[Do any of you guys know how to fix the dates? Something's wrong with the time that's after the publication date]

(Chapter 24)

Here's a rundown of how things went down; I wake up, I lead, I do a little science, I take nap, I see dookie head. Do what you will with this.

—--

I wake up with a snort and a small cough, wiping dry flakes caused from dried drool off of my lip and chin, some drool still wet around the corners of my lips. I sat up and groaned, slowly scooching off of my bed, taking my time as I tried to get my groggy thoughts together.

I slowly got to my feet, sighing heavily as I took my messy ponytail out, reaching for a brush to slowly run it through my hair, walking slowly as I moved to go sit down on my bed. I huffed as I moved my arms to brush the back of my head, really not feeling today for some reason … that may be the sign for me to stay in bed … but then again I have shit to do, like always.

I throw my brush somewhere randomly on my bed, not too worried about it since I'm pretty much going to be awake all day doing things. Fuck being awake, but eeehhh, I have to worrrrk and I don't know if there's going to be anything important going on … fucking bitch.

I smacked my lips and shook my head a little roughly, ultimately just deciding to hurry up with my morning process so that I could get ready, but It really was too early for this. I mean, I get that being a 'temporary' leader of an entire faction is hard work, but damn dude. This is some bull that's for sure.

I huffed as I stood up and sluggishly walked over to a pile of clothes, clean clothes, and dug through it, looking for some clothes that I can be both comfortable and look comfortable in, which there wasn't a lot, but I could at least try to look for something. I made sure there was an outfit for almost every occasion.

I pulled out some jeans, a little loose at the ends but more form fitting around the waist, then pulling out a dark red v-neck shirt to match, tossing them onto my bed once I thought about it. I was still exhausted the entire time I changed, not looking forward to working on paperwork and reports for most of the day. I felt like sleeping in, maybe after the sun rises and not when it's barely peeking over the horizon for example.

As soon as I got finished dressing myself I roughly shoved some socks and shoes on, mumbling and cursing under my breath as I jumped down from my living space, grabbing some mints and making sure my suit was on before leaving.

Not really on the tpoic of the conversation, but I've been avoiding Skyquake. I don't know how he'd react if he were to talk to me face to face, and I am hoping that it doesn't delve into violence if he does end up bumping into me, and I can tell you right now, I will not be looking forward to that. I quite literally will fight him, and believe me when I say this, if he does I'm spiking his energon. I don't got no time for these games. Oh, don't worry about what I'm spiking his energon with, it's not too harmful.

I walked down the halls of the Nemesis, my gait rough and my emp cackling with emotions that practically made the Vehicons walk around me like I had the Cybonic Plague, and I didn't blame them. I would've avoided me too if I felt this much negative energy coming from somebody.

Once I made it to the throne room I made my way to the throne, climbing up that hoe so that I could sit down and probably doze off if I'm lucky. They don't gotta know.

As I pulled myself up over the edge I walked to the back of the throne and sat down, leaning back with my knees curled to my chest. I wrapped my arms around my curled up legs and rested my helm against my knees, huffing as I closed my eyes and relaxed, listening to the sound of mechs tapping away on the monitors and the subtle shifting of Cybertronian armor. My eyes snapped open under my helm once I heard the sound of nearly quiet pedesteps, already knowing who it was.

I picked my helm up slowly and looked up at a staring Soundwave, a question mark on his screen. I huffed and let my head drop against my knees, chin tucked in between my knee guards.

"I'm not feeling it today 'Sounds."

I heard the sound of melodic trilling and beeps, sighing softly as I listened to the subtle sound of Lazerbeak flying around. I lifted my head again, resting my chin on my knees as I watched Lazerbeak flying in my direction, stopping in front of me and swaying side to side. I huffed in return and unwrapped my arms from my legs, putting my hands under the sides of her paneling, which she promptly rested against them, letting out a little trilling purr as I curled my fingers into some of her seams, gently petting her sides as if she were my cat. This actually lowkey, nay highkey made me feel better. Ten out of ten I highly recommend. This is better than therapy.

