Soundwave's Greatest Hits, Volume Six.
Chapter Fifteen.
Sam awoke feeling refreshed and in no further pain from his injuries. He got up and picked up his clothing, and eagerly stood up on the ejection mechanism, feeling confident enough to attempt a somersault, which wasn't as big a failure as his original first one, but still required intervention to avoid spraining or breaking something in landing. As Soundwave placed him on the floor, he said "I - um, work needed."
"Affirmative. Practice-needed."
"Humans say 'practice makes perfect,' so yeah, perhaps we can work on that later," Sam replied. Soundwave did not respond, and Sam nodded and said "Breakfast", and headed for his area in the med bay.
He did himself a pop tart and a bowl of cereal as someone - probably Barricade after dropping off Mikaela - had put some milk in his mini fridge. He finished them up, had a wash and shave, put his cell on charge, completed other necessary ablutions, and after putting on a fresh pair of smart-casual pants and a tee, headed back out to where Soundwave waited for him.
The rest of the Cassettes were out, he noticed, and each greeted him in their own unique fashion as he approached. Laserbeak stepped forward and stroked her head along his face, Ravage walked by while leaning into Sam, Ratbat let out a soft screech, Rumble hugged him, and Frenzy held up one of his manipulative appendages for a high-five. Sam could sense the Cassettes were excited and nervous, and had to admit he was too. Quite a lot was riding on this presentation, they had to get the message over without seeming condescending, and if they had miscalculated somehow, or one of several variables didn't go how they expected it to, the truce could end up in jeopardy.
"Setbacks-unlikely; renegotiation-possible. Situation-improved, ceasefire-benefits-all participants."
Sam blew out a breath, seeing Soundwave's point. It was unlikely that the ceasefire would be broken if the reception to the presentation went badly. Tensions might be raised, but it was unlikely the Autobots, Decepticons or humans would go back to war rather than try and keep negotiating.
Sam retreated back to his area to don the undershirt, chain vest and turtleneck, and attempted to tame his now dry and slightly uncontrollable hair with a damp comb and a tiny bit of hair gel. Sam generally never used hair gel, he wasn't overly concerned with his appearance in general, but he didn't want to arrive at the negotiations with bed-head. Slipping the comb in his pants pocket, and grabbing his script for the presentation, Sam went back over to Soundwave and Barricade.
The rest of the Cassettes were absent, and Sam suspected that they were back in Soundwave's chest. Barricade, Dr Syn, and Soundwave all looked at him for a few seconds before Soundwave crouched and put out his cupped hands to allow Sam to climb into them. As Soundwave stood again, Dr Syn said "Starscream is waiting outside, I hope the negotiations go well for all of us. As the humans say, 'Good luck,' Although with all the work you've put in, 'luck' will likely not be a major part of it's hoped for success."
"Hopefully," Sam agreed. Soundwave and Barricade turned and walked through the Base to the outside corridor, seeing some of the others in the corridor, who nodded or waved as they went past. Starscream was stood outside, and said "Ah, there you are Barricade, Swiftstrike, and Soundwave. I will wait here until Soundwave tells me you've all arrived, and then take off to join you."
"Affirmative," Soundwave replied.
"I'll go ahead to clear the way for Soundwave and Swiftstrike," Barricade said, as Soundwave put Sam down, and quickly scanned a dark blue SUV that was kept for this purpose. It seemed Soundwave could store one alternate form permanently in his memory, but when traveling outside the Base, he scanned the car. If he wanted to change, both Dropkick and Payload had, Sam had been informed, alts Soundwave could use by scanning them in alt.
Soundwave folded down into his SUV alt, and Sam scrambled inside, the seatbelt instantly moving of it's own accord to strap Sam safely in. Sam was not alarmed, as Bumblebee had been doing this now with him for quite some time.
"Thanks," Sam said, patting the dash gently and then resting his hands lightly on the wheel so it looked as if he was driving. Soundwave did not reply, just closed the door with a gentle thump, and started the engine. As the gates opened, Barricade started up his lights and sirens, and Soundwave pulled in behind him.
When they arrived at the site where the negotiations and presentation were to take place, Soundwave let Sam out before converting back to his robot form and picking Sam carefully up out of harm's way as he said "Decepticon-leader-Starscream-incoming."
They only had to wait a few minutes before Starscream came in low, transformed into robot form barely his own body height above the ground, and touched down lightly. Sam dearly wished he could com, so he could send the Seeker a teasing 'now you're just showing off', but it seemed that the manoeuvre was not lost on the waiting humans, who all looked suitably impressed by Starscream's aerobatic prowess. One or two looked slightly alarmed as well, and Sam hoped that the Seeker had noticed too, and would reassure the humans in question. As if he, like Soundwave, could read minds, Starscream turned to bow - quite low for a Seeker - to the humans before speaking.
