Friendship

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.

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

ACT ONE

EXTERNAL SHOT: Orbit around the 'strange new world'. We see a series of STASIS PODS in orbit. Suddenly, a beam reaches up from the planet and snags onto one of the pods. The pod shakes a bit, but the beam starts to flicker and die off.

TARANTULAS: (Off camera) "Slag! I had it!"

INTERNAL: Predacon base, Tarantulas's lab. TARANTULAS, as spider, stands working on a heavy console as WASPINATOR , in robot mode, approaches.

TARANTULAS: (complaining) "Not enough power to the relays. I wouldn't be able to drag in a Micromaster with this thing right now."

TARANTULAS reaches behind the console and starts connecting wiring and various equipment. He hasn't noticed WASPINATOR approaching yet.

WASPINATOR: "Megatron ordered me to help spider. Spider need Waspinator."

TARANTULAS: (annoyed) "You have got to be kidding. Buzz around somewhere else."

WASPINATOR: "Can't, everyone else busy. Waspinator get ordered to help you with your special thingy."

TARANTULAS: "This "thingy" is the ship's tractor beam. And I specifically asked for Blackarachnia's assistance with this project, not a tin-plated psychotic. What is she doing?"

WASPINATOR: "She-spider helping Scorponok on the ship's guns. Waspinator help Tarantulas."

WASPINATOR steps over to the controls next to TARANTULAS and fiddles with them. The panel sparks heavily, sending shocks up the both of them. TARATULAS automatically transforms to robot mode and WASPINATOR is sent reeling back.

TARANTULAS: "You six-legged idiot!"

WASPINATOR: (Pleading) "I was trying to help."

TARANTULAS: "How, by killing the both of us?"

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator not kill Tarantulas. Tarantulas still walking."

TARANTULAS: "You are an idiot!"

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator not like Tarantulas! Spider mean!"

TARANTULAS: (Annoyed) "That's it! I've had it with you, bug!"

TARANTULAS starts to stomp off, leaving the room. WASPINATOR looks at him leave, then back at the controls on the table. The computer shows a piece of debris entering the target zone.

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator show Tarantulas! Don't need him! Need friends! Waspinator show all Predacons!"

WASPINATOR starts to play around with the controls, activating a beam.

CUT TO external view of Predacon base, the beam stretches upward and yanks onto a STASIS POD, pulling it down for awhile. CUT BACK TO Predacon base, WASPINATOR is literally jumping for joy.

WASPINATOR: (excited) "Yes! Yes! It works! Waspinator good! Yes!"

EXTERNAL. The beams starts to fade and fumble. The pod falls out of the beam and starts to plummet to the planet. CUT BACK TO Predacon Base, WASPINATOR is no longer jumping.

WASPINATOR: "No! No! Can't let anyone find out! Gotta get it myself! Beam not work! No! No!"

INTERAL SHOT: The Maximal base, RHINOX and CHEETOR, bored in robot mode, are looking over monitors. RATTRAP is eating an apple, CHEETOR is fiddling with something that looks like a Rubix Cube (tm). Suddenly, the computer pipes up, sending both of them jumping.

COMPUTER: "Warning, energy beam detected. Warning, incoming stasis pod. Predacon tractor beam is on line."

CHEETOR: "What was THAT?"

RHINOX: "It couldn't be... the Predacons have a tractor beam up and working."

CHEETOR: "Their tractor beam? That means... every pod in the sky is vulnerable!"

OPTIMUS PRIMAL steps in, robot mode, concern is etched on his face. He moves over to the computer read out and scans it over carefully.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "That's right, Cheetor. I was worried that this would happen. We'll have to take the tractor beam out. But first, that fallen pod has to be our top priority. Call Airazor and Tigatron and have them get to the pod immediately. The rest of us will devise an attack against the Predacon ship."

DINOBOT, in beast mode, steps in. RHINOX and PRIMAL turn to acknowledge him. DINOBOT transforms as he steps to the computer console.

DINOBOT: "At last, an attack! I was beginning to think that we were made of chrome and not iron."

RHINOX: (Turning back to Primal) "We can't split our troops now... attacking the base with only the four of us would place us at a disadvantage."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "We've got no choice, you can bet that the Predacons are already on their way to the pod. We've got to get there first."

DINOBOT: "Primal is right. Megatron would waste no time dispatching his flyers to the pod's crash site. You should know that by now, Rhinox. Also, if we can get to the pod, we have another warrior to push our advantage."

