[[Gould]] has driven out to an isolated warehouse to meet with his secret business partner: [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Though his son, [[Dylan Gould|Dylan]] is scared at first to meet with the Cybertronian, Gould insists that he tags along. After all, Gould intends for his son to take over as human liaison with the Decepticons one day. Within the warehouse, Soundwave and [[Laserbeak (DOTM)|Laserbeak]] await the pair. Soundwave informs the humans that he is leaving Earth for a time. He nevertheless expects Gould to continue to interfere with any efforts the humans might make in attempting another Moon landing. Gould assures Soundwave that, so long as his monetary compensation is assured, he will use his connections at NASA to ensure that any lunar expeditions are financially unfeasible. Though Soundwave can barely contain his hatred for the human, the creature's usefulness to him is too great for him to act on it. Soundwave has been outwitted in the past by [[Sector Seven|Sector 7]], and as a result the Americans have discovered [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s ship. The need to stifle the humans' interaction with Cybertronian technology is paramount. Now that the situation is under control, Soundwave feels the need to once more consult with [[The Fallen|the artifact]] aboard the [[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]].
Boarding the ''[[Longshot (DOTM)|Longshot]]'', Soundwave and his crew prepare for the long journey ahead. [[Alice (ROTF)|The Pretender]] is put into stasis, and [[Fracture (Movie)|Fracture]] is put in charge of the [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]]. The voyage takes years. When Soundwave enters the ''Nemesis'', he notices at once that someone else has been aboard the ship. The artifact tells him that [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] has visited it in Soundwave's absence. Soundwave tells of his own findings, and presents one of Sentinel Prime's pillars to the artifact. The artifact tells Soundwave to leave the pillar behind, and Soundwave leaves to return to Earth and Megatron's side. The Fallen then uses the pillar's spacetime-bending capabilities to weaken his prison, and begins to emerge from the sarcophagus...
En route to Earth, [[Rumble (ROTF)|Rumble]] detects an temporal anomaly on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], prompting Soundwave to make a detour. The, he first discovers the inert bodies of several Cybertronian combatants before coming upon the wreckage of a newer ship, also called the "''[[Nemesis (Movie)|Nemesis]]''". He identifies the temporal anomaly as being the crude "space-bridge" jury-rigged by [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] using another one of Sentinel Prime's pillars. Digging into the ship's databanks, he uncovers [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]]'s involvement in the whole thing. Soundwave resumes his journey to Earth, leaving [[Strike Team Ursa]] and the Constructicons behind in the ''Longshot''. Perusing Earth's communication network, he spies upon Starscream engaged in combat with [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]. Soundwave orders Starscream to meet with him, and Starscream heeds his command, leaving the battleground behind. The two exchange information, and Soundwave orders Fracture and her team to make planetfall and find themselves new altmodes as well as the [[Star Harvester]] hidden on Earth. Starscream is sent to retrieve the rest of Soundwave's troops awaiting in the ''Longshot'' to get him out of the way.
Once Soundwave arrives on Earth, he muses about the changes that have taken place in his absence. He then sets out to revive Megatron, and to free [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]], who he discovers is in what was once known as the Soviet Union. He meets with Dylan Gould, who has taken his father's place as liaison to the Decepticons. Soundwave is amused that Dylan longs for more than his father ever did. Whereas the senior Gould wanted only for money, Dylan lusts for power. That is something that Soundwave can definitely work with...
==Featured characters==
==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]]([[Peter Cullen]])
*This story finally resolves one of the biggest plot holes of the [[Movie continuity]]: how The Fallen escaped from his [[sarcophagus]]. Working from an early draft of the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' screenplay, [[Chris Mowry]] had The Fallen being trapped by his brothers in IDW's earlier prequel comic ''[[Defiance]]'', but this concept was dropped for the finished film, in which The Fallen appeared simply sitting on ''Nemesis''. As no-one wanted to throw ''Defiance'' out (which was the only way around it, since the entire story of ''Defiance'' hinged on the sarcophagus), the plot thread was restated in the recounting of The Fallen's history in [[Tales of the Fallen issue 4|''Tales of the Fallen'' #4]], but it took until this story to fill in the gap and explain how he got out: he used one of [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s [[space bridge]] pillars to breach space and time and liberate himself. Hurray for John Barber!
