Wing Shift

submission dated 6-11-08
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

SPECIAL NOTE: Cybertronian terms for Parenthood: Pada (parent, non-birthing) Sana (birthing parent).

Terms of Truth

Starscream opened his optics a crack. He was sprawled on a soft, spacious bed. Variously textured metallo sheets wound about him in a sensuous cocoon. Keen observation noted the room was well decorated, rivalling his own personal unit for style. A slightly ajar closet door didn't hide a pile of sex toys and body candy.

Optics narrowing suddenly, he came to the only conclusion he could. _I'm in their bedroom. It figures._

He'd barely turned his head when he noticed a bright red visior staring his way. Breaker perched on a nearby ottoman, watching him closely.

"What are _you_ looking at?" the annoyed Starscream cracked.

The minicon giggled. "Look at new sana. Tell big Sky soon! Be happy."

Starscream struggled to sit, still bundled in blankets. "It's none of your buisness, nosey. I'll tell him when the time is right."

"Not waste time." Breaker pointed.

"I don't plan to. But as you know the next few days will be quite busy. Quiet moments will be at a premium."

"Is so. Still tell Sky! No excuses." Breaker beeped. "Will guess anyway! Not hide."

Starscream didn't answer directly, flexing his wings. "Ah. These blankets are warm."

Breaker sat crosslegged over the chair frame. "Blitzwing say core slightly cool. Blankets heat properly."

A soft sigh. "They're very comfortable, I must admit. But I have to get out of here. Megatron will have a search party out before too long!"

"Not worry. Octane give excuse on comlink. Say checking engine room trouble."

"If Megatron believes that, he _is_ crazy."

Breaker was smug. "Not obvious. Got first batch sticks out, testing strength. Successful."

Starscream stared in disbelief. "You mean he's already smoked some loaded sticks?"

"Only couple. Dumb Soundwave give as treat, not know. Both high! Everyone talk."

"Oh brother." Starscream shook his head. "Is everyone still out there?"

"Wait for you."

"That's hardly necessary." the seeker stood up and dropped the blankets on the bed. "I don't necessarily believe Blitzwing anyway."

Breaker hopped to the floor and followed him out. "Ask again. Blitzwing tell truth."

****

Starscream nearly gagged at thick smoke filling the living room. The triplechangers were watching porn comedy on a large screen, laughing and making comments.

"Honestly, I have no idea how Megatron even recruited you into his army!" the seeker coughed.

Astrotrain barely turned his head. "Come out here and join us. Octane's excuse has bought you some time, so don't worry about Megatron."

Starscream huffed, finding himself a cushion seat. "Megatron doesn't frighten me."

Octane grinned at his friend. "But parenthood does, huh? How's it feel?"

"It doesn't feel like anything!" the stubborn seeker flopped down. "And can't you put those things _out_ for an astrosecond?"

Breaker climbed up on the couch. "Star say sparkling lie."

Blitzwing pressed his stick into a tray. "Why am I not surprised?"

Octane kept puffing. "You're such a hardhead, Starscream. I think you know the truth anyway."

"So you say." Starscream challenged, pointing at Blitzwing. "Guessing symptoms is _not_ medical diagnosis."

"By the book, no. But you know my talents."

"Irrelevant."

"Beyond all that, what reason would I have to lie? And I did more than 'guess'. I gave a detailed description."

"Well, maybe. But just because you _say_ I'm pregnant, doesn't make it true!"

Astrotrain sniggered. "Well, you can always go straight to Hook for a checkup. I'm _sure_ he'll keep it quiet from Megatron!"

Starscream fell silent, realizing his predicament. "I have no idea what to do." he finally said.

"Just keep it private for the time being." Blitzwing advised. "Besides, I have a strong sense yours is not an individual case."

Red optics went wide as saucers. "Wait. You're saying someone _else_ is having a sparkling?"

"I thought you didn't believe me a moment ago."

"I want you to look at me again!"

A shrug. "What would be the point? I'll see the same thing I saw before." a grin. "Skyfire will have his hands full."

