DOTM: Chapter 426/427

Chapter 426: Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind

Ethan's initial idea was to indirectly contact the authorities through the female data analyst from the movie. This analyst had direct access to the Secretary of Defense, and since she had realized early on that something was wrong, persuading her to help relay some messages would not have been difficult.

However, when he had Tony search online for Maggie's exact location, he discovered that the female analyst and the chubby black computer expert she had found had already been taken away by FBI agents.

Facepalm.

Such oversights can happen in multi-threaded narratives. By the time you finish one task and remember another, the plotline on the other side might have already moved on.

"What do we do now?"

"There's no good way. Can you directly hack into the Department of Defense?"

"...?" Tony blinked his big, innocent eyes, then stared straight at Ethan. "What did you just say? I might not have heard you clearly."

"Since there's a lack of suitable intermediaries for communication, we can only resort to a simple and crude method. Hacking."

This kind of hacking should be something silicon-based lifeforms like the Transformers are better at, but not all Transformers are skilled in it. They come in various forms, each with their own strengths, and those strengths can often be inferred from the objects they transform into.

For example, most of the peace-loving Autobots transform into civilian equipment, while the more radical and unstable Decepticons are mostly military hardware.

Small Transformers with special abilities like Frenzy exist on both sides, but the Autobots' small Transformers have not yet arrived on Earth. They will not come until the later two movies.

Compared to the larger ones, the smaller Transformers have weaker self-preservation abilities. The Autobots currently on Earth have not yet treated Earth as their sanctuary. They are here simply to search for the Allspark.

After finding the Allspark, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots will likely return to the universe to continue their life as interstellar refugees, searching for a planet where they can settle.

So, for now, there are only a few Autobots on Earth. Apart from Ratchet, they are all elite warriors who are not afraid to confront the Decepticons directly, but they are not so confident about doing highly technical tasks.

"You want me to do this?"

"Anyway, this is definitely not difficult for a super genius like you."

"All I can say is, you've found the right person."

Tony nodded and casually agreed, leaving Sam and Mikaela stunned. They were talking about hacking into the Department of Defense, not a convenience store. Just a moment ago, Tony had seemed shocked, so how did he suddenly agree with a proud expression?

Sam didn't understand Tony at all. Was Tony the type to care about the Department of Defense or the White House? Besides, this was not the Department of Defense from his own world, so there was even less psychological pressure to hack it.

His nano-suit was re-equipped. Wearing the suit not only made network intrusion easier but also allowed him to use the suit's cameras to capture Optimus Prime's image.

Otherwise, if he, looking like a normal Earthling, started talking to people about alien civilizations and teaming up with Earth to eliminate Cybertronian rebels, they would probably treat him as a lunatic.

Optimus Prime was different. One glance was enough to tell he was definitely not an Earthling. A lifeform completely different from carbon-based life would have far more credibility.

Indeed, when Optimus Prime's robotic face appeared on the big screen in the command center, everyone was stunned.

Ethan was not worried about how Optimus Prime would negotiate. As a qualified leader, he did not need anyone's guidance on diplomatic matters.

In short, Optimus Prime had an initial conversation with the other party, expressing his desire to have a proper discussion. Now it was up to them to choose peace or direct conflict.

Ethan did not care about what negative changes this disruption of the plot might cause.

In fact, in his eyes, if the Transformers realized early that humans did not welcome them and chose to return to the universe after retrieving the Allspark, it might avoid the tragedies in the next few movies. After eliminating the Decepticons, the only remaining threat to humans would be the Autobots. In the frenzied pursuit that followed, Ratchet, who was currently standing next to Ethan, was killed by humans.

That ending was hardly good. If this outcome could be avoided, it would count as helping the Autobots.

"How did it go?"

The communication ended. The Autobots looked at each other, unsure of what to do next.

Optimus Prime had said everything he could, including the fact that humans possessed the Allspark and were holding Megatron, leader of the Cybertronian rebels, captive.

Now Megatron's subordinates had arrived on Earth, preparing to rescue him. The attacks and anomalies the US military had suffered during this time were all the work of the Decepticons.

Even though these were facts, humans could not immediately believe Optimus Prime. Just as Optimus Prime did not trust Ethan at first, humans were even more wary of him.

They were completely unfamiliar and entirely different lifeforms. The fact that the Transformers could travel freely through space to Earth proved they possessed technology far beyond human capabilities, which only made humans more uneasy.

Moreover, the Secretary of Defense and a group of generals still doubted the authenticity of the communication. They were busy authenticating it, trying to determine if the video was computer-generated.

"Actually, if you want them to act as quickly as possible, all you need to do is broadcast this video on public channels worldwide."

When it is only circulated internally, the efficiency can be surprisingly slow.

Even though they already knew internally about the existence of Transformers, human technology in this world had advanced through reverse engineering Megatron. There was even a special department, Sector 7, dedicated to the Transformers. However, classified information was often not shared between departments, even in the face of a world war.

If those so-called secrets were exposed, things would be different. They would integrate all the information as quickly as possible and make a decision in the shortest time, whether it was good or bad.

"Should we inform them?"

"You decide."

