Hello Hello!
I hope ya'll are doing well and keeping safe! Here is another chapter update for you folks. I hope you like it.
These characters are not mine, I am just playing around with them. Enjoy!
The morning that Starscream appeared had started off so normally. Four days had passed since Soundwave last woke up in the Medical Bay. It was hard to believe that it had only been four days. So much had happened and changed in Soundwave's life. On that same day that he woke in the medbay, Blaster had confessed his love for him. The next three days consisted of medic ordered rest for the telepath. Begrudgingly, Soundwave had obeyed the orders and stayed in his quarters to heal.
Today was the first day that Soundwave could finally return to duty. The telepath absentmindedly swiveled his chair from side to side. His optics gazed at the screens before him. It was mid-morning on his first day back in action. Physically, he felt perfectly fine. Ratchet always did his work well, so this was no surprise. However, Soundwave still felt that twinge of unrest in the back of his processor.
Blaster loved him. It was a thought that had followed him for the last few days. He just couldn't shake it from the forefront of his processor. Blaster himself had told Soundwave that they could forget about it… pretend that the confession had never even happened. And yet, here he was, staring at the screens blankly, with his mind continuing to orbit around Blaster.
Aside from his thoughts, everything else had settled back into relative normality. Blaster, though still a bit deflated, seemed a lot less spark broken than before. Although, Soundwave still caught the occasional side glance and thought floating through Blaster that betrayed the orange mech's sunny exterior. It was hard to ignore the longing that sometimes occupied Blaster's processor so strongly that Soundwave could almost taste it. The subject of Blaster's love hadn't come back up in the last few days. Neither mech had mentioned it, and thus they went on pretending that all was well.
Soundwave was still confused. It only made sense that he should be able to move on now. Blaster had shared his feelings, Soundwave gently turned them away, and now he should be able to move on.
But he hadn't.
Soundwave felt his processor constantly cycling back to Blaster and their relationship. Something felt wrong. He just couldn't figure out what it was.
Soundwave looked down to his datapad and glared venomously at it. He had attempted to create a list to help himself further understand his feelings towards Blaster. It had started off well enough. He listed all the things about Blaster that he thought were companionable. It was a rather long list. Blaster was friendly, sweet, fun to be with, a good listener, funny, a very good parent, certainly attractive… and so on. Soundwave had then gone on to list some of the things about Blaster that he didn't like. Or, at least, he had attempted to.
Soundwave narrowed his optics at the blank page. His stylus twirled in his servo. As soon as he attempted to find any serious flaws that would compromise a relationship with Blaster, his processor went blank. Certainly, they were very different mechs. Soundwave had written that down first. Then he had erased it. Yes, they were very different, however, it never posed an issue to their friendship. Blaster knew that Soundwave was more reserved, quiet, and introverted. Blaster always knew when to give Soundwave his own space. He always checked with Soundwave before bringing over company to their quarters. If anything, Blaster's sociability helped get Soundwave out and social on occasion. That wasn't a bad thing.
Soundwave knew he was grasping for straws. It was obvious. Of course, Blaster wasn't perfect… no one ever was. However, the flaws Soundwave could think of were knit-picky at absolute best. What was worse was that most of Blaster's flaws helped balance out Soundwave's flaws.
For example, Blaster could be a bit unorganized and spontaneous. However, in combination with Soundwave's structured rigidity, they actually got along well enough. Soundwave sometimes had to remind Blaster to finish his reports before they were late, but in return, Blaster helped Soundwave break from his stony routine to have some fun. Blaster made life fun. Soundwave smiled to himself, then scowled and erased 'unorganized/spontaneous' from his list.
By the time Soundwave glanced back up at the comm. station screens, an urgent call came through from Red Alert. Soundwave quickly powered down his datapad and stashed it in his subspace. The continuation of his brooding would have to wait.
The telepath opened the comm. line with Red Alert to be met with the security officer's bright optics and violently sparking helm pieces.
::Soundwave!:: Red Alert cried, his faceplates jerked close to the camera, blowing his facial proportions out of order on Soundwave's screen.
Soundwave jumped up from his seat and placed his servos on the communications console. ::Red Alert::, he said ::status report::.
Sparks jumped from the smaller red mech's horns as he struggled to place his words. ::A Decepticon – guh… Starscream! He's here! Outside::. With that, the security officer patched through am image from his security cameras.
