The visitors HAD heard about those two people. When Optimus relayed Skyfall\u2019s report to everyone, Richard slammed his hand onto the table. \u201cHiro!\u201d he snarled. \u201cI always knew he was power-hungry! Adding Megatron and a scientific genius proved it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen did they set up shop with the Decepticons?\u201d asked Hanako.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe earliest sighting was yesterday,\u201d replied Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMegatron must be desperate if he\u2019s siding with someone who\u2019s supposed to be part of a terrorist group,\u201d remarked Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cApparently, one of the stipulations,\u201d continued Skyfall, \u201cwas that Hiro would recognize the sovereignty of Megatron and Dr. Borg\u2019s respective borders until it was declared they would join Hiro. I wouldn\u2019t exactly call that siding with anyone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMore like testing them out,\u201d remarked Ratchet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat leaves them an inroad for this planet,\u201d reported Prowl. \u201cRobotropolis has been reported abandoned. They may use that as a way to infiltrate us when we\u2019re off planet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe MUST stymy their efforts!\u201d declared Swalmu as he fanned himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what we\u2019re going to do,\u201d replied Optimus. \u201cG.U.N has agreed Robotropolis is too risky to leave alone. We\u2019re going to close off that route.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHow?\u201d asked Ironhide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to mine it,\u201d answered Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know much about this world,\u201d interjected Hanako, \u201cbut, where I\u2019m from, there are two meanings to mining something. One is to deter enemies, the other is to gather valuable minerals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSame with us,\u201d replied Flora softly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd here,\u201d answered Optimus. \u201cWe\u2019re going for the former option.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s going to make Megatron mad,\u201d remarked Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd cause him to make a mistake,\u201d supplied Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI just hope he makes one that gives us the edge,\u201d muttered Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was all hands on deck as the Autobots and their allies mined the now abandoned Robotropolis. They made sure the Space Bridge gateway was located and mined first. They move outwards from there. Prowl approached Richard, Hanako, and Optimus with a message. \u201cGentlemen, I believe we\u2019ve provoked a response. They\u2019re demanding to speak with us. Specifically, Megatron wants to talk to Mr. Saunders.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMe?\u201d asked Richard. \u201cWhy me?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe mentioned that you would know a Ms. Megumi Hishikawa,\u201d replied Prowl. Richard became more tense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy wife,\u201d he whispered, fearing for her life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat will you do?\u201d asked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo you bots mind watching over my meeting with him?\u201d requested Richard. \u201cI\u2019d feel a little more comfortable knowing Autobots have my back.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA healthy concern,\u201d agreed Optimus. \u201cI\u2019ll cover you and so will Prowl.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen and where does Megatron want to see me?\u201d asked Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIn an hour, at Emerald Coast,\u201d answered Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Richard looked like he was alone, but Optimus and Prowl had hidden themselves behind large rocks that formed a natural divider between the tourists and the residents of the beach. He stood there, looking around for any telltale signs of the Decepticon Leader approaching him. Just then, a Space Bridge portal opened. It was more intense than the Autobots\u2019 Ground Bridge. A grey tank then hovered out of the portal as it closed. The pilot, a grey hedgehog in a suit with a tube on his right arm, came out. This was Megatron\u2019s holo-form. \u201cNice to see you again,\u201d remarked Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhy don\u2019t we drop the pleasantries?\u201d barked Megatron. \u201cI\u2019ll make this brief. You overlooked cameras within Robotropolis. Once he was returned to us, Soundwave gave me all of his information on the mines you\u2019re helping the Autobots set up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI figured you would know soon enough,\u201d muttered Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe way I see it, you have two choices,\u201d growled Megatron. \u201cEither you remove the mines or we take Robotropolis and remove them ourselves!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI appreciate your being blunt,\u201d replied Richard. \u201cNow, let me be blunt with you: the mines stay. I will not permit any of your alliance to use Robotropolis to gain the upper hand on us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYOU will not PERMIT?!