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.
Final
Victory, pt. 1
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)
BLACK SCREEN.
LIOCONVOY (voice over): All things end.
We slowly fade into a battle scene. AIR RAID, SLINGSHOT, and SKYDIVE are all in jet mode, being led into battle by SKYFIRE. The Decepticon/Predacon ground defenses are being riddled quickly and efficiently.
AIR RAID: Scratch one defense tower.
SKYDIVE: Scratch one, and a whole mess to go.
SLINGSHOT: We'll just come around for another pass.
SKYFIRE: Negative on that, Slingshot. The Decepticon ground forces have already been called for support. A second run places us at too much risk.
SLINGSHOT (impatient): And if we take the risk now, we can push into them, and take this sector once and for all.
SKYDIVE: Those weren't our orders, Slingshot.
SLINGSHOT: Yeah? Well, why are we fighting with our cockpits up our afterburners? Primus, what are we waiting for?
We cut to Darkmount's command center. MEGATRON, CICADACON, and ANTAGONY are all watching the nearby battles from the window glass.
MEGATRON (musing): What are they waiting for?
CICADACON: Excuse me?
MEGATRON: The Autobots, at the threshold of their greatest victory, do little to achieve it. Why do they hesitate now, Cicadacon? Why not push their advantage?
ANTAGONY: You're given them too much credit, perhaps?
CICADACON: No, the Autobots have more than enough troops to beat us. Everything that we've seen confirms that.
MEGATRON: They fight conservatively.
CICADACON: Yes. They're protecting our troops, whittling us down bit by bit. They're not willing to perform the last great battle.
ANTAGONY (smirking): They don't want to get killed.
MEGATRON: Then we suffer the death of a thousand cuts. How long, Cicadacon?
CICADACON: Days, maybe hours. It depends on when the Autobots plan for their final strike.
ANTAGONY (snapping): We can still fight them off. We're Decepticons!
MEGATRON: Predacons, Antagony.
ANTAGONY: Only in your vision.
MEGATRON (darkly): You hold on to too many delusions.
CICADACON: We could pull out from the outer sectors, reinforce our hold to our homelands. It may not do much, but it will buy us some time.
MEGATRON: Perhaps. But even that will not assure the Predacon's survival, no. We need something more.
ANTAGONY: An attack?
MEGATRON: Out of the question. But there is an alternative. Cicadacon, contact Six Shot, I've special plans in mind for each of you.
CICADACON: Putting our lives on the line?
MEGATRON: That's already been done. But how would you take to being the Great War's greatest Predacon hero?
We focus in on CICADACON, who seems trying to read MEGATRON's mind, and then cut over to Iacon. In the Autobot command center, ULTRA MAGNUS, CEREBROS, LIOCONVOY, PROWL, and ELITA LIO, all in robot mode, are gathered around a large map of Cybertron.
ULTRA MAGNUS: We've made gains, Optimus. The Decepticon - or, Predacon forces have had their defenses stripped. We can make the final assault at any time.
PROWL: The last charge to eliminate the Decepticons for good. And in doing so, eliminate their descendants as well.
CEREBROS: Substantially different than your version of history, Prowl.
PROWL: I wish I could say for sure, Spike. I just don't know.
ELITA LIO: We won't second-guess our future. For better or worse, we have to establish our own timeline. We can't rely on what little Prowl knows of his own, and we would do just as much damage I think, if we did.
LIOCONVOY: Ultra Magnus, what is your best estimate on Autobot casualties if we launch the attack.
ULTRA MAGNUS (grim): Fifty percent, maybe a little more.
ELITA LIO (downcast): Oh, great Primus.
LIOCONVOY: That's too great. I won't authorize an attack asking that many Autobots to lose their lives.
CEREBROS: If we do authorize it, the war's over. We'll have won.
LIOCONVOY: I'm responsible for the safety of all of Cybertron. Such a battle would decimate our world. It's asking a great deal of me.
ULTRA MAGNUS: We can spend the next few days weakening their defenses, but the numbers aren't going to get much better. With the defenses they've scraped together, this is as good as it gets.
CEREBROS: Prime, on Earth we have a saying. "Strike while the iron is hot." Right now it's white-hot and they're vulnerable. We'll never have another opportunity to end the war.
ELITA LIO: We would finally have a free Cybertron. Think of it. No more Decepticons, no more raids, no more war. That has to be worth the risk.
LIOCONVOY: I'm not convinced that destroying what's left of the Decepticons will make Cybertron a better place. We're not talking 'victory' here. We're talking annihilation of a race.
CEREBROS: Do we have a choice?
LIOCONVOY: They know that they're beaten. Perhaps they'll surrender.
PROWL: They won't.
ELITA LIO: What?
PROWL: Why should they? They've got their homeland back. They're back on Cybertron. All their hopes and dreams are right there, right where they are. There's no way in hell they'll give that up, and I can't say I blame them.
LIOCONVOY: What do you recommend, Prowl? What options are there.
PROWL: We take the battle to them. Forget about taking out all the Predacons and Decepticons, we just concentrate on what we have to. We take out Darkmount, take away the last thing they're clinging to.
LIOCONVOY (grimly): And what then?
PROWL: They'll surrender then, so long as we give it back to them. The only reason they've got left right now is survival. We've got to give them another goal. We've got to make them want to surrender.
LIOCONVOY: I'll take that under advisement. Cerebros, I need to talk to you. The rest of you are dismissed.
ELITA LIO (confused): Prime?
LIOCONVOY: That's an order, Elita. We'll speak soon.
ULTRA MAGNUS, PROWL, and ELITA LIO exchange confused looks, but do as told. CEREBROS crosses his arms looking at his leader.
CEREBROS (darkly): I know what you're thinking.
LIOCONVOY: Prowl is right. We take Darkmount and the Predacon forces won't have a rallying point. It wouldn't take nearly as many Autobot lives.
CEREBROS: It would still be costly. You're planning on going, aren't you?
LIOCONVOY: Yes.
CEREBROS (snapping): Dammit, you don't have to be the one put at risk all the time. I'm capable of going. Prowl's team has been begging for some action. Ultra Magnus is more than capable of leading the assault.
LIOCONVOY: I can't command them to do that.
