Sojourn

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.

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

Act One: Scene One

EXTERNAL: Start with black shot. Lighten slightly to storm clouds. Lighting flashes the screen occasionally with appropriate sound effect.

Overheard: SCORPONOK: "This rain is freezing. Why doesn't Terrorsaur hurry up?"

Move to show SCORPONOK shivering, his claws clanking wildly. MEGATRON stands calmly next to him

SCORPONOK: "He was supposed to be hours ago, Megatron."

MEGATRON: "He'll be back soon if he knows what's good for him."

Another bolt of lightning flashes across the two Predacons, immediately followed by a anguished cry from TERRORSAUR. Cut to shot of TERRORSAUR, in beast mode, gliding out of the clouds, his wings singed, and rain dripping from him.

TERRORSAUR: "Terrorize!"

TERRORSAUR transforms to robot mode and rushes to MEGATRON.

TERRORSAUR (smiling and excited): "I found a pod, Megatron! The storm covered up its signal. Must have just come down. The Maximals can't possibly know that it's there!"

MEGATRON (dubious): "And you did, of course, confirm this finding?" TERRORSAUR: "Well, no. (suddenly looks downcast) I wouldn't have made it out of the storm if I had stopped."

CUT TO: View-screen inside MAXIMAL BASE showing above scene. RHINOX, RATTRAP, and OPTIMUS PRIMAL are leaning back watching the show.

RHINOX: "You know, I wonder if Scorponok will ever realized that we've tuned into his cyber-bee's transmission frequency?"

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "I'm just glad that the signal is strong enough to cut through all that interference that the storm's causing. Looks like our communications are still a few pegs up from the Predacons."

RATTRAP: "Thank the Matrix for small favors. (crosses his arms.) I don't buy it though. If there is a pod out there, we should have detected it coming down, storm or no storm. Something's fishy in Pred-ville."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Agreed... (considers a moment) Still, it would be foolish of us not to investigate. Tell Airazor and Cheetor to stand by. If there is a pod out in that storm, those two will be able to get there first."

CUT TO: Zoom on screen, then cut back to the three Predacons.

MEGATRON: "Very well, Terrorsaur. I'll go myself and determine the truth about this `pod'. (reverts to beast mode) Scorponok, see that Terrorsaur gets properly repaired."

SCORPONOK: "Of course, Megatron. (throws TERRORSAUR limply over his shoulder) Shouldn't you have some backup to accompany you? What if the Maximals show up?"

MEGATRON (smiling his reptile grin): "I can deal with whatever Maximals may happen along my way. Besides, it's good, every now and then, to get out of the base and stretch the talons a bit, yes. (starts to head off, then stops and looks to Scorponok again) You're in charge while I'm away. But just keep an eye on things. particularly Tarantulas."

SCORPONOK (turns to look at the PREDACON BASE): "Of course, Megatron."

Act One: Scene Two

EXTERNAL: Near the storm, on the plains. DINOBOT, in robot mode, is about to pick a plant for dinner. Upon reflection, he shoots it with his eye-beams first before removing the leaves from the plant. Before he can enjoy his `dinner salad', however, a beeping sound occurs.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL (from com-link): "Dinobot, this is Optimus. How am I getting through?"

DINOBOT (frowning and tossing aside his dinner) : "Well enough to interfere with my dinner. (sighs heavily) What is it that you want?"

OPTIMUS PRIMAL (from com-link): "Airazor and Cheetor are investigating a possible pod-landing in sector beta. They should arrive there in about one hour. Think you can rendezvous with them?"

DINOBOT: "With time to spare."

DINOBOT notices something inside the storm, and narrows his eyes on it. The storm reveals a dark shape, TARANTULAS obscured by the rain and clouds.

DINOBOT: "I'll be there. I might have discovered something here."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Be careful, we don't know what's-" (his voice is cut off as Dinobot kills the link)

DINOBOT quietly steps over to where he saw TARANTULAS, spider mode. He can hear whispers at first, which grow louder as he closes behind a rock formation. Once there, he sees TARANTULAS and BLACKARACHNIA, both in their beast modes, in discussion.

TARANTULAS (whispered): "My plan is so simple, there isn't room for errors. Megatron will have no choice but to go for the pod. If you had any other suggestions, why didn't you say them before?"

