Prime Blood Skycracker Chapter 5 (Soundwave becomes interested in Commander Skywarp, but has her spark had a chance to heal?)

0~~~~~~~~~~~~~0

With in a few weeks, Soundwave and Galvatron are settled into the war room discussing battle plans and tactics. Galvatron brings up the looming subject, "And the Seekers?"

Soundwave is for once grateful for the mono-tone, "What of them?" But he forgot who he was talking to. Galvatron has known him far, far longer. He leans in.

"Don't use that tone with me." Soundwave only uses the mono tone with the others. Only Galvatron has heard him modulate. Galvatron knows Soundwave uses it with him when he is trying to hide something. "What is it? What have you found out?"

How could Soundwave tell him that he personally stopped reviewing the bug in Skywarp's quarters because he felt like a pervert? Soundwave regretting his sneaky spying ways? Most people would laugh at the compunction.

Galvatron is waiting for an answer. Soundwave coughs and goes back into modulation mode, "Sorry, sir. The team seems to be coming around. The last two raids have produced the Energon we needed and no injuries were reported by the med-bay."

Galvatron huffs and sits back, "Pansy runs!"

Soundwave barks, "And who ordered them? Not I."

Galvatron once again narrows his gaze, "Careful, Soundwave. You forget your place." Soundwave doesn't move. Galvatron takes his silence as an apology. "Yes, the team did well on an easy run. I was more interested in Skywarp's leadership than the actual team. Your assessment?"

"Let's see how they do against the Autobots. Let's hit Iacon."

Galvatron rest his head on an open palm, "Why?"

"Time to test their defenses again. Time to put the Seekers to the test as well." Galvatron chuckles at Soundwave's idea. "Test our own team by testing the enemy's defenses. Cute, I like it. Call in Skywarp."

Soundwave taps his communications link, /Skywarp to the war room./ Galvatron watches Soundwave carefully, something has changed in him since Skywarp took command. Galvatron wonders if Soundwave doesn't like a female commander.

But before he can pose the question, the chime on the door is heard. "Enter," Galvatron calls. Skywarp saunters in and stands at attention. Although, Galvatron does enjoy the sight of a female standing erect before him ready to do his bidding, he motions for his commander to sit. She does and crosses her legs in a very lady like fashion.

Galvatron smirks over to Soundwave. The door closes behind her. "So it seems that you are quite enjoying your new status."

She nods respectfully, "Commander of the Seekers is an honor."

Galvatron laughs heartily, "I was referring to the status of femme."

She smiles at the joke and rotates her shoulders in a way that eases kinks, "Yes, that too is quite a relief." The move just accentuates her female attributes as well. Soundwave can feel the rise in his own temperature. He is afraid his stoic façade is slipping right now. He wants to badly to touch her. And then she looks at him, "Are you alright?" Slag, it does show.

He can't speak or his voice will squeak out a lie. Instead he turns to Galvatron and motions he is ready to continue the meeting. Now Galvatron can see it, the femme's body has Soundwave distracted. He actually chuckles. So, stoic Soundwave does have emotions of physical desires. Interesting. Soundwave frowns.

Galvatron turns back to Skywarp, "Are the Seekers ready to put their wings where their mouths lead?"

Skywarp knows she could answer with a lie, or with cockiness, or any number of other lines. But she takes a note from Starscream: cut the scrap and get to the point, "We are your soldiers. What are your orders?"

Galvatron raises an optic-brow, "Straight to the point. Nice." He nods to Soundwave, "Time to put the Seekers against Prissy Prime's defenses. Hit Iacon. I want to see what you come back with."

Skywarp seems freeze for a moment. Then pulls herself together, "Who else will go?"

"We will. This will be, ah how do you say, a military review. A test, an assessment. Soundwave and I will stand watch." He leans in, "I suggest you make your move successful. I would hate to have to cover your extraction. Understood?" She nods. "Good. We leave in half a cycle. Go prepare your team." She stands up and silently tips her head to each of the commanders.

She makes it across the command center in her own prideful leadership stride. But as soon as she clears the room, she doubles over and can't catch her breath. It's like a shaft has been driven deep into her spark chamber…again. She knows she has to get herself together. Carefully she stands up and has to get her plan together. What is she going to do?

