Wing Shift

submission dated 5-26-08
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

Faces of the same Coin

Skyfire welcomed the routine of research after the wild night at the cove. Breaker said little more about it. When it came to work the minicon was all buisness.

Their pile of discs and datapads were in the usual disarray everywhere. Breaker was arranging a molecular model showing a 3D representation of isotopes.

Skyfire watched closely, sketching more information. "That looks good, Breaker. Sample 3 seems to have a fairly regular matrix pattern."

Small but skilled hands pointed at various spots. "Is so. May need mixture Obydum and Nubunium. Make alloy, best combination. Strong molecules, very close."

"Now for the thermal issue. Will an alloy reduce energy transmission versus the pure elements?"

Breaker shifted to sphere mode and hummed. "Calculate. Gerbodym more malleable, less versatile. Nubunium highest transmission rate. Slightly unstable when cooling."

Skyfire tapped a stylus on his lip. "Hmm. It's always something, then. The mixtures we use could get tricky."

"Suggest sample 7 test along with 3."

"Comparative energy transmission rates of the two."

The sphere buzzed again. "Sample 3, 5000 btu per astrosecond. Sample 7, 8000 btu per astrosecond."

"And now for the stability factors to contain."

"Sample 3, stable matrix to 17,000 degrees Celsius. Sample 7, 11,000 Celsius."

Skyfire was silent a moment, allowing his processors to absorb the information. "Clearly then, we-"

A whoosh of doors interrupted his thoughts. Starscream entered the lab briskly. Skyfire could tell by his body language it wasn't a personal visit.

"Good morning, Sky. Megatron wants a report on your progress."

The valkryie jet curved a smile. "All things considered, I think we're progressing nicely. Breaker and I are deciding on two test samples with the most potential."

"Will you be needing any special alloys?"

"We're rounding on that now." Skyfire paused as Breaker shifted back to bot mode.

Starscream nodded at the minicon. "I must thank you for all your assistance, Breaker. You've been a valuable asset."

The minicon beeped. "Much thanks. Breaker multitask."

"If there's a list of components you need, just let me know-"

They all turned at at the sound of footsteps by the door. Octane strutted in, smiling.

"Didn't mean to interrupt you guys, but Megatron sent me here."

Starscream stared. "Oh? An assignment related to the research?"

A nod. "Yeah, he wants me to transport whatever supplies Skyfire needs for the disks."

Skyfire saw the brief look of rage on his bondmate. "Once _again_ he supercedes me!" the seeker screeched.

Skyfire sent a soothing thought his way. /Our time will come, Starscream. This isn't even a setback./

The seeker visibly calmed. "No." he glanced up at Octane again. "Provide them with whatever is needed. I'll be on the observation deck." with a quick nod at his bondmate, the seeker made a quick exit.

Octane watched him go. "You've gotta love his moods."

"He has many." Skyfire waved at the table. "Make yourself comfortable, Octane. We need to make a list of supplies."

"Can do." the triplechanger sat, exchanging a glance with Breaker. "So how's life treating you, Skyfire? You all settled in now?"

The big jet looked over several disks in a pile. "It's been an interesting experience. Everything is completely different from what I knew."

Octane poked at some disks. "You mean the autobots, hmm?"

"Of course."

"I've heard a lot about you. You seem to be quite popular among the masses. The Omega Supreme assignment sounded quite impressive."

Skyfire paused, setting down a disk. "I had reservations about that at the time. There were...medical issues involved."

Octane shrugged. "No secrets around here, big guy. I'm aware of your hardwire situation."

Blue optics narrowed. "And _how_ do you know?"

"I just know, let's leave it at that. Besides, I knew a lot of transformers with the same problem."

Breaker sat near the pile of disks. "Hardwire much clean." a beep.

Octane nodded. "Yeah, it's inevitable."

Skyfire frowned. "Explain. What's inevitable?"

The triplechanger tapped his head, smiling. "Eventually your hardwire will purge itself of bad or conflicting data, even without outside influence."

"I wasn't led to believe that." Skyfire was suspicious.

"Don't get me wrong, it will take longer that way. I take it you went through a lot of internal conflict in the meantime?"

Skyfire resumed his study of the disks. "Some. It seems to be resolving itself now."

"That's good, then."

There was silence for a few moments. Breaker beeped. "Questions still." he glanced at Skyfire.

