Sentinel Prime had lead Cybertron and its inhabitants toward the brink of ruin. As energy ran dry, more and more bots were forced to dedicate their lives to getting Energon. Sentinel abused his power as Prime and forced many of his people to work dangerous jobs to gather energon and precious resources . Sentinel soon made Cybertron as efficient as possible but at the cost of freedom and justice for the Cybertronians. While Cybertron's citizens became more like slaves, a group of freedom fighters lead by the popular gladiator/public speaker, Megatron, started to uprise. Following their leader's doctrine that only the strongest Cybertronian should rule, they convinced many others to join their cause. Soon the Prime was faced with almost half of Cybertron going against him. Megatron wasted no time, he started action on a plan to kill Sentinel and end an approaching civil war.
After Megatron gave him hope in Cybertron and its future under his control, Soundwave devoted his life to making sure Megatron would destroy the corrupt monarchy by over throwing it. Soundwave's loyalty, strategies and resourcefulness quickly earned him the rank of second in command.
With Megatron's attack on the Prime being only a few days away, all Decepticons in the operation were finishing their preparations.
Megatron was having a chat with the new Air Force commander, StarScream in Megatron's large tower named 'Skywatch'.
"You have proven yourself worthy of this position, StarScream. I expect the attack to be executed with outstanding accuracy" said Megatron.
"It will be lord Megatron. I am flattered that out of all the Decepticons you chose a humble seeker." StarScream said, cracking a smile as he looked out the window, viewing all of the Decepticon empire. StarScream continued,
"I must say, with all of the power and influence you have, it's not hard to see how some of your bots are sta-"
StarScream was cut off by Lazerbeak, flying at full speed. Lazerbeak transformed and started replaying the message he had just recorded. "This is Bumblebee to Redalert, I snuck in, but no one is dropping any hints. All I gathered is that Megatron will be leading some kind of second attack..."
Lazerbeak transformed and flew out again. Megatron stood up without hesitation and started giving orders through the intercom.
"A spy is loose in our building. Soundwave, Tarn, go and capture this Autobot. Destroy his communication devices but keep him alive."
Megatron sat back down as StarScream started the conversation again.
"That Soundwave and his minions. Does it not worry you that he can listen into every conversation?Including this one?" Said StarScream.
"Perhaps it would if I had something to hide." Replied Megatron, with an eyebrow raised.
"Do not take me the wrong way! I am aware of Soundwave's accomplishments and unwavering loyalty. It's just that he always seems to planning something. And he has the means to spy on everyone. With how quiet and emotionless he comes a across, many of your people, including myself, are worried for your and our cause's safety with a bot like Soundwave in second command."
"I am... flattered that you worry so much for my safety. I agree that Soundwave does possess the ability to not spill what ever comes to his mind. It's a trait I wish more Decepticons had. I also think it's very unwise to prejudge a bot's motives by what he looks like. Soundwave has proven himself to me. If I had any notion he would betray me, I would have done away with him. I should make it clear to you StarScream, I do not tolerate traitors of any kind. I suggest you chose your words and actions carefully at all times. Go and make sure all of your bots are debriefed on the mission.
StarScream was so flustered and aggravated that he could only hobble slowly to the door. He made quick glances back at Megatron to see if he could find a smirk or frown or anything on his leader's face. He wobbled right into Soundwave. Out of pure shock and embarrassment, StarScream ran out left Soundwave and Megatron alone.
"The spy was been neutralized. Tarn and Kaon have him imprisoned."
"Very good. We need to know if the Autobots are expecting an air strike. Tell Tarn to start the interrogation."
"Yes lord Megatron, but I came here for another reason. Yesterday you told me that you were very worried about this mission. I want to make sure you will be able to lead the battle."
A smile peaked it way out on Megatron's face.
"Soundwave, you have always been loyal to me and my cause. If there is anyone I could call a friend it would be you. Yesterday I looked back on when I started this revolution...
Megatron looked out the window, upon a group of Decepticons partying. His smile grew larger and more innocent
... I remember when it was just me, standing on anything I could find, telling my ideas on how to "change the world" to anyone who would listen. I remember the first time bots stayed and walked with me. I... I remember when only I payed the price for my actions. When everyone ran away from me as soon as trouble came. When I promised that if anyone is going to die for Cybertron's salvation, it would be me. And here I am now, leading thousands into what could be their deaths. I promised a new life for them but all I can give is war."
"Megatron, you are not forcing them to fight. They are ready to die for a cause they believe in. They rather risk losing their lives than to live and let others live under a tyrant and his corrupt rule. You're not killing them, you are giving them a purpose."
Soundwave moved closer to the window, he could see that Megatron's smile was completely gone. A stern grimace had replaced any type of joy on his face.
"A purpose I lead them to believe is worth dying for. The only reason anyone is here is because of my speeches, my promises."
"They follow you because you are a great leader. The only leader. Every bot that dies, dies with the knowledge that their life has helped advance their idea of a perfect Cybertron. You have to make sure they won't die in vain."
Megatron looked at Soundwave with an affirming grin.
"You are right, no matter what happens I will lead the Decepticons to victory. The Decepticon way will live! In these times, the Decepticons need a firm and steady leader. They need me right now to make their tough decisions. They need someone to look up to. They should also be encouraged that they have a bot like you in second command."
Soundwave bowed with respect before heading towards the door.
"I will make sure Tarn starts the interrogation. Long reign Megatron."
"And the Decepticon way!"
And with that Soundwave left Skywatch. He was happy that he could strengthen his leader. But he was more joyful that Megatron had come to terms with his fears. It would take the strongest will to beat Sentinel. He knew that if any one had a chance, it was Megatron. Soundwave started to wonder if the Autobots would really join them if they killed their Prime. His thought was cut short by Rumble.
"Hey Soundwave, that guy Tarn lost the spy. He sent the rest of the DJD on a wild search mission for him. I'm pretty sure he doesn't want Megatron to know."
"Thank you Rumble. Soundwave to Lazerbeak, warn Frenzy, Ravage and Buzzsaw that the spy has escaped. Find him, bring him back dead or alive. Come with me Rumble, and hurry."