[Magnus, Kup, Springer, Perceptor and Grimlock make a full tour of the
Metroplex base and informs every Autobot he meets of the strategy for the
impending Decepticon attack.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: Every battle-capable Autobot that we can muster. I need all of them ready before the end of the solar cycle. If Starscream wants a war, we'll give him one. No one has ever broken through the solid walls of this base.
GRIMLOCK: This no ordinary combat force. Seekers can fly. Them made in image of Starscream himself. Their agility dizzying. Give us fits before.
ULTRA MAGNUS: I've fought many wars, Grimlock. I know how to defend my own people. They will not get through. Though our outlying homes will be destroyed, they can be rebuilt. We will outlast them inside Metroplex.
PERCEPTOR: Ultra Magnus, the purpose of the Decepticons' assault is not to eliminate their belongings and resources! They fully intend to destroy the Autobot civilization!
ULTRA MAGNUS: (quietly to avoid anyone else hearing him) What would you have me do, Perceptor? Can't you see them? They're frightened out of their memory banks as it is. If we ever do fall, I want us to do so in a fashion worthy for history.
PERCEPTOR: Radio for assistance. We require a greater number of warriors.
ULTRA MAGUNS: And who will arrive? Sportcar Autobots? Dinobots? We don't have the same luck with friends as you three have.
PERCEPTOR: What about Iacon?
ULTRA MAGNUS: Iacon? Iacon?! Where was Iacon when the Insecticons attacked our civilians? Where was Iacon when we were ambushed? Where was-No, Perceptor. We stand alone.
[Magnus, Kup and Springer leave Perceptor and Grimlock, all returning inside the base.]
MAGNUS: Get the non-combatants deep inside. There's no more time left.
KUP: Keep all security on full alert!
* * * * * *
[Back to Hangar 13, Cliffjumper and Beachcomber are still staring outside the window, watching Starscream's army passing them by on the way to Metroplex. Silverbolt is nearby.]
SILVERBOLT: You know. though it has been quiet for a good while around here, maybe it's a good time to call the others.
CLIFFJUMPER: For what?
SILVERBOLT: (into wrist-mounted radio) Skydive, Air Raid, Fireflight, Slingshot; all assemble at once. We got a couple matters to discuss.
BEACHCOMBER: I think it's a pow-wow.
* * * * * *
[Inside Metroplex, the weaker, lesser-physical Autobots are escorted into the deeper, more secure sections of the base, while the more fit Autobots are called out to join the gathering battle force. Many are saddened by the development, as many exchanges of farewell greetings and good luck wishes flood from every corner of the base. The situation grows more and more tense by the nano-klik, as the drafted fighters are led to the armories and given their weapons by Springer. Perceptor, Jazz and Grimlock look around the roster gathered around them. They are unimpressed.]
PERCEPTOR: Workers, scientists, technicians. these aren't warriors.
GRIMLOCK: Not even close to Dinobots' standards.
JAZZ: Or many others', either.
[Jazz nervously paces around the gathering room, while the draftees are getting armed, many still apprehensive about the forthcoming hours. Perceptor gets up, hoping to find a way to calm Jazz down.]
JAZZ: And can you blame 'em? Three hundred of us, barely half of us with any combat experience. against, what? Ten thousand Decepticons? You can't ignore the panic in their optics.
PERCEPTOR: The probability of their survival is greater here than at Post Omega.
JAZZ: They can't win this, man. They're all going to die.
PERCEPTOR: (confronting Jazz) Then I will die along with them!
[The nervous tension in the gathering room is mixed with a sharp, sudden silence, as all parties have their attention turned to the outburst between Perceptor and Jazz. Perceptor, realizes he submitted to another rare moment of losing his cool, leaves. Jazz is about to follow, but Grimlock stops him.]
GRIMLOCK: Him need time to self. Let him go.
[Back in the command center, Ultra Magnus opens a closet-like compartment on the wall, revealing a moderate armory of his personal weaponry. Kup enters the command center with weapon maintenance supplies. Magnus is visibly as nervous as the others in the gathering room, but maintains a sense of stoicism. He does not turn around to face Kup.]
KUP: The others are just about suited up and ready for battle, Ultra Magnus.
ULTRA MAGNUS: (pause) Who am I, Kup?
KUP: You are our commander.
