Soundwave Acknowledges

Private RP blog, please ignore.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Once Soundwave had settled in, Jazz navigated across the battered landscape until he found the nearest road, and from there he began driving back to base as fast as his current energy levels allowed. Though he’d fought tougher enemies, he knew overexerting in any battle with a frame his size was not the smartest thing to do and he would likely have to refuel again once he returned. The passenger side door was rattling slightly as he sped over the uneven Cybertronian highways, likely due the impact from the Quintesson’s dying blow, though further self-diagnostic scans showed no serious damage.

“I’m guessin’ that someone who’s as eager as you for a free ride couldn’t possibly have any injuries, but be sure and get those brats of yours checked out.” Jazz made sure to fix his tone to where he conveyed no sympathy for the cassettes, as he believed they deserved nothing of the sort, but losing any kind of help at this point in the war could prove costly, “I had to keep Rumble from bein’ crushed by an overly-friendly tentacle, so I think my babysittin’ duties are done for the day.”

[decepticontelepath-blog]

"My eagerness to return: due to air travel: unadvised. Walking: too slow." Soundwave waited a moment to reply, not sure how to take Jazz suggesting he look after his cassettes.

"Cassettes: already being scanned. Laserbeak: unharmed. Rumble: slightly damage. Both will survive." Again, he waited a moment before continuing. "Your assistance in protecting Rumble: appreciated."

Before Jazz could say anything in reply, Soundwave quickly changed the conversation, not liking the path it took. "Query: your status?" He may as well figure out if his ride is going to fall apart any second or not.

[stylishoperations-blog]

“What do you think?” Jazz snapped, “They’ll set aside a bit of what’s left of our precious free space for your new toys. You can control these fellas remotely, right? In case you haven’t noticed I got four nice reports to write for the Prime and I don’t feel like rollin’ at a Sharkticon’s pace back to the base.”

The saboteur’s optics swept over the remaining cassettes that were still deployed, giving them all a fleeting look of contempt before transforming into his alt mode and revving his engine impatiently. The sooner he could finish his work, the sooner he could meet with the Prime about the possibility of recruiting mechs for his dwindling special ops division, though he was sure the scarce resources would make training any new agents difficult.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

"New toys: useful. Understanding their physiology: important." He wouldn't argue any more though. He knew they had little space as it was. Shockwave's laboratories would most likely harbour these new additions considering that place is on the whole in tact still.

"Affirmative. Sharkticons: weak. Sharkticons: programmed to be controlled. I blocked their processor from commanding themselves. They will follow my orders. Laserbeak and Rumble: will herd them back. Cassettes: efficient." Originally he had planed on going back himself. He had assumed Jazz would have just left him there to deal with the Sharkticons, but when Jazz had transformed and waited for Soundwave, he could not pass that up. Familiarity, after all, is what can power his telepathy after all. So Soundwave transformed and landed inside on the passenger side, ready to go, informing Rumble and Laserbeak one last time to keep up communications at all times. He had faith in them.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Jazz made a noncommittal noise, conveying neither glee nor sorrow. His optics focused on weak points and open wounds as he finished pacing around the group. Perhaps if the enemy had shown more independence and ability for remorse, Jazz would have become hesitant, but this was not the case.

He zeroed in on one of the more gravely injured members of the squad, practically gutting him as the blade sliced down the Sharkticon’s torn armor. It reflexively let out a weak squeal before toppling over in a pool of energon, optics darkened before it even hit the ground. Not even stopping to survey the kill, the saboteur immediately turned to the other targets and treated them similarly. Each one was dealt with quickly and efficiently, leaving three standing amidst their offlined companions. Jazz put away his blades and examined his work to ensure that the targets no longer functioned before walking back to Soundwave.

“I’ve already sent a signal to base to notify a crew to retrieve the agents’ frames.” Jazz crossed his arms, white metal stained pink with Sharkticon fluids, and looked up at the other mech, though his hidden optics were fixed warily on Laserbeak.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Soundwave could sense Jazz's uneasiness towards Laserbeak, so he sent him in the air. They needed eyes in the sky anyway. He just nodded, that was his only response. He turned to the three remaining Sharkticons, silently ordering them to march and in which direction. Any kind of surveillance the quintessons may have set up was canceled by Soundwave's own programmes and mods.

