= Sweet Vibrations =

By Ayngel

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers or any of the characters or concepts within. I make no money from this story or any other about Transformers.

Warnings: Adult themes, course language, slash, sexual references and descriptions - sticky and spark.

In which neither the Autobot nor the Decepticon leader are impressed, Soundwave gets told off, Spike gets good and bad news and everything gets more complicated. And things get a little more serious!

Many thanks for reading, everybody, and for your great reviews. The more of those I get, the more inspired I feel - so I have no problem if you want to keep 'em coming!

~ Chapter 9 ~

The Ark ...

Although Optimus Prime's quarters were somewhat less opulent than his counterpart's on the Nemesis, the Autobot leader liked them immensely. They were a sanctuary, a refuge, his place of 'Zen and peace.'

Lying on the special adjustable recliner Wheeljack had made for his creation anniversary, Prime was happily enjoying them now, a glass of special red high grade in his hand as he watched on human television a delightful show from a few years back called "The Partridge Family."

Prime's spark warmed as he observed the humans, so loving and understanding and supportive of one another. How much he adored them! How utterly reflective they were of Autobot ideals. It was so fortunate that he had Mirage at his disposal to clear up this dreadful 'popping ' business which so could have destroyed their faith. For, difficult though the Alphamech spy might be, he never failed at missions like this.

And, Prime thought happily as he watched the human sparklings burst into song, he had sorted the other 'popping issue 'too. By now, Bumblebee would be enmeshed in a glorious circle of minibot 'togetherness.' The yellow minibot would return to the Special Ops team with a new confidence and pride. Primus knew - even a cheerful Gears might be theirs from now on!

No – it was all sorted. All that remained, until Megatron's antics started again, was for him to enjoy a well earned rest. Along with the rest of his troops, who would be ordered, cohesive when the time for battle came again.

At the thought of them, Prime glowed with fondness and pride. For all the hardships they had been through in the last few million years, they were still his loyal and beloved 'family.' But alas, these thoughts were short lived; for on the television screen a message appeared, abruptly displacing the Partridges.

"URGENT" it said, without even apologising for the interruption. And then, Prime put down his glass, his optics widening as a 'list' appeared:

"Bumblebee missing. Search party in pursuit – status – unauthorized. Red Alert in medbay. Dinobot Slag on rampage, refusing commands, damage status - serious. Severe minibot conflict in progress ..." And lastly, to his horror: "Mirage – status – failure to report in. Mission outcome unknown."

Prime sat up. He had a nasty feeling this was one of those Twins' idea of a practical joke! The leader's optic ridges furrowed. Well it was somewhat inappropriate, to say the least! The loving feeling as far as Sunstreaker and Sideswipe diminished just a little. He would have to have a word!

But it was no joke. Ironhide's voice cut in on comm, urgent and angry. /Prime! You gotta get down here. It's this Bumblebee issue. He's disappeared – and half the Autobots have gone mad! Wheeljack's lab's a wreck! I've kinda taken charge here but Gears and Cliffjumper could do each other serious damage. You gotta deal with the situation, Prime! I'm tellin ya!/

Slowly, unbelievingly, Prime picked up his glass and finished the red liquid which seemed, rather suddenly, to have lost its pleasant flavour. /I'll – er – I'll be right there, Ironhide!/ he said, still not really taking it all in, and knowing the authoritative tone which should have been present just somehow wasn't.

Prime could not help but wonder, not for the first time, how Megatron coped with this kind of scrap all the time. Somehow, it explained a lot.

...

On the Nemesis

Prime's Decepticon counterpart was also in a state of happiness, for entirely different reasons. He cackled delightedly as Soundwave informed him: /Subject Mirage - located. Proceeding to - apprehension./

/Excellent work, Soundwave!/ Megatron responded, before putting in a call to the medbay. /Hook! We will have Mirage with us soon. There will be no messing around this time. Prepare for complete data purge and reprogramming – as a Decepticon!/

Meanwhile, Soundwave strode resolutely in the direction of Mirage's signature. He, too, considered it high time his previous student saw sense and stopped this nonsensical Autobot caper. Megatron would perhaps have been a liittle surprised had he known that Soundwave's intentions for the spy's reprogramming were – slightly different. But Soundwave didn't doubt he could convince the leader of their virtue. As long as his ideas were different from Starscream's, Megatron generally liked them.

