15.April.06
Nominated for Most Gripping Suspense-Thriller,
Most Like a Beast Wars Episode and Best Overall Fanfic, 06.
BEAST
WARS
SHOW
#47
“DARK
GLASS”
Written
By
REVISED
Final Draft
4/1/06
Bw-47 - “Dark
Glass” – REVISED Final Draft – B. Callaghan
Beast
Wars #47
“Dark
Glass”
Act 1
Fade in:
Ext: Thick jungle setting. Daytime. Camera approaches a slowly rolling Rattrap (VM). A beeping sound comes from his scanners and he stops and activates his comlink.
RATTRAP (VM)
Rattrap to hole in the wall…
Int: Maximal base. Optimus (RM) listens to Rattrap via the control console.
RATTRAP (VM)
(off camera, heard through console)
The homing signal was lost. Now there ain’t no telling where it was coming from.
OPTIMUS (RM)
Hmm… Better get out of there quickly. I suspect you may have fallen into a trap.
Ext: Back to jungle setting with Rattrap (VM)
RATTRAP (VM)
Hey! You’re forgetting who you’re talking to, funk monkey! I know a trap when I smell it. And where there’s no cheese, there’s …Hold on!
Ext: Shots into the jungle shrubs. Rattrap transforms into robot mode with his gun drawn and ready. He looks around suspiciously as movement is heard from nearby.
A shot is heard as a bright beam comes through the bushes.
The beam hits Rattrap knocks him to the ground and he lies there motionless with a white energy wave encompassing his body. He tries to turn to his comlink.
RATTRAP (RM)
(struggling)
Rattrap to base! I’m hit! Can’t…move.
Only static is heard through the comlink.
Rattrap looks up slightly as if seeing something.
Shot of bushes as Dinobot II (RM) walks through them with his lens eye adjusting and smoking, and approaches the paralyzed Rattrap.
DINOBOT II (RM)
Foolish Maximal. Stepped right into the sight of my immobilizer beam. Fortunately you won’t have to worry about stepping anywhere else.
Shot of Dinobot II’s claws as he draws his razors. Begins approaching closer.
Rattrap helplessly watches frightened.
Dinobot II approaches but stops in his tracks as he hears a jet engine approaching and roaring.
Cheetor (BM) comes running through the jungle at top speed and roaring. He collides with Dinobot II knocking him several meters away. Dinobot II lands over the edge of a cliff grabbing onto the edge and barely hanging on. Cheetor transforms to robot mode, draws his weapon and fires at the base of a tree.
The tree starts tipping over heading toward where Dinobot II is hanging on. Dinobot II sees it then stares at Rattrap.
DINOBOT II (RM)
(to Rattrap)
This isn’t over, rodent.
Dinobot II lets go of the cliff just before the tree hits him and falls out of sight.
CHEETOR (RM)
(to himself)
The fast cat strikes again…
(looks at Rattrap)
And has a mouse to bring home with him.
Rattrap still lies hopelessly.
RATTRAP (RM)
Yeah, well shut up and get me out of here will ya, Blondie?
Cheetor picks up Rattrap and lays him over his shoulders and begins walking away quickly.
Cut to:
Int: Maximal Base: Rhinox (RM) is fixing up Rattrap near the control console with an electrode. Optimus (RM) and Cheetor (RM) stand by.
RHINOX (RM)
There, that was easy. The immobilizer beam seems to have worn off of most of you after only a few cycles.
Rattrap gets up and walks over to sit in a console chair.
RATTRAP (RM)
(sticking it to Rhinox’s comment)
Is that so huh? Well, it felt like being dismembered and blown apart at the same time. I mean, what happened to the Dinobot that would only rip your head off if he was having a bad day?
OPTIMUS (RM)
Rattrap, it’s not Dinobot. It’s the spark of Rampage. And as long as that spark ignites, it will continue to possess that protoform as a vile monster.
RATTRAP (RM)
(sarcastic)
Possess, huh? Then where’s a cyber-exorcist when you need one?!
Immediately: Rattrap slams his fist down in anger on the control console, which causes a port on the lower side to drop open revealing a data box. All four Maximals look at it then at each other in confusion.
