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).

Chess Match


"I still fail to see why you've summoned me suddenly, Megatron."

Megatron gloated in his quarters with Starscream at attention. "I've made a decision, Starscream. Since it's apparent this base will soon be on reduced status, I think it appropriate that field maneuvers be started at once."

"But why?"

Megatron looked his second in command over. "It's painfully clear my army is out of shape. And I won't be disgraced by fat soldiers!"

The seeker flushed briefly in anger. "An unecessary comment, Megatron."

Crackling laughter. "I know the sparkling factor. Still, it's no excuse for flabby mainframes."

"Our conditions are temporary-"

"But embarassing nonetheless. Consult with Soundwave for aerial maneuvers at 0800 breems."

"And what about the ground troops? Many of those are expecting also!"

Megatron shrugged grandly. "They already have their schedule. In fact you may see them on your way out."

"Megatron-"

_"Dismissed,_ Starscream!" the despot turned his back.

Starscream glared in silence before stalking out.

()

Soundwave eased from the bedroom after Starscream made his exit. Megatron smiled in conspiracy.

"Is everything in place?"

"Affirmitive, Megatron. Their units will be searched for any evidence."

Megatron wrung his hands in satisfaction. "We'll see who plays what game, Soundwave. Sooner or later the renegades will make themselves known. When that happens, the trap will be sprung."

Soundwave gave a musical laugh. "We have the support of Shockwave's forces."

"But of course. In fact, I plan to pay him a little visit."

"Why? The details are all set."

Megatron headed to the doors. "I trust no one just yet, Soundwave. And I plan to test the size of his ambition."

"A wise manuever in light of his previous comments."

Megatron punched the door release. "I want no surprises from behind."

()


An annoyed Starscream visited Skyfire in the lab. It was a place of bustling activity. Breaker was constructing new molecular models at one station while Skyfire reviewed his latest test results on data disks. The battlechargers were stirring more vats of ore and calculating temperatures.

The red seeker paused before entering. "Quite a busy place you have here, Skyfire."

Blue optics glanced up in welcome. "Come on in. There's been a slight curveball."

"Oh?" Starscream sat at the main table. "I thought you were making headway with the formulas."

Skyfire held up a disk. "We were, but an unexpected situation occurred. Some of the test ores broke down on the molecular level and turned to base sludge. We're trying to determine what happened and why."

Sleek hands picked up another data disk. "That seems odd. The combinations you mixed seemed stable enough."

"I thought so too, but our other metals degenerated into a jelly like mass. Breaker did the isotopic scans."

Starscream glanced over at the busy minicon. "What did you discover, Breaker?"

A beep. "Unusual isotope change. Molecule chains break! Substances weak, between solid and liquid."

The seeker held his chin in thought. "Skyfire, put that image on the screen. I'm curious about that breakdown."

Skyfire smiled as he activated the projector. "It's good to see you back in science mode, Star."

A smug smile of satisfaction. "I may be fat, but at least my brain hasn't changed."

"What on Cybertron are you talking about?"

Crimson optics stared at molecular imagery. "Megatron summoned me without warning. He wants the base to go on maneuvers."

"I don't get it. Why now?"

"I have no idea. Also, he's nearly normal again. We have to correct that situation."

Runamuck piped up from his work area. "Maneuvers? I don't feel like all that running around, Starscream."

The seeker snorted. "You don't have a choice. Megatron is under the impression that we're all fat slobs in need of a good workout."

"What the slag does he expect, we're havin' sparklings!"

"He knows all that, dolt. I'll have to announce the schedule for both aerial and land teams later on."

Skyfire was intense. "The timing of this is odd. He's up to something."

"Must remake insane." Breaker beeped nearby.

"Agreed, Breaker." Starscream nodded. "However, there's no need for haste. Megatron is never subtle about anything. Soon enough will we know his true motives."

"Hey!" Runabout shouted. "We gotta let the clique know. Maybe they can help out."

Skyfire was irritated. "For the millionth time, there isn't any clique!"

"Give it a rest, we know the deal. If we contact the others carefully, they can put the fix in."

"And precisely who is this 'they?' " Starscream snipped. "You doubt my plans?"

Runamuck stopped stirring. "Nah, it ain't about that. But we know things are happening behind the scenes."

