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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
- 7
- 8
- 9
submission dated 4-15-08
Warnings: Somewhat depressed and lonely, Skyfire goes slumming. And runs into an interesting triple threat.
Pairing: Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, minicon Breaker

Wing Shift

Chapter 8 Love and War

Thundercracker and Skywarp walked through Decepticon headquarters and casually observed the bustle of activity. The base was still buzzing over Skyfire's attack on Omega Supreme. They headed to the recreation area located in the lower levels. The place took a lot of hard abuse, with decepticons being active and aggressive by nature. Megatron had shifts do constant repair work during slow times.
The two seekers tossed mech balls about for sport. They glanced over and saw Rumble chatting with his brother Frenzy.
"Man, did you see the holo images of the attack?" Rumble was saying.
"Not yet, I was gonna get a copy and check it out in my quarters. Was it as cool as everyone says?"
"You better believe it. Man, Skyfire came sailin' out of the sun like a fireball! Old Omega didn't even have time to look up. And then it was BOOM, baby." Rumble gestured in excitement, slapping his hands together.
"I kinda dug his battle mode the other day." Frenzy said. "And you know I just loooove _big guns,_ heh."
"Yeah, well-"
The two jabbering cassettes wound around the hallway continuing their conversation.
Thundercracker snorted. "Sounds like we've got a superstar on our hands."
Skywarp snickered. "Careful, TC. You're starting to look a little green around the wings."
The blue seeker tossed the ball. "I'm not! But Primus take it, I can't go anywhere and not hear his praises."
Skywarp caught the ball. "That ain't what's got your tail bent, and you know it."
"What!"
"This is about Starscream. For what it's worth, I don't believe he's stepping out on you."
Thundercracker tossed the ball, thinking. "I dunno, 'Warp. This whole situation just hasn't set right with me ever since Skyfire returned."
"You told me they had a bond, right?"
"Yeah. But I'm not mad about the past. It's the present that concerns me."
Skywarp made another catch. "I really haven't seen any evidence Skyfire's making a move. If he is, he's hiding it really well."
"I think he's waiting for the opportunity." Thundercracker insisted. "My second processor is never wrong when it comes to probabilities."
"You're gonna burn yourself out one day, running all processes simultaneously. Maybe you should get that fixed."
Ball toss. "It's what I am, Skywarp. My hardwire only talks softly. But I'm in a no win situation here. If I accuse Starscream of cheating, he'll go running straight to Skyfire. You know how wildly emotional he gets."
Ball catch. "And you don't? Sheesh, Cracker...when you and Screamer first hooked up you wouldn't let him out of your sight!"
Ball toss. "All right, so I got a little possessive at times. Starscream has admirers around the base, you know that. They may not like him personally, but they would _love_ to jump his mainframe."
Ball catch. "Heh, I remember when you busted Ramjet's nosecone after he kissed Screamer. He's been scared of you ever since."
Ball toss. "Just protecting my territory, 'Warp."
Ball catch. "Thundercracker, you give obsession a bad name."
The blue seeker held the ball, thinking. "Maybe I'm worrying about nothing. Like you said, Skyfire really hasn't pursued anything."
Skywarp approached his fellow seeker. "Nah, he seems preoccupied with the perverts." a shudder.
"I know you've got bad memories from that drinking party."
"Bad enough to have my CPU scrubbed with wire. Maybe Skyfire can handle it but that's _his_ aft, not mine."
Thundercracker leaned against a storage shelf. "I'm hearing rumors he's a real freak, anyway. Did you know Breaker's staying with him?"
Skywarp's optics went round as plates. "You're kidding, right?"
Thundercracker sniggered. "Astrotrain and Blitzwing have already been visiting his room. They couldn't even wait long enough for him to get a permanent unit!"
_"Damn!!._ And remember how worn out they were before Skyfire's test?"
The two seekers laughed hysterically, their heads together.
"Thanks for the warning, 'Cracker. When I see Skyfire coming I'll watch my aft. But Primus, he's _hot."_
"Don't let Swindle hear you say that."
Skywarp led his friend up the boom tube, smiling. "He knows I bonded him for his personality!"
