A Friend for Graduation by Spin
Chapter 4: Arrangements
WARNING! Very long chapter and un-beta read! May get edited later
Disclaimer: The Transformers belong to Hasbro/ Tarka/ Marvel Comics/ DreamWave/ IDW/ Who ever else Hasbro has rented copy right to, i.e. not me. My fics are done for fun and to theorise how things might of happen, no harm is intended. If any affected parties are upset that I wrote this let me know and I will remove it from this site, please don't sue.
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Datasnipe empties the datapads he had hurriedly stuffed into a subspace pocket on top of the desk, within his quarters. Dividing them into rough piles he explains "I have already made a list of components we shall require from unofficial sources. The nature of these components will require us to journey to some of the less respectable areas of the city."
>whirl> Trijade comments softly from his perch on a shelf near by.
"All we need to decide now is when to start locating these components. Tomorrow is the final day of studies prior the planned five day rest, do you have any preferences Soundwave."
"The sooner procurement commences, the sooner construction can be initiated." Datasnipe quirks a half smile at the answer, before responding.
"Indeed. Personally I have no reason not to make a start today; tell me Soundwave, what lessons do you have to attend this day?"
"Theoretical takion particle manipulation, followed by double energy storage techniques. Module assignments completed."
"Meaning you are not required to attend?"
"Confirmed."
"Do you whish to attend?"
"Priority: Procurement of project's components."
>Whirl> Trijade gives his approval.
Turning to scrutinise his young companion the professor queries "I take it you do not posses a firearm?"
"Assumption confirmed."
Datasnipe steps to the far side of the room from his desk, where he lifts a hidden panel on the floor, removing something from underneath he passes it to Soundwave.
"Just a standard model I am afraid, I only use it for back-up purposes, though it should serve, for now. Store it in subspace for the time being." Datasnipe reseals the panel before turning to face Soundwave.
"Previous firearm experience: negligible." The younger mech comments while staring at the laser rifle in his hands.
"Given that you have spent nearly your entire existence at the Academy" a half-smile tugging at his lips, Datasnipe continues "I am not the least bit surprised." Approaching his protégée he reaches out and adjusts Soundwave's grip on the rifle. Indicating the relevant sections he explains the basics of the weapon's use. "Push this back to release the safety" Click> "Point this end at the desired target, then just pull the trigger. The range is a bit limited and the power levels are just a little above stun and non-adjustable. Like I said a basic model, but it will serve until you obtain enough experience to select a weapon preference." Datasnipe move back towards his table with the scattered datapads upon it.
Soundwave re-engages the safety mechanism before placing the weapon into a subspace pocket, and follows his mentor.
>Whirl> Trijade approves before gliding to the table himself.
Datasnipe finishes sorting the datapads before selecting one and sub-spacing the rest.
"Unofficial procurement: expensive."
"It can be." The professor smiles wryly while scrolling through the supply list stored on the datapad, before sub-spacing it as well. "Though, I believe I have amassed enough energy credits for the desired parts, although a touch of bartering is always required when dealing with... such resourceful traders."
>Whirl>
"Just one thing Soundwave, during our 'mission' refrain from calling me by rank or title. If you require to use my name at any point merely call me 'Datasnipe'. It will provoke less attention in the neighbourhoods we shall be visiting." Seeing his companion moving towards the door, Trijade quickly glides on to Datasnipe's shoulder to avoid being left behind. Taking his cue from the smaller mech Soundwave too proceeds towards the door. "Well then, lets be off shall we?"
On the third post-ground level, a solitary figure watches as two dark figures walk across the Academy's Southern courtyard, towards a secondary exist from the campus. The bronze highlighted and gold mech frowns recognising them easily from an encounter not 10 beams earlier.
'Datasnipe is defiantly up to something, but what? I know him. He should have been overjoyed at the prospect of preparing Encrypmetro against invasion, the chance to fully indulge his love of weapons and their potential uses, the chance to create new ones. If it weren't for his age he may very well of joined a fraction during that entire Vos-Torn incident. Hmm... It must be something very big to distract his affection and interest away from such a project, but what could be so important to him? And why is he involving a student in his schemes?
Maybe it would be best if I followed them.'
