//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Betrayal // Story: Transformers: Iron Hearts // by autobotfan15 //------------------------------// Shockwave traversed the forest as fast as he could in his tank form. He tried reaching out to any of his fellow cons but there was no reply. He soon bursted through some trees but suddenly came to a screeching stop and transformed as he was now in between the forest and a gorge beneath him. He then turned only to see Red Alert and Inferno standing behind him with their weapons aimed. “Alright Shockwave you’ve taken your last step,” said Inferno. More rustling came from the trees and bushes and suddenly as if by magic more Autobots appeared with their guns aimed at the Decepticon. Five ponies also appeared. To the scientist’s surprise it was five of the six local heroes he observed. From his logic he knew the bearer of honesty was missing, but he knew he couldn’t take them all. Shockwave raised both his hand and his arm that had a gun instead of another hand. Suddenly from the bush came a certain orange filly flying out and getting in front of him. “Wait!” Everyone stopped and looked on in confusion as the filly with metal wings hovered in front of them. “What’s the big idea firing at this guy? He helped me with my wings!” Scootaloo snapped. Ratchet stepped forward, his gun still aimed at Shockwave. “Young lady, this Decepticon has done terrible things on our home planet.” “Scoots, get out of the way. He’s a bad guy like in those Daring Do books we read,” Rainbow said. “What do you mean? He gave me these better wings.” Scootaloo said. “Yes because he’s a mad scientist who uses others for his twisted experiments,” explained Sideswipe. “And he used you as a recent lab rat. It’s a miracle you survived. ” Scootaloo stammered, she looked back at Shockwave then back to the Autobots. “But he-” But before she could argue a strange sound was heard everyone looked up and saw two strange aircraft in the sky. Optimus’s eyes widened. “It’s Skywarp and Thundercracker!” The aircraft came down and began shooting laser beams at the ground. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy acted quickly and grabbed Scootaloo and ushered out of harm's way. All Scootaloo could do was look back at Shockwave who was now fighting back against the small army. The Ponies and Spike quickly retreated further away from the battle. Optimus made sure to take a headcount of all his soldiers present. Ironhide, Red Alert, Inferno, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Ratchet, and Tracks fought as hard as they could but the jets were fast and so was Shockwave’s dodging.  Suddenly Shockwave lost his balance on the gorge and fell backwards only to suddenly find himself caught by two more flying Decepticons. “Novastorm and Slipstream, how lovely to see you ladies again,” he said to the hovering female seekers. “Don’t be a charmer,” Said Slipstream deadpanned. “Flattery will only get you far doctor,” Nova Storm grinned. Soon all four of the seekers retreated with the Autobots still firing as they left. “Well we can confirm the Decepticons are here and are online,” said Tracks. “Let's get back to Shockwave’s lab and salvage what we can,” ordered Optimus. Meanwhile back at Shockwave’s lab another figure combed through the destroyed lab. The tall changeling looked up at the metal skeleton and grinned. “This should do me nicely,” Chrysalis grinned. Decepticon Fortress - An Hour Later The seekers, Shockwave, Grubber, and Tempest Shadow entered the new metal doors of the fortress. Tempest didn’t know about the battle they endured as she, Grubber and Starscream had been flying somewhere else. Megatron was there to greet them inside. Shockwave immediately bowed down to him. “Lord Megatron, I live to serve you.” “Shockwave, our good doctor,” Megatron beamed. “It is so good to have you back with us. I assume your isolation has given you plenty of research opportunities?” “Yes my lord, in fact I wish to transfer as much data that I have in my mind now to Soundwave’s drive if you don’t mind.” “Of course he’s setting up our new research lab down the hall,” Megatron said, pointing to a hallway. Shockwave left, giving Tempest Shadow a nod as if he was silently thanking her for aiding in the search and rescue. Tempest looked up at Megatron. “Forgive me Lord Megatron, me and Starscream weren’t the ones to find him as that honor belongs to-” “Don’t worry yourself Tempest, Skywarp briefed me on his flight back. What matters is that you tried. Now get yourself cleaned up and get some rest, we have much to do tomorrow,” he said. Tempest bowed as she gestured to Grubber to follow. After she was out of earshot Megatron turned to Starscream, his expression serious. “I assume she suspected nothing?” “No she hasn’t. If anything I’m more concerned about Shockwave,” said Starscream. “What do you mean? How many Autobots were there?” Megatron asked. “A whole platoon but I think there's more to this than meets the eye.”  