Chapter 574: Autobots Base (Part 2) (Patreon)

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Upon hearing these words, Skids fell silent, closing his mouth.

The most significant difference between the Autobots and the Decepticons was their inherent desire for peace. This was also why Optimus Prime had agreed to meet with Frenzy, who had always been on the wrong path.

Skids hesitated as he looked at the metal storage disk Claudia extended towards him but ultimately did not accept it. He knew what the other side meant – they wanted him to let go of the grudge he held against Frenzy.

Skids would prioritize the interests of Optimus Prime and the Autobots, but hatred was not something easily cast aside. Unlike Ironhide, Sideswipe, and Claudia, he had not just suffered injuries or lost a weapon. Skids had lost his brother. Even though he and Mudflap often clashed, deep down, they were still brothers.

Seeing Skids unwilling to let go of his resentment, Claudia did not press the matter further. Female Autobots were generally more sensitive, and she quickly changed the topic, addressing Ironhide, "What's your plan?"

Ironhide, who had somehow produced a peculiar cigar and had it hanging from his mouth, took a drag before responding, "I intend to have the Wreckers check out the coordinates mentioned..."

The Wreckers were a combat team of Autobots known for their martial prowess. Unlike most Autobots, they possessed combat skills surpassing even those of advanced Decepticon warriors. They were fierce and often assigned the most challenging tasks during the civil war.

Currently on Earth, there were three members of the Wreckers: Rumbler, Whirl, and Topspin. Optimus Prime had considered taking them with him when he went in search of the Leadership Module. However, considering the number of injured Autobots at the temporary base and some Autobots with limited combat abilities, he had decided to leave the Wreckers behind.

Ironhide's plan to send the three Wreckers to investigate the new base's coordinates made sense. Given their strength, they would not be at a significant disadvantage if they encountered Decepticons there.

However, Claudia shook her head. "Are you sure sending all four of them won't turn a good situation into a bad one?"

Each member of the Wreckers was a capable warrior, but their personalities were a different story. Rumbler was relatively level-headed and could be considered a competent leader. However, in previous missions, he had been swayed by his subordinates' reckless suggestions, nearly resulting in additional casualties.

As for Shake, there was even less hope for him. He was Ironhide's apprentice, sharing the same fiery and unreliable personality. While Ironhide had trained his combat skills well, other aspects were lacking. Perhaps an Earth term could aptly describe him: an immature young man.

Sending these four Autobots to secure the new base could potentially lead to unforeseen consequences, especially if they encountered Frenzy.

Ironhide remained calm, expecting Claudia's objection. He spoke while tapping the strange cigar in his hand, producing peculiar sparks. "I know," he said, looking down at Claudia, who was considerably shorter than him. "That's why I plan to have you go with them."

"Me?" Claudia hesitated, understanding that Optimus Prime wanted her to stay behind to prevent any trouble caused by Ironhide's fiery temperament. However, she had underestimated Ironhide, who had matured after experiencing the Mariana Trench battle.

Ironhide nodded and took another drag from his cigar, which never seemed to diminish in length. "You've worked with Rumbler and the others before. If you disagree with their decisions, they will listen to you."

"As for me, I have some matters to attend to..." Ironhide's voice turned somber as he mentioned the Autobot who had died during the Mariana Trench battle. "His death is not related to me..."

The "bottle opener" she referred to was the Autobot friend of Ironhide who had fallen in the Mariana Trench battle not long ago.

Ironhide shook his head, then turned to Skids and asked, "Do you all wonder why the Decepticons have rapidly expanded since arriving on Earth?"

"Starscream and his group arrived on Earth before us," Skids replied. "We have already discovered multiple Decepticon bases here..."

Claudia added, "Frenzy has also established a territory on Earth, mining resources and extracting energon."

Claudia, quick-witted as she was, had already grasped Ironhide's intentions. She looked at him with surprise and warned seriously, "Leader won't allow you to do this, Ironhide!"

Skids, still not catching on, noticed the silence between Claudia and Ironhide and felt the atmosphere growing awkward. He shrugged, turned, and walked into the warehouse.

Once Skids disappeared around the corner, Ironhide spoke again, "I know, but someone has to do it!"

He raised his hand, extinguishing the cigar with a sharp pinch. "The pressure on Leader is immense. A few days ago, he had a heated argument with some of the old folks left behind while communicating with parliament remotely."

"Parliament has grown impatient with Leader's continuous shipping of supplies from Earth. The Aerialbots will deliver the final batch in over a month, after which it will be challenging to receive support from that end."

Ironhide's tone became tinged with sorrow. "Leader is facing a difficult situation. I'm sure he doesn't want the Skytiger Legion to occupy this place, turning Earth into another Cybertron."

"Humans can't stop the Decepticons. They are even willing to hand Sam over to the Decepticons and do business with Decepticons like Frenzy."

"To prevent the Skytiger Legion from destroying Earth, only we Autobots can do it."

"So, we need to establish a new base on Earth, mine resources, build an energy center, and call more Autobots to defend this place."

With that, he crushed the cigar firmly. "Parliament won't allow Leader to do this, but someone has to. I'm willing to bear the blame, even if it means facing a military court!"

Having spoken, Ironhide walked away towards the temporary base without looking back.

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 575: Autobots Base (Part 2)