"The Probe" - Final Draft - Wolfman/Miller 1.
BEAST WARS
"The Probe"
FADE IN:
EXT. - SPACE - ABOVE THE PLANET CYBERTRON
SUPER: CYBERTRON
A large space station orbiting the planet comes into view.
CYBERTRON voice (VO)
Transwarp ship Axalon, commanded by Optimus Primal, has not been found in normal space. We believe their pursuit of the Predacons who stole the Golden Disk may have taken them into another time zone. Suggest launching temporal probes.
A legion of PROBES emerges from the station, filling the sky. Move slowly into the field of probes. We follow one probe as it separates form the others.
CYBERTRON COMPUTER voice (VO) *
Temporal Probes launched. Going to transwarp in 3...2...1
A transwarp matrix opens. FOLLOW the Probe as it enters then disappears inside. A moment later the warp closes.
CYBERTRON voice (VO)
If Optimus and his crew are anywhere out there, we’ll find them and bring them home.
WIPE TO:
ext. - space - above the earth
The Probe exits hyperspace over Earth and sends out (SFX) signals.
ext. FOREST - NIGHT
OPTIMUS(B), DINOBOT(B), CHEETOR(B) and RATTRAP(B) are loping through the forest when CHEETOR taunts the others.
cheetor(B)
Last one back to base is Predacon chow.
Cheetor leaps ahead of them and RATTRAP races forward.
rattrap(B)
No way, furball. I’m not starin’ at no hairy cat-butt.
Rattrap rushes after him as DinoBot and Optimus exchange an exasperated glance.
high angle - forest
Tree branches canopy the sky as Cheetor(B) and Rattrap(B) race beneath them.
Suddenly, Optimus(B) swings overhead from branch to branch, moving ahead of his racing comrades.
EXT. AROUND THE ENTRY TO THE MAXIMAL BASE - NIGHT
Optimus(b) reaches the end of the forest and somersaults to the ground. Landing gently, he puts his hands on his hips, waiting.
OPTIMUS(b)
Optimus Primal - Maximize!
OPTIMUS PRIMAL - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE
Optimus TRANSFORMS into ROBOT MODE and stands tall.
cheetor(B), rattrap(B)
FOLLOW Cheetor easily running past Rattrap. He glances back at Rattrap, smiling in victory.
CHEETOR
You lose again, rat-
WIDEN as he crashes into Optimus...
...and rebounds, skidding back past Rattrap who acts like a Matador as Cheetor slides past him OS.
rattrap(B)
Don’t cats ever get tired of being stupid?
DinoBot(B) and Optimus(R) join him. They look OS as We HEAR a ZAP(SFX) AND:
cheetor(OS)
Yowwwww!!!
FOLLOW as they move to a dazed Cheetor, lying a few metres from the base’s glowing force shield.
Cheetor
That was mega-low, Optimus. I was only racing Rattrap.
optimus
I could have been a Predacon scout. When you’re outside the base, pay attention.
dinobot
You think Megatron’s wasting his time playing games fool! Dinobot--MAXIMIZE!
DINOBOT - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE
Dinobot TRANSFORMS to Robot Mode and stalks toward the base as Optimus presses his com-unit:
OPTIMUS
Sentinel, stand down --
The Base’s Force Shield disappears. Optimus et. al. walk toward the entrance as we GO TO:
int. communications room
CLOSE on RHINOX(R) as he frantically types away at a computer console. He watches a screen on which Cybertronic symbols occasionally appear amidst much static and white noise.
RHINOX(R)
Come on, come on --
WIDEN as a Door WHOOSHES open and Optimus(R), Dinobot(R), Rattrap(B) and Cheetor(B) enter. Seeing Rhinox working frantically they rush to his side.
Optimus(R)
What’s going on? *
Rhinox
The long-range scanner. It’s pickin’ up signals from space. But I can’t punch thru the Energon interference --
Rhinox suddenly rushes to another console, bangs control pads which activates more screens, showing all sorts of weird data. More CYBERTRONIC LETTERS form on the original screen.
