Beast Wars: The Abyss

By: Timothy Carter

Author's Note: I should point out that, while writing this story, I didn't have all the facts about the Beast Wars universe. I was going under some assumptions that weren't true about Optimus Primal and Megatron.  Specifically, I thought they were the same characters they'd been back in G1.

FADE IN:

ACT I

EXT. A CANYON - DAY

All-out war. OPTIMUS PRIMAL, RHINOX and CHEETOR are at the bottom of the miniature, crecent-shaped canyon, which is deep and long but not wide, leaving them very little room to maneuvre. They are firing up at the Predacons on the ledge above.

MEGATRON, TARANTULUS and BLACK ARACHNIA squat at the top of the canyon, firing down, while TERRORSAUR and WASPINATOR fly overhead.

SCORPONOK is hiding behind a nearby boulder, firing at DINOBOT and RATTRAP, who are approaching from the south.


EXT. THE CANYON FLOOR - DAY

Cheetor talks to himself while they fire. There is a small metallic box by Optimus Primal's feet. It beeps and blinks on and off.

CHEETOR
I knew this was a bad idea!

RHINOX
The energy signature was identical to those of the pods still in orbit! We had to check it out!


EXT. THE CANYON - ABOVE - DAY

Megatron speaks to Tarantulus.

MEGATRON
A brilliant ploy, Tarantulus. Use the energy beacon from the pod Black Arachnia arrived in to set up the perfect ambush!


EXT. THE SOUTH - DAY

Dinobot and Rattrap hide behind a boulder and transform. They fire on Scorponok.


EXT. SCORPONOK'S BOULDER - DAY

Scorponok ducks as the blasts from Dinobot and Rattrap hit the other side of his boulder. Fragments fly off, but the rock remains intact.

Scorponok fires his missiles at Dinobot and Rattrap's boulder.


EXT. THE SOUTH - DAY

The missiles hit and blow the boulder apart, sending Dinobot and Rattrap flying.


EXT. THE CANYON - ABOVE - DAY

Megatron, Tarantulus and Black Arachnia continue to fire on the Maximals below.

MEGATRON
Fire at the canyon walls!


EXT. THE CANYON FLOOR - DAY

Optimus Primal sees what Megatron is planning, and pushes the others out of the way.

OPTIMUS
Look out!

Blasts from the Predacons rain down rocks and debris onto Optimus.

OPTIMUS
Ugh, beast mode!

Optimus transforms to gorrilla mode and tries to dig his way out.

CHEETOR
Big bot!
(to Predacons)
Munch protons, Preds!

Cheetor fires recklessly up at the Predacons. One of his shots hits the canyon wall just below where Megatron is squatting. The blast crumbles 
the wall, and Megatron falls into the Canyon.

Tarantulas and Black Arachnia fail to stop shooting in time.

Megatron crashes into Optimus, and the two are covered in debris.

CHEETOR
Oh, no! What have I done?

The whole canyon shakes.

RHINOX
(Grabbing Cheetor)
Come on! This whole place is coming down!


EXT. SCORPONOK'S BOULDER - DAY

Scorponok turns to look.

SCORPONOK
(concern)
Megatron!

Dinobot, in raptor mode, leaps on top of the boulder, carrying Rattrap. Rattrap shoots Scorponok in the chest, knocking him away.

RATTRAP
(concern)
Optimus!


EXT. THE CANYON - FAR SIDE - DAY

Cheetor, in cheetah mode, emerges from the canyon, with Rhinox holding  onto him.

RHINOX
We made it.

CHEETOR
Yeah, but what about Optimus?


EXT. THE CANYON - ABOVE - DAY

Waspinator and Terrorsaur land next to Tarantulas and Black Arachnia. They look down into the canyon.

WASPINATOR
Mmmmmegatron has fallen!

TERRORSAUR
Yeah, and he can't get up!

Scorponok transforms and joins them.

Dinobot and Rattrap join Rhinox and Cheetor on the other side of the canyon.

The Maximals and the Predacons both approach the canyon, looking down into it.

