submission dated 3-31-08 author: FireCracker (Italic copy bordered byunderscore) 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 One: True to Form

Burdoki 5 was a disreputable spaceport known across half the galaxy. Hives of malcontents, derelicts, neutrals and decepticons flocked there for entertainment and buisness deals. Illegal energon laced with narcotics was bartered like gold. Prostitution was also rampant. Weapon checks were everywhere but ineffectual. Disputes were merely taken to the streets with often fatal results. There were courts but no official recognized law officers. If a bot survived to make trial, he got one. If judgement went against him, he was shot. If the court found favor, he was sent into the streets with swarming enemies (the equivalent of getting shot). Needless to say, patrons of the spaceport preferred to settle their own affairs.

RazorCut sat at a table with her comrades at The Pit. It was one of the larger clubs on Burdoki and the entertainment was always good. She was orange with athletic strength and slightly taller most Seekers. Her primary function was excavation. She'd often worked on geological digs for energy sources for the empire.

Her two companions were older. One was Chugger, a barrel chested dark blue decepticon with a scar on his red faceplate. Thick and rugged, he'd been an enforcer on several star systems. The third member of the group was Strafe, a slender decepticon with silvery sheen and a sharp profile. He had long, slim wings for gliding at low altitudes.

The club was jumping. some bots were doing erotic stage dancing and flashing their privacy panels open. All grades of energon flowed freely. Loud, interstellar style music blared through an advanced sound system. Multicolored lights flashed everywhere, giving funky optical effects.

"Hmm, good deal." Chugger swigged his energon in a mug. "It's a good thing we stopped overnight here...I'd heard the club was closing down."

RazorCut laughed, munching ion cakes. "No way...this is the hottest joint this side of the Henni solar system. Besides, we need the down time after that last raid."

Strafe picked at a cake. "These are kind of dry."

"Stop fussing and eat one, for Unicron sake. No wonder you're so damn skinny."

"I'm not skinny!" Strafe shrieked. "I'm just...compact."

The female decepticon laughed, waving. "Yeah, whatever. Just don't stand near any storm drains."

"That ain't funny-"

"Can it, you two." Chugger stopped drinking, staring behind them. "Some kinda commotion over there."

RazorCut shrugged. "Around here that doesn't mean much." she tilted her head slightly. "What?"

"I see!" Strafe pointed. "Over by the band entrance. That big bot!"

"So?"

"Turn around and look, RazorCut." Chugger's optics narrowed in suspicion. "I've seen him from somewhere. Our database, I think."

RazorCut twisted around and peered over. Some small distance away, a tall white jet weaved through the crowd. Blazing optics followed his wake as he moved along. Decepticons clustered and jabbered, pointing.

Her optics went bright crimson. "Well, HELLO! Who's the hunk?"

"Is that all you can think about?" Strafe screeched.

RazorCut slapped him across his head. "Quiet. I'm curious!" she turned to see again.

Strafe rubbed his head. "That's one big bot...bet he's even bigger than you, Chugger!"

Chugger stared, annoyed. "He's tall, anyway. But notice he ain't wearing a sigil?"

RazorCut was grinning. "Interesting. Primus, look at the shoulders on that guy!"

"Who cares?" Chugger slammed his mug down. "He may be big, but he's a damn fool to come here alone and with no sigil. Neutrals can't be trusted and autobots get slagged."

"But is he a neutral? I thought you said you recognized him."

"I don't know...we'll need to find out his name and match it in the database. But that bot's gonna stick out around here, wherever he goes."

RazorCut snapped her fingers. "Got an idea. I'll wander his way and introduce myself."

"Yeah, I bet." Strafe sniped. "You gonna lap dance over his groinplate?"

She punched him in the head again. "Stuff it! If he's a spy we'll need to know."

Chugger rubbed his chin. "For his sake he'd better not be."

Skyfire sat at a corner table some distance from the dance floor. He only wanted to be left alone, to think. He'd fended off rude questions about his affiliation and reason for being there. Fortunately the majority of decepticons were put off by his sheer size, even the tough ones. And despite his outwardly calm appearance, the big jet was quite capable of using his bulk to intimidate. Decepticons parted and gave him space.

Seated at his table, he took no more notice of them. Blue optics were unfocused, staring at nothing.

/The past few months have been a nightmare. I have no idea what to do with myself. When I was first revived from the ice, I thought that Starscream and I...could pick things up. But after that fiasco with the Decepticons, and since then we've caused each other too much anger and pain. He won't shoot me anymore, but that's little consolation. We've grown apart and it still hurts, it hurts.../

He stared sightlessly at his mug of energon. When had he ordered it?

/I thought I could hate him. Hate what he's become and hate what he's done to me. I was certain he despised me, too. But that last skirmish...he looked at me, his optics were so soft. I saw his pain, too. He wanted to say something before he flew off with the others. But there wasn't time for anything else. Will there ever be time again?

And so I abandoned him. I couldn't do what he asked. Like a bright eyed sparkling, I ran to the autobots with their promises of peace and harmony. When did I become so simple minded? The universe doesn't rotate on concepts. War or no war, existence continues whether we like it or not. And now I have no real purpose, either personally or in science. The world I knew is gone, and my...Starscream is gone.

The autobots have been kind to me, given me something to cling to. But they don't need me, not really. They can fight decepticons and protect humans whether I'm there or not. And my spark aches for freedom, aches for...my.../

"Hello, handsome. Don't look so down."

Skyfire looked up, startled. "What? Excuse me!" he stared at a curvy orange decepticon with a pretty purple faceplate.

"Ah, hello. And you are?"

