Wing Shift

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).


Old faces, New Times

Thundercracker lay lazily under the tender affections of his bondmate. Skywarp gently oiled his sated partner after a wild afternoon of lovemaking. Interface lines still hung loosely near wet ports.

"Mmm." the blue seeker purred. "Having a sparkling certainly hasn't killed your appetites."

Skywarp giggled. "I'm just getting started, 'Cracker...when we first bonded I warned you. Each and every cycle I plan to wear you out!"

"Horny bastard."

"But of course." sleek black fingers trailed warm touches everywhere. "After all, it's your turn to be pampered."

"I see." Thundercracker yanked Skywarp over him like a blanket. "Your core temperature is up a bit, love."

"Nothing to worry about, my systems are fully functional. Am I squashing you?"

Thundercracker winked. "Good squash." strokes on purple wings. "Hopefully we won't squeeze our sparkling."

"Idiot." Skywarp grinned into a kiss. /Heard anything more about the takeover?/

/Nothing. Something strange is going on, though./

Skywarp pulled up briefly, staring into matching optics. "It's too quiet. But I sense the majority of transmissions are still on base. What's going on?"

Thundercracker edged up to a sitting position. "Hard to say. But between Megatron's instability and these long periods of silence...I don't like it, Skywarp."

"You think someone's making a move?"

"It's possible. Curious no one has approached us yet with the safeword."

"Ugh." Skywarp rolled to his side, holding himself. "Surge."

"I'll make you a proton shake."

"I'm fine." the purple seeker sat up. "Maybe we should go about the base and get answers. Something is setting my neurons off about this whole situation."

Thundercracker agreed. "We'll have to be discreet. Observation might serve for now."

"Anything is better than speculating."

The blue seeker pushed his bondmate back down. "First, I want you to rest for a breem."

"Thundercracker!" wild optics flared.

"I don't want to hear it." Thundercracker spread a blanket over Skywarp. "You're stressing vital components worrying about possibilities. Now lay there while I get you a proton shake! You need nourishment."

Skywarp grumbled but didn't move. "Have I told you what a pushy, obnoxious afthole you are?"

Thundercracker flexed his wings as he headed to the kitchen. "Why, Skywarp. Those are my best qualities!"

****

Astrotrain lay in darkness in the lower sublevels. A headache pulsed as he came online.

/Where?/

/Astro, can you hear me?/ a familiar voice asked.

/Blitzwing. I seem to be...below./

/I'm headed your way now. Take it easy./

A pause. /I sense company nearby./

/Your battlechargers. They slipped and fell down the shaft after you. Terrible accident./

/They're about to have another one./

/Wait for me. Eight astroseconds and I'll be there!/

Astrotrain stood slowly and adjusted his vision to the dark. "Okay, aftholes. Fun's over." he beamed light rays from his optics.

Off in a corner lay the stunned battlechargers. Squinting, Runamuck pointed at the triplechanger. "Yeah? This is all your fault!"

Astrotrain didn't respond immediately, but glanced around the cavernous chamber. More than enough room.

Runabout stood up. "What are you looking at?"

Astrotrain turned his back. He calculated speed, velocity and distance.

Runamuck leaped to his feet next. "Hey! Don't ignore us. Nobody messes with battlechargers!"

"You're gonna _pay!"_ Runabout bellowed, shaking a fist.

"I'm terrified." Astrotrain transformed to train mode and charged. The battlechargers dove aside just in time as the triplechanger roared past.

"Sucker!" Runamuck shouted after him, leaning against a wall panel. "You missed."

Runabout laughed as Astrotrain disappeared around a turn into darkness. _"Jerk._ Did he really think we'd fall for that?"

Far above them floated Blitzwing, easing his way down the shaft. He activated several light panels embedded along the curved surface.

/Much better./ smiling to himself, he continued his slow descent.

Meanwhile, the startled battlechargers stared up at sudden brightness. "Hey!" Runamuck shouted. "Who hit the switch?"

The chamber shook and rattled. Runabout glanced down. "I don't like this." he pulled his cluster gun out.

