The Transformers: Regeneration One (Season Three)

[VintageToonFan]

Introduction coming soon.

The list for this season:

Tortured Souls
Hypnotic Energon
The Revenge of Thunderhoof
Logical Comeback
Back in Action
Thunder Clash
Masters and Students
Nautica
For Your Battlechargin' Entertainment
Regret, Part 1
Regret, Part 2
Regret, Part 3
Regret, Part 4
Regret, Part 5
Explosive Deals
Judgement Day, Part 1
Judgement Day, Part 2
Desperate Measures

Now sit back and enjoy the the third season of The Transformers: Regeneration One.

NOTE: All characters belong to Hasbro and TakaraTomy.

For people who are just starting to read, here's the previous seasons:

The Transformers: Regeneration One (Season One)

Hey there, guys. I decided to share some of the scripts I written for a fanfic. The title comes from an IDW Transformers limited series that was basically trying to revive the old Marvel Comics story of the Transformers, but this will be a whole new clean slate. Of course, because I imagine...

animesuperhero.com

The Transformers: Regeneration One (Season Two)

Welcome to another season of Regeneration One. This season is fascinating to look back at, because unlike the first season, the tone is much darker and the characters start dealing with personal struggles and insecurities. The previous season was more of a "getting the hang of it" affair, and...

animesuperhero.com

---

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Tortured Souls”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Arcee - Sue Blu
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Smokescreen - Jack Angel
Drift - Pete Renaday
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Strongarm - B.J. Ward
Hosehead - Mason Adams
Rev - Mark L. Taylor
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell

DECEPTICONS:
Starscream - Christopher Collins
Knock Out - Michael Rye
Quake - Desi Arnaz, Jr.

HUMANS:
Circuit Breaker - Samantha Newark
Inspector Shayne - Lance LeGault
Debbie Shayne - Arlene Banas

OTHERS:
Tarantulas - Andre Stojka

ACT ONE

FADE IN

AUTOBOT BASE – REPAIR BAY

We see RODIMUS on a medical berth. He’s delirious and completely shattered.

RODIMUS
(yelling with despair)
NOOOO!!!! NIGHTBEAT!!! WHY DID THEY DO THIS???!!!! WHYYYYYYY????!!!!!!!!!

ARCEE is looking at the ‘bot she loves the most in a delirious rage, and breaks up. BREAKAWAY comes in with a sad expression on his face.

BREAKAWAY
(with a sad tone)
I just got Minerva’s notes. Rodimus is now suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Whatever the Quints did to him, must have broken him psychologically. There’s no cure for this… however, we can help Rodimus learn to live with it. It may be another burden for him, but he has to do this.

ARCEE
(crying)
I hope so, Breakaway… I’ll do anything to help him…

Then, MINERVA comes in. She looks blurry eyed from crying so much. She hasn’t slept for days due to being busy trying to put NIGHTBEAT back together and trying to constantly check in on RODIMUS.

ARCEE
(concerned)
How’s Nightbeat, Minerva???

MINERVA
(sobbing)
I dunno… I tried to wake him up… but he just doesn’t respond to anything… What if he dies thanks to the fact that I couldn’t save him???

ARCEE puts her hand on MINERVA’S shoulder. MINERVA breaks up and hugs ARCEE. ARCEE hugs her back and comforts her.

ARCEE
(comforting MINERVA)
Easy there, Minerva… I know you’ll succeed in the end…

MINERVA
(crying)
I really doubt it…

MINERVA breaks up even more. ARCEE and BREAKAWAY look at each other with sad expressions. It pains them to see the light and hope slowly fading away from MINERVA as each day passes. Meanwhile, at the Decepticon ship, STARSCREAM and QUAKE are having a strategic conversation.

STARSCREAM
What are you worrying about, Quake???!!! Those Autobots are completely demoralized!!!!

QUAKE
(doubtfully)
Si… but sooner or later they’ll manage to overcome their grief…

STARSCREAM
Don’t be so sure about that. Without Nightbeat and Rodimus leading them, they’re totally useless!!! Their emotions are eating them up from the inside!!!! Besides, when I receive the location of the new Pulverizer Cannon, they’ll be doomed!!! Especially when we power the Cannon with the Energon we created by mixing the standard Energon with the new Energon X the drones took from Asteroid X.

QUAKE
Well, I still say we must destroy the Autobots before they try anythin’!!! I’m going to seek out an old amigo of mine… in the sewers!!!

QUAKE goes out. Meanwhile, at the abandoned monastery, we see HOSEHEAD, DAYTONUS, REV, SIDE BURN and CIRCUIT BREAKER listening to the words their master, DRIFT.

DRIFT
(with warmth)
My wards. We must help our fellow Autobots. Their pain is increasing and their confidence is at a critical low.

DAYTONUS
(confidently)
Eyyyyyy, don’t worry, Master Drift. We’ll help our dudes out!!!

DRIFT
Remember, Daytonus… the sparks of our allies are in pain thanks to the damage the Quintessons did to our leaders. You must demonstrate to them that they can still fight back, no matter how bad the odds are!!!

DAYTONUS and his fellow recruits bow their heads. Meanwhile, in the sewers, we see robotic spiders crawling all around the place. The atmosphere is quite unsettling. Then, we see QUAKE talking to a strange shadowy figure, concealed within a fedora and a long trenchcoat. The figure’s eyes glow green.

QUAKE
All these armas are yours, if you’ll do as I ask!!!!

TARANTULAS
(angrily)
This hardware would make me master of the sewers, but not master of the city above!!!!

QUAKE
(smirking)
That can be arranged… we’ve been working on a new type of Energon… it can make your pets invincible!!!!

TARANTULAS
THEN I WANT IT!!!!

QUAKE
All in good time… first, complete this task!!!

TARANTULAS
Those Autobots will pay dearly for foiling my plans back at New Orleans!!! It will be a pleasure to put them out of the way!!!! NYEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH!!!!!!!

FADE IN TO

PORTLAND POLICE STATION – TRAINING FACILITY

We see Inspector WILLIAM J. SHAYNE watching as his daughter DEBBIE trains alongside STRONGARM. They’re shooting down some targets.

SHAYNE
Okay, girls… time to rest…

The two girls put their weapons back in their holsters. SHAYNE comes in and compliments them.

SHAYNE
(warmly)
Debbie, Strongarm… you girls have made me proud once again. Ever since you started training together, you’ve improved a lot.

DEBBIE
Gosh, thanks Dad!!!

STRONGARM
Well, it’s always great working with Debbie…

SHAYNE
You’ll make a great team someday, girls.

STRONGARM
Thanks, Inspector.

DEBBIE
Thanks, dad!!!

DEBBIE hugs SHAYNE. Then, STRONGARM and DEBBIE walk out. STRONGARM transforms into vehicle mode.

SHAYNE
Be careful out there, girls!!!

DEBBIE
(entering STRONGARM’S vehicle mode)
Don’t worry, dad. We’ll take good care of ourselves.

STRONGARM drives off while SHAYNE and DEBBIE wave goodbye to each other.

STRONGARM
Say, Debbie!!! How about we go to the arcade center???!!!!

DEBBIE
That sounds fantastic!!!! Let’s go!!!!

STRONGARM heads for the arcade center but she suddenly stops.

STRONGARM
(shocked)
WHOA!!!! Look!!!!!

DEBBIE looks out and sees the strange spider-like creatures we saw before. These are the Arachnoids, and they are TARANTULAS’ pet drones.

DEBBIE
Whoa… strange lookin’ creepos!!!!

STRONGARM
Yeah, I’d better contact the others.

Back at the base, ARCEE, MINERVA and SMOKESCREEN are waiting for something to happen while also being concerned about their disabled leading figures. Suddenly, STRONGARM appears on the monitor.

STRONGARM
(through intercom)
Guys!!!

SMOKESCREEN
What is it, Strongarm???

STRONGARM
(through intercom)
Something very, very strange. There are some creepy spider-like creatures heading towards the sewers. I dunno why, but there’s something very suspicious about all this.

ARCEE and MINERVA look at each other with concern. Is it him again??? In Portland??? Impossible!!! But they’ll find out the answer soon enough.

SMOKESCREEN
We’ll be right there, Strongarm!!!!

ARCEE
(with an inspirational yet shaky tone)
Okay, ‘bots!!!! Let’s go!!!!!
(to herself, filled with doubts)
I just hope we don’t fail this time…

ARCEE, MINERVA and SMOKESCREEN transform and head towards the sewers. We see STRONGARM and DEBBIE waiting for them. They arrive and transform to robot mode.

DEBBIE
(pointing towards the sewer entrance)
They went in there!!!

ARCEE
Then we’ll have to find out where they’re going.

MINERVA
Sheesh… this place smells horrible!!!!

DEBBIE
Of course it does, Minnie!!!! It’s a sewer!!!

SMOKESCREEN
Geez, now I know how a petro-rat feels!!!

They enter the sewer. The place feels unsettling because of how quiet it is, other than the sound of water flowing around the sewer and the Arachnoids walking onwards.

STRONGARM
Gosh… I know it’s just a sewer, but I can’t help but feel freaked out by all this spooky scenery.

DEBBIE
(pointing towards a light)
Look!!!

In the light we see a shadowy figure running towards a room.

ARCEE
Seems like we found our suspect!!!! C’mon!!!!!

ARCEE leads the Autobots through the sewer into the room where the creepy creature entered. When they enter, they see that the room is empty.

MINERVA
It’s… empty…

STRONGARM
Not quite… look!!!!!

Then, they see Arachnoids all around the room.

SMOKESCREEN
YOW!!!! Looks like we got a serious spider problem!!!!

Suddenly, a wall explodes into pieces and then, the creepy figure comes out of the shadows and we finally get our first look of TARANTULAS after the New Orleans incident. We see that the trenchcoat and fedora he’s using are to conceal the damage he received thanks to SWAMP CHOMP chewing him up!!! We see that some of his spider legs have been torn apart and his left shoulder pad is totally wrecked. We also see that half of his face is disfigured. TARANTULAS is now completely angry.

TARANTULAS
(furiously)
Alright, Autobots!!! Prepare to face the wrath of Tarantulas!!!!!

He then starts firing at the Autobots with the Decepticon weapons provided by QUAKE.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

THE SEWERS – ABANDONED ROOM

We see TARANTULAS approaching the Autobots while firing his blaster.

TARANTULAS
(furious)
This is it, Autobots!!!! I’m going to flush you out!!!!

STRONGARM looks at TARANTULAS with shock.

STRONGARM
(shocked)
Didn’t you tell me he was just a scruffy, lovesick, cackling and whacked out weirdo???!!!

ARCEE
Yeah, only now he’s a lot less scruffy and much angrier!!!

MINERVA
And a lot better armed!!!!

MINERVA grabs STRONGARM and ARCEE and pushes them down before a blast goes off near them.

ARCEE
He’s gonna wreck the place!!!

SMOKESCREEN
Then let’s show ‘im the door!!!!!

The Autobots jump TARANTULAS and throw him into the murky water. TARANTULAS then takes a bomb from inside his trenchcoat.

TARANTULAS
(taking the bomb)
You stupid Autobots won’t stop me!!!! Try this!!!!

TARANTULAS throws the bomb. The Autobots run around before it goes off. After the explosion, we see MINERVA and DEBBIE hanging on a pipe.

MINERVA
(terrified)
I think I liked that jerk better when he was playin’ with his bug boys!!!!

Then, two Arachnoids come in and start chewing the pipe.

MINERVA
(looking at the Arachnoids)
Or… maybe not!!!!

MINERVA and DEBBIE fall down. Meanwhile, ARCEE draws her sword.

ARCEE
This has gone far enough, bugface!!!

TARANTULAS
It will never end!!!! We spiders thrive on chaos and destruction!!!!

ARCEE and TARANTULAS are clashing violently until ARCEE falls down into the water.

TARANTULAS
THERE’S NO PLACE IN THIS WORLD FOR MISERABLE WEAKLINGS LIKE YOU!!!!

TARANTULAS presses a button on his sword and the blade heads for ARCEE. ARCEE evades it, but the blade ricochets around until it goes off near SMOKESCREEN and STRONGARM. A large amount of water is flowing out and starts flushing the Autobots and DEBBIE out!!!!

DEBBIE, ARCEE, STRONGARM, MINERVA, SMOKESCREEN
(in unison)
YOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

DEBBIE
(struggling to swim through the flow of water)
Hang on, guys!!! This is gonna be one wild ride!!!!!

TARANTULAS
YES!!!! So much for them!!!! Now, to collect my reward and become master of the city!!!

The Autobots then hold onto a rope that comes down from a sewer grate. They go up through the grate and they see DAYTONUS holding the rope.

MINERVA
Thanks, Daytonus.

DAYTONUS
Ey, no problem, Minnie!!! Ev’rythin’s under control!!!!

SMOKESCREEN
This doesn’t make sense!!! How could we be beaten by a major loon like Tarantulas???!!!!

STRONGARM
Guys… maybe we’re losing our touch!!!

ARCEE
And if we can’t cut it as heroes without Rodimus and Nightbeat, then we’re a bigger threat than the ones we’re facing.

DAYTONUS
(trying to cheer up the team)
So ya got caught wit’ yer metal down… you still have da juice!!!

MINERVA
(disappointed)
Well, I find that hard to believe… considering we just got stomped by a guy who thinks he’s a spider!!!!

DAYTONUS
Man, what a buncha bring-downs!!! Me and my buddies will prove ta ya dat we can still push forward… you’ll see… we still have it!!!!

FADE IN TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – BRIEFING ROOM

We see STARSCREAM and QUAKE having a disagreement. STARSCREAM is furious by the fact that QUAKE has made an alliance with TARANTULAS.

STARSCREAM
(furious)
I CAN’T TURN MY BACK ON YOU FOR A SECOND, QUAKE!!!! HOW COULD YOU GIVE OUR VALUABLE WEAPONRY TO A LUNATIC LIKE TARANTULAS????!!!!!

QUAKE
He’s changed… he’ll take care of the Auto-vatos alright!!!

Suddenly, KNOCK OUT appears on the computer monitor.

KNOCK OUT
Yo, Screamer… I think we found the location of your trinket!!!

STARSCREAM
(rubbing his hands with glee)
Excellent!!!

KNOCK OUT
Uhhhh… not so excellent… it’s inside the Westmore Research Center!!!

QUAKE
That place is like a Fortaleza!!! We tried to storm it once and couldn’t put a dent in it!!!

STARSCREAM
(upset)
I MUST GET THAT PULVERIZER CANNON!!!!

Then, TARANTULAS comes in.

TARANTULAS
The Autobots are out of the way, Quake!!! Now, give me the reward you promised!!!!

STARSCREAM
(raising an eyebrow at QUAKE)
Quake??? A reward???

QUAKE
(nervously)
The… uh… new… ummm… Energon mix, but…
(an idea comes to mind)
Jefe gritón!!!! THAT’S IT!!!! We can’t get inside that research facility, but these araña drones can chew through anythin’!!!!

STARSCREAM
Especially if they get a boost from our Super Energon!!!
(to TARANTULAS)
You, Predacon!!!! Give me six of your sturdiest drones!!!
(to QUAKE)
Quake!!! Prepare the Energon!!!! We will commence the procedure at once!!!!

Sometime later, STARSCREAM and QUAKE arrive at the research center along with TARANTULAS.

STARSCREAM
The experiment was an even greater success than I’d hoped!!!!

Then, we see DAYTONUS, HOSEHEAD, REV, SIDE BURN and CIRCUIT BREAKER looking at them.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Here they come!!!

TARANTULAS
(with an authoritative tone)
Come, my pets!!!!

Then, we see giant Arachnoids come into the scene.

SIDE BURN
WHOA!!!! Giant spider ‘bots!!!!

QUAKE
(noticing the five young recruits)
The Auto-vatos!!!!

TARANTULAS
(to his arachnoids)
DESTROY THEM, MY BEAUTIES!!!!

Then, the giant Arachnoids charge towards the five brave warriors.

REV
(desperate)
Oh, man!!! How come there’s never an exterminator around when ya need one!!!!

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

WESTMORE RESEARCH FACILITY – OUTSIDE

We see the five recruits facing some of the giant Arachnoids. They jump on them and try to hold them back.

HOSEHEAD
Gosh, this ain’t workin’!!! They’re too big for us to stop!!!!

Meanwhile, the rest of the Arachnoids go and chew on the facility’s defenses. We see two guards inside taking care of the cannon. Then, the Arachnoids come in.

QUAKE
(authoritatively)
Clear out of here!!! TODOS USTEDES!!!!

The guards run out in fear from the Decepticons. We see that TARANTULAS heads towards the weapon and takes it.

STARSCREAM
There it is, Quake!!! The Pulverizer Cannon!!! With it, we shall bring this world to its knees!!!! And after that, we--!!!

TARANTULAS
(holding the weapon)
YOU PATHETIC FOOLS!!!!

STARSCREAM
(with shock)
WHADDYA THINK YER DOIN’!!!! THAT’S MY WEAPON!!!!

TARANTULAS
Not anymore!!!

He fires the weapon and he almost hits the Decepticons.

TARANTULAS
You thought I was just some spider obsessed crackpot you could use to your own advantage!!! But now, my Arachnoids and I will rid the city of you vermin AND TAKE OVER!!!!

STARSCREAM
(with frustration)
QUAKE!!! HOW COULD YOU HAVE MADE AN ALLIANCE WITH THAT MANIAC???!!!!

Suddenly, another blast goes off and the two Decepticons run off.

QUAKE
(desperately)
RETIRADA!!!!

TARANTULAS runs off to the city in order to test the cannon. Meanwhile, the Autobots are getting the upper hand now thanks to CIRCUIT BREAKER’S ability, which disables the Arachnoids instantly.

SIDE BURN
Awesome job, Josie!!!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Yeah, never knew I had it in me!!!!

DAYTONUS
C’mon!!! We gotta find da spider-creepo!!!

They run to find TARANTULAS. Meanwhile, TARANTULAS is walking around the city.

TARANTULAS
Now, to find out how powerful this device really is!!!!

He fires the cannon at a nearby building. The building is blown to smithereens.

TARANTULAS
NYEHEHEHEHEHEH!!!! There’s nothing it can’t shatter!!!!

He then starts destroying some apartment buildings with the cannon. He then heads to an insecticide manufacturing plant.

TARANTULAS
Insecticide!!! Yes, this is perfect!!!! For centuries, the humans have tried to destroy us!!! But we spiders are survivors, and now the tables have turned!!! I’ll unleash this insecticide and rid the city of humans!!!!

The young recruits come in.

SIDE BURN
(with shock)
He’s gonna exterminate the whole city!!!!

HOSEHEAD
And we’ll never stop him as long as he has that force ray!!!

DAYTONUS
Remember Master Drift’s teaching, all dat matters is doin’ your best.

DAYTONUS turns around and sees an armored truck nearby.

DAYTONUS
And I’ve got an idea. Josie, head for dat truck while we distract him!!!

The Autobots head towards TARANTULAS while CIRCUIT BREAKER goes to drive the truck.

TARANTULAS
NOW, WE SPIDERS WILL RULE!!!!

REV and HOSEHEAD come in and stand defiantly in front of TARANTULAS.

REV
Not so fast, insect-brain!!!!

TARANTULAS
(angrily)
You meddling Autobots!!!!

He fires the cannon at HOSEHEAD and REV, but they jump out of the way.

TARANTULAS
(getting angrier)
Don’t you ever give up????!!!!! UUUUHHHH!!!!

DAYTONUS swings around and hits TARANTULAS, causing him to fall.

DAYTONUS
Never, dude!!!!

SIDE BURN comes in, taunting TARANTULAS.

SIDE BURN
You’re the one who’s finished bug-breath!!!!

Suddenly, CIRCUIT BREAKER’S voice is heard off-screen.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(taunting playfully)
Oh, spider-face!!!! Look out behind ya!!!!

Then, the armored truck comes in at top speed. TARANTULAS tries to blast it, but it only manages to tear out the window guard. We see CIRCUIT BREAKER driving it and she winks and smiles at TARANTULAS.

TARANTULAS
Huh??? No!!!! NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

SIDE BURN
(jumping on TARANTULAS)
YES!!!

TARANTULAS drops the cannon and it falls to the street. The other Autobots grab him and hold him to the ground. CIRCUIT BREAKER jumps out of the truck and it falls on top of the cannon, causing both to explode.

TARANTULAS
(to us)
I take back what I said about the previous writer, this one is much worse!!!!

SIDE BURN
(tying TARANTULAS up)
Not even your spider friends will be able to chew through this, Tarantulas.

REV
(grabbing TARANTULAS and carrying him)
Plus, we got a special place for ya at the Intergalactic Prison.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Oh, yeah!!! And by the way, spiders don’t rule!!! ‘Bots rule!!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER, DAYTONUS, REV, SIDE BURN, HOSEHEAD
(in unison)
GO ‘BOT MACHINE!!!!!

The five young warriors merrily run back to the base in order to send TARANTULAS to the Intergalactic Prison.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Hypnotic Energon”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Arcee - Sue Blu
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Strongarm - B.J. Ward

DECEPTICONS:
Starscream - Christopher Collins
Thunderhoof - Michael Rye
Knock Out - Michael Rye

HUMANS:
Daniel Witwicky - Dick Beals
Gunter - Michael Bell
Inspector Shayne - Lance LeGault
Debbie Shayne - Arlene Banas
Stickstein - Peter Leeds

SONGS

Cuban Pete (Mask version) (http://tfregenerationone.weebly.com/uploads/6/3/4/4/63446209/cuban_pete__alternate_.mp3)

Singers: Knock Out and Strongarm

Good Mornin’ (http://tfregenerationone.weebly.com/uploads/6/3/4/4/63446209/good_morning.mp3)

Singers: Knock Out, Starscream and Strongarm

NOTES

Officer Stickstein is a character created by Pete.

ACT ONE

FADE IN

THE DESERT

We see KNOCK OUT driving around the desert. He’s grumbling about STARSCREAM not paying him ever since he took over leadership of the Decepticons.

KNOCK OUT
(grumbling)
Stinkin’ Starscream!!!!! He thinks he’s so big!!!! That big dweeb hasn’t paid me since... forever!!!! I’ll make him regret that!!!!

Suddenly, KNOCK OUT comes across a mine.

KNOCK OUT
Hello... what have we here????

He then transforms to robot mode and enters the mine. He finds some strange looking crystals and puts it on the analyzer.

KNOCK OUT
Hmmmmm…. These crystals are actually Energon… and yet…

He then takes a piece of a crystal and swallows it. He then looks at a rabbit nearby and moves his hands as if he was hypnotizing it. The rabbit then bows down to KNOCK OUT.

KNOCK OUT
(smirking)
Oh, yeah… I’ll teach that shriekin’ goon one thing or two about not paying me…

FADE IN TO

THE DESERT – MONASTERY

We see STRONGARM talking with DANIEL WITWICKY through intercom as we see DANIEL on the screen with DAYTONUS and BREAKAWAY.

STRONGARM
So, how’re things going with your camping trip???

DANIEL
Oh, really swell, except for a few things…

DAYTONUS
Yeah, Side Burn accidentally slapped Master Drift wit’ a fishin’ rod…

BREAKAWAY
…And Rev started arguing with a squirrel.

STRONGARM giggles at these remarks.

STRONGARM
Heheheh, that’s funny… anyway, I hope you have a great time there.

DANIEL
We are, Strongarm!!! I wish we could talk some more, but we must get going… talk to ya later…

STRONGARM
Have fun!!!

When the transmission ends, STRONGARM’S smile turns into a frown. She’s thinking about something… about KNOCK OUT!!! Ever since LUCY’S birthday party, she has felt a strange attraction for the snobbish Decepticon Maintenance Supervisor. We see a human, coming in. It’s Brother GUNTER. He is a warm, calm and merry person. He notices STRONGARM’S sadness and looks at her with a curious smile. He talks with a Swiss accent.

GUNTER
Is ZERE SOMEZING VRONG, friend Strongarm???

STRONGARM
Oh, no, Brother Gunter… I was just… daydreaming, y’know… I just have been thinking a whole lot lately…

GUNTER
VELL, if you need any help… I could be of assistance… ZERE are times when even ZE most lawful people have problems about making decisions…

STRONGARM
Thanks, Brother Gunter… I’ll take it into consideration… but for now… I think I want to try to solve it by myself…

Brother GUNTER nods warmly at STRONGARM, who has just started rolling and wrapping a pretzel.

FADE IN TO

THE AUTOBOT BASE - RODIMUS’ BERTH

We see RODIMUS chained to his berth. He had another mental breakdown recently, but now, he seems to have calmed down a bit… although we can still see pain and fear drawn into his face. MINERVA is looking over him.

MINERVA
Rodimus???

RODIMUS
(with a sad tone)
Minerva… why is life so cruel???

MINERVA
(with a sad tone)
I just… I… I dunno… I’m sorry… I just don’t know what to think anymore…

RODIMUS looks at her with sadness. He then caresses her face. MINERVA looks at him as he caresses her and smiles warmly.

RODIMUS
Promise me that… no matter how bad the situation is… no matter the odds… you’ll never give yourself up… I almost gave myself up… and now… seems like I’m about to give myself up for real… unless something changes my mind…

MINERVA
(breaking up)
Rodimus… I… I promise… I won’t let you down… as long as you keep fightin’…

RODIMUS
I’ll… I’ll try…

RODIMUS warmly holds MINERVA’S hand and wipes her tears.

RODIMUS
You’ve grown up so much ever since I first saw you… I’m proud of you…

MINERVA smiles sweetly at RODIMUS.

FADE IN TO

THE PORTLAND POLICE STATION – SHAYNE’S OFFICE

We see Inspector WILLIAM J. SHAYNE receiving a report about a Decepticon being sighted. He then calls in his daughter DEBBIE.

DEBBIE
(chewing bubble gum)
You called, dad???

SHAYNE
Yes, Debbie. We received reports that Knock Out has been seen around the vicinity, call Strongarm and get a squad ready.

DEBBIE
Roger that.

CUT TO

THE MONASTERY – MAIN CHAMBER

Brother GUNTER looks at STRONGARM finishing up wrapping her pretzel. Then, just as she finishes, her communicator rings.

STRONGARM
(answering her communicator)
Yes???

DEBBIE
(through intercom)
Hey, partner. Knock Out has been sighted running loose around the city. We must get him.

STRONGARM
(nervously)
Uhhh… sure… okay… cool... I’ll be there…

STRONGARM was blushing. She tries her best to stay in control. She then goes out of the monastery.

STRONGARM
I have to go, Brother Gunter. Take good care of the place.

GUNTER
I VILL, friend Strongarm.

STRONGARM smiles at Brother GUNTER and transforms to vehicle mode, heading out to aid the Portland Police.

FADE IN TO

PORTLAND – THE PARK

KNOCK OUT dresses up as a Cuban musician. He is being pursued by DEBBIE and her partner STICKSTEIN. He evades them and forces them to crash into a gate of the park. He then looks back with a grin before turning around and jumping through a building wall which led to an alley. DEBBIE and STICKSTEIN look at this. STICKSTEIN talks with a very slow, dumb sounding voice.

STICKSTEIN
So… um… what do we do now???

DEBBIE
(after blowing a bubble gum)
We climb through the wall…

KNOCK OUT then runs a little bit further and sees that he’s surrounded!!!

STRONGARM
(trying her best to stay in control of herself)
Hold it right there!!! You’re… you’re under arrest!!!!

KNOCK OUT just grins at this. And then he jumps gracefully.

KNOCK OUT
HIT IT!!!!

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

PORTLAND – THE ALLEY

KNOCK OUT jumps gracefully as he gives an order.

KNOCK OUT
HIT IT!!!

Lights go on and we hear “Cuban Pete” playing. KNOCK OUT starts dancing around as the music plays. He’s also playing the maracas. Suddenly, the police officers surrounding him start shaking their shoulders to the music.

KNOCK OUT
(singing)
They call me Cuban Pete!!!
I’m the king of the rumba beat!!!
When I play the maracas I go chick-chicky-boom
Chick-chicky-boom!!!

Some police officers shake their hips when KNOCK OUT sings “chick-chicky-boom”.

KNOCK OUT
(singing)
Yes, sir, I’m Cuban Pete!!!
I’m the craze of my native street!!!
When I start to dance everything goes chick-chicky-boom
Chick-chicky-boom!!!

KNOCK OUT tosses the maracas aside and dances around while looking at us.

KNOCK OUT
(singing)
The señoritas they sing
And how they swing with the rumbero!!!
It’s very nice!!!
So full of spice!!!
And when they dance and they bring a happy ring of maraquero’!!!!
Singing a song!!!!
All the day long!!!

KNOCK OUT then springs around and lands in front of STRONGARM.
KNOCK OUT
(singing)
So if you like the beat!!!
Take a lesson from Cuban Pete!!!
And I’ll teach you to chick-chicky-boom
Chick-chicky-boom
Chick-chicky-boom!!!

KNOCK OUT sprinkles STRONGARM with the Hypnotic Energon. STRONGARM is now under his control.

STRONGARM
(singing)
He’s a really modest guy!!!
Although he’s the hottest guy…
In Habana!!!
In Habana!!!

KNOCK OUT then grabs STRONGARM and starts dancing with her.

KNOCK OUT
(singing and dancing)
Si, señorita!!!
I know that you would like the chicky-boom-chick!!!
It’s very nice!!!!
So full of spice!!!

DEBBIE finally manages to get on top of the wall and grabs STICKSTEIN in order for him to climb. STICKSTEIN then looks at all the cops dancing and celebrating with KNOCK OUT.

KNOCK OUT
(singing)
I place my hand on your hip and if you will just give me your hand
Then we shall try, just you and I!!!
AYAYAY!!!!

STICKSTEIN
(jumping down to the ground, looking at the celebration)
Not bad.

DEBBIE
(ticked off)
SHUT UP AND HELP ME DOWN!!!!

STICKSTEIN
Alright…

KNOCK OUT
(singing)
If you like the beat!!!
Take a lesson from Cuban Pete!!!
And I’ll teach you to chick-chicky-boom!!!
Chick-chicky-boom!!!
CHICK-CHICKY-BOOM!!!

KNOCK OUT then springs out in front of STRONGARM and starts doing the conga line along with the rest of the police officers.

KNOCK OUT
(doing the conga line)
ARRRRRRRR-AHAAAH!!!!!!
AYAYAY!!!!

Then, STICKSTEIN and DEBBIE look at KNOCK OUT and the other police officers starting to dance as if they were in a Broadway musical, with KNOCK OUT doing some scat singing. STICKSTEIN heads to join the fun, but he’s stopped by a really pissed DEBBIE.

DEBBIE
(pissed off, to STICKSTEIN)
You start dancing, I’ll blow your brains out!!!

DEBBIE then heads toward a shotgunner and takes his shotgun.

DEBBIE
GIMME THAT THING!!!!

She then fires at the air in order to scare KNOCK OUT away.

KNOCK OUT
(grabbing STRONGARM, sliding away)
WHAOOOOWWWW!!!! SEE YA!!!!

DEBBIE
C’MON!!!! LET’S GET HIM!!!! SNAP OUT OF IT!!!!

KNOCK OUT moves his jaw from side to side as he looks at DEBBIE. He then kisses STRONGARM, who has hearts in her eyes, and takes her away into the alley.

DEBBIE
HE’S DOWN THE ALLEY!!!! FOLLOW ME!!!!

KNOCK OUT then uses a smoke bomb and disappears into thin air. DEBBIE comes in with STICKSTEIN and other police officers and look extremely baffled, trying to figure out how KNOCK OUT disappeared like that. She then contacts ARCEE.

DEBBIE
Debbie to Arcee… we got a little trouble here…

ARCEE
(through intercom)
What is it, Debbie???

DEBBIE
Knock Out was messin’ around the neighborhood. And he’s got Strongarm!!!

ARCEE
Scrap!!! I’ll try and send help.

FADE IN TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – THRONE ROOM

We see STARSCREAM with THUNDERHOOF.

STARSCREAM
(ticked off)
Where is that narcissistic bum Knock Out!!!!

KNOCK OUT bursts into the ship along with STRONGARM.

KNOCK OUT
(with a jolly attitude)
I’M HERE!!!!

He then sprinkles STARSCREAM and THUNDERHOOF with the Hypnotic Energon.

KNOCK OUT
(with a smug smile)
Now… you belong to me!!!!

STARSCREAM, THUNDERHOOF
(in unison, monotone)
Yes, Master…

KNOCK OUT
(laughing maniacally)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

AUTOBOT BASE – INTERIOR

ARCEE comes into the briefing room and sees MINERVA sitting at the control booth.

ARCEE
Has anyone come back yet???

MINERVA
Nope… there’s no one here except you and me…

ARCEE
Dang it!!! We must go rescue Strongarm!!! Knock Out nabbed her!!!

MINERVA
Let me!!! I’ve got to prove to myself that I can still do something for the team!!!

ARCEE hesitates for a moment, her motherly concern towards MINERVA comes into play, but she then decides that she doesn’t have any choice.

ARCEE
(somewhat worried)
Alright… just… try to come back in one piece….

MINERVA
I’ll try… don’t worry….

MINERVA goes towards the exit and transforms to robot mode and drives toward the Decepticon ship.

FADE IN TO

DECEPTICON BASE – THRONE ROOM

KNOCK OUT is with the hypnotized STARSCREAM and STRONGARM in the throne room. He decides to have fun with his two new subjects and decides that it’s time for a song. Suddenly, he stands up and claps his hands twice. Suddenly, music is heard and the trio starts singing.

STRONGARM
(singing)
Good mornin’!!!

STARSCREAM
(singing)
Good mornin’!!!

KNOCK OUT
(singing)
We’ve talked the whole night through!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Good mornin’!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Good mornin’… to you!!!

Then, the trio starts tap-dancing as well.

KNOCK OUT, STRONGARM, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Good mornin’!!!
Good mornin’!!!
It’s great to stay up late!!!
Good mornin’!!!
Good mornin’… to you!!!

They do a brief tap-dance and then, KNOCK OUT kneels and STRONGARM sits on his knee while they hear STARSCREAM sing.

STARSCREAM
(singing)
When the band began to play
The stars were shining bright!!!

Then, STARSCREAM kneels and lets STRONGARM sit in his knee. KNOCK OUT stands up and sings.

KNOCK OUT
(singing)
Now the milkman's on his way
It's too late to say good night!!!

The trio then walks through a corridor and into the briefing room.

KNOCK OUT, STRONGARM, STARSCREAM
(singing)
So, Good mornin’!!!
Good mornin’!!!
Sun beams will soon smile through!!!
Good mornin’!!!
Good mornin’… to you!!!

STRONGARM then stands on a chair. KNOCK OUT and STARSCREAM tap-dance while STRONGARM sings.

STRONGARM
(singing)
And you, and you, and you!!!!
Good mornin’!!!
Good mornin’!!!
We've gabbed the whole night through!!!
Good mornin’!!!
Good mornin’ to you!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Nothing could be granted!!!
Than to be in Louisiana!!!

KNOCK OUT, STRONGARM, STARSCREAM
(singing)
In the mornin’!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
In the mornin’!!!
It’s great to stay up late!!!
Good mornin’!!!
Good mornin’ to you!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Might be just a zippy
If it wasn’t Mississippi!!!

The trio then keeps walking through the room.

STRONGARM
(singing)
When we left the movie show
The future wasn't bright!!!
But came the dawn
The show goes on and I don't want to say good night!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
So say good mornin’!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Good mornin’!!!

KNOCK OUT, STRONGARM, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Rainbows are shining through!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Good mornin’!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Good mornin’!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Bonjour!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Monsour!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Buenos días!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Muchas frías!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Buongiorno!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Montichorno!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Gutten Morgen!!!

KNOCK OUT, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Blackich Morgen!!!

KNOCK OUT, STRONGARM, STARSCREAM
(singing)
Good mornin’ to you!!!

The trio then starts doing a playful tap-dancing routine. Then, after a brief moment, they grab hats and raincoats and start fooling around with the raincoats. They wrap the raincoats around their waists and briefly do the Broadway Jazz dance. Then, they cover their faces with the raincoats and start moving the sleeves around. Then, they pop their heads out of the raincoats and slap themselves with the sleeves while having goofy expressions on their faces. STRONGARM then wraps the raincoat around her waist and start doing the hula while KNOCK OUT and STARSCREAM pretend to be the musicians. Then, KNOCK OUT pretends to be a matador while STRONGARM and STARSCREAM are cheering him. STARSCREAM then grabs his raincoat and starts doing a really energetic foxtrot dance. He then proceeds to throw the raincoat down and kick it. Then, the trio goes to the bar and starts fooling around and dancing there. After that, they head for the living room and acrobatically roll around a sofa. Then, they walk down the other sofa, do a brief dance and fall on top of it, with comical defeated expressions on their faces. Suddenly, an alarm rings and KNOCK OUT goes to see while STARSCREAM and STRONGARM are still lying down with goofy expressions in their faces.

KNOCK OUT
What the blazes???!!!!

He then presses a button and sees MINERVA sneaking into the ship.

KNOCK OUT
DRAT!!!
(taking a microphone)
Attention, TH!!! Get that blasted nurse!!!

The hypnotized THUNDERHOOF obeys KNOCK OUT and goes to find MINERVA. MINERVA is just looking for STRONGARM, when suddenly, THUNDERHOOF jumps in.

MINERVA
Scrap!!!

THUNDERHOOF
(monotone)
You is comin’ wit’ me!!!

MINERVA then fires her shock blaster at THUNDERHOOF.

THUNDERHOOF
(monotone)
EH-OH!!!

THUNDERHOOF falls down, stunned.

MINERVA
Man… this is just too easy!!!

She then keeps sneaking into the ship and finds what she’s looking for and something else. KNOCK OUT swings a sword at MINERVA. He hits her hand, causing her to drop her shock blaster.

KNOCK OUT
Now you’re mine!!!

MINERVA evades the next blow and grabs another sword lying on the ground and starts clashing with KNOCK OUT.

KNOCK OUT
THIS IS YOUR END, YOU WRETCHED NURSE!!!

MINERVA
Don’t you realize that IT NEVER ENDS???!!!
(she then realizes what she said last)
Darn it!!! Another cornball remark!!! Should I have said that or “it’s over – finished!!!”??? Gee, both sound equally corny.

KNOCK OUT just looks at us with frustration while MINERVA is idly talking to herself. He then notices that this is his chance to escape with STRONGARM. MINERVA then notices him.

MINERVA
Oh no, ya don’t!!!

She then grabs her shock blaster and fires it at KNOCK OUT.

KNOCK OUT
(screaming comically)
DEAAAAAIIIIGHHH—BRLRRRBRLLLRRRBRLRLB!!!!

He falls to the ground. MINERVA then takes some smelling salts and makes STRONGARM smell them. STRONGARM then wakes up from her trance.

STRONGARM
Uhhhh… my head…
(looks at MINERVA)
Minerva!!! What happened???

MINERVA
I’ll explain later… right now, we gotta go!!!

They both transform to vehicle mode and drive away. Unfortunately, STARSCREAM smelled the salts and is now waking up. He stands up and sees KNOCK OUT getting up.

STARSCREAM
(angered)
YOU!!!!

KNOCK OUT sees him.

KNOCK OUT
(gulp) Ehhh, eheheh, boss Screamer… I can explain everything…

STARSCREAM
Oh, no need… you tried to control me somehow… but now, I’m gonna beat you until you’re nothing but a pulp!!!

KNOCK OUT
(running away)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

FADE IN TO

THE DESERT – MONASTERY

STRONGARM was once again talking to Brother GUNTER.

STRONGARM
What’s even stranger is that deep down… I actually enjoyed being with him. Like… he actually made me feel happy with myself…

GUNTER
Maybe one day, friend Strongarm, you VILL manage to show your feelings to ZAT Decepticon… but for now… I ZINK ZAT you VILL have to hold on until ZE battle is over…

STRONGARM
I just… I dunno if it’ll ever be over, Brother Gunter… sometimes I just don’t think I’ll ever be able to step down from being an officer, and start being a girl…

GUNTER
Oh, nonsense… I know you VILL learn how to be both… you just need time, just like you did VITH making ZE pretzels… you VILL see…

Brother GUNTER smiled at STRONGARM. STRONGARM looked at him and smiled back. She then looks at the table.

STRONGARM
So… should we make more pretzels???

GUNTER
I ZOUGHT you VOULD never ask!!!

Then, they both start merrily making pretzels again.

END OF ACT THREE

THE END

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“The Revenge of Thunderhoof”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Strongarm - B.J. Ward
Hosehead - Mason Adams
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Rev - Mark L. Taylor
Hot Rod (young) - Ronnie Schell

DECEPTICONS:
Runabout - Roger Behr
Runamuck - Roger Behr
Thunderhoof - Michael Rye
Knock Out - Michael Rye
Quake - Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Deluge - Earl Boen

HUMANS:
Inspector Shayne - Lance LeGault
Debbie Shayne - Arlene Banas
Circuit Breaker - Samantha Newark

OTHERS:
Swindle - Tony Pope
Velocity - Janet Waldo

ACT ONE

FADE IN

ROAD ON THE HILLS – CHASE

On a dusty hill road, the Battlechargers and SKY-BYTE are escaping from the Autobots STRONGARM, BUMBLEBEE, WHEELJACK and SMOKESCREEN. DEBBIE SHAYNE is driving STRONGARM while she holds a bullhorn up to her mouth.

DEBBIE
(through bullhorn)
STOP IN THE NAME OF THE LAW!!!

RUNABOUT
Them Autobots want ta take us in!!!

RUNAMUCK
They won’t, son!!! Ahmma give ‘em a taste of mah special medicine!!!

RUNABOUT and RUNAMUCK turn around and drive at top speed towards the Autobots.

STRONGARM
Those maniacs are heading straight for us!!!

DEBBIE
HIT THE BRAKES, STRONGARM!!!

STRONGARM comes to a sudden stop, her tires screeching as she does this. WHEELJACK, BUMBLEBEE and SMOKESCREEN drive ahead and try to make a desperate attempt to stop the Battlechargers. However, the tough duo is prepared for them. They transform into their robot modes and fire their weapons at WHEELJACK and SMOKESCREEN’S tires. WHEELJACK and SMOKESCREEN lose control of their vehicular modes and violently collide with each other. BUMBLEBEE transforms to robot mode and jumps, evading his two damaged partners and then transforms again to vehicle mode. He steers towards the Battlechargers, but SKY-BYTE comes in, firing his shark missiles and causing BUMBLEBEE to go off the road and crash into a utility pole. Then, after dealing with the Autobot, SKY-BYTE and the Battlechargers run away. We hear the Battlechargers laughing maniacally as they run away.


DEBBIE
Man… we lost ‘em again… we’re gonna have to bring a tow truck to pick up our guys.

STRONGARM
Minerva is gonna be extra busy today… and that isn’t doing her any favors.

DEBBIE
Yeah… too much stress is getting to her, with having to take care of Rodimus and trying to put Nightbeat back together, for someone as young as her, it’s a nightmare.

FADE IN TO

MINERVA’S REPAIR BAY – NIGHTBEAT’S TABLE

DEBBIE (VO)
(continued)
We’ve all had it rough, but she hasn’t found a way to effectively cope with it.

As DEBBIE finishes her sentence, we see a very blurry eyed and tired MINERVA working on NIGHTBEAT. NIGHTBEAT’S arms and torso are attached, but his head, hands and legs are still being worked on. MINERVA then attaches one of NIGHTBEAT’S legs and then looks at him.

MINERVA
(insecure)
I… I don’t know if I’m doing this right… I… I’ve never worked with a disassembled patient... I wish someone could clue me in… but none of the guys here have any medical knowledge… what should I do?

MINERVA starts trembling and went to her room, locking herself up. She cries without hope.

MINERVA
For the first time in my life, I’m truly helpless…

CUT TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – LABORATORY

KNOCK OUT is in his secret laboratory with QUAKE.

KNOCK OUT
Stupid Starscream!!! Not giving me any money for this!!!

QUAKE
Relax, Knock Out… it could be worse.

KNOCK OUT
Worse?!!! HOW COULD IT BE WORSE?!!!

Suddenly, a portal opens up in the laboratory and a robot slightly smaller than KNOCK OUT and QUAKE comes in. Although quite small in stature, the robot seems to scare the two Decepticons.

DELUGE
Vould you believe me if I say that vorrking forr me vithout salarry might be vorrse?

KNOCK OUT
(jolting and hiding behind QUAKE)
AAAAAH!!!

DELUGE
I thought so.

DELUGE smiled wickedly as he saw KNOCK OUT and QUAKE hugging each other with fear.

KNOCK OUT
(shivering)
W-w-w-what d-d-d-d-do you want with u-u-u-us?

DELUGE
Vhy, yourr assistance, of courrse… I hearrd you plan to rrevive Shockwave… I vould be villing to help you, underr vone condition… you vill have to vorrk forr me.

QUAKE
(cowering)
Si!!! Anything you say!!!

DELUGE
Good. So it’s all settled… ve shall starrt vorrking on Shockwave’s rresurrrection now!!!

CUT TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – THRONE ROOM

STARSCREAM is talking to THUNDERHOOF.

STARSCREAM
Thunderhoof, I need you to attack the Autobot Headquarters!!! I’m going to send Vehicons to Portland for a full-scale assault on the city!!! If my hunch is right, the Autobots will leave the poor little nurse in charge of the base, which will be their undoing, especially considering that she has work to do.

THUNDERHOOF
Just give da order, boss, and I’ll take care of da base and dat little brat… she wus da reason I lost my Portland operation and I want payback!!!

THUNDERHOOF grabbed a steel block that was lying nearby and squashed it, turning it to scrap metal. STARSCREAM smirked as he looked at THUNDERHOOF turning the large block into scrap.

STARSCREAM
If only I had people as loyal as you, we would have won the war a long time ago.

TRANSITION TO

PORTLAND – POLICE HEADQUARTERS

DEBBIE was talking to her father, Inspector BILL SHAYNE.

DEBBIE
They managed to evade us, dad. They really have gotten quite slippery since they got kicked out of the Decepticons.

SHAYNE
We’ll catch them soon, Debbie… however, this does kinda worry me… the Autobots’ haven’t been very effective lately.

DEBBIE
Yeah… they’re still demoralized over having to handle the Decepticon threat without Rodimus.

SHAYNE
I just hope they can manage to get past that… Rodimus wouldn’t want them to despair… he would want them to keep pressing on no matter the odds.

DEBBIE
It’s kinda hard… especially now that the Quintessons, or whatever they are called, have broken Rodimus.

SHAYNE sighed.

SHAYNE
I haven’t seen something like this since Korea… but in there, I have learned that a man who has been broken psychologically can be able to get past all his demons and fight again.

DEBBIE looked at her father.

DEBBIE
Then I guess the Autobots are now living their own Korea...like most veterans with ‘Nam.

Suddenly, the phone rang. SHAYNE answers it.

SHAYNE
Yes? Okay, hold on…
(turning to DEBBIE)
Put it on speakerphone… the court jester is about to speak…

DEBBIE presses a button and then, we hear two all too familiar voices coming out of the speakers.

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
Hello, operator?

SWINDLE
(with a jolly tone, through phone)
E-YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS?!!!

