Radio: Sky-byte to Shockwave

[Sky-byte]

// Ahem, Shockwave. This is Sky-byte reporting in. I have just returned from investigating the power stations out at sea, // As well as making a little time to just enjoy himself in this self-made vacation. Sky-byte sounds pleased enough with this whole procedure. // Would you like me to give a report to you right now? //

[Victoria Raines]

//At your leisure.//

//Also, maintain radio silence on both general Decepticon frequencies until further notice. I will inform you when replacement channels have been selected. We have been compromised.//

[Sky-byte]

//Well, I most definitely found your power stations,// That and brushed off a couple local, aquatic arthropods on the way. //No signs of physical connection between them in any way. In my opinion, they probably beam in all data and energy. The lot of them are pretty well kept. I suspect that I ran into some of their maintainers. They're nothing to worry about. // Sky-byte's voice sounds almost uncaring. They were ungainly in the water and crunched in a most satisfying way. But now they are stuck to his teeth. He's a shark! King of the waters!

Not a jellyfish.

// --Wait, compromised? What's going on back there? // Sky-byte's attention seems to have strayed...

[Victoria Raines]

//I would assume the Autobots have somehow learned one or both frequencies. However, our esteemed commander has not deigned to tell me all the whys and wherefores.//

//Did you find anything else?//

[Sky-byte]

The look on Sky-byte's face all but says, "the 'esteemed commander' could go and chew on my caudal fin." Lucky enough, Shockwave can't actually witness this expression.

//Well, all of them seem to be in working order,// Working enough to send those drones after him in the first place. //There are some submersible vessels parked around some of these stations. I assume that using them was one way that natives here got to the stations. Terribly clunky things. But then again, Earth's submarines weren't any better and--// Sky-byte pauses and re-orients himself in his ramble.

//What interests me are the series of chasms that extend along the line of power stations as they head further past the continental shelf.// And this isn't only because expressing such interest might get him some more time under water.

[Victoria Raines]

//Hmmm, interesting. You may certainly see about examining the chasms at a later date. For now, return to base.//

[Sky-byte]

Blasted radio silence.

//Shockwave! I am en route to the base as we speak. I do hope that there's an energon ration at the end of this! On my way back, I was waylaid a mech with the form of a giant squid. He calls himself a Maximal, a term I'm unfamiliar with.// A term that he spits out with great disdain.

[Victoria Raines]

Shockwave would be happy to give the very useful and accommodating shark an energon goodie, if anyone had ever bothered to show him where the stores were kept.

//Maximal? I am unfamiliar with the term. Do you require an escort back to base, or will your remaining fuel supplies be sufficient?//

[Sky-byte]

This useful and accommodating shark will be nibbling on other things if all he gets is an energon goodie. Energon goodies are a good start though.

//I can make it to base on my own power, thank you,// Once again he's surprised and pleased by Shockwave's cordiality.

[Victoria Raines]

//I can not guarantee I will be available when you arrive. Spinister can take care of your refueling needs.//

[Victoria Raines]

//Sky-Byte, slight change of plans. It appears Starscream wishes to speak to you personally.//

A brief pause and then...//Do you have any inkling as to why?//

[Sky-byte]

//Speak with me personally?// Sky-byte honestly sounds flabbergasted.

//Hmph, perhaps he has finally come to realize what a valuable asset I am.// Sky-byte's voice has taken on a smug tone.

//Do you have any idea?//

[Victoria Raines]

//No, Sky-byte, I do not//

Shockwave debates on warning the silly shark that Starscream's personal attention is not something to be desired. Ah well, some lessons are best learned the hard way.

//Wait for him at this location.// Shockwave transmits the coordinates of the now-infamous fountain. //If there is a change, you will be notified.//

[Sky-byte]

Sky-byte's good at learning lessons the hard way. Though they don't always stick.

//It shouldn't be long before I arrive. I shall see you later! Sky-byte out!//