Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should do it.

It was still what some humans would consider early. The femme's chronological system told her it was 08:00 into the day. She stood between the berth where Rumble was sitting and her computer across from it, where Ravage was sitting. Both were giving the other evil-death stares. She was originally tending to Rumble when a change in security flashed over her HUD, stopping her in her tracks.

It wasn't like Rumble to become disobedient or attack others without just cause. But he'd been doing it increasingly to the point Soundwave had to step in or someone was going to end up hurt. He and Ravage's most recent fight had taken a swift and nasty turn. At first, she considered it had something to do with Frenzy, but when she questioned him, he didn't know what to tell her, only that he was pissed off at the world.

She sent a request to Starscream to join her as soon as she had verified what her HUD had told her since she wasn't about to leave Rumble, who had attacked Blacklight. Ravage had seen and lunged at him, getting his attention on himself rather than the younger Sparkling.

Starscream arrived at Soundwave's quarters, annoyed he'd been woken out of recharge by her obnoxious voice. "Don't tell me… more bad news?"

"Shockwave will be arriving sooner than anticipated. They are using Vortex's ability and the gravity of the planets' alignment to accelerate their speeds."

"Of course, he is…" Starscream grumbled quietly. The silver Seeker's optics watched the Sparkling on the berth. He was acting real strange, "What's their ETA?"

"Approximately 48 Earth hours," was the response. Starscream noticed that Soundwave hadn't looked away from Rumble, as if she was studying him. Rumble began picking at his armor and proto-form. Immediately, the telepath wondered if he was beginning to shar, however he quickly became agitated and started pulling at it instead, even ripping some of it off. He seemed to not feel when he did so, and he threw it away from himself violently. Soundwave frowned behind her facemask with indecision.

"Oh great…" Starscream ducked when Rumble threw something at him, "and what's up with him? He's ripping himself up like some demented anzoid."

Soundwave continued to watch Rumble. If she knew why he was acting this way, she still probably wouldn't tell him. "I will inform you of Shockwave's updated status as I receive it."

A little further into the day, Rumble became lethargic and remained in Soundwave's hold a lot more than he should, and this concerned her, as it never happened before. What was even stranger is by the time the night had come, he had reverted back to his pod form, only he was a bit larger.

His changes had drawn his brothers and even Skorponok, who gathered around him to watch him as he sparkled and glowed. They were concerned for him, but equally in awe at what could be happening.

Soundwave had no knowledge of what it was, "Something's wrong with Rumble."

"Nothing like narrowing it down or anything, there Sounders,"

Soundwave watched the array of sparks and glowing as well. His little body glowed electric blue from the seams, and what joints were visible, sparked. "He's ripped off most of his armor and reverted back to his pod form."

Occasionally, the Sparkling would shiver or make a noise, but other than that, he was silent. Soundwave never took her optics off of him.

Sixshot had nothing to go off of his youngling ages, as he had no memory of it, so he was just as stumped as Soundwave. The large cat-like creature slid to a stop, considering what could be the cause of Rumble's strange behavior. Perhaps he'd passed on his ability of six forms. "Maybe he's gonna have multiple forms."

He'd been told it couldn't happen, but he'd been told a lot of things couldn't happen, yet, when Soundwave was involved…

Elsewhere, the ground shook violently. A small camp was completely destroyed. A ranger, who had seen what happened, managed to get close enough to see something big and moving and seemingly made entirely of metal. A set of optics fell on him, and he stilled as he heard what he could only assume to be the whine of a weapon.

"Hey, if a mech appears and no one is around to see him, was he ever really there?"

The man paled in fear as he heard the voice. It was in English. There were many things running through his mind, but he was too scared to settle on just one.

There was a shot and evil laughter followed.

Starscream sat in his office waiting for Soundwave to show up. He'd called her previously, but she had told him she was busy. He assumed it had something to do with Rumble, since he'd heard of what he did to Blacklight.

When she stepped into the room, he was leaning back casually on his seat, looking up at her. He had a meaningful gaze to him. "Lock the door."

Soundwave did as he asked and looked back to the Seeker. She tilted her head at him. He leaned up in his seat, his look turning into more of a look of frustration. Before she could or would ask, the Seeker snapped, "I gave myself all night to think about this. I want to know what you know. Scratch that; I need to know what you know."