"Query: sharkticons presence: also known?"

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Almost instantly after the Quintesson was killed, the Sharkticons minds grew easier to control. Sending out one final burst, he managed to reign in every single sharkticon troop there, drawing them close and having them stand in a triangular formation to the side. Now that he knew just how weak and easily controlled these creatures were, perhaps he’d be able to make use of that in the future.

He glides over to where Jazz is, commanding Ravage and Rumble to return. He’ll have to repair them when he gets back. Laserbeak followed, landing on Soundwave’s shoulder and Buzzsaw circled above, keeping an eye out for anymore nearby foes.

Soundwave leans down to where the dead quintesson lay. He rests his hand on one of its faces, searching for something… there. He found a connection. The body may be dead, but when given a little push with enough energy, Soundwave managed to stabilize the corpse long enough to get whatever information he could out of it. He managed to copy its entire life cycle and downloaded it onto a special file he had. He had these files hidden underneath his tapedeck, a way to store foreign information personally without corruption.

After ignoring Jazz for so long, Soundwave finally stood and looked at the somewhat damaged, smaller mech. He nodded at him, the closest he was willing to get to saying good job.

“Sharkticons: currently under my control. However, few: needed for study. Query: would you like to pick them off?” Soundwave didn’t care one way or another who got to kill them. He got his information and that’s all he needed. He planned on giving a few of these Sharkitcons to Shockwave to experiment on, not caring whether it was ethical or not. He did not live by Autobot code.

[stylishoperations-blog]

While Soundwave was engrossed in his work with the Quintesson, Jazz had strolled over to his agents’ lifeless frames again. He adjusted them into more dignified positions before looking over at the Sharkticons, who were surprisingly quiet. Jazz had never been under Soundwave’s full control before, but the unmistakable sensation of the telepath’s presence in his processor was something that he knew all too well. Even so, he didn’t take pity on the creatures, their optics dim as they patiently waited for an unspoken command.

“Exactly how many do you think you’ll be needin’?” Jazz circled the squad, absentmindedly flipping the blades in his hands as he walked. They paid him no mind, but the saboteur knew that as soon as Soundwave’s hold on them was no more, they would simply revert to their feral ways, maybe even have the sense to return to the pits from which the Quintessons sent them. Either way, a Sharkticon was a problem and, with such low intelligence, likely to stay a problem. Jazz’s job included making things easier for his faction, and if it meant thinning enemy troops, then so be it.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

"Three maximum. Any more: too dangerous." Soundwave kept control of all of their processors. He could feel their base instincts. Their urges to fight or flee, their fear. With their master dead, they were, or would be, running around, operating on their most basic of instincts.

Soundwave merely ignored them and watched Jazz, waiting to see which ones he picks off.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Although they relied more on intellect than strength, a Quintesson was still a formidable opponent, but could still be easily dispatched if handled properly. Jazz had already unsheathed two small blades that he discreetly kept in a compartment near each of his wrists, using them to slash through the weak spots in the Sharkticons’ armored plating, pausing only when he received Soundwave’s message. As soon as their numerous attackers went limp from the audial assault, Jazz and the accompanying cassettes converged on the coordinates of the nearby Quintesson.

“Don’t get in my way.” The saboteur’s words were curt, his focus being on disabling the hovercraft so that the pilot would be within reach of the two small Decepticons. Jazz swung his grappling hook to latch on to the edge of the craft and retracted it to pull himself up, but not before Rumble grasped his leg, eager for a fight. Jazz thought to chastise him, but reconsidered after he saw that he was effectively distracting the startled Quintesson while the operative’s blade sliced through the control panel to disable communications and motor functions.

