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).


Blast from the Past


Skyfire and Starscream arrived on base with little fanfare. Sensing an overall quiet, they headed for the lab in haste. Leaning heavily against his bondmate, Starscream stopped at the doors.

"You're so sweet, Sky. But I'm feeling weak again. Could you?"

With a sigh, Skyfire picked him up. Starscream hit the entry button. "That's better...my toe pods were getting sore."

They went inside and looked about. The lab was neat and pristine. All supplies were put away and the mixing tanks were covered.

"Your minicon keeps an excellent workstation." Starscream commented, still cradled in brawny arms.

Skyfire nodded in agreement. "I see the molecular models are in cases. Breaker is quite efficient."

Starscream tickled a white nose. "I promised him status under the new regime."

"That seems reasonable. I can't convince him to stop reading minds, though."

"You expect a living vibrator to respect privacy?"

"Ha! You have a point. Would you like to rest while I get you something?"

"That would be good. Bring me a bowl of proton chips under aluminum sauce. With a side of steel sticks."

Skyfire carried his bondmate to the back, shaking his head. "You've got weird cravings, Star."

****

The majority of decepticons took the opportunity to relax under Megatron's stated orders. Dirge and Thrust were enjoying a quiet meal in the cafeteria. Loud voices everywhere made conversation difficult.

"How are you doing, Thrust? I've not had time to ask about your condition."

Thrust sipped an energy shake. "It's as I said. During the scouting mission, Starscream and I lost auxiliary power and weapon strength. And I have no idea how long I can maintain combat status. It's going to be a problem until the sparkling arrives. "

Dirge touched his faceplate. "I know this wasn't planned by either of us. Still, the idea of a sparkling warms my mainframe."

"Mine also." Thrust sighed, stirring his drink and falling silent.

Dirge folded his hands over the table. "I know you feel strongly for Starscream. I have no issue with it...but don't expect me to disappear while you carry the sparkling."

"No, of course not. Dirge, a decision has to be made about...you know." the searcher glanced about carefully.

Dirge held a finger to his lips. "Not here. Something peculiar happened earlier."

"What?"

Dirge lowered his voice in conspiracy. "Several decepticons disappeared for breems somewhere on base. They reappeared later, but Soundwave mysteriously took a trip to Cybertron."

"And then there's the bizarre behavior by Megatron."

"Yes. I have a theory about that I'll share with you in private."

"Do you know who was involved?"

"Let's just say _we_ were excluded. For reasons that make me nervous."

Thrust finished his shake quickly and stood. "Come on, let's go to quarters."

****

Starscream relaxed in comfort in Skyfire's bedroom. His bondmate returned shortly with a tray of treats.

"That looks good, Sky."

Blue optics brightened with a smile. "I added a dash of neutron sparkles to the sauce."

Starscream sat up in bed. "Really? Sounds tasty."

"Here." Skyfire set the tray in his lap.

"Sit next to me, silly. And turn on a good movie!"

Nimble white fingers activated entertainment controls. "Science fiction, action or adventure?"

_"Anything_ but porn. I've had all I can stand dealing with Breaker."

Skyfire sidled alongside. "He must be off visiting somewhere. I half expected him to pop up by now."

Starscream dipped a stick in sauce and munched. "Just as well. At least I finally get you to myself for a change. Peace and quiet-"

Overhead speakers crackled to life, interrupting them.

"MEGATRONS. THIS IS DECEPTICON. YOU MAY BE AWARE THAT I HAVE INSTIGATED NEW SAFETY PROCEDURES ON BASE. THIS IS DUE TO A REPORTED INCIDENT THAT OCCURED THE OTHER CYCLE. SEVERAL DECEPTICONS FELL DOWN AN OPEN ELEVATOR SHAFT. THE SHAFT HAS SINCE BEEN SEALED. IN THE MEANTIME, ASSIGNED WALKING LANES HAVE BEEN MARKED BY COLOR. FOR DEFINITIONS, SEE LONGHAUL ABOUT OBTAINING CUE CARDS. THAT IS ALL. MEGATRON OUT."

Skyfire fell back in bed and laughed.

Starscream giggled, shaking his head. _"Pathetic,_ isn't it?"