And then she looks back to the command center. Lazerbeak flies back in and settles himself on the down-load console. He is waiting for his commander. Settled on the chair of Soundwave's communications area, is sleeping Ravage. Skywarp knows she is taking a huge risk, but she has nothing to loose and one thing to save. She softly walks over to the communications area. Lifting her crooked finger to the bird she talks softly, "Hey there Lazerbeak. How are the cross winds today?" The bird dips his head to a fellow flyer letting her finger rub the crown of his head. Then he stretches for her finger to run down his neck and back. Not to be denied, Ravage lifts his nose into the palm of her other hand. He licks her palm and then rubs his cheek into her fingernails. He lets her nails dig into his chin.

She is so calmed by the animals' touch that she doesn't hear the footsteps behind her. But she does hear the soft voice, "Lazerbeak, what do you have?" The bird lifts his head to Soundwave. Clearly he wasn't happy having to have his moment of petting interrupted. Skywarp stands aside so Soundwave can do his job. But he is curious why she is here and not with her own team as per instructed. Lazerbeak answers his commander's request by settling in and downloading the information about his recon to Iacon.

Skywarp asks carefully, "Is that the layout to Iacon?" Soundwave nods. Trying it hide all emotions in her voice she asks the next question, "Do you know where the living quarters are?" Soundwave looks at her curiously, that is a very odd area to be concerned about. But he points to a section of the map. She tries to sound in command but there is a waiver to her voice, "There is no point in hitting that area. We should avoid it at all costs."

She tries to keep her optics on the map because she knows her face will give it all away. Soundwave studies her carefully. He knows there is something more she knows. He leans in, but she just turns her face away from him. That was the confirmation he needed. Grabbing her arm, he pulls her away from the consol, "Follow me." Releasing her arm, he leads the way to his quarters but checks the hall to make sure no one else sees or follows them. He points to Ravage, "Stand guard." Ravage takes his guard dog stance. Taking Skywarp's arm gently, he pushes her inside and seals the door.

Skywarp stands at attention and watches him. Soundwave paces the room for a moment gathering his own thoughts, then reaches up and switches off a hidden spy device. Swiftly he swings around and grabs her wing tips. But ever so slowly, with power behind his straight arms, he pushes her up against the wall. She is pinned with her hands behind her back, her wings also pinned against the wall by his hands which makes her bust thrust out. By his stance, arms locked straight, slight bend to the waist, he lowers his head to look her directly in the optic. But she doesn't seem afraid. "Why?" he simply asks.

"There is no point in hitting the living quarters. Command post, sure. Weapons depot, absolutely. Hangar, of course."

"Liar." He seethes. "Why shouldn't I turn you over to Galvatron right now?"

"Because you have no reason to. I have done nothing."

Soundwave doesn't move. "What if I ordered it to be hit?" Now he sees it. Her breath catches like she had been shot in the chest. A slow smile spreads across his face.

She pleads softly, "Please, don't. I beg of you."

He pulls his lips into a smirk, "What are you offering in return?" He lifts a bent knee and presses it to her thigh against the sensitive sensors. An insinuating move just to check her reaction. Once again, he sees her squirm. She was no tart and his move makes her nervous. Her spark was loyal to Thunder alone. Instantly he regrets his move. He was touching her. He had seen her naked body move against her mate in perfect harmony. He knows what she is capable of. Swearing to himself, he wished she would look at him the way she looked at that slagging Seeker. Instead she was looking at him in fear and he could tell she was about to give her body in exchange for whatever was on that base. It must be something very important to her.

Scared and trying to give him a physical insinuating twist, "What do you want?"

His ploy to knock her off guard and reveal vital information was going to back fire on him in an instant. He didn't want her this way. He makes a desperate move. He drops his knee and brings modulation into his voice while pulling back the shield covering his optics. He has laid himself bare to her, "Truth. All I want is the truth. What are you protecting on that base?"

She swallows hard and her chin begins to waiver. Soundwave releases her wings but plants his knuckled fists lightly on either side of her shoulders. He will give just a little bit more space, but not enough to escape him. She can see how soft his optics are. His voice is soft and compassionate. Taking a deep breath, she takes the risk and whispers, "My son."

Soundwave swears again and drops his head. It was the last thing he expected. Yes, that would be something he would be worth sacrificing his own body for. Taking a deep breath, he turns away from her and rubs both hands over his face. She doesn't move from the wall but does bring her hands to lay against her belly. When he turns back and sees it. He had just thought it was a piece of her new armor seam. He stares at the straight line scar in her belly. He takes a seat on his bunk and looks back up to her face, "Why the Autobots? Why not us?"

