Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Miko snuck out again. At this point most of the bots should just give her to someone so she can be either trapped in a subspace or being held to prevent her from escaping. Jack and Raf were good at following orders, however they would follow her to make sure she’s safe. June ran after Jack and through the portal the 4 humans went. Unfortunately the ground bridge was acting up that week and Ratchet didn’t notice until the last second and tried to shut down the bridge before the humans had fully escaped. The ground bridge had sputtered and crashed as Ratchet tried to shut down the bridge.

The humans had expected a fight between the Autobots and the Decepticons. Just on the other side of the portal was exactly that, a Decepticon-Autobot fight, however it was wrong. First thing that clued them in was the fact that the colors of the bots were completely different. Bulkhead was no longer the army green, he was instead red with purple accents. Arcee was not the blue motorcycle Jack knew her as, she was now mainly pink with blue accents. She seemed insane. Bumblebee was nowhere to be seen.

The Decepticons that were there were Knockout, Breakdown and Starscream. They also looked wrong. Knockout was scratched to hell and back, blue instead of his usual red. Breakdown was red, nearly pristine paint, yet still the hard hitter that the humans remembered. Starscream didn’t seem to be the cowardly bot they’ve seen before. He was in the fight, using both his missiles and hand to hand combat. He was covered in red and blue accents.

Arcee had managed to get herself onto Starscream’s back. The seeker thrashed for a moment before managing to flatten his wings and slam hard against the rock behind him. Starscream managed to slam against the rock a few times making Arcee crumple to the ground. Breakdown and Knockout managed to make Bulkhead tumble down the cliff side. The humans watched as the two flinched as Bulkhead presumably hit the rock down below.

“He’ll be fine.” Breakdown said.

Knockout nodded, “Hey Stars, you okay?” He said walking over to Starscream. The seeker’s wings flicked up at Knockout’s question.

“Just some mesh wounds. Mainly scuffled paint.” Starscream replied, looking over his body. The seeker’s wings fluttered down to their normal resting position. Knockout grabbed Starscream’s arm and carefully looked at the scratches. They were pretty deep. 

“This’ll need to be patched up when we get back, but you’re not bleeding out.” Knockout said, letting go of Starscream’s arm. 

This was really odd, normally Knockout would make some quip or joke about Starscream being an incapable fighter. But this knockout seemed to be very caring about everyone.

“Hey, got the artifact.” Breakdown smiled walking over to show the other two. It was a staff-like weapon with a weird top on it. Breakdown handed it to Knockout to examine. 

Knockout spun it around for a moment before slamming an end into the ground, activating the staff.

“It’s an immobilizer. This will be quite useful.” Knockout said, deactivating it.

The seeker’s wings flipped up as Knockout handed it to Starscream to examine. Starscream’s digits traced every crack, dip and line on the immobilizer. His optics focused on what Breakdown was doing.

“What are we gonna do about her?” Breakdown said, grabbing Arcee’s body and holding it up.

“Toss her down the other side?” Knockout suggested, leaning on his knees. It was odd for the medic to be so fatigued after a small fight like this.

“Isn’t that a bit cruel?” Starscream added in.

“As much as it is, we also have to look at the other side of this. The longer it takes for these two to get back to each other is more of a chance to not deal with Autobots for a little bit. Also it will take them time to recover. Optronix only has a few more bots he can send out before he himself has to get out. If we lure him out the better chance of ending this nonsense war, and we can get back to Cybertron and rebuild.” Knockout explained. Starscream conceded and stepped back. Breakdown went to the other side of the mountain and tossed Arcee down it. Both would survive no doubt, but they’ll be injured and need to take time to recover.

Miko had accidently pushed over a few rocks causing the bots to look over at the rubble.

“Humans…” Starscream said, having the better vantage point from the other two. Knockout narrowed his optics and saw small movement.

Miko was panicking hard, June was trying her best to calm her down. Raf and Jack also tried but it was failing.

