Wing Shift

submission dated 8-11-08
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


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


Tales of the Weird

For the third time Skyfire plucked his minicon from a hot vat of molten ore. Breaker was scribing notes and got too

close again, falling in.

"What in the world is wrong with you today, Breaker?"

The minicon hiccuped, beeping. "Not problem. Celebrate much last night."

Skyfire rubbed quicksilver like sludge from his friend, buffing him dry over a table. "This is ridiculous. You can't even

stand up straight, much less concentrate."

Another beep. "Drinks and much sticky, Breaker think. Had smoke and tickle!"

Skyfire paused in his buffing. "You mean to tell me you smoked those loaded sticks? Are you insane?!"

Breaker burped, an odd buzzing sound. "Not same effect, triplechangers. Have high tolerance, not make insane."

"That depends on your point of view." Skyfire chided, still blotting the minicon. "If you can't keep your mind on the job

you may as well take the cycle off."

"Megatron not approve. Get ahead of self."

"Oh really?"

"Is so." the minicon's voice was muffled under cleaning cloths. "Am assigned until otherwise. All other duties extra.

So not go."

Skyfire chuckled. "Well at least relax until the battlechargers get here."

The hiccuping decepticon leaned against his friend. "Good idea. Barely made back for shift."

"What were you celebrating?"

Breaker attempted to stand and promptly fell on his backside. "Not have good party in while."

"What, five astroseconds?"

"Not funny. Celebrate success of plan!"

"You're talking about Megatron's speech."

"Is so. Megatron erratic, all over place. Babble at decepticons, not make sense."

"I understand he had a small accident already." Skyfire's optics narrowed.

"Things funny." the partially drunken minicon flopped on the table. "Not know what might happen next!"

"Tell me what happened." Skyfire turned his friend over. Breaker scratched his head innocently.

"Megatron tour base on regular schedule. Hallway slippery. Fall, crack leg strut."

"How convenient."

Breaker shrugged innocently. "Soundwave visit in infirmiry. Megatron angry, says will investigate."

Skyfire laughed. "Another general meeting? I can only imagine what he'll talk about."

"Not certain. Overhear many decepticons. Say Megatron going crazy."

"Is the supply of sticks holding up?"

"Have many sticks! Kickback make more, have network supply."

Skyfire put a few disks on the lab table. "I suppose the investigation will prove fruitless."

"Could be. Breaker not know! Stuff happens."

"Drink this." Skyfire handed Breaker a small cube of green energon. "It's loaded with ions. Good for getting rid of

hangovers!"

The minicon stared at it before drinking. A burp. "Is better. Great batch!"

"Well you certainly couldn't work falling over."

"Not fall over now." Breaker immediately stood up. "Hear battlechargers arrive."

The lab door swooshed open seconds later. "Hey, Skyfire. Back on track!" Runabout and Runamuck grinned.

Skyfire pointed across the lab. "Good. Start by taking the lids off those tanks. I want to see if we have any colloidial

solutions."

"Sounds like a plan." Runamuck pulled at one of the lids. Runabout approached the work area.

"So what'd you think of Megatron's speech? Weird, huh?"

"Very." Skyfire was writing on a pad.

"So like...when's it gonna happen?"

"Happen?"

Runabout leaned forward in conspiracy. "You know...the plan."

Skyfire pulled his mouthplate down. "You _idiot!_ Stop talking this way in the open."

Breaker pointed. "Dumb."

Runamuck shouted over. "He's right, bro. Overthrowin' Megatron is dangerous buisness. You don't walk around this

base and keep your head talkin' like that."

Runabout rubbed his head. "Yeah, well...where's our muscle? It's gonna take more than the group of us to make it

work."

"Your only concern right now is the task at hand." Skyfire snapped.

"But who else?" the stubborn battlecharger wanted to know.

"All in good time." Skyfire pointed at the tanks again. "In the meantime, check those."

"Fine!" Runabout stomped over beside his struggling brother. "What are you doing?"

"Tank one is shot." Runamuck announced, rapping his knuckles against hard substance. "This metal is set solid."

Breaker immediately transformed to sphere mode and bounded into the vat, landing on glossy surface. "Is true, Sky.

