Wing Shift

submission dated 4-10-08
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.

Warnings: Somewhat depressed and lonely, Skyfire goes slumming. And runs into an interesting triple threat.

Pairing: Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, minicon Breaker


Wing Shift


Chapter 6 New Friends, New Enemies


Thundercracker flexed his wings in relaxation after taking a hot silicone bath. After drying himself off he walked through the bedroom, thinking.

/Where is Starscream? I can't think of any assignment that would run this late. It's been a relatively quiet week and I was hoping we'd spend more time together./

His musings were cut short by voices in the living area. He went to investigate.

"Starscream?"

"Yes." the red and silver seeker leaned heavily against Skywarp. "It's me."

Thundercracker went to him. "What happened?" he glanced at Skywarp, noting Starscream's weakened appearance.

Skywarp shrugged. "Ask him. I was on the third level-"

Starscream cleared his vocalizer loudly, optics glaring death.

Skywarp took the clue. "Well, Screamer looked a little peaked. Just thought I'd help out by bringing him here."

Thundercracker pulled his lover close. "I'll take it from here, 'Warp. Thanks."

"No problem." the purple seeker grinned at Starscream. "Nite, Screamer. Don't let the bed bots bite. Heh." he slipped out, waving.

Thundercracker helped Starscream to a bench. "What's with him?"

"Never mind Skywarp. You know how silly he gets." a groan.

A sleek black hand covered Starscream's helmet. "You don't look so hot. When did you last recharge?"

"Gkk." Starscream glanced about the room. "Perhaps thirteen groons ago. I'm not at all certain."

Thundercracker shook his head. "Well you can't go around like this. I heard scuttlebut of a big assignment set for tomorrow. You'll need to be at full strength."

Starscream was nearly asleep, nestled against the blue seeker. "I will be, don't worry."

"Wonder what the assignment will be?"

Starscream twitched a wing. "I'm privy to it, but can't say until tomorrow. Suffice to say it will be big. And another key test for our newest member."

"Skyfire." Thundercracker's tone went flat as he stared into space.

Starscream teased a lip component mischeviously. "Now don't be like that, Cracker. This is all part of the initiation, you know that. Despite Megatron's fascination with Skyfire's abilities he doesn't trust him yet."

"No. He's been an autobot too long, and turned on us before. It could happen again."

"I doubt that. He's far more committed this time."

Thundercracker eyed his lover with suspicion. "Oh? Does he have a special _incentive_ this time?"

Starscream blinked, sitting up straight. "What are you implying?"

"I'm not implying anything." Thundercracker kept staring. "And while we're on the subject, just what were you doing on the third level so late?"

Starscream held his head high. "All right! I went to see Skyfire-"

A black hand gripped Starscream's arm. "You want to explain that?"

"Will you please calm down?" the plea was raspy. "I merely went to see if his accomodations were satisfactory. We were friends, you know. Am I supposed to ignore him?"

"That's a smooth answer, Starscream. Too smooth. But it will do for now. I'm tired, and you look like you need rest too. Come on." he lifted Starscream to his feet.

The red seeker held his throbbing chestplate. "Yes, its been a long day." They retreated to the bedroom. Starscream sat on a chair patiently while Thundercracker set up the bed.

"Lie down. I'm going to get a conductor blanket for you. It will help keep your core temperature even."

Starscream didn't argue. "Sounds good, Cracker. Will you hold me close?" seductive grin.

The blue seeker stole a quick kiss. "Mm. You know it."

Starscream drifted off quickly as Thundercracker spread thermal sheets over the metallo mattress. He was barely aware of strong arms lifting him and putting him to bed. Slippery warmth surrounded him.

Optics were bleary, dimming. "You smell good, Cracker. Nice and...clean." a sniff.

Thundercracker nuzzled under the blankets, his deep voice soft. "Took a silicone bath while you were out. Now go to sleep."

Familiar arms engulfed him, holding him safe. Blazing blue arms, like the sky...