Even though I was enjoying this I knew what they were doing, which is highly appreciated. I don't ask for help most of the time because of the situations that lead people to have the need to rely on me, but really I just want to rely on others to help carry some of the stress that these situations would put on me. Helping everyone is hard work, taxing on the mind and body. Well, that's my fault, but it was my decision so I can't just back out now. I'm not just not gonna do it, I was obviously put here for a reason, I mean, I was quite literally dropped here on the laps of the Decepticons.

I pulled Lazerbeak towards me, letting my legs straighten so that I could let them lay on my lap, which made them let out a happy little trill. I ran the back of my digits down where their spinal struts would be, not wanting to scratch her with my claws on accident since I have an unintentional habit of doing that to some bots.

Soundwave had gone back to his monitors, probably having enough trust in me to not hurt his precious baby, which I would never do but the way. Who would ever dare hurt the pretty birdy? Cough- the Autobots -cough. A couple of others but, that's besides the point now.

I sat there for a while, coddling Lazerbeak with pets and cuddles as I sat on the throne, not many of the Vehicons having walked up to me which was surprising, and from the tabs on the screen inside of my helm is showing that there wasn't much reports being submitted either, and I have a sneaking suspicion that someone is stealing and doing my work. I don't even have a suspicion, I know it's Soundwave.

I clicked my tongue and shook my head, not at all mad about it since I did complain about not wanting to get up earlier this morning. I actually feel grateful.

I was snapped out of my musings when Starscream came sauntering in, a mech at his side who was shorter in height and wider than the thin mech, all sharp edges as I looked him over. His armor was black and his optics a bright yellowish white. He had no faceplates, which was giving me a clue as to who he is.

I spoke in a pleasant tone as I addressed the SiC, looking at the unnamed mech up and down with narrowed optics while also running the tip of my claws over the edges of Lazerbeak's wings.

"Starscream, who's your friend."

A polite demand, which I don't do often, but sometimes do when something unexpected or someone unexpected comes in at a random time, such as now.

Just as Starscream opened his mouth the mech came forward, a servo placed over his spark and slightly bends at the waist, helm slightly inclined, a nasally voice coming from the voicebox of the mech that I have yet to know the designation of. That was rude. He just interrupted my Star.

"I am known as Makeshift."

Yeup. Suspicions confirmed. It was the cybertronian shapeshifter who was to capture Wheeljack and take his place for a few days. Can't get over his rude gesture still.

"Mm. The infamous shifter known as 777."

I'm honestly surprised that he's bowing. There hasn't been any news given out that Megatron has been incapacitated, but then again, I don't know that. Eh, I might figure it out soon.

The mech's helm raises, his optics narrowing slightly.

"You know of me."

I shrug my shoulders as I absentmindedly slipped my digits under Lazerbeak's seams, the said pretty bird chirping, puring, and trilling in enjoyment as I gave her some affection that's been long overdue.

"I like to study those that could have a potential spot within my circle."

He only hummed in response, Starscream now taking over, stepping around Makeshift, looking him up and down with arched brows and a slight scowl on his faceplates, his expression softening once he locked eyes with me.

For show, he bends at the waist, putting a hand over his spark, and inclines his head deeply. Not gonna lie he gave one graceful bow, more graceful than spikey over there.

He slowly looks back up, a snake like smile stretching across his faceplates as he stepped to the side like he was showcasing a prize, which Makehsift might've been if he hadn't got caught, which was a shame since I didn't plan on giving him the extra details that would have prevented him from blowing up like a firework and having his guts splattered all over the place on the flight deck.

I grinned under my helm, a devious expression on my face. There were benefits to not having a mouth and not adding pupils. For example, it looks like I've narrowed my optics. I was snapped back to attention by the voice of my slim friend.

