1
BEAST WARS
“Before The Storm -- REVISED”
(BW024)
REVISED 11-15 Hasbro Notes +
Written by:
Larry Ditillio
REVISED VERSION
11-14-96
Copyright 1996 Alliance/BLT Productions
1
BEAST WARS
"Before the Storm"
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
ext. the starry sky -- night
The two MOONS glow prominently there. HOLD a BEAT, then PAN DOWN to a STRANGE MOUNTAIN in the distance. TIGATRON (B) is visible in the FG, prowling on patrol. For a moment, all is quiet.
Then suddenly, from deep within the mountain, a strange GLOW suddenly appears, visible through the mountain’s crevasses. An unearthly SFX: EERIE HUM is heard. Tigatron’s head turns, REACTING...
match cut to:
int. megatron’s chambers -- night
A view of the mountain suddenly APPEARS in a small hologlobe projection beside Megatron’s cot, where Megatron (Robot Mode) is asleep.
predacon computer (vo)
Attention Megatron. This is a code ATT alert -- for your audio circuits only.
Megatron’s eyes open and he sits up, quickly.
megatron (R)
Report.
predacon computer
An energy anomaly has been detected at coordinates seven nine six.
megatron (R)
Maximals?
predacon computer
Negative. The anomaly is of alien origin.
Megatron looks at the mountain with its strange glow in the hologlobe.
megatron (R)
Is it. Yess.
(slight enigmatic smiile)
This... could be it.
PUSH IN on the holo and:
cut to:
ext. the mountain -- day
Patches of snow dot the craggy landscape. All is still. We move in on a high mountain top with a jagged hole, then PUSH THRU TO: **
INT. A GROTTO INSIDE THE MOUNTAIN **
There is sound of dripping water. Light streams in from the hole far above, creating a rippling effect on a dark pool. Suddenly INFERNO(B) appears out of the ground; tunnels his way to the surface.
inferno (B)
By the Great Smelter! The Royalty was correct.
POV - INFERNO(B) - WIDE - THE OBELISK **
The Obelisk is in the center of the pool, about 10 metres across. It slowly revolves. A large gold disk is embedded in one side, revealed as the Obelisk slowly revolves into his POV. NOTE: The disk has strange alien symbols (REF shows #5, 17, 18) on its surface -- symbols that move and change like “Silent Radio” as we watch.
Inferno(B) TRANSFORMS to ROBOT FLIGHT MODE; hovers across the pool to the obelisk.
INFERNO(R)
The Royalty will want this.
Inferno digs his claws into the Obelisk on either side of the embedded disk and tries to pull it out.
WIDEN as the pool roils. Energon surges crackle in it, lighting up the water. Inferno(R) loses his grip as his circuits as Energon surges play over his body.
INFERNO(R)
Aghhhhhh...
PRED COMPUTER(VO)
Warning. Energon level in danger zone. Stasis lock in one-point-five cycles.
TIGHT ON INFERNO(R)... As he digs his claws back into the holes he made and continues to pull.
INFERNO(R)
( thru the pain)
I...will... not... FAIL!
WIDER, as the Energon Surges increase and Inferno shakes, pops and sparks. The disk starts to come loose.
PRED COMPUTER(VO)
Stasis lock imminent. Transform
immediately.
INFERNO(R)
(in agony)
NO!...I.. must... serve... the Royalty!
On "The Royalty", Inferno gives a mighty effort and pulls the disk loose; then fires his thrusters full blast. He flies upwards as if shot out of cannon. **
INFERNO(R)
Aggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!
EXT. MOUNTAIN TOP **
Inferno(R) FLIES out of the hole, hovers a moment as the energon surges rack his body, then falls to the ground,
CRASH. The disk falls from his hands. He lies there for an instant, energon surges playing about him. **
INFERNO(R)
(GASPING)
B-B-Beast Mode.
He TRANSFORMS to BEAST MODE, then slowly rises to his feet, goes to the hole, looks down.
INT. THE OBELISK GROTTO - FROM A HIGH ANGLE **
The Energon surges in the pool cease as the revolving obelisk lowers and disappears into the water. All is still and dark again. **
EXT. MOUNTAIN TOP - INFERNO(B)
Inferno(B) moves to where the golden disk dropped; snaps up the disk in his jaws, scuttles away with it.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. - EST - PREDACON BASE
We see enough to know where we are, as we HEAR OVER:
MEGATRON(R, VO)
Well done Inferno.
INT. PREDACON BASE
MEGATRON(R) in his command chair. Suspended before him by tractor beams is the disk. The symbols morphing on its surface continue to move and change.
megatron (R)
It is what I have long expected, yes. Go, repair yourself. I have much to think on.
inferno (R)
Yes, my Queen.
