Wow! A Saturday update! We are counting down to the final chapters as we set up for our final conflict… Soundwave and the Autobots tie up the final loose ends before they will face Arachnid and her swarm. Arachnid and her mysterious allies cause more upheaval in the Decepticon ranks, and Soundwave must keep everything from falling apart before they charge into battle.
As always, thank you all for your loving support for this story! It really is a labor of love, even when I can't finish the chapters on time. D: Please drop a comment to tell me what you think, and as always, enjoy!
Location: The Renegade
Soundwave
Sharpshot jumped to attention just as Soundwave entered the wreck room. They had been leaned against a table, laughing with Grimlock and their unit until Soundwave's looming presence was noticed. Then everyone but the Dinobots scrambled to salute, as if they worried the sight of fun would throw Soundwave into a rage. Grimlock only chuckled.
Soundwave was not at all in the mood to deal with the brute's antics. He had already been enduring Starscream trailing him about the ship, barking orders at troopers or emphasizing everything Soundwave ordered already. It was getting old fast. He had a whole new appreciation for what Megatron once dealt with on a daily basis.
He addressed Sharpshot. "Begin transporting the infected from under Dark Mount to the Bunker's laboratory. Also retrieve the infected from the lab under Crystal City. We can begin testing for a cure when Shockwave returns from his assignment."
"His assignment of avoiding me killin' him?" Grimlock asked, his tone far too innocent to match the statement.
Soundwave tried not to glare as he ignored the comment.
Of course, Starscream chimed in. "No one asked you, Autobot beast! And Vehicon, your Lord gave you an order!"
The Dinobots only laughed at him harder, making Starscream's rage flair. Sharpshot was also trying to suppress a snicker. But they saluted anyway and ran out to execute the task with their team in tow.
"Will Predaking not wonder where we are taking all the infected?" Starscream hummed from his place in his shadow.
"Predaking knows about the Bunker, and our plans to find a cure."
"And will he not feel threatened by the weapon store we sit on when this whole Arachnid business is dealt with, my Lord?"
"As of right now, Predaking has not presented a threat to us." Soundwave said. "If that changes, it will be dealt with." Perhaps he was being careless, but he didn't share Starscream's concern. Predaking seemed satisfied with his reclaimed people and Dark Mount. Predaking could be a brute, but he was also a young bot, basically a new forged. That fact was forgotten often due to his immense size and intimidating presence. He could rule by force, but eventually he would need to start making more complex decisions to maintain his people. Soundwave thought, if he could keep a healthy distance, but retain an open and neutrally friendly communication, their two groups may benefit if they were to merge back together. It was the first thing he decided to change from Megatron's style of rule. Not everything needed to be exacted immediately and through the most force.
"I respect your opinion, of course, my Lord." Starscream insisted, far from convincing. "I am just saying, we should tread very care-"
"Hey Chief Creepy!" Grimlock announced, making sure to interrupt Starscream. He had not yet followed the rest of his group out of the wreck room with Sharpshot. The Dinobots had taken up the habit of only helping the Autobots and Sharpshot's team. But he was lingering for some nefarious reason. Soundwave did not dignify 'Chief Creepy' with a verbal response. Grimlock continued regardless. "I may not know where you have Shockwave hidden away, but after he uses that big brain of his to make this cure, tell him I will be needin' a word with him."
"He is not here, as I stated before." Soundwave reminded him with a stern scowl. "But, when he returns, I will inform him about your request."
Grimlock chuckled, but finally left without further comment.
"I can appreciate their disdain for our good scientist… but this will surely be a problem later." Starscream pointed out.
"I am very much aware." Soundwave said curtly. "Continue monitoring for movement around Slaughter City. Now that we have appropriated the Bunkers, Arachnid will make her move very soon." He ordered, then opened a Groundbridge for himself. He stepped through, finally shaking Starscream as he arrived in the Decepticon Bunkers.
Contrary to what he told Grimlock, Soundwave arrived in the secret laboratory four levels down to see Shockwave working diligently at his new station. The lab was sealed, so the Dinobot's heightened olfactory sense should not smell him, or at least for a time. Shockwave had assured he would attempt to get the Dinobots back under his control when the virus was taken care of. How he intended to accomplish such a task, Soundwave didn't ask. He wasn't sure if Shockwave knew either. Had Shockwave ever had the Dinobots under his control?
"With this upgraded facility, I am back on track with my research." Shockwave reported in place of a hello or any other formalities. "I have developed the first antibody nanites to fight the virus, but it will require in-depth testing." He typed a few notes onto his larger monitor, and a vat of yellow substance above the workstation spiraled down into individual injectors. "The formula I have created will not only flush the Dark Energon virus from a host, but it also immunizes uninfected bots against contracting the effects, even if they receive a direct bite. As an additional side effect to combat the spread, if an infected were to bite an immunized subject, the nanites in the subjects Energon will enter the infected and neutralize the virus in them."
