Wing Shift

submission dated 5-7-08
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.

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

Pairing: Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, minicon Breaker

Wing Shift

Triple Play

The angry, unsettled decepticon base spent a relatively quiet cycle prior to the oil rig assault. Some spent the down time in recharge while others simply rested. A few just relaxed without resting or recharging.

Blitzwing and Astrotrain were among those too keyed up to sleep. Octane had returned to base and was allowed to stay in their quarters temporarily. The others filled him in on all the news, talking well into the rest cycle.

"Sounds like our fearless leader is losing his composure." Octane put his feet up on the dining room table.

Blitzwing puffed his flashstick. "Not to mention his mind. These insane restrictions have no hope of lasting. I sense rebellion will occur fairly soon."

Octane shrugged. "Guys have rebelled before. Megatron always seems to come out on top, regardless."

Astrotrain chuckled. "You never were easily impressed, Octane. We're not talking about temper tantrums, but a change of destiny for all decepticons."

"From what you told me about Skyfire and his involvement, it could happen. I'm in, but I need to know more."

"The biggest problem we have so far is forming a meeting point." Blitzwing was thinking. "Doing so on the base is all but impossible. And if Megatron sees enough of us congregating constantly, he's bound to get suspicious."

Octane tapped his chin in thought. "Who's part of the plan so far?"

"Myself, Astrotrain, Starscream and Skyfire. The fliers will probably throw in with us. Several others are interested, but nervous of reprisal. And the rest are in Megatron's camp."

Octane smirked. "You mean Megatron's aft buddies, the old sound queen and cyclops the cap pistol?"

"Soundwave is pathetic and Shockwave is weak minded." Astrotrain snorted. "They cling to Megatron like stink. When the reformation happens they'll go with whatever regime is in place."

"A diversion or two might be needed." Octane suggested. "Something that will buy time for a meeting of the minds."

Blitzwing took a drag on his stick. "It needs to be something that causes confusion and overall suspicion. To the point where Megatron can't focus on anyone in particular."

"And once that happens he'll see enemies in every corner. Even his supporters will become suspects." Astrotrain added, his optics flaring brightly.

Octane grinned wickedly, steepling his fingers. "Well...accidents _can_ happen. Carefully constructed, of course. Do you catch my meaning?"

"It's terrible, absolutely _terrible."_ Blitzwing mocked. "You simply can't trust _anyone_ these days!"

"And good help is so hard to find. Or maybe _bad_ help is so _easy_ to find?" Astrotrain choked back a giggle.

Octane covered his optics dramatically. "Life...is so funny. One astrosecond you're here, and the next..."

All three mechs pointed at each other, flexing thumbs. "BANG!!" they roared with evil laughter.

Octane finally managed to compose himself. "Okay, enough shop talk. How's our buddy Breaker doing? I haven't seen him around here."

Astrotrain lit himself a flashstick, smiling. "You know our Breaker. He loves his sticky places."

Octane chuckled. "So what hiding spot has he found this time?"

"He's staying with Skyfire." Blitzwing grinned.

"Ah, your pet project superstar. When do I meet him?"

"Probably in the morning when the strike team is assembled. We won't know the selections until then."

Octane held out a hand. "Got another flashstick? I haven't had a halfway decent one in months."

Blitzwing handed him one. "We understand you saw a holo of Skyfire. What do you think?"

Octane flicked his thumb, lighting the flashstick from a spark. _"Nice._ I gotta admit, you got yourselves a beauty there."

Astrotrain sniffed. "When have we ever wasted time with ugly bots? But this one's special."

Octane narrowed his optics. "Special and bonded to Starscream. _That_ won't change."

"Granted, the situation is awkward." Blitzwing admitted. "And Skyfire's no fool. We merely wish to provide a soft spot and comfort in times of need."

Octane smirked. "Sell it to the geeks, Blitz. I know damn well you two plan to worm your way into that action!"

Blitzwing covered his optics. "Why Ocky. You've hurt our feelings!"

"Bull. Who do you think you're _talking_ to? A triple always knows how another thinks. So spill it!"