"Breaker, if you don't _mind-"_

"Mind. Ask Octane, he tell!"

Skyfire drummed his fingers on the table. "All right! There's some things I need to know."

"Like what?" Octane was curious.

"This is awkward." Skyfire admitted. "I wanted to keep this on a buisness take, but-"

Crimson optics flared. "Ah, it's a personal matter. Don't worry, Skyfire. I'm extremely good at keeping secrets."

"Yes." the valkyrie jet was thinking. "There's a very personal matter I need to understand better. You seem to be the right decepticon to ask."

"I'll help if I can."

"It involves...Astrotrain and Blitzwing."

"Go on."

Skyfire rubbed an audio. "They confuse me. I never know if or when they're telling the complete truth."

"You'll have to be more specific, Skyfire. Does this have something to do with your spark?"

Blue optics flared brightly. "They told you about that?"

"When I came back to base, we were catching up. They briefed me on their interest in you. So what's the problem?"

_"That's_ the problem. I can't trust them! First they save my life, and now they want a relationship as payment."

The deep baritone voice rumbled in amusement. "They do what they want, as they will. There's no repayment involved. You have a funny way of looking at things, Skyfire."

"No I don't. To make matters worse I find they have a history with Starscream." he caught himself. "And for that matter, so do _you."_ nearly indigo optics narrowed to lines.

Another casual shrug. "I've been around too long to make such distinctions. Life doesn't stop, you know. Eventually everyone has some involvement."

Breaker nodded, pointing at Skyfire. "Told so. You listen!"

"I swear, you're _all the same!"_ Skyfire exploded. "Nobody around here seems to get it. Starscream is _my_ bondmate. We want each other, not a cast of thousands!."

Octane glanced at Breaker in surprise. "He _is_ young."

"I'm no sparkling." Skyfire retorted. "And I should've known better than to ask another triplechanger!"

_"Emotions_ are a powerful thing, Skyfire." Octane said, his optics glittering strangely. "That's the thing...they often reveal what words and gestures hide."

The strangeness of his tone halted the big jet temporarily. "I think we'd better get to the list of ores needed."

Octane quirked a smile. "Changing the subject? You're very clever."

"Clever and cautious. Let's just say my experience with triplechangers has taught me a few things."

The decepticon transport grinned widely now. "Unicron take it, I _see_ why they like you! You're stubborn and attractive, all at the same time."

Breaker snickered. "Like said, many plan sandwich."

Octane waved it off. "Relax, Skyfire. I won't jump you or anything."

"That's good to know. I punch back." the valkyrie jet snapped.

Octane laughed out loud. "Delightful! I see you enjoy your newfound freedom."

"What?" blue optics blank.

"No restraints in your hardwire anymore. Whatever you want, take it. And if it feels good, _do it."_

"What in Cybertron are you babbling about?"

"I sense your intelligence, Skyfire. So don't overplay the righteous routine. In the end, all that matters is what makes you feel good."

"I never said I was righteous or anything like that."

"Follow my advice or stay confused. Those years under ice held you in stasis"

"I'm fully functional and _not_ damaged, Octane." Skyfire was indignant.

Those optics sparkled weirdly again, a field effect. "Of course not. But all your intelligence can't make up for life experience. If you'd lived those nine million years inbetween we wouldn't be having this conversation."

"Who's to say? That doesn't tell me anything."

Another odd smile. "Let's just say you'd have a different perspective."

"Starscream lived a portion of those years alone, before arriving on earth. I see no difference!"

Octane was smug. "The difference drove you to the autobots when you were revived. And didn't Starscream consider you a traitor and enemy?"

Breaker nodded. "Point."

"He endured much while you were unaware, Skyfire. You might be surprised to find Starscream is more agreeable to...other options than you think."

Skyfire was silent, thinking of a strange interlude in the cove when his bondmate reassured him. _It will be alright..._

He looked up from his thoughts. "I don't like how you know so much about me, Octane. I asked before and you wouldn't say."

"How I know isn't important. But as I said, I can keep secrets. I've kept many, so one more isn't a big deal."

"I'll accept that...for now. But knowing how triplechangers operate, I still haven't decided to completely trust you."

Octane grinned. "Don't hold that against me. I'm a real sweetheart!"

Skyfire couldn't help but grin himself. "That's what they all say."

Octane picked up a disk. "I'm good with geology and metallurgy. So if you need any formula ideas feel free to consult."

