Young Predator

A Threatening Presence

Shockwave and Knockout were in the medbay working out the formula for synthetic energon, though to say they were making progress would be an overstatement. The formula was still incomplete, and after careful deduction and testing Shockwave had concluded that their missing ingredient was either not aboard the Nemesis or else was something they had overlooked.

This project was of extreme importance not only to the Decepticons aboard this warship but also to the future of the Cybertronian race. Shockwave was aware of the advantages to having a planet of their own again. Once again Cybertronians could be seen not as a race that brought doom to other planets, but rather as a proud species that had used science and logic to bring themselves back from the brink of extinction. Speaking of extinction...

Predaking lumbered forth into the medbay in his robot mode, truly a proud looking mech despite his youth and savagery. Knockout yelped and went around the counter to put it between himself and the Predacon, still fearful of the beast-former.

"Shockwave, I have wonderful news," Predaking practically purred, "I know you said I should not bother you when you're working, but it's been hours and I simply cannot contain myself anymore."

"Your interruption is acceptable," Shockwave replied stoically, "We have reached an impasse in our research, and will not be able to continue further at this time. What do you wish to tell me?"

"When we fought the Autobots earlier, I found another Predacon in the snow," Predaking beamed at his own news.

"We don't need more fossils," Knockout harrumphed, "We don't have the means to bring them to life anymore without Shockwave's off-site laboratory anyway."

"No, no, I am not referring to fossils," Predaking quickly replied, ignoring Knockout's attitude, "I saw a real life Predacon! It was longer than I am, but not quite as tall in beast mode. I have yet to see its robot mode, but you should have seen it fight! It was a fearsome warrior. I must admit though, it seemed rather young and not very bright. Oh well. Any Predacon is a good Predacon in my opinion."

"You are certain this creature was a Predacon?" Shockwave asked for clarification.

"There was nothing else it could be," Predaking replied confidently, "It looked like a Predacon, smelled like a Predacon, and even breathed fire like a Predacon. It was indeed my brother, a member of my own kind. We must locate it again! When do you think it will be wisest to approach Lord Megatron about retrieving the new Predacon? I don't wish to disturb him when he is conducting important business."

"I will confer with Lord Megatron on your behalf," Shockwave replied, "In the meantime I suggest you refuel. Cold temperatures force you to use more energon than what is advisable."

"Good idea, sir," Predaking nodded, "Let me know as soon as I am cleared to leave. I cannot wait to find him once again and bring him back to the Nemesis."

With those words Predaking left the room, his steps lighter than they had been in a while. Shockwave waited for Predaking's spark signature to be out of range, and then turned back to Knockout.

"We must contact Lord Megatron," Shockwave said gravely.

"Seriously? We're going to ask to locate another one of those heavy-handed killing machines?" Knockout asked skeptically.

"Of course not," Shockwave replied, much to Knockout's surprise, "However, Megatron must be informed of the new Predacon's existence. If Predaking finds it, then that would be two potential threats to the Decepticon cause and Megatron's rule. We must find a way to destroy the new threat before Predaking convinces it to join him."

"Right," Knockout drawled, though it was clear he was still unsure, "And if Predaking finds out about this?"

"If Predaking finds out, he will terminate us," Shockwave replied bluntly, "That is why we must use the utmost discretion."