Grandpa_Ace Productions, 2010.
… Transformers … Restoration …
Written by John Henderson
PART 1
* * *
Cybertron…
From space, Cybertron radiates like a golden star. Its' warmth, power and beauty are matched by no other body in the universe.
OPTIMUS (V/O)
The year is 2015. Finally, after eons of struggle, I am contented to say we have found a glimmer of peace.
The Autobot's capital city, Iacon, gleams with power and purpose. Its' populace bustle about the metallic avenues with pure intentions.
OPTIMUS (V/O)
Ultra Magnus has assumed command of the Autobots on Cybertron, reshaping our home world into an icon of peace and resilience; while a small faction has remained with me on Earth, recovering from the scars of our many battles.
Deep within the Cybertron core, five shadowy figures creep silently through the abandoned tunnels.
OPTIMUS (V/O)
Some would like to say that the Autobots have won the Great War against the Decepticons, but my programming arouses far too much suspicion.
The shadowy figures move quickly and quietly, careful not to disturb the underworld creatures that dwell in these depths.
OPTIMUS (V/O)
While Galvatron and his troops have retreated to the far corners of space, I would be unwise to discount them as a threat to the peace we have built on Cybertron, Earth and our neighbouring systems.
The first shadowy figure stops, halting the others. An old metal beast roams the passage ahead, sniffing out for its next prey. Silently, the five intruders merge into the shadows, watching as the beast wanders past.
OPTIMUS (V/O)
But my fears of the Decepticons have been vastly outweighed by the prophecy of something new. The matrix of leadership is empty, exhausted by the hate plague that nearly overwhelmed us, but my connection to Primus still lingers deep within my circuits.
In an instant, the shadows come alive, the five intruders pounce on the beast with such violence and haste that all is over in an instant.
OPTIMUS (V/O)
Our Creator is restless. He knows these are uncertain times ahead…
The party moves on down the hall. They are quick. They are quiet. But they have also tripped a silent alarm…
* * *
Autobot Command Centre – Iacon.
Kup and Springer supervise the surveillance post at Autobot Command Centre, with the Technobots at each major monitoring system. All is normal until Lightspeed's controls start flashing before him…
LIGHTSPEED
Unusual activity reported in Cybertron's subsystems, Kup.
KUP
How deep?
LIGHTSPEED
Deep! I can't pick up much of a reading, but there's definitely something down there!
SPRINGER
Decepticon?
LIGHTSPEED
It's too hard to tell
KUP
How could something slip by our scanners? If they're that far into Cybertron's core we should've picked up their trace hours ago!
SPRINGER
Better we pick it up now than never, Kup.
Ultra Magnus enters the control room.
MAGNUS
Problems?
SPRINGER
Depends whether you gauge intruders snooping around the core as being a problem.
MAGNUS
Do I even need to answer that? When bots hang around in the lower levels…
SPRINGER
Cybertron tends to start shaking?
MAGNUS
Precisely. I don't want to risk the work we've been doing around here. Strafe, I need a download of the fastest path to the core.
STRAFE
You got it!
SPRINGER
You're seeming extra edgy today, boss.
MAGNUS
Galvatron is up to something. We caught him in the Zeta System, mining Nazzarian Crystals. But halfway through the fight, he turned and ran.
SPRINGER
Ah, the unfaltering pride of the Decepticons.
MAGNUS
No, it wasn't like that. They had the advantage. Something scared him. Grimlock pursued but we've received no word from him.
SPRINGER
You got a bad feeling?
Magnus nods. Lightspeed's monitors begin to clear up.
LIGHTSPEED
My thermals just cleared! We got five intruders. And they've packed a lot of firepower!
SPRINGER
(to Magnus) And I'll second that bad feeling!
MAGNUS
Kup, radio Hot Rod and the Dinobots.
SPRINGER
Lets hunt us some bad guys!
* * *
Earth.
A lonesome stretch of the Nevada desert highway. Peaceful, soothing and amazingly tranquil. Until…
SIDESWIPE
Put that in ya tailpipe and smoke it!!
Sideswipe speeds past his brother, Sunstreaker, making him choke down blankets of dust.
SUNSTREAKER
Hey, careful you don't clog up my vents! I just got the new titaniums fitted!
SIDESWIPE
My dust should be the least of your concerns bro, cos something tells me you just can't handle the heat!
Sideswipe ignites his afterburners, leaving a trail of fire between him and his brother.
