Transformers The Hatchling

Strange signals

No POV
The Decepticon drones had been working in the deep, forgotten mines for years, their once-flourishing operation now dwindling in resources. What had been a steady source of energon crystals was quickly becoming barren, prompting a shift in strategy. They were ordered to dig deeper, to risk the unknown and extract what little remained in the crust of the Earth. With each strike of their pickaxes, the metallic hum of their drills echoed through the labyrinth of tunnels.

But it was in the farthest corner of these mines that one drone made an unexpected discovery. As it drilled into the rock face, the drill head suddenly shifted, bypassing stone and breaking into a hollow space. The sound of the wall cracking echoed in the quiet, and a cloud of dust billowed into the air. The drone paused for a moment, sensors alert, before it peered into the opening. The cavern was vast and eerily silent, a place untouched by time. The walls shimmered faintly, coated in layers of dust, and the ground below was scattered with remnants of broken crystals. In the center of the cavern, partially embedded in the stone, lay a strange clump of energon crystals. The iridescent hues of purple, green, and blue swirled together in an almost hypnotic display. But what caught the drone's attention wasn't just the crystals—it was the small, metallic object nestled in their center. Shaped like a compact sphere, it was about the size of a football and appeared to hum softly. It was surrounded by the glowing remnants of energon, almost as if it were cocooned in a protective aura.

The drone scanned the object, its sensors flickering as the diagnostic software processed the readings. The scan completed quickly, but the result was unexpected: a faint life signal emanated from within the metallic ball. This was no ordinary object—it had a pulse, a spark. Confused, the drone's internal systems sent an automatic message to Decepticon command. "Decepticon to base. I have discovered a life signal emanating from a metal ball surrounded by energon crystals. How should I proceed?" The drone's mechanical voice buzzed, its optics narrowing. The response came swiftly, as expected from Starscream's voice—a hissed command that lacked patience. "Your discovery is acknowledged. Take it to the surface for transport and examination." The drone complied, using a laser beam to carefully sever the crystals from the stone beneath them. The glowing mass was delicate, but it was imperative to follow the orders. As the drone navigated the winding tunnels, it could feel the weight of something more than just energon on its shoulders. It carried something that might hold answers, or at least answers worth a Decepticon's attention. But as it neared the surface, the ground trembled. Explosions shook the walls, and the once-steady hum of machinery was replaced by the sound of battle.

Drones scattered in all directions, taking defensive positions to intercept the threat. But this particular drone had a mission—it had to deliver the strange mass. It made its way through the back exit tunnel, its sensors flashing red with warnings. But the tunnel's end revealed a dark silhouette—an imposing figure that loomed in the chaos. Bulkhead. Before the drone could react, a powerful blast hit, severing its head in one clean shot. The other drones were dispatched just as swiftly, their bodies falling to the ground in heaps. Bulkhead, unfazed, stepped forward and scooped up the lump of energon crystals with the ball still inside. His hands gripped the mass carefully, his optics scanning it with curiosity.

"Hey, Optimus, we almost missed something. They were trying to transfer something covered in energon crystals," Bulkhead spoke through his comms, his voice heavy with intrigue. Optimus Prime's voice crackled back through the radio. "Good work intercepting it, Bulkhead. Get it to Ratchet for analysis. It could be important if the Decepticons wanted it. Optimus out." Bulkhead didn't waste time, signaling for a Ground Bridge. Within moments, he was back at the base, and Ratchet, with his usual intensity, was there to meet him.

"Decepticon tried to get this out the back door," Bulkhead reported, handing the clump to Ratchet. "Optimus said it must be important and wants it analyzed while they search the mines for anything else." Ratchet frowned as he examined the lump. The energon crystals appeared to be of standard composition, yet there was something off about them—something he couldn't place. "Seems like ordinary energon crystals, but what in the name of Primus is this?" he muttered to himself, already preparing his scanning equipment. As Ratchet's scanners whirred to life, the readings became clear. There was indeed something alive within. The signal was faint, almost too faint to detect, but undeniable. Ratchet's optics widened in disbelief. "It's alive," he said, his voice low and almost reverent. Bulkhead stepped back. "What do you mean?" Ratchet's hands trembled slightly as he adjusted the equipment. "The small object seems to have a life signal. Very small, though. It could be the rebounding energy from the crystals, but I need to put it through further testing. Do not touch it, Bulkhead."

Just then, Optimus Prime, Arcee, and Bumblebee entered, the latter limping slightly. Ratchet, already on edge, shifted his focus. "Bumblebee," he said sharply. "What happened?" Optimus supported the scout, guiding him toward the medbay. "Bumblebee's injured—mesh wound. Get him fixed up." Ratchet nodded curtly, and the clump of energon and its strange, living occupant were left unattended. The quiet hum of machinery filled the room as Ratchet turned his attention to Bumblebee, the mystery of the ball momentarily forgotten.

That night, with the base quiet and the lights dimmed for the first time in what felt like ages, the ball nestled among the crystals began to stir. A soft tap echoed against the crystal walls, faint but distinct. It grew louder, then a sudden, sharp crack reverberated through the chamber. The energon crystal shell splintered in a single, forceful motion, as the metal ball split down the middle with a subtle yet audible growl. Something small and primal, something alive, was awakening. Its eyes, if they could be called that glowed faintly from the center of the metallic orb, and it let out a low, throaty sound, as if it were testing the air for the first time.