2. Enemy At The Gates

Titles

We pan over the planet Earth. We close in on a large city, the city of New Rodana. It is towering and futuristic, yet everything is recognisable. We pull in on the buildings of the GSE, the Governing States of Earth. Within, the High Governess Trinity East stands talking to three other Governors.

TRINITY: I expressly oppose this.

GOVERNOR 1: The GSE's decision is unanimous, Trinity. After the events in Japan we can no longer ignore Cybertron's presence Another intelligent species can't be avoided forever.

TRINITY: They mean war. That is all the events in Japan have taught us, Governor.

GOVERNOR 2: Only Maximals will be arriving.

TRINITY: The ancestors of the Autobots that once nearly destroyed our planet?

GOVERNOR 1: That was the Decepticons-

TRINITY: I do not care about factions. Transformers caused our people centuries of suffering and I will not see that happen again.

GOVERNOR 1: The Maximals will protect us from Predacon attack-

TRINITY: You trust them to do this?

We cut to see the large Maximal ship the Requiem standing high in the port of New Rodana. The Maximals in their new machine modes roll out. Optimus Prime is the first to transform from a sleek, heavily armed tractor trailer mode to a tall white, red and gold robot mode. Sandstorm is now built into a tall gold form with a helicopter altmode. Behind him we see Mirage change from a formula-1 race car to a stocky metallic robot form. Hoist and Hubcap change from dump trucks to powerfully built robot modes. Two Governors step forward to greet them.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Greetings, I am Commander Optimus Prime of Cybertron.

GOVERNOR 1: Governor Tyrus of Earth. Greetings, Maximals.

Another vehicular Transformer steps forward.

GOVERNOR 2: This is Prowl, Autobot security officer.

PROWL: Part of the advance party. Good to see you arrived intact Optimus.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Intact. yes. Autobot?

PROWL: The official classification of anyone involved in negotiations. You'll have to use it too.

OPTIMUS PRIME: I already do.

Prowl nods at the Autobot insignia on Primes chest.

PROWL: I see. You'd probably like to see Miss East.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Miss East?

PROWL: The High Governess of Earth, Prime. The big cheese.

We cut to Charr to see a large makeshift base under construction. Within, we see the new Decepticons Starscream and Soundwave.

SOUNDWAVE: You have been quiet recently, Starscream.

STARSCREAM: This feels wrong.

SOUNDWAVE: Megatron?

STARSCREAM: The greatest of our commanders....

He scratches his new Decepticon insignia.

STARSCREAM: I was created a Predacon, to serve the Predacon cause. This Decepticon symbol goes against all I ever stood for.

SOUNDWAVE: It is no different.

STARSCREAM: It is entirely different, Soundwave. Have you forgotten the Predacons already?

SOUNDWAVE: We shall see.

MEGATRON: (Off-screen) Starscream.

Megatron enters the hall, his new form radiating power despite it's smaller size.

MEGATRON: Soundwave has informed me of the path history has taken since my "destruction". I have formulated the plan for our first assault.

STARSCREAM: Return to Cybertron.

MEGATRON: No. I think not.

STARSCREAM: You can lead the Predacons. They will rise against the Maximals when they see you reborn.

MEGATRON: The Maximals would destroy us, Starscream. Even three centuries past the great war, they would not be unprepared for an uprising, and we are unprepared for total war. I have another destination in mind.

Megatron crosses to a window and looks out over Charr.

MEGATRON: Earth.

We cut to see Prowl leading Sandstorm through the GSE building. They enter a massive chamber.

PROWL: Prime should be having fun with Trinity about now. Pity, he'll be missing most of the action.

SANDSTORM: Negotiations are going to be long and painful, aren't they?

PROWL: With her in charge, yes. This is the site of Earth's first attempts at utilising Cybertronian technology. Project: Omega. Can't say I have much faith in it.

SANDSTORM: What's it supposed to be?

PROWL: An aircraft carrier with transformer attack capabilities. Developed for use against Gigatron. It's official unveiling is in two weeks.

SANDSTORM: Mmm.

We cut to see Optimus Prime meeting with Trinity.

TRINITY: Optimus Prime?

OPTIMUS PRIME: Greetings, High Governess. It's a pleasure.

TRINITY: (Icy) Oh?.... well, I'm afraid I can't remain long, I have other things to attend to. Make yourself at home.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Thank you.

Trinity gives Optimus a piercing look.

TRINITY: Governor Aladis, please show Optimus Prime around. I will return in a few hours.

Trinity steps out, heading away.

ALADIS: I apologize, the High Governess is not entirely comfortable with these events.

OPTIMUS PRIME: I didn't think so. She was rather brief.

ALADIS: Her father was killed in Gigatron's attack. It has not prompted her to favour Cybertronians any more than she usually did.

