This story is brilliant!

Many doors were left open after that “B.O.T.” episode and I thank you for filling some with this excellent story.

The Combaticons are ruthless and merciless, no doubt about it, but they have a straight sense of honor and comradeship. Obviously Swindle selling his teammates remains was a painful act of treason and deception.

“He looked down at me, face unreadable to anybody who hadn't grown up around four brothers with faceplates.”

It’s marvelous the way you manage to catch with just a few lines the essence of a truly believable interaction between the Combaticons. They certainly were much more than a cold blooded fighter unit.

I always thought Onslaught was one of the best gestalt leaders of the TF universe. You wrote him brilliantly here; his pity for Swindle was very on character after what happened. Ons is definitely a ruthless Decepticon but his best weapon is his mind. Above everything, he understands the real meaning of being a team, and how to punish a rebel member. He definitely hit Swindle where it hurts the most and gave him an unforgettable lesson.

Thanks for this story. The minutes spent reading it were a delight :o)

Good story!

"Ons, you magnificent son of a bitch."

That was a thing of beauty. Well played!

How'd I miss this awesomeness? The writing style's lovely and you did Swindle really well. I love it!

Hmm, interesting story. Convincing look into Swindle's mind, and at his compulsive dealing urge. It all makes good sense, which is more than can be said for a lot of fic these days, and it remains true enough to character. Good show.

A couple of criticisms though ... firstly, the references to "kidlet" are pretty weird, since Transformers are built adult. Secondly, Transformers don't call their creators "father" [after all, did the Stunticons ever call Megatron Father? Did the Dinobots ever call Wheeljack Dad?]. Thirdly, more curiousity than criticism, why make the Combaticons brothers?