Wing Shift

submission dated 7-21-08
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


Wing Shift

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


Smoke and Mirrors

The triplechangers continued their strange communication with the unknown group of decepticons. A shimmering pocket of subspace gave their appearance reality.

/Everything satisfactory on base?/ Blitzwing asked.

/All systems normal, no problems besides the usual intrusions./ a female decepticon responded.

/The renegades you spoke of earlier./

/Yes. They came in a desperate raid for energon and supplies./

Astrotrain cut in. /Pathetic. Did you offer them sanctuary for service?/

A male decepticon replied. /We did, but they seemed fearful of some future reprisal./

/Bah. No reprisal short of Trypticon would threaten them there./

Another female answered. /We all know who Trypticon has allegiance to! But eventually that dimwitted dinocon will sway under our influence. This war will conclude on _our_ terms!/

Octane. /Well said, my dear. I've been busy lately and haven't had time to comment on your ingenuity. After all, grooming future commanders is tricky buisness. Your role in bringing one to the fold was key to our plans./

/We all miss you here. When do you plan to return?/

/Much depends on what happens on earth. If our coup is successful, we can resume the original directive./

A burly male decepticon laughed, his voice booming. /We've made several upgrades in all system controls and parameters. State of the art! Unicron himself couldn't penetrate our sensors unnoticed./

/Excellent. Once we return I want to see the diagnostics./

Blitzwing again. /Many decepticons stand ready, but we're proceeding carefully. Some allegiances are known, but not everyone is willing to come forward./

/Since when are triplechangers cautious? This is unlike you./

/I leave the recklessness to you and the others. When it comes to war you pick your spots./

/Perhaps you have a point./

/I usually do. When we return there will be much to discuss and share./

An excited female decepticon spoke up. /How many should we prepare for, besides the expected group?/

Astrotrain. /We'll notify you regarding that in another hundred breems or so. At the current time we believe most of the fliers will throw in with us. There's a good possibility the battlechargers will join. Beyond that, information is sketchy right now./

Conversation paused as a familiar sound clanged above in the air vents. A gleaming sphere plopped directly into the room, right through the image.

"Good see Kaos 3! Breaker pleased at all."

The others looked at the sphere. ///Silently, Breaker. We don't want to be monitored.///

The minicon rolled away from the image. /Is clear. Everyone healthy, yes?/

The group responded as one. [Everyone is fine. We will celebrate your return!]

A thin, high voice piped up from the image. /Bye bye Megatron, we dump! Have fun new leaders./

Breaker answered. /Not so simple. Will explain when see! Not know difference in things yet./

/Me know!/

/Not. Others talk now, is buisness. Plan future./

/Fun later?/

/Much later. Now stop. Need hear, listen./

/Is good. Am quiet now./

Another clipped voice was next. /Am excited, much enthusiasm! Contingency plan here, yes?/

/Will plan more when arrive. Execute conspiracy! Then return./

A fourth female decepticon spoke, her tones silky. /Is there any way you can relay information regarding those energy disks? The more we know, the better we can prepare with the proper amount of materials./

Astrotrain continued. /Unfortunately the disks are in the research and experimental phase right now. We'll get further details from Skyfire./

/He is...very impressive. It pleases me to think he'll be here-/

/Down, girl. We don't have time for nonsense now./

/We'll see who has time for what. You two are so predictable! We know what you've done./

A male decepticon warrior commented. /I find him fascinating myself. Once they arrive, we can all get warmly accquainted./

/We'll have to cut this short./ Octane interrupted. /My othersense tells me attempts are being made to get a fix on this transmission./

/Breaker agree, feel frequencies at nearby location./

The group answered again. [Then we await your next communication. Farewell.]

////Farewell and be strong.////

The subspace patch faded to nothingness. The triplechangers were silent, deep in thought.

"Breaker want return." the sphere vibrated in agitation.

"There's no point in getting worked up, Breaker." Octane admonished. "We all know the deal. If we see the plan through, things will work out the way we want."

"Can be, but losing patience. All want same thing."

Blitzwing brooded in his chair. "Maybe talking to them wasn't wise. I am...my spark aches."

Astrotrain squeezed his arm reassuringly. "I know. It's more difficult each time."

Octane sighed. "I'm hoping we can get back before Shrapnel delivers. Time can get away from you with all this chaos going on."

"Others be surprised." Breaker quipped.

"Not once we get there." Octane responded before smiling. "I can hear the complaints and lectures now."

