Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shockwave sighed as the console on the other side of his lab once again beeped, its screen flashing with an unanswered video request. He had seen the Nemesis fly overhead numerous times in the last few stellar-cycles, but direct contact was rare. Lord Megatron was still absent and Starscream had grown increasingly taxing in his absence. Avoiding him made Shockwave as happy as his processor allowed, but it looked like that was no longer an option. If he continued to ignore calls from the ship, they'd only get louder. He put down the data pad he'd been reading and crossed the room. He let his servo briefly hover over the keys, savoring the last vestiges of quiet in his solitary lab, before accepting. 

“Are you sure the request went through?” a familiar grating voice asked. Starscream was facing away from him, his wings pulled tight against his back as he gestured wildly to someone off screen. “Honestly, Soundwave, I really think you should get your sensors checked out. The only reason we've been unable to get through to him is because you've probably been contacting the wrong channel. We could be transmitting our location to the Autobots at this very moment!”

He placed a servo on his hip and surveyed the clawed digits on his other servo. Shockwave poised himself to speak, but then another servo came into view, thin digits pointing right at him. Starscream scoffed and turned around, but his optics widened when he saw the violet mech on the screen. 

“Shockwave!” he stuttered out before regaining his composure. “We have been trying to reach you for two cycles now. What is your status?”

“My apologies, I was focused on my work and did not hear you call. As for status, I still function, if that is what you are asking. Nothing has happened that you would not be aware of,” Shockwave replied. 

“Good. Good. I seem to remember you are running low on energon stores. My scouts have picked up a weak signal near the ruins of Altihex and I have dispatched a unit to the location. If they come back with anything, barring any rogue Autobot resistance, I would be willing to share the bounty with you.”

There was a demand in the seeker's voice, one that Shockwave was not unfamiliar with. He still did not appreciate hearing it. 

“Do you require something from me?” he asked. 

Starscream chuckled. “As a matter of fact, I do. We also received word of some strange readings in a sector not far off from your location. Normally I would just ignore them, as you know how our dead planet is filled with phantoms and the like, but I have been informed rather persistently—” he turned to glare off screen to where Soundwave was likely standing “—that it would be smart to investigate any signal because we never know what we might uncover. A long lost homing beacon attached to a rusted piece of scrap might be the key to winning the war for all we know!”

Starscream looked at him as if he were expecting him to laugh at his joke, but Shockwave remained stoic. “You want me to investigate? I am busy with my work, Starscream.” Right as he said that, a small notice appeared over the video feed letting him know another base pair had been found on the strand of CNA his computer had been painstakingly analyzing. The last thing he wanted to do was go on a scavenger hunt and delay his more important research. 

“Don't sound so eager, Shockwave. My troops are all tied up in their own business as well. The planet does not revolve around you, you know. We all must contribute to the cause even if that means putting fanciful projects to the side for a deca-cycle or two. You'll be alright.”

Shockwave had never wished for his leader's return more than in that moment. When Megatron was present, Shockwave and Starscream were on equal footing. He would never be so bold as to order Shockwave around like a drone if he were not currently acting commander of the Decepticons. Shockwave shut off his optic for a klik before bringing it back online. How long could it really take? It was just one mission and he was only doing it so Starscream could feel good about himself for a little while. 

“What are the coordinates of this signal?”

Starscream shook his head. “You won't need them. I will have a ground bridge sent to you in due time and then you'll be briefed. Over and out.”

The feed went black leaving Shockwave to stare at his reflection on the screen. He did not see the logic in Starscream's games. The war would've ended eons ago if the upper ranks of the faction had been more organized. Petty squabbles and unnecessary grabs for empty power had allowed the Autobots to survive longer than they should have. 

* * *

Shockwave had been able to decode a few more components to the CNA and even managed to reconstruct a partial helix before a ground bridge opened up behind him. He left everything as it was, since he didn't need to worry about anyone else entering his lab, and went through the portal. When he emerged, he found himself surrounded by piles of scrap metal and the sounds of saws. Drones worked all around him, diligently dismantling what looked like the husk of a ruined hanger.

In the center of the room stood Starscream and Soundwave. As Shockwave neared them, he heard Starscream ranting about something pertaining to his increased duties on the ship. It was Soundwave who stopped the conversation by turning his blank visor toward the approaching mech. Shockwave couldn't help the chill that ran down his plates at the sight. He had worked with Soundwave for eons and even known of him long before that, but there was something about his newfound silence that perturbed him. He had always had trouble with emotions, but his fellow Cybertronians made it easy for him by wearing them in their expressions or voices. Soundwave was unreadable and Shockwave disliked unknown variables. 

Starscream walked toward him, heels clicking on the dirt strewn metal floor beneath them. “Ah, Shockwave, am I ever glad to see you.”

“You sound surprised that I am here,” Shockwave replied. “Did you not think I would come?”

“Perhaps, but it was not out of any belief in your disobedience. No, it was merely because of your obedience toward science. Why listen to silly old Starscream when you have your formulas and gadgets to keep you occupied?”

“I would not disobey a direct order, no matter how engrossed I am in my work.”

Starscream nodded and muttered to himself. He stretched out a servo toward Soundwave who stared at him in return. They both stood there before Starscream realized the communications officer wasn't moving. He looked back at him and scowled. 

“The data pad, Soundwave! Give it to me,” he said. 

Soundwave did not move, but a line of numbers appeared on his visor. It looked like coordinates. 

“I know you have the coordinates, but Shockwave does not. How can the mission proceed if he has no idea where to go?”

His visor switched to the image he used when playing recordings. “It is best to keep data—” came the voice of Optimus Prime, or Orion Pax by the quiet tone of it. “—in a secure location,” finished the voice of the long dead, Dirge. 

“What are you suggesting? That you go with him? I need you on the ship,” Starscream said. 

Soundwave tilted his head almost imperceptibly. Shockwave could've written it off as nothing, but Starscream took it completely differently. He stepped closer to the dark blue mech until face and visor were almost touching. His voice lowered to something closer to a growl. 

“I'll not have insubordination in my ranks, even from you. I gave you an order and I do not appreciate you treating it like a joke. I need you on the ship and that is final,” he said quietly. 

“The cause is more important than your petty squabbles, Starscream,” Megatron's booming voice echoed from Soundwave. The next voice sounded more animal than mech, perhaps belonging to one of those creatures only seen in the lowest depths of Kaon before the war. “It is better to move in packs when hunting prey.”

Soundwave didn't even move, but Starscream's demeanor changed. He made himself smaller just a bit and his servos drifted back to his sides. 

Starscream continued to glower, but he backed off of Soundwave and shook out his wings. “Fine, but I will only allow this because your judgment is sound. You will be quick and efficient so that your absence goes unnoticed.”

A nod was all he got in reply to which Starscream rolled his optics. Watching them interact was fascinating to Shockwave. Soundwave had never been the talkative sort, always letting his actions speak for him, but that took on a new meaning when he took his vow of silence. Recordings did the job well enough when he had to speak with others, but the cons he spent more time with had developed unique ways of communicating with him. Starscream was able to have entire conversations with him where he only used one or two short recordings. There was something in his body language that Shockwave could not read, but Starscream saw clearly. 

It was even clearer to the point of transparency where Megatron was involved. In the few times Shockwave found himself in a room with the two of them, he noted how entire sentences passed between them with just a look or the wave of a servo. Whenever speaking was necessary, Megatron's voice would take on that soft tone he only used with Soundwave. It was a relic from their time spent as gladiators, where they had forged a bond like no other in the ring under the blinding lights. 

