Young Predator

Cold Comfort

Abominus was a quicker learner than the Autobots originally thought he would be, and he continued to exceed all expectations. Thanks to training from Ultra Magnus, Abominus was now talking in juvenile sentences. With his new gift of speech however came a flurry of questions from the Predacon sparkling. 'Why Ratchet sting?' 'Where Father?' 'Not food?' These were just a few of the many questions the Autobots had to deal with every day.

June had also agreed to come back to base to be formally introduced to the newest addition to Team Prime. She was nervous at first, but when Abominus showed no signs of hostility she was bold enough to approach his muzzle and pet him. The Predacon snorted, which made June flinch, until she realized he was just laughing at being tickled by her soft touch.

"Well, I'm glad this is going well so far," Jack commented as June continued to pet the relaxed mechanical dragon.

"Abominus, you are doing very well. I am pleased, soldier," Ultra Magnus commended his charge with his typical clipped formal manner of speech.

"Thank you, Father," Abominus replied respectfully, and June smiled at hearing the large beast-former speak.

"Ultra Magnus said you were getting better at talking," June told Abominus, "I see he wasn't lying. So, how old are you Abominus?"

Abominus tilted his large helm to the side to replicate a shrugging motion since it was too hard to shrug when he was coiled up and relaxing. Just then Ratchet showed up with a scanner to check Abominus' vitals again, and the Predacon moaned in displeasure.

"Ratchet?" Abominus whined, asking why the medic was there again.

"Now Abominus, I need to do this regularly," Ratchet replied; leaving no room for argument, "With all the scrap you eat I have to make sure you aren't damaging your system."

"Hungry," Abominus whimpered pleadingly.

"You can have some energon when I'm finished with your scans," Ratchet replied without looking up at the big yellow optics that were trying to sway him.

"Miko?" Abominus asked.

"She isn't here today," Jack replied, "She'll be back tomorrow though, so don't worry big guy."

"Jack?" Abominus addressed the boy.

"Yes, Abominus?"

"Jack transform?" Abominus asked.

"No, I can't," Jack replied, but then suddenly realized why the Predacon was asking, "Hey, don't worry so much. You'll transform when you're ready, right Ultra Magnus?"

Ultra Magnus just glared down at Jack expectantly.

"Um, sir?" Jack added, realizing why Ultra Magnus wasn't speaking.

"I don't know," Ultra Magnus replied honestly, "Abominus is still young. We don't know at what point a Predacon learns to transform. We know it will happen someday, but we are unsure of when that day will be. Just be patient with yourself, Abominus. You won't remain a mono-former forever."

"Why Abominus no transform?" Abominus asked pitifully.

"I told you, it takes time," Ultra Magnus replied patiently, "Transformation is a reflex. It will unlock when your body is ready. There is nothing we can do to rush the process along."

"Look like Father?" Abominus asked, and it took a moment before Ultra Magnus understood what the Predacon was asking.

"No, you will not look like me," Ultra Magnus replied bluntly, "I am a semi-former. You are a beast-former. Your body will be taller than mine and have different contours. That being said, you will be bipedal just as we are."