Disclaimer: I don't own the Transformers franchise or any of its characters. This is purely a work of fan-fiction, and I do not seek to profit from it. The events depicted in this story are mine, and mine alone, and exist only to entertain.

"Replacement"
Summary: Breakdown confronts the newest member of the Stunticons about things that are a little too familiar.

Note: This story takes place in a universe loosely based on the Transformers Generation 1 universe, and isn't based on any specific, existing story-line. The characterization derives from Transformers' current line of Combiner Wars toys.

"I'm Wildrider's replacement? Why, I find the very idea insulting, Breakdown."

The blue and white Stunticon chafed, biting his lower lip as Offroad stood with his back to him. The green and red-orange Decepticon was fiddling around with something or other on a computer terminal, and Breakdown couldn't see what he was working on.

"It's just that... well!" Breakdown fidgeted. "Since you came on, you've sort of - that is - filled the same... howdoyasayit... NICHE he has..."

Offroad laughed in response. It was a sort of patronizing laugh, that smacked of arrogance and derision. Breakdown knew it well; it's what he imaged people did when they talked about HIM.

"Oh, Breakdown, that's just your processor overworking itself. Of course I remind everyone of Wildrider... he's gone now, and I'm the new bot on the team, after all. Someone needs to fill the void."

"Yes, but... you purposely go for his favorite spot when we combine...!"

"And? Menasor needs a leg, Breakdown."

"We're a modular combiner. Each one of us can be a leg!"

Offroad looked over his shoulder, smirking. "So, does that mean you're ready to step out of YOUR comfort zone, Breaky?"

Breakdown's optics widened, before he quickly spat out "NO! That is- I! I mean... this isn't about me..."

Offroad only chuckled.

Breakdown's expression grew more firm. "That's not the only thing. Motormaster said you ordered the same drink at Octane... the same drink that was Wildrider's favorite...! A Polyhex Pulverizer...!"

"I'm an all-terrain vehicle," Offroad replied, tapping away at a few more keys. The usurper's shoulder panels kept Breakdown from getting a good view of what he was doing, even as he tried to peer over his shoulder. "I need a drink with some kick to it!"

"Yeah, well, you even used Wildrider's catchphrase..."

"'Either you're out of my way or you're out of luck'? I prefer to see it as carrying on the legacy."

Breakdown fumed. "Wildrider isn't dead!"

Offroad looked back at him with a cruel smirk. "He might as well be," he said, pulling a chip out of the terminal's access port. "Deluge said that he wouldn't be coming out of stasis for some time..." Breakdown could now see that Offroad had closed out of whatever it was he had been doing.

Breakdown bit his lower lip. "I'm afraid to ask, but just what have you been working on?"

"I'm glad you asked!" Offroad replied, beaming as he opened up an access panel on his chest. "It's a new electronic paint job. I figured new team... it's time I got a new look."

With that said, Offroad replaced the chip that was already inside with a brand new one. Breakdown paled as before his very optics, Offroad's colors shifted to a disturbingly familiar dark-grey scheme.

"Dear sweet Primus," Breakdown whimpered.

Offroad just laughed, putting his arm around his fellow Stunticon as he began to lead him off. "It's great, I know," he said. "You know, Breaky, I think it's time you and I got to know each other better! Let me tell you about a 'Con I used to run with. His name was Ruckus, and he had the slickest suspension I ever saw..."

Note: This chapter was posted previously on AO3 before being added here.