Primal Fire

Chapter Eleven: Wheyr the Wild Things Are

Several weeks quickly passed by without incident and the four predacons had turned the cavern into a functioning shielded base of operations. Wheeljack's affinity for engineering began to slowly return though he still spent large amounts of time reading on the subject in the crashed ship's computer archives. He had taken time away from his research to help Fablebreaker carve out a hollow of their own and she began nesting and fussing over her space while he worked. Thunderdrum and Fidget made their own hollows before going out to bring back resources and other offerings for the nesting female.

Fablebreaker found the process of creating her hollow both exhilarating and exhausting. She meticulously arranged rocks and branches to form a cozy nest, weaving together different materials to create a warm and inviting space. As Wheeljack worked on his engineering projects, she busied herself with preparing for the arrival of their offspring.

Meanwhile, Thunderdrum and Fidget scoured the surrounding area for resources to support their growing community. They brought back fresh energon deposits, salvaged technology from nearby wreckage, and even discovered hidden caches of ancient Cybertronian artifacts in pockets of fractured off wreckage. Their efforts were essential in ensuring the well-being of their group within the environment of the cavern.

Eventually, Wheeljack felt secure enough to call the Autobots. He reached out to his former comrades using the encrypted communication channels that he had managed to repair within the crashed ship. The massive mech waited for a response with his arms crossed over his chest.

The response to Wheeljack's call came sooner than expected. A crackling voice filled the cavern as Optimus Prime's familiar tone resonated through the communication system. ::Wheeljack, it is good to hear from you. We are relieved to see that you and your group are safe.::

Wheeljack kept his voice even and calm. "Optimus, we have established a wheyr. It is well-hidden and well-protected. I'm calling because I was hoping that Ratchet could come check out Fablebreaker. I don't know why but something feels off. She's already nesting. We need to know if Shockwave did anything more to her."

Optimus Prime's response was swift and filled with concern. "We will send Ratchet immediately. Your caution is wise, Wheeljack. We cannot afford to overlook any potential threats or unseen tampering from Shockwave."

"I'll send Thunderdrum to these coordinates to retrieve Ratchet and anyone else you send here."

Thunderdrum immediately transformed into his beast mode, a flat-headed feline-esque dragon form*, and took off towards the coordinates designated by his clan leader.

The journey to rendezvous with the Autobots was a swift one for Thunderdrum. His powerful wings beat against the air as he soared over the rugged terrain, his keen optics scanning the landscape below for any signs of trouble.

As he approached the designated coordinates, Thunderdrum spotted Ratchet and a small team of Autobots waiting below. With a graceful descent, he landed before them, transforming back into his towering robotic form.

"Who is coming with you?" Thunderdrum asked the medic.

Ratchet nodded in acknowledgment of Thunderdrum's question. "I've brought Arcee and Bumblebee with me," he replied, gesturing to the two Autobots standing beside him.

Arcee gave Thunderdrum a nod of greeting.

Bumblebee, beeped his greeting cheerfully.

"I hope you do not mind flying. The terrain is too rough for wheels." Thunderdrum told them.

"Flying? How?" Ratchet asked

"I'd carry you." The Predacon said as if it were obvious.

With a look of surprise mixed with uncertainty, Ratchet hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement. "We don't have much time to waste. Let's not keep Wheeljack waiting."