ULTRA MAGNUS: And. do you trust your commander?
KUP: The Autobots. all of us will risk whatever it takes along with you, Ultra Magnus. No matter the cost.
ULTRA MAGNUS: No matter the cost..
[Magnus picks out his best laser rifle from his wall armory, and re-arms his shoulder-mounted rocket launchers, slowly and deliberately.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: Run. hide. All that was sacred to us. See the signs. The covenant has been broken. By Cybertron. Leaving us with no shoulder. To rest our head on.. Who's got my back now? When all that is left is deceptive, so disconnected.. So what is the truth now?
[Magnus completes his self-armament.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: How did it come to this?
[Back in his personal chamber, Perceptor takes a moment to himself to try to relax his mind, seated on a bench, head buried in hands, hunched over. There appears no sign of life. and then he rouses himself back into action. He re-adjusts the functions of his shoulder cannon, and turns to grab his two hand-held weapons. He finishes maintenance of his concussion rifle, and turns to find his rocket launcher. which is handed to him by an unexpected guest who entered the room.]
JAZZ: You haven't let us down yet, man. I know you won't do it now. And. sorry about that spat.
[Perceptor offers a handshake to Jazz, who accepts.]
PERCEPTOR: It happens in times like these. And sometimes one may forget. there is always hope.
[Grimlock enters the room, wielding his energo-sword and double-rocket launcher.]
GRIMLOCK: Me not want to interrupt deep moment. but me hear visitors coming.
JAZZ: Decepticons?
[Car horns honking can be heard outside Metroplex.]
GRIMLOCK: Me not think so. (beckons)
[Perceptor, Jazz and Grimlock scramble to the main entrance, joined by Ultra Magnus, and Kup.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: (in radio) Scamper, open the gate!
[The door of the main ramp retracts, and the group of five is astonished at the sight greeting them. a huge caravan of Sportscar Autobots - Lamborghinis, Datsuns, Porsches, Indy racers - driving in and bottlenecking to enter Metroplex's main entrance.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: By the Matrix!
[Upon entering, one of them - a blue-and-white Indy car - pulls over to the side of the path, and transforms to robot mode, meeting Ultra Magnus and the others at the door.]
MIRAGE: Prowl thought you guys could use a hand. so our flight got delayed.
PERCEPTOR: Mirage! (rushes forward to greet him) I bid you most welcome.
MIRAGE: *chuckles* Can the mush, eh, old buddy?
[Perceptor and Mirage laugh.]
MIRAGE: If it's a fight the Decepticons want, they'll have to get through ALL of us.
* * * * * *
[Battle impending. The Decepticons arrive closer by the second. The Autobots - Sportcars, Truck-modes, and others - are all arranged in multi- line formations, both indoors and on the shielded outdoor sectors of the Metroplex base. The camera pans, giving a sweeping shot of the vast defensive army set to face the enemy. One by one; Smokescreen, Red Alert, Bluestreak, Mirage, Jazz, a tower, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Tracks, and others. A little movement can be seen behind the tower beside Jazz, with what looks like grey wing-like objects attached to the back of a gold upper torso.]
GRIMLOCK: (grumble) You do this on purpose, huh?
[Jazz snickers. Perceptor arrives, giving some last-minute instructions and comments to the Autobot soldiers. He and Ultra Magnus meet with Mirage, Jazz and Grimlock at their combat deck. The first signs of the approaching Decepticon army are visible - except for Grimlock stuck behind the tower - in the distance.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: This is it, everyone. Let's hope we all last the night.
JAZZ: We're all in this together. We are family.
GRIMLOCK: Me hope they last night too.
[The tension grows. The Autobots are increasingly nervous and frightened. All have their weapons prepared, in position to fire at the enemy. Finally, the overwhelming flood of Decepticon warriors stops flowing, halting at a standstill a safe distance from the Autobot fortress. Two Decepticons fly out to a nearby higher spot, standing above the rest of the forces, standing at attention as still as a rock.]
CYCLONUS: Soundwave. I suspect these Autobots are already suffering from fear. Further intimidation would help us immensely.
SOUNDWAVE: Affirmative. Linking with Decepticons' sideband channels. Initiating battle chant. now.
[In unison, each Decepticon warrior stomps his right foot against the tarmac, sending a rumbling sound reverberating throughout the region. They do the same with their left. then clash their forearms together, releasing a high-pitched crash to follow the two rumbles.]
