White Matrix

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White Matrix I, pt. 1
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

The Maximals lick their wounds on the damaged Gung Ho. The Insectrons are working hard at quickly repairing the smashed hull of the craft. SCISSORBOY is the only one still inside, walking with SCUBA to the main part of the ship.

SCISSORBOY: Should we even tell him?

SCUBA: As much as Lio's been down, I don't know.

SCISSORBOY: Maybe this will cheer him up.

In the main lounge, LIO CONVOY sits quietly. APACHE has been talking to him, trying to console his friend, yet little has seemed to work. LIO CONVOY remains downcast, his optics very dim.

APACHE: Galvatron isn't a god, Lio Convoy. Why are you doing this to yourself?

LIO CONVOY (quietly): I can't defeat him, Apache.

APACHE: You don't have to - not alone. We're a team, Lio. We'll find a way to defeat Galvatron together, somehow.

LIO CONVOY: I hope your right. But his power -

SCUBA (off camera): His power can be his weakness.

SCUBA steps in with SCISSORBOY. Both of them are carrying equipment, before they sit it down and step forward. SCUBA continues to look over one piece, a scanner of some sort. APACHE and LIO CONVOY look over, curious.

APACHE: His weakness?

SCISSORBOY: We've been looking at Galvatron's abilities, and have noticed a pattern.

LIO CONVOY: A pattern?

SCUBA: Yes - well, it's both good and bad news. The bad news is that he's getting more and more powerful with each source of Angolmois he absorbs.

APACHE (flatly): Somehow, I'm not reassured.

SCISSORBOY: There is good news, however.

LIO CONVOY (mildly impatient): Which is?

SCUBA: He has to absorb larger amounts to recover. It's like an addiction, he requires more to satiate his hunger, and to keep himself alive.

APACHE (considering): Then he's been inactive so long to store his energon up. Hitting sites when he has his strength, then keeping quiet.

LIO CONVOY stands and considers a moment. He steps over to SCUBA and SCISSORBOY, rationing out what they're telling him.

LIO CONVOY (distant): Can Galvatron store enough energon to keep him permanently powered?

SCISSORBOY: Permanently? No, at this rate, he'll burn up energon faster and faster until he can't sustain himself. It's only a matter of time.

LIO CONVOY: Not with this type of energon, Scissor. Galvatron wouldn't feed like this unless he knew he had a way to beat it.

SCUBA (confused): A permanent solution? I don't see -

LIO CONVOY (distant): He told me about this energon, Scuba. He claims the Angolmois energon is the same raw material that was used to create the Matrix.

SCUBA (stunned): The Matrix? Is that possible?

LIO CONVOY: I didn't believe him at first, but now - I'm not so sure.

APACHE: Galvatron's after his own Matrix? Is that what this is all about?

SCISSORBOY: My Primus. With that much power, in one form - we would never stop him. I'm not sure anyone could.

LIO CONVOY (flatly): No, we couldn't.

APACHE: Then we put him down, once and for all.

SCUBA: Sure, but how?

APACHE: Lure him into a trap. He wants energon, we'll give it to him, like a rat going after cheese.

SCISSORBOY (smirking): Good plan. We'll go feed him.

LIO CONVOY (hesitant): A trap. I'm not sure -

SCUBA: It makes sense. We'll set a trap for Galvatron, using energon as bait, and concentrate on taking him out.

LIO CONVOY: And the other Predacons?

APACHE: We'll keep them at bay long enough to hurt Galvatron.

SCISSORBOY (hesitant): Fight them, you mean.

APACHE: Yes, we'll need to.

SCISSORBOY (flatly): No.

SCUBA (surprised): What?

SCISSORBOY: Stopping Galvatron is one thing, but we're not going to fight the others.

SCUBA (upset): But we need -

LIO CONVOY: No, Scuba. He's right. The Insectrons are still kindred to the Predacons. It wouldn't be right for us to demand that they fight their brothers.

APACHE: We'll be grossly outgunned without them.

SCISSORBOY: I'm sorry. We just can't fight them directly.

LIO CONVOY: You continue repairing the ship instead, Scissor.