Tony shrugged and casually sent another message: if they could not respond before tomorrow morning, they would directly send the information to public platforms.

With that notification, the other party would definitely make a decision as soon as possible, even if it meant sending troops to surround them. That would still be a reaction.

"What do we do next?"

"Send them home?"

Both the Autobots and Ethan turned to look at Sam and Mikaela.

At this point, Sam had no reason to stay. Whether it was meeting with the US military or fighting the Decepticons, neither was something two ordinary high school students could participate in.

Sending them away directly would not work either, because the Decepticons still did not know Megatron's location. They would still target Sam, hoping to get the information from him.

If Sam were sent back like this, the Decepticons would definitely attack him.

Those lunatics would not care about harming innocent people. Sam might have some value and could survive, but his parents would not be so lucky.

"So, until the Decepticons are eliminated, Sam needs to stay with us."

Although he was a burden, it was difficult to just leave him behind. Bumblebee was ordered to protect Sam.

Mikaela could actually leave, but she did not bring it up. She seemed more inclined to stay. This girl was tough and wild inside, unwilling to leave just like that. She wanted to see what would happen next.

Even knowing a major battle was likely, she did not care. After all, she was at the age of being fearless.

No one wanted to leave. The Autobots transformed into various vehicles, carrying everyone toward the target location.

While they were delayed, the Pentagon finally sent a message. The Secretary of Defense expressed willingness to meet with Optimus Prime, the Cybertronian leader from distant space, and agreed on a relatively open and "safe" meeting location.

Tony, familiar with North American terrain, immediately understood why that location had been chosen.

"While we are on our way, they can mobilize considerable military forces to set up an encirclement."

He made the situation clear. Now it was up to Optimus Prime to choose.

"I hope to complete this negotiation."

He would not give up the chance for face-to-face communication just because they might mobilize troops. He believed that if he showed enough goodwill, they would understand the Transformers had no ill intentions toward humans.

Sometimes Optimus Prime's thoughts left Ethan speechless. Perhaps Optimus Prime always looked at humans from the perspective of a higher civilization, never considering them a real threat, so he did not care about their hostility.

Ethan, however, did not care what Optimus Prime thought. Since this was his proposed plan, if it was supposed to be a negotiation, then it had to be a negotiation. It could not turn into anything else. Otherwise, it would not be Optimus Prime who was embarrassed, but him.

"I guarantee you can complete the face-to-face communication smoothly."

If they wanted to turn this into an ambush against alien invaders, not only would they have to face the Transformers' powerful counterattack, but they would also have to see whether Ethan would agree.

Besides, he was posing as an alien himself right now. This was also about saving face. He absolutely did not want to lose face in front of Tony. Otherwise, he would likely become the source of jokes on the ship for a long time.

(To be continued.)

Chapter 427: The Existence Called God

The meeting place agreed upon by Secretary of Defense John Keller and Optimus Prime was a relatively open wasteland.

North America has no shortage of wastelands, especially on the West Coast. Except for the downtown areas of a few cities, even the surroundings of these large cities have vast stretches of undeveloped land.

According to Tony, there was also a military base nearby. They could mobilize enough troops in the shortest time to inspect the area and set up an ambush, capturing all the aliens if necessary.

"Or maybe eliminate them."

That was also a possibility. But from the movie, it was clear that John Keller was not a radical warmonger. Even if he wanted to start a war, he would first need to understand the specifics about the Transformers.

"What's the situation?"

Some lights could already be seen in the distance. It was late at night, and out here in the wilderness far from any town, visibility was extremely low without specialized lighting equipment.

In such an environment, with both sides about to negotiate, preparations were naturally required.

This was why Ethan and the others saw the lights even from far away. The other side had prepared enough lighting to make the area as bright as day. It was also a signal: We are here, do not look elsewhere.

"How is it?"

"Armored units have completely surrounded the area."

Tony's armor was equipped with various detection devices, and if he deployed some small reconnaissance units, the detection range would be even greater.

But there was no need. It was easy to imagine that there were more troops on standby in the distance, and air support would be mobilized if necessary.

"What should we do?"

Sam seemed a little nervous, and when he got nervous, he tended to ramble. Sitting quietly in the back until now, he hadn't felt much wrong about being with the Autobots.

But suddenly hearing Tony say the area was nearly surrounded by the U.S. military, ready to unleash a barrage of firepower and bomb the place repeatedly, he realized this trip was not as wonderful or relaxed as he had imagined.

"I mean, should we get out of the car beforehand?"

Ethan didn't turn around, just glanced at Sam in the rearview mirror.

"You don't need to think too much. They won't act so easily."

Without knowing exactly how many 'troops' Optimus Prime had or what kind of reinforcements might follow, the Secretary of Defense would not dare to launch an attack casually.

Ethan had also seen a group standing in the open area ahead. The man leading them wore a suit, his hair meticulously styled, and stood at the very front of the vehicles. He did not look like someone preparing for war.

The Secretary of Defense appeared very sincere. Of course, it was possible this was bait meant to lower Optimus Prime's guard.

However, Tony detected no close-range ambush. If the other side attacked, the Secretary of Defense would certainly be killed along with them. John Keller likely had no intention of sacrificing himself.

