Chapter 320: Chapter 320: Alliance Established! Global Conference Held as Scheduled!
Chapter 320: Alliance Established! Global Conference Held as Scheduled!
In reality, with the power of Megatronus's capabilities, had his mind been a bit more agile and adaptive, and had he followed Li Ang's management approach for a while, achieving the position of Galactic Governor wouldn't have been impossible.
The universe's massive corporate matrix could monitor and supervise Shockwave's thoughts, but it struggled to alter his mindset.
Li Ang could only gently guide him, just like how he once coaxed "Eywa" on Pandora to willingly provide vast amounts of consciousness energy for the Universal Megacorp. He even used Pandora as bait for the [Civilization Fishing Plan], luring incoming alien civilizations to bite.
"You are a very powerful civilization," Optimus Prime said with sincere admiration. "Megatronus 's strength is immense. He is the most powerful of the Primordial Supreme Beings. The fact that you managed to subdue him already proves the level of your technology."
Being able to eliminate such a threat was, of course, a relief to Optimus Prime. After pausing for a moment, he continued:
"Humanity's brain is highly developed, and its intelligence is remarkable. It's just that the technological level is too low. I once felt pity and confusion for humans."
"But after seeing the Universal Megacorp, I now have an answer!"
Optimus Prime knew the origins of the Cybertronians and the responsibilities they had after the ancient war ended.
Optimus Prime once believed that the Transformers were the rulers of the universe, but after encountering the Universal Megacorp, he saw another possibility.
Maybe humans also had the potential to become the rulers of the universe!
Although humanity was weak at this stage, their future prospects were vast. They possessed intelligence and courage, just lacking a bit of luck.
Humans arrived too late in the grand scheme of things, and their time of existence was too short. Without the protection of advanced civilizations, humanity would always face the threat of extinction.
Fortunately, this time, luck was finally on humanity's side. The Universal Megacorp's arrival would accelerate human evolution. Otherwise, relying solely on the Autobots, it was uncertain where humanity's future would head.
"Thank you for your recognition!"
David nodded calmly. He was well aware of the Universal Megacorp's immense power, but within the context of the Transformers universe, Cybertronians were the legitimate and destined race.
Humans could only take a secondary role, so David didn't try to climb higher in the conversation. Instead, he extended another invitation to Optimus Prime:
"We are quite interested in the Cybertronian civilization. Would you be willing to accept our invitation to come to our headquarters and engage in discussions with our research team?"
Although the alliance between the Universal Megacorp and the Autobots might not be finalized immediately, David believed that once Optimus Prime saw the Corporation's profound foundation, he would immediately agree to an alliance.
The reasoning was simple. The main reason Optimus Prime had previously rejected the United States government was that humanity's technological level was too low, unworthy of deep collaboration with the Autobots.
The Autobots and humans could only maintain a surface-level alliance. For true cooperation and development, it would essentially be the Autobots providing technological aid to humanity.
However, humans always carried an attitude as if they had ulterior motives. No normal Autobot leader would share advanced technology with humans.
As the saying goes: "A great favor is like a great grudge."
Once humanity received the Autobots' technological aid and experienced an explosive leap in civilization, the likely outcome wouldn't be gratitude or reciprocation.
Instead, it would likely be a brutal attempt to wipe out the Autobots!
Optimus Prime, understanding human nature too well, had hesitated to form a deeper alliance with humanity, always wary of them as a species.
When David extended his invitation again, Optimus Prime didn't refuse. He nodded and accepted graciously: "Of course, it would be my honor."
Cybertronians were silicon-based lifeforms, while humans were carbon-based.
In all the long years, Optimus Prime had never encountered such a powerful carbon-based civilization as the Universal Megacorp. He was eager to see what the development form of a high-level carbon-based civilization looked like.
At the very least, Optimus Prime could use this meeting to probe the Corporation's strength and thoroughly understand the foundation of his potential partner.
"This spark has too low power. It can only keep me alive but won't support me in flying out of Earth. I need to rely on your spaceship," Optimus Prime said, weakly pushing himself up.
Every Transformer had its own energy core, or Spark, and the one currently embedded in Optimus Prime was too low-end compared to his original Spark.
