Chapter Forty-One: Landing on the Moon

In the days that followed, Wang Jing received a steady stream of news about the United States and the Decepticons. Though American technology lagged behind that of the Decepticons, their global network of military bases allowed them to fight the Decepticons to a standstill, albeit at the cost of heavy casualties each time.

Meanwhile, after reaching an agreement with China, Wang Jing began a lunar landing plan. The technology would be provided by Wang Jing and the Autobots, while China would contribute manpower and material resources. The collaboration aimed to mine the moon and retrieve both the slumbering Sky Commander from the Ark on the far side of the moon and the hundreds of Energon pillars stored there.

Of course, that was only part of the cooperation. If the lunar mining plan succeeded, the Wandering Earth universe would exchange its controlled nuclear fusion technology for trillions of tons of food supplies.

When other nations learned of this, their eyes turned red with envy, but their own strength was lacking; even if Wang Jing agreed to cooperate, they did not have the vast food resources needed for such an exchange.

The plan was scheduled to commence in a month, a timeline made possible only through the full support of two worlds. Moreover, the mission required only Wang Jing and a pilot on board, and there was no need for extensive technical validation—the components merely had to be assembled, and then Wang Jing would be launched on an auspicious date.

Everything else would be delivered by Wang Jing from the primary universe to the lunar surface, and subsequent mining operations would follow the same pattern. After refining and processing the lunar ores, Wang Jing would transport them to the primary universe, return to the Transformers’ Earth in the reentry capsule, and send the processed materials back from the primary universe.

The energy expended on this back-and-forth, compared to the wealth of resources gained, was negligible—a mere drop in the ocean.

During that month, Wang Jing's main task was to facilitate communication between scientists of the primary universe and those of the Transformers universe, as well as to transport materials and components, including the rocket that would carry him.

To ensure safety, the rocket was constructed with no expense spared, built to the utmost limits of engineering, especially in terms of cockpit protection—lavishly forged from titanium alloy. Even if the rocket exploded, Wang Jing would emerge from the cockpit unharmed.

The month passed swiftly, and on the day of the launch, the entire base was under strict lockdown. Wang Jing and the pilot boarded the soaring cockpit. As the countdown echoed, every eye turned to the white rocket on the launch pad, holding their breaths.

When the countdown reached zero, a torrent of flames erupted from the rocket’s base. With the restraints released, the rocket slowly lifted off, gathering speed.

Just then, the shrill wail of an air raid siren split the air. In the distance, dozens of white trails arced skyward from the anti-air missile batteries.

Inside the rocket, Wang Jing heard the control center’s urgent warning: “Multiple unidentified aircraft approaching—be ready at all times!”

“Damn those Decepticons, they know how to pick their timing!” Wang Jing cursed. Helpless, he could only pray for the air defense forces to hold their ground; if not, the lunar plan would be ruined, and he’d have to start another month of preparations.

In the sky, Megatron, battered and broken, blasted apart the missiles streaking toward him. But before he could issue orders, a swarm of aircraft—among them fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-22—hurtled toward him.

Some slower-reacting Decepticons were instantly torn apart by a volley of four anti-air missiles, or had their wings and engines blown off, spiraling down in flames.

Seeing several subordinates lost before even engaging the enemy, Megatron let out a furious growl. “Decepticons, stop them!” he bellowed, accelerating toward the rapidly ascending rocket.

The launch center’s commander shouted, “Take that plane down—now!”

At once, dozens of anti-air missiles streaked toward Megatron, as though there were no limit to the supply. A few aircraft broke from formation to intercept Megatron as he chased the rocket.

The missiles, traveling at Mach 3, quickly caught up. Megatron dodged and destroyed the first volley, but the following ones struck him squarely when he failed to evade in time. While the missiles couldn't inflict real damage, the shockwaves slowed Megatron’s advance.

He soon regained speed, but just as he was about to reach the rocket, an Autobot—transformed from an F-22—barreled into him at twice the speed of sound, knocking him off course.

Repeatedly thwarted, Megatron, enraged, tore the Autobot clinging to him in half and flung the remains at others rushing toward him.

By the time Megatron had vented his fury, Wang Jing’s rocket had broken free of the atmosphere.

Watching the spent boosters plummet toward the sea, Megatron ground out, “Decepticons, retreat! I will be back!” With that, he withdrew, and the Decepticons who had accompanied him wasted no time, fleeing without looking back.

It was hardly their fault; to ensure the launch’s safety, the joint government of the primary universe and the Wandering Earth universe had deployed hundreds of anti-air missiles.

When the Decepticons attacked, the missiles soared skyward as though cost were no object, and the explosions overhead made the sky thunder like a fireworks display.

In space, Wang Jing savored the long-lost sensation of weightlessness. He turned to his pilot, Yang Guotao, and asked, “How long until we reach the moon?”

“About four days,” Yang Guotao replied.

After enduring four arduous and monotonous days, the lander successfully touched down on the lunar surface.

Wang Jing remained inside, and together with Yang Guotao, crossed back to the primary universe.

There, after a simple meal and the comfort of a proper restroom, Wang Jing donned the powered exoskeleton designed for space environments. He began transporting the necessary supplies and his companions, including Optimus Prime, to the moon.

The first shipments were solar panels, batteries, a basic living module, and Optimus Prime’s team.

Optimus and his group immediately set out for the far side of the moon to search for the Ark, while Wang Jing continued ferrying defensive weapons and personnel, who would be responsible for assembling the solar panels and fortifying defenses.

Before the solar panels were even fully installed, Optimus Prime and his team returned, carrying the dormant Sky Commander and dozens of Energon pillars.

Looking at the Sky Commander cradled in his arms, Optimus Prime spoke gravely, “Send us home.”

Wang Jing glanced at the newly erected solar panels. “The panels have just been set up; there isn’t enough energy yet—there’s only enough for one to return.”

Optimus nodded, gently laying Sky Commander on the ground. “Then send our teacher home first.”

Without another word, Wang Jing grabbed the cables and transported Sky Commander to the primary universe.