"Don't remind me of Skyfire. This is all _his_ fault, anyway. I should tie him up with his own supply line!"

Everyone laughed. Breaker picked up a stick and lit it. "Silly Star, blame Sky? Laughed at Breaker when warn. Not laugh now!"

"No." Starscream was sullen.

"This is hardly the reaction I expected to see." Astrotrain observed. "Doesn't the news warm your mainframe a little?"

"I..." the seeker faltered, folding his arms. "It's none of your buisness."

Octane snickered. "You don't get it, Astro. He's burned because he didn't figure it out first. Pretty embarrassing, when you think about it."

"Oh, shut up." Starscream grumbled. A thought struck him. "Now what's this about other sparklings? Anyone I know?"

Blitzwing lit his stick again. "Sure you're ready to hear it?"

"At this point I can take anything."

"Thundercracker is going to be a Pada."

_"Except that!"_ a deafening shriek as Starscream leaped to his feet.

"Not get upset." Breaker stared. "No point."

"Don't tell _me_ when to get upset." Starscream glared at Blitzwing. "More lies. You're saying that just to annoy me!"

"Heh. Hardly." Blitzwing blew a smoke ring. "However, I suggest you keep this information to yourself. Thundercracker himself isn't even aware."

"And how is that possible?"

"Skywarp's sparkling is barely formed. If he's as ignorant as you I doubt he suspects pregnancy."

"Who are you calling ignorant?"

"You're too touchy, Starscream. And there are others. I'll know more by the end of tomorrow's cycle."

Starscream sat cautiously. "It almost sounds like an epidemic."

"Megatron had legitimate concerns about all the sparking going on. And the results will rock this base."

Lightning fast processors caught up. "That's what you hinted at earlier. There's no telling how many decepticons are destined to be parents!"

"Looks like we'll have to build a giant nursery." Octane joked. "I can see it now. A base full of squalling baby bots!"

Astrotrain squeezed Starscream on the shoulder. "Relax. You should be happy!"

"I'm...overwhelmed." the red seeker said thoughtfully. He turned to Blitzwing again. "Can you look once more, please? I need to be sure."

"I can do better than that. Look towards the center of the room." Blitzwing beamed a projection from his head turret. An image of Starscream formed.

"Amazingly realistic." Starscream admitted. "Even more so than Hound's holograms."

"You're seeing what I see." Blitzwing stated. "Now to show your internal workings." the image became partially transparent as Starscream's internal structure and mainframe were on display.

"It's somewhat unsettling to see one's insides." Starscream admitted, fascinated by the image.

"Is so." Breaker beeped. "Weird. Like skin missing!"

"Pay attention to your spark chamber, Starscream." Astrotrain instructed, pointing at the doppleganger. "And observe closely."

Keen optics observed his 'double'. Brilliant blue glow from his core surrounded two white areas shaped like spheres.

"See the hotspots, Starscream?" Blitzwing kept projecting. "Those are-"

"My _sparklings."_ the stunned seeker whispered. "They look like balls of light inside."

"They do." Blitzwing turned the image off. "Are you satisfied?"

Starscream covered his optics, overcome with emotion. "Yes. My thanks and gratitude." he fell silent.

The others gave him a few moments to compose himself. Breaker hopped to his lap and offered a stick.

"Now _celebrate!_ New decepticon babies on way."

Starscream smiled slowly, nodding. "Yes. A future of perfection!" he took the stick and lit up.

"This calls for drinks!" Octane scooted to the kitchen.

****

Thundercracker sat at his kitchen table in quiet observation. His bondmate chucked energon all morning at an alarming rate. He'd barely made conversation over breakfast.

"Skywarp."

"Hmpfh. Hah?" the purple seeker kept stuffing his face.

"I think you should get an examination. This appetite of yours is frightening."

Skywarp kept eating. "Don't be ridiculous, Thundercracker. I'm perfectly healthy."

"That may be, but I've never seen you eat like this. And the strange bouts of fatigue worry me."

