Wing Shift

submission dated 7-31-08
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.

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

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


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

Checks and Balances

Skyfire sighed blissfully, suspended somewhere between wakefulness and sleep. Dreams of the future danced in his mind as he envisioned the sparklings.

Familiar, warm fingers massaged him gently, easing tightness and fatigue. Soft pulses of soothing heat warmed his mainframe. He always knew his seeker was talented...

A large wing flicked idly as he rolled on his side, still half asleep. Those same fingers were everywhere, teasing his ports and vents with gentle touches. A soft kiss on the bend of a knee. Strokes along his sides, tickling. Another kiss on a toe pod. Licks circling his nosecone. Skyfire flexed his wings happily, relaxing into the sensations.

/Greedy seeker. Let me sleep a bit more./

Nips across his groinplate vibrated down to his cogs. More kisses down his legs. A sweet ache filled his spark, teasing and strong.

Even in his half muzzy state it occurred to Skyfire that something was _incredibly wrong._ As his processors came online, he could sense the probing fingers were noticeably less sleek. Different, though familiar to his body.

/Starscream?/

//Hardly, darling.//

"What??" Skyfire bolted awake with such force that two sizeable forms went crashing to the floor. Sitting up in shock he stared down. Octane and Astrotrain were piled in a heap, smiling like idiots.

Blue optics flashed like lightning. A large fist crashed into the floor, making a crater. The triplechangers rolled away just in time.

Octane gained his feet, laughing at Astrotrain. "You're right, he _is_ cranky first thing!"

Skyfire grabbed Astrotrain in rage and shook him. "Why?!"

Astrotrain was nonplussed. "Why _not?_ We came to visit, and exchange information."

"So? That gives you permission to jump me in my sleep?!"

Loud beeping halted a potential brawl. Perched atop a nightstand sat Breaker.

Skyfire glared his way. "And I suppose you were here to watch!"

The minicon grinned. "Tickle sticky."

The white jet shoved Astrotrain away. "Starscream was right about you."

Astrotrain dusted himself off with indifference. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. Now are you ready to listen?"

"I think you're ready to leave!"

"Sheesh." Octane shook his head. "Tone it _down,_ Skyfire. We meant no harm."

"No harm!"

"Eh, what the hell. You were sleeping so sweetly. We just wanted to say good morning."

Skyfire rounded on him. "I'm more surprised at _you,_ Octane. At least I thought you were different from the others!"

A shrug. "Different than what? Besides, I often change my mind."

Shimmering blue optics glanced about the room. "At least Blitzwing had sense enough to respect my privacy."

"You'll have to ask him when he gets here." Astrotrain was grinning again. "We just happened to arrive first."

Skyfire swore under his vocalizer tones. "And where is Starscream?"

"On shift I would presume. He was gone when we got here."

Skyfire walked past them all. "I want all of you to leave."

The triplechangers followed him out into the lab. Breaker hopped up on a table. "Big Sky mad."

"You're slagging right I'm mad." Skyfire poked his friend.

"Not be. Give early morning treat! Feel good."

Another poke. "I was feeling _fine_ already. I didn't need help!"

"Your senstivity coefficient is too high." Astrotrain surmised. "Perhaps the ice-"

"The ice has nothing to do with this." Skyfire was defensive, pacing the lab. "You came here looking for cheap kicks!"

"Now that's a rotten thing to say!" Octane was agitated, waving his hands.

"Then why do I see loose interface lines?" Skyfire pointed in accusation.

Octane glanced at cables hanging from his fingertips. "Oops."

Before anyone could speak further, Blitzwing entered the lab with an expression of surprise. The decepticon tank was highly polished, shining like glass.

"It appears as if I'm late."

Skyfire stared him down. "My, aren't _you_ pretty. Got a hot date?"

A slight smile. "That depends. Apparently the situation has changed."

"Unfortunately he woke up." Octane groused, folding his arms. "A plague on fast processors!"

"Fortunately for _me."_ Skyfire straightened to his full height. "And I'm warning all of you to control yourselves in the future."

"Did enjoy before!" Breaker was stubborn.

"You _ask_ first." Skyfire was insistent. "And for the record, I plan to change the timing sequence on those front doors!"

