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Wing Shift	By : FireCracker Category: Transformers > G1 > Slash - M/M Views: 3448 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers: Beast Wars, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. These fictions are for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter List
- 30
- 31
- 32
author: FireCracker

(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)

Archive? You'd better.

Warnings: None really, at least not here. My Transformers are overall less blocky than the ones in G1, shaped more humanoid but still with plates. Makes for easier sex scenes to imagine. They can also reproduce via the spark principle, among compatible individuals. More on that later. And yeah, they have sex.

Skyfire has a major falling out with Optimus Prime. He leaves the autobots and learns his true heritage as decepticon. Starscream awaits, as do many others. (Blitzwing, Astrotrain, minicon Breaker, Thundercracker, Starscream, Skywarp, Octane) H/C,Yaoi

SPECIAL NOTE: Cybertronian terms for Parenthood: Pada (parent, non-birthing) Sana (birthing parent).

Slap and Tickle

Skyfire and Breaker were taking a break, sipping energon snack cubes in the lab. Runabout worked busily on circuitry and connectors at his station.
Skyfire observed him casually. "I understand you and your brother are engineers."
Runabout shrugged over the tanks. "Sure. You give us a diagnostic, we can build it. Runamuck does the analysis, I do the construction."
"Very impressive. A valuable talent."
Runabout paused in his work. "For all the good it does us here. Seems like we're always getting cleanup duty."
Skyfire smiled secretively, twirling a cube. "Not to worry, Runabout. Patience is well served."
"You said something like that before" Runabout stared, optics narrow. "Mind if I join you?"
Skyfire made a gesture. "By all means. We can't proceed without the new ores anyway. Octane will bring them later."
Nodding, Runabout sat at the table and grabbed a cube. "I know you can't tell everything, but how do we join?"
Breaker stopped drinking his energon. "Not understand."
"Heh." Runabout poked the minicon. "Sure you do. Me and Runamuck want in."
Skyfire stared. "In? In what?'
"The _clique,_ man. How do we join?"
"There isn't any clique, Runabout."
The battlecharger waved him off. "Don't give me that. There's a group of deceps that want command. They're discreet, but they can't hide forever. And I know you're one of them."
"Really?"
"Can the innocent routine, Skyfire. Remember, we already agreed? So who else is in on the takeover? Me and Runamuck want security in the new empire. You know, connections."
Breaker beeped. "Bad decision, discuss here. Said so before!"
"I ain't talkin' specifics." the battlecharger swigged his energon. "But it's safer to know. I don't like scrubby mistakes."
"Keep talking this way and you'll have plenty." Skyfire was annoyed. "I told you before to sit tight."
"But for how long? There's no harm in asking."
Skyfire picked up a data disk and stared at it. "There is if we're being monitored somehow. Soundwave is a primary problem."
"Is so." Breaker agreed. "Use caution. Soundwave old, sense much quickly. If alert Megatron, ruin plans."
Runabout waved it off. "Yeah, yeah...we know. Mister mystic. But about the clique..."
"For the last time, there isn't any." Skyfire cut him off. "Plenty of opportunities exist in the future. What do you expect, a secret handshake and membership card?!"
Breaker laughed. "Funny joke."
"Yeah, one big yuck." Runabout huffed. "I know we gotta be discreet. But it sure makes things easier when you know who's part of the plan."
Skyfire sipped his energon. "For the time being, you talk to me. And in turn, I talk to them."
"But for how long? I don't see why you can't trust us!"
"It isn't about not trusting you. The less you know, the less you can reveal by mistake. We aren't in a position of strength yet. But when we are, you'll know more."
Crimson optics narrowed. "Okay. I can deal with that for now." Runabout slopped up the rest of his energon. "You know, we make good informants. Our audios are everywhere."
Breaker beeped. "Too loud, pushy. Stick nose in wrong buisness all time!"
Runabout pointed at the minicon. "Hey, it's what we _do._ Besides, everyone ain't an afthole like Astrobrain."
Skyfire stretched in his seat. "I'd love to hear you tell him that personally. Meanwhile, let's get back to work."
"Yeah." Runabout cracked his knuckles in satisfaction. "We're still gonna get revenge, though. Nobody messes with battlechargers and gets away with it."
Skyfire pulled some more data disks. "Do it on your own time, then."
****
Octane couldn't believe his optics. Staring at damaged doors, he banged furiously.
//What the slag do you want? We're busy!//
"You're _always_ busy!" Octane said aloud. He rapped on the doors again. "Now open up!!"
Octane heard thumps and curses before an annoyed Blitzwing appeared. His privacy panels were partly open.
"What's _your_ problem?" the cranky tank responded.
Octane disapproved of his appearance. "For Unicron sake, give it a _rest._ How many sectors do you plan to populate?!"
"You're pissing me off, Octane." red visiors flashed. "Now get to the point!"
Octane pushed past and went inside. "Where's Astrotrain?"
Blitzwing followed him through the living room. "Taking a shower. I'd ask you to join us, but your aft won't fit."
"Very funny." Octane plopped on a sofa and put his feet up. "There's news."
Blitzwing closed his panels. "Oh? You mean you haven't come here to start a fight?"
