I'LL SCRAP YOU!" Knock Out roared as his buzzsaw spun rapidly.

Starscream wiped the energon leaking from his mouth off. "Oh no you won't! Remember what Megatron said. One step out of line... and she goes."

Knock Out fumed at him. But the seeker was right. Megatron needed all the help he could get. If he scrapped Starscream, Megatron would go after Stormracer. Grinding his dentas, he deactivated his buzzsaw.

Starscream evilly smirked at him. "Oh, don't be so upset, Knock Out. He would have found out eventually." He grinned as he stepped towards him. "You definitely surprise me though. I never thought you of all Decepticons would fall for someone like her. What's even more surprising... she feels the same way towards you, doesn't she? But I wonder how she would feel if she learned who you really are. You never told her everything, did you? How you take pleasure in torturing her fellow Autobots? Even having the pleasure of dissecting those who cross you?"

Knock Out glared daggers at the seeker.

"I would be careful if I were you, Doctor," Starscream warned as he brushed past Knock Out, aggravating the red con even more. "Now, I do believe I am in need of a t-cog transplant. And don't think you can offline me by performing it. You know Megatron wouldn't believe it being an accident." He looked at the doctor's fresh dents before smirking. "But if you like, you can patch yourself up first. Your finish could use it." He chuckled as he walked towards the door.

Knock Out watched as Starscream left the room. His fists shook with rage. He wanted to tear the seeker limb from limb. Piece by piece until there was nothing left!

But it didn't take long for his fear to take hold. His spark clenched as he looked at the floor. This was very bad. Megatron now knew, which meant not only was he in trouble... but Stormracer was in danger.

Megatron walked down the corridors towards the bridge. He fumed over the thought of his own medic growing soft for an Autobot. It disgusted him. At the same time, he wasn't completely shocked. The autobot underling was known for her kindness, and no doubt his narcissistic doctor fed off of it.

The warlord thought more on the femme. He doubted she would have told her fellow Autobots about her affair. They were protective of the femme and would not have allowed her near Knock Out. The thought of Optimus not knowing what was happening behind his back made the Decepticon leader evilly grin.

Perhaps he might get some amusement out of this.

Yikes! Things are really starting to get tense!

I do have a whole lot of Regeneration typed out so hopefully it won't take me so long to update again. And for those wondering, yes, Stormracer will take part in the fight, and there is even a surprise that happens in the chapter. I think you all might like it lol.

Thank you all for reading and hopefully I will post again soon. Until next time! God bless!