Escape

Beast Wars Anonymous:

Beast Wars and all related belong to Hasbro. The story, its original contents and ideas, and any original characters belong to the author and cannot be used or reprinted without the author's permission.

Escape, pt. 1
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade into the jungle. We see a snake, slithering amongst the trees. We pan up, and see a metallic glint in the distance. We focus into that, and see a small starship, mostly completed, buried in the brush. Nearby, Cicadacon, beast mode, hovers near. We cut to the inside of the ship, where Ramhorn, robot mode, is working on the main drive with a welder.

Ramhorn: How is it looking, computer?

Computer: Repairs at ninety-seven percent completion. System status is currently nominal.

Ramhorn (excited): Great, another few megacycles and we're ready to go.

Computer: Confirmed.

Ramhorn: We'll get you to Cybertron, and we can finally leave this mud-ball behind.

Computer: Negative. This ship will be unable to reach Cybertron.

Ramhorn: What? I've got everything right.

Computer: Transwarp cell is too under-powered for flight duration. New transwarp cell is required.

Ramhorn (grumbling): This isn't funny. Confirm.

Computer: Transwarp cell is too under-powered for flight duration. New transwarp cell is required.

Ramhorn grumbles and steps away from the drive, visibly angry. We cut outside to show Cicadacon in beast mode, checking over the hull of the ship.

Cicadacon: Everything, from what I can tell, is functional. We will be ready to go very soon.

Sea Clamp, in beast mode, slips out of the hatch in the ship. Behind him, Ramhorn, in robot mode, follows, tossing aside his welder.

Ramhorn: Should be, but we won't be. The transwarp cells we salvaged won't make the trip.

Cicadacon (alarmed): Impossible, they checked out well before.

Ramhorn: We didn't have time to scan them in depth. Wishful thinking on our part, perhaps.

Sea Clamp: All right, it's a set back. We only need one working cell. Which of our neighbors do we ask?

Ramhorn: Does it matter? They all hate us at the moment.

Sea Clamp: True.

Cicadacon: And none of them can stop us. We'll hit the Maximal base, we've already damaged their defense network pretty hard. I doubt they can take another attack.

Ramhorn: Sounds good. When do we go?

Cicadacon (musing): Oh, now's good for me.

Ramhorn: Anything to get away from repair work for a little while.

Cicadacon and Sea Clamp both exchange looks and move aside to the jungle. Ramhorn shakes his head at them and transforms to beast mode to follow them. We pan above, into the distance, and see Silverbolt, eagle mode, scanning over the terrain.

Silverbolt (sighing): Why did I get this beast mode? I don't belong way up here. I wasn't meant to fly. Okay, I've got to scan the horizon, not look down.

Silverbolt arcs to the side a bit, an obvious look of worry in his eyes as he maneuvers.

Computer: Warning, Predacon energy signatures detected. Bearing three-five-eight by one-nine-six degrees.

Silverbolt: What, below me?

Silverbolt looks down, and shudders just as he does so. He spins a second, then controls himself. He looks below him, far below him, and sees something glint in the distance.

Silverbolt: Looks like the neighbors. A ship?

Silverbolt starts to focus in on it, but suddenly realizes he's diving and arcs back and levels off, composing himself.

Silverbolt (grumbling): I have got to get over this sometime.

Silverbolt circles around, and turns to see the Predacon ship from a new angle. He literally lets out a gasp as he looks it over.

Silverbolt: Great Primus. Silverbolt to base, I just found something out in the sticks.

Optimus Primal (com-link): What is it, Silverbolt?

Silverbolt: Looks like Cicadacon has himself a starship. It looks like it's ready to go.

Optimus Primal (com-link): All right, record its position and get back here pronto. Good job.

Silverbolt: Great. About time, too, this high-altitude flying is making me dizzy.

As Silverbolt returns to the tree-line, arcing away from the Predacons, we fade into the Maximal Base. Prowl, Grimlock, Optimus Primal, and Rhinox are all in robot mode, standing around the central computer display. Optimus Primal shakes his head, then looks to Prowl.

Optimus Primal: Looks like we know how to get you and the others back to Cybertron.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, go and steal starship from Predacons.

Prowl: Such a battle for that action could destroy the ship itself. We need a more calculating plan.

Grimlock: Same old Prowl.

Prowl (confused): What do you mean?

Grimlock: Maximals need fighters, have enough thinkers. Predacons have starship, we beat up the Predacons and repair the ship on our own time.

Rhinox: We don't have the supplies, Grimlock. Anything happens to that ship, and we may be out of luck.

Optimus Primal: If Silverbolt is right, though, we won't have a second shot at it. To be honest, I'm surprised the Predacons haven't launched that ship already.

Grimlock: We no get ship from Predacons, how do we get back to Cybertron?

Optimus Primal: As soon as Rattrap gets out of the CR chamber, we'll send a small team in to infiltrate it. Hopefully, that will work better than the brute-force approach.

Rhinox (skeptical): Maybe so.

Prowl: It's more logical, certainly. Ironhide, Grimlock, and I can go provide him with support if things get to hot out there. With Silverbolt watching us from the air…

Optimus Primal (firmly): Absolutely not.

Grimlock (offended): Why? Me, Grimlock, is greatest warrior of Autobots and Maximals. You, Optimus Primal, doubt me, Grimlock?

Rhinox: It's not that, Grimlock. But if anything happens to any of you, history changes.

Optimus Primal: We can't afford to let that happen. So, for right now, you remain here. As soon as Silverbolt returns from patrol, you are to be kept safe, no matter what. Is that understood?

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, understand... though it goes against everything me, Grimlock, was created for.

We cut to the Predacon Headquarters. Tarantulas, beast mode, scurries inside, carrying a transwarp cell. He then heads into the Predacon command chamber, where Megatron, robot mode, is waiting. Around him are the remaining 'loyal' Predacons, Inferno, Scorponok, Blackarachnia, Waspinator, and Terrorsaur. Everyone but Tarantulas is already in their robot modes.

Tarantulas: Good morning, Megatron.

Megatron: Ah, Tarantulas, are things going well for you?

Tarantulas (chuckling): Very well, my queen.

Megatron grumbles and lifts up Tarantulas firmly. Tarantulas still remains in good spirits, however, and doesn't appear too fazed by the forceful contact.

Megatron (firmly): Did you accomplish your mission?

Tarantulas (chuckling): They never even suspected.

Megatron smiles and grabs the transwarp cell from Tarantulas, looking it over, and dropping him. Tarantulas transforms to his robot mode.

Megatron: Excellent, yes. Cicadacon won't be going anywhere for a little while. Tarantulas, get together whatever you need to rebuild their transwarp drive. We'll need it soon, yes.

Waspinator: Waspinator see eagle-bot heading off to Cicadacon's ship. Maximals may have discovered our ride home too.

Terrorsaur: They'll ruin everything.

Megatron: Not necessarily, if the Maximals now know of their coordinates, they will undoubtedly be considering their options. It's time to rouse them into action. The Maximals can keep our wayward sheep occupied while Tarantulas and I ready the master stroke, yes.

Megatron stands, and looks over his assembled troops. Scorponok, Inferno, Blackarachnia, Terrorsaur, and Waspinator all stand at the ready, in robot mode.

Megatron: The curtain begins to close. In orbit are dozens of stasis pods, their passengers are just waiting to become Predacons. But that alone is not enough, no. That ship, and its voyage, opens our first door to the ultimate Predacon victory.

