Shane Freak
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Chapter 661: As Wished
🕑 Added 2023-09-30 05:18:17 +0000 UTCTransformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List
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On the seventh day since Sun Cheng's departure, when the Autobots believed that his earlier promise to return Mudflap's remains had been a mere ploy to escape, a familiar drone once again triggered the recently deployed advanced Anti-air Warning System within their temporary base.
"Leader, the drone that's arrived this time is the same one we encountered last time, likely a Decepticon—Frenzy!" Checkers, responsible for guarding the base, relayed this information through the base's internal communication channels to Optimus Prime, who displayed a faint smile.
"I understand. Continue monitoring. Unless they make any threatening moves, let them through."
"Yes!"
Indeed, the newcomer was Sun Cheng. His transforming drone quickly reached the airspace several kilometers from the temporary base. After hovering for a moment, he initiated communication with the Autobots inside the base.
"I am Frenzy, here to return Mudflap's remains as promised and to speak with your Leader. Requesting clearance for the airspace!"
After a brief hover, Sun Cheng received confirmation from the Autobots and continued his flight forward. Upon reaching the designated location, he descended slowly until he was about ten meters above the ground. Then, he gently released a cargo container that had been hanging beneath the drone all along.
Only then did he move slightly to the side and land, reverting to his old mechanical body's combat form.
By the time Sun Cheng touched down, Optimus Prime and several Autobots had already arrived at the scene. He approached the cargo container and gave it a gentle tap. The alloy panels on all five sides of the container orderly opened, revealing Mudflap's remains inside.
Two days earlier, upon learning that Sun Cheng was willing to return his brother Mudflap's remains, Skids couldn't contain his excitement and had immediately joined Ironhide in the search for the new Iron Fortress city location across Africa.
Now, he had returned to the temporary base and, upon seeing Sun Cheng open the cargo container to reveal Mudflap's remains, he was eager to rush forward.
"Skids!"
Optimus Prime extended his hand to stop him and then turned to Sun Cheng, expressing gratitude for his goodwill.
"Thank you very much. Our collaboration with the Sound Nest forces and the subsequent attack on you led to a tragic incident... Let's put this behind us."
His words implied that they would no longer pursue the matter.
Sun Cheng glanced at Skids, wondering if it was because of his recent near-death experience or if he had genuinely let go of his hatred. Whether it was Optimus Prime's intervention or Skids himself, the result was the same: Sun Cheng still sensed hostility in his gaze, but the relentless desire for vengeance was no longer there.
"Very well."
He nodded gently and accepted the goodwill extended by Optimus Prime.
"The long-lasting Civil War has wearied many, including us Decepticon defectors. Leader Optimus Prime and Jack, Skyfire sends his regards to you both. I understand that you Autobots have plenty of reasons to remain suspicious and hostile toward us, but there's a saying among Earthlings that I find fitting in this situation: 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'"
Sun Cheng continued calmly despite the presence of numerous Autobots observing the scene. He knew that it wouldn't be easy for him to relinquish the energy of the Leadership Module, and Skyfire, unlike Jack, had left Cybertron long ago, enduring millions of years on his own. During that time, he had also faced the terror of Cosmic Rust, which had claimed countless Cybertronians. Therefore, after discussions between Jack, Optimus Prime, and the others, they had a preliminary understanding of Skyfire's current condition.
Even though he had awakened from his slumber due to a fragment of the All Spark, he was now likely on the brink of death.
Unless he possessed the All Spark itself, only the Leadership Module in Optimus Prime's hands could restore him to health.
"Soundwave and Astrotrain are currently scouring the world to hunt us down. With Skyfire and me in our current state, we are uncertain how long we can hold out. Autobots, you can continue to stand by, waiting for us to be dealt with by the Skytiger Legion before resuming your war with the Decepticons."
"But I must also inform you of unfortunate news; Shockwave is leading an army heading towards Earth and is likely to arrive within a year. Before that, a vanguard force he dispatched will likely arrive in a few months!"
Sun Cheng delivered this confidential information to Optimus Prime with an expressionless face. In his previous interactions with Optimus Prime, he had grasped the Autobot leader's attitude. Even Optimus Prime, with his seemingly gentle demeanor, would not trade the mysterious power within the Leadership Module for a few resources with a Decepticon like Sun Cheng. Therefore, he refrained from discussing the transaction and instead clarified the significant stakes at hand.
Sun Cheng aimed to convey to the Autobots that they were currently on the brink of disaster, akin to grasshoppers on a thread. After the Skytiger Legion had dealt with them, the Autobots could expect to continue their Civil War with the Decepticons. Though this approach may not be entirely aboveboard, the allure of the mysterious power within the Leadership Module was too great for him to resist. He was eager to acquire it and uncover its secrets.
The mention of Shockwave elicited a change in the expressions of all the Autobots present. If the Autobots were to create a list of the most threatening Decepticons, Shockwave would rank higher than even the leader of the Skytiger Legion, Megatron. In both Civil Wars to date, Shockwave had caused the most significant casualties among the Autobots and had personally killed more Autobots than any other Decepticon. He was the one who had first created Vehicons and developed Triple Changers and Combiners.
The ruthless and cold-hearted Shockwave had been continuously working on creating weapons of mass destruction aimed at inflicting more significant harm on the Autobots since joining the Skytiger Legion. Upon hearing that this demonic figure was leading an army to Earth and that a vanguard force was set to arrive in a few months, the atmosphere grew tense.
Even Optimus Prime, their leader, who had felt a glimmer of optimism when he ordered Hot Rod to send resources to Earth, had it all vanish in an instant. He had previously heard hints about Shockwave and the Skytiger Legion suddenly going quiet, but he had suspected that they might be heading for Earth. However, when faced with the harsh reality, Optimus Prime surveyed the Autobot warriors standing around him and felt his spark pounding intensely in his chest.
"If a third Civil War erupts between Autobots and Decepticons on Earth, I can't imagine what the planet will become, or how many young warriors will survive!"
At this moment, Optimus Prime had a clearer understanding of Sun Cheng's intentions. Although he had been cautious, Optimus Prime had to admit that Sun Cheng's earlier statement held some truth.
"Is the enemy of our enemy truly our friend?"
Optimus Prime looked at Sun Cheng, who met his gaze with calm determination. After a long pause, Sun Cheng spoke slowly, "As per your previous terms, I can provide you with three units of energy, enough to revive a high-ranking warrior. However, you must also share all the intelligence you possess with us."
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Next Chapter >>Chapter 662: Recruiting the Autobots
