Disclaimers:
Transformers are owned by Hasbro.
I make no
monetary profit from my fanfic/fanart.
Summary:
Soundwave is converted into a human and has an interesting adventure...
Rating -
PG
~~~~~~
STRANGER
IN THE NIGHT
It was an
unilluminated evening of very poor weather conditions...
Somewhere
on Earth ...
* * *
Meanwhile,
in the seclusion of the Decepticon Undersea base,
Megatron
smiled to himself at the infallible plan he'd devised to get more than one step
ahead of the Autobots. He had created a machine, the Trans Teleporter, capable
of transforming a Transformer into a human and back again and teleport them to
any given location at the touch of a button. However, the device could not
transform a human into a Transformer, as the energy patterns were not the same.
Megatron had tested the Trans Teleporter and it had worked perfectly, much to
Starscream's grumbling and protesting at being used as a guinea pigatron - and
being changed into a female ...
The plan
was perfect - to send Soundwave to the Autobot base and have him spy on them.
They'd never suspect a thing ...
Megatron
had been excruciatingly cautious with security, and so no Autobots knew of his
plans, but ... the infallible plan had failed - due to a computer malfunction,
and Soundwave was lost and no way of contacting him.
"Damn
it to Silicon Hades!" Megatron cursed loudly, bashing the computer
console - although he was more worried about Soundwave, than pissed off that
his plan had failed, however he never let on to any of the others just exactly
how worried he was.
"Of
course it's all right when you fail," Starscream hissed.
"When-"
"SHUT
UP!!" Megatron viciously backhanded him.
Starscream
fell to the floor. "Ow..."
Although
Megatron was used to the jet's sarcastic comments, he really didn't need them
now.
Starscream
stood and rubbed his sore face. "Bastard," he muttered, feeling glad
Soundwave was not hear to hear him, although he sensed that was the reason for
Megatron's anxiousness and decided to leave his leader be ... for now.
At least part
of the plan had gone according to plan.
Megatron
tried to contact Soundwave, but all he received through the communicator was
static.
"Of
course..." Megatron said, with a sarcastic smile. "Murphy's Law every
time..."
* * *
Even
before he arrived, he was certain something had gone awry. The Teleportation
just didn't feel right, and when he arrived, he was sure of it. It was raining
very heavily and unpleasantly cold. It was supposed to be Summer. It was July
after all. The weather scan had reported that the skies were clear over Autobot
Headquarters ... Well, at least he'd arrived in one piece. Soundwave gathered
that he was nowhere near
Soundwave
wished he had been dressed for Winter. He did have a long sleeve jacket on,
however the material was thin and not suitable for these weather conditions and
neither was the short-sleeved undershirt. There was no point in trying to keep
dry - he was wet through already and this violent storm showed no signs of
blowing over. He tried his communicator again, but unfortunately it hadn't
miraculously decided to function. Soundwave uttered an Earth curse, but he
wasn't about to give up, but for now, he had to find shelter.
He grew
colder by the second and knew if he did not find shelter soon, he would become
ill. He wished humans had temperature controls in their bodies. He began to
walk along the road, not having the foggiest idea where he was or where he was
going. He tried running to get warm, but after a while he became tired and had
to slow down. He continued to walk down the dark, long road, the rain pelting
down, hard as Cyber nails, winds blowing at uncomfortable and the cold
temperature, not helping matters at all. His flat bag case he'd been given as
an aide to his mission had definitely seen better days. And he doubted the
state of his documents would be too good either. Salvaging this mission indeed
looked slim, but he wasn't going to pack it all in. At least he still had the
camera and tape recorder, - whether they worked was another matter and he'd
worry about that later - he could do nothing about it now and was far more
concerned with finding shelter. He'd hoped someone in a car would come along
that could possibly give him a lift to shelter of some kind, but even that
seemed like wishful thinking on a Primus forsaken night like this.
The wind
blew the rain so hard, it hurt his face and eyes and having zero visibility
didn't help much, apart from the lightning which flashed violently on and off.
He could see trees on either side of the road and did not want to stray off the
road. At least it would lead somewhere - he thought, better than getting off
the beaten track and becoming even more lost than he already was. A cold gust
of wind hit him full on, and then another from the side and he felt as if he'd
been slapped in the face and realised his hair had whipped around and stuck
onto his cheek. Annoyed, he brushed the wet, tangled mess from his face and struggled
on.
Soundwave
felt he had to rest for a while. He sat on the wet grassy side of the road. No
point in looking for a dry patch - there weren't any and it wouldn't matter
even if there were. He couldn't get any wetter and was grateful
human bodies were waterproof. They were quite complex in design, actually, but
that wasn't on Soundwave's mind right now, although a full stomach would be
nice, but he had no food with him and he did not wish to chance consuming any
of the surrounding vegetation, should it be incompatible with a human's
digestive system. This was not, he surmised, his day - or his night for that
matter. He shivered, wishing he could instantly return to Decepticon
Headquarters. Soundwave stood, and shivered, his skin acquiring goosebumps - he'd
previously studied human conditions and ailments.
Again, he
continued to walk for well over two hours, the rain and winds, still vicious as
ever, and being cold, lost and hungry didn't help. As far as he could see, he
was going nowhere. The wide road stretched for miles on end with no end in
sight. Even when he started he'd looked behind him and the road stretched far
back into the distance and now despite the distance he'd covered, still
stretched way out yonder. Soundwave rested against a thick tree before
continuing, walking briskly, hoping it would help alleviate some of the cold.
It didn't and only served to make him tired.
After an
hour or so he began to feel even more fatigued, and slowed his pace. His feet
and back had begun to hurt, his shoes feeling uncomfortable, sloshing with
water. He wiped water from his face for the millionth time. He continued
walking and lost track of the time, but knew it was a damn long while.
Soundwave
began to smell something unpleasant, and with embarrassment, realised it was
himself. He knew this was the reason humans bathed, but still it didn't make
him feel any better. He knew feeling sorry for himself wouldn't help matters
either, but he hadn't a clue how to get out of this one, very tired and hungry,
not to mention, freezing cold and frightened - what if he could never return
home or become a Transformer again? He didn't care how long or far he had
walked or what good it did, but just sitting in the same place would accomplish
nothing. Soundwave was well aware that walking on and on hadn't accomplished
much, and tried to be confident he'd come up on something sooner or later, and
unfortunately it was looking to be the latter. He sighed inwardly as he
continued to walk down this seemingly never ending road.
His shivering
grew more intense as he felt the temperature drop. He desperately wished he'd
miraculously be teleported back, but that possibility was looking slimmer by
the moment. The next best thing Soundwave could hope for was shelter, warmth, a
bath and something to eat.
He
plodded on, his whole body cold, sore, hungry and tired. Soundwave slipped in
the heavy rain and cursed as he made first contact with a pool of muddy water.
"What
else could go wrong..." he muttered, scarcely able to hear himself over
the ferocious howling winds.
He stood,
wiped the slosh off his face and continued walking, the lightning still
flashing violently and the thunder booming and cracking deafeningly as though
it would never stop. A storm like this would be nice to hear and watch - from a
distance.
The cold
bit right through him and stabbed him all over his body, as he continued to
walk, his hands barely able to move. He clenched them into fists and pulled
them inside his sleeves. That helped a little, but not much. Soundwave's pace
had become very slow. He could barely keep on going. He didn't want to whine,
but uttered his friend's name once and wished more than anything to be
transported back to the comfort and safety of Decepticon Headquarters. He
didn't feel safe here and was definitely not comfortable. He smiled to himself
when he thought of how Megatron would fuss over him if he did return in this
state and thought it would be nice to sit on his friend's comforting hand.
Those thoughts, however welcoming and comforting may have stalled the cold, but
only for a very short while, before Soundwave was brought back into his rather
unpleasant, cold reality. He pushed himself to go on, still not having the
foggiest what good it would do or if this accursed road was leading anywhere at
all.
He had
been struggling on for another hour, maybe more when he thought he saw a light
in the distance and began to walk toward it, then he stopped. Was it his mind
playing tricks on him, like a mirage in the desert? He closed his eyes for a
few moments and then opened them. The light was gone. Soundwave's throat
tightened and his tears were instantly washed away by the relentless rain. It
embarrassed him to feel so alone, forlorn and helpless, but how else could he
feel? He knew the Universe was teaching and testing him something in its own
mysterious way ... Perseverance? Suffering? His mettle?
... Then
he saw the light flicker and this time he knew he wasn't seeing things. His
body felt relieved and hoped there was someone there who would help him. He
forced himself toward the light.
Soundwave
gasped and jumped the proverbial ten feet as he heard what seemed like the
Earth crack. He spun around to see a bolt of lightning instantly severing and
splintering a tall tree at least three meters thick. Needless to say he was
grateful he hadn't been standing underneath it, and he could see why human
civilizations of ancient times feared 'the wrath of the Gods.'
Soundwave
turned back to the light and hoped there were no wild Earthen creatures lurking
in the bushes, but then he surmised if there were any they would have already
attacked him as he walked along the road. Human bodies were so much more frail
than Transformers and so Soundwave wasn't used to it, but he guessed the humans
live with themselves the way they are and were not nearly so paranoid. With
embarrassment, he dismissed his fears.
The light
was further away than it looked at first, a way off the road in the trees and
up a small slope, but in his exhausted state, he had to claw his way up the
slippery, wet muddy hill.
A bolt of
lightning flashed, followed by rumble of thunder, but that brief flash of light
was enough for Soundwave to make out some sort of dwelling behind the light. He
could barely keep going, bur forced himself toward the house, and hoped he
found warmth and shelter here, amongst other things and if he couldn't, then he
hoped Megatron found him, because he simply could not go on any longer as he
dropped his bag and collapsed on the cold, dark cement front patio.
Past
midnight, Inside her sturdy, remote house, Aura was enjoying the loud thunder.
It gave her thrills and creative inspiration for her writing. She had always
loved thunderstorms ever since she was a little girl - the louder and brighter
the better!
The
lightning flashed violently, followed by a deafening long crack of thunder.
Again the lightning flashed. Aura thought she saw something outside. A hurt
animal, perhaps? Concerned, went to investigate, when another bolt of lightning
illuminated the area. Aura became wide eyed when she saw a person lying on her
front porch. She immediately flung open the door, and was greeted by rain and
winds blowing in her face. Aura looked down and saw a young man shivering. She
sighed with relief that he was alive. Aura knelt before him and tried to help
him up. Soundwave could barely think, in his state of exhausted agony, trying
desperately to shut out the merciless, relentless cold ... then his hunger and
the hopelessness of his situation ... and then he felt something ... someone
was there with him. He knew he hadn't returned to Decepticon Headquarters, but
he could feel someone helping him up, and right now he really didn't care who,
as long as they didn't throw his back onto that road. Again he felt embarrassed
about how helpless and filthy he was, but nothing could be done about that
right now. Aura helped him into her dwelling. Soundwave could barely stand, but
managed to regain some of his strength.
"You're
freezing," she said.
Soundwave
nodded, his whole body shivering. She picked up his briefcase and put it onto
her table. She didn't mind how wet and filthy it was. The slender, thick long
haired woman lead him into the bathroom and begun to fill a deep purple ceramic
bathtub. She sat him on the toilet and brought a blanket which she placed
around him. It helped a little, although his clothes clung to him, still wet an
d cold. Soundwave felt very grateful for her assistance and hoped the
unpleasantness would soon be gone. She smiled at him, and he managed a weak
smile back, with his shivering mouth. Soundwave felt the water running under
the tap. It was unpleasantly cold. He didn't feel like immersing himself in
cold water, but he did not wish to appear rude to her, and besides, at least he
would be clean and hygiene was very important. Aura took an interestingly
shaped purple bottle and poured some of its contents into the running water.
Almost immediately a pleasant looking and smelling, sparkling white froth began
to appear on the surface of the water.
"Bubble
bath," she said with a smile, placing the bottle beside the bath. "I
don't know how I'd manage with out it!"
Soundwave
managed another small smile, despite how cold and uncomfortable he felt. He
assumed 'bubble bath' was a luxury, but at this point was just grateful to be
getting clean. Aura left the bathroom, hoping he'd be all right. Soundwave
began to take his soiled, unpleasant smelling clothes off and was definitely
glad to be out of them and hoped the female wasn't too put off by the state of
his attire - or himself. Soundwave utilised the toilet, feeling embarrassed
about human bodily functions, but it had to be done, and he was surprised how
relieved he felt after he had finished. He was about to step into the bathtub
when he heard a knock at the door.
"Yes?"
he said, a tad worried he had done something wrong, or that he was supposed to
have finished bathing by now when he hadn't even started.
"Can
I have your clothes and shoes?" came the woman's voice.
Puzzled
as to why, Soundwave gathered them, then opened the door and handed them to
her, quite embarrassed at their filthy state and unpleasant odour, but she did
not seem to mind.
"Thanks,"
she said, closing the door and wondering why he hadn't covered himself with a
towel. She hadn't seen anything and hoped the stranger wouldn't become hostile
in any sense. She could defend herself if that be the case, but her instincts
told her that he would not harm her.
Soundwave
braced himself for what he thought would be very cold water as he stepped into
the bathtub and was pleasantly surprised, however, when he found the water to
be quite invigoratingly warm and surmised the tap took a little time to heat
up. He lowered himself into the very warm water, with an audible sigh of utter
relief. Primus, this felt so good and warm... It had been a long
while since he'd felt so relieved. The water soothed his body as well as his
mind, the warmth resonating through him. His body tingled pleasantly in the
heated waters. The cold began vanishing as the warm water and vapour caressed
his tired body. Soundwave splashed himself and smiled at how so much
unpleasantness could mercifully disappear in such a short time. He was still
quite hungry, but that would have to wait for now.
Meanwhile,
in the laundry, Aura had taken Soundwave's clothes to wash them and a small
black device fell out, At first she thought it was either a pager, electronic
personal organiser or mobile phone. She picked it up, opened it and learned of
her guests true identity and part of his mission. At first she couldn't believe
it, but with this evidence, how could it not be true?
She
placed his clothes and shoes in the washing machine with some of hers and
absent mindedly poured a little too much environmentally friendly washing
liquid and started the cycle.
Aura
began to prepare some dinner for her guest.
Soundwave
picked up a light brown round pleasant clove like smelling cake of soap and
began to work up a lather cleansing himself with the creamy white foam and
proceeded to wash the rest of his body. He used a small scrubbing brush to
remove the dirt from under his fingernails and thoroughly washed and scrubbed
his feet, satisfied his body was now clean and smelling fresh. However, his
hair was still a cold, tangled drenched, filthy mess, and dripping dirty water
which streaked down his clean body. He tried to comb his hand through it and
winced when it hurt. He dunked his head under the water, shook and ruffled it
vigorously, shaking loose any trapped dirt particles and other small trapped
objects which he placed into the green bin beside the bath. Soundwave lifted up
his head and wrung out some of the water then shook it, shaking out some more.
