[I did a small timeskip with this chapter. It's been a whole year and you guys will be reading the sorts of stuff that Megatron basically forced Ven to do.]

(Chapter 17)

(Ven POV)

It's been a year since my and Megatron's interaction and I'll tell everyone now that it's been hell. I haven't had a full night of sleep for a while, and I feel like shit. On the plus side, I bulked up! I also think I got taller too, but I'm not really sure. Aren't a lot of things that I can compare my height to when I'm the smallest being on this ship.

—--

I wake abruptly as I hear the shrill noise of my alarm go off. I picked up my phone to see the blaring time of three am. I just groaned and forced myself to get out of bed. I went to sleep sore tonight and I hardly ate anything the day before along with hardly drinking any water, so right now, I feel like absolute and utter shit. I probably smell like it too. Ugh.

As I dragged my ass out of bed I went over to my box, which I have now dubbed my magic box since I haven't exactly emptied it out yet, so I have no idea what I'll find. I grabbed some clothes, a towel, and some body soap since I fully intended on taking a shower before I did anything today. I also grabbed a poptart, munching on it before hopping into my portable bathtub. Today I'm on security. Not really exciting, but I'm doing something and Megatron can't get on my ass about it.

I took a bath and finished getting ready. I got dressed in a pair of black cargo pants, my trusty chucks, never know when you gotta dip, and a slightly tighter gray shirt. I made sure to grab my sweater and I was ready clothes wise. Now I just needed to deal with my hair and teeth. Gotta take care of that morning breath.

Once I'm fully ready I go to the side of my living area and look over the edge.

My biology has changed so much that I've gotten strong enough that I could just jump down over a ledge as high as my living area and land on my feet without breaking any bones. Very cool, but I'm still not telling anyone about my developing powers. I'm not taking the chance no matter how much I trust some of my newfound friends. I trust them, don't get me wrong, but there was still a chance that they could end up being forced to talk about my newfound, and largely unwanted powers. Having powers is cool and all, but I don't want to be compared to Mary sue. They're kinda annoying and I don't feel like being annoying.

I just stepped forward and I dropped down from the ledge, landing on my feet, stumbling for just a second, then straightening myself. I walked out of my room and I immediately headed down to the room that Soundwave seems to always be in other than the throne room. Of course the nosiest person on this ship would stay in the room that holds most of the security feed.

I sighed as I walked into the room, immediately spotting Soundwave and going over to him. He used an extra appendage and lifted me up so that He could set me on the console.

Lately, me and Soundwave have been getting along. I help him with hacking and he continues to teach me hacking at the same time. He's even assisted me with my studies with their biology. He's given me data pads and has given me videos that were made before the war.

We weren't exactly friends yet due to my wariness to get close to him, but he's a cool mech. A very cool and scary ass mech since he could just spill my information at any time, but still, he's cool. Anyway, he's also been helping me study their language too. I did pester him enough to do so, so of course, in order to make me stop, he went along with my wishes.

I went over to my spot and I immediately hopped around, jumping on the console's typing keys so that I could type in a password to get into the security feed. It's kinda funny how they haven't made a small enough console for me to work on yet. I mean, I could just connect my computer into the console, but I didn't want to risk them seeing my plans.

As I finished getting logged into the console I huffed as I saw that there were different panels that showed different live feeds from different areas of the ship and in different mines around the world.

I huffed as I stepped off the typing keys of the console and I looked at every screen before I stepped off the side where there was a small area that was designated to me so that I at least had an area to sit or stand. From there, I just watched the live security feed, paying close attention so that I won't get in trouble or be accused of not doing my job right. That's happened much too many times with the silver fuck around this past year.

After just an hour I started to nod off heavily, damn near falling back off of the console. I would've fallen off the console if Soundwave didn't catch me though, which I'm grateful for. I did flinch hella hard though. When he grabbed me it scared the shit out of me, so he woke me right the hell up.