SCORPONOK
They buried our leader!

DINOBOT
They buried Optimus Primal! Let not his death be in vain!

The Maximals and the Predacons start shooting across the canyon.


EXT. THE CANYON - MAXIMAL SIDE - DAY

A blast throws Cheetor backward into Rattrap. The two fall over each other behind a small clump of rocks.

Dinobot and Rhinox continue shooting at the Predacons.

CHEETOR
I can't believe it! I buried Optimus!

RATTRAP
What are you talking about? Will you get it together and transform?

Rattrap shoots back at the Predacons, using the rocks for cover.

CHEETOR
Optimus, what if he's really dead?


INT. THE CANYON FLOOR - UNDER THE ROCKS - DAY

Megatron and Optimus lie together, comatose.

Optimus Primal's chest begins to glow. Electricity flows out from his chest and along his entire body. The electricity flows over Megatron as well.


INT. A CYBERNETIC TUNNEL - DAY

Optimus Primal and Megatron, in robot mode, float down a long tunnel towards a bright light at the end. The tunnel looks as if it is inside 
a computer, with wires and lights and metallic walls.

MEGATRON
Where are we?

OPTIMUS
(confusion)
I don't know. And yet, it all looks so familiar...

MEGATRON
(aggressive)
This is a trick! What have you done with me, Primal?

Megatron tries to grab Optimus, but his Tyrannosaur-head hand goes straight through him. He tries again, but has no more luck.

MEGATRON
What is going on?

OPTIMUS
Megatron, old friend,
(beat)
we're dead.

The two continue to drift forward. They enter the light.


INT. THE LIGHT - DAY

Optimus and Megatron instinctively shield their eyes, but then find they no longer have to. They look around in wonder, awed.

A powerful, wise voice speaks to them.

MATRIX
Welcome, Optimus Primal. Welcome, Megatron. Welcome
(beat)
...to the Matrix.

Optimus Primal's face widens in joy. Megatron's face sours with disbelief.

MEGATRON
The Matrix? That's just a legend, yes?

OPTIMUS
No, Megatron. The Matrix is the soul of our creator. Throughout history, all Autobot and Maximal leaders have carried it within them.
(beat)
And now it is time for me to take my place among the leaders of Cybertron's past.

MATRIX
You are correct, Optimus Primal. You shall enter the Chambers of Glory, and live eternally. However, a different fate awaits you, Megatron.

MEGATRON
(aggressive)
What is that supposed to mean?

MATRIX
You are the Predacon leader. Your crimes against Cybertron are infamous!
(to both)
You must now go to your destinies. Farewell.

The light dims until the walls of the chamber can be seen. On the far wall there is a passageway leading up, and Optimus is drawn towards it. 
Megatron finds himself being pulled towards a glowing red hole in the floor.

MEGATRON
(panic)
Optimus! What is happening?

OPTIMUS
(concern)
Megatron!
(resignation)
Goodbye, old friend.

Optimus watches as Megatron is sucked into the glowing red hole. He looks on with pity. Then he disappears into the upper passageway.


INT. THE UPPER PASSAGEWAY - DAY

Optimus Primal is drawn upward along the bright gold tunnel, which leads upward to a doorway. He looks around at the tunnel in delight.

OPTIMUS
(wonder)
The golden path of the Matrix!
(excited)
Which leads to the Hall of Leaders!

He arrives at a large steel door adorned with both the symbol of the Maximals and the old symbol of the Autobots.

He stops before it, and light shimmers all around the door. Then it begins to rise. Optimus is drawn inside.


INT. THE HALL OF LEADERS - DAY

Optimus enters a vast room, the centre of which contains a large round table. Around this table sit the six Leaders of Cybertron's past. ALPHA
SENIOR, oldest and wisest, sits at the table's far end. They all turn to look at Optimus Primal with welcoming faces.

OPTIMUS
The great leaders!

ALPHA SENIOR
Welcome, Optimus Primal.