Before Megatron could ask another question Laserbeak swooped in through an open window and perched himself on Megatron’s waiting arm. “Well if what you say is true, then maybe Laserbeak can vouch for that. Soundwave! Review Laserbeak’s footage!” Megatron ordered a large bot that was already approaching him. “At once Lord Megatron,” Soundwave said in an electronic sounding voice. Meanwhile in the research lab, Shockwave was looking through the tools. It was only just a few seconds ago he managed to transfer some of his data to Soundwave so there was no need for him to worry about forgetting anything. However as he worked he felt off. He felt confused about why his mind felt occupied. His mind went back to when he was performing his operation on Scootaloo. When he was prepping Scootaloo for the procedure he would answer any questions she had. To him it felt nice sharing his logic with a curious mind. In fact after Scootaloo woke up and tested her new wings she actually hugged Shockwave’s face. For some odd reason he felt different. Like a warm feeling in his spark. “What is this feeling?” he asked himself.  He attempted to shake it off but then a voice came on a nearby speaker. “Shockwave, come to me at once!” Megatron ordered. Shockwave placed down the tool he was examining and walked out. He arrived in Megatron’s throne room where many Decepticons were there holding weapons. “Ah Shockwave, my most loyal scientist. You are loyal aren’t you?” “Yes I live to serve-” “NO! You’re a traitor!” Megatron snapped, earning a flinch from Shockwave. Megatron then pointed to Soundwave as the screen on his chest played footage of him shooting at Timberwolves, saving Zecora and the crusaders. It also showed him getting a hug from Scootaloo. To his horror he saw himself returning the hug with his one hand. He didn’t remember giving her a hug. “And you can’t deny it,” finished Megatron. “How did you-” “Laserbeak found you and reported your coordinates to the Seekers,” Megatron began. “I ordered him to stay put and document your interactions in order to plan accordingly and lo and behold my scientist, who never lets feelings cloud his logic, has gained feelings. It’s clear your time alive has made you soft like Prime.” “If I may add Mighty Megatron,” Starscream began. “I think it's also the fact he didn’t bother to come look for us that he thought being a Decepticon wasn’t worth it. His notes date back to the time we crashed landed here.” “Yes, and to add more insult to injury it seems you didn’t even bother to purge your lab of sensitive material,” Megatron said pointing to Soundwave again. This time it not only showed footage of the Autobots taking away the giant cylinder but it also showed footage of a strange black creature taking away his robot skeleton before the Autobots arrived. Shockwave may not have a complete face but Megatron could sense the fear building inside him. Shockwave didn’t know what to think. But he now knew what would happen. His optic darted around seeing his fellow cons having weapons pointed at him. He then saw a stained glass window behind Megatron’s throne. He then remembered one of his own weapons. “In that case I know a logical way to solve this,” he said as he pointed his gun up and instead of a laser, smoke fired out like a fog machine. It quickly engulfed the room making all the cons fired randomly. “Where did he-” but before Megatron could finish he felt a great shove followed by the sound of glass breaking. Megatron looked back and as the smoke cleared he saw the window behind him broken. He then saw Shockwave hit the ground, transformed, and drove off. Starscream quickly got to the edge of the window and prepared to jump when he felt a hand on his wing. “No,” said Megatron. “Let him run like a coward. Besides, we have plenty of his notes on Soundwave’s drive.” Autobot Ark - The Next Day Optimus Prime looked down at the orange filly while kneeling, with him was Twilight Sparkle, who was perched on his shoulder. After the events of last night, Optimus arranged for Scootaloo to come to the Ark the next morning to discuss Shockwave. “And you’re absolutely sure this