Chapter 7 Highlight: SOUNDWAVE
No information. No data. Soundwave stared at the empty files in complete silence, calculating a reasonable answer in his processor; no results. Even without his emotions, his processor took time to calculate and formulate logical explanations… a small cloud of rage rose within him, but was quickly terminated. Zero results and negative answers ailed him… he hated this. Although some would say hate was an emotion, Soundwave theorized that hate was not a collective emotion… but rather a state of mind. To hate meant to despise, to despise meant to dislike… dislike did not register as an emotion and therefore was a state of mind. Once hate became one with emotion, it is known as rage or fury.
But how could there be no existing data about this "Sursanic System" that Sixshot had described? Did he just invent the term or was it a non-official designation? It seemed logical to believe that such a place did not exist… yet Sixshot was willing to eradicate all who said otherwise. Megatron demanded a full report regarding the given destination; how could he formulate one without knowledge or information surrounding the system? Soundwave pondered this for a while, generating all possible scenarios and selected the most promising. His report went as follows:
INFORMATIVE REPORT: SURSANIC SYSTEM
All knowledge and data regarding this system cease to exist currently. Size and space capacity unknown. Several worlds conceivable to exist within. Probability of fifty percent that at least one planet is teeming with life forms of indefinite body structures and capabilities. Logical to assume that this system is a potentially hostile environment with undetermined matter concealed within. Recommendation: sufficient caution with safety protocols retained and applied as necessary.
Soundwave submitted the report to his leader and returned to his respective post. His sensitive audio receptors detected Megatron's fury over his report and shut it out along with every noise on the vessel. It was imperative to maintain absolute silence to be able to process clearly. Plugging into the computer, he used a certain program to view all the files and their data stored within his memory banks. Sifting through every file, every scrap of data would take time… he was well aware of this. Since he had evolved from Sparkling to mech, he had been hacking into systems, overcoming the firewalls, and downloading all the information with them. No archive was secure from his intangible grasp over information and data.
Eons ago, Soundwave had been a librarian in one of the many archives across Cybertron but unlike the other clerks who processed and filed, he analyzed and downloaded every piece of communication that passed through the communication Grid. Later he decided to hack into the archive itself and literally downloaded every scrap of data contained in the vast databanks. A fellow colleague known ironically enough as Download, reported Soundwave to the head clerk who had him expelled from the archive. Not a problem. From there, he journeyed to the other archives, worked in them, downloaded every piece of data, and was expelled from each one respectively. Each time, he learned not to trust anyone and went about as a rogue Cybertronian.
Although he had committed thousands of infractions, not one appeared on his record… he had hacked into the Cybertronian Police forces' information servers, downloaded all the data, and wiped his own file clean of infractions. In time, he soon controlled every data stream on Cybertron and in a sense, was in control over the entire planet! After spending decades of searching, the enforcers of the Codex of Praxus eventually arrested and imprisoned Soundwave within the Iacon National prisons which he served two stellar-spans in. Once word reached the military about this extraordinary mastermind hacker, they set out to recruit him and placed him as the overseer of communications.
With his new title of Communications Officer, Soundwave sought out to master another skill: espionage. Trained by the great self-designated Spymaster, he proved better and could infiltrate any meeting with little resistance encountered. Eventually he infiltrated a meeting, in which a brutal mech named Vorath planned on scrapping some helpless Minicons, and revealed himself, kicked aft, and rescued the small army of Minicons. He grew attached to the small Cybertronians and befriended them, training and re-engineering them for his own purposes, and also naming them respectively. Soon he had Laserbeak, Ravage, Rumble, Frenzy, Buzzsaw, Overkill, Beastbox, Squawktalk, Slugfest, Soundbyte, and Whitefang loyal and ready to serve him. Taking some scientific courses, he soon developed a way to transport the little robots within himself whenever he pleased. Together, they infiltrated, spied, and downloaded data which now rests in his databanks.
The final skill he began to master shortly after was sonic energy. Close examination and studying led to his sheer and limitless control over its adaptable properties. Soundwave discovered methods to amplify it at will, unleash sonic waves out of his hands and shoulder-mounted cannon, manipulate its energies to generate an indestructible sonic energy field, and apply it to his vocal processor to alter it and mimic any sound he desired. Lastly, Soundwave found a way to harness the sonic energies to defy all set Laws of Physics to alter it into matter-like energy. Doing so, he was able to radiate the energy into such high temperatures it could disintegrate an opponent with nary a shot and penetrate through walls up to four hundred meters thick of Cybertanium. This incredible discovery led to his lethal creation of his dreaded Sonic Cannons.
