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 13 Sweet Tidings


Tracks had gathered several of the younger autobots in the valley near the Ark. There was still heated debate regarding the

attack on Omega Supreme. Splits were forming in the autobot ranks. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker predictably represented

the loudest contingent. A sizeable group sat in a circle down near a quiet stream.

"I say we do something about it!" Sunstreaker groused. "Maybe Prime's content to sit on his duff, but _I'm_ not."

"I don't get it, either." Bumblee scratched his head. "I know Optimus isn't into revenge, but we can't just sit back and let the

decepticons stomp all over us!"

Tracks agreed. "He's reluctant because of Skyfire. I say who cares? It's history at this point."

Cliffjumper cracked his knuckles. "That's one decepticon whose aft needs _serious_ kicking."

"And what's wrong with a little revenge, anyway?" Sideswipe was angry. "We hit 'em hard, and the debt is paid."

Powerglide shook his head, unsure. "I don't know, guys. If we're gonna do anything, it will take planning. We can't just rush

into decep headquarters all hot."

"Why the slag _not?"_ Cliffjumper shook a fist. "They attacked Omega out of nowhere. I say we return the favor!!"

There was murmured assent in the group.

Bluestreak broke a boulder in his hands. "I say we crack some heads...like _this!"_

Air Raid nodded. "Yeah, I'm in...I got a little lesson for Skyfire myself, aerial style!"

Jazz sighed. Out of everyone in the group he was less than enthusiastic. "I don't know. Maybe I shouldn't have joined you

guys here tonight. Just doesn't feel right."

"I'm sure Omega didn't 'feel right' when his head was cut off!" Bluestreak bellowed.

"This meeting is without authorization, guys. It looks bad...this is something decepticons would do, not autobots."

Tracks spluttered in surprise. "This isn't sedition, Jazz! We want to form a plan of attack against the decepticons."

"Yeah, they've gone too far this time." Sunstreaker traced circles in the dirt. "A heads up fight is one thing...but some cheap

attack just to maim? That's another!"

Jazz still disagreed. "And how do you plan to make this work? Their main headquarters is under the ocean with a rising

platform. Unless you can breach that, you're just flapping your lip components."

Powerglide snapped his fingers. "Wait, maybe Broadside can get us close. They'll be sure to pick us up on their scanners

and react."

"That's a weird strategy, Powerglide. One that usually gets you shot up." Jazz told him.

"No. Air Raid and I could draw them off in the air while the others swim to the tower and attack."

"That's wild enough to work." Tracks approved. "And our attack would totally surprise them."

"I like it." Sideswipe nodded at his brother, laughing. "It's wild and crazy. Not to mention _stupid!"_

Sunstreaker grinned. "That just means we got a better chance of pulling it off. The deceps will think we're nuts."

Cliffjumper snerked. "We _are_ nuts. And their worst nightmare!"

"Guys, I have a question?" Bumblebee shrugged. "How are we gonna explain this to Optimus? We can't just take off."

"Want to bet?" Tracks snapped. "If we tell Optimus our plans he'll stop us. And then we'll get more speeches about the

autobot way!"

"Yeah, since when did the 'autobot way' mean being weak?" Bluestreak wanted to know.

"I really wish I could talk you guys out of this." Jazz insisted.

"No way." Cliffjumper fumed. "You gonna tell Optimus, Jazz?"

Jazz was quiet a moment. "No. But at least give me your coordinates in case something goes wrong."

Sunstreaker threw his hands up in exasperation. "That defeats the purpose of our raid!"

"You're going to need backup. I can guarantee this 'plan' will not go the way you expect."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jazz." Tracks was ticked. "If we coordinate this right, everything should work."

"Coordinates." Jazz was stubborn. "Or I tell Prime right now."

There was momentary silence among the group.

"All right." Tracks groused. "You win."

****

Breaker was extremely pleased with what occured on base. Decepticons were acting erratically and amorously

everywhere. Even Megatron wasn't immune. The minicon spied on their private quarters from the air vents. Soundwave

was feeding his beloved candy. Megatron lay across his bondmate's lap, grinning like an idiot.

Shrapnel likewise found the new decepticon attitude fun to watch. Ramjet went skipping through the hallways, holding a

morphobot flower. He made a beeline for Wildrider's quarters.

The two conspirators met in the cafeteria, all giggles. Shrapnel gloated over the chaos and confusion.

"Weee arre successful, Breakerrr."