"Clarify,"

"Everything, Soundwave…" he told her with exasperation, his hands going out above him meaning to encompass the world. "I've let it go and let it go and… I can't anymore. I know you know a lot more than you say. I usually dismiss that. However, I received disturbing information which makes me question my trust in you as my second in command,"

Soundwave was unsure of where Starscream would come up with such a thing. Her stoic gaze seemed to burn into the Seeker. "Clarify," she repeated.

"I chose you because for some messed up reason, I trust you. I still cannot understand it, nor do I want to." Starscream frowned slightly and looked away. "I want to know your motives in wanting Shockwave to land when you know how dangerous it could be, especially for me. And, given he is coming so much sooner, I would like to think I have a right to know. Don't you, since you're putting me in this predicament?"

The femme heard the accusatory tone in him, and her optics furrowed behind her visor. "My motives are none of your concern." She told him flatly, "Why do you request such information?"

"I don't know… peace of mind, maybe? Humor me. Tell me what you know about Shockwave."

"He is the former commander of Kaon, General of Megatron's armies, demoted by your command."

He gave her a doubting look. "Tell me something useful. Something you know that I don't."

Soundwave went on to explain about what she knew about Shockwave. She told him of his ranks, his territory of control on Cybertron, his armies, locations, his involvement in the Decepticons and other devious things she'd had on record that he'd done – which was almost everything.

Starscream found it out of place for someone like her, that she did not mention what he was actively looking for. "Who did he work for?"

Soundwave was hesitant at the question. "Megatron..."

"N-No, someone else." The Seeker interrupted, "Higher rank, maybe? – though I don't know how that's possible now that you tell me all that."

"Not to my knowledge."

He actually knew something she didn't? "A youngling of the Autobots interrupted my meeting with Prime and told me that Megatron was not Shockwave's true master. Why would he say such a thing?"

Soundwave processed what the Seeker said. She knew secrets were plentiful in the Decepticons but hearing this made her jerk away from him and she wasn't sure why. Starscream watched an antenna twitch, which was unusual to see. Soundwave didn't know what to make of it, "Who said this?"

"The Autobot, Hot Rod. He didn't say much else. Is there any way you can confirm?"

The CO considered for a moment what she could do. The Decepticons already had their hands full because of Shockwave and her attack on Hot Rod would get the Autobots after them with what she had in mind. "The risk is too substantial."

"Fine, but I still want to know why you want him to come here. I want to know why I am endangering my Sparklings and everything I've worked so hard for by allowing him to land on this planet and possibly mess it all up."

Soundwave went still, her stoic gaze never shifting. Starscream never looked away from her, challenging her. She continued until she realized Starscream was refusing to back down. For the first time, the youngling did something she hadn't expected… he glared back. Whether it was idiocy or braveness, she wasn't sure, however, if he was this determined, she would share her information. "Shockwave has an item of interest. It will require him landing to obtain it."

Starscream grumbled something and leaned back in his seat. "And just what is this 'item of interest', Soundwave?" he asked in a half condescending tone. He really hoped she didn't say another Allspark or the like; he'd get himself killed because he'd bitch-slap her.

Trusting he could handle the information and he wouldn't tell anyone else, she admitted, "He has the Autobots' Matrix of Leadership,"

Well, at least it wasn't another Allspark… The Seeker frowned with what appeared to be dread and looked away, muttering, "That's fucking awesome." He then scoffed, "Are you kidding me? He gazed at her in thought before chuckling, "They swore I was trying to take over the world before. Just wait till the Autobots find this out…"

Soundwave watched him chuckle, wondering why. None of this was funny in any way. She listened to him rant once more. It seemed these rants were becoming common while in her presence. She neither took them nor left them, but if it made him feel better in some way, he was more than welcome to complain. Losing his mind was not an option. "They will not know until the item has been secured. Unnecessary casualties will occur."

He stood up and went to walk out and then stopped and gave her a dirty look, "You do know, I'm well aware that there's something going on between you and Sixshot. Be that as it may, you never told me why you sent him away if Shockwave has the Matrix. I don't picture you asking him for it nicely, and I know you wouldn't do something so… stupid without a damned good reason for it."