Molecules set."

"Unbelievable." Skyfire went over and stared at his reflection in the vat. He traced a finger, leaving a light mark.

"Solid, but not impermeable. Do an analysis, Breaker."

The sphere hummed. "Molecular matrix density, plus or minus 77 idons. Fracture point on angular matrice, 38

degrees. Gerbodym percentage in amalgram, 82 percent."

"We'll chip a piece and run tests for energy transmission and stability."

Runamuck had moved over to the next tank. "Now this is _really_ gross."

Everyone edged to the second tank. A silvery, jelly like mass floated in nearly clear liquid.

Skyfire made a face. "I think this is our throwaway mixture."

Breaker beeped, staring down. "Might make secondary lubricant. Still save."

"What for, Breaker? There's no matrix strength for shells."

"Still save." the minicon insisted. "Not discount elements yet."

"We'll see." Skyfire moved to the third tank. "Now this is more like it." He stirred a finger in the vat. The ore had a

smooth, pasty consistency like paint.

Breaker gave an instant analysis. "Molecular matrix density, plus or minus 42 idons. Fracture point on straight

matrice, 11 degrees. Nubunium percentage in amalgram, 69 percent."

"Kinda funny the way this worked out." Runabout commented, poking at the solution.

"How so?"

"Well one's too hard, the other's too soft, and the third one's just right."

"Which one is your head?" Skyfire glared at the silly battlecharger.

****

"For the love of Cybertron, will you come out of there, Skywarp?" a frustrated Thundercracker called to his

bondmate. Skwarp refused to leave the shower.

"You go ahead, Thundercracker. Besides, my shift isn't for another twenty breems."

"So? Why are you hiding from me? This is ridiculous!"

"I'm not coming out." muffled bumps against the shower stall.

"I've had enough of this." grumbling, Thundercracker stormed to the back and dragged his bondmate into the living

room.

A shove onto the couch. "Now what's your problem?"

_"Look_ at me!" Skywarp made a grand gesture. "I'm getting wider than Onslaught!"

"So?! What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing, if you're a _combaticon!"_

"You aren't getting that big, Skywarp. Stop exaggerating!"

"I'm not." the purple seeker looked at himself in a mirror. "I'm spreading all over the place!"

Thundercracker threw his hands up. "I think you've lost your mind."

"No I haven't." a pause. "So tell me the truth. I can take it!"

Thundercracker sighed, giving his bondmate a hug. "The truth is, you're gorgeous. Now stop worrying about your

shape!"

Skwarp patted himself glumly. "In a few breems I won't _have_ a shape."

Before Thundercracker could comment further, their private intercomm buzzed.

"You expecting company, Skywarp?"

"No." the purple seeker abruptly bolted to the bedroom. Thundercracker rolled his optics in annoyance. He hit the

intercomm panel.

"Who is it?"

[This is Starscream. Let me in, Thundercracker.]

"Can you come by later? We're busy."

[At it so early, Cracker? You always were greedy, first thing.]

"Look, I don't have time for this-"

[I won't take long. There is information you need to know.]

A pause. "Okay." he moved aside, hitting the entry release. Starscream strode past and looked about.

"Where's Skywarp?"

Thundercracker jerked a thumb. "In the back. He's-"

"Is that Starscream?" Skywarp shouted from the bedroom.

"Who else?" the red seeker glared. "Now get out here! My schedule is busy today."

Skywarp peeped around a corner. "What can we do for you?"

Starscream stared in disbelief. "You can start by moving your carcass out here. What are you doing?"

"I'm-" Skywarp edged out slowly. "Nothing."

"Good." Starscream noted the agitation. "Are you alright?"

"Starscream, I'm getting fat."

Raspy laughter. "And _that's_ why you were hiding?"

"What the hell's so funny about it?" Skwarp was offended, moving into the living room.

"Who do you think you're talking to? At least you aren't having twins!"

"He's been going on about this all morning." Thundercracker supplied.

Skwarp's mood improved as he looked Starscream over. "Yeah, you _do_ look kind of thick in the aft area-"

Starscream made a fist. "And I'll gladly _kick_ some aft if you don't show more respect!"

