Transformers: Retribution Read Free Page B

psychopath who hated all Cybertronians regardless of faction. And just to make matters worse—
    “Hey,” Ramjet said, “it’s still got the Requiem Blaster.”
    He was right. The legendary weapon was plainly visible, attached to the underside of the hull like some gigantic growth.
    Thanks a lot, Megatron
, Starscream thought as he and his Seekers fired their thrusters.

Chapter Three
    F ROM HIS THRONELIKE COMMAND CHAIR ON THE BRIDGE of the
Nemesis
, Megatron watched the viewscreens as Starscream and his Seekers split up and took off at high speeds in different directions, racing away from the fleet that had just appeared. In his embarrassment at having misjudged the situation so completely, Soundwave leaped to state the obvious.
    “Lord Megatron, those aren’t Autobots, they’re—”
    “Star Seekers. Yes. Those marauders we encountered over Junkion.” Megatron didn’t even try to hide his disappointment. “Little more than scavengers.” He watched on the screen as Starscream fled for his life, dodging shots from several pirate pursuers. Now
that
was a vid-clip he’d enjoy putting on repeat view.
    “Lord Megatron, the Star Seekers are hailing us. Should I—”
    “Go ahead, Soundwave. Put them onscreen and let’s see what they have to say.”
    The
Tidal Wave
’s bridge came into view, revealing the spiny blue scowl of the pirate leader Thundertron, resplendent in blue and gold, a triumphant expression on his face. He was flanked by his tattoo-covered first mate Cannonball and the Decepticon traitor Axer; behind him, Sandstorm manned the ship’s helm while Brimstone moved from station to station checking readings, making sure the pirate flotilla was prepared to do its duty.
    “We have them exactly where we want them,” Brimstone said as if the statement would further demoralize the Decepticons hearing it. Thundertron rose from his captain’s chair and pointed his glowing energy cutlass at the screen.
    “You Cybertronians are so predictable, ‘Lord’ Megatron.”
    The Decepticons on the bridge tensed for Megatron to react with rage. But instead he just leaned back, a sardonic expression on his face. “Permit me to guess. You must be Thundertron.”
    “You know cursed well who I am.”
    “Well, that doesn’t mean I don’t like to observe the formalities. Allow me to express my utmost admiration for your work, Captain. Piracy is a dangerous trade where only the most cunning survive. Your fleet is truly impressive. And your ship? Absolutely first-class.”
    “False compliments will get you nowhere, Megatron, for today I am the whirlwind and you are the dust doomed to be flung into eternity.”
    “How poetic,” said Megatron. “I appreciate that in an adversary.”
    “Then you will appreciate this even more: Your destruction will complete my revenge on you Cybertronians. For I have annihilated the Autobots already, and now I shall send you to join them.”
    That
was news to Megatron. Had the Star Seekers really destroyed the Autobots? It had to be some kind of bluff. But then again, they had the Requiem Blaster. They might have made short work of Optimus. Megatron gave Soundwave a sidelong glance, a signal to his subordinate to activate his short-range telepathic ability. Now Megatron would be able to give orders without the pirates realizing it. His first command: Scan that weapon.
    “I’m sure we can come to terms,” Megatron said. “You talk about revenge: I’ve caused a lot of damage in mytime, but I can’t remember doing anything to
you
specifically.” He was stalling for time but figured there was no downside to trying. They needed more information on the Blaster. Besides, with every second that passed the fleeing Starscream continued to draw off some of the pirates, spreading out their formation.
    “This isn’t about you and me,” Thundertron said. “This is about Cybertron itself.”
    “So you keep saying,” said Megatron. “Can you be more specific?”
    “We were your loyal