Although it worked, it didn't compare to the energy core he was accustomed to. As a descendant of the Six Primordial Supremes, Optimus Prime's Spark was exceptionally powerful.
Having grown used to a high-end Spark, using a makeshift version felt incredibly uncomfortable.
"Here's the deal, Optimus Prime."
At that moment, the aging Jetfire slowly walked up to Optimus Prime and said, "I'll give you my Spark. With my current condition, I no longer have need for such a good Spark."
Optimus Prime froze at these words. For any Transformer, their Spark was their life. Exchanging Sparks was like exchanging lives.
How could he repay such a favor?
"Don't hesitate. You're still young, and the Autobots need your leadership. I'm just an old bone. I don't need such a good Spark anymore," Jetfire urged, tapping his cane on the ground.
In the distant past, Jetfire had followed Megatronus , doing many evil deeds. Even though he had redeemed himself by joining forces with the Six Primordial Supremes, he still wished to do more for the Autobots.
"jetfire, keep your Spark," David said with a smile, stepping forward to stop him. "The Universal Megacorp will craft a powerful Spark for Optimus Prime. You can rest easy."
Seeing jetfire's displeasure, David quickly added, "We have many research results on giant mechs, as you saw from the battle earlier."
"We plan to replace Optimus Prime's Spark with a Corporation version. This Spark will be a unique, one-of-a-kind energy core!"
The Universal Megacorp was well-versed in energy manipulation techniques, from cold fusion to Eva's consciousness energy, anti-matter energy, and various super-light-speed engine devices.
Even in the recent years, the Corporation had developed mature hard-light technology in the Halo universe, using hard light as an energy source.
In terms of Spark creation, the Corporation's technology was exceptionally advanced, but there was one major flaw: they couldn't make machines "come to life."
Thus, when it came to replacing Optimus Prime's Spark, the Universal Megacorp also had some selfish motives.
While the Corporation controlled abundant energy technology, it had no knowledge of how to make machines transform freely. If they could obtain both the Autobots' and Decepticons' technologies, they could quickly fill this technical gap.
Furthermore, equipping Optimus Prime with the Corporation's Spark would, in a way, bind him to the Universal Megacorp's energy supply.
In any relationship, the most important thing for longevity was maintaining a steady flow of mutual benefit.
jetfire, having weathered many storms, fell silent for a moment before realizing the Corporation's deeper intentions. Since that was the case, he didn't want to say much more.
The Autobots cooperating with the Corporation might not be such a bad thing after all.
"Then, please prepare to board the ship. Our research team is ready to meet with you," David said.
With those words, a massive Endless-class aircraft carrier slowly descended.
This giant ship would serve as transport for Optimus Prime and the Autobots to the Ideal City headquarters.
After a round of astonished exclamations, the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, swiftly entered the carrier's hangar, preparing to return to the main universe.
Boom!
With a rumble of the engines, the Endless-class aircraft carrier rose vertically and gradually disappeared into the sky.
As Optimus Prime and the Autobots departed Egypt, David's aide, William Cage, reminded him,
"Sir, Rita has the latest news. The global conference has been scheduled to take place in China!"
Since Rita and the other diplomats had been blocked from approval at the NEST base in America and the global conference had been delayed,
Rita had changed her communication focus to China. Unlike America's arrogant attitude, China had quickly made preparations and extended an invitation to all nations.
Of course, the only country not invited was America.
"Are we really not inviting the U.S. government? They are, after all, the only hegemonic nation on Earth," Cage asked curiously. With the current situation, the Universal Megacorp should expedite Earth's unification, and leaving America out felt like a significant gap in the territory.
David shook his head. He understood that their attitude toward the U.S. government was firm. Without giving those politicians a lesson, they would never submit.
"The American politicians are arrogant. They want to monopolize the communication channels with the Corporation and continue their dream of hegemony."
"The boss dislikes them, so we'd rather slow down the unification process than allow America to remain a hidden threat."
With that, David turned, leading Cage onto the Eagle Shuttle as they prepared to return to the front lines.
Through the shuttle's window, David could see the confused and stagnant American forces still stuck on the ground, unsure of what to do.
