Repossessed

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.

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

It's raining. It's cold. We fade in above Predacon Headquarters. INFERNO, robot mode, is on patrol outside. We cut inside to the main command center. MEGATRON and BLACKARACHNIA are talking, in their robot modes.

BLACKARACHNIA: How could you let him into our labs?

MEGATRON: Easier to monitor Tarantulas's experiments with him so close.

BLACKARACHNIA: You trust him?

MEGATRON: Of course not. But his insights into science are worth pursuing, and if he develops something for use against Transmetals, I want to know what it is, yes.

BLACKARACHNIA: Just in case he uses it against you?

MEGATRON: See? You're learning.

We cut to TARANTULAS's lab. WASPINATOR, robot mode, is in a rejuvenation vat. TARANTULAS, in robot mode, is working with a series of tools and supplies. WASPINATOR is shaking a little.

WASPINATOR (nervous): Spider-bot going to play with Waspinator?

TARANTULAS: This isn't a game, this is a very important experiment. Now sit still so I can continue working.

WASPINATOR: Waspinator not understand what spider-bot is doing.

TARNATULAS: I'm attempting to duplicate the quantum-surge's effect on our self- repair systems.

WASPINATOR: Spider-bot make Waspinator a Transmetal?

TARANTULAS: If this works, and if you sit still.

WASPINATOR whimpers but sits still finally as TARANTULAS inserts a device into the vat. The Predacon scientist chuckles a little and heads back to a large control panel.

TARANTULAS: Everything appears ready.

WASPINATOR: What happen to Waspinator if spider-bot fails?

TARANTULAS (chuckle): Probably something very painful, I'm sure.

WASPINATOR: Spider-bot need shrink. Waspinator doesn't want to be here anymore.

TARANTULAS: My calculations are correct. Engaging quantum-surge.

TARANTULAS activates his panel, and a brilliant light starts flowing from inside the vat. WASPINATOR starts to shake violently as his form tightens and darkens. TARANTULAS starts to cackle as the experiment continues.

TARANTULAS: It's working! It's working!

WASPINATOR (screaming): Waspinator feel bad!

TARANTULAS: A few more amperes and it should be done.

WASPINATOR: Waspinator hate spider-bot.

TARANTULAS pulls the device into overdrive and the light turns into a flash. WASPINATOR lets out a high-pitched scream and is covered in the light. His body begins to reform.

TARANTULAS: I've done it! I've created Transmetal Waspinator!

WASPINATOR: Waspinator feel strange. I feel powerful.

The light finally fades, and WASPINATOR is now in his powerful Transmetal form. The black and orange wasp stands proudly before him.

TARANTULAS: It worked!

TARANTULAS steps forward, and checks over WASPINATOR. WASPINATOR crosses his arms and looks over TARANTULAS. As WASPINATOR's voice answers, it's notably higher and raspier. It sounds familiar.

WASPINATOR: Find everything to your satisfaction, Tarantulas?

TARANTULAS: Your physical power has increased, but I'm picking up some unexpected energy signatures. Interesting.

WASPINATOR: Unexpected? How so?

TARANTULAS: I'm not sure what it means just yet. It's probably nothing.

WASPINATOR: If you say so.

WASPINATOR turns and chuckles in a very familiar high-pitched way. TARANTULAS watches him leave, crossing his arms.

TARANTULAS: Interesting indeed.

We cut to scrub-lands. Evidence of the planet-buster's scorching litters the area, though plant-life threatens a come-back. RAMPAGE and ANTAGONY are both moving slowly through the area in their beast modes.

ANTAGONY: No sign of the Maximals.

RAMPAGE (distantly): They're here. I can feel their presence. They're nervous.

ANTAGONY: You can sense them?

RAMPAGE: I feel their fear. They are vulnerable. It appears Megatron chose this attack correctly.

ANTAGONY: He's a fool.

RAMPAGE: You underestimate him. That is a dangerous mistake.

ANTAGONY (smirking): You have no love for him.

RAMPAGE: No, but even those you hate command some respect. You could learn quite a bit from watching him. Even if it is only to learn to destroy him without destroying yourself.

ANTAGONY: Is that an offer?

RAMPAGE (chuckles): Perhaps soon, but not while he retains my Ð Not just yet.

ANTAGONY: I see.

RAMPAGE: Move into position, and await my signal.

ANTAGONY nodes and moves aside. We cut to RATTRAP and CHEETOR, both in robot mode, looking over readouts on a mining probe. RATTRAP sighs and starts pacing back and forth.

RATTAP: Man, why do I have to do all the dirty work? Primal's got something against me lately.

CHEETOR: You're the one who stole his food rations.

RATTRAP: I was hungry. Besides, they weren't that good anyway.

CHEETOR: Rattrap, you eat garbage.

RATTRAP: Only the finest, though. My garbage is a lot better than standard rations, that's for sure.

CHEETOR (musing): Maybe.

COMPUTER: Warning, proximity alert.

RATTRAP: I thought I smelled something.

RATTRAP and CHEETOR both remove their guns and start looking around them. CHEETOR taps RATTRAP, and points to a moving cloud of dust. RATTRAP stares out at it, and stammers back.

RATTRAP: Here comes one big seafood platter, and we don't have any butter.