Terrorsaur: All right. I can taste Cybertron's Energon now.

Waspinator: Waspinator going home?

Megatron (smiling): I have... larger things in mind. For now, however, our first objective is to destroy Cicadacon, Ramhorn, and Sea Clamp. They will learn what it means to cross me.

Tarantulas (questioning): And then?

Megatron: We'll use that ship, and improve our future, but changing our past.

Megatron begins to laugh at his thoughts as the other Predacons look on. Tarantulas takes a nervous step back, but eventually begins to cackle. As the Predacons rally for battle, we fade to black.

Escape, pt. 2
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in Maximal Headquarters. Rattrap, robot mode, steps into the command center as Optimus Primal and Prowl stand in their robot modes. Prowl has his arms crossed, though his expression is one of eternal patience.

Rattrap (grumbling): I haven't been out of the recovery chamber five minutes, and you've got another job for me? Do I look like some kind of machine to you?

Optimus Primal: Actually, Rattrap...

Rattrap: Not that kind of a machine, monkey-brain. This rat can use a little rest every now and then.

Prowl: Rattrap, this is important. You're the only one here with the skills that we need.

Rattrap (grinning): Oh, so the big cat thinks I'm important now. How can I refuse?

Optimus Primal: Cicadacon has rigged a starship out in the southern sectors. We need you to sneak in and try to swipe it.

Rattrap: You want me to put my pink butt on the line with Tripredacus? Are you nuts?

Optimus Primal: Ask me that again later.

Prowl: We're not asking you to risk yourself more than necessary, Rattrap. We might be able to work up a diversion or something to keep the Predacons busy while you sneak aboard. At any rate, we can't afford to waste too much time leaving this to discussion.

Rattrap: Okay, okay, so where do I have to go?

Optimus Primal: Sentinel, display tactical grid of...

Sentinel: Warning, incoming Predacons. Warning, incoming Predacons.

The ship's lighting changes to red and sirens begin to sound. Optimus Primal rushes to a station and calls something up. We see Cicadacon, Ramhorn, and Sea Clamp, all in beast mode, rushing up to attack the Maximal base.

Optimus Primal (grumbling): Company's coming.

We cut outside to show Cicadacon, Ramhorn, and Sea Clamp all convert to their robot modes, and reach the perimeter of the Axalon. All three immediately open fire as soon as the ship is in sight. The shields are weak, but they don't have many problems holding of the attack.

Cicadacon: This won't prove to be difficult. Ram Horn, Sea Clamp, concentrate firepower near the shield generator. Keep moving,, and make their guns hard to get a fix on you.

Ramhorn (smirking): As if I have to worry about their guns.

Sea Clamp: Just leave enough of the ship so we can take what we want.

Sea Clamp fires a blast at the Axalon. The shield seems to flicker when the hit is scored. We cut inside, as Rhinox and Cheetor, both in robot modes, rush to the bridge. Optimus Primal is working over several controls.

Cheetor: What's happening?

Rattrap: Cicadacon and his friends wanted to come play.

Rhinox: It's too soon, I haven't finished work on Sentinel yet. The shields will never hold.

Prowl: In that case we must take the battle to them.

Optimus Primal: Rattrap, you and Cheetor get out to their ship and do what you can. Prowl, you get Ironhide and Silverbolt safe down below. Rhinox, stick here and get sentinel back on line as you can. I'll rally the other Maximals and start hitting these three bad hard.

Prowl: You want us to stay below? You need us in this battle.

Optimus Primal: We can't risk you coming to harm, now get moving.

Sentinel: Warning, shield failure, imminent.

As sentinel finishes reporting, a blast rips into the bridge. Rhinox is thrown back hard as panels and circuits start to explode. Rhinox falls, and struggles to stand.

Optimus Primal: Rhinox!

Rattrap: Big green!

Rhinox (weakly): I'll be all right... internals are messed up, I can't move.

Sentinel: Shields destroyed.

Optimus Primal: Oh, this is just, Prime. Prowl, get Rhinox to the CR chamber. Contact Tigatron and Airazor and bring them in from their patrols.

Optimus Primal turns and runs to the hatchway, followed quickly by Cheetor and Rattrap, who leap into battle. We cut to Cicadacon's starship. Megatron, beast mode, arrives with Tarantulas and Scorponok, also in beast mode. Megatron looks around carefully, and shakes his head. Scorponok steps forward, clicking his pincers together a little nervously.

Scorponok: Where did they all go, Megatron? I expected to have to blast someone when we got here.

Megatron: Strange, they've left their ship unguarded? I don't think so, no.

Tarantulas: Suspicious, isn't it?

Megatron: Megatron, Terrorize!

Megatron cocks his head then transforms to his beast mode. Instantly, several guns on the ship activate, turn, and then level themselves at Megatron. The Predacon commander shakes his head, and quickly reverts to his beast mode. The guns deactivate and lower.

Megatron: Impressive. Perhaps I did not give this group enough credit.

Tarantulas: Doesn't matter, I don't need to transform to install our new cell.

Megatron: True, but there are likely other dangers as well, yes. Scorponok, provide Tarantulas with any assistance he requires once you're inside. I'll contact Inferno and the others, and prepare for an assault.

Tarantulas: Why, Megatron? We can use the ship for our own, and strand them here.

Megatron (firmly): I have my reasons. Cicadacon must not be allowed prolonged access to this planet, no. We stop him and his compatriots here.

Cut to the Axalon, under siege. Optimus Primal, Rattrap, and Cheetor have made it outside in their robot modes. Dinobot leaps down, sword out, in robot mode. A sneer crosses his face as he sees the enemy moving their position. The Maximals are pinned down.

Dinobot: Rhinox is secure in the CR chamber.

Optimus Primal: Prowl and the others?

Dinobot: They are attempting to repair the defenses.

Optimus Primal (fuming): That's not what I said.

Dinobot: Prowl felt it a more 'logical' option. I am inclined to agree.

Dinobot fires his optic blast to Ramhorn, who weathers the assault before arcing around. Sea Clamp circles to the side, and begins to fire at the group. The Maximals leap aside as a heavy blast smashes the landing platform.

Rattrap: Where's the backup when we need it?

Cheetor: I don't know.

Optimus Primal: We might be able to turn the tide if we can just get clear. Prime jet's on!

Optimus Primal leaps up, using his rocket-pack and rush into the air. Unfortunately for him, the trio of Predacons are ready for the move, and combine their firepower against him. Optimus Primal screams out as the shots smash into him, and he falls, smoking.

Cheetor: Big-bot!

Dinobot: An interesting ploy, I must remember it.

The Maximals move from their position, and rush forward, using Optimus Primal's diversion to press their attack. Ramhorn is hit hard twice, then reverts to breast mode to absorb the rest of the attacks. Cicadacon has to fall back, and Sea Clamp scurries aside.

Sea Clamp: Damn fool. We're being overwhelmed.

Ramhorn (groaning): I noticed.

Cicadacon: Pull back, and regroup.

Dinobot: No! We can't let them get back together. Maximals, concentrate your efforts on keeping them apart. If they can join together...

Cicadacon: We can...

Cicadacon transforms to the head and chest unit of the giant as Sea Clamp latches on to form the legs and main body. Ramhorn splits open and forms the arms of the giant Tripredacus. All the Maximals continue to pour firepower into the giant, but it shows little use.

Tripredacus: ... triumph.