And the insecticons were, of course, a part of them. They'd already conducted very useful work. "Another cerebroshell immobilization will be essential!" Bombshell was saying, a spring in his step as his horn twitched, excitedly. "A pity Kickback won't be with us to enjoy it, but I'm sure what he's doing right now will make missing out on it well and truly worthwhile!"

A low booming sound emanated from the telepath. Rumble was another matter altogether! It was fortunate the beetle had no telepathic powers – for whatever the cassette was doing, Soundwave was certain it wasn't pounding the other insecticon. Well, Rumble was going to get a firm 'talking to.' And if he wasn't 'doing it' with Kickback by the time Soundwave had finished, Soundwave wasn't his creator!

"And then I will be asking Megatron if we can continue the other process we started with Mirage," Bombshell was saying. "After all, Megatron dislikes unfinished business just as much as …."

But as they rounded the corner to the corridor leading to the Soundwave's quarters, a large winged figure was suddenly in front of them, hands on hips, forcing the large blue mech and the cyber beetle to an abrupt halt.

"Aha!" cried Starscream "I knew it! Headed for your quarters, eh?" he leaned close, his optics narrowing. "And don't think I don't know what you two plan on getting up to!"

...

"That's Soundwave's secret entrance?"

Mirage looked incredulously at the rusty wheel attached to the ancient looking capsule. "Couldn't he come up with anything better? It's just like with your quarters. I'm surprised at him!"

Rumble secretly agreed that both were scrap. Especially this thing, which had caused him nothing but headaches ever since Soundwave's ridiculous obsession with installing it - for Primus knew what reason. But the cassette bristled with outrage. How dare a stuck up Alpha say that about his 'work!'

"As a matter of fact, it ain't Decepticon," he snarled. "Frenzy an' me found it. Its outta some squishy fangled submarine. " He glared at Mirage. "So what's the deal? I s'pose some Autojerk type thing would have roses round the edges and a bow on the handle?"

"No I just imagine it would look a little more representative of eons of sophisticated cyber-technology!" Mirage said coolly. "And it might be an idea, if you are going to have an Autobot boyfriend, to adjust your terminology!"

Rumble scowled. Why couldn't the coghead talk in plain Cybertronian? Still, he had to admit he had a point! And for Bee – yeah! It was worth it. Hell, he thought as his spark ached with sudden longing, anything was worth it! Even if they really did have flower handled exit wheels, it was worth it. Not calling Autobozos 'Autojerks' was a small price to pay.

"Are you going to stand there all day?" Mirage was saying as he glanced anxiously back along the corridor. "I doubt that Soundwave will be pausing to admire the view."

"All right, all right!" The 'orders' sent a new annoyance jangling through the cassette. But Mirage was also right about that. Grabbing hold of the wheel, Rumble threw all his weight into trying to turn it.

But the device wouldn't budge. Mirage folded his arms impatiently as Rumble hauled away. "Too woosy to give me a hand?" he sneered. Then, remembering what had happened in his room, wished he hadn't. He thought of Kickback- and of what Mirage had in his possession. A vision of cackling, hooting, guffawing Decepticons, unable to contain themselves as Skywarp recited his 'verse' suddenly filled his processor. He doubled his efforts.

"On the contrary - I didn't want to question your mastery of the device," Mirage was saying. "But as you insist … we'll haul together!"

And then Mirage was behind him, the slender hands next to Rumble's on the wheel as the lithe body pressed against him. This time Rumble had to admit – it wasn't unpleasant; and the wheel gave way suddenly, spinning fast.

Rumble quickly hauled the chamber door open and they both slipped in, clanging it shut behind them.

….

Back at Chip's place ….

"This is unbelievable!" Chip was shaking his head.

Bumblebee - now lying on his side along one wall - had just finished telling them about Grapple and Scrapper. "Everyone said Graps went weird after the solar power tower incident," he finished. "And I thought that was cos he was pissed about losing the tower. But now, its obvious! He was missing Scrapper!"

The latest 'search' option still flashed on the computer screen. But Chip had felt duty bound to ask more before doing the search. After all – wasn't this 'cavorting with the enemy?' What if Teletraan told Optimus Prime about his part in it? He might never be allowed to play with Teletraan again!

"It ain't really that strange, Chip!" Spike cut in. "Remember there were those gangs? An' my cousin Astoria went out with that Raoul guy? Man, was her Dad pissed about it. The guy wound up in jail!"