SUNSTREAKER
Now that's just impolite! It took me three months to order in this polish! But I'll tell you what, Sideswipe. If you want a war…
Sunstreaker speeds up, a metal spike emerging from the centre of his front tire…
SUNSTREAKER
…then I'll give you the mother of all wars!!
Sunstreaker scrapes his tyre-spike along the whole side of Sideswipe's body kit.
SUNSTREAKER
Ha ha ha!
SIDESWIPE
Argh!!! I'm disowning you as my bro, bro!
Suddenly, a winged blue Chevrolet flies in from above.
TRACKS
Are you ladies misbehaving again?
SIDESWIPE
Nah, we're just following Prime's orders.
SUNSTREAKER
He told us to relax, recoup, repair and enjoy our down time!
TRACKS
If you got any more relaxed you probably wouldn't even see what's right in front of you!
Tracks laughs and flies off from the two brothers.
SUNSTREAKER
He says the strangest things…
But Sideswipe isn't as oblivious as his brother.
SIDESWIPE
Move it, bro!
He forces Sunstreaker off the road as an incoming truck speeds past them! Both brothers roll off the highway, flipping a few times and ruining their custom finishes even further. The truck screeches to a halt… then it transforms! Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots stands over the brothers as Tracks lands next to him.
OPTIMUS
That was some shabby driving, boys!
The brothers get up, scratched all over as Optimus and Tracks start laughing at them.
SIDESWIPE
Yeah, yeah. Laugh all you like!
SUNSTREAKER
We're here all week.
OPTIMUS
Well, it's good to see you two outdoors again. I'm proud of you. You're looking stronger and…
SIDESWIPE
I don't think we're ready to go back to active duty, Prime.
SUNSTREAKER
No way, nu-uh!
Optimus takes a moment before responding.
OPTIMUS
That's a decision I want you to make on your own. We've all got battle scars, both on our chassis' and in our heads. In all the millennia we've fought together, there has never been a more brutal battlefield than the one we faced here 10 earth years ago. Ironhide, Prowl, Wheeljack… Ratchet. Too many good friends lost.
Sideswipe puts his hand on Sunstreaker's shoulder.
SIDESWIPE
And I nearly lost this guy.
SUNSTREAKER
If it wasn't for Wheeljack diving in front of us…
Sideswipe remembers the incident and starts to heat up.
SIDESWIPE
Skywarp and Thundercracker! Those lousy decepti-goon-creepozoids! I wish they were still alive so we could kill 'em for real!
OPTIMUS
And I appreciate you passion, Sideswipe. But I think we are all fortunate to have been relieved of our duties for so long. Ultra Magnus and the Autobots on Cybertron have worked exceptionally hard to restore our home world to its former glory.
TRACKS
And they've reduced Galvatron to nothing more than a common pest!
Sideswipe and Sunstreaker chuckle, but Optimus struggles to share their happiness. His thoughts begin to wander…
OPTIMUS (V/O)
I wish I could believe that, Tracks. I wish I could believe we were done with all the fighting.
* * *
Deep within the Cybertron core
The Autobot Strike Team – consisting of Ultra Magnus, Hot Rod, Springer, Kup, Slag, Sludge, Snarl and Swoop – has traveled quickly into the depths of Cybertron. Ultra Magnus and Hot Rod stare at the dismantled door in front of them.
HOT ROD
I don't get it, Magnus. These parts of the underground don't rank too high in vital factor. Why would anyone bother coming down this far?
MAGNUS
I'm afraid to answer that, Hot Rod. These corridors are so ancient, there's no real record of what's actually down here.
SPRINGER
Yeah, just myths and speculations.
MAGNUS
I'm afraid these intruders may know more about Cybertron than we do.
SLAG
Does that mean we get Decepticon to crush?
MAGNUS
I can't imagine Galvatron planning such a risky break-in.
KUP
Nor would he have a clue how to get down here.
SLAG
No Decepticon?
Suddenly Kup's comm-link starts blaring. The Strike Team hear distorted sounds of laser fire and explosions…
BLASTER (V/O)
Yo, this is Blaster blastin' at ya! We got a whole lotta shakin' goin' on up topside!
KUP
We hear you, Blaster. What in Cybertron's sake do you mean by that?
BLASTER (V/O)
I mean we got a Decepticon war party slicing and dicing through the Blue Saggitron Precinct! We got Soundwave, Seekers, Big Bots, Insecticons… It's a real par… tzzzz…
The comm-link dies, leaving nothing but a trail of static. The Autobots all turn to Ultra Magnus.