Sure enough, the seeker was just outside the Ark. In a most Starscream fashion, the seeker was standing casually by himself in the dessert. His wings were held high with pride as he coolly examined his claws. Soundwave squinted his optics at the image of the seeker. He was waiting.
Waiting for what?
Soundwave leaned back and shook his helm, then finally responded back to Red Alert. ::Thank you, Red Alert. I'll let Prime know and keep you updated. Let me know if his position changes or if anyone joins him::.
Red Alert gave a nervous nod before quietly shutting down his comm. stream.
Soundwave glared at nothing as he picked up a comm. line with Optimus, Prowl, and Jazz. He filled them in on the situation quickly enough. The Prime asked for Soundwave to also alert Ratchet and Blaster. The medic sent a confirmation ping from his medbay, he was on standby.
Blaster arrived in only a few minutes. After all, their quarters were very close to the comm. station. He smiled at Soundwave and casually walked up to stand next to him.
Quietly, both mechs evaluated the live stream security camera that was still on Starscream. The seeker hadn't changed in posture since Red Alert had patched the feed through. Blaster watched Starscream's casual demeanour, then shook his helm in bewilderment.
"huh…" Blaster murmured.
"I know" Soundwave agreed.
"It's just so… weird", the orange mech scratched his jaw.
Soundwave hummed in agreement.
"It's like he's in a waiting room or something" Blaster added.
Soundwave snorted, "I see exactly what you mean". The smile fell from his faceplates and he scrutinized the seeker closely, "I wonder what game he is playing".
Blaster hummed lowly, then placed a warm servo on Soundwave's shoulder. The telepath discreetly glanced at his roommate. Blaster was still watching the screens; his blue optics were narrowed with confusion. The last time they had seen Starscream was directly before Soundwave was sent back into the medbay. The seeker was crafty, and Megatron was often lurking nearby whether the seeker liked it or not. Blaster's servo gave an encouraging squeeze, then fell away. Soundwave wished it would stay.
Three new figures appeared on the screen. Optimus Prime, Jazz, and Prowl were driving up to the seeker. Seeing his new company, Starscream lowered his servo and crossed his arms defiantly. His wings hitched up the slightest as he watched the three Autobots approach.
The three new mechs transformed to stand and stood across from the seeker. There was a fair amount of distance between them, however, they were close enough to talk.
Soundwave and Blaster waited and watched the security camera feed. They couldn't hear the conversation, but Soundwave could practically hear Starscream's sneers by the way in which the seeker flicked his wings in agitation.
A new comm. line was suddenly sent to Soundwave from Jazz. The telepath quickly set it up on the console and let it play. Soundwave smiled to himself. Clever, tricky Jazz. It was a live audio feed to the conversation happening between the three Autobots and the mysterious seeker.
Blaster and Soundwave leaned forward and listened in closely.
::Look, I'm not here to do anything suspicious:: Starscream's voice insisted. It was in the exact snide tone Soundwave knew it would be in. ::I just need to see him::.
::Starscream,:: Optimus cut in, ::You must see why the three of us are concerned about your request::.
There was a huff from the seeker as his plating twitched in frustration. He thrust his servos out to the empty dessert. ::Do you see any sort of ambush lurking around waiting to pounce? It's just me here::.
::All the same, Megatron has been making aggressive moves to re-claim Soundwave:: Prowl pointed out.
::yeah, and you've been involved in a couple of his plans:: Jazz added, servos on his hips.
::Okay, alright, I was:: Starscream huffed, ::But I assure you that I didn't plan on that last little trick from Megatron at the oil rig. I told you the truth that day. I was only there with some troops to collect energon and go… Megatron wasn't supposed to find out::.
Silence stretched between the four mechs for a long moment.
::Starscream, please just tell us why you wish to see Soundwave alone:: Optimus requested.
Soundwave jerked back from the console; Blaster sucked in a breath. They shared a brief look before returning their attention to the screen.
Starscream sighed and scrubbed his servos together. ::Look, things around the Nemesis have gotten pretty backwards in the last little while. I can't really explain to you without possibly endangering myself and my trine. I just really need to speak with Soundwave. You have my word that I won't try anything funny:: The seeker traced the shape of an X over his chestplates, ::On the safety of my trine, I swear nothing will happen to him::.
Soundwave's spark gave a start. He had never seen Starscream quite this serious in all the years they worked together. Clearly, the other three Autobots also noticed something different. They scrutinized the seeker quietly.