"And it will remain that way until I say otherwise. It's none of your affair who knows what at this point."

"So you say."

"I _do_ say. Nor will I tolerate any insolence on your part. How are the mixtures coming?"

Runabout stared at liquid metal. "Eh, we're making progress. Molecules aren't all heating at the same rate, though."

Starscream considered that. "Skyfire, that may be why the ore compounds are breaking down."

Skyfire viewed the large screen. "You may be right. Can you stay and brainstorm with me awhile?"

Starscream glanced at his chronometer. "I think so. Besides, it's refreshing to do lab work after all this time."

()


Kaos 3 made contact once again. From the privacy of their quarters, Astrotrain and Blitzwing fretted about detection. Octane was oddly silent as the transmission broke.

Blitzwing was annoyed. /Bloodwing, why have you contacted us so soon? You know everything is monitored here./

/It couldn't be helped, sana. RC's in a coma. We thought she was improving, but over the last two cycles her core has become erratic./

/What?!/ Octane nearly shouted aloud.

/It's true. There seems to be some sort of odd viral infection attacking her main components. We don't know if the Quint assault caused this or not./

There was a pause as the others absorbed that.

"Is Tracker with her?!" Octane bellowed.

"Octane!" Astrotrain hissed. /Quiet, you fool./

The tanker cursed before switching mode. /Bloodwing, does Tracker have any ideas?/

/He suspects she was exposed to a technological germ deliberately. And we have evidence to support the theory. The weapon used by the Quints held casings containing a strange substance./

Octane made a fist. /They'll be repaid. With interest!/

Bloodwing continued. /In the meantime, Barrage placed a small warpspace around her. While time is suspended her condition is stabilized. But there's no improvement, either./

Blitzwing frowned. /She can't remain in stasis forever. Eventually the disease will cause further degeneration./

Bloodwing was angry. /We have no idea what to do. Our database has no record of this illness./


Octane cursed again and smashed his fist over a table. Blitzwing restrained him before speaking to Bloodwing.

/One of us will rendevous asap. See spacegate 9 and check coordinates routinely. We'll have to cut this transmission./

/Hurry. Bloodwing out./

/Out./

Octane freed himself. "Let go of me, Blitzwing. There's no time to waste."

"I know, but we need a plan. I heard rumors that Megatron is returning to normal."

"Impossible!"

"It's true." Astrotrain cut in. "I have no idea what's going on, but until we can secure that you can't slip away."

"Pit take it! There's never an end to the insanity around here." Octane gripped Astrotrain by the shoulders. "You'll have to revive her, Astro. My powers won't affect her core directly."

"How do you propose I get off base without Megatron knowing? It can't work like that-"

"We'll _make_ it work!"

"Wait." Blitzwing intervened. "We need to get him loaded up again, quickly. Do that, and he'll hardly notice your absense."

Octane headed for the doors. "Time for extreme measures, Blitzwing."

The decepticon tank nodded grimly. "The mind is your specialty, Octane. Good hunting."

()

Breaker tapped Skyfire on an arm. "Been contacted, Big Sky."

"Hmm?" Blue optics trained on the minicon. He looked over a pile of data disks.

/Secret./ Red visiors blazed brightly.

"Breaker, speak out loud. And stop poking in my head like that."

The mincon glanced over at the battlechargers. "May be safe. All in on plan."

Runamuck and Runabout looked up in excitement.

Skyfire gave them warning. "Whatever is said here remains here. Understand?"

"We get it, Skyfire." Runamuck grinned. "New developments?"

"Is so." Breaker beeped. "Will accelerate Megatron insanity, direct."

"It's part of the plan!" Runabout shouted in excitement. "Sounds like buisness is picking up."

"Indeed." Skyfire agreed. "A pity Starscream couldn't stay longer. He would like to hear this."

"All in time." Breaker pointed at the doors. "Architect approach."

"What?" Skyfire stared as Octane blew in, all buisness.

"Skyfire, I need your help. We have a situation off base."

The valkyrie jet was intrigued. "What's going on, Octane?"

Octane pulled up a chair and sat at the lab table. "Can you divert Soundwave here briefly? I need to get near Megatron and I don't want interference."

Crystal blue optics narrowed. "You'll have to tell me all of it."