“Time to bail, kid!” Jazz called out to Rumble, grabbing him and leaping to safety as the hovercraft fell to the ground. The Cassetticon pulled himself free of Jazz’s grasp to join Ravage in eliminating what remained of the threat, only to be ensnared by one of the Quintesson’s tentacles in the process. Although Jazz harbored no sympathy for the Decepticon, he moved in to free him, ripping through various other tentacles as the Quintesson tried to defend itself. After his blade tore through the limb that was holding Rumble, the lieutenant turned to plunge both blades into one of the enemy’s faces and cleave two long lines into it. After an agonizing shriek, the Quintesson’s body revolved wildly with Jazz’s blades still lodged in its plating. It stopped on an enraged expression, damaged from Ravage’s relentless assault. Jazz thrust a hand into an open wound, letting his fingers entwine with the wires and components within and pulled back mercilessly, relishing the sound of every snapping line as the Quintesson’s optics flickered just as his agent’s had a few moments ago.  Desperate, one of the its remaining tentacles slammed into Jazz, knocking him into a wall with a force that nearly sent him into stasis. The effort was in vain, and as the light faded away from the machine’s optics, Jazz staggered to his feet and retrieved his blades before going to rejoin Soundwave with the cassettes, pieces of his visor crumbling away as he walked.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Almost instantly after the Quintesson was killed, the Sharkticons minds grew easier to control. Sending out one final burst, he managed to reign in every single sharkticon troop there, drawing them close and having them stand in a triangular formation to the side. Now that he knew just how weak and easily controlled these creatures were, perhaps he'd be able to make use of that in the future.

He glides over to where Jazz is, commanding Ravage and Rumble to return. He'll have to repair them when he gets back. Laserbeak followed, landing on Soundwave's shoulder and Buzzsaw circled above, keeping an eye out for anymore nearby foes.

Soundwave leans down to where the dead quintesson lay. He rests his hand on one of its faces, searching for something... there. He found a connection. The body may be dead, but when given a little push with enough energy, Soundwave managed to stabilize the corpse long enough to get whatever information he could out of it. He managed to copy its entire life cycle and downloaded it onto a special file he had. He had these files hidden underneath his tapedeck, a way to store foreign information personally without corruption.

After ignoring Jazz for so long, Soundwave finally stood and looked at the somewhat damaged, smaller mech. He nodded at him, the closest he was willing to get to saying good job.

“Sharkticons: currently under my control. However, few: needed for study. Query: would you like to pick them off?” Soundwave didn't care one way or another who got to kill them. He got his information and that's all he needed. He planned on giving a few of these Sharkitcons to Shockwave to experiment on, not caring whether it was ethical or not. He did not live by Autobot code.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Jazz glanced in Soundwave’s direction as he passed before quickly returning to the task of checking over the fallen mechs. As he began to assess the status of the fourth one, a flicker of light from the agent’s optics sent a wave of relief washing over the saboteur.

“Hey, you hear me? 26? Focus on me and don’t move.” Jazz’s hands moved quickly, unsubspacing some mesh to wrap a gaping wound as he continued talking to the operative in an effort to keep him more alert and thus conscious, though it seemed that the Autobot was still rather dazed. Despite this, he reached into his own subspace and dropped another datatrack at Jazz’s pedes. He attempted to speak, but his voice was laced with static and mostly incomprehensible. The agent struggled to pass air through his vents to cool his overheating systems, his optics flickering and then finally dimming as what was left of his fading spark finally dissipated.

“26? 26!” Jazz pulled the other closer, shoulders drooping at the lack of response. He set the frame down gently, subspacing the data track, but never taking his optics off of the mech’s face. The clicking of metallic claws against the city and the telltale snarls of ravenous Sharkticons caught his attention, the sounds urging Jazz to stand and turn in the direction of the sources. It didn’t take long for the team to arrive, gnashing their denta and charging once they honed in on the saboteur, who by that time had assumed a combat stance in front of the lifeless frames of his agents possessively. He knew Soundwave and his cassettes were still present, though he couldn’t see them, but that didn’t mean he was solely going to rely on them as if he was unable to fight for himself.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Soundwave already had Laserbeak and Buzzsaw circling above. He ordered them not to take risky shots, and just distract the sharkticons. It wasn't working though. Something must be controlling them. Leaving Jazz and his cassettes to momentarily fend off the sharkticon troop, Soundwave ventured ahead, silently and stealthily. He managed to go undetected past the sharkticons. He stopped just at the edge of the shadows, managing to remain hidden from what he discovered. It seems his initial hypothesis was right; there was something controlling the sharkticons. A lone Quintesson sat in his hovercraft, yelling and shouting orders.

"Autobot Jazz" Soundwave commed him through the now private and secure network. "Lone quintesson: found. I will stun the sharkticons. You: engage quintesson directly." He then cut the channel. He wasn't giving Jazz an option here.

