Love in the Stars

Chapter 9

On the Moon, inside the dark and foreboding Decepticon base, Megatron stood imposingly over Thrust, his optics burning with impatience. Thrust, always calculating, maintained his composure, though he knew Megatron's patience was running thin. They had failed to secure the Requiem Blaster so far, and Megatron was not one to tolerate failure.

"We need that weapon, Thrust," Megatron growled. His deep voice echoed through the chamber. "The Autobots are getting closer to uniting their forces with the Mini-Cons. We cannot allow that."

Thrust nodded, carefully choosing his words. "I understand, Lord Megatron. But I have a plan that will ensure our victory this time. We will use the Star Saber as bait, luring the Autobots into the open. Starscream is eager for battle, and he will be the key to drawing them out."

Megatron narrowed his optics, not fully convinced. "You're suggesting I give up the Star Saber for your plan? You'd better not waste it."

Thrust smirked slightly, confident in his strategy. "Trust me, Lord Megatron. Once the Autobots are drawn out, they'll be distracted. We can then infiltrate their base and seize the Requiem Blaster without resistance."

Megatron was silent for a moment, considering the proposal. Finally, he stepped forward, towering over Thrust. "Very well. But if you fail, the consequences will be severe."

Thrust bowed slightly, accepting the challenge. "I won't disappoint you."

On Earth, the Autobots had taken cover deep within a dense jungle after receiving an anonymous tip that the Decepticons were in the area. The thick foliage provided decent cover, but the Autobots remained on high alert. Optimus Prime and Jetfire stood at the edge of the group, scanning the area.

Inside the Autobot base, Smokescreen and Red Alert had been left behind to protect the Space Team Mini-Cons in case the Decepticons made an attack. Smokescreen, ever the friendly bot, tried to engage the Mini-Cons in conversation.

"Hey, don't be so quiet," Smokescreen said with a chuckle. "We're all friends here."

But the Mini-Cons remained distant, unsure of their role in this war and seemingly reluctant to fully engage with the Autobots. Smokescreen couldn't help but notice the tension between the humans as well.

In the control room, the kids—Rad, Carlos, Billy, Fred, and Alexis—were having a serious discussion about the ethics of using the Mini-Cons in battle.

"I just don't like it," Alexis said, crossing her arms. "The Mini-Cons didn't ask to be part of this war, and now we're using them as weapons."

Carlos, always more pragmatic, shook his head. "But if the Decepticons get to them first, they'll be used as weapons anyway. We're just trying to protect them."

Rad, however, remained uncertain. "I don't know... I feel like we're no better than the Decepticons if we're forcing them to fight."

Back in the jungle, Optimus, Jetfire, and the other Autobots were having a similar conversation. Blurr and Hot Shot were eager for action, but Optimus remained cautious.

"We're here to protect the Mini-Cons, not exploit them," Optimus reminded the group. "We must remember that."

Jetfire, standing beside Optimus, nodded. His mind, however, drifted to Cassie. He had been careful to keep her out of the line of fire, but he couldn't help but worry about her. She wasn't the type who wanted attention, and he knew she'd hate being drawn into this conflict more than she already was.

Before their conversation could continue, Laserbeak detected movement nearby. Starscream was approaching, his wings cutting through the jungle air, and he was armed with the Star Saber. His voice rang out, echoing through the jungle as he tried to draw out the Autobots.