Ties to a Future

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Ties to a Future, pt. 1
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade into a dark star scene. We begin to pan over to a single silver sphere, the planet of Cybertron. The lights of the planet shine against the darker half of the surface. Around the planet, the head of Unicron has been mostly disassembled, but is still in orbit, and somewhat recognizable.

NARRATOR: It is the year 2025. The Autobots have retaken their home world from their age-old enemies, the Decepticons.

We fade into a new shot, focusing on a ruined city somewhere on the surface. The broken image of the Decepticon symbol appears on screen, and we focus in on it.

NARRATOR: And an end to the war is desperately needed by both sides, as a number of Decepticons meet in a forgotten base, deep in Cybertron's underground.

We pan into a new room, where Razorclaw, Headstrong, Tantrum, Scourge, Cyclonus, and Dirge each stand in robot mode. The room is poorly lit, and debris hangs everyone. Cyclonus is entering the room as the others clamor amongst themselves.

Scourge: He hasn't changed his mind, has he?

Cyclonus (quietly): No. Galvatron still insists that this war can be won.

Razorclaw: With what? Curse words? We have no energon, and the Autobots are gaining more from their colonies that Cybertron has ever received. Where is the opportunity to attack?

Cyclonus: That is for Galvatron to decide, Predacon, not you.

Razorclaw steps forward and crosses his arms. Behind him, several other Decepticons can be seen in the background. Angry mutterings can be heard coming from them.

Cyclonus: Is this how you honor our leader, with such dissent? Galvatron deserves our respect.

Razorclaw: Galvatron is an insane dog. Whatever part of him was once Megatron is gone. Unicron destroyed it. All we have left of our leader now is a broken logic chip in a powerful form. We starve and die under his command.

Cyclonus (grimly): This is treachery, Razorclaw. You know that.

Razorclaw: So. Either Galvatron kills me or gets me killed. At least this way I stand for myself.

Cyclonus: That you do, Razorclaw. I respect that.

Razorclaw: The Predacons are accepting the terms the Autobot Elders put force. It is not a peace we are comfortable with, but it is one in which he can live for awhile. At least in this manner, the society of the Decepticons will live, and not step into the abyss along with Galvatron.

Cyclonus: A true Decepticon would rather die fighting, Razorclaw.

Razorclaw: I've fought, Cyclonus, more fiercely than most. I'm tired of fighting a lost cause. How many of our number are dying, Cyclonus? Even you have succumbed to the Binary Curse. Why not take the chance on rising again in our future?

Cyclonus (sickened): A future where the Decepticons are slaves to the Autobots? Never.

Razorclaw: I wonder if you'll change your tune when the curse affects your logic circuits, as it already has Scorponok?

Scourge: That's uncalled for, Razorclaw.

Razorclaw: Maybe. But it is something to consider. Decide what you want, Cyclonus, but the Predacons succeed from the Decepticons this day. We will accept our peace, lick our wounds, and return to fight our enemies another day.

Cut to Iacon City, in the Elder's Council. A number of ancient looking Autobots are seated around the council chamber. In the center, the Autobots Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, and Elita One stand attentively. Centralius is at the head of the council, in robot mode, while still aged in appearance, he is substantially younger than those around him..

Optimus Prime: Are you mad? The Decepticons can't accept this.

Elita One: Please, Optimus, calm down.

Optimus Prime: This treaty offer will only enrage most of the Decepticons, not convince them to give up the fight. Galvatron would…

Centralius: Galvatron would not be in a position to do anything. We have the Decepticons on their knees. It's time now to break them. The rank and files give up their weapons, and they can live quietly and peacefully on Cybertron.

Elita One: And what of the others? What of Galvatron himself?

Centralius: We, and those who answer directly to him, will be brought before this council for tail. I intend to prosecute them each for war crimes. Galvatron, Cyclonus, Soundwave, Hun-Grrr, Motormaster, and others have committed far too many atrocities to ever let them live peacefully on Cybertron.

Ultra Magnus: With due respect, many of those you cite in this work did little more than expected for a military enemy. Seeking revenge upon them will only make matters worse than they are.

Centralius: Many Decepticons are still our enemies, Ultra Magnus. You are each Autobots. You will abide by this council's decision.

Optimus Prime: I can't condone these actions. This isn't what we fought this war for.

Centralius (annoyed): This is exactly what the war was fought for. The Decepticons must be punished for their crimes. Our decision stands, Optimus Prime. That is an order.

Optimus Prime's optics widen, then narrow. He steps out of the room, saying nothing more. Elita One and Ultra Magnus watch as he leaves.

Elita One: You've made a terrible mistake here, Centralius. I just hope things don't get worse for us.

Centralius: The Decepticons are beaten. What more can they do?

We cut to the outer hall of the Council Chamber. Optimus Prime enters, storming. Grimlock, robot mode, stands with Wheelie, who has been rebuilt and is decidedly more mature in stance. Grimlock notices his leader's approach, and shakes his head.

Grimlock: Grimlock not think it went too tell.

Optimus Prime (snapping): That would an understatement. The fools.

Grimlock: What's wrong with pounding the Decepticons?

Optimus Prime: The Decepticons don't have to be our enemy anymore. The Decepticons could fill many vital roles in Cybertron's society if the council would…

Optimus Prime's optics flicker and fade. After a moment of obvious pain, he collapses. Ultra Magnus and Elita One both enter now, and see him. Elita immediately rushes over.

Elita One: Optimus, no, please, not now.

Grimlock: What's wrong? What happened?

Optimus Prime struggles, and regains consciousness. Elita moves near him, cradling him carefully, as Ultra Magnus looks own downcast.

Ultra Magnus (sadly): I had hoped it wouldn't affect him as well.

Optimus Prime (weakly): Elita, I'm sorry.

Elita One (whispering): It's okay, Optimus. I'm here. I won't leave you.

Grimlock (worried): What's wrong?

Ultra Magnus: The Binary Curse has him, Grimlock. It's spread to him, from his bond with the Nebulan scientist, Hi-Q.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, thought was rumor. It's true?

Elita One: It's true. None of the Masters have managed to escape the Curse. We've lost so many already.

Grimlock: What can me, Grimlock, do?

Ultra Magnus: Find a miracle for us, Grimlock, somehow.

From above, none see the dark form of Ratbat waiting quietly. The Decepticon bat quietly steps off his perch, and moves down the corridor. We cut to Ratbat entering the Decepticon Astrotrain, in space-shuttle mode. Inside, Soundwave and Galvatron, both in robot mode, sit waiting.

Soundwave: Ratbat has returned.

Galvatron: Play back his findings.

Soundwave: Ratbat, transform and return.

Ratbat transforms into his cassette mode, and enters Soundwave. Soundwave then transforms to his cassette-deck mode and links into Astrotrain's computer. The image of Optimus Prime collapsing outside the council chamber fills the screen.

Galvatron (smiling): This is perfect. My old friend has finally made his fatal mistake. By Binary Bonding to a fleshling, he's found a new taste of mortality. How fitting for the fool.

Astrotrain: So how does that help us? There's still a planet-load of other Autobots to contend with.

Galvatron: True, but without Prime's annoying speeches, they won't be so very eager to fight. This is the stroke of luck that I've been waiting for.

Soundwave: Your orders?

Galvatron: We must be sure that he suffers the same fate as the others. Optimus Prime must die from this disease. Then, we attack the Council itself.

