Chapter 45
Early Morning Outside an Abandoned Industrial Warehouse
Several brand-new vehicles sat silently parked.
Moonlight filtered through broken skylights.
Suddenly, a low engine rumble shattered the silence.
Creak! Creak!
The sound of metal transforming rang out repeatedly. Massive mechanical beings emerged in blue light.
Optimus Prime stood at the center. His optics flickered slightly as he projected a holographic 3D model of Hoover Dam.
"According to Earth network data retrieval, the information provided by our human friend is accurate." Optimus Prime's voice was steady.
"There is indeed a secret facility codenamed Sector Seven beneath Hoover Dam."
Ironhide's arm-mounted cannons rotated slightly with a dissatisfied mechanical whine: "Why should we trust a carbon-based lifeform? Even if he has some special abilities, that doesn't mean he's not a human trap!"
Jazz nimbly leaped onto a discarded machine bed, electronic voice teasing: "Admit it, Ironhide—you're just salty about being outdone by a human. That guy's energy readings are off the charts even to me."
Ratchet projected a set of data: "Although we can't scan his body, the energy he contains far exceeds anything terrestrial."
Optimus Prime nodded: "He is not an ordinary human. He may not even be native to this Earth."
Ironhide shrugged but didn't argue further.
"In any case." Optimus Prime shut down the hologram.
"The AllSpark is our top priority. If Megatron truly is frozen there, we must act before the Decepticons."
Jazz made an exaggerated tactical gesture: "So what's the plan? Full frontal assault or stealth infiltration?"
"Reconnaissance first." Optimus Prime looked into the distance.
"Tomorrow, we head to Hoover Dam."
Ironhide's cannons finally retracted into his armor: "Hope the Decepticons haven't noticed."
Ratchet suddenly pulled up a news clip.
The footage showed security camera stills of Mikaela and Yang Jian entering the hotel. Yang Jian hadn't bothered to hide his presence with a bio-field.
"Speaking of which—their location has already been exposed. Sector Seven agents may be converging."
Optimus Prime's optics narrowed slightly: "Bumblebee can protect them. Right now, we need to…"
Before he finished, all Autobots suddenly looked up at once.
In the distant night sky, three pitch-black jets approached at trajectories that defied aerodynamics. Faint blood-red insignias were visible on their hulls.
"Decepticons!"
Ironhide instantly deployed all weapons: "How did they find us?!"
Optimus Prime's armor reconfigured rapidly. Heavy cannons extended from his shoulders: "Looks like the plan moves up. Autobots—prepare for battle!"
In the darkness, the three black jets transformed mid-air. Metal armor rapidly reconfigured.
Starscream landed first, wings folding into shoulder pads. Energy cannons charged instantly, aimed at Optimus Prime.
"Autobots. Long time no see." Starscream's electronic voice dripped with mockery.
"Didn't expect you to be hiding on this filthy carbon-based rock."
Ironhide's cannons locked onto Starscream, roaring: "Starscream! How did you find us?!"
Starscream sneered and pointed upward: "Soundwave has been watching you since the moment you landed on this planet."
Optimus Prime's optics contracted sharply.
He understood—Soundwave was the Decepticons' intelligence officer, possessing unparalleled electronic warfare capabilities.
Likely right now, he was floating in orbital space, silently monitoring every move on Earth.
"So we know all your plans, all your movements." Starscream's cannon muzzle glowed dangerous red.
"Including your cooperation with that human."
No more words were needed. Battle erupted instantly.
BOOM! Ironhide's cannons fired first. Shells tore through the air straight at Starscream's face.
Starscream dodged nimbly to the side. At the same time, his shoulder missile bays opened—several homing missiles screamed out.
Jazz moved with fluid agility, transforming into car mode mid-sprint, drifting through the ruins while his laser cannons precisely shot down the missiles.
Explosions lit up the night sky. Shockwaves shattered surrounding glass.
Ratchet quickly deployed medical support, providing real-time repairs to teammates while wielding his ion cutter to bisect an advancing Decepticon grunt at the waist.
Optimus Prime met Starscream head-on. His energon blade clashed fiercely against Starscream's metal talons—sparks flew everywhere.
"You Decepticons only know how to ambush!" Optimus Prime swung his blade, forcing Starscream back.
Starscream retreated with a sneer, thrusters igniting to hover in mid-air: "Winner takes all, Optimus Prime. Lord Megatron is about to awaken—and you will be nothing but his stepping stone!"
Just as the fight reached its peak, the roar of engines came from the distance.
A military armored vehicle sped toward them, roof-mounted cannon aimed at the battling Transformers.
"Human military?!" Jazz flipped sideways to dodge a shot.
"Damn it—Sector Seven's here!"
Starscream's optics flickered as he rapidly assessed the situation.
Though the Decepticons held the upper hand, human military intervention would complicate things.
He snorted coldly and waved a hand.
"Retreat! Mission accomplished!"
The Decepticons swiftly transformed. Helicopter rotors whirred as they ascended and withdrew.
Before disappearing, Starscream looked back with one last taunt.
"Optimus Prime—enjoy your final moments!"
Dust settled. Optimus Prime retracted his sword, optics locked on the retreating Decepticons.
"Soundwave has locked our position. The plan must be accelerated." His voice was grave.
Ratchet pulled up scan data: "They retreated too cleanly. They definitely have another objective."
Ironhide growled: "Those sneaky scrap-heaps!"
Optimus Prime opened internal comms, connecting to Bumblebee.
"Bumblebee—plan change. Decepticons have located us. Soundwave is monitoring from space. Your position may also be exposed."
Bumblebee's reply came through radio clips pieced together:
"Understood. On alert."
Optimus Prime looked up at the starry sky. His optics reflected Earth's orbital satellites.
Somewhere up there, Soundwave's spy satellite was silently watching everything.
"Autobots—move out immediately." Optimus Prime's voice was firm.
"We must reach Hoover Dam before the Decepticons! First—we rendezvous with Yang Jian and his group."
Morning Sunlight
Sunlight poured through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the suite. Mikaela rubbed her eyes as she walked out of the bedroom.
She saw Yang Jian half-reclining on the sofa. Golden morning light outlined his perfect muscular lines.
She couldn't help staring for a few extra seconds before walking over and sitting down.
"Awake?" Yang Jian asked with his eyes closed, voice carrying morning laziness.
Mikaela nodded, then noticed Yang Jian had already opened his eyes.
Those pupils shimmered with faint gold in the sunlight—like molten sun.
"Get dressed." Yang Jian suddenly stood, picked up the black shirt draped over the chair back and slipped it on.
"We need to move."
Mikaela blinked: "What's wrong?"
"The enemy has already come knocking." Yang Jian fastened his cuffs, lips curving with a smile.
"Didn't you say you wanted to fight aliens? Here's your chance."
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