Beast Wars: Transformers

Rattrap:
I hate to say it, but we're trapped like rats.

Blackarachnia:
Sorry, chunk-style, but I like being a bad girl. And you know something else? Somewhere, deep beneath this squeaky-clean armor plating of yours... I think you like it too. Hmmm?

Megatron:
Soon, very soon, I expect a visit from Cybertron.

Rampage:
I eagerly anticipate your imminent demise, then.

Tarantulas:
Don't cats ever get tired of being stupid?

Blackarachnia:
Oh no. You're not saving my life again? AFTER I SHOT YOU?

Silverbolt:
It is my duty as a Maximal and a heroic character.

Blackarachnia:
You know I like 'em big and stupid but you're really pushing it.

Blackarachnia:
Great. I get paired with the one cat who lands on his head.

[repeated line]

Rattrap:
We're all gonna die.

Rattrap:
We're all gonna die...

[everyone glares at him]

Rattrap:
Yeah, yeah, I know... "shut up, Rattrap!"

Rattrap:
Hey, I don't think so.

Dinobot:
And I really don't think so.

[during a battle]

Rattrap:
This was the party I expected!

Optimus Primal:
Let's mingle!

Airazor:
Go on, spider. Make a move. PLEASE.

Blackarachnia:
Another insect? How depressing.

Blackarachnia:
Don't bug me, kid; your forehead slopes.

Inferno:
You're no match for me. Burn, traitor, burn.

Blackarachnia:
Do Maximals always talk such slop?

Rattrap:
Nobody does that to my team, sister.

Blackarachnia:
Now haul your hero hinny out of here. I don't remember inviting you to the picnic.

Blackarachnia:
They're back just like Tarantulas always said they would be.

Blackarachnia:
Oh, great. I let that sneaky lizard lead me right into Megatron's jamming zone.

Silverbolt:
Stop, you fiend.

Blackarachnia:
What?

Silverbolt:
I was listening to your plan to destroy us.

Blackarachnia:
Oh. Why are the good-looking ones always such tube-heads? That was a diversion. I wanted to get Dinobot away from you.

Silverbolt:
YOU SHOT ME.

Blackarachnia:
If I didn't he would have blown your head off and you're still functional, aren't you?

Blackarachnia:
Thanks for coming after me. It was sweet.

Silverbolt:
As was the way you confessed the truth to Optimus. Oh we'll make a Maximal out of you yet.

Blackarachnia:
In your dreams. I like myself just the way I am and I intend to stay this way. HOME, ROVER.

Cheetor:
You did great out there and I kind of...

Blackarachnia:
Listen, tabby, you're a nice kid, which is two strikes against ya so don't go looking for strike three, okay?

Cheetor:
I am NOT a kid...

[Silverbolt snorts]

Cheetor:
And maybe I'm not so nice either.

Tarantulas:
And just what are you planning to do with that?

Blackarachnia:
I'm tired of being your slave. Either terminate the link between us or I'll crack this cube and you know what will happen then.

Tarantulas:
You don't have the nerve. Besides, I can stop you with a single thought.

Blackarachnia:
Really? I'm betting the energon radiation will interfere with our link.

Tarantulas:
Okay. Let's find out.

[Tarantulas tries to enter Blackarachnia's head]

Blackarachnia:
I warned you!

[upon cracking the energon cube, Blackarachnia starts to shriek]

Tarantulas:
Oh, demond! What have you done? Stop this insanity, She-Spider. Throw the cube away.

Blackarachnia:
Never! I will be free one way or another.

Tarantulas:
Fine then. Go ahead and delete yourself for all.

[Tarantulas wails in pain]

Tarantulas:
The cyberlink works both ways. I share your pain.

Blackarachnia:
Then, sever the link, Tarantulas. Save us both.

Tarantulas:
No, I can't.

Blackarachnia:
Then we both go offline together.

Tarantulas:
Fine! You win again. The link is broken. Get out of my mind. GET OUT!

Blackarachnia:
[throws the energon cube away] I told you I'd be free.

Tarantulas:
But you won't live to gloat about it.

Tarantulas:
Oh, what a gullible fool he is.

Blackarachnia:
Tarantulas!

Tarantulas:
Forgotten about our mental cyberlink She-Spider? Well, I haven't.

Tarantulas:
What do you want, quasar brain?

Tarantulas:
Just to give you a quick reminder. Play whatever games you wish with him but dare to cross me and you will suffer for your treachery!

Blackarachnina:
Sugar-bot! I told you to let me help you with that.

Blackarachnia:
Oh, back off, robo-rube!

Blackarachnina:
Huh? There just ain't no figuring females!

Tarantulas:
A small fact of life, Fuzor. [laughing]

Blackarachnia:
Laugh while you can, ground crawler. I'll free myself from your control and then you'll pay!

Optimus Primal:
Megatron?

Megatron:
Leave here, Optimus Primal. I will deal with this.

Optimus Primal:
Like you did last time? Dream on. All Maximals, *maximize*!

Megatron:
Predacons, *terrorize*!

Optimus Primal:
If I can just reach his spark.

Silverbolt:
Easier said than done.

Blackarachnia:
Easy for you to say. You like this hero stuff. Me? I'm just a bad girl.

Silverbolt:
When I look in your eyes I see no evil. Only love.

Blackarachnia:
Sappy as always. What did I ever see in you anyways? Oh yeah. I remember.

[screams]

Silverbolt:
NOOOOOOO.

Silverbolt:
I can't pick up her signal. It's time to get back to basics. I'm picking up her scent, and I'm picking up another scent, a foul one, Dinobot.

Silverbolt:
There you are. Have you anything to say for yourself?

Blackarachnia:
Yeah. DUCK.

Silverbolt:
HUH? Ow.

Rattrap:
Would you lie down, and groan, for crying out loud; you're supposed to be half-dead.

Dinobot:
If you do not shut up, vermin, you shall be my role model.

Rattrap:
Oh, yeah, and who's gonna...

[Tigatron growls]

Rattrap:
All right. All right. I'm shutting up. If it ain't the dinosaurs up your nose it's the felines.

Rattrap:
You should know, being his little eight-legged lieutenant.

Optimus Primal:
Rattrap, be quiet.

Rattrap:
You'd never catch me letting a Predacon inside my circuitry.

Cheetor:
Shut up, Rattrap.

Silverbolt:
Listen to him, rat, if you value your spark.

Rattrap:
Is that a threat?

Cheetor:
Count on it.

Silverbolt:
Come on wings, work... Work, blast you... WOOOORRRRKKK.

Rhinox:
Is it just me or is our boy particularly happy today?

Rattrap:
It's the spider lady that I'm worried about.

Rhinox:
What do you mean?

Rattrap:
Call me paranoid but I don't trust spiders, I don't trust Predacons, and I don't trust dames who sneak in and out of classified areas when they think that nobody is watching.

Blackarachnia:
Optimus? Is it really you?

Optimus Primal:
Yes, but Tarantulas has betrayed Megatron and taken control of Teletran 1. I don't know what he's planning...

Blackarachnia:
But it isn't good.

Silverbolt:
Are you all right?

Blackarachnia:
I always figured if anyone would survive the Beast Wars it would be me. It looks like I was wrong.

Silverbolt:
Now you mustn't say such things. Rhinox will find a way... Just trust him.

Blackarachnia:
Trust isn't easy for a Predacon.

Silverbolt:
You're only a Predacon because of Tarantulas. Inside you're a Maximal. When this is over you'll be one again as you were meant to be.

Rhinox:
All of the equipment is on board but I'll need time to boot the Ark's main engine.

Silverbolt:
And still as welcomed as the moonlight.

[Rattrap smacks himself on the forehead]

Silverbolt:
When I thought you were gone I...

Blackarachnina:
It will take a lot more than that to get rid of me, Jojo. But when I have to come and rescue you when you're rescuing me my future may be in doubt so KNOCK IT OFF!

Cheetor:
We've got to stop them before they reach the base.

Ratrap:
That's your department, Sky Cat. Fire up. We'll be right behind you.

Dinobot:
My weapon is depleted.

Cheetor:
I need a running start.

Ratrap:
Criminy, the pair of ya! I'VE GOTTA DO EVERYTHING?

Waspinator:
Two-head throw Megatron in lava pit! Megatron want slag Two-head. Waspinator down with that!

Rampage:
Ignore the pain. It's only going to get worse!

Megatron:
The base is undermanned and unprotected - ours for the asking!

Quickstrike:
Awwwww now, we ain't gonna ask, are we? How's about we just blast our way in, and slag everybody and TAKE IT!

Megatron:
Mmm... okay!

Megatron:
Quickstrike, you may lead.

Quickstrike:
Yee-haw! now that's what I like to hear.

Inferno:
[confused] Royalty, why was I not chosen?

Megatron:
Because, Inferno, when expecting booby traps...

Megatron:
[Quickstrike gets caught in the Maximal's booby trap] Always send the "boob" in first.

Inferno:
Fool! Pain is my friend! Allow me to introduce YOU to it!

Megatron:
Good work, Inferno. Now go repair yourself

Inferno:
Yes, my queen.

Megatron:
...I wish he wouldn't call me that

Waspinator:
Waspinator not think this job so important!

Inferno:
Every job for the Royalty is a gift,

Waspinator:
[turning his head] Ant-bot is major suck up.

Blackarachnia:
[watching Dinobot coming] Uh-oh!

[ducks behind a fallen tree]

Blackarachnia:
I don't know how you survived my cyber-venom but a triple-dose should drop you.

Waspinator:
Waspinator sees helpless target! Oooooh, happy day!

Blackarachnia:
Ready to rock and roll, insect?

Inferno:
I don't rock and roll... I burn!

Blackarachnia:
[after Tarantulas takes Blackarachnia in to a choke hold] You? What are you doing here?

Tarantulas:
You have some information I need.

Megatron:
Yes. Let's hear it.

Blackarachnia:
Okay, Tarantulas, here's the scoop. Megatron is a slag-sucking saurian. Got it?

Megatron:
Hmm? She'll pay for that one.

Tarantulas:
Let's see if using you as a shield will improve your sense of reason.

Silverbolt:
Although attacking your own comrade is no doubt business as usual in Predacon guides of villainy it is simply... unacceptable behaviour... in my book.

Megatron:
You hacked the access codes from my data tracks before you destroyed my computer, didn't you?

Blackarachnia:
So what if I did? What are you going to do? Slag me? You still don't have the codes.

Megatron:
I had a more effective target in mind. [Fires up and aims at Silverbolt's head]

Blackarachnia:
Slag him if you want to. He means nothing to me.

Megatron:
[aims at Silverbolt's head] The codes, Blackarachnia, produce them *now*!

Blackarachnia:
Wait! Okay, I'll do it. Teletron 1: decrypt and transmit acess codes... *Now*!

Predacon Ship Computer:
Acknowledged.

Megatron:
Is it working?

Blackarachnia:
It had better be working.

Blackarachnia:
[hanging from the ceiling] Hey, crumb-head! Want to play hide'n'seek?

Inferno:
Huh?

[notices an opened door]

Inferno:
She has gone outside.

Inferno:
[Blackarachnia pushes the door shut behind Inferno. He bangs on the door] Let me in!

Blackarachnia:
[sighing] The only thing worse than a salesman is a pushy Predacon. Autoguns online.

Inferno:
Oh, no!

[blam]

Rattrap:
[watching the viewscreen] Whoo hoo! We've got Preds jumping out from every rock. I'm bringing the autoguns online.

Optimus Primal:
Rattrap? What's the situation?

Rattrap:
I can't get a good bead on them with the autoguns. They're shooting from cover and as far as I can tell they're aiming at the walls.

Optimus Primal:
They're trying to disrupt our power. Somehow they know what we're doing. We've got to engage them.

Inferno:
For the glory of the royalty!

Tarantulas:
It's working... it's working... my spark is restored... my body is stronger than ever... I live... I *live*! He he he ha ha ha!

Megatron:
Blast that scheming spider! Again he defies me!

Inferno:
Say the word, my queen, and he shall burn!

Megatron:
Not just yet. And for the last time, STOP CALLING ME THAT!

Inferno:
As you command, my qu...

[Megatron starts to strangle Inferno]

Optimus Primal:
Sometimes 'crazy' works!

Rhinox:
Rattrap, what are you doing?

Rattrap:
We can't abandon the base, and since I turned this thing on I'm the one who's gotta turn it off! Oh, man, I'm starting to sound like Optimus Pinhead... [heads into the ship's ventilation system]

Rhinox:
RATTTTRAAAAP!

Tigatron:
I don't need help hunting Predacons!

[first lines]

[In an underground cavern beneath the Maximal ship, Waspinator, Terrorsaur, and Blackarachnia are working on a tunnel]

Waspinator:
Waspinator tired of this! Can't this bomb fit?

Blackarachnia:
It's not a bomb, bug! It's a sonic projector. And when placed correctly, it'll blow a sweet little hole in the bottom of the Maximal base!

Terrorsaur:
We have to widen the tunnel!

Blackarachnia:
So? Widen it! I'm soiled enough already just being around you two!

Waspinator:
Spider-bot dig her own hole!

[flies away in a huff]

Terrorsaur:
[transforms] Megatron said dig. So start digging!

Blackarachnia:
[transforms] I'm the brains of this little operation... not the brawn!

[a standoff ensures between Terrorsaur and Blackarachnia]

[Optimus Primal startles Tigatron]

Tigatron:
Not many can sneak up on me like that...

Optimus Primal:
I think you could learn a lot from Rattrap... if you could stand him.

[the defense system upgrades itself]

Rattrap:
Oh, man... there won't be enough of me left to fill a teaspoon!

[Cheetor, Dinobot and Rhinox exit the Maximal base post-haste]

Cheetor:
Giga-bummer! We're locked out!

Dinobot:
It appears you've built a better mousetrap...

[Rhinox glares at him]

Optimus Primal:
Tigatron? What is this?

Tigatron:
It's a long funny story...

[dodging fire from Sentinel]

Rattrap:
And one and two and stretch - now bend, now lift - feel the burn! YEAH!

[last lines]

Rhinox:
Rattrap? But how did you...

Rattrap:
...avoid getting scrapped? Well, it was no oil bath. But the bottom line is: the defense system ain't built that can beat me! Right, Sentinel? Ya just gotta know how to talk to it!

Waspinator:
[flying in circles] Waspinator sick of taking orders! Waspinator is greatest of Predacons! Waspinator rules!

Optimus Primal:
Looks like Waspinator's been on a sugar binge...

Dinobot:
Danglers? Defense guns? What kind of defense grid is this?

Rhinox:
What's coming out of your gearing?

Dinobot:
These toys won't work against Predacons in battle mode! Lethal threat demands lethal response!

Rattrap:
Oh, yeah? Well respond to this, Chopperface! [programs the system to attack Dinobot]

[the defense system starts to malfunction]

Rattrap:
Show's over, Rhinox; shut it down!

Rhinox:
How? The console's junked, thanks to you and Dinobot!

Cheetor:
[entering] Hey, what's going on?

Rhinox:
Sentinel thinks we're intruders! We have to get out of here! Help Dinobot!

Rattrap:
Uh... what about that friend-and-foe program?

Rhinox:
That's what I was working on when you pulled that stunt!

Rattrap:
Ooops...

[the base is flooded]

Rattrap:
Tsk... Zero-friction fluid! Huh! C'mon, Rhinox, that stuff is strictly for amateurs! [starts surfing across the fluid]

Rattrap:
Ah, this ain't a security grid. It's a gym just for spy guys like me! Heh-heh!

Rattrap:
Give it up, Sentinel! You don't have a chance! 'Cause I'm a stealth fighter, a master marksman, and... [detaches a bomb from a compartment in his body]

Rattrap:
...a demolition expert!

Blackarachnia:
In fifteen cycles, we will be inside the Maximal base...

Tigatron:
The only place you're headed for is the slag heap! [removes the sonic projector and runs off]

Blackarachnia:
He's stolen my invention! [the Predacons transform and chase Tigatron]

Blackarachnia:
You can't win, cat! The device will explode and take you with it!

Tigatron:
In that case, allow me to return it! [hurls the device at the Predacons]

Blackarachnia:
NOOO!

Terrorsaur:
Let's get out of here! [the Predacons scatter]

[the defense grid is deactivated]

Cheetor:
Hey, the defense grid's down...

Rhinox:
Oh, no...

Optimus Primal:
What is it, Rhinox?

Rhinox:
Sentinel would not have deactivated if, if the intruder was still active...

Cheetor:
Rattrap... gone? No way. I don't believe it.

Optimus Primal:
He was a difficult Maximal to deal with - at times, impossible. But I'll remember him with honour.

Dinobot:
I won't disgrace his memories with lies! He was a stinking, omnivorous pestilence! But yet... in some perverse way... I shall miss him.

Rhinox:
Sure, he smelled, he was a rat - but he was my best friend.

Rattrap:
[surprising them] Oh, boohoo, boohoo! Don't stop!... Ya motorheads are killing me!

Rattrap:
Get yer shiny new butt skyward and see if you can find Chopperface before the Preds do.

Cheetor:
You mean fly?

Rattrap:
Do I mean fly... No, I meant take a SUBMARINE!

Tigertron:
Airazor, are you damaged?

Airazor:
I don't think so.

Tigertron:
I wouldn't want to go through that again...

Airazor:
Rattrap and Cheetor?

Rattrap:
[severely misshapen] Hey you lookin' for me?

Tigertron:
By the matrix!

Rattrap:
What? What are you staring at? Is my gearbox hangin' out or something?

Cheetor:
Jumpin Gyros, what happened to you?

Rattrap:
ME? What happened to YOU?

Airazor:
The surge must have mutated your superstructures. I wonder what it did to your beast modes?

Cheetor, Rattrap:
BEAST MODE!

[both become animals. Well, almost... ]

Rattrap:
I'm a rat with wheels! Cool!

[Cheetor's wings open up]

Cheetor:
I wonder what these things are for?

[Cheetor flies around the base. Tigatron and Airazor duck behind the flipped-up table]

Rhinox:
[stops him as he's about to fight Rattrap] Enough. Stand down, Dinobot.

