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).


Many Happy Returns


Soundwave consulted with Hook and Scrapper for a solution to Megatron's mental disorder.

"I find it curious you ask our advice _now."_ Hook huffed as they sat in the conference room. "It's clear that cpu decay has set in. You waited too long!"

Soundwave pointed in emphasis. "I am not here to be lectured. Currently my attempts at healing his brain box have met with dismal result."

"Short of reformatting him completely, I see no solution."

"There's one possibility." Scrapper suggested. "We could build a process bracket and fit it to his head."

Soundwave nodded. "Ah. Could it be utilized for cognitive function?"

"Yes, but only with a simpler thought process. Megatron would be rational, but in a childlike state. I'm not certain that is preferable."

"It isn't." Soundwave was angry. "Have you no realistic solution?"

"Why yell at me, Soundwave? The constructicons will have their own affairs to deal with soon."

"You refer to the sparklings."

"Of _course."_ Hook sniffed. "In addition to treating pregnant decepticons with pain voltages, we're in the process of building and delivering the cribs Megatron ordered."

Soundwave sighed, putting a hand to his head. "Fate conspires against Megatron here. He's to be a pada and will have no awareness of it."

"Actually, it may help his recovery. Assume nothing, Soundwave. I've seen many mental disorders repair themselves given the right circumstance."

"Highly unlikely in this case. In the meantime, work on that bracket. It's not much, but it's a start."

"Where will we find the time?" Scrapper complained. "You do realize the pregnancies are close to term?!"

"No excuses." Soundwave boomed. "The cassettes will help you. I will contact them, and-"

"You forget, Frenzy is having a sparkling. And Ravage is missing!"

Soundwave stopped short, thinking. _Unicron take it, he's right._

"Ravage is about the base. Rest assured, I'm aware of Frenzy's condition. Rumble and LaserBeak will come by your workstations later this cycle."

The constructicons nodded briefly and left.

()

Scrapper waited until they were down the next corridor to speak. "This base is a madhouse, Hook. Foolish, knocked up decepticons everywhere!"

"Soundwave thinks to have civil war during a population explosion. Idiot!"

"A pity about Megatron. Not that I'm losing any rest cycles over it."

"Nor I. Perhaps we should celebrate the perpetrator, whomever it is."

"We both know likely suspects. Still, other thoughts occupy my mind now."

"Oh? What would that be, Scrapper?" Hook pressed the elevator panel.

"First things first. How is Mixmaster? He was having difficulty last breem."

"His spark chamber aches. I don't doubt he'll be ready soon. He's been upset that his configuration is off balance with sparkling."

"In other words, fat."

"Yes. But what else is bothering you?"

"The same thing that bothers us all. Our dna and electrons are tainted by that idiotic battlecharger! It's too gross to process."

"Curse those stupid notes and candy. I'm almost afraid to see how Runamuck's spawn will turn out. It's never good to mix with weak gene pools."

Scrapper sighed as they rode down the elevator. "I could use a drink right now."

()

"Lie on your side."

Starscream mumbled in quiet protest as Skyfire turned him over in bed. Practiced hands gave a full oil massage to the crabby seeker.

"Everything pains me. I'm so slagging _huge!"_

"You have cold spots on your leg struts. Now relax. Your muscle cables are bunched and tight."

"Skyfire, how can you stand to look at me? My mainframe is sagging-"

"Starscream, stop it. Do you realize you're practically glowing?"

"Glowing and fat." the seeker groused.

"No." blue optics blazed with sincerity. "Your body panels have a sheen to them. Like the light."

"Romance, Sky?"

Skyfire kissed him softly. Starscream closed his optics a moment.

"I'm sorry. Once the sparklings are born, things will be...I can satisfy you again. I've felt a bit guilty about it."

"You always satisfy me, Star. Now let me do something for _you."_

"Wait-"

Skyfire slowly stroked along shiny flanks, kissing a line down a golden cockpit. Starscream watched his head dip low. Tongue plate gently scraped and teased body seams along the juncture of his legs.

"Ah...um...Sky?" a shiver.

"Shh."

There was a click as Starscream felt his pleasure unit release. He let out a yelp as Skyfire captured it in his mouth. Two oily fingers pressed into his rear port.