CEREBROS: You wouldn't be commanding, they're already volunteering. I know you blame yourself for the war. But you can't shield all your troops from the risks forever. You can't be the only one to suffer.
LIOCONVOY (firmly): I'm leading the attack.
CEREBROS (snapping): Then you better damn well take the rest of us with you.
LIOCONVOY: I can't risk you. I can't risk Elita. You're not going.
CEREBROS: Are you prepared to arrest me to stop me? That's what it would take.
LIONCONVOY: I thought you were the pacifist?
CEREBROS: I've got an opportunity to help end the war, once and for all. Do you think I take just standing by? All I'm asking is for you to let us do our jobs. All of us chose to be Autobots. All of us know the risks.
LIOCONVOY looks pensive a moment, drawing in a deep breath.
LIOCONVOY: Very well, Spike. Contact all Autobots and have them assemble for the assault. One way or another, the war ends today.
We focus in on LIOCONVOY with those words and fade to black.
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.
Final
Victory, pt. 2
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)
We focus in on a steel desk. Purple fingers are drumming across it. We pull out to see MEGATRON, robot mode, looking pensive over his battle plans. SKY SHADOW and ANTAGONY are next to him.
SKY SHADOW: Bold move, Megatron.
MEGATRON: Now would be the time for such things, yes.
ANTAGONY: And you get to stay nice and snug in Darkmount's walls while our troops are on the line.
MEGATRON (bemused): Such a subtle implication.
ANTAGONY: The real Megatron would be out there with his troops. Not back here making plans to cover his own hide.
MEGATRON: The real Megatron is thirty-years dead. Besides, now is not the time for my personal involvement, no.
ANTAGONY: And so you have that planned too?
MEGATRON: You may say that, yes. And if you keep intending to question my orders and strategy then you can be removed.
COMPUTER: Incoming data.
As ANTAGONY and MEGATRON are interrupted, SKY SHADOW looks over to the computer and calls up the tactical screen. He sucks in a deep breath as he looks over it, shaking his head.
SKY SHADOW: The Autobots are on the move. Looks like they've taken out the entire force.
MEGATRON: As I expected. How many groups?
SKY SHADOW: Four, but they're all converging on the same target. They're headed this way.
ANTAGONY (alarmed): We can't get the reinforcements from the other sectors in time. We'll be overwhelmed.
SKY SHADOW: What do we do?
MEGATRON: We stick to the plan. Tell Six Shot and Cicadacon to proceed with their orders. I'll wait here for now.
ANTAGONY: Behind steel walls.
MEGATRON: I said 'for now', did I not? The two of you have your own mission, carry it out.
ANTAGONY: At once, pretender.
ANTAGONY storms off, heading out the door. SKY SHADOW is about to leave, but MEGATRON grabs his arm quickly.
MEGATRON: Watch her?
SKY SHADOW: Just because she doesn't like you doesn't mean she'll try anything now, Megatron.
MEGATRON: Perhaps, but I will not take that risk. Her devotion to the Decepticons goes beyond fanaticism. And, she knows too much.
SKY SHADOW (snapping): I'm not going to turn on Antagony.
MEGATRON (growling): You're a Predacon, keep that in mind.
SKY SHADOW looks down at the veiled meaning and turns to leave. MEGATRON leans back in his command chair, watching the tactical display, waiting.
From here we cut to a sector of Darkmount's fringes. A large group of Autobots are moving into position, led by the powerful figure of ULTRA MAGNUS, car carrier mode. As he arrives, he transforms. HOT ROD is aside him, transforming to robot mode as well.
ULTRA MAGNUS: I expected more resistance than this.
HOT ROD: We've been hitting them pretty hard here. Maybe this is all that they can muster right now.
ULTRA MAGNUS: Possible, but not likely. How are you doing?
HOT ROD (sighing): Tired, slow. I'm going to have to head to Iacon soon. I was hoping to last the battles out.
ULTRA MAGNUS: You might just yet.
We cut to another sector, where CEREBROS and HARDHEAD have taken up positions overlooking Darkmount. CEREBROS shakes his head, looking over everything. HARDHEAD checks his rifle over one last time.
HARDHEAD: Quiet so far.
CEREBROS: I noticed. This is wrong. We could get right up to Darkmount's walls like this. There's some light infantry down there. There's some air support. These defenses are nothing for our group, though.
HARDHEAD: Easy work for us then.
CEREBROS: Too easy. There's more Predacons than this, I know it.
HARDHEAD: So where are they?
CEREBROS: They had to have been expecting an attack from somewhere. They much have Ð oh no.
CEREBROS stands and looks away a long moment. His optics narrow as the realization dawns on him. He starts to run off.
CEREBROS: Damn.
HARDHEAD: Where are you gong? You can't leave now.
CEREBROS: I have to. Hardhead, you're in charge here. Contact Prowl and have his group meet up with Optimus Prime's. That's where I'm headed.
HEADHEAD: Are you going to tell me what's going on?
CEREBROS: A nasty trap, Hardhead. And we walked right into it.
We close in on CEREBROS then change to another part of Darkmount's kingdom. LIOCONVOY and ELITA LIO are both in lion form, leading a large group of protoform transformers into battle. On the horizon is the storm, several hundred Predacons and Decepticons arrayed against them.
LIOCONVOY (grim): So many of them.
ELITA LIO: We'll beat them, beloved. We must.
LIOCONVOY: Autobots! Transform and attack.
ELITA LIO: Optimus, I'm getting more signals.
LIOCONVOY: What the Ð
As he's cut off we move aside, and see another horde of Decepticon troops, flying in quickly to move on LIOCONVOY's position. The trap has been sprung. LIOCONVOY and ELITA LIO step back.
LIOCONVOY: It's a trap.
ELITA LIO: The Decepticons are massing to destroy our group.
LIOCONVOY: More like destroy us, Elita. Autobots, counterattack!
ELITA LIO and LIOCONVOY both transform and launch their missiles at the incoming wave. Another wave of Decepticon and Predacon warriors appears from the right. We see the Predacon warriors, CICADACON, RAM HORN, and SEACLAMP each leading one group in robot mode.
CICADACON: Target is sighted, Megatron. For the glory!
Cut back to LIOCONVOY, who is launching another volley of missiles as the first signs of incoming fire near him and his troops.