"No one is to know Sixshot's operations unless I deem it necessary otherwise." The telepath stated sternly.

"Why do I even bother?" he asked with an audible sigh. "None of you listen unless you want to, you defy me, lie to me, keep information from me, steal things from the humans that can't be explained normally, and are generally a big pain in my aft. Why am I even the leader of you jerks, anyways?"

"Your markings tell you who respects you," the telepath told him.

Starscream glanced at the markings then looked up at her for a long moment in consideration of what she said, "I guess we'll see soon enough, won't we, soldier?" He left the office, slamming a fist into the wall in frustration as he did so.

Soundwave watched him, wondering to herself what she didn't know about Shockwave and what kind of dent it would put into her plans and end up putting her in a very bad situation.

"Do you have information on Shockwave that may lead to who he may have worked under besides Megatron?"

"Megatron was… – wait, besides Megatron? Huh, that's news to me. Where'd you hear that?"

"The source is an Autobot,"

"Ever stop to think he might be trying to rile the Decepticons up?"

"He is not known for such trivial diversions,"

"So, you need me to get him for some questioning?"

"Negative," Soundwave responded. At least not yet.

"I'll meet you at Nellis in 6 hours," Starscream disconnected with his call and opened a line over the officer Spread-link, "Soundwave is in charge until further notice. Skywarp, Thundercracker, get your afts to Nellis Air Force Base. It seems the United States Defense Department wants to have a little chitchat with me about Shockwave." His tone became accusatory. He figured the Autobots would say something. "Wouldn't possibly have any idea how Secretary Keller found out otherwise…"

The Seeker headed for the door and then stopped with a growl. He turned, looking to all present and snorted. "I predict that at the end of this day… someone will wind up with my foot up their aft! This I promise!" And he left.

A hangar had been cleared out to accommodate three jets. Starscream and his Trine had been cleared to land and immediately they headed for the hangar. The building would be big enough if they needed to transform, but for now, they chose to remain in their jet modes. Miles sat up on Starscream's wing Indian style watching for people to show up. "How are you gonna explain this?"

"Not a clue."

"Then why'd you come?"

"To humor them."

When Secretary Keller arrived, someone else was with him besides his escorts, Teri, and Jess. The man looked up at the nose of the strangely marked F-22 as he entered. He seemed very stern and very interested in the Raptor. His eyes then went to the rather young man sitting on it. "Who is that?" came a voice from behind the secretary.

Starscream didn't know the voice, so he didn't deem him important. "None of your business." He then addressed Secretary Keller. "Why wasn't I told you were bringing others with you?" The General who had come up beside the Secretary, looked up to the person on the jet. The voice was too raspy and loud to have been him. He looked around and then back at the Raptor. He did not know whom the voice was addressing.

"You can show yourself, I'm not afraid,"

Jess remained quiet, as did Teri. They knew this General and knew when to do or say anything. They also knew he knew.

"Sure, you're not…" Miles said as he shrugged as he unfolded his legs and let them dangle off the side of the wing on which he still sat. "When faced with something that could squish you like an ant and there really isn't much you can do about it, I guess you should feel unthreatened,"

The General, offended, looked over at Keller, "Who is this punk?"

"Watch your mouth, insect." A warning tone came from the silver jet which was the General had noted had not come from the kid sitting on it. "That punk – as you call it – Is my pilot and friend."

Keller put his hand up in a show to remain calm. "It's alright," Keller then looked to the jet, "This time it wasn't my decision, Starscream."

"Soon, we are going to be in the evening news…" the voice spat.

"He has knowledge of the Decepticons and the Autobots."

"Ooh, so he knows we're the bad guys. Even better… this will work easily into my plans of Earth's domination…"

The General watched the kid sitting on the jet, "He's not serious, is he?"

"You'd be surprised how many do take him seriously when he's not being serious." He patted the wing he was sitting on condescendingly, "Seems to get him into trouble quite a lot, ain't that right, 'Star?"