When he sat me back onto my little sitting area I groaned and rubbed my tired eyes , which have dark eyebags under. I already had tired eyes, I don't want to have sleep deprived eyes. It's hard to get rid of those and I'm speaking from experience. You don't want them.

I turned to Soundwave and I found that he was watching me closely, which felt weird, but I wasn't up to feeling weirded out about it.

"Thanks."

Soundwave nodded back to me as his answer and went back to working on his own separate console. He was honestly a hard working mech, I just honestly wish that he didn't work with Megatron on this absolute shit show. I mean, it was kinda valid though if you look at the many different backgrounds he has, which all start with him starting out in the slums and being a gladiator. I actually wanted to know what some of his fights looked like. Who wouldn't though? It was said that Soundwave and Megatron went at it in the arena and it came out in a draw, making him the second most famous gladiator around.

I looked away from him and I looked back at the live feed, this time staying standing so that I didn't get so tired easily. I didn't want to have to fall asleep and fall off the edge of the console, or worse, getting scolded by Megatron for being a poor soldier and having more work being forced upon little old me. I already have to finish up my shift here and I have another shift working in the Med-bay. He gave me the job, not knowing that I was already working in there without his knowledge. He might actually know, but meh. Too late to be dwelling on that thought.

The only plus side with all this work is that I've bulked up. My arms have gotten more toned and you could practically see my muscles in my back start to form. I even got abs, but they're faint. I know, not very impressive, but I'm losing weight, which is a plus. You could even see my muscles through my thighs, which I can't help but compare to my sister's. She had and still does have some muscular ass legs. Huh. It's been a while since I've thought about my family members. I wonder what they're up to now that I'm missing from home. I wonder if anyone cried.

Now that I think about it, I might never actually get home. I might never hug my mama again, or cause bullshit with my younger siblings. Man. I'm getting homesick now. Majorly homesick.

As I get lost in my thoughts about my family and how I might never see them again nearly makes me forget that I am supposed to be on security duty. I also nearly miss the fact that there was a raid that was being attempted by the Autobots in one of the mines on live feed right now. I signal to Soundwave to get his attention and I pointed to the console screen.

"Yo. Spaghetti noodle. There's a raid being attempted right now. They might need some backup too by the looks of it."

Soundwave slowly turned his helm to take a look at my screen before he stopped moving for just a moment, presumably sending a message to any soldiers to go and assist the miners that were down in one of the mines.

I, myself, looked back at the screen and watched the security feed closely, watching the fight go on and slowly go into the Autobots favor. Then, a groundbridge opened and out came some soldiers, immediately barraging the Autobots with blaster fire, pushing them back and making them flee.

I continued to watch and be impressed as I watched that whole thing go down. The Vehicons have actually gotten better in their fighting skills, lasting longer in battles and giving the Autobots a more difficult challenge. All this just made me think that Starscream and the others just might be training their soldiers more thoroughly, which is good. Very good. But! I hope it doesn't really stop the Autobots in the future. It would be horrible that the Decepticons would come out on top just because I made some mistakes that were supposed to do some good. It would be really horrible if that were to happen. Let me just stop talking about it before I jinx everything and cause chaos for everyone.

I watched with some boredom as the Vehicons started cleaning up after the battle and got back to work. They were definitely stronger since I could tell that there were only majorly injured Vehicons that were ordered to make their way to Med-bay. I felt kinda proud since I knew a handful and then some of the Vehicons that were working in that specific mine. Since I've been forced into the life of a worker drone I put it upon myself to get to know most of the Vehicons on a more personal level. It worked mostly. I've been collecting these guys' friendships like pokemons and I could honestly say that I'm enjoying myself.

After a few more hours in the security room it's time to start my next shift in the Med-bay.

I tapped my foot on the floor and I caught Soundwave's attention once again. I glanced at the ground, quietly signaling him that I want to be put down on the ground. He turned back to his console, continuing his typing as he used one of his extra appendages to set me on the ground.