LIOCONVOY: Repeat, Ultra Magnus, the Decepticons are blitzing our position. Pull the forces together to regroup.
ULTRA MAGNUS (on radio): I can't right now.
We cut to ULTRA MAGNUS, now engaged in battle. As before, a large group of Decepticon and Predacons have gathered here. This time, they are led by SIX SHOT, in his robot mode.
ULTRA MAGNUS: We're pinned down. We'll slug our way through it, but our casualties are going to be great. Looks like the Decepticons wanted to maximize the damage that they could cause.
LIOCONVOY (on radio): Do what you can, Ultra Magnus. We can't lose this one.
ULTRA MAGNUS: Understood. Autobots, regroup and counter-attack.
SIX SHOT: It will come too late for you.
HOT ROD: For a leader about to lose his army, you're talking tough.
SIX SHOT: I do not plan on losing this day.
SIX SHOT rushes near and transforms to his ground cruiser mode. The vehicle moves quickly, but HOT ROD manages to evade the incoming melee rushing attack. ULTRA MAGNUS turns quickly, firing both of his shoulder-missiles and striking SIX SHOT fully.
SIX SHOT: A good shot.
SIX SHOT transforms to his gun mode and fires, smashing hard into ULTRA MAGNUS's armored hard. ULTRA MAGNUS is thrown back, but levels and fires his rifle off. Again, the shot strikes true. SIX SHOT shakes a little as he returns to his robot mode, drawing his twin rifles.
ULTRA MAGNUS: Why waste the energy? Surrender now, Decepticon. This battle will result in the death of hundreds on both our sides.
SIX SHOT: It's your death you should be more concerned with.
HOT ROD: No!
HOT ROD impulsively leaps forward and fires at SIX SHOT. SIX SHOT fires both rifles into him. HOT ROD is blasted with one of them, and falls back on his aft. The youthful Autobot struggles to get to his feet.
SIX SHOT (disgusted): Autobrat.
ULTRA MAGNUS: That's enough, Six Shot.
ULTRA MAGNUS rushes forward, slamming his large fist into SIX SHOT's face. The two entwine in a brutal face-off. At point-blank range, both transformers use their rifles and missiles.
SIX SHOT: You're beaten, Autobot.
ULTRA MAGNUS: Never.
SIX SHOT (angry): Now!
SIX SHOT throws ULTRA MAGNUS back off of him, shuddering a little as he does, and takes in a ragged breath. Both transformers are extremely damaged. Fuel is leaking around them. Sparks fly from their tattered forms.
SIX SHOT: You were good, Ultra Magnus. You were just not quite good enough.
SIX SHOT transforms quickly into his winged-wolf mode. The beast leaps forward and gouges deep into ULTRA MAGNUS's crippled form. ULTRA MAGNUS lets out a quieted cry of rage and pain as his systems shut down for the last time. SIX SHOT stands, quaking some as ULTRA MAGNUS's armor turns gray.
SIX SHOT (stammering): Six Shot to Darkmount. Mission has been accomplished. Ultra Magnus is terminated.
SIX SHOT transforms back to robot mode, moving slowly to a stand. He struggles for a few steps, then collapses, exhausted. As we pull away, his armor too, turns lifeless. HOT ROD reaches over to cradle his fallen comrade, shaking his head sadly.
HOT ROD: Oh, Magnus. I'm sorry.
HOT ROD looks over the battle once more. All around him it's the same. There is death. There is carnage. The mood is obvious. For a final victory, there is no glory to be found on the battlefield. We fade to black.
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.
Final
Victory, pt. 3
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)
We open up on Darkmount's command center. MEGATRON sits alone, in front of his desk, looking at the computer screen. There are symbols denoting Autobot and Predacon factions.
COMPUTER: Unit Six Shot has been terminated.
MEGATRON: I expected as such. Was his objective accomplished?
COMPUTER: Confirmed. Ultra Magnus is reported destroyed.
MEGATRON: Excellent. Tell Astrotrain to take Six Shot's command, and have him bring back the troops to Darkmount.
COMPUTER: Acknowledged.
MEGATRON: Focus scans on Cicadacon's objective. I want to see what's going on with the rest of my plan, yes.
We cut to another battle in another part of Darkmount's kingdom. ELITA LIO and LIOCONVOY are fighting back the rising tide of Decepticon and Predacon warriors. Both have suffered damage from the onslaught. Around them are the remains of the dead and dying. Both sides in the battle are suffering brutally.
LIOCONVOY: Too many lives are being lost.
ELITA LIO: We can't pull out. There's nowhere to pull back to.
CEREBROS (on radio): Prime, this is Cerebros. I'm pulling our troops over to assist you. Hot Rod has taken command of Ultra Magnus's troops and he's coming as well. Just hang in there for a little bit longer.
LIOCONVOY: Easier said than done.
As LIOCONVOY spins his main, forming a vortex of wind to trap some fliers. We hear ELITA LIO cry from behind him. She falls back from an explosion on her frame delivered by CICADACON, RAM HORN, and SEACLAMP, all in beast mode. ELITA LIO stands and counter-fires with missiles of their own, striking RAM HORN. RAM HORN just laughs them off as they bounce off his armor.
CICADACON: Optimus! After all I've heard about you and your mate. It's time to see the truth. Ram Horn, Seaclamp, circle around and join me.
RAM HORN: The lady isn't acting very lady-like.
SEACLAMP: She is not our objective, keep your mind on your mission, Ram Horn.
RAM HORN: Oh it is. Ram Horn, terrorize!
As RAM HORN transforms, he is joined by his brothers. The trio exchange a look and rush forward, leveling a wave of firepower at LIOCONVOY and ELITA LIO. LIOCONVOY is about to be hit, but ELITA LIO leaps in front of the oncoming onslaught. The shots and cannon-fire riddle into her back. Finally there is another explosion, coming from ELITA LIO's back.
LIOCONVOY: Elita!
ELITA LIO (weakly): Until all are one, Orion.
LIOCONVOY (darkly): No!
CICADACON: Well, that didn't work.
LIOCONVOY (darkly): Monsters.
LIOCONVOY gently lies ELITA LIO's graying form aside and stands, optics flaring. Without another word he fires all of his missiles at CICADACON, who receives the full onslaught of the attack. CICADACON screams out as his armor is ripped aside from him.