CHEETOR: Move!

CHEETOR and RATTRAP run to the side quickly as RAMPAGE opens fire. The missiles start to fly off towards them, but the Maximals manage to cut away. Mean RAMPAGE, now in tank mode, continues forward.

RAMPAGE: Be afraid, Maximals! I feed upon your fear!

RAMPAGE locks another missile into place and fires. RATTRAP lets out a whine before leaping away from another impact. RAMPAGE begins to cackle as he continuously closes the distance. CHEETOR, however, has righted himself and is closing at a full run, firing half-blasts with his arms as he moves forward.

RAMPAGE: Feel the fear, Maximal. Feel it.

CHEETOR: I'm not getting that personal with you, crab-ugly.

RAMPAGE: Rampage, Terrorize!

RAMPAGE begins the reformation to robot mode as CHEETOR presses on. Meanwhile, RATTRAP rushes back to the mining tower.

RATTRAP: Aw man, stupid Preds just had to show up. Just doing a little digging and this is what I get?

ANTAGONY (off camera): Do you always complain so much, rat?

We look over and see ANTAGONY rising from a mound in the earth, in her beast mode. RATTRAP quick-snaps and fires, just missing the female Predacon. She leaps up and pounces on RATTRAP.

ANTAGONY: I like the attitude. Pity about your allegiance.

RATTRAP: From a stinking Predacon?

ANTAGONY (darkly): Decepticon.

RATTRAP: Oh that makes me feel so much better.

RATTRAP raises up his knee to throw ANTAGONY off of him, but she transforms as she's thrown aside and instantly sweep-kicks him down. RATTRAP is visually stunned as he fumbles to get his gun back.

ANTAGONY: Not a bad move, but a few million years of experience has taught me a few things too.

ANTAGONY levels her acid cannon and fires at RATTRAP, who just manages to scamper off from the blast. We change views to show RAMPAGE, robot mode, slamming his powerful fist into CHEETOR. The young Maximal is thrown hard, wincing in pain.

RAMPAGE: Too stupid to properly show fear, Maximal? Or too young? A pity that your death will not satiate me.

CHEETOR: Break my heart.

RAMPAGE: If you insist.

RAMPAGE kneels down to deliver the killing blow, but stops. He looks up, and then stands again.

RAMPAGE: I feel it, but -

CHEETOR slides back a step, confused, but knowing when an opportunity presents itself. RAMPAGE looks up, looking almost through the clouds.

RAMPAGE (distant): No. It cannot be, not here.

CHEETOR leaps forward to tackle over RAMPAGE, but the large Predacon throws his arm back and snaps him down. CHEETOR shakes himself out of a daze to press his attack, but RAMPAGE is just walking away.

CHEETOR (confused): What?

RAMPAGE (distant): It must be. He's here.

CHEETOR goes to look at RAMPAGE, but RATTRAP's sudden scream wakes him back up to reality. We see RATTRAP, semi-vehicle mode, screeching away from a now-flying ANTAGONY. He's losing ground, however.

CHEETOR: Rattrap?

CHEETOR turns and fires. The blasts miss ANTAGONY, but serve as a distraction allowing the two Maximals to regroup. The female Predacon arcs around and returns to throw more attacks at them, but this time CHEETOR's speed comes into play. She's greeted by a blast straight on her chest.

ANTAGONY (grumbling): You again?

CHEETOR: Back off, bug-lady!

ANTAGONY: I won't have much problems beating the both of you.

CHEETOR: I got news for you, your backup just skipped out on you, babe.

ANTAGONY: As if I need him.

RATTRAP: Would you get a load of her?

ANTAGONY levels down to fire, but CHEETOR has her in his sights and fires first. She turns moves back, but RATTRAP follows through and transforms, adding his own firepower. ANTAGONY growls, but reluctantly retreats.

RATTRAP: Nice job, kid.

CHEETOR: It was just luck. Rampage had me dead to rights.

RATTRAP: What happened?

CHEETOR: I don't know, Rattrap. I don't know.

We pull back on the two confused Maximals and fade to black.

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

We open in on the Predacon Headquarters. MEGATRON, robot mode, in his in hot- tub, being fed his 'stew' through an IV. Beside him is Rampage's spark-in-a-box. The Predacon leader appears to be resting when the computer rouses him.

COMPUTER: Mining station remains operational. Unit Antagony and Unit Rampage have left the area.

MEGATRON: Locate them.

COMPUTER: Unit Antagony is returning to base. Unit Rampage is not in scanning range.

MEGATRON: I'm beginning to distrust things with more than four legs, yes. Alert me as soon as he can be detected.

TARANTULAS (cackling on the radio): Megatron, come in.

MEGATRON: Speaking of treacherous arachnids Ð

TARANTULAS (on radio): I have a report for you, Megatron.

MEGATRON: How very polite, yes. What have you managed?

We cut to the lab. TARANTULAS, robot mode, is looking into a main monitor, watching MEGATRON. Around him are various assorted parts and supplies.

TARANTULAS: I have duplicated the quantum surge that created we Transmetals. Waspinator is now one of us.

MEGATRON (on radio): You've put such power in Waspinator's hands? Reckless.

