SHOCKWAVE
SHOCKWAVE HAD NOTICED THAT PREDAKING HAD SEEMED A LITTLE…ODD SINCE THE events of the events a couple of days ago. He never spoke about the events, except for the fact that the little equine had been rescued by Wheeljack and another equine. And why didn't he search the ship for those equine children? It just didn't make sense to Shockwave, it just wasn't logical.
Just like the existence of those equines in this world. Though I suppose that there may be some explanation.
He stopped working on his computer when he heard the door open. He glanced over his shoulder, his singular red eye focusing on the Decepticon who had joined him – it was Knock Out, the Decepticons' medical officer.
"Is there a purpose to your visit, Knock Out?"
"Oh, I was just curious about something," Knock Out replied.
"And what would that be?"
"Well, those tiny horses…."
"The equine children that invaded our ship?" Shockwave asked as he turned to the smaller red Decepticon.
"I suppose we can add them into the equation," Knock Out said. "But you see, I've kind of got a bit of unfinished business with one of the older horses, a white unicorn. I was wondering if you wanted to see what makes one of them tick? I'll work on the white one and you can work on whichever one you want."
"I must decline," Shockwave said. "I have more important matters to attend to."
"Oh, right, keeping your pet in check. Haven't seen him for a while, anyway."
"Predaking is keeping himself occupied. That explains why he did not aid us in destroying the Terrorcons."
"Speaking of which, I still feel slimy," Knock Out said. He ran his hands over his finish. "This is not good for my finish."
"Knock Out, is there a reason for your visit?" Shockwave asked. He was starting to get impatient with the good doctor.
"I'm just trying to make conversation is all," Knock Out said. "Oh, I forgot, you're not a very personable Cybertronian. Suit yourself. If anyone asks, I went for a drive. Maybe I'll find a horse to cut open. You want one?" Shockwave didn't answer, just turned back to his computer console. "Suit yourself, Shockwave."
He waited, listening to hear the door close, before getting back to work.
But one question still bothered him. Those creatures, those equines, with the ability to speak, some the ability to fly, and two with what may be considered magical properties. It was intriguing, to say the least. The more Shockwave thought about it, the more he found himself agreeing with Knock Out – he WOULD like to study at least one of these creatures, but not in the manner Knock Out would. There was no doubt some scientific knowledge to be gained from these creatures, while still managing to keep them alive.
He could connect one to the cortical psychic patch; after all, Megatron said that the white unicorn survived the procedure. Doing so would allow him to see into the little creature's mind, to learn about the creature's species and its home world. Once he obtained all the data he needed…then he would hand the equine over to Knock Out for his "studies".
Yes. Yes, that would work.
Now all he had to do was find one.
The equine children….The only way they could have gotten onto the ship is via the Ground Bridge, and once the Ground Bridge is used, it leaves a residual trail of energy behind. The twenty-four hours have not run out yet, the trail could still be there.
#######################################
The device steadily beeped as Shockwave made his way down the hall, retracing the steps the children took when he encountered them. It had been less than twenty-four Earth hours; the residual energy of the Ground Bridge should still be there, and he should still be able to activate the Bridge.
The beeping became more erratic, picking up its tempo as he walked, until the beeping became so frequent it sounded like one long squeal. This was it. This was the place.
All he had to do now was activate the Bridge.
His thumb hovered over the button, and he pushed it down.
##########################################
The alarm went off, alerting everyone in the room. The Ground Bridge tunnel was illuminated by the green vortex. The Autobots raised their weapons, watching, waiting for someone to come through.
They watched as Shockwave made his way through the Bridge.
"Who the hay is that?" Applejack asked.
Apple Bloom hid behind her big sister. "That's one of the big scary Decepticons we met!"
"Shockwave," Optimus darkly said. "To what do we owe this visit?"
"My quarrel is not with you today, Autobots," Shockwave said, his voice as calm and emotionless as ever. "I come for the little ones. Give me the equines and I will leave."
"Yeah, well, you'll have to get through us if you want them, first, pal," Smokescreen growled.
Shockwave was silent for a few seconds. Optimus tensed, waiting to see what Shockwave was going to do.
"As you wish, Autobot." And he fired.