She tries to stay as controlled as possible even though his own body language is clearly not as a commander. "Permission to speak freely."

He points to the device in the ceiling, "It's turned off. No, I won't repeat this to Galvatron. Relax."

She slides her back down the wall to sit with her arms wrapped tightly around her bent knees. "Thunder and I talked about this just a few days before…. We wanted our child raised in peace. Like we had been. We knew the Autobots would insure that. I don't trust Shockwave. Galvatron would either turn me into a breeding device for his army or his own personal…."

Soundwave shutters at the thought. But he eases her worries, "No, he wouldn't have done the last part. But he would ask how for Slipstream."

She considers what he says and then tips her head to the side, "Why aren't you asking how?"

He smiles tenderly, "I don't care," he lies to himself. "I have my own offspring: Rumble Frenzy."

Skywarp shakes her head, "No, Soundwave. Those are creations. Thunder and I have offspring… a sparkling conceived in love. A piece of both of us. There is a difference."

Then to her shock, his smile disappears and sighs heavily. Sadly he retorts, "Skywarp, I know the difference. More than you know." Her look asks for more information. But he looks away. Clearly the conversation has struck a chord in him.

Skywarp tries again, "Soundwave?" He looks back to her softly, "What are we going to do?"

Soundwave cocks an optic-brow at her, "We? No. You are going to do your job. I have to figure out the battle plan with Galvatron." He sighs heavily again and whispers, "Go."

Skywarp slowly stands up and looks to the door. She then goes over to Soundwave and touches his hand, "Thank you."

He doesn't let her pull away that quickly. Instead, he thumbs her ring, "He was very lucky. Not everyone finds a mate in this lifetime." His words confuse her. But then he lets go of her hand and motions for her to leave.

0~~~~~0

The next day is the attack date. The Seekers have their orders for a strafing run. Skywarp, as lead commander, confronts Prime directly. She comes straight down from the sky and proto-forms nearly on top of him drawing her sword. He draws his own and blocks her first strike. Another of his teammates comes up behind her. With a thrust to Prime, pushing him to his can, she faces the other one and severs a leg servo dropping him to the ground. Hunching her back so Prime can clearly see her large tattoo, she whirls back. She sheaths the sword and locks her fingers into a death grip with Prime's own hands. Now they are face to face in a pushing match. Softly she asks him, "Is my son safe?"

He smiles, "I knew Thundercracker was involved, but, slag you kept that secret well hidden."

She pushes him again, "Answer the question, Prime!"

His voice turns soft, "Yes, Skywarp. He is safe."

She pushes again but her voice cracks, "Is he loved?" Prime shoves back and the scuffle brings her locked into his arms. His arms lock both of her arms across her chest and he embraces her from behind. Another set of explosions blow Ransack and Bee locked in a fist fight into Prime's knees. Prime holds his mouth is directly beside Skywarp's ear as they hit the ground together. "I promise you, he will know he was conceived and raised in love. Skyfire took him away."

With a choke to her emotions, he makes it look like he punched her in the gut. "Why us?" He asks as she doubles over in tears: Her son will be raised by her beloved first Air Commander.

Her voice can't hold it in. He is supporting all her weight as she sobs but makes it look like a bitterly locked fight, "We will not win this war. And I can't watch my son die. Please, get him as far from this war as possible. I can't get out. He has a chance."

Prime tries again by flipping her to the ground and facing her, "Why not join us and be in peace with him?"

Skywarp kicks him in the gut and he stumbles back. Smiling she makes a punch to his face, "Someone has to stay in charge of the Seekers. When you win, you will need me to lead them."

Prime punches back, "Bring them all. We have room."

She draws her sword again and waits for him to draw his. The metal clashes, "Galvatron is insane. We have to keep the universe safe from his tyranny."

He swings again and she blocks this time. He laughs, "You are keeping Galvatron in check? I think not."

She curls and turns her back to him preparing for a full swing, "Do not underestimate us. You have no idea what is going on inside the base."

But her swing is blocked and now he has his sword to her neck. Prime's voice is ever so tender, "I promise to protect your son until you return. Go in peace, Skywarp. Thunderwarp is not in Iacon." With that she slams her foot down on his and he releases her to flip over his head and alt-form. Looking around, she sees all the targets have all been hit. With one final move, she fires a dagger directly at Prime's chest. It doesn't penetrate, but it does mark that she can hit her target. She calls retreat and the team flies off. With an extra spiral to her retreat, Prime laughs silently.