_Arctic white arms, like the north..._

****

The following day Megatron held a general assembly of decepticons for an assignment of some magnitude. Speculation ran rampant as to whether it involved an all out assault on the autobots. Soundwave stood alongside Megatron on the central dias. Starscream was to the left, surveying the crowd. Optics flashed briefly as he saw Skyfire, but gave no particular recognition. Meanwhile, Astrotrain and Blitzwing found their way to Skyfire's side.

"Mind if we sit with you?" Blitzwing asked. "It's kind of crowded...only smaller seats are left everywhere else."

Skyfire shrugged. "Sure."

The triple changers settled next to Skyfire. "Think it'll be a raid?" Astrotrain wondered. "I heard reports of new coal fields being discovered nearby."

Skyfire was thoughtful, looking at the size of the crowd. Even the Stunticons were present. "Looks like the gang's all here."

Astrotrain snerked. "Don't think you can hide from Megatron either."

"What are you talking about?"

A tap on a white arm. "We heard you're the main event for this assignment."

"But to what?" Skyfire watched the buzzing crowd. An excitement and energy filled his circuits he couldn't define. _Odd, I never felt like this around the autobots before a mission._

Blitzwing shushed them. "Megatron's speaking."

****

"Decepticons." Megatron boomed at the assembly. "Today we will accomplish two things. The first will be the destruction of Omega Supreme."

The room exploded into protests.

"What? You mean we're gonna attack Omega?" Frenzy yelped.

"Utterly insane!" DeadEnd whined.

"It better be planned well!" MixMaster declared.

"We'll form Bruticus. The combaticons will get the job done!" Vortex insisted.

"Silence!" Starscream bellowed. "All of you. This is a glorious assignment that will gain recognition for many decepticons. The best...will rise to the challenge."

"Add to that there will be two phases to this operation." Megatron cut in. "The first team will scan and determine Omega's vulnerable areas. A second team will return for strike and assault."

"But what about the autobots?" Rumble wanted to know.

"The autobots have no idea we've targeted Omega. His death will demoralize their forces. And there is a coup to consider."

"What coup?" Reflector wanted to know, his voice echoing.

Megatron glanced through the crowd. "Skyfire, attention."

_My cue._ The tall jet stood.

The decepticon leader continued. "Some of you are not familiar with our newest member. This is Skyfire."

Motormaster scratched his headplate. "I don't get it, boss..huh. He's an autobot, right?"

Megatron chuckled, hands on hip components. "Hardly. He was one of us before, and has since returned to the fold."

Skyfire's impassive gaze hid his contempt. _How you lie and twist things._

Wildrider pointed at the white jet. "I don't get it, Megatron. Was he a spy for the autobots?"

"None of that matters now, Wildrider. What is important is that I am _Megatron._ There are no secrets here. If there is something to know, I will find it out."

The room fell silent. Skyfire stood waiting. _What in Cybertron is he talking about?_

Megatron laughed harshly. "I realize some of you are confused by him being here. However, Skyfire is an accquisition with a somewhat...complex past. He was an explorer during the war, and so missed the splitting of factions. However, he was designed by...decepticon science. And in reviewing extensive records at my disposal, it has come to my attention he has a battle mode."

Heads turned in surprise, as a room of optics trained on the jet. Starscream folded his arms in triumph.

Skyfire was dumbfounded. _How did he obtain my original records? I thought they were destroyed!_

Megatron's tone was hard. "And now you will show us your battle mode, Skyfire."

The great jet inclined his head slightly. "As you command, Megatron." fists extended as he transformed. A shimmering blue visor dropped over his optics. Sleek gun turrets sprung from his helmet on each side. A cannon extended from each shoulder and elbow joint.

The decepticons were impressed, murmuring their approval.

"Not _bad"_ Skywarp commented. "Maybe we can practice with my cluster bombs."

Frenzy nodded. "Man, we can't lose now! Omega's done for."