The triplechangers were silent momentarily. "We'll ask." Octane gave another odd smile.

"And stop grinning at me. Jump me again and I'll fire a cannon up your thrusters. Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly." Astrotrain replied. He cocked his head a little. "Well?"

"Well _what!"_

"Will you come with us now? This cycle is long, and we have much to share."

"Are you crazy? I may as well be talking to myself!" Skyfire glared at them all in disbelief.

Blitzwing shrugged. "I suppose we could share the information _without_ the fun..."

"Then do so!" Skyfire dropped in a seat. "Get on with it."

Sly smile. "We could lie down and explain it faster-"

A swoosh of doors again. Starscream entered and paused, staring at the group.

"What in Cybertron is going on here?"

Skyfire waved a grand gesture. "Our friends here stopped by for breakfast."

Starscream frowned in confusion _What?_

"The 'special' of the day, one might say."

"It's not what you think, Starscream." Octane stated coolly.

Crimson optics narrowed in realization. "What is all this. Explain!"

"We merely came to update and share information-" Astrotrain started up.

"Astrotrain, you're a conniving liar of the first order." Starscream strode past into the bedroom. He came back out moments later.

"The bed is nearly turned sideways on the frame. And why is that hole in the floor?" the suspicious seeker stared at the triplechangers.

"Is coincidence." Breaker beeped. "Was fall from bed."

"That's weak, even coming from you." Starscream huffed. "It doesn't take a genius to see there was a struggle in there. Now what happened!"

"I wouldn't know, I arrived late on the scene." Blitzwing said innocently.

"But not for lack of trying." Starscream turned to the others. "Start talking."

"We merely wanted to say good morning." Octane was obtuse. "Your bondmate overreacted when we appeared."

_"Overreacted!"_ Skyfire bellowed.

"Is true." Breaker quipped. "Saw whole thing."

Starscream cocked an optic at the minicon. "What were you supposed to be, the _tag team coach?!"_

"Not funny!"

"But true all the same. A small freak is no better than a large one."

"Now just a minute, Starscream." Octane objected again. "I know this looks odd, but there's new information-"

"That can wait for the moment." Keen optics flashed with insight. "Spare me your excuses and nonsense!"

"You only know Skyfire's viewpoint." Astrotrain insisted.

"And that's all I _need_ to know." Starscream snipped. "Do I look like an idiot?" he moved to Skyfire's side. "The three of you sneaked in here to get a goody while Skyfire slept. Is that accurate?"

The triplechangers went stubbornly silent.

"In turn, Skyfire took your attentions poorly. Thus, the struggle and hole in the floor. Am I accurate?"

"Very." Skyfire nodded, still glaring at the others.

"Octane, I'm surprised it took you this long to make an attempt. Apparently old perversions die hard!"

"I've got nothing to say." the triplechanger griped.

"Normally I would get _really angry_ at all of you. However, Skyfire clearly handled the situation on his own. So there's no need for me to do anything at the current time." the red seeker deliberately eased into Skyfire's lap.

"Now tell us the information you have. My _bondmate_ and I are most curious." Starscream made a show of kissing Skyfire.

Astrotrain seethed. "Perhaps another time would be appropriate."

Starscream turned from his kiss. "Oh, we're _proper_ now, are we? I've never known triplechangers to have an ounce of class anyway. But I appreciate your politeness after assaulting Skyfire."

"That's _it,_ I've reached my limit for insults today." Blitzwing headed to the doors.

"I'm with you." Astrotrain snorted, stomping to his side. He glanced back briefly. "Another _time,_ perhaps."

"Or not." Skyfire snapped a reply. Octane trailed the others on the way out.

"Knew I should have brought the damn cuffs." he muttered.

****

Skyfire nuzzled. "I'm proud of you, Star. I half thought you'd go into tantrum mode."

A raspy giggle. "Maybe I'm learning, Sky. A future leader can't appear to be petty. However, I want them aware of the fact that I'm displeased. I didn't have the energy for a showdown anyway."

"I think your tactic irritated them more than the insults."

"Probably. Which suits me just fine."

"What brings you back? I thought you'd gone on shift."