"President Nobletrans?" The golden mech turns to see a young data clerk standing behind him. "Sir, we've just received a transmission from council hall. The city officials have called a meeting to discus the recommendations being suggested by Iacon, this afternoon, and they wish for you to attend."
Sighing, Nobletrans resides himself to the fact that uncovering Datasnipe's plot would have to wait for another day.
"Do we have a copy of these recommendations?"
"Yes, sir. The council forwarded us a copy with their request."
"Very well then, I'll read over the transmission in my office, please have it sent to the terminal there."
"Yes, sir."
Walking side-by-side the two dark-coloured mechs move along well trodden streets, away from the pristine buildings of the central city and Academy, towards one of the more run down and less respectable areas. The residents pay them little mind as they scurry to fulfil their daily chores, yell at each other over debts or petty insults, or merely lay passed out on the ground waiting for the abyss to claim them.
Diverting down a rusting alleyway, they approach an entrance of what appears to be some kind of unauthorised repair shop. Scrunching his faceplates in disgust of the fumes being given off, the maroon and green mech leads the way inside.
The two mechs enter what is considered by some to be a waiting area. Various types of mech fluid stain the seats, floor and walls. The slightly rusted assistant, behind the laser proof glass, dose a double take upon seeing them.
'These are not the usual type of clientele.' Most who stumble in to this place have no other option, except to cease to function, either because they are too badly damage to be transported else where in time or can't afford to. 'But these two, both appear to be in exceptional health, what business do they have here? Are they some form of enforcement officer? No, they bear no insignia to suggest such a thing.' Gathering his wits about him, the assistant addresses the two. "G'day ssirss, an' wha' may whee do for yeh?"
"I wish to speak to the proprietor." The maroon mech states firmly leaving no room for disagreement, stopping a just far enough not to block himself-in against the wall. The dark blue one two steps behind him, seams to be intensely watching everything, yet he doesn't move a joint or cable.
"Er...? Yer," turning behind him he calls "hay, russt bin goh get th' bosss, tell 'im he neeeds ta meeet t'iss guy." Turning back he address the mech infront of him. "Sshouldn't be t' long, take a seeet?"
"We will stand."
Three beams later a door to the side of the room opens and a heavyset mech, as stained with fluids as his waiting-area comes through to stop in the doorway, raising an optic ridge he mentally weighs up the mechs standing in front of him. "Ya the guys that wanted to see me?" A nod was his response. "Wha' ya want?"
"You have an office?"
"Of a sort."
"It would be best if we speak there." A slight ruffle attracts the machanic's attention to a small winged creature perched on the shoulder of the maroon mech. A bemused expression takes up residence upon his features a he studies the creature, some what dazed.
"Sure, come on back, though ya might wan' ta watch ya step." Leading the mechs to his workshop, his gaze keeps flickering back to the small creature.
The workshop is of a split personality; tables and tools are spotlessly clean in stark contrast to the oil, mech fluids and even damage parts that litter the floor. The mechanic leads against one of the tables as he regards the three mech again; optics lingering upon Trijade, finally curiosity gets the better of him.
"'ee don't look like one a Vector Sigma's." With indication to Trijade, grinning slightly.
"He is Mine." Datasnipe's response seams to dim the mechanic's grin while raising his optic ridges in surprise.
"'im too?" This time he indicates Soundwave with a teasing tone, whose blood red visor glows slightly while remaining silent. The mechanic waits a response while looking at the visor. The silence starts to become suffocating, it feels as if the visor is burning its way into his brain slowly heating it up. The mechanic's attention snaps away, visually unnerved by the experience.
"Ugh. 'kay, soo... Wha' can I do for yers?"
"A respectable deal on some new parts, with no questions attached." His optic ridge manages to raise even further up at this.
"Parts? Yeh don't look like ya need parts."
"We can always take our custom elsewhere."
"Right, right. I was just thinkin' out loud." He relents. "So, wha ya need?"
"You have a working terminal?" The mechanic indicates the wall opposite the door. Stepping towards the wall Datasnipe can make out a screen and data input slot imbedded within it. Removing a datapad from sub-space he copies a file to the terminal.
"I believe you have contacts who are in a position to supply these items." Keeping one optic on the dark blue mech, the mechanic moves to the terminal himself and proceeds to read the list of items.
"Sure, I've got a few of these in now, just need a bit a cleanin' up."
"No, these need to be new components. No seconds."