DINOBOT(R)
It’s probably a Predacon trick. Or something worse.
Rhinox keeps working the console, absorbed.
RHINOX(R)
Rattrap, see if you can get me a visual.
RATTRAP(B)
On it! Rattrap - Maximize!
RATTRAP(B) - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE
Rattrap TRANSFORMS to ROBOT MODE and moves to a console. He turns on a screen showing a static-filled, in-and-out view of space and starts working controls as:
Rhinox speaks to the others, still intent on his screen.
RHINOx(R)
I need more power.
OPTIMUS(R)
Cheetor, Dinobot --
Optimus rushes to another console as:
CHEETOR(B)
Cheetor Maximize!
cheetor(B) - transformation sequence
Cheetor TRANSFORMS to ROBOT MODE, then also rushes to a console.
Dinobot(R) watches them all working controls and shakes his head grimly. Something about this disturbs him.
Rhinox(R) joins Rattrap(R) at his console. The view on his screen is clearing up.
RATTRAP(R)
Almost there. Come on baby, clear up for the rat. Yes!
TIGHT VIEW of screen as the Probe comes into view.
RATTRAP(CON’T.)
Strip my gears and call me a floor lamp! Is that what I think it is?
RHINOX
Yup. A temporal probe. Cybertron’s found us --
WIDEN as Optimus and Cheetor push in, astonished. Dinobot alone hangs back, grim as he listens in.
cheetor
You’re pulling our circuits. We're going home?!
RHINOX
IF we can make contact before it moves away --
Cheetor leaps for joy.
cheetor
YESSSSSS!
Rhinox turns back to screen, the image of the probe almost gone as interference fouls the screen. He begins working the controls, more Cybertronic symbols start appearing.
optimus
Can you break through the interference?
rhinox
I’m gonna give it a Maximal try.... Sending signal now!
Rhinox stabs a button. For a moment all await the result. Then:
maximal COMPUTER VOICE(vo)
Hailing code not acknowledged. Probe moving beyond communications range.
The disappointment in the Maximals is tangible as Rhinox slumps at the console. Only DinoBot does not share in it.
CHEETOR
Talk about major crash --
OPTIMUS
You did your best Rhinox. No one could have done more.
rattrap
Fearless leader’s right.
rhinox
No he’s not. I blew it. But we might still have a chance.
Rhinox begins hitting control pads again. A COMPUTER DISPLAY SCREEN shows a simulation of the probe sending out signals. *
optimus(R)
Rhinox --?
RHINOX(R)
You know how probes work. They home in on the transwarp signature of the missing ship.
RATTRAP(R)
But our transwarp engine’s been offline since the crash.
rhinox
That’s why the probe moved on. But it’ll be back just before it leaves this system.
OPTIMUS
So if we can duplicate our transwarp * signature before it returns and send it to the probe --
rhinox
We’ll be on our way home --
CHEETOR(R)
Home! Alright!!!
As the Maximals celebrate, DinoBot looks on, very uneasy. Hold a beat then:
FADE OUT:
End Act One
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - THE PROBE
Completes an orbit around Saturn and moves on into the void.
cut to:
EXT. - mountaintop - dawn
Close as a heavy metal beam SLAMS deep into the rocky ground.
WIDEN to show Optimus(R) stepping away from the beam and turning to Rattrap(R), Cheetor(R) and Dinobot(R). The beam is the last of four driven into the ground, the bottom of what will be a large metal tower.
optimus(R)
That’s our foundation. Let’s get to work.
dinobot(R)
You do realize we’re in Predacon territory --?
rattrap(R)
DinoBore’s got a point. If the Preds catch us up here, we’ll be beautiful targets.
optimus(R)
This was the nearest clear zone. Building the signal array here is our best shot at contacting the probe. Tigatron will watch our backs.
