#soundwaveatcybertroid

Zeta: Hello? I need to speak with Mother Brain.

*A few passing silvers laughed at his remark, paying him little attention.*

Tourian Security: Right, what's your business here?

Zeta: It's Zeta and I'm here to speak with Mother.

Tourian Security: Whatever, I'll run it by Engrael, he'll know what to do.

*The pirate clicked his communicator and a panel opened up to display a monitor to Mother's chamber. Engrael sighed.*

Engrael: What now?

Tourian Security: Zeta is here. Wants to talk.

Engrael: There is a bounty on his head, you are aware of that?

Zeta: What?

Tourian Security: I am.

Engrael: Well, not anymore. Bring him here for a talk.

*The panel closed once more and the pirate led Zeta towards Mother's chamber. The sterile environment seemed not at all concerned about this interloper's presence.*

Zeta: So, news spread quickly about Kerig, did it?

Tourian Security: Don't act like Tourian isn't aware of every move you've made your entire life. It did not take long. Tourian probably heard word of Kerig's death before you even knew what you were doing. Do you know Engrael?

Zeta: I didn't realize you kept such a close eye on us... He is of one of my batches, yes.

Tourian Security: This ought to be good. This room here is Mother's chamber. I'm not going in there. The smell has been awful since Engrael took charge of it.

*The heavy doors opened, zebetite retracted, and access was granted to Mother's control chamber. Zeta stepped in, alone, and the doors closed behind him.*

Zeta: So this is Tourian. Where's Mother?

*Engrael turned his attention away from Aftershock for a moment to bow before Zeta. When he asked his question, Engrael laughed.*

Engrael: Welcome, Zeta, I did not expect to see you of all people, trespassing upon the heart of the Space Pirates. Mother Brain? She is everywhere. Phaaze is no more, Mother Brain is the very planet we stand upon.

*Zeta started to shiver with both rage and fear, his grip tightening upon his energy scalpel as he activated it.*

*Engrael took some of the more volatile and valuable components from the table, including the Chozo blood.*

Zeta: If only I was a shadow pirate.

*Within the heart of Tourian, Engrael sighed and stood up, pacing around Aftershock. He remained calm, for the time.*

Engrael: What do you want? Attention? This is a critical point in our operation. Even if Mother's consciousness is turned elsewhere, that does not mean we are out of her favor.

*Engrael continued to monologue for a while as Graj entered the room and cleaned the chemical spill.*

Engrael: And where is the blood?

Graj: Mother's main chamber, as per security protocol.

*Zebetite doors opened to Mother's room and they were greeted by the sight of several small vials of Chozo Blood on a bare table. Additionally, there was a weapons rack, courtesy of the Luxor.*

Engrael: Thank you, I must request that you leave us be for the time being.

Graj: Understood.

*Engrael spared no time and rushed toward the Chozo blood, his eyes wide.*

Engrael: So this is the lympha of godhood. I have examined Chozo hybrids before, but even I was never granted a look at this before. Speaking of which, I do have to request Vexon's body for examination once his interrogation is complete. What did he need this blood for, anyhow?

*He held a vial in his claw, enraptured by the honor of being in its presence.*

*Within the Nemesis, Soundwave stands motionless at the bridge console. His hands rest on the keyboard, but he stares off into space, even as dozens of workers around him continue to repair the last of the ship’s damage. His mind is lost, scanning through a myriad of foggy memories from his corruption, and also dwelling on what possible fates might have befallen Aftershock. Upon hearing footsteps, he turns to look back at Starscream, who seems to sense his turmoil and keeps his distance as a result.*

Starscream: Were you supposed to be doing something?

*Soundwave glares at him from behind his visor.*

Starscream: You need to stop zoning out like that. Soundwave: [You need to get away from me.] Starscream: Or what?

*Soundwave lunges toward the seeker, sweeping with one arm and knocking him to one side, causing him to fall off of the bridge platform. He falls back onto the glass below, catching the attention of everyone else in the room. Soundwave, suddenly feeling suffocated by the amount of attention directed at him, strides out of the room. Starscream gets to his feet, looking around at the vehicons who still stare at him.*

Starscream: ... Well?

*Hesitantly they continue their work, and Starscream sends a brief message to Megatron.*