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).


Faces of Conflict


Thundercracker and Skywarp relaxed in their private quarters. The blue seeker watched his bondmate gobble energon snacks with amusement.

"I thought you were tired." he smiled across the kitchen table.

Skywarp smiled back. "I guess I should apologize, Cracker. I'm supposed to be showing support, not stuffing my faceplate."

Thundercracker gripped his hand. "You _are_ supporting me. Besides, you're eating for two. I don't mind."

Skywarp squeezed back. "I was a little worried when Blitzwing told you about BlackBolt. Your systems nearly went to overload."

Thundercracker sighed. "It was just...so overwhelming, you know?"

"Are you alright?"

The blue seeker covered his optics briefly. "I will be when I see him. It's been so _long,_ Skywarp. What will I say? What will he think?"

Sleek fingers traced a blue wing. "Easy, Thundercracker. Tone down your second processor."

"I know Breaker said he's okay, but-"

"You're thinking too much. Let events play out, like the others said. When it's safe, you'll meet. I don't doubt he's just as anxious to see you."

"Yeah." Thundercracker brightened a little.

"I wish I'd known my own parents." Skywarp was slightly sad, looking away.

"I know you were an orphan, 'Warp. It must have been difficult for you."

The purple seeker nodded. "It's one reason I'm thinking towards the future now. I don't want our daughter going through what I did, being shuffled around junior academies."

"I'm not certain I follow you."

"You know the deal, Thundercracker. War has a high attrition rate. If we're both killed, what happens to our daughter? I'm worried."

Thundercracker looked into matching optics. "We _won't_ be killed, I swear it! If the plan works out, we'll have control over our own lives for once. Safety and support, Skywarp. The future is what we make it."

Skywarp quirked a smile. "You may have a point."

Thundercracker plucked a snack from the bowl. "You know, I was barely through base academy when pada left for the wars. I wanted to go with him, but he refused."

"Why?"

Another sigh. "He said he'd already lost sana, and didn't want to lose me too. So I stayed behind."

"Cybertron was a crazy place to live then."

Thundercracker nodded, optics dim as he thought of the past. "You know, it's funny. Even as his accomplishments became well known, I wondered what he thought of me."

"You'll get the chance to find out. Reunions are often exciting!"

"Or scary. I don't know why I'm so nervous, 'Warp."

Skywarp glugged down more snacks. "Because you're still overthinking this, and anticipating things that haven't happened."

Thundercracker laughed, watching him eat voraciously. "How are you doing?"

"Me? I'm fine, just hungry."

"We'll certainly have a _healthy_ daughter. I may have to widen all the doors, though!"

"Very funny."

Thundercracker pulled his arm. "Come on, love. Let's go take an oil foam bath."

Skywarp smiled and followed. "Sounds like a plan."

****

Starscream lay against Skyfire as he absorbed the news. He sat up in agitation.

"I don't like this, Skyfire. If Soundwave is meeting with Shockwave already, our plans could be ruined."

"Then we'll meet the threat, Starscream." Skyfire was intense. "For now, all we know is that he's suspicious and making preparations."

"But what's his plan? Something must have happened to alert him suddenly."

Skyfire shook his head, placing the tray on a nightstand. "Nothing I'm aware of. But I suspect Megatron's behavior has spurred him to action."

"The fact that he's gathering other decepticons proves he's making a move."

"Perhaps. Or he's attempting a coup of his own."

Starscream stared at his bondmate sharply. "I hadn't considered that! Still, it makes no sense...Soundwave is disgustingly devoted to Megatron."

Skyfire folded his arms, thinking. "Sides are forming as we speak. But assumptions are dangerous until we have more information-"

Beeping interrupted their conversation as a familiar shape rolled into the bedroom.

"Good cycle to all!"

"We wondered where you'd gotten to." Starscream responded. "Off partying?"

"Was so." the minicon transformed to bot mode and hopped on the bed. "Excellent time. Much news!"

Skyfire smiled at his friend. "Thanks for cleaning the lab. Everything looks spotless."