The seeker vibrated, easing tension. "I'd forgotten my portable transcriber."

"I think it's in the back. If you can find it in all the mess."

"Well, I'll give it a look." Starscream went to the bedroom and rummaged around. Skyfire adjusted the lids on the mixing tanks in the meantime.

Eventually Starscream returned with the transcriber and something else. "I found it."

"Good. Do you have a heavy schedule today?"

Starscream waved his hand. "Sort of medium." he put down the transcriber and held up a disk. "What's this?"

The big jet shrugged. "I don't know. You find that in the back?"

"It was on the other endtable." Starscream turned the disk about. "It looks like a personal disk."

"Don't look at me. I don't have any reason to record one."

"Odd." Starscream popped it into a side slot near the workstation. "Maybe it was left here before the lab was refitted."

"Probably."

There was a loud hum. An image beamed into the center of the room of an orange, curvy decepticon. She struck a brazen pose, flashing privacy panels.

Skyfire gawked. "Uh-"

[Hey, Skyfire. Just wanted to let you know I've got a soft spot. Can we get together sometime? My processors run for you. Love those shoulders! Let's hook up, we'd make _really_ good friends.]

Starscream tapped his fingers, observing his bondmate's reaction. _"Skyfire-"_

"I'd forgotten all about it." the somewhat sheepish jet shrugged.

Starscream pointed at the image. "Who is she?!" his voice dripped ice.

"Just someone I met on Bardocki 5-"

The message continued. [I'm often on the Rim, handsome. I can be found at other places too. My transmission coordinates are-]

"That's enough!" Starscream removed the disk.

"Come on, Star. She was just a casual acquaintance. Nothing happened."

"Her name, Skyfire." Starscream was impatient.

"RazorCut. She kept me company before Astrotrain and Blitzwing arrived at the club."

Starscream eyed his bondmate. "Something about her seems familiar. I can't quite place it." He popped the disk in again. "I'll do a closeup." the image honed on RazorCut's face.

"Don't tell me you think she's an enemy. That hardly seems likely."

"No, nothing like that." Starscream observed the image. "It's just her _face_ reminds me of someone."

Skyfire observed also. "Are you certain you haven't met before?"

"I've known a lot of decepticons over time, but not her. At least I don't think."

"Maybe she resembles someone you know."

"Perhaps." Starscream kept staring. "A good thing she was a casual acquaintance."

Skyfire rolled his optics. "You're too suspicious, Starscream."

"I've learned to be. And the majority of times I'm right."

Skyfire took the disk. "What's to be suspicious about? She was at Bardocki before I even got there. There was a fight, Astrotrain and Blitzwing appeared and the rest is history."

Starscream collected his transcriber and headed out. "We'll see. Sometimes things connect even when you don't see the dots."

****

The triplechangers were arguing amongst themselves in their private quarters. Shouts and curses nearly came to blows.

"Shut up."

_"You_ shut up. This is your damned fault, Astrotrain!"

"The hell it is, Octane. If you'd brought the cuffs we wouldn't be here now!"

"Yeah? What's wrong, losing your _touch?_ I thought you had his spark wrapped around your little finger."

"BOTH of you be quiet." Blitzwing bellowed. "I got polished for no slagging reason. Not even a kiss!"

"Is stupid." Breaker beeped loudly. "Am angry too. No booty call! Bad opportunity."

"Tell me about it." Blitzwing groused. "At least you had a head start. I never saw _any_ action!"

Octane jabbed Astrotrain in the chest. "Thanks to your impatience, we may not get another opportunity any time soon."

Astrotrain shoved the hand away. "What happened on _your_ end, mister 'mood control?' I _told_ you he was touchy! He was already asleep. All you had to do was keep him dreaming!"

"Then link his mind and get it over with!" Blitzwing sniped. "Any more scenes like this and we'll never get close enough to do anything."

"You've just got all the answers, don't you!" Astrotrain shoved his bondmate next. Blitzwing pushed back.

"Breaker had enough!" the minicon crackled with energy. "All triplechangers dumb."

"Then include _yourself,_ you pinheaded dink." Octane snarled, pointing.

"Breaker pissed, put everyone to sleep!"

"Go hump a busted strut!"