INT. THE GLOWING RED PASSAGE - DAY

Megatron is sucked down the ominous tunnel. Snake-like vines lash out at him from the sides, as do occasional jets of flame. Megatron lashes 
angrily back at them.


INT. THE GATES OF THE HEAP - DAY

Megatron lands heavily in front of a metallic judges' bench. A robotic JUDGE sits at the bench and looks down at Megatron. To the right is a 
huge door. It has the Predacon symbol on one side of it, and the old Decepticon symbol on the other.

JUDGE
(bored)
State your name for the record.

MEGATRON
(indignant)
I am Megatron! Leader of the--

JUDGE
(astonished)
Megatron? Did you say Megatron? Do you mean to say we've finally got Megatron? I do not believe it! Ooooh, have you been a bad 'bot!

MEGATRON
Yes, I am. And you will find I am still very bad, indeed!

Megatron aims his tyrannosaur-head hand at the Judge and tries to shoot him. Nothing happens.

JUDGE
Nope. That stuff doesn't work here. So there's nothing you can do but accept your fate.

MEGATRON
Which is?

JUDGE
A one-way ticket to the Heap.

The Judge presses a button.

The doors swing open. A large tentacle leaps out, grabs Megatron and pulls him inside.  The door slams shut behind him.

JUDGE
Megatron! I can't get over it! We got Megatron!


INT. THE HEAP - DAY

The tentacle cracks like a whip, sending Megatron flying through the dark cavern that is the Heap. Below he sees several piles of junk, with 
movement in-between them. The walls are large, high, and dark red.

Megatron crashlands onto a pile of junk. He slowly rises to his knees, shaking his head to clear it.

MEGATRON
Ooh, I simply must tip the doorman, yes! (anger)
No one treats Megatron with that kind of disre---

Megatron stops, as he suddenly sees he is surrounded by five DEMATRONS, large, imposing, faceless robots, who carry metallic pitchforks.

MEGATRON
(continuing)
(uncertain)
...spect?

The Dematron leader, MEPHISTAR, steps forward.

MEPHISTAR
I am Mephistar, leader of the Dematrons. Welcome, Megatron...
(beat)
...to the Heap!

ACT II

EXT. THE CANYON - DAY

The Maximals and Predacons are still fighting, using boulders, trees and earth mounds as cover.


EXT. THE MAXIMAL POSITIONS - DAY

Dinobot lies on his chest, under the line of fire, shooting his eyebeams.

Rhinox uses the cover of a nearby boulder, firing his machine gun.

Rattrap and Cheetor are still behind the pile of rocks further back from the other two. They both lie face-down, shooting forward.

RATTRAP
We're outnumbered! We gotta get outta here!

DINOBOT
Cowardly rodent! We fight to the bitter end!

RHINOX
Rattrap is right. The Predacons have got us pinned down!

DINOBOT
What? You're not suggesting we--

RHINOX
Optimus wouldn't want us to hang around. I suggest we--

A blast splinters the boulder in front of Rhinox's head, knocking him to the ground, stunned.


EXT. THE PREDACON POSITIONS - DAY

Scorponok and Tarantulus are behind a boulder a short distance from the canyon, firing on either side at the Maximals.

Terrorsaur hides behind a tree, shooting forward.

Black Arachnia hides behind a mound of earth. A blast from Dinobot's eyebeams blasts part of it away, showering her with dirt and keeping 
her pinned down.

Waspinator lies flat on his back, a blast wound on his chest. The ground around him is scraped, suggesting he has crashed. He mutters
incomprehensibly but does not rise.

TARANTULUS
This is no good! The Maximals have us pinned down!

BLACK ARACHNIA
I say we get out of here! The ambush didn't work!

SCORPONOK
We can't leave Megatron! He's our leader!

TERRORSAUR
Yeah, and look where he led us!

A blast hits a branch above Terrorsaur. The branch falls on his head.

TERRORSAUR
Ouch! Megatron isn't worth this!

SCORPONOK
He is our leader! We must rescue him! At all cost!
(shouting at Maximals)
Do you hear me, Maximals? We're taking Megatron back, and you can't  stop us!


