Wing Shift

submission dated 5-28-08 .6-8
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

Shades of Gray

In all the eons of his existence, Blitzwing considered stasis to be the worst form of torture. To be cut off from one's

senses and body was an isolation no sane being would wish for. He likened it to being a disembodied spirit

wandering the cold pathways of the universe.

Having awareness made the sensory deprivation worse. He knew many transformers who went insane over time,

often criminals contained for extended periods. The dark was cold, clammy and deep. A heavy blanket of

nothingness that gave no room for escape. Except in the mind. He reached out to his bondmate.

/Astrotrain?/

A warmth, sparking to the core of his being. /Blitzwing./

/I was worried. You were too silent./

/There is pain...in my mainframe and optics./

/Astro! Are you tortured?/

/I think it's a side effect of the stasis. I'll get through it. How about you?/

/I want to vomit. My brain aches and throbs./

/Megatron will pay for this humiliation, Blitz. I swear it!/

/Save your strength, dear one. We need to check on Breaker first./

There was a sound in the void like static, a sound not heard.

/Breaker...here. Not feel good./

/Hang on, little buddy./

/Sick. Systems malfunction./

/We're all sick./ Astrotrain supplied. /But we'll get better./

/Breaker...tough./

/Relax and ease into it. I know it's difficult./

/Try. Have idea./

/What are you thinking?/ Blitzwing again.

/Tell Octane. Start plan, Megatron./

The three decepticons took a moment to regain their strength. Even mental communication was taxing under stasis.

/We'll have to concentrate together./ Astrotrain insisted. /This field drains too much strength for it to work

separately./

/Breaker agree./

/As do I, Astro. Let's begin./

****

Octane was drying himself off from an oil shower when something touched his consciousness.

/Octane./

"Eh?" the triplechanger put his towel aside and strode into the bedroom. Shrapnel was sleeping peacefully, his

relatively small form curled under layers of zinc blankets.

/Octane!/

"What!" Octane yelled without realizing it. Shrapnel opened sleepy optics in confusion.

"Eeerrr, why arrre you shouting, shouting?"

The triplechanger tapped his head. "A communication. Go back to sleep, sweetbot."

Long antennae twitched. "Stayyy out of trouble. Megatron grrows morrre parranoid by the day, day."

Octane went over and gave his bondmate a quick kiss. "No problem. Besides, if everything works out the way we

plan that won't be an issue."

"Norrr will Megatron." Shrapnel rolled back over under the blankets.

****

"Starscream!"

The red seeker looked wearily up from his station. "Yes, Megatron?"

"Are you full of glitches? Answer my question. What is the status report on base?"

Starscream straightened slowly. "All status is normal. No problems that I'm aware of."

"And the situation regarding the brawl?"

"Taken care of. All combatants are in stasis as you ordered."

Megatron nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Perhaps they'll learn more discipline."

Starscream nodded, his voice low. "Agreed."

Flaming red optics surveyed the second in command. "Starscream, are you functional?"

Bright wings straightened abruptly. "Of course! Why do you ask, Megatron?"

"You're acting strangely, and are slow to respond. Is this some new insolence?"

"No. I've just been...a bit run down recently."

"Then I strongly suggest you report for a physical."

"I'm perfectly fine. I may have forgotten to follow my recharge schedule."

Megatron watched him closely. "An officer must always be in prime condition. Follow your schedule or I'll have you

dragged to med bay! Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Megatron."

"Good. I'll be in my private quarters." without so much as a backward glance, Megatron took his leave. Starscream

watched him go, optics narrow.

_"One day,_ Megatron. I'll see you reduced to space dust."

****

Octane made his way to level two and the stasis contain units. Eventually he found his comrades down a long

corridor. Octane rarely reacted to torture, but what he witnessed made his fuel lines boil in rage. Astrotrain and

Blitzwing were suspended by their foot pods, dangling and helpless inside a dark field. Energy draining manacles

bound their wrists. Breaker was encased nearby in a stasis cage. The sphere's outline was barely visible inside the

dark, crystalline like structure. Dirge, Ramjet and Thrust were held in an adjoining cell, their features twisted in rage.

Fists clenched. /Your head on a stick, Megatron./

He moved closer to the cage, sensing something brush his mind.