There is a moment of pause until STARSCREAM speaks.

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
Have you patched me in with the Police Department?

SWINDLE
(still jolly, through phone)
E-YEEEEEEEEEEESSSSS!!! However, you’ll have to pay 25 cents for your call.

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
WHAT?!!! 25 cents for a ransom demand?!!! Who’s holding who ransom here?!!!

DEBBIE
(as STARSCREAM keeps whining)
“El Cheapo” Screamer strikes again…

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
Ugh, hold on a sec, operator…
(yelling to someone)
QUAKE!!! I need 25 cents!!!

QUAKE
(through phone, angrily yelling)
Mire que u’ted tiene cosa!!! Yo ya le dí veinticinco centavo’ y u’ted quiere mas y mas!!!

SHAYNE
(frustrated as QUAKE just keeps complaining)
Those guys need a child psychologist…

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
GIMME THAT!!! Just for that, you won’t get any candy today!!!
(talking back to the operator)
Okay, operator, I have 25 cents… now lemme speak with Inspector Shayne!!!
(after a small pause)
Hello?

SHAYNE
(letting out a frustrated sigh)
I’m here, you cheap Benedict Arnold impersonator…

STARSCREAM
(through the phone)
Don’t get smart with me, Shayne!!!

SHAYNE
Of course not… I can’t get smart with someone who’s dumber than Stickstein.

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
NOW CUT THAT OUT!!!

DEBBIE let out a stifled giggle as she listened to STARSCREAM’S childish antics.

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
Now… listen to me… I’m going to organize a full-scale assault against Portland. Let the Autobots try to stop us… however; we won’t stop until all of you jerks give me total control of the city!!!

SHAYNE
Screamer… you’re a total joke… the Autobots have kicked your tail before and they will do so again…

STARSCREAM
(through phone)
Oh, I don’t think so, Inspector… this time, I’m prepared for them!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!

Then, STARSCREAM hangs up.

DEBBIE
Should we take his threat seriously?

SHAYNE
(sigh) I don’t like doing it, but we don’t want to risk the lives of innocent civilians. Call in the Autobots.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN TO

AUTOBOT HEADQUARTERS – BRIEFING ROOM

REV, SIDE BURN, HOSEHEAD, DAYTONUS, BREAKAWAY, STRONGARM and CIRCUIT BREAKER are listening to Inspector SHAYNE’S report.

SHAYNE
(through intercom)
So there you have it… since it’s a ransom demand from the old screaming egotistical cheapskate, I would have ignored it, but I want to know if I should chance the lives of the citizens.

BREAKAWAY
(relaxed)
You ain’t chancing anything, Inspector… ‘Cause we’re goin’ in… even though it’s Screamer we’re talking about, it’s fun to see the guy try and fail to beat us.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Yeah… just lemme at him and I’ll give him quite the scare.

SHAYNE
Very well, then… I’ll leave it to you. Good luck.

The transmission ends and then, the young Autobots start discussing their next move.

STRONGARM
Well, I think we should do this by the book. We go there, and tell Screamer to surrender. Then we apprehend him.

REV
Oh, sure… just like you tried to apprehend Sky-Byte and the Bozo-Chargers. It went reeeeeeeeeaaaaaal well.

STRONGARM then glared at REV and raised her fists.

STRONGARM
(ticked off)
Try saying that again!!!

REV
GLADLY!!! Just like--

STRONGARM is ready to take down REV as he’s about to repeat his sentence. REV notices this and is about to take on STRONGARM as well. DAYTONUS and SIDE BURN grab STRONGARM while HOSEHEAD and BREAKAWAY get a hold of REV.

DAYTONUS
(holding STRONGARM)
Cool it, coppers!!!

SIDE BURN
(holding STRONGARM)
Hey, it really feels great to grab a bulky copper chick!!!

DAYTONUS
Stop bein’ a sleaze, Side Burn.

HOSEHEAD
(holding REV)
Easy, pal, easy… she’s a lady… you wouldn’t want to hit a lady, would ya?

BREAKAWAY
(holding REV)
Oh, boy… I really hate it when this happens.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(ticked)
ALRIGHT, CHILL!!! UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO GIVE CHILLS TO YOUR CIRCUITS!!!

The Autobots look at CIRCUIT BREAKER and cease their hostilities.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
That’s better. Seriously, guys… I think it would be better to handle this in our own unique ways… it’s the only way we can succeed. Don’t you see? We’ve all been trying to restrain ourselves because of Rodimus’ condition, and we’ve been trying to do things in ways we’re not accustomed to… I mean, giving chase to the Battlechargers is one thing Strongarm is used to, but the others, Bumblebee, Wheeljack and Smokescreen, they could have handled them in a different way, the only thing stopping them was their own insecurities due to not having their leader around to tell them to do their thing. It’s time to put all that insecurity away and become effective once again!!!

Everyone looks doubtful until CIRCUIT BREAKER speaks up again.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Trust me; it’s what Rodimus would want us to do. He allowed us to go all out on our enemies, and now, we’re just being held back by our own fears. So I say we do things the best way we can, and the only way you guys did it before: no holds barred.

The Autobots look at each other and then at CIRCUIT BREAKER.

HOSEHEAD
She does have a point, doesn’t she?

DAYTONUS scratches his chin in contemplation at this.

TRANSITION TO

PORTLAND – DOWNTOWN

STARSCREAM flew into Downtown Portland with a few JET DRONES following him. The JET DRONES and STARSCREAM were licking some lollipops, while below, QUAKE grumbled at the fact that he didn’t get a lollipop.

QUAKE
Estupido jefe gritón… me quita mi’ veinticinco centavo’ y no me da dulce’.

On the other side of Downtown Portland, the Autobots were heading to a shopping center.

HOSEHEAD
Do ya really think it was wise to leave Minnie all alone back at the base?

BREAKAWAY
We have no choice, Hosehead… she has to stay with Roddy, Nightbeat’s parts and the guys that got wounded. Besides, the others are out on a mission, and we must hold the fort here.

STARSCREAM notices the Autobots coming in.

STARSCREAM
THERE’S THE BUMS!!! ATTAAAAAAAAAAAACK!!!

The JET DRONES start firing at the Autobots while still licking their lollipops.

DAYTONUS
Aight, guys… let ‘em have it!!!

DAYTONUS charged towards a JET DRONE and punched him away. The JET DRONE’S lollipop falls into DAYTONUS’ hands and he starts licking it.

DAYTONUS
(tasting the lollipop)
Mmmmm… strawberry…

BREAKAWAY fires at another JET DRONE with his sniper rifle. As the JET DRONE is blasted, he drops his lollipop. BREAKAWAY flies toward the lollipop and grabs it.

BREAKAWAY
Thanks for the treat, “jerk” drone!!!

HOSEHEAD was fighting another JET DRONE, but as he attempts to do a high kick, he clumsily trips and falls on top of the drone.

HOSEHEAD
(falling on top of the drone)
OWWWW!!!!

The drone has a comical unconscious expression on his face, and HOSEHEAD looks at him. He then looks at the lollipop the drone was holding.

HOSEHEAD
(grabbing the lollipop)
Yummy!!!

REV had brutally beaten another JET DRONE and grabbed his lollipop.

REV
(after tasting the lollipop)
YUCK!!! I HATE WATERMELON FLAVORED LOLLIPOPS!!!

SIDE BURN, in vehicle mode, rammed another JET DRONE at top speed. The drone drops another lollipop and SIDE BURN’S arm came out of a car door, grabbing the lollipop.

SIDE BURN
I NOW HAVE THE GRAND PRIZE!!!

STRONGARM pounced on a JET DRONE and cuffed him. She then took his lollipop.

STRONGARM
You’ve been a bad boy, and for that, I’m gonna confiscate your arsenal!!!

She then starts licking the lollipop.

STARSCREAM
MORONS!!! IDIOTS!!! FOOLS!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(sneaking behind STARSCREAM)
Boo.

STARSCREAM
(scared, dropping his lollipop)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

STARSCREAM’S lollipop fell down and QUAKE notices it. He transforms to robot mode and grabs it.

QUAKE
Mmmmmm!!! Dulce!!!

QUAKE then merrily runs away with his recently acquired treat. Meanwhile, STARSCREAM was cowering before CIRCUIT BREAKER.

STARSCREAM
Please!!! Don’t hurt me!!! I’ll be good!!! I’ll sing in the choir!!! I’ll clean up my room!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER just smirked confidently as STARSCREAM kept begging. She then looks at us with a smile and shakes her head at STARSCREAM’S cowardice. Meanwhile, MINERVA was looking at everything that was going on.

MINERVA
Golly… I wish I could be there to help them!!!

Suddenly, a powerful blast goes off and hits MINERVA’S leg.

MINERVA
AAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!

Then, THUNDERHOOF comes in, with his smoking Plasma Lupara in hand.

THUNDERHOOF
Finally gotcha, girlie!!! We is gonna have so much fun today, ain’t we?!!!

As a diabolical grin is drawn on THUNDERHOOF’S face, the vulnerable MINERVA is totally overcome with fright.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN TO

AUTOBOT HEADQUARTERS – MINERVA’S REPAIR BAY

MINERVA was limping as she frantically tried to escape from THUNDERHOOF’S wrath. THUNDERHOOF smirked deviously and then pumped his Plasma Lupara before noticing the parts on the operating table.

THUNDERHOOF
Well, well… whaddaya know? If it ain’t my ol’ pal Nightbeat… dis is just perfect!!! Not only will I whack you, but dis pathetic comatose nuisance as well!!!

MINERVA
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!

MINERVA limps towards THUNDERHOOF and grabs his legs, but THUNDERHOOF backhands her, sending her flying to the wall.

MINERVA
AGH!!!

THUNDERHOOF
You is so puny, chickie… youse gonna have ta do better dan dat to beat me…

Suddenly, a blast went off on THUNDERHOOF’S back.

THUNDERHOOF
EY-YO!!!
(looking back)
What gives?

THUNDERHOOF has a look of fright on his face as he looks at the one who fired the gun. RODIMUS PRIME stands at the entrance to the repair bay. His face is full of rage and hatred, his eyes twitch with insanity and his wrists are bleeding due to the amount of strength he had to use to get free from his restraints.

RODIMUS
(enraged)
Leave my friends alone, Thunderhoof!!!

THUNDERHOOF
(trying to make excuses)
Ey, Rodimus… I din’t know you wus already walkin’ ‘round…

RODIMUS
(cracking his knuckles)
I hope you said your prayers…

RODIMUS then charges toward THUNDERHOOF like a wild beast. THUNDERHOOF tries his best to evade and fight back in self-defense, but RODIMUS grabs him by the shoulders and gives him a head bash.

THUNDERHOOF
OWWWW!!! MY ACHIN’ MUG!!!

RODIMUS then bites the side of THUNDERHOOF’S helmet.

THUNDERHOOF
(trying to get RODIMUS off)
AAAAAGHHH!!!! GIT OFFA ME!!!

Meanwhile, back at the battlefield, STARSCREAM was comically running away with fright as he was being struck on the backside by CIRCUIT BREAKER’S electric beams.

STARSCREAM
(running away)
OWWW!!! SHE’S LITERALLY KICKING MY A—YOOOOOWWWIIIIE!!! RETREEEEEAAAAAAT!!!

The JET DRONES then start flying away. STARSCREAM runs behind them.

STARSCREAM
(frantically waving his arms around as he runs behind the drones)
WAIT!!! I’M STILL DOWN HERE!!! WAIT FOR ME, YA CRUMBUMS!!! I’M THE BOSS!!! DON’T LEAVE ME HERE WITH THAT GHOST!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(laughing)
Haha!!! That’s it, Screamer… run away.
(turning to her allies)
Y’know… without that guy, life wouldn’t be as entertaining.

BREAKAWAY
I agree. But now, let’s get back to base.

While at the base, RODIMUS is still beating the tar out of THUNDERHOOF. THUNDERHOOF now has a black eye and the side of his helmet is bleeding, while RODIMUS has a bloody lip and a broken shoulder pad. RODIMUS then grabs onto one of THUNDERHOOF’S antlers.

THUNDERHOOF
YOU GIT OFF MY ANTLERS!!!

RODIMUS angrily yelled as he brutally breaks THUNDERHOOF’S antler.

THUNDERHOOF
EH-OOOOOH!!! YOU BROKE MY ANTLER!!!

RODIMUS
I’m gonna break more than that.

MINERVA
Rodimus!!! NO!!!

MINERVA grabs onto RODIMUS’ arm, trying to stop him.

MINERVA
This isn’t you!!! You are not well… you’re letting the trauma inflicted by the Quintessons’ torture cloud your judgment!!! You wouldn’t let any being go through the pain you’ve been through… that much I know…

RODIMUS’ hand trembled and he looked down, defeated. He then started tearing up.

RODIMUS
(crying)
I… I… I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!

RODIMUS clutched his head as the memories of the Quintessons torturing him as well as some long repressed and buried memories of a girl are flashing in front of his eyes. He also hears the girl’s voice in his head.

VELOCITY
(in RODIMUS’ head, with a pained tone)
I’ll always… love you…

YOUNG HOT ROD
(with pain and sadness, in RODIMUS’ head)
LOTTY!!!

RODIMUS
(clutching his head, feeling extreme pain and sadness)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!

RODIMUS collapsed on the floor. He sat down, crying sadly. MINERVA went to him and hugged him. The damaged THUNDERHOOF looked around.

THUNDERHOOF
It’s time to make my git away!!!

He tried sneaking off, only to be stopped by DAYTONUS at the base’s entrance.

DAYTONUS
Goin’ somewhere, TH?

THUNDERHOOF’S eyes bulged out of his sockets as he saw DAYTONUS in front of him. Then, we cut to the outside of the base and see a figure flying off into the air before disappearing in the distance.

THUNDERHOOF
(flying out of sight)
EEEEEEEEEEH-OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Then, the other Autobots came in and saw RODIMUS crying while MINERVA comforted him.

HOSEHEAD
Is he okay?

BREAKAWAY
That depends on your definition of okay.

MINERVA looked at them.

MINERVA
He almost snapped… he could have tortured Thunderhoof to death… but he managed to overcome his urge.

RODIMUS then looked up and saw his allies.

RODIMUS
Some leader, huh? I can’t even control myself…

SIDE BURN
Well, I wouldn’t call that a bad thing… you just have to learn when to let all that anger out…

RODIMUS
If only it was easier… the Quintessons have managed to tap into my most traumatic memories… and I don’t know what will happen next.

TO BE CONTINUED

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Logical Comeback”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Arcee - Sue Blu
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Strongarm - B.J. Ward
Wreck-Gar - Tony Pope
Hosehead - Mason Adams
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Rev - Mark L. Taylor

DECEPTICONS:
Shockwave - Corey Burton
Starscream - Christopher Collins
Runabout - Roger Behr
Runamuck - Roger Behr
Knock Out - Michael Rye
Sky-Byte - Michael Rye
Tankor - Michael Rye
Quake - Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Deluge - Earl Boen

HUMANS:
Inspector Shayne - Lance LeGault
Debbie Shayne - Arlene Banas
Circuit Breaker - Samantha Newark
Agent Fowler - Ernie Hudson

ACT ONE

FADE IN

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – LABORATORY

DELUGE and KNOCK OUT are finishing up with SHOCKWAVE’S and TANKOR’S repairs. As KNOCK OUT finally attaches SHOCKWAVE’S head to his body, he turns to DELUGE.

KNOCK OUT
It’s done.

DELUGE
Good!!! Now ve prroceed vith the rrevival… stand back, Knock Out.

KNOCK OUT stands back and DELUGE pulls a switch on his control panel. A surge of energy hits both TANKOR and SHOCKWAVE, and they start moving. KNOCK OUT reacts with shock at this while DELUGE just rubs his hands together and has a devious smirk on his face.

DELUGE
(with manic joy)
They’rre alive!!! ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIVE!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!!!

TRANSITION TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – THRONE ROOM

STARSCREAM was addressing QUAKE and the Vehicon drones. He was extremely ticked off.

STARSCREAM
(angry)
MORONS!!! IDIOTS!!! FOOLS!!! NINCOMPOOPS!!! BUMS!!! BOOBS!!!

QUAKE
A bit more and we’ll get the diccionario of insultos by el jefe gritón!!!

STARSCREAM
(angry)
GIMME ONE GOOD REASON WHY I SHOULDN’T FIRE YOU?!!!

QUAKE
Uhhhhhh… you lack tropas to insult?

STARSCREAM
If you had brains, you wouldn’t be so ineffective!!!

SHOCKWAVE
(off-screen)
Those were my exact thoughts about you, Starscream.

Just as this last sentence is uttered, STARSCREAM’S eyes bulge out of their sockets as he sees SHOCKWAVE, fully rebuilt and standing in an imposing manner. STARSCREAM now pathetically tries to reason with SHOCKWAVE.

STARSCREAM
(afraid)
C-c-commander Shockwave… I… what a pleasant surprise to see you again… I didn’t expect you to be up again…

SHOCKWAVE
Your attempts at making excuses are… illogical.

Outside, DELUGE, KNOCK OUT and TANKOR are outside as we hear punching and beating noises coming from the throne room. We also hear STARSCREAM comically screaming as he is being beaten.

STARSCREAM
(from inside the throne room)
OWWW!!! OWWWW!!! NOT THE FACE!!!! NOOOOOT THE FAAAAAAAAAAAAACE!!!! UGH!!! HE’S KICKIN’ MY- YAAAAAAAIIIIIIGGGGHHHH!!!!!

Then, STARSCREAM is propelled out of the throne room and crashes into a wall.

SHOCKWAVE
Because of this, Starscream, I am demoting you from second-in-command to infantry trooper… you will be on the frontlines along with Quake and Tankor. From now on, Deluge will be my new second-in-command.

STARSCREAM
Owww… the humiliation of demotion!!!

TRANSITION TO

AUTOBOT HEADQUARTERS – REPAIR BAY
RODIMUS was lying in a repair table after his breakdown. STRONGARM was by his side, concerned for him.

STRONGARM
Rodimus… if there is anything that you haven’t told us… anything that you’re keeping within you… I think now it would be a good time to open up.

RODIMUS
What do you mean by that?

STRONGARM
The Quintessons managed to break you… and they wouldn’t have done it if you didn’t have any previous traumatic incidents. So please… could you at least… level with me?

RODIMUS sighs. He doesn’t know how to tell her about his tough childhood but decides to give it a try. As he tells the story, his voice becomes gradually more anguished as he recalls the tragic events that broke him for the first time.

RODIMUS
It all started when I was a small boy… I never knew my parents… never had anyone to return to… I was sent to the Simfur Academy. I was constantly ignored by every kid there except one… a girl named Velocity. We used to call her Lotty. She was a medical student, and we went to the same Math class.

RODIMUS looks down as he reminisces about her.

RODIMUS
She was the first ‘bot to ever accept me as I was. She didn’t care if I wasn’t attractive, didn’t care if I didn’t have a family… she knew I needed someone to trust. We started going out together until that day when she was captured by Shockwave’s most lethal subordinate: Deluge.

RODIMUS sighs and trembles, but continues the story.

RODIMUS
Deluge planned to use Lotty as a guinea pig for his new brainwashing method and took her out while we were taking a stroll. He knocked me out and took her away. I was young, impulsive and extremely desperate… the only person that had shown me compassion and love was now in danger. This was the first time I knew fear and guilt. I ran to her rescue and took her out of Deluge’s horrible lab. However, that proved to be the biggest blunder I ever made. Shockwave and Deluge had installed a self-destruct mechanism into her head.

RODIMUS starts to fight back tears.

RODIMUS
She tried to warn me, but I was just too focused on getting away with her to listen. I paid the price. The device went off once we reached the academy. She ran to the roof and jumped off. She fell and then…

RODIMUS can’t take it any longer. He breaks up and starts whimpering. STRONGARM then looks at him sadly and hugs him. RODIMUS cries on STRONGARM’S shoulder.

RODIMUS
I failed the very first person who cared about me…

STRONGARM
I’m so sorry... the Quintessons must have found out about this somehow. But who?

RODIMUS
There are only two people that know about my past… and one of them is dismembered.

TRANSITION TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – HALL

DELUGE and SHOCKWAVE were having a discussion over tactics.

DELUGE
Although it vasn’t an elegant strrategy, it rreally vorrked. I disguised as the old alien and sent Rodimus and Nightbeat on a vild goose chase. I sent theirr position to the Quintessons just as soon as you verre on yourr vay and they managed to catch you. And vith my new Cortical Psychic Patch built into yourr head, I assume you managed to extrract the data from the Quintessons’ mainfrrame.

SHOCKWAVE
Your assumption is correct, Deluge. My deactivation was all part of our plan to find out the secrets of the Quintessons and to get rid of that illogical nuisance Starscream. And as a bonus, we have managed to break Rodimus Prime’s spirit. Unlike me, Rodimus is mainly guided by emotion and by his illogical drive to protect his people, and this little incident will haunt him for quite a long time. Now that everything is proceeding according to plan, we can finally set our sights on the many Quintesson secrets that we can use to annihilate those illogical Autobots.

KNOCK OUT then comes in.

KNOCK OUT
Commander Shockwave!!! We have made contact with Sky-Byte and the Battlechargers. They said that they’ll gladly come back to our ranks now that Starscream has been demoted.

SHOCKWAVE
Excellent. Did you give them my orders?

KNOCK OUT
Yes, sir!!!

SHOCKWAVE
Good. Now, we will wait. Sky-Byte will bring us a good catch today.

TRANSITION TO

PORTLAND – THE DESERT

ARCEE, DRIFT and SIREN are testing BREAKAWAY’S new security radar.

ARCEE
I hope it picks up Fowler’s test fighter.

Suddenly, three blips show up on the monitor.

ARCEE
What the--? Fowler never said he was gonna bring in three fighters!!!

SIREN turns around and sees something. He points at the three objects coming in. The Battlechargers are driving down the road while SKY-BYTE flies above them.

ARCEE
(with disgust)
Aw, great!!! Fish-boy and the car bums wanna play…

RUNABOUT then swiftly transforms, jumps into the air and lands a kick on DRIFT’S face. DRIFT was about to draw his swords, but the kick took him by surprise.

RUNABOUT
(with manic joy)
AHMMA NINJA MASTAH, BRUH!!! YOU IS GITTIN’ OLD!!!

RUNAMUCK drives in circles around SIREN. The loud, cranky drill sergeant tries to aim his blaster at RUNAMUCK, but the Battlecharger’s speed is formidable. RUNAMUCK swiftly transforms to robot mode and fires a shot at SIREN. SIREN is sent flying by the blast and lands on his back. ARCEE grabs a machine gun from a crate and fires it intensely at the Battlechargers.

ARCEE
(as beads of sweat go down her face)
EAT LEAD, SUCKERS!!!

Suddenly, SKY-BYTE appears behind ARCEE. ARCEE turns around desperately; trying to shoot SKY-BYTE, but the Decepticon martial artist grabs her machine gun with his claw arm and backhands ARCEE.

ARCEE
(getting backhanded)
AAAGH!!!

ARCEE falls to the ground. Then, both Battlechargers approach SKY-BYTE.

RUNAMUCK
Aw, yeh!!! We is numbah one!!!

RUNABOUT
We really showed ‘em, boi!!!

SKY-BYTE
Let’s take these three deactivated Autobots to Shockwave. He will be most pleased with what we have… MHMHMHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!!!

Both RUNABOUT and RUNAMUCK transform into vehicle mode and SKY-BYTE straps DRIFT and SIREN to their roofs. He then grabs ARCEE and takes off with her. The three Decepticons have accomplished their first mission after their exile during the time when STARSCREAM took over. Now, they head to their ship proudly. Once they’re away, Special Agent FOWLER flies in with a special jet. He looks around for ARCEE’S team, but they’re nowhere in sight.

FOWLER
Man… they couldn’t have just up and left…

He then lands his jet and goes to investigate. As he walks around, he looks at the machine gun lying on the ground. He then notices a particular smell.

FOWLER
BLARGH!!! It smells like a mix of rotten fish and San Francisco’s contaminated air. That can only mean one thing…

FOWLER then takes out a communicator.

FOWLER
Fowler calling Autobot Headquarters… we have a situation here.

At Autobot Headquarters, REV is taking a nap just as FOWLER makes contact with them. REV just presses a button.

REV
(sleepy and grumpy)
Autobot Headquarters… make it snappy, Fowler… I need my beauty sleep.

FOWLER
Someone nabbed Arcee, Drift and Siren.

That sentence instantly wakes REV up.

REV
(waking up violently)
WHAT?!!! I’ll go tell the guys…

FOWLER
It might be a trap, you know?

REV
The heck with that. We need to save our guys!!!

REV then runs to the repair bay and finds RODIMUS and STRONGARM.

REV
‘Cons nabbed Arcee and the others.

STRONGARM
Oh, no!!!

RODIMUS then stands up quickly from the operating table.

STRONGARM
Rodimus, wait!!! You gotta rest.

RODIMUS
I can’t… not with Arcee’s life at stake. I… I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself if something happened to her…

STRONGARM
I know how you feel… but we can’t let you go… your mind is still unstable.

STRONGARM turns to REV.

STRONGARM
Get the cops. We’re gonna search for our buddies.

REV walks out of the repair bay.

STRONGARM
(turning to RODIMUS)
Rodimus… just… stay here… we’ll find them… trust us.

RODIMUS
I do trust you, Strongarm…

STRONGARM smiles warmly at RODIMUS and strokes his face. Then, she walks out of the bay, preparing for action.

RODIMUS
(after STRONGARM walks out)
I trust you… but I don’t trust myself… this is my fight. Shockwave took Lotty from me… I can’t let Arcee suffer the same fate. I’m sorry… but I can’t stay.

RODIMUS then walks out of the repair bay, making sure that no one sees him. Then, he transforms to vehicle mode and drives off into the distance, determined to find out if he could have prevented VELOCITY’S tragedy if he had been given another chance.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN TO

PORTLAND – THE DESERT

STRONGARM, DAYTONUS, HOSEHEAD, SIDE BURN and WRECK-GAR are driving around the desert towards the location where their friends disappeared. A police squad, led by Inspector SHAYNE and his daughter DEBBIE, follow them. CIRCUIT BREAKER and BREAKAWAY fly above them.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(to DEBBIE)
So, copper girl, what’s new on the radar?

DEBBIE
I’m detecting something… multiple energy signatures approaching us. None of them friendly.

STRONGARM
I guess the ‘cons figured out that we would go after our buddies… get ready to engage the enemy.

Suddenly, we see STARSCREAM flying in, followed by a battalion of JET DRONES. Below them, QUAKE, TANKOR and KNOCK OUT follow them on the ground in vehicle mode.

DEBBIE
Begorrah!!! Is that… Tankor?!!!

TANKOR then transforms to robot mode and fires at HOSEHEAD and SIDE BURN. The two young recruits stop, transform to robot mode and comically run away from TANKOR’S rockets.

HOSEHEAD
WHOA!!! BAD DAY!!! BAD DAY!!! BAD DAY!!! BAD DAY!!!

QUAKE transforms to robot mode and heads toward WRECK-GAR.

QUAKE
Get ready to play a harp, vato!!!

WRECK-GAR transforms to robot mode and swings his axe.

WRECK-GAR
IT SLICES!!! IT DICES!!!

Just as WRECK-GAR cuts QUAKE into pieces, QUAKE punches WRECK-GAR and makes him fall apart.

QUAKE
(falling to pieces)
Ayayayayay!!!

WRECK-GAR
(also falling to pieces, doing a sports announcer voice)
I guess the score is tied, folks!!!

DEBBIE drives her jeep towards TANKOR. The jeeps carry special machine guns in the back. Officer STICKSTEIN is operating the machine gun.

DEBBIE
STICKSTEIN!!! SMOKE HIM!!!

STICKSTEIN then starts firing the machine gun at TANKOR. As the machine gun keeps recoiling, STICKSTEIN comically shakes in sync with every recoil motion. TANKOR roars angrily as he is blasted by STICKSTEIN. Meanwhile, BREAKAWAY does a barrel roll as he fires rockets at some of the JET DRONES. CIRCUIT BREAKER joins in and shoots down more JET DRONES. The drones then explode in a spectacular fashion.

BREAKAWAY
Nice shot, Josie!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(with a confident tone)
I know!!! I’m awesome and you love it!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER smiles playfully and then follows BREAKAWAY. SIDE BURN and HOSEHEAD jump into the air, propel themselves toward STARSCREAM and grab him.

SIDE BURN
GOTCHA, SCREAMER!!!

STARSCREAM
(scared)
GET OFF ME!!!

STARSCREAM then starts doing all sorts of fancy aerial acrobatics in order to get SIDE BURN and HOSEHEAD off of him. HOSEHEAD was getting dizzy.

HOSEHEAD
(struggling comically)
Scrud… I think I’m gonna hurl!!!

HOSEHEAD covered his mouth as his cheeks puffed. STARSCREAM flew off with HOSEHEAD and SIDE BURN still holding onto him.

SIDE BURN
(flying off, holding STARSCREAM)
HOLD ON, HOSEHE-E-E-E-E-E-EA-A-A-A-A-AD!!!!

DAYTONUS jumps up and punches a drone aside.

DAYTONUS
WHOA!!! Hosehead and Side Burn need a bit of help!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER
I’ll take care of them… you help Breakaway over here.

DAYTONUS
(doing two thumbs up)
Eyyyyyy!!!

DAYTONUS then jumps on top of a JET DRONE.

DAYTONUS
Now dis is what I call “Jumpin’ da Jet”!!!

DAYTONUS then breaks the DRONE’S cockpit and starts using the control module in order to pilot it. The JET DRONE loses control of his actions and starts firing at his allies.

DAYTONUS
YEEEEEE-HAAAAAAW!!!

KNOCK OUT tries to fire his Energon Harvester at the Autobots holding STARSCREAM, but suddenly, he hears a vehicle coming in behind him. He turns and sees Inspector SHAYNE’S jeep going into the air thanks to a naturally formed ramp. KNOCK OUT has a comical expression of despair in his face as the shadow of SHAYNE’S jeep looms over him.

KNOCK OUT
Oh, boy… not my favorite day…
(being smashed by SHAYNE’S jeep)
DAAAAAAIGHHHH!!!!!

SHAYNE
Heh, I hope you enjoy your new paint job!!!

We see KNOCK OUT comically flattened into the ground. His hand twitches in a comical fashion. Meanwhile, STRONGARM is fighting with TANKOR.

TANKOR
TANKOR SMASH COPPERBOT!!!

STRONGARM
Uhhh… Copperbot doesn’t like the look of this!!!

TANKOR then grabs STRONGARM and tosses her to a rock.

STRONGARM
UNGH!!! Okay, big guy… the gloves are off!!!

STRONGARM then charges toward TANKOR and grabs him.

STRONGARM
I may be smaller than you… but people don’t call me Strongarm for nothing!!!

She then spins around while holding TANKOR and then smashes him to the ground like a wrestler.

STRONGARM
Guess it does pay to watch wrestling shows.

Suddenly, STARSCREAM flies in, still trying to get HOSEHEAD and SIDE BURN off of him. He then sees STRONGARM and prepares to fire at her.

STARSCREAM
If I can’t get these Autobots off… I’ll have to take one with me!!!

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN TO

THE DESERT – BATTLEFIELD

STARSCREAM is about to fire his rockets at STRONGARM.

SIDE BURN
STRONGARM, LOOK OUT!!!

STARSCREAM fires his rockets, but thanks to SIDE BURN’S warning, she manages to jump aside. CIRCUIT BREAKER flies in and follows STARSCREAM.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Side Burn!!! Hosehead!!! Get ready to jump once I blast him!!!

STARSCREAM
(recognizing CIRCUIT BREAKER’S voice)
NO!!! THAT VOICE!!! GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!!

STARSCREAM then starts panicking and desperately doing barrel rolls to escape.

SIDE BURN
YAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAIAAAAAAAIIIIII!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER
I got to get this one exactly right…

CIRCUIT BREAKER carefully aims her hand at STARSCREAM. Then, she fires a blast, hitting STARSCREAM right in the afterburner.

STARSCREAM
AAAAAGHHH!!!

HOSEHEAD and SIDE BURN jump off of STARSCREAM. STARSCREAM starts spinning out of control as he tries to keep himself in the air, but in the end, he just crashes into a rock formation.

STARSCREAM
YOOOOOOWWWWCH!!!

The remaining JET DRONES then grab STARSCREAM, KNOCK OUT, TANKOR and QUAKE’S pieces and start flying away with them.

STRONGARM
Well, that was a pretty good workout.

BREAKAWAY
(transforming to robot mode in mid-air)
Yeah… it’s always fun to beat these bozos.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
I don’t think we should celebrate yet, guys.

DEBBIE drove her jeep in. STICKSTEIN was still shaking comically, even though he had stopped firing the machine gun.

DEBBIE
Josie’s right… we still have to figure out how the heck those guys got Tankor back.

DAYTONUS
Not even Knock Out could have repaired all dat damage by dis time.

Suddenly, STRONGARM’S communicator rings. STRONGARM grabs it and activates it.

STRONGARM
Strongarm here.

MINERVA
(VO, through communicator)
This is Minerva… Rodimus ran away!!!

STRONGARM
What?!!!

BREAKAWAY
(with his typical relaxed tone)
Wuh-oh…

STRONGARM
I guess he really feels guilt about his past… we gotta keep moving… I think he might want to get back at the ‘cons!!!

SIDE BURN
So lemme get this straight… we’re gonna save the ‘cons?

STRONGARM
Well, if Rodimus starts doing what he did to Thunderhoof, then I guess we’ll have no choice.

TRANSITION TO

THE DESERT – OUTSIDE THE DECEPTICON SHIP

RODIMUS is walking toward the Decepticon ship. He’s sweating and his eyes are filled with an insane anger. He advances, when suddenly; he gets shot in the back.

RODIMUS
AAAAAAIIIIGH!!!

RODIMUS falls to the ground and then looks back.

RODIMUS
(angrily)
You again!!!

The figure is revealed to be THUNDERHOOF. He still is heavily damaged. He only has one antler, his eye is black and there are bloody bite marks on the side of his face. His eyes glow as he stands menacingly in front of RODIMUS.

TO BE CONTINUED

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Back in Action”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Arcee - Sue Blu
Bumblebee - Dan Gilvezan
Wheeljack - Christopher Collins
Smokescreen - Jack Angel
Drift - Pete Renaday
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Strongarm - B.J. Ward
Siren - Bill Callaway
Wreck-Gar - Tony Pope
Hosehead - Mason Adams
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Rev - Mark L. Taylor
Hot Rod (young) - Ronnie Schell
Velocity - Janet Waldo

DECEPTICONS:
Shockwave - Corey Burton
Starscream - Christopher Collins
Runabout -Roger Behr
Runamuck - Roger Behr
Thunderhoof - Michael Rye
Knock Out - Michael Rye
Sky-Byte - Michael Rye
Tankor - Michael Rye
Quake - Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Blitzwing - Ed Gilbert
Deluge - Earl Boen

HUMANS:
Debbie Shayne - Arlene Banas
Circuit Breaker - Samantha Newark
Stickstein - Peter Leeds

ACT ONE

FADE IN

THE DESERT – DUNES NEAR THE DECEPTICON SHIP

RODIMUS was sent flying into the sandy ground by a blast from THUNDERHOOF’S Plasma Lupara. He was feeling extreme pain due to the blast, but he just glared at THUNDERHOOF.

THUNDERHOOF
(angry)
You is gonna pay for gittin’ in my way da last time!!!

RODIMUS
Believe me… I’m not thrilled about you, either!

RODIMUS then jumped on top of THUNDERHOOF and started brutally punching him in the face. Meanwhile, back at the Decepticon ship, two alarms went off. SHOCKWAVE and DELUGE then activate the monitor and check out the images that their satellite probes are picking up. We see THUNDERHOOF and RODIMUS fighting in one of them, and the Autobots advancing toward the ship on the other.

DELUGE
It’s Thunderhoof!!! And he is engaging Rodimus.

SHOCKWAVE
Let him have his fun. I am more concerned about the Autobots approaching us.

DELUGE
No need to vorrry, I’ll send ourr nevest trroop to take carre of them.
(activating a communicator)
Attention, Blitzwing!!! Ve have intrruderrs coming in… deal vith them!!!

We see one of the ship’s hatches opening, and out comes a jet we’ve never seen before. This is BLITZWING, one of the cruelest Decepticons around. He is a Triple Changer, a Transformer with three modes.

BLITZWING
(replying to DELUGE)
As you command, Deluge!!!

BLITZWING then flies off to fight the Autobots heading for the ship. Meanwhile, RODIMUS continued beating up THUNDERHOOF and smashed him against a rock.

RODIMUS
Sorry, deerface, but I got more important things to do!!!

RODIMUS then runs toward the ship in order to rescue ARCEE and her team. QUAKE is guarding the entrance, and suddenly, he sees RODIMUS coming in.

QUAKE
(holding his hand out and drawing his pistol)
ALTO!!!

However, RODIMUS instantly tears QUAKE to pieces.

RODIMUS
(angry)
OUTTA MY WAY!!!

QUAKE
(getting torn to pieces)
BABALÚUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!

RODIMUS went in. KNOCK OUT was walking through the hall, when suddenly, he notices RODIMUS charging towards him.

KNOCK OUT
(scared)
OH, NO!!! NOT WHEN I JUST FIXED MY PAINT JOB!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

RODIMUS then grabs KNOCK OUT and tosses him to the floor. He then starts kicking him while he’s down.

RODIMUS
You’re lucky I’m not after you…

STARSCREAM was walking down the hall as well.

STARSCREAM
Demoting me… ME!!! I’ve been with this outfit for years and I…

Suddenly, RODIMUS grabs STARSCREAM’S arm and rips it off.

STARSCREAM
(getting his arm ripped off)
AAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!! MY ARM!!!

RODIMUS looks at him. His rage is now fully taking over his mind. He thinks STARSCREAM is still in charge of the Decepticons. He then grabs STARSCREAM’S arm as if it was a bat.

RODIMUS
(with a sadistic grin)
Time to batter up!!!

TRANSITION TO

THE DESERT – AUTOBOTS HEADING FOR THE SHIP

The Autobots are heading for the Decepticon ship when suddenly; they notice another figure coming in.

STRONGARM
What is that thing?

BREAKAWAY
I dunno… but one thing’s for certain… it doesn’t look friendly.

BLITZWING
RIGHT YOU ARE, AUTOBOT SCUM!!!

BLITZWING fires two rockets and they hit CIRCUIT BREAKER and BREAKAWAY.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
AAAAGH!!!

BREAKAWAY
We’re hit!!!

DEBBIE drives ahead, with STICKSTEIN still manning the machine gun.

DEBBIE
Take him down, Stickstein!!!

STICKSTEIN
You got it, boss!!!

STICKSTEIN fires the machine gun at BLITZWING and, once again, he starts shaking comically due to all the recoil. However, BLITZWING has a trick up his sleeve. He flies toward DEBBIE’S jeep and instantly transforms into a powerful tank. He is about to land on DEBBIE’S jeep.

DEBBIE
Saints preserve us!!! JUMP, STICKSTEIN!!! JUMP!!!

Both DEBBIE and STICKSTEIN jump out of the jeep before it is totally smashed by BLITZWING’S powerful tank treads.

DEBBIE
That thing is both a tank and a jet?!!!

STICKSTEIN
(still comically shaking due to the recoil)
Ju-u-u-u-u-u-ust wa-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-ai-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-it u-u-u-u-unti-i-i-i-i-i-il I-I-I-I-I-I-I ge-e-e-e-e-et my co-o-o-o-oo-o-o-o-o-ordi-i-i-i-ina-a-a-a-a-ati-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-io-o-o-o-o-on ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-ack!!!

STRONGARM then starts driving towards BLITZWING.

STRONGARM
This guy is new!!! I’ve never seen anyone with two vehicle modes before!!!

BLITZWING fires his cannon at STRONGARM, but she acrobatically evades the blast and transforms into robot mode. She jumps into the air and lands on top of BLITZWING’S turret. She grabs the turret’s barrel and tries to bend it. However, BLITZWING instantly transforms into robot mode, grabs STRONGARM and smashes her to the ground. He then grabs her arms and rips them off.

STRONGARM
AAAAAAGHHHHH!!! MY ARMS!!!

BLITZWING
HA!!! They should call you “Ripped Arm”!!!

BLITZWING then tosses the disarmed STRONGARM aside. DAYTONUS, HOSEHEAD and SIDE BURN then drive toward BLITZWING.

DAYTONUS
Now da’s cold!!! No one messes wit’ my favorite copper chick like dat!!!

HOSEHEAD
“Our” favorite copper chick!!!

SIDE BURN
Let’s nail that loudmouth!!!

The three youngsters head for the powerful Triple Changer, but he just laughs at their efforts.

BLITZWING
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! You three are so pathetic!!!

He then fires his Gyro-Blaster at the three Autobots. Suddenly, they start losing control and roll around and slide in circles. They also start spouting mixed up sentences.

DAYTONUS
EY!!! Gives what?!!!

HOSEHEAD
My destabilized are gyros!!!

SIDE BURN
Too mine!!! I’m in circles driving!!!

HOSEHEAD
TO MODE ROBOT TRANSFORM!!! BEFORE WE--!!!

However, it is too late. Just as they transform into robot mode, the three brave youngsters crash against each other.

BLITZWING
Heheheheheh, you shoulda been comedians!!! You’re all a scream!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

TRANSITION TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – THE BRIEFING ROOM

STARSCREAM is sent flying into the briefing room and he lands with a thud into the wall.

STARSCREAM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! UGH!!!!

RODIMUS then comes in and grabs STARSCREAM by the neck. STARSCREAM has beads of sweat rolling down his face, his right eye is black and his nose is bleeding oil. Apparently, RODIMUS didn’t show any mercy to the jester of the Decepticons.

RODIMUS
Now, tell me… where are Arcee and the others?

STARSCREAM
Okay, okay!!! I’ll talk… Shockwave has them…

RODIMUS stops for a bit. He thinks for a bit and wonders if STARSCREAM is lying just to save himself. But what if it is the truth? All his fears are confirmed when a voice very familiar to him is heard around the room.

SHOCKWAVE
For once, Starscream is right…

RODIMUS expression is filled with anguish and extreme rage when he turns around and sees SHOCKWAVE standing there with DELUGE by his side.

RODIMUS
So… you brought your lap dog to help you do your bidding now… good, ‘cause I’m gonna dirty you both up bad!!! AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

RODIMUS angrily charges toward SHOCKWAVE and DELUGE. SHOCKWAVE just steps aside which causes RODIMUS to smash a wall. DELUGE uses his color changing ability so RODIMUS doesn’t spot him. RODIMUS stands up and sees ARCEE, SIREN and DRIFT locked in their cells. ARCEE notices RODIMUS’ bleeding face and body.

ARCEE
(with concern)
Rodimus!!!

RODIMUS starts getting up, but SHOCKWAVE steps on his back.

RODIMUS
(struggling to get out)
AAAAGH!!!

SHOCKWAVE
What a fitting end… you will die knowing that your beloved Arcee will become the mind-controlled warrior that I wanted your former girlfriend to be… your illogical emotional attachment to your people will be your downfall.

RODIMUS angrily reaches for his storage module and grabs a small black bomb that he tosses onto the control panel near the door. Suddenly, the Autobot cells automatically open up.

ARCEE
We’re free!!!

SIREN
Now to beat up Cyclops face!!!

SIREN then jumps on SHOCKWAVE and starts bashing his head in.

SHOCKWAVE
THIS DEFEAT IS ILLOGICAL!!!

SIREN
Illogical mah tailpipe!!!

DRIFT sees three shadows approaching through the hallway.

DRIFT
Sky-Byte and the Battlechargers approach… it is time to demonstrate to them what happens when you take on a ninja master.

DRIFT then runs to the hallway and punches are heard.

SKY-BYTE, RUNABOUT, RUNAMUCK
AGH!!! AAAAAHHHHH!!!! OOF!!!

Suddenly, RODIMUS feels something cutting through his shoulder.

RODIMUS
AAAAAGH!!!

RODIMUS grabs his shoulder as it starts bleeding. Suddenly, DELUGE appears out of nowhere, his wrist blade drawn.

DELUGE
My ability to change my colorr like a chameleon rreally comes in handy!!!

He then swings his arm, intending to slash RODIMUS again, but ARCEE jumps in the air and kicks DELUGE in the face.

DELUGE
(getting kicked in the face)
DAAUGH!!!

RODIMUS then gets up and punches SHOCKWAVE in the gut. The imposing Decepticon falls to the ground.

RODIMUS
C’mon!!! We must go back.

DRIFT
(walking in)
We can’t. We overheard that they have sent in a new Decepticon to deal with some of our allies.

RODIMUS reacts with frustration after hearing this.

RODIMUS
And here I am… thinking about killing every Decepticon in this ship to prevent another tragedy like the one I suffered so many years ago… and yet, my people are facing destruction at the hands of a ‘con… I’d be no better than him... I must make this right.

ARCEE
(hugging RODIMUS)
We’ll help you, Rodimus… we don’t want you to suffer anymore.

RODIMUS hugged ARCEE back sweetly.

RODIMUS
Thanks, babe… you know how much this means to me. And I’m glad you didn’t share Velocity’s fate. Now c’mon… we must go to a meeting with the new guy in town.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN TO

THE DESERT – WRECK-GAR BATTLING BLITZWING

WRECK-GAR is swinging his axe at BLITZWING. BLITZWING just clashes his sword with the axe.

WRECK-GAR
(imitating a certain Jedi Master)
If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine!!!

BLITZWING
HA!!! Who writes your lines? A malfunctioning TV set?!!!

WRECK-GAR
(with a high, nasally voice)
This, sir, means war!!!

WRECK-GAR just keeps fighting against BLITZWING. Meanwhile, CIRCUIT BREAKER tries to stand up, but her suit has taken quite a beating from BLITZWING’S rockets.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(struggling, her suit crackling with electric short-circuiting rays)
Uuuugh… my suit… it’s short-circuiting… I can’t… move…

DEBBIE was hiding behind a rock. STICKSTEIN was bringing out a rocket launcher.

DEBBIE
Hurry up, Stickstein!!! I must have that rocket launcher.

STICKSTEIN
You got it!!!
(tripping)
OOF!!!

STICKSTEIN trips and accidentally throws the rocket launcher. It flies through the air until it lands right in DEBBIE’S hands.

DEBBIE
I’ve heard of “air delivery”, but this is ridiculous!!!

DEBBIE then starts loading the launcher with some incendiary rounds.

DEBBIE
I just hope these rounds work on this guy, or else, it’ll be back to the drawing board.

DEBBIE then fires the launcher at BLITZWING. The rocket hits.

BLITZWING
(getting hit)
DAAAAAGH!!!

BLITZWING’S body has now caught on fire. However, BLITZWING doesn’t seem bothered by it. He just grins and keeps fighting against WRECK-GAR.

DEBBIE
No way!!! His body is being burned by what could be considered an inferno, and yet he’s still standing!!!

WRECK-GAR
(doing a lower, gruffer voice)
I’m gonna need a bigger fire extinguisher.

