Beast Wars
"A Plague of Insecticons"
ACT ONE
Fade in.
EXT. - EST. - GEORGIA SWAMP. DAY.
Three canoes - each one with one African slave and several bags of oats and grains in it - float down the river. The three slaves are looking around; something's got them nervous.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
A large stag beetle - SHARPSHOT - rises out of the water a small distance away; the slaves don't notice.
SHARPSHOT
Food approaches, approaches.
He dives under the water again.
Back on: The slaves.
One of them notices something in the river. He pokes at it with an oar.
Sharpshot LEAPS out of the water, sending the boat - slave and bags and all - into the air. They SLAM into the water; the boat SHATTERS into splintered pieces. The slave swims away while Sharpshot makes for the bag of grains.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
The other two slaves stand in their boats, using their oars as weapons.
SLAVE #1
What's going on?
Another large insect, this one a rhinocerous beetle - HARDSHELL - rises up out of the river.
HARDSHELL
Welcome to Insecticon territory, humans!
He CHARGES at another boat, SHATTERING it and sending the slave careening into the river.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Sharpshot and Hardshell have torn open the bags and have started eating. Sharpshot looks up at a large locust - KICKBACK - who's sitting in the bow of a nearby tree.
SHARPSHOT
Kickback, your meal is escaping, escaping.
KICKBACK
In that case, I'd better hop to it!
He LEAPS out of the tree at the last boat, which is escaping. Kickback LANDS on the boat, destroying it.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
The three slaves are clinging to a few planks - all that's left of the boats.
SLAVE #2
Let's get out of here!
SLAVE #3
Yes! We can't let those monsters reach the farm!
Back on: Kickback.
His antennae twirl as he listens.
KICKBACK
Did he say "farm"? There's bound to be more food on a farm.
SHARPSHOT
Exactly. Sharpshot, Terrorize, Terrorize.
Sharpshot - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE.
He TRANSFORMS into his Robot Form.
HARDSHELL
Hardshell, Terrorize.
KICKBACK
Kickback, Terrorize.
Hardshell, Kickback - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCES.
They, too, TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms.
SHARPSHOT
This has been but a small snack; there's bound to be more food on that farm, farm.
HARDSHELL
Just the mere thought is making me hungry.
KICKBACK
To the farm, and more food!
The three Insecticons return to their Beast Forms and take to the sky.
Cut to:
INT. - MAXIMAL BASE. DAY. A FEW DAYS LATER.
Rhinox is messing with a small device on the central table. Cheetor's sitting at a computer, scanning the radio waves. Stinkbomb's sitting at another computer, playing a Solitare-like card game.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Victoria comes up on the entrance elevator, a newspaper in her hand.
VICTORIA
You guys!
RHINOX
What's up, squirt?
Victoria puts the newspaper on the table.
VICTORIA
Listen to this headline: "Negroes in Georgia report seeing giant monster insects. Local farmers and plantation owners pass it off as African superstition."
CHEETOR
Superstition my transistors. Those might be Predacons.
STINKBOMB
Should we go check it out?
RHINOX
Of course we should. Let's go.
CHEETOR
I'll call Optimus and the others first.
RHINOX
Why? It's just a few Preds.
CHEETOR
Maybe, but I've got a bad feeling about this.
Cut to:
INT. - PREDACON BASE. DAY.
Galvatron's looking at a digital copy of the newspaper via the main computer screens. He scratches his chin.
GALVATRON
Giant monster insects, hmm?
SCAREM
My Lord, none of us, it is.
GALVATRON
You're right, Scarem, it's not, noo.
He turns to Scarem and Inferno.
GALVATRON
Come, my minions. We must find these newcomers, yess.
Quick cut to:
EXT. - PREDACON BASE. DAY.
Galvatron and Scarem TRANSFORM into their Beast Forms and take to the sky, Inferno close behind via his propeller-butt.
Cut to:
EXT. - GEORGIA SWAMP. DAY. A FEW HOURS LATER.