happened?” he asked. “Yes,” she said. “Look, I don’t know what he did but maybe after all this time he might’ve changed.” “Well, what you described is not Shockwave’s normal behavior, but why would he change like how you’ve described?” Optimus asked. “He’s been watching this society grow and develop for centuries,” Twilight began. “Maybe he’s observed what friendship could really be like. Time does have a way with changing things.” “If that was the case he would’ve flocked to our side or just easily surrendered, maybe Red Alert and Inferno can better explain,” Optimus said. But before any more words could be exchanged they heard the sound of three giant footsteps. The three turned to see Bumblebee and Ironhide with, much to their surprise, Shockwave with both of his wrists in chains. “Move it prisoner!” Ironhide snapped as he pushed the Decepticon down to his knees. “No need to use force,” Shockwave said. “We found him not too far away from the construction site. Applejack managed to create a distraction long enough for us to get him out. But he just came willingly,” Bumblebee explained. Optimus, Twilight, and Scootaloo looked down at him. With confused and alarmed looks, as did the other Autobots. Shockwave looked up at the Prime and sighed. “I’ll tell you everything you want to know. I want to be on your side.”  There was a long pause before Ironhide grinned. “On our side?” he asked before letting out a laugh. “And I was hanging with Constructicons at  Maccadam's Oil House.” Optimus raised his hand silencing Ironhide and looked down at Shockwave. “Shockwave, why do you want to join us?” “There are many logical reasons I can give but for one Megatron saw what I did and assumed my time on this planet has made me unworthy of serving the Decepticon cause,” he began before noticing the huge cylinder that Perceptor was analyzing before his arrival. “You also seem to have one of my top secret projects.” “See, he’s just in it to get his stuff back,” Ironhide said. “And I bet that whole thing about being unworthy is just a charade.” “No, I swear upon the Allspark and Primus it's the truth. I didn’t even know they were here or even online,” Shockwave pleaded. “Laserbeak recorded my interactions with the ponies, especially that one.” he said gesturing to Scootaloo. “When he saw it, he assumed the worst.” “He’s right, he did save us from the Timberwolves,” Scootaloo said looking up to Optimus and Twilight. “I still don’t trust him Prime, it could be a trick,” Ironhide said. “If he was still like his usual self then he would’ve allowed the wolves to eat them and examine their remains,” Bumblebee thought aloud. “Buddy don’t tell me you’re buying what this guy is selling,” Ironhide said to his short ally. “I’m just trying to keep an open mind,” said the scout. “Please.” Shockwave continued. “I don’t care if you don’t believe me. Just don’t send me back out there. Megatron most likely has me on his target list now.” There was silence as Optimus and Twilight looked at each other. It was like they were communicating telepathically. After a few tense moments Twilight nodded and Optimus turned back to the Decepticon and broke the chains bounding his wrists. “Considering our limited resources and your actions, we will give you a chance to prove yourself. Until further notice you are to be under strict watch and supervision and you will tell us what you know, especially this project here.” Optimus said, gesturing to the cylinder as he finished. “He can’t be serious,” whispered Sunstreak to Sideswipe. “I won’t let any of you down, I promise,” Shockwave said looking at the many Autobots that gathered. “Pinkie promise?” Scootaloo asked as she hovered up to Shockwave. “Pinkie promise?” Shockwave asked in a confused tone. “Yeah just repeat after me, cross my heart,” Scootaloo said as she crossed her chest with her hoof. “Cross my heart,” Shockwave repeated while copying the gesture with his hand. “Hope to fly,” Scootaloo continued. “Hope to fly,” Shockwave repeated. “Stick a cupcake in my eye,” finished Scootaloo as she placed a hoof in her eye while closing it. “Cupcake? Oh I mean Stick a cupcake in my eye,” Shockwave finished as he opted to poke his only optic with a finger. Scootaloo smiled as he gave the now former Decepticon a hug on his chest. Shockwave actually returned the gesture, much to the surprise of the other Autobots. Optimus looked towards Twilight and whispered. “I hope this magic of friendship will be enough to help us against Megatron.” “It never failed us once,” Twilight said, smiling at the scene before her.