TRANSITION TO

AUTOBOT HEADQUARTERS – BRIEFING ROOM

REV is talking to the recently repaired WHEELJACK, BUMBLEBEE and SMOKESCREEN about what has been going down.

REV
It’s pretty bad. Our guys went to go find out about our missing guys and Rodimus just up and left.

BUMBLEBEE
I think it’s time we go and help them.

WHEELJACK
Rev, you stay with Minerva in case the ‘cons get any ideas about attacking the base.

REV
Okay, but I really hate to be deprived of all this action going on.

SMOKESCREEN
Just try not to break anything. I know that temper of yours.

BUMBLEBEE, WHEELJACK and SMOKESCREEN transform into vehicle mode and head out. Meanwhile, WRECK-GAR is now moving around BLITZWING like a boxer.

WRECK-GAR
(imitating MUHAMMAD ALI)
FLOATS LAHK A BUTTERFLAH!!! STINGS LAHK A BEE!!!

WRECK-GAR swings his arm at BLITZWING. However, BLITZWING just grabs WRECK-GAR’S fist, swings the Junkion into the air and slams him into the ground, making him fall to pieces.

WRECK-GAR
(doing a stuffy voice)
Oh, I knew I should have gotten some medical insurance.

BLITZWING
(as the flames keep going around his body)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! C’mon, isn’t there anyone who can fight against the mighty Blitzwing?

RODIMUS
(off-screen, coming in)
I’M GONNA TEAR YOU APART!!!

RODIMUS was driving in, and then, he jumps off a ramp and transforms to robot mode. He lands a kick against BLITZWING’S face. BLITZWING stands up and sees RODIMUS. ARCEE, DRIFT and SIREN arrive right after RODIMUS does and they all transform to robot mode.

BLITZWING
So, the Autobot Leader has arrived.

SMOKESCREEN
(off-screen, coming in)
And he’s not the only one who’s ready for another fight, ya big lug!!!

SMOKESCREEN, BUMBLEBEE and WHEELJACK also arrive and transform into robot mode. BUMBLEBEE looks around.

BUMBLEBEE
Gosh… he really made extremely short work of our guys.

We see BUMBLEBEE’S POV. We pan as we see CIRCUIT BREAKER lying on the ground, BREAKAWAY completely smashed, DAYTONUS, SIDE BURN and HOSEHEAD with their circuits scrambled and WRECK-GAR in pieces.

RODIMUS
You guys take care of the others… this jerk is mine.

DRIFT, SIREN, SMOKESCREEN, BUMBLEBEE and WHEELJACK go to help the other Autobots. ARCEE follows but stops for a moment, looking back at RODIMUS with concern. She doesn’t know what they’ll have to do if he loses his control and lays BLITZWING down like he did with the other Decepticons back at the ship. RODIMUS and BLITZWING face each other. BLITZWING grins and charges toward RODIMUS.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE DESERT – BATTLEFIELD

BLITZWING is charging towards RODIMUS and jumps on him. He starts punching the Autobot Leader in the face.

BLITZWING
HAHAAA!!! I always wanted to get my hands on an Autobot Leader!!!

Suddenly, RODIMUS grabs BLITZWING’S fists and tosses him aside. He then stands up. Despite still being damaged due to all the beatings he got from THUNDERHOOF, RODIMUS is driven by pure anger. BLITZWING then springs to his feet.

BLITZWING
At last!!! A challenge!!! All my life have I searched for someone worthy of my attention, and now, I have met my equal.

RODIMUS
You hurt my guys… for that, I will make you suffer!!! NRAAAAAAAAH!!!

RODIMUS springs into action and starts bashing against BLITZWING’S head. The fight is intense and violent. BLITZWING and RODIMUS just grunt fiercely and angrily as they both tear each other to pieces. BLITZWING rips off RODIMUS’ spoiler from his back and tears off one of his exhaust pipes.

BLITZWING
CALL IT OFF, RODIMUS!!! I’M STRONGER THAN YOU!!!

Both RODIMUS and BLITZWING sweat fiercely as they struggle. Suddenly, RODIMUS’ eyes start twitching with an insane rage and he lets out an intense, violent scream.

RODIMUS
(filled with anger)
NEVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER!!!!

RODIMUS then backhands BLITZWING.

BLITZWING
DAAAGH!!! YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT!!!

RODIMUS jumps into the air and grabs BLITZWING’S turret backpack. He then fiercely tears it off.

BLITZWING
YAAAAAAIIIIGH!!! YOU RIPPED OUT MY TURRET, YOU STINKIN’ PIECE OF SCRAP!!!

BLITZWING then angrily charges toward RODIMUS, who proceeds to beat him up once again. Both opponents bleed intensely as they just continuously engage in a deadly battle. RODIMUS then grabs BLITZWING’S detached turret and starts using it as a bat to beat up the powerful Triple Changer. BLITZWING falls to the ground after he is beaten down. RODIMUS then grabs BLITZWING’S hands and starts crushing them.

BLITZWING
AAAAAAAGH!!!

Suddenly, ARCEE runs toward RODIMUS and holds him back, trying to stop him.

ARCEE
Rodimus!!! STOP!!!

RODIMUS keeps crushing BLITZWING’S hands. Oil comes out of them. Tears start coming out of ARCEE’S eyes.

ARCEE
(crying)
Don’t kill him… I know how you feel, you want to keep us safe… you still want to redeem yourself for losing Velocity… but please… not this way… don’t kill this Triple Changer…

RODIMUS looks at BLITZWING. The Triple Changer’s face was filled with fear and terror. RODIMUS sees his expression. BLITZWING seemed lost and afraid. It’s the same expression RODIMUS had when he was young. We go to a flashback where a younger HOT ROD is taking a stroll with VELOCITY.

HOT ROD (YOUNG)
(nervous)
Lotty… I… I wanted to tell you something.

VELOCITY
(chuckling)
Well, tell me then, Roddy… why are you so nervous?

Despite being quite a young boy, HOT ROD had made his decision. He was holding an engagement ring in his storage chamber. VELOCITY had been the only person that had cared for him, and he wanted her to be the girl with whom he would spend the rest of his life. Suddenly, DELUGE appears behind HOT ROD and knocks him out. DELUGE then grabs VELOCITY and runs away.

VELOCITY
(scared)
RODDY!!! HELP MEEEEEE!!!

HOT ROD wakes up after hearing VELOCITY’S plea for help, and looks as DELUGE takes her away. His expression of fear is the same one on BLITZWING right now. We go back to the present, making a transition from HOT ROD’S expression, to BLITZWING’S expression. RODIMUS starts tearing up as he stands up. BLITZWING seemed confused now. An Autobot had shown him… mercy? He had been told that the Autobots were cruel and dishonorable, but now, he seems confused. He just transforms into jet mode and flies away. RODIMUS then collapses in ARCEE’S arms and starts crying and whimpering like a lost child who doesn’t know what to do. ARCEE hugs him.

ARCEE
(comforting RODIMUS)
It’s okay… I’m here… I’m with you…

When the hug is released, RODIMUS stands up and starts walking into the distance. ARCEE looks at this with sadness. BUMBLEBEE walks in.

BUMBLEBEE
What’s wrong? We won, didn’t we? Roddy gave that guy a run for his money and he’s gonna be back in the forefront…

ARCEE
We didn’t win, Bee… sure, he beat up Blitzwing… but I get the feeling that he didn’t want to be pulled back into battle. He wanted to end it right then and there… and I’m afraid about what will happen next… I might not be able to stop him next time.

At night, RODIMUS arrives at the canyons. He is alone. He then takes something out from his storage container. It’s the engagement ring he wanted to give VELOCITY a long time ago. He looks at it and cries.

RODIMUS
(with sadness)
I never wanted this… I never wanted to be a warrior... I never wanted to lead… I just wanted to be someone with a normal life… but I never got what I wished for… I’m always forced to do things that I never wanted to do… and now, after witnessing all the painful memories that have been brought back to me once again, I don’t even think I can bring myself to ask Arcee if she would…

RODIMUS doesn’t even get to finish his sentence before breaking up in tears. He just looks down and drops the ring into the canyon.

RODIMUS
After this war is over… I guess I’ll just have to go somewhere far away… I can’t let anyone be harmed on my account ever again.

RODIMUS then turns around and walks away as it starts raining. RODIMUS just keeps walking sadly into the distance as drops of water keep falling down.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Thunder Clash”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Hosehead - Mason Adams

DECEPTICONS:
Blitzwing - Ed Gilbert

OTHERS:
Thunder Clash - Ed Gilbert
Ina - Gloria McMillan
Autotrooper - Mason Adams

SONGS

Put on a Happy Face (https://tfregenerationone.weebly.com/uploads/6/3/4/4/63446209/put_on_a_happy_face.mp3)

Singer: Hosehead

ACT ONE

FADE IN

SPACE – BATTLE NEAR PLANET ZIR

A battle rages on near Planet Zir, a planet known for having been in the center of a war which left it contaminated with dangerous levels of radioactivity. An Autobot ship is being pursued relentlessly by the Decepticon Triple Changer BLITZWING, who at this moment, is in jet mode.

BLITZWING
TIME TO DIE, AUTOBOTS!!!

Inside the ship, Autobots RODIMUS PRIME, HOSEHEAD and BREAKAWAY are trying hard to lose the Decepticon Triple Changer. BREAKAWAY is sent flying into a wall with a hard thud.

BREAKAWAY
(keeping his cool after hitting the wall)
Boy… this sure isn’t our day.

HOSEHEAD
Our weapons aren’t working!!!

RODIMUS looks at HOSEHEAD and then looks up with determination.

RODIMUS
(determined)
Then there’s only one way to get him off our tail.

RODIMUS grabs a minigun and straps on an ammo belt. The minigun resembles a M134 minigun in design. He then opens the hatch and prepares to walk out.

HOSEHEAD
Rodimus, have you gone bananas?!!! If we’re near the planet’s atmosphere or one of its moons, you’ll be pulled in by the gravity. And if we ain’t, then the recoil of the minigun will make sure you land before we do!!!

RODIMUS
If it’s to save you two, it’s worth it!!!

RODIMUS is then walking on top of the ship while holding the minigun. He stands completely still and prepares to fire the minigun.

RODIMUS
(with rage)
BLITZWING!!! I GOT YOUR LUNCH READY FOR YA!!!

RODIMUS fires the minigun. The recoil sends RODIMUS hurtling into one of Zir’s moons. However, the bullets manage to hit BLITZWING.

BLITZWING
DAAAAAAAIIIIGH!!!

BLITZWING loses control and goes flying, heading for the dangerously radioactive planet. He crashes into the mountains. He tries to transform, but the radioactivity is starting to affect his functions and he can’t transform into robot mode. Meanwhile, RODIMUS is falling down to the first moon of Zir. RODIMUS is starting to burn up as he enters the moon’s atmosphere.

RODIMUS
(struggling and sweating)
At least if I go… hnnngh… it’ll be in a blaze of glory…

The ship flies in and some grappling hooks launch out and grab RODIMUS, who falls unconscious due to his systems being overheated. BREAKAWAY flies out of the ship, wearing a heat-resisting suit of his own creation. He grabs RODIMUS and hauls him in. He then closes the hatch.

BREAKAWAY
Boy… that was too much… even with this suit on, I could still feel the heat.

BREAKAWAY checks on RODIMUS’ damage levels, but when he touches him, he burns his finger.

BREAKAWAY
OW!!! We gotta take him to a cryogenic room… he’s suffering from heat stroke!!!

HOSEHEAD
What’s that?

BREAKAWAY
A type of hyperthermia… if we don’t get him cryogenic treatment, he’ll die!!!

HOSEHEAD
Great… just what we needed, a ticking time bomb… we’re never gonna find a cryogenic room in this place.

BREAKAWAY
Maybe not, but… wait, look at that…

BREAKAWAY points to a village settlement on the moon.

BREAKAWAY
If there are villagers in that place, I hope they’re friendly.

The Autobot ship lands on the Ziran moon, and BREAKAWAY and HOSEHEAD carry RODIMUS out of the ship on a stretcher.

HOSEHEAD
I hope the stretcher doesn’t melt, Breakaway.

BREAKAWAY
I sprayed it with a special heat-resisting liquid… my own formula.

As they venture deeper into the forest, a Cybertronian looking girl walks in, holding a spear up to them.

INA
Halt!!! Stay where you are!!!

HOSEHEAD and BREAKAWAY turn and see the native holding the spear.

BREAKAWAY
Whoa, wait!!! We come in peace and all that jazz!!!

HOSEHEAD
We just want help with our leader, he is badly hurt.

The young native girl looks at RODIMUS’ unconscious body and then turns to the two Autobots.

INA
Follow me…

The girl leads the way.

HOSEHEAD
Well, at least she seems friendly…

BREAKAWAY
Yeah, but she doesn’t seem happy.

Later, at the village, the girl walks into a shack where a large robot is taking care of people that were poisoned by radiation.

INA
We got visitors, Thunder Clash. Autobots.

THUNDER CLASH stands up and looks at the girl.

THUNDER CLASH
Did they have any Elite Guard badges?

INA
No… they seem to be renegades… and their leader is hurt.

THUNDER CLASH walks out of the shack and sees the three Autobots. He then comes to a sudden stop when he sees RODIMUS. The girl notices this. She had never seen THUNDER CLASH like this before. BREAKAWAY and HOSEHEAD look at the imposing figure.

HOSEHEAD
Man… he’s taller than Rodimus!!!

THUNDER CLASH kneels down and looks at RODIMUS.

THUNDER CLASH
(thinking while looking at RODIMUS)
All this time… I thought you had been killed… I couldn’t stop thinking about how miserably I had failed… if I had only known you were still alive…

THUNDER CLASH stands up and calls upon two villagers.

THUNDER CLASH
Take him to the falls… the water there will bring his temperature back to normal.

The villagers take RODIMUS to the falls. THUNDER CLASH walks back to the shack he was in. BREAKAWAY had noticed THUNDER CLASH’S expression when he saw RODIMUS. He seemed pained and regretful. The young sniper turns towards HOSEHEAD, who is in turn, looking at the native girl, who is sadly sitting near the river.

BREAKAWAY
I’m gonna have a chat with the big cheese.

HOSEHEAD
Go right on ahead… I’m gonna check in on the girl.

HOSEHEAD walks towards INA and sits beside her.

HOSEHEAD
Hey… I noticed you were all alone here and I wanted to give you some company.

INA
(with a sad tone)
Thanks… I just wish my family was here…

HOSEHEAD
Oh… and where are they?

INA
They died of radiation poisoning during the war.

INA then started tearing up. HOSEHEAD hugged her in order to comfort her.

HOSEHEAD
I’m really sorry I asked, but at least now I understand why you are so sad. However… well, first of all, what’s your name?

INA
Ina… Thunder Clash took me in when I was a young girl.

HOSEHEAD
Well, Ina, all I can say is that your family wouldn’t want you to mourn them all your life. Yes, it’s fine to mourn someone you love in your own way, but you also have to move on. Not for your sake, but for theirs. The best way to honor their memory is to keep going and put on a happy face.

HOSEHEAD stood up and started walking around INA merrily as the music for “Put on a Happy Face” starts.

HOSEHEAD
(singing)
Gray skies are gonna clear up
Put on a happy face
Brush off the clouds and cheer up
Put on a happy face

HOSEHEAD tickles INA’S chin, which causes her to giggle a bit.

HOSEHEAD
(singing)
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy
It's not your style
You'll look so good that you'll be glad
You decided to smile

HOSEHEAD then does a backflip, but he falls on his backside, making INA laugh happily.

HOSEHEAD
(singing)
Pick out a pleasant outlook
Stick out that noble chin
Wipe off that full-of-doubt look
Slap on a happy grin
And spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face

HOSEHEAD then grabs INA’s hand and they both start tap dancing merrily. They stop a bit as HOSEHEAD sings again.

HOSEHEAD
(singing)
Put on a happy face

They resume tap dancing, and then HOSEHEAD sings again.

HOSEHEAD
(singing)
Put on a happy face
And if you're feeling cross and bickerish
Don't sit and whine
Think of banana splits and licorice
And you'll feel fine
I knew a girl so gloomy
She'd never laugh or sing
She wouldn't listen to me
Now she's a mean old thing
So spread sunshine all over the place
Just put on a happy face

Then, as HOSEHEAD finishes singing, both HOSEHEAD and INA do some slick dancing moves and then, they do more playful moves. They resume the slick moves for a bit before going into the silly ones once again. After that, they briefly start playfully walking like penguins. Then, INA hides behind a tree and HOSEHEAD goes looking for her. HOSEHEAD looks behind the tree, but we see INA running out from another tree. HOSEHEAD then sneaks into another tree and goes around it. Suddenly, INA comes out of the bushes, sticking her tongue at HOSEHEAD. HOSEHEAD jumps up when he sees her and then tries to catch her, but she evades him. He lands on the floor with a hard thud and then, he gets up, shaking his head. Then, he sees INA running behind another tree. He follows, but he then loses her again. He scratches his head, wondering where she went. We see INA hiding behind another bush giggling. She then tosses a branch to the other side. HOSEHEAD looks to the other side and runs toward it. However, he clumsily falls down a flight of steps and after that, we see him dizzily walking around. INA pops up from behind a tree and touches his shoulder. HOSEHEAD sees her and immediately tries to catch her, but he just falls to the river. Then, both INA and HOSEHEAD laugh heartily as the music ends.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

THUNDER CLASH’S SHACK – INTERIOR

BREAKAWAY walks into THUNDER CLASH’S shack and starts talking to him.

BREAKAWAY
I don’t mean to intrude, man, but I noticed that you seem to know our leader… care to tell me if there’s a connection between you two?

THUNDER CLASH sighs and then walks towards a table. He takes something from it. It is a picture of him with a woman with red armor and a young sparkling. They all seem happy. THUNDER CLASH gives the picture to BREAKAWAY. BREAKAWAY looks at it and then looks at the adorable sparkling.

BREAKAWAY
That’s… that’s Rodimus!!!

THUNDER CLASH
(anguished)
Yes… it is your commander… and I’m the one person who should have been there for him, but failed miserably. I wish I could say that I’m his father, but I couldn’t even do that right. I wasn’t there for him when he needed me. I wasn’t there for his mother, either… and I paid the price for it.

BREAKAWAY notices THUNDER CLASH’S anguish.

BREAKAWAY
Tell me what happened…

THUNDER CLASH looks out the window as he starts telling his story.

THUNDER CLASH
It all started when I met my wife. Her name was Novafire…

We go to a flashback sequence. In it we see THUNDER CLASH with some Elite Guard troops. They were chatting about things. In this flashback, THUNDER CLASH’S voice is slightly higher than it is now.

THUNDER CLASH
(with a slightly higher-pitched voice, talking to the other troops)
And then this guy goes out and gets himself arrested and demoted to private.

AUTOTROOPER
Man… what a way to ruin his life.

THUNDER CLASH
(VO, narrating)
It was then when I first saw her. She was the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

Young THUNDER CLASH sees NOVAFIRE and is completely taken by her beauty. NOVAFIRE looks at him and smiles sweetly.

THUNDER CLASH
(VO, narrating)
We married after dating for a while… we just couldn’t wait anymore. And then, the most wonderful thing happened. We had a young boy, who we named Hot Rod.

The little sparkling looks at his parents and smiles. Both THUNDER CLASH and NOVAFIRE look at their son and smile back.

THUNDER CLASH
(VO, narrating)
For the first time in my life, I felt so happy, almost like I was living in a dream. But that wouldn’t last…

THUNDER CLASH is heading back home with two other bots. We see that they’re SMOKESCREEN and SIREN, but they both look much younger than they do now. However, they see that THUNDER CLASH’S house is totally destroyed. THUNDER CLASH runs toward the house and looks for his family.

THUNDER CLASH
(with a slightly higher-pitched voice)
NOVAFIRE!!! RODDY!!! WHERE ARE--?!!!
(turning and seeing something lying on the floor)
No…

Young THUNDER CLASH starts tearing up. We don’t see what he’s looking at, but it is apparent that it is NOVAFIRE. SMOKESCREEN and SIREN go to THUNDER CLASH and try to comfort him. They seem to understand his pain. We then go back to the present.

THUNDER CLASH
Later on, I found out that the Elite Guard… the same people I served faithfully, were the ones who took Novafire from me… and I couldn’t find my boy anywhere. The Guard arrested me, but I escaped and searched for the only thing that mattered most to me: my son. I started losing hope as I kept searching for him. Then, I decided to escape from Cybertron. I thought the boy might have been killed with his mother and I just felt so guilty about it.

BREAKAWAY
I… I didn’t know… I’m sorry to hear that.

BREAKAWAY didn’t know how to take this in. It seemed that his parental experience was much different compared to how THUNDER CLASH seemed to care so much about RODIMUS. The young Autobot Sniper was now wishing that THUNDER CLASH was his father.

BREAKAWAY
When I was a kid, I thought dads were people who constantly grilled you if you didn’t agree with them… and that they would tell you to bug off if you didn’t want to be like them.

THUNDER CLASH
You had that kind of trouble with your father?

BREAKAWAY
Whenever he saw me building stuff or using my chemistry set, he lashed out and threw it all out the window. He was one of those old, tough types, and he still is. I bet he still thinks I’m a wimp, especially after I got my degree.

THUNDER CLASH
Why don’t you try and talk to him?

BREAKAWAY
I tried… but all he did was shut the door in my face after telling me that I will never be welcome in his house again.

As BREAKAWAY thought back to that, he started tearing up.

BREAKAWAY
I guess he’s right… I am a wimp…

THUNDER CLASH
I don’t think so… you are what you are… you’re not your father, and you should be proud of what you’ve accomplished despite all of his disagreements with you.

THUNDER CLASH puts his hand on BREAKAWAY’S shoulder.

THUNDER CLASH
If you were my son, I would be proud of you.

BREAKAWAY looks at THUNDER CLASH and smiles. Meanwhile, RODIMUS had just recovered. THUNDER CLASH went to look at him.

THUNDER CLASH
How are you feeling?

RODIMUS
Better… though I kinda wish I—

RODIMUS looked at THUNDER CLASH and seemed to have vague flashbacks from his past. He has seen him before, but the memories are a blur.

THUNDER CLASH
What is it?

RODIMUS
Some… flashes… I’ve been having them for a long time… they’re memories… and some of them haunt me without end…

THUNDER CLASH
Post-traumatic stress disorder?

RODIMUS
Yes…

THUNDER CLASH looked down and felt even worse for not being there for his son. Suddenly, INA and HOSEHEAD run in.

INA
THUNDER CLASH!!! We have a problem!!!

HOSEHEAD
(pointing at planet Zir)
Yeah… the planet’s going crackers!!!

THUNDER CLASH looks at Planet Zir looming in the sky. The planet seems to be going through a chain reaction.

THUNDER CLASH
The destruction of Zir has begun. We must check the satellite probe and start the evacuation procedures.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

COMPUTER SHACK – INTERIOR

RODIMUS, BREAKAWAY, HOSEHEAD, INA and THUNDER CLASH are looking at the computer monitor. The satellites were showing all that was happening on the unstable Planet Zir.

THUNDER CLASH
It’s just as we feared. The radiation has affected the planet’s surface. It’s gonna blow up any second.

BREAKAWAY then notices something lying on Zir’s surface.

BREAKAWAY
Wait, what’s that?

RODIMUS notices it and sees a jet. It seems to be shaking and struggling.

RODIMUS
It’s Blitzwing!!! And he can’t transform!!!

RODIMUS then clenches his fist.

RODIMUS
We gotta help him… even though we’re fighting the ‘cons, this is not a good way to go for any one of them.

THUNDER CLASH
(turning to some troopers)
Get the ships ready and evacuate. I’ll meet you at the rendezvous point later.

The troops nod and prepare to load the poisoned villagers into the ships. THUNDER CLASH turns to RODIMUS and the others.

THUNDER CLASH
We only got a few hours to save that Decepticon. And even then, I don’t think it’ll be enough.

RODIMUS
We gotta make it enough. No ‘con is dying on me unless it’s the irredeemable kind. And even if it’s one we’re fighting, he should be given a chance to die honorably in combat. I’m not letting a freak accident of nature kill a ‘con.

THUNDER CLASH
Then we’ll have to make haste.

TRANSITION TO

SPACE - AUTOBOT SHUTTLE INTERIOR

HOSEHEAD is now piloting the Autobot shuttle. In it, THUNDER CLASH and RODIMUS are preparing to go down onto the dangerously radioactive surface of Zir. They both have ropes strapped to their bodies so BREAKAWAY and INA can bring them back to the ship.

RODIMUS
You don’t have to do this, Thunder Clash…

THUNDER CLASH
Trust me, I do... I have to prove something to myself. Now let’s move.

RODIMUS and THUNDER CLASH jump out of the ship and start going down into the planet’s atmosphere. THUNDER CLASH looks at RODIMUS and raises his hand for a handshake.

THUNDER CLASH
Let me tell you… if you had a father… he would be extremely proud of you.

RODIMUS hears THUNDER CLASH’S words and also raises his hand. The two ‘bots shake hands. THUNDER CLASH hasn’t told RODIMUS about his past, but with that last sentence, RODIMUS is now certain that THUNDER CLASH is more than just an ally. Then, they both look down and see BLITZWING, still stuck in jet mode and struggling to transform.

THUNDER CLASH
There he is!!!

RODIMUS
(starting to be affected by the radiation)
Okay… let’s… ugh… do this quickly… uuuhhh… what’s… happening to me?

THUNDER CLASH
The radiation is affecting your circuitry. We must hurry!!!

Both THUNDER CLASH and RODIMUS manage to grab BLITZWING and then tug on the ropes. In the ship, INA and BREAKAWAY both see the rope being tugged.

INA
They have him!!! We must pull them back!!!

Then, both BREAKAWAY and INA start pulling the rope. Moments later, THUNDER CLASH, RODIMUS and BLITZWING are inside the ship.

RODIMUS
Okay, now let’s get the heck outta here!!! The planet is about to blow!!!

HOSEHEAD then flies the ship away from the planet. Planet Zir explodes in a spectacular fashion. INA looks back at her home planet exploding. She has a stoic expression in her face. Later, at the rendezvous point, BLITZWING is facing RODIMUS.

BLITZWING
You… you saved me. But why?

RODIMUS
When I first battled you, I noticed that you were just confused and you really didn’t seem to know that much about us…

BLITZWING
Deluge told me that you were ruthless killers when he brought me in, and that you deserved to be treated with the same cruelty with which you treated others…

RODIMUS
I’ll let you be the judge of that.

BLITZWING stood there and then turned and walked out. He stops for a bit.

BLITZWING
Thanks for saving my life… but now, I have a lot to think about.

BLITZWING transforms to jet mode and flies away. THUNDER CLASH then goes to RODIMUS.

THUNDER CLASH
You did well back there…

RODIMUS
Thanks.

THUNDER CLASH
I just wish you could come with us… but you seem to have your own people to care about. Still, I want to give you this.

THUNDER CLASH then gives him the picture he had of himself with NOVAFIRE and HOT ROD as a sparkling. RODIMUS looks at it and tears up. He then looks at THUNDER CLASH.

RODIMUS
D… dad?

THUNDER CLASH tears up and extends his hands. RODIMUS hugs him and cries on his shoulder.

THUNDER CLASH
All this time, I thought I would never find you. But now, I know what I’ll do after I find a new home for these villagers. I’ll see you again soon, my son.

BREAKAWAY looks at RODIMUS and THUNDER CLASH’S interaction and then turns around. He starts tearing up. He really wishes he had a father like that. He then walks into the ship. Meanwhile, INA goes up to HOSEHEAD and hugs him.

INA
(happy)
Thank you, Hosehead. You made me feel happy even after all this time.

HOSEHEAD
Aw, shucks. No worries, you deserve to be happy. It’s what your family would have wanted. Also, here…

HOSEHEAD then gives INA a fire department badge.

HOSEHEAD
This is something to remember me by.

INA
It’s very nifty!!!

INA smiles at HOSEHEAD. HOSEHEAD walks back into the ship along with RODIMUS. THUNDER CLASH walks up to INA and stands beside her, HOSEHEAD looks back and waves at INA.

HOSEHEAD
(to INA)
Remember, if you ever feel down, just think about good stuff and put on a happy face.
INA smiles and waves at HOSEHEAD. THUNDER CLASH waves at the three Autobots.

THUNDER CLASH
Farewell!!! And Rodimus… I’ll see you again soon.

RODIMUS
(with a smile)
Thanks, dad. I’ll be waiting for you.

Then, the ship takes off and flies away. THUNDER CLASH and INA look at it fade into the distance. THUNDER CLASH is now determined to make up for all those years where he wasn’t there for RODIMUS, and once a new home is found for the villagers, he will reunite with his son on Earth.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Masters and Students”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Arcee - Sue Blu
Wheeljack - Christopher Collins
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser

DECEPTICONS:
Shockwave - Corey Burton
Starscream - Christopher Collins
Thunderhoof - Michael Rye
Knock Out - Michael Rye
Tankor - Michael Rye
Quake - Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Deluge - Earl Boen
Blitzwing - Ed Gilbert

HUMANS:
Circuit Breaker - Samantha Newark

NOTES

Special thanks to Brandon Pinsent for the mousetrap scene.

ACT ONE

FADE IN

DECEPTICON SHIP – KITCHEN

STARSCREAM is walking into a small, dark room where he can barely see anything, carrying bottles in one hand and a large sack in the other, he places the sack down.

STARSCREAM
Why do the others want ME to put away these things? (sighs) At least I found a place to put the Cybertronian Potatoes. Now where to put the Energon Sodas...

STARSCREAM carefully looks around every corner of the room to put them down, but everything's filled with clutter.

STARSCREAM
Ugh, if only I had a flashlight, I gotta put these down somewhere...

STARSCREAM finds a rectangular object on top of one of the shelves, but it's so dark he can't quite tell what it is.

STARSCREAM
Hey, what's this?

STARSCREAM tries to look at it closely, but he still can't get a good look at it, he tries to move it out of the way, only to realize it's a mousetrap when it snaps right on his thumb.

STARSCREAM
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

He clutches onto his hand, dropping the Energon Sodas causing them to spill.

STARSCREAM
OW, OW, OW, OW, OW!!!

STARSCREAM tries to get it off, but it's no use, he waves his arm around frantically and runs out of the basement, THUNDERHOOF walks out of his room.

THUNDERHOOF
'Ey, Screamer!

STARSCREAM
HELLLLLLLLLLLP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

THUNDERHOOF only catches a glimpse of STARSCREAM passing by, who runs down the hallway; he's running so fast that the mobster can't even see the mousetrap.

THUNDERHOOF
What's gotten into ‘im?

STARSCREAM heads into the Command Room, where SHOCKWAVE, DELUGE and KNOCK OUT are located.

STARSCREAM
BOSS!!!

The imposing supercomputer was talking to KNOCK OUT and DELUGE until STARSCREAM barges in, he turns towards him, only showing slight irritation.

SHOCKWAVE
What is it this time, Starscream?

STARSCREAM holds up his hand, the mousetrap clamped down on his thumb.

STARSCREAM
I CAN'T GET THIS STUPID THING OFF!! IT HURTS SO MUCH!!! HELLLLLLLLLP!

SHOCKWAVE
You've been in countless battles, and this is what's hurting you?
(looks down and shakes head)
Highly illogical.

STARSCREAM
WHY DO WE EVEN HAVE MOUSETRAPS IN THE COLD ROOM??? WE DON'T EVEN GET ANY RATS!!!

KNOCK OUT
I dunno, it's working pretty well on one pest right now.

DELUGE
DAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!

STARSCREAM
NOW'S NOT THE TIME FOR YOUR STUPID JOKES, KNOCK OUT! I NEED HELP!

SHOCKWAVE
Very well.
(looks towards Knock Out)
I believe you have a new patient.

STARSCREAM
Oh no, no-no-no-no, I just need you to take this off, please!

KNOCK OUT
Alright.
(cracks knuckles and draws out a scalpel)
Do you wanna lose the thumb, or the whole hand?

STARSCREAM
(gulp)

TRANSITION TO

THE DESERT – BATTLE AT THE CANYONS

In the canyons of the Portland desert, WHEELJACK, BREAKAWAY and ARCEE are engaging QUAKE, TANKOR and BLITZWING in battle.

QUAKE
Blitzwing, you stupid vato!!! Transform into tank mode and blast ‘em!!!

BLITZWING
(ticked off)
If you’re so smart, why don’t you transform into tank mode?

There is a moment of tense silence until QUAKE speaks up.

QUAKE
Caramba, I never thought of that.

QUAKE transforms to tank mode and starts rolling toward the Autobots.

ARCEE
Here comes Cuban Pete, right on time.

BREAKAWAY
Then let’s show him how a true Autobot fights!

ARCEE and BREAKAWAY fire their weapons at QUAKE. QUAKE’S armor deflects the lasers.

QUAKE
Hahahaha, you vatos can’t handle the might of the great Quake!!!

ARCEE
(aiming her rifle at QUAKE’S treads)
Wanna bet?

ARCEE fires her rifle and as she does it, bullet cartridges fall to the ground every time she fired. The bullets hit the treads and QUAKE comes to a sudden stop.

QUAKE
Ay, no!!!

QUAKE transforms into robot mode, but once he does it, ARCEE once again fires her rifle at him, causing him to fall down to pieces.

QUAKE
AYAYAYYYYYY!!!

ARCEE
Sorry, Quake, but I had to stop you somehow.

BLITZWING
Stupid idiot.

BLITZWING transforms into jet mode and heads toward the three Autobots. BREAKAWAY just stands still.

BREAKAWAY
He’s mine.

BREAKAWAY aims his scoped burst rifle at BLITZWING and fires it. BLITZWING’S engines are hit and he crashes down to the ground. BREAKAWAY then looks at TANKOR.

BREAKAWAY
Now to try and beat the hardest one...

WHEELJACK
No!!! Don’t shoot him!!! Leave him to me.

WHEELJACK then runs toward TANKOR. BREAKAWAY then turns to ARCEE.

BREAKAWAY
Why doesn’t he let us take a crack at Tankor?

ARCEE
Well, first of all, he doesn’t want anything to happen to Tankor’s spark. You see, Tankor is powered by the spark of Wheeljack’s old teacher, Rhinox. Wheeljack has been trying to come up with a way to tap into Rhinox’s spark so…

BREAKAWAY
So he can reawaken and Tankor can switch sides, am I right?

ARCEE
Right. He thinks this is the perfect opportunity to test his device, but if it doesn’t work, he doesn’t know how he’ll be able to go back to the drawing board, ‘cause the materials to build the device no longer exist anywhere in the known universe.

BREAKAWAY
Then let’s pray it does.

WHEELJACK is now facing TANKOR. TANKOR roars angrily when he sees WHEELJACK.

TANKOR
TANKOR SMASH GADGETBOT!!! GADGETBOT TANKOR’S ENEMY!!!

TANKOR charges toward WHEELJACK, but WHEELJACK swiftly jumps aside and evades him. TANKOR’S massive arms hit the ground, shattering it underneath him.

TANKOR
NRAAAAAAAAH!!!

WHEELJACK jumps on TANKOR’S back. TANKOR angrily tries to grab WHEELJACK, but he can’t reach him.

TANKOR
NRAAAAH!!! TANKOR SMASH GADGETBOT!!! TANKOR BASH GADGETBOT!!!

WHEELJACK
YAAAAIIIII!!! THIS IS LIKE RIDING A WILD CYBER-BULL!!!

WHEELJACK tries to hold onto TANKOR as tightly as he can. He then grabs a small device from a storage container and puts it on the back of TANKOR’S head. He then jumps off of TANKOR’S back and runs toward ARCEE and BREAKAWAY.

WHEELJACK
ARCEE!!! THE REMOTE CONTROL!!!

ARCEE takes out a remote control and presses a button on it. Suddenly, sparks and bolts engulf TANKOR as he starts roaring and screaming.

TANKOR
NRAAAAAAAAH!!! TANKOR DESTROY ALL AUTOBOTS!!! TANKOR ANGRY!!!! NRRAAAAAHHHH!!!

WHEELJACK crosses his fingers as he looks at TANKOR angrily yelling and roaring due to the device activating.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

DESERT – TANKOR LASHING OUT

TANKOR keeps yelling and roaring while the device is tapping into his spark. Suddenly, he stops lashing out and then stands at attention. WHEELJACK, BREAKAWAY and ARCEE all approach him. TANKOR looks down at them and tilts his head, seeming to recognize them.

WHEELJACK
Rhinox?

TANKOR just looks at them and nods. WHEELJACK sighs with relief.

WHEELJACK
Thank goodness…

TRANSITION TO

AUTOBOT HEADQUARTERS – REPAIR BAY

MINERVA is analyzing TANKOR’S systems while DAYTONUS, RODIMUS, ARCEE, WHEELJACK and BREAKAWAY look on.

MINERVA
Well, the good news is that he has regained the intelligence and experience of Wheeljack’s teacher, so we don’t have to worry about him smashing up the place.

RODIMUS
So… what’s the bad news?

MINERVA
The bad news is that the spark tap kinda neutralized the use of Tankor’s vocal receptors, so Rhinox can’t talk at all. Other than that, we got ourselves a new ally.

DAYTONUS
(raising his fist victoriously)
AWWWW, YEH!!! Now da’s what I call cool!!!

RODIMUS
I believe congratulations are in order, Wheeljack.

WHEELJACK
Thanks, Rodimus. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to see if my teacher can still build gadgets as well as he did before.

WHEELJACK walks into his lab, followed by TANKOR.

TRANSITION TO

THE DECEPTICON SHIP – REPAIR BAY

KNOCK OUT is fixing QUAKE as DELUGE talks down to him angrily. BLITZWING is also there, hearing DELUGE’S rant.

DELUGE
You fools!!! You let them take Tankor avay!!!

QUAKE
AY!!! We had no choice!!! Blitzwing was down and I was in pieces!!! OW!!!

DELUGE
Once you arre rrepairred, you vill have to go back and rretrrieve him, unless you vant to feel the wrrath of Shockwave.

QUAKE gulped after hearing that threat.

DELUGE
This time, I vill go vith you idiots… and ve’ll take Starscream, the Battlechargers and Knock Out just to make surre you don’t fail again.

TRANSITION TO

AUTOBOT HEADQUARTERS – WHEELJACK’S LAB

WHEELJACK was working on some microchips while TANKOR was building a solar power generator. He was now attaching the solar panels into the generator. WHEELJACK looked at TANKOR.

WHEELJACK
You finished rigging the panels, Rhinox?

TANKOR waved his hand as if to say that he was ready.

WHEELJACK
Good, now I just got to install these chips into the generator.
WHEELJACK starts fusing the microchips into the generator. Moments later, the power generator is ready.

WHEELJACK
That should do it!!! Our new solar power generator will keep our base energized for as long as we fight the ‘cons.

TANKOR puts his hand on WHEELJACK’S shoulder, as if RHINOX wanted to say that he was proud of his student. WHEELJACK turned to him.

WHEELJACK
You know… I’m really glad to have you back. I missed you so much.

WHEELJACK and TANKOR shook hands. DAYTONUS then walks in.

DAYTONUS
Ey, um, is da device ready for field testin’?

WHEELJACK
(turning to DAYTONUS)
Yeah, it is.

DAYTONUS
Cool. Rodimus and Josie are goin’ wit’ ya, since da ‘Cons might try to steal it, or at least try to retrieve deir ol’ comrade.

WHEELJACK
Okay, we’ll be heading out soon.

TRANSITION TO

THE DESERT – DUNES

At the dunes, RODIMUS, WHEELJACK, TANKOR and CIRCUIT BREAKER are preparing to test the new power generator. However, just as WHEELJACK raises the panels and activates the generator, someone else is watching them from afar.

DELUGE
Ahhh, now this is interresting… I’ve managed to trrack Tankor’s enerrgy signature, but I’ve also found out much more than that…

CIRCUIT BREAKER, RODIMUS and WHEELJACK cheer as the power generator starts absorbing energy.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
AWRIGHT!!!

RODIMUS
WAY TO GO!!!

WHEELJACK
WE DID IT!!!

WHEELJACK and TANKOR high-fived each other, extremely proud of their latest success. However, they are suddenly ambushed by DELUGE and the Decepticons. STARSCREAM hits RODIMUS with his null ray.

RODIMUS
DAAAAAAGH!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER, WHEELJACK and TANKOR look up and see that they are surrounded by STARSCREAM, KNOCK OUT, the Battlechargers, QUAKE and BLITZWING. DELUGE then walks in.

DELUGE
Autobots… you have been a thorrn in Shockwave’s plans for too long… now it is time that ve should bring yourr storry to a… logical conclusion. DAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!

In quick succession, we get shots of the Decepticons charging toward the Autobots. First, we see KNOCK OUT and the Battlechargers transforming into vehicle mode and driving toward the Autobots. Then, we quickly cut to QUAKE charging and yelling while preparing to throw a punch. Then, we cut STARSCREAM flying in and firing rockets, and finally, we cut to BLITZWING running, yelling and transforming into tank mode, about to ram one of the Autobots. As BLITZWING charges, we fade to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE DESERT – BATTLEFIELD

QUAKE charges and throws a punch at WHEELJACK, who quickly evades it.

QUAKE
(about to punch WHEELJACK)
CANNONBALL!!!
(WHEELJACK evades, QUAKE misses)
AY!!!

WHEELJACK kicks QUAKE in the back and sends him crashing to the ground. The stunned RODIMUS stands up, still feeling somewhat groggy until he sees KNOCK OUT and the Battlechargers driving towards him.

RODIMUS
Oh, brother…

RODIMUS takes out a machine gun and aims for their tires.

RODIMUS
It isn’t a good idea to charge at me.

RODIMUS then fires his machine gun at KNOCK OUT and the Battlechargers. KNOCK OUT transforms to robot mode and starts comically evading the bullets while the Battlechargers’ tires get perforated.

KNOCK OUT
OW!!! OW!!! OW!!! OW!!!

KNOCK OUT then starts doing some odd disco moves as the bullets hit the floor around him. Then, he starts moonwalking and jumping around.

KNOCK OUT
DAAAAGH!!! THIS ISN’T FUNNY!!!

KNOCK OUT keeps trying to evade the bullets, and once RODIMUS runs out of ammo, he tosses his machine gun at KNOCK OUT’S face.

KNOCK OUT
(getting hit with the machine gun)
AAAAAGH!!! MY FACE!!!

RODIMUS uses this distraction to his advantage, charging towards KNOCK OUT and punching him, knocking him out.

KNOCK OUT
(getting knocked out)
AAAAAGH!!! The humanity…

After beating KNOCK OUT, RODIMUS is hit with cluster bombs. STARSCREAM is flying above and suddenly, someone taps him on the cockpit. STARSCREAM opens the cockpit window and sticks his head out, looking around for whoever tapped his cockpit, he then looks up and sees CIRCUIT BREAKER waving at him.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Hi there, Screamer.

STARSCREAM
(looking at CIRCUIT BREAKER)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

While STARSCREAM yells, CIRCUIT BREAKER fires beams at his engines, which cause them to sputter as he advances a bit more. Then, he comes to a sudden stop near a canyon and looks at us with comical fright once he stops. He falls right into the canyon.

STARSCREAM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

We hear a comical “splat” sound once STARSCREAM hits the ground. CIRCUIT BREAKER then raises her fist victoriously.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Circuit Breaker – 4, Starscream – El zippo!!!

TANKOR is now fighting BLITZWING. BLITZWING is struggling a bit due to TANKOR’S sheer strength, but suddenly, he fires a shell from his tank cannon and sends TANKOR flying into the generator. TANKOR is hit by the energy beam and starts jolting and convulsing once he hits the beam.

WHEELJACK
RHINOX!!!

BLITZWING looks at this and covers his eyes once some sparks start coming out of the generator. Then, we see the device in the back of TANKOR’S head overloading and smoking. The device explodes and TANKOR falls down and wakes up. He stands up and we hear him breathing angrily, when suddenly…

TANKOR
(furious)
TANKOOOOOOOR SMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASH!!!

TANKOR then fires a rocket at CIRCUIT BREAKER.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
(getting hit)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIGH!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER falls to the ground and shakes her head around.

CIRCUIT BREAKER
Boy… remind me never to stand so close to that tank sized menace.

TANKOR tosses RODIMUS aside. WHEELJACK is looking at his former master once again becoming the beast he was before.

WHEELJACK
It wasn’t supposed to end like this…

WHEELJACK then runs toward TANKOR and kicked him. TANKOR landed near BLITZWING.

BLITZWING
(communicating with DELUGE)
Blitzwing to Deluge, Tankor has been retrieved. Unfortunately, the generator was destroyed during the battle.

DELUGE
A pity… but it cannot be helped... withdraw, trroops. We’ll fight the Autobots anotherr day.

The Decepticons instantly retreat along with TANKOR. WHEELJACK looks down sadly. He wanted his master to be his normal self again, but he never expected this to be the way it would all end. The device was destroyed, and since the materials he made it with didn’t exist anymore, he could never make another one. RODIMUS puts his hand on WHEELJACK’S shoulder.

RODIMUS
I… I’m sorry, Wheeljack… I know how much Rhinox meant to you.

WHEELJACK
He wasn’t just a teacher to me… he was… the best father anyone could ever have.

RODIMUS
If only I could do something to help you.

WHEELJACK
Nah… I was just hoping for a miracle. It almost worked… but in the end… it was just false hope that kept me going.

WHEELJACK stood up and walked off as CIRCUIT BREAKER and RODIMUS looked at him. WHEELJACK took something from his container. It was a picture of himself as a young boy (without the mask) and a big green robot holding him on his lap. They both seemed happy. WHEELJACK had always tried to do his best to keep his teacher and father figure RHINOX happy, but now, he felt that he let him down tremendously.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Nautica”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Drift - Pete Renaday
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Stratosphere - Michael Bell

HUMANS:
Inspector Shayne - Lance LeGault
Officer O’Callaghan - Nicol Williamson
Gunter - Michael Bell

OTHER:
Protoform X - Paul Winchell
Nautica’s Mother - Janet Waldo
Nautica’s Older Sister - Stacy Haiduk

NARRATION:
Ancient Voice - Nicol Williamson

ACT ONE

FADE IN

SPACE – PLANET CAMINUS

We see the planet Caminus from afar and we start slowly zooming in on it as a very ancient yet powerful sounding voice speaks.

ANCIENT VOICE
(narrating)
Caminus, a peaceful Cybertronian colony. Here, the concept of war is foreign; the people have learned to live in peace and harmony. Most of the Camien population is female, but in order to have descendants, when a Camien female reaches adulthood, she has to leave Caminus in order to find an outsider to be the father of her children in order to increase the population of Caminus. Once they accomplish this, they travel back to the planet in order to live a normal life. This lifestyle has allowed the Camien society to endure for countless years. But now, the Camien population faces extinction.

Once the word “extinction” is heard, we cut to the planet. Camiens are running away from a giant maniacal being whose maniacal laughter is heard in the background.

PROTOFORM X
(off-screen)
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!

A family of four is trying to run away, but suddenly, the father is grabbed and taken away.

NAUTICA
(afraid)
PAPA!!!

NAUTICA’S OLDER SISTER
LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!