"S..Sky..._Oh!"_ Starscream bucked and arched. The busy fingers twirled and massaged his hot body cavity. Fluid leaked between his legs as the beautiful mouth sucked him hard.

Shrieking. _"Skyfire!!"_

Huge wings rotated slowly on powerful shoulders. Starscream groggily wondered if his bondmate realized how hot he looked sucking off. The handsome faceplate was a mask of concentration as he ravaged sensitive cogs, teasing them with nips and licks.

The air heated from revving turbines. Starscream felt the familiar bliss of overload threatening to blow his core. Heat bubbled in his pleasure unit as he howled and clutched Skyfire blindly.

_Come for me, Star._ the deep mind voice was like silk.

Starscream could do little else. Screeching, he burst wetly into the waiting mouth. With a quiet sigh and shudder he went limp, gratitude in the secret corners of his spark.

_Titan..._

Blue optics were slits. /Rest mode, Star. Now./

Starscream managed a lopsided grin before curling into warmth.

()


Octane finished his sixth cocktail. He held his glass out to Blitzwing.

"Hit me."

"Another one?" the decepticon tank was surprised. He poured Octane another. "You need to ease up, Octane."

Octane leaned back into the couch. "I know, I guess I'm just anxious about everything."

"Like what?"

"Getting Shrapnel home before he delivers. Who knows when the fighting might start?"

Blitzwing sat next to him. "What fighting? Sparklings are nearing to term everywhere. And Soundwave's intentions don't mean a damn thing."

"Hmm."

"We may need a contingency plan to get the newborns off base."

"Distracted decepticons make bad buisness."

"True-" both triplechangers turned at a sound. Astrotrain entered quietly, door panels closing behind.

Blitzwing observed his mate closely, visior brightening. "You've returned, Astro. Come, join us."

"I had to sneak in by the east bays." Astrotrain explained, holding his left arm. "Fortunately the base is pretty quiet and there's little activity."

Octane's optics narrowed. "You've injured yourself."

"Nothing severe, I assure you." Astrotrain sat opposite the other two.

Blitzwing was silent a moment before speaking. "I disagree." he reached over and squeezed Astrotrain's affected arm. "You've stressed relays and diodes badly. And the pressure in your pump is high."

"I did what needed to be done, Blitzwing."

Octane also reached out. "My gratitude and affection, Astro." fingers delicately traced cheekplate and helmet.

Astrotrain sighed, leaning his face against the caress. "There's something I need to discuss with you both."

Blitzwing was equally serious. "That goes both ways."

"What are you talking about?"

"Octane and I felt the pull. You tapped into the matrix!"

"I had no choice, Blitzwing. Her core was nearly gone, and only the allspark could save her."

"I accept your choice, since it saved my daughter." Octane stated. "A dangerous gambit that paid off."

"This time only, Octane." Blitzwing shot back. His tone became more mild. "How are the children?"

Astrotrain curved a smile. "A rotten hatch any decepticon would kill for."

Blitzwing laughed. "Things are normal, then. Did you see the sparklings?"

"No, there wasn't time. They were playing over at the recreational towers."

Octane sighed, sipping his cocktail. "I can't wait to get back." he looked at Astrotrain in curiosity. "I owe you a treat, by the way. I'm surprised you didn't mention it."

"Yes, well...I'm somewhat depleted to focus on that now."

"Why are your reserves low? Your healing powers alone are more than capable-"

"That leads into what I needed to discuss. A concern of mine." Astrotrain winced and rubbed his stiff arm again.

Blitzwing had seen enough. "Stubborn aft. Hold still while I get the stabilizer box." he left the room momentarily.

Octane touched the bad arm. "I could stop the sensory pain."

Astrotrain winced. "I expended a great deal of energy. Blitzwing's right, my relays are oversensitive right now."

"Hold still." Octane spaced fingers over Astrotrain's face. "I'm going to calm your neural diodes."

The train closed his optics briefly. "Yesss...that's good, Octane. The throbbing has stopped. I feel less pressure in my mainframe."

Other hands deftly attached cables to his arm. Astrotrain opened his optics and saw Blitzwing hook up the stabilizer box.

"Activation sequence, 50,000 zetawatts."

A hum as purple energy pulsed along Astrotrain's wounded arm. He eased back at immediate relief.

"Aaah. Perfection, Blitz. That feels wonderful."

"Good. You sound more like yourself."

