The Last Sound

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The Last Sound, pt. 1
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

We open up on Cybertron's surface. The battles still rage unabated. SKY SHADOW, in robot mode, is running from TORCA and ARMORDILLO, also in robot mode. The two Autobots open fire, but have a tough time managing to target the Decepticon.

SKY SHADOW: New bodies, same skill. Give it up, will you?

TORCA: Not until you surrender or until you're down.

SKY SHADOW: And you think you have the chance to nail me, Autobot?

SKY SHADOW turns quickly and fires from his arm. TORCA manages to dodge out of the way, but ARMORDILLO takes the hit. Strangely, the Autobot seems completely unaffected.

ARMORDILLO: That's it? I thought you were better than that.

SKY SHADOW: You're just too dense to know better.

SKY SHADOW transforms to his winged lizard mode and leaps up, nimbly dodging from the two Autobots. ARMORDILLO and TORCO both move up to continue their attack, but can't keep up with the fast flier.

SKY SHADOW (musing): Amazing, I still have my old level of power, even in this tight fit. Human design or not, it's an improvement.

SKY SHADOW arcs over a large series of towers as one all too familiar tower comes into view. We see Darkmount, in all its damaged and trashed splendour. SKY SHADOW transforms again, and lands over looking a ridge. In the distance, we see the battle continues.

SKY SHADOW (sighing): Great Primus. What good are these new bodies going to do for us if none of us live to use them for long?

We cut to Darkmount. GALVATRON, robot mode, stands overlooking a number of protoform vats. We see the forms of TERRAGATOR, SPITTOR, and INJECTOR emerge from three of them. Meanwhile, HOOK, BONECRUSHER, and SCRAPPER, all in robot mode, are working on more vats.

GAVALTRON: My new warriors. Welcome to the Pit. Are you ready to claim your new lives as Decepticons?

TERRAGATOR: Aye.

INJECTOR: And who are you to lead us?

GALVATRON: I am Galvatron, Emperor of Destruction. Do you question my command?

SPITTOR: He is our creator. Maybe we should listen to him?

INJECTOR: Maybe, for now.

GALVATRON (smirking): The battle with the Autobots still wages outdoors. Take your weapons and destroy them.

SPITTOR, INJECTOR, and TERRAGATOR exchange nervous looks, but head out as commanded. HOOK frowns and steps over to his leader, whom he now dwarfs.

HOOK: These are not drones, Galvatron. These are full Decepticons. You're sending them to battle before the even gain their bearings.

GALVATRON: They are warriors, and we are at war, Hook. Now do your duty.

HOOK (shaking his head): No. This is beyond building weapons. This is beyond abusing troops. I cannot accept it.

GALVATRON: Oh. Well, in that case -

GALVATRON converts to his cannon mode quickly. While much smaller than HOOK, it proves monstrously powerful. The blast from the cannon rips through HOOK as if he were nothing. HOOK cries out and falls in obvious pain. The Decepticon leader reverts to his robot mode.

GALVATRON: Never forget my power, Hook. We will hold Darkmount, no matter the cost. Is that understood?

HOOK (panting): Perfectly, Galvatron - perfectly.

GALVATRON: Constructicons, continue on your work. I've another matter to attend to.

SCRAPPER and BONECRUSHER look on nervously as GALVATRON moves into Darkmount's command area. This new room is scaled more for the protoforms. As he illuminates this 'throne room', we can see the forms of CICADACON, RAM HORN, and SEA CLAMP all bound and tied to the far wall.

GALVATRON (amused): Ah. You still live. I must admire your persistence.

CICADACON (broken): I never knew how insane you were. The legends do not do you any justice.

GALVATRON: I'm mad? You're the one who changed time itself for your own personal glory. I've got most of what I need from you.

CICADACON: Kill me then.

GALVATRON: Kill you? That would eliminate the whole purpose, wouldn't it? You three are fine Predacon warriors. Your knowledge of protoform and transwarp technology could aid the Decepticons in reclaiming Cybertron.

CICADACON (broken): I've no reason to help you.

GALVATRON: Then hang here. The fuel lines will keep you alive. Eventually, you will reconsider your position, Cicadacon. Eventually.

CICADACON: Don't hold your breath.

GALVATRON laughs and fires once into CICADACON's tortured form. The Predacon warrior shudders from the attack, but manages to keep from screaming for now. GALVATRON very coolly steps out of the room, a smoke trail in his wake.

We look outside again now, in another part of the sector. A Decepticon lady, ANTAGONY, walks carefully through one of the darker sectors. Her optics scan to take in everything around her. She is carrying the damaged form of SOUNDWAVE, cassette deck mode.