APACHE: We're going through with this, then?

LIO CONVOY: If Galvatron is trying to create a corrupted Matrix, we don't have a choice. We'll catch him. Scuba, you and Diver will be responsible for setting the trap. Apache, you and the rest of the Maximals will keep the other Predacons at bay.

SCUBA: I think we have a site selected. We just need to let Galvatron know about it.

The Gigaplex's dark armor glints against the morning sun. The base mode overlooks the jungles menacingly, as if seeking some dominance. MEGASTORM emerges from inside, with GIGASCOUTER, STARSCREAM, BB, THRUST and DIRGE each already waiting for him.

MEGASTORM: Status report?

GIGASCOUTER: No word.

STARSCREAM: Three days with no contact. Something's happened, Megastorm.

GIGASCOUTER: Starscream is correct, the Autorollers have been missing too long.

MEGASTORM (firmly): I'm not willing to count them as lost.

GIGASCOUTER: You should. At least we should consider our options at this point.

MEGASTORM: With them missing, the Maximal situation unknown, and Galvatron on the lose, we adopt a defensive policy.

BB: Roger.

THRUST (quickly): I'm getting something on long range rader.

MEGASTORM looks at thrust, then motions to STARSCREAM. STARSCREAM sighs and scans out over the horizon, as does GIGASCOUTER. STARSCREAM nearly lets out a sigh as he makes out five shapes coming at them from the air.

STARSCREAM: Incoming.

GIGASCOUTER: The Autorollers have returned.

THRUST: Yeah, in attack formation.

DIRGE: Death comes to those who betray us.

MEGASTORM: Stand down, Dirge. It seems like the Autorollers have found their prey.

STARSCREAM (smirking): And joined him.

MEGASTORM: He must have threatened him. They have no love for Galvatron.

GIGASCOUTER: Do we fight?

MEGASTORM: He's not here to destroy us. He's just here for me.

STARSCREAM scowls, but turns to watch the AUTOROLLERs land and advance. MEGASTORM raises his hand, stopping the fliers and GIGASCOUTER from counter-attacking. After a moment, GALVATRON himself lands, converting to his robot mode, but keeping his wings fanned out.

MEGASTORM (coolly): Galvatron.

GALVATRON (surprised): You forces to do not defend themselves, Megastorm?

MEGASTORM: Our forces do not wish to fight one-another. This is between the two of us.

GALVATRON: Agreed. For the command of the Predacons -

GALVATRON rears his wings and dives down, ready to strike at MEGASTORM, who lock and loads his cannon. As the two combatants rush forward, the other Predacons simply are sure to move out of the way.

White Matrix I, pt. 2
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

GALVATRON rushes in, and scores the first hit. His wings rake along MEGASTORM's cannon. The large ground-pounder backs away from the strike and fires, but his shot is off. The blast angles away, coming very near the Gigaplex instead. GIGASCOUTER leaps from the shot and transforms, linking up to the base itself for safety.

MEGASTORM (scowling): Damn you.

GALVATRON (amused): More than you know.

MEGASTORM kicks up, smashing his powerful legs into GALVATRON's stomach. The Predacon commander growls out and doubles over from the blast. MEGASTORM leaps back and fires again, ready to follow through, but GALVATRON is quicker, throwing forward his wings. They detach and launch out, absorbing the blast and then threatening MEGASTORM with their serrated edge.

AUTOLAUNCHER (worried): Commander!

AUTOCRASHER: We have to stay out of it.

MEGASTORM ducks back, then transforms to his more compact tank mode. Again, he fires, this time backing up his main weapon with machine-gun fire as the wings miss their mark and swoop just above him. GALVATRON too transforms, however, his drill-tank mode emerging from a shifting array of blades and components.

GALVATRON (growling): We finish this.

GALVATRON's own chain guns open fire on MEGASTORM. MEGASTORM turns slightly aside, letting the shots bounce mostly harmlessly against his heavy armor, and turning his main turret against his foe. GALVATRON charges forward, however, and smashes into MEGASTORM's hull.

MEGASTORM: Megastorm, terrorize!