Sneaking back around to where his cassettes were, Soundwave engaged his anti-gravs, kicking them into motion. He flew up out of the sharkticon reach, and sent his two cassettes in two different directions, forming a triangle around the troop. Soundwave then concentrated a large amount of energy into a hypersonic burst, stunning the sharkticons, most of them going into stasis. The rest were stunned enough, giving Jazz the opportunity to go head to head with the giant head. Soundwave released another couple of cassettes, this time Ravage and Rumble, as back up for Jazz. He, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw remained where they were, sending out smaller hypersonic bursts when one of them noticed a sharkticon gaining its footing again.

[stylishoperations-blog]

 “C’mon, fly-bot.” Jazz walked ahead, since travelling in his alt mode likely wasn’t the best idea right now. If they were truly to be coming within range of a Sharkticon squad, it would help to be as stealthy as possible, and the ruckus that driving would stir up would only attract unwanted attention. At least he could count on the fact that the mech with him was a quiet one, even if he was a Decepticon. It didn’t take a review of the file he kept on Soundwave to know that direct combat wasn’t his forte, but his cunning and team of cassettes were enough to deter Jazz from slitting his energon lines for now, especially when it was more than just him benefitting from the mech’s abilities.

Recalibrating his sensory horns and audios, Jazz’s helm turned and tilted in different directions as he sorted through various sounds and readings. He came to an abrupt halt, his optics locked on the remains of a wall, or rather, what was sticking out from behind it: a leg, dented and spattered with energon. Part of Jazz was screaming to break into a run towards it, but he held himself back as he activated his scanners once more. The Sharkticons didn’t seem to be here now, but were likely close by.

He rushed towards the sight to find all four of the previously missing agents, riddled with bite marks, some with entire chunks of their frames or limbs missing. Even though scans gave off no signs of life, he knelt before each one to be certain. As he attempted to move one of the frames, a datatrack fell to the ground.

“What the frag…” The saboteur inspected the battered datatrack, which he suspected still had information that could be salvaged. Not trusting Soundwave to carry such a find with him, Jazz subspaced it himself, “I still don’t get why these ‘Bots were dragged here, though. They don’t seem to have their weapons on ‘em anymore, and what’s with all the rippin’ and tearin’? Y’think those Sharkticons were after a bit more than some fast food?”

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Ignoring the nickname, Soundwave landed and followed Jazz, silent as ever. And while Soundwave wasn't excellent at hand to hand, he was durable, built to protect whatever symbiote resided within him. He was already planning on which cassettes to use and what for. He didn't plan on engaging the sharkticons directly, rather distracting them long enough for Jazz and his mechs to get out of there as quickly as possible.

When Jazz went running for the body, Soundwave followed still. He saw Jazz slip the datatrack into his subspace. He'll have to confront Jazz about that one later.

“Affirmative. Sharkticons: do not normally restrain themselves. Quintessons overseer: highly probable. Sharkticon troop: 13 kliks west.” Soundwave released Buzzsaw, and held out his arm for him to land on. With Laserbeak on his shoulder and Buzzsaw on his arm, he may have looked somewhat ridiculous. However, once all three were in the air, they'd be a hard group to catch, especially for dimwitted sharkticons.

“Aide survivors. I will stand guard.” He walked away from Jazz, hopping up onto some debris then merging into the shadows, facing west where the sharkticon troop should be, ready to cause a distraction anyway possible, avoiding injury to himself and his cassettes of course.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Normally, those unlucky enough to cross paths with a team of Sharkticons were simply ripped to shreds. Such dull creatures seldom had a reason to refrain from tearing apart a downed Autobot and leaving them to rust, but this time it seemed that there must have been something keeping them from doing so. Jazz picked up a fragment of the agent’s frame and looked in the direction Soundwave was facing. Black fingers closed over the metal and he let out a low growl, subspacing it quietly.

He walked towards the slope of the crater, a hand retracting into his frame before revealing his grappling hook. Aiming for the sturdy-looking remnants of a statue near the upper rim of the pit, Jazz fired the line and began ascending towards the top.

