This is the beginning of what I hope will be an ongoing series which will give purist Beast Wars fans an alternative to Beast Machines. We'll see how we go. I'm posting this at the moment to get some feedback on the feel of it and see who enjoys the concept. It's still a little unfinished and some characters may change. But this is what I've got so far. So without further delay, I give you the beginning of Beast Machines.
Epsiode 1: Welcome Home
“Optimus Primal, you have been called before this council to answer for your failure to retrieve the golden disc.” The voice echoed around the hall, emanating from vocal amplifiers dotted around the vast chamber. Optimal Optimus Primal stood in the round arena in the centre of the room with the council of elders sitting atop the large raised platform above. Only the areas the council and Optimus occupied were brightly illuminated, the rest of the hall was shrouded in a greyish darkness. Countless Cybertronians were seated in the areas lining the walls, the dim glow of their optics delivered an eerie image in the gloom. The scene made the Maximal feel as though he were standing before the pit awaiting execution, although he didn’t entirely discard the thought.
“As you well know,” the voice continued “the Golden Disk was one of the most treasured artefacts which remained from the great war.” Optimus looked up at the fearsome visage of the speaker. Mindwipe. The most manipulative and slimiest member of the Predacon ruling body, not to mention primary orator for their faction. “You were entrusted with the important task of retrieving and protecting it and now you stand before us with a fantastical story about our ancient ancestors and how you let the disk itself be destroyed!”
At this, Ultra Magnus, leader of the council and strongest representative of the Maximals, and the few remaining Autobots, rose from his seat. “Now Mindwipe, we are here to receive young Primal’s report, not sentence him over the loss of a dust-covered trinket.” Optimus grinned slightly at the gasps which emanated from the crowd. No doubt, the more fanatically inclined followers of the word of Primus would lodge a formal complaint at this statement and he greatly appreciated the support displayed by the old Autobot. He had spoken to Ultra Magnus briefly on two other occasions and was greatly impressed by his direct approach and desire to avoid getting bogged down in political technicalities. It was ironic that he wielded the most powerful position on Cybertron.
“Also, let us not forget that the disk itself was stolen by a Predacon and according to Optimus’ report destroyed by yet anoth..” Mindwipe angrily broke in to this speech “Megatron was acting under his own agenda and had already formally declared that he was no longer a part of the Predacons here on Cybertron and thus was no longer our responsibility. As for the disk’s destruction, we merely have the word of a group of Maximals who obviously have a negative perspective towards anyone bearing the Predacon badge.”
Magnus was clearly irritated at being interrupted by the stuffy Predacon but managed to keep the peace “Yes, and that is exactly why we are here. To find the truth not point blame. We have Megatron in captivity and we are calling in the best spark operatives from around the planet to put things right again.”
“You will of course allow our own medical expert to assist in the operation, especially with everything that is directly at stake for the Predacons. We wouldn’t want any… mistakes by Maximal hands…” Shouts from offended Maximals throughout the crowd echoed about the hall.
“ORDER!! ORDER!!” thundered Magnus as he hammered down on the table repeatedly. “Yes. We would like to invite a representative of the Predacons to assist in the procedure,” answered Ultra Magnus when the crowd had settled somewhat “however, the operation will be handled by First Aid our Chief Medical Tech. He is the only living Cybertronian with the extensive experience to at least give us a chance of pulling this off. The important thing is that we get everything back in order as soon as we can.” This is something which everyone agreed upon and seeing a chance get away from things, Magnus declared a break in the proceedings “To reconvene in 23 standard hours.” At which point the crowd, council and guards dispersed leaving Primal and Magnus in the auditorium.
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“Off the record, I just wanted to say good work Primal.” Declared Magus as he shook Optimus’ hand. Even in his new Optimal mode, Ultra Magnus towered over the Maximal. They now sat in the Planetary Leader’s quarters. The surroundings befitted a role of this importance being large, spacious and decadent. Holoart hung on various walls throughout the quarters, an energon fountain had been placed towards the entrance and a personal CR chamber covered in ornate ancient Cybertronian carvings was situated behind the common room they currently occupied. Magnus hated the quarters. It was obvious that he had tried to move a great deal of the artwork out, but had only succeeded in eliminating one or two.
“I’m sorry you have to go through all of this.” The large bot continued. “But believe me when I tell you that if we don’t, things will get much worse.”
“I understand sir. We had to deal with a few ‘political’ issues during the Beast Wars and that was child’s play compared to this.” Explained Optimus.
“Yes. The bad thing is that the Preds are claiming to be the victims in this circumstance.” Magus added wearily. “Sure they have a great deal at stake with the original Megatron’s spark located in this new one, but something doesn’t smell right about the games they are playing. If the spark was their major concern, then why not just let us take care of it safely? I don’t like it.”
“I agree. Megatron always thought three steps ahead when we were fighting him and I’m willing to bet a Pred politician has more sides than one of the mythical six-changers of old. The real question is.. what are they up to?”
“Well, all I know is that its bound to be something bad. However, the other issue at the moment is the rift in transwarp space and the direct link to our ancestors on ancient earth. We need to ensure that nothing happens to them until we restore Megatron’s spark to its rightful body.”
“Unfortunately, this mucking about with the council is slowing things down and if we don’t send someone soon, we are leaving the Ark and its occupants completely vulnerable.”
“Agreed, which is the main reason I called you here. I am arranging for a covert team to be sent through the transwarp rift to ancient earth. Their mission will be to erect a perimeter around the Ark to ensure it’s safety. The team would be completely off the record and won’t be able to contact them directly. Once they are there, they are on their own until we get this business sorted here on Cybertron. Now because you are currently in the hot seat, I’ll need you to stay here, however are there any other members of your crew you would send to give this team the necessary knowledge of the area?”
“I’ve got just one in mind and I think a command of his own is just the thing he needs right now.” Optimus replied with a smile.
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The three members of the top-secret Tripredacus council, Ramhorn, Cicadacon and Seaclamp, sat within their dimly lit secret staging area. “Tripredacus council in session.” Declared Seaclamp. The shadowy trio sat around the suspended round table and pondered their next move.
“With this new development with the renegade Megatron, we are given an excellent opportunity to rid ourselves of one of the obstacles in our path.” Seaclamp began. “With the original Megatron’s spark located here and its vessel in captivity we cannot waste this chance of destroying him for good.”
“Of course, he is under heavy guard at all times..” interrupted Ramhorn.
“Yes, which is exactly why we must tread carefully and make it a surgical strike.” Cicadacon added with a chuckle.
“Has your operative been informed of the situation?” Seaclamp asked.
“He has been given his directives and he knows that we will claim no knowledge of this mission. To anyone who may discover this, he will appear to be a renegade seeking revenge on an ancient vendetta.”
“Excellent…. Within a cycle, both Megatrons shall be no more.”
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? Lol nah tis cool. I want any feedback I get. If anyone has any negative views feel free to air them because this is still in the creation phase and constructive criticism will be greatly appreciated. I think I need to describe the surroundings a bit more to give the story a bit more substance, however #insert rant about no time here#. Fortunately, Sapph gave me the idea of taking my writing with me while I am doing the travelling thing in the coming months. With any luck we can get a couple of episodes out.
I won't say too much, however I am interested in exploring the more possessive qualities of a Megatron.