His sibling agreed. "Yeah, something sucks-"

A deafening horn blasted behind blinding white light. The battlechargers had no chance as they were plowed into from behind. Astrotrain crashed them into a wall panel and pressed hard.

"You circled around. That was a dirty trick!" Runamuck gasped, straining to free himself. He was hopelessly wedged against his brother. Runabout was nearly embedded into the wall.

Astrotrain pushed in slightly. "Why did you attack me?"

"We don't have to tell you nothing!"

"As you wish." the train shoved against them again. The battlechargers howled in pain.

Blitzwing landed nearby, roaring with laughter. He lowered his weapon.

Terrified they might get shot, the battlechargers threw their hands up helplessly. "Take it easy, Blitzwing!" Runamuck yelled.

"He's too busy laughing to shoot you." Astrotrain replied, still pressing them tight. "I suggest you concern yourselves with _me."_

"Y-you hit me in the optic!"

"You deserved it."

"No I didn't! Besides, battlechargers don't take stuff from anyone."

Astrotrain shoved again, caving the wall backwards. "You're either tough or insane. Should I smash your frames and be done with it?"

Blitzwing chuckled, moving alongside his bondmate. He patted the train. "You're a bad choo choo. Haven't I told you not to break your toys?"

"What's he talking about?" Runabout was nervous, still pushing uselessly against Astrotrain.

There was a pause as the triplechanger considered. He rolled back, giving the battlechargers breathing room. They collapsed in a sparking heap.

"I'm going to cut you a break this time."

Runabout held his sides. "Yeah?"

Astrotrain transformed to bot mode. "Since your brother is expecting a sparkling I've decided to be gentle."

"Gentle?!" Runabout glanced at his injured sibling. "We'll need half a day in medbay. Hook will be pissed!"

"Then decide. Get repaired or I wreck you here."

The brothers looked at each other. "We'll go see Hook."

Blitzwing squeezed Astrotrain's shoulder. "Togetherness and harmony. Isn't it _beautiful?"_ a snicker.

"Beautiful my aft." Runabout groused, gaining his feet. "We still don't take stuff from anyone."

"No one said you had to." Astrotrain replied. "This could have been avoided in the first place."

"Yeah? How?"

"Are battlechargers so simple? All you needed was permission."

Runamuck clapped a hand on his forehead. "You mean-"

"Next time, _ask._ But Blitzwing has given me an idea."

"What are you talking about now?" Runamuck didn't understand.

"Hmm. Nothing." Astrotrain made a hand gesture.

The battlechargers didn't like it. "Hey! Watch those fingers." Runamuck pointed. "What are you doing?"

"You're too paranoid." Blitzwing tucked his weapon away. "There's no reason for us to be at odds. In fact, I sense we have common goals in mind."

Runamuck watched the pair with suspicion. "Is this some trick?"

"No trick, Runamuck." Astrotrain was suddenly serious. "Just a _touch._"

"Oh no you don't!" Runamuck backed up. "I heard about how you mess up sparks!"

"Runamuck, something's happening to me! I feel weird." Runabout stared at his chestplate. It opened slowly.

"Stop it!" Runamuck shouted at Astrotrain.

The triplechangers observed blue glow emanating from Runabout's spark chamber.

"Just taking a peek." Astrotrain reassured.

Runabout desperately tried to close his chest panel. "It won't close, bro! I'm trying."

"I'll help!" Runamuck tried next with no success.

"Stop whining, it won't help." Blitzwing stated. "Now be quiet while we make a determination."

Runamuck glared over his shoulder. "You got gall, I'll say that. Now fix him or the war is on!"

"War is precisely what this is about. Don't you _remember the curfew?"_

Both brothers froze.

"You!!" Runamuck blurted in shock. "Shoulda known."

"It's the safeword!" Runabout shuddered. "They're in on it, too, Runamuck. Ringleaders!"

Astrotrain stepped forward. "I suggest you let me touch you, unless you plan on walking around like that."

Runamuck blocked. "You ain't getting anywhere near him."