The purple seeker paused in his gorging. "You said it yourself, Cracker...everyone has fluctuations and glitches at various times. It's no big deal."

"It wouldn't be except your condition seems to be worsening, whatever it is."

"It isn't anything." Skywarp gobbled another breakfast cake. "And I don't have any 'condition.'"

The blue seeker cocked his head, observing. //Hardwire designation Thundercracker. Bondmate health analysis. Probability of system malfunction, 11 percent.//

"You can knock it off, I know what you're doing. My systems are normal!"

"Yeah, they're normal. But something going on inside you isn't. And I mean to find out what!"

"I see I'll have to put up with your probability issues." Skywarp was annoyed, still chewing. "Haven't you ever been hungry before?"

"This is ridiculous. You've already eaten three cycles worth of energon! It has nothing to do with being hungry."

"I disagree. Besides, it's not like we aren't well stocked."

"A few breems of your eating and we won't be. And you're avoiding the issue."

"There _isn't_ any issue, Thundercracker. Now stop annoying me!"

"All right, then!" the blue jet scowled at his bondmate again. //Designation analysis Skywarp. Malfunction probability minimal, less than 4 percent. Probability of system hyperactivity for procreation, ninety eight percent. Probability of dna formation protoform in bondmate core, ninety seven percent.//

"What?!" Thundercracker blurted out of his trance.

"What's your problem now?" Skywarp glanced up from his plate.

"Warp, are you...I mean, my hardwire is telling me something incredible about you."

Skywarp looked at him oddly. "Thundercracker...I _know_ my systems are routing power to a specific function. I'm not completely ignorant, you know."

"If you suspected what's going on, why didn't you tell me?"

A sleek black hand gripped another one. "I wasn't sure. Everything happened so fast with us, you know? I didn't want to overwhelm you with something I have little experience with myself."

Thundercracker eyed him. "And that something is?"

Skywarp smiled slightly. "If I didn't know better, I'd swear I'm having a sparkling."

Thundercracker stared so long Skywarp wasn't certain he'd heard. "Cracker? Are you all right?"

The blue seeker was stunned, mouth agape. "A sparkling. You..._we..._ are having a sparkling?!"

Skywarp nodded, smiling.

"You sneaky, _devious_ chunk of scrap. No wonder I love you!" grinning from audio to audio, Thundercracker grabbed his bondmate in a crushing hug.

Skywarp returned the embrace, wings vibrating happily. "I take it you're pleased."

"Pleased? Are you _kidding?_ This is fabulous news!" Thundercracker twirled his bondmate into the living room.

Skywarp flopped onto the couch. "Ah, there's just one thing."

"You mean Megatron." Thundercracker was suddenly sober, sitting at his side.

"Yeah. I don't think he'll take this well. And you know what that could mean for us!"

"Exile, I know." Thundercracker was thinking, his optics dim. "But this is our buisness and our family, Skywarp. And nobody dictates my personal life, not even Megatron. The universe is large. If necessary, we'll find a life elsewhere."

"That's a big step." Skywarp also was terse. "There's something else I've been meaning to discuss with you. There seems to be a movement for Megatron's overthrow. I've heard whispers."

Thundercracker nodded. "It's true. Starscream spoke to me about it several times when we were together."

Skywarp frowned. "Another one of his public tantrums?"

"No, he's using a different approach this time. And it involves Skyfire's plan to make us less dependent on energy raids. If it works, a new and completely independent empire is not out of the question."

Skywarp's optics were low. "And in this attempted coup, where would you stand?"

"For our own best interests first, Warp. Always. And there are loyalties to consider, you know."

"And ex lovers?" the purple seeker snapped.

"I'm not focused on that angle." Thundercracker looked about the room suddenly. "I understand _many_ decepticons are interested in a new administration."

Skywarp leaned up in curiosity. "Who else? Anyone we know?"

"Of course. The triples are in, and so is Breaker."

"Sounds intriguing. But what plan is in place? Megatron won't be easy to topple."