RATTRAP (RM)
Huh? I ain’t never seen this data box here before.
RHINOX (RM)
It must have been there even before the Axalon was destroyed.
Rattrap picks up the box and walks it over to the round center control table, plugs it into the terminal, and watches as a screen appears with motion images with sound.
On the screen, first we see Megatron (original organic form, BM) turning around to reveal Scorponok (RM), who blasts the viewer. (Scene from ep 1 “Beast Wars, Part 1”)
MEGATRON (BM)
(from the image)
…Isn’t that right, Scorponok?
There is then static on the screen before the next image appears. It shows Rattrap (RM) looking up at the viewer. (Scene from ep 27 “Aftermath”)
RATTRAP (RM)
(from the image)
…I just knew we should have left you offline, lizard-breath!
Rattrap (real one, not the image) reacts, and then understands.
RATTRAP (RM)
Wait a cycle. I know what this is.
There is static again on the screen before the next image appears. The viewer sees the maximal base console as wires are inserted into the very same data box and data begins to flow into it. The viewer then looks up into the reflection in the dark glass of the computer screen and sees the reflection of Dinobot I (RM)(scene from ep 34 “Bad Spark”).
DINOBOT I (RM)
(from the image)
It may yet be up to me.
There is static again. Rattrap appears very delighted at the sight of his old friend. He turns off the screen before the next image could appear, unplugs the data box from the console, and turns to his fellow Maximals. He appears excited.
RATTRAP (RM)
(excited)
Chopper-face must have downloaded his memory tracks to the data box before he was scrapped. This is perfect!
CHEETOR (RM)
What are you saying?
RATTRAP (RM)
Think about it, Puss. We could download these memories into the data tracks of Chopper-face’s clone, he’ll see the memories and believe them to be his own, and then he’ll believe himself to be our good old Jurassic thrasher again! We’ll have him back!
Optimus stares scratching his chin for a moment then turns to Rhinox.
OPTIMUS (RM)
(inquiring for confirmation)
Rhinox?
Rhinox ponders himself for a second before speaking.
RHINOX (RM)
Hmm. Well, it could work. But, the memory tracks would serve only as an illusion to the spark, and may not be believed by the possessor to be its own memories. And considering this is the spark of Protoform X, despite having the power of only half a spark, it’s likely the spark will be able to overwrite the illusion, and thus disbelieve it.
OPTIMUS (RM)
My thoughts exactly. Plus, the memory tracks could reveal important Maximal information to the Predacons and give them a strategic advantage… It’s too risky… So, I’m afraid we can’t.
RATTRAP (RM)
(struggling for permission)
But… we can’t just… (interrupted)
OPTIMUS (RM)
(interrupting, with a raised tone)
That’s an order, Rattrap! It’s too dangerous! We will not attempt to upload those memory tracks.
Optimus begins walking away before pausing and looking over his shoulder
OPTIMUS (RM)
(looking over his shoulder slightly toward Rattrap)
(low tone, understanding Rattrap’s desire)
I’m…sorry.
Optimus walks off and Rhinox follows.
Rattrap takes the data box and walks off in a different direction with Cheetor walking next to him.
RATTRAP (RM)
(frustrated, data box in hand)
I don’t care what that dumb ape says, I’m getting my old scrapping partner back.
CHEETOR (RM)
(supportive, but discouraging)
Well, you’re not going to get me into this one. Besides, you wouldn’t even know how to find the clone.
RATTRAP (RM)
Maybe not. But I know a little can of tuna who does.
Cut to:
Ext: Armory room inside Maximal base.
Ins: Shot of torpedoes being loaded into Depth Charge’s blaster. Zoom out to see Depth Charge (RM) arming himself. He finishes.
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
(to himself, in gentle anticipation)
Ready. Let the X-Games begin.
Depth Charge then turns around to see an observant Rattrap, with the data box still in his hand, as soon as Rattrap begins saying…
RATTRAP (RM)
You know something, guppie? You should really consider getting a life. There’s more out there than just trying to make crab salad every day.
Depth Charge, brushing off the previous comment, begins walking out for his mission, weapon in hand, walking by Rattrap and nudging him hard on the way, while saying…
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
I believe there’s a garbage pile nearby with your name on it, mouse.