Starscream appraised his former lover from a distance. _Magnificent as ever, beautiful titan._

The battle mode Skyfire smiled vaguely in his direction, giving no clue to his thoughts. _And I thank you, Star. But be careful what you think around me. I might get ideas again._

Starscream gasped, realizing his mistake. He recovered quickly. "Assignments for both teams have been decided. Soundwave will list each squad."

The communications officer spoke in his standard monotone. "The first team will consist of Razorbeak, Ravage,
Frenzy, Dirge and ThunderCracker. The second team will consist of Starscream, Skywarp, Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Ramjet and Menasor."

"Skyfire, return to normal mode and be seated." Megatron ordered. Skyfire did so. The decepticon leader capped the meeting.

"We attack at 0700 breems."

****
Astrotrain and Blitzwing accompanied Skyfire to his temporary quarters. The triple changers weren't impressed.

"I've seen docking bays with better curb appeal." Blitzwing walked through the unit.

Astrotrain sat on a bench. "Yeah, this is the ultimate in basic. Even the charger is too small." he pointed at a far corner of the room.

Skyfire chuckled, seated on the bed. "That's why it's temporary. There's a much larger one near the hangar. It's used for the starships I believe."

"Serves you right, you big afted oaf." Astrotrain teased.

"Look who's talking, broad beam!"

There was a muffled beeping sound. Blitzwing poked at a lump in the bedsheets. "Do I need to ask?"

"No ask. Is me!"

"I should have figured." Blitzwing lifted the bedsheet away. "Shacking up with Skyfire already?"

The sphere beeped wildly. "Blitzwing jealous. Want another cluster fuck, not get it yet."

The triple changer wasn't amused. "Maybe we should have this funkbomb rewired!"

Skyfire strained to keep from laughing. "Not a hand on him, Blitzwing. I'm starting to like his humor."

Breaker beeped again. "Sky like good joke."

"Hmpf!" Blitzwing tossed the sphere into a nearby wastebasket. "Sit over there and laugh, then."

Astrotrain cracked up. "For Primus sake, take it easy on our little buddy."

Breaker transformed to bot mode and peeped over the trash bin, making a fist. "Astrotrain right. Or _zap!_ Make Blitzwing go to sleep."

"Yeah, yeah." Blitzwing rummaged through the containment unit for an energon snack. "Huh, even the cubes in here are tiny. Probably for some of the midgets we have running around here." he tossed a cube to Skyfire and Astrotrain.

Astrotrain nibbled on his. "So, Skyfire. Ready for your first mission?"

Skyfire gulped his cube down, optics going dark briefly. "I'm not sure. I seem to be on the kill team."

"That bothers you."

The jet stared at his empty cube. "You think its easy to cut down an ally?"

Blitzwing took a seat. "There's only the word of Megatron, Skyfire." he smiled in conspiracy. "For now."

"I know. I've always been an explorer and scientist. Taking lives indiscrimately goes against everything I've ever believed in." there was an edge to his voice.

"I warned you about this, Skyfire." Blitzwing emphasized. "Despite your intelligence, you cannot be both autobot and decepticon at once. You can't avoid assignments or Megatron will grow suspicious again."

"And wreck all our plans." Astrotrain added. "If you hesitate, everyone will brand you as being soft. That's a fatal flaw in the decepticon ranks."

Blazing blue optics flared. "You think I'm soft?!"

Astrotrain laughed roughly. "Hardly. You look hot in battle mode, I must say. Why did you conceal that? Megatron was bound to find out eventually."

Skyfire folded his arms. "I wasn't hiding anything. The subject never came up, and I didn't think about it. I had other things on my mind."

Breaker leaped out of the bin and onto the bed. "Breaker know battle mode!"

Skyfire glanced at him. "How? No one else knew."

Breaker beeped excitedly, visor brightening. "When inside for cluster fuck, saw whole diagnostic! Know every cell and structure. Tickle."