****

"Hit me."

"Eeerr. Thisss isss a terrible hand."

"Stop complaining, Kickback. Either make a play or fold."

"All rright. I play...three nebulas."

"That's sussspicious." Bombshell scratched his head.

"It issn't. Why do you say that?"

"Becausse _I_ just played three nebulas last hand."

The insecticons and triplechangers had a hot card game going. Breaker shuffled the deck again.

"Is no reason say cheat."

"Then why do you keep shuffling the cards, cards?" Shrapnel pointed.

"Because complain, say low draws!"

Octane looked his hand over. "I haven't heard this much howling since I visted a sex barn."

Astrotrain put a card on the table. "Nobody even _has_ sex barns anymore, Octane. You're dating yourself."

"So what? Sex never goes out of style. I play...one black hole."

"Only _one?_ Kickback giggled.

"Beat." Blitzwing put a card up. "Three galaxies."

Bombshell buzzed. "No way! I have two galaxiess right here. Breaker put out marked cards again!"

The minicon adjusted his dealer's cap. "No trick! Lousy card player. Not blame Breaker!"

"Bah."

Blitzwing lit a flashstick. "We'll see what's shaking. I win last hand, so..."

"Is dealer's choice." Breaker beeped, sipping some Sim energon.

"I could use some of that, Breaker." Astrotrain shook his head in disgust. "I've got all the luck of a bot in stasis right now."

"Got plenty. Refresh drinks!"

"My head's already spinning from the last batch, batch." Shrapnel arranged his hand.

The ceiling speakers crackled suddenly.

"DECEPTICONS. THIS IS MEGATRON-"

"Who else?" Bombshell was snide. "Stupid tool."

"ASSIGNED WALKING LANES ON BASE ARE NEAR COMPLETION. FOLLOW ALL COLOR CODED SECTIONS FOR SAFETY. THOSE OF YOU SLATED TO MEET WITH SOUNDWAVE THIS CYCLE WILL HAVE A POSTPONEMENT. HE IS CURRENTLY ON CYBERTRON. IN THE MEANTIME, ENJOY YOUR WORKING NON STATUS OF ALL ON DUTY PERSONNEL. THAT IS ALL. MEGATRON OUT."

Shrapnel vibrated with laughter. "Successs, success! Megatron is a complete moron, moron."

Bombshell nodded, grinning. "Continued dosssages will enssure permanent brain damage. I couldn't be more delighted!"

Octane chuckled. "Someone needs to get him away from the speakers, that's for sure."

Blitzwing reviewed his cards. "Before we congratulate ourselves needlessly, keep in mind what he said about Soundwave."

"Ssso?" Shrapnel wasn't impressed. "He goes off base often."

Octane looked up suddenly. "Pit take it. I informed Skyfire of the secret meeting below the other cycle. And now Soundwave suddenly takes off for Cybertron."

"You think he knows something?" Astrotrain wondered.

"I'd be shocked if he didn't. After all, sound queen and Megs are tight. He has to know something is wrong with his bondmate."

"Knowing him, he won't stop until he gets answers."

"Or a possible meeting with Shockwave. I don't like it."

Breaker poured everyone fresh drinks. "Speculation accurate. Soundwave isolate trusted ones. Others not."

"Whoo would thiss include, include?" Shrapnel wanted to know.

Octane gulped his drink. "I happen to _know_ that he met with the combaticons, constructicons and stunticons."

Bombshell huffed, rearranging his cards. "I don't doubt those nosey cassettes were in the picture. Sstill, the numbers don't favor uss. What to do?"

"What if Soundwave showss up on base?" Kickback was nervous. "It will be all out war!"

Astrotrain smiled slyly. "In chaos, there is opportunity. And don't concern yourselves with numbers just yet."

"What arrre you getting at?"

"Let Soundwave and his happy troops run around seeking conspiracy. We'll lie low until the opportunity presents itself."

"We'll still be outnumberrred." Bombshell disagreed.

"Do insecticons ever think past the moment?" Blitzwing was annoyed. "You think we're the _only_ ones excluded in Soundwave's little circle?"

