Wing Shift

Warnings: Somewhat depressed and lonely, Skyfire goes slumming. And runs into an interesting triple threat.

Pairing: Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, minicon Breaker


Wing Shift


Chapter 11 Lovers and Mayhem


Skyfire and Starscream discussed the future of decepticon forces on a small island about an hour's flight from base. They remained in jet mode in case of accidental discovery. Bright sunlight reflected off the shiny mechs under warm breezes and salty spray. All nearby wildlife cleared out at the sound of fearsome engines upon their arrival. They were speaking in an open cove, surrounded by lush green jungle.

Starscream picked up the conversation. "This plan is workable, Skyfire. I've often wanted to work around the energy usage issue myself. Decepticons are made for glory, not piracy. This war drags on and I grow bored with it."

The shuttle rumbled. "You, bored with war? I thought all decepticons lived for conflict and battle."

The sleek blue nose gleamed in afternoon sun. "Conflict is exciting, but soldiers do as ordered. Don't think for a minute they haven't had doubts about the direction of our kind. The mindlessness of it all is astounding."

"Millions of years. Practically eons for most species, Starscream. The scope of waste is mind boggling."

"Yes. War is fun, but it's only buisness. There must be more! And once _we_ rule, all possibilities will become reality. If your disks are a success we can achieve wealth without plundering like thieves in the night."

"I find it amusing we consider ourselves so _advanced_ yet we make the same mistakes that 'inferior' species make."

"The reformation of the decepticons takes more than lofty ideals, Skyfire. A lot of them are mechanized idiots who know only war. They have no...finesse, no _intelligence_ in what they do. These are cut down quickly in battle."

"War fodder is common, even _necessary."_ sarcastic.

The red and silver jet rasped in laughter. "Oh, don't get me _wrong._ There's always chaff to be used for the cause. They're too stupid to reap the ultimate reward! But they help to obtain the goal."

"Naturally. Collateral damage, I believe it's called."

"You aren't as reluctant as you pretend, Skyfire. More than anyone, _I_ know what you're capable of when you put your mind to it. And scuttlebut reached us of your bravado with the autobots."

The valkyrie jet blew air from his vents. "You understood me in ways Optimus never did. You saw _all_ of me, not just the friendly scientist the autobots knew. I must admit their admiration was awkward, especially when Prime was nearby. Still...I enjoyed the looks of awe they often gave me."

"You have a presence, Skyfire. Possibly the only one that could overshadow Prime himself. Even the autobots knew that. But when I called you an autobot fraud earlier, I meant no offense. I was just stating fact."

"I don't offend easily, you know that. If I did a lot of mechs would lie injured everywhere."

The red seeker chuckled in amusement. "No doubt. Soundwave was your biggest doubter. He often made comments about your refusal to fight."

Skyfire revved a turbine briefly. "Really? Curious a communications officer would have room to talk."

"He doesn't know you like I do."

"I don't start fights, I finish them. What does he think my guns are for anyway?!"

The seeker's engines hummed softly. "Oh _titan,_ I love to hear you talk dirty."

"Star." the big jet edged up, touching noses.

"Wait, Sky! I didn't mean-"

"It's all right, really. I know we both love each other, despite your relationship with Thundercracker."

"Among decepticons, relationships are complex. It is not uncommon to be bonded and have a lover or two...we often fight and break up."

"Are you making a suggestion?"

A snicker from the smaller jet. "You really _are_ getting in tune with your instincts. Or do you prefer a 'cluster fuck' as your minicon often says?"

Skyfire was silent a moment. "Breaker is sitting in ice, where he belongs. I must admit, Thundercracker is quite attractive. But there are practical considerations. One, he probably doesn't want me. Two, I get the impression he wants a bond from you."

"I'll admit Thundercracker's a bit touched with his obsession. But he loves me. We supported each other when no one else would."

"I should have been there for you, Star."

"It hardly matters now. We will rule, and be supreme. Everything and anything will be ours. Not to mention _anyone."_

"Decepticon decadence, you just have to love it."

"Smartmouthed shuttle."

"We need support ourselves, Starscream. Is anyone established as a malcontent that you know of?"

"Practically everybody. However, many decepticons would throw in with us if we establish a position of strength. It's vital that Megatron be eliminated once and for all."