0~~~0

Her sparks soars as her team returns to base. All the targets Galvatron wanted hit, were. A few singed marks and a couple dents, but no major injuries. Most of all, Galvatron and Soundwave could stay in observation mode. No need for them to assist. Galvatron even makes a comment about her daring to take Prime on directly. Afraid her voice would give her away, she just nods at his support. Soundwave shows no comment at all.

The team breaks up for celebrations. Later that night, Soundwave comes to her private quarters. The first thing he does is reach up and permanently remove the spy device from her ceiling. He drops it on the floor and crushes it. She looks to him shocked. Then he steps back and leans against the wall crossing his arms over his chest. Keeping his monotone, he asks, "What did you find out?"

She actually has tears of joy on her face, "He kept his word. Thunderwarp is safe. He wasn't even there. Skyfire is protecting him." Soundwave only nods. He drops his head to look at his toe rubbing against the floor. His silence bothers her. Softly, almost whispering, "Soundwave, what is it?"

He doesn't change his stance at first. But then he finally lifts his head and looks at the sweetness and gentleness on her face. So out of place for this base. He smiles carefully, "I'm glad you got what you needed." He turns to leave the room. She quickly comes to him and lays a hand on his bicep. It stops him and he looks at her tender hand on his arm. What he wouldn't give for her to love him like she loved that wretched blue Seeker. He takes a step forward letting her hand slide from his arm. Skywarp is left wondering what she did to him. Even worse, will he keep his promise to her and remain silent with Galvatron?

But as time goes by, she finds he held to his word. But the team is beginning to shrink with Galvatron's harder and more daring strikes. He comes down hard on her when she looses Ramrod and Ransack to a suicide mission he ordered. He physically takes it out on her. "Femme or not, you shall feel my wrath for a spoiled mission." Soundwave finds himself gripping the consol while watching Galvatron wail on her with a whip and his fists. But she takes her blows. And as he stands back, she pulls herself up right, "Permission to speak freely?" It was hard to understand her with a damaged jaw.

Galvatron pants, "Yes."

"My team followed your flawed orders perfectly, SIR!"

He bellows, "Dismissed!"

"Gladly!" She retorts and heads for her quarters limping. With non verbal communication, Soundwave sends Frenzy and Ravage to see to her. Silently she slips into her quarters. With a weak smile she lets Frenzy see to her wounds from both the battle and their commander. When Frenzy leaves, Ravage looks up to her mournfully. With a soft smile, she welcomes him to her bunk. He curls up beside her. For the first time in years, she has a warm body beside her to comfort her. Wrapping both arms around his smaller warm body, she sobs. "Oh Ravage, I wish Thunder was here so badly. I miss him." Ravage turns his head to lick her cheek. He misses Thunder too. One of the few Seekers who respect him , play with him and knew that one spot that needed to be scratched.

Galvatron stomps off to his own quarters to sulk. Soundwave sees to the disposal of two more dead 'Cons. Knock Out will spend the next three days without a break putting the others back together.

When Ravage refuses to respond to Soundwave's command, he goes in search of him. As security officer, he keys in his override command code to Skywarp's quarters. The room is dark except for a lone candle burning at the corner of her alcove berth. He hears Ravage's whimper. Soundwave kneels at the side of the bunk. Switching his optics to inferred, he can see Skywarp's arms wrapped tightly around Ravage. Like a human child would clutch a stuffed toy. Soundwave places a soft hand on Ravage and softly commands, "Stay with her. Don't let that bastard touch her again. Rip his spark out if he tries." Ravage is worried by Soundwave's command against their leader. But Ravage also knows Soundwave is hurting. Soundwave begins to rise but changes his mind and leans over Skywarp's forehead, "He won't touch you again. I promise."

Skywarp mutters, "Thunder, I can handle myself. If I couldn't take it, you wouldn't see me alive. Don't fret over me. I'm not a coward."

Soundwave's voice catches in his throat at her boldness even at her physical weakest, "I know you aren't a coward. It's my job to protect you."

She sighs and speaks more clearly, "No, it's not, Soundwave. I will never have a wingman again. I protect myself. No one will die because of me again. Now leave Ravage in peace. He's had a rough day." She begins to sob again into the cat. She pleas him to leave her alone, "Please just go away. Leave us in peace." Soundwave presses his lips to her brow, not knowing or caring if she will remember him in the morning. And then he follows her orders.