"Of course not." Octane lit a flashstick. "I'll wait for Train to finish. You both need to hear this."
Blitzwing's curiosity got the better of him, despite anger. "The plan proceeds, then?"
Octane puffed, nodding. "Yeah. I'll wait for Astro before going into details."
****
Starscream and Thrust flew north under crystal blue skies. The atmosphere cooled their metal skins as they streaked like points of light.
The searcher angled alongside his commander. "Starscream, what's our eta to Canada?"
The seeker was silent momentarily. "Approximately eighteen minutes earth time."
"It seems longer. I feel slow, sluggish."
"As do I. My gyro centers are off, but I can compensate for now."
Thrust paused before speaking again. "Could our sparklings be causing this?"
Starscream flared his jets briefly. "In all probability. This is a new experience for both of us, Thrust. I'd almost forgotten you're having a sparkling also."
"With twins, you must be particularly off balance."
"True. This is the longest flight I've attempted since finding out. Now stay alert, our arrival may be met by autobots."
The searcher angled slightly in flight. "Then we'll take the appropriate measures."
****
Astrotrain dried himself off and walked into the living room. Blitzwing and Octane were chatting while smoking flashsticks.
"I overheard you when you came in." he said to Octane.
Octane nodded. "What the hell happened to the doors?"
Astrotrain held his hand out. "Give me a stick."
The decepticon tanker handed him one. Astrotrain sat and smoked.
"Runamuck came snooping around again. So I gave him some affection."
Octane laughed out loud. "Cripes, he never gives up, does he? Still sniffing around!"
"He didn't have permission to watch. The idiot stuck his face over the peephole."
"You don't have to paint me a picture."
"Now what's going on?"
Octane reared back in his chair. "The insecticons are in."
Blitzwing blew a smoke ring, surprised. "All of them? I expected Shrapnel, but the others are a plus."
"How'd you pull it off?" Astrotrain wondered.
"My gentle powers of persuasion, Astro. Bombshell tried one of his cerebro shells on me. Naturally, it backfired."
"He dosen't know your hypnotic powers counter mind control."
"No. But I didn't waste time giving him any leverage. A more direct approach proved successful."
Astrotrain puffed his stick. "Excellent. Apparently the battlechargers have switched sides also."
"You found that out pretty quickly."
"Loose lip components." Blitzwing supplied. "Runabout and Runamuck stink at keeping secrets."
Octane tapped his stick in a dish. "Well, they'd better keep their mouths shut until we make a move. Things are proceeding well and we don't need any screwups."
"I sensed their betrayal in their sparks. They despise Megatron."
"Interesting. I wonder why?"
Blitzwing snorted. "Their motives hardly matter, so long as they're of use."
Octane agreed. "True. It might be awkward after your run in with Runamuck, though."
Astrotrain laughed. "Yeah? I'll tell him he can watch next time. That'll distract him enough!"
Octane puffed his stick busily. "If you could ever keep your hands off each other for an astrosecond-"
"Spare us your wisecracks, Octane. That comment about populating sectors wasn't funny, either!"
"Well if the cog fits..."
"You're not in any position to talk." Blitzwing cut in. "At least _ours_ are all from the same hatch!"
Octane barked with laughter. "Tell it to DeadEye."
_"Again_ about DeadEye! Quit throwing that in my faceplate."
Octane puffed in satisfaction. "Heh. Can dish it out, but can't take it."
Blitzwing picked up the original topic impatiently. "Moving right along. Do you know of anyone else willing to join?"
Octane considered. "I'm not sure. I've heard whispers that the combaticons are wavering in their support. Something about witnessing one of Megatron's episodes."
"Onslaught is expedient. I'm sure he can be pursuaded to see things our way."
"The stunticons will be a problem, though." Astrotrain stated. "Their divided loyalty-"
A loud crackle from the wall panel interrupted further conversation.
"DECEPTICONS. THIS IS MEGATRON. AS YOU KNOW, THERE WILL BE SCHEDULED ANNOUNCEMENTS MADE AT SPECIFIED TIMES. I WILL RELAY THE ANNOUNCEMENT REPORTS AT 0800, 1130, 0215, 0444. 0818, and 0200 BREEMS. THIS PARTICULAR ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF THAT FACT."
The triplechangers stared at the panel in disbelief.
"AND IN TURN, OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS WILL ALERT YOU TO DETAILS. THOSE OF YOU ON SHIFT, REMAIN SO. THOSE OF YOU OFF SHIFT, DO NOT GO ON. THAT IS ALL, UNTIL THE NEXT ANNOUNCEMENT. THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER NOTIFICATION OF THIS UNTIL FUTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS. THIS DISCLAIMER IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY ME."
The speaker popped and went dead.
_"Jerk!"_ Octane cracked up.
Blitzwing snickered. "It's painfully clear the current administration is on the way out."
"Agreed, Blitzy." Astrotrain grinned. "Our fearless leader is officially off his nut. And _we_ will reap the rewards!"

****
Runabout likewise was laughing as he prepped the tanks. "Man, it's never dull on this base!"