RAM HORN (worried): He's pissed.
SEACLAMP: Do you think?
CICADACON (panting): Enough. Ram Horn, Seaclamp, transform. Merge into Ð
The three Predacons take to the air, shifting and altering their shapes until they form together as one. Where once three Predacon warriors stood, now stands the Predacon gestalt of TRIPREDACUS.
TRIPREDACUS: Tripredacus!
LIOCONVOY: Your rampage ends here, monster.
TRIPREDACUS: Negative. You're damaged already. I merely need to finish the work that's been started.
LIOCONVOY leaps forward, but TRIRPREDCUS maneuvers to the side, bringing his cutting weapon hard across the surface of LIOCONVOY's armor. The Autobot leader spins back, however, launching his high-powered missiles directly into TRIPREDACUS's chest. Rage fueling him, LIOCONVOY presses again, leaping and this time dragging his claw-extensions deep into TRIPREDACUS's armor.
TRIPREDACUS (growling): You cannot win.
TRIPREDACUS lowers his helmet laser and fires into LIOCONVOY at point-blank range. LIOCONVOY falls back from the blast, and lands hard on the ground. TRIPREDACUS moves to step on him, but LIOCONVOY rolls aside.
TRIPREDACUS: Come on, Optimus Prime, it's time to meet your fate.
Meanwhile, on another part of Cybertron, CEREBROS rushes through leading his force. He has met up with PROWL, IRONHIDE, and SILVERBOLT. All of them racing towards the glowing red horizon. CEREBROS is in robot mode, the others are all in beast mode.
SILVERBOLT: We're leaving our troops behind.
CEREBROS: Can't be helped. We've got to get to Prime.
PROWL: Do you mind telling me what's going on?
CEREBROS: The Predacons can't win the battle in numbers, so they're going after the Autobot command element. They've already taken out Ultra Magnus.
IRONHIDE: We'll reach him, Spike.
PROWL: I should have seen that coming. I shouldn't have recommended an attack.
SILVERBOLT: I see the edge of the battlefield now.
PROWL: Any signs of them?
SILVERBOLT: No. There's too much going on. I can't make anything out clearly. There's another Predacon force coming in as well.
CEREBROS: I'm moving in to find Prime. The rest of you do what you can to aid the battle.
PROWL: Be careful, Spike.
CEREBROS: That's the last thing I want to do right now.
As we watch CEREBROS leave the Maximal team, we move back to the battlefield. Within the chaos and ruins, we see TRIPREDACUS, still battling with LIOCONVOY. The Autobot leader is in trouble, though, as his damages get more and more severe. TRIPREDACUS, for his part, also remains extremely damaged.
LIOCONVOY: It's over, Decepticon. You've lost. Your troops are already in retreat. You can't win today.
TRIPREDACUS: I'm not here for the troops, Optimus. I'm here for you.
LIOCONVOY: No.
TRIPREDACUS: Oh yes. Defeating the Autobots was never the plan. All we had to was take a few of you out of the picture. Without the sheepdogs, the sheep don't know where to go.
LIOCONVOY: Flawed logic, someone would take my place in command.
TRIPREDACUS: In time. And time is all we need. Good-bye, Optimus Prime.
TRIPREDACUS raises his twin blades and fires, slamming a white-hot bolt of power into LIOCONVOY's chest. The housing cracks, and fuel starts to leak freely. LIOCONVOY attempts to struggle back up, but hesitates, seeing ELITA LIO's form beside him.
TRIPREDACUS: It's over. The age of Autobots and Decepticons ends now.
LIOCONVOY stammers up, but TRIPREDACUS thrusts forward with his cutting weapon. LIOCONVOY falls back hard just as CEREBROS, robot mode, can finally reach up to them.
CEREBROS: Prime!
TRIPREDACUS: You're leader has fallen! Predacons, press your counter-attack.
CEREBROS: No!
CEREBROS throws out his hands and opens fire onto the already wounded TRIPREDACUS. The blade throws TRIPREDACUS back, begins to burn within him.
TRIPREDACUS: Too much damage, must withdrawal. We will face one-another again, Autobot. I promise you that.
The giant snarls, and takes to the air, flying back in retreat. The other Predacons and Decepticons around take this as their cue to depart as well. For the moment, it appears that the Autobots have won the day. But, as we look on CEREBROS as he approaches LIOCONVOY. We know that that is not the case.
CEREBROS (softly): Prime.
We look over LIOCONVOY's beaten form and fade to to Predacon headquarters. MEGATRON is watching his monitor with renewed interest. As each report is being made, small Autobot symbols disappear from the screen.
COMPUTER: Unit Ultra Magnus, destroyed. Unit Elita One, destroyed. Unit Optimus Prime, destroyed. Autobot forces are in disarray.
MEGATRON: Computer, order all Predacons to regroup around Darkmount. We'll make our stand now.
COMPUTER: Acknowledged.
MEGATRON: Now it's time to take personal command of the situation, yes.
As MEGATRON takes out an evil smile, we fade to black.
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.
Final
Victory, pt. 4
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)
We fade slowly into a battlefield. Flying swiftly from battle is the giant
specter of TRIPREDACUS, damaged heavily and leaking fuel. Behind him, several
Predacon and Decepticon troops follow suit.
TRIPREDACUS: The fools! They could have continued the fight with the Autobots confused and in disarray. Tripredacus, separate!
The giant form splits into its components, RAM HORN, SEACLAMP, and CICADACON, all transforming to their beast modes and quickly continuing their retreat.
RAM HORN: They flee because we were forced to retreat. If they just pressed a moment more, we could have secured our defense.
CICADACON: Armies are like sheep, Ram Horn. The groups saw us leave after defeating Prime, and felt compelled to follow us.
SEACLAMP: It's not like we've had a bad run anyway. Optimus Prime and his wench are dead. The Autobots are leaderless. Megatron's plan worked.
CICADCON (daunted): Just like it did before, it seems.
RAM HORN: History cannot repeat itself, Cicadacon.
CICADACON: Can't it?
RAM HORN: Fortress Maximus is dead. There will be no Maximals now.
CICADACON: You're wrong, Ram Horn. You're very wrong.