TARANTULAS: The effect seems to have boosted his intellectual capacity as well. There are other, more subtle changes that I am also investigating.

MEGATRON (on radio): I want him tested in battle.

TARANTULAS (annoyed): I need him in my lab. I have more research.

MEGATRON (on radio): I'm sure that you do, but I have some of my own. We've both been wanting to see the benefits from your continued work here, it's time to see the results, yes.

TARANTULAS: As you command, delusional despot.

TARANTULAS kills the screen before MEGATRON can reply and sighs. We cut to a lonely cave. In here, RAMPAGE, robot mode is sitting, contemplating. Around him are various scraps of metal and primitive proto-human weapons and tools. A more disturbing image is that of the humanoid skulls lined near a fire.

RAMPAGE: I had hoped that I was wrong. Yet I feel him, that part of me who gives me this curse.

RAMPAGE stands and takes a skull from his collection.

RAMPAGE: I cannot be mistaken. The avarice, the sweet lust of conquest, it swells in me. There is no one else that it can be. But where is he? How did he come to this place?

RAMPAGE caresses the skull lightly, distantly. The towering form seems, for once, uneasy and unsure.

RAMPAGE: Do I face him? Do I challenge him to make myself whole? I know you are here. I feel you. We will both know fear together.

Meanwhile, we cut to the Maximals back at their mining probe. RHINOX and OPTIMUS PRIMAL, both in robot mode, have already arrived. CHEETOR and RATTRAP, in their robot modes, are with them, going over the equipment.

RHINOX: Everything appears to be in working order.

RATTRAP: Just a little rattled up, if you know what I'm saying.

CHEETOR: I don't get it, why is this thing so important?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: We're standing over a large source of dense ore. Ore we can use to rebuild parts of our ship, or any other installation.

RHINOX: Ore we have to get before the Predacons steal away with it.

RATTRAP: And how long do we have to baby-sit over this digger?

RHINOX: A couple more days, I'm afraid. The probe needs to crack the ore vein before we can start hauling it away.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: All right, we set up a defense perimeter here. Rhinox and Rattrap, I want you to keep working on the probe. If there's any chance we can hurry this little project along, we need to take it.

COMPUTER: Warning, proximity alert. Incoming Predacon.

CHEETOR (worried): Rampage is back.

RHINOX: No, there's someone coming from the skies.

CHEETOR: It looks like Waspinator, but different.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: I'll check it out, the rest of you cover me.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL transforms to hover-mode and lifts up to engage WASPINATOR, beast mode, coming in quickly. OPTIMUS PRIMAL takes his hand-cannon and levels it, but hesitates, unsure.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Waspinator?

WASPINATOR: Not quite. Waspinator, Terrorize!

OPTIMUS PRIMAL fires and hits WASPINATOR in the chest, but the Transmetal form only shudders as it transforms to robot mode. WASPINATOR takes aim at OPTIMUS, but lowers, shooting out the board instead.

WASPINATOR: This is the new and improved model. I'm stronger, faster, smarter, and much better looking.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL falls, stunned, then slams hard into the ground. RHINOX runs over to his leader's side and starts firing. RATTRAP moves in behind and pulls out his gun. The attacks, however, don't seem to be doing very much as WASPINATOR pulls out and way.

WASPINATOR: Heavy Auto-cannon, effective range of 750 meters. My cluster bombs, effective range Ð

WASPINATOR lowers slightly and throws a large missile at RHINOX and RATTRAP. They move aside but it explodes in a series of blasts, knocking the two into the ground and cutting into their armor.

WASPINATOR: A good deal farther!

CHEETOR: Jumpin' gyros! Where did he get that?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Cheetor, intercept and take him down. Rhinox, Rattrap, give him over fire.

CHEETOR: On it. Cheetor, flight mode!

CHEETOR transforms and extends his engines, taking to the skies quickly and rushing up to meet WASPINATOR quickly. Blasts start hailing all around the Predacon, but he merely maneuvers out of the way.

WASPINATOR: Not bad, Maximal. You're almost making me sweat. Now watch what the ace of the air can do! Jet mode!

WASPINATOR transforms, trimming back his wings, extending a new cockpit to reveal a sleek fighter-craft, reminiscent of a Mig-25 or F-22. The fighter kicks in its engines and a loud blast of thunder fills the sky.

CHEETOR (wide-eyed): Oh, Primus!

CHEETOR gets rammed, hard, by the now-super-sonic WASPINATOR. CHEETOR's left side is shredded as the jet moves through and draws a bead in on the mining probe. RHINOX starts to open fire again, riddling the Predacon with shells, but WASPINATOR has a single purpose in mind.

WASPINATOR (cackling): I've won!

WASPINATOR fires again, this time sending twin cluster-bombs into the mining probe. RHINOX grabs OPTIMUS PRIMAL and pulls him out of the way as the explosions start. In an instant, the mining probe disappears in a fire-bomb. WASPINATOR, still in jet-mode, arcs away, laughing. We fade to black.

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

We fade into the battle scene. RHINOX, robot mode, looks over OPTIMUS PRIMAL, who is down in beast mode, sparks all around him. RATTRAP, robot mode, steps over to the ruined form of CHEETOR.

