[private to tentawave]

[airspacecommand]

Psst. Soundwave.

I've been thinking and I have come to the conclusion that you and I should talk.

Especially if you do us both the favor by encrypting this from spying eyes for me.

Comments

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

SOUNDWAVE: ACKNOWLEDGES.

SPEAK.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

It's simple. I have a proposition for you.

Your Megatron isn't here. Neither is mine. And while joining up with one was a temporary amusement, I grow restless. So many mechs are scrambling around following so-called leaders just because they have a bigger gun than them.

As much as my reputation proceeds me as far as loyalty goes -- they have no reason to follow the lead of some of these guys who show up as I do. Kinda sad in the grand scheme of things don't you think? Throwing everything away just because someone can aim a fusion cannon at them.

I think you and I could do much together.

The Decepticons here keep splintering themselves and will eventually destroy one another. Too concerned with killing each other than the more important.

Come on, Soundwave. I think you and I could show them all how it's really done.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

. . . PROVIDE: ASSURANCE.

SOUNDWAVE: WILL NOT ALLY WITH A POTENTIAL TRAITOR. WHAT PROOF: IS THERE THAT ALTERNATE STARSCREAM WILL BETRAY SOUNDWAVE AS ALTERNATE STARSCREAM IS CURRENTLY REBELLING AGAINST ALTERNATE MEGATRONS?

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

[He kinda figured that would happen.

But was it that Soundwaves liked almost as much as Megatron?]

I'll let you have access to all my data files. Any information you want.

As long as I could trust you not to try and like reformat me or anything.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

. . .

ALL DATA?

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

[As much as he hated the idea, it was really one of the only ways he could think of to get Soundwave assuredly on his side.]

Yes, Soundwave, all data.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

ACKNOWLEDGED.

DATA: WILL BE COLLECTED.

AND THEN: AGREEMENT CAN BE REACHED.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

Oh no. I need some assurance myself, Soundwave.

I'm not going to give you all that and then have you stab me in the back. It goes both ways.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

SOUNDWAVE: DOES NOT ENGAGE IN BETRAYAL PATTERNS.

HOWEVER . . .

WHAT ASSURANCE: IS NECESSARY?

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

I am aware that is true for my Soundwave.

But I also know how dangerous he can be. What he can do to a mech.

I assume the same applies to you.

I just want some sort of assurance that I won't end up as a mindless drone.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

AFFIRMATIVE. ALTERNATE'S CAPABILITIES: ALSO SOUNDWAVE'S.

IF: STARSCREAM DOES NOT MAKE A MOVE TO BETRAY SOUNDWAVE . . . STARSCREAM: HAS NO REASON TO BECOME A DRONE.

SOUNDWAVE: HAS NO USE FOR MINDLESS DRONES. AS: BLACKOUT DISCOVERED.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

[He can't really argue with that one.]

Ugh. Fine. We'll do it your way.

But I'll find a way to come back and haunt you if you do anything to me.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

ACKNOWLEDGED.

SOUNDWAVE: WILL AWAIT ARRIVAL FOR DATA EXTRACTION PURPOSES.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

[He has this sinking feeling that he's going to regret all of this.]

... You at your usual 'spy on everyone' spot?

[Aka his little command post or whatever.]

[Encrypted: 100%]

[inursatellites]

AFFIRMATIVE.

SOUNDWAVE: HAS NOT LEFT LOCATION OF BASE OPERATIONS.

[Encrypted: 100%]

[airspacecommand]

All right. I'll be there shortly.

[And Chopin's Funeral March started to play in his head. He was so doomed.]