Rattrap begins following Depth Charge toward the exit.
RATTRAP (RM)
You know, you remind me of an old metal-headed friend. He was ugly, and he smelled bad, but at least he had his head in the right place!
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
And you won’t have yours in the right place for much longer if you don’t slag off! I’ve got a couple of spark halves to exterminate.
RATTRAP (RM)
Yeah and what if you didn’t have to exterminate one of those because it was overwritten by the data of someone friendly?
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
Then you’re even more short-circuited than you look.
Depth Charge exits through the blast doors and Rattrap exits right behind him.
RATTRAP (RM)
In that case, I’ll prove it to you. Find me Dinobot, and I’ll take care of him for ya.
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
This game is not for mice. It’s between me and X… Beast Mode!
Depth Charge transforms into flight mode and begins hovering ready to take off. Rattrap (RM) quickly grabs onto Depth Charge’s (VM) facial lobe and climbs aboard as he takes off.
RATTRAP (RM)
Whoa! You ain’t going nowhere alone!
DEPTH CHARGE (VM)
(calm, but tense with anger)
Get off me, mouse.
RATTRAP (RM)
Hey! Are you going to talk, or are you going to rock? Now let’s get going!
DEPTH CHARGE (VM)
(to himself, irritated but accepting)
Ugh. A perfect day ruined by a slaggin’ rodent. There’s always the ugly side of revenge.
As Depth Charge picks up speed, Rattrap sits comfortably grasping the data box tightly.
RATTRAP (RM)
(to the data box, softly, hopefully)
Don’t worry, Scales. You’ll be back in no time.
Close up on the data box as fades out.
End of Act 1
Act 2
Ext: Outside Predacon base.
Ins: Camera approaches Megatron (RM) sitting in his mobile chair at his com station. Presses button to activate comlink.
MEGATRON (RM)
(into console)(Inferno and Waspinator are neither seen nor heard)
Megatron to Inferno and Waspinator: Dinobot has not yet returned from his patrol. Find him!
Megatron then rotates his chair to see a monitor screen on which Tarantulas (RM) is seen constructing something large but indecipherable inside another room in the Predacon base.
MEGATRON (RM)
(to Tarantulas in the monitor)
Tarantulas, will the mechanism be ready to operate as scheduled?
TARANTULAS (RM)
Uh, yeeesss, mighty Megatron. Very soon the Ark will once again be yours for the taking.
MEGATRON (RM)
Excellent. You’ve done well, lieutenant. Yes. Now finish the job.
Megatron turns off the monitor and sits quietly with himself for a second before saying to himself…
MEGATRON (RM)
Traitors serve their purposes. Yet their treachery will serve them all the better in return.
Fade out Cut to:
Ext: Dark jagged rock wild area. Daytime.
Ins: Depth Charge (VM) flies overhead with Rattrap (RM) and the data box on his back.
Depth Charge lowers to ground level and comes to a screeching halt, throwing Rattrap, with the box, off his back and landing several meters ahead.
RATTRAP (RM)
(reacting to getting thrown off and landing)
Whoa! Ugh!
Depth Charge transforms to robot mode, with his blaster drawn, and lands his feet onto the ground.
RATTRAP (RM)
(while getting up)
Hey, what was that all about, fish-face?
Depth Charge stands still looking around.
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
(soft tone)
Quiet, mouse. X’s spark is nearby.
Rattrap draws his gun while still keeping the box in the other hand. He stands still and looks around cautiously.
RATTRAP (RM)
Which one?
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
I don’t know. Stay here.
Depth Charge starts slowly walking around some rock walls cautiously. Rattrap begins to follow him.
RATTRAP (RM)
Hey, I paid for a front-row seat to this death-match, and I expect to see…
Rattrap is cutoff by the sound of falling stones nearby. Both Rattrap and Depth Charge turn around quickly just in time to see Dinobot II (RM) leap out from behind a rock and into plain sight.
Depth Charge immediately points his blaster, ready to fire while saying…
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
Eat slag, creep!
Right as Depth Charge fires, Rattrap knocks Depth Charge’s blaster toward a different direction so that he wouldn’t blast Dinobot II, while exclaiming…
RATTRAP (RM)
No!