Octane watched the machine work. "How was RC when you left?"

Astrotrain put a hand to his head in exhaustion. "Fine and resting comfortably. Some recovery time is needed, but there are no major problems."

Octane appeared satisfied. "I was worried she might have tremors in the mainframe. Her sana was prone to those."

"Hardly, Octane. Pit take it, she's strong as any in the hatch! A punch knocked me backwards from her bed."

Octane swelled with pride. "Did you expect any less?"

Astrotrain sank back into his seat. "What a cycle. Rarely have I been so weary."

Blitzwing seated himself next to Octane. "I'm still curious as to why you're so drained."

"The moment I arrived our children insisted I warm them."

"Ah."

"They told me you and Octane gave many treats in this manner. I was unaware of this!"

Blitzwing shrugged. "I saw no reason not to indulge them, Astrotrain."

"Nor I." Octane added. "Besides, they have the right."

"I don't want to hear it. The greedy spawn grabbed my spark chamber!"

"Surely you didn't deny them, Astrotrain."

The decepticon train groaned. "No, I capitulated. But considering the energy I expended, it wasn't the wisest thing to do."

"Why is this an issue?" Blitzwing wondered. "There is only benefit, and no harm."

"I believe they're addicted to the _rapture,_ Blitzwing. Don't tell me you haven't suspected this as well!"

"No, I haven't."

Octane also disagreed. "I think you're off base, too. You've concluded this after one visit? Make sense!"

"I saw the hunger in their optics, felt it in their sparks."

"Their cores are drawn to ours by instinct, Astrotrain. A river follows it's source!"

"Don't give me philosophy, Octane. The danger is great for us all if this is allowed to go unchecked. You know the reasons!"

"Stop borrowing trouble." Blitzwing replied. "The failsafes are in place, Astrotrain. Only the oldest ones know the calling. _And_ the contain."

"For dire circumstances only." Octane added.

Astrotrain relaxed slightly. "Their appetite is still a concern. If they draw out the matrix completely-"

"You have such lack of control?" Blitzwing accused.

"Don't insult me, Blitzwing. It isn't about my control, but their consumption. I admit I struggled holding back on their need. The temptation was considerable to just...feed them and feel the _power."_

"We also have addictions and compulsions, Astrotrain." Octane reminded him. "From the same source comes the same characteristics."

"Which is why my concerns are real."

Blitzwing considered the danger. "Did you conceal your own hunger?"

"I managed. In fact, I even convinced them I was hesitant. A portion of my energy drained when I healed RC. It helped me maintain a semblence of control."

Blitzwing was thinking. "Perhaps you're right. My internal sense guided my actions for the most part."

Astrotrain took his hand. "This is only a feeling I have, Blitzwing. Not proof."

"Instincts run true, but so does heritage." Octane reminded them. "They are of The One. Should the unthinkable happen they will not be harmed."

"BlackBolt will be a calming influence." Blitzwing noted. "He has their respect. Did you see him at all, Astro?"

"No, he was assisting with an installation somewhere on the planetoid. I was quite disappointed."

Octane sipped his cocktail. "His experience is definitely a plus. At times our children still need guidance, despite their abilities. Their temperaments are their own worst enemy."

"At times spark overrides sense." Astrotrain admitted.

"That can't be helped." Octane replied. We were hungry and wild ourselves. What happened on that moon ages ago is proof!"

"A catastrophe." Blitzwing sighed, recalling the past. "Still, the result was unexpected and pleasing."

"Worth a second exile, Blitzy?" Astrotrain was smug.

Blitzwing sniggered. "Who knows? But it sure as hell was _hot!"_

Their conversation paused at the door buzzer.

"Who?" Blitzwing wondered.

[This is LongHaul. We have a delivery as ordered by Megatron.]

"Delivery?" Octane was curious. "What's going on?"

Blitzwing hit the release panel. "I have no idea. Let's find out."

LongHaul and Scrapper pushed a portable contain unit inside. "Your sparkling crib, as ordered by Megatron."

Octane gawked."They brought a _crib?!"_

"Everybody gets one, no exceptions." Scrapper explained. "There's a self contained thermal control panel included. Under the lid are antiseptic zinc patches. Padded bedding is included."

The triplechangers stared, at a loss for words.

"Well, what's your problem? We have lots of deliveries to make." and without another word the constructicons departed.