After this battle, the Universal Megacorp had gained much, and the Autobots had achieved their goals. The only ones left without a sense of purpose were the U.S. soldiers.
…
At this moment, inside the U.S. Presidential Palace.
President Barrack, upon receiving the latest information from Egypt, was stunned, unable to believe that the global crisis had been resolved in less than a day.
Even more unbelievable was that not only had Megatronus been captured by the Universal Megacorp, but even Optimus Prime and the Autobots had disappeared with the Corporation's fleet.
"Impossible. We are the most powerful country on this planet. Without our help, where could the Autobots go?"
President Barrack was perplexed. He had dealt with the Autobots before and knew of their origins. Despite their advanced technology, they were bound by "internal order" and could not harm other civilizations.
To establish cooperation with humanity, the U.S. government was indispensable.
Logically, both the Autobots and the Universal Megacorp should have reached an agreement with the United States.
Even if the Corporation didn't like the U.S.'s terms, they could have negotiated. There was no reason to walk away so abruptly.
And they even took away the Autobots, who were their allies!
"Mr. President, I must remind you that the Universal Megacorp captured members of the Decepticons, including Starscream, in less than 24 hours."
"Having defeated Megatronus , they now seem to have formed some kind of close cooperative relationship with the Autobots. They are far stronger than we imagined!"
The speaker was Garroway, who, just a short time ago, had been arrogant and domineering, but now was humble and submissive.
As an old adversary who had fought against the Decepticons for many years, he knew just how terrifying it was to have the ability to deal with the Decepticons, Megatronus , and the Autobots—all in a single day.
Yet, the Universal Megacorp had managed to do this so effortlessly!
But what's even more troubling is not just that, but that Rita and other members of the Megacorp team, who had recently visited the NEST base, had already left.
And the new destination they were heading to was a large country across the ocean—China!
If the Universal Megacorp and China were to establish a cooperative relationship, then America's global hegemony would cease to exist.
"Mr. President, I must inform you that the Universal Megacorp has ended its cooperation with us. Their new partner is most likely China!"
As the head of the American National Security Department, Garroway was well aware that the current situation was extremely unfavorable for America. If they didn't take action soon, it would be too late.
If this country was destined for destruction, he hoped that, while he still held some power, he could secure a future for himself.
For instance, by aligning with the Universal Megacorp.
Therefore, Garroway hoped that President would back down as soon as possible and make amends before it was too late.
By actively apologizing to the Universal Megacorp, correcting his attitude, perhaps America could still be included in the global conference.
Otherwise, the only outcome for America would be to be isolated by the world!
After hearing this, President froze for a moment, frowning deeply. "What did you say? They are cooperating with China?"
To make him realize the seriousness of the issue, Garroway gritted his teeth and decided to make everything clear, forcing him to back down:
"The Universal Megacorp is completely different from the Autobots. Their technological power is beyond our imagination. We have no chance against the Megacorp."
"Now, before the Megacorp holds the global conference, we should be on good terms with them, even be subservient, rather than antagonize this terrifying force!"
Garroway emphasized this point to urge President Barrak to immediately apologize to the Megacorp and restore communication relations.
At the very least, they needed to bring them back to the negotiating table.
But President Barrak, stubborn and obsessed with maintaining global hegemony and his own presidential position, was unwilling to let other countries establish communication with the Megacorp.
"What does it matter that they have subjugated the Decepticons and the Autobots? Don't forget, our nuclear arsenal is the largest in the world!"
"The Autobots would also fear the power of nuclear bombs, and the Universal Megacorp will surely be afraid of nuclear weapons. I don't believe they can counter a nuclear strike."
Barrak had completely lost sight of the future and was blinded by self-interest.
He had already contacted the New York Times media reporters and was just waiting to establish a strategic cooperation with the Universal Megacorp, maintaining America's global dominance.
This country was built on exploiting the world, and if other nations began to develop alongside them, America would be heading toward its demise!
"Mr. President…!"
Garroway tried to speak again, but Barrak ruthlessly interrupted him, "Enough! Immediately contact other countries."