Blitzwing lit a flashstick. "Only for a little while, Octane. They'll have fun with a new sparkling soon enough."

"I don't doubt that, but getting speeches seems to be par for the course. What's the progress of the disk research?"

The minicon beeped. "Was on break when come here. Battlechargers set up tanks. Got final computations for formulas. Will mix and pour over next few cycles."

Astrotrain rested his chin in his hands. "A pity we can't assist. Megatron probably has us under survelliance."

"Breaker know Soundwave spy, sense transmissions in proximity. Might hear silent call! Old enough to sense."

Blitzwing stared at the sphere sharply. "I hadn't considered that. Still, no one short of the Twelve would understand our communication."

"We'd better hope so, Blitz." Astrotrain lit a stick himself. "But forewarned is forearmed. I say we give Soundwave his information. Just not _useful_ information."

"What do you have in mind?"

"A false rumor of rebellion at a specific time."

Octane frowned. "What would be the point? Plans are in motion as we speak to do just that."

"Yes, but a _riot?"_

"There's no such thing as a planned riot, Astrotrain!"

"There is if you make it _appear_ spontaneous. Besides, there doesn't have to be an actual fight. We can merely hint at a takeover attempt. The location can be anywhere on base."

"Preferably the lower levels." Blitzwing supplied. "It would seem more legit that way."

"Hmm." Octane considered. "And meanwhile, I can arrange those 'problems' in areas Megatron inhabits most of the time."

Breaker beeped rapidly. "Inside out, upside down. Megatron doubt everything!"

Blitzwing pecked his bondmate on the cheekplate. "Ingenious, Astro. I do believe I like this idea. Megatron will chase shadows while the real danger strikes from behind."

Octane finally lit a stick and dragged. "Now all that remains is designating the rumor mill."

"Breaker have answer! Battlechargers with us. Will tell insecticons. Soon whole base know!"

Astrotrain grinned, tapping the sphere. "Let's get the party started."

****

Megatron was laughing at a soap opera on the main viewscreen.

"I swear, these humans are a strange species! They mock themselves for amusement in fictional programs."

Rumble stood near the dias. "Yeah, me and Frenzy was checking out _One Life to Live._ Some kind of patriarch family order thing going on. They had some pretty complicated relationships and stuff."

The decepticon leader smiled, waving a wide gesture from his seat. "Why, yes...the concept warms my mainframe. I understand that in ancient times on Cybertron, family clans were somewhat common."

"Yeah, Soundwave is always talkin' about the old days. You think those kinds of families could exist again?"

Megatron brooded momentarily. "Difficult to say, Rumble. Over time I've been told various versions of our true history. Most of the information is lost on data asteriods scattered about the universe."

"But wouldn't it be wild if somebody actually _knows_ the truth? Just think, we could all start our own joint! Warriors you could trust completely-"

Megatron glared down at the cassette suddenly. Rumble coughed.

"Not that I'm sayin' you can't trust us. It's just that it would be cool to have someone from your own electrons and mainfraime, you know?"

Crimson optics narrowed. "Perhaps. Rarely have I had the time to ponder such thoughts, Rumble. And I find it curious you bring this up now."

A shrug. "It was just the tv show, boss. Nothing else-"

Soundwave entered the room suddenly. "Megatron, we must talk."

Angular features turned. "Is it important, Soundwave? I was enjoying a program."

A nod. "I've been sensing specific transmissions about the base. All internal."

Megatron turned on a swivel in his seat. "Indeed? Tell me more. This may be the break we've been looking for."

The communications officer took a seat. "As instructed, I've increased survelliance about the base. For the most part there's been no conclusive evidence of collusion."

Megatron held up a hand. "If you've nothing solid-"

"Wait. The transmissions I sensed are pre-war."

_"What?!_ Impossible!"

Soundwave shook his head in disbelief. "I've not heard such a transmission since...longer ago than I care to mention."

Rumble couldn't believe his audios either. "But I didn't think anyone would still know the ancient language. Besides, legend says it was a gift that certain cybertronians had."

"It is not precisely language, Rumble." Soundwave explained, clearly agitated. "Not in the standard sense."

"Telepathy, then." Megatron surmised.

"Again, yes and no. I liken it to a binary mind bond where entire concepts, thoughts and emotions can be relayed at once."

"This form of communication is not familiar to me, Soundwave. And I'm more concerned with why such communication emanates from this base."

"Although I can sense the stream, deciphering it is beyond my capability."

Megatron appeared startled by the statement. "Who, then? Your database is second to none!"