A red optic winked. "RazorCut, sweetie. I have to admit, we don't get bots like you around here often."

Cool blue optics looked her over. "You're a decepticon."

"Ha! Relax, gorgeous. I'm not here to turn you in. Besides, you're a neutral, right?" she pointed at his bare chestplate.

Skyfire smiled a little at that. "I've been called lots of things. Name's Skyfire."

RazorCut tilted her head in observation. "It suits you. So what brings you to this spaceport? You aren't a regular."

"No, I'm just trying to get lost for awhile."

She laughed. "You'd be hard to lose. Mind some company?"

Skyfire waved a hand. "Please."

Some distance away, RazorCut's companions watched through the crowd at their table.

Strafe fidgeted. "Well. Well?!""

"Pipe down." Chugger tapped his audio ear. "She's transmitting. How very interesting."

"Is he a spy?"

"I'm not sure. His name's Skyfire." Chugger cut transmission and pulled out a small disc. "That name sounds familiar. I'm gonna run it through and see what comes up."

"Maybe he's a neutral that cuts deals. He could be on the run."

Chugger watched the data disc light up. "Doesn't have that look. But I remember something Thundercracker told me about a decep with a similar name."

"Have you talked to him lately?"

"No, but I might be able to contact Megatron through him. Who knows? With any luck, our supreme commander might give us a bonus!"

Strafe rubbed his hands together, grinning. "It pays to have friends at the top!"

(The Decepticon underwater base, Earth.)

"Megatron, We've received a transmission from Burdoki 5." Thundercracker entered the main control tower. Megatron was seated at the center, looking out at deep ocean. He barely turned.

"Who do we know at that wretched spaceport?"

Thundercracker moved to his leader's side. "An old friend of mine contacted me. It seems as though Skyfire has been sighted-"

Starscream looked up from his station nearby. "What's he doing there?!"

Megatron glared in his direction. "Silence, Starscream. Don't offend my audios with talk of that traitor!"

"But you know the reputation of that spaceport-"

"And it is of no concern to me."

Thundercracker shrugged. "Apparently Skyfire's left the autobots. He's not wearing their symbol anymore."

Starscream's optics went wide.

Megatron considered, smirking. He rubbed his chin in thought. "Indeed? How very interesting. No longer with the autobots, and showing up at a disreputable location. Perhaps he's had a falling out, or gone rogue...this could be an excellent opportunity."

Soundwave chimed in from his communication desk. "Potential for reinstatement exists...provided he can be trusted again."

"Maybe being under ice a second time did something to him." Thundercracker suggested.

"Are you saying he's damaged?" Starscream screeched. "I refuse to believe that!"

"No one is saying that, dolt." Megatron was annoyed. "However, this could be our golden opportunity to gain strength at the expense of Optimus Prime. Thundercracker, tell your friend to keep him occupied there."

Starscream stood. "Excellent idea, Megatron. I can-"

"You'll do nothing, Starscream." the decepticon leader cackled, looking out the plexisteel windows again.

"I have a plan. A warm decepticon welcome for Skyfire!"

"We gotta keep him here." Chugger told his partner. "Just got off the line with Thundercracker."

Strafe shrugged. "Yeah, how? RazorCut can't distract him all night...if he's a neutral he won't risk giving anything away."

"Hmm. I got it! We'll start a fight."

"Uh, I'd rather not." Strafe looked over at Skyfire again. "If something goes wrong, we don't need him recognizing us."

"Coward! I'm not suggesting us. I'll get a few goons around here to do it. All you gotta do is offer 'em shim energon...they'll sell out anything for that!"

"I'm not a coward, I'm just not stupid, that's all!" Strafe whined at a high pitch. "But your idea's a good one."

"Okay, let's hit the bar..."

RazorCut was thoroughly enjoying herself with the mysterious bot. It took awhile, but he seemed to be coming out of his funk. She hooked an arm around his at the table.

"So." Skyfire grinned. "What's a nice decepticon like you doing in a place like this?"

"You tell me" she smirked back. "You're easy on the optics, any day. Are you going to tell me the truth?"

"Truth?"

"Yeah. Autobot or decepticon? I don't buy you're a neutral."

"What makes you say that?"

Her bright optics dimmed in thought. "You don't strike me as one of those weak minded washouts who won't commit to anything."

"Thanks for the compliment."

"I mean it." she kept staring. "You're an enigma, I can't figure you out."

Skyfire shrugged. "I'm just someone passing through. A scientist."

"No." she kept looking him over. "No way. You made a choice along the way and can't live with it now. The fact that you won't say is supect enough."

"RazorCut, do I look like an idiot? I didn't come here to wear a sigil and get cut down."

"Only autobots get cut down here. Or disappear." her optics narrowed. "Decepticon? If so, why the secrecy?"

"I think you misunderstood me."

"I think you lie a lot."

Skyfire gave a deep, booming laugh. "Thanks! Straight and to the point, I like that."

"That's my motto." she smiled again. "You know they have body scans here, right?"

The big jet immediately stiffened. "I thought those were illegal here."

"As illegal as they can be. There aren't any rigged in the buildings, but a lot of bots have personal scanners. Just a gentle warning."

"Thanks for the tip." Skyfire frowned.

RazorCut rested her head in a hand. "I can guess the reason it bothers you. Beyond the obvious."

"Don't tell me you read minds now."

"Not exactly." Orange fingers tapped shining white skin."Shall I say this? You're a decepticon, but not by affiliation. Maybe you dabbled with autobots, I can't be certain."

Skyfire felt cold all of a sudden. "You scanned me." his voice was flat.

"Bingo."