RHINOX: Optimus, are you all right?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Some internals are damaged. Flight board is shot. I'll be fine, though. Damage report.

RATTRAP: The kid's in bad shape.

We focus in on CHEETOR, half his body serrated and torn. RHINOX helps OPTIMUS PRIMAL to stand up, then joins RATTRAP. OPTIMUS PRIMAL shakes his head grimly as he sees the youth.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL (grimly): Great Cybertron. Waspinator did this?

RATTRAP: Flew right through him.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: He's in stasis-lock. Rattrap, get him back to the CR Chamber, now. Rhinox and I will clean up here.

RATTRAP: Hang in there, kiddo. Rattrap, medi-vac mode.

RATTRAP transforms to his ground-car mode. RHINOX carefully places CHEETOR down on him, and then watches as RATTRAP leaves.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL (unsure): He'll be all right.

RHINOX: Of course he will.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: You're thoughts?

RHINOX: Even as a Transmetal, there's no way Waspinator could accomplish all this. The moves he used and the style he had were completely different.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: We've seen them before.

RHINOX: You think he's back?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: He did say he would get his revenge. Looks like he's trying to do just that. From the looks of things, he's on the right path.

RHINOX: Well that's just Prime.

We cut to Predacon Headquarters. MEGATRON, robot mode, is in the command chamber with INFERNO. The doors hiss open, revealing the sultry and dark form of ANTAGONY, robot mode. INFERNO seems to get a little more interested as she approaches MEGATRON.

MEGATRON: Ah, Miss Antagony, a pleasure as usual.

ANTAGONY (coolly): What do you want?

MEGATRON: You failed your mission. I want an explanation.

ANTAGONY: I didn't fail anything.

MEGATRON (grumbling): You left the scene of battle and abandoned your mission.

ANTAGONY: What was I supposed to do? Rampage walked off. Your troops have no discipline and little for brains. It's no wonder that a handful of Maximals are giving you so much trouble.

MEGATRON: That may be, yes. But it does make me question your continued value.

ANTAGONY (smirking): Are you going to punish and threaten me now?

MEGATRON: An intriguing offer, but not at the moment. After all, the mission did get accomplished eventually, your own difficulties aside.

ANTAGONY: What?

MEGATRON: I sent in someone more capable. Isn't that right, Waspinator?

We pan over and see WASPINATOR, robot mode, stepping in. There is some evidence of injury, but not much. In fact, much less than what he had at his battle. ANTAGONY steps back as she regards his new form.

ANTAGONY: A Transmetal Ð

WASPINATOR: Transmetal Waspinator reporting for duty.

MEGATRON: Explain to me again what you accomplished.

WASPINATOR: Cheetor is in dire need of repair. Optimus Primal is damaged. Oh, and I accomplished the primary objective.

MEGATRON: Inferno?

INFERNO: It's true, Royalty. I observed his performance. He is an excellent soldier for the colony.

ANTAGONY (stunned): Waspinator?

WASPINATOR (chuckling): I'm used to being underestimated.

ANTAGONY (dawning): Not Waspinator Ð

WASPINATOR: Clever girl, Antagony. Then you always were.

WASPINATOR quickly moves and fires into ANTAGONY. The female Predacon is too stunned to react and is sent knocked back to the floor. She attempts to stand, but another blast from WASPINATOR's cannon freezes her into place.

MEGATRON (enraged): Waspinator, What are you doing?

WASPINATOR: We're sorry, but Waspinator isn't available right now. I'll be sure to leave him a message.

MEGATRON: Starscream!

WASPINATOR: You remember. That's so sweet.

INFERNO: The traitor, he must burn, royalty!

INFERNO moves quickly and fires his flame-thrower at WASPINATOR. The possessed Predacon is leaps up and fires below, now well out of reach of the short-range flame weapon. INFERNO moves to dodge, and switch weapons, but WASPINATOR is too quick. Another blast erupts, and INFERNO too is frozen.

MEGATRON: Inferno!

WASPINATOR: Your soldier ants are fallen, Megatron. Anyone else you want to throw my way?

MEGATRON (growling): Just me.

MEGATRON moves quickly and fires off his cannon at WASPINATOR. WASPINATOR is hit and part of his armor melts away. The Decepticon Air Commander screams out and unloads his weapons into MEGATRON will full fury. MEGATRON whether most of the hits, but stammers back. MEGATRON fires off his flare-guns from his shoulder, but Starscream uses WASPINATOR's body too well, and dodges away from them. MEGATRON stands again, but this time finds himself looking down the barrel of the possessed Predacon's cannon.

WASPINATOR: Now, Megatron, would you kindly tell the world who the new Predacon leader is?

MEGATRON (defiant): Your treachery knows no bounds, does it, Starscream?

WASPINATOR (chuckling): Why limit myself?

MEGATRON: Such arrogance. You've not won yet, no.

WASPINATOR: Maybe not, but you've lost.

WASPINATOR fires. We cut to the cave. RAMPAGE, robot mode, suddenly stands. He steps outside of his cave, looking around him.

RAMPAGE: His spark is here! I feel the fear he causes!

RAMPAGE transforms to his tank mode and starts moving, tearing up the ground and rushing through the scene.