Astrotrain curved a smile. "Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to say..."

"Okay, what have you done? Messed with his spark, right?"

"You know me too well."

Octane puffed his flashstick. "Naturally. It won't work, you know. Starscream told me about him and Skyfire, long ago. They had it bad for each other even before they bonded. Unicron himself couldn't bust them up."

Astrotrain put on his most innocent face. "But that's just it. We don't _want_ to break them up. Rather, my intention was more subtle."

"Oh oh. I smell _'hypnotic link control'_ all over this."

"Well..."

"You've _flipped,_ Astro. There's no way Starscream will allow that."

Blitzwing was nonchalant, taking another drag. "We'll see. Let the youngsters have their fun. We can afford to be patient."

Astrotrain nodded. "Besides, I believe Starscream already suspects what I've done. But since we saved his bondmate, he owes us a debt."

Octane coughed on his flashstick. "You can't call in a debt for a bondmate!"

A snicker. "We accept _all_ reasonable offers."

Octane considered, taking a puff. "That bed's gonna be awful crowded. Be careful dealing with Starscream, though. He considers Skyfire his personal property, regardless of anything else."

"Through his bond with Skyfire we hope to sway him. It's a less stressful approach."

"You'd better hope so. Otherwise you'll be shopping for another pair of optics."

"Even now my touch works through his system. We'll see." Astrotrain was smug.

"I'll check for myself tomorrow." Octane still wasn't convinced. "I still think you're going to be disappointed in the long run." he paused, considering. "Did you have him yet?"

"One time." Blitzwing smiled. "We loaded him up with Sim energon and took him to a room on Bardocki 5."

Octane cracked up. "Good deal! So you banged him and brought him home."

"So to speak." Blitzwing puffed his stick again, smug.

Octane blew a smoke ring. "How is he?"

Astrotrain rested his chin in both hands, grinning like an idiot. "Mmm, what do you _think?_ He drank enough Sim to level three bots and kept going. And near hung like a fragging gestalt."

Blitzwing snickered. "Of course, there are a few things we'd like to teach him. Youngsters are so impatient, they can barely control themselves for more...complex maneuvers."

Octane shook his head, laughing. "That's _hot."_

"You're welcome, of course. Skyfire is bound to like you."

"Now you're really trying to get me killed. Starscream would have my cogs on a plate! And Shrapnel would fry my brain circuits if he thought I was cheating."

"Didn't you just contradict yourself?"

Octane tapped the side of his head. "Nah. Don't get me wrong, I'd give it a go...but Shrapnel's not as open minded as some bondmates."

Blitzwing snorted. "Really? And what about your little autobot plaything, Sandstorm?"

Crimson optics flashed. "None of your buisness!"

Astrotrain snickered. "Double your fun, Octane. You'll reconsider once you meet Skyfire."

"From what you've told me, he's still learning his nature. And I'm not doing pile ons."

"Since _when?_ That was always your specialty."

"Since part of that pile includes a pissed off Starscream. Believe me it isn't worth it, no matter how hot Skyfire may be!"

"Breaker may be able to sweeten his mood." Blitzwing reassured. "He was with them after they got back together."

"It's possible, I suppose. But it sounds like a lot of crazy stuff's being going on in my absence. That bit with the candy and notes has my bondmate written all over it."

Astrotrain and Blitzwing looked at each other in surprise.

"We figured Breaker was in on it, but had no clue who his partner was." Blitzwing admitted.

Octane took a deep drag on his flashstick. "Yeah, well...whenever we'd have a fight Shrapnel would leave me a note with candy. The note would play music during the message."

"You should be in your own quarters with him tonight."

"True. But according to the idiot's new curfew rules, I'm _somewhere I shouldn't be._ Therefore I have to _stay_ here until next shift."

"Shrapnel can't be happy about that." Astrotrain guessed.

Octane sighed wearily. "Trust me, you _don't_ want to know what he thinks of Megatron right now."