"Sso you're saying-"

"Who else wasn't mentioned? Those are our contacts. But we need to be cautious."

"Conspiracy excellent, convoluted." Breaker dropped a pile of chips on the table. "Hope action start!"

The door panel buzzed suddenly.

Octane glanced over, his optics sparking. "Ah. I think we have an answer."

Blitzwing activated the voice command panel nearby. "Who is it?"

/Thundercracker and Skywarp. You busy?/

The tank chuckled. "Only fun. By all means, come in." he hit the door release.

The two seekers entered, squinting in the gray air. Skywarp waved at curls of smoke. "Sheesh, I can barely see through all this fog."

Thundercracker approached the table first. "Good card game?"

"Naturally." Astrotrain pointed across the room. "Grab a chair and join us. We were just discussing the new revolution!"

Skywarp and Thundercracker gawked at each other.

****

Skyfire entertained himself by kissing a few sensitive ports. His seeker shivered under the attention.

"I'm trying to watch the movie. Now stop it! You're rattling my concentration."

Another kiss on a golden cockpit. "Good. Means I'm doing my job."

Starscream closed his optics briefly. "Well, I'm not sure we should...you know."

Blue optics leered everywhere. "You seem functional to me. _Very_ functional!" a snicker.

"I'm not a cookie on a plate!"

"You are right now. So lay there and take it."

Starscream grumbled as he was grabbed again. "Of all the...I'll _remind_ you of my delicate condition!"

Nuzzle. "That's fine. I'll attack you carefully!"

"Sleazy, no account, cog sucking, oversized piece of _scrap!"_

"Flattery will get you nowhere."

****

The card game continued over conversation.

"So everyone here was excluded from Soundwave's group." Skywarp stated.

Blitzwing nodded. "We believe he may be gathering his forces. Currently he's on Cybertron."

Thundercracker eyed his cards. "Which means Shockwave will be involved at some point."

"Sooner than later. But knowing that gives us an edge. Soundwave only knows there's a movement to get Megatron ousted. He doesn't know the exact numbers involved."

Thundercracker narrowed his optics. "How did you know we can be trusted? We never gave the safeword."

Astrotrain laughed. "We didn't need it. I know your sparks."

"Meaning what?" Skywarp demanded. "No cheap tricks, Astrotrain!"

"Sweet seeker, don't be angry. Your motivations are open to my...special talents."

Skywarp huffed. "I'd appreciate it if you could keep your _nose_ out of everyone's spark chamber."

Astrotrain appeared wounded. "Now don't hold that party against me. I thought you had a good time!"

Breaker beeped, shuffling more cards. "Was so. Not point anyway! Back to topic."

"Please." Thundercracker complained. "Besides, I don't want to know."

Octane played three cards. "A show of good faith might soothe hot circuits."

"What show of good faith?!" Skywarp was annoyed. "Just being here is a risk."

"Seekers are so touchy. Can you tell them, Blitzwing?"

Blitzwing put his hand down. "Top straight, I win again."

Octane shook his head. "Huh. Another sucky hand for me."

"What are you going to tell us?" Thundercracker insisted.

The decepticon tank looked up casually. "Oh. Would you like to know the sex of your sparkling?"

The seekers glanced at each other in surprise.

"We hadn't thought about it, actually."

Everyone waited as Breaker dealed again. "I could tell you if you're interested. Consider it my gift to you."

Skywarp was surprised. "Don't take this the wrong way but...why?"

"I have a soft spot for sparklings. Don't tell anyone or I'll shoot you."

"Sure, no problem. You know about sparklings?"

"A great deal."

A pause. "You have any?"

Octane exploded into laughter. The insecticons stared.

"First things first." Blitzwing ignored them. "Well?"

"Tell us!"

"A female. She's developing quite well from what I can see."

Thundercracker gripped his grinning bondmate. "A _girl,_ Skywarp!"

"Isn't that special, special." Shrapnel was sarcastic.

"One day she'll fire a rocket up your backside, Shrapnel." Skywarp snapped. His tone grew more mild. "Thanks, Blitzwing. Not that it mattered, but it's nice to know."

"Certainly." Blitzwing glanced at Breaker.

"And give me some better cards this time!"