The older sister runs to help the father, but the shadowy figure causing all this chaos raises his cannon, which fires a beam. As soon as the beam is fired, we cut to NAUTICA and her mother. NAUTICA has a frightened expression on her face.

NAUTICA
(with despair)
NO!!!

NAUTICA’S MOTHER
Come on!!! Our planet may be doomed, but we still have a chance.

NAUTICA’S MOTHER takes her daughter’s hand and runs toward a space ship.

NAUTICA’S MOTHER
Take this spaceship and make your escape. If we Camiens are to die, at least our legacy will survive with you.

NAUTICA
But I can’t leave you, Mama… I just can’t…

NAUTICA’S MOTHER
This spaceship is designed for one, and it’s the only ship Protoform X hasn’t destroyed. You are the youngest out of all of us… you are our only hope. Through you, our heritage will always remain, and you will teach your children all of the lessons we have taught you… through you, Caminus will be reborn.

NAUTICA
(tearing up)
Mama…

The mother wipes the tears from NAUTICA’s cheeks and tears up as well.

NAUTICA’S MOTHER
Go, my child. It is your destiny.

NAUTICA hugs her mother tightly, which the mother returns. Then, they both release the embrace and NAUTICA enters the ship. The ship takes off and NAUTICA’s mother looks on as it flies away.

NAUTICA’S MOTHER
Be safe, my child...

She turns around and an imposing shadow looms over her.

NAUTICA’S MOTHER
(softly, accepting her fate)
For the survival of Caminus.

NAUTICA is looking down toward her mother and tears up as a shot is heard off-screen. Although we don’t see what happened, her expression of sadness is enough to tell us of the mother’s gruesome fate.

NAUTICA
(sadly)
Mama… Papa…

The ship flies through space aimlessly until it finds a planet for NAUTICA to land on.

ANCIENT VOICE
(narrating)
Young Nautica is headed for a planet filled with life. The planet known as… Earth. Whatever the peril, whatever the adventure, the young girl is preparing for anything.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Inspector SHAYNE is checking out a radar scanner along with O’CALLAGHAN, one of his many police officers. O’CALLAGHAN is Irish and tends to speak with the typical slang of an Irish policeman.

O’CALLAGHAN
Begorrah, Inspector. Lookit this here blip. It looks like it’s flying near the desert, it is.

SHAYNE
Hmmm… I think we should warn the Autobots. Could be a trap.

O’CALLAGHAN
Aye, sir. I just hope it ain’t them pranking buggers again using a flippin’ device to scramble our radar.

O’CALLAGHAN presses a button and sends a transmission to the Autobot Base, which is received by BREAKAWAY. BREAKAWAY looks back at MINERVA and DRIFT.

BREAKAWAY
We’ve got an unidentified spacecraft about to crash-land on the desert canyons.

DRIFT
See if there is any transmission coming out of it.

BREAKAWAY
Right.

Suddenly, NAUTICA’s voice is heard through the communicator.

NAUTICA
(desperate)
If anyone can hear me… I need help!!!

MINERVA reacts with shock at the voice. She recognizes it.

MINERVA
(shocked)
Nautica?

DRIFT
I see you recognize that voice.

MINERVA
Of course… she was my best friend at the Cybertronian Academy. She came from Caminus, and after we finished our studies, she went back to her home planet. But what could have made her leave? We have to help her.

MINERVA and DRIFT transform into vehicle mode and drive off.

DRIFT
Stay here, Breakaway.

BREAKAWAY
(grumbling with a low-key tone)
Sure… I stay here; you guys get all the fun.

TRANSITION TO

THE DESERT – CANYONS

MINERVA and DRIFT drive to the location of the ship and follow it. The ship crashes down and MINERVA goes to check it out. She opens the hatch and sees NAUTICA, lying unconscious on the floor.

MINERVA
Nautica!!!

MINERVA fixes NAUTICA up. NAUTICA wakes up and sees her old friend.

NAUTICA
M-Minnie?

MINERVA
Yes, Nautica. It’s me. C’mon… tell me everything that happened and maybe after that, we can go partying, as you always liked to do.

NAUTICA
(excitedly hugging MINERVA)
AWRIGHT!!! I missed you so much, Minnie.

TRANSITION TO

MARS – SURFACE OF PHOBOS

The shadowy figure that destroyed Caminus looms imposingly over the landscape as he looks down at the Earth from a distance.

PROTOFORM X
I finally have you, little one. And soon, I shall listen to you scream for eternity… HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!

The figure transforms into vehicle mode and flies toward Earth.

TRANSITION TO

EARTH – THE AUTOBOT BASE

NAUTICA has told MINERVA of her ordeal and is now about to tell her of the one responsible for the attack.

NAUTICA
Mama, Papa and my sister are all dead thanks to a mistake. This… thing… the Camien scientists made it using the body of a Maximal and a mutant spark. It was supposed to be our last line of defense in case a Decepticon invasion happened. But the spark proved to be incredibly unstable… it had trace amounts of Dark Energon, which is what gave this particular spark immortality. As soon as it installed, the warrior was awakened, but instead of a protector of the innocent, we got a ravager of worlds. He was obsessed with destruction and chaos and because of his… “superiority”… he felt that names were beneath him, so he decided to be known by his experimental title… Protoform X.

MINERVA
How awful… how could they not see that experiments with unstable mutant sparks are bound to fail?

NAUTICA
I dunno… but it was a terrible mistake and because of that, my planet is no more… I don’t even have a home to go back to.

MINERVA sighs and pats NAUTICA on the shoulder.

MINERVA
You have a home now, Nautica… you can stay with us. We can teach you a lot about Earth and its inhabitants. Now come with me… I’ll show you the garage.

NAUTICA smiled.

NAUTICA
(smiling)
Looks like you remembered that I’m into Quantum mechanics.

MINERVA
Who could forget? You were pretty adept at it. Why, you were even top of the class in mechanics.

At the garage, DAYTONUS was fixing a strange looking transport vehicle. MINERVA and NAUTICA walked in.

MINERVA
Daytonus, could we have a minute?

DAYTONUS
Sorry… I’m busy.

MINERVA
Oh, it’ll only take a few seconds. Besides, I got someone to introduce to the other guys when they came back and…

DAYTONUS
(coming out from below the vehicle)
Listen, I told ya dat I…

DAYTONUS looked at NAUTICA and his reaction was one of shock. He looked like he was struck by lightning as he looked at the new arrival. NAUTICA just smiled and waved her hand in a very peppy manner while closing her eyes.

NAUTICA
(adorably)
Hi.

DAYTONUS
(taken aback)
I…

MINERVA
Daytonus, this is Nautica. If Rodimus accepts another member to the team, she might be able to assist you here.

DAYTONUS
(stumbling a lot while looking at NAUTICA)
Uh… oh, shooh, shooh… she can help me any time.

MINERVA
Good.
(noticing DAYTONUS’ nervousness)
Are you alright? You seem a bit… off.

DAYTONUS
Huh? Oh, yeh… I’m aight… just thinkin’ ‘bout fixin’ da stuff here, dat’s all.

MINERVA
Oh, okay. We’ll be taking a tour then.

DAYTONUS
Okay… bye.

DAYTONUS then went back to doing what he had to do while MINERVA and NAUTICA walked around the hall. NAUTICA looked at MINERVA playfully.

NAUTICA
Tell me… is he single?

MINERVA
Well, yes he is… why do you ask?

NAUTICA
(clasping her hands together and looking up)
I think he’s kinda cute. Major league gorgeous even.

MINERVA started giggling as she covered her own mouth when suddenly, the alarm went off.

MINERVA
The alarm. C’mon!!!

MINERVA and NAUTICA ran through the hall and into the briefing room, where DRIFT is talking to Inspector SHAYNE.

DRIFT
What is it, Inspector?

SHAYNE
Some lunatic is laying waste to Portland. The people are panicking and Agent Fowler is bringing in the army. I’m going to assist along with O’Callaghan, Debbie and Stickstein.

NAUTICA
Oh, no… it’s Protoform X. I led him here… it’s all my fault.

NAUTICA clutched her head as she looked down with despair. Then, we fade to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

PORTLAND – DOWNTOWN DISTRICT

Helicopters and tanks are heading for Downtown Portland. Agent FOWLER is piloting one of the choppers cautiously. He looks around as he thinks about what had been reported to be around here. Suddenly, some police cars drive in beside the tanks. DEBBIE SHAYNE is driving one of them while STICKSTEIN is in the passenger’s seat holding a tommy gun. INSPECTOR SHAYNE is driving another one while Irish Officer O’CALLAGHAN is in the backseat reloading weapons and rocket launchers. They hear explosions in the distance.

SHAYNE
Well, O’Callaghan… I guess the tip we got on the lunatic wreaking havoc paid off.

O’CALLAGHAN
Saints preserve us, Inspector. What are gonna do about the laddie if he don’t cooperate?

SHAYNE
We’ll have to blast him with everything we’ve got. And if that doesn’t work out… well, I’ll guess we’ll just have to hold him off until the Autobots get here.

SHAYNE takes his radio and communicates with FOWLER.

SHAYNE
Fowler… be ready for anything.

FOWLER looks down at SHAYNE, who looks back at him. FOWLER gives SHAYNE a thumbs up.

SHAYNE
Okay, O’Callaghan. Fowler’s ready.

O’CALLAGHAN
And so are our weapons, boss.

SHAYNE
Then let’s get that twerp.

As they drive into Downtown Portland, a blast goes off near them. O’CALLAGHAN and SHAYNE jump out of the car as it explodes. Then, we finally see PROTOFORM X’s full body. The robot’s body is a strange techno-organic mesh of parts, and his face, a horrid hybrid between organic and robotic, with gnawing teeth around his face and a strange beak-like mouth that opens from side to side. He laughs as he looks at the insignificant humans beneath him.

PROTOFORM X
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!! I guess I should thank the young Camien… she brought me to a world ready to accept me as its destroyer.

SHAYNE and O’CALLAGHAN fire the rocket launchers. The resulting explosions form some holes in PROTOFORM X’s chest, but unexpectedly, they start healing. The very strange skin of X regenerates around the hole.

SHAYNE
(with shock)
Mother of mercy.

O’CALLAGHAN
(with shock)
By me Aunt Tilly’s beard!!! We shot ‘im and he just up and regenerates his skin!!!

DEBBIE drives near PROTOFORM X and STICKSTEIN pops out from the passenger window. He starts firing his tommy gun, but the bullets just keep bouncing off of X’s skin. FOWLER flies his chopper near PROTOFORM X and fires rockets at his chest. X is sent flying backwards, but then, he does a backflip and lands on his feet.

PROTOFORM X
You think that can stop me? AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

PROTOFORM X grabs his cannon and fires at FOWLER’s chopper. FOWLER immediately jumps out and opens up a parachute. Meanwhile, back at the Autobot base, MINERVA, DRIFT and NAUTICA are looking at footage being taken from the spy satellite.

MINERVA
Our guys are gonna get killed!!!

NAUTICA
It’s my fault this happened… and I’m gonna make things right. Do you have any Raw Energon around here?

DRIFT
It’s in the rear storage tank.

DRIFT leads NAUTICA to the rear storage tank, where the Raw Energon is stored in a converter in order to power the base. The converter turns the Raw Energon into liquid Energon, which is used to fill Energon Cubes.

MINERVA
What do you plan to do?

NAUTICA
Elementary, my dear Minnie. I plan to take this Energon, distract Protoform X and fire a rocket filled with this stuff right into his spark chamber.

MINERVA
Oh, I get it!!! The Raw Energon will start acting up when it hits his spark…

NAUTICA
(finishing the sentence)
…thanks to the Dark Energon traces in it. Yes, Minnie. He’ll start short-circuiting until he has a massive overload which will leave him in stasis for eternity… unless someone is dumb or suicidal enough to reactivate his spark.

NAUTICA starts picking up Raw Energon crystals and putting them inside a canister. She draws a wrench and twirls it. The wrench turns into a sword.

MINERVA
(surprised)
How did you…?

NAUTICA
My own little invention… MechTech technology. Just with a single thought, my wrench can transform into any weapon I choose, though it can also turn into objects with less mass. It’s based on the mass-shifting theory.

MINERVA
Golly… now that sounds like it must have taken a lot of work.

NAUTICA
Well, it’s rather simple for someone who is familiar with the subject.

DRIFT
Knowledge is the most powerful tool we have in our fight against evil, and Nautica carries this with her. She can use this knowledge to defeat her opponents without even shooting or throwing a punch.

NAUTICA looks at DRIFT and then turns toward MINERVA.

NAUTICA
Tell me… is he for real?

MINERVA
(chuckling)
Don’t worry. He always has a colorful way to speak the truth. But at least he never lies. Now c’mon. We should go.

MINERVA, DRIFT and NAUTICA transform into their vehicle modes. NAUTICA’s vehicle mode is a futuristic submarine designed for land, sea and air transportation. As DRIFT and MINERVA drive off, NAUTICA hovers above them.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

As NAUTICA, DRIFT and MINERVA drive to the Downtown District, DRIFT sends a message to someone.

MINERVA
Drift… who are you calling?

DRIFT
An old acquaintance.

Once DRIFT says that, a large cargo plane flew in, looming imposingly over our heroes.

MINERVA
(gulp) Golly…

NAUTICA
(amazed)
Holy Hannah!!!

DRIFT
Open the hatch, Stratosphere; we are heading for Downtown Portland.

STRATOSPHERE
You got it, buddy!!!

STRATOSPHERE goes down and opens his rear hatch in order to let MINERVA, DRIFT and NAUTICA inside. The three Autobots go in and transform into robot mode.

NAUTICA
Did this thing… talk?

STRATOSPHERE
HEY!!! I’m not a thing; I’m a ‘bot!!!

DRIFT
Stratosphere is a longtime ally. When we arrived on Earth, he was damaged quite badly and we sent him to the military base for repairs. He became operational again last week.

STRATOSPHERE
HOLD ON TO YA HATS, KIDDIES!!! WE’RE HEADING FOR DOWNTOWN PORTLAND!!!

STRATOSPHERE flies away at top speed.

TRANSITION TO

DOWNTOWN PORTLAND – THE BATTLE

DEBBIE and STICKSTEIN are running away as PROTOFORM X fires beams at them while laughing maniacally. SHAYNE and O’CALLAGHAN are still trying to fire at the mutant, but their shots have little to no effect on him. Suddenly, STRATOSPHERE swoops in and DRIFT jumps out of him, with a very long rope tied to his waist.

DRIFT
(swinging in and kicking PROTOFORM X)
OOOOSAYAKO!!!

PROTOFORM X
AAAAGH!!!

DRIFT then grabs both SHAYNE and O’CALLAGHAN and tugs at the rope, indicating that he is ready to be pulled back up. Then, he is whisked back in. Once he’s inside the ship, NAUTICA uses a bullhorn and talks to PROTOFORM X.

NAUTICA
(over bullhorn)
YO!!! CRABFACE!!! I’M OVER HERE!!! COME AND GET ME!!!

STRATOSPHERE then flies away. PROTOFORM X just laughs and transforms to his futuristic jet mode. He follows them. Inside STRATOSPHERE, NAUTICA puts on some skis and gets near a spring-loaded mechanism built inside STRATOSPHERE. STRATOSPHERE is hovering over the mountains.

NAUTICA
Okay, guys… remember, I’m gonna stall X for as long as I can. Once I get close to ya, set up the trap.

MINERVA
You got it, Nautica.

NAUTICA
Good… okay, Stratosphere, HIT IT!!!

The spring mechanism launches NAUTICA off into the mountains.

NAUTICA
YEEEEEEEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAAAW!!!

PROTOFORM X looks at NAUTICA jump out of STRATOSPHERE and transforms into robot mode. He uses his feet as ice skates and punches a tree. In true Popeye the Sailor cartoon logic, when X punches the tree, it immediately turns into a hockey stick, which X takes with him. NAUTICA looks back.

NAUTICA
HEY, YA STINKIN’ CHEATER!!! It’s not fair to use a hockey stick while skiing in the mountains!!!

PROTOFORM X
HAHAHAHAHA!!! SPORTSMANSHIP WAS NEVER ONE OF MY ATTRIBUTES!!!

NAUTICA keeps skiing ahead and looks at a tree branch in a very low position.

NAUTICA
WHOOOOAAAAAAAA!!!

NAUTICA evades the branch by jumping. Once in the air, she flails her arms and legs around before landing. PROTOFORM X just avoids the branch by using his hover jets to propel himself into the air and then land once again. He then starts catching up to NAUTICA and swings his hockey stick near her head. She crouches, then looks back and sticks her tongue out, blowing a raspberry at X, wiggling her tongue in her mouth afterwards. She continues skiing downhill, jumping wildly from left to right as she does so. She looks ahead and sees a monastery. Of course, she doesn’t know it, but we recognize it as Brother GUNTER’s monastery.

NAUTICA
(noticing the monastery)
YAAAAAAAIIIIII!!!

NAUTICA jumps and lands on the roof of the monastery and skis away. X looks at the monastery and his eyes bulge out of their sockets in a Tom and Jerry fashion. He then does a somersault and propels himself into the air, landing once more on his feet. Once both NAUTICA and X are skiing and skating again, we see the good natured Brother GUNTER looking at this from a window in his monastery.

GUNTER
(to us, with a jolly tone)
Vhy, I never thought robots could ski.

As NAUTICA and X keep skiing and skating respectively, the gigantic STRATOSPHERE is tying up a tree branch in a position that would hit PROTOFORM X. When DRIFT cut the rope holding the branch, it would smack X in the face, allowing for the next phase of the trap. In a cabin nearby, SHAYNE gives O’CALLAGHAN a rocket launcher.

SHAYNE
Now remember, O’Callaghan… you’re the best sharpshooter in my force. Don’t let me down now that you have a rocket launcher in your hands.

O’CALLAGHAN
Aye, Inspector.

As he aims, we get quite a detailed close-up of O’CALLAGHAN. There are beads of sweat dripping down his face as he aims the rocket launcher. It’s loaded with a rocket with Raw Energon crystals inside. He sees NAUTICA and PROTOFORM X coming down the hill.

O’CALLAGHAN
(quiet, keeping his composure)
Here they come.

STRATOSPHERE transforms into jet mode and flies toward the cabin while DRIFT stays to activate the trap.

NAUTICA
DRIFT, NOW!!!

NAUTICA passes the tree and DRIFT cuts the rope. The tree branch then smacks PROTOFORM X in the face.

PROTOFORM X
(being smacked by the tree branch)
AUUUGH!!! DAAAAGH!!!

PROTOFORM X clutches his face after it’s smacked. O’CALLAGHAN fires his launcher and the missile goes off toward its target. NAUTICA slides to the right, evading the rocket, which speeds right for X’s chest. The rocket strikes X right in his spark.

PROTOFORM X
AAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!

NAUTICA then skis down to the cabin and looks at the others.

NAUTICA
Did it work?

O’CALLAGHAN
(cleaning the sweat off his face)
I think so.

PROTOFORM X just yells and screams as his body starts having convulsions. His eyes bulge out as he yells.

PROTOFORM X
(his voice fluttering and shifting in pitch as his body convulses)
NO!!! IT CAN’T END THIS WAY!!! DEFEATED BY A TEENAGE GIRL!!! AAAAAAAAGH!!!

SHAYNE
What’s happening to him?

NAUTICA
It’s a side-effect of the chain reaction between Dark Energon and Raw Energon. His spark is basically giving him spasms due to the two types of Energon bonding and literally eating each other. In other words, the law of opposite attraction.

O’CALLAGHAN
Faith and Begorrah… I guess it does pay to go to school.

X keeps convulsing until he falls to the ground, deactivated.

MINERVA
So… what should we do about him?

NAUTICA
He’s too dangerous to hand over to the humans, and too dangerous to send into space. We have no choice but to keep him locked up back at the Autobot base.

STRATOSPHERE
I’ll take him back, just load him in.

STRATOSPHERE opens his hatch and DRIFT takes PROTOFORM X’s inert body inside.

MINERVA
(smiling, looking at NAUTICA)
In the meantime, as a reward for a job well done…

NAUTICA
(jumping up and down)
…LET’S GO PARTY!!!

Both MINERVA and NAUTICA start dancing in the snow in celebration. NAUTICA does the robot while MINERVA dances behind her. NAUTICA then spins around on her back with her legs spinning wildly in the air. MINERVA spins her body around while landing on the snow with her hands, then MINERVA and NAUTICA both spin around on their backs, their bodies curl up into a ball as they continue spinning. NAUTICA places one hand on the ground and spins her body around while MINERVA rolls in the snow. NAUTICA then picks up MINERVA and spins her around on her head, then stops for a moment and spins her around with her hands, then continue breakdancing. The two girls get up and move their arms around as they dance; they move their arms up robotically. Snowplows are driving up from behind them, but they don’t notice as they continue to dance. NAUTICA and MINERVA look at each other, do some high fives, then walk away from each other and continue to dance, doing funky movements with their arms; they turn around and suddenly get run over by the snowplows, noticing the vehicles too late and falling underneath their treads, seemingly disappearing in the snow. The snowplows make beeping noises and drive towards the camera, then go off screen. NAUTICA and MINERVA now have black and white stripes all over their bodies. They raise their upper bodies up with their arms outstretched. NAUTICA shakes her head, adjusts her helmet, and the two get up and continue dancing, doing funky movements with their arms until they dance off screen.

NAUTICA
Boy that sure was strange. Let’s continue our celebration elsewhere!

MINERVA
Good idea, old friend.

When the screen cuts back to them, the two young girls run off into the distance, transform into vehicle mode and drive away as the song “WHEN HE’S GONE” from the Bee Gees plays in the background.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“For Your Battlechargin’ Entertainment”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Arcee - Sue Blu
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Drift - Pete Renaday
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Wreck-Gar - Tony Pope
Strongarm - B.J. Ward
Siren - Bill Callaway

DECEPTICONS:
Runabout - Roger Behr
Runamuck - Roger Behr
Quake - Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Blitzwing - Ed Gilbert

HUMANS:
Inspector Shayne - Lance LeGault
Debbie Shayne - Arlene Banas
Irwin Fletcher/Fletch - Shepard Menken
Laura Winslow - Renae Jacobs
Teddy Wilson - Stanley Ross
Shawn Berger - Ed Gilbert
Jerry Mullins - Tony Pope

OTHERS:
Glowstrike - Jennifer Darling

SONGS
Music is Magic
https://tfregenerationone.weebly.com/uploads/6/3/4/4/63446209/music_is_magic.mp3

Singers – Debbie, Strongarm

ACT ONE

FADE IN

AN OIL RIG WAREHOUSE IN THE OUTSKIRTS OF PORTLAND – BATTLEFIELD

A battle is ensuing at an oil rig. MINERVA, ARCEE and SIREN are firing shots at some strange looking drones. The drones seem to be stalling the Autobots, preventing them from reaching the warehouse.

SIREN
DANGBLASTIT!!! These guys ah moah annoyin’ than tha ‘cons!!!

ARCEE
Keep firing at them. Just be careful… we don’t want our blasts hitting one of the fuel pipes, or else, Berger will start another smear campaign against us… and believe me, we don’t want the Elite Guard incident to repeat again, do we? It’s why we had Optimus around to check in on us often before he passed.

SIREN
Ah know, ah know!!!

MINERVA fires her Shock Blaster at a drone, stunning it.

MINERVA
BINGO!!!

ARCEE
NOW, POUR IT ON!!!

The Autobots start firing an enormous barrage of bullets and lasers at the drones, who get hit and explode on impact. Meanwhile, inside the warehouse, GLOWSTRIKE, servant of JHIAXUS, has found what she’s looking for. She is kneeling as she grabs a canister.

GLOWSTRIKE
(grabbing the canister filled with a strange type of fuel)
Now, with this new super-fuel the bothersome Earth creatures have devised, we shall be able to power Jhiaxus’ new Judgment Day transmitter. It shall irradiate the Earth with its destructive power until it is nothing more than a cloud of dust. And with our formula extraction system, we will be able to replicate this fuel.

MINERVA
(with a playful tone)
Oh, I dunno… some people might disagree with that.

GLOWSTRIKE turns around and hisses angrily when she sees the Autobots standing there. She stands up, towering over the Autobots.

SIREN
Whoa… (gulp) she’s big.

ARCEE
(defiantly)
Hand over the canister.

GLOWSTRIKE
NEVER!!!

GLOWSTRIKE presses a button on her wrist and a portal is activated.

MINERVA
What?!!!

GLOWSTRIKE
You Autobots will be destroyed along with the pathetic Earthlings you vowed to protect!!!

GLOWSTRIKE quickly runs into the portal. ARCEE, SIREN and MINERVA try to catch her, but the portal closes before they can get to her.

SIREN
(angrily tossing his blaster down at the floor)
DAGNABBIT!!!

ARCEE
The fate of the world rests in our hands now… Minerva, did you get the portal’s residual energy signature?

MINERVA
(checking a wrist device that absorbs the residual energy of a portal)
Why, yes… but it’ll take some time to get a fix on the location.

ARCEE
Then work as fast as you can… we said that we would protect the people of Earth and we won’t go back on our word.

TRANSITION TO

PORTLAND – CENTER OF THE CITY

Portland is peaceful at this time of day. Cars drive along the road and people walk around on the sidewalk. Some other people are at the shopping center. It seems to be a good day until some spraying sounds are heard. The Battlechargers are holding cans of spray paint and are using them to spray graffiti all over the city. They cackle and laugh as they keep vandalizing the city.

RUNABOUT
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! HOOO-WEEEE, SON!!! THIS IS SOME TOP NOTCH STUFF!!!

RUNAMUCK
YEH!!! HAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!! WE THA BOSSES NAO!!!

The Battlechargers write the words “HUMANZ R WIMPZ” on the wall of City Hall. Then, they head for the shopping center and start vandalizing it by breaking into stores.

RUNAMUCK
Yo, Runabout!!! Lookit thiyus!!!

RUNAMUCK grabs a stylish feathered hat, a fur coat, a dress and a shark mask and puts it on.

RUNAMUCK
(in a higher pitched voice)
AHM Sky-Byte’s mutha!!! AHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!

RUNABOUT
HEHEHEHEHEHEH!!! AND NAO, LOOKIT THIYUS!!!

RUNABOUT puts some boxer shorts on his head.

RUNABOUT
AH FOUND THUNDERHOOF’S HAT!!!

Both Battlechargers laugh loudly and start shooting their blasters around the mall.

CUT TO

G-WIZ NEWS BUILDING – WILSON’S OFFICE

A few hours later, TEDDY WILSON is watching SHAWN BERGER’s broadcast on TV. With WILSON, we see reporters LAURA WINSLOW and IRWIN FLETCHER. BERGER is a very staunch opponent to the Transformer presence on Earth.

BERGER
(on TV, showing his extreme dislike for the Cybertronians)
Ladies and gentlemen… we can’t allow these gigantic tin cans to roam around our home. They are a threat to society. Today’s act of vandalism is proof that their war is getting out of hand and it’s harming our planet. We must stand up and expel them from Earth.

WILSON turns off the TV. Outside, a radio is playing Stephanie Mills’ “Bit by Bit”, and we can hear a bit of the song playing while FLETCH, WILSON and LAURA are having their conversation.

FLETCH
(with a deadpan attitude)
Well… that sure is comforting. Imagine how the Autobots will feel about this.

WILSON
Precisely… and it gets worse. Berger is gaining more and more followers by the second.

LAURA
(irritated)
I’d like to give him a follower, right up his—

FLETCH
(interrupting)
We all do, Laura, but please… try to keep your cool.

WILSON
The Battlechargers wrote this at the train station.

WILSON shows them a picture of graffiti done with crayons instead of spray paint. It said “TODEY 10:00 PM, JM”.

FLETCH
(sardonically)
Who says people need brains to function? I’d show them this picture and they would retract their statement.

WILSON
At 10 o’clock, Jerry Mullins’ show is on the air. I think that’s what the “JM” initials might mean. You two get crackin’. And warn the Autobots… they might be interested to know about this.

TRANSITION TO

THE AUTOBOT BASE – HANGAR

STRATOSPHERE is in his cargo jet mode. RODIMUS, DRIFT and NAUTICA go inside STRATOSPHERE’s cargo hold.

NAUTICA
What’s the scoop, Drift?

DRIFT
I have received some very distressing news… the past just keeps haunting me. It is time I finally faced my inner demons.

NAUTICA
Boy, I didn’t know you also had these kinds of things going on in your life.

DRIFT
(calmly, but showing a bit of regret)
Sometimes I wish I hadn’t been such a fool.

DAYTONUS runs into the hangar.

DAYTONUS
EY!!! WAIT UP!!!

NAUTICA
(as STRATOSPHERE’s hatch closes)
Sorry, cool guy, but we’re in a rush. We’ll be back soon… in the meantime, have fun working on the new vehicles.

STRATOSPHERE’s hatch closes and the gigantic Autobot takes off.

DAYTONUS
(to himself)
Well, how do ya like dat? First gal I really like in a long time and da first one to tell me ta go ta work!!!

FLETCH and LAURA walk in.

LAURA
Something going on, Daytonus?

DAYTONUS
(noticing LAURA and FLETCH)
Huh? Oh, nuttin’. Nuttin’. Just tryin’ ta get a chick, dat’s all.

FLETCH
Well, you can snap your fingers and get one.

DAYTONUS
I could, but dis one’s diff’rent.
(shaking his head and getting back to business)
Anyway, is sumthin’ wrong?

LAURA
Battlechargers.

FLETCH
They turned the whole city into the biggest Picasso ever.

BREAKAWAY walked in and heard their words.

BREAKAWAY
Say wha?

LAURA
(to BREAKAWAY)
They drew graffiti all over the place and wrecked the mall.

FLETCH
And Teddy thinks they’re gonna go prime time.

LAURA gives BREAKAWAY the picture of the crayon graffiti. BREAKAWAY examines it.

BREAKAWAY
Hm… same time as the Jerry Mullins show. I have a bad feeling about this.

LAURA
And that’s not all… Berger spoke on TV again. He blames you as much as the ‘cons for this fiasco.

STRONGARM drives in with DEBBIE in the passenger’s seat and Inspector SHAYNE at the wheel.

SHAYNE
Sorry to interrupt, but Miss Winslow’s right, Berger is breathing down our necks. He’s a friend of the Commissioner, you know.

DEBBIE
And with all the people he is managing to convince, we won’t be able to put his request to kick you out on hold for much longer.

BREAKAWAY
(typical low-key tone, but somewhat ticked off)
I’m really starting to hate this idiot.

DAYTONUS
We’ll leave Berger for later. Now, we got a TV broadcast to attend to and ‘cons to monitor. Dis just feels way too simple. I get da feeling it’s a diversion for a bigger stunt, and it has Shockwave’s name written all over it.
(turning to BREAKAWAY)
Get Wreck-Gar. We might need his built-in monitors ta check on any other signals aimed at tha broadcast station.

BREAKAWAY turns to the computer and presses a button in order to send a signal to WRECK-GAR.

DAYTONUS
And send a message ta Circuit Breaker. We might need all tha help we can get.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

G-PERS TV STATION – CONTROL ROOM

The Battlechargers cackle as they communicate back to their Decepticon comrades through a satellite link. BLITZWING appears on their monitor.

RUNABOUT
YO, BLITZY!!! We gots Jerry Mullins!!! He’s all tucked in and safe in his room!!!

BLITZWING
(with some static)
Good. Shockwave has already given the go ahead to use the satellite ship in order to activate the mind control waves. They’re specifically designed to work on the brains of the human populace. Once we have control of all the fleshlings in Portland, we’ll use the Autobots’ own allies to defeat them. Then, we shall send our mind waves to the rest of the world. Think about it, Battlechargers… you’re gonna be superstars!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

RUNAMUCK
HEHEHEHEH!!! YEH!!! We is tha best!!!

BLITZWING
Now, get ready for your broadcast. Starscream, Quake and I will be right with you once the broadcast starts.

TRANSITION TO

MID-AIR – A LARGE CARGO PLANE CARRYING HUMANS AND AUTOBOTS

Agent FOWLER has given SHAYNE and the Autobots one of his cargo jets due to STRATOSPHERE’s absence. However, because of the jet being smaller than STRATOSPHERE, only two Autobots could fit. WRECK-GAR and STRONGARM have volunteered to go in the jet with SHAYNE, DEBBIE, FLETCH and LAURA. The four humans are wearing special protective suits designed by BREAKAWAY in case the Decepticons plan to transmit energy waves through the Jerry Mullins broadcast works. Flying behind them is CIRCUIT BREAKER, who doesn’t need to wear a protective suit due to her special electric suit being able to repel broadcast energy waves.

STRONGARM
It’s bad enough that only two Cybertronians can fit in these cargo jets… but leaving Daytonus behind is something that stacks the odds against us.

DEBBIE
Don’t worry, Strongarm… they’ll still help us by kicking the Battlechargers out of the station once we finish our job.

WRECK-GAR
(imitating a baby, pointing forward)
OOOOOOOOO… PAPA, WOOK!!! BIG SHIP!!!

STRONGARM and the others look to where WRECK-GAR was pointing. A gigantic ship with a large radar dish spinning around looms ahead.

LAURA
Holy Toledo… Fletch, get that!!!

FLETCH grabs his camera and starts recording footage of the strange Cybertronian craft.

FLETCH
Teddy is gonna be jumping up and down with joy when we show him this.

LAURA
“IF” the mission doesn’t fail, that is.

STRONGARM
Now, for the real test. Get ready, guys… I’m gonna turn on the TV.

STRONGARM presses a button and a TV monitor turns on. Then, we see that the JERRY MULLINS show is starting. However, the title card says “THE JERRY MULLINS BATTLECHARGERS SHOW”, with JERRY MULLINS’ name crossed out with spray paint and the Battlechargers written in crayons.

RUNABOUT
(announcing the show)
AND NAO, YO LOVIN’ HOST, RUNAMUCK!!!

RUNAMUCK walks onto the set wearing a wig. The wig looks very similar to JERRY MULLINS’ hair. RUNABOUT plays the sound of an audience clapping due to the fact that the actual audience was tied up to their chairs with their mouths covered.

RUNAMUCK
THANK Y’ALL!!! THANK Y’ALL!!! Y’all so kind, bois!!! Nao, let me set rules heah. If y’all want to stay healthy, y’all is gon’ watch this show raght nao. And if y’all try ta change tha channel, or worse, turn off tha TV, yo house is gon’ explode thanks to some very special friends flyin’ up theah!!!

Meanwhile, inside the satellite ship, BLITZWING is at the pilot’s seat while STARSCREAM and QUAKE are manning the dish’s command console.

BLITZWING
Activate the sensor beam.

QUAKE presses a button on the command console.

QUAKE
Sensor beam activated. Now, if any unlucky vato dares to change the channel or turn off the TV, we’ll send an explosive wave that will destroy not only the TV set that got changed or turned off, but the people watching that set too.
(letting out an odd, flamboyant laugh)
HOHOHOHOHOHOOOOO!!! Heheh-HOHOOOHOHOHOHOOOOO!!! Heheh-OOOOOHOHOHOHOOOO!!!

As QUAKE laughs, STARSCREAM and BLITZWING just raise their eyebrows and looked at each other awkwardly.

RUNAMUCK
And nao, for mah first number, ahm gonna…
(a guitar lands on his arms)
Play sum guitar!!! YEH!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAAAA!!!

Back at the cargo plane, STRONGARM looks at this with disgust.

STRONGARM
(disgusted)
Don’t tell me he’s gonna sing, too.

LAURA, SHAYNE, DEBBIE and FLETCH cover their ears. RUNAMUCK starts playing his guitar off-key and then starts singing in a rather whiny and off-key falsetto voice.

RUNAMUCK
(singing in a very awkward falsetto)
SHEEEEERRY!!! SHERRY BAAAAAAY-BY!!! SHEEEEERRY!!! SHERRY BAAAAAY-BY!!! SHEEEEEEEE-EEEEE-EEEEEEEEAAAEEE-RRY BAYAAAAY-BY!!! SHERRY BABY!!! SHEEEEE-AAAAAA-RRY, CAN YOU COME OUT TONAGHT!!!

RUNAMUCK then backs off and RUNABOUT appears on-screen. RUNAMUCK has his hand on his back as he’s slouching.

RUNABOUT
YO!!! WHUT!!! WHUT IS IT?!!!

RUNAMUCK
(still in his falsetto voice)
AH T’INK AH HURT MAHSELF BAD!!! AH’VE NEVER SANG THIS HIGH BEFOAH!!!

The Autobots and humans laugh at this display. Meanwhile, back at the Decepticon satellite ship, STARSCREAM is covering his face with his hands as he shakes his head in shame at this.

BLITZWING
(shaking his head with disgust)
What a bunch of idiots… now I know why Shockwave thinks we’re all morons.

QUAKE
(pouting childishly)
I would have been a better choice to host that programa.

QUAKE crosses his arms in a childish way. STARSCREAM looks at him and then looks at us awkwardly, reacting to all the idiocy going on all around him.

BLITZWING
Ah, forget it. We’re here to work, not to criticize the show. Starscream, activate the mind control beam.

STARSCREAM then presses a button and the dish starts spinning around, infrasound waves are beamed around the city of Portland. Back at the Autobot ship, WRECK-GAR detects the signals coming out of the ship.

WRECK-GAR
(imitating a space shuttle countdown announcer)
T-0 seconds. Lift-off achieved.

SHAYNE, DEBBIE, FLETCH and LAURA look at each other, noticing that the beams haven’t affected them.

LAURA
We’re okay!!!

FLETCH
Yeah, but we can’t say the same for all the folks below.

STRONGARM
(to WRECK-GAR)
Get ready to do your thing.

WRECK-GAR
(imitating JAMES BOND as he’s being hooked into a titanium cord)
Let’s go fishing!!!

As the cargo jet gets closer to the satellite ship, WRECK-GAR gets ready to jump.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE CARGO PLANE – WRECK-GAR JUMPING OUT OF THE PLANE

WRECK-GAR, hoisted by the titanium cord he’s hooked on to, is descending towards the satellite ship. He then takes off the cord once his feet are on the satellite ship’s surface and starts tying the cord around the tail section. He then yanks on the cord in order to tell the people at the ship that the cord is secure around the tail section of the satellite ship.

STRONGARM
Okay, he’s done. Let’s bring that ship in.

The cargo plane starts flying ahead and the Decepticons inside the satellite ship notice that they can’t control their own ship anymore. BLITZWING and STARSCREAM are trying to pilot the ship, but to no avail.

BLITZWING
(looking at QUAKE)
WHAT IS GOING ON BACK THERE?!!!

QUAKE peeks out of a hatch and sees WRECK-GAR on the tail of the ship.

QUAKE
It’s that meddling Junkion again!!! He’s trynna fish us out!!!

BLITZWING
BLAST!!!

Then, the satellite ship’s thrusters stop working and the ship starts hanging like a caught fish. WRECK-GAR stretches his hands out.

WRECK-GAR
(imitating a fisherman)
I once caught a fish THIIIIIIIS big!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER then flies in and as WRECK-GAR jumps in the air, she fires an electric beam at the satellite dish, burning it.

WRECK-GAR
Oooohhh!!! Fried fish!!!

WRECK-GAR walks back to the cargo plane by walking across the rope like a tightrope walker. We then cut to a sequence showing CIRCUIT BREAKER flying toward us. Once she gets close to us, we cut to her heading to the satellite ship. She blasts one of the hatches open and gets in. Once inside, we see that BLITZWING, STARSCREAM and QUAKE are coming out of the hatch in terror. They all jump out and BLITZWING and STARSCREAM transform into their jet modes. QUAKE transforms into tank mode and notices that he has made quite a big mistake.

QUAKE
Oh, no… I forgot that tanks can’t FLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYAYAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

QUAKE falls helplessly into the Willamette River. BLITZWING and STARSCREAM just keep flying ahead.

BLITZWING
Hurry up, Starscream!!! We must warn those idiots that the Autobots are on to us!!!

CIRCUIT BREAKER presses a button on the command console, deactivating the sensor beam. She then blasts a hole through one of the ships walls and flies toward STARSCREAM and BLITZWING. She fires at them and hits them right in their thrusters. BLITZWING violently splashes down into the river, while STARSCREAM desperately sticks his arms out of his vehicle mode and waves them around, trying to fly the old-fashioned way. However, he also splashes down near BLITZWING. Meanwhile, back at the G-PERS TV station, RUNABOUT and RUNAMUCK notice something.

RUNABOUT
Yo, somethin’s wrong. There’s no signal comin’ outta tha ship!!!

RUNAMUCK
Say wha?

Suddenly, an explosion sends one of the walls flying. DAYTONUS and BREAKAWAY are standing there with JERRY MULLINS right behind them. The barrel of BREAKAWAY’s sniper rifle is smoking, indicating that he was the one who shot the wall.

BREAKAWAY
(mockingly replying to RUNAMUCK in his typical low-key tone)
Wha?

MULLINS
Those are the two bozos who tied me up in my dressing room!!!

DAYTONUS
Well den, let’s show ‘em dat it’s not polite ta be rude to da host of da house.

DAYTONUS and BREAKAWAY run toward the Battlechargers and then, we cut to the outside of the station building, the camera shakes when he hear the Battlechargers yelling and grunting comically as BREAKAWAY and DAYTONUS lay down the law on them. As this happens, the cargo plane flies over the building.

STRONGARM
(smiling)
I guess our guys are already having fun with those bozos.
(turning to the humans)
You guys head back to the Military Base and put this crate on ice.

DEBBIE
Gotcha, Strongarm.
(turning to the pilot)
Okay, Baxter, fly us to the base.

Both STRONGARM and WRECK-GAR jump out of their respective positions and land on the roof of the TV station. Then, they enter the station and see DAYTONUS beating down the Battlechargers.

RUNAMUCK, RUNABOUT
(in unison, running away in terror)
LET’S GIT OUTTA HEAAAAAH!!!

Both Battlechargers run away, bruised and battered, their faces wrapped in bandages and patches. MULLINS then looks at the Autobots.

MULLINS
Thank you so much, guys. Now, if there’s anything I can do for ya, just name it.

STRONGARM
Well, just knowing the fact that Berger will be steaming mad tomorrow when he hears that we saved the day is enough to make us happy.

MULLINS
Oh, but you can’t just settle with that. You could be on my show, maybe entertain my audience with something now that everything’s back to normal… besides, those two idiots scared away my special guests for tonight.

DAYTONUS
Mmmmmm… maybe we’ll think o’sumthin’.

FADE IN TO

THE JERRY MULLINS STUDIO – MAIN SET

JERRY MULLINS is standing in front of his freed audience, smiling and waving at them as they clap and cheer. Once the clapping and cheering subdues, MULLINS starts talking.

MULLINS
Now… for a real treat. These next guys are just a fantastic buncha people. They helped save the world from the Decepticons and even helped me get rid of two rotten eggs. I want you all to give a warm welcome to the heroes of Portland… the Autobots!!!

The audience claps and cheers as “Music is Magic” starts playing. DAYTONUS plays the drums, BREAKAWAY plays the guitar, FLETCH plays the bass guitar, WRECK-GAR plays the trumpet and CIRCUIT BREAKER is playing keyboards. DEBBIE and STRONGARM sing the lyrics.

DEBBIE, STRONGARM
(singing, in unison)
Music is magic!!!

DEBBIE
(singing)
Nothing can compare!!!

DEBBIE, STRONGARM
(singing, in unison)
Everybody starts to rock…

DEBBIE
(singing)
…when music’s in the air.

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
Music makes you whole.

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
It wraps itself around you…

DEBBIE, STRONGARM
(singing, in unison)
…filling up your soul!!!

SHAYNE and LAURA are in the audience. SHAYNE smiles and sheds a tear as he proudly looks at his daughter singing before we focus on STRONGARM, DEBBIE and the rest rocking out on the stage.

DEBBIE, STRONGARM
(singing, in unison)
Music is magic!!!

DEBBIE
(singing)
Cuts through sadness, like a knife!!!
Wondrous and mystical!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
Something of a miracle!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Sweet, sweet magic!!!

DEBBIE
(singing)
Music is the sweet, sweet song ‘bout life!!!

As they keep singing, we see the Battlechargers, completely bruised and beaten, limping around the streets, when they’re suddenly confronted by BLITZWING, STARSCREAM and QUAKE. The three of them are totally soaked in water and seem ticked off. The Battlechargers wave nervously at them and then run off; followed by the three wet and angry Decepticons before we return to DEBBIE and the others.

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
Music sets you free.

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
It lets you see the world… the way it oughta be!!!

DEBBIE, STRONGARM
(singing, in unison)
Music is magic!!!

DEBBIE
(singing)
Cuts through sadness, like a knife!!!
Wondrous and mystical!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
Something of a miracle!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Sweet, sweet magic!!!

DEBBIE
(singing)
Music is the sweet, sweet song ‘bout life!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
Music sets you free.

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
It lets you see the world… the way it oughta be!!!

STRONGARM
(Singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
Music makes you fly.

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.

DEBBIE
(singing)
It finds you when you’re low, AND LIFTS YOU TO THE SKYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!

STRONGARM
(singing)
Music is magic.
Music is magic.

Once the song ends, the audience cheers and claps as we fade to black.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Regret, Part 1”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Drift - Pete Renaday
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Stratosphere - Michael Bell

OTHERS:
Ubo - Dick Beals
Ubo’s Father - Ron Feinberg
Shadow Raker - Nicol Williamson
Sideways - Ron Feinberg
Hooligan - Michael Bell
Skyjack - Ed Gilbert
Space Case - Ronnie Schell
Tornado - Ron Feinberg

NARRATION:
Ancient Voice - Nicol Williamson

ACT ONE

FADE IN TO

THE INSIDE OF A GUN BARREL – DRIFT WALKING

We are looking through the inside of a gun barrel. We focus on DRIFT walking through a white background as the gun barrel follows him. DRIFT just keeps walking ahead until he turns around to us and throws a sword in our direction, standing still after tossing it. We see that there is a purple liquid bleeding down as the gun barrel starts falling down until it focuses on a point and expands, transitioning into a Cybertronian graveyard. There is a rather solemn atmosphere as we cut to two figures walking ahead to a tombstone. There are words on the tombstone: “FLAMEBURST. LIFEBOND PARTNER OF DRIFT. YOU GAVE A GLIMMER OF HOPE TO EVERYONE AROUND YOU.” We hear the ANCIENT VOICE as the scene goes on.

ANCIENT VOICE
(narrating)
In this life, people have to go through pain and suffering. Sometimes, the people that suffer the most are the ones who conceal it seamlessly.

We see that the two figures are STRATOSPHERE and DRIFT. DRIFT looks down at the grave in a rather stoic manner, but his expression does show hints of sadness and regret. STRATOSPHERE is gently putting down flowers on the ground near the tombstone, paying his respects as he knew DRIFT before he decided to join the Autobots thanks to FLAMEBURST. STRATOSPHERE also became friends with her. RODIMUS, SIDE BURN and NAUTICA look at the grieving ninja master. For SIDE BURN, this is a complete surprise, as up until now he has never seen DRIFT as someone who had suffered loss before. DRIFT then speaks up.