Astrotrain: Sure thing, Galvatron.

We pull out and show Astrotrain pull away from us, then pan down to Cybertron. We cut to Iacon again, this time to the hangar bay of the giant city. Grimlock and Perceptor, both in robot mode, stand facing Ultra Magnus, who does not look too pleased. Sky Lynx, in shuttle mode, stands waiting.

Ultra Magnus: I understand what you're trying to do. But where are you going?

Perceptor: Logically, if anyone has encountered anything ailments like the Binary Curse before, it would be the Quintessons. Their synthesis of organic and mechanic neurons must have had some serious drawbacks in their early experiments.

Ultra Magnus: Okay, but that doesn't tell me where you're going? The Quintessons are too fanned out and hidden at the moment. How do you expect to find one?

Grimlock: Me Grimlock go to Quintesson home. No bother with Quintessons.

Perceptor: What my Dinobot compatriot is attempting to say is that there may be ruins around the destroyed world of Quintessa. If we are fortunate, we may find some of their archives intact at that location.

Ultra Magnus: It couldn't hurt. Okay then, but be careful. Galvatron is still out there somewhere. Come back if you run into anything.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, not afraid of Galvatron. Me kick his butt.

Ultra Magnus (smiling): That would be nice, but remember what you have to come back for.

Perceptor: Agreed. We shall take extreme measures of caution for our leader. Come along, Grimlock.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, command mission. Me go first.

Perceptor: In that case, after you.

Ultra Magnus (whispering): Primus help them.

Ultra Magnus shakes his head as the two Autobots board Sky Lynx. The Autobot shuttle lifts off and leaves Ultra Magnus alone to his thoughts. As Sky Lynx leaves, however, we see a small glint in the distance. We focus in on it, and see Laserbeak, the Decepticon cassette, in condor mode, watching carefully. We move through Laserbeak's optic to a screen, then back out to Galvatron, now with Cyclonus and Scourge inside Astrotrain.

Galvatron: Follow them. If there is Quintesson cure, the Decepticons will be the one to find it.

Cyclonus: And if they detect us?

Galvatron (growling): Destroy them, fool.

Cyclonus (sadly): Fool, Galvatron?

Galvatron (darkly): What?

Cyclonus: By your command, Galvatron. Come, Scourge.

Scourge: I'll summon the sweeps.

Cyclonus (calmly): No, we handle this alone.

Cyclonus and Scourge both leave Astrotrain. Cyclonus and Scourge transform to their spacecraft modes and begin to head off.

Scourge: Why alone, Cyclonus? We could use the help in dealing with the Autobots.

Cyclonus: The Autobots don't matter, Scourge. It's my last mission, and I wish to end it… alone.

We watch the two Decepticons streak into space, into the distance, and fade to black.

Ties to a Future, pt. 2
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

We focus in on a dense asteroid field. Sky Lynx, in shuttle mode, is closing in on it. Inside are Grimlock and Perceptor, both in robot mode.

Grimlock: You find anything?

Perceptor: Radiation waves in this sector are impairing my ability to scan our surroundings. However, I am attempting to compensate for the excess emissions.

Grimlock (confused): Right. Have you found anything yet?

Perceptor (smiling): I believe I have. Several large structures appear to be intact all through the debris. I doubt the Quintessons even knew that this material was still here.

Grimlock: Quintessons go over everything with fine-tooth comb. They know things are here.

Perceptor: A good point, Grimlock.

Sky Lynx: Never fear, Autobots, my superior sensors will detect anything amiss in this sector.

Grimlock (sarcastic): Me, Grimlock, feel safer already.

Perceptor: I'm getting a power reading from that structure at fifty kilometers at sixteen by thirteen degrees. Slow down, Sky Lynx or you'll fly right into it.

Sky Lynx: You doubt my aerial agility, Perceptor?

Perceptor (cautiously): At the moment…

Sky Lynx, fortunately, is true to his ego and slows down in a wide arc before sliding next to the Quintesson Complex. He stops carefully, and extends the boarding chute to the Complex's only obvious sign of entry.

Sky Lynx: Thank you for flying Sky Lynx Airlines. As always, another perfect flight delivered flawlessly.

Inside, Perceptor and Grimlock exchange a look and proceed into the Quintesson Complex. The airlock door refuses to open. Perceptor starts looking over the door markings.

Perceptor: Obviously, this is a highly secured area. It will take some time to decode the lock mechanism.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, not waste time.

Grimlock merely reaches back and punches the door open. The door breaks off its casing, and falls with a thud inside.

Perceptor: Or we could just use raw brute force.

Grimlock (happily): Works for me, Grimlock.

Perceptor: Let's just hope that your exuberance has not awoken the natives from their slumber.

Grimlock (confused): What?

Perceptor: I told you that I detected power-readings. We very possibly may not be alone in here.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, ready for anything.

Grimlock transforms to his dinosaur mode and starts moving deeper inside. Perceptor shakes his head and follows, using his laser-cannon to light the way ahead of them. They start to head down a main corridor. A dozen inert Sharkticons wait for them in their 'beast' mode.

Grimlock: Quintessons not awake?

Perceptor: It looks like they're suffering energon depletion.

Grimlock: You mean they're asleep?

Perceptor: Starved more like it. As far as I can tell, they're still functioning.

Grimlock: Starved?

Allibrata (off camera): Yes, starved. Denied and forgotten by those who destroyed out world.

Grimlock and Perceptor turn and see a typical Quintesson lying aside the Sharkticons. There is no glowing hover ray, and the tentacles seem to be lifeless.

Perceptor: You function?

Allibrata: Yes, but barely.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, change that.

Grimlock raises his rifle to fire, but Perceptor quickly intercedes, shaking his head.

Perceptor: No, Grimlock. Terminating this Quintesson now would be murder. He's obviously not a threat to us at the moment.

Grimlock: Quintessons always threat. Don't trust them.

Perceptor: I can't say I blame you. Now, Quintesson, what is this place? And why were you left behind?

Allibrata (weakly): I was expendable, Autobots. The chance at destroying the Matrix was more important than the thousands of Quintessons still on Quintessa. I was merely an unfortunate one to be left behind. I had hoped that my brethren would come for me. I was wrong.

Grimlock: They abandoned you?

Perceptor: That's not like your race, is it?

Allibrata: We Quintessons are a very political race. Some of us did not wish to retake Cybertron. We had become quite content with our new world. Others, however, wanted to punish the slaves we had created. I had told them, not to interfere with that computer we found. I had told them that the Matrix was beyond even our ability to control. Yet they tried.

Perceptor: The Matrix? What are you saying?

Allibrata: This place, in which you stand, is an archive of research. Millions of years ago, members of my race stumbled upon a dead world. We discovered an ancient computer, more complicated than any of us could understand. I was one sent to decipher it.

Grimlock: Central computer?

Perceptor: Vector Sigma? You're talking about Vector Sigma?

Allibrata: Yes, the brain of Primus. We thought we could master it. We were wrong.

Perceptor: Fascinating news. Why tell us this?

Allibrata: Because I was the one that created the first slaves. It is on my head.

Perceptor: You didn't build Vector Sigma?

Allibrata: No more than we did the Matrix. The two devices were artifacts even before us.

Perceptor: This place is an archive? Of what?

Grimlock: Maybe cure is here?

Allibrata: A cure?

