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).


Secrets and Myths


"Are you certain about this, Silverbolt?"

The aerialbot leader handed Optimus Prime a disk. "You aren't going to believe this. The intel you requested on the decepticons is here."

Optimus held the disk up and reviewed it. "It's odd, the relative quietude. Except for scattered raids, there's been little overt activity in many breems. Frankly, I'm worried."

"I've already organized those images by time and date. And you won't believe what's going on with the decepticons!"

"Oh?"

"You'd better call a general assembly. I think we're all in for major culture shock."

Optimus stared in disbelief, optics flaring.

()


[The Planetoid base of Kaos 3]

The triplechanger clan congregated in the main dining hall located in the central hub. Discussion was animated regarding the future and family concerns.

A gigantic triangluar table held seats on each side. At the vertex of each corner sat Rail, Bloodwing, and LowGrade. As eldest, they were defacto leaders of the clan. In the absence of their elders, the three held all final decisions regarding the family.

Bloodwing started off the meeting. "Now what everyone has eaten, we'll come to order. As you all know, hostilities on earth will start soon. There's no specific time frame as of yet, but surveillance will be maintained and given elevated status."

Rail continued. "Rotating shifts on the scanners will begin in three full cycles. Shift time schedules will be distributed tomorrow."

_"What_ hostilities, BloodWing?" Ruckus bellowed. "There's nothing going on at the earth base. Haven't you seen the images? No one's in any condition to wage war!"

Murmurs in agreement from the others.

"He's right, it's a joke. " Monger shot. They're all about to drop as we speak. Why waste resources watching pregnant decepticons? It's stupid."

"That's enough." Rail stated in a no nonsense tone. "This isn't about the pregnancies."

Ruckus again. "Oh, that's right. Megatron's insane. Entertaining, but hardly critical."

LowGrade glared at his cousin. "Stop interrupting. That's how your nose got broken the last time!"

"It wasn't anything but a cheap shot-"

"Will you knock it off, Ruckus?" FireBomb complained. "You're making my audios bleed."

"To _continue."_ Bloodwing cut in. "The scans will also include views on Cybertron. There's considerable evidence that Shockwave may bring troop support on earth to maintain Megatron's power base."

Raker spoke up. "My question is, what happens with Megatron? He's a liability now."

"True, but he's also incapacitated."

"So in other words, not a primary target."

"For the time being, no."

"So what do we do with him?" Nighttrain wanted to know.

Barrage grinned. "I'm thinking an unfortunate accident might occur. Casualty of war and all that, you know?"

Rail steepled his fingers. "We'll have to stay in touch with Omega 3 regarding the Megatron situation. They may have a plan in place."

"Right." Tracker mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. It just seems to me that this 'plan' has no focus."

LowGrade responded. "We have a directive and format. In flux situations focus often comes later. But we can prepare in the meantime."

"Good is." a blue minicon chirped. "All contingencies in foreground. Multilevel preparation."

"True, Slasher. All minicons will remain on Kaos 3 to maintain operations and protect the sparklings."

Flashpoint posed a question. "What schedule do we give the little ones? They're too young to understand they can't be involved."

BloodWing answered. "That assignment goes to RazorCut and Raker."

"When do we start?" RazorCut asked.

"In another four cycles. We'll start by setting up energon supplies in the underground facilities." Bloodwing glanced at two of her brothers. "Monger and DeadEye, you'll be responsible for reinforcing the entrances and exits. Make certain all emergency escape routes are clear and the hatches work."

"The sparklings need _other_ supplies as well." Monger folded his arms.

"Toys and bedding can be transported later. For the time being-"

"I have a question not directly related to prep work." DeadEye raised his hand.

"What?"

"The rest of us still wonder why you, Rail, and LowGrade are entrusted with the power."

Rail grunted. "What the hell are you babbling about?"

"You know damn well what I'm referring to." DeadEye pointed at them. "Our parents entrusted you three with the clan. I say others are equally qualified!"