"No, he has his supporters. I'm not sure who's in on what at this point, and guessing could be fatal. We'll need to keep our audios to the floor over the next few cycles."

Skywarp tapped his chin in thought. "Much as I hate to say this, I think Starscream has to be the first point of contact. We can't make any moves without knowing who is on which side."

"Agreed."

"I had no real issues with Megatron's leadership for many years, you know that." Skywarp sighed. "However, things change. The empire he promises to his troops never seems to materialize. We're little more than glorified pirates. We win battles but gain no ground in the war."

"That's precisely why it's time for a change." Thundercracker pecked his bondmate on the cheekplate. "Propaganda wears old after a few hundred vorns. And only the inexperienced and stupid will follow futility."

Skywarp nuzzled affectionately. "Besides, we have a little one on the way. I won't allow anything to endanger us."

"Love, if this is done right we'll have the life we always wanted, not one dictated by mad dreams."

"I think it best if we keep the news to ourselves for now."

"Agreed. We can't hide the truth forever, but maybe insurrection can buy us some time."

****

Starscream was feeling quite mellow, puffing his stick in one hand and holding a drink in the other.

"You realize...if I report on shift high Megatron will have my skin." the woozy seeker slurred.

"Not high. Got buzz." Breaker had squashed between bots, smoking his fifth stick.

"Same difference. Besides, no matter how hiked Megatron is that engine room excuse won't hold."

"It will once that problem happens." Octane glanced at his chronometer.

Starscream cocked an optic. "And what have you done?"

"Given your excuse something solid. Don't worry, you'll find out soon enough. Meanwhile, relax."

"I'm almost afraid to ask." the red seeker sipped his drink.

Octane kicked back in his seat. "Favors owed are favors done. So, is the idea of parenthood sinking in yet?"

"It's beginning to. I feel strange, oddly light."

"Skyfire should be ecstatic." Astrotrain commented, downing some sim energon. "Small bots bring out the best in everyone."

"Much thanks." Breaker quipped.

"I meant _baby_ bots, dinky. Stop fishing for compliments!"

A quick beep. "Breaker not fish. Big Sky wondered if sparklings, not tell Star."

Starscream sat up from his slouch suddenly. "What do you mean by that?"

The minicon tapped his head. "Peep at brain. Sky wonder if maybe sparklings, think idea too wild. Doubt. Think virus cause problems."

"Bondmates tend to figure things out eventually." Blitzwing commented. "You having sparklings probably crossed his mind, but he didn't consider it too closely."

"There were times I could swear he'd guessed." Starscream admitted. "He seemed to look right _through_ me."

The minicon pointed suddenly. "You pretend not know! Breaker said before."

"At it again, nosey?"

"Suspect sparklings, act like not. Confuse big Sky."

"Well, he won't be confused long. And I don't need advice from busybodies!"

Octane chuckled, swilling his own drink. "Don't forget to check out Shrapnel, Blitz. If he's having a sparkling I want to know ahead of time."

Starscream blinked at him. "You don't seem at all surprised or shocked."

A shrug. "Are you kidding? With insecticons you learn to expect most anything at anytime."

Blitzwing stood up suddenly, putting his drink down. "Time to do a little poking around the base."

"Just don't be too obvious." Astrotrain warned. "We still don't know all the players on the board."

Blitzwing grinned as he headed for the door. "No, but I'll know how many new players will _arrive."_

****

The decepticon tank strolled casually about the base, glancing at fellow decepticons everywhere. A brief glance here and there, a quick wave or chat. Blitzwing gave no indication as to what he was doing.

He made his way to the infirmary eventually, noting a long line of fellow bots in distress. All appeared to be in a state of agitation as they conversed amongst themselves. Blitzwing nearly laughed when he spied Soundwave in line.