The more this General seemed unafraid, the more interested Starscream was in him. "The only reason Miles is alive is because of his knack for his useless usefulness. Frankly, I'd rather toss him into space and watch him freeze into a popsicle…" The boy's foot came up and he heeled the wing he was sitting on. There was a low toned growl and then the jet shuddered. "Get off of me so I can squish you like the insolent little bug you are!" Starscream suddenly called. Miles did as asked, climbing down nonchalantly with a smirk.

Secretary Keller got a very confused look from the General and he shook his head just slightly, "Information was relayed to me about a Decepticon known as Shockwave. General Manst is here to get advice from you if what the Autobots have told me is true."

"Oh, so your country is willing to assist me in my endeavors. How interesting…" The general took a step back when the silver Raptor began clicking and clanking. His eyes went wide as it began to take shape. They young man who had gotten down previously didn't move, even though the thing had just threatened him.

Glancing at Keller, he realized the man seemed very unafraid of what was happening as well. He stilled as a creature with legs was standing around 30 ft. over him. He must have missed something because the other two jets had also taken a different form. He continued to look up at the one in front of him, seeing what still resembled a jet, but it had a head and arms.

The silver one knelt down lower, getting close enough to him that he could smell some kind of strange ozone mixed with grease odor. They were a lot bigger in person. Piercing red optics watched him. Barely able to comprehend what was standing in front of him, he had only one question. "What the fuck are you?"

"What the fuck do I look like to you…?" Starscream scathingly retorted.

The General stammered in shock and awe at the Seeker's tone, "I… uh… A robot."

"Anything but,"

General Manst only stared in surprise at the retort. He wasn't sure what he was expecting for a response, but that surely hadn't been it.

The young leader grinned wickedly and glanced at Keller before looking back at the General. "Does any of this not strike you as bizarre? You guys… working with the bad alien race?" he asked, "Aren't you supposed to be Autobot groupies?"

"After Mission City, I was, in fact, updated by the Defense Department as to your – how should I say it – new leadership?" the General told him.

"So, the Secretary has been giving away my secrets, has he?" The Decepticon leader asked as he eyed the secretary slyly. Another wicked look crossed his features.

Secretary Keller watched the General's reaction to such words. He made a noise like clearing his throat to get the Seeker's attention. Starscream's head whipped to look at him, "Starscream, Shockwave is coming with others from Cybertron, right?"

"Whoever said he was from Cybertron?" The Seeker snapped quickly, "He's from planet stupid."

"When will he be arriving?"

"Sooner than anticipated, unfortunately. Creating a giant black hole to suck him away isn't in any of our abilities, either."

"Why didn't you let us know of this when you first discovered it?"

"It's a Decepticon affair. You really need not be involved. I don't wish to be held responsible for the number of humans that will die if it turns bad. Enough is at stake as it is – that includes your planet."

"If I may, the US government can't have a war going on in the middle of the Mohave if it 'turns bad'." The General finally spoke.

There was a chortle from behind Starscream. "And you? You think you're going to stop us?" Skywarp chuckled again, "maybe think asking nicely will make it all stop?"

Starscream glanced over at Skywarp. He had a point. The humans couldn't stop it if they got into a fight in the desert.

"You think too highly of yourselves." Thundercracker deadpanned.

"You must understand, we will protect our land against any threat – be they from Earth or space,"

"And you're doing a mighty fine job against other humans, if I do say so myself…" Starscream sneered.

"Our military can be called in an instant to wipe out those we perceive as threats."

"Congratulations on thinking you can actually do anything. As I seem to remember, when we first got here, you did nothing useful. Tell me, have you ever been around a Cybertronian war zone?" Starscream asked. When the General didn't answer his optics furrowed in disapproval. "I have – more than enough times. Your vehicles cannot yet move or maneuver at the speeds we can because of your technology… err lack thereof. They are very easily tracked and destroyed. I should know, I destroyed many of them at Mission City with frightening ease."

"We were unprepared."

"Don't go there…" Thundercracker then said. "We have all of your government's information. We know about all your little secrets. We know exactly what your top aircraft can do."

"Then you are aware we can do a lot,"

"Don't flatter yourselves," Starscream then spat, wondering how long it would take for them to understand.