Breaker sipped his proton shake. "Everyone silly. Lovesick! Breaker like."

"Annnd just think, think. I slipped more candy into the service bins here, here."

The minicon snickered. "Good! Special recipe make everyone horny."

"Weee have to do sommething about those nosey brotherrs, Runabout and Runamuck."

Breaker agreed. "They always watch. Kinky, peep all time."

Shrapnel's antennae twitched. "Perrhaps we should slip them a package, too. Otherrrwise they'll squeal and ruin everything,

everything."

"Breaker do. Runabout, Runamuck about to join party. Make special note with candy!"

Shrapnel bit into an ion cake. "Good. I look forrward to thosse busybodies getting their just desserts."

****

The two decepticon battlechargers were up to their usual occupation in their free time. Watching other decepticons have

sex.

The brothers shared a larger sized, refurbished unit. Unknown to everyone they had their wall panels modified for visual

access. And it didn't stop there. Both were solid engineers who used their talents quite creatively. The main intercomm had

been rigged for private frequencies. With a touch they could literally spy on anyone's quarters, provided they knew the code.

As usual, it was 'scrum' night. That is, when they would just punch in a frequency and listen. The nosey battlechargers were

particularly fond of Megatron's code. In the privacy of their own rooms, they often laughed at their leader's....rather

inadequately sized pleasure unit. Soundwave would constantly reassure his bondmate that size didn't matter to him.

Runabout and Runamuck disagreed, finding _much_ amusement in knowing such private information.

"Hey, Runabout...think it's funny? Megatron's all show and no blow!"

"Yeah, bro...and that creepy Soundwave sure makes a lot of noise when they do it. Megs must like that...I think

Soundwave's fakin', if you ask me."

"Prolly trying to spare his feelings. If my thing was _that_ small I'd be mad all the time, too!"

"I'm gonna go out later, before shift. Might hear something in the halls, you know?"

Runamuck snickered. "Did you know Skywarp's hittin' on 'Cracker? I didn't know there was official word about Starscream."

"You never know. I know that Skyfire dude ain't happy."

"And get this. Dead End's got it hot for Soundwave!"

"Ugh. Bad taste must be the new thing-"

A loud clang stopped their conversation. A gleaming sphere nearly dropped over their heads from an air duct.

"Hey!!" Runabout pulled his taser rifle. "What?"

The sphere bounced on the floor and rolled to a stop. "Put gun away."

"Hmpf." Runamuck put hands on his hip units. "Shoulda known it'd be you, Breaker."

"Always me. Got message."

Curious, Runabout put his weapon away. "A message? From who?"

The sphere hummed briefly. "Special message. Friend for you both."

The battlechargers were intriuged. "You mean...a double play?" Runabout wondered.

"Call what will." Breaker beeped. "Secret admirer. Love everywhere now."

"You can say that again. Everyone's gone goofy."

"Time join fun. Stop watching."

Runamuck gasped. "Wait. How do you know about-"

"You good. Breaker _better._ Know all about network, sneaky peep."

Runabout pulled his weapon again, optics narrow. "This better not be a trick. Keep your mouth shut!"

The sphere rolled forward, crackling with energy. "Stupid. No threaten Breaker."

"Yeah? You dirtball-" Runabout fired. The beam bounced off Breaker and ricocheted back, hitting him squarely in the chest.

He fell backwards with a loud thud.

"That was dumb, Runabout!" Runamuck helped him up.

"Much dumb." Breaker agreed, still crackling. "Be dumb again. Breaker put to sleep!"

"Okay, okay!" Runabout held his wounded chest. "I'm sorry. Now tell us about this friend!"

Breaker hummed, a low vibration. "Go to rec area. Secret friend there, is shy. May not talk. Have to ask."

"Yeah, but who's gonna be down there?"

"Will see. Hot decepticon, not wait. Likes both! Make sandwich."

Runamuck glanced at his brother, grinning. "Man, that's funky enough to try. Wanna make it a go?"

A shrug from Runabout. "Sure. Watching is cool, but I'm kinda tired of playing with myself. Let someone else do the work!"

Breaker beeped. "One thing. Not approach Skyfire."

The brothers looked at each other. "You gotta be kidding."

"Not joke. Stay away."

Runamuck grinned at the mincon. "Wait, you gonna tell us...he's _yours?_ Come on!"

"None of buisness. Go find friend."

