Ensconce Transformers Prime AU (Book 2) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Thirty Seven

The room was tense and silent as everyone waited. The digits on the clock seemed to move at an agonizingly slow pace. Everyone was growing impatient and irritated with each other. Wheeljack looked around the room with a blank expression, and Jazz continued to shake with fear. The soldier was going to protect him no matter what.

He looked to the father who was slowly losing consciousness. He moved a little so he was in front of Drift but kept Jazz in a protective embrace. Starscream was yelling at his men as he started to reach his limits. A man looked at them then to the leader as they spoke. He then cocked his gun and loaded it. Wheeljack knew that they weren't going to make it out of here alive.

"Jazz..." he whispered quietly and set his chin on his head as he buried the man's face in his chest. He felt like an older brother in this case. "Close your eyes..." he mumbled as tears filled his own. He needed to give him peace before things went south. Jazz didn't know why, but he did as the man said as he heard someone approach. Drift weakly looked to their executor and then to Magnus.

"Farewell... my friend..." he rasped weakly and wheezed a little. He looked at Wheeljack then reached out and gripped his ankle. The soldier glanced at him then nodded slowly before he looked at the thug.

The gang member raised his gun and set it against the soldiers head. Wheeljacks expression became blank as he stared him down. They suddenly looked to the door as it opened and blinked in surprise.

"What the-?" Starscream said as he stared at the newcomer. "Soundwave?!" He shouted and the man simply stared at him blankly.

"What- how- what?" He asked and shook his head as the gang members surrounded the silent man.

Soundwave kept his expression blank and walked into the room without fear. He looked around slowly as if judging the layout. He glanced at Starscream and barely raised an eyebrow.

"What?! Don't judge me and my headquarters!" He snapped angrily and looked him up and down. "Why are you here anyway?" He growled lowly. The silent man didn't respond and his eyes fell on Magnus. It took all his effort not to show emotion and he looked to the captives. He stared at Starscream then pointed to them.

"No. They're mine." He huffed angrily and folded his arms. He thought for a few minutes then smiled wickedly. "Unless you have something to trade." He sneered. Soundwave didn't respond and stood taller as he stared the man down.

"You can't be serious." He said and narrowed his eyes. Soundwave moved his head ever so slowly to indicate he was.

"And why would I do that?" He asked and looked at Arachnid who hid in the shadows. Soundwave thought for a few minutes then pulled a flash drive out of his pocket. "What is it?" He asked then reached for it, but the other man put it away, he then glanced to the prisoners.

"Wait... are you saying you have their plans and information from the police station? And that you also have Shockwaves plans?" He asked. Soundwave didn't respond and looked at him as his expression stayed blank. Starscream laughed and shook his head as he walked off a little.

"I accept your terms and also want you to work for me. You're very valuable you know." He sneered and the silent man nodded slowly. Hardshell hadn't said anything and felt something was off.

He knew Soundwave had elaborate and detailed plans, but he was helping the enemy earlier. He didn't trust him and quietly spoke with Arachnid. She narrowed her eyes as she watched them and walked off. Starscream was about to suggest they call the station when one of his men walked in.

"The cops! They found us!" He shouted and Starscream yelled angrily.

"You led them to us!" He shouted and shot the man. Soundwave didn't flinch but he jumped inside as the man's blood splattered on his clothes.