Chip really couldn't see how that was helpful. Apparently, Bumblebee couldn't either. "Nothing's happened to Grapple," he protested. "And I know for a fact he's not the only one! There's Smokescreen of course. Everyone knows about him and Swindle. And what about Sunstreaker and Sideswipe? That 'jet judo,' there's rumours that it ain't what its cracked up to be at all!"

Chip looked even more dismayed. But Bumblebee went on: "And you see, Chip, it's OK! Cos Autobots believe in love and feelings and sentience and stuff! If someone falls for a Decepticon ..." his voice took on a 'dreamy' quality, and he sighed, "well then - I guess they fall for a Decepticon!"

Chip shook his head, still unable to really accept that this could be so. Surely all it would be to a Decepticon was a means of taking advantage - however 'romantically' the Autobots viewed it. "Well, I dunno ..." he said.

Spike wiped his brow. A distinct heat had suddenly radiated from the minibot, making the room stifling. And he was sure it wasn't his imagination - there was a tangible 'static.' As though to confirm this, the lights above the desk flickered. More than a twinge of concern crossed the human's mind. Heck, he would go through hell and high water if Carly gave him the 'eye.' Much as he loved the Autobots and they were his friends, who knew what would happen if a 'romantic urge' was denied with one of them! The results could be a lot more catastrophic than the shattering of some 'ideal.'

"Awwww Chip please …." Bumblebee was shifting restlessly, and Spike noticed a distinct huskiness in the minibots processor.

"Uh – yeah, Bee …" Spike laid a gentle hand on Chip's shoulder. "Chip!" he said. "I think we just have to take a chance on this!"

…

Back on the Nemesis ….

Starscream folded his arms. Soundwave and Bombshell looked at each other. "Error in thought process," Soundwave said. "Purpose of mission – capture of the Autobot Mirage. Mission – obstructed. Get out of the way!"

Bombshell nodded agreement. "Yes indeed, Starscream, he said, "That is most certainly our purpose. There won't be anything of the nature you're suggesting, I can assure you, until this business with Mirage is well and truly sorted!"

Soundwave made a strange sounding noise. He shot Bombshell a look which could have been interpreted as a rather pleasant surprise. Starscream was delighted.

"Aha!" he said. "I knew I was right! How dare you use capturing an enemy as an excuse to get your ends away!"

"As if Mirage would hide himself in your quarters!" He scoffed. His optics narrowed. "You may fool Megatron with such claptrap …." he struck his chest with his finger, "but this is me, Starscream, you're talking to here! "

Soundwave was still pondering on what Bombshell had said. During all those late night chats about psychology and interrogation and torture, was it not true he had always wondered what the beetle could do with that horn? But signature detectors whirred, automatically returning Soundwave to the task in hand as the imprints of Mirage grew fainter – as did those of Rumble.

"Must go," he intoned. "Subject matter – receding! Sensors indicate - subject leaving the Nemesis!" And then, there was more. Soundwave's optics widened. "Cassette Rumble – suspect prisoner of subject!"

Bombshell looked at him in alarm, but Starscream laughed out loud. "A nice try!" he sneered. "What in the Universe would Mirage want with Rumble?" he leaned close again. "And how, pray, would they get out? Its not as if there are exits in that neck of the Nemesis, are there? Unless ….." a gleam came into his optics. "Unless there's something you haven't told us, Soundwave! Something perhaps that - Megatron ought to know about!""

Soundwave shifted awkwardly, torn between concern for his creation and this latest threat. Of course Megatron didn't know about the secret entrance! Only he and the cassettes knew about that – and, of course - Soundwave's circuits gave a warm thrum - the Autobot Jazz ...

And Megatron wasn't going to know about it either! As the signatures receded further, Soundwave made a decision. He glanced briefly at Bombshell, then barged forward, intent on simply shoving the Seeker aside.

Bombshell went to follow him, but there was a click. The insecticon stopped in his tracks - and Soundwave found himself looking into the barrel of Starscream's null ray canon. "I've got you this time, Soundwave!" the Seeker cackled triumphantly. "You're not going anywhere!"

But there were loudly echoing footsteps then, approaching fast. "STARSCREAM?" a familiar voice thundered. But the Seeker smiled as the leader appeared, flanked by Thundercracker and Skywarp.

The three stopped short when they saw the canon. "What in the name of thunder is going on?" roared Megatron. But Starscream looked smug. "Nice timing, Megatron!" he said. "Soundwave has something to say to you!" he smirked. "Don't you Soundwave!"

Megatron looked at him; then questioningly at Soundwave. His optics flared, dangerously. "Well?" he thundered.