Skyfire shook his head as he wrote on a datapad at his desk. "Worse and worse. I suppose we'll be subjected to Megatron's noise every breem on the breem."
"Is redundant." Breaker agreed, working on the molecular models. "Brain cycle information back to self. Crack up!"
"Maybe his processors are stuck in a loop." Runabout suggested. "I knew this bot back on Cybertron who got in an accident. Landed on his head when he fell down a pit. After that all he could do was talk in riddles."
Skyfire smiled slyly. "Megatron hit something else."
"Hm?"
"Nothing. How are the hookups going?"
"Not bad. Conductor coils are too cold for a full charge, though. Should be up in a little bit."
"Good. Octane should stop by before too long."
Runamuck came from the back suddenly, holding his eyepatch. "What's up with Megatron and the stupid announcements?"
"Discuss just now." Breaker beeped. "Megatron brain erratic."
"You're being too kind." Runabout sat next to Skyfire.
"How's that optic?" the jet queried.
"It's itching like crazy. You said to come out if I noticed a difference."
Blue optics observed the patch. "That's a good sign, then. Our new salve may work equally fast on severe injuries."
"Let's find out." the battlecharger pointed to his patch. "Don't get me wrong, I dig the style. But looking through one optic ain't gonna cut it."
Breaker transformed to sphere mode and rolled over. "Would see effect also."
Runabout likewise joined them. "Sure you should be up so soon, bro?"
"I'm fine. Just anxious to get this patch off."
"Let's try it." Skyfire pointed delicately at the patch, heating the edges with surgical laser. Seconds later it came loose.
Runamuck blinked. "Feels odd. Still itchy."
Everyone stared at his expression. "Can you see normally?" Skyfire asked.
More blinking. Runamuck looked about the lab. "Yeah, everything's coming in focus. A little sensitive to light, though."
"That's to be expected."
"Incredible!" the happy battlecharger went to a reflective panel and stared. "That cream is a miracle!" a pause.
_"Hey..."_
"What's wrong, bro?" Runabout stood beside him.
"My other optic is _orange!_ What's the deal?!"
His sibling shrugged. "Maybe it's temporary. You can't even tell unless it's up close."
"I look like a _freak!"_
Skyfire disagreed. "Runabout's right. There's a slight difference, but nothing that noticeable. It might be part of the healing process."
"Remind me of another." Breaker beeped.
"Who?" Runamuck was agitated, waving his arms. "You mean there's another decep running around with mismatched optics?"
The sphere vibrated in amusement. "Is so. Will meet later."
****

Soundwave secretly met with a group of decepticons in the lower sublevels.
"This is a matter of high security. I've assembled those of you who have proven your loyalty to Megatron over many vorns."
Motormaster squinted in dim overhead lighting. "Yeah, well...there's a lot of strange stuff going on, Soundwave. Is Megatron insane?"
"Not precisely. At least I don't think so."
"I'm not so certain." Brawl stated. "We told you about the hallway incident. If there's time for new leadership-"
"Shut your trap, Brawl." Motormaster warned. "Megatron's the best thing we've got going."
"Yeah? Who are _you_ to threaten the combaticons?" Swindle sniped.
"Want to find out?" the brutish stunticon pressed against Swindle. Onslaught pushed him away.
"Handle your own, Motormaster. It seems as though you cannot!"
"The stunticons do as _I_ say." Motormaster growled. "That's why we're all here!"
"Why _are_ we here?" Breakdown complained, folding his arms. "If Megatron is unhinged, there's nothing we can do about it anyway."
"He's gone." Dead End said gloomily. "It's time to move on."
Soundwave pointed. "Your words are treasonous. Explain!"
The bright hued stunticon hitched nervously. "Come on, it was just a comment. Everyone can see Megatron is losing it."
"Yeah, but _why_ is he losin' it?" Rumble wanted to know. "There's been no injury that I know of. All of a sudden he's gone goofy."
"I plan to get to the bottom of this." Soundwave stated, looking around. "Where are the constructicons?!"
"They're on the way." Frenzy answered. "Hook got held up in medbay."
Soundwave made an impatient sound. "All of you, stand alert for any suspicious activity. Cycles ago several ancient transmissions were received at this base. They were pre war in designation."
Excited murmurs. "That's impossible!" Vortex blurted. "No one here knows the language for that-"
"Those old enough know it." Soundwave countered. He paused, seeing the constructicons arrive down a passageway. "Ah. Late as usual."
"There was work to do." Hook replied stuffily. "Now why are we meeting in a dark basement?"
"I am gathering the most trustworthy decepticons to stand alert."
"For what? Monitor duty for idiotic announcements?"
There were a few chuckles. Soundwave wasn't amused. "Spare us your sarcasm. Megatron's disorder is not from infection or injury."
"He hasn't been examined. On what do you base that opinion?" Bonecrusher wanted to know.
"The sudden change in his behavior lends itself to outside causes."
"Like mind control, maybe?" Vortex offered.
"I have considered this."
"You suspect someone on this base." Brawl concluded.
Soundwave paced. "Yes. Look about, and see why I've selected the group here."
There was silence as the decepticons eyed each other.
"I don't know." Frenzy finally said. "It's bad buisness to be accusin' friends and comrades."