ANTAGONY: Cybertron looks so different like this. I didn't realize how big it could seem.

SOUNDWAVE: Haste is required.

ANTAGONY (worried): I know, Soundwave.

ANTAGONY continues to walk forward, then realizes that she's being watched. She readies her main weapon and narrows her optics.

ANTAGONY: What's around us?

SOUNDWAVE: Unable to scan. Damage is too severe.

Something large moves from the shadows, it is a fearsome looking beast. It is an Autobot, bust just barely. It is the Monsterbot, REPUGNUS, in beast mode.

REPUGNUS: What's here? Dark Decepticon femme?

ANTAGONY (worried): Monsterbots? I thought you were imprisoned. Optimus Prime locked you away.

REPUGNUS: Funny that. Seems one of your Decepticon bombs opened up my cage. And with all this war business you're causing, we're getting to do what we do best.

REPUGNUS rushes forward, leaping at the ANTAGONY. She leaps aside, bringing up her blaster and firing. REPUGNUS is missed completely, however, and he transforms to his robot mode.

REPUGNUS: Now, lady, I'm going to show you what Monsterbots do to the weak.

ANTAGONY: Weak?

ANTAGONY rolls forward again, bringing her weapons forward and firing. REPUGNUS shudders under the blast. But smashes hard with his fist, striking ANTAGONY's mid section. The dwarfed femme is thrown back hard, shuddering.

REPUGNUS (smirking): I would say so.

ANTAGONY: No Decepticon is weak!

ANTAGONY fires a brilliant blast from her weapon. At first, REPUGNUS is merely surprised by the power of the blast, but then realizes too late. ANTAGONY may have a new form, but it is not weaker than before. The blast cuts through with its acid, pouring up the Autobot outcast's chest, then face. He lets out a scream, then falls dead.

ANTAGONY: Take that to your matrix, Autobot.

ANTAGONY checks herself over and falls agape as she sees SOUNDWAVE on her belt, now damaged even more than before. Vital fluids leak from his compact form.

ANTOGNY: You were hit.

SOUNDWAVE (quietly): Power fading.

ANTAGONY: I know. Just hold on. I'll find some place to take you.

SOUNDWAVE: Negative. Damages are beyond repair.

ANTAGONY (snapping): Don't say that. I'll get you fixed up. I promise you.

SOUNDWAVE: Not rational. Mission must come first.

ANTAGONY: You are my mission. Maybe Polyhex will have supplies.

SOUNDWAVE: Negative. There are no transmissions coming from that city.

ANTAGONY (worried now): No. I can't let you die.

SOUNDWAVE: One last hope. Return to Darkmount.

ANTAGONY: There's nothing at Darkmount but nightmares.

SOUNDWAVE: They must be confronted.

Resigned, ANTAGONY takes SOUNDWAVE's damaged form and stands to leave. We fade to black.

The Last Sound, pt. 2
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

We open up on Cybertron's surface. The roads and streets are tattered and torn.

We see BATTLETRAP, in robot mode, standing near FLYWHEELS, also in robot mode. Both are looking extremely nervous.

FLYWHEELS: We're too far behind the lines. We should fall back.

BATTLETRAP: Fall back where? We're getting nailed on all sides.

FLYWHEELS: Get closer to Darkmount, try to regroup with our forces.

BATTLETRAP: No time, we're cut off. The Autobots -

SCOOP (from behind): Are right behind you.

BATTLETRAP and FLYWHEELS turn and raises their weapons, but see the forms of QUICKMIX, SCOOP, and LANFILL right in front of them. BATTLETRAP and FLYWHEELS hesitate.

SCOOP: You wouldn't want to surrender, would you?

BATTLETRAP: We can take them, Flywheels. Attack!

FLYWHEELS: We're pinned down -

As FLYWHEELS protests, BATTLETRAP transforms, splitting apart into his jeep and helicopter modes. The three Autobots are too quick, though, and open fire. BATTLETRAP takes a few hits, but only manages a poorly-aimed shot near SCOOP before he falls unconscious to the damage. FLYWHEELS steps back nervously as the three Autobots move in.

SCOOP: Don't make this harder than it needs to be.

FLYWHEELS: All right - It's done. (resigned) I surrender.

QUICKMIX: That was easy. Drop your weapons, and be off.

FLYWHEELS (smirking): As you dream, Autobot!