After the doors closed Astrotrain glared at his mate, optics flaring.

_"Blitzwing!!"_

Blitzwing shrugged helplessly. "Don't even _think_ it, Astrotrain!"

Octane laughed out loud. _"Number eleven coming up!"_

"I've been feeling strange." Blitzwing admitted awkwardly. "But not _that_ strange!"

Astrotrain exploded. _"Ridiculous fool!"_

"Get your cogs cut!!" Blitzwing bellowed back. "Are you that _stupid?!"_

Octane kept laughing. "One basket of eggs to go!"

()

Megatron was bored. He paced around in his padded room and looked in the mirror.

_This isn't fun. I want to play!_

He'd finished one of his coloring pads. Looking about he gathered some thin metal rods from his drawing desk.

"Pick up sticks, pick up sticks!" giggling, the kooky mech danced around the room.

"One an' two an' three an' four. Five an' six an' _open the door!"_

Placing the sticks down, Megatron stared at the doors. "All the candy is gone, and Soundwave promised me some more. Maybe if I go outside someone will play with me."

Deft fingers worked the door seals for a breem. Persistence eventually paid off as wall panels swooshed open. Crimson optics brightened at the success.

_"Goody!_ That's better. Maybe someone will tell me where my ball is."

And without another thought the dizzy decepticon skipped into the hallways.

()

Skyfire eased from Starscream's embrace and slipped out of bed. He smiled at his peacefully resting bondmate.

_So beautiful. And soon we'll have beautiful sparklings to play with._

Carefully he spread shimmering sheets and a thermal blanket over the exhausted seeker. Satisfied that his bondmate was nestled securely, he leaned forward and planted a kiss.

Starscream wiggled his nose in response.

Laughing softly, Skyfire dimmed the light panels and quietly left the room.

()

The tall jet was surprised to see Breaker and the battlechargers playing cards at the main workstation. And something else caught his attention...

Breaker waved. "Big Sky. Have surprise! Constructicons bring crib."

"Really?" blue optics went round as Skyfire inspected the crib. "Excellent craftsmanship!"

Runabout looked at his cards. "Yeah, we got one earlier. Seems like Megatron gave the orders to issue 'em out. I think it happened before he went nuts."

Skyfire couldn't conceal his delight. "Probably. It seems to be self contained for heat and sterilization."

Breaker nodded, sipping an energon drink. "Is so. Blanket warm eggs! Baby cores stable."

Runamuck crunched a snack as he played a hand. "Starscream's gonna like it, I bet. LongHaul said they made yours extra large for twins."

Skyfire joined them at the table. "He'll definitely be pleased. And the timing of it couldn't be better."

"You think he's almost ready? I know _I've_ been feeling funny the last cycle." Runamuck patted himself.

"It's possible, I guess. Starscream hasn't indicated one way or another."

Breaker beeped, putting a card in the pile. "Can check if like. Or consult, ask Blitzwing!"

Skyfire glanced at the hallway to the bedroom. "We can do that later, he's resting. Why is work suspended in the lab?"

Runabout snickered. "You musta been out during the announcement."

_"Another_ announcement? What was this one for, walking on the floors?"

Breaker cracked up. "Big Sky make joke."

Skyfire gestured in annoyance. "Why not? This base is a circus, anyway."

Runabout shuffled the deck. "Well, it seems as though Megs has been put on ice. Soundwave's working with Shockwave to cure his brainbox. In the meantime, word is out that there's some kinda shakeup going on at the top."

Skyfire poured himself a drink. "I don't like the sound of that."

Runamuck nodded. "You got that right. Scuttlebut says Shockwave might be taking over, but that he and Soundwave are banging heads already."

Skyfire swished his glass. "That can't work. Shockwave is already spread thin with his duties on Cybertron. And _Soundwave_ couldn't inspire a garbage can."

The others laughed. "That's a good one!" Runamuck sniggered. "Anyway, until it's all straightened out Soundwave says everyone does rotational duty with open assignments."

"Something tells me this revolution is going on standby."

"Have point." Breaker agreed. "Sparklings come soon. Decepticons weak. No battle mode!"

Rumamuck appeared frustrated. "Yeah, how's all this gonna coordinate? What if the worst happens and someone holds the eggs for ransom?"