"It's all relative, Starscream." Skywarp smiled. "I mean, I was feeling really self conscious until I saw you."

Red optics flared. "Don't push your luck, Skywarp." Starscream couldn't resist glancing at his reflection. "Is my aft

_really_ getting that big?" he patted himself.

"Maybe a little." Thundercracker commented. "Not that it looks bad or anything. It's kind of cute, actually"

_"What?!"_

Thundercracker smirked. "Some cushion for the pushin'. More goodies to play with."

"I can't believe I'm _hearing_ this!" a screech.

"Don't be so sensitive, Screamer." Skywarp teased. "A healthy mainframe is very attractive!"

Starscream turned on the purple seeker. "Look who's talking. Maybe we should hang a _boarding pass_ sign over

your backside!"

"You're gaining more weight than _I_ am!" Skywarp patted himself, turning in a circle.

The red seeker snickered. "Perhaps we should remove all the doors. That might accomodate your new body."

"At least I can still get off the _ground,_ Starscream!"

Thundercracker whistled. "Hey, _time out!_ Starscream, what information do you have?"

"We'll get to that momentarily." Starscream snapped. "I'll ask you, Thundercracker. What do you think?"

"Think about what?"

"Me." Starscream turned about. "Am I wide?"

"Well, uh..."

"So I'm _fat,_ then?!" a screech. Starscream pointed at Skywarp next. "This is ridiculous. Whoever heard of

pregnant seekers?"

Skywarp shrugged incredulously. "It's not like we're exempt or anything! You're the one who's not making any

sense."

"We'll see about that." Starscream dropped into a seat. "Now sit, both of you. There are things you need to know."

Skywarp folded his arms. "Only if you apologize."

Starscream huffed. "Fine. I'm sorry you're fat!"

Skywarp reached for him, but Thundercracker intervened. "Knock it off, you two. Settle down!"

Skywarp looked behind himself. "I don't think I'm fat."

"Who cares?" the blue seeker was annoyed. He yanked his bondmate into a seat. "We've got more important things

to worry about!"

"I'm glad _someone_ around here is reasonable." Starscream snipped.

Thundercracker sat next to Skywarp and gripped his hand. "Okay, it's your show. What's the latest?"

Starscream looked around. "Do you have anything to eat?"

"You came here to eat?!"

"Don't be absurd, Thundercracker. I merely need a nibble."

"We're well stocked, all things considered." Thundercracker glanced at Skywarp.

The purple seeker wasn't amused. "Very funny, 'Cracker. There's plenty in the kitchen, but don't take all the candy."

Starscream dashed from the living room. "I wouldn't dream of it."

****

Skyfire dipped a sample from tank 2 onto a large slab of glass. Breaker observed carefully.

"Sense substance of use, Sky."

Skyfire dropped his visiors, extending his vision to microscopic level. He probed the jelly like blob with a glass tube.

"It appears to be a sludge alloy with elements of Nubunium."

Breaker nodded in agreement. "Also composition Cybellum. Matrix congruent but irregular. Not true strength factor,

may be of different use."

"Fascinating. You're right." Skyfire picked the blob up with tweezers under a light. The reflection glinted off his blue

visiors. "Cybellum is the major component of our bodies. Perhaps a surgical use?"

"Lubrication." Breaker beeped innocently.

Skyfire threw him a look.

The battlechargers laughed nearby. Runamuck swished a hand in the second tank, holding up a gelatinous mass

that oozed through his fingers. "It's just fancy glop if you ask me."

Skyfire nodded from his station. "It doesn't appear to have much practical use for our current experiment. However,

it might be wise to save some for future reference."

Runabout picked up a small bottle on a nearby shelf. "It kind of looks like this stuff here."

Breaker stared at him sharply. "Put down! Has unstable chemistry. Not casual use."

The battlecharger humphed, shaking the bottle. "Big deal. I usta work in all kinds of labs on Cybertron. There was

always throwaway junk in containers everywhere."

Skyfire also glanced up in alarm. "Runabout, _stop shaking that!_ It's zanthium chlorate."