DECEPTICONS: *rumble.* *rumble.* *CLASH*
GRIMLOCK: What happen down there?
JAZZ: Want me to describe it for you. or how about I make a peephole?
GRIMLOCK: (glances at Jazz) Pffft. (shakes head)
PERCEPTOR: Hold your positions. Do NOT fire without my command.
[The Decepticons repeat their stomping and clashing, slowly at first. then gradually picking up in tempo. eventually sounding like a familiar beat.]
DECEPTICONS: *rumble.* *rumble.* *CLASH*.. *rumble.* *rumble.* *CLASH*.. *rumble* *rumble* *CLASH*. *rumble* *rumble* *CLASH*..
*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble *rumble*CLASH*..
RUMBLE: (singing over the beat) We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i-ill, We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i- ill, ROCK YOU!!! (pause) We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i-ill, We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i-ill, ROCK YOU!!!
DECEPTICONS: *rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble *rumble*CLASH*..
[The Decepticons continue their battle chant, trying to swell the fear in the Autobots, awaiting the order to fire. Many try to maintain a stoic stance, but some are still visibly scared. Suddenly, an old Autobot fires his hand rifle, not even realizing it. His luck is good, though, as he strikes a Seeker jet in the canopy on his chest, dropping him.]
PERCEPTOR: Hold your fire!
[The Decepticons stop their chant, and await the order.]
CYCLONUS: ATTA-A-A-A-A-ACK!!!
[Squads and companies of Decepticons flare out from the main mass, forming smaller formations and delivering their assault on the ground and from the air.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: So it begins.
[A team of Autobots inside the base execute the transformation of Metroplex to battle station mode, causing scores and scores of artillery and energy weapons to bristle from the base.]
JAZZ: Try to keep them grounded if you can. And aim for the engines on the Seekers. That'll take out their main fuel lines.
PERCEPTOR: Open fire!
[The Decepticons swarm the Metroplex base, firing away on the heavily- fortified outer hull. Their shots fail to even make a dent, while the Autobots fire back, aided by the overwhelming weaponry of the battle station. Grimlock, eager for a fight, is still stuck behind a tower.]
GRIMLOCK: Anyone hit anything?
ULTRA MAGNUS: Keep firing!
PERCEPTOR: Launch rockets!
GRIMLOCK: Come on! Bring them on!
[Many Decepticons are shot down, but some airborne flyers make it past the blanket of fire. Some of them climb aboard the combat deck, and engage in hand-to-hand combat with the Autobots. Grimlock, finally getting his chance, takes a single sweeping swipe with his sword-bearing arm, and slices two Seekers in half.]
GRIMLOCK: Jazz! Me take two down in one shot!
JAZZ: I'm at seventeen!
GRIMLOCK: WHAT?! No four-wheeler ever outscore me Grimlock!
[Jazz blasts a few more Decepticons.]
JAZZ: Nineteen! Think you can count that high, man?
GRIMLOCK: Smart-aleck! Me show you!
[Grimlock transforms to T-Rex mode, and wails away recklessly against the invaders.]
* * * * * *
[Back at Hangar 13, Cliffjumper tries to relax on the floor, but can't, knowing what's happening outside. Beachcomber calls him over; the two Minibots join the approaching Silverbolt, who is now accompanied by the other four Aerialbots.]
SILVERBOLT: We have thus. agreed.
[Pause. Silence. The Minibots await more.]
CLIFFJUMPER: Yes?
SILVERBOLT: Oh. we have agreed. that you aren't Decepticons.
[Cliffjumper rolls his optics in mild frustration.]
BEACHCOMBER: Well, that's good to hear.
CLIFFJUMPER: But what about Starscream? Any decision on him?
FIREFLIGHT: (re-assuringly) Whoa, hold on; no need to get hasty, Cliffjumper.
CLIFFJUMPER: Whaddya mean, "hasty"? Our friends are out there! They need help!
SKYDIVE: We understand; that's how warfare gets. But you need to understand; before we Aerialbots make any kind of final decision, we have to go over every little bit of data we can think of, even if it takes a long time.
[The Aerialbots go off for another conference.]
CLIFFJUMPER: (mutters under breath) Why, you.
BEACHCOMBER: No. Please. Don't say the T-word.