Perceptor (growling): Grimlock, don't.

Allibrata: You have little to fear from me, Autobots. To answer your first question, this area is a storehouse of personality components. An archive of all those we created. It was my attempt to recreate those who fell to our slavery. Sadly, my brothers sought to use this technology merely to create more slaves.

Perceptor: You can still create Transformers?

Allibrata: Not precisely, and not anymore. Quintessa's destruction ruined our equipment. And would not enough energon to run it anyway.

Allibrata powers up some, sparking the hover-beam to life and righting himself. Perceptor and Grimlock look nervously on, but do nothing. The Quintesson has obvious trouble.

Allibrata: Power enough. Quintessons have few redeeming qualities. Our science is one of them. Perhaps, it is time to show you.

Allibrata hovers over to another corridor and motions for the two Autobots to follow him. We cut outside to Sky Lynx, apparently resting peacefully. In the distance, Cyclonus and Scourge, each in their vehicle modes, rush forward. They are joined by Nightstick and Fracas, both in cannon modes, linked up.

Nightstick: We've got trouble, Cyclonus, Autobots are here already.

Cyclonus: Of course, things could not be easy for us. Scourge, jam Sky Lynx's transmissions. He must not be allowed to call for assistance.

Scourge: What are you going to do?

Cyclonus (grimly): Terminate him.

Fracas: Ask a stupid question…

Cyclonus rushes ahead, and uses Nightstick opens fire immediately on Sky Lynx. Sky Lynx breaks the connection to the outpost, and transforms to his dactyl-panther mode. Sky Lynx turns to see Cyclonus making another run at him, firing with a cold efficiency.

Sky Lynx: Sky Lynx to Autobots, Cyclonus is attempting to mar this beautiful finish. I will be with you shortly.

There is a long silence as Sky Lynx fails to get a signal through. Cyclonus arcs around again, and fires into Sky Lynx's underbelly. Sky Lynx returns fire, but Cyclonus deftly maneuvers around, and draws in yet another bead.

Sky Lynx: This may be trouble. Prepare to face me, Decepticon. I shall show you new levels of defeat.

Cyclonus: I imagine you will, Autobot.

Cyclonus opens fire once more, this time hitting Sky Lynx directly. Sky Lynx's armor begins to rupture on under the stain. He returns fire, but it's no good. Cyclonus easily dodges the attack again, and flies past, sending more missiles to Sky Lynx's way.

Sky Lynx (worried): Sky Lynx to Autobots, I need help. I've finally been outdone.

Nightstick: You never had a chance, Autobot. We are one.

Sky Lynx (defiant): You are cursed.

Nightstick separates from Cyclonus and fires on his own. The Decepticon second-in-command transforms to his robot mode and grabs his Targetmaster once more. In hand, Nightstick unleashes his full power. The blast hits Sky Lynx square. The Autobot shakes and rattles as bits of his armor flake then rupture from him.

Sky Lynx (fearful): This can't be, I'm dying.

Cyclonus fires only once more, then lowers the weapon to watch the Autobot drift away.

Sky Lynx: Primus, please take me. I wasn't good enough after all…

We pan back as Sky Lynx lurches back once more. He then explodes into fragments as his central core explodes. There is a bright light, and then nothing. Cyclonus watches on, then wraps around himself, shivering. Scourge, in vehicle mode, arrives with Fracas.

Scourge: The Autobot is dead?

Cyclonus (weakly): He is one with the Matrix, Scourge. Autobots do not die.

Scourge: And us? You?

Cyclonus (distantly): Soon, I will know the answer to that question.

Scourge: How soon?

Cyclonus looks at Nightstick, who visibly depowers in his hand. After a long second he manages to compose himself and looks over to his fellow Decepticon.

Cyclonus (sighing): A few weeks, perhaps less.

Scourge: How soon for me, I wonder?

Cyclonus: I don't know. It comes suddenly.

Scourge: Does Galvatron know you're affected?

Cyclonus (grimly): Would it matter? When I became a Targetmaster he lost all respect for me. Now I'm just another solider to him. I am someone to control on his rise to power. This Binary Curse is my reward for my loyalty to him.

Scourge: I sense two Autobots and a Quintesson inside. Do you feel up to fighting them?

Cyclonus: It would be a more welcome ending than what I face now.

Cut to inside the Outpost. Perceptor and Grimlock, both in their robot modes, step through the corridors into a vast chamber. Hundreds if not thousands of crypts line the walls. Each has a name, though it is written in Quintesson tongue. Allibrata slides in slowly behind.

Perceptor: This is the result of your work?

Allibrata: Yes, Autobot. Inside these walls are cloned personality components of both Autobots and Decepticons. Sky Warp, Prowl, Rapido, Reflector, Ironhide, Motormaster, Silverbolt, and thousands of others. Each cloned spark rests here.

Grimlock: Grimlock's friends? They sleep here?

Perceptor: What were your plans for the clones?

Allibrata: Scientific research. It was hoped that we would discover a way to destroy the sparks themselves with a mystical weapon of some kind. Perhaps fortunately, that too failed.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, demand you release the personality components.

Perceptor: I am forced to concur with my comrade. By your own admission, many of those here are Autobots. They should be released to us.

Allibrata: I cannot stop you. Know, though, these components are just that. They do not have any traces of memory. They are blank slates, nothing more.

Grimlock: Me not understand.

Perceptor: He means that the Autobots here lack the programming of the originals. They have no history.

Grimlock (sighing): Me, Grimlock, thank you for clearing up that mess. It much clearer now.

Grimlock shakes his head and begins to withdrawal three of the crypts from their resting places. Perceptor crosses his arms and looks to the Quintesson.

Allibrata: The other matter? A Cure? What is the ailment you wish a cure for?

Perceptor: Why should I trust you?

Allibrata: I am dying, Autobot. My life's work was devoted to destroying you. It was a corruption of the basic purpose of my work. Perhaps, this will appease Primus enough to spare me from the pit.

Perceptor (hesitant): I have no assurance.

Allibrata: Of course. But please allow me the chance.

Perceptor (sighing): Very well. We've come seeking a cure for the Binary Curse. Something has gone terribly wrong in the Master process. Both Autobots and Decepticons who have binary-bonded with Terrans and Nebulans are dying as their systems fail them.

Allibrata: I see. And you've come to see how we Quintessons overcame this adversity.

Perceptor: You are partly organic. The long-term synthesis must have had similar problems.

Allibrata: They did. But the cure involves a total rebuilding of the affected person. The sparks of those joined must be removed from the living body completely.

Perceptor (shocked): That would kill them!

Allibrata: As it did many of us. We Quintessons took centuries to develop the cure for us. Even with our research, it would take decades to adapt the cure for you.

Scourge (off camera): Then there is no cure?

Allibrata and Perceptor turn quickly to see Cyclonus and Scourge step forward, their Targetmaster cannons in hand. Grimlock, now in robot mode, steps forward, carrying the three personality components.

Cyclonus (darkly): Not even the mighty Quintessons, those who claimed to create us, know a cure for this.

Allibrata: I am sorry, Decepticons. If there were more time, perhaps there would be some hope.

Perceptor: Cyclonus, we must work for this. The Quintesson may be in error.

Cyclonus: He is not in error, not for me. If death waits, then I shall die serving the Decepticons one final time.

Cyclonus levels Nightstick to fire at Perceptor, and does so as we fade to black.