"So?" the battlecharger looked the bottle over. "What, is it a bomb or something?"

"No, but it's a highly volatile medium used for conducting energy."

Runamuck likewise squinted at the bottle, examining it closely. "Then maybe you shouldn't have it out. Put it in cold

storage or something!" he snatched the bottle from his brother.

"Is _idiot!"_ Breaker pointed excitedly.

"What the hell's your problem, Runamuck?!" Runabout grabbed back at the bottle. "You'd think I never handled

delicate stuff before. Quit being an afthole!"

Skyfire stood up from his station. "I said _stop it,_ you two-"

The foolish battlechargers struggled with the bottle. "Quite messing around, Runabout!" The bottle slipped from

Runamuck's hands, flying into the air.

_"Hit deck!!"_ Breaker shouted, diving for the floor.

Skyfire barely had time to move when the lab exploded.

****

Blitzwing was tracing gentle patterns over Astrotrain's wings when a thundering rumble vibrated the floors. Both

triplechangers paused in their affections, staring upward.

"Pit take it, what was _that?!"_ Blitzwing wondered at spreading cracks in their bedroom ceiling.

Astrotrain stared at nothing. "An explosion, Blitz. But it can't be Octane."

/Can't be and isn't./ a familiar voice echoed in their minds.

The triplechangers didn't miss a beat. /Who, then?/ Blitzwing wanted to know.

/I have no idea. I thought you might know. The impact is on the second level, far west side./

/The lab is in that direction./ Astrotrain surmised. /We'd better check it out./

/Not too quickly, Astro. Wait for the alarms. Besides, I'm sure Megatron is on his way./

/No doubt. Point taken./

Loud klaxon alarms interrupted their mental communication.

/Speak of the devil./ Octane commented.

The intercomm blared. [DECEPTICONS, THIS IS MEGATRON. THERE HAS BEEN AN EXPLOSION IN THE

SCIENCE LAB. ALL SHIFT DETAIL REPORT IMMEDIATELY FOR DAMAGE CONTROL. MEGATRON OUT.]

/Are you going, Octane?/ Blitzwing asked.

/I'm not on shift, but I'll make a token appearance. I don't feel like stupid suspicion just now./

/Let's face it, we'd all better go or face suspicion./

Astrotrain was annoyed. /So much for a lazy cycle. But it's never boring around here!/

/Too many interruptions. I do my best work when it's quiet./ Blitzwing added.

/Except for all the noise./ Octane cracked. /This interruption is a blessing in disguise. Don't you have enough

already?!/

/There's never too many./ Astrotrain cut in. /Ask Shrapnel!/

A pause. /Fool. What about DeadEye?/

/A moment of weakness, dear Octane. One that you also succumbed to, I might add./

/We all did. I don't want to hear it./

/I believe Octane's in denial, Astrotrain./

/Cram it, Blitzwing. I had to find out the truth later!/

/You already knew the truth, Octane. You hold grudges for the hell of it./

/Till the end of time. Remember that, Blitzwing./

/What for? Nobody denies anything. At this point, who cares?/

Astrotrain was impatient. /I know I don't. We can have this discussion later when we get home! Preferably not./

/So you say, Astrotrain./

/It's old news, Octane. So what if you didn't find out first? We have no secrets. Now let it go!/

/I haven't decided./

/Whatever. Right now we have a dictator to appease, so I suggest you get your aft to the lab./

Astrotrain paused, waiting for a response but none came. He smiled at his bondmate. "Can you believe he's still

pissing about DeadEye?"

Blitzwing eased out of bed, smiling. "Everyone has a soft spot for that misbegotten wretch. In the meantime, let's

find out about the lab."

****

The acute senses of three seekers were honed as they wondered at the tremors.

"Guess we'd better go to the show." Thundercracker stood immediately after Megatron's announcement.

"Yes, there's no time to waste!" a worried Starscream moved to the door. /Skyfire?/

/I'm fine, Star. Explaining things to Megatron right now./

Calming visibly, Starscream waved at Skywarp. "Come on, you're too slow!"

The purple seeker held himself. "Just another stupid surge. I'll be fine."

Thundercracker braced his bondmate as they headed out. "I've got you."

