Wing Shift

submission dated 5-18-08

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.

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

Pairing: Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, minicon Breaker

Wing Shift

The Pleasure Principle

Runabout was watching his brother preen in a mirror. They'd just gotten off shift and were relaxing in their unit.

"Runamuck, what are you doing? Got something lined up for later?"

The white battlecharger admired himself. "I dunno, looks like a slow cycle. Pass me the polish."

His brother sighed, handing him a jar. "You put too much on! It's gonna attract dirt."

Runamuck slathered more polish on, smirking. "Nah, you gotta buff it just right." he ran a finger along his mouthplate. "Besides, who knows how the night might end?"

Runabout chuckled. "Maybe you'll slide down the hallway with all that gook on."

"Very funny."

"How's your arrangement with Dirge working out? He was pretty cold the other day."

Runamuck made a vain pose. "I dunno, he's been distant since Skyfire came on the scene. Bombshell tells me he's got it bad for that jet."

"He is hot. Maybe we should make a move?"

"Yeah. Besides, did you see him checking me out in the lab last cycle?"

Runabout huffed. "He wasn't lookin' at you, he was lookin' at me. I think things can work out once he dumps Starscream."

"It could happen. A little fun on the side don't hurt, either."

"Yeah, Starscream can't watch Skyfire all the time. 'Sides, rumor says he's been banging Astro and Blitz. Anybody that can swing with those two is my kinda bot."

Runamuck stood next to his brother and flexed at the mirror. "I think we've got a good chance. Hand me the polish back!"

Runabout buffed himself. "I figure we better make a move before Dirge messes up everything."

Runamuck approved of his own profile. "Yeah, I'll teach him to take me for granted."

"Skyfire is big. I wonder..."

"How's he hung?"

"I gotta ask Breaker, he'd know. But Vortex says that Wildrider told him that Kickback heard he's the biggest thing next to a gestalt. I dunno, that's an awful lot."

Runamuck shrugged. "Shoot, we handled Devastator, right? So why not? At least he ain't got a shrivelled up beany pole like Megatron."

Runabout sniggered, rubbing polish on his faceplate. "Ain't it wild? Our most feared leader is small where it counts!"

Runamuck elbowed his brother. "Yeah, it's funny. Just make sure he never hears you say that!"

"Say bro, if things stay quiet this cycle let's play some video games. I stole this really wild one from some humans last week."

"What's it called?"

"Battlebots and Gunrunners."

"I guess we could play. Humans are weird, that's for sure. But back on the subject, you think we got a shot at Skfyire?"

Runabout shrugged. "Sure. I doubt he'll be able to resist. us. After all, we got talent." he started posing next to his sibling again.

Runamuck snapped his fingers. "Hey, let's go to the lab. Megatron's pushed back the oil rig assignment anyway, so we can put the extra time to good use."

Runabout picked up a pocket mirror and grinned at it. "I hope we don't overwhelm him."


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Astrotrain wandered through the corridors absently. His last exchange with his bondmate wasn't a pleasant one.

Maybe Blitz is right, I'm too out of control here. I had hoped Skyfire would be convinced to be with us by now, but this thing with Starscream is a problem. Ever since they renewed their bond no one can pry them apart! Damn. Could I be losing my touch?

So lost in thought was the triplechanger that he literally ran into the battlechargers around a corner.

"Hey, Astotrain!" Runamuck steadied himself. "What's up. You seem kinda out of it."

"I've got a lot on my mind, Runamuck." Astrotrain replied impatiently. "Now move, I've got somewhere to be."

"So have we." Runabout puffed his chest. "We're gonna pay a little visit to the lab."

Crimson optics narrowed in suspicion. "Oh? An assignment?"

"Nah, this is for fun. We're gonna go see Skyfire."

The triple changer made a face. "Excuse me?"

"Yeah, takes your breath away doesn't it?" Runabout bragged. "It's a surprise. We've seen him giving us the optic, so we figure it's time to make a move."

Astrotrain strained to keep from laughing. "Really?"

"Sure. Of course, you've been with him. What's he like?"

"I don't interface and tell, Runabout. Go get your kicks elsewhere."