"I agree!" Nightrain shouted. "Why should _you_ make the decisions at every turn. Others have input that-"

_"Everybody, shut up!!"_ FireBomb fired a shot in the air. The others settled down in surprise. "Stop acting like sparklings. I've no problem with the current structure."

"Nor do I." Raker added. "And frankly, who cares? I'm sick of talking about it."

A purple minicon beeped. "Question crazy. DeadEye off track."

"Maybe _not,_ Banger." Ruckus smirked, eyeing Monger. "You had issues with this I believe?"

"I know crap when I smell it, Ruckus." LowGrade shot. "You've been instigating this argument for years!"

"I'll speak in my own behalf." Monger snapped. "And I think it's ridiculous we don't have rotational control."

"Do you now?" Rail cocked an optic.

"I'm with Monger on this one." RazorCut added. "Look, we all have source power. Why not share?"

Tracker sniffed. "Don't you get it, RC? We've got cliques in the family. As long as those three control _The One,_ we have no chance of running the clan."

RazorCut paused. "I don't know, Tracker. When uncle healed me I saw visions-"

"What kind of visions? You were hallucinating from sickness." Flashpoint told her.

"No. I saw him...saw them all. It was eons ago. So many jumbled images, and a dark ancient from a group of twelve. And two planetoid sized transformers."

"By the pit!" LowGrade was shocked. "He showed you Primus and Unicron?!"

"It had to be them. But the images were so confusing."

Rail looked at her hard. "The dark ancient you saw. Was he _The Fallen?"_

Her optics were wild. "How did you know?"

Rail rubbed his helmet. "A good guess, especially when you mentioned visions."

"Myths and legends don't interest me just now, Rail." Monger stated. "We all remember the stories we were told as sparklings. Tales to make us dream and sleep."

"They aren't stories, Monger. You know that!"

"The point is, Tracker's right. This isn't about invasion plans or the past. You, BloodWing and LowGrade want to keep the power to yourselves. The heritage belongs to us all! And so does the The One."

"You're a _fool,_ Monger! You have no idea what you're talking about." Bloodwing snapped.

"The only fools here are the ones that won't speak up."

Raker folded his arms. "I've wondered at the exclusion myself. Being first born gives you the right? That's hardly qualification!"

"The qualification was given to _us."_ Rail emphasized. "A trust not to be taken lightly."

"Will you all listen?" RazorCut was angry. "Those visions weren't some fever addled dream I had. They were _memories."_

Monger lit up with interest. "Not yours, surely. Pada gave you clues!"

"I knew it!" Nighttrain grinned. "He's always got something up his thrusters. While healing you, he shared knowledge!"

LowGrade eyed his sister grimly. "Is it true? Uncle revealed the secret of _The One_ to you?"

"Not exactly-"

"Don't hold out on us, cuz." Ruckus was smiling. "This is _great_ news."

Razorcut held her head. "It may be, but uncle didn't reveal anything specific. But before he pulled me into the allspark, I mentioned Tricon. It was an old memory I'd forgotten from childhood."

The room went silent.

"What? I don't understand."

Bloodwing paused before answering. "You realize Tricon is The One's true name."

"Bloodwing, I _knew_ that without realizing why."

Tracker stared at Nighttrain. "Instinct, or knowledge from a childhood story? I thought Tricon was some myth."

Nighttrain was also confused. "I don't get it, either. The One is our source, but I thought Tricon was a separate being. Maybe my memory banks are fuzzy."

Barrage and Flashpoint appeared to be thinking.

Hacker beeped loudly. "Truth evident,Tricon exist. Some old enough to know, others not."

"She's right." Barrage looked up suddenly. "Something...so long ago. Sana put me to bed, then something happened. Voices everywhere, shouting. Then I heard footsteps. There were weird explosions, and the air seemed to change. And I saw _him,_ looking down at me. There was so much power coming from him it actually had sound."