///Octane?///

/Yeah, it's me. Why the composite voice?/

///We're having to concentrate. This field dampens our powers.///

/Understood. Just minimize what you say and save your strength./

///We will. Is it bad?///

/You look terrible. Megatron's got you strung up like sacrifices on display. And Breaker is inside a crystal field

resembling a cube./

///For this indignity he will suffer. But first we strike from behind.///

/Of course./

///Once released we can investigate other options. Humiliation and punishment. Then...///

/I'll speak with Shrapnel. He knows what to do./

///The sparking issue is critical to his downfall. You know our meaning.///

/You can't train a hot frame./

///This base will no longer be functional as a regular station.///

/Thank Unicron for young fools! Megatron will lose his mind./

///Their lack of planning becomes our plan.///

/The bedroom is never safe./

///Well said!///

/Save your strength. Meet me when you can after stasis./

///The fun is just beginning, dearest Octane.///

"Ah, there you are."

Startled, Octane didn't realize Megatron had entered the holding area. "Megatron. I'd heard there was a fight."

The decepticon commander was smug, waving at the stasis cell. "Indeed. I relish quiet moments like this, Octane.

Once we reclaim Cybertron from the autobots there will be more. Time for other pursuits, and the glory of a new

empire." he paused. "Why are you here?"

Octane kept his voice even, shrugging. "There was a lot of buzz about who was being held here. So I figured to

check it out myself. Call it a mean streak."

A dark chuckle. "All well and good. However, I want you to assist Skyfire in the meantime. Report to the lab

tomorrow."

The decepticon transport nodded, his smile revealing nothing. "As you command, Megatron."

"Now leave. I wish to enjoy the view here for a bit." Megatron stood in front of the cell, smiling.

Octane spared him a dark look as he left.

****

Starscream made a brief tour of the upper levels before returning to his unit. Without realizing it consciously he went

to the back and settled into his recharge chamber. A soft sigh as energy flooded his depleted circuits.

"Oh, that's good." bright optics closed as he relaxed. /Looks like a slow day so far. Perfect./

"Starscream."

Ruby optics snapped open. "Skyfire?!" staring across the room sat his bondmate, arms folded.

The seeker gawked. "How did you get my security code?"

A deep chuckle. "Now Star, you know me. I love a good challenge. Besides, you've been to the lab enough times. I

felt the need to reciprocate and come here. Even if the bed _is_ a bit small."

A sniff. "Other than the bed, how do you like my place? You never said anything the last time."

Blue optics sparkled. "Well, we didn't do much talking that night. But I meant to compliment you. It's very fashionable

and well furnished. And the decor suits your style."

Starscream sank back into the recharge seat. "I may be on a Unicron cursed base, but I refuse to live like some

droid in a storage bin."

"Star, _nothing_ about you is plain or ordinary." white fingers tickled blue ones. "Now I need to ask you a question."

"Hmm?"

"Why are you recharging so early in the day?"

"I...I'm just topping off, that's all. Megatron wants me to do a bit of reconniassance later."

"Are you having those surges again?"

Starscream shrugged slightly. "Not really. By the way, I was able to gain some information about the brawl."

"You're changing the subject."

"There's no subject to change, Sky. I told you before, if there's a problem you'll be the first to know."

Skyfire was silent, observing his bondmate closely. "I'll let it go...for now." he stroked the shining face gently. "Now

tell me about the crazy fight."

A chuckle. "Runabout and Runamuck were right for once. It seems as though we were the center of attention."

"I still don't get it, Star. We weren't even_there!"_

"That hardly matters to decepticons, Sky. Believe me, your education isn't complete yet. Not by a long shot."

The big jet groaned, leaning back in his seat. "I might follow your advice and sleep with one optic open."

A blue hand squeezed a white one. "I hardly think you're helpless. If anything, a would be lover would likely ask you

first."

"There's been more than enough of that. And how in Cybertron did Breaker get involved?"

The red seeker appeared uncertain. "Now that's the puzzling part. Apparently Breaker arrived on the scene later. It

doesn't appear he started the fight at all. From what I hear he chose to be involved." a pause. "Most likely because of

_you."_

A sigh. "You know how he feels about me."

"Of course. Minicons tend to be extreme."

"If...I took a lover, would it bother you?"

Crimson optics flared brightly. "You want _Breaker?"_

"Not specifically. It's just a general question. Someone gave me advice, and...I need to know."

Starscream didn't hestitate. "As long as you don't flaunt it, or attempt to embarrass me I could care less."

Skyfire was floored. "You know I'd never do those things, but...you actually _wouldn't mind?"_

"No. Besides, it spices things up. Even the best relationships get flat after a few million years."

Skyfire sat with his mouth gaped. "And here I thought...you'd be angry or offended."