Though the war had raged for eons, Shockwave could count the amount of times he spent alone with Soundwave on his one servo. Luckily, Soundwave made it easy for him with his endless recordings and his tendency not to linger. Still, he did wish he could delve deeper into the odd mech's mind and unlock that easy communication that evaded him. It would be a good tool to have if they ever found themselves in a situation in which normal communication was out of the question. 

“-and then he can inspect it. Understood Shockwave?”

Shockwave looked at Starscream who was staring at him impatiently. His finials inadvertently twitched. He hadn't been listening at all, too wrapped up in a topic that was much more interesting than anything Starscream could offer. Behind them, Soundwave merely nodded in a way that said Shockwave should do the same. 

He did nod, hoping it looked natural. “Of course, Starscream.”

“Excellent. Get to it then. I have other things I must take care of.”

He transformed and flew off, making more sound than was needed. When the dust left in his wake settled, Shockwave found himself with Soundwave. The drones continued to work, but there were a few that glanced at them every now and then. 

“You're welcome,” Soundwave said with a quiet recording.

“Thank you. I appreciate your quick thinking.”

Soundwave tilted his head and one of his shoulders twitched. Was that a shrug? He seemed to be saying ‘don't mention it’, but Shockwave wasn't sure. He hated it. 

He turned to leave the hangar, expecting Soundwave to point them in the right direction once outside. They had walked a short distance to the south when Soundwave handed him a scanner with the signal's coordinates already plugged into it. 

“I thought this was unnecessary,” Shockwave said. “I do agree with never writing out important information.”

The recording this time was of multiple voices stitched together. “It usually is, but I trust you to keep it safe,” Soundwave replied. “It would be stupid to hinder your ability to help.”

“Then why come along if you could have just given me the scanner in the first place?” 

A picture of Starscream popped up on his visor and Shockwave understood. That was the last time either of them spoke until they uncovered the source of the signal a cycle later—the communicator clutched in the servos of a dead Autobot containing an encrypted message from Optimus Prime himself. 

* * *

A mega-cycle passed the next time Shockwave talked to anyone. Starscream was overjoyed at what they had uncovered, but spoke as if it had been by his own servo that the communique had been found. Shockwave did not care, glory was an illogical concept to him, but he disliked Starscream's behavior on behalf of Soundwave. The dark mech had handed off the data and stood stock still as Starscream preened, but there was something underneath the visor. He seemed stiff with annoyance. It was known to everyone that they'd be nowhere without Soundwave and all he did for the cause, but he never seemed to care for recognition. Even Megatron was quiet with his praises to his third-in-command. Shockwave wondered if deep down, Soundwave really did care about things like that. Or maybe it was just his dislike of Starscream. 

A ping on his comm pulled him from his work and he saw it was from Soundwave. He was asking permission to enter the lab. This was most out of the ordinary, but not unwelcome. Shockwave assented and went back to his work, not stopping even when the door opened and soft pedesteps reached his audials. 

He glanced over to see Soundwave looking at one of the screens displaying his CNA research. It was still in its beginning stages and progress was slow, but he believed he'd be able to make a breakthrough in the near future. With his previous creations lost to the stars and most of the information on them destroyed in the war, he found it tedious to have to start over, but he did love the thrill of discovery. He wondered if Soundwave ever felt the same when he decrypted a file or hacked into the enemy network. Did he get that same rush of energy Shockwave got when he conducted the first successful cortical psychic patch or when he managed to extract the spark from an unwilling patient without immediately offlining them?

“Shockwave…work coming along well?” Soundwave asked. 

“To a point,” he replied. “That is just a side project currently. Once I make more strides, I fear it shall be the only thing I will want to work on.”

“Fear?” Shockwave's own voice replied. 

He paused in his typing and turned. Soundwave was closer now, leaning against one of the workbenches. He had an empty syringe in his servo, spinning it with precision between his digits. He'd been one of the greatest gladiators Cybertron had ever known at one time and Shockwave knew he could probably use that single syringe to do a lot of damage to him—perhaps even offline him. Interesting. 

“A figure of speech. I am merely referring to the inconvenience it will provide to others. I do not think I will be easy to get a hold of.”

Soundwave titled his head, almost letting it fall dramatically. Now he knew what that display meant. Shockwave was already hard to contact. If he had a mouth, it might have twitched at the deliberate snark coming from the other mech. 

“You're not easy to find,” he said with Starscream's voice. 

“Well, my research is very important.” He moved his head so it was made clear he was looking at the syringe. Soundwave wouldn't break anything in here, but perhaps he did not grasp that he was holding something that Shockwave might need to use later on. “I do not think you will have much use for that, Soundwave.”

Without even a hint of what he was going to do, Soundwave lunged at him. Shockwave barely got his cannon up before Soundwave had slammed his own arm down upon it and brought the syringe right up to his neck. There they stood, a skinny wisp of a mech who moved faster than the wind with the feared mad scientist of Kaon at his complete mercy. The perfect execution of his skill and Shockwave hadn't even had to ask. 

“Fascinating,” Shockwave said. His fans kicked on, cooling down his rapidly heating plates. He hadn't expected a live demonstration and the thrill had gotten to him. “You made that look effortless.”

Soundwave backed up, his shoulders shaking. He was laughing, Shockwave realized. 

“You seemed curious,” Soundwave said, answering what would've been Shockwave's next question—how did he know he had been wondering about his fighting skills? 

He handed him the syringe as one of his tendrils snaked out from his torso and connected to the computer beside them. A video appeared and the room filled with the sound of cheers as a gladiator match commenced. 

Soundwave was bulkier as he had been back then, but the mech he was facing was three times his size and oozing cockiness. He taunted Soundwave relentlessly as they circled each other. The crowd was eating up his words and laughing at every jest he made, but Soundwave behaved as if he hadn't heard a thing. When the mech finally rushed at him, he barely moved out of the way and only made contact with the base of the mech's sword. It snapped easily and flew in the air before landing at Soundwave's pedes.

The mech laughed as Soundwave picked up the broken blade. What was one sword when he had more? Another sword slid out from a compartment underneath the broken one as well as one on his other arm and he charged once again. Soundwave didn't move at all this time. Instead there was a flash of black at his heels and the mech looked down, his arms and blades instinctively crossing to block the incoming attack of one of Soundwave's minicons. Instead of attacking, the minicon—he was sure it was the cat, Ravage—merely jumped onto his arm and let his weight pull the mech slightly off balance. No sooner had the cat's nimble paws touched that of the mech, did Soundwave slice the broken blade clean through his neck. Energon sprayed everywhere and Ravage jumped back to avoid getting dirty. The final shot of the video was Soundwave bending down to pet Ravage before it cut out. 

It was the same move, the only difference was that Shockwave's energon stayed inside of him where he needed it. His gaze dropped to Soundwave's chest where his last minicon resided. He'd gotten smaller as he transitioned from gladiator to spy master, but Shockwave knew from others that the change in his person was unwelcome. With every minicon lost, Soundwave had withdrawn into himself until he turned into the mech he was today. Cold, calculating, quiet, and feared. 

He wanted to ask about Laserbeak, but he thought better of it. Instead he asked why he was there, realizing that he hadn't thought about it until that very moment. He'd been fine with the idea of Soundwave just visiting for no reason other than to share in his company. He filed that thought away for later, citing it as highly irregular. 

Another picture of Starscream appeared on his visor and he wondered just how many pictures of the seeker Soundwave had stored in his drives. 