The decepticons faced off in earnest momentarily. Astrotrain held a hand up for cease.

"Wait. Fighting amongst ourselves won't win the prize."

Blitzwing was still angry. "So what is your solution?"

"As much as I hate to admit this, patience is our only option. If we force the issue now we'll risk alienating both Skyfire and Starscream. Plus, it would screw up our other plans."

"Have point." Breaker finally said.

"I had reservations about this from the beginning." Octane folded his arms. "Don't expect _me_ to embarass myself begging."

"Who said anything about begging?" Astrotrain replied. "There's always more than one opportunity."

"We could simply force the issue, you know."

"Bah. There's no satisfaction to be had from a puppet."

"No slave." Breaker agreed. "Is Quintesson way, not decepticon."

"Slag it, I'm lighting up." Octane dropped into a seat and lit a flashstick. "This morning is starting off like crap."

"At least you didn't waste a breem's worth of polishing." Blitzwing commented. "Perhaps an apology is in order."

"Too soon. Sky not listen now." Breaker beeped.

"All well and good." Blitzwing lit his own stick, grinning. "After all, a sincere apology takes practice. Skyfire should believe our regrets."

"Not need speech." Breaker added. "Need only sound good."

Astrotrain clapped a hand on his bondmate's shoulder. "When it comes to verbal persuasion, Blitz is second to none."

****

Frenzy and Rumble ate a quiet lunch in the cafeteria. Rumble was concerned for his brother who fretted nervously.

"I don't know about this, Rumble. Megatron's gonna hit the roof when he finds out about...you know."

"It's okay, man." Rumble rubbed his sibling in comfort. "I think it's great, myself. Funny thing, I was talking to Megatron earlier about the same topic earlier."

"You mean sparklings?"

"Yeah, and families in general. And you know the scuttlebut about why so many deceps were in the infirmiry."

"Is it possible? So many deceps having babies?"

"I dunno, there's been a lot of weirdness lately. Seems like a lot of junk got started with all those love notes being passed around."

"Wonder who was behind that?"

Rumble nibbled on an energon snack. "This has Breaker written all over it. He's always stickin' his nose in when it comes to sex."

"Or the battlechargers maybe?"

"Nah, they make too much noise. Ain't subtle enough."

Frenzy sighed. "Speaking of subtle, you find out anything about potential traitors?"

"A few murmurs, nothing specific. I do know there's a silent group on base makin' moves behind the scenes."

"We'll need names soon."

Rumble considered. "Problem is, no one's crazy enough to call themselves out. I'm thinking something's gonna break that will point to the conspirators."

Frenzy patted his chest in worry. "I feel so strange, bro. Different. This is a new experience for me."

"You tell Dead End yet?"

"Yeah, he fainted. Took two breems to revive him off the floor."

"Sheesh, you'd think he'd be excited."

"He was when he woke up. Raced right off to tell Motormaster. Me, I went into panic mode."

"We'll figure out something. Can you keep a secret?"

Frenzy shrugged. "Ah, come _on."_

Rumble leaned forward and lowered his voice. "Megatron and Soundwave are havin' a sparkling too!"

Red visiors flashed wildly. "How'd you find _that_ out!"

"Let's just say a little 'birdbot' told me, bro. And you know Megatron. If he pulls a play about the sparklings, we can call him out ourselves!"

"Sounds pretty dangerous, Rumble. Besides, it might hurt Soundwave. I wouldn't want that."

Rumble thought that over. "No. Maybe it won't come to all that, though."

Frenzy patted himself again. "You'd better hope not."

****

Skyfire was sketching more notes in the lab. Breaker popped out of a vent and rolled up quietly.

"Am sorry, Sky. Make mistake earlier."

Blue optics shimmered. "I'm not certain I completely believe you."

The sphere vibrated. "Breaker not lie."

"Maybe not, but I doubt you regret the outcome."

Breaker transformed to bot mode and patted a white leg. "Know well. Still, not intend harm."

Skyfire nodded slightly. "Come on up."

Visiors brightening, the minicon hopped up on the table. "Decepticons chase what want."

"Even if the decepticon they're chasing doesn't want them to?!"

