The Autobots reconvene on Cybertron to prepare for the looming threat of MECH and the Quintessons. While there, Team Prime’s newest addition must prove himself by making a pilgrimage to the heart of Cybertron itself.

Episode 3 of Transformers: Odyssey, a fan-written continuation of the much-beloved Transformers: Prime series.

Transformers: Odyssey

Episode 3 – Rite of Passage

by Williamson Knox

OPEN ON:

CYBERTRON

[The surface of Cybertron is partially lit with the bustle of returning Autobots. Life is returning to the once barren world.]

EXT. IACON, HIGH COMMAND[i] – NIGHT

[The old High Council buildings are adorned in networks of scaffolding, in the process of being restored. In place of the ruined High Council tower is a new, partially complete rotunda, standing officiously over the plaza.]

INT. TRIBUNAL CHAMBERS

[A panel of stern-looking Autobots stand on a dais elevated above a central platform. At their head is Ultra Magnus, Elita One by his side. At the far end of the chamber, a pair of sliding doors admit the hulking form of Shockwave, bound in manacles as a pair of Autobot guards escort him to the platform. Trailing along beside the bound Decepticon is Knockout[ii], eagerly chatting away.]

KNOCKOUT

Really, Shockwave. All things considered, the Autobots have been a pretty gracious bunch. My own record’s far from pristine, but with a few good deeds here and there, they’ve been content to look the other way.

I could put in a good word for you, just for old times’ sake—

SHOCKWAVE

(irritated)

That will not be necessary.

KNOCKOUT

(off put)

…Suit yourself…

[Knockout sees Smokescreen enter the chamber and impatiently beckon him over to the spectator gallery.]

KNOCKOUT (CONT’D)

Gotta go. Parole officer’s here.

[Knockout quickly paces over to him.]

KNOCKOUT (CONT’D)

Mind if we wait up for a bit? I wanna see blinky crash and burn.

[Knockout watches eagerly as Shockwave paces up to the stand.]

ULTRA MAGNUS

Shockwave, you have been brought before this tribunal to answer for heinous crimes against Cybertron. You conspired with Warlord Megatron to craft weapons of mass destruction that brought death to millions of—

SHOCKWAVE

—Guilty on all counts. Let us dawdle no further on these formalities.

DAI ATLAS

You harbor no scruples over these atrocities?!

SHOCKWAVE

I dedicated myself to restoring the technological primacy of our species and did so. I would remind “High Command” that it was due to my efforts that we remastered the lost art of space-bridge technology and were able to restore the core of Cybertron.

CONVOY

After being party to its destruction! None of this justifies what you’ve—

SHOCKWAVE

“Justice” does not concern me. Logic implores that none shall live to see the coming age of reclamation should you continue to ignore my warnings.

DAI ATLAS

Yes, we have made note of your outlandish portents. We see no evidence to suggest the Quintessons have returned in any—

ELITA ONE

—Actually, Marshal Atlas, my team has discovered evidence to corroborate his claims. Whatever the outcome of this trial, they should not be ignored.

[Gasps of disbelief and feverish whispering erupt from all throughout the chamber.]

CONVOY

You can’t be serious! The Old Ones can’t be—

[Ultra Magnus stamps the haft of his hammer[iii] on the chamber floor with a resounding clang, bringing the room back into silence.]

ULTRA MAGNUS

Any prospective threats to Cybertron’s security will be discussed by High Command at the appointed time. The matter of your punishment, Shockwave, remains.

If you have nothing left to say in your defense, then I sentence you to be incarcerated for the remainder of your lifecycle in a provisional lab under the highest guard. There you shall spend your days curing, disarming or otherwise alleviating the effects of your most gruesome experiments. This court is adjourned.

[With another stamp of his hammer, he calls the meeting to a close and Shockwave is escorted away.]

KNOCKOUT

(nervous)

Well…That sure didn’t disappoint…

[The overture swells as the congregation departs, becoming tense and ominous.]

FADE OUT

OPENING CREDITS

CUT TO:

INT. IACON MEDICAL ACADEMY

[Jack’s new Cybertronian body rests on a medical table in a laboratory as Ratchet runs a series of tests. They are cordoned off from the rest of the lab by walls of energy, presumably to maintain a breathable atmosphere for his human visitors. Raf paces beside him, running diagnostics of his own from a portable tablet. Meanwhile, June sits patiently beside him and Miko clambers around on his shoulders.]