EXT. THE ROCKS - DAY

Dinobot is crawling backward to the rocks. Rattrap covers him.

Cheetor listens, and hears Scorponok's cry.

CHEETOR
We've gotta end this!

RATTRAP
What you talkin' about, kid?

CHEETOR
It's a longshot, but it's gotta work! Beast mode!

Cheetor transforms to cheetah mode and runs toward the canyon.

RATTRAP
Hey! Have you blown a fuse? Get back here!


EXT. THE CANYON - MAXIMAL SIDE - DAY

Cheetor dodges blasts as he runs to the side of the canyon. He stops, and shouts at the Predacons.

CHEETOR
(shouting)
Wait! Hold your fire! Truce!


EXT. SCORPONOK'S BOULDER - DAY

Scorponok hears Cheetor's request.

Tarantulas aims at Cheetor.

TARANTULAS
What an idiot! He's a sitting duck!

Scorponok grabs him.

SCORPONOK
Wait! Hold your fire!
(to Predacons)
Hold your fire!


EXT. THE PREDACON POSITIONS - DAY

The shooting stops.

CHEETOR
(V.O.)
I just want to talk!

BLACK ARACHNIA
You can't be that stupid! It's a Maximal trick!

SCORPONOK
I am second in command, and I order you all to hold your fire! Beast mode!

Scorponok transforms to scorpion mode and emerges from his position.


EXT. THE MAXIMAL POSITION - DAY

Dinobot, Rattrap and Rhinox are watching from the rock pile.

DINOBOT
What is that fool playing at?

RHINOX
Just keep him covered, and give him a chance to pull this off.


EXT. THE PREDACON POSITIONS - DAY

Tarantulus, Black Arachnia and Terrorsaur watch as Scorponok approaches the canyon.

BLACK ARACHNIA
If they try anything, shoot on my command.


EXT. THE CANYON - DAY

Scorponok arrives on the Predacon side of the canyon and faces Cheetor on the Maximal side.

SCORPONOK
Okay, Maximal. I'm here. What do you want?

CHEETOR
The same as you - I want to dig my leader out of this pit! I can't do that with you Preds shooting at us! And you can't dig Megatron out with us
shooting at you, either!

SCORPONOK
What are you suggesting?

CHEETOR
Let's stop fighting and help each other. It's the only way!

SCORPONOK
Join forces? Are you stupid?

CHEETOR
Fighting each other, that's what's stupid! We don't have time to argue! Are you with me?

Scorponok considers. The Predacons and the Maximals wait for his answer.

Scorponok crawls closer to the canyon, and extends a claw across it.

SCORPONOK
Okay, Maximal. You got a deal.

CHEETOR
(relieved)
Deal!

Cheetor steps closer and extends a paw, and they shake on it.


INT. THE HALL OF LEADERS - DAY

Optimus Primal is sitting with the Cybertronian Leaders. He is in beast mode. The others look at him with interest.

ALPHA SENIOR
Interesting. So you had to assume the form of flesh creatures because of energon?

OPTIMUS
Yes, the energon fields on the planet were so strong that we-- (shock)
The planet! The Maximals! My friends!

Optimus gets up suddenly, very worried.

ALPHA SENIOR
Optimus Primal, please sit down. There is nothing more you can do for them.

OPTIMUS
But I must! They need me!

ALPHA SENIOR
We all felt the same way when we passed on into the Matrix, my friend. We all had something that we desperately had to get back for, but could 
not. It is too late for such things.

Optimus reluctantly takes his seat once more.


INT. THE HEAP - DAY

Mephistar and two Dematrons are leading Megatron past the piles of  junk. A couple of piles to their left there is a conveyor belt, on which there 
are pieces of trash and mangled robots.

MEPHISTAR
Your punishment is in equal proportion to your crimes. Each new robot is given their own personal pile of junk. Then they must move the trash a
piece at a time to that conveyor belt...
(points)
...where it is taken to the main incinerator. The junk piles vary in size, depending on the amount of evil you have done.

MEGATRON
And where is my pile?