Octane sighed, glancing at the battlechargers. "Are they secure?"

"Absolutely. I understand they have a special connection, or so Breaker tells me."

The minicon nodded. Octane kept staring at the battlechargers.

"Hey! Stop looking at us like that." Runamuck paused in his work. "Go give someone else the spook."

Octane laughed suddenly. "A pleasant development."

"Jam it, Octane." Runabout snapped. "Don't try any tricks, either."

"The only trick will be played on Megatron." Octane spoke to Skyfire again. "I only need proximity with Megatron for a brief time, no more than fifty astroseconds."

Skyfire studied him closely. "I need to know what you're doing and why. I don't work under blinds."

"Fair enough. A situation has developed offplanet that needs attention."

"This would involve Kaos 3."

Octane stared in amazement. "Your analysis coefficient is astounding, Skyfire. I wasn't certain you knew about that."

"Word filtered through. You need a diversion to get there."

"Not myself, but Astrotrain. I plan to incapacitate Megatron's CPU and restore him to a muddled mess."

Skyfire leaned back in his seat. "You can do that?"

"There's far more to me than meets the eye. I could fry his brain to slag, make him silly or insane. Or twist his emotions and give them form."

"Those are very dangerous abilities, Octane. If true, why didn't you do this earlier?"

"Megatron has too many allies, and some are more than capable of detecting my power. Soundwave is one of them."

"Now I see. How much time does Astrotrain need?"

"No more than a cycle. Keep Soundwave here for a short time while I work on Megatron."

Skyfire steepled his fingers. "You may have a tighter window than you know. Starscream informed me Megatron wants all forces out on manuevers."

"What?!"

"The announcement likely will be made soon."

Octane's optics lit with excitement. "Actually that's perfect!"

"How so?"

"In confusion there is opportunity, Skyfire. Astrotrain can drop from the maneuvers and leave while no one is looking."

"You'd better hope so." Skyfire punched an intercomm panel.

"Soundwave? This is Skyfire. Request brief meeting for research update."

The battlechargers approached the table in a burst of motion.

Octane glanced up. "What is it?"

"We've got to help Astrotrain." Runamuck said, his optics blinking wildly. "He's our dearest friend."

"Yes, _beautiful_ Astrotrain." Runabout added, his optics also blinking.

Skyfire gawked. "What's going on here?"

Runabout gripped Skyfire on the arm. "He promised us many treats, so we watch out for him."

Octane cracked up. "Oh _brother!"_

Breaker was also amused. "Told reason before, Big Sky. Remember?"

Skyfire pulled his arm away from Runabout. "I remember! Get back to work, Runabout."

Wild optics kept blinking brightly. "We will, but promise to help Astrotrain."

_"Octane_ is the one asking for help."

_"Promise for Astrotrain!"_ Runamuck bellowed.

"Fine. Now get out of my face and back to work!" Skyfire pointed at the tanks. Nodding, the battlechargers returned to their station.

Skyfire glared at the triplechanger. _"Octane-"_

The decepticon tanker grinned and shrugged. "Hey, don't look at _me._ I had nothing to do with it."

()


Megatron brooded at the upper command station, attempting to make sense from all the strange occurances on base. Soundwave captured his attention from his station nearby.

"Megatron, Skyfire requests a brief meeting regarding the research update."

"Eh? With all the lunacy going on I'd almost forgotten. Go on, things will be slow until maneuvers start."

"As you command." Soundwave stood and exited. Starscream entered, pushing himself by.

Rumble snickered from his console. "Geez, Starscream. Are you sure you'll even fit at your station?"

Crimson optics glared coldly. "I haven't the energy to step on you, Rumble."

"As long as you don't fall on me!"

"Maybe I _should,_ shrimp."

"That's enough, you two." Megatron was annoyed. "I have no interest in your squabbles." he glanced at Starscream. "Be certain to include yourself in the maneuvers."

An irritated screech. "You already said that!"

"Did I? Interesting." Megatron turned back to the frontscreen. "A fat seeker is truly a rare sight."

"I don't have to tolerate these insults!"

A raspy chuckle. "You're too sensitive, Starscream. Meanwhile, announce the schedule."


()


Octane stood about ten meters away from the command center doors. He patiently waited as Soundwave disappeared in the opposite direction.