JUNE

(chiding)

Miko! Would you cut that out! He’s a robot, not a jungle-gym.

MIKO

Well, exactly! How often do YOUR friends turn into huge, awesome titan cyborg death-machines!

JACK

It’s alright, mom. I don’t mind, really.

[He extends out one of his claws for Miko to swing on like a monkey-bar. He then gently lets her down on the surface of the examination table, which to her is like a huge mesa.]

JACK (CONT’D)

I’m trying to let it sink-in myself.

RAF

(looking up)

Well, as far as I can tell, MECH didn’t hide any surveillance bugs under his hood…

JACK

(scratching his chassis)

Good to know.

RATCHET

And, so far, my tests show him to be in good health.

ARCEE

Also good to know.

[Arcee paces into the partition with a fond smile.]

ARCEE (CONT’D)

How’re you holding up?

JACK

(perking up)

As well as can be expected, I guess. Maybe better.

[Arcee lets out an amused snort. It’s almost comical how chipper he sounds given his grim-looking vehicon exterior.]

RATCHET

We’ll know for certain after a few more tests. Then I’ll be able to clear him for duty.

ARCEE

Wait, what?! Duty?

RATCHET

Well, yes. MECH, if not…other threats…may soon be brought to bear on Cybertron. We will need every available asset at our disposal.

ARCEE

Asset?! He’s barely been a bot for five rotations and now you’re just throwing him into the meat-grinder again?! *sigh* June, don’t you have anything to say?

JACK

Hey, I’m still here you know…

JUNE

You know I do, but it’s not my call anymore. We’ve had this talk before—many times. You should know him well enough by now—

JACK

You’d think so. But then again, it’s been a while…

[Jack gets to his feet, indignant.]

JACK (CONT’D)

In case you’d forgotten, Fowler spent ten years training me as a NEST Agent—which may not seem like much to a Cybertronian—

ARCEE

It’s practically nothing, at least next to thousands of cycles spent fighting a war—and that’s for the greenest of us.

JACK

Well…

[Jack scratches his neck joint for a moment before giving Raf and Ratchet a cheeky look.]

JACK (CONT’D)

What’s that translate to in human years?

[They exchange looks before shrugging in unison.]

JACK (CONT’D)

*groan* Come on, Arcee. You haven’t even seen me in action yet.

ARCEE

Oh?

[Arcee spreads her feet and assumes a battle-ready posture.]

ARCEE (CONT’D)

Show me, then.

[Ratchet quickly thrusts himself between them.]

RATCHET

Ah, ah, ah! Not in here!

[He takes out his data-pad and scrolls through pages of data.]

RATCHET (CONT’D)

(under his breath)

I SUPPOSE I’ve yet to put him through his paces…

INT. YOKETRON’S DOJO

[Arcee, Jack, and Ratchet pace into the sparring halls of Cyber-Sensei, Yoketron. Arcee pauses and respectfully bows to the old Autobot. He gives a polite nod of acknowledgment before returning to supervising his pupils’ training. June, Raf, and Miko are seated on Ratchet’s shoulders, wearing full-face air-masks. The lattermost human can barely contain her excitement.

Arcee and Jack face each other, pacing in a circle as they ready themselves for spar.]

ARCEE

Your move.

JACK

Ladies first.

[Arcee rolls her optics before leaping into a lightning-fast barrage of blows. Jack struggles to keep up but manages to hold his own. She continues to lecture him as they spar.]

ARCEE

Not bad. *huff* But it shows that you weren’t born in that body. *hagh!* Your reflexes are just a hair off—and sometimes a micron is all that separates life from death…*yah!*

You’re not invulnerable inside that metal shell.

JACK

(frustrated)

I’ve always known that, Arcee. *gah!* I saw what the Autobots went through to protect Earth. Now I don’t have to sit on the sidelines anymore.

[Jack starts fighting more aggressively, putting Arcee on the defense.]

ARCEE

But that’s why we fought so hard on Earth. To keep you out of it! *Hugh!* It wasn’t your fight.