Breaker patted a white knee plate. "Not problem. Keep lab organized, silly battlechargers made mess."

Starscream huffed. "I fully expect them to be by later to assist."

"Will do." Breaker beeped again, plopping between the larger decepticons. "Not problem, arrive on schedule."

Starscream looked to Skyfire. "Well if nothing else, the battlechargers are timely. Although your research might get interrupted by circumstance."

"I'm prepared for it, Starscream. After all, the status of this base will be questionable once the sparklings arrive. And with the possible arrival of Shockwave there could be war."

"Then know some." Breaker beeped.

Starscream poked him. "What do you mean? You mentioned news."

Breaker nodded. "Much relay, discuss. Top priority! Keep secret to self."

_"Get on with it!"_ the impatient seeker shrieked.

Breaker folded his legs. "As know, Soundwave choose trusted ones in secrecy. Suspicious of Megatron behavior, excluded others including self."

"Skyfire told me about the 'selective' meeting. And?"

"Meanwhile, discovery made. At secret ops base, find old seeker."

Crimson optics widened. "An old seeker?"

"Great commander of past. General Blackbolt."

Starscream gaped in shock. _"What?!_ But everyone thought he was dead!"

Skyfire stared, optics narrow. "Wait, Breaker. What's this secret ops base you mentioned?"

The minicon vibrated, his visior bright. "Will tell in astroseconds. Anyway, Blackbolt found and discovered. Was injured, now heal in hiding."

Starscream tapped his chin in thought, optics wild. "This could truly be a coup. He's returned after all this time...and Megatron has no clue!"

"I have vague memory of his reputation." Skyfire was thinking also. "His presence should make an interesting dynamic. Was he opposed to Megatron?"

Starscream shook his head. "No, his command predated Megatron's rise to power. By the time the Rutid wars broke out, BlackBolt was long considered dead."

Breaker beeped. "In theory, would be supreme commander, not Megatron. Fate decide otherwise."

"We use this to our advantage, then." Skyfire made a fist. "Utilize his experience and knowledge."

"Provided he agrees to work with us." Starscream replied. "We have no idea what his state of mind is."

Breaker laughed. "BlackBolt fine, already communicate!"

Both Skyfire and Starscream stared. "What?" they echoed.

"Mutual friends get health status. BlackBolt fine, eager to meet."

"Remarkable." Skyfire admitted. "So much is happening at once."

Starscream eyed the minicon with suspicion. "And just _who_ are these mutual friends?"

Breaker twiddled his thumbs innocently. "Triplechangers-"

A screech. _"I should have known!"_

"Not stress circuits. Bad for sparklings."

"Don't tell _me_ what to stress! Does anyone else know about BlackBolt?"

"Insecticons know. Is all, not tell anyone."

"They'd better not." Starscream was thinking again. "Is that all of it?"

"Also Skywarp, Thundercracker. Know whole truth."

"How'd they get involved?" Skyfire wanted to know.

"At party during discussion."

"Wait." Starscream interrupted. "You told Thundercracker about BlackBolt?"

"Yes. Was shock, fright. Octane calm."

Skyfire was confused. "Why's it significant that Thundercracker be told?"

Starscream answered. "BlackBolt is his father."

Blue optics widened in surprise. "I see."

Starscream was thinking aloud. "It's time for a little meeting of the minds. I don't like loose information floating around."

"Agreed, Starscream. This situation is getting too sloppy for my tastes. And a certain minicon still hasn't told us everything."

Breaker appeared amazed. "Sky confuse Breaker. Not know what mean?"

"Don't give me that innocent routine. What about this special ops base? Who runs it?"

"Decepticons."

"That's really funny. Who!"

"Secret army, highly trained."

"What nonsense is this, Breaker?" Starscream rounded on the minicon. "You expect us to believe there's a brigade of decepticons Megatron knows nothing about?"

"Is true." Breaker was annoyed. "Not lie. Raised and trained elsewhere. Go by codename Kaos 3."

Starscream shrugged. "Kaos 3? Never heard of them. What city on Cybertron are they from?"

"Some born on Cybertron, others not. Security reasons, not reveal secret yet."