SEACLAMP: How so?
CICADACON: Fortress Maximus was a Headmaster. His head happens to have been the Autobot who forced our retreat. Even now he remains with Optimus Prime's body.
RAM HORN (realizing): With the Matrix.
The battle has ended. The Predacon forces have retreated. We are left with CEREBROS, in robot mode, standing over the robot bodies of LIOCONVOY and ELITA LIO.
CEREBROS (softly): Optimus.
LIOCONVOY (weakly): Cerebros. Spike, come closer to me.
CEREBROS: I'm right here, Prime.
LIOCONVOY (weakly): You have to carry on, Spike. My time, has passed.
CEREBROS (worried): You'll come back. You always do.
LIOCONVOY (weakly): Not this time, Spike. The Autobots, their children, need a new leader. It's time I joined the Matrix. Elita waits for me.
CEREBROS: Prime, I'm not even an Autobot. Not really.
LIOCONVOY (weakly): You are every bit the Autobot I was, in spirit, Spike. It is to you, my friend. I pass the Matrix of Leadership to you.
CEREBROS: I understand.
Slow, the chest panel on LIOCONVOY opens to reveal the Matrix. With shaking movements, the Autobot leader hands the sacred relic to CEREBROS. Nervously, CEREBROS opens his own chest panel, and places the artefact inside.
LIOCONVOY (weakly): Win this war for me, Spike. Remember me.
CEREBROS: I will.
LIOCONVOY's optics fade, then flicker off. After a long moment, his armor grays as the life slips from him. CEREBROS stands, then kneels, lowering his head.
We dissolve to show the Predacon Headquarters. MEGATRON, robot mode, sits alone, watching the screens. He is, as usual, wearing a smug smile on his face. ANTAGONY and SKY SHADOW both come in quietly, both in robot mode.
MEGATRON: Ah, the best laid plans.
SKY SHADOW: I take it everything worked as expected?
MEGATRON: The results were indeed better than I had anticipated, yes. But the Autobots will not wait long before choosing a new leader and launching their next strike.
ANTAGONY (mocking): And you don't have a supposedly brilliant scheme in mind for dealing with that?
MEGATRON: There is a time for subtlety and cunning, Antagony. This, however, is not that time. Have you accomplished your objective?
ANTAGONY: You doubt me?
SKY SHADOW: We have, Megatron.
MEGATRON: And did it work?
ANTAGONY: I think so, though it's hard to tell.
MEGATRON: Excellent, then it is time to reawaken sleeping giants.
ANTAGONY and SKY SHADOW exchange glances as MEGATRON turns to his command console. He activates a single button and smiles.
MEGATRON: Computer, initiate program Gigastorm and let the carnage begin!
We cut to show PROWL, IRONHIDE, and SILVERBOLT, all in robot mode, scanning over the battlefield. Slain Autobots, Predacons, and Decepticons are around them, but there are more Decepticons dead than dead from the other factions. Prowl shakes his head looking at the sight.
PROWL: How brutal. I never pictured it just quite like this before.
IRONHIDE: This is the great war Optimus Primal told us about. No wonder he didn't talk about it with smiles. It's a damn slaughterhouse.
SILVERBOLT: What did you expect, some cheery resolution after a half-hour or so of fighting? This is war, guys. It doesn't get prettier than this.
IRONHIDE: Can it get much uglier?
PROWL: Yes, it can.
SILVERBOLT (distant): Odd, I thought both sides cleared out of this sector.
PROWL: Oh? It's probably just stragglers out here. The battle's been dead in this sector for days. Fort Max cleared out this area, remember?
SILVERBOLT: Definitely getting a reading, though. It's pretty faint. It's a protoform energy signature.
PROWL: A protoform? Maybe the Autobots are regrouping back here.
SILVERBOLT: No. It's not one of ours.
IRONHIDE: Aw, you worried about one Predacon protoform? They day we can't handle one of them is the day I retire.
PROWL: Silverbolt, transform and fly up. See what's out there.
SILVERBOLT nods and leaps up, transforming to his eagle. SILVERBOLT glides over ruined terrain and looks out. A brilliant flash shines in his eyes and he arches back, stunned. We look out as well and can see the remains of TRYPTICON appearing to melt into black liquid metal. SILVERBOLT wisely rushes right back to his comrades.
SILVERBOLT: Ironhide, what was that you said about retiring?
IRONHIDE (warily): What did you find?
SILVERBOLT (nervously): Transform. Transform right now.
PROWL: Silverbolt?
We hear an incredible roar over the ruined battlefield. SILVERBOLT quickly rushes over to PROWL and hovers over him.
SILVERBOLT: Come on, hurry up, transform!
PROWL: What is it?
IRONHIDE: It's trouble, big trouble.
There is another great roar, then the sound of metal crashing on metal. As SILVERBOLT, PROWL, and IRONHIDE to their attention to the incoming Predacon, we follow and see GIGASTORM, dinosaur mode, towering over them.
GIGASTORM: Gigastorm lives!
SILVERBOLT (hurried): Transform. Prowl, we need to transform.
PROWL (stunned): Yeah, I think your right.
IRONHIDE: Merge into Magnaboss.
As the three Maximals begin to combine, GIGASTORM unleashes a torrent of flame from his maw. The blast hits the three Maximals and sends them scattering. SILVERBOLT quickly transforms and sends his missiles into the beast, but it mere shrugs off the damage.
IRONHIDE: It's Trypticon. The Predacons must have found some way to remake him as a protoform.
PROWL: Even as a protoform he's huge.
SILVERBOLT: Pull back, and regroup. We've got to get word back to the line.
GIGASTORM: Autobots make too many words.
GIGASTORM fires again, optic lasers blasting hard into the ground, burning and melting the steel. The three Maximals manage to evade, but only just so. IRONHIDE fires off a concussion pulse, but to little effect. All three resort to retreating for the moment.
PROWL: Remember what I said about it getting uglier?
IRONHIDE: Yes.
SILVERBOLT: It just did.
GIGASTORM crushes his huge foot down near the trio, sending them scattered.
We close up on GIGASTORM's dinosaur visage, and fade to black.
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.
