Chapter 12: The Rewards of the Transformer System
Just as Optimus Prime and the remaining Autobots were planning their retreat, Starscream received the long-awaited notification from his system.
"Ding-dong! Congratulations to the host for successfully assisting the Autobots in their escape. The system has now been unlocked to 20%. Please accept your mission reward Mimetic Transformation!"
"What's that supposed to mean? Can you be more specific? What exactly does this thing do?" Starscream asked, frowning.
"It's a disguise ability. Without altering your current functions, you can choose to transform into any form you wish. I believe this ability will prove invaluable in your future missions!"
Starscream tilted his head.
"Well, that doesn't sound all that powerful… Kind of like Sun Wukong's 72 transformations from Journey to the West. Maybe one day I could transform into Megatron for fun."
He sighed. "Too bad it only changes appearance and not actual function. Otherwise, I'd be unstoppable."
Just as Starscream was arguing with his system, his communicator suddenly flashed red.
"Commander Starscream, Lord Megatron is assembling all units for a new combat mission. Report to High Command immediately. The meeting begins in fifteen minutes!"
Starscream groaned.
"What now? That drama king again… Megatron must be throwing another tantrum after getting humiliated by the Autobots."
He had always despised Megatron's war-obsessed behavior, but after his flawless performance in the last battle, Starscream figured he would at worst be scolded as a coward and left alone.
With a resigned sigh, he pressed the command button and took off.
"Starscream, transform!"
With a series of sharp metallic clicks, the Decepticon transformed from his humanoid form into a sleek, blazing fighter jet that shot across the dark sky of Cybertron.
Eight minutes later, he landed at the Decepticon High Command Round Table second only to Megatron himself in rank.
"Good. Everyone's here. Soundwave, begin."
Megatron's deep voice echoed proudly through the chamber. From his humble beginnings, he had risen to become the supreme ruler of Cybertron commander of a vast Decepticon army and master of endless energy reserves.
It was, by all accounts, every Transformer's dream.
And yet, one thorn still twisted in his spark: the Autobots.
Though the Autobots were now scattered and broken, Megatron could not rest as long as a single one remained alive.
"Thank you, Commander Megatron, for this opportunity."
Soundwave began in his usual mechanical tone.
"As you all know, our mortal enemies, the Autobots, are on their last legs. Only a small resistance force remains, led by Optimus Prime. But unless we eradicate them completely, Cybertron will never know peace. Therefore "
It was the same speech again. The same obsession. The same hatred.
Most Decepticon commanders were tired of it tired of endless war when they could be living like kings.
Before Soundwave could continue, a massive figure slammed a fist on the table.
"Soundwave, old friend, are you done yet? Every meeting, it's 'Autobots this' and 'Autobots that.' Don't you ever have anything new to say?"
He leaned back with a mocking grin.
"Why not tell us how many sparks from those lovely Autobot femmes you've collected instead? We Decepticons are all guys here don't you think we're missing out?"
The speaker was Thalas the Great Dinosaur, a rising star in the Southern War Zone with tens of thousands of troops under his command. To keep him satisfied, Megatron had no choice but to name him Commander of the Sixth War Zone.
His words drew murmurs of agreement. Many Decepticons had indeed begun to crave more than just conquest they wanted pleasure, luxury, and life beyond endless war.
"Thalas," Megatron said coldly, standing. "Silence. Let Soundwave finish his report. What you mentioned is already being handled. But as Commander of the Sixth War Zone, your job is to destroy our enemies first then you can talk about pleasure."
At once, the towering dinosaur mech fell quiet.
Despite their frustrations with Megatron's leadership, none dared defy him directly.
"Yes, Lord Megatron!" Thalas barked. "Then tell us where are those Autobot stragglers hiding? Let me lead my troops and finish them off once and for all! That way, we won't have to listen to this depressing nonsense every meeting!"
Megatron smirked.
Everything was going according to plan.
Even though the Decepticons didn't share his personal hatred, they all understood one truth to ensure total dominance, the root of resistance had to be destroyed. Especially the leader of that resistance: Optimus Prime.
Once hailed as Cybertron's brightest hope and the rightful successor to its leadership, he was now nothing but a fugitive rebel.
"Let's continue," Megatron said, gesturing to the holographic screen. "Look here. These images were captured by our spy satellites. We have reason to believe the Autobots have reached the end of their rope. They appear to be constructing a space launch base, using what little resources they have to flee Cybertron."
He paused, a sinister grin spreading across his metallic face.
"So our mission is simple destroy their final base. Wipe out the Autobots once and for all, and scatter their ashes to the stars!"
Starscream's optics flickered.
It seemed Optimus Prime and his team were truly in dire straits. Every move they made was under Megatron's watchful eye. Even if they tried to escape Cybertron, the Decepticon leader would never allow it.
"As you can see," Megatron continued, "Soundwave's intelligence remains flawless. From this moment, I am announcing a galactic bounty for all Autobots. Let this serve as a declaration the Decepticons' dominion over the universe begins now!"
(End of Chapter)