The common room aboard the Lost Light was a rare moment of peace, with most of the crew scattered in various corners, trying to enjoy what little downtime they had. That was, until the doors slid open with a screech, and in walked Whirl, cradling a massive egg in his arms.

Rodimus immediately dropped his energon cube, optics wide in disbelief. “Whirl, what is that?!” he shouted, his voice tinged with both horror and a touch of excitement.

Magnus let out a sharp exhale, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I swear, if that’s another one of your… experiments—”

But Whirl, grinning like a mischievous glitch, stood tall and waved it in their faces. “It’s a pet, guys. I found it, and it’s mine now. You can’t make me return it!”

“You found it in the middle of the warzone?” Rodimus asked incredulously. “Whirl, you don’t just—”

Before anyone could respond further, Tailgate’s voice cut through the rising tension. “Guys?… I think it’s… hatching.” His tone was unsure, as though he couldn’t believe what he was seeing himself.

A soft cracking sound filled the room, and all optics turned to the egg, which was now starting to break open. The team froze.

Cyclonus immediately stepped forward, his optics narrowed in concern. With a growl, he pulled Tailgate back from the egg. “Stay away from it. You’re not getting near that thing.”

Drift, ever the warrior, instinctively drew his sword, the sharp metal gleaming as he positioned himself between the egg and the others. “I suggest everyone get back,” he muttered darkly, eyeing the egg with suspicion.

Rodimus and Magnus shared a glance, both wondering just what kind of chaos Whirl had managed to bring aboard this time. The egg continued to crack, and whatever was inside was about to make its grand entrance.