*This story finally resolves one of the biggest plot holes of the [[Movie continuity]]: how The Fallen escaped from his [[sarcophagus]]. Working from an early draft of the ''[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen]]'' screenplay, [[Chris Mowry]] had The Fallen being trapped by his brothers in IDW's earlier prequel comic ''[[Transformers: Defiance|Defiance]]'', but this concept was dropped for the finished film, in which The Fallen appeared simply sitting on ''Nemesis''. As no-one wanted to throw ''Defiance'' out (which was the only way around it, since the entire story of ''Defiance'' hinged on the sarcophagus), the plot thread was restated in the recounting of The Fallen's history in [[Tales of the Fallen issue 4|''Tales of the Fallen'' #4]], but it took until this story to fill in the gap and explain how he got out: he used one of [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]]'s [[space bridge]] pillars to breach space and time and liberate himself. Hurray for John Barber!
[[Image:Shockwave-ROTFnewspaper.jpg|right|thumb]]
[[Image:Shockwave-ROTFnewspaper.jpg|right|thumb]]
*Most of the second half of this chapter retells Soundwave's first chronological appearance from [[Alliance issue 2|''Alliance'' #2]], as well as explaining why he left Earth and was seen to return in that issue.
*Most of the second half of this chapter retells Soundwave's first chronological appearance from [[Alliance issue 2|''Alliance'' #2]], as well as explaining why he left Earth and was seen to return in that issue.
*After receiving a passing mention in [[Dark of the Moon issue 3|''Dark of the Moon'' #3]], a new-born continuity error from ''[[The Reign of Starscream]]'' is amended with this issue. In that mini-series, the Decepticons are seen to have a space bridge, which is here retconned to be a primitive, jury-rigged device created from one of Sentinel's pillars by Thundercracker, able only to carry out transit to Cybertron.
*Soundwave finds two unnamed Autobot corpses on Mars after the events of [[The Reign of Starscream issue 3|''The Reign of Starscream'' #3]], which seemingly killed off ''three'': Camshaft, Air Raid and [[Smokescreen (Movie)|Smokescreen]]. The missing Autobot is most likely Smokescreen, explaining how he could reappear alive and well in ''[[Transformers: Nefarious|Nefarious]]''. This also seems to confirm that [[Cliffjumper (Movie)|Cliffjumper]], whose fate was left unclear, survived the battle.
*After receiving a passing mention in [[Dark of the Moon issue 3|''Dark of the Moon'' #3]], a new-born continuity error from ''[[Transformers: The Reign of Starscream|The Reign of Starscream]]'' is amended with this issue. In that mini-series, the Decepticons are seen to have a space bridge, which is here retconned to be a primitive, jury-rigged device created from one of Sentinel's pillars by Thundercracker, able only to carry out transit to Cybertron.
*The newspaper article about Shockwave that Soundwave discovers briefly appeared as an [[easter egg]] in ''Revenge of the Fallen''. Crazy!
*The newspaper article about Shockwave that Soundwave discovers briefly appeared as an [[easter egg]] in ''Revenge of the Fallen''. Crazy!
*''[[Ghosts of Yesterday]]'' is referenced in this chapter. While the novel portrayed [[Apollo 11]] as a distraction from the launch of ''[[Ghost 1]]'', here Soundwave believes it was made to distract him from the Moon landing, unaware that anyone was on board before it disappeared.
*''[[Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday|Ghosts of Yesterday]]'' is referenced in this chapter. While the novel portrayed [[Apollo 11]] as a distraction from the launch of ''[[Ghost 1]]'', here Soundwave believes the latter was made to distract him from the Moon landing, unaware that anyone was on board before it disappeared.
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{{series}}}
[[{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
#| }}{{#if: |issues:}}{{#ifeq: | Category
[[Category:IDW {{#switch:{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{{series}}}}}
{{#switch:prime
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Transformers Prime: Rage of the Dinobots
fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:primeadaptation
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
{{#switch:ragedinobots
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (comic)
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)=Transformers: Prime (graphic novel)
prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
ragedinobots}}=Prime
{{#switch:rid2015
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=Transformers: War for Cybertron (comic)
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prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Transformers: Prime (comic series)
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fulloffire|full of fire|full of fire!=Full of Fire!