Runamuck laughed out loud, mocking Breaker. "Oh this is funny! A teeny thing like you...how you gonna satisfy a big bot like

that, huh?"

Breaker transformed to a large vibrator.

The battlechargers stared, optics wide. "Oh."

****

Skyfire was reading a periodic chart when a surprise visitor entered the lab. He turned in shock.

_"Thundercracker??"_

"Yeah, it's me." the blue seeker approached. "I think we've got a long overdue talk coming."

Cool blue optics narrowed. "You here to start another fight?"

"No. I've got my fill for once." Thundercracker sat nearby at a diagnostic table.

Skyfire folded his arms. "I've gotta get that lock sequence fixed. This seems to be grand central station."

"Yeah, well..." the blue seeker fidgeted.

"What do you want? No, forget that. I _know_ what you want."

"I used to think I knew. But everything changes, you know?"

Skyfire stared intensely. "What are you saying? Is this about Starscream?"

"Partly. I may be obsessed, but I'm not _stupid._ I pretty much knew it was a losing battle when you rejoined us."

The big jet considered. "Can you explain that?"

Thundercracker shook his head. "I have an ability to speak with my hardwire. It estimates all probabilities. Everything I

discussed with myself indicated Starscream would go back to you."

Skyfire was impressed. "Amazing. I'd heard of transformers with that ability, but I never met one before."

"Yeah, well...I don't like advertising it. The others think I'm off key as it is."

Blue optics were discerning. "You...have a processor speed problem, no doubt."

"I run all processes at once."

"You've been able to do that all the time? Incredible."

Thundercracker was annoyed. "I'm not here to talk about my brain."

"Sorry. When something gets my scientific curiosity going, it's hard to stop."

The blue seeker twitched his wings. "Sometimes you fall so far you can only see up. It's time for me and Starscream to

move on."

"You surprise me."

"Why?"

"I thought you'd come in here to kick some _'fat afted loverboy.'"_

Thundercracker chuckled. "Yeah, I was a little hot in the circuits. No offense."

"None taken, you blue boob." Skyfire grinned.

Thundercracker cracked up. "You called me _that?"_

"I said that to Starscream as we were flying back from the fight."

"I guess I was a boob. I didn't even give you a chance to explain."

Skyfire lowered his voice. "We were discussing the future. And not just _ours._ Do you catch my meaning?"

Crimson optics widened. "You're planning something with Screamer!"

"Can I trust you?"

"Depends on what you're speaking of."

"The plan involves the future improvement for all decepticons. I won't say more at this time."

Thundercracker held his chin in thought. "Hmm...Starscream talked briefly of a plan several times. And your involvement."

"You strike me as a thinker, Thundercracker. Not a lackey."

"No." the blue seeker gave a weird grin. "I'll be _slagged!"_

"What?"

"You're stealing my boyfriend, and I actually don't mind anymore!"

Skyfire matched the sly grin with one of his own. "Could it be because you have something _else_ lined up?"

A snicker. "Yeah, you could say that. Something that's better for _me."_ a pause. "Take care of him, Skyfire. All we did was

fight, anyway. You've got something special with him."

Skyfire nodded. "Thanks, TC."

The blue seeker smiled broadly. "And _I've_ got something special with Skywarp. It's time to do something about it."

"Have you talked to Starscream yet?"

"No, I'm debating what to say. You know him, his ego won't take being dumped."

Huge white shoulders shrugged. "So break his ego a little. It's pretty ridiculous, anyway."

****

Runabout and Runamuck took a quick oil shower and polished themselves. They were excited over the prospect of a hot

date.

"Come on, Runamuck. That's enough polish! Let's go."

"I need a little more. I'm white, and white doesn't show shine as easily."

"You've got six coats of polish on now. Now come on! Our friend won't be down in the rec area forever."

****

Shrapnel waited for Breaker in a narrow shaft. He heard a familiar clang as Breaker dropped through the ceiling tube. Their

smaller size was often an advantage at the huge base. They could access virtually any space with ease.

"Friend Shrapnel! Get hot date?"

Wild giggling. "Heerr, yess! A most abssurd and rediculous match. Thossse hopeless busybodiess will find theirr

mainframes verry sore!"

"They like big. We give big!" the minicon sniggered.

****
Starscream nearly freaked when he saw Thundercracker leave the science lab. He ran to catch up in the hallway.

"Thundercracker!"

The blue seeker was remarkably calm. "Yes, Starscream?"

