(Transformers) Soundwave's secret

Chapter 5

Unlike Rumble and Frenzy, Soundwave's other simbiots, especially flyers, almost didn't have any limitations in entrance to differents part of the Decepticon base. They were counted more like beasts, like pet - loyal servants of their master. As long as they didn't bring any annoyance, Megatron didn't mind their presence. And that was enough.

A condor transformer flew in the command centre. He made a circle high in the air and landed at the back of Decepticon leader's throne. The roof of the room was high, walls were covered by screens and typing pannels by their side, Drones working on each of them. Same as in most of Decepticon base's parts, it was darkly inside, while blue and white light coming from the screens was slightly illuminating the place. The War Lord was sitting in his throne, chin leaned on his servo, attention turned to the huge screens in front of him. His optics were narrowed, as he attentively listened to Shockwave standing by the screens.

Starscreem was at his leader's left, his servos crossed at his back, attention turned towards the screens aswell. The Decepticons' Second in Command rolled his optics seeing Soundwave's pet landing at his leader's thron. The fortune made him the gratest present by getting rid of this 'faceplateless Drone'. Soundwave was the one he hated the most, this 'Con was the only Decepticon, except Megatron, of course, that he could't control. The Communication Officer was also the Third in Command and, although being lower raked then Starscreem, it was always the seeker, who felt being watched. But Soundwave, or better say his skills were valued by Megatron, and the seeker had to agree on that. Still, Starscreem could have been called anything but a fool, that was one of the reasons him being The Second in Command. 'Con knew that you should watch for the quite ones and their simbiots... They were Soundwave's optics and audience.
Strascreem knew why the bird was here.

"Report me as soon as you get some progress with the project, Shockwave."

"Of course, my Lord."

"You may leave." the scientist respectfully nodded and made his way out, Lazerbeak's angry optics not taking their attention from him. Shockwave looked at the condor just for a cklick and then ignored the gaze.
This Decepticon was skilled and clever. If there was someone able to handle Soundwave's job, it would be Shockwave. For now, he was valued as a scientist but Lazerbeak knew that he was a threat.

The bird looked at Megatron, who seemed a bit bored, so condor decided to use the moment.

"Lord Megatron, excuse my curiosity, but are there any news about Soundwave?" Lazerbeak stooped down his long neck closer the Decepticon leader's helm.

"Not yet, Lazerbeak. But everything is under control."
Control?! What kind of control is that?! "But...I was informed that-"

"Soundwave can take care of himself for now. We'll deal with Autobots as soon as we get a chance." Megatron stated cutting bird's sentence.

"But-"

"Do you suspect you master's strength?" the voice was becoming irritated.

"Of course no, my Lord." Lazerbeak signed and silenced. There seemed to be no use in this conversation. Megatron wouldn't even listen.

"If you, simbiots, are so concerned about your master, why haven't your twin and this useless femmling bat prevent Soundwave from being captured. They should have worked better and now we are the ones, who has to deal with rescueing your master." If looks could offline, Starscreem's spark would be blown out already. The seeker accused two simbiots, while the fact that other Decepticons didn't bother to help the highly ranked officer, of course, was forgotten to be mentioned. In addition, did he just call Ratbat useless?! For Lazerbeak, she was like a younger sister and, although, the femmling could get on bird's nerves sometimes, no one could talk about her this way!