Soundwave's secret (Transformers)
Chapter 33.

Soundwave and her companions followed Jazz as they hurriedly entered the heart of the Autobot Communication center. She had told her team about the Autobots' request and they insisted on accompanying Soundwave. She was not keen on Rumble and Frenzy's presence but they could indeed assist if the matter required. Ravage was present in case the situation – or better say Autobots - became complicated.

When they entered, bots were hastily typing by the numerous rows of computers fulfilling the space, some were running through these rows with data pods in their servos, the main grand screens presenting grafts and numbers changing every passing click. Blaster stood by one of the computers, his servo leaning on the sitting bot's chair's back as the mech presented some calculations.

"I've never seen anything like that before..."

The Autobot Chief Communication Officer admitted turning to face Soundwave, some officers and members of high command that were also present: Ultra Magnus, Prowl, Red Alert, WheelJack and Mirage. Same as was Optimus Prime, "What is this virus doing exactly?"

"That's the thing. It acts weird. Breaks some defenses and stops."

Magnus narrowed his optics, "Stops?"

"Doesn't break further. Runs around like glitched, smashes defenses and rushes to the next, unfinished. We couldn't catch it – too fast. Mech, I'd admit its teasing us!"

"What is the worst outcome?" Prowl asked and there was a moment of silence.

"If it goes this way, will sooner or later break all walls piece by piece. But we have separate protection for different information and system units... Plus, I made some of the guys work on the damage. They are rebuilding the walls while we are trying to deal with the bug. Any changes there?!"

"No, sir."

"Space dust! Flipside, you and your unit, stop catching and try predicting the way it goes. Others! Speed up! We need to stop that glitch!"

"Soundwave?"

The optics of the command turned in her direction. Mechs' by the computer screens were now also aware of a newly arrived addition. Some glanced in her direction with suspense, others with interest, a number with a bit of fear. Soundwave was sure that no one had missed the irony of the ex-Decepticon Chief Communication Officer standing the middle of the Autobot Communication center. She used to face these bots – not personally – but through the virtual battels they had had. And now the assistant from her side was expected. The femme was fine to accept that reality but were these bots fine to except it too...

"Do you know what it might be?''

Soundwave stepped further, her optics scanning the reports on the massive screens. Lazerbeak transformed from her chest and climbed on her shoulder plate. The femme watched the changing numbers, the mechs watched her.

'Attacks and stops...'

That sounded like- Soundwave's form straightened from sudden realization.

"Soundwave?" but the femme ignored the call and her attention flinch in the direction of twins.

"What? We cleared the quarters before we left."

"Yeh. There was no info left."

Ultra Magnus watched the 'simbiots' and the understanding of their topics came to the mech's mind.

"Wait a second- This is your virus?!" He held back the roar as others exchanged looks but Blaster paused with skepticism, "Can't be, I've never seen her use th- Soundwave?" But the dark blue figure now still more than usual proved Magnus right. Blaster's optics went wide,"What!? Then why have you never used it?!"

"~Neutrality chosen. ~"

"Then why-"

Prime raised his servo pausing the mech, "Are you able to stop it?"

Soundwave nodded. Prime signed to the mechs and they gave her way to use on of the computers. Soundwave's visor brightened and the 'tentacle' cables were released to provide her direct connection to the system network.

"Wait! Stop!" Soundwave froze at Magnus sudden exclamation.

"No direct connection!"

"~Most affective-"

"We won't let you straight in our system!"

"Magnus-"

"Prime, we cannot permit that."

Mirage raised his optic ridge, "Other suggestions?"

"Make her work like that." RedAlert stood by Magnus' side. He was right, there was indeed some risk... They all knew that. Optimus looked at the femme with a bit of apology in his optics.

"Will you be able to work without connection?"

Soundwave paused to consider the situation. The cords were an additional upgrade she had received at the times of her sparklinghood. She was created to work with computers, that was one of her main function and the linking possibility provided her a chance to work on a higher level – she could 'dive' inside of the system. That is why she was so effective in these area. That was also one of the reasons she was of a high value to Megatron's plans.

But she could also work as a bot not created for this certain function. Once the virus recognized her the job would have been done much faster. Yet, if the Autobots were co jumpy, she could afford working in a less threatening way. Soundwave did not mind their caution – it was understandable.

"~More time is required. ~"

"Do we have that time?" Jazz reminded stepping further but his comrades kept the same expression. Again, it was understandable.

"~Time difference: acceptable...~... result will be the same...~ Mistrust is understood. ~ With your permission?"

Some bots by the computers exchange glances, especially at the 'mistrust is understood' part. The Autobot leader nodded and Soundwave started her typing.

Blaster watched over her shoulder, analyzing the work with optics full of interest as Soundwave ignored his presence, "Why did you even make it then, if 'neutrality is chosen'?"

"~Training.~" was a short reply and Frenzy clarified the answer, "It is a defense system."

"How is that a defense system?"

"Distraction for Autobots in case of emergency..."

"But how did they get it?" Mirage looked at the smaller bot, "Skyqueak and Dreadwing destroyed the downloads Shockwave did. And you have 'cleaned' your quarters."

Rumble looked aside mumbling not wishing to be heard, "We kind of had no opportunity to check the office..."

"Did you have more of these?" Prowl asked and mechling nodded causing Ultra Magnus to growl, "Just perfect."

Jazz had been looking at the grand screen, "Why use this exact one? There is no reason for distraction. You have not been performing an attack, have you, Blaster?"

"No. This thing just came from nowhere."

"Thrust does not seem to know how they work, yet." Optics were directed at the flier on Soundwave's shoulder plate, "He is testing the function..."

"And what, if he learns?"