The minicon adjusted his dealer cap again. "Always complain. Already win three hands. Silly!"

Thundercracker picked up his new hand. "So, you said you know about sparklings? We might need advice down the line."

Blitzwing shrugged. "It's been awhile since transformers sparked families. A great deal of knowledge is forgotten."

Bombshell wasn't impressed. "What isss thiss, the family hour?"

Kickback laughed at him. "Funny forr youu to ssay. Yoouur having a ssparkling too!"

"A male, from what I can see." Blitzwing said suddenly. "And not a particularly attractive one."

"Who assked _you?!"_ Bombshell hissed. "Are you calling my ssparkling ugly?"

"Play your hand and quit grousing, Bombshell." Octane instructed.

"Jussst becausse you're sscrewing one of uss dosen't mean you give orrders!"

"Another moron." Octane reached over and gripped Bombshell by the neck. The surprised insecticon dropped his cards.

"Take it easy on him, Ocky." Astrotrain smirked. "After all, we're unified in purpose here. We don't need any infighting."

"Don't worry, Astro. There won't _be_ any fight." he shook the shrieking insecticon until his head rattled.

"If you would releasse him dear, dear." Shrapnel was amused. "I think he'll ressspect us now, now."

Thundercracker laughed. "Heh, you guys are off the hook. I think Bombshell's head is about to roll off!"

Octane released Bombshell. The angry insecticon dropped in his seat, rubbing his throat. "I sshould get Motormasster!"

Octane wasn't impressed. "By all means. Run as fast as those little pods can take you."

Skywarp cracked up. "He won't do it. He knows Motormaster wouldn't make a move like that without his stunticons!"

"Sso you say." Bombshell griped. "And I don't need commentss from a fat seeker!"

Thundercracker slapped him upside the head. "Watch it, fool. Or I might drop you down an airlock."

Bombshell held his head and turned to Kickback. "Did you ssee that? He hit me!"

"What arre you telling _me_ for?!" Kickback shrugged helplessly. Astrotrain laughed himself senseless, shaking his head.

Breaker lit a flashstick. "Bombshell stupid. Primus give small brains."

"Who assked you, shrimp?" Bombshell glared at the minicon. "Mind your own buisness!"

Breaker pointed. "Careful what say. Might boil brain to slag!"

Skywarp nodded over his cards. "Pop him one for me, Breaker. He called me fat!"

Blitzwing cleared his vocalizer loudly. "Skywarp, you _are_ fat. Can we return to the game, please? I pass this hand."

"I'm not _that_ big." Skywarp insisted, laying a card down. "Nebula beats asteroid belt."

Thundercracker swigged his sim energon. "This is the smoothest grade I've tasted in a long time. Fabulous."

Octane chuckled. "Stick with us, and I'll get you top of the line."

Breaker tapped Skywarp on the arm. "Take easy, drink slow. Mind sparkling!"

The purple seeker paused in his sip. "That reminds me. You never answered our question about sparklings."

"What question?" Astrotrain lit up, puffing his stick.

"Blitzwing said he knows about sparklings."

"He should."

"Cut the mystery, Astrotrain." Thundercracker was impatient. He glanced over at Bltizwing. "Well?"

"Since we can trust you, I'll answer your question." Blitzwing rearranged his cards again.

Thundercracker pressed. "You have sparklings?"

"Quite a few, actually."

Skywarp stared in surprise. "You have _that_ many?!"

The decepticon tank chuckled. "One good secret deserves another, since we know yours."

"But where are they?" Skywarp wanted to know.

"Out there." Blitzwing waved vaguely in the smoky air. "If things work out, you'll be meeting them eventually."

Skywarp shrugged. "I don't get it. Why aren't they with you?"

"Let's just say we didn't want them influenced by local management."

Thundercracker nodded. "Makes sense. We might need advice when our daughter arrives."

Breaker beeped. "Always happy to assist."

Both seekers eyed the minicon with curiosity and surprise.

"Breaker likes sparklings too." Astrotrain explained. "He has a lot of experience."

Skywarp grinned. "I think we came to the right place, 'Cracker. For several reasons."

"I ssupposse Breaker wass a nursse." Kickback snickered.