RHINOX: (sighing) "You're right. Contacting the troops now."

EXTERNAL SHOT: Jungle, swampy scene, AIRAZOR, in beast mode, flies down and buzzes

TIGATRON, also in beast mode. TIGATRON, for his part, tries to pounce her and misses. AIRAZOR swoops around, and transforms to robot mode.

AIRAZOR: "I thought you were faster than that, big-cat."

TIGATRON: (laughing) "You've got me confused with little-cat, Airazor."

AIRAZOR: (smiling) "That's right... you're the smart one."

TIGATRON: (embarrassed) "Don't let him hear you say that, it would break his energon converter."

AIRAZOR: (smiling wider, obviously flirting) "Hmm... I thought that you were the sensitive one?"

TIGATRON: "Call it 'feline' nature."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL (over COM LINK): Tigatron, come in. This is a code-red alert. A stasis pod has fallen near your coordinates about ten klicks away. You need to get to it immediately.

AIRAZOR: "How many of those things we got up there anyway?"

TIGERTRON: "No time to discuss it. Let's move."

CUT OUT: Showing TIGERTRON and AIRAZOR rushing to away. Above them, WASPINATOR, beast mode, is already rushing to the pod.

WASPINATOR: "Terrorize!"

WASPINATOR transforms to robot mode and levels his gun at AIRAZOR, who still hasn't detected him.

WASPINATOR: "No, Waspinator can't fight Bird-Bot and Cat-Bot together. Waspinator need help. Waspinator go get help. Cat-Bot slow Bird-Bot down. Waspinator get to pod first!"

WASPINATOR charges forward, passing the two Maximals, sending AIRAZOR into a wild roll.

AIRAZOR: (stunned) "That Predacon's showing his bearings."

AIRAZOR charges out after WASPINATOR, who starts firing behind him wildly. TIGATRON transforms to robot mode, and starts sending missiles out of his own.

TIGATRON: "He's running way out of my range. I can't keep up with you."

AIRAZOR: "Then don't try. Looks like we're headed to the pod. I'll keep Waspinator busy until you arrive."

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator already busy, Bird-Bot. Don't need you!"

WASPINATOR sends a series of laser-blasts directly into AIRAZOR. She shakes a bit from the impacts, then spirals down.

TIGATRON: (panicked) "Airazor! No!"

WASPINATOR: "Yes! Waspinator rules! No one stop Waspinator now! No one!"

WASPINATOR rushes off, leaving TIGATRON rushing over to AIRAZOR's smoldering form. A look of obvious worry crosses on TIGATRON's face.

TIGATRON: "You.... Are you alright, winged lady?"

AIRAZOR: (taking in a painful breath) "Some damage to my flight systems... more stunned than anything else. I didn't think Waspinator knew how to hit a target."

TIGATRON: "We better get you back to the base for repairs."

AIRAZOR: (smiling softly) "No... big-cat... We still have to get to the pod. We may not beat him there now, but we'll stop him from taking it back to the Predacon base."

INTERAL SHOT: Predacon base. MEGATRON, in robot mode, is addressing TARANTULAS, beast mode. A number of consoles are flashing

MEGATRON: "Now, explain it clearly to me. You allowed Waspinator to roam freely inside your lab? Without your supervision?"

TARANTULAS: "I was only gone for a few seconds, Megatron..."

MEGATRON: "Yes." (pauses to think) "And then Waspinator activated the tractor beam. A device that, until now, no other Predacon even knew was being repaired. Especially after you reported to us that it was damaged fully beyond repair."

TARANTULAS: (nervous) "Well... that... was more of an experiment, really...I hadn't managed to get it working enough to snag down a fly."

MEGATRON: (laughing a little) "But Waspinator got it working, yes? Still, there's no accounting for dumb luck sometimes. Waspinator has apparently hit the switch or something on the beam. Perhaps now you will be able to finish the work you started."

SCORPONOK and BLACKARACHNIA, both in robot mode, step in. We see INFERNO, also in robot mode, raise his gun for a moment at them as they enter, but lowering it again as they pass.

BLACKARACHNIA: "The ship's weapons are finally repaired, Megatron. We even managed to get the auto-tracker on the mega-cannon back online."

MEGATRON: "Excellent, no doubt the Maximals have detected Tarantulas's toy and will endeavor to destroy it, yes. Between our forces and the ship's defenses, they should have a tough time with the objective, yes."

