A treat for my Kaceystar fans. Thunderblast's flashback occurs just after Kacey escaped to Earth. FYI – This is all Decepticons!
a/n: Italics denote flashbacks
Thunderblast
It's not easy being a femme in the Decepticon ranks. Even if you're bonded with a high ranking officer. The only bond that gave a femme power was of course, Megatron himself. Femmes were mostly ornaments to be viewed while in public like trophies then made to obey their mech's every wish and desire whilst in private. A rare few could fight and fight well enough to fend of horny mechs and do battle against the Autobots.
Femmes who could fight, often stayed together to protect each other from mechs. Many even bonded preferring the company of a femme for intimacies. Most Decepticon mechs were a bit rough, usually because they were often over energized from highgrade. A rare few actually knew how to treat a femme properly.
Fortunately for me, I was a femme who could fight, better than any other femme and most mechs. I could even fight off mechs only interfacing with those I deemed would give me information I needed or provide me with a step up in the ranks.
Yes, I was an ambitious femme who used mechs to my advantage by any means necessary.
Of course, it helped to have an older brother there from time to time when a mech got too out of hand. My brother Stormrider had always been there for me ever since I could recall my first memories. He was an officer, a fully mature mech in Megatron's ranks when our parents were killed while attempting to sabotage an Autobot communication outpost.
I was a mere sparkling at the time.
My brother taught me to fight, taught me of the Decepticon ways, told me to never settle for anything and to take what I could when I could. There were no hand outs for a Decepticon. Loyalty was earned through brutality and fear and then easily betrayed if someone stronger came forth.
And there was no one stronger than Megatron. He was ruthless, fearsome, all powerful, and my only goal once I was fully mature. I knew if I were to bond with him, no femme would have more power than me.
It took many vorns to work my way close enough to him before I could capture his optics. Oh yeah, I had looks and could kill. I was bred a Decepticon, loyal to our cause. The mechs had their own nick names for me once I built up my reputation. I was almost as ruthless as Megatron himself, a reputation I earned when I went undercover for a vorn in the Autobot ranks gathering information, striking where I could when I could.
My most proud moment, and the moment that pushed me up into the elite ranks, was my plan to hit the Autobots where they were at their most weakest. I infiltrated two youth sectors, planting the bombs that would explode just before a Decepticon assault. It was a merciless plan to kill all those potential Autobots while they were so young. They're cries were music to my audio receptors.
Of course, Megatron received all the credit for my idea. Typical mech took it as his own to fortify his power over all who feared him. But he did compliment me on my callousness…in private mind you. And it was what drew me closer to him, right where I wanted to be.
At that time, Megatron was more a single minded mech. The destruction of his brother and the Autobots was all that mattered. Yes, I was often there at his side but merely as a convenient interface to have whenever he wanted. I put up with the aches, the dents, he gave me because I knew once the Autobots were finally gone I would be there to rule Cybertron at his side.
And I would fight off any femme or mech who dared take my place. I earned it and was not going to give it up. Many died trying. Megatron found it all rather amusing and did nothing to stop me. Nor did he do anything to help.
There were times I wanted to kill him for not claiming me as his publically. He'd frag other femmes to spite me when I dared to voice my opinion. Then he'd either hit me once or yell at me to make sure I remembered my place. I was often reminded that I was not his equal nor would I ever be his equal.
My brother didn't like that part of my relationship with Megatron. Storm always believed I deserved better, better meaning a mech who knew how to treat a femme properly just like he did. But he knew nothing was going to stop me from attaining my ultimate goal of bonding with Megatron, a goal that seemed unattainable for so many vorns until the day my brother was brutally murdered.
Stormrider was a looker and loved the femmes as much as any mech but the femmes wanted him. They fought over his affections even if it was for an overnight fling. He had a reputation for knowing how to treat a femme properly in the recharge bed. It didn't hurt his reputation that he was also high in the ranks, knew things only Megatron, Starscream, Soundwave, and Shockwave knew.
