[[Open, video]]

[not_your_gun]

[The video cuts in suddenly, static-laced and foggy at the edges as steam rolls by. Its Magnum, the faintest hint of terror being tightly locked under a grim visage as he is thoroughly power-washed by drones in The Silver Bullet's locker rooms.]

Soundwave.[He isn't bothering to lock this--that would take too much time, and he fears he has none

Comments

[sound_loyal]

[ . . . ]

[You are correct. Somehow, there are not. Admittedly, he has not wanted much to do with the virus, but now he can't avoid it.]

Virus samples: have been removed.

[ . . . ]

Understood.

All Hail: Megatron.

1/3

[not_your_gun]

...

2/4

[not_your_gun]

...

3/4

[not_your_gun]

...

4/4

[not_your_gun]

[Frag, you're gonna make him cry.]

[You know, if Decepticons (or Cybertronians, for that matter) could.]

...

[Instead, he manages one last Megatron-y smirk for you.]

It's in your hands, now.

You will do well.

[sound_loyal]

Report to my position: Immediately.

Increased security measures: Required.

[not_your_gun]

You...think...

...I should be out like this?

I mean, I c...

[The power-wash finishes, and he stares down at the drones.]

...I could.

[Encrypted]

[sound_loyal]

[ . . . ]

Report: Coordinates.

[Encrypted]

[not_your_gun]

Affirmative.

[He sends his coordinates--the basement of the Silver Bullet Arena.]

I'll...just wait here, then.

[He's still staring down at the drone, wondering what it will do now.]

[Encrypted]

[sound_loyal]

Affirmative.

[And he is on his way, not before sending a ping to all current cassettes to report to the Arena and stand watch.]

[Encrypted][Action?]

[not_your_gun]

[Magnum will be sitting there, still, when you arrive--his arms almost wrapped around both knees--which is impressive, considering his bulk.]

...they all think I deserve this.

[He looks up.]

Do...you?

[Action]

[sound_loyal]

[That... is not at all what he was expecting. His expression doesn't change (not that it ever does) as he crosses the room.]

Negative.

[He pauses, dropping any pretense of formality.]

No one deserves this.

[Action]

[not_your_gun]

I'm...just sorry. I know what I did, and this...

[He curls up tighter, watching Soundwave. He knows how impressive, and how terrifying, you really can be.]

I did this to you, too. Oh, Soundwave...

[Action]

[sound_loyal]

[He is only terrifying when he has reason to be. So... all the time, but not directed at you.

He pauses, finally offering a hand to help him up.]

Affirmative.

Soundwave-

I will not allow others to take advantage of your current status.

[Action]

[not_your_gun]

[He stares at that hand for a long while, remembering what Magnus said about being vulnerable...

And feels it.

Utterly.

But he still reaches up, shakily, and takes that hand.]

You...can you ever forgive me, Soundwave?

[Action]

[sound_loyal]

[He holds the hand firmly, tilting his head slightly.]

... Yes.

I will continue to serve you, Megatron.