“You can either play it like the tattletale you are and squeal on me to your boss, or we can keep movin’ and find out what’s goin’ down.” Jazz spoke as he climbed, not bothering to face Soundwave as he did, “I think you and I both know the risks of takin’ on a team of these guys, so I’d understand completely if you turn tail and fly off.” His words were simple honesty, not a taunt. He didn’t care much for another reprimand from Megatron, what were that tyrant’s words to him? Jazz was more concerned about his team, and this might be one of the few chances he would have for any kind of rescue effort.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Soundwave just followed, opting to remain silent. He engaged his anti-gravs and flew up to the top of the little crater. He managed to get there before Jazz, and stood there, silently waiting for him, watching his every move. Once Jazz reached the top, Soundwave sent a short message to Megatron over their new, secured line. He stated only that he and Jazz had found something of importance and he will return promptly. He then cut the line, not wanting to be interrupted during this little trek.

Soundwave chose to go, not for Jazz's team, but for Jazz himself. As much as he hated to admit it, Jazz was a worthy adversary, and an even better ally, temporary ally. Jazz didn't get his high position by twiddling his thumbs, that's for sure. Jazz was efficient and while not very pleasant to work with, he did not attempt to make friendly chatter where none was to be had. If the combined forces wanted to win this war, they would need Jazz. Once this truce was over, Soundwave would kill him quickly and swiftly, ridding himself of one of the Decepticon's greatest hindrances.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Jazz looked down into the massive crater, his visor cycling through several different modes to help him get more of an idea of what it was he and Soundwave were about to step into. There didn’t seem to be any signs of life, Cybertronian or otherwise, down inside, but he was determined to see for himself. He looked to Soundwave and beckoned him closer before starting his descent. Jazz slid down the slope, balancing his weight carefully so that he wouldn’t accidentally trip and tumble towards the center. As he approached the target coordinates, the sight at the bottom explained the lack of readings: it was empty, save for the remnants of what had been an apparent struggle.

The saboteur crouched down to brush his fingers over some of the colored pieces of metal that were left amongst the spilled energon, the bright fluid collecting on his fingers, still fresh. As he was trying to determine which of his agents’ paint jobs matched the metal, an oddly shaped shard of scrap captured his attention.

“Unless my operatives’ve been gettin’ some dental work on the sly, I think they may have encountered an unwanted guest in our sector.” Jazz stood and turned so that Soundwave could see the find: a Sharkticon tooth, chipped, but otherwise very much intact. Looking back at the scene, he could see slight furrows in the dirt of the pit continuing upwards to the opposite edge. “…And then some. It would take more than one Sharkticon to drag a full-sized mech. What the frag were they after if they went through the trouble of pullin’ the guy all the way up there?” 

[decepticontelepath-blog]

It seemed like Jazz was actually cooperating. Soundwave wasn't going to take this for granted then. Instead of climbing down, he activated his anti-gravs and just floated down. They were rather silent for something meant to propel someone forward at great speeds, at least silent enough that you had to stand right next to him to hear them, and even then it was hard.

Soundwave just watched Jazz and scanned the wreckage from afar. When Jazz found the tooth however, Soundwave took it from him, lifting one hand above it and one below. The tooth floated in between his hands, spinning around so it could be examined at all angles. Soundwave managed to get a signal on where the sharkticon that owns this tooth is.

“Sharkticon squad: 40 astrokilometers west northwest.” Soundwave faced in that direction, not yet willing to have Laserbeak fly off ahead. He was very hesitant to send him on his own. Laserbeak may be fast, smart and skilled, but he wasn't strong enough to handle a group of sharkticons.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Not long after leaving the base, Jazz activated his own signal dampener and headed for the closest set of coordinates. The Cybertronian streets near the base were completely deserted, but he made sure to stay on alert in case of unwanted company. Part of him was relieved that Soundwave had the sense to deploy Laserbeak, though its presence was slightly unsettling, as he was used to avoiding the cassette’s watchful gaze.

Further ahead, the road was blocked by rubble and other remnants of heavy artillery fire. Unfazed, Jazz made a sharp turn onto a side-street and sped up along the new route before finally reaching what once was a plaza, now remodeled into a massive crater thanks to the weaponry Decepticon technology was able to provide. Stopping just before the edge of pit, Jazz quieted his engine and scanned the vicinity. Seemingly satisfied, he opened his door without so much as a word.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Jazz's driving was a little too crazy for comfort. He took some of the turns too fast, throwing Soundwave against Jazz's door. Soundwave was hoping that in Jazz's rash actions, he'd be able to pick up more mentally, other than the sense of urgency. He had Laserbeak keep an eye on them from above, as well as the surrounding area.