FLYWHEELS transforms, splitting apart into his tank and jet modes and opening fire. SCOOP bears the brunt of this new attack and gets thrown back. QUICKMIX and LANDFILL turn and each fire upon a vehicle, but the Duocon's skill proves superior. The two vehicles re-link back to robot mode near BATTLETRAP's fallen forms.

FLYWHEELS: Let's get out of here, partner.

FLYWHEELS scoops up his ally's remains and leaps to the sky. The Autobots continue to fire, hitting FLYWHEELS in retreat, but are unable to take him down. SCOOP shakes his head, berating himself.

SCOOP: Just like I was an amateur.

QUICKMIX: You are. Still, the Duocons might as well be out of the fight.

SCOOP: Not exactly what I would call a 'great victory'.

QUICKMIX: Take what you can get.

A chime goes off on SCOOP, indicating an incoming radio message.

LANDFILL: It never rains -

LIOCONVOY (on radio): Prime to Scoop's team. Please come in.

SCOOP: Scoop here. Just sent the Duocons packing. We're getting back to the lines now, sir.

LIOCONVOY (on radio): Belay that, Scoop. I've got something else for you.

SCOOP: Sir?

LIOCONVOY (on radio): We know the Decepticons are doing something in your area. It's possible they may have discovered something to tip the balance. You three check it out.

SCOOP: You want us to leave the front, Prime? I'm not sure we should -

QUICKMIX: The three of us won't matter much on the line, Scoop.

LANDFILL: And it's not like we'll be far from action anyway.

LIOCONVOY (on radio): It's an order, gentlemen. Just keep in touch. And be careful.

LANDFILL: We will, Prime.

SCOOP turns his radio off and sighs. The trio looks at one another, unsure of where to begin.

QUICKMIX: So, where do we start looking?

SCOOP: Head towards Darkmount, and we'll try to intercept them there.

We cut to another area of Cybertron. SKY SHADOW, in beast mode, is rushing over the terrain. The form lands on an outcropping, gasping for breath.

SKY SHADOW: Well, Sky Shadow, you're in a fix: Too far from home with the natives wanting to nail your hide on a wall.

We hear the sound of jet engines rushing from the distance. SKY SHADOW looks over and stammers as he sees the forms of RAZORCLAW, SIX SHOT, ASTROTRAIN, and TANTRUM, all in robot modes, rushing down on his position.

SKY SHADOW: Predacons.

TANTRUM: Sky Shadow has been located.

RAZORCLAW: Surround him, but do not open fire. I need him.

SIX SHOT: Shouldn't be very difficult. Predacons, land.

ASTROTRAIN: Who are you calling a 'Predacon', Six Shot?

SIX SHOT: I have news for you, Astrotrain. You're not a Decepticon any more.

We focus in on Astrotrain for a moment at that. He looks a bit downcast at that, but continues as told.

SKY SHADOW: You won't catch me, traitors.

RAZORCLAW: We're not here to catch you, Sky Shadow.

SKY SHADOW: You guys betrayed the empire, why should I trust you?

RAZORCLAW: We betrayed Galvatron, not the empire.

SKY SHADOW: You don't even call yourselves 'Decepticons'.

RAZORCLAW nods at that. Motioning TANTRUM to remain behind him. SKY SHADOW looks for routes to escape, but isn't finding many.

RAZORCLAW: They aren't what they once were. Megatron's legacy is destroyed. Galvatron is attempting to destroy what's left of it.

SKY SHADOW (smirking): And you're so much better?

RAZORCLAW: At least we'll live. Some memory of what the Decepticons should be will live on.

SHY SHADOW (sceptical): And the fact that you're setting yourself up as the leader of this new faction doesn't figure into your motives at all?

RAZORCLAW: I am happy leading my team, Sky Shadow. I had never asked for anything more. If there were a Decepticon or Predacon to take the reigns, I would hand them over.

SKY SHADOW (softly): I almost believe you.

SIX SHOT: We must stop Galvatron. His madness has doomed us.

SKY SHADOW: From an attack that the troops were crying for?

TANTRUM: The attack is an excuse, you know that.

SKY SHADOW: He's just after the cure. If he can take back a chunk of Cybertron, then it's better for the Decepticons.

SIX SHOT: Galvatron is here to destroy the cure. To ensure that only he gets to use it.

TANTRUM: He was the one who launched. He used it to destroy Scorponok.

SKY SHADOW: What?

ASTROTRAIN: He wanted to kill off all the Masters. He spread the binary curse among our Decepticon brothers, to kill those with Nebulans attached to them.

SKY SHADOW (frowning): It is true then.

RAZORCLAW: You had your suspicions?

SKY SHADOW: Yes. But what's to be done?