BLACKARACHNIA: "You were too busy talking. Besides, we can't assume that Megatron is foolish enough to go out alone. Even he can tell a trap when it's being set up."

TARANTULAS: "I thought we agreed that Megatron is that big of an idiot."

DINOBOT (stepping from behind cover): "I'll agree with both of you, Megatron is an idiot. But he is neither weak nor foolish."

TARANTULAS (surprised): "Terrorize!"

TARANTULAS transforms to robot mode and attempts to pull out his rifle. DINOBOT slaps it away, however.

DINOBOT (smiling): "Are we really going to have to fight about this? From the sounds of it, it looks like we could aid one another."

BLACKARACHNIA (recognizing opportunity): "I'm listening."

DINOBOT: "I assume that the two of you have sewn a web for your leader, and that you expect him to get caught within it."

BLACKARACHNIA: "And?"

DINOBOT: "I have no love of Megatron myself, and would delight in destroying him. You two would have difficulty in defeating him alone."

TARANTULAS: "Would we, Maximal?"

DINOBOT turns to see TARANTULAS get his weapon and fire at him. DINOBOT dives off to the side as BLACKARACHNIA transforms.

TARANTULAS: "Do you think I went through all this trouble just to have you take the glory?"

TARANTULAS and BLACKARACHNIA begin to fire as DINOBOT returns to take cover behind his rock. DINOBOT readies his sword, and occasionally returns his eye-beams back onto the Predacons. BLACKARACHNIA moves in behind our hero as TARANTULAS lays down fire from his `leg-guns'.

BLACKARACHNIA (appearing behind DINOBOT): "After considering your offer, we found the deal... lacking.."

Close on DINOBOT, who realizes that he's surrounded.

End Act One

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

Act Two: Scene One

EXTERNAL: DINOBOT, robot mode, pinned between TARANTULAS and BLACKARACHNIA. The two Predacons, in robot mode, close in for the kill. Lightning plays around the scene, adding to the ominous feeling of impending doom.

DINOBOT (impatient): "Would you two hurry it up? I'm busy."

BLACKARACHNIA smiles in her lovely way and fires once. Suddenly, a small shard slams into her chest and explodes. BLACKARACHNIA screams and falls back as--

AIRAZOR: "Maximize!"

AIRAZOR arrives on the scene and transforms, firing her weapons into BLACKARACHNIA. From her view, we can see CHEETOR transforming and opening fire upon TARANTULAS. AIRAZOR slams hard, feet first, into BLACKARACHNIA's chest. BLACKARACHNIA throws her off, roughly, into the rock formation, but scrambles to regain her bearings.

Meanwhile, TARANTULAS is getting overwhelmed by CHEETOR. The Maximal incessantly fires his `gut-gun', pushing TARANTULAS farther and farther back. Eventually, TARANTULAS returns to beast mode.

TARANTULAS: "Come along, Arachnia. We've lost this battle."

BLACKARACHNIA (bitterly to AIRAZOR): "Another time, lady."

BLACKARACHNIA reverts to spider mode and quietly retreats after TARANTULAS. CHEETOR begins to run after them, but is held back by DINOBOT.

CHEETOR: "Hey, Dino? What're you stopping me for? We've got them on the run."

DINOBOT (pointing to the storm): "Running right into the energon storm, kitty. Inside there, they could use stealth to attack us with our sensors blinded."

AIRAZOR (puts hand on DINOBOT's shoulder): "Did you have a nice chat with them?"

DINOBOT: "As we-- expected."

DINOBOT reverts to beast form and shakes his head.

CHEETOR: "No pod then. I guess that's good news."

CHEETOR and AIRAZOR both revert to their beast modes. DINOBOT looks into the heart of the storm. He's lost track of the fleeing Predacons.

AIRAZOR: "Then what is all this about?"

DINOBOT: "If you¹ll pardon the expression, the spiders have spun a web for Megatron. They're planning on finishing him inside this storm. The pod was merely bait."

CHEETOR: "We should report back to Optimus."

DINOBOT (considers a moment): "No. Not yet. If Megatron is about to walk into a trap, perhaps we should be the ones to spring it on him. The three of us could deliver a crippling blow to the Predacon forces by using their own trap against them."

CHEETOR (dubious): "I'm not sure."

DINOBOT: "Think of it, Cheetor! Returning to the base victorious in battle. Megatron's cold skull in our hands. It would be a great and glorious victory. We. you would be a hero to the Maximals for all time."