****

Starscream slept lightly in his own quarters, wrapped securely in the finest metallo mesh blankets. He'd always had a taste for quality and was a sensualist to the core. Sweet dreams danced like ghosts in his mind. Sweet dreams of conquest, splendor and love. Love in the form of a fabulous valkryie jet. _Mine, all mine..._

/And mine, love./

Starscream twitched his nose in sleep, smiling softly. /Go to bed, Sky. We have a busy day tomorrow./

/You have a point, seeker./

Starscream felt a slight brush of cool air, the lightest of touches on his sensitive wings. Then weight and warmth curled him in a cocoon.

Ruby red optics popped open in surprise. He angled around to see crystal blue optics boring into his own, nearly iridescent in the dim lighting.

_"Skyfire!"_ he hissed in happy surprise.

"Right again." the jet nuzzled his bondmate tenderly. "You told me to get in bed. I aim to please."

A raspy giggle. "You're either horny or insane, sneaking in here. Megatron could have the halls monitored."

The deep voice rumbled in amusement. "I'm mostly horny and somewhat insane. Besides, I found a loophole in the new law."

Starscream wrapped around his jet under textured sheets. "And what is this 'loophole' you claim to have found?"

"Well, I simply wandered around _before_ finding someplace where I shouldn't be. So I have to stay here, right?"

The red seeker couldn't stop snickering. "Yes, and out of the halls. We can't have that!"

"No, of course not. So everything should be fine."

_"You're_ what's fine, Skyfire."

A kiss. "In fact, I may wander around a lot each night. You never know where I could end up!"

Starscream tickled an air vent. "Silly. No doubt Megatron will make revisions. Decepticons always look for a way around guidelines."

"I'm becoming a very good decepticon."

"Yes, I sense the cleansing going on in your hardwire. It's most pleasing."

More lazy, drawn out kisses. Silence for a bit.

"Not so pleasing is a certain three faced fink."

"Are you talking about Astrotrain again?"

"I don't trust him as far as I can throw him."

"Then trust _me."_

"There are no secrets in our bond, Skyfire. I confessed my feelings for Thundercracker. Did you think I wouldn't sense your attraction to those triplechangers? To Astrotrain in particular?"

The large jet dropped his head a little. "I'm sorry, Starscream. I would never deliberately hide that from you. I tried not to focus on it too much."

A sleek blue hand stroked his face before sliding down the massive chest. "In here." Starscream emphasized, "is where he plans to exploit your attraction. To magnify it and draw you in."

"I won't let that happen. I'm fully aware of their twists, Star."

"I'd ask Breaker to run a diagnostic, but he won't say anything to betray them."

"Who else could do it?"

A sigh. "Hook could, with our equipment. And unfortunately Blitzwing. He wouldn't need to touch you either."

_"Impossible."_

"No. He can _see_ physical structure and energy patterns in transformers, down to the molecular level. I told you before triple changers have special talents! And their treachery allows abuse of those skills."

Skyfire was serious now, cradling his seeker. "I see what you mean. This could get tricky, Star. We still need them for our plans."

"Things are more complicated with Octane's return. He's more independent minded than most decepticons, more willing to go his own way despite risk."

"A perfect candidate, then."

"We need to be certain. I'll talk with him and see where his head's at." A luxurious stretch. "Meanwhile, I plan to lay here and be warm."

More nuzzling. "A good plan, seeker. Can I join you?" Innocent.

Starscream snuffled in amusement. "I can see you're in one of those moods tonight. But we'd better rest now."

White hands explored the smaller jet under shimmering sheets. "I'd _really_ rather play. But you do have a point. It won't do us any good to invade an oil rig needing recharge."

They settled down into a comfortable embrace.

Starscream was bleary, optics closing. "Now stop pawing me so I can sleep."

"Can I paw you _after_ you sleep?"

_"Skyfire!"_ a screech as fingers pinched his aft.

A nip on an audio receptor. "All right, I'll behave myself. _This_ time!"

Starscream tucked in close, optics dimming. "When time permits, I plan to have it out with a certain claim jumping creep."

****

The squall of klaxon alarms woke them in shock. Both bondmates leaped from bed, ready for action.