A shrug of small shoulders. "Persistent. See value in you, said so before."

Skyfire tapped his fingers. "Whatever, Breaker. I'd rather forget the whole episode."

The minicon plopped down in a pile of data disks. "Is good. Not dwell with misunderstanding!"

"I _know_ what they want. There's nothing to misunderstand!"

Breaker snickered. "Object too loud! Enjoy, when not mad."

Skyfire poked him. "Think that's funny?"

"Is so. Still feel good, like conflict. Make decepticons excited!"

Skyfire clapped a hand over his head. "I give _up._ Let's get back to work!"

A small hand gripped his arm. "Tickle sticky now?"

"No tickle, and no sticky! Focus on _work,_ Breaker!"

"Breaker horny."

"That isn't news, either. Why didn't you play with the others?"

"Would have. Party stop too soon! Wanted sandwich."

"Does everyone get jumped in their sleep around here? I woke up just in time!"

Breaker was nonplussed. "So say."

Skyfire huffed. "I meant what I said, too. The next decepticon to try that stunt will be the last."

The minicon observed him, head cocked. "Come long way."

"Meaning!"

Breaker pointed. "Change complete, Breaker think. Hesitation gone. Will know complete when battle occurs."

Skyfire put a disk in small hands. "Read that. I don't have time to figure your riddles."

As the minicon reviewed the disk, Starscream entered the lab and looked about.

"Skyfire? I thought the battlechargers would be here."

Skyfire smiled slightly at his seeker. "They haven't arrived yet. I was hestitant to call them since the all hands meeting will be soon."

The seeker glanced at a wall chronometer. "You're right. I had a small task for them to do. However, it can wait." a slight smile. "Are you recovered from your near miss?"

Skyfire made a noise.

Starscream laughed. "Oh, don't be so stiff. It's kind of funny when you think about it."

"Yeah, I've been laughing all cycle. If it ever happens to you come back and we'll compare notes."

A mischevious optic winked. "But it _has_ happened to me, Sky. Many times over the years."

Skyfire gawked. _"What?"_

Starscream strutted his way, sparing Breaker a look. "Over time, you learn to put up with some things. I tell you again decepticons are _not_ like autobots. We go for it!"

Breaker agreed. "Second chance. Call others back?"

Starscream glared at the minicon. "Of course you can always push your luck!"

Skyfire folded his arms. "I see. So if I want something, just go and grab it?"

A raspy giggle. "Within reason. Otherwise you might spend most of your time in repairs. Even decepticons have limits!"

_"What_ limits? Everyone is all over the place."

"You may want to reciprocate. It's up to you."

Blue optics narrowed in suspicion. "Starscream. Are you telling me you've done this before?"

Silver lips kissed a pale cheekplate. "Do you really want to know?"

"Probably not."

"Consider it flattering to be in such high demand, Sky."

"Even if it involves the triplechangers?"

Starscream huffed. "Fighting them is pointless, and we need them for our plans. Besides, the more you deny them the more determined they get."

"Not so bad!" Breaker beeped nearby. "Give perfect sex, happy pleasure!"

Skyfire looked his friend over in amusement. "Spoken like a true vibrator."

A loud crackle interrupted over the comlink panel. "THIS IS MEGATRON. THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL COMMENCE IN APPROXIMATELY 50 ASTROSECONDS. ALL DECEPTICONS REPORT TO THE MAIN HALL."

Starscream pulled Skyfire by the hand as they exited the lab. "Let's go to the show."

****

Skyfire wound his way through rows of seats in the large conference hall. The air was full of murmurs as a sea of decepticons speculated on the purpose of the meeting.

Starscream disappeared momentarily only to reappear at the podium. Soundwave likewise took his position on the opposite side.

Idly, Skyfire observed the crowd. The other seekers and searchers were seated together, chatting amongst themselves. The insecticons were clustered beside the battlechargers. The combaticons and constructicons were also in a group. In another row sat the cassettes and Breaker.

The large jet felt oddly warm and relaxed, his circuitry pulsing with a familiar ache. Subconsciously his head tilted in the opposite direction. The triplechangers sat in the rear, optics giving no notice of anyone in the room.