rid2015|robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015)|transformers: robots in disguise (2015 comic)=Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015 comic)
rid2015}}=Robots in Disguise (2015)
{{#switch:{{{series}}}
war for cybertron|warforcybertron|transformers: war for cybertron|transformers: war for cybertron (comic)=War for Cybertron
fall of cybertron|fallofcybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron|transformers: fall of cybertron (comic)=Fall of Cybertron
transformers: prime|transformers: prime (comic)|primeadaptation|prime adaptation|transformers: prime (comic series)=Prime
primerage|ragedinobots|rage of the dinobots|rageofthedinobots|primeragedinobots|transformers prime: rage of the dinobots=Prime – Rage of the Dinobots
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|the transformers: maximum dinobots=The Transformers: Maximum Dinobots
premierecollection|premiere collection|the transformers: the premiere collection=The Transformers: The Premiere Collection
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|the transformers: all hail megatron=The Transformers: All Hail Megatron
the idw collection|the transformers: the idw collection=The Transformers: The IDW Collection
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)=The Transformers (IDW)|The Transformers vol. 1
wreckers|last stand of the wreckers|transformers last stand of the wreckers|transformers: last stand of the wreckers|the transformers last stand of the wreckers|the transformers: last stand of the wreckers=The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers
the idw collection|g.i. joe: the idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
infestation=Infestation (IDW)|Infestation
infestation 2=Infestation 2
heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|the transformers: heart of darkness=The Transformers: Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=Transformers: The Death of Optimus Prime
more than meets the eye|transformers: more than meets the eye|the transformers: more than meets the eye=The Transformers: More than Meets the Eye
robots in disguise|transformers: robots in disguise=The Transformers: Robots in Disguise
dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron
drift:eos|drift: empire of stone|transformers drift: empire of stone|transformers: drift: empire of stone|the transformers drift: empire of stone|drift: empire of stone=The Transformers: Drift - Empire of Stone
the transformers: windblade=The Transformers: Windblade
sins of the wreckers|transformers sins of the wreckers|transformers: sins of the wreckers|the transformers sins of the wreckers|the transformers: sins of the wreckers=The Transformers: Sins of the Wreckers
gijoe5|gijoevol5|g.i. joe vol. 5|gi joe vol 5=G.I. Joe vol. 5
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts (comic)|Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
first strike=First Strike
ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Transformers: Requiem of the Wreckers
maximum dinobots|transformers maximum dinobots|transformers: maximum dinobots|the transformers maximum dinobots|maximum dinobots=Maximum Dinobots
all hail megatron|transformers all hail megatron|transformers: all hail megatron|the transformers all hail megatron|all hail megatron=All Hail Megatron
the transformers|the transformers (ongoing)|the transformers (idw)=IDW The Transformers
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heart of darkness|transformers heart of darkness|transformers: heart of darkness|the transformers heart of darkness|heart of darkness=Heart of Darkness
tdoop|death of optimus prime|the death of optimus prime|transformers: the death of optimus prime=The Death of Optimus Prime
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dark cybertron=Dark Cybertron
the transformers: windblade|windblade2|windblade2015|the transformers: windblade vol. 2|the transformers: windblade (2015)=Windblade
transformers vs gi joe|transformers vs. g.i. joe=Transformers vs. G.I. Joe
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till all are one|Till All Are One|transformers till all are one|transformers: till all are one|the transformers till all are one|the transformers: till all are one=Till All Are One
revolution=Revolution
revolutionaries=Revolutionaries
action man=Action Man
gijoe5|g.i. joe vol 5|g.i. joe vol. 5|g.i. joe volume 5|g.i. joe (vol. 5)|g.i. joe (volume 5)=G.I. Joe vol. 5
g.i. joe idw collection=G.I. Joe: The IDW Collection
first strike=First Strike
hasbro heroes sourcebook=Hasbro Heroes Sourcebook
micronauts=Micronauts
wrath of karza|micronauts wrath of karza|micronauts: wrath of karza=Micronauts: Wrath of Karza
rom=ROM
rom dire wraiths|rom: dire wraiths=Rom: Dire Wraiths
romamn|rom&mn|rom and the micronauts|rom & the micronauts=Rom & the Micronauts
rom vs transformers|shining armor|rom vs. transformers|rom vs transformers: shining armor|rom vs. transformers: shining armor=Rom vs. Transformers: Shining Armor
m.a.s.k.|m. a. s. k.|mask mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k. mobile armored strike kommand|mask: mobile armored strike kommand|m.a.s.k.: mobile armored strike command=M.A.S.K.: Mobile Armored Strike Kommand
scarletts strike force|scarlett's strike force=Scarlett's Strike Force
transformers vs visionaries|transformers vs. visionaries=Transformers vs. Visionaries
requiem of the wreckers|transformers requiem of the wreckers|transformers: requiem of the wreckers=Requiem of the Wreckers
Gould has driven out to an isolated warehouse to meet with his secret business partner: Soundwave. Though his son, Dylan is scared at first to meet with the Cybertronian, Gould insists that he tags along. After all, Gould intends for his son to take over as human liaison with the Decepticons one day. Within the warehouse, Soundwave and Laserbeak await the pair. Soundwave informs the humans that he is leaving Earth for a time. He nevertheless expects Gould to continue to interfere with any efforts the humans might make in attempting another Moon landing. Gould assures Soundwave that, so long as his monetary compensation is assured, he will use his connections at NASA to ensure that any lunar expeditions are financially unfeasible. Though Soundwave can barely contain his hatred for the human, the creature's usefulness to him is too great for him to act on it. Soundwave has been outwitted in the past by Sector 7, and as a result the Americans have discovered Sentinel Prime's ship. The need to stifle the humans' interaction with Cybertronian technology is paramount. Now that the situation is under control, Soundwave feels the need to once more consult with the artifact aboard the Nemesis.