Breaker barely noticed him. "Is dumbest insecticon of all."

"I don't have to take that!"

"What about you, Octane?" Skywarp asked the quiet triplechanger. "Got any sparklings?"

Sly smile. "Heh, you already know about this one." Octane pointed at a drunken Shrapnel. The insecticon leader swayed over the table.

"ZZzz. Thisss iss good stuff." Shrapnel gulped his drink. "I would thank you, dearr, to introduce me properly when we get home, home."

"Isn't he a little tipsy?" Thundercracker observed. "What's that mean, 'getting home'?"

"Long story, Thundercracker. But to answer your question, Shrapnel's carrying one sparkling. I've got others."

"Let me guess. They're 'out there' too."

"Bingo. Not trying to be mysterious, but for safety reasons I can't say much more."

Skywarp leaned into his bondmate. "Believe me, we understand. When we found out about our sparkling it was instant panic mode."

"Apparently triplechangerss make loussy parrents. They can't raise theirr own." Kickback agitated, looking over his hand.

Astrotrain tapped his stick in a dish. "If I weren't in such a good mood I'd squash you. Now quit instigating and play your cards."

Kickback vibrated his antennae. "A pity, Astrotrain. I'd never abandon sparklingss to fend for themselves. Perhaps such foul practicess are resserved for triplechangersss."

"You're a first class idiot, Kickback. Keep talking and you'll be an unconscious one."

"Yeah, friend. Quit while you're ahead." Thundercracker munched a proton chip. "Got a good hand here."

"I take it your sparklings are safe, then?" Skywarp asked in general.

"Surely." Blitzwing agreed. "In fact, I pity anyone who annoys them needlessly."

Skywarp lit up a stick. "I'm a bit confused. How can sparklings scare anyone?"

The decepticon tank chuckled. "I'm afraid we weren't clear. Our children are self sufficient."

"Is so." Breaker waved a card. "Advise now, see later! Celebrate."

Thundercracker considered the probabilities. "Who guards them?"

Blitzwing laughed out loud. "No one. They run a planetoid facility."

Skywarp sipped his drink again. "What facility? I'm surprised Megatron didn't find out and have it razed. Or try to influence young troops."

"These are beyond his touch." Astrotrain said. "I daresay they'll make quite an impression when you meet them."

"This facility is located where?" Thundercracker asked.

"While I won't tell you the location just yet, I can give you the codename. It's Kaos 3."

Breaker beeped. "Everyone there. Decepticon army! Special ops."

Bombshell buzzed. "Then these forces will offset thosse of Megatron?"

Octane steepled his fingers. "You have no idea."

"Bah. An army of sparklingss? Abssurd. It can't be done!" Kickback flicked a wing.

"You misunderstand, Kickback. These are no sparklings."

"But you said-"

"Usse your head for once, Kickback." Shrapnel finally collected himself. "Their sparklingss are not little ones."

"True." Astrotrain added. "A fully trained decepticon fleet."

"Now I'm really anxious to meet them." Thundercracker held his chin. "Might be nice to trade maneuvers."

"Will get along famously." Breaker poured drinks again.

Skywarp felt sleepy as he leaned into Thundercracker. "Might be nice to see new faces. This sim energon is a killer, by the way."

"Mellow." Octane stated, holding a smoldering stick. "Shoot, I forgot whose play it is. Call!"

"Hit." Thundercracker played. "Sounds like a good setup, this Kaos 3. And practically self sufficient."

"It is for all intents and purposes." Blitzwing sipped.

Skywarp shifted his cards. "Who else can we trust on base?"

"Obviously Starscream and Skyfire. And the battlechargers are guaranteed."

"How so?"

Astrotrain shrugged innocently. "Take our word for it. They'll never betray us."

Bombshell approved. "Our numbers swell. Howeverr, I sstill cannot fully convince Motormaster. He's been on the fence for over two cycles, and hassn't budged."

Astrotrain made a fist. "Bring him to me. I can persuade him."

"Not that way you won't!"

"You misunderstand me. All in good time, Bombshell. There's no hurry."

Thundercracker understood perfectly. "No slaves either, Astrotrain. Your methods are well known."