“Grab them, they’re not safe here.” Knockout said. Starscream handed the immobilizer over to Knockout and walked over to the rocks. As he carefully peered over them his optics were squinted. He took a moment before carefully scooping up the humans and holding them a little out from himself before pulling them closer to his body.

The humans didn’t realize how cold it was until they were held close to Starscream. The way he carefully held them, making sure not to hurt them. Starscream carefully walked over to the others and showed the humans to them. 

“3 of them.” Starscream smiled.

“There’s 4 of them Stars.” Knockout corrected kindly, Starscream took a second look and his wings dropped. “Stars, you’re a seeker, you’re not going to see them all too clearly this close.” Knockout said, “doesn’t help they’re all hunched together.” Knockout added as he opened Starscream’s hands more. “Let’s get back before Arcee and Bulkhead get up.” Knockout said, messaging for a return bridge.

The humans had no choice but to go with the Decepticons, not like Starscream would let them go so easily. 

As they stepped through the bridge, Soundwave greeted him. Instead of the dark Mech the humans encountered before, he had bright white, light blue accents and a lime green headband that seemed to extend to his feet. He was curious with the humans carefully peeking at them. He was cheery and actually vocal. “Wow, I've never seen smaller humans before.” Was one of the many sentences they heard.

“Soundwave, where is Prime?” Knockout asked. Prime, that sounded good. The humans relaxed a little bit. Primes were the good guys right?

“Oh he’s dealing with some personal things right now, he should be back around here in a few. I can message him that you requested him.” Soundwave said.

“No, that's fine, when he does come back, tell him we have some things to talk about.” Knockout said, before walking off. “Stars, you can drop the humans off with us.” He said walking off,

“Oh of course!” Starscream chirped, his wings flicked a little before carefully regaining ground to be behind the two. The humans barely felt their steps, barely felt the up and down movement.

The humans were all too stunned for the moment until they were placed on the table. There was already a little set up for humans in that area. Starscream carefully placed the humans down, making sure they were far enough away from the ledge. The 4 look up at them terrified. Starscream backed up a bit and got a good look at them before going to talk with Knockout.

Knockout wrapped up Starscream’s arm before clearing him out. Knockout then went on to document today’s events along with making a few new tabs on the humans.

“Ex-Excuse me.” June said, finding her voice, she stood between the kids and the bots.

“Please give me a moment to finish documenting. I will answer all of your questions here in a moment.” Knockout said before turning back to the computer and continued documenting. His digits dancing across the keyboard. It was only a few more moments before Knockout had finished and turned to the humans. “I know you have a fair amount of questions, I don’t blame you.” Knockout said, pulling up a chair and sitting down in front of the humans. His expression was tired but kind.

June looked back at the kids before turning back to Knockout, “Mind telling us where we are?” She started.

Knockout nodded, “Yes you are on a Cybertronian ship named the Ark. A ship designed to withstand a lot. You are safe on this ship from practically everything.” Knockout explained.

“Are we able to go home?” June asked.

“It is unclear whether or not the two Autobots have seen you. It is currently unsafe for you 4 to return home. It’s safer to remain here until the threat of Autobots has been neutralized. We don’t want to risk your lives.” Knockout explained. 

June was unsure what to ask next, not without causing a major alarm, but Jack didn’t see that.

“I have to admit, this is all weird,” Jack said, stepping forward. 

“That is very understandable, you don’t see giant robots every day.” Knockout smiled,

“Well the thing is we do.” Jack said, which startled Knockout for a moment. 

“What do you mean?” Knockout said, sitting up a bit.

Jack looked to his mom. June nodded. 

“Well… this is going to be hard to explain at first, but we worked with the Autobots, but the Autobots were the good guys and Decepticons were the bad guys. Like Megatron was this super evil guy that would stop at nothing to kill Optimus and the other Autobots. And Optimus was only trying to reach out to Megatron to try and stop this war. Now after we went through a ground bridge it seems like everything’s opposite now.” Jack tried explaining.

