Chapter 111: The Decepticon Legion in the Crosshairs
As the ground battle raged on, the Decepticon expeditionary force gradually approaching the target galaxy found itself under fire.
Because Megatron hadn't shared his full advance route with all his subordinates, they converged on the same coordinates from every direction, forming a chaotic pattern. Not even Soundwave's transmissions could fully synchronize the troops.
However, the Decepticon warriors didn't seem to care. After all, they now ruled this universe absolutely, and it was unlikely that any other civilization would dare to provoke the Cybertronian army. They believed themselves invincible.
"Attention, soldiers! I've transmitted the coordinates of our Decepticon Supreme Commander. No matter your origin point, stop at the outer boundary of that planet's atmosphere. Our Decepticon army must advance as one there will be no disorganized mob disgracing our leader!"
Though most Decepticons didn't know what lay on that planet, Soundwave, as the logistics commander, perfectly understood Megatron's intent. The Fallen might seem to be an ally, but he was still the progenitor of the Decepticons. If Megatron failed to fulfill his mission, it would leave a terrible impression. Therefore, his gathered troops needed at least to appear disciplined and united.
But these proud Decepticons had no idea that their constant energy emissions and unguarded communications had already drawn attention especially from the scattered Autobot warriors who had escaped Cybertron. Those isolated Decepticon units now became prime targets.
"Commander Ironhide, this is Ratchet. I've tracked two unidentified Decepticons they seem to be converging toward the Milky Way. Based on intercepted communications, I believe I heard mention of the Fallen. The legendary ancestor of all Decepticons he appears to be hiding somewhere in that distant galaxy. Megatron is rallying his forces to go there!"
Though these Autobots were scattered, their communications remained intact. Even spread across the cosmos, these brave warriors stayed united something the Decepticons could never comprehend.
"Notify all connected Autobots to monitor this development closely. We'll capture a few nearby Decepticon ships and head to the planet where the Fallen is located. If we can destroy that Decepticon progenitor, it could have an unimaginable impact on our counterattack against Cybertron!"
Although the Fallen was a legendary figure, for all Autobots he was an enemy that had to be destroyed. His threat level surpassed even Megatron's, for legend said this ancient Decepticon possessed the power to create evil warriors. Megatron's journey to meet him clearly hid ulterior motives.
"Good. I believe Commander Optimus Prime would agree if he heard the same report. I think this planet might even become our second home a rallying point for all Autobots!"
At first glance, the information seemed uncertain, but Ironhide had glimpsed a glimmer of the Autobots' future. The war on Cybertron had already turned Autobots and Decepticons into mortal enemies. Now, knowing the Fallen's location, every Autobot who received this intel would inevitably head there it was only a matter of time.
"Understood. I'll broadcast this message through the secret channel. Let's give our old Decepticon friends a warm welcome!"
Ratchet wasn't a combat specialist, but in such a complex environment, anything could happen. Even Autobot support personnel had to take up arms in defense.
However, the Decepticons wouldn't back down either. The nearest one to Ratchet appeared to have intercepted the message. But the arrogant young Decepticon had no intention of sharing it he wanted all the glory for himself.
"Ha! Who would've thought I'd run into Autobots in a place like this? If Commander Soundwave sees the prize I've brought him, I'll be rewarded for sure!"
Typical Decepticon behavior whether veteran or rookie, all were obsessed with claiming credit.
Ratchet, however, seemed to have foreseen this. While transmitting his message, he discreetly hid himself.
He concealed himself among a cluster of freely floating meteorites. Though small, the iron-rich rocks effectively blocked radio signals. The Autobot transmission trail vanished within the cluster, suggesting Ratchet was hiding there.
The young Decepticon unit was a transformable supertank, equipped with an advanced space shuttle system capable of both aerial and ground searches. Even with strong electromagnetic interference, it should still be able to detect faint energy readings by staying close to the surface.
"Autobot, come out! Surrender peacefully, and I might spare your life for now. I'm sure Megatron will be delighted to see your spark!"
After a brief flight in his shuttle, the Decepticon tank marked the entire asteroid field. Any energy fluctuation within the zone would trigger his sensors exposing Ratchet's position.
"Beep! Beep! Beep!"
Sure enough, the alarm flashed rapidly from directly below the ship. Without hesitation, the massive transformable tank leapt from his shuttle, crashing onto a large asteroid and creating a huge crater.
It was an undeniably dramatic entrance so much so that Ratchet, hiding behind a nearby boulder, felt a chill run through his circuits. Facing that heavily armored beast head-on would be suicide!
Fortunately, the clever medic had already planted a decoy behind him at the six o'clock position a long-range transmitter with the Autobot insignia clearly displayed. That discovery would surely get the Decepticon excited!
"What's this? Broadcasting signals so openly? Do you really think I, the Iron King, am that easy to fool?"
A powerful name indeed perfectly suited to a Decepticon.
(End of Chapter)