Hidden in the Dark

Chapter 13

The Autobots sat in a circle using various boxes and equipment as makeshift chairs. Soundwave held her helm up high as she walked towards the Autobots and sat on her box. Laserbeak took her place on her lap.

"Sounwave," Optimus Prime acknowledged her with a nod. Wheeljack huffed and crossed his arms.

"Optimus Prime," Soundwave said with her mech robotic voice. Ultra Magnus looked at Optimus Prime for confirmation. He received a small nod.

"We would like to make a deal with you," he said, getting straight to the point, "In return for your stay with us, we would like to receive some information regarding the Decepticons," Laserbeak rolled her optics.

"Are we really going to give them information?" Laserbeak asked distastefully through the bond.

"You know we have no choice," Laserbeak growled, "But, we have a choice in what kind of information we will give them," Laserbeak's scowl turned into a smirk.

"My my my," she purred, "You are a smart femme," Soundwave smiled appreciatively. Soundwave drew her attention to the Autobots.

"Soundwave: Accept," Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus's optics revealed relief,

"But with conditions," Laserbeak added.

"Conditions my aft," Wheeljack growled.

"Do you remember when I asked for your opinion?" Laserbeak asked him, raising her optic ridge.

"What! Nooooo," Wheeljack said, confused.

"That's right cuz I don't remember either," Wheeljack snarled.

"Laserbeak," Soundwave said warningly. Optimus Prime looked at Wheeljack warningly and Wheeljack shifted in his seat.

"What conditions do you propose?" Optimus Prime asked. Laserbeak looked at Soundwave knowingly.

"One, we will reveal information when we deem necessary," Laserbeak counted off with her digits, "Two, we are allowed to withdraw from this agreement when we wish, thus, leaving your base,"

"No way," Arcee argued, "We should be able to get information from you as we wish! After all, we saved you from the Cons," Laserbeak looked up at Soundwave and she nodded.

"Fine, we will give you this first," Laserbeak gestured towards Soundwave's visor. A map showed up with 5 red dots.

"Those are the 5 most recent Decepticon energon mines," Laserbeak explained, "Boss has already sent this file to your computer. Ratchet looked at Optimus Prime questionably before getting up and checking the computer.

"We have received the file," Ratchet informed everyone.

"How do we know this is for real?" Smokescreen gestured to Soundwave, "For all we know, this could be a Con trap!"

"We swear on our gladiator's honor that those coordinated won't lead you to a trap," Laserbeak said.

"Gladiator's honor?" Bulkhead asked.

"Similar to your warrior's honor but in this case, a gladiator's honor,"

"And how are we supposed to believe in this so called 'gladiator's honor'?" Wheeljack scoffed.

"Every gladiator in the Pits abided to this," Laserbeak said passionately, "Even Megatron stood to this honor," she had a faraway look in her optics when she said this.

"We will accept your honor," Optimus Prime said, "I am familiar with this honor myself," Laserbeak looked at Optimus Prime in surprise. Soundwave extended her blade and made a slit in her palm. Energon started to leak from it. Laserbeak looked at Optimus Prime expectantly. Optimus Prime slowly made a slit in his palm and shook hands with Soundwave.