He puts me on the ground and I immediately make my way out of the room and I head down to the Med-bay. One other good thing that I've gained from Megatron forcing me to do work is that I've better memorized the different halls of this dark ship.

As I made my way down the halls my thoughts strayed back to the matter of my family. I haven't seen them in over a year and I know that it would be impossible to contact them since my phone has no signal.

I thought about all the times I hung out with my younger sister and brother, and the awkward times I would hang out with my mama and dad.

I sighed quietly and I looked down to my still moving feet, thinking about how… stupid I feel with the fact that I hadn't even thought about my family for a whole year. I feel selfish.

I continued to make my way down the halls for a few more minutes before I found myself in front of the Med-bay doors. I sighed before making my way inside, knowing that I'll be busy for a while, repairing several Vehicons that are probably near death since there was a raid not very long ago. Sigh. I'ma need a nap after today. Hopefully I'll remember to take a bath before I go to bed. I don't like going to bed stinking like a skunticon.

I walked in, and I'm not even going to lie, it was chaos. There was energon along with Vehicons. They're even leaning on the walls, holding their wounds so that they wouldn't bleed out too profusely. There was also a lot of noise. There was either groaning or talking with the faint sound of a saw and welder in the background. I could hardly think with all this noise.

… I wanna go back to my room.

I just walked into the Med-bay and I walked around any puddle of energon that I came across and tried to find Knockout or Breakdown. I know that they're probably stressing due to the amount of damaged Vehicons in here right now.

I ended up just getting to the back of the room where my materials were and I climbed up on top of the counter, intending on getting re4ady and just starting work.

I took off my sweater, put my long hair up into a bun, rolled on my leather gloves up my arms and tied on my apron that was stained with energon in some areas. I look like a damn crazy scientist right now and all I need to complete the look is my face shield, which I put on after grabbing my tool box.

I looked to the side, noticing a familiar Vehicon and calling out their name to get their attention.

"Aye! That you Stevie boi?"

The Vehicon turned his helm at the sound of the nickname that I would usually call him and he perked up. He waved to me and I waved him over, preparing to give him repairs since he looked like one of the most damaged ones. His faceplate was cracked open and his shoulder plate was splintered. He was limping as he sat on the free berth that was beside the counter that I was on, letting out a relieved exvent when he didn't have to stand up anymore.

I hopped over the small crack that was in between the counter and the berth, walking over to his side and setting my tool box down.

"Hey there buddy."

Steve looked down at me as I looked over his damaged leg, looking for the energon line that I needed to cut off so that he didn't lose anymore energon. His leg was also sparking so I might just have to repair some energy wires too. Don't want him sparking or electrocuting me.

"Hey Ven. Sorry about all this chaos."

I just scoffed and grabbed some big ass clamps and started digging into his leg, grabbing the energon line that was profusely leaking. I stopped the leaking and I pulled out my welder.

"There's no need for you to apologize my guy. Shit happens, and clearly the Autobots chose a day where you guys were completely off guard."

Steve just shrugs and winces as I begin my welding. I didn't want to risk digging around in his chassis to turn off his pain receptors since his chassis also seemed to take heavy damage. I'm gonna have to do some excessive work on this one. Whoo. I've got my trainee work cut out for me.

(Time skippity)

I got done with Steve a couple hours ago and now I'm just getting done with my third Vehicon. I had to knock this one out due to him being in a large amount of pain. He was shouting every time I even grazed my fingers along any damaged energon lines or any wires that were sparking. His plating was too damaged to repair and weld together, so I had to take the most damaged parts off and replace them. He lost too much energon as well, so I had to put him on a energon drip while I repaired any more Vehicons that weren't being taken care of by either Breakdown or Knockout.

I sighed as I waved over the last damaged Vehicon in the room. I waved him over and directed him to sit down on the berth, wanting to see any damage that I'll have to deal with.

He walked over with a limp and sat down heavily. I tilted my head as I saw that the shoulder plate and arm was just hanging on by wires, looking just about ready to fall off. I might have to replace that.