"It would have to be someone pretty old." Rumble stated. "Still dosen't explain the reason why, though."

"No." Megatron thought a minute. "Soundwave. Who would be the most likely candidates for sending or receiving such transmissions?"

"The constructicons, combaticons or triplechangers. Since I cannot determine the source it is impossible to narrow the field of suspects."

Megatron tapped his fingers. "I don't like this at all. I'm tempted to do a brain scan on each of them, but it would be time consuming and tedious."

"Sifting through older data banks is quite a chore." Soundwave agreed. "It could be many breems before we obtain information that way."

Megatron looked to the cassette. "Rumble, have you and Frenzy found out anything useful?"

Rumble rubbed his head in abstraction. "Not a whole lot. Frenzy says he's hanging out around the rec area, since everyone tends to talk there more."

Megatron rubbed his chin in thought. "Contented bots are careless bots."

"Eh?"

"Continue your discreet inquiries as before. A plan forms in my mind. Now go about the base and see what you can determine."

"Yeah, sure." Rumble took his leave. Megatron smiled at his bondmate.

"I will give a concession to the troops, Soundwave. The visitation restrictions I imposed will be rescinded."

"Indeed?"

"I want the conspirators careless and relaxed. Social and informal gatherings are ripe places for plots."

"An interesting tactic, Megatron. I believe the humans call it the 'iron fist in a velvet glove.'"

"At times the creatures can be most clever. By the way, was your tracking of Starscream successful?"

Soundwave made a shrill noise. "Let's just say the attempt was less than useful."

Megatron chuckled. "He ditched you, no doubt. I know him well."

"Whatever." Soundwave was sour. He fell to his knees suddenly.

_"Soundwave!"_ Megatron shouted, reaching his side. "What's wrong?"

The communications officer lowered his head a little. "There is something important you need to know. I've been keeping a secret-"

"From _me?!"_ Megatron couldn't believe. "Why? Explain yourself!"

Before Soundwave could explain any further, Long Haul burst into the room. "Megatron, I have the energy usage report for this cycle."

The decepticon leader helped Soundwave to his feet. "It can wait, Long Haul. This is a private conversation."

"Unfortunately, this information can't wait. At the current usage of energy recharge we will exhaust supplies in a mere thirty cycles."

"What? Give me that data disk!" Megatron snatched it from the constructicon. He popped it into a slot next to his command console and viewed the screen.

"What madness is this? Why are we using so much energy?!"

"I cannot say for certain. However, a large number of decepticons are recharging several times a day. This is driving our supplies to depletion."

Megatron frowned in silence momentarily. "This energy is being used, not transported?"

"Correct. Virtually the entire base is using our reserves."

Megatron paced. "There will be a general assembly to address this issue. This cannot continue! I'll have answers, Long Haul."

"Hook informed me several decepticons reported to the infirmiry breems ago-"

"Yes, I know about that! System glitches and malfunctions are not unusual."

Long Haul glanced over at Soundwave uncomfortably. "True, but everyone reported for the _same problems._ Weakness and surges followed by excessive hunger."

Megatron glanced sharply at Soundwave.

"It's possible that a virus of some sort has been introduced." Long Haul continued. "However, I suspect the cause is something else entirely."

"The autobots are clearly not involved." Megatron said carefully, thinking of possibilities. "What do you suspect?"

The constructicon sighed. "I've been around a long time, Megatron. And I'm familiar with these symptoms. If I didn't know better I'd swear half the base is having sparklings."

"That's _insane!"_ Megatron thundered. "It simply isn't possible. Vector Sigma-"

"Was made a propaganda tool by the Quintessons. Before then transformers were self replicating."

Megatron thought that over, brooding. "I remember vaguely the legends of our history during that age, Long Haul."

"I was there."

More silence. "Leave us." Megatron finally said. "I must think."

"As you command." Long Haul nodded briefly before leaving. Megatron turned to his bondmate.

"Is there something you want to tell me?"

****

The battlechargers crinkled their noses at noxious mixtures in tanks.

"This stuff smells awful." Runamuck sniffed, making a face over molten liquid.

"Quit griping and stir." Runabout turned a pole slowly in the tank. "We have to keep the consistency smooth."

"What about the tank over there?"

"That has to set up first. Nubunium takes a higher temp. Just concentrate on that third tank."

Skyfire was sketching notes at his station. "When the second tank gets to 100 degrees celsius, let me know. The argen alloy needs to be added."

