I enjoyed this story more than anything I've read in a...long, long time. :)

Let's see here:

* Likable, believable OCs whom I can respect, ahhhh... Oh, and the multicultural aspect gives you 1 for added interest.

* You portray Skyfire and Starscream more canonically than most writers. Refreshingly realistic.

* Spelling and grammar beauuutiful.

* I actually work at an air cargo company and I recently read a book about coups, so I appreciated the depth and detail here. :) I don't think I had to suspend my disbelief once. I was like, "Wow, they actually know what a pitot tube is-this is a *real* story!"

* No slash this time; that's always been a 100% killer for me, and unfortunately has prevented me from reading several of your other probably-very-enjoyable fanfics. (I did read several of your really old ones and liked those too.)

* "quaint" - I just love Starscream's description of the radar fire control! ;D

* I liked the backstory of the Quintessons and how they originated interstellar trade, thus creating interface similarity throughout the galaxy...

* I chuckled at the line, "...not like the Americans or Israelis" in comparison to the interrogation techniques of the locals.

* Astrotrain ride, lol.

* "Their mission control is having robo-kittens..." Hahah! He got that straight from Earth.

I don't have much advice to give you because this is a really well done story. :) I guess there are only two things. First would be the opening hook-it really didn't do the story justice. I had to read that first sentence several times, trying to figure out what it meant; finally I just accepted the confusion and kept reading. My next question was, "Who is Skyfire talking to?" That wasn't answered immediately, except to note that there is an "other" who nods in response to what Skyfire was saying. (It was answered in a later paragraph, but still, I'm trying to get oriented here.) The first real paragraph, where Skyfire explains what's going on with Nyttheim, is meh, just not too interesting. Survey, alien planet, customs-data dump, in short. Save that for AFTER you've got me hooked. ;) Candy first, then serve up some vegetables; I'll trust you that more candy is coming if I'm patient. The mix of Arabic/Nyttheim names confused me for awhile; I was like, "Is the dictator in question the dictator of Carbombia, or who?" Also, I'd try to squeeze a mention of Starscream's name into that first sentence/paragraph somewhere-sadly, Starscream has zillions of fans whereas Skyfire only has a handful. So, to suck most people in right away you need to make sure they know he'll play a major role in the story. For example, you might have said, "Did Starscream and I ever overthrow..."

Second would be the part where the Field Marshal orders Skyfire's door opened so that he can view his forces. I had thought that Skyfire was moving, and expected everyone to get sucked out or whatever-but he was just hovering. It would be best to mention that he was hovering before having the door opened.

Anyway. :) Great job! If we had a rating system like the Lexicon's here, I'd give you all ten stars.

It's good to see you writing again! Your SS/SF stories have always been one of my favorite depictions of these two together and that still hasn't changed. I love how your one shots always manage to add an expand to the overall story that you have for the two of them. One of the most convincing to the characters, in my opinion.

Your OCs in this are also interesting. I'll admit it though. I just always love the fact that you make sure that everyone knows that Starscream isn't redeemed, repentant or morose. He's still a dangerous creature. On the flip side, your Skyfire has always been one of my favorites. Kind and calm, but no push over, and not an obsessive creeper either.

An interesting story :)

Especially liked how you've portrayed Starscream and Skyfire, and their interaction with the shipping crew.

Been a while since you've posted here. Seems you haven't lost your touch. Very good story.