He leaves. Megatron allows himself a slightly pained look for a moment.
megatron (R)
(mutter)
I wish he wouldn’t call me that.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. - SKY - TIGHT ON OPTIMUS PRIMAL(R)
OPTIMUS(R) flies at slow speed. He scans the terrain below.
OPTIMUS PRIMAL(R)
Datatrax Zeta-Four-Nine. I am unable to detect any sign of the alien energy anomaly which Tigatron reported -- **
He stops as he hears:
MEGATRON(R,VO)
Optimus Primal!
He hovers, looks around, sees nothing. And then behind him, the head of Megatron(R) APPEARS in the sky, as big as Optimus himself.
OPTIMUS PRIMAL(R)
Well. Megatron. I’d say it was good to see you but my truth circuits would overload.
MEGATRON(R)
This is no time for pleasantries, Maximal, no. I have a matter of some urgency to discuss.
optimus (R)
So discuss.
megatron (R)
Not like this. In person, I think. Yes. Neutral territory. Both of us, alone.
optimus (R)
What makes you think I’d agree to that?
megatron (R)
Because what I wish to discuss... is a truce.
and cut to:
ext. a mountain plateau -- day
Megatron is there, waiting in Beast Mode. Optimus LOWERS IN on his jets, landing and TRANSFORMING to Beast Mode as well.
optimus (B)
All right, Megatron. You called the meeting. What’s this slag about a truce?
megatron (B)
Absolutely true, I assure you. Yes.
optimus (B)
When Predacons talk truce, it just means they need time to reload their weapons.
megatron (B)
Under normal circumstances, yes. But not now. Things have... arisen. Things which require my undivided attention. To be blunt, Optimus Primal, I have no time to waste on Maximals. Thus, I wish a truce. And you WILL agree.
optimus (B)
Do you take me for a fool!?
Megatron just smiles, unpleasantly.
megatron (B)
No. I take you for a Maximal.
and cut to:
int. maximal base -- day
START TIGHT on Rattrap, reacting to the news.
rattrap (R)
A TRUCE!? Oh, for bootin’ up cold!
WIDEN to REVEAL Optimus is also there, along with Dinobot, Cheetor, and Rhinox.
dinobot (R)
I cannot believe you agreed to this.
optimus (R)
What could I do? He was right. I’m a Maximal. I have to give peace a chance, no matter how stupid it seems.
rhinox (R)
Do you think this has something to do with that alien energy anomaly?
optimus (R)
It’s got to. Megatron’s found out something. Something that’s got him so worried he doesn’t even want to THINK about us.
Rattrap draws himself up.
rattrap (R)
Aww! I’m insulted!
cheetor (R)
In that case, we’d better find out what it is.
rattrap (R)
Whoa-whoa-whoa! Ya mean I gotta infiltrate that Pred base again!?
rhinox (R)
That might be a truce violation.
cheetor (R)
Not if he’s unarmed.
rattrap (R)
Oh, thanks a slaggin’ skidplate full, pussycat!
dinobot (R)
The vermin is right. Megatron will surely anticipate this move.
on optimus
He smiles grimly.
optimus (R)
So let him.
and cut to:
INT. PREDACON BASE - ENGINE ROOM
The room is dark, with intermittent flashes of power coming from the engine array in the center. The walls are banks of computers. Tarantulas(B) drops into frame, looks around.
TARANTULAS(B)
(sinister chuckle)
Tarantulas scuttles to a computer bank, TRANSFORMS to ROBOT MODE. He touches a stud on his chest, it flashes. He speaks in Megatron's voice...
TARANTULAS(R)
(Megatron's voice)
Open transwarp module sixteen. Voice code - Megatron.
PRED COMPUTER(VO)
Voice Code Megatron, acknowledged.
A compartment opens in the engine housing. Tarantulas, hits the stud on his chest again, goes to it. He looks down.
ROBOTIC POV - TARANTULAS(R) - A TRANSWARP CELL... A glowing energy module, like smoke trapped in a glass and steel globe. A readout scans alongside the view.
TARANTULAS(R, VO)
75% power --
Tarantulas(R) lifts the cell out.
TARANTULAS(R, con't.)
It will have to do.
As the module closes, he puts the cell in a holding compartment in his arm, when --
WASPINATOR(R, VO)
Why is spider-bot taking Transwarp Cell?
Tarantulas(R) freezes, as Waspinator(R) Buzzes in and hovers, waits for an explanation.
WASPINATOR(R)
Waspinator asks question. Spider-Bot will answer. Will answer NOW!
Tarantulas turns.
tarantulas (R)
As you wish.