"Can do." the battlechargers peered over the tanks, fussing. Moments later a floor panel lifted. Breaker rolled up and out across the floor.

"Am back. Mixing start?"

"Nah, we're making soup for everybody." Runabout snickered, lifting a dripping pole. "Wanna taste?"

"Is idiot." Breaker rolled over to Skyfire. "Need monitor temperatures."

Skyfire lifted his stylus. "We've got that covered. Although something about the third tank composition is bothering me."

"Not worry, we fix." Breaker transformed to bot mode and hopped up. "By model, tank three molecules unstable. Have most energy transfer, though."

Skyfire placed some disks on the table. "Look these over and tell me what you think."

The minicon plopped down and picked up a disk. "Progress good. Everywhere!"

The big jet sensed his friend's meaning. "Ah, you're referring to the other issues."

"Is so." /Plan trick Megatron soon. Spread crazy attack rumor in engine room./

Skyfire stared at the mental intrusion. /How are you in my head??/

The minicon stared back, visiors bright. /No time explain, listen. Start rumor, tell battlechargers. Say group wait to surprise attack in engine room./

"Hmm."

"Hey, Skfyire!" Runamuck shouted. "What's goin' on? You and Breaker sharing secret signals or something?"

"Or something." Skyfire kept staring at the minicon, optics narrow.

"So what's the deal?" Runabout stopped stirring momentarily.

"We've work to do." Skyfire answered. "And I have a special task for the two of you when you're done here."

"Yeah? Tell us now."

"Are you good with wild rumors?"

Runabout puffed his chest over a tank. "Hell, we _invent_ rumors! You need us to start one, right?"

Skyfire leaned back in his seat, grinning. "Go about the base and have a few conversations about an assault on Megatron."

The battlechargers appeared uncomfortable. "Well, ah..."

"Say that a group plans to capture him in the engine room. And _don't_ be specific about a time. Just talk out loud in general."

"Shoot, we do that anyway." Runamuck puffed. "But that's an easy request."

"Breaker also say rumor." the minicon piped up.

"Good." Skyfire reviewed another data disk. "And if anyone asks, we didn't have this conversation at all." he glanced at Breaker.

"You can move about undetected, Breaker. Surely you know someone with a big mouth."

The minicon beeped wildly. "Many big mouths on base. Go now?"

A nod. "Make sure our 'friends' know so that we're all on the same page."

"Is good! Be back later to assist." transforming to sphere mode, Breaker plopped down an air vent.

****

Megatron was silent, sitting in shock. Soundwave stood over him, squeezing a shoulder in comfort.

"Forgive me, Megatron...I was fearful."

"Of _me,_ Soundwave? I could no more destroy you than I could myself!"

"I wasn't sure how you'd take the news. I am somewhat...old for this to be my first sparkling."

Megatron looked his bondmate over. "Apparently not. How far along are you?"

"I estimate around sixty breems."

The decepticon leader shook his head in disbelief. "This is incredible. If the legends of our origin are true...why now? What has occurred to make us self replicating?"

Soundwave poured him a drink. "I have a theory, dear one. Our deep programming may be overriding the last remnants of Quintesson brainwashing. If so, then our replicating programs are once again active. We could literally make our own armies."

Wild optics glowed. "Yess.." Megatron gulped his drink. "And _think,_ Soundwave! There would be less chance of treachery. Family ties run deepest!"

"It was not a conscious decision on my part, although I do remember the Quintessons and their tactics."

Megatron squeezed his hand. "It doesn't matter now, Soundwave." he gained his feet. "Yes! My glory will last an eternity now. Should the unthinkable happen my personal legacy will rule the universe!"

Soundwave appeared hopeful. "Then, this news warms your mainframe a little?"

"I am fabulously delighted, Soundwave. However, there remains the issue of this base."

A harmonic sound. "What to do? We cannot go on standby and be vulnerable to the autobots. Cybertron is in a state of unrest politically, and marital law rules."

"The base will go on until factions have been unified on Cybertron." Megatron snapped. "Perhaps I'll enforce full duty until their sparklings pop out. And then have the little bastards exiled."

"That would instigate full blown rebellion, Megatron. Even you cannot battle armies alone."

"What battle? By keeping the population here trim, I can control things better."

"You would also have a larger and even greater decepticon army. Think of the possibilities!"

"And your idea is?"

"Reduced and more numerous shifts to maintain operations. It could be done."

Megatron circled their living room anxiously. "I'll consider your suggestion. However, I'm still more inclined to exile."