Starscream rolled his optics. "Secret _this,_ secret _that._ Give me a break!"

"Can tell this much. Kaos 3 run separate operation on small planetoid. Convert to replica of Cybertron underground."

Skyfire blinked. "Like an underground society. Many transformers did that during the wars."

"Is so. Breaker not say more without consulting."

"You mean without plotting. Don't forget who you're talking to." Skyfire reminded him.

_"Love_ big Sky." the minicon suddenly cuddled close.

Starscream pushed him away. "Pretty brazen for a pocket calculator."

Breaker pointed, his fingertip crackling. "Watch mouth. Not say again!"

"You'll need a better diversion than that!"

"Not need diversion. Told truth!"

"Yes, triplechangers cherry pick truth and arrange it accordingly. Now what about those decepticons!"

"Breaker already say much. Not say more!" the minicon abruptly transformed to sphere mode and bounded from the room.

Skyfire watched him go. "I think you ticked him off."

Starscream rose from bed. "Good. I'm just getting warmed up."

****

Decepticon Headquarters. Gheris City, Cybertron.

Shockwave paced his office. "So you're saying Megatron is mentally unsound? How did this happen, Soundwave?"

The communications officer hummed in agitation. "I have no idea. His bizarre behavior has worsened over several cycles."

"If he's that erratic, it cannot continue. Loathe as I am to do it, I have little choice but to assume command."

"You will _not."_ Soundwave growled.

The huge decepticon gun glowered at his companion. "You're in no position for debate, Soundwave. Few if any would follow you."

"I will match you threat for threat, Shockwave. Don't make the situation difficult for yourself."

_"Myself?!"_ Shockwave laughed, seating himself. "You amuse me."

"There's nothing amusing about this. A supreme commander can never appear weak."

Shockwave steepled his fingers. "So. It appears as if Megatron has become unstable. Has he been examined?"

"He refuses. At times he's quite lucid."

"Have you detected a pattern? An injury perhaps, or outside influence?"

"I have scanned his brainwave patterns. They are being subtly altered."

"I have a device here that might return his original pattern. Do you have any suspects?"

Soundwave nodded. "I've gathered those I trust on base. They've been fully briefed on Megatron's condition. All others are on my observation list."

"Then you already know who may be responsible?"

Soundwave paused in thought. "I know the capabilities of all decepticons."

Shockwave's single optic glowed. "Ah. Then you have a blacklist. Who?"

"All triplechangers. The seekers and Skyfire."

Shockwave's optic blinked. "Skyfire? I'm not familiar."

"A young Razer. He and Starscream have a history, and are currently bondmates."

"Fascinating. I've not seen a Razer in fifty thousand vorns. His description?"

"White with red accents. Blue optics."

"A wanderer?"

"He's currently our assigned techno scientist. Brilliant."

Shockwave held his chin. "Sounds like someone I encountered before. But he was an autobot."

"Skyfire was of decepticon ancestry originally. He has since returned to the fold."

Shockwave poured himself a drink. "Fate plays strange tricks on us all. When my schedule clears, I'll visit the earth base and see what occurs up close."

Soundwave let out a harmonic sigh. "As I stated earlier, we have a situation regarding the arrival of sparklings."

"I must say I'm amazed, Soundwave. Legends say our kind were rendered incapable of such."

"The legends are false. Apparently our replication programming is once again active. Quintesson suppression has failed."

Conversation paused as a golden seeker entered.

"Excuse me, commander Shockwave. There is minor damage to one of the bays."

Shockwave turned his way. "Send repair teams to the bays immediately, Sunstorm."

A nod. "As you command."

"And stand by. I want you to accompany me to earth base when time permits."

The golden seeker brightened. "My gratitude, Shockwave. I hear things are always wild there!"

Soundwave agreed glumly. "You have no idea."

****

The battlechargers lurked in the halls once again. Runabout pressed his head against another door.

"Hear anything?" his sibling asked.

"Nah, I think this unit is empty." Runamuck was disappointed.

Runabout shrugged. "Well at least it ain't a total bust. We did overhear Ramjet and Wildrider!"