"Why? If anything it's flattering to have a bondmate in such demand. It reflects well on _me."_

The white jet was still shocked. "I guess...I'm not completely a decepticon yet."

Starscream tickled his lips. "You _are,_ love. You just don't know it yet. But you _will."_

"And if it were someone you don't approve of?"

"That would be your lover, not mine. Speaking of which, if I were to play with Thundercracker periodically...would

_you_ be angry?"

The handsome jet frowned. "I'm not sure."

"You find him attractive. He might be willing to party with us both, provided Skywarp agrees."

"My brain is spinning, Starscream."

"Besides, you stole me from him. He might want payback. And there's a bonus, too...if Skywarp likes you,

_everyone_ comes out a winner!"

Skyfire held his head. "It's true, what they said. Everybody ends up with each other eventually."

Starscream giggled. "Well, I wouldn't go _that_ far. Still, many combinations are out there to explore. I'm surprised

you're considering this so soon."

"I didn't say I was! It was just some advice I was given. Advice I seriously question, by the way."

"And just who gave you this advice?"

"Octane and Breaker."

"Now that figures. Triplechangers tend to dabble in everything, one way or another. And Breaker is downright freaky."

Skyfire nearly laughed. _"Breaker_ is freaky? Gestalts are attacking everything that moves. Everyone is flopping on

everybody, and you single out Breaker? That's funny as hell, Starscream."

A sniff. "Well, I didn't say we were _conventional._ A good decepticon always keeps things interesting."

"I'd hate to see what a 'bad' decepticon is capable of."

"Stop being a smart aft." Starscream sat in his bondmate's lap and cuddled. Skyfire stroked red wings gently.

"You feel a little warm, Star. Maybe you should rest."

The seeker snuggled more tightly. "I'm fine. You feel good, by the way."

Skyfire rubbed noses. "You too."

The embrace heated up with steamy kissing. Fingers teased sensitive seams.

/I'd love to keep going, Sky...but I'm a bit fatigued./

Skyfire stopped kissing. "You're _never_ too tired, Star. Now I'm really suspicious."

Starscream leaned heavily into the embrace. "There's a first time for everything."

"Hmm." Indigo blue optics narrowed.

"Stop giving me that look." Starscream slipped out of a gentle hold. "We've got long days ahead of us."

"Meaning?"

"Megatron plans to ship as much energon to Cybertron as possible. It will take several raids to to the job."

"Starscream, we've got to find time to gather the malcontents."

The seeker was thinking. "There's nothing to do about that at the moment. However, when the triplechangers are out

of stasis I'll talk to them. We know they've got an agenda as well. But it has to coincide with ours or the plan is

doomed to failure."

"We still need numbers."

"We'll have them once circumstances are right. I hear Octane's working on something also."

Skyfire leaned back in surprise. "I didn't even know he was aware of the situation!"

"The one predictable thing with triplechangers is clan connection. What one knows, they all know."

"What?! No wonder Octane knew so much about me."

Starscream traced along a wall panel absently. "Rumors have always persisted that they're related somehow. And I

find it entirely too convenient that Octane came waltzing into the lab to assist you."

Skyfire tapped an audio in thought. "I wondered about that myself. But there was no reason to suspect anything

since Megatron gave the assignment."

The seeker huffed. "Just keep your optics open. When the opportunity presents itself, probe him for what he knows.

But do it carefully."

"You think he'd warn Megatron?"

Starscream screeched in laughter. _"Unicron no!_ He once tried to take over the decepticons himself. Megatron's

never forgotten or forgiven that."

Skyfire nodded. "Why am I not surprised? But he keeps him close to monitor, right?"

"Yes. Megatron fancies himself invincible, so he willfully surrounds himself with treachery. An arrogance that will

cost him dearly one day."

The big jet curled a lip. "What an _ego."_

"Astrotrain and Blitzwing likewise attempted a coup several years ago. It failed due to internal bickering."

"That's the problem with too many agendas. No focus."

"Which is why our success will come from previous failure. If coordinated correctly-"

A loud buzz on the intercomm. With a sigh, Starsream hit the console button.

"Yes."

"This is Megatron, Starscream. In approximately 3700 breems I want all aerial forces to go on maneuvers.

Soundwave will relay the information regarding site and location."

Starscream glanced at his bondmate who listened with curiosity. "What about the ground forces?"

"Those will be handled by Swindle, at different coordinates. Soundwave will also relay the specific formations you

are to run and their rotations."