"I had no idea."

Breaker piped up. "Have degrees. Octane help!"

"I'll keep it in mind." Skyfire arranged his notes. "Now let's hit that list..."

****

Blitzwing, Dirge and Astrotrain were playing a game of galaxy in Dirge's private quarters.

"Still trying to cheat, Dirge?" Astrotrain held up his cards. "I'll raise you a binary star system."

"Supernova." Biltzwing put a card on the table.

"Eh, another one." Dirge complained, forking over a marked card from his hand. "So. I understand the labwork continues as scheduled, hmm?"

"Don't be nosy." Astrotrain groused. "We know you're sniffing around Skyfire!"

"Fah. You triplechangers are so crude. How you managed to snare someone with obvous upscale tastes is beyond me."

Blitzwing rearranged his cards. "Don't be a snob, Dirge. Take your loss in good spirit!"

"I think not. Skyfire will tire of your manipulations soon enough. The door will be open, then."

"We'll see about that. There's a final hand to play in all this."

Astrotrain chuckled. "Besides, you can always play with your battlechargers on a cold night."

Dirge sighed. "Honestly, I almost wish I'd never bothered with those two. They're good in bed, but incredibly stupid."

Blitzwing shuffled the deck. "I thought you and Kickback were talking?"

"He's a little too airheaded to suit me. That was just a flirtation thing, anyway."

"Pulsar takes Solar system." Astrotrain placed a card face up on the table. "Anyone else lined up, Dirge? I hear Bonecrusher's free right now."

"A good possibility. It's hard to keep up with his schedule though. And don't think you're diverting me from Skyfire, either!"

"Perish the thought!"

"By the way, who is this 'final hand' you spoke of?" Dirge wanted to know.

Astrotrain eyed his cards. "We didn't say who-"

"Go trick a sparkling, Astrotrain. Is Octane mixed up in this?"

"Let's just say he has a partnership investment."

"I should have known." Dirge griped. "Now is he working with Skyfire?"

"Not exactly." Blitzwing stacked his hand. "However, it's possible that his new assignment involves lab work."

"An amazing coincidence." Dirge was annoyed.

"We think so." Astrotrain appeared innocent. "After all, Octane himself made the suggestion to Megatron. Apparently both were in total agreement."

"Is Shrapnel in agreement? You know how ridiculous insecticons get when they're angry."

"Shrapnel is Octane's problem. Besides, all's fair in love and conquest."

"Triple faced fools! Starscream won't sit back and allow that."

"Why Dirge...if you can't beat them, _join_ them." Astrotrain was smug.

"What are you saying?"

Blitzwing grinned crazily. "Fighting and strife doesn't win the prize. We go the path of least resistance. Pleasure and delight!"

"Decadent old dustbuckets." A pissed Dirge stared at his cards again.

****

Octane left the lab a short while later. Skyfire sipped an energon snack cube and put his feet up on the desk.

"I think we made good progress today, Breaker."

The minicon sat nearby sipping his own cube. "Think so. Can collect ores, start mixing."

"I plan to use some of those old mold shells in the back. They're oddly shaped, but a good starting point."

"Is good." Breaker sipped his cube again. Skyfire watched him.

"Breaker...what you said before makes me think about a lot of things."

"Said much."

"I mean about...loving me. I couldn't have imagined anything more shocking."

The minicon beeped, his visiors bright. "Why shock? No secret. "

"I guess I wasn't expecting it. Since I left the autobots, everything seems to be happening so quickly."

"Seems so. Sky change inside. Not go back. Take time, adjust."

"Sometimes it seems like I was living someone else's life, you know?"

"Ice affect. Long time sleep!"

"Everything seems so weird, even now. And all this attention is just...I'm not used to it."

The minicon cocked his head. "Especially Breaker. Size thing bother?"

"I'm...I know it doesn't matter, but-"

"Is okay. All Breaker bondmates bigger. Not care after time."

"They had reservations too?"

"Only when want to hold something _big_ in arms."

"So what happened?"

The minicon was smug. "Got over it."

Skyfire grinned slowly. "Made up for it, huh?"

"Many ways." a quick beep. "As said, not worry. Know Sky not in love. Not matter, can convince."

"It's funny that everyone keeps calling _me_ stubborn."

A tiny chuckle. "Seems so! Makes better match."

Their conversation was interrupted when Starscream reappeared. He glanced about.