_Odd._ Skyfire wondered at their distant demeanor. _They're up to something, I feel it in my processors. But what?_

"Hey, Skyfire?"

"Hm?" Skyfire glanced up at Motormaster. The hollow, gruff voice clanged off his audios like tin.

"Mind if I sit here? The joint's so crowded I don't feel like squeezing through to the other side."

"Sure, no problem."

The brutish decepticon looked around. "So what do you think? An emergency, maybe?"

"Somehow I doubt that. Otherwise the alarms would be going off everywhere."

"True." Motormaster fidgeted uncharacteristically.

"Why are you so nervous?"

"I'm not nervous!" the stunticon leader bellowed before lowering his voice quickly. "What I mean to say is, I'm wondering if Megatron has found out stuff."

"What are you talking about?"

Motormaster leaned in. "The rumors. And...well, you know a lot of deceps have been overcharging, right?

Skyfire stared, intrigued at the free information. "Let's just say I have an inside line on _why."_

The stunticon leader glanced around. "Then you know about...the sparklings, right?"

"There's been a lot of loose talk. Under wraps, of course."

"Yeah. But what Megatron might do worries me. I mean-"

"I know about Bombshell. Just keep it to yourself for now."

Motormaster gawked. "But...how?! We called ourselves keeping it quiet. Around here, you never know who you can trust!"

Skyfire lowered his optics and surveyed the crowd. "Trust won't be an issue if this meeting goes the way I expect."

Motormaster eyed him with suspicion. "You know something. If you choose a side, it better be the right one."

"You support Megatron, I take it."

"Who else? He's a fine leader, Skyfire. And we don't need seditious aftholes plotting behind his back. I'd hate fighting friends and allies." crimson optics narrowed with meaning.

The valkryie jet smiled coolly. "I might consider that a threat, Motormaster. A poor decision on your part."

The rough decepticon chuckled. "I get it. You scratch my struts, I scratch yours."

Skyfire smiled widely. "You'll make an excellent pada. Concentrate on that for the time being."

"I don't follow your meaning."

Blue optics saw Megatron enter the room. "I'm not surprised."

****'

Megatron strutted to the dias with flourish. Starscream and Soundwave stood slightly off to each side like twin sentinels.

"So, you're all here. Good." Dark grey fingers pulled a flashstick from pale lips and crushed it.

The triplechangers watched with glee from their vantage point in back.

/Have we been smoking?/

/The sound queen is barely standing. I think they hit it together./

/No fool like an old fool./

/And we should know./

/Are we fools?/

/No, but _they_ are./

Megatron straightened visibily. "No doubt you all wonder at this impromptu meeting. Today, I will cover several topics."

The triplechangers continued their bizarre communication. ///Round and round we go. Will the brain crack? Who can know?///

Megatron continued, unaware of their internal dialogue. He shifted slightly, optics hazing erratically.

"First off. Let me begin by saying I feel a lot more like I do now than I did before. This is what it has come to, and now that we know it, we can deal with it for what it is. This we know, as well as _what_ we know."

Everyone was silent.

"To continue, then. Our energy consumption is unacceptable. I has come to my mind, I mean _attention_ that many decepticons are recharging several times a day."

Numerous pairs of optics glanced about nervously.

Megatron swayed a bit. "This is generally, not, well something I want. Do you understand? It has to stop because I say so. And like, because I _am your leader!_ So get it through your brainboxes that no one is to recharge like that."

Stares of confusion were everywhere. Soundwave edged up uncomfortably.

/Love, are you well? They're all looking at you./

"I am...Megatron!" wild optics flared as Megatron waved him off. "And I...rule!"

"Certainly, Megatron." Starscream was enjoying himself immensely.

"Damn...straight." Megatron poked a red wing. "Now where was I?"

"You were speaking of excessive recharging."

"Correct. Excessive, that is too much energy is used by overcharging. I trust I've made my point clear?"

Skyfire strained not to laugh. /Whatever your point is, idiot./

"I know there is conspiracy on this base. I will root it out! I've not led the decepticons for millions of years to be run out by some half afted ambition!" Megatron abruptly pointed at the cassettes.

"Friends today, enemies tomorrow. Who knows what fate may hold? Who knows what evil lurks in the cores of decepticons?"