MEPHISTAR
(grins)
There!

Mephistar points towards a junk pile so huge it casts a shadow over all the others. It is the tallest structure in the Heap. Megatron stops 
walking, looking at it in shock. Mephistar and the Dematrons stop with him.

MEGATRON
This is absurd! I will not waste my time being a garbage scow!

MEPHISTAR
Your choice, Megatron. But if you choose not to, there is only one more place for you...

As he says this, they hear a robot screaming. They all turn to see a robot, JAXIS, on the conveyor belt. His legs are missing beneath the knees, 
and has no right arm. He is carried away by the belt.

JAXIS
Noooo! Not the incinerator! Nooooo!

Megatron walks towards the belt and looks to the left. The belt stretches off into the distance, and ends at a bright yellow light.

Mephistar and the Dematrons join him.

MEPHISTAR
That was Jaxis.

MEGATRON
Jaxis? Ruler of the city of Centerhex? He tried to assassinate me a century ago!

MEPHISTAR
Instead he ended up here. And he wouldn't move his pile, so my Dematrons had a talk with him. Now he will be incinerated, destroyed for all 
time.
(beat)
The choice is yours, Megatron. What is it to be?

Megatron looks again at the incinerator. He sees it is very close to  the doorway he was flung through.

MEGATRON
Much though I enjoy the two options you have presented me with, I think I shall escape!

Megatron swings his tyrannosaur-head hand at the two Dematrons, and they are knocked over. Megatron transforms to tyrannosaur mode and runs alongside the conveyor belt. Then he leaps up onto it.

The two Dematrons rise to their feet.

MEPHISTAR
After him! Incinerate him!

The Dematrons transform into robotic bats and fly after Megatron.

EXT. THE CONVEYOR BELT - DAY

Megatron runs along the conveyor belt, leaping over the junk. The Dematrons fly after him, firing jets of flame from their mouths. A flame jet hits
Megatron, knocking him over.

MEGATRON
Ung! Two can play at that game. Yes! Megatron, terrorize!

Megatron transforms to robot mode. He aims his tyrannosaur-head hand at the flying Dematrons, but nothing happens.

The Dematrons fire again, and Megatron is knocked over once more. While falling, he trips over Jaxis.

JAXIS
What's going.--
(recognition)
Megatron! What are you doing here?

MEGATRON
Out of my way, clod!

Megatron grabs Jaxis and throws him at a Dematron.

The Dematron swipes Jaxis out of the way with his pitchfork. He swoops down towards Megatron, as does the other. Both are coming from either side of the conveyor

Megatron waits for the right moment, then leaps off.

The two Dematrons hit each other and land on the belt, out cold.

Megatron transforms to tyrannosaur mode and runs off through the maze of junk piles.

A few ROBOTS, working their piles, watch him go.

ROBOT ONE
Hey! That was Megatron!


EXT. THE CANYON - DAY

The Maximals and Predacons are all in robot mode, and are digging away at the rubble in the canyon. One by one, they start to feel the effects of 
the energon fields. Electricity courses over their bodies, forcing them to convert to their beast modes.


EXT. INSIDE THE CANYON - DAY

Rattrap is digging with his paws.

Terrorsaur, next to him, converts to pterodactyl mode.

TERRORSAUR
Aah, this is getting us nowhere!

RATTRAP
Hey, Pred! Why don't you shut your yap and keep diggin'?

TERRORSAUR
I can't! Not in this mode!
(waves wings)
I haven't got any hands!

RATTRAP
Well, that's a lame excuse!

Rhinox, in rhino mode, approaches.

RHINOX
I'm afraid he's got a point, Rattrap. We can't stay in our battle modes for long, and few of us have the right limbs in beast mode for digging.

Rattrap stands on his hind legs and looks at him. The other Maximals and Predacons, all in beast mode, come closer.

RATTRAP
So what are ya sayin'? You guys quit, and leave it to the few diggers to get them out?

BLACK ARACHNIA
Sounds just fine to me!

RATTRAP
(aggressive)
Hey! Butt out, webhead!