The three Predacons land. Galvatron and Scarem TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms.
GALVATRON
Inferno, sniff them out.
INFERNO
As you wish, Royalty.
He TRANSFORMS into his Beast Form and starts waving his antennae around.
INFERNO
I've found something. Follow me!
He leads Galvatron and Scarem through the swamp. As they go, an alligator swimg up to them. Scarem takes out a scythe and SLICES at the alligator, scaring it off.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Inferno stops next to a cluster of vines and moss. He TRANSFORMS, his flamethrower in hand, and BURNS off the foliage to reveal -
GALVATRON
A Decepticon Stasis Pod!
SCAREM
From the time of the Great Warm, My Lord?
GALVATRON
Yes. And it's been opened. And judging from the fact that it's open, the occupants must have gotten out some time ago.
INFERNO
Royalty, do you suppose -
GALVATRON
There were only three Decepticons who have ever taken on the form of large insects. The Insecticons.
INFERNO
What do you think happened to them, Royalty?
GALVATRON
They have no doubt adapted to this new environment as Predacons, yess. Come, my loyal followers; we must find them before the Maximals do.
Fade out.
End Act One.
ACT TWO
Fade in.
EXT. - FARM - WHEAT FIELD. DAY.
Several slaves are shearing the wheat, while some of the farmhands keep watch. Some have guns, some have whips.
The horses the farmhands are riding are starting to get nervous; something's got them spooked.
SLAVE
What's wrong with your horse?
FARMHAND
Get back to work.
Quick cut to:
EXT. - FOREST EDGE. DAY.
The three Insecticons - all in their Robot Forms - are sitting in the bow of the tree, watching the farm. Sharpshot turns to the other two.
SHARPSHOT
Insecticons, Beast Forms, Forms.
Insecticons - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCES.
They TRANSFORM back into their Beast Forms.
SHARPSHOT
Attack, attack!
They FLY towards the farm.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
One of the farmhands' horses bucks, sending the farmhand FALLING to the ground.
FARMHAND
Hey! Stupid animal.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
The slaves look up; they see the Insecticons DIVE BOMBING towards the farm.
SLAVES
Monsters! Monsters from the sky!
They drop what they're doing and run away in fear.
FARMHAND
What in the world are they goin on - HOLY - !
He scrambles to his feet and runs away, just as the Insecticons land in the field and start devouring the crops.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Hardshell notices something approaching in the distance.
HARDSHELL
What's that?
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Rhinox, Cheetor, Stinkbomb, and Victoria arrive. Stinkbomb's riding on Rhinox's back, and Victoria's riding on Cheetor's back; Cheetor himself is flying through the air. He lands, letting Victoria slide off his back, and then -
RHINOX
Rhinox, Maximize!
STINKBOMB
Stinkbomb, Maximize!
CHEETOR
Cheetor, Maximize!
Rhinox, Stinkbomb, Cheetor - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCES.
They TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms and aim their weapons at the Insecticons; Victoria knocks an arrow in her bow and pulls the string back.
Back on: The Insecticons.
They chew and swallow the last bits of food they have in their mouths before -
SHARPSHOT
Sharpshot, Terrorize, Terrorize!
HARDSHELL
Hardshell, Terrorize!
KICKBACK
Kickback, Terrorize!
Sharpshot, Hardshell, Kickback - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCES.
They TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms.
SHAPRSHOT
They will pay for disrupting our meal, meal.
They start FIRING at the Maximals. Their blasts hit the ground all around them.
STINKBOMB
Ach!
RHINOX
Slag!
CHEETOR
Victoria, look out!
He shields her with his body.
CHEETOR
We only just got here and already things are going bad.
Cut to:
EXT. - APPALACHIAN TRAIL. DAY.
The other Maximals - all in their Beast Forms, except for Optimus and Rattrap, who are in their Vehicular Forms - are hurrying down the trail as fast as they can. Optimus checks something on his wrist.