OPTIMUS PRIME: She'll come round, Governor.

MIRAGE: When she sees how charming you are.

Optimus gives Mirage a dirty look. We cut to the Omega floor where countless technicians are working on a large airship.

PROWL: I was brought down here early to observe the construction of the Omega, as a security officer.

SANDSTORM: I don't know why I'm here. They don't really need me on these negotiations.

PROWL: Hang on... I'm picking up three energy signatures... approaching fast-

The dome blasts inwards. Starscream, Skywarp and Thundercracker, all in aerial mode fly down towards the Omega.

STARSCREAM: Eliminate all resistance!

SANDSTORM: Decepticons...?

The three jets curve round and begin attacking the technicians who are slaughtered.

SANDSTORM: I thought you were security?

PROWL: Well we didn't expect them to shoot the roof down!

Sandstorm and Prowl pull out their weapons and begin firing, they wing Thundercracker but Skywarp is faster and shoots Prowl out of the way.

SANDSTORM: Prowl!

STARSCREAM: Skywarp, Thundercracker, secure the ship! I'll deal with the Autobot.

Starscream transforms to robot mode and lands before Sandstorm, aiming his rifle.

STARSCREAM: I didn't expect Autobots. You certainly didn't put up much of a fight.

SANDSTORM: Want to bet?

Sandstorm's engines fly into his hands, becoming twin cannons and he opens fire, knocking Starscream back.

STARSCREAM: Autobot scum!

Starscream changes to bomber mode and flies overhead. Sandstorm counters by converting to helicopter mode and heading up to meet Starscream.

STARSCREAM: For the Predacon empire.

Starscream bombs Sandstorm with his energon missiles. Sandstorm's frame cannot take the attack and ruptures, crashing in the corner.

STARSCREAM: Pathetic creature.

SKYWARP: The Terrans are dead. The Omega's been secured.

STARSCREAM: Inform Megatron.

We cut to see Optimus Prime talking to Hoist.

HOIST: I get the feeling she doesn't want to listen.

OPTIMUS PRIME: This is going to be impossible. I can't believe the High Council dumped me here.

HOIST: Dumped?

OPTIMUS PRIME: I'm useless here. Two centuries of service and now I've been pushed aside to a small planet to negotiate long after it's war is over.

HOIST: You need to fight something other than war.

OPTIMUS PRIME: (Annoyed) What would you know, Hoist?

HOIST: (Annoyed) Obviously more than you.

Hoist turns to leave. Suddenly, however, the doors blast inwards. Soundwave stands there, his massive cannon smoking.

SOUNDWAVE: Multiple targets. Preparing to terminate.

HOIST: What-

OPTIMUS PRIME: Decepticon.

Soundwave fires again, the roof falls in over the two Autobots. Optimus pulls himself out and fires a blast from his rifle.

SOUNDWAVE: Resistance is useless.

Soundwave converts to tank mode and rolls toward Optimus. Optimus runs forward and attempts to push the "terror tank" back and keep it off Hoist, but Soundwave keeps pressing forward.

SOUNDWAVE: (to com-link) Starscream, require back-up.

STARSCREAM: (Over com-link) Skywarp and Thundercracker will arrive shortly, Soundwave.

Soundwave fires another blast into Optimus which sends him flying. He crashes into the opposite wall. Human troops enter and begin firing.

SOUNDWAVE: Targets locked.

OPTIMUS PRIME: No!

Soundwave opens fire, the troops are wiped out in an instant. Overhead, through the destroyed roof, we see the two "flipchangers" flying down and transforming.

SKYWARP: Drop your weapons, Autobot.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Never, Decepticon.

THUNDERCRACKER: Your loss. Terminate him.

But before the order is carried out, Mirage and Hubcap drive in vehicle mode.

HUBCAP: Autobots, transform!

The two Autobots open fire on the Decepticons who return the attacks. Soundwave blasts Hubcaps arm off, the Autobot collapses in pain.

MIRAGE: Hubcap!

Mirage turns invisible, the Decepticons are stunned for a moment and begin firing randomly. Optimus opens fire again, knocking Thundercracker down. Mirage reappears and fires at point blank range into Skywarp.

SOUNDWAVE: Tactical disadvantage. Eliminate targets.

Soundwave transforms back to robot mode and opens fire with his cannon and rifle, blasting Mirage down. He turns and aims at Optimus Prime.

MEGATRON: (Voice) No, Soundwave. I'll deal with this one.

Megatron steps forward, his sleek grey form dominating the room.

OPTIMUS PRIME: What are you?

MEGATRON: I am Megatron, Autobot...

Megatron fires into Optimus with his rifle. The Autobot leader crashes back against the wall.