"Too bad. I was enjoying myself up to now." he unhooked his arm.

"Don't be like that." RazorCut gave a sultry smile. "It's what I do. I'm not sure what game you're playing, but it doesn't mean we can't be...friends." she stroked his arm again.

Before Skyfire could answer, a group of thug decepticons approached. All of them had scars. A particularly ugly one slammed a big purple fist on the table.

"YOU. What the hell you doing?"

Skyfire stared over the rattling table. "Who are you supposed to be?"

"Don't answer with a question, pretty bot." the decepticon waved a gesture. "We've seen how you strut in here, acting like you run the joint. Even got my girl here talkin'."

"I don't think so, fool." RazorCut made a face. "You been sucking spiked energon? I've never even seen you before!"

"Don't play me, RazorCut. You been makin' time with flybot here-"

"Take a walk." Skyfire pointed at the nearest exit. "I don't have time for this."

A jumpy decepticon squeezed around the first one. He was wide faced and stumpy, with a dented mouthplate."Yeah yeah, sure sure...ya gonna get tore up, sucker. Bonebuster here don't like playbots, especially stuck up gooks like you." the stocky decepticon gave a finger salute.

"You've got a blowout in your brain box." Skyfire's tone dropped dangerously.

"Blow this, you cogsucker-" the loudmouthed decepticon dove into Skyfire. The rumble was on...

The melee lasted many vorns. Goons raced to fight from different corners of the club. In the middle of it all was Skyfire, tossing smaller decepticons around before being swarmed by larger ones. The whole mess collapsed on the floor with a titanic crash.

RazorCut barely managed to crawl through the catastrophe with her head intact. She fired her stunnerbeam at random into the crowd of brawlers. Decepticons scattered, howling in pain. Bonebuster staggered to his feet, holding his head helmet. RazorCut took aim to shoot.

Her arm was grabbed and held down. She spun, ready to fight.

"Who?"

It was Chugger, motioning her to silence. "Come on, we've done our part!"

"No way. I'm not leaving him to that mess, even if he could be a spy."

Strafe edged up to her other side. "He's right. Come on, while there's still confusion! He's holding his own...some major muscle is coming to back him up."

The three decepticons moved towards a nearby exit, avoiding more flying bodies. "What muscle is coming?" RazorCut wanted to know as she was pushed along.

"Talked to ThunderCracker." Chugger said quickly. "Megatron wanted us to keep him here awhile-"

"So you had those dingbots start a fight. I get it! If Megatron's interested, what is he?"

"Let's just say he's got a checkered past!"

RazorCut stared at the now distant battle, her optics brightening. /Interesting./

"Look!" Strafe shrieked, pointing at new combatants. "The party's really getting started now."

Skyfire could barely hear or think in the crush of bodies. Decepticons held his limbs, refusing to let him gain his feet or get any leverage. He'd knocked quite a few of them around but was sorely pressed from all sides by sheer numbers. There were sounds like laser fire, more bodies crashing.

He fought blindly, punching whenever his hands were free. Someone else went airborne. A foot kicked his faceplate. He grabbed another foot near his head and partially crushed it. A howling decepticon fell over him. With a leg then freed, Skyfire kicked another decep into a far wall, hearing the crash with some satisfaction. What he didn't see were the new entries who stormed into the crowd. They were ticked off and all buisness. Decepticons eyed them in surprise and edged back.

Skyfire heard voices he recognized.

"Cretins. Move away, or be destroyed!"

/That oddly resonating voice. Astrotrain?/

"Defy us and die!"

/That deep sound. Blitzwing!/

Beeping. "Stand back! Or smash ugly big ones, baby gonna knock you OUT! Knock down, crack heads. Breaker promise!"

/Who the hell is that?/

Skyfire didn't wonder long as decepticons parted, moving away. The triple changers stood over him protectively, pointing their weapons at the crowd. No one was crazy enough to take on both, since their reputations were known and they were Megatron's elite officers.

Blitzwing offered his hand. "You've been injured."

Skyfire pulled himself up. "I'll live. The fight was a setup, anyway. Everyone here seems incredibly stupid."

Astrotrain gave a weird, hollow laugh. "Sounds about right for this joint." he glared at the other gawking decepticons, waving his cannon. "Beat it. Go get laid or something."

"Yes, make sparkling! All stupid, go home!" more beeping.

Skyfire stared at the minicon that stood on Astrotrain's shoulders. The tiny decepticon shook his fists at the crowd, his visor glowing bright red.

"Who's your little friend?"

The minicon turned, thumping his green chest proudly. "Am Breaker, roughest, toughest, meanest, baddest minicon in universe."

"Not to mention the loudest." Blitzwing added, watching the suspicious crowd disperse.

"Hm." Skyfire nodded to them all. "So, what do I owe this...honor to?"

Astrotrain shrugged, putting away his weapon. "Just happened to be in the neighborhood."

"You expect me to believe that? Starscream's behind this, isn't he?"

"No." Blitzwing answered. "He doesn't even know we're here."

Suspicous blue optics narrowed. "Then what's the deal? Is this a trap?"

Breaker piped up. "No trap. Come save, be grateful! Saved big aft!"

Skyfire laughed. "I guess you're right. I owe you. So what do you want?"

Blitzwing jerked a thumb at some corner booths. "Over there, let's get some privacy."

They settled near the main bar area. Skyfire watched in fascination as transformers cleaned up the mess quickly, replacing broken furniture. Decepticons filtered back in and sat down as if nothing happened.

The big jet shook his head. "This is the most lawless place I've been to in a long time."

"Heh." Astrotrain nibbled on an ion cake. "No one comes here for lawful purposes. Only to make deals, get lost, or get some party."

