The Giant Corporations that Started in Night City

Chapter 322: The Moment the Universe Expands with a Single Thought!

At this moment, V, who was overseeing the lunar exploration mission at the front-line base headquarters, was fully focused on listening to Li Ang 's speech, alongside his adjutant David.

"The idea of Sentinel Prime diverged from the principles of the Autobots and Decepticons. He piloted the Ark alone, bringing a batch of energy pillars to the solar system," Li Ang explained.

"These energy pillars are crucial tools to activate the Space Bridge. The Space Bridge is a wormhole device that can allow for the transition of objects on a planetary scale."

Li Ang , speaking through a hard-light screen, gave a detailed analysis of the situation. The Transformers universe had a plotline too long and complex, and a single meeting or two would not suffice to explain it all.

Thus, Li Ang often took the time during unification to assist his trusted high-level officers by analyzing the situation, helping them quickly understand the relationships between various factions, while also fostering their strategic thinking.

In this conversation, Li Ang specifically mentioned the "Space Bridge" technology, a key point of science and technology that V would need to acquire in the coming period.

As the front-line Jaeger Mecha squad closed in on their target, Li Ang fell silent, his gaze locked onto the screen.

According to previous reports from Starscream and Shockwave, after landing on Earth and the Moon, they only retrieved the spaceship's batteries to prepare for battle. They did not attempt to engage with "Sentinel Prime."

If nothing unexpected had occurred, Sentinel Prime should still be lying dormant on the Moon.

Before long, the first squad of Jaeger(Hunter) Mecha members discovered the crash site of Sentinel Prime 's ship. Upon seeing the damaged remains of the ship, they immediately reported the situation to headquarters.

"We've found Sentinel Prime 's ship! Repeat... we have found Sentinel Prime 's ship!"

Instantly, the members of the Hunter Mecha squad gathered around and stayed in position, standing by and ready.

---

Meanwhile, at Li Ang 's behest, Autobot officer Alt Cunningham took the opportunity to relay the discovery of Sentinel Prime 's where abouts to Optimus Prime, also briefing him on the full truth of the situation.

All of Sentinel Prime's actions and plans were now known to Optimus Prime and the Autobots.

"This is the entire truth," Alt said. "The former Autobot leader, Sentinel Prime, not only betrayed the Autobots' original principles but also conspired with the Decepticons, planning to plunder Earth's energy and rebuild a new Cybertron."

After Alt finished speaking, all the Autobots froze in place. According to the version of events they had been told, Sentinel Prime, after piloting the Ark, was shot down by the Decepticons.

Logically speaking, Sentinel Prime and the Decepticons were enemies. How could they have joined forces?

What was even more troubling was that Sentinel Prime's plans were eerily similar to those of Megatron—he aimed to plunder Earth's energy to further Cybertron's civilization.

While the other Autobots murmured in disbelief, only Optimus Prime remained eerily silent.

Optimus Prime was well aware of his mentor's business ventures. However, he had always pretended to be unaware of them, as he never wished to assist in such harmful endeavors.

In fact, it was Optimus Prime who had personally destroyed the Ark's super-light-speed engine.

What truly surprised Optimus Prime, though, was that his old leader and mentor had secretly allied with the Decepticons in such a dark plot.

If this were true, the gravity of the situation was far more severe than he had imagined.

This betrayal wouldn't just ruin Sentinel Prime's reputation—it could also affect Optimus Prime's own future.

Sentinel Prime had been Optimus Prime's mentor and former leader. It was even Sentinel Prime who had personally promoted Optimus Prime to his position as second-in-command.

Now, with such a massive scandal about to be exposed, Optimus Prime, as his former pupil and second-in-command, was likely to be implicated as well.

However, it wasn't just a matter of political reputation. Optimus Prime also struggled with the moral dilemma of whether to abandon his mentor, whom he had once held in such high regard.

"No, this can't be true. There must be some misunderstanding here!" Optimus Prime shook his head, his voice firm in denial. He wasn't questioning whether the Megacorp had fabricated this truth; he was simply trying to protect his mentor's reputation.

"Sentinel Prime was our leader and my teacher. No one knows him better than we do!"

Optimus Prime's voice was resolute.

In truth, collaborating with the Decepticons wasn't necessarily a deal-breaker. If necessary, Optimus Prime could argue that Sentinel Prime had been coerced or misled by the Decepticons and had been temporarily blinded by temptation.

After all, the Decepticons were fellow Cybertronians, and internal strife among their own people was not unheard of.

But if it was a matter of ideological betrayal, that was another story—it was truly catastrophic.

