Title: Transformers: All We Do
Universe: G1
Pairings: None
Rating: G
Warnings: None
Author's Note: This is for the Flash Fan Fiction prompt "To Explain Something" (as in an aspect of your fandom). I decided to explain a different side of the trine dynamic that I've considered, but never demonstrated, before. I present you with that rare creature: a serious story by me. Word count: 494
"One order, you rusting pile o' slag!" The foot pinning Thundercracker down ground back and forth across his back. The blue Seeker turned his head aside and kept his mouth shut to prevent mud from seeping in – pointless really, he could feel the substance invading into other seams. Looming above him, Brawl continued, "You couldn't even handle that! When in our attack group, you obey Onslaught!"
"Makes you wonder how he got so high up in the ranks, not following orders and all," Onslaught mused from the side. Thundercracker couldn't see him from this low angle but knew the other was watching his humiliation closely.
The other Combaticons laughed and offered several lewd suggestions. Thundercracker remained silent, having nothing to say.
Brawl forced him further into the sodden dirt, heel scraping across his wing. "What say I give him a lesson? Maybe rearrange those wings some? Maybe not stop there …"
"Back off, imbecile!" Harsh vocals cut across the clearing, accompanied by the sound of turbines. "Now."
Thundercracker strained his optics but Brawl kept him pinned.
"He refused an order," Onslaught said, "and insubordination must be dealt with swiftly. Isn't that right, Starscream?"
"Let. Him. Up."
The pressure lifted slowly from Thundercracker's back. Swiping the mud off, he stumbled to his feet and glanced around. A short distance away, Starscream and Skywarp faced off against Onslaught.
"What order?" Starscream asked.
"I told him to blow a passenger plane from the sky. He refused."
"He's under strict orders – from me, the Air Commander and Second in Command! – not to engage human aircraft unless they pose a threat. My order supersedes yours. Are we clear?"
Thundercracker struggled to keep his expression blank. There had been no such order.
The Combaticons muttered darkly amongst themselves. Turning about, they threw back bits of mud and damp leaves as they transformed and departed. Watching the last of them vanish over the horizon, Thundercracker braced himself.
Starscream spun and punched him across his faceplates. He fell back several paces.
"You fool! What were you thinking?"
"It was a stupid, pointless attack! They weren't even in our way!" Thundercracker snarled back, regaining his footing.
"Guys? Please don't fight," Skywarp said, his vocals quiet.
"So? If your commander orders you to kill things, you do. We're Decepticons! Have you forgotten what that means?"
"Have you?" the blue Seeker countered. "We used to mean something. Now, we slaughter everything like mindless beasts. Where is the purpose to that?"
"I don't like it when you fight."
"The purpose," Starscream bit out, "is the destruction of our enemies. When that's accomplished, then we can move on."
"When will that be?"
"Focus on what needs to happen, on following orders, and maybe soon." The Air Commander turned, transformed and sped away.
"You guys fighting is no fun," Skywarp muttered.
"Fighting is all Decepticons do."