Note from Texan Temptress: Hey yall I just wanted to say i hope everyone had a happy Halloween. And let the Beast Wars Fans enjoy this. Who Ha. Oh one more thing. The italics are camera directions, actions, or tones. The Bold Underline is who is speaking. And the regular is the line.
Hope yall like
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THE AGENDA PT 1
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
est. shot -- space -- the final frontier
A rippling blueish Transwarp Explosion wavefront expands through the stars, moving outward through space and time.
match cut to:
int. maximal base -- rhinox’s screen
Showing a wireframe simulation of the same wavefront moving towards the Cybertron planetary system. Widen to REVEAL RHINOX observing.
rhinox:
Transwarp explosion wavefront should be entering Cybertonian space now. They’ll be detecting it within a few cycles.
He TURNS to face the room. OPTIMUS, RATTRAP, CHEETOR and SILVERBOLT are there, all in robot modes.
rhinox :
This is it! We’re going home!
optimus, cheetor ( unison):
YES!
They high-five each other with transmetallic hands. CLANG! Sparks fly.
on silverbolt Musing reflectively.
silverbolt:
Cybertron. The home I have never known.
rattrap:
Oh, yer gonna love it! I know this little place where ya can get dirty mech-fluid mixed with just a touch o’ radium. Take yer head right off! Not only THAT --
He glances around, sees Cheetor is listening with adolescent interest. Rattrap pulls Silverbolt slightly to one side.
rattrap:
(conspiratorial)
Not only that, but the servin’ bots are walkin’ around minus their torso plates, y’know what I mean? Eh? Eh?
He elbows Silverbolt in the side.
silverbolt:
(dryly)
Yes. Obviously a veritable nexus of culture and refinement. How can I refuse?
Rattrap bristles after him as Silverbolt walks away.
rattrap:
Hey! If ya took that broomstick outa yer tailpipe every once in a while, ya might have some fun for a change!
Cheetor steps up, patting Rattrap on the shoulder.
cheetor:
Aw, forget him, big R. You and I can go to the Six Lasers Over Cybertron amusement park! There’s the Space Slide, and the Galaxy Coasters --
rattrap:
(interrupting)
Kid, don’t make me hurt ya.
cut to:
int. the predacon base -- day
The same wireframe blast wave approaching Cybertron is seen on the Predacon computer. Megatron is watching it, pondering. He shuts it off as Inferno approaches.
Megatron:
Blast. What news of the early humans?
inferno:
Our interrupted attack on the valley caused several tribes to scatter, Royalty. It will be impossible to find them now.
megatron:
Urr. Then I have but one other high-risk option remaining.
inferno:
And that is...?
Megatron’s screen now shows Blackarachnia sneaking out of the base, looking around to make sure she’s not being observed.
megatron:
Gamble. And hope that the dice roll in my favor.
cut to:
ext. a mountain range -- day
Silverbolt (B) flies above it, swooping between and around mountain peaks. Down below is a high ledge, overlooking a waterfall and scenery of spectacularly rugged beauty, like a Maxfield Parrish painting.
Silverbolt swoops down toward it and TRANSFORMS, landing.
closer on silverbolt -- on the ledge
He turns, looking out over the scenery with a reflective, almost sombre _expression. He sighs, a long, reflective exhale.
silverbolt:
(long, quiet sigh)
Suddenly, a blaster enters scene behind him and presses against the back of his neck.
blackarachnia:
I think you’re carrying a graviton generator, Maximal. Hand it over -- or else.
Silverbolt doesn’t flinch. Slowly, nobly, he raises his head, squares his shoulders -- then spins abruptly, grabbing the gun in one hand and yanking. Blackarachnia is jerked forward to crash against him.
blackarachnia:
(startled squalk)
Silverbolt removes the blaster from her unresisting hand.
silverbolt:
(gently)
Why the weapon?
blackarachnia:
I thought... it might make things easier for you.
Silverbolt releases her, turning away slightly.
silverbolt:
Nothing about this is easy.
A compartment in his torso opens and he removes a gizmo about the size of a distributor cap. He turns back to her with it.
blackarachnia:
(snatching it with delight)
You brought it!
