[So, excitement is brewing up. Don't really know how I got this done, but I did and I want your guys's input, as always]

(Chapter 23)

Hokay, dealing with a twin commander that has been in stasis for quite a while will be difficult. Let's see if I can survive, or at least get through this with little to no headache pain.

—--

Soundwave and Starscream were debriefed on my plan, which was for the Autobots to think that Starscream was the one ruling in Megatron's place and not me. Gotta let it be a surprise. It would honestly be more interesting that way if you think about it. Y'know, I would make a good villain if I wasn't so hellbent on actually fixing the cracks in the foundations of this world.

I had walked through the Groundbridge, hands behind my back all mysterious like. Wanna look the part of the mysterious imp. Gotta keep up the persona. Now that I think about it I may need to make up a persona. It would separate me from the suit and throw people through the loop if they ever tried to connect me to my said suit. The differing height helps, along with the voice changer. I just want to be cautious since I don't exactly want to be targeted. I'm actually a coward, but I'm just trying to cruise through things so that I don't have a breakdown or say something that would lead to my sad, easily inevitable death here.

Soundwave and Starscream did end up flying, both being fliers actually needing to stretch their wings. It's kinda built in their genetic code so it would end up problematic if they don't. Kinda interesting if you think about it. The amount of differences and skills you can have in the Cybertronian race is kinda mind blowing.

I had walked out of the Groundbridge, looking around at the rock and dirt before turning around and seeing the wall of rock that my new commander was buried in, in stasis and totally unaware of the world that they were about to be thrown into. I can certainly relate.

In the distance I can hear the engines of both Soundwave and Starscream flying at great speeds to my location, Soundwave holding a dangling energon cube from underneath him, making me snort. Soundwave was so slim that he could hardly fit things in his sub-space. Kinda funny.

They both transformed, Soundwave immediately setting out to find Skyquake, a small satellite emerging from his back and spinning around to find Skyquake's exact location, searching for his spark signature, or if we're lucky enough, his emp field. It's probably dormant from being in stasis for so long, but it's a possibility.

Starscream walked up next to me and looked out into the distance, looking down at the canyon that we were to drop down in. He sighed and looked down at me, a questioning look on his faceplates.

"Are you positive that you'd like to wake him?"

I nodded my head.

I am positive. I need all the help I could get during this and I need him just in case Megatron decides to flip his shit on me for some reason. That and I want his brother to join more smoothly. I just know if you don't get one you don't get the other. They are two halves of the same spark, so of course they'd feel the same way and would make a decision based on whether or not I'm trustworthy or not.

Both Soundwave and Starscream moved to pull out the stasis pod, having had to throw and crush rocks so that they could pull Skyquake out. I stood back and watched as they both unearthed him, pulling his stasis pod out.

I motioned towards Soundwave, who pulled out an energon cube, who slid the cube in the distinctly cube shaped slot in the stasis pod. Immediately the pod started whirring, the sound gradually getting higher pitched to express that the stasis pod was powering up and preparing to open. The outline of the stasis pod lit up brightly before slowly opening to reveal the awakened mech inside, bright red optics already looking around and aware. I straightened my back and I took a deep breath, a sharp intake of air flowing into my vent, sounding very much like a snake like hiss.

The optics on my helm narrowed as I looked Skyquake up and down, analyzing him to see all the differences between the Skyquake in front of me and the Skyquake in the show. He was majorly different. His paint job for one was more full, not at all chipped in some places, he looked a little more thicker, and of course, he has the advantage of extra height, as do all of the cybertronians obviously.

Starscream glanced back at me and I inclined my head towards Skyquake, insisting that he go along with the plan since Optimus and Bumblebee are supposed to be around a corner of a big ass rock somewhere around here, listening in and watching closely. I know he'll be fine since he's still quite a good liar. Hasn't lost his touch. Me and Soundwave would be stepping in if it gets out of hand too quickly.

Starcream stepped forward, helm held high, smirk sharp and covening, optics snakelike and sharp.

"Awaken soldier! Arise and serve your new master!"