TARANTULAS: "That's all well and good, Megatron."(draws in an audible breath) "But what do we do about Waspinator? He's already going after that pod, and there's no way that any of us will reach him before he gets there."

MEGATRON : "I think that we'll let Waspinator play out his hand, yes. Have Terrorsaur stand by if he calls for assistance. Otherwise, we'll just see how well Waspinator handles this situation, yes."

EXTERNAL SHOT: WASPINATOR swoops down, robot mode, and sees a stasis pod lying inert in some grasses. A number of insects swarm past him, but move aside as he lands.

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator not programmer. Waspinator not know how to fix pod."

COMPUTER: "Warning, programming circuits damaged. Reconstruction in delay."

WASPINATOR steps to the pod, looking over the exposed control panel, which has been singed and burnt. He spies where a chip is chip and touches the slot. Sparks fly up and down his finger and he jerks back.

WASPINATOR: "Take pod back to base. Spider can fix it."

WASPINATOR starts to move the pod, readying it to steal it. Then steps back.

WASPINATOR: "No! Spider have friend already. Waspinator want friend too. Waspinator must fix it himself."

COMPUTER: "Warning, programming circuits damaged. Reconstruction in delay."

WASPINATOR: (excited) "Programming circuits? Waspinator have programming circuits! Waspinator copy his own!"

CUT TO: AIRAZOR and TIGATRON, robot mode, move into the clearing, weapons drawn as WASPINATOR places something into the pod's control panel.

TIGATRON: "Get away from the con, Wasp-Con. We're not sending anymore of our friends to the dark side."

WASPINATOR: (enraged) "Cat-Bot no steal friend from Waspinator! Cat-Bot die now!"

WASPINATOR fires wildly and runs over to the Maximal pair, madness in his eyes. TIGATRON is nailed twice, sending him back behind a smouldering tree. AIRAZOR sends missiles of her own, knocking WASPINATOR back, but the Predacon is mentally gone, and starts his attack charge again.

COMPUTER: "Scanning for life forms."

AIRAZOR : "Yes! The pod's already on-line. Waspinator won't have time to get the pod back to his base. The fight's as good as over."

TIGATRON: (ducking another blast) "Tell that to the Predacon."

COMPUTER: "Compatible life form found. Beginning reconstruction."

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator hate Maximals! Waspinator hate spiders! Waspinator hate Megatron! Waspinator hate everybody!"

WASPINATOR continues to fire mindlessly and irrationally, catching the cover trees on fire, and sending TIGATRON and AIRAZOR back farther to look for move cover.

COMPUTER: "Reconstruction complete."

The POD opens up, though we cannot yet see inside of it. WASPINATOR, AIRAZOR, and TIGATRON cease their fire to look over to the pod.

AIRAZOR: "It's over, Waspinator. The pod's been programmed. We've won!

A buzzing sound comes from the pod, and a large yellow jacket flies out. WASPINATOR looks over it, his eyes flaring.

BUZZ SAW: "You've lost. Buzz Saw... Terrorize!"

BUZZ SAW transforms to robot mode, a near perfect clone of WASPINATOR. The duo stand together, weapons drawn on the maximal pair. FADE TO BLACK.

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

ACT TWO

FADE IN: Again we see several STASIS PODS in orbit. Again, an energy beam leaps up to claim one of the pods. It jerks the pod a bit, but fades out. The pod itself slips into a less stable orbit, but doesn't begin to fall planet-side.

CUT TO: Predacon base. MEGATRON, TARANTULAS, and BLACKARACHNIA are looking over the computer displays. None of the three robots look to happy.

MEGATRON: "Waspinator apparently has the luck of the Matrix with him."

TARANTULAS: (disappointed) "He overloaded the power to the beam. I would be surprised if the didn't rip apart the pod before it crashed."

BLACKARACHNIA: "It will take days to get this heap back online... and that's with all of us working constantly."

MEGATRON: "It is worth it, yes. We could drag in all the pods directly to our base, and annihilate the Maximals effortlessly with our new troops. We must get this working."

TARANTULAS: "I've been trying. Arachnia's right, it will take time and supplies. Neither of which we have in any great quantity."

MEGATRON: (sighing) "Very well, Tarantulas. You, Scorponok, and Miss Arachnia can continue to work on the beam as best as you can. Meanwhile, I have to ... arrange a welcoming reception for the impending Maximal attack."