That was remarkable news. It was a diabolically simple solution that would utilize the infected's own thirst for Energon against them. "What do you need for testing?" Soundwave asked, eager to get this plan in motion.
Shockwave continued to tinker with his work as he spoke. "I will require infected and non-infected subjects to test on. I assume we will need to work around the Autobots, as they will most likely take umbridge with our testing methods."
"I can arrange a schedule around them." Soundwave assured him. "But how soon after testing will the cure be deemed usable?"
"It is usable now." Shockwave corrected. "Any testing we preform is to assure the nanites are not overly charged to the point of harming the subject. These are time-based trials. If we shorten the testing, we invalidate the results."
'Master Soundwave!' Starscream's voice came through his com with such urgency Soundwave wondered if Grimlock was rampaging through the Renegade after the Seeker.
"Report."
'I have news from our boarder patrol, around Slaughter City.' Starscream said.
Fear began to take root in Soundwave's Spark. Was Arachnid on the move right now? They may have been to late for any type of testing for the cure, as Shockwave had been so adamant about needing. "Where is Arachnid's swarm headed?" he demanded.
Starscream hesitated, and Soundwave hoped it was not for his usual dramatic effect. 'Actually, my Lord, there is no movement at all, at least, above ground. It appears the entirety of the swarm has traveled into one of their existing tunnels. We have lost all visual.'
Soundwave pondered that. He couldn't help but give the walls around them a tense glance. He dismissed the thought of Arachnid trying to burrow into the Bunkers. She had failed so many times before, why suddenly succeed now? Plus, he would have heard something if her entire swarm made it through the thick plating, least of all the alarm system blaring.
So, Arachnid wasn't digging towards them. What was she doing? He knew she had some plan, already twisted logic warped beyond predictability from the virus. "Maintain visual and have your arial forces scan the surrounding areas from a safe distance." He finally ordered.
His com cut off, and he was left in the silence of the lab with Shockwave, the latter of whom was privy to the whole conversation from his own com. Soundwave studied the injectors Shockwave had on the table, so close to a solution, but still so far.
"They will still need testing." Shockwave insisted, as if he sensed Soundwave's internal urgency and felt compelled to dispel it. Without further comment, Shockwave turned his focus to the berths across the room, ready to hold the infected and overpowered patience that would soon fill them.
Soundwave looked away from the scientist and back to the table before him, contemplating the untested, cure containing injectors thoughtfully.
Soundwave trudged through the Groundbridge leading directly into his private quarters to sidestep his crew. Of course, he still had Laserbeak to contend with, who was as opinionated as ever. 'Extraordinarily foolish, Master.' He reminded him.
'Your opinion is noted, again.' Soundwave offered, having little left in him to fight back.
The portal collapsed behind him, and he intended to collapse into recharge in a similar fashion. Even in his exhausted state, he spotted the small lump on his berth. Rhea was asleep in a nest of her things. Her computation device was open with one of her hands still rested on the keyboard. Soundwave lightened his ped steps and sat alongside her on his berth. She must have been waiting for him. He had lost track of time, spending more time in the Bunkers and Shockwave's lab then he originally intended.
Rhea stirred, even with his attempts to remain quiet. She looked up at him groggily before sitting up, appearing more worried than tired. "Are you ok?"
Soundwave must have looked worse than he thought he did. "It has simply been a trying…" he paused, considering the word 'day' to end the sentence, but decided that was not accurate enough. "It has been a trying million cycles." He vented. He almost felt Laserbeak roll his optics. "Arachnid is plotting something underground, and we have lost visual. I am also preparing to make a much-needed speech on all Cybertronian frequencies, promising unity against Arachnid and a cure for the virus. There is much to do… and I may have chosen the wrong cycle to execute it all at once. I just want, I need to rest."
"Well, you're the leader, do whatever you want." Rhea said.
Soundwave smiled despite his lingering processor ache. "It's tempting."
"Seriously, rest." Rhea insisted, more forceful this time. "You're no good to anyone worn out."
'Though some situations are more self-inflicted than others.' Laserbeak reminded him, again.
Rhea didn't bother playing into the Minicon's antics and instead moved her nest of bedding out of the way. It was so he could lay down. "I'll keep the Autobots out. You focus on you."
He managed a tired chuckle. "Thank you." He said, and hoped his sincere gratitude shone through his exhausted tone.