MEGATRON: It would do you well to remember.

Optimus does not respond, but leaps up and opens fire on Megatron. The Decepticon leader leaps up and transforms to jet mode, firing missiles at Optimus. The Autobot commander dodges and fires into Megatron's wing.

OPTIMUS PRIME: I am Optimus Prime. I shall make you remember that.

MEGATRON: (Distant) Prime? Can it be you?

Optimus transforms to tractor trailer mode and fires brilliant blasts of energy from his missile cannons Megatron's "flipchanger" form swerves around these

MEGATRON: No matter if it is you, Prime, I will destroy you!

Megatron swoops down, firing missiles into Optimus's trailer. Optimus converts to robot mode, his trailer transforming to battle station mode.

MEGATRON: Clever, Prime...

Megatron transforms to robot mode and blasts the main turret which erupts into flame.

MEGATRON: But it takes more than that.

OPTIMUS PRIME: I'll give you more.

Optimus's cab drives forward and slams into Megatron. He transforms back to robot mode and aims his rifle at the fallen Decepticon. Megatron growls and kicks the weapon out of Optimus's grip. He leaps upon Prime, slamming him in the face.

MEGATRON: You'll never defeat me, Prime...

Optimus Prime throws Megatron off and makes for his gun. Megatron fires his own rifle, blasting the weapon out of his opponents reach. He fires a blast into Primes leg, as the Autobot leader collapses Megatron fires another shot into his chest unit.

MEGATRON: Your finished, Autobot...

We cut to see Starscream entering the Omega's main control deck. The Autobot symbol sits on the opposite wall.

STARSCREAM: Alone at last.

Starscream tears the symbol down and crosses to the main terminal. He pulls out a diskette bearing the Predacon symbol and slots it into the control panel.

STARSCREAM: Terran fools. Computer, download datatracks, Viron.

COMPUTER: Warning, data track input will render security system re-programmable-

STARSCREAM: Shut up and do it.

COMPUTER: Acknowledged Omega under Decepticon control.

STARSCREAM: Good. Triple encrypt files: Retroformat.

COMPUTER: Complying.

STARSCREAM: Excellent.

Megatron steps over to Optimus and throws his gun away.

MEGATRON: Pathetic fool.

Megatron kicks Prime in the stomach.

MEGATRON: The Decepticons have triumphed. You have failed, Autobot.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Eat.... Slag...

Optimus swipes a punch into Megatron's chest unit, knocking him back. He then lunges for the Decepticon. Megatron grapples with him.

OPTIMUS PRIME: I will never... surrender.

MEGATRON: Such heroic nonsense.

Megatron leaps for his rifle. Optimus, however, reaches it first and fires into Megatron's face.

MEGATRON: Arrrgh!

OPTIMUS PRIME: Get out Megatron.

Megatron clubs Prime down with his fist but then clutches his chest in pain.

MEGATRON: We will meet again Prime. Machine mode!

Megatron transforms to jet mode and soars up into the air, followed by his damaged forces. A human soldier runs in.

SOLDIER: Good god. Medics!

OPTIMUS PRIME: The Decepticon got away.

SOLDIER: They got the Omega.

OPTIMUS PRIME: Slag.

Optimus falls into stasis lock as his injuries overtake him. We cut to see Sandstorm exiting a repair bay, looking a bit worse for wear. The other Autobots are waiting, as well as a number of humans.

PROWL: Ah, Sandstorm, good of you to join us.

GENERAL: It appears a new Decepticon threat has emerged. I had hoped the Destrongers would be the last.

TRINITY: (Grumbling) It appears your services will be required further, Autobots. Although Earth forces could easily deal with this.

OPTIMUS PRIME: We will serve faithfully, Trinity. We will, however, need a more stable base of operations.

TRINITY: We will see what we can do, Autobot.

Trinity stands and leaves, scowling.

MIRAGE: I think we just got the go-ahead?

We cut to the now operating Omega, the airship form now floating high above the ground, among the clouds. We see Megatron stepping out onto the silver surface. Starscream and Soundwave follow.

MEGATRON: Autobots. I had not anticipated this.

STARSCREAM: We should return to Charr and make alternate plans.

MEGATRON: No. Earth shall be mine, with this craft we can finally take this wretched planet.

SOUNDWAVE: I will begin formulating attack sequences, Lord Megatron.

STARSCREAM: (Quiet) Of course, Lord Megatron.

Megatron and Soundwave head back into the Omega. Starscream pulls out the Predacon diskette and inserts into his chest unit.

STARSCREAM: We shall see.

As the disk activates, Starscream's eyes glow a deadly red.

STARSCREAM: We shall see.

Starscream turns to follow his commander as the Omega floats onwards.

The End.