Skyquaked blinked his optics, his optics narrowing immediately at the sound of Starscream's voice and the sight of the three of us once he came to awareness. He jumps out of the stasis pod and smashes his fists together above his helm before bending down to Starscream's height, got all up in his faceplate, and snarled.

"Skyquake serves only one master."

Yeah, the bass in his voice didn't change just to let all you kiddies know.

Starscream took a step back and grinned, keeping his expression convening.

"Excellent. Your loyalty and devotion will define an example for the troops."

Starscream kept it up.

"No need to be timid, Skyquake. You may bow."

He was condescending, cocky, and above all else, acted holier than thou, which was perfect. If he keeps this up I'll be able to act out how I'll need to.

Skyquake shook his helm and sounded almost disappointed and annoyed.

"You fail to grasp my meaning. I am here on a mission, assigned to me by my one master, Megatron."

Starscream put a servo behind his back, his smile on his faceplate having fallen and sounding more annoyed than anything else.

"Yes. Him. Sadly, Megatron is … no longer with us."

His grin grew once again and he tilted his body slightly to the side, his optics wrinkled as his untrustworthy grin grew larger, sharper than a cats. This was actually entertaining to watch in person, but I planned on inserting myself soon. Better to introduce myself sooner rather than later, but I think I could tell him as soon as we get back to the Nemesis. That's only if we get through this with no problem though.

Skyquake shook his helm in disbelief, not believing him. I mean, I wouldn't either if somebody told me that Megatron was dead. The ass is actually hard to get rid of. He's like an undead roach who's unkillable.

"Impossible."

Starscream huffed and made an exasperated sound as he looked down at his servos, his digits curling in some faux exasperation.

"Why is this so hard for everyone to accept?"

Skyquakes disbelief makes Starscream huff and step forward, anger filling his voice as he sounded more firm, more firm than how he had sounded previously.

"Skyquake, I located you, I awakened you, thus I, Lord Starscream, am now your master!"

Skyquake definitely didn't like the tone that Starscream bravely took with him, taking a large step forward, stomping as he growled in Starscream's face, his engine revving. His dermas were twisted into an angry scowl as he took more heavy steps forward, making Starscream's expression change into a more fearful one, making him take steps back, appearing to be afraid.

Just as I was about to step forward and intervene I was interrupted. I paused as I heard the sound of Optimus Prime's voice, turning my head to see both Him and Bumblebee. I honestly don't know how to react after seeing that one day he and the other Bots had made an attack on the Nemesis. It's been a while since I've heard his voice too, and I can sure as hell tell you his voice didn't lose its touch in the slightest.

"It has been a while Skyquake."

Still sounds like sugar and spice with everything nice.

Skyquake turned to face Optimus, pushing Starscream away, a hint of surprise showing in his optics, not having expected to see the mech at such a time. Autobots do always have a way with sticking their olfactory sensors in places that they didn't belong.

"Optimus. I haven't seen you since the battle of Technahar … Megatron ordered me to annihilate you."

That last part was said with a growl, a low revving in his chassis, showing signs of possibly issuing an attack.

Optimus, walking up just a tad more to stand pede to pede with Skyquake, a confidence in his gate, determination in his optics, did not show a lick of faltering in the face of a powerful Decepticon. Giving me shivers and shit.

"That was a long time ago."

Skyquake raised his chin, looking down at Optimus with a scowl.

"That may be Prime, but my orders still stand."

Optimus seemed like he wasn't going to be giving in so easily, his tone suggesting that he was trying to be more convincing so that he'd have a chance to at least resolve things in a pacified way.

"Is this ancient war still worth fighting when so many comrades have been lost, and worlds destroyed?"

Optimus then turned to Starscream, his optics narrowed and his optical ridges furrowed as he looked down at him, pointing at him for just a moment to make his statement resonate with who he was really trying to convince. Sheeiiiit. If he was talking to me I'd listen and then some … don't judge me you know you had a crush on him too at some point in your lives … you probably still do.

"If you want to be a true leader, Starscream, then stray from Megatron's path and lead the Decepticons towards peace."