The Autobots knew all this and took advantage of my brother. It's still a mystery as to how Elita infiltrated the base and disguised herself as one of our femmes. I was told Storm noticed her immediately and took her too his quarters. Shortly after that the alarms sounded. I ran into my brother's room to find her standing over his offlined body, weapon still smoldering from being discharged.
The piece of slag jumped out the window and escaped before I could even draw my weapon. Without being able to take my revenge at that moment I was forced to mourn my brother's death. No one dared approach me for fear of their own spark's existence. No one, except Megatron.
He came in to find me grieving and made two promises to me in that moment. One was that my brother's death would be avenged. Two that I was his, he would bond to no other. And he made sure all his subordinates knew this. I was his and he would have no other, which meant I could finally relax and not have to look over my shoulder any longer.
We had planned on bonding after our triumph over the Autobots. Alas, the war seemed never ending. And then Megatron fled Cybertron in search of the All Spark. But I still had my place. No one dared opposed me. Soundwave and Shockwave, whom Megatron left in command of Cybertron before he left, gave me my own base and small army that obeyed my every command without question.
I used the war to distract me from Megatron's absence. I loved him and missed him. Something I hadn't expected to happen in obtaining my goal. I was in love with power, not mechs. Megatron even knew this. And yet during our vorns together I did fall in love with him. I never voiced it to him nor did ever say anything to me. And I was left wondering if he did love me or miss me.
And, the day I learned of his death I was both spark broken and outraged.
As ordered, my shuttle was set to arrive in Iacon shortly, our main base of operations on Cybertron. The city was in ruins. The Autobots had fought, many died, trying to keep it after their beloved leader left them to fend for themselves. But we were relentless and took what rightfully belonged to Megatron.
I sighed wondering if the rumor was true. Was he really gone? Was the All Spark gone as well? If so, what were we fighting for now? Without the All Spark our world could not be returned to its glorious self.
I steeled myself, showed no emotion but the anger I felt within my spark. The mechs in the in my path quickly moved aside, each one knowing I wouldn't hesitate to terminate them as I made my way to Shockwave's office. Even though he ordered me to come, I was still furious that he had not contacted me before the rumor reached my base! And I used that fury to hold my grief at bay.
"Just when were you going to inform me that Megatron was killed?" I snarled, storming into Shockwave's office. "As his bonded to be it was my right to be informed by you or Soundwave."
"Please, be calm Thunderblast," he replied rising to his full height. He was the only mech I knew that stood taller than Megatron. Yet he did not have my loves bulk or strength.
"Frag being calm! I want an explanation!" I snapped, not being intimidated by his height over mine. I was no small femme, standing a head shorter than Megatron himself.
"Soundwave had asked me to hold off telling you once I contacted him about the rumor myself. And he said there was a plan in action."
"Can you confirm that it's true?" I asked, fearing the answer.
Shockwave sighed heavily and I knew the rumor was true. There was no one more loyal to Megatron than Shockwave.
"So, what's Soundwave's plan? I hope it involves dismantling that piece of slag brother of Megatron's very slowly, bolt by bolt. As I assume he was responsible for Megatron's death."
"And the destruction of the All Spark."
I looked up at him in surprise. Even though I heard the rumor I didn't want to believe that the All Spark was gone.
My optics flared. Fraggin Optimus Prime and his Autobots were going to pay for that too!
"I can promise that the Autobots are going to pay," he continued. "I have orders to take you to our base on Mechanar. Soundwave waits to brief you there per Starscream's orders."
"Starscream? That cosmic boob, doesn't know his aft from head. How did he end up as Megatron's second in command?"
"It was the best way to keep our optics on him as he posed the most threat to Megatron's rule. Surprisingly, he came up with this current plan."
I rolled my optics, my processor failed to believe that Starscream came up with a feasible plan.
"So what is this plan?" I asked.
"Attack the Autobot contingent on Earth."
"Pff, I could have come up with that!" I snorted.
"True, don't worry. Starscream won't try to take over all the Decepticons. He'd have to deal with Soundwave, myself…and you."
"But he is up to something, you have to admit that."