Boarding the Longshot, Soundwave and his crew prepare for the long journey ahead. The Pretender is put into stasis, and Fracture is put in charge of the Constructicons. The voyage takes years. When Soundwave enters the Nemesis, he notices at once that someone else has been aboard the ship. The artifact tells him that Megatron has visited it in Soundwave's absence. Soundwave tells of his own findings, and presents one of Sentinel Prime's pillars to the artifact. The artifact tells Soundwave to leave the pillar behind, and Soundwave leaves to return to Earth and Megatron's side. The Fallen then uses the pillar's spacetime-bending capabilities to weaken his prison, and begins to emerge from the sarcophagus...
En route to Earth, Rumble detects an temporal anomaly on Mars, prompting Soundwave to make a detour. The, he first discovers the inert bodies of several Cybertronian combatants before coming upon the wreckage of a newer ship, also called the "Nemesis". He identifies the temporal anomaly as being the crude "space-bridge" jury-rigged by Thundercracker using another one of Sentinel Prime's pillars. Digging into the ship's databanks, he uncovers Starscream's involvement in the whole thing. Soundwave resumes his journey to Earth, leaving Strike Team Ursa and the Constructicons behind in the Longshot. Perusing Earth's communication network, he spies upon Starscream engaged in combat with Bumblebee. Soundwave orders Starscream to meet with him, and Starscream heeds his command, leaving the battleground behind. The two exchange information, and Soundwave orders Fracture and her team to make planetfall and find themselves new altmodes as well as the Star Harvester hidden on Earth. Starscream is sent to retrieve the rest of Soundwave's troops awaiting in the Longshot to get him out of the way.
Once Soundwave arrives on Earth, he muses about the changes that have taken place in his absence. He then sets out to revive Megatron, and to free Shockwave, who he discovers is in what was once known as the Soviet Union. He meets with Dylan Gould, who has taken his father's place as liaison to the Decepticons. Soundwave is amused that Dylan longs for more than his father ever did. Whereas the senior Gould wanted only for money, Dylan lusts for power. That is something that Soundwave can definitely work with...
This story finally resolves one of the biggest plot holes of the Movie continuity: how The Fallen escaped from his sarcophagus. Working from an early draft of the Revenge of the Fallen screenplay, Chris Mowry had The Fallen being trapped by his brothers in IDW's earlier prequel comic Defiance, but this concept was dropped for the finished film, in which The Fallen appeared simply sitting on Nemesis. As no-one wanted to throw Defiance out (which was the only way around it, since the entire story of Defiance hinged on the sarcophagus), the plot thread was restated in the recounting of The Fallen's history in Tales of the Fallen #4, but it took until this story to fill in the gap and explain how he got out: he used one of Sentinel Prime's space bridge pillars to breach space and time and liberate himself. Hurray for John Barber!
Most of the second half of this chapter retells Soundwave's first chronological appearance from Alliance #2, as well as explaining why he left Earth and was seen to return in that issue.
Soundwave finds two unnamed Autobot corpses on Mars after the events of The Reign of Starscream #3, which seemingly killed off three: Camshaft, Air Raid and Smokescreen. The missing Autobot is most likely Smokescreen, explaining how he could reappear alive and well in Nefarious. This also seems to confirm that Cliffjumper, whose fate was left unclear, survived the battle.
After receiving a passing mention in Dark of the Moon #3, a new-born continuity error from The Reign of Starscream is amended with this issue. In that mini-series, the Decepticons are seen to have a space bridge, which is here retconned to be a primitive, jury-rigged device created from one of Sentinel's pillars by Thundercracker, able only to carry out transit to Cybertron.
The newspaper article about Shockwave that Soundwave discovers briefly appeared as an easter egg in Revenge of the Fallen. Crazy!
Ghosts of Yesterday is referenced in this chapter. While the novel portrayed Apollo 11 as a distraction from the launch of Ghost 1, here Soundwave believes the latter was made to distract him from the Moon landing, unaware that anyone was on board before it disappeared.