Noble, very noble indeed, but no can do sir.

Starscream, while Optimus was talking, had rolled his optics and looked to not even be listening the whole time Big O was talking, I was listening for him don't worry. When Optimus finished he smiled all snake-like and put a servo upon his hip plates, sounding very cocky and like how the Stascream in the show would have acted.

"I would be willing to consider a truce if you would be willing to bow before me, Optimus Prime."

I rolled my eyes and used this moment to step in before Starscream got backhanded like a bitch and I couldn't let that happen, oh no no no. I also can't let Optimus and Skyquake fight. It'd just get in the way since it'd be very hard to get the jet twin mech to stop fighting.

"Lord Starscream, we have no time to dawdle."

By this time I've caught everyone's attention the moment I spoke. You guys remember that voice changer that I mention that I built into the suit? Yeah, the voice I used was from the dragon of Damsel. Her voice was just so cool y'know. Had to use something that'd make me sound serious and like a Decepticon.

Starscream's helm whipped in my direction, optics widened, intake slightly falling open. I would honestly have the same reaction as well if my human friend, who had stayed quiet for such a long time, hadn't used their new voice changer around their friend, and didn't bother telling me about their new voice. I'll make it up to him with a High - Grade energon cocktail.

I kept my eyes forward on Optimus and Bumblebee, the optics on my suit narrowing down to slits. I was still in the same position since Skyquake woke up; standing tall, back straight, shoulder back, hands behind my back. I have been kinda impatient to jump into the conversation, buuut I knew better. I let them have their little moment and now it's my turn.

Getting back to the current present, I stood tall, as tall as I could with my smaller height, and confident, looking at the expressions of the mechs in front of me.

I tilt my head as I make a show of looking Optimus and Bumblebee up and down before a rumbling hum comes from my throat, the voice changer making it sound so cool. I swear if you guys were here you'd say it's cool too. I swear I'm not that corny, I mean I am, but not that much.

"We don't have time to play with scum."

I walked up beside Starscream's pedes and I cocked my hip, tilting my head as I gave him a once over again. I scoffed before gracefully turning around, the very points of my feet silent against the desert sand, walking away again to go stand next to Soundwave who was recording everything. Yall thought I forgot huh?

"There are more productive things to do other than … this."

Ehehehe uuooo I've got an evil plan cooking up, I mean it's not really evil but it could be if you looked at it from my perspective.

What I plan to do is act like some cocky, manipulative, and powerful individual. I need to seem like I have a maturity that most of these mechs seem to lack these days. The twist to it is I want the people who I need to strictly see me in only this suit to believe that. I want them to think that despite my obvious disadvantage, I could easily get my way. Don't worry though I won't actually do anything. I ain't like that, maybe a little bit, but otherwise nah.

When I looked back at the gaggle of bots that were just standing around after my little input I felt some form of satisfaction, having felt like my little performance was kinda good. If you gotta play the part make sure to put some character in it. Can't be a convincing actor if you can't do it, in which I absolutely have to or else I'll die pretty much.

Skyquake growled and turned towards me, his optics narrowed, wings fluttering threateningly, and his stance wide. I think he's mad since he looked like he was planning on jumping on Optimus, which he was as you already know.

"Who are you to interrupt?"

I took one of my servos from behind my back and I waved my hand in a graceful manner, my claws slicing through the air as I put my servo on my chassis and bent forward some at the waist, inclining my head in a more respectful greeting than the one I gave to the Bots ot too long ago.

"Your new Second in Command, Commander Skyquake. You may call me V."

He scoffed, his head falling back as he let out a barking laugh.

"Ha! You? A puny mini-bot? A Second in Command? I see the Decepticons have gone mad during Megatron's absence."

I rolled my eyes, which wasn't seen from under my helm, and just stayed quiet, ignoring him for a moment since he actually kinda made me mad. Just because I'm smaller than you doesn't make me puny! And I'm the actual leader! Oh I can't wait to see the look on his faceplate once he realizes that I'm actually the new boss around here.

