Ross didn't even have to worry about whether the application would be approved—just a few minutes after submitting his report, it was greenlit.
Meanwhile, outside the base, a strike team of over twenty Decepticons was preparing to seize the Matrix of Leadership from Optimus Prime. But just before making a move, they were urgently halted by Soundwave, who was responsible for intelligence and command.
Sunday, who had been monitoring the situation closely, immediately reported the news to William.
William, who was touring the Royal Navy Museum, couldn't help but smile upon hearing it.
If he hadn't sent Optimus Prime to the U.S., those twenty-something Decepticons might have launched a surprise attack on the Kingsman base, potentially seizing the Matrix of Leadership before he or the Kingsman could react.
"Before the space bridge is activated, remember to lend Nemesis Prime and the Decepticons a hand. And is the ship to travel through to Cybertron ready?"
"The ship is ready. I'll be closely monitoring the developments in New York."
"Good."
In a pleasant mood, William soon arrived at the Thames River, where he spotted the old English submarine from WWII, now converted into a floating museum.
If he remembered correctly, this submarine was actually an Autobot Transformer—and only it knew the location of Merlin's tomb.
Tapping on the hull with the cane fashioned from the Fallen's staff, he said, "I helped you guys eliminate Quintessa, that Cybertronian witch. Take me to find Merlin's staff—how about it?"
"Whooo… whooo… whooo…" A blaring alarm unexpectedly rang out from the submarine-turned-museum, frightening the visitors inside and causing them to flee in panic.
Once most of the tourists had evacuated, William snapped his fingers with a smile. The disguised Transformer elder, who had been waiting in the car, stepped out alongside Kingsman members clad in bulletproof black suits, all disembarking from ten Land Rovers.
They blocked off the approaching security guards and police officers, while some of them entered the submarine to drag out the remaining overly excited visitors who refused to leave.
After the police checked the Kingsman credentials and realized William himself was standing beside the submarine, all they could do was radio the report up the chain of command.
William waved at the nearby tourists with a smile, then, cane in hand, walked into the submarine with the elder, who was worried about exposing himself.
As soon as they entered, the cane reverted to its true form—the staff of the Fallen. "Don't waste my time. This weapon was taken from the Fallen after I defeated him.
Also, I know you Transformers who resisted Quintessa have a ship docked deep in the ocean outside Fort George Castle.
So, either I wipe you out like I would any Decepticon and spend some time searching myself—
Or we work together. Once we find Merlin's staff, we'll lure Quintessa to Earth and destroy her."
After William finished speaking, the elder took the initiative to recount everything about the Fallen.
Perhaps William's defeat of the Fallen—a member of the Primes—gave the submarine enough confidence, and the elder's testimony further reassured it.
The submarine didn't hesitate for long before powering up its systems and propulsion, setting sail along the Thames River.
Inside the officers' wardroom, having just finished touring the vessel, William tapped the floor with the now-miniaturized staff. "I'll provide you with Energon cubes—how about you serve me and the Kingsman in return?"
"Courage only follows orders from Autobot leaders and the Royal Navy."
The Royal Navy? William chuckled. "The Kingsman is a high-authority agency specializing in extraterrestrial affairs. You're under our jurisdiction."
Not that he absolutely needed this submarine—having it was certainly a bonus. In fact, he was willing to provide enough Energon to let Courage transform into the latest model of nuclear submarine.
Sensing William might be displeased, the elder quickly interjected, "Lord Devonshire, shall I prepare a meal for you?"
Recalling how, in the movie, the elder had jumped into the sea through the torpedo hatch and caught a bluefin tuna, William smiled and nodded. "If possible, prepare some sashimi for me, thanks."
"Th-this… not a problem."
While William waited for the submarine to leave the Thames and dive into deep water, over in Ross's sector, he had just led Optimus Prime into a secret facility. Under the watchful eyes of high-ranking American officials, he used the Matrix of Leadership to reactivate the dormant Nemesis Prime.
Still in combat mode, Nemesis Prime sprang awake and immediately shoved Optimus aside, drawing his massive sword to strike.
Ironhide reacted quickly, blocking the blow, but was kicked away by Nemesis Prime in the next instant.
"Wait, Nemesis Prime! It's me—Optimus! Stop!"
"Optimus?"
After recognizing him, confusion flickered in Nemesis Prime's optics. "So… we won the war?"
"No." Rising to his feet, Optimus responded with shame, "I'm sorry, Nemesis Prime. Not only did we lose—we were driven out of Cybertron.
We've been wandering, and ended up on Earth, where we formed an alliance with the humans to resist the Decepticons."
"Sigh…" Nemesis Prime sheathed his battle sword, eyeing the Matrix in Optimus's hand—the very object that had brought him back to life. "So you've become the new leader of the Autobots. Who leads the Decepticons now?"
"We don't know. Megatron was destroyed by the humans years ago. The Fallen was also killed by them just a few months back. This is the perfect opportunity for us to launch a counterattack," Optimus said, dropping to one knee and raising the Matrix. "I'm willing to return to your command. Lead us back to Cybertron and restore the Autobots' order."
Gazing at the Matrix floating before him, Nemesis Prime hesitated for a long time. In the end, he returned it to Optimus.
"You've done well. There's no need to disrupt the Autobots' internal order because of me. As for myself…"
Before he could finish speaking, a string of explosions erupted outside the base.
"Support! Support! We're under attack by a large number of Decepticons—repeat, we're under attack by Decepticons! Visual estimates: at least twenty beast-class units!"
Hearing the words "beast-class Decepticons," Optimus and Ironhide tensed up. The presence of such units often indicated a mastermind lurking behind the scenes.
If this had been before William's warning, Optimus would've left Ironhide and the others to protect Nemesis Prime without hesitation—but now?
"Autobots, roll out!"
Ironhide and the others wanted to say something, but seeing Optimus rush out without another word, they could only draw their weapons and follow.
As the battle outside erupted, Nemesis Prime stood still, seemingly lost in thought—until he suddenly received a transmission from Soundwave, the Decepticons' intelligence officer.
"Lord Nemesis Prime, the Decepticons are ready to follow your lead. Activate the space bridge, transport Cybertron and all Decepticons into the solar system. Once we take Earth, we will rebuild Cybertron."
"Rebuild Cybertron?"
Those words alone—like a war horn—rekindled Nemesis Prime's determination. Raising his battle sword high, he declared:
"I am Nemesis Prime, the last surviving Prime of Cybertron. All Transformers—Autobots or Decepticons—lay down your disputes and divisions. Unite and fight for the rebirth of Cybertron.
All for Cybertron."
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