Turning to favour the maroon mech with a confused look he comments "Wha's wrong with seconds? New is costly." Quirking a half smile he continues "Got a problem walkin' about with another mech's bits in ya?"
"New will not fall apart within a week."
"Hmm... I'll need ta talk with my suppliers."
"Fine, we will be back in two planetary rotations, if the parts are here we will discuses prices, compared to your competition of course."
>Snort> "I'm the best non-legit mechanic around."
>Ark> >Ark> Trijade responds ruffling his wing slightly
"Who ever said we needed a mechanic? Two rotations." Was the dark, quiet response. With this both of the dark mechs and their companion depart, leaving the mechanic feeling slightly disturbed for reasons he could not place.
Outside, Datasnipe voices his thoughts to his two companions, as they continue their journey to the next location.
"I believe he will be the one most likely to obtain the parts we require, though we will visit a couple of others in case he fails, and to give the impression of shopping around, to ensure the best price."
"Mechanic: Suspicious."
"More curios I would think. Though in his line of work he'll know to keep most of it to himself."
"Quick to trust."
"He knows Trijade would not of been created through legitimate means, and so knows we are familiar with these kind of dealings."
>whirl>
After visiting several more questionable businesses, in various different districts, with similar results, the conventional rest cycle is due to begin shortly and the trio are making their way back towards the centre of the city.
"I whish to make arrangements for some of the more sensitive parts before we retire for the day." Soundwave listens to his mentor intently. "These parts are too sophisticated be acquired from back ally mechanics. We will need to go to someone more influential, though the problem is how to convince them to get us the components without informing those who would claim the project as their own." Soundwave's visor flashes once. >Sigh> "It is a shame we do not posses any black mail material, we will just have to play it as we see it, I suppose." Soundwave considers his elder's words carefully.
The central area of Encrypmetro is almost gleaming, no unauthorized posters or graffiti are located upon any wall, nor is the ground littered with waste materials. The streets are almost abandoned by the city's citizens and a soft silence fills the air; as most mechs have returned home from work to rest and the students have yet to venture fourth once more to the local bars and clubs.
In the eastern area one building looks almost crystalline as it rises from the ground. Shimmering as light refracts though it and reflects off of it, it gives any onlookers the slightly mystic impression that it's glowing. In sharp contrast to this angelic image two dark figures approach with a purposeful pace, seemingly ignorant of the visual splendour of the building.
Through the automatic transparent doors, they walk through a waiting area much like those they had visited earlier that rotation, though there are differences. This waiting area is in as pristine a condition as the external visage of the building its self, no mech fluid stains these floors, nor do dented and rusting assistants hide behind laser proof glass to deal with new arrivals.
"Good day to you. How can we at Encrypmetro Central Infirmary help you this fine day?" The highly polished receptionist behind the desk smiles the friendly greeting to the two as they approach.
"We wish to speak with senior director Mediquack." Datasnipe spoke with authority, Soundwave silently flanking him a single stride behind.
"Do you have an appointment sir?"
"Tell him we have business to discus."
"Of course sir. One moment please, sir, while I contact him." The receptionist turns away from them to access a terminal to the lower corner of the, facing away from the visitors. A few seconds later the an image of another gleaming mech appears on the terminal screen. "Sorry to bother you senior director, but there are a couple of mechs here who would like to see you. They say they have business to discus with you."
"And just who might these mechs be, that they think that I would have time from their irrelevant concerns?" He practically sneered in contempt.
"Tell him 'Datasnipe'." The maroon mech commanded without waiting to be asked, causing the receptionist to jump slightly.
"One of the says his name is Datasnipe, senior director." The young mech relays.
"Datasnipe?" Mediquack ponders this a moment "Maroon and green?" With a quick glance to confirm his colouring the receptionist confirms.
"Yes sir."
>Snort> "I can guess who the other will be then. Alright, send them up." The transmission is severed before he can hear the receptionist's acknowledgement.
"At once sir." Smiling to the two again, he directs them "If you please take the elevator to post-ground level 37, section blue, turn right and then the second left, the offices are labelled." Datasnipe nodded his acknowledgement as he proceeded towards the indicated elevator, Soundwave right beside him.
Following the given instructions they are soon able to find the desired office. Stopping in front of the door without knocking Datasnipe turns to his protégée.