From there on, things began to escalate drastically, with Soundwave and his army of Minicons (renamed Saboteurs) trusting no one and handling matters in their own way. Megatron joined the military and began to rise through the rank system rapidly; Blackout sided with the powerful soldier and pledged undying loyalty; Shockwave- although infinitely patient- conducted an experiment that damaged his circuitry, thus rendering him mad; Starscream found favour with and proved to be a valuable asset to Megatron; and threat of a new faction arose. Soundwave observed each event silently, watching the inevitable cloud of civil war beginning to overcast upon their peaceful homeworld. Of course Soundwave only wished to be on the winning side and if Megatron wished to rule, he would not stand in his way. So he too pledged allegiance to the new general.
"File 987 005 432 544: positive." The computer read.
Soundwave glanced at the screen and immediately accessed the file entitled: Mysteries beyond the Gridder Mark. Within it were several thousand journal entries, a couple hundred data files, and about twenty high-definition photographs and statistic graphs.
Smirking slightly, he began to view the information about the Sursanic System… it was obvious that someone had deleted such files. By now he had a location, an estimate size of the system, and much more important data regarding it. Quickly he began to generate a new report that went as follows:
INFORMATIVE REPORT: SURSANIC SYSTEM
All knowledge and data regarding this system cease to exist in sufficient quantities to comprehend the full extent of the system. Size larger than the Cybertronic System and space capacity greater than several other systems. Twenty known worlds exist within; conceivable to believe others are also in existence. Probability of eighty-three percent that at least two planets are teeming with life forms of indefinite body structures and capabilities; one has been confirmed under specific identification. Logical to assume that this system is potentially hostile, mostly comprised of undetermined matter. Recommendation: sufficient caution with safety protocols retained and applied as necessary.
SUB-INFORMATIVE REPORT: PLANET WEREKESPAIR
Little to nothing is currently known about the world of WereKespair but some knowledge has been gathered and accumulated to depict a possible view. Size approximately larger than Cybertron due to statistical data regarding empty gross mass; space capacity occupied by hard surface and a new pure substance classified as dihydrogen monoxide or simply water. Probable to assume that several nation-states currently are established on the planet. Data of the most up-to-date report identifies intelligent life that appears to resemble Canine lupine species inhabiting the land, and unknown marine or aquatic creatures residing in the water. Canine lupine species can be compared to those of the now-extinct life forms of Rystolth. Logical to assume that this planet is potentially hostile, as the main species are known to act out in violence. Recommendation: sufficient caution with safety protocols retained and applied as necessary.
Better. Obtained, analyzed data would serve him well. Not knowing what one would be getting oneself into, blinded one's sense of instinct and therefore neutralized all sense of judgement. This is why information and knowledge is power, Soundwave ultimately decided. Now to give Megatron the report he would not scrap him for…
Casually, he got up and walked briskly over to his infuriated leader, saluted, and awaited permission to proceed with his report.
"This is disappointing, Soundwave." Megatron crushed the previous report in his hand, "I demanded a report and YOU generate a pitiful excuse to your lack of sufficient knowledge. I hope you have good reasons for making such an unacceptable error…"
Soundwave remained silent as the Decepticon leader berated him. Despite the fact that the menacing robot in front desired to terminate his communications officer, Soundwave knew better. He was well-aware that if Megatron risked losing the war, he would do so.
"Well, what say you?"
"That report was falsely encrypted…" Soundwave replied as he gave Megatron the report, "I finally found suitable information to please you and eradicate your fury towards me. It appears that my initial hypothesis stands correct: the information has been deleted. Fortunately for your sake that I have downloaded all the archives before such information had been terminated."
"MY SAKE?"
"Affirmative. It neither concerns me negatively nor positively. In your case, Lord Megatron, you would have descended upon a planet with no knowledge about it and could have been subject to either stasis-lock or termination."
Megatron eyed his subordinate in the optic; Soundwave stood his ground. The Decepticon leader was aware that Soundwave pledged loyalty but that did not entirely mean that he trusted his Master. But he also knew that the Communications Officer was concerned and not treacherous… yet. Quietly he told himself that his soldier meant no harm… unlike some to name a few: Bludgeon, Ramjet, Banzaitron...
"Very well." Megatron clearly had relaxed, much to Soundwave's relief, "I appreciate your level of concern and your report, Soundwave."
As the Decepticon leader clasped his hand on Soundwave's shoulder, at first Soundwave was alarmed but then he too ceased the sudden rush of adrenaline.
