Chapter 700: Deceit and Stratagem (Patreon)

Transformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List

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After Baricade's defection, the initial pursuit fell under the responsibility of Prowl.

The Skytiger Legion never offered shelter to defectors on a whim; they only allocated more resources after assessing their value. Consequently, Baricade had to continually prove his worth and abilities by completing missions.

Prowl, the Autobots' head of intelligence, found it rather straightforward to target a defector like Baricade. He often appeared during Baricade's missions, launching sudden assassinations or disrupting his tasks.

For a long time, Prowl chased Baricade relentlessly, leaving him with no escape route.

Later, when Bumblebee completed his training, the Autobot pursuing Baricade shifted to Bumblebee. The enmity between these "three brothers" ran deep.

So, Prowl suddenly arrived outside the Decepticon base, bringing a bound Bumblebee with him. Baricade greeted him with a touch of mockery, gesturing towards Bumblebee.

"Welcome... welcome, Commander."

He glanced at the unconscious Bumblebee being dragged by Prowl, a hint of disdain playing on his lips.

Prowl paid no heed to the mockery and dropped Bumblebee directly in front of Baricade.

"The Prime ordered me to bring Bumblebee and convey to Megatron that the Autobots have located the crash site of the Spaceship. The Prime is displeased..."

Baricade kicked the unconscious Bumblebee, and his red optics flickered. He knew who the Prime mentioned by Prowl was—their brother and mentor, who had remained loyal through two lifetimes. He was Sentinel Prime, the former leader of the Autobots and the original Prime, a figure even Megatron, the commander of the Skytiger Legion, feared.

It was said that Sentinel Prime's combat prowess was on par with Primus himself, making him a living super-leader. His defeat in the Civil War against the Decepticons was not due to inferior command or ability; on the contrary, during the early stages of the Civil War, Sentinel Prime led the Autobots, who were vastly outnumbered by the Skytiger Legion, to a stalemate.

Sentinel Prime's abilities and methods as Superior General were indeed remarkable. The ultimate victory of the Decepticons was primarily due to the Autobots' own flaws and not because Sentinel Prime lacked the capability to lead.

In the Autobot camp, which aspired to peace, freedom, and self-governance, there were numerous privileged aristocrats, monarchists, and traditionalists. These individuals excelled at meddling in affairs while advocating and promoting views that resonated with the Autobot civilians. They continued to flourish like wild weeds, even after Sentinel Prime suppressed them repeatedly.

In the end, Superior General Sentinel Prime chose to compromise, bearing more and more restrictions.

One could say that Sentinel Prime didn't lose to Megatron; he lost to the Autobots themselves.

However, despite Megatron's begrudging admiration for Sentinel Prime, Baricade had no interest in their affairs. He had defected because of Sentinel Prime's ruthless policies, and although he had grown accustomed to the Skytiger Legion and embraced his Decepticon identity, it didn't mean he didn't hold a grudge against Sentinel Prime and the Autobots.

With a sardonic laugh, he stepped back, offering a half-hearted gesture. "Decepticons acknowledge only one Prime, and that's Megatron. If you have something to say, go tell it to Prime Megatron yourself!"

Before his arrival, Baricade had learned some insider information from Starscream, which was why he and the other Decepticons hadn't immediately attacked upon spotting Prowl.

Otherwise, even though Prowl's combat abilities exceeded his by quite a margin, this was still a Decepticon base. Facing a multitude of Decepticons closing in on him, Prowl would meet his end here just the same.

Prowl stared at Baricade, his expression unchanged, and Baricade didn't flinch either.

His memory core had long been backed up by Starscream. Although each awakening after death resulted in some loss of memories from the backup to the time of death, this made Baricade unafraid of death itself. On the battlefield, this high-ranking warrior even dared to challenge their Leader.

However, Prowl, being alone, couldn't maintain his tough stance and soon made a concession.

"Lead the way!"

He said calmly, and Baricade smirked, his disappointment clear on his face. This ill-tempered fellow almost wished Prowl would cause trouble here and be torn to shreds by the Decepticons.

Despite his disappointment, the biggest advantage of Baricade, a traitorous Autobot, joining the Skytiger Legion and infiltrating the Core circle was his sense of proportion.

Dragging Bumblebee along, Baricade turned and headed towards the Decepticon base.

Before long, a terrifying and ferocious warship appeared in Prowl's sight.

As he looked at the retribution number warship, which had played a significant role in the Skytiger Legion, Prowl momentarily entertained thoughts of destroying it.

Perhaps that was the wish of every Autobot!

During the first Cybertron Civil War, the current Autobot Leader, Optimus Prime, had created the Ark, a spaceship based on research from the Council of Primes era. They caught the Decepticons off guard in a crucial battle, forcing Megatron and the Skytiger Legion to sign a ceasefire agreement.

Later, Megatron, filled with resentment and anger, ordered Shockwave to gather all the technology and resources of the Skytiger Legion to build the invincible warship—retribution number.

The retribution number lived up to its name. During the second Cybertron Civil War, with this invincible warship and the Skytiger Legion's existing aerial advantage, they had already secured absolute air supremacy by the mid-war.

Including the Ark, more than a dozen medium-sized transport spaceships built by the Autobots were destroyed one by one because of the retribution number. As a result, the Autobots lost many satellites and extraterrestrial colonies loyal to Superior General Sentinel Prime during the Council of Primes era.

However, Prowl dismissed the thought of destroying the retribution number as soon as it crossed his mind. This indestructible warship was beyond his capabilities. If it were Triple Changers like Blitzwing or perhaps Devastator—Defensor composed of Aerialbots, they might have a chance, provided they caught the Decepticons off guard!

Following Baricade and amidst the growing crowd of Decepticons watching them, Prowl soon entered the retribution number.

Along the spacious hull of this invincible warship, they swiftly arrived outside a heavily guarded chamber deep within the spaceship.

As Baricade entered, the alloy doors of the chamber opened automatically.

Prowl felt two pairs of eyes on him and quickly followed their gaze. He locked eyes with a Decepticon wearing a sinister smile.

It was none other than Starscream!

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 701: Deception and Cunning (Part II)