"I believe the alternate path is wiser. Force them to choose and you will lose. Cooperation is the key if we are to maintain."

"Cooperation? Am I _weak,_ Soundwave? I don't command by group order!"

"This has nothing to do with weakness, but practicality. There are limitless advantages to be had at our fingertips. New warriors to train and strengthen our cause."

"You have a point." Megatron glanced over at a stick tray on their end table. He picked up one and lit it. "I do feel mellow, however. This news is remarkable."

Soundwave also lit up. "Perhaps we should celebrate properly." deft fingers teased along armor seams.

"Feeling raunchy, are we?"

"Of course."

Megatron kept smoking as they rolled to the floor. "I suppose the general assembly can wait."

****

Starscream entered the lab a few breems later after getting off shift. He noted the steaming vats of liquid simmering by the far wall. Skyfire had fallen into rest mode over his desk, head over folded arms.

Smiling, the red seeker approached in silence. He teased a wing playfully with warm fingertips. A slight flick from the sensation.

A chuckle. /Knocked out./ "Skyfire, wake up."

/Huh/

Sleek blue fingers trailed along a broad back. "Wake up, I said. I want to soak on those delicious heat panels of yours."

_That_ woke the big jet up immediately. Crystal blue optics shimmered to awareness. "Starscream!"

"The one and only. I see the battlechargers are gone."

Skyfire sat up straight, shaking his head clear. "They finished up for the cycle. We'll cook the final test mixtures tomorrow."

The seeker stared at a tank. "Nasty smelling soup, I must say."

"Tell me about it. I was going to put the lids on but fell asleep."

Starscream waved. "Maybe the gases knocked you out."

"Maybe. Come here." Skyfire reached out. Starscream edged into his lap with less agility than normal.

"You okay?"

"I feel like a stuffed titanium bot."

Skyfire felt his bondmate over. "Nine percent increase in mass."

Red optics went wide in alarm. "What? _So quickly?!"_ he jumped from Skyfire's embrace and stood in front of a panel mirror, turning about.

Skyfire watched in amusement. "What in Cybertron are you doing?"

"Looking to see where I'm getting fat. What do you think? Is my aft getting wide?" he patted himself.

Blue optics twinkled. "I see a small difference, but it's still not noticeable."

"If it's not noticeable then how could you tell?!"

"No one would notice but me. Now stop being crazy and come here!"

Starscream glared. "You aren't the one going blimp city."

"Well come here, I want a blimp."

"That's _not_ funny." Starscream returned to the embrace.

Skyfire kissed his cheekplate. "Seriously, I really can't tell. I can only feel the difference when you sit on me."

"So now I'm too heavy to hold. Is that it?" an indignant screech.

"Stop putting words in my mouth, Starscream." Skyfire was annoyed. "There's nothing wrong with you. Besides, I want to update you on some things."

The seeker shifted in his lap. "Update? What are you talking about?"

"Breaker and the battlechargers will be spreading rumors about a surprise attack on Megatron. The location is in the engine room."

"Skyfire, are you insane? We can't just-"

"It's just for rumor sake to get him paranoid. The time will be deliberately vague for now."

"And then what? When there's no attack what's supposed to happen?"

"And then the _real_ plan will be implemented while he chases a rumor. Octane will start staging 'accidents' about the base."

Starscream shifted a little. "I'd better talk with him and make certain we're in synch."

"Confusion and chaos will be the way."

"You're starting to sound like the triplechangers. Perhaps you're becoming too good a decepticon."

Kiss. "Bad influence all around. Sneaky seekers, mad minicons and treacherous triplechangers everywhere."

"Hmf."

"Let me give you a massage, Star. Your muscle cables are tight all over."

Silvery red wings flicked. "I suppose I could use one. I woke up with a few pains today."

"Why didn't you tell me? I could have given you a massage then."

"I thought the kinks would work out." Starscream reluctantly slipped from the tight embrace. "I'm not exactly graceful these days."

"Maybe we should get more advice about sparklings." Skyfire pulled his bondmate to the back.

Starscream was bleary, nearly flopping across Skyfire's huge bed. "Ugh, I can barely move."

"Easy." Skyfire sidled alongside and squeezed sensitive wingtips gently.

"Oh...ah...that's good, Sky."

"Hmm." expert touches vibrated heat to Starscream's struts. The seeker relaxed, sprawling out lazily.

"O...oh. Perfect. Not so sore now."