"I see Octane's gone. Good."

"Something up?" Skyfire wondered.

The red seeker approached, arms folded. "I'm not sure. Everything seems routine. But..."

"But?" Skyfire lifted a brow ridge.

Starscream smiled slyly. "First, a kiss." he slipped into Skyfire's lap. Blue arms wrapped white shoulders.

Breaker watched them in silence.

The fliers kissed feverishly, wings quivering. Nearly an hour later they were still going at it, hands groping everywhere. Breaker tapped his fingers on the table impatiently.

The clang of grinding spark chambers was heard. Breaker barely avoided a long white arm as it sweeped the table clear of disks and tablets. He dove to the floor as the two jets crashed over the table, still locked in passion.

The annoyed minicon pointed from the floor. "Breaker know truth! Warned before, not again."

Two pair of optics glanced his way in a haze of heat.

Breaker shouted again. "Already started. Too much sparking, all time! Find out."

Starscream turned into another hot kiss. /What's he going on about?/

/Who cares?/ white arms crushed the seeker close. They rolled over in a tangle of limbs.

"Floor show. Not interested." Breaker transformed to sphere mode and plopped down an air vent.

****

The card game with Dirge nearly came to blows before an unusual interruption hit them...literally. A sizeable sphere dropped from the ceiling between the potential combatants, careening onto the card table.

"The hell?!" Astrotrain stumbled back, releasing Dirge. The searcher pushed himself away.

Blitzwing likewise dove to the side. "Breaker, are you _crazy?!"_

"Not crazy. Pissed." the sphere sat in a pile of cards on the table. "Why fight?"

Astrotrain jerked a thumb at Dirge. "Let's just say we're at cross purposes."

"There _is_ no competition, as far as I'm concerned." Dirge put his nose up.

"Dirge stuck up. What want?"

"What he wants is someone _we_ want!" Blitzwing snorted.

"All fight for Skyfire. Breaker pissed anyway, no difference."

"What are you talking about?" Dirge wanted to know. "No one invited you here anyway."

"Need talk. Silly Sky, Star hopeless."

Interested glances all around. "Oh?" Astrotrain wondered. "They had their first fight?"

The sphere vibrated. "Almost wish. Not listen to Breaker several times."

Blitzwing chuckled, placing hands on hip components. "This is about the sparking, hm?"

_"You_ know. Already seen!"

"It wasn't my place to say. They'll find out soon enough."

"Well this certainly complicates matters." Dirge huffed. "I'm flexible, but-"

"You're out of the picture as far as I'm concerned." Astrotrain cut him off. A shove sent the plane into a wall. Dirge lunged and shoved back. Blitzwing cornered the searcher from his backside.

Still on the table, Breaker beeped. "Sparking everywhere, Breaker see. Megatron crack up, find out."

Fists banged against the front door, making everyone pause. Thrust and Ramjet burst in suddenly.

"We heard all the noise, Dirge. You need backup?"

Dirge pointed at the triplechangers. "These ancient freaks are after Skyfire and Starscream!"

_"Both_ of them?!" Thrust was angry. He pointed at Blitzwing. "I've got plans for Starscream myself, weirdos. And your old afts should be sparking in a rocking chair somewhere."

"Maybe Unicron is looking for a date." Ramjet was snide. "I hear he's been out of action for _50 million years!"_

"Too young." Dirge taunted. "It might violate Cybertronian law!"

Astrotrain cracked his knuckles and glanced at his bondmate. "I'm gonna love introducing these clowns to _real_ pain."

Blitzwing likewise flexed his fists. "Breaking skullboxes. Sweet music!"

"You'd better get some help, gramps. We'd hate to have your joints give out during the fight." Ramjet challenged. "Besides, I have interest in Skyfire myself!"

Breaker crackled with energy, illuminating the room. "Breaker in bad mood anyway. _Gonna turn this sucker out!!"_

****

Thundercracker and Skywarp cuddled, sharing slow kisses. They stretched on a soft therma blanket in the bedroom of Thundercracker's quarters.

"Just stay still, 'Warp. This blanket will keep your core temperature even."

The purple seeker leaned into his bondmate. "It's strange, I have no idea why it fluctuated so much today. I spent entirely too much time in your recharge chamber."

A shrug of blue shoulders. "I wouldn't worry about it too much. Everyone has glitches in their metabolism sometimes. Just relax and watch some more movies."

