She's back!! Yes, that's right. Woohoo! Yes this is the new chapter!!!! About time, right?! lol. What can I say, life has a way of interfering with my muse.
First off all thank you so much for your patience and for those who sent PMs of kind words and blessings. This chapter was giving me fits after Christmas then when my mother died…well, I just couldn't do any writing for a while. Then when I did I just went where my muse needed to go to forget about the pain for a while. I still have moments where the sadness just hits me and doubt they will ever entirely go away. None the less, I thank all of you for your understand and patience. Thank you.
Next, I'm aware my muse has gotten a bit carried away with the length of chapters. I never intended for some to get so long. I'm going to try and curb my muse, if that's possible. If not, then I will break an exceptionally long chapter in half.
Special thanks goes to all my Kacey readers for sticking it out so far and again for being so patient with me. You all have my humble thanks.
Now, without further delay…the Decepticons….
Thunderblast
I sat quietly on the berth watching my daughter recharge peacefully. Viper is a beautiful femme. A treasured beauty that I admittedly affirm rivals that of her cousin, Kaceystar. Something I know that pleases my Lord Megatron greatly and something he takes full credit for, attributing Viper's looks to his mother.
I admit that at first I was surprised at the amount of affection he has shown Viper. When she was a sparkling he held her as often as he could. As she grew older, he never minded her using him as a climbing apparatus. Even as a youngling he allows her to curl up on his lap and recharge in the Command Center or our quarters.
I must give full credit to Viper for all this. She has always been fearless when it comes to her father. Even when in trouble she stands there unafraid while he lectures her. It's a trait that she gets from her father and it actually makes him proud to see how fearless she is towards him or any other Decepticon for that matter.
Viper has never been outright defiant to Megatron or myself. She loves us and her brother with all her spark. I feel that every moment. And she uses that lovely smile on her father every time to get herself out of punishment. Of course she never gets into anything to serious. She's far too intelligent for that.
However, she has been known to get a mech or femme tossed into the brig when they do not comply with her wishes. I'm proud to say my daughter is a manipulative femme…just like me. She knows what she wants and how to get it. She will be a most fearful femme once fully matured.
I tenderly caressed her forehead, forever grateful that my daughter has been allowed to grow and mature naturally. I had feared Megatron would try to change her the way he changed Venom. As a mother, I'm ever fearful for my sparklings. I love and cherish them so much.
Venom especially.
I never got to be a proper mother to him they way I have with Viper. My son was forced to grow up far too quickly and it has handicapped him. He's still so emotionally immature and even volatile because he cannot control his feelings. I do what I can for him over our bond and make sure I'm there whenever he needs me. He will always be my sparkling and probably closer to me than Viper ever will be.
The little femme is her father's daughter and goes where he goes when she can. Of course, Megatron lets her, even when it contradicts what I say she can or can't do. I can't get too angry with him because he shows nothing but love for Viper, even when she does something wrong. To date he has never yelled at her for any wrong doing, just lectured her.
Whereas Venom feels his father's wrath on a regular basis. I know it's because he expects far more from Venom. All my son wants is his father's approval and he fights for it constantly.
"Mother…"
I turned, rising up to see Venom standing in the doorway. I signaled for him to go outside so we wouldn't disturb Viper's recharge. As I followed him, I noticed his hand twitching…again. I frown, feeling my spark ache.
The hand shaking is yet another indication of Venom's instability.
"Have you seen Soundwave?" I softly asked.
"Yes, he did his normal scans and such. Don't worry mother. It will pass. It always does."
"Then what are you so troubled about, my son?" I asked, feeling his bubbling anger, knowing that was not why he wanted to see me.
"Father has given me sparkling duty again!" he growled. "Viper is old enough that she doesn't need constant supervision! I want a real job to do, like in the command center or even helping Cyclonus or Starscream with training exercises. I'm a soldier! It's degrading to be forced to do sparkling duty!"
"Megatron feels you still have not learned the meaning of responsibility."
"That's bull slag and you know it mother! Viper disappears on me on purpose just to get me into trouble."
"I've already discussed that with her and…"
"What good does that do? Father goes behind your back to bail her out of punishment every time. Yet when I get thrown into the brig he's never there to get me out. I'm his youngling too!"