He looked around and found a bottle of black cherry shampoo and unscrewed the
cap. It's smell was rather potent, but pleasant and he smiled to read on the
label that it was 'extra detangling.' Soundwave had studied human products and
their uses. He began to lather his hair, then washed it out and lathered a
second time, making sure that his hair was clean. He ran his head under a warm
tap to get rid of the excess suds, as there was too much bubbly soap in the
bath to wash out any more from his hair. Soundwave did the same with the white
cherry conditioner, then wrung and shook the excess water from his head. He
felt refreshed, warm and clean now, but that aside - how would he contact
Decepticon Headquarters? He knew he was still capable of complete his mission
if he could just get to the enemy base. Soundwave emerged from the bath, and
was cold again, but this was nowhere near as bad as it had been previously. He
pulled out the plug with the Pink VW Beetle toy attached, and made sure all the
dirt was washed down the plug hole, then began to ruffle dry his hair, letting
it fall past his shoulders, and dried then himself with the towel. Aura knocked
on the door and Soundwave opened it.
"I
hope these fit," she said, handing him a clean green tartan winter night
dress and some socks and underpants. Soundwave felt grateful to be warm and
comfortable again.
"I
don't know where the pyjamas are," she said. "I hope you don't mind
wearing a lady's nightie..." She smiled.
"Not
at all," Soundwave said. He really didn't. "I thank you again for
your hospitality."
"My
pleasure," she said. Although she was tempted to look down upon his naked
body, she restrained herself. Obviously he was unaware of human concerns on
nakedness.
Soundwave
dressed.
"I've
made you something to eat," she said.
"Thank
you," Soundwave said, wondering what he could give her in return for her
kindness, but although she seemed kind - would she have taken him in if she
knew who he was? He was unsure he could trust her fully.
"I
don't know what you like," she said. "I'm vegetarian, so there's no
red or white meat in the house."
It
smelled good, whatever it was. Aura pulled out a chair for him. "If you'd
like some more, there's more in the kitchen."
"Thank
you, again."
Aura
smiled and watched him eat.
Although
by this time, he was quite ravenous, he controlled himself and ate quite
politely, although a little faster then he would usually consume sustenance. He
slowed when he felt the empty clawing in his stomach begin to ease. At first he
hadn't noticed, but the food was delicious, consisting of fresh steamed
vegetables, mash potatoes, and a crisp vege pattie. Soundwave had studied human
foods and could identify what was before him, apart from some purple pieces. He
asked Aura what they were.
"Roasted
purple potatoes," she said with a smile. "Chris, green grocer, gets
them all the time. They make a nice mash too."
Soundwave
smiled as he ate the pleasant tasting roast potato pieces. He drank the glass
of white creamy, liquid before him. It tasted much like energon milk, but very
different, of course. He assumed it was cow's milk, which was quite common
amongst humans. He looked again at the glass which had a strange cross looking
creature on it called Marvin The Martian.
After he
had finished, Soundwave thanked his host again. She smiled and took his plate,
glass and utensils to the kitchen, washed them and placed them on the light
green rack to dry.
"Are
you still hungry?" Aura asked.
"Negative,"
Soundwave replied, "Thank you."
The
lightning still flashed and the thunder boomed like a colossal naval battle
outside, showing no signs of withdrawal. Soundwave felt grateful not to be out
there any longer. The thunder sounded quite pleasant, when one wasn't freezing
to death, alone.
Aura came
to him with a glass of thick orange liquid.
"Are
you feeling all right? I made a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice with
honey. You're bound to come down with a cold after that fiasco outside. It'll
help."
"Thank
you, yet again," Soundwave smiled. "Your kindness is much
appreciated."
"My
pleasure," she said with a kind smile and went to fetch his clothes.
Soundwave
drank the liquid, then set the glass down and realised his hair did not feel so
heavy now and he felt it. Of course, it was dry. He noticed that it did not
appear quite as dark now that it was dry. He shook his head from side to side.
Having hair was a new experience for him. It actually felt nice not wet and
bedraggled, kind of light, wavy and fluffy.
Aura
brought his clothes to him. "They've been washed, and dried."
Soundwave
was relieved at how clean, and fresh they looked and smelt.
"I
can't do much about the shoes or the briefcase," she said. "They're
ancient history."
Soundwave
smiled. "It does not matter. I am just glad I am not." Your camera
and tape recorder seem okay though. I just wiped off the dirt."
Soundwave
placed his hand over his mouth, unaware he had just yawned.
"You're
tired," Aura said.
Although
the hot bath had woken him up and invigorated him, Soundwave could feel that
wearing off and he nodded. "Walking in the rain for in excess of eight
hours does that to one," he said with a smile.
Aura
smiled back at him and Soundwave into her spare bedroom.
"You
can sleep here," she said. "The bed's already made. I made this room
up for when my friends visit."
"Or
freezing strangers?"
Aura
smiled. "Of course. Just call me if you need anything, and if you're
hungry, there's food in the fridge."
Soundwave
nodded. "I guess you are tired of me thanking you."
She
smiled again. "I hope you have a good sleep." Aura retreated to her
own bedroom, in her long gold embroidered maroon winter nightgown.
Soundwave
switched off the light in the room, and climbed into the welcoming covers of
the bed. He laid his head down on the soft pillow and closed his eyes. He was
so tired, even the deafening thunder didn't stop him from falling into a deep,
much needed slumber.
Aura lay
awake for a while, wondering what to do about her guest, before she too fell
asleep.
* * *
Meanwhile,
at Decepticon Headquarters, Megatron was still trying to find his lost friend.
He had discovered that Soundwave had not been vaporized by the Trans Teleporter
- which set him mind at ease - a little. He still had to find him.
* * *
Soundwave
awoke the following morning and found he was still very tired and didn't want
to get up, and stayed under the warm covers for another two hours at least,
drifting in and out, before he finally fully stretched his body and emerged.
"Good
morning," Aura said, happily, bringing out some breakfast, consisting of
sweet corn pop cereal with milk and another glass of freshly squeezed orange
juice.
"Have
a good sleep?"
"Affirmative,
thank you. It was most welcome."
Soundwave
noticed the thunder had stopped. He looked outside. So had the rain. How
different it looked in the daylight with no storm elements.
"I'm
glad the rain didn't flood the place," Aura said, but we're a bit higher
up here."
"The
storm sounded as though it would go one forever."
Aura
smiled and nodded. "They do that. It's good for the farmers though. They
need the rain for their crops, but I guess you'd had enough."
"Indeed."
Soundwave finished his pleasant orange juice and started on the sweet tasting
cereal.
Aura
waited until he had finished his breakfast. Now was the time to tell him. She
was a little nervous when she started, but she felt she had to.
"My
name's Aura," she said. "I'm sorry I never introduced myself earlier
... I won't ask what your name is, because you'll only lie to me to protect
your true identity, Soundwave."
He turned
and stared at her. She handed him his black device.
"It
fell out of your jacket when I was washing your clothes."
He felt
foolish for forgetting it. He became frightened. She may have contacted the
Autobots while he slept, or ...
"It's
all right," she said, sensing his fear. "I haven't told anyone you're
here."
Soundwave
relaxed a little, but was still unsure of her true intentions. She placed her
hand on his shoulder. "I'd like to help you get home. You might not
believe me, but Transformers have always fascinated me, even you Decepticons,
though you Tf's hardly ever come to
"
Aura
nodded. "Out in the country to be exact. It's great out here - you can
play music and the TV as loud as you like."
Soundwave
smiled, sensing the latter half or her sentence was meant more to ease his
nerves than to provide information.
Soundwave
looked into her eyes, then smiled. He knew he could trust her now.
"Sorry
if I scared you," Aura said, "but I had to let you know
sometime."
Soundwave
nodded. "I am sorry. I would have lied to you if you had asked me who I
was."
"I'm
not offended, Aura said. "I'd've done the same in your position. It's hard
to know who to trust - and yes, I still would've brought you in if I had known
who you were from the start."
"Thank
you. Many humans would not be so gracious or understanding."
Aura
smiled. "Well it figures, I suppose. Decepticons are 'stealing' resources
from our planet and aren't interested in humans."
"Do
you not find that offensive?"
Aura
laughed. "No. Many humans are arrogant - as if they're the only species in
the Universe that matters. Earth and the human race are but a small part of the
Universe."
Soundwave
nodded. "Indeed, but many of your species think otherwise."
"Sad,
isn't it? ... I realised that you Decepticons don't believe what you're doing
is wrong, otherwise you wouldn't be doing it."
Soundwave
nodded. "Of course the Autobots would beg to differ."
Aura
nodded. "Yeah, they see you as 'the bad guys.' What they see as universal
oppression, you see as bringing control and order to the Universe."
"Well
spoken," Soundwave said, impressed with her insight.
"I
have no negative feelings toward your kind, Decepticon or Autobot, but I do not
approve or war in any sense."
"Nor
do I," Soundwave said.
"It's
hard, isn't it?" Aura said. "Both sides have views that are so
different."
Again
Soundwave nodded. "I do not believe either side will accept the others'
ways."
"Perhaps
sometime in the future you'll come to some sort of a truce."
"Perhaps.
This war has gone far beyond simply 'out of hand.'"
"Depressing,
isn't it." It wasn't a question.
"Affirmative,"
Soundwave said. "When things get extremely depressing, I look to the
brighter side of existence. I believe in my Cause."
Aura
smiled. "Look to the brighter side of existence ... I like the sounda
that. So do I ... Now we have to find a way to get you back. Your communicator
doesn't work, obviously."
"Negative."
"To
get you to the
"Decepticon
Headquarters is actually located in the middle of what you call the
"You
can trust me," Aura assured.
"I
know ... My mission was to infiltrate Autobot Headquarters as a human reporter.
Megatron activated our Trans Teleporter, which transformed me into a human. It
was supposed to then transport me directly to the vicinity of The Autobot Base,
"And
you ended up here, cold, wet and hungry."
Soundwave
gave a smile. "Affirmative."
Aura
smiled too. "Affirmative. I like that."
Soundwave
had never thought of liking the word in that way. It sounded more technical and
formal than yes, although he did use the latter word.
"All
right," Aura began. "I have a plan. What was your reporter
name?"
"Avon
Lambert."
"Nice,"
she said with a smile.
"Tell
me your plan," Soundwave said.
"Just
tell me if there are any parts you want to change ... Now ... we contact
Autobot Headquarters and tell than you're here - that you,
Soundwave
smiled, impressed with her thinking. "Sounds good. You certainly don't
look that devious."
Aura
smirked. "I am when I need to be."
She took
Soundwave into her office room in her house, sat down and dialled 0103 for
International Directory Assistance. Aura put the phone on speaker.
"Thank
you for calling Optus, this is
"Hi,"
Aura said. "I'm after the number for Autobot Headquarters,
"Just
one moment while I contact the Operator."
"Thanks."
Aura took
down the number as the American accented recording machine said it. "The
Area code is, 360 426 38539."
"Did
you get that, caller?"
"Yes
thank you. I know the overseas codes. Thanks again."
"A
pleasure."
"Thanks.
Bye now."
Aura
pressed the hang up button, then released it, took a breath and dialled. 00111
360 426 38539. "Here goes...."
"Thank
you," Soundwave said sensing her nervousness - he was too.
She was
greeted by a recorded message. "Communications to Autobot Headquarters are
down..."
"Fuck!"
Aura cursed, angry at first.
"Due
to Decepticon attack," the recording continued. "Estimated time of
repair, twenty four Earth hours. Thank you for calling Autobot Headquarters.
Please try again."
"Oops,"
Soundwave said.
Aura
smiled, then they both laughed.
"Well,
look on the bright side, that gives you a bit more time to explore as a
human," Aura said. "I'll take you into town and get you some clothes."
"I
thank you, but I have these."
Aura
smiled. "No offence, Soundwave, but dull greens, browns and greys aren't
your colors and you need a change of clothes, new shoes and some things anyway.
Come on, It'll be fun. I'd like to show you around."
Soundwave
smiled. "My curiosity is piqued." He sensed she was taking him 'into
town' more so for his education than getting him some new clothing. Always
eager to learn more, he looked forward to the new experience.
Aura
slung her large black bag over her shoulder, checked her keys were attached to
it on the chain and that she had her wallet. Soundwave followed her, in a way
glad that the communications were down. Although he wanted to complete his
mission and report back to his fellow Decepticons, he wanted to spend a little
more time with Aura and learn from this new experience. Perhaps that's what the
Universe wanted to teach him. Soundwave followed her out of her house.
Aura
opened the sea green roll-a-door to her garage, revealing her clean, bright
yellow Volkswagen Beetle. It reminded Soundwave of Bumblebee, except much
bigger. Everything seemed bigger now that he was human.
He
climbed into the car with Aura and she told him to put his seat belt on.
"This
is Herbie," she said. "The real Herbie was a Volkswagen in some Earth
comedies, number 53."
Soundwave
nodded. "I have watched some human television. Some of it is quite
good."
"And
some if it's crap." Aura smiled.
So did
Soundwave.
It was
about twenty minute drive to the shops. The road and trees looked so different
in the day, not being ravaged by the elements of nature, and being driven in a
human car was a new experience for him.
Aura
parked her car and walked to the Avalon Centre with Soundwave.
"I'm
not forcing you," she said. "Just look around and see if there's
anything you like."
"I
do not feel forced. I am quite curious." Soundwave looked around at the
many men, women, children and some animals around the shopping mall.
"I
guess it's new for you, huh?"
Soundwave
nodded and lowered his voice. "Although I am aware of many human customs,
beliefs, products and ways, there are some things that I have yet to learn. You
come to this shopping mall to acquire products you require?"
"That's
part of it. We also come here to eat, watch movies, and some people come to
socialise."
"You
do not socialise?"
Aura
shook her head. "I go out with friends sometimes, but I generally like to
be alone."
"As
do I."
Aura
smiled. "Come, on, let's look around."
"Where
is a bank?"
"What
for?" Aura asked.
"I
am aware that humans use money to purchase items and such."
Aura
smiled. "You have to have money in the bank to get it. Humans go to work
for money. You can't just get it like that."
"As
I said there were some things I had yet to learn."
"It's
okay," Aura said. "It would be nice if anyone could get money
whenever they needed it. But don't worry, I have some."
"You
do not mind?"
She shook
her head. "Of course not."
"You
are very kind."
Aura
smiled and took his hand. She was indeed a very kind person and Soundwave
wished there was some way he could repay her as he followed her.
She took
him into an intriguing looking shop, called Shining Bright.
"This
is what we call an alternate shop."
Soundwave
smelled the pleasant air.
"Indian
Incense," Aura said. "Nag Champa, I think."
Soundwave
looked at the intriguing sculptures, crystals, medallions, amulets, goblets,
talismans, dream catchers, wind chimes, accessories, clothes and other unique
things in the store. Aura helped him look through the clothes. Soundwave pulled
out a navy blue, dark purple and black pair of tie dyed pants, made from a
soft, wavy material.
"Nice,"
Aura said. "Want to try them on and see if they fit?"
Soundwave
nodded. Aura showed him to the change room.
"I'll
look for a shirt."
"Thanks."
Soundwave closed the curtain, took off his clothes. He assumed he was meant to
keep his underclothes on and put the trousers on over his black underpants.
Aura
found a soft yellow shirt, made from similar material. Soundwave tried it on.
"Looks
good," Aura said.