Skywarp grinned and looked over the disks. "More action and adventure?"

"You know it. I'm partial to shoot 'em ups."

"Next time get me some westerns. And don't forget the Terminator series!"

"I'll download a whole library for you. And I've got more treats!" he pulled out a mesh bag.

"Mmm!" Skywarp's optics lit up. He reached in and gobbled the candy.

Thundercracker watched him with surprise and concern. "Hey, _easy!_ Those are rich. You might get surges."

Skywarp crunched hungrily. "I just love surges. Especially around you."

"Silly." Thundercracker wrapped the blanket around them both, making a cocoon.

Skywarp snuggled, his optics closing. "Nice."

"I'll start the movie, love." a click of the remote. Thundercracker noted his bondmate was falling asleep already.

"Skywarp?"

"Mmhnn. Still awake. I think. Tired."

"You look out of it."

"I'll be fine. You feel good, by the way."

The blue seeker smiled gently. "Don't go to sleep on me now-"

A loud thud and crash interrupted their conversation. Rolling vibrations carried through the walls and hallways outside. Thumps and collisions rattled the ceilings.

Skywarp peered over the blanket. "What in Cybertron is going _on_ out there?"

Thundercracker squinted his optics. "Sounds like it's coming from someone's unit."

Skywarp tucked his head down again. "Probably a fight. Wonder what it's about?"

Thundercracker likewise seemed unconcerned. "Around here? Who the frag knows."

Skywarp shrugged, turning into the side of his warm bondmate. "Probably someone caught cheating."

Thundercracker was annoyed. "Why can't they fight down in the engine room? I can't hear myself think with all this fragging racket."

Skywarp agreed, still snuggling low. "Yeah. Besides, they keep making the flatscreen shake."

****

Rumble raced into the control tower. Megatron was watching several viewscreens from the central dias.

"Hey boss! There's a brawl going on at Dirge's place."

Megatron turned. _"What?_ After I expressly forbade such behavior?!"

The cassette fidgeted. "Yeah, well...they're fighting and tearing stuff up."

"Who is involved?"

"The triplechangers, searchers and Breaker."

Crimson optics narrowed in anger. "Very well. They want to play? _I'll send them to the pen!"_ he turned to the communications console.

"Soundwave. See to it that all brawlers are put into stasis lock for one solar day. Take the combaticons with you and immobilize them!"

Soundwave stood. "As you command, Megatron." he exited quickly, followed by Rumble.

Megatron glared at the screens. "No one defies my command and functions."

****

Skyfire and Starscream had taken their antics to the bedroom after demolishing the lab. Drowsy and sated, the two bondmates lay in a satisfied heap under tangled blankets.

"Mmm...better and better." Starscream teased the edge of Skyfire's spark chamber with a finger. The big jet shuddered in pleasure.

"Star...life is _fabulous."_

Starscream sighed in bliss, stroking planes of white. "I feel so warm, Sky. Like the sun."

"And I feel free. Liberated in my mind, you know?"

"True to yourself, love. And I couldn't be more pleased."

"Hmm." more wet kisses. Eventually they pulled up.

Blue optics blazed brightly. "You seem different, Star. You _feel_ different."

Starscream cocked his head mischeviously. "In what way?"

"I have no idea. It's like you're...more. Just a feeling." he pulled his bondmate close. "Why didn't you tell me about Blitzwing and Astrotrain before?"

"Why was it important? So much time had passed. Besides, do you really want a list of lovers? I don't see what could come out of that."

Skyfire thought it over. "No, you're right. I could hardly expect you to be celibate for millions of years."

Ruby optics glowed in regret. "I thought I'd lost you. I had no choice but to move on."

A gentle white hand stroked Starscream on the cheek. "I know. For some crazy reason I felt jealous. Makes no sense, I realize that."

Silvery lips pecked between sky perfect optics. "I'd ask for _your_ lover list, except that I know you were in ice."

"Well, you never know. I might have hit on Optimus Prime at the Ark."

Starscream snickered. "Somehow I can't picture that. Now I could see _Prowl_ hitting on you-"

"He did mention liking my optics a few times."

Red wings twitched. "Oh he's so _boring and straightlaced,_ even for an autobot. Now Mirage on the other hand is fascinating. I often thought he'd make a good decepticon."

"He would." Skyfire agreed. "We had several talks on the subject."