Dinobot:
By what right do you command me? With Optimus gone, I should be...

Rhinox:
[Grabs him by the throat and lifts him off the ground] I'm in a bad mood. Understand?

Dinobot:
Uh-huh. [Rhinox lets him drop]

Megatron:
[of the Tranmetal Maximals] New packaging, same product: losers.

Cheetor:
Silverbolt, watch your back! Widow alert!

Blackarachnia:
[punching Silverbolt in the face] Come on! Fight back! How long will you carry this silly chivalry? This dark damsel is not impressed!

Silverbolt:
Are you damaged?

Blackarachnia:
Just enough to make me interesting.

Silverbolt:
I suspect that Tarantulas will still be after you.

Blackarachnia:
Yeah. I expect you're right.

Silverbolt:
I will not let him harm you.

Blackarachnia:
I'm counting on it. So... how about making like a hero and flying me out of here?

Silverbolt:
I am unable to.

[Silverbolt's wings making grinding sounds]

Silverbolt:
My wing mechanism is offline. We must travel by foot to the peak of that mountain above the energon storm where we can contact our respected bases.

Blackarachnia:
Not my first, choice but lead the way.

Blackarachnia:
[about a severely beaten Tarantulas] He's gone into stasis lock! That explosion didn't do this.

Silverbolt:
No, this is the work of...

Blackarachnia:
Of what?

Silverbolt:
Protoform X.

Blackarachnia:
I thought its spark was extinguished?

Silverbolt:
Apparently it did not and it may never.

Megatron:
Hmmm... interesting. Computer, fashion for me a blade, long, very sharp and comprised of energon.

Predacon Computer:
Acknowledged.

Silverbolt:
You're leaving him behind?

Blackarachnia:
I want out of here. *Now*!

[Blackarachnia and Silverbolt walk around the corner and come upon a shadowy form, which makes Blackarachnia scream]

Megatron:
Hmmm... impressive. Using an energon blade on any other spark would have destroyed it. However, it seems you cannot be terminated... an advantage?

[Rampage draws his weapon on Megatron]

Megatron:
Or is it?

[Megatron reveals a cage of energon, housing half of Rampage's spark, and squeezes down. Rampage cringes in pain as Megatron kicks him in the face]

Rampage:
[crushing Silverbolt] Is that fear you are feeling, Maximal? My spark feeds off terror. Let it grow, let it consume your circuitry, yes, feel it, you must feel it, YES...!

[Silverbolt pricks back his ears and screams in terror]

Rampage:
FEEL THE FEAR!

Blackarachnia:
Silverbolt!

Rhinox:
[about Protoform X] Primus help us all if that thing survived...

Silverbolt:
Although threatening your own comrade is no doubt business as usual in predacon guides of villainy, it is simply... unacceptable behaviour... in my book.

Optimus Primal:
Silverbolt, wait. Let her go. Come on, let's get back to base.

Silverbolt:
My lady, you may be a Predacon on the outside but on the inside you're still a Maximal. Someday you'll come to understand that.

Blackarachnia:
[snorts] Like I needed him to catch me anyways.

Silverbolt:
Lest you forget you were originally a Maximal protoform

Blackarachnia:
Don't even go there.

Silverbolt:
What you did back there is more indicative of your more noble heritage.

Blackarachnia:
I said drop it!

Silverbolt:
Just admit that there is a spark of goodness in you and then...

Blackarachnia:
[blam!] Shall I elaborate?

Silverbolt:
Perhaps not.

[planting a bug on Blackarachnia]

Megatron:
Spiders spin their webs. Yeesss... But I spin them wider.

Silverbolt:
Why did you save me?

Blackarachnina:
Well, there are... other animals...

Megatron:
[listening in] Yuck!

Rampage:
Resistance is futile! I rise again!

Silverbolt:
Then let us give you further cause to fall!

Dinobot:
Forget the rescue plan, Optimus, and start devising an attack plan! Megatron has lost two, but we have only lost one!

Optimus Primal:
I'll remember that next time YOU'RE out missing in an energon storm!

Blackarachnia:
Are you damaged?

Silverbolt:
[smiling] Just enough to make me interesting.

Silverbolt:
Tarantulas!

Blackarachnia:
Where?

Silverbolt:
Do not worry, he has been... disarmed.

Blackarachnia:
To say the least.

[last lines]

Megatron:
Welcome to the Predacons... RAMPAGE. You shall be an honored member, so long as you never forget one important fact about your new life... [holds up the fragment of Rampage's spark]

Megatron:
It's MINE. [crushes the spark, and Rampage winces]

Megatron:
Welcome, my new servant... yeesss... welcome to the Beast Wars!

Rattrap:
Maannn... All this for a golden disk...

Optimus Primal:
It was Cybertron's carefully-guarded relic, Rattrap. It gave the location of a major Energon source. That's why Megatron stole it!

Rattrap:
Yeah, like I care... You know, we was supposed to be doing deep space exploration - flying galactic patrol was nowhere in my job description, you know what I'm saying? You sure you're cut out for this commander gig?

Optimus Primal:
Remember the Great War, Rattrap? If the Predacons get enough Energon they'll start it again. We can't let that happen. Besides, you wanted exploration, and here we are on an unknown planet - what more do you want?

Rattrap:
Well, call me picky, but a working spacecraft might be nice!

Optimus Primal:
[sighs] Just no pleasing some people...

Rattrap:
[Optimus Primal growls at him] Hey! Hey, what's got your servos so bent?

Optimus Primal:
Let's get one thing straight, Rattrap: I am commander of this group, and when I give an order, I expect it to be obeyed!

Rattrap:
Oh, yeah? So I get vaped because you're too chicken to go yourself!

Optimus Primal:
I will not give an order I would not be willing to do myself! But I was capable of giving you better cover fire, you were not.

Rattrap:
Hey, we got out of there alive, didn't we?

Optimus Primal:
But injured. It'll take time for our beast modes to effect internal repairs.

Rattrap:
So... uh... this your first day on the job or what?

Optimus Primal:
Shut up, Rattrap.

Rattrap:
Oh, yes, sir! I feel heaps better knowing that our lives are in your capable hands!... We're all gonna die.

Optimus Primal:
We don't have to do this, Megatron! There has been peace between the Maximals and Predacons for centuries! Why start this up again?

Megatron:
Peace perhaps on your side, Maximal scum, yeesss - but not on ours! Permit me to inform you that an enemy that appears peaceful... may in fact be biding its time!

Cheetor:
[repairing his gun] Finally...

Megatron:
We Predacons have never gone back on our goal of galactic conquest! Nooo - we have merely waited for the right moment to STRIKE!

Cheetor:
You mean like THIS?

[fires at Megatron]

Optimus Primal:
CHEETOR!

Megatron:
Ahh, a treacherous, underhanded sneak attack. Oh-ho-ho, I like you, pussycat, yeesss... but it shall avail you not! Nooo! For now the gauntlet has been cast! Predacons: TERRORIZE!

Optimus Primal:
[to the Maximals] Do it! MAXIMIZE!

Dinobot:
[examining the Golden Disk] No, no, NO! It's all wrong! This cannot be Earth! Megatron, you FAILED! Not only did you fail to destroy the Maximals when you had the chance, you failed to bring us to the right PLANET! We stole the Golden Disk for nothing! You IDIOT!

Megatron:
[soft but dangerous tone] I beg your pardon? What did you call me?

Dinobot:
You heard! You are an idiot and an incompetent leader, and I am taking over! Dinobot: terrorize! [Dinobot transforms into robot mode and prepares to duel]

Dinobot:
I challenge you to battle, Megatron. The winner shall lead the Predacons, and the loser shall be destroyed!

Megatron:
Ahh, you're so impulsive, Dinobot. Brave... but misguided.

Dinobot:
Do you accept my challenge?

Megatron:
[laughing] There's more to being a leader than simple courage. Well, there's cleverness and cunning as well. Isn't that right, Scorponok? [Scorponok swiftly dispatches Dinobot with a missile]

Megatron:
Loser!

[first lines]

[Two ships fly through a portal, attacking each other]

Cheetor:
Hull breach in Sector 7! Guidance systems failing!

Rattrap:
Oh, man, this is ridiculous! We're an exploration ship, not a battle cruiser!

Optimus Primal:
We had no choice! Ours was the only ship that could lock on to Megatron's warp signature!

Cheetor:
Shields are doing a major fade!

Optimus Primal:
Plasma cannons to full power!

Dinobot:
Their shields are down! Destroy them!

Megatron:
Now where's the fun in that? A little torment I think first, Yesss.

Cheetor:
Hey, look! [points to two cheetahs streaking across the Savannah]

Optimus Primal:
They're fast, all right. You chose a good form.

Cheetor:
You think THAT's speed, you ain't seen the Golden Rocket! Check this! [takes off]

Rhinox:
[the Maximals try to communicate with Cheetor in vain] No good. The Energon fields mess up the comlinks - anything over a hundred metres. They ain't worth scrap!

Optimus Primal:
Well, that's just prime!

[During a battle, Cheetor is pinned down by some rocks]

Cheetor:
Ahh... I'm stuck!

Optimus Primal:
Rattrap, help Cheetor! We'll cover you!

Rattrap:
Yeah, right!

Optimus Primal:
That's an ORDER, Rattrap!

Rattrap:
Yeah? Well, you can just kiss my skin-rear, 'cause there ain't NO way I'm going out there n' getting MY pelt punctured! [With a snort of disgust, Primal goes in on his own]

[the Maximals meet Dinobot for the first time - on a narrow bridge blocking their path]

Rhinox:
Do we blast him?

Optimus Primal:
Keep that option open, but hang on...

[last lines]

Dinobot:
Attention, Dinobots! My name is Dinobot! I have left the Predacons to join your group... as LEADER!

Cheetor:
WHAT? Did I hear the word "leader"?

Rhinox:
[to Rattrap] This guy's got bearings of chrome steel...

Dinobot:
I hereby challenge you, Optimus Primal, to a one-on-one battle! The winner shall lead the Maximals, and the loser shall be destroyed!

Cheetor:
Hey, look at me, I'm a cheetah! No... I'm CHEETOR!

Optimus Primal:
Interesting...

Cheetor:
Interesting? It is SPOT-on SMOOTH!

Optimus Primal:
Damage report.

Cheetor:
Believe me, you don't want to know...

Optimus Primal:
That's what I thought.

Optimus Primal:
This is one unusual planet, whatever it is...

Megatron:
What does it matter which planet we're on? We came looking for Energon, and this planet is rich with the element - enough Energon to power the Predacons' entire galactic conquest!

[Cheetor meets two cheetahs for the first time]

Cheetor:
The name's Cheetor! What's shakin', cats?

[the cheetahs snarl and run off]

Cheetor:
What? Is it my breath? Hey, wait!

[runs to catch up with the cheetahs]

[Three speeding cheetahs come to a stop as a giant wasp suddenly appears in front of them. Two of them, frightened by the size of the insect, snarl and run away]

Cheetor:
Hey! What...? It's just a big bug!... The way those two reacted, that's no natural lifeform... and if we're talking UNnatural lifeforms, then we gotta be talking about just one thing: Robots in Disguise! Cheetor: maximize! [transforms into robot mode]

Cheetor:
Time for this cat to pounce!

Waspinator:
Waspinator under attack! Waspinator engage enemy! Waspinator: terrorize!

[Rhinox, carrying Optimus Primal and Rattrap, heads towards some boulders]

Rattrap:
Heads up! Roadblock!

Optimus Primal:
Veer left! There's a clearing about a hundred metres! [Rhinox disregards these comments and simply barges through the boulders]

Optimus Primal:
Ah, yes. Silly me...

Tarantulas:
Tarantulas: terrorize!

Rhinox:
Rhinox: maximize!

Rhinox:
Scorponok: terrorize!

Rattrap:
Rattrap: maximize!

Terrorsaur:
Terrorsaur: terrorize!

Megatron:
Megatron: terrorize!

Optimus Primal:
Optimus Primal: maximize!

[During a battle, Rattrap refuses to attack and is picked up by a fed-up Rhinox]

Rattrap:
Hey! Lemme go, yah big bulldozer!

Rhinox:
Cover fire... they need it, we give it! NOW!

Megatron:
Yeesss! The planet has Energon!

Rhinox:
We're going down...

Optimus Primal:
Ease off, Rattrap, it was an accident!

Rattrap:
Says you!

Optimus Primal:
That's right, says ME! You wanna question my orders one... more... time?

Rattrap:
I... ahhh... I don't trust Predacons!

Megatron:
Across the galaxy, it has come to this, Optimus Primal! Face to face, tooth to claw! Yeesss... Have you anything to say?

Optimus Primal:
I'd say that's PRIME! Let's do it!

[as they duel on a narrow rock bridge, Optimus Primal nearly falls, but is rescued by Dinobot]

Optimus Primal:
What are you doing? You'd won.

Dinobot:
You slipped. To defeat you in such a manner would be lacking in honor. I would not have earned the right to lead. I prefer to beat my opponents the old-fashioned way... BRUTALLY!

[the fight continues]

Optimus Primal:
For a Predacon, Dinobot, you have qualities I could like.

Dinobot:
And you... have proved to be a worthy adversary. I will have you recycled with full honors.

Optimus Primal:
[lunges] Well, that's... just... PRIME!

[Optimus Primal defeats Dinobot]

Dinobot:
I still live... finish it!

Optimus Primal:
That's not how we Maximals do things.

Dinobot:
Then that will have to CHANGE!

[uses his optic lasers on Optimus]

Optimus Primal:
[after rescuing Rattrap] You're welcome.

Rattrap:
You're the leader. It's your... ah... job.

[first lines]

Dinobot:
Face me, Optimus! I, Dinobot, challenge you for leadership of the Maximals! You and I, one on one! The winner shall be leader, and the loser, well... it is a long way down!

Optimus Primal:
I don't want to fight you!

Dinobot:
You do not have a choice!

[the Maximals transform]

Optimus Primal:
Defensive positions!

Rattrap:
[about Dinobot] What about HIM?

Optimus Primal:
He's with US!

Rattrap:
I ain't buying it just 'cause YOU say so!

Megatron:
Admit defeat, Maximal! The Energon shall be ours!

Optimus Primal:
Not if I can help it!

[Dinobot deflects a missile aimed at Optimus Primal, saving him]

Optimus Primal:
Thanks.

Dinobot:
My actions do not imply loyalty, Optimus. I owe you my life. Now we are merely... even.

Optimus Primal:
I'll accept that.

Optimus Primal:
You are welcome to join us, but you shall NOT lead!

Dinobot:
I beg to differ! In preparation for my role as leader, I have already reprogrammed my activation code! Dinobot: MAXIMIZE!

[Cheetor and Rhinox transform to save Optimus and Dinobot]

Rattrap:
Hey, hey, hey! YOU go an' get yourselves scrapped, 'cause I ain't... [an annoyed Rhinox picks him up for the second time and glares at him]

Rattrap:
All right, all right...

Optimus Primal:
Surrender, Megatron! You're scrapped!

Megatron:
NOOO! You shall NOT defeat me!

[about Dinobot's challenge towards Optimus Primal]

Rhinox:
Don't WE get a say in this?

Rattrap:
Let Chopperface and the Boss Monkey duke it out! Ain't no fur off of MY tail...

Cheetor:
No way! Hey, Scale Belly, how's about you try a piece of the fat kitty, huh?

[the energon mountain starts to vibrate... ]

Rhinox:
It's gonna blow!

Cheetor:
Time to fade, heroes!

Optimus Primal:
We have to get there first... all FIVE of us!

Rattrap:
Yeah, all five of us! You mean... Dinobot is... we're all gonna die. Hey, wait! [runs after the Maximals]

Megatron:
Well, this is an interesting sight, yeesss... Optimus and the traitor Dinobot, engaged in battle.

Scorponok:
Who do you think's gonna win?

Waspinator:
Oooooh, Waspinator bet on Optimus!

Tarantulas:
[chuckles] The winner isn't what interests me!

Megatron:
Nor me, nooo. How much more preferable would it be if they BOTH lost, yeesss...

[under gunfire]

Optimus Primal:
If you guys aren't doing anything... [hanging from a narrow bridge by one leg]

Optimus Primal:
...a little SPEED would be PRIME!

Dinobot:
Release me! Let me fall and save yourself!

Optimus Primal:
Now where's the honor in that?

[Optimus Primal's grip weakens... ]

Dinobot:
You have no choice.

Optimus Primal:
Then we BOTH go!

[Both begin to fall, but Rhinox grabs Optimus]

Rhinox:
Going up!

[pulls both up]

Rattrap:
Oh, for bootin' up cold...! You're not gonna believe a PREDACON, are yah?

Optimus Primal:
That's MY call!

Megatron:
So much Energon... with a crystal that size, the Predacon forces will be unstoppable. Yeesss... for Maximals, and then the galaxy, will be ours to conquer!

Megatron:
So much Energon, yeesss, I can almost taste its power...

Optimus Primal:
It is over, Megatron!

Megatron:
It is NEVER over! NOOO! [transforms into robot mode]

Megatron:
For if I must die, I shall take you with me! [fires a missile at Optimus Primal]

[last lines]

Rattrap:
Yeah, well, at least Megatron's gone, and so's the Energon, so it's over! Can we go home now?

Optimus Primal:
No, Rattrap! For now, we're stranded here with the Predacons on this unknown planet. Megatron may be back, and there is still more Energon. If they ever get enough, they could conquer the galaxy. So for now, let the battle be here, on this strange primitive world, and let it be called... BEAST WARS!

Optimus Primal:
Hold your fire! We could start an avalanche!

Rattrap:
Have you crossed your wires? They're coming back!

Airazor:
Megatron. This is Airazor. Is this the Predacon meaning of a truce?

Megatron:
My dear Airazor. My humblest apologies. I will deactivate the defenses immediately.

Airazor:
That's better.

Megatron:
Yes. Again my apologies, Airazor, but you are in Predacon airspace. In the interest of continued peace I must request that you leave.

Airazor:
Oh, very well.