DRIFT
(stoic, but showing a lot of regret as he looks at the tombstone)
It was thanks to you that I realized the foolishness of my actions. I thought I was doing good, but then, you made me realize that my master and his superiors had more sinister intentions. And now, because of my mistake, one of us is out there, suffering...

DRIFT grabs a chunk of rock, with words written on it: “WE HAVE YOUR DAUGHTER, DEADLOCK. YOU EITHER COME BACK TO US, OR SHE DIES.”

DRIFT
(continuing)
They do not know that after your death, I changed my name and appearance completely, so I still have the advantage. But it still hurts that my past haunts me. They have our daughter... and I must rescue her. For you, Flameburst. My dearest.

RODIMUS then looks back and sees that Alpha Centauri, the sun of Cybertron, is about to set.

RODIMUS
(solemnly, but showing slight urgency)
We have to go, Drift. Cybertronian Curfew is about to start, and we don’t want the Elite Guard catching up to us.

DRIFT nods at RODIMUS as STRATOSPHERE transforms into carrier plane mode. DRIFT, NAUTICA, SIDE BURN and RODIMUS get inside STRATOSPHERE and once they’re all in the cargo hold, STRATOSPHERE takes off. SIDE BURN then starts talking to DRIFT.

SIDE BURN
Alright, Master Drift, spit it out. Why didn’t you tell us that you had relatives? Why all this secrecy?

DRIFT
Because it is something that I truly despise about myself. Have you ever heard about the Assassin of Cybertron?

SIDE BURN
Well... yeah. It’s an old legend.

DRIFT
Old, yes. Legend, no. I am the Assassin.

SIDE BURN and NAUTICA look at each other with shock after DRIFT made his confession.

SIDE BURN
You were... a ‘Con?

DRIFT
My name was Deadlock. I was a mercenary under their employment, trained by Shadow Raker, another mercenary. I thought I was on the side of good. Until I met... her. I turned on the Decepticons... against my own master. After that, foolishly thinking that I wouldn’t deal with them again, I became a lifebond partner to Flameburst. We had a small child, a daughter... we called her Varia. But soon after she was born, Shadow Raker struck again. I was his target, but Flameburst sacrificed herself so I could escape and raise our daughter.
NAUTICA and SIDE BURN listen to DRIFT’s story intently.

DRIFT
My daughter did not agree with me. And when I changed my name and appearance to how I look now, she left, feeling that I had become someone that she no longer recognized. I focused on training new students in order to show them the true ways of a warrior, not as I was taught by Shadow Raker. But still, my past haunts me. Shadow Raker has my daughter, and I must save her.

NAUTICA
Not alone, of course.

SIDE BURN
Yeah, we can help you.

DRIFT looks at the two and is about to speak up until he glances at RODIMUS. RODIMUS is sweating and he has bags under his eyes. It seemed as if he hasn’t slept in days.

DRIFT
(glancing at RODIMUS)
I believe we will have to discuss that later. Right now, is not the time.

DRIFT understands the pain RODIMUS went through. It was almost the same, but there was a difference. DRIFT knows how to conceal his inner turmoil, whereas RODIMUS can’t keep his grief and anger within him. He has suffered much worse punishment, and with the torture methods of the Quintessons, past tragedies that he tried to block out were now rearing their ugly heads again. Suddenly, STRATOSPHERE speaks up.

STRATOSPHERE
Drift, we’ll be arriving at Ronimar in a couple of astrohours.

DRIFT
Good, Stratosphere. Once there, we will try to come up with a plan of attack.

While STRATOSPHERE flies away, we go to Planet Ronimar, a planet controlled by a sect of Decepticons led by SHADOW RAKER. As we head for the large building that is the Headquarters of this sect, we hear that SHADOW RAKER is speaking to SIDEWAYS, his second-in-command, and TORNADO, a sleazy smuggler who supervises the sea transport.

SIDEWAYS
Ya sure dat Deadlock is still alive after all dese years?

SHADOW RAKER
We shall see, Sideways. I left that message in a place that Deadlock’s ally Stratosphere frequents. He might just arrive very soon. And when he does, Stockade and Hooligan will be waiting for them.
(turning to TORNADO)
Now, changing the subject, are you sending my money in?

TORNADO
Yeah, tomorrow is the day. But I still don’t get it. Why so much money to pay coppers all over this sector of the galaxy? I don’t trust ‘em.

SHADOW RAKER
Tornado... for me, loyalty is much more important than money. Look at Sideways here. He is one of my best people. Loyal, does his work without complaints, without question, and without asking for anything in return. That is something I truly appreciate. Now, onto other matters...I am heading to check on the casino, to see how much money people will lose. Sideways, you go check in on the girl.

As SHADOW RAKER heads for the casino, we fade in to STRATOSPHERE landing near a rock formation in the desert. Once STRATOSPHERE lands, NAUTICA is refueling him.

NAUTICA
There we go, Stratty... you are refueled now.

STRATOSPHERE
Stratty?

NAUTICA
(with a peppy smile)
What? It’s a cool nickname.

She walks out of the cargo hold with the other Autobots. After they’re all out, STRATOSPHERE transforms into robot mode, stretching his arms around and rotating his elbows.

STRATOSPHERE
God, it feels great to be back in robot mode after two hours of flying up there.

SIDE BURN
Now, sensei... what’s the plan?

DRIFT
I must infiltrate Shadow Raker’s forces. He is someone who always wants everyone in his organization to be loyal to him, so my mission is to make him distrust all of his subordinates. Now, this is how the plan will go...

As DRIFT discusses his plans with the other Autobots, two figures observe them from afar. The large figure is STOCKADE, a cruel henchman with super strength and powerful steel jaws. The smaller figure is HOOLIGAN, a sadist with a rather macabre sense of humor. HOOLIGAN is watching our heroes through a pair of binoculars.

HOOLIGAN
Well, well, well... it’s that Stratosphere guy the boss mentioned. And he brought more than one person, but none of them look like that Deadlock guy the boss wants. Stockade... let’s greet them in our own personal way.

STOCKADE grinned, revealing his intimidating jaws as he did so. The Autobots have just finished their meeting, and everything seems to have been meticulously planned.

DRIFT
Good, now we all know our positions, let us head for...

Suddenly, STOCKADE jumps in and grabs SIDE BURN.

SIDE BURN
(flailing his arms around)
WHOA, GRANDMA!!! WHAT BIG HANDS YOU GOT!!!

HOOLIGAN swoops in and starts carpet bombing the ground around our heroes.

HOOLIGAN
SURPRISE, LOSERS!!!

NAUTICA covers her eyes as rockets start exploding near her. RODIMUS then pushes her out of the way. STOCKADE then tosses SIDE BURN aside.

SIDE BURN
(being tossed aside)
OY-VEEEEEEEEEEY!!!

SIDE BURN lands on a rock and convulses comically. RODIMUS punches STOCKADE in the back. The looming Decepticon turns around and looks at RODIMUS, grinning. RODIMUS grins back in a mocking manner.

RODIMUS
(in a sarcastic manner)
Nice to meet you too, now say goodbye!!!

RODIMUS punches STOCKADE in the gut, but it has no effect. STOCKADE just grabs RODIMUS by the neck and raises him up. RODIMUS grunts as he is being strangled, but then bashes STOCKADE right in the eyes. STOCKADE covers his eyes and lets go of RODIMUS. As this is happening, NAUTICA helps SIDE BURN up and then, they both head towards DRIFT and STRATOSPHERE.

STRATOSPHERE
(cracking his knuckles as he glances at HOOLIGAN)
You guys go, Rodimus and me will have some clobberin’ time with these guys!!!

NAUTICA, SIDE BURN and DRIFT nod at STRATOSPHERE and head off. STRATOSPHERE then activates his jet thrusters and heads for HOOLIGAN. RODIMUS keeps struggling with STOCKADE. Neither of them notice that they’re heading towards a large canyon. Meanwhile, STRATOSPHERE grabs HOOLIGAN and holds him by the thrusters.

HOOLIGAN
Hey, big guy!!! Let go of me so I can really kick your tail!!!

STRATOSPHERE
I normally hate beatin’ on people smaller than m’self, but...

STRATOSPHERE starts spinning HOOLIGAN around.

HOOLIGAN
WHOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAO!!! I’M GETTING DIZZY!!!

STRATOSPHERE
Here’s the wind-up... and the pitch!!!

STRATOSPHERE throws HOOLIGAN off into the distance.

HOOLIGAN
(flying off)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!

STRATOSPHERE
Well, I guess he’s not a baseball fan.

Meanwhile, RODIMUS keeps wrestling with STOCKADE. Their display of strength is incredible and brutal. RODIMUS is sweating as he is grabbing hold of STOCKADE’s arms. STOCKADE has a vicious smirk on his face. He really seems to be relishing this. Suddenly, RODIMUS has flashbacks. These flashes are from when he beat down THUNDERHOOF and the rest of the Decepticons. He also had flashes of when he almost killed BLITZWING. RODIMUS then clutches his own face as the memories keep flooding back to him at a rapid pace, hitting him like a truck.

RODIMUS
(struggling)
NO!!! MAKE IT GO AWAY!!!

STOCKADE sees this as an opportunity. He grabs RODIMUS and prepares to toss him into the canyons below. Meanwhile, DRIFT, NAUTICA and SIDE BURN are driving towards the city.

DRIFT
Now, Side Burn... head for the west side of the desert. See if there are any people who might be willing to help us in our battle against Shadow Raker.

SIDE BURN
You got it, sensei.

SIDE BURN makes a turn and drives off to the west.

NAUTICA
Once my part is done, should I head to the west, too?

DRIFT
Yes. Shadow Raker’s subordinates will no doubt try to find you, but if Side Burn manages to find allies, you will be well protected.

NAUTICA
Good, then it’s all arranged.

DRIFT
All that is left is to see if Shadow Raker recognizes me or not. My daughter’s survival depends on my success.

DRIFT and NAUTICA are heading to the Headquarters of SHADOW RAKER. Meanwhile, RODIMUS struggles a bit more with his traumatic memories until he snaps out of it briefly, grabs his rifle and fires at the ground near STOCKADE.

RODIMUS
(with extreme anger)
If I go down, I’m taking you with me.

The ground around STOCKADE is breaking apart. Both opponents start falling down into the canyon. As they fall, they keep struggling and fighting viciously, and as their battle continues, we fade to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

THE CANYONS – STRATOSPHERE FLYING OVERHEAD

STRATOSPHERE is flying around the canyons, looking for RODIMUS.

STRATOSPHERE
Dangblastit... if only I had Wreck-Gar’s signal receptors, I could find Rodimus much more easily... but even with my advanced optical sensors, I just can’t seem to pinpoint him around here.

STRATOSPHERE’s sensors aren’t wrong, as RODIMUS is nowhere to be found within the canyon. As the gigantic Autobot searches for him, a badly damaged RODIMUS is being dragged away by STOCKADE, who doesn’t seem to have suffered that much damage despite the tremendous fall. STOCKADE is taking RODIMUS back to his superiors. STOCKADE uses a device to transport him and his prisoner to a ship where all prisoners are kept.

TRANSITION TO

THE DESERT – WEST SIDE

SIDE BURN is driving around the west side of the desert. If SHADOW RAKER had taken Ronimar by force, there surely had to be some people who weren’t on his side. SIDE BURN just kept driving ahead until he saw a small boy walking with some supplies for his family.

SIDE BURN
A kid? In the desert? Well, I gotta see what’s up.

SIDE BURN stops in front of the small boy and speaks to him.

SIDE BURN
Hey, kid... what are you doing all alone in a place like this?

The boy looks a bit startled as he turns to SIDE BURN.

SIDE BURN
Hey, relax. I’m not with the guys who control the place. I’m different.
(transforming to robot mode and pointing to his insignia)
See?

The boy sees the insignia.

UBO
You... you’re one of them... like our leader.

SIDE BURN
Oh, so I see my reputation precedes me. Name’s Side Burn.

SIDE BURN raises his hand for a handshake. UBO extends his arm towards him and they both shake hands.

UBO
I’m Ubo. I’m with the tribe.

SIDE BURN
The tribe? What’s that?

UBO
A group of people that are tired of the bad ones ruling this place. Our leader has your same insignia. Come, let me take you to my home.

SIDE BURN
Lead the way, Ubo.

SIDE BURN walks beside UBO when suddenly they are ambushed by SHADOW RAKER’s forces. They are two jet fighters, SPACE CASE and SKYJACK.

SPACE CASE
LOOK!!! THAT GUY IS HANGING OUT WITH ONE OF THE TRIBE’S KIDS!!!

SKYJACK
OPEN FIRE!!!

SIDE BURN grabs UBO and runs off, evading the blasts.

SIDE BURN
Well, I guess this is what’s considered to be neighborly love around these parts.

SIDE BURN does a backflip right when a rocket almost hits both him and UBO. The rocket explodes on the ground and SIDE BURN just keeps running. SIDE BURN looks back and then turns to UBO.

SIDE BURN
Hold on tight, kid!!!

SIDE BURN does a somersault as UBO holds on to his arm. As he somersaults, SIDE BURN transforms into vehicle mode. UBO is now in the driver’s seat.

UBO
WHOA!!! WAY COOL!!!

SIDE BURN turns and heads to a farm. He drives through the door, followed by the two jet warriors.

SKYJACK
LOOK OUT!!!

Both SKYJACK and SPACE CASE try to avoid hitting the farm, but it’s too late. They crash into the farm, but keep flying. However, they have some uninvited guests standing on their fuselages: Cyber-Chickens. They start clucking, flapping their wings and pecking the jets.

SKYJACK
OW!!! OW!!! STOP THAT!!!

SPACE CASE
YAIIIIII!!! LOUSY BIRDS!!!

From below, UBO looks at the jets being attacked by the Cyber-Chickens as SIDE BURN just quips.

SIDE BURN
(joking)
Gee, looks like they’re having a family reunion. HAHAAA!!!

SIDE BURN then keeps flying ahead and sees a twisted ramp.

SIDE BURN
HOLD TIGHT, UBO!!! WE’RE GONNA DELIVER ONE HECK OF A STUNT!!!

UBO
WHOOOOOOAAAAAA!!!

SIDE BURN then prepares to jump over this twisted ramp. Once he jumps, he does an aerial twist in slow-motion, complete with a cartoon slide whistle sound and then, SIDE BURN lands on his tires. They screech once he lands and keeps driving ahead.

UBO
(excited)
YIPEEEEEEEE!!!! CAN WE DO IT AGAIN?!!!

SIDE BURN
(keeping his cool)
Tell ya what, once all this is over, we’ll do another aerial twist.

SKYJACK and SPACE CASE both keep following SIDE BURN. They are covered in feathers all over their bodies.

SIDE BURN
I guess the chickens still wanna play chicken. Well, let’s give ‘em something else to play with. Say hello to my friend Breakaway’s new upgrade.

SIDE BURN’s sides start opening, his hood panel retracts and his wheels start twisting around in order to control his speed and make him aim much more precisely.

SIDE BURN
STEALTH FORCE, ENGAGE!!!

From the opened sides of the car and the hood, come turrets and heavy Gatling guns. Once they’re all in position, they fire a devastating barrage of bullets, which immediately hit SKYJACK and SPACE CASE. Both jets crash down into a river and transform into robot mode, swimming away after getting both their armor and their pride damaged.

SIDE BURN
Heh!!! These chickens could give ducks a run for their money in the swimming department.

SIDE BURN retracts all his Stealth Force weapons and transforms back into vehicle mode.

SIDE BURN
Man, Breakaway really came through with this upgrade. It works like a charm.

UBO
You have more friends?

SIDE BURN
Yeah, and a few of them are here to help. Now, I must get you back to your tribe.

UBO
It’s not too far now, just up ahead.

SIDE BURN
Good. I can’t wait to meet some more friendly faces in these parts.

As SIDE BURN drives off into the distance, we fade to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE DESERT – NEAR THE TRIBE CAMP

SIDE BURN is arriving at the camp where the tribe lives. He comes to a stop and opens a door. UBO comes out of SIDE BURN’s vehicle mode, holding the bag of supplies, and looks around. He runs to his parents as soon as he sees them.

UBO
Mother, father!!! I have returned with supplies. And I have a new friend.

UBO hugs his parents, who hug him back. SIDE BURN walks towards the boy’s parents.

SIDE BURN
Hey. I’m Side Burn, and I was wondering if I could meet the head of your tribe.

The parents look at each other and then back at SIDE BURN.

UBO’S FATHER
Follow me.

SIDE BURN follows UBO’S FATHER to the largest tent, where the tribe plans out their next move against the forces of SHADOW RAKER.

TRANSITION TO

RONIMAR CITY – OUTSIDE OF THE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING

DRIFT arrives at the building which serves as SHADOW RAKER’s main base of operations. As he gets in, we see that NAUTICA is on the roof of the building next to it, which is under construction. NAUTICA grabs her wrench and turns it into a grenade launcher. DRIFT enters the building and talks to the GUARD.

DRIFT
I came to see Shadow Raker.

DRIFT then gives a neutron assault rifle to the GUARD. He has left his swords with NAUTICA, since they would immediately give him away. The GUARD uses a scanner to check if DRIFT has any other concealed weapons, but he is clean. The GUARD leads him into SHADOW RAKER’s quarters. SHADOW RAKER is watching some footage of the casino as he sips some Energon wine. The GUARD hands the neutron assault rifle to SHADOW RAKER, who looks at it. He glances at DRIFT and it seems that he doesn’t recognize him due to his different appearance.

SHADOW RAKER
Sit down, Mister...

DRIFT
My name is Drift.

DRIFT sits down and looks at SHADOW RAKER.

SHADOW RAKER
You do not strike me as the type who would use a machine gun. Why do you carry one?

DRIFT
In my business, you are prepared for the unexpected.

SHADOW RAKER
And what business is that?

DRIFT
I help people with problems.

SHADOW RAKER glances at him and a sly grin is drawn on his face.

SHADOW RAKER
A problem solver, huh?

DRIFT
More of a problem eliminator.

There is a moment of silence until SHADOW RAKER starts chuckling at the remark. DRIFT also chuckles a bit. Then, they stop and SHADOW RAKER grabs his glass of Energon Wine.

SHADOW RAKER
And now you are here on business?

DRIFT
Temporarily unemployed and being followed by people who have been trying to get to me... for preventing a very nasty tragedy. I thought I might find work here.

SHADOW RAKER
It is very difficult to obtain a work permit in Ronimar. One has to show a special talent that people here do not have.

DRIFT
Hm... well that shouldn’t be too difficult.

SHADOW RAKER
(standing up)
Drift-san, you have guts. You come here, to my place, without references and carrying a piece. You should know something. Nobody saw you come in... so nobody has to see you go out.

DRIFT just keeps his cool and sighs.

DRIFT
Raker-sama. I could be very useful to a man in your position. And I understand that you have a reputation for rewarding loyalty very well.

Outside, NAUTICA is aiming the grenade launcher at the window of SHADOW RAKER’s quarters. She fires a grenade. DRIFT sees the grenade and then pushes SHADOW RAKER aside. The grenade explodes and destroys the window. SHADOW RAKER then stands up.

SHADOW RAKER
(angered)
WHO DARES?

DRIFT
Some friends of mine... they are well paid to end both of our existences. They began to search for me after I escaped from their ship.

SHADOW RAKER
Then I will have to end their existence... come on... we have some business to discuss.

DRIFT follows SHADOW RAKER into a briefing room. Meanwhile, NAUTICA changes her grenade launcher back into a wrench, but notices that some of SHADOW RAKER’s troops have seen her and are running up into the building. She looks around and sees some cables leading to the desert. Her wrench turns into a carpet and she places it over the cables. She sits on the carpet and starts sliding down, making it look like she’s riding on a magic carpet. The drones arrive at the roof and start firing at NAUTICA, but they miss her.

NAUTICA
(raising her arms victoriously as she slides down with the magic carpet)
WHEEEEEEEEEEE!!! THIS IS FUN!!! YEEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAWWWW!!!!

As she slides into the desert across the cables, NAUTICA grabs hold of the carpet and it changes back into her wrench as she transforms to vehicle mode and flies off.

NAUTICA
(singing)
I AM LIVING IN PURPLE SUBMARINE!!! PURPLE SUBMARINE!!! PURPLE SUBMARINE!!!

Once she is far enough from the danger, NAUTICA transforms into robot mode and grabs a signal tracker.

NAUTICA
Good thing I have this, or else, I wouldn’t be able to find Side Burn. Now things are really gonna heat up.

NAUTICA then looks at the signal tracker and gets a fix on SIDE BURN’s spark signature.

NAUTICA
Gotcha, blue boy. Now make way for the party dudette!!!

NAUTICA transforms into vehicle mode once again and flies off to SIDE BURN’s location. As she flies into the distance, the image goes still and the words “TO BE CONTINUED...” are seen on the screen. Then, we fade to black.

TO BE CONTINUED

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Regret, Part 2”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Drift - Pete Renaday
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Stratosphere - Michael Bell

OTHERS:
Varia - Danica McKellar
High Beam - Ed Gilbert
Shadow Raker - Nicol Williamson
Sideways - Ron Feinberg
Hooligan - Michael Bell
Skyjack - Ed Gilbert
Space Case - Ronnie Schell
Tornado - Ron Feinberg
Guard #1 - Pete Renaday
Guard #2 - Dick Gautier

ACT ONE

FADE IN

THE DESERT – THE TRIBE’S CAMP

NAUTICA arrives at the location of the Tribe’s camp. She looks around for SIDE BURN and finds him talking to HIGH BEAM, the leader of the Tribe. SIDE BURN turns around and sees NAUTICA.

SIDE BURN
Hey, Nautica. Glad to see that you made it. Here, I’d like you to meet someone.

SIDE BURN lets NAUTICA sit beside him and she listens to HIGH BEAM. When HIGH BEAM speaks, we hear that he has a sort of middle-Eastern accent and a very soft-spoken, gentle yet authoritative voice.

HIGH BEAM
My name is High Beam. I am the leader of the Tribe. For years, this planet has been ruled by Shadow Raker. He has taken over the capital of Ronimar and now controls everything. Transports, businesses, the government… all you can think of. And worst of all, he plans to spread his empire, like a disease.

NAUTICA
Well, now you have us for a cure. But first, we need some information. When is the next shipment of money scheduled to go to the capital?

HIGH BEAM
Tomorrow. We have spies guarding Tornado’s base of operations.

SIDE BURN
Tornado?

HIGH BEAM
Raker’s lead smuggler and transport supplier.

NAUTICA
Then we’ve got to act fast. We’ll plant some money into this Tornado guy’s vault so our ally’s cover isn’t blown.

HIGH BEAM
(uncovering a stash of Energon bills)
How fortunate for you that we have a stash from our bank heists.

NAUTICA looks at the money.

NAUTICA
Yeah, this will suffice. Now tell me, are there any ways to get into the ship?

HIGH BEAM
The lower hatch, but you need a special key to open it.

NAUTICA
(smirking)
Don’t worry… I have all of the special stuff I need in MY key.

NAUTICA draws her wrench and it automatically turns into a rather futuristic looking key. Once placed inside a keyhole, this key will instantly take the shape of the key that is meant to open the door.

TRANSITION TO

PRISON SHIP – TORTURE CHAMBER

RODIMUS is strapped to a metal frame, getting tortured by electric shocks. RODIMUS grunts as he is electrocuted. SIDEWAYS looks at this and grins sadistically.

SIDEWAYS
Just keep the torture goin’. We must make ‘im pay for goin’ against us.

As this goes on, someone else is watching. This is VARIA, DRIFT’s daughter. Her appearance is similar to DRIFT’s previous body before he changed factions, but with a more distinctive feminine look. She tears up as she sees this.

VARIA
(thinking)
When will this stop? When will there be a chance to live in peace?

She looks at RODIMUS. Even though he keeps his composure and remains stoic after every electric shock, VARIA instantly sees that beneath the stoic exterior, there is immense pain, suffering and a sense of loss and abandonment. She feels for him. Later, after hours of torture, RODIMUS is sent to the same cell where VARIA is. He is thrown inside and lands on the ground with a hard thud. He is weakened and doesn’t have the strength to get up.

SIDEWAYS
(off-screen, to a guard)
I’ll be back soon. Once I return, we’ll have a few more hours of fun torturing the new loser.

VARIA looks at him and turns him over, splaying him on his back. She looks at all the scars and burns he has all over his body. She starts healing him.

RODIMUS
(delirious)
Ughhh… why… why is this happening?

VARIA
Take it easy… I will help you.

RODIMUS opens his eyes and through his blurred vision, he thinks he sees ARCEE for a bit, but once his vision adjusts, he manages to get a glimpse of the beautiful young girl who is in front of him.

RODIMUS
W-who are you?

VARIA
My name is Varia. I hate to say this, but I’m…

RODIMUS
…the daughter of an assassin?

VARIA looks at RODIMUS with shock.

VARIA
How do you know about…?

RODIMUS
Your father… he is with me… he told us about you.

VARIA tears up after she hears this. It does seem like such a statement reopened a lot of old wounds for her.

VARIA
(crying)
Why did he go with you? Does he want to make me suffer like he did when he reformatted himself?

RODIMUS
He may have altered his appearance… but his personality is the same. He still loves you, Varia… and looks alone cannot change that.

VARIA
(crying)
Does he feel ashamed about having me as a daughter? I look almost exactly like he used to.

RODIMUS
He changed because he felt that you might be safer by staying with a warrior whose appearance no one would recognize. Of course, you left… and now, he has no choice but to face his past demons again.

VARIA cries with shame. RODIMUS’ words made sense. She feels like such a fool for thinking that way. RODIMUS just lays back and closes his eyes a bit.

RODIMUS
Sometimes I wonder why I can’t be as brave as he is. Whenever I deal with past nightmares, I start breaking down… I can’t hold it together, I lose my cool way too easily. I can’t bring myself to love anyone now.

As he says that, RODIMUS has a flashback to the aftermath of his first confrontation against BLITZWING, where he tossed an engagement ring down into a canyon. The ring was originally meant for VELOCITY, and pretty recently, ARCEE, but with the unpredictability of his mental state, he felt that once the war was over, he should go somewhere far away where he wouldn’t be able to harm anyone. VARIA looked at RODIMUS and gently stroked his face.

VARIA
You had someone special in your life?

RODIMUS
Yes… two girls… one of them died because of me… the other… I’m afraid to even get close to her after I went berserk in battle. I could harm her… and I don’t want any more blood on my hands. I have taken too many lives already… why doesn’t anyone show just a bit of mercy and take my life already?

VARIA looks at RODIMUS. She is starting to feel things that she never felt before. She didn’t know what it was, but for some reason, this troubled man, much older than she was, left a very big impression on her. Even though she didn’t know if this would last or if he would want it, she thought about being with him.

TRANSITION TO

SHADOW RAKER’S HEADQUARTERS – MEETING ROOM

DRIFT was in SHADOW RAKER’s meeting room. He received a coded message from NAUTICA on the screen of his wrist communicator. The message said “Found someone to frame. Transport takes off tomorrow night.” This was what DRIFT was waiting for. He closed his communicator and then, SHADOW RAKER comes back after talking to some security guards.

SHADOW RAKER
Forgive me for taking so long, but after an attempt on your life, you have to make sure to take precautionary measures.

DRIFT
Oh, I understand. It is what our way of life brings.

There is a short pause as SHADOW RAKER is serving DRIFT some Energon wine. He speaks up.

SHADOW RAKER
These people… they tried to kill us.
(with a sly smirk)
Who would do such a thing?

DRIFT
Well, from what I gathered during my unpleasant encounters with them, they are being financed by someone inside of your operations.

SHADOW RAKER
Did they mention a name?

DRIFT
No… but I know that they expect to receive the money tomorrow night.

There is a moment of silence as SHADOW RAKER strokes his chin, thinking.

DRIFT
Anyone you can think of?

SHADOW RAKER
Everyone in my organization is 100% loyal, Drift-san.

DRIFT
Then I guess we don’t have anything to worry about.

SHADOW RAKER
(standing up)
Yes indeed, well… I have to check in on a few things. In the meantime, you can stay here as my guest.

DRIFT
Thank you.

SHADOW RAKER nods and walks out the door. Once outside, he meets up with SIDEWAYS.

SHADOW RAKER
Ah, Sideways. Have you found Stockade and Hooligan?

SIDEWAYS
Stockade is in da prison ship. Dunno where Hooligan is.

There is a moment of silence. SHADOW RAKER seems to be thinking of how to handle HOOLIGAN’s absence. He speaks up afterwards.

SHADOW RAKER
We’ll have to do without him for now. Tell Skyjack and Space Case to meet me at the docks tomorrow. We’re going to inspect Tornado’s ship once he arrives.

SIDEWAYS
Somethin’ da matter wit’ Tornado?

SHADOW RAKER
We shall see. And you will come with us too.

SIDEWAYS
Should I bring Stockade too?

SHADOW RAKER
No… let him guard the prisoners. We need to make sure there are no more slip ups.

SIDEWAYS
Yes, sir.

SIDEWAYS walks out to warn SPACE CASE and SKYJACK about the next day’s plans.

TRANSITION TO

THE RONIMAR SEA – TRANSPORT SHIP

NAUTICA is slowly moving below TORNADO’s transport ship.

NAUTICA
Side Burn; tell High Beam that this special stealth coat of paint works like a charm. The sensors aren’t picking me up judging by the lack of activity around me, and it looks pretty spiffy to boot.

SIDE BURN
(VO, through intercom)
Right. Now just do what you have to do. Once you’re done, call us.

NAUTICA
Roger, over and out.

NAUTICA transforms into robot mode and swims slowly towards the hatch. She uses her “skeleton key” and puts it in the keyhole. She fiddles around with it and opens the hatch. She goes into the ship’s lower vault. There is a safe there. She grabs the key, which changes into a special combination cracking device. She places it against the safe door. After a few seconds where tumblers click and move around, the safe is open. NAUTICA transforms into vehicle mode and throws bags of Energon currency out of her window. She transforms into robot mode again and takes a dive into the sea. She closes the hatch and transforms back into vehicle mode. She speeds away into the murky depths below.

NAUTICA
Nautica to Side Burn, mission accomplished. The pearls are in the clam.

SIDE BURN
(VO, through intercom)
Great… now we just have to sit back and wait for you to arrive. High Beam has a plan for our next move.

NAUTICA
Okay, I’m off.

NAUTICA heads back to the Tribe’s camp.

NAUTICA
(to us)
Y’know, being a spy is not bad. It’s actually kind of fun.

NAUTICA arrives to the shore and transforms into robot mode as she rises from the water, she tosses her head from side to side, flinging the water off of her body.

NAUTICA
(to herself)
Ursula Andress, eat your heart out.

NAUTICA looks at us, smiles and winks as the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

PRISON SHIP – CELL

The next day, RODIMUS wakes up and sees VARIA sleeping in her bunk. VARIA is trembling. RODIMUS sees a torn sheet of metal and gently covers her with it. VARIA now stops trembling when she feels the warmth of the newly made bed sheet. RODIMUS looks at her and smiles a bit, but then he frowns. He wishes that he could trust himself with the safety of this girl. DRIFT’s whole mission depended on her survival. He sighs and looks off into the distance. He looks at his hands as he curls them into fists, determined to escape with her. Suddenly, he hears a guard coming in. He sees this as a chance to make a getaway. The guard opens the cell door.

GUARD #1
Alright, you… it’s time for a few more hours of torture.
(looking around)
Where did he go?

RODIMUS is hiding beneath the bunk where VARIA is sleeping. As the guard looks around, RODIMUS grabs his foot and pulls at it, making him trip. RODIMUS proceeds to punch the guard in the face.

GUARD #1
(getting punched in the face)
AGH!!!

RODIMUS grabs the guard’s rifle along with VARIA, who wakes up once she is grabbed, and runs away. On his way out, he encounters three more guards who fire back at him. RODIMUS takes cover and fires back at the guards. STOCKADE runs in and sees this. He grins as he heads for RODIMUS, who basically looks down and notices a hatch. RODIMUS blasts the hatch open and STOCKADE comes to a stop. He looks down and then looks at us with despair while he waves goodbye and falls down in a WILE E. COYOTE fashion. RODIMUS shoots the guards, killing two of them and blasting one of them in the knee, which makes him fall down into the hatch. The guard manages to grab onto the hatch door. He holds on tight when he looks at RODIMUS with a frightened expression on his face.

GUARD #2
(scared)
Please… help me…

RODIMUS just looks at him with a cold expression. As if all the suffering and pain had taken its toll on him. He replies with a rather cold tone in his voice.

RODIMUS
Those are the same words I uttered when I lost the first person I loved… and no one helped me… now you know how it feels. How it feels to be completely helpless… and alone.

RODIMUS kicks the guard in the face, which causes him to fall. The guard screams as he falls to his doom while RODIMUS watches without any hint of emotion other than boiling anger. VARIA looks at this with fright. Was the damage so much that RODIMUS had lost his sanity? She didn’t want to think about it. She hoped that deep down; RODIMUS hated doing all this. He jumps down as well and transforms into vehicle mode, while placing VARIA inside his trailer. If RODIMUS landed on his tires, he would be able to drive off, but if he didn’t, at least VARIA would survive. RODIMUS lands on his tires and drives away. Later, at an underground cave, RODIMUS and VARIA are hiding. VARIA looks at RODIMUS and tries to get him to talk.

VARIA
Why did you do it? Why did you heartlessly kill that guard?

RODIMUS
Because I gave up on life… I gave up on everything… besides, no one would miss me.

VARIA shook her head and teared up.

VARIA
(tearing up)
No… that’s not true… I’ve seen you over the last few hours… you aren’t a cold-blooded murderer… it’s not in you… you just want someone to understand what you’re going through… you can’t escape your past, but you can move on… when I first saw you… you were almost like a lost child, filled with fury and sorrow… someone who needs to be loved, who needs people to support him… please… let me help you… you do care deep down… I know you must regret so many calls you have made…

RODIMUS starts crying without hope. He realizes that she’s right. He still has feelings deep down.

VARIA
You see? You are not a heartless brute… you are a victim of circumstance… someone who needs attention and love.

VARIA got close to him and stroked his face.

VARIA
(shyly)
Maybe I… I could be that someone… at least, until this is all over.

VARIA blushes a bit and turns around. RODIMUS grabs her hand gently and strokes her face. His expression softens up. He looks longingly at her.

RODIMUS
If only I could trust myself…

VARIA
Just be glad that I trust you.

VARIA slowly gets closer to RODIMUS and they both kiss. Although RODIMUS wonders what ARCEE would say if she saw him with DRIFT’s daughter, he accepts the gesture and kisses her back. RODIMUS kisses VARIA’s neck. VARIA moans as her neck is kissed and as this keeps going on, we immediately transition to NAUTICA walking around the desert. She is humming a tune to herself. The tune she hums is “Underneath the Mango Tree”. Suddenly, she hears blasts going off nearby.

NAUTICA
(startled)
The heck? What’s going on in there?

STRATOSPHERE is firing blasts at HOOLIGAN in the distance. The giant Autobot has been searching for RODIMUS and instead, ended up finding the foe he has previously humiliated. HOOLIGAN wants nothing more than payback.

HOOLIGAN
I’m gonna get you now, you gigantic piece of refuse!!!

STRATOSPHERE
Now, that ain’t nice.

STRATOSPHERE draws a Gatling gun from his wrist and started firing at HOOLIGAN, who tries his best to evade the spread of bullets. NAUTICA sees this and decides to help out.

NAUTICA
Hold on, Sphere!!! I’m comin’!!!

STRATOSPHERE turns around and sees NAUTICA.

STRATOSPHERE
How tha heck didja get here?

NAUTICA
(sardonically)
Oh, I dunno… maybe your size really makes you stand out.

STRATOSPHERE
You wus just waitin’ to use that joke on me, wusn’t ya?

NAUTICA grabs her wrench and it turns into the Cybertronian equivalent of an Uzi pistol. She fires at HOOLIGAN.

HOOLIGAN
(getting hit)
YOOOOOWCH!!!

HOOLIGAN falls to the ground, landing with a hard thud. He springs back up to his feet and draws a knife.

NAUTICA
Oh, so it’s knife time, eh?

NAUTICA changes her “Uzi” into a machete.

STRATOSPHERE
Overcompensating much?

NAUTICA
Hey, just because I’m on your team doesn’t mean I have to play fair.

HOOLIGAN charges towards NAUTICA and starts swinging his knife around. NAUTICA parries against HOOLIGAN’s knife using her “machete”.

NAUTICA
What’s that old saying? Never bring a knife to a machete fight?

NAUTICA kicks HOOLIGAN in the gut, making him drop the knife.

NAUTICA
Sorry, ol’ fella, but you can’t beat the master of partying and the machete fight.

HOOLIGAN charges towards NAUTICA. NAUTICA steps aside and looks at him zip past her, she takes out a muleta, waving the red cloth at the end back and forth mockingly.

NAUTICA
Olé, toro!!!

HOOLIGAN desperately tries to stop, but crashes into a tree. The sounds of birds chirping are heard as HOOLIGAN lies there.

NAUTICA
Well, that’s that… now c’mon. We gotta get to our allies.

STRATOSPHERE
So you found people to help us?

NAUTICA
Yeah… just follow me, big guy, and we’ll be with them in no time flat.

NAUTICA transforms into vehicle mode and speeds on ahead, with STRATOSPHERE following her on foot as the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN TO

THE DESERT – NEAR THE TRIBE’S CAMPSITE

NAUTICA and STRATOSPHERE are heading for the campsite. Once there, they are greeted by SIDE BURN, HIGH BEAM and some of the tribesmen, which includes UBO’S FATHER. NAUTICA transforms into robot mode, makes a handstand and springs through the air, landing on her feet as she raises her arms victoriously.

NAUTICA
(with excitement)
And now, for my next miracle…

SIDE BURN
You can demonstrate your next miracle later, Nautica. Right now, we have some stuff to do.

HIGH BEAM
Agreed… however, I do think that you all need rest. Tomorrow morning, we shall plan our attack on Raker’s central operations. You have done well, my friends.

NAUTICA
Gee, sounds rad. Maybe we’ll get a chance to hang out with the cool kids.

SIDE BURN
Yeah. C’mon, Nautica, I’m gonna introduce you to my friend Ubo.

As NAUTICA and SIDE BURN walk to one of the tents, we transition to the docks, where SHADOW RAKER, SKYJACK, SIDEWAYS and SPACE CASE are waiting for TORNADO’s transport vessel. As the vessel approaches, SHADOW RAKER speaks with SKYJACK and SPACE CASE.

SHADOW RAKER
Now, you two see if there is a safe inside the ship. If there is, then that is where we will find the money.

The vessel anchors near the docks and TORNADO comes out of the command center.

TORNADO
Ah, Raker. What a pleasant surprise.

SHADOW RAKER
This is just supervision, Tornado. You see, we had a few accidents lately and I want to make sure that they do not happen again.

As RAKER speaks, SPACE CASE and SKYJACK enter the ship and start checking every room inside of it.

TORNADO
Really? Accidents? Like what?

SIDEWAYS
Someone tried to kill da boss last night. Dey used one of ‘em new grenade launchers dat have been becomin’ popular wit’ black market dealers recently.

TORNADO
Jeez… sounds like a whole buncha terrorists want to get back at ya.

SHADOW RAKER
Perhaps… but we shall see.

As they keep talking, SPACE CASE and SKYJACK keep searching the rooms until they come across a guard stationed at the lower vault’s door.

SKYJACK
Excuse me, but we came here to inspect the rooms. We must check everything before making our deal.

The guard just opens the door to the vault. The two soldiers go down the stairs and look around. Then, SKYJACK finds the safe.

SKYJACK
Hey, Space Case!!! Tell the boss I found it.

SPACE CASE
Right.

SPACE CASE heads back up to inform SHADOW RAKER about what they found. Up on the deck, SHADOW RAKER and SIDEWAYS are still talking to TORNADO.

TORNADO
I tell you, there’s nothing to worry about. There aren’t any spies hiding in here. If there were, my people would have shot them dead and tossed them overboard.

SPACE CASE arrives and whispers into SHADOW RAKER’s ear module.

SPACE CASE
(whispering)
We found the safe, boss.

SHADOW RAKER has a very cunning, methodical look on his face before glancing back at TORNADO. We cut to the vault as SHADOW RAKER arrives there, followed by TORNADO, SPACE CASE, SIDEWAYS and the guard who greeted SPACE CASE and SKYJACK before. SKYJACK is waiting near the vault. SHADOW RAKER looks at the guard.

SHADOW RAKER
Open it.

The guard nods and starts opening the safe. Once he has set the combination, he opens it. Then, we see all the Energon cash that NAUTICA has placed in there. For the first time, we see extreme fury on SHADOW RAKER’s face, he looks furiously at TORNADO, who is now sweating and shaking.

TORNADO
(nervous)
T-that’s not my money… I swear…

SHADOW RAKER only looks angrier; he glares daggers at TORNADO in response.

SHADOW RAKER
(seething with rage)
That’s right, friend. It’s mine…

SHADOW RAKER grabs TORNADO forcefully by the shoulders. He is completely enraged by the apparent treason.

SHADOW RAKER
(furious)
You think I am stupid?!!! YOU RIP ME OFF AND THEN USE MY OWN MONEY TO PAY SOMEONE TO KILL ME?!!!

TORNADO is now completely horrified. He doesn’t know where this money came from, but he knows the fact that it was in his safe was enough to bring the wrath of God unto him.

SHADOW RAKER
If you want it so bad… THEN TAKE IT!!!

SHADOW RAKER holds TORNADO in place and kicks him into his own safe.

TORNADO
(kicked into the vault)
AGH!!!

Once TORNADO is in the safe, SKYJACK closes the door to it while the guard just looks at what is happening, not wanting to make things worse. We see TORNADO peeking out from a small window in the safe.

TORNADO
(muffled, from inside the vault)
WHADDYA DOING?!!! WAIT, LET ME TALK TO YA!!! THIS IS NOT MY MONEY!!!

SHADOW RAKER goes to a console which activates a decompression chamber inside the safe. He turns a knob around that starts increasing the air pressure within the safe.

TORNADO
(muffled, noticing the pressure increasing in the vault)
No!!! AAAAAAAGH!!! AGH!!!

TORNADO covers his audio modules as the air pressure keeps increasing. SHADOW RAKER looks at this without a hint of emotion. He glances at SIDEWAYS, who walks to the side of the vault, where he finds an axe. SIDEWAYS hands the axe to SHADOW RAKER. SHADOW RAKER looks at the axe and then smirks sadistically.

TORNADO
(muffled, scared when he sees SHADOW RAKER grabbing the axe)
PLEASE, RAKER!!! NOOOOOO!!!

SHADOW RAKER does a fatal move: he uses the axe to cut the vent pipe leading to the inside of the safe. Once he does this, we see TORNADO’s optics bulging as he yells due to the sudden drop in pressure.

TORNADO
(muffled)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!

Then, SHADOW RAKER looks through the window and sees that TORNADO’s head is inflating like a balloon. TORNADO seems to be holding his head together before it explodes into a mess of wires and purple liquid, which splatters all over some of the money. Once TORNADO is done for, SHADOW RAKER shuts off the machine and starts walking off, but not before SPACE CASE talks to him.

SPACE CASE
What about the money, boss?

SHADOW RAKER pauses for a bit and then looks at SPACE CASE.

SHADOW RAKER
(coldly ignoring what just happened)
Launder it.

SHADOW RAKER walks out, followed by SIDEWAYS.

SHADOW RAKER
Once the money is cleaned up… we will have to reward our newest ally for saving our organization.

SIDEWAYS
Yes, sir.

As SIDEWAYS walks off, SHADOW RAKER looks off into the distance without a trace of emotion on his face. He seems to be thinking about his next move. As he gazes on in an unsettling manner, we see the words “TO BE CONTINUED” at the bottom of the screen.

TO BE CONTINUED

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Regret, Part 3”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Drift - Pete Renaday
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Stratosphere - Michael Bell

OTHERS:
Varia - Danica McKellar
High Beam - Ed Gilbert
Double Clutch - Tony Pope
Gearhead - Bill Ratner
Ubo - Dick Beals
Shadow Raker - Nicol Williamson
Sideways - Ron Feinberg
Hooligan - Michael Bell
Skyjack - Ed Gilbert
Space Case - Ronnie Schell
Swindle - Tony Pope

FADE IN TO

THE TRIBE’S CAMP – EXTERIOR

We see the Tribe’s people doing their regular routine. We also see NAUTICA and SIDE BURN among them. SIDE BURN is checking out some of the robed girls standing near a tent while NAUTICA is with UBO.

NAUTICA
(with a peppy smile)
Okay… now you try it.

UBO does a handstand and started twisting his waist around and walking with his hands. He starts doing backflips while his waist still spins around. He is doing this quite well on his own.

UBO
(with excitement)
I DID IT!!!

NAUTICA
YEAH!!! Now you’re a master of the super-duper-uber-awesome, totally radical and gnarly handstand twist. This move will give you quite a handful of popularity points at parties. Now, let’s both try it.

Both NAUTICA and UBO perform the handstand twist at the same time to save time.

UBO
(excited)
WHEEEEEEEE!!! THIS IS FUN!!!

As NAUTICA and UBO do the handstand twist, we focus on SIDE BURN, who is going after the ladies. One mysterious robed figure, whose back is facing us and SIDE BURN, walks away, but SIDE BURN looks at the legs and they seem slim and very good looking. He decides to give it a shot.

SIDE BURN
(smoothly)
He-llooooo, legs.

SIDE BURN heads for the mysterious robed figure, who seems rather large, but the legs look smaller than the robes, he thinks that the lady must hide a lot inside.

SIDE BURN
Pardon me, young lady, but would you mind if I made your acquaintance today?

SWINDLE
(turning around, grinning widely)
E-YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES!!!

SIDE BURN’s expression of smooth confidence immediately turns into horror and shock at the drop of a hat. SWINDLE removes his robe and reveals that he’s sitting on a platform, with his legs crossed like a Native American. Below the platform were the two curvy legs that SIDE BURN saw. They start walking as SWINDLE uses a remote control, carrying him away like a mule would carry its load. SIDE BURN just looks at this with disbelief, then looks at us.

SIDE BURN
(to us, still taken aback)
Lady turned out to be a dude sitting on disembodied lady legs!!!

As SIDE BURN is still confused about this recent experience, we turn to STRATOSPHERE standing a bit further from the camp, chatting with HIGH BEAM along with his troopers DOUBLE CLUTCH and GEARHEAD. DOUBLE CLUTCH is the defensive strategist of the Tribe, and GEARHEAD is one of its most experienced warriors. GEARHEAD also used to be a racer back in his younger days and it is said that even though he has aged, his speed is still quite a match for any young racer.

STRATOSPHERE
So you guys are gonna plan a raid on the capital?

DOUBLE CLUTCH
Yes… the problem is that we need to wait until we get some insider information.

GEARHEAD
That’s how we’ve gotten our info we know so far. Shadow Raker doesn’t even know that there is an actual traitor in his employ.

STRATOSPHERE
Yes… and Drift is also on the inside, trying to get Shadow Raker to distrust everyone in his organization.

HIGH BEAM
I can only hope that your friend comes out of there in one piece. If anything goes wrong, it could mean his end.