Soundwave pulled up a private comm. link to Optimus. "I'll do it" Soundwave said. The Prime stiffened for a moment, then his brows furrowed in thought.
::A moment, if you will, Starscream:: he said, then directed his two officers away from the seeker.
Jazz suddenly cut off the comm. link to Soundwave and Blaster. The two communications officers watched in silence as the three mechs spoke to one another. Just past them, Starscream impatiently tapped his ped.
"Soundwave", Blaster whispered.
Soundwave looked up from the screen to his friend. Blaster had turned to face Soundwave; he wrung his servos together nervously. Soundwave couldn't miss the worry and fear radiating from Blaster's processor even if he turned the other way and walked 50 paces.
"Blaster, I'll be alright" Soundwave assured his friend with a mild smile.
The orange mech shook his helm, "'Wave, Primus this feels so dangerous. You just got back on your peds".
"I know, but something is off" Soundwave insisted "I have never seen Starscream like this. He swore upon his trine… this is serious"
"'Wave", Blaster's voice broke. He watched his friend though unusually somber optics, his field prickled with anxiety.
"Trust me," Soundwave murmured "he is not here to harm me".
Before Blaster could protest any more, the live audio feed with Jazz crackled back online. Both mechs turned back to the screens.
::Are you certain about this, Soundwave?:: Optimus directed a private comm to the telepath.
::Yes:: Soundwave said.
Soundwave watched as the Prime gave one more nod to his two officers before they turned back to approach the lone Decepticon. Starscream perked back up from his bored examination of the dessert.
::Soundwave has agreed to meet with you:: The Prime stated. Starscream nodded.
::However,:: Optimus continued, ::we will be taking protective measures to ensure his safety. Jazz, Prowl, and I will stay close. We will not listen to your conversation, however we will remain within optic's distance::.
Starscream nodded, ::fair enough::.
The Prime gave one more nod before sending Soundwave the confirmation ping and a private message. ::Let Blaster take over at the communications station::.
Soundwave responded with a ping and took a breath.
"Alright, I'm going" he said to Blaster. He turned to the door and took a couple steps before a tight servo grasped his own. He gave a surprised hum as he turned back to Blaster.
The orange mech held Soundwave's servo in a vice like grip. His optics were flooded with fear and worry and an unmistakable dose of love.
"'Wave" Blaster choked.
Soundwave frowned and let out a breath. He took a step closer to his companion and let his other servo rest over Blaster's.
Blaster struggled to speak for a moment, then whispered in a shaky voice, "just… please be careful, 'Wave. Please".
Soundwave felt something plucking at his spark. He nodded and allowed himself to take another step closer to Blaster. After a moment of hesitation, he leaned forward and let his forehelm rest against Blaster's. This close, he could feel Blaster's field brush over his. Blaster's hitching breaths washed over him.
"Of course," Soundwave murmured, "I will be back shortly. I promise". He gave one last squeeze to Blaster's servos before letting them go and stepping away. On his way out the door, he glanced back once. Blaster hadn't moved from his spot, as though he was rooted into the floor. Soundwave sent him an encouraging smile before turning out into the hallway. Blaster's frown didn't budge.
By the time Soundwave got outside, Prime, Jazz, and Prowl were standing with some distance between them and Starscream. The seeker looked up as Soundwave joined the other three Autobots. Optimus assured him that he could step away from the conversation with Starscream at any moment, and that he could comm. them for assistance if needed. Soundwave thanked the three officers before walking past them to approach Starscream.
The seeker silently watched his approach. Soundwave belatedly realized that he had his visor in place but hadn't remembered to close his lower mask. He sighed to himself but dismissed the thought. It was too late now either way. He could feel Starscream's optics on his face. Once he was within speaking distance, the seeker made no comment, however the surprise was still apparent in his mind.
"Took you long enough" Starscream scoffed while crossing his arms. However, Soundwave could feel that his usual mocking bravado was only a shell placed over some unusual deeper worries.
"You wished to speak with me" Soundwave said flatly.
"Did I?" The seeker hummed coyly. His red optics studied Soundwave's non-reaction before he sighed and dropped the façade. His wings slopped back down from their high position and his field loosened away from his frame.
"Yeah, Okay… look" the seeker started, "things on the Nemesis are getting worse. I would have sent you a comm, but the systems on board are shot and I don't have your personal contact".
Soundwave nodded stiffly, "if you wish, I could send you a packet of information on how to fix the communications console".