"Understood."

"Megatron out." the panel went silent.

Skyfire grinned sarcastically. "That just makes my boron compressors _blow."_

A snicker. "Nasty, are we? Well, at least our silly friends in stasis will have enough time to recover."

Blue optics flickered in thought. "That's the first time you've called them friends."

A stutter. "I never said...most decepticons are not sentimental, Skyfire."

"It has nothing to do with sentiment. I told you before I sensed your feelings regarding them."

"Whatever." Starscream glanced at his chronometer. "You'd better head back to the lab. I've got to report to

Megatron and check with Soundwave."

Skyfire gave him a quick kiss. "Good luck."

Starscream headed out of the bedroom. "One last thing, Sky. Octane is a master manipulator. I have no doubt he's

the one who convinced Megatron to switch his assignment."

"I don't care about his smooth talk, Starscream. But I'll take your word for it. You know him a lot better than I do."

The seeker nearly stamped a foot in annoyance. "Not just words! I told you the triplechangers have special abilites,

and Octane is no different."

Skyfire felt cautious all of a sudden. "And his talent is?"

"He can project and alter emotions. _And_ use the emotional energy as a weapon."

"Starscream, do his optics have a field effect? Like flecks of energy?"

"Why do you ask?"

"When we talked earlier, Octane made an odd reference about emotions before giving me a look. I didn't like it and

changed the topic."

A chuckle. "Any ordinary bot wouldn't have paid attention. But to answer your question, yes."

"My processors run a little wild when something sets them off."

"I know. But your instincts serve you well for the most part. He generates a hypnotic field. It may be used for either

observation or manipulation. The problem with Octane is you're never certain which."

"I stand warned. Will I see you before tomorrow?"

"Not likely, love. Sorry, no nookie tonight!"

Skyfire fell back into the chair. "I'll _starve!"_

His bondmate took his leave, laughing. "And they call _me_ a drama queen."

****

Vortex released the prisoners from stasis a solar day later. The triplechangers made a quick retreat to their quarters,

as did the searchers. A few words were exchanged between the combatants before they went their separate ways.

Vortex warned everyone that Megatron wouldn't tolerate a repeat performance.

Breaker accompanied the triplechangers while rolling along in sphere mode. All three were mostly silent as they

made their way about the base.

"Breaker feel better. No more stasis."

"Finally. How are you optics, Astrotrain?" Blitzwing asked his bondmate.

"Still sore, but improving. I've got a slight halo effect in my field of vision."

"It will dissipate."

"Are you still feeling queasy?"

"No, being out of that infernal blackness is a relief. I feel my systems returning to normal."

Astrotrain clasped his hand as they walked. "Well, we can lean on each other."

****

They found Octane inside their unit. He had his feet up casually on a table, smoking a flashstick. A bad porn movie

blared on the flatscreen.

"I see you guys were finally busted."

"Yeah. I hate stasis." Astrotrain held a hand out. "Give me a flashstick. Make it a good one!"

"Got plenty for all." Octane held up a handful. "The best stuff, you know?"

"Breaker like." the sphere bounced onto the couch next to Octane.

"You doing okay, bud?" Octane patted his friend.

The minicon vibrated. "Much better now. Away from stasis. Megatron pay."

Blitzwing hit the automatic door lock. "I just want to relax with no interruptions." he sat down also. Astrotrain flopped

down alongside and started smoking.

Octane picked up the conversation. "Well, take it easy. The stash is well stocked and tucked safely away. Shrapnel

and Kickback are going to cook up some hot sticks."

"Sounds good." Blitzwing puffed. "So you're going to replace the regular stick supply at every common area."

"You know it." Octane nodded, blowing a smoke ring. "And that includes the cafeteria."

Breaker had transformed to bot mode and was smoking his own stick. "These strong. Make Megatron stupid."

"The ones I'll have made for old Megs will be positively _toxic,_ Breaker. He'll be high to the sky!"

"Good deal." Astrotrain agreed, also puffing away. "Watching his egotistical aft lose face will be delightful."

"Mmm." Blitzwing blinked. "I'm seeing double."

"This is really bad stuff." Astrotrain agreed. _"Bad._ Is the room spinning?"

"Heh, only your head." Octane chuckled. "But seriously, this plan to overthrow the current administration still needs

work."

"We need time to collaborate with Starscream and Skyfire." Astrotrain noted. "I'm fed up with all the failed bids for

takeover."

"True." Blitzwing tapped his stick over a dish. "We had too many splinter groups the last time."