"And that is why," I replied firmly.
Venom gave me a confused look.
"My son, I know it has been difficult for you. I wish things had been done differently. But I cannot change what has been done to you. I do my best when I can to curb Megatron's anger. However, you do bring his wrath upon yourself by acting like a youngling. You are no longer a youngling. You've been fully grown long enough now to have matured emotionally or at least make an effort."
"It's just so hard, mother," he sighed, falling into a nearby chair. "Most of the mechs on the base don't respect me or who I am. They laugh at me when I'm in my cell. It's humiliating. I've fought in many battles now. Does that not count for something?"
"Respect is not earned for a Decepticon, it is taken," I said in earnest. "If you want something, you take it. Viper understands this and has since she could crawl. Do not act like a weak youngling and you will not be treated as such. You are not only Megatron's son but you are mine and you'd better start acting like it!"
"Do you think my position was handed to me, my son? No I had to fight for it every astrosecond of every day. It was not easy. There were times I felt like giving up. But I always had my optics on the final goal…"
"Father?"
I laughed. Venom was so naïve.
Still he shot me an annoyed look.
"No my son…power. To have respect you must have power," I told him, clenching my fist. "And to have power in this army means you must take it and fight to keep it for others will try to take it from you."
"Can you help me, mother?"
"You know I will," I smiled, caressing his helm. "Start by acting like a mature mech. You must not be afraid of your father stand up to him but do not be defiant. Megatron expects the mechs and femmes under his command to fear him. But you are his son. He expects more from you and sees your fear as a disappointment."
Venom's optics widened. I knew it hurt him to hear that. However, it was necessary.
"I am your mother," I stated. "You know I do not coddle you or your sister. I will always tell you the truth no matter how much it hurts. But I do so because I love you and I know that because of it, you will be a stronger Decepticon for it." I took his face in my hands and smiled, "Understand, my son?"
"Yes, mother," he smiled back, leaning into my affections.
"Good. Start by doing as Megatron instructed. I will talk to him about giving you more meaningful tasks."
"Thank you mother!"
"I cannot promise anything. But I will try."
"I understand."
Standing up, I turned, and acknowledge the presence I felt curiously probing my spark.
"Viper, you can come out from hiding."
My daughter stepped out of the shadow from the hallway and into the main living room with an innocent look on her face.
"I know you've been listening young one. You would be wise to take in what I've said as well. And do not give your brother grief today. In doing so, I will see about you not having to have sparkling sitter anymore since you are old enough and responsible enough to not need one."
"Thank you mother!" she beamed up at me then rushed to hug me. I kissed the top of her head. "Be good Viper. Try to reign in your natural tendencies."
"Ok," she giggled.
"Yeah, right," Venom snorted.
"Try not to kill each other," I joked, kissing him on the cheek. "I have duties to attend to and will see you later on the shooting range."
With that I left my sparklings to themselves and headed directly for Soundwave's lab. As usual, I found the mech deeply engrossed in whatever project he was working on at his desk. I honestly never knew what he worked on. I did know that there was no one more loyal to Megatron than Soundwave.
"If you are here about Venom, I can assure you I am doing everything possible to remedy his condition," he said, not even bothering to acknowledge my presence.
I ignored his insolence. I know for a fact he harbors feelings for my Lord. I also know he would never do anything to harm me out of loyalty to Megatron.
"I wouldn't expect anything less," I responded coolly, taking a seat across from him, indicating that I wasn't about to leave without answers.
If Soundwave was irritated in any way he gave no indication as he turned to address me.
"Thunderblast, we've been through this before. The results of the exam this morning were the same."
"Enlighten me again," I replied, narrowing my optics at him.
"According to my readings and diagnostic results, the elevated growth rate has nothing to do with Venom's condition. The Quintessons do not make mistakes and their work was flawless. However, as you know we Cybertronians are sparked with our own faults. Some are more prominent than others. And a rare few that do not develop until later in life."
"In Venom's case a rare anomaly has developed in his processor, the limbic system to be more precise. As you know this system is what controls our emotions. This anomaly causes a power surge to the limbic system which in turns causes Venom's emotions to be amplified."