When Jazz's door opened, Soundwave transformed and landed outside of him as quickly as possible, sick of being banged against everything. He did his own scan, as well as collected data from Laserbeak. He held out his arm, not even calling for Laserbeak, knowing he'd come shortly, which he did. Laserbeak landed neatly on his arm, then hopped up onto Soundwave's shoulder. They were communicating silently, comparing data, looking for patterns. Soundwave would let Jazz call the shots though. These were Jazz's operatives, all Autobots. Jazz knew them better than Soundwave did, so Soundwave just waited for Jazz to make his move.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Jazz turned on his heel to face the mech, his visor level with Soundwave’s Decepticon insignia at first. He scowled at it before looking up to meet his officemate’s gaze.

“You think I can’t handle this on my own?” Jazz opened his mouth again to continue, but soon realized that they were losing precious time. He cursed under his breath and hastily opened the door, keeping his finger on the keypad to hold it open for Soundwave. “Once we get outside I want you transformed and ready to go or I roll out without you.” 

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Soundwave didn't reply. He did think that Jazz needed his assistance, but he wasn't about to say that. Instead he followed Jazz to the exit, transforming to his tape deck mode, landing nicely on Jazz's passenger seat once Jazz had transformed. He was ready to go, as requested. Releasing Laserbeak to keep an eye on them from the air, he made sure to dampen his signal, so unless someone actually saw him, no one would know he was there. Jazz would have been a tempting target alone, but both Jazz and Soundwave would bring in Quintessons and their Sharkticons, the prize too great to pass up.

The entire ride he remained silent, focusing instead on reading the area, scanning for anything and keeping in contact with Laserbeak via their private link. At least they didn't have to worry about the bond being read by any Quintesson trackers. The link between symbiote and master was a strange one, and strong one at that, too. It was nearly impossible to eavesdrop on their conversations.

[stylishoperations-blog]

This wasn’t the first time Jazz had used Soundwave’s terminal, though all of the previous moments were back on Earth during infiltrations and hackings. However, he didn’t have a need to rip information from here now, though the thought was definitely present. The head operative’s first priority was to assess the situation concerning his mechs, and so used the newly formed network to send out short, encoded messages to each of the team members and waited a moment.

With no immediate response, he opened up four channels, one for each member, trusting in Soundwave’s expertise to create links secure enough so that the prying audios and optics of the Quintessons were unable to penetrate it. As soon as the lines opened, the terminal was flooded with messages that had likely been backlogged while the network was down. The four channels had the same distress signal and were citing similar descriptions of what was an apparent ambush.

Jazz gathered the coordinates of the last recorded location of each team member before closing the channels and rising from the terminal. “Turn in my reports to your tyrant of a leader for me, I’m clockin’ out early.” He unsubspaced one of the few energon rations he was allowed to have and downed the entire cube, tossing the empty container to the floor near Soundwave’s pedes. He started towards the door, checking his weapon as he walked.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Soundwave just kicked the cube to Jazz's side before retrieving his own weapon. "I will be joining you," he announced. With his task done, they could use all the help they needed on the field, and Soundwave was confident him and his cassettes could handle almost anything thrown at them. A little back up never hurt.

Soundwave walked up and stood right next to Jazz and stared him down before saying, "You: will have to carry me. Myself flying: suspicious." He certainly wasn't going to make this easy on Jazz though.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Jazz growled quietly, but refrained from making any further comments. The fact that Soundwave was busy was likely due to the very thing he was waiting for, so instead of tossing the mech more disruptive remarks, he stuck out his glossa and returned to looking at his own console.

He made a note to debrief the members of the team that just came back from their reconnaissance mission, but he realized that the second team that he sent to the opposite end of the sector was off schedule. Timeframes for more difficult missions varied, but a team involved in a quick run to the border and back should have returned and checked in well before Jazz’s lenient requested  time. His optics scanned over the area of interest, searching for the telltale cluster dots, but found only one. It was travelling south, back towards the very base where Jazz, Soundwave, and many other Cybetronians were currently stationed, but it didn’t get far before fading out completely. Jazz sucked in a sharp intake of air through his vents as he started simple, preliminary searches on his console for the signals of all agents on the team, but to no avail.