* * * * * *
[Back at Metroplex, the battle is growing heavier. Grimlock is mounting the Decepticon casualties at his hands - and jaws - and leveling a major chunk of the enemy's forces. Perceptor, Jazz, Ultra Magnus, Mirage and the others fight on, with good success.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: Is this all you got, Starscream? Is this the best you can do?
[With most of the Autobots preoccupied on the main deck, a Reflector trio attaches a set of explosives around the small circular vent in Metroplex's front wall. Flying in from a far distance is a thick-bodied purple-and- beige jet fighter, carrying a small glowing egg-shaped capsule in one of its launchers.]
REFLECTOR: Blitzwing has the exponential generator. It's time we weren't here!
[Reflector scrambles as Blitzwing, braving the barrage of weapon fire, screams in with the special weapon. Jazz and Perceptor look to the main front, and spot the intruder.]
PERCEPTOR: Take him out!
[Jazz and Perceptor fire on the incoming Decepticon, and they manage to clip his wings. Blitzwing is thrown into a tailspin. On the battleground.]
SOUNDWAVE: Ravage, Laserbeak, eject. Operation: tactical recovery and completion.
[Soundwave releases the black jaguar and the black-red-&-silver vulture from his chest compartment. Blitzwing jettisons the mini-generator from his launcher and transforms to tank mode in mid-air, screaming in fast at Metroplex's front wall, guns still blazing and targeting the explosives.]
BLITZWING: Decepticons. Forev--AAAAAAGH.!
[Blitzwing is shot down by the Autobots. but they don't notice Ravage catching the small capsule in his jaws. He tosses it to Laserbeak, who catches it in one of his laser cannons. He zips by the front wall, and with perfect precision. fires the generator at the small vent in the front wall. It explodes, setting off the explosives, enhancing the blast and ripping a gash in Metroplex's front wall. A radiation wave courses through the vent inside Metroplex's inner workings, and short out most of the weapon systems. The main transforming cog is destroyed.]
[The breaching of the wall shudders the base to its foundation, releasing a wave of both seismic and emotional panic varieties over both the Autobot warriors and the civilians taking deep cover inside.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: NOOOOOO!!!
[The Decepticons begin to invade the base, but are cut off by more waves of Autobots storming out from multiple angles, both on the main deck and from inside the walls.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: Get the back-up gates online! Don't let a single Decepticon through!
GRIMLOCK: Me buy you some time!
[Grimlock dives from the combat deck and tears through the Decepticon army. He flattens a huge portion of the ground-based fighters, but more aerial attacks are buzzing from above.]
PERCEPTOR: Autobots. CHA-A-A-A-A-AR-R-R-RGE!!!
[Autobot warriors pour out of the wrecked battle station, meeting the Decepticons head on. Ultra Magnus and Perceptor fire their attacks from the remains of the upper combat deck. Jazz kicks an I-beam partly off the deck, forming a makeshift ramp to the battleground. He leaps on and slides down along the beam, blasting away at the Decepticons. The battle rages on.]
* * * * * *
[In Hangar 13, the Aerialbots break off their conference and meet with Cliffjumper and Beachcomber.]
SILVERBOLT: I'm afraid this war is out of our hands, Minibots.
CLIFFJUMPER: WHAT?!
AIR RAID: This isn't our war.
CLIFFJUMPER: But you're Autobots! You wear the Autobot symbol! (pause) Don't you?
[An awkward silence washes over the hangar, as the Aerialbots exchange concerned-but-helpless glances.]
CLIFFJUMPER: You've got to do something!
SLINGSHOT: You got a good spark, Cliffjumper. But you can't expect to do more than what's reasonably possible. We'll get an escort ready to take you two home.
[The Aerialbots leave, while Cliffjumper simmers. Beachcomber steps at his side, trying to reassure him.]
BEACHCOMBER: Maybe they're right. It's too big for us to do anything. Hey. if we can't stay on Cybertron. we can always move to Earth. It's beautiful there.
CLIFFJUMPER: You don't understand, either. Starscream will not only take Polyhex and Iacon. they'll spread to Crystal City. and then go off-planet and continue on from there. (turns to Beachcomber) Earth won't stand a chance, Beachcomber.
[Cliffjumper turns away, while a silent Beachcomber ponders over the ill prospect.]