CUT TO: A laser blast smashes hard into a rock. BUZZ SAW and WASPINATOR, both in beast mode, fire hard into the Maximal's position. AIRAZOR and TIGATRON, both in robot mode, are being pressed back. As TIGATRON steps back, he is nailed hard with a laser blast. His arm breaks off, spinning with his weapon.

TIGATRON: (cursing) "I cannot accept defeat to Waspinator."

AIRAZOR: "We've got to get out of here somehow. We're too damaged already to press the fight. We've lost already."

TIGATRON: "I know... can you fly?"

AIRAZOR: "Maybe... in beast mode? But what about you?"

WASPINATOR: "Don't worry about Cat-Bot... I... we take good care of him."

AIRAZOR: "No! Tigatron, we go together!"

AIRAZOR stumbles back, then grabs TIGATRON by his remaining arm. The two begin to run for it, being chased by the Predacon's laser fire. WASPINATOR starts to run after him, but BUZZ SAW holds him back.

BUZZ SAW: "No point in chasing them. Waspinator's used too much energy already. Buzz Saw still not fully charged."

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator can finish Maximals."

BUZZ SAW: "Buzz Saw not want Waspinator finished. Maximals not a threat right now. We need to charge first."

WASPINATOR: "Buzz Saw... care?"

BUZZ SAW: "Waspinator brother. Buzz Saw... care."

CUT TO: EXT. MAXIMAL BASE. DINOBOT, RATTRAP, RHINOX, CHEETOR, and OPTIMUS PRIMAL, all in robot mode, are readying their weapons for the raid. OPTIMUS PRIMAL is looking often at the communications screen.

RATTRAP: "Man, if you ask me, we haven't got a prayer. The Preds have to be waiting for us to launch this attack. We'll be rushing headlong into a death-trap."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "We've got no choice, Rattrap. If we don't strike now, who knows how many Predacons we'll have to face in the future. If the Predacons get this tractor beam up and running, we've all but lost the war."

DINOBOT: "Then what are we waiting for? Let's strike!"

RHINOX: "Everyone knows the drill, Dinobot. Cheetor, you and Rattrap have the toughest part of the assignment. You sure you two are up to it?"

CHEETOR: (smiling) "Turn us loose, Rhinox. No pred can match us at 'cat and mouse'."

DINOBOT: (shuddering) "Your sense of humor worries me, Cheetor. Just be sure that you two get the job done. If we are to be sacrificed in battle, I want to die for a worthy reason."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "No one's going to die today, Dinobot. Maximals, move out!"

CUT TO: EXTERNAL SHOT, the five Maximals in beast mode rushing head long to the distance.

CUT TO: INTERAL of Predacon Base. MEGATRON and TARANTULAS are looking over the computer screen. Suddenly, two Predacon symbols appear on the screen. It magnifies, and reveals the forms of WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW, in beast modes, rushing quickly back to the base.

TARANTULAS: "I... I don't believe it."

MEGATRON: "So that's what Waspinator was up to. I am impressed, through he stumbling we've managed to attain a new Predacon in the ranks. And another flyer at that, most impressive, yes."

TARANTULAS: "He must have used his own programming..." (pauses a long moment)
"Great... another idiot in the ranks."

MEGATRON: (smirking) "I'm afraid that not all Predacons can be as smart as you are, Tarantulas. Still, this timing could not be better."

MEGATRON presses something on the computer screen, which changes displays to show five Maximal symbols coming within view. The screen zooms in, revealing the beast forms of OPTIMUS PRIMAL, CHEETOR, RHINOX, RATTRAP, and DINOBOT, rushing towards the base.

MEGATRON: "The Maximals will be here in a few minutes. Tarantulas, have Inferno open the gate for Waspinator our new Predacon. Then, man the guns with Blackarachnia.

CUT TO: The Maximal party, CHEETOR looks up and sees WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW headed for the base. CHEETOR stops suddenly.

CHEETOR: "Am I seeing double?"

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "No... you're not." (looks downcast) "It looks like Airazor and Tigatron failed in their mission. I've been trying to get a hold of them... they haven't responded."

RHINOX: "Those two are as tough as they come. I'm sure they're fine. We'll meet back with them when this battle is over."

Suddenly, a large energy bolt slams near the Maximal's position, drilling a huge hole into the ground. OPTIMUS PRIMAL is knocked far back, onto his back.

RATTRAP: "The Mega-cannon!"

CHEETOR: "Optimus! Big Bot! Are you okay?"

OPTIMUS PRIMAL struggles to stand, his fur a little singed, black smoke trailing from him.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "That's just Prime..."