The Autobots had always followed a path of self-reliance, respecting the ecological balance of other civilizations and avoiding unnecessary conflicts with them.

Even when faced with other Transformers' threats, the Autobots would step in to offer aid.

Although Sentinel Prime's private efforts to create a new Cybertron were known only to him and Optimus Prime, as long as Optimus Prime kept it a secret, Sentinel Prime would remain the respected leader and mentor, and everything would stay the same.

But now, with news spreading that Sentinel Prime intended to destroy other civilizations' planets and harvest their energy for the rebuilding of Cybertron, and had even collaborated with the Decepticons—this was no longer a simple matter of private ambition.

This was a full-scale ideological betrayal, and it would shake the very foundation of the Autobots' mission.

Optimus Prime knew that if such information were to get out, it would cause irreparable damage to the Autobots' image. The core principle of the Autobots—justice, mutual respect, and self-determination—would be called into question. If the former leader could resort to such methods, it would shake the beliefs of the entire faction.

Internal division would be inevitable, and a potential new Decepticon faction could rise within the Autobots, creating chaos.

This was a scenario that Optimus Prime absolutely did not want to see.

"Sentinel Prime was the leader of the Autobots when he disappeared, and he still is. He would never betray his people like this!" Optimus Prime asserted again, clearly standing by his mentor's side and signaling to Alt that he wished this conversation to end here.

If this continued, it would tear the Autobots apart internally.

It was clear to Optimus Prime, a seasoned leader who had navigated through countless political struggles, that Megacorp was deliberately trying to trap him.

The primary goal was to use his mentor's betrayal as leverage to control both the Autobots and Optimus Prime himself.

Optimus Prime understood well that he held immense respect and authority among the Autobots.

He had already been recognized as the next leader, and he was poised to become the greatest leader in the Autobots' history.

Once he commanded, countless Autobots, Decepticons, and civilizations the Autobots had previously helped would follow him.

But if this secret were exposed, his entire image could be tarnished, and his rise to power would be marred by Sentinel Prime's betrayal.

For the Autobots, the leader must be above reproach. Any blemish on their reputation could send the entire faction into turmoil.

"We understand your confusion and anger, but this is the truth. This information came directly from Starscream and other Decepticon sources," Alt Cunningham spoke without any emotional reaction.

She knew that words alone wouldn't convince Optimus Prime or the Autobots. The only way to settle this would be when the Megacorp agents at the lunar front-line completely captured Sentinel Prime and obtained conclusive evidence.

Alt understood that exposing this secret would cause turbulence within the Autobots, but she still had to follow Li Ang 's orders.

The reasoning behind this was simple: Sentinel Prime's actions were a significant political blemish for Optimus Prime. If the Autobots ever began to resist his leadership, Li Ang could use this scandal to quickly dismantle the Autobots from the inside.

Revealing Sentinel Prime's crimes was a necessary step, but very few people knew about it. Only a select few from Megacorp were involved in the operation, and the Autobots accompanying Optimus Prime were mostly his trusted lieutenants.

These Autobots were deeply tied to Optimus Prime's future, and they had no knowledge of the full extent of the situation.

As long as Megacorp controlled Sentinel Prime, they essentially controlled Optimus Prime. With this political scandal in hand, Optimus Prime would have no choice but to obey their commands.

Otherwise, Li Ang could bring out his teacher, Sentinel Prime, at any time for a public trial. By creating a rift, it would be incredibly easy to cause division within the Autobots.

From the very beginning, Li Ang had calculated the interests and fatal moves regarding Optimus Prime and the Autobots.

If the Autobots dared defy the Universal Mega Corporation, the consequences would be far more painful than they could imagine.

A neutron annihilation could wipe out life in an instant, without allowing them to feel any pain.

However, a race embroiled in long-term infighting, killing each other from within, would make every member feel the excruciating pain of betrayal at every moment.

Li Ang believed that since Optimus Prime was a clever leader of the Autobots, he wouldn't want the Corporation's political flaws to be exposed.

At this moment, Optimus Prime fell silent.

Although he hadn't seen Li Ang in person, he had already felt the full weight of Li Ang 's methods. The man's mind was truly terrifying!

Optimus Prime realized that he wasn't a match for the Universal Mega Corporation. He began rethinking the faces of Autobots, And Alt Cunningham.

At that moment, Optimus Prime understood why humanity, despite being so weak, could develop a powerful civilization like the Universal Mega Corporation.

This civilization's political wisdom was terrifying, something they could never hope to match. Li Ang 's ability to lead these humans across the universe was proof of his skill and tactics.

