Transformers The Hatchling

Cliffjumper back online

Stormchaser POV

Alarms blared through the base again, sending a ripple of tension through everyone. It felt like the world was vibrating, and not in the good way. I was already half-awake, and the harsh screech of the sirens made me yawn loudly. Even the weight of urgency couldn't keep me from my morning stretches, my wings flexing wide as I prepared for the day. As I walked over to Optimus, I tried to shake the sleep off, my scales rattling lightly.

"Blasted Earth tech," Ratchet growled from the screen, his fingers rapidly typing commands. "Cliffjumper's signal has come back online. There must be a glitch in the system again." He sounded exasperated, but the name Cliffjumper made everyone tense. Even me.

I whined in frustration, my ears flattening against my skull. The thought of Cliffjumper still being out there somewhere, possibly hurt, gnawed at my insides. If there was a signal, it meant he was still alive or at least still transmitting. The rest of the team stood still, clearly affected by the mention of his name. I wanted to run off, to go find him, to help him. My instincts were howling. I growled, trying to communicate, but it only came out as loud barks and sharp growls that blasted through their audio receptors. I could feel the frustration, the urge to go, but they couldn't understand me.

"Prepare the medbay. We may need it," Optimus said, his voice steady as he motioned to Ratchet. "Stormchaser, stay here. Keep the children safe with Ratchet."

The words stung, sharp and bitter. I wanted to protest, to push forward, to be part of the action. I growled, standing firm by the Ground-bridge, blocking the way to it. I was ready. I could help. I didn't want to be left behind again.

"Stand down, Storm," Optimus's voice was firm, but there was a flicker of something soft in his optics. "You are too young to be battle-tested. If Cliffjumper is alive, we will bring him back. Now step away from the Ground-bridge."

I didn't budge. My body was tense, locked in a silent battle of wills. It wasn't just about Cliffjumper. It was about losing someone again, the thought that Optimus, Arcee, Bulkhead, or even Bumblebee might not come back next time... The weight of that possibility crushed me.

Optimus saw the flash of doubt in my optics. He sighed, his expression softening. Gently, he reached out and placed a hand on my face, the warmth and care in his touch unmistakable. His optics glowed with understanding, like he knew exactly what I was thinking, what I feared.

"We will come back, Storm," Optimus said, his voice low and comforting. "Please stay here."

I let out a sigh, my frustration giving way to sorrow. I pressed my head against his chest, just for a moment, before pulling away. Anger boiled up in me, and without another word, I turned and stormed off, growling under my breath as I headed to my berth-room. The sounds of the team getting ready to leave echoed in the halls, but I didn't want to see any of them go.

I curled up in my nest, my wings wrapped tightly around myself, feeling the emptiness of it all. The power-down of the Ground-bridge vibrated through the walls, and I clenched my jaw in silent frustration.

Hours Later

I lay in my nest, staring at the ceiling. The hum of the Ground-bridge warming up again pulled me from my thoughts. I moved quickly, pacing to the bridge, eager for any sign of movement. When the bridge finally powered down, everyone came through except for Cliffjumper.

Arcee, visibly exhausted, stumbled into the room. I could smell the familiar scent of her, but there was something different, something off. As she neared, I instinctively sniffed at her, my nose flaring as I sought out any injury. The moment the foul stench of death hit my nose, I froze, my body seizing up in terror. A cold, dark feeling pulsed from her, and every instinct screamed at me to run.