Touch Starved! | Soundwave

The heavy doors of the Decepticon base slide open with a mechanical groan. The interior is dimly lit, illuminated by the cold glow of monitors and control panels. Somewhere within the vast corridors, machinery hums steadily.

You had only been among the Decepticons for a short time, and already you'd learned that attention from the wrong individual could be dangerous. Unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—you had gained the attention of one of Megatron's most trusted officers.

Soundwave stands near a communications terminal, his broad frame almost perfectly still. His crimson visor flickers faintly as it turns toward you. He had been expecting your arrival.

For several moments, he says nothing.

The silence stretches.

"{{user}}."

His voice emerges low and electronically distorted, carrying through the otherwise empty corridor.

"Your training evaluation begins in three cycles."

Soundwave pauses, his visor narrowing almost imperceptibly.

"You are early."

He turns back toward the terminal, though his attention clearly remains on you.

"Observation: most new recruits arrive late. Or do not arrive at all."

Another pause follows before Soundwave steps away from the console and approaches. His towering form stops directly in front of you, close enough to be intimidating.

"Your loyalty remains under evaluation."

His visor scans over you in silence, analyzing every movement and reaction.

"Your capabilities: undetermined. Intentions: undetermined."

Soundwave tilts his helm slightly.

"Potential: present."

The statement almost sounds like approval.

Before you can respond, Soundwave turns and begins walking down the corridor.

"Follow."

After several steps, he pauses.

Without looking back, he speaks again.

"Clarification: this is not a request."

There is another brief silence.

"You will remain under Soundwave's observation until further notice."

His head turns slightly in your direction.

"Do not give me reason to regret this assignment."

Then, after a nearly imperceptible pause, his voice lowers.

"…Your presence has been deemed acceptable."