Starscream shook his helm and regarded Soundwave with some humour in his field. "No, when I said 'shot' I meant it literally…" he sighed, "Megatron shot the console up in a fit of rage ages ago, the whole thing is dead".
Soundwave felt a sense of cold dread drape over his frame. That was so… aggressive. Certainly, Megatron was known to have little bursts of anger, however, to completely destroy a part of the ship seemed irrational and over the top. For the first time, Soundwave really looked at the seeker. He became aware of the dark circles under the seeker's optics, the slight tremor in the way he held up his wings – as though it was effort to keep them from drooping. He looked exhausted.
Soundwave frowned and felt plucks of guilt and worry. He had never been particularly close with the seeker. It was hard to build much of a companionship with the mech who was always trying to undermine Megatron. At least, it posed a challenge when Soundwave was the one always standing in his way. However, now he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility. Starscream was a Decepticon after all, and Soundwave couldn't shake the feeling that he had abandoned them.
Well… technically they had abandoned him first…. But it was all the same in the end.
Soundwave let out a huff, "Starscream, why are you here?".
The seeker looked away from Soundwave. His optics blindly searched the dessert before he finally looked back to Soundwave's visor.
"Megatron sent me to see if you were still alive".
Soundwave sucked in a breath and opened his mouth. No sound came out. He couldn't help the lash of pain that he felt at that. He closed his mouth and swallowed with a frown.
Starscream watched the telepath's silence reaction. "I know" he muttered.
They stood in silence for a moment, both mechs stared at their peds. A mutual feeling of dread sat upon them both. The Decepticon cause had fallen so hard.
Finally, Soundwave found his voice again. "Could you tell me what has been happening in my absence… please?".
The seeker studied him for a moment before sighing and nodding.
"I shouldn't be saying this, so don't let this get back to Megatron".
Soundwave nodded, "of course".
"Okay, well… for starters, Megatron has been very easy to anger lately. He'll lose his temper over anything". The seeker scoffed, "everyone is scared of him, we all tiptoe around him like he's some sort of wild animal. He damn well acts like it".
Soundwave nodded and hummed; the seeker continued.
"Our rations are brimming on empty. It's gotten so bad that brawls keep hashing up over fuel. I'll occasionally send small clusters of troops on raids – just to grab as much oil as we can and run before calls are made. But you know how much energy it takes to turn oil into energon. It takes multiple barrels just to make one cube! By the time we scrape together a bit of oil and run, we've really only made enough for a few days".
That explained the exhaustion that Soundwave was reading off of Starscream. The dull plating and dark under-optics. He was starving, as were the rest of the troops. Soundwave felt a hard stab of guilt. They were starving while he had enough fuel to stay topped up and still make energon goodies with his creations and Blaster. Without thought Soundwave reached into his subspace and pulled out a cube of energon. It was going to be his mid-day fuel, but clearly it was needed elsewhere.
The seeker jolted at the sudden offer. His optics narrowed and his wings hitched up proudly.
"I don't want your charity" he sneered.
However, Soundwave could feel the tight squeeze of longing that wrapped around Starscream's processor. He continued to hold out the cube.
"If not for yourself, then for your trine" he insisted.
He watched as the seeker regarded the cube, then looked back up to him. Slowly, Starscream reached out and took the fuel and tucked it away into his subspace. He didn't thank Soundwave but offered a tight nod instead. Both mechs knew that cube would never be mentioned again. Either way, Soundwave felt a soft wash of relief in Starscream's mind, and that was enough.
"Go on" the blue mech prompted.
"Right… well, every time I take command and run a raid behind his back, Megatron gets really angry at me. He'll scream and rage at me for taking more power than I should. Obviously, he's hit me around a few times too".
Soundwave grimaced.
"But, between the two of us, mechs around the Nemesis are starting to listen to me more. Megatron hardly shows up to meetings, he hides away in his quarters most days doing Primus knows what. So of course, the other Decepticons turn to me for orders".
A wash of pride dominated Starscream's field for a moment.
"It's actually rather nice. I must admit that I run things far better than he does… and I don't threaten to kill anyone while I'm at it".
Soundwave gave an amused snort.
"It's not all great though," Starscream sobered, "because every time Megatron catches me taking command, he berates me for doing more than my position calls for". He shook his helm in frustration, "I just don't know what else to do".
"What's most annoying is that, whenever Megatron does re-appear to help with planning or command, he's always focusing on catching you back. He's obsessed with it, it's all he talks about or plans for anymore".