_Hook and LongHaul are going to enjoy this._

His other self made himself known. /Blitzwing./

/Astro, I'm busy./

/You've been gone for twelve breems. Haven't you found out enough yet?/

/More than enough, my sweet. Very entertaining!/

/Well, get back here. I miss you./

/Ridiculous train. Go sit in an ice tank! Picking out pregnant fools is fun./

/I'll be on shift soon./

/Is everyone still there?/

/No, Starscream went to the engine room to check his cover story. Breaker's back at the lab, but Octane is still here. I think he's waiting for your assessment./

/Tell him I haven't seen Shrapnel yet. He may be off base./

/I will. Can you make it back before I'm on shift?/

/Unicron take it, you horny bastard. Not now! I'll make it up to you later./

/Make certain you do. I'm itchy./

/Then go scratch yourself and stop pestering me./

Blitzwing moved along as he felt his bondmate retreat from his mind. He coolly strode away from the infirmary with a satisfied smirk.

_Unbelievable. It's a fragging sparkfest. And Megatron will lose his mind!_

****

Skyfire moped in the lab, aimlessly pacing and shuffling data pads. His work was somewhat suspended while Breaker endured stasis. He attempted to resume work on schedule, but the focus wasn't there without his friend.

_I hope he's okay. Stasis has been known to damage some transformers._

He plopped wearily into a chair near his workstation. So preoccupied was the big jet he never noticed a familiar shape rolling his way.

_Two cycles never seemed so long. Starscream is hiding something from me, and Breaker could possibly be injured._

A gentle tap against his leg caught his attention. Skyfire stared down in surprise.

A beep. _"Friend Sky!_ Breaker back."

Laughing loudly, Skyfire scooped up his friend. "Breaker! You're alright." he pressed the sphere close, patting.

The minicon vibrated in his arms. "Much better, return work. No like stasis."

"Who does? I was really worried, I thought you sustained damage."

"Feel concern. Not worry, Breaker tough. Been through before."

Skyfire literally wrapped the sphere in his arms. "Not again, if I have anything to say about it."

"Much happen now." Breaker's voice was muffled from the embrace. "Implement plan make Megatron insane."

"The drugged sticks. It's not likely we'll need the brain sifter."

"No. Already in works. Also recruitment. Will approach sympathizers."

Skyfire nodded. "Ah, I see."

"Discuss code word to identify. Not guess, too dangerous."

Lightning fast processors gleaned the point. "What is the password, Breaker?"

A beep. "In conversation, say _remember the curfew."_

"That seems simple enough, in any context. What else is going on?"

"Part Breaker can say, will say. Others go about, seeking allies carefully. Some neutral. Can see if convince."

Skyfire eased his hold on the sphere. "In other words we test the waters. And the code is a safeword."

"Is so."

"Now what's this about a part that you can't tell?"

"Sky clever, try trick Breaker. Not tell. Is for Star!"

Skyfire set his friend on the cluttered table. "You can be a real pain sometimes."

"Been called worse."

"I don't doubt that. Does Starscream have a secret?"

"Lousy one."

"And what does that mean?"

"When secret in plain sight, is lousy."

Skyfire tapped his fingers impatiently. "I'll ask him myself, I don't have time to pry it out of you."

The minicon transformed to bot mode. "Breaker not difficult. Not place to say."

Blue optics observed his friend closely. "I'll let it go for now. Meanwhile, let's get this place into some semblance of order again."

Breaker picked up a few stray tablets. "Is good. Look forward to work."

****

Starscream was on his way to the lab when he encountered Skywarp and Thundercracker near a storage area. The pair headed his way with considerable speed as he rounded a corner.

_Oh, great._

"Starscream." Thundercracker spoke first. "We won't take much of your time."

"I'm busy, Thundercracker. Megatron is expecting a report on the engine room issue."

"You really _do_ run hot and cold." Skywarp was annoyed.

Starscream looked at him casually. "Whether I do or don't is no concern of yours. Now what is it?"

"We're...taking a little survey." Skywarp said cautiously.

"Of what kind?" Starscream was equally cautious.

"Thundercracker and I were debating the pros and cons of two cybertronian articles we read. One was named _status quo symposiums_ and the other was called _new age discoveries._ Which article would you spend the most time discussing?"