"Good." Skyfire gathered him up into a kiss. /Now for the goodies./

/You like fatties now?/

/I like damn near everything. And you aren't fat./

A snicker. "I may have created a monster. Did I say you were still learning how to be decepticon?"

Skyfire poked at a red side port. "I'm not sure. But feel free to teach me!"

Starscream rolled to his side on the bed. "At least we have some quiet time away from your minicon."

"Are you starting up on _that_ again?" Skyfire stretched out alongside.

"It's come to my attention he was all 'dolled up' today."

"Those big mouthed battlechargers-"

A raspy giggle. "Oh, don't blame them." Starscream cuddled close. "Breaker's as subtle as a jackhammer. The question is, what do _you_ want?"

Skyfire leered, optics narrow. "Right now, a slightly plump seeker."

_"I'm not plump!"_ another screech.

Kisses along a silver neck. "Stop fussing. Breaker and I discussed this already."

"I know you have a soft spot for that minicon!"

"He's a good friend, Starscream. But we both know I'm not in love."

"That hardly matters around here, as you're finding out."

A deep chuckle. "He does seem bound and determined to convince me."

Starscream edged up a little, optics bright. "I find it curious you worry about Astrotrain and Blitzwing, yet seem unconcerned about Breaker's attentions."

"It's different with him."

"Really? Might I remind you _he's_ a triplechanger, too?"

Skyfire considered that. "I guess I feel more comfortable around him because he's straightforward."

Starscream was smug, stroking the white faceplate. "Don't be deceived by his smaller size, love. Minicons are more direct but just as devious. You might find yourself ensnared without realizing it."

"Speaking of ensnared, when can an attack date be set?"

"In a few more breems we'll know who is on what side. Once that happens we'll need a gathering place for final planning. And _then..."_

_"Then_ it starts." Skyfire gave a cold smile. "I'm actually beginning to relish the idea." large wings flexed.

Starscream teased with a finger. "Going to bring out those _big guns_ again?"

"You never know. The Omega assignment was the first time I had the chance to really cut loose."

"And?" Starscream prompted with glee, optics glittering.

"I _wonder_ how a sky attack would work on a smaller target." another, almost evil grin.

Fingers groping and poking low. "You're so wicked when you want to be. I'm getting _excited,_ Sky-"

A loud crackle interrupted their loveplay. The comlink blared to life suddenly.

THIS IS MEGATRON. IN 1800 BREEMS THERE WILL BE A GENERAL ASSEMBLY. ALL DECEPTICONS ARE ORDERED TO ATTEND IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AREA. THAT IS ALL.

The speaker went silent.

"Odd." Starscream sat up. "Does he know something?"

"I'd rather not guess, Star. But clearly some topics are on the agenda."

"Topics such as sparklings."

"We don't know that."

"Skyfire, _think._ Megatron's no fool. I don't doubt that he's found the real reason for so many visits to the infirmiry. Besides, he reviews weekly energy usage reports."

"Damn. I hadn't considered that."

"Standard operational procedure." the red seeker sighed. "Who said revolution was easy?"

"It never was." Skyfire noted, easing down into bed. He pulled his seeker into massive arms. "No point in worrying about it."

"I fear what he may say regarding sparklings, Skyfire."

"It changes nothing, Starscream."

_"I_ will fight, but there's no guarantee who else will."

Skyfire looked into his optics with meaning.

"I know." a soft smile. "But despite bravado, there's a lot of fear and uncertainty all around."

"The fear will break given opportunity, Star. Once Megatron pushes too hard the tide will turn. So we wait."

Starscream snuggled. "We wait."

****

_The engine room, Decepticon Headquarters sub level._

"Do you have them?"

"Yesss. They arrre the strongest yet!"

"Good. Get them to Megatron's personal drop box. And make certain you aren't seen!"

"Eeerrr, do you think I'm an amateur?"

"What about those charges? Are they on timers?"

"Everrrything is in place."

"Perfect. Head back and I'll follow you in forty astroseconds. Be casual."

"Of courrrse."

The remaining figure stood in dim lighting, grinning silently among monstrous turbine engines.

//Is it done yet?//

/It's started./

//Have you heard the announcement for tomorrow?//

/Announcement? I can't hear anything with all the noise and vibration down here./

//General assembly meeting, 1800 breems.//

/Good, we're on schedule. Megatron probably knows something by now anyway./

//Something unfortunate should happen during that meeting.//

/I'll make a slight adjustment down here./

//Best luck and success.//

Cackling softly in conspiracy, the lone figure retreated to deep shadows.


TO BE CONTINUED