****

Starscream couldn't believe his optics. The hallway outside the lab was a mess. The constructicons had rigged

giant hoses into disposal portals and were pumping residue from the floors. The surrounding walls were charred

and cracked with one door blown completely off.

It was the sight of his bondmate that made him speechless. His beautiful shuttle was now completely black,

resembling a giant shadow with wings. Weirdly blue optics glowed over his coated face. Skyfire was speaking with

an agitated Megatron off to the side. Nearby, the subdued battlechargers were pinned against another wall by Vortex

and Brawl. Frenzy and Rumble were also aiding in the cleanup, bringing out debris in large bins. Runabout and

Runamuck were likewise solid black, their features obscured except for their optics. Breaker was nowhere to be

seen. Dusty footprints were everywhere.

"This is crazy." Skywarp observed the chaos. "Look at Skyfire! What's happened to him?"

"That's what I intend to find out." Starscream stepped away from the others, approaching Megatron.

The decepticon leader waved his way. "Over here, Starscream. It's about time you showed up!"

"I got here as quickly as possible." the red seeker glanced up at his bizarre looking bondmate.

"Skyfire? What occurs here?"

"I was explaining to Megatron the circumstance. There was an accident with a chemical mixture being transported to

one of the tanks. It was highly volatile."

Crimson optics narrowed. "Apparently so. I trust your appearance is temporary?"

The big jet glanced at his black hands. "Carbon scoring from the blast. It's going to take a thorough cleaning to get

this off."

"We'll see to that immediately." Megatron interrupted. He faced Starscream. "Handle this situation, Starscream.

Skyfire has given me a full report of damage. It will likely take two or three cycles to complete repairs. Thanks to

those idiotic battlechargers the research has taken a setback."

"Fortunately the storage areas and tanks are intact." Skyfire added. "The majority of the blast directed outward past

the doors."

"What about your models and data information?" Starscream asked.

"The models have some damage but are repairable. The data disks appear sound, but I'll have to test them. There

are backups in storage, though."

"Good." Starscream turned to Megatron. "What do you want done with the battlechargers?"

Megatron turned to the quaking brothers. "I want them in stasis for seven cycles. Their horseplay has caused a

critical setback!"

"B-but Megatron, we didn't do anything on purpose!" Runabout blubbered. "It was an accident-"

"Silence, you fool! Speak again and I'll have you tortured as well."

"If I may make a request, Megatron." Skyfire stated.

"A request?"

"Allow me to punish these morons. They've wrecked my lab and ruined my most recent research."

Megatron appeared amused. "Indeed?"

"Besides, they made this mess. It's their responsibility to clean it up!"

Megatron held his chin. "Perhaps that would be fitting punishment."

"May I begin?" the big jet asked.

A scratchy chuckle. "By all means, Skyfire. Proceed! I would see this."

Vortex and Brawl moved aside. "Don't bruise 'em too much." Brawl sniggered.

"Don't worry Brawl, I'll be gentle." Skyfire's tone was anything but.

The battlechargers cringed against a wall. "Now Skyfire, _wait-"_

Two large, black hands reached out. Grabbing both battlechargers, Skyfire proceeded to crack their heads together.

Once.

Twice.

Three times.

Megatron and the other decepticons laughed themselves senseless. The dizzy and disoriented battlechargers

staggered about before collapsing on the floor.

****

The triplechangers arrived just in time to see the show. They stood next to to Skywarp and Thundercracker.

"Pretty funny." Octane was amused. "But why is everyone black?"

Thundercracker shrugged. "I have no idea. Must be some residue from the explosion."

"I don't see Breaker anywhere. Odd." Blitzwing commented.

"It is kind of weird." Skywarp agreed. "Wasn't his primary assignment the lab?"

The decepticon tank looked him over. "It is. Your sparkling grows, by the way."

"Not here!" Thundercracker hissed. "Are you nuts?"

"You can trust us." Astrotrain kept his voice low. "Megatron's distracted by the confusion anyway. Don't be

concerned."

"We know damn well what's going on behind the scenes. And who's pulling the strings."

"This is not the place to discuss things, dear Thundercracker."