"Not out in the open I would imagine."

"No, of course not." a quiet beeping stopped their discussion as a desktop panel lit.

"Interesting. It seems as though we have company. The lab doors have been breached."

Starscream rolled off his bondmate. "Bother. I was hoping to spend the rest of this cycle being warm. And some fool has to come and screw it up!"

****

Runabout and Runamuck stared in awe at the wrecked lab. One of the large tables was completely turned over. Data disks and writing pads scattered everywhere in a mess. Even a projection screen was tilted. Knocked over chairs were randomly spaced, adding to the disorder.

And areas of the floor were sticky, _very_ sticky.

Runabout lifted his feet carefully, grinning. "Hey, ya thinking what I'm thinking, bro?"

A snicker. "Yeah, someone had some serious party in here. Gonna need a cleaning crew and a vaccum hose to get all this up-"

"Everyone's a critic these days." Starscream stood in the entrance by the bedroom, arms folded. His wings were in a relaxed state.

Runabout elbowed his brother. "Hey, yeah, Starscream. Nothin' like a litttle fun after a hard cycle's work, huh?"

"What would _you_ know about hard work?" the seeker approached them. "Now what is it?"

"We had a message for you and Skyfire from Megatron."

"Oh?" A deep voice sounded nearby. Skyfire stepped out from the bedroom hallway.

Runamuck shrugged. "Yeah, well, you might be havin' a setback in your research department."

"What do you mean?"

"Haven't you heard? There was a big fight over at Dirge's place tonight. A card game got out of hand."

"What does _any_ of that have to do with Skyfire or his work?" Starscream demanded.

"We were getting to that!" Runabout shouted. "Megatron was pissed and had everyone put in stasis lock for a day."

Starscream and Skyfire looked at each other. "Wait a minute." Starscream interrupted. "Who was fighting?"

"Astrotrain and Blitzwing were fighting with Ramjet, Dirge and Thrust. Breaker got involved later."

"I don't get it." was all Skyfire could say. Starscream shook his head.

The brothers giggled. "Yeah, well...we heard the _real_ reason they was fighting." Runamuck continued.

"I'm almost afraid to ask." Skyfire replied.

"Heh, they were fighting over you two-"

"That's _stupid!"_ Starscream screeched. "It makes _no_ sense whatsoever."

Runabout shrugged. "Yeah, well, bottom line is they got Breaker, too. So he can't help you until day after tomorrow."

Skyfire looked to his bondmate. "Does the nonsense ever end around here?"

Starscream huffed at the battlechargers. "As long as you're standing there, make yourselves useful. We need help cleaning up this mess."

Runamuck sniggered. "Yeah, sure. Combat pay, huh?"

"Stop running your mouths and get busy."

"Alright!" the battlechargers started picking up.

****

Despite their annoying personalities the battlechargers were remarkably efficient. The lab was pristine an hour later.

"An excellent job, I must say." Skyfire put the vaccum mops away.

"Yeah, sure." Runabout grinned. He started posing. "As long as we're here..."

Skyfire glared at them. _"Now_ what are you doing?"

The brothers preened and posed some more. "Tryin' to convince you." Runamuck admired his reflection in a panel mirror. Runabout fell to a knee and flexed.

Starscream tapped his foot impatiently, arms folded.

"Heh, heh, they're speechless again." Runabout extended his arms in another pose. "Does the trick every time!"

"Who cares if those other losers fight?" Runamuck did his best hulk routine, bending both arms. "Two of 'em are too damn old, one's a snob and the others are simpletons."

"It seems to be an epidemic around here." Skyfire cracked, not amused.

As usual, the battlechargers misunderstood. They continued their nonsensical display. "You got that right, dude." Runamuck flexed into _the thinker_ pose. "So dump Starscream and come to some _real_ satisfaction!"

Starscream walked in front of the twins, optics flaring nova red. "You _morons_ have three astroseconds to get your carcasses out of here!"

The battlechargers finally stopped posing. "Uh, what are you trying to say?" Runamuck stared.

"Here's a hint." Starscream fired a beam at their heads, making both battlechargers dive for the floor.

"Now _get out."_

"Sheesh. Can't even make a move around this joint." the brothers scrabbled to their feet and tumbled into the hallway. Heavy door panels slammed shut behind them.

Skyfire chuckled and embraced his seeker. "They should do comedy shows."