Tripredacus levels his combined weapon, and fires at Dinobot. Dinobot is quick enough to dodge from the direct blast, but falls unconscious as he is hit from the concussion wave. Optimus Primal struggles to stand up again, and opens fire with his missiles. Tripredacus seems to feel these, but again, seems to not show any major signs of strain.

Optimus Primal: Pull out, Maximals. Cheetor, Rattrap, go do your mission.

Cheetor (shocked): We can't leave you big-bot!

Optimus Primal (firmly): That's an order. Get moving.

Rattrap: Let's go, kiddo!

Tripredacus is about to fire directly into Optimus Primal again, who seems a bit sluggish, when a blast from above distracts him. We look up and see Airazor, robot mode, rushing down with her weapons firing. Tripredacus takes a new stance and fires upward, just as Tigatron, robot mode, rushes forward to distract him as well.

Rattrap: We've got to do it. Let's move.

Rattrap transforms to beast mode and runs off, followed by Cheetor, who does the same, though he hesitates. We look back and see Airazor dodging Tripredacus's assaults nimbly, while the remaining Maximals struggle to maintain themselves against him.

Optimus Primal: Maximals, get ready to break on my signal.

Tigatron: I hear you.

Tripredacus levels his weapon at Tigatron, and fires. Tigatron is too late this time, however, and takes the massive hit head on. Tigatron falls back, smoking. His optics flicker. We cut inside the Axalon. Grimlock and Ironhide, both in beast mode, stand behind Prowl and Silverbolt, both in robot mode. Prowl seems engrossed in his work, patching up tattered systems in the Axalon.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, know that battle going poorly. Me Grimlock must help Optimus.

Prowl: You heard his order. Anything happens to any of us, and the timelines suffer more damage. We can't risk it.

Ironhide (scowling): And bein' down here just waiting to be scrapped is a better plan? We ought to be up there helping them.

Silverbolt: Optimus Primal said 'no', Ironhide. We shouldn't question his orders.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, no take orders. Me, Grimlock, bash enemies. Grimlock, Maximize.

Ironhide: I'm going to agree with lizard-breath here. Ironhide, Maximize.

Ironhide and Grimlock both transform to their robot modes. Silverbolt and Prowl turn, visibly worried.

Prowl: You can't take this risk.

Ironhide: Stay here and rust if you want to, Prowl, I'm off.

Cut outside, we see Optimus Primal, robot mode, and Airazor, robot mode, stepping back from Tripredacus, who's continuing to fire just shy of them. Optimus Primal fires back, and Tripredacus is now visibly damaged, but shows no signs of relenting.

Airazor: Doesn't he have any weaknesses?

Optimus Primal: It doesn't appear that way.

Tripredacus: You dared to stand against me.. You expect anything other than termination?

Grimlock (from above): Me, Grimlock, expect to kick your aft.

Tripredacus: Grimlock?

Optimus Primal: Grimlock, no! We can't...

Grimlock leaps from the hull of the Axalon, and dives a kick directly into Tripredacus's head. Tripredacus stammers some, taken off balance, as Ironhide, again in beast mode, rams into Tripredacus's legs, knocking him fully over. Tripredacus falls onto his stomach, then struggles to stand. Prowl, in beast mode, leaps atop him, and slices hard into the giant's armor. As Prowl leaps away, Silverbolt, robot mode, fires two missiles into the freshly-cut wound. Tripredacus lets out a scream for the first time.

Tripredacus (stunned): Impossible, no one damages Tripredacus.

Silverbolt: Call me 'Mister Nobody'.

Silverbolt converts quickly to his eagle mode, and arcs aside. Tripredacus manages to stand as Ironhide rushes forward again. This time, however, Tripredacus isn't taken off-guard, and fires first. The blast hits Ironhide head-on. Ironhide clutches his chest, but the armor plating there holds, though singed.

Ironhide: They call me Ironhide. I hope ya got better than that.

Tripredacus: Impressive attack, Maximals, but it means nothing. I have defeated the giants of the Decepticons and the Autobots in battle. You shall be nothing.

Cut to Cicadacon's ship. Inside, Tarantulas and Scorponok, both in beast mode, are working in the engine room. Scorponok lifts up an access panel, and drops it clumsily to the floor.

Tarantulas: Idiot! Why not smash the rest of the ship while you're at it?

Scorponok: It would be easier if I could transform.

Tarantulas: We can't until we have reprogrammed the defenses.

Scorponok: Well, why didn't you say so? I'll do that while you finish up in here.

Tarantulas: No, you could alert Cicadacon. We mustn't tip him off.

Scorponok: But they left the ship unguarded. They've got to be busy.

Tarantulas (grumbling): All right, get it started. Don't screw it up.

Scorponok (offended): What's that supposed to mean?

Tarantulas: Just go!

Scorponok steps back, then turns around to scamper out of the hall. We return to the battle where Prowl, Airazor, Silverbolt, Grimlock, Optimus Primal, and Ironhide, all in robot mode, are continuing to fight the massive Tripredacus. They're not having much luck. Tripredacus fires again, and Ironhide takes the hit again, but this time falters.

Ironhide: The bucket of bolts ain't stopping for nothing.

Airazor: I noticed.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, think we're in big trouble.

Tripredacus fires again, this time directly smashing into Grimlock, knocking him over hard with the assault. The remaining Maximals continue to strike, sending a wave of firepower into the giant. Tripredacus finally steps back in some pain, some of his heavy armor beginning to strip away.

Optimus Primal (worried): Grimlock! Airazor, see to him.

Airazor: He's just now getting weak, and I'm running low on power.

Optimus Primal (grimly): Looks like we'll need a miracle this time.

Silverbolt: Did you call for a miracle?

Ironhide: Time to open the can of whoop aft.

Prowl (quickly): Ironhide and Silverbolt, transform and link up!.

Prowl's form changes, turning to a cross between his lion and robot mode. Silverbolt fans forward his wings, and then wraps around Prowl to form a massive center body. From there, Ironhide transforms, splitting apart then wrapping around the others to form the legs and arms. Finally, the visage of Magnaboss, the Maximal giant, is shown. Tripredacus steps back, a little nervously, as the Maximal giant fires a series of missiles from his chest.

Magnaboss: No more will suffer because of you. I, Magnaboss, will ensure that.

The missiles slam into Tripredacus, who stammers back from the assault. Tripredacus runs forward, and brings up his weapon to slice into Magnaboss. The Maximal giant leaps back, and sweeps Tripredacus with a well-placed movement. Tripredacus kicks back, sending the giant crashing into the side of the Axalon.

Tripredacus: A warrior you are, but you remain a Maximal at your core. You lack the fire. You lack the bloodthirstiness you require for victory. Tell me, Magnaboss, can you kill?

Magnaboss struggles to free and right himself, but Tripredacus moves forward, leveling his blades for the kill. Magnaboss flips forward, and ends up kicking Tripredacus into the chest. Tripredacus falls with Magnaboss atop him.

Magnaboss: Kill you, I think so.

Tripredacus: Not bad, Magnaboss.

Tripredacus shifts, bringing his blade up and into Magnaboss's chest. Magnaboss screams out and stammers back, the wound deep in his massive chest. Tripredacus stands, ready to deliver the final blow.

Tripredacus: You were the first challenge that I had since I had come here. Sadly, it ends too soon.

Computer (from Tripredacus): Warning, starship security is now offline.

Tripredacus (growling): No! Not now! Megatron... his troops must have gotten inside. .