RAMPAGE: My father, I come for you. I will end our curse. Our sparks shall expire together.

We pan back from RAMPAGE in his mad run, and fade to black.

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

We fade into the Maximal Headquarters. CHEETOR, robot mode, steps out of the CR Tank, though notably unbalanced. OPTIMUS PRIMAL, robot mode, steps over to help him stand. SILVERBOLT and RHINOX, both in robot mode, are standing nearby.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Easy, Cheetor.

CHEETOR: Waspinator -

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: He took out the mining probe. We're going to have to start all over. That is if the Predacons haven't claimed it already.

CHEETOR (sadly): I let you down, Optimus.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: It's my fault, Cheetor. I underestimated Waspinator. At least I underestimated who's living in Waspinator right now.

CHEETOR: What do you mean?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: It appears that whatever turned Waspinator into a Transmetal also allowed Starscream access to his body.

SILVERBOLT: The archfiend returns?

RHINOX: He's been busy, too. We've lost contact with all our listening points along the Predacon frontier.

SILVERBOLT: But Starscream is a ghost? How did you manage to exorcise him before?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: His spark has to want to leave it's host. Even then it's not a guarantee that he'll be gone for good.

CHEETOR: You mean he can just turn around and come back?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: If he wants to, Cheetor.

CHEETOR: Then we find something that just ensures that he doesn't want to come back. How difficult can that be?

SILVERBOLT: How can you scare a ghost?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: I don't know. Right now let's just concentrate on getting that ore supply back, if we can.

RHINOX: And the Predacons?

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Right now, I think they've got their own problems.

We cut to another part of the ship. INFERNO, robot mode, waits patiently outside a recover chamber. After a long moment, MEGATRON, robot mode, steps out of it.

INFERNO (worried): Royalty!

MEGATRON (weakly): Inferno, you live.

INFERNO: The traitor merely wounded me.

MEGATRON: The fool let me live.

INFERNO: He assumed your spark had expired.

MEGATRON: Ah, he's not aware of how efficient our recovery chambers are, no. That could be an advantage.

INFERNO: We shall find the traitor and burn him together.

MEGATRON: A tempting offer, but no, not yet.

INFERNO: You would let the traitor live?

MEGATRON: Only for the moment. Besides, it would take a great deal to exterminate his spark. We must find alternate means.

INFERNO: As you wish, royalty.

MEGATRON: Where are the others?

INFERNO: Rampage is missing. Tarantulas has returned to his lair, he has apparently taken what he needs. She-spider and Antagony have been ordered to accompany the traitor. The two females shall burn as well.

MEGATRON (growling): Perhaps it's nearing time to end their careers. But, we cannot concern ourselves with that now, no. Starscream warrants our full attention.

INFERNO: Your orders, royalty? I await your command.

MEGATRON: Guard the base against the Maximals. Do not let anyone know I remain functional.

INFERNO: As you command, royalty. The traitor shall have an end to his immortality soon.

INFERNO salutes proudly and walks off. MEGATRON considers a long moment.

MEGATRON (musing): An immortal spark. I wonder -

We cut to a small outcropping overlooking a remote-operated energon harvesting plant. A couple of turrets are the main systems of defense. ANTAGONY, BLACKARACHNIA, and WASPINATOR are all in robot modes, overlooking it.

WASPINATOR: Lightly defended, just like all the others. I'm beginning to wonder why your Megatron hasn't managed to take them out thus far.

BLACKARACHNIA: He's got other things in mind, and this is a minor target.

WASPINATOR: No target is too minor. I'll circle around the other side. You two stand by to attack, just like before.

ANTAGONY: Of course, Starscream.

ANTAGONY smiles almost warmly to WASPINATOR. WASPINATOR hesitates and turns, taking to the air. BLACKARACHNIA steps forward, shaking her head.

ANTAGONY: He's charming, despite all his faults.

BLACKARACHNIA: He's slimy, sleazy, and I wouldn't trust him farther than I could throw the Axalon.

ANTAGONY: At least he's a Decepticon.

BLACKARACHNIA: So he's automatically worth following?

ANTAGONY: Better than that Pretender of yours.

BLACKARACHNIA: You know, he did shoot you.

ANTAGONY: With a null-ray. He didn't kill me, or even try to.

BLACKARACHNIA: Why should he, since you'll blindly follow anything with the word 'Decepticon' attached.

ANTAGONY: You're wrong.

BLACKARACHNIA: Am I? I fell for Starscream once, but you should know better. You knew him, didn't you? Is he really what you think of when you think of the Decepticons?

ANTAGONY (hesitant): He's one of the greatest Decepticons. No flier has ever matched him.

BLACKARACHNIA (grumbling): And he screws over anyone in his way.

ANTAGONY (smirking): You sound bitter.

BLACKARACHNIA: Maybe I am.

As WASPINATOR lands on the far side of the defenses, he raises his weapons and fires a flare. ANTAGONY and BLACKARACHNIA move down to start their run as he takes to the air in his jet mode, arcing just out of the Maximal weapon's range and hitting them with his null-rays. The defenses are stripped in seconds.

WASPINATOR (cackling): Perfect. With such two lovely ladies as my guard, nothing can stop us!

