Chapter 14: The Autobots' Final Retreat Mission
"Ding Dong! Host, a new mission has been assigned. Please await instructions! Upon completion, the Transformers System will unlock further functions, and you'll receive a generous reward."
Just as Megatron was assigning this mission to Starscream, a new instruction suddenly emerged from deep within someone's chip.
It seemed the Transformers System truly favored the Autobots.
Starscream knew this meant only one thing the system still wanted him to save Optimus Prime.
To keep Megatron from noticing any irregularities, Starscream quickly buried the command deep within his smart chip's code, delaying its decryption.
"My great System Master, could you please send instructions when there's no one around next time? Soundwave is a master at detecting all types of radio waves. If he notices a glitch, I'm doomed!"
Whether it was Starscream's guilty conscience or Soundwave's casual glance, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense as their optics briefly met.
"Commander Starscream," Soundwave said, "if you require any intelligence assistance, I'll have Laserbeak contact you immediately. Rest assured."
Alright perhaps Starscream was being too paranoid.
Soundwave was even closer to Megatron than he was. Maybe both master and servant simply feared Starscream would refuse orders outright.
After all, everyone present had witnessed Maverick's laser cannon that night.
One direct hit wouldn't just mean destruction the sheer power of that beam could extinguish your Spark instantly.
So even if Starscream refused Megatron's request, no other Decepticon would volunteer.
Even Megatron himself wasn't confident in facing that Super Transformer head-on. Against Maverick, none of them had more than a zero percent chance.
Still, as Starscream secretly plotted to aid Optimus Prime and the other Autobots' retreat, this mission might just be the perfect opportunity a way to get close to them without raising suspicion.
"Alright! I can't guarantee I'll defeat that general, but I'll do everything I can to prevent those damned Autobots from escaping. Let this be the final battle between the Decepticons and the Autobots! I don't want to see Optimus Prime's face on Cybertron's newsfeeds ever again!"
Megatron remembered Starscream not only as a timid Transformer but also as a rather naïve one.
So, though he appeared to trust him, Megatron actually viewed Starscream as nothing more than a pawn.
When no one else dared to accept this mission, Megatron immediately thought of him.
At first, he expected Starscream to refuse and had already devised three separate ways to manipulate him into agreeing.
He never imagined the fool would accept it voluntarily.
"Ha! I knew Starscream was my right hand! Once we finish off those Autobots, I'll grant you a vast territory of your own. You'll be free to go wherever you please!"
Megatron preferred the simple-minded Starscream over ambitious upstarts like the Decepticon warlord Thalas.
If every Decepticon were this easy to control, he'd have nothing to worry about once Optimus Prime was gone.
"Commander Megatron," Starscream replied formally, "as your Air Commander, this is my duty! I'll return immediately to mobilize my forces and prepare. Let's hope we achieve final victory within the next twenty-four hours!"
Despite his confident words, Starscream's Spark pulsed with unease.
With Decepticon communications under complete lockdown, there was no way to warn Optimus Prime within just 24 hours.
Worse yet, he no longer had a messenger meaning he'd have to improvise.
"Excellent! Go back and prepare. If you need weapons, ammunition, or energy, contact Soundwave. We'll support you fully."
"Understood! I'll take my leave now. See you on the battlefield!"
After saluting Megatron and the others, Starscream exited the Decepticon war room, walked to the edge of the rooftop, and transformed into a red-tailed fighter jet disappearing once again into the skies.
"Transformers System, scan for any nearby Decepticon spy satellites. I'm about to decrypt the mission signal you gave me. I can't risk Megatron discovering my true intentions at a critical time like this!"
After flying more than a hundred kilometers, Starscream finally dared to retrieve the mission data he had hidden earlier though his optics still flickered nervously.
"Host, I've scanned the airspace and ground area below. This location is completely safe. You may access the mission at any time. Also, our system automatically deletes all mission logs no side effects to worry about!"
This Starscream was far smarter and more cautious than the foolish Decepticon he once was.
Perhaps it was the human soul within his Spark guiding his actions.
Mission Command Unlocked:
Your task is to ensure that the elite Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, are safely evacuated from Cybertron as soon as possible.
For every additional Autobot saved, your performance rating will improve.
Upon successful completion, the Transformers System will further unlock, greatly enhancing your skills and rewards. Keep it up!
Well, even without the system's reminder, Starscream already understood.
At this point, saving Optimus Prime and his team was the only thing he could do.
But with Megatron's intercept forces spread across the skies, and many of Starscream's own troops likely serving as Megatron's spies, the odds were grim.
Even if Optimus Prime's group numbered over a thousand Autobots, less than ten percent would likely make it out alive.
And as for a giant like Macho Man?
Escaping this mechanical hell would be nothing short of a miracle.
(End of Chapter)