Tripredacus lets out a growl and takes to the air, suddenly ignoring Optimus Primal, Magnaboss, and the others. Magnaboss, clutching his chest, stands watching, surprised.

Magnaboss (confused): We didn't beat him.

Airazor: He's headed back to his ship.

Optimus Primal: No, Megatron must have found it himself.

Cut to Cicadacon's ship. Megatron, beast mode, waits patiently outside as Terrorsaur, Waspinator, and Inferno, all in robot mode, fly up from behind him. Tarantulas and Scorponok, both in beast mode, exit the ship and immediately transform.

Megatron: Status report.

Tarantulas: The Transwarp cell is installed. The conventional drive is under-powered, but will be able to leave the planet. We have our way off this mud-ball.

Scorponok: Ship's security systems have been rewritten and coded to obey you, Megatron.

Megatron (pleased): Perfect, you've been busy.

Inferno: Royalty, something burns on the horizon.

Megatron turns to see a glint in the distance. He nods as he squints at it.

Megatron: The stage is set. The lights are dimmed, and the music is on. Now it's time to dance. Tripredacus is returning from the Maximal base. This time, however, we'll be ready for him, yes. Megatron, Terrorize!

Tarantulas: How do we beat him?

Megatron: No sign of the Maximals. I had assumed that they would pursue, but I may have miscalculated. Tripredacus may have been too much for them, yes.

Scorponok (worried): Megatron?

Megatron (considering): This will be more costly than I envisioned. The Maximals should be in pursuit.

Tarantulas (fearful): You've made an error. You were counting on the Maximals to help us fight him, weren't you? And he's already beaten the Maximals.

Megatron slams his fists together, growling. We cut to show Tripredacus rushing along the terrain, damaged, but determined as we fade to black.

Escape, pt. 3
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in near Cicadacon's ship. Rattrap and Cheetor, both in robot mode, are hiding behind a large stone. On the other side is Megatron, Inferno, Scorponok, Tarantulas, Waspinator, and Terrorsaur, all in robot mode, awaiting the arrival of Tripredacus. The final battle seems to be approaching.

Megatron: Computer, set all automated defenses against Tripredacus. Waspinator, Terrorsaur, Inferno, stand by for aerial assault. Tarantulas, Scorponok, fan out. This battle must not be lost, under any circumstances.

Computer (from Cicadacon's ship): Automatic defenses armed and ready.

Rattrap (whispering): Okay, cat, let's do it.

Cheetor (whispering): If Tripredacus is on his way, do you think it means he got the others?

Rattrap (whispering): Think about our butts right now, kiddo. Let's get inside.

Rattrap and Cheetor suck in nervous breaths, and slip past the occupied Predacons. Megatron, turns, noting their presence, but does nothing at the moment.

Scorponok: He'll be here in a few minutes.

Megatron: Assume positions, Scorponok. Perhaps the last cards have not been played, no.

Tarantulas (musing): The Maximals are gone. We have our escape ship, and yet we have not won.

Megatron: That remains to be seen, Tarantulas.

Cut to the damaged Axalon. Optimus Primal and Airazor look on as Tripredacus's flames seem to disappear over the horizon. Grimlock, robot mode, rouses from his shaken state. Tigatron and Dinobot, however, both remain out of it, lying damaged in their unconscious forms.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock failed. Me, Grimlock, let Tripredacus beat him.

Magnaboss: You fought, Grimlock. You did well.

Optimus Primal (snapping): Slag! We don't have time for this. Airazor, you're with me. Magnaboss, stay here and get the others functional. Prime jets, on!

Optimus Primal leaps to the air, and activates his jets, streaking out after Tripredacus. Airazor turns to check on Tigatron, frowns, then converts to beast mode, chasing after her leader.

Magnaboss: Magnaboss, separate.

Magnaboss splits into his three component robots, Silverbolt, Ironhide, and Prowl. Each land near one another. Ironhide winces as he lands, shaking some from the pain.

Silverbolt: I'm going after them, I'm fast enough to outpace Tripredacus.

Prowl: Good, we will follow. This is our fight, even more than it is Optimus's. Beast mode.

Silverbolt converts to eagle form and rushes away, hugging the tree line, and leaving a blur behind him as he goes. Prowl and Grimlock transform to beast mode as well, and start the journey on foot. Ironhide, the slowest, transforms last, heading out.

Ironhide: It ain't over 'til the fat-femme hollars.

Cut to the Predacon ship. Megatron, robot mode narrows his eyes as he sees Tripredacus begin to be something more than a dot on the horizon.

Scorponok: Weapons range in fifteen seconds.

Megatron: Any sign of Maximal pursuit?

Scorponok: Can't tell from this range. If they're there at all, it won't be in enough time.

Megatron: Very well, as soon as Tripredacus is in range, open fire.

Scorponok: Five seconds.

Megatron and the others raise and ready their weapons.

Scorponok: Now!

Megatron: Open fire!

Cut to Tripredacus's view. Just as the ship comes into focus, a massive barrage of weapons launch out at him, the first few score hits, making the giant shudder in flight, but he is able to evade from the remaining ones. Tripredacus fires missiles from his weapon back, and Megatron is forced to leap aside from the ship.

Tripredacus (sneering): Such a warm reception, fellow Predacon. Your treachery is complete.

Tripredacus lands near the ship. Inferno, Waspinator, and Terrorsaur move around behind him and open fire as Tarantulas uses his leg-guns to strafe the giant. Tripredacus ignores them all, and grabs Megatron, lifting him forcefully by the neck.

Megatron (growling): Let go of me.

Tripredacus: No plans to save you. No weapons to power you. You sought to kill me, to save your precious agenda. But even you have your betters.

Inferno (worried): Royalty!

Inferno fires everything he has directly into Tripredacus's face. Tripredacus growls as he is blinded, but throws Megatron into Inferno. Inferno is smashed against the ground as his leader bounces from the force of the impact.

Megatron (weakly): Stop him!

Tripredacus turns and fires one into Waspinator. Waspinator attempts to dodge, but loses his arm and wing to the blast and falls. Terrorsaur follows up and continues firing, just as Optimus Primal and Airazor, both already in robot mode, fly up behind. A little farther back, Silverbolt, beast mode, arrives and fires, after transforming to robot mode.

Optimus Primal: Looks like you're out of friends, Tripredacus.

Tripredacus: You? I am surprised you function, but it doesn't matter.

Tripredacus turns and fires into the ship, easily destroying the defenses in place there, which had been firing sporadically at him the whole time. Tripredacus steps to the ship, and then separates to his three component robots.

Cicadacon: I'm afraid we've got a date with your friends in orbit. It's been fun, Primal, but it's over.

Ramhorn turns and continues firing as Prowl, Grimlock, and Ironhide finally arrive on the ground. Sea Clamp makes a run into the ship as Terrorsaur and Airazor attempt to nail him.

Cicadacon: Get inside, and get the shields back up.

Ramhorn: I'm on it.

Optimus Primal: No! We can't let them get the ship!

Scorponok turns and fires, but Cicadacon is too quick, and leaps inside the ship's hatch. Ramhorn, who had merely been weathering the attacks on his armored hide, backs into the ship and starts to seal the hatch.

Silverbolt: They can't get away! Do something Predacons!

Silverbolt continues to fire as the remaining Predacons start to fire on the ship itself. After a moment, the ship's shields come back online, though the ship has sustained some damage. The familiar, and now haunting hum of engines fill the air.

Prowl (alarmed): They're lifting off!