Deciding to leave that alone, he nodded. "Just how dangerous is this Shockwave character?" Keller had asked.

"Shockwave's estimated arrival: 14 hours, 30 minutes." Soundwave came across the spread-link, halting the discussion.

Starscream acknowledged the message and looked to Keller and then to the General. "He's a walking, talking laser cannon that could flatten Mount Fuji." He explained. "Dangerous enough in our standards; I hear there's Autobots who can blow up planets. Wouldn't wanna get on that one's bad side…" He smirked at the surprised look on the General's face. "We're leaving…" He looked to his Trine.

General watched them leave. Starscream had surprised him. "You know, for an alien robot, he doesn't act like I thought he would. He's a smartass and he gave us no information."

"Yes," John agreed, blinking as he watched the Seekers in thought, "he's also an incredibly good liar, as I hear it."

Starscream barged into Barricade's quarters, "You need to take Miles and Mikaela and the Sparklings and leave within the next 4 hours."

"What? Why?" Barricade watched Starscream carefully. She could tell he was agitated, but he was more so than he'd been before. "What's going on, 'Screamer?"

"Shockwave will be coming shortly. I want you and our Sparklings safe."

Barricade growled. "You've already made that as painfully clear as giving birth… I should know."

Barricade got furrowed optics at her, "Glad I could be of help," he said with sarcastic uncertainty. "To further your pain and suffering, it might delight you to know he's coming sooner than we thought."

Barricade considered going to the floor and writhing in mock pain just to see his reaction but instead she grunted, "Seriously, I think you got a gift when it comes to bad luck, 'Screamer…"

Starscream sat down as his Sparklings all climbed up his body to be closer to him. He touched each one with finesse and frowned. The young leader proceeded to explain to her what he'd been told by Hot Rod.

"Are you sure he's not handing you a line?" the femme asked with doubt.

Starscream shook his head, "Your brother took what he said as genuine, as did Prime, so I have no reason to believe he's lying."

"This is nuts,"

"You're telling me…" He failed to mention the information about the Matrix he'd received from Soundwave.

Sixshot meandered throughout the desert. He had since landed and remained in his winged beast form while he explored. It wasn't because he was trying to hide, but he was less detectable on the ground and had a lesser chance of being detected by the humans' radar, anyway. He'd made his way west to check it out. He'd yet to have actually explored the world he had landed on and now was his chance and he'd heard some really neat stuff about a place called California. As he climbed up a rather large hill, he looked out seeing a highway. He could have used the cars as target practice but instead, he watched them with a smirk while they were blissfully ignorant of his presence.

It had been 2 and half hours and the day wasn't getting any earlier. She transformed and had her Sparklings climb into her. Slowly she pulled up next to Mikaela who was reading a magazine, "Let's go,"

"Where?"

"I'll tell you on the way," The Mustang drove off as Miles and Mikaela shut their doors.

Soundwave stood with Starscream and a few others as they prepared for Shockwave's arrival. They had given him coordinates and he was due in with the others any moment. They watched the fireballs careen past and hit the ground behind them. A few others began following, scorching the ground as they hit. After all had landed, Starscream looked for Shockwave first, finding him not far off. Hook headed for his team members first, then to check on the new arrivals' conditions.

Starscream watched as the mech began transforming, dread already started setting deep in his Spark. For some reason, however, he felt more confident than before when facing Shockwave with something he knew was going to be disagreeable. The more the mech unfolded, the more Starscream came to terms with himself.

Shockwave was easily recognized over any other Cybertronian. The mech was best described as what Starscream had told Keller and Manst. He was a walking laser cannon. The most interesting part of him was his torso area. There was a large irregular, almost diamond shaped area that had a transparent membrane cover. This cover could be retracted, and it was as strong as his outer armor. There was the added bonus of a compound laser cannon system behind the membrane. His right arm also had a complex laser installed and he could use different frequencies with it depending on what it was for. Large hoses, cables and lines ran from his back and torso area into the arm, powering it and giving it mobility. No one was allowed to see the inner workings of this appendage. Not even Soundwave. Shockwave also had three optics: the main one centered between two much smaller ones. The single, larger optic was also a laser. It was also one of his most powerful weapons and one of his most vulnerable points.