\u201d roared Megatron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour audio receivers are working correctly,\u201d confirmed Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…I can see how that might be your first impulse,\u201d Megatron continued softly. \u201cHowever, I\u2019ve met Megumi, as I\u2019ve mentioned in my message to you. She is a reasonable woman and must have married a reasonable man. I like to consider myself a reasonable mech, so surely we can reach some mutually acceptable compromise?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t think the Decepticons believed in compromise,\u201d muttered Richard. A pained look crossed Megatron\u2019s features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI can\u2019t tell you how deeply it wounds me to hear you mouth Autobot propaganda,\u201d he sighed. \u201cAll my alliance wants is to secure our own power and peacefully coexist with you and your allies. Besides, Megumi has made a truce with us that was mutually acceptable as it resulted in Starscream returning to us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo answer me this,\u201d snarled Richard, \u201cwhy would you side with Hiro?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…He feels a little…undermanned,\u201d replied Megatron. \u201cDon\u2019t get me wrong, I\u2019m pleased to call him an ally, but, as you can vividly tell me, he lost a lot of men three years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cVivid would be an understatement,\u201d remarked Richard as he recalled the incident with the Apocalypse Riders\u2019 Sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs such, he feels a little…nervous,\u201d continued Megatron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLike you said, it\u2019s been three years,\u201d reminded Richard. \u201cSurely, he\u2019s built up his armies by now. He must have more than enough manpower.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou may think that and I may think that,\u201d answered Megatron, \u201cbut Hiro…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYes, I know,\u201d interrupted Richard. \u201cHe\u2019s nervous.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou see my dilemma,\u201d observed Megatron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m beginning to,\u201d muttered Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat if,\u201d offered Megatron, \u201cyou limit your mines to the periphery of Robotropolis, keeping their locations secret from us, and we use Robotropolis as a storage barn for construction units, civilian aid, medical supplies, all various tools to get economies back on their feet?\u201d Richard arched an eyebrow at that. \u201cI suppose you haven\u2019t heard, but there are worlds in Hiro\u2019s empire that have starving children. It\u2019s Spark-breaking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI had no idea things were so bad for Hiro\u2019s subjects,\u201d sympathized Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a very proud man,\u201d replied Megatron, \u201che doesn\u2019t want to admit to anyone how dire the situation is. As someone who\u2019s fought in a war before my current one with Optimus and witnessed the horrible aftermath, I can see it all too well. So, are we agreed? You limit the mines to Robotropolis\u2019 periphery and we limit our use of it to storing supplies relating to medical and economic assistance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt sounds reasonable,\u201d mused Richard. \u201cI\u2019ll have to discuss it with Optimus and the rest of our allies first, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOptimus has a tendency to do whatever his soldiers and allies recommend,\u201d assured Megatron. \u201cFor my part, I will personally speak with Hiro and secure our part of the bargain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat about Hiro?\u201d asked Richard. \u201cOr Dr. Eggman, if he exists in this world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe does,\u201d answered Megatron. \u201cAs to both his and Hiro\u2019s reactions, I\u2019m willing to bet they\u2019ll be furious at first. But, our relationship is a fine, working, stable one. I\u2019m sure I can help them to see the wisdom of this arrangement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201c…Then I will leave it in your capable hands,\u201d replied Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI predict you will be satisfied with the outcome,\u201d purred Megatron. He then activated a communicator. \u201cSoundwave, I require a way home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGot it, Lord Dude!\u201d cheered Soundwave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat did I say about calling me that?!\u201d snapped Megatron. The comms switched off as the Space Bridge opened. Megatron\u2019s holo-form began climbing into his vehicle mode before he looked back. \u201cMr. Saunders, I was right about you. Megumi DID marry a reasonable man. This is a momentous day for both of us. You and I have just taken the first step towards turning a mere truce between my alliance and yours into an ever-lasting peace.\u201d He sped off through the Space Bridge Vortex before it closed. After a few seconds, Richard motioned for Optimus and Prowl to break cover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019m not so sure I can agree to that,\u201d remarked Prowl. \u201cOur mines are set for the ground. They\u2019ll take advantage of the air.