Another Deal (Part One)

Optimus Prime frowned deeply. He had indeed considered that possibility.

But the situation was far from encouraging. After losing Prowl and Bumblebee, his two top intelligence and counterintelligence experts, he had uncovered nothing over the past period with only the [Cassette Troops] to rely on.

"We can't delay this any longer!"

Optimus Prime shook his head. "I've already bought a great deal of time by using Cosmic Rust as an excuse, but the [Cassette Troops] have found no evidence of Decepticons pulling strings behind the scenes. Now that Ratchet has treated my teacher's injuries and brought the rust under control, more and more people are questioning why I haven't used the [Matrix of Leadership] to awaken him!"

Apart from a handful of highly confidential areas, Autobots could move freely throughout New Iacon City.

Sentinel Prime had initially been placed in a hospital within New Iacon City, with a squad of Autobot warriors dispatched by Optimus Prime guarding him day and night.

But after the rust afflicting him was brought under control, Optimus Prime chose to grant limited access to the hospital where Sentinel Prime was staying, allowing some of his most fervent supporters to visit him in order to quell their doubts.

As a result, many Autobots now knew that Sentinel Prime's Cosmic Rust had been brought under control.

Thus, more voices began calling for Optimus Prime to use the [Matrix of Leadership] to awaken him.

By now, the young Autobot leader had become increasingly aware that something was strange. He had even specifically dispatched the [Cassette Troops] to investigate the matter.

Unfortunately, the [Cassette Troops] had found nothing.

This left even Optimus Prime, who had already sensed something amiss, with no choice but to make a decision.

For a moment, Arcee did not know how to continue persuading him.