Runamuck snickered. "C'mon, be straight with us. Your reputation ain't exactly quiet. Now tell us how big Skyfire is!"

Astrotrain made a space with his hands.

"Wow!" the battlechargers looked at each other, nodding.

Astrotrain folded his arms. "I suggest you go claim your prize. He's certain to fall at your feet!"

"You makin' fun of us?"

A snarky grin. "I wouldn't dream of it. After all, who could resist your charms?"

Runamuck slapped his sibling on the shoulder. "Come on, even Astrotrain knows we got the stuff! Now let's go."

Astrotrain watched them leave. "Pathetic simpletons."


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Skyfire rearranged the data disks he took out of storage the previous cycle.

"Breaker, do you have those stylus pads? We'll need to sketch out some formulas."

"Got here." the minicon hopped to the worktable. "Large ones."

"That's good. The formula tags will probably get long anyway."

"No worry, got covered." Breaker picked up a stylus. "Need periodic element chart."

Skyfire smiled. "Got it." he slipped a disc into a side slot. A holo projection appeared.

"As you can see, there are about seven cybertronian metals with appropriate density to hold a sustained energy charge."

The minicon pointed at the image. "Not Cerbellym. No central matrix molecule. Thermal energy destroy."

"Hm, I hadn't considered that-"

Their work was interrupted by the two battlechargers who burst into the lab.

"Hey, uh, Skyfire. What's up?" Runamuck waved first.

"We work." Breaker was annoyed. "Busy. Go elsewhere!"

"Don't be like that, Breaker." Runabout grinned. "So hey, what are you doing there? A study of some sort?"

"Just sketching out preliminary data on formulas." Skyfire stated. "Something you want?"

A snicker from the dark gray battlecharger. "The question is, what do you want?" the brothers started posing.

Skyfire stared in disbelief. "Ah...what are you doing?"

Runamuck flexed. "Don't be shy, Skyfire. We like ya. And since you've been checkin' us out, we figured we had a chemistry thing going."

Skyfire and Breaker looked at each other.

"Heh, he's completely overwhelmed, Runamuck. Our looks have made him speechless"
Runabout grinned, extending his arm in another pose. "Don't worry, it's kinda cute that a bot your size is shy. All you have to do is dump that geek Starscream, and-"

"This 'geek' doesn't dump so easily." Starscream stood at the back entrance, arms folded in annoyance.

The battlechargers stopped posing momentarily. "What are you doing here so early?" Runamuck wanted to know.

"Apparently you've blown circuitry in your logic centers. There are a couple of things you seem unaware of. One, as second in command I have no reason to explain anything to you. Two, expecting my bondmate to dump me for your homely afts is hilarious to the extreme."

"Battlechargers ridiculous." Breaker beeped.

Runabout waved them off, approaching a gawking Skyfire. He took his hand. "We like big bots like you, dude. Come on with us and leave these losers!"

Skyfire yanked his hand away. "Are you crazy?"

Runabout winked over at his brother. "Oh, we get it. Too much company in here. It's okay, we'll come back when it's less crowded." he pulled his brother to the door.

Runamuck snickered as they went out. "Oh, by the way...Thundercracker went over to Skywarp's place last cycle. Ain't seen him since!"

Starscream glared, pointing. "OUT. While you can still walk!"

The silly battlechargers left, all smiles. Starscream waited for the doors to close before speaking.

"What unbelievable gall!" the seeker snarled.

Skyfire found his voice. "I think that throwaway line about Thundercracker was meant to bait you."

Breaker beeped briefly. "Trick to make mad. Battlechargers homely, dumb."

Starscream approached the study table. "They'll have to do better than that." he grinned at his bondmate. "I can't turn my back around here without someone hitting on you."

Skyfire appeared annoyed. "I'm seriously considering a lock sequence on the lab doors. Or a trip wire!"

The red seeker was thinking. "Unfortunately you'd have to clear that with Megatron first. But his paranoia won't allow any area to have limited access."

Skyfire couldn't believe what he was hearing. "So in other words everything is basically public access? Even private living quarters?"

"If the need arises. I told you before, things are done differently here."

Skyfire tapped his fingers on the table. "Great. So I can look forward to another dancing clown show."