"Of course not. I love your mind, Thundercracker. It reminds me of someone...dear to me."

Skywarp didn't like the tone. "Love anything you want from a _distance,_ Astrotrain. Speaking of the battlechargers, what happened to Runamuck? We saw him in the hallway last cycle with Runabout. They were yelling about revenge."

"They had a safety accident in the corridors." Blitzwing said innocently, dragging on his stick. "It's why Megatron made his idiotic announcement about assigned walking spaces."

"Safety accident? Is that what damaged his optic? It seems different."

"Mismatched optics can be quite attractive." Octane stated, putting down three cards. "Hot triad."

"Play." Shrapnel was still weaving in a drunken stupor. He put two cards down.

Skywarp laughed. "You triplechangers are weird. What's so great about odd optics?"

"One of our...the warriors on Kaos 3 has them." Octane examined a card closely. "Quite a striking feature, actually. Of course, _some_ of us didn't know about this until _later!"_

Astrotrain glared. "I'm really tired of your bitching about DeadEye."

"And who the slag's fault is _that?_ I would've come back!"

"Like hell...you were off chasing aft!'

Thundercracker waved his hand. "Hold on..."

Blitzwing pointed in accusation. "You never stayed long enough to finish ONE hatch, much less-"

Breaker let loose a high frequency siren. Everyone grabbed their audios in pain.

"Are you crrazy, crazy?!" Shrapnel winced, holding his ringing head.

"Not." Breaker pointed at the triplechangers. "Past is past. DeadEye not care, is fine with it. Why continue nonsense?"

"It was never resolved!" Octane insisted.

"Anger bad direction. Blame Dust! Stop foolishness."

The triplechangers fell silent, their sullen expressions revealing nothing.

"I have no idea what any of you arrre talking about." Bombshell complained.

"Me either." Thundercracker agreed. "We came in the middle of a movie with no plot."

Blitzwing folded his arms. "The plot doesn't matter, it's in the past." his visiors brightened. "On to a more pleasant topic. Would you like to see the warriors on Kaos 3?"

"You mean head off base now?" Skywarp asked. "Even in his current state, I doubt Megatron would clear that."

"Hah! No, I was referring to a holo image. Consider it an introduction without danger. No transmissions to trace."

Skywarp smiled. "I'm for that. Besides, we'll need to know our new allies."

"Kindly observe." Blitzwing beamed an image from his head turret. A group of decepticon warriors appeared.

Shrapnel spoke first. "Ahh. Some of thesse Octane told me about. The otherss I don't know."

Bombshell buzzed. "It becomes clear why thisss army iss sso trussted. They arre yourrs."

"You're such a clever insecticon." Blitzwing was smug. "Know that we haven't shared this information with anyone else. Please remember should you consider something foolish and unhealthy."

"Arrre you threatening me?" Bombshell was indignant.

Blitzwing kept smiling. "Why threaten when I can step on your head?"

Thundercracker whistled at the image. "Who are the hotties?" he pointed. "I see the resemblance!"

Astrotrain answered. "Those three are our daughters. The one to the left is Octane's daughter."

Skywarp high fived Octane. "Not _bad,_ you old rustbucket!"

The triplechanger grinned. "Heh, what can I say?"

Breaker beeped in amusement. "Make excellent friendship! Daughters like seekers."

Kickback flicked his antennae. "I wouldn't mind being trrapped in a pit with thosse ones mysself!"

"They'd eat you alive." Octane laughed. "But dream on."

Thundercracker kept looking. "And that one on the other end...she's positively _gorgeous!"_

Astrotrain split a smile. "Our youngest daughter. She's bound to like you as well."

Shrapnel made an observation. "It appearrs as if triplechangerrs arre a busy lot. The handssome oness in the rearr? I see more resemblance."

Blitzwing pointed in a line. "Our sons."

"That's quite a crew you've got there!" Skywarp stated in amazement. "They look strong."

Thundercracker's optics lit up. "Not only triplechangers, Skywarp. Look, sitting on their shoulders!"

The purple seeker was taken aback. _"Minicons!"_

Everyone turned and stared at Breaker.