“How much of that network is functional?” He stood quickly, that joking grin he usually wore disappeared as he moved closer to where Soundwave was working.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Finally, peace and quiet. Soundwave managed to get most of the network done, being relatively simple to finish, before Jazz pestered him again, only this time, it sounded serious.

"Network's completion: 76%. Duration: 2.35 Earth minutes." He didn't personally care for the mechs on patrol one way or another, but he wasn't stupid enough to waste their lives. He tried to get it done as fast as he could, managing to shave off about 30 seconds.

"Network: complete." He sent it out to all computers on base, so everyone could have access to it, but it would take time to upload and install. As soon as it was sent, Soundwave got up from where he was seated and stood aside, wordlessly giving Jazz access to his terminal, as much as it pained him to do. It was an emergency however, and exceptions must always be made.

[stylishoperations-blog]

Jazz’s lip twitched, his smile nearly faltering at the comments, but his control was something that he’d kept up for far too long to let it fail now, especially in a pitiful situation such as this one, and so he held fast and continued his assault.

“You weren’t sayin’ such rude things ‘bout my data back on Earth.” He leaned back in his chair a little, his voice harboring something between amusement and anger. Since Soundwave didn’t seem to have much else to do, the lieutenant decided to relieve himself of the pent up boredom and frustrations that followed a seemingly endless work cycle.

“You couldn’t wait to get some of this stuff. What the matter? You bored already? Maybe I should toss you out in the field on a mission like one of my agents, see how you fare compared to some of the best operatives the Autobots have to offer.” Jazz’s visor brightened with a malicious glint as he rocked back and forth on the back legs of his chair.

[decepticontelepath-blog]

"Your data: more valuable then. Quintessons: may be successful. My focus: preventing that. Your data: not a priority." Soundwave couldn't be any clearer. While he'd love to get his hands on that data, he knew there was more at stake. Just because he didn't like Jazz, didn't mean he was going to sabotage both factions just for some information he could steal later.

And finally, Blaster had just sent his piece. Soundwave could finally finish, and finally leave this room. "Currently occupied," was the last thing he said to Jazz before promptly ignoring him, opting to finish this network finally. Everything just had to be fit together now, some minor touch ups here and there, and the entire system should be Quintesson proof.

Soundwave became so focused in his work, he didn't even notice if Jazz stayed or left. Jazz could have been making faces at him behind his back, and Soundwave wouldn't even know. He just wanted this complete, so both sides stood a chance against the invaders.

[stylishoperations-blog]

During the pause, which felt all too long from Jazz’s perspective, the saboteur had turned his helm to face Soundwave, his arms crossed. He couldn’t exactly see what Soundwave was doing, not that he would fully understand at first glance anyway.

“A li’l estimate on how much longer it would take would be helpful, y’know.” He snapped, “What are you even doin’ on there? How much access to our preexistin’ networks and data you got now?” Jazz felt he had the right to be suspicious, especially given the Decepticon’s track record. At the Prime’s urging, he had reluctantly shared only the most vital pieces of information with Soundwave, being careful to leave out any details that may prove harmful in the future, assuming that the Quintessons would ever be defeated and the two differing factions were to resume the long civil war that had ravaged the planet.

“If I catch even one byte outta place or a single firewall breach, I’m gonna cut loose. So you better keep your nasty blue mitts outta my data, dig?” The black-and-white stopped for a moment, looking back at his monitor before continuing to blow off steam, “And another thing! When I ask you somethin’, I expect an immediate answer. I don’t want no slag from you, just that stinkin’ network and whatever amount of pitiful intel those runts of yours can provide.” Jazz mentioned Soundwave’s cassettes with a sneer, straightening his posture proudly as he skimmed over data that he’d already read, letting the successes of his unit fuel his arrogance. 

[decepticontelepath-blog]

"Your intel: easily accessible. However, your data: unimportant. This network: more important than your diary." Soundwave replied after Jazz finished his miniature rant. At this point in the process, he was literally waiting on Blaster to finish. No wonder the Autobots were losing the war for so long, they lack any sense of efficiency.