Starscream stared a few seconds, his optics flaring brightly. "I would think both articles would merit much debate. I'm very familiar with both sides."

Skywarp pressed, keeping his tone low. "Both are _long running topics,_ do you agree?"

"Yes." Starscream glanced about slowly, as if thinking. "Eventually all topics have common points on which to agree. The question then becomes _who is right?"_

"We suspected as much." Thundercracker responded. "But we're in a bind, not knowing where to _turn_ with our debate."

Starscream crooked a finger. "This way, please. I believe there's an update on both articles."

****

The trinemates entered a short corridor with no exit. Starscream turned to face the other seekers in tight space.

"You approached me for a reason."

"Yes." Thundercracker nodded. "The discussions we had before...require updates."

"Which discussions, Thundercracker?"

"The ones I always warned you about."

Starscream grinned. "So clever. Are you both informing me of a decision?"

The bondmates glanced at each other. "Let's just say...our own status quo has changed."

Starscream stared at his chronometer. "It's quite early. Still, as long as you _remember the curfew_ everything should be fine."

The other seekers stared hard in silence, optics narrowing.

Skywarp tilted his head a bit. "And if we _remember the curfew_ will a copy of both articles be at our door?"

Starscream smiled slowly. "Only one. The newer version."

"Understood."

Thundercracker appeared grim. "The new article has _many pages,_ I hope."

"We're sifting through a lot of clutter at the current time." Starscream hinted. "All references are welcome."

"And the additions?" Skywarp wondered.

"Ongoing. Both articles should be _balanced."_ Starscream paused. "Now that the preliminaries are out of the way, we all need to share a secret."

Thundercracker was instantly suspicious again. "State your case, Starscream. We're all at risk as it is."

"Then use your probability sense, dear Cracker. A shared secret insures full cooperation and minimizes betrayal."

Skywarp held his anger in check. "You dare question our loyalty after so long? And stop flirting with _my_ bondmate. You've got your own now!"

"Don't be so _touchy,_ Skywarp. We've all been...close. There's no need for animosity."

"There _will_ be if you don't back off."

Thundercracker was anxious to get back on topic. "What secrets should we share?"

"The most private and personal, of great importance."

Thundercracker looked to Skywarp. "It's no use."

Skywarp agreed. "No. I'll tell him." he turned to Starscream. "Thundercracker and I are having a sparkling."

The red seeker smiled. "I already know."

His shocked trinemates gawked. "But _how?_ It isn't possible!" Skywarp stammered. "I told no one but Thundercracker."

"It's possible when you have Blitzwing around. Or have you forgotten his special talents?"

"Damn." Skywarp swore. "I never even considered that angle."

"All right, you have our secret." Thundercracker scowled at his ex. "Now let's hear _yours._"

Starscream didn't hesitate. "It appears as if we'll all be parents, Thundercracker."

"What? _You?!"_

"Twins, as a matter of fact."

The blue seeker clapped a hand on his head. "This is insane."

Starscream gave a raspy giggle. "Your expressions are priceless. Believe me, I was as shocked as you when I suspected the truth."

"What about Skyfire?" Skywarp was smug. "Curious you haven't mentioned him yet."

"He doesn't know but I plan to tell him later." Starscream admitted. "Blitzwing confirmed my suspicions."

"Okay, now what?" Thundercracker wondered.

"Return to your schedule and act normally. Someone safe will always approach you about the curfew. In the next two cycles we'll meet again privately and I'll catch you up on all the details."

Thundercracker nodded. "We'll head out first. Wait twelve astroseconds." he took Skywarp by the hand.

"Why twelve?" Starscream was curious.

"A calculation, Starscream. The likelyhood that someone on shift will see us exiting decreases at twelve astrosecond intervals."

"You're always remarkable to me, Cracker."

Skywarp glared over his shoulder as they left. "You won't look so hot with a busted lip component."

"Are you threatening your superior officer?"

"Of course."

****

Skyfire leaned against the electro broom he was sweeping with. "I didn't realize this base contained so much airborne dust."