Soundwave
looked at himself in the mirror. "Agreed." He was surprised at how
much better one could look and feel with a simple change of clothing, not that
he had even been vain, but he felt better in his new clothes.
"Do
you want to get these?" Aura asked.
"Affirmative,"
Soundwave said, "please." He also liked the way the materials felt on
his skin.
"Done.
It's lucky we found something so quickly - sometimes you can search for hours,
days even. Can you give me the price tags? Usually you take the clothes off and
put back on your old clothes, but you can keep these on if you like."
Soundwave
nodded. "Yes, thank you." He pulled off the tags and handed them to
her.
"Thanks."
Soundwave
bundled up his old clothes. Aura took them from him and placed them in the
'poor basket.'
"Thank
you, Aura," Maeilia, the smiling shop keeper said.
"My
pleasure." Aura handed her the tags.
"Thanks."
Soundwave
came out of the fitting room.
"Thirty-nine
dollars for the pants, and twenty five dollars for the shirt," Maeilia
said.
Aura took
the money out of her wallet and paid for the clothes.
Together
she and Soundwave walked out of the store.
Soundwave
indeed looked much sexier in his new clothes, Aura thought, but she didn't say
anything. She didn't want Soundwave to think her shallow for only thinking that
of him.
"Now,
we need to get you a suit," she said.
"Did
we not just do that?"
Aura
smiled. "Yeah, but you need what we call 'work clothes.' You're supposed
to be a reporter, remember ...
Soundwave
smiled. "Of course."
"But
first ... are you hungry?"
"Yes,
come to think of it."
Aura lead
Soundwave to a vegetarian take away in the food hall and ordered two medium
spiced vege burgers with a side order of fries, cooked in vegetable oil, of course.
She also bought two bottles of pineapple juice, and a slice of camembert
cheese.
"If
you don't like the burger, I can get something else," she said.
"No,
it's fine," he said. "Besides, it smells good."
Aura
smiled. Together they sat at a corner table and began to eat their lunch.
Soundwave
took a bite of the vege burger, and after that, tried one of the fried potato
slivers on which Aura had sprinkled some sodium chloride and pepper and poured
some
white
acetic acid. "Very nice," he said. "Does all human food taste
this good?"
"It
depends on your tastes and what you like," Aura said. "Here. Try
this. It's camembert cheese." She handed him the slice.
Soundwave
took a bite and his face screwed up.
"I
mean no offence ... but I dislike this food ..."
"I
don't blame you. I can't stand the stuff myself, but some people love it,
different stroked for different folks. Drink some of your juice and have some
more vege burger - it'll get rid of the taste."
Soundwave
picked up the bottle, and swallowed some of the pleasant, sweet liquid, then
ate some of his vege burger, and was glad when the awful taste of the camembert
went away. He hadn't realised how thirsty he was and finished his juice in no
time.
He and
Aura threw their rubbish in the bin near the table.
She took
Soundwave into the supermarket and made sure no one was within earshot and
lowered her voice as she explained to him. "This is a supermarket, where
we obtain groceries, such as food for us and our pets, drink, shampoo, soap,
things for the house, etcetera."
Aura lead
him straight to the confectionery area, where and smiled as she picked up a
100g pack of Smith's salt & vinegar chips and a large block of Cadbury's
full cream milk chocolate.
"We'll
have these later," she said. "I think we're both full now."
Soundwave
smiled as he followed Aura to the clothing section where she helped him pick
out a 3-pack of socks and underpants. She also grabbed some hair elastics.
"The
purpose of these?" Soundwave inquired, curious.
"They're
to tie your hair back - looks more professional."
Soundwave
nodded. "That will be advantageous."
"We
also need to get a pair of pyjamas for you, - you'll need to be there for a few
days at least, and we also need to get some films for your camera."
"Your
generosity is overwhelming," Soundwave said.
Aura
smiled. "Well, gotta love me!"
"Indeed."
Soundwave
picked out a pair of navy blue winter pyjamas, which Aura said were his size.
She picked up a 5-pack of
"Thank
you," Soundwave said. "I am glad you are here to assist me."
She
smiled. "I'm glad I am too."
She paid
for the items and they exited the shop. Soundwave placed the film and clothes
into his bag.
"I
know a shop we could visit, to get you a suit," Aura said, excitedly, as
they exited the supermarket. "Uhh, I hope none of this is boring you
..."
"Not
at all. I find it most intriguing."
Aura
smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
She took
Soundwave to '
She began
to look around with Soundwave. He pulled out a nicely tailored navy blue suit
with milky yellow trimmings and yellow satin lining.
"Ooh,
that's nice," Aura said.
"It
is also quite expensive. I can't expect ..."
Aura
smiled. "If you want it, it's okay. I'm not what they call mega rich, but
I really want to help you."
"You
already have."
She
smiled. "Try it on ... Yes, I'm sure."
"Is
it just me or do human clothes seem overpriced?"
Aura
chuckled. "Just seem?"
Soundwave
smiled back at her. "I wish there was something I could give you in
return."
She
smiled. "You have given me your trust and friendship, and It's nice to
have someone to show around."
"I
am glad," he said, entering the fitting room.
"Keep
the yellow shirt on underneath," Aura said. "It'll look good with the
suit.
Aura
waited until he had changed.
Soundwave
straightened the jacket. The tailored pants fit well which he was pleased about
then stepped out of the fitting room.
"Ooh,
I like," Aura said.
Soundwave
nodded. "So do I. Are sure you do mot mind paying for-"
Aura
smiled and shook her head. "No, it's all right."
"Thanks."
Soundwave said, with a smile.
"Put
your other pants back on," Aura said, "and I'll pay for the
suit."
Soundwave
felt the least he could do was carry his new suit and so he did. Aura insisted
on purchasing a new pair of shoes and a bag - both of which he knew he needed
and tried to think of a way he could repay Aura for her generosity.
He quite
liked his new black shoes. He tried a few pairs on before he found these. They
went well with his new clothes and felt very comfortable. The khaki green ones,
again not his color, which he had come here with although they were clean and
dry, had not stood up to the weather and were falling apart. Soundwave happily
disposed of them in the nearest bin. It was easy enough to find a bag. He chose
a large, but not bulky, black canvas one, with internal and external
compartments for various items. Aura had gone into the newsagency and bought
him a purple and a yellow note pad, some pens, and a navy blue clip folder.
"You
are very appreciative of colors," Soundwave said.
Aura
smiled. "Yeah, it's nice to have a lot of colored things. If you need it,
you may as well get one in a nice color!"
Soundwave
smiled. Aura also bought something called a TV Week magazine for herself,
flipped through it and got quite excited when she discovered they were playing
a Xena episode she missed. "It's 'Death In Chains' ... the one with
Hades!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Man I love that guy! He's soooo
gorgeous and sexy! ... Sorry..."
"No
need to apologise," Soundwave said with a smile. "Was Hades not the
'Lord of the Dead?'"
"Yes,"
Aura said. "The Disney's James Woods Hades was way cool too..." she
smiled, then continued, "it's a common mistake in today's world that
'Hades' is another name for Hell or 'the Devil'. In Ancient Greek Mythology,
Hades ruled the Underworld, which consisted of two parts, Tartarus, where the
evil souls went and The Elysian Fields, where the good souls went when their
mortal bodies perished. Hades cared for all the souls in his realm. Hades fell
in love with Persephone, and she became his loving wife. I see Hades as a
protector."
"Interesting,"
Soundwave said. "I shall study the Greek Myths in more depth when I return
from my mission."
Aura
smiled. "Great!"
"I
thank you again," Soundwave said,. "I do not know what I would have
done without your assistance."
She
smiled again. "It's my pleasure, but please don't think that I'm well
buying you all this stuff because I expect something back... I-"
"I
know," Soundwave said, his voice gentle. "Your kindness is very
unique and special."
Aura
smiled. "Thanks ... there's something else I wanted to show you ..."
She took
Soundwave into the toy shop and showed him some toy Transformers. "Both
children and adults play with these and collect them."
Soundwave
was surprised to see Decepticon toys. "I thought humans despised
us..."
"Well
they say they needed Decepticon toys to combat the Autobot ones ..."
Aura
found a dual pack of Soundwave and Megatron, with all of Soundwave's Cassettes.
Soundwave
could not help but laugh. "Good likenesses."
The two
heard some girl's voices coming toward them from the adjacent aisle.
"I
wanna get the new Starscream!"
"Like,
Rosie, how many Starscream's ya got?"
"Every
version of him that came out. He's sooo cute!!! How Many Optimus' you got,
Suse?"
"About
as many Starscreams as you."
They both
giggled.
"He's
so cute," Susan said.
"Prime
or Starscream?"
"Both."
They
giggled again and began to look at the toys, excitedly grabbing an Optimus
Prime and a Starscream.
"Now
the shopping list ... We gotta get a Optimus and Elita pack for Tannie, like
reckons thinks Oppy's sexy and gorgeous too!"
"We
also gotta get her a Soundwave," Susan said. "She loves that guy
too!"
"Yeah,
he's got a cool voice and like he's so cute ... Now ... who else ... we have to
get a Huffer for Tony, an Ultra Magnus for Phoenix, a Megatron for Ruby, and a
Soundwave for Raksha."
"Ssh!
Someone'll hear! We're not supposed to like the 'Cons..."
"So?
They're as cool as the 'Bots!"
Both Aura
and Soundwave looked at each other and smiled as the two girls rushed off
excitedly to the checkout to buy their and their friends' toys.
"Looks
like you're popular," Aura whispered.
Soundwave
was still quite surprised and chuckled to himself.
"Intriguing.
Do they really think Transformers are cute ... and sexy?"
"Yeah
... Can't say I blame them," and she smiled. "Here," she said,
handing him two dual packs of the Soundwave and Megatron toy.
"I
cannot ask you any more of you."
Aura
smiled. "Trust me - you'll regret it if you don't get these now.
Transformer toys which they don't make anymore are major league hard to get and
if you do find one, collectors prices, ain't cheap. Trust me. I went to BotCon
last year - and some of those dealers - whooh!"
"All
right," Soundwave smiled. "I shall impose upon your generosity once
more."
Aura
smiled picked up another dual pack.
"Three?"
She
smiled. "I don't have this one ... I've been collecting these since they
first came out. I didn't wanna say anything before. Didn't want to sound too
corny."
Soundwave
smiled and imagined the look on his friend's face when he got back and showed
him the toy.
Soundwave
took a Starscream off the shelf. "Although I dislike him - he will love this."
Aura
giggled. "I bet he would!"
"You
do not mind ..."
"Nah,"
she smiled.
Aura
turned around and saw a fairy doll.
"Oh
wow!" she exclaimed. "Moon Light! I've been waiting ages for her to
come out!"
She
picked up the beautiful sparkling fairy doll. "They're lovely, aren't
they?"
She
showed Soundwave the others in the set. "These are her five sisters,
Raekella, she's the red one, long wavy auburn hair, quite feisty and a bit
mischievous, but she has a good heart, Bluedon; the blue one, short blond hair ...
She's calm and loving and the peacekeeper, Oceanus; white and blue, very long
white hair, the guardian of the oceans, Cinna; brown, cinnamon color hair, -
she's quite spicy and brings life to the Earth and lastly Seph, black and grey,
very long white streaked black hair. She cares for those who have died."
"Like
Hades," Soundwave said.
Aura
nodded. "They're all so lovely."
"Affirmative,
quite aesthetically pleasing. Fairies are an important aspect of human folklore
are they not?"
Aura
nodded. "Yes, they are."
"Do
you believe they exist?"
"Yes,
but I've never seen a real one yet."
"We
have a similar myth on Cybertron. They are said to be small robotic elf like
beings we call pixoids. Like your fairies, they have delicate wings and are
capable of flight. Some are said to assist one, while others are said to be
quite mischievous."
Aura
smiled. "How cute! ... Transformer Fairies ... Some of our fairies, pixies
and hobgoblins are mischievous and cute, like Puck - Robin Goodfellow, but some
are like heaps evil and hideous. Not all of them are as pretty as Moon Light
and her sisters."
Soundwave
smiled. "In my youth, I actually thought I saw a pixoid, although I
quickly dismissed it, but now I am not so sure."
Aura
smiled. "I'd love to see one too."
Soundwave
looked again at the fairy dolls. "Makes me wish I had a pixoid doll,"
he said with a smile.
Aura paid
for the Transformer and fairy toys with her card and placed her set in her bag.
Soundwave
took the other two. "Eftpos?" he inquired.
"Electronic
Funds Transfer at Point Of Sale," Aura explained. "It comes straight
out of my bank account. If you ask me, Eftpos sounds more like the Ancient
Greek God of Shopping."
Soundwave
chuckled, and the toy shop assistant laughed. "You're good, Aura! We're
getting some new Transformers, Blake's 7, Jem, and Sailor Moon stuff in next
week. You Stormer from Jem and the Negaverse baddies, Neflite, Malachite and
Zoisite from Sailor Moon? Oh yeah ... almost forgot - that Elwood Blues, Blues
Brothers doll is coming in too ... Don't worry - we'll put them all on lay
buy!"
"Wow!
Cool! Thanks! I'll be here!"
She
happily left the shop with Soundwave. "Just wish they all didn't cost so
much ..."
"They
know you well here. It is a pleasant community."
"Yes,
it's a lovely little town. Not too close or far away from anything. The people
around here are really friendly."
They sat
down on a bench opposite the toy shop. Aura took a scissors from of her green
tartan pencil case in her bag, and began to cut open the bubble on the Transformers
and Moon Light.
"I
like to keep the boxed and cards."
Aura
pulled the Transformers and doll from the plastic and shook her hair loose.
"I
can never wait until I get home... I don't even get embarrassed if anyone sees
me anymore. I love my toys!"
Both she
and Soundwave smiled. Aura threw out the plastic from the boxes, including the
small hairbrush that came with Moon Light.
"Do
you not need that to brush the doll's hair?"
"Nah.
I use my brush, besides, the brushes you get with dolls are always too small
and crap."
"I
see," Soundwave said. "Speaking of hair, I have noticed that your
hair color differs from those I have seen."
Aura
smiled, took some of her hair up, then let it fall. "It's completely
natural, actually. Not many people can say that they have natural deep purple
hair. Makes me feel unique."
Soundwave
smiled, then began to cut open one of his boxes and transformed the toy of
himself and Megatron, then placed the toys of the cassettes inside the toy of
himself. "Most impressive. They have engineered all the mechanisms
correctly."
Aura
nodded as she transformed her toy of Soundwave. "Yeah, it's amazing how
you guys transform. Oo - can you wait here for a sec? I forgot to get
something..."
Soundwave
nodded, knowing a 'sec' generally meant a minute or two.
Aura
rushed into the shop and bought the larger 12 inch doll of Moon Light, paid for
her, placed her inside her bag and went to join Soundwave.
"Do
you want to go to a movie later on?" she asked.
"Movie?
Moving pictures, projected onto canvas?"
Aura
laughed. "Yep, that's the one. I checked. It starts at 6.30 tonight."
"Sounds
good to me," Soundwave said.
"Great!"
She and
Soundwave walked to Herbie in the car park.
"Miss
me?" she asked with a smile, as she patted the cute Vee Dub.