TRANSITION TO

CAVERN – INTERIOR

Inside a cavern, RODIMUS is holding VARIA in his arms after sharing a rather tender and passionate moment. RODIMUS is looking into the distance. VARIA wakes up and looks at him.

VARIA
(waking up)
Mmmmmm… is something wrong?

RODIMUS
I am just thinking… about what it would be to live like a normal person. To have a job, to have qualifications… to be able to love without suffering the pain of loss every single day.

VARIA looks at him and kisses his cheek.

VARIA
Someday, you might… unlike me. I have to live with the bane of my progenitor’s identity. Whenever someone sees me, they immediately fear me. They know from my appearance alone that I am the daughter of an assassin. At least you have someone to go back to… your people, your woman… I… I have no one… if only I could have you… ummm…

Even though she has just made love with this troubled man, she still doesn’t know his name.

RODIMUS
(softly)
Rodimus.

VARIA
Right… Rodimus… you still have a family to go back to… I don’t. I bet my father resents me over my foolishness.

RODIMUS
Your father would only blame himself for all of this… never you. You are his daughter, his pride and joy, his hope for the future. I harmed too many people in my lifetime… I can’t be close to anyone without painting a target on their back. I am afraid to lose my people, who are the only ones I have left in my life.

VARIA looks at RODIMUS and caresses his face.

VARIA
I guess we both are afraid.

RODIMUS holds VARIA’s hands. As he speake to her, there is passion and sadness in his voice.

RODIMUS
(passionately)
If I could, I would let you be with my friends so that you can finally have people to be with… you deserve them more than I do… I am the one who deserves the punishment of loneliness… not you… never you…

VARIA tears up as she hears these words.

VARIA
As much as I appreciate the sentiment, Rodimus… I just wouldn’t be able to accept it. You need people to support you, to nurture you… without them… what’s the point of living?

RODIMUS
I can’t live… not anymore… not with my past haunting me and driving me mad!!!

RODIMUS clutches his head and starts tearing up.

RODIMUS
(sadly)
I can’t handle this anymore. I’ve lost my whole youth in the war, tried to block and repress all the trauma, but the memories once again have come back to me… they won’t leave me alone… I can’t even bring myself to sleep because of fear... sometimes, when I wake up after having a nightmare… I don’t even know where I am or… what I am…

VARIA looks at him and hugs him. She has never before met someone who had such a large amount of anger, pain, anguish and hopelessness in his life.

RODIMUS
You are young, Varia… you can fix your life and learn to be proud of yourself. I can’t… I’ve been running away for way too long… I don’t know how much more of this
I can take…

VARIA just strokes RODIMUS’ chest, trying to make him feel better.

VARIA
Rodimus… I… I must say that… with you around, I do feel safe… I know you don’t trust yourself, but when I first saw you, I saw someone that would be there for me… someone who would protect me with his life… you helped me escape…

RODIMUS
I’m more worried about what might happen next… if I failed you… I wouldn’t forgive myself. I’ve already failed a lot of people before… I just can’t afford to do it again.

VARIA
You won’t… I know you won’t… and don’t say there isn’t any hope for you… please. When I see you hurt yourself like this, it hurts me too.

VARIA kisses RODIMUS passionately. RODIMUS kisses her back and hugs her tightly, not wanting to let go of this beautiful young girl. But even then, he has his fears about failing her. Still, something about her has brought him something he hadn’t felt in quite a long time: a sense of hope. Once the kiss is released, VARIA and RODIMUS look at each other sweetly. VARIA smiles shyly. RODIMUS, for the first time in what seemed like an eternity, smiles back at her. His smile is warm and loving. He gently holds her chin and strokes her face.

RODIMUS
Well… I guess we should try and see whether your faith in me is misguided or not.

RODIMUS kisses VARIA’s hand and then, they both head off to find the other Autobots. They hold hands as they walk out of the cave. Meanwhile, at SHADOW RAKER’s base, DRIFT is in SHADOW RAKER’s office, looking out the window. He seems rather calm and stoic. Any normal bot would be shaking in their boots by now or smoking Cyber-cigarettes without end, but not DRIFT. His training has allowed him to keep his composure even under the most dangerous of circumstances. Then, SHADOW RAKER walks into the office.

SHADOW RAKER
Forgive me for the delay, senshi, but I decided to give you a reward for your services.

He tossed a large bag of Energon cash onto the desk.

SHADOW RAKER
I thought you would like to know that the information you gave me paid off. I got the one who set me up.

DRIFT examines the bag and looks at the cash inside.

DRIFT
(replying to SHADOW RAKER as he examines the bag)
Only one?

SHADOW RAKER
What do you mean?

DRIFT
(still examining the cash)
I just thought… no one would be brainless enough to think they could take you down on their own.

There is a moment of silence between SHADOW RAKER and DRIFT as SHADOW RAKER processes that statement carefully. He just cracks a sly smile and chuckles at the thought. He stands up and starts walking away.

SHADOW RAKER
I want you to come with me tomorrow.

DRIFT
Where are we going?

SHADOW RAKER turns around and glances at him with a confident smirk.

SHADOW RAKER
It is a surprise. You are going like it.

SHADOW RAKER smiles and walks out. He closes the door behind him once he’s out. DRIFT walks to the door and overhears a conversation between SIDEWAYS, SKYJACK and SHADOW RAKER.

SHADOW RAKER
(to SIDEWAYS)
We’re taking the new guy to the plant tomorrow when we unveil it to our investors, do not give him any trouble. Understand?

SIDEWAYS
Yes, sir.

SKYJACK
…but we should tell you.

SHADOW RAKER
Hm?

SIDEWAYS
Yeh, I got some bad news… da red ‘bot wit’ da decals and Deadlock’s daughter escaped.

DRIFT silently sighs with relief. VARIA was safe, and with RODIMUS protecting her, he feels that she will survive this whole ordeal. We cut to SHADOW RAKER, SIDEWAYS and SKYJACK talking outside.

SHADOW RAKER
And Stockade?

SKYJACK
Disappeared… he might be searching for ‘em. Anyway, I just got in contact with Hooligan. I told him to go to the warehouse and get the Thermo Rocket Launchers just like you ordered.

SHADOW RAKER
Good, everything seems to be in order. I just hope it stays that way. I won’t tolerate any more betrayals.

SIDEWAYS
Ya got it, boss.

SHADOW RAKER, SIDEWAYS and SKYJACK head off to different stations. We focus on SKYJACK. DRIFT silently opens the door and sees SKYJACK going to the communications room. He follows him without getting caught and peeks into the room, where he sees SKYJACK using a computer to communicate with someone. Then, we see HIGH BEAM on the monitor.

HIGH BEAM
We were waiting for your report, Skyjack.

SKYJACK
Tornado’s dead. We found some money in his safe and decided to get rid of him. However, there is also this new guy who got the info.

HIGH BEAM
Yes, we’ve been informed about him. Do not engage him in battle if things go sour. His life is on the line just as much as yours is.

SKYJACK
Very well, I won’t do anything to him. I also need to tell you about tomorrow. Raker is gonna have a meeting with the drug dealers, he’ll give them a tour of the drug processing facility.

HIGH BEAM
Then that is where it’s going to happen. We shall put an end to Shadow Raker’s reign of terror at his most important source of income.

SKYJACK
Yes. We can strike at him hard and fast. I have to go now; I’ll send more information once it becomes available.

SKYJACK shuts off the transmission to HIGH BEAM. He then communicates with someone else. We see JHIAXUS on the monitor.

SKYJACK
(with a devious tone)
Skyjack to Jhiaxus, it’s done. The Ronimar Tribesmen are about to wage war with the Iabonian Mafia.

JHIAXUS grins as he hears this news. Outside, DRIFT reacts to this with shock.

DRIFT
(silently, to himself)
A triple agent!!! He is playing everyone against each other!!!

The screen fades to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN TO

SHADOW RAKER’S HEADQUARTERS – RAKER’S OFFICE

DRIFT is standing in front of the window overlooking the city. He looks off into the distance as he reflects on his plight.

DRIFT
(to himself)
Even if Skyjack is a triple agent, why would he neglect to mention that his allies are smuggling Thermo Rocket Launchers?

The moment DRIFT thinks about this, it instantly dawns on him. He looks horrified by this.

DRIFT
(to himself)
Of course… the rocket launchers need to be field tested. And what better way to test them than to use them in battle?

He punched the wall in frustration.

DRIFT
(to himself)
The natives are in trouble. Their weapons will be useless against those rocket launchers… and I can’t do anything to help them. I can only receive coded messages, but if I send one, they will trace it. I’ve never felt so helpless in my entire life. I swore to protect people, and now, I cannot even do that.

As DRIFT contemplates his dilemma, we transition to the desert, where RODIMUS and VARIA are riding on RODIMUS’ battle platform, which normally forms his trailer in vehicle mode. They are having fun on the platform as they travel across the desert. RODIMUS is teaching VARIA how to drive the platform. VARIA is standing in front, while RODIMUS is behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

VARIA
(with excitement)
This is so much fun!!!

RODIMUS
(smiling warmly)
Yeah, it can really take your mind off things at times.

VARIA turns a knob and makes the battle platform do a sharp left turn.

VARIA
WOOOOOOO-HOOOOO!!! YEAH!!!

As VARIA keeps piloting the battle platform, she and RODIMUS look at each other. They once again smile and kiss. RODIMUS feels a bit of sadness at the thought that this might only be a temporary fling.

VARIA
(with concern)
Is something wrong?

RODIMUS
(conflicted)
Well… I’m just thinking about… what will happen to us once this whole ordeal is over. I may have to go back to my people, but part of me wants to be with you… to stay with you and find a world where we can finally be at peace. But I also know that I can’t abandon my other woman…

VARIA strokes his face and looks at him sweetly.

VARIA
(with a kind, soft tone)
Rodimus, whatever your decision is, I will support it…

RODIMUS
Thank you… but know this… when I fall in love, I mean it. You really have made me feel things that I hadn’t felt for a long time, Varia… and even though I would hate to leave you, if I have no choice, know that you will always have a place in my spark… and that my love for you will never go away.

VARIA tears up after hearing this. In all her life, she had never felt so appreciated and loved by a man before. Of course, her father raised her, but this ‘bot before her… he understood her and showed genuine affection for her. He took this innocent girl and made her a woman, bringing her a sense of fulfillment that she had never experienced before. She kisses him on the cheek and smiles as RODIMUS wipes her tears from her cheeks.

VARIA
(smiling)
I believe you, Rodimus… and whatever fate might bring to us, our love will still remain intact.

VARIA continues piloting the battle platform. RODIMUS notices something hanging from her waist belt. It’s a small yet rather fluffy stuffed toy.

RODIMUS
Childhood memento?

VARIA
Yeah… my best friend since childhood. My father made it for me. I thought of throwing it away after our last encounter, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. It’s the only thing that I had which brought me memories of him before the transition… If only our parting wasn’t so unpleasant and harsh…

RODIMUS
Believe me, he never stopped loving you, and he would be very happy to see you again.

VARIA
I truly hope so… I must make amends… no matter how hard it may be.

As they keep driving into the desert in order to find their allies, we transition to a warehouse near the Ronimar docks. HOOLIGAN and SPACE CASE are with some of SHADOW RAKER’s drones, looking at the new rocket launchers that have been sent from their home planet of Iabos.

HOOLIGAN
(holding one of the rocket launchers)
Yeah… perfect.

SPACE CASE also grabs a rocket launcher and starts loading it. HOOLIGAN looks at SPACE CASE.

HOOLIGAN
Are you ready to test these babies out on the Tribe’s hapless people?

SPACE CASE
Just give the order and I’ll be off like a shot.

HOOLIGAN
Good. Then let’s get on with it.

HOOLIGAN and SPACE CASE both transform into jet mode and head off to the desert, followed by the drones.

HOOLIGAN
(with a devious tone)
This is gonna be fun!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

As HOOLIGAN and SPACE CASE head for the Tribe’s campsite, we transition back to RODIMUS and VARIA, who are still trying to find the Tribe’s hideout.

VARIA
I heard the Tribe has a campsite near the outskirts of the city.

RODIMUS
Any reason why Shadow Raker has let them live for this long?

VARIA
Arrogance. He considers the tribesmen to be nothing more than low-level bank heisters, and doesn’t want to be bothered with them.

RODIMUS
It figures… the bad guys always underestimate the people with fewer resources.

As they keep driving ahead, they are being observed by an all too familiar figure. Once again, STOCKADE has proven his superior endurance by surviving a fall that would have killed any ordinary ‘bot. He grins wickedly as he sees RODIMUS and VARIA driving away on the battle platform. He draws a laser cannon and fires it at the battle platform.

VARIA
(startled by the blast and turning to the source)
WHAT THE-? IT’S STOCKADE!!!

RODIMUS turns and sees STOCKADE heading their way.

RODIMUS
I should have figured this guy would have survived the fall, especially after the first time we tangled.

RODIMUS jumps out of the battle platform and charges towards STOCKADE. They both start clinch fighting. RODIMUS punches STOCKADE in the jaw, but the lumbering Iabonian just grabs him and slams him to the ground. He then grips RODIMUS by the neck with both hands and starts strangling him.

VARIA
(with fright)
RODIMUS!!!

As RODIMUS is being strangled, he tries to grab STOCKADE’s face, violently clawing at it. As the two powerful opponents keep fighting, we fade to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE DESERT – RODIMUS FIGHTING STOCKADE

RODIMUS is being strangled by STOCKADE. VARIA desperately grabs the battle platform’s gun turret, aims it at STOCKADE and fires. She closes her eyes tightly when she fires. STOCKADE is hit by the blast and gets stunned. Once he is able to move again, he stands up, walking dizzily. RODIMUS also stands up and sees him stumble around in a daze. RODIMUS just follows him and taps his shoulder. STOCKADE turns around and looks at RODIMUS. He smiles deliriously. RODIMUS once again mockingly grins back and then flicks STOCKADE’s chest, which is enough to make him fall flat on the ground. RODIMUS turns towards VARIA, who immediately hugs him once he’s close enough. RODIMUS hugs her back, knowing that it must have been shocking for her to use a gun.

RODIMUS
(trying to comfort her)
There, there… it’s alright… there’s always a first time for everything.

VARIA
(still somewhat shaken)
I’ve never shot someone… and I don’t want to do it again… especially considering that I might kill them.

RODIMUS looks back at the battle platform and grabs a small gun from it. He hands it over to her.

RODIMUS
This is a stun gun. It’s designed to paralyze, not to kill. I wouldn’t want you to have the same amount of blood on your hands as I do.

VARIA innocently looked at the gun. She took it and fired it, and a beam came out. The beam had a whirring sound to it as it hit a rock, engulfing it in its rays.

RODIMUS
See? Not destructive at all. I want you to keep this.

VARIA
Wait… won’t you need it?

RODIMUS
Not really… I already have too many guns… and besides, this is more your style. Stealthy, silent, merciful and gentle.

VARIA looks at RODIMUS and blushes a bit. RODIMUS smiles and kisses her on the cheek.

RODIMUS
(with a playful tone)
Now, shall we move along?

VARIA smiles at him.

VARIA
(with the same playful tone)
Certainly, darling.

They both chuckle as they hop on to the battle platform and drive away. Meanwhile, back at the Tribe’s camp, STRATOSPHERE, NAUTICA and SIDE BURN are meeting with the leading members of the Tribe.

HIGH BEAM
(looking at the plans for the drug processing facility)
This is the building where Shadow Raker has his most lucrative business. The plans were sent to us by our contact on the inside.

STRATOSPHERE
Hmmmm… very big complex. This guy has quite the layout.

SIDE BURN
Yeah, and I bet it’s well-guarded, too.

NAUTICA
(turning to DOUBLE CLUTCH)
Any chance that we can breach their defenses?

DOUBLE CLUTCH
The only way I can think of getting into their fortified factory is to attack it from all sides. However, we need something to transport us there as very few of our warriors have vehicle modes.

NAUTICA
Jeez…
(looking around)
Anyone know where we can rent Cyber-horses?

SIDE BURN scratches his chin, thinking. Then he snaps his fingers.

SIDE BURN
EUREKA, I’VE GOT IT!!!

NAUTICA
Got what? A chick?

SIDE BURN
No, not yet, you silly goose… an idea for transportation, but I’ll need money.

GEARHEAD
Well… how much?

SIDE BURN
Every bit of cash you can spare. I know it sounds excessive, but considering the circumstances, it just might work.

GEARHEAD goes to get a box containing bags filled with Energon bills. SIDE BURN transforms into vehicle mode and opens his windshield. GEARHEAD and DOUBLE CLUTCH start loading the money bags on SIDE BURN’s seats.

NAUTICA
(still a bit dubious)
Okay, Side Burn… we’ll let you go find our transportation.

STRATOSPHERE
But no going out to automotive shows… we know how you react to little red sports-cars.

SIDE BURN
Hey, there aren’t any shows like that in Ronimar, so I won’t be distracted. Goodbye, sayonara, auf wiedersehen, adios, buh-bye.

SIDE BURN drives off to find his method of transportation, while NAUTICA and STRATOSPHERE look at him go.

NAUTICA
Now whaddaya think he’s up to?

STRATOSPHERE
Beats me… but at least we can trust him, unlike Smokescreen.

NAUTICA
Well, I guess you’re right.

STRATOSPHERE
Yeah, he would just take all the money and use it for gambling.

Suddenly, an explosion was heard.

STRATOSPHERE
WHAT THE-?

HOOLIGAN and SPACE CASE have arrived at the campsite, followed by SHADOW RAKER’s drones. They are using the new Iabonian Thermo Rocket Launchers.

HOOLIGAN
DESTROY THEM!!! DESTROY THEM ALL!!!

HOOLIGAN fires his rocket launcher at a tent. We see UBO and his parents running away in terror as their tent is destroyed behind them. SPACE CASE fires a rocket at another tent, which starts catching fire. Inside, a small sparkling is trapped.

NAUTICA
(with fright)
OH, GOD, NO!!!

NAUTICA desperately runs to the burning tent, transforms into vehicle mode with her arms sticking out, zips in and grabs the sparkling, catching fire around her arms.

NAUTICA
(with fire all over her arms)
OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWWWWW!!! NOT COOL, BOZOS!!!

HOOLIGAN and SPACE CASE keep firing their weapons and then look at each other.

HOOLIGAN
The dealer was right, these babies really are great!!! HEHEHEHEH!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!

HOOLIGAN keeps firing rockets as he laughs maniacally. The Tribe’s warriors start firing at the Iabonians, but their weapons are no match for the rocket launchers. Even the gigantic STRATOSPHERE is taken down by the explosive power of the rockets.

STRATOSPHERE
(getting hit by the rockets)
DAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!

NAUTICA
(with desperation)
SPHERE!!!

She looks back and sees the Iabonians wrecking down the place at a very alarming rate.

NAUTICA
(with a rather nonchalant attitude, but knowing the gravity of the situation)
Well… this is the pits.

As we cut once more to the Iabonians laughing maniacally and firing their weapons, we see the words “TO BE CONTINUED” below the screen before it all fades to black.

TO BE CONTINUED

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Regret, Part 4”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Drift - Pete Renaday
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Stratosphere - Michael Bell

OTHERS:
Varia - Danica McKellar
High Beam - Ed Gilbert
Double Clutch - Tony Pope
Gearhead - Bill Ratner
Shadow Raker - Nicol Williamson
Sideways - Ron Feinberg
Hooligan - Michael Bell
Skyjack - Ed Gilbert
Space Case - Ronnie Schell
Businessman #1 - Dick Gautier
Businessman #2 - Ronnie Schell
Financial Advisor - Bill Ratner
Scientist - Nicol Williamson

ACT ONE

FADE IN

THE DESERT – TRIBE’S CAMP

The Iabonian mobsters are wreaking havoc around the Tribe’s campsite. Men, women and children are running in fear from the Iabonians and their new rocket launchers. The warriors of the Tribe are trying to hold them back with all the firepower they have, but it’s not enough. NAUTICA looks at this.

NAUTICA
Scrap… we’re outnumbered. Well, if this is the end of the party, then I guess I’ve gotta make the most of it and go out with a very big bang.

NAUTICA draws her wrench and it automatically turns into a shotgun. She starts firing at drones as she advances. Even if they are better armed than she is, she isn’t ready to give up.

NAUTICA
Say hello to Full Metal Dudette, losers!!!

NAUTICA keeps firing devastating shotgun shells at the drones, and every time a shell fires, cartridges start ejecting from the shotgun and land on the ground. HIGH BEAM takes cover behind a tree and loads his rifle. He then fires it at a drone that is about to fire at some innocent Tribe’s people. The drone clutches its chest once it is hit. NAUTICA looks back at HIGH BEAM.

NAUTICA
HIGH BEAM!!! THOSE ROCKETS DAMAGED STRATOSPHERE!!! HE NEEDS REPAIRS, STAT!!!

HIGH BEAM
(turning back and calling out)
DOUBLE CLUTCH!!! ESCORT THE MEDICS TO GO AND HELP STRATOSPHERE!!!

DOUBLE CLUTCH provides cover fire as he runs to STRATOSPHERE’s location along with the medics. GEARHEAD runs at top speed, evading many rockets. He immediately draws his rifle and fires a rapid burst at SPACE CASE, who topples backwards when he is hit. Meanwhile, nearby, RODIMUS and VARIA are driving the battle platform around the desert when they suddenly hear the battle.

RODIMUS
(turning to the sounds of the explosions)
Trouble’s brewing.
(turning to VARIA)
Now might be a good time to test out that stun gun.

VARIA looks at the stun gun and pulls the slide back, getting ready to use it in battle. As they keep driving ahead, we go back to the camp. NAUTICA is sweating as she keeps blowing drones away with her shotgun. She then heads back to find cover and keeps firing her weapon. She finds a very large tree that has fallen after being shot by the rocket launchers.

NAUTICA
(jumping for cover behind the fallen tree)
IF ONLY SIDE BURN WAS HERE, HE COULD JUST BEAT THESE GUYS DOWN WITH HIS NEW STEALTH FORCE UPGRADE!!!

Once behind it, she starts reloading her shotgun until she hears a noise. She looks and sees RODIMUS piloting his battle platform and firing the turret while VARIA is kneeling down and holding on to RODIMUS’ leg while firing stun beams at drones. The drones are frozen in place once they are struck by VARIA’s beams. RODIMUS looks furious as he unloads on more drones. Drones start rapidly convulsing as they are hit by RODIMUS’ turret. HOOLIGAN grabs SPACE CASE and runs away.

HOOLIGAN
We’ve done what we needed to do, let’s head back and tell Shadow Raker that the rocket launchers work!!!

The surviving drones follow HOOLIGAN and make a hasty retreat, but some of them aren’t as fortunate, as RODIMUS fires at them, instantly obliterating the drones as they try to run away. Once the danger has passed, RODIMUS looks stoically into the distance. His face is sweaty and he looks weary. As RODIMUS stops the battle platform, NAUTICA greets him.

NAUTICA
YO, RODDY!!! ABOUT TIME YOU CAME BACK!!!

NAUTICA jumps into RODIMUS’ arms and hugs him. RODIMUS smiles a bit.

RODIMUS
It’s such a relief to see you have kept your good spirits, Nautica.

NAUTICA hops down from RODIMUS’ arms and looks at VARIA.

NAUTICA
And you are…?

VARIA
My name is Varia…

NAUTICA
Well, at least Drift will be glad that you’re safe, he told us quite a bit about you. My name’s Nautica.

NAUTICA raises her hand for a high-five, but VARIA just looks at her and then glances at her own hand, not sure about how to proceed with this. After all, she didn’t have any friends before now.

VARIA
(not knowing how to proceed)
Ummm… what am I supposed to do? Am I supposed to give you a handshake up there?

NAUTICA
Say wha? Don’t tell me you don’t know how to give a high-five!!!

VARIA
I… I’m sorry… I just… I don’t interact that well with other people.

NAUTICA reacts with shock at this, but then smiles again.

NAUTICA
(with a peppy tone)
Well, step aside, world… here comes Professor Nautica!!!
(grabbing VARIA’s hand gently)
Now raise your hand… like this…

NAUTICA gently raises VARIA’s hand.

VARIA
(with her hand raised)
Like this?

NAUTICA
Yeah. Good girl. Now, you gotta slap the flat part of my palm with your flat, like this.

NAUTICA slaps the flat part of VARIA’s palm.

NAUTICA
Now, you try it.

VARIA manages to give NAUTICA a high-five and then looks at her and smiles.

NAUTICA
See? You can do it, too. Really great to have a fast learner as part of Professor Nautica’s class of the awesome and gnarly.

While NAUTICA and VARIA are getting to know each other and becoming friends, RODIMUS is talking with the high-ranking members of the Tribe, checking in on STRATOSPHERE’s status.

RODIMUS
How are you holding up, Stratosphere?

STRATOSPHERE
(casually)
Eh, I’ll live. But you guys gotta be careful with those Thermo Rockets. If they managed to take me down, imagine what they’ll do to all of ya.

RODIMUS
We’ll be careful, don’t worry.

RODIMUS turns towards HIGH BEAM.

RODIMUS
I’m Rodimus Prime… commander of this team of Autobots, but not by choice.

HIGH BEAM
I am High Beam, and these two are Double Clutch and Gearhead.

Both Double Clutch and Gearhead bow their heads respectfully when they are introduced. RODIMUS also bows his head. Then, he notices that someone notable is missing.

RODIMUS
Say… did you by any chance happen to meet a blue Autobot with a yellow visor covering one of his optics?

HIGH BEAM
Oh, young Ubo’s friend… he went to search for some resources.

GEARHEAD
Yeah, but your hyperactive friend was a bit skeptical about letting us give him a very large amount of money.

DOUBLE CLUTCH
He said he had an idea on how to make our assault on Shadow Raker’s facility a possibility.

RODIMUS
(raising an eyebrow with confusion in a way that would give ROGER MOORE a run for his money)
An idea? Side Burn? That’s a twist.

As RODIMUS keeps interacting with the Tribe’s leaders, NAUTICA takes VARIA to meet UBO.

NAUTICA
Ubo, this is Varia. Varia, this is my radical, extremely gnarly dude Ubo. Friend to a friend of mine.

UBO and VARIA high-five each other, with VARIA feeling a bit more comfortable about greeting people this way instead of being too formal.

NAUTICA
Now that we’re all good friends, we’ll have to wait for a certain womanizing bozo that ran off with a whole lotta cash.

After NAUTICA says this, we transition to an airfield where HOOLIGAN arrives with SPACE CASE. SIDEWAYS, SKYJACK and SHADOW RAKER are waiting for both of them. HOOLIGAN and SPACE CASE bring a whole batch of the Thermo Rocket Launchers to SHADOW RAKER, along with ammunition.

HOOLIGAN
Boss, these rocket launchers work like a charm.

SPACE CASE
We just tested them on the Tribe, but that prisoner that escaped interfered and…

SHADOW RAKER
It doesn’t matter… what matters is that the launchers work, and with them, my empire will be unstoppable. From now on, I want them close by at all times.

SIDEWAYS
Load ‘em up!!!

HOOLIGAN and SPACE CASE start loading the rockets and the launchers into a large Helicopter Drone, who is in vehicle mode. As they keep loading, we transition to DRIFT being driven to the large drug manufacturing facility along with the investors who are going to benefit from this business venture. DRIFT looks around and sees the complex. It is a large building, labeled as a “Martial Arts Institute”. It seems SHADOW RAKER mixed business with training. Once the trainees got enough fighting experience, they would become members of SHADOW RAKER’s security force. The businessmen look at this as well.

BUSINESSMAN #1
A martial arts institute?

Suddenly, another ‘bot speaks up. This is SHADOW RAKER’S FINANCIAL ADVISOR.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
(explaining about the institute)
We started this place strictly as a cover, but Raker-sama manages to turn in a tidy profit with scholarships for people interested in the martial arts.

The businessmen laugh at this while DRIFT just cracks a sly smirk, pretending to go along with these corrupt businessmen. Once they arrive at the facility, they walk out of their transport, being led by the ADVISOR. We see a large setup around, filled with gigantic Tanker Truck Drones carrying drugs to various parts of Ronimar. We also see that there is a giant shredder that is used to turn bricks of the addictive materials into powder, and there is also a large gasoline tank that dissolves the drugs into the Energon that powers the Tanker Truck Drones, making it untraceable. The Tanker Truck Drones have special storage units in their tanker that filters the drugs in order to avoid going on a very nasty Energon high.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
(to the businessmen and DRIFT)
This way, please…
(grabbing some protective masks)
I’m going to have to ask that each of you put on one of these.
(handing over the masks)
It’s for your own safety, I’m sure you’ll understand. We can’t have our best customers developing a… certain habit.

The ADVISOR and the businessmen laugh at the joke while DRIFT puts on his mask.

ADVISOR
(leading the businessmen)
This way, gentlemen.

As the businessmen and DRIFT are being led on a tour to the facilities, we transition back to the Tribe’s camp. RODIMUS is sitting there, watching the children play. He has a somewhat bittersweet expression on his face. Although it is good to see these kids play and have fun, it brings back memories of his robbed childhood. These boys and girls had parents and were happy, something he wasn’t when he was a child. His mother had been killed and he had never known his father until that mission on Planet Zir. VARIA walks in and sits beside him.

VARIA
Thinking about the past?

RODIMUS
(with a soft, sad tone)
Yeah… I wish I could just erase it all and start over, but I am always reminded of what I truly am.

VARIA sighs.

VARIA
Same here… I’m very anxious about my father… what’ll be his reaction when he sees me again?

RODIMUS places his hand on VARIA’s shoulder.

RODIMUS
You and I are truly alike… only difference is that you left your father… I never met mine until a few months back… before then, I just had some faint memories of him… I somewhat remembered what he looked like, but never what he was like. I’ve known your father before I even became a Prime… and he always had good advice for me. I always could see that something troubled him… and now I know what that is… he was feeling guilt over hurting you and leaving you behind. In retrospect, I think that seeing your father like this gave me some insight to how my own father felt during the whole time we were separated, at least until I finally met him.

VARIA looks at RODIMUS. They both smile at each other. They’re about to kiss when suddenly, NAUTICA calls out.

NAUTICA
HEY, RODDY!!! WE GOT SOMETHING!!!

RODIMUS and VARIA immediately stand up and go to see what NAUTICA wants.

RODIMUS
What is it?

NAUTICA
(pointing to the distance)
An army’s heading this way.

We see that there is a large cloud of dust going into the air as a large multitude of figures are all heading towards the camp. As this is happening, RODIMUS grabs his Photon Eliminator and prepares for the worst as the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

THE DESERT – THE TRIBE’S CAMPSITE

RODIMUS, NAUTICA and VARIA have drawn their weapons, preparing for the worst if this cloud of dust was signaling the arrival of the enemy. However, they immediately lower their weapons when they recognize a voice yelling with excitement.

SIDE BURN
(yelling)
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-HAAAAAAAAAAAW!!! GIDDIYAP THEAH, HYAAH!!!

SIDE BURN is sitting on a platform with curvy female legs sticking out at the bottom. The legs run at top speed. Behind him comes a whole legion of these “curvy leg” platforms being controlled automatically. All of these are the same model that SWINDLE was testing earlier. RODIMUS just looks at this with amazement.

RODIMUS
(astonished)
No… fraggin’… way…

SIDE BURN arrives and gets off his platform.

SIDE BURN
Did any of you guys ask for transportation? I got some right here, and with some very attractive aspects, too.

SIDE BURN pats the legs of his platform as he says this.

NAUTICA
(with a wide smile)
Side Burn, you outdid yourself!!!

HIGH BEAM, GEARHEAD and DOUBLE CLUTCH walk in and look at the walking platforms.

DOUBLE CLUTCH
(looking at his platform)
Crude…

GEARHEAD
(looking at his platform)
…roughly constructed…
HIGH BEAM, GEARHEAD, DOUBLE CLUTCH
(in unison)
…but magnificent.

NAUTICA
Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s try these babies!!!

NAUTICA hops up onto a platform and sees some belts to fasten the operator’s legs in order to prevent falling off of it.

NAUTICA
Hmmmmm… as always, even us party dudettes must obey the law.

She buckles up and fastens the belts over her legs. All the accompanying warriors proceed to do the same, including UBO’S FATHER. SIDE BURN hops back on to his platform and goes towards RODIMUS.

SIDE BURN
Yo, Roddy!!! You gonna take one of these babies?

RODIMUS
No, thank you… I already have my own.

RODIMUS’ battle platform rolls in and RODIMUS and VARIA hop onto it.

RODIMUS
Varia and I will go ahead… see if we can find Drift there!!!

SIDE BURN
(waving them off)
See ya at the battlefield!!!

RODIMUS and VARIA wave back and head to the drug manufacturing facility.

NAUTICA
(smirking)
Now for some fun…

As she and the others prepare to test their platforms and learn all the controls, we transition back to the outside of the “Martial Arts Institute”, where SHADOW RAKER’s Helicopter Drone is arriving. Once it lands, SHADOW RAKER, SKYJACK, HOOLIGAN, SPACE CASE and SIDEWAYS come out. The Helicopter Drone’s landing zone is an elevator. When it lands, the elevator goes down, taking the Helicopter Drone to the lower levels of the facility. SHADOW RAKER and his people head into the facility. Meanwhile, the FINANCIAL ADVISOR continues his tour of the facility, explaining everything to the investors.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Our “product” dissolves completely in ordinary Energon, making it absolutely undetectable.

As the businessmen looks on, the giant shredder is already working on some drug bricks falling from a conveyor belt.

BUSINESSMAN #2
(seeing the shredder work its magic)
But how do you get it back?

SHADOW RAKER
(walking in with HOOLIGAN, SKYJACK, SPACE CASE and SIDEWAYS)
Come now… do you want us to tell you all of our secrets?

DRIFT reacts with surprise when he sees HOOLIGAN there. HOOLIGAN had been with STOCKADE when the Autobots were ambushed during their arrival at Ronimar, he could easily identify him. He didn’t have to worry about SKYJACK speaking up, because he wanted everyone to destroy each other in order to serve JHIAXUS’ needs. But HOOLIGAN was a different story. He was completely loyal to SHADOW RAKER.

SHADOW RAKER
(continued)
Before we’re partners?

SHADOW RAKER has a sly smirk and playfully wags his finger at the businessmen. They just chuckle at this.

SHADOW RAKER
(to the ADVISOR)
Take them to the lab.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
This way, gentlemen.

The businessmen and DRIFT follow the ADVISOR. HOOLIGAN bows his head to each businessman going into the lab. He notices DRIFT going in and immediately senses something wrong despite the fact that DRIFT is wearing a mask.

HOOLIGAN
Who’s the new guy?

SHADOW RAKER
(still smirking)
Somebody I thought could be useful.

SHADOW RAKER goes in, followed by HOOLIGAN and his other minions. However, HOOLIGAN still has reservations about the new masked member of this tour. Inside, the ADVISOR places a suitcase filled with Energon cash down on a desk and then looks at the businessmen.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
You may remove your masks now, gentlemen.

Everyone starts removing their masks, including DRIFT. He already knows his cover is blown. HOOLIGAN sees the new member remove his mask and it dawns on him. He just plays it cool while SHADOW RAKER and the ADVISOR address the businessmen. He walks slowly towards DRIFT in order to avoid any interruptions.

SHADOW RAKER
So… do we have a deal?

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
The terms, gentlemen, were one hundred billion Energon Credit Units in negotiable bearer bonds from each of you.

The businessmen start handing bearer bonds to the ADVISOR while SHADOW RAKER smiles at the prospect of becoming one of the richest and most influential crime lords in the entire galaxy. He is soon serving Energon wine in glasses and gives each one of his new partners a glass. Then, they all make a toast.

SHADOW RAKER
(making a toast)
To the future.

As they drink, another businessman asks a question.

BUSINESSMAN #1
What’s the process?

SHADOW RAKER
Very simple.
(turning to a scientist)
Could you please demonstrate the process to our friends?

SCIENTIST
Certainly, sir.

When the SCIENTIST is about to speak, HOOLIGAN holds a small pistol up against DRIFT’s back and talks to him in hushed whispers.

HOOLIGAN
(whispering)
Just keep quiet.

DRIFT knows that he has to do something quick in order to provide a distraction. As he is thinking about this new dilemma, we fade to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE DRUG FACTORY – LABORATORY

As HOOLIGAN is holding his gun up against DRIFT’s back, the scientist is explaining the process of drug conversion used by SHADOW RAKER.

SCIENTIST
(holding a glass with a strange liquid)
Here you have the mixture of one of our most popular drugs with ordinary Energon gasoline.

The SCIENTIST pours the mixture into a beaker that has a filter on top. We see that only the Energon gasoline is going into the beaker. Once all the mixture has gone into the beaker, the SCIENTIST removes the filter and puts its contents on a Petri dish. A paste made out of the drug is on the dish. The businessmen look at this with amazement.

BUSINESSMAN #1
(amazed)
Whoa!!!

BUSINESSMAN #2
(amazed)
Incredible!!!

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
You already have your first shipment being loaded into four of our Tanker Truck Drones. Your monthly deliveries will be done by ocean-going tankers. We will send our chief scientist to supervise the reconversion process.

SHADOW RAKER
(lighting a match)
And if there is any problem with space customs, no evidence.

He smiles as he tosses the match into a laboratory flask with a flammable liquid, making the fire rise up. It was supposed to be just a symbolic gesture, but with this one gesture, DRIFT sees an opportunity to destroy SHADOW RAKER’s drug empire. He delivers a headbutt to HOOLIGAN, grabs the flask and tosses it into a gasoline container, which instantly catches fire. HOOLIGAN jumps into the air and pounces on DRIFT, followed by SIDEWAYS, who immediately starts punching DRIFT in the gut, wailing on him.

SHADOW RAKER
(to SKYJACK)
GET THE INVESTORS OUT OF HERE!!!

SPACE CASE gets out of the lab and calls out to some of the workers to sound the alarm.

SPACE CASE
(calling out)
FIRE!!! A FIRE!!!

The alarm is activated. SPACE CASE and the ADVISOR, who is holding his briefcase filled with money and the bearer bonds, are escorting the businessmen out of the lab. HOOLIGAN and SIDEWAYS are holding DRIFT by the arms as they take him out of the lab. They are followed by SKYJACK, who is talking through a communicator.

SKYJACK
(to the communicator)
We need some units here, quick!!!

SKYJACK runs off to help prevent the Tanker Truck Drones from catching fire. SHADOW RAKER walks out of the lab. He once again looks extremely furious, hoping for an explanation for all of this. HOOLIGAN provides him with one.

HOOLIGAN
(pointing at DRIFT)
THIS GUY WAS WITH THEM AUTOBOTS WHEN STOCKADE AND ME AMBUSHED THEM!!!

SHADOW RAKER glares daggers at DRIFT, similar to the way he glared at TORNADO before his death. Below, SKYJACK is ordering troopers in order to save the Tanker Truck Drones and protect the cargo. The Tanker Truck Drones do not function while they’re in vehicle mode; they have to be operated by someone else. In order for them to function, the one in charge of controlling them has to activate the transformation to robot mode. But with cargo that is worth a large amount of money, it’s better not to risk any damage to them. Now, we go back to SHADOW RAKER confronting DRIFT.

SHADOW RAKER
(angrily)
You disappoint me… who are you working for? TELL ME!!!

DRIFT
(defiantly, but keeping his calm)
I work for myself… and I came here to save my daughter from you… Master.

SHADOW RAKER reacts with shock at this revelation. This unknown problem solver was his former pupil DEADLOCK. Now he knew why DEADLOCK had never shown up. He had changed his appearance in order to appeal to his strong sense of loyalty and made him turn against his own people. During this revelation, both HOOLIGAN and SIDEWAYS were tying DRIFT up. Then, SKYJACK speaks to SHADOW RAKER from below.

SKYJACK
I CAN GET THE DRONES OUT, BUT I DON’T THINK WE CAN CONTROL THE FIRE!!!

SHADOW RAKER
(furious)
FORGET THE FIRE!!! GET SOME TRANSPORT VEHICLES; WE ARE GOING TO TAKE THE TANKER DRONES WITH US!!!

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
Wait a minute!!! This whole setup cost us thirty two million, we have to try and save it!!!

SHADOW RAKER
(even more furious than before)
I DON’T GIVE A SCRAP ABOUT THE SETUP!!! WE HAVE FIVE HUNDRED MILLION IN THE CASE AND TWENTY TONS OF PURE ENERGON SNOW IN THE TANKERS!!! NOW GO AND HELP SKYJACK!!!

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
But we have a deal with the investors, we’ve got their money!!!

SHADOW RAKER
(exploding in fury)
I SAID GO HELP SKYJACK!!!

The ADVISOR goes off, but instead of going to help SKYJACK, he thinks about it a bit and runs off with the suitcase without being seen. In the meantime, SKYJACK also looks around and rubs his hands as he goes down to the lower levels to try and get some of the Thermo Rocket Launchers as souvenirs. Maybe JHIAXUS will reward him for this. SHADOW RAKER glances at DRIFT.

SHADOW RAKER
PUT HIM ON THE CONVEYOR!!!

Both HOOLIGAN and SIDEWAYS, the only people to remain loyal to SHADOW RAKER along with SPACE CASE, place DRIFT on the conveyor belt. Meanwhile, outside, RODIMUS and VARIA have managed to enter the “Martial Arts Institute” thanks to the confusion caused by the fire. RODIMUS stops his battle platform near the entrance to the facility. Suddenly, someone grabs RODIMUS by surprise. It’s STOCKADE. And once again, he is ready for a rematch.

RODIMUS
(being grabbed by STOCKADE)
VARIA!!! GO ON!!! I’LL HANDLE THIS TITANIUM-JAWED BOZO!!!

VARIA jumps out of the platform and heads into the facility. Inside, SHADOW RAKER has activated the conveyor belt. Even tied up, DRIFT is still dangerous and is planting even more seeds of distrust. As his body is slowly heading towards the giant shredder, he keeps spilling his knowledge about the amount of betrayal within the organization.

DRIFT
I am the least of your problems, Master… if you couldn’t trust Tornado, who can you trust? Who’s got your five-hundred million?!!! Your financial advisor?!!! WHAT ABOUT THE THERMO ROCKET LAUNCHERS?!!!

SHADOW RAKER reacts with shock and raises his hand to order SIDEWAYS to halt the conveyor. SIDEWAYS presses the red button and the conveyor stops.

SHADOW RAKER
What do you know about the rocket launchers?

As SHADOW RAKER waits for a response, SPACE CASE runs in.

SPACE CASE
We gotta go, boss. This place is gonna blow up any second now!!!

SHADOW RAKER
Where’s Skyjack?

SPACE CASE
I dunno… both him and our advisor vanished in the confusion.

DRIFT
(defiantly)
That’s the last you will see of Skyjack and your precious thermo rocket launchers. He played you and the people of the Tribe against each other… to give the advantage to someone named Jhiaxus.

SHADOW RAKER gives SIDEWAYS the go-ahead to activate the conveyor again. SIDEWAYS does as he’s ordered.

SHADOW RAKER
(with scorn)
Thanks for the advice… my student.

SHADOW RAKER, SPACE CASE and SIDEWAYS run out of the exploding building, while HOOLIGAN stays behind to make sure DRIFT doesn’t escape. As DRIFT’s bound body is about to reach the end of the conveyor belt and go into the shredder, he manages to grab a pipe that is fused to a wall and wraps his chains around the pipe to hold him there so he doesn’t meet a nasty fate. HOOLIGAN retracts his hand and from his wrist comes an acetylene torch, which he plans to use to cut DRIFT’s chains and make him go into the shredder. As HOOLIGAN is starting to cut through the chains, we see the words “TO BE CONTINUED” at the bottom of the screen before we fade to black.

TO BE CONTINUED

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Regret, Part 5”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Drift - Pete Renaday
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Stratosphere - Michael Bell

OTHERS:
Varia - Danica McKellar
High Beam - Ed Gilbert
Double Clutch - Tony Pope
Gearhead - Bill Ratner
Ubo - Dick Beals
Ubo’s Father - Ron Feinberg
Shadow Raker - Nicol Williamson
Sideways - Ron Feinberg
Hooligan - Michael Bell
Skyjack - Ed Gilbert
Space Case - Ronnie Schell
Financial Advisor - Bill Ratner
Tanker Drone - Ron Feinberg

ACT ONE

FADE IN

DRUG MANUFACTURING PLANT – INTERIOR

We see a lot of soldiers and scientist running off in terror as the drug facility is burning around them and explosions are constantly going off. We see SHADOW RAKER running with SPACE CASE and SIDEWAYS. SPACE CASE runs ahead.

SHADOW RAKER
(to SPACE CASE)
HAVE MY TRANSPORT MEET ME UP AT THE TOP!!!

SPACE CASE
(running off)
Yes, sir!!!

SHADOW RAKER
(turning to SIDEWAYS)
Come with me.

SHADOW RAKER runs down to the lower levels, with SIDEWAYS following him like the loyal lap dog he is. Upstairs, DRIFT is still hanging on to the pipe. HOOLIGAN is using his acetylene torch to cut through the chains. Meanwhile, outside, SPACE CASE meets up with STOCKADE, who is tossing RODIMUS around.

SPACE CASE
Stockade, c’mon!!! We gotta get to the boss’ transport!!!

STOCKADE just throws RODIMUS aside like a rag doll and runs off with SPACE CASE. RODIMUS is now standing up and wiping some oil from his mouth.

RODIMUS
I’ll get ya next time, you slimy son-of-a…

Before he gets a chance to finish his sentence, we immediately cut to the inside of the plant, where VARIA has snuck in. However, once she is inside, she sees that the entrance is closing. But she can’t worry about that now, she has to find her father. She sees him hanging from the conveyor belt. HOOLIGAN has already cut the chains from DRIFT’s hands and has retracted his acetylene torch. DRIFT is now holding on by grabbing the pipe. HOOLIGAN is about to step on DRIFT’s hands, but before he does, he notices VARIA coming down the stairs. He grins sadistically as he sees her.

HOOLIGAN
HAHA!!! Lookie what we got here…

VARIA
(angrily)
Get away from my father, you ugly piece of scrap!!!

VARIA fires her stun gun at HOOLIGAN. HOOLIGAN rears back and tries to balance himself, but DRIFT grabs him by the leg, making him topple and fall onto the conveyor belt. DRIFT sidesteps when HOOLIGAN goes past him so he doesn’t fall along with him. HOOLIGAN then grabs DRIFT’s legs, but HOOLIGAN starts slipping down into the shredder, slowly going down and screaming with pain and horror as he starts getting grinded to pieces.

HOOLIGAN
(his legs getting shredded)
AAAAAAAAAGH!!! AAAAAAAGH!!! MY LEGS!!! MY FRAGGIN’ LEGS!!! AAAAAAAH!!!

VARIA turns aside as HOOLIGAN is being shredded, not wanting to see it. As she looks away, she sees the controls to the conveyor belt and turns it off, but even then, the shredder just keeps going and HOOLIGAN’s fate is sealed. He keeps letting out horrific death screams as his body slowly goes deeper into the shredder, with only small nuts and bolts and bloody oil coming out from below. Then, HOOLIGAN lets go of DRIFT’s legs and after he lets out his most piercing gut-wrenching scream yet, his arms and head are no more. HOOLIGAN has literally ceased to exist, being reduced to nothing more than scrap metal and oil. DRIFT uses the pipe to acrobatically jump onto the stairs, where VARIA is.