A scratchy chuckle. "Well, it's your own fault. Consider it a compliment!"

"Like big." Breaker beeped.

"What was that?" Skyfire poked his little friend.

Another beep. "Battlechargers love big bots. Date with Devastator!"

Skyfire nearly choked himself laughing. "Are you serious?"

Starscream exploded into giggles. "Those gestalt attacks Megatron mentioned at the meeting. They were victims of an assault by Devastator."

Skyfire shook his head in amusement. "This place is off the hook."

"And Dead End got attacked by Menasor."

Blue optics flickered in confusion. "Wait a minute...he's part of the same combine team!"

Starscream snickered. "The others joined anyway and attacked him. Having only one arm didn't slow that psychotic gestalt a lick. There were four other attacks during the same cycle, two with Bruticus and one each with Menasor and Devastator."

"Stunticons do it different." Breaker added. "Attack self first! Seems weird."

Skyfire rested his chin in his hands. "What even qualifies as weird around here?"

Starscream sidled next to him. "Oh, enough on the gestalts. How's your research coming?"

"We'd just started looking at potential metal compositions."

Starscream stared at the holo. "Yes, those are good choices. I'm not too certain about Cerbellym, though. It has a thermal problem as I recall."

"Breaker mentioned that. What's going on with the oil rig assignment? I know the firefight delayed it."

Starscream glanced at his chronometer. "In about 2400 breems. I'll be leading the strike team."

"Will I be going?"

"No. Megatron doesn't feel you're needed there. He prefers that you concentrate on research right now."

Skyfire groaned in agitation. "I love my work, but I need to stretch my wings, Star. You understand."

A sleek blue hand stroked a large shoulder. "I know. Non fliers don't understand we're wired for freedom and flight. When I get back we can go somewhere after shift. How's that sound?"

"Fantastic."

A quick kiss. "May I make a suggestion of three alloys you might want to start with?"

Skyfire waved at the pile of data disks. "By all means."

"Gerbodym, Isodite and Nubunium. I think they have the most potential."

"All on list." Breaker agreed, arranging the disks in some semblence of order.

Skyfire nodded. "Good choices. Okay Breaker, let's get cracking."

Starscream stood to leave. "Do you have enough components from Cliffjumper to start?"

"More than enough. I'm through with him." Skyfire waved it off coldly. "At least I don't have to listen to him whine and curse anymore."

Starscream moved to the door. "Good. I'll let Megatron know we can drop off the trash."


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Blitzwing was watching a movie when his bondmate returned to their unit. He glanced up briefly but didn't speak.

"I hate it when you won't talk to me, Blitz. Won't you let it go?"

"I will when you get your priorities straight."

Astrotrain sat next to him, fondling his head turret. "Don't be like that, please? I don't want you to be angry. I'm trying to control myself!"

Blitzwing glanced at him sideways. "Stop whining and come here." he pulled his mate close.

Astrotrain sighed, nuzzling. "I'm sorry."

Blitzwing pecked his cheek. "I know. This will take patience all around."

"Maybe I'm losing my touch. It doesn't seem to be taking this time."

Blitzwing offered him some snacks in a bowl. "I told you before the situation is different. You've never tried to influence someone who already has a bond. It may not work."

"Skyfire likes us, though. I can sense it."

"I sense it too. But again I say we can't push this. When he comes to us, it has to be because he thinks he's making the choice. Not us."

"You're right. Would you like to hear some gossip?"

Blitzwing softened a little. "Only if it's good gossip."

"Well." Astrotrain crunched a few proton chips, "It seems as though Runabout and Runamuck have made Skyfire their new love interest."

Blitzwing stared. "Please tell me you're joking!"

"I wish I were. They seem convinced Skyfire wants them badly."

Blitzwing put a hand over his optics. "Someday, I hope science finds a cure. They really should get help."

Astrotrain cracked up. "Has anyone had more ego with less to justify it than those two?"

The decepticon tank chuckled. "It takes all kinds. I'm surprised they didn't hit on you, too!"

Astrotrain curled a lip in disdain. "Blitzwing, even I have limits. Bad taste only goes so far!"