Ties to a Future, pt. 3
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in to the Quintesson Outpost. Grimlock and Perceptor, both in robot mode, and faced off by Cyclonus and Scourge, also in robot mode. Allibrata, a Quintesson scientist, moves back some as Cyclonus fires a bolt into Perceptor. Perceptor is hit in the chest, and clutches the wound as Grimlock pulls him back.

Grimlock: Coward, fight me, Grimlock.

Cyclonus: As you wish.

Cyclonus changes targets and fires into Grimlock, sending a bolt of energy through the chest armor. Grimlock wears it well, however, and rushes forward with his blade. Scourge attempts to fire, but Perceptor recovers quickly enough and launches a high-powered blast from his shoulder cannon.

Allibrata: No! You mustn't fight in here. I must get to the escape pod. I must save my work.

Allibrata reaches down with his tentacles and picks up the three components. Cyclonus and Scourge throw Grimlock aside, with some effort, and attempt to right their stance for battle. Perceptor fires into Scourge, who is sent back, smoking some.

Scourge: Good shot, Autobot.

Perceptor: I am so glad that you're impressed.

As Scourge kneels and begins to fire again, Perceptor ducks behind the corner. Grimlock is kicked by Cyclonus in the chest, and is sent back, stunned. Cyclonus seizes the opportunity and fires at him, point blank. Grimlock falls back, hard, and is forced to retreat behind cover.

Grimlock: Decepticons fight harder than normal.

Perceptor: They have nothing to lose, Grimlock.

Grimlock: Where did Quintesson go?

Cut to a small pod. The Quitesson places the three personality components inside. There is room enough for one full-sized Transformer in it, and little else. The Quintesson looks it over, and frowns. The pod is in shambles, having suffered from some earlier damage.

Allibrata: There is so little left. I would never survive this journey in this ruin.

Allibrata looks downcast a moment, and moves to another room. This room is lined with consoles and computers. He moves to the main one and activates something on it. A screen flickers to life.

Allibrata: What choice do I have? If these clones survive, their war continues. More Cybertronians will live simply to die. I cannot let this go on my conscious. There is too much on it already.

Allibrata presses a few more sequences, and visibly resigns himself as the screen flashes something that resembles a timer.

Allibrata: Primus, forgive me for this. Forgive judge Allibrata, Primus. He awaits your judgement.

Computer: Destruct sequence, engaged.

We cut to Perceptor and Grimlock, who just overheard this announcement. Grimlock turns to fire once more, but misses Cyclonus completely.

Grimlock: We must get back to Sky Lynx.

Perceptor: I find it improbably that Sky Lynx would allow our adversaries inside without a battle. I therefore surmise that Sky Lynx has been terminated.

Grimlock: Sky Lynx is dead?

Perceptor: Affirmative. We must locate an escape pod.

Grimlock (trailing): Sky Lynx…

Perceptor: We do not have time to mourn now.

We cut over to Cyclonus and Scourge, both moving forward, cannons still raised.

Cyclonus: Come out, Autobots, meet your fate with honor.

Grimlock (to Perceptor): On three.

Perceptor: Agreed.

Grimlock: One… two…

Perceptor and Grimlock: Three!

Perceptor and Grimlock leap from cover, both firing into Cyclonus. The Decepticon warrior attempts to move aside, but the barrage is both too quick and too powerful. Cyclonus manages only one shot, which hits Perceptor square in the chest. Scourge, for his part, counters with his own fire, also hitting Perceptor.

Cyclonus: No!

Cyclonus falls back, smoke pouring from his chest. Perceptor staggers to the opposite corridor, followed closely by Grimlock, before he falls to the floor. Perceptor struggles a moment, then looks at his energon- covered hand.

Perceptor (whispering): Damn.

We cut to the Computer Center. Allibrata looks up and watches, a peaceful expression on his faces.

Computer: Countdown complete, detonation commencing.

Allibrata: At last, I have my rest.

The outpost shakes as the Computer Center is filled with flames. Allibrata makes no sound or noise as he is consumed with flame. We cut back to Grimlock, kneeling over to Perceptor, who has been leaking energon from his wounds.

Grimlock: We have to go now. Whole place falling apart.

Perceptor (weakly): I won't make it, Grimlock. The damage is too severe.

Grimlock: No. We have mission. Grimlock needs you. You smart. Grimlock just muscle.

Perceptor (weakly): You don't need me, Grimlock. You were always smarter than you knew.

Perceptor's optics flicker, dim, and finally turn to black as Grimlock holds him. Another violent shake of the outpost rouses him, and he very slowly lets Perceptor go.

Grimlock (whispering): Until all are one.

Cut to Cyclonus, critically wounded, with Scourge and Fracas in their robot modes standing near him. Scourge bends down and checks over his comrade.

Cyclonus (weakly): It has finally come.

Scourge: Quiet, I need to get you out of here.

Cyclonus: Why, Scourge? It is better this way. Two Autobots terminated, their mission ending in failure. This is for the glory of the Decepticons. How more proper can I meet my fate?

Scourge (angry): I don't want you to die.

Cyclonus weakly places his arm on Scourge's shoulder, and looks to him, a faint smile passing over his lips as his optics begin to fade.

Cyclonus: That's not your choice. Nightstick is already dead. I would never make it, even to Cybertron, much less Char.

Scourge: We must die, together.

Cyclonus: No, Scourge. You must live for awhile longer. I'll reserve you a place in the pit, for when you arrive.

Scourge: No.

Cyclonus's optics turn to black as he falls limp. Scourge tenses and shakes, then finally lets out a scream of absolute rage. We cut to Grimlock, moving to the escape pod. He shakes his head at its condition, but another sharp jolt of the Outpost convinces him to go inside.

Grimlock: If this only chance to survive, me, Grimlock, in worse slag than Grimlock thought.

Computer: Escape pod ejection sequence activated. Destination planet, Sol III, selected.

Grimlock sighs and sits. As he does, the hatchway closes in front of him. Grimlock lowers his head as the pod jettisons from the Outpost, and begins to spiral, barely in control.

Grimlock: Goodbye, Perceptor.

A long moment passes before the Outpost gives another lurch and then erupts. The pod is knocked a bit from the force of the explosion, as we see Scourge, hovercraft mode, rushing forward from it. Scourge already uses Fracas to fire wildly at Grimlock's escape pod.

Scourge (furious): You die, Autobot, there is no escape for you!

Inside the pod, Grimlock clinches his fist, knowing there is nothing he can do.

Grimlock: Stupid pod! Me Grimlock need to warp out of here. Turn on warp engines.

Computer: Transwarp engine is not fully functional. Warp drive, not recommended.

Outside, Scourge transforms to his robot mode and gets a bead on the pod. He fires, but the pod is tough enough to take the hit.

Grimlock (impatient): Turn it on!

Computer: Acknowledged.

As Scourge rushes forward, continuing his firing, the pod shifts aside a bit, then lurches forward. We can hear the powering up of the engine, but it sounds wrong. Inside, Grimlock shakes his head. It seems that his fate is sealed.

Grimlock: What wrong?

Computer: Escape pod, severely damaged. Transwarp drive is malfunctioning. Unable to confirm destination.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, am in trouble.

Computer: Wormhole effect in five seconds.

We cut to a shot of the pod tumbling out of control.

Computer: Four.

We pull out farther.

Computer: Three.