Blitzwing inclined his head. "That's a fat sparkling you have inside. Protective instincts run strong, do they not?"

"And keep your nose outta my body, Blitzwing."

"You don't trust us." Astrotrain grinned weirdly, advancing again.

"Bingo. Now stay back!"

"A pity." Astrotrain made another gesture. "And here I thought we could be special friends. After all, you like to watch?"

"Fascinating." Blitzwing observed. "Astrotrain, his optic is nearly healed. It's slightly mismatched, however."

Astrotrain smirked. "And who does _that_ remind you of?" he turned his attention to Runabout again. "I merely wanted to determine your motivations, Runabout. Now let me close your spark chamber."

"Then take your _own_ advice and ask first. Don't go around opening people's chests!"

"It's a matter of trust, dear battlecharger. Lips lie, but sparks cannot." he reached for Runabout again. "May I?"

Runamuck watched with narrow optics. "Still don't like this, bro. I heard about how he makes slaves and stuff."

"You're being ridiculous." Astrotrain stated.

"Well I can't go around like _this."_ Runabout stared at his open front. "This is crazy."

"Can we eliminate the drama here?" Astrotrain was impatient. "Now that I see we have common goals there's no need for suspicion."

"All right." Runamuck stood close by his brother. "But don't try anything funny."

Deft fingers brushed along Runabout's arm, igniting sparks. "If I try anything, it _won't_ be funny."

The white battlecharger shivered as pleasant sensations rolled along his sensors. "W-wait...you're supposed to be closing my spark chamber-"

"Ah, yes. I was getting to that." sinister smile. "Are you displeased?"

"N-no, it feels nice. But-"

"What are you _doing?!"_ Runamuck grabbed Astrotrain by his other arm.

Blitzwing poked him with his particle cannon. "Stand away, fool."

"No way! I-"

Astrotrain gripped the other battlecharger by the wrist. "No need for impatience. __You're next."_ crackling ion energy engulfed Runamuck.

Blitzwing smiled. "More playthings for our collection, Astro."

"Of course. Recreational purposes only, Blitzy." Astrotrain snerked at the entranced battlechargers. The twins sank to their knees as the triplechanger clutched their cores. Blue light filled the chamber from exposed sparks.

Blitzwing edged up to the glow. /Do not involve the sparkling./

Astrotrain stroked chambers of white heat. /No. It has already separated itself from Runamuck's essence. There is no need./

/Their sparks are quite strong. I am pleasantly surprised./

/Sturdy. I wonder at their versatility./

/We can determine that later. For now.../

"Battlechargers."

Glazed optics stared up in adoration. "Beautiful Astrotrain."

/We are eternal friends./

/Yes./

/No sacrifice is too great. Swear yourselves to us now./

"We do."

/Good. You will remember nothing here. Know only devotion and affection. When we call, you will come./

"Yes."

Another gesture. Bright spark chambers closed with ease.

Runabout blinked, rubbing his optics. "My head's spinning. What happened here?"

Blitzwing folded his arms. "Get up. You fell down an elevator shaft."

Runamuck glanced about in confusion. "That makes no sense. And why are _you_ here?"

"Megatron sent us after you. Someone forgot to seal the shaft. It's not in use right now."

"Huh." the brothers helped each other up.

"Feel strange." Runamuck shook his head to clear it. "This joint's a wreck."

"We don't look so hot, either." Runabout stared at their injuries. "Megatron is gonna hit the roof about this."

"I doubt it, he was concerned for your safety." Blitzwing reassured. "Climb on out. We'll cover for you."

"Yeah...thanks." the battlechargers began a long climb up the side ladders, their optics blinking in confusion. The triplechangers watched in silence until they were out of sight.

Blitzwing put an arm around his bondmate. "It's true what they say, Astro. War is _hell."_

****

Ruckus flew along the northern latitudes of Kaos 3. His team had discovered decepticon energy readings near an ancient asteroid impact site.