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Megatron contacted the Optimus Prime with coordinates for the pickup. BlastOff unceremoniously dumped the prisoners over the ocean, fifty miles off base. The aerialbots rescued them and returned to the Ark.

Meanwhile, Thundercracker and Skywarp found their newly bonded state to be quite remarkable. Sprawled on the floor of Skywarp's quarters they embraced in afterglow. Brilliant blue light flowed from partially exposed spark chambers, casting everything in stark shadow.

Skywarp stroked his new bondmate lazily. "TC...I never dreamed it would be like this."

The blue seeker nodded in a daze, optics sleepy. "It's wonderful. Like nothing I've ever experienced."

"Just touching you makes me shake." Skywarp purred, gently pressing against his mate's spark casing.

A long, sweeping kiss. "Now I know what Starscream meant." Thundercracker murmured against pale lips.

"Mmmhmm." Skywarp nuzzled. "What?"

"How a bond compels you more than anything. I only thought I understood before. Now I know."

Skywarp peppered soft kisses everywhere. "Like a drug, I think."

Thundercracker moaned against his bondmate. Wet licks trailed down Skwarp's golden cockpit and points below. He captured the object of his attention seconds later, a flexing shaft of violet beauty. Lovely.

"Thundercracker!!" Skywarp shrieked in delight as the hot mouth claimed him.


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Shrapnel was sitting with his best friend (and co-conspirator) Breaker. The minicon was taking a brief recess from the heavy database search he'd been working on.

The insecticon was curious about the results as they sipped proton shakes in the cafeteria. "So thesse diskss will allow us to be less hungry, hungry?"

"Be good, especially for you. Insections need much energon."

"Yesss. Unfortunately it is ssso. It iss wearissome to alwayss be starving, starving. Hopefully Skyfire can come up with the ultimate solution, solution."

"Think so. Then decepticons do other things."

"It would be appreciated. Therre is no focus to much we do, do."

"Talk later future plans! Not now."

Shrapnel twitched his antennae. "Undersstood. Speaking of plansss, I think its time phasse two was initiated, initiated."

Breaker grinned. "Octane bring good stuff. We distribute!"

The insecticon vibrated a happy noise. "Weeell, my sweetie brought many goodiess from the lasst spaceporrrt he wass on. Morre than enough, enough!"

"Soak these!"

"Verrry good. I think so! Nearrrly pure, verrry strong."

"Good. Get Octane distribute. More chaos, Breaker like. Make future plan easier!"


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The oil rig raid had mixed success. The decepticons were able to secure a reasonable amount for energon before the autobots arrived. Bruticus and Superion faced off while the others engaged in battle. The skirmish finally ended when Prowl set fire to several fuel lines, causing an explosion. Both forces soon scattered, the autobots remaining to repair damage and provide assistance.

Megatron was satisfied if not overly pleased. As usual, he swore revenge for another day.

Upon their return, Starscream and the others had their minor injuries treated. Everyone on shift returned to duty. All others were free to follow their personal pursuits.

Starscream found his way to the lab only to see his bondmate still working on formulas. He smiled to himself. Skyfire was impossibly stubborn once something held his interest. The big jet was busy relaying complex formula computations to Breaker. The minicon made an excellent scribe, offering information and commentary.

"Now down to matrices." Breaker beeped.

"Fine." Skyfire kept going, writing with his stylus. "Molecular decomposition at celsius temperatures, sample six. Range -22C to +314C, factor of 8."

"Need factor low." Breaker chirped. "See sample four. Molecule matrix 90 degree structure, stronger. Sample six structure tetrahedron. Not stable."

"Got it."

Starscream chuckled in amusement, approaching their workstation. Data disks and notepads were scattered everywhere in a mess. Overhead, the display screen showed structural comparisons of various isotopes. Snack energon cubes littered the tabletop, most of them drained.

"I see you eggheads are still at it."

Skyfire smiled widely his way. "How'd your raid go?"

A blue hand waved the air. "So so. We have a reasonable supply of energon, but Megatron's not too happy the full volume wasn't brought back."

"Not please easy." Breaker quipped.

"No." Starscream sat at the messy table. "He's never satisfied."

"Like bitch and moan."