"Yeah, everyone wanted to run the joint at once." Octane agreed. "No way that was going to work. But what we

mentioned before...the bomb thing? I think that should happen after phase two."

"Breaker pass messages." the minicon beeped. "Can go all places on base."

Octane grinned at the small decepticon. "You'd be perfect for that. We'll need someone inconspicuous to signal

communication between us all. Megatron would never suspect you anyway."

A quick beep. "Is so. Breaker sneaky, good." the minicon took another drag on his stick. "Star and Sky need

diversion. Star have news, still secret. Not secret long!"

Blitzwing kicked back, grinning. "The youngsters have no idea of what's happened as a result of their activity. Far be

it from _me_ to curse a little fun!"

"The fun's just beginning, Blitz." Astrotrain glanced at the porn screen. "And they won't be the only ones with new

responsibilities. Once word gets out all hell will break loose!"

Octane took a slow, deep puff. "I sense a convergence of fate coming. And this time, _we'll_ come out on top."

Breaker tapped his stick next, nodding. "Blitzwing check everybody. See what happens inside!"

The decepticon tank shrugged. "I certainly wouldn't want to spoil anyone's news."

"Starscream not _only_ one!" Breaker insisted.

"I kind of thought so." Octane commented. "Blitz, I need you to do me a favor. Check out Shrapnel for me."

Astrotrain snickered. "Why Ocky, are we going to be uncles?"

"Very funny." Octane wasn't amused.

"Is he sick?" Blitzwing lit his flashstick again. "I didn't sense anything unusual or odd."

"That was weeks ago." Octane pondered. "Lately he feels heavy as a slagging tank. And he's been eating nonstop."

Breaker beeped. "Insections eat all time. How tell difference?"

"Believe me, I _know_ something's going on. Feel it in my mainframe."

"Why not simply ask him?" Astrotrain shrugged, lighting another stick. "He's your bondmate. It's not like he could lie."

"No, but I've been off base so much it's hard to get quality time."

"Well if what you suspect is true, you've more than made up for it!"

"Astrotrain, one day they'll crack open your head and find nothing but a pleasure unit."

Breaker approved. "Best deal. Sexy brains good."

"Spoken like a true vibrator." Octane inhaled his stick, chuckling.

"Don't worry about it, Octane." Blitzwing was thinking, holding his chin. "I planned to move about the base anyway

and see what's what. Megatron's concerns about excess sparking were justified despite the idiotic restrictions. But

it's too late now-"

The entry indicator panel buzzed, interrupting their conversation. Octane glanced at the door.

"You expecting company?"

"Not that we know of." Blitzwing hit the entry release. He smiled at the familiar code entered in the panel.

"Well, well. It appears as if a coup member is here."

****

Starscream entered moments later, waving at the air. Ruby optics fixed on everyone seated in the living room.

"Unicron take it, I could get a _contact_ by just standing here!"

Breaker held up two sticks. "Not worry! Got good smoke, best stuff."

Starscream harrumphed. "Like I should trust you after those loaded sticks you passed out before!"

A quick beep. "Sticks worked all night. _Skyfire sandwich!_ Big bang."

Starscream flushed in embarrassment at the laughing triplechangers. "Breaker, one day I'll have _discretion_ added

to your program!"

"Is contradiction." the minicon beeped. "Breaker _specialist_ in all feelgood programs."

A roll of optics was his only response.

Astrotrain was amused. "So. _Feeling good_ aside, what brings you here?"

"Don't be sarcastic. Consider this a...somewhat informal meeting of the minds."

"In reference to?"

Starscream stared through the smoky air and seated himself. "Your tolerance for narcotics amazes me."

Breaker held up the sticks again. "Smoke _first._ Then complain!"

Octane patted the seeker on a knee. "Yeah, he's right. You really need to unwind, Starscream. Just ease back and

relax, let your mind flow."

Starscream edged back in his cushion seat. "I have no intention of _relaxing_ while under the influence in here. Do I

look like an idiot?!"

"Well then, why are you here?" Blitzwing kept puffing.

"Forming a plan to overthrow Megatron takes coordination. This seemed like a good opportunity to touch base."

"We were discussing all that when you came in." Octane nodded.

A screech. "I'll have you know that conspiracies aren't allowed without my _explicit approval._ Is that clear?!"

A grumbled response in answer.

Starscream snickered. "My, aren't _we_ bitter. Did I steal your thunder?"