Megatron:
Oh, and Airazor.

Airazor:
Yes?

Megatron:
Please take that vermin with you.

Rattrap:
Aww slag.

Megatron:
Optimus Primal?

Optimus Primal:
Megatron? I'd say it's good to see you but my truth circuits would overload.

Megatron:
Enough of your pleasantries, Maximal. I would like to discuss with a matter of great importance.

Optimus Primal:
So? Discuss.

Megatron:
Not like this. In person, I say. Yeesss... I wish to discuss a truce.

Optimus Primal:
Okay, Megatron. You called this meeting. What's all this slag about a truce?

Megatron:
All true, I promise.

Optimus Primal:
When Predacons talk "truce" it means they just need time to draw their weapons.

Megatron:
Under normal circumstances, yes, but I have a matter of great imporatance. Something that needs my undivided attention. To be blunt, Maximal... I have no time for petty squabbles now.

Rattrap:
The truce is over...

Optimus Primal:
I'm a Maximal. I have to give peace a chance, no matter how unlikely it may be...

Rattrap:
Aw, man! I feel naked without my gun!

[attacked by the Predacon ship]

Rattrap:
We're gonna die!

Airazor:
Isn't a hero supposed to face death with dignity?

Rattrap:
Hey, what's the use of dyin' if you can't enjoy it?

[about the Predacons]

Rattrap:
Man, I'd hate to sell encyclopedias in that neighborhood!

Terrorsaur:
Don't even twitch your whiskers, pussycat, or I'll fragment your hard-drive!

Tigatron:
You cannot shoot. We have a truce, remember?

Terrorsaur:
Oh, I remember. but you know, my trigger finger, it just might forget.

Tigatron:
Then permit me to jar its memory!

Rattrap:
Rat... robot. Rat... robot. Hey, I'm a robot AND a rat! I like it!

Dinobot:
I do not see why...

Tigatron:
Remember, do not fight your beast instincts. Let them help your robot forms both in battle and in peace. But for now, maximize... AND SLAG SOME BUTT!

Rattrap:
[about Cheetor] Man, I swear them polka dots go clear through to the brain...

Cheetor:
[in beast mode] Feline fighter reporting for duty! So how do I help?

Rattrap:
Well, for a start, you could get outta beast mode!

Cheetor:
Oh, right. Sorry. Cheetor: maximize! [transforms and rushes out with Dinobot into battle]

Rattrap:
Man, I swear them polka dots go clear through to the brain...

[first lines]

[Cheetor wakes from a nightmare to find the Predacons attacking the Maximal base]

Optimus Primal:
Damage report!

Rhinox:
The autoguns are offline! They've been taken out!

[observing an attack on the Axalon]

Airazor:
Trouble with the neighbors again... Airazor: maximize!

Optimus Primal:
Attack? Where?

Rhinox:
Not an attack, yet. They're just trying to shake us up. None of us have slept for two days!

Rattrap:
Oh, man... I hate using these tiny little arms and legs! I wanna maximize!

Optimus Primal:
No! The Energon buildup will fry your system!

Rattrap:
Yeeah? Well, if you weren't such a coward...!

[Opimus Primal and Rattrap start snarling at each other bestially]

Rhinox:
Stop it! Stop It! STOP IT!

[flips a table over and shatters a window]

Optimus Primal:
What's happening to us?

Rhinox:
We've been in beast mode too long, it's starting to dominate our programming...

Megatron:
Just as my research on Maximal programming has postulated... Their beast forms have taken over, and they have been reduced to silly prowling! Which means tonight, WE HUNT!

[Megatron tries to shoot down Optimus Primal with a hunting rifle, but misses]

Megatron:
BLAST! Oh, well... if at first you don't succeed, try, try again! FLIERS! Hunt down and destroy all the other Maximals! Yeesss... but Optimus Primal is mine. Forward!

Waspinator:
Waspinator love it when prey cannot shoot back!

Terrorsaur:
Hunting from the air with automatic weapons, now THAT's a sport!

[Airazor awakes fully repaired, but finds only Tigatron at the base]

Airazor:
What's going on?

Tigatron:
[grimly assessing the situation] It's called a hunt.

Airazor:
Predacon base, and no one at home... except for a defense system. Oh, well... Airazor: maximize! [transforms]

Airazor:
She stoops to conquer! [slips into a steep dive that creates a sonic boom that rips out the autoguns]

[Tigatron locates all the feral Maximals and collects them together]

Tigatron:
I know you are frightened, but I can help. Accessing Maximal core consciousness. Password: Tigatron. [the Maximal animals cry out in agony]

Tigatron:
SILENCE! Good. Now, listen, and learn...

Tigatron:
Once, we were merely robots in disguise. But on this planet, we Maximals have become something more. Maximal programming is designed to block our beast urges, but that has proved to be an error. Our beast modes are part of us. Fighting their nature only makes them stronger. You must accept both beast and robot forms. Feel your core consciousness. Find the programming block and delete it! Bring your beast and robot forms together! Let them work in harmony... and let them both make you stronger than you were before.

Waspinator:
Oooh, Waspinator love it when prey cannot shoot back!

Rattrap:
I'm a robot trapped in a rat's body... and the rat is taking over!

Dinobot:
[laughs] Ooh, great system, your democracy. No mechanism to break a tie.

Dinobot:
I've heard enough from this scrawny thief! I will break the tie and be your leader, by force if necessary!

[prepares to duel with Rattrap]

Rattrap:
[to Dinobot] Wait, stand by here! Who died and made YOU Prime, scaleface?

Dinobot:
[awakening] Maximal torture chamber!

[breaks out of his ligatures and and runs then faces the others bracing himself to attack]

Cheetor:
Hey! Whoa! Hey, power down; you're on our side now, remember?

Dinobot:
[gets his breath back] Affirmative.

Rattrap:
And Maximals don't have torture chambers. Although, ya know, heh-heh, I could get behind that idea.

Rhinox:
Make a device to extract physical molecular structure from an alien probe? Man, I've gotta be a miracle-worker!

Scorponok:
Megatron back! Megatron back! Scorponok alone with Tarantulas and Terrorsaur. Very bad!

Megatron:
I know just how the weakling Maximals will response to Optimus's death: Confusion. Bickering. Recriminations! The perfect opportunity for a surprise attack.

Rattrap:
Ehhh, command's a pain in the tail. Especially with this pack o' hyenas. You can keep it.

Dinobot:
You were selfless in putting that shield back online. I ought to have followed your command. I... am dishonored.

Rattrap:
Ehhh... uh, next time.

[last lines]

Dinobot:
And more importantly, who are they? Friends, enemies... or something more?

Optimus Primal:
Hm. Good question. I wonder when we'll find out the answer.

[observing a stack of energon at the Standing Stones]

Rattrap:
Just like bait in the mousetrap...

[Maximals confront Predacons]

Megatron:
Ahh. They've come to meet their death, face-to-face!

[freed from the probe]

Optimus Primal:
Look who's back, and feeling prime!

Megatron:
The day, and the probe, is yours, Optimus. Yeesss. Just beware - not all aliens are beneficent, after all...

Cheetor:
What the spotted heck was *that* all about?

Optimus Primal:
Just beware of a Predacon attack. They'll be after you now that you're outnumbered. Ratttrap - you're in charge. I'm sure you worked out the chain of command peacefully. [a heavy impact jolts the chamber and sets off the alarm system]

Cheetor:
You're right about one thing, anyway.

Waspinator:
Waspinator having good day. Not yet shot once...

[BLAM!]

Silverbolt:
We're approaching the target area. How you faring in there, Rattrap?

Rattrap:
If Optimus ever asks me for anything again, MAN am I gonna shove that blaster right up his a...

Silverbolt:
Target dead ahead! Prepare for drop!

Inferno:
Stand and fight, vermin!

Rattrap:
Oh, yeah? Shrivel up and die, ant!

Depthcharge:
I knew saving your hide was a mistake.

Optimus Primal:
Rattrap?

Rattrap:
Oh, well, yeah, technically, he did KINDA do that... um... eh... thanks.

Rattrap:
Looks like that Predacon of yours did something right!

Silverbolt:
Yes, my beloved has... many skills.

[Rattrap is cramped into the submarine]

Rattrap:
What are YOU grinnin' about, litter-butt?

Cheetor:
I was just thinking; with you inside, this'd make a swell cat toy.

Dinobot:
The rodent's words give off the stench of truth. Destiny has one great test in store for us all. Has mine already come? And have I failed it? A deed once done cannot be undone, but perhaps, it may yet be mitigated.

Megatron:
One lonely turncoat, battling on against impossible odds... [wipes away a crocodile tear]

Megatron:
I'm almost... touched. Fourtuately, such moments pass quickly. Quickstrike, scrap him!

Rattrap:
Oh, man... no matter how soon we get there, it's going to be way too late.

Rhinox:
Do you always have to see the bright side?

Rattrap:
Dinobot against six Preds - there won't be enough left of him to make a toaster.

Megatron:
Destroy this valley and everything in it! The human race will never have existed!

Megatron:
Hmm... my ears are burning... yes... why, Dinobot. What a delightful surprise. Let's see... where are we now? Um... I have the golden disk... I have the power to change the future... and the only remaining obstacle in my path to unimaginable glory... is yourself. Exhausted... damaged beyond recovery... defeated.

Dinobot:
Not... just... yet.

Dinobot:
The question which once haunted my being has been answered. The future is not fixed, and my choices are my own... and yet, how ironic! For I now find, I have no choice at all! I am warrior... let the battle be joined.

Optimus Primal:
Well fought, my friend. You saved the valley. You saved the lives of those who live here, and those still to come.

Dinobot:
Then... there is nothing to regret...

Tarantulas:
Never turn your back on a spider. They tend to be venomous!

Dinobot:
But they still SQUASH!

Rhinox:
Remember that transwarp cell explosion? [Optimus Primal stares at him]

Rhinox:
Okay, stupid question...

[last lines]

Dinobot:
Tell my tale to those who ask it. Tell it truly, the good and the bad, and let me be judged accordingly. The rest... is silence.

Rattrap:
It's like I said... you're just a slag-stinkin' saurian, but uh... it's nice to know where you stand...

Dinobot:
Upwind of you for preference, vermin.

[last lines]

Optimus Primal:
He lived his life a warrior, and died a hero. Let his spark join with the greatest of Cybertron's heroes.

Quickstrike:
What's a warrior without weapons?

Dinobot:
A warrior STILL!

Megatron:
[laughing] A stick against a Transmetal?

Megatron:
You were weakened before you started, Dinobot... weakened by compassion!

Megatron:
Face it, Dinobot, you're obsolete technology! What can you do against me?

Dinobot:
Improvise!

Dinobot:
To be, or not to be. That is the question. These disks I hold, are they a record of what will be, or only what MAY? For if the future is indeed immutably foretold, then my demise is but moments from the confirmation. For I could not live if not the master of my fate! But IF the future can be changed, if these disks record merely one path of all the myriad ways the cosmos might conform, then their power is infinite! And yet, still limited, for they could be used but once and in that change be rendered fiction forever more. I could destroy them! But no... it would be a coward's answer. I will know the truth instead. Then, it will be either them or me that face oblivion...

Waspinator:
Oh, sure, don't mind Waspinator. Waspinator just lie here and suffer, drag *himself* to CR Chamber.

Rhinox:
Journey well, friends. You are part of this planet. Let its heart guide your own.

Megatron:
Farewell, Optimus Primal...

[Screams]

Silverbolt:
Consider that my resignation from the Predacons, Megatron! I know now where my place is. May I join you?

Optimus Primal:
Well, I like your resum?.

Rampage:
This will hardly be any fun at all.

Blackarachnia:
Yeah, for you! Blackarachnia... MAXIMIZE!

[Silverbolt gulps]

Rampage:
Love the new look... GOOD-BYE!

Blackarachnia:
You missed... and you're ugly!

[Blackarachnia goes back to beast mode and flings her grappling hook around Rampage's neck. She swings him around and around then lets go, flinging Rampage into the side of a cliff]

Blackarachnia:
[in robot mode] Hmm. Not too shabby.

Silverbolt:
Blackarachnia?

Blackarachnia:
You're not going to leave me now Bowser? Not after I've had my nails done and everything.

[smiles]

Blackarachnia:
I can't explain it. One minute I saw this light, then I saw Silverbolt in danger...

Optimus Primal:
And you rushed off on your own as usual. NOT a very Maximal approach.

Blackarachnia:
Even when I'm good I'm still bad.

Silverbolt:
What is it, Rhinox?

Rhinox:
The Pred shell program they implanted is deteriorating. If it continues it will infect her Maximal core conscience.

Blackarachnia:
It sounds serious. Oh. I guess using the transmetal driver on myself wasn't such a great idea.

Optimus Primal:
I thought you were smarter than that and how did YOU get the driver?

Blackarachnia:
I borrowed it.

Rhinox:
Why?

Blackarachnia:
Transmetals have more power. I WANTED IT.

Silverbolt:
Then you should have asked us. We could have helped you.

Blackarachnia:
Yeah, right. Like you're going to help the Pred get more power?

Optimus Primal:
Maximal or Predacon, you're one of us. You should know that by now.

Silverbolt:
Enough! Our only concern now should be Blackarachnia's well-being.

Optimus Primal:
You're right. Rhinox?

Rhinox:
I can't stop the spark's deterioration but I can try severing the shell program from her core consience. The only problem is it's never been done before.

[Blackarachnia looks worried]

Optimus Primal:
And if we don't try?

[a buzzer in Tarantulas's lair goes off]

Predacon Computer:
Attention! Attention! Attention! Shell program T-70 in jeopardy.

Tarantulas:
Blackarachnia? Tarantulas to Megatron.

Megatron:
Ah, LT! What news?

Tarantulas:
I've just learned that the Maximals are tampering with Blackarachnia's shell program.

Megatron:
Impossible! They wouldn't chance that unless she's passed access codes on to someone else?

Tarantulas:
Optimus, no doubt.

Megatron:
Yeesss. Which fits in nicely with our little plan for him. But what about Blackarachnia?

Tarantulas:
She'll never survive the attempt. The shell I implanted in her has certain safeguards.

Megatron:
Just in case, I believe I shall give the Maximals something else to worry about.

Silverbolt:
I am sorry, but I will forever be your champion, my lady.

Blackarachnia:
The way you talk.

[an electrolytic pulse goes through Blackarachnia's face into Silverbolt's face]

Blackarachnia:
Transmetal power... Better get used to it.

Rhinox:
It's too late. I'm sorry.

Silverbolt:
Blackarachnia.

Rhinox:
I'll let Optimus know.

Silverbolt:
[growling] TARANTULAS!

Silverbolt:
TARANTULAS! She's gone and it's all because of you. Silverbolt... MAXIMIZE!

Optimus Primal:
Thanks for all of your help...

Blackarachnia:
Spare me the Maximal mush and let's get this over with.

Rhinox:
How are you feeling?

Blackarachnia:
Like someone is playing squash-the-spider with an energon ball.

Optimus Primal:
Are you ready?

Blackarachnia:
All except for one thing. Decrypt datatrax Widow's Edge. Prepare for direct download. The Ark's access codes. I figure you have the best chance of keeping them away from Mega-Ego.

Ratrap:
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm gonna miss her.

Cheetor:
I know I will. She was something special.

Optimus Primal:
We should have trusted her more, if only because Silverbolt loved her.

Ratrap:
Yeah. Where is the bird-dog anyways?

Optimus Primal:
He couldn't have... Oh, no!

Ratrap:
Ohh!

Silverbolt:
[as Rhinox begins to turn Blackarachnia's internal systems off] Come back to me soon, beloved.

Waspinator:
Destroy all Autobot-bot-bot-bot-bots!

Megatron:
Waspinator, what are you buzzing about?

Waspinator:
Waspinator? Negative-negative-negative! I am Shrapnel, Decepticon hero-o-o-o-o-o!

Blackarachnia:
Shrapnel? That was a Decepticon from the Great Wars three centuries ago! He's wacko!

Waspinator:
Not wacko, Wonko! Wonko the Sane!

[salutes the viewer and starts punching himself]

Terrorsaur:
Look who's here. Our loyal friend.

Rhinox:
Is, that supposed to mean something?

Terrorsaur:
Deep-six the big wide eyes routine; you're trying to destablize the whole operation, so you can knock off Megatron and take over! Well, I've got news for you, pal... I like this plan. So here's the deal: you and me, equal partners.

Cheetor:
[laughing] *Now* I get it: Leave Rhinox in there and let him create total chaos!

Optimus Primal:
Yee. I was guessing that the transmutation would push his aggressiveness quotient right off the scales. And it looks as if I guessed right...

Rhinox:
Well, whaddata know? I win. Reprogramming me was the worst mistake you ever made. 'Cause now that I'm a Predacon, I'm just a little too crafty for you...

Megatron:
Yes. I see this now.

Rhinox:
It's called irony, sport. *I* take over, and *you* head straight for the recycling bin. Yessssss.

Megatron:
So it would seem. And even now, Rhinox, you're teaching me a valuable lesson.

Rhinox:
Yeah? What's that?

Megatron:
Sometimes Predacons gloat too much!

[blasts Rhinox with the Transuter, rendering him a Maximal again]

Rhinox:
[bewildered] W-what-wh-what happened?

Megatron:
[striking him] Maximal buffoon! Thought you'd outwit ME?

Rattrap:
Yo, everybody. Out of the pool.

Scorponok:
He's a smirker! Mangle!

Rhinox:
There's more than one way to skin a cat. So to speak. [glances at Cheetor who shakes his head]

Megatron:
Idiot! What have you done?

Waspinator:
The idiot does not respond! Idiot is comatose!

Rhinox:
Oh, I'm being *real* careful. See, *I'm* on this side, and it's all gonna fall - *that way*!

[drops a crate on Scorponok]

[last lines]

Cheetor:
What's it actually feel like bein' a Pred?

Rhinox:
Mmmm... Like you're three gigabytes of attitude on a two-gig hard drive. No wonder they got personality problems. [the Maximals burst out laughing except Dinobot, who shakes his head grinning grudgingly after a minute]

Megatron:
I am very very, very unhappy indeed. Ohhh, yessssss...