"Warn them not to establish communication or cooperation with the Universal Megacorp, or we will impose severe sanctions on them for crimes against humanity!"
Barrak was determined to monopolize the communication power with the Megacorp. If he couldn't deal with the Megacorp, he was determined to prevent other countries from forming relations.
By coercing other nations into forbidding communication with the Megacorp, he believed the Megacorp would eventually have no choice but to return and continue negotiations with America.
After hearing Barrak 's words, Garroway fell silent. He knew that this approach would lead them down a dead-end, but he was unable to stop President Barrak .
If he continued to oppose him, he feared that his position would be immediately revoked, and replaced by someone even more foolish to carry on with the foolishness in the American government.
Garroway lowered his head, deeply disappointed in President Barrak . He couldn't understand how such a fool had been elected.
Knowing full well that America could never be a match for the Universal Megacorp, Barrak still stubbornly pushed forward, trying to preserve their former global hegemony.
'I can't let this continue. I need to talk to others and have them convince the President. If nothing works, maybe I should do something drastic... Otherwise, America is finished!'
At this moment, Garroway began to entertain the idea of seizing power.
---
After the United States government issued a warning forbidding communication with the Universal Megacorp, countries responded differently.
At first, the United States' allies or subordinate nations chose to support America and reject cooperation with the Megacorp.
Nations that had grievances with the United States or were in an adversarial relationship chose to support the Megacorp and expressed their willingness to join the global conference.
Countries that refused to attend the conference were added to the Megacorp's blacklist, and the global conference proceeded as planned, with the final location set in China's capital.
Li Ang, stationed at the headquarters of the Universal Megacorp, received the list of participants and the current situation on Earth from the frontlines. He couldn't help but smile.
"Crimes against humanity? How ironic."
Just as Li Ang had predicted, after America issued the threat, nearly all developing countries chose to join the Megacorp's global conference.
After all, no one was foolish. This conference wasn't just a chance for human civilization to take off—it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for every nation to shorten the gap and stand on equal footing!
As for America's nuclear threats? Laughable!
If America dared to attack, they didn't believe it. With the Universal Megacorp protecting them, America wouldn't dare to take action.
Soon, under Li Ang's prompt, China quickly gathered the countries of Earth, and even some of America's allies secretly joined the conference.
Before long, when the countdown for the global conference was over, all the nations' representatives were present, except for the United States.
In the final moments, even America's allies silently backstabbed America and joined the Universal Megacorp's camp.
When the senior American officials realized that they were the only ones excluded, while all the other countries had attended, they finally understood that the situation was dire.
But it was too late to reverse course and reestablish communication with the Megacorp. The Universal Megacorp had simply stopped responding to America.
Faced with such a situation, the desperate American government immediately deployed its aircraft carrier fleet, hoping to exert pressure on the Megacorp and the attending nations.
In addition, President Barrak had mobilized the top hacker teams to attempt to infiltrate the networks of various nations and create chaos.
However, as soon as these actions were taken, the Universal Megacorp swiftly countered.
Before the aircraft carrier fleet could even leave the port, they were intercepted by the Megacorp's aging yet formidable ships, including the Phoenix.
As for the hacker team's intrusion, the Megacorp's Network Monitoring Department immediately counter-hacked, destroying all of America's electronic devices.
This childish and laughable battle lasted less than three minutes before it ended.
Only then did President Barrak and the American government realize the terrifying power of the Universal Megacorp.
The Megacorp not only had formidable technological advancements in giant mechs, but it was also highly skilled in warships, devastating weapons, and AI hacking technologies.
The American military quickly realized that they were no match for the Megacorp.
Since they couldn't deal with the Universal Megacorp, the American government decided to target other countries instead.
As long as they could create chaos worldwide and turn the global conference into a "hemisphere conference," they would block the Megacorp's intentions.
But unfortunately, the Universal Megacorp's armed forces and network control were already covering the globe. Helping other countries intercept America's attacks was just a matter of convenience.
Thus, as the American government's senior officials gritted their teeth in frustration, they could do nothing but helplessly watch.
At 6:30 PM in China, the global conference hosted by the Universal Megacorp was held as scheduled!
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