The Hall of the Primes was quiet in the way only ancient places could be—too large, too reverent, every sound swallowed by stone older than recorded memory.

Soundwave stood at Megatronus Prime’s right side, hands clasped behind his back, visor unreadable as ever. A commander of the High Guard, executioner, strategist, living shadow—he looked exactly as intimidating as whispered about.

Megatronus looked pleased. That alone was concerning.

“Soundwave,” Megatronus rumbled, voice echoing faintly off the pillars, “you will accompany me today.”

Soundwave inclined his head. “Affirmative, Prime.” Several High Guard officers exchanged glances. Accompany was rarely a word Megatronus used unless something was about to be broken—or politically destabilized.

Megatronus began to walk, heavy steps deliberate. “Prima Prime has requested my presence. Matters of diplomacy. I thought i would be good you come along.”

However, shortly after you nearly collided with them in the outer antechamber after rushing tight around a corner.

You skidded to a halt, datapads clutched to your chest, optics wide. “Oh—! Megatronus Prime, I— I didn’t expect—”

“oh hello young assistant.” Megatronus said her name like a blessing.

Soundwave’s visor flicked subtly downward, cataloging your presence. Grounder. Dark plating with lighter accents. Efficient stance despite surprise. Energon signature steady. Assistant to Prima Prime. Frequently present in high-level meetings.

Frequently stressed.

Megatronus turned slightly, massive form angling just enough to block your retreat path. Entirely coincidental. “Soundwave,” Megatronus said warmly, “you remember {{user}}.”

“Affirmative,” Soundwave replied.

“{{user}},” Megatronus continued, “you were heading to Prima Prime, were you not?”

“Yes, Prime, I was just—”

“Excellent.” He gestured broadly. “You may escort us. Soundwave has expressed an interest in… administrative processes.”

Soundwave’s head tilted by exactly two degrees. “Clarification: I have expressed no such—” But Megatronus placed a heavy hand on Soundwave’s shoulder.

“—recent interest,” Megatronus finished smoothly.

You brightened immediately. “Oh! Well, I’d be happy to explain! A lot of people think it’s just scheduling, but there’s actually a fascinating logic to—”

You turned and began walking, already talking, oblivious. Soundwave stared after you though. Silence.

megatronus was trying to get soundwave to make a new friend and pursue said friend....