Red optics were wild. "What happened in there? What have you _done?!"_

Thundercracker was serene. "You've really made my decision easy. I have to be on shift soon, Starscream. We'll talk later."

he turned to go.

Starscream blocked his path. "We'll talk _now._ Did you attack Skyfire? Is he-"

Thundercracker laughed deeply. "You're so transparent. He's fine, go see for yourself." a black hand pointed at the lab

doors.

"I will!" a screech as the panicked seeker ran to the lab.

Thundercracker watched him go. _Goodbye, Starscream._

****

Starscream barrelled into the lab, optics unfocused and wide. "Skyfire. _Skyfire!!"_ he shouted, looking about. The big jet

was missing. But something made him pause in his panic. The lab was orderly and neat, giving no hint of struggle or

combat.

Before he could wonder further, a perplexed Skyfire strode out from the back. "What's all the excitement?"

Starscream nearly fell over in relief. "I thought you and Thundercracker had been fighting?"

A shrug. "Why? All's fair in love and war. Especially for decepticons."

"Ah, what?"

Skyfire was smug. "Aren't you going to come over here? There's nothing stopping you."

The red seeker approached cautiously. "None of your tricks, Skyfire. Now I demand to know what's going-"

Showing remarkable speed for a mech his size, Skyfire reached out and snatched his prize. He kissed Starscream hard

before pulling up.

"No tricks. What's the problem?"

Red optics flickered in a fog, unfocused. "Um, ah-"

"You sound a little disoriented, seeker. I'll try again." another crushing kiss. Starscream dangled helplessly in an iron hold.

/R...release me!/

/As you wish./

Skyfire abruptly let go. The momentum sent Starscream hurtling on his back. He took an awkward tumble on the floor.

"You...you!!" the flustered seeker had a lovely flush of energon to his face.

Glacial blue optics were clear with intent. "As you said, there's one last thing to do. Do it, then come back here. I've got a

special treat waiting."

Starsream was indignant, stumbling to his feet. "You dare?!"

The response was as cool as those optics. "Who else? You know me."

"Hmf!" the red seeker dusted himself off. "Don't be surprised if I take my time speaking with Thundercracker."

"Your choice, Star. But I suggest you hurry. Thundercracker's done talking, if you know what I mean."

Starscream stared in confusion. "What, is he?"

"Go find out. Now either get in bed or go talk to Thundercracker."

"You're an impossible afthole, Skyfire."

A smirk. "I thought you'd be pleased."

****

Runabout and Runamuck entered the rec area with great anticipation. They didn't have long to wait. Looking about they saw

Dirge and Ramjet chatting by the exercise racks.

Runabout elbowed his brother. "You think it's them?"

"Maybe, but Breaker didn't mention doubles. Maybe he had it wrong?"

"Dunno, maybe we've kept them waiting too long. Let's go say something!"

Dirge and Ramjet glanced over at the approaching battlechargers. They weren't impressed.

"What do those idiots want?" Ramjet wondered. "They keep looking over here!"

A shrug by Dirge. "Maybe they hope to watch someone interface down here. Childish, really."

"Unicron take it, they're _smiling_ at us!"

Encouraged by what they mistook as interest, the brothers waltzed up to the jets. Runamuck spoke first, posing. "So

ah...what do you guys think? We got the message."

"Message?" Dirge boomed. "Are you dizzy?"

"No." Runabout posed next. "We're ready. You like us, huh?"

Ramjet laughed. "Your pickup lines are hopeless. This is a joke, right?"

"No. We just thought-"

"Don't insult our intelligence and good taste." Dirge curled a lip in dismissal. "Now go play somewhere."

****

"That lying Breaker!" an embarrassed Runamuck mumbled as the brothers walked away.

"Maybe we had it wrong. Breaker did say it was only one friend, and that he was shy."

"But who? I don't see anyone else-"

"AH. THERE YOU ARE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING, SWEET ONES."

Runabout stared in a far corner of the rec, optics bulging. "Erk."

Devastator was sitting on the floor, crosslegged. He was eating a bowl of ion candy.

Runamuck coughed nervously. "Um, I think there's been a mistake-" he backed away.

"NO MISTAKE." the gestalt leered, putting the bowl down. He reached for the howling battlechargers, grabbing them. A loud

click as a huge pleasure unit coiled free and stretched across the floor.

"NOW DEVASTATOR WILL...DEVASTATE."


to be continued