"Alright, we'll patiently wait for your investigation results. If this really happens, I will follow the arrangements of the Universal Mega Corporation!"

Optimus Prime paused before speaking and finally said these words, though it was only the last part, "follow the Corporation's arrangements," that held true significance.

And that was exactly what Li Ang wanted to hear.

Then, Optimus Prime cautiously asked, "If this matter is true, what will you do with the Sentinel Prime?"

At this point, Optimus Prime's inner thought was to meet with his teacher, the Sentinel Prime , and persuade him to commit suicide to avoid leaving any incriminating evidence for the Corporation.

Alternatively, the Corporation might act on their own and execute the Sentinel Prime , though that was obviously impossible.

"This will be kept confidential for now."

Alt didn't answer Optimus Prime directly but instead continued with his request, saying, "We want to understand the space bridge technology, which was developed by the Sentinel Prime ."

"After capturing the Sentinel Prime , I need him and your relevant personnel to cooperate and hand over this technology to us."

The space bridge technology was one of the key projects that Li Ang had earmarked for the integration of the Transformers universe. The Universal Mega Corporation had come to this point, and it was essential for them to seize this technology.

Unlike the more flamboyant quantum slingshot, the space bridge could use wormholes to create a complete celestial transportation system.

Once mass production could be replicated, the Corporation's cargo transportation, large-scale deployments, and halo array setups could all be completed with higher efficiency.

This would significantly enhance the Corporation's trade system and military deployment capabilities!

Seeing the Universal Mega Corporation's increasing demands, many Autobots felt discontent, but Optimus Prime, without hesitation, immediately nodded and agreed.

Given the cards the Corporation held, he had no leverage to refuse. Agreeing quickly might even help foster better relations.

"Alright, no problem!" Optimus Prime nodded.

Compared to an internal rift within the Autobots or the public trial of his teacher, the Sentinel Prime , which would damage his reputation, handing over the relatively trivial space bridge technology seemed like nothing.

Optimus Prime knew very well that while the space bridge technology might be valuable, it wasn't critical to the Universal Mega Corporation. It wasn't a particularly important technology for them.

It was possible that the "consultation" suggested by Autobot was merely a test of compliance.

Seeing this, the other Autobots fell silent, understanding that today's events had to be kept strictly confidential.

If this information were to leak out, it would cause a massive internal upheaval within the Autobots!

At this moment, Optimus Prime sighed deeply, feeling that his old boss, the Sentinel Prime , had truly caused him significant trouble.

...

Soon, under Autobot's full arrangements, the Autobots were escorted back and allowed to participate in the lunar exploration mission.

This was an order from Li Ang , allowing two or three Autobots to go to the moon and assist in capturing the Sentinel Prime . This gesture was a concession to the Autobots, but it was also a form of subtle pressure.

On the way back, key members of the Autobots discussed the Sentinel Prime matter at length.

These Autobots were staunch supporters of Optimus Prime and had silently helped him rise to the position of leader.

Now that such an issue had emerged, they certainly didn't want all their previous efforts to go to waste.

At this moment, someone suggested killing the Sentinel Prime to prevent the Universal Mega Corporation from using him to blackmail the Autobots, as this threat had to be eliminated sooner or later.

Another suggestion was to publicly reveal the Sentinel Prime 's crimes. After all, within the Autobots, none had the stature to rival Optimus Prime.

In the end, Optimus Prime carefully analyzed and realized that neither option would work.

The first option would anger the Universal Mega Corporation, as the Sentinel Prime held the space bridge technology, a crucial component of the deal between the Corporation and the Autobots.

The second option would cause a direct rift within the Autobots. With the current situation still unstable, such a scandal would send Cybertronians into irreversible chaos!

Why resist when cooperation with the Universal Mega Corporation could allow them to gently resolve these issues?

"Alright, we'll handle things as the Corporation suggests."

Optimus Prime, thinking more about these matters, said gravely to the others, "Although the Decepticons on Earth have all been dealt with by the Corporation, there are still many Decepticons elsewhere."

"We need to resolve the Sentinel Prime issue as soon as possible, at least to prevent this matter from being exposed, or the consequences will be unimaginable!"

Optimus Prime was a leader with a broad vision. As for how to handle the Sentinel Prime , he trusted that the Autobots and the Corporation could secretly handle it.

There was no need to make it public.

Since Megatron and other Decepticon leaders had submitted to the Universal Mega Corporation, Optimus Prime had been focused on unifying Cybertron's internal factions.

He wanted the Autobots and Decepticons to reconcile, but this process required the Corporation's assistance, especially in military support!

If a rift occurred within the Autobots before Cybertron was fully unified, then Optimus Prime's reign would be over.