We pull out farther again.

Computer: Two.

The pod is merely a speck in our view now, tumbling wildly as Scourge looks on.

Computer: One.

There is nothing for a second, then a rip opens from there the pod drifts aimlessly away. Stars seem to warp and fade from around the pod, and then there is a brilliant light. Scourge averts his eyes in front of it while it flares, and then fades. After a moment, it is gone, and space and time reasserts itself.

Scourge: It's over Autobot.

We pan over to show empty space, and fade to black.

Ties to a Future, pt. 4
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade into a broken desert. We see an ancient wreck of a ship partially buried in the sand. We focus in on it, and see the Dinobot, Grimlock, inert and deactivated within. Rust has claimed most of the pod, and it is pitted and marked from countless years of abuse. As we pan up, we see broken bits and remains scattered through the desert. Above, a familiar wasp flies on patrol.

Waspinator: Waspinator always get slag assignments. Waspinator patrol this region, Waspinator patrol that region. Waspinator never find anything fun.

Cut to Predacon Headquarters. Megatron, beast mode, is looking over readings as Fractyl and Blackarachnia, both in their robot modes look on.

Fractyl: Are you sure you want her included on this, Megatron? You can't trust her.

Blackarachnia: Who am I going to tell, Fractyl? The Maximals?

Fractyl (firmly): Possibly.

Megatron: Enough squabbling, both of you. This is too important to make a mistake now, yes. Computer display Waspinator's location.

Computer: Acknowledged.

The computer screen changes to an overlay of a desert region. A single Predacon symbol is shown, moving in an erratic pattern in the site.

Blackarachnia: He's on a sugar buzz.

Megatron: It doesn't matter, he's near where I need him to be.

Blackarachnia: And where, precisely, is that?

Megatron: Computer, display program Megatron R-T-T-B.

Computer: Program on display.

On the same screen, four other symbols appear. Each is coded with some markings in Predacon language. Waspinator's little icon is moving to the center, albeit haphazardly.

Blackarachnia (curious): What is this?

Megatron: This is the location of where the Magnasword's pieces lie. In the center is a damaged ship of some kind. It's well beyond usefulness as a starship, but not beyond my purposes, no.

Blackarachnia (smirking): So, what's the deal? What's in the ship?

Megatron: An Autobot, or his remains. Around him are various bits of debris, and three rather important personality components, yes.

Blackarachnia: An Autobot? What's he doing here?

Fractyl (dryly): Not much.

Megatron: He's waiting to make history. As are we.

Blackarachnia: I don't understand. We're going to kill the Autobot?

Megatron: No. That would be rash. These Autobots are needed to live, but not like they are, no. I have something a bit more creative in mind.

Blackarachnia: How long have you known about the ship?

Megatron: A few years now. Fractyl found the vessel itself on patrol. I was rather stunned that it would be here, but it was easy enough to alter my plans.

Blackarachnia: And what are those plans?

Megatron (smiling): Very complicated, I assure you, Miss Arachnia. Of course, once Waspinator trips the trigger, the next phase of my plan is in Optimus Primal's hands.

Cut to Waspinator, arcing around the desert. Finally, the glint of metal below catches his eye. He lowers and transforms, landing next to the escape pod.

Waspinator: Oh, something neat for Waspinator.

Waspinator looks up at the huge entry door, and is unable to see inside. He sighs, and steps over to what appears to be a control panel. It is about five times larger than a Predacon would normally need to handle.

Waspinator: Waspinator find big present for Megatron. Megatron reward Waspinator, yes.

Waspinator presses a few buttons on the pod. The pod does nothing at first. Frustrated, Waspinator presses some more buttons, and then simply hits the panel. The panel responds with a jolt, and shocks Waspinator. Waspinator growls and then shoots the panel with a missile.

Waspinator: Stupid present.

The panel ruptures, and a blast of energy shoots out from it. The bolt strikes Waspinator hard. Waspinator is sent flying through the air and then crashing nearby on the ground.

Waspinator (weakly): Waspinator apologize to present...

Waspinator struggles to stand as he sees the bolt connect with something. He turns and sees the hilt of the Magnasword lift up, encased in the energy, lift up and turn.

Waspinator: Waspinator do something bad. Waspinator leave. Beast mode.

Waspinator reverts to his beast mode and lifts up and away. As he does, the hilt of the Magnasword turns and fires into the core, now hovering above the ground. After a second, the core turns and fires into the twin-blades. The result is a very neat triangle scribed outside of the pod. Finally, the triangle completes. The link to the pod itself is broken.

We cut to some distance away. Dinobot and Cheetor, both in beast mode, move slowly through the savanna. It's fairly peaceful, the sun is shining, and birds are singing.

Cheetor: This is dull. I've never seen the Preds go over this sector.

Dinobot: We are being thorough with our patrols. Megatron will take any advantage available to him to defeat us. We cannot be caught unawares.

Cheetor: Maybe so, but I'm about to fall asleep from this. I wish something would happen. It would make my day.

Dinobot: There is a Predacon proverb about wishing, and regretting those wishes later on.

Cheetor: Really, what's that?

Dinobot shakes his head and is about to answer when a brilliant light flares from the horizon. Both Maximals have to avert their eyes until the light fades. When it does, an energy pyramid is formed in the distance.

Dinobot (grumbling): It seems that you will learn the proverb first hand.

Cheetor nods and starts running off.

Cheetor: I'll go check it out.

Dinobot: Wait...

Cheetor is gone before Dinobot can stop him. Dinobot shakes his head and transforms.

Dinobot: Rhinox, this is Dinobot. Respond.

Cut to the Axalon. Rhinox and Rattrap, both in robot mode, are on the central computer when Dinobot's image appears on a monitor. The hologram of the energy pyramid remains in the center display.

Dinobot (transmission): We have found something on our patrols. It is an energy surge of awesome power. Cheetor has gone ahead to investigate.

Rhinox: We've picked it up here as well. Sentinel's trying to get a fix on what it is.

Rattrap: You two just hang back a moment. We're getting some major readings off the scale here.

Dinobot (transmission): I would oblige you, but Cheetor has seen fit to move ahead.

Rhinox: Figures.

Rattrap (resigned): Well, just keep him out of trouble.

Rhinox (surprised): Wait, this can't be.

Rattrap: What did you find?

Rhinox (nervous): Get Optimus on the horn. I've got to get out there with a portable Recovery unit. Have him meet me there.

Rattrap: What? What is it?

Rhinox (firmly): There's someone alive out there.

Rattrap: Alive?

Cut to the pyramid. The pieces of the Magnasword are totally obscured now by the energy field. Cheetor and Dinobot are both standing there, watching over it carefully.

Cheetor: I can't see anything inside.

Dinobot: It is a form of Cybertonic energy. It is strangely familiar, but I cannot place it.

Optimus Primal (from above): It's Matrix energy. Stand back, both of you.

Cheetor and Dinobot look up and see Optimus Primal, robot mode, flying down to their position. He lands, and immediate converts to beast mode.

Cheetor: Matrix energy? You mean the Matrix? Is it here?

Optimus Primal (smiling): Not quite, Cheetor.

Dinobot (understanding): There are sparks alive in that field.

Optimus Primal: Apparently so. We're going to attempt to recover them somehow, as soon as Rhinox gets here.

Cheetor: Loose sparks? How did they get here? Am I missing something?

