I reread the classic short story "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs the other day. Then I remembered reading a story "Introductions: Mohammed al Sharif" written by Botosphere. I should definitely call these my inspirations. Why do I like making Jazz and Prowl supernatural?

I know I altered the nature of the djinn, but I hope you enjoy this version. I also played a lot with canon. This is primarily a mix of G1 and the various comic universes.

Disclaimer: I don't own any version of Transformers.

Italics = mind/bond speak

line = scene break

It was just an obsolete datapad that had been hidden in an office in the heart of Polyhex. Soundwave stared at the odd trophy Ravage had slipped out of the Senator's office. Senator Ratbat desired to know his opponent's secrets, and Soundwave had been ordered to retrieve them. Looking closer, Soundwave saw a dim "3" partially concealed by scuffs and dirt.

A squawk from Buzzsaw snapped Soundwave to attention. Standing against the wall opposite him was a dark gray mech approximately two-thirds his height. Pulling his blaster, Soundwave took aim at the intruder.

Buzzsaw: report. Ravage, Laserbeak: return. Intruder.

Soundwave reached outward and probed at the mech. Absolute silence met his questing thoughts. It was almost enough to make Soundwave drop his weapon. Never before had he felt such silence.

He just appeared, boss. No warning and no sound. Buzzsaw glared at the intruder, spreading his wings defiantly. Might be a drone.

"Do you know what I am?" The still-unidentified mech raised bright yellow optics to stare directly at Soundwave. The stranger seemed unconcerned by the angry pair in front of him.

"Status: unknown. Identify." Soundwave repeated, aiming the blaster directly at the mech's head.

Whatever he is he can still die. Ravage snarled as he reached the door, internally cursing Senator Ratbat's stupidity.

"Unlikely." The mech spoke as Ravage burst through the door, diving straight for him. Ravage passed straight through the mech and smacked into the wall. The mech made no move to dodge the angry cyber-cat. "You have loyal minions, especially for one in such a lowly position."

Analysis: Probability drone unlikely. Intangibility impossible. Soundwave's mind raced searching for an explanation. The still figure seemed to be waiting patiently.

That wasn't teleportation. Ravage grumbled as he twisted away from the wall to face their target.

Careful, boss. Laserbeak interjected as he flew through the door. If he's what I think he is... Laserbeak landed on Soundwave's shoulder, watching shades of gray swirl across the plating in front of them. I think he's from the datapad.

Soundwave looked down at the datapad in his hand. Genie.

"Since you're flying companion has informed you as to what I am, we'll get started." The figure stared back at Soundwave, "What do you wish, Master?"

Soundwave put away the blaster. "Stand down."

"As you command, Master." The genie melted into the air, disappearing into nothingness. The last trace they could detect was the pair of fading yellow optics.

Slag. Laserbeak stared at the datapad. Boss, this is it. We could finally…

"Analysis and discussion needed." Soundwave placed the datapad carefully on the desk. The three symbionts merged into his systems, and they began a long debate.

Almost three orn later, Soundwave picked up the datapad. Anticlimactically their new asset did not appear. Fortifying himself, remembering the discussion just this morning, Soundwave announced, "Appear."

After a moment, the dark figure materialized in front of him, standing next to the desk. "As you command, Master."

"Soundwave: wishes protect more symbionts."

"You're noble wish is granted, Master. Eventually those needing your aid will be drawn to you just as you desire." Sensing displeasure, genie elaborated. "Events must move at the appropriate pace. If they come to you immediately everyone will know something is happening and you will be unable to care for them properly. What else do you wish, Master? Remember, you only have two additional wishes and your symbionts cannot make wishes for they are linked to you."

Soundwave took a moment to contemplate what he was about to say. "Soundwave: desires Senator Ratbat be disciplined for indiscretions."

"Do you want me to go spank him?" The calm voice dripped with amusement. "Tell him he's a bad mech and make him want to behave?" A hand reached over and traced the edge of the desk, drawing invisible patterns along the metal. Black sigils flickered across the offending hand and it was drawn back with a slight hiss.

Soundwave lifted the datapad, glanced at the flickering "2" and glared at the slightly insolent tone. "Obey Master."

"You told me what you claim you desire, Master." The now burning optics locked on his visor. "You haven't told me what you truly want. The things that burn within your spark and keep you online during recharge." The genie stepped forward slowly, still keeping out of arm's reach. "That is what you wish, Master."

Soundwave stared down into the optics, getting lost in the depths. "Soundwave: wishes Senator Ratbat punished. Wishes to serve a powerful, appreciative master."

"As you wish, Master." Offlining his optics, Soundwave shook his helm violently. When he opened them, no trace of the dark figure remained.

Did it work? Lazerbeak timidly asked.

Unknown. Soundwave looked down at the datapad he saw a dim "0" on the screen. The events could have been dismissed as fabrications were it not for the four linked minds recalling what had occurred. Datapad empty.

I hope it worked. Anything's better than working for this Functionist aft. Buzzsaw groused.

Twenty-seven orn later, Senator Ratbat ordered Soundwave to go in his place to the Gladiator Pits. During the fights Rumble and Frenzy got a bit too enthusiastic cheering, and Soundwave had to discourage the mech they'd accidentally bumped into during the championship fight. After they left, he realized he had dropped a few old things in the stands during the altercation. It wasn't worth going back for the datapad; Soundwave had no further use for it. The champion's method of stirring the crowd had impressed Soundwave; perhaps he would advise the Senator to keep an optic out for opportunities to work with such a charismatic individual. In the mean time, he needed to return promptly; he was expected to be present at the conference session to present his observations. Sentinel Prime was rumored to be taking an interest in Kaorn, and attracting his patronage could smooth the way for advancement.