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cProwl, what are the rules about a periphery?\u201d asked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere must be a clearly established boundary both for the ground and in the air,\u201d answered Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAnd did Megatron say to place our mines on the actual periphery line or the total periphery?\u201d asked Richard. Prowl soon realized the logic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe\u2019ll see any air mines,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI wouldn\u2019t worry about that,\u201d assured Optimus. \u201cBefore he was taken, Perceptor told me how he had perfected mines of all types with a cloaking device and could self-replicate. He gave credit to Rom.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThank you, Deep Space Nine<\/em>,\u201d chuckled Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThen we should inform the rest of the change of plans,\u201d declared Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAssemble everyone so we can discuss this,\u201d ordered Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes, Sir,\u201d obliged Prowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy couldn\u2019t you have just shot him?!\u201d shouted Hiro when Megatron returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI would rather not have Megumi fly at us in a rage,\u201d replied Megatron calmly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDid you mention that they should limit their mines only to ground mines?\u201d asked Dr. Borg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI felt as it that would only make our adversaries consider breaking the current peace,\u201d remarked Megatron, \u201cso, no.\u201d Dr. Borg rolled her eyes. \u201cBesides, we have other priorities. Namely, what that \u2018Transmetal\u2019 spider did.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou\u2019re right, Tarantulas has abandoned us,\u201d replied Hiro. \u201cI\u2019m ordering our ships to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo, divert them to Skaro,\u201d countered Megatron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy?!\u201d snapped Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe need them to fortify our position there,\u201d explained Megatron. \u201cTarantulas absconded with valuable data and given the time we\u2019ve wasted; he\u2019s probably telling Megumi about our plans.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAren\u2019t the Daleks sufficient enough to protect Skaro?!\u201d argued Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is Megatron\u2019s base,\u201d advised Dr. Borg. \u201cPerhaps we shouldn\u2019t question his strategies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA wise decision,\u201d agreed Megatron. Hiro glared before transmitting the necessary orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI wonder what would prompt such a response from Tarantulas?\u201d mused Dr. Borg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s not exactly on anyone\u2019s side, not even his fellow Predacons,\u201d replied Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd you kept him?\u201d scoffed Megatron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe both know everyone needs to be kept on our toes,\u201d countered Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAt the risk of a security exposure?\u201d quizzed Dr. Borg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe have enough grunts to punish him,\u201d answered Hiro. \u201cAt least, we SHOULD!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you have something to say, say it,\u201d invited Megatron.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…Do you have any idea about the current strategy we\u2019re employing?!\u201d snarled Hiro. \u201cWe\u2019ve not made a single attack against our allies!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI assure you, the current siege defense strategy,\u201d replied Megatron, \u201chas not been adopted lightly. We will attack our adversaries soon.\u201d Hiro rolled his eyes and poured himself some alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWouldn\u2019t human alcoholics consider this a little too early?\u201d snarked Dr. Borg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI need something to warm my bones,\u201d griped Hiro. \u201cIt\u2019s freezing here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI DID ask Dr. Eggman if this was too cold for him,\u201d interjected Megatron. \u201cHe said \u2018no\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBesides, it\u2019s just right for a Fae,\u201d supplied Dr. Borg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why I should suffer!\u201d hissed Hiro. \u201cBesides, I haven\u2019t seen Dr. Eggman for days!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFeel free to dress warmly,\u201d offered Megatron. Just then, a Combatman entered with a data-stick in his arms. It was meant to fit in a Cybertronian\u2019s hand. \u201cAh, the maps!\u201d cheered Megatron. \u201cSplendid, you have done well! I\u2019ll see to it that Hiro at least considers you for promotion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI aim to please,\u201d replied the Combatman as he saluted, then left. Megatron inserted the data-stick into a table and it projected a map of the multiverse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLet\u2019s see, there\u2019s our fallback position,\u201d he muttered as he pointed to an area on the map, \u201cthere we are, and there are the three sub-dimensions that make up Dr. Borg\u2019s home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd right there,\u201d chuckled Hiro as he pointed to another area, \u201cis our prize: Vorton!