Optimus Primal: No! By the Matrix, no!

Terrorsaur: Our ride home. They're leaving us behind!

Cicadacon: They couldn't beat us. They couldn't touch us.

Ramhorn: Course to Cybertron laid in, Cicadacon. Let's go home.

Cicadacon: Activate launching rockets and standby the impulse drive. It's time to bid this place 'adieu'.

Sea Clamp (smirking): Bye-bye, Megatron.

Cicadacon begins to laugh as we cut outside to show the ship lifting off sluggishly into the air. Silverbolt and Airazor, both in beast mode, move back as it rumbles. Optimus Primal kicks in his jets as he lifts off, trying to reach the ship. He fires several missiles, but the shields absorb them.

Megatron (angrily): Fools! What have you done?

Optimus Primal (angrily): Cicadacon!

Prowl (grimly): We blew it.

We pan back to show the ship lifting out of range of the Maximal weapons. Cicadacon's laugh fills the air as we fade to black.

Escape, pt. 4
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in to the low skies. A ship, Cicadacon's smallish craft, moves through, heading slowly upwards. Inside, Cicadacon, Ramhorn, and Sea Clamp are all cheering in their robot modes. Victory, it seems, has been attained.

Cicadacon: All right, let's get the impulse drive on line and grab those stasis pods first.

Ramhorn: And then we'll return to Cybertron.

Sea Clamp: Computer, set up recovery of stasis pods in orbit.

Computer: Unable to comply. Impulse engines are off-line.

Ramhorn (concerned): They must have gotten damaged in the battle.

Cicadacon: No matter, we can get them when we come back. Computer, plot a temporal and spatial course to return to Cybertron.

Computer: Unable to comply, transwarp drive is off-line.

Cicadacon (shocked): Impossible!

Sea Clamp (growling): Scan for Maximals aboard, hurry.

Computer: Two Maximals are aboard ship. Unit Rattrap and unit Cheetor, now moving to aft access hatch.

Cicadacon (enraged): No! Not when we're so close. Predacons, no more games. We finish these Maximals off now once and for all.

Cut to the rear of the ship. An access panel opens and we see Cheetor and Rattrap, both in robot mode, steps to the edge, and frown, looking down. Cheetor sighs as trees pass beneath him.

Cheetor: Man, I wish I could fly right about now.

Rattrap: I've flown before, makes my stomach ache.

Cheetor: So we jump? This is going to hurt.

Rattrap: More than letting the bugly trio get to us?

Cheetor looks back behind him, and frowns. He then looks down, and jumps. Rattrap follows, screaming as he does so. As they both fall, Silverbolt, in eagle mode, rushes beneath them and grabs Rattrap in his talons as a bird-of-prey on a real rat.

Silverbolt (surprised): What are you doing?

Cheetor (calling out): Falling!

Silverbolt rushes over to try and grab Cheetor, firing one talon to make a grab for him. Sadly, not even Silverbolt is that fast, and Cheetor smashes through taller jungle trees, snipping and breaking twigs and limbs on his way down. Cheetor finally hits the ground with a dull thud. As Silverbolt lands with Rattrap, Cheetor stands, shakily.

Silverbolt: Are you all right?

Cheetor (sore): Not really. Some systems are off-line. I don't think my weapons work.

Rattrap: At least you landed on your feet.

Cheetor: Yeah, right.

Silverbolt: Convert to beast mode, let your repair systems take over.

Cheetor transforms back to his cheetah mode as Rattrap turns to regard the ship. Cicadacon's ship is arcing back around, and stops, hovering there.

Silverbolt: They're not leaving?

Rattrap: We erased the navigation computer inside. They're not going anywhere.

Silverbolt: The others won't have made it this far for a few minutes yet. Come on, let's get to back to them. Cicadacon's got to be gearing up for another attack.

Cut inside the ship. Cicadacon fumes in his robot mode as Sea Clamp and Ramhorn step forward. Sea Clamp shakes his head.

Cicadacon: How bad?

Sea Clamp: Our nav-data has been trashed. We can't even lock into the stasis pods, nor can we plot a safe orbital window. We need to reprogram it entirely.

Cicadacon (angrily): Where did the Maximals get to?

Ramhorn: They disappeared in the jungle trees, Cicadacon. I lost track of them.

Cicadacon: You lost track of them? They're down there with the data we need. I suggest that we find them, and rip their miserable hides apart.

Ramhorn: Just waiting for the word, Cicadacon.

Cicadacon steps aside, moving to an access hatch, and opens it. Below, the mountainous jungle stretches to the distance. There is no sign of Maximals or Predacons anywhere to be seen. Cicadacon leaps out, followed by Sea Clamp and Ramhorn. The trio fans out in their fall, then recombine, forming one more time into the giant warrior, Tripredacus.

Tripredacus: There is no place to run from me, Maximals. You will be destroyed, if I have to clear this entire jungle with flame.

Tripredacus raises his weapon, and fires outward, sending a wave of energy into the trees. At first there is merely smoldering, then finally flames begin to spark. After a few more seconds, a second of the entire jungle begins to erupt in flame. Creatures inside panic and flee as their home is quickly destroyed. We cut to Cheetor, Rattrap, and Silverbolt, looking at the smoke rising on the horizon with shock and fear.

Cheetor (shocked): They can't be doing this.

Silverbolt: The fire's moving this way. We need to clear out.

Rattrap: Where? Some of us can't fly you know. And as soon as we hit the sky, they nail us.

Silverbolt: We can't just stand here. Head back to the others on the ground. I'll cover for you.

Cheetor: You'll get killed against the three of them.

Silverbolt: But you'll live, now get going.

Rattrap is about to object, but Silverbolt takes to the sky. Rattrap tales a nervous step back as the smoke from the fire begins to linger into their area, and turns to run. Cheetor quickly follows.

Rattrap: There goes one brave Maximal.

Cheetor: I know.

We pan over to show Silverbolt rising from the jungle, then over the smoke, then past the flaming part of the jungle. Tripredacus is in the distance, still firing into the trees.

Silverbolt: Looking for someone?

Tripredacus (darkly): Your friends.

Silverbolt: You'll have to go through me first.

Tripredacus: So be it.

Tripredacus opens fire at Silverbolt, who's amazing speed enables him to dodge easily. Tripredacus fires again, coming close, but again missing. Silverbolt arcs downward, and flies beneath Tripredacus, eventually nailing him with twin missiles.

Silverbolt: I'm too fast for you to hit me.

Tripredacus: I only need to hit you once, Maximal.

Tripredacus again fires, but Silverbolt dives to the tree line and arcs up again, evading it. We move into the trees, nearer the ship, and see Megatron, in beast mode, standing beneath. He watches the battle with Tripredacus and Silverbolt with some amused interest.

Megatron: Ah, Maximal, so brave. The legends about you were true, yes.

Megatron turns to look at the ship, hovering there, waiting for him. He transforms to his robot mode, and looks at it seriously.

Megatron: To think that I had so nearly lost this battle. And yet you're here, waiting for me to rewrite a chapter in our destiny. Tripredacus, my dear traitor, thank you for this glorious opportunity. You have given me this pen in which to write.

Megatron's optics narrow as he tightens his pincer. He looks to the open hatchway, then back to Tripredacus.

Megatron: And now to write the masterstroke.

Megatron steps back, and leaps forward, grabbing onto the hovering ship's floor, barely making the access hatch. Megatron pulls himself up, and climbs in. He looks outside a moment longer, as if waiting for something, then slips inside.

