Transformers Galaxy Force: Thunder Storm
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers.
Chapter 44
Rodimus Convoy landed on a plateau, a small one only 20 meters high and 12 meters in diameter, as the stars began to come out. Lori climbed out and moved over to the edge, sitting down. Rodimus transformed and sat down next to her. She gave him a questioning look, wondering why he wasn't switching to Human form, but decided against asking. Against the horizon, the lights of Velios City shone brightly like a sea of stars of its own.
"It's so beautiful," Lori whispered softly.
Nodding in agreement, Rodimus stood, stepping back to the center of the plateau. He stood there for a little bit, as if waiting for something to happen. Then he suddenly leapt backward over the edge, and Lori heard someone – not Rodimus – yell in pain.
Lori stood, intending to run over and see what was going on, but froze as Rodimus jumped back onto the plateau, pinning a large shape to the ground.
"I thought I saw you in my review mirror," Rodimus Convoy said, his voice tight. "Why are you spying on me, Soundwave?"
There was a hawk-like cry as a black, robotic bird soared toward Rodimus, claws extended to rip at his face. Rodimus raised his hand, sending a blast of electric energy toward the Condor. It shrieked in pain as the blast hit and backed away, circling.
"Condor, heal!" Soundwave yelled. The robotic bird obeyed with some reluctance and landed, folding its wings. Soundwave then turned to Rodimus and said, "I've been watching you, trying to understand how you can turn from a small child to a large Transformer."
Rodimus Convoy's optics widened, and then he hung his head as if in defeat. "What is the price for your silence?" he asked.
"Nothing," Soundwave answered. "The only ones who will know are Noise Maze, Super Starscream, and myself. Any information you can give us would be helpful."
"And why would I give personal information to a known criminal?" Rodimus asked, his optics narrowing.
Soundwave sighed, "Super Starscream's methods may be cruel, evil even, but his motives are good. He is helping both me and Noise Maze restore our homeworld, and it will be the capitol of his empire, an underground empire of justice."
"A Mafia-type empire," Lori said, understanding.
Soundwave tilted his head in confusion. "I beg your pardon?"
"The empire you're describing sounds a lot like the Mafia on Earth," explained Lori. "While some Mafia leaders are cruel and evil, others use their power and influence to uphold the law."
"Why would Super Starscream do that?" Rodimus asked.
"The only reason he ever joined the Destrons is because he hoped to show them what they really could do with their power," Soundwave explained. "Yes, he wanted to rule, but he's learned now that there are different ways to rule an empire."
"And what do I have to do with this?" Rodimus demanded.
He never received an answer. A dark shape, barreled into him, sending him over the edge. Something wet splashed against his armor, burning him, as he felt the end of a blaster being pushed against his head. Then he heard a horse whisper.
"Revenge."