"Sedition is worse buisness." Soundwave cracked. "The rumors are true. There is a movement to take command from Megatron on this base."
DragStrip appeared disinterested. "Yeah. So what? Revolution happens all over the universe-"
Motormaster choked him. "What was that?"
"N-nothing."
"Enough." Soundwave barked, separating them. "The sparkling situation complicates matters. Soon most of us will be incapacitated for regular duty. We must strike before the children arrive."
Frenzy shrugged. "But what are we striking at? For that matter, who?"
"I would like to know also." Hook huffed. "The constructicons mind their own affairs!"
"Eh, you always were clannish." Vortex quipped.
"And the combaticons aren't? I notice no flyers are here."
Razorbeak flapped her wings gently. *They cannot be trusted entirely. I've made note of suspicious activity.*
"Then why hasn't Megatron made a move?" Bonecrusher asked. "Could it be you're mistaken?"
*Highly unlikely. However, there has been no overt takeover attempt. Most puzzling.*
"You're all wet." Swindle dismissed, addressing Soundwave. "We're supposed to stop something that hasn't happened, with no real proof?"
"Silence." Soundwave considered. "I must think. We need to determine why Megatron-"
A familiar voice crackled to life over the loudspeakers. "DECEPTICONS. ONCE AGAIN THIS IS MEGATRON, YOUR LEADER. THIS FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT IS TO DECLARE A FREE CYCLE TO DO AS YOU WISH. HOWEVER, REMAIN ON DUTY. THAT IS ALL. MEGATRON OUT."
"Sheesh." Swindle complained.
"Ridiculous!" Onslaught agreed. "Soundwave, something must be done. I for one will not be party to an addle brained leader. And neither will the combaticons!"
The crowd murmured in agreement. Soundwave lifted a hand.
"Be quiet, all of you. I plan to contact Shockwave and deliberate on this. If what I suspect is true, we will need additional reinforcements on earth."
Breakdown couldn't believe his audios. "But you're talking about war against _other decepticons!"_
"Though the idea seems bizarre, we must be prepared."
"I'm with Swindle on this one, Soundwave. No one's making any moves that I've seen."
Motormaster was thinking. "Maybe it's in plain sight."
"Explain." Soundwave ordered.
The rough decepticon shrugged. "I don't know. Just a couple of odd conversations I've had...nothing specific."
"Then speak clearly or be silent. I'm not interested in speculation at this point."
DragStrip laughed. "I get it...this isn't about a plot. You've got a personal stake in all this!"
Soundwave stood in front of him. "Beware what you say. I might consider your attitude treasonous."
"I'm not a traitor!"
*This arguing amongst ourselves is pointless.* LaserBeak commented. *What to do?*
Soundwave paced the dim room before addressing them all. "Keep your audios open. Get the others talking. Find out what you can."
"And what will _you_ be doing?" Mixmaster asked.
"Preserving Megatron's image."
****
Octane hand carried ores to the lab. It had taken him several trips in bot mode, since the hallways were too confining for his tanker form.
"This is the last of it, Skyfire." the triplechanger stated, standing by the tanks.
Skyfire nodded from his station. "Thanks. At least we can get started with the remixing."
"Right." Octane gazed over at the battlechargers before staring at Runamuck.
"Bum optic?"
The shocked battlecharger made a noise. "You weren't supposed to notice!"
"It's not bad...I just see a slight difference in color, that's all."
"Yeah well it's none of your buisness, Octane." Runabout cut in. "We gotta get these tanks up to temperature before we add the ore. So beat it!"
The triplechanger chuckled. "My, aren't _we_ hostile." he addressed Skyfire next. "Apologies for the...well, the other cycle. You know."
Skyfire gazed at him coolly. "It's forgotten. Remember what I said, though."
"Of course." crimson optics sparkled. "There's an update. Is this location secure?"
Breaker glanced up from his work at that. "Sense much! Irregular activity."
Skyfire gave a slight nod at the curious battlechargers. "Speak freely, Octane. Runabout and Runamuck have already made a decision. Do you get my meaning?"
Octane sat at the table. "Certainly-"
"I _knew_ it!" Runamuck blurted, pointing. "He's in on it!"
Runabout snapped his fingers. "Yeah, it makes sense. Then that means Blitzwing and Astrotrain-"
"Will you quit running your mouths for two astroseconds?!" Skyfire was annoyed. "Stop speculating!"
"Yeah, but we figured it out-"
"Still babble." Breaker beeped, sitting next to a molecular model. "Bad idea! Nonsensical."
"Yeah, yeah, we get it." Runabout snickered. "Man, that's slick. But it makes sense now. I think-"
"I'm _trying_ to hear Octane." Skyfire reminded them all.
"Let him talk, Skyfire." Runamuck griped, separating ore pieces on a table. "But I'm still gonna get revenge."
Octane observed the white battlecharger. "What's eating him?"
"Never mind, it isn't important." Skyfire put down a disk. "What's going on?"
"Let's just say the base is very quiet this cycle. _Too_ quiet."
"Maybe everyone is off base or on assignment."