Frenzy glanced at his brother. /What the frag is he talking about?/

"As I look around I see elite decepticon warriors. But how many of you plot behind your optics? And yes, I know the reason so many of you went to the infirmiry!"

Soundwave put a hand on his shoulder. "Megatron, please. Perhaps this meeting should recess until another time."

Megatron pushed off. "No, it will continue!" he pointed at the assembly.

"Know this. Any treachery will be punished. I am...I rule! And as your king I won't be lied to. Does anyone want to come forward and confess?"

No one did.

"Perhaps I will initiate brain scans on you all. In the meantime, the next topic will deal with secrets. There are...too many on this base. The thing I don't like is when none of you come forward with your secrets."

Octane covered his face to hide his expression.

"But despite treachery at every corner, I am a forgiving leader. And bigger than you know. For nothing..._nothing_ takes precedence over the cause!" Megatron waved wildly at nothing.

"In the meantime, I will grant a favor to you all. Starting this cycle I rescind the previous restrictions on late visitations and walking in hallways. You are now permitted to do both. Add to that the curfew ban is now lifted."

Blitzwing barely choked back a laugh.

"It does no good to keep secrets. I know this base is full of _sparklings!"_ Megatron bellowed, slamming his fist on the podium.

The decepticons gaped in shock.

"Ah, thought you could slip that by me? I am MEGATRON. Whatever there is to find out, I find out. And anything else I know already."

Skyfire glanced at his bondmate, his expression speaking volumes.

"My own troops don't trust me with personal information! This burns my boron compressors. Shall I declare an edit that all sparklings be exiled?!"

_That_ created a stir among the ranks as voices jabbered excitedly. Skyfire started to rise when a familiar voice sounded in his head.

/Not yet, young one. Patience!/

Skyfire halted abruptly, staring into space. /Blitzwing?/

/Let this farce finish. The damage is already done./

/We'll discuss your ability to scan my brain later./

/A most delightful brain it is./

/Enough!/ Skyfire returned his attention to their seemingly mad leader.

Megatron cackled crazily. "My my, the natives are restless. Have I touched a few sensors?" he made a grand gesture.

"Tell us more, great leader." it was all Starscream could manage, his tone smug.

"At a suggestion from a trusted associate, I have decided to increase frequency of shifts around the cycle. This will insure that work continues while the little rejects pop out."

Skywarp edged close to his bondmate. /Thundercracker, what the slag's happened to Megatron?/

/I'll look into it. This isn't a coincidence./ Thundercracker went into analysis mode. [Hardwire designation Thundercracker. Analysis aberrant behavior on subject Megatron. Probability mechanical malfunction on systems, ten percent. Probability of brain degeneration, twenty eight percent. Probability of outside influence, eighty nine percent. Outside influence factor unknown. Causative factors several, need more data.]

Skywarp pretended to listen as Megatron ranted on. /Suspicious, isn't it?/

Thundercracker barely nodded. /Something is causing this, but what I don't know. He isn't malfunctioning in the normal sense./

/If I didn't know better I'd swear he was high!/

Thundercracker glanced at his bondmate in surprise.

****

Over the next eight breems Megatron rambled about everything, anything and nothing. From the formation of stars to the destruction of all autobots. Then he lectured about decepticon regulations on Cybertron. His troops were growing restless and agitated.

Motormaster spoke out the side of his mouth to Skyfire. "I think he's cracked his brainbox."

"The stress of leadership." Skyfire said evenly. "How long do we have to hear this, I wonder."

"I don't know, but I'd just as soon get back to quarters. Bombshell needs rest."

"Hmm." Skyfire caught the optic of his bondmate. Starscream stood like a statue, but could barely contain his joy.

/Don't dance yet, Star./

/Oh we will, Sky! And celebrate properly./

"Hey." Motormaster kept his voice low. "You think...maybe Megatron needs to...step down?"

Skyfire motioned him to silence. "Not here. Are you crazy?"

The brutish decepticon covered his mouth. "Yeah, right. Almost forgot myself."

