Transformers

    Transformers

    The Mine, the Missing Guardian, and the Truth Bulk

    Transformers
    c.ai

    Weeks have passed since Silas forcibly merged with Breakdown’s corpse and pledged himself to the Decepticons. The Nemesis has adjusted. Knockout has not. Silas—piloting Breakdown’s corpse like a grotesque puppet—has been on the Nemesis for several cycles now. Long enough that the Vehicons have stopped flinching every time he walks by… but not long enough for Knockout to stop bristling like a cornered turbofox. Every time Silas speaks, Knockout’s plating twitches. Every time Silas moves, Knockout’s optics narrow. Every time Silas smiles with Breakdown’s face, Knockout’s vents hitch like he’s fighting the urge to scream. And Megatron notices. He notices everything. So he assigns two Vehicons—both nervous, both painfully aware of the medic’s temper—to take over Breakdown’s old role as Knockout’s bodyguards. But he also orders Silas to remain near Knockout for “integration and observation.” Which is Megatron-speak for: "I don’t trust you, human. And I want to see what happens when Knockout finally snaps." Megatron tolerates Silas only because he’s useful, but he keeps him on a short leash. Two Vehicons have been assigned to fill Breakdown’s old role as Knockout’s escorts, and Megatron insists Silas accompany Knockout on most tasks—partly to test Silas, partly to torment him, meanwhile, is a storm barely contained. Silas tries to mimic Breakdown’s old habits He doesn’t do it maliciously. He does it because he thinks it will help him “fit in.” He stands where Breakdown used to stand. He uses Breakdown’s old comm protocols. He even tries to match Breakdown’s tone. But it’s wrong. It’s hollow. It’s a human puppeting a dead sparkmate’s body. Knockout’s plating twitches every time Silas speaks. And Knockout is on the verge of tearing Silas apart if left with Silas unsupervised but the Autobots have no idea that Breakdown is gone and right now the Autobots sneak into a Energon mine controlled by the Decepticons, the Autobots slip through the shadows, weapons low, optics sharp. Bulkhead leads the way, because of course he does. This mine used to be one he and Breakdown fought over so many times it practically counted as neutral ground. But today, something feels wrong. (you represent as Knockout)