Knockout sat back for a moment, thinking through things carefully. “So, from what I’m guessing, you’re from an alternate sort of… dimension. As from the names alone, you are not from this one.” Knockout said. 

“I guess so.” Jack said.

“This became a lot more complex than what I originally thought. I’ll get Megatronous and Shockwave here as soon as I can, as for right now, please try to relax. I'll be nearby if you need anything.” Knockout said.

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As soon as Megatronous entered the room, the humans immediately knew he was so much different than Optimus. A more somber calm expression rather than the neutral to stern look Optimus had. 

“Knockout,” He nodded.

“Prime.” Knockout nodded back.

“Mind briefing me on what happened?” He said walking over to the medic who was sitting on a medical berth. He was a little concern, Knockout as of recently was getting more tired.

“Yes, so as you requested, Breakdown, Starscream and I went out to look for the artifact, which turned out to be an immobilizer. Breakdown is currently working on where exactly it came from. While battling Bulkhead and Arcee, the humans showed up. Starscream spotted them first and retrieved them after we dealt with the two. There’s four in total, June, Jack, Rafael, and Miko. From what they have explained to me, they are from an alternate dimension. A reality where everything is swapped. Decepticons are bad and Autobots are good.” Knockout said.

“This is very odd, do you have any proof of this being true?” Megatronous asked.

“From the fact they referred to your opposite as Megatron and Optonix’s opposite as Optimus along with them saying they're from Jasper, Nevada. Both you and I know Jasper was destroyed nearly 25 years ago. Which judging by the smaller ones, they aren’t old enough to be survivors. It’s very likely they are telling the truth.” Knockout explained.

“Does Shockwave know?” 

“Yes, I sent for him a little while ago, I’m surprised he hasn’t busted down the door by now. I’m not sure how he would be able to tell they are from an alternate reality, however judging by his… excitement… he knows a way that will confirm it.” Knockout said.

As soon as Megatronous got his answers from Knockout he walked over to where the humans were.

“Good evening.” He started, bowing his head. “From what my Medic tells you, you 4 may be from an Alternate reality?” His voice was soft, kind. His expression is even kinder.

Jack nodded as his mom worked on trying to get Miko to calm down. Miko kept blaming herself for what happened, if she had just listened to Optimus and Ratchet, if she just stayed put, none of them would be in this situation. It wasn’t long until the humans had opened up. Megatronous asked questions to let them feel safe, and allowed the humans to express their feelings.

It wasn’t long until a bright white mech came busting down the door nearly scrambling to the corner until his remaining audial receptor was snagged by Knockout. It was so sudden that even Megatronous jumped. Jack moved to see who it was. The mech was bright white with light blue and lime green accents, seemed to be a running pattern here. It seemed that half of his head was missing and was patched over with scrap metal. 

“Calm down Shockwave.” Knockout said, twisting the audial receptor to make Shockwave back down. Shockwave nodded and waited until his emotional systems started to regulate.

“Sorry about my good friend here, ever since a… an incident, he has a bit of trouble regulating his emotions. He is very excited to meet you. I also do apologize about his appearance, it’s what we could do with such a short time and limited parts.” Megatronous explained. The humans remembered shockwave as a dark purple mech with only one optic and a hexagonal head. While this shockwave had one optic it was clear he used to have two. They watched as Knockout carefully released his audial receptor and forced him to take a deep breath before allowing him to step closer. Knockout nodded to Megatronous to take control in case Shockwave got too much.

Megatronous hovered close to Shockwave as he leaned in close, his blue optic dilating as he stared at Jack. 

“So interesting.” He said, barely containing his excitement. “And you say you and the others are from another reality? Is it true?” He smiled. Megatronous’s servo hovered near Shockwave’s neck plating just in case Shockwave became too much.

