Maelstrom 40
Bound: Part B
Author's note: This story is part of a LONG series called Maelstrom. It is strictly Gen. 1 - sorry, but that was all that was out when I started writing back in the late 1980's. It began as a fan-publication so the first chapters are in the form of a comic book! If you have not read the nine original Maelstrom Comics and the preceding text stories, I strongly suggest you do. This is a complex universe. They can be found at http/ illmatar. deviantart. com (I have put double spaces between the URL here or FF . Net eats the link.) The comics and art which accompanies this series are there...and believe me I am a better artist than writer.
Most chapters of this series contain strong language and violence. Rated M for adult themes! Really! Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Critiques adored!
"So that pretty much sums it up," Rodi told his human-form partner and his partner's Autobot-form mate.
Optimus and Elita shared a long, serious glance with each other and then nodded. Rodimus took it as an exchange of understanding about how careful they'd need to be until they both collapsed into hysterical laughter.
Rodimus' optics flared in disbelief, especially at Elita who laughed often but never seemed to lose control over anything. She shuddered so hard her armor rattled. Optimus held his stomach and cried.
"What is the matter with you two?" Rodimus finally asked.
Elita, needing no air to answer him, responded, "Oh Rodi, I know you mean well, but Magnus did that so much better!"
Lucky for them, First Aid patched in right at that moment to report that the first sparklings after Solstice had arrived healthy.
Happy news sometimes saves lives.
x
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x
Soundwave paced his quarters alone and uncertain. He had evicted his cassettes to think. Even though his link with them was strictly one way, he knew his agitation would show to those who knew him best. He had done a full scan of the base during his off shift and the news was anything but good. Hence his uncertainty.
He had no idea who had been tampering with their systems, but he was certain they had not only wired the base to bug them for full audio and visual surveillance of the base and the surrounding area, but had sufficient control over their long and short range sensors to completely fool them into seeing or not seeing...anything. ALL of the information going to and from the Decepticon base was now suspect because any of it could be manipulated.
Soundwave was also certain the feed was heading back to Cybertron. He couldn't imagine that the Autobots had that kind of power. He couldn't imagine why the Decepticons still existed if they did have that kind of power, but who else would the information go to if not their enemies?
One thing was certain, whoever it was had the ability to destroy them easily, since they were effectively blind. None of it made any sense at all and Galvatron would surely blame him for it since all of the sensor arrays fell under his jurisdiction. The commander would probably kill him for this news. On the other hand, Galvatron would CERTAINLY kill him if he ever found out Soundwave withheld this news.
Soundwave was highly opposed to being killed.
On the other hand, if Soundwave did make his report, it was likely whoever was listening would respond. Soundwave doubted he would like the response. The same held true if they somehow disabled to surveillance system. Again, Soundwave was highly opposed to being killed and had to assume that would result from any tampering.
Then there were the long-term considerations. Galvatron was acting more effective and stable than he had since Unicron died. They were moving. They were gathering energon, weapons, and supplies for the first time in years rather than watching their fortunes dwindle. Any word of this would surely knock him right back into frothing madness.
Soundwave considered that for a minute. How...if the Autobots really were manipulating them... How was that happening? Perhaps he could believe the Autobots might be so sickeningly pacifistic as to leave the Decepticons alive, but to let them thrive? At the expense of other races?
Now that certainly made no sense to Soundwave and unlike many of his fellow Decepticons Soundwave KNEW most of the Autobots actually believed in their own propaganda. He suddenly felt the desire to follow Cyclonus' lead and go to Cybertron to see what their enemies could possibly be up to. He considered Cyc's wild assertions that the Autobots had turned on Vector Sigma. At the time he wondered if Cyclonus was imagining things. Now he wasn't so sure.
He did finally decide on a course of action though. He would run his "findings" past the Decepticon second. If anyone could find a way to break this to Galvatron it would be Cyclonus, and if the Second decided NOT to tell Galvatron, then it would be his decision. If Galvatron ever found out, Cyclonus would get the blame. And the plasma.
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Cybertron:
"Why do we have to wait? You aren't still sore about our little joke now are you?" Optimus asked. He didn't laugh but there were suspicious crinkles around his eyes. The senior Prime leaned back on Rodi's couch and stretched his long arms across the back of it. He felt completely at home, but was itching to get out and about.
"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," Elita insisted forcefully, "Marissa made things quite understandable."
