Chapter 783: Mars' Current Situation (Part 2)

Transformers Begin : Table of Content/Chapter List

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Sun Cheng didn't bother with the engineers. When he arrived at the command center, all twelve Decepticon engineers happened to be there.

Two doctors were examining the ten engineers who had just finished their hibernation!

Witnessing this, Sun Cheng merely narrowed his eyes.

In the past, Megatron, in his bid to better control the military Cybertronians created by Quintesson – the precursors to the Decepticons – developed a comprehensive hierarchical system with the help of advisors like Starscream, Shockwave, and others. This system was deeply ingrained into every nurtured Decepticon Core.

Though the Autobots, who championed equality, saw such a hierarchy as obsolete and detestable, they couldn't deny its effectiveness. This rigid system made the naturally cruel and war-loving Decepticons even more fearless in the face of battle and death.

Even the Vehicons would bravely face death in wars for the promise of higher power and status.

Upon initially arriving in the [Transformers Universe] and establishing his own faction, Sun Cheng once considered discarding this hierarchical system.

But he wasn't overly righteous. As he had more interactions with the Decepticons and realized the system's effectiveness in maintaining his forces' loyalty, he unhesitatingly adapted the Skytiger Legion's hierarchy to his needs. Over the past two years, this approach had proven quite successful.

The mightiest of the Decepticons inevitably enjoyed more privileges, and in turn, their contributions to Sun Cheng were even greater.

"Master!"

Upon seeing Sun Cheng enter, all the Decepticon engineers and doctors in the command center bowed slightly in greeting.

He nodded in acknowledgment and took a seat on a metal chair at the center.

"Now that everyone's awake, let me give a brief rundown," he began, glancing at Adam and Prometheus, whose faces were devoid of any discernible emotion. A hint of a smile appeared on his lips. "Impressive. Their time on Mars seems to have seasoned them."

Drawing back his gaze, Sun Cheng continued, "We've always operated on a simple principle: reward merit and punish mistakes."

He gestured towards Adam and Prometheus. "Although both Adam and Prometheus are newly minted Decepticon engineers, they were the only two recommended to accompany me to Mars when I sought nominations from the base."

Upon hearing this, Adam and Prometheus, who had been worried about their positions in the Mars base due to the arrival of more Decepticon engineers, trembled slightly with excitement.

Unable to contain their emotions, they looked up at their leader. Sun Cheng didn't disappoint them, continuing, "I don't care whether they volunteered or were chosen to go to Mars. I value results. And both Adam and Prometheus haven't let me down. They've performed commendably on Mars over the past few months."

Having already been briefed by the base's Central Main Control AI, he was fully aware of the situation. In the past months, Adam's team had established over thirty underground mines on Mars, with underground transportation tunnels stretching over 1,170 kilometers.

From the initial count of fewer than two thousand robots they brought to Mars, the number had multiplied nearly sevenfold.

The transformation of the Mars base was the most significant. Originally built within underground caverns of a canyon, the base covered a maximum area of about 300,000 square meters. However, in recent months, under the relentless efforts of the engineers and various robots, they had constructed a total of more than 5 million square meters within the mountainside. Although over 80% of this space was merely carved out and given basic seismic reinforcements, serving primarily as storage for various minerals.

Considering they achieved so much with such limited manpower in just over four months, it's evident that after Sun Cheng's departure, Adam and his team didn’t slack off in the slightest.

Furthermore, even if their accomplishments were modest, the mere discovery of Emperor Liege Maximo's laboratory on Mars is an achievement worth Sun Cheng's recognition.

Looking at the two excited subordinates, he calmly said, "From now on, this base will be named MarsBase One. Adam and Prometheus will continue managing MarsBase One. Discuss amongst yourselves and assign four Decepticon engineers to Base One. The remaining technical officers, Engineers, and Decepticon soldiers should also be evenly split, with half of them stationed at Base One."

Sun Cheng eyed the two gleaming veteran Decepticon engineers. They were among the earliest to join him and had volunteered for this mission to Mars. Given their loyalty, some favoritism was warranted.

He gestured towards them, "You two will lead the remaining Decepticon engineers, along with the other technical officers, Engineers, and Decepticon soldiers. Survey the Martian terrain and prepare to establish MarsBase Two at an appropriate location. You will oversee MarsBase Two, and for now, its resources will be supplied from Base One."

A vast place like Mars requires more than one base. Each base can optimally cover only a certain area, and the costs of transporting resources and patrolling could escalate rapidly if stretched thin.

Adam and Prometheus, who had been anxious about the arrival of the Decepticon engineers and the potential waning of their favor in Sun Cheng's eyes, were now elated to be entrusted with a base's management.

They immediately knelt on the Martian surface, their voices trembling with emotion, "Master, we will follow your commands."

The other Decepticons didn't dare to oppose Sun Cheng either. The two veteran engineers, although slightly disappointed at not overseeing an established base, were thrilled to be granted authority over a new base, even if its location was yet to be decided.

The pursuit of power and capability was a direct consequence of the hierarchy ingrained in the Decepticons.

Noticing Sun Cheng's gaze still upon them, the two newly-arrived veteran Decepticon engineers hastily emulated Adam and Prometheus, kneeling to show their loyalty, "Master, we obey your commands!"

"Very well," Sun Cheng responded, standing up contentedly. He couldn't stay on Mars for long this time and would be leaving soon. But first, he intended to inspect Emperor Liege Maximo's laboratory. While Sun Cheng wasn’t planning on taking any immediate risks, he wanted to study the surrounding prohibitions and see if he could uncover more secrets, ensuring his future explorations would be without mishaps.

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Next Chapter >>Chapter 784: Vanguard Arrival