"You are my subordinate and my friend, Soundwave… never forget that I am NOT against you."
"… I understand, my lord."
"Dismiss yourself at will."
Soundwave bowed and returned to his post once more. Further data and information regarding this planet of WereKespair seemed to identify the position of the powerful energy source to be on it. A quick scan of the energy source seemed to regulate a stronger signal; they had gotten closer.
He estimated the journey to be approximately fifteen stellar-spans if they could travel in a straight line towards the planet, but with all the matter within the cosmos, he estimated perhaps even twenty. Such a distance from Rystolth to the Ostarice System to the Gridder Mark and finally to WereKespair had never been completed before and therefore there were no logs to peek into for an ETA (estimate time of arrival). As he read over his calculations, he began to doubt if travelling such a distance was achievable when Energon was scarce.
It was utterly hopeless it seemed; the war that had consumed Cybertron in death had also destroyed the only known source of Energon in the known Universe. Nowhere in the vast outstretches of the cosmos contained the slightest source of it… the inevitable would not be eluded this time and they would all rust and die eventually…
Unless he could do something to slow down the rate of their extinction, they may have a chance against the odds of Fate. Perhaps Shockwave had a failsafe plan to ensure their survival until they would reach the planet of WereKespair. Although there were precious few Energon cubes on board the Nemesis, they were reserved for Lord Megatron, Starscream, and Blackout only. It had been decacycles since the spymaster had tasted the essential liquid.
But where was that maddened scientist anyways? Soundwave glanced at the empty seat where the scientist once was, a little confused by the sudden disappearance. No matter, he had to be located; besides, there was no way for him to leave the Nemesis… but then again, Shockwave was mad enough to do so.
Cautiously, Soundwave began to locate the one-eyed Decepticon's position until he heard Megatron's bellowing voice ordering him to find his pet mad scientist. With little to no issue, the Communications Officer had a fixed location on Shockwave's position: he was within the experimentation room.
"Shockwave located, Lord Megatron."
"Go and inform him of the report you have given me, Soundwave." The order was sharp and deliberate.
At once Soundwave left the bridge and transformed into his alt-mode- a Cybertronian communications vehicle- and drove down the length of the passageway. The Nemesis was so vast that it literally took five millicycles to travel from the bridge to the experimentation room, located in the mid-section of the vessel. When he had finally arrived, Shockwave was present in the room along with the Air Commander Starscream and the two were engaged in a private conversation. Private, eh? Soundwave thought to himself and decided to eavesdrop…
"…the Sursanic System is a complex environment filled with disgusting creatures," the first voice was cold and devoid of emotion… Shockwave, "It would be prudent to infiltrate the world of WereKespair immediately, overrun it, obtain the source of power, and…"
"And how do YOU know of this system, Shockwave?" Starscream growled, "If you have known about it during that meeting, why did you choose NOT inform Lord Megatron of this knowledge you possess?"
"My reasons are that of my own. Let me just state that I HAVE been there previously… I know where it is and what the exact specifications of the system are. A simple solution of invasion with Megatron not comprehending of what he would be getting into would be all in correspondence to my plans."
"You wish to KILL Megatron?"
"I rather him NOT interfering with my non-linear plans," Shockwave retorted, "No. I do not wish to have our leader terminated but if he is blinded from all current knowledge about the planet, would result in him granting me permission to conduct my experiments without refusal."
"YOU'RE MAD!"
"Naturally. And you are a senseless idiot for also being blinded from the inevitable truth: if we don't obtain the resources of WereKespair we will ALL perish."
"Perish? What are you hinting at, Shockwave?" He was given a chart of statistics, "WereKespair is the only planet aside from Cybertron that can produce Energon naturally?"
"Precisely."
Soundwave's optics widened once he heard this. Energon? A new source produced naturally? Then they would not perish! Cybertronians would be enduring for millenniums to come!
"You are AWARE that Soundwave is most likely listening in on this and may inform Megatron, correct?" the Air Commander knew better, "And we could be 'executed' for having this kind of conversation?"
At hearing this, the Communications Officer decided to enter the room, casually, pretending not to be aware of what had been occurring.
"Greetings, fellow Decepticons." He nodded to both surprised officers.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE, Soundwave?" Shockwave seemed to have engaged in an emotion: anger.
Soundwave handed Shockwave the report, "Megatron claimed that you may want to look over this… unless you were already aware of what awaits us in the Sursanic System."
The two exchanged worried glances.
"I… should report back to the bridge…" Starscream hurried out of the room, hoping that Soundwave would not expose to Megatron the conversation… after all, he DID trust no one.