"I'm almost afraid to ask what category I fall under."

The triple changer leered. "I'm leaving that alone for now."

Skyfire didn't like the look, frowning. "Where are you going with that?"

"Don't mind him." Blitzwing folded his arms over the table. "This is merely...a social call."

"You just said it was coincidence."

A shrug. "Whatever. It's come to our attention that you've left the autobots."

Skyfire appeared indifferent. "I'm on vacation."

"Don't give us that, Skyfire." Astrotrain tapped the bare nosecone. "What happened to your precious little red symbol?"

"It fell off. I flew here too fast."

Breaker laughed from the edge of the table, beeping crazily. "Make funny joke! Breaker like big bot. He silly!"

"Yeah, he's just a bundle of chuckles." Astrotrain snorted. "Word is, you had a major falling out with Optimus Prime."

Skyfire wasn't sure how to answer that. "We had an argument that escalated. Old issues that had been simmering for some time."

"Do tell!" Blitzwing smirked. "We love hearing about dissention in autobot ranks."

"Don't get your hopes up. I'm telling you this because I owe you, nothing more."

"Of course."

Skyfire steepled his fingers. "I've had a lot of time to think since I was rescued from the ice. How much of my history do you know?"

"We were briefed by Megatron." Blitzwing answered. "Of course, we were on Cybertron when you were revived. We'd heard that you and Starscream were close."

"Very, very close." Astrotrain emphasized oddly. "He's spoken of your betrayal. Something about you aiding and abetting the enemy, but he wasn't clear on details."

"Megatron gave the orders to kill some humans befriended by the autobots." Skyfire responded. "I couldn't take innocent lives for no reason, and harming lesser lifeforms makes little sense."

"You love those human creatures? That's peculiar."

"It wasn't so much a matter of loving them as despising needless waste. I was so disoriented at the time, I only recalled my original function as a scientist. But Starscream had changed. New factions existed, and there was war on Cybertron. Nine million years is a long time to be out of the loop."

"I'll say." Astrotrain agreed. "No wonder you were out of it. But why join the autobots? If your memory banks were still coming online, why make a rash decision?"

"There wasn't time for anything else. I joined the decepticons in ignorance, and out of loyalty to Starscream. When I refused Megatron, Starscream took it as a personal rejection. He's hated me since."

Blitzwing was thinking. "Interesting. This ties in missing gaps from what we know. You were inactive during the entire collapse of the government which led to the war."

Skyfire nodded. "I woke up in a time warp with no rhyme or reason."

"Starscream doesn't hate you, by the way."

Blue optics brightened. "How do you know this?"

Breaker snickered, beeping. "Starscream love big Sky. Talk all time when overcharged! Secret plan."

Skyfire stared at the diminuitive decepticon. "What plan, Breaker?"

The minicon walked across the table before plopping down front and center. He gripped Skyfire's finger.

"Plan take over, beat up Megatron. Greedy. Be big boss, king decepticon."

Skyfire chuckled. "That sounds like him. Some things never change."

"Megatron go boom boom, upside head. Stop plan!"

Skyfire glanced at the other two. "So where do I come in? Surely you know I won't rejoin the decepticons."

"You say that too quickly." Blitzwing countered. "Contrary to popular belief, we aren't all mindless goons."

"No. You're despots and killers. Some resume."

Astrotrain laughed. "Unicron take it, I like him! He's insolent."

Blitzwing wasn't as impressed. "You say you're a scientist. Believe me, your expertise would be needed on our side. Everyone isn't pleased with Megatron's leadership."

"You're suggesting something very dangerous here." Skyfire surmised. "Besides, backbiting and treachery seems to be standard decepticon behavior."

Blitzwing gave a nasty smile. "Well, I never said we didn't have agendas. However, there are those who are planning for the future even as we speak. Those with insight."

"The treachery of triple changers is legendary. Do I look like a fool, Blitzwing?"

"Bah. You speak of being a scientist. Would you believe I was a simple librarian before the war?"

Skyfire's mouth unit fell open. "I can't believe that!"

"It's true." Astrotrain confirmed. "And I was a regular dock worker. Hauling and loading. Every decepticon didn't have a glorious start."

Skyfire wondered at that. "I'd always assumed every decepticon started out in warfare."

"Wrong, wrong again!" Breaker interrupted with a loud beep. "Bad guess, be smart! No assume."

"Blows a hole in your theory, doesn't it, Skyfire?" Blitzwing was smug. "So I can guess your next question: how did we go from such unassuming lives to being evil incarnate?"

Skyfire folded his arms. "Something like that."

"I've been around a long time, Skyfire. Long enough to know the Quintessons. Astrotrain and I follow Megatron by choice, not because we're empty headed war mongers."

"But what are you following? So far his plans for a glorious empire aren't going anywhere."

"Typical autobot arrogance." Astrotrain was annoyed. "And Prime's plan for universal peace and harmony? For all, or only the select ones deemed worthy? You listen to too much propaganda."

"I'm not an autobot at the present time. While I question their actions, I approve of their goal."

"There's no such thing as a clean war, Skyfire. You weren't there. I lost too many friends and relatives. Sure, I wanted to believe the aristocracy cared about the common bot. But it was all a lie. And when the factions split, bots lost jobs and hope. Revolution had started, and the streets were littered with bodies."

"I...everyone is at fault." Skyfire faltered.

"Bots got fed up with restrictions on energon and the depressed economy." Astrotrain pressed. "So finally one day I was like, slag it. I joined the decepticons and never looked back. I wanted to take my life back for a change."