****
Megatron walked with Skyfire around the facility, getting him familiarized with the layout.
"As a reward for your outstanding performance, I will allow you usage of our lab room. That incompetent Starscream has allowed it to fall in disrepair."
"I appreciate this personal honor you bestow me, Megatron." _you bastard._
"Of course." the gravelly voice rasped. They stopped at huge sliding doors. "Inside you will find a lab any scientist would dream of. There is an additional living unit in the back. Consider this your new home."
They went inside. Skyfire's optics went wide with excitement. The ark facilities paled in comparison to what he stood in. The lab was large and relatively clean, with tables, shelves and storage areas filled with data disks. There were various sized work tables. Lighting was plentiful and adjustable. Skyfire noted a diagnostic computer console and analysis droid.
"Fabulous." he meant it.
"Cabinets over there house writing tablets and stylus. If you need assistance in prep work, notify Soundwave."
"Thank you, Megatron. I must admit I am surprised."
"At precisely what?" there was an edge to the rough voice.
"This." Skyfire motioned at the expanse of lab. "The ark is a crude hole compared to this."
"Of course. Decepticons aspire to perfection, not merely satisfaction." ruby optics gleamed up at him weirdly.
_I hope he's just talking about the lab!_ "I thought combat would be my primary role."
A cold chuckle. "Oh, there's always time for _that._ But I have plenty of goons already. Brains are rare to find, particuarly brains with equal amounts of brawn and skill. So enjoy this respite while you can. It will be buisness as usual soon enough."
****
Starscream had a relatively uneventful day at the complex before returning to his unit. He found Thundercracker inside playing a computer probability game.
The red seeker peeped over a shoulder. "At it again? So what probablity factor are you trying for this time?"
Thundercracker grinned, a green glow on his faceplate from the screen. "Well, I've got the variance down to 24 millinons. Plus or minus 8 percent."
"Not bad." Starscream sat next to him. "Boring day...reviewing new energy sources by the humans."
"Works for me. I don't miss spending every few vorns in repair. Hook's been in a bad mood the last few groons anyway."
The comlink on their other desk beeped suddenly. Soundwave's monotone came over the speakers.
ATTENTION ALL DECEPTICONS. THIS IS OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION THAT SKYFIRE IS DESIGNATED TECHNO SCIENTIST. HIS AREA OF OPERATION WILL BE LAB SECTOR A12. ASSISTANCE FOR PREP WORK WILL BE ASSIGNED IN 7900 BREEMS. THAT IS ALL.
The comlick went silent. Starscream stared into space, optics closing to near lines of red.
Thundercracker watched his reaction. "Interesting. And there's a living area in the back so he'll have plenty of room."
"This must have been a last second decision by Megatron." Starscream hissed. "As second in command I should have been told first."
Thundercracker shrugged. "Why stand on office? You know Megatron makes quick decisions at times."
Starscream folded his arms in irritation. "I am AstroScientist as well. _If_ we are to work together, it would enhance our science department-"
"What _is_ all this, Starscream?" Thundercracker was suspicious again. "Are you upset that Megatron stole your thunder, or is something else stuck up your afterburner?"
"I tire of your jealousy, Thundercracker. This isn't personal. I dislike being stood up by that megalomaniac. One day, the time will come."
"You keep saying that. I strongly suggest you stop making open threats."
"Fah. Let others cower in fear. There is a plan in place, Cracker. There is no timeline yet, but the framework is there."
"I don't like this conspiracy talk, Starscream. It gets circuits fried."
The red seeker looked at his lover slyly. "Are you a revolutionary? Or do you just tow the line and hope we stumble to glory?"
The deep voice dropped. "For now the current regime is satisfactory."
"But not ideal?"
"No. Now tell me something concrete, I have no patience for ambitious guesswork."
Starscream traced Thundercracker's lips with a finger. "I need to speak with Skyfire first."
_"Starscream!"_
"Calm, my dear Cracker. This is about planning, not sparking. I wish you could control yourself." snarky grin.
_"You've_ got gall, talking about control! Don't play me for a fool, Starscream. I smell his static all over you!"