"Do you have feelers out?"

"Always. Of course, many in the fold won't speak out of fear. Others are greedy and don't care who's in charge. But all they need is a bit of encouragement, or a sign. And then there is the issue of your new friends."

"My new friends? You must be referring to Blitzwing and Astrotrain."

"Naturally. Megatron needs their talents, but fears their treachery more than any. Which makes them valuable to our cause."

"After that incident involving my spark, I can see why they aren't trusted. Even Breaker was in on it!"

The sleek nose tapped Skyfire. "They seem to have taken a liking to you. That's rare, even for those two. No doubt they have their own plans of conquest, but I think we can unify our efforts here. We don't need everyone running around half cocked."

"Based on my conversations with them I'd say we're thinking along similar lines."

"I'll do what I can to help you with the cerebro sifter. Can you perfect it?"

"I can. But I doubt Megatron will give me enough isolation in the lab to do that. At least not anytime soon."

Another snicker. "There's always the backup plan, Sky."

"Such as a tragic, unexplained accident?"

Starscream was gleeful. "You're so _wicked_ under all that pretense. "

****

Thundercracker blazed a trail across clear skies. The clean atmosphere allowed him to follow decepticon static like a beacon.

/Twelve minutes, eta. Then I'll find out what that lying Starscream is up to./

Not far behind were the flying forms of Skywarp and Ramjet. They trailed the blue seeker worriedly, keeping radio contact open.

//He's nuts, Skywarp! There's no proof Starscream's cheating.//

//Try telling him that! Cracker never needs proof of anything once his hardwire response kicks up.//

//He needs to get that fixed, it's not normal!//

Thundercracker cut into the transmission. //If you're going to follow me, then make yourselves useful! I'm gonna kick some shuttle aft!//

And with that, the blue seeker dove like a shot for a nearby island. He saw the two jets in a clearing, noses touched.

//I was right! Sleazy skag...//

****

"We'll find time to firm this up later, Sky." Starscream stated. "Right now we need to manufacture dig evidence. Otherwise Megatron will suspect we weren't looking for energy sources here."

"I can collect soil samples if you-"

"Wait, I'm picking up something on my sensors."

"Me too. Visual..."

_"Thundercracker??"_ Starscream couldn't believe as he saw his lover dive headlong at them and fly past.

"What's he doing?" Skyfire rolled away a bit.

"I have no idea-"

The blue seeker turned on an impossible pivot and fired at the two jets.

Skyfire was nonplussed as laserfire rained all around them. "Your braincracked boyfriend is attacking us."

Thundercracker flew in a wide loop. "Knew I'd catch you here all cozy. You're a _liar,_ Starscream! The minute I turn my back you're cuddling on an island with fatso!"

Skyfire rolled away angrily. /Fatso?!/

Starscream taxied near the water's edge, shrieking. "Are you insane? _Stop shooting!"_

The whine of more engines filled the air. Skywarp and Ramjet suddenly appeared over the horizon.

//What do we do, Skywarp? Thundecracker's attacking.//

//I'll try talking to him.// the purple seeker caught up rapidly with his trine mate.

"Knock it off, Thundercracker! This isn't helping."

"Stay out of this, Skywarp! That skag is running around on me. And no one makes a fool of Thundercracker!" he dove for another strafe.

Ramjet streaked to Skywarp's side. "So much for that. Now what?"

"We shoot _everybody._ When they're all down maybe we can talk and make sense of this!"

"Sounds like a plan. I'll pick a target!" Ramjet sped up and flared out.

****

Skyfire waited for Thundercracker as he aimed for another ground attack.

"I've got a _kiss_ for ya, Skyfire!" the raging seeker bellowed, strafing everywhere.

Skyfire transformed at the last second with his cannon gun and fired. "Don't want it!" he struck a blue wing tip. Thundercracker banked away awkwardly.

_"I've had enough of your stupid jealousy!"_ Starscream screeched above his roaring engines. Making a move of aerial beauty, he did a near vertical lift and flew after Thundercracker.

"You want to accuse me? _Slag_ you!!" he fired at Thundercracker.

Before Skyfire could transform back to flight mode Ramjet swooped down and fired, striking his shoulder. The decepticon peeled off after Skyfire fell backwards in loose soil.