Skyfire's head dropped a little, as his optics darkened. "There must have been another way."

"What other way, Skyfire?" Blitzwing snapped. "At the time, decepticons were just a reactionary group. We fancied ourselves freedom fighters of the new republic."

"So...it started out differently." Skyfire stammered in amazement. "I had no knowledge of this."

"Took ice nap." Breaker beeped.

"Thanks for the update, Breaker." Skyfire was snide.

"Most welcome. Good help."

Blitzwing continued his tale. "As time went on and the violence escalated, it was difficult to tell good from evil. Autobots and decepticons alike were killed. Cybertron was nearly destroyed, sucked dry of energy and resources. Of course, you're probably aware of that part."

"Yes. Cybertron still hasn't recovered."

"And it won't, not without outsourcing of energy." Astrotrain supplied.

"You've given me much to think about, but I still don't see where I come in."

Blitzwing leaned forward as if in conspiracy. "There are those among us with long range visions of the future. For the benefit of Cybertron and potentially a new Empire."

"An Empire of power mad decepticons?"

"Don't be simplistic, Skyfire. If you're a scientist, your expertise could be useful in finding sources of energy to revive our world. Despite what you think of decepticons, you know energy drives the war."

"True."

"As far as ideals go, the original idea of decepticons was freedom, not war. Older decepticons were upgraded for warfare, and the younger ones were built for it. Did you know the autobot symbol was once one of slavery and shame?"

Skyfire stared at him sharply.

"Ah, you're too young for that. Astrotrain and I know of the golden age of Cybertron, and before that. Our perspective is different than the younger decepticons."

"You still joined them. What difference does all that make now?"

"He's not an autobot, no matter what sigil he wears." Astrotrain muttered to Blitzwing. "You play games, Skyfire. We want to return decepticons to their roots."

"Are you serious?"

Breaker beeped loudly. "Serious as pump attack. No lie! Trick Megatron."

Skyfire tapped his fingers on the table. "You're planning on betraying Megatron? He sent you here!"

"Keep your voice down." Astrotrain waved. "These slargs fear us now, but if they suspect treachery they'll turn us in."

"Are you all insane? Or do you think I'm a complete idiot?"

"Neither." Blitzwing stated. "Yes, Megatron sent us. However, he only knows we're ordered to bring you in. This conversation isn't happening. Do you understand me?"

Skyfire eyed him suspiciously. "Keep talking."

"Pretend that you're seduced into being a decepticon again. Astrotrain and I will back whatever story you tell Megatron. But he won't be easy to convince."

"I'm not killing any autobots, Blitzwing." Skyfire warned.

"You may not have to. Impress him with your scientific knowledge, tell him ideas for energy sources. If you do that, he may keep you from the front lines, at least for awhile. It may give us time to formulate a plan for his overthrow."

Skyfire rubbed his optics in weariness. "I can't believe I'm even considering this."

"Everyone's gotta have a purpose in life." Astrotrain was nonchalant. "What are you going to do? Flit around star systems and mope? Cart autobots around? Be alone with nowhere to call home, no one to be with? What's science going to get you on a cold night?"

Skyfire felt anger burn his processors. "You chose to be a killer long ago. I haven't!"

"I wasn't a killer at first. The war changed that. Don't you get it? I held dying friends in my arms. You can't understand, because you weren't there!" Astrotrain slammed the point home. "So don't act all high and mighty. The world went on while you slept under ice!"

Skyfire dropped his head again. "SHUT UP!!" a huge white fist crashed the table, toppling Breaker over the side.

The minicon clung to the edge and peeped. "Big Sky mad. No good, make superfist! Blames self."

The big jet shook with rage, eyes flickering wildly. "You think I don't know this? All those years, lost! If I'd have gone back...with Starscream...I would've chosen, would have been involved. I could have made a difference...everything would have been different! But because of my stubborn insistence that we survey a primitive planet, we were separated."

"Who's to say you wouldn't have joined the decepticons if you'd made it back to Cybertron? Or Starscream the autobots?" Astrotrain challenged.

"I don't know!" Skyfire still simmered. "I feel it was my fault..."

Blitzwing spared Astrotrain a look of triumph before putting a hand on Skyfire's arm. "As I said, the war changed everything. Of course we've done evil. The point is, we haven't forgotten what its like to be good. I'm not saying we can undo the past, but we can change the future."

"What about Starscream? Is he part of this attempted coup of yours?"

"He agrees with some of our ideas, but not necessarily the method. However, he makes too many tactical mistakes and pushes Megatron. One day it will cost him."

Skyfire made a fist. /No it won't!/ "Are you saying Megatron would kill a valued second in command?" he already knew the answer.

Astrotrain laughed. "Are you kidding? He'd sacrifice us all for his own ends. Which is why we have our own plans!"

Skyfire wearily rested his head on the table. "Just be quiet and let me think."

Breaker clambered across the table to him, patting a broad shoulder. "Not so bad. Join, come home! No autobot belong."

For the next few breems, nothing happened. Astrotrain and Blitzwing patiently waited out Skyfire's internal agony. Little Breaker watched him closely, quietly beeping.

Astrotrain grinned evilly across the table, his private comlick open. /He breaks, Blitzwing. We'll destroy his pain and feed every desire, all his rage...purpose and conquest!/

Blitzwing crossed his arms in silence, nodding in agreement. /He's the perfect foil to Megatron, and will have Starscream's support. The others will fall in line./

Astrotrain gazed at the white jet lustfully, licking his lips. /He's pretty...wonder if he's as wild as Starscream says?/

Blitzwing glanced down also, smiling. /That comes later, you freak. We'd better get him fully overcharged, though./

/Why, you think the two of us can't handle him?/

/Have you forgotten, Astrotrain? He may call himself an autobot or neutral, but he was born decepticon. And I intend to find out just how decepticon he really is!/

/Oh yeah./ Astrotrain nearly snickered, tapping his chin. /We might...blow some fuses!/

Skyfire sat up suddenly, his optics dark. "I've made a decision."