CUT TO:
ext. another MOUNTAIN TOP - tigatron(B)
tIGATRON(B) looks upwards toward the peak on which Optimus et. al are building the tower. Then he looks downward.
POV - TIGATRON - A lush valley, filled with jungle foliage. A beautiful sight.
TIGATRON breathes in deeply.
TIGATRON(B)
Ahhhh. The air is sweet today. I wonder if Cybertron can match such natural beauty.
Suddenly his ears prick up and he sniffs as he hears a BUZZING sound.
tigatron
Waspinator. Tigatron - Maximize!
TIGATRON(B)transformation sequence
Tigatron(B) TRANSFORMS to ROBOT MODE.
EXT. SKY - WASPINATOR(B)
WASPINATOR(B) buzzes alongside the rock face, grumbling.
waspinator(B)
No matter what Megatron say, Waspinator is tired of searching for Maximals.
Suddenly from close by him:
tigatron(vO)
Your search is over Predacon.
EXT. CLIFF FACE - A LEDGE - WASPINATOR(B)
Waspinator turns toward the ledge and as if stepping out of the rock itself, Tigatron appears, Toxic Blaster in hand. He FIRES a spray OS --
ANGLE ON WASPINATOR
Waspinator is dowsed with the stuff.
WASPINATOR(B)
(ANGRY buzzzzz)
Waspinator circles wildly as the fluid ICES UP around him. He finally drops to the ground, encased in the stuff.
another angle
Tigatron(R) jumps into frame, missile launcher now in hand, and moves to the frozen Waspinator.
tigatron(R)
Next time you’re looking for Maximals keep your mind on the job.
TARANTULAS(b,os)
His job was bait --
Tigatron whirls as TARANTULAS(B) enters frame. He trains his missile launcher on the spider who stops.
tigatron
And you’re the trap?
TARANTULAS(B)
Not a trap Maximal. A test!
Unseen by Tigatron, The TRANSFORMATION LOCK LENS floats into view behind him. The Lens starts to GLOW.
Tigatron
Of what?
Tarantulas(B) points behind him.
tarantulas
That --
There is a WHINE(sfx) of power from the Lens. Tigatron whirls, then leaps aside at the last second as the Lens FIRES a beam at him. He FIRES his missile launcher at it but the Lens ZIPS aside, avoiding the missile. He reacts as we:
CUT TO:
ext. mountaintop - tower - day
Optimus(R), Dinobot(R), Cheetor(R) and Rattrap(R) are still at the the tower. The tower construction is done although there are still some beams, etc. on the ground. They're working on the command console. Rattrap is looking at a schematic while Optimus sets a component inside the console. Dinobot is doing the final assembly on another component. Suddenly they hear the distant SFX OF AN EXPLOSION.
rattrap(R)
Missile Fire --
All are on the alert now, as in the distance another EXPLOSION is heard. Optimus uses his com-link.
optimus(R)
Optimus to Tigatron --
A beat, two, no reply. Another EXPLOSION is heard. Optimus turns to Cheetor --
optimus
Cheetor, scout and report, go. --
CHEETOR(R)
I’m Gone! Beast Mode --
He LEAPS and in mid-air:
CHEETOR(R) - TRANSFORMATION SEQUENCE
Cheetor TRANSFORMS into BEAST MODE and lands as a cheetah on a path halfway down the mountain. He races off.
ext. mountain TOP
Optimus(R) looks after, as DinoBot(R) steps in.
dinobot(R)
I’ll follow him. He may need my warrior skills.
optimus(R)
No, we need you here. We haven’t got much time to finish the array.
Dinobot
(snide)
Of course... we wouldn't want to miss our chance to go home.