Skywarp was edgy. "Why are you here, anyway?"

Octane answered. "The same reason you are."

"But you aren't on shift."

"Technically, no. But if we don't make an appearance, what do you think Megatron would say?"

Skywarp considered. "You have a point."

Blitzwing was nonplussed. "It's not as if we're needed, anyway. There's more than enough decepticons available

here for lab cleanup."

"I don't even think Megatron's noticed us yet." Octane observed.

****

Skyfire stood over the unconscious battlechargers. Megatron moved to his side.

"Well done, Skyfire." he motioned to LongHaul and Hook. "Take these simpletons to the temporary holding cell on

level three. At 0900 breems tomorrow, have them report here. The lab is to be their assignment indefinitely until I say

otherwise."

Starscream rolled his optics _Oh, great._

Megatron spoke to Skyfire. "Will you need temporary accomodations while the lab is repaired?"

Skyfire shook his head. "The housing quarters are intact. There appears to be no damage to the rear apartment."

"Good, that streamlines things. Meanwhile, check your data for damage. The constructicons will have new tables

rigged up for you by this evening."

"What about the doors?"

"Mixmaster is making a repair seal as we speak." he turned to Brawl. "Go to the sub level storage areas and find a

suitable replacement door."

The combaticon signalled. "As you command, Megatron." he briskly took his leave.

Starscream watched in satisfaction the bustle of activity. "Everything seems under control here, Megatron. Do you

want me to remain?"

The decepticon leader nodded. "Stay here and supervise. I'll be returning to the bridge." he glanced briefly at the

seekers and triplechangers nearby.

"You aren't needed at the current time, but remain on standby alert."

Nodding assent, the other decepticons took their leave. Megatron watched them go before turning to Starscream.

"Meet with me tomorrow morning at 0110 breems regarding replacement materials for the lab."

"As you command, leader." Starscream inclined his head slightly. Megatron eyed him oddly but made no further

comment as he left.

****

Skyfire stepped over hoses and entered the lab, assessing the overall damage inside. Fortunately, most of it was

cosmetic. Starscream edged up behind him.

"Where is your assistant?"

The big jet stared about in confusion. "That's what I've been wondering. Hopefully the blast didn't blow him

somewhere."

Loud beeping up high caught their attention. Dangling from a loose ceiling fixture was an all black Breaker. The

coated minicon waved with one free hand.

"Up here, big Sky! Breaker black, too."

Skyfire chuckled. "So I see. It seems to be the color of the day."

The minicon pointed at the floor. "Watch out for hole."

Starscream noticed for the first time. _"By the pit!"_ not ten feet away was a gigantic crater in the lab floor.

Skyfire walked the edge. "This is ridiculous."

Starscream shouted past the broken doors. "Rumble! Get in here."

The frazzled cassette walked in. "Yeah, Starscream?"

"Tell Mixmaster we'll need approximately sixty cubic feet of plantonium to repair the lab floor. Make it a priority over

the replacement tables."

Rumble stared at the mess. "Sheesh. Can do." he glanced up, seeing Breaker. "How's the weather up there,

shorty?"

Breaker wasn't amused. "Rumble not funny."

Rumble noted Skyfire's appearance next. "What happened to you?"

"New color scheme. Like it?"

"Nah, you look like a freaky cutout figure."

Starscream pointed at the doors. "Get going!"

Breaker beeped. "Yes. Or Breaker fall on and smash!"

Rumble pointed at the minicon. "Hey, keep him up there. I think he makes a good decoration!"

"Decorate floor with Rumble pieces!"

"Knock it off, you two." Starscream shoved Rumble out. "Enough of this, already."

****

Remarkably, the lab was nearly overhauled by the end of the cycle. The floor was repaired and new tables were

brought in. Longhaul replaced the light fixtures and Mixmaster added a new frame and seals to the replacement door

Brawl found. The exterior hallway still showed evidence of damage but was serviceable for the time being, the

interior being more priority. The constructicons were slated to complete repairs to the hallway over the next cycle.

Meanwhile, the still black Skyfire was seated and reviewing his multiple data disks. His also black minicon had

collected the damaged molecular models and placed them on another work table.