JACK

Well, now it is. *gah!* Now humans are the ones roaming the galaxy causing chaos. I can’t just sit by and do nothing, and I’m not going to!

[Their battle grows more heated, more from worry on Arcee’s part. Determined to check his bravado, she pulls out all the stops. She launches a flurry of blows connecting with his solar plexus, ribs, and sternum. A bit overzealous, she accidentally lands a hit on his groin. Even the other sparrers pause and wince with secondhand pain as Jack sinks to the floor, clutching his codpiece.]

ARCEE

(embarrassed)

…Whoops…

MIKO

Wait…Is that STILL supposed to hurt…?

[Jack quietly moans in pain through his facemask as Arcee bends over him with remorse.]

ARCEE

Jack…? You okay…?

JACK

*groan* I’ve been better.

[She extends her hand and helps him to his feet.]

ARCEE

Come on, we can discuss this later. You at least deserve a break.

JACK

You’re telling me…

EXT. MACCADAM’S OLD OIL HOUSE – NIGHT

[Jack and Arcee approach a homely yet inviting looking bar establishment, contrasting with Iacon’s more pristine aesthetic (but then again, everything’s a bit rusty around the edges after the war). They tread past the bar where an old, rusty-looking bot is busy cleaning glasses.]

ARCEE

Hey, Mac. Two Viscoes.

MACCADAM

Comin’ right up, ‘Cee. On the house.[iv]

[They each mount barstools as Maccadam produces two mugs of viscous liquid and slides them over the counter to the pair.]

JACK

So, uh, I was hoping we could continue our “conversation”—maybe this time without the party fouls?

ARCEE

*chuckles* Don’t worry. Your bearings are safe here…

[Eager to change the subject, she looks out on the bar scene; sparse, save a few Autobot couples slow dancing to some music sung by a holographic lounge singer. She cocks her head to the dance floor.]

ARCEE (CONT’D)

Think you can walk and talk?

[She guides him out onto the floor where they join the procession and slowly glide to the melody.]

JACK

You know, I never would have dreamed we’d actually be dancing together like this…it’s…surreal…

ARCEE

It sure is…something…

JACK

I…I know how you must feel about me joining the fray. But I can’t say I haven’t dreamed of fighting by your side.

ARCEE

I’ve had enough partners to fight alongside, Jack. When you were human…it felt good having someone I could come home to. Someone I didn’t have to worry about…

(smirking)

…most of the time.

[They both chuckle a bit. After a while, Arcee rests her head on Jack’s shoulder.]

ARCEE

You’re one of the first of your kind…Please don’t be the last…

[They continue to dance in silence for a few moments before they hear an amused chortle…]

IRONHIDE

Hmm…cute…

[They both turn, just having noticed Ironhide sitting at the corner of the bar. He’s surrounded by empty or turned over glasses, indicating a long night of having drowned his sorrows.]

IRONHIDE (CONT’D)

…But a little…outside nature’s laws, don’t you think?

ARCEE

(through grit teeth)

Don’t. Go there.

[He raises his hands in a non-threatening gesture and turns back to his tankard of Energon Ale. Arcee and Jack briefly trade looks before Jack strides over to the haggard Autobot.]

JACK

I, uh, don’t think we’ve been properly introduced…

(extending his hand)

Agent Jackson Darby. It’s an honor…

[Ironhide barely acknowledges him, absently swirling his tankard.]

IRONHIDE

Ironhide. It’s an imposition. *swigs*

ARCEE

Alright, listen. Like it or not, Jack’s going to be working alongside us in the future. Is that going to be a problem?

IRONHIDE

Not at all. In fact, it’s all the better he earns his keep. If one of our finest died to save this freakshow, then he’d better make it worth the while…if he can…

JACK

I…heard about Prowl…I’m sorry for your loss. He sounded like a great soldier.

IRONHIDE

Twice the bot you’ll ever be.

[With that, Ironhide rises from his stool, tosses a few Energon chips on the counter and turns to leave the bar.]

ARCEE

You’ve got nothing to prove to him.

JACK

Yes, I do—to all of you. I can’t call myself an Autobot until I’ve helped shoulder your burdens…and so far, I’ve only been one.

[Arcee looks at Jack with a twinge of remorse. Before she can voice her concern—]

MACCADAM

Er, uh—pardon an old gossip for overhearing…

[They turn to see Maccadam peering at Jack with curiosity from behind the bar.]