Optimus Primal:
Well done, old friend. Steady nerves and quick thinking.

Rhinox:
Comes with the job description.

Optimus Primal:
No, I'm serious. If you ever wanted to, you'd make one prime leader.

Rhinox:
Thanks anyway, but I'll leave that sort of thing to you. I'd rather just tag along behind and smell the flowers.

Rhinox:
Afternoon, all. This a private club, or can anybody join?

Rhinox:
Nice little setup, chief. I think I'm gonna feel right at home.

Rhinox:
And what's in this for me?

Megatron:
The satisfaction that you have, played a leading role, in the destruction of your former comrades.

Rhinox:
Destruction... Yep. Destruction is always good.

Rhinox:
Oh, you're back on their side now? Gee, a guy can hardly keep track.

Rattrap:
I mean, we can't just leave my pal in there!

Optimus Primal:
Oh, yes, we can. That's exactly what we're going to do.

Rattrap:
Oh, good. D - What? Optimus! Have you got a few bugs in your systems directory?

Optimus Primal:
No. But I've got a hunch that Megatron's bitten off a little more than he bargained for. Yes.

Rhinox:
Something wrong?

Megatron:
There must be a malfunction with the image-decompression protcom ray.

Rhinox:
Gee. Hope it's under warranty.

Rhinox:
[after hitting Waspinator with a crate so he slams into a wall] Heads up.

Rhinox:
You're gonna keep your big beak shut, and do exactly what I tell ya. 'Cause one false move and you're a new fast-food sensation: Pterodactyl hot wings. Get it?

Terrorsaur:
Got it!

Rhinox:
Good.

Optimus Primal:
If we intervene now we're facing seven Predacons, including Rhinox.

Rattrap:
And if we wait, we're facin' six Preds, and a large collection o'rhino bits.

Dinobot:
Mmmm, what a lovely smell. We could only be in a swamp.

Rhinox:
You're catching on, Dinobot. We just follow our noses and...

[Rhinox orders everyone to change to beast mode]

Rattrap:
Oh, boy. That was weird. A-a-and I still can't see.

Cheetor:
Me neither.

Dinobot:
I'll tear out Scorponok's cervos for this! And Waspinator's too!

Rhinox:
There's more than one way to see, Dinobot.

[washed up at the bottom of a waterfall]

Dinobot:
What, irony... for a warrior like me to go out blind, wet, and helpless...

Dinobot:
What's happening? Are we under attack?

Rhinox:
Don't panic.

Dinobot:
[ready to attack] You won't get me!

[pounces... into a tree, which bears a lot of pain for him]

Rhinox:
Listen to me! You've all got to calm down!

Dinobot:
Calm down? We can't seeeee!

Cheetor:
[entwined in a python] Can't... breathe...

Rattrap:
Cheetor? Cheetor! Where are ya, kiddo?

[a snake attempts to make Rattrap its dinner... ]

Rattrap:
Where is it? Where is it?

Rhinox:
[catching the snake in his teeth] Got ya now.

[tosses it]

[Waspinator finds the Maximals crossing a log bridge slowly]

Waspinator:
Mmmmm you are! Awwww, something wrong with Maximals? [laughs] Aw, they can't see! This will be easy!

[Waspinator transforms... ]

Rhinox:
Wait a minute. I heard some - [Waspinator blasts the log, and all Maximals fall down the waterfall]

Cheetor:
What do we do now?

Rhinox:
Nowhere to run... so we fight.

[an ailing Rhinox senses someone in the air and prepares to battle to his last... ]

Optimus Primal:
Rhinox!

Rhinox:
Optimus. I knew you'd c...

[With a sigh of relief, Rhinox passes out]

[Rhinox awakes at the Maximal base, fully repaired]

Rattrap:
[chuckling] Hey, buddy! Good to SEE ya. And, thanks.

Cheetor:
Goes double for me, big guy.

Dinobot:
Hmm. I suppose you did do a... commendable job out there.

[last lines]

Rhinox:
[transforms into beast mode] I'm gonna go smell some flowers.

[walks out]

Rattrap:
Eh... ya know, ya gotta love the big lugnut.

[a javelin is thrown into an energon crystal]

Dinobot:
You missed!

Scorponok:
Oh, did I? Look again, you fool! [Dinobot sees that the javelin has a timed explosive]

Rhinox:
Rhinox: maximize! [transforms and pulls the javelin out and hurls it away]

Scorponok:
Nice try, but you're too late!

Waspinator:
Goodbye, stupid Maximals! [a huge explosion occurs]

Dinobot:
So, now I'm nothing more than an Energon miner! What a waste of my talents.

[his detector goes off]

Dinobot:
I've found some! Here!

[discovers an energon deposit far greater than Rattrap's]

Cheetor:
Nice find, Dino-miner. You're even better at this than Rattrap!

Dinobot:
Hmmm... I'm better at EVERYTHING than Rattrap!

Rattrap:
Yeah?

Dinobot:
My eyes! My eyes!

Rhinox:
Dinobot?

Rattrap:
Rhinox? Where are ya, buddy? It's darker'n than the Inferno out here.

Cheetor:
Rhinox, Rattrap - Somebody help me! I can't see!

Rhinox:
We never really appreciated what we're capable of in beast form. Now... we know.

Dinobot:
Spare me your eternal optimism.

Rampage:
Your pain is lovely, but where is your terror? It would make this so much more amusing. Just like our little party on Omicron.

Waspinator:
Inferno blow up, Waspinator must salvage. Waspinator blow up, nobody salvage. Oh, why universe hate Waspinator?

Depthcharge:
Computer, where is he?

Maximal Computer:
Coordinates 0-0-0.

Depthcharge:
There's nothing there but rocks... [Rampage jumps out from underneath the rocks]

Rampage:
Greetings, old playmate, so glad you could come.

Depthcharge:
X!

Rampage:
I'm called Rampage now. A bit obvious, but to the point, don't you think?

Rampage:
Someone's... coming. Someone... I remember.

Depthcharge:
It's not revenge I'm looking for. It's justice.

Optimus Primal:
X is not alone. He's a Predacon now under Megatron's control. There are six of them.

Depthcharge:
I gotta hand it to ya, Primal, when you screw up, you do it big time. But thanks for the tip.

Depthcharge:
Slag the High Council.

Cheetor:
[about Depthcharge] So, you think he'll come back?

Optimus Primal:
There was a time, he would never have left. Rampage changed that.

[destroying Depthcharge's star hopper]

Rampage:
It was really so nice of you to come. So glad you could stay. Oh, we'll have such fun. Ho-ho, YEAH!

[Cheetor's comlink and jets are scrapped when he lands in a lagoon]

Cheetor:
I hate water.

Cheetor:
[about Depthcharge] What's with him?

Rattrap:
Ah, probably just rust...

[confronting a clone of himself]

Dinobot:
What in the Inferno are you?

Dinobot:
What you would have been, had you not betrayed Megatron!

Dinobot:
[in robot mode] Well, come on then! Transform!

Dinobot:
I... I can't! I was only constructed in beast mode, and have no robot mode!

Dinobot:
Then I shall defeat you in a manner worthy of honour... [transforms back into beast mode]

[last lines]

Rattrap:
If there was a clone, then where is he, huh?

Dinobot:
I am afraid he is no longer with us. A pity, really. He was such a handsome creature... and very tasty. [gives a burp, much to the Maximals' horror]

Optimus Primal:
[revolted] You're disgusting! [Dinobot smirks]

Terrorsaur:
Welcome to the Darkside, Maximal!

[a bridge is blown to bits in an attack]

Rhinox:
That was some cold slag...

Waspinator:
Oh, no! [a boulder lands on him] Waspinator in trouble!

Cheetor:
OPTIMUS! Oh, man... can you hear me?

Dinobot:
Fear not, Optimus, I shall ensure your funeral is a glorious one, as befits a warrior who died in battle!

Optimus Primal:
[stirring] 'Fraid I'll have to miss it, Dinobot - I'm not scrap yet!

Dinobot:
Hmmm, are you certain? It would be a triumphant passage...

Rattrap:
[on a comlink] Maximal base, Rattrap calling. Hello? Chopperface, we got a real problem here!

Dinobot:
[opens the connection at the base] Speak, vermin!

Rattrap:
The Preds attacked; we got no bridge! Looks like we'll have to take the scenic route! Not much chance of catching up now...

Dinobot:
No excuses, you pathetic rodent! Keep moving! Dinobot out.

Dinobot:
HEY! You can just kiss my pink hairy... [Dinobot breaks the connection]

Optimus Primal:
Greetings, Tigatron! I'm Optimus Primal, Maximal commander! You had us worried for a little while. We didn't know if you'd made it.

Tigatron:
I almost didn't... the crash damaged my identity circuits... I didn't know who I really was... or what side I was on... until...

[looks at Rhinox, Rattrap and Cheetor]

Optimus Primal:
Until I saw you willing to risk your lives to save us.

Tigatron:
Well, we're just glad you came through. We could use another member on the Maximal force. Our ship, or what's left of it is due south about a hundred clips...

Tigatron:
No. I am sorry... I am still more tiger than Maximal... until my identity circuits restore themselves, I believe my place is here in the wilds, with my kind. But you may count on my loyalty.

Rhinox:
Sounds good to me!

Rattrap:
Yeah, we could use a scout up here, in case the Preds get up to something...

Optimus Primal:
Then it's settled, for now. But I have a feeling we'll be meeting again, Tigatron, and soon...

[first lines]

Rhinox:
[at a console] Incoming stasis pod! Its orbit has decayed into the Northern sector!

Optimus Primal:
Heads up, bots; get ready to move!

Rhinox:
Impact in 5 seconds... 4... 3... 2... 1...

[the stasis pod crashes in the Arctic]

Terrorsaur:
[at a console] IMPACT! It landed in Sector 6175885, a hundred clicks due north! Shall we go?

Megatron:
Nooo, not yet...

Optimus Primal:
Get a landing party ready as soon as... [takes a hit]

Dinobot:
I am not usually an advocate of caution, Optimus Primal, but in this case I must register my concern...

Dinobot:
Ambush, as suspected!

[Megatron finds Dinobot setting up a communications station]

Megatron:
Ahhh, Dinobot, yeesss...

Dinobot:
Dinobot: maximize!

[transforms]

Megatron:
Nooo, nooo, nooo, nooo! Calmness, calmness, please! I came only to talk, yeesss... After all, you are alone and in command of the Maximal base. An excellent opportunity, is it not? You were a Predacon once - become one again! Turn the base over to me, and the Beast Wars will be over! We Predacons will rule the galaxy, and you shall be my second-in-command! So, what do you say?

Dinobot:
EAT SLAG! [attacks]

Megatron:
The stasis pod is ours, Maximal! And I know your weaknesses, yeesss... [Megatron blasts an outcrop where two tigers are standing; the tigers plunge down to the ground and Megatron utters a sadistic laugh]

Rhinox:
Let them go! They're not part of this!

Megatron:
That's right, just innocent creatures. [aims his blaster at the tigers]

Megatron:
So surrender yourselves and this pod, or they shall be terminated! [the Maximal squad slowly lower their guns]

Rattrap:
You win, you depraved wad of stinkin' slag...!

Megatron:
Open the stasis pod! [the gloating Predacons open the stasis pod... ]

Megatron:
WHHAAAT? [There's nothing inside]

Megatron:
It's empty! Where is the Maximal?

Tigatron:
Right here... [the Predacons turn and see one of the tigers facing them]

Tigatron:
Tigatron: maximize!

Rattrap:
All right!

Cheetor:
Let's do it!

[the Predacons are under attack]

Megatron:
Beast modes! Retreat! RETREAT!

[last lines]

Tigatron:
Let the trails lead where they may. I will follow...

Optimus Primal:
What happened to Cheetor? [Depthcharge gives Primal Cheetor's breastplate]

Depthcharge:
Kid was tough. He went out fighting.

Optimus Primal:
[mourning Cheetor] It's all my fault... I pushed him too hard, so he wanted to prove himself.

[Dinobot is resurrected with the use of Transmetal technology, cloning and... ]

Rampage:
You gave THIS the fragment of my spark? I shall pry it from its chest!

Megatron:
The other equipment has been salvaged, but you took the alien Transmetal unit. Where is it?

Depthcharge:
Gone. Ain't that a kick in the lugnuts?

Optimus Primal:
He's a Transformer but his spark is still feral.

Rattrap:
It looks like he can't get out of it.

Optimus Primal:
He'll learn. He just needs a little guidance at the moment. It's okay, Cheetor. Use your spark. Get control.

Rattrap:
Yeah, nobody's going to hurt you, kid.

[Cheetor takes a few swipes at Rattrap]

Rattrap:
Us I'm not so sure about.

Optimus Primal:
It's us, Cheetor. Your friends. We know you can do it.

[Optimus takes his spark energy and transfers it to Cheetor's spark]

Optimus Primal:
Do it, Cheetor... Maximize!

Cheetor:
Maximize!

Optimus Primal:
Yes, Cheetor!

Optimus Primal:
[lifts Cheetor off the ground] You did it!

Cheetor:
[growling] Oh, Optimus! Back off, okay? You're embarrassing me. [looking at Silverbolt and Rattrap] You looking at something?

Rattrap:
[glee] Oh, joy. Cyber-puberty!

Cheetor:
I don't understand why we have to do this. Don't you trust me?

Optimus Primal:
Normally, yes, but at the moment I think you're hiding something.

Cheetor:
I'm not hiding ANYTHING! Why is everyone giving me such a hard time?

Optimus Primal:
Because we care and because I think I know the truth. I just want you to trust me enough to help you.

Cheetor:
All right, all right, it's like this...

[Optimus hears a twig snapping. He sniffs around, puts his detection-visor down and sees a line-of-sight light hit Cheetor]

Optimus Primal:
Cheetor, look out!

[Optimus runs in front of Cheetor and gets hit in the chest]

Cheetor:
Oh, no! OPTIMUS!

[begins to hulk out]

Optimus Primal:
You listen, hardhead. Cheetor's gone, and I think you know something! So you will talk, or I will rip out your core processor and extract the information personally!

Depthcharge:
Well, since you asked so nicely. Your little kitty-cat pulled some kind of alien gizmo off of Megatron's organic transmetal unit.

Optimus Primal:
Did he succeed?

Depthcharge:
Yeah, but the device was already activated.

Optimus Primal:
He was caught in the overload.

Depthcharge:
I already destroyed the gizmo. I'm sorry. I didn't know that was what he'd become.

Optimus Primal:
Cheetor. Watch out for the other bot!

Cheetor:
Which bot? Oh, you mean this one right here?

[blasts Waspinator]

Cheetor:
You hurt my friend, freak-bot.

Dinobot:
Yes, and now I shall neautralize you!

Cheetor:
Time to shred some Pred!

[Depthcharge lies on his back, unable to move]

Depthcharge:
Marvelous...

[a butterfly lands on his torso]

Depthcharge:
[to the butterfly] What are YOU looking at?

Waspinator:
Waspinator to Megatron. Waspinator has... OW... female fleshy bot... OW... but there is problem...

Megatron:
She'd better not be injured.

Waspinator:
No, she injuring Waspinator... OW!

Megatron:
Ahh, situation normal then. Yes.

Oona:
[puts the stabilizer crystal in her hair] Oona pretty.

Ratrap, Depthcharge:
A stabilizer crystal?

Megatron:
My disruptor ray shall destroy them!

[being beaten by humans]

Waspinator:
Waspinator want to re-negotiate contract!

Rattrap:
Hey, what are ya doin'?

Depthcharge:
Energon circuits... fried... no power.

Rattrap:
Ohhh, then switch to glide mode or somethin'!

Depthcharge:
I don't have a glide mode, mouse!

Rattrap:
But you gotta do SOMETHIN'!

Depthcharge:
I'm open to suggestions.

Rattrap:
Oh, okay... how 'bout we crash down into that mountains and die horrible, agonizing deaths?

Depthcharge:
Ow! Careful, you moronic mouse!

Rattrap:
Hey, if you can RIDE a little steadier, maybe I can steer better!

Depthcharge:
You couldn't steer a garbage scow!

Rattrap:
Yeah, like a floatin' flounder's any better!

Megatron:
The disruptor cannon is now operational. And as it happens, our targets are right in line with the Maximal base. We shall destroy both in a single, glorious onslaught of energon devastation!

Rattrap:
[to Una] You better bail, sister. Cause the ray won't hurt ya... but our exploding bodies might!

[last lines]

Depthcharge:
You know, those Preds are probably slagged and helpless back there. We oughta go finish 'em off.

Rattrap:
In case you haven't noticed, Scales, we ain't exactly in fighting trim ourselves. I say we go home.

Depthcharge:
Why am I not surprised?

Rattrap:
Say, uh, Una... [points his gun at Depthcharge's head]

Rattrap:
Cheetor ever show you my recipe for FRIED flounder? [Depthcharge hits Rattrap with his tail]

Rattrap:
Huh, I ain't dead!

Depthcharge:
This day's just full of disappointments...

Rattrap:
So... uh... how are you doing there, Charlie Tuna? Them energon circuits still sizzled?

Depthcharge:
They'll recover. Just DIG ME OUT!

Rattrap:
Hah, and leave me exposed to Pred fliers? Ha ha, NO way! You just lie there and get your juice back.

Depthcharge:
Where are you going?

Rattrap:
Hey, this is STILL a rescue mission, remember? [scampers off]

Dinobot:
This is not the way, Cheetor.

Cheetor:
We've gotta back him up!

Dinobot:
It is a doomed mission! There's no strategy, just blind aggression.

Cheetor:
Maybe that's what we've been needing: a little less brain and a little more guts!

Dinobot:
We must try to think what Optimus - the old Optimus - would do.

Cheetor:
And that would be?

Dinobot:
Negotiate.

Terrorsaur:
I've got a Maximal tight-beam transmission coming in. It's a little bit garbled by the energon field, but...

Megatron:
Bring it up. Yesss.

Cheetor:
Predacon base, come in!