CUT TO: PREDACON BASE, an air lock. INFERNO, in robot mode, stands waiting as WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW enter in their beast modes. As before, INFERNO rises his gun to them, then lowers it as he recognizes them.

BUZZ SAW: (Sarcastically) "Ant friendly..."

WASPINATOR: "Ant too set on his job."

MEGATRON steps up, robot mode. As WASPINATOR flies around a corner, MEGATRON grabs him by the wing and lifts the Predacon flyer to face him.

MEGATRON: "Well, little flyer, I see you've had a busy day, yes. Steal any Maximal pods while you were gone? Perhaps you did not think that bringing the pod back home would have been a better option, no. Exactly what do you think you were playing at, Waspinator?"

WASPINATOR: "Waspinator not play. Found pod, make friend. Couldn't bring pod back."

BUZZ SAW transforms to robot mode and steps in front of MEGATRON.

BUZZ SAW: "Waspinator save Buzz Saw from Maximal. Waspinator do good for Predacons. We even drove back two Maximals."

MEGATRON: (smiling) "Is this so? Perhaps Waspinator should be rewarded for his efforts? Yes..."

WASPINATOR: (nodding in Megatron's dinosaur hand) "Waspinator good Predacon!"

MEGATRON drops WASPINATOR quickly and looks over the new Predacon. WASPINATOR hits the ground and transforms to robot mode. BUZZ SAW remains silent.

MEGATRON: "Very well. Waspinator, I won't punish you for wrecking the lab or by claiming the pod on your own. Next time, however, do us all a favor and clue us in. Now, the two of you need to recharge quickly. The Maximals will be here soon, and I want Optimus Primal to see our new Predacon at his best."

CUT TO: Predacon Base, artillery room. TARANTULAS and SCORPONOK, in robot mode, are manning the main weapon's controls as BLACKARACHNIA coordinates targeting center.

TARANTULAS: "Your aiming is miserable! We're missing them all by a parsec!"

BLACKARACHNIA: "This system was designed to hit starships, not individual Maximals. It's simply not up to task. Let it shake them up until we can use the ship's standard cannons on them."

SCORPONOK: "I would rather fight them head on."

TARANTULAS: "You're free to go on out if you'd like. Just be sure to stay out of our way. Wouldn't want to rip that armored carcass of yours with the mega-cannon."

TARANTULAS fires again. CUT TO: Maximals storming ahead, manoeuvring carefully to avoid the Mega-cannon's powerful energy discharge. Another blast comes pouring in, knocking RHINOX and DINOBOT to their stomachs.

DINOBOT: "It's a good thing they're targeting system is inadequate, or this assault would be painfully over quick."

RHINOX: "If we can get into our weapons range, we could knock out that cannon."

RATTRAP: "And get ourselves nailed by their other guns."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL looks to the Predacon Base, barely in view. Without a word, he transforms, and activates his jets, streaking upward. He turns and heads straight for the base.

RHINOX: (Panicked) "You can't!"

DINOBOT: "He's making an attack run alone! Dinobot - Maximize!"

CHEETOR: "Cheetor - Maximize!"

DINOBOT and CHEETOR transform and begin to run for the base, taking out their weapons. RHINOX and RATTRAP transform as well, bringing up the rear of the party.

CUT TO: A targeting grid appears over an approaching OPTIMUS PRIMAL. The Mega-cannon fires again, but misses wide of the Maximal commander. It fires again, and this time comes nearer. OPTIMUS PRIMAL soars up higher, leaving the screen.

TARANTULAS: "Slag! He's risen above the arc of fire for the cannon. I can't hit him with it."

BLACKARACHNIA: "Then concentrate on the other Maximals. Scorponok, use the main batteries."

SCOROPONOK: "Already doing it!"

CUT TO: OPTIMUS PRIMAL above the Predacon base, firing at the Mega-cannon. One shot connects, smashing the cannon into debris. Primal has no time to celebrate his victory, however, as a blast from one of the ship's smaller batteries slams hard into Primal, ripping off the jet pack and his shoulder cannon. OPTIMUS PRIMAL begins to fall.

SCORPONOK: (excited) "I got him! I got him!"

BLACKARACHNIA: "Don't get cocky."

TARANTULAS: "The other Maximals are too close. We need better ground cover."

SCOROPNOK: "Scorponok to Inferno. The Maximals have reached your perimeter, guard the gate."

CUT TO: INFERNO, robot mode, checking his weapon and walking through the Predacon base.