Soundwave
smiled. "Where are we going now? It's an hour, twenty-one minutes and
fifty-seven seconds before the movie starts."
Aura
smiled. "Even though I've got my watch, I'm glad you're here to keep time!
I'm gonna go to
It was
about a fifteen minute drive.
"Hello,
darlin'," Chris greeted Aura, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
He was
nice looking, in his 40's, a biggish man that the second you saw him, all you
could think of doing was giving him a great big bear hug.
"Hi,
Chris," Aura said with a smile, giving him a hug.
Soundwave
could tell by their body language that they were very good friends, not that he
would have been jealous if they were more.
"This
is my friend, Avon Lambert from
"Howdy,"
Chris said, taking off his hat. "Like
"When
I am not freezing in the rain."
Chris
chuckled. "Got caught in the storm, did ya? Poor bugger."
"
"Too
right," Chris said, proud. "Enjoy your stay, mate."
"I
shall."
Chris
smiled and turned to Aura.
"So
what'll it be, Miss?"
She
smiled. Chris always made her smile.
"First
of all, some black, and some white cherries, mandarins and corn on the
cob."
Aura then
spotted a tiny lone cactus. "Ohh, how much is he? He's sooo cute!"
She knelt down and picked up the plant.
"Usually
six bucks, but because you're so gorgeous, he's free."
Aura
chuckled. Chris was the only one who could talk to her without fiercely getting
told where to go, as she knew he was only being friendly. Aura had never
regretted the day she'd moved to this town.
She
showed Soundwave the small cactus. "I think I'll name him after you,
Soundwave
smiled.
"What
about me?" Chris mocked sounding offended.
"Oh,
you ... you know I called my red star cactus after you." She patted him on
the nose.
Soundwave
and Chris helped Aura gather fruit and vegetables on her list.
"Do
you want pomegranates?" Chris asked. "I know you like them."
"Oh,
yeah!" Aura said. "I forgot to put them on my list!"
"You
also forgot peas and potatoes and blueberries."
Aura
smiled. "You know me better than I do, only I do have some potatoes."
Soundwave
smiled. Human communities and ways of life were so different from
Transformers', Decepticon or Autobot.
Aura took
her goodies to the counter.
"Righty-O."
Chris began to tally the goods. "Comes to thirty five smackaroos."
Aura paid
him forty. "Keep the change, darlin'."
"Thanks,
love."
He
carried the box to the car.
"You're
such a sweetie pie," Aura said, giving him a peck on the cheek. She was
capable of carrying the box herself, but knew Chris liked to help. It was rare
to meet a man like him.
Aura and
Soundwave waved goodbye as they left, and saw Chris greet some new arrivals.
"He
is a nice person, as you said," Soundwave observed.
Aura
smiled. "Yeah, he is, isn't he?"
She
shared some mandarins, cherries, blueberries, and strawberries with Soundwave.
"I
am not keen on these," he said, holding up a half eaten strawberry.
"They're
much nicer marinated for about a minute in vinegar, then coated with caster
sugar. It's a recipe a friend of my mum's taught her."
Aura took
the even more scenic route back, showing Soundwave more of the countryside, and
they drove past the lake, partially hidden by the trees.
"Calm
as a millpond on a day like this - would've been full on yesterday night
though!"
"I
can imagine," Soundwave said, almost shivering.
Soundwave
frowned when they arrived back and placed his hand on his stomach.
"I
am feeling hungry again. Is this normal?"
Aura
smiled. "Yes. Humans usually eat three meals a day with snacks in between,
and it's dinner time about now."
The two
feasted on crisp toasted tabouleh rolls, stuffed vine leaves and vegetarian
sushi.
"The
rolls and vine leaves are Lebanese and the sushi is Japanese," Aura
explained. "It's great that we can get food from so many different
countries."
Soundwave
covered his mouth and winced.
Aura half
smiled. "You put too much of that green stuff on. It's Wasabi -
horseradish paste - quite hot."
Soundwave
nodded and ate a piece of sushi with no wasabi and drank some of his Diet Dr.
Pepper, the intriguing cherry cola like fizzy liquid, helping to soothe the
burning sensation. "Most Intriguing," he said, having another piece
of sushi with much less wasabi.
Aura sat
with Soundwave in the very front row of the cinema.
"We're
not supposed to talk when the movie starts," she said. "In some
cinemas, the front seats are too far forward, but I like it in this one. Not
too close for ya?"
Soundwave
shook his head. He wasn't sure what to expect. A movie was make believe, right?
How real did they make them look? Even a movie based on a true story was still acted.
Soundwave was quite curious. He knew the true story behind this film, but was
intrigued to find out what a 'film' was exactly.
Aura took
out the packet chips and chocolate she'd bought earlier and began to share them
with Soundwave. He quite liked the tangy taste of the chips, even if they were
oily.
Soundwave
had a sip of the milk, Aura had brought for them to share, before she opened
the bar of chocolate.
"One
of my favorite foods," she said, with a smile.
She broke
off a row of five pieces and gave them to Soundwave.
He
sniffed it first, finding its unique aroma rather pleasant. Then he started to
eat the 'choccie' as she'd called it. He was intrigued at how it melted in his
mouth, and the taste.... the taste ... was even more unique and delicious that
the aroma. Soundwave swallowed and finished his other pieces.
"Nice,
isn't it?" Aura smiled, giving him some more.
Soundwave
noticed she'd bought a big block.
"I
can see why you like it so much," he said with a smile.
They'd
finished by the time the movie had started.
Three and
a half hours later, they emerged from the cinema.
"You
like it?" Aura asked.
Soundwave
had been quite impressed with how real the effects were.
"It
is intriguing how they fabricated a love story around an actual historical event."
Aura
nodded. "It's a great film. I've seen it before. Lucky it's still at the
movies!"
The movie
had been quite moving and sad in many parts and the beautiful music had fitted
it perfectly. Soundwave had felt more for the people who had actually died in
the real event, rather than those the love story revolved around, although the
make-believe story had been well made and acted. He was also intrigued at how
the movie had made him think about something he'd filed in his memory banks as
an event in human history, but now he found himself thinking about the
suffering, the hopelessness, those who had survived the human disaster and the
many who had perished, aboard the so called 'unsinkable' RMS Titanic.
It was
shortly after 10.00pm when they emerged from the movie. The mall had become
dark and quiet. Soundwave looked around. Not many people were here now.
"She
shops close at around 5-6pm on Weekdays," Aura told him. "Expect on
Thursday Nights we have what we call late night shopping and they're open until
about 9pm."
She and
Soundwave walked to Herbie.
Again,
the road looked different at night when it wasn't pelted with rain.
"Strange,"
Soundwave said, looking out of the car window. "There were no lights last
night. Malfunction?"
"Ya.
The whole place had a huge blackout. Luckily I had 'Liberator' my trusty
standby generator."
"Fortunate
indeed, for both of us. I would not have seen your outside light."
"It
must've been like a hand reaching out of the dark..."
"It
was indeed. At first I thought I was seeing things."
"I'm
so glad I switched it on. I like to leave it on at night, especially in the
rain, in case someone ever came by, needing a place to stop."
Soundwave
smiled. "Very gracious of you, but can many humans not be trusted?"
"Indeed.
It's usually all right around here, and I can defend myself if I need to."
Aura
smiled as she turned down a side road.
"We
are deviating off course," Soundwave pointed out. "Short cut?"
"No,"
Aura said. There's something else I wanna show you."
Soundwave
smiled at her. "You have shown me so much already and spent quite a lot of
money. I -"
Aura
smiled. "It's all right. I wanted to, and besides, this won't cost
anything."
She
pulled up Herb beside the lake she had shown him earlier. They left their
belongings in the car and walked to the lake's edge. "Beautiful, isn't
it?" Aura said.
Soundwave
looked at the dark, calm ripples on the lake, which shimmered subtlety in the
starlight.
He
listened to the few crickets singing and a frog by the lake, then heard a most
peculiar sound ... 'ooo-aaa-ooo-aaa...'
"It's
a kookaburra," Aura said, smiling at Soundwave's confused expression.
"An Australian bird. When they 'laugh' it sometimes means a storm is
coming. Not now though - there are hardly clouds in the sky."
Aura lay
on the soft, longish grass. Soundwave did the same and they looked up at the
stars. Aura pointed out the Southern Cross constellation, consisting of four
stars in the shape of a kite.
"Now
I can usually find Orion..." She moved her arm, then pointed. "See
those three stars in a row over there?"
"I
see them," Soundwave said.
"That's
Orion's belt. The Egyptians names the constellation Osiris."
"It
is intriguing how the humans see images in the stars."
Aura
smiled. "Yeah, like you can see shapes in the clouds. If you look down,
from Orion's belt, there's a pinkish twinkling star. That's Rigel, 900 light
years away."
"You
know your Astrology."
Aura
smiled. "It was one of my favorite subjects along with geology. A friend
of mine showed me The Big Dipper constellation when I was in
"Like
one cannot observe the Southern Cross from the Northern Hemisphere."
"Affirmative,"
Aura said. "I think I'll use that word too now."
Soundwave
smiled and chuckled.
"You
can see so many more stars out here than you can in the city," Aura said.
"See The Milky Way?"
Soundwave
nodded as he saw the subtle white Milky Way seeming to weave its way in and out
of the stars, like a beautiful Celestial Tapestry.
Even
though it was getting quite cold, they stayed out for a while longer. Both
Soundwave and Aura witnessed quite a few shooting stars while they stargazed.
"It's
hard to believe a simple dust particle burning up in our atmosphere can look so
beautiful," she said.
"Indeed,"
Soundwave said.
Aura held
his hand. "Did you make a wish?"
"Yes."
Aura
arrived at her house, and drove Herbie into the garage. She and Soundwave
gathered their spoils of the day and exited Herbie. Aura kissed her fingers and
patted the V Dub.
"Thanks,
babe."
Soundwave
smiled. She was such a unique, sweet girl.
Aura used
her remote control to lock her garage and the two walked along the yellow brick
path to her house. The outside light automatically came on.
"Clever,"
Soundwave said.
"I
always hated forgetting to leave it on when I went out and leaving it on all
day uses more electricity. It's more so for me, than worrying about break and
enterers though. It's nice to feel safe."
She
unlocked her door and they walked inside her warm house. Soundwave was nowhere
near as cold as he had been the previous night, but it was still nice to come
to warmth.
"I
need to utilise the 'dunny' as you call it."
Aura
smiled. "So do I, actually."
"Ladies
first."
"Sure?"
Soundwave
nodded. "Of course.
Aura smiled.
"You're such a sweeite."
He smiled
as he watched her enter the bathroom and hung up his new navy blue suit to
minimize creasing.
Truth be
known, Aura hated this 'business' that humans had to do as much as Soundwave.
At least she had a lovely sparkling blue dolphin resin seat to sit down on!
Soundwave
helped Aura put her food away and she began to boil some corn on the cob, then
got some margarine out of the fridge and sea salt from the cupboard. Both of
them munched on a some sweet raw corn cobs before the corn in the pot had
cooked.
"The
color of the kitchen is quite pleasant," Soundwave said, looking at the
pastel green walls and dolphin seascape lino floor covering. "I also
notice you have many colored appliances," noting her pastel green kettle, bright
yellow toaster, and aqua vacuum cleaner, amongst other pleasant adornments.
Aura
smiled. "I had the place redone and renovated when I bought it and I've
been collecting things here there, and everywhere. I'm glad you like it."
"It
is most pleasing."
After
dinner ...
"C'mon,
Let's play with our stuff," Aura smiled.
The two
of them gathered their spoils of the day and spilled them out on the floor.
Soundwave smiled. Aura was definitely a unique individual.
She put
her baby cactus with her others. "There you go, little
Soundwave
smiled. Little
Aura she
turned around and fed the coloured fish in her small aquarium. "There you
go too ...."
Soundwave
had barely noticed her fishes, but now he looked at them, it was lovely and
tranquil, the way they swam placidly about their aquatic home. Aura placed her
long, thick purple haired mermaid doll and treasure chest atop the tank and
joined Soundwave on the floor.
Aura took
Moon Light, the fairy doll out of her bag. She showed Soundwave her profile on
the back of the packet.
Moon
Light ... A strong heart and spirit. Moon Light is a caring soul, a faerie who helps
those in need. She cares for hose who suffer, from wither physical or emotional
strains of life. She has been known to lead many a weary traveller to shelter.
To call upon her gifts, close your eyes, envision yourself surrounded by white
and light green light, face North and repeat the following chant three times,
whilst turning around in a clockwise direction.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
O Moon Light, O Moon Bright
I call up on your true insight
Come to me this day or night
Celestial magic and faerie might
Help me to see the light
Guide me to what is right
With your love I begin my Flight
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Soundwave
smiled. "Perhaps I should have done that when I first arrived here. It is
a lovely piece, even if it was just written for the doll."
Aura
smiled as Soundwave began to look at the doll. Her costume consisted of a
loose, fine pastel green mesh material. Underneath was painted white with
crystal coloured glitter painted onto her body, which changed color and
shimmered in the light. Her wings were transparent, and of the same crystal
color. Her face looked so kind, her small lips, green eyes full of expression,
with slightly metallic light green eye shadow. Her thick lights green hair, with
white streaks reached to the centre of her back. Aura stroked her hair.
"These
are some of the 'girlie' toys I love," Aura said with a smile. "Even
if they are just toys beings of myth...." She put Moon Light down.
"Just
out of interest," Soundwave said, "what is Seph's chant?"
Aura
smiled and told him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Seph, faerie Guardian of the dead
In the Realm of Hades, rest my head
Come to me this day or night
Celestial magic and faerie might
Care for my soul forever more
As you have done for countless more
Let me pass through your loving Door
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"That's
lovely," Soundwave said.
"I
know. It eases my mind on Death, looking at it that way, and knowing that I'd
be cared for, until my soul decides to return in it's new form."
"Interesting,"
Soundwave said, "although I have no idea who I was in a past life."
Aura
smiled. "Probably someone really interesting."
Soundwave
smiled.
"I'm
going to have a bath now, okay?"
Soundwave
nodded.
Aura ran
her bath and placed in a generous helping of yellow 'revitalising' bubblebath
and sank into the lovely, soothing warm waters.
Whilst
Aura bathed, Soundwave looked around her lounge room, and noticed more than he
had before. He noticed the warm light brown walls, various fantasy pictures, a
picture of
Soundwave
had almost finished the book when Aura emerged, wrapped in a towel, fresh from
her bath.
"Lovely
book, isn't it?"
"Indeed.
I noticed that Moon Light and her sisters are not in here."
"No,
I think they're just done for the toys. Be nice if they were real, but
then is another Universe, they might well be."
She
showed Soundwave another room of her house. "This is a very special
room... "
Light
lilac walls greeted them, with subtle glitter crystal also some blue, purple
and red glitter painted on. A few fantasy decorations inhabited on one corner.
Soundwave turned around, to see toys everywhere, organised beautifully,
including large section on Transformers.
He
smiled. "You do love your toys."
Aura
smiled back. "An adult without toys is like a night without stars."
Soundwave
looked closely at the Transformer toys, Decepticon, Autobot, neutral and much
other Transformer merchandise she had collected over the years.