"You know, it might be best for you to quit reminding me of that," Rodimus snarled convincingly from his desk. No one bought it. He was in Autobot form, rearranging digipads and scurrying to get to his shift. "No. I just have something planned for you Optimus, but if you keep teasing me I might just have to cancel it. Then you'll be sorry and so will Jazz."
"You have something planned? Should I be afraid?" Optimus asked.
"You should always be afraid where this bunch is concerned. We may not pull it off though. I sent Jazz on a mission and he is having trouble pulling it off."
"Jazz is having trouble? This sounds very ominous!" Optimus observed. "What is it?"
"It's a surprise - as in 'be surprised if we pull it off.' We really got a late start on this one," Rodimus grumbled. "Where is that new projection report Computron sent me?" He looked down and sighed. "My hand should really be the first place I look for stuff... and you quit laughing!"
Optimus complied and Rodimus frowned at him. "It would work better if your eyes didn't keep right on going ya know."
"You're never satisfied. First you want me to quit attacking you, now you want me to quit laughing at you. Really Rodi, given your personality you're really just going to have to be content with one or the other!"
Rodimus turned his optics roof-ward and muttered, "Careful what you wish for. I will be home right on time assuming there are no more explosions, attacks, or riots, or other calamities. In the unlikely event this should be the case, be dressed. Actually, be dressed anyway 'cause even if there is a problem Jazz or Mags will pick you up."
"You're letting me out of here?" Optimus asked with a bit of incredulity.
"Yeah. Probation's over. Dress casual and don't eat - we'll feed you when we get there," Rodimus instructed.
"This mystery continues to congeal," Optimus stated.
"Yeah well, don't get too excited. Mr. J only has a few more hours to obtain his objective. Plan B is in place, but it is a distant Plan B, so just try to take it easy and for pity's sake leave some coffee for Lancer!"
"Oh! Is she coming too?" Optimus asked.
"No," Rodimus grinned, "but she convinced me to bring the girls because they had so much fun with you. Congrats. You are officially almost as cool as Uncle Jazz."
"Oh my! An honor indeed!" Optimus exclaimed honestly. The three of them laughed.
Rodimus transformed and drove off, enjoying the laughter that followed him more than he wanted to admit. Unseen and unheard behind him, the Matrix lit up his gun cabinet for a minute and hummed to itself.
X
It was becoming a habit to cloak on his way into his office. As usual, there were ranks of people with appointments, without appointments, and with cameras waiting for him to arrive. It was becoming a sort of annoying game to step around and over them, invisible, silent, and careful not to be bumped. Today though, he forgot to uncloak and walked past Blaster who was scurrying to get the day organized and the messages cleared. Rodimus thought about going back to the waiting area to uncloak and come in again when Blaster opened the doors to some of the crowd. Among those waiting were Chromia and Master builder Struts, who held his appointment digipad in front of him like a shield.
"Sorry folks, the Boss is a bit late today, so I'll let the first five appointments in," Blaster said, sounding a bit harried but firm.
"I don't have an appointment but...!" in various versions was yelled at him all at once. Rodimus scowled to himself and slipped into his office, uncloaked, and stormed back out again.
"I'm here Blaster," Rodimus said.
"AHHHH!" Blaster yelled. "Great Cybertron! Boss! How did you...I mean how long have you...I mean...there's a whole lotta folks here to see you!"
The crowd started waving their variegated limbs and shouting for attention. Rodimus looked them over. "How many of you have an appointment?" Roughly one third of the crowd raised their hands. "The rest of you, is anyone going to literally die if I don't see you now? Think hard before you answer 'cause Blaster will tell you that there is no room on my agenda for 'puts up with bullshit today,' right Blaster?"
"Too right Boss," Blaster said, sounding frustrated. Rodimus arched a brow and noted how the crowd had suddenly turned their eyes, optics, and whatevers on Blaster like he was a fresh source of electrum.
"He says you're booked till next week!" a Paradronian in the crowd shouted. "I've got questions from Transport that need to be resolved before we can carry Sparklings!"
Rodimus nodded. "I'll squeeze you in," he agreed. The crowd erupted in shouts and protests. Chromia, at the front of the herd, winced and gave Rodimus a sympathetic smile. He gave her the faintest nod and then out-roared the crowd. "LOOK people! I am ONE Prime. Use your heads! Think for yourselves and do what you need to do when you can! We are ALL learning here so don't assume I know better than you do! If you really think that your problem is in need of my All-mighty Insight then talk to Blaster. If HE agrees I will find time for you. If he doesn't, DEAL with it!"
A few in the crowd seemed to waver, but most focused on Blaster with unfriendly stares.