"Soundwave you are about to me one of the most disgusting self serving mech, it has ever been my displease to encounter. Try not to let him trick you into saying something you might later regret, this... thing is an expert at blackmail, give him nothing that could be used against you. He is going to be difficult enough just with seeing the list of items we require."
"Acknowledged." Nodding his approval, the professor pushed the button on the side of the door, at moment later it swished open to admit the two.
Inside, behind a grand and obviously expensive desk, sat a short to medium height mech; whose outer plating was so highly polished that light reflecting off of it refused to acknowledge its true colour. He smirked, a self-opinionated superior look on his features as Datasnipe stepped before him. Trijade, who until now had been silent in the medical facility, squawked loudly in protest at the dismissive look, one would give a biological insect, that was directed to himself and his companion. This only made his smugness increase until his optics spotted the dark blue mech with them.
"Whose this?" The senior director sneered at Soundwave. "When that fool downstairs said two mechs I had assumed he'd included your pet."
>Ark> Soundwave's visor glows slightly in annoyance.
"Clearly your personnel are incapable of counting correctly, fortunate for someone with your private business ventures. As for him he is an assistant of mine, beyond that is of no concern of yours at this time."
>Snort> "What do you want Datasnipe?"
"A few specialist components." He responded while passing a data disk to the corrupt medical director.
Mediquack uploads the file to his terminal. As he reads over the list his optics widen in surprise before a slow dark smirk takes up residence upon his lips.
"An small empty spark chamber and neural net components?" Looking back to Datasnipe he continues. "Sounds like someone thinks he knows better than Vector Sigma, and is building himself a new pet."
>Ark>
"And, with subspace generators and transformation cogs, it must be a very sophisticated new pet. Planning on binning the old one?" Soundwave's visor brightens slightly, as both he and his mentor struggle with them selves to remain civil to the creature before them.
"The purpose of the components should not concern you, only how much you think you are going to get for them." Sickly yellow optics seamed to flicker in amusement; Mediquack sweetens his voice as he responds.
"Of course not. After all we're all doing our bit to defend this city." Optics narrow, as his smirk turns into a sly smile. "And considering how good your current pet is at spying for you, the council must be jumping for joy at the prospect of an even more advanced one to help them protect this city." Datasnipe silently fumes as the obnoxious mech lays out his obvious plans for blackmail, while Soundwave and Trijade's red visors slowly increased their angry glow with each word but maintained their own silence. "How strange it is for the council not to contact me directly for the components required."
"We could always take our business else where Mediquack."
"True, but now there's a record of you being here. I wonder what the council think if they where to find out about your visit."
>Ark> Datasnipe's optics narrow in visual agreement with his small companion.
"Do you not think the council would be curious about the reason I came to you."
"Don't act so silly, we both know enough of them see work from me themselves for that not to be even a consideration."
"What do you want Mediquack?"
"Oh... nothing much." Datasnipe's optics narrow to slits. "Just five times the asking price of the components... for starters."
Seeing the project quickly becoming impossible to complete, without loosing it to the city council or academy leaders, in the face of Mediquack's greed; Soundwave searches his memory backs fruitlessly for a solution.
"That is ridiculous."
"I'm sure the academy would be willing to pay if you have financial difficulties, though you would have to explain the purpose of the items, of course." Mediquack's optics darken. "Oh... and the price just when up to six time, you know cost of inflation these days."
Soundwave's visor glows scarlet in fury, at the self-serving greediness of the blackmailer before him. 'Blackmailer?' He recalls Datasnipe mentioning his glumness at a lack of blackmail material before coming here. 'No counter material, result: - Mediquack: continues increasing price, project: lost.'
"What makes you think the council would believe your claim?" The self-assured, overconfident look of success Mediquack is giving Datasnipe, gives Soundwave the urge to send a signal strong enough to his mind to fry something.
Clarity hits Soundwave like a mental tidal wave, the material he needs to save the project is in Mediquack's mind. Claming himself quickly, he extends his mind into the room and easily locates the slimy mental waves of the smaller mech.