"You
possess a lovely abode," he said.
She
smiled. "Thanks. It took me quite a while to get set up here. Earth living
isn't cheap."
"I
know. I have seen many human suffering as they do not have the means to live in
comfort."
"It's
sad. I hate money. I wish we didn't need it ... and it is hard to get settled,
but little by little, you get there."
"If
you do not mind me asking, what is it that you 'do for a living?'"
Aura
smiled. "Of course I don't mind you asking. I'm a writer. I work from
home, writing novels and also scripts for television and movies. I'm waiting to
hear back on what 20th Century Fox thought of my sequel to 'Out To Sea.'"
"Good
luck."
Aura
smiled and nodded. "Yeah!"
She
placed her new fairy and Transformer dolls in the room.
Aura and
Soundwave walked to the lounge room.
"Oo!"
she exclaimed, almost startling Soundwave, although he'd gotten used to her
sudden exclamations by now! "Just a minute..."
She
returned with her
Soundwave
smiled. "I don't mind."
"Thanks
..." Aura took a few pictures of Soundwave and gave him a picture of
herself.
"Thank
you," he said. "Although even without this I shall never forget
you."
"Nor
I you," she said with a smile. "I can't wait to get this developed!
Just a few more pics to go!"
Soundwave
smiled as he watched Aura utilise her stereo system and put on a CD which
started playing £40 Float, a traditional, vibey Irish Jig.
"Care
to dance, sir?"
"It
would be my pleasure, Miss."
They both
began to dance in rhythm to the fast-paced music, becoming faster toward the
end. They laughed as they danced together and flopped down on the sofa
laughing.
"That
was fun!"
"Indeed."
"Whooh!
What a day!"
"Indeed,"
Soundwave said. "I ... I want to thank you for everything you did for me
... the things you bought for me and what you showed and taught me."
Aura kissed
him on the cheek. "It was all my pleasure and I want to thank you. It was
lovely to meet a new friend to care for and show around."
Soundwave
smiled. "That part is my pleasure ... I have never danced with a partner
before."
"Alone?"
"Sometimes."
"I
often dance alone, but nice to have a partner from time to time."
Soundwave
smiled. "I doubt many humans would dance an Irish Jig at 1.30 in the
morning," he said. "You are most unique."
Aura
smiled. "I know. So are you."
Both
'humans' started to yawn, and they smiled.
"I
think it's high time we both flopped into bed," Aura said.
"Agreed."
They both
stood. "Sweet dreams, Soundwave."
"And
also to you."
"I'm
going to check Autobot HQ just in case.... Nope" she said after she got
the same recorded message.
"It
does not matter," Soundwave said. "They have probably put Ratchet on
the job, fixing Teletraan and he is an exceptional medic."
"Great,"
Aura said, impressed that Soundwave was not embarrassed to say something good
about his enemies when it was the truth.
Soundwave
knew he had to leave her soon, but was sad to. He'd miss her. He lay awake in
his bed for a while before slumber greeted him.
Aura too
lay awake for a while, thinking how she'd miss Soundwave when he left, but she
knew he had to. The Decepticon Cause meant a great deal to him and she knew he
belonged with his own kind. She wanted what was best for him, and unlike some
selfish humans, she wasn't going to let her desires cloud her, but she dearly
hoped she'd meet him again sometime. Before long, her tiredness consumed her
and she fell into a deep sleep.
* * *
The
following morning, Soundwave had woken a few hours before Aura and had looked
through his old folder, at his documents he needed for his mission. Most of
them had been partially ruined or wrecked by the rain, damp, dirty and some of
the ink had smudged. He began to sort them out when Aura emerged from her
slumber and greeted him.
"I
trust you had a pleasant sleep?"
"Yeah,"
she replied. "And you?"
"Affirmative.
Most relaxing. I must ask you if I can please utilise your computer. I need to
retype some of these documents."
"Sure,"
Aura said, walking with him to her office, painted in the same subtle lilac as
her toy room. She got into the WordPerfect word processing program for him.
"You'd better do them before I call 'Bot Central, otherwise you might not
have enough time."
"Agreed.
I will keep some of them damp, as that will prove that I was out in the rain,
otherwise they might become suspicious." Soundwave wasn't about to take
any chances.
Aura
nodded. He could tell she did not want to contact Autobot Headquarters, but she
did want to help him and knew she had to.
Soundwave
redid an I.D form, a photo shoot and interview request form, although,
thankfully, his plastic I.D badge remained intact. Soundwave utilised some of
his stationary and beautifully redrew the map to Autobot Headquarters and
chuckled. "Megatron gave me the original in case I got lost somewhere
along the way ... though it didn't give directions from
Aura
laughed and kissed him on the cheek. Soundwave smiled and began retyping the
'interview' questionnaire and discarded the wrecked, smudged versions of these
and printed out what he had typed.
"Thank
you," he said to Aura.
She
smiled. "Y'know if I had a buck every time you said that, I'd be
rich!"
Soundwave
smiled.
"You're
gonna look sooo good!" Aura said happily.
"I
certainly hope so. It would not be desirable to be caught out. Although the
Autobots neither torture nor kill their prisoners, I must complete my
mission."
"Good
fortune," she said, gently squeezing his hand.
He raised
her hand and kissed it.
Aura
smiled. "Thank you, kind sir."
Soundwave
smiled back at her.
"Now
..." Aura said, then took a breath and picked up the receiver and dialled
Autobot Headquarters.
The phone
rang three times at the other end before it was answered by Teletraan I. Aura
put the phone on speaker and put the receiver down.
"You
have reached Autobot Headquarters. With whom would you like to speak?"
"Optimus
Prime," Aura replied. "It's quite urgent."
"Please
hold while I contact him."
"Thank
you," Aura said, listening to pleasant music.
"They're
Ancient Cybertronian tunes," Soundwave said.
"Nice,"
Aura said, sensing Soundwave was trying to ease her nervousness.
Optimus
sat in his quarters drawing a dolphin seascape, one of his hobbies when
Teletraan contacted him.
"Optimus
Prime. attention, please."
Prime put
his colored cyber pencil down. "Yes, Teletraan?"
"You
have a phone call from a young female in
"Patch
it through," Optimus said, quickly.
"Compliant."
"Hello?
This is Optimus Prime," he said into his wall communicator.
"Thank
goodness I reached you ...My name's Aura Kerr ... I don't know how to say this
to you, or if you'll believe me ... but ..." She told Optimus her story.
He wanted
to believe her, but how could he be sure it wasn't a Decepticon trick?
"Can
I, please speak to Avon Lambert?" he asked.
"Yes,
here he is."
Soundwave
spoke into the speaker. "Optimus Prime?"
"Yes."
"Thank
the stars ..." Soundwave made his voice sound relieved. He was grateful
his human voice sounded nothing like his own voice.
Optimus
Prime checked the origin of the call and ascertained that it was indeed coming
from
"Are
you all right?" he asked '
"Yes
... now, thanks to Miss Aura."
"All
right ... I assume the Decepticons don't know your exact location?"
"I
walked for hours before I found Aura's house. They know I'm in
"Did
they hurt you?" Optimus asked.
"Not
exactly," '
"Nothing
broken?"
"No.
Thankfully he didn't drop me too far off the ground."
"You're
fortunate the Decepticons didn't kill you. Whatever possessed you to-"
"I
know it was stupid, but ... it would've made for a great story. I'm sorry,
Optimus, I feel like such an idiot." Soundwave smiled.
"Well
we all make mistakes,
"Be
funny if they invited Decepticons," Soundwave said, with a smile.
Optimus
Prime chuckled. "Indeed it would."
"I'm
so sorry for the trouble I've caused," '
"It's
all right," Optimus said. Just be more careful next time. What is the
address there?"
Aura gave
it to him.
"Skyfire
should be there within approximately three hours," Optimus said.
"Thanks,"
Soundwave said.
"My
pleasure,
"I
will, thanks."
"Farewell."
"Bye,
Optimus," Aura said.
Soundwave
wondered is Optimus would still wish him to take care if he knew who he was.
Aura
pushed the 'off speaker' button, in effect, hanging up, then all of a sudden
she looked rushed and worried, and spoke before Soundwave could ask her what
was wrong.
"Now
... you have to have a shower, put your new suit on and get your things
..."
Soundwave
had his shower which was quite an interesting and different sensation to a
bath, which he decided he preferred, but Aura had told him a shower was quicker
and time was of the essence here.
Whilst
Soundwave was showering, brushing his teeth, and getting dressed, Aura folded
and packed his other clothes and underclothes. She usually wasn't this neat,
but wanted the best for Soundwave and tried not to worry about him getting
caught and placed the clothes into his bag. She put his new documents in a
plastic sleeve to protect them from the damp ones and it would also explain why
these ones hadn't got wet. She smiled when she saw Soundwave had placed the
picture of her inside the plastic sleeve in his new folder. She slid his folder
and note pads into his bag and sorted out his stationary, taking plastic
covering off some things. Aura liked to sort out things. She put his stationery
in a small zipped compartment in his bag, and then got some spare, band aids,
some Alka Seltzer tablets, cinnamon breath freshener, realistic smelling,
pleasant sandalwood deodorant, toothpaste, tooth and hair brush, and placed
them in a frontal compartment in his bag, just in case, and thought of what to
do next. She was terrified she'd forget something. She gasped suddenly and
didn't think the Autobots would be too impressed with Decepticon toys ... and
inserted them in a secure compartment in the bag and zipped it closed.
She got
one of her beautifully coloured business cards with a her trademark of a
mermaid, sitting on a rock, near the Ocean, holding up a sparkling crystal,
containing her name, postal and e-mail addresses, phone, fax, mobile numbers,
in beautiful scrolled purple writing. Aura placed it in his folder with the
photo she'd given him.
She then
began to pack some food for him in a largish lunch box ... Two chocolate bars,
an unuttered thickly spread avocado sandwich with lots of pepper, on white
bread, some cherries, two mandarins, five Laughing Cow cheese squares, a mini
tub of Nutella (choc-hazelnut spread), a 300ml carton of Lite chocolate milk, a
small packet of lightly salted macadamia nuts, and in three small vessels, she
placed some potato, Caesar and oliveless, but lots of feta cheese Greek salad
and a small elf fork to eat them with, and made sure she drained any water from
them. Aura knew she'd probably packed too much, but it would give him a good
sampling of more human foods and she didn't want him to run out and go hungry.
She placed the box in another compartment of his bag.
Soundwave
emerged from his shower, and dressed in his suit.
"You
smell nice," Aura said with a smile, "I've made you some food, so you
won't get hungry ... Oh, I meant to tell you when you talk to the Autobots,
talk casual, so they won't suspect anything. Oh, and here's you mission
computer thing. You'd better erase your mission details in case they find
it..."
Soundwave
smiled at her fussing over him so, and greatly appreciated it.. "Good
points. I have to thank you again."
Aura
smiled back at him as he wiped the computer.
She made
breakfast consisting of toast spread with margarine and very
little vegemite, and two bowls of sweet Demeter rolled barley porridge and a
bowl of reddish crystal like pomegranate seeds.
"Never
spread margarine on ahead of time and never put too much vegemite on,"
Aura said. "It tastes gross otherwise - too salty."
"It's
quite nice, like this," Soundwave said.
Aura
smiled. "I know."
She and
Soundwave shared the sweet, slightly tart pomegranate seeds. Soundwave was
grateful for the warm porridge. He'd discovered that Winter mornings and nights
in
"Oh,
shit!" Aura exclaimed. "I almost forgot..." She rummaged around
in some papers, clothes and plastic bags on her floor and grabbed one with
something in it. She pulled out a box and a loose doll showed them to Soundwave.
They were larger versions of the Moon Light and Seph dolls.
Aura
smiled. "You seemed to like them."
Soundwave
could not help but smile. "You have given me so much ..."
Aura
kissed him on the cheek. "I wanted to. I'll get another larger Seph for me
when I go back to the shop. I got you the larger Moon Light, because when you
get back to being a Transformer, the small one'll be microscopic!"
Soundwave
smiled. "Indeed."
He took
the doll out of her box, and untied the twined wires that bound her to the backing.
Aura cut out the back of the box showing Moon Light's profiles and pictures of
her sisters, in their natural environment, a beautiful forest and also gave him
Seph's profile and chant which she'd saved.
"Thank
you - again ..."
Aura
smiled and told Soundwave of the other things she'd put in his bag. "Ohh,
I hope I haven't forgotten anything ... I have ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder
... and sometimes I find it hard to concentrate and remember things."
"You
haven't forgotten anything. I am aware of the ADD condition," Soundwave
stated. "Thank you for telling me."
"I
was having so much fun yesterday, I forgot."
They both
laughed and began to hear a jet outside.
"Skyfire,"
Soundwave said.
"I
shall miss you, Soundwave."
"And
I you, Aura Kerr."
Soundwave
held her and she returned the embrace. He drew her toward him and kissed her
gently and part of her never wanted to let go.
Reluctantly,
Soundwave broke off. Suspicious may arise if they saw Aura and the 'reporter'
together in such a position.
Soon
after, they saw a smallish red Autobot approaching the house.
"Cliffjumper,"
Soundwave said.
They
waited until he had knocked on the door, before Aura opened it and pleasantly
greeted him.
"Hi!
You've come for
"Yeah."
"Great!"
"I'm
here. Thanks for coming," '
"No
sweat," the Autobot said, although he wasn't too thrilled about coming to
fetch the human, but orders were orders, and the Autobots could hardly leave
him stranded out here, could they?
"Thanks
for taking him in," Cliffjumper said. "It's unbelievable what the
'Cons'll do."
Soundwave
could think of a few things to say in response, but wisely didn't. He did
wonder though what the Decepticons would do to a real spying human
reporter - hey, might be good to get some publicity... Soundwave turned to
Aura.
"Bye
an thanks," Soundwave said, carefully keeping the sincerity out of his
voice, but Aura knew it was there.
"Don't
forget to write," she smiled.
He smiled
warmly back at her as he turned and walked up Skyfire's ramp with Cliffjumper.
'
The
'human' took out his note pad and began writing.
'Day
whatever ... Well ... I tried to get a story on the 'Cons, but fucked up big
time .. Got rescued by the 'Bots. Feel a real doofus ... Ahh ... what the hell?
Everyone makes mistakes, even a reporter. Heeeeelp Superman! Heh. Like maybe
the 'Bots'll give me a story...? Like I hope so. Boss's gonna be fucked off if
I don't ...'
Aura
watched them take off and kept watching until Skyfire appeared to be a black
speck disappearing into the skies.
Soundwave
put his purple note pad away, then took out his 'Decepticon interview' sheets
and began crossing out 'Decepticon(s)' and replacing it with 'Autobot(s)' - at
least this way it looked like he had really meant to give the Decepticons the
sheets in the first place ...
Soundwave
was indeed nervous, but 'kept his cool' as Aura had instructed him. No one
suspected a thing. Why should they?
He looked
up at them. In fact, they seemed quite curious about him. Although Cliffjumper
hadn't said anything, it was quite clear of his feelings on '
"I
... I guess y'all think I'm pretty stupid, huh?" Cliffjumper wanted to say
'yes' but didn't.
"Well
I guess I can't blame ya. It was a dumb thing to do."