MACCADAM (CONT’D)

…but it seems you’re no ordinary bot. Word is, you were once an organic being?

JACK

You heard right, mister…?

MACCADAM

Old-man Maccadam, at your service—as is my humble establishment. Doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from. If you can pay, you can stay.

JACK

Much appreciated. I’ll work on the “paying” part as soon as I’m cleared for duty…that is, if they think I’m worth the trouble…

MACCADAM

Don’t be so down, son. I can tell already you’ll be a credit to the cause, organic or none. Even some born-n-bred bots don’t amount to more than freeloaders these days, least not since the castes…

ARCEE

Oh, here we go…

MACCADAM

(nostalgic)

I’m just sayin’, we used to have a tradition! When we emerged as protoforms from the Allspark, we’d make a perilous journey through the Underworld to Cybertron’s surface. We’d emerge having already proved our mettle, knowing just who we were…

[On his last thought, Maccadam turns and looks at Jack, scratching his chin as though coaxing out an idea.]

MACCADAM

Maybe it’s time we brought it back?

ARCEE

I think you’ve had one too many, Mac. What are you saying?

MACCADAM

I’m proposing our friend here make the journey in reverse; a pilgrimage to the core of Cybertron. With the core revived, Primus is waking from his ages of slumber. If the great creator says he’s one of us, who would naysayers like old sourpuss be to argue?

ARCEE

As…tempting as I find that, it’s too dangerous. Cybertron’s interior hasn’t been fully re-secured. There’s no telling what’s down there.

MACCADAM

Well, the reason I bring it up is Ultra Magnus has dispatched a team to do just that. They came through here not too long ago. If you hurry maybe you can link up with ‘em and make the journey together.

ARCEE

…I don’t know…

JACK

Well, I can think of worse first outings.

ARCEE

And I can think of better. Decepticon booby-traps. Insecticon sentries. Nests of scraplets…

JACK

Nothing we haven’t faced together before, and I was human then.

[She lets out a frustrated sigh and turns away.]

JACK (CONT’D)

Come on, Arcee. This is too good of a chance to pass up.

[She looks into his eyes, seeing his thirst to prove himself.]

ARCEE

…I guess you’re right…

JACK

Alright then! We’re off to see the Wizard!

[Brimming with enthusiasm, Jack gulps down the last of his Viscoe and starts heading out the door. With a look of apprehension, Arcee follows.]

ARCEE

Thanks, Mac. We’ll be back…probably…

MACCADAM

Tell me how it goes!

[Once again, he goes back to polishing his glasses, this time with a knowing smile.]

EXT. WELL OF ALL SPARKS – MORNING

[A regiment of soldiers assembles in a plaza situated at the lip of the fabled Well of All Sparks. Many are Autobot Irregulars, displaying a range of color-schemes and modifications to their baseline armor. Others are Decepticon Troopers. Their former purple color schemes are either painted over with more Autobot-like reds or stripped off, leaving bare metal.

At their head stands Smokescreen[v], accompanied by Knockout.]

SMOKESCREEN

Alright, everyone, divide into squads. And mix it up a little. This is a joint mission between Autobots and former Decepticons.

[The order is met with a few sneers and scoffs from both sides, but none offer complaint as they comingle.]

KNOCKOUT

That’s right. Spread the love everybody! We’re all on the same team here!

[Jack and Arcee arrive on the scene, much to the latter’s chagrin.]

ARCEE

(groaning)

Oh, no…

[Smokescreen sees them approach and waves them over.]

SMOKESCREEN

Oh, hey, ‘Cee! Didn’t expect to see you here. Who’s your friend?

ARCEE

*sigh* Smokescreen, you know Jack.

SMOKESCREEN

Wait…? Did you say…?

JACK

Aw, Smokescreen! How’s it hummin, bro!

SMOKESCREEN

Jack?!

JACK

The one and only!

SMOKESCREEN

NO WAY! But…how…?!

[Arcee sputters as the bro-bots geek out.]

KNOCKOUT

Wait…Jack…? That sounds familiar…Wasn’t that the name of the human I almost—

[He pauses to see Jack giving him a seething glare.]

