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Finally, the mech arrived. He was outside Shockwave's lab after receiving a request to assist the scientist with his latest research. It had been said that Soundwave had never interacted with, let alone met, Shockwave. He observed how Shockwave treated others for the first time. The thought didn't surprise him. Soundwave, like him, was fairly stoic. He supposedly thought they weren't so distinct. To conclude it, there was no reason for him to be concerned.
But then Shockwave was already standing in front of him when the lab door slid open. Soundwave straightened his posture as Shockwave's optic was on him. His own visor scans the cycloptic-looking mech as well for any subtle gesture. Neither of them could see the other’s expression.
“Soundwave, I have been expecting you.” He greeted him with a surprising enthusiasm. A slight change from his usual tone. It had bewildered Soundwave. “Come now. We have much else to do here.”
Soundwave walked in after the other had invited him so welcoming. Of course, he couldn't simply let his defenses down. Shortly after the door closed, Shockwave took him to their workspace. It was a huge desk holding some of Shockwave's equipment. Soundwave observed again. The instruments were created by the scientist's own servo. A single servo that specialized in weapon and device making. Soundwave had been thinking so long that he didn't notice Shockwave returning the equipment to its original storage.
“Apologies for that. Those are not needed for our first collaboration.”
“Understood.” Soundwave confirmed.
“I will guide you through as for the first time. As a result, you do not have to be concerned about making mistakes or accidents.”
“Understood.” Soundwave confirmed again.
“Excellent. Let us start, shall we?”
The first session was straightforward, with Soundwave listening as Shockwave directed and explained every part of his lab. Soundwave observed as well how he would look back at him after speaking, as if he had any inquiries or concerns. But Soundwave has always fully understood his words, and he will learn more on his own for their future collaboration. If it is going to occur again for both of them. Possibility? Perhaps more often than Soundwave initially thought. Shockwave demonstrated his techniques to him, and Soundwave had all of it recorded on his processor. It was rather compelling having the scientist personally instruct him on the procedure they would be performing. Soundwave was now convinced of how Shockwave used his one servo.
Now, the second session is where they began to work. Soundwave was performing on their workspace as Shockwave inspected him. He had no reason to be concerned about making mistakes, and supposedly Shockwave knew that. After he was satisfied supervising him, Shockwave left all the procedures to him to record the results on the console. During his own performance, Soundwave was still observing. Oddly enough, he didn’t hear or sense any negative thoughts from Shockwave or even recognize any subtle signs towards him. To say the least, Shockwave appeared to tolerate him more than anyone else, which Soundwave had never seen before. Most recently, before the collaboration began, he witnessed Shockwave conversing with a middle-ranked member. He remembered how the scientist’s tone was much coarser and more authoritative than the prior time he instructed him. In fact, it has always been like that. Soundwave had always observed him in this manner.
“Your progress has resulted in success, Soundwave.” Shockwave praised him so suddenly that Soundwave almost paused what he was doing.
He merely glanced at Shockwave, curious as to the reason for the unexpected admiration. Soundwave was not used to hearing words like that. Especially coming from him.
Shockwave seemed to have picked up on his confusion. “I meant it, Soundwave.” he said, now standing alongside him. “Your abilities and skills are flawless and unmatched. It is excellent and has intrigued me greatly.”
Well…
Soundwave wasn't sure what he should convey to him. The mech was entirely speechless after knowing what Shockwave truly thought of him. Even when this was their first time collaborating. How come it all transpired in such a short time?
“You do not need to respond back. I know how unaccustomed you are to compliments. Which is why from now on, your presence in my lab is always welcome whenever you decide to visit.”
That final sentence drew Soundwave back, although he was still puzzled. “Shockwave: indicate?”
“It means that I do not allow others to assist or even take a single step into here without conditions. But you, Soundwave, have every right to be here. And I will admit that I am unwilling to let you leave this lab when our first collaboration is complete. Did I make myself clear?”
“Affirmative, Shockwave.” Soundwave answered promptly.
“Excellent. Very excellent.” Soundwave sensed an amused tone from him. “Continue with your task. We still have enough time before I allow you to leave.”
Soundwave sensed this first collaboration of theirs would end up being something more.