/Kaos 3, this is Ruckus. No visual on the signature yet./

/Ruckus, this is Bloodwing. Our instruments show your eta to signal emanation approximately five hundred astroseconds./

/Advised. Picking up stronger signal now. Will Barrage rendevous?/

/Negative. Barrage is negotiating the south asmuth with Raker. Can you handle?/

A pause as powerful engines lifted. /Wait. Getting visual./

/Transmit./

An impressive wingspan angled to land. /It appears to be a seeker. He's wounded./

/Is he signaling?/

/Yes. He may be unable to fly, I can't determine yet./

/Ruckus, this is Rail. Give description of that seeker./

/Dark green with black wings. White faceplate. Red cockpit./

/Beam image so we can enter in our database. He may be someone we know./

/Sending. I'm about to land and contact./

/Advise once you ascertain his condition. FireBomb and Nighttrain are near your location. Can carry if necessary./

/Belay that, the seeker stands. He flexes his wings to flag me down./

/Excellent. Copy on that image! We have a winner./

/What?/

/Will inform Omega 3. They will love this!/

/Tracker and Monger also recognize your seeker, Ruckus. I am unfamiliar./

/What goes on, Bloodwing? I'm nearly on top of him./

/He's a famous decepticon. Remember the ancient Tursla wars?/

/By the pit!!/

/Now greet our guest. Return him gently!/

****

Skyfire and Breaker were working quietly in the lab. The battlechargers burst in suddenly.

"Hey, we're back!"

Skyfire took in their appearance. "What the slag happened to you?"

"Just a few bumps and scrapes. No big deal." Runabout shrugged. "Got any snacks? We're starved."

Skyfire pointed down the hall. "There's plenty in the kitchen. Go get cleaned up first."

"Nah, we're okay." Runamuck grinned. "We look a little scrubby, but no harm no foul."

Blue optics narrowed. "What happened to your revenge? Did you do something stupid?"

"That ain't nice. And no, we didn't get any revenge. Now if you don't mind, we're gonna get something to eat." Runamuck pulled his brother to the back.

Skyfire glanced at Breaker. The minicon was pointedly staring after the battlechargers.

"That's bizarre. They left here in a rage looking for revenge. They return all beat up as if nothing's wrong. I don't get it."

"Is wrong and right." Breaker beeped.

"Oh?"

"Breaker tell, but might get mad at result. Resembles self situation."

"Why should _I_ get angry?"

The minicon giggled. "Battlechargers win fight, lose war. Is over, no revenge."

"So you're saying the triplechangers lost the fight?"

"Was no fight."

"Then what happened? Have I lost the bet?"

Breaker laughed again. "Is so, Breaker lose also. Triplechanger end around!"

"I smell a ratbot."

A small hand gripped his arm. "When ask battlechargers about revenge, not remember. Is reason act weird."

Skyfire felt his circuits boil. "Do I need to ask why?"

"Already sense what Breaker know."

Skyfire rolled his optics. "Tell me anyway."

"Astrotrain touch in sparks. Battlechargers devoted now."

"By Cybertron! Does he ever _stop?!"_

"Remember, not start fight. Battlechargers engage, look for trouble. Got it."

Skyfire thought that over. "I guess our bet's a bust, then."

Breaker munched a proton chip. "Is so. Battlechargers get what deserve, in fold now."

"They already chose alliegance!"

"Now in pocket. Good deal!"

Skyfire sighed. "I need a break from this lab. Idle flight, anything."

Breaker pointed at the speakers. "Remember announcement. Brain cracked Megatron give free time. Can do as wish."

The big jet smiled. "I can think of a pleasant way to spend the cycle."

****

Ruckus transformed and landed near the wounded seeker. The injured decepticon leaned against an outcropping of boulders. He was clearly leaking vital fluids and energon from his left side.

"Greetings and hail, Seeker." Ruckus approached. "You require sanctuary?"

The seeker gave a lopsided grin. "I require many things, boy. I barely escaped the nearby solar system with my skin intact. An outpost of autobots attacked me."

Ruckus checked the wounds. "You battled an entire outpost?"

