Chapter 27: The Strange Decepticons
The Ninth Penitentiary of Cybertron.
This was a space prison, built from a derelict satellite orbiting far from Cybertron. It had been repurposed to handle the planet's ancient machinery tasks originally assigned to dangerous prisoners that often resulted in serious casualties among the guards.
After Megatron seized power, the most ruthless Decepticons became the overseers of this prison world, while captured Autobots like Ultra Magnus were reduced to slave labor.
But the Decepticons had gravely underestimated Ultra Magnus.
He was Optimus Prime's brother. Though he lacked his brother's commanding charisma, he could easily rally the Autobots inside the Ninth Penitentiary and strike back while the Decepticons least expected it.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
"Ultra Magnus! The last group of Autobot prisoners has escaped using those Decepticon vehicles. It's our turn now! But there's bad news we just intercepted a Decepticon transmission. A commander from their Air Force division is on his way here at full speed. He's said to be incredibly dangerous!"
"I understand. Wheeljack, you and the others withdraw immediately. I'll stay behind to cover your escape. This is my final order. Get to the coordinates Optimus Prime left us. Once I deal with that Decepticon, I'll come find you."
Just like Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus was a Transformer warrior utterly devoted to his comrades.
"No! If that Decepticon commander arrives with the remaining guards we won't stand a chance! Let me stay and help!"
Wheeljack, the Autobot scientist and warrior, was as loyal as he was brave. Yet deep down, he knew that even if both of them stayed, their odds of surviving were slim unless a miracle happened.
"Jack, you know my capabilities. I can handle myself. Besides, you're the only one who knows those coordinates besides me. Everyone needs your guidance!"
The Autobots were different from the Decepticons.
In the face of danger, they always put their comrades first.
This selfless spirit was the truest mark of Autobot bravery and also the reason so many Autobot commanders often sacrificed themselves. After all, not every leader possessed the power of Optimus Prime.
"Fine! But be careful! There are a few hidden areas ahead those Decepticons haven't scouted them yet. Go hide there first. Jack, transform!"
After one last look at Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack transformed and sped off, escaping safely. But out there in the vastness of space, how many of them would truly reach the refuge alive?
Following Wheeljack's directions, Ultra Magnus soon found one of the covered shelters. But just as he was about to enter, his radar blared an urgent warning.
"Alert! Alert! You've been detected! Airborne radar lock-on confirmed!"
"What?!" Ultra Magnus tensed, looking skyward. Above the haze, a crimson jet was closing in fast.
Could it be Starscream?
He hadn't expected that troublesome Decepticon. But wasn't Starscream supposed to be a coward one who always fled from strong opponents? Could that reputation really be true?
For some reason, Ultra Magnus abandoned his hiding plan. He raised his weapon and aimed it at the red fighter in the sky. Was he going to face him head-on?
It was a bold move but the odds of a ground-based Transformer defeating an aerial Decepticon ace were less than ten percent!
Then, at that critical moment, Starscream suddenly dropped a message capsule from above.
"Ultra Magnus, if I were you, I'd hide behind those columns before that patrol unit surrounds you."
What was going on? Had Starscream caught a virus in his circuit board today? Why was he… helping the Autobots?
Ultra Magnus didn't understand what Starscream was playing at but something about his tone felt genuinely concerned. The dust rising in the distance confirmed it five Decepticon vehicles were indeed sweeping the area in his direction!
He didn't thank Starscream, of course but he still followed his advice, slipping behind the nearest cover.
What happened next left Ultra Magnus completely stunned.
As soon as Starscream saw him take cover, the jet transformed midair and upon landing, he wasn't Starscream anymore.
He was another Ultra Magnus.
"What in the name of Primus…?"
BOOM!
Before the real Ultra Magnus could even process what he was seeing, the imposter opened fire on the incoming Decepticon troops.
At first glance, he appeared to be wielding only a small Autobot laser pistol but within seconds, his body deployed an arsenal of high-grade weapons: surface-to-air missiles, rapid-fire plasma cannons, and guided warheads that shredded three of the five approaching Decepticon vehicles in an instant.
The largest explosion engulfed one entire transport in flames. The massive blast hurled it skyward at a ninety-degree angle before it came crashing down, one of its burning wheels bouncing across the ground until it finally rolled to a stop.
"Damn it! Ultra Magnus has heavy artillery! Transform! Everyone, transform now!"
But that was impossible Ultra Magnus's alt mode was a transport truck, just like Optimus Prime's. He didn't have heavy weapons!
The confused Decepticon soldiers were completely deceived they didn't even realize the truth.
"What are you waiting for?! Hurry up and escape! I can hold them off for now, but once reinforcements arrive, I'll have to flee too!"
While the two remaining Decepticons scrambled for cover, Starscream still disguised as Ultra Magnus shouted back at the real one hiding behind the rocks.
It was clear now: this was all part of Starscream's plan to help Ultra Magnus escape.
(End of Chapter)