* * * * * *
ULTRA MAGNUS: Every battle-capable Autobot that we can muster. I need all of them ready before the end of the solar cycle. If Starscream wants a war, we'll give him one. No one has ever broken through the solid walls of this base.
GRIMLOCK: This no ordinary combat force. Seekers can fly. Them made in image of Starscream himself. Their agility dizzying. Give us fits before.
ULTRA MAGNUS: I've fought many wars, Grimlock. I know how to defend my own people. They will not get through. Though our outlying homes will be destroyed, they can be rebuilt. We will outlast them inside Metroplex.
PERCEPTOR: Ultra Magnus, the purpose of the Decepticons' assault is not to eliminate their belongings and resources! They fully intend to destroy the Autobot civilization!
ULTRA MAGNUS: (quietly to avoid anyone else hearing him) What would you have me do, Perceptor? Can't you see them? They're frightened out of their memory banks as it is. If we ever do fall, I want us to do so in a fashion worthy for history.
PERCEPTOR: Radio for assistance. We require a greater number of warriors.
ULTRA MAGUNS: And who will arrive? Sportcar Autobots? Dinobots? We don't have the same luck with friends as you three have.
PERCEPTOR: What about Iacon?
ULTRA MAGNUS: Iacon? Iacon?! Where was Iacon when the Insecticons attacked our civilians? Where was Iacon when we were ambushed? Where was-No, Perceptor. We stand alone.
[Magnus, Kup and Springer leave Perceptor and Grimlock, all returning inside the base.]
MAGNUS: Get the non-combatants deep inside. There's no more time left.
KUP: Keep all security on full alert!
* * * * * *
[Back to Hangar 13, Cliffjumper and Beachcomber are still staring outside the window, watching Starscream's army passing them by on the way to Metroplex. Silverbolt is nearby.]
SILVERBOLT: You know. though it has been quiet for a good while around here, maybe it's a good time to call the others.
CLIFFJUMPER: For what?
SILVERBOLT: (into wrist-mounted radio) Skydive, Air Raid, Fireflight, Slingshot; all assemble at once. We got a couple matters to discuss.
BEACHCOMBER: I think it's a pow-wow.
* * * * * *
[Inside Metroplex, the weaker, lesser-physical Autobots are escorted into the deeper, more secure sections of the base, while the more fit Autobots are called out to join the gathering battle force. Many are saddened by the development, as many exchanges of farewell greetings and good luck wishes flood from every corner of the base. The situation grows more and more tense by the nano-klik, as the drafted fighters are led to the armories and given their weapons by Springer. Perceptor, Jazz and Grimlock look around the roster gathered around them. They are unimpressed.]
PERCEPTOR: Workers, scientists, technicians. these aren't warriors.
GRIMLOCK: Not even close to Dinobots' standards.
JAZZ: Or many others', either.
[Jazz nervously paces around the gathering room, while the draftees are getting armed, many still apprehensive about the forthcoming hours. Perceptor gets up, hoping to find a way to calm Jazz down.]
JAZZ: And can you blame 'em? Three hundred of us, barely half of us with any combat experience. against, what? Ten thousand Decepticons? You can't ignore the panic in their optics.
PERCEPTOR: The probability of their survival is greater here than at Post Omega.
JAZZ: They can't win this, man. They're all going to die.
PERCEPTOR: (confronting Jazz) Then I will die along with them!
[The nervous tension in the gathering room is mixed with a sharp, sudden silence, as all parties have their attention turned to the outburst between Perceptor and Jazz. Perceptor, realizes he submitted to another rare moment of losing his cool, leaves. Jazz is about to follow, but Grimlock stops him.]
GRIMLOCK: Him need time to self. Let him go.
[Back in the command center, Ultra Magnus opens a closet-like compartment on the wall, revealing a moderate armory of his personal weaponry. Kup enters the command center with weapon maintenance supplies. Magnus is visibly as nervous as the others in the gathering room, but maintains a sense of stoicism. He does not turn around to face Kup.]
KUP: The others are just about suited up and ready for battle, Ultra Magnus.
ULTRA MAGNUS: (pause) Who am I, Kup?
KUP: You are our commander.
ULTRA MAGNUS: And. do you trust your commander?
KUP: The Autobots. all of us will risk whatever it takes along with you, Ultra Magnus. No matter the cost.