Starscream decided to make himself useful by restocking the storage shelves and nooks. Samples were placed

neatly in their proper locations, along with stylus pens and writing pads. He attached the new projection screen on a

wall.

"I must say, this lab looks even better than it did before." the seeker dusted his hands off in satisfaction.

"I have to thank you, Star. This repair job has been remarkable."

"Decepticons efficient, fast." Breaker beeped from his work area.

"Very true, Breaker. And you're most welcome, Sky." Starscream sat across from his bondmate at the table, hands

neatly in his lap.

Skyfire paused. "You've been keeping your distance from me. What's wrong, don't I get a kiss? We're alone for the

rest of the night."

The seeker cocked his head in observation. "I refuse to kiss you like that. You look like a bizarre service droid."

Skyfire grinned, his smile disappearing under black. "I must look strange."

"Weird is more like it. I can't see anything but your optics. A good cleaning is in order."

"Breaker need cleaning, too!" the minicon quipped, holding up a component.

Starscream looked his way. "It's going to be a long night, that's for certain."

Skyfire glanced at his assistant. "Breaker, I think we can call it a cycle. The data disks are still usable, so we won't

need the backups. How about those models?"

"Breaker can repair tomorrow. Not bad. But miss spill!" the minicon pointed across the room.

"Spill?" Starscream was curious, staring. Near a console was a large puddle of iridescent liquid.

"Skyfire, you see that?"

"Yes. Curious, I thought we got everything." the big jet walked over to the puddle, touching it. "This must be another

sludge material."

"Not like first." Breaker observed, rolling over in sphere mode. "Different structure, lighter density."

Starscream snickered, glancing at the black sphere. "You look like a cueball, Breaker."

"Is so. Agree color peculiar."

The seeker kneeled by the spill next. "Was this one of your samples from before, Sky?"

Skyfire didn't answer immediately. "Starscream, look at my hand!"

"By Cybertron!"

Skyfire's hand was pristine and spotless where he touched the liquid.

"Amazing, Sky." Starscream stared at his reflection in the puddle. "A renewing salve of some sort! With cleaning

properties to boot."

Skyfire nodded in excitement. "Breaker, analyze this substance!"

"Can do!" The sphere lowered a thin tube into the liquid. A quiet hum.

"Molecular density 9.44 giz per rendlemiter. Polymorphic cellular metal, composite of Cybellum. Small percentage

Lanex molecules."

Starscream and Skyfire looked at each other.

"Sky, this residue is the result of the explosion! And it's compatible with our bodies."

"I'm getting the replicator. We'll do some immediate testing on this tomorrow."

"Why waste time, Sky?" Starscream scooped a small handful and rubbed it on his bondmate. The carbon coating

immediately disappeared in spots.

Breaker vibrated. "Great discovery! Could be replenisher, cleaner."

Skyfire went to the back for the replicator. "Once we duplicate this material we can get cleaned right away."

****

The duplication was a success. Breaker and Skyfire were gleaming and clean a breem later. Starscream buffed

them dry as they relaxed in the bedroom.

"An unqualified success, I would say." the pleased seeker purred. "We have the molecular classification and

structural information stored. Now all that remains is a name."

A sleepy and weary Skyfire managed a smile. "Megatron will be delighted with this discovery, despite the minor

setback in the other research."

Starscream agreed. "More importantly, this discovery gives us an advantage over the autobots...we have a way of

replenishing ourselves they can't hope to match."

"Not for the foreseeable future, anyway." Skyfire stretched lazily across the bed. A shining minicon found his favorite

warm spot and snuggled.

"Breaker glad for normalcy. Carbon coating annoy."

"It does tend to itch after awhile." Skyfire commented. "But it's funny...we've accomplished as much in one explosion

as we have in cycles of work."

"Science unpredictable. Much accidental. Great discoveries often random."

"True. I often wondered if that's some universal law we don't understand."

Starscream activated the viewscreen. "Find something good to watch. I'm going to get a snack."

"Hungry again, Star?"

"All the time, it seems. Be right back."