"My apologies for the unexpected entry and landing, I thought to come in low and transform quickly as I landed, to avoid too many reports bring made of what I believe you would term 'unidentified flying objects'. The less attention garnered by these meetings, I believe, the safer the general human population will feel."
"Thank you for your consideration," one of the Generals, - Sam saw his name tag read 'MORSHOWER' - said, and invited them all inside.
Once everyone was inside, and had taken their seats, Soundwave put Sam down, who moved over to take centre stage with Hound, who picked him up.
"Esteemed representatives of the United States, I respectfully request that all here watch and listen to this presentation," Sam said, projecting his voice to be heard. "We understand that humanity is eager to explore and colonise the space within their reach, and with the help of your Cybertronian guests, this is indeed achievable and desirable. We also know that you do understand the vastness of space as a whole. However, without travelling through it and exploring it as the people of Cybertron have, there are matters that may not be anticipated by the peoples of Earth. I believe you to be familiar with the concept of not knowing entirely about something until you have been there?" Sam waited until he received nods and mumbles of assent from the assembled human contingent before continuing.
"The Autobot and Decepticon forces combined, with the assist of a human, myself, have put together a presentation, to give you an idea of what may await, and what barriers, or opportunities, may lie in space for humankind. Hound here is a hologram specialist, and his images and my voice will take you as close to space as we can without actually taking you there. With a greater understanding, using experience from those who have been there, the possibilities and potential pitfalls can be outlined for you, in full 3D holographic detail where necessary, so you may put your finest minds to work on solving or bypassing certain situations, and utilising the opportunities that exist."
The assembled humans could not help but be impressed, Sam decided, as Hound filled the entire room with a detailed and realistic representation of space, as observed from Earth, before turning the view down to Earth and drawing out until Earth's sun appeared as just another star in the sky.
"As you know, space is vast, and also very empty, as the name suggests," Sam said. "As you are also aware, it has some places that are less empty than others..."
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Sam felt that the presentation had gone as well as could be expected, and the scientists and specialists had scribbled many notes and were already discussing some of the issues when Morshower raised his hand and indicated he wanted to ask what Sam was sure would be the first of many questions. Sam nodded to him, and as Morshower began to speak, the general babble in the room subsided.
"Um, young man, um, Swiftstrike, your turtleneck says, throughout the presentation you referred to 'humans' and 'Cybertronians.' Your appearance and what we know of you tells us you are human, yet you have friends amongst both factions of Cybertronian, and even, if I recall correctly, hold a rank within the Decepticon contingent here on Earth. At no point during these discussions, when referring to humans, did you say 'us.' Excuse me for being blunt, but considering you have ties with Autobots and Decepticons both, but are human, just whose side are you on?"
Sam was thankful for Soundwave's lessons on tone of voice conveying as much as the words, because he could tell by Morshower's tone that he wasn't trying to be belligerent or confrontational, but was genuinely curious and cautious. Thus he was careful not to sharpen or raise his voice when he replied.
"General, it is true that I am human, but have close ties with both factions, but I believe that gives me a unique viewpoint, in that I can see both factions' point, and have my human viewpoint too, and I can advise them in their approach to humans, and explain some matters about humans that they, as long lived mechanical beings, would not themselves have. For example, as I have told them about normal human lifespans, and the the oldest age that a human can get to, they understand that your timescale for progress needs to be measured in decades, rather than centuries or millennia, as they live far far longer than our species does. Thus they understand better your reasons for wanting to explore space swiftly, as opposed to waiting, as they might. You asked whose side I am on, and I honestly say that I hope I never have to make that choice. As such, it's in my own selfish interests to further this ceasefire into what we hope can be a permanent truce. I'm on the side of co-operation, compromise, and peaceful co-existence." He took a breath before continuing.
"My association with each faction depended on coincidence, first, my great grandfather discovering Megatron, the location of the AllSpark being etched in his glasses, and then me receiving them, and trying to sell them on eBay to add to my car fund. That listing allowed both factions to find me. Another set of coincidences has led to closer ties with both sides. My name and Decepticon rank was as big a surprise to me as they were to you all, and then the Decepticons called me in on it for these negotiations, because they have less experience than the Autobots at dealing with and having some understanding of humans. I am a human with one foot in both factions, so to speak, and I see that as an opportunity, not an obstacle, that I am someone who has links to all three sides in these discussions. I believe that this can benefit us all, Sir," Sam finished up.
Morshower nodded, and Sam hoped he had answered in a helpful manner. Then he was preoccupied with the rest of the audience, as several hands went up, and he pointed to one, and prepared to answer questions.
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Sam was exhausted after the Q&A session, although some of the questions were better answered by Hound, or one of the other Cybertronians present. One or two questions were not able to be answered by anyone present, so were noted and taken back for further discussion by all involved groups.
He spoke with Soundwave afterwards who told him that the general feel of the humans' minds was optimistic and reassured by the meeting and the answers given during it. Sam hoped so, hoped that a more permanent ceasefire would soon be established.