HOT ROD
Not Decepticon, hey?
SPRINGER
I can have the Wreckers on the scene in two breems.
MAGNUS
Do it.
Springer transforms into helicopter mode and speeds off.
HOT ROD
Alright, 'bots. Let's get topside and…
MAGNUS
We're not going anywhere.
HOT ROD
What?!
MAGNUS
The safety of the core takes priority over all else. No arguments.
A shadowy figure moves quickly down the corridor. Kup sees the flash ahead…
KUP
We got movement!
Kup and the Dinobots take the lead. Ultra Magnus waits for Hot Rod, who reluctantly agrees to continue.
HOT ROD
We'd better not be wasting our energon down here, Magnus. Our friends need us up there.
MAGNUS
I'm worried that whoever's down here is heading for the 'Absolute Core' of Cybertron.
HOT ROD
Have your navigational circuits rusted over? The Primal Seal was ten kliks back!
MAGNUS
I'm not talking about the Well of All Sparks, Hot Rod. I'm talking about the AbsoluteCore - the chamber that houses our Creator's spark.
HOT ROD
You mean…
MAGNUS
It's got neural pathways that branch out into every major junction throughout Cybertron. If anything disturbs the Absolute Core, there's no telling how huge the effects could be.
Hot Rod stops in his tracks.
MAGNUS (cont)
In all your time as leader of the Autobots, did the matrix never reveal these things to you?
HOT ROD
No. But I suppose I was never the right 'bot for the job.
MAGNUS
Every leader has a different purpose.
HOT ROD
Yeah. And I guess my purpose right now is to use my head…
He transforms into vehicle mode.
HOT ROD (cont)
Cos we got some intruders to bust!
Ultra Magnus transforms and the two of them burn their way down the corridor. At the end, they see Kup and the Dinobots trying to knock down a heavy door.
KUP
Argh! It aint budging!
SLAG
Door too strong for Dinobots.
HOT ROD
GANG WAY!!
Kup turns and sees Hot Rod and Ultra Magnus heading straight for them!
KUP
Heads up!! Kamikaze-bots incoming!!
* * *
The Blue Saggitron Precinct…
Springer and the Wreckers, consisting of Roadbuster, Whirl, Topspin and Twin Twist are storming their way through a barrage of Decepticon laser fire.
SPRINGER
Aarrrgghhh!! Whose grand idea was it to run a suicide charge?!
TOPSPIN
I believe that was our fearless leader…
TWIN TWIST
… You!!
SPRINGER
Well, you didn't have to agree with me!
Devastator, Menasor and Bruticus turn all their firepower onto the Wreckers, inhibiting their advancements.
ROADBUSTER
Plan of attack for combiners?
SPRINGER
Hit 'em in pairs. Kneecaps, shoulders, blasters. And if you're lucky enough to solo it against Bruticus, just mention the name Starscream. Makes him cranky!
TWIN TWIST
That name makes any 'bot cranky!
The Wreckers split up and commence their attack while Soundwave and Astrotrain oversee the battle from a safe distance.
SOUNDWAVE
Energon levels dangerously low. We cannot maintain this false sense of aggression.
ASTROTRAIN
He said we only needed to create a distraction.
SOUNDWAVE
I still don't trust him.
ASTROTRAIN
Well, after what he did to Shockwave for refusing to help, I'm not planning on crossing his wires.
SOUNDWAVE
Indeed. Call in the rest.
Astrotrain turns behind him to see the Predacons and Terrorcons standing at the ready. Astrotrain shows a smile…
ASTROTRAIN
I'll give you ten cubes for every Autobot head!
* * *
Inside Cybertron's Absolute Core… only a few moments ago!
The chamber is small, dark and scattered with five shadowy intruders.
On one wall rests a giant head, its' mouth open wide and optic cavities slouched with a wise old gaze.
Standing before the aged head is the statue of a robot, cloaked in ancient warrior armour and hands clutching at an object that has long been removed from his grasp.
One of the shadowy figures steps before the statue. He slides a thin triangular sword from its' sheath and carefully places it in the hands of the statue. He takes a step back as the statue's eyes radiate a purple glow, projecting and burning a handful of symbols onto the blade of the sword.
When the ritual is complete, the shadowy intruder removes the sword, an evil grin lining his metallic face.
SHADOW #1
The key has worked.
SHADOW #2
Just like our masters said it would.
SHADOW #1
We have the coordinates they require to bring these criminals to justice.