Megatron:
Hmmmm, pussycat. Yeesss. State your business.

Cheetor:
Listen up, you miswired metalheads. You botched up your little attitude adjustment on Optimus. He's flamin' towards you on the Red-Eye Express, and he's loaded for mainframe combat. So what do you say you fork over that antivirus before ya get vaped?

Megatron:
Any renegade Maximal who blunders into our base will... not survive. Megatron out.

[as soon as communication is cut]

Megatron:
Incompetent bug!

[slugs Scorponok]

Rattrap:
Well?

Cheetor:
It didn't work! All we did was tip 'em off, and now they're gonna be waitin' for him!

[turning on Dinobot]

Cheetor:
You and your bright ideas!

Dinobot:
It would appear that only Optimus can truly think like Optimus. For the rest of us, we must now... think on their own.

Optimus Primal:
All right... WHO WANTS SOME?

Rhinox:
What do you mean, "use it to our advantage"?

Dinobot:
Optimus, is a war machine. I say we point him in the right direction, give him full armaments, and then, unleash him upon the Predacons. If we want the antivirus, that is the only way to get it.

Rattrap:
Hey, hey, hey, hey! Eh, normally, I would love to see the Preds get their little scheme tossed right back at 'em. But you're forgettin', just one little thing.

Dinobot:
Oh? And that would be?

Rhinox:
Optimus would get blown to scrap. BIG problem.

Dinobot:
Well... that depends on your viewpoint.

Rattrap:
Hey, hey-hey-hey - shut up!

[a flower spits a prickly pellet at Dinobot after he insults it]

Dinobot:
AHHHHHHHHH! Get this thing off me! I can't reach it! GET IT OFFFFFFF!

Optimus Primal:
Hold on. Hold on!

[removes it]

Optimus Primal:
[chuckles] Got you in the one place you can't reach, didn't it?

[it starts spinning in his grip so he drops it on the ground, where it instantaneously germinates]

Optimus Primal:
You see? That's how it spreads its seed. We've learned something...

Dinobot:
Yeeeees... From now on I shoot my dinner salad before I eat it.

Scorponok:
I have a special cyber-bee just for you, Optimus Primal! Enjoy!

[fires it at Optimus]

Cheetor:
You were supposed to be his backup!

Dinobot:
We were ambushed! And - don't tell me my duties, furball. Or you, shall soon be occupying several recycling bins!

Cheetor:
[Growls] Wanna try it now, Lizard Lips?

Rattrap:
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, heeh! Eh... as much as I'd love to see the both o'you scrap yourselves... ehh... just save it for my birthday.

[Optimus breaks into Scorponok's lab, but finds nothing]

Megatron:
Looking for this, perhaps?

[appears, holding the antivirus]

Rattrap:
Rhinox, what's the cinch?

Rhinox:
Looks like a viral mine. It's fused with his net core. He can't transform while that thing's attached.

Cheetor:
Well, then, let's get it off! He took enough energon damage just getting back here!

Rhinox:
[shakes his head] Can't be done. The mine's rerouted all his life-support functions to itself. We yank it, he lives for less than a minute.

Cheetor:
Ohhh. That's bad.

Rhinox:
Gets worse. Right after that, the mine explodes, takin' out everyone within sprintin' distance.

Optimus Primal:
What... is it you want?

Megatron:
Your alligance, in exchange for this antivirus. Yeesss...

Optimus Primal:
And... if I refuse?

Megatron:
You cannot refuse. No. Not if you want to survive. Join me, or perish!

Cheetor:
Is there any of the old Optimus left?

Optimus Primal:
Yes... Some...

Cheetor:
Don't let it go, Big Bot! Don't let this thing tweak ya outta control.

Waspinator:
Waspinator get him!

[a moment later, gets scrapped instead by Optimus Primal]

[first lines]

Optimus Primal:
[exploring the terrain and discovering a beautiful flower] Ah. Here's a new specimen... Dinobot, come on! You're supposed to be assisting.

Dinobot:
Of course. But pardon my lack of enthusiasm for a bunch of worthless weeds.

Optimus Primal:
Dinobot, I signed on for this mission as an explorer. Just because we bumped into Predacons is no reason to stop learning new things.

Dinobot:
Well, if we encounter any of Megatron's forces, you may learn that it is unwise to dally with plants.

Optimus Primal:
Knowledge of the territory can be an advantage in battle, Dinobot. You're a soldier, you should know that.

Dinobot:
I somehow doubt this plant will be a turning point...

Optimus Primal:
[of the viral mine] Nobody... takes it off... Understand?

[Dinobot makes a furtive movement behind Optimus, who turns and aims everything at him]

Optimus Primal:
You hear me? I'll blow your slaggin' head off!

Optimus Primal:
I don't fear you... I don't fear ANY OF YOU!

Rhinox:
I thought that thing was supposed to turn him into a coward.

Dinobot:
No doubt that *was* its intention. But, Scorponok is notoriously incompetent.

Optimus Primal:
Hey... they made what I am today... So I figure it's time to say THANK YOU! Now! Yeah!

[starts shooting, blowing out a light and causing the alarm to go off]

Optimus Primal:
Ohhhh... Stupid slagging circuit systems! Ah, shut up!

[goes back into a berseker rage and starts firing at everything]

Rhinox:
We've got to stop him before he hurts himself!

Rattrap:
Heh! Him? Heh! Try us!

Megatron:
[to Primal, admiring] Guerrilla warfare suits you. The old Optimus would have never made it this far.

Optimus Primal:
Oh, yes! Then why not end this here and now, Megatron?

[rips the viral mine from his chest, which activates its detonation mechanism causing Megatron to recoil]

Megatron:
You fool! You'll destroy us all!

Optimus Primal:
Just a little trick I learned from a flower, Megatron!

[throws the viral mine at Megatron who's fleeing; it latches on his back, in a place he can't reach]

Megatron:
Aaargh! SCORPONOOOOK!

[runs towards Scorponok, dropping the anti-virus]

[last lines]

[Optimus wakens to find Dinobot in his quarters]

Optimus Primal:
Bedside vigil, Dinobot? Not like you.

Dinobot:
I-It was... my shift. Well... it's, uh, good to... have you back.

Optimus Primal:
Back home? Or back to normal?

Dinobot:
Both.

[smiles then leaves; Primal sees, on a stool next to him, the flower which earlier he was studying and Dinobot had scorned; he chuckles and goes back to sleep]

Rattrap:
And, uh, what if he goes ape-slag on us?

Dinobot:
Hm. Fine by me.

Cheetor:
Ya hang too tough to be dropped by any techno-flu!

Inferno:
The royalty commands your presence, Maximal!

Tigertron:
Give my regards to the pit, Predacon!

Tigatron:
[thrashing Inferno] You will leave the wild alone!

Dinobot:
A Predacon wouldn't miss!

[at the grave of his animal friend]

Tigatron:
Goodbye, Snowstalker. Let your hunting ground shelter you now.

Tigatron:
I cannot do this again.

Cheetor:
It's... it's never easy to bury a friend.

Tigatron:
[looking over the devastation] But it is too easy to do THIS...

Cheetor:
We had no choice! The Preds...

Tigatron:
Predacons or Maximals, what difference does it make? In my lust for battle, I caused the death of an innocent.

Dinobot:
Brah! There are no innocents! This is war! And this... well, this is simply a battlefield.

Tigatron:
We MADE it so! And every time we do, this world suffers! But I will have no more of it. From this moment on, I am no longer part of the Beast Wars.

Tigatron:
I do not wish to fight!

Dinobot:
THEN DIE!

Dinobot:
[outraged] You would desert in the face of an enemy?

Dinobot:
Predacons know how to deal with those who will not fight...

[to Cheetor]

Dinobot:
Go back to base. You need repairs.

Waspinator:
[mistaken upon meeting Snowstalker, Tigatron's friend] Tiger-bot!

Tigatron:
[above] Half right, Predacon! [jumps on Waspinator]

[Primal picks up a distress signal]

Optimus Primal:
That's Dinobot! He may need help! [Tigatron looks down, conflicted]

Optimus Primal:
[quietly] I guess you've made your decision... [leaves]

Waspinator:
That's not tiger-bot!

Terrorsaur:
Who cares? Dinobot will make an even better prisoner to capture!

Tigatron:
Back off, Predacon! You'll kill no more beasts today!

Terrorsaur:
Do something!

Waspinator:
Waspinator not given signal!

Terrorsaur:
ATTACK, YOU IMBECILE!

Waspinator:
Waspinator will engage enemy.

[Tigatron senses someone approaching, and hides. Soon, Dinobot approaches and locates Tigatron]

Dinobot:
You have the instincts of a warrior. You know when danger's approaching.

Tigatron:
Why do you stalk me?

Dinobot:
To... talk.

Tigatron:
I have nothing more to say.

Dinobot:
Then look! [Dinobot points towards a meadow where gazelles are grazing peacefully. Suddenly a tiger attacks and pounces upon one of the gazelles... ]

Dinobot:
That is the law of the jungle - the hunter and the hunted! Scrap or be scrapped!

Tigatron:
Animals fight to survive!

Dinobot:
What do you think war is about?

Dinobot:
Maximals, they believe in peace! But Predacons... you do not know the Predacons! We... THEY live for the glory of conquest! If Megatron takes the energon wealth of this planet unopposed, he will start a war that will destroy all of Cybertron, and then the galaxy... until only one side remains. It has been this way for hundreds of stellar cycles, ever since Autobots and Decepticons began the Great War three centuries ago!

Optimus Primal:
Tigatron, I hate this war as much as any of us...

Tigatron:
All the more reason to stop it! We don't belong here, Optimus!

Optimus Primal:
But we ARE here. And as Maximals, we've got a duty to explore and defend this world.

[Tigatron puts out a burning bush]

Tigatron:
Once again this planet pays the price for our war!

[last lines]

Optimus Primal:
Well fought, Maximal.

Dinobot:
You chose a perfect time to return to our ranks. I am in your debt.

Tigatron:
I must still grieve for my friend... but as long as there are Predacons to harm this world, I will fight to protect it.

Optimus Primal:
Return to base and get yourself fixed.

Cheetor:
What's gonna happen?

Optimus Primal:
I don't know...

[first lines]

Dinobot:
[on a scouting mission] Such a task is below my station...

Cheetor:
Rhinox thinks those alien sites are dangerous. He feels that...

Inferno:
[appearing] *Forrrr the royalty!*

Waspinator:
Waspinator like signals.

Megatron:
Sometimes deception is the better part of valor.

Megatron:
Enter the dragon!

Blackarachnia:
You'll regret this, crab legs!

Rampage:
I regret everything, my sweet. Struggle as much as you like, I enjoy it!

Megatron:
Inferno, aide Quickstrike.

Inferno:
Yes, my queen...

Dinobot:
I was not aware you had given yourself a new title.

Megatron:
The ant has some faulty programming.

Depthcharge:
Raw energon, right through your sick twisted spark. TAKE IT! TAKE IT TO THE PIT YOU SICKENING PIECE OF SLAG!

Waspinator:
Ant-bot could not find own thorax with two hands and a road map!

[about a Decepticon warship]

Dinobot:
Hmm... impressive.

Megatron:
Oh, it is more than that, my malevolent minion. That is the most powerful Decepticon warship in Transformer history. The ship that shot down the Ark itself! THE NEMESIS! The Nemesis...

Depthcharge:
I have no time for you, X!

Rampage:
Like you had no time for Starbase Rugby? You had friends there, as I recall - tasty ones too!

Rampage:
[goading Depthcharge] I was YOUR assignment, and you failed!

Inferno:
That will be our new colony.

Quickstrike:
Ewww! I don't wanna move in there! It got all 'em hairy critters in it! Unless... unless you mean we's gonna slag 'em! Oh, oh please tell me that's what you're plannin'!

Inferno:
The royalty demands a new colony. And we shall take it. By force.

Quickstrike:
YAHOO! Now you're talkin!

Quickstrike:
How's about it, bug boy? You ready to rip?

Waspinator:
No.

Quickstrike:
...what?

Inferno:
But the royalty commands!

Waspinator:
I said NO! Dragon-bot command you, Sub-commander kiss-butt! Dragon-bot not command Waspinator! Not any more! Waspinator sick of being evil! Sick of being Predacon! And Waspinator sick of being blown to scrap all the time! Sooo, Waspinator quits! As of NOW! Which means Ant-bot and Two-head can just pucker up their mandibles and plant big wet juicy ones right here on Waspinator's big, fat, stripy... [blam! Inferno and Quickstrike blast Waspinator]

Optimus Primal:
You have to stop Megatron... no matter what the cost!

Dinobot:
My spark... it feels WHOLE... again... [stands like himself]

Rhinox:
For everything that ever was...

[crashes his ship into The Nemesis]

[in the control room of the Nemesis]

Megatron:
Well, come on. Let's have it. The usual "Destiny and Honor" speech.

Optimus Primal:
Speech this!

[punches Megatron in the face]

Waspinator:
[smiling] Waspinator happy at last!

Rhinox:
Blackarachnia, how's that capacitor coming?

Blackarachnia:
I need a conduit cable to finish the connection... aha!

[sees Rattrap's sword-tail and lops it off]

Rattrap:
Hey! Ya emasculatin' fembot!

Megatron:
Destroy them!

Dinobot II:
Negative!

Megatron:
WHAT? What possible reason do you have to disobey me? I am your master! I am your creator!

Dinobot II:
And I... have my honor!

Optimus Primal:
Everything's as it should be... At last. Let's go home.

Blackarachnia:
Main engines now connected to Teletron 1.

Rattrap:
It's Teletraan!

Blackarachnia:
Oh, whatever!

Silverbolt:
[injured from an explosion] Worry not, my love. 'Tis but a... scratch. [Silverbolt's arm falls off]

Optimus Primal:
Maybe. But I think you're due some time in the CR chamber.

Silverbolt:
Sir, I'm fine, I...

Blackarachnina:
Shut up and obey your commander, bone-brain! [Silverbolt's head falls off]

Silverbolt:
Yes, dear.

Tigerhawk:
Quickly, go to your fellow Maximals! Prepare them! If Megatron destroys the Ark and its occupants, history as we know it will unravel!

Optimus Primal:
You can't stop that thing alone!

Tigerhawk:
Perhaps... but it is my destiny to try. I will hold the line here. Go!

Computer:
Unit Tigerhawk, Terminated.

Optimus Primal:
NOOOO! [smashes doors] This ends here, Megatron! No more good friends will be sacrificed to your insane ambition! I swear it! NO MORE!

Rattrap:
Uh... did ya knock?

Megatron:
"I am that which is, which was, and is yet to come! And you will know my name is Megatron when I lay my vengeance upon you!"

Dinobot II:
You've already read the Covenant of Primus?

Megatron:
Just the good parts.

Optimus Primal:
Dinobot! Save yourself!

Dinobot II:
Farewell, Optimus Primal.

Megatron:
Hmm... I suppose, given my imminent godhood, these primitives should really be beneath my intention. Ah, still, no score is too small to settle, I always say.

Dinobot II:
You would turn the full fury of this mighty warship on a lone anthropoid? Tell me, Megatron, where's the honor in that?

Megatron:
[growls] You dare use the h-word to me?

Dinobot II:
I... I apologize! I... I merely felt our power should be conserved for the... the larger battle!

Megatron:
Ah. Duly noted... and ignored!

Megatron:
Now where was I? Ah, yes... mindless destruction! Good for the spark, I always say...

Megatron:
[quoting the Covenant of Primus] "And there came a hero who said, "Hurt not the earth, nor the sea, nor the trees, nor the very fabric of time." But the hero would not prevail..."

Optimus Primal:
Finish the quote, Megatron: "... nor would he surrender!"

Optimus Primal:
[quoting the Covenant of Primus] "'In the Spark of an enemy, there will be salvation; and in the darkest hour, there will be a light."

Rattrap:
Yeah, from a very unexpected source - old Chopperface's clone. Who'da thunk it?

Optimus Primal:
And let us never forget those other brave 'bots, whose sacrifice safeguarded past, present, and future...

Silverbolt:
Blackarachnia, O dark poison of my heart, abide with me yet a while.

Blackarachnia:
You got a way with words, Rover. You almost make me wish I was a better girl.

Silverbolt:
But you are. For at the last moment you made a stand against evil.

Blackarachnia:
Oh, I was saving my own shell.

Silverbolt:
And with it the UNIVERSE, and me.

[Optimus Primal fuses with Optimus Prime]

Cheetor:
How are you feeling? All right, Big Not?

Optimus Primal:
In a word... *prime*!

Cheetor:
Jumpin' gyros, Optimus sure learns a new body fast.

Rattrap:
Yeah, well, whaddaya expect? He changes 'em often enough.

Megatron:
*You*?

Blackarachnia:
Well, what did you expect, you metal megalomaniac? That I would die for your insane ambition?

Megatron:
Then or now, Blackarachnia, there will be no more betrayals.

[Megatron charges his weapon and fires. Blackarachnia screams]

Silverbolt:
Blackarachnia?

Rattrap:
Sheesh. Where's my cyberviolin?

Rhinox:
Very touching, Silverbolt. But she's just in stasis lock.

Rattrap:
Yeah, so if you could stop crushing her to your manly torso plate for a while, what say we start the repairs?

Silverbolt:
[clearing his throat] Yes, um, very well.

Rhinox:
Hurry back with that spark, Optimus, or none of this will have mattered at all.

Rhinox:
His spark can't exist outside of a living body.

Optimus Primal:
I know.

Rattrap:
What? Are you NUTS? You can't hold two sparks in your body.

Optimus Primal:
Freedom is the right of ALL sentient beings, Megatron.

Megatron:
Then they'd better stay out of my way.

Rattrap:
Oh, for bootin' up cold, will you just shoot him already?

Optimus Primal:
I'm trying not to resort to that.

Rattrap:
Then I will.

Optimus Primal:
NO!

[Optimus Primal groans in the corner of the Ark]

Rhinox:
Hurry.

Blackarachnia:
This technology is over four-billion years old. It takes time.

