Chapter 53: The Sealed Dinobot Sludge
"Host, according to the progress of our excavation, I'm 99% sure that this one is Sludge, the Brontosaurus from the Dinobot Squadron. I have his records in my database. But how did he end up on this unknown planet? He must have been buried in this underground city for many years. If it weren't for the faint signal we just detected, I wouldn't have believed he was once part of the legendary Dinobot Squad. What secrets are hidden here?"
Even the supposedly all-knowing Transformer System didn't know what to do...let alone the completely bewildered Starscream.
"So, what now? Do I wake him up? If I rescue this Autobot warrior, does that count as completing the mission? And what new functions are you planning to grant me afterward?"
In truth, Starscream had no prior connection with this Dinobot warrior. He only said that to fulfill the system's task. The previously unlocked abilities were quite useful...Starscream could even transform into Megatron for fun when he was bored.
"Host, you seem a bit too eager, don't you? There are still many secrets in this dungeon. Our previous agreement was to explore this place thoroughly before stopping here. Although this Thunder Dragon Sludge didn't take part in Cybertron's defense, he's still an Autobot combat unit. If possible, I suggest you provide him with some energy. Perhaps he can tell us what happened here."
Since this was a direct request from the System Chief, Starscream decided to continue the mission as ordered.
Fortunately, he had recharged a large amount of energy from Skyfire's abandoned base, and still had plenty to spare. Sharing a small portion with this Dinobot warrior wouldn't be an issue.
Although the Dinobots were said to possess incredible combat power, giving him only a small amount of energy to restore basic functions shouldn't cause any major trouble… Starscream wasn't looking for unnecessary problems!
After unearthing most of the giant's body, Starscream began inspecting it.
Since Decepticons and Autobots had very different designs, locating their power transfer channels was difficult. Eventually, the Transformer System identified a suitable spot under Sludge's abdomen.
It looked like a data conduit. After extracting it and replacing the interface, it barely matched Starscream's connector.
"Since you're potentially dangerous, I'll only give you 3% of my energy...just enough for you to communicate normally!"
Though Starscream had never fought him directly, he had heard plenty about the Dinobots. Their ferocity in battle was unmatched; they never showed mercy. And even if Decepticons hadn't betrayed them when this one arrived on the planet, who could say Sludge wasn't dangerous now?
Of course, even if the Dinobot wanted to go all-out, this small amount of energy wouldn't last long. Besides, Starscream was fully armed...why should he fear a half-dead Dinobot?
"Click… click!"
Transformers were far sturdier than humans. The once-motionless mechanical dinosaur reacted almost instantly after receiving the power boost. His long neck, buried deep in the ground, began to move. His once-dark eyes lit up with a fierce crimson glow, and his massive jaws slowly opened.
But instead of the calm response Starscream expected, Sludge unleashed a panicked roar:
"Alert! Alert! It's a prehistoric beast! Where did these damned mechanical monsters come from?! Protect the humans! Evacuate...hurry…!"
After a series of confused cries, the enormous Thunder Dragon gradually calmed down. The red glow in his optics faded into a pale blue, and he stared at Starscream in a way that made the Decepticon feel uneasy.
"Hey, hey, hey! What's with you? You start screaming the moment you wake up. Shouldn't you be thanking your savior, dear Mr. Sludge?"
"You… who are you? A Decepticon? I think I remember you. You're one of Megatron's lackeys, aren't you? I believe I've seen you more than once on Cybertron...but you always kept your head down, avoiding eye contact. Never thought I'd meet you again under these circumstances. Well, well…"
Wait...this dinosaur recognizes Starscream? But his database must be centuries out of date! He probably didn't even know Cybertron had a new ruler.
Luckily, Sludge was unaware of Cybertron's current state...otherwise, this conversation might not have been possible at all.
"All right! But tell me...what was that outburst when you woke up? What 'prehistoric beast'? What 'Earthlings'? What's going on with you? According to the isotope analysis of your body, you've been buried here for over 800 years. You're going to tell me what happened here, right?"
To clear his doubts and fulfill the system's mission, Starscream decided to keep the conversation going. He needed to learn what this dungeon truly was...and what had occurred here centuries ago.
Perhaps his mind had cleared, or perhaps Starscream's question triggered something...because the Thunder Dragon began to think seriously.
"Starscream, why did you give me so little energy? I'll run out in a few hours. At least give me a bit more so I can transform into my robot form. It's very uncomfortable talking to you like this!"
Starscream, in robot form, was still much smaller than the towering Thunder Dragon before him. Talking like this indeed felt awkward.
"Fine! But I don't have much energy left either, so I'll lend you 5%! That's my limit...don't push your luck!"
(End of Chapter)