Final
Victory, pt. 5
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)
We fade in to Predacon Headquarters. MEGATRON, ANTAGONY, SKY SHADOW all watch
the tactical display on the main monitor. MEGATRON does not look pleased.
ANTAGONY: Something wrong, leader?
MEGATRON: Why isn't he heading towards the front?
SKY SHADOW: Something wrong with the programming, perhaps?
ANTAGONY: Like the programmer?
MEGATRON quietly and suddenly backhands ANTAGONY, sending her to the floor. ANTAGONY looks ready to fire on him, but SKY SHADOW steps in her way, shaking his head.
MEGATRON: Megatron to Gigastorm. You have your orders. Dare you ignore them?
GIGASTORM (on radio): Enemies sighted. Gigastorm engaging.
SKY SHADOW: He must have found some stray troops behind the lines. He's doing what you told him to do, engage and destroy the Autobots.
SKY SHADOW kneels over to help ANTAGONY up, but she slaps his pincher hand away. Pure rage is on her visage.
MEGATRON: But not there, no. Gigastorm, ignore the Autobots you're facing and head towards the battle-lines. You're needed there.
Cut to GIGASTORM, dinosaur mode, strafing an area of ground near IRONHIDE, robot mode, who is scrambling to get back next to SILVERBOLT. SILVERBOLT transforms to his eagle mode and rushes out of the way of another blast.
GIGASTORM: Gigastorm crush Autobots here, then obey orders.
MEGATRON (on radio): You'll obey orders now, Gigastorm. You'll have an opportunity to destroy as many Autobots as you can soon enough.
GIGASTORM: Agreed. Gigastorm go.
To the amazement of PROWL, IRONHIDE, and SILVERBOLT, GIGASTORM turns from them and heads off. PROWL, robot mode, shakes his head.
SILVERBOLT: That's it? He's just leaving?
IRONHIDE: Somehow, I don't think that's a good thing.
PROWL: He's heading to the front. That much power in one protoform could be devastating to the Autobots. He'll be behind the Autobot lines when he gets there. We need to warn them.
IRONHIDE: Ironhide to Spike, come in.
We hear only static.
IRONHIDE: Spike, come on, answer me.
SILVERBOLT: We're being jammed.
IRONHIDE: Figures. We'll do it the old-fashioned way. We leg it, and hope we're not too late.
We cut to CEREBROS, standing alone clutching his chest. His armor has browned in color slightly. His optics are more of a visor. There's been some subtle changes in him. He stands, and steps to a tattered wall, looking at his own reflection.
CEREBROS: It's happening already.
HOT ROD (off camera): The Matrix?
CEREBROS: Yes. I'm being rebuilt from the inside out.
HOT ROD steps into view, standing considerably smaller than his new leader now.
HOT ROD sucks in a nervous breath.
HOT ROD: It does that. How do you feel?
CEREBROS: So many voices. I can't handle them all, Hot Rod.
HOT ROD: Believe me, I know.
CEREBROS kneels, still clutching the panel on his chest. A dim glow can be seen peeking out of it. HOT ROD steps over, placing his hand on CEREBROS's shoulder.
CEREBROS (weakly): It knows. It knows the larger piece of me is missing. You have to take me there.
HOT ROD: Fort Max? But the line -
CEREBROS: I won't do much good like this. You have to take me.
HOT ROD: Sure, Spike. Right away.
HOT ROD hefts his leader onto him, and starts to walk from the line. HARDHEAD, robot mode, steps up, looking very confused.
HARDHEAD: Rod? What's going on? Was he attacked?
HOT ROD: No. We just need to get to the protoform vats quickly. You're in charge while we're gone, okay?
HARDHEAD: Sure, Rod. Just take care. I should be getting there myself soon.
HOT ROD: Once we get back. Just mind the fort.
HARDHEAD looks at HOT ROD a long moment, and merely nods. But before either can make another move, a large blast strikes from the horizon. We turn and see a cloud forming on the horizon, from Darkmount.
HARDHEAD: The Decepticons?
CEREBROS (weakly): The Predacons.
We cut to the attacking force. MEGATRON himself, in his robot mode, is leading this time, all his troops behind him. ANTAGONY and SKY SHADOW rush to the foreground, both in robot mode, and continue to fire.
MEGATRON: Strike, and show them the furies of the pit!
SKY SHADOW: Air units, follow me!
As SKY SHADOW pulls off, many fliers flock behind him, joining his daunting charge. MEGATRON smiles, and fires into the distant Autobot forces. Other ground-based Predacons join the assault.
MEGATRON: Stick to your advantages, Predacons. Strike them swiftly, and decisively.
We cut back to the Autobot line, now being hit with waves of long-distance firepower. HARDHEAD scrambles aside as a shell lands at his position. CEREBROS and HOT ROD and thrown by the blast.
HOT ROD: Spike!
CEREBROS (weakly): No, Hot Rod. You have to fight. I'll go alone.
HOT ROD: You won't make it.
CEREBROS (weakly): You can't carry me, Hot Rod. It's lost. Do what you can here for the others.
HOT ROD (firmly): The hell I will. Hardhead, transform and get Cerebros to Fortress Maximus, right now. I'm taking command.
HARDHEAD: Excuse me?
HOT ROD: You heard the orders, mister. Now go.
HARDHEAD shakes his head, worried, but grabs CEREBROS and runs off, transforming quickly and moving CEREBROS onto his canopy. As they speed away, HOT ROD turns to watch the oncoming horde.
HOT ROD: Autobots, prepare for counterattack!
HOT ROD turns and stands his ground, firing into the wave. Meanwhile, IRONHIDE, PROWL, and SILVERBOLT are moving after prey of their own. Each is in beast mode, moving quickly towards the line.
IRONHIDE: That thing isn't too fast, why aren't we keeping up with him?
PROWL: Each one of his steps is huge, Ironhide. We'll never get to the front in time like this.
SILVERBOLT: All right. We do it. Transform.
PROWL leaps up and changes form as SILVERBOLT wraps around him. IRONHIDE appears to split apart as the three Maximals transform into the powerful form of MAGNABOSS.
MAGNABOSS: Have to make time.
MAGNABOSS rushes forward at a full run, moving much faster now. As he leaps over a broken piece of earth, we cut to the air above the battle-field. SKYFIRE, jet mode, is being rapidly approached by SKY SHADOW, beast mode. SKYFIRE is forced to pull up and away as the fliers set about clearing the Autobots from the skies.