Black Arachnia hisses at him threateningly.

SCORPONOK
We gotta keep digging!

CHEETOR
He's right! We've just gotta put our heads together!

TARANTULUS
I say we work in shifts.

CHEETOR
Yeah! Rattrap, Scorponok and I can keep digging in beast mode, and Dinobot, Terrorsaur and Tarantulus can help us in Robot mode. When the energon affects them, Black Arachnia, Rhinox and Waspinator can take over!

RHINOX
Good. Let's get to it, people. Optimus Primal and Megatron don't have all day.

They all spread out and start working.


INT. THE HEAP - THE JUNK PILES - DAY

Megatron hides behind one of the junk piles as a couple of Dematrons walk past. When they are gone, he runs onward.

A jet of flame scorches the ground in front of Megatron, and he skids to a halt.

Mephistar stands atop a junk pile beside Megatron, carrying a smoking pitchfork.

MEPHISTAR
I'll give you credit, Megatron! You certainly are good for sport!

Mephistar aims his pitchfork and fires another bolt of flame.

Megatron runs for cover.


INT. THE JUNK PILE - ON TOP - DAY

Mephistar lookes around, but cannot see Megatron.

MEPHISTAR
Run, Megatron! I will have you yet!


ACT III

EXT. THE CANYON - SOUTH END - EVENING

The sun is starting to set. Waspinator emerges from the canyon, transforms to Wasp mode, then collapses.

WASPINATOR
Eeeer, Waspinator is tired!

Dinobot, in Raptor mode, walks up to him.

DINOBOT
Your shift isn't over yet, insect! Transform and get back to work!

Waspinator turns to face Dinobot, but does not get up.

WASPINATOR
Wwwwwaspinator does not take orders from Mmmmaximals!

DINOBOT
And I don't have to put up with your complaining! Get back to work! Now!

Terrorsaur approaches Dinobot.

TERRORSAUR
(points with wing)
Hey! You can't push him around!

DINOBOT
(deadly)
And what will you do to stop me, bird?

TERRORSAUR
Terrorsaur, terrorize!

Terrorsaur transforms to robot mode. His shoulder cannons appear.

DINOBOT
Dinobot, maximize!

Dinobot transforms to robot mode and produces his weapons.

BLACK ARACHNIA
Freeze, Dinobot!

Dinobot looks down to see Black Arachnia, in robot mode, holding onto  the ledge of the canyon with one arm and aiming her crossbow with the 
other.

Rattrap, in robot mode, appears beside Black Arachnia, aiming his gun at her head.

RATTRAP
Uh, uh, uh! Don't do it, buggo!

WASPINATOR
Waspinator, terrorize!

Waspinator transforms to robot mode and aims his gun at Rattrap.

Rhinox leaps out of the canyon, machine gun drawn.

Tarantulus, in spider mode, emerges from the canyon behind Rhinox. He transforms to robot mode and aims his crossbow at him.

The Predacons and Maximals are in a standoff.

Scorponok and Cheetor emerge from the canyon. They transform to robot mode.

CHEETOR
Everybody, stop! Cool your gears! Let's not do this!

SCORPONOK
(fed up)
Why not, Cheetor? When this is over we're gonna go back to war anyway!

CHEETOR
This is all my fault. I was the one that shot Megatron down into the  canyon and caused it to collapse. This is my responsibility - I have to keep
digging. But I need your help to do it. All your help.

BLACK ARACHNIA
What's this going to prove? So we get our leaders back! So what? Scorponok is right! The beast wars will continue! This alliance hasn't changed a
thing!

CHEETOR
(smiling)
Yes, it has.
(to Scorponok)
You called me Cheetor.

SCORPONOK
What?

CHEETOR
You didn't just call me Maximal. You called me by name.
(beat)
You called me Cheetor.

SCORPONOK
(defensive)
I did not!

CHEETOR
You did, Scorponok.
(beat)
And it's a start.

Dinobot steps forward.

DINOBOT
I hate to interrupt this touching scene, but if we're not going to fight, we'd best get back to work.

