Strange Ore

Sun Cheng had gained another elite warrior under his command, and he was still reveling in the news.

Little did he know that almost at the same time Frenzy joined his new collective, a war between humans and the Decepticons was about to erupt in the distant Arctic Circle, thousands of kilometers away.

Nunavut Province, one of Canada's most vast and sparsely populated provinces.

Because most of it lay within the Arctic Circle, Nunavut Province was blanketed by thick snow for the greater part of every year.

Even in summer, although the snow temporarily melted in some areas, the resulting standing water turned the land into a muddy mess. Swamps and lakes were everywhere, greatly limiting human development of the region.

As a result, although countless resources lay buried beneath this land, only a very small number of mining companies had come here for long-term development.

Sewell, an inconspicuous small town within Nunavut Province.

Calling it a small town was not entirely accurate, however.

Sewell did not even appear on Canada's administrative maps. It was a temporary settlement established only within the past two years, after an American gold exploration company arrived and began prospecting for gold ore in the area.

Sewell was said to mean "land of hope and wealth" in Eskimo, and the gold exploration company's purpose in naming the settlement was self-evident.

Those living in the settlement were all employees of the gold mining company, along with some family members who had come with them.

With several hundred people living there, even though it was only a temporary settlement, Sewell had a bar and various other living facilities.

During the period from April to October each year, when outdoor exploration was suitable, it was quite lively.

Today, Sewell was even livelier than usual.

Seven transport aircraft belonging