"This mech, my esteemed one, will be the key to helping us vanquish the Autobots once and for all."

I tilted my helm and stayed quiet for a moment, continuing to absentmindedly pet Lazerbeak, my eyes digging holes into the shifter before turning my gaze back to my friend as he added in a key detail.

"He's already gotten ahead and gifted us an Autobot."

My optics visibly widened and my petting lagged, Lazerbeak letting out a small disappointed beep, slightly making themselves heavier on my lap to get my attention, which I was quick to give, resuming petting them.

I didn't expect to be meeting one of my favorites today.

"What a pleasant surprise. Bring me this Bot."

The Vehicons were quick to follow my order, having quickly dragged in the white Autobot Wrecker, roughly throwing him to the ground at the foot of the throne I was seated upon. Starscream and Makeshift stood at my sides, both observing as I stood and walked to the edge of the throne, looking down at Wheeljack as I pet Lazerbeak with one hand, holding her in the other. She was surprisingly light when I picked her up, remembering that I do actually have super strength.

I hummed under my breath as I looked over the mech's battered frame, my optics sharp as I listened to ragged vents and sputtering intakes. It was actually pitiful to watch since I never really understood the extent of the torture that the Decepticons had worked on him in the show.

I felt slightly pleased when he raised his helm even if it was slow. He still looked defiant even as he spit out some Energon onto the floor at the base of the throne, a grin spreading across his face as he spoke in that same tone that I could correlate with the Wheeljack on the show.

"Who's this pipsqueak?"

One of the Vehicons that stood on the side, a guard who's priority was to watch the white bot, came up to his side and kicked him in his side, quite brutally I might add. I actually wince under my helm, not having expected that.

"Watch your mouth, you faulty piece of scrap! You speak with respect in the presence of our leader."

Welp, covers blown. 'What do you mean by that?' is what you're probably asking. Remember when I said that I wanted to keep my status as leader a secret from the Autobots for a while? Yeah, revealing this will probably lead to Wheeljack letting it slip that I am actually the leader and that'll put a new weight on my back since Optimus is gonna try to convince me to stop the war, which I can't do right now. That reminds me that I have to tell everyone of my decisions. Sigh. Tragic. Something else to worry about.

Wheeljack let out a sound that was akin to a gag, his vocalizer glitching out slightly as he coughed up some more Energon. He was holding his midsection, optics clenched as he moved to curl into himself as he laid on his side. I raised my servo, waving it dismissively so that the Vehicon that kicked him would back up some. I was kinda disturbed in seeing Wherljack this way, at my feet and beaten I mean.

The Vehicon inclined his helm and took some steps back, keeping his visor on the beaten mech that was bleeding on the ground.

I couldn't let him go on like this. I tilted my helm and waved my servo to Starscream, making him come up and lean down, getting down on one knee as I leaned towards him and gave him some instructions. They went along the lines of Wheeljack getting some medical attention and being interrogated, no torture involved unless absolutely necessary, and should they decide to go with torture they'll tell me first. Starscream nodded and stood back up.

"Put him back in his cell. This pitiful sight displeases them."

The Vehicons were quick to do as ordered, dragging him out of the Throne room and quickly shoving him in his cell. I blinked once and I turned to Starscream.

"You have the data for Makeshift, yes?"

Starscream nodded and motioned for Makeshift to come forward, Soundwave also coming forward, one of his tendrils coming out and going straight for Makeshifts chassis to insert the data, which was interesting to watch since his armor was already shifting to suit the shape of Wheeljack, everything matching to a T. If only he was given all the correct data as well. It's a shame.

He was sent off and I'm pretty sure that Wheeljack's ship will be in use for a bit, which I kinda feel bad for, but it's fine. He'll get his things back and he'll escape. I'll make sure of it.

I hummed as I watched Starscream lead the shifted mech out, thinking about Wheeljack and his injuries. I honestly forgot that he'd be showing up soon, and I'm not gonna lie, he looks just as good as when I first saw him on my tv. I'm a sucker for a Wrecker, but gahdamn I can't do nothing about it. Sigh. Okay let's shift this topic to something other than my attractions.