"Dose it matter if they don't? They'll still investigate the claim." Following the waves to their origin, Soundwave is relived that the mech's overconfidence extends to his mental shields, allowing him to pass though them quickly, without alerting the mech. Shifting through recent memory, he locates a recent dealing in which Mediquack altered the form of another mech to the point that he was no longer recognisable to all but the most sophisticated scanning devices. Darkstorm, a known assassin, wanted by authorities across Cybertron. Knowing that despite the percussions taken to keep this transaction a secret, there is enough information in the infirmary's permanent records to convict Mediquack if someone where to look for it; Soundwave had his counter material.
"Would also investigate claim of Darkstorm's visit here." The dark monotone voice rang out, attracting the attention of the other three mechs in the room.
>Whirl>
"Wha?" Mediquack's good mood shattered. "Darkstorm has never been here. Why would he?" Understanding the change of situation immediately, Datasnipe resumes the negotiations, a slight half-smile ticking at his lips.
"Then you have nothing to fear from us informing the council of our own theories, do you Mediquack?" Datasnipe starts towards the door. "Come, lets not waste any more of the director's time. If we leave now we could catch some of the late workers at the council hall."
"WAIT!" Datasnipe stops to face the now panicking Mediquack once more, the director clears his intake valves before continuing. "Maybe I was being a bit hasty on that price."
"Aiding level-alpha criminal, minimum punishment: Five orns at Asteroid mining prison."
"Err... recommended retail plus sourcing commission?"
"Potential for personality chip removal."
>Whirl>
"T-T-Tell y-you what, s-since y-your buying s-so many com-components, why don't I give you a discount? Say eighty percent off?" Yellow optics flickered between the two larger mechs before him. "Seventy? Sixty? Fifty then, you can't ask farer than half-price now can you?"
>Whirl> Datasnipe exchanges a look with Soundwave before nodding his approval.
"Alright half price it is. How soon can you have the components?" Mediquack visibly relaxes at this agreement.
"All of it's in storage now, but I probably wont be able to sneak it out over the next five rotations, too many students end up coming in during the rest period. How about I call you at the academy when I get them?"
"No, this is personal. We will return at the end of the five rotations to see if you have them then."
"Of course, what ever you say Datasnipe." The trio turn from the still shaken mech, and just reach the door before his voice calls them back. "By the way how did you know about that?" The door slides open as the professor responds.
"Now, now, Mediquack, you really should not concern yourself about that. Good day Mediquack." With that, they leave the office, then the infirmary.
Walking back to the Academy, the streets are starting to become busy with student, again; so the trio keep to the less popular routes to avoid any unwanted attention.
"My thanks for your assistance, Soundwave. Mediquack was being most troublesome."
"Information retrieval essential for project survival."
>Whirl> Datasnipe smiles knowingly at this.
"Quite, though I was wondering if you found it... disturbing?"
"Define."
"Invading another's mind without their permission."
"Actions: Required."
"So you are not guilty over what happened?"
"Negative."
>Whirl> Datasnipe nods his acceptance. They walk in silence for a few beams, before the professor decides that now might be the best time to approach another private and potentially sensitive matter.
"Soundwave, do you have plans for tomorrow night?"
"Previous arrangements: Negative."
"There is a meeting that I am attending. It is to do with the future of our race and those who will shape it. I believe you would find most informative. Would you care to accompany me?" Trijade looks at Soundwave questioningly.
>Whirl> Looking at Trijade, Soundwave considers for a moment before answering.
"Invitation: Accepted."
>Whirl>
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Author's Notes:
1st) I reserve the right to add, prior the "several more questionable businesses" reference, actual description of what occurred in one or two locations if I get a sudden jolt of inspiration for them while writing a later chapter/story.
2nd) My apologies for the length (9 pages at font 10 in MS: Word) I considered splitting it but couldn't decide on a suitable braking point, as its all part of the same bit of the story – emphasising how far Soundwave will go for the project. In fact every time I re-read it I added more to it
3rd) If anyone is wondering why Darkstorm sounds familiar, you just might be a Visionaries fan ;) He was the leader of the Darkling Lords all of which are copy right of Hasbro/Marvel.
4th) Why dosen't like stars? I use them for sounds :( as you might of guessed I replased them with >
5th) Finally, if by some miracle you've made it through this chapter, please review, even if its criticism or just a "I made it." :)
Many thanks to everyone who has read this.
Especialy:
Soundwave's idol: Who has been reading since I first posted. Hope this continues to meet with your approval.
Kim Kinne, FireflyST, and spleh Thank you for the suport :)