Chapter 82: The Disbanding of the Autobots
"My dear compatriots, I believe you all understand the current situation of the Autobots. For our race to continue, I, Optimus Prime, as your supreme leader, am about to issue a new command. I order you to divide into smaller groups and explore distant star systems according to the map we previously established. Once you find a suitable planet and confirm its safety, you may contact the nearest Autobot warriors. I hope that someday, we can reunite somewhere in this universe."
It was a sorrowful decision, yet both Ironhide and Optimus Prime knew it was their last chance. Could there truly be a second home for the Autobots in this vast cosmos?
Thanks to their careful preparations, the Autobots soon discovered several seemingly remote regions including the Milky Way, where Starscream resided which naturally became one of their exploration targets.
"Commander Optimus Prime, don't be disheartened. Even if we wander endlessly through this universe, as long as one of us survives, we'll keep you informed. You may encounter Decepticons on your journey, but they can never extinguish the Autobot flame. Believe me we will meet again in our new home!"
Whether to encourage his comrades or to comfort his leader, Ironhide tried to remain optimistic.
Splitting into smaller groups increased their odds of survival, but it also meant that any danger could be their last encounter. Even super soldiers like Optimus Prime or Ironhide would likely fall if overwhelmed by a powerful Decepticon force.
Fortunately, just as Optimus Prime prepared to depart, his brother Ultra Magnus arrived with exhilarating news.
"I managed to find you, brother, thanks to a Decepticon warrior named Starscream. It might be a trap, but I believe Starscream is on our side and I have a feeling we'll see him again in the future!"
For reasons of secrecy, Optimus Prime had no intention of revealing Starscream's true identity, since the Decepticon air commander's test of loyalty was still ongoing. Still, Starscream's recent actions had undeniably revealed his stance.
"My dear brother, I need you and your men to explore a new territory known as the Milky Way. I don't know whether Megatron is already aware of it, but according to my inherited memories, somewhere in that universe lies something that could change the fate of the Autobots. Please help me find it and quickly inform all our Autobot brothers of this good news. Can you do that?"
As the last Autobot supersoldier, Optimus Prime had inherited many things including secrets that even Megatron knew nothing about, perhaps tied to the very creator of the Transformers.
"Brother, what about you? Where will you go? You're the pillar and soul of the Autobots! Without your guidance, we can't defeat the Decepticons alone!"
Sensing Optimus Prime's unyielding resolve, Ultra Magnus felt a sudden unease.
"I can't go with you. I must stay behind to mislead the Decepticons! If I also vanish, they'll undoubtedly send special operations teams to search every corner of the universe."
This was, in fact, Optimus Prime's true plan. While he ordered the other Autobots to scatter and wage guerrilla warfare, he himself intended to act as bait moving repeatedly within a fixed area to draw the Decepticons' attention. As long as their scouts continued receiving signals from Optimus Prime, they would focus their efforts on him rather than the other Autobots fleeing across the stars.
"But this will put you in grave danger! You've already sacrificed too much for us, Optimus! As your loyal brother, I can't do much but please, take this!"
Sensing the peril ahead, Ultra Magnus suddenly opened his chest and removed a large pink energy shard, handing it to Optimus. Since both were of the same Transformer type and brothers their energy could merge.
These energy fragments were not to be underestimated; they contained nearly one-third of Ultra Magnus's total power. He did it to ensure Optimus Prime's survival.
Though Optimus spoke calmly, the truth was that, hunted relentlessly by the Decepticons, he struggled to replenish his energy. As a machine-type Transformer, he couldn't absorb energy by consuming other mechanical beings like the Dinobots could. Maintaining enough energy reserves was crucial for his continued operation.
"Brother, I have plenty of energy left keep it."
"Optimus Prime, if you keep making excuses, I'll tell Ironhide about your plan. Do you really think you can keep playing the lone hero for long?"
"Fine! My dear brother, please keep our conversation secret. Aside from Ironhide, I have another mission for you. In these dire times, you too must bear the responsibility of an Autobot commander. Promise me!"
"Alright!"
In the end, Optimus Prime's strategy worked perfectly. At least before the Autobots scattered across various universes, none of them had any idea of his true intentions. It even seemed that some Decepticons didn't want Optimus captured too soon like that Dinobot, Salas, who secretly left him a few essential supplies. What a "fortunate coincidence."
But both Optimus Prime and Dinobot Salas understood the real reason. After all, in a game of cat and mouse if the cat catches all the mice, what fun is left?
(End of Chapter)
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Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Under the Law of Equivalence
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