"Starscream is always up to something. Now, if you are ready, we may leave for Mechanar immediately. I'm anxious to hear what Soundwave has to say and why he won't discuss it over a comlink."
I nodded and silently followed him to the shuttle bay. We didn't talk much during the trip. I wasn't in a talking mood and Shockwave didn't talk unless he had to. Instead, I thought of the many ways I wanted Optimus Prime to die. I hated the mech as much as Megatron did. The Autobots have been an annoyance for far too long now.
"That's odd," Shockwave spoke, pulling me from my inner thoughts.
I turned to see Mechanar in our sights. And the far too many shuttles on patrol.
"Something must have happened," I commented. "We'd never have that many on standard patrols."
"Agreed," he replied, landing the shuttle at the designated docking platform on the surface of Mechanar.
I emerged and gasped at the sheer size of Arcatraz Mountain. I had only heard rumors of it. But to stand there at the base of the mountain was awe inspiring.
"This way," Octane said, bowing his head to Shockwave and myself. "This transport will take us to the base deep within the mountain."
"Why is the base on high alert?" I asked as we boarded the transport.
The transport sped off towards it's destination before he replied.
"An Autobot infiltrated the base," he answered, his optics flared with irritation. "Soundwave is having the patrol search for any more possible intruders."
"I trust this Autobot has been interrogated to discover why it was here."
Octane did not respond to me and dared not meet my optics with his.
"You did capture the intruder, did you not?" Shockwave demanded.
"She escaped…through the wormhole," he meekly replied.
"She had better have been Optimus Prime disguised as a femme!" I snarled at him.
"Close…it was his daughter."
My optic covers blinked in surprise. Even Shockwave appeared stunned, something I thought I'd never see.
"What in the pit is that piece of slag doing with a daughter?! How did that happen and we not know about it?!" I roared as the transport came to a stop.
"Because Elita-One kept the youngling hidden on Alpha Trion's base," Soundwave answered.
I turned to see him standing there, waiting. Getting off the transport I stood before him, glaring. There would be only one reason why he knew that.
"You have Elita-One in custody?"
"We do."
"Why wasn't I informed?!"
"Megatron's orders," Soundwave said to me. "He did not want your quest for revenge to cloud your judgment during these times."
I didn't know if I should have been touched or fraggin pissed of by that.
"Octane, leave us," Soundwave ordered. "Come with me."
Both Shockwave and myself followed Soundwave to a private area just outside the base.
"Thunderblast, please, there will be a time for revenge," Soundwave continued. "But not now. Too much is at stake. The All Spark is gone. But our purpose is not." He paused, resting a hand on my shoulder. "Megatron will rise again."
"How?" I asked, all my anger gone, my sorrow on the brink of overwhelming me.
"I will be leaving shortly to over look the Quintessons' work as they bring out leader back. Shockwave, it is up to you to keep Cybertron under Decepticon control and ready for our leader's glorious return."
"It will be done, I swear it," Shockwave said.
"I know you will not like it, but I am asking that you remain here, in charge of this base until Megatron calls for you, Thunderblast. I know Megatron. He will not want his future bonded to see him in any weakened condition."
"I understand."
And I did, understand. I understood Megatron better than anyone. He hated weakness. And when he finally called me, I arrived with more troops and supplies and we started construction of our new base on the planet the Earth organics call Mars.
There we finally bonded and I found out that he did love me. He loved me more than he would ever say with words. Megatron was never one for words. For him they were a waste of energy.
Five vorns had passed. Five wonderful vorns. Our love grew, our son grew. As much as I hate the Autobots I do wish for peace. I have raised my son without the worry of an attack. And he has flourish. Venom is growing up into quite the Decepticon. He obeys everything his father tells him. He even hates the Autobots as much as I do. And even has his father's vicious temper.
But the war was far from over. Our base, this almost small city was two hundred strong. It's a functioning beast of an army ready to strike when Megatron gives the order. Just one slight problem - where to strike.
The Autobots have been annoyingly clever in hiding their base. So instead Megatron has small teams attacking various cities to draw out the Autobots in hopes to discover where their secret base is.