INFERNO: "None attack my home."

CUT TO: Outside, CHEETOR and DINOBOT, robot mode, reach some rocks surrounding the Predacon base. OPTIMUS lies in front of them, smouldering as laser fire pours in every direction around them.

CHEETOR looks through the pouring laser fire, hoping for a break in the counter-assault.

CHEETOR: (near panicked) "I... I can't get to Optimus."

DINOBOT: (seriously) "He is not your concern, Cheetor. You have a mission to perform already."

CHEETOR: "I'm not going to let big-bot get scrapped!"

CHEETOR starts to leap ahead, but DINOBOT firmly holds him back.

DINOBOT: "Don't be an idiot. Now isn't the time." (Turns) "Rattrap."

PAN OUT, revealing RATTRAP and RHINOX, also in robot mode, also in cover behind some rocks.

RATTRAP: "What do you want?"

DINOBOT: "You and Cheetor get ready for your mission."

RATTRAP: "Right, and you got some magic password for getting inside, scale-head?"

DINOBOT: "I have... a diversion... now... go!"

DINOBOT leaps in front of the rocks and starts running to OPTIMUS PRIMAL. CHEETOR and RATTRAP both rush forward as well, heading to the Predacon door. They nearly reach it, when INFERNO steps out. INFERNO launches a wave of flame, smashing into RATTRAP, but CHEETOR fires back, aided with cover from RHINOX. INFERNO finds himself pinned down and cannot stop CHEETOR and RATTRAP from entering.

CUT TO: Inside the Predacon base. MEGATRON, in robot mode, sits alone, looking over the battle and smiling pleasantly.

COMPUTER: "Warning. Maximal intruders. Warning. Maximal Intruders."

MEGATRON: "I was wondering how long it would take them to show up... yes..."

MEGATRON moves and activates a small control on his seat. A nice pleasant chirping noise pipes up.

MEGATRON: "Waspinator, Buzz Saw, if you two are finished charging, report to the science lab immediately. You will be expecting two guests to join you. Terminate them."

CUT TO: DINOBOT standing over OPTIMUS PRIMAL, taking some hits from INFERNO's flame-thrower and the laser batteries. DINOBOT barely manages to pull OPTIMUS to safety before one of the larger guns slams into the earth next to him, creating a large crater.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: (weakly) "You didn't have to come for me."

DINOBOT: "You served as a good diversion, Optimus."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: (smiling) "Glad to know that I'm good for something. Did they make it inside?"

DINOBOT: "Cheetor and Rattrap have infiltrated the base. You know, however, that Megatron is expecting them. They are likely headed into a trap."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "They both know that."

PAN out from OPTIMUS PRIMAL, showing the hail of laser fire coming from the
ship and INFERNO. The Maximals are pinned down, unable to strike more
successfully. FADE TO BLACK

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

ACT THREE

FADE IN: PREDACON BASE, WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW, in robot mode are standing guard within Tarantulas's lab. They know that the Maximals will be raiding against them soon, and are quite bored with the wait. TARANTULAS tosses over a small metal ball to BUZZ SAW, who catches it and tosses it back.

BUZZ SAW: "Buzz Saw tired of waiting. Wish stupid rat-bot would show up so we can slag him and get back to sleep. Buzz Saw not fully recharged yet."

WASPINATOR: "Rat-bot not punctual. Rat-bot take forever to walk through base. Waspinator bored."

CUT TO: RATTRAP and CHEETOR, robot modes, moving through the corridors.

CHEETOR is carrying a map and constantly checks up on it.

CHEETOR: "I swear they've rearranged things since last time I was here."

RATTRAP: "Figures, the whole place has the special 'woman-spider' touch to it. Gives me the creeps."

CHEETOR: "Tell me about it. I figured Megatron would have sent someone to take us out by now."

RATTRAP: "Why bother? They know what we're here for. They're probably waiting for us."

CHEETOR: "Good point. Let's not go in the front door then."

RATTRAP: (pulls out a charge from his arm-containers) "Nah, we'll hit them too hard and fast."

CHEETOR and RATTRAP step through another corridor, and finally come up to the entry to Tarantulas's laboratory. CHEETOR levels his weapon at the door and is about to open it when RATTRAP stops him.

CUT TO: Interior of lab. WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW are waiting by the door.

WASPINATOR: "What taking Maximals so long to open the door. It's not locked."

BUZZ SAW: "They should be able to come right in, unless..."