"Through medicine and training I've been able to help him combat these emotional outbursts. However, his systems are becoming resistant to the drugs and he is rebelling in his training. Of course, it doesn't help when Megatron unleashes an uncontrollable Venom into a battle. And Venom will do anything to gain favor with his father."
I shuttered my optics closed, letting out a long sigh.
"Is there no way to help my son?" I softly asked.
"I may have found a way," he replied. I looked up to see a minute smile on his face when he gazed upon me. A first. I almost feel honored. The fragger almost never smiles. "I've been going over all the medical records in the databanks and found only one instance where a malfunctioning limbic systems was effectively counter balanced."
"Not repaired?"
"No. The limbic system's circuitry is far too sensitive for such an undertaking. It would mean almost certain death or if one managed to survive the procedure it would worsen one's condition. However, in this one instance, a micro processor designed to deal with the overflow of emotions, attached to the limbic system could counter balance these emotions and help the mechanism retain total control."
"If that's the case how come you only found one occurrence of this remedy?" I asked. "I've done my own research and have found numerous cases of limbic systems failures with disastrous results."
"For one it wasn't a complete success. If the emotions were too overwhelming the individual's processor crashed – a failsafe to prevent them from going on a rampage or from falling into total despair. And second, the mech who designed the micro processor never had the chance to share the design of the micro processor. He was terminated in the assault on Praxus just after reports of his work reached Iacon. The Iacon scientists felt it was enough of a success that they tried to commission the mech to come to Iacon. I never found out if he accepted the terms or not. However I did find out that he was driven to find a cure for his son who was born with a defective limbic system."
Turning to his monitor, Soundwave continued, "His son was plagued by emotional outburst and seizures from the time he was a sparkling. The medical bots gave him medicine and councilors trained him to control his emotions. Of course for any youngling that is an exceedingly hard thing to do. As we both know, medicine and training can only work for so long. It wasn't until the little mech was eight when the procedure was performed."
"So Venom can be fixed!" I stated, feeling a sense of hope for the first time in a long while for my son.
"It's not that simple Thunderblast. I wouldn't even know where to begin in creating the micro processor for Venom. I would need to study it before I can reproduce it."
"Which is impossible since the son presumable died with his father," I replied, deflated.
"He did not."
I blinked in surprise, "What?"
"I was able to ascertain the youngling was moved to Iacon with his carrier while the father had remained behind in Praxus. However to retrieve this mech is an equally impossible a task."
"What do you mean? Who is this mech?" I asked, anxiously leaning forward.
Soundwave typed in a command on his computer console and then turned the monitor towards me, revealing the image of the mech with his profile. A smile spread across my faceplates.
"Nothing is impossible," I said, my processor already contemplating the possibilities and implications of retrieving the target. "I can tell you, Megatron would be most please if we were to capture such a high ranking Autobot officer. And never underestimate a mother's devotion to her sparkling."
"Indeed, I have not. I've seen first hand how far a mother is willing to go for their offspring."
"Yes, pity though that your forces could not eliminate Prime's daughter when you had the chance. And you had two chances before she even reached Earth. She has become an even bigger threat than ever before."
"They are nothing but stories designed to give hope to those who have none," he countered irritably.
"So you do not believe that Primus sent a savior."
"I have heard many prophecies about a savior in my long lifetime. None have come to pass. This Kaceystar is just a femme nothing more, nothing less. Now if you excuse me I have a scheduled communiqué with Shockwave."
That was about the response I'd except from Soundwave. I pray he is correct for if we do kill Optimus Prime's daughter we could very well make her a martyr. Megatron may not care either way. However I do because I know all Decepticons would be at further risk, this includes my sparklings.
Viper
I ditched my brother again today. I know mother told me to behave but I just couldn't help myself. I wanted to do something and Venom wasn't cooperating. So I ditched him. Honestly, I do just fine by myself I don't need a sparkling sitter. Besides, it's not like I'm ever alone. I'm always around mechs or femmes when I visited the command center. Cyclonus often lets me sit in father's chair and pretends to take orders from me when he's on duty and father's not around.
"Viper!"
"Slag!" I commented in disbelief that my dimwitted brother found me again! Slag!
"This is a restricted area," he warned, grabbing hold of my hand.