ULTRA MAGNUS: No matter the cost..
[Magnus picks out his best laser rifle from his wall armory, and re-arms his shoulder-mounted rocket launchers, slowly and deliberately.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: Run. hide. All that was sacred to us. See the signs. The covenant has been broken. By Cybertron. Leaving us with no shoulder. To rest our head on.. Who's got my back now? When all that is left is deceptive, so disconnected.. So what is the truth now?
[Magnus completes his self-armament.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: How did it come to this?
[Back in his personal chamber, Perceptor takes a moment to himself to try to relax his mind, seated on a bench, head buried in hands, hunched over. There appears no sign of life. and then he rouses himself back into action. He re-adjusts the functions of his shoulder cannon, and turns to grab his two hand-held weapons. He finishes maintenance of his concussion rifle, and turns to find his rocket launcher. which is handed to him by an unexpected guest who entered the room.]
JAZZ: You haven't let us down yet, man. I know you won't do it now. And. sorry about that spat.
[Perceptor offers a handshake to Jazz, who accepts.]
PERCEPTOR: It happens in times like these. And sometimes one may forget. there is always hope.
[Grimlock enters the room, wielding his energo-sword and double-rocket launcher.]
GRIMLOCK: Me not want to interrupt deep moment. but me hear visitors coming.
JAZZ: Decepticons?
[Car horns honking can be heard outside Metroplex.]
GRIMLOCK: Me not think so. (beckons)
[Perceptor, Jazz and Grimlock scramble to the main entrance, joined by Ultra Magnus, and Kup.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: (in radio) Scamper, open the gate!
[The door of the main ramp retracts, and the group of five is astonished at the sight greeting them. a huge caravan of Sportscar Autobots - Lamborghinis, Datsuns, Porsches, Indy racers - driving in and bottlenecking to enter Metroplex's main entrance.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: By the Matrix!
[Upon entering, one of them - a blue-and-white Indy car - pulls over to the side of the path, and transforms to robot mode, meeting Ultra Magnus and the others at the door.]
MIRAGE: Prowl thought you guys could use a hand. so our flight got delayed.
PERCEPTOR: Mirage! (rushes forward to greet him) I bid you most welcome.
MIRAGE: *chuckles* Can the mush, eh, old buddy?
[Perceptor and Mirage laugh.]
MIRAGE: If it's a fight the Decepticons want, they'll have to get through ALL of us.
* * * * * *
[Battle impending. The Decepticons arrive closer by the second. The Autobots - Sportcars, Truck-modes, and others - are all arranged in multi- line formations, both indoors and on the shielded outdoor sectors of the Metroplex base. The camera pans, giving a sweeping shot of the vast defensive army set to face the enemy. One by one; Smokescreen, Red Alert, Bluestreak, Mirage, Jazz, a tower, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Tracks, and others. A little movement can be seen behind the tower beside Jazz, with what looks like grey wing-like objects attached to the back of a gold upper torso.]
GRIMLOCK: (grumble) You do this on purpose, huh?
[Jazz snickers. Perceptor arrives, giving some last-minute instructions and comments to the Autobot soldiers. He and Ultra Magnus meet with Mirage, Jazz and Grimlock at their combat deck. The first signs of the approaching Decepticon army are visible - except for Grimlock stuck behind the tower - in the distance.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: This is it, everyone. Let's hope we all last the night.
JAZZ: We're all in this together. We are family.
GRIMLOCK: Me hope they last night too.
[The tension grows. The Autobots are increasingly nervous and frightened. All have their weapons prepared, in position to fire at the enemy. Finally, the overwhelming flood of Decepticon warriors stops flowing, halting at a standstill a safe distance from the Autobot fortress. Two Decepticons fly out to a nearby higher spot, standing above the rest of the forces, standing at attention as still as a rock.]
CYCLONUS: Soundwave. I suspect these Autobots are already suffering from fear. Further intimidation would help us immensely.
SOUNDWAVE: Affirmative. Linking with Decepticons' sideband channels. Initiating battle chant. now.
[In unison, each Decepticon warrior stomps his right foot against the tarmac, sending a rumbling sound reverberating throughout the region. They do the same with their left. then clash their forearms together, releasing a high-pitched crash to follow the two rumbles.]