/You will dance, and I say the tune./

A crackling field of energy surrounded his head as he concentrated. Unfortunately, Octane never noticed a sleek form nearby, watching his every move. Ravage observed intently, her curiosity piqued.

[What's Octane doing? I sense the rise in his core. This is suspicious!]

As she edged around the corner and prepared to spring, a null beam struck. Ravage collapsed on the floor, optics dark.

Blitzwing came up with silent steps, grinning. "Bad kitty. We want no interference from you." he carried her off, giving Octane the thumbs up.

Octane nodded and returned his attention to Megatron. /Puppet./

From inside the control room, Megatron said one word. "Puppet."

"Watcha say, Megatron?" Rumble asked.

The despot rubbed his optics. "I...a strange feeling came over me."

"Maybe you should rest. It's been a rough time."

"I don't need rest, Rumble. Everything is different."

Starscream watched with suspicion, optics narrow.

Megatron leaped up suddenly, his expression changing. "Let's all dance! Yes, everyone have fun."

Rumble stared. "Hah?"

"You heard me, Rumble." Megatron skipped in circles around his chair.

"Time to blow this joint. _Party hardy, everybody!!"_

Starscream couldn't believe his optics. Megatron climbed on his chair and flapped wildly like a scarecrow.

"Watch, I'm gonna fly. See, it's fun!" wisps of smoke curled from Megatron's helmet.

The decepticon second in command covered his mouth in laughter. /Unicron take it, he's certifiable! But how?/

"Hey, you! Over there." Megatron pointed. "What you doing?"

Starscream coughed. "Watching a show."

"Well, the voices told me something just now."

"Sheesh, Megatron." Rumble went to him in panic. "You've gotta control yourself before the base finds out!"

Megatron pointed skyward. "The base! Yes, that's it. I'll call everyone, then stand on my head." he jumped from the chair.

"Starscream, stop him!" Rumble clung to Megatron hopelessly.

The seeker sniffed in fake sympathy. "He's our commanding officer, Rumble. I can't overrule him, that would look bad."

"Bull!" Rumble yelled as he was dragged. Megatron picked up a microphone.

"NOW HEAR THIS. I AM MEGATRON, YOUR LEADER. I HAVE NOW SEEN THE LIGHT. I WOULD CALL EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, BUT THERE ISN'T TIME. SINCE EVERYONE IS SO FAT, I WANT YOU ALL TO WORK OFF THAT WEIGHT WITH MANEUVERS. THOSE WHO CAN FLY, FLY. THOSE ON THE GROUND, STAY EARTHBOUND. I WILL HAVE WEIGHT STATIONS INSTALLED IN EVERY CORRIDOR, AND EACH SOLDIER WILL HAVE TO PASS AN ASSIGNED LIMIT. ALL OVERWEIGHT DECEPTICONS WILL BE SHIPPED TO CYBERTRON IMMEDIATELY. GESTALTS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS. TOO MUCH TONNAGE IS BAD. IF YOUR PARTNER IS BIG THAT WILL MAKE YOU BIG. STARSCREAM WILL GIVE THE SCHEDULE TIMES FOR MANEUVERS. HE'S QUITE HUGE, AND NEEDS THE EXERCISE."

Starscream growled at an angry Rumble. "He could have left _that_ out."

"IT'S BEEN LOVELY, TRULY GREAT. AND NOW IF YOU'LL ALL EXCUSE ME, I'M GOING TO STAND ON MY HEAD NOW. MEGATRON OUT."

Rumble climbed the console, snatching the microphone away. "You didn't even try to stop him, Starscream!"

The seeker glared at his moronic leader. "I almost wish I had. I've had it up to here with fat jokes!"

"Well, this ain't no joke. Megatron is off his nut!"

On cue, Megatron walked around the station and smiled. "See all the pretty buttons with lights? They've got lots of nice colors and stuff."

"We gotta do something!" Rumble pleaded.

Starscream smirked in delight. "I never interfere with command decisions."

()

A conspirator received an urgent message in the corridor.

/Octane, get out of there. Soundwave is headed your way./

/Understood./ the triplechanger darted into a boom chute just in time. Soundwave bolted through the hallways and rushed inside the control center.