He held his wounded shoulder. "Okay. _I_ want to play!" leaping to his feet, he transformed and flew after Ramjet.

Skywarp returned fire at random, striking both Starscream and Thundercracker as they closed to attack each other. Starscream yelped at a laser that scored his back.

"Is everyone _crazy?!"_

****

Laserbeak gently lifted onto the platform bay of decepticon headquarters. She couldn't believe the insanity she'd witnessed at the island. Megatron suggested she observe progress of the mission.

/Perhaps they are all damaged. Megatron must be made aware of this./

Soundwave waited near the bay. "Laserbeak, report on energy survey."

She flew into his housing smoothly, giving a quick playback. Soundwave listened attentively. "Megatron will not be pleased. Such behavior is uncceptable." he headed for the bridge.

Megatron waited impatiently for his communications officer to arrive. "Well, Soundwave? Starscream and Skyfire are nearly 68 breems past their reporting time. What occurs on the island?"

"Observe, Megatron." Soundwave did the playback, projecting imagery.

Megatron couldn't believe his optics. "What is this idiocy? And why are Ramjet, Skywarp and Thundercracker off base? There was no approval!"

"Reasons unknown. They all appear to be malfunctioning."

"Malfunctioning my aft! Have Astrotrain and Blitzwing report immediately. Also contact Dirge and Thrust. I plan to get to the root of this nonsense!"

"As you command."

****

The other fliers stood in the conference area with Megatron and Soundwave a short while later. They were briefed on the situation after reviewing the images.

Megatron gestured angrily. "Go clean out the trash. I have no idea why they're all fighting, but such behavior is disgraceful for an elite corps. Bring them back here in whatever condition you deem necessary!"

They answered in unison. "At once, Megatron."

****

The aerial battle at the island continued. All of the combatants had injuries and score marks.

"Give it up, Thundercracker!" Skyfire bellowed, targeting him from behind.

"Shut up, fat aft!" the blue seeker dove from the path of a particle beam. "You can't maneuver like me on your best day."

Starscream opened fire on Skywarp. "You should have stayed out of this. _It's none of your buisness!"_

Ramjet in turn fired on Starscream. "If you could _handle_ your buisness, we wouldn't be here!"

"Who asked you, _conehead?"_ Starscream fired his way next in a wild spray.

Skywarp rounded on Skyfire. "Be glad I'm trying to save your dumb aft, Thundercracker. Megatron's gonna blow a gasket about this!"

Thundercracker fired at Skywarp. _"Slag_ Megatron! It's that two timing Starscream that's got me pissed." he looped for another row.

"Stop shooting at Skyfire!" Starscream screeched, firing at Thundercracker. "And how _dare_ you call me two timing!"

So engrossed were the combatants they never acknowledged their sensors. By the time they did, it was too late. A deep, booming voice came over open radio transmission.

//Blitzwing will clear the skies!!//

Out of nowhere the triple changer plowed into everybody, creating wild air currents. Jets splayed everywhere out of control.

"You _moron!!"_ Skywarp yelled, hitting his stabilizers as he yawed. He was immediately tagged on the tail by a photon beam. His assailant was Dirge.

Cursing, the purple seeker returned fire. "Here's one for you, fool!"

Dirge rumbled his engines in deathsound. "Run from me, Skywarp. _Run,_ while you still can. I may be merciful."

"Get over yourself, you boring afthole!" Skywarp ratcheted him with needle missles.

Thrust was still firing at Thundercracker when an echoing voice cackled nearby. _"Bang!_ Gotcha..." Astrotrain laughed, closing down.

/What?/

An ion blast struck his nose, knocking him off flight. He careened into Skyfire, making them both topple earthward.

"Get off me, you _klutz!"_ the valkyrie jet boomed, hitting his thrusters and rocketing skyward. Unable to contain his wild rotation, Thrust clipped Starscream in the wing as he arced for a shot. The red seeker did an abrupt nosedive over Thundercracker. All three jets collided into the earth below.

Enraged, Starscream transformed and punched Thundercracker in the tail. He shifted to jet mode again and flew straight into Astrotrain. The triple changer was hit so hard he shifted to train mode and fell like a stone.

The stunned Thundercracker revved up and flew back into battle, shooting at Ramjet. Ramjet dove aside in time but Dirge never saw the blast coming. He was nailed squarely in the cockpit and sailed earthward, smoking.