FireBomb was confused. "But what happened to sana? Do you remember?"

Barrage frowned again. "I was so small, FireBomb. This memory is lodged deep in my primal data banks. But I think he was gone when Tricon showed up. The ground shook, and pieces fell on my head. Tricon picked me up and flew somewhere dark. Everything else is a blur. That's pretty much all I can tell you."

"A similar situation happened to me." Flashpoint added. "I only remember a strange decepticon that burned like a black sun. But for some reason I wasn't afraid of him." she broke off in confusion. "None of this makes sense."

BloodWing sighed wearily. "By the pit. No wonder you all feel excluded!"

"Which brings us back to my original question, BloodWing." DeadEye was insistent. "Why won't you share? Are you so slagging greedy-"

"Be _quiet_ for once, DeadEye." Rail barked. "We've all misunderstood here."

"Is that supposed to make sense?" Tracker cracked.

Rail ignored him. "All of you are under the assumption that we had a choice in this."

Tracker huffed. "You didn't exactly turn away the offer for control, either."

Rail smirked. "Of course not. What decepticon would?"

DeadEye turned to one of his brothers. "Ruckus, did you ever see Tricon?"

"No. I only knew of him through the family. Monger might have."

Monger scratched his head in thought. "It's possible. I have a dim recollection of a burning decepticon like FlashPoint described."

DeadEye pressed. "But did you actually see him?"

Crimson optics stared into space. "It's hazy, vague. There was movement and heat. That's all I remember."

The changeling decepticon faced Rail again. "I suspect the three of you lie. This is about preference, plain and simple. I see no special qualifications to run the clan!"

Rail was smug. "Then that makes you even _less_ special, since you aren't in charge!"

DeadEye started to rise, but Raker restrained him.

Flashpoint observed them. "This is ridiculous. We keep cycling these same disputes over and over. Still, DeadEye has a point."

Bloodwing was annoyed. "This isn't about being favored. You think it's easy being entrusted with the power? It's a total pain in the aft!"

Nighttrain laughed coldly. "If it's such a burden then _give it up_ to someone more capable. I see no reason why there's never any change!"

Rail answered her. "Look, it was a power trip at first. BloodWing, LowGrade and I were the only ones grown at the time. We were hotheaded and anxious."

Monger wasn't impressed. "And you're still the same way, only older. It sounds like a lot of gas to me, Rail. Barrage could have been given the code instead."

"Agreed." Barrage snapped. "I was _nearly_ grown and wasn't approached."

LowGrade scowled at him. "Then ask our trine when they return. They had their reasons for entrusting us. Besides, the rest of you were too young or not around for the truth."

"What's this 'truth' the rest of us don't know?" Monger snorted.

Barrage tapped his chin in suspicion. "Some of us are equally qualified to keep the code, despite not being chosen. You expect us to believe Tricon never did your bidding? We should be ruling the galaxy right now!"

The others murmured in agreement, nodding.

LowGrade couldn't believe his audios. "Your ignorance comes from lack of information, Barrage. Who do you think you're talking to? Of _course_ we tried for it! What decepticon wouldn't?"

Ruckus laughed in response. "So finally we cut through the scrap. Something went wrong, didn't it?"

"Words can't describe."

"Perhaps you're too weak to maintain control."

_"Afthole!_ Do you even believe that stupidity?"

FireBomb cocked her head. "I may be having second thoughts myself. Why all the mystery? It seems odd the controlling sequences were only left with you three. No one created a backup?"

Tracker agreed. "That's what anyone with half a brain would do. Which makes me all the more suspicious of this so called burden."

"Arguments not accurate." Slasher beeped suddenly. "Missing data, must relate."

"It's a waste of power, at any rate." RazorCut complained. "Tricon sits in limbo for nothing. We could end the upcoming war _and_ kill all the quints in one quick stroke."

LowGrade stared at his sister. "You sound like a stroke victim to _me._ Is everyone crazy?"