MEGASTORM transforms, and widens his optics to see GALVATRON coming down on him now in dragon mode. He rolls away and fires again, sending shells up the powerful Predacon's chest. GALVATRON roars out, and opens up with his own flame. The earth is blasted away as MEGASTORM moves to dodge. GALVATRON ceases his attack, but the flames come too near AUTOSTINGER and AUTOCRASHER, who quickly move aside out of harm's way.

MEGASTORM (distracted): My troops.

GALVATRON: Galvatron, terrorize.

MEGASTORM turns to see GALVATRON returning to his imposing robot mode. MEGASTORM braces, seemingly ready to counterstrike, but he holds back. GALVATRON brings back his arms and thrusts his chest forward, unleashing a blast from the Heart of Cybertron itself.

GALVATRON (wild): I am your leader!

MEGASTORM is hit hard in the chest. The warrior flies back, hitting the ground and sliding near STARSCREAM and BB. The two fliers hesitate, then back up as GALVATRON moves closer, intent on finishing the job.

STARSCREAM (quietly): He's too dangerous to all of this like this.

MEGASTORM sits up a little, firing another blast into GALVATRON. This time it hits, but GALVATRON is too crazed with power to even notice it. The Predacon commander fires again, but MEGASTORM rolls out of the way. Seeing the blast, however, he makes his decision.

MEGASTORM (grimly): All right.

MEGASTORM stands again, with the other Predacons waiting a bit unsure. GALVATRON seems ready to use his killing blow, powering up the Heart of Cybertron for an attack, but MEGASTORM raises his hand first. GALVATRON hesitates, and looks at his opponent curiously.

MEGASTORM (grumbling): All right, I surrender. You have command.

MEGASTORM wipes the spilt oil from his damaged chin, and composes himself. GALVATRON lands across from him, narrowing his optics. MEGASTORM composes himself somewhat, having taken little actual damage from the fight. Sadly, the same cannot be said of the surrounding terrain.

GALVATRON (menacingly): And who do you serve, Megastorm?

MEGASTORM: I serve the Predacons.

GALVATRON (impatient): And who leads them?

MEGASTORM: You, Galvatron.

GALVATRON smiles and then opens up a quiet laugh in his triumph. BB, STARSCREAM and AUTOLAUNCHER step over, taking position and checking over the ground warrior. GALVATRON turns to the other assembled Predacons.

GALVATRON: Predacons, we are united again! And your true leader has returned!

THRUST and DIRGE: Hail Galvatron.

STARSCREAM (quietly): This isn't good.

BB: Roger.

At the top of the volcano, DIVER, SCUBA, and BIG HORN are making arrangements and are setting the explosives. KID is fueling the three Maximal fighters that will be used in the coming battle. DJ, GIMLET, and MOTORARM check over their own systems. None of the assembled troops look very confident over what is to come.

DIVER (sighing): It was my grandfather's dying with that I didn't play with explosives.

BIG HORN: How else do you think we're going to bury him?

DIVER: Shovels?

SCUBA (smirking): If he's really patient, sure.

BIG HORN: Just be thankful all you have to do is blow the place when we tell you do. Lio's got the hard part of the job.

DIVER: So what was Lio's part in this again? No one told me.

SCUBA (quietly): He has to keep Galvatron from actually getting to the Angolmois below.

DIVER (fearful): Oh, Primus.

APACHE and LIO CONVOY walk through the caves of the volcano. The wafting of smoke is thick, but the two Maximal warriors manage to move through. LIO CONVOY stops and quickly converts to robot mode. He steps forward a bit more, reaching a large lava cavern. APACHE transforms and steps into place behind him.

LIO CONVOY: Here. The strongest concentration of Angolmois is nearby, in the lava.

APAHCE: This is where Galvatron will target then. It should be easy enough to trap him down here.

LIO CONVOY (distantly): Maybe.

APACHE: Scuba and Kid are already setting the charges above us. The hard part looks like it will be keeping the other Predacons away from here.

LIO CONVOY (quietly): If this fails, Apache, promise me that you'll see the others to safety.

APACHE (worried): This isn't going to fail, Lio.