“I'm tired of using the energon to go down to that place. You do it this time since you're so eager to stretch your legs. I suppose you and him can find common ground given your…affliction toward personality,” came Starscream's voice again. 

Shockwave’s finials shot up abruptly before coming to settle low on his head. He never could understand how Megatron could stand him enough to keep him as long as he had. 

“So he is too lazy to tell me things himself. His vanity is a wonder to behold,” Shockwave said. 

Soundwave silently laughed again and typed something on the computer. A data packet appeared and Shockwave watched as Soundwave cycled through items. The scouts had gotten new intel and Soundwave had been sent to personally hand it over to him. He pushed forward, taking over the keyboard to read it for himself. There was much to dissect and he couldn't do it all at once, but he could feel himself being pulled into the images and text on the screen. 

There was a soft noise behind him and he turned just as Soundwave started to leave. A part of him didn't want him to go, but he knew that he had his own work to get back to as well as a commander who would make his life a lot more difficult if he stayed away for too long. Soundwave was nearing the door when Shockwave spoke up without thinking. 

“That minicon in the video. That was Ravage, I believe?” he asked. 

Soundwave stopped walking, his body tensing. Shockwave was confused. He was sure he had asked the question as gently as he was able and he hadn't said anything that could cause an emotional response. 

“I remember watching a few of your matches, but I don't—”

His voice shut off when Soundwave turned to look back at him. He was practically radiating anger. Shockwave wondered if minicons were off limits completely. If that were the case then he had royally fragged himself just by mentioning one name. He knew he should probably stay quiet and let Soundwave go back to his work, but he spoke again and the words tumbled out. 

“If you ever wanted to, I could always try to rebuild them using your CNA. There are images of them in our files and I think I can replicate them quite well.”

Illogical. Stupid. Why had he said that? Shockwave glanced over at the syringe he'd placed next to him. That was one weapon he could probably keep from Soundwave, but the entire lab was filled with instruments that could be used to tear him apart. Soundwave wouldn't do such a thing, but Shockwave had to always account for every possible outcome including variables. Life was a constant study and he would never allow himself to be blind to any event no matter how unpredictable. 

“No,” came the reply. It was Megatron's voice but it was altered significantly, making it deeper and piercing. Even Primus would shiver at the sound as Shockwave did. 

Soundwave said nothing else as he left the lab and Shockwave was glad for it. He could be left alone to think of a proper way to apologize for his actions as well as delve into his own mind and figure out the source of the anomalies. 

* * *

The text on the screen disappeared as quickly as he had typed it. He hoped it wouldn't be taken as an insult that this was the first thing he said to him instead of an apology or an explanation for his behavior. 

:Starscream is bringing you a couple of presents. Look sharp:

Soundwave hadn't seen Shockwave since their encounter in the lab. He felt bad over how he had reacted, but in that moment he just couldn't help it. His minicons were something he never spoke about. It was only Megatron who he allowed that privilege and even he used it sparingly. Shockwave was so brazen, so forward. He'd used a name. He'd offered to bring them back. Laserbeak sent him a worried ping that he answered soothingly. He was fine, he couldn't be anything else. 

The computer beeped, alerting him to an error in something he had typed. He corrected it immediately, cursing himself for not focusing. The bridge was thankfully empty so Starscream wouldn't be there to hound him on any slight misstep in his work. He had an endless supply of patience but the seeker was starting to wear it down with a skill only he possessed. 

If they ever figured out this message from the Prime, Soundwave hoped it would take them far from Cybertron. If that were the case then Shockwave would have to come with them and it wouldn't be just him dealing with Starscream. If Shockwave were no longer able to hide in his lab on the surface then Soundwave could find more excuses to slip away from the bridge. Perhaps he could even carve out a space of his own in Shockwave's workshop. He allowed his servos to rest on the keyboard and took a moment. 

He didn't know why he felt at ease around Shockwave. It wasn't like he disliked him before, but seeing him after so much time had felt different. Perhaps it was just because he needed a change of scenery or someone who shared in his love of silence. Whatever the case, he was not ready to let go so easily of the scientist he barely knew. He was known for being a recluse, but Megatron always had need of him and it would be easier to inquire into his services if he were on the ship instead of a galaxy away on their home world. 

When his console next pinged, it was a copy of the now revealed audio transmission. He listened to it and logged the origin coordinates in the ship's navigation system. He then sent a separate transmission into deep space, knowing it would inevitably reach Megatron and let him know where to find them. He went back to his work, trying to get as much done before Starscream returned. 

He'd barely done anything when multiple alarms started ringing on the bridge. The ship was fine, but the alarms were alerting him to an energy surge in the vicinity. He felt something like panic in his spark just as he turned to look down at the surface and saw a massive explosion. Blue and green mixed in the sky as shrapnel flew everywhere. A burst of energy hit the ship and flung it backwards. Soundwave stayed standing, but he could hear sounds of pedes skidding out in the hall. 

Once the ship ceased its rocking and the alarms went silent, Soundwave walked over to the window and pinged Shockwave. He watched as smoke rose from where the lab had once been and blue fires burned where exposed energon had been ignited. He pinged him again and again, but there was no reply. Soundwave backed up and shook his head slightly. It couldn't be. The Autobots had been chained. They were being watched. Starscream might, but Shockwave would've never let them get the jump on him. 

The door of the bridge opened and Starscream rushed in. His fans were in overdrive and he was almost doubled over. Soundwave looked him up and down, but he was unharmed. 

“What happened?” he asked, using his most angry recording. 

“That fool Shockwave happened,” he replied. 

Soundwave walked over to him, raising himself to his full height and crowding him against a wall. “What happened?” he repeated. 

“I already told you! He said he would dispose of them after retrieving the Prime's message and so I left. I heard a commotion and when I came back, not only had they escaped, but they had also tampered with the space bridge. It was about to blow just as I got out of there. I think it damaged my thrusters.”

He looked behind him, angling his hips for inspection. Soundwave was unable to stop himself from grabbing Starscream and turning his face back to him. He stared and stared, hoping he was letting it be known exactly how he felt. One of the most important members of their side had just been lost and Starscream cared more about himself. What about all the research on his computers? The valuable tools in his lab? What about Shockwave? 

“Shockwave,” he said. 

Starscream got the message loud and clear. “He was in the space bridge when it blew. He followed the Autobots! There's no way he could've survived.”

Soundwave let him go and started to pace back and forth. What were they going to tell Megatron? There would be no end to his rage over this significant loss. 

“...a search party…we will search high and low,” he said, barely thinking about the recordings he used. 

Starscream stumbled back to his full height and let out an undignified garbled sound. “You're not suggesting we go down there, are you? You must be mad. The explosion fried your circuits, Soundwave. There is no possible way he survived. I already told you that.”

“Equipment…data…”

“Out of the question. We could lose more bodies if we go down there now. That big of an explosion buried everything under rubble. Anything we find will be worthless and there might be more rubble just waiting to crush anyone who disturbs it.”

Soundwave returned to his console and typed out a rushed message to the lab. It was confirmed sent, but he knew he'd get no reply. He looked back down at the smoldering wreckage and knew he'd be more successful sifting through the wreck than any drone could be. He then thought of what he'd do if he found the body. He'd seen too many of those to count and it never got easier no matter who it was. 

“I'm going to the medbay,” Starscream said as the door opened. “My back struts feel weird. Set a course for the coordinates the message provided. We should move the ship in case any more explosions get triggered.”

He wasn't friends with the mech by any means, but Soundwave couldn't help the dread he felt in his spark. The last thing he'd felt toward him was anger. Shockwave was terrible with emotions, of course he'd run his mouth and say something stupid. He might have given him the silent treatment for less than a mega-cycle before ending up back in his lab. He'd wanted to observe him further to see just how the mech functioned behind that one red optic. 