Starscream shifted back in disbelief. "What?"
A black hand gripped a blue one. "Tell me _now._ What's going on between you two?"
The red seeker stuttered. "N...nothing! We haven't done anything, I swear. Why won't you believe me?!"
_"Because you're lying!"_
_To the pit_ with your accusations, Thundercracker!" Starscream shrieked, yanking a hand caught in an iron grip.
The blue seeker didn't let go. "Lying, scheming, conniving...I should walk out on you _now!"_
_"Then leave!"_ another screech. "You love me but don't trust me? Slag you!"
"Why is his static all around you, then?"
"Because I've been _around_ him, you dolt! We work at the same base, in case you hadn't noticed. I'm his commanding officer. And yours!"
Thundercracker let his hand go abruptly. "I'm your lover, not your lackey. But you know what? Maybe it's a good idea we never bonded. It probably would've been the worst decision of my life!"
"Fine!!" Starscream wailed.
"Fine!!" Thundercracker roared. "I'm staying somewhere else tonight. Sweet dreams of your big afted mech!" he stormed out.
Starcream stood staring, unable to control his anger. "How _dare_ he accuse me of wanting Skyfire!" fists clenched, he screeched in fury until his strength was spent. When it was done, he sagged to his knees in frustration and stress.
"I do want him." he whispered.

****
Thundercracker tapped a sensor panel on the next level. Motormaster answered.
"Eh...Thundercracker? What brings you here this time of cycle?"
"Sorry. Mind if I bunk here for a few breems?"
"Starscream again, eh. Haven't I warned you about him?"
"Yeah, yeah. I needed to get away from him before I tore his wings off."
The stunticon leader nodded and let him in. "Come on, you need to get overcharged."
Bombshell came from the bedroom suddenly, irritation in his voice. His wings were open. "ERRhh...Thunderrcracker. You innterrrupted uss us."
"Sorry, Bombshell." Thundercracker apologized. "I just stumbled around and didn't know where to go." he dropped into a living room seat.
The insecticon twitched his antennae in curiosity. "Ahhh...you and Starscreamm had anotherr fight."
"The worst." Thundercracker looked down in depression. "I think this is it."
Motormaster rummaged in the kitchen, rounding up energon mixers. "I have a feeling it's gonna be a long cycle."
****
"So basically, that's how it went down." Thundercracker gulped his third cocktail.
Motormaster held his chin, thinking. "You could be wrong. After all, it's not like you caught the two of them interfacing on the floor somewhere."
"No, but at the rate it's going that's not far off."
"SStill no prrooof, proof." Bombshell insisted. "If I werrre to supposse everything I was thinkingg, I would stay angrry, angry."
Motormaster sipped his drink. "And let's face it, TC. If you don't trust him there's nothing much there anyway. Yeah, you can love him and all that, but what's the point? A pity fuck when you're lonely? At some point the love runs out of gas."
"You arre not bonnded, bonded." Bombshell pointed in accusation. "Fool. You think to make him love you, you. He does not. You are safe, safe."
Thundercracker felt his emotions settle at those truths. "Yeah, maybe deep down I knew this. I thought if I had enough time to be with him things would change."
"If not in the spark, it cannot happen no matterr how long, long." Bombshell told him. "And your separration happened tonight without any interference from Skyfire, Skyfire."
"You...you're right. I was so caught up I didn't think about that..."
"Tell me something, TC." Motormaster wanted to know. "Is there anyone else you could...you know..._get it on_ with, and spark? Other than Starscream?"
The blue seeker grinned, optics misty. "Yeah, but it can't happen. We were already involved with other bots. Bonding issues, you know?"
Motormaster fondled Bombshell's antennae affectionately. "Hey, sugarbot. Think we can do a little matchmaking here?"
The insecticon shivered at the table. "Bewarrree, or I may give my sting rright in front of Thundercracker, Thundercracker!"
"Ooh, you're rough tonight." the brutish decepticon blushed.
Thundercracker could only stare at the weird pair. _In all the universe, only sparking is so irrational._
Bombshell practically vibrated. "Ssrkr. Eenough of that, dear. Wee can solve Thundercracker's problem, problem."