She holds it up with delight. Silverbolt’s face registers pain and seriousness.
silverbolt:
Blackarachnia. This isn’t necessary. Cybertron is coming. Join with us. You could be reprogrammed. Remember your protoform was-- a Maximal.
Blackarachnia turns back and studies him carefully.
blackarachnia:
Sorry, chunk-style, but I like being a bad girl. (steps toward him) And you know something else? (she traces a claw-tip over his chestplate) Somewhere, deep beneath this squeaky-clean armor plating of yours... I think you like it too. Hmmm?
She looks up at him. He looks down at her. HOLD a beat as Silverbolt tries to resist...
CAM PANS down to their feet as the weapon Silverbolt was holding and the generator Blackarachnia was holding crash to the ground at the same time.
and cut to:
ext. space -- as before
The Transwarp blast wave expands outward, approaching the Cybertronian system...
ext. predacon outpost command station -- space
Shaped like a cool predatory space station -- not a sphere. The wavefront PASSES OVER IT, triggering SPARK FLARES and ALARM KLAXONS.
predacon computer voice:
Warning! Circuits disrupted! All systems offline!
Lights are going out all over the station.
inside predacon station
Dark inside, with FLASHES of light as sparks FLARE from disrupted equipment. Dark, vaguely-seen ROBOT SHAPES (ref. ep. 34) run in the corridors.
predacon computer voice:
Predacon Command Outpost One inoperative. Emergency power activated.
Dim red emergency lights FLICKER ON in the floor. PUSH IN on them and:
match cut to:
int. tripredicus council room
START TIGHT on an emergency light in the tabletop as it FLICKERS ON. PULL BACK as we SEE that its dim redness vaguely illuminates the robot face of GENERAL RAMHORN. The two other members of the Tripredacus Council, GENERAL SEACLAMP and GENERAL CICADACON, are also dimly visible around the table.
general ramhorn:
Tripredacus Council now in session. General Cicadacon, report.
general cicadacon:
The Transwarp wavefront that disrupted this station has been identified, General Ramhorn. Signature matches that of the ship stolen by Megatron.
general ramhorn:
Megatron. I thought we’d heard the last of that renegade.
general seaclamp:
His ship and the Axalon both vanished last megacycle. The Maximal probes never found them.
general cicadacon:
Yes, but remember, General Seaclamp. WE paid the price in diplomatic repercussions.
The Predacon Generals SNARL at this. Finally General Ramhorn bangs on the table.
general ramhorn:
Generals. Ever since the Autobots defeated our Decepticon ancestors, we Predacons have worked secretly toward the day when we might rise up to take what is rightfully ours.
general seaclamp:
Megatron is brilliant, but a rogue. He causes too much trouble.
general cicadacon:
And apparently he may be up to his old tricks again.
general ramhorn:
If he is, we have to handle the situation first. Before the Maximals find out.
General Cicadacon nods.
general cicadacon:
I have already sent a signal to one of our Cybertron satellites.
cut to:
ext. cybertron -- space
Even as the Transwarp Wave approaches, a satellite EXPLODES in space.
general cicadacon:
It will "accidentally" explode, blocking the Maximal sensors from detecting the Transwarp wave.
The blast plasma explodes outward in a disk that blocks the Transwarp Wavefront as it passes. The wavefront continues on with a disk-shaped hole in it, passing by Cybertron unnoticed.
cut back to:
the tripredacus council
General Seaclamp speaks.
general seaclamp:
And I have arranged for a covert operative. You know the one.
The other two nod and chuckle with grim appreciation.
general seaclamp:
He has been given our secretly developed Transwarp cruiser.
cut to:
ext. predacon command outpost -- space
Still dark, but now a spaceship launches away from it. The spaceship SHIMMERS and CLOAKS as it passes camera, only a ripple in the stars marking its passage.
general seaclamp:
He will trace the transwarp wave back to its source.
cut back to:
the tripredacus council
Seaclamp looks grim.
general seaclamp:
If Megatron is discovered still operating his own agenda, what are the agent’s instructions?
on general ramhorn
Looking grimmer.
general ramhorn:
Terminate. With extreme prejudice.
fade out
end act one
act two
fade in:
establishing shot -- the maximal base -- day
Silverbolt flies down toward it. Sentinel is on, but it drops briefly to let him through.
int. maximal base
Silverbolt (R) rises up in the elevator. The other Maximals are at their control chairs. Optimus is standing near the elevator. He turns to look at Silverbolt as he enters.
optimus:
About time you got back. Sentinel’s on full alert.
silverbolt:
(headed for his control chair)
Is there trouble?