DINOBOT has CHEETOR now, and he knows it.

CHEETOR (smiling): "Yeah. Taking out Megatron means that we've won the Beast Wars."

Act Two: Scene Two

INTERNAL: Communications room in PREDACON base. SCORPONOK, robot mode, is intently watching over TERRORSAUR, who's busy going through readings on the screen. A signal, marked with the Predacon symbol, fades into some noise patterns.

SCORPONOK: "That's it. Megatron's in the heart of the storm."

TERRORSAUR: "Waspinator still hasn't found Tarantulas in his patrols. You sure about this?"

SCORPONOK (nods): "I'll know where the spiders will be. Tell Waspinator to pull back here to help you guard the base."

SCORPONOK transforms to beast mode.

TERRORSAUR (nervous): "This is too risky, Scorponok. We should just let Megatron handle this."

SCORPONOK: "I'll only take a few small pieces out of Tarantulas."

TERRORSAUR: "That's not the point. This is Megatron's responsibility. He has to stand up on his own."

SCORPONOK: "Even if it means letting Tarantulas taking command?"

TERRORSAUR (waving it off): "Like any of us are going to follow him. Arachnia maybe."

SCORPONOK (impatient): "Maybe I just want to teach Tarantulas a lesson."

TERROSAUR (stepping to Scorponok): "You wouldn't be holding a grudge or anything? Maybe you're just jealous of all the attention that Arachnia's giving to her fellow spider?"

TERRORSAUR starts to laugh. SCORPONOK fumes a minute, then opens his cyber-bee claw to fire at TERRORSAUR. As the bee transforms, TERRORSAUR's control panel begins to flash. TERRORSAUR dodges the bee and rushes to his console.

SCORPONOK: "What is it?"

TERRORSAUR begins to scan wildly, then looks at the bee flying around them, then at the scanner again.

TERRORSAUR (worried): "Your bee! It's transmitting on a Maximal frequency!"

SCORPONOK (shocked): "Impossible. The bees are rigged only to communicate with me."

TERROSAUR (realization dawns on him): "The rat! He must have snuck aboard and modified your equipment somehow. You've been broadcasting our moves for I don't know how long."

SCORPONOK: "Megatron! He's in bigger trouble than we imagined!"

Show BEE flying around SCORPONOK and fade.

Act Two: Scene Three

EXTERNAL: Heavy storm, lightning is constant, rain is pouring. A dark shape moves in the shadows. As it comes closer, we can recognize the form of MEGATRON, beast mode, stomping through the puddles.

MEGATRON: "This feels about right, yes."

MEGATRON scans the area, and notices a small reading from near a rock outcropping. He cannot see the details due to the rain's interference.

MEGATRON: "Terrorize!"

MEGATRON converts to robot mode and steps over to the rocks. We see an ESCAPE POD lodged in some of the heavier boulders. MEGATRON looks it over and smiles.

MEGATRON (amused): "Ah, Miss Arachnia. using your own escape pod to fool me. I shall never underestimate your treachery."

MEGATRON opens the escape pod, which is mostly empty. He smiles again and removes some components from its command console. He continuously looks around, wondering where the trap-setters have gotten.

MEGATRON: "It's not like Tarantulas to be late for his own trap, no. Perhaps he got stuck in his own web."

Act Two: Scene Four

EXTERNAL: Another part of the storm. TARANTULAS and BALCKARACHNIA are resting in beast mode.

TARANTULAS: "Wasted, it's wasted. My beautiful plan scrapped because of the Maximals. Can't they leave well enough alone?"

BLACKARACHNIA (annoyed): "You're the one who opened fire, fool. We could have used Dinobot to take Megatron out. Now we're too damaged to accomplish anything."

Widen shot, we see a dark shadow move on their positions. The shadow changes form suddenly, and we see two large pinchers against a rock out-cropping.

TARANTULAS: "We should be the ones to take out Megatron to claim leadership, my love. Allowing that traitor to defeat Megatron for us would have weakened our position."

BLACKARACHNIA (ignoring the `love' comment): "If we would have let him live. Megatron would have weakened Dinobot greatly. We simply could have finished off Dinobot right after the fight and claimed the victory for ourselves."

Pull on SCOROPNOK's pincer, which is now leveled on TARANTULAS and is slowly opening.