Rattrap puts down the schematic and turns to Dinobot.
rattrap(R)
What’s biting your sensors DinoBoob? You act like you don't want to get offa this dirt ball. Afraid you’ll miss your Pred-head friends?
dinobot
You're what I'm afraid of. You’re so eager to go home, but your home is not mine. I am Predacon despite our alliance. And when your ship comes to rescue you, my fate will be the same as Megatron’s. Perhaps even worse --
Frustrated, Dinobot starts to throw away the component he was working on. Optimus gently stops him.
optimus(R)
We won’t let that happen. You’re a Maximal now and we’ll see that you’re treated as one.
dinobot(R)
What makes you think I want to be?
Dinobot turns away; puts the component into the console. Rattrap and Optimus look at him, concerned.
cut to:
EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE - TIGATRON(R), LOCK LENS
Tigatron DIVES as the Lock Lens fires yet another beam at him. Tarantulas(B), on higher ground, watches with pleasure.
taraNTULAS(B)
You’re only wearing yourself out. Inevitably, the Lens will find you.
Tigatron snaps off another missile shot at the Lens, again the LENS avoids it. The Lens fires it’s beam and this time Tigatron’s dodge is too late. He’s bathed in the beam. A PURPLE GLOW glow surrounds him.
TIGATRON(R)
By the Matrix, what’s --
TIGATRON - transformation sequence.
Tigatron(R) TRANSFORMS to BEAST MODE.
TIGATRON(con’t.)
...happening?
EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE - TIGATRON, tarantulas
Tarantulas leaps from his vantage point to a spot a few metres from Tigatron.
TARANTULAS(B)
It works. How gratifying. Tarantulas - Terrorize!
Tarantulas(B) - transformation sequence
Tarantulas TRANSFORMS to ROBOT MODE. He starts toward Tigatron as he’s struggling to re-transform.
TIGATRON(B)
TIGATRON--maximize! MAXIMIZE!
tarantulas(R)
(chuckles)
Isn’t life full of surprises?
Tigatron springs at him, only to be swatted aside by Tarantulas’s claw. He flies OS as Tarantulas’s web launcher comes up. He FIRES his energy web.
Follow the web as it traps the dazed TIGATRON and delivers a surge of power that knocks him out. As he falls, Tarantulas steps in. The Lock Lens Floats in after him, hovers at his shoulder.
TARantulas(r)
Poor tiger. You never had a chance.
(Low chuckle)
cheetor(B,OS)
He’s got a better chance than you chuckles.
Tarantulas turns to see Cheetor(B) above him. Cheetor LEAPS down and in mid-leap:
cheetor(B)
Cheetor - Maximize
cheetor(B) - transformation sequencE
Cheetor TRANSFORMS to Robot Mode in mid-leap and LANDS near Tarantulas(R) and the downed Tigatron(B). He brings his quasar cannon up to cover Tarantulas.
cheetor(R)
One wrong move and you’re wreckage. Step away from Tigatron, slowly --
another angle - TARANTULAS(r), cheetor(R)
Tarantulas raises his hands and smiles.
tarantualas(R)
As you wish --
Tarantulas steps to one side, revealing the Lock Lens floating behind him. It WHINES and GLOWS.
cheetor(R)
What the -- ?
The Lock Lens FIRES its beam. The beam bathes Cheetor who glows purple and immediately begins:
CHEETOR(r) - transformation sequence
Cheetor TRANSFORMS to BEAST MODE.
CHEETOR(B)
Hey! Cheetor -- Maximize.
Nothing happens. Tarantulas steps in.
TARANTULAS
Don’t cats ever get tired of being stupid?
He FIRES his energy web point blank. It ENVELOPS Cheetor, then delivers a power surge that knocks him out.
cheetor
Rowwwwwr!
Tarantulas(R) looks at the unconscious Maximals.
tarantulas(R)
Two down, four to go.
(Low chuckle)
CUT TO:
int. maximal base
Rhinox(R) is at the computer console again, working on a program (his screen is filled with complicated Cybertonic symbols and letters). He hits a pad. *
MAXIMAL computer voice(VO) *
Transwarp signature replicated.