Optimus studies the scanner screens, which are sweeping the outside territory.
optimus:
It’s now or never for Megatron. If Cybertron shows, he’ll need hostages.
on silverbolt’s command chair
At the console next to Rattrap’s. Silverbolt sits, begins clicking switches. Rattrap eyes him.
rattrap:
So. Where were ya, bird-dog?
silverbolt:
(stiffly)
Scout patrol.
Rattrap raises an eyebrow. Silverbolt ignores him. Rattrap thoughtfully returns to his controls.
rattrap:
(sotto, as he works)
Oh yeah, yeah. Scouting th’ enemy, yeah.
(innocent)
Find any new... positions?
Silverbolt explodes out of his seat, grabbing Rattrap by the shoulders and lifting furiously.
on rhinox and optimus Reacting.
rhinox:
HEY!
optimus:
What’s going on here!?
on rattrap and silverbolt
Rattrap is still dangling in Silverbolt’s grip.
rattrap:
How should I know? This hotheaded hound just went postal on me!
Silverbolt slowly lowers Rattrap to the ground and turns stiffly.
silverbolt:
My... apologies. I over-reacted.
on optimus
Studying them both carefully.
optimus:
Believe me, I know Rattrap can have that effect, but now is not the time. Back to your posts.
Silverbolt and Rattrap both get back in their seats, turn back to their controls.
closer on rattrap
With a sidelong glance at Silverbolt.
rattrap:
(to himself)
Think I touched a nerve.
back on optimus
Studying the main scanner.
optimus:
I want you all to stay alert. Report any motion, any unusual readings. The attack will come -- but it may be subtle.
fast cut to:
ext. long on the maximal base
As Rampage (Tank Mode) POPS UP over a ridge with barrel pointing down.
fast insert shot
As his turret chambers a massive shell with an "Atomic" symbol on the tip --
long again
Rampage FIRES. BOOM! BABOOOOOOOOM! The tactical nuke streaks down and EXPLODES against the base shield in a devastating blue-white blast.
int. maximal base -- optimus
Clutching at a stanchion as the entire base ROCKS and equipment SPARKS.
optimus:
Or, it may not.
on cheetor
Spinning in his still-shaking command chair and saluting.
cheetor:
Subtle attack detected, Big Bot!
silverbolt:
(clicking switches)
Shields at forty percent and falling!
on optimus
Commanding
Optimus:
External autoguns online!
ext. maximal base
Three autogun emplacements EMERGE from the rocks outside Sentinel and begin FIRING. No sooner do they do so however when Megatron, Inferno, and Waspinator SWOOP IN and FIRE. The autoguns are DESTROYED.
int. again -- on rattrap and silverbolt
Rattrap reacts to the swift destruction of the autoguns.
rattrap:
Hunh! Short an’ stinky. Whatd’ya do?
silverbolt:
Given our proximity, I breathe through my mouth.
rattrap:
Hey!
ext. the maximal base -- wide
Megatron, Inferno and Waspinator have landed and are firing at the base. Rampage and Quickstrike, still in the rocks, are also attacking. The base is being slammed with blaster fire.
cut to:
high aerial shot
Showing the blossoms of fire erupting from the battle. PULL WAY BACK to the stratosphere and then PAN UP to reveal the stars of space...
A WORMHOLE opens there and something emerges. The stealth-cloaked ship, seen only as a ripple in the light, sails down toward the distant explosions of the battle.
ext. the maximal base again
Getting rocked and hammered by the fury of the assault.
int. maximal base
The whole place is shaking, lights flickering and alarms sounding. Everyone is frantic at their controls.
silverbolt:
Shields at twenty percent and falling!
cheetor:
We’re losing weapons systems power!
rhinox:
Backup grid online, but it won’t last!
optimus:
Any sign of Cybertron ships?