"An emergency?" Skyfire asked as they headed for the doors.

"An attack on the base!" Starscream exclaimed as they bolted into the corridors. Decepticons were racing past them everywhere.

They saw Bombshell first. "What's going on?" Starscream demanded.

The insecticon was already running. "Eeerr, the autobotsss attackk!"

"Where?!"

"The eassst platforrrm bayss."

"This way!" Starscream indicated a shortcut. The three decepticons dashed down a short turn.

****

They arrived in the middle of a firefight. Energy beams were exchanged everywhere. Over it all they heard the booming tones of Megatron.

"FOOLS! Did you really think you could catch us unaware? Prepare to meet your _doom!!_"

Skyfire glanced down at his bondmate. "We need a clear area to avoid the crossfire."

Starscream waved a direction. "That way. Around those storage bins! We'll circle from behind." Bombshell and Skyfire dashed behind quickly.

The small group of autobots were pinned in the center of the flight bays. They'd piled storage bins around for protection.

Sunstreaker was nonplussed, ducking to avoid a photon beam. "Maybe this wasn't such a hot idea after all!"

His brother kept shooting. "We're in it, now. But I still want a piece of Skyfire!"

"Get in line." Cliffjumper snarled, picking his shots. "Traitors are the worst!"

"I'm gonna nail that ugly Soundwave-" Bluestreak sailed a shot at the communications officer.

"YEAAAHH!!"

They all turned at the sudden scream. Tracks clutched his arm and toppled over in pain. Bumblebee fell to his side full of worry.

"Tracks! Are you alright?!"

The corvette nodded in agony. "Give me...a moment. Got hit in the shoulder. Compensating for circuit damage."

Powerglide fired wildly. "Guys, we need space and we need it _now!_ If we stay pinned like this they'll pick us off. And I can't fly from here!"

"Me either!" Air Raid agreed. "If we can clear a spot Powerglide and I will fire some rockets right up their afts! Then we can signal Broadside and blow this joint-"

"You'll never make it _out_ of this 'joint'!" a familiar voice screeched in triumph. In surprise, the autobots turned to the source. Standing behind them with weapons raised were Starscream, Bombshell, Thundercracker, Skywarp...

and Skyfire. Optics frigid and ice cold, betraying nothing.

Tracks gawked along with the others. "It is painfully apparent that we are _badly_ outnumbered."

"Not to mention outsmarted." Megatron approached from the front with several other decepticons. He pointed his fusion cannon at the autobots.

"Drop your weapons or be reduced to slag!!"

"Megacreep!" Cliffjumper shouted, still holding his taser rifle up.

"Yeah, screw it!" Sunstreaker started to move. _"I'm goin' down fighting!"_ Air Raid and Sideswipe stood ready at his side.

"We'll see how hard _they_ die first!" Bluestreak swore, edging up.

Barely noticed in the uproar, a gleaming sphere rolled up and clanged into Bumblebee's leg. With a sudden shriek, the smallest autobot went into wild seizures before toppling over. Energy crackled around his unconscious form.

The others halted their suicidal rush, shocked at the collapse of their friend. "That sphere!" Tracks pointed, seeing Breaker nearby. _"Don't touch it!!"_

Powerglide rolled Bumblebee to his side. "I think he'll be okay, but I'm worried."

The decepticons laughed coldly at Bumblebee's predicament. "How touching." Megatron mocked. "Perhaps you should join your little friend in sleep." the decepticon leader gave a signal. Breaker rolled over at Sideswipe next.

"Like _hell,_ you funky little-" the hot tempered autobot fired a stunner beam at the sphere. The energy bounced back and struck him off the deflection, knocking him out.

"We can't shoot it!" Sunstreaker stood back. "There's gotta be a way-"

Cliffjumper wavered also. "How? If it touches us it's lights out. And our beams bounce off!"

"How very unfortunate for you." Megatron pointed at the sphere. "In any case, you autobots won't have long to worry about it. _Breaker!"_

The sphere crackled with a halo of wild energy that rapidly expanded. "Sleep now, dumb autobots!" Bolts flared in all directions, striking the group in a nimbus of light. They seized up and jerked about wildly before collapsing in a heap.