Now all of that was impossible because Shockwave was gone.

Chapter Text

When Soundwave finished debriefing Megatron on everything that had happened in his absence, he watched as the bigger mech grabbed his chin in thought. He'd been gone such a short time and missed so much. 

“I'm honestly surprised that my ship is still in one piece,” he said with a chuckle devoid of humor. 

He looked at Soundwave and blinked, his optics turning purple for a second. It appeared Soundwave had missed a lot as well. If not for the feeling of the dark energon pushing into his own spark whenever he was close to Megatron, he’d never have believed Starscreams’s earlier rants about their leader being space mad.

“And what of Shockwave? Is he truly gone? I find it hard to believe that two lowly scouts could have defeated him.”

Soundwave played the recording of the explosion, seeing Megatron's impassive face through a haze of green and blue. 

“He was in the space bridge when it blew…no way he could've survived.” 

He then played back the moment when Starscream dug his claws into the chassis of the one called Cliffjumper. Soundwave had watched it time and time again, feeling a sick glee at seeing the light fade from the crimson bot's optics. It was only a matter of time before his partner would join him on the scrapheap. 

Megatron nodded. “A pity. He was an invaluable asset, but at least they lost one in return. When we rebuild Cybertron, there shall be a monument built in our favorite scientist's honor. I'm sure he would hate it.”

“...lost too many,” a sad voice played from Soundwave's visor. 

“Hmm?” 

“We have…lost too many…”

“I know.” Megatron stood and glanced around. His private quarters were the most secure place on the ship, but their leader was used to watching his back. Now that he was with Soundwave again, the behavior would probably lessen. “That is why we continue our fight, Soundwave. One day there will be no more losses.”

He walked closer to Soundwave until there was barely any room between them. Soundwave did not move his head, but Megatron knew exactly where he was looking. There was a small space on his neck between two pieces of his heavily reinforced metal plating. He'd been stabbed there once in a gladiatorial match and the masters had called it a draw in order to keep their most prized gladiator, and the income he provided, from bleeding out in the ring. Megatron had watched from the medbay as Soundwave faced the same gladiator only a week later. The medics said he smiled wickedly as Soundwave tore the mech limb from limb, moving carefully so he stayed alive the entire time and felt the most pain possible. 

That happened right after he lost Frenzy, the only symbiote that was lucky enough to offline before the war. That was a terrible time for Soundwave, probably the lowest he'd ever been. 

“Soundwave,” Megatron said in an achingly soft voice. Soundwave remembered the time before the war when he spoke like that often. He would read his poems and wax poetic about a brighter future. “It's not like you to form attachments anymore.”

Soundwave closed the distance between them and pressed himself against Megatron's chest. The warlord's arms gently wrapped around him in a hug. Sharp digits that were usually used to maim opponents softly rubbed circles on his back, tracing over scars and delicate seams. 

“Sometimes we allow ourselves to be destroyed by thinking we can have whatever we want. We let our guard down even though we know it's foolish.”

Megatron sighed sadly. Those were the words he'd spoked to Soundwave the day after Orion Pax had ceased to exist. The day Optimus Prime had been born. 

Soundwave knew he was being foolish. Megatron and Orion were incredibly close, much closer than Soundwave had been with Shockwave. Primus, he'd just helped him with a mission and then pretended to slice his throat open and yet…he'd been fascinated by him. He had looked at him and deemed him worthy of the beginnings of a friendship and then he had died. Soundwave tightened the hug. He'd be his usual apathetic self once he left the confines of Megatron's quarters, but he didn't need to be anywhere just yet. 

* * *

Soundwave found himself unable to look away from the space bridge portal even after it had closed. It was as if giving his full attention to the purple mech who had just walked through it would make him disappear in a cloud of dust. 

“Shockwave!” Megatron said. “This is quite an unexpected turn. I thought you'd perished on Cybertron.”

He turned to glare at Starscream as did Soundwave. Perhaps it was crazy to believe he'd survived a space bridge explosion, but he had, and Starscream had neglected to search for him in the wreckage. 

As Shockwave relayed his tale, Soundwave found himself wanting to slink backwards too. He'd argued with Starscream, but only a little. He could've gone down to Cybertron if he really wanted. He might have found Shockwave, but he didn't. Instead he'd accepted that he was dead and moved on. 

There was no need for introductions as everyone knew each other. Starscream was furious at the new chain of command, but that was to be expected. He and Knock Out wandered off down the hall as soon as they left the medbay. Soundwave could already hear him whining. 

Megatron watched them go with a bored expression. He was a lot more mild toward Starscream these days. It was as if he'd accepted the seeker for who he was and even welcomed it. 

“Shockwave, we have a lot of catching up to do, but I find myself busy with other things. Perhaps Soundwave can show you around the ship and help you get reacquainted with everything,” he said. 

He looked at Soundwave and smirked, knowing Soundwave wanted nothing less than to be alone with Shockwave. He needed time to gather himself and he was not going to get it. Shockwave nodded and turned to Soundwave. 

“I can assure you that I have not forgotten much of the ship,” he said in his deep voice. “Your tour need not be so long.”

The tour ended up being long anyway. Soundwave did not take him around much of the ship, but everything came to a standstill when they reached the medbay. Shockwave was already acquainted with Knock Out, who was happy to talk about how he had rescued the scientist from his isolation on Cybertron. He regaled Soundwave with a clearly embellished story while Shockwave became enthralled with the human wearing Breakdown like a skin suit. Soundwave had almost forgot he was even there, but he was filled with disgust yet again as he thought of the fleshy thing inside the mech he once called a comrade. Beneath Knock Out’s preening, he could hear Shockwave muttering observations to himself as he circled the monster.

Shockwave continued to speak about it as they walked down a corridor. “Do you think his human body will deteriorate due to the energon he must consume to power the cybernetic one?” He asked, servo dancing through the air. “Perhaps they introduced a blood transfusion into Breakdown’s circuitry, but that would mean he would need more human blood of which he's incapable of finding here. They might have found a way to bind the energon to the blood on a molecular level, but they would need a neutral agent to provide a buffer zone and prevent an attack on his human cells. Remarkable engineering.”

“The human…experiment is barbaric…primitive,” Soundwave said.

“I agree, but I still must give credit where it is due. To concoct a procedure that would allow him to survive this long in that condition.”

His finials twitched erratically as he continued his musings. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he did not notice when Soundwave stopped walking. He continued ahead until he turned a corner and realized he was alone. When he saw Soundwave standing there, he slowly walked back over to him, his voice now quiet.

“Soundwave, is there something wrong?” he asked.

Unable to find the words, he just nodded. Shockwave leaned against the wall and hummed to himself in thought. It was funny to see him so calm now, when he’d sounded like he was ready to burn Starscream alive only cycles before. Once he had gotten sufficient reasoning for his abandonment, he had seemingly forgotten all his grievances against the seeker. Soundwave hadn't though.

“We left you,” he said, words echoing in the empty hallway.

“You believed me dead. Hardly something to find fault with.”

“No.” Soundwave shook his head vehemently. “We could have…searched. Didn't need to leave. What if you had not…repaired…yourself?”

“But I did—”

“What if you hadn't?!”  

Shockwave clenched his servo at the sudden anger from the silent mech. He had felt just as much anger when he had woken after the explosion. He felt even more when he saw Starscream cowering behind their leader, his guilt written plainly on his face plates. It had softened when he saw Soundwave though. A strange thought that he’d been mulling over until he saw that hideous human thing that he used to push all other thoughts away.