ON rattrap
Hammering on his board.
rattrap:
Nada! Ain’t a blip on the’ boards anywhere!
on optimus
Looking grim and flipping out his weapons.
optimus:
Then stand ready, team. We may have to--
(as the base suddenly SHAKES with distant explosions)
What!?
ext. base -- wide
The cloaked ship, still only a shimmer in the air, is hovering above the Maximal base, FIRING on the Predacon attackers. Explosions BLAST and BILLOW amongst the rocks.
on quickstrike and inferno
Reacting in consternation.
quickstrike:
What in tarnation!? Whar’s thet firepower comin’ from!?
inferno:
Royalty! I cannot see a target for my flame!
on megatron
Also scanning the skies as explosions still BLAST.
megatron:
No, you can’t, can you?
(slight smile)
Hmmm.
He DUCKS slightly as another blast ERUPTS near him.
megatron:
All Predacons! Return to base!
He converts to Vehicle Mode and ROARS LOW across the landscape as the other Predacons also flee.
megatron:
(to himself)
It is time to increase my wager.
cut to:
int. the maximal base
All is quiet. The Maximals are reacting to the cessation of the attack.
rattrap:
What th’ heck just happened?
optimus:
We had... help.
rattrap:
No way! I was scannin’ across th’ board! Wasn’t nothin, no way, nada, out there!
on cheetor
Staring at the main scanner.
Cheetor:
Then what would you call -- this?
The others look -- and REACT. As the main scanner CLEARS STATIC, we SEE a sleek-looking and slightly malevolent black spacecraft has landed not far away. They all stare at it for a long moment. Then Optimus speaks.
optimus:
Lower the shields.
rattrap:
WHAT!? Please tell me that new brain o’ yours is still under warranty! That ain’t no Maximal ship!
Optimus gives him a look.
optimus:
If it wanted to attack us it would have done so already. Lower the shields.
on rhinox
Already working his controls.
rhinox:
Sentinel standing down.
wide -- ext. the base
A stealthy figure -- like the ship before, just a shimmer in the air -- drifts through the air toward the Maximal base as Sentinel lowers. The invisible figure lands noiselessly beside the roof hatch.
on the maximals
Still gathered around the main scanner, staring at the silent black ship on their screen.
silverbolt:
Strange. One would think a greeting would be the next step.
rattrap:
Hey, not everybody’s so palsy with th’ enemy, bonebreath.
Silverbolt shoots him a searing glance, which Optimus notices. But Rhinox is already speaking.
rhinox:
Tried all the hailing frequencies. No response -- hunh!?
He turns, REACTING upward to a flood of light. The others react to. WIDEN to REVEAL the roof hatch opening.
optimus:
Scanners!
Rattrap is already tapping keys.
rattrap:
Nothin’ up there! Nothin! Man, this is gettin’ weirder an’ weirder...
on silverbolt
Straightening and sniffing the air.
silverbolt:
I smell something. Someone’s here! Someone we can’t see!
They all spin, yanking out weapons.
cheetor:
What do you think it is, Big Bot?
on optimus
Looking grim, weapons scanning the room.
optimus:
Not what. Who.
cheetor:
Hunh?
optimus:
(darkly)
After the Great War, a few Decepticons were granted amnesty. Most have retired, but rumor has it that one was reprogrammed and rebuilt -- as a Predacon!
At that moment -- BLAMMABLAMMABLAM! Blasts streak from nowhere, SHOOTING the weapons from their hands.
optimus, cheetor, rattrap, rhinox
(startled Hey!s)
ravage:
(echoing laughter)
Clutching his hand, Optimus glares as a shape SHIMMERS into existence in the center of the room, a blaster held in each hand. This is RAVAGE. In shape, he is a metallic black panther with mounted side jets, walking upright. A repainted and slightly altered Transmetal Cheetor Vehicle Mode (with hands, feet, and bigger side jets) will work. He will not transform.
Optimus:
RAVAGE!
PUSH IN on Ravage as he:
Ravage:
(chuckles triumphantly)
and fade out
end act two
Act three
Fade in:
wide shot -- int. maximal base -- as before
Ravage grins, then cross-holsters both weapons (Right-hand weapon to left holster, etc. Gives a Slavic feel.) He CLICKS his heels in greeting. (VOICE NOTE: Ravage did not speak in the original G1 series, only growled. Here, I am attempting a slight Slavic accent -- polite, but with dangerous undertones.) Physically, I suggest playing him almost like Claude Raines in "Casablanca."