Skywarp sniggered. "What kind of dance was that supposed to be, the frenzy flop?"

Frenzy approved. "You think it'll catch on? I kinda like it!" a snicker.

Megatron grinned, standing over his unconscious enemies. "Perhaps it's that dance the humans call the _electric slide!_"

The decepticons erupted in laughter. Breaker bounced over to Megatron and bounded into his hand. The wicked leader patted the sphere.

"Ah, Breaker. You do _excellent_ work. And to think, we didn't even have to get our hands dirty!"

****

Broadside maintained his position at sea, fighting a sense of panic. He'd picked up transmissions from the decepticon tower and knew things had taken a turn for the worse. The plan was foolish and insane to begin with. He'd only agreed to come along because he supported the idea of revenge for Omega. That and the fact he felt his friends might need a bit of extra muscle.

But being stuck in ship mode restricted his ability to help directly. He decided to radio the Ark. Prime would blow a gasket, that much was certain. He decided to take the less stressful approach and radioed Jazz instead.

//Scramble code 87-Y. Autobot headquarters, this is Broadside. Come in!//

//Jazz here. Broadside? What's going on?//

//It's all gone wrong, Jazz! They went inside on a rush-//

//You've gotta calm down, Broadside! Now what happened?//

//They went in and got captured. Now there's no telling what Megatron will do with them!//

A pause. //Get clear and return to the Ark.//

//I can't just leave them!//

//You can't fight them all by yourself. Use your head! Getting yourself taken won't help them any.//

//I understand.//

//There's no choice now. I'll have to tell Optimus. Now cut this transmission before it's discovered!//

//Broadside out.//

With a heavy feeling in his processors, the aircraft carrier sailed to sea.

****

Bumblebee was dizzy and disoriented. Circles whirled in his optics as he strained to focus. His fellow autobots found themselves in a similar state. Painful groans filled the holding cell they were captured in.

"Man...what hit us?" Sideswipe held his head. "I feel like I've gone on a serious bender."

Tracks rubbed his still sore shoulder wound. "That sphere must have been an energy device of some sort."

Cliffjumper staggered to his feet. "Yeah, well he's number two on my hit list-"

"And who would be number one?" a dark, gravelly voice asked. Megatron approached their cell smiling coldly. Starscream flanked at his side.

Air Raid was furious. "You-" he charged straight into a force field before falling back.

The decepticons laughed. "So predictable eh, Starscream?"

"It seems these autobots are stronger than they appear." Starscream cackled. "Look at them. The cream of Prime's warriors, all piled in a heap!"

"You're a real motormouth, Starscream." Bluestreak cracked. "I'd like to shut it for you!"

Megatron dropped all pretense of amusement, pointing. "Now. I want to know the purpose of this idiotic attack. Surely you didn't think to take on an entire fleet by yourselves!"

The autobots looked at each other. "None of your buisness." Tracks was stubborn. "We came to deal with a traitor!"

Starscream blinked in surprise. "You mean....this was about _revenge?"_ he cracked up again.

"Enough, Starscream." Megatron glared at the prisoners. "Do you expect me to believe something so asinine, autobots? Why did you provide this diversion? Prime's up to something, isn't he?!"

"He dosen't know we're here." Sunstreaker was sullen.

"Unbelievable! A raid of headless morons." Starscream supplied. "Megatron, this could be the perfect opportunity to control Optimus Prime. These prisoners could be an excellent bargaining chip."

"For what, Starscream? They are of no use to us!"

"Have you forgotten, Megatron? Our energy project!"

The dark leader smiled grimly, optics bright. "Ah, yes..."

The autobots didn't like the sound of that. "Hey!" Sideswipe shouted. "We're still here, you know."

A scratchy chuckle. "Not for long. I believe we can all be satisfied here, autobots. I'll give you the opportunity for revenge...provided you can take it. And, you will be of use to the decepticon cause."

"What's all that mean, Megajerk?" Powerglide made a fist. "You think we believe you?"

