Chapter 777: Another Deal (Part 1) (Patreon)

Transformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List

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Optimus Prime's eyebrows knotted in concern, a reflection of his serious considerations on the matter at hand.

However, the specifics of the situation were far from optimistic. Having lost Prowl and Bumblebee, his top operatives skilled in intelligence and counterespionage, he found his reliance on the Cassettebots unfruitful, unearthing nothing of significance in recent times.

"We can't delay any longer!"

Optimus Prime shook his head, "I've already used the Cosmic Rust as an excuse to buy us more time. Still, the Cassettebots have failed to find any trace of Decepticon meddling. As Ratchet has healed the injuries and managed the rust affliction on our teacher, the voices questioning why I haven't used the Leadership Module to awaken him are growing!"

Within the new Iron Fortress, aside from a few highly confidential areas, Autobots had unrestricted access across the city.

Sentinel Prime had initially been accommodated in the fortress's medical center, guarded day and night by a team of Autobot warriors personally selected by Optimus Prime. However, once the rust disease was under control, to quell the queries of some fervent Superior General supporters, Optimus chose to partially open the hospital, allowing for Sentinel's zealous advocates to pay their respects.

As a result, many Autobots were now aware that Sentinel Prime's Cosmic Rust condition had been stabilized.

Consequently, the appeals for Optimus Prime to use the Leadership Module to awaken him intensified.

With each passing day, the young Autobot leader felt increasingly uneasy, even dispatching the Cassettebots to investigate—but to no avail.

Recognizing the oddities, Optimus Prime knew he had to make a choice.

Arcee, at a loss for further advice, understood the gravity, considering the situation involved two Autobot leaders, one being the mentor of the other. It was known that initially, Optimus Prime had been entirely in favor of awakening Sentinel Prime directly.

Silence engulfed the room, the atmosphere heavy. As Optimus Prime grappled with the dilemma, Arcee attempted to shift the conversation. "Should we try reaching out to Frenzy? Perhaps he might have some information."

They were already aware of the incident that occurred on Terindad Island just over a fortnight ago.

Leaving aside that Sun Cheng had no intentions of concealing the event—it would have been difficult to do so anyway. Decepticons and Autobots, without a spaceship, resort to transforming themselves into 'meteors' during interstellar travel. They rely on gravitational pulls between planets to minimize energy consumption, achieving speeds far surpassing human capabilities. Their entry into a planet's atmosphere is, as a result, conspicuously visible.

The observatory at New Iron Fortress had clearly captured the invading Decepticon Vehicons on Terindad Island, including their numbers. Similarly, each newly arrived Autobot on Earth was detected by Base Two and documented.

Arcee's suggestion made Optimus Prime ponder deeply. He and his group of Autobot commanders were now fairly convinced of the rift between Frenzy and the Skytiger Legion.

Frenzy had assisted them against Soundwave and more recently engaged in a fierce battle with Starscream's Vehicon Legion. While the Autobots lacked first-hand intelligence, they surmised that the invading Decepticons were likely annihilated.

The Autobots had once simulated a scenario where the New Iron Fortress was under attack by Vehicons. Optimus Prime and his warriors could indeed defend the fortress and wipe out the invading Vehicons, but not without a grave cost. Most Autobot civilians lacked the combat prowess of Vehicons. In the last conflict on the dark side of the Moon, the ranks comprised Autobot soldiers who had come to Earth, the majority being elite warriors.

Based on these assessments, many among Optimus Prime and his deputies concluded that while Frenzy's forces might not match the Autobots, they were indeed potential allies.

Until now, Frenzy had shown no hostility towards Autobots.

But Optimus Prime harbored reservations. His mentor, Sentinel Prime, loathed Decepticons, often employing methods more ruthless than the Decepticons themselves against Autobot civilians.

It was concern for his mentor that restrained Optimus Prime from extending an olive branch to Frenzy after the Terindad Island incident.

"The issue with my teacher is also troublesome!"

As he wrestled with these thoughts, Optimus Prime's mechanical body suddenly stiffened. He had received a communication signal from hundreds of kilometers away. Upon decryption, his expression subtly shifted.

"What's wrong, Optimus Prime?" Arcee inquired, noticing the change.

Optimus Prime raised his hand, and an image of Cybertronian text in vivid blue hues materialized.

Arcee, studying the image, reacted with surprise. "Frenzy requests a meeting with you?"

After inviting Frenzy to the inauguration ceremony of the New Iron Fortress, Optimus Prime had taken the initiative to exchange contact channels. However, as leaders of their respective factions, they seldom reached out directly. This was, in fact, their first communication since exchanging contacts.

Optimus Prime nodded. "He's on his way."

He decided to accept Frenzy's meeting request, thinking, just as Arcee suggested, that he might glean useful information from Frenzy. After all, Frenzy, hailing from the Cassette Legion, had exhibited peculiar behavior over the past two years, seemingly in conflict with Skytiger Legion's commanders yet familiar with them.

"I've agreed to the meeting. It might be a good opportunity, and I also wish to uncover certain truths," he said.

Arcee responded, "I'll contact Ironhide and the others right away!"

He remembered the previous attempt on Optimus Prime's life, but Optimus Prime declined her offer.

"No need. I've arranged to meet Frenzy in the wastelands about ten kilometers from here, not far from New Iron Fortress. If anything happens, I'll call for backup!"

Ever since he acquired the Leadership Module, Optimus Prime felt constant changes within himself under its mystical energy. He sensed a newfound strength, surpassing even that when he faced Megatron nearly two years ago in Las Vegas.

It was this transformation that bolstered his confidence, assuring him that even in another ambush, he could hold his ground until reinforcements arrived.

Arcee hesitated before finally nodding in agreement.

Optimus Prime then ascended to the top of the canyon, transforming into a heavy-duty truck and heading towards the designated meeting point.

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 778: Another Deal (Part 2)