The Autobots dodged Shockwave's blast; it impacted the far wall, blowing a massive hole through it. They raised their weapons and opened fire. Shockwave, despite his size, was agile enough to dodge the Autobots' gunfire and counter with his own shots.
"Agent Fowler! Nurse Darby!" Optimus called over the sounds of the gunfire. "Protect the little ones!"
"You got it, Prime," Fowler said. "Come on, fuzz balls."
Wheeljack replaced his blaster with one of his katana and charged at Shockwave. Shockwave dodged Wheeljack's attack and kicked him back, before raising his blaster. His blaster's barrel began to glow as he got ready to fire.
"Wheeljack!" Bulkhead slammed his shoulder into Shockwave, knocking him back. Shockwave fired, his blast harmlessly hitting the roof.
"Stay out of my way, Bulkhead," Wheeljack hissed. He charged at Shockwave again. Shockwave stepped to the side and, with his free hand, took the grenade off of Wheeljack's waist.
"Oh scrap."
"Everyone, get to cover!" Optimus yelled.
Shockwave pressed the button and threw the grenade.
################################################
They'd holed up in one of the storage rooms. Fowler had his gun out, aimed at the door. He knew this puny handgun would have no effect against Shockwave. Still, it was better than nothing. A couple of the ponies had joined him, Rainbow Dash and Applejack scraping at the floor with their hooves and Twilight aiming her magic at the door.
"Just let me at 'im," Rainbow said.
There was a loud BANG! Marble flakes fell down from the roof.
"Wh – what was that?" Fluttershy asked.
"I'm guessing Wheeljack tossed a grenade," Jack said.
"You think he got Shockwave?" Raf asked.
"Let's go see," Miko said, and she started heading for the foor.
Rarity used her magic to hold Miko in place. "I really don't think that's a good idea, Miko," she said.
"Rarity's right," June agreed. "Just wait until the Autobots come and let us know it's okay to come out."
Miko clenched her fists and flared her nostrils in frustration, but complied anyway. She hated being told to hang back while the 'Bots were having all the fun. She could help out. Sure, her help didn't amount to much more than just cheering for the 'Bots, but she could do her part, at least.
After a moment, everything went silent.
"Where is he going?" they head Ultra Magnus ask through the wall.
"You all wait here," Fowler said. "I'll check it out." He started moving towards the door. He reached out, his hand grasped the handle….
The wall was blown open, throwing Fowler back and sending shrapnel everywhere. And when the smoke cleared, there stood Shockwave.
"I only need one of you," he calmly said. "One of you, come along, or I shall select one for myself." No one moved. "Very well." He scanned the room. "You." He pointed to Applejack. "You will come with me."
"Nothin' doin', big fella," Applejack said. She scraped at the floor.
Twilight fired a burst of magic at Shockwave, hitting him in the chest. Shockwave stepped back, using his free hand to rub his chest, where he now sported a dark burn mark. "Ha! Nailed him!"
"That was a very unwise move, my little one," Shockwave said. He raised his weapon.
"Oh, pony feathers."
The barrel of Shockwave's weapon began to glow. He got ready to fire.
"Hold on now!" Applejack stepped forward. "I'll go with ya, big guy. On one condition."
"Name it."
"You leave my friends alone. Do that and I'll tag along."
"Applejack, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Makin' sure that this guy don't hurt any y'all," Applejack replied. "Enough of us have already been hurt 'cause of the Decepticons."
"Hold on now, if anyone should be going with him, it should be me," Rainbow Dash challenged.
"Yeah? Well I didn't hear you speaking up earlier," Applejack growled. She turned back to Shockwave. "All right, let's go."
"You're so willing," Shockwave noticed. "It's…quite surprising, actually."
"You don't sound so surprised," Applejack said, noting how emotionless Shockwave seemed. She stepped forward. "Whatever, let's go."
"Applejack, you don't know what he's going to do to you!" Rarity called after her.
"Maybe not, but I'd rather it be me than any of you." She stepped past Shockwave. "Well? Ya comin'?" She looked back to the others. "Don't any y'all worry none. I'll be okay."
"Applejack…." She could see the tears forming in her little sister's eyes.
Applejack turned away and started walking down the hall, heading for the Ground Bridge.
############################################
Shockwave picked Applejack up, holding her in his free hand while he aimed his weapon at the Autobots.