Skyfire folded his arms, thinking. "There has to be a way of meeting off base. We can't finallize anything under all this surveillance. And there's still a possibility that Megatron could be cured-"

They all turned at a sudden sound. Megatron stood in the open doorway, a silly grin plastered on his face.

"Hi, everybody. Have you seen my ball?"

Skyfire scowled at him. "Or not."

()

Blitzwing gently stroked his weary bondmate. Astrotrain lay quietly under slow caresses, his tone apologetic.

"Forgive me, Blitzwing. You know how I get when I'm overly tired."

The decepticon tank curved a smile. "Irrational, I know. Honestly, Astrotrain. Did you really believe I was having a sparkling just because a crib was delivered?"

"I...feel foolish."

"It isn't as if I could hide it from you."

Astrotrain groaned, gripping a silver hand. "I know. I think the system drain affected my logic chips."

Blitzwing eased closer, patting broad chestplates. "Astrotrain, I never bonded you for _logic."_

The train smiled.

"Besides, we have a huge hatch as it is. It's no surprise the ancients considered us freaks of society."

Astrotrain eased to an elbow in bed. "I've often wondered why myself. No one we knew ever had more than four."

Blitzwing leaned back over pillows. "I often suspected our source powers caused abnormal fertility. Then after DeadEye was born, everything went to hell. Public sentiment branded us cursed."

"Religious crackpots were everywhere, Blitz. They damn near ruined Cybertron."

Blitzwing huffed. "Bah! _Jealousy,_ Astro. Plain and simple. Their dried out mainframes couldn't squeeze out one egg, much less ten."

Astrotrain chuckled. "Life was wild, all that running and fighting. Lots of babies to feed between exile and war!"

The tank nuzzled. "Would you do it over again?"

"I wouldn't change a thing."

()

Skyfire, Breaker and the battlechargers stared at Megatron.

"What's wrong? I say a bad thing?"

Runamuck snickered, covering his mouthplate.

"I can't find my ball." Megatron skipped inside and looked around.

Breaker drew circles around his head.

Skyfire watched in amazement, keeping his voice low. "How'd he get out?"

"OOOooo." Megatron made a silly face, glancing at a supply rack. "Look at all the pretty bottles here."

Skyfire cleared his vocalizer. "Megatron. Can we help you?"

The crazy despot scratched his helmet. "Umm. No. Or maybe, yes. What I mean is, Soundwave put me in a room-"

"Probably the padded one." Runamuck cracked.

"I was coloring, but then wanted to play. So I opened the doors and left."

"You mean you just walked out?" Skyfire couldn't believe his audios.

"Sort of. I got tired of coloring, and I couldn't find my cartoon disks. So I came out to look for my ball."

"Where's the drug supply around here?" Runabout asked no one in particular.

Megatron approached them at the table. "No, wait. _There's_ my ball!" he pointed at Breaker.

"Not!!" the annoyed minicon replied.

Megatron nodded, his head rattling. "Oh yes. You're the ball. I've seen you change into one. Now come on, we have to play!"

Skyfire coughed again, straining not to laugh. "Megatron, be nice and let us keep your ball. He needs to be cleaned."

Megatron looked up at light panels. "Well...okaaay. But after you wash him, bring him back!"

"We will."

"And use lots of silicon soap. I have to go now!" Megatron skipped to the doors, pressed the release button and danced out.

"That's one screwy decepticon." Skyfire stated as they watched him go.

"Hit successful, program cracked!" Breaker added gleefully.

Runabout laughed. "I hope Reflector sees him and takes pictures. What a tool!"

()

Skywarp watched his bondmate fiddle with the crib controls. The smiling blue seeker kept adjusting various settings.

A giggle. "It isn't a toy, 'Cracker. Are you enjoying yourself?"

Sleek black fingers kept tinkering."I want everything to be perfect for our daughter."

Skywarp kept munching his bowl of snacks from the living room. "I wouldn't worry about it too much. We can put the crib in the bedroom later."

"Sooner is better, 'Warp. You could deliver at any time."

The purple seeker twitched his wings and kept eating. "Maybe, but I don't have the symptoms Blitzwing mentioned yet."

"Well, it's best to be prepared."

Skywarp stretched on the couch and put his toe pods up. "Fatigue is definitely becoming a problem, though. It's good that everyone is on reduced duty status."