RAZORCLAW: Help us, and we'll tell you.

SKY SHADOW looks downcast for a long moment, obviously weighing his options. Finally, he nods quietly, accepting the offer.

RAZORCLAW: Welcome, Predacon.

Cut to ANTAGONY and SOUNDWAVE. She is still in robot mode, carrying the critically wounded form of SOUNDWAVE, cassette player mode, on her belt.

SOUNDWAVE: Autobot patrol has spotted us.

ANTAGONY (worried): I know. I'll get you out of here yet.

SOUNDWAVE: Negative.

ANTAGONY: What? I have to get you back to the Decepticons.

SOUNDWAVE: You must not serve the Decepticons any longer, Antagony. Too much is at stake now.

ANTAGONY: How can I not? I'm a Decepticon! What are you asking of me?

SOUNDWAVE: Galvatron must be stopped. I can no long be there to keep his sanity in check. Without Cyclonus, or me, he will destroy himself, and the Decepticons with him.

ANTAGONY: He's our leader. How can I betray him? We should try to save him.

SOUNDWAVE: Error. There is too little of Megatron within Galvatron. What remains cannot lead. It is too late.

ANTAGONY: You've given up on him?

SOUNDWAVE (weakening): No. But the Decepticons need true leadership now. There is no time to save him, for the Decepticon's sake. It is my failing that I was unable to.

ANTAGONY (saddened): You were loyal. You are the model Decepticon.

SOUNDWAVE: Perhaps too much of one. Galvatron should have been stopped.

ANTAGONY: All right. Then we'll stop him.

SOUNDWAVE: Negative. Place me down.

ANTAGONY looks confused for a moment, but does as instructed. In a moment, the form of SOUNDWAVE transforms to robot mode, kneeling, and gravely wounded. ANTAGONY rushes up and clutches him.

ANTAGONY (worried): You should save your strength. There's still time.

SOUNDWAVE: Negative. All systems are failing. I merely wish yours to be the last voice that I hear.

ANTAGONY (woeful): Don't leave me, Soundwave. I need you.

SOUNDWAVE (broken): That is beyond me now - my friend -

SOUNDWAVE's voice echoes off as his optics flicker and dim for the last time. ANTAGONY clings on to him, but there is no response. We see her, for once, showing her full feelings, tearing, and fade to black.

The Last Sound, pt. 3
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Again, we are on Cybertron. SCOOP, QUICKMIX, and LANDFILL are again on their patrol duty, looking over the area carefully. They've been wounded some, damage obvious in their robot modes, but remain in fighting condition.

SCOOP: Wonder who Prime thinks is out here?

LANDFILL: The cassettes more than likely. Perhaps even Soundwave himself.

QUICKMIX: And we have a chance in hell of catching them?

LANDFILL: If they're doing some damage, yes. If they're just spying then there's not a lot we can do.

SCOOP: So we just keep them from making a mess of things. We're damage control.

QUICKMIX (smirking): Well, we've got the vehicle modes for it.

The trio pass a crossing between the tall steel buildings. As QUICKMIX and LANDFILL continue to walk, SCOOP stops suddenly, looking aside.

SCOOP: Guys -

LANDFILL: Yeah, but how we going to find cassettes? Even if we spot them their the slipperiest of the lot.

SCOOP (more insistently): Guys -

QUICKMIX: We'll do what we can?

SCOOP starts poking LANDFILL on the shoulder. The other Autobots turn and we see the fallen form of SOUNDWAVE, with ANTAGONY still crying over him.

LANDFILL (disbelief): Oh, Primus.

ANTAGONY looks up, seeing the Autobots. Her deep sadness is replaced instantly by raw hatred.

ANTAGONY (screaming): Leave him alone! You've done enough!

ANTAGONY fires out a long steam of acid. The trio of Autobots dives for cover but manage to start returning fire wildly. ANTAGONY's better sense claims her as she stammers back, transforms, then runs away in her ant mode.

SCOOP (confused): What in Prime?

QUICKMIX: We've got to go after her. This has to be what Prime wanted to take care of.

LANDFILL and SCOOP nod and start running forward. Though ANTAGONY is quick, the sheer difference in scale allows the AUTOBOTS to close in on her. SCOOP reaches a corner first and dives back as another wave of acid flies by.

SCOOP: Over here, I see her over here.

LANDFILL: All right, I'm on her. She's not getting away this time.

ANTAGONY: You won't take me! Antagony, terrorize!

ANTAGONY transforms and opens fire with her corrosives, striking LANDFILL in the arm. The armor begins to melt as LANDFILL cries out, but QUICKMIX and SCOOP are already on the Decepticon lady. Their combined guns level down on her, ready to finish her.