We cut to Optimus Primal and Airazor, each in robot mode, flying above the beast modes of Grimlock, Ironhide, and Prowl. All are barreling forward, as fast as Ironhide can move. Ahead, in the distance, we can see the silhouette of Cicadacon's ship, hovering there. Occasionally, a glint of firepower can be made out near it.

Airazor (surprised): Optimus, the ship's stopped.

Optimus Primal: Thank Primus, it looks like Rattrap and Cheetor got their job done.

Prowl: That buys us time at least.

Optimus Primal (grimly): Not much, firefight ahead. Looks like they've been discovered. Airazor and I will move ahead, the rest of you engage as soon as you get there. Prime jets, maximum burn!

Optimus Primal kicks in his afterburners and rushes very quickly past, followed closely by Airazor. Grimlock and the others start rushing forward. Prowl and Grimlock nimbly move through the trees. Ironhide simply tears through them.

We cut back to Tripredacus and Silverbolt. Silverbolt manages a few more hits on the giant, but Tripredacus remains fairly unfazed. Finally, Tripredacus appears to have had enough.

Tripredacus: I've had enough of you, Maximal. Die.

Tripredacus raises his weapon, and this time launches one of the wing-blades. Silverbolt moves to dodge, but is surprised to see the blade maneuver with him, gaining some.

Silverbolt (worried): I'm in trouble.

Tripredacus turns again, and launches the other blade. The missile arcs around widely. Just as Silverbolt flips and leaves the first missile lost, the second manages to hit him. Silverbolt screams out and starts to fall, clutching a ripped-open wing.

Tripredacus: You live? Luck is with you Maximal. Now, where are your allies?

Silverbolt shakes some, and lands hard on the ground, surrounded by burning trees. From the flames, the daunting figure of Tripredacus steps forward and raises his cannon.

Silverbolt: They're gone by now. I've done my job.

Tripredacus: Good, then you can die, happy.

Tripredacus levels his weapon at Silverbolt, and we fade to black.

Escape, pt. 5
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade into the halls of Cicadacon's ship. Megatron, in robot mode, steps to the aft of the ship, and enters the engine room. He smiles, his tasks are nearly complete.

Computer: Security breach. Defense systems online.

Megatron: Override.

Computer: Unit Megatron recognized. Defense grid, deactivated.

Megatron: As I suspected, Cicadacon was too busy to check the programming on the transwarp cell. Computer, access navigational data.

Computer: Unable to comply. Data has been erased.

Megatron (chuckling): Impressive Maximals, but very well. Computer, open access to navigation systems, and lock in the following instructions.

Computer: Awaiting commands.

We cut outside to show Tripredacus moving up in the flaming part of the jungle, about to finish off the wounded Silverbolt. Silverbolt winces, but manages to stand as Tripredacus readies a careful shot. Just as he about to fire, however, Cheetor, beast mode, leaps from the trees and rams his arm. Tripredacus misfires, obliterating yet another tree, and turns to attack the newcomer.

Tripredacus: Fools, you've made my victory easier.

Rattrap (from behind): That's what you think, bugly.

Rattrap opens fire with his machine-gun, but it doesn't seem to do much against the Predacon giant. Tripredacus turns to fire, but yet another shot from aside manages to actually stagger the giant. We pan over and see Ironhide, robot mode, rearing back his club. Behind him, Prowl, Airazor, Grimlock, and Optimus Primal all arrive in robot mode, and open fire.

Rattrap: My pink butt is saved!

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, teach Tripredacus how to get prehistoric.

Optimus Primal: No, Grimlock. You know what you need to do. Airazor, get Cheetor and Rattrap out of here. Prowl, Silverbolt, Ironhide, let's finish this.

Prowl (concerned): Silverbolt? Can you transform?

Silverbolt (weakly): I think so.

Tripredacus turns to fire again on Silverbolt, but Optimus Primal's missiles distract him long enough for Silverbolt to stand and transform to his eagle mode. It's a bit battered and straining, but manages a climb.

Silverbolt: I can't keep this up for long, though.

Prowl: You won't need to. Ironhide, transform with us, and form…

Very quickly, all three of the Maximal components combine into their giant form. Magnaboss lands very firmly between Optimus Primal, Airazor, Cheetor, Grimlock, and Rattrap.

Magnaboss: Magnaboss.

Tripredacus: You challenge me again? After the defeat I handed to you before?

Magnaboss: I will be defeated this time, monster.

Tripredacus: My opinion differs.

Tripredacus fires a blast of energy from his weapon and leaps forward. Magnaboss shudders from the attack, but rears back and punches into his attacker. Meanwhile, Rattrap and Cheetor move off while Airazor covers them. We pan over to Optimus Primal and Grimlock, who step away from the two fighting giants.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, want to fight with friends.

Optimus Primal: If you get killed fighting over there, Grimlock, everything that we have will be lost. You have a mission to finish, remember? You've got to get back to Cybertron with Magnaboss, and that ship is your ticket home.

Grimlock: You're not coming with us?

Optimus Primal: It's tempting, but I don't know what will happen if we do go. History's already changed, and I don't even know how anymore. I can't risk damaging it more.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, understand. Will miss, Optimus Primal.

Optimus Primal: Maybe we'll meet in another time.

A loud rumble and falling, burning tree, interrupts Grimlock and Optimus Primal's comments. Grimlock moves away, turning to the ship. Optimus Primal takes in a nervous breath as the former Autobot heads away to his destiny.

Optimus Primal: May Primus watch over you.

We pan over, as see Magnaboss thrown into a range of burning jungle. Magnaboss struggles, manages only enough time to kick the approaching Tripredacus back. Tripredacus stammers, but rights himself as Magnaboss returns to his stance.

Tripredacus: And still you are unable to kill. You have the combined strengths of your components, Magnaboss, a pity you have the combined softness as well.

Magnaboss (weakly): A bit too early to gloat, isn't it?

Tripredacus: Is it?

Tripredacus steps back and fires again into Magnaboss. Magnaboss arches back, and weathers the assault, but it's telling that Magnaboss is losing the fight. Tripredacus continues the energy current, stepping closer with his blast.

Tripredacus: I'll kill you. Then Optimus Primal, then Megatron, and then finish the rest. None of you have a chance against me. None of you. When you die, they all die.

Magnaboss (weakly): I can't let that happen. I can't let you win.

Tripredacus: Accept it. You have lost.

Magnaboss struggles to stand, and falls back as Tripredacus continues to fire. We cut inside the ship, where Megatron, in beast mode waits patiently in the engine room. A screen shows a pie chart of progress. Megatron looks a bit impatient as it finally completes.

Computer: Programming completed. Navigation systems are locked in.

Megatron: Perfect. Seal all possible reprogramming schemes.

Computer: Security access, sealed.

Cut to Grimlock, robot mode, moving through the ship halls, to the front of the vessel. He looks around quietly, and pulls his blade. After a second, he reaches the main bridge, and steps forward to the controls.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, need to figure out controls.

Computer: This ship is equipped with voice-activated control scheme for recognized user.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, recognized user?

Computer: Unit, Grimlock, entered into database. Access accepted to regular functions.

Grimlock looks down at the computer, and shakes his head.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, not like this? How can Grimlock get command of ship so easily?

Grimlock turns on a button and a computer screen lights up, displaying Tripredacus continuing to battle the remaining Maximals.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, order ship to destroy Tripredacus.