"Hardly." Blitzwing answered. "We were going over some ideas ourselves. In fact, things are already in motion as

we speak."

"Then tell me what you've done. We can't stumble around with scattershot plans."

Octane leaned forward, grinning with evil intent. "You know I always get special shipments when I come back from

assignment. Well, one of those shipments is pure Sim Energon."

Ruby optics went wide. "Unbelievable. How much?" Starscream wanted to know.

"Enough to knock out a small Cybertonian city. Shrapnel will cook some sticks mixed with the Sim. The other

insecticons will help. The plan is to distribute the supply in public areas."

"Go on."

"We want to get a line supply to Megatron. Once he's loaded up his behavior will make him ripe for takeover."

Starscream appeared satisfied. "I must say, that's a different and ingenious plan. It's a miracle I didn't think of it first."

"You can take credit for the universe later." Blitzwing was annoyed. "What are _your_ intentions?"

"Skyfire and I thought to use the cerebral sifter to make him senile. However, your plan is similar enough to

accomplish the same thing. What else?"

"We plan various attempts on his life to cause confusion and suspicion." Astrotrain tapped his stick over a tray.

"Explosions spaced apart erratically, near locations he occupies or briefly leaves."

Starscream inhaled the smoky air. "Perfect. From a psychological standpoint it would work to sharpen his paranoia.

He wouldn't know where to turn."

"Friends and allies would become enemies. In turn, he'd create another situation by alienating those on his side."

"Hmm. I must admit this can work well if we coordinate everything properly."

The minicon beeped from his warm spot between bots. "Breaker love plots. Conspiracy good."

"Not with our heads blown off." Blitzwing reminded them all. "Secrecy is vital."

Starscream pointed at Breaker. "You'll do reconaissance for us. Go about the base, find out the strongest

malcontents."

"Already know some."

"Good. Tell them I wish to speak privately."

"Can do." Breaker beeped.

"Speaking of malcontents." Blitzwing was thinking. "Who would throw in with us? Nothing's clear yet."

Starscream folded his arms. "The fliers most likely will be on our side. I think we can count on the battlechargers

too."

"That leaves Soundwave and Shockwave. Not to mention their troops." Astrotrain added. "The stunticons are weak

minded when it comes to leadership. It's hard to know where they'll stand."

"Combaticons neutral." Breaker quipped. "Insecticons unpredictable, may join. Constructicons split."

"Hmm." Starscream held his chin. "So in terms of numbers, Megatron's no better off than us. At least not yet."

"We'll need to make a move soon." Octane agreed. "Once the supply of sticks is contaminated, Megatron will be

discredited."

The red seeker smacked his lips, changing the subject. "Is there something to eat around here?"

Astrotrain glanced towards the kitchen. "We've got everything. Feeling hungry, Starscream?"

"Yes!" without preamble, the seeker bolted for the kitchen. They all watched him.

"Heh, there's a whole _lot_ baking in the kitchen." Astrotrain snickered before Octane elbowed him.

****

Starscream returned with a huge bowl of snacks, crunching away.

"Ash I waft saying..."

"Not understand Star. Stuff face!" Breaker complained.

"Nffwath u talfing abowt." Starscream kept eating, resuming his seat. "Methagron wul gefth agree ifth hee-"

"Look, will you finish that first?" Octane was annoyed. "I can't make any sense out of what you're saying."

Starscream gulped his food. "There has to be some way of determining who we can trust."

Breaker had an idea. "Need code! Security pass."

Octane chuckled. "Passes? We don't need no stinking passes."

Blitzwing snapped his fingers. "No, he's right. Some kind of password that could be exchanged in safety. But it has

to disguise well in conversation."

Astrotrain was thinking. "Something not too complex. Maybe an insertion word? Common and easy to remember."

Everyone brooded in silence except for Starscream. Energon treats vanished as he crunched away. Breaker made

a careful attempt to get a cookie from the bowl.

Starscream picked up the conversation again. "I have it. A simple phrase that means nothing." he swallowed more

energon.

Octane couldn't believe his optics. "Cripes, Starscream. You got a virus in your mainframe? You're packing away

enough for an army!"

"Truer words were never spoken." Blitzwing murmured, giving his bondmate a look.

"What's that crack supposed to mean?" Starscream was distracted, still eating. He nearly grabbed Breaker by

mistake.

The indignant minicon huffed, easing back from the bowl. "Breaker not _cookie!_ Pay attention."

"Sorry."

"Not funny."

"So what is this code we use?" Astrotrain wanted to know.