Shockwave rose to his feet slowly, looking around at the mechs before him, his optics stopped on Starscream. He immediately scoffed, "Where is Megatron? I figured he would have been here to greet me instead of you."

"Dead," Starscream stated blankly. "A human got to him before I could. Pity."

"Dead? How is that possible? And by a mere human? You lie."

"No, I don't. Ask anyone here."

"You mean those filthy insects I saw on the way in? They did this?"

Starscream scowled at Shockwave's reference. "Watch your vocals, Shockwave." he said with annoyance.

"Absurd. Soundwave would have alerted me to such important information…" Shockwave glanced at said CO who remained reserved.

"Not absurd at all." Starscream argued, "It's quite plausible. And guess what that means? I'm the leader now."

"You?" Shockwave almost burst out laughing, but when no one followed his cue that it may have been a joke, he again looked at Soundwave. "Is he lying to me?"

"Starscream is the Commander in chief of the Decepticons as chosen." Soundwave stated flatly.

"Chosen…?" Shockwave mocked the telepath; his primary optic glowed a little brighter. "You mean to tell me this traitor is now the leader of the Decepticons? Soundwave, I had expected you to take command of the Decepticons if Megatron fell and I wasn't there!"

"Expect nothing of Soundwave." The telepath responded evenly.

Shockwave stared at Soundwave. The telepath would have never spoken to him like that. "How dare you speak to me in such a fashion, Soundwave."

There was a low growl from Starscream's direction. "Watch how you speak to my second in command, Shockwave."

Shockwave scoffed. "What's going on around here? In fact, what Decepticons do you lead precisely, Starscream? I only see a few. Hook, Soundwave, but where's your Trine?"

"It's not like they are imprisoned at my side at all times. They're all around somewhere; I'm sure. They escaped having to meet with you…"

"Do you know what they're doing, at least?"

"Nope, nor do I care as long as they behave. It's called giving them freedom, seems to work well, too. Megatron should have thought of that."

"Behave? Such as?"

"Such as, not harm the humans or their buildings or do anything else that would give me a headache."

"A human killed Megatron, and you mean to tell me you're letting them live after such blasphemy?"

"Of course, why would I want to kill them for killing him? I'm rejoicing, not avenging."

"Why?"

"For the Decepticon Cause," Starscream answered.

"What cause?"

"I haven't quite decided yet," Starscream said quickly.

Shockwave was quite confused. Things were not as he figured they would be. He glanced at Starscream's markings, recognizing them for what they really were. "The markings. Who did them?"

"They held me down against my will." Starscream told him.

The ex-commander took a better look, "Who?"

"All of them," the Seeker nodded toward the others that were with him.

"You agreed with this?" Shockwave asked as he looked to Soundwave.

"It was for the best interest of the Decepticons to choose their leader." Soundwave stated. "Commander Starscream proved to be worthy," Of course she approved; she was present during it.

Shockwave considered what the telepath had said, "They chose him? I must see why," he looked back at Starscream, "Let's just see how you do, Starscream."

"Better than Megatron, I guarantee you." He watched as Thundercracker and Skywarp transformed and came in for a landing beside him.

Immediately Thundercracker shied back in disgust seeing Shockwave, "Unicron must really have it in for us…"

Onslaught stood with Vortex in front of Starscream, who had gone to check on the other arrivals after initially talking with Shockwave. Most of them laughed at him, which he figured they would do. The Seeker glanced at them and then to Blast Off who was approaching.

"So, where's Brawl? Swindle?" the Combaticon leader asked.

"Dead," Starscream stated.

"Both of them? Are you for certain?"

"Swindle, I killed myself for his deeds to a particular Decepticon soldier, Brawl fell with Megatron in Mission City who's all at the bottom of the salty rich ocean."

"Pity…" Blast off grumbled.

Not far off, Shockwave approached Starscream again. He was being followed by Soundwave.

When he got close enough for Starscream to hear, he glanced at the telepath, "Tell me, Soundwave…" his voice became sly, "Where is the Allspark? I would figure since you are all alive here, it is in the hands of the Decepticons?"

"The cube has been destroyed." Soundwave droned.