Dinobot: It could be anything, from an alien device, the explosion of the codex…

Optimus Primal: Or a clever trap set by Megatron.

After another moment, Rhinox arrives in beast mode. Optimus Primal stands back as Rhinox looks over the field. Cheetor and Dinobot take their cues and step back as well.

Rhinox: This is very strange. I'm not sure if this improvisation would work.

Optimus Primal: How much longer will this energy field keep the sparks active?

Rhinox (grimly): Not long. It's a miracle that they're stable in there this far.

Cheetor: Then what are we waiting for? Go for it big green.

Rhinox: There are four sparks inside. But three of them are joined by this thing. I'm not sure what would happen.

Optimus Primal (calmly): Do it, Rhinox. We don't have a choice.

Rhinox: Rhinox, Maximize.

Rhinox transforms to his robot mode and takes out a complicated looking device. He sets some programming on it as the others look on.

Rhinox: This would be easier with finished protoforms. I've put the failsafes into overdrive on this thing. It's still not a guarantee by a longshot.

Dinobot: If you do not try, then those sparks will die.

Rhinox nods, looks, then throws the devices into the energy field. A crackle of light flares from the field and the field dims. We can see four amorphous shapes coalescing within.

Cheetor: What's happening?

Rhinox: The device takes in all nearby usable matter to create a protoform. We use it for emergencies if we can save a spark when the body begins to fail.

Cheetor: Does it work?

Rhinox: Sometimes. The spark has to be in stasis immediately.

They all look on for a moment longer as all four forms become more solid and substantial. Two are notably larger than the others, but they're still very vague and indistinct.

Optimus Primal (whispering): It's working.

Rhinox: I've programmed in the animal modes. They should automatically form into them.

Cheetor: It's almost done, then.

Rhinox: The sparks are in the protoforms.

Optimus Primal: That does it then, get ready to meet our new Maximals.

We focus in on the still forming protoform shapes, and fade to black.

Ties to a Future, pt. 5
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade in to Predacon headquarters. Megatron sits back in his hot tub, in robot mode, looking well pleased at the computer display, now showing four more Maximal energy signatures. Blackarachnia and Fractyl, both in robot mode, are shaking their heads.

Blackarachnia (annoyed): This is great, how does this help us? They've got four more Maximals now.

Megatron (amused): Oh, don't forget that three of them now carry pieces of the Magnasword. That is a very important tidbit, Miss Arachnia, please do not overlook it.

Fractyl (grimly): I haven't.

Blackarachnia (alarm): The Magnasword still functions? And the Maximals have it? This isn't good, leader. The Maximals may have the edge against us now. Is this part of your plan.

Megatron: An important part, I assure you.

Blackarachnia gives a confused expression for a moment and then shakes her head in frustration as Megatron does his trademark laugh as we cut to the desert. Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Cheetor, and Dinobot, all in robot mode, are looking over the newly formed Maximal bodies. Of the four, three of them are unconscious and seemingly unawares. They are Prowl, Silverbolt, and Ironhide, all in their beast modes. The forth staggers somewhat, looking at the other Maximals. He is Grimlock, beast mode.

Cheetor: What's wrong with them? Are they asleep?

Rhinox: No. The nano-constructor just provided the bodies, it didn't program the memory system. We'll have to do that back at base.

Optimus Primal: They're blank slates?

Rhinox: For the moment. We need to hurry unless we want their beast modes to dominate their programming.

Optimus Primal: All right, lets get them home.

Grimlock (weakly): Me no go.

Dinobot (skeptical): Blank slate?

Optimus Primal: What did you say?

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, no go with you. Me, Grimlock, Maximize!

Grimlock immediately transforms to his robot mode, stunning the conscious Maximals around him.

Grimlock quickly takes out his sword and steps menacingly forward.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, order strangers to surrender, or me, Grimlock, will destroy you.

Dinobot: No time for this. Dinobot, maximize.

Dinobot transforms to his robot mode, and takes out his own blade, rearing it back for an attack. Grimlock steps forward, ready for battle.

Optimus Primal: Dinobot, hold back. We can still talk this out.

Dinobot: This 'Grimlock' doesn't appear to be in a talkative mood.

Dinobot and Grimlock finally reach one-another and lock blades. Each perform a series of well-skilled maneuvers on one-another, but have difficulty getting past one-another's blocks. Finally, however, Grimlock proves the victor, and performs a sweeping kick that sends Dinobot flying back.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, impressed. A pity to terminate you.

Optimus Primal: That's far enough, Grimlock. Optimus Primal, maximize.

As Optimus Primal transforms to his beast mode, Grimlock steps back, a little daunted and obviously surprised.

Grimlock (whispering): Optimus?

Optimus Primal can't afford to waste time, and fires two missiles as soon as he finishes his transformation. Both hit Grimlock's chest, and the former Autobot is sent back to the remains of his escape pod. Grimlock struggles to get up, but the shock of the attack is too much for him at the moment, and he collapses.

Cheetor (smirking): Well that went well.

Optimus Primal: Dinobot, you injured?

Dinobot: Only my pride, Optimus. This is wrong, that Maximal protoform should not have been able to attack us. He should have lacked the basic programming.

Rhinox: He even used a Maximal activation code to transform.

Optimus Primal: I noticed that.

Cheetor: Then someone else already programmed him?

Rhinox: Looks that way.

Cheetor: Well, none of us did it. That just leaves...

Optimus Primal (grimly): The Predacons. I'm not sure what's going on, but you can bet that Megatron has some nasty surprises waiting for us. Right now though, we need to see to the recovery of these Maximals.

Rhinox: And this ship?

Optimus Primal (sighing): We can't spare the manpower at the moment. I'll have Rattrap and Packrat check it out once we know that these four are safe.

Dinobot: Unwise, Megatron must already be aware of this place. We should have a guard.

Optimus Primal: All right, but that means you have to carry two of them, Dinobot. Of course, you'll be a bit busy if two of these guys wake up without their programming.

Dinobot (resigned): I see your point.

Cut to Predacon Outpost. Cicadacon, Sea Clamp, and Ram Horn are all in beast mode outside of their small station. Cicadacon buzzes about the others.

Cicadacon: I have confirmed it. A derelict ship has been found. I went near the site, but I saw a great number of Maximals already there, and was unable to approach further.

Sea Clamp: And what does the wreck look like? What condition is it in?

Cicadacon: Rusted and battered on the outside, but still sealed. It must have the remaining parts we need.

Ram Horn (worried): But Megatron must know of it. How do we take what we need without him knowing?

Cicadacon: Good question. Do you think we should bother? We're so close now he can't really stop us.

Sea Clamp: True, but let's not play our hand too early. For now, let's get there and get what we need. We'll deal with Megatron when the time comes.

Cicadacon nods his agreement, and the three return back inside their outpost. Nearby, however, rests a familiar cyber-bee. We focus in on it and cut to a view screen that has been showing the area. We pull back from the screen to reveal Predacon Headquarters. Megatron, Blackarachnia, Scorponok, and Fractyl are all in robot mode, watching the main viewer.

Megatron (chuckling): Ah. They're going to deal with me. It's so nice to be thought of, isn't it?

Scorponok: Let me deal with them, Megatron. I'll rip their sorry afts into slag.

Megatron: That you would, but I need them for now, yes. But I have no intention of letting this prize go so easily, no. You, Inferno, Buzz Saw, and Waspinator get to the crash site. Waspinator already knows where it is, and he should be repaired by now.