Depth Charge’s shot misses Dinobot II, and Dinobot II uses this split-second to fire his immobilizer beam from his lens to Depth Charge. Depth Charge immediately pushes Rattrap away from himself, unaware that he had been fired upon, and gets hit by the beam, knocked onto his back, and unable to move.
Dinobot II then leaps forward, lands on Depth Charge’s chest, standing upright, and holding back his razor claws ready to slash. Depth Charge watches helplessly.
DINOBOT II (RM)
Your revenge-seeking days are over, Maximal!
Right before, Dinobot II’s claws come down onto Depth Charge, Rattrap (RM) jumps onto Dinobot II’s shoulders, with the data box still in hand, holds onto his head, and quickly yells…
RATTRAP (RM)
So are your Predacon days, Lizard-breath!
Rattrap quickly sticks the wires from the data box into an input port on the back of Dinobot II’s head, then jumps off of him, right before Dinobot II attempts to slash him.
Instantly, the data from the box begins flowing into Dinobot II’s head. Dinobot II hold’s his head in pain, falls to his knees, and yells out a scream of pain.
DINOBOT II (RM)
(long scream of pain)
Rattrap and Depth Charge (motionless on ground) both witness Dinobot II’s struggle.
Dinobot II rips the box out of the back of his head and throws it up against a wall, but it’s too late, all the memories had already been downloaded.
Dinobot II continues to scream on his knees. The shot then instantaneously flips between images of Dinobot II and Dinobot I in the same screaming position, for a few instantaneous shots.
The view then rapidly zooms into Dinobot II’s right eye and the screen goes dark.
Ins: After a couple of seconds, fade into shot of Rampage’s robot head floating in darkness, in a twisted-vision illusion. (see reference of the Tarantulas/Blackarachnia mind-meld in ep 26 “Other Voices, Part 2”). The Rampage robot head looks confused and starts speaking.
RAMPAGE (ROBOT HEAD)
What…What is happening to me?
As we see Rampage’s head, various instantaneous images of scenery and characters flash on the screen.
RAMPAGE (ROBOT HEAD)
(still confused and frightened)
I’m seeing thoughts that….that aren’t mine.
Then the shot pans around to the back of Rampage’s robot head, and appearing in front of him is a Dinobot I robot head, of equal size, staring back at him. The shot continues to circle around the two heads.
RAMPAGE (ROBOT HEAD)
This isn’t real! This isn’t me! I am X! Warlord and slayer of innocent lives!
DINOBOT I (ROBOT HEAD)
(sincerely, attempting to manipulate Rampage psychologically)
No. You are now me, Dinobot: fearless warrior, and Maximal!
RAMPAGE (ROBOT HEAD)
No! I can fight you! You won’t beat me!
DINOBOT I (ROBOT HEAD)
You can’t fight what you see and believe to be true.
RAMPAGE (ROBOT HEAD)
My WHOLE spark is powerful enough to beat this! You will not win!
DINOBOT I (ROBOT HEAD)
Your pathetic HALF spark is too weak to overcome such an illusion. As of now, your lack of power will cause yourself to believe in what you see. So see me, and believe in…my honor.
RAMPAGE (ROBOT HEAD)
NOOOOOOOOOO!
As the Rampage head continues to yell, it flashes repeatedly into the Dinobot I head. More random images flash, then the image is all red. The Rampage yell turns into the Dinobot II yell, as the shot zooms out of Dinobot II’s (RM) right eye as we see Dinobot II still kneeling and screaming the same original scream in pain.
Ext: Same outdoor setting again: Dinobot II then finishes his scream and collapses face-forward onto the ground.
Rattrap (RM) remains frozen on the ground in shock of what just happened. He slowly gets up keeping his eyes on Dinobot II.
Note: from this point on during the script the character consisting of Dinobot I’s memories inside the body of Dinobot II will be referred in the script as “Dinobot III.”
Dinobot III (RM) awakens and slowly stands up while holding onto his head.
Rattrap stands near him, and looks up at him.
RATTRAP (RM)
(softly, hopefully, questioning Dinobot III’s identity)
Chopper-face?