Thundercracker approached him. "I'm not surprised, given the situation with command right now. Things are totally destabilized, Skywarp. With the right opportunity, a capable decepticon could seize control."

"Come here." Skywarp reached out.

The blue seeker smiled, cuddling up. "How's this?"

"Much better! My frame was cold."

Thundercracker rubbed wings with his bondmate, making sparks. "Warmer now?"

Skywarp sighed. "Perfect. You know, I was thinking. If we're still on base for awhile, I see no reason your pada can't live with us here."

"True. There's plenty of room. We could convert the extra space into his private quarters."

"Having a sparkling sitter doesn't hurt, either."

Thundercracker grinned. "Yeah, well...he'd get a kick out of it. The news is sure to please him."

Skywarp leaned their heads together. "You don't seem nervous anymore about seeing him again."

"No, I'm over that. Besides, you were right. Reunions aren't always bad."

"No." alert senses kicked in. "You hear that?"

Thundercracker also glanced at the door. "Yeah, there's something going on the hallway."

"Sounds like footsteps, but they're erratic."

Thundercracker stood and pulled Skywarp to his feet. "Let's take a peep."

The two seekers peered out their door into the hallway. Down the corridor stood a clearly confused Motormaster with Megatron. He handed the stunticon a morphobot flower, kissed him on the cheekplate and skipped away.

"An empty head box." was all Thundercracker could say.

Skywarp laughed himself hoarse. "Captain Crack is on the loose!"

()

The wild sightings of Megatron were the talk of the base. Soundwave desperately tried to catch him but the addled decepticon eluded his grasp. Frenzy, Rumble and Lazerbeak were dispatched to comb every area and report.

A satisfied Octane rested next to his bondmate in their private quarters. He gathered Shrapnel into his arms.

"Hey, sweetbot. You awake?"

"EEeer, barely. I feel like I have lead in the caboose, caboose. Now what is it, it?"

A finger gently stroked antennae. "Apparently Megatron is running free. He's escaped."

Shrapnel's visior brightened as he laughed. "EERRhhahaa haaa haa! A booby trap that couldn't hold a booby, booby!"

"Best news of the cycle, huh?"

"I would agree, agree."

Octane massaged his mate. "I think you're close."

"It is posssible, possible." Shrapnel admitted. "I can barely move without resting, resting."

"It's highly improbable that we'll be on earth a long time. I'd like to get you home before hostilities start if possible."

"I don't sssee it. Do we make war while dropping ssparklings? It makes no ssense in my mind, mind."

Octane sensed the next problem. "You're still worried about the others."

"They neverr accepted me, Octane. You know thisss. And I won't play ssecond fiddle to anyone, anyone!"

"I'll talk to them again. A new sibling will sweeten their mood."

"Eeerrr, they dessspise our bonding. A sparkling will makes things worsse, worse!"

"No it won't, I promise you. And whether they accept it or not isn't the point. It's still our family."

"And they are _yours._ I'm not a fool, fool."

Octane kissed his agitated insecticon. "Sparklings make everyone fools."

()

Astrotrain had no idea how long he'd been in sleep mode. But his senses felt the absence of warmth.

/Blitzwing?/

"Here."

Astrotrain rubbed his optics and sat up. Blitzwing was standing at the bedroom door, an odd look on his face.

"Something wrong? I wasn't out too long, was I?"

"No, you're fine." Biltzwing smirked. "But there's news."

"What kind of news?"

Blitzwing held out a morphobot flower and cackled. "A gift."

Astrotrain stared. "I don't get it."

The tank laughed even louder. "Megatron kissed me in the hallway and gave me _this."_ He indicated the flower.

The train gawked. "That's insane."

"So is he. And a lousy kisser to boot."

"Blitzwing! Now he's gone too far!"

Blitzwing patted Astrotrain's helmet. "Surely you aren't jealous, Astro."

"Jealous of that homely scrap bucket?!"

"You know it meant nothing. Besides, I'm enjoying the soap opera."

Astrotrain growled. "Whatever. He'd better watch where he puts those lip components!"

"Wait, listen." Blitzwing nodded at the door.

"He still out there?"

"I believe so. Look for yourself."

Astrotrain went past and glanced out the door. Megatron continued his erratic course in the hallways, skipping and flapping his arms. The gruff voice croaked in childish babble.