KNOCKOUT (CONT’D)

JACK! BUDDY! Loving the upgrades, old chum!

[He strides towards Jack with open arms, patting him on the back. Jack simply stands motionless and deadpan.]

KNOCKOUT

How long has it been since Earth?! Ah, good times, am I right?! *nervous laughter*

[Arcee manages to wedge herself between them.]

ARCEE

We can catch up later. Don’t we have a mission?

SMOKESCREEN

Quite right. We’ve been setting up garrisons at checkpoints all along the route down the Well. It’s been pretty quiet down there…so far.

ARCEE

(musing)

Let’s hope it stays that way.

Mind if we tag along? We’re making a pilgrimage to the core to see what Primus thinks of our ghost in the shell.

KNOCKOUT

The more the merrier!

SMOKESCREEN

(interjecting)

We’re not going quite so far as the core…But I suppose once our troops are stationed at the last checkpoint, Knockout and I can escort you the rest of the way.

ARCEE

(deadpan)

Hooray…Sounds like a double date.

KNOCKOUT

(winking)

Don’t give him any ideas. I go for the big ones…

SMOKESCREEN

(taking charge)

Alright, enough messing around, troops! Let’s form up and roll out!

[The troopers all comply, transforming into hovercars and alien jets. As they approach the lip, a series of metallic plates fold out of the Well’s wall, forming a long road spiraling down into its depths. Smokescreen and Knockout lead the caravan down the road, but Arcee lingers back, waiting for Jack to assume his vehicle mode.

He shifts in place, shaking out his extremities, not quite sure what to do.]

JACK

So, how is this supposed to work?

ARCEE

(hopeful)

You know, if you’re not feeling sure of yourself, we can always sit this one out and try again—

JACK

Wait, no, I think I got it—

[His body suddenly twists and folds itself into the shape of an Earth-based vehicon car.]

JACK

—Agh! Is it supposed to hurt like that?

ARCEE

(disappointed)

The first few times. You’ll get used to it…

[She transforms into a motorcycle and together they ride down into the depths of Cybertron after the convoy.]

INT. WELL OF ALL SPARKS

[The caravan spirals down the shaft of the Great Well for what seems like hours. Smokescreen pulls up beside Jack, engaging in some friendly conversation.]

SMOKESCREEN

So, have you decided on a name yet?

JACK

Pardon?

SMOKESCREEN

You know, a Cybertronian style name for your new persona. Like…Wheel-jack—! No, that one’s taken. Or maybe Jackhammer! Wait, wasn’t that the name of his ship?

JACK

I…haven’t given that much thought, actually.

ARCEE

He doesn’t need a new name, Smokescreen. We already know him as Jack. Don’t fix what aint broke.

SMOKESCREEN

Well, we at least need to do something about the whole “Decepticon” look—no offense.

KNOCKOUT

No, I’m with you. He’s in for a makeover when we get back. I can hook him up with a good Bodyshop…

[As they’re driving, a section of the road ahead of them fails to deploy.]

SMOKESCREEN

Hold up, everyone. There’s something wrong with the track.

[They all slow to a halt and transform back into robot mode. Smokescreen then paces to the edge of the track. It seems like the next section is repeatedly trying to deploy but grinding to a halt with each attempt. He puzzles over this malfunction, but from where we’re watching, it’s due to a body being caught up in the gears.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

Cybertron’s subsystems don’t just malfunction…Something’s not right here.

[A loud crash breaks the eerie silence. From behind them, a panel in the façade bursts out of place. From the exposed darkness, a swarm of shrieking Insecticons come pouring out like a dark cloud of smoke. They quickly pick off the airborne Decepticons and shower the road in a hail of blaster-fire.]

SMOKESCREEN

AMBUSH! DEFENSIVE FORMATIONS!

[The vehicons and autobots clump together and return fire on their assailants. They pick off a few, but their seemingly limitless attackers merely start divebombing them, plowing through their formation with frenzied abandon. Knockout half-heartedly shoots back, otherwise cowering behind other bots when the Insecticons draw near.