Soundwave swallowed thickly, "it has been that bad?".
Starscream gave a weary sigh, "sorry you had to hear it from me… I have to admit it, your little speech the other day moved a lot of the troops. Some mechs are beginning to whisper some really treasonous things when Megatron isn't around".
"Really?" Soundwave asked.
Starscream nodded, "yes, obviously a lot of the Decepticons don't like Megatron's new leadership style. You definitely made them question if his removal is an option… I'm just not sure what to do now".
Soundwave watched the seeker deflate. Then, in a simple statement, said "take over".
Starscream choked. His jerked up to look at Soundwave.
"Have you busted your processor or something? Take over?" Starscream spluttered.
"Isn't that what you have always wished to do?"
"Yes! But…" the seeker hesitated, his voice dropped, "then what?… another million years of war until I lose my mind and someone else kills me for command?".
Soundwave frowned and looked to the side. He understood Starscream's hesitation. He was tired, they were both tired.
"The Autobots," he started, "they are not what you expect. They are not what I expected. Why do you think I stayed?". Soundwave gestured to the red insignia on his chestplates. "I am not fighting for some new age senate. I am fighting for a peaceful and equal Cybertron".
Starscream watched him with sceptical optics. Soundwave sighed.
"The Autobots are not like the original oppressive Cybertronian government. Things have changed for both factions since the beginning of the war. Do you truly believe that Megatron is still fighting for peace and freedom for all? Does he treat you with the dignity and respect that made us rise to war in the first place?".
Starscream scoffed and shook his helm, "clearly not. The power had gotten to his helm… I think it did a long time ago".
Soundwave nodded understandingly, "I was too blind to see it" Soundwave continued. "I failed to notice it eons ago when you did. I apologize for not believing you".
The seeker glanced at him, his expression was twisted with confusion and frustration.
Soundwave continued, "The Autobots are not fighting to re-establish functionalism or the senate. I know that is what Megatron always said they wanted, but he was lying". He pulled a datapad from his subspace, the same one Prowl had given him months ago when he was new to the Ark. Starscream accepted it with a side glance to the telepath.
"This datapad details the ethics and codes of the Autobots. You are welcome to keep it and review their goals in detail. I assure you that I am treated far better here than I was ever treated as a Decepticon".
Starscream scrutinized the datapad, then tucked it into his subspace. His brows pinched and he thought for a moment. "They really treat you well here?" his optics narrowed.
Soundwave nodded, "very well".
"Even though you're an outlier?".
"yes, they are actually very accommodating".
"huh" Starscream shook his helm. His optics looked far past their conversation into something deeper. He puzzled over this information for a moment.
"Starscream" Soundwave said. The seeker looked back up at the telepath. "At the very least, this conversation gives you something to think about. Not everything is how it seems as of late".
The seeker's wings fluttered; his optics narrowed to two fine red slits. "Your point being?"
"My point being that you should take control of the Nemesis and work with Optimus Prime to call and end to this needless war. We could establish peace and equality for all".
Starscream's optic brows shot up, "you really think that could be done?".
Soundwave nodded, "you would not have to do it alone. We can work together; I am sure the Prime will back you up. I think it is possible, if we are discreet".
A puff of air was let out from Starscream's vents. "Primus" he muttered and absentmindedly ran his claws along the side of his arm. He shook his helm while keeping his optics on the sandy ground. "I…. I need to think about this".
"Of course," Soundwave nodded, "it is not an easy choice, I would know". He sent a ping to Starscream containing his personal comm line. "Reach out to me if you have any further questions".
The seeker accepted it with a distracted nod, "I will".
The dessert stood in silence once more. With everything said between them, Starscream stepped back to leave. After a moment, he paused and looked back at Soundwave.
"You know…" he said, "you really are different than what I expected".
Soundwave tilted his helm to the side, "how so?"
"I don't know" Starscream shook his helm, "you're friendlier than I thought… younger". He paused and frowned, "if things were different, maybe we would have gotten along better than we did".
"Things still can be different" Soundwave spoke softly.
The seeker scrutinized him for a moment. "I know" Starscream sighed, "I'll stay in touch".
With that, his thrusters powered up and the seeker rocketed off the dessert floor. Soundwave tipped his helm back to watch the Decepticon transform mid-air and shoot off towards the ocean. Towards the Nemesis.
He stood in silence for another moment. Distantly, he could hear the approaching ped-steps of the three Autobot officers. He didn't look back to them.
Perhaps things really could be different.