OPTIMUS PRIMAL
Let's see here; according to the coordinates Rhinox sent us, we're almost there. So keep your optics open, bots.
They round a curve.
GRIMLOCK
Uh oh, stop!
They come to a stop right in front of a small unit of Confederate soldiers. The soldiers all aim their guns at the Maximals.
SILVERBOLT
These soldiers have the entire road blocked off.
On: Rattrap.
He looks to his left and spots a trail that leads down the mountain.
RATTRAP
Haven't you guys ever heard of a shortcut? Follow me!
He SPEEDS down the trail, the other Maximals following close behind.
OPTIMUS PRIMAL
Rattrap, what makes you so sure that this is the right way to go?
RATTRAP
Trust me, Boss Monkey; I've got the homing instincts of a bloodhound.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
He SKIDS to a stop right before a pile of boulders.
RATTRAP
Oops.
They TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms.
DINOBOT
Homing instincts of a bloodhound, you say?
RATTRAP
Um, yeah, I meant to bring us this way. You see, if we can't go through those soldiers, we can go under them.
Cut to:
EXT. - FARM. DAY.
The Insecticons are searching the wheat field; the Maximals have taken to hiding among the stalks of grain.
KICKBACK
The cowards have hidden from us.
Some of the wheat moves; it's not from the wind.
HARDSHELL
Not for long.
He takes out a hand grenade, pulls the pin, and THROWS it.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Rhinox sees the grenade heading right for them. He takes out one of his chain guns, aims at the grenade, and FIRES. The bullets tear into the grenade, making it blow up in mid-air.
RHINOX
That was close.
STINKBOMB
Maybe, herr Rhinox, but we've still got trouble.
VICTORIA
Great. Here comes Galvatron and his goons.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Galvatron, Scarem, and Inferno fly overhead; Galvatron and Scarem are in their Beast Forms while Inferno's flying via his propeller-butt.
Back on: Cheetor.
He activates his comms.
CHEETOR
Optimus, come in! Optimus!
He just gets static.
CHEETOR
Scrap, no answer.
Back on: The Predacons.
Galvatron, Scarem, and Inferno land in front of the Insecticons. Galvatron and Scarem TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms.
Back over to: The Maximals.
They're still cowering in the wheat field.
VICTORIA
This is trouble.
RHINOX
Well, let's look on the bright side - at least they didn't bring those two morons Bonecrusher and Quickstrike along.
Back on: The Predacons.
SHARPSHOT
I do not know you, and yet I feel a sense of kinship, kinship.
GALVATRON
I thought as much, yess. After all, we are all derived from Decepticon blueprints.
(clears his throat)
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Galvatron, leader of the Predacons and soon-to-be ruler of the universe, and these are my loyal servants, Scarem and Inferno.
KICKBACK
And you say we're related to you?
GALVATRON
We are all brothers in a sense, yess.
HARDSHELL
Well then, state your business, brother.
INFERNO
Mind how you speak to the Royalty, creature!
GALVATRON
Stand down, Inferno. You see, my dear Insecticons, we would like to ask for your help in dealing with these infernal Maximals and their little pet, who are always interfering with our plans for universal conquest, yess.
KICKBACK
We'll do anything to help a fellow Predacon.
SCAREM
Then kill them all.
Cut to:
EXT. - APPALACHIAN TRAIL. DAY.
A lot of the boulders have been removed; we can see pebbles and dust littering the ground.
A bomb EXPLODES, destroying a boulder, but other than that, very little damage has been done.
RATTRAP
Ma-an, this is taking a lot longer than I thought it would.
DINOBOT
You and your shortcuts.
RATTRAP
Yeah, well, I still say that this is the best way to go, Dinoboob. You'll say.
GRIMLOCK
This taking too long. Move over, Mouse Boy. Me Grimlock take turn.
Rattrap checks his bomb stash; he's only got one bomb left.
RATTRAP
Good idea, Godzilla. I'm almost out of bombs, anyway.
Back on: Grimlock.