One of the Insecticons hovers in mid-air, having caught sight of Arcee. They both lock optics for a brief moment before the Insecticon makes a b-line for her, joined by a growing stampede of other Insecticons. Even those engaged with the other soldiers break away to converge on their new target. Daunted, Arcee transforms into vehicle mode and serpentines away from the gauntlet of attackers. Noticing this, Smokescreen calls out to Arcee:]

SMOKESCREEN

‘Cee! Lead ‘em away! The rest of us can shoot them in the back!

[Quickly catching on, Arcee races up the spiraling track. The rest of the soldiers turn their guns on the exposed flank of the swarm, finally managing to thin their numbers by a meaningful margin. Aware of this, the swarm begins to disperse, retreating into the depths of the well. Before joining the rest, a few individuals linger and destroy part of the track leading to the surface, cutting off their escape.

The cacophonic buzz of their wings ebbs away, leaving the remaining troopers in an eerie silence. Smokescreen paces through the aftermath, dead bodies littering the road.]

SMOKESCREEN

(haunted)

So many casualties…

[As he takes in the carnage, he begins noticing strange, sputtering lights ebbing away from the spark chambers of the fallen. They rise into the air in a scintillating display before diving down into the depths of the Well like an ethereal meteor shower.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

(solemn)

At least they don’t have far to go…

[Arcee motors back to their position, transforming back and pacing up to Jack.]

ARCEE

Alright, that’s it. You’re going back.

JACK

What?!

ARCEE

If it were anything else, Jack. But those weren’t sentries, it’s a full-blown swarm. And Airachnid’s leading them…I can feel it…

[Her voice takes on a grave tone of fear.]

JACK

Then we’ll take her on. Together.

ARCEE

Are your circuits fried?! Look what they did to our regiment!

JACK

Well, what makes me so special that I can go back, but they can’t?

KNOCKOUT

Who says we can’t? I’m with Arcee, let’s book it!

SMOKESCREEN

Now everybody just wait a minute!

[Heedless, Arcee and Jack continue their tiff.]

ARCEE

(pacing away)

This isn’t a discussion. You’re going home. Now.

JACK

UNGH! It’s like I’m still a kid to you! I’m a soldier now. I knew the risks when I—!

ARCEE

(reeling back)

Don’t you DARE finish that—! I’ve had that sorry platitude fed to me enough times to make me SICK!

(voice cracking)

I’m tired of hearing it every time they don’t come back…

SMOKESCREEN

Guys, pull it together!

[Again, they barely acknowledge him. The other soldiers watch in awkward silence as emotions throb higher.]

JACK

Gee, sounds about as old as “They too serve who stand and—”

ARCEE

I’m not letting you throw your life away!

JACK

“Not LETTING me”?!

SMOKESCREEN

(bellowing)

GUYS!

[They’re both lurched back to reality.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

Ultra Magnus put me in charge of this mission and I’m going to see it through! If your little lovers’ quarrel is going to get in the way, then you can both stay behind and get couple’s therapy from the Insecticons! Got it?!

[They both sheepishly avert their gaze. Smokescreen points to the blown-out track before continuing to chew them out.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

In case you haven’t noticed, none of us is going back, at least not in vehicle mode…

[He then turns his attention to the passages through which the Insecticon swarm emerged.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

We need to move into the planet’s interior.

KNOCKOUT

(panicking)

What?!

SMOKESCREEN

And we’re not headed back either. It’s too far to the surface to walk back without getting ambushed again. We need to make our way to the next outpost and call for reinforcements.

[Knockout tries to babble back in protest, but Smokescreen cuts him off, marching to the head of their formation.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

As long as we stick together and keep our heads down, we’ll make it through this. Now let’s move out!

[The soldiers all fall into formation behind him and tentatively follow into the dark recesses. Knockout just barely plucks up the courage to join them while Jack and Arcee wordlessly pace along behind.

As the camera pans away from the carnage, we see a lone Insecticon scout clinging to the struts beneath the roadway, having eavesdropped on their whole exchange. Its mandibles titter with amusement.]

INT. THE UNDERWORLD

[Hours later, the procession is still marching through the catacomb-like depths of Cybertron’s underworld, all on high alert. Arcee and Jack walk beside each other with sullen expressions. They each make an attempt to speak to the other, but fall silent, thinking it best to forge onward.

Knockout especially is on edge, flinching at every noise or shadow. He never strays far from Smokescreen’s arm.]