"Under ocean, circulation poor. Air return lose vaccum pressure at two miles, dust cycle downward." Breaker offered as he wiped down other work areas.

"It's good to have you back, Breaker. Things just weren't the same while you were gone."

Red visiors brightened. "Breaker roughest, toughest, baddest minicon in whole universe. Big Sky agree?"

A chuckle. "Yes, I agree." Skyfire nodded in satisfaction, putting the broom away. "Now this lab looks more like it should!"

"Pull molecular models?"

"We'll take a break first. I'll also grab those notes from our last study. Octane will be bringing in small amounts of the ore samples for us to start with."

"Sound good."

A swoosh of doors halted their conversation. Skyfire smiled at a most welcome sight.

Starscream returned the smile. "Sky, we have to talk."

"In an astrosecond, maybe." With amazing agility for a transformer his size, Skyfire closed the space to his bondmate and swept him up in a kiss.

/Nearly two fragging solar days.../

Starscream molded against the hold. /We have time now. And there's news./

Skyfire pulled up slightly, curiosity overtaking desire. "Are you going to tell me?"

A gasp. "Skyfire!" Starscream looked across the room. Breaker watched them openly, peering over a stack of data disks.

"Not here. Let's go in the back."

"Why?"

"Privacy. Your minicon is butting in again."

Said minicon was annoyed. "Breaker not butt in, said nothing! Now tell Sky truth."

"What?" Skyfire looked to his bondmate, his tone slightly accusing.

Starscream took his hands. "Sky, please. Just come with me."

The strangeness of tone caught the big jet off guard. "Are you alright? _Tell me."_

"I will. Everything is fine." Starscream tugged him along to the bedroom.

Breaker watched them go in satisfaction. "Raining sparklings everywhere."

****

They retreated to Skyfire's spacious bedroom. The valkrie jet pulled his seeker into another close embrace. They sat on the edge of his bed, leaning against each other.

"Now tell me."

"You're very perceptive, Skyfire."

"I sense this is about your condition, Star. Have you found out something?"

"Yes. Amazing and startling news, Sky. I only recently confirmed what I began to suspect."

Skyfire turned his head slowly and stared. And stared. A white hand drifted up to Starscream's face and gently stroked his cheek. Fingers spaced across fine features gently.

Starscream didn't move. He returned the loving gaze, optics aglow.

And without words, Skyfire knew. A sensation, a _feeling,_ overwhelmed his processors. Sky crystal optics flashed and flared with the realization of truth. That same hand drifted down and touched Starscream's spark chamber, resting there. White glow surrounded by blue burst forth, illuminating the room.

"By _Cybertron."_ the big jet hitched in awe, as if seeing the unseen. _"Two?!"_

Starscream curved a gentle smile. "Two. We're having twins, Sky."

The normally deep voice dropped even lower. "Star. You're _beautiful."_ he held the fine face in both hands.

Starscream felt his voice crack with emotion. "It's amazing. I never expected this so soon."

_"You're_ amazing. Do you know how much I love you?" lips smashed into a kiss. The couple rolled over the bed passionately, wings vibrating.

/We have sparklings!/

/Yes, Sky./

/They will be perfect!/

/Naturally./

After long moments they broke the kiss. Skyfire cuddled his bondmate tenderly. "This is...I feel like I'm bursting."

Starscream giggled, his mood giddy. "I'll be the one bursting. In the meantime, we need to keep this private."

Kiss. "Understood. I have a question, though. Two, actually."

"What?"

Skyfire edged up, pulling Starscream alongside. "How did you confirm this? I know you didn't report for a physical, Megatron would find out."

"Blitzwing confirmed what I somewhat suspected."

"I wasn't convinced by your denials, by the way."

Starscream stared indignantly. "And what does _that_ mean?"

Skyfire tipped his chin. "You forget, I _know_ you. There's no way the thought of sparklings never came to mind."

The seeker faltered a bit. "I...may have wondered, but it was hardly proof."