Monger tapped his fingers. "I agree with RC, although an easy kill kind of ruins the fun. Slow destruction is always better!"

"Not to mention noisier!" Ruckus pointed in emphasis. Now fork over the code."

Tracker interrupted. "At least I'd come up with a brilliant plan that would-"

"ENOUGH!" Rail boomed, slamming his fist and rattling the table. "I'm sick of this bellyaching and whining about power. _We_ handle it, _you_ don't."

FireBomb gawked. "And that's supposed to be the final word? I don't think so!" she flexed to move.

Bloodwing's optics narrowed to slits. "Don't even think it, FireBomb. I'll stun you before you try anything."

Ruckus was ready. "So it's come to this? We have to fight for it now?"

"Perfect!" Flashpoint flexed her wings. "Equal chance, equal opportunity."

DeadEye cracked his knuckleplates. "I'm looking forward to this. Our elders will be most pleased! We'll _see_ who's most favored to rule."

Monger stood slowly, optics narrow. "To the winner goes _all_ the spoils."

LowGrade put out a hand. "Knock it off, all of you. You're acting like a bunch of hatchlings."

Hacker beeped rapidly. "Not fight. Is dumb, not solve."

Ruckus likewise flexed his hands. "If someone has a solution, I suggest they say it quickly. Otherwise, we turn the joint _out."_

Rail stood next, booming with laughter. "And _then_ what, fool? LowGrade, Bloodwing and I will still possess the code for Tricon."

"Not to mention communication." Bloodwing angrily added. "And all you clowns had best remember that!"

Nighttrain was sullen. "For now, sister. Once our trine returns, we'll _see_ who has favor with whom!"

"Brat." Ruckus shot. "You were spoiled rotten to begin with."

"Jam it, Ruckus. Giving the power to you would be worse than hopeless!"

"It's hardly a contest anyway." Tracker put hands on hips. _"I_ am most favored. Therefore I should have the code."

"In your dreams, liar." Monger snapped. "Sana ignores your uppity crap, but pada never did!"

"Is it true you were an 'accident', Monger?"

"Moron. I wasn't, but _you_ might be."

Barrage was smug, sticking his chest out. "The best and brightest son should assume the mantle. Our trine acted in haste, making selections based on age. Affection clouded their judgement, and they thought to spare me."

Raker cracked up. "The best and brightest? Don't make me laugh, Barrage. Everyone here knows I'm most qualified. But I forgive our trine, since they clearly made a mistake."

Rail was pissed. "And I'm looking at one."

"Afthole! Your power trip doesn't impress me, Rail."

"They're _all_ on a power trip." DeadEye pointed in emphasis at his siblings. "Our clan isn't a clique. Besides, our trine loves me best. With that favor, only the strongest should rule. That would be me!"

Flashpoint cocked an optic in amusement. _"You?_ That's hilarious."

"You heard me."

"Just because you're soup? That's not enough of a reason!"

"Doesn't cut any ice with me, either." Monger commented. "I see no evidence of special favor."

FireBomb was sarcastic. "Sana trusted _me_ the most, not you pinheads. _I_ should be the one commanding Tricon."

"If sana trusted you, he had a short list of options." Barrage cracked. "It's just a fluke of birth order we're even in this mess!"

"I say we vote!" Raker shouted. "Screw the slow reveal."

Slasher erupted into an audio splitting siren. Everyone howled, clutching their heads in pain.

The blue minicon was annoyed. "Is silly. Not enemies! Fuss for nothing."

Rail grimaced, his head still ringing. "No one will shut up long enough to hear anything!"

"We tell them, Rail." LowGrade was fed up. "I've had enough of this."

Tracker cackled with glee. "Give us the code to Tricon! We won't abuse it."

"You get an education first."

"Get to the point, LowGrade. No one cares about riddles!"

Bloodwing leaped to her feet suddenly, brandishing her saber gun. "Everyone sit down. I won't say it twice!"

"Are you insane?!" RazorCut stared. "What are you trying to prove?"