One of the other intruders presses his back against the main door, while the other four figures gather around an opened ventilation shaft. Three of the intruders escape through the hatch. The last one turns to look back at the shadowy figure guarding the door.
SHADOW #1
Be a good soldier and guard the entrance while we leave!
The last of the four shadows leaves quickly through the hatch, leaving the fifth soldier trapped in the room!
SHADOW #5
No! Wait for me!!
But it is too late. The hatch is locked. Suddenly, Hot Rod and Ultra Magnus smash through the door and transform back into robot mode. Hot Rod rubs his head…
HOT ROD
Remind me to never do that again!
The light from the corridor shines in the eyes of the abandoned soldier…
MAGNUS
Hot Rod, a Sweep!
They raise their weapons at the cowering Decepticon.
HOT ROD
Who brought you down here?!
* * *
Not far from Cybertron's Absolute Core…
Cyclonus, Scourge and two of his Sweeps have emerged from the ventilation shaft they escaped through.
SCOURGE
We're nearly out of time!
CYCLONUS
We'll make it.
SWEEP #1
What about Soundwave and the others?
Cyclonus' evil grin answers the Sweep's question.
CYCLONUS
Rendezvous at the Breeding Ground. Scramble!!
They transform and speed off in different directions.
* * *
Inside Cybertron's Absolute Core
The Sweep is still cowering, not responding to Hot Rod or Ultra Magnus. Slag approaches.
SLAG
Me want Decepticon spare parts!!
HOT ROD
Whoa, hold off a second, big guy! Ixnay on the smash-nay.
Ultra Magnus approaches the warrior statue.
MAGNUS
This is 'The Keeper' – the ancient bodyguard of Primus.
HOT ROD
So, I take it the decorative wall-mount is Primus?
Magnus raises a cautionary optic to Hot Rod, like a father quietly scolding his son for speaking ill of their God. Kup notices the tension.
KUP
Lad, let me remind you about our history.
HOT ROD
Great.
SLAG
Is it time for Kup war story?
KUP
Not exactly, but you'll enjoy it anyway.
The Dinobots gather around to listen as Slag keeps his energon blade pointed at the Sweep.
KUP (cont)
The Keeper was appointed to protect the sleeping Primus from a rude awakening. According to mythology, it was The Keeper who used the essence of Primus to create the Matrix of Leadership. He was also responsible for the production of the first line of transformers to ward off the space pirates, smugglers and galactic beasts…
SNARL
What beasts?
KUP
Umm…
SLUDGE
Err. You beast.
SNARL
Me snap you!
SLAG
Quiet!! Me in charge when Grimlock no here! Me say you bite lip!
SWOOP
Earrrgh! Bite lip!
Sludge and Snarl both do as they're told as Kup attempts to continue.
KUP
As I was saying…
HOT ROD
You know, this is all incredibly fascinating, but what's it got to do with Decepticons right here, right now?
Hot Rod turns to see Ultra Magnus still staring intently into the eyes of the warrior statue. The Autobot leader's circuits begin to glitch.
HOT ROD (cont)
What'cha got Magnus? Your new buddy sharing anything with you?
Magnus turns his intense glare onto Hot Rod, a scowl covering his face and a purple glow in his optics.
MAGNUS
Mind your heathen tongue, boy, or I'll remove it from your mouth!
HOT ROD
You what what?
MAGNUS
I am The Keeper! And we do not have much time!
The Dinobots react to their leader's sudden change in demeanour by igniting their energon-blades.
HOT ROD
Magnus, are you in there?!
MAGNUS
I AM THE KEEPER!
HOT ROD
Ok, we got that.
MAGNUS
They have finally come to take Primus home. They must never find his spark!
KUP
But where is his spark?
MAGNUS
Five million vorns ago I sent the essence of Primus into the depths of space to protect it from our enemies.
HOT ROD
Do you know where it is?
MAGNUS
You are the Autobot who has shared the matrix of leadership. Its' energy bears a mark on your circuits.
The possessed Ultra Magnus moves closer to Hot Rod, sending an agitated chill through everyone in the chamber.
MAGNUS (cont)
You will send my message.
The Sweep slowly backs toward the entrance, but Slag quickly realises and thrusts his sword through the Decepticon's chest, pinning him to the wall.
SLAG
Stick around!
Ultra Magnus continues to approach Hot Rod.
HOT ROD
Ok, just ease up Magnus-Keeper-buddy.
MAGNUS
Only you can help me warn the others! Transform the balance…
HOT ROD
Kup, what the hell is going on here?