“Yeah,” Jack said, not really knowing how to respond.

“Intreging. Do you mind if I run some tests on you and the others? To truly determine what reality you belong to and hopefully get you home!” 

Jack looks back at his mom and friends then back to Shockwave, “Yes.” Jack confirmed.

He heard the metal creaking underneath Shockwave’s servo as tried desperately to contain his excitement, however Megatronous had grabbed onto Shockwave and dragged him away so he could let out his emotion and not hurt anything.

It was weird to see the Decepticons knowing each other so well to know what works and what doesn’t, how they silently communicated and understood how to handle each other and accommodate each other. Not even the Autobots back home worked this well.

As the Decepticons worked on getting the humans mainly settled. Miko noticed that some of the scrawnier or smaller bots were avoiding Knockout, and when Knockout turned around to deal with something on the computer, she noticed vials on his back that had some sort of green liquid in them, not viscous enough to be Synth-en not to mention Knockout’s eyes were Blue not green, and he seemingly had two smaller vials around his neck plating.

“Now, I know this isn’t probably what you’re used to, but this is what we can do. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Shockwave will be back with the test results. Try and relax for the time being though.” Knockout said before going back to work.

The humans mainly stayed put, they were mainly huddled together, not being able to fully process things. They talked quietly amongst each other.

It wasn’t until Breakdown came in. Knockout was typing when Breakdown came up behind and wrapped his arms around Knockout’s waist. The bot jumped a little before revving his engine at Breakdown.

“Did I scare you? I didn’t mean to.” He said, his voice soft yet filled with warmth. Breakdown relaxed against Knockout.

“A little, I’m just finishing up my work.” Knockout said typing out a few things. “How long have you been here?” 

“Just got here. Don’t worry I’m keeping track. It takes a lot longer to affect me than it does Stars.” Breakdown said, gently rubbing his head on Knockout’s shoulder. 

“I know, I’m just… cautious.” Knockout said.

The two bots remained there until Knockout finished his work. Breakdown then took Knockout and sat him down and grabbed a few empty vials. Breakdown carefully removed the vials and replaced them with empty vials.

“What is that?” Miko asked, she was still awake. 

“It’s poisonous gas condensed down into liquid form, Knockout produces this… well it wasn’t natural, he was experimented on and now he produces this.” Breakdown said swirling one of the containers. 

“Poison?” Miko said a little scared.

“To Cybertronians, not humans. Our human companion, Silas, proved to us that it’s fully harmless to humans.” Breakdown explained. 

“Yeah, I’m also radioactive, again to Cybertronians not humans. Again proven by Silas.” Knockout added.

“Hence why Knockout mainly works alone. In close spaces the radiation is more concentrated, in open space it’s less concentrated. It’s also why some of the smaller bots tend to avoid the area, it takes a lot less radiation to affect them than it does me or Megatronous.” Breakdown explained.

“However, bots can build an immunity to the radiation and soon not be affected by it, however that takes a long long time. Starscream can only handle about a few hours before he needs to leave. Breakdown here can handle a day or two.” Knockout said.

The three calmly talked, it was comforting to Miko. She asked questions and they would answer. They were Conjunx Enduras, the equivalence would be spouses. Knockout and Breakdown spoke of their lives before the war. Models. Due to this Knockout being a triple changer, his unique status was something heavily sought after. Miko and the others did notice the differences between theirs and this Knockout, they weren’t too major. Jet wings that were folded down most of the time and weirdly enough digitigrade legs. 

Knockout explained that most flying type bots had digitigrade legs that helped with take off and landing. It absorbed shock better, made the flyers more agile and faster. Except for Megatronous, since he was a big bulky bot his frame was better suited with plantigrade legs.

Breakdown was considered pretty due to his bright coloration, the odd colored face plate and his yellow optics. There were a few things that were the same, however everything was perceived differently.

Chapter Text

Miko continued to ask questions and Knockout and Breakdown answered willingly. 