Ravage:
Very good, Optimus Primal. I see now how you have survived against Megatron this long.
cheetor:
Well, technically -- URK!
Rhinox has elbowed him, gives a warning shake of the head.
ravage:
You will pardon my shooting the weapons from your hands. I only wished to avoid any regrettable - accidents- to my person.
Rattrap scowls.
RAttrap:
Yeah? Well next time try th’ front door!
Optimus holds up a restraining hand.
optimus:
Rattrap, please.
rattrap:
PLEASE!? For bootin’ up cold! Th’ only thing worsen’ a stinkin’ Pred is a stinkin’ Decepticon!
Optimus:
Shut UP, Rattrap!
(quieter, to Ravage)
Forgive us. We’ve been fighting Megatron a long time.
closer on ravage
Smiling sympathetically.
ravage:
For which the Predacon Alliance is deeply apologetic, I assure you. This is why I am here.
(clicks heels again)
Covert Agent Ravage, at your service.
on rhinox
Frowning with suspicion.
rhinox:
Wait a cycle. What about the Maximals?
ravage:
I’m afraid the transwarp wave was very weak. Only the Predacon sensors detected it. You understand we would prefer to handle this situation... discretely?
rhinox
(growl)
ravage:
(looking around)
I must say, some of you look... different than I was expecting.
On optimus
Giving a short, mirthless laugh.
optimus:
We’ve had some interesting times.
and cut to:
int. predacon base -- tarantulas’ old lair
Still wrecked, but one side of it has been cleared. Blackarachnia is there, with Quickstrike’s old Stasis Pod on hydraulic lifts. She is installing the Graviton generator she got from Silverbolt.
blackarachnia:
(humming a tune)
There.
Suddenly she REACTS to:
megatron:
(distant bellow)
BLACKARACHNIAAA!
blackarachnia:
Uh oh. Sounds like old purpleface has a bug up his duct about something.
She hits a button. The stasis pod lowers into the floor and a cover slides over the top.
int. predacon base -- main chamber
Megatron has Rampage and Waspinator before him.
megatron:
Rampage. Position yourself in Subsector Hooks. I know I can count on your... best efforts. Hmm?
He taps the compartment in his chest meaningfully. Rampage GROWLS but veers his platform away into the darkness. At that moment Blackarachnia RISES into scene.
blackarachnia:
You bellowed?
megatron:
I did, yes. We missed you at the battle today, Blackarachnia.
blackarachnia:
I was... occupied.
megatron:
Really.
(significant pause)
Well. So long as you’re here, get to your battle station. I anticipate an attack at any moment.
blackarachnia:
Yes, Megatron.
She veers her cart off. PUSH IN on Megatron as he watches her out of the corner of his eye. When she is just far enough, he speaks.
megatron:
(projecting slightly)
Ahem! Waspinator!
on blackarachnia
Reacting as she hears:
megatron:
I have a special assignment for you.
waspinator
Oh, joy!
Blackarachnia dodges her platform into concealment and pauses, listening.
Megatron:
I need you to journey to the following coordinates...
PUSH IN on Blackarachnia, looking excited.
blackarachnia:
(sotto excitement)
This is it!
and cut to:
ext. the skies -- day
We SEE Ravage’s ship (uncloaked) zooming along through the air.
int. ship -- day
Showing Ravage at the controls and the other Maximals standing behind him, armed and ready.
rattrap:
So this is it? We just blast our way in and finish this thing?
ravage:
The ship is our advantage. Cloaking now.
he PLUGS his hands into the control panel. Ravage goes invisible and the rest of the ship does as well, including its passengers. (NOTE: Ravage’s stealth powers provide the cloaking. The ship cannot cloak unless he is connected.)
rattrap:
Man, I hope this is enough!
ravage :
Oh, we have one other advantage as well.
angle on tarantulas’ secret lair
As the ripple of the stealthed ship streaks overhead, Tarantulas ROARS out in vehicle mode and follows it.
cut to:
int. predacon base -- on megatron
Inferno is clicking switches excitedly.
inferno:
Activating scanners now, Royalty!
megatron:
(waving a desultory hand)
Don’t bother.
ext. the predacon base -- wide
The cloaked ship sails in over it to HOVER -- and UNCLOAKS.
inT. ship -- tight on optimus
optimus:
Let’s do it!