LIO CONVOY: It might, and you know it. I may not be able to stop Galvatron. If I can't, then you're in command. Promise me you'll see to the other's safety first.

APACHE turns and sighs, stepping forward to his commander. LIO CONVOY steps back, emotionally needing to keep his distance. APACHE relents, lowering his optics.

LIO CONVOY (firmly): Promise me.

APACHE (sighing): All right. All right, I promise.

SCUBA (on radio): The charges are set, and all units are in place.

APACHE (to radio): All right, Scuba.

LIO CONVOY: Get going, Apache. Scuba, transmit to the Insectrons that we've set up camp.

At the Gigaplex, AUTOLAUNCHER, STARSCREAM, and MEGASTORM have moved away from the other Predacons. GALVATRON, talking with some of the remaining troops, looks back on them, and watches them speak - but they are out of earshot.

MEGASTORM (grumbling): I can't believe you joined him willingly.

AUTOLAUNCHER: It's not like I had much choice, Megastorm.

MEGASTORM: Perhaps not.

AUTOLAUNCHER: He seems sane enough for the moment.

STARSCREAM (smirking): So now what? You think Galvatron's going to change?

MEGASTORM looks over to GALVATRON and rubs some of the stiffness of his injuries. MEGASTORM just shakes his head in reflection.

MEGASTORM: Galvatron is like Megatron, without the redeeming features. I don't know, Starscream. That's what scares me most.

MEGASTORM again turns to GALVATRON and starts to return to his sometimes commander. STARSCREAM and AUTOLAUNCHER exchange a look, but follow suit. AUTOJETTER, however, suddenly gets distracted.

GALVATRON: Autojetter?

AUTOJETTER: I'm intercepting a Maximal transmission.

STARSCREAM: Anything interesting?

AUTOJETTER (calmly): They're relocating. They've found a new energon source. Part of their force is going to claim it. The other remains at their base.

MEGASTORM: This is an opportunity to strip down their ranks.

GALVATRON: It's the energon that concerns me, Megastorm. Predacons, prepare for immediate assault. Ready the Gigaplex for launch.

GALVATRON leaps up, taking to the air and gliding inside the base. THRUST, DIRGE and AUTOJETTER also follow inside, leaving AUTOLAUNCHER, STARSCREAM, and MEGASTORM behind.

MEGASTORM (grimly): Again, the energon concerns him.

STARSCREAM: Angolmois, no doubt.

AUTOLAUNCHER (confused): Why does Galvatron want the energon now? We've enough power to take out the Maximals as it is. When they're gone we can get it at his leisure.

MEGASTORM: Galvatron isn't concerned with the Maximals, or with us.

STARSCREAM: (smirking): All those Maximals around, Megastorm. The battle could provide an opportunity, you realize - perhaps your last.

MEGASTORM (growling): I won't resort to your tactics, Starscream.

STARSCREAM: You should. It will be all of our funerals otherwise.

STARSCREAM turns, followed by BB. The two fliers head off and join the others to return inside the base. MEGASTORM lowers his head and shakes it. He draws in a breath and looks up to the Gigaplex, as if looking inside.

MEGASTORM (grumbling): Damn you for being right, Starscream.

MEGASTORM, at last, heads inside.

White Matrix I, pt. 3
by Neale Davidson (neale@iquest.net)

Moving low over the jungle canopies, the awesome sight of the gigaplex is a stark contrast to the natural beauty beneath it. Inside its command tower, MEGASTORM waits, his optics scanning in the distance as the jungle gives way to the rocky volcanic range ahead.

MEGASTORM: There, there is the target.

GIGASCOUTER: No sign of the Maximals yet.

MEGASTORM: Are the others in position?

GIGASCOUTER: Affirmative. Galvatron and the Autorollers are in place.

MEGASTORM (smirking): He's more crafty than I imagined. All right, Gigascouter, bring us in and launch the fliers.

On the volcano itself, DJ, MOTORARM and GIMLET wait in their beast modes over some thrown together foliage. As DJ spies the four shapes of BB, STARSCREAM, THRUST and DIRGE coming from the underbelly of the oncoming Gigaplex, they grab the make-shift tarp and reveal three fighters, piloted by KID, APACHE, and BIG HORN.