Bloodwing smiled coldly. "That it's time for the bullshit to end."

DeadEye eyed her weapon and shook his fist. "You wouldn't _dare."_

"Try me. Sit your afts down _now_ before I blow them off!"

Monger hesitated and glanced at Ruckus. "It isn't worth it."

Ruckus shook his head in agreement. "No." they both sat.

Grumbling in protest, the others followed suit. Rail calmly sat and folded his arms over the table.

"This meeting will come to order..."

()

Optimus prime called a general assembly at the Ark. Prowl went through a brief outline describing the images about to be shown. Hound prepared the projector nearby.

Tracks sat in disbelief. "What you say is impossible, Prowl. Pregnant decepticons?"

"It appears so, Tracks. We've plenty of footage and intel to show. You'll see the evidence momentarily."

Bumblebee scratched his head. "But how in heck did they become self replicating? I never knew this was possible."

Optimus addressed them all. "The matrix confirms this data. Not only is self replication possible, it was once the norm on ancient Cybertron. The Quintessons employed various versions of genocide on our people to make us dependent on Vector Sigma."

There were stunned gasps from the group. Inferno lifted his hand. "If this is true, how do we activate our _own_ replication programming? It doesn't take a genius to figure we'll be outnumbered eventually this way."

Optimus held his chin in thought. "I'll have to consult with teletran one and see what's possible. In the meantime, we have a larger concern. Megatron apparently is insane."

The room erupted in noise, everyone jabbering excitedy.

Optimus held his hands up. "Everyone, calm down. Apparently there have been several developments on decepticon base recently. Prowl will explain as Hound displays the images."

The group settled momentarily. Prowl began the presentation, using a pointer.

"As you can see from this first set, the decepticons appear to be on practice maneuvers. Note the appearance of the flyers."

Sludge pointed from his seat in the rear. "Me Sludge say decepticons _fat."_

Grimlock nodded. "Yes, yeess. Fat decepticons! Have lots of babies."

Red Alert made another observation. "Apparently sparklings interfere with normal function. None of the aerials can fly properly."

The autobots laughed at scenes of crashing seekers diving headlong into ocean waves.

Prowl continued. "Not just the aerials, Red Alert. Many of their ground troops seem less than functional."

More images showed waddling decepticons struggling to perform basic duties.

BroadSide cackled with glee. "I thought I'd seen everything. But this is too much!"

Ironhide was smug. "A dose of clap might help. Since when do decepticons make _love_ and not war!"

More snickers. Prowl continued and flashed more images. "We don't know how long Megatron's been in this state. But as you can see, he's clearly having issues."

Scenes of a happy Megatron kissing and handing out flowers had everyone laughing again.

Powerglide made circles around his head. _"Talk about trouble upstairs!"_

SideSwipe had a question. "So this means the war is over, right? Our enemy is a moron!"

"Done deal in my mind." Sunstreaker snerked.

"We can't be overconfident, Sunstreaker." Optimus warned. "There's still a lot we don't know."

Hound posed his own idea. "Could any of this be related to Skyfire's defection?"

"I don't see how."

Swoop was excited. "Me, Swoop get it. What if Skyfire trick decepticons? Do bad stuff, mess them up?"

Trailbreaker eyed him. "I seriously doubt that, Swoop. What about all the pregnancies? They hardly look intentional to me."

Brawn folded his arms in anger. "Don't even mention that name! It disrupts my audios."

Bluestreak wondered as well. "Still, it seems weird that all this happened _after_ Skyfire left our ranks."

"And he mentioned experiments awhile back!" WindCharger blurted.

"We're making wild assumptions here." Prowl interrupted. "Megatron's condition could be temporary."

"And I'm the tooth fairy." Brawn snipped. "You saw the images, Prowl. "He's loony as they come!"

Bumblebee shrugged. "Yeah. Still, I don't buy that this is some funky plan of Skyfire's. But if there's an outside chance this _is_ a trick, we need to consider it."

