Mirage's POV
After the battle at the Space Bridge, things had calmed down slightly. The work on the Ground Bridge was complete and fully operational. As for the Space Bridge, it was a much longer project, estimated to take around five years. In the meantime, Zeus and I had also been focusing on the terraforming project for Venus. Using Project: Damocles, a particle beam cannon originally designed as a weapon, we could heat up the planet and gradually reduce its atmospheric pressure by eliminating CO2. This process would take hundreds of years, but with time and technology on our side, it was achievable.
While we were working on these long-term projects, Starscream awakened Skyquake and tried to recruit him. However, Skyquake remained loyal to Megatron and refused. In the ensuing battle between Optimus and Skyquake, I intervened to save Skyquake's life and placed him in a stasis pod. Despite wanting to recruit him myself, I knew his loyalty would always lie with Megatron.
Later, Airachnid arrived and fought Arcee. I immobilized her and placed her in a stasis pod, giving the pod to Arcee, though she remained wary of me. While conducting another mission, I intercepted Breakdown and Knockout as they fought the Autobots over the Polarity Gauntlet, which I promptly claimed.
Despite the many battles, the Autobots were in a much better position thanks to the steady supply of Synthetic Energon. They no longer had to worry about energy shortages.
As we continued our work, Zeus informed me that Unicron was beginning to awaken. He advised that I deliver the Phase Shifter to Optimus, allowing him to phase through the Earth's core and confront Unicron directly. Having seen the future events play out in simulations, I knew what was coming. I instructed Zeus to open the Ground Bridge, and I emerged into the stormy weather near the Autobots' base.
Mirage: "Optimus, I need to talk. This is important."
At the Autobots' Base
Miko: "Wait, is that Mirage? The mysterious fighter who held back Megatron during the Space Bridge battle?"
Ratchet: "Yes, that's him. But why is he here?"
Mirage: "Look, I'm already here. This concerns the fate of your planet, so you better let me in."
Bulkhead: "He sounds desperate."
Arcee: "We should let him in. He knows where our base is, and he has fought Megatron before."
Cliffjumper: "I agree. We should hear what he has to say."
Optimus: "Ratchet, open the gate. Let him in."
With Optimus's command, the gate opened, and I entered the base. It looked exactly like the footage I had seen before.
Mirage: "Optimus, I've found something disturbing. Unicron is the core of this planet, and according to the prophecy, Earth's destruction is inevitable unless something is done."
Miko (shocked): "Our planet is going to be destroyed?!"
Jake: "Miko, we were supposed to stay hidden!"
The three humans had revealed themselves in their shock, but I wasn't surprised.
Mirage: "Unfortunately, yes. Only Optimus Prime can stop it, with this." I pulled out the Phase Shifter.
Raf (curious): "What's that?"
Ratchet (stunned): "That's a Phase Shifter!"
Mirage: "No need to be so shocked. This planet has many relics, most of which I have collected. The Phase Shifter is essential for the coming crisis."
Bumblebee chimed in, speaking in his usual Cybertronian language, which I had become somewhat accustomed to understanding. He asked how I could be sure about Unicron's awakening.
Mirage: "I had doubts at first, but all the signs are pointing toward it. Unfortunately, I don't have solid proof yet. There's also another reason I'm here—Megatron is attempting to build a Space Bridge."
Bulkhead (suspicious): "How do you know that?"
Before I could answer, Agent Fowler appeared on a communication screen.
Agent Fowler: "Prime, we've had multiple security breaches. At first, we thought it was MECH, but we found this in one of the security feeds."
The screen showed an image of Shockwave, and Fowler provided a list of stolen materials.
Mirage: "All these materials are necessary to construct a Space Bridge. The only thing missing is a power source."
Agent Fowler (eyeing me): "And who is this?"
Mirage: "I'm a Cybertronian. Call me Mirage. Nice to meet you, Agent…?"
Agent Fowler: "Special Agent Fowler. And Prime, is this the one who held off Megatron?"
Optimus: "Yes, that is correct, Agent Fowler."
Agent Fowler: "I'll keep you updated on the Decepticons' activities. Fowler out."
After Fowler's departure, Miko turned to me with excitement.
Miko: "So, you fought Megatron? Are you a warrior? Or maybe a secret agent on Cybertron? A gladiator?"
Mirage (turning to Ratchet): "Do all humans act like this?"
Ratchet: "Miko is certainly an exception. But I'd like to know who you really are."
Mirage: "I'm Mirage. I used to work as a miner and occasionally fought as a gladiator."
Jake: "So, like a human gladiator?"
Mirage: "Yes, but out of necessity, not pleasure. Cybertron had a harsh class system, and low-class Cybertronians like me had to survive however we could."
Raf: "Low class?"
Mirage: "Cybertron had divisions that are hard to explain. Anyway, Megatron's building a Space Bridge, likely believing the prophecy applies to him. I'll stay here until we receive news on the Decepticons."
After a short rest, Agent Fowler called back, informing us that a research facility was under attack. Optimus instructed the humans to evacuate while the Autobots and I prepared to engage the Decepticons.
Mirage: "This time it will be difficult Megatron himself might come to fight."
Optimus: "Then we fight with all our strength."
Mirage: "Said like a true Prime."
Optimus: "Autobots transform and roll out."
We entered the place through the ground bridge and the moment we entered they attacked us and the battle started.
Optimus: "Arcee, bumblebee you two secure the power source while bulkhead, Mirage and I handle the decepticons."
We continued the battle and defeated the decepticons and I was about speak when Megatron came and attacked optimus and I assisted him the double assault was overwhelming for him. In the simulations I have gone through various battle scenario including assisting. We secured the power source and exited the place.