/An enjoyable performance by the village idiot./

/With a difference, this time. I've completely destablized his personality components./

/Sweet Octane, I could kiss you./

/You would kiss a service droid, Astrotrain. But first things first./

/Well then, tie me up. I know you love whips./

Octane laughed softly as he slipped into an elevator. /You're a pervert after my own core, Astrotrain./

/As one, Octane./

/Save my daughter first, then we play./

/I hate waiting for treats./

Octane hit level two on the access panel. /Then go bang Blitzwing in the meantime./

A pause. /Maybe you should join us./

/Haste makes chaos, Astrotrain. I know you haven't forgotten./

/Past success doesn't guarantee future results. Coward./

/I'm merely cautious. Besides, Blitzwing would kill us if that happened again!/

/You may have a point. I admit everything got too wild./

Octane stepped onto level two and headed to quarters. /It was too close, Astrotrain. We nearly blew up that moon and ourselves with it./

/There's always danger with source powers. But I follow where you're going./

/Good. Now get out my head, we've work to do./

()


An angry Soundwave burst into the control center, pausing at the sight of his bondmate. The addled Megatron punched buttons erratically, making several control panels light up.

The communications officer glared at the indifferent Starscream. Rumble approached before he could speak.

"Megatron's gone nuts, Soundwave. We gotta heal him somehow."

"The entire base heard him just now." annoyed, Soundwave rounded on Starscream, who appeared bored.

"As second in command it's your duty to prevent this!"

Starscream sniffed at the accusation. "Really? And how was I supposed to do that? He was perfectly normal not twenty breems ago."

"Ridiculous." Soundwave snarled, approaching Megatron cautiously. /Are you alright, dear one?/

"Oh, another funny voice in my head." the dizzy Megatron giggled. "Now go away while I punch the pretty buttons."

"Enough of this." Soundwave growled. "Initiate brain scan." Concentric circles of energy escaped his head.

Rumble turned to Starscream. "See, I knew Soundwave would find a way. He can analyze anything!"

Starscream huffed. "How special. Personally, I don't think we should interfere. Megatron needs a little fun from the rigors of command."

"Silence, Starscream." an irritated Soundwave kept scanning the oblivious Megatron. "I've heard enough of your nonsense."

"You don't command me, Soundwave. Be mindful of your place."

Soundwave abruptly stopped, pausing in shock. "I don't believe this...how?"

Rumble moved to his side in worry. "What? Can he be cured?"

"I don't know." the gloomy Soundwave turned to Starscream. "You had something to do with this."

"Oh, make _sense._ Megatron had just ordered me to announce the maneuvers schedule when he went goofy."

Rumble agreed. "Yeah, he's tellin' the truth, Soundwave. It was weird, like something took him over."

"Or _someone."_ Soundwave kept staring at Starscream. "I'm fully aware there is sedition on this base. And I'd be a fool not to suspect your involvement."

Starscream cocked an optic. "But?"

"I can't directly prove you were responsible here."

"The only thing proven is that your logic circuits are functional. Instead of hurling absurd accusations I suggest you find the source of the problem."

Conversation briefly stopped as they observed Megatron staring at a wall panel.

"This wall is flat. Why is that?" more giggling.

Starscream ignored him. "What did your scan discover?"

Soundwave shook his head. "His personality components are disrupted. There is some evidence of physical damage."

"Incredible." Starscream stared at Megatron. "What could have caused this?"

Soundwave made a fist. "A lethal level telepath. And the list of suspects are short."

"How do you know it's not a physical ailment or infection? Or even injury?"

"Highly unlikely, Starscream. I sense traces of psionic energy about his cpu cortex."

"Stinking mind control." Rumble stated. "Now what?"

"I will conduct my own, private investigation. And whoever is responsible will _pay."_

"And what do you plan to do?" Starscream asked.

"First things first. I must seclude Megatron for a few cycles."

The seeker puffed. "Of course you realize I'm now in command."

"Don't gloat yet, Starscream. I mean to get to the bottom of this. In the meantime, Megatron must be healed."

Rumble was hopeful. "There's a chance you can save him?"

Soundwave nodded. "Whoever did this knew exactly how much damage to extract for effect."

"But what will we do in the meantime? No one else knows he's down."

Starscream watched Megatron skip around the room. "It's too late for that, Rumble. Megatron was on the general address system. By now the entire base thinks he's an addled sparkling."

