Never Again

35

Sorry for the wait. Shorter chapter, but the next one is coming soon. 

Hope you enjoy

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"By the Allspark."

Ratchet stared, optics wide in shock at the monitors before him. While the old medic had no clue how this small, important piece of information could have passed him, it would lead to promising results.

Optimus would be happy, possibly even relieved, to find that Soundwave held the Synthetic energon on him. Hidden away in some compartment, no doubt, which was why the Autobots hadn't first noticed it. After Miko and Raph went home, and Optimus went to interrogate Soundwave, he had put it upon himself to look for the energon signal. Much to his surprise, the substance was sitting smack dab in the middle of their base.

Of course, Optimus would not be happy until that human child was found. Ratchet vented softly. Though they had never met the femme before, only that small encounter with Soundwave and Starscream, Optimus was stressed beyond belief to find her.

The medic was felt guilty, since he was not as worried about the human. He found it difficult to become attached to the children that ran around the base; it felt like Milena until he could finally find it in his spark to worry about their wellbeing. 

But what difference was this girl? A smile fell upon his face-platings as he knew Optimus' spark was very big, and always worried about those with less power. Humans were weak, though strong when it came to personality and courage. 

"I suppose I shall tell Optimus about the Synthetic energon." 

Suddenly, a cry of pain erupted in the base and Ratchet jerked, spinning around in shock. Jack kicked and squirmed in Soundwave's hold, but alas, the human was too weak to do anything but annoy the communications officer. 

"Soundwave! How did you-"

"Optimus, inferior. Soundwave, superior."  Though there was no emotion, Ratchet could sense the Soundwave mocking him. He clenched his servos in anger.

"Optimus told you to return home!" Ratchet snapped at Jake, who gave a weak smile in return.

"Sorry Ratchet. But I don't think this is the time."

Soundwave was feeling anxious, though he did not show it, as the two bickered. Lynlee was alone with either Starscream or Megatron, and the thought alone made his metal platings crawl. He had to escape, which was no easy task. If he had found the time to offline their leader, he would have gladly done so. However...

"The other robot? That can't be, Soundwave. In my dream-"

Her words rang in his processor. She had been talking about Optimus. Defending Optimus. But what did the human know? She had not been there. Soundwave watched Optimus offline his sire with his very optics. 

Then again, how did she know about his sire? His name? His past? She dreamed every night they had been together, and now he came to the realization that he had been doing the same in his own dreams. Of course, it could only be a coincidence.

Right?

"What are your terms, Soundwave?" Ratchet grounded out. 

Jake squirmed in his hold but stopped as Soundwave held him out to the medic. Ratchet raised an optic ridge in suspicion. 

"Soundwave... r-requires groundbridge to t-this... location."  Coordinates appeared on his visor, leaving Ratchet speechless as he reached out his own servo to make sure the Decepticon didn't try to trick him or drop Jack.

"That is all you require? A groundbridge." 

"Affirmative."

"And you will let the child go?" 

He simply nodded, and Ratchet vented quietly before slowly moving towards the monitors. He wished the others would return swiftly, but he knew that would only bring chaos. Soundwave simply requested a groundbridge, and would - in return- give Jack back unharmed. 

Soundwave watched closely as the medic opened the groundbridge, making sure to stand where his back was not turned, before holding out the human. Jack was more than willing to jump away and into Ratchet's servos as the Decepticon retreated into the swirling mass.

Quickly, Ratchet contacted the others, ordering them to return to base before he ran to check on Optimus. The leader was awake now, blinking his optics slowly as he attempted to stand. 

"Gently, Optimus- you have been injured."

But the Prime didn't care. His mind was wrapped around the information he had gathered while asking Soundwave questions. Soundwave had already informed him that he had disobeyed Megatrons orders. The human was of importance to him.

He was deeply troubled by the fact that Soundwave would relay such information so easily. The once silent and deadly third in command was trained to keep information hidden and kill at any cost. But Soundwave had easily given away information and was anything less than composed.

"Optimus?" Ratchet watched as Optimus shook his helm in worry.

Something was definitely off with Soundwave.