Before he could indulge in rest, or even lay down, his com pinged. Unfortunately, it wasn't the Autobots summoning him. It was Starscream, with renewed panic about Arachnid's wear abouts. There was little Rhea could do to satiate his own crew.
"Can you turn off your com?" Rhea asked.
Soundwave tried not to groan when another ping came through, this time from his intelligence team. Word of Arachnid's movements had spread beyond Kaon. Starscream was now in good company. The whole planet was panicked.
He stood back up with great effort and retrieved Rhea from the berth. He supposed he could rest when he was offline.
When he arrived on the Bridge, he could tell there would have been full blown chaos if he had chosen to recharge now. Starscream was arguing with Thunderblast. The Autobots were interrupting, insisting they bring in other Autobot forces to help. Of course, everyone bulked at that idea. Grimlock and his crew were content to remain on the sidelines and watch the chaos unfold.
"Captain on deck!" Sharpshot shouted over the fray. Everyone shut up. Soundwave wondered if they had made the announcement for protocol's sake, or to achieve some semblance of silence.
Soundwave spotted Raf, appearing in much better condition than he last saw him, seated with his fellow humans around the Autobots. He must have arrived with the last Bridge request from Bumblebee. Despite his lingering disabilities, the human in question was busy typing away on his device. He had been working hard with Rhea to create a semi-permanent Bridge from the undersea base on Earth to the Kaon Capital. So the refugees could one day soon return home. The sight of the small human's diligence made him feel even worse for considering rest before. Even the weakest human was working through their exhaustion.
"Wow, you ok Soundwave?" Bumblebee asked him out of nowhere, and loud enough for half the Bridge to hear. "You don't look so good… Do you need to sit down?"
There was no malice in his question. He was genuinely concerned. Still, Soundwave glared. Really? The Autobot would draw attention to his weakened state in front of his own crew. Had the fool forgotten where he was exactly?
"There is seismic movement on the outskirts of Slaughter City." Sharpshot reported, coming to his defense by drawing the attention back onto themselves.
Wordlessly, Soundwave checked the monitor.
"Arachnid is tunneling." Soundwave assumed, studying the changing charts.
"That's what we thought too, at first." Sharpshot began. "But she hasn't moved from this one spot. It isn't tunneling to travel, but rather, unearthing something there…"
Intrigued, Soundwave zeroed in on the location she had chosen. He had no idea what she could want in that section of underground. As memory served, the only thing there was…
"What's the plan of attack?" Arcee demanded of him. "She's up to something. That much is obvious. We need to get rid of her before she unleashes her swarm."
Her own Autobots turned on her and her rather Decepticon inspired plan.
"That's a good way to get everyone killed." Bumblebee told her. "I know this is personal for you, but let's remember what Optimus said. You can't let this history you have with Arachnid blind you. It's best if we know what she's up to before we just jump in swinging."
Arcee rolled her optics at him. Well meaning as Bumblebee was, the Prime he was not. Soundwave was sure Arcee had a similar line of thought.
"Thanks for the pep talk, Bee. But you know how she is, and that's when she isn't half crazy on Dark Energon."
"Yeah but, we also know how you are." Smokescreen offered, then instantly seemed to regret it. She looked ready to kill him with her gaze alone.
"About that." Bulkhead ventured at the risk of his own safety. Arcee redirected her glare his way and he winced. "We, have been talking."
"Who is 'We'?" she demanded.
"Sounds like everyone but you." Miko piped up.
"It was actually my idea." Bumblebee said. "You don't think straight when it comes to Arachnid. Now that we are getting ready to face off against her, I think it's best if you-"
"Don't. You. Dare." Arcee hissed. "You aren't keeping me out of this fight, not again. And none of you are high enough to pull rank on me!"
"We did vote though." Bumblebee vented. "We just don't want you getting hurt. It's not like you won't be helping in the fight. I'm assuming there will be plenty of bugs to deal with, but a direct fight between you and Arachnid is not safe, or smart."
Arcee looked between her group, anger waning to make room for betrayal.
"Come on guys." Miko interrupted again. "I'm sure she can keep it together this time, it's the final show down! She has to-" The human provided the distraction Soundwave needed. It was a risk, but Soundwave recognized what Team Prime didn't. And in their current predicament, they required every advantage, even if that advantage was hot-helmed vengeance.
'Arcee.' He said when he was positive he had successfully hacked into her private commlink.