I slowly lifted Lazerbeak up, nudging them a little, the pretty bird taking that as a hint to go back to their guardian, letting out little beeps as they settled back on Soundwave's chassis.

I grunted as I stretched, popping my bones and whatnot before I hopped down from the seat of the throne and made my way out, notifying Soundwave since I know he might just stalk me with the cameras if I don't say anything, which I don't want since I'm going to go and visit the Wrecker down in the brig.

Now that I think about it, what do I even say?? He just saw me on the throne petting Lazerbeak like some evil villain with his white or bald villain cat. I don't even know how he'll react to me standing outside his cell, or how he'll react to me trying to talk to him. Damn, now I've gone and made myself nervous about it. Okay, I just won't think about it then. I'll just say what comes to mind and go on from there, improvise. It is what I do best at times.

I took my time as I walked down to the brig, walking leisurely as my mind raced about the conversation that I was about to have, and don't get me wrong, I'm nervous, but I'm talking to a celebrity here, a famous mech whos highly favored for his quickie nature, his brave adventures, and some other added stuff that'd call out some certain fans of his.

I crossed my arms as I stopped, tilting my head as I turned my entire body to face the door that would lead right into the brig where Wheeljack would be. I took a deep breath in and shook my hands a little roughly, feeling a boost of adrenaline course through me at how excited I was getting. I shifted side to side and shook my head roughly before just walking in.

I walked past a multitude of empty cells, some having liquids that I didn't bother to question, some even being darker than the others, having an eerie feel to them. I walked to the very back where my desired target was, feeling my spark start pounding in my chest at the sight of him-don't judge me. He's hot.

His cell was only lit up with a faint white light in the middle, where he was resting actually. I had to get a good look at him, so I took my chance.

He was bruised and battered, energon leaking from some of his energon lines, but they weren't fatal. He looked like he wanted to nap for the rest of time, which I wouldn't have minded if he did. I just know he might be knocked out for a while once I send him back with his friends.

I was knocked from my thoughts when I heard his voice, sounding as if he didn't take this seriously, like always.

"Well lookie here. What does the pipsqueak leader want from me huh? Do you wanna know the coordinates to the Autobot base here on earth? Cause I'm gonna tell you the same thing the others were told before, I got nothin', been told nothin', and this is a real waste of your time."

How to respond, how to respond… let's take the faux caring villain, or maybe we'll just see how this conversation goes.

"I have no need for the coordinates to the Autobot base here on earth. I'm more interested in knowing about you since your stay here will be … elongated. I have uses for a mech like you."

I was only answered with a barking laugh from him, which wasn't such a good idea for him because he started to cough up energon, gagging a couple of times before he just cleared his vocalizer. He swiped the dribbling energon from his dermas with the back of his servos, blinking slowly and grinning as he moved to sit up, having previously been laying down on his side, optics closed and seemingly relaxed like he hadn't just gotten beat some time prior to me coming here.

"I don't think I could do much for you pipsqueak. As you can obviously see, I am largely incapacitated."

I uncrossed my arms, setting my hands on my hips.

"Which can easily be rectified. I can have our medic patch you together, but only if you agree to be one of mine."

His expression shifted from his mischievous grin to something more narrowed, which I couldn't blame him if I were to hear that sentence come from someone's mouth, especially someone I didn't know.

"What happens if I say no?"

I shrugged, my voice changer making me sound much more menacing than that of my normal voice, which is as intimidating as a mouse. Sad, I know.

"I let you rust, perhaps let you suffer from any infections that your wounds may acquire. A good deal from a situation such as this, no?"

He just stared for a good long while before he burst out laughing, clutching his middle with one arm and slapping the floor with the other. He fell back slightly but ended up choking, coughing and wheezing all in one as he fell on his back struts.