Octane quirked a grin. "Uh uh. Seems as though there's a secret party going on in the sublevels."
Skyfire swore. "That's not good news for us."
"No. Especially since it appears to be a private event, if you get my drift."
"I do. How did you find out?"
"I sense a massive amount of anger, fear and agitation at one location. The walls talk."
Breaker beeped. "Can conclude now. Lines drawn! Trusted ones selected. All others not."
Runabout couldn't keep quiet. "Wait a minute. Then that means everyone else is on the outside. And we're under watch!"
Skyfire agreed gloomily. "Perhaps. Starscream will need to be made aware of this."
"Where is he?" Octane asked.
"On a scouting mission with Thrust."
****
[Ah, the famous Alaskan oil line. Every bit as impressive as rumored.]
Thrust banked alongside the seeker in flight. [And highly valuable to us.]
The two decepticons flashed across plains of arctic white, awed at the dimensions of the pipeline. Various waystations dotted the bleak landscape.
[We'll find a good spot to land and do diagnostics. Energy readings should be high.]
[Megatron should be pleased with our findings.]
[That isn't our only purpose.] Starscream snipped pointedly. [Now come, we'll find a secluded drift to land on.]
As the sleek jets lowered to ground level, Starscream noted breaks. [Beware the ice floes. Scan for thickness and support strength.]
[That way.] Thrust indicated west with his nose. [Asmuth fourteen degrees.]
[Excellent.]
Engines roared with power as the decepticons transformed and landed with great agility.
Starscream looked about. "We'll set up here." he pulled a scanner out.
Thrust practically stared at the horizon line. "This world does have a strange beauty, I must admit."
"Beauty that will serve us, Thrust. According to these readings, this pipeline has a flow that could create 100 cubic tons of energon cubes every eight cycles."
A hand gripped Starscream on the wrist suddenly.
"Thrust! What are you doing?"
Golden optics glimmered. "Strange thoughts enter my mind. You realize this is the first time we've been alone in nearly twenty cycles?"
"Stop it! We're on duty-"
"Yes, but I'll chance this moment to declare myself once more."
Starscream pulled his hand free. "This is neither the time nor place. Now scan for autobots!"
Thrust grabbed his wrist again. "A few astroseconds can be spared, I think. You never gave me an answer."
"Are you insane? We've other matters to consider now!"
"Such as? I can't believe Skyfire would object."
Starscream huffed. "Parenthood, for one. That and the-" he covered his mouth quickly.
Thrust eyed him. "What? You were going to say."
"Nothing."
"I don't believe you. It's something important, isn't it?"
"Potentially." Starscream stared at his reflection in ice. "You have always been trustworthy."
"Nothing has changed." golden optics glimmered. "At least not in _my_ spark."
Starscream looked to blue skies. "Are you aware of the rumors, Thrust?"
"The ones regarding Megatron's sanity?"
"Only partly."
Thrust folded his arms. "I don't think I should say. Rumors have a nasty way of getting circuits fried."
Starscream chuckled. "You have nothing to fear from me. Let's just say that _all_ the rumors are true."
Thrust stared in open surprise. "The attempted takeover? But I thought that was wishful thinking and idle talk on base. Besides, no one I spoke to openly took sides."
Crimson optics narrowed. "The time may soon come to make rumors reality. I trust you with this much, Thrust. Betray me and suffer."
Thrust traced a red wing gently. "I wouldn't. I take it then, that sides are being chosen?"
Starscream smirked, pacing in a circle. "Oh, definitely. And unlike my other failed attempts, this one is carefully crafted. I can practically taste Supreme Command now."
"Ah. You've gained an informal council."
"Ha! Of a sort. Others with considerable strength and power want Megatron ousted."
Thrust appeared uncomfortable suddenly. "I...see."
Starscream held the searcher by the chinplate. "I wonder where _you_ stand, Thrust."
"I...you know my spark in this matter, Starscream."
"But will you support me?" wicked grin.
Thrust was silent a moment. "Megatron has been satisfactory, if mediocre." golden optics sparkled. "Do I have an extra incentive?"
"Yes, I'll see that you live. Now give me an answer!"
Thrust frowned. "I hoped to hear something else."
Starscream huffed, removing his hand. "Can you think of nothing else? There's an empire to be rebuilt, Thrust. See the grander scale of things!"
"I'm no retard, Starscream." the jet was insulted. "But you'll have to tell me more about this plan. Remember, I've _seen_ your attempts in the past. They've amounted to little but hype."
A screech. "You dare doubt my ability?! One day decepticon forces will rule the stars. The next time you are off shift, report to the lab and ask Skyfire for details."
"Why can't I meet you directly?"
"Megatron is too suspicious of me, despite his addled brainbox. And be discreet. Soundwave has flunkies everywhere looking for conspiracy."
A pause. "Very well."
Starscream glanced at his scanner again. "By the way, who's the pada? Curious minds want to know."
"You mean nosy minds."
"Whatever. Who is it?"
"Dirge."
Wild optics flared. "Now that surprises me!"
"Why?"
"For some reason I thought it would be Ramjet."
"Slag it, no." Thrust growled. "He's too busy chasing after Reflector."