I wonder how he'd react when he finds out he's going to be ordered around by a human.

I looked to Starscream and tilted my head towards Soundwave, signaling him now since I'm highly concerned to leave now while we have the chance because I see Fowler flying above and I don't need Skyquake seeing it, getting an atl - mode, and fighting Optimus. If he actually dies I'm gonna be mad, even more mad since Skyquake is the one who I'm trying to make come back with me damnit.

I looked back towards Skyquake, tilting my helm, my voice changer sounding teasing and condescending. Not a good tone to be spoken to with.

"I suppose you'll just have to deal with it, won't you. Besides, you don't want to be stuck with the Autobots do you? I hear they're a bore."

Skyquake snarled, his optical ridges furrowing and his optics glaring down at me angrily, knowing that he'd rather be caught dead than be in the company of the Autobots. I knew he'd much prefer killing them then being in their presence.

I actually had no time for Skyquakes shit talking. Once we get back to the vessel I'll be preparing to haul Megatron's fat silver roach ass back and dispose of him onto a medical berth for him to be Knockout's problem. I feel bad that I might actually do that, but I'll repay him with some paint and polish to go with it.

I glanced at Optimus for a moment before speaking, my words intended for him.

"We'll have an opportunity to meet on more civilized terms in the future, scum."

I'll just leave that as his little nickname for a bit. Kinda want to mess with him for a little while.

Making my way over to Soundwave I made a movement with my servo, the claws of my middle and ring digit grazing each other to create small sparks, signaling that it was time to go. Starscream was taking too long in making the request so I'll just quietly make it for him.

Starscream came over as well, ready to go.

Soundwave started up the Groundbridge, everyone having already made it through, including Skyquake. Just as I was about to walk through myself I was stopped by the sound of Optimus's voice.

"I look forward to the day, V."

I huffed, not bothering to answer as I finally walked through the Groundbridge, not looking forward to what was going to be happening the moment the Bridge closed behind me.

~ * ~

I was sitting on the throne, helm retracted with my head in my hands. I couldn't help but sag tiredly as I remembered how everything had gone earlier as I talked with Skyquake. I didn't talk to him alone of course, but the conversation was still stress inducing.

When I had come out the Bridge Starscream was already talking to Skyquake about the differences of things that will and will be happening among the Nemesis. I felt gratitude swell in my chest, thankful that I didn't have to be the one to say something first.

I had walked up, getting a good ear in on what Starscream was talking about before everyone's attention switched to me.

Starscream was talking about how as much as being the leader looked good on him he was not the one that currently occupied the ruling spot. When asked who was actually the one issuing the orders Starscream had slowly looked my way before looking back at him, a look on his faceplate suggesting that asking questions right now would be a bad time.

Skyquake didn't get the hint and tried to press me bruh. Like what the fuck did I do to you!? I barely met you! Like, what?

Anyway, he pressed me, so I immediately raised my voice. I was exhausted my guy. I woke up, early in the morning, didn't eat much, haven't had much breaks, and have been leading everyone around like I was they Carrier. I mean, I like taking care of them, not gonna lie, but even this can be too much. Everyone has a problem and everyone needs therapy, including me, cause ain't no way I'm gonna get transported here and not have any trauma. Saying that I didn't even acquire any trauma would be like me denying that I was high when clearly, I was. You could smell the bullshit and everything.

Soundwave ended up intervening, using his hentai tentacles to restrain him and pull him out of my space. He was promptly escorted out and I was left with Starscream, both of us staring at the door as we heard the slowly fading voice of an angry commander threatening to be put down and let go.

I shrugged and didn't think anything of it, talking to Starscream after we both looked at each other and shook our heads. Starscream left the Throne room an hour ago.

I've been sitting on this big ass throne for a while now as the realization that I still haven't told Skyquake that I'm not cybertronian comes across my thoughts. Scared the dog shit out of me. You know how difficult it'll be to bring it up? I mean, I could always…

Hol up…

What if I just don't tell him till Megatron wakes up? He's still going to be told, no worries, but not right now, you feel me? It'll just be put off. Yo. I'm big brain. Me smart.