"Don't be such a wimp! Just because it's restricted doesn't mean I can't take a look."
"Viper, just because you have father wrapped around your little finger does not mean I am immune to his wrath or mother's for that matter. Now let's go."
"I just want to see what they're building. Please brother," I begged, changing tactics.
"It's a weapons platform. We're going to use it to launch a full scale attack on the Autobot's new base on Earth."
"Obviously you're not restricted if you know that much. So you can give me a tour!"
Venom groaned, rubbing his optics with one hand. I refrained from giggling. I knew he was going to give me what I wanted. I always get what I want.
"Alright, but you're to keep hold of my hand and stick to my side. Both our creators would kill me if you were injured. And…as much of a pain in the aft you are I would never wish any harm upon you."
I bounced up and down, kissing his hand and sending him my love over our bond. He may be an idiot but he is my brother and I do love him. I worry for him as mother does. Only I don't know what's wrong with him or why he gets so upset sometimes. It actually frightens me when he gets super angry.
"Come on runt," he joked, his anger instantly fading and he actually smiled down at me. "I'll give you the up close and personal tour."
Happily, I clung to my brother's hand as he led us down the long scaffold deep into the underground cavern. The closer and closer we got the louder the clinks and clanks sounded as the Constructicons (as Starscream dubbed them) worked.
"Hey! This area is off limits!"
'Remember brother, they are afraid of father more than you are. Use it to your advantage,' I told him over our bond, wanting to help my brother. I did always regret it when he got into trouble because of me. I just can't help it at times.
"Who are you to talk to me in that manner?" Venom barked, extending some of his spikes to appear more imposing. "I am Megatron's first sparked – an extension of my father. Do you talk to him in this manner?"
"N..no."
"Then I am not to be talked to like a common mech either. I'll let this incident slide for now as I do not wish my sister to see any violence up close."
I giggled when the rude mech look terrified as he glanced my way. He knew what I was capable of. I could see that in his optics. I narrowed my optics at him for the fun of it.
"Well, well, finally growing some ball bearings I see."
"Screamer!" I cheered, running towards the flyer.
"Shut the frag up," Venom hissed. "Honestly Viper, I don't understand why you like him so much."
"Coz he takes me flying and you don't," I teased, sticking my tongue out at my brother.
"That's because father and mother would dismantle me on the spot if I did such a thing. And Screamer only does it when both our parents are…um…busy in father's office."
"You can say frag or interface, I'm not stupid," I commented.
"But pretty little femmes shouldn't be using such words, nor should they know what mature mechs and femmes do behind closed door," Starscream firmly said, patting me on the head.
"I'm almost into the second stage of my younglinghood. I'm old enough," I announced, folding my arms across my chest.
"That is not for you to decide," father's deep voice sounded from behind me.
"Father." "My Lord." Venom and Starscream greeted respectfully.
"This is a restricted area, why have you brought Viper here?" father asked Venom.
"Viper is a youngling and the young are always curious, Lord Megatron," Starscream answered.
"You slipped away from your brother even though your mother expressly forbids you to do so?"
"Yes, father."
"And do you actions warrant a youngling responsible enough to not have a sparkling sitter any longer?"
"No, father," I replied bowing my head, my processor trying to think of a way out of this one.
"Venom, report to Cyclonus for your new training. I leave you in his capable hands. Pay heed to his words. He is a most formidable warrior and will teach you well."
"Understood, Sir!"
"Starscream, report to Thunder, she has a special mission for you."
"As you wish my Lord."
"Come with me, Viper," father said, clasping his hands behind his back.
"Did mother talk with you?" I asked, falling in a hurried stride beside him.
"She has. I've let you get away with too much Viper. The fault is mine. I love you too much my daughter. You have so much potential to be a great Decepticon femme. As you father I only want you to be safe and happy. But you are at an age now where you can now fully learn what it is like to be a Decepticon."
"I already know, father," I smiled proudly. "To be a Decepticon you must show no weakness, no mercy. Take what you will when you can and from whomever. And do not hesitate to take it."
"You learn your lessons too well. Soundwave suggests we increase your lessons to everyday. Thunder and I agree."
My mouth fell open at the sheer size of the weapons platform as it came into view.
