Chapter 84: Starscream Receives a Warning
Just as Megatron without warning was rapidly closing in on Starscream, the Transformers system seemed to detect an unusual energy signal. However, because of the distance and Cybertronian interference, the system couldn't pinpoint Megatron's exact location; at best it detected a powerful energy vector headed toward them toward Starscream's planet.
So the Transformers system issued an immediate alert, and Starscream almost instantly relayed it to Megatron.
"After our last call, I felt something was off, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Now I understand. Decepticon communications have built-in locating systems. Megatron has probably already detected the location of my planet. It seems I made the mistake of revealing that planet's resources to those fools last time directly attracting the greedy Megatron!"
In truth, Starscream was aware of the risk, but being hit with Megatron's communication so suddenly left him utterly unprepared. From that day on he regretted it because by his estimation, Megatron would never easily abandon a planet with such abundant resources.
And judging by the situation on Cybertron, one could predict the fate awaiting the planet nicknamed Hunger.
"Host, we should quickly form a defensive alliance with the Autobots on this planet; otherwise the tragedy of Cybertron will repeat here. You've seen the level of civilization among these ordinary humans they simply cannot stop a cosmic invader as terrifying as Megatron!"
Time was running out; Megatron could already be en route, and he would doubtless bring a large contingent of infamous Decepticons to turn it into a battlefield.
But not all news was bad for Starscream. At least the most powerful Autobot combat force the Dinobots were on this planet. If they could awaken the mighty warrior Grimlock soon, dealing with Megatron would be far less difficult. After all, in the past Megatron shook at the mere mention of Grimlock's name.
"Starscream, what's wrong with you? Didn't you see me waving? Did all your circuits freeze with all this ice?"
Perhaps due to a slight communication delay between Starscream and the Transformers system, when he finally snapped back he saw the pterodactyl-shaped mech's somewhat worried face.
"Sorry compared to you mechanical dinosaurs, us flying warriors are a bit more sensitive to the cold. If I return to Cybertron I'll make sure they add more antifreeze. This place is far too unpleasant for me!"
After offering that unconvincing excuse, Starscream managed to allay the dinosaur mech's suspicions. Although Dart sensed something was off with Starscream, he wouldn't make things difficult after all, the next mission to rescue Grimlock still depended on the Decepticon's odd search system.
"Ah, I see. So you so-called advanced Decepticons aren't as impressive as you claim! Want me to throw some flames to warm you up? Your hull should have a fireproof coating, shouldn't it?"
Robotic dinosaurs were delightfully blunt; this one even offered to help warm Starscream by the fire.
"Flying Dart, you're joking! Don't you see these are icebergs that can melt easily? If your flames trigger a landslide or worse, an avalanche we may never find Grimlock."
Starscream's warning was reasonable. Although the Fallen had provided general coordinates, that red mark covered a large area on a real map. Any small change in the terrain could seriously hamper their search.
While these two powerful Transformers weren't overly worried about the environment affecting them, if it impacted Grimlock or other sealed Autobots, it would be a terrible loss. And that chilling Fallen… perhaps his base was nearby, or maybe he too like Grimlock and the others was sealed in this zone. Otherwise, he would not have kindly provided coordinates.
"Alright, I apologize for my recklessness. As much as I hate to admit it, your Decepticon mind works faster than our veteran Dinobots'. How many cores does your memory chip have?"
At Starscream's reminder, Dart finally grasped the danger in his previous thinking. To retrieve Captain Grimlock, he must stay close to Starscream as long as necessary.
"Fine if you want to locate your captain precisely, don't take any rash actions from now on. All your moves must follow my orders, understood?"
"Understood! Although I've never trusted you Decepticons, I'll help temporarily because you rescued Muddy. But as I always say if I find any ill intent in you, I'll turn you into an ice sculpture here in the Arctic Circle. The Dinobots speak their minds got it?"
These muscular but simple-minded Dinobots were like that. Though unconvinced, Dart cooperated quite a bit with Starscream, even taking the initiative to help break the ice.
Although both Transformers had formidable firepower and ice-breaking ability, causing major environmental damage before locating Grimlock and the others could be catastrophic.
"Host, I've detected a faint electronic signal about 11 kilometers away. Given this planet's current civilization level, it's highly unlikely humans possess such technology. Therefore, by deduction, that must be the place we're searching for."
(End of Chapter)
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Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood: Under the Law of Equivalence
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