"Out of the Past'"

Shockwave wonders why Starscream is SIC;

Arcee's words hit bull's-eye;

Shockwave is confused;

and Vehicons find a bound and unconscious Starscream.

Contains slash and SPOILERS, various pairings implied.

Enjoy!

Shockwave was observing how Starscream was screeching at random Vehicons, blaming them for the recent failed mission. Of course the drones had made a couple of mistakes but ultimately, they weren't the ones responsible for the horrendous way the last encounter with Autobots had turned out.

The cyclops mech couldn't help but wonder why this sniveling pathetic excuse for a Decepticon was Second in Command. Shockwave didn't care much about ranks but this particular case piqued his processor. Both Soundwave and he were stronger and more capable warriors than that backstabbing brat. So why was he their superior?

The purple mech turned to his side to face the telepath beside him. Considering Soundwave had spent more time with their Lord lately, Shockwave was hoping he could give him an answer to his queries.

"I do not question Lord Megatron's decisions… but Starscream as Second in Command – hardly logical."

The blue mech stared at him for a few moments and re-turned his visor towards the seeker.

Meanwhile, the jet was bending over the railing to screech some more to the drones on the lower levels, presenting a nice view of his perky aft, parted legs and quivering in rage wings.

Shockwave's optic was half-way through memorizing the SIC's backside when Soundwave played a recording of Megatron's raspy voice - "I have my reasons."

The cyclops mech grunted and never questioned Megatron's motives again.

"Get fragged." Hissed Arcee, looking up to Starscream form her kneeling position.

Pure rage flowed through his circuits at the insulting tone of the femme. He had a sudden desire to snap and tell her that he had already gotten fragged not even a joor ago and it had been very satisfying thank you very much. But before a single word could have the chance to escape his mouth he realized how utterly bad that comment would be.

Starscream pursed his lip components and swallowed the femme's insult silently. But he could swear he heard an amusing humming from Soundwave.

Cheeky fragger!

Shockwave had left his labs to go and welcome Starscream and Soundwave who had returned will plenty of energon for him. The seeker, as usual, was talking animatedly and loudly about the success of his mission and of course – about how much he had done.

The cyclops mech didn't pay much attention to him. His processor was completely focused on Soundwave, for an unknown reason. He had realized he liked and even craved the … company of the TIC even if the two of them just stared at each other. Pretty much like now.

Shockwave couldn't understand, it was not logical. He didn't know how to cope with illogical situations. He felt awkward.

Soundwave tilted his helm to one side in question but before the purple mech could say anything, Starscream's high-pitched voice called them.

Perhaps some other time…

Starscream was left bound and unconscious by no other but the very Autobots he had captured. He was still out when two of the Vehicon guards found him. Their visors brightened at the sight of their commanding officer being helplessly strapped to a berth. The winged mech's lips were slightly parted and he was so strangely relaxed. It was an odd view, to say the least.

The Vehicons looked at each other and nodded. Such an opportunity was once in a lifetime and they were not going to pass it!

Several minutes later Shockwave entered the room and was welcomed by quite an interesting sight – one of the drones was kissing Starscream's cheek while the other was taking photos of the happening. When the two finally noticed the huge frame of Shockwave staring at them from the entrance, their visors flickered in distress. A few moments passed before the cyclops mech got over the ridiculousness of the situation.

"Finding a restrained superior officer. Logical course of action is to release him."

The Vehicons quickly obeyed the indirect command and left with their helms bowed in shame after that.

Thanks for reading! :)