Still, most of my love's efforts have been keeping reign over Cybertron. The Autobot contingent still there has demanded more of Megatron's attention of late. Shockwave sends frequent reports. The Autobots on Cybertron know the All Spark is gone. They are even aware of how their leader's daughter, a mere youngling, infiltrated and escaped from a heavily guarded Decepticon base.
This has given them hope.
Hope is a bad word to a Decepticon but all the Autobots have to cling to. But hope can easily be extinguished, if you know where to strike. And my love knows exactly where to strike.
Optimus Prime.
Without the Autobot's beloved leader, hope will be lost and we Decepticons will be victorious.
Megatron
I lay in the darkness with the warm form of my femme pressed against me and sighed. I was grateful for her presence. She has been a welcomed distraction from all the planning I need to do.
My brother thought he knew me so well. How wrong he was. I do have the love of a femme just like he does. I felt Thunder's love fill my spark as we finally bonded. And she finally knew exactly how I felt for her.
I loved her. I knew that more than ever when my optics first saw her after so many long vorns. I had not realized that I had missed her beauty, her ruthlessness, her…smile. We'd been apart for so long…too long.
I suppose dying does change one's perspective a bit. I realized I could no longer wait until the end of the war to bond with Thunder. So, I put Soundwave in charge and told him I was not to be interrupted no matter what.
Honestly, if I could I would have liked the time of our bonding to have lasted than it did. But we're still at war. I need to make sure my Decepticons do as they're told and to do that I need to make my presence known.
I did die. But I'm back. And since bonding with Thunder over a few days ago I have never felt so strong in my life. I was ready to take on Primus himself.
"How long have you been awake?" her sultry voice asked, her hand slid across my protoform chest.
"Not long," I sighed, taking hold of her hand and kissing it gently.
"Megatron, there's…there's something I need to tell you."
Her voice was strong, but I could feel she was…afraid. I immediately turned the lights so I could see that she was uncertain as she looked at me.
"What's wrong?" I asked, genuinely concerned.
"I don't know how you're going to react. I'm afraid. We've never discussed this."
"Discussed what?" I demanded, my temper instantly flaring.
"Sparklings…Megatron, I'm with spark," her voice trembled, her arms protectively wrapped around her midsection.
I stared at her in silence for a long moment before I stood, my battle armor sliding into place, and left her alone. Memories of my brother as a sparkling came for. Memories I didn't want to remember…ever.
His cries filled my processor. Images of the day our parents were killed. My sparkling brother screaming on the floor near my mother's offlined body. The killers standing over him, ready to take his life. But instead, I took theirs.
Ironic, if I'd never saved him, Cybertron…the All Spark…everything I ever wanted would all be mine right now.
I admit that I was not ready to be a father when Thunder told me she was with spark. I never imagined I would ever father a sparkling. I was father enough to my little brother and didn't want to be one.
So, I never saw the protoform body Soundwave build. I wasn't there when Thunder delivered the spark and when our son first came online. I didn't want anything to do with my son at first because all I could think about was my brother.
Was I fraggin idiot. I have regretted that decision; me, a mech who regrets nothing. I have worked hard to make up for it with Thunderblast and my son. I even promise my love that once the war is over that we would have another sparkling. So that I can do things right, from the beginning.
Meanwhile, Venom is only five now. Yet he is eager to learn, doesn't hold back his love for his mother or myself. And he is growing to be a Decepticon worthy of standing at my side one day.
I am…proud of him.
However, today was going to be the biggest challenge of my son's life. Today was the day five years of work will either pay off or fail. But I was going to ensure it did not fail. I was not going to lose my son.
"The Quintessons, as ordered, my Lord," Soundwave informed me.
I turned from watching Venom with his mother a short distance away on the shooting range. There were the five Quintessons responsible for bringing me back to life.
A strange race of beings in my opinion. They were always in sets of five. Each set of five functioning as one unit. And they were always together for they could not function with any less or any more than five. They're cybernetically enhanced organic life forms whose technology far exceeded our own. Xenophobic. Don't share their technology unless one takes it from them.