VARIA
FATHER!!!

VARIA hugs DRIFT tightly and he returns the gesture. They both start tearing up with joy, finally reunited after years of sadness and bitterness. DRIFT kisses his daughter on the forehead, relieved that she hasn’t been harmed.

VARIA
I’m really sorry, father… I wish I had never left you.

DRIFT
I should have been stronger… it was not your fault, my daughter.

Then, they look at each other and smile. An explosion goes off and they both turn around to see where it came from. DRIFT looks at VARIA afterwards.

DRIFT
(sitting down in order to remove the chains from his feet more easily)
We have to get out of here. Help me with these chains.

VARIA kneels down and helps her father. Meanwhile, at the lower levels, SKYJACK is taking the boxes containing the Thermo Rocket Launchers and the rockets and is placing them down on a forklift. As he keeps working, he turns around and sees SHADOW RAKER and SIDEWAYS standing there, looking at him. He nervously tries to convince them that this is not what it seems.

SKYJACK
(making an excuse)
Hey… I was just making sure these were secure.

SHADOW RAKER
(playing it cool)
A very good idea. Take them up to my transport.

SKYJACK
(relieved, thinking that he hasn’t been found out)
Of course.

SKYJACK grabs the last box and goes to place it down on the forklift. As he does this, SIDEWAYS looks at SHADOW RAKER, who gives him a rather unsettling glance. That glance is enough to tell SIDEWAYS what he has to do. Although RAKER has lost his trust in almost everyone, he knows that SIDEWAYS is unwaveringly loyal to him and would obey any order he is given. Meanwhile, VARIA and DRIFT are trying to find a way to open the door to the facility when suddenly, a forklift crashes through the wall, carrying some very gruesome cargo in its forks. SKYJACK is hanging there, impaled through the back with the forks jutting out of his chest as he seems to have been rammed by the forklift when he wasn’t looking.

VARIA
(recognizing the dead ‘bot as one of her captors and covering her eyes)
Oh, merciful Solus.

DRIFT
Looks like Skyjack got “jacked”.

Suddenly, someone blows up the facility’s door from the outside. RODIMUS drives his battle platform inside.

RODIMUS
Glad to see you’re still in once piece, old buddy.

DRIFT
(letting VARIA hop into the battle platform first)
Believe me; I’m even gladder to see some friendly faces again.

Once VARIA is on the platform, DRIFT hops on as well. RODIMUS drives out of the facility. Meanwhile, we see the Tanker Truck Drones being driven towards the “Martial Arts Institute’s” gate. But then, some robed figures are standing there, getting in the way. One of the troopers driving the Tanker Truck Drones reacts with frustration at this and comes out. While this happens, STOCKADE is driving SHADOW RAKER’s transport vehicle. RAKER notices the FINANCIAL ADVISOR running away with the money. STOCKADE stops the transport when RAKER jumps out and walks menacingly towards the ADVISOR, who comes to a sudden stop when he sees the facility exploding in a very spectacular fashion.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
(angry, looking at all the destruction)
BRILLIANT!!! THAT IDIOT SHADOW RAKER!!! HE IS GONNA DRIVE ALL OF US INTO RUIN!!!

SHADOW RAKER
(aiming an assault rifle at the ADVISOR)
Then I guess it’s time to start turning overhead.

The ADVISOR turns around, completely horrified to see SHADOW RAKER standing there with a gun. RAKER doesn’t give him a chance to reply and instantly mows him down.

FINANCIAL ADVISOR
(getting shot down)
AAAAAAAAGH!!!

SHADOW RAKER walks up to the body and grabs the suitcase filled with money. STOCKADE is waiting for him. RAKER gets in once more and STOCKADE drives off to the gates in order to escort the Tanker Truck Drones. However, they come to another stop when they see the Tanker Drones parked there.

SIDEWAYS
What da-?!!!

SPACE CASE
(looking at the legs of the robed figures)
There’s some dames blocking the way. I’ll handle this.

SPACE CASE jumps out of the transport and heads for the figures standing at the gate.

SPACE CASE
(approaching the figures)
ALRIGHT, SCRAM!!! WE DON’T WANT NONE!!!

SPACE CASE grabs one of the figures and is shocked to see that it isn’t a lady.

SIDE BURN
(with a somewhat high-pitched voice, sitting on his “curvy legs” platform)
Oh, but we insist!!!

SIDE BURN punches SPACE CASE in the face. Then, the other robed figures unveil themselves, revealing themselves to be HIGH BEAM, GEARHEAD, DOUBLE CLUTCH and some of the people of the Tribe.

SIDEWAYS
It’s dose natives!!!

SHADOW RAKER reacts with anger.

SHADOW RAKER
(furious)
ANNIHILATE THEM!!!

Suddenly, the rest of the Tribe’s warriors arrive, riding the platforms and being led by NAUTICA.

NAUTICA
(making a high-pitched trilling sound while swinging her wrench around)
AKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAKAAAAAAAA!!!

SHADOW RAKER’s drones start firing at the warriors. GEARHEAD blasts one of the drones right in the chest, making it explode. HIGH BEAM runs towards another one of the drones and clocks it upside the head. DOUBLE CLUTCH detaches his spoiler and uses it to protect himself as he charges towards a trio of unfortunate drones that are firing at him. Once he is close to them, he swings his spoiler shield around and beats the drones with it.

DOUBLE CLUTCH
WE SHALL RELEASE OUR PLANET FROM CRIME AND CORRUPTION!!!

SHADOW RAKER turns towards SIDEWAYS.

SHADOW RAKER
USE YOUR MINES!!!

SIDEWAYS shoots a special graviton mine at some of the natives. UBO’S FATHER is among these natives who are near the mine. Once the mine goes off, it slows down the movement of anyone near it.

UBO’S FATHER
(in slow motion)
GRAAAAAAVIIIIIITOOOON MIIIIIIINEEEEE!!! WEEEEE’REEEE SLOOOOOOOOWIIIIIING DOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWN!!!

NAUTICA looks at SIDEWAYS.

NAUTICA
Yo, it ain’t nice to throw mines!!!

SIDEWAYS turns around and sees NAUTICA.

SIDEWAYS
HEHEHEHEH!!! Ya t’ink ya can stop me, girlie?!!!

NAUTICA
(with a smirk)
Oh, I’ll do better than that.

She fastens the belts around her legs, presses a button on her “curvy legs” platform and then does a backflip and stands on her hands, the platform is now above her.

SIDEWAYS
(confused)
Wha-?

NAUTICA
(walking with her hands as the legs in the platform start spinning around)
Now for the super-duper-uber awesome, totally radical and gnarly handstand twist!!!

NAUTICA starts spinning her waist around so the legs in the platform seem to be spinning faster than usual. The legs are kicking SIDEWAYS rapidly.

SIDEWAYS
(being kicked in the face by the legs)
OW!!!!! AGH!!! STOP IT!!!! YAAAIIIGH!!!

NAUTICA removes the leg belts, does another backflip, landing on her own feet and her wrench turns into nunchaku. She swings them around while yelling ala BRUCE LEE.

NAUTICA
(yelling like BRUCE LEE)
OOOOOOOOO-YAH!!! WA-TAAAAAAA!!!! HOOOOOOOO-TCHA!!!

SIDEWAYS
(getting constantly hit by the nunchaku)
AAAAGH!!! OOOF!!! DAAAIIIIGH!!!

NAUTICA
…and now for the grand finale… KIIIIIIIIIIIIII-YAAAAAAAH!!!

NAUTICA kicks SIDEWAYS in the face, sending him flying off.

SIDEWAYS
(flying off and landing near SHADOW RAKER)
DAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!! OOF!!!

SHADOW RAKER
(turning to STOCKADE)
DESTROY THESE NUISANCES!!!

STOCKADE grins and jumps out of the transport. He walks towards SIDE BURN and grabs him.

SIDE BURN
Hey, you already grabbed me once!!! LET GO!!! FIND ANOTHER SLAMDANCE PARTNER!!!

STOCKADE tosses SIDE BURN towards NAUTICA. SIDE BURN crashes into NAUTICA and they both fall.

SIDE BURN, NAUTICA
(in unison, crashing down)
YAAAAAAAIIIIIIII!!!

STOCKADE just grins at this. After SIDE BURN lands on her, NAUTICA shakes her head a bit and looks at him.

NAUTICA
(to SIDE BURN)
Fancy meeting you here.
(looking at STOCKADE looming menacingly over the two)
Uh-oh… Papa Bear’s coming, and he looks pissed.

As STOCKADE is approaching NAUTICA and SIDE BURN, the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

DRUG MANUFACTURING PLANT – GATE

At the gate to the facility, the battle rages on. STOCKADE is approaching NAUTICA and SIDE BURN. He grins a bit, but then turns around when he hears a voice all too familiar to him.

RODIMUS
(VO, coming in off-screen)
HEY, SWEET TOOTH!!! YOU FORGOT ABOUT ME!!!

STOCKADE turns around. The battle platform arrives with RODIMUS, VARIA and DRIFT standing on it. RODIMUS violently jumps out of the platform and runs towards STOCKADE. RODIMUS pounces on the lumbering Iabonian henchman and they both start grappling with each other. RODIMUS and STOCKADE fall down and start rolling on the ground. RODIMUS doesn’t let up. He keeps punching the bigger robot with all of the strength he can muster. STOCKADE is angered and smacks RODIMUS aside. RODIMUS lands on a power line, snapping it. He looks at it and has an idea, he grabs the power line, and we see sparks coming out of the arm he is holding the line with. He runs towards STOCKADE and shoves the power line right in his teeth. STOCKADE jolts around and convulses while RODIMUS grabs his Photon Eliminator and fires it at the power line, causing it to go off and launch STOCKADE miles away. STOCKADE flies off into the distance while RODIMUS just pants and sweats. STOCKADE has been quite a formidable adversary, quite possibly the most unstoppable one RODIMUS has ever faced, and it has left him exhausted. The overload caused by the power line has also drained his energy considerably.

RODIMUS
(panting with relief)
Thank goodness… he’s gone…

VARIA runs towards RODIMUS and holds him.

VARIA
(concerned)
Are you alright?

RODIMUS
Low on energy… I… must rest.

VARIA helps him stand up. RODIMUS puts his arm around VARIA’s shoulders to support himself. VARIA helps him walk. We then cut to DRIFT and SHADOW RAKER.

SHADOW RAKER
(with extreme anger)
I was the one who trained you… the one who taught you all the ways of combat… AND THIS IS HOW YOU REPAY ME?!!! BY RUINING ME?!!!

DRIFT
(stoic, but determined)
You may have taught me every move, Shadow Raker… but all of the wisdom and knowledge I have now… I gained that with my own experience. I learn things that you think are beneath you… to love, to care for your fellow man and to fight for a just cause. You just cared about others doing what you wanted. You wanted everyone to be your loyal puppets… but you underestimated the power of free will. So much that you allowed betrayal to seep into your organization. For a ruthless murderer and criminal, your arrogance and lack of wisdom destroyed you.

SHADOW RAKER
(seething with rage)
KISAMA!!! I shall enjoy tearing you apart and showing everyone what happens to students who rebel!!! And then, perhaps I will make your beloved daughter suffer a painful death!!!

NAUTICA hands DRIFT’s swords to him. SHADOW RAKER draws a sword and swings it around in order to prepare for the battle.

DRIFT
Shadow Raker… it is time for us to settle our score, once and for all.

SHADOW RAKER
Enough talk!!! PREPARE FOR OBLIVION!!!

SHADOW RAKER charges towards DRIFT and swings his sword, clashing with DRIFT’s two blades. As this happens, SPACE CASE stands up and looks at this. He then draws his rifle and aims it at DRIFT. Suddenly, SIDE BURN turns around and notices him. He immediately jumps into action, transforming into vehicle mode and ramming into SPACE CASE.

SIDE BURN
OH NO, YA DON’T!!!

SIDE BURN starts brawling with SPACE CASE. SPACE CASE punches SIDE BURN in the face and then grapples with him.

SPACE CASE
You interfering worm!!!

SIDE BURN
(with an irreverent attitude)
Nice to meet you too.

HIGH BEAM tosses a grenade at some troopers, which pulverizes them on impact. GEARHEAD runs in and talks to HIGH BEAM.

GEARHEAD
High Beam!!! We must destroy the Tanker Drones, but we can’t do it here. We’ll have to drive them elsewhere!!!

HIGH BEAM looks around and calls out.

HIGH BEAM
DOUBLE CLUTCH!!! NAUTICA!!! WE NEED HELP!!!

NAUTICA and DOUBLE CLUTCH run towards HIGH BEAM and GEARHEAD.

HIGH BEAM
We have to get the Tankers away from here in order to destroy them. Once we do that, Shadow Raker’s empire will be finished.

NAUTICA opens her communicator.

NAUTICA
Stratosphere!!! We need you here, pronto!!! We’ve got some unwanted cargo to get rid of.

We briefly cut to a recently repaired STRATOSPHERE flying towards the location where the battle is going on.

STRATOSPHERE
Roger that, Nautica. I’ll be there in a few clicks.

NAUTICA shuts off her communicator.

NAUTICA
He’s on his way, but we’ll have to meet him on the way. I really don’t like having these Tankers in the middle of a firefight.

DOUBLE CLUTCH
Agreed. We must drive them ourselves.

NAUTICA, HIGH BEAM, DOUBLE CLUTCH and GEARHEAD hop into the cabins of the four Tanker Truck Drones. As they do this SIDEWAYS wakes up and sees NAUTICA hopping into one of the Tankers.

NAUTICA
(rubbing her hands)
Boy, I always wanted to drive one of these ‘bots.

HIGH BEAM
Just whatever you do, don’t press the transformation button.

NAUTICA hears this, but what she doesn’t notice is that SIDEWAYS is sneaking up on her, holding onto the side of the cabin. He grabbed her by the neck.

NAUTICA
(getting grabbed on the neck)
ACK!!! GAAACK!!!

NAUTICA flails her arms around as she is strangled and accidentally presses the transformation button. Then, an ejector seat is activated, sending both NAUTICA and SIDEWAYS flying off.

NAUTICA, SIDEWAYS
(in unison)
DAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIGH!!!

SIDEWAYS lands on his face, getting knocked out from the impact while NAUTICA lands on her derriere.

NAUTICA
(landing on her backside)
OW!!! MY ACHIN—
(seeing the TANKER TRUCK DRONE transforming)
Oh, boy…

The TANKER TRUCK DRONE is huge, almost the same size as STRATOSPHERE. It flexes its arms and looks down at NAUTICA.

NAUTICA
(nervous)
Ummm… hi?

TANKER DRONE
(angry, sounding like MR. T)
AH PITY THA FOO WHO MESSES WITH MAH STASIS NAP!!!

NAUTICA
Ummm… foo?

TANKER DRONE
Now to smash yo sorry behind!!!

The TANKER DRONE looms ominously over NAUTICA, who gulps as she looks up at him.

NAUTICA
(with a rather meek high-pitched tone)
Uhhh… help?

We immediately fade to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE GATE TO THE DRUG PLANT – EXTERIOR

NAUTICA is running for dear life as she is pursued by the gigantic TANKER DRONE. However, someone shoots energy blasts which harm the DRONE.

STRATOSPHERE
(flying in)
NEVER FEAR, STRATOSPHERE’S HERE!!!

STRATOSPHERE transforms into robot mode and faces the TANKER DRONE.

STRATOSPHERE
(with a grin)
Finally, an opponent worthy of my attention!!! DYAAAAAAAH!!!

STRATOSPHERE jumps into the air and starts tangling with the TANKER DRONE. Meanwhile, SIDE BURN is still fighting against SPACE CASE. SIDE BURN then grabs a rock and hits SPACE CASE on the head with it.

SPACE CASE
(being hit on the head with the rock)
AAAAAGH!!!

SIDE BURN grabs SPACE CASE by the arm and performs a judo throw.

SPACE CASE
(landing on his back)
DAAAAGH!!!

We immediately cut to DRIFT, who is still dueling with SHADOW RAKER. The battle becomes more intense. SHADOW RAKER seems to be overpowering DRIFT. They both are grunting as they clash their swords together.

SHADOW RAKER
GIVE IT UP, DRIFT!!! YOU ARE FINISHED!!!

DRIFT
No… I will not allow you to win!!!

DRIFT and SHADOW RAKER are heading to a hill near the gate. They keep clashing violently. Both opponents are sweating as they constantly clash their swords together. We see that nearby, there is a very deep gully. Once at the top of the hillside, SHADOW RAKER angrily tries to deliver a fatal strike, but DRIFT steps aside and then slashes SHADOW RAKER’s back. SHADOW RAKER’s back is cut open as he falls into the gully, screaming when he goes down.

SHADOW RAKER
(falling down)
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Once he hits the ground, SHADOW RAKER explodes in a very spectacular fashion. DRIFT just looks down with a rather stoic expression. VARIA runs in and is relieved to see that her father won. DRIFT looks at VARIA.

DRIFT
(with a stoic tone)
It is over…

VARIA runs to her father and hugs him, feeling glad that the nightmare is finally over. Meanwhile, STRATOSPHERE is having the time of his life pummeling the hapless TANKER DRONE.

STRATOSPHERE
(punching the TANKER DRONE without stopping)
TAKE THIS!!! AND THIS!!! AND THAT!!! BAM!!! POW!!! WHAP!!!

Then, STRATOSPHERE rolls his fist around before landing a very hard punch against the DRONE’s face.

STRATOSPHERE
(punching the drone)
AAAAAAAAAAND… YOU’RE OUT!!!

The DRONE falls to pieces once STRATOSPHERE delivers his final blow.

STRATOSPHERE
(raising his arms victoriously)
HAHAAAA!!! I haven’t had this much fun since I passed the fightin’ test!!!

NAUTICA looks around.

NAUTICA
Hey, wait a minute… where is that other guy who tried to kill me?

As if to answer that question for us, SIDEWAYS is running away without being noticed by anyone.

SIDEWAYS
(angrily)
Someday, you wretched Autobot girl, we will meet again!!!

Then, STRATOSPHERE turns towards the other three Tankers being driven far enough to prevent them from harming the other Tribe’s people. HIGH BEAM, DOUBLE CLUTCH and GEARHEAD jump out of the cabins and run off from them. HIGH BEAM activates his communicator.

HIGH BEAM
Stratosphere!!! Shoot the tankers, now!!!

STRATOSPHERE
(raising his cannon)
With pleasure.

STRATOSPHERE fires on the three Tankers and they explode like nothing else ever seen before. HIGH BEAM, GEARHEAD and DOUBLE CLUTCH look at this.

HIGH BEAM
Look at this, my brothers-in-arms. This is the beginning of a new era for Ronimar.

The other natives, including UBO’S FATHER, look at this and cheer, knowing that now; they will be able to live without worrying about any scumbags and drug dealers. But while they cheer, we go to the Ronimarian Sea, and we see that STOCKADE is swimming ashore. Once again, he has survived impossible odds and will no doubt try to get revenge on RODIMUS. We cut to SIDE BURN and UBO driving towards a twisted ramp. SIDE BURN jumps off the ramp and does the aerial twist.

UBO
(with excitement)
WHOOOO-HOOOOO!!! THIS IS SO COOL!!!

NAUTICA is with HIGH BEAM and the other high-ranking members of the Tribe.

HIGH BEAM
You people were worthy allies in the fight against the criminal element. I wish you could stay.

NAUTICA
(with a very friendly smile)
Well, we’re really sorry, but we have to return to our friends. And I do have a rather cool guy waiting for me back at the garage. He must be grumbling about having to work while I go out to have fun.

DOUBLE CLUTCH
Well, in any case, we thank you for all that you’ve done for us.

DRIFT and RODIMUS are with VARIA. DRIFT kisses VARIA on the forehead and hugs her.

DRIFT
You have grown so much since I last saw you, my child. You are no longer the young, timid girl that I once knew… you are a woman now. And you bring me so much pride, more than you can ever imagine. I just wish we could have more time for each other.

VARIA smiles at this and looks at her father.

VARIA
Just making amends and fixing our relationship is enough to make me happy, father. I do want to spend more time with you, but I think I will stay here and help the Ronimarians rebuild while they start with their new life.

She looks at her plush toy and takes it out.

VARIA
(with a warm smile)
Little Nellie. The friend you made for me… it reminded me of all the great times we had together before our falling out. But now that everything is alright between us, I think it’s time for us to part ways.

VARIA looks at the stun gun and then turns towards RODIMUS.

VARIA
This stun gun… I’ll keep it as something to remember the brave, gentle soul who saved me. And that soul should also have something to remember me by…

VARIA hands NELLIE, her plush toy, to RODIMUS. He just looks at it and strokes it.

RODIMUS
Varia… this is your best friend from your childhood.

VARIA
It is… but I know you will keep her safe for me until we meet again. From now on, it will be your memento, so that no matter what fate might bring upon us, our love will never die.

RODIMUS looks at VARIA and smiles. Then, they share one last tender kiss before they go their separate ways.

VARIA
(sweetly)
I love you…

RODIMUS
(with the same sweet tone)
I love you too… and let’s hope that someday we’ll be reunited.

Meanwhile, UBO jumps into NAUTICA’s arms and hugs her.

UBO
I’m gonna miss you, Nautica.

NAUTICA
(tearing up while hugging UBO)
I’ll miss you too, Ubo.

UBO releases the hug and looks at SIDE BURN.

UBO
And Side Burn? Thanks for being the most awesome friend I’ve ever had.

SIDE BURN
Awww, shucks… well, partner, let’s hope you keep being energetic and upbeat when you grow up. I bet you’ll make for a good member of the community.

Then, both SIDE BURN and UBO high-five. STRATOSPHERE transforms into vehicle mode.

STRATOSPHERE
ALL ABOARD THE STRATOSPHERE EXPRESS!!!

STRATOSPHERE opens his rear hatch in order to let his fellow Autobots inside. As they get in, we hear GLADYS KNIGHT’S “Licence to Kill” playing during the scene. RODIMUS, NAUTICA, DRIFT and SIDE BURN walk into STRATOSPHERE’s cargo room and look back at their new friends. HIGH BEAM, DOUBLE CLUTCH, GEARHEAD, VARIA and UBO and his FATHER are there. They wave goodbye at the Autobots. The Autobots wave back at them as the frame freezes, and the credits roll while “Licence to Kill” is still playing until the end of the credits.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Explosive Deals”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Bumblebee - Dan Gilvezan
Wheeljack - Christopher Collins
Smokescreen - Jack Angel
Hosehead - Mason Adams
Rev - Mark L. Taylor

OTHERS:
Nitroride - Markie Post
Hot Shot - Lance LeGault
Ox - Arthur Burghardt
Quickstrike - James Best
Double Punch - Sorrell Booke
Gascan - Stan Freberg
Crumplezone - Peter Leeds
Dirt Boss - Dick Gautier

NARRATION:
Balladeer - Lance LeGault

ACT ONE

FADE IN

SPACE – VELOCITRON

We see a planet onscreen. As we slowly zoom in on it, we hear a hick BALLADEER explaining the history of the planet.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Ol’ Velocitron used ta be a planet once known for bein’ tha breedin’ ground of tha fastest racers in tha universe. Most of Velocitron’s bois and gurls used ta participate in tha Galactic Racin’ games, sometahms being held on their home planet. However, that all changed when crime and corruption took over their entire world. Nao, Velocitron is infamously known as the planet that raised the quickest larcenists and con-artists in the universe. The planet is under the control of Double Punch, crime boss and businessman. Squat, sleazy and a literal pig. Our fat boi has assigned some relatives to bring down tha law, but even though their loyalty is without question, it’s rumored that their brains are tha saym size as peanuts.

We cut to a ship approaching the planet. Inside, we see SMOKESCREEN, BUMBLEBEE, WHEELJACK, HOSEHEAD and REV.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Bein’ driven bah moah annoyance than anythang else, rebel leader Nitroride has called upon tha services of an ol’ partnuh boi with whom she had raced befoah and then sum.

BUMBLEBEE looks at SMOKESCREEN.

BUMBLEBEE
Okay, Smokescreen, I give up... why did you bring us all the way to Velocitron? You know I hate it here. It’s filled with crooks, the cops are no help and I’ve heard that the guy in charge is a literal whale.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Well, ah have to agree with tha lil’ bug in thayut regard.

SMOKESCREEN
Well, it’s simple, Bee... I used to race this pretty chickie called Nitroride, even dated her a few times at that. I tell ya, she is something else. She is quick, very well-built and she really is great with her mouth.

WHEELJACK
(startled)
SMOKESCREEN!!! No talkin’ to the kids like that!!!

SMOKESCREEN
Whoops... sorry. Well, just change that last sentence to... she has some very nice qualities and features.

WHEELJACK and HOSEHEAD both facepalm at this.

REV
You’re making it worse for everyone, Smokey. Look, just... take us there and don’t say anything.

SMOKESCREEN
Jeez... what a buncha sissies.

SMOKESCREEN goes silent and continues piloting the ship.

BALLADEER
(narrating, with a rather sarcastic tone)
Yep. These are our heroes, bois. Kinda gives y’all a lotta hope for tha future, don’t it?

The ship lands near the outskirts of the city and is received by three Velocitronians. One is OX, a rough and tumble guy who transforms into a pickup truck with black spots around his white paint. The other is HOT SHOT, a bot with a black paint job and flame decals on his chest. HOT SHOT is a bit less experienced than OX, but nevertheless, he has proven to be a very capable as a leader and a fighter. And the female of the group is NITRORIDE, a very slick-looking and attractive bot who is as dangerous as she looks. Once the ship has landed, the five Autobots emerge from it. SMOKESCREEN walks towards NITRORIDE.

SMOKESCREEN
(with a sly grin)
Ah, my beautiful slick chick, how wonderful to see-

SMOKESCREEN is received with a slap to the face.

NITRORIDE
How many times have I told you not to call me slick chick in public? I have a reputation to maintain, you know.

BUMBLEBEE, REV and HOSEHEAD all high-five as they see this.

REV
(with excitement)
AWWWW, YEAH!!!

BUMBLEBEE
(with a smile)
That’s what I’m talking about.

HOSEHEAD
This girl made my day!!!

SMOKESCREEN rubs his cheek as he looks at NITRORIDE, who just gives him a sly grin.

NITRORIDE
See? You make me look bad in public, I return the favor.

SMOKESCREEN grins back.

SMOKESCREEN
Glad to see you haven’t changed.

NITRORIDE
I could say the same about you. And despite my warm reception, I’m really glad you’re here. We have a lot to talk about.

TRANSITION TO

VELOCITRON CITY HALL – INTERIOR

We see in the City Hall, DOUBLE PUNCH is sitting at his desk, eating some rather large sandwiches and some mashed cyber-potatoes. As he eats, he is making disgusting chomping and slobbering sounds.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
While Nitroride is chit chattin’ with our heroes, we focus on tha big bad. Or should we say... fat bad? Boi, thiyus gah sure can eat.

As DOUBLE PUNCH keeps eating, QUICKSTRIKE enters in a rush, startling DOUBLE PUNCH and making him drop his food.

QUICKSTRIKE
(entering quickly)
BOSSH, WE GOT A PROBLEM!!!

DOUBLE PUNCH
(startled, dropping his food)
DAAAHAHAIIIIIIIGH!!! QUICKSTRIKE, YOU NINNY!!! LOOK AT WHUT YA DID!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
(apologizing)
OOOO-OOOO-OOOH!!! Sorry, bossh... but ah gotsh ta tell ya, shome of my boish found thayut peshky Nitroride and her people talkin’ to shome new boish.

DOUBLE PUNCH
DAGNABBIT!!! Thiyus is important!!! Send Dirt Boss, Gascan and Crumplezone to deal with these pesky varmints. We is gon’ git sum new explosives and weapons from our contact on Cybertron and ah don’t want anythang ta happen to ‘em, or else, all thayut stolen cash was fer nothin’.

QUICKSTRIKE
You got it, bossh!!!

QUICKSTRIKE salutes his boss and runs away as quickly as he arrived. Once QUICKSTRIKE runs off, DOUBLE PUNCH starts collecting the food that has fallen on the floor and keeps eating it anyway.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
As y’all can see, he’s a regular urban pig boi.

TRANSITION TO

VELOCITRON – THE OUTSKIRTS

The Velocitronian Rebels have given all the details to the Autobots.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Nao, our heroic ninnies have been briefed on tha situation and are ready for action.

HOT SHOT
Nao, we need to get rid of those weapons thayut are arrivin’ today.

OX
Yeh, if we do thayut, it’ll really be a very nasty defeat for ol’ shorty.

HOSEHEAD
Then there’s no time to waste.

We now focus on REV, who turns around as he hears something in the distance getting closer and closer.

REV
Say... what’s that?

Everyone turns around to look at where the sound is coming from. The Velocitronians instantly recognize it.

NITRORIDE
Oh, no...

OX
It’s tha cops!!!

HOT SHOT
Let’s get outta heah.

NITRORIDE, OX and HOT SHOT all transform into vehicle mode and speed away, followed closely by SMOKESCREEN, WHEELJACK, BUMBLEBEE, HOSEHEAD and REV. Coming from the distance, we see three bots. They are DIRT BOSS, GASCAN and CRUMPLEZONE, the personal police force under the command of DOUBLE PUNCH.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Welp... here comes the baddies. And boi, do they look mean.

GASCAN
There they are!!! Now we can take ‘em out.

CRUMPLEZONE
Well, ummm... I hope I can keep some of their weapons.

DIRT BOSS
SHUT UP, YOU TURKEYS!!! LET’S SHOW ‘EM WHAT WE’RE MADE OF!!!

DIRT BOSS drives ahead, covering CRUMPLEZONE and GASCAN in dirt, making them eat his dust.

GASCAN, CRUMPLEZONE
(in unison)
Hey, wha--? (cough) (cough)

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Well... lemme tell ya sumthin’, bois... remember when ah was sarcastically ribbin’ on how our heroes were? Well, let’s just say thayut ah haven’t got any hope for these baddies eithah... they is just as whack as tha heroes.

GASCAN
(still coughing)
DIRT BOSS, YA LOUSY BUM!!!

The Velocitronians and the Autobots are driving ahead.

SMOKESCREEN
Guys... I suggest we split up.

NITRORIDE
Good idea.

SMOKESCREEN, NITRORIDE, WHEELJACK and HOSEHEAD drive ahead while DIRT BOSS follows them furiously.

DIRT BOSS
(with manic glee)
I’m gonna getcha, Nitroride!!!

Meanwhile, BUMBLEBEE and HOT SHOT head to the east.

HOT SHOT
C’mon, boi!!! We is headin’ off.

CRUMPLEZONE turns to the east, following BUMBLEBEE and HOT SHOT. Then, we focus on REV and OX being followed by GASCAN.

REV
C’mon, old timer!!! We can take ‘im easily!!!

OX
You speak mah language, boi!!!

REV and OX transform into robot mode and face GASCAN. Then, they both draw their rifles and fire a barrage of bullets at GASCAN. GASCAN immediately transforms into robot mode and starts jumping around while flailing his arms and legs haphazardly.

GASCAN
(comically evading the bullets)
OW!!! OWOWOWOWOWOW!!! STOP THAT!!! AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!

GASCAN starts running away in terror.

REV
(victoriously)
HAHAAAA!!! Look at him go!!!

Both OX and REV high-five each other. Then, we focus on BUMBLEBEE and HOT SHOT driving at top speed while CRUMPLEZONE is trying to catch up with them.

BUMBLEBEE
We gotta try to take that powerhouse down.

HOT SHOT
And ah got just the thang to do it!!!

HOT SHOT tries a U-Turn and heads for CRUMPLEZONE.

HOT SHOT
We is gon’ make circles around ‘im.

BUMBLEBEE also makes a U-Turn and follows HOT SHOT.

CRUMPLEZONE
(seeing HOT SHOT and BUMBLEBEE heading towards him)
I guess dey want to give up.

Then, both HOT SHOT and BUMBLEBEE start driving around, encircling CRUMPLEZONE. CRUMPLEZONE transforms into robot mode and tries to grab them, but misses each time. Meanwhile, DIRT BOSS is focusing on NITRORIDE and the others. He is about to catch up and aims two rocket cannons he has on his roof.

WHEELJACK
This guy is gonna mop the floor with us!!!

SMOKESCREEN
No kiddin’, Einstein!!!

DIRT BOSS starts firing rockets before the frame freezes and the BALLADEER narrates again.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Well, bois, ah guess our boobies is in a big pickle nao.

Once the BALLADEER finishes, we fade to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

VELOCITRON – THE OUTSKIRTS

NITRORIDE, SMOKESCREEN, WHEELJACK and HOSEHEAD are driving off at top speed while being followed by DIRT BOSS, who is firing rockets at them.

HOSEHEAD
(nervous)
This situation is getting pretty sticky.

NITRORIDE
Did someone say... sticky?

Some sticky oil comes out of NITRORIDE’s exhaust pipe and starts spilling all over the road behind her. DIRT BOSS drives over it and starts spinning out of control.

DIRT BOSS
(crashing down)
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!

A cartoony crashing sound is heard as NITRORIDE and the Autobots drive away.

NITRORIDE
I guess Dirt Boss is finally “bossing” the dirt around.

Meanwhile, back with BUMBLEBEE and HOT SHOT, we see that CRUMPLEZONE is getting quite dizzy.

CRUMPLEZONE
(getting dizzy)
WHOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOAOOOOOO!!!

CRUMPLEZONE’s head is spinning around and then he falls on his back.

BUMBLEBEE
Well, that was pretty easy.

HOT SHOT
Yeh... ahm moah worried ‘bout dealin’ with Quickstrike nao.

BUMBLEBEE
(looking at HOT SHOT)
Who?

HOT SHOT
Sheriff Quickstrike... their head honcho. He’s a bit moah relentless than these bois, but he’s still just as stupid as tha rest of ‘em.

BUMBLEBEE
Jeez... and you are what... three people against four?

HOT SHOT
Five if ya count Boss Double Punch, but he’s mainly tha brains, he don’t fight.

BUMBLEBEE
Oh... I see.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Any second nao, tha bois might be headin’ home.

CRUMPLEZONE wakes up, transforms into vehicle mode and drives off, followed by GASCAN and DIRT BOSS.

GASCAN, CRUMPLEZONE, DIRT BOSS
(in unison, terrified)
LET’S GET THA HECK OUTTA HEEEEEEEEEEERE!!!

NITRORIDE and the others laugh as they see three of the distinguished members of the Velocitronian Police force do what they do best: run away. NITRORIDE turns towards the others.

NITRORIDE
Now that we’ve scared them off, let’s blow their joint of operations apart.

SMOKESCREEN
You’ve got it!

TRANSITION TO

VELOCITRON EXPORTS WAREHOUSE – INTERIOR

Inside a Velocitronian warehouse, we see that some drones are unloading crates of explosives and guns from armored transports.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Well, nao... lookie what ol’ Boss is doin’ heah. Only a business deal lahk thiyus is enough to git him ta stand up from his desk at City Hall and leave his food behind, ‘cause if there’s one thang boss loves the same amount as his food and his dear wahf Lulu, it’s money. Cold, hard cash.

We see DOUBLE PUNCH supervising the drones while they unload their weapons.

DOUBLE PUNCH
Careful, you nincompoops!!! We lose thiyus stuff and we lose all thayut money ah paid fer it!!!

While DOUBLE PUNCH is looking after his drones, QUICKSTRIKE is having some harsh words with his troops.

QUICKSTRIKE
(with comical anger)
YOU... YOU IDIOTSH!!! YOU SHTUPID, BRAINLESSH IDIOTSH!!!

GASCAN, CRUMPLEZONE, DIRT BOSS
(in unison, ashamed)
Sorreh, sheriff.

QUICKSTRIKE
(with comical anger)
Shorreh?!!! Y’all ish gon’ be moah than shorreh!!! Y’all let Nitroride git tha better of ya!!!

GASCAN, CRUMPLEZONE, DIRT BOSS
(in unison, ashamed)
Sorreh, sheriff.

QUICKSTRIKE
(with comical anger)
DEEJIJI!!! YA DIPSHTICKSH!!!

DOUBLE PUNCH overhears QUICKSTRIKE and walks towards the cops.

DOUBLE PUNCH
Quickstrike!!! Quickstrike!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
(looking at DOUBLE PUNCH)
Whut?

DOUBLE PUNCH
What in tha world is all thiyus yellin’ and screamin’ about?

QUICKSTRIKE
(nervous)
Well...

DOUBLE PUNCH
Mah, oh mah, oh mah... dontcha know thayut a man who raises his voice shows clear signs thayut he has lost complete control of himself?

QUICKSTRIKE
Oooh, ahm shorreh ‘bout thayut, bossh... it’sh jusht thayut it’sh theshe boish, y’know? They had ‘em rebelsh in tha palm of their handsh, and they managed to be beaten by ‘em!!!

DOUBLE PUNCH nods in an understanding way as QUICKSTRIKE talks, but once he finishes, he instantly looks with shock and turns towards the three cops.

DOUBLE PUNCH
(horrified)
(gasps) YOU LUGNUTS!!! AHM SURROUNDED BAH LUGNUTS!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
(trying to calm him down)
But, Bossh... Bossh... lishten, you’re losing control!!!

DOUBLE PUNCH
(frustrated)
DAAAGH!!! Listen, Quickstrike... y’all is gon’ have to do a last ditch attempt, unless y’all wanna start fahnding ways to make extra money to feed an extra mouth!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
Extra mouth... whut extra mouth ish thayut?

DOUBLE PUNCH
(frustrated)
MAH WAHF, YO FAT SISTER LULU!!! THAYUT’S WHAT MOUTH!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
Ooooh, thayut extra mouth.

DOUBLE PUNCH
(frustrated)
‘Cause if ‘em rebels destroy thiyus equipment, (briefly raising his voice to a higher tone) our lead investor Cryotek’s gon’ git mad at me. And if Cryotek gits mad at me, ah ain’t gon’ be around no moah, no place, no how to do nothin’ to keep Lulu with tha amount of grits to which she is accustomed!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
(shaking)
O-o-o-ooh!!!

DOUBLE PUNCH
Y’hear?!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
(shaking)
E-e-e-ee!!!

DOUBLE PUNCH
So stop ‘em rebels!!! STOP ‘EM!!!

QUICKSTRIKE
(heading out with DIRT BOSS, CRUMPLEZONE and GASCAN)
Ya got it, bossh!!!

As QUICKSTRIKE, GASCAN, CRUMPLEZONE and DIRT BOSS head out, the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE TOWN – NEAR THE WAREHOUSE

NITRORIDE, SMOKESCREEN and the others are hiding near the warehouse when they see QUICKSTRIKE and his ilk coming out.

REV
And here come the lamebrains.

OX
Tahm to show ‘em what we’re made of.

NITRORIDE
Wait, Ox... we gotta have a plan first.

SMOKESCREEN
(with a sly grin)
And I have the perfect plan.

A few moments later, QUICKSTRIKE and the others have their weapons ready when suddenly, SMOKESCREEN, in vehicle mode, drives in and smoke comes out of his exhaust pipes, blocking the view of the Velocitronian police.

QUICKSTRIKE, GASCAN, CRUMPLEZONE, DIRT BOSS
(in unison)
(cough, cough) Can’t... see!!! (cough)

NITRORIDE
NOW!!!

NITRORIDE, REV, OX, HOT SHOT, WHEELJACK, BUMBLEBEE and HOSEHEAD advance and start beating down the cops.

QUICKSTRIKE, GASCAN, CRUMPLEZONE, DIRT BOSS
(in unison)
AAAAGH!!! OOOF!!! YAAAAAAAIIIIIIIII!!! OWWWIIIIIIEEEEEEEE!!!

Inside, DOUBLE PUNCH hears the commotion outside.

DOUBLE PUNCH
(annoyed)
Whut in tarnation is goin’ on out theah?

DOUBLE PUNCH is going outside, when suddenly BUMBLEBEE throws a rock at his head.

DOUBLE PUNCH
(clutching his head after the rock hits him)
OWWWWW!!!

BUMBLEBEE
(with excitement, raising his arms)
YEAH, TOUCHDOWN!!!

SMOKESCREEN and NITRORIDE are both fighting against DIRT BOSS, who is trying to throw a punch at them, but they keep evading him.

SMOKESCREEN
(evading a punch)
Hey, ya missed, pal!!!

DIRT BOSS tries to punch NITRORIDE

NITRORIDE
(evading the punch)
Jeez... talk about slow!!!

She kicks DIRT BOSS in the gut. DIRT BOSS clutches his gut and grunts after getting kicked. SMOKESCREEN throws a punch at his head and knocks him out.

SMOKESCREEN
(with a sly grin)
Sweet dreams.

QUICKSTRIKE is chasing HOSEHEAD in vehicle mode while HOT SHOT, REV, OX and WHEELJACK are dealing with GASCAN and CRUMPLEZONE. GASCAN and CRUMPLEZONE are tossed through a wall and land flat on their faces. HOT SHOT and WHEELJACK walk into the warehouse through the destroyed wall and look at the drones. They both start firing at them. WHEELJACK notices something.

WHEELJACK
(pointing at the crates of weapons)
There!!! The explosives and guns!!!

HOT SHOT
(turning around)
OX!!! WE FOUND THE SMUGGLED GOODS!!! IT’S YOUR TURN, OL’ BUDDEH!!!

OX
I’M ON MY WAY!!!

OX runs in and fires his rifle at the crates, making them explode in a rather spectacular fashion. While all of this is happening, QUICKSTRIKE is chasing HOSEHEAD. Then, HOSEHEAD goes past a rock formation that looks similar to a ramp. He starts thinking about it.

HOSEHEAD
Well... I’ve never done this before, but there’s a first time for everything.

HOSEHEAD tries a U-Turn, heading for that rock formation and drives his left side over it, allowing him to perform a wheelie.

HOSEHEAD
(with excitement)
WHOOOOOO-HOOOOO!!! I DID IT!!! I DID THE WHEELIE AND I’M NOT EVEN A CAR!!!

QUICKSTRIKE’s head pops out of his hood as he looks at this.

QUICKSTRIKE
(amazed)
Jumpin’ Jehoshaphat!!! Ah’ve never sheen a fire truck do thayut!!!

While QUICKSTRIKE is watching this, he doesn’t notice that he is heading towards a large ramp. Once he turns his head around, it’s too late.

QUICKSTRIKE
(jumping from the ramp)
DOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

QUICKSTRIKE lands in a river. He transforms into robot mode and starts desperately swimming to shore. Meanwhile, the other cops grab the unconscious DOUBLE PUNCH and take him out of harm’s way. DIRT BOSS turns around and shakes his fist at the Autobots and Velocitronians.

DIRT BOSS
(angrily)
We’ll get ya next tahm, Nitroride!!! You’ll pay for thiyus!!!

NITRORIDE
(with a confident smirk)
As if that would scare me.

Then, the Autobots and the Velocitronian rebels start celebrating. HOSEHEAD drives in and transforms into robot mode, raising his arms victoriously after delivering what may be called the most unlikely wheelie of all time. We transition to moments later, when the Autobots are finally ready to head back home.

NITRORIDE
We’d like to thank you all for helping us put a damper in Double Punch’s plans.

HOT SHOT
Yeh... y’all are regular aces.

SMOKESCREEN
Well, it was a pleasure to help you guys.
(turning to NITRORIDE, smirking)
So, could we go out one of these days again?

NITRORIDE
(with a playful smile)
Not a chance, you untrustworthy scoundrel.

She winks at him. Meanwhile, OX is shaking hands with BUMBLEBEE.

OX
It’s really unfortunate that we won’t be able to have you guys as part of our team.

BUMBLEBEE
Under different circumstances, we would be honored to become part of your team, but just as you have to stay here and keep an eye on Double Punch’s antics, we have to protect the Earth.

OX
Indeed, it’s what both sides have to do. Best of luck to you.

BUMBLEBEE
Right back at you.

Both HOSEHEAD and REV are giving HOT SHOT a high-five.

HOT SHOT
Say, ah wonder... could we someday have a race? Maybe we could show the fire truck wheelie to the audience.

HOSEHEAD
That might be cool. I’ve never thought I would be asked to participate, but sure thing.

As the Autobots head for the ship after saying their goodbyes, we cut to NITRORIDE, HOT SHOT and OX waving goodbye to them before cutting back to the ship leaving and heading back to Earth while the BALLADEER speaks for one last time.

BALLADEER
(narrating)
Well, bois... thayut wasn’t so bad, was it? Ah mean, yeh, ah do wish we got moah dynamic characters lahk tha last buncha episodes, but we had to use tha bottom of tha barrel heah. Which reminds me... how tha heck can y’all hear me when them guys don’t even know ah exist? Ah guess thayut is a mystery thayut even ah will never know.

After the BALLADEER finishes narrating, we fade to black.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Judgement Day, Part 1”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Arcee - Sue Blu
Wheeljack - Christopher Collins
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Smokescreen - Jack Angel
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Strongarm - B.J. Ward
Siren - Bill Callaway
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Rev - Mark L. Taylor

OTHERS:
Jhiaxus - Burgess Meredith
Glowstrike - Jennifer Darling
Terrorsaur - Michael Des Barres
Sunstorm - Michael Rye
Megatronus - John Vernon

ACT ONE

FADE IN

PLANET Z – DOME FORTRESS

On the barren wasteland that is Planet Z, we see GLOWSTRIKE flying into the opening of a large dome. Once she is inside, the dome closes and she lands, holding the canister of super-fuel in her hands. The large and looming JHIAXUS walks in, pleased by the outcome of the mission. Behind him are SUNSTORM and another figure covered in shadows.

JHIAXUS
(with smug glee)
Excellent work, my dear Glowstrike. With this super-fuel, we can finally destroy every planet in the universe!!!

GLOWSTRIKE hands over the canister to SUNSTORM. JHIAXUS turns towards him.

JHIAXUS
(to SUNSTORM)
Replicate the formula. I get the feeling we will need every bit of super-fuel we can get.

SUNSTORM
As you order, Jhiaxus.

SUNSTORM walks out, heading for the laboratory in order to start reconstructing the formula for the super-fuel. JHIAXUS looks at the shadowy figure beside him.

JHIAXUS
(to the figure)
You, mercenary... you failed to destroy the young Autobot nurse before. She could be a very dangerous threat to my plans due to her knowledge in the field of energy transmission. However, I shall give you another chance. The Autobots will no doubt track our energy signal here, and they will all make a last ditch attempt to save the Earth. The nurse will undoubtedly be brought here, but I am also concerned about something else. According to some of our agents, a new member has arrived, an old acquaintance to this nurse... just as intelligent as she is, but a lot more dangerous. I trust that you will take care of these two young ones?

The shadowy figure reveals himself to be TERRORSAUR. Half of his face has been burned up due to his last battle with MINERVA. A manic grin is drawn on his horribly disfigured face once he is given another chance to take down his greatest enemy, but he is also thrilled by the prospect of having an extra target to take care of, because that means that his payment will be increased.