The two decepticons shrugged innocently, giving no clue to their thoughts. "It's your decision to make." Astrotrain appeared nonplussed. "We were just waiting."

Chugger, RazorCut and Strafe eased back into the main club lounge. They weaved through the crowd.

"I think we should've stayed on our ship." Strafe complained, his wings twitching nervously.

"I wanted to see what happened with Skyfire before we left the port." RazorCut replied. "Besides, I'd like to know what the deal is with Megatron."

"I radioed back to Thundercracker about the fight" Chugger peered around. "Everything's cleaned up. I don't see 'em anywhere."

"Wait, I think I see something. Skyfire's with those other two guys that broke up the fight. They look tough."

Chugger shook his head. "Astrotrain and BlitzWing, Megatron's goons. Bad news, bad news."

"Looks like Skyfire's pissed. But they're just talking." Strafe stretched his neck components to see better.

"I'll be right back!" RazorCut bolted away.

Chugger shouted after her. "What do you think you're doing?!"

"Leaving a message." and with that, the curvy decepticon disappeared into the crowd.

(The Decepticon underwater base, Earth.)

"Megatron, I have an update on the Skyfire situation."

The decepticon leader sat back comfortably at his central dias. "Relay it, Thundercracker."

The blue seeker laughed heartily. "Seems like he got into a mysterious fight. Did really good, from what was said. He took out half the lounge area before they got him down."

"Impressive." Megatron admitted.

"I assumed the autobot wouldn't fight." Soundwave commented in his monotonous tone.

Starscream objected. "Really? I recall him bouncing you down a mountainface in the Aztecs."

"A miscalculation."

"You don't know his strength like I do. He-"

The bridge went silent. Starscream's compatriots smiled in amusement.

"Tell us of his...strength, Starscream." Megatron teased, his optics gleaming wickedly.

The seeker realized he'd said too much. His faceplace flushed purple with energon. "I've nothing more to say!"

Megatron turned away. "That would be a first. Thundercracker, have Blitzwing and Astrotrain arrived at the port yet?"

"Affirmitive. They're with Skyfire now."

"Excellent. Things are looking up." Megatron headed out. "I'll be in my quarters. Don't disturb me unless there's an update."

As soon as Megatron left, Starscream turned on his fellow seeker in disbelief. "You mean to tell me, Megatron sent those two perverts to meet Skyfire?!"

Thundercracker shrugged, still laughing. "Don't yell at me about it!"

Skywarp sniggered. "Yeah, well, maybe they'll turn Skyfire permanently. If you know what I mean!"

Starscream glared his way. "Maybe I'll stuff your cockpit down your aft!" he screeched.

Thundercracker tapped a red wing. "Oh, I forgot to mention something, Screamer. They've got Breaker with them, too."

Red optics blazed crazily. "That...that...freaky minicon? What's Megatron thinking?! He'll transform into...into..."

Soundwave exploded into echoing, harmonic laughter.

"Shut up!"

The decepticons still waited an answer. Breaker finally grew impatient.

"No drama, tell choice! Stop dilemma."

"If only it were that easy." Skyfire paused, his expression tight. "All right. I'll join."

Astrotrain and Blitzwing approved, nodding. "Excellent!" Blitzwing declared. "And now-"

Breaker was estatic. He stood on the table and pointed at the ceiling, striking a pose. "Decepticons win! We number one, try harder!"

Skyfire could only blink in stupefication at the crazed minicon. The absurdity of his fate finally hit home, along with the enormity of his decision. And so he did what any sane mech would do under the circumstances.

He laughed.

Astrotrain looked worried at the hysterical mech. "Uh, you okay?"

"Unicron no." Skyfire suddenly stopped, his face a mask of anger. "I've just sold myself out, Astrotrain! All my friendships are gone now. The life I knew is over."

"No." the triple changer soothed. 'It's the only decision you could make. Think! If you stay with the autobots, no ground will be gained in the war. A standoff could last indefinitely."

Skyfire considered. "It is getting tiresome, the lack of conclusion. It's why I left them, despite having friends there."

"They shoot us, we shoot them. On and on. So what will you accomplish that way? Cybertron will be a husk at that point...we'll have to colonize other worlds."

"Point." Blitzwing added. "The life you knew ended nine million years ago. And despite your professed friendship with autobots, you left anyway."

Skyfire stared at his hands. "True. I've known no real satisfaction since awakening. I'm out of place, with no real home-"

Breaker rubbed his hand affectionately. "Home with us. We take care! No be cold."

The big jet managed a wry smile, poking the minicon. "I like you."

The minicon beeped in response, his visors brightening.

"I think you have a new friend." Blitzwing grinned. "And this night calls for a celebration!"

Skyfire disagreed. "Sorry, not in the mood."

/You will be!/ "Enough brooding, Skyfire. If everything falls into place, you'll be free to live whatever life you want eventually. But first things first." he motioned a waiter.

Astrotrain was smug. "Blitzwing knows all the best vintages of energon. Gourmet, you know?"

Skyfire found himself oddly interested in that. "Really? I wouldn't have thought-"

"You still make assumptions."

"I'm bound to be ignorant, Blitzwing. Blame it on my nine million year nap."