Starscream pressed buttons on his scanner absently. "Wonders never cease. I didn't realize you and Dirge were that close."
"Someone handed out notes and candy, remember? Things got crossed up and well...the rest is history."
A snicker. "Delightful. I look forward to seeing a baby conehead!"
"Very funny. Anything on the scanner?"
Starscream frowned. "I'm not certain. Let's fly around the perimeter of these pipelines."
****
The battlechargers had the tanks raised to smelting temperatures.
"Hey, Skyfire." Runamuck was arranging more ore pieces. "Mind if we take a small break? After all, Megatron said this is basically a free cycle."
Skyfire glanced up from his station. "That message was sufficiently confusing, so I guess it's okay."
Breaker patted a white arm. "Trick."
"There ain't any trick." Runabout bellowed. "We're just takin' a break, that's all. No big deal."
Runamuck agreed. "Yeah. Besides, I want to test my depth perception in space."
Skyfire was curious. "No dizziness or disorientation?"
Runamuck laughed. "Nah. Battlechargers are tough. Besides, we figure to play a few rounds of _battlebots_ back at our quarters."
Breaker shook his head. "Still say trick."
"Give it a rest, Breaker. We'll be back soon enough."
Skyfire eyed them with suspicion. "Okay, but get back here in four breems. If Megatron changes his mind I want you accounted for."
Runabout gave a thumbs up. "You got it."
****
Starscream and Thrust flew along frozen plains.
[I don't like this, Starscream. My sensors are kicking up.]
[As are mine.] the Seeker agreed. [Stay alert. I see a military installation eight miles off.]
The sleek jets closed the distance rapidly. A blue beam flared under brilliant skies, nearly striking Thrust in the tail.
[Autobots!] the searcher bellowed, seeing their enemies below. A group of transformers burst from the bunker with weapons raised.
[Attack!!] Starscream screeched, swinging low. Bluestreak took aim once more.
"Hey, Screamer! the autobot taunted, pointing his cannons. "You look a little off balance."
"That ain't all." Jazz fired a wide shot. "He looks kind of fat to me!"
Above, the angy seeker overheard. [Did you hear that, Thrust? He called me fat! He'll _pay_ for that insult.]
Thrust angled for a strafing run. [I'm not exactly slender myself these days, Starscream.]
Below, Optimus Prime gathered his group. "Aim for their wings! Knock them from the skies!"
[You'll never get the chance, Prime!] a shriek as Starscream strafed laserfire everywhere. The autobots dove for cover.
"We'll see about that, Starscream!" Trailbreaker emitted his force field. A wall of dense molecules repelled the decepticon fire.
[Pull up!] the seeker bellowed, lifting his nose. Thrust likewise yawed as crossfire bounced back wildly.
[A worthy trick, autobots. It only bought you some time!] Thrust fired a photon beam straight at Sunstreaker. The golden autobot yelled and fell back on his heels.
"Got something for ya, Thrust!" Sideswipe stepped forward and fired a rocket. It arced in the crisp air and struck Thrust in the tail. The decepticon howled at his open wound.
"Hah. Gone soft." Sideswipe bragged to the others. Optimus put a hand on his shoulder and stared at clear skies.
"They seem to be moving off. Are you getting any readings of more decepticons, Hound?"
The stout autobot scanned the area. "No, but it's odd...I'm getting more transmissions than can be accounted for."
"Meaning?" Prowl lowered his weapon but stood alert.
Hound scratched his head. "It's almost like my sensors picked up _five_ decepticons just now. I don't get it."
"Five!" Jazz looked around for an unseen attack. "And Starscream looked pretty wide..."
"His partner didn't seem too svelte either." Sunstreaker stood up finally.
"What are you getting at?" Optimus was also tense.
"Not sure, Optimus. But that direct hit Starscream gave me didn't bust a scratch."
Sideswipe laughed. "He must be getting old!"
The whine of powerful engines filled the air suddenly as two familiar forms returned.
[Laugh at this, autobot scum!] Null rays and photon beams sprayed everywhere.
"Hit the deck!!" Optimus bellowed, falling behind an ice hill. The other autobots dove for cover once again. They returned fire.
Another blue bolt struck Starscream square in the nose. A shriek as his spark blazed in agony.
[Starscream, something's wrong!] Thrust warned nearby, still firing away.
[Keep shooting!] the seeker ordered, regaining his equilibrium. He angled at the autobot leader. [I'm coming for you, Prime!]
"I'm right here and waiting!" Optimus fired his cannon with deadly accuracy, clipping Starscream on the wing.
[Curse you!] the seeker screamed in more pain, his right wing smoking. He fired more null rays.
Optimus couldn't evade them in time. Energy ripped through his form as he collapsed.
"Optimus!" Jazz bellowed, racing his way. "That's _it,_ Starscream!" he fired upward with pinpoint precision.
[Too slow, autobot!] Starscream peeled off again suddenly. Thrust trailed his wake.
Jazz and the others ran to their leader. "You okay, Optimus?"
The surprised Prime patted himself. "Yes. In fact, those null rays barely tickled."
Prowl frowned, watching for another ambush. "That makes no sense! You took a close hit."