Skyfire glanced at the others in concern. "Is there anything else he can do I don't know about?"

"He has phototronic memory and brain scan on a zerabyte level." Astrotrain explained.

"What?" Skyfire was stunned. He tapped the minicon. "If you process data that way, what am I thinking now?"

Breaker tilted his head a moment before answering. "Don't like mission. Regret autobot betrayal. Love Starscream. Hate Megatron. Angry, hot. Spark very damaged. Want overthrow decep-"

A white hand covered his head. "That's enough. Too much information!"

"Not finished." the minicon gave a muffled answer.

Skyfire nodded to the others. "It explains his modified speech pattern, then. The majority of his database is utilized for energy reading and transmission."

Astrotrain chuckled. "He's good at keeping secrets, though. Breaker has strong loyalty only to a few."

Skyfire lifted his hand. "That's good to know."

The minicon thumped his chest. "Breaker good decepticon. Megatron joke, lead destruction. Obsessed Optimus Prime only, forget goal. Stupid leader, need another!"

Skyfire shook his head. "If this room is monitored we're all in for it. Be careful what you say, Breaker!"

Breaker raised a fist. "Not monitored. Breaker read all transmissions! Safe."

Blitzwing considered. "Hmm. Still, it wouldn't be good for us all to be seen together too much. Megatron hasn't forgotten about our individual attempts to take leadership. And with you on board, he might sense conspiracy."

Astrotrain shrugged in disbelief. "But this _is_ a conspiracy."

"Well it doesn't mean we have to advertise it! I don't plan to have my head blown off."

Breaker pointed a finger at his head and flexed his thumb. "Bang!"

Skyfire was sullen. "I miscalculated with this decision."

Astrotrain stroked his arm. "It's too late for that now. You disgrace your ancestors with this hesitation!"

The big jet made a fist. "My ancestors? What about my friends?!"

Both triple changers gave sinister laughs.

"There's something here you want _more._" Blitzwing taunted. "And no amount of autobot exposure can change the fact you're here. Why is _that,_ Skyfire?"

Before Skyfire could think of an answer, the door panel slid open.

"Starscream!"

*****

The decepticon second in command strode inside, optics narrow. "My, isn't this cozy? Two nights together and practically bonded." the comment dripped with sarcasm.

Skyfire was annoyed. "This is unannounced."

"Hardly. Stand, all of you in the presence of your superior officer."

They all stood and waited. Starscream looked them over suspiciously. "I find it strange to see you all here like this."

"It was merely a visit, Starscream." Blitzwing kept his voice even. "We'd heard Skyfire was on the third level. Curiosity brought us here."

"Then let common sense make you leave. I wondered where you'd gotten to when Ramjet said you disappeared vorns ago. I was in the process of informing you of attack schedule."

Skyfire still resented the intrusion. "The door sensor is functioning."

Starscream was haughty. "You are not an autobot, Skyfire. We do things differently here. Besides, I waited thirty astroseconds before entering." a smirk. "Perhaps you were all engaged in deep discussion that prevented you from hearing the sensor."

The three large mechs stared blankly.

Crimson optics flared. "In fact, I find this closeness interesting. All snuggled together at the assembly, and now a quiet visit in Skyfire's personal quarters. Did I _interrupt_ anything?"

Silence.

"Fah!" the Seeker glared impatiently. "As members of the second strike team, you will leave in formation at 1340 groons. Arrive at the southeast docking bay 1600 astroseconds prior for briefing."

The three answered in acknowledgment. Starscream pointed at the door. "Blitzwing, Astrotrain. Return to your quarters."

"As you command, Starscream." the triple changers glanced briefly at Skyfire before exiting.

****

Starscream still stood near the door. "So much for them."

Skyfire was stiff. "Is there anything else, commander?"

Starscream grinned. "No need to be sour, Skyfire. I should think you'd welcome this opportunity to prove yourself."

"Somehow, I don't see strafing an associate as proof of self worth."