I let out a whistle and I clicked my tongue as I leaned back and put my hand on my hips. I'll have to use all of my skills on this one. I looked down at his pedes and I saw that one of them was badly damaged and I looked to his hips and saw that he had some gnashes. This one was probably just as damaged as Steve, if not, even more.

I popped my knuckles and I shook my hands, preparing to work my ass off.

"Go ahead and lay down. I'm gonna have to knock you out."

The Vehicon nodded his helm and laid down on the berth and powered down his visor. I made my way up to his helm and plugged in a small wire that I and Knockout worked on together. It was to help me knock out any bot that I needed to. Pretty useful if I don't say so myself.

The Vehicon was fully knocked out and I set to work, working on his shoulder plate first and down since his shoulder required the most work. I replaced the armor and I was able to salvage his arm, re-attaching it. Once I got done with that I set to getting to work on his hip. It was surprisingly just as difficult as his shoulder plate due to the amount of wires that were sparking. I'm honestly surprised that he wasn't yelling out in pain with the amount of wires that were out and severed. I'm kinda impressed. I welded his gnashes shut and cleaned up the energon.

I got done with his hip and I went down and worked on his pede. It looked like it was crushed and then some. Damn. This Vehicon and the others went through it down in that mine.

I finished repairing his pede, gave him a whole new ass pede and cleaned him up a bit before waking him up and sending him on his way. I'm starting to consider making some energon treats to give them before I send them out. Give them a little energy before they leave and not give them such a gloomy 'later see you next time'.

I hopped from the berth and onto the counter, untying my apron and peeling off my rubber gloves. I set my toolbox down onto the ground and I pulled a towel out of the box, wiping down any sweat or energon that may have gotten on my skin.

Just when I was about to take my bun down I heard the voice of Knockout.

"And where have you been?"

I rolled my eyes and I looked up at Knockout with a raised brow. These mechs have a demanding problem. Always demanding and never respectfully asking or questioning.

"I had a shift in the security room with Soundwave."

Knockout looked slightly surprised, but he backed off and asked me a different question, this time not demanding. Good. Now we're talking like civilized people now.

"How long are your shifts normally?"

I shrugged and pulled out my phone from my back pocket. I saw the time and it was only nine in the morning. I huffed and put my phone back in my back pocket. I looked back at Knockout and I made a 'so-so' motion with my hand.

"Eeh. I'd say about, give or take, six hours each shift, and that's if I take no breaks."

Knockout looked slightly confused and looked to the side, staying surprisingly quiet for a moment before he spoke again. I'm not even gonna lie, seeing him slightly concerned about my shifts, which kinda surprises me since I can take it. Sure, my sleep schedule is fucked and I'm not getting enough rest, but it gives me something to do and gives me a viewpoint that makes some shifts in my plan, good shifts mind you.

I snapped back to reality when I heard the concerned voice of Knockout.

"I don't particularly like these long shifts for you. You are still a child, near your adult age yes, but you are still young. You shouldn't be putting so much strain on your brain and body."

I just shrugged, not really caring at the moment. I still get sleep, still eat, and still take some breaks. I'll worry about it later. I can't exactly go against what I have to do right now since I know that I'll get hurt if Megatron knows that I'm lacking in any of my shifts. I'm not taking no risks right now. Maybe later. Yeah later. I'll just give him absolute shit while also helping him change at the same time.

Actually, this reminds me of something. This reminds me of those Mary Sue girls that would end up falling for the villain and try to 'fix him' by giving him affection. I never understood that even though I would read shit like that. It's kinda entertaining sometimes when the author knows what they're doing.

Anyway, back to the fact that you can't fix a villain with affection, especially when the said villain is a tyrant, sociopath, psychopath, master manipulator, and mass murderer. Oh! And let's not forget that he's petty. Megatron's processor is so dark and very violent that I fully understand why the Autobots were kinda wary about going into Megatron's processor. I wouldn't want to go in there either even when I know what his darkest fantasies look like.