I got off my ass and slicked back the stray hairs that popped up due to being pressed down because of my helm. I was careful though because I still had my suit on and I didn't want to scratch myself with my claws. It'd be unfortunate to have a busted scalp. That literally makes me shiver because I'd be getting no sleep … like none.

Anyway, yeah, I slicked my stray hairs back and sighed, slouching as I felt a wave of tiredness come over me and my vision began to swim. Perhaps I'd be better off if I took a break? Yeah Imma take a nap because I canNOT go the rest of this day without sleeping. I'll sleep all night but I ain't staying awake. The sun's probably already setting.

I got up off my ass and I jumped down from the seat of the throne, soft 'tinks' following as I walked out of the throne room and started heading for my quarters. I made sure to put my helm back on before leaving. Don't know when a wild Skyquake would be around the corner.

(Time Skip)

After my little ten hour nap I had woken up, brushing my hair and cleaning myself up, y'know, the usual. I was chill, but you all know by now that my peace always gets interrupted by a 'couple' of distinctly shaped Cybertronians.

I flinched, violently almost as Starscream busted in my room, optics looking slightly panicked and shaky, vents going slightly hard, the sound sharp intakes and vents kinda worrisome.

"... You good? Because if you're not…"

He took some quick steps forwards while also waving a dismissive servo my way, his helm shaking. … He looked like he was in denial and I feel like I forgot about something today.

….. bruh. My dumbass. Hold on. I'll get back to yall.

As I was getting up Starscream had made it to the foot of my living space, pulling a familiar, rotting smelling, glowing purple crystal, my eyes widening and my mouth falling open slightly in faux shock, not having expected him to pull out Dark fucking Energon bitch.

His servos were shaking as he held it out to show me for a quick moment before he just up and chucked it at the wall, a small shout coming from him. I lowkey was not expecting that. Oof. You know he's affected by this if he's like this after finding out his abuser is still alive. I don't even blame him.

I walked to the edge of my living space and I looked at down at one of the barely chipped Dark Energon shard before slowly turning my head to look at the spinal struts of Starscream, heavily venting, his back struts hunched, and his servos clenched right at his sides. Damn. He's really torn up.

"He's alive."

Gotta act like I'm just figuring this out, like I'm shocked. Still can't be suspicious.

Starscream's shoulders sagged, his wings sagging as well. He looked so defeated as he turned towards me with weary optics, already looking as tired as me when I pulled a few all nighters in a row.

"Unfortunately. He finds ways to instill torture even when he's supposed to be dead."

I sat on the edge of my living space and patted the area beside me, inviting him to sit down next to me. I wanted to offer him comfort and a shoulder to cry on even if my shoulders are miniscule compared to his.

He came and sat next to me, putting his shaking servos on his lap and he vented slowly and evenly. I taught him if he was ever stressed, angry, sad, or felt any type of really strong emotion that he should take measured vents, like he's doing now. I've seen him do it a couple of times to calm himself whenever he was training the troops or if he was in the same vicinity as Megatron. It saved him on more than one account.

I leaned against him, resting my head on his thigh. He in turn covered me with one of his servos even if they were still shaky, but I didn't mind.

"We'll get through this Star. You know I have your back."

He hummed in acknowledgement, his thumb digit absentmindedly rubbing my back. We stayed like this for a while, me softly talking to him, giving some positive feedback and him responding in small ways.

Before he had made his way to leave later I had made sure to be firm on him calling me or coming here if he needed some comfort or consolation, which I also made sure that he promised to do. I'm not having a majorly depressed Starscream on my hands.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that I'm keeping the shard in here. In my workplace specifically. Let me tell you, it's fucking heavy. I can already tell that my back is finna be suffering.

I had ended up jumping down from my living space, landing on fluffy sock wearing feet. They were really soft, not gonna lie. Breakdown got em for me for my birthday last year, been wearing and taking care of them ever since.