DJ: First wave, fiesta time!

APACHE (calmly): Maximals, launch and engage.

KID: This isn't what I meant when I said I wanted excitement, Apache.

BIG HORN: Next time, don't ask.

The three fighters power up and kick in their engines. The Jointrons move aside as the trio of fighters rush forward to do battle, already opening fire on their Predacon attackers. STARSCREAM and BB arc gracefully aside from the battle, letting THRUST and DIRGE do the work for now.

STARSCREAM: Just watch for now, BB.

BB: Roger.

Inside the volcano's caves, SCUBA and DIVER are checking over the explosives once again. The two Maximals appear even more nervous than their comrades outside in the battle. SCUBA turns back away from a large cliff wall leading to the tunnels below.

SCUBA: When Lio gives the order, we've only got two minutes to get out of here.

DIVER (worried): Yeah, that's not a lot of time.

SCUBA (calmly): Plenty of time to get out of these tunnels, Diver. Just turn the bombs on then get the slag out of here. It's as simple as that.

DIVER: I just wish it was over with.

SCUBA is about to counter DIVER but a small rumbling interrupts them. DIVER stammers back a bit, as does SCUBA as they look around to see what's going on.

DIVER: Slaggit. I knew this volcano was active but -

SCUBA (worried): It doesn't feel like -

As SCUBA tries to take stock of the situation, it changes. The far cave wall shatters as a AUTOSTINGER's vehicular mode has dug and rammed its way up through the volcano tunnels. Behind him, AUTOCRASHER, AUTOJETTER, and AUTOLAUNCHER each step forward in their robot modes, weapons out.

AUTOSTINGER: Maximals, found.

AUTOCRASHER: And the entire place is rigged to explode.

AUTOLAUNCHER: Well we can't have that. Not yet anyway.

SCUBA: Dammit, no. Lio - Lio come in!

AUTOJETTER (smirking): Can't have that either.

AUTOLAUCHER: Autorollers, terminate these two.

AUTOJETTER and AUTOCRASHER nod and start opening fire at SCUBA, who is the closest target. DIVER turns quickly and leaps to SCUBA, knocking him down, but getting hit with a combined blast from both the Autrollers. The two Maximals fall over the cliff wall, towards the lower tunnels. AUTOLAUNCHER growls and motions AUTOJETTER forward to investigate.

AUTOLAUNCHER: Well?

AUTOJETTER (musing): I can't tell, they've fallen into the crevices. But they're not going anywhere, now. They're trapped.

THRUST and DIRGE rush down, catching KID's fighter in a crossfire. Try as he might, the young Maximal is simply no match for the two trained Predacon fighters, and he can't escape. As his fighter begins to rupture from the assault, he ejects, seeking safety away from his attackers.

KID (nervous): This is not good, definitely not good.

THRUST: Don't lose track of him, I'm on the other two.

KID (calling out): I need cover!

APACHE (on radio): We've got you, Kid.

APACHE and BIG HORN circle around an open fire, sending their fighters into the frey. THRUST and DIRGE each pull around and dodge the attacks with relative grace. APACHE slams his fist into his controls and brings his craft back around.

BIG HORN (snapping): They're too good in the air. How are we going to buy Lio any time?

APACHE (nervous): Just hang in there. Lio will have it covered.

Below, in the depths of the volcano, LIO CONVOY waits. He stands, arms crossed and weapons already brought to bear. As a dark shape moves at the other end of the chamber, he turns to face his foe.

LIO CONVOY: That's far enough, Galvatron.

GALVATRON: You think you're here to stop me? How noble of you.

LIO CONVOY (firmly): You won't get this energon. This ends now.

GALVATRON (darkly): I'm not here for the energon, Lio Convoy.

LIO CONVOY's optics widen at that, in genuine surprise. GALVATRON steps forward, exposing himself more to the dim light of the lava in the chamber.

GALVATRON: All of this trouble, just to die, Lio Convoy? I'm impressed.

LIO CONVOY (grim): You knew.