As he suspected, Arcee jumped in surprise, her anger towards her teammates momentarily forgotten. None of the others noticed, all preoccupied with Miko's theatrics. Arcee then played along. She continued to remain outwardly irritated but risked a glance at him when the others weren't looking. Good, she had no intention of informing on him for the breach in their prearranged cease fire agreement. They were not supposed to withhold any information. 'I don't pretend to know your history with Arachnid. I also do not intend to ask. What I do recognize is your intention to fight her without holding back for some unnecessary want for Autobot justice in this case, as the others do. I will terminate Arachnid, and not give her an opportunity to escape, which she would have if we merely took her captive. I require as many capable warriors in this fight as possible. If you find your team has barred you from accessing the battle against Arachnid, you may contact me on this private channel. I will see to it you receive a Bridge around them.'
She blinked at him; mouth plates slightly agape. He assumed she was unsure if he was being truthful. Though he understood her hesitation in that regard, he was being honest. Warriors like Arcee were hard to come by, and he saw her potential was hampered by her chosen team's 'morals.'
After another moment of silent contemplation, even glancing at the other Autobots, she answered him with a single nod. He returned the gesture and cut off their commlink before anyone else noticed.
Soundwave turned from the Autobots and returned to his own crew. "Prepare an open frequency on all channels across Cybertron. I will address the concerns in Kaon and beyond regarding Arachnid."
"Wasting no time following old Megatron with the speeches, eh Creeps?" Grimlock said from his personal corner of sarcasm.
Why did the brute have to mention Megatron? He already loathed the idea of speaking in front of a worldwide audience. Words never came easy to him like they did for Megatron, and that was even before his vow of silence.
"Actually, Grim. I think that's a good idea." Bumblebee said. "Everyone needs to know our factions are unified against this threat. It should work to calm the panic."
That was not exactly the angle Soundwave had intended to approach the topic. But, if the young bot felt his fellow Autobots around their world would need direct addressing to pay attention to reason, then he could find a place to fit them in.
"All systems are a go, my Lord." Sharpshot said, cheerful as usual. Soundwave couldn't help but think Sharpshot would probably do better than he was about to on such a stage.
"Should he have an opener?" Wheeljack joked to Bulkhead.
Soundwave refrained from glaring, his helm still aching. Could the Autobots not take anything seriously.
"Hush up! Ignorant fools!" Starscream snapped at them. He offered Soundwave a pandering smile and motioned to the console so he could start. Well, at least he could rely on Starscream to keep the Autobots in line, even if it was just to impress him.
With nothing else to stall him, Soundwave arrived at the console and linked into it. Sharpshot had done their job. It was broadcasting on all available Cybertronian frequencies. And he thought he had been light helmed before... Everyone on the Bridge, even the Autobot's internal bickering quieted. He had wished he had caught at least a few kliks of recharge before tackling this.
"You got this." Rhea whispered from his shoulder.
He used the simple assurance to ground himself. It didn't have to be as good as Megatron's speeches. It just had to be coherent. A compelling plan of action from the Decepticons.
He touched the final button to open the feed and ignored the churning in his tanks as he spoke.
"Hear me, Cybertron. I am Soundwave, leader of the Decepticons. During these times of fear and uncertainty, our cause has risen to tackle the challenges that now plague our newly restored world. In light of the turbulent nature of our recent history, I have chosen to suspend old grudges that stand in the way of our collective survival. For the first time in millions of orbital cycles, Autobots and Decepticons have a common foe." He paused to glance Bumblebee and reoriented his spinning helm. Thankfully, the effect was starting to fade. "To survive, we must join against this plague spreader. I have personally seen the strength of our combined people. Together, we have stood against tyranny, reclaimed land lost and defended our ally's honor. But now, I want to offer more then just hollow words and shallow promises. We have a means of ending the plague bringer's twisted attacks and curing all those she has infected. When I and the Decepticon forces have eradicated the virus spreading threat from our world, this cure will be offered to all, no matter the Bot's aligned affiliation or past.
"I do this, not as leader of the Decepticons, but as a fellow Cybertronian who wishes to see our world flourish again. All who feel the drive to fight for your world, I call to you now. I wait for you in the Kaon Capital where we shall rip our future and pride back from the darkness that has caste over our world. I will bring an end to the uncertainty, and see the sun rise again on a Cybertron free of fear."
Relief flooded him as the final words left his voice box. He was sure he hit most every pause and inflection correctly. It wasn't exactly a traditional Decepticon speech, lacking a promise of scorched earth and vengeance, but it worked. The excited auras of his crew behind him confirmed it. Most of all, along with his own racing Spark pulse, he felt the quick thumping of Rhea's heart. He caught her smile in the reflection of the screen he stood before. He offered the slyest smirk back to her as he reached to shut off the frequency.
"Bravo! Truly a spectacle to remember!"