As Starscream starts his gratuitous bragging, three large missiles, one etched with the 'peace symbol' rush over to him. He turns just in time to see them smash into him. After a large explosion, we see WASPINATOR tattered, but standing. Across from him, in robot mode, is RAMPAGE.

WASPINATOR: What?!

RAMPAGE: My senses were correct, I knew to find you here.

WASPINATOR: You dare strike me in the back?

RAMPAGE: It is your spark that spawned me. It is your spark that has cursed me.

WASPINATOR (distantly): I do know you.

RAMPAGE: We are from the same curse. You and I are immortal. Our sparks cannot be destroyed, for they are the same spark.

WASPINATOR (musing): The experiments. I remember them, vaguely. The Maximal Elders couldn't keep me held for long.

RAMPAGE: It was long enough, long enough to do this.

WASPINATOR: And just what do you think you're going to do about it?

RAMPAGE: Destroy you.

RAMPAGE fires again, sending another triad of missiles towards WASPINATOR. As the flyer takes to the air, explosions rock the ground below. We focus in on WASPINATOR and RAMPAGE facing off, and fade to black.

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

We fade in on a Maximal Defense post. RAMPAGE and WASPINATOR are exchanging shots back and forth, both are in robot mode. BLACKARACHNIA and ANTAGONY, also both in robot mode, are off to the side, watching.

RAMPAGE: Fear me, damn you. I must take pleasure in our demise.

WASPINATOR: Maybe it would help if I had something to be afraid of.

WASPINATOR rushes down and throws out a series of cluster-bombs. RAMPAGE is caught in the explosions and is rocked back, armor in tatters. Even as he stands, however, it slowly begins to repair itself.

RAMPAGE: You will share in my suffering. You will know how it feels to live with this curse.

WASPINATOR (smirking): Promises, promises.

WASPINATOR has healed now, and rushes down to confront RAMPAGE directly. In the distance, ANTAGONY readies her cannon to fire at RAMPAGE. BLACKARACHNIA quickly deflects it and gives a disturbed look.

BLACKARACHNIA (annoyed): Just what are you doing?

ANTAGONY: I'm aiding a fellow Decepticon.

BLACKARACHNIA: In case you hadn't noticed, it's a personal thing between them. Let's just bow out of it.

ANTAGONY (snapping): Coward.

BLACKARACHNIA: You want to rush in a fight between two Predacons who can't die. Think on that a second.

ANTAGONY: Okay, you have a point. So what do we do?

BLACKARACHNIA: Finish the mission before the null rays wear off?

ANTAGONY: At least that's something to shoot at.

ANTAGONY and BLACKARACHNIA both turn and open fire onto the base itself. As each component is hit, it explodes brilliantly. RAMPAGE turns to it, momentarily distracted by the blasts. WASPINATOR cackles and pulls up and away.

WASPINATOR: All right, we're done here. Return to base to rearm and re-equip. I've got a score to settle with the Maximals soon.

RAMPAGE: You will not run from me, coward.

WASPINATOR: Oh I could waste a few hours trying to beat some sense into you, but why should I bother? Accept your curse, Predacon.

WASPINATOR leaps up and reaches for the sky. RAMPAGE yells out and fires, but his target has already left his range. He turns, enraged, but the females too have left. He is, once again, alone.

RAMPAGE: I will find you. I can still feel you.

We dissolve to a computer display. MEGATRON, robot mode, is looking over it. He appears tired, and lost in through.

COMPUTER: Unit Rampage is heading to sector zeta.

MEGATRON: So, Rampage knows where Starscream is. Very interesting.

COMPUTER: Unit Waspinator has destroyed Maximal collection station and is returning to base. Unit Rampage is in pursuit.

MEGATRON: As I suspected, they are indeed linked. Starscream cannot make a move without Rampage following him.

COMPUTER: Units Antagony and Blackarachnia are en route to recharge point gamma.

MEGATRON: Good. I can deal with them later.

MEGATRON switches off the console and takes a deep breath. He considers a long moment before drumming his fingers.

MEGATRON: I could allow them to destroy one-another, but I'm lacking troops, and my plans are nearly at full-circle. I must find another way.

We cut to the Maximal Base. RHINOX and OPTIMUS PRIMAL are in the command center, both in robot mode. RHINOX is just shaking his head.

RHINOX: That's it, all of our support systems have been destroyed.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Upsetting, but not surprising. It was only a matter of time, anyway. Did you find anything else out, maybe a weakness of some kind?

RHINOX: The scans I got indicated a heavy firefight. It looked like Rampage was trying to kill Starscream.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Kill Starscream? Why?

RHINOX: I haven't figured that one out myself.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL begins to pace around the central terminal as RHINOX continues to work on it.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: Whatever his reasons, Rampage is giving us an opportunity. Get Silverbolt and Rattrap and get that ore out. We'll need the supplies. We'll move it to a secure area, back away from the Predacons.

RHINOX: You think it's safe? Starscream's been hitting us pretty hard.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: If we don't try now, it won't happen. Besides, I think Starscream is about to become very occupied.

Cut to Predacon Headquarters. WASPINATOR, jet mode, rushes down quickly. We see INFERNO, robot mode, marching back and forth. WASPINATOR transforms to his robot mode and lands. INFERNO quickly blocks the door, weapon out.

