Transformers The Hatchling

Agent Fowler

Optimus POV

The new energon mine was a blessing. It would supply us with the much-needed resources to sustain the team for quite some time, but there was an underlying problem brewing. Storm, the predacon we had taken in, had been growing at an astonishing rate. Her size and appetite had only become more intense, and lately, her behavior had been... different. Storm had grown increasingly clingy, wanting to accompany us on every mission, even attempting to open the ground bridge by herself one time.

It was getting to the point where Ratchet had to make modifications to the base to "storm-proof" it. The last thing we needed was for her to accidentally tear the base apart, or worse, wander into an area she wasn't supposed to be.

With Storm's presence becoming more of a logistical challenge, I decided it was time to discuss relocating. We could no longer operate out of this small base with a predacon growing at such a rapid pace. I requested that Agent Fowler come to the base for a discussion. It was going to be a delicate matter, especially with the increasing urgency of our situation.

To make sure the meeting went smoothly, I ordered Bumblebee to take Storm to storage before Fowler arrived. The last thing we needed was a chaotic first impression—Storm had a tendency to cause quite a ruckus when she was left to her own devices.

"Optimus, Agent Fowler is on his way," Arcee announced from the comms, her voice steady as she tracked the flight path on her screen.

"Bumblebee, take Storm to storage until I send for you," I instructed.

Bumblebee nodded, though I could see the apprehension on his face. Storm had grown more attached to me lately, and her new attachment to me would likely make things... difficult.

"I wonder how long Bumblebee can keep her there before she hunts you down, Optimus," Cliffjumper chuckled, no doubt amused by the situation. I groaned in response, knowing I was in for an inevitable chase soon enough. I'd have to quickly explain everything to Fowler before the base turned into a whirlwind of chaos.

The human lift echoed through the base. When the doors opened, Agent Fowler stormed in, his expression one of irritation.

"This better be important," he grumbled, "I had a conference with the military."

I met his gaze with a steady, serious expression. "We need to relocate this base to something much larger. We've recently acquired a new member, and her presence is... growing."

"And I'm just hearing about this now?" Fowler snapped, his tone filled with disbelief. "We agreed that with all incoming vessels, I'd be informed."

"She didn't land here," Arcee interjected, her annoyance clear.

Fowler paused for a moment, eyeing Arcee with suspicion. "Is that so? She's been on this planet for so long and only just joined the team? Sounds suspicious to me."

Before I could address his concern, there was a loud crash. The unmistakable sound of Bumblebee's frustrated beeping filled the air, followed by a rapid whir of movement.

"Beep beep whur!" Bumblebee called out as he desperately tried to keep Storm from causing further chaos.

And then, she burst through the door. Storm's predacon form, now significantly larger than before, charged in with the speed and energy of a small hurricane. She leapt straight at me, her claws trying to climb up my leg, but to no avail. Storm paused momentarily, sniffing the air as her optics shifted toward Agent Fowler. The two of them froze, locked in a tense standoff.

"Storm, no!" I called, but it was too late. The predacon sniffed the air again, her nostrils flaring as she circled Fowler, inspecting him as though he were something foreign. Her behavior was erratic but not entirely hostile—though I could tell she wasn't sure what to make of him yet.