"You
could've been killed," Perceptor said.
"I
know, but I wasn't. I guess I didn't think they'd get me... It was a crazy
thing to do, in retrospect, I suppose."
"What
did Megatron say to you?" Tracks asked, curious.
Soundwave
almost smiled. "That if he ever saw me spying on the 'Cons again he'd send
the Mag I work for a story they'd never forget. I kinda didn't like the sounda
that."
"I
bet you didn't," Tracks said.
"He
also said he'd kill me if I wrote anything distasteful on the 'Cons."
"What
else is there to report on them?" Cliffjumper said.
His
remark angered Soundwave, but of course he could say nothing, nor let his anger
show, and besides he couldn't ever expect an Autobot to understand the
Decepticons ... like the Decepticons didn't really understand the Autobots, he
mused.
"What's
your name?" Moonracer asked, sensing the 'human's' discomfort.
"Lambert.
"Well
it's good that you're safe now."
Not
yet. He looked at Moonracer, the youngest of all the Autobot femmes. Truth
be known, he had always thought she was beautiful - but of course that was
nothing compared to the Decepticon Cause - he wasn't going to betray his leader
- his friend and his kind - everything he believed in for a pretty face.
Soundwave
realised he was getting hungry and pulled out He reached into his bag, opened
his 'lunch box' as Aura had called it, ate his creamy sandwich and pulled out a
crunchy Nestle Milo Bar and began to chew on the sweet chocolate bar. He had a
feeling he'd need all the energy he could get, as he finished changing his
interview sheets and began asking a few questions to make himself look like a
reporter and began taking notes on what they said.
Although
to Soundwave it seemed to, the flight to Autobot Headquarters did not take too
long. He looked outside and saw the volcano - a beautiful natural landmark -
although he wasn't impressed with its inhabitants.
Skyfire
arrived. "All Alight for Autobot HQ," he said, cheerfully, then
transformed.
Of course
Soundwave knew Skyfire had not grown in size, but Sweet Primus, he looked
bigger - actually all the Autobots did...
'Avon
Lambert' looked apologetically up at Optimus Prime. "I'm so sorry for the
trouble I caused ... You guys must think I'm a real goit..." he said apologetically.
"It's
fine,
"Thank
you. I didn't know how in Hades I was gonna get back." That much was the
truth.
"In
a few moments, Skyfire can drop you home."
Soundwave
had prepared for this. "Well ... uhh ... I ... um... like really need a
... story ... I messed up gettin' one from the 'Cons ... and if I don't get
one, like I lose my job, see? I was ... wonderin' if I could get a story off
you guys... Like my career's on the line here and I need that job."
Although
he was quite busy, Optimus Prime knew how important Jobs were to humans and how
they needed money to survive, and he felt he could not put this poor human out
of work and have him struggle on the unemployment benefit and human jobs seemed
hard to find.
"All
right," he said. "Come inside."
"Thanks,"
'
Some
Autobots weren't too impressed with him, but Soundwave knew that reporters got
used to that but so he didn't let it get to him anyway - they were supposed to
be thinking that. At least his playing on Optimus Prime's sympathies had paid
off. He began taking a few pictures of the Autobots and their base for his
'cover story.'
"What
newspaper do you work for?" Optimus asked.
"It's
actually a new hip magazine called Purple 7."
"Do
you want me to call them and tell them that you're all right?"
"Sure.
That'd be great. Frank, my boss, the Editor - he'll be worried sick! 310 286
6777."
Optimus
dialled the number through Teletraan I. A cheerful, funky female recorded
message greeted him. "Howdy! You've reached the office of Purple 7
Magazine, Level 43,
"This
is Optimus Prime. Avon Lambert is safe at our Headquarters and shall be
returning tomorrow. Thank you. The number here is 360 426 38539."
"Thanks,"
'
Optimus
Prime sowed him to a temporary human quarters.
"We
have a few for human visitors, whom quite often come here."
"Thank
you," Soundwave said.
"There's
food in the fridge/freezer. Use the kitchen and bathroom whenever you need and
feel free to browse around our headquarters to gather information for your
story."
"Thank
you."
Soundwave
wondered if Optimus would be so gracious if he knew who he was. Probably not.
He began
to eat some food which Aura had packed for him and placed the remainder of it
in the refrigerator. It was quite a large and luxurious quarters. He poured
himself a large glass of water and drank it quickly and felt replenished. He
was quite thirsty.
Soundwave
put his Transformer toys behind the bed post in his guest quarters, in case the
Autobots found him out and searched his bag. He placed Moon Light and Seph
there too, to avoid embarrassment at what a Decepticon was doing with fairy
dolls... He took out Aura's business card and photo and placed them in between
the toys.
Later
that night, '
"I
am sorry about the mess, but I was going to give one of them to Megatron."
Optimus
chuckled. "I can imagine him getting mad about a spying reporter ..."
"Yeah
..."
Optimus
Prime began writing down answers to the questions. Soundwave gave another sheet
to Ironhide, Red Alert, Perceptor, Ratchet, and Moonracer - not because for her
looks, but it might provide important information on the Autobot movements on
Cybertron. He was tempted to give one to Blaster, but the words to every human
rock song was hardly useful information for Decepticons.
Soundwave
began taking notes on armory, security measures, defences, a new shield the
Autobots were working on ... He had to be careful even as a reporter. Of course
he would not be permitted to write any confidential stuff in his story - in case
the Decepticons read it ...
Soundwave
gathered his notes, interview sheets and asked permission to fax them to his
office.
"Certainly,"
Optimus said, showing him to the fax machine.
Soundwave
saw two fax machines, one for Transformers to use and one smaller, obviously
for human use and dialled the fax number. He smiled when he heard the fax tone
and watched the papers sliding through. At least if he did get caught this
information would get to Megatron.
He'd
pretty much gathered all the information he could without arousing suspicion
and hoped Megatron accessed the 'Purple 7' messages soon.
* * *
However
Megatron hadn't even thought to access the messages. He was far too worried
about Soundwave. He'd ascertained that he hadn't been transported anywhere in
"You've
been staring at that thing so long I'm surprised your optics haven't fallen
out. Here, you look like you could use a drink." Starscream handed him an
energon cube.
He'd
startled Megatron at first who had barked orders many hours ago that he was not
to be disturbed and did not expect any interruptions, but he had not realised
how hungry he was and quickly drank the cube.
"Uhh
... Thank you..."
"Don't
think I've gotten soft," Starscream said.
Megatron
smiled. "What makes you think I'd do that?"
Starscream
smiled. "You need a rest."
Megatron
laughed.
"Soundwave
always used to tell me that."
Starscream
hated to be sentimental and knew Megatron would be embarrassed if he knew that
some other Decepticons, himself included, knew how much Megatron cared for
Soundwave.
"Do
you need any help?" he asked.
Megatron
on the other hand was quite surprised to how nice Starscream was being, then
immediately suspected an ulterior motive, but when he looked at the jet, no
deviousness was present. No mischievous twinkle in the eye ...
"Thank
you, Starscream," he said "You can look at those printouts over there
and see if there's anything I missed..."
Starscream
looked over at the mound of papers and began looking through them. Boring work,
but at least it took some of the strain off Megatron. He didn't much care for
his leader, but hated to see him down like this.
Unbeknownst
to the Decepticons, Bumblebee had snuck into their headquarters and was busy
sneaking about, gathering information and had been there for quite some time
...
* * *
Soundwave
had utilised the bathroom in his quarters and emerged feeling fresh from his
bath, grateful it was warmer here. He'd hand washed his shirt and underclothes,
wrung them and put them out to dry. He did not feel tired and so decided to
dress in his casual clothes instead of night clothes, feeling grateful Aura had
provided him with a change of clothing. Although it was getting late, he'd
proceeded to roam around the headquarters with his small reporter style tape
recorder tucked in his shirt pocket, hoping he'd overhear some useful
information.
He heard
an Autobot approaching and looked casual.
"Nice
threads," Tracks said.
Soundwave
smiled. "Thanks." He'd never gotten a nice comment from any Autobot
before.
"Where'd
you get em?"
"Aura,
the lady who helped me out bought them at a place called Shining Bright. She
was such a sweetie."
"Cool,"
Tracks said. "Sometimes I wish I was human - so I could wear cool
clothes..."
Soundwave
believed that argument to be a tad shallow, but now he was been human, he did
realise there was some merit in feeling good wearing 'cool' clothes.
He
retreated to his quarters later that night, freed his hair from the coloured
elastic and shook it loose, and decided to get some 'shut eye.'
* * *
Aura
smiled and she inserted the photos she'd had developed of her town, shopping
mall, Chris and Soundwave as 'Avon' into her photo album, then opened up her
new larger Seph fairy doll and shook her hair loose. Aura hoped Soundwave was
doing well in his mission.
* * *
Bumblebee
was too experienced a spy to gasp when he learned something frightening or of
the utmost importance and he had never stood on something snappable or sneezed
at an inappropriate moment ... He began recording this information and felt it
too important to wait until he got back to base to spill the cyber-beans. For
all he knew Soundwave was roaming around Autobot Headquarters gathering vital
information ... One good thing for the Autobots, came of it - Decepticon
Communications Expert, was not here to detect his transmission.
* * *
"You're
sure?" Optimus asked, with a feeling of dread.
"'Fraid
so," Bumblebee whispered.
Optimus
sighed and shook his head. "He already faxed some things 'Purple 7' ...
the 'magazine' he said he worked for."
"Sorry,
Prime, if only I'd gotten here sooner..."
"It's
not your fault, Bumblebee - but they won't be getting any more
information. Over and out."
He rang
'Purple 7' again and got the same message as before. He did not want to take
any chances. It could've been the Decepticons using an innocent human business
to cover their tracks ... Optimus, checked up on the address. As he expected,
it was a negative search - a vacant lot. Indeed he was not happy and set off to
have strong words with '
When he
arrived, he saw the 'human' asleep, sighed and although angry, decided to wait
until morning.
* * *
Soundwave
awoke, and dressed and decided to leave his hair down today. He brushed it and
his teeth. It was time now to scout around and find some more information for
Megatron.
His door
chime sounded.
"Come
in," '
Optimus
entered. "Do you have enough information for your story yet?"
Something
about the Autobot Leader's tone made Soundwave nervous, but he didn't let it
show. "I'd like a little more, but thank you for being so helpful ...
being a reporter, I have a certain insight ... I kinda sense you're angry? I'm
sorry. Did I do some'm wrong? I-"
Optimus
Prime could not help but be a little amused. If he had not known better he
would have believed '
Soundwave
replied without thinking. He'd prepared for this.
"We're
in the process of moving."
"Where
to? The center of the
Oh,
fuck. Soundwave froze and swallowed. This he was not prepared for, although
he knew it was always a risk - one he was prepared to take, but it was not a
desirable predicament. He remembered a television series he had seen.
Soundwave
began to feel cold, and it was nothing to do with the temperature. He
instinctively backed off a little when Optimus Prime tried to pick him up.
Optimus quickly clasped his hand around Soundwave, who winced.
"I'm
sorry," Optimus said apologetically, loosening his grip a little,
remembering that now Soundwave was human, his body was much more fragile.
Soundwave freed his arms, although there was no point in trying to struggle
free. Optimus Prime opened his hand and ran a scan.
"You
have no weapons," he said, satisfied.
"Negative,"
Soundwave said. "Unless you count the small fork over there."
Optimus
Prime put him down. "You will be confined here until further notice."
"I
expected as much if I was caught."
There was
nowhere for him to run or hide, and Optimus blocked the only entrance/exit and
was much faster than him, so Soundwave stayed put, feeling grateful he'd faxed
the information earlier.
"Clever
plan," Optimus said. "Fortunately we have our spies too."
Soundwave
sat down.
"Aren't
you going to say anything?"
"What
is there to say?"
Give me
your bag. Soundwave reluctantly did so. It wasn't as if he could stop Optimus
taking it even if he did refuse.
He
searched Soundwave's bag and took out the camera, tape recorder. "Where
are those 'interview sheets'?"
Soundwave
took his folder from under the sofa cushion, and gave it to Optimus Prime.
"I
take it you were not meant to end up in
Soundwave
felt he could can the cool talk now. "Negative, although I am glad I
did."
"Why?
A deviation from your 'mission...' and all that stuff about you in the cold
rain ..."
"Was
true - and if it had not happened but then I would not have met Aura."
"You
care about her?" Optimus seemed surprised.
"Would
you not care for someone who rescued you? But of course you do not think
Decepticons are capable of such feelings. You may not care about my rather cold
ordeal in the hard precipitation, but I can tell you it was most
unpleasant."
That
Optimus did sympathize with. "I can imagine."
He took
the items, then left the quarters. Truth be known he didn't know what in
Silicon Hades to do with Soundwave.
Soundwave
felt that now his bag had been searched, he could put his toys, photograph and
business card back into it. At least when he got the chance to escape - or
leave, he could take it with him.
* * *
...
"...
and to think we helped him .... He should be in a prison cell!"
Cliffjumper huffed, "not in luxury guest quarters ..."
"None
of our prison cells are equipped with human facilities," Optimus Prime
said. "Like it or not, for all intents and purposes, Soundwave is human
now and we can't deal with him as we would a Transformer."
"I
don't like it either." Spike spoke up, with a frown. "Just because
he's human shouldn't mean we have to pull out all stops and be nice to the
guy."
"That
is not what I said," Optimus Prime said, clearly tiring of this
argument, although he knew it would arise. "I have decided to keep
Soundwave confined to quarters for now ... until we figure out what to do
with him ..."
Optimus
called a emergency meeting of the five Autobots, besides himself who had filled
out 'interview sheets.
"Blast
it!" Red Alert screamed, his face becoming pink with rage.
"They've probably discovered a way around my tight security system!"
Optimus
could see the proverbial Cyber-steam coming from Red's ears and nose.
"Don't
jump the gun here, Red. Soundwave faxed only an outline."
"Yeah,"
Ironhide said. "Don't leap to conclusions yet."
"This
is a major breach of security, I tell you! Not some frivolous game!"
"Ah
know, Red, but overreactin' won't fix anything."
"No
one can overreact when it comes to security. I'm the Security Chief! ....
Clever of him to give one of those 'interview' sheets to me ..."
Optimus
knew him better than to think he would harm Soundwave for this. Red Alert would
have done the same in Soundwave's position, but it didn't stop him from
fretting and becoming quite uptight about the whole thing. "...Now I'm
gonna have to fix it all I suppose."
Optimus
smiled. Red Alert was always like this, although he did feel sorry for his red
and white friend. He hated to see him fretting like this.
"I
guess he gave one to me, being the Chief Scientist," Perceptor said.
"I gave him some information on the shields, but nothing too
technical."
"But
still." Red said. "They may make something of it ..."
"Ratchet?"
Optimus asked.
"Just
gave him some information on Transformer medical tools, supplies and
procedures. Nothing that they wouldn't already know, and if they don't know it,
the worst they can do is use the techniques to repair themselves, so no
breaches here."
"At
least that's something," Red said.
"Very
clever of him to give one to me," Moonracer said. "Thank Primus I
didn't give him any confidential info. Just who the femmes are and our
positions, but the 'Cons know that already."