GALVATRON (smirking): It was obvious. You've never shown such interest in the Angolmois before. You've only wanted to stop me from getting to it. This time, you claimed to want it for yourself. I knew better.

LIO CONVOY: Why are you here?

GALVATRON: As little a threat as you Maximals are, you do stand in my way. I eliminate you - even at the loss of this wonderful source of power - the rest of this world is mine.

LIO CONVOY (quickly): Scuba, activate the charges now.

GALVATRON shakes his head and moves forward, running a fist in his opposite hand. LIO CONVOY gets no response.

LIO CONVOY (worried): Scuba.

GALVATRON: A desperate plan, Lio Convoy. Your warriors, no doubt, have either already been killed, or soon will be.

LIO CONVOY (enraged): No!

GALVATRON smirks, but LIO CONVOY finally just loses it. He leaps forward and extends his claws, determined to rip into GALVATRON. Brutally, LIO CONVOY begins to pound on his nemesis, driving the claws deeply in his armor. GALVATRON screams out and grabs LIO CONVOY's helm.

GALVATRON (growling): And you will join then.

GALVATRON yanks back hard, threatening to rip LIO CONVOY's head from his shoulders. The Maximal captain is sent back into the stone wall of the volcano, where he struggles to recompose. His optics open again, and a brilliant and deadly light already emanates from GALVATRON's chest.

GALVATRON (scowling): It's over, Convoy.

Outside, the battle couldn't be much worse. The fliers have the Maximal fighters beaten, with Apache and Big Horn forced to eject. As the two are about to be finished off, however, the Jointrons rush to counter- attack, buying them needed time. As the six Maximals stop to breathe, they notice that the Gigaplex is still coming, ready to engage them yet again. The battle's just begun.

APACHE (crying out): I can't shake him.

DIRGE: Death comes for you, Maximal.

BIG HORN: Get out of there. Get out now!

BIG HORN's fighter rushes in, but STARSCREAM, BB, and THRUST have circled back around. There is no chance, BIG HORN is forced to pull up and away. THRUST and DIRGE open fire again on APACHE's fighter. APACHE's craft shudders under the assault, then finally starts to trail flame.

APACHE: Damn. Ejecting, Big Horn, cover me.

APACHE dives his craft just as his eject systems kick in. APACHE is thrown clear just as DIRGE and THRUST finish off the fighter. APACHE is sent spinning to the ground, parachute opening at the last minute.

DIRGE: One maximal ship is dust.

THRUST: The pilot is getting away.

DIRGE: Not for long.

DIRGE dives down and transforms, bringing out his rifle. He starts to strafe the ground, hoping to catch his prey. THRUST transforms and moves aside him, hoping for a crossfire.

THRUST: There's nowhere to run.

APACHE: Then I won't. Apache, assault mode!

APACHE quickly transforms to his missile-loaded mode and opens fire. THRUST and DIRGE double-take and head for the skies as the missiles start to erupt behind them. APACHE starts to try to lock on, but they quickly move out of his range.

APACHE: Jointrons, I'm down, and Big Horn is in trouble. Engage.

DJ (on radio): Si!

BIG HORN turns his craft, and finds himself facing down the dark specter of BB and STARSCREAM's combined jet form. He braces for the worst, but it doesn't come. They don't fire. BIG HORN gives a confused look, then understands why. THRUST and DIRGE have changed their targets, and are coming after him instead.

BIG HORN (worried): I'm dead. DJ, where are you?

BB: Engage?

STARSCREAM: Not until the Jointrons reach the battle. Thrust and Dirge have things well in hand right now.

BB: Roger.

Down below, GALVATRON throws the limp form of LIO CONVOY aside. The Maximal is broken. Pieces have fallen from his armor. Fuel leaks from tattered joints. His optics flicker. GALVATRON, damaged, but functional, steps forward.

GALVATRON: And you were the great hope of the Vok. You were here to stop me.

LIO CONVOY (weakly): You will be stopped.

GALVATRON (smiling): Not by you.

GALVATRON steps just slightly into the air, thrusting his chest forward. The light of the Heart of Cybertron fills the room. The end is near.

TO BE CONTINUED.