A Strange Decepticon

Cybertron's Ninth Exile Zone.

This was an independent space exile site located outside the planet Cybertron, converted from an abandoned space satellite. It was specifically used to process old machinery from Cybertron. The work had originally been assigned to prisoners guilty of heinous crimes, and serious casualty incidents occurred from time to time.

However, after Megatron seized power, those vicious Decepticons became the wardens of this place, while Autobot captives like Ultra Magnus became its primary labor force.

But these Decepticons had underestimated Ultra Magnus's abilities. He was Optimus Prime's younger brother, after all. Though he did not possess such exceptional leadership skills, he could still secretly gather all the Autobots in the Ninth Exile Zone and launch a counterattack while the Decepticons were off their guard.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

"Ultra Magnus, the last batch of Autobot prisoners has already left aboard those Decepticon aircraft. We're next. But there's bad news—we just intercepted Decepticon communications. They said a Decepticon air force commander is speeding this way. That guy definitely isn't weak!"

"I understand. Wheeljack, take the remaining warriors and withdraw immediately. I'll hold the rear! This is my final order. Hurry and follow the coordinates Brother Optimus left behind to rendezvous with them. Once I shake that guy off, I'll come find you."

Much like Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus was also a mighty Transformer warrior who always put everyone else first.

"No! If that Decepticon commander arrives, along with the guards here, how could you possibly hold them off alone? Let me stay and help you!"

This Autobot warrior named Wheeljack was truly loyal and righteous. But he also knew that even if both of them stayed, the odds of getting out unscathed were minuscule—unless some great miracle occurred.

"Wheeljack, you know what I'm capable of. Besides, it'll be easier for me to get away alone. And other than me, you're the only one who knows those coordinates. Everyone needs your guidance!"

These Autobots truly differed from the Decepticons. Whenever danger arose, they always let their friends leave first. This self-sacrificing spirit seemed to better demonstrate the Autobots' courage, and it was also the most important reason why so many Autobot commanders had fallen. After all, not every Autobot commander possessed Optimus Prime's abilities.

"Alright, then be careful! There are several good shelters ahead, and those guys haven't searched them yet. Go hide there first. Wheeljack, transform!"

After bidding Ultra Magnus farewell, Wheeljack, the last remaining Autobot companion, also withdrew safely. But once they entered the vastness of space, how many of them would truly make it safely to the refuge?

Following the direction Wheeljack had given him, Ultra Magnus quickly found one of the shelters. But just as he was about to rush inside, the radar alarm on his body suddenly began beeping.

"Warning! Warning! You have been locked on! You have been locked on by airborne radar!"

What was going on? Could it be that legendary Decepticon air force commander? Using the corner of his eye, Wheeljack quickly turned and looked up into the sky. Above the murky haze, a red fighter jet seemed to be tracking him. Could it be Starscream?

He had not expected it to be this troublesome fellow. But he had heard that Starscream was a coward who would flee whenever he encountered a formidable opponent. Was that true?

For some reason, Ultra Magnus suddenly gave up running. He directly pulled out his cell phone and aimed it at the red aircraft in the sky. Was he really going to confront his opponent head-on?

Though Ultra Magnus's courage was admirable, a car-form Transformer on the ground facing a high-speed fighter jet had less than a ten percent chance of winning!

Yet at that critical moment, Starscream in the sky suddenly tossed down a baffling remark.

"Ultra Magnus, if I were you, I'd hurry and hide behind those pillars. Otherwise, the troops behind you will surround you!"

What was this? Had Starscream gotten a virus in his circuitry today? Why was he suddenly helping an Autobot?

Although he did not understand what Starscream was trying to do, Ultra Magnus immediately realized that the other party really seemed to mean him well. The billowing dust in the distance indicated that no fewer than five Decepticon war vehicles were searching in this direction!

Naturally, Ultra Magnus would not thank a Decepticon, but he still followed Starscream's instructions and found the nearest shelter. Then, an unbelievable scene that left Ultra Magnus utterly stunned unfolded.

After seeing Ultra Magnus hide, that Starscream immediately transformed. But when he landed on the ground, he did not take on the familiar form of Starscream. Instead, he became another identical "Ultra Magnus"!

What was going on?

"Boom!"

Just as the real Ultra Magnus was doubting his own eyes, the impostor before him had already opened fire on the Decepticon warriors in the distance!

On the surface, he looked like an Autobot warrior holding a small laser pistol, but what fired from around his body were surface-to-air missiles, air-to-air missiles, and high-powered rapid-fire cannons. He directly blasted three of the five charging Decepticon war vehicles into the air.

The most outrageous one was completely engulfed in roaring flames. The force of the explosion launched the entire vehicle ninety degrees into the sky, and one of its sparking wheels even fell to the ground and rolled more than ten meters before stopping.

"Not good! This Ultra Magnus has heavy artillery! Everyone, transform!"

Well, Ultra Magnus himself could not possibly possess heavy weapons. His transformed form, like Optimus Prime's, was originally a transport truck. These muddleheaded Decepticon warriors had probably been blasted senseless. Had they not considered that the fellow before them might be an impostor?

"What are you still waiting for? Hurry and run while you have the chance! I can hold these few off for you, but if their main force arrives, I'll have no choice but to run for my life too!"

While the two Decepticon warriors on the other side were taking cover, Starscream, disguised as Ultra Magnus, hurriedly shouted to the real Ultra Magnus hidden behind him. This was the plan he had come up with to help Ultra Magnus escape!