"Yeah, it got wild with those whips."

Runabout snickered, standing up straight. "Stunticons scream a lot. But I think DeadEnd's the worst."

"Yeah, I heard he did this freaky thing with Ratbat once, but-"

"No way! Their interface lines don't match. Besides, Frenzy lies half the time."

Runamuck stretched. "Kinda quiet. Wonder what the deal with Megatron is, givin' us so much free time."

"Don't look a gift microchip in the mouth, bro. Let's head back to quarters. I owe you for beating me that last round of _Tomb Raiders."_

"I'm up three hundred points." the grinning Rumamuck paused, holding himself. "Damn."

"You okay?"

"Surge. Feel kinda achy in my joints, too."

"It's probably the sparkling. You haven't been eating enough."

Runamuck started walking. "Well I've got an appetite now. Come on, let's-"

Runabout shushed him suddenly. "Look, down that hall. Is that Megatron?"

The white battlecharger squinted. "Yeah. But he's acting doofy."

Ducking around a corner, the battlechargers stared in amazement as Megatron skipped through the corridors, flapping his arms like a scarecrow.

The brothers strained to keep from laughing. Runabout tapped his sibling on the shoulder.

"Come on. This is gonna work in our favor!"

"How?"

Runabout grabbed his twin by the arm. "I got a sudden urge to tell somebody."

****

Breaker retreated to the far side of the base. Rolling through several air vents moved him quickly to his destination.

The triplechangers were discussing their next move when a familiar shape plopped over the living room table. True to their weird nature, the others didn't react as Breaker clanged off the hard surface and bounced to the floor.

Blitzwing rested his foot pods over the unconscious Kickback. "Ah, Breaker. You seem a bit agitated."

The sphere vibrated. "Is so. Did relay new information to Skyfire and Starscream."

Octane tapped the couch. "Well, come on up. Did something go wrong?"

Breaker rolled up in a gravity defying move. "Perhaps. Not sure."

Astrotrain was eating an energon salad. "You mean to say they weren't pleased?"

"No, news well taken. Big Sky concern over information leaks."

"Good point." Octane agreed. "There's a loose cannon out there that could wreck everything we've accomplished."

"I don't see how." Blitzwing puffed a stick. "But it might be prudent to keep our senses up. I don't want any slipups or surprises."

Octane shook his head. "Anyone we know with a big mouth? Even casual conversation needs to be capped."

Astrotrain paused in his eating. "The battlechargers, but they're under our control."

"You certain?"

"Octane, how could you doubt my touch?"

Octane considered the implication. "Did they decide first, Astrotrain?"

"Their allegiance was made long ago, they merely needed direction for it."

Octane tapped Astrotrain on the forehead. "Spare me your games of confusion, Astro. What use are allies with no free will?"

"Bah. Controlling slaves takes too much energy, Octane. I merely capitalized on common interest. The battlechargers have an endless infatuation with Skyfire."

"That seems to be a common disorder around here." Blitzwing stated pointedly.

"Cheap shot." Breaker commented. "Still speak true."

"Really?" Astrotrain rounded on the minicon. "I sense you're pissed about something else entirely. Do we need to guess what?"

"Is personal."

"Ah, so _that's_ it." Blitzwing patted the minicon. "Whatever happened to that famous patience of yours?"

The sphere vibrated. "Is thin. Tolerate Starscream, understand mood swings from sparklings."

"He said something to annoy you." Octane guessed.

"Was so. Call Breaker names, still immature."

"Don't let him get to you. You know he's got a mouth."

"Breaker bust!"

Blitzwing patted the sphere again. "Skyfire values you greatly. And though he won't admit it, so does Starscream."

"So say."

"I have an idea." Astrotrain suggested. "Offer protection for their sparklings until they hatch."

Breaker transformed to bot mode. "Give stick."

Octane handed him one. The minicon lit up and smoked, considering. "Good deal. Can be close and get closer!"

Astrotrain spread his arms wide. "See? Problem solved."

"Wait, I sense a transmission." Octane stiffened. "It's Kaos 3!"