Blaster threw Rodimus a somewhat desperate glance.
Rodimus kept his optics on the crowd and muttered, "Don't worry Blaster. I'm not feeding you to the Sharkticons. I'm bringing in a bouncer for you. I suspect his glowing smile will send half of these bozos home before they cross your door." He opened his Com-line and said loudly, "Hey Blitzwing, please come to my office. Yeah...now. Blaster needs some help making appointments!"
x
A few moments later Chromia sat down in the chair across from Rodi's desk. She chuckled as he shuffled all the digipads she brought him and he glanced up and smiled at her.
"Funny how many people found somewhere else to be isn't it?" he said.
"Optimus would have stayed day and night till he saw all of them," Chromia noted affectionately.
"Hmm...that's how he got into the state he's in," Rodimus agreed distractedly.
"Is he OK Rodimus? I haven't heard from Elita in weeks and that's so unlike her!" Chromia whispered.
"He's OK, Chromia. He is," Rodimus assured her. "It'll all be fine, especially if I can get some people around here to use the processors they were made with and think for themselves. He can not be the only one who thinks around here!"
Chromia arched an optic ridge at him. "Well, of course not, there's you too right?"
"I don't think. I just react...like an ameoba. Now...along that line. Why are you here?"
Chromia laughed. "To tell you that, in spite of your lack of thinking, you were right in that the rush to breed is slowing down as people think about what it means. I think the special broadcasts you recommended on organic children and how much work they are had an impact and we've actually had a few hundred couples take their names off the waiting lists. Even more are switching to maybe and a few thousand have pulled their names back to the "maybe someday but not for a long time" category."
Rodimus grinned. "Ah yes, buyer's remorse. Anything else?"
"Just that the general mood seems to be settling down. We are getting less angry messages about the wait. I think the... err...dissident attack made people realize they were being unreasonably impatient. The news reports about the other new sparklings have also made it dawn on people that this really will happen."
"How are the new parents holding up?"
"They all say they are fine so far, but a bit overwhelmed," Chromia said.
"Yeah. I'll bet. They'll get used to it," Rodimus said. Anything else?"
"No Sir," Chromia said.
"Yeah...um, lose the 'Sir' Chromia. Seriously, and thanks for an entire report of good news! I can hardly contain my amazement!"
Chromia laughed again, "Well, I hope the rest of your day goes as well."
"Yeah, did you see the crowd? It's all downhill from here," Rodimus said. He showed her to the door and gave her a wave as she pushed her way through the very quiet group of people who were brave enough to stick around. "Who's next?"
For the most part his day actually did get better. Most of the news was good and what wasn't didn't involve anyone dying. Even better, by some miracle named Blitzwing, ALL of his visitors really did need to be there. He even had one line jumper he was happy to see. Jazz knew better than to risk his life trying to cut into the queue at Prime's door, but he did pop in long enough to give Rodimus a brief thumbs up. Mission successful.
Rodimus was pleased with the progress around him and found himself (courtesy of Blaster's new assistant) with a moment of time to himself. He found himself tempted to peek in on his "other" duties. He knew he shouldn't because the lack of progress on that front would only upset him, but like an addict with temptation laid out before him, he couldn't resist. Rodimus checked on the his "hot" list of known smuggler's ships in the area.
It was a mistake.
The Levinius was docked at the shuttle bays right here in Iacon, bound for out-lying systems. He checked their declared cargo versus the weight on the pressure plates the shuttle was sitting on. Sure. Textiles, energon, and a few other trivial goods. Yeah. Maybe if they were made out of lead you could believe they were carrying textiles. The weight was easily triple what it should have been.
He activated the security cameras in the area - the ones Vector Sigma used to use. There were 25 extra life-signs on that ship - but not 25 extra sets of brain-waves.
It infuriated him and he just knew it would affect his mood the rest of the day. Idiot. Optimus deserved better than to have him fuming and sulking, not to mention Edana would be there telling on him even if he tried to fake it.
Then it occurred to him he had a solution. The ship wasn't due to depart till shortly after his shift ended. Besides, it had been a while since he'd thrown his unwitting charges a bone.
He sailed through the rest of the day, welcoming his guests with a big, feral grin.
"What's all the whistling about?" Blitzwing asked Blaster as they got ready to close up shop for the night.
"I dunno, but sometimes the young Boss's good moods are almost as scary as his bad ones," Blaster said nervously. "No offense but that smile right there at the end reminded me of Galvatron for just a minute."