TARANTULAS (shrugs): "Oh, and I'm supposed to share a telepathic link with you or something? I took the chance to eliminate Dinobot. There's nothing wrong with that."

Show SCORPONOK's eyes narrowing.

TARANTULAS: "It's not my fault that you don't like to get your spinners dirty in combat."

SCORPONOK (enthusiastic and pissed): "Death to traitors!"

SCORPONOK fires twin missiles and rushes into combat. Before TARANTULAS knows what's happening to him, the missiles rip through the spider form and spins him wildly in the air. As BLACKARACHNIA begins to mouth the command to transform, SCORPONOK's BEE smashes into her and adheres, draining her energy.

SCORPONOK, enraged, leaps onto TARANTULAS's smoking form and pounces on it, slamming his pincer through the main body. TARANTULAS shudders a long moment, then falls limp.

Focus on BLACKARACHNIA, who is struggling to move her legs to throw off the BEE. Her arachnid eyes widen noticably as SCORPONOK appears above her with his missiles ready to fire.

BLACKARACHNIA (shocked): "You wouldn't-"

SCORPONOK: "Yes I would."

SCORPONOK pulls off the BEE and replaces it into his pincer. BLACKARACHNIA attempts to back away, but is greeted by SCORPONOK merely leveling the missiles at her again.

BLACKARACHNIA (sweetly): "You wouldn't terminate me, would you? We could rule together!"

SCORPONOK clenches his teeth as lightning erupts behind him.

SCORPONOK: "You are going to help me ensure Megatron's safety."

BLACKARACHNIA: "Why would I want to do something like that?"

SCOROPNOK fires one missile, smashing the ground at BLACKARACHNIA's feet.

BLACKARACHNIA (sarcastically): "Why of course, I would be honored to help the great Megatron."

Act Two: Scene Five

EXTERNAL: We see the pod, with some modifications, sealed back up. MEGATRON is reclined against some rocks, in robot mode, apparently waiting for something. The storm seems to be a little worse, as the rain and lightning have picked up some. We see the forms of DINOBOT, CHEETOR, and AIRAZOR become clearer through the rain as they close on the Predacon's position.

MEGATRON: "Well, well. Not the party that I was expecting, but I believe that I can set a table aside for you."

DINOBOT (narrowing eyes): "You pompous idiot. You walked right into Tarantulas's trap alone. I didn't need to bring these two with me. I could have finished you off myself."

MEGATRON: "Ah yes, Tarantulas. I assume that, by now, Scorponok has forgotten my orders and sent him on his way to the scrap heap for the time being. Tell me, did that spider share his plans with you? Or did you figure it out alone?"

DINOBOT: "I am not here for small-talk, Megatron."

MEGATRON looks around and notices that the three MAXIMALS are taking positions around him. His mood doesn't seem to change to reflect the trap springing up around him.

MEGATRON (yawning) : "So, Dinobot, you've come to challenge me again?"

DINOBOT (pacing around in beast mode): "This time, Megatron, there is nowhere left for you to run."

DINOBOT, CHEETOR, and AIRAZOR, all in beast mode, circle around MEGATRON. The Predacon commander stands, clinching his dinosaur-head fist. MEGATRON looks to the pod again and smiles, but says nothing as the Maximal trio begins to transform.

DINOBOT: "Dinobot, Maximize!"

Dinobot transforms to robot mode, his weapons spinning.

CHEETOR: "Cheetor, Maximize!"

The cheetah reforms to robot mode, with dramatic lightning playing behind him.

AIRAZOR: "Airazor, Maximize!"

The falcon transforms in mid-flight, and lands behind MEGATRON.

MEGATRON (smiling, and looking forward to the battle): "Well, three against one, yes? Your idea kitty-cat?"

CHEETOR: "Let's do it, Megatron!"

MEGATRON nods the affirmative and begins to laugh. Weapons start firing from every orifice on his body, streaming towards the Maximals in a lethal barrage.

MEGATRON: "Yes, Maximals. Let's do it!"

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

Act Three

In the Maximal Command Center, OPTIMUS PRIMAL and RHINOX, are both viewing the main screen. Sadly, nothing appears on it but static. RHINOX betrays a concerned look as OPTIMUS PRIMAL tries some controls to bring something up.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Are you sure? Maybe the storm's interfering with the com-link."