Dinobot III turns his head to Rattrap, pauses for a second looking slightly surprised.
DINOBOT III (RM)
(softly, slightly confused as to what’s happened)
Vermin?
RATTRAP (RM)
(suddenly ecstatic)
Chopper-face!!! It’s you!!!
Rattrap then jumps into Dinobot III’s arms, and gives him a big loud kiss.
RATTRAP (RM)
(big, loud, long, enthusiastic kiss)
Dinobot III immediately throws Rattrap several feet away out of disgust.
DINOBOT III (RM)
(disgusted)
Get off of me, you pathetic rodent!
Rattrap lands feeling even more content.
RATTRAP (RM)
Yep, it’s definitely you all right! Haven’t lost the anti-social touch! Huh. I mean, holy cheddar cheese, Velici-razor, you’re one of us again!
DINOBOT III (RM)
(still calm, still trying to figure things out)
How…How did I get here? What have I become?
RATTRAP (RM)
(calmer)
Oh. You were destroyed, remember? But then, Mega-jerk made a clone out of ya with half a spark from Crab-legs. Then, I found a data box with your memories, so I uploaded them to your ugly head, and here you are! Ain’t that something!
DINOBOT III (RM)
(slowly coming to understand the situation)
…Huh…How…desperate of you.
RATTRAP (RM)
Yeah, well I just couldn’t go another day without knowing what stupid mess you’d get us into next. Man, those were the days. Hey, bet you saw some pretty crazy stuff while on Megs’ side again, huh?
DINOBOT III (RM)
(suddenly startled as if having a flashback, softly)
Megatron.
RATTRAP (RM)
Say, for old time’s sake, how about another round of seeing who can come up with the rudest personal remark about the other. Remember, doing that?
DINOBOT III (RM)
(having not paid attention to the previous comment, fixated on something that has occurred to him)
You’re right, vermin.
RATTRAP (RM)
(eager to play)(looking at Dinobot III’s new body)(telling an insulting joke)
All right, then I’ll go first. Ahem. Have you always looked like a skeleton, or did joining the Preds, make you ‘lose your skin?’ Heh heh. Good one, huh?
DINOBOT III (RM)
(slightly enraged)(then calmer and fearful)
No, you pathetic landfill-rodent. You are right… I can see things that this body has seen. And this body has seen …Megatron’s plans.
RATTRAP (RM)
(confused)
Whuh?
DINOBOT III (RM)
(beginning to understand what he must do)
Megatron plans to take control of the Ark again. He has the power. ….(short painful yelp)
An electric noise is heard and Dinobot III bends over in pain holding his head.
RATTRAP (RM)
(suddenly concerned)
Hey, uh, you all right there, lizard-lips?
Dinobot III stands up again having regained himself.
DINOBOT III (RM)
The spark is still trying to take over. I may not be able to hold it for long.
RATTRAP (RM)
Then we better get you back to base. Rhinox will know how to keep you from turning back.
DINOBOT III (RM)
(raised tone, understanding what he must do)
No! Megatron is close to another victory. He must be stopped before he can complete his ultimate devastation.
Dinobot III then transforms into beast mode.
DINOBOT III (BM)
(softly, to himself)
For honor.
Dinobot III then takes off running at top speed away from the scene.
RATTRAP (RM)
(startled and concerned)
Hey wait!
Rattrap then points to a still motionless Depth Charge (RM)
RATTRAP (RM)
We’ve also gotta’ deal with a beached whale here.
Dinobot III continues running without responding. He runs out of sight.
Rattrap begins walking over to the motionless Depth Charge, knowing that he has to help him.
RATTRAP (RM)
(while walking, muttering quietly to himself)
That sinister salamander, hard-headed as ever.
Rattrap approaches Depth Charge who is still conscious but immobile. Depth Charge looks up at Rattrap.
RATTRAP (RM)
So how you doin’ there, submarino? Bet you’re busy thinking of ways to thank me for getting that lizard off your tail, huh?
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
(threateningly)
If I could get up, mouse, I would rip out your optics so you wouldn’t have to look at the slag-pile that you just got us into!
RATTRAP (RM)
(defensively)
Hey! I just saved our hides, shark-meat, and got Dino-brain back for us, whereas you wanted to scrap him!