“Soundwave—”

“I could have…done something. Searched. The right thing to do for a comrade.”

“Is this sentimentality on your part? I do not understand it, especially since we parted on less than friendly terms when we last spoke.”

Soundwave looked up at the ceiling and his shoulders fell. It was more expression than he had shown in years, but Shockwave seemed to bring it out of him. “Does not matter.” He fixed his gaze on Shockwave and repeated the recording a dozen times just to drive the point home.

This was guilt, Shockwave realized. Soundwave blamed himself though he had no reason for it. Even Shockwave had not expected to wake up after the space bridge closed in around him. He stepped forward and laid his servo on Soundwave’s shoulder.

“You are right,” he said. “It does not matter anymore now that I am repaired and functioning. I do not hold any ill will toward you and so you should do the same for yourself. Holding onto the past is an illogical behavior, one that I tend to avoid. I am aware that you cannot do that as easily as me, but just this once, I ask that you try.”

He saw files flash across Soundwave’s visor as he sorted through his recordings for a reply, but in the end he stayed silent and merely nodded his assent. It made Shockwave’s spark flutter to see him agree so easily, which made him hastily pull away.

He straightened himself up and cleared his vocalizer. “Now then, come with me. I have not had good energon in some time and I do not seem to remember where the refueling room is. You can keep me company as a final apology, so we may catch up.”

As he let Soundwave lead him down the endless hallways, he felt the stirrings of excitement underneath his plating. He had actually missed him. Imagine that.

* * *

Soundwave heard Starscream before he saw him and it was just his luck. He managed to duck out the way as soon as the door to the hangar deck opened and a chunk of metal was hurled at him. 

“You mangy beast!” Starscream yelled. “Look what you've done now. Do you know how long it will take to fix that?”

The ‘that’ in question was formerly an above deck monitor used to scout the ship’s blind spots, and currently wedged into a large dent in the wall behind Soundwave. The Predacon growled at Starscream before turning away, allowing Soundwave to slip in unnoticed and make a beeline for Shockwave. The beast was supposedly tame, but he preferred to stay by its master just in case Starscream made it gain a hatred for anyone sporting wings.

He dropped a data pad on the console next to Shockwave and watched as Starscream continued to try to rein in the Predacon. He swung at it with an energon prod which only enraged it further. Soundwave wanted to laugh. If your tactics didn't work, it was plain madness to keep repeating them and expect a different result. Eventually, the beast got a hold of the prod and crushed it in its teeth. Starscream just about turned red with anger and started to almost screech rather than yell when their leader’s voice echoed above them.

“Starscream, report to the bridge immediately!” he said, not unkindly.

The seeker was usually loath to be around Megatron when he was clearly in a mood, but he seemed grateful to be pulled away from the Predacon. He took the damaged prod from where it had fallen on the floor and hurled it into the foggy morning sky, clearly finding glee in relieving him of his chew toy.

That was when he turned and noticed Soundwave for the first time. He froze up before muttering a greeting to him and slinking off to the bridge. His footsteps clicked as he went, getting further and further away while telling a group of passing Vehicons to send someone to fix the dented wall.

“If he keeps that up, the Predacon will begin hunting him as well as the Autobots,” Shockwave said as he continued to type.

“He could be…great for target practice,” Soundwave replied, already thinking about how Megatron would probably love that idea.

At that, Shockwave let out an actual laugh. He stopped typing and turned to Soundwave, as if he had an explanation for the scientist suddenly learning how to do so. Soundwave didn't even think he was capable of it, but the action made him want to burst into laughter as well.

“Does Starscream being…inconvenienced…provide you that much enjoyment?”

“I…suppose it does,” Shockwave said wearily. “It might make him quieter when he is around me.”

Soundwave shook his head. “Never shuts up.”

“That could be remedied with a simple procedure. One slice and his vocalizer will be worthless. I know a few cons who would thank me for that service.”

It sounded like he was joking, but he said it in such a serious tone that Soundwave couldn't tell. Only when he laughed again, did he allow himself to chuckle inwardly. Shockwave was making jokes too now?

“Megatron won’t like it,” Soundwave replied.

“Is that confirmed? I have half a mind that he might find it enjoyable. You do not speak and yet you have never had an issue communicating. Starscream can learn as well.”

Soundwave patted him on the shoulder and shook his head. “You say such…funny things.”

It was time he was going. He’d stayed longer than he ought to, hoping to miss any argument Megatron might be having with Starscream. They were fun to witness, but not fun when Starscream got thrown around and Soundwave found himself having to dodge an incoming seeker. 

The area where the destroyed monitor had been was sparking, so he sent off a ticket to the repair crew to have it fixed. He walked closer to assess the damage for himself, when the beast was suddenly towering over him. He couldn't help the little spark of fear that coursed through him when he looked up and caught it staring down at him. 

He decided he didn't care how damaged the console was and took a small step back. There was no reason to fear the Predacon, he had to remind himself. Still…the beast was massive. It moved close to him, pressing its face right near his so that he might get a better look at its fangs. 

“Shockwave—”

Whatever recording he had pulled up in his haste to get Shockwave to call off the beast, died when it opened its mouth and chirped? Years of being a carrier to minicons had made him familiar with every possible noise they could make and then some. The chirp had been a friendly and curious one, one that he remembered Buzzsaw loved to make. As if she were reincarnated before him, he reached out and pet the Predacon right between its eyes. It chirped some more and laid down before him.

There was a sound of heavy pedesteps and soon Shockwave was standing next to him, red optic zeroing in on the Predacon that looked like a trained housepet now. He tilted his head and his finials twitched.

“That is odd. He should not be doing that,” Shockwave said. 

Soundwave was confused. If he wasn't being obedient then he’d be trying to bite Soundwave’s servo off like he did with Starscream and that wasn't ideal. “The beast is completely tame,” he played back Shockwave’s own words.

“I know, but he seems to really like you. Maybe even more than me.”

Soundwave found that notion preposterous. Shockwave had created the thing, of course it was going to put him above all else. He was going to say that, but then the beast decided to prove him wrong. It crawled closer and nuzzled its face into his servos, uttering a purring sound.

Against his better judgment, he moved closer as well and scratched its jaw with both servos. It felt like he was with Ravage again, if Ravage had been ten times bigger. The idea felt like a sword stabbing right into his spark so he pushed it away and continued to make the beast purr.

“Soundwave…has an appreciation for…Shockwave’s work and so…Shockwave’s work…returns the favor,” he said.

“It seems that way, does it not?”

There was an odd tone to Shockwave’s voice. His finials were twitching relentlessly now as if they were the circuits running in Shockwave’s processors as he took in the scene.

“Should I thank…its creator?”

“I…” Shockwave looked at him briefly then back at his creation. “I was in a hyper focused state when I did most of my research. I was not thinking clearly. Perhaps I programmed it to react more kindly to some more than others.”

Soundwave was oddly touched at that. Even if it hadn't been on purpose, it warmed his spark to think he'd been considered at all. 

He played an old recording of his own voice—which he wasn't even sure Shockwave would recognize—followed by an intimately soft chuckle which made Shockwave's finials shoot straight up.

“Just say you're welcome next time.” 