At this point, Optimus Prime exchanged a glance with one of the Autobots, named "Ironhide." Ironhide was Optimus Prime's aide-de-camp, a long-time friend, and personal bodyguard.

Ironhide's loyalty was unquestionable.

On this lunar exploration trip, Optimus Prime planned to bring Ironhide and Bumblebee along.

"We'll reach the moon in half an hour. Once we arrive, we'll go together, and the rest will stay on Earth."

Bumblebee said eagerly. He, like Optimus Prime, wanted to capture the Sentinel Prime and interrogate him.

Optimus Prime nodded. After some thought and the gathering of all available information, he had pieced together the truth of the matter.

When he had destroyed the Ark's superlight-speed engine years ago, the Sentinel Prime had crashed the Ark on the moon and was severely injured.

At that time, the Decepticon leader, Megatron, had already established contact with the Sentinel Prime .

Megatron had instructed his subordinates not to disturb the Ark or the Sentinel Prime . The reason, of course, was to save the Sentinel Prime .

The goal was not just to save him but because the Sentinel Prime held the crucial space bridge technology.

Optimus Prime speculated that the agreement between the Sentinel Prime and Megatron was to use the space bridge to relocate Cybertron to the solar system and then use Earth's energy to rebuild Cybertron.

But to save the Sentinel Prime , they needed the Matrix of Leadership. Unfortunately, when Megatron arrived on Earth, he was trapped in an ice cavern by a meteorite.

The Decepticons who had just arrived in the solar system couldn't contact their leader, Megatron, so they did nothing when they found the Ark.

Instead, they removed the Ark's energy cells for use as a backup power source for their operations on Earth.

At this point, Optimus Prime sighed again, realizing he could no longer understand his teacher.

He truly didn't know what to say about the Sentinel Prime . While the intentions were good, the actions had turned out to be disastrous.

"Boss, I don't think this is a bad thing. On the contrary, from the attitude shown by the Universal Mega Corporation, at least it's clear that they want to cooperate with us!"

As Optimus Prime's loyal aide, Ironhide quickly noticed his worries and offered reassurance.

"The Corporation could have used the Sentinel Prime 's betrayal to split the Autobots and install their puppets in positions of power, but they didn't do that."

"Instead, they chose to work with us to handle this matter. That shows the Corporation is willing to help us Autobots."

"We only need to cooperate with the Corporation's plan to unify this universe, expand our trade systems, and develop human civilization."

Ironhide believed that the Autobots could use the Universal Mega Corporation's help to quickly unify Cybertron and develop its civilization.

As for helping the Corporation unify the Transformers universe, that was just a matter of course.

After all, the Corporation's goal was to turn the labor forces of all the major civilizations into slaves in its trade system, cheap labor.

But with the Corporation's size, giving these "dogs" a bowl of food was far more appealing than them struggling to develop civilization on their own.

Most civilizations would choose the correct option: live under the Corporation's rule or face annihilation.

After hearing Ironhide's words, Optimus Prime was visibly stunned. That made perfect sense!

One thought, and in an instant, the world seemed wide open.

No matter what, at least the situation was still under control. Following the Corporation's path meant the Autobots wouldn't face internal division.

"You're right. At least for now, we still have a choice."

Optimus Prime renewed his determination and made a series of arrangements for his team. Ironhide and Bumblebee would go to the moon with him. The rest would remain on Earth.

Then, the Autobots set off, and soon they arrived at their destination, where they found the wreckage of the Ark and the members of the Hunter Mech squad.

Upon seeing them, the leader of the Hunter Mechs, Cage, immediately greeted them to begin exploring the Ark's remains.

The Ark, being a product of Cybertronian technology, was highly sensitive. If the Corporation's people barged in recklessly, they might trigger dangerous mechanisms.

Having the Autobots explore the site together would help avoid unnecessary complications.

This was also a deliberate arrangement by Li Ang , meant to allow the Autobots to have access to firsthand information and demonstrate the Corporation's willingness to cooperate.

Upon landing on the moon, due to the moon's lower gravity, the Autobots felt light on their feet, though their hearts were heavy.

If they had a choice, they wished the Sentinel Prime was already dead, and beyond any hope of revival.

That way, the Autobots would be rid of a huge risk.

"That's it. That's the one."

Optimus Prime instantly recognized the Ark's wreckage. After all, it was the ship whose engine he had destroyed years ago.

He walked to the edge of the Ark's wreckage, marveling at how resilient it was. Even after tens of thousands of years, it had not collapsed entirely. The basic frame had withstood the test of time, a true miracle.

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