Rattrap:
Time you don't have She-Spider.

Silverbolt:
You'll have to shoot through me, rodent.

Rattrap:
Don't tempt me.

Rhinox:
Knock it off. We have bigger problems.

Rhinox:
Whew! He's back in normal stasis and reality has been restored.

Rattrap:
Yeah. Now all we've gotta do is keep it that way for the next couple of million years. Sheesh, no problem.

Optimus Primal:
Rattrap is correct. The first thing we have to do, Maximals...

Blackarachnia:
Ahem!

Optimus Primal:
And Predacon, is fortify this place so gather up all of the salvage you can find... We're moving in.

Megatron:
Farewell, Maximals. With the destruction of Optimus Prime, the Decepticons and Predacons now take their rightful places as rulers of Cybertron. I, Megatron, have triumphed... Yeeesssss.

Blackarachnia:
NO. You forget I was a Maximal protoform. Teletron 1, activate.

[Megatron yells]

Blackarachnia:
[after pushing some buttons] Auxiliary life-support on.

Silverbolt:
[continues to plug the life-support machine into Optimus Prime's arm which slows down the time storm] It's done! The time storm... It appears to have stabilized somewhat.

Blackarachnia:
But Big Mac here is still fading.

[Blackarachnia and Silverblot begin fading in and out]

Blackarachnia:
Reality is still in flux.

Optimus Primal:
[flying into the Ark] Sliverbolt. What? Huh? Well, that's just prime.

Rattrap:
Well, what's left of him anyways.

[Rhinox slugs Rattrap]

Inferno:
I will protect you, royalty.

Megatron:
No, Inferno, not this time. This is not the end of it, Optimal Optimus... No. The universe cowered once at the name of Megatron and it shall do so again.

Blackarachnia:
Arrgh!

Silverbolt:
Blackarachnia!

[Blackarachnia groans]

Silverbolt:
Stay by me. Whatever this storm is, I will protect you.

Blackarachnia:
No, Bowser Boy. You have no idea what you're dealing with. Just shut up and follow me.

Silverbolt:
What are you doing?

Blackarachnia:
It's not what I'm doing! It's what I'm *undoing*!

Tigerhawk:
What happened to me?

Cheetor:
Tigatron and Airazor have come home.

Tigerhawk:
Home? Yes. This is home. I remember now. Things have changed. What have I become?

Cheetor:
You're Tigerhawk. A Maximal, like us.

Tigerhawk:
Tigerhawk... I like the sound of that.

Optimus Primal:
There's a lot of questions still to be answered, for all of us. But for now, welcome home.

Tigerhawk:
Things have changed... A lot.

[Cheetor chortles under his breath]

Megatron:
Waspinator will speak for the defense.

Waspinator:
Ooo, Waspinator like defense. A little more defense and maybe Waspinator not get blown up all the time!

Rattrap:
That meteor must have slagged the Preds good. Why aren't you guys celebrating? That meteor just solved all of our problems.

Rhinox:
That's no meteor. Its readings are off the scale.

[last words]

[caught in an alien snare]

Tigatron:
Wherever you go, my spark shall find yours!

Airazor:
...and mine, yours! [both vanish into a bright light]

[Airazor and Tigatron scout a beautiful orchard]

Tigatron:
I forgot what this planet has to offer. [Tigatron and Airazor move together to kiss... ]

Megatron:
So, back online, are we?

Waspinator:
No thanks to Tarantulas! Waspinator find Spider-Bot and tear him a new waste disposal unit!

Megatron:
I have no time for these petty squabbles now, noo... Larger goals are at stake. Proceed at once to coordinates 6-5-9 and secure the area! I will follow shortly.

Waspinator:
Not fair! Waspinator always gets slag assignments.

Megatron:
May I remind Waspinator that the current ceasefire applies only in reference to Maximals!

Waspinator:
[Gulp]... Waspinator go.

Airazor:
We can't leave Optimus in there!

Rattrap:
Hey, ours is not to reason why, but to blow this joint before we die!

[Hearing the distant sound of Optimus screaming in agony]

Megatron:
Aah, would I could have that sound to lull me to sleep each night.

Unicron:
Scan complete, this is the specimen we've analyzed before.

Optimus Primal:
Who... are you?

[a glowing image of Unicron's face appears]

Optimus Primal:
Unicron?

Unicron:
We have no physical form you could comprehend. We chose this figure of authority from your data tracks.

Optimus Primal:
If you've scanned me, you know we did not come to this planet by choice!

Unicron:
Yet you are here.

Optimus Primal:
We mean no harm. To you, or this planet.

Unicron:
It is too late. You and your enemies have already contaminated the project. The harm has been done. That which does not become part of the one, shall become void.

Optimus Primal:
No... wait! We can fix whatever damage was done.

Unicron:
We are not interested. The experiment will be sterilized.

Optimus Primal:
You can't do that! There are living creatures here! You, with all your power... even you have no right!

Unicron:
We have no choice. There is more danger than you know. Begin termination sequence.

Optimus Primal:
NOOO!

Waspinator:
Waspinator cannot go offline. Waspinator has plans...

Waspinator:
Waspinator rulzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Rattrap:
[to Optimus] Uh... just in case you don't come back... can I have your quarters?

Airazor:
Cheetor and Tigatron are coming.

Rattrap:
Oh, terrific. Now, we can all get reduced to hot-burning slag together.

Optimus Primal, Airazor:
Shut up, Rattrap!

Megatron:
Brilliant! They're causing a chain reaction which will rip this planet to atoms and destroy all traces of them - simply to deal with us! Such sheer ruthlessness. Such disregard for sentient life!... I rather like these aliens.

Terrorsaur:
Like them? They're trying to destroy us!

Waspinator:
Waspinator not want to be destroyed! Waspinator has plans!

Scorponok:
Megatron will save us!

Megatron:
I think not. I've reserved that task for Tarantulas.

Optimus Primal:
Every one of these alien structures has been designed for a specific purpose, Rattrap. This one is busy, and I'm betting I can fly close enough to take it out.

Rattrap:
With what? One of your famous "We can do it" speeches?

Optimus Primal:
A transwarp explosion.

Blackarachnia:
Hahaha! You'll blow yourself to atoms!

Optimus Primal:
If it saves this planet, it'll be worth it. If not, I'm no worse off.

Airazor:
Take care, Optimus. Come back to us.

Tigatron:
May the Matrix protect your spark for all eternity.

Rattrap:
Just in case you don't come back... can I have your quarters?

Optimus Primal:
No. Whatever happens out there, I want you to know that you're the finest crew I've ever served with.

Blackarachnia:
Do Maximals always talk such slop?

[Airazor punches her out]

Rattrap:
My sentiments exactly.

Megatron:
Oh, you Optimuses do love to sacrifice yourselves, don't you? Well, fortunately, this time your foolishness will destroy you and your Maximals. The Beast Wars are over, Optimus! You lose.

Optimus Primal:
NO! NOOO! MEGATROOOOOON!

Optimus Primal:
I have to tell you, Starscream, you're giving space debris a bad name.

Starscream:
Optimus. We've been impetuous. Surely we can work something out... Blackarachnia! Destroy him and we can still triumph together!

Blackarachnia:
Are all your dreams in technicolor?

[ignites a small cache of energon underneath Starscream]

Starscream:
Energon? You've betrayed me!

Blackarachnia:
I studied with the master.

[With a scream, Starscream's spark is disgorged from Waspinator's body]

Optimus Primal:
Hasta la vista, Starscream!

Waspinator:
What is this? "Program does not respond!" Waspinator does not understand!

Starscream:
[taking over Starscream's body] I'll bet Waspinator seldom does! But try not to let it depress you, bug-face...

Waspinator:
Ohhh... Waspinator has a headache in his whole body... Ohh!

Blackarachnia:
It was the only way. I had to play along with Starscream to find out his "true" intentions.

Megatron:
You are smooth, Blackarachnia. Very smooth. But it does not inspire confidence, though. NO!

Megatron:
Quickly, damage report!

Waspinator:
Damage moderate... Waspinator in pain... but still functional!

Megatron:
Not you, imbecile! THE COMPUTER!

Rhinox:
I'd say it's tramplin' time!

[Megatron, like his predecessor, uncovers treachery from... ]

Megatron:
Argh! Starscream! And Blackarachnia! I'll have both their treacherous hides! Yesss... I'll, I'll melt them down and use them for aluminum siding! Oh, yeesss, indeed!

Optimus Primal:
Cheetor, planning to help with the clean-up?

Cheetor:
[looking through a telescope] Ah, just checkin' for new constellations. Twinkle, twinkle, little Starscream...

Megatron:
Starscream, perhaps the centuries of weightlessness have taken a toll on your neurological circuitry...

Starscream:
[through Waspinator's body] Allow me to present myself: Air Commander Starscream of the Decepticon Battle Fleet!

Dinobot:
I do not think we have much to worry about...

Rhinox:
What?

Dinobot:
Remember the Cybertronix Dictionary? All records replaced "traitor" with the name "Starscream" and stuck in an image for good measure. Soon, hopefully very soon, Megatron will have other concerns besides Maximals to deal with...

Optimus Primal:
True. But in the meantime...

[Starscream lulls Optimus Primal into meeting him alone]

Starscream:
Good. Now, you reap the appropriate reward for your trust and good faith... [Scorponok appears]

Starscream:
Disarm him, force him to transform, and then chain him in the hold or somewhere!

Rattrap:
You're nothin' but a schemin' snake in the grass!

Starscream:
Ah, flattery will get you flattened, vermin...

[last lines]

Starscream:
[floating in space] I'll be back! Even if it takes a thousand years, I'll be revenged on you all!

Waspinator:
Well?

Scorponok:
Well, what?

Waspinator:
If you're second-in-command, what is your command?

[Scorponok scans Megatron's body and sees he is still alive]

Scorponok:
Make ready the restoration module! We must salvage our *true* leader!

[as the mountain explodes, Optimus Primal and Rattrap jump off the edge, falling from a great distance into some bushes]

Rattrap:
You do know that was crazy.

Optimus Primal:
Sometimes crazy works. Oh, and you did good up there...

Rattrap:
Ah, you weren't so bad yourself... but don't anyone I said so...

Cheetor:
Jumpin' gyros! I've never seen Terrorsaur move like that! But he won't leave me in the dust!

[sprints off after Terrorsaur]

[giving a demonstration with an autogun to a group of assembled Predacons]

Megatron:
I've programmed this target box with the Maximals' energy signatures. Now, watch... [as the box hovers across the ground, the gun tracks and blasts it, wowing the Predacons]

Megatron:
Excellent. With a few more of these in place, the area will become a death trap for Maximals...

Terrorsaur:
[arriving] Just the sort of plan a cowardly lizard like yourself would conceive of, Megatron... which is why I'm assuming command of the Predacons!

Cheetor:
Told ya, rat-breath!

Rattrap:
If you ask me, both you an' Optimus both need to be debugged!

Terrorsaur:
Optimus... how nice of you to save me the trouble of hunting you down!

[seeing the floating mountain for the first time]

Rattrap:
Guess I owe the pussycat an apology...

Terrorsaur:
Here are my orders! Waspinator and I...

[starts sizzling and giving off sparks]

Tarantulas:
Is something wrong, Terrosaur?

Scorponok:
[shocked at his defeat] Megatron's... destroyed!

Waspinator:
Waspinator does not belieeeve it!

Tarantulas:
Terrorsaur has never had that much power...

Terrorsaur:
Megatron is scrap, yeesss... I'm your leader now! Does anyone want to argue with that? [the Predacons give unanimous dissent to this idea]

Terrorsaur:
Then charge yourselves for battle... the Maximals will be the next to taste my power!

Cheetor:
Terrorsaur's leading the Predacons now! He's going to attack our base!

Optimus Primal:
What about Megatron?

Cheetor:
Terrorsaur scrapped him like he was a maintenance bot! he must have found some monster energy source on that floating mountain!

Rhinox:
Floating mountain?

Rattrap:
I knew it... you got your circuits crossed, kid! Even on this weird dirtball, mountains don't fly!

[Rattrap sees Terrorsaur return from his battle with Optimus Primal]

Rattrap:
Optimus must have lost this round... which means I'm one gone rat!

[first lines]

[a bald eagle soars majestically across the heavens, only to be gulped down by Terrorsaur]

Terrorsaur:
Ahh, it's good to be a Predacon!

Terrorsaur:
The Energon's been absorbed directly into my super-structure. I... I've never felt such power! I'm invincible! [laughs crazily, then stops abruptly, and a nasty smile appears on his face]

Terrorsaur:
Megatron...

Tarantulas:
[ambushes Rattrap] Surprise!

Rattrap:
[breaks free] Sorry, Bugbot, I got no time to play with you! [turns to get out but Tarantulas leaps in his path]

Tarantulas:
I'm afraid I insist!

Tarantulas:
You can't beat me, vermin! I am your superior!

Rattrap:
Stick it in your command module, eight-eyes! [Tarantulas charges at Rattrap, but a skilful handful of mud to the eyes causes him to go over a cliff and land on his back]

Rattrap:
That'll teach you to mess with the rat!

Terrorsaur:
Demolition charges... they'll tear this mountain to pieces!

[the mountain begins to explode, with Rattrap still on it... ]

Rattrap:
Well, at least I'm going out with a bang!

Optimus Primal:
The only place we're going is home!

Rattrap:
[overjoyed] Optimus! I thought you were scrap!

Optimus Primal:
Well, we'll both be if we don't get out of here! On my back! [Rattrap jumps on Optimus Primal's back]

Rattrap:
Now, make like a bird!

Optimus Primal:
Can't! The energon blast will fry my circuits entirely! Just hold on tight...

Rattrap:
Oh man, oh man, oh man... don't tell me you're gonna... JUUMMMP!

[Terrorsaur goes to recharge, leaving Tarantulas in command]

Scorponok:
What does he mean, YOU'RE in command? I'M second-in-command!

Tarantulas:
So command!

[scuttles off after Terrorsaur]

Rhinox:
You know, it's possible... if the energon was unstable, and if there was a big enough concentration... it could lift a mountain off the ground!

[playing cards with the computer]

Rattrap:
I'm into this stinkin' computer for half a million...

[last lines]

Terrorsaur:
Blast those Maximals! They destroyed my power source! But at least I got rid of Megatron... [He lands at the Predacon base, but just as he starts to rest, Megatron emerges, fully repaired]

Megatron:
Well, well. Look who's BACK!

Terrorsaur:
Help...

Cheetor:
[garbling his news] Big Bot! Predacons, attacking... Megatron, scrap, Terrorsaur... power source, mountain... floating...!

[flying to the floating mountain]

Rattrap:
Man, oh man... if I wanted to fly, I would've become a BAT, not a rat!

Optimus Primal:
It was the fastest way. And will you stop wiggling?

Megatron:
I thought you already learned your lesson about challenging me, Terrorsaur...

Terrorsaur:
Today I am the teacher! If you have the courage...

Megatron:
Very well. I could use some amusement. Megatron: terrorize! [Megatron transforms and fires at Terrorsaur, but the blasts do no damage at all]

Terrorsaur:
[laughing] That WAS amusing! Not as funny as this! [knocks Megatron off a cliff]

Megatron:
Terrorsaur, you treacherous worm, I'll finish you forever! [charges]

Terrorsaur:
[unloading his blaster] I don't think so! [blasts Megatron into pieces]

Tarantulas:
[following Terrorsaur] That's right, lead me to your secret... then we'll see who commands who!

Blackarachnia:
Oh, I get it. You don't trust me either?

Silverbolt:
Blackarachnia, I...

Blackarachnia:
Back off, Bowser. I tried my best to fit in with you Maximals but it just isn't working.

Silverbolt:
That's not true. We've come to think of you as part of the team.

Blackarachnia:
Oh, yeah right. That's why Rhinox and ape-face want to unzip my core.

Silverbolt:
You're wrong. They would never do that.

Blackarachnia:
I heard them say it.

Silverbolt:
Oh, thank the matrix. It's Optimus.

Blackarachnia:
I've gotta go. It's been a surge.

Silverbolt:
Oh, no. This time you're staying.

Blackarachnia:
Let go of me. I don't want to hurt you but I will.

Silverbolt:
You've already hurt me, but you're going to learn the truth even if... Ow.

Blackarachnia:
Told ya. Ohh, that wasn't such a hot idea.

Optimus Primal:
That is the Maximal way. Now let's get you back to base.

Silverbolt:
Excuse me; that's my job as her commander.

Optimus Primal:
Which we're going to have a long talk about later.

Optimus Primal:
You two look scrapped.

Silverbolt:
We had a little encounter with Dinobot. My mistake, really.

Blackarachnia:
Oh, *no way*! I heard you and Rhinox planning to unzip my core so I took off then Dinobot jumped me and Spot rescued me.

Silverbolt:
Is it true, Optimus? Were you planning to reprogram her?

Optimus Primal:
With reprogramming you could be the Maximal you were always intended to be. But the decision to take that step is and always will be yours to make.

Blackarachnia:
You mean I have a choice?

Optimus Primal:
That is the Maximal way. Now let's get you back to base.

Optimus Primal:
Can you reactivate her Maximal programing?

Rhinox:
It's tricky and dangerous. It could dump her entire core and leave her a blank.

Optimus Primal:
And if we do nothing.

Rhinox:
She'll be a Predacon forever.

Optimus Primal:
That might be too big of a risk to take right now. Let's go find her.

Blackarachnia:
[listening in] So that's the way it is, huh? Nobody's unzipping this girl's core.

Ravage:
Megatron, in the name of the pact Cybertronia and the Predacon Alliance, you are under arrest.

Rattrap:
[Silverbolt returns to base after his secret meeting with Blackarachnia] So... Where you been, birddog?

Silverbolt:
S-scout patrol...

Rattrap:
Oh, yeah, yeah... he-he... Scouting the enemy, yeah... Find any new positions?

Rattrap:
Oh, for bootin' up cold, the only thing worse than a stinkin' Pred, is a stinkin' DECEPTICON!

[a ship from Cybertron arrives]

Cheetor:
What do you think it is, Bigbot?