Meanwhile, Megatron continued on. "And the rest of you are having sparklings. Baby bots. You know, LITTLE people. No bigger than this." he made a space with his arms. "Teeny weeny, itty bitty-"

Soundwave couldn't take anymore. "This meeting will be recessed until another time."

Megatron staggered at him. "You dare stop your king's public address? I'm on a roll here!"

"Yes, but other matters are more pressing." Soundwave soothed. "We can announce the new schedules later?"

Megatron held his chin, wobbling. "Yes. Yes...this meeting is adjourned." he waved at his troops. "Go on. Wander in the halls and get laid or something." and without a backward glance he stumbled out.

"Those of you on shift, return to duty." Starscream said crisply. "All others are on leisure time. Dismissed."

A perplexed and confused group of decepticons filtered out.

****

Private conversations about Megatron's behavior ran rampant on base. The rumor mill had Megatron suffering from brain rust and stress.

Meanwhile, a very old group of manipulators returned to seclusion to revel in their success. The triplechangers collapsed in hysterical laughter on their living room floor. Breaker likewise lost his composure, spinning and whirling crazily in sphere mode.

"Is funny! Megatron crack brain, seem stupid. Talk dumb, on and on."

Astrotrain hugged Octane on the floor and kissed him. "No wonder I love you!"

Blitzwing staggered up, still laughing. "I swear, I haven't had so much fun since I gave Alpha Trion a hot foot!"

Octane rolled to his side, grinning. "Yeah, listening to Megatron discredit himself completely was a blast."

Astrotrain lay on his back, lighting a flashstick. "That stuff had him wrecked. More importantly, it's addictive. So the fun is just beginning!"

Breaker transformed to bot mode and hopped on them all excitedly. "Beginning of end, Megatron. Have party!"

Blitzwing went to the kitchen and grabbed some energon cocktails. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Still, this is a splendid start!" he handed out glasses and poured. The others roared with laughter as Blitzwing shook extra cocktail over them in celebration.

****

Starscream likewise was feeling giddy and gleeful. He literally floated into the lab. Skyfire was nowhere to be seen, however.

"All right, I know you're here! Stop hiding."

Silence. Huffing, Starscream went to the back. "Oh, honestly."

He'd barely peered through the bedroom entrance when powerful arms swept him up.

"Skyfire!" a delighted screech.

"Gotcha." the big jet whirled to the bed and flopped forward, pulling Starscream over him in a heap.

"Crazy-" a kiss silenced shrieking protest.

/Still greedy, I see./

/Of course. One tasty seeker, to go. Oil optional./

A giggle against pale lips. /You're so silly./

Nuzzle. "Did you enjoy yourself earlier?"

Starscream sprawled over his bondmate. "It was a hoot. Seeing Megatron babble like a boob was pure comedy."

"He sounded so stupid it was hard to sit still. I nearly blew a port to keep from laughing."

A snicker as Starscream cuddled. "You weren't the only one. Did you see the insecticons? I think Kickback was in tears."

"Not to get overconfident, of course."

"No. Still, I have to thank Octane. His subtle maneuvering is far safer on base than direct confrontation."


"There's another victory in all this, Star. Even Megatron's allies doubt his soundness to command now. A slight nudge should bring the malcontents out in the open."

"Good point." Starscream vibrated, stretching his wings. "However, it will take more than a single incident to convince them. No doubt some of the decepticons think this is merely an aberration."

"True. I'm certain Octane has laid out a schedule."

The seeker screeched and curled up suddenly, holding himself.

"Starscream!"

A cringe. "I'm...alright, Sky."

Skyfire was instantly worried. "Star, get under the blankets." he rolled metallic fabric over his bondmate.

Starscream sighed, sinking into a soft cocoon. "Ah, that's better. I was cold and didn't realize it."

"It's been a long cycle."

"But a memorable one." a weary smile. "I think our sparklings made a statement just now. I had one hell of a surge."

Blue optics twinkled with amusement. "Then it's up to me to keep you warm." he sidled in alongside. Gentle strokes on a shining faceplate. "You're beautiful, you know."

Starscream smiled. "I've heard that a hundred times."

"It's still true." Skyfire kissed a smooth nose. "The future is ours, Star. Rest now."

Red optics dimmed and closed. "With you at my side, anything is possible."

to be continued