"Doctor, if you'd be so kind as to activate the Ground Bridge and send me back to the Nemesis. And please, do not try to send me anywhere else. I will know if you do so."
"Forget it, Doc," Smokescreen said. "Let's just blast him."
"Negative, Smokescreen," Optimus said. "You'll hit Applejack."
Shockwave pointed his weapon at Applejack. "Doctor, please."
Ratchet glared at Shockwave for a few seconds, then pulled the lever, activating the Ground Bridge. Shockwave kept his gaze on the Autobots as he walked backwards through the Ground Bridge.
Shockwave disappeared, and the Ground Bridge closed.
"I can not believe we just let that happen," Wheeljack said.
"It couldn't be helped, Wheeljack," Optimus said. "If we had denied or done anything against Shockwave's will, he would have hurt Applejack."
"You're going after him, aren't you?" Apple Bloom asked as the ponies came galloping into the room. Even from his size, Optimus could see the fear in her tiny eyes.
"We are," Optimus said. He turned to Ratchet. "Reopen the Ground Bridge. We're going after Shockwave."
"Okay, this makes how many times we've gone to the warship now? Three or four?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"None of you are going," Ultra Magnus said. "It's – "
"It's what? Too dangerous?" Twilight snapped. "You're right, it is. So what? We were there just a little while ago and you had no objections. And besides, we saved Rarity before. We can handle this."
"They're right, Ultra Magnus," Optimus said. "Don't forget."
"I know, Optimus," Ultra Magnus said. "I'm just looking out for their well-being."
"I'm sure you are. But trust me, they'll be fine with us." He turned to Ratchet and nodded.
Ratchet pulled the lever, activating the Ground Bridge. Everyone else turned to the green vortex.
"Hey!" Miko called. "What can we do?"
"Remain here with Ratchet," Optimus said.
"Aw, come on!" Miko whined. "The horses get to go! Spike gets to go!"
"Actually, I'd rather stay here, if it's all the same to you," Fluttershy said.
"Yeah, same here," Spike agreed.
"Oh no," Twilight said. She used her magic to pull Fluttershy close. "You're coming along. Miko, Optimus is right. We can handle this." She turned to Spike and the fillies. "You guys are staying here too."
"But my sister – !" Apple Bloom cried.
Twilight walked over to Apple Bloom and pulled her in for a light hug. "Don't worry, honey. We'll bring her back in one piece. I promise."
"Hey, while you two are busy loving and tolerating each other, one of your pals is probably getting cut open right now," Wheeljack said. "Let's go!"
"Autobots – " Optimus started.
"Elements of Harmony – " Twilight started.
"Move out!"
######################################
"I willingly came along with ya, ain't that enough?" Applejack asked.
Shockwave had taken her to his personal laboratory and strapped her to an operating table. She struggled against the bonds, but couldn't get them to budge. As she struggled, she looked around, saw various devices of different sizes and shapes – some looked like they were for cutting, some for burning something, and one massive device with a large cord coming out of it.
"Think of it as an extra precaution," Shockwave said.
"Precaution against what?"
"Precaution against any damage being done to my person," Shockwave said as he picked up the cable. "But I must ask – why willingly come along, not knowing what you're getting yourself into?"
"Well, I wasn't gonna let you hurt any of my friends."
"Friendship….An illogical concept." He took one end of the cable and plugged it into the bottom of the table.
"So, um….What exactly is that?"
"A creation of mine. The cortical psychic patch. It will allow me to see into your mind and get the information I need, because I know that you will not tell me what I want to know."
"And what the hay would that be?"
"I wish to know about your home world."
"Why? So you can go there and trash the place? Nothin' doin', Cyclops."
Shockwave pointed his weapon at the side of Applejack's head. "You will tell me what I want to know, little one. Unless, of course, you WISH to die, that is." Applejack snorted, and then spit in his face, her saliva dripping down his single eye. Shockwave used his free hand to wipe the spit from his face. "You are quite the defiant one." He walked over to the computer console. "Let us see what your mind has to say, shall we?" His finger hovered over a button.
"This is gonna hurt, ain't it?"
Before Shockwave could press the button or reply to Applejack's question, the door opened, and Megatron walked in, followed closely by Knock Out and Soundwave.
"Shockwave, what is this…rat doing back aboard my ship?" Megatron asked.