MAGNUS
Receive the Reclaimer, the Enemy, the Avenger…
KUP
I'm too old for riddles, lad.
SLAG
Do we meant to fight Ultra Magnus now?
Magnus' fists begin to surge with raw energon.
MAGNUS
Receive him or face your extinction…
KUP
Dinobots, contain him!
The Dinobots swarm on the possessed Ultra Magnus, but in a short, violent instant the Autobot leader counteracts their attacks and subdues them.
MAGNUS
They are all going to die unless I can warn them!
Kup raises his blaster at Ultra Magnus. Hot Rod holds a hand toward Kup to halt him, and steps forward.
HOT ROD
Send your message.
Magnus wraps his energon-fuelled hands around Hot Rod's arms. The two transformers share an intense electrical connection as they speak in unison…
MAGNUS/HOT ROD
Transform the balance. Receive the Reclaimer, the Enemy, the Avenger… Receive the Reclaimer… the Reclaimer…
Their connection ends, sending both Autobots slumping to the ground. Ultra Magnus' eyes return to normal.
MAGNUS
That was different.
HOT ROD
I'm all for agreement on that.
Kup's comm-link strikes up again.
SPRINGER (V/O)
Springer to Kup. You reading me?
KUP
We gotcha. What's the sit-rep?
SPRINGER (V/O)
You wont believe what I'm looking at.
* * *
The Blue Saggitron Precinct.
Springer is surrounded by rubble, junk, fire, smoke… and powerless Decepticon bodies. He stands firm atop the fearsome Devastator, now trapped in stasis-lock.
SPRINGER
The 'Cons smashed into our troops at full force, then burnt out quicker than Blurr can down a can of premo oil.
KUP (V/O)
So, you mean they retreated?
Springer looks out at the Cybertronian landscape to see it scattered with the entire Decepticon army. Twin Twist is sitting on Bruticus' head while Topspin drags the seeker jets into a neat pile.
SPRINGER
No, Kup. It's Decepticon naptime in the Blue Saggitron Precinct.
* * *
Inside Cybertron's Absolute Core…
SRINGER (V/O)
Soundwave and Astrotrain vacated the playing field. Leaves us with a whole lot of questions that need answers, don't it? Springer out.
Kup switches off his comm-link. Ultra Magnus slowly helps Hot Rod return to his feet.
HOT ROD
Did we just do that? Did we knock out the 'cons with that message thingy?
MAGNUS
No, the message wasn't for them. It's a warning but I don't understand what's so urgent.
KUP
And why The Keeper can't just get help from us.
Slag's animal instincts kick in. He points to the ventilation shaft.
SLAG
More Decepticon were here!
KUP
What?
SLAG
They leave not long ago.
Hot Rod pulls Slag's sword out of the Sweep's chest.
HOT ROD
That's it, ugly-bot! You're gonna start talking or my dino-buddies are gonna start chompin'!
The injured Sweep points to the head of Primus and begins laughing.
KUP
That can't be good.
Ultra Magnus has a moment of realisation.
MAGNUS
The Keeper couldn't use our help.
KUP
Why not?
MAGNUS
Because we are going to die.
Sludge and Swoop investigate the head of Primus to find a series of explosives hidden in the grooves of the statue.
MAGNUS
Radio the surface. Order an immediate evacuation!
Kup gets on his comm-link.
KUP
Blaster, you copy?
MAGNUS
This chamber is connected to every part of Cybertron.
HOT ROD
It's gonna be one hell of a party.
The explosives begin to beep rapidly.
SWEEP
Soon you all go boom!
Ultra Magnus pulls the casing off one of the explosives, revealing a timer. It says 00:00:03, then 00:00:02, then 00:00:01…
MAGNUS
Dear Primus!
He turns to his comrades just before… KA-BOOM!!
Thousands of kilometers away, Cyclonus and Scourge speed off into the vastness of space, leaving their legacy behind them. Cybertron erupts, breaks, tears and finally explodes into millions of pieces, scattering its memories throughout the galaxy.
* * *
Earth – the Nevada desert highway.
Optimus Prime, Tracks, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are still talking when…
OPTIMUS
By the matrix!!
He stumbles and grabs Tracks' shoulder to steady himself.
SIDESWIPE
Prime, what's wrong?
His chest starts glowing.
OPTIMUS
Receive the Reclaimer…
He collapses onto the ground. His eyes fade out, as the light from his chest burns brighter and brighter. Tracks, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker look on in disbelief!
END OF PART 1
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