The collective energy of the room soured as the voice came through the same frequency Soundwave once used. In turn, the Energon turned cold in his own pipes. So shocked by the interruption, he didn't even think to shut down the frequency before Arachnid spoke again. "I assume Megatron had that speech laying around somewhere, Soundwave, because I can't imagine you coming up with that all by yourself. Really now, YOU are joining forces with the Autobots? The Decepticons must be in worst shape then I left them on Earth…"
Soundwave snapped out of his shock. Her blustering would undo everything he had just accomplished. He hurried to forcefully shut the system down, and instantly hit a virtual wall. Someone else was working to sabotage his attempts, keeping her on the airwaves.
This was bad. He tapped into the system with both data cables and got to work, Arachnid's voice chiding him as he struggled.
"What would Megatron say if he saw you like this? Chumming up to the Autobots, and not taking their moment of weakness to crush them for good? Well, I can say I am not the only one in my company disappointed…But I guess that's what happens when Megatron hands over the keys to the Decepticons to the Third in Command… IF that is what really happened to our dearly departed leader… you were the only one to see him last, and he conveniently hands everything to you? Well, not that such a power grab would be odd for our faction, but what's done is done.
"To get to the point, I'm calling to present my offer one last time before I just lay waste to everything in my way. In exchange for a single Spacebridge to Earth for me and my forces, we can leave this whole messy business behind us. You get Cybertron unopposed without having to lose one bot! Oh, sorry, I hope you had the chance to explain that deal you already turned down before to your followers. Because if not, I'll assume it comes as a surprise to many who were willing to die for you and this little suicide attack you are planning. I hope you still don't value the life of those little human pests more than you do your own kind. Either way, I won't be the one to judge you. You'll have the rest of Cybertron to do that.
"So please, have your mind made up by tonight. But, if you really do want to waste everyone's time and lives in a fight, I will cordially invite you to meet me. You will find me and my company in the humble beginnings of the Decepticon cause. The Energon soaked dirt where titans once clashed… Excuse the theatrics, but you do know I like to add a flare to my projects. We are no Constructicons, but I do think we livened the place up for your visit… Before I let you go, is there any parting words from the once silent Communication's Officer? Maybe an agreement to my offer?"
The focus of everyone on the Bridge, and what felt like the world, staired at Soundwave from every angle. He could feel the emotions that clashed with his own, permeating every joint and circuit. Fear, shock, betrayal. It was a solar storm of energy all emphasized in stereo silence.
He thawed when whatever was keeping him from shutting down the communication willingly surrendered control back to him. He calmly clicked the button to respond across the airwaves. "You will die, Arachnid, before tomorrow ends. I will snuff out your Spark personally." He shut the whole system down before she could respond or whoever had been virtually fighting him came back to regain control.
The original feeling of elation in his chassis was long dead. All he had left was hatred for Arachnid, and the promise he made to her which he fully intended to keep.
"What deal?" Starscream's grating voice cut through the silence first.
Soundwave turned around to face him. Starscream was one of the only bots on the crew who didn't know of Arachnid's previous offer. He hadn't shared for this exact reason. It would be problematic if he found out. "Arachnid wants a means of leaving Cybertron and going to Earth. I did not accept her previous deal. I will not with this new one either."
"But WHY?" Starscream demanded, servos flailed out in a reflection of true confusion. Soundwave was sure he was not the only one on Cybertron to share the sentiment, because now everyone knew. "I thought the attack on Arachnid was our only option! But there was another way this whole time? Why bother fighting if we can just shove her through a Spacebridge and throw away the coordinates after?!"
"We do not know what she wants with Earth. We can assume it is something massive we would have to deal with later down the road. If she has Earth, she will have unhindered access to the Universes main supply of Dark Energon."
"Who cares!" If she's stuck there, then we never have to deal with her again! What were you thinking, Soundwave?"
He had not used the groveling title of 'lord' before Soundwave's name. It appeared that fake formality was clearly over between them.
"I was thinking the Decepticons do not give into any sort of demand. We do not grovel to survive." Soundwave stated sharply.
Starscream sneered at him. Then his red glare turned to Rhea on his shoulder. Soundwave's defenses heightened at once. "It isn't because of the Decepticons, is it?" He snarled. "Arachnid was correct, wasn't she? This is all for the pests." It was more of an accusation then a question. Either way, Soundwave was done with it. He'd lose the loyalty of his crew if this idiot kept this up.
At his silent Command Laserbeak deployed to retrieve Rhea from his shoulder, taking her to a safe distance. Soundwave approached Starscream, his own EM field radiating rage. He came to a stop just before him. They were about the same height, but Soundwave noticed Starscream flinch ever so slightly. Good. "Arachnid is correct in only one regard. I am not like Megatron. My rule will be different, as it would have if he had bestowed the Decepticons to you. But he did not. He ignored all other Decepticon beacons, including the ones you were sending into the void."