WASPINATOR: Stand aside.

INFERNO: The traitor returns!

WASPINATOR: I am your new leader. Now move aside and let me in.

INFERNO: You will not enter the colony.

WASPINATOR: Your systems really are messed up, aren't they?

INFERNO: Burn, traitor! Burn!

INFERNO opens fire, this time with missiles. WASPINATOR leaps, but this time the missiles strike home and send him flying back. INFERNO rushes forward, following through with a straight kick into WASPINATOR's smoldering chest.

INFERNO: The royalty shall be avenged!

INFERNO fires again, point blank, smashing the weapons down into WASPINATOR's weakening form. INFERNO follows through with several punches then spins his weapon back into firing position, right at WASPINATOR's head.

INFERNO (cackling): For the royalty!

WASPINATOR: Fool. You gloat after you achieve victory.

WASPINATOR knocks the gun aside and knees up, smashing into INFERNO's groin. INFERNO growls, but WASPINATOR isn't quite done. He opens his chest hull and fires his cluster bombs. When the light fades, INFERNO is in pieces, beside WASPINATOR, who is already starting to recover from the intense damage.

WASPINATOR: Loyal, strong, powerful, and very, very stupid.

As WASPINATOR stands, we change our view to MEGATRON's computer screen. He is there again, smiling now, watching. His fingers tap his control panel, somewhat impatient.

COMPUTER: Unit Inferno is offline. Unit Waspinator has entered base.

MEGATRON: Where's Rampage?

COMPUTER: Unit Rampage is at fifteen kilometers, closing fast. He will arrive in four minutes.

MEGATRON: No doubt Starscream will be waiting for him. Computer, shut down external security. Authorization, Wii Gii Walker.

COMPUTER: External systems are off-line.

MEGATRON: Four minutes, and the game begins.

Cut to another screen. This one has Starscream looking into it from the main command center. He doesn't appear to be pleased.

WASPINATOR: External Autoguns ready.

COMPUTER: Unable to comply. External defenses are off-cycle.

WASPINATOR (annoyed): Off cycle? Arm them!

COMPUTER: External defenses are in recharge mode. Estimated time for recharge is in nineteen cycles.

WASPINATOR (smirking): Such a staggering coincidence. Where is Rampage now?

COMPUTER: Unit Rampage cannot be scanned. External defenses are in recharge cycle.

Cut to external of the Predacon Ship. RAMPAGE, tank mode, rolls into view. He hesitates as he approaches the base.

RAMPAGE: Very odd. Why isn't Starscream using the external cannons to weaken me?

RAMPAGE rolls forward a little farther to test the defenses. There is no obvious response to his presence.

RAMPAGE: Rampage, Terrorize!

RAMPAGE transforms to his robot mode and looks around carefully, drawing up his weapon and stepping forward.

RAMPAGE: They are all offline, recharging. This is not their scheduled maintenance period, though. Something is amiss.

RAMPAGE looks around carefully again, then finally decides to enter the ship. We cut back to MEGATRON and his computer terminal.

COMPUTER: Unit Rampage is now aboard ship.

MEGATRON: And now the game is afoot. Computer, cease all command sequences except for my own.

COMPUTER: Acknowledged.

MEGATRON (growling): And now, my dear immortal Predacons, it's time you both learned why I lead the Predacons, yes.

We focus in on MEGATRON, who is sneering, and fade to black.

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

We open up inside the Predacon base. RAMPAGE, robot mode, throws INFERNO's pieces into a recovery tank. As he does so, the power flickers off around him. The tank, however, remains powered.

RAMPAGE: And now the internal power is off. Starscream wishes to incite fear into me? Is this is plan?

RAMPAGE looks around carefully and pulls his missile-cannon. He then steps down the long hallway, leading up to the main bridge. There, WASPINATOR, possessed by Starscream, stands waiting. Power flickers off here as well, leaving only the emergency lights.

WASPINATOR: He's tapped into the power grid. No matter, I know where he's coming. Only a few minutes longer.

WASPINATOR looks nervously to the door. We change views and reveal MEGATRON, robot mode, moving in to the main computer room. MEGATRON types in a keyed sequence slowly.

COMPUTER: External defenses, now online.

MEGATRON (smiling): Just to make sure that there are no Maximal interruptions.

COMPUTER: No Maximals detected.

MEGATRON: Primal must be using this to his advantage, but no matter. Computer, reverse direction for inside perimeter defenses. If either Rampage or Waspinator leave the base, destroy them.

COMPUTER: Acknowledge. Inner ring defenses now on lock-down.

MEGATRON: Now I mustn't miss the festivities, no.

MEGATRON turns and activates his hover-fans, lifting himself to the upper decks of the ship. Meanwhile, RAMPAGE stalks forward until he finally reaches the bridge door. It fails to open.

RAMPAGE (quietly): Not even power to the doors. I'm in no mood for the subtle approach. Beast mode.

RAMPAGE transforms to his giant crab mode and grabs at the doors, bending them slowly and throwing them aside. As soon as the fall with a thunk, a large blast smashes into his armor.

RAMPAGE (eager): Starscream.