"No offense taken...I was thinking the same thing," Blitzwing said.
x
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Char:
"You...you're sure Soundwave?"
Ridiculous question. Of course he was sure or they wouldn't be meeting at all, but Soundwave didn't respond. He could hear Cyclonus' vital systems surging and understood the infraction. It wasn't that the second really didn't believe him. It was that he didn't know what to do.
"Affirmative."
"So whoever this is has been controlling our information!? For how long?"
"Undetermined."
"So that's why you insisted we meet out here. You're sure the area around the warehouse is un-bugged?" Cyclonus asked warily. He cast his optics all around them - staring suspiciously at the very rocks.
Soundwave opted not to answer.
"You aren't certain of anything are you?"
"No, but if there are surveillance systems here they are past my ability to detect by any means," Soundwave reported.
"Well, at least you're truthful," Cyclonus observed. "And you brought this to me so I can break it to Galvatron I suppose. You are a worthy Decepticon Soundwave, honest and duplicitous at once."
"If," Soundwave said.
"If what?" Cyclonus snapped, "For a Communications Expert you don't communicate very well."
"If we break it to Galvatron. I calculate an 87% chance we will be attacked if the monitoring is discovered and a 95% chance Galvatron's mental state will deteriorate," Soundwave told him.
Cyclonus' bit back an automatic "That's mutiny!" and considered. He stared at the emotionless Soundwave. The Communications Specialist was risking his life even saying that and surely knew it...and yet Soundwave was nothing if not the consummate survivor. He wouldn't say such a thing without careful calculation into his chances.
"So...you are suggesting...we wait until we know more before making a report," Cyclonus picked his words very carefully.
"Affirmative," Soundwave agreed. Anyone else would have sagged with relief that Cyclonus wasn't already drawing his weapon, but Soundwave's monotone persisted.
"Any speculation on who is listening?"
"All indications are Cybertron," Soundwave said.
"The Autobots? Where would they get that kind of technology?" Cyclonus asked, shocked. "Quintessons maybe, but the Autobots?"
"No examples of Quintesson technology match the current system. There is a possibility the Autobots have an unknown source of technology via one of their allies or perhaps have had their own breakthrough into something new. They have more time, resources, and personnel for research and development," Soundwave reasoned.
"A disadvantage we are trying to rectify," Cyclonus muttered.
"Affirmative."
Cyclonus looked at Soundwave. Soundwave stared back, waiting for the inevitable cascade.
"Why...why would they LET us if they are watching us?" Cyclonus gasped, "Unless it really is someone else, but who else would do that? What could they want? Why haven't they just wiped us out? If they know we are on to them maybe they will, whoever they are! If we tell Galvatron he will scream it to the stars! If we don't he will kill us! I...I don't know what to do about this Soundwave!"
"Affirmative," Soundwave said.
"You're no help at all!" Cyclonus growled.
Soundwave didn't answer him.
"You are right though, we should wait until we have more information before we act. If we have any hope at all it's that now we are aware we are being watched. No one can no about this Soundwave. Not Galvatron, not your cassettes! No one! We will meet here when we need to go to the warehouse. Find out everything you can about the surveillance system, but don't do anything that might get you caught!"
"Acknowledged," Soundwave intoned.
"Do you think you can pick out manipulated sensor reading from real ones?" Cyclonus asked.
"Unknown. Attempt possible," Soundwave answered.
"Well, it's a place to start," Cyclonus said. He rubbed his forehead. "I hate Autobots," he muttered behind his hand.
"Affirmative," Soundwave replied.
x
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Cybertron:
"I hate surprises," Optimus muttered to his mate in the reflection. "Do you know where they are taking me?"
Elita laughed at her humanized mate and smiled down at him while he tried to pick out something to wear. "Oh yes," she told him slyly.
He glared unimpressively back up at her via the full-length mirror Rodimus stupidly kept in the main living area. "Can you give me a hint at least? I don't know what to wear and I want to make sure I am culturally appropriate. Rodimus went on at length about the numerous mistakes of Magnus and Jazz."
"No chance Optimus, although that was a good strategy there! I will say you don't need to worry too much about it."
"Ah, but I am Optimus Prime, and worry is my best skill!" Optimus reminded her.
Elita chuckled, "Rest assured then that your partner would have picked something out for you himself if he was all that concerned. Be comfortable and relax."
"Oh, relax. Yeah, I'm good at that," Optimus mused.
"I think you are getting better and I think you will have fun tonight. Try to please?" Elita said softly. The humor in her voice transformed into a bit of a plea.