"It hardly matters what you believe, autobot. I have someone for you all to meet."

****

Skyfire returned to the lab after the skirmish, accompanied by Breaker. Several others remained in the bays to do cleanup duty from the firefight.

The minicon hopped from his shoulder to a control panel. "Big fight fun. Autobots silly, not win."

Skyfire shrugged, pulling some data disks from shelves. "I must admit I have no idea what they hoped to accomplish. It isn't like Optimus to send troops on suicide runs."

"Not Optimus." Breaker moved to a study table. "He not know."

"How do you know that?"

"When attack autobots, read brains."

"You shouldn't invade their privacy, Breaker. Now what did you find out?"

The minicon beeped once. "Want revenge."

"Revenge for what?"

"Revenge on you. Mad about Omega Supreme."

Skyfire wasn't impressed. "Tch. Look where it got them."

Breaker pointed. "They want shoot you. Crazy plan. Not thinking, all emotion."

The big jet sat at the table with handfuls of disks. "They rushed in here all hot just to take me down?"

"Right. Bad idea, no hope. Too many us!"

"How incredibly _stupid._ I still can't believe I lived among them all that time."

A small hand patted his arm. "In past. Everyone make mistakes."

Skyfire held up a disk and examined it closely. "Well, I'm certain Megatron will decide what to do with them. Meanwhile, let's take this break to start writing a few containment formulas-"

Before he could speak further, the lab intercomm buzzed. //SKYFIRE, REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE HOLDING BRIG ON LEVEL FOUR, SECTION 8.//

Breaker stared at the disks. "Work wait."

The tall jet stood to leave. "It would seem so."

****

The three triple changers left the bay area. They weren't needed anyway, since the other decepticons had a handle on the cleanup duties.

Astrotrain picked up the conversation as they walked along. "Well, that was an interesting if brief fight."

Octane shook his head. "I swear, the autobots get stranger all the time. What was the point of all that, anyway?"

Blitzwing chuckled. 'I think a bunch of young hotheads got in too deep. That attack was too amateurish to be orchestrated by Prime."

"Maybe it was a diversion like Megatron said." Octane wondered.

Astrotrain disagreed. "Then it's a pretty lousy diversion. You go into the enemy camp outnumbered and outgunned, with no plan?"

"Heh, I'm just trying to figure it out, Astro. Never said it made any sense!" Octane laughed.

"Did you see Skyfire in the skirmish?" Blitzwing asked.

"Yeah, he's pretty hard to miss." Octane grinned.

"As I said before, we're perfectly willing to share. Eventually the honeymoon with Starscream will lose steam. When it does..."

_"We_ will be there." Astrotrain supplied. "In times of stress, the comfort of friends is often needed."

Octane snickered. "Yeah, I know what kind of "comfort" you want to give. Look, Shrapnel would have my head on a stick if I made a move!"

"He allows Sandstorm. What's the difference?"

"The difference is, Sandstorm doesn't see me all the time and Shrapnel thinks I'm just infatuated."

"Well, what's one more infatuation?"

Octane pulled up suddenly, staring. "Wait. Look over there! Isn't that Skyfire?"

The others followed his optics. Down a nearby corridor went a wall of white, bracketed by red wings.

"Odd." Blitzwing observed. "He's headed for the fourth level."

"The autobots are probably being held there." Octane replied. "But I don't see the connection."

Astrotrain considered. "Blitz, I have an idea. Let's catch up and find out what's going on. Meanwhile, look him over and see what his spark looks like."

"It does appear to be the perfect opportunity." Blitzwing agreed.

****

Skyfire heard footsteps rapidly approaching his way. He turned slightly but didn't stop.

"Skyfire, wait up." Astrotrain barked.

"I have to report to the brig." cool blue optics noted their companion. "You're Octane, right?"

The triple changer appeared surprised. "Yeah, you know me?"

"I reviewed all active service files during a quiet cycle. Doesn't pay to be caught out of the loop."

"No, I agree. Nice meeting you." Octane extended a hand.

Skyfire stopped walking momentarily and shook it. "From the profile I read, it seems as if we have a lot in common."