Scorponok: Right away, Megatron.

Megatron (darkly): Do not terminate them, just make things difficult for them.

Scorponok rushes out, leaving Fractyl, Blackarachnia, and Megatron alone in the command center. Fractyl shakes his head.

Fractyl: Has he always been like this?

Megatron: Scorponok is a loyal soldier, and often fairly effective.

Blackarachnia: Really?

Megatron: He merely gets excited over petty things. He's like a puppy, loyal, obedient, but very prone to making messes.

Blackarachnia: You mean he's stupid.

Megatron: Not at all, just over-eager. Now, have you been keeping track, Blackarachnia?

Blackarachnia: Yes, you don't know what you're doing. Why don't you just slag the three combiners and be done with it?

Fractyl: That would ruin...

Megatron (scowling): Fractyl. Please don't give it away, I want her to guess. Besides, it's still too early to play my cards. I need this hand to be played out to ensure the rest of my plan.

Fractyl: Yes, sir.

Cut to Maximal Headquarters. Cheetor, Rattrap, Rhinox, Optimus Primal, and Dinobot are all in robot modes looking over the recovery chamber. Inside, we see Grimlock, still recovering in his robot form.

Optimus Primal: Is it possible? Did we find the real Grimlock out there?

Dinobot: Perhaps, I am sceptical. We need confirmation before we proceed.

Optimus Primal nods, and turns to the main computer. Cheetor and Rattrap both look on, a mix of
anticipation and nervousness on their faces.

Optimus Primal: Sentinel, playback data-tracks on Grimlock.

Sentinel: Record found. Grimlock: Classification, Autobot. Function: Dinobot Commander.

Cheetor and Rattrap both look at Dinobot, who merely shrugs.

Sentinel: Historical data has been classified by order of Maximal Council of Elders.

Optimus Primal (sighing): Perfect. What level of clearance?

Sentinel: Level ten clearance is required for access.

Optimus Primal shakes his head grimly. Rattrap steps up to the display and looks it over. Cheetor and Dinobot exchange a questioning look.

Rattrap: I can probably hack into the database with a little effort.

Dinobot: That may be prudent.

Cheetor: Why did the Elders classify everything? Didn't they think we might need some of this info?

Dinobot: Simple. It was paranoia.

Optimus Primal: Dinobot?

Dinobot: The Autobot Elders, then the Maximal Elders, were terrified of another Great War starting. It was hoped that by concealing the past, no Maximals would be tempted to light the fires again.

Cheetor: Pity that they didn't make the Predacons follow the same rules.

Dinobot: They did. Of course, most Predacons knew how to break those rules.

Optimus Primal: Which means Megatron may already know about Grimlock, and the truth as to why he's here. (Grumbling.) That's just Prime.

Cheetor: So, when we going to send Rattrap to find out what's going on?

Rattrap: Excuse me, kiddo? You want to put my pink butt on the line for the cause?

Optimus Primal: I don't want to do that just yet. Let's see if we can learn anything from our new Maximals.

Rhinox: I've already looked over Grimlock's programming. Other than modifications to his central computer, there didn't seem to be any tampering. Grimlock's just been partially reprogrammed into a Maximal from what I can determine.

Cheetor: Did you find out why he's here?

Rhinox looks to Optimus Primal for a moment, as if asking permission. Optimus merely nods his had.

Rhinox: Near the end of the great war, a number of Autobots and Decepticons had joined forces with humans and Nebulans.

Dissolve to a battle scene showing various Headmasters and Targetmasters. The battle is waged over Cybertron, with the weapons and heads of the fighters transforming into separate beings, resembling humans in armor suits.

Rhinox (voice over): When some of them were critically injured, the technology to merge Biological and Cybertronian life was created. They became the Headmasters, Targetmasters, Pretenders, Micromasters, and eventually the Powermasters.

Dissolve to a scene of Kup and Recoil, both in robot modes, lying in a medical bed with Arcee sadly looking on in robot mode. Perceptor steps near, shaking his head grimly.

Rhinox (voice over): But it wasn't perfect. The Binary Bonding process was taxing on both lives. Eventually the bonds began to break down. A number of Autobots and Decepticons died from this great curse.

Dissolve to the battle on the Quintesson outpost. Perceptor, robot mode, is mortally wounded as Grimlock fights on. We cut to the escape pod jettisoning as the outpost explodes behind him.

Optimus Primal (voice over): Two Autobots headed out to find a cure for the Binary Curse. They had hoped to find something in the ruins of Quintessa. According to the report, the Decepticons attacked them, killing one of them. The other disappeared through a wormhole in an escape pod, his name was Grimlock.

Dissolve to the escape pod entering orbit around the 'Beast Wars' planet, and crashing into the desert. We age the ship and ruin to bring it to how it looks currently. Finally, we dissolve back to the Maximal Headquarters.

Cheetor: And we found him here?

Optimus Primal: It looks that way.

Rattrap: So what happened? I mean, if he's here, how did he get back to Cybertron? I assume he found a cure.

Rhinox: That's the problem. Grimlock returned alone to Cybertron with the cure, our Protoform technology.

Optimus Primal: More than that, Grimlock returned with the Magansword as his new weapon.

Dinobot: Grimlock did not have the Magnasword when he attacked me.

Rhinox: No, they do.

We pan over to where Rhinox points and see Prowl, Silverbolt, and Ironhide step in in their robot modes.

The three of them exchange a nervous look as they're being stared at and we fade to black.

Ties to a Future, pt. 6
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Fade into Maximal Headquarters. Prowl, Silverbolt, and Ironhide each step into the command center in their robot modes. They are a bit disturbed to see Rhinox, robot mode leveling a finger at them as they enter. Dinobot, Cheetor, Rattrap, and Optimus Primal, all in robot mode, stand there watching them.

Rhinox: They have the Magnasword. It's been fused to their structures.

Optimus Primal (grimly): That's a problem.

Silverbolt: Excuse me, did we do something?

Ironhide: Haven't been online for more than a few seconds, and they don't like us already.

Prowl: There's got to be a misunderstanding or something.

Optimus Primal steps forward, and shakes his head. He takes Prowl's hand and shakes it.

Optimus Primal: I'm sorry. We've been on edge lately. I'm Optimus Primal, leader of the Maximals. We're not always like this.

Rattrap (quietly): Yeah, we're usually much worse.

Ironhide: I'm Ironhide, designed for Maximal Security.

Silverbolt: I'm called Silverbolt. My function puts me in

Prowl: I'm Prowl, Maximal Strategist.

Optimus Primal: You have to forgive us for being surprised. We've just had some bad news. Welcome to the Maximals.

Rattrap: Oh, great, another cat. Like we didn't have enough of those already.

Prowl: What bad news did you discover? Our weapon seems to be a concern to you.

Rhinox: It's a little difficult to explain.

Optimus Primal: Right now I'm just happy that the tree of you are all right. Cheetor will give you each a tour of the base, let you get to know things around here.

Cheetor (distant): What? Oh, sure. I'll show you where the recreation room is first.

Cheetor stands and steps to the trio, then shows them out. Ironhide and Prowl shrug at one-another, and then head out behind them. Optimus Primal turns to Rhinox as they leave.

Optimus Primal (snapping): Brilliant. It's obvious none of them know anything what's going on. Let's not give them an education when we don't even know ourselves.