"Don't get your hopes up." Red Alert warned. "Skyfire is completely untrustworthy."

"I still don't like loose ends."

Cliffjumper was harsh. "The only loose end will be _his_ when I blow it off!"

Jazz considered another angle. "The real question is, how do we deal with the decepticons now? They'll be incapacitated based on the looks of things."

Optimus stared at the images. "We play it by ear. Maintain surveillance and occupy any locations they might attack. Despite their situation I don't want any surprises."

TrailBreaker chuckled. "Pregnant enemies and a crazy Megatron. Looks like everything's gone to pot in decepticon city."

"Yes, but remember Shockwave controls troops on Cybertron." Optimus reminded them. "I suspect there'll be a power dispute soon. And Starscream is still in the mix."

"Starscream's wider than BroadSide. I doubt he'll be doing any fighting."

SideSwipe snickered. "Fight? He can't even get off the ground!"

Sunstreaker smirked and whispered to Tracks. "You hear Red Alert mention replicating? I think he wants to get it on with Inferno!"

Tracks grinned back. "You never know."

()

"Now that the scrap's been put aside we can get down to buisness." Rail stated. "The first one to interrupt me gets shot in the footpod. Do I make myself clear?"

The others grumbled in understanding.

"Good. As I said before LowGrade, BloodWing and I didn't ask for the responsibility of Tricon. You're all assuming it's just a power trip. It's not. When we were old enough, the trine met with us and spoke about a guardian decepticon. At the time we had no idea what they were talking about. And we had no interest in being babysitters."

LowGrade picked up the story. "We assumed they were speaking of The One. As it turned out, Tricon and The One are the same being. We doubted his existence until proof was given. The mistake we made was assuming that Tricon was a liability and a myth. But he was far more than that."

BloodWing continued. "They explained to us the responsiblity and safeguards. Once we learned more, we understood we were the caretakers of our lineage."

"This is interesting, but a little vague." Tracker folded his arms. "You couldn't have been satisfied with that. All decepticons love the taste of power."

"And we were no different. Our trine warned us not to abuse the power, and only call upon Tricon as needed. We were skeptical. Up to that point, we had never seen this decepticon of myth."

"But why the two names?" FireBomb wanted to know.

"Much of it had to do with Tricon's creation eons ago." Rail answered. "The first name invokes what he _was,_ and the second name is what he _became._ In the early days of Cybertron his name was whispered by the ancients."

"Tell us more!" Monger insisted. "There's an aspect to Tricon you aren't revealing."

"He came into being from unique circumstances. I can't say more."

"You mean you _won't. I'm losing patience with this, Rail."

LowGrade glanced about the room. "Some of you have small memory of Tricon's power, if not his face. But we've _seen_ him. The legends are true."

DeadEye rubbed his chin. "Sounds like a heavy hitter. What's he like?"

LowGrade shook his head. "He's literally _power incarnate,_ DeadEye. The air burns around him."

The room was momentarily silent as everyone absorbed that. Ruckus spoke up.

"If Tricon is _that_ powerful, how is it that you are his controllers? It makes no sense."

Bloodwing sighed. "His power is such that it can't be maintained for too long. Anything that survives his initial attack leaves him vulnerable. But as far as we know, nothing ever survives his assault."

The others appeared startled by this news.

Barrage was suspicious. "What's his connection to us? Myth or not, there's no reason why Tricon would be our guardian."

"We can't say, Barrage. We're sworn to the knowledge."

"Enough." Monger waved it off. "I'm done with this nonsense. You're telling us something, but you can't say anything. What are we, idiots?"

"No. We'll show you." BloodWing turned to Rail and LowGrade. "Triangulate."

"What are you doing?" FlashPoint asked.

"Exposing our memories. Watch the center of the room, everyone."

Beams of energy fired from from three pairs of optics. At the focal point formed an image centered over the table. The others fell silent.

