Hidden in the Dark

Chapter 17

"Optimus?"

"What is it old friend?"

"We have an incoming call," Ratchet paused, his optics flickering towards where Soundwave was sitting, "From the Decepticon warlord," silence filled the base and wide optics and eyes looked at Optimus Prime. Only Soundwave seemed unfazed by this whole ordeal. Laserbeak fluttered over and sat on Ratchet's shoulders. He squared his shoulders and moved his head accordingly so she could have space to sit. Optimus Prime made optic contact with everyone and pressed the button.

"Ahhhhh," Megatron said with a dangerous smirk, "Optimus. Long time no see. How's my TIC doing?" his blood red optics flicked over to the right, "Ahh Soundwave. I see you have leaked out the coordinates of our energon mines," Soundwave remained still, "Looks like the Autobots have corrupted your mind, we need to get you home,"

"Ay watch it buckethead," Laserbeak snarked from Ratchet's shoulder. Megatron raised an optic ridge and let out a shallow laugh.

"Laserbeak," he said in a menacing way, "Looks like you have come out of your little shell," Laserbeak growled. Soundwave placed a warning servo on Laserbeak's shoulder and took a step forwards into the middle. Megatron raised an optic ridge.

"Have anything to say you soundless mute," he growled. Laserbeak narrowed her eyes dangerously. Soundwave took a silent deep breathe.

"Megatron," she replied using various sound clips," Go - home.... Begone," Megatron let out a dark chuckle.

"Not so fast Soundwave," his camion optics flickered, "If I remembered correctly, I was the one who bested you in the Pits eons ago. I have spared your life and this is how you repay me!" Soundwave fought the urge to step back and remained stoically silent.

"What do you want Megatron," Optimus Prime said, narrowing his optics.

"Oh nothing Optimus," Megatron said eyeing Soundwave, "Nothing at all," and with that, he cut the connection, allowing the screen to fizzle back into black.

"That darn sucker," Laserbeak said, growling as she hopped over to Soundwave's shoulder, "Should've rusted in the Pits," Soundwave said nothing as she silently returned to her spot on the crate, staring out the hangar door. Everyone resumed to their tasks silently. The kids plomped down on the couch and sat in silence as their guardians did routine maintenance of the base. Ratchet and Optimus Prime looked over at Soundwave with soft optics as she stared longingly out the door.

"Wanna grab some grub with me?" Jack asked his fellow friends. Miko's eyes brightened.

"Great idea! I was thinking of some fried chicken!"

"And milkshakes!" Raf added.

"Let's go see what they have first and then we can decide," Jack said rolling his eyes playfully. The kids practically hopped out the hangar chattering rapidly about the latest music release and which milkshake tastes better. Right after they left, the alarms started beeping loudly.

"We got Cons!" Ratchets shouted, "Looks like they are excavating in what the humans call a National Park Reserve,"

"Sounds like something important," Bulkhead commented.

"And it is," Optimus Prime as he slide on his battle mask. Ratchet quickly fired up the groundbridge.

"Autobots! Roll out!" everybot left the base except for Soundwave and Wheeljack who silently watched them leave. Ratchet got back to typing on his computer, grumbling about human technology.

"Wheeljack!"

"Wasup sunshine," Wheeljack said cockily.

"Don't call me that!" Ratchet grumbled, throwing a wrench at Wheeljack's head. He ducked but it ricocheted of the wall and hit him on the back of his helm.