"You think too much, Skyfire...like all bots who function in analysis." Astrotrain stated. "Sometimes you just need to let it all...go."

Blue optics narrowed. "Know that I make this choice out of desperation."

"So you say." Blitzwing cracked. "The thirst for science is one thing, the hunger for a warm mainframe another. Every desire can be yours, no questions asked!"

Skyfire stared at him oddly, trying to catch the meaning.

Their conversation paused as the waiter brought energon in large mugs. The boxy, dark brown decepticon held out three fingers.

"Twenty credits. Sim Energon, pure grade. With a hint of mint."

Astrotrain paid up. "Thanks, bud. Keep the tip."

"You got it. Refills 30 percent over cover price...provided you last that long." laughing, the waiter returned to the bar area.

Skyfire sniffed at his mug. "Sim Energon? Are you insane!"

Breaker pulled his glass across the table. "Good. Get drunk now."

Skyfire dipped a finger and tasted. "Unbelievable, this stuff's fatal."

Astrotrain elbowed him. "Drink up. For Primus sake, live a little."

Blitzwing agreed, lifting his own mug. "Ah, the simple pleasures! Reminds me of the old days."

RazorCut approached the table in amusement, seeing Skyfire surrounded by decepticons. They didn't notice her until she was on top of them.

"Well, well. What have we here?"

They all stared in surprise. "RazorCut?" Skyfire was almost pleased to see her, still fiddling with his mug.

She leaned against the table. "You impress me, big guy. And a girl's gotta show when she's impressed."

"Ah, who are you?" Astrotrain wondered.

"A friend of flybot here." RazorCut winked. "Just wanted to see if you were okay from the fight."

Skyfire raised an optic ridge at her. "You didn't have anything to do with that, hmm?"

The curvy decepticon chuckled. "Nah, I took a few potshots at the crowd while you were occupied. Looked like you handled most of 'em until your friends here arrived."

Skyfire smiled, then. "I usually don't fight much."

"You could have fooled me. I never saw so many flying deceps in my life!"

Skyfire swished his finger in energon again. "Mass met velocity. Besides, I was pissed."

RazorCut laughed, her faceplate gleaming. "You're something else."

Blitzwing stared into his glass, smirking. "Remind me to thank your associates, RazorCut. I owe them."

"Surely."

"Am I missing something here?" Skyfire wanted to know, glancing between the two of them.

RazorCut leaned over the table. "Not a thing. I've still got a question of my own..."

"Heh, they want to be alone." Astrotrain sniggered. "Dim the lights."

She coughed and ignored him. "Anyway, like I was saying...what's the deal? You're hanging with my people-"

"Our people." Skyfire was tight, reminded of his decision.

Her optics glimmered. "Then why?" she pointed at his bare chestplate.

"It's a long story."

"You can tell me about it another time." She reached into a leg panel and handed him a small object. "Just a little something for you."

Skyfire took it in curiosity. "Signal disc?"

Breaker finally piped up, still cradling his mug. "Hot number! Booty call."

Astrotrain and Blitzwing laughed hysterically. Even Skyfire grinned at the small decepticon: "You're ridiculous."

RazorCut pointed a finger at Breaker, annoyed. "Stay out of this, pee wee...or I'll drop you down a sewage drain!"

"No pee wee. Big where counts!" the minicon stood and pointed at his groinplate, beeping wildly. Skyfire covered his mouth to keep from laughing again.

RazorCut sniffed. "Great. A tiny pervert. Will someone put him to bed, please?"

"He can't help it." Astrotrain was giggling, waving his mug. "Care to join us?"

"Some other time perhaps." RazorCut's optics flickered over the big jet again. "Call me sometime, handsome. I'm not hard to find in the right places." another wink.

Skyfire lurched a smile. "Maybe this night isn't a total loss after all."

"You know it." with a saucy turn, RazorCut disappeared into the crowd.

Blue optics watched her go. "That was a pleasant diversion."

"She's built right, that's for sure." Astrotrain agreed.

Breaker beeped. "No talk. Drink! Be drunk."

"Agreed." Blitzwing swigged his laced energon. "Perfect!"

Skyfire hesitated, then drank. The pure energon swirled in his mouth, sparking circuits everywhere. He felt tingly, strange. The room started to slant immediately.

Breaker struggled to lean his mug so that he could drink. Skyfire tipped it for him.

"No point in wasting good stuff, Breaker."

The minicon beeped happily. "Friend Sky help. Now be drunk!" small lips sipped thirstily.

"Mmm." Blitzwing savored his energon. "Smooth. I didn't think they could get it this refined here."

"Yeah, well." Astrotrain was already weaving. "Night's young...anything...is possible."

"This...this...I think you did this on purpose." Skyfire strained to talk. Circles whirled in his optics.

They drank another round, much to the waiter's shock. Many vorns and mugs later, the three decepticons leaned and swayed into each other at the table, talking stupidly.

"Now it's my turn...to say something. It's very important." Blitzwing slurred.

"Yeah, sure. What!" Skyfire wanted to know, optics crossed.

Blitzwing pointed into the air. "This...is what it has come to. And now that we know it, we can deal with it. For what it is!"

"Yeah, but what is it?" Astrotrain was bleary.

"Hell if I know. Ask somebody else. HIC."

"No no, wait wait." Skyfire shook his head dumbly. "Now, I is...no, was. A scientist. Listen to this, I'm gonna say something smart." he leaned foward.

"Okay, say something smart." Blitzwing thumped the table.

"Here it ish." Skyfire grinned like an idiot. "The universal entropy values encompass electromagnetic energy. This, in turn, shows dispersion of molecules, vis a vis thermonuclear ions-"

"I knew that!" Astrotrain declared drunkenly.

