Ch. 205
"This seems like a waste of both of our time, Shockwave," Megatron glared ahead, his servos folded behind him as his optics scanned the drones at the consoles before him.
Shockwave's form shifted lightly, "My lord, this is a simple request. I am working as quickly as I am able with the trickles of data I have been receiving, but it is simply not enough. Should you wish to enact your plans soon, I will need to be allowed more range with Starscream."
The warlord hissed out a sigh, "That will not be possible. Ever. Should his feelings begin to wane once more and he loses trust in me, his resistance will act as a stronger hinderance. This is a waste of our time to discuss this once again, Shockwave."
"I have no choice but to discuss it with you," the purple mech said flatly, "What you seek will be impossible to attain at this rate. The data I have is only capable of telling me that he is attempting to grow stronger. His output of this energy, this displacement and usage of it, is something never seen or recorded before. I cannot do much more than monitor it unless I am allowed to use more invasive-"
The larger mech's clawed servos were suddenly upon Shockwave's throat, daring to squeeze harder in more than just a warning, "You said you had devised noninvasive tests! Was this a lie?!"
Shockwave's servo latched onto his leader's wrist out of reflex but his gun remained trained at the floor, "M-my liege, my word was true. I have formulated noninvasive measures but they won't deliver the results you-"
"I ONLY WANT RESULTS THAT WILL NOT HARM HIM! HE MUST BE IN COMPLETE CONFIDENCE FOR THIS TO WORK!"
"He-" the purple mech felt the grip around his neck strengthen, "m... my liege, he does not... trust any of us... He cannot be so easily... swayed anymore..."
Megatron snarled loudly and threw Shockwave away from him, "ENOUGH! My dear Starscream has strayed but he has not forgotten that he is the cog of MY machine! I alone control him! I alone will reaffirm his confidences! It will be me who directs the power he has cultivated all this time and by my will-"
"Kids, this is the last time! We're not ready yet!"
Megatron froze and turned to his ship's larger monitor, his optics widening as he watched the Autobot medic, Ratchet, use his servos to chase two small humans on a Decepticon computer console.
"By Primus, if you touched anything-"
"We didn't!" the female human responded with a laugh, "But we gotta keep things lively around here until we get it up and running, don't we?"
Ratchet scowled and shooed the humans off the console; he appeared not to notice the outside signal he was transmitting as he started pressing random buttons to check for damage, "Honestly, letting the three of you near any Decepticon technology is completely irresponsible. I'm going to let Optimus-"
The feed cut. The room was silent. So much information was laden in those few seconds of video.
Megatron felt his frame begin to heat in the anticipation of a fight. The Autbots had revealed their location. They had to have done so. The warlord turned quickly to his drones, his voice clear and loud.
"Trace that feed, NOW!"
Many pairs of servos were quickly tapping away at their consoles, "Doing so now, sir," a drone piped up, "Based on signal strength and limited visuals, the Harbinger is our best match. Confirmed Autobots: Ratchet, as seen through visuals; humans: Miko, and Raf, as seen through visuals; Optimus Prime, as expressed verbally through Ratchet. Sir?"
Megatron's optics were darkening in sick elation, "Contact C.Y.L.A.S. Have him direct my dear Starscream to Predaking's kennel. Begin descent now. Lock onto the Harbinger's coordinates and notify all working mines to cease action. They are to prepare to bridge onto the Nemesis and ready for battle."
Shockwave still hadn't moved from his position on the floor; when the warlord's gaze finally fell upon him, he stood, "My lord," he said quietly, "where would you prefer I be positioned given this new insight?"
Megatron glared as he approached, "I am displeased with you, Shockwave. But I will overlook this inconvenience towards your impatience and allow you to stand beside me after we land. You and I are going to ensure that every Autobot that still lives will make their last stand here today. This will bring an end to our greatest concerns. After this, there will be nothing to stop me from claiming what is rightfully mine."