The smug minicon folded his arms. "Breaker _represent."_

Thundercracker laughed out loud. "Pit take, it, Megatron won't know what hit him!"

"This is...incrredible." Kickback stammered. "A prrivate arrmy of decepticonss, hidden under Megatron's nose!"

Bombshell snickered at the image. "That's one _big_ sucker in the middle."

Skywarp was staring again. "The hell? His optics don't match!"

Thundercracker turned to Octane. _"That's_ the attractive feature you spoke of?"

Octane smiled. "Of course. They're quite lovely."

_"Weird_ is more like it. One red optic and one yellow?!"

"A genetic quirk from unusual circumstances." Blitzwing said quickly. "But he's as powerful as he appears."

"With those optics he'd better be."

"I sense your excitement and anticipation." Octane changed the subject. "You will be well received on Kaos 3."

"Interesting codename." Skywarp observed, picking up his drink.

"Yes." Blitzwing shut off the image. " '3' is for triple, as in triplechangers. And chaos is self explanatory."

"Seems logical."

Thundercracker sighed, leaning back in his seat. He lit a flashstick and puffed. "You know, when we came here Skywarp and I were totally wired."

"And now?" Astrotrain quirked a grin.

"I can't explain it, but I feel totally relaxed. As if something is resolved in my mind."

Shrapnel hiccuped suddenly, his head bouncing.

Octane squeezed the insecticon. "You okay, sweetbot?"

"Yesss! Theese stupid surges give me bellyaches. So I will sing! Yes, that's it. I feel more like I do now, anyway."

Skywarp strained to keep a straight face. "I think he's wasted."

The drunk insecticon screeched and shook, making strange burbling sounds.

"Law and order, law and order, close it down and then _we cross the border!!"_

Kickback vibrated in laughter. "EEErrr, ourr fearrless leader iss a screwball." he weaved over the table next, feeling tipsy.

Blitzwing laughed. "You insecticons have too high a metabolism. No wonder he's already drunk."

Shrapnel continued crazily. "When the stars of Cybertron shine upon you, the lode of life is high!"

"Oh brother." Astrotrain stared in disbelief.

Octane plucked up his bondmate. "I'll take him to the back so he can lie down."

The happy Shrapnel howled as he was carried, completely oblivious. "In this I ssay, fellow decepticonss. Carry on! The cause must be kept, the war is a march."

Breaker made circles around his head. "Gone dizzy."

****

Skyfire lapped along a glistening pleasure unit and kissed the tip. A sated and sleepy seeker lay very still beneath him.

"Horny gas blower." Starscream mumbled. His optics were nearly closed.

"You weren't complaining a eighty astroseconds ago." Skyfire kept kissing, tickling loose interface lines. He nipped a red wing.

His seeker shivered. "Now go away. You've used me enough for one cycle!"

"Pity. I thought your mood would be better. I guess I'm wrong." Skyfire edged down, licking a groinplate.

Another shiver."You've probably crushed our sparklings. Oversized oaf."

A deep voice rumbled in amusement. "I seriously doubt that. But if you like, I'll have Hook examine you closely."

_"Anything_ but that. It's enough that I've been squashed and abused. I don't need Hook's poking on top of that!"

Skyfire smiled at his cranky seeker. "You look pretty happy for someone so tortured."

Starscream sighed dramatically, flicking a wing. "The things I tolerate for love. Besides, I was cold. You make a good blanket."

_"Well_ then." Skyfire gathered his seeker into a comfortable embrace. "I trust your delicate condition can take a bit of heat?"

Starscream quirked a smile, settling in. "This will do. Now fill me in on that news you promised."

"I'll start with Soundwave..."

****

Octane returned to the card game. "He's sleeping it off."

"Good." Blitzwing answered. He glanced around at equally drunk decepticons. "Looks like the game is winding down."

"Not before we fufill our promise." Astrotrain insisted. He observed the bleary seekers. Kickback and Bombshell were passed out under the table.

Thundercracker was buzzed, leaning against his bondmate. Skywarp nuzzled affectionately.

"Cracker, let's head back."

"Young love." Octane sighed, observing them. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Thundercracker looked up abruptly. "Thanks for the good time, everybody. We'll be heading back to quarters now."