SKY SHADOW: Run, traitor. Today you'll regret siding with the enemy.
SKYFIRE: I would rather die as an Autobot than live as a Decepticon.
SKY SHADOW (darkly): As you wish.
SKY SHADOW rushes up along with several other fliers, and concentrate their firepower on SKY FIRE. The Autobot jet circles around and attempts a counter-strike, but SKY SHADOW is too quick.
SKY SHADOW: Sky Shadow, terrorize!
The Predacon breast transforms in mid-flight, bringing up his pincer-blade and slicing hard through the Autobot's hull. SKYFIRE lets out a scream as the smaller protoform lets go and fires a bolt of plasma into the exposed hull.
SKY SHADOW: Scratch one.
SKYFIRE spins out of control and crashes into the ground, shattered as he does so. We cut to another part of the battle. HOT ROD, robot mode, continually fires at the horde of approaching Predacons. He steps back as other Autobots around him start to break rank and pull back, or fall near him.
HOT ROD: Tighten the line! We've got to hold them off until we can regroup.
We look at HOT ROD's visage, more etched in worry now as he turns to fire again. Sadly, the Predacons have arrived. MEGATRON, robot mode, steps forward, leveling his cannon as ANTAGONY fires into another random Autobot, melting him with her acid-cannon.
MEGATRON: A good plan, but it's too late.
HOT ROD: Who?
MEGATRON: Ah, the former Matrix-holder. I'm honored to see such a relic in person. Time to return to the history books, yes.
MEGATRON levels his cannon and fires. HOT ROD is thrown back, smoldering, his body failing him. He falls, beaten, but not yet dead. ANTAGONY lets out a dark laugh, and steps to MEGATRON.
ANTAGONY: First thing that you've done well. You realize, though, that the Autobots still have the advantage.
MEGATRON: But not for very much longer, no. Megatron to Gigastorm, commence your attack run.
GIGASTORM (on radio): Finally!
We cut to MAGNABOSS, who has finally reached the battle-lines. Sadly, however, they're too late. GIGASTORM has met with the back end of the Autobot forces, and is already mowing through them. As Autobot forces are tossed aside, MAGNABOSS draws in a nervous breath.
MAGNABOSS: Matrix protect us. Form Magnasword!
MAGNABOSS leaps up, extending his components until the rearrange into the daunting Mangasword. The Maximal gestalt spins the blade up, and dives down, crashing into GIGASTORM's thick armor.
GIGASTORM: Autobot dares to strike Gigastorm?
MAGNABOSS: Maximal!
MAGNABOSS, though small in comparison with this giant, levels his blade and fires a beam into GIGASTORM's hide. The blast cuts through, but does little damage.
GIGASTORM: Then Maximal dies as well.
GIGASTORM fires his flame breath into MAGNABOSS, who's thrown hard into other Autobots. His form is burning as he stands to right himself.
COMPUTER: Warning, extreme damage. Separation is imminent.
MAGNABOSS: Override.
COMPUTER: Warning, override of this function is not recommended.
MAGNABOSS (impatient): Override!
MAGNABOSS leaps up, trailing flame, with the MAGNASWORD in hand. The blade strikes more true this time, slamming fully into GIGASTORM's neck, and tearing down as MAGNABOSS rips his way to GIGASTORM's leg. The giant lets out an anguishing yell, but slams his dinosaur arm into the gestalt, smashing him to the ground.
COMPUTER: Power reserves, critical.
GIGASTORM: Now, die.
We look at GIGASTORM, who is now ready to step on MAGNABOSS in crude fashion, and fade to black.
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.
Final
Victory, pt. 6
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)
We cut to battle. MEGATRON and ANTAGONY are, oddly, fighting along side
one-another, cutting through the main force of Autobots.
MEGATRON: This is almost too easy, yes. Could it be that the Autobots so sorely lack the ability to fight? Have I overestimated them?
ANTAGONY: Having trouble accepting that you're wrong?
MEGATRON: Our troops are thinning out, but Autobot casualties are heavy. Dare I push this now? The Autobots do not move as one. Their army has been fractured. Could simply eliminating their guiding light plunge their empire into darkness?
The Predacon leader sucks in a nervous breath, and continues his work. At another, more distant part of Cybertron, HARDHEAD, vehicle mode, arrives with CEREBROS, robot mode. CEREBROS is now fully brown with blue trim, but visibly very weak. In the background lies the dormant, ruined form of FORTRESS MAXIMUS.
HARDHEAD: We're here, Spike.
There is no answer. HARDHEAD transforms, and lies CEREBROS down. The lights in CEREBROS's optics are flickering softly.
HARDHEAD (whispering): Don't do this to me now. Spike, we need you.
Still, there is no answer. HARDHEAD narrows his optics, and kneels, taking CEREBROS's hand.
HARDHEAD: Come on, old friend. We've been through too much already. It can't end like this. Not yet. Not now.
We cut back to the battle. MAGNABOSS rolls aside as GIGASTORM's massive foot smashes near him. GIGASTORM turns to fire, but this time MAGNABOSS is quick enough, and uses the blade to both block and absorb the incoming attack.
MAGNABOSS (straining): Can't keep this up.
GIGASTORM again reacts, leaping up and finally landing on MAGNABOSS with a powerful blow. MAGNABOSS cries out as we can hear his internals snap. GIGASTORM starts to grind down.
GIGABOSS: Brave warrior. It ends for you.
We cut to the battle-line. MEGATRON, robot mode, moves forward, where he comes across the downed form of FREEWAY, also in robot mode. MEGATRON smiles, and levels his cannon.
MEGATRON: Do not worry, Autobot, it will soon be over.
HOT ROD (off camera): Not today, Megatron!
MEGATRON: What?
As MEGATRON turns around to see the damaged HOT ROD come at him, the young Autobot opens fire. MEGATRON shudders from the heavy firepower, but manages to maintain his balance.
MEGATRON (stunned): You were terminated.
HOT ROD: Some Autobots come back from the dead.
MEGATRON: So I've heard. Vehicle mode!