\u201d He then raised his glass. \u201cTo the conquerors of the multiverse!\u201d he toasted before he sipped his drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAren\u2019t you being a tad premature?\u201d asked Dr. Borg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot in the slightest,\u201d chuckled Hiro. \u201cNot when we have 2,800 Dalek ships on standby.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThose ships won\u2019t be used for some time,\u201d reminded Dr. Borg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBesides, a lot can happen in the time you\u2019re quenching your throat,\u201d continued Megatron. \u201cPerhaps if you didn\u2019t talk more than I do, your throat wouldn\u2019t be so dry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI DO like to talk,\u201d conceded Hiro. \u201cIt can be a failing at times.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEspecially when you\u2019re not fully studying the enemy and their borders,\u201d muttered Megatron as he and Dr. Borg returned their gazes to the map. A groan escaped Hiro\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTell me, Megatron,\u201d he sighed, \u201chave you ever been diagnosed as anhedonic?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI CAN experience joy, thank you,\u201d growled Megatron. \u201cI\u2019m just cautious right now, hence why I\u2019m studying our adversaries\u2019 territory.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe didn\u2019t defeat our enemies by being cautious,\u201d sighed Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe didn’t defeat them YET!\u201d snarled Dr. Borg. \u201cEven if we did, holding on to a prize as vast as our enemy\u2019s area of influence isn\u2019t going to be easy! It\u2019s going to require numerous ships, massive occupational armies, and constant vigilance!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI look forward to it!\u201d chuckled Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m sure you looked forward to controlling Earth,\u201d remarked Megatron, \u201cback in your universe of birth. We all know how Hongo stymied Shocker\u2019s efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMust you?\u201d grumbled Hiro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat was it you wanted to talk to me about?\u201d Richard asked Optimus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI got an invite recently,\u201d replied Optimus. \u201cDid you ever hear about the Verse Vs. Verse Rumble Royale?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…No, can\u2019t say as I have,\u201d answered Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cApparently it\u2019s a fighting tournament,\u201d recalled Optimus. \u201cI\u2019m supposed to be fighting against other champions, your wife included.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDid you accept?\u201d asked Richard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot yet,\u201d answered Optimus. \u201cThe Chizarans, the people hosting this whole thing, need my decision when I meet Megumi and someone called Arsha Royana.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…Maybe one of the Horsemen knows about it,\u201d mused Richard. Just then, a call came through. It was Ironhide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPrime, we\u2019ve got a new situation!\u201d he called. \u201cWe\u2019ve got more Kamen Riders fighting the Joker and Sauron in the Downtown area!\u201d Optimus sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOn my way,\u201d he replied. \u201cRichard, mind helping out again?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t mind at all,\u201d replied Richard as he fastened his belt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cVortex Driver!\u201d called the belt as he drew his i.d. tag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHenshin!\u201d he announced as he inserted the tag and spun the wheel, forming his suit and becoming Kamen Rider Guard. \u201cLet\u2019s roll out!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHey, that\u2019s MY line!\u201d shouted Optimus.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The visitors HAD heard about those two people. When Optimus relayed Skyfall\u2019s report to everyone, Richard slammed his hand onto the table. \u201cHiro!\u201d he snarled. \u201cI always knew he was power-hungry! Adding Megatron and a scientific genius proved it!\u201d \u201cWhen did they set up shop with the Decepticons?\u201d asked Hanako. \u201cThe earliest sighting was yesterday,\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2316,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[101,102],"tags":[9,345,337],"class_list":["post-2315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-trinity-soul","category-trinity-soul-chapters","tag-kamen-rider","tag-three-realms","tag-transformers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2315"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2315\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2318,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2315\/revisions\/2318"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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