Chapter I: Ghost Town

After nearly two orbital cycles of traveling without a proper ship, Soundwave have finally arrived in the Dirge System, about two systems from Cybertron.

Finding the third planet closest to its star that served as the energon-mining colony world simply classified as Dirge III, the Communications Officer entered the atmosphere. The travel was long and exhausting for him, but it was necessary to keep his attention as low as possible. Anything could have sent the signal; from dismayed colonists to criminals baiting a particular prey.

Nose-diving into its atmosphere, Soundwave made the necessary manuevers to make re-entry and analyze his databanks on the planet as he approached the city that emitted the signal.

Sufam City, the capital of the colony and the most populated of the three cities on the whole planet. Flying through the typically made city streets, Soundwave reverted to his biped form, and landed with a low slide. Looking around, the city was obviously of Iaconian design but of a much lesser quality.

Leaning on his knee, Soundwave reviewed his systems; ENERGON LEVELS LOW, ALTERNATIVE FORM THRUSTERS DISABLED, ALL HIGH-LEVELED WEAPONS DISABLED.

The city was seemingly empty from his own optics' sight and weakened sensors. He needed to scan the city and find a good energon source soon, a unknown environment required functional weapons, and right now his systems wouldn't allow projectile-based weaponry. There was only logical option.

He pressed a symbol above his chest cavity, making it open, "LASERBEAK, BUZZSAW, RAVAGE EJECT. OPERATION RECONNAISSANCE." Immediately, Laserbeak and his dark blue twin Buzzsaw, popped from his chest and took flight, circling their master for a moment before flying to search for energon. The last to jump out was a large slick metal orb before it transformed in the midst of a somersualt, landing on four clawed paws. Snarling with lubrication dripping from his fangs, the cyber-panther looked around with a cyclopic eye before sprinting off to his mission.

While they moved to recover energon, Soundwave moved towards the origin of the signal in the administer center of the city defense systems, which was natural enough.

The walk was long and quiet, but when he approached the tall skyscraper, its energon-pulsing satellite emitted its signal to anyone who could answer. Several meters away, Soundwave's sensors suddenly caught a energon signature. At first, he thought it was one of his mini-cons, but it was much different. Turning to the general direction of it, he caught a mech coming around the corner.

Four more appears in different places. One would be pleased to see them, but Soundwave was more suspicious than glad. His sensors say they are colonist, but their hull looks abit rusted and their optics glew with a very pale green instead of the natural light blue. Something was off and a gladiator is never to let his guard down.

"IDENTIFY YOURSELVES AND STATE THE NATURE OF THIS CITY'S ERROR." Soundwave spoke, watching the five approach him with slow strides, their optics staring at him, so he tried one last time, "SPEAK NOW OR BE TREATED AS A HOSTILE."

When they were close enough, the mechs brought up their weapons; the largest of the six had a mace and the others had swords and axes. The closest swung his sword at Soundwave, but the warrior was well prepared for it. Sliding back, he was caught by another pair that striked with sword and axe. Blocking with his reinforced arms in perfect succession, Soundwave deflected the incoming axe, manuevering it to block the incoming sword, and pushed both attackers into each other.

When the first from a moment ago thrusted forward, Soundwave sped to the side with the help of his thrusters, enough to keep his energon in a functional state. Touching the very slight graze to the head of his head, Soundwave flexed his arms, and a spike protuded from his back. Pulling it out, he revealed it to be a sizeable spear, and with a twirl, got into his stance, ready to deal the first fatal blow.

"PREPARE TO EXPERIENCE THE PAIN OF THE ARENA." He warned before engaging his attackers with no intent of mercy.