RAMPAGE shrugs off the effects of the null ray and leaps forward. WASPINATOR rushes in from above, opening up with a barrage of laser-fire. The blasts dot along RAMPAGE's armor.

RAMPAGE: You fear me.

WASPINATOR: Starscream fears nothing.

RAMPAGE: Then learn. Rampage, Terrorize!

RAMPAGE transforms quickly to robot mode, just to be greeted with another null-ray blast. RAMPAGE starts to freeze up, but manages to break from of the crippling attack with some obvious effort.

WASPINATOR: You are persistent, Rampage. I almost admire that.

WASPINATOR spins down and fires, sending small missiles all around RAMPAGE. RAMPAGE moves through them and fires missiles of his own. The larger weapons strike home and WASPINATOR is sent thrown back, his arm blown off. The host of Starscream quickly grabs it again and reattaches it.

RAMPAGE: Know pain. Know hatred. Give it to me. Let me feel it, Starscream.

WASPINATOR's arm heals back into place and he leaps up, firing more cluster bombs into RAMPAGE. This time, RAMPAGE maneuvers out of the way and snap-fires a laser blast at his enemy. Sadly, the shot misses.

RAMPAGE: Feel fear, Starscream. Know what you've done to me.

WASPINATOR: Why, Rampage, you seem to have some issues.

RAMPAGE: You dare mock me!

RAMPAGE again opens fire at WASPINATOR. This time, however, Starscream has figured it out. Even as the hits are scored, they begin to heal. RAMPAGE growls and leaps at the other 'immortal', but WASPINATOR merely maneuvers out of the way, into the air. RAMPAGE pulls out his missile-cannon and starts to fire. The shots that do manage to hit, however, are recovered from quickly.

WASPINATOR (annoyed): You can't win, Rampage. Neither of us can die.

RAMPAGE (hissing): I will cause you enough damage to take you down. Then I shall rip the very spark from you.

MEGATRON (off camera): Oh, no need for such trouble, no.

We turn and see MEGATRON, standing smugly in his robot mode, now fully repaired. WASPINATOR and RAMPAGE turn and appear stunned. MEGATRON gets an evil grin and pulls out the 'box' of RAMPAGE's spark. RAMPAGE steps back, now genuinely worried.

MEGATRON: Time to feel the fear, Rampage, yes.

MEGATRON collapses the box fully in his hand. The spark within protests, being crushed from the powerful grip. RAMPAGE and WASPINATOR both collapse and scream from the pain.

WASPINATOR (crying): No - No!

RAMAPAGE (groaning): My spark.

MEGATRON: Ah, the music of punished treachery. I rather enjoy it. The soothing rhythms, the sheer pleasure of dealing with those who cross me.

WASPINATOR (screaming): I can't -

WASPINATOR lets out an anguished, painful cry. He stands, as if his body were being pulled apart. RAMPAGE does likewise, then doubles over in pain. MEGATRON, however, remains cold, and continues the pressure.

RAMPAGE (screaming): The pain is too great! Megatron -

WASPINATOR (screaming): I will return, Megatron! I will have revenge!

WASPINATOR seems to rip apart as the Transmetal form slowly and painfully reverts to the original form. WASPINATOR collapses as the pain finally leaves him. MEGATRON slowly releases the pressure, and RAMPAGE collapses, exhausted from the pain.

WASPINATOR (weakly, himself): Waspinator's feel-bad really hurts.

MEGATRON: Yes, I imagine it does.

MEGATRON smiles and INFERNO, robot mode, rushes through the torn door.

INFERNO: Royalty!

MEGATRON: It's done, as I anticipated.

INFERNO: I don't understand.

MEGATRON: Rampage and Starscream share the same spark. So long as I have Rampage at my mercy, so do I have Starscream.

INFERNO: And what of Waspinator? Shall I destroy him?

MEGATRON: I doubt that he even remembers what happened. Take him back to the recovery chamber.

INFERNO: As you command, Royalty.

INFERNO quickly takes the weakened form of WASPINATOR and drags him off.

WASPINATOR (trailing off): Waspinator missed something, didn't he? What did spider-bot do? Why does ant-bot want to destroy poor Waspinator?

MEGATRON shakes his head and moves to stand over RAMPAGE. RAMPAGE slowly stirs, becoming conscious again.

MEGATRON: Quite a little adventure you had.

RAMPAGE (darkly): You denied me.

MEGATRON: I cannot afford to lose both you and Waspinator, not yet.

RAMPAGE: I don't find that reassuring.

MEGATRON: Oh, I doubt you would. It would have been just as simple to destroy you both, cutting what I have of your spark into enough pieces that it would be destroyed.

RAMPAGE (grumbling): You think that I am grateful?

MEGATRON looks down at RAMPAGE and shakes his head, then turns to leave.

MEGATRON (snapping): I care nothing for gratuity. I saw fear even in you. You did not fear destruction, you fear the pain that I can cause you. Interesting to keep in mind, yes.

MEGATRON steps away, leaving RAMPAGE alone, worn out. We cut to space, and show a SPARK, traveling back to the stars.

STARSCREAM (voice over): I'll return, Megatron. I have all the time in the universe to destroy you. I will return!

Fade to black as the SPARK enters a transwarp gate.

The End