One by one, the Predacons and Maximals lower their weapons. They drop back into the canyon to continue working.

WASPINATOR
Errrrr! Waspinator still tired!

RATTRAP
Ah, shut up!


INT. THE HEAP - JUNK PILES NEAR THE CONVEYOR BELT - EVENING

Mephistar is hovering around near the end of the conveyor belt, suspended by bat-like wings from his back.

MEPHISTAR
Come out, Megatron! Don't go out like a coward!

He flies over one of the junk piles.

Megatron, in tyrannosaur mode, explodes out of the pile, grabbing Mephistar's leg in his teeth. He throws Mephistar onto the conveyor belt,
then leaps after him.


INT. THE HEAP - CONVEYOR BELT - EVENING

Megatron lands on the belt as Mephistar is rising to his feet. He  knocks Mephistar over with his head, then steps on his chest.

The belt continues its motion towards the incinerator.

Above, several Dematrons home in on them.

MEGATRON
Dead, yes! But finished, no! Never finished, my friend. (aggressive)
But you are!

MEPHISTAR
(roars)
Never!

Mephistar kicks Megatron off him, then leaps to his feet.

Megatron falls backward and lands on a pile of junk.

MEGATRON
Ung! Megatron, terrorize!

Megatron transforms to robot mode.

Mephistar leaps forward and hits Megatron with his pitchfork. He raises it for another blow as Megatron staggers back, then strikes again.

Megatron deflects the blow with his left-arm tail, then punches Mephistar in the face. Mephistar falls backward, and Megatron keeps up the 
attack. The incinerator is very close now.

The Dematrons fly closer, and aim their pitchforks.

Mephistar falls backward, recovers quickly and points his pitchfork at Megatron's chest.

Megatron points his tyrannosaur-head hand at Mephistar.

MEPHISTAR
When will you learn, Megatron? That won't work here!

MEGATRON
You are so right. In that case...

Megatron snatches the pitchfork away in one swift motion.

MEGATRON
...I'll have to borrow yours. YES!

Megatron shoots flame at Mephistar, who screams.

The Dematrons fire at Megatron.

MEGATRON
(pain)
Eaaahhhh! Wait your turn!

Megatron turns and fires on the Dematrons. They fly out of his line of fire.

Mephistar stands and grabs Megatron around the neck.

MEPHISTAR
This is my domain! None challenge me here! I am Mephistar!

MEGATRON
Yes, but I...
(screams)
...AM MEGATRON!!!

Megatron reaches back and grabs Mephistar, and holds him above his head. He turns, and throws Mephistar into the incinerator.

Mephistar screams as he disappears into the yellow glow of the incinerator core.

Megatron grabs the pitchfork and leaps off the conveyor belt.

INT. THE HEAP - BESIDE THE INCINERATOR - EVENING

Megatron lands beside the Incinerator.

Three Dematrons land before him. They lay down their pitchforks and bow before him.

MEGATRON
I am leaving!

A Dematron points up towards the doorway above.

Megatron climbs up the side of a junk pile beside the incinerator.


INT. THE HEAP - THE PILE BESIDE THE DOORWAY - EVENING

The pile leads up to the doorway, where the tentacle waits.

Megatron races up the side of the pile to the doors.

The tentacle grabs him, and prepares to throw him away.

Megatron stabs down hard with the pitchfork, killing it.


INT. THE GATES OF THE HEAP - EVENING

The Judge sits at his bench, laughing to himself.

JUDGE
I can't believe we got Megatron! That's too much!

The gates of the Heap are suddenly kicked open. Megatron stands in the doorway, holding the pitchfork.

MEGATRON
You had Megatron, yes. But you don't have me now, no!

MEGATRON
(walks forward)
But you... you like it here, don't you?

JUDGE
Well...

Megatron walks over and grabs him.

MEGATRON
Well, since you like the Heap so much, why don't you take a little holiday?

Megatron throws the Judge though the gates.

MEGATRON
All expenses paid. Yes!

Megatron looks upward.


