Transformers Prime: Eclipse

Chapter 4: Tangled in Evil's Web

Getting used to walking on my new pedes was a challenge, especially with the added tail and wings trailing behind me. I had nearly fallen forward several times within the first few minutes of being let off the medical berth, to the point I was beginning to curse myself for the sheer amount of clumsiness I was displaying. Out of the corner of my optics I could see Breakdown and Knockout looking worried.

Eventually, Breakdown decided to be the brave one. "Here, hold my servos with your own. I'll help you get steady." With no small amount of fear in my spark, I slowly grabbed onto Breakdown as he lifted me up to my pedes once more. I felt my legs shake and wobble for a moment, but to my surprise Breakdown held me strong. "See, there you go! Now, try taking a couple steps forward."

I hesitantly lifted my left pede off the ground, but I had to quickly place it back when I felt my center of gravity shift forward. Knockout, who by now had finished awkwardly buffering his finish, approached me from the side. "Try keeping your tail low to the ground as you walk and shift your wings as close to your chassis as possible." 

I gave a slight nod as I attempted to move the foreign limbs. It took a bit of concentration to operate them consciously as opposed to how fluidly they acted on instinct, but in the end I managed. Braving a few more cautious steps forward as Breakdown continued to hold my servos, I felt like I had regained some of my equilibrium. 

"You're doing great. She's doing great, right Knockout?" It still unnerved me that despite literally taking me against my will, my captors were treating me with respect now. The Decepticons are either the best actors in the entire universe, or Shockwave is more disturbing than even his allies want to admit. The doctor was currently observing my first steps without assistance as he replied. 

"She seems to have a decent grasp on basic motor functions, and her core vital statistics remain stable. Still, I have concerns about placing her into combat training at her current stage." Knockout and Breakdown shared another one of their looks, the kind that only close companions could share that allowed them to communicate without words. And somehow, I knew exactly what they were thinking as well. Megatron doesn't care about any of my medical problems. He'll get his way no matter what.

At that moment, Megatron arrived in the medical ward looking a tad pissed off, though that seemed like his normal face. Speak of the Devil, and he shall come. "I take it that Eclipse is fit to begin training doctor." Knockout looked like he wanted to vehemently deny that claim, but he was able to hold his words to himself.

"The subject has displayed adequate understanding of routine functions. With proper time and effort, combat experience should be able to be learned rather efficiently." 

"Then let us not waste any more time. All of you, with me."

With that, Megatron turned around and began to head off into who knows where of the Nemesis. Knockout reluctantly began to pace after him, displaying a data pad with Cybertronian symbols for Lord Megatron to look over. Likely it had to do with Knockout's medical assessment of me.

"Come on, we don't want to fall behind and get yelled at." I looked over to Breakdown, his faceplate shifted into a smile. Not a smirk of deranged grin, but a genuinely happy smile, if a bit sad. Meanwhile I knew for a fact that my own face was pure sadness and fear. Or maybe I'm just tired still. What's the word? Oh yeah . . . defeated. I was at an all-time low, and I had the sinking feeling that rock bottom was still a long way to go.

What felt like hours but was no doubt only minutes passed by as the four of us walked through the halls of the Decepticon warship. Megatron led the way, with Knockout trailing behind at his side, still conversing with his master about the finer details of his medical examination. Breakdown stayed further back with me, keeping his servos close in case I had any further balancing issues.