Knowing the fury within Shockwave had subsided due his emotionless state of mind, the spymaster waited for the Air Commander to be gone before he continued to speak.
"I am actually intrigued from the conversation you and Starscream had."
"Now you're going to report us to Megatron?" Shockwave turned away, and went to sharpening a blade to place on his left arm… obviously he knew that they had to prepare for WereKespair.
"Time will tell." Soundwave glanced at the scientist, "What is the estimate time of arrival from here to this system, Shockwave? You said YOU were there before."
"Patience is a virtue, Soundwave. Besides, in order for my plans to unfold into Megatron's in perfect harmony, all I need is time."
Wanting a better view of what Shockwave was currently doing, Laserbeak was deployed to the rafters above while the spymaster continued, "And what did you mean by 'produces Energon naturally'… I thought that it was impossible for any other planet aside from Cybertron?"
Shockwave shrugged.
A period of silence fell over the two.
"I have need of you in my plans, Soundwave. It will require deploying you immediately off the Nemesis and sending you ahead of the Decepticon Fleet first. Once you arrive, you are to scout the planet, discovering further information as you can, and eliminating any wandering Autobots that may be there. Interested?"
You have need of me? Immediately Soundwave processed that this was perhaps TOO good to be true. Knowing Shockwave, it would be madness becoming a reality; in simpler terms: his insanity coming to life. He was well-aware that whenever the scientist calculated something, he seemed to always neglect to include one fundamental universal constant- chaos. But he seemed to have included the factor that Soundwave desired to fill his circuitry with information and data… where would be a better place to do so than on the planet?
"Affirmative." The Communications Officer nodded and raised his arm, beckoning Laserbeak to return.
Shockwave turned to face him, mentioned something in coded language, and then the two walked back to the bridge to report to Megatron.
"Shockwave… did you receive Soundwave's report?" Megatron's voice had a little growl to it.
"A planet such as that description could easily be captured within a single strike." The scientist smirked.
"Captured? All I want is the power; the planet can be obliterated once I have obtained this."
"Very good then, sir. I have a request: I wish to use Soundwave's services for a time that will aid in the success of my experiments. There is a probability that he will NOT be available for your services for a period of time… a rough estimate of twenty stellar-spans perhaps less."
His only response was a raised optic of confusion.
"It will also benefit our operations on WereKespair… recall the triumph over Tyger Pax when you permitted Soundwave to assist my experiments and other undertakings I had for him."
"You have my acquiescence." Megatron stared Shockwave down in the optic, "If I discover that your intentions were otherwise… be prepared to face my wrath."
Observing the conversation quietly, Soundwave watched as Shockwave fed Megatron mere scraps of his plans, not once mentioning the enriched features of the planet or the fact that he had been there before. By the same token, neither did he… it seemed prudent to keep his opinion to himself. Yet, what put him on edge was Shockwave's plan to leave Megatron blinded from the truth until the Nemesis would make berth on the world.
Approximately a cycle later, he was alone with Shockwave in a hangar with a small one-crew vessel equipped with some weaponry: two Delta-class Hypersonic Fusillade Concussion blasters were mounted on the edge of the wings, several standard ACC-8 cannons, and a couple of surface-to-air and air-to-air FAF rockets. All together it was in a sense, an enlarged and upgraded Decepticon fighter. The scientist explained the performance statistics; with this vessel, he could reach WereKespair within a number of solar-cycles.
Other important features included a cloaking device to stealthily descend upon the planet with little to none detection, a conversion cog that will permit the ship to become a small communications centre with excellent radar systems, and most importantly a databank containing Soundwave's entire mission once he makes planet-fall with WereKespair. To maintain absolute "non-alien" presence upon the world, the vessel had a cryogenic regeneration chamber added to it. Most of his Minicons would not be concerned with the need to blend in; some will… this addition was to ensure Soundwave to assimilate with- as Shockwave referred it in his impractical way- "Mother Nature".
"The coordinates have already been inserted into the mainframe of the vessel's computer system. Do you understand all the functions of this vessel?"
"Certainly." The Communications Officer summoned all his Minicons to him, "If I fail my mission and become rendered inert, you may want to seek refuge from Megatron's wrath… if you CAN escape it that is…"
Shockwave chuckled, "Then DON'T fail me; the future of the Decepticon cause depends on your success and your ability to deliver."
Rolling his optics, Soundwave climbed into the cockpit after all his Minicons had been stored within him, and primed the engines. Seconds later, the floor gave way and the vessel fell out and blasted off for parts unknown to most Cybertronians…