Chapter 26: Following Ultra Magnus's Mission
"Attention, Autobots. This is Optimus Prime, your final leader. After hearing this recording, I hope you can use the coordinates provided to locate the new home of the Autobots. Our first target is System M96 in the Andromeda Galaxy. Our second target is Planet T78… Finally, we have a backup location a planet with the galactic code C53. Life on that planet has just begun its awakening phase; its inhabitants call it 'Hambre'…"
Wow. The fact that the Autobots were able to prepare over twenty destinations in such a short time was truly impressive. After all, some of those civilizations had already entered the interstellar age, and would surely welcome the Transformers with open arms. Even if the Decepticons managed to track them down, they wouldn't easily start a civil war those civilizations weren't exactly weak.
However, the farther one went, the fewer options remained. For example, the planet in the Milky Way transliterated as "Hambre" was an exception. Its civilization still lived in the age of swords and spears. Even if the Autobots managed to enlighten those primitive life forms, their world would never withstand a Decepticon assault.
Still, just before Optimus Prime departed, Starscream's mission progress had reached 90% a solid success.
"System God, how's the mission going? I know I can't reach 100%. Saving these Autobots is my limit. Don't be so strict just give me the system reward already!"
While silently deleting the message he had just received from Optimus Prime, Starscream requested that the Transformer System finalize the mission.
Ding-dong! "Dear host, while you may choose to complete this mission, if you proceed with a new one, you can reach full 100% completion. The rewards for 90% and 100% differ greatly. Please, consider my suggestion carefully!"
Alright then! It seemed this Transformer System possessed considerable intelligence and a knack for bargaining!
"What now? I already sent the Autobots away. What new task do you have for me?"
A sense of unease crept over Starscream. When Optimus Prime left, he mentioned that some Autobots had been captured, didn't he? Could it be that the system wanted him to…
"Honored host, Commander Optimus Prime reported that many brave Autobot warriors were captured in the previous battle. To achieve the remaining 10% progress, you must rescue them. Saving even one will complete the mission. Doesn't that sound simple enough?"
Sure, simple. Starscream had already rescued Optimus Prime's lover once, but that was done secretly without Megatron's knowledge.
Now, being asked to rescue Autobot warriors from a Decepticon prison was practically suicide! Did the system really think Decepticons were fools?
Just as Starscream was about to decline the mission, his communicator crackled to life.
"Alert! Alert! The Autobot prisoners have revolted! Three of our control posts have been attacked! We cannot allow them to escape! By Lord Megatron's command, all nearby Decepticon warriors must join the pursuit regardless of rank!"
Exactly as he feared. The moment he considered rejecting the mission, an Autobot uprising broke out. Even in captivity, these valiant Autobots still held on to their fighting spirit!
"This is Starscream, returning from the front. Any Autobot fugitives near my sector?"
As the commander of the Decepticon Air Force, Starscream immediately responded. He had his reasons after all, his recent performance had been mediocre, and with Commander Maximus's unexpected appearance, he hadn't earned much merit.
Given Megatron's suspicious nature, returning empty-handed would only draw disdain or worse, suspicion. Why not seize this chance to both complete the mission and get away from Cybertron?
"Commander Starscream, on a nearby prison planet, a group of rebelling Autobots is fighting while retreating. Our Decepticon defense forces can no longer contain them! Their leader is Ultra Magnus, a close ally of Optimus Prime. We request your assistance in locating him. I will faithfully report your contribution to Lord Megatron!"
Perfect! This was the ideal opportunity to steer clear of Megatron. That idiot Decepticon leader had let Optimus Prime escape again he'd surely be furious and looking for someone to take it out on. The farther Starscream was from him, the safer he'd be. Plus, this could prove his "loyalty."
"No problem. Send me the coordinates of those blasted Autobots and I'll wipe them all out. You don't need any of them alive, right?"
Without hesitation, Starscream accepted the mission. Upon reconnaissance, he discovered he was the only Decepticon warrior in the area an excellent chance to complete his task in peace.
"Yes, Commander Starscream! Your request has been acknowledged. By Lord Megatron's orders, you are authorized to destroy any rebels who refuse to surrender."
Nice. This mission perfectly solved Starscream's immediate crisis.
Ultra Magnus, after all, was a renowned Autobot warrior. Not necessarily for his combat skills, but for his intellect his computer chip was engineered with scientific capabilities. He was the mind behind Cybertron's central anti-missile defense system, and rumor had it he even designed the multi-Headmaster fusion program.
"Heh, Ultra Magnus! Grandpa Starscream's coming for you! Clean your circuits and wait for me!"
To appear bold and arrogant, Starscream deliberately raised his voice to maximum volume much to the amusement of the nearby Decepticon soldiers watching the scene unfold.
(End of Chapter)