YANK BACK WIDE as he HITS a button. The floor OPENS and the Maximals DROP OUT, converting to Vehicle Mode as they do so. (Rhinox stays in Robot Mode)
optimus, cheetor, rattrap, silverbolt, rhinox
(attack yell!)
new angle -- dramatic
They SAIL DOWN from the ship as autoguns SPRING UP, firing. Explosions blast around them.
int. stealth ship -- ravage
Chuckling as the ship rocks slightly.
ravage:
Really, Megatron. Is that the best you can do?
dramatic -- rampage
Rising from the rocks and converting to tank mode. He FIRES another of his Specials. BA-BOOOOM! The whole area goes white for a second.
back inside the ship
Ravage struggle back upright. The ship is sparking and crackling.
Ravage:
All right, that was impressive. Return fire.
ext. wide
Rampage fires another blockbuster, which rocks the ship. But this time it returns fire with a massive blast of its own, SMASHING Rampage backward in a heap.
on optimus primal
As Rhinox, on the ground, exchanges fire with Inferno, Optimus SWOOPS overhead and SMASHES an autogun with his fist.
on rattrap
He RAMPS UP a stone outcropping in Vehicle mode and TRANSFORMS in the air to Robot Mode, BLASTING a hole in the side of the Pred base with his weapon. He SAILS in through the hole.
on cheetor
Streaking toward Waspinator, who is rising from the base in Beast Mode. Cheetor TRANSFORMS to Robot Mode, aiming his weapon.
cheetor:
You’re mine, bug-boy! YAAAH!
An unexpected autogun below BLASTS him, knocking him sideways. Waspinator STREAKS past, blowing a raspberry.
waspinator:
(razzberry)
on optimus
Converting to Robot Mode he BLASTS the autogun, then REACTS.
optimus:
Silverbolt!
new angle -- long shot
Showing Blackarachnia, RISING from the base in the stasis pod, which she has converted to a flying vehicle. Silverbolt is not far away.
optimus:
Take her down!
on silverbolt
Reacting. He TRANSFORMS to Robot Mode, his wing-weapons swinging around...
on blackarachnia
Starting to accelerate, looking straight at him.
on silverbolt
Trying to fire, visibly torn, almost shaking --
optimus:
Silverbolt! DO IT!
on blackarachnia
With a half-mocking smile and a wink, she streaks away into the distance, following Waspinator. PAN OVER to Silverbolt, whose head slumps --
on optimus
Narrowing his gaze angrily, but he’s distracted by fire from Inferno. WIDEN as Optimus SPINS in the air and returns fire with a barrage that BLOWS Inferno backward.
cut to:
int. predacon base -- on megatron
Railing as the base ROCKS with fire from outside.
megatron:
No! Keep fighting! Backup autoguns online!
pred computer:
Backup autoguns acti--(trails off like an unplugged record player)
All the lights go out. Everything shuts down.
megatron:
What!?
Suddenly -- SHOOP! SHOOP! SHOOP! Three glowing powerbonds WHIP around him and lock tight, pinioning his arms to his sides. And at the same time, ECHOING LAUGHTER fills the dark room.
ravage:
(echoing triumphant laughter)
Megatron glares around...
new angle -- dramatic
With a SHIMMER, Ravage APPEARS in the air, hovering above the lava on his jets, facing Megatron triumphantly.
ravage:
Greetings, Megatron.
CAM WIDENS to REVEAL that Optimus, Rattrap, Rhinox, Cheetor, and Silverbolt have also entered the base and are facing Megatron with weapons ready.
ravage:
In the name of the P-- ON MEGATRON
Bound and furious. FREEZE FRAME as he SNARLS and SUPERIMPOSE: to be continued
then:
crash to black
end act three
end part one
--ax Cybertronia and the Predacon Alliance -- you are under arrest!