The blue seeker gobbled another loaded energon cocktail. "How do you mend a broken pump?"
"By jumping on a warrm mainframe, mainframe."
"We hear all kinds of stuff." Motormaster snickered. "Like who's already cheating, and who ain't really bonded. Get it?"
Thundercracker perked up in interest. _"Do_ tell!"
Bombshell snickered with mischief. "Oh I do like chaos, chaos. You might find this particularrr tidbit interestingg, interesting."
"Oh?"
"It seems that that Skywarrrp and Swindle arrre really separrated, separated. They neverrr completed theirr bond, bond."
Thundercracker's optics went wide.
****
Starscream sat alone in his unit, optics dimmed. He was on the floor.
/I think this is finally it between Thundercracker and I. He won't trust me and in truth, I don't blame him. I wanted this to work, I really did. If it weren't for Skyfire, I think we could have bonded. No, it couldn't be the same. But it would've been just as good. Breaker is right, I'm a fool stuck on stupid. I burn for Skyfire's touches, then run away like some idiot sparkling. He sees through my games. And sooner or later he will have offers, real ones. I can't expect him to pine for me endlessly. Sky loves hotly, but he isn't stupid. He'll move on no matter how much he loves me. The question is, what do I do now? Try to patch things up with Thundercracker? What is there to salvage? I don't even know if he wants me at this point, I've strung him out too long. Between my temperament and his intensity our relationship was always volatile./

A sigh. "What a fragging mess."

Thundercracker was having similar thoughts as he rested on a spare bunk at Motormaster and Bombshell's unit. The loaded energon took the edge off his wild emotion, letting him think more calmly.
/I think its time to move on from Starscream. It hurts because I can't trust him. I don't think he deliberately wants to lie to me. He's afraid and wants our relationship to work. But it can't, not anymore. Even though I still love him, it isn't enough. He may need me, but he's not in love with me. And I can't stand that. I need someone to want me the same way. I'm not a masochist, and I damn sure am not a fool. Should I go back to him, should we work it out? For what? This was inevitable I think, even without Skyfire being around. I'm too brooding and possessive, and he's too temperamental and wild. Loving Starscream is like riding a fiery rollercoaster. Excitement and heat, but complete insanity. And sooner or later you crash./
Slow exhale. "What a fragging mess."
****
For the first time since he'd joined the decepticons, Skyfire felt _good._ There was still the spark pain, but it subsided greatly and wasn't a distraction much. Working in the lab provided the means to implement his plan. It was also a welcome diversion from mindless warfare and infuriating ex lovers.
Decepticons had been assigned to help clean the lab and recallibrate instrumentation. The cassettes practically volunteered. Wildrider and Durge were called upon to assist, along with Hook and Shrapnel. The lab was miraculously sparkling and functional in 4500 breems.
His new personal unit was spacious and well stocked. High grade furnishings graced his new home, along with a well supplied energon containment unit. There was a small library with all kinds of historic and arcane data. Skyfire loved it all, he was like a sparkling with a new toy. Even the shower stall was elaborate, with settings for both oil and silicone. There was a solvent hose for stubborn dirt.
Finally exhausted from all the work, he retired to his rooms in the back. Breaker went in with him. The minicon was excited with accomplishment, sitting on the dining room table.
"We do good work, Sky. Lab clean, ready to go."
"It is." Skyfire answered, smiling. He towelled himself dry after his long shower. "We've done a lot today. I can't wait to get started on those energy disks over the next few breems." he headed to the bedroom.
Breaker hopped down and followed him. "Disks like Breaker. Absorb, reflect, redirect energy."
Blue eyes narrowed on the minicon in thought. "Yes. Breaker, I think you'd make the perfect template!"
Breaker climbed up on Skyfire's plush bed. "Okay. Breaker good model."
"Ahh. Yes." Skyfire stretched out in satisfied exhaustion. A twinge in his chest cavity.
Breaker noticed the hitch. "Sky. Careful, spark still damage."
"I know." the jet adjusted to his side. "I guess in all the excitement today I didn't notice."
"Rest, be still. Not good, no like."