"I
feel like such a fool!" Ironhide said. "Of course he had to give one
to me, I'm second in command ..."
"No
one's to blame, Ironhide. Although I hate to admit it, Megatron's plan was
brilliant ... and devious, of course - and if it hadn't been for Bumblebee, we
may have fallen for it numerous times in future. I too don't feel too wonderful
about being taken advantage of like this, but how were we to know? Human
reporters are quite commonplace - and more to the point, as Red said we have to
act on the security breach we already have, before things get worse."
"Right,"
Moonracer said. "No point in mopin'."
"Easy
for you to say," Red sulked.
Moonracer
smiled understandingly. "I'm sure things'll be okay, Red. I'll stay and
help you guys until everything's fixed."
"Thank
you, Moonracer," Optimus said.
"Right!"
Red bubbled up. "We've not a moment to loose!"
He
practically rushed out of the conference room to Teletraan I in the main
control room, tripping over his own feet, but some fancy footwork kept him from
falling.
Optimus
chuckled. "We'd better follow him - make sure he doesn't hurt
himself..."
"Or
anyone else," Ironhide added with a smile.
Optimus
shredded Soundwave's documents and watched while Red Alert accessed Teletraan I
and learnt exactly what items of security had been breached.
"Fuck."
Red spat. He hardly every swore - "we'll have to relocate lookout posts,
ground defences, and the Decepticon detection system ... and reconfigure
the new shields as well - This is not my night ..."
"I
apologize," Teletraan I offered. "I was not aware of any thing wrong
when
"It's
not your fault Teletraan," Red said. "I'll have to tighten your
security up too so this won't happen again. We must devise tighter
security!"
"Agreed,"
Optimus Prime said. "Do you requite assistance?"
"No,
it should be simple enough - time is of the essence here. I'll manage,"
and he went off mumbling.
Ironhide
watched him go and smiled. "Gotta love 'im."
* * *
Soundwave
was quite bored in his quarters all day and finally began to eat some more of
the food Aura had given him, having not realising how hungry he was.
Nervousness did that to the appetite. Food, drink had been the last thing on
his mind, until now. He was quite grateful that the quarters were equipped with
facilities for humans.
He ran
himself a hot bath and was glad to see bottles of bubble bath and bath fizzers
present.
He
relaxed in the pleasant aromatic bath, and although it was soothing, it did not
soothe him as much as he had wished it would, but then he hadn't expected it
to.
Later,
when he had dressed in his comfortable pyjamas and sat on the bed, Optimus
Prime entered the quarters.
"I'd
like to know more about Aura Kerr, the woman who took you in. Does she know who
you really are?"
"No."
Soundwave did not want to incriminate her. "I told her nothing of that -
just that I was Avon Lambert, a reporter."
Optimus
looked at him. "You're lying ..." he said in surprise. Not so
much that Soundwave had lied to him, but that he had indeed told Aura who he
was.
Soundwave
sighed. There was no point in denying it now. He was getting tired, and know
Optimus Prime would not let him sleep until he told him more about Aura. He
didn't want to, although he knew the Autobots would never harm her in any way,
he did not want them to get the wrong impression of her.
"Do
not believe she was conspiring against you, Optimus. She lied to you to help
me. She is in no way in 'league' with the Decepticons. She discovered who I was
and even still wanted to help me. She is not as judgemental as some."
"I
suppose you're not used to that kind of generosity."
Optimus'
tone was not offensive.
"No,"
Soundwave said. "But I was most appreciative. She was very kind - and no I
was not just using her."
Optimus
usually wouldn't trust a Decepticon as far as he could throw Unicron, but he
could sense Soundwave was telling the truth. "Thank you," he said,
leaving the quarters.
Again
Soundwave had trouble sleeping that night, but finally managed to get to sleep
around 4am.
Optimus
asked Teletraan I to access Aura's number, which was done. The Autobot leader
spoke to her, who seemed quite worried about Soundwave and angry with the
Autobots at first. At first he'd thought that Soundwave had indeed lied to her
about the Decepticons, but when Aura told him how she felt about the
Decepticons and Autobots, it gave him a different perspective on his enemies,
one which he was grateful to have - one which even made him understand them a
little better. He was not angry with Aura, in fact quite moved and enlightened
by her compassion and in the end, he ended up thanking her. She had told him a
little of the time she and Soundwave spent together, trusting to keep that to
himself, and Optimus Prime had no intention of breaking his promise to her.
* * *
About mid
morning, Soundwave had just gotten dressed when Spike entered the quarters,
looking rather disgusted.
"I
just heard about your clever plan, Soundwave." He did not bother to hide
the sarcasm in his voice.
Something
about the human made Soundwave feel uneasy.
Almost
immediately, Spike pulled a gun out of his jacket and pointed it at Soundwave.
Soundwave backed off a little, very uneasy. He knew the Autobots wouldn't harm
him, as a 'human,' but the human was another matter entirely.
"Give
me one reason..." Spike spat.
Soundwave
swallowed. Although afraid, he refused to grovel. "You know Optimus Prime
would not approve."
"He's
not here." Although Spike knew the Decepticon was right.
However
menacing Spike looked, Soundwave could tell he was having second thoughts about
pulling the trigger.
"You
will regret it if you murder me," he said.
"Oo.
Like Megatron'll be out for my blood if I pull shoot you?"
"That
is not what I meant," although Soundwave knew that defiantly would be the
case. "You have never killed before."
"And
you have, of course."
"Only
when it has been necessary."
"Watch
it, Soundwave. You almost sounded like an Autobot there."
"Even
though you dislike me, you cannot kill another living being."
Spike
came toward him and punched him in the face.
Soundwave
fell backwards onto the sofa and touched his nose. It was sore, but not broken.
Spike was momentarily started to see blood, but then he grunted. "You're
right .... I won't kill you..."
Although
Soundwave was somewhat confident that Spike would not pull the trigger, he was
relieved when he put down the gun.
"To
tell you the truth, I don't even know if it's loaded."
Soundwave
half smiled, although not from amusement and dabbed his bleeding nose with a
tissue.
"I
just don't get why Aura would care for a Decepticon scum."
Soundwave
refused to lower himself to insults or get into a barbaric brawl. "She is
obviously more understanding than most of you."
"Understanding??!
You Decepticons are fucking up our planet ... for your warped visions of
conquest..."
Soundwave
was way past bored with this age old argument.
"I
can see your point of view," he said to Spike - which was the truth.
Spending time with Aura had given him another perspective on the humans. He did
not doubt that there were more like her. They were not all worthless annoyances
as the Decepticons had once believed. "Although I do not expect you to
understand ours."
Spike was
surprised. He had expected Soundwave to give him a speech on Decepticon
supremacy, or something like that. Spike icily left the room and checked the
gun and swallowed. It was fully loaded.
* * *
Spike put
the Colt 45 back in his father's quarters. He knew Sparkplug hated guns and
only had one for defence and he knew his father would not be pleased if he
found out what he'd done, even though he hadn't gone through with it.
Optimus
Prime was outside Sparkplug's quarters when Spike emerged.
"I
had always believed I could trust you, Spike."
Uh Oh. Spike swallowed.
"You saw?"
"Red
Alert saw the tail end of your 'little meeting' with Soundwave and immediately
informed me. He was going to stop you, but reported at that point you ceased
hostilities. Although I am glad you didn't arm Soundwave, I'm disappointed in
you, Spike."
"Prime,
I-"
"You
might have killed him."
"But
I didn't."
"That's
not the point and you know it ... I know how you feel about the Decepticons and
I can't blame you, but they too are sentient beings."
"...I
... I know ... I'm sorry ... Soundwave was right. He said I'd regret it if I
killed him."
Optimus
Prime nodded, understandingly. "I know."
Spike
looked up at him. "Have you ever killed anyone before, Optimus?"
It was a
personal question, but Optimus Prime felt he had to answer it.
"Yes..." he said. "Twice, a long time before we came to Earth.
Once in self defence, and the other, to protect a friend ... Perceptor - but
even then they were two of the hardest things I have ever had to
do." Optimus didn't hide the pain in his voice.
"It's
still hard to think of it even after all this time?"
Optimus
Prime nodded. "It doesn't get any easier."
"I'm
sorry, Optimus ..." Spike said, feeling even more like shit.
Optimus
nodded. "I am glad you didn't kill Soundwave - for his sake and yours. You
can never let hatred consume you, no matter how much you may dislike
another."
Spike
nodded. "I won't, Prime. Thanks."
Optimus
smiled and picked him up. "Carly's here," he said. "Perhaps you
can talk to her."
"I
will," Spike said, not thinking she'd be too impressed with what he'd done
either. "Thanks, Prime."
"It's
all right ... but Spike, don't you ever do that again."
* * *
As Spike
had expected, Carly was not impressed.
"And
so you like what the Decepticons are doing to our planet?"
"Of
course not ... But like typical male attitude," she snorted. "Solve
everything with violence. I'm surprised you didn't get into a pissin' match.
Maybe the Decepticon aren't as barbaric as you'd like to think." She
folded her arms and scowled - maybe Spike wasn't the right guy for her after
all.
"I said
I was sorry, okay and I learned my lesson...Besides I couldn't do it anyway -
and don't bother lecturin' me, Prime did that already."
Optimus
Prime chuckled to himself as he watched them through the security camera, then
attended to other matters.
As there
was no more food in Soundwave's quarters, Optimus had asked Carly and Spike to
make him some.
He knew
Spike had learned his lesson, although Optimus knew he wasn't pleased about
making a Decepticon's dinner. Soundwave still had one chocolate bar, hidden
with his Transformer toys, but he wanted to save that for later.
Carly
entered Soundwave's quarters and looked at him curiously.
Soundwave
was definitely did not feel like another argument as he eyed the one called
Carly. Like Spike, the human appeared larger, although Soundwave knew that was
not the case.
Carly
spoke. "I may not like you, Soundwave, but I'm sorry about what Spike did
... a lot of human males are impulsive in that way."
"So
I have noticed, but you forgetting the time you tried to bomb out
headquarters?"
Carly
half smiled. "No. I hadn't forgotten that ... If you must know ... That
day I saw Bumblebee for the first time ... I'd always wanted to meet the
Autobots and ... I was angry ... Ironhide was hurt because of me and the
Decepticons taking the Autobots by surprise ... I knew it was a small explosive
and wasn't planning to bomb the whole place to kingdom come ... I guess I just
wanted to make up for the trouble I caused. Looking back, I know it was a
stupid thing to do, but then you can't say you've never made a mistake, can
you?"
"Negative,"
Soundwave said. She had a point.
"Optimus
asked me to bring you somethin' to eat," Carly said.
"And
would you have if he had not?"
"Listen,
just because I'm a friend of the Autobots doesn't mean I think you deserve to
starve. Here. It's stir fried vegetables with fluffy white rice and tropical
fruit juice." She held out the tub of food and popper carton on a tray.
Although
quite hungry, Soundwave was reluctant. Carly smiled and ate some and sipped
some of the juice.
"It's
not poisoned or anything. Just being cautious?"
He
nodded. "I meant no offence," Soundwave said.
"None
taken. I guess I'd feel the same in your place."
Soundwave
took the food. "Thank you," he said, setting it down on the table by
the sofa.
Carly
watched him. For some reason, Soundwave didn't seem so bad as a human.
"Is
there something amiss?" Soundwave asked.
"I'm
sorry," Carly said. "I didn't mean to stare. You ... look so
different as a human and it's not just appearance ..."
"I
can imagine," Soundwave said, sitting down.
"Well
call me or ... someone if you need something."
"Thank
you," Soundwave said, more for polite conversation than anything else. The
female human had a point and seemed to be much more reasonable than the male.
He
watched her leave, his opinion of her improving slightly. Although she
collaborated with the enemy - he felt the Decepticons could hardly blame humans
for the way they felt. Aura however, was so different and Soundwave wished that
there were more humans like her. Soundwave finished the food and juice Carly
had brought, then started to feel tired went for a lie down.
* * *
Meanwhile
at Decepticon Headquarters, Starscream was still assisting Megatron, trying to
find Soundwave. He knew his leader would never quite be the same with out
Soundwave and although Megatron had never told anyone of he and Soundwave's
friendship, to some, it was quite obvious. Starscream had checked the so called
'Purple 7' number, which was in fact rigged to a small room in Decepticon
Headquarters and immediately rushed to Megatron with his findings. At this
point Megatron was more excited with finding where Soundwave was other than the
information he had sent them.
"Optimus
Prime left a message to tell us that '
Megatron
nodded, looking at the sheets and smiled. "Good 'Ol Soundwave." He
turned to Starscream.
"Uhh...
thank you for your help."
"Don't
let it go to your head."
Megatron
smiled and shook his head as the jet left.
The
Decepticon Leader hoped to pick his friend up soon, from the secret secured
rendezvous point.
* * *
Meanwhile
... Autobot Headquarters ...
"What's
wrong with him?" Optimus asked, concerned, gently placing Soundwave's
unconscious form on a pillow on the repair bed, making sure he was on a soft
surface. Ratchet scanned him, grateful the Autobots' medical facilities had
been set up equipped to also deal with human ailments.
"His
internal organs are ceasing to function ... Although I can't find the cause
.... Quickly ... we've gotta stabilize him!"
Optimus quickly,
but carefully placed Soundwave under the med arch on the bed, whilst Ratchet
activated it. A subtle blue glow surrounded Soundwave's human body.
Ratchet
looked relieved. "Pheoo ... that should stabilise him for a day at
least."
"Can
you tell what's wrong with him?" Optimus asked.
Ratchet
shook his head.
All of a
sudden, Optimus looked shocked. "...I don't want to believe this, but
Spike and Carly prepared some sustenance for him ... Spike exhibited some
hostilities toward Soundwave, earlier..."
Ratchet
scanned Soundwave again. "You'll be glad to know there's no traces of
poison in his system and there's no evidence of physical violence."
Optimus
sighed with relief. "That's good." He could not fathom that any
Autobot could do this, even to a prominent Decepticon. "So what is wrong
with him?"
Ratchet
performed a detailed scan, while Optimus waited, grateful patience was one of
his virtues.
About
fifteen minutes later, although it seemed longer, Ratchet broke the silence.
"Even
though he's human, his Transformer energy signature is still present. It's
beginning to reject his human body. Obviously the malfunction in the Trans
Teleporter Bumblebee reported which transformed him into a human in the first
place is beginning to take its toll and have these adverse side effects. It
would've been fine if the thing hadn't gone haywire, but that's beside the
point. Prime, if I'm to save his life, I need that Trans Teleport
machine."
"I've
a feeling Megatron will oblige us."
Optimus
Prime contacted Decepticon Headquarters.
"What
do you want?" Megatron snapped - not that he was angry, but he felt he
could hardly speak politely to his arch enemy.
Optimus
fully expected that reaction. "Your clever little 'spy stint' is over. We
have our spies too and discovered who 'Avon Lambert' really is."
Megatron
id not look pleased. "Go on," he prompted.
"To
cut along story short, if you don't bring your Trans Teleporter to Autobot
Headquarters, Soundwave will die."