He TRANSFORMS into his Beast Form and CHARGES for the boulders.
Quick cut to:
EXT. - FARM. DAY.
The Maximals and Predacons are firing at each other, using the wheat field to hide every few seconds.
Suddenly -
GRIMLOCK (O. S.)
RRRRRRRRAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRHHHHHHHH!
ANOTHER ANGLE.
A part of the nearby mountain EXPLODES as Grimlock PLOWS through the boulders.
GALVATRON
What?!
Grimlock and the other Maximals - all now in their Beast Forms - come CHARGING towards the Predacons. They TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms and start shooting.
SCAREM
My Lord, outnumbered, we are. A retreat, I suggest.
GALVATRON
Fine. Predacons, follow me. Beast Form!
He, Scarem, Sharpshot, Hardshell, and Kickback all transform into their Beast Forms and take to the air, Inferno following close behind.
CHEETOR
Hey, get back here!
OPTIMUS PRIMAL
Come on, Maximals. Let's follow them.
They transform into their Beast/Vehicular Forms and give chase.
Back on: The Predacons.
Scarem flies up next to Galvatron.
SCAREM
My Lord, going, where are we?
GALVATRON
There is a shipment of Energon crystals coming in from the continent to the south. We will strike the shipyard and take the Energon for our own, yess.
Fade out.
End Act Two.
ACT THREE
Fade in.
EXT. - SHIPYARD. NIGHT.
Several dock workers are busy unloading some barrels; the symbol of the Confederacy is painted on the side of the barrels, as is the word "GUNPOWDER".
ANOTHER ANGLE.
One of the dock workers sets a barrel down and takes a drink of his flask. After putting his flask away, he takes a crowbar and pries open the top of the barrel.
DOCK WORKER
What in the world?
Inside the barrel is HUNDREDS of Energon crystals.
DOCK WORKER
This ain't gunpowder, it's them weird crystals!
GALVATRON (O. S.)
Which will be mine!
ANOTHER ANGLE.
The Predacons fly in low. As they land, they TRANSFORM into their Robot Forms. The humans flee.
On: Scarem.
He takes out a scythe and SLICES open a barrel; the crystals inside spill out onto the dock. Being so close, he starts to short out; he steps back out of range of the Energon's poison.
SCAREM
My Lord, plenty of Energon, there is.
GALVATRON
I can already feel its power flowing through me, yess.
SHARPSHOT
The Maximals are coming, coming!
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Optimus, Cheetor, and Silverbolt SWOOP IN from the sky; the other ground-based Maximals arrive a second later. They all TRANSFORM, weapons ready.
GALVATRON
I'd advise against any hostile action, Maximals. One stray blast and the Energon will kill us all, yess.
He turns to Inferno.
GALVATRON
Let's give them a warm reception, shall we?
Inferno snaps a crisp salute.
INFERNO
As you wish, Royalty.
He aims his flamethrower at the Maximals.
INFERNO
Burn!
He launches a stream of fire at the Maximals, who all quickly dodge out of the way.
SILVERBOLT
That was close!
RATTRAP
We ain't outta the woods yet, 'Bolt.
He's referring to Scarem, who's got his scythes ready. He CHARGES at them. Silverbolt takes out two wing missiles and uses them to block against Scarem's attack.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
The other Maximals - minus Grimlock - have hidden behind whatever cover they can find and return fire. Grimlock returns to his Beast Form and CHARGES at the Predacons. Inferno tries to shoot at him with his flamethrower, but Grimlock just plows over him and continues his charge. His target? Galvatron.
GALVATRON
You again?!
He raises his head-hand-blaster and FIRES, but misses as Galvatron SLAMS into him.
On: Sharpshot.
He takes another shot at the Maximals - the blast goes right over Victoria's head.
VICTORIA
Whoa!
Sharpshot takes aim at her again; Optimus grabs her arm and pulls her to the ground, just as Sharpshot FIRES.
OPTIMUS PRIMAL
Look out! Get down!
CHEETOR
I got him!