I walked towards the shard and whistled, fanning a hand over my nose to blow away the stench of rotting meat and spoiled milk … if this is how Unicron smells I'm gonna laugh. I knew he looked kinda stinky over the screen. Ha! Stinky ass god! Probably why Primus couldn't deal with him anymore, well, I mean, that's not really the reason, but having a sense of humor is helping me right now since everything is kinda going at a pace where time is blending together. A very weird experience, but common for me at this point.

I circled it for a quick moment, trying to assess which angle would be best for me to try and push it. I don't want it just rolling in a circle, so maybe pulling it would be bes- goddamnit I want to call someone in here to help me, but this is supposed to be a secret! I don't want rumors going around that I have a damn shard of Dark fucking Energon in my damn workplace.

I rubbed my eyes in irritation, groaning to myself as I try and come up wi- okay. Y'know what, Imma just pull it. I have no other way, and I do have some super strength that can help me pull this and put it away. Thank the stars for super strength. I honestly forgot I had it. Whoops.

I tilt my body to the side, bending at the hip as I fold my arms and glare at the shard. Might as well do this quickly if I want it done.

I rub my hands together and take a deep breath before putting my hands on the slimmer side of the shard, finding some grooves to dig my fingers in, making sure that I have a good grip before taking a big step back and pulled.

And I sure as fuck did pull until my damn hand slipped and got cut by a sharp edge that I hadn't seen.

I stopped pulling, got halfway there by the way, and pulled my hand back to see the blood dripping from my hand, making me curse up a storm.

"YOU SONOFABITC-!!!"

I groaned as I yelled into the jacket sleeve on my arm, rocking on my feet due to how much that actually hurt.

I shake my hand, some dribbles of blood being flicked everywhere, but I did not give a single fuck. The bitch stung, it actually felt like a fire was burning its way through my very veins. I actually shed some tears. What? Did I not cry before or what?

Anyways, after I got done crying over my new boo-boo I actually got a good look at how bad the cut was, and I was immediately annoyed, which wasn't paired well with my still sore and bleeding hand. My blood turned black. Sigh. Okay then.

I glanced at the shard, an annoyed scowl coming over my face before just leaving it there, heading to my workshop to grab some bandaids and bandages. What? Did you think that just because I don't mention it that I don't get hurt? Nope, not over here honey. The amount of times I've stepped on some stray pieces of sharp metal, or have accidentally washed my hand due to some heavy lifting is kinda astounding, but what's progress without some hurt. Besides, I'm building all of things with hopes and dreams. I'm kinda surprised that my suit even came out successful.

I had poured some water over my cut, rinsing it out first because I don't want nothing in my cut. I honestly hope that the Dark Energon didn't incorporate with my blood. It'd be very shitty for me honestly.

I sighed as I grabbed some gauze and bandages, wrapped up my palm, and used some medical tape to finish it off. Doing all that was actually kinda hard to do with one hand.

I sighed tiredly as I looked out from my workshop to see the Dark Energon shard, the shard glowing with what I felt like was mischief, making me narrow my eyes. If I didn't need the damn thing I'd chuck it off this damn ship, plot be damned.

I just sat there for a moment, just looking at the shard with some annoyance before getting up and sighed exasperatedly.

~*~

Long story short, I got the fucker in my workshop, it was a pain, but I did it!- I swear to god that bitch made itself even more heavy on purpose.

I huffed as I slicked back my hair and fell back on my bed, letting out a long sigh as I fully relaxed, looking up at the metal ceiling in honest to god, pure tiredness. I actually feel like that shard drained me.

I dragged a hand down my face and rolled over onto my front and screamed into my pillow, … and screamed … and screamed that sooner developed into laughing cause hey, a laugh never hurt. They say it cures depression and makes you feel better about certain things. Man, I need help. Just know I passed out after this.

—--

(Put an extra part for you guys)

I knew I was asleep, and I know my dreams can be a little crazy, but why in the ever living fuck am I looking at Dark Mount? Also why can I see- oh hell no.

"Bruh. No way I just woke up in this fucktards head."

[please like this I worked really hard to make this entertaining]