"Sorry, Sky!" Blitzwing turned and fired on Skyfire next. "Gotta burn you. Orders!"

"This isn't personal either, Blitz." Skyfire responded, firing beam cannons back. He was enjoying himself.

"Laugh at this, _loverboy!!"_ Thundercracker rammed into Skyfire, making his next shot go wild. He struck a howling Starscream who tumbled back into Blitzwing and Skywarp. All three hurtled into the ocean hopelessly tangled.

And the madness went on...

****

Megatron was fed up. After another hundred breems had passed with no information, he decided to head out. Accompanied by Soundwave and the cassettes, they flew to the island. Frenzy pointed ahead when they got within range.

"Look, boss...it's crazy! Just like Lazerbeak said. Everybody's fighting!"

Stunned, Megatron saw a scene of carnage. His aerial force battled insanely, flying in reckless assault patterns for no reason. Random attacks favored no one as rounds of ammo were exchanged blindly. Trees were flattened and burning. The beach was gouged from collision and laserfire.

Megatron and the others landed a mile off to observe. They went completely unnoticed in the din of battle. The decepticons changed alt modes constantly to gain a fighting advantage.

Megatron found his voice. "Soundwave. Check this area for mechanical, electromagnetic or biological influence that might be causing this!"

"Yes, Megatron." a small dish rotated above Soundwave's head.

"Well?"

"There is no outside influence. Suggest source of problem a dispute escalation."

"To _this_ degree?" Megatron wondered.

Soundwave paused in reply as the battle intensified again. Dirge transformed in midair and dove onto Skywarp, making him crash. Starscream flew into Astrotrain again, knocking him into Blitzwing. Thrust and Ramjet cracked each other head on and tumbled into mud. Thundercracker flew low to attack Skyfire, who stood ready in bot mode. When the blue seeker got close enough, a white fist punched his nose and sent him spinning to the skies.

"They've all gone _daft."_ Megatron concluded, stupefied. "There's one other possibility. Initiate brain scan, Soundwave."

"At once." Soundwave tilted his receptor dish again. "Jumbled thought patterns, Megatron. Receiving impressions of rage and jealousy. Accusations of infidelity. I am also picking up various attractions and bond lust."

"You mean this is all a _lover's_ quarrel? With everybody?"

"High probabilty. Source of dispute not clear due to erratic brainwave patterns locked in battle mode."

Megatron turned to the cassettes. "Rumble. Go to that clearing and open things up. You know what to do!"

Rumble saluted. "You got it, boss!" he jumped down a ridge.

Megatron addressed Soundwave next. "Knock everyone from the skies. Use high sonic frequency."

"Yes, Megatron." Soundwave pressed a button and began broadcasting. Meanwhile, Rumble found a location near the battle and started his piledrivers.

"Okay you bozos, the party's over!"

****

The battle ended abruptly. Sonic wavelengths disrupted brainwaves and flight systems, sending everyone careening into the pit created by Rumble.

Megatron approached the crater filled with dazed and weary decepticons. "All of you. _Get up here!!"_

Clinking and battered, the aerial combatants climbed up. Megatron reviewed them harshly as they staggered to their feet.

_"Idiots!_ You're an embarrassment to elite decepticon corps everywhere." Ruby optics narrowed to slits. "Now I want answers. Who started this nonsense!"

No one answered immediately.

Megatron lifted his cannon. "Do I have to select a target?"

They all turned, glaring at Thundercracker. Megatron appeared suprised, lowering his cannon.

"You, Thundercracker? This surprises me. Normally you have far more discipline. Now explain yourself!"

The blue jet was sullen. "I...left the base suddenly. I thought Starscream and Skyfire were meeting for a rendevous."

"And how did Skywarp and Ramjet get involved?"

"They flew behind to stop me."

Without another word Megatron fired his cannon point blank. Thundercracker shrunk back at a smoking hole near his feet.

"Because of your record, I give you this warning. The next one won't miss. Do you understand me?"

Thundercracker straightened. "Yes, Megatron."

The decepticon leader waved his arm to signal. "All of you. Back to base!"

The haggard fleet took to the skies. Battered bodies, crimped aerialons and dented wings bore evidence of their folly. An irritable Skyfire listed along Starscream in the air.