"I considered the possibility anyway, Star. But then I wondered if it wasn't wishful thinking."

Bright optics went wide. "You wanted sparklings so soon? Despite all the turmoil in our lives right now?"

Massive shoulders shrugged. "I don't fret about every possibility, Star. Eventually our situation will resolve itself. And now we have a family to consider."

"Yes." Starscream was thinking, his optics bright. "Our sparklings will have the best of everything!"

Skyfire tickled a silvery nose. "Now for my second question. How far along are you?"

"Based on the image Blitzwing showed me, only around forty breems. The babies don't even have protoshells yet."

Skyfire frowned before bursting into laughter.

"What?" Starscream blinked in confusion.

"Don't you _see,_ Star? Forty breems ago we got back together!"

The seeker rolled his optics. "What can I _say,_ we're fertile."

Skyfire chuckled softly. "You'd better believe it. The first time we get together, we end up with sparklings! Breaker had it right."

"Breaker _often_ right." a familiar voice beeped. The couple glanced across the bedroom. A shining sphere rolled their way.

"Is happy day! Star and Sky together, know truth. Sparklings, good deal!"

Starscream smiled. "Thank you. Were you spying again?"

"Breaker not spy. Only casual listen." the sphere spun in place.

"Right." Skyfire looked at his friend suspiciously. "You just happened to pop in."

The sphere stopped spinning. "Breaker find right moment."

Starscream had a thought. "Speaking of right moments, Sky. I need to brief you on what was discussed earlier."

"About the plan?"

"Yes. We're making headway, but we still need to be cautious. Soundwave is beginning to act oddly. I met with the triplechangers awhile ago, and he followed me."

"You think he suspects something?"

"Hard to say, but considering his relationship with Megatron..."

"I get your meaning."

"Not worry." Breaker rolled up onto the bed, seeming to defy gravity. "Can make diversions as needed. Soundwave obey Megatron, not new order."

"Old school." Skyfire commented.

"Much old." Breaker agreed. "But will learn, or crack head. Star tell plan."

Starscream cleared his vocalizer loudly. "I was attempting to! Anyway, it seems as though we aren't the only ones expecting. _Thundercracker_ and Skywarp also look forward to new family."

Skyfire was stunned. "That's wonderful for them. You have no problem with that?"

"Why should I, Sky? They have their own lives and we have ours."

"Just so you understand that." Skyfire gripped his mate close, optics suddenly narrow.

"Oh honestly, stop being jealous!"

"I know your games, Star."

"The only game in town right now is Megatron. And soon there will be new players on the field."

"Well at least we still have time. You aren't far along."

"Yes, I'd hate to bring sparklings into this mess. But there's something else. It's possible that many decepticons will be expecting."

_"What?!"_

"You heard me. Blitzwing is checking out everyone casually. We'll know soon enough if our suspicions are correct."

Skyfire gave an evil laugh. "You realize if that's true this base will literally shut down."

_"Build cribs!_ Megatron crack up." Breaker beeped.

"He'll crack up alright." Skyfire remembered something. "That crazy assembly he held awhile back...this is because of all the sparking! No wonder."

Starscream nodded. "And the results will show soon. Also, Octane has some ideas in the works."

"Breaker kind of filled me in on the drugging part."

"There will also be planned 'accidents' at locations Megatron occupies."

"Hmm. Discussion for another cycle, love." Skyfire wrapped his seeker in a tight hold. "For now I just want to _feel_ you."

Starscream vibrated, his entire mainframe warm. He clutched his bondmate in bliss. "I've never felt this way before, Sky. _Never."_

"Me either, Star. I want to soar the universe!"

They kissed again.

"Our sparklings will be beautiful." Starscream sighed, his voice soft.

"And perfect." Skyfire purred, stroking his bondmate.

Soft music suddenly filled the room. Breaker played a classic selection, _Stars of Cybertron._

The bondmates smiled at their friend and embraced once more.

"Star?"

"Yes, Sky."

"Megatron can have you tomorrow. But for tonight, you're all mine."


to be continued