"We do an end around." Soundwave went to the speaker panels.

"What the slag are you talking about?" Starscream came up behind him.

Soundwave picked up a microphone and cleared his vocalizer. "ATTENTION, ALL DECEPTICONS ON BASE. IT HAS BEEN DISCOVERED THAT MEGATRON IS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MIND CONTROL. I WILL BE CONDUCTING TESTS OVER THE NEXT FEW CYCLES TO DETERMINE THE CULPRITS RESPONSIBLE. ANY INVOLVEMENT WILL BE PUNISHED BY STASIS OR EXECUTION. PREPARE YOURSELVES. SOUNDWAVE OUT."

Rumble cheered. "Yeah, that'll shake 'em up."

Starscream appeared neutral. "You're going on a witch hunt."

Soundwave led Megatron out. "We'll see."

()


Dirge covered a nervous Thrust with a thermal blanket. "You musn't stress your circuits. Your core temperature is off by nearly two hundred degrees."

Thrust shivered. "Soundwave is on to something, Dirge. And that isn't good news for us."

Dirge sat alongside the bed. "Why are you worried, Thrust? Neither of us are involved in any way."

"But you heard the announcement! Right on the heels of Megatron's craziness. Soundwave wants revenge, plain and simple."

"Whether he gets it or not is another matter. We both know who's probably responsible."

Thrust sat up gingerly. "True. Still, I hate being in the crossfire like this. Starscream's given no updates, so we're basically in the dark."

"That may be by design." Dirge squeezed Thrust gently on a wing. "I'm more concerned with you."

Thrust managed a small smile. "Me? I'm fine, for the most part. No point in bellyaching about symptoms."

Dirge fed him a candy. "You need to maintain your strength. Rest is vital."

Thrust crunched hungrily. "I think Soundwave wants us all 'resting' in the name of Megatron."

"That being said, no decepticon will toss their life away on mere accusation. Soundwave will have to prove his case or the tables will turn."

Sleepy golden optics flashed. "You're probably right. Stay with me awhile?"

Dirge held his hand. "Of course. Have any ideas for names?"

"Mm?"

Dirge laughed. "Sparkling names. We hadn't discussed that yet, you know."

Thrust grinned. "I guess we'd better get started. I'd hate to have the baby arrive and just say, 'hey, you!' "

Dirge fed him more candy. "I can go by the library later and check some source files for names. At least we can get ideas that way."

Thrust ate greedily. "Sounds like a great idea. Bonecrusher informed me on what to expect during the birthing."

"The constructicons have a wealth of knowledge to share. That is, when they aren't being snobs."

"If you keep feeding me like this I'm going to be fat."

"You've been fat for breems. By Unicron, you're as vain as any seeker alive!"

Thrust patted himself. "You had to go there, didn't you?"

()


Skyfire, Breaker and the battlechargers were taking a break. They sat at the large table and ate snacks.

Runamuck shook his head. "This base is weirder every cycle. First Megatron gives another stupid announcement, then Soundwave threatens everybody."

"Means buisness." Breaker beeped, sipping a cup of ion laced energon.

"Decepticons don't take well to threats." Skyfire stated, thinking. "He knows there's conspiracy to destroy Megatron."

Runabout gobbled a snack. "There's no way he can ice anyone without repercussions."

Breaker piped up again. "Remember secret meeting. Involve Stunticons, Constructicons and Combaticons. Not forget Shockwave."

Skyfire steepled his fingers. "Damn, another complication. I sense the time for confrontation is getting close."

"Breaker agree. Tensions explode. Factions clash."

Runamuck waved his mug around. "Yeah, but what about our side? We've got some heavy hitters of our own."

Skyfire disagreed. "No, I don't like it. The numbers still don't favor us, unless we have allies that haven't revealed themselves."

"Gettin' kind of late in the game for all that."

Breaker took another sip before speaking. "Not assume. All players not on field."

Runabout grinned. "You know something we don't?"

The minicon pointed in emphasis. "Have silent support, and others. Will see. More than enough!"

Skyfire stared at his friend. "The special ops!"

"Is so."

"Oh yeah, we get it." Runamuck brightened. "That army of deceps. But how to contact them?"

"Not contact. They find _you."_

"I ain't sure I like the sound of that."