* * *

Knock Out did nothing to hide how uncomfortable he was as he checked Shockwave for injuries. Not only was he actually having to touch one of the most feared Decepticons to ever live, but he was doing it while Soundwave, another terrifying mech, watched him. The battle with the Autobots hadn't done much damage, but Megatron needed to be sure his top scientist was in working order for Project Predacon, especially after he heard that Optimus Prime had been on the field with them. Soundwave absent-mindedly stroked a servo over Laserbeak as he recalled the battle. He was glad Shockwave had recommended he be sent in as backup should the Autobots arrive. Shockwave could handle himself in a fight, but he’d be the first to admit that he lacked the prowess needed to win said fight. 

Shockwave bent forward to tap something on the screen and Knock Out huffed in annoyance. They were in Shockwave’s lab instead of the medbay and Shockwave was currently deep into his work while Knock Out followed him around the room trying to examine his back struts. 

“Knock Out,” Soundwave said when he saw Shockwave was starting to get just as irritated. The sultry tones of Airachnid and then Skywarp filled the room as he saved the scientist from the doctor. “Perhaps your services would be better put to use elsewhere—Shockwave…will come to you if he has any issues.”

“I was just about to leave, but thank you Soundwave.” Knock Out said, looking extremely thankful. “I see that he's perfectly fine if his insistence at continuing his work is any indication. If something comes up you all know where to reach me. Only doctor between here and Beta-T3 that would even let you past the front lobby!”

When no one laughed at his joke, he awkwardly smiled to himself and slipped out of the room. As the doors shut, Shockwave backed away from the console and started rooting around his tools. “I never thought he would leave. He seems to know what he is talking about some of the time, but I do not think I can trust medical knowledge gained in Velocitron of all places,” he said. He pulled out a pair of what looked like pliers and reached around to his back with them. There were a few small sounds of metal hitting metal before he gave up and looked at Soundwave. “Could I trouble you to help me with this? I have a dented plate that is digging into my protoform. I cannot...um—my arm is unable to reach…”

Soundwave walked over and took the pliers from him. His thin digits easily found the plate in question and he straightened it out. He was grateful that he still had both arms. A large fusion cannon at his beck and call would be nice, but it looked like it had its drawbacks as well. It worked for someone like Shockwave though and that was all that mattered.

Shockwave let out a pleased sound as the metal was fixed and he stretched from side to side, working out the kink it had caused. “Thank you. I was not going to let Knock Out near me with anything except a scanner.” He took back the pliers and tossed them among his things before going right back to analyzing the specimen they had acquired together. 

“I'm better at breaking them than fixing them,” Soundwave said, remembering how annoying that whole debacle with Starscream and Knock Out had been. If Knock Out hadn't kept Megatron functioning, Soundwave would have pushed him off the side of the ship at the first opportunity. 

“Such a mindset for one who thinks so highly of his own person. Would it not be logical to err on the side of caution when one's life is in your servos? A thankful mech is better than an angry and disfigured one,” Shockwave said.

Soundwave laughed so suddenly that he actually made a noise. Shockwave’s head snapped back to look at him, no doubt wondering what in Primus had caused him to do that. His finials shot up as he tilted his head curiously, a silent question as to his status. Soundwave raised a servo and waved him away. How could he explain that it was equally amusing to hear the mech wonder why someone else didn't treat his patients with care or worry about the repercussions of it? It was a known fact that there had been bots who offlined themselves rather than try to survive as one of his test subjects. They’d face their captivity head on, but the second Shockwave’s name was mentioned, it was a race to hang themselves with their own chains. Soundwave rather admired his reputation. A mech like that was a great ally to have.

He walked over and peered at the screen over Shockwave’s shoulder. It was littered with diagrams and formulaic equations that looked like an ancient language to Soundwave. He knew he was smart, smarter than most, but bringing back prehistoric beasts was not one of his skills. There was a diagram off to the side of a familiar image. He pointed at it.

“That is Grimlock,” Shockwave replied. “He was a Dinobot, different from a Predacon. His form was based on creatures found on this planet a long time ago, but I collected important data from him during our many encounters. He would be tickled to know he was helping me defeat his beloved Autobots.”

Soundwave was going to ask for more information when he got a ping on his comm from Starscream.

:Where are you?:

:Why do you need to know?:

:I am your commanding officer, Soundwave.:

:Lord Megatron knows where I am.:

He shut off his comm before Starscream could reply. He was not needed on the bridge so long as his work was still being done. Said work was just reconnaissance and he was able to put it on the backburner for his subconscious processor to manage. He was much more interested in the work going on in front of him.

Shockwave was in his own world now, typing away at the console and only looking down at a data pad sometimes. When he moved around the lab, Soundwave followed him at a safe distance. He figured Shockwave wouldn't have tolerated such an invasion of space from someone else, but he’d stated more than once that Soundwave never inhibited his work. They almost danced around each other for the better half of the day. Never exchanging words, but still interacting as if Soundwave were his assistant. More than once, Shockwave knocked something over with that cannon of his and Soundwave caught it and put it back before Shockwave had time to process it falling.

It was nearly time for them to call it a day and return to the ship for stasis when Shockwave encountered an error on the computer. He had tried to access Decepticon records and was denied entry. 

“That is curious. I have never been denied before,” Shockwave said.

He went to type something on the keys, but Soundwave reached out and pulled his servo away. With his other arm, he reached across to type his own access code and break the encryption. 

“Apologies. Your clearance records…need to be…updated,” he said. He pulled up Shockwave’s profile and quickly gave him full access to whatever he wanted. He must have forgotten to do so when he returned. “Fixed.”

“I appreciate your help,” he replied, his voice sounding almost cheerful.

Shockwave looked at him and then looked down. Soundwave’s servo was still on top of his. Soundwave pulled away and backed up slightly, feeling his plates rise in temperature. He pulled up an image of a happy face on his visor to which Shockwave nodded before returning to work. 

Later that night, Soundwave found himself staring at his servo. He rarely touched others in such a manner. Starscream was nothing but a quick grab of his wrist when he was about to use his servo to do something stupid. Megatron was the exception, of course. Shockwave…Shockwave, that was new. 

* * *

Shockwave did not get scared. It was so rare an emotion, that he found himself filled with confusion when the foreign feeling had invaded his spark right after Megatron informed him of Soundwave’s capture. He continued to work tirelessly on both the Omega Lock and synthetic energon projects, but his spark refused to settle. 

He had gotten used to Soundwave’s presence as he worked, even welcoming it…missing it. When his lab had been destroyed, he lamented having to return to the ship full time. He did not like being around others and his lab had ensured him some much needed privacy, but it also meant that Soundwave was closer. He still liked to be alone, but maybe there were a few times he had requested Soundwave’s presence for help on various matters. Soundwave knew more about Earth than he did and so it was only logical for him to pick the silent mech’s processor about everything the planet had to offer him.

It was he who had suggested they go through Soundwave’s surveillance records to find the Autobot base. During one of their talks in his lab, Soundwave had shown him the scope of his espionage. It was impressive to say the least. He truly did see and hear everything, but with the Omega Lock and everything else that had happened, there were some duties he’d had to give less attention to. The base had been under their olfactory sensors for the longest time and no one even knew it.

Shockwave almost felt smug as he stood there and watched the ground bridge open. Soundwave delivered the Autobot medic on a silver platter, exactly as ordered. After exchanging some choice words with their leader, Starscream led him away toward the brig. Megatron was supposed to follow so he could convince Ratchet to join their side, but he lingered. Shockwave watched as he stepped closer to Soundwave and spoke to him softly.

“...they hurt you? I’ll rip…” was all he heard of Megatron’s whispered but furious voice.

Soundwave shook his head, but it wasn't enough for Megatron. He raised a servo and trailed it down the side of Soundwave’s torso rather delicately. His navy plating there was tinged in shades of black and grey. Laserbeak had said Soundwave was shot down, that must have been where he was hit. 