Starscream glanced up, grinning. "Can anyone be more ridiculous than those two? Honestly."

Kiss. "Isn't the curfew about to start?"

A snicker. "Well, we have two options. I can stay here until I have to, or you can follow me and wander around."

Skyfire nuzzled. "Well, you're bed's a little small."

"Not it's not. You're too fragging big."

Another kiss. "I want to keep my hands on you. So let's go in the back."

"Sounds like a plan."

"mm." Skyfire swept his seeker up. The delighted Starscream shrieked as he was carried to bed.

****

Octane finished unloading the ore supplies on the landing docks. He didn't have much help since it was late in the cycle. A brief report was filed before he returned to quarters. Shrapnel waited up for him.

He tickled the long antennae. "Hey, sweetbot. Is that special recipe still tucked away?"

The happy insecticon vibrated, hugging. "Eeerrr, everrrything is in place, place. Weee can cook it up overr the next few dayss. Kickback will help, help."

Octane smirked. "I think this will coordinate well with the plan." he clasped hands with his bondmate. "Now come on, I need a little loving right now." he tugged Shrapnel to the back.

"Muuch to tell you, you. Crrazy gossip, gossip."

"It can wait!" Octane was impatient. He picked up his bondmate. "You been eating a lot again?"

"Verrry funny, funny." Shrapnel squealed.

"Huh. I always did like a little metal on the mainframe, myself."

****

"Do you have any more of those snacks, Sky?"

"Right here." Skyfire embraced his seeker with one arm while holding the tray. They nibbled in bed.

"These are...really good!" Starscream crunched his treats hungrily.

"Not so fast, love. Or you'll get crumbs in the bedsheets. We'll be scratching."

"I'm not _that_ messy." Starscream kept gobbling.

Skyfire watched him eat. "Did you recharge today?"

"What? Yes, early in the cycle. Why?"

"Nothing. Just wondering. The way you're eating..."

Starscream paused. "I know that look. Now what is it?"

His bondmate stared a few moments. "I still can't explain it. Something about you has changed."

"What, am I growing another head?"

Intense blue optics gleamed. "You have...I feel an extra energy about you, I think."

"You think?" Starscream put the candy down. "I'm perfectly healthy, Sky."

"That's my point. You're almost _extra_ healthy."

"Do you realize how peculiar that sounds?"

The big jet sighed, rubbing an audio. "Maybe my hardwire is glitching again."

"Come here." Starscream edged up in bed. Skyfire slid down and rested against his seeker. A blue arm cradled his head and shoulder.

"If I tell you something, promise you won't overreact?" Starscream asked.

Blue optics narrowed, looking up. "Am I right?"

A shrug. "Yes and no. Over the last few days I've had minor power surges. Sometimes my core temperature would rise and fall a few degrees during a solar day."

"You didn't _tell_ me about this?!"

Sleek fingers stroked soothingly. "You said you wouldn't overreact, Sky. Besides, it's not unusual to have this occur. Several factors can cause it such as lack of nutrition or stress."

"And?" Skyfire insisted.

"The surges were so slight they were barely noticeable. And I was perfectly fine so there was no need to do anything."

"Is there anything else?"

"Just some increase in my appetite, but that's to be expected. It's been a hectic week."

Skyfire kept staring. "I want you to get checked out."

A sigh. "I knew you'd overreact. There's nothing to check, Skyfire. If I went to see Hook right now, he'd laugh in my face."

Blue optics narrowed to lines. "All right. But if this worsens..."

"You'll be the first to know." Starscream chuckled. "I was just thinking."

Skyfire settled against him again. "Hmm?"

"The fight those dimwits mentioned. What do you suppose got that started?"

"Star, at this point I wouldn't even guess. This entire base is headcase city, if you ask me."

Starscream grinned, squeezing his bondmate. "Maybe we should have a Skyfire sweepstakes."

The big jet groaned.

"It would solve a lot of problems. What about an auction? We could stand you on a platform and have open bids!" Starscream was giggling now.

"With my luck the battlechargers would probably win."

A roll of optics. "I wouldn't wish _that_ fate on anyone." the bondmates settled into moments of quiet. Skyfire eventually resumed the conversation. "It's going to be strange not having Breaker around. How he got involved in that mess is beyond me."

"In the morning I'll see what details I can find out."

"Sounds good." a sleepy kiss before dimming the lights.

to be continued