"Must wait." Breaker beeped. "Something to tell!"

Skywarp glanced over. "What's wrong, Breaker?"

"Is...need know. On Kaos 3, made discovery."

Thundercracker looked to Blitzwing. "What's he talking about?"

The decepticon tank lit a stick and puffed. "Brace yourselves."

Skywarp was instantly edgy. "Tell us already! I hate suspense."

"A seeker contacted Kaos 3 last cycle. He is currently recovering and being briefed on our situation."

Skywarp and Thundercracker looked at each other. "So?"

"You don't understand." Astrotrain cut in. "This is no ordinary seeker. He came to be reunited with his son. A general and close friend of ours. You know of whom we speak."

Realization struck. Thundercracker gaped. "It...can't be..."

Blitzwing nodded. "BlackBolt has returned, Thundercracker."

Skywarp felt panicked. "Wait. _BlackBolt?!_ The imperial leader during the Tursla wars?"

"One and the same." Astrotrain spoke to the speechless Thundercracker. "I realize this is a shock-"

The blue seeker leaped up. "Where is he?!"

Breaker touched his arm to soothe. "As said, on Kaos 3. Safe! Heal with others."

Thundercracker covered his optics. "No, it must be a trick. He's...dead. Gone."

_"No, seeker."_ Octane said, his optics sparkling oddly. _"Look at me and listen."_

Thundercracker stared, optics glistening. "But how is it possible?"

_"His story will be revealed when you meet. He is pleased and proud, Thundercracker."_

Crimson optics were wild as Thundercracker made a fist. "How do I know you aren't lying?"

_"Observe."_ Octane pointed, his tone hypnotic. Blitzwing beamed another image. An image of a dark green seeker with black wings appeared.

"It...it's him...it's _really_ him." Thundercracker collapsed against Skywarp. The purple seeker embraced, stroking his wings gently.

"We'll talk later."

Thundercracker nodded wearily. "Yes. I still don't understand any of this."

Octane spoke again, his voice weaving through spark. _"We kept our promise and revealed him to you. All debts are honored."_

Thundercracker calmed. "When I was a sparkling, he often spoke of you. Funny, that information was lurking in my primal processors all this time. I just never accessed it."

_"You had little knowledge of us before adulthood. But the past hardly matters. Be patient, and strong in the knowledge that he lives."_

"Thank you." Thundercracker sighed, releasing his emotion. "How is he?"

Astrotrain barely grinned. "Cocky and arrogant as ever. He's being briefed on all our plans. More importantly, he asked about you."

"Is he alright?"

"He was seriously wounded by an autobot outpost but still functional. He's been treated and is recovering."

Thundercracker calculated probabilites. "Forty nine million, five hundred fifty thousand, two hundred and eight to one, the odds of this occurance."

"Brilliant." Blitzwing approved. "Still, not an infinite factor. The probability is factual and real, Thundercracker."

The blue seeker nodded. "I accept that. I'm in your debt." he closed his optics briefly, dropping his head.

Skywarp stood and squeezed his hand. "Come on. You need time to absorb this."

"Yes, it's time to go."

****

The triples sat in silence after the seekers departed. Breaker broke the quiet, glancing down at unconscious insecticons.

"What do?" he pointed. "Under table!"

Blitzwing stacked the cards and chips. "Leave them on the floor. At least we won't trip over them!"

Astrotrain puffed his stick. "A good cycle's work, I'd say. We've strengthened our position and regained an old ally."

"Very pleasing, Astro. BlackBolt will be delighted with his new granddaughter."

"We won't tell him about that."

"No, of course not. That's Thundercracker's buisness."

Breaker tilted his dealer's cap once more. "Good deal, repay debt." he sipped his drink. "Octane calm Thundercracker. Was necessary, spark stressed."

Octane tapped his stick over a glass. "He was losing control, so a little spark stroking was needed."

"Did sense also. Have question."

"What?"

"Tell Starscream, big Sky? Should know, vital to say."

"Certainly, Breaker. In the meantime..."

"In the meantime, our _own_ counsel will we keep." Astrotrain said mysteriously.

"And none can predict our ways." Blitzwing concluded.

to be continued