He OPENS FIRE with his machine guns. Waspinator is SLAMMED BACK against a bulkhead and shot to bits, his component parts flying all over the place.
waspinator (R)
(comical yell)
There is a moment of silence as Waspinator’s parts RATTLE to the ground. Tarantulas looks down at him.
tarantulas (R)
The answer is simple. I am leaving.
He starts away.
match cut to:
int. megatron’s command station
PULL BACK from a monitor on which Megatron has been watching the whole thing. He chuckles.
megatron (R)
Hmm. That spider has hacked his way into my datatrax. And obviously he has his own plans for dealing with the situation, yess.
He ponders.
megatron (R)
Normally, I would punish such treachery. But in this case, it may be advantageous to let him play out the hand. But not alone, no.
He touches a comlink button. BLACKARACHNIA’s (R) image appears on the monitor.
megatron (R)
Blackarachnia. There appears to have been a disturbance on the Transwarp level. Would you check it out, please?
He clicks off, then chuckles, looking toward the alien disk, which still morphs its symbols across the surface.
megatron (R)
(chuckling)
And now, Optimus Primal, I believe the next move is yours.
cut to:
ext sky -- day
AIR RAZOR (B) is flying, carrying Rattrap (B) in her talons. Rattrap is complaining.
rattrap (B)
Awww man! Ain’t there a rule that us hero types gotta get more dignified transportation?
air razor (B)
If you could shed a few kilos this would be easier on both of us.
At that moment -- BOOM! A blaster bolt STREAKS PAST them from the ground, knocking a few of Air Razor’s tailfeathers loose.
air razor, rattrap (B)
(yells)
angle on the ground -- pred base in distance
We SEE a smoking autogun alreading pointing upward. Two others are rising from concealment, their barrels angling upward.
pred computer
Maximal signature detected. All units fire.
The guns BLAST upward and as Rattrap and Air Razor REACT to the incoming fire we:
fade out
end act one
act two
fade in:
establishing shot -- air razor and rattrap, as before
In the sky, being fired on by the Predacon autocannons.
rattrap (B)
AAAAGH! We’re gonna diiiiie!
Air Razor is diving in a swooping, spiralling pattern, dodging the incoming fire as best she can.
air razor(B)
Isn’t there a rule that heroes have to face destruction with dignity!?
rattrap (B)
Hey! What’s the use o’ dyin’ if ya can’t enjoy it? WAAAA!
Air Razor has released him about twenty feet above the ground. Rattrap sails downward in Beast Mode, vanishes behind a boulder, and immediately reappears in Robot Mode on the other side, reaching for a gun which isn’t there. He scowls at his empty hand.
rattrap (R)
Mannn! I feel naked without my gun!
on air razor
Still in the air, dodging blasts.
air razor (B)
Let me try something first! Air Razor, MAXIMIZE!
She TRANSFORMS in the air and hits her com button.
air razor (R)
Open channel to Predacon Base. Megatron! This is Air Razor!
zip to:
int. meatron’s command center
Megatron looks bemusedly at Air Razor’s image, which is staticky from Energon interference but clear enough. She is still dodging blasts from below.
air razor (R comm)
Is this the Predacon meaning of a truce!?
Megatron touches his own comm button.
megatron (R)
My dear Air Razor. My humblest apologies. No doubt you were simply flying a routine patrol, yess. I shall have the defenses shut down immediately.
He clicks a button.
predacon computer
Perimeter defenses deactivated.
on the autoguns
As they fall silent and lower, still steaming, back into concealment.
on air razor
Reacting to this.
air razor (R)
That’s better.
back on megatron
Smiling pleasantly.
megatron (R)
Yess. Again, my apologies. But you ARE in Predacon airspace. In the interests of continued peace, I must request that you leave.
on air razor
Scowling.
air razor (R)
Oh, very well.
She TRANSFORMS back to Beast Mode and begins to bank away.
on rattrap
Still hidden among the boulders. He pumps a fist in silent triumph.
rattrap (R)
(sotto)
Yeah! We did it!
back on air razor
She begins to soar away, when we suddenly hear:
megatron (R vo, comm)
Oh, and Air Razor?
air razor (b)
Yesss?
back on megatron
Leaning back in his command chair, looking smug.
megatron (R)
Please take that vermin with you.
on rattrap
Concealed among the boulders, he pounds his fist on a rock in frustration.
rattrap (R)
Slag!
and cut to:
ext. the maximal base -- day
PUSH IN on it as we HEAR:
optimus (r vo)
So you didn’t get in.
int. maximal base -- command center
Air Razor and Rattrap (R) are speaking to Optimus.
air razor (R)
Not even close.
rattrap (R)
I’m tellin’ ya, I’d hate t’ sell encyclopedias in THAT neighborhood!
air razor (R)
Megatron just politely shut down the defenses and tossed us out.
optimus (R)
So you failed.
rattrap (R)
Absolutely.
air razor (R)
Completely.