Shockwave became instantly angry. He needed that! "How?"

Starscream spoke up instead, "The human that killed Megatron used it to kill him. Quite amazing if you ask me – who would believe that a tiny organic would not get killed by it."

"And you killed him for it?"

"Why would I? Two banes of my existence gone. You have no idea how peaceful my life has become since they both perished. Thank Primus for small favors."

Ha! Peaceful! The hell was he thinking?

"Why is it I wasn't told about this until now?" Again, Shockwave addressed Soundwave, as if the CO was going to answer him.

"My first guess… You weren't here to tell." Starscream grinned with a wink. "My second guess… You're not important enough."

Soundwave then spoke. "Information is classified only to high council."

"Well unclassify it to me you ignorant mech! I demand to know what is going on right now!"

"Soundwave does not take orders from you."

Shockwave glared at Soundwave. "You are to follow orders as given to you!" How dare he defy an order. "Starscream, tell me why I was not told of this until now. Why is he being so disobedient?"

"Disobedient? Soundwave seems pretty obedient to me. Besides, why are you asking me? It's not like I control…"

"-What are you saying?" Shockwave cut him off, aggravated about events unfolding in front of him, "You don't control the Decepticon forces?"

"Well, not really…" Starscream admitted, "I think they're happier that way,"

"Who cares about happiness! They are to be obedient and serve the Decepticon Cause!"

Starscream's optics furrowed. "They do serve the Decepticon Cause…"

"What Cause?"

"My Cause." Starscream said irritably, "You no longer have authority-"

"I am Commander of Kaon, second only to Megatron himself!"

"That would make you maybe cannon fodder if you're lucky." Skywarp then commented.

"I was second in command. Not you." Starscream retorted.

Shockwave turned to the accented voice, seeing Skywarp. "What? That would give me command…"

"Not anymore… Starscream told us you have been demoted." Thundercracker interrupted.

"To what?" Shockwave asked in disbelief.

The black Seeker bent down and picked up a handful of dirt, dropping it slowly, "Dirt. That's your authority now… Sits fine with me."

The ex-commander stared at the group as if in thought. "Dirt… I've been demoted to dirt." It was sickening that they would say such a thing. Something would need to be done.

"Now, are you going to come back like a good little mech, or are we going to have to kill you here and now?"

Shockwave glared at Starscream for speaking in such a manner but followed. He would teach the mech what respect means. Until then, Shockwave would bide his time. He wanted more information before he did anything else, anyway. Besides, now he had to figure out a way to bring Megatron back and still do what he needed to do without the use of the Allspark. Something big had happened to the Decepticons and he wanted to know what. He had a surprise to unveil to Starscream and his little thing he had going on. He would let these idiots think they had the upper hand.

"Shockwave has arrived,"

"Oh joy. Glad I left when I did. How's the youngling holding up?"

"Fair,"

Starscream was completely annoyed within the first few hours of Shockwave's arrival. While the rest were getting reacquainted and talking with others, he was trying to avoid Shockwave, who would not go away. He pestered him every time he saw him about something different, or something he didn't like. He'd caught him again just as he tried to sneak out to fly. "There is a cease fire between the Decepticons and the Autobots? Any particular reason why?" Shockwave asked.

"Because I wanted one and Optimus agreed with it."

"The war…"

"Save it." Starscream cut Shockwave off, "The war is over. The cube, the bane of my fucking existence it seems, has been destroyed. Leave me alone about it and get over it."

"Why would you still not want to eradicate them?" Shockwave pressed, "Look at what they did Decepticon empire!"

Annoyed, Starscream growled. "I'm in charge, and I said no. End of story." His voice turned condescending, "Don't like it?" He then pointed to the sky, "There's fucking the sky, don't let gravity keep you here because I sure as pit don't want you here!" The Seeker turned abruptly and marched off. Shockwave glared at Starscream's back while he left.

Meanwhile, somewhere in space, a figure shut off his communicator and groaned. "Primus, I'm getting too old for slag like this!"

Down on Earth, Blaster turned for Optimus' office with news on coming Autobots and what information he'd given.

New Autobots, new Decepticons. This should be entertaining. One must wonder what Shockwave is brewing.