KNOCKOUT

(nervous)

So, uh…way to take charge back there, generalissimo!

SMOKESCREEN

Don’t think I didn’t notice that sorry display you put on. Care to explain yourself?

KNOCKOUT

(taken aback)

Wha—?! What was I supposed to do against Insecticons?! Chip their finish? Insult their taste in color palettes?

SMOKESCREEN

The same any soldier would do. You’re an Autobot now. We don’t delegate and run. We fight alongside the rank-and-file.

KNOCKOUT

Hey, I’ve done my share of derring-do before, but I know suicide when I see it!

SMOKESCREEN

Well, that’s part of being an Autobot too, moving forward even when you don’t see a way out.

KNOCKOUT

You’re just still mad about the time I trapped you in a bulkhead, aren’t you?

SMOKESCREEN

*sigh* Come on, Knockout. This has to be more than “joining the winning team” to you. There had to have been some bot you cared about as much as yourself.

KNOCKOUT

(solemn)

… … …There was one…once…

[They continue on in silence until a static crackle resounds in Smokescreen’s earpiece.]

SMOKESCREEN

We’re almost in comms-range of the outpost.

(clicking his earpiece)

Outpost Eight, do you read?

[No response. Smokescreen manifests his blasters and hastens to a double-time march.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

Let’s pick up the pace.

[They all draw their weapons and follow suit.]

INT. OUTPOST EIGHT

[They arrive outside the doors of a large depot with clear signs of a battle having taken place. There are smoking scorch marks and streaks of spilled Energon everywhere. Smokescreen motions for his troops to advance, seeking tactical cover wherever possible.

The blast doors are partially ajar, wherein they file into the base, their weapons trained on the darkness. Their only illumination comes from the flickering data screens of the command center and the showers of sparks from damaged power cables.]

KNOCKOUT

Hmm. Signs of carnage everywhere…but no bodies…

[He types some commands into a data terminal and the shutter windows open with a view into the well. The outpost is clamped to the façade of the well, overhanging the spiraling road.]

VEHICON SOLDIER

Captain! There’s movement outside our perimeter.

[Smokescreen approaches the pair of soldiers left to guard the door and looks out into the dark tunnel leading into the depot. He can hear an assortment of muted clicks and shuffles in the distance.]

SMOKESCREEN

Flare!

[A nearby soldier complies and launches a flare into the gaping darkness. It briefly illuminates a throng of stealthily encroaching Insecticons before blinking out again in the choking blackness.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

Get this door sealed!

[He ducks back into the base, the doors closing behind him. A pair of troopers scramble to weld the seams shut. The rest of the soldiers form up on the door, brandishing their Energon blasters. For a few moments, all is silent…but then a thundering, rhythmic pounding echoes from the blast-doors. From outside they hear the braying, howling cries of the Insecticons, chanting for their spilled Energon.

Grim-faced, they all watch and wait as dents appear in the door’s surface.]

SMOKESCREEN (CONT’D)

No matter what comes through that door, we stand together! Autobot. Decepticon. We all stand united for the fate of Cybertron!

[Knockout, at first unsure, does his best to put on a brave face and brandish his weapons. Jack and Arcee each only brandish one, leaving their other hands free to clasp one another’s, squeezing tight. They all stand and brace themselves as the metal doors shake and groan. The pounding grows louder and more frenzied, like that on drums…drums in the deep…]

TO BE CONTINUED…

[i] After the end of the war and the departure of Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus established Cybertron High Command. It is a military body designed to oversee the restoration of Cybertron and the institution of a new meritocracy to replace the old caste system. It is composed of Cybertron’s highest-ranking military leaders and Elite Guard alongside various representatives from newly established civilian “guilds”. Cybertron’s citizens are now offered a choice of vocation, and the opportunity to rise through the ranks based on their skill and experience.

[ii] He has now traded his Decepticon sigil for an Autobot brand. Appropriately his eyes glow blue to match his new alignment.

[iii] He now wields his own hammer as opposed to the forge of Solus Prime (which clashed with his aesthetics, quite frankly).

[iv] For Maccadam’s voice I’m thinking of someone like John Goodman or Jim cummings.

[v] Reverted back to his old color scheme. I don’t know about you, but the whole Yellow and Blue thing was just…ugly…