Primal Fire

Chapter Nine: Negotiating an Alliance

It had been a week since the mission to rescue Fablebreaker and finally Wheeljack called the base for a ground bridge. He and Fablebreaker walked through, both looking a little roughed up but nothing serious. The massive Predacon male didn't look particularly pleased that he had to return but his frame was far more relaxed than it had been when he was here before. The smaller female had a very clear distinct bite mark on her neck that had scarred up already though it didn't appear like the bite was made in combat.

Wheeljack and Fablebreaker approached Optimus Prime, who stood waiting for them with a mix of relief and concern etched on his face. "It is good you are safe, Wheeljack. We were unable to determine the source of the scent that caused you to become aggressive."
The prime began talking about potential dangers and ways to counteract it, all the while Fablebreaker's face kept getting more and more blue as she blushed.

"You don't need to worry about that anymore." The female Predacon said in an embarrassed pout.

Optimus Prime tilted his head in confusion at Fablebreaker's words. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

"The one eyed creator removed the genetic blocker in my system." She refused to look at anyone in the room "I was in heat, It's not a weapon. I didn't have a mate and there's no other females so their instincts took over and they all started fighting over me."

Optimus Prime's optics widened in realization as Fablebreaker's words sank in. Understanding dawned on him, a mix of relief and concern swirling within his spark. The situation was far more complex than they had initially thought, and the revelation of Fablebreaker's heat cycle shed light on the chaos that had unfolded in the cavern.

Fablebreaker shifted uncomfortably under Optimus Prime's gaze, her embarrassment palpable.

"I can tell what you're thinking, Prime. There won't be an incident next time." Wheeljack stated, hoping to lessen his new mate's embarrassment. "We're a bonded pair now, The only one able to pick up that scent when it happens again is me. We just came back for Thunderdrum and Fidget. We have to find a decent place of our own, Fae thinks she knows a place."

"Why don't you stay here, Jackie?" Bulkhead asked

Wheeljack shook his head. "We appreciate the offer, but Fablebreaker and I tend to spend a lot of time in Predacon form and we aren't exactly small. There's four of us and not enough space or energon here. And no offense it feels too exposed."

"The female might also unintentionally become destructive if she starts nesting." Fidget commented.

Wheeljack gave the smaller Predacon a warning hiss that most of the Autobots either missed or couldn't hear.

Optimus Prime nodded in understanding, recognizing the need for Wheeljack and Fablebreaker to find their own space where they could live without the constraints of the Autobot base. He respected their independence and understood the unique challenges they faced as Predacons.

"I will have Ratchet provide you with supplies and assistance in finding a suitable location for your new dwelling," Optimus assured them.

"No thank you." Fablebreaker replied. "We will find our own Wheyr. I am not fond of owing others any kind of debt. As Wheeljack said, I already have a place in mind."

"Would you be willing to assist us in the future?" Optimus asked.

"It depends." Fablebreaker stated shrewdly. It was clear she still did not trust the Autobots. "If provided proper resources, is your medic capable of cloning more predacons?"

Optimus Prime's optics dimmed slightly at the mention of cloning. The ethical implications weighed heavily on his processor, but he knew the importance of expanding their forces in the ongoing war against the Decepticons.
"Cloning is not a decision we take lightly. We must consider the consequences and ensure that any new creations are treated with respect and given the choice to join our cause willingly," Optimus explained, his voice firm yet empathetic.

Fablebreaker regarded Optimus Prime with a calculating gaze, "You misunderstand. The one eyed menace only clones males. I was fortunate enough to have barely survived any kind of testing for his standards. If we were to assist and bring more of our kin into the Steel Clan by stealing them from Predaking, they would all be male. What I need is your assurance that you would equalize the population by cloning more females and give our species a chance to thrive."

Ratchet considered the question for a time. "I read medical journals on the subject extensively. If given the proper resources I might be able to do it." The medic mused. "Shockwave brought Predacons back from extinction but he was more focused on military strength rather than actual population logistics."

The mention of cloning more Predacons, specifically females, brought a somber atmosphere to the room as the weight of such a decision hung heavily in the air. Optimus Prime understood the delicate balance they treaded in preserving their species while also upholding their values of autonomy and free will.

After a moment of contemplation, Optimus Prime spoke with unwavering resolve. "We will do what is necessary to ensure the survival and prosperity of the Predacon species. Ratchet, I trust your expertise to proceed with caution and compassion."

Ratchet nodded solemnly in acknowledgment of the responsibility placed upon him. The prospect of tampering with the natural order of life sparked a myriad of ethical questions within him, but he knew that standing idly by would not guarantee a future for the Predacons.

Fablebreaker smiled a little. "Then we have an alliance. The Steel Clan will fight with you. You do not have to worry about any cloning endeavors in the near future, we would need access to Cybertron to gather the proper resources. But if you ever think about going back on our agreement, remember. If you back out, you forsake the future where our daughters would not be viewed as prizes or property for their rarity." She included Wheeljack in the statement as he would be the father of any whelplings she gave birth to.

The room fell into a heavy silence, each being present grappling with the weight of the decision made. Optimus Prime met Fablebreaker's gaze with a sense of solemn commitment, understanding the gravity of the alliance forged between the Autobots and the Steel Clan Predacons. The future of their species hung in the balance, teetering between extinction and resurgence.

Wheeljack stood by Fablebreaker's side, the thought of someone taking advantage of his children made his energon boil.

"We will honor our alliance," Optimus Prime spoke finally, his voice resonating with unwavering resolve. "The Autobots stand with the Steel Clan, not just in battle but in securing a future where all Predacons can thrive."

Fablebreaker nodded, a glint of gratitude shining in her optics. "We'll be on our way then. If you need assistance, you know how to contact my mate."

"Allow us to bridge you closer to where you need to go." Ratchet said, keeping them from walking outside of the military hangar.

As Wheeljack and the Predacons prepared to depart, Fablebreaker turned back to face Optimus Prime and Ratchet one last time. There was a newfound sense of respect about her, a glimmer of hope for the future that lay ahead.
"I look forward to the day when our alliance can truly flourish," Fablebreaker spoke with sincerity. "May our kin sing in harmony."

With a graceful nod, she followed Wheeljack through the ground bridge, Thunderdrum and Fidget trailing behind her. The sound of their footsteps echoed faintly in the chamber, a reminder of the alliance forged in the face of uncertainty.

Optimus Prime and Ratchet watched them leave, the gravity of their decision settling upon their sparks. The future was uncertain, fraught with challenges and risks, but also brimming with possibility and newfound unity.

"We must tread carefully in the days to come," Optimus Prime spoke quietly. "The fate of not just our species, but all Predacons, rests in our hands now."

Ratchet nodded in agreement, his expression somber yet resolute. "It is hard seeing Wheeljack so closed off. We won't let his sacrifice be in vain, We will do what is necessary to ensure a future for everyone."