Octane smirked. /Sweet. Bondage time!/ "It's possible. I'm not your standard, raving mad decepticon."

"That's refreshing. I'd like to stay and talk but Megatron's waiting."

"Join us for some holo chess later." Blitzwing suggested. "That is, after we finally get to that oil rig assignment."

A quick nod. "Sounds good. Now if you'll excuse me." long strides took Skyfire quickly out of sight.

The triple changers waited for him to be out of audio range. When he disappeared completely, Astrotrain spoke up.

"Can you tell anything yet?" he asked his bondmate.

Blitzwing grinned, tapping his chin. "His hardwire is converting to his true database quite nicely. Autobot overwrites are becoming displaced and neutralized. I can also see your energy signature scrubbing obsolete autobot files from his system."

"And his spark?" Astrotrain asked hungrily.

"Stronger still from the healing effects of his bond with Starscream. Your touch awaits activation." a snicker.

Octane was thinking. "I have to admit the possibilites are interesting. But tampering with sparks is risky buisness with unpredictable results."

"You were always wise, Octane. Far wiser than those two!" a silky, sinister voice spoke nearby. They all turned.

Starscream approached, a sly smile on his face. _"Octane._ It's good to see you again, old friend!"

"Starscream, hey!" the triple changer embraced. "Just hanging out with these two." he indicated Blitzwing and Astrotrain.

The seeker sniffed. "It's a pity friends just don't take good advice these days. You see I have a dilemma."

"I don't follow."

Starscream put an arm around Octane, pointing at Blitzwing and Astrotrain. "You see these two? They are greedy, grabbing, three faced liars. They saved my bondmate's life, and now think to have him on a platter in repayment!"

Octane felt uncomfortable all of a sudden. "Well, you know how things work-"

"Yes, I do _indeed,_ friend Octane. And I also know." he hugged his friend for emphasis, "that I'd hate for the two of _us_ to be at odds."

Octane feigned innocence. "I have no idea what you mean?"

"Spare us, Starscream." an annoyed Blitzwing made a fist. "With your track record, you can hardly talk!"

_"We aren't talking about me!"_ the seeker screeched before calming again. "Now where was I? Oh yes. I'd hate to think that you, dear Octane, have eyes for my bondmate. I saw the look you gave him moments ago. Such attention would surely stress our relationship, don't you think?"

"Ah, well. Look, Starscream, I wasn't trying to make a move or anything-"

A blue hand waved him off. "And you weren't being influenced in any way to _join in?"_

"No, of course not." Octane shrugged indifferently.

"Of course I don't believe you." Starscream released his friend. "But consider yourself warned."

The triple changer folded his arms. "Yeah, right."

"As for _you two."_ Starscream rounded on an angry Blitzwing and Astrotrain. "The debt I owe you doesn't include my bondmate!"

"No one said anything about repayment-" Astrotrain started up.

_"Enough!!"_ a shriek. "Skyfire owes you his life, which is the only reason I don't fire a null ray between your optics. Now get this straight. He is _mine,_ and I don't intend to share."

"Yeah? Tell it to _Thundercracker!"_ Astrotrain was belligerent. "You didn't even have the guts to break it off properly before hopping the sack!"

In silent rage, Starscream pointing a shaking arm straight at the triple charger's face. "I should _blow you away_ for that." he hissed.

"Take your best shot." Astrotrain snarled, not flinching. "I'm not alone here!"

Blitzwing and Octane moved in slightly, optics flaring. Starscream caught the point.

"So, a triple play." the Seeker growled, lowering his hand. "For now I'll spare you, Astrotrain. There are larger goals ahead for the future. But a final warning to _all_ of you. Don't think I will blissfully turn my back while you help yourselves to my bondmate!" the seeker turned and abruptly stalked off.

Octane and the others watched him go. "I _told_ you it wouldn't be worth it! Now what do you plan to do?"

Astrotrain glared at the retreating Starscream. "We'll see how this plays out. With any luck, Starscream himself will deliver Skyfire to us."

to be continued