I shivered lightly and I huffed. I snapped out of it and I remembered that I have to answer Knockout since he was talking to me. I be forgetting that I can't exactly get lost in my thoughts when I'm talking to someone. It'll make someone think that you're being disrespectful.

"Ya can't exactly change anything though even if you want me to take things easy. You know Megatron wouldn't allow it either since me working like the drones is supposed to be a lesson and an extended punishment. Mind you, he's being forgiving, so this is a light punishment. He honestly could've killed me, at any time he liked in fact."

Knockout huffed and shook his helm. He looked disappointed and irritated.

"It seems that The Big M is not so lenient on children."

I snorted as I remembered that Megatron has no problems with hurting, punishing, or killing kids. I've seen it on screen and I know he won't hesitate in real life.

"Uh-huh. I'll try not to get even more on his bad side lest he thinks that I deserve something more… painful in order for me to remember that he holds my life in his hands."

Knockout vented heavily and shook his helm. His expression is slightly grim and slightly annoyed. I know what he was grim about, but what was he even annoyed about? Eh. I don't really give a fuck right now. I'm trying to mind my business and stay as less nosy as possible. I'm curious but not that curious. I ain't got a lick of white in me baby. (if any of you find any offense to this I'm sorry. I'm mixed with black and mexican and I just say this jokingly)

"Just be more careful. I've seen what cruelness lies under that helm of his, and let me tell you, it's not all sunshine and rainbows."

I made a sound in between and huff, scoff, and a laugh.

"Don't I know it."

After that little interaction with each other I cleaned up the berth that I was working on, cleaning up all the splattered energon that was all over the place. Huh. I'm kinda reminded of the Happy Meat Farm videos that I would always watch. Let me stop thinking about that before I ruin my appetite for tonight and lose sleep.

As I finished up my cleaning I heard the door to the Med-bay slide open. I had my back to the door, so I didn't see who had decided to come in. I actually did know who came in due the heaviness of the step's, but I didn't feel like turning around right now. I felt kinda spiteful. I heard his footsteps stop near the end of the berth, the end of it. I wasn't near the end of the berth, so I was good.

I finished my cleaning and once I turned around I feigned surprise and I tried to sound as calm as possible, not wanting him to hear my amused tone. I still didn't feel like getting hurt, thank you very much.

"Well then. I didn't know it was you, boss man. Would've turned around sooner if I did."

I actually would've too, but Megatron didn't deserve that type of respect from me.

He was looking down at me with some contempt and I could say that it was kinda hard to keep the same expression off of my face too. To think I had some type of crush on this fool when I was younger. Oooh that gave me a shiver of embarrassment. I was so weird about it. Eugh.

"Ven."

I raised my brow and I raised my chin, looking at him with some newfound confusion. I had honestly looked at him in confusion since I had thought that he was here for Knockout. Now what does this pumpernickel lookin' ass bitch want? I was near the end of my shift here and I was so ready to go back to my room, eat, bathe, and lay the fuck down. Ain't nobody have time for his type of bullshit.

"Uh. Yeah?"

I wasn't about to respond disrespectfully. The last time I did that I now had to go through this bullshite for a whole year. I got some good shit out of it, but still. My inner fat ass is screaming right now.

Megatron looked like he was going to say something that he would regret and I couldn't help but be slightly worried. When Megatron is worried I gotta be worried because this sonava bitch is never worried. He would start tweaking if somebody took his dark energon in the future. Fat ass druggy.

When Megatron spoke next he spoke with some hesitancy.

"Ven. I … require some of your … advice."

I had a blank look on my face, but I could honestly tell you right now that I was shocked. Didn't want him to see it though. He didn't get to see my shocked face.

"Uh."

[Alright people, I apologize for this… slightly late post. I'm still trying to make these chapters longer for you guys to enjoy since I have been lacking. Also don't worry, in a few more chapters the good stuff will begin. I'm also going to warn you guys that I will be taking on my first job soon and I won't be able to work on this as much as I want and I want to apologize to you guys ahead of time.]