"When." RedAlert corrected and Jazz gave a grin, "Well, we are lucky to have Soundwave with us..."

The typing paused for a click, the femme giving a short glance to the group and then continued her work, Blaster and the mech, whose computer she had been given watching her coding. Blaster narrowed his optics. Technology had not been his primary function and he did not have extra modifications though he was certainly now an expert in his work. From what he saw the mech could once again admit that Soundwave was good. Her form also suited for performing a direct connection and he wondered what horizons it opened for Soundwave.

Following her work, he realized that virus was not as complicated as they had assumed. It was surprisingly simple and that was its strength. Clever. If only Soundwave could provide some of this for their use...

"Can you program some more?.."

Well, that question did come to other's processors as well. Finally, someone said it out loud. Here was

another moment of silence as Soundwave typed the last commands and then she 'spoke'.

"~Neutrality chosen. ~"

And that meant 'no'.

She stepped away from the computer and looked at the screen, others followed her gaze. The numbers stopped and the graphs froze, the chaos in the system coming to the end.

Blaster landed in the now empty seat with a tired and relieved sign, "Primus, that was nerving..."

Ultra Magnus watched with the narrowed optics. He was not pleased at all. The femme wasthe primary reason of this mess. She also had the resources for creating viruses for their use and yet she refused the cooperation once again. This thing though more of her self than she really was. Soundwave was in no position of denying those so called requests of assistance. She and this bunch of simbiots lived on their base and used their resources. No matter how much she has done as a neutral before, while having Decepticon resources in her use.

What mattered was now. And defense assistance would not be enough.

Optics fell on Soundwave and Prime.

"Should we expect your further assistance? In the defense mater."

Soundwave gave a nod and turned to leave, femme's gliding form passing the small crowd as her symbiots followed her from behind. She knew that for now her skills were advantage but once she refused to use them in 'Bot's favor, necessity might turn them in weakness of her. But the femme was willing to provide assistance.

In the matter of defense.

And she had to admit that the possible future virus attacks were her fault. These were not meant to be used without her control. Soundwave preferred not to go on risks but her practice was required in order to keep the same or, hopefully, superior level in the area of technologies. Now, without the privileges and information she used to have, without the ability to influence, it was all different. Autobots would never let her work uncontrolled and all they would expect were action in their favor. She had noticed the displeased glare Ultra Magnus was directing at her. If only they could understand that there was not going to be any winning side. Only positive results were possible if Autbots and Decepticons realized the necessity to work together.

But at this point the truce seemed impossible...

---

"Hey, guys... How's it going?" FirstAid asked with hopeful optics as he walked to the group of youngsters.

"Some free time, finally." HotRod said stretching up as the whole group was moving somewhere.

"Just wait till I beat you up in the race!"

"Hah, you're going to hit the dust from my wheels first!"

Sideswipe pushed Smokescreen further as the mech laughed the over-confidence revealed in his words.

"A race?"

"We're going out to have some ride." HotShot explained as he and FirstAid followed the group.

"Out? You mean to the wild territories... But is it not risky?"

"Don't come, if you're scared." Mudflup and Skids jumped from behind.

"Yeh, no one forces you. Plus, we're gonna drive fast..."

"With no road around..."

"No officers..."

"And further than the rules permit..."

"Boooooo."

Two mech laughed as they speed up and passed the youngest mech. FirstAid tried to stay straight and ignore the teasing.

"I'm not that easily scared. But Decepticons are a bigger threat than a wild road."

"It's territories behind Iacon. We're not idiots, nurse." Sunstreaker narrowed his optics but Sides broke his twin's frown pooping from the side with an exited expression, "But if they do appear, I'd like to see them face my blasters."

"Oh yeh!" Smokescreen cheered with enthusiasm. The has already overtaking some of their minds. But HotShot slowed down still looking at FirstAid with a bit of pity.

"You really don't have to come with us, Aid... If you're -"

"I'm not. I'm a bot like you, guys. I like racing and stuff too, you know."

"Okay, okay, got it. Just... Try to keep up."

"Yeh, I won't wait! Eat the dust, mechs!" someone shouted as they were close to the side entrance of the base. The group speed up and youngsters started transforming without a stop, jumping in the air and going with the top speed.

"No, you won't!"

"Hey!"

"Whoohooo!"

---

"Look at this youngsters..."

At one of the open platforms Lazerbeak sat on Soundwave's shoulder plate his optics narrowed as he looked from upside down on the group of the young Autobots exiting the base.

"Reckless and foolish." The bird hissed and caught Soundwave's questioning move knowing well that she was giving him an amused smile that was hidden behind the visor. Bird rolled his optics.

"No, you were not like that. Thankfully."

Soundwave turned her attention back at the group that was slowly disappearing in the distance.

"Just have a look. He followed them. I told you that he is a fool. They are searching for trouble and he just went after them. And you did warn him."

"He is young."

Lazerbeak frowned.

"Stupid."

Soundwave gave a sad smile,"Naive."

"Weak."

"Immature and too good for his own good."

"That sounds wrong. Plus, he surely followed so to prove himself. Easily manipulated."

"Just young, as I said."

"Grrhhh. You like excusing bots, don't you."

"I'd rather avoid accusing."

The condor rolled his optics again but was silent for several clicks as he looked in the distance as well.

"And you want me to keep an optic on them?"

The femme slightly bowed her helm. Behind the visor she directed her knowing gaze at her companion, "I won't dare asking for such a favor."

"And yet I will go because if something happens to them you'll feel bad."

"So will you."

"Less likely."

The bird jumped I the air and waved his wings raising high.

"Thank you, Lazer."

'Be careful out there.'

---

Young Autobots are searching for trouble... Ok, I won't say much.

Just hoping that you will write some comments on this chapty:)