"My patience has limits!" a screech. Starscream sighed suddenly. "What am I to do with you? Autobot training still interferes with your impulses."

"What do you know of my impulses, Starscream?"

Crimson optics flared. "Much. Despite being a fraud of an autobot."

Glacial blue optics flared in response. "I'm no fraud. But I'm more curious about how Megatron knew of my battle mode."

Starscream giggled. "Well...I have to take credit for _that."_

"You?!"

Starscream made a mocking gesture. "Why, Sky...only someone that knows you as...intimately as I do would give such information to Megatron. The more impressed he is, the more responsiblity you will assume."

Skyfire's optics were slits. "You're manipulating my position in the decepticon ranks. I should have known."

A dry cackle. "Yesss. I know you _too_ well, Sky. We are not at cross purposes here, either. For you see, advancing your position advances mine."

"Conniving as ever!" Skyfire hissed, fists balled.

"Sky, Sky." Starscream sauntered up, curving a a sly smile. He splayed fingers over Skyfire's decepticon symbol.

"Don't think for a minute I don't know you have a plan. I also know those treacherous triple changers are involved. Tell me what you're up to."

Skyfire stared into optics that burned his soul. _Can I trust you completely in this?_

Starscream cursed, once again forgetting. _Damn this bond!_

The big jet's voice was husky. "I told you not to touch me unless you meant it. Do you?"

Starscream's optics blazed in wild hunger, flickering. "_Join_ me, Sky. Together we will rule the decepticons, and forge a new empire. An empire of glory and prosperity we were meant to have. No more scrapping for energy sources and living like pirates. A gleaming new existence, all our own!"

A white hand slipped over Starscream's on his symbol. "And what of Thundercracker? You swore his devotion not too long ago."

The red seeker stared at their joined hands. "Thundercracker has his place. But you and I will rule. One has nothing to do with the other!"

Skyfire leaned in and gripped the seeker. "You think to have me at your side and spark with _him?_ Do I look like a complete fool?!"

"It...is...workable!" Starscream screeched in a panic, ripping away. He leaned against the door.

"Both our sparks are damaged, Starscream." Skyfire held his chest for emphasis. "Maybe you can function like that, but I can't. This endless burning and cold with pain. I'm through with it!"

"Meaning?" Starscream scratched out.

"You have Thundercracker. It's time I found someone! And I know just where to look."

Starscream stuttered in amazement. "You. You can't mean?"

"Until you decide to trust me, I won't trust you."

Red optics brightened to flame. "You can _always_ trust me!"

"Really? I remember a few shots to the chest!"

"I _said_ I was sorry about that!" a shrill screech. "You were an autobot. I had to shoot you! And I felt betrayed-"

_"I'm tired of going over all that, Starscream!"_ Skyfire bellowed. "You say I can trust you. Prove it." he held out a hand invitingly.

Starscream crowded the door. "I think not. You wish to weaken my resolve."

"Idiot! One minute you're touching me and the next you avoid me like the plague."

A blue hand pointed in rage. "You dare speak to your superior that way?"

"Save it." the big jet wasn't impressed. "We aren't on the job now." he reached out again.

The red Seeker kept his place near the exit. "I don't respond to cheap taunts, Skyfire. Think what you will. We can eliminate Megatron and determine what to do next."

"Keep talking. I think you're afraid to come over here!"

"Afraid of _you?"_ scratching laughter. "Oh, that's rich."

Skyfire taunted. "Come on, then. Kiss me."

"Oh, get over yourself. We have a job to do." Starscream pressed the release button on the door.

_This will never be over, Seeker._

Starscream stared in panic, his spark swelling pain and pulsating once again. He held himself against stabs of agony.

Skyfire watched his response. "You feel it, too."

"What I feel or don't feel is no concern of yours. And I'll thank you to stay out of my head!" with that, Starscream staggered out.

Skyfire dropped on his bed and flexed his wings idly. _I'll win you yet._


To be continued