A raspy giggle. "Truer words were never spoken. He's always talking about perfection-" a white arm snared the seeker with a clang.

"I have perfection. Right here!" Skyfire crushed his bondmate in a kiss.

Breaker watched them kiss impatiently, pointing. "Keep up, get sparklings!"

Starscream looked over his shoulder, flicking a wing. "Go find somewhere to be, Breaker."

The minicon huffed. "Not go. Mind what said!"

Skyfire was mildly annoyed. "What, are you our chaperone?"

Red visiors brightened. "Good deal! Keep close optic, or many sparklings arrive!"

Starscream shook his head. "Oh, honestly! You're so over the top, Breaker."

The minicon hopped on the table. "Breaker know! Seen happen before."

Skyfire nuzzled his bondmate. "Star, let's blow this joint for awhile."

Blue arms tossed around white shoulders. "I couldn't have said it better myself!"


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Two sleek jets flew under a bright moon, their only trail a reflection off polished noses. They soared in perfect harmony over a small mountain range.

Skywarp did a playful barrel roll. "I feel wonderful!"

"Me too!" Thundercracker barrel rolled over him without touching. "Gotcha!"

"Watch this!" Skywarp disappeared briefly.

Can't trick me anymore! Thundercracker laughed, veering off crazily. A deafening sonic boom followed his wake.

"Ackk!" Skywarp reappeared suddenly at his side. "Loudmouth."

"Gotcha again!" Thundercracker did a silly nosedive. Skywarp followed.

"Now I'm gonna get you!"


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A short while later, another pair of jets took to crystal dark skies. Skyfire admired the brilliant patterns of the stars around them.

Starscream agreed. "It's a perfect night, Sky. Oh, it feels so good to just feel the wind again."

The valkyrie jet hummed at his side. "A night for lovers, Star. A night for us!" he did a happy side flip.

The smaller jet tapped his underbelly with a wingtip.

"That tickles!" Skyfire yelped.

A snicker. "I've more things to tickle, Sky. Just you wait-"

"Say, Star. I don't think we're alone on this pattern."

Starscream straighted his flight angle. "No. My sensors tell me it's Thundercracker and Skywarp. But-"

"That way! Look east over that asmuth."

They angled slightly in flight, seeing two familiar jets flying erratically not five miles off. At times they mirrored each other in flight only to break off and nearly collide.

"What in Cyberton are they doing?" Starscream wondered. "Some kind of crazy practice maneuver?"

Skyfire rumbled in laughter. "Star, I know you aren't dense. They aren't out on a night like this for buisness. Can't you see? They're playing!"

The sleek jet was silent a moment. "Then, that means they've probably bonded."

"Based on what they're doing, I'd say so."

Starscream flew alongside his bondmate again. "I'm...happy for them. I suppose."

"No sour grapes, Star?"

"By rights I should!" a screech over dark skies. "But no...Thundercracker deserves more than what I could give him. And Skywarp is worthy."

A large white wing tapped his side. "See, that wasn't so bad."

"Yes, well..."

"Now catch me!" Skyfire turned his nose vertically and shot straight upward.

"Oh, I'll definitely do that." twisting with amazing grace, the red seeker streaked after his valkryie jet.

Not far off, they were spied by the two amorous seekers. Skywarp edged along Thundercracker in thin cloud cover.

"Hey, love. Did you see that?"

"Yeah. I think they're here for some fun, too."

Skywarp stressed his turbines a bit. "You're not having any regrets, Cracker?"

"Skywarp, once we land I'll show you the truth all over again!"

The purple seeker rattled with desire. "Mmm. Sounds like a plan." he warped behind his bondmate and tapped along his tail section. A dainty scrape with his nose. Blue aeiralons flapped wildly in response.

"Nice!" a giggle before warping again.

Thundercracker yawed as his mate reappeared. "Trying to make me crash, you gorgeous sneak?"

"Never. I was just admiring that lovely aft of yours."

A soft sonic boom. "You always were an aft kisser."

"Oh you have no idea, Cracker. But I plan to show you!" Skywarp dove abruptly at a shoreline below.

Thundercracker followed like a heat missle. Truth and beauty, Skywarp.

to be continued