"Observe. Our collected memory from long ago." Rail stated.

_It was a family meeting of great importance. Barely grown and wild, the three youngsters met with their elders. Discussion was animated. There was talk of legacy, responsiblity and power. And a special guardian.

The youngsters dismissed the legend, arguing lack of interest in dusty myths and tired hype. In anger Blitzwing struck, knocking them around like sparklings. More discussion and arguments occurred. Insolent and loud, the youngsters refused any responsiblity, wanting only power. Octane slapped them around next.

It was then that Astrotrain determined spark encryption was necessary. After brief resistance, the youngsters succumbed to his touch.

Despite new knowlege assimilating in their data banks, the youngsters refused to believe. Their elders mocked them and left, reminding them of the safeguards.Tricon was not to be taken lightly. But headstrong and foolish, the youngsters made plans. They met again later and decided to take control. Astrotrain's touch had filled their cores with hunger for the allspark. And the allspark they would have.

Invincible power seduced their thoughts. LowGrade agitated, Rail and BloodWing agreed. They joined hands and focused. Black globules of energy filled the atmosphere. The ground shook and erupted, hurling them off their feet. And then there was [sound.]

Gathering themselves, the young ones looked up in shock and awe. Standing before them was Tricon himself, his very form crackling with dark energy. All color disappeared to stark shadow and blinding light.

And Tricon was displeased. Optics black as night flashed in disapproval at their insolence. Stunned and unable to speak, the young decepticons stumbled to their feet and staggered back, fearful for their lives.

Tricon gave a vague smile before advancing, the air warping and distorting with his every move. He was stunning and handsome, wicked and dark.

Panicked, the youngsters aimed their weapons and fired, to no effect. Their source powers proved equally useless. Tricon merely absorbed it all and laughed.

Out of options, they attempted to flee. Tricon caught them. One by one he grabbed them by the throat, lifted them and tossed them aside. A hand raised for seemingly a final blow.

Everything went black, a malestrom of flying spark energy. It collapsed to a pinpoint and disappeared.
Somewhere in the dim corridors of Kaos 3 lay three young decepticons, their ambitions crushed._


The image faded over the table. No one spoke for some time.

"Is amazing." Slasher finally commented. "Situation not what seem."

Rail held his head low. "Everyone still think it's a hot ticket?"

DeadEye shook his head. "I thought _we_ were powerful. But this Tricon's in another class altogether."

"I need to think about this." Raker was subdued.

FireBomb was muted also. "That must have been so _humiliating."_

"It was." BloodWing admitted. "Tricon threw us around like ragdolls. Even our source powers had no effect. To this day I don't understand that!"

"It's a miracle you weren't killed." Flashpoint noted.

LowGrade sighed. "He wanted to punish us, not kill us. We laid there for cycles, not being able to see or hear. Eventually we could move again with much pain."

"You mean he struck you _senseless?!"_

"Yeah. It was bad, like being trapped in our own bodies."

Tracker made comment. "Something bothers me about Tricon. He seems awfully familiar somehow."

"I was thinking the same thing." Monger added. "A sample of his energy signature would give more insight as to his identity."

"Good luck collecting it." Ruckus replied. He stared at RazorCut, who was making odd faces and fidgeting.

"What's with you? Drop a hexnut down your panel or something?"

RC clutched her helmet. "You're a real comedian."

DeadEye noticed her discomfort."You aren't totally recovered yet. Maybe you should get more rest."

"It isn't just that. Tricon was the one I saw in those visions. He's connected to us all somehow."

NightTrain looked around. "I suspect _some_ of us know this but still hide information. Not that it matters. Secrets die fast in this family."

"You got that right." Tracker sniped. "Well, Rail? Is there anything else we should know?"

"No." the older brother appeared weary. "What we know, you know. The only thing we keep are the encrypton codes to summon Tricon."

NightTrain tapped her fingers. "Did he speak at all? What's his voice sound like?"