"They have connections here, obviously." Skyfire stated. "The triplechangers can deal with them. They seem to have the inside track."

"More than know." Breaker said cryptically.

The intercomm speakers crackled overhead.

"DECEPTICONS, THIS IS YOUR NEW LEADER STARSCREAM. AT 0900 BREEMS ALL DECEPTICONS WILL GO ON MANEUVERS. THE AERIAL FORCES WILL DEPART NO LATER THAN 0950. THE LAND FORCES WILL DEPART AT 1000. LONG HAUL WILL LEAD THE GROUND TROOPS. ARRIVE AT THE WEST DOCKS ON LEVEL THREE. THAT IS ALL. STARSCREAM OUT."

"Things are moving right along." Skyfire commented.

()

Tensions ran high at decepticon base. Soundwave had sequestered Megatron away for treatment. There were questions and confusion about command status. Hot discussion and debate raged in quarters everywhere.

Octane was having his own problems. His bondmate grew increasingly restless and irritable as he neared to term. Skilled hands gave the cranky insecticon an oil massage.

Shrapnel shrieked and buzzed in anger. "A _plague_ on this sparkling. I'm cold, then hot. Even my thermoclusters ache!"

Octane rolled him over on the bed, still massaging. "Screaming won't help anything, sweetbot. You have to stay calm."

Long antennae twitched. "Calm. _Calm?!_ this worthless sparkling is ripping my insides, and that's all you can say?"

"That's no way to talk about our child."

Shrapnel pointed in accusation. "This is all your fault! Stay away from me."

Octane gave a lazy smile. "It's too late for that." he rolled Shrapnel over on his side.

_"I'm sick of these stupid bellyaches!_ Go find someone else to hatch with."

Octane kissed his hand. "No, you're it. And stop whining, it won't change anything."

"I'll whine if I want to!" Shrapnel screeched, firing electronic beams across the room.

Octane stared at the damaged wall. "Now that was pretty pointless."

"Maybe so, but I feel better!"

()

Starscream and Soundwave prepared to deploy the troops for maneuvers. The seeker addressed the assembly.

"Long Haul, take the land teams. Use the phasing bridge to ground coordinates given. All aerial teams follow me."

The decepticons transformed and headed out of the bays. Starscream taxied in jet mode, followed by the other fliers. Blitzwing and Astrotrain brought up the rear.

/Astro, when he says go.../

/I know, keep right on going./

BlastOff edged up beside them. "I was never a fan of maneuvers."

Blitzwing revved his engines. "Who is? Our daft leader wants thin decepticons."

"He needs treatment. I've never seen such erratic behavior."

"Wait a bit for more entertainment."

BlastOff huffed, opening his wing flaps. "I'll pass on the dancing clowns. Imagine, wasting energy with this nonsense!"

"Maybe you should pace yourself." Astrotrain taunted.

"I'll race you any cycle, any time!"

"You tried that before and nearly blew up. I was taking it easy on you."

"Faugh. You lie, Astrotrain. It was all you could do to stay ahead of me!"

Hollow laughter. "The point is, I stayed ahead. And I wasn't even trying."

"Too much chatter in the rear!" Starscream bellowed. "Aerial forces, prepare for flight."

As the flight based decepticons roared their engines, a familiar white shape taxied alongside.

"Starscream, listen up." Skyfire kept his voice low.

"What is it, Skyfire? We-"

/Listen. Astrotrain has a mission. Allow him to escape the maneuvers uncontested. I'll explain later./

/What's going on?/

/Not now, Soundwave's looking./

"Why the delay?" Soundwave stood near the edge of the runway. "Is there a problem?"

"None whatsoever." Starscream angled sideways. "Aerials, take flight."

Skywarp and Thundercracker accelerated first. Thundercracker was virtually airborne in an eyeblink, but the purple seeker was having problems. A loud shout in amazement before he plowed headlong into the ocean. Seconds later Skywarp bobbed to the surface in bot mode.

The others laughed from their positions on the runway.

"This isn't a playground!" an annoyed Soundwave shouted. "Take flight!"

"Who's playing?!" the confused seeker yelled back. "My gyroscopes are all messed up!"

Thundercracker circled above. "You okay, 'Warp? What in the world happened?"