"Hmm." the bleary scientist felt his limbs go heavy. "Better take this time while we can, Breaker. I'm sure Megatron will order me to kill someone else I like."
"Decepticon way. Not evil, do what must."
"It still stinks." Skyfire frowned, thinking despite his weariness. _How quickly I forgot about Omega's death! Could Starscream be right about me? Hardwiring doesn't recognize good or evil. But I can, and I won't be an assassin!_
Blinding agony slashed through his spark casing without warning. Frigid cold and fiery heat burned his central core, bubbling energon. Skyfire buckled on the bed, roiling in agony.
Breaker wasted no words. Transforming to sphere mode he bounced away to get help.
****
Skyfire was boiling alive in his own spark. The universe tilted in a maze of mathmatical and computation insanity. He was sightless, floating in a void of nothingness.
EndRUNdatabreak//ssytemcheck.dll//runtimeERROR//badpatch//filecorrupt/
Primus save me, what is this madness and pain!
SSYSTEMdatabaseENDRUN//safewordREENTRYrequest?/Skyfile??Starfile??QUERY
I burn, I burn!
CYCLEerror/runTIME/reset/MAINFRAMEHARDWIRE//reboot/execute/login?
"Skyfire, _stop fighting it,_ you fool!" hands on his chest, soothing. Fingers probing his essence.
DATAcheck//returnsafemode//cycleON//auxiliaryHARDWIREreboot//DECEPTICONdll./newDATAFILE
"S-stop pain." Skyfire felt himself say. The agony subsided.
"Sky ok now, until bond." beeping.
"You did well to contact us first, Breaker."
"He's coming around."
****
Skyfire stared up at Breaker, Astrotrain and Blitzwing. Shimmering blue optics phased into clarity.
"I...have no idea what just happened." he tried to sit up weakly.
"Idiot!!" Blitzwing pushed him back down. "Be still, you _moronic scientist!"_
"Why did you..how?" Skyfire couldn't get his brain in focus.
Breaker hopped over him on the bed, beeping angrily. "You rest! Did stupid offline, fight Hardwire!"
"I...did? But-"
"You nearly thought yourself to death." Blitzwing answered. "Unicron save me from righteous decepticons!"
Skyfire leaned back over metal pillows, brushing his spark casing in confusion. "You took away my pain completely. What have you done?"
"Astrotrain rebooted you with his own Hardwire. The base configuration is the same for all decepticons."
Astrotrain held his head. "I felt your pain in transference. You can't purge your hardwire with determination and will! Are you so hopelessly ignorant of yourself?"
Skyfire groaned, rubbing his optics. "I'm in your debt. And you're right...I'm stubborn. I refused to believe the strength of the hardwire despite overwhelming evidence."
"As I said before, you think too much." Blitzwing stated. "There is thinking with purpose, and then there is thinking to distraction. Your distraction nearly destroyed your spark completely."
"I feel like a moron."
"You _tried_ to do a complete system dump on yourself." Astrotrain snapped. "What were you trying to prove? That decepticons have a conscience?"
"I...maybe. I honestly don't know anymore." Skyfire wondered about something. "What about my spark?"
Breaker edged up. "Astrotrain reboot give scar tissue to spark. Patch. Still not heal until bond. Work for now."
Skyfire smiled weakly, squeezing Astrotrain's hand. "I owe you, big. The constant pain was beginning to cripple me."
The triple changer quirked a smile. "You'll have plenty of time to pay us back. Besides, I'm a sucker for a pretty face."
Blitzwing sat on a nearby couch. "Rest and recharge, Skyfire. "We'll be here."
"Yes." finally giving in to exhaustion, Skyfire's optics went dark in rest. Astrotrain watched him in silence.
"Don't even _think_ it, Astrotrain!"
The triple changer glared at his mate. "I wasn't going to do anything! _Yet."_
"I know when you get that look." Blitzwing was annoyed. "I know that temptation!"
"He is young and confused, one of those new age thinkers from the golden time."
Breaker shifted to sphere mode and rolled beside Skyfire. "We watch, guide Sky. Make him learn self."

to be continued
- 7
- 8
- 9
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Wing Shift