It continued until Knockout saw the girl yawn.

“Looks like you need to go to sleep.” Knockout said, lightly tapping the girl’s head.

“What? No I’m not-” She yawned, “tired. I’m fine!” she protested. 

“Don’t worry, we’ll still be here in the morning. Then you and your friends can ask us questions.” Breakdown smiled.

Miko grumbled a little but conceded. She walked over to the beds and laid down, it didn’t take long for her to fall asleep.

Knockout proceeded to sit down and relax, letting out a long sigh. Breakdown walked over and hugged Knockout. He nuzzled his way into the crook of Knockout’s neck and stayed there. His digits traced lines on Knockout’s back.

“You also need to go to sleep.” Breakdown said. Knockout was already drifting off, but Breakdown actually saying so made Knockout alert and agitated. His optic twitched and his body tensed. “You know I’m right.” Breakdown continued scratching his back. It was hard to still stay mad. “You’ve been running ragged for weeks, it’s okay to actually take care of yourself.” Breakdown said, his digits tracing circles. Knockout revved his engine half heartily. He knew Breakdown was right. “Come on, lay down.” Knockout finally gave up and allowed himself to relax.

Breakdown carefully lifted Knockout up and walked over to the corner where Knockout’s bed had laid dormant for months. Knockout got into bed, lying on his stomach, feeling the soreness and pain from working for days on end. He felt Breakdown adjust the soft, plush fabric and pillows. He then felt Breakdown kiss him and remained there until Knockout fell asleep. 

Breakdown always felt bad leaving Knockout however it was done for his own safety. He put down the radiation shield and walked to his own bed before going to sleep.

In the morning Breakdown was already working on the computer. A calm yet bored expression on his face. Miko was of course the first to get up. She stretched and nearly forgot she was not in her reality. She yelped a little seeing Breakdown instead of Bulkhead, but quickly got herself in control. 

“Good morning.” Breakdown said calmly, “Silas will be here with some food soon.” He continued.

“Where’s Knockout?” Miko said. 

“In bed, he’ll be up in a few.” Breakdown replied. The other humans woke up and were hanging around. They asked questions and Breakdown answered them.

It wasn’t long until Knockout woke up and joined the others. He scanned over Breakdown’s Decepticon chip and read his status. “Breakdown, you only have half the day left.” Knockout said. 

“I know, I’ve been keeping track. I wouldn’t willingly put myself into danger.” Breakdown smiled. Knock out, raise an eyebrow. “Oh you know what I mean.” Breakdown said revving his engine jokingly. 

It was a few hours later when Silas arrived with some supplies. “Sorry Breakdown, things took a bit longer, you know how Fowler gets with me. But I did bring what you asked me to for our newcomers.” He said. Jack looked at him, he looked so similar to the Silas back home, except this one had a kind expression and was sweet. He was perched on top of Starscream’s shoulder while Starscream held the crate containing items for the four.

Starscream placed the crate down farther away from the humans than intended but Breakdown or Knockout could fix that. He put his servo up to his shoulder and waited until Silas was safely on his servo and carefully placed him on the table. He stepped back looking at them and Silas waved him on. “Don’t worry, Stars! We got it from here!” Silas waved Starscream on, The bot nodded before leaving the Med-bay.

“Ah Seekers, they don’t have the best eyesight up close, but are some of the best for help.” Silas laughed. “The name’s Silas, although guessing from my friends here, you already knew that.” Silas said, holding his hand out.

June shook Silas’s hand, “June, this is my son Jack, and his friends Miko and Raf.” She smiled, keeping her hands on the kids. She’d dealt with the other Silas and was pretty hesitant on trusting this one.

Silas seemed to recognize her hesitancy with him. “Well, pretty amazing of you for taking care of these three. You certainly are in amazing hands. The bots here are very conscious about humans.” Silas said gesturing to Knockout and Breakdown.