The two Predacons look at one another a long moment then realize what's happening. As they run from the door, it ruptures then explodes into hundreds of shards of metal. The lighting in the room flares red and the entire place is filled with smoke. BUZZ SAW and WASPINATOR are knocked back into a wall, stunned. RATTRAP and CHEETOR step in.

CHEETOR: "I thought you were subtle."

RATTRAP: (grinning) "You should see me trying to be obvious."

CHEETOR: "Right, I'll cover these two. Start work on that console."

RATTRAP: "I know my job kiddo."

CUT TO: EXTERNAL of Predacon ship. OPTIMUS PRIMAL, RHINOX, and DINOBOT are losing their cover as the ship's guns start to wither away at the rock. One jolt sends RHINOX scrambling back to another piece of cover. INFERNO, for his part, is keeping the Maximals from advancing under the guns.

DINOBOT: "We're running out of time, and of power. We must withdrawal soon, Optimus."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Not until I hear from Rattrap. They've got to get that tractor beam out of commission."

DINOBOT: "We'll be out of commission in a matter of minutes at this rate."

RHINOX: "Rattrap and Cheetor will get the job done. I'll stay and cover their exit. Dinobot, you get Optimus back to the Axalon for repairs."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "No! I'm staying until the mission is complete."

DINOBOT: "As brave as your sacrifice would be, Rhinox, I feel that more would be served if I did not have to arrange three burials this evening."

CUT TO: The gunnery tower, TARANTUALS and SCORPONOK, in robot mode and manning the weapon systems, are getting frustrated at the Maximal's hiding. BLACKARACHNIA, in robot mode, is starting to pace.

BLACKARACHNIA: "Just blast them and get it over with!"

SCORPONOK: "That's what we're trying to do. They're cowering behind the rocks."

The doors to the room part, revealing MEGATRON, robot mode. None of the Predacons in the room seem to care a great deal, however, and continue their frustrated counter-attack.

MEGATRON: (smiling strangely) "The two Maximal infiltrators have made their way to your lab, Tarantulas. I'm sure that Buzz Saw and Waspinator will do a good job of guarding it for you, yes."

TARANTULAS: (eyes going wide and turns suddenly): "Waspinator is guarding my lab? No! I must get down there!"

MEGATRON: "Of course, Tarantulas. I can man your position here if you would like."

Without thinking, TARANTULAS runs wildly out the door. MEGATRON very coolly assumes the gunner's seat next to SCORPONOK. BLACKARACHNIA looks at TARANTULAS's retreat, then back to MEGATRON.

BLACKARACHNIA: "You... planned this?"

MEGATRON (deliberately ignoring the question): It's been some time since I acted as a gunner. Let's see if I still have my old touch.

MEGATRON fires the ships weapons, as if they were a part of him. CUT TO:

RHINOX ready to make another swiping pass at INFERNO, gets nailed with the battery, large welts appear all over him, and he falls hard to the ground. The seen pans wide, with OPTIMUS PRIMAL and DINOBOT coming into view. DINOBOT fires his eye-beams at the guns, but the blast is countered with another from the gun, causing DINOBOT to fall on his tail.

DINOBOT: "We've lost the battle, Optimus. I cannot maintain power, and I swear that they're aim has improved."

RHINOX: "I can vouch for that. We can't leave them yet, however, they haven't had enough time."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "No, Rhinox, he's right. When the batteries recharge next, we'll break to regroup. After that, we pull out."

RHINOX: "We can't leave them behind!"

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "No choice, old friend."

RHINOX: "But..."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "That's an order, Rhinox!"

CUT TO: Tarantulas's lab. WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW start to shake themselves a little as CHEETOR, robot mode, keeps the gun leveled on them. RATTRAP is over at the console, fiddling with it, taking out key components.

BUZZ SAW: "Cat-bot not finish off Waspinator brother and Buzz Saw."

WASPINATOR: "Cat-bot stupid."

CHEETOR: (moving the gun to Waspinator) "Watch who you're calling stupid."

BUZZ SAW: "Cat-bot very stupid."

BUZZ SAW takes the metal ball that he and WASPINATOR were throwing earlier and hurls it at CHEETOR. CHEETOR turns to fire at BUZZ SAW, but his aim is knocked wide by WASPINATOR running headlong into him. RATTRAP gets slammed by CHEETOR's flying robot form, and rips the entire console out from its housing.

RATTRAP: "Get off me, Kiddo! We're all done here."