Starscream jolted from shock at that comment. He probably thought his frequencies in search of Megatron had been well hidden while under Predaking's control.
"But Megatron did not ignore my call." Soundwave specified. "He bestowed to me the access codes and trusted me to restore the Decepticons. That is because I have been nothing BUT loyal to our cause, which is more than can be said about you. You joined our ranks because you wanted power. You staged upheavals to overthrow Megatron. Such intentions never crossed my mind! But now on the precipice of battle, if you want to take the opportunity to lead the Decepticons, I invite you to challenge me for the title. If you wish to fight for the Decepticons, do it now!" He waited. He even spread his servos and opened his stance to allow Starscream the first volley if he so desired to attack. Starscream glared at him, trying to hide his obvious uncertainty at this uncharacteristically adversarial challenge from Soundwave. It was true, Soundwave had lost the last iota of patience he had and didn't much care for diplomacy anymore.
They both knew who would win in a fair fight. But Starscream had made his move. This was his moment to do something to gain the throne. Though earlier then he most likely planned to. Soundwave wasn't ignorant to his whispering about the other fliers, planting seeds of uncertainty about Soundwave's authority. It was nothing new. But if Starscream backed down, he could lose all that work. Soundwave waited.
"Hey, guys, let's not do this now." Bumblebee said through a nervous chuckle somewhere close by.
Soundwave remained locked on Starscream. "Do not interfere, Autobot." Soundwave warned.
Starscream's scowl deepened, optics darkening. "To lead the Decepticons, is my right." He whispered.
"Then claim your right!" Soundwave shouted. Starscream wasn't the only one on the Bridge to flinch from the outburst. He dialed his voice back to its usual low, deadly pitch. "Or save yourself the shame and stand down."
Starscream's wings slumped, but he tried to straighten himself before Soundwave. "I will not die for humans. But you are free to do so." He huffed. "As is anyone else who wishes to throw their lives away on this ridiculous mission!" he more addressed their audience in a last-ditch attempt to save face. He backed off, storming from the Bridge. A few seekers and Vehicons trudged after him, but not nearly as many as Soundwave thought would follow. He took some solace in the fact Starscream was probably thinking the same thing.
As Starscream went to leave with his entourage, he flinched again. There was a bot in the way, and he acted as if they were getting ready to hit him if he passed them. It was Slipstream. In place of a punch, she gave him an almost sympathetic smile. "No worries, Silver. No one had any doubt you would bail on the Cons eventually. That's good for you. You escaped my one vengeance hit, and any chance of proving us wrong about who you really are."
Starscream shoved past her with a snarl and left the Bridge in renewed silence.
Soundwave caught Bumblebee looking at him, sappy blue optics worried as always. "Prepare the ship for battle." He ordered to his remaining crew. "We will annihilate Arachnid and erase whatever doubt about us is left in the minds of our people."
"Soundwave," Bumblebee began cautiously.
He turned to the Autobot, his hostility lingering from Arachnid's interruption and the previous encounter with Starscream. "If you intend to fight alongside us, then get your faction ready. I know where Arachnid is waiting."
Bumblebee
They were decked out in their borrowed high powered Con weapons. Grimlock and his team were itching to fight, almost ready to charge Arachnid's nest before the rest of them intended to. Wheeljack and Smokescreen shared their excitement, always ready for some sort of action to stave off the monotony of day-to-day life. Soundwave's army was ready, save for Starscream. They had even loaded some of the untested cure into injector bullets along with their heavy artillery.
They were ready as they would ever be, but there was one more important job to complete. Bumblebee had been dreading it, probably more than the fast-approaching fight. They had to make sure the kids would be ok, just in case everything went to the Pits.
"We'll keep an eye on you from the security feeds." Raf insisted to Bumblebee from behind his computation device. "Just let us know."
"But you guys got this!" Miko insisted. You always beat the odds when you were outnumbered. Now you got the Con army on your side. Arachnid doesn't stand a chance!"
"You're ok, right Arcee?" Jack asked.
Arcee hesitated. Bumblebee caught her give Soundwave a glance across the cargo bay before she plastered on a fake smile. He vaguely wondered what that was about. "Yeah, I'll be fine. I can get back and Bee and the others later… But don't worry about me. You and Raf just focus on keeping Miko from following us."