"Frag!" I gasped, earning a chuckle from my father. "Are you really going to use it to attack the Autobot base?"
"Yes," he growled.
I instantly felt his burning hatred. I've often felt it whenever the Autobots were mentioned.
"Father, is it true you tried to kill your own brother and that he is the leader of the Autobots?"
"It is true."
"Why do you hate him so much?"
"Some questions are not meant for answers," he snarled down at me. "You will do well to remember to never ask me that question again!"
"Yes, father. I'm sorry," I meekly replied, his anger scaring me for the first time ever.
Father sighed, lifting me up into his arms, "One day you will understand. Just not today."
I nodded, sniffling.
"Come, I'll give show you some interesting features on my weapons platform," he smiled, sending his love over our bond.
I perked up, feeling better, returning my love for father. I may never understand why he hates his brother so much. I do know I can never hate mine. Still he is my father. I love him and would following him to the ends of the universe if I had to.
Starscream
"You do know it is highly unlikely that the mech will never be alone," I remarked. "Even if he's away from the base his bondmate is never far from his side. The two together are a most infuriating pair to fight. I have scars on my wings because of them."
"I'm trusting you with the life of my son in this matter, do not fail me," Thunderblast growled at me. "Kill the bondmate if you must but bring me the Praxian alive and his head undamaged."
"I give you my word that I will do as you command," I replied, bowing to the femme. "I too have noticed Venom's instability and have done my own research."
"I do not know what you're talking about!"
"I am not a simple minded soldier like Cyclonus. I can think for myself. You of all mechanism know this as we were once…intimate. Do not forget that I was once a scientist before this accursed war. I know exactly what it is you seek."
I paused, caressing her face.
"I would do anything for you, Thunder," I murmured, noticing how tired she looked. Tired but still as beautiful as ever. "He doesn't treat you as you should be. Femmes are precious and should be treated as such."
"What goes on in Lord Megatron's chamber is his business," she countered, pulling away.
"Of course," I replied, moving away towards the door. "I will leave for my mission immediately after our meeting with our Lord."
"Thank you."
"Megatron will not rule forever," I spoke softly. "His obsession with killing his brother will be his undoing. It has already cost us numerous victories in the past."
"That may be. However, it is unlikely that you'd be the new leader of the Decepticons," she said.
"You know me too well Thunder."
"And that will be your undoing. Do your part in saving my son and you will have gained considerable favor with me. Fail me and I will kill you myself."
I smiled, bowing my head to her, "As you command."
With that I took my leave of her.
I honestly do not think Megatron realizes just how devious his sparkmate can be. Viper certainly does and doesn't miss a trick hence the reason the little femme has so many mechs wrapped around her little servos. I allow her to manipulate me.
I'm no fool. Venom will not follow in Megatron's footsteps. He is far too weak. Viper is going to be every bit as powerful a femme as her mother. Since there is far too much animosity between Venom and myself, it is best for me to stay on Thunder and Viper's good side.
Still, Venom is not entirely useless in my plan. He is easy to provoke. An uncontrollable Venom can do far more damage than Megatron can when he's in a fit of rage. I am simply biding my time until that right moment.
Until then I must remain patient and the dutiful second in command.
Soundwave
"Thank you, Shockwave," I frowned, staring at the vidscreen. "I will give this news to our Lord."
"I'm sorry it was not good."
"It may not have been good news but it wasn't entirely unexpected. Thank you again, my friend."
I ended the communications link and felt the sadness swell within my spark.
Cybertron was officially deemed a dead planet as it could no longer sustain life for our kind. The last of its resources bled dry long ago shortly after the Mars base was built. The moon Mechanar in the Denan Quadrant had become home to many.
Such a shame that the very home we'd been fighting for was destroyed by this civil war. Generations to come will never know of its beauty, its riches…its culture.
I hung my head, wondering what the point is now. What are we fighting for if our home is lost to us forever? So much has been lost in the accursed civil war.
Still, I made an oath long ago to serve Megatron. He was so young back then. So full of anger over the killing of his parents. He gave the rebels direction when he took them over. No one dared oppose or question him. He even gave them a name – Decepticons. He built an army that stormed across Cybertron and much of the Galaxy riding us of any Autobot that lay in our wake.