/Remember to thank the blue boob for me./

****

The constructicons were busy repairing injuries over the next three solar days. And they weren't happy. A room full of decepticons in the med ward made _very_ bad patients.

Skyfire was grateful for his release on the second day. One of the advantages of his design was his overall construction. Densely built for interstellar travel, he could sustain damage that would cripple many transformers. Astrotrain and Blitzwing likewise were released early.

Meanwhile, Thundercracker had gone into seclusion. He wasn't the most popular decepticon on base after the island fiasco. Starscream was rumored to be brooding alone, only appearing to give assignments. Megatron was annoyed that plans for seizing an oil rig would have to wait due to injuries.

Returning to the lab, Skyfire decided the brief respite could be used to do some calculations on his energy theory. But the first order of buisness involved his minicon friend. He removed Breaker from the dry ice tank in the rear. To his surprise he noted the minicon had retreated to his sphere mode.

/Interesting. The cold should have held his transformation in stasis. Does he have another energy flow that allows a change in frigid conditions?/

"Breaker, can you hear me?"

No response. Frowning, Skyfire put the minicon on a testing shelf. He ran a scanner over the small decepticon. No injury, malfunction or damage. Why wasn't he responding?

"Breaker! Why won't you answer?"

Still nothing. Skyfire tapped the table in concern, wondering what the issue could be.

/Maybe his circuitry isn't warm enough./

Cradling the sphere gently in both hands, Skyfire sent radiant heat through his fingertips.

"Breaker, are you better now?"

Silence. Perplexed and slightly annoyed, Skyfire considered the last conversation they'd had.

/I wonder./ "Breaker, are you angry with me?"

The sphere didn't speak, but Skyfire felt a vibration.

"I'm sorry, Breaker. You've been a good friend and I owe you a lot. I shouldn't have put you in ice like that. It's just that your offer was such a shock. Can you forgive me?"

The vibration was stronger now. A faint beep.

/What will it take?/ the big jet wondered idly. And then it occurred to him. Smiling, he lifted the sphere and kissed it softly.

"Much better! Kiss again?" beeping.

Skyfire laughed out loud. "You little stinker!"

"Breaker forgive. No more ice! Now kiss again."

Skyfire kissed him again. The minicon transfomed to bot mode and hugged Skyfire's nosecone.

_"Love_ Big Sky."

A chuckle. "I'm glad. But we've got some calculations to do."

"For energy. Breaker remember. Part of plan!"

"Yes."

The minicon plopped into his lap, looking up. "You hurt. Who fight? Breaker know diagnostic."

Skyfire sighed, tapping a stylus in thought. "It's complicated. Not to mention stupid."

Breaker tilted his head. "Remember, Breaker know brainwaves. Read."

"Thundercracker started a fight earlier. It escalated into an air war."

Beeping. "Breaker read, see it. Thundercracker lovesick, dumb. Start crazy fight, think cheat all time. Skywarp, Ramjet go stop."

"Yes. The idiot opened fire on me and Starscream."

Red visors brightened. "Thundercracker brain crazy. Shoot you? Then Megatron get everybody. Big fight. Stupid."

"Very stupid. Thundercracker is so obsessed he can't see straight. Starscream and I were sitting in the open talking. You'd have thought we were rolling on the ground and interfacing!"

"Thundercracker good decepticon. Possessive, erratic. You decepticon, not feel all yet. But will."

Blue optics flashed wildly."Starscream sends mixed signals. I'm getting tired of waiting, Breaker. I'm _really_ tempted, especially when he talks softly to me."

A beep. "Starscream pretend confusion. Know what want. Not hurt Thundercracker. Be boss decepticon with Sky."

"You're very good at this. Maybe even better than Soundwave."

The minicon sat comfortably in Skyfire's lap, crossing his legs. "Soundwave project brain signals, explain. Breaker _read_ signals and translate. Seem same, is not."

A white hand patted the minicon. "You have many talents."

Loud beeping. "Know Sky frustrated. Bondmate stress. Feel instincts, do decepticon way. Will understand when hot. Hardwire directives sweet. Hunger, pleasure and good stuff. Burn."

Skyfire smiled in silence, considering the words of his friend.


to be continued