DECEPTICONS: *rumble.* *rumble.* *CLASH*
GRIMLOCK: What happen down there?
JAZZ: Want me to describe it for you. or how about I make a peephole?
GRIMLOCK: (glances at Jazz) Pffft. (shakes head)
PERCEPTOR: Hold your positions. Do NOT fire without my command.
[The Decepticons repeat their stomping and clashing, slowly at first. then gradually picking up in tempo. eventually sounding like a familiar beat.]
DECEPTICONS: *rumble.* *rumble.* *CLASH*.. *rumble.* *rumble.* *CLASH*.. *rumble* *rumble* *CLASH*. *rumble* *rumble* *CLASH*..
*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble *rumble*CLASH*..
RUMBLE: (singing over the beat) We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i-ill, We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i- ill, ROCK YOU!!! (pause) We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i-ill, We-e-e-e Wi-i-i-i-ill, ROCK YOU!!!
DECEPTICONS: *rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble*rumble*CLASH*..*rumble *rumble*CLASH*..
[The Decepticons continue their battle chant, trying to swell the fear in the Autobots, awaiting the order to fire. Many try to maintain a stoic stance, but some are still visibly scared. Suddenly, an old Autobot fires his hand rifle, not even realizing it. His luck is good, though, as he strikes a Seeker jet in the canopy on his chest, dropping him.]
PERCEPTOR: Hold your fire!
[The Decepticons stop their chant, and await the order.]
CYCLONUS: ATTA-A-A-A-A-ACK!!!
[Squads and companies of Decepticons flare out from the main mass, forming smaller formations and delivering their assault on the ground and from the air.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: So it begins.
[A team of Autobots inside the base execute the transformation of Metroplex to battle station mode, causing scores and scores of artillery and energy weapons to bristle from the base.]
JAZZ: Try to keep them grounded if you can. And aim for the engines on the Seekers. That'll take out their main fuel lines.
PERCEPTOR: Open fire!
[The Decepticons swarm the Metroplex base, firing away on the heavily- fortified outer hull. Their shots fail to even make a dent, while the Autobots fire back, aided by the overwhelming weaponry of the battle station. Grimlock, eager for a fight, is still stuck behind a tower.]
GRIMLOCK: Anyone hit anything?
ULTRA MAGNUS: Keep firing!
PERCEPTOR: Launch rockets!
GRIMLOCK: Come on! Bring them on!
[Many Decepticons are shot down, but some airborne flyers make it past the blanket of fire. Some of them climb aboard the combat deck, and engage in hand-to-hand combat with the Autobots. Grimlock, finally getting his chance, takes a single sweeping swipe with his sword-bearing arm, and slices two Seekers in half.]
GRIMLOCK: Jazz! Me take two down in one shot!
JAZZ: I'm at seventeen!
GRIMLOCK: WHAT?! No four-wheeler ever outscore me Grimlock!
[Jazz blasts a few more Decepticons.]
JAZZ: Nineteen! Think you can count that high, man?
GRIMLOCK: Smart-aleck! Me show you!
[Grimlock transforms to T-Rex mode, and wails away recklessly against the invaders.]
* * * * * *
[Back at Hangar 13, Cliffjumper tries to relax on the floor, but can't, knowing what's happening outside. Beachcomber calls him over; the two Minibots join the approaching Silverbolt, who is now accompanied by the other four Aerialbots.]
SILVERBOLT: We have thus. agreed.
[Pause. Silence. The Minibots await more.]
CLIFFJUMPER: Yes?
SILVERBOLT: Oh. we have agreed. that you aren't Decepticons.
[Cliffjumper rolls his optics in mild frustration.]
BEACHCOMBER: Well, that's good to hear.
CLIFFJUMPER: But what about Starscream? Any decision on him?
FIREFLIGHT: (re-assuringly) Whoa, hold on; no need to get hasty, Cliffjumper.
CLIFFJUMPER: Whaddya mean, "hasty"? Our friends are out there! They need help!
SKYDIVE: We understand; that's how warfare gets. But you need to understand; before we Aerialbots make any kind of final decision, we have to go over every little bit of data we can think of, even if it takes a long time.
[The Aerialbots go off for another conference.]
CLIFFJUMPER: (mutters under breath) Why, you.
BEACHCOMBER: No. Please. Don't say the T-word.