****

The battlechargers ran into the combaticons on their way to the cafeteria.

"Do you expect us to believe that nonsense, Runamuck?" Onslaught huffed as he listened to their wild story.

The white battlecharger giggled. "Ya don't have to believe us, Onslaught. Just walk around and see for yourself!"

"Huh." Brawl looked about. "They may be right. Remember what we saw cycles ago?"

"Yeah, but Soundwave wants everybody to keep quiet about it." Swindle griped.

Vortex poked his teammate. "And you _will_ keep quiet. There's enough loose talk on the base as it is!"

"Eh, so what?" Swindle shrugged. "We all know Megatron is losing it. Maybe it's time for the combaticons to take control!"

Brawl clamped his mouth shut. "You crazy? Someone could hear that!"

"Man, you guys are paranoid." Runabout observed. "Like we said, see for yourself!"

Blastoff looked about the corridors. "I generally don't buy into rumors, but there _has_ been evidence of bizarre behavior by Megatron."

Runabout pulled up. "Yikes. Speak of Unicron." he pointed the other way. Front and center was Megatron. He had circled the corridor and was skipping their way.

Swindle choked back a laugh. "Sheesh, his brainbox is _shot."_

"Quiet!" Brawl hissed, elbowing him.

"Our fearless leader comes this way." Vortex kept his voice low. Megatron approached and tilted his head.

"What. Is this an unauthorized meeting?"

"Ah, no." Onslaught stammered. "We were just going about the base. Do you have any orders?"

"Orders?" Megatron glared. "Are you trying to tell me how to command, Onslaught?"

"No, I-"

"I could have you slagged for insubordination. And the rest of you!" he pointed wildly at the others. They gawked in disbelief.

Megatron lit his stick and puffed it. "As I was saying. According to Soundwave, the sparklings will be arriving in less than a groon. Preparations must be made."

Brawl cringed. "Such as?"

"Collaborate with the constructicons. I want cribs made and distributed among all prospective parents. Once the sparklings hatch I want everyone back on duty!"

Swindle covered his mouth. "But, ah...what about the Autobots?"

"What _about_ them, Swindle? This is decepticon buisness. I'll authorize various shifts to go on energy raids while this base is reclassified."

Onslaught blinked. "I don't understand. Reclassified as what?"

"Operation hatch batch."

_"Operation hatch batch?!"_ the group echoed in astonishment.

"Yes." Megatron was serious, still puffing. "In fact, I'll make it official. Stand by for your next assignments while I formulate a base memo." and with that he skipped away, arms waving.

The battlechargers blurted in laughter.

Brawl scratched his head. "You guys were right. That's one messed up mechanism!"

Onslaught folded his arms. "I've had enough of this. We need to formulate our _own_ plan!"

"I have a suggestion." Runabout interrupted.

"What?"

"Before I say, I gotta know...whose side are you on?"

"Heh." Swindle was sly. "Ain't no sides but our own."

BlastOff disagreed. "Is this a trick? Don't expect us to expose ourselves! Soundwave already suspects sedition in the ranks."

"Yeah, we weren't included in his meeting." Runamuck griped.

"And I have to wonder why. He doesn't trust you!" BlastOff stared with suspicion.

The combaticons turned on the battlechargers. "Well?" Vortex demanded. "Are you in on the plot?"

Runamuck backed into his brother. "Now wait an astrosecond. You got the wrong idea!"

"We don't think so." Onslaught lifted his hand cannon. "Start talking or I'll a blow a hole in you!"

"You wouldn't _dare!"_ Runamuck bellowed, pointing. "No one messes with battlechargers-"

"Is there a problem?" a deep, commanding voice was heard. Everyone turned at a looming figure in white.

"Skyfire." Onslaught lowered his weapon. The combaticons gave space.

Skyfire looked the group over. "What were you planning on doing?"

Brawl shrugged. "A minor dispute. We were just making ourselves clear."

"How? By starting a firefight in an underwater base?"