As the distance narrowed, the people around John Keller seemed tense. Although only a few cars were approaching, John Keller had already learned from Sector 7 that the arrivals were alien mechanical lifeforms capable of transforming.

The soldiers behind him, responsible for his protection, unconsciously tightened their grip on their weapons. Though they had not raised their muzzles, they were so focused that they could raise, aim, and fire in under a second.

Thanks to soldiers who had previously fought Transformers and survived, they knew that large-caliber armor-piercing rounds could damage these mechanical lifeforms, so all the weapons and equipment brought this time were of that type.

Optimus Prime and the others stopped not far from John Keller, then, under the incredulous stares of the group, transformed from a heavy-duty truck into a towering robot.

"I am Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots."

After a brief introduction, both sides got down to business. What Optimus Prime and John Keller were discussing was like two countries or factions making initial contact. Expecting to achieve something significant right away was impossible.

Given the Decepticons' previous attacks on the U.S. military, human trust in the Transformers was very low. They could not yet distinguish between Decepticons and Autobots. In human eyes, all Transformers were the same.

The negotiations were not smooth at first. It was then that everyone noticed Ethan, who had somehow appeared standing beside Optimus Prime.

"And this is...?"

John Keller studied Ethan. To him, he was just a tall, handsome young man, nothing unusual about his appearance. But for such a young man to appear here and stand beside an alien robot was noteworthy. Who was he? Could he be a spy hiding among humans?

"You can call me Ethan. I'm just passing by."

"Young man, you'd better explain yourself..."

The one who interrupted was Sector 7 agent Reggie Simmons, who had played a significant role in the original movie. On screen, he seemed interesting, but in reality, someone with this personality was not likable. His tone was especially irritating.

Ethan had not thought much of him before, but when the man interrupted and threatened him with such arrogance, Ethan's mood soured. He almost plastered the man's face with a fireball.

"Ethan is from another civilization. In fact, it was he who suggested I contact you. From our perspective, humans are not yet prepared to interact with other civilizations in the universe."

An alien?

Simmons, who had been ready to speak further, suddenly did not know where to start. He was baffled. Today seemed like some kind of alien giveaway, with extraterrestrials popping up one after another. Aliens were not cabbages to be bought in bulk.

As an experienced agent, his first thought was that this man was a fraud. No matter how he looked at him, Ethan was indistinguishable from an Earthling.

John Keller thought the same, though he hid it better than Simmons and greeted Ethan politely.

"May I ask what kind of planet Mr. Ethan comes from?"

"It is a world entirely covered in water, with very scarce living resources. So, once our people grow up and accumulate enough capital, they choose to leave and venture into the vast universe, searching for more resources."

Ethan was not lying, though the world he spoke of was not from this universe.

Optimus Prime was curious about Ethan's civilization. Hearing this, he felt a faint similarity to the Transformers' own situation, which created a subtle sense of familiarity.

Of course, Cybertron became uninhabitable due to their own actions, forcing the Transformers to wander. Ethan's planet, on the other hand, sounded like it had always lacked sufficient resources, forcing its people to roam the universe.

John Keller's first reaction to Ethan's words was not positive. He wondered if this was a civilization of raiders or pirates, with these so-called "adults" being scouts who, upon finding a habitable planet, would lead their people to seize it.

As Secretary of Defense, such thoughts came naturally to him.

Simmons, on the other hand, did not think so far ahead. He still suspected Ethan was faking it and wanted to use special means to force the truth from him.

But this was not the right occasion. In the end, he could only toss out a few sarcastic remarks, perhaps hoping to provoke the young man into revealing flaws.

"Nicely made up, but it sounds a lot like a story from the Age of Exploration."

Ethan smiled at Simmons. He understood perfectly what the man was thinking: simple suspicion. It was a small misunderstanding that could be resolved easily.

He was not the type to let a minor character shout at him unchecked. Besides, he had just realized this world might be a good choice for a logistics base. The Transformers' world could serve as an option.

The technological level of Earth here was average, but its potential was extremely high. Cybertronian technology existed here, including long-distance teleportation using technology.

Most importantly, he could establish contact with the upper levels of a nation right from the start. Having the power of a country to use would make many things much easier.

The prerequisite was to prove he was an alien, one powerful enough that they would not dare offend him.

He slowly raised his hand. Casting a small spell was now as easy for Ethan as drinking water or eating a meal. No preparation was required, nor did he need to chant for half a day.

As he moved, swirling purple energy ribbons formed around him, mysterious runes appeared in the air, and a magic circle radiating purple light appeared beneath his feet, unmistakably displaying the mystical power known as magic.

In that instant, Simmons, who had been questioning him, was enveloped in a ball of energy, unable to move, and slowly lifted off the ground.

"Earth has never lacked races from other civilizations in the universe. Among them are those like me, who possess special abilities. It is just that many years ago, humans would not have called beings like us aliens."

Ethan paused, flipped his raised hand slightly, then pressed down. Simmons, who had been floating high, slowly descended back to the ground.

"Back then, humans would have called beings like us gods."

(To be continued.)