"We'll simply say, _remember the curfew."_

"Shouldn't be a problem throwing that one around. Everyone's still pissed at the restriction anyway."

Octane lit his flashstick again. "I know _I_ am. You'd think we were sparklings or something-" he stopped when

Blitzwing elbowed his side.

"Now what'd you do _that_ for?"

"Let's stick to the subject and not get sidetracked." Blitzwing suggested.

Breaker sat against Astrotrain and lit his own stick. "Good diversion. Star have secret."

Starscream glared his way. "I have no idea what you're babbling about. And I'm not interested in dizzy opinions with

no explanations."

"Breaker not dizzy. See things others miss."

"Whatever." Starscream smacked his lips, tasting his fingers with relish. "Good."

"Why don't you relax here awhile?" Astrotrain suggested. "We can fine tune the long range plan, and synchronize

our efforts."

"I have to see Megatron shortly. He hates me being out of sight when things are slow. Besides, he's ordered a

maneuver session of all aerial decepticons."

"Only us?" Blitzwing protested.

"No, Swindle is handling the ground force deceps. That includes you, Octane."

The triple changer sniffed. "I'm just dancing in the streets with joy. And in case you've forgotten, I can fly too."

A snicker. "No offense, Octane, but your flight speed is pathetic."

"I'm faster than BlastOff, and he's a space shuttle!"

Astrotrain laughed out loud. "BlastOff's got so much lead in his aft he couldn't outfly anyone with a week's head

start!"

"Is slow." Breaker agreed, puffing away.

Starscream rubbed his optics wearily. "It hardly matters, he's going on the maneuvers. I suggest you all stand ready

by your comlinks for details."

Breaker suddenly transformed to sphere mode and rolled by the front door. "Someone outside."

Octane nodded. "I'm picking up a transmission too. It's low, an attempted scramble mode."

"Breaker find out." the sphere rolled into a wall vent momentarily. Everyone waited in silence. Breaker rolled back out

and transformed to bot mode. He hopped back on the couch.

"Well?" Starscream was impatient.

"Is Soundwave. In hall, staring at door."

"_"Damn."_ Starscream swore. "He's followed me here. He could even be spying as we speak."

"Then let's close his mouth permanently." Blitzwing made a fist. He glanced at the minicon. "Jam every signal that

nosey aft queen tries to send."

"Can do." Breaker returned to sphere mode and vibrated.

"I can't just waltz out of here." Starscream complained. "Soundwave will be suspicious no matter what."

"Diversions are my specialty." Octane smiled. He stood up and headed for the door.

"Be back in twenty astroseconds."

****

They watched through a secret side panel in the dining room. Outside, Octane and Soundwave were having an

animated discussion. Starscream gave the triplechangers a sideways look.

"I had no idea you installed a public peephole."

Blitzwing grinned. "Oh, it has it's uses. It pays not to have someone sneak up on you."

"The question is, how long has he been standing there?"

Astrotrain peered through. "We'll find out soon enough. You know Octane's a smooth talker."

"Too smooth." Starscream agreed. "Wait, he's coming back. And Soundwave's leaving!"

****

Octane strutted in seconds later wearing a smug grin.


"Well?" Starscream wondered.

"Told you I'd handle it."

"But what in Unicron did you say? He nearly ran off moments ago!"

Octane put an arm around the seeker. "I wasn't too subtle. Soundwave said unauthorized meetings during shift time

are not allowed. I told him I'd break his nose for snooping."

Astrotrain stared in disbelief. "And just like that he left?!"

"Not at first. He started blowing about suspicious activity and conspiracy."

"Typical Soundwave. Never mind the fact that he's right." a snicker.

"Yeah. So I told him to bring it on, and we could go to stasis together. He didn't seem too anxious about it and left."

Starscream cracked up. "I swear, for someone so close to Megatron he's the _softest aft_ I've ever seen!"

Blitzwing lit another stick, seating himself on the couch. "He never was a fighter. How are you feeling?"

The seeker blinked. "Tired. What buisness is it of yours?"

"Come on, sit." Octane led him to a soft seat. Starscream was annoyed no end.

"You're worse than Skyfire! There's nothing wrong with me."

Breaker resumed smoking his stick. "Not wrong. _Different!_ Not know?"

Starscream sat on puffy cushions. "The dipsy minicon speaks again. I just need a few moments to collect myself!"

Breaker shook his head, offering a stick in his other hand. "Smoke!"

"And stop trying to give me soaked sticks."