However, I must give credit where credit is do as Optimus has proven to be a most capable leader. The Autobots refuse to be snuffed out of existence. They are every bit as cunning as we are. Why wouldn't they be? They're Cybertronians. We are all Cybertronians.
What are now that Cybertron is no more?
I shook my head trying to rid it of such depressing thoughts. Megatron has been my friend for a very, very long time. Even if his path has gone astray I cannot abandon him. My oath is unbreakable until my very spark is extinguished.
"I take it the news was not good."
I slowly raised my head up to see my Lord standing before me. I didn't even hear him come into my lab.
"No," I frowned. "Cybertron is lost. Without the All Spark it can never be restored. Mechanar has an ample supply of energon but it is not infinite. Eventually the moon's resources will be depleted and we'd be forced to find a new home base of operations. Nothing is long term anymore."
"Any immediate short term problems from Shockwave?"
"Unfortunately yes. He'd received a distress signal then lost all contact with one of our outposts on a moon surrounding Tygres. A squad was sent to investigate. Tygres and its surrounding moons had been destroyed."
Megatron raised an optic ridge, "Destroyed, by what?"
"Presumably an asteroid or some cosmic event. There was no signs of a battle. Planetary debris was scattered everywhere and only half the planet was intact. Before the distress signal was cut off they said something huge was coming fast at them. The signal was lost before they could elaborate."
"Tygres was rich in titanium ore. How will this loss effect the construction of the weapon's platform?"
"It will put us behind…a month at most. I'm waiting for Mixmaster's latest update. I'll know more precisely based on his calculations on how much more titanium they need. Shockwave has several teams scanning for alternate sources of the ore."
Megatron growled and started pacing.
"I'm confident he'll find another source, my Lord."
"He'd better."
"On a more positive note I believe I have found a means to help Venom. It's not a cure but will help stabilize him."
"Yes, Thunder has already told me," he sighed, taking a seat. "I approved of her idea to send Starscream to Earth to retrieve Prime's tactician."
"If he pulls it off not only do we help Venom but deal the Autobots a serious blow. Prime relies heavily upon the Praxian's battle strategies."
"That thought had not escaped my notice," Megatron smirked. "However, it was a convenient excuse to get Starscream away. He is not a good influence over Venom. And I will not have him near Thunder or Viper."
"I did warn you before we had him brought back that he would eventually be up to his old tricks again."
"I do not regret my decision," he stated firmly. "Starscream has his uses. I would be a fool to not take advantage of them."
"I was not accusing you of being a fool, my Lord," I quickly replied.
"I know my friend. I'm not angry with you. But I must ask you a very important question. Will this procedure actually work for Venom?"
"I would not have suggested it if it did not, my Lord. I know what your son and daughter mean to you. I understand why you are so hard on Venom and why you cater to Viper's every whim. You love them more than you would ever openly admit even to yourself. Hence, I do everything in my power to prepare them for their future and keep them safe when you are not on the base."
Megatron's hard gaze softened slightly.
"I am ever grateful to you my friend. You are the most loyal mech I know. I'm glad you are because you, out of all my Decepticons, are the only one who could ever overthrow me."
"You know I live to serve only you, my Lord," I said, bowing my head and keeping it down when he rose to his feet.
"Do not think I am blind," he spoke softly, resting his hand on my helm. I felt my spark tremble with fear. "I know why you are so loyal. It is why I made you the sole guardian of my younglings if anything ever happened to Thunder and myself. No other Decepticon would…love them as if they were their own. I am grateful for that. Thank you."
With that he left me alone with my own thoughts.
I knew early on shortly after I first met him that Megatron was a mech out of my league, that there was no chance we'd ever be together as lovers. I accepted my fate long ago and buried my feelings deep inside.
"Soundwave, please report to the Command Center."
"Acknowledged. I'm on my way."
Yes, I keep my feelings deep within. Yet, they are what drive me to keep my Lord and his family safe. My feelings are why I will never abandon him. And if it came down to it, why I would die for him.
Megatron
"I apologize for being late, my Lord," Soundwave said, taking his usual seat. "But we just received some interesting news from Earth."
"Report."
"A new Autobot has landed. Based on the list of Autobots on record, a flyer called Jetfire."
