Back to the guy I've sort of forgotten about since chapter 16. Hope you guys like! Don't worry, the story won't drag out much longer.

Chapter 22: Soundwave's POV

I wasn't sure how long I had been on guard when my comlink beeped, indicating an incoming Autobot call. I tried not to yawn while answering. "Soundwave."

::Soundwave, this is Riella. I'm sending a relief team out, and Hyperjump wants to see you.:: Her voice was tired and strained, but clear.

He's alright. I carefully kept my voice at a monotone. "Where should I go?"

::Arcee will show you.:: Riella's connection disappeared for a moment – presumably she was giving the order to the pink femme – then returned. ::My daughter will be there as well. Do I need to say more?::

I understood perfectly. Watch your step, without actually threatening me. "No. I understand."

::Do you require any kind of medical attention?::

"No, I was not injured." I saw Arcee gesturing to me, and followed, passing the relief team on the way in. A moment too late, I remembered who had been seriously injured. "Is your sparkmate – "

::Prowl will live,:: she interrupted firmly. ::Riella out.::

Arcee looked back over her shoulder at me. "She doesn't want sympathy from Decepticons. Who she probably still connects you with mentally..."

I didn't respond to that comment, or say anything at all, until Arcee stopped at a door and pointed. "There. Skystorm's room. I suggest you don't upset her." When she turned to look at me, I locked optics with her until she blinked.

"Thank you," I said flatly before turning to open the door. Arcee was gone before I had the keypad open.

Skystorm and Hyperjump were seated on the berth together. My son had his arm around her, and she was leaning against his shoulder. Hmm. I wonder if her parents know about this. I cleared my oral intake to get their attention.

Skystorm practically jumped off the berth, pulling away from Hyperjump. "Soundwave! Um, hi." Beside her, Hyperjump stood up with a relieved smile. "Dad. Are you alright?"

"Completely," I assured him. "Neither of you were in danger, I hope."

"Not intentionally," Skystorm muttered, glancing sideways. "Ravage sort of got into the medbay."

"What do you mean, 'sort of'?" Hyperjump flicked his wings rapidly. "I call it 'slaggin' completely'. He wrecked the place!"

I looked around in concern. "What happened? Have you told anyone?"

Hyperjump laughed. "Of course. Red Alert took care of it. But you should've seen Skystorm! She saved both our sparks. Kept Ravage away until we got help."

Really. Maybe I underestimated her… "How did you know what to do?"

Skystorm shrugged. "It was just something I was taught. As long as your opponent's not suicidal, they won't attack straight into a charged gun. At least, Prowl always said…" Her voice trailed off sadly. Hyperjump patted her wings gently, and I pretended not to notice.

"I was sorry to hear about his injuries," I told her, mostly to break the awkward silence. "Is Riella alright?"

"She's hurt, but not like Prowl," Hyperjump answered when Skystorm didn't say anything. "I think she was going to wait for treatment until after everyone else. She seems like that kind of commander."

Skystorm's voice was surprisingly sharp. "She is that kind of commander."

"Of course." Hyperjump rubbed between her wings soothingly, and I decided I was no longer needed in this conversation.

"Well, now that I know you are alright, I believe I will rest or see if there is somewhere I can help." I started toward the door. "Please call me if you need something, although I don't know if I can be much help."

Both younglings murmured goodbyes as I left, but I knew they were paying very little attention to me. Perhaps there is something to Prowl's idea that they are attracted. We may have to discuss that when he recovers.