"Then" Skyfire stumbled along, "as entropy magnifies, the central universal cycles system re energizes itself. Then you get BOOM. Molecules activate in a thermal reaction, creatin' light an' energy. Theory of creation. You know, the big bang."

Breaker clapped from the table. "Good speech! Stupid, though."

Skyfire leaned crazily. "Yeah, but if it sounds smart, its good. Because no one can tell how dumb it is."

"Makes sense." Blitzwing agreed. "I guess?"

"Am I a decepticon yet?" Skyfire asked, sliding down in his seat.

"I think so HIC." Astrotrain leered at him. "You look good enough to eat."

A blue optic opened. "Watch it...I'm...savin' it for Starscream. No, its too late for that. 'Cause we already did the nasty, lots of times."

Blitzwing giggled stupidly. "I think Screamer's gettin' some from Thundercracker..."

"He better HIC not be." Skyfire weaved again. "An' you been looking at me, Astrotrain. All night. I know it!"

"Yeah, so what?" the triple charger admitted. "Your the only bastard around here, good lookin' as me HIC."

Skyfire smiled nastily. "So you think I'm hot, huh?"

Astrotrain traced his lips with a finger. "Damn straight...I love big afts."

There was a splash. Breaker had fallen into his drink, splattering energon across the table.

"Crap." Blitzwing could barely see, staring at the struggling minicon. "Guess someone should fish him out."

Skyfire stuck a finger out. "Climb up, Breaker."

The drunk minicon clutched the white hand desperately, slipping back into the mug. "HIC. Much wetness!"

Skyfire hiccuped boredly. "Well, you've gotta hold on first!" he lifted his hand again. Breaker made it out this time.

"I am SoooOOOOooo high." Blitzwing declared, his head spinning like a top.

Astrotrain laughed, splattering more energon. "I did that one time, an' my head got stuck backwards."

Skyfire made a stupid face. "Wait a lil' bit now. I'm gonna try that." he turned his shoulders and held his head straight.

Breaker was sitting in a puddle of energon. "Silly Sky. You spin head, not body! Do like Blitzwing."

"Yeah. Right."

The night degenerated from drunken stupor to open groping and suggestive topics. Overloaded systems and heated processors contributed to loose tongues and hidden desires. The group didn't go unnoticed by the other amused customers. They watched and speculated on who would get lucky first.

Skyfire was nearly sideways in the booth. "I haven't felt this damn good in millions of years."

Blitzwing had a hand on his knee unit. "Never had Sim energon before? I can tell."

"Yeah, well..." blue optics flickered erratically. "I had some pretty good stuff before, but nothing like this."

Astrotrain was propped behind Skyfire, cradling his shoulders. "Told you to stop thinking, Sky. By Unicron, you've had enough to drop three normal bots. Still awake, hm?"

"Yeah, kind of...buzzy." Skyfire managed. "Feel great, though..."

A silvery purple hand gently caressed his cockpit. "We'll make you feel even better." Astrotrain purred. "There are many pleasures to be had among the Decepticons."

"Your touch feels nice." Skyfire rubbed Astrotrain's arm absently.

"You find me attractive?"

"Yeah, I've been looking at you all night, too. Nice beauty mark, that head stripe."

"Thank you. May I compliment you also on your gorgeous optics?"

"I've...been alone a long time." Skyfire admitted, shifting a little. "The autobots were kind to me, but I still felt disconnected somehow."

Blitzwing eased closer, stroking Skyfire's thigh. "Did they offer you comfort to go with that kindess? Or were you just a convenience to their cause?"

"I'm not sure." Skyfire frowned. "At first I made the decision to join, but then-"

"They took you for granted." Astrotrain supplied, still soft stroking the big jet. "A pity your obvious talents were wasted merely towing them around."

"Yes." Skyfire was annoyed. "I was no more than a glorified taxi. They'd call on me to pull their afts out of the fire when things got hot, but not often. Wheeljack was their main scientist, but he had no finesse wtih his methods. Besides, there was no real lab on the ark. The facilities were crude. There was little else for me to do, so often I would leave them and go exploring."

Blitzwing took Skyfire's hand and kissed it. Blue optics brightened at the brazen caress.

"I think" said Blitzwing, "that the autobots are idiots. You might find our science lab to be quite...advanced." he nipped along Skyfire's arm with playful bites.

"What are you saying?" Skyfire felt foggy, caught in a drunken twilight.

Astrotrain kept massaging him from behind. "Only that you'll be surprised at the difference. Starscream himself did many modifications, but he hasn't been motivated to pursue scientific interests anymore."

"Not like the old days." Skyfire brooded.

Astrotrain licked a white shoulder softly. "Perhaps the proper bot could motivate him again."

Skyfire sighed wistfully, remembering. "Perhaps."

Another heated kiss, this time on the back of Skyfire's head. "It's time to enjoy life." Astrotrain murmured lustfully. "Stop condemning yourself for the past. Stay with us, and never be lonely again. Everything...and anything will be yours."

Skyfire felt dizzy and exhilarated, circuits bubbling with hot energon. His spark hungered, rejecting the cold and loneliness.

As if reading the thought Blitzwing stroked his face, purring a deep, smooth tone. "Beautiful and intelligent. Go to Starscream or stay with us, as you will. Your days will be exciting, your nights hot."

And with that, he dove in for a kiss.

Skyfire pulled him in hungrily, capturing his mouth. Cockpits touched, rubbing spark.

Breaker squeezed between large bodies and smiled. "Ready for bed!"

end Chap. 1