SCOOP: Put down your weapons and surrender, Decepticon. It's over.

ANTAGONY looks almost desperately for some place to bolt, but a large blast of energy slams into SCOOP's back, knocking him down. QUICKMIX and LANDFILL both turn and see SKY SHADOW, SIX SHOT, ASTROTRAIN, and RAZORCLAW, all in their robot modes, flying down with weapons firing. The Autobot trio is dropped quickly with a barrage of firepower.

ASTROTRAIN: Let's finish them off!

SIX SHOT: We have no time, nor energy, for such indulgences.

RAZORCLAW: Remain on your guard, Decepticons.

ANTAGONY: Razorclaw?

ANTAGONY seems confused and disoriented as the four 'turncoats' land near her. She struggles to take it all in.

ANTAGONY: Astrotrain, what are you doing with this traitor?

ASTROTRAIN: We're here to talk, Antagony.

ANTAGONY (defiant): You won't like what I have to say to you.

SIX SHOT: Then try listening.

ANTAGONY (smirking): Listen to the lies of a traitor? Why should I?

SKY SHADOW: We need you, Antagony. We need your help.

ANTAGONY: I knew you would side with them eventually.

RAZORCLAW: Enough, all of you.

RAZORCLAW steps to the fore of the group, and looks down at ANTAGONY. ANTAGONY raises her weapon, ready to fire, but hesitates.

ANTAGONY: I'll never follow you, traitor!

RAZORCLAW: Traitor? What exactly did I betray?

ANTAGONY (disgust): You don't even wear our symbol any more, Razorclaw. You're no Decepticon.

RAZORCLAW: The Decepticons are dying. Their time is done.

ANTAGONY: Our empire -

RAZORCLAW: Has collapsed! Look around you, Antagony. How many Decepticons are there any more? The Autobots have Cybertron. Char doesn't sustain us. Galvatron pursues his mad schemes without regard to any of his troops.

ANTAGONY: It doesn't matter. I'm a Decepticon - forever.

SIXSHOT: All right, be a Decepticon. But at least help us give the Decepticons an honorable memory.

ANTAGONY looks down, obviously becoming torn. ASTROTRAIN steps behind her, looking down to her. SIX SHOT and RAZORCLAW exchange glances.

ASTROTRAIN: Galvatron destroyed the Decepticons. We want you to help save what's left of us.

ANTAGONY (shaken): How bad is Galvatron, truly?

RAZORCLAW: He's responsible for the binary curse, Antagony. He's the one the set it loose. Any Decepticon that doesn't fit his model, he wants dead. He's completely mad.

ANTAGONY: And Megatron?

SIX SHOT: If he's even in there at all any more, he's lost to us.

ANTAGONY: You're asking me to betray everything I believe in.

RAZORCLAW: No. We're asking you to hold to what's left, so we can have a future.

ANTAGONY nods slowly, finally resigning to what's happening around her.

RAZORCLAW crosses his arms.

ANTAGONY: Very well, if I have no choice. What must I do?

RAZORCLAW: We plan. Tantrum, reclaim Soundwave's body for a proper burial. Take him to the hall of heroes.

TANTRUM nods and moves aside. RAZORCLAW motions for ANTAGONY to join TANTRUM. Resigned, she relents and follows the Predacon out of the area. Once TANTRUM and ANTAGONY leave ear shot, SIX SHOT speaks up.

SIX SHOT: We've got a complete chess set, now. All the pieces are ready.

RAZORCLAW: Seems that way.

SIX SHOT: Can we trust her?

RAZORCLAW: To stop Galvatron, yes. More than that, I just don't know.

ASTROTRAIN: We're getting desperate.

RAZORCLAW: I know, Astrotrain. We don't have a lot of time left.

SIX SHOT: Our next move?

RAZORCLAW (laughs softly): Attack Galvatron.

Cut to a quieter part of Cybertron. We're in the Decepticon Hall of Heroes. Rows of statues line the walls, celebrating the memories of Megatron, Starscream, and other Decepticons who have fallen in their day. ANTAGONY is alone here, in her robot mode.

ANTAGONY (sadly): It's about to end, isn't it? And I'm going to be a part of it. In a way, you're lucky. You won't see what's about to happen.

ANTAGONY looks up, and we see a new statue, one of SOUNDWAVE, in his robot mode.

ANTAGONY pats the statue, looking downcast.

ANTAGONY: I'll miss you, Soundwave. Decepticons forever.

We close in on the statue, and fade to black.

The End