"Swiftstrike-return?" Soundwave said, crouching before Sam with his hands out, but clearly making the words a query as opposed to a command.
"I would, but-" He paused, then began speaking again. "If human generals having concerns about loyalties, some Autobots might. Swiftstrike should return to Autobot base, discuss, allay fears," he said, knowing Soundwave, should he require clarification, would see the details in his mind. "Bumblebee, Optimus, Elita, Ratchet, understand; others doubtful." He replayed in his head the meeting he'd had with Cliffjumper, Hot Rod, Red Alert, and Powerglide for clarification, and Soundwave nodded.
Understood," he said, standing again. "Send-word-when-returning."
"Take me to Bumblebee? Or another Autobot, if Bumblebee gone already?" Soundwave's optics flashed as he sent a com, and then crouched, hands out again. "Bumblebee-present," he said, as Sam climbed into the hands, and Soundwave rose and headed out.
He saw Bumblebee, who appeared to be the only Autobot still present, and waved. Bumblebee waved back, and put his hands out.
"Bondmate-Bumblebee-given-responsibility-for-Swiftstrike. Accept?" Soundwave asked.
'Responsibility accepted, Soundwave. As he is my permanent bondmate, I will protect him even if my own life is in peril. Is this promise acceptable?"
"Affirmative," Soundwave replied, only then lifting his hands exactly next to and touching Bumblebee's, so Sam could scramble over. The transfer effected safely, Soundwave lowered one hand, curling the fingers of the others except for a forefinger into a loose fist. He touched the forefinger lightly to Sam's forehead.
"Recharge-well, advise-Soundwave-when-returning."
"Oh, right, you asked me that earlier, and I forgot to respond. Affirmative, Swiftstrike will ask Bumblebee to advise Soundwave of Swiftstrike's return." Bumblebee's optics flashed, and Sam assumed Bumblebee was also promising to let Soundwave know when Sam wanted to head back to Soundwave.
Then, as Soundwave moved back and transformed into his SUV alt, Bumblebee placed Sam down a suitable distance away before converting into his Camaro alt. Sam climbed in and allowed Bumblebee to fasten his seat belt as Soundwave drove out and headed back to the Decepticon Base. Bumblebee waited for what Sam felt was more than just a courteous amount of time before starting his own engine, and moving out. Sam took a quick look around, and as he suspected, he couldn't even see Soundwave's tail lights; Bumblebee was being polite to assure the Decepticons he was not looking to even see what direction their Base was in, although Sam was certain each faction knew where the other's Base was. As Bumblebee headed towards the Autobot Base, Sam yawned prodigiously, he was very much looking forwards to getting to bed that evening. Who knew a presentation and accompanying question and answer session could be so tiring?
Sam was almost nodding off when Bumblebee came to a stop, and Sam realised they were inside the perimeter of the Autobot Base, in the courtyard in front of and around the buildings. Bumblebee opened his door and Sam stepped out, feeling the cold of the air on his face, and he was surprised; it looked like summer had departed earlier than expected, and Autumn was biting sharper than he expected. He shivered as he stood, glad of his turtleneck. His very Decepticon turtleneck, he recalled, with a sinking feeling. He swore under his breath. He had fully planned to bring a spare tee to put over it after the presentation. In the rush to get ready for the presentation, he had completely forgotten.
"Um, 'Bee, under the circumstances, it's probably unwise for me to go in like this, but it's too chilly to take this off right now. Could you grab me a tee from your room to put over this till I can change into something more appropriate for both the climate, and the company we'll be keeping? I'll wait here for you, it shouldn't take you long, right? he asked, holding his presentation notes to his chest to hide the Decepticon symbol otherwise clearly visible from the front.
"Sure thing, Sam, you have a few, and I know where they are, I'll bring a hoody too." Bumblebee disappeared into the Autobot Base entrance, as Sam drew into a corner to make himself less obvious to anybody who did come out.
At first, Sam didn't notice the slight tremor of the ground underfoot, and then, when he did notice it, he thought he was imagining things due to his fatigue. When he finally realised that the tremors were not his imagination, but the footsteps of a large and heavy 'bot approaching, he turned to the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest with his script, imagining either Optimus, Ratchet, or Ironhide, all massing enough to make the ground shake, were approaching. He knew Optimus or Ratchet would be okay, but feared Ironhide might just see the Decepticon insignia and react before thinking. He hugged the notes closer to his chest, to obscure the insignia on the front completely.
He didn't stop to think that the tremors may be being made by someone approaching from outside the Base buildings entrance rather than inside either, until, he heard a startled growl from behind him, followed by a roar of "Decepticon intruder!"
It was instinct that made him drop flat to the floor, his script scattering as he dropped it, and a mixture of curiosity and fear that made him roll onto his back so he could see his accuser.