Hound disagreed. "I'm telling you, the readings I'm getting are all screwy. None of us were seriously hurt, and you have to wonder why."
"Ha." Sunstreaker puffed. "Maybe Starscream's low on power. His attacks are pathetic!"
****
At the edge of scanner range, the two decepticon jets overheard as they circled in formation.
[Big mouth may actually be right.] Starscream admitted.
[That's what I was trying to tell you. Our energy beams aren't affecting them at all!]
[A drain.] Starscream thought briefly. [We have no choice. Much as it galls me, we'll have to abort the scout.]
[Megatron will be furious.]
[No. We'll merely pad the data information a bit.] Starscream angled towards the autobots once more.
Thrust followed, his weapons at the ready. [What now?]
[We leave a parting gift.] Starscream dove like a shot towards the autobots.
[Happy landings, Prime!] he fired through the ice surrounding the marooned transformers. With a resounding crash, they toppled into icy waters.
The seeker cackled maniacally and flew off. [Enjoy your swim. I hear the water's good this time of year!]
****
Runabout and Runamuck stalked through the base. They were all buisness and looking for trouble.
"You sure about this, Runamuck? I mean, we really have no beef with them."
The white battlecharger sniffed. "Well _I_ do. Nobody busts me in the optic and gets away with it."
"Yeah, but they're pretty tough."
"So are we. Besides, it's a free cycle. That means we can brawl and not get tossed into stasis."
Runabout brightened at that, cracking his knuckles. "Yeah. Good deal! I always thought those triplechangers were too smug."
"Yeah. Like bein' old gives them license or something. Ain't no seniority system around here!"
As they rounded a turn the brothers noticed Frenzy staring at them nearby.
"What's up, Frenzy?" Runamuck shouted.
The cassette eyed them oddly. "Aren't your quarters in the east wing? You two are up to something."
Runabout shrugged. "Nothing, just buisness. We've got an appointment."
Frenzy pointed in accusation. "Yeah, well see to it that you don't start any junk. Megatron won't be pleased."
"Oh yeah? He seems pretty happy these days. We heard his announcements." a snicker.
"Think it's funny?"
Runamuck elbowed his brother to stop. "Nah, just excited about our appointment. Say hello to Rumble for us!" they waved and moved off.
Frenzy watched them go with suspicion. "Yeah, sure."
****
Skyfire and Breaker were chatting in the lab. The minicon sat comfortably on the table, his feet up.
"Know battlechargers attempt trick."
"You said that before." Skyfire sipped energon with an ion spritz. "What is it you think they're doing?"
"Not think, _know._ Peep at brains."
"Breaker, I've asked you to stop doing that."
"This time, must. Battlechargers want revenge."
Skyfire waved it off. "I'm not involved. If they want their heads broken, that's their buisness."
"If heads broken, not ready for battle. Not waste allies, resources."
Blue optics flared. "I can't put them under glass, either. Besides, they should hold their own with even odds."
Breaker stared at his drink. "Know diagnostics of all decepticons. Have reasonable chance."
Skyfire grinned slyly. "Would you care to make a wager?"
Breaker beeped excitedly, visiors bright. "Good bet, friend Sky! Gamble much."
The big jet laughed. "Maybe we should get Thundercracker, he's perfect at probabilities."
"Thundercracker best at Space Craps. Did win most time!"
"Really? I'll have to ask him about that. But about our wager...what have you got?"
Breaker beeped again, holding up two fingers. "One pack vintage sticks . _One_ cube Sim energon. Best stuff! Easy terms."
"And wrecked processors." Skyfire grinned.
"Now you." Breaker pointed. "What offer?"
"All right. Two straight breems of porn off the high frequency channel. I cracked the code last breem."
Red visiors flashed wildly. "Bet!" Breaker gripped Skyfire on the arm.
"Which side?"
"Bet triplechangers."
"I'll take the battlechargers."
"Is good." Breaker eased into Skyfire's lap and made himself cozy.
"Big Sky."
"What is it?"
A pause. "Tickle sticky?"
****
Runabout held his brother back when they arrived at their destination.
"Don't go to the doors. We don't need a repeat of that earlier scene."
Runamuck arched his neck. "Screw the doors. Look down the corridor near the elevators!"
"Hm?" Runabout likewise peered. Astrotrain was walking away from them near a turn in the hallway.
"Let's do it." Runamuck mumbled before stepping out in plain sight. _"Hey, CHOO CHOO TRAIN!!"_
"Huh?" the startled Astrotrain barely turned.
"Here's one for you, sucker!!" Runamuck transformed to charger mode and plowed head on into the shocked triplechanger. Runabout also transformed and followed.
Astrotrain gathered his wits enough to grab for a handhold. It was useless. Runamuck rammed him through the hallways too quickly to counter. Titanic, hollow thuds followed their wake as Astrotrain bounced off walls helplessly.
"Have a good night's sleep, gramps!" Runamuck bellowed, knocking the triplechanger down an empty elevator shaft. The brothers transformed to bot mode and celebrated as Astrotrain crashed to the lower levels.
Runamuck high fived his twin. "Well all _right!_ Takes care of his old aft."