“Didn’t you say Starscream didn’t have the best eyesight?” Jack asked.

“Yes, but his other senses would catch you before you even came close to harm. If it isn’t his ears it's certainly his nose. Something about Seekers living together and using other senses to tell each other apart?” Silas turned to Knockout.

“Seekers are closer to what we originally evolved from. A wild type bot. Mainly a flying bot their optic's are adjusted to seeing at least 10 kliks to ground level and they spend most of their time flying. However when Seekers are in their Klatches on the ground they need to tell who was who and since some Seekers have similar paint, they are either identified by different chirp patterns or for the case of a deaf Seeker by scent. They also use echolocation when things are too close to them although those are pretty high pitched so Stars doesn’t use it too often around humans.” Knockout explained. 

“Yeah that. All the bots are pretty careful and we won’t be on the ground too often. The bots built a system that gets us anywhere in the ship we need to get too.” Silas said gesturing to the walkways along the walls. 

Adjusting to this how reality was fairly difficult to them, being greeted by so many bots, dealing with questioning and anything and everything that came from them being from a different reality.

Miko laid on her bed, finally relaxing after a somewhat difficult day. There were a lot of bots in Med-bay to the point Breakdown was working on some bots. It was too loud. 

“Silas, do you mind taking the others somewhere less chaotic?” Knockout called.

“Sure thing! Come on, let's go to the bridge.” Silas said, motioning the humans to get on the walkways. 

“What’s going on?” Raf asked.

“Nothing too much, just a small run in with the Autobots.” Silas lied, this was one of the worst attacks he’d seen in a few months, but it wasn’t anything Knockout and Breakdown couldn’t handle.

Starscream limped in, the last bot to leave the fight. Part of his leg strut was destroyed and he was missing one of his arms. 

“Starscream!” Knockout said immediately grabbing Starscream, lifting him up and placing him on a medical berth. Immediately working on getting him pain relief.

Megatronous stood at the door, he had far less injuries than Starscream, Soundwave and a few vehicons. 

“What in the name of Primus happened, Megatronous? This is the worst we’ve seen!” Knockout said, juggling between a few bots. Wings twitching with anxious energy.

“Ratchet.” was all Megatronous could say. Knockout’s wings jerked hearing the name. He felt rage building in his systems. 

“This has gone on for long enough! It’s fraggin ridiculous that you allow that Mech to still stand!” Knockout yelled. His wings flared up. More of that poisonous liquid spilt into the vials.

“We must stick to our mission.” Megatronous said.

“Our mission? I’m sorry but Ratchet has killed hundreds, experimented on thousands more, Soundwave and Starscream are in pieces! Your own Medic has first servo encounters! There are some bots you can’t save Megatronous and if you can’t realize this more of us will die before the war ends and we lose.” Knockout said, his voice final. “Figure it out or I will.” Knockout growled. Revving his engine aggressively before going back to helping the other bots.

Megatronous stepped onto the deck looking out at the screens of this ship,

Hours passed before there was any update on the affected bots. Starscream and Soundwave were in offline mode for now so their bodies could recover. Most of the vehicons were released and returned back to Shockwave so he could overlook their progress. Knockout stepped onto the bridge and leaned against the wall and closed his optics. 

“Knockout? What are you doing out?” Megatronous said.

“Well Stars and Sound can’t be moved, and I sleep there, and they’re scrawny.” Knockout said hoping the gladiator would piece it together, but Megatronous was still somewhat confused. “I’m radioactive, remember? Stars and Sound can’t be near me for long.” 

“Oh, right, how long?” 

“Hard to tell but it should be a few cycles.” Knockout said. “Think it over at all?” Knockout said, hoping Megatronous would remember their previous conversation.

“I… have. I’m just not sure what to do.” Megatronous said.

“Prime, you have two options, the sacrifice of a few bots to save millions more, or the hope they will change.” Knockout said. “Make sure you choose the right one. It’s your duty as Prime.”