Optimus Primal:
Not what... who. 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!

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:
Kid, don't make me hurt ya!

Rattrap:
What now?

Silverbolt:
Well, given our close proximity, I breathe through my mouth.

Rattrap:
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 - but the servin' bots are walkin' around minus their torso plates, y'know what I mean? Eh? Eh?

Silverbolt:
I believe that Blackarachnia will not hurt me me but she would show no such compunctions against Cheetor. For Cheetor's sake please let me try and bring her in.

Optimus Primal:
[Heavy sigh] You are confined to quarters. Cheetor... Report to me at once.

Optimus Primal:
Yes, Silverbolt?

Silverbolt:
I believe that Blackarachnia trusts me but she would show no such compunctions against Cheetor. If anything let me go and get her.

Optimus Primal:
You are confined to quarters.

Silverbolt:
You wanted to see me, Optimus?

Optimus Primal:
Yes! I don't know how long this has been going on but it stops now, understand?

Silverbolt:
I am not sure to what you are referring to.

Optimus Primal:
I mean you and a certain female Predacon, or am I wrong? Tell me I'm wrong and I'll apologize.

[Silverbolt looks down as if he's guilty of something]

Optimus Primal:
It figures.

Silverbolt:
I believe I can change her.

Optimus Primal:
Don't be a fool. She may have been made from Maximal parts but she is a Predacon to the core.

Silverbolt:
As was I.

Optimus Primal:
You didn't know any better. The sheer contempt of this is appalling.

[heavy sigh]

Optimus Primal:
Silverbolt, you are the most noble individual I know. That is your strength; it is also your weakness. Blackarachnia is using you.

Silverbolt:
I do not believe that, sir.

Optimus Primal:
Whether you believe it or not is inmaterial. If we weren't holding Megatron... You are confined to quarters. I'll send Cheetor after the spider-woman.

Silverbolt:
Optimus, sir.

Optimus Primal:
Yes, Silverbolt.

Silverbolt:
I believe that Blackarachnia trusts me but she would show no such compunctions against Cheetor. If anything, please let me try and bring her in.

Optimus Primal:
[heavy sigh] You are confined to quarters.

Cheetor:
Hey, Silverbolt. I'm really sorry about this and I'll try to bring her back in one piece okay?

Silverbolt:
I'm sorry too.

Cheetor:
Sorry? For what?

[Silverbolt punches Cheetor in the face]

Silverbolt:
Cheetor, are you okay?

Cheetor:
Yeah.

Silverbolt:
Then I'm, again, sorry for this.

[Silverbolt socks Cheetor in the face again]

Rattrap:
Hey. Why you sucker-punching spaniel.

[Silverbolt runs away]

Rattrap:
I used to be young like that.

Optimus Primal:
What?

Rattrap:
I mean we've got trouble, all right. Trouble with a capital B.

Megatron:
Yes... how did you...?

Ravage:
Permit me to introduce, Lt. Tarantulas of the Predacon Secret Police.

Megatron:
A mole, within my own organization all this time, and I never suspected.

Rattrap:
Man, this thing wasn't built, it was poured.

Optimus Primal:
Diecast construction... It's a lost art.

Silverbolt:
What is it?

Blackarachnia:
The Ark.

Silverbolt:
I've heard only legends.

Blackarachnia:
Oh, it's no legend, Bowser. This ship contained some of Cybertron's greatest heroes. When it explodes in 1984 our ancestors will awaken and start the great war.

Silverbolt:
This must have been why Optimus was so worried. This ship's power must be immense.

Blackarachnia:
It is and it's all mine.

Blackarachnia:
What are you looking at?

Silverbolt:
That star. It's a planet really. It's Venus. It reminds me of you.

Blackarachnia:
Dark, deadly, and poisonous? You're sweet.

Silverbolt:
No, wait. That's not what I meant.

Megatron:
This is Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. And if you're hearing this, it means I've failed... THIS time.

Silverbolt:
I know how you're feeling. You don't know whether to kiss me, or kill me.

Blackarachnia:
[leaning close] I'm a black widow spider, you idiot. I can do both... [fuzzy lens occurs]

[charging into battle]

Inferno:
For the royalty!

Ravage:
Decepticons forever!

Waspinator:
Not fair! Waspinator minding own business when BANG, gets whole stasis pod right up the kazoodie!

Silverbolt:
What is it?

Blackarachnia:
The Ark.

Silverbolt:
I've heard only legends.

Blackarachnia:
Oh, it's no legend, Bowser. This ship contained some of Cybertron's finest heroes. When it explodes in 1984 our ancestors will awaken and start the great war.

Silverbolt:
This must have been why Optimus was so worried. This ship's power must be immense.

Blackarachnia:
It is and it's all mine.

Optimus Primal:
How's the head?

Cheetor:
I'm more fractured than fat-headed Bigbot. I'm a cat, I oughta know better than to trust a dog.

Optimus Primal:
Silverbolt truly believed that he was acting in your best interest.

Megatron:
Now I enter these hallowed halls... a conqueror, yes. Autobots and Decepticons, still frozen in emergency stasis, awaiting a moment, four millions years hence, when they will awaken to start the Great War. Grr... the Great War. Where the Autobots defeated the Decepticons, and thus, their descendents, the Maximals, rule we Predacons. Archaic Energon-guzzlers... how dare they!

[begins to fly]

Megatron:
Unwilling though I was to follow my namesake's instructions, it has all come down to this! The ultimate risk... for the ultimate prize! A day of reckoning... for those who made us slaves!

Megatron:
[arrives at Prime's seat] So, we are now face to face, Optimus Prime. In one future you'll become the great leader of the Autobots. But time, shall take a different track now. Computer, all available power to primary weapon.

Computer:
Weapon power to maximum.

Megatron:
[Tail weapon on right hand powers up to a full pulsing glow] And now Optimus Prime. In memory of the Decepticons! For the glory of the Predacons! For the Cybertron that is rightfully ours... and mine to rule! I unleash the storm of vengeance! Farewell!

[Megatron fires at Prime's head and light pulses out everywhere as Primal and the Maximals just enter the Ark]

Optimus Primal:
[screaming in pain] Time... itself... is all... being destroyed!

Megatron:
Say goodbye to the universe, Maximals. Yes. The future has changed. The Autobots lose, evil triumphs, and you, you no longer exist!

Optimus Primal:
Stay with the group. When Megatron lands, we'll need all our firepower.

Cheetor:
Where's he headed, Big Bot?

Optimus Primal:
To the beginning of everything, Cheetor. And quite possibly the end!

Blackarachnia:
I think we're almost through...

Silverbolt:
Then stand back!

Blackarachnia:
Wait, we just... [Silverbolt blows the cave open]

Blackarachnia:
Uh, never mind... what is it with guys and high explosives?

Rattrap:
Aw, man! That ship wasn't built; it was poured!

Optimus Primal:
Die-cast construction... it's a lost art.

Rattrap:
Knievel mode!

[Rattrap falls into Rhinox's arms]

Rattrap:
Ah... my hero!

[kisses Rhinox on the lips]

Rhinox:
[dropping him] Oh, get down!

Dinobot:
Wait, I detect a scent! Vile corruption... a whiff of festering putrefaction!

Rattrap:
So I ate a limburger sandwich for lunch, I'm a rat! Gimme a break!

Dinobot:
I have been uncomfortably aware of your ostench for the past hour, vermin. This is something else... something over THERE!

[Tarantulas takes off]

Rattrap:
Oh, yeah! He's mine!

Dinobot:
Leave battle to the warriors, mouse!

Blackarachnia:
Why do you always talk to yourself?

Megatron:
I simply have a penchant for intelligent conversation.

Dinobot:
[holding Tarantulas hostage] Do not fire, Megatron! I have a hostage!

Megatron:
Why, so you do.

[opens fire anyway]

Dinobot:
Unlike YOU, I do not spend my time scurrying through sewers!

Rattrap:
Yeah? Well, a sewer smells better than your breath, bronto-brain!

Dinobot:
[snarls] You will get used to it when I bite your useless head off!

Tarantulas:
[now standing and aiming] Die, Maximals!

Dinobot, Rattrap:
SHUT UP!

[both punch out Tarantulas]

Cheetor:
Hey, Optimus, uh, are you sure it was a good idea sending those two out together?

Optimus Primal:
To be honest, no. But their squabbling has caused problems before. They'll either learn to work together or destroy each other.

[Rhinox sneezes yet again, causing debris to rain down on Optimus]

Optimus Primal:
Right now, I don't really care which.

Dinobot:
Excuse me, are you implying that the current situation is somehow... MY responsibility?

Rattrap:
Well, you did start it... gearhead!

Dinobot:
I BEG to differ... cheese-lips!

Rattrap:
Pre-evolved birdbrain!

Dinobot:
Eater of garbage!

Cheetor:
[listening through the com-link] Sheesh, and they call me the immature one...

[last lines]

Megatron:
This is certainly the most humiliating defeat of my entire career. Yes...

Rattrap:
So... uh... you got a better plan?

Dinobot:
No, but I STILL despise the idea of expiring underground. It lacks... a warrior's nobility.

Rattrap:
Oh. Hey, no sweat. 'Cause I ain't lettin' nobody waste you down here - that's a job I'm reserving for MYSELF!

Dinobot:
Oooh, I appreciate your concern. But let me assure you, being shot in the back by a malodorous MOUSE would not exactly earn me a seat in Silicon Valhalla!

Megatron:
So, the energon-discharge virus actually works.

Terrorsaur:
Take it from me. I've got the toasted tail to prove it.

Dinobot:
[releases him at the sound of firing] We're under attack!

Rattrap:
Oh, really? Got any more astute observations you'd like to make, lizard-lips?

Dinobot:
[after Rhinox, thought to be over his sneezing fit, releases another and damages a machine] Gesundheit.

Tarantulas:
Playground's closed, Minimals!

Dinobot:
[dropping and kicking Tarantulas] Down, miserable serf!

Megatron:
Now, are there any other stupid Maximal ploys you'd like the try?

Rattrap:
[jumps down through the vent] Well, how's this, scale-belly? [fires]

Dinobot:
These wild bean vines could provide cover for a Predacon ambush, rodent. One must always be on the alert for sneak attacks.

Rattrap:
[chuckling] Funny... that's just what I was thinkin'. Fore...! [strikes a bean so it strikes Dinobot and knocks him down]

Optimus Primal:
Status report.

Maximal computer.:
Unit has been infected with an energon virus of unknown type. If unchecked, his system will spontaneously discharge energon until depleted.

Optimus Primal:
Can you cure it? [Rhinox sneezes violently, causing the Restoration Chamber's walls around him to topple; sighing] Oh, never mind.

Optimus Primal:
We can't wait any longer. For Rhinox's sake, we have to launch of a frontal attack.

Rhinox:
Wait. I'm coming too.

Cheetor:
Hey, hang on, brood buddy. You're a little under the weather, aren't'cha?

Rhinox:
Hey, if I'm going to wreck the wallpaper, I might as well do it on Pred turf.

Rattrap:
[at a console] C'mon, baby, c'mon, give it up for the rat...

Megatron:
What's that?

Scorponok:
The space scanner. It's picking up some sort of craft. It will be over the planet in ten cycles.

Cheetor:
The probe!

Megatron:
[interested] Probe?

[turning to the Predacons]

Megatron:
Prepare for full scale assault! The array must be destroyed immediately! Tarantulas, bring the transformation lock lens.

Cheetor:
[heavy sigh] Me and my big mouth.

Airazor:
You're Rhinox.

Rhinox:
How'd you know?

Airazor:
I'm not sure, but I think I owe you my life.

Rhinox:
Let's say we're even.

Tigertron:
[beating Scorponok] You won't be getting any of our secrets from that pod, Predacons!

Blackarachnia:
[knocks him down]... and you won't be getting any older, Stripes.

Scorponok:
You'll get nothing out of me, Maximal! Scorponok: terror...

Tigatron:
[zapping and freezing Scorponok] Sorry, I have no time to play.

Blackarachnia:
[zapping Tigatron with cyber-venom] What a pity!

Cheetor:
By the way, how do you dance with all those skinny legs?

Blackarachnia:
Ugh! This must be my day for cats!

Blackarachnia:
Come out, kitty-cat. I won't hurt you... much.

Tarantulas:
I can retrieve the stasis pod! My programming skills...

Megatron:
Are needed here!

[behind each others' baacks]

Tarantulas:
Tin tyrant!

: Traitorous arachnid!

Rhinox:
This will only take a nano-clip, but you'll have to go offline.

Cheetor:
I could use the snooze. Repair mode.

Rhinox:
[in a dream of Cheetor's] What's new, pussycat?

Cheetor:
Rhinox - what's goin' on?

[Rhinox holds a glowing sphere of light in his hand]

Cheetor:
A spark.

Rhinox:
Yup. This is the very thing that makes us what we are. Every Cybertronian, Maximal or Predacon, has one, and each one is different. When a spark comes online, there is great joy. When it is extinguished... the universe weeps.

Cheetor:
[Wakes up] Whoa... that was ultra-gear!

Blackarachnia:
You don't know the meaning of fast, cat!

Cheetor:
I know what ugly is, and you're it!

[Cheetor blasts the outcrop Blackarachnia stands on, tumbling and burying her under debris]

Cheetor:
Fast cat: one. Spider: zippo!

[Blackarachnia transforms and blasts out of the debris]

Blackarachnia:
No one does that to me!

Waspinator:
Who dares attack Waspinator? Waspinator: terrorize!

Airazor:
[her first lines] Airazor: maximize!

Airazor:
My pleasure. Though, I'm still not sure what to make of all of this...

Rattrap:
Well, for starters, ya make tracks!

Cheetor:
Pay no attention to the rodent; he's got a major glitch in his system!

Optimus Primal:
You'll get used to everything, even them... maybe.

[last lines]

Rhinox:
When a spark comes online, there is great joy.

[Cheetor gives him a surprised yet pleased look]

Rhinox:
Download sequencer program through my central processor.

Maximal Computer:
Warning. Processor could cause damage to your circuitry.

Maximal Computer:
Just do it!

Scorponok:
Wow! That's a real blaster.

Blackarachnia:
Noticed that, did you? Well in case you didn't notice, it is activated by our own weapons. I must...

Scorponok:
Huh?

Blackarachnia:
I mean, WE must take control of it... but carefully.

Tigertron:
Airazor?

[Airazor groans]

Tigertron:
Lie still. You've been hit. Your beast mode will make repairs, but it will take time.

Airazor:
But Blackarachnia and Scorpinok... oh.

Tigertron:
I intercepted one of Scorpinok's cyberbees. I was able to reprogram it while you were unconsious. With luck it should reach the Maximal base right about now.

Optimus Primal:
It's a good thing you didn't just blast that bee.

Cheetor:
Well, I would have, except it was carrying one of Airazor's feathers.

Rattrap:
Besides, he missed.

Cheetor:
Yeah, that too...

Optimus Primal:
Prime. Here it goes.

[activates the bee]

Optimus Primal:
Optimus to base.

Cheetor:
We hear you, Big Bot. What's the cinch? Where's my fellow cat-bot?

Optimus Primal:
This place has seen some heavy action and it doesn't look good. Tigertron's footprints lead to a broken ledge. We have to face the grim possibility, team... Tigertron may have been destroyed.

Cheetor:
Say it ain't so, Big Bot! Not our striped scout!

[From a distance, a hawk tracks a battered pterodactyl and giant wasp]

Airazor:
Hmmm... either the grunge look is coming back, or those guys ran into something hot...

Waspinator:
Waspinator loves victims who are punctual!

[examining the scene of Tigatron's last stand]

Optimus Primal:
This place is a battleground. Blast craters and missile debris everywhere. From the angle, it was an aerial attack.

Dinobot:
Hrmmm. Waspinator and Terrorsaur.

Rattrap:
Oh, thanks for the insight there, Dinobrain. You want your expert consultant fee now?

Dinobot:
No need... I can simply excise it from your hide!

Rhinox:
HEY! Not. Now.

[last lines]

[a cyberbee projects an image... ]

Cheetor:
Hey! it's Tigertron!

Tigatron:
Attention Maximals. This is a code 1 emergency message from Tigertron: Airazor has been damaged. She and I are trapped on a mysterious flying island. This island is a self-contained ecosystem guarded by powerful weapons of alien design. Blackarachnia and Scorpinok have already managed to invade. If the Predacons gain control of the island and its weapons the Predacons will be able to destroy the Maximal base...

Cheetor:
What?

Tigatron:
...and win the Beast Wars!

[communication with Tigatron is cut off]

Rattrap:
Stripes! Yo, Stripey, do ya read? Oh, man... say something!

[first lines]

[a tremor rips through a mountain range under Tigatron's scrutiny]

Tigatron:
By the mother lode...! This is not a volcanic area. Curious... [Some rocks drop on him]

Tigatron:
Though my heart is bound to these rugged lands, they still have its mysteries... and I have my duties to perform. Time for my weekly report!

Rattrap:
You've reached Good Guy Central here! So what's new, pussycat? Any Preds in sight?

Tigatron:
This is a peaceful land, Rattrap, at least for now... huh? [the communications station picks up something]

Tigatron:
Uh-oh... [Waspinator and Terrorsaur transform and fire their blasters]

Tigatron:
Revise that! I am being attacked!

[after the aerial attack]

Waspinator:
Tiger-bot has beeen destroyed!

Terrorsaur:
Let's collect components! Megatron will want an ashtray!

Waspinator:
Waspinator wants his heeead!

Terrorsaur:
It's MINE, bug-face!

[a battered Terrorsaur and Waspinator report to Megatron]

Megatron:
What? Tigatron did THIS to you?

Waspinator:
No, not Tiger-bot...

Terrorsaur:
It was a... a monument!

Waspinator:
Yeah, a monument!

Megatron:
Explain yourselves!

Terrorsaur:
We thought Tigatron was finished... but we found that he fell into a... a cloud! Only... it was not just a cloud...

Terrorsaur:
We... we barely made it back...

Megatron:
What a fine item. Concealed from view, it contains a powerful weapon, which could be used for... Yeesss, such a tactical advantage could end the Beast Wars once and for all!