"I'm unfamiliar with him. Who is he?" I asked.
"I had several run ins with him when we tried to overtake the energon mines on the Outer Rim after you left for the All Spark," Cyclonus chimed in. "He's a bit cocky but is a skilled fighter. A far superior areal mechanism than Silverbolt and his brothers. Rumor has it, he's Optimus Prime's cousin."
"Shortly after his arrival, a shuttle launched," Soundwave continued. "We were unable to follow it as it used the Autobot's hyperspace ability, developed by Wheeljack, and disappeared into deep space. There wasn't enough data to determine its trajectory from Earth."
"Something big is coming," I mused. "The Autobots are clearly preparing for something. I can feel it."
"Perhaps a mass of Autobots are arriving," Starscream commented. "It makes sense since this Autobot City is more than just a glorified base."
"Our missing ship?" Thunderblast questioned.
"A strong possibility," Soundwave added. "According to the report, a small squad of Autobots led by the Autobot known as Springer easily infiltrated the space dock on the lower moon of Cybertron, Aracelis. The Warbringer had just been decommissioned and was scheduled to be dismantled for parts. So security was lacking. Plus, no one expected the Autobots to be that bold. The space dock was destroyed and the Warbringer has not been seen since that day."
"With Cybertron basically uninhabitable the Autobots would be forced to find a new home," Thunder remarked. "We know their Prime sent a message calling them. It looks like they've finally arrived."
"Not just Autobots," Soundwave interjected. "Shockwave reports that some of the smaller neutral habitats have been deserted for some time now."
"That is purely speculative. Neutrals are nomadic creatures that never reside in one place for too long," Starscream countered.
"No matter," Soundwave responded. "The decline in Autobot activity over the past ten Earth years in the Centauri System is a clear indication that they've abandoned our home world and the surrounding planets and moons. The fact that neutral locations have been abandoned and the port of Quadria, where merchants - the majority of whom were neutrals - had come to trade and sell, is all but a shadow of existence compared to its once thriving past."
"The neutrals probably joined the Autobots since our illustrious leader has a habit of wiping out a neutral site if they didn't become Decepticons! Why else do you think they've moved on or remained hidden?!" Starscream shouted.
"Enough!" I yelled, slamming my fist on the table. "This bickering is getting us no where."
"My Lord, we do not have the capability yet to attack a formidable ship like the Warbringer. As you know, its hull was designed to withstand even the most intense weapons assault, even from our weapons platform. Second, we still do not have the capability to launch a full scale attack on Autobot City. To do so would be futile at this point as the city's defenses are now fully operational. Third, we have so many forces scattered about Earth right now. Even if we knew for certain that the Warbringer is on its way, we do not have the recourses to search this solar system for it."
"So what are you saying, we should wait and let it come, if it comes?" Starscream scoffed.
"Precisely," Soundwave coolly responded. "The Autobot's defenses will be at their highest if or when the Warbringer arrives. We can attack but would lose far too many Decepticons in the battle. There are just too many variables to formulate a successful plan of attack."
"This is all purely speculative," Thunder commented. "We should stick with our original plan of attacking Autobot City once the weapon's platform is completed. And if the Warbringer comes, it would be docked and would not have the maneuverability to aid in defense of Autobot City. We can wipe out ALL remaining Autobots and neutrals once and for all."
"Which is precisely why we're building the weapon's platform," I interjected. "We wait until the platform is completed. Thunder is right, it will not matter if the Warbringer arrives or not. It would be useless in this kind of battle. However, I want the platform fully operational in eight weeks time."
"You must be joking?!" Starscream exclaimed. "Our engineers are still trying to complete the design plans for the power core. If we'd received the entire file before the probe was destroyed then I'd say there was a chance!"
"My Lord, I'm afraid I must agree with Starscream," Soundwave reluctantly said meeting my glare. "However, with additional personnel from Mechanar and if they work throughout the day and night we can have a workable power core in thirteen weeks. By then I can guarantee the weapon's platform will be fully operational."
I held Soundwave's gaze for a long moment, noticing that Starscream remained unconvinced while Thunder sat contemplatively and silent.
"Very well," I rumbled. "Thirteen weeks and we'll begin the final assault and rid the universe of my brother and his Autobots."
