Chapter 43: A Massive Black Shadow in the Sky
"Beep, beep, beep! System identity verification initiated. Please reveal your identity."
Following the Transformer system's instructions worked perfectly. The Decepticon insignia on Starscream's chest quickly fused with the slot on the massive iron gate, emitting a blue authentication light that scanned the newcomer.
"My name is Starscream, current commander of the Cybertronian Air Force! I am a Decepticon warrior requesting access!"
It was a standard identification phrase used in any Cybertronian protocol. However, this ancient system seemed to have no record of Starscream.
"Visitor identity confirmed: Decepticon warrior. However, your information is not found in this database. Please wait. The system will connect to the central server to update records… Stand by, 1%, 2%, 3%..."
Alright! It seemed Starscream had successfully activated the access control system by requesting entry. But this ancient installation had been inactive for at least a thousand years...could it really still connect to Cybertron from such a distant planet?
Just as Starscream pondered that, the system seemed to encounter an obstacle...or perhaps it simply couldn't reach Cybertron at all.
"43%... beep beep... Connection error. Remote access denied. Cybertron has changed its connection password!"
That made sense. If this Decepticon outpost had been built here a millennium ago, then the Autobots would have been the rulers of Cybertron back then. But now, the Decepticons had seized control of the planet...so of course, all communication frequencies and passwords would have been changed!
"Who designed this system? Don't you know Cybertron no longer belongs to the Autobots? Verify it again immediately! I, Starscream, have no interest in playing games with you. If you don't let me in, I'll use my own methods!"
Starscream wasn't about to be intimidated by an ancient AI. Drawing his laser pistol, he prepared to blow the door apart. That was, after all, the Decepticon way.
"Beep beep beep! Visitor identified as Decepticon. Access granted. Please wait a moment...we are opening the hatch now."
Perfect! Whether it was fear or simple recognition of his Decepticon authority, the massive door finally opened. The Huns following him began to move closer too, believing whatever treasures lay within the ruins were theirs to claim.
Starscream didn't care about them. As long as they didn't interfere or cause damage, he wouldn't waste energy shooting them.
But at the exact moment the massive iron gate opened, something else seemed to stir...on the opposite side of the planet.
"BZZZZT!"
A Decepticon? A Decepticon has entered my territory! It's been a long time since I've destroyed one. These creatures are truly amusing...sending another one to die every few centuries. Let's see who it is this time.
Within the mouth of a colossal volcano, a giant awoke. As the Decepticon outpost activated on the far side of the world, the being inside the crater let out a deafening roar. A moment later, a massive black shadow...dozens of meters long...burst out of the volcano, transforming into a titanic silhouette streaking through the sky at incredible speed toward Starscream's location.
Was there some kind of guardian watching over this Decepticon base? Or had the site always been monitored by another force? Starscream was about to find out.
"Commander Starscream, welcome to the Decepticon outpost on Planet C-53. This facility serves as the observation base for our Decepticon warriors across the galaxy, and it also contains prototype biotechnology modules!"
So, it was a Decepticon installation after all. Following the guiding voice, Starscream entered the vast underground chamber beyond the gate...a massive subterranean complex that seemed to stretch endlessly.
"This… this is the resting place of the Great God Chi You! We… we've finally found it! Great God, your people have returned!"
For some inexplicable reason, the shaman the Huns had brought fell to his knees upon seeing the vast empty space, urging his followers to bow repeatedly to the nothingness. It made no sense...the area was empty save for a few strange metallic structures.
"Stay here. I need to investigate. No one enters without my permission...or you'll suffer the consequences!"
Starscream didn't have time to deal with the Huns. He needed to reactivate the Decepticon systems immediately...and more importantly, find something to replenish his energy reserves.
"Yes, my lord! We'll wait here for your return!"
Though they shared no blood with him, the Huns were completely enthralled, worshipping the red-and-silver mech like a divine being.
However, neither the Huns nor Starscream anticipated what would happen next. Just as everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly, a deafening roar thundered across the sky above the ruins, followed by violent explosions. The perimeter was being bombarded!
"BOOM!"
"CRACK!"
Could it be those so-called "Eclipse pursuers" had arrived with their main force? No...it was clearly the sound of laser weaponry. Ordinary human technology hadn't yet reached that level… right?
"Host, the system has detected a Transformer-class energy signature. It appears we have a guest. I recommend suspending further exploration of this Decepticon outpost and heading out to greet our unexpected visitor."
(End of Chapter)