Soundwave again. Enjoy.

Chapter 16: Soundwave's POV

Ironhide and Chromia stayed on either side of me as we reached Prime. I didn't have to look to know Arcee was immediately behind me, probably with a gun targeting my spark chamber. I couldn't entirely blame them for the precautions; after all, I had been followed, and they had no way of knowing if it was on purpose.

Riella, energon trickling down her arm and side, locked optics with me as soon as I was within view, and didn't turn away. Maybe the rumors among the Decepticons, about her having telepathic abilities, were true?

"Soundwave, you were followed," Prowl stated. "Were you aware of it?"

Translation: Did you betray us? "No," I replied coldly. "I would never lead the Decepticons here. It would have put my son in further danger."

Riella arched one optic ridge. "Is it possible your son was the one who was followed?"

Oh, she was trying to be diplomatic, but it's just not in her programming. Translation: Did your son betray us? "No!" I snapped at her. "Hyperjump would not have done such a thing. If he was followed, it was not because he wanted to betray you."

"Are you willing to stake your life on that?" Prowl growled. "Because if you are lying to us, the consequences will not be pleasant."

"We are not as forgiving as most Decepticons seem to believe," Riella finished, picking up where he left off without any hesitation. "So. The truth?"

"Is what I have told you," I hissed angrily. "And shouldn't we focus on the enemy here, not questioning our allies?"

Prowl glared at me. "Says the Decepticon who should know plenty about watching his back. Have you never questioned the loyalty of the ones who will be fighting beside you?"

"That's enough," Optimus said firmly, still watching Megatron. "Until we have further evidence, we will accept Soundwave's word."

"Understood, commander," Riella spoke for both of them, but the flash of her optics as she looked in my direction told me that she might have to accept my word, but she still didn't trust me. Of course, had I been in her position, I would have thought the same.

"Soundwave!" Megatron growled. "Now what do you have to say about the side you chose?"

"I still do not regret it," I shot back. "Here, at least, I will not be asked to kill indiscriminately."

Megatron laughed, the sound sending a chill down my backstruts. "Then you will die with them. Decepticons, attack!"

"Autobots, battle positions!" At Prime's order, Riella and Prowl took a few steps forward, matching Shockwave's position ahead; Ironhide and Chromia left my side to face off with Devastator, and Prime charged toward Megatron. I realized that for the first time since the war had begun, I had no idea what to do in a battle.

"Arcee and Soundwave!" Riella yelled back toward us. "Block off the Constructicons, and hurry!" Then she and Prowl clashed with Shockwave, and we were on our own.