"Yes, my Lord," the all said, bowing their heads as I rose to my peds.
"And Starscream, your mission better not fail or I will rip your wings off myself," I growled, feeling immensely satisfied at how he trembled in his seat. "Nor your deadlline Soundwave."
"I am confident I will not fail you my Lord," Soundwave responded, unaffected by my threat. Not that he would ever feel threatened by my wrath. Only Thunder knows how to ride out my anger as well as Soundwave.
"Thunder, tend to Viper," I ordered over my shoulder.
"As you wish, Megatron," I heard her say before stepping into the hallway.
From there I made my way to the training room. Thunder suggested I be more involved in Venom's training and then perhaps he will improve. I fear that until his condition is repaired he will continue to be a liability on the battlefield.
Still, Thunder has a point. I do tend to favor Viper more with my affections. I cannot help it. My little femme is so fearless like me and cunning like her mother. She is already an excellent Decepticon femme, worthy of bearing our insignia.
"My Lord," Cyclonus greeted, blowing to me as I arrived at his side.
"How goes the training?" I asked, watching Venom sparring with several Decepticons down in the training pit.
"He is eager to learn and prove himself."
"No drones?"
"I do not train with drones and as Venom's teacher he will not either," he stated firmly. "Nothing like a good scar to teach a mech a valuable lesson."
"Arg!" Venom cried out falling to a knee.
Energon seeped down his leg from a deep laceration prompting the mechs to taunt my son.
"No, let's see what he does," I said, pulling Cyclonus back before he could stop the match.
I could feel Venom's anger over our bond. It had not reached the point yet where he'd be blinded by it. But I could feel him struggling to control it.
'Focus, Venom,' I said over our bond. 'Do not let your anger control you. You are in control of it. Only you can command it to bend to your will.'
Venom nodded unable to quell the joy he felt for my presence. It seemed to give him confidence as he rose up and attacked. His spikes fully extended, his wings expanded as he whirled around. One mech was not quick enough to duck and lost his head when the long flat spike on the tip of Venom's wing sliced through the mech's neck.
Then he launched himself up into the air and landed on the other combatant. With a vicious snarl his mouth opened wide, his fangs extended fully and his sank them deep into his opponent's neck. The mech feel to the ground convulsing violently as the toxic virus coursed through his systems. To my surprise he was dead moments later.
"Did he have the antivirus downloaded?" I asked Cyclonus.
"Yes, I made sure of it."
I leapt over the rail, landing with a heavy thud in the pit and inspected the deactivated mech. Cyclonus followed landing softly for a mech almost as heavy as me.
"You changed the virus' code?" I questioned Venom.
"Yes, father," he replied timidly, obviously expecting my wrath for killing these two mechs.
"Well done," I smiled. "That's taking the initiative."
"Actually…Viper gave me the idea when I mentioned the antivirus. Deluge helped me with the coding that periodically alters the infective virus."
"Still, I'm impressed," I told him, clasping a hand on his shoulder. "Well done."
"Thank you, father," he smiled, standing tall.
"Let's just not make a habit of killing anymore sparring partners," I smirked, making him nodded his head quickly. "Cyclonus, once this mess is cleared up and Venom's injury is tended to you may resume my son's training."
"As you command, my Lord."
Again, Thunder was right. All Venom really needed was some encouragement from me. Perhaps I can still use him in the battle to come. A battle I was anxiously looking forward too.
Finally, my brother's days were numbered. We will destroy him, the Autobots and Earth. Finally I will achieve totally victory. Finally, I will be able to live in peace knowing my femme and my younglings will be safe.
I know I am a tyrant. It is the only way to drive my Decepticons. But I am ever grateful to Primus for sending me Thunder. She calms the raging storm in my spark like no other. And though I have never told her, I cannot bear the thought of losing her or my children.
Reluctantly as it is, my brother and I agree on one thing…our families are worth fighting this accursed war. But as in all wars there must be a victor and it will be me.
Up Next: A Day in the Life – Bumblebee. Yes, the next chapter will be from Bee's POV as the Autobots make their final preparation for the Axalon's arrival.
Again, thank you all for your patience and understanding. I do hope you enjoyed the chapter. Don't be afraid to hit that review button to tell me!