Soundwave refused to fall for the bait, and ignored the jab about his cassettes. He knew Jazz had at least an idea of what they were capable of, if not more. If Soundwave was honest with himself, Jazz probably knew more about him than any other mech, after years of studying each other, chasing, fighting and somehow not killing one another.

"My section: finished. Currently waiting for Blaster. Once the data is received, network: will be completed." 

[stylishoperations-blog]

The screen on Jazz’s console lit up, displaying a map of various divided sectors, decorated with small dots representing the handful of agents that were still in the field after what had been a devastating initial assault by the Quintessons’ Sharkticons. His unit hadn’t been spread this thin since the beginning of the war, but it was comforting to know that the few operatives that remained were the best he had, so the information that was being fed into his console was of the utmost quality. But what good was all of this if he wasn’t able to send feedback and orders to his mechs? In addition to that, the combined Autobot and Decepticon tactical divisions were starved for fresh intel to form more offensive strategies from, as the defenses both had put into play were waning steadily. Jazz had information, but much of it was too precious to send with the currently weak encryptions, and the reports of Sharkticon ambushes along the outskirts of even the most secure sectors made using a messenger too risky.

Soundwave’s progress on a new network had been slow at best, even with Blaster’s assistance. Of course, Jazz blamed only Soundwave for such an inconvenience. One was a dear friend, the other… less so. He kept his helm still as he glanced in the other’s direction, the visor obscuring his optics.

“Status report.” Jazz didn’t mince his words, choosing to speak as if the other were just another troublesome soldier. As far as he knew, no new rankings were established since what had occurred between the two factions was but a truce, not a true combining of their forces, but even that wouldn’t stop Jazz from treating Soundwave as an inferior mech. 

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Soundwave chose to ignore Jazz's request for a moment, he wasn't outranked by Jazz, therefore he didn't really need to give him any information, but if the new war kept up like this, then soon Soundwave would be forced to send his cassettes to fight, something he really didn't want to do.

"Network: nearly completed. Captured Quintesson vessel: extremely insightful. Shockwave and Perceptor's analysis: provided excellent information." He wasn't lying either, he was just waiting on Blaster to finish his end, then all Soundwave had to do was tie up some loose ends and the new network should be complete.

He hadn't looked up from his console, and still refused to even glance at Jazz. He'd rather pretend the mech didn't even exist right now. Talk about a workplace distraction.

[stylishoperations-blog]

“Manual override code accepted. Access granted.”

Jazz stormed inside of the small room, grimacing as he examined the bare walls, the worn flooring, and finally the twin set of consoles and chairs set side by side; the only useful furnishings that his faction was able to spare for the room. If he could, he’d drop every data pad he was holding and head straight to the Prime to ask for a separate office, but what good would come of displacing some soldier when the bunks were already overcrowded? With combined Autobot and Decepticon forces being pushed from place to place, there was little work done on many of the once-abandoned bases on Cybertron, not that either faction had the resources to add to them anyway.

The saboteur reached for a chair and dragged it a little farther from the neighboring console with a look of disgust before setting his reports on his newly-claimed work area in a huff. His console booted up sluggishly as it struggled to shake off stellar cycles of disuse. Jazz sat glaring at the monitor, wary of the other’s presence, though not willing to acknowledge him any more than he had to.　 

[decepticontelepath-blog]

Soundwave was already seated at his desk, doing his own work. He could feel Jazz's anger at the situation, even before he entered the small room; how couldn't he? Jazz felt such vehemence towards the situation, even Blaster with his lower level skills would be able to pick up on it. Not that Soundwave was pleased about this either, not in the slightest. If it were up to him, he'd remain completely alone, he's always preferred to work by himself, or with his small team. Luckily enough, he managed to bring one of his spare consoles. All of his non-essential files were backed up on it, and it even moved faster than probably most of the consoles on this Primus forsaken ship.

When the Autobot and Decepticon armies had to temporarily call it truce, it was obvious where Soundwave was headed. Megatron could handle any potential threat back on the Nemesis, but this was a perfect time to gain Autobot trust and gather whatever information he could. Despite having to work with Jazz, Soundwave couldn't pass up an opportunity like this, even if Megatron had given him a choice.

He continued to ignore Jazz once he sat down, focusing instead on the task at hand, which was a new communications network for Transformers only, a task difficult enough considering the Quintessons held a huge advantage in the technology department, but feasible enough.