[the bot did play
had fun all day
went through the wall
and in the hall
saw pretty things
that had wings
I went along
and made this song
they took my ball
and that is all
He was purty
but kinda dirty
I left him behind
who took my mind?]

The decepticon train was expressionless. Blitzwing stood at his side, grinning.

"You see?"

"Revenge isn't even worth it. He's too damned stupid to know the difference."

Blitzwing chuckled deeply. "Remind me never to piss off Octane."

()

A distressed Motormaster discussed Megatron's strange behavior with his own bondmate. Bombshell nibbled ion candy and listened.

"That is bizarre, dear one."

Motormaster paced their living room. "I have to admit, this weirdness irritates my circuits. I'm going along, minding my buisness when Megatron walks right up and kisses me. Then he tells me to be a good decepticon and hands me a flower."

Bombshell buzzed with amusement. "Are you so certain he sshould lead us now?"

"The state he's in? Hell no."

The insecticon giggled. "And what of your stunticons? Have you made a decision yet?"

Motormaster stopped pacing. "I don't know, Bombshell. I generally supported Megatron for his strength and structure. Now, I'm not so sure. We seem to be fragmenting everywhere."

"I've been trying to convice you for cycles that it'ss time for a change."

Motormaster sighed. "Much as I hate to admit it, there has to be an alternative."

Bombshell appeared innocent. "Our ssparkling should be raised in a suitable environment."

"Well..."

The insecticon flicked a wing. "I sshould think convincing your stunticonss an easy thing. After all, they have no love for Megatron and rarely obey him directly."

"True. But I've always been a good soldier. Once you get a reputation for treachery it's impossible to live down."

"I'm surprissed you care about that."

"Only because it shortens lifespans."

Bombshell eased against sofa cushions to get comfortable. "Consider, my dearr. If we join the opposition, security and glory will be ours."

Motormaster sat next to him. "I'll give it strong consideration. Are you okay?"

"Eeerrrr, it's difficult finding a good ssside to lay on. I feel lumpy and peculiar."

The stunticon squeezed gently. "I'll get you some treats from the cafeteria. Do you like the crib?"

"It isss perfect. When you come back, we can go over the lisst of names."

Motormaster pecked him on the grate. "Don't worry, sugarbot. This will all work out in the end."

()
Starscream laughed to the point of pain. Resting comfortably in bed, he'd switched the viewscreen frequency to monitor base activity. He wasn't disappointed. Several scenes of Megatron clearly showed his insanity.

Curious, Skyfire entered the bedroom. He grinned at his laughing bondmate.

"Awake so soon, Star? I heard you laughing."

Starscream wiped his optics in hysteria. "Oh yes. How's your card game going?"

"It broke up a little while ago. Work's suspended, so there was no need to keep the battlechargers here."

"Is Breaker in the lab?"

"He's doing minor cleanup. I see you're watching the latest."

Starscream patted the bed. "Oh, _do_ sit beside me."

"Hmm." Grinning darkly, Skyfire leaned into a kiss. "First things first."

The seeker closed his optics as they kissed. /Thanks for the wonderful treat, Titan./

Skyfire nuzzled briefly. "You're most welcome." he sat on the bed.

Starscream pointed at the images. "I'm going to miss this base when we leave. It's one long comedy show."

Skyfire rumbled in amusement. "And you're watching the star."

"How long has lamebrain been on the loose?"

"Hard to say. He seems to have developed a kissing complex!"

Starscream laughed again. "I don't know what's funnier, Megatron being a ditz or Soundwave chasing him like an idiot."

Skyfire wrapped an arm around his seeker. "They're both crazy, if you ask me. But there's a surprise for you that recently arrived."

"Surprise?"

"Our crib is here. It's well crafted and supplied with cleaning pads. You can adjust heat controls as needed."

Starscream smiled. "Really? I'll have to look at it!"

"The constructicons are excellent craftsmen."

"Is it well fitted?"

"Not a flaw anywhere. And extra large for twins! Blankets are also included."

Starscream sank into the pillows. "Perfect. I'll have to commend them when the regime changes."

Skyfire tickled his nose. "Do you have the name disk?"

"On the desk there."

A long white arm reached. "Got it." he snuggled next to his seeker.

Starscream nodded. "Let's compare our picks..."


to be continued