WASPINATOR: "No! Not steal tractor beam! Waspinator destroy you."

WASPINATOR begins to open fire, followed quickly by BUZZ SAW. CHEETOR rolls and returns a few shots, getting hit once or twice in the process. RATTRAP starts to scurry for the door, where he sees TARANTULAS, spider mode, stepping in. For a moment, RATTRAP gives a look of grave concern on face. TARANTUALS, however, is paying more attention to the fire-fight going on in the room.

TARANTULAS: "My lab! No! Tarantulas - Terrorize!"

BUZZ SAW continues to fire at CHEETOR as TARANTULAS transforms. CHEETOR begins to bound for the door. WASPINATOR, however, remembers his mission and fires at RATTRAP, nailing the tractor beam components, destroying them. RATTRAP gets thrown out the door. Not to be out-done, CHEETOR leaps up and over TARANTULAS and transforms to beast mode as he does, running off as fast as his four legs will carry him.

WASPINATOR: "Mission, accomplished?"

BUZZ SAW: "Lost the tractor beam."

TARANTULAS: (fuming) "You... wrecked... my... tractor... beam..."

WASPINATOR: (proudly) "Waspinator stopped Maximals from stealing tractor beam."

TARANTULAS steps forward to WASPINATOR, murderous intent in his eyes. The 'spider-con' raises his fist to smash WASPINATOR, but is punched solidly by BUZZ SAW. Enraged, TARANTULAS moves to a fighting stance, and realizes that he's looking down the barrels of two Predacon weapons. WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW have their guns leveled on them as MEGATRON, robot mode, enters, followed by BLACKARACHNIA and SCORPONOK.

MEGATRON: (smiling) "I see Waspinator and his younger brother seems to have upset you somehow, Tarantulas. Would you care to explain what went wrong?"

TARANTULAS: "They destroyed the tractor beam control unit. It will take weeks to replace it. They've cost us an advantage."

MEGATRON: (growls and betrays an angry look) "No, Tarantulas... they cost you an advantage, yes. Did you really think that I would allow you to have sole access to the tractor beam? Why did you think I sent Waspinator to help you in the first place?"

TARANTULAS: (stunned) "You..."

MEGATRON: "Do us all a favor and quit underestimating me, Tarantulas. If you are going to scheme and plot against your fellow Predacons, be sure that you do a better job of covering yourself."

TARANTULAS shakes a little, but MEGATRON simply leaves the room, followed quickly by WASPINATOR and BUZZ SAW.

CUT TO: EXTERNAL VIEW of Predacon base, OPTIMUS PRIMAL and DINOBOT look to the entrance. DINOBOT shakes his head negatively and is about to speak when we see RATTRAP and CHEETOR rush out of the ship's gate. INFERNO gets trampled by a skidding, barrel-running CHEETOR.

RATTRAP: "What are you waiting for... let's get our sorry butts out of here."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "You heard the rat. Maximals, pull out!"

PAN OVER to show the Maximals converting to beast mode and running from the battle. INFERNO stands, angry, but simply holsters his gun and returns inside the ship without saying a word.

CUT TO: INTERNAL, MAXIMAL BASE. OPTIMUS PRIMAL, beast mode, steps out of the RECOVERY CHAMBER, greeted by RATTRAP, TIGATRON, in beast modes, and AIRAZOR, robot mode.

AIRAZOR: "Glad to see that the Predacons didn't do you any permanent damage. You had us worried there for a long time."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "I'm thankful we all made it back with our chassis intact. You and Tigatron had me worried for awhile back there. When I saw the new Predacon, I wasn't sure if you two were still functioning."

TIGATRON: "We made it through, Primal, just like Rattrap and Cheetor did. I'm constantly amazed at what good friends can manage when they are together." (smiles at Airazor)

RATTRAP: "That's it... that's enough. I've just eaten already, and I can't take much more of this sweet stuff going on. If you need me for anything, I'll be watching some vids, okay?"

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "You did great work, Rattrap."

RATTRAP: "The slag I did. I didn't get the console. We're back to where we were."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "That's a good sight better than where we would have been if that console was still in Predacon hands. We owe you and Cheetor a great deal."

RATTRAP: "Yeah... well, you can start by letting me get some peace for a few hours."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: (laughing softly) "Go ahead, you've earned it."

RATTRAP: "Jeesh, we're spending too much time patting each-other on the back..."

RATTRAP starts stepping down the hall as the other Maximals watch. His mumbling trails off as we

FADE TO BLACK.

The End