Computer: Unable to comply. Defense grid is off-line.

Grimlock: Stupid ship, activate defense grid!

Computer: Unable to comply. Defense grid has been rendered permanently inoperative.

Grimlock: Someone else aboard. Maximals outside, who is here? Must be a Predacon.

Computer: Unable to scan. Defense grid is off line.

Grimlock raises his blade, ready to smash the computer, but thinks better of it, and heads back through the ship, ready for battle. We cut back outside to Magnaboss and Tripredacus in battle. Optimus Primal, robot mode, fires his missiles to try and distract the Predacon giant, but Tripredacus merely turns and fires, smashing an energy blast hard into Optimus Primal.

Magnaboss (enraged): No!

Optimus Primal falls back into a pile of ash, and struggles once to recover. He fails as black smoke rises from him to mix with the flames and smoking jungle around him.

Magnaboss: No more, damn you! No more!

Magnaboss stands, and leaps up, optics flaring brilliant. Tripredacus steps back, surprised at the Maximal's suddenly renewed battle-rage. Magnaboss brings his hands together, and begins…

Magnaboss: Magnasword, reconfigure!

From places throughout Magnaboss, the weapons of the components fly out and rearrange. Prowl's cannon forms a hilt, while the twin clubs of Ironhide for them weapon core. Finally, Silverbolt's twin blades link to the core, and the Magnasword is formed.

Tripredacus: The Magnasword?

Magnaboss: This battle is over, Tripredacus.

Tripredacus, taken aback at the sight of the weapon, steps back, and slowly braces himself. Magnaboss rushes down, bring down the blade. Tripredacus blocks with his armored shoulder, but the blade manages to cut into it. Tripredacus shoves against Magnaboss, trying to gain some distance for himself.

Magnaboss: You will harm no one else, monster. This is over. Do you hear me?

Magnaboss brings the weapon arcoss again, this time slicing through Tripredacus's cannon. Tripredacus growls out in pain, and struggles to right himself, having suffered real damage for the first time.

Tripredacus (disbelieving): You can't beat me.

Magnaboss (enraged): Do you hear me?

Tripredacus stammers back again, and falls. Magnaboss brings back the sword one last time, standing above his enemy, flames dancing about them both.

Magnaboss: Depower and disarm. You've lost, Predacon.

Tripredacus: Predacons do not surrender, Maximal.

Tripredacus shifts and attempts one more attack, but Magnaboss is ready for it. The Maximal giant brings down the blade, smashing into Tripredacus's neck. Tripredacus falls, letting out a silent scream as Energon and blood erupts from the wound. The Predacon giant falls.

Magnaboss: I can kill, Tripredacus. I merely do not enjoy it. Magnaboss, separate.

Magnaboss stands, and separates back to the robot modes of Ironhide, Prowl, and Silverbolt. Prowl instantly rushes over to the downed form of Optimus Primal. Ironhide and Silverbolt look once and their beaten enemy, and step behind.

Prowl (worried): Optimus? Primus, please, be all right.

Silverbolt (calmly): He was hit bad, Prowl.

Ironhide: One blast from Tripredacus ain't enough to take out Optimus.

Prowl (worried): Of course not.

Silverbolt: Can you hear us, Primal? Talk to us.

Optimus Primal shifts slightly, and sits his head up. Fuel leaks from his faceplate, but his optics come back to life. He's obvious in very bad shape.

Optimus Primal (weakly): I'm alive, Silverbolt. I've had better days, though.

Prowl: We'll get you to the CR chamber back at the Axalon.

Optimus Primal (weakly): No, I'll recover. Grimlock should have your ship ready now. You should go.

Ironhide: We're not done here. Megatron's still got troops we have to butt-kick.

Optimus Primal (weakly): Too much risk. You're needed in our past.

Silverbolt: Come with us. We can take you and your crew back to Cybertron. We can get the stasis pods too. I don't want to leave like this. The fight's not over.

Optimus Primal (weakly): Go back, Silverbolt. Give us a reason for fighting… as our Maximal Elders.

Prowl tales a step back, and looks at Optimus Primal in disbelief. Ironhide and Silverbolt turn to one another, then back at Optimus Primal, stunned by the admission. Finally, we cut inside the Predacon ship. Grimlock, robot mode, has reached the engine room. In front of him is Megatron, beast mode, who seems to have been waiting.

Grimlock (surprised): Megatron!

Megatron: Ah, Grimlock. I had expected either Prowl or Silverbolt to check on things back here. They're much more technically minded than you. Still, this is a fortuitous meeting, yes.

Grimlock: What is this about, Megatron?

Megatron: Why, your importance to the future, Grimlock. After all, you are a legend in my own time.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, legend? Why do you care?

Megatron: Oh, your fate is very important to the Predacons. After all, you are, or shall I say, will be one of the Maximal Elders. When you return to Cybertron, that is.

Grimlock: You, Megatron, are babbling.

Megatron: I assure you that I am not. You see, in my history, you return with Prowl and the others a hero. Your bodies represent the cure to the Binary curse. You save Optimus Prime, Fortress Maximus, and many others. You should feel proud, yes.

Megatron steps over to Grimlock, shoving his huge dinosaur head into Grimlock's face, smiling.

Megatron: But that hasn't happened yet. And the future is not written into stone, no. I'm about to perform a minor edit to the history books. Not a major one, just a few pages here and there regarding a certain Dinobot Commander, you.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, not afraid of you.

Megatron: That's very brave, Grimlock, commendable, yes. But, you see, in my edited history, you don't make it back to Cybertron. You die before you get there. The cure will still be delivered, of course, but your contributions to the Autobot, and then Maximal cause will cease. The Predacon position will be strengthened, yes.

Grimlock: Fake Megatron not kill me, Grimlock. Megatron waste time.

Megatron (scowling): This 'fake' Megatron has already killed you, yes. You see, I was the one who implanted the Maximal chip into you, one that was especially altered for this occasion.

Megatron arches back proudly as Grimlock looks on, clutching his blade.

Megatron: Computer, activate Grimlock's personality core, and commence shut down sequence. Authorization Code: Gee One.

Computer (from Megatron): Acknowledged. Termination sequence commencing.

Grimlock (enraged): No!

Megatron: And now it ends, Autobot. Megatron, Terrorize!

Grimlock stammers back, losing control as his body begins to fail him. Megatron smiles and fires once. We can hear as Grimlock curses out.

Grimlock (angrily): Megatron!

We focus in on Megatron, who fires yet again, and fade to black.

Escape, pt. 6
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in to the burning jungle. Cicadacon's ship hovers a bit above it. Ironhide, Prowl, and Silverbolt step forward to the hatch, and see Megatron in robot mode, carrying the dead form of Grimlock in his arms.

Megatron (smug): Maximals. You're too late, yes.

Prowl (shocked): Grimlock?

Megatron: Dead by my hands.

Megatron tosses the fallen body of Grimlock out of the hatch. The limp form smashes in front of the trio of Maximals, who step back.

Megatron: My work here is done, Maximals. I wish to thank you for eliminating Tripredacus for me. He was getting well out of control. His death was a great victory for me, yes.

Prowl: How could you?

Ironhide: Let's do Optimus a favor and kick this guy's tail in.

Megatron: Would that you would get your revenge, but no. You won't have time. Computer, activate launch sequence.

Computer: Launch countdown, activated.

Megatron: so, Maximals, it comes to this. Your only chance to destroy me, or your only chance to return to Cybertron? Which do you choose?

