Transformers: Decepticon Island

UNDERGROUND

"All right, that's it!"

Knockout slows down and transforms, continuing his trek on foot.

"This is ridiculous! There is no way that Ion Storm could've possibly disappeared without a trace! Not out here, anyway. Of course, he could be on another part of the planet, but the others would've called if they found any trace of him. So far, there hasn't been anything.

We really should have asked for Steeljaw and his brother's help, but they... I mean, technically, it's just Steeljaw going through some stuff. I think. Maybe there's some things going on with Phantomjaw, too, but with Steeljaw, it's been one thing after another since Phoria.

Stay focused, Knockout! You can continue that train of thought later! Right now, you have something more urgent to attend to, like finding a missing flier!

. . .

Okay, this is probably a bad idea, but now's as good a time as any to pester Steeljaw for more information, and in the meantime, he can help in the search. Two birds, one stone."

Mind made, Knockout found a cluster of rocks and sat atop them. He sighed in relief, happy to be giving his legs a break. He shifted and activated his commlink.

{Knockout to Daytrader, I request assistance from St...}

Without warning, the earth caved-in, sending both Knockout and the pile of rocks he was sitting on down a hidden tunnel. He barely registered his fall as he blacked out and the call went dead.

---

"What do you mean Knockout's missing?"

"Only Knockout would go and get himself lost on a simple search-and-rescue mission!"

"I won't disagree with you there. He's never had the best sense of direction, I will admit. Still, this planet is pretty barren, much like Velocitron. I have a hard time believing that Knockout wouldn't be able to find his way around."

"Considering you've known him for longer than I have, I'm not going to argue with you about it."

"Thanks?"

"Guys, based on Knockout's last transmission, and the fact that he was calling the ship instead of someone out in the field, I think he may have been requesting help from Steeljaw."

"Why?"

"I don't know, but now that he's missing, we might as well ask for Steeljaw's help. Knockout has a ground alt mode, so tracking him will be a cinch. And who knows? We may find Ion Storm along the way."

---

Knockout's optics blinked open, taking in dim lighting. He is in a daze and sore all over.

Frag my life. I should have known the first rock pile in the middle of the biggest green patch in the history of green patches in the universe was a red flag. Next time, just stick to flat earth.

Knockout ran a diagnostics check on his systems. He sustained minor damage, the worst of it to his scarred leg, but nothing he couldn't handle. Once again using his Energon prod as a walking stick, Knockout limps off, hoping to find another way out. He soon comes across an unusually blue stone in the tunnel's bend. Upon closer inspection, it looked more like a large blood stain.

Energon! It's dry now. What if this is Ion Storm's? Based on the amount, he will be weak, but not hopelessly so. He should be fine, unless he's damaged himself even further, or he started rusting... No, stop it! Come on, Knockout, think positive! You're the one who always looks on the bright side, right? Speaking of the bright side, my finish needs to be completely redone, again! Buffed, painted, waxed... Why does the universe hate me so much?