They only brought me back for fear of their own lives. And are now are forced to do my biding for that very same reason.
"If my son is harmed in anyway I will only kill one of you," I growled. "The rest will die a slow death. Am I understood?"
"What you asked has been done without fail," they replied in unison. Their pale grey faces showing now emotions. Their dark yellow eyes not even blinking at me. "The youngling will not die after the injections. The transformation will be painful because he is so young. But he will survive the transformation and through his four growth stages."
I growled, glaring at them for a long moment before waving for Soundwave to have them taken away.
"Do you trust them?" I asked my friend after the Quintessons were taken.
"They fear for their survival and will do as they are told. That is enough for now. Have you made a decision?"
"Whether to bring Starscream back as I was? No. I'm still debating. I'm not sure I want him back. He was a constant pain in my aft."
"But he was our best flyer," Soundwave pointed out. "We may need him because of Kaceystar's flight capabilities. She was only a mere youngling of ten and she out flew two very good flyers."
"I know," I frowned. "I'll decide on the matter later. Venom is more important for the moment."
"I understand. Everything is ready, my Lord."
I nodded, signaling for him for him to leave. Then I walked over to my bonded and my son. I smiled. There was no one better to teach him how to shoot a weapon accurately. The femme had skills better than myself. A fact she never hesitated to show off in the past when fighting for my affections.
Venom fired the plasma gun. I noticed he was improving. Most of his training was in hand to hand combat, teaching him moves and killing techniques. He has only just grown strong enough to hold a weapon without the backfire knocking him on his aft.
"Did you see that father?" he asked excitedly. Thunderblast wisely took the weapon from his hands before he got too excited. "I hit the target this time!"
"Yes, I saw. Soon you'll be rivaling your mother on the shooting range."
Thunder gave me an 'as if' look. She was rather proud no one was better shot than her. A status she was not going to relinquish, not even to her own son.
"Is it time?" she asked, as I grabbed Venom's hand.
"Yes," I replied softly.
"Venom, go find Soundwave. I need to talk to your father."
"Yes, mother."
"I thought these injections were supposed to make him grow," Thunderblast remarked once he was gone. "He still looks like a normal youngling to me."
"Our son is more than a normal youngling," I told her in earnest. "You will see that after this next injection. The previous four injections, one each year, have prepared Venom's systems for this moment."
"How can you be so certain? This is our son's life here."
"I would never risk our son's life," I said, pulling her into my arms. I could feel her fear for Venom. The love for him was strong, as strong as the love she had for me. "I swear it. Now come. We as a family will take this first step together in my plan for weakening the Autobots."
"I'm still unsure how Venom is going to be the key in Optimus Prime's downfall," she responded as we headed to Soundwave's laboratory.
"You will see soon enough, my love. I will explain everything to you after Venom's injection."
Together we marched through the halls. I gave her my confidence through our bond, sensing her distress. Venom was everything to her. I wanted her to understand the he was everything to me as well. I would do everything in my power to ensure our son's survival and to make him into one of our fiercest warriors. For it is my hope that if anything should ever happen to me he would step in and take my place as leader of the Decepticons.
"You must always listen to Soundwave, my son," I instructed after Thunderblast and I entered the lab. "I know he can talk too much at times. But what he has to say is always important."
Soundwave chuckled moving across the room.
"I understand, father."
"Good, are you ready to embrace your destiny, Venom?"
"I am," he replied, head held high, no fear in his spark.
"Excellent," I smiled, lifting him up onto the lab bed. "Lay down. Your mother and I will be at your side during the transformation."
"Will it hurt?"
"Yes. But it is necessary."
Venom nodded, his hand grabbing hold of his mother's.
"I'm here," she smiled, caressing his forehead.
"He will most likely lose consciousness from the pain since he is so young," Soundwave thoughtfully said.
I nodded and prayed to Primus that was the case. I wish for my son to feel no pain but understand it must be this way.
"Proceed," I ordered Soundwave.
"My Lord, as a precaution, I suggest we strap him down so he does not harm himself."