A computer chip SLIDES out of a slot on the console. Rhinox extracts it delicately, slips it into a holding module, which he fixes to his side (magnetically held).
rhinox
Computer, how much time before the Probe’s back in signal range?
MAXIMAL COMPUTER VOICE(VO) *
One-point-four mega-cycles. *
rhinox
Better get my gears in high.
Rhinox makes for the door as we:
cut to:
ext. mountaintop - tower - day
Dinobot(R) and Rattrap(R) stand on the sides of the tower, soldering the top of the tower in place. Optimus(R) looks out over the valley as he uses his com-link.
OPTIMUS(R)
Optimus to Cheetor and Tigatron. Respond at once.
There’s only STATIC. Suddenly our view switches to:
POV - SCORPONOK(R) - UPWARD ANGLE - THE TOWER
Thru a ROBOTIC POV we see The Tower and the Maximals. *
EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE - tight ON SCORPONOK(r)
As he turns, we WIDEN to include TERROSAUR(B) hovering nearby.
scorponok(R)
Megatron must know.
Scorponok flips open a panel in his wrist and extracts a data cube which he hands to Terrorsaur. *
scorponok(R, con’t.)
Take this to him immediately. I’ll keep an eye on the Maximals. Whatever they’re doing we’ll soon put a stop to it.
Terrorsaur takes the cube and FLAPS OFF as we:
FADE OUT
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
EXT. - SPACE - THE PROBE
Is heading around Pluto.
cut to:
EXT. PREDACON BASE - LATE AFTERNOON
PUSH IN on their base AS WE hear OVER:
BLACKARACHNIA(R,vo)
Is it a weapon?
int. predacon base
PAN PAST the semi-conscious Cheetor(B) and Tigatron(B) in large, cages hanging from heavy chains connected to the ceiling. Continue PAN DOWN to Megatron(R), Terrorsaur(R), Tarantulas(R) and Blackarachnia(R) on floaters, looking at a holographic recording of the Maximals building the Tower.
TARANTULAS(R)
It looks more like a long-range signal array.
MEGATRON(R)
Yessss. But why would Optimus risk building it inside our perimeter?
Cheetor(R,os)
(Groooann!)
They look up toward the cages.
blackarachnia(R)
Maybe we should ask the kittens?
MEGATRON(R)
Excellent idea --
Cheetor slowly stands up in the cage. The Predacons float up even with cages as Cheetor shakes off the effects of the energy web. As he sees them:
CHEETOR
Whoa, talk about nightmares!
megatron(R)
Your nightmares are just beginning Maximal. Unless you tell me about this signal array Optimus is building?
cheetor(B)
Why don't you ask him yourself MegaDum?
Megatron floats closer to Cheetor’s cage, holds up his claw grabber hand, menacing him as Tigatron(B) gets to his feet.
megatron
You’re trying my patience feline.
Suddenly there is a SFX - KLAXON from OS.
MEGATRON
What’s that?
TARANTULAS(r)
The space scanner.
FOLLOW Tarantulas as he floats to a screen display. It’s not as static-filled and jerky as the Maximal’s display. There is a BLIP and Cybertronic data on the screen.
TARANTULAS(r)
It’s picking up some sort of craft. It will be over the planet in ten cycles.
ON Cheetor(B), Tigatron(B) as Cheetor reacts:
CHEETOR
The Probe!
Megatron’s head jerks toward him. Megatron’s eyes burn.
megatron(R)
Probe -- ?
Megatron takes a beat, then his voice bristles with urgency.
megatron(con’t.)
Prepare for full scale assault. The array must be destroyed immediately. Tarantulas, bring the Transformation Lock Lens.
As the Predacons scramble, Cheetor looks at Tigatron sheepishly.
CHEETOR(B)
Me and my big mouth.
tigatron
They would have attacked the array anyway. But at least they left us unguarded.
Tigatron looks around, analyzing, then LEAPS to the side of his cage, starting it swinging.