Megatron’s servo continued to roam, pressing here and there as if he were a medic. When he finally stopped, his servo coming to rest on Soundwave’s hip, Shockwave felt his finials flicker. Megatron and Soundwave were closer than most and it was only natural for them to worry about each other. He had seen this behavior with other gladiators. There was a care there for one’s personal safety that wasn't even seen between sparkmates. They were blood brothers. 

He was just surprised they were being so open about it. Everyone had left except for him and he wasn't so sure that either of them knew he was there. Megatron's current show of care—affection?—was unbecoming for a Decepticon. This was the Nemesis, not the pits of Kaon. If anyone else saw this, they might think their leader was going soft or that they too could garner attention from him just for being injured.

Soundwave leaned closer, angling his visor up as Megatron spoke. There was an air of comfort about him, something in the way he was standing. He nodded or shook his head at times, but he never moved out of Megatron’s space. He never moved that servo off his hip. Shockwave’s own servo clenched and he wondered if Soundwave would push him away if he dared try what Megatron did without thought.

* * *

They were impossibly close to victory now. Ratchet had proved invaluable in their race to finish the formula, but he was less inclined to work when Soundwave was around the lab. Megatron had no qualms about restricting him to the bridge. He was always casting worried glances toward Soundwave and touching him whenever he could. It was as if he couldn't believe Soundwave wasn’t a figment of his imagination. It was silly. Soundwave hadn't been gone more than a day and his wounds weren’t life threatening. Poor Knock Out had repaired them quickly, even with Megatron hovering over his shoulder the entire time.

Soundwave only found freedom in his own quarters. That was, until someone knocked on his door. He already had a recording ready for Meagtron. ‘Yes, I’m okay. No, you do not need to worry. Yes, Laserbeak is fine. No. Yes. No.’

He opened the door and came visor-to-optic with Shockwave. This was a surprise.

“Do you need something?” he asked.

“I do, actually.” Shockwave turned his head, looking both ways down the empty corridor. “I was…”

Soundwave stared at him, waiting for whatever he wanted to say. His servo scratched idly at his cannon. He often did that when deep in thought, an unconscious movement that Soundwave found endearing. 

“I don't bite,” Soundwave said, hoping the recording sounded playful like he meant. Megatron sure had been when he’d said it.

Shockwave nodded jerkily as if startled. “I know. I was here to ask if you wanted to take a walk with me.”

Soundwave ran the events of the day back in his head. There was no unfinished business between them that he knew of and any conversations they had had were not interrupted. Perhaps Shockwave had more questions about Earth.

“Purpose?”

“Recreation.”

That piqued his interest. He didn’t think there was a side to the scientist that didn't include work. He nodded before stepping into the hall and letting the door to his quarters shut behind him. They walked in a comfortable silence until they were outside. Shockwave had led them to one of the upper decks, a place few ever visited. 

Shockwave walked ahead of him, stopping at the edge of the deck. Below them stretched Earth, a undeniably pleasing view even if it was filled with primitive lifeforms and basically worthless besides its energon stores. He looked up at the stars surrounding them, his finials moving up and down as thoughts raced through his processor. 

“I will not miss this galaxy,” Shockwave said. “I would prefer a lifetime of solitude in the Sea of Rust with a damaged optic than spend another minute here.”

Soundwave came to stand beside him. He briefly looked down at the planet before them before turning his visor to Shockwave. He didn't feel much of anything for Earth. It was a means to an end as far as he was concerned, but he knew Megatron didn't see it that way. He was determined to rule both Primus and Unicron, and Soundwave would be expected to remain by his side when he conquered both. Shockwave would be free to return to Cybertron.

“Earth…is not without merit,” he finally said.

Shockwave looked at him, his optic brightening as if he were widening it in surprise. “Do explain.”

“Unicron…for one thing. Energon. Lord Megatron finds value in it, so must I.”

“Is that so?”

Soundwave nodded.

“Hmmm,” Shockwave hummed. “What would your viewpoint be if the variable of our leader were removed? Do you still reach the same conclusion?”

Soundwave shook his head. It wasn’t an answer he had to think about.

“I see. Your loyalty is to be commended. I have certainly always admired you for it. Any mech with principles is worth his metal.”

“Your…principles?”

“The pursuit of knowledge, of course. Is there any greater ideal?”

Freedom, Soundwave thought. That was all that had mattered to him when he stepped into that ring with Megatronus. It was freedom for himself and the freedom to live another day, but then it changed. It was suddenly freedom for others, a hope he still carried in his spark to this day.

When Soundwave did not answer, Shockwave moved to another topic. “I am glad to see you have healed well.” Soundwave thought of the newly repaired and painted metal plates on his torso. He was glad too, the wounds had hurt and his captors had let him suffer. “We are lucky the Autobots did not keep you long enough to dip into their more…depraved interrogation methods.”

Soundwave did not think Optimus Prime would have gotten as brutal as he tried to sound when threatening him in their base, but he had to suppress a shudder at the thought. For all the twisted tales told about the Decepticons, there were stories of equal measure told about the Autobots. He felt especially grateful when he was woken by Laserbeak and freed when he was. He’d been alone with Ratchet, the medic who knew how to tear mechs like him apart piece by piece. The medic who had once made him want to rip his own spark out.

“Do you two…get along?” Soundwave asked, his recording a little shaky.

“Our guest? He was cordial once he was reigned in. It is a shame we must dispose of him after all this, but I will delight in opening up his processor. It is only logical to cultivate that knowledge instead of letting it burn away in the smelter.”

Soundwave again did not reply. As the minutes passed, the silence between them grew thick. Shockwave studied Soundwave carefully, trying his best to see through the mech’s impassive outward features. He was not angry like that time back on Cybertron, but there was something else in his now rigid posture. 

“Ratchet…”

Shockwave’s attention was pulled forth with the force of a tidal wave. Soundwave had spoken in his actual voice. He stood there, quiet as a glitch-mouse, thinking his audials had just short circuited. He couldn't remember the last time he had heard Soundwave’s voice. They spent so little time around each other as it was, and it was during the time of the war where Soundwave had yet to take his vow, but had also started to talk less and less.

Soundwave spoke again, this time leaving no doubt as to if it really was his voice. It was filled with a hint of static from disuse, but it was unmistakable. “Ratchet killed Ravage.”

The words hung in the air. Ravage was the minicon from the video of his match. Not only was Soundwave speaking to him, but he was speaking of his minicons. Shockwave could hardly believe it. This was a rare gift indeed and he had no idea how he had come to be worthy of it.

“How?”

There was a heavy sigh as Soundwave sat down on the deck. Shockwave sat too, but he was much less graceful than his lithe companion. He held his canon to him as he thought of the best way to sit without having his aft crash into the deck and wake the whole ship. He reached for the cable connected to his canon, intent on gathering it up, when he felt a tendril wrap around his waist. Soundwave didn't even move as he used his tendrils to pick up the much larger mech and set him down gently onto the deck beside him. Shockwave was feeling that thrill again. Soundwave’s tendrils were incredibly strong, much more than he had ever theorized.

“Thank you,” he managed to say.

Soundwave waved a servo and continued his story. “During the war, Ravage was the one who ran reconnaissance for me the most. She was very good at keeping to the shadows and I never worried about her. I usually sent her with another one of my symbiotes, but that day…I was foolish.”

“She was captured.”