To complicate things, Thunderblast pushed her way among them during their intimate goodbyes. This managed to annoy Arcee even more. The Con Second in Command knelt before Miko and proceeded to go over a list of weapon systems on the Renegade she could use if things went south. "If we don't win and we all get wiped out, the ship's high-powered fusion canon is probably your best bet." She said. "I never got to shoot it… so if ya do, just think of me, would ya?"
"Wouldn't the high-powered fusion canon level the whole city, and the three next door?" Arcee said with an optic ridge risen.
"Yeah… It would." Thunderblast agreed with a forlorn vent.
"We won't be terminated." Clobber offered, trying to keep the mood light. "So, you can shoot the canon, at some other city later?"
Thunderblast shrugged while attempting a grin. "You and your bright attitude. When did we Con's get so lucky to get you, Clobber?" She readjusted the rifle on her back and patted Clobber's shoulder before she shuffled off.
Clobber was still as a reinforced metal beam after the playful touch. She unsuccessfully scrambled to collect her own weapons. As she struggled, Miko gave Bulkhead's left ped one final hug before she hurried over to Clobber. "You ever gonna tell Thunderblast how you feel?"
Clobber dropped her own rifle when her servos seemed to give out. "W-what I mean, she is, feelings, who's Clobber?" she scrambled incoherently. Her shoulders then slumped, and she whispered, "Is it that obvious?"
"Dude." Miko sighed. "Where you seriously trying to hide it? It's super obvious."
"It really is." Jack added.
"Don't encourage this please." Arcee grumbled.
"You'll regret it if you don't." Miko said to Clobber, tuning out the others. "How about this. When you both come back alive, which you will! Then you tell her. Deal?"
Clobber flitted her gaze and shuffled from ped to ped. With a deep vent, she shrugged. "Ok… It's a deal."
"You're a real Con match maker, Miko." Jack snickered after Clobber skittered away.
Bumblebee's smile slowly faded. He was glad they had the lighthearted moment. They needed to address the contingency plan if things did not go so well. "Guys… If we can't beat Arachnid even with the Con's help, you need to go back to Earth right away."
The three humans looked up at him with conflicted expressions. None of his other team members were surprised. They had to have this conversation before they left.
"What are you talking about, Bee?" Raf demanded. "We have to help."
"And you're going to." Bumblebee promised. "This is only the worst-case scenario. If Arachnid wins, and we can't come back here to defend you guys, you can help us by helping the Con's on this ship however they need you to. The Kaon Capital will need evacuating, probably back to Earth. You'll need to let Agent Fowler know ahead of time as well. It's going to be chaotic if that happens, but Earth will be safer then Cybertron if Arachnid gains the upper hand."
"But she won't, right?" Jack said sternly, brows furrowed down as he looked between Bumblebee and Arcee.
"As it is, we should have the advantage." Arcee said, not promising anything. "We have Soundwave's army, a hoard of weapons and the beginning of a cure. But Jack, this is just so we don't have to worry about you guys. Give us that much. And make sure to drag Rhea through the Spacebridge too, because I have a feeling she won't want to go."
"Ratchet knows the plan too." Bulkhead added. "If things, eh, go bad, go down to the Engine Room and have Rivet send ya home. Ratchet should be able to lock out Arachnid from portaling to Earth from the ship, at least long enough for more bots to escape."
"You want the Bridge between worlds to be closed?" Miko gasped, the very thought nearly unthinkable. "But how will we come back?"
"We won't be able to help if we are on Earth!" Raf reminded them.
"Guys." Jack snapped. The other two humans quieted, and Jack took a deep breath before nodding up at them. "We don't like it, but we understand. Just don't make us have to go with the worst-case scenario."
Bumblebee forced a smile. "Fair enough. We'll knock this one out of the park. Like we always do."
Miko suddenly stomped her foot, growling in pure frustration. "Big baby Starscream just HAD to storm off before the final fight and take a whole bunch of fliers with him! I'm sure that would have really helped in the long run."
"Did we expect anything else from him though?" Bulkhead offered with a shrug.
"I was thinking about that…" Raf mumbled, more to himself then anyone there. Bumblebee recognized the sudden gleam in his eyes that meant the gears in his head were turning. He pushed his glasses back up his nose and typed into his laptop, pulling up the refugee files from Earth. "Didn't Jetfire know Starscream? He even asked about him once when we were at the base… I wonder if he could convince Starscream to come back?"
Miko scoffed. "That would mean Starscream would actually have 'friends.' Never gonna happen."
It was a laughable scenario indeed, but Bumblebee failed to comment when he caught the movement of a small figure nearing the Con group, all swarming Soundwave. Waiting out of the way was Rhea, her sights set on the busy Con warlord.