Skywarp glared up in anger. "How should I know? I can't even figure out why I'm down here."

Starscream cackled. "An interesting development. Perhaps we need a crane!"

Angered, Skywarp roared his engines and transformed. He shot straight out of the water and past Thundercracker. The blue seeker turned abruptly and joined him in flight.

"Strange." Skyfire observed, rolling back a bit.

"Dirge, Thrust, Ramjet." Starscream ordered. "Continue!"

The Searchers headed out next. They were barely in flight when Thrust started flying erratically. He nearly clipped Ramjet in the tail.

"Hey! You been drinking Sim Energon, Thrust? Stop flying so crazy."

The wobbling Thrust couldn't straighten up. "I can't fly right! My internal systems are-" he promptly went down.

"Thrust!" Dirge shouted, peeling off after him.

Ramjet dropped to catch. "I'll fall under him, Dirge. Push his tail!"

"Understood." Dirge slowed enough to follow. Ramjet steadied himself under the impact of a falling Thrust. They straightened gently as Thrust reboosted his engines.

"Thanks."

The others stared at the bizarre sight.

"What is going on around here?" BlastOff wondered aloud.

"Decepticons, continue." Starscream bellowed. "Line up and move out!"

One by one the decepticons took flight. There were no more mishaps. As usual, Blitzwing and Astrotrain brought up the rear. The flew alongside each other, wingtips touching.

/Should we tell them?/

/Why? If they have half a brain they'll figure it out./

/I'm surprised Octane wiggled out of this assignment./

/His flight form is hopelessly slow, Blitzwing. Doing maneuvers with us would be a joke./

/He should do well with the ground troops, however./

A pause. /True. I'll take my leave while they're all distracted./

/Return to me in one frame, Astro. Give my affection to our children./

/I will./

Below, Starscream watched his fleet shift into formation. He revved his engines and accelerated. The familiar rush of wind was soothing, a balm to his circuits.

He continued to accelerate and attempted to lift. Nothing happened.

_"What?!"_

A screech as he bounced along the runway, unable to lift off. It was already too late. The runway stopped but he didn't, doing a perfect nosedive into the ocean. Salty spray flew everywhere.

Soundwave saw everything, his musical laughter vibrating loudly in the bays. Rumble and Frenzy joined in on the hysteria.

Starscream popped to the surface noisily. "Laugh while you can, cretins! The future is here sooner than you think."

The airborne decepticons looped back after picking up Starscream on their scanners.

"It seems as if our leader succumbs as well." BlastOff commented crisply.

"But to what?" Skyfire banked low, accompanied closely by the other seekers. Thundercracker approached first.

"Starscream, it happened to you too?"

The red seeker transformed and looked up. "Thundercracker! I knew you wouldn't abandon me."

Skywarp cracked up. "I didn't know blimps could float." more laughing.

"Quiet." irritated, Skyfire lowered himself. "Climb up and concentrate, Starcream."

"This is embarrasing!" gaining purchase on a white wing, Starscream clambered up.

"Should we continue the maneuvers? It seems as if some of the team is incapacitated." Skyfire stated.

"We continue!" Starscream screeched, transforming again. He roared his engines. "And no sparklings are going to get the best of _me!"_ he strained, but finally lifted off the larger mech.

High above, the triples were amused. /I'm not surprised Starscream figured it out first./ Blitzwing looked on.

/A fairly simple deduction, Blitz. I've never seen a seeker get so bulky with sparkling./

/Twins, remember?/

/Hmm. You weren't huge like that./

/I'm not a seeker, either. Wait, our future would-be-supreme-commander flies this way./

Astrotrain saw Starscream labor along. /You call that lumbering flying?/

"Triplechangers, fly in formation." Starscream rasped, his voice stern.

"As you command." Blitzwing said evenly, banking off. Astrotrain followed.

"Perhaps there will be sudden cloud cover." Starscream stated, his voice low. "Have I made myself perfectly clear?"

_"As Yurundian crystal."_ Astrotrain replied. He reduced speed deliberately.

The remaining fleet caught up, Skyfire at the front. "All clear, Starscream?"

"All clear. Flight maneuver x-22. Space and go."

The decepticons banked into an elaborate formation, rotating on axis. It was a thing of aerial beauty.


to be continued