A shrug. "Took out a few. But sheer numbers made for poor survival odds. I managed to escape their tracking beams."

"I can put a lode patch on that wound until we get to base."

The green seeker sat carefully. "Hurry up. I don't know how long I can stay conscious."

"Hold still." Ruckus pulled out his medbox. As he examined the decepticon, he could plainly see this was a much older seeker than any he'd known. More angular features, red cockpit. Accented brow ridges and somewhat elongated wings. Most startling were the "doubled" decepticon symbols on his wings.

"The others on base seemed to recognize you. My name is Ruckus."

Knowing smile. "I'm aware of that."

"That hardly seems possible." Ruckus fused the patch and began injecting fluids.

The seeker closed his optics briefly as he was treated. "Name's BlackBolt."

Ruckus paused in shock. _"The_ BlackBolt? General of the Triad fleet and imperial commander on Sprirolon?"

Rich laughter. "Not so glorious now, am I?"

"Your exploits were legendary to all decepticons. How did you find Kaos 3?"

"Through contacts. Millions of years separated me from my son. I survived with the knowledge he still lives."

Ruckus observed old battle mars and wounds. "A leader of your renown musn't fade into obscurity. Do you have any idea where your son is?"

"My last source of information revealed he was an elite warrior under Megatron's rule."

"Your vital signs are stronger. I'll transform and fly you to base. We can review data and compare what we know."

"Excellent. Just give me a few astroseconds and I'll be ready."

"You said we know each other? How?"

"I held you as a sparkling. Long story for another time."

"Hmm."

"You're a fine specimen, Ruckus. You'd have made a good commander in my fleet."

A transmission reached both decepticons on the barren landscape.

/General BlackBolt, arrive and be welcomed on Kaos 3. This is Rail, Commander./

/Commander Bloodwing here. Be received with full service and care, legendary one. We await./

/My thanks, Commanders. You speak with the manners of imperial guardsmen./

/We will convey your arrival via scramble mode to Omega 3./

BlackBolt laughed out loud. "Homecoming week!"

****

Starscream and Skyfire flew under bright skies to a secluded beach eighty miles from decepticon base. To Skyfire's surprise, his bondmate shut his engines off in flight.

/Starscream, what are you doing?!/

/Oh, nothing./ the seeker playfully plopped on top of the larger mech. They immediately nosedived. /You're losing altitude, Sky...perhaps you should land?/

/Perhaps crazy seekers shouldn't fall on me like that!!/ Skyfire slowed their descent with a powerful thrum of engines. They floated down over a white sandy beach.

"Ah, that's better." Starscream sighed as he flexed his aerilons.

"Twenty two percent increase in mass, I think." Skyfire stated underneath.

A scratchy giggle. "You aren't getting under my skin today, Sky...it's a beautiful day and I'm in a great mood. Megatron is going insane and the revolution is at hand. So what if I'm a little fat?"

"You _must_ be in a good mood." Skyfire admitted as shore water splashed his nose.

"Didn't I just say so? Besides, there's just more of me to love."

"Quite a bit more, I'd say." Skyfire quipped. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Oh, _immensely."_ Starscream flapped his aerilons in the sunshine again. "How often do decepticons relax? War, war, always war."

"Have you been drinking Sim energon or something?"

"Not a sip. Megatron's announcement before we left base was _classic."_

"Stupid is more like it. Restricting walking lanes to prevent accidents on base? Please."

More giggles by the giddy seeker. "Just think. We've taken a powerful leader and reduced him to a blithering idiot. I for one couldn't be more pleased."

Skyfire rumbled in laughter. "I have to admit it's pretty funny. But aren't you forgetting about Shockwave? He also commands decepticon forces."

"We'll deal with him when the need arises. I suspect we won't clash until everything is out in the open."

"Hmm."

"Now be quiet. I'm sleepy, and need rest."

"So you say."

The two jets were silent until late afternoon. Seagulls dotted the landscape to feed on clams. Skyfire flexed his tail in the late afternoon sun.

"Starscream."

No response. Skyfire roared his engines. "Starscream!"