“The Prime was away in Vos, supervising the siege. That—,” Soundwave clenched a servo and growled, “—butcher! He knew Optimus wouldn't approve, so he saw his opportunity and took it. Buzzsaw recorded it and I watched helplessly. He dissected her as if she were nothing more than a surveillance drone. He wanted the information on her drives, not caring in the least that he was torturing a living being to death.”

How Ratchet was on their warship and still alive was anyone’s guess. That was a testament to Soundwave’s loyalty. Though Shockwave knew nothing of the bond between a Cybertronian and their symbiote, he had read literature on it. His minicons were almost like sparklings to him, sharing a sparkbond similar to a mate or carrier. 

“You felt it, did you not?” Shockwave asked.

“Every second.”

Shockwave looked down at his servo in his lap. He was feeling anger, or something close to it. For all they spouted about honor and decency, he knew the Autobots could be just as underhanded. They came from a ruling class that was used to getting things without caring where they were from or who was crushed during the procurement. There was a small sound as Soundwave slid closer to him and then a servo was placed over his own.

“A penny for your thoughts?” Soundwave asked.

“What?”

“It's a human saying. Knock Out—hold on…” Soundwave muttered something quietly before a recording played. “A penny, Starscream? It’s Earth currency, like a shanix. I heard it in a movie. I'm asking what you’re thinking about.”

“A human concept,” Shockwave said, filing that information away.

“He watches many human films when he has no work to do in the medbay. They do have some colorful language to them. Words that seem to work a lot better than ours. The twins would have loved things like that.”

A picture of two mechs, one red and one blue, appeared on his visor. He remembered one of them. “Rumble, he was in my lab once. He got underfoot and broke one of my testing chambers.” That had been an annoyance that was not repeated. Megatron had personally come to see him and told him that he would not be bothered again, while he held the offending minicon squirming under his arm.

A chuckle escaped Soundwave. “They were always getting into trouble. When I lost Frenzy, I was so worried Rumble would never recover, but war seemed to revitalize him. I never wanted a life like that for him, but he took to it well. Everything was one big prank to him… He was the last one to die, leaving me with only Laserbeak.”

His servo clenched around Shockwave’s as his other one came to rest gently on the minicon covering his chassis. He slouched forward and he tilted his visor to the side, away from Shockwave. Shockwave could feel his sadness, see it clearly on him as if he had face plates and a readable expression. He was finally beginning to understand Soundwave and it was at the worst possible time. He also had no idea how to comfort him, so he flipped over his servo and intertwined his digits with Soundwave’s.

“I am sorry for what I said about them back on Cybertron,” he said. “It was thoughtless.”

Soundwave’s reply was quiet. “I forgave you ages ago. You didn't know.”

“I would be happy to assist in the dissection of the Autobot medic once he is no longer of use. Or I can leave you alone with him and all my tools at your disposal.”

“I think I would…appreciate that. I have not engaged in torture in a very long time.”

Shockwave had no doubt that Soundwave’s work was beautiful. No matter how much rust he claimed was on his servos, he would probably carve Ratchet like a master surgeon. Shockwave’s fans whirred slowly as he thought of the sight. 

“Your humbleness does not become you. I know I would love to watch you work. A scalpel in your servo is like a brush to one of the master painters of Iacon.” Shockwave was stunned at his own words. He had never said things that were so poetic, but he could see they were having an effect on Soundwave. He had straightened up slightly and his biolights brightened. The effect was striking. “There is no mech I would rather hand over a prisoner to than you. I suppose you could make their screams sound like song without trying.”

He half expected Soundwave to pull away at this display, but he stayed. He even leaned closer, so much so that Shockwave could hear the faint sound of his own fans humming.

When Soundwave spoke again, he sounded tired. “Perhaps…I can…I will ask Megatron if I may return to Cybertron after the war. You will need help with your lab, correct?” He looked at him, his visor mere inches away from his own head.

“Indeed,” he replied. “I only repaired what I needed and my resources were limited.”

Soundwave closed the distance between them until his head touched his own. There was a small whisper of static between them that sent shivers down his spine. 

“We can't let you go without the proper tools then. How will Cybertron be rebuilt with its smartest mech hampered?”

Shockwave chuckled and pressed his face into Soundwave’s, almost nuzzling him. Illogical. Very illogical. He filed it away, like he did everything else. He needed to explore this behavior in full detail, but not now. There was another burst of static between them, not unlike what he assumed a kiss on the cheek plate felt like.

“Illogical,” he said. “I have never met anyone smarter than you, myself included.”

There was another feeling to add to his ever growing list. Humbleness. Something he would have thought was nothing more than debasement if you had asked him about it long ago. Now, he found himself curious as to how the mech currently invading his space had managed to pull it out of him. He filed that away too. 

* * *

The hum of the computers was the only sound that permeated the decrepit base that Shockwave now called home. A light flickered above him, but he paid it no mind. Starscream would've complained about it non-stop without doing anything to fix it. He had wondered what had become of the seeker until he ran into Darksteel who was all too happy to regale him with every detail of their mauling of Starscream. He supposed there were worse ways to go. 

He thought of his former master flying among the stars forever doomed to roam. That was the same fate that he had incurred, just in a different sense. He didn't fly. No, he was stuck on the ground with his projects to keep him occupied. 

The screen before him flashed red with another error message prompting him to slam his servo down on the keyboard. He was prone to bouts of anger more frequently these deca-cycles, though he found it hard to care anymore. 

He sat back against a table and turned on his comm link. Another ping that he would get no response to, but he sent it off anyway. Soundwave had not been seen by anyone since the day that Autobot scout killed Megatron. Starscream and him had briefly considered the possible whereabouts of the third-in-command, but it never went anywhere. He certainly wasn't going to ask the Autobots either. Getting arrested was not high on his priorities list, nor was the finality that came with confirming that Soundwave was gone. 

The light again flickered and he tilted his head up to look at it. Soundwave would've fixed it. He wouldn't even have to be asked. He liked things in order and anything that could impede his work was dealt with swiftly. It was his thoroughness that made him good at everything. 

“How did they get to you?” Shockwave asked the empty air before him. 

He sent off another ping, giving it only a few kliks before he moved to shut his comm off again. It was highly illogical to ruminate over this. Just as his comm went dead, he thought he heard a noise come over the channel. It was nothing more than a barely audible burst of static, not uncommon to hear. He stopped for a moment, listening intently for more sounds, but they never came. 

There was a cube of energon sitting nearby. He didn't remember when he had grabbed it, but a quick check of his vitals revealed that he was low on fuel. His finials dropped in annoyance as he turned the comm off and moved toward the energon. He had only taken a step when he felt something that made him turn around in a fury with his cannon charged to strike. 

There was nothing behind him and yet…he had felt something touch him. It was nothing more than the ghost of a touch, like servos brushing along his shoulder. He looked around, cannon still charged and ready, but there was no one in the lab except him. He sighed and powered down the cannon. The lack of energon and rest was making him see things. 

He'd allowed himself to conjure up a ghost of his former colleague. That wouldn't do. He had important work that could not be halted by something as trivial as poor self maintenance. He finished off the energon and went off to find his berth for some much needed stasis. He pushed everything else far from his thoughts, but found that one dark mech wouldn't leave so easily. It was something most beings did, right? Miss those they had lost? 

With one look back at the lab, he noticed the light flicker once more before it surged and burst. He heard the sound of glass falling to the floor below and made a note to fix it in the morning. As he fell into stasis he again thought of Soundwave and imagined that the mech would have probably fixed the light while he recharged. 

It was an illogical, and rather useless, thought because he knew very well that Soundwave was gone.