"Elita?" Optimus asked, turning to really face her. "Life-mate, I am healing! This is working, this crazy idea of yours. It's working!"
Elita nodded and then turned her head away from him for a moment. Then she put on a smile and faced him.
Optimus, knowing her better than anyone, was not fooled. "You've been just terrified haven't you?"
"Of course I have," Elita nodded. "I love you and Vector Sigma has been a formidable enemy. I've fought many long battles Optimus, but none like this. I wasn't sure I did the right thing."
"I think it was," Optimus said, wishing he could morph back and forth like Rodimus so he could wrap his arms around his suffering mate.
"I know. I'm relieved," Elita said. "I feel so hopeful, but I wish I could hold you right now."
Optimus laughed. "That makes two of us Elita,' he smiled, and for the first time he felt some physical feedback from this new organic form. He smiled and made a note of it.
"You'd better get dressed," Elita smirked, "Your chaperones will be here soon."
"I've got about an hour until Magnus or Jazz show up!" Optimus protested.
"Right," Elita reminded him, "but Edana and Alex will be here in twenty minutes!"
x
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x
After that things in Rodi's place went from relatively serene to full on madness. Lancer and the girls arrived Pagan-style, and Lancer immediately proceeded to throw Optimus for a loop.
"Ryan! You look good!" she said to him.
Optimus Prime intelligently responded with, "Huh?" Lancer grinned at him and turned the kids loose. At least Optimus was prepared when Edana launched herself at him.
"You're going to have to do better than that when you're out tonight Ryan," Lancer laughed.
"Um...you are talking to me?" Optimus asked. Surely he hadn't noticed anyone else come in, but this was a household of assassins so he wasn't entirely sure.
"Have you even looked at your new ID?" Lancer asked incredulously. "They can't exactly go around calling you 'Optimus' or even 'Op'. Rodi can get away with it - everyone just assumes it 'R-o-d-d-y'. Magnus isn't a common human name, but it is one, and Jazz's ID says his name is Jay, but he tells everyone he's too cool and that's his nick name. He wouldn't be the first either. 'Optimus' on the other hand is NOT something humans go around calling themselves unless they need a nice trip to a padded room. Therefore, you are Ryan. Short for Orion, and your last name is Paks."
"Ryan Paks?" Elita laughed. "Punny!"
"You guys get a big kick out of yourselves don't you?" Optimus asked.
"They giggled about it for about 20 minutes," Edana told him seriously. She didn't really get the joke and was a bit defensive her parents were laughing at him.
"My old name used to be Orion Paix, sweetheart. Your parents are just easily amused by their own cleverness," Optimus explained.
"Oh, OK," she said. It was clear she had no clue what he was talking about but as long as he wasn't upset, she was happy.
Shortly, Magnus and Jazz came in on wheels. They both rushed to change and Optimus was glad to see he fell snugly between Jazz's ultra-casual sweat pants and shirt, and Magnus' impeccably ironed polo shirt and slacks.
"Man, you look like a waiter," Jazz swiped at Magnus.
"I refuse to dress like a bum no matter what Rodi says," Magnus huffed.
"Will I do? I still don't know where we're going," Optimus asked.
"You're fine," Lancer informed him. "Jeans are good."
"Rodi's running a bit behind," Magnus observed. He understood the demands of the job, but he couldn't help himself. He was Ultra Magnus and "late" bothered him even if you had a good excuse.
"He had a errand to run after shift," Lancer told him.
Magnus looked at her in surprise. Rodimus had made it very clear no delay would be tolerated. Anything important enough to stall this mission would have required calling Magnus and Jazz in too...unless.
Magnus pursed his lips and threw Lancer a disgusted look. She pulled a one sided smile and shook her head, looking about as sorry as a cat with feathers hanging out of its mouth. Fortunately Optimus seemed unaware that anything illicit was going on and was happily comparing clothing and discussing human dress codes with Jazz.
"He won't make you late," Lancer said. "He just feeding the zoo."
Magnus sighed and shrugged. He couldn't argue about it right now, but some part of his soldier's honor was always offended when Rodimus referred to the Decepticons that way.
About fifteen minutes later, Rodimus showed up looking happy and a bit bouncy. He changed like lightning into jeans and a t-shirt and they made a bee-line for the public shuttles. Magnus decided it was best not to ask about all the teeth his younger leader displayed when a shuttle called the Levinius took off right before their crowded common transport took off for Earth's moon.
Continued in Maelstrom 40
Bound: Part C