"It won't harm you, not at this point anyway." Blitzwing said mysteriously.

Red optics narrowed to slits. "Why are you all looking at me that way? I'm not sick. Explain yourselves!"

Octane stroked his wings gently. "Take it easy, Star." he patted a shoulder. "We're looking out for your best

interests. Interests that fit in with the plan."

"You make less sense by the astrosecond. My fatigue has nothing to do with the overthrow of Megatron."

Astrotrain sat back comfortably on the couch. "No, but the reason why is symptomatic of why the curfew was issued

to begin with."

Starscream sat in silence, puzzling over the strange statement. A wide range of expressions crossed his features.

"I...am not certain where you're going with this." he shivered. "Strange, does it seem cool in here?"

"No." Astrotrain tapped Breaker. "Get him a blanket, I think his core is fluctuating again."

"Will do!" the minicon retreated to the bedroom.

Starscream stared at Astrotrain in shock. "How do you know about the fluctuations in my core temperature? I never

told any of you!"

Blitzwing chuckled. "Starscream, such information is child's play to us. You've been experiencing symptoms, but

have no understanding as to why."

A snort. "And I suppose you do." everyone paused as Breaker returned dragging a blanket. Octane fluffed it and

wrapped the seeker snugly.

"I'm not...a sparkling." a scratchy cough as Starscream huddled in the blanket. "That feels good." he admitted

reluctantly, huddling up.

"Just relax." Astrotrain emphasized. "You'll need to preserve your strength, Starscream. Many events will be

happening soon enough."

"And not just in reference to the plan." Octane added.

"Besides, Megatron will discover his own curfew arrived too late." Blitzwing added.

"Must all triplechangers speak in code?" Starscream was irritated. "Enough already. Get to the point!"

Breaker beeped from his cozy spot on the couch. "Everyone know secret, not Star. Suspect, not admit."

"Who asked you?"

"Tell Sky, when know."

Red optics flared wildly. "Tell him _what?_ Explain or I walk out of here!"

"Blitzwing tell. Octane know, Astrotrain know, Breaker know."

"Well hot hex nuts, I'm _so_ glad." Starscream glared at Blitzwing. "What's he babbling about?"

Blitzwing tapped his stick in a tray. "It isn't my place to say what's going on with you, Starscream. As you said

earlier, it's none of our buisness."

"I give you permission to look. I may be stubborn but I'm not _stupid._ Something is going on inside me, and I need

to know if it's a problem."

"That depends on how you look at it."

"I don't think you know about my symptoms as well as you claim."

Blitzwing shared a look with Astrotrain briefly. "You're wrong. Shall I list?"

Starscream made a grand gesture. "By all means. I could use a good laugh."

"You won't be laughing. First, there's the wild fluctuations in your core temperature. These happen several times in a

solar day. Your appetite is showing dramatic increase. You feel warm one minute, cold the next. Finally, there are

moments of weakness and fatigue you can't explain."

Bright optics went wide in shock.

"Starscream, you _know_ me. I can see the inside of any living thing like a book. I told you the symptoms. Can you

handle the whole truth?"

The seeker sat up straight, still wrapped in the warm blanket. "A decepticon never retreats from the truth."

"A portion of your spark is replicating, fissuring."

_"What!!"_

"The portion is feeding on your core essence and growing. I see the beginnings of protoforms containing both your

dna and Skyfire's."

Starscream's jaw dropped open. "You...you're saying I'm _pregnant?!"_

Breaker beeped wildly. _"Bingo._ Give prize!"

Starscream clapped a hand on his head. "It makes _sense_ now. The weakness...the weird power surges and

fatigue. _I'm having a sparkling!"_

Astrotrain interrupted the revelation. "Ah, not exactly."

"Don't play games with me!" Starscream screeched.

Breaker gloated, pointing. _"You_ play games. Breaker warned, said overkill! Now parents."

Another screech. "Don't lecture me! This is all _Skyfire's_ fault."

"Then you'd better give him even more blame." Blitzwing snapped. "You're being ridiculous."

"I don't care. It's _my_ sparkling, and I'll be _any way I want to!"_

_"Sparklings."_ Blitzwing emphasized.

"What?" Starscream squeaked, optics popping.

"Twins." Blitzwing was smug.

"Two for one special." Breaker beeped enthusiastically. "No coupons at checkout!"

_"Two??"_ Starscream promptly pitched forward and fainted.

Octane smiled, propping him over his lap. "I think he took that pretty well, don't you?"

to be continued