...

Back at Chip's

Bumblebee's spark was a mass of heaving emotions. The purple cassette. It was him! So all those strange visions which had flitted into his processor and not been his imagination. And he'd done right to reject Gears and go through everything else he'd gone through today, because somehow – wondrously, amazingly - it was meant to be!

The minibot could hardly contain his excitement. Teletraan One had exceeded his wildest expectations. For now he also knew why he'd 'popped' so late. There in bold letters on the screen, right there in the report, was the indisputable evidence that he couldn't have popped before – because his spark hadn't recognized his 'ideal match.'

Bumblebee vowed never to say anything bad about the Teletraan One again.

More heat went through the minibot, but this time there was a warm glow in his chest, radiating through to his core and rippling along pathways to his interface gear which throbbed, rhythmically – but in a delicious, comfortable way, infused with sweet anticipation. Yes, his problems would soon be over, his 'needs' fulfilled – and so much better than he'd thought they would be.

If only Spike would just calm down ….

"RUMBLE!" his human friend was yelling as he raged up and down. "That miserable punk? The first time I ever met him, he tried to kill my Dad! He threw me on the deck of that burning rig! And then, at Sherman Dam, he tried to kill me again!"

He glared helplessly at the watching Chip and Bee. "He left Hound for dead!" he wailed. "D'you know how hard it was holding my breath all that time so I could pull those rocks off him?"

Collapsing on Chip's favourite couch, Spike put his head in his hands. "You were right, Chip!" he groaned. "This was a bad idea! Teletraan must be – malfunctioning! I always have had my doubts, after the Constructicons tinkered with it that time!"

But the human in the wheelchair with the bandaged head folded his arms, a resigned expression on his face. He had complete faith in the computer. After all - was Teletraan not to him what Bumblebee was to Spike – a treasured friend?

And now there was a scientific basis for Bee's predicament - which Teletraan had assured him this 'perfect match' thing was, however unscientific it may sound - Chip was a picture of pragmatism.

"For a start, Spike, Teletraan's a 'he' not an 'it,'" he said. "And there's no mistake. See here …." he pointed to the computer screen, "he says Bumblebee's compatibility with Rumble is ninety eight point seven four per cent. That's even higher than it was between some of the Autobots! And look - it says something about an alliance. About him and Rumble 'restoring a balance.'" He smiled, happily. "Just imagine if there could be peace on Earth between the Autobots and the Decepticons!"

Spike looked at him in despair. He opened his mouth to protest. But Bumblebee's already shining optics had turned an even brighter blue, and once more the room was growing hot. And Chip was being so – logical about all this. And he was so right about the 'peace' thing. If there was any chance of that, it had to be taken.

He slumped, resignedly. "I guess you're right," he said. "But when I think of all the holes in the ground and buildings that've been pounded to smithereens. He just seems like - a walking pile of destruction!" He shook his head, sadly. "Can't Bee do better? Isn't there like - a second choice?"

But Bee, his circuits tingling deliciously, now felt a fierce protectiveness towards the cassette as his spark gave a strong 'twang.' "No, Spike! You're not seeing the positive side!" he said. "You gotta admit, Rumble's kinda - beautiful! He's got an awesome colour scheme! And you gotta destroy before you can rebuild something new!" His voice took on a 'dreamy' quality. "I think maybe that's what Rumble really is, y'know? A harbinger of better things!"

But that set Spike off again. "Oh Geez! He's gone soft in his processor!" he wailed, faceplating.

…

Meanwhile, back on the Nemesis ...

Starscream could not hide his immense pleasure. Oh the joy of seeing Soundwave 'on the carpet' for once! Skywarp and Thundercracker glanced anxiously at each other.

"It is simply not good enough!" Megatron was roaring, pacing in the corridor. "I cannot believe it! First I'm called away by Frenzy to see some ridiculous movie show where the equipment doesn't even work. Next, our favourite Autobot spy manages to get aboard the Nemesis because some fool fails to jam the airlock …"

"Negative. That wasn't one of us …" Soundwave tried to cut in. "Silence!" the leader roared. Starscream's chuckling was clearly audible in the background.

"Then we have a chance, after all these eons, to get Mirage," Megatron went on, "but that cat ruins everything! Nevertheless, our Alpha friend appeared to run himself into a corner. But now - he escapes!" He turned to glower at Soundwave. "Once more because of your 'pets.' For I cannot get it out of my head, Soundwave, try as I might, that Rumble has bungled again. A problem which I asked you to resolve!"

