Chapter 97: The Awakening of Grimlock
"Major, are you serious? Captain Grimlock is really sealed here? Why have we never received his signal? When did this happen? Why didn't the Captain allow us his loyal comrades to accompany him on such a dangerous mission?"
Hearing the mention of their leader, the mechanical pterosaur became visibly emotional. It seemed Grimlock had indeed undertaken a perilous mission long ago and, to protect his comrades, had borne the entire burden alone. That was what a true leader did a rare quality among the Autobots.
Among the Decepticons, however, such things were almost unheard of. The majority would never sacrifice their lives for their comrades or for any kind of victory. If not for historical coincidence, the Decepticons would never have managed to seize control of Cybertron for their selfishness made them utterly unworthy!
"Oh? That one's your comrade? I haven't seen such an exceptional young Autobot in years! Judging by your transformations, you must be powerful creatures all of the same species. I never thought we'd get to free this one after so many years! I wonder where our enemy is hiding… perhaps Grimlock will tell us!"
So the mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex Grimlock had been on a secret mission. Not only had he hidden his coordinates from his comrades, but he hadn't even clearly explained his true situation to his new allies. No one could tell what had kept this legendary No. 1 Autobot warrior imprisoned for so long.
But there was good news: Grimlock was about to be revived. These veteran Autobots knew exactly what to do.
"Then we'll have to trouble you, veterans. We've found a very useful energy source on this planet, and we brought some with us. Would you like some?"
To show goodwill, Starscream proactively released a bit of compressed oil energy refined from raw blocks before the ancient Autobots. Based on the previous revival of Thunder Dragon Sludge, Grimlock had been sealed behind this door like a steel cable for countless years, and reviving him would undoubtedly require immense energy.
"This... this black substance... it looks familiar. It's a unique bio-energy source from this planet. It seems to form from carbon-based lifeforms buried underground after death, undergoing chemical changes over millions of years. We never imagined this could become usable Transformer energy! Is this new Cybertronian technology?"
It turned out the ancients had discovered this oily substance when they first arrived on the planet but their technology back then wasn't advanced enough to refine it. Starscream's demonstration amazed them completely.
In truth, the Transformers' civilization had not always been technological it had evolved slowly over countless eons to reach its current level.
"These energy cubes are universal connectors. Just attach them to your central conduit and they'll transfer energy directly. If you don't mind, take a few!"
As the saying goes, "Those who receive benefits find it hard to refuse the giver." After replenishing the veterans' energy reserves, Starscream could clearly feel the distance between them diminish. Now was the perfect moment to open that strange mechanical door and revive the legendary Autobot warrior, Grimlock.
Just thinking about it was exhilarating!
"In the name of Cybertron!"
"For the glory of the Autobots!"
"Rise, young friends! We need you to fight for justice!"
Whether it was part of an ancient unlocking ritual or simply the Autobots' love for dramatic ceremonies, what should have been a simple door-opening turned into a chorus of grand proclamations as they knelt side by side before the bronze gate.
The veteran Autobot raised his great sword, inserting it into the slit of the door and twisting it rightward like a key. Dust rained down from the metallic surface, and with a click and the grinding of gears the door opened!
Just as they had experienced before with Spider-Man's frozen form, a massive block of ice stood before them. Inside lay a gigantic Transformer, the bright red Autobot insignia on his chest confirming his allegiance.
"Captain! It's the Captain! I can still feel his burning spark!"
Seeing that familiar figure, Thunder Dragon Sludge was the first to rush forward. In the entire Dinobot army, he alone could match Grimlock's size.
The ice encasing Grimlock appeared thick, but for the claws of a Dinobot, it was nothing.
"Steady, Sludge. Easy! I'm starting the energy infusion into his spark core. I can't believe we've finally found Grimlock!"
It was truly astonishing Cybertron's mightiest Autobot warrior had lain dormant for millennia on this strange planet. Reviving him was of utmost importance.
Even after a thousand years in stasis, Grimlock's spark still radiated a powerful energy field. As the refined oil-energy flowed through his circuits and into his limbs, two blazing red lights flickered to life in his optics a clear sign of reactivation.
But then, trouble struck. The newly awakened Grimlock suddenly shoved aside his comrades, transforming instantly into his mechanical Tyrannosaurus form, spewing fire wildly in all directions. His mind was clearly in chaos!
"I am Grimlock the Fallen! I'm fighting the Fallen! Fire! Fire now! Don't let him escape!"
Perfect. It seemed the mechanical Tyrannosaurus had been sealed mid-battle and upon awakening, simply resumed the fight from his final memory...
(End of Chapter)