Dinobot: Then we should wake up the one who does know. Him, Grimlock.

Optimus Primal: All right, maybe it's time for that. Rhinox, open up the recover chamber. Be ready, Maximals, we won't know how he'll react.

Cut to the Escape Pod crash site. Waspinator and Buzz Saw both arrive first in their beast modes, followed closely by Inferno and Scorponok, also in beast mode.

Waspinator: Waspinator would have been here cycles ago if Waspinator didn't have to wait on stupid ant-bot and scorpy-bot.

Buzz Saw: Ground-bots too slow, why Megatron want them to come too? Buzz Saw and Waspinator can do this job better alone.

Inferno: The royalty wishes for this mission to be performed correctly.

Scorponok: Remember our orders. Waspinator, you and Buzz Saw open up the pod.

Cicadacon (off camera): Sorry, that's our property, not Megatron's.

We pan over and show Cicadacon, Sea Clamp, and Ram Horn arrive in their beast modes. As the remaining Predacons turn their attentions, they immediately begin to transform.

Inferno: The royalty commands that you turn these ruins over to us.

Ram Horn: We do not care about the royalty's commands.

Scorponok (snapping): Traitors!

Cicadacon: We are true Predacons, you are the criminals and outcasts. We don't wish to associate with you any further.

Waspinator: Waspinator not like bug-bot. Bug-bot thinks he's too good for us.

Cicadacon: We are. Now, stand aside and no harm will come to you.

Buzz Saw: As if. Buzz Saw show bug-bot meaning of harm. Buzz Saw, terrorize!

Scorponok: Scorponok, terrorize!

Waspinator: Waspinator, terrorize!

Inferno: Inferno, burn the traitors!

Inferno joins the others in converting to their robot forms, and immediately opens fire on the three treacherous Predacons. Waspinator and Buzz Saw circle around in the air, and continue to fire at them. Cicadacon and Sea Clamp leap aside to dodge the blasts, but Ram Horn just takes the assault on his formidable armor.

Ram Horn: No one can harm, Ram Horn. My armor is impenetrable.

Inferno cackles and uses his flame-thrower on the shell. Much to Ram Horn's surprise, the shell starts to burn. Ram Horn has to fall back as Scorponok follows through with incendiary missiles.

Waspinator: Waspinator not kill bug-bots, but Waspinator will make them suffer.

Sea Clamp: It's bad, we're outnumbered and outgunned, Cicadacon. We have no other alternative.

Cicadacon: Agreed. Transform into...

Sea Clamp begins his transformation sequence, forming a torso and legs. Cicadacon latches on to form the chest, followed by Ram Horn to make the arms. Finally, the visage of Tripredacus reveals itself. The entire body of the giant rocks some as the combined firepower of the other Predacons weather on him.

Tripredacus: Tripredacus!

Buzz Saw: Tripredacus just make easier target.

Scorponok: Combine your firepower on the waist, sever the linkage.

Inferno: Burn the traitors! Their carcasses shall be a gift to the royalty.

Inferno cackles and continues to fire. Scorponok launches his missiles at the giant, but the only appear to shake him. Tripredacus raises his blades to the incoming Wasinpatior, who readies to fire it.

Buzz Saw: Brother!

Buzz Saw rushes over, and smashes into Waspinator hard. Waspinator spins, and turns only in time to see Tripredacus fire. Buzz Saw shakes under the blast, then ruptures. He lets out a final scream as Tripredacus fires again to finish him off.

Waspinator (screaming): No! Buzz Saw!

Scorponok (daunted): He has been terminated.

Tripredacus: That is your fate. Join him.

Waspinator (whispering): Traitor-bots kill Buzz Saw... Buzz Saw gone again.

Inferno: Waspinator, get out of there.

Scorponok: Predacons, retreat. We're in over our heads. Pull out!

Waspinator: Waspinator destroy Tripredacus.

Scorponok (darkly): That's an order!

Scorponok fires a few times to get Tripredacus's attention. Inferno activates his jets and heads out as Tripredacus fires and misses Scorponok. Waspinator watches Tripredacus a moment moer, but relents and heads away. Tripredacus fires a few remaining shots, and the laughs.

Tripredacus: How quick the victory. Flee while you can, criminals, you won't be able to run far enough.

Cut to Maximal Headquarters. Grimlock, robot mode, is with Optimus Primal and Rhinox, both in robot modes. Grimlock steps forward.

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock, have a lot to think about.

Rhinox: What do you remember?

Grimlock: Grimlock running from Scourge. Me was shot down, crashed here.

Optimus Primal: Who were the ones with you?

Grimlock: Clones of friends. Quintessons make them. They steal technology from Vector Sigma.

Rhinox sucks in a deep breath and looks to Optimus Primal. Optimus nods and steps over.

Optimus Primal: Why were at Quintessa? What were you doing?

Grimlock: Me, Grimlock look for cure for other Optimus. Optimus is very sick. Me Grimlock need to find cure. Me, Grimlock, promise Perceptor.

Optimus Primal (whispering): That's just Prime.

Cut to Predacon Headquarters. Megatron and Fractyl, both in robot mode stand as Scorponok steps in.

Megatron (firmly): Report.

Scorponok (nervous): It was bad, Megatron. Tripredacus all but ignored our attacks on him.

Megatron: Tripredacus drove the four of you off, then?

Scorponok: No, Megatron. Buzz Saw didn't survive the battle.

Megatron rumbles and sits down. Scorponok draws in a nervous breath, expecting the worst.

Megatron (angry): There were not supposed to be any casualties.

Scorponok: Megatron, Tripredacus went out of his way to kill Buzz Saw off. He wants to kill us all, Megatron. What are we going to do?

Megatron (grimly): We'll let the Maximals handle it. For now ensure to Waspinator's well being. I imagine that he's upset.

Scorponok: Of course, Megatron.

Scorponok very quickly rushes out. Fractyl steps forward, crossing his arms.

Fractyl: That doesn't sound like it went according to plan.

Megatron: A long-term setback, Buzz Saw was a good Predacon. He will be missed.

Fractyl: And your plans?

Megatron (quietly): They remain unchanged. Though I have not been as careful with them as I should, no. There are still hands to play, Fractyl. I assure you.

Fractyl: And how did this one turn out?

Megatron considers a moment, and turns to the main computer screen.

Megatron: Computer, scan for deltas in ambient chrono-energy.

Computer: Scanning. Modest chronological adjustment detected.

Fractyl (daunted): Time?

Megatron: Yes, Time. For me, a necessary experiment.

Fractyl: What was the change?

Megatron: This one was subtle. I merely changed the ownership of the Magnasword from Grimlock over to the Autobot personalities that he had with him

Fractyl: Computer... who carried the Magnasword for the first Maximals?

Computer: The Magnasword was carried by the Maximal known as Magnaboss.

Fractyl: Magnaboss? I've never heard of him. And why would the computer mark the change, if we still remember the truth?

Megatron (smiling): An interesting question, yes. Perhaps we'll find the answer in our next step. And that
next step will not be as subtle, no.

Megatron returns in his chain, and sits, optics looking more fierce than normal. Fractyl sucks in a nervous breath a moment, and looks again at the computer screen. We focus in on Megatron, who lets out an angry scowl as an image of Tripredacus fills the computer screen. We fade to black.

The End