"Good thing you showed up." Runamuck huffed. "They were gonna cheap shot us! Not that we couldn't handle it-"

"I expected you at the lab earlier." Skyfire ignored the complaint, optics flashing. "I suggest you head there now."

"Yeah, sure." with uncertainty the battlechargers split from the group and scurried off. The combaticons watched them go.

"Why'd you send them away? We were gonna have some fun." Swindle complained.

"On your own time, Swindle. Those two are assigned to me indefinitely." Skyfire couldn't hide his curiosity. "It's a slow cycle, apparently."

Onslaught huffed. "With these ridiculous guidelines, we never know when we'll be busy or idle. It's no way to run a military installation."

"Dissatisfied with the current regime?"

"We aren't _saying_ that." BlastOff interrupted. "You trying to get us all slagged?"

"I wouldn't worry about that, considering Megatron's state of mind."

Swindle spoke to Vortex. "Remember what Motormaster said-"

"And _what_ did he say?" Skyfire was annoyed.

Swindle smirked. "Only that Shrapnel was trying to convince him to change sides. You know anything about that?"

Skyfire folded his arms, laughing. "Why should I care what Motormaster says? I've enough to keep me busy."

BlastOff shrugged. "I don't know. But you weren't at the meeting either."

"Megatron gives me leave to conduct my experiments."

_"Megatron_ didn't call the meeting." Onslaught was instantly suspicious.

"I'm fully aware it was Soundwave." Skyfire responded smoothly.

The combaticons were surprised. "But how?" Onslaught stammered. "There's no way you could know-"

"I'm briefed on most everything." Skyfire lied coolly. "Combaticons, I don't spend a great deal of time with idle gossip and speculation. So if you'll excuse me." the big jet turned and stalked off.

Swindle put hands on hips. "Well how do you like _that?"_

****

The triplechangers viewed a holographic image of Kaos 3. Bloodwing relayed the latest news, her features grim at their command center.

"How is she!" Octane demanded.

/Recovering, but it's a slow process./

"Damage to vital components?" Blitzwing was barely controlled.

/Her spark chamber is intact, but there's considerable mainframe damage. We've applied healing beta rays to all burn areas, and-/ Bloodwing appeared to turn briefly.

The triplechangers waited impatiently. "What's going on, Bloodwing?!" Astrotrain demanded.

Bloodwing shouted at voices behind her. /_I said shut up!_/

_"Bloodwing!!"_

The female decepticon turned again. /I'm sorry, I couldn't hear you. The sparklings are upset and we can't calm them down. Raker pinpointed a possible warp station the Quintessons may have escaped to on his scanners./

"I can barely hear you myself!" Astrotrain was angry and frustrated.

Bloodwing continued, her voice stressed. /LowGrade and DeadEye keep yelling about revenge. Nighttrain is swearing death to all Quintessons./

"They can't go blasting out of there like that!" Blitzwing snapped. "Tell the others one of us will rendevous over the next few cycles and form a plan."

A burly decepticon entered the image. /We want their broken heads on a stick./

Astrotrain jumped on him. "Stop thinking with your thermoclusters, Rail! You'll have to get the others under control."

Octane growled, barely hiding his rage. "We need to get back as soon as possible."

"Did they get any supplies, Rail?" Blitzwing demanded.

/Not much. We attacked their ship after they tried to infiltrate our bunkers./

Octane snarled in anger. "Watch over your cousin, make sure she heals properly."

Rail slammed a fist on the console. /We will. And all Quintessons die!/

Still another female decepticon forced her way between the others. /I burned off the face of their general. It's here as a trophy! I say we-/

"Enough!" Astrotrain bellowed.

/We kill them now!/ the female answered, her optics flaring wildly.

"You can't kill what you can't catch, Firebomb. How can you run the base with everyone raving like lunatics?!"

A minicon screeched in response. /Pinpoint gravitational source of warp waves. Leave dark matter hole. Catch at site. Then kill!/

Breaker broke his silence. "Future plans discuss regarding Quintessons. Situation addressed."

/Not appraised of plan!/

"Will know later. Must think! Not accomplish goal in rage."

/So say./

"Is so. Need maintain status."