Optimus Primal:
Are you sure?

Airazor:
Positive! It was Terrorsaur and Waspinator, and they were both seriously slagged, almost scrap!

Rhinox:
It couldn't be Tigatron. That's not his style.

Optimus Primal:
No. He may defend himself, but total destruction goes against everything he believes in.

Dinobot:
He's a fool, then!

Tigatron:
[exploring it] This island seems to be well developed... [passes a rock, which unknown to him has a strange glowing symbol engraved on it. Then several booby traps appear out of the ground]... and protected! Tigatron: maximize!

Tigatron:
It seems that energy weapons are not welcome in this strange land. Beast mode.

[transforms]

Tigatron:
Let me be a visitor, not an invader.

Optimus Primal:
Prime jets: ON!

Tigatron:
May I be forgiven, for what I must do...

Rattrap:
Slag Heap City, I'm going to die. I'm falling, pitiful and helpless.

Tigatron:
How are you feeling?

Airazor:
Better... still thrashed... can't fly.

Tigatron:
Then the lady shall ride a tiger...

Cheetor:
Terrorsaur and Waspinator just took off from Pred Central! They must be back online!

Rhinox:
You hear that, Optimus?

Optimus Primal:
More than hear it, Rhinox... we're in the middle of it live!

[under aerial attack]

Optimus Primal:
Can't maneuver with a passenger!

Rattrap:
Well, excuse me! I'M the one hanging on with his pink little fingers! I can't even transform like this!

[Optimus Primal and Rattrap fly towards the island]

Rattrap:
Man... I don't see why I'm the one who has to be carried like a sack of rusty nuts!

Optimus Primal:
Because you're the only one I can carry this whole distance! Besides, Tigatron said the island might be booby-trapped, and no one knows traps like Rattrap!

Rattrap:
[ruefully flattered] Ah, the price of a great reputation... so, ya got any beverages on this flight?

Optimus Primal:
Just be sure to fasten your seatbelts!

[a plummeting Rattrap is joined by a gloating Terrorsaur]

Terrorsaur:
Squeaky little mousey! This is too good to be true!

Rattrap:
You know what? You're right!

[transforms and blasts Terrorsaur]

Terrorsaur:
[struggling to maintain flight] Beast mode!

[Rattrap lands on the back of the pterodactyl]

Rattrap:
I just had to get ya close enough to hitch a ride! Now fly, ya featherless freak, or I'll toast your tachyons!

[trapped in a shrinking gorge]

Tigatron:
Can you transform?

Airazor:
Do you think I haven't been trying?

Tigatron:
Then we have but one choice... Tigatron: maximize! [transforms and blows out an exit]

Tigatron:
Now, we run!

Rattrap:
Wait a minute, wait a minute... you're saying that whoever built this island places an obstacle course all around this island, which doesn't let you use energy weapons?

Optimus Primal:
What are you getting at, Rattrap?

Rattrap:
This isn't a paradise, it's a puzzle. This island was built to bring subjects from this planet here, and, uh, test them...

Airazor:
Test them? Test them for what?

Rattrap:
I don't know, Bird Lady. But I can tell you this: being a guinea pig ain't my idea of a long-term career gig, you get what I'm sayin'? I say we ditch this joint!

Tigatron:
No! This is a land of peace! I will protect it!

Optimus Primal:
It won't be peaceful much longer... Look! [points towards two approaching Predacons]

Waspinator:
Pterodactyl idiot!

Optimus Primal:
Rhinox, this is Code Red! Evacuate the base! Scramble! SCRAMBLE!

[last lines]

[a beam of light spears into the sky from the flying island]

Rhinox:
Whoa... what do you suppose that beam was all about?

Cheetor:
Some kind of signal?

Tigatron:
A message! We were given a paradise! All we had to do was live in peace! But we proved unworthy... and the paradise is no more.

Optimus Primal:
Yes. It's an old story. Perhaps one day we'll learn...

Rattrap:
I hate to be pragmatic in this philosophical moment, but I'm a little more concerned about who got that message. You gotta know, they ain't gonna be too happy...

Cheetor:
What do you think's gonna happen?

Rhinox:
I guess we'll have to wait and see...

Blackarachnia:
[taking control of the island] Yeesss...

Optimus Primal:
You know, you're a real piece of work.

Rattrap:
Ahh, ain't it the truth...

Rattrap:
All right, ya power-hungry dame, try a taste of THIS!

[fires at Blackarachnia]

Blackarachnia:
[as the island crashes] NOOO!

Cheetor:
[stuck on Tarantulas's web] This is a really dumb plan, web-brain. I don't have any real blood, just mech fluid.

Tarantulas:
Oh, my filters will adjust. It is the ACT I enjoy more than the nourishment.

Rattrap:
You know, you are one sick bug, eight-eyes.

Tarantulas:
Ah... the rat!

Rattrap:
[laughs] Ya got it! Now, what do ya say you let my pal go?

Tarantulas:
TARANTULAS: TERRORIZE!

Rattrap:
RATTRAP: MAXIMIZE!

Cheetor:
At least I'm not afraid to do it!

Rattrap:
You know? That is why you mess up, kiddo - you don't have the sense to BE afraid!

Cheetor:
OH, YEAH? I'll show you what I have the sense to do, cheddar-head - you and Big Bot!

[storms off]

[Rattrap, with explosives, brings a cavern roof down on Tarantulas, enabling him and Cheetor to escape]

Tarantulas:
I hate that rat!

[last lines]

Cheetor:
Hey... thanks, for not telling him about...

Rattrap:
Save it, kiddo! If I told Optimus about your little play-date with Tarantulas, he'd kick my sweet pink butt too! And one more thing: if you ever pull a stunt like that again, I will personally rearrange your spots! Now... get outta my way, I got garbage to munch!

[walks away]

Cheetor:
And thanks for saving my life... pal.

Rhinox:
[after Cheetor has awakened with a scream] Good as new.

Rattrap:
And doubly loud; ow!

Optimus Primal:
I'm going to call Dinobot in from the perimeter! We'll need his knowledge of the Predacon base to do something about that mega-cannon!

Cheetor:
I can get inside their base! Let me do it, Optimus!

Optimus Primal:
You've done enough!

[leaves]

Rhinox:
I'd better come up with a plan. If I know Optimus he'll want to move fast.

Rattrap:
Yeah, with me in front. Heh! No, thanks, partner. The pussycat got us into hot oil, let HIM dance into Predacon HQ.

Rhinox:
[shaking his head] Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Rattrap:
What?

Rhinox:
You know what he's going to do.

Rattrap:
Ah, he's just grinding his gears! I mean even HE's not dumb enough to disobey the great Optimus again... Okay, okay, okay, okay! I'll stop him! That's if I can catch up with him... [Grumbling, Rattrap goes after Cheetor, with Rhinox giving a small smile]

Scorponok:
[excavating a rock in beast mode] Megatron will reward me for finding this... if I can ever get it out of this blasted rock! [fed up, he transforms and blows the cannon out]

Cheetor:
I just heard some kind of explosion. I'm gonna check it out. I'll talk to ya in a minute.

[cuts connection]

Optimus Primal:
Explosion? Wait, Cheetor! Don't...!

Rhinox:
He's moving again...

Optimus Primal:
I'm going after him. If he calls in, tell him to get out of there NOW!

Cheetor:
[to a jiggling Scorponok] Ah-ah-ah! You're making me twitch again!

Tarantulas:
[behind Cheetor] And I shall make you SCREAM!

Scorponok:
[blasts Cheetor when he is distracted by Tarantulas] Yes!

Tarantulas:
Better grab that weapon while you can and get back to base! Optimus is coming!

Tarantulas:
Don't give me orders; I'm second in command! YOU will take the cannon back, and I will see to Optimus, you hear me?... Tarantulas? Tarantulas!

[discovering Cheetor's motionless body]

Optimus Primal:
Cheetor... NOOOOO!

Rattrap:
[uses a decoy to lure Tarantulas into a corner] Fell for the old hot box...

Tarantulas:
Game over, vermin! Give my regards to the Inferno!

Rattrap:
[to Cheetor] Hold on, kiddo!

[first lines]

Optimus Primal:
Good work, Rhinox.

Rhinox:
Well, it still needs a field test.

Cheetor:
Test?

[sprints through a door and nearly crashes into the two]

Cheetor:
I'm your bot!

Optimus Primal:
Whatcha got?

Optimus Primal:
Rhinox cobbled together a new comlink. It's going to solve our long-range communication problems.

Rhinox:
If it works...

Cheetor:
Well, let's find out!

[Cheetor grabs the comlink and clips it on]

Cheetor:
Whoa! Ultra-gear!

[Rhinox frowns at Optimus]

Optimus Primal:
Cheetor, it's a valuable piece of equipment. Take care of it!

Optimus Primal:
Head away from the bae at Vector Omega and check in every ten microquads. We'll see how far we can track you. If you encounter any Predacons, return immediately.

Cheetor:
I'll be moving too fast for them to see me! [with a snarl, charges out of the base]

Rhinox:
[shaking his head] Mmm, mmm, mmm.

Optimus Primal:
[Chuckles reassuringly] He'll do fine.

Scorponok:
Still operational. Megatron will be pleased.

Cheetor:
[pointing a blaster at Scorponok] And you'll be slag if you don't stay right where you are, claw-hole!

[enraged, Scorponok clicks his claws]

Cheetor:
Clicking makes me twitch. And there's a full charge in this beauty.

[Cheetor wakes up to find himself hanging from a web in an underground cavern]

Tarantulas:
Welcome! [cackles madly as Cheetor tries to get free]

Tarantulas:
You're in a stasis web. It drains energon, but leaves the flesh alive! It takes only a few moments, but I find a slower pace makes the vital fluids taste so much better...

Cheetor:
You are one spaced-out spider! Cheetor: maximize! [nothing happens]

Tarantulas:
[climbs on Cheetor slowly] I'm afraid the stasis web makes that impossible. Cat you are, and cat you stay! And when your energy is gone... I feast.

[In a dream, Cheetor wipes out a Predacon squad]

Cheetor:
Now it's just you and me, Megajerk... [Megatron is blasted]

Cheetor:
They never learn...

Tarantulas:
[inside a crevasse] And when will YOU learn, pussycat? [laughs]

Optimus Primal:
[to Cheetor] We're in a battle for survival and you treat it like a game! If you had obeyed orders, none of this would have happened!

Optimus Primal:
Rhinox worked on that comlink for a month, and he doesn't have the components for another one!

Cheetor:
Now we'll have YOU for lunch, web-breath!

Rattrap:
I must have a bug in my program to be doing this for that dumb feline...

[first lines]

[Megatron catches Rampage attempting to get his spark fragment back]

Megatron:
Did you really think you would catch me so unaware? I think we need a reminder. Yes...

[he crushes the cage, torturing Rampage]

Rampage:
[grunting painfully] You've... made... your point!

Megatron:
Never forget who holds the essence of your spark. And thus, is your master.

Rampage:
THAT, I promise you.

Rattrap:
What in the name of my great-aunt Arcee is goin' on here?

Rattrap:
[seeing Transmutate for the first time] Man, I am tellin' ya, the things coming out of these pods is just getting weirder and weirder...

Rampage:
Time to go back to the Matrix, hero! [fires at Silverbolt]

[Inferno comes upon Rampage and Transutate talking to each other]

Inferno:
Speak up! I won't have you freaks plotting behind the Royalty's back!

Rampage:
I was explaining what it means to be a Predacon: deceit, treachery, MINDLESS loyalty...

Inferno:
Loyalty comes FIRST!

Silverbolt:
What did the tests show?

Optimus Primal:
Well, its data tracks are scrambled beyond recovery, its structure is a nightmare and its logic circuits are barely at the level of a drone. Coupled with its sheer power, it's a danger to itself and everyone around it.

Rhinox:
Best thing for us all would be to put it in Stasis Lock, immediately.

Silverbolt:
Are we Predacons now? Do we destroy whatever does not fit our definition of perfection?

Silverbolt:
[mourning Transmutate] It's over. It's gone. We extinguished its spark before we ever saw its true light.

[last lines]

Optimus Primal:
Cheetor and I will take care of Rampage...

Silverbolt:
No, let him be. For the moment... we are brothers.

Rampage:
[softly, to Transmutate] Do not speak. None shall hurt you now. Come with me. Come, I will protect you. I am your friend... your only friend.

Rampage:
[to Transmutate] Have I told you how much I like ants? Especially fried, in a subtle blend of mech fluid and grated gears?

[Rampage and Silverbolt fight for Transmutate]

Transmutate:
[distressed] No hurt! No hurt!

[last words]

Transmutate:
Friend good... Friend dark... I am hurt. [goes offline]

Rampage:
No! You will not have it, Optimus. The Darkness of its spark echoes my own, it belongs with me!

[Transmutate finds Rampage]

Rampage:
I knew you wouldn't fail me. We are two of a kind. We belong together...

Silverbolt:
STOP! That one is not for you!

Rampage:
It is ONLY for me! [Silverbolt and Rampage fight]

Waspinator:
Give Waspinator more room! Tarantulas fat enough already!

Tarantulas:
If Waspinator does not stop cuddling me like a stuffed toy when he sleeps, I'll eat HIM as well!

Waspinator:
I'd like to see you try...!

[Waspinator and Tarantulas break down into a mumbling squabble]

Terrorsaur:
YOU ALL MAKE ME SICK! I can't stand this any longer, Megatron! I've gotta get out of here!

[cackles insanely; Scorponok slaps him to bring him back to his senses]

Scorponok:
We wouldn't be here if you hadn't tripped over that spy cable!

Megatron:
You are correct, Scorponok. But thanks to Terrorsaur's inadvertant discovery of our enemy's spy camera, we were able to pull off this little... deception. Yeesss...

Dinobot:
[protesting his rescue] This is strategically unsound!

Optimus Primal:
Tell me about it back on Cybertron!

Megatron:
[confronting Rattrap] Now only YOU stand in the way of my ultimate conquest!

Rattrap:
Rattrap: Maxi... [Megatron grabs Rattrap by the throat, silencing him]

Megatron:
None of that, vermin. Nooo. For now, I shall crush you like a RAT in a TRAP!

[last lines]

Rattrap:
Aww, man... it's YOUR fault I ain't kickin' back on Cybertron, you overgrown stinky iguana!

Dinobot:
I did the planet a favor.

Rattrap:
You want me to show you just how velociraptors got extinct?

Optimus Primal:
They're taking it well.

Cheetor:
I wouldn't want it any other way.

Dinobot:
Go scurry through a maze, mouse!

Rattrap:
Oh, yeah? Well, why don't you make me? If you weren't in that CR chamber... [Rattrap shrieks while the rest of the Maximals laugh]

Megatron:
We have only to wait until they repair their ship, and then attack while their guard is down! With the Maximal ship in our possession, we will be able to recover the orbiting stasis pods containing Maximals eager, heh-heh-heh, to become Predacons.

[takes a long look at Terrorsaur]

Megatron:
So nobody leaves!

Terrorsaur:
Leaving? Who said anything about leaving?

Tigatron:
[entering the Maximal base] It feels strange to be in such an artificial setting...

Rattrap:
Hey, hey, hey, it's Tigatron the Barbarian!

Dinobot:
You should have left me behind...

Rattrap:
Look, Dino-buster, Optimus went through enemy fire to save your scaly skin, so don't spoil the sacrifice!

Dinobot:
[picking up a spider leg] Alas, poor Tarantulas... I knew him, Cheetor. This is the leg that stalked so many victims. That it should come to this...

Cheetor:
Awww, you need a hug?

[watching a fight in the Predacon ship through a spy camera]

Cheetor:
Cool. Now aren't you glad we got cable?

Rattrap:
[at the Darkside ship] Let's pillage and plunder!

Optimus Primal:
Only for spare parts. It is a Predacon ship, and still very dangerous.

Rattrap:
In that case, why not let Chopperface go first?

[accidentally swings a rod into Dinobot's crotch]

Dinobot:
Yes, that would be an obvious decision...

[walks away]

Rattrap:
Oh, man... I'm pushing all these hot buttons, and I'm gettin' nada! What's with him?

Optimus Primal:
Can't you figure it out?

[Dinobot leads the Maximals to the innermost chamber of the Darksyde]

Dinobot:
This is what you seek... I will reconnoiter elsewhere...

[walks away]

Rattrap:
Psst! Scrape ape! So, uh... what're we gonna do about Dinobot?

Optimus Primal:
Why should we do anything?

Rattrap:
Oh, man... he's still a Predacon! He's only with us because he thought we'd win, not because he believed in what he stood for! He's a soldier, and with the enemy gone, who else is he gonna fight? Look, this ain't a good time to prove you're a wimp chimp, buddy; he'd screw you up the minute you turned your back...

Rattrap:
But we still can't trust Dinobot...

Rhinox:
Before we decide where he's going, we have to decide where WE're going!

Rattrap:
Hey, Chopperface's back! A little late, but I can tell you're feeling better.

Dinobot:
And with good reason - I shall not have to see YOU again!

Rattrap:
Woo-hoo, that's another winner!

Optimus Primal:
What are you saying, Dinobot? You will NOT return with us to Cybertron?

Dinobot:
No. On Cybertron, I will be a Predacon criminal, but here on this planet, I have no equal. I will remain behind to rule this world.

Optimus Primal:
I understand. Nonetheless, let the record show that I advise against this action. It will, eventually, lead to your destruction.

Dinobot:
Eventually... eventually can be a long time, Optimus Primal. I salute you, my former leader, and my former comrades! [leaves]

Cheetor:
Dinobot? Dinobot...

[first lines]

[At the Predacon ship, Megatron treats an energon crystal with a special radiation]

Megatron:
Yeesss. This is the culmination of that energon expansion treatment I have been working on. Yeesss, yeesss... [the crystal grows, expands... and explodes into fragments]

Megatron:
NOOO! Blast! Terrorsaur, fetch me another energon crystal, immediately!

Terrorsaur:
No! I refuse to work for such an incompetent leader any longer!