Silverbolt: Maximals, fire!

Silverbolt and Prowl raise their weapons and open fire on Megatron, who is forced to retreat back inside the ship. The three Maximals leap forward onto the hatch, and start to pursue. Just as they board, however, Megatron off from the hatch, turning, and laughing.

Megatron (laughing): Fools! History is now on its path. Computer, reactivate security field.

Computer: Acknowledged.

Ironhide rushes forward, determined to go after Megatron again, but bounces from the newly repowered ship's shields. Prowl and Silverbolt fire into them, but to no avail.

Prowl: We're trapped inside.

Megatron: That you are, Maximals. Computer, launch!

Tripredacus (weakly): No.

Megatron turns to see the extremely wounded Tripredacus stand, and move forward. As Prowl, Ironhide, and Silverbolt rush inside the ship, the Predacon giant kicks in his own flight jets and grabs on to the ship. Megatron fires at him, but Tripredacus is in no condition to fight.

Megatron (darkly): Must you constantly interfere?

Tripredacus does not answer, but merely tries to rip through some of the damaged area of the ship. Meanwhile, Silverbolt, Prowl, and Ironhide race to the bridge of the ship. The computer is occupied, counting down until launch.

Silverbolt: Computer, override launch protocol.

Computer: Unable to comply, launch protocol secured. Fifteen seconds until launch.

Ironhide (impatient): Where are we going?

Computer: Ship's course is Cybertron, y ear 2035.

Prowl (confused): Home?

Computer: Ten seconds until launch.

Silverbolt: Megatron's ensure the future for himself.

Ironhide: What do we do now.

Prowl: Go along for the ride. Everyone, strap in.

As Silverbolt, Ironhide, and Prowl take their seats, we cut outside to see Tripredacus, still weakly attempting to get into the ship. Megatron, in robot mode, steps forward, and fires again, Tripredacus shudders visibly, unwilling to give up.

Tripredacus (weakly): Must get inside... only chance.

Megatron: You're too damaged. Your only alternative is to surrender to me, and become a loyal Predacon. Otherwise, you will be destroyed more thoroughly this time.

Tripredacus: I will not relent to you. Never again.

Megatron: So be it.

Computer (off camera): Five seconds.

Megatron fires into Tripredacus again, sending a near constant stream of his firepower towards the giant. Tripredacus growls from the pain as his already damaged armor starts to melt on him.

Computer: Four... three... two... one... ignition.

The engines fire, letting out a torrent of flame into Tripredacus. We hear him scream as the ship once again begins to rise. Megatron ceases his attack, but is unable to see what happened to the giant. The ship pulls up, and disappears into the sky.

Megatron: He must have been destroyed.

Computer (from Megatron): Warning, temporal anomaly detected. Unable to determine scope of change.

Megatron: That we will find out soon enough, yes.

Megatron returns to his beast mode, looking to the sky. After a moment, he turns, and heads away. We cut to the Axalon. The CR chamber opens, and shows Optimus Primal stepping outside to join Dinobot, Rhinox, and Rattrap, all in robot mode.

Optimus Primal: It's over.

Rhinox: It doesn't feel very over. Sentinel's picked up some temporal anomalies. No way can we know what was really supposed to happen now.

Cheetor: You mean Megatron won?

Dinobot: Megatron's schemes must have

Optimus Primal: I don't think so. We're still here, so is Megatron. We're no better off than when we started. If Megatron calls this a victory, then let him. Right now I'm just happy to be all in one piece. The Maximal Elders and the Binary Cure made it back to Cybertron, and everthing's back to normal.

Rattrap: As normal as it gets, anyway.

Dinobot (unconvinced): We will never know, will we? This entire affair was Megatron's scheme. Perhaps, we should consider his larger… agenda.

Cut to the Predacon Headquarters. Megatron, robot mode, stands next to the computer as Blackarachnia, also in robot mode, steps forward with him.

Blackarachnia: I kept the records in stasis, Megatron. I'm so glad you had me cooped up here instead of where the action is.

Megatron (smirking): You did notice that few Predacons remained uninjured? No matter, place the data-tracks into the computer, and hurry. We won't have long to confirm the changes.

Blackarachnia: So now I find out what this is about?

Blackarachnia steps over, and places a small data crystal into the computer core. Megatron nods as he activates it.

Megatron: Orders, Blackarachnia. This entire affair was about following orders. Computer, access data track, and check for incongruities with current time line.

Computer: Temporal anomalies detect, recording changes.

Megatron: Report.

Computer: History is in error from the year 2035. Divergent courses produce variations in the political climate of Cybertron until the end of the data-track.

Megatron: Political changes? Specify.

Computer: Starting deltas begin with Maximal arrival on Cybertron.

We focus in on Megatron, who is intently reading the results alongside his prodigee as we cut to space. Cicadacon's very damaged ship emerges from a wormhole, ripping space around it. Inside, Prowl, Silverbolt, and Ironhide each sit in their robot modes.

Ironhide: We're almost home.

Computer: Destination location confirmed. Returning control back to registered users.

Silverbolt: Head to Cybertron and contact Autobot command.

Computer: Contacting.

The front view changes, and we see Hot Rod, robot mode, appear on the screen. Behind him, Elita One steps forward.

Elita One: Unidentified craft, you are nearing restricted space. State your identities and purpose.

Hot Rod (puzzled): Who are you guys?

Silverbolt: We are... We were sent by Grimlock. We have something that cures the Binary Curse.

Elita One (stunned): The curse? You have a cure? Where is Grimlock? Is he with you?

Ironhide (quietly): He didn't make it, ma'am. I'm sorry.

Elita One: If what you say is true, then he died for a good cause. Hot Rod, let them down, we'll have a security and medical team meet them at Iacon.

Hot Rod (coughing): You heard her. I'm transmitting the coordinates to you now. I hope you're telling us the truth.

The signal fades out, and returns to the view of space. Silverbolt, Ironhide, and Prowl look between themselves, visibly nervous.

Computer: Auto-landing is engaged. Estimated landing time in fifteen cycles.

Ironhide: Here we go, gents.

Silverbolt: We made it. I guess it's over.

Prowl: It's strange. We're going to be so important to the future.

Silverbolt: For as long as we remember it, that is.

Ironhide: I wonder what the Autobots will say when we 'Maximals' arrive?

Prowl (sadly): Grimlock would know.

Silverbolt: We have to look past that now. Our future isn't written for us anymore, is it? We've got the cure, we've got the Magnasword. We'll accomplish what Grimlock set out to do.

Ironhide: And no Decepticons, or Predacons, are going to get in our way.

Cut to the ship's hold. We see Cicadacon, robot mode, tattered and torn, rise from the boxes. Behind him are Ramhorn and Sea Clamp, also damaged in their robot modes. The room is dark, and the lights of their optics provide the bulk of the area's illuminations.

Cicadacon (weakly): It's not over, Maximals, I promise you.

Sea Clamp (weakly): We have years to get our revenge... years...

We pull out of the ship, and show it approaching the planet of Cybertron. The metal sphere hangs in the distance, orbited by the remains of Unicron's head, being stripped down for scrap and supplies.

Narrator: It is the year 2035. From a needed cure to the Binary Curse, the first Maximals are born. While this story is told, and the threat is temporarily over, the newly born Predacons will undoubtedly rise from their ruin, and begin the conflict again. That, however, is a story for another time. As with the Great War between the Autobots, and Decepticons, it never ends.

Fade to black.

The End