A soft gasp sounded from Thunderblast. I quickly rested my hand upon her shoulder to comfort her. My love for her spreading through her spark.
"Do whatever you believe is necessary."
Venom showed no fear as Soundwave strapped down his arms, legs, chest and head. How my spark swelled with pride. So young and already so brave. I could tell he was not going to be one of those sniveling, whining Decepticons I have a habit of beheading when they made me angry.
"Everything will be alright, mother," he smiled up at her.
"He is ready for this," I told her.
Thunderblast nodded at me. I could tell it was a struggle for her to keep her tears at bay. She knew I did not tolerate weakness. But I was proud to see she had the strength to not let them fall. Yet, I would never harm her for showing such emotion towards our son. It was a testament to her love for him and me. She was truly a femme worthy of my love.
"I'm injecting him now," Soundwave said.
My optics remained locked on Venom. He always had some discomfort from the other four injections. All were necessary for him to be what I need him to be, to be what he is meant to be.
At first Venom lay there, quietly. I knew it would take several astroseconds for this injection to run through all his systems and bond with the nanites from the previous four injections. And when that happened…
Venom's face distorted into one of pain. Yet he did not cry out. The surface of his protoform began to shift and take on its new shape. Thick jagged plate armor formed over his forearms and shoulders and his lower legs and feet. Smooth plated armor formed over his chest and legs. His hands there were balled up into fists opened, the fingers elongated to form sharp claws.
With a loud roar he struggled against the restraints. His mouth opened and I saw the long, deadly fangs had already formed. His helm armor taking shape and…
We jumped back suddenly, startled when he broke his restraints.
"NO! Don't touch him!" I ordered Soundwave, my own hands holding Thunder back.
My son did not run but instead moved onto his knees, claws tearing at the bed. And on his back the smooth armor began to take on a new shape. Two prongs jet out from where his shoulder blades were, then bent down and extended.
Then there was a long moment of silence. Venom panted heavily. I stared in anticipation at the extensions wondering what more was left in my son's transformation. Venom cried out abruptly as the extensions unfolded to form the wings that would make my Venom a flyer unlike the Autobots or Decepticons had ever lay optics on.
After all that, Venom finally passed out, falling forward onto the bed. His claws and fangs retracted, his wings folded back up.
And just like that, the Autobots downfall was set in motion. I grinned proud of my son, eager to move on to the next step. I could not wait for my brother to suffer and die.
Venom
I came out of recharge to see my mother smiling down at me, her love spreading within my spark. I eagerly returned that love. My mother was a smart and influential femme. She takes no slag from any mech, except father. I understand no one can be father's equal, not even me for there is no one stronger than him.
"Was the transformation successful?" I asked and immediately felt something different when I talked.
Moving my hand, I felt two short sharp points just inside my mouth. Then I noticed my hand, then my arm, and my back felt…I had armor…and more!
"I have wings!" I exclaimed, jumping to my feet, my head turning from one side to the other. I learned quickly how to expand and contract them. I instinctively moved them and lifted up off the ground.
Finally, I could fly!
So often I watched father and mother in the sky and wished to be up there with them. Mother has even taken me up there. But to fly as they do…I couldn't wait to try.
Father erupted with laughed staring down at me, his love and pride resonating within. Even mother laughed at my eagerness. I did nothing to hide it. I hid nothing from my parents. I loved them as they loved me and wished to make them proud.
"Your training will begin very soon, Venom," father smiled down, patting me on the head. "For now you must rest."
"But I don't want to rest."
Father's optics flared as he glared at me and I immediately dropped to the ground, my wing retracted, and bowed my head. Rule number two, never talk back to father. Rule number one, always obey father's orders.
"Thunder, take him to our quarters," father said. "Come to me once he's in recharge. Soundwave, come with me."
My spark sank. I disappointed my father. I didn't feel it nor did I feel his anger. But I knew he did not appreciate me back talking to him. I knew he was angry.
"You must learn self control," mother reminded me as she took hold of my hand, leading me out of Soundwave's lab.
"Yes, mother. I understand."