The happy battlechargers were too busy enjoying themselves to notice Blitzwing come up behind them.
"I despise fools and idiots." the deep voice hissed.
The battlechargers turned in surprise as energy beams struck them squarely in the chest. Howling, they toppled down the shaft and disappeared.
Blitzwing smiled grimly, putting his weapon away. "Now we'll see who's aft gets taken care of."
Visiors flashing, he floated gently down the shaft into darkness.
****
Starscream and Thrust struggled to maintain flight speed as the sun set on the horizon.
[I'm completely wiped out, Starscream.] Thrust managed. [It's insane, I feel as if we fought armies for hours on end.]
[Only one possible explanation, Thrust.] Starscream surmised. [The sparklings are feeding on our reserves.]
Thrust flared his thrusters. [Makes sense. That's why our weapons are ineffective.]
[Yes. We'll have to ease our way back to base. I don't feel like crashing and restarting.]
[Low level gliding may preserve our strength.]
[At quarter speed, then. We don't want to lose velocity.]
[I'll start a jamming frequency so we aren't traced.]
Starscream angled his nose at the waning sun. [Good idea. Pit take it, I'll be glad to get home!]
****
Starscream and Thrust reported to medbay for treatment. The base was relatively quiet as it was late in the cycle. As usual, Hook gave them a cool reception before lecturing that they return to quarters.
"I can't say much for his bedside manner." Thrust complained to Starscream as they moved slowly along.
"Hook's a regular mister sunshine." Starscream agreed. "But we both need recovery time. Retire to quarters, while I give Megatron a brief report-"
The hallway speakers crackled to life. "DECEPTICONS, AND ALL NON - AUTOBOTS. THIS INCLUDES THOSE OF YOU ON SHIFT, AND THOSE NOT. THIS IS MEGATRON. THIS IS THE ANNOUNCEMENT THAT THE PREVIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE FOR. IN THE MEANTIME, STAY ALERT. THE CURRENT SEMI FREE CYCLE STATUS CONTINUES UNTIL I SAY OTHERWISE. THAT IS ALL. MEGATRON OUT."
"Or not." Starscream rolled his optics.
Thrust laughed. "The whole joint's falling apart."
"The base isn't but Megatron is." Starscream took his leave.
****
Starscream entered the lab wearily. The lights were dimmed in the main area.
"Skyfire?"
"Back here, Star." Skyfire's voice echoed through the hallway.
The exhausted seeker made his way to the bedroom. Skyfire and Breaker were watching porn and smoking sticks.
"What's going on?"
Skyfire didn't answer. "You look terrible, Star. Come here."
"Thanks for the compliment." Starscream sat slowly on the mattress. "My whole mainframe aches."
Breaker clambered up. "Hurt. Not worry, give good massage!" small but skilled hands worked deftly over newly patched wounds.
Skyfire pulled his seeker close. "I want to try some of that cream on your injuries."
"Fine." crimson optics flickered.
"You're tired." Skyfire pushed Starscream to a resting postion. "Just lie still. Breaker, get some of the cream please."
"Can do!" the minicon hopped off the bed and went to the supply area.
White fingers stroked a silver faceplate. "How did the scouting go?"
"Aborted." Starscream managed. "Thrust and I got into a skirmish with autobots."
"Did you find out anything useful?"
"Yes. The Alaskan oil line is rich with potential. Megatron will want to return there before too long."
"I'm certain he was excited to hear the news."
"Not exactly. It sounds as if he's too excited already!"
Skyfire laughed. "You must be talking about the announcements-"
The bedroom speaker popped on. "DECEPTICONS. THIS IS YOUR LEADER AGAIN. IN THE LAST ANNOUNCEMENT I FORGOT TO MENTION THAT ALL STATUS OFFICERS WILL ALTERNATE ROTATIONAL DUTY SHIFTS. FURTHER INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED AS NEEDED. THAT IS ALL."
Starscream stared at the ceiling. "Has this been going on all cycle?"
Skyfire clutched his head. "Every breem on the breem. It's getting aggravating."
Breaker reappeared with a small container. "Megatron nonsense. Nonstop! Annoy."
"I'll say." Starscream struggled to sit up. Skyfire held him.
"Just lean against me. I sense your reserves are nearly exhausted, Star."
"Is so." Breaker agreed, hopping back up. "Stay still. Apply cream."
Starscream sighed as the soothing balm was applied. _"Perfect."_ red wings quivered.
"You were outnumbered by the autobots?" Skyfire asked.
"Yes. Optimus was there. We attacked, but our weapons had no effect. Power drain. Thrust and I barely flew at altitude all the way back."
"What in Cybertron?"
Starscream smiled weakly. "Sparklings require a tremendous amount of energy. I'm finding out the hard way."
Skyfire stared at the silent speakers. "Then rest. In his current state I doubt Megatron will miss you."
Red optics were bleary. "If I weren't so exhausted I'd laugh my head off."
"There's news on the other front. I'll tell you about it later once you've recovered."
Starscream curled against his bondmate. "Wonderful. Things are falling into place."
Breaker pulled a blanket over the sleepy seeker. "Revolution shaping up."

to be continued
- 30
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- 32
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Wing Shift