* * * * * *
[Back at Metroplex, the battle is growing heavier. Grimlock is mounting the Decepticon casualties at his hands - and jaws - and leveling a major chunk of the enemy's forces. Perceptor, Jazz, Ultra Magnus, Mirage and the others fight on, with good success.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: Is this all you got, Starscream? Is this the best you can do?
[With most of the Autobots preoccupied on the main deck, a Reflector trio attaches a set of explosives around the small circular vent in Metroplex's front wall. Flying in from a far distance is a thick-bodied purple-and- beige jet fighter, carrying a small glowing egg-shaped capsule in one of its launchers.]
REFLECTOR: Blitzwing has the exponential generator. It's time we weren't here!
[Reflector scrambles as Blitzwing, braving the barrage of weapon fire, screams in with the special weapon. Jazz and Perceptor look to the main front, and spot the intruder.]
PERCEPTOR: Take him out!
[Jazz and Perceptor fire on the incoming Decepticon, and they manage to clip his wings. Blitzwing is thrown into a tailspin. On the battleground.]
SOUNDWAVE: Ravage, Laserbeak, eject. Operation: tactical recovery and completion.
[Soundwave releases the black jaguar and the black-red-&-silver vulture from his chest compartment. Blitzwing jettisons the mini-generator from his launcher and transforms to tank mode in mid-air, screaming in fast at Metroplex's front wall, guns still blazing and targeting the explosives.]
BLITZWING: Decepticons. Forev--AAAAAAGH.!
[Blitzwing is shot down by the Autobots. but they don't notice Ravage catching the small capsule in his jaws. He tosses it to Laserbeak, who catches it in one of his laser cannons. He zips by the front wall, and with perfect precision. fires the generator at the small vent in the front wall. It explodes, setting off the explosives, enhancing the blast and ripping a gash in Metroplex's front wall. A radiation wave courses through the vent inside Metroplex's inner workings, and short out most of the weapon systems. The main transforming cog is destroyed.]
[The breaching of the wall shudders the base to its foundation, releasing a wave of both seismic and emotional panic varieties over both the Autobot warriors and the civilians taking deep cover inside.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: NOOOOOO!!!
[The Decepticons begin to invade the base, but are cut off by more waves of Autobots storming out from multiple angles, both on the main deck and from inside the walls.]
ULTRA MAGNUS: Get the back-up gates online! Don't let a single Decepticon through!
GRIMLOCK: Me buy you some time!
[Grimlock dives from the combat deck and tears through the Decepticon army. He flattens a huge portion of the ground-based fighters, but more aerial attacks are buzzing from above.]
PERCEPTOR: Autobots. CHA-A-A-A-A-AR-R-R-RGE!!!
[Autobot warriors pour out of the wrecked battle station, meeting the Decepticons head on. Ultra Magnus and Perceptor fire their attacks from the remains of the upper combat deck. Jazz kicks an I-beam partly off the deck, forming a makeshift ramp to the battleground. He leaps on and slides down along the beam, blasting away at the Decepticons. The battle rages on.]
* * * * * *
[In Hangar 13, the Aerialbots break off their conference and meet with Cliffjumper and Beachcomber.]
SILVERBOLT: I'm afraid this war is out of our hands, Minibots.
CLIFFJUMPER: WHAT?!
AIR RAID: This isn't our war.
CLIFFJUMPER: But you're Autobots! You wear the Autobot symbol! (pause) Don't you?
[An awkward silence washes over the hangar, as the Aerialbots exchange concerned-but-helpless glances.]
CLIFFJUMPER: You've got to do something!
SLINGSHOT: You got a good spark, Cliffjumper. But you can't expect to do more than what's reasonably possible. We'll get an escort ready to take you two home.
[The Aerialbots leave, while Cliffjumper simmers. Beachcomber steps at his side, trying to reassure him.]
BEACHCOMBER: Maybe they're right. It's too big for us to do anything. Hey. if we can't stay on Cybertron. we can always move to Earth. It's beautiful there.
CLIFFJUMPER: You don't understand, either. Starscream will not only take Polyhex and Iacon. they'll spread to Crystal City. and then go off-planet and continue on from there. (turns to Beachcomber) Earth won't stand a chance, Beachcomber.
[Cliffjumper turns away, while a silent Beachcomber ponders over the ill prospect.]
* * * * * *