MEGATRON leaps up and reforms to his hover-tank mode. HOT ROD rushes forward, transforming back to car mode as MEGATRON starts firing away. The Autobot manages to dodge each oncoming shot before reverting back to robot mode and transforming again.
MEGATRON: Enough games, child. Megatron, terrorize!
MEGATRON coverts back to robot mode, rearing his cannon back. The blade on his left arm fires off, smashing into HOT ROD's chest. HOT ROD stammers, clutches his chest, and falls.
MEGATRON: Computer, maximum firepower to primary weapon.
COMPUTER: Acknowledged.
MEGATRON smiles, and steps over to HOT ROD. The young Autobot strains, and looks up to see the cannon leveled into his face.
MEGATRON: Please do give my regards to Optimus Prime when you see him, yes.
MEGATRON smiles one last times and fires. The massive bolt rips into HOT ROD, and MEGATRON continues on the firepower. The battle, however, changes as missiles slam into MEGATRON's side. We turn and see HARDHEAD, robot mode, smoke trailing from his weapon.
HARDHEAD: Sorry I'm late, kid. Your little errand took longer than I thought.
MEGATRON: Fool.
COMPUTER: Warning, damage exceeds safety parameters.
HARDHEAD fires again slamming more missiles into MEGATRON's armored hide.
Finally, MEGATRON has had enough punishment. He stands and turns to run.
MEGATRON: Another time, Autobot. The Predacons have not yet lost this day.
HARDHEAD fires again, but this time MEGATRON evades the assault and escapes.
HARDHEAD quickly runs over to HOT ROD, and kneels.
HOT ROD (weakly): I'm a mess.
HARDHEAD: I noticed. We'll get you to the vats right away. We'll fix you. We have the technology.
HOT ROD (weakly): Spike?
HARDHEAD (sadly): I don't know.
We cut to MAGNABOSS, grimacing as his body is being crushed underfoot. GIGASTORM continues pressing more and more of his weight down.
GIGASTORM: Maximal cost me glory. I should have joined the front by now. You stopped me. You suffer now.
FORTRESS MAXIMAL (off camera): No.
GIGASTORM turns and sees a daunting sight. FORTRESS MAXIMAL, a more Egyptian-stylized form of FORTRESS MAXIMUS, is moving forward in robot mode. The head, of note, is very similar to the Maximal symbol.
FORTRESS MAXIMAL: You have caused enough suffering, Predacon.
MAGNABOSS: Spike!
FORTRESS MAXIMAL (darkly): Now face, Fortress Maximal!
FORT MAX II takes a single step forward and arms his array of weapons. GIGASTORM turns in shock and is quickly met with a barrage of incredible firepower. The giant Predacon warrior shakes from the onslaught.
GIGASTORM (stunned): Cannot be. No one can defeat Gigastorm.
FORTRESS MAXIMAL: You are in error, Gigastorm. Spike, launch!
FORTRESS MAXIMAL's chest opens revealing a brown winged lion. SPIKE, in beast mode, leaps forward and charges at the giant GIGASTORM, cutting into the thick armor with his serrated wings. GIGASTORM falls to the side, finally freeing MAGNABOSS.
MAGNABOSS (weakly): Magnaboss, separate.
As MAGNABOSS splits into his component robots, SPIKE lands near them and transforms to his brown and blue robot mode. Visored optics looking them over.
SPIKE: Hold on just one moment longer, my friends.
PROWL (weakly): We'll try.
SPIKE: Max, transform to beast mode and take out that Predacon.
FORTRESS MAXIMAL: Affirmative.
FORTRESS MAXIMAL transforms to a large griffon, and leaps forward, raking his claws into the prone form of GIGASTORM. The Predacon giant shudders, and only manages to the throw the giant Maximal off of him.
GIGASTORM: Gigastorm to Megatron. I've failed. Returning to base.
GIGASTORM manages to stand, and trips his back-jets, retreating to the air.
FORTRESS MAXIMAL: Pursuit recommended.
SPIKE: No, it's over. Transform to city mode and we'll take care of our wounded. There are a lot of them this time.
FORTRESS MAXIMAL nods and transforms, converting to a large base-structure.
Carefully, SPIKE picks up PROWL and turns to the waiting base.
PROWL (weakly): Thank you, Spike.
SPIKE: You bought me the time, Prowl. That was damn brave of the three of you. I'm just glad that you're alive.
PROWL (weakly): Just doing my job as a Maximal, sir.
SPIKE: And a friend. Let's go home.
We dissolve to Predacon Headquarters. MEGATRON limps into his office, and reactivates the main computer. ANTAGONY steps in behind him, optics flaring.
MEGATRON: Computer, status report.
COMPUTER: Unit Gigastorm has retreated. Decepticon ground forces are solidifying positions around Darkmount as ordered. Autobot forces are regrouping around Fortress Maximal.
ANTAGONY: Fortress Maximal?
SKY SHADOW (on radio): Megatron, this is Sky Shadow.
MEGATRON: Report.
SKY SHADOW: Gigastorm looks pretty beat up. It looks like Fort Max is back online and the Autobots are forming their battle group around him. We've taken a lot of casualties ourselves. We're pulling in for repairs.
MEGATRON: Understood, Megatron out.
ANTAGONY: Fortress Maximus was rebuilt? They didn't have the time for that. They don't have Cicadacon's grasp on making protoforms, either. How could they -
MEGATRON: The Autobot Matrix.
ANTAGONY (realizing): Cerebros. Prime gave him the Matrix as he died.
MEGATRON (grumbling): The Matrix intercedes yet again.
ANTAGONY: We've lost. So much for your brilliance, pretender.
MEGATRON: As I stated before, our goal was not victory. Though defeated, Gigastorm survives. Our forces have severely damaged the Autobot forces, more than we could have hoped for. And the chances of another Autobot assault have dramatically been lowered.
ANTAGONY: Weak arguments.
MEGATRON: But now we are in a better position to negotiate.
ANTAGONY (stunned): You're planning to surrender.
MEGATRON: Certainly not, but a truce is in order.
ANTAGONY: You want to make peace with the Autobots?
MEGATRON: I said 'truce'. It will give us time, yes.
MEGATRON drums his fingers on the desk, looking once again in thought. ANTAGONY shakes her head in disgust, and leaves the office. We fade to black.