The image shifted again as more decepticons crowded to be seen.

/When are you coming back?/ a sleek deception insisted.

Octane answered her. "We'll try to arrange something without causing suspicion. Stay with your sister, Flashpoint. I want a report on her condition every cycle."

/Not advisable, uncle./ Rail insisted. /Megatron or one of his cronies may discover us./

"He's right." Blitzwing squeezed Octane's arm in comfort. "Too many extended transmissions will draw attention. You know this."

"I don't care. I want updates, Blitzwing."

Astrotrain had an idea. "We can take advantage of this during our off duty status. But only while Soundwave is occupied elsewhere."

"Need cut short." Breaker stated. "Bad circumstance, will have revenge!"

"Don't get them started." Astrotrain hissed. He addressed the image. "Things are difficult right now, but you must remain strong. For yourselves and the sparklings."

Blitzwing remembered something. "Where's BlackBolt?"

Bloodwing responded. /He's familiarizing himself with our satellite grid and security./

"Good."

Octane sighed wearily. "It's always something, isn't it?"

Flashpoint saw his distress. /Don't worry, pada. She's not in mortal danger. And the next Quintesson we see will be a dead one!/

The others shouted in agreement around her.

"Well said." Octane replied, his tone cold.

"Sensors on base tracking for transmissions." Breaker warned. "Standard sweeps."

/Acknowledged. Signing out-/ Rail barely hit the signal control before he was pushed aside.

/DEATH!!/ DeadEye shouted and shook his fists, before the transmission faded and disappeared.

****

The triples stood in silence a moment, gathering their thoughts. To their astonishment, Octane laughed out loud.

"Octane?" Blitzwing was worried.

Octane settled to a smile. "That boy's some piece of work, isn't he?"

Blitzwing grinned next. "Of course. You have to admire his single mindedness, though."

Astrotrain shook his head. "I pity any ship that remotely resembles Quintessa. The loon's liable to shoot it up on appearance alone."

"I'm surprised that bothers you, Astrotrain." Octane cracked.

"It doesn't. Say what you mean."

Octane shrugged and lit a stick. "DeadEye is exactly like you were, back in the day."

Astrotrain edged up, his tone combative. "If your daughter weren't hurt-"

"Don't threaten me either. DeadEye's every bit as erratic and crazed as you are."

"I'd say he has your mouth and slow processor!"

Breaker started beeping. Blitzwing quickly moved between the two of them.

"You're both acting like sparklings."

"Speaks the all wise." Octane sniped again. "You looked me straight in the faceplate and said nothing about him! Conniving liar."

The tank huffed. "No more than you deserved. So Dust is innocent now?"

"Dust was a coward and weakling for running off like that!"

"So? _We_ were here. And brought DeadEye home-"

Breaker had heard enough. "Argument stupid then, stupid now. Still say same things! Octane daughter shot, should be focus. Dust long gone. Why mention? Time to resolve, DeadEye fine."

The sullen triplechangers didn't immediately respond.

"Take own advice, show strength for others!" Breaker insisted.

Blitzwing sighed. "He's right, you know. This constant bickering about the past does no good."

"No." Octane admitted reluctantly, folding his arms.

"We were wrong in not telling you." Astrotrain added. "But for the time being, take satisfaction in knowing everything turned out fine. Isn't DeadEye a fine specimen?"

A small smile crept on Octane's face.

"You are pleased, then." Astrotrain observed.

"Suitably so, Astrotrain. Hopefully none of us will repeat past mistakes."

Blitzwing held his head. "I seriously doubt that. _One_ hatch of idiots is all I can stand!"

"I know the feeling." Astrotrain agreed, optics sparking with mischief. He patted Octane on the shoulder."There's a bright side to all this, you know."

Octane didn't understand. "What could that possibly be?"

"Anyone crazy enough to threaten DeadEye's sister is a crushed mechanism."

Spontaneous laughter eased tension. Blitzwing headed to the kitchen. "I'll make us all a drink."

Breaker snuggled on the padded couch and made himself comfortable. "Is good. Handle problems better drunk."

to be continued