RHINOX: "Possible, but the storm's not much worse than before. Even if that were it I would be getting some trace of a signal."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Scorponok must have discovered Rattrap's little modifications. If so, that means they know we're on to them."

RHINOX: "Yep. That means our men in the field might be walking into a trap."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Have Tigatron meet me there, and tell him to hurry. The others could be in terrible danger."

DINOBOT and CHEETOR have taken positions on the ground and are firing at MEGATRON. AIRRAZOR is attempting to do aerial runs with her hand-cannons, but isn't making much headway. MEGATRON is simply standing there, taking the brunt of the damage as if it were nothing.

MEGATRON: "Surely Maximals, your firepower is greater than this? Where is the mad passion for conflict? Where are the grunts and catcalls? This is far too businesslike."

CHEETOR: "Come on, at least act like some of this hurts!"

MEGATRON: "Ah, it does sting a little. My turn now."

The Predacon commander fires back, launching his hip-missiles all over CHEETOR. The Maximal cries out and falls limp from the impact. AIRAZOR shoots a torrent of her own rockets into MEGATRON's back. MEGATRON buckles a moment, but turns and fires his dinosaur-head cannon at her, hitting her squarely. AIRAZOR shrieks and crashes hard into a neighboring rock.

MEGATRON: "I appreciate the sport, Dinobot. But would you mind telling me when the real challenge gets here?"

DINOBOT fumes and rushes at MEGATRON with his sword and spinning blade. MEGATRON and DINOBOT clash sword to claw for a few times, but MEGATRON proves much stronger, and throws DINOBOT hard against the rocks.

MEGATRON: "You underestimated me, Dinobot. That's a fatal mistake."

DINOBOT: "My spark burns yet."

MEGATRON: "Only for the moment."

MEGATRON attempts to follow up with more missiles, but DINOBOT moves out of the way in the nick of time. Aside, CHEETOR rouses himself, clutching his chest wound as he surveys the battle.

CHEETOR: "Man, things could not get much worse!"

SCORPONOK: "Scorponok, Terrorize!"

SCOPONOK and BLACKARACHNIA have arrived, immediately transforming to robot mode and taking their positions to flank MEGATRON. Both immediately begin to fire at CHEETOR, who leaps back and huddles over to AIRAZOR.

AIRRAZOR: "You had to say that, didn't you?"

MEGATRON: "Ah, Miss Arachnia. You're just in time to watch me demonstrate what happens to traitors."

MEGATRON grabs the escape pod at his feet and lifts it above his head.

MEGATRON: "I was going to save this for Tarantulas... but any old traitor will do."

MEGATRON throws the pod into DINOBOT, who can't evade it. The pod explodes into a brilliant light, and we see pieces of DINOBOT fly off in all directions. A huge blast mark now marks the landscape, at the center is a broken DINOBOT, stunned and ruined from the assault.

CHEETOR: "No! Dinobot!"

CHEETOR starts to run after MEGATRON, firing incessantly in a mad fury. AIRAZOR moves in behind him, coupling her firepower with his own. MEGATRON is hit several times, but still doesn't seem very affected. SCORPONOK and BLACKARACHNIA both attempt to shoot at CHEETOR, but they can't bead on such a fast moving target.

CHEETOR: "You'll pay for that!"

MEGATRON stands calm, however, and brings his claw-arm to bear on the approaching CHEETOR. With a swift move, he throws the claw. The weapon pierces and pins down the already severely damaged CHEETOR. His eyes flicker and fade to black as stasis lock asserts itself.

MEGATRON: "Impetuous, and stupid."

AIRAZOR, now alone, feels the eyes of the three Predacons upon her.

MEGATRON: "Ah, yes. I should thank Tarantulas for providing me with such a workout."

BLACKARACHNIA: "What about her?"

AIRAZOR: "Just get it over with."

MEGATRON: "And rashly terminate a skilled warrior such as yourself? No. I give you another option, Airazor."

AIRAZOR: "I'll never join you."

MEGATRON: "Oh well."

MEGATRON fires the dinosaur-head again, smashing AIRAZOR into the chest with the blast. The Maximal falls, and her eyes dim. Only the Predacons, SCORPONOK, BLACKARACHNIA, and MEGATRON remain standing. After a moment of awkward silence, SCORPONOK steps up.