At first
Megatron was about to explode, but something stopped him. Prime would never
make such a callous threat. It wasn't in his nature to kill - let alone kill a
human even if he really was a Decepticon.
Optimus
continued. "Due to the machine's malfunction, Soundwave's Transformer
energy signature is rejecting his human form. He needs the Teleporter to change
him back into a Transformer. We have him stabilised for now."
Megatron
did his darndest not to show his concern or worry when he spoke. "Agreed.
I'll bring it. Megatron out." He terminated communications.
"Fuck."
* * *
"I'll
contact Aura Kerr, the human who took care of him," Optimus said.
"She may be able to help us."
When Aura
heard the news, she began to shed tears with worry.
"He's
gonna be okay, isn't he?"
"I
don't know," Optimus said. He didn't want to lie to her. "You really
care about him, don't you?"
Aura
sniffed, then nodded, even though she knew he couldn't see her. "Yes ... I
guess you might find that hard to believe ... but he was ... very unique and
kind ... well not evil like you say the Decepticons are."
Optimus
smiled to himself. Maybe she was right. "Did he suffer from any ailments
while he was with you?"
"No.
I thought he might've caught a bad cold after being out in the freezing storm
for more than eight hours, but luckily he didn't."
Optimus
thought about a human suffering in those conditions and would not wish it on
anyone, not even his enemies.
"Prime
... please can I see him ... I know it's a bit too much to ask ... but
..."
Optimus
smiled and shook his head. "All right ... I'll send Skyfire down to pick
you up..."
"Ohh,
thank you ... I'm sorry if it-"
"It's
okay," he said. "He'll be there in the next couple of hours."
"Thank
you again ...." Aura began to feel a little better.
"Optimus
Prime out." He felt he had to offer the human something ... she really
cared for Soundwave. He did not wish the Decepticon to die either, and would do
everything he could to help him, but after this ordeal, he wanted an
uninterrupted energon bath and a long sleep...
Aura
began shoving things into a duffel bag, some clothes, food, books and writing
pads and utensils, although right now she wasn't feeling in a very creative
mood. She sniffed and wiped a tear from her face, and picked up her Seph fairy
doll, and looked into her deep caring expression.
Aura gave
a sad smile. "If he doesn't make it, then you and Hades take good care of
him, okay?"
* * *
"Attention!"
Teletraan I called. "Decepticon Starscream approaching..."
"He's
probably bringing Megatron with the Trans Teleporter," Optimus said. I
hope.
"You
mean you're gonna let him land?!" Cliffjumper exclaimed.
"Like talk about Trojan Horse..."
Optimus
was clearly tired of these arguments. "Just let him land ... We'll deal
with them if hostilities arise."
Optimus
knew Cliffjumper still wasn't satisfied. Too Bad. Truth be known, he felt he
couldn't blame the feisty young Autobot, but there was nothing he could do
about that right now.
He waited
while outside as Starscream landed. The Decepticon He transformed, holding
Megatron in Walther P-38 mode and the Trans Teleporter. Megatron transformed
and took the Teleporter from him. Cliffjumper eyed them suspiciously, although
he knew Optimus would definitely not be pleased if he shot first and asked
questions later, and so he restrained himself.
"Ohh,
Come on in," he said, "Welcome to Decepticon
Headquarters."
Megatron
didn't let the Autobot's sarcastic remark bother him. He hadn't exactly been
expecting a warm welcome and wasn't wearing his fusion cannon. He hadn't come
for a shoot out, although he did have a compact high impact gun hidden in his
leg compartment ... just in case.
"Cliffjumper..."
Optimus was clearly growing weary.
The small
red Autobot shook his head. Although he disliked Decepticons part of him did
not wish Soundwave to die so helplessly, but he did not like the idea of
Deceptions waltzing right on in as if they were invited to a Christmas piss up.
"He's
sleeping now," Optimus said to Megatron, who obviously wasn't feeling too
comfortable in his enemy's base and Optimus could understand that.
Although
Megatron was not afraid that the Autobots would attack him, he knew he did not
belong here and neither did Soundwave.
Starscream
was confined to a room whilst he waited for Megatron.
"You
know you guys are like the worst tour guides..."
"Wait
here," Ironhide said, "until Megatron's finished."
"Some
waiting room ..." At least there was a ledge.
Ironhide
left.
"I'll
just wait here..." Starscream called out, making his annoyance clear.
He sat
down on the ledge bored. "I should'a brought a book..."
* * *
Meanwhile
Skyfire had arrived with Aura. She had written two lines of a story along the
way and cured herself for not doing more in a two hour flight, and she hadn't
even touched her Ancient Egyptian book, but then she was too worried about
Soundwave.
Optimus
lead her to the repair bay, gently picked her up and sat her next to Soundwave
who had recently woken.
"Soundwave...."
He looked
around. "Aura ..." He was quite weak, although thrilled and
delighted, not to mention surprised to see her.
She
smiled and gently took his hand. Soundwave smiled back to her.
"I
was so worried about you ..."
Soundwave
smiled weakly. "Than ... thank you for coming ..."
Aura
kissed him on the cheek. "I had to..."
Both
ratchet and Optimus could not help but be touched by Aura and Soundwave's
feelings for one and other. Optimus handed him a tiny glass of room temperature
water, which was just the right size for him.
"...Thank
you ..." He drank it slowly.
Megatron
had finished reconfiguring the Trans Teleporter and prayed silently to Primus
that it worked. Optimus Prime lay Soundwave on the pillow on the floor. Aura
bit her bottom lip, clearly very anxious.
Prime had
briefly introduced her to Megatron. The Decepticon Leader was impressed that a
human would care for a Decepticon, but right now his main concern was
Soundwave. Thank yous would have to wait. All in the room were tense when
Megatron activated the Trans Teleporter. There could only be one shot at this.
A bright flash of light burst forth and engulfed Soundwave. Aura watched then
closed her eyes and spoke to her spirit guides and guardian angels to help him.
The glow
increased and then ceased. Megatron held back a sigh of relief when he saw
Soundwave had returned to his Transformer form. Aura, however, did not hold
back. Soundwave lay on the floor for a few moments before he sat up with his
hand on his head.
"Don't
tell me you don't remember anything," Megatron said with a smile.
Aura
hadn't considered that possibility and became worried.
"On
the contrary. I remember everything although I have a terrible
headache...." Megatron smiled and helped him stand.
Aura
smiled. "Soundwave..."
He turned
to her. "Aura." She walked toward him.
At first
it seemed strange to the two Autobots, a human so unafraid of Decepticons, but
seeing Aura and Soundwave together before, it didn't seem so strange anymore.
He bent down and she climbed onto his open hand.
Again it
was quite touching for the Autobots to see any Decepticon being so sentimental,
but they said nothing.
"Thank
you, Optimus," Aura said, feeling grateful that, even though Soundwave was
his enemy had helped to save his life. She blew him a kiss.
"I
may get jealous," Soundwave said with a smile.
Aura
giggled. Soundwave had missed her sweet laugh. He too was grateful to the
Autobot Leader and CMO, but was unsure of how to express his gratitude or repay
him.
"I
thank you, Optimus Prime, Ratchet. I am in your debt," he said, much to
Optimus' and Ratchet's surprise.
The
Autobot leader nodded and smiled understandingly. "I do not expect anything
from you, Soundwave. I could not allow another being to die."
Megatron
said nothing, although there were times when compassion was a trait he admired.
As
Megatron had expected, Optimus had confiscated the Trans Teleporter.
"I
suspect you still have the blueprints for the thing ..."
As he
expected, Megatron said nothing.
Soundwave
walked outside with Aura and she smiled.
"Y'know
being carried by a Transformer is a new experience for me. It's really
nice..."
Soundwave
smiled. "I am glad you like it." He placed her on his shoulder.
"You
have a lovely voice," Aura said. "It's so melodical and gentle."
"Thank
you," he said. "I have found your voice to be very comforting and
reassuring."
Aura
smiled warmly. "Soundwave, that's one of the nicest things anyone's ever
said to me."
"Can
you do yet another favour for me?" Soundwave asked.
"No,"
Aura said, then laughed. "Of course. What is it?"
"Can
you enter my ex-quarters and retrieve my bag? It is behind the bed post."
"Sure."
Carefully
Soundwave placed her down. Aura did as Soundwave asked and returned with it.
"Thank
you."
"No
worries."
"You'd
better appreciate all the trouble we've been through to get you,
Soundwave," Starscream snapped.
"Indeed
I do," Soundwave said, surprised to hear masked concern in the jet's
voice. "Here. I thought you would appreciate this ... The humans make toy
Transformers."
He handed
Starscream the toy of himself, who was quite surprised.
"Oo."
Starscream struck a pose. "Quite handsome..."
Soundwave
shook his head. "I knew you would say that."
"Uhh
... Thanks, Soundwave."
Soundwave
smiled. "By the way, a girl called Rosie thinks you're cute..." He
chuckled at Starscream's bewildered expression.
Aura
smiled and shook her head.
Meanwhile,
Megatron came to Optimus in the control room. Optimus defiantly did not feel
like threats, arguments or a fight. He made no attempt to hide how he felt.
"What
do you want, Megatron? I've had hectic day and I'm tired."
The
Decepticon leader was a tad surprised and amused by Optimus' impolite remark.
"I
wished to thank you," he said.
Now it
was Optimus' turn to be surprised. He turned and faced Megatron. "I'm
sorry," he said, "and I appreciate you telling me. I know that wasn't
easy for you to say."
"Sentimentality
has never been one of my strong points."
"So
I've noticed."
Megatron
could not help but smile. "Soundwave is one of my most valuable
Decepticons. I could not afford to lose him."
"Only
for his contributive value?"
"Yes."
"Could've
fooled me," Optimus said with a knowing smile.
Megatron
looked at his arch enemy and shook his head. There was no point in denying it.
"Damn
you ... you seem know me better than I thought you did."
"Surprise,
surprise. We've known each other for a long time, Megatron. I could possibly
say the same about you."
"Perhaps.
I must leave now."
Optimus
nodded, sad that the war would go on, despite, Megatron's gratitude for saving
his friend, but then Prime hadn't expected it to miraculously cease and desist.
Megatron
turned and left Optimus in the control room. He did not like the idea of
feeling indebted to his enemy, but his best and closest friend would have died
otherwise - how could he not repay that?
"It's
a good thing we've have small transforming modes," Megatron said,
"otherwise it'd be a tight squeeze."
"How
romantic," Starscream said.
Megatron
stifled a smile. Some of the jet's remarks were quite amusing - but he couldn't
let Starscream know that, now could he?
Much to
the Autobots' surprise Aura decided to go with the Decepticons, although
Optimus knew she was in no danger. He watched Starscream leave and was glad
this ordeal had now been settled peacefully, and headed off to have that warm
energon bath and sleep he'd been craving.
* * *
Soundwave's
Cassettes were more than thrilled to have him back and safe. Aura was touched
at the feelings of family between them and they were very thankful to her. She
stroked Ravage, and he stretched out, purred and sniffed Aura. He seemed to
like the smell of her perfume.
"It's
White Musk oil," she said. "From a place called The Body Shop."
Soundwave
smiled. "I shall miss all that."
"I
know," Aura said. "So'll I."
Soundwave
took her to his quarters in the underwater headquarters.
"Nice
..." Aura said in appreciation as she looked at the green and purple
walls, highlighted in the ambient light. She sniffed the air and smiled.
"What's that lovely smell?"
"Cybertronian
incense ... the scent lingers long after the rod has burned out."
He
ignited another one, and the subtle scent began to get a little stronger and
fill the room. Aura looked around watched the coloured sea life come and go
through the large porthole shaped window.
"Did
you hear back on your script?" Soundwave asked.
"Not
yet ... I hate waiting!" She smiled. "But sometimes one has to I
guess."
Soundwave
carefully picked her up and she sat on his hand. She was so much more fragile
now. He gently began to play with her silky rich hair.
"Ohh,
that feels lovely..." She smiled and closed her eyes as Soundwave
continued to run his hands through her thick deep purple hair and over her
head.
Soon
after, the door chime sounded. Soundwave put Aura down on his desk.
"Enter."
The door
slid sideways to reveal Megatron. He stepped inside the quarters and the door
slid shut behind him.
"Are
you feeling all right?" he asked.
"Affirmative,
tired, but I will manage. Thank you, Megatron. I apologize for not doing as
well in my mission as I had hoped."
Megatron
smiled. "You don't need to apologize Soundwave. Under the circumstances
you performed exceptionally."
Megatron
could always tell when his friend smiled. "I apologize, Soundwave."
"It
is not necessary. You were not aware of the consequences when you activated the
Trans Teleporter and is it had not malfunctioned, I would never have met Aura."
Megatron's
gaze turned to her. "I must thank you as well," he said. "Looks
like we're in your debt also."
Aura
smiled. "Helping someone's a good enough reward for me," she said,
although ever since he was human, Soundwave had been trying to think of any way
he could repay her kindness. He handed Megatron one of the toy Transformer
packs.
"You
will be intrigued to know that the humans construct Autobot toys ... and
Decepticon ones to combat them."
Megatron
chuckled. "How cute ... well I'll leave you two alone."
Soundwave
did not want the other Decepticons to know how he felt about Aura. Megatron was
an exception, and well Starscream was last seen happily giggling, on his way to
his quarters, transforming and playing with his mini self.
Soundwave
lowered his mouth plate and gently kissed Aura, and she did the same. Even
though his face was metal, it wasn't cold. Soundwave made a small bed for her.
Aura lay in the cyber mesh covers and lay her head on the pillow.
"Comfy,"
she said, with a smile, trying to stifle a yawn.
"You
need to sleep," he said. "You have had a long day. We Transformers do
not require sleep, but occasionally rest is required and desired."
Aura
smiled and closed her eyes.
Soundwave
took out the now seemingly tiny chocolate bar, and lowered his mouth plate. He
was curious to see if chocolate tasted as good to a Transformer than it did to
a human, and he smiled - it did. He smiled warmly at Aura's peaceful sleeping
form and stroked her cheek, softly, barely touching her, and pulled the covers
over her exposed shoulder, before he himself decided to get some rest, feeling
he rather needed some after all that had transpired.
Soundwave
awoke in the wee hours of the morning and had discovered a way he could repay
Aura. As he expected, she was still fast asleep. He could barely hear her soft
gentle breathing and smiled. It would mean a lot to her, although Soundwave
felt that she had given him a lot more. He sent a message to 20th Century Fox,
prompting - not forcing, as he knew Aura would not appreciate that, them to
take her script - and they did.
Aura had
graciously and excitedly thanked him when he told her the good news in the
morning, although he knew Aura could write without his help, he wanted to give
her that special kick start she needed.
Soundwave
knew he had to take her home. Although he would miss her, she did not belong
here. She belonged amongst her own people, teaching them and giving them her
love with her writings.
Aura
would miss him too, but knew her place was among the humans in this lifetime.
Soundwave
flew her back to her home in the out in the Australian countryside, near
Glastonbell.
He
lowered his mouth plate and they parted with a kiss.
* * *
Accomplished
screen writer and novelist on her own merit, Aura Kerr never moved away from
her secluded abode, and from time to time, in the many years to come, she was
greeted by a tall dark blue and handsome, stranger in the night ...
*