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
You’re processor couldn’t be more defective. Those tracks won’t hold off X’s spark. When X realizes what has happened, he’ll give the clone the full power of his spark, and not even your half-baked ideas will stop the spark from taking over again.
RATTRAP (RM)
(understanding, and becoming worried)
Why, you may be a toasted tuna melt, but you’re right. Chopper-face is walking right into pred-territory, and into a trap!
Rattrap then transforms into vehicle mode and begins rolling away from the scene.
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
Hey! Get back here, mouse!
Rattrap (VM) stops in his tracks and turns around to speak.
RATTRAP (VM)
(determined to save Dinobot III)
Oh yeah, about that immobilizer beam. Don’t worry about it. It should wear off in a few cycles. Besides, I don’t think I want to be around you when you recover, and I’ve got a friend that I’m not going to lose again.
Rattrap turns back around and starts speeding away and out of sight.
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
(sarcastic, to himself)
Marvelous.
Then a small butterfly flies up to Depth Charge, lands on his chest, and looks in the direction of his face.
DEPTH CHARGE (RM)
(threatening, to the butterfly)
What are you looking at?
Cut to:
Ext: Rock-laden open valley
Dinobot III (BM) is running at top speed across sedimentary flat planes. He stops in his tracks upon hearing Waspinator’s (RM) buzzing. Waspinator flies in and lands right in front of Dinobot III.
WASPINATOR (RM)
Ooh. Waspinator found Lizard-bot. Megatron will be pleased.
DINOBOT III (BM)
(somewhat delighted to see an enemy)
Ah, yes, the insect, my former practice-target. I do suspect your days have been…ill-fated.
WASPINATOR (RM)
(confused by Dinobot III’s statements)
Whuh?
Waspinator presses his chest to activate his comlink
WASPINATOR (RM)
(into the comlink)
Waspinator to Megatron. Waspinator found Lizard-bot. But Lizard-bot talking funny to Waspinator.
MEGATRON (RM)
(not seen, only heard through the comlink)
Well, whatever. Just see to it that he makes his way back to base.
Immediately upon hearing Megatron’s voice, Dinobot III (BM) recognizes it, and becomes enraged. As soon as Megatron finishes his sentence, Dinobot III spins around once quickly stabbing his tail all the way through Waspinator’s torso.
WASPINATOR (RM)
(short cry of pain)
Dinobot III then hangs his tail, with Waspinator stuck on it over his head so that he can speak into the comlink on Waspinator’s chest.
DINOBOT III (BM)
(threateningly, slowly walking while he talks)
Megatron, you will not win this time.
Cut to:
Ins: Predacon Base
Inside Predacon base where Megatron is seated in his chair listening over the comlink.
DINOBOT III (BM)
(heard through comlink)
You’ll scrap me to the ground again before you take control of the Ark!
MEGATRON (RM)
(surprised, understanding what has happened, but not sure how, to himself)
It can’t be.
WASPINATOR (RM)
(heard through comlink)
Megatron, Waspinator wants to renegotiate contract. Waspinator tired of…
Waspinator’s voice is cut off by the sound of his head getting ripped off (not seen). Megatron makes a disappointed look.
DINOBOT III (BM)
(heard through comlink, threateningly)
Prepare for my arrival,…Megatron.
The comlink cuts off. Megatron pauses for a few seconds to analyze the situation. He then presses his comlink button again.
MEGATRON (RM)
(into the comlink)(Rampage is neither seen nor heard)
Megatron to Rampage. Report to me immediately. You and I are going to say hello to an old friend…And then goodbye!
Fade out
End of Act 2
Act 3
Ext: Volcanic rock area. Sunset.
Zoom in: Rattrap (VM) rolls along the ground at medium speed while sniffing.
RATTRAP (VM)
(to himself)
Well, despite all his body-switches, that lizard still hasn’t lost his stink…Now where could he be going?
Shot pans around Rattrap (VM) as he approaches a cliff edge. Seen in the valley below is the Predacon base.
RATTRAP (VM)
(softly, realizing that Dinobot III has walked into enemy lines)
Oh no.
Rattrap (VM) then begins rolling down the hill toward the base.
&nb