"She is my experiment, Megatron," Shockwave replied. "Nothing more."
"Yo! Megs! Ya can tell Cyclops over there that I ain't tellin' him a darn thing 'bout Equestria, y'hear? Not a buckin' thing!" Knock Out walked over to Applejack and plucked her hat off her head. "Hey! Put that back!"
Knock Out put the hat on top of his head and looked at himself in the reflective wall. "Mmm….Nah, it doesn't match." He took the hat off and tossed it back to Applejack. "You can keep it. Too tacky for me."
"Mighty kind of you, 'Con," Applejack snidely said. "By the way, where's Breakdown? How about Airachnid? Ain't seen them around these parts lately."
"They're dead," Knock Out said.
"Too bad," Applejack said. "Too bad I didn't get to buck 'em in the face myself."
Knock Out clenched a fist and stomped over to Applejack. "You listen here, you little vermin, Breakdown was my best pal and I'm not going to have you insult him like that!"
"Well excuse me," Applejack said. "It's only that you and your pal destroyed half of Canterlot."
Knock Out flipped out his buzzsaw. "Hey Shockwave, want me to cut up the mouse for you?"
"Knock Out, you will leave her alone," Shockwave said. "You will have your time when I am done, assuming she lives."
"Fine, fine." He put his buzzsaw away and started walking to the door. "She's all yours, Shockie." With that, he left.
Megatron kept glancing back and forth from Applejack to Shockwave, then back to Applejack. "You got a problem, big fella? If so, I'd be happy to address it with ya."
"The only thing I would have to discuss with you is the location of the Autobot base. I'd be happy to hear it from you."
"Forget it, Mega-Jerk."
Megatron walked over to Applejack and pressed his hand down on her, pressing hard. "You will tell me what I want to know or Shockwave will never get the chance to experiment – " Applejack spit in his face.
"Go tell it to somepony who really gives a flying feather. Now take your hand off me. You're kind of squishing my liver."
Megatron stepped back from Applejack and wiped the spit from his face. "Shockwave, bring her to me when you're finished."
"As you wish, my liege." He watched Megatron leave the room, then turned back to Applejack. "Are you ready to begin?"
"Just get it over with, I'm tired of waitin' for ya."
Shockwave pressed the button, heard Applejack yelp, and then she went silent.
He watched as an image appeared on the screen, an image of a quiet, peaceful land. It was a bird's eye view of the land, showing the green plains, the rising mountains, a tiny village nestled in the middle of a valley, a grand city built into the side of a mountain. There was a desert to the north, and even further than that, the frozen arctic with a patch of green field and crystal spires in the center. In the sky was a city that seemed to be made out of clouds, with rainbow colored waterfalls cascading to the ground below. Cris-crossing the ground were several rivers flowing from a number of lakes and going towards an ocean to the west.
The image then switched to the village. There was an apple farm on the east end, a meadow with several animals to the west, and to the south was a foreboding-looking forest. The village itself appeared very primitive; no paved roads, and the houses were made out of wood and stone with wood or straw-thatched roofs. Ponies pulled carts and worked the concession stands. One building was in the shape of a gingerbread house, clearly a sweet shop. A tall, spire-shaped building was in the center of the village, next to the statue of a horse that was rearing up.
The next image was a much grander city; Shockwave guessed this was the capital city, this "Canterlot" that the pony had mentioned earlier. Cobblestone streets, marble buildings and statues, a grand palace, aqueducts flowing with water, which cascaded down the mountain in grand waterfalls made up the city. The ponies of this city seemed to be of a higher class than the ponies of the village down below.
Except for one pony, a much taller horse, with a similar design to the lavender one he had seen – Pegasus wings and a unicorn horn – with white fur and a flowing mane and tail of multiple colors. How could such a creature exist?
Of course. I am looking at their world. This is no doubt a regular occurrence.
He pushed a button. "I've seen enough." He walked over to the table and detached the cable.
Applejack's eyes snapped open. "The hay was that?"
"I've seen all I need to see," Shockwave said. "Now, Megatron wants a few words with you." He unstrapped Applejack, but before he could grab her, she leaped off the table and ran out of the room.
"Whoo! Freedom! It smells so – " She skidded to a stop, cornered by a squad of Vehicon drones. "Oh, horse pajamas."
The Vehicons raised their weapons.