He continued lightly wheezing as he spoke, his voice still sounding cocky even after the choking hazard he just became.

"Is this the part where I'm supposed to agree?... Get outta here squirt. You're not suited for this typpa job."

He rolled over, giving me that signal that he was done talking. I can't help but feel a little off put about that comment, if even a little embarrassed, which is … very humbling.

I quickly turned my back, standing still for just a moment before taking calm strides out the door, acting as if his words weren't affecting me, which is what I wish was the truth but my emp field is broadcasting a feeling of irritation and my servos were balled up at my sides due that I began to feel bubbling up to the surface.

I huffed, breathing in slowly and taking my time to calm my emotions before I do something that might make me embarrassed. I don't want that, so best to prevent it.

Oh well, that was kinda … y'know what? Let's talk about something else. I have an idea! Let's talk about how Wheeljack gave me an idea to build a mass phase shifter! Or I could just ask for one. I don't even know if they actually have one of those. Eh, I'll hit Soundwave up, ask if he knows anything.

I had actually ended up walking to my room, figuring that I could just call Soundwave to bring it to me, yeah I'm lazy. What about it? Anyway, yeah I'm about to actually experiment a little with Dark Energon and do a little magic to my suit …

…Ah! I'm just fucking with ya. I'm going deranged not evil. Same difference.

What I was actually gonna do was rewrap the cut on my palm. It's been pretty leaky lately, not it's not leaking black, actually a little bit, but it's leaking mainly puss. It's actually so fuckin' nasty. And I swear I'll go to Knockout soon, but right nows not a good time.

I fell back on my bed, still in my suit, not quite feeling like taking it off even if the feeling of that familiar uncomfortable feeling of not getting something done crawl all over under my skin, making me get up, although reluctantly as all of you might have guessed.

I rolled over and reached to the ground, blindly patting the floor to find the medical pack that I had knocked over the bed at some point in time. I finally found it, bringing it up as I moved to sit up, crossing my legs criss-cross applesauce. I zipped it open and took out several gauze, medical wraps, and disinfectant because this shit looks infected. I'm aware I'm being dumb by not seeking help from the only professional on this ship. Leave me alone.

I stuck out my hand, palm up, nanites already out of the way. I honestly winced at how it looked since some blood was mixing with the yellowish, slightly black puss. It looked like it didn't even heal one bit, which is kinda making me freak out.

I shook my head and tried to ignore the feelings bubbling up about this rotten looking ass cut on my palm and just decided to get it over with. I grabbed the disinfectant and tipped it lightly, lightly trickling it over the cut to the point it got in the wound, but it didn't spill out from my hand. I'm in my bed, you think I'm tryna spill anything and sleep on a wet spot? I grabbed some gauze next, putting them on my palm and quickly wrapping it with some medical wraps.

The only thing that actually really concerned me about this was that my palm didn't hurt and that it was cold … okay I'll go to Knockout, but tomorrow! I promise. Cross my heart. I'm not scared or anything it's just … I don't feel like knowing that I might just have Dark Energon in me and ooooouu that'll be such a fucking problem.

Anyways, about that plan to let everyone know about the plan to end the war but not now, which really needs a new title, but I have a plan on the day I'm going to tell them. You guys know that one episode where Bee is in Megatron's processor and Megatron jumps into Bee's processor? Yeah I'll tell everyone right before he comes back. Why? Because I'll say I didn't end it yet because of the Meg. Okay, it might not be good enough, but it's a work in progress. These things take time, and time, for some odd fucking reason, likes to work with me or go against me at random times, so I'm trying to just be prepared. Okay, I'm rambling.

Good thing I stopped rambling cause Starscream just came in with my mass shifter. What height should I do? Y'know what? Come back in part two Imma need y'all to pick.

It's either 1 2 or 3. Choose wisely.

[Y'all needa choose. Please. Also, this book is up to date, and if you do have problems with being up to date go to I'm pretty sure I have the same account name]