"Megatron – if I might interrupt …." Bombshell spoke up. "As a matter of fact …."

"You may not!" Megatron roared. "He turned back to Soundwave. "And now, you're telling me there's a secret way out of the Nemesis – that I didn't even know about?" The leader threw his hands in the air. "However are the Decepticons to conquer the Universe with this state of affairs?"

"I was going to tell you …" Soundwave began. But Megatron wasn't listening. He was pacing again, And now, a change came over him. His silver armour gleamed. "Well, you have left me no choice, Soundwave!" he said, a new 'scheming' note in his voice. "I am done with tinkering around the edges!"

He looked at the other Decepticons. "A movie of some Autobot predicament!" he scoffed, "Such nonsense! Well this time I am taking things all the way! I am going to put in place the ultimate plan!"

At this, Starscream's jubilance diminished, notably, and a ripple went through the others. Oh no, the Seeker thought. Which one this time? Perhaps he should have sided with Soundwave after all.

Megatron laughed maniacally. "I intend to put in place a new means to capture Mirage and reprogram him! Then, I shall restore the loyalty of your cassettes, Soundwave - myself! And in the meantime ..." he chuckled evilly. "I shall have revenge on Optimus Prime for this travesty – and in such a way that all the Autobots will be destroyed!"

The Seekers looked at each other. Megatron turned to them. "Thundercracker, Skywarp! Assemble the Decepticons. It is time to unleash – The Evaporator!"

Now, Starscream's face fell. Whatever Megatron had said could not have been be good, but he especially hoped it wouldn't be that particular device. "But - it's not ready yet, Megatron!" he protested.

"Yes ..." To his surprise, Soundwave agreed. "Status - incomplete. Maximum capability – still to be calibrated. Use – inadvisable."

But the leader erupted in more maniacal laughter. "I don't care!" he bawled. "I only intend to use it on a very small corner of the ocean!"

...

Back at Chip's ….

Chip looked at his friend sternly. "Now c'mon, Spike. Have a heart! He said. How many times have you come out with sappy stuff about Carly?"

"That's different!" Spike protested. "Besides – yeah! And where has it gotten me?"

"You don't know that it hasn't gotten you anywhere!" Chip said quietly. "As a matter of fact – she likes you. A lot!"

There was a silence in the room, punctuated only by Bumblebee's hissing intakes. "You had intimate talks with Carly?" Spike said incredulously. "About me?"

Chip raised an eyebrow. "Yes!" he said. "That time you were stuck on Dinobot Island, she really opened up!" he grinned. "She likes you – a real lot."

Bumblebee was happy for his friend. He really was! His spark warmed as Spike began to jabber about all the times he's longed to hold Carly's hand and kiss her. But the effect on his sytems status was catastrophic; for the spark warmth turned to a burning in his core, as fiery channels gouged a path straight to his interface gear. There was a faint graunching sound from his codpiece as, unable to prevent it, his new spike began to pressurize.

Bumblebee despaired. Spike was still talking, his face a picture of rapture. He couldn't interrupt! But suddenly Bumblebee had to see his 'love' too. Frantically, he looked around. His optics fell on the unattended keyboard. And next to the data about Rumble were the clear words "Click for visual image."

Scrambling across, Bumblebee hit the keyboard.

At once, a picture of Rumble appeared, purple panels gleaming, his body firm and compact. Powerful shoulders flexed rythmically as the cassette hammered away, the ground erupting in a mighty crack.

A wave of such intense desire swept over Bumblebee that he nearly fainted. The size of those piledrivers! How had he never noticed their magnificent dimensions before? It was wondrous, amazing! Bumblebee whimpered at the sight of the Earth itself shaking as Rumble pounded the ground again and again.

Heat surged through the minibot, charge rising in a crescendo - and then it was too much. The room, too small already, was suddenly a prison of lust and love.

He had to get out! Frantically, he started to crawl to the door as sparks erupted around his codpiece and the lights went out. "Gotta go guys ... sorry ... gotta go … gotta see him … gotta see him …" The crawling became a frantic dive for the doorway. "Rumble I'm coming!" he yelled.

Spike and Chip's conversation froze in mid sentence. Chip gaped at the blank computer ecreen. "No!" Both human cried, together. "Just as the comm on the computer rang out: /Chip? This is Prowl. Have you by any chance seen Bumblebee in your vicinity? Its - an emergency!/

…