He puts his hands together to form his blaster and FIRES. The blast hits Sharpshot in the shoulder.
SHARPSHOT
That's it!
He swaps out his blaster for another weapon, this one looking like a taser.
SHARPSHOT
Taste electricity, Maximal scum, scum!
He aims at Rhinox and pulls the trigger, sending out a beam of electricity that SLAMS into his chest, causing him to short out. Rhinox has to return to his Beast Form.
RHINOX
Tastes...terrible.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Sharpshot takes aim at Optimus and FIRES. The blast hits him SQUARE in the chest.
OVER TO - VICTORIA AND RATTRAP.
They're hiding behind a wooden box, avoiding Sharpshot's onslaught.
RATTRAP
Man, this ain't looking good. There's gotta be something we can do before we all get the zap.
VICTORIA
Maybe there is. Rattrap, transform into your Vehicle Form.
RATTRAP
What, why?
VICTORIA
Just do it. I have an idea.
RATTRAP
If this is gonna be one of those "improvise as we go" things -
VICTORIA
Yeah, it probably is.
RATTRAP
I hate it when you come up with plans like that, kid.
He gets ready to transform into his Vehicle Form.
VICTORIA
Wait, give me your gun. If my idea works, I'll need something a little better than a bow and arrow.
RATTRAP
Suit yourself, kiddo.
He hands her his gun, then TRANSFORMS into his Vehicle Form. Victoria climbs onto his back and sits, holding the gun out in front of her.
VICTORIA
We're ready to burn some rubber, Rattrap.
RATTRAP
Okay, but if you end up getting us killed I am SO gonna haunt you.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
He SPEEDS towards Sharpshot.
SHARPSHOT
The Maximals have a death wish, wish.
He FIRES at them.
RATTRAP
Here it comes!
VICTORIA
Keep going!
The blast hits them head on -
But nothing happens.
RATTRAP
Hey! We ain't fried!
SHARPSHOT
WHAT?!
VICTORIA
Great! It worked!
Rattrap screeches to a stop next to Optimus. Victoria climbs off of Rattrap's back and helps Optimus to his feet.
VICTORIA
Optimus, Rattrap's rubber tires are like insulation against Sharpshot's electricity. We'll take care of him.
OPTIMUS PRIMAL
Okay. Good luck, you two.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Victoria climbs onto Rattrap's back again.
VICTORIA
Heigh-ho Rattrap, away!
RATTRAP
Hey, I'm no darn horse! They live somewhere else.
He PEELS OUT and SPEEDS towards Sharpshot. Victoria uses both hands to get a steady aim with the gun, and FIRES. The blast hits Sharpshot square in the chest, blasting him back. He lands hard on the ground and starts to short out.
SHARPSHOT
Energon buildup, buildup!
ANOTHER ANGLE.
The other Predacons start to short out.
GALVATRON
Quickly, Predacons! Transform and retreat!
Predacons - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCES.
They all TRANSFORM back into their Beast Forms and take to the air - except for Inferno, who's scooped off the ground by Galvatron.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
Victoria climbs off of Rattrap's back, allowing him to transform into his Robot Form. The other Maximals join them and watch the Predacons retreat.
RHINOX
Now that's a sight I never get tired of seeing.
DINOBOT
Perhaps, but it is not the end of the fighting.
OPTIMUS PRIMAL
Dinobot's right. There's still a lot of fighting left to go, especially since we have three new Predacons to worry about.
OVER TO - THE DOCK WORKER.
He's been hiding on the ship the whole time. He peeks over the railing at the Maximals, then looks at the flask he's holding in his hand.
DOCK WORKER
Okay, that's it.
He unscrews the lid and pours out the whiskey.
DOCK WORKER
No more alcohol for me.
ANOTHER ANGLE.
The Maximals all return to their Beast Forms. Victoria climbs onto Optimus's hoverboard, and as they go to leave, we:
Fade out.
End Act Three.
Show preview of next episode: "Return to the Place Where We First Met".