"He didn't speak, he just laughed at us. I couldn't tell if he was amused or mocking."

"What's his voice sound like, then?"

"Freaky, echoing thunder. Sometimes it was deep or harsh. Then it would resonate like time itself."

"Doesn't sound like much to go on." Ruckus tapped his helmet. "Assuming we believe all this, maybe it's time to just ask our trine when they get back. Speculation and half truths don't interest me in the least."

Bloodwing folded her arms. "Ha. You'd do better squeezing energon from a stone. We're pretty certain Tricon is some lost relative shrouded in mystery."

"So in other words they wouldn't tell you anything." Flashpoint concluded.

"No, they'd change the subject. I started to feel like a totem."

Barrage huffed. "The whole concept's a bust, if you ask me. Tricon clearly existed before all of us. He had to be seen elsewhere! I'm pressed to believe he's let loose of some 'limbo' just to serve us."

"Especially since we never really saw him to begin with." NightTrain added. "This still doesn't add up."

"Maybe we did see him, Nighttrain."

"But how? I don't know him at all."

Barrage made a gesture around the room. "Some of us are old enough to have _sensed_ him, even if we didn't understand or know who he was."

"What of it?" Tracker shrugged. "Sparkling memories with no real description? That's hardly informative."

"We all felt the _power._ That's the one common denominator we all experienced. The shift in reality."

Monger interrupted. "I notice everything. And those images tell me that none of us knows the full story. Power such as Tricon's wouldn't be hidden forever. Our trine won't speak of him. What's the deep secret, and why hasn't Tricon ruled this galaxy? There has to be a trail around the universe of his exploits."

"Who the hell would we _find_ at this point?" Ruckus wanted to know. "Just fly around the galaxy and say _hey, you heard of Tricon?"_

"Offer solution practical." Hacker beeped. "Search greenlink database, quintesson journal copy. Much ancient information. Tricon may apply."

"Yes." Monger smiled. "I plan to do a little digging myself. Let our trine keep the secret. If I find the truth unaided, they'll see _me_ with most favor. And all debate will cease."

"Delusional as ever, Monger." FireBomb snapped. "Who was entrusted with our archives to begin with? Yours truly!"

"She's right, you know." Flashpoint agitated, grinning. "No matter what you say, you're still third in line."

"Technically true, Flashpoint. In any case, I've been told otherwise with great affection." Monger stood to leave. "Can we cap this meeting now?"

"In a moment, Monger." LowGrade looked about. "Anyone have comments before we adjourn?"

RazorCut was still holding her helmet. "I can't shake the images, they won't turn off in my head."

DeadEye edged next to her, putting an arm around. "You've had too much excitement. Damaged spark is nothing to fool with."

"No." Tracker agreed. "If you're still having problems next cycle, let me know."

"I will. It's just that...when uncle healed me, I _thought_ I saw Tricon's creation."

"What?!" everyone paused in shock.

RazorCut appeared confused, her voice strained. "I can't swear to it. The crazy mindscape kept switching back and forth through time. There was no reference point, everything was screwy. The one vision I kept seeing was a dark ancient called the Fallen. He was involved somehow, or he and Tricon hooked up. Then I kept seeing two planet sized titans fighting."

Ruckus stared at her. "You mentioned that before. The battles between Unicron and Primus."

"I think so. But the whole deal was an acid trip. Then I saw Cybertron at different stages of peace and war. After that my own memories were jumbled in there. But something involving Unicron and Primus made Tricon enter the picture. I can't sort through all of it."

"I'd hardly use your visions for evidence, RC." Raker cracked. "No offense, but you were pretty sick at the time."

"I _know_ it makes no sense!"

"On the surface, no." Bloodwing glanced at Rail. "But myths are often rooted in reality."

Rail nodded. "Now I'm suspicious."

"Everyone knows the history of _The Fallen."_ Barrage added. "I suggest any research include him as the starting point."

"Done." LowGrade stated. "This meeting is adjourned."

to be continued