SCORPONOK: "We should finish them off. Such a glorious victory, Megatron!"

MEGATRON: "No. No doubt, Optimus Primal is already on his way, yes. And none of us are in good enough shape to deal with a second wave of Maximals. We'll see to our own repairs immediately."

BLACKARACHNIA: "Is this another winning strategy from our leader?"

MEGATRON growls and lifts up BLACKARACHNIA by the neck. BLACKARACHNIA struggles a moment and resigns to MEGATRON's impressive strength.

MEGATRON: "Miss Arachnia, I'm allowing you to exist merely because we haven't the troops to afford your termination. Even Tarantulas is going to enjoy this limited protection while it exists."

BLACKACHNIA: "Megatron - I -"

MEGATRON: "Be warned, as patient as I am, my memory and temper are both quite long. Pull another stunt like this again, and I'll rip out your very spark. Is that understood?"

BLACKARACHNIA nods in her acknowledgment, but says nothing. For once, fear has the better of her. MEGATRON roughly drops her and starts stepping away, letting the Maximals each slumber in stasis.

Later, within the Maximal Base, DINOBOT is connected to a series of tubes and wires, presumably ones designed to keep him functional. CHEETOR and AIRAZOR have been repaired and are standing next to DINOBOT at attention. OPTIMUS PRIMAL looks over all three of them, very displeased.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "What you three did was foolish and reckless. I ordered you to investigate the pod, not engage Megatron in a suicidal battle."

DINOBOT: "The opportunity presented itself, Optimus. It was not wrong of us to take it."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "It was wrong. Megatron wiped the ground with your tails. You walked right into a trap he had set for the other Predacons and had your hides in a sling."

CHEETOR: "Big-bot, I'm sorry."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "You're just fortunate that Megatron didn't decide to finish you off permanently. As it is, the three of you will take days, or weeks to repair fully. Now we're going to have to play on the defensive."

DINOBOT: "Megatron's sojourn was staged, but we had him."

OPTIMUS glares at DINOBOT for that, then turns to the two other young Maximals. CHEETOR and AIRAZOR both tense up, waiting for the worst.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "You two are confined to quarters until further notice. I want to talk to Dinobot alone."

CHEETOR and AIRAZOR leave the room without saying another word. DINOBOT opens his mouth to speak, but decides better of it.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "What were you thinking, Dinobot? You're hatred of Megatron nearly cost you your life this time, and the lives of your comrades."

DINOBOT: "I seized an opportunity that I felt we couldn't ignore."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "That's my call, Dinobot. I'm the responsible for your lives, not you. I thought we had that understood between us?"

DINOBOT: "Yes, Optimus, we do."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL sighs and looks down to DINOBOT, who is showing signs of remorse at his actions and his failure. Seeing this, OPTIMUS relents a little in his tone.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Listen, I know how you feel, but you're only helping Megatron out when you lose control of yourself like that. It's fortunate that the pod didn't destroy you completely."

DINOBOT remains quiet for a few moments longer.

OPTIMUS PRIMAL: "Look. You screwed up. Just be glad that you're able to get yelled at for it. Rhinox says you have a few days of this, and a few hours in the chamber. We'll talk about this later."

OPTIMUS PRIMAL watches him a moment, then exits, giving up for the moment. DINOBOT turns to look out the window in the direction of the Predacon base, narrowing his optics.

DINOBOT: "You do not understand, Primal. I will not risk the lives of your Maximals again for my own ambitions."

DINOBOT sinks back quietly.

DINOBOT: "I'll be ready for you, Megatron. Things are not yet finished between us."

As DINOBOT drifts again into slumber, SCORPONOK approaches his commander in the Predacon base. MEGATRON's opens his optics, getting his rest interrupted.

SCORPONOK: "Tarantulas and Blackachnia will be repaired in a few hours. We taught them a lesson today."

MEGATRON: "Do you truly think so, Scorponok? No. Each of them will remain true to their natures. They will merely be more careful in the future."

SCORPONOK: "Then why keep them?"

MEGATRON: "One cannot hone his skills without a good adversary, Scorponok. The spiders serve their purpose, yes."

SCORPONOK: "And if they betray you again?"

MEGATRON: "Then they had best pray that they do not get caught."

MEGATRON smiles at SCORPONOK and lets out a dark chuckle. For MEGATRON, the stormy day has been a good one.

The End