"We are at war. We must remain focused at all times."
"But we're not fighting on this planet. The Autobots do not know we're here."
"That is the kind of attitude that can get you killed. You must be prepared for anything. And never, never underestimated the Autobots. They are persistent pests and it is our duty to eliminate them all."
"You hate them," I commented, getting a strong sense of the feeling as she talked about them.
"Yes. They killed my parents and my brother. And they won't hesitate to kill you."
"They won't kill me, mother," I smiled confidently up at her. "Father and you would never let that happen."
"Clever little mech," she grinned.
I love my mother deeply. She never holds back her love for me. She's my greatest teacher, though I will never say that to father. I suspect my mother had to fight her way to the top, more so than father. She takes nothing for granted.
I can only hope to be as good a Decepticon as her and as strong as my father once I'm fully mature. According to Soundwave, will be in a few short years because of the injections I must endure.
I'm proud that I am like no other Decepticon. I will be fully mature before I reach age ten. And look forward to that day when I can fight side by side with my father.
"Be well, my son. Recharge as your father ordered."
I nodded, closing my optics covers and taking my optics offline. I felt her kiss my forehead as she covered me with a thermal blanket. Within moments I fell into a deep and peaceful recharge.
"Venom, wake my son."
Father's voice pulls me from recharge. My optics came online and I'm startled to see I am no longer in my room. I sit up quickly, shaking off my disorientation to see I was on board a shuttle. Mother and father were here. As were several Decepticons. All with their battle armor fully extended and weapons displayed.
"We're approaching the designated coordinates, my Lord," Soundwave announced. "We will only have a window of ten minutes once we land. After that the Autobot's satellite defense system will detect the shuttle."
"Understood," father said, lifting me up.
Both he and mother quietly took me to the back of the shuttle. I clung to father, uncertain. Mother's hand caressed my back, her spark reaching to mine, comforting me, calming me.
"Do not fear, Venom. You are prepared for this," father said confidently.
"We have trained you for this moment," mother added.
I nodded. My spark rate slowing. Yes, I have prepared for my duty. Father had drilled what I was to do into my processor over and over for the last vorn. Mother has taught me how to defend myself.
"Remember, my brother's weakness is his compassion," father said as the shuttle door opened. "Play to that and he will be an easy prey for you."
"I understand, father. I won't disappoint you. I will not fail the Decepticons."
"I know you won't," he smiled touching the center of my chest.
My spark fluttered with happiness as I saw my very own Decepticon insignia. I looked up to see the pride in my parent's optics.
"Remember your training," mother told me before, caressing my face.
Father gave her look making her back away. Father didn't like her showing too much affection toward me. I was not to be coddled. Father didn't want me to be weak. However, I knew in my spark that I was not weak. I sent her my love through our bond and promised her I would be safe as father set me on my feet.
Together we walked a short distance away from the shuttle before father stared down at me.
"Remain inside the Autobot's deserted base. My brother is so predictable. He will lead a small team of Autobots to come for you."
"Yes, father."
"Call me once the job is done and fly up into the air. The Autobots cannot fly to get you, nor will they shoot a youngling down. We will attack to ensure you're escape. Remember the coordinates I gave you for Soundwave will be there waiting for you and take you to safety."
"But I want to fight with you and mother."
Father laughed, "One day soon you will. You still need more training. For now, do as I order."
"Megatron!"
Father glanced back at the shuttle then back down to me.
"I must go. You know what to do. I love you, Venom. Make me proud my son."
"I will, father," I smiled.
Nothing more needed to be said so father returned to the shuttle and I watched it take off, leaving me alone. And for the first time I was able to take in my surroundings.
"So, this is Earth," I whispered to myself surveying the desert.
The moon was low in the sky. My internal chronometer had been set to the local time indicated that sunrise was in an hour. So, without any further delay, I made my way into the base and found a place to sit. Once I was comfortably seated, I did as father instructed me.
I hid my hatred for the Autobots and my love for my parents as I reached out to my uncle through the bond I shared via my father.
Up Next: Bumblebee, the twins and Kacey on poker night.