****

Starscream returned with a large bowl of goodies. Skyfire propped up comfortably with Breaker nestled in his lap.

The happy minicon peeped over soft metallo mesh blankets.

"My, aren't we cozy."

"Breaker like."

"I don't doubt that." Starscream gobbled a snack as he climbed in.

"Sparklings grow."

Starscream paused in his eating. "Did you call me fat?"

Skyfire smiled at his bondmate. "Still touchy on the subject, I see."

The seeker stuffed another candy in his mouth. "He called me fat, Skyfire."

"Breaker not say so. Starscream paranoid."

"Oh really?"

Skyfire reached for a candy. "Relax and watch the program. Stop fussing at Breaker."

Starscream shifted under the covers. "Tell me the truth, Sky. Am I getting too big?"

"You can't get too big for me." the valkrie jet teased.

Breaker giggled, grabbing candy. "Funny joke."

Starscream wasn't amused. "You know what I mean. Even Skywarp said I'm huge, and he's gaining weight, too!"

"Have sparklings, gain weight. Nothing else possible." Breaker stated. "Conversation pointless, silly."

"Who cares what Skywarp says?" Skyfire reassured. "I noticed him earlier. He's spreading all over the place."

"I thought so." a soothed Starscream settled down.

"He's just trying to get under your skin, Star."

"Perhaps you're right." a pause. "What in Cybertron are you watching? More porn?"

"Not porn." Breaker pointed over the blankets. "Is sex documentary!"

"A sex documentary with music?!" Starscream wanted to know. "Someday we'll find your _off_ switch!"

"Not funny."

"Interesting." Skyfire watched intensely. "Tonight is seeker night."

"What?" Starscream stared, optics popped. "You mean they have a different group on each night?"

"Is so." Breaker munched. "Last cycle, all combat bots. Cycle before, searchers. Next cycle show transport bots

and shuttles."

"You expect me to believe that nonsense, Breaker?"

"Contact program director, not give Breaker grief. Saw special taboo episode with autobots and decepticons."

Skyfire snickered. _"We_ could have been in _that_ one, Star."

"Oh you're hysterical, Skyfire." Starscream squinted at the screen. "A lime green seeker? He reminds me of

ShadeWing."

"Who's ShadeWing?" Skyfire was curious.

"A seeker I knew on Cybertron. We shared a few classes out of the Ralthoid Academy before I transferred."

"Well if that's him he's taken up a new occupation." Skyfire tilted his head at the screen.

"Orange seeker pretty." Breaker pointed at the movie. "Like sandwich sex."

Starscream humphed, not impressed. "Assuming that's his natural color and not some cheap spray on. Orange is

even more rare than yellow on seekers."

"True." Skyfire agreed. "In fact, I don't believe I ever met one in person."

Everyone fell silent for a bit. Skyfire tickled his seeker on the cheek.

"Aren't you forgetting something?"

"Hmm?" the relaxed Starscream was totally preoccupied by the movie.

"I'm all clean now. Where's my kiss?"

"Oh. Sorry, Sky." a peck on the nose.

"You call that a kiss?"

"I'm watching the movie."

A white arm snaked around the seeker. "Let's try that again." he smothered Starscream with a kiss, blocking his

view.

/Greedy./

/Let's make our own movie./

/You realize, we're crushing your minicon./

Faint beeping from inbetween. "Breaker not crushed. Warm!"

/The little pervert is enjoying himself down there./

/He likes heat. So do I./

Starscream pulled from the kiss, optics smoldering. "This night is perfect."

Skyfire nuzzled. "You're perfect."

Breaker squeezed up. "Tickle sticky now?"

Starscream glared. "Is that all you can say-"

"Starscream beautiful." Breaker put a small hand on a golden cockpit.

The seeker stammered. "You think I'm beautiful?"

Red visiors were bright. "Starscream beautiful. _Thin."_

"Well..."

"Tickle sticky?" the minicon asked earnestly. "Pretty seeker."

Starscream nearly blushed. "All right. Tickle sticky."

Skyfire grabbed his seeker into another kiss, giving a thumbs up to his minicon. Grinning, Breaker transformed and

joined them. He found several warm and sticky places that night.


To be continued