The sleepy seeker finally answered above him. "Hmm?"

"You've laid on me all afternoon. Now get off!"

"Oh, stop fussing. I'm soaking up delicious solar energy. Your panels are so toasty."

"You've been soaking for hours!"

A red tail twitched. "I need my strength. After all, my delicate condition requires that I stay warm."

"Oh brother."

Starscream sighed. "I'm afraid I'm too weak to get off. Be strong for both of us, Sky...and fly home."

"This is ridiculous!"

_"You_ try carrying twins and flying normally. I feel like I'm stuffed for cooking!" Starscream complained.

"Enough! I'll fly us home. It isn't worth listening to all this." titanic engines hummed to life. Skyfire gently lifted off the beach and flew back to base, Starscream still perched up top.

"Thank you, dear." the seeker giggled.

****

Astrotrain and Blitzwing were met by Octane in the corridors.

"Glad I caught you two. There's news! Big time."

"What's going on?" Blitzwing asked. /Something happen?/

Octane indicated the hallway. "Come on." /Kaos 3./

"Where's Breaker?" Astrotrain asked as they hurried along.

"Back at your place." /Transmission's already up, so we'll have to mind the timeframe./

The triplechangers scurried into their quarters. Breaker sat patiently in sphere mode on a table. In front of him shimmered an image.

"Good is." the minicon beeped. "Jam all frequencies. Not fear detection. Soundwave busy on Cybertron."

"That's something, at least." Octane dropped in a seat.

Blitzwing auto locked the doors. "An emergency on base?"

"Not. Excitement and discovery!" Breaker beeped.

Astrotrain likewise sat. "What are you talking about?"

/Kaos 3 transmit, scramble code Omega 3./

////Kaos 3 received, transmit Omega 3.//// the triplechangers responded.

The image shifted into clarity.

/Rail here, Omega 3. We've recovered a high ranking decepticon commander./

/What commander?/ Octane wanted to know.

/See for yourself, Omega 3./ Rail stepped aside. A dark green seeker stood front and center, arms folded.

Breaker beeped insanely. "Can be? Not possible!"

/Ah, but it's me, Breaker. You sly minicon./

"Amaze Breaker."

BlackBolt laughed. /I'm back./

"By the pit." Octane stammered. "You're _alive_ after all this time?"

/You'd better believe it, Octane. An impressive facility you have here./

"Unicron take it, a miracle!" Blitzwing was stunned.

/Stranger things have happened. So how have you warhorses held up? I see Astrotrain there./

"Still kicking." the train grinned widely. "Welcome back to the new revolution!"

/Ah, it seems my timing is perfect. And my son?/

"He's a marvelous warrior. There's news, but we won't ruin your surprise."

Blitzwing couldn't stop smiling. "It's safer for you to recover on Kaos 3 for now. You'll be filled in on all the details."

/I've been told some of it. Quite an elaborate scheme you have there. But beware of Shockwave./

"We'll deal with him when we have to." Octane responded. "Good to see you, old friend."

/And you all. When things settle we'll all party, eh?/

"Surely."

/Is my son on your side? I have to know./

"Yes." Astrotrain answered. "We can let him know you're alive if you wish."

/That will satisfy me for now./

Bloodwing interrupted. /Omega 3, this transmission is breaking up./

The triplechangers responded as one. ////Well done, Kaos 3, you do us proud. Continue updates as needed.////

/Affirmitive. Kaos 3 out./

////Out.////

The triplechangers sat in amazed silence.

"Fate clearly favors us." Octane finally stated. "After nine million years of frustration, it is time."

"Agree." Breaker beeped. "New commanders capable, still young. BlackBolt have history, charisma. Round out selection! Megatron no chance."

Blitzwing steepled his fingers in thought. "Yes. A remarkable convergence of circumstance. We'll keep this knowledge to ourselves for now."

"Remember the promise." Astrotrain reminded them all. "One other must know."

Breaker beeped loudly. "Must tell. Triplechangers sworn to debts."

"So we are, Breaker. So we are."

to be continued