INT. THE HALL OF LEADERS - EVENING

Optimus Primal, back in robot mode, sits uncomfortably in his seat.

Alpha Senior notices this.

ALPHA SENIOR
Optimus, you seem troubled.

OPTIMUS
I feel... like I'm letting my fellow Maximals down. Not to mention 
myself.  Is there no way--

ALPHA SENIOR
--to go back? Believe me, we've all asked that.

OPTIMUS
Hasn't one of you tried?

ALPHA SENIOR
It would not be worth the effort. Here we have sanctuary!

OPTIMUS
Is that all this is? Sanctuary? A safe place to hide your head?

ALPHA SENIOR
You judge us too harshly, Optimus Primal. Out there it's dangerous!

OPTIMUS
Out there, we have a chance! One chance! And I'm not going to give mine up!
Goodbye!

ALPHA SENIOR
Optimus Primal! Wait!

Optimus rushes through the doorway.


INT. THE UPPER PASSAGEWAY - EVENING

Optimus Primal drops head-first down the passage, soaring down into the Matrix chamber.


INT. THE MATRIX CHAMBER - EVENING

Megatron emerges from the hole at the same time that Optimus flies out of the passage. Megatron does not notice Optimus.

MEGATRON
I beat you, Matrix! Do you hear me? I beat you all!


INT. THE CYBERNETIC TUNNEL - EVENING

Megatron bursts into the tunnel, flying away from the light. Optimus follows, gaining speed.

OPTIMUS
You haven't beaten me, Megatron!

Megatron turns to look. First he is surprised, then respectful.

Optimus catches up, and they fly side-by-side.

OPTIMUS
And you never will.

MEGATRON
I shall look forward to proving you wrong. Yes!

The two continue flying down the tunnel.


EXT. THE CANYON - EVENING

The sun has reached the horizon. The Maximals and Predacons are still working their jobs in the canyon.


EXT. THE CANYON - THE BOTTOM - EVENING

Dinobot and Rhinox pull the tree over something that clinks. They turn to look.

Suddenly, Megatron bursts up through the dirt. He is followed an instant later by Optimus Primal. They both leap out of the canyon.


EXT. THE CANYON - UP TOP - EVENING

Megatron lands on the Predacon side of the canyon, and Optimus lands on the Maximal side.

The Predacons and Maximals quickly leave the canyon to rejoin their leaders.


EXT. THE CANYON - PREDACON SIDE - EVENING

The Predacons rejoin Megatron.

MEGATRON
Alive! Yes! Alive!

WASPINATOR
We were so worried!

TERRORSAUR
Yeah! We never stopped digging! Not once!

BLACK ARACHNIA
Oh, brother.


EXT. THE CANYON - MAXIMAL SIDE - EVENING

The Maximals rejoin Optimus Primal. They all ask, in their own way, if he is all right.

OPTIMUS
(smiling)
Yes! I'm fine! Settle down!

They all turn to look at the Predacons, who are turning to look at them.


EXT. THE CANYON - EVENING

The Maximals and Predacons face each other.

OPTIMUS
What now, Megatron?

MEGATRON
We leave. I have had enough victory for one day.
(to Predacons)
Predacons, return to base!

Megatron transforms and leads the Predacons away.

Cheetor, upset, calls after them.

CHEETOR
Wait! We should talk! We should---

Rattrap puts a paw on Cheetor's shoulder.

RATTRAP
Save it, kid. I don't think they're listening.

OPTIMUS
Have I missed something?

RHINOX
Cheetor organized a truce with the Predacons to dig you and Megatron out. I don't know about you,
(looks at Cheetor)
but it was one of the bravest things I've ever seen.

Cheetor brightens a little.

OPTIMUS
Well done, Cheetor. I'm proud of you.
(reflects)
The Maximals could use more courage.

RHINOX
(puzzled)
How so?

OPTIMUS
Let's head back to base, and I'll tell you all about it.

The Maximals turn and leave the canyon, heading south.

Cheetor stops, and looks back at the canyon. He sighs, then follows the others.

THE END