Bumblebee assumed Soundwave knew she was there. He was either to busy to say his goodbyes, or he was stalling. Bumblebee got the true answer when Soundwave dismissed his soldiers, then turned his full attention to the small girl at his peds. The two considered each other in their silent, contemplative way that rarely needed words exchanged. Then Soundwave retrieved Rhea from the ground and stepped out of sight, retreating into the privacy of shadow.
Soundwave
The door slid shut behind him, and he and Rhea were left in the silence of the Renegade's hallway.
"I have given you the access codes for the Spacebridge." Soundwave said before he allowed to much time to lag between them.
"Which I won't need." Rhea shot right back. He assumed she would. "But yes, I have them. You want me to turn tail and run back to Earth with the others if you lose. And like I said before, I won't be doing it."
"We will not lose." Soundwave assured. "But it's for my own peace of mind."
"So you said. But what about my peace of mind? Me running back to Earth and never seeing you and Laserbeak again isn't an option for me. You're my family."
"Then what can I do if the worst were to happen? How can I assure you are safe?"
Rhea pondered that. "Give me some way to help. Anything, just so I'm not waiting around feeling worthless. Neither one of us is good at that."
"That is reasonable." Soundwave relented with a vent. "You may help by remaining vigilant on the Decepticon frequencies. During my speech, Arachnid was somehow able to hack into our broadcasts. It is the second time she has managed that. Though she is smart, I know she is not connected enough to have that sort of control over the airwaves. Someone is helping her."
Rhea suddenly smiled. "Think it's Starscream?"
Soundwave couldn't help but mirror her amused expression. Even Laserbeak trilled a laugh. "With his history for betrayal, that would be far from surprising. Though Starscream was with me in this most recent hack, so I doubt it. But at this point, whatever crazed ally she has is irrelevant. What you can do, is establish a presence in the airwaves first. If they have been able to bar me from the frequency system twice, I fear they may sever our communications while on the battlefield. Losing the ability to remotely speak with my troops would be the only situation I could foresee us losing. If that happens, you must find another means of communication for our forces to utilize."
There was no more humor in her. Rhea was steadfast and confident. "I can do it. Leave it to me."
A ping from his com brought reality encroaching on their moment. From his palm, she clutched him tighter. "But this morose topic is not what I intend to leave you with. We will return victorious. I promise with everything that I am. I will return to you."
'Then we will be able to give you a proper tour of Cybertron, as promised.' Laserbeak added. It drew a smile from Rhea, which Soundwave was beyond grateful for.
So close to his torso, Rhea leaned down and pressed her lips to Laserbeak's helm. "Watch over each other."
Laserbeak chirped happily at the strange human affection. 'As we always do.'
She turned her focus to Soundwave. He rose her up to be optic level with him. She wasted no time planting her small lips on the side of his faceplates. He didn't fight the feeling of closeness. It was the same as that moment not so long ago on Earth's coastline when they shared a similar connection. He let it sooth his worry.
Rhea hugged her body against his helm as if her life depended on their contact not breaking. "I know you'll come back, so this isn't goodbye." She explained softly. Still pressed against him, she cracked a final smile. "And I've only heard Arachnid speak twice over the airwaves…but she is way to smug for anyone's good. Don't come back until you take that arrogant bitch down a peg."
Soundwave chuckled. "It would be a lie, if I said I wasn't looking forward to it."
He walked them back onto the loading deck. Rhea didn't protest when he let her down alongside the other humans. All optics were on him, waiting for the final order. Soundwave erased all doubt from his faceplates. "Decepticons." He began, hesitating before he added, "And allies. On this cycle, we will take back our Southern most city from this usurper who dares to wear our emblem. We will eradicate this plague from our world, once and for all."
Thunderblast and Sharpshot led the cheer that followed. There was nothing left to say. He opened the first of many Groundbridge a few kliks away from Arachnid's given coordinates, for obvious reasons. He had no intention of them waltzing into a trap. They stood on the precipice of the Groundbridge, studying the intricate twisting colors of the dimensional rift that would deliver them to Arachnid.
Soundwave took charge, and with blasters ready he marched through first.
The lights of the Renegade gave way to the dreary night over Slaughter City. There were no Insecticons or Dark Energon twisted bots waiting for him. He remained alert, his first unit coming through the Bridge after him in relative silence. He closed the portal then mentally opened the next succession of Groundbridges for the rest of his troops, and Grimlock's forces. Like pieces in a game, he set the board in his favor. Arachnid's corrupted life signal was exactly where she promised it would be. And she was right, her chosen venue was dramatic, just as she said. But now she was surrounded.
"Autobots," Soundwave said quietly to Bumblebee's team bringing up the rear. "Welcome to the Pits of Kaon."