They are all looking at each other, grins breaking out on their faces. HOLD a long beat -- and then they all HIGH-FIVE each other.
optimus, air razor, rattrap
YESSS!
and cut to:
ext. rear of predacon base -- day
One of the stone spires that has pierced it during the crash landing has torn a rent in the hull. TIGATRON (B) is there, looking around cautiously. All is silent. He SPRINGS upward into the gap and vanishes into the darkness inside.
cut to:
int. predacon base -- tarantulas’ lab
Tarantulas has the Transwarp cell hooked into some kind of apparatus and is clicking some buttons.
tarantulas (R)
Ahh! The transwarp cell is now fully functional. All it needs is some special programming...
blackarachnia (R vo)
Well hey there, tall, dark, and bloodthirsty.
Tarantulas spins, trying to conceal the Transwap cell apparatus behind him.
tarantulas (R)
Blackarachnia!
on blackarachnia
Half-concealed in the shadows. She drops what she’s holding, which rolls into the light. It’s Waspinator’s head.
blackarachnia (R)
Dropped something back there, didn’t you?
waspinator’s head (R)
(comic, dazed)
Yeebe, yeebe, yeebe...
new angle on tarantulas
Looking nervous.
tarantulas (R)
I-I don’t know what you’re talking about!
PULL BACK to REVEAL that we are looking at:
MEGATRON’s MONITor screen
Megatron is watching the scene with some amusement. He clicks the sound off.
megatron (R)
Excellent. And now, while Tarantulas is distracted -- computer!
predacon computer
Acknowledged.
megatron (R)
Access the transwarp cell. Megatron voicecode, ATT overrride.
(chuckles)
I have some special programming of my own to add...
and cut back to:
int. tarantulas’ lab -- as before
The Transwarp cell begins CRACKLING as energy EFX play over it briefly. Tarantulas has his back to it, and does not notice. Blackarachnia is still moving toward him, menacingly.
blackarachnia (R)
You stole a transwarp cell. You scrapped the bugbot.
She leans toward him, sexy and venomous.
blackarachnia (R) +
Now, you know Megatron is going to crush your pain circuits for this. So you must have something pretty big in mind.
With a eyeblink-fast SHNICK, her weapon is out and up, the tip of it caressing under his chinplate.
blackarachnia (R)
And I... want to know what it is.
cut to:
elsewhere -- predacon ship
Tigatron, now in Robot Mode, is creeping cautiously down a corridor. He does not have his gun out. He spots Terrorsaur passing in the distance and pulls back, hastily.
tigatron (R)
Urr. Black ship. Bad place for this white cat. Have to make it quick.
He skulks forward again.
cut to:
int. maximal base
Optimus and Cheetor are at the circular control panel, looking at a holo gridmap of the surrounding territories. Cheetor is worried.
cheetor (R)
Do ya think Tigatron will be able to get the info, Big Bot?
optimus (R)
All we can do is hope. We know this planet has mysteries. The energon, the artifacts -- they’re all signs of alien presence.
cut back to:
int. predacon base -- on a computer console
Tigatron has slipped up to it, is tapping the buttons quickly. We still HEAR Optimus’ voice VO:
optimus (R cont VO)
But now Megatron has discovered something else. Something big.
On Tigatron’s screen the alien disk has appeared, turning, its symbols still morphing. Cybertronix text scrolls by on the screen beside it.
optimus (R cont vo)
We HAVE to know.
on tigatron
We SEE the glowing symbols reflected in his horrified eyes as he reacts to what he sees on the screen.
tigatron (R)
(horrified gasp)
By the Matrix!
At that moment -- CLICK! Terrorsaur’s gun appears from OS, pointing right in his ear.
terrorsaur (R)
Well well. Looks like curiosity just claimed another cat.
As we PUSH IN on Tigatron’s horrified expression we:
FADE OUT
end act two
act three
fade in:
est. shot -- the predacon base -- day
There is an energon storm on the horizon, lightning crashing among the dark clouds ominously. PUSH IN on the base and:
cut to:
int. predacon base -- on megatron
In his command chair, brooding, staring at the rotating disk. There is the sound of SFX: DISTANT THUNDER.
megatron (R)
There is a storm approaching. A storm of such magnitude, of such power, it is beyond imagination.
(chuckles)
And to think I would once have been satisfied with energon. To think that my ambitions lofted no higher than the conquest of Cybertron.