TRANSITION TO

THE AUTOBOT BASE – BRIEFING ROOM

Inside the briefing room, we see that RODIMUS, WHEELJACK, BUMBLEBEE, MINERVA, SMOKESCREEN, DRIFT, WRECK-GAR, NAUTICA, DAYTONUS, BREAKAWAY, STRONGARM, SIREN, HOSEHEAD, SIDE BURN and REV are sitting at the meeting table while ARCEE is addressing them.

ARCEE
Autobots... we have a big problem. Last time, Siren, Minerva and I encountered some strange Cybertronian ‘bots. They were attacking the oil refinery on the outskirts and stole a canister of the new super-fuel developed by Capshaw Motors. From what we managed to hear from the commanding officer of this force, the person in charge is named Jhiaxus.

We see SMOKESCREEN, BREAKAWAY, DAYTONUS and NAUTICA muttering a bit before ARCEE continues briefing the Autobots.

SMOKESCREEN, BREAKAWAY DAYTONUS, NAUTICA
(muttering)
Jhiaxus?
Gee, axe us?
Who’s dis guy?
He sounds so uncool.

ARCEE
(continuing)
Even more troubling is the information we’ve received from Drift. During his infiltration of Shadow Raker’s organization, he discovered that one of his subordinates was playing the long con, pitting the Ronimarians and the Iabonians up against each other, and he got his orders from this very same Jhiaxus.

WHEELJACK, STRONGARM and REV are now muttering after hearing this.

WHEELJACK, STRONGARM, REV
(muttering)
Astonishing.
This is illegal, you know?
Can we punch his face in?

ARCEE
And here we have the commanding officer of the force we engaged in combat at the refinery.

A picture of GLOWSTRIKE taken by the Autobot satellite is shown on the screen. SMOKESCREEN and SIDE BURN react like everyone thought they would.

SMOKESCREEN
(with a sleazy tone)
Mmmmm... she’s big, but very appealing.

SIDE BURN
(raising his arms with excitement)
WHOOOOO!!! A RED CHICK!!! I LOVE RED!!!

SIREN
(ticked off)
SHUT UP, YA USELESS SLEAZES, LET HER FINISH!!!

SMOKESCREEN angrily stands up from his seat.

SMOKESCREEN
(ticked off)
WHO ARE YOU CALLIN’ USELESS, YA OVERBEARING JARHEAD?!!!

SIREN
(angry)
YOU AND SUCCESSOR SLEAZE OVER THEAH!!!

SMOKESCREEN and DRIFT start brawling with each other in the middle of the meeting. NAUTICA and STRONGARM try to separate them.

NAUTICA
WHOA, FELLAS!!! STOP THIS!!! WE’RE SUPPOSED TO BE THE GOOD GUYS!!!

STRONGARM
This is getting tiresome.

RODIMUS instantly stands up and raises his Photon Eliminator.

RODIMUS
(losing control of his temper)
STAND DOWN, OR ELSE, I’LL TAKE YOU DOWN!!!

All of the Autobots, including SMOKESCREEN and SIREN, look at this with shock. RODIMUS notices this, then lowers his Photon Eliminator and drops it. He walks out of the briefing room, once again feeling quite ashamed of losing control of himself like that. ARCEE looks at this with concern, but she cannot even bring herself to admit that for the first time in her life, she is afraid of RODIMUS. SMOKESCREEN and SIREN, despite being quite tough and hardened, also feel a surge of fear going through them. NAUTICA walks out as well, following RODIMUS. RODIMUS goes to the repair bay, where a fully repaired but still deactivated NIGHTBEAT is laying down on an operating table. RODIMUS stands beside his second-in-command’s inert body. He starts talking. His tone sounds extremely shaky, nervous and there seems to be a sort of insane grief within him.

RODIMUS
I can’t go on like this... I really need you, old friend. The Autobots need a better leader than me... I almost turned on my own people... I can’t control myself, not after everything I’ve been through.

NAUTICA is looking at RODIMUS talking to NIGHTBEAT’s body. She feels sympathy for him. RODIMUS clutches his head, still dealing with the fact that he may have to step down permanently in order to keep himself from harming his own people.

RODIMUS
Here I am... once again trying to find a way to escape... and yet... I can’t. Every time I even think about it, I feel like I am betraying my own people... and yet, wouldn’t staying here also mean betraying and dooming them?

RODIMUS sighs and then opens a storage container in his chest, and from it, he takes a small plush toy. It is NELLIE, VARIA’s treasured toy. RODIMUS strokes the toy and tears up. He wishes he could talk to VARIA. She was an incredibly calming influence on him, and he desperately needed something to contain him. He takes a picture from the container. It was a picture of THUNDER CLASH with NOVAFIRE and a little HOT ROD together. They all seemed happy. Happiness, of course… Even though RODIMUS managed to fill a void when he finally met THUNDER CLASH, and he found comfort and relief when he met VARIA, he still felt unhappy and very much alone. And with his immense mental stress and these memories haunting him, his feelings of loneliness have only increased. RODIMUS starts crying.

RODIMUS
(crying)
I can’t take it anymore... this all proves how worthless and weak I really am.

NAUTICA overhears this and starts tearing up as she walks away. She wishes she could help, but right now, she doesn’t know how to do it.

TRANSITION TO

PLANET Z – DOME FORTRESS

JHIAXUS is heading towards the communications room in his dome fortress. He activates his communicator and starts addressing someone that we can’t see due to the camera being set on JHIAXUS while he talks to him.

JHIAXUS
Your Excellency... we are about to activate the Judgement Day transmitter soon. We have obtained and replicated the super-fuel and we are ready to power the transmitter so that we may test it out.

MEGATRONUS
(VO, offscreen, through communicator)
Excellent, Jhiaxus. You have served me well. Our master will be quite pleased to hear that you are succeeding with the task at hand.

JHIAXUS
It is an honor to serve you, my lord. However, we still might have to deal with the Autobots once we activate the beam. The massive energy signature will most certainly lead them to us.

MEGATRONUS
(VO, offscreen, through communicator)
They will still be too late. They won’t have enough time to stop the beam from charging up. Just stall them long enough for the beam to start the ignition procedures.

JHIAXUS
It shall be done, my lord.

TRANSITION TO

AUTOBOT BASE – REPAIR BAY

While MINERVA is trying to trace the signal of GLOWSTRIKE’s portal, BREAKAWAY is making a few finishing touches on NIGHTBEAT’s body as SIDE BURN watches.
BREAKAWAY
Once, I’m finished with this, Nightbeat will have his Stealth Force upgrade as soon as he wakes up.

SIDE BURN
Cool.

MINERVA
(talking while trying to trace the portal’s coordinates)
Are you sure it won’t affect him in any way?

SIDE BURN
You kiddin’, Minnie? It worked perfectly for me and I ain’t feeling any side effects. I’m as good as I always was.

BREAKAWAY closes a small compartment and sighs with relief.

BREAKAWAY
There... it’s done. Now, we just need to power him up for activation, but it’ll mean that we won’t be able to recharge for a while because of the amount of Energon it’ll take to repower the reanimation chamber.

SIDE BURN
But, that’ll mean...

BREAKAWAY
Yes, Side Burn... once Minnie gets the coordinates, we may go into battle and we won’t have enough Energon to power our weapons, which could leave us vulnerable to a Decepticon attack.

MINERVA
(a bit nervous)
Well... that sounds comforting.

BREAKAWAY
(keeping his cool)
Very. Well, I’m done here. I’m heading back to my quarters. I need to check on some stuff.

MINERVA
Okay... thanks for the help, Breakaway.

BREAKAWAY walks out and heads for his quarters, but once he is inside, we see a strange white outline moving around the hall. By the shape of the outline, we see that it’s STARSCREAM, using his cloaking device and spying on the Autobots in order to find out what they have been up to after the Decepticons suffered a humiliating defeat when they tried to take control of the minds of the entire population of Earth. STARSCREAM runs out of the base. Once outside, he deactivates his cloaking device, transforms into jet mode and flies off in order to warn SHOCKWAVE about this development. Meanwhile, ARCEE and SIREN are talking about what happened at the briefing.

ARCEE
I cannot condone the kind of behavior that happened at the meeting, but right now, I’m more worried about Rodimus. He totally lost it when you started fighting.

SIREN
Yeh? Well, ah would suggest thayut we bench ‘im. If he’s gon’ be lahk thiyus, he could jeopardize the mission.

ARCEE just rubs her forehead in response to this predicament.

ARCEE
(feeling a bit of regret)
He must be thinking that I’m deliberately avoiding him after he almost killed that Triple Changer. I have been way too focused on our missions and I feel very guilty about that. He needs support and care. However, I must admit that I am afraid.

SIREN looks at ARCEE. Never in his life would he have thought that she of all people would be afraid. He knew that he had his own fears, but he always thought of ARCEE as the strongest Autobot in personality alone. Her constant arguments with him about strategy have always shown how strong she can be, but now, he doesn’t know what to say.

ARCEE
I know what you’re thinking. You think that I’m just another authority figure who was always above you on the chain on command, but you forget that I am still a person with emotions, feelings, needs and wants... I cannot be an authority figure all the time.

SIREN looks down a bit. He sometimes wishes he could show his sensitive side a bit more, but he just can’t. He was a drill sergeant, loud and overbearing. He had to be like this and keep his reputation as a tough guy. However, in a rare moment of sensitivity, he puts his hand on ARCEE’s shoulder, showing that he is just as concerned about all of this as she was.

SIREN
(with an uncharacteristically softer tone)
Believe me... ah wish ah could be seen as a regular bot as well. But mah job doesn’t allow fer softness, or else, ah would have lost respect along with mah Marine badge back when ah led that mission in the Magnesium Pits of Cybertron.

ARCEE looks at him and understands. She puts her hand on top of SIREN’s hand and pats it.

ARCEE
You understand how hard it is, and I’m glad you do. If only I could be brave enough to face Rodimus…

Suddenly, MINERVA bursts into the room.

MINERVA
Arcee, Siren!!! We found it!!! We found the location!!!

ARCEE
Let’s go!!!

MINERVA, ARCEE and SIREN all run off to the repair bay as the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

AUTOBOT BASE – REPAIR BAY

ARCEE, SIREN and MINERVA run into the repair bay. MINERVA sits in front of the command console and presses some buttons. The computer starts printing the coordinates of the signal.

MINERVA
I picked up a weird energy signature which allowed me to pinpoint the location we were trying to find.

The printout comes out and MINERVA takes the sheet out of the printer. She glances at it.

MINERVA
According to the computer, these are the coordinates to Planet Z.

SIREN
Planet Z?

SIREN grabs the printout and reads it.

MINERVA
You know of Planet Z?

SIREN
Been theah, done thayut... part of the Marine trainin’ program, familiarizin’ with territory. Know the place like the back of mah hand.

ARCEE
Well, then... I guess we got our squad leader for this mission.

SIREN
But we’ll need tahm to prepare. Not only thayut, we’ll also have to use up Stratosphere’s final energy reserves in order to go theah and come back.

ARCEE
We’ll have to risk it. The safety of Earth depends on the outcome of this battle.

SIREN
Okay, then... let’s gear up on our weapons and get ready.

TRANSITION TO

PLANET Z – DOME FORTRESS

JHIAXUS has finished charging his Judgement Day transmitter and is aiming it at a nearby planet. GLOWSTRIKE and SUNSTORM are controlling the transmitter, with SUNSTORM making a few last minute adjustments while GLOWSTRIKE is using the console to set the firing coordinates.

TERRORSAUR
Impressive device, but will it be enough to destroy the Earth?

JHIAXUS
This test will answer that question, mercenary.

GLOWSTRIKE looks up and grins as she sees the laser starting to fire. Then, a very devastating laser blast comes out of the transmitter’s dish, hitting the planet. Once it hits the planet, we see that the energy from the transmitter is starting to dissolve the planet slowly.

TERRORSAUR
Fascinating.

The planet’s trees and living creatures are reduced to nothing but ashes and dust. Instead of the typical explosion, the planet is destroyed in a much more subtle manner, being literally disintegrated. The only thing that remains is dust, which floats slowly and aimlessly throughout space.

GLOWSTRIKE
(captivated by the destruction)
Beautiful.

SUNSTORM
So begins the dawn of our invincibility.

JHIAXUS grins, feeling pleased with this successful test.

JHIAXUS
You see, mercenary... I brought a new meaning to the word silent death. Once we shower Earth with a beam from our Judgement Day transmitter, it will cease to exist... and no one will even get a chance to scream. The entire population of the Earth will be instantly vaporized.

TERRORSAUR
(with a manic grin)
And they won’t even know what hit them.

TRANSITION TO

THE AUTOBOT BASE – CORRIDOR

At the corridor of the Autobot Base, we see STRONGARM, SIDE BURN and REV walking around.

STRONGARM
This is getting really out of hand.

SIDE BURN
Yeah... I mean, I’ve seen Rodimus get angry, but never to this degree.

REV
(to SIDE BURN)
And you said I was the one with the short fuse.

WHEELJACK walks in, giving the three young Autobots some weapons.

WHEELJACK
Here, kids... most of us are getting ready for the mission. Arcee is gonna let Siren take charge of this one.

REV
(with confusion)
Siren?

SIDE BURN
Oh, boy... we’re gonna die.

STRONGARM
Show some respect, people. Now let’s get ready for this.

STRONGARM heads to the armory, REV and SIDE BURN following close behind her. DAYTONUS walks in.

WHEELJACK
Where are your guns, Daytonus?

DAYTONUS
You kiddin’, right?
(raising his fists)
Dese two are all the guns I’ll need.

DAYTONUS heads for the launch pad, where STRATOSPHERE is. NAUTICA is twirling her wrench as she and MINERVA are also heading to the pad.

NAUTICA
Do you think Roddy will be alright?

MINERVA
(with concern)
I... I really don’t know, Nautica. He hasn’t been alright ever since we rescued him from the Quintessons.

Back at RODIMUS’ quarters, ARCEE is given the difficult task to bench RODIMUS.

ARCEE
(with regret)
I... I’m really sorry, Rodimus... but I’m really worried about these unpredictable mood swings you’ve been having, along with your violent outbursts. I want you to rest... I know I haven’t been able to be with you as much as I’ve wanted to... but that doesn’t mean that I don’t care about you.

RODIMUS looks down, feeling even more ashamed about losing control of his emotions.

RODIMUS
(with sadness)
But... I can’t stand staying here while you are out there fighting... I have to be there.

ARCEE
Rodimus... please... I know it’s hard not to help out in the heat of battle... I know you are worried and will likely blame yourself... but you have to stay here. Drift, Hosehead, Wreck-Gar and Bumblebee will stay behind to take care of you.

ARCEE strokes RODIMUS’ face lovingly. She looks at him with a rather bittersweet smile, knowing how hard this is for the both of them. Then, she walks out of the room. She heads for the launch pad and sees WHEELJACK, MINERVA, SMOKESCREEN, NAUTICA, DAYTONUS, BREAKAWAY, STRONGARM, SIREN, SIDE BURN and REV going inside STRATOSPHERE’s cargo hold. She goes in after them.

ARCEE
(keeping her composure)
Okay, guys. I want you to listen to Siren on this one. He knows the territory, so I am relinquishing command of the mission to him.
(turning around)
Stratosphere... take off.

STRATOSPHERE activates his thrusters and takes off. As he flies away, the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

PLANET Z – THE OUTSKIRTS

We see the Autobots walking across the landscape of Planet Z, toting guns as they advance. SIREN is ahead, leading the group.

SIREN
Tha only place ah can think of where enemy units can hide is tha abandoned dome fortress.

NAUTICA
What? A fraggin’ dome fortress? Not exactly subtle, is it? It sounds like a place where a Bond villain would hang out.

DAYTONUS
Yeh... da bad guys always seem to have dese kinda eccentricities.

SMOKESCREEN
(to SIREN)
Hey, jarhead!!! How much longer?

SIREN
Not far nao.

BREAKAWAY
Well, I hope so... ‘cause I’m ready to kick some butt.

SIREN walks ahead. Sometime later, he comes to a stop when he looks at the rather imposing and unsettling dome fortress.

SIREN
Well... there it is.

REV
Holy mackerel!!!

SIDE BURN
(nervous)
We’re going in... (gulp) there?!!!

SIREN
Ya wanna save Earth? Then you git yo tailpipe inside thayut fortress!!!

SIDE BURN gulps and hesitantly follows him. Suddenly, a rocket goes off near them.

SIDE BURN
(covering his eyes after the rocket goes off)
WHOOOAAAOOOOWWW!!!

SIREN looks up.

SIREN
(pointing to the source of the rocket)
THEAH!!!

TERRORSAUR, in jet mode, flies in.

TERRORSAUR
Surprise, losers!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

MINERVA
(with shock)
Terrorsaur!!!

TERRORSAUR
Ah, Minerva... how wonderful to see you again.

TERRORSAUR fires a rocket which almost hits NAUTICA. NAUTICA does a backflip, evading the rockets.

NAUTICA
You know this maniac?

MINERVA
Unfortunately, yes... he almost killed Arcee and I!!!

SIREN, REV and SMOKESCREEN start firing at TERRORSAUR. He does some barrel rolls in order to evade the shots.

SIREN
(frustrated)
DAGNABBIT!!! He’s too fast!!!

NAUTICA runs towards a rock and jumps behind it, turning her wrench into a Cybertronian Uzi. She fires it wildly at TERRORSAUR.

NAUTICA
GO AHEAD, GUYS!!! MINNIE AND I WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS GUY!!!

SIREN
(to the rest of the Autobots)
C’mon!!! We gotta keep goin’!!!

SIREN and the rest advance towards the fortress. GLOWSTRIKE and SUNSTORM are waiting for them.

GLOWSTRIKE
(with a grin)
Going somewhere, Autobots?

GLOWSTRIKE fires lightning bolts from her hands, but ARCEE fires lasers from her gun, countering the bolts.

ARCEE
(with determination)
You’re mine!!!

ARCEE pounces on the large female Con and they both start fighting with each other.

SMOKESCREEN
(cheering)
WOO!!! Cat fight!!!

SIDE BURN
THIS IS WHAT I LIVE FOR!!!

SIREN
(to SMOKESCREEN and SIDE BURN)
SHADDAP!!! THAT’S ONE OF OUR FRIENDS PUTTIN’ HER LIFE ON THE LINE FOR YOU BUMS!!! SHOW SUM RESPECT!!!
(to the rest of the Autobots)
You guys go ahead and trah to fahnd tha head honcho!!!

DAYTONUS
(taking charge of the rest of the Autobots)
Dis way!!!

SIREN stays behind to handle SUNSTORM. As DAYTONUS and the rest of the Autobots keep advancing, they come to a sudden stop when they see some familiar faces showing up.

DAYTONUS
Whooooooa!!!

STRONGARM
Sharkticons!!!

WHEELJACK
(disgusted)
UGH!!! I hate these nasty critters!!!

REV starts firing his rifle at some of the SHARKTICONS. SIDE BURN fires his rocket launcher, blowing some of them to pieces. STRONGARM takes cover behind a wall and unloads a machine gun on them. The SHARKTICONS transform into robot mode and head towards the Autobots, firing their laser guns at them.

SMOKESCREEN
(pointing at the SHARKTICONS)
WHEELJACK, YOUR GYRO INHIBITOR!!!

WHEELJACK’s shoulder cannon fires a beam at some of the SHARKTICONS, causing them to start falling due to gyro malfunctions. REV keeps firing his rifle at some more SHARKTICONS.

REV
Boy... I truly wish we could have brought Stratosphere into the battle.

STRONGARM
Me too... but he has to save his remaining energy for the trip back home.

SMOKESCREEN
Hang on to your hats, kiddies!!! It’s my turn to show ‘em how it’s done!!!

SMOKESCREEN fires rockets from his shoulder launchers, managing to destroy some SHARKTICONS with them.

BREAKAWAY
Not bad, old timer... but now, lemme show these Sharkticons how Breakaway likes to play.

BREAKAWAY flies over a gauntlet of SHARKTICONS who are heading for the other Autobots and starts carpet-bombing them. SHARKTICONS fly around and run in confusion as the bombs hit them. WHEELJACK uses his shoulder launcher to fire explosive pellets, but the SHARKTICONS just keep increasing their numbers.

WHEELJACK
It’s no use... we keep blowing them up, but more start showing up by the second.

SIDE BURN
(desperately)
We gotta make a stand here and fight, or else, it’s curtains for Earth!!!

The SHARKTICONS keep closing in on the Autobots. As this happens, we see the words “TO BE CONTINUED” on-screen. Then, we fade to black.

TO BE CONTINUED

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Judgement Day, Part 2”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Arcee - Sue Blu
Wheeljack - Christopher Collins
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Smokescreen - Jack Angel
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Strongarm - B.J. Ward
Siren - Bill Callaway
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Rev - Mark L. Taylor

OTHERS:
Jhiaxus - Burgess Meredith
Glowstrike - Jennifer Darling
Terrorsaur - Michael Des Barres
Sunstorm - Michael Rye
Megatronus - John Vernon

ACT ONE

FADE IN

DOME FORTRESS – INTERIOR

We see the Autobots still firing at the hordes of SHARKTICONS coming in. SMOKESCREEN is grinning as he fires his rockets at the SHARKTICON armies.

SMOKESCREEN
(grinning)
Outgunned... outnumbered... I LOVE IT!!!

He fires his rifle at a trio of hapless SHARKTICONS, who immediately explode once they are hit by the barrage of bullets. SMOKESCREEN laughs with glee once he scores his kills. DAYTONUS, on the other hand, just uses his fist to beat down the SHARKTICONS with ease.

DAYTONUS
(keeping his cool)
Sorry, but I gotta check you out for cavities.

DAYTONUS punches the teeth out of one of the SHARKTICONS and watches them scattering across the floor.

DAYTONUS
Well, whaddya know? Pearly white and no cavities!!! EHEH-HEHEH-EY!!!

While DAYTONUS keeps advancing, we focus on NAUTICA and MINERVA fighting against TERRORSAUR. TERRORSAUR keeps firing rockets at the two young girls.

TERRORSAUR
You cannot defeat me!!! I shall have your heads!!!

NAUTICA keeps firing back with her Cybertronian Uzi until she runs out of ammo.

NAUTICA
(frustrated)
Terrific.

NAUTICA once again runs to find cover. Then, she comes to a stop when she sees a molten lava pool. Her mind immediately starts working out a plan to take TERRORSAUR down. She changes the ammo clip on her Uzi as she devises this plan. After reloading the Uzi, she heads for a trench nearby and crouches inside it. She waves her hand at MINERVA, motioning for her to come. MINERVA runs towards NAUTICA and crouches in the trench.

NAUTICA
I got an idea, Minnie... let’s lead this bozo into the lava pool.

MINERVA
Good idea. But how will we do it?

As MINERVA and NAUTICA discuss the plan, TERRORSAUR transforms into robot mode and fires his laser gun at them.

TERRORSAUR
(with a manic grin)
I will rip out your spark chambers!!!

Meanwhile, we cut to ARCEE and GLOWSTRIKE, who are violently beating each other up. GLOWSTRIKE pounces on ARCEE and tries to scratch her face with her sharp claws, but ARCEE grabs hold of her wrists, holding her arm in place.

ARCEE
(struggling)
Hold still, witch!!!

The towering GLOWSTRIKE hisses as she struggles with ARCEE.

GLOWSTRIKE
Prepare for eternity.

While ARCEE and GLOWSTRIKE keep fighting, we focus on SIREN and SUNSTORM. SUNSTORM is using his overheating ability to make SIREN’s weapons ineffective. SIREN looks at his sonic cannon and tosses it aside.

SIREN
Dangblastit... you overheated mah favorite gun!!!

SUNSTORM
And now, I’m going to cook you!!!

SUNSTORM starts firing his shoulder-mounted weapons. However, although similarly built like STARSCREAM’s, SUNSTORM’s weapons are different. They are flamethrowers. SIREN jumps aside to evade the fire.

SIREN
(jumping aside)
WHAAAAAOOOOOWWW!!!

Once he jumps aside, SIREN tries to get his weapon to cool down so he can use it again. We cut to the Autobots fighting the SHARKTICONS. DAYTONUS just keeps bashing SHARKTICONS on the head while the rest keep firing their weapons. BREAKAWAY flies ahead and sees JHIAXUS using the Judgement Day transmitter’s console, starting the activation sequence.

BREAKAWAY
Well, whaddya know... ‘bots, I found our troublemaker and boy... he’s huge!!! I’m transmitting the coordinates now, so you can come and help me out once you finish with the rest of ‘em.

JHIAXUS looks up and notices BREAKAWAY flying above him. He seems somewhat annoyed, but not entirely bothered by BREAKAWAY’s presence. To him, BREAKAWAY is nothing more than an insignificant nuisance.

JHIAXUS
(annoyed)
I will stain my hands with your oil!!!

JHIAXUS springs into action, he transforms into a massive jet fighter and flies towards BREAKAWAY.

BREAKAWAY
(knowing that he’ll need all the help he can get)
OH, BROTHER!!!

JHIAXUS flies with unusually high speed for someone his size. Despite his bulk and height, he does seem to be an incredibly fast opponent. BREAKAWAY knows this and hopes someone else arrives to help him. Luckily, DAYTONUS manages to get past the SHARKTICONS and looks up.

DAYTONUS
EY, BIG GUY!!! DONTCHA KNOW IT AIN’T NICE TA PICK ON PEOPLE SMALLER THAN YOU?!!!

JHIAXUS sees DAYTONUS below and scoffs.

JHIAXUS
(scoffing)
Pathetic little worm.

JHIAXUS transforms into robot mode and prepares to pounce on DAYTONUS, but the much smaller bot manages to jump aside before JHIAXUS even has a chance to get to him. While all this happens, the other Autobots keep dealing with the SHARKTICONS.

STRONGARM
RETURN FIRE!!!

STRONGARM fires her machine gun, followed by REV and SIDE BURN.

SIDE BURN
How are we gonna get outta this one?

REV
Just stay quiet and keep shootin’!!! They’ll run out of units eventually!!!

Meanwhile, SIREN is still trying to get his sonic cannon to cool down while evading SUNSTORM’s flamethrower.

SUNSTORM
I’m really going to enjoy this moment... it’s not very often that I get to melt down an Autobot.

The sonic cannon has finally cooled down and SIREN aims it at SUNSTORM.

SIREN
You love meltin’ down others? Let’s see how much you like it when you are tha one meltin’ down!!!

SIREN fires his sonic cannon, the waves launched from it cause the fire to blow back at SUNSTORM. SUNSTORM is engulfed in his own flames and starts screaming with horror as he burns up.

SUNSTORM
(horrified)
AAAAAAAAAGH!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!! I’M BURNING!!! I’M BURNIIIIIIIIING!!!

Because of the surprising way his flames have been used against him, SUNSTORM wasn’t quick enough to stop firing his flamethrowers; the temperature was that of an inferno, so he instantly starts melting.

SUNSTORM
AAAAAAGH!!! I’M MELTING!!! MEEEEEEELTIIIIIING!!!!! MELTIIIIIIIIIIIIII-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!

SUNSTORM claws at his face as it starts melting down along with the rest of his body, leaving nothing but charred remains of molten metal. SIREN looks at this.

SIREN
Ding-dong, tha witch is dead.

SIREN heads for the dome fortress in order to aid the other Autobots. Once there, he starts firing at the SHARKTICONS.

SMOKESCREEN
About time you came in, jarhead. What happened to your date?

SIREN
He wus lahk putty in mah hands, fogbrain.

SMOKESCREEN
HAH!!! More like Jell-O.

Both SMOKESCREEN and SIREN open fire at the SHARKTICONS. WHEELJACK goes to their position.

WHEELJACK
Daytonus and Breakaway went ahead!!! They found the big cheese!!!

SIREN
Great, and we have to deal with these bozos!!!

SIREN fires his sonic cannon at the SHARKTICONS, sending quite a few of them flying away. ARCEE and GLOWSTRIKE are still fighting during all of this. ARCEE kicks GLOWSTRIKE in the face, and GLOWSTRIKE retaliates by backhanding her.

ARCEE
(being slapped in the face)
AGH!!!

ARCEE falls down, but immediately springs to her feet and tackles GLOWSTRIKE, who topples back but then grabs ARCEE and tosses her into a wall. ARCEE looks at the wall after hitting it. It looks metallic and it seems to have a reflective nature. She sees that GLOWSTRIKE is about to use her lightning bolts on her. GLOWSTRIKE raises her hands and fires her lightning bolts at ARCEE. ARCEE jumps aside once GLOWSTRIKE fires the lightning bolts.

ARCEE
(jumping aside)
PSYCHE!!!

The lightning bolts hit the wall and immediately head back towards GLOWSTRIKE, engulfing her.

GLOWSTRIKE
(shrieking with pain)
AAAAAAAAGHHHHHHH!!!! AAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

As GLOWSTRIKE shrieks while being electrocuted, pieces of metal start falling out of her body. ARCEE covers her eyes to shield them from the sparks flying out from the electricity. GLOWSTRIKE keeps shrieking and screaming in a rather horrific manner until steam starts coming out of her head.

GLOWSTRIKE
(smoke coming out of her head)
AAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGHHHHH!!!!!

Then, after one last horrific scream, GLOWSTRIKE’s head blows up, and her headless body falls to its knees before landing with a hard thud. As her smoking body lies there, ARCEE looks at it.

ARCEE
(with a deadpan tone)
Sizzled to perfection.

GLOWSTRIKE’s body starts changing color. We see that her reddish tones are slowly turning grey. ARCEE runs off, heading inside. While all this happens, MINERVA and NAUTICA land on the floor after getting shot by TERRORSAUR.

NAUTICA, MINERVA
(falling down)
AIIIIIGH!!!
OOOOOOF!!!

TERRORSAUR looms over them and grins.

TERRORSAUR
At last... I shall end your miserable existence, you pesky little nurse. And I’ll end your little friend, too.

NAUTICA
(standing up)
Don’t you bad guys get tired of quoting the Wicked Witch of the West?

NAUTICA is holding some dirt in her other hand and tosses it at TERRORSAUR’s face.

TERRORSAUR
(clutching his face)
AAAAAGH!!! MY EYEEEEEES!!!

As TERRORSAUR clutches his face trying to rub the dirt from his eyes, MINERVA instantly draws her Shock Blaster and fires it at TERRORSAUR.

TERRORSAUR
(getting stunned)
AAAH!!!

NAUTICA turns her wrench into a rope, using it as a lasso which wraps around TERRORSAUR.

NAUTICA
I hope Wonder Woman doesn’t sue me.

NAUTICA tosses TERRORSAUR towards MINERVA, who lies on her back and uses her legs to kick him, propelling him upwards; she kicks him once more and sends him hurdling towards the molten lava pool.

TERRORSAUR
(falling into the lava pool)
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

TERRORSAUR splashes down into the pool. Both MINERVA and NAUTICA look at him trying to swim ashore, but he is sinking into the molten lava.

TERRORSAUR
(wrathful, slowly sinking into the lava)
MINEEEEEEEEERVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

As he sinks into the lava pool, TERRORSAUR sticks his hand out of the lava, we see him trying to reach out, but along with the rest of his body, it starts slowly sinking into the boiling lava below.

MINERVA
Now I hope we’ve seen the last of him.

NAUTICA
C’mon, we’ve gotta see how the others are doing!!!

MINERVA and NAUTICA are running off as the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

THE DOME FORTRESS – INTERIOR

NAUTICA is hovering above in vehicle mode while MINERVA hangs on to her. As NAUTICA advances, she zips past the SHARKTICONS and heads towards the center of the dome fortress, where JHIAXUS is engaging both BREAKAWAY and DAYTONUS in combat. BREAKAWAY crashes through the wall. MINERVA looks down.

MINERVA
(pointing to the Judgement Day transmitter)
Nautica!!! Take me to that transmitter!!!

However, before NAUTICA is able to get near the transmitter, she is shot by JHIAXUS.

NAUTICA
(getting hit)
AGH!!! I’m... going... down...

Both MINERVA and NAUTICA fall down. BREAKAWAY stands up and flies towards MINERVA, catching her. DAYTONUS catches NAUTICA before she hits the ground. NAUTICA looks at DAYTONUS.

NAUTICA
(a bit flustered)
C-Cool guy...

DAYTONUS
(keeping his cool, but not hiding his feelings)
Are... are you alright?

NAUTICA
(blushing)
Y-yeah...
(shaking her head and acting natural again)
I mean, yes... thank you.

NAUTICA hops out of DAYTONUS’ arms and then, they hear BREAKAWAY’s voice.

BREAKAWAY
Ummm... guys? We need a bit of help.

We see BREAKAWAY flying around, evading JHIAXUS’ rockets. DAYTONUS charges towards JHIAXUS, punching his leg and causing him to topple backwards. BREAKAWAY lands and gently places MINERVA down. JHIAXUS stands up and glares at the young AUTOBOTS, towering over them all. During all of this, ARCEE and SIREN are blasting away various SHARKTICONS and advancing.

ARCEE
(panting)
We’ve got to keep pressing on... gotta try and help the others.

SIREN
Easier said than done... this is draining a lot of energy out of us.

STRONGARM puts away her machine gun and starts punching SHARKTICONS. This shows that the Autobots are running out of ammo, and soon, they will have no choice but to fight hand-to-hand.

STRONGARM
(somewhat tired)
I... I don’t know how much longer I can last.

SIDE BURN and REV still had some ammo and are firing at the SHARKTICONS. Then, SIDE BURN looks at STRONGARM.

SIDE BURN
I’m gonna take Strongarm outta here!!! She’s running out of Energon!!!

REV
SIDE BURN!!! COME BACK!!!

SIDE BURN grabs STRONGARM and takes her away.

SIDE BURN
(to REV)
I’ll be back in a bit, Rev... I’m taking Strongarm back to Stratosphere.

STRONGARM’s energy levels are dangerously low. Out of all the Autobots, she is the least energy-efficient out of them all. She needs to be recharged every day, and the fact that they are saving Energon to use on the reactivation chamber to bring NIGHTBEAT back is taking a toll on her efficiency.

ARCEE
(looking at SIDE BURN taking STRONGARM away)
Scrap... we’ll have to put Strongarm on life-support when we get back to Earth.

SMOKESCREEN and SIREN both advance and fire intensely at the SHARKTICONS when suddenly, SMOKESCREEN runs out of ammo.

SMOKESCREEN
Great news for ya, jarhead... I’ve run out of ammo.

SIREN
Whaddya mean great news? Ah want you alive so ah can kill ya mahself!!!

WHEELJACK runs in and fires his gyro-inhibitor at the drones, but the second blast doesn’t come out, since the weapon is now out of energy.

WHEELJACK
(frustrated)
BLAST!!!

He decides to risk it and starts jumping around, kicking various SHARKTICONS in the face.

WHEELJACK
(kicking a SHARKTICON in the face)
KIIIIII-YAAAAAAAH!!!

While the Autobots keep engaging the SHARKTICONS in battle, we cut to the center of the fortress, where DAYTONUS, NAUTICA and BREAKAWAY are getting tossed aside by the large and imposing JHIAXUS.

NAUTICA, DAYTONUS, BREAKAWAY
(being thrown aside)
YAAAAAAIIII!!!
WHOOOOAAAAAAAAAA!!!
DAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!

MINERVA tries to run away but is immediately grabbed by JHIAXUS and slammed to the ground.

MINERVA
(being slammed)
AGH!!!

JHIAXUS grabs MINERVA by the head, intent on snapping her neck and killing her.

JHIAXUS
(with a deranged tone)
The last thing you will hear... is the cracking of your vertebrae... ONE BY ONE!!!

JHIAXUS keeps holding onto MINERVA’s head tightly. While MINERVA struggles, she grabs one of her sais and swings it at JHIAXUS, stabbing his right optic.

JHIAXUS
(with pain, clutching his head)
DAAAAAAAAAAIIIIGGHH!!! AAAAAAAGH!!! YAAAAAAAARRRRGH!!!

JHIAXUS takes the sai out of his eye and tosses it aside. The freed MINERVA starts to head towards the Judgement Day Transmitter, but he runs after her. JHIAXUS propels himself into the air, trying to pounce on her, but misses and ends up hitting the ground.

JHIAXUS
(hitting the ground)
AGH!!!

NAUTICA
(encouraging)
GO, MINNIE, GO!!! SHUT DOWN THAT DOOHICKEY!!!

MINERVA presses some buttons, deactivating the transmitter. NAUTICA starts jumping up and down with excitement while DAYTONUS and BREAKAWAY high-five each other.

NAUTICA
(excited)
SHE DID IT!!! SHE SHUT OFF THE MACHINE!!!

JHIAXUS menacingly walks towards MINERVA. Instead of feeling anger, he is actually grinning.

JHIAXUS
(grinning)
Heroic... and utterly futile.
(pointing at the dish)
Behold... the laser has already charged with enough power to obliterate the Earth!!!

The dish is engulfed with energy and is about to fire.

JHIAXUS
(with manic glee)
THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP THE PLANET’S DESTRUCTION!!!

JHIAXUS transforms into vehicle mode. MINERVA tries to grab him, but he flies away at top speed.

JHIAXUS
(flying off, to MINERVA)
YOU HAVE LOST, AUTOBOT!!! LOST!!!

As JHIAXUS flies away, the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

THE DOME FORTRESS – MAIN CENTER

We see MINERVA, BREAKAWAY, DAYTONUS and NAUTICA looking at the fully charged dish. Feelings of failure are weighing down on them.

NAUTICA
(sadly)
We failed…

BREAKAWAY
(pointing at MINERVA)
No, not yet!!!

MINERVA is once again using the transmitter’s console.

NAUTICA
Minnie?!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOIN’!!!

MINERVA
If I can rev up enough juice...

The dish starts short-circuiting just a few milliseconds before it gets a chance to fire the devastating laser.

NAUTICA
(finishing the sentence)
...you can instantly cook the dish!!!

As the dish keeps short-circuiting, we see it melting down into component chips. MINERVA tries to shut down the machine, but the word “OVERLOAD” is flashing on the black monitor in bright red text. The short circuiting of the dish has also caused the ground to split apart, separating MINERVA from the other three Autobots.

MINERVA
IT’S GONNA BLOW!!!

MINERVA runs to the edge of the fault generated by the short-circuiting.

MINERVA
WARN THE OTHERS!!! GET OUTTA HERE!!!

DAYTONUS
And leave ya here? No way!!!

MINERVA
FORGET ME!!! SAVE YOURSELVES!!!

NAUTICA
MINNIE, I’M NOT LEAVING MY BESTIE BEHIND!!!

NAUTICA turns her wrench into a lasso once again, and tosses it, wrapping it around MINERVA’s waist.

NAUTICA
JUMP, MINNIE!!!

MINERVA jumps to the other side, and thanks to NAUTICA pulling the lasso, she is able to land on solid ground. The four Autobots start running off, the fortress begins collapsing around them as they make their escape. The SHARKTICONS and the other Autobots notice the place collapsing.

AUTOBOTS
(with urgency)
WHAT THE?!!!
IT’S GONNA BLOW!!!
LET’S SPLIT!!!

The Autobots are now running away. SMOKESCREEN and WHEELJACK have been drained of their energy, so we see SIREN carrying SMOKESCREEN and REV carrying WHEELJACK on their shoulders. ARCEE is right behind them, making sure that no Autobot fighting the SHARKTICONS has been left behind.

AUTOBOTS
(running off)
FASTER!!!
OUTTA HERE!!!
THE PLACE IS FALLIN’ APART!!!

MINERVA, DAYTONUS, NAUTICA and BREAKAWAY are running right after ARCEE. Once outside, the Autobots are covering their eyes due to the incredibly bright flare brought by the overloading Judgement Day transmitter.

AUTOBOTS
(screaming)
WHAT’S THAT?
I CAN’T SEE?!!!
IT’S BLINDING ME!!!

NAUTICA, MINERVA, BREAKAWAY and DAYTONUS run in and dive to the ground.

NAUTICA
(desperately)
HIT THE DIRT!!!

The dome fortress explodes, getting completely obliterated. Nothing remains of the fortress. The SHARKTICONS inside had been totally pulverized by the blast. The Autobots stand up and look with relief once they see the destroyed fortress.

SIREN
(sighing with relief)
We did it.

NAUTICA
(with excitement)
AWRIGHT!!!

Both MINERVA and NAUTICA start happily square dancing and jumping happily.

MINERVA
YEAH, WE DID IT, WE BEAT ‘EM!!!

NAUTICA
YEAH, GIRL!!! WE BEAT ‘EM GOOD!!!

DAYTONUS, BREAKAWAY and REV start high-fiving each other while ARCEE shakes hands with SIREN.

ARCEE
I can’t believe we managed to survive this.

SIREN
Well... at least Rodimus will be relieved thayut we won.

Suddenly, SIDE BURN drives in after leaving STRONGARM with STRATOSPHERE.

SIDE BURN
Hey... why are you all out here? Don’t tell me the fight is over!

REV
(with a taunting tone)
Yeah... and no thanks to you.

SIDE BURN
(frustrated, transforming into robot mode)
Dawwww... and I came back like I said I would and everything!!!

SIREN
Well, at least you can still be of help.

SIREN hands SMOKESCREEN over to SIDE BURN. SIDE BURN looks at us, frustrated.

SIDE BURN
(to us)
Since when did I become a Rescue Bot?

SIDE BURN hoists SMOKESCREEN over his shoulder and heads back to STRATOSPHERE. All the other Autobots head back to STRATOSPHERE. Once inside, ARCEE closes the hatch.

ARCEE
Alright, bots... are you ready to go back home?

AUTOBOTS
(in unison)
YES!!!

NAUTICA
YAY!!! Let’s blow this Popsicle stand!!!

ARCEE
You heard them, Stratosphere. You can take off.

STRATOSPHERE’s thrusters activate and he takes off immediately. However, as he takes off, there is a satellite recording this. The footage is being sent to an unknown location. We see that this is quite a dark place and an obscured figure is watching all the footage. Then, we manage to see the figure watching this. His head seems to look like the Decepticon symbol. He is a very imposing robot as well. He raises his arms and flexes them as he angrily witnesses this.

MEGATRONUS
(angry)
This is far from over!!!

We pan out from this mysterious character, and as we pan out, we fade to black.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

THE TRANSFORMERS: REGENERATION ONE
“Desperate Measures”

CAST LIST (speaking parts only)

AUTOBOTS:
Rodimus Prime - Dick Gautier
Nightbeat - Raymond Burr
Arcee - Sue Blu
Bumblebee - Dan Gilvezan
Minerva - Janet Waldo
Drift - Pete Renaday
Wreck-Gar - Tony Pope
Nautica - Stacy Haiduk
Daytonus - Henry Winkler
Breakaway - Jerry Houser
Siren - Bill Callaway
Hosehead - Mason Adams
Side Burn - Ronnie Schell
Rev - Mark L. Taylor

DECEPTICONS:
Shockwave - Corey Burton
Runabout - Roger Behr
Runamuck - Roger Behr
Thunderhoof - Michael Rye
Knock Out - Michael Rye
Quake - Desi Arnaz, Jr.
Deluge - Earl Boen
Blitzwing - Ed Gilbert

ACT ONE

FADE IN

DECEPTICON SHIP – THRONE ROOM

DELUGE walks into the throne room to report to SHOCKWAVE. SHOCKWAVE sits imposingly on the throne, coldly staring at his second-in-command. DELUGE bows his head.

SHOCKWAVE
Report, Deluge.

DELUGE
(with a grin)
Ve have rrecieved news frrom the spy satellite that confirms the inforrmation Starscream gave us. The Autobots vent on a mission that diminished theirr numberrs. Ve hearrd that fourr of them arre on life supporrt modules to keep them frrom depleting theirr entirre Energon rreserrves.

SHOCKWAVE
Excellent. Now is the time to strike. Assemble the Decepticons, immediately. The Autobots will cease to be a problem from now on.

As SHOCKWAVE rises up from his throne, we transition to the repair bay of the Autobot base, where we see four life support chambers. One of them is much larger than the others. In the chambers, we can see STRONGARM, SMOKESCREEN, WHEELJACK and, in the largest one, STRATOSPHERE. They are all in a state of suspended animation in order to prevent a total loss of energy. The last mission was very taxing on them. STRONGARM, SMOKESCREEN and WHEELJACK had to get physical during the battle and due to the amount of SHARKTICONS they were up against, their Energon levels dropped down to a dangerously low level. STRATOSPHERE was benched from the whole battle, and even still, the trip to Planet Z and back to Earth were enough to leave him completely drained. As they lay in the chambers, DRIFT, SIREN, BUMBLEBEE and HOSEHEAD watch over them while ARCEE is with MINERVA.

ARCEE
Minerva... I know it’s risky since his body has just been reassembled and the reactivation chamber has the last of our weekly Energon reserves, but you must reactivate Nightbeat immediately. Who knows what the Decepticons might try once they find out that a few of us are out of commission?

MINERVA
I... I dunno if I can risk it... I... I managed to rebuild his body, but I’m really worried that the reanimation beam might destroy him once it hits him. At best, he could be revived without any major changes aside from possibly a few differences in his personality. At worst... his body would disintegrate as soon as the beam hits him.

ARCEE
I hate this uncertainty as much as you do, Minerva... but we have to take desperate measures in case the ‘Cons try anything against us in our most vulnerable moment.

MINERVA turns around and thinks about it for a bit. Then, she turns towards ARCEE, her expression still reluctant, but knowing that she has no choice.

MINERVA
(reluctantly)
Alright... I’ll do it.

ARCEE looks at MINERVA and pats her shoulder, understanding how hard it has been for her during these last few months. After MINERVA and ARCEE have made the fateful decision to try the reactivation process, we go to NAUTICA, who is heading for RODIMUS’ quarters. Last time she saw him, RODIMUS was depressed and feeling worthless. She opens the door to his room and sees RODIMUS sitting there, looking as miserable as the last time she saw him. She takes a deep breath and walks in.

NAUTICA
(walking in)
Hey... I thought you might need some help.

RODIMUS
(depressed)
Why would you want to help me?

NAUTICA
(softly)
Believe it or not... all the other guys are very concerned... they don’t want to see you like this. You’re the one in charge, after all. If the head honcho feels down, imagine how they must feel…

There is a bit of silence before NAUTICA speaks up again.

NAUTICA
Besides... I know how it is to be... alone.

She remembers the destruction of Caminus and the fear and loneliness she felt while travelling through space after losing her family. RODIMUS looks at her and notices that she is tearing up. NAUTICA looks at the troubled bot and she seems genuinely sad.

NAUTICA
(her voice cracking as she speaks)
I am afraid and insecure right now, too... as much as you must be. I might seem happy whenever I go out into the battlefield, but in reality, I’m hurting real bad deep down. All of the Autobots here are... in a way. Minnie lost a relative when we graduated, Drift lost his wife and his daughter wouldn’t talk to him for a long time, and I... I saw my parents and sister die in front of my eyes while Protoform X just laughed at all the destruction he caused. You could say my life ended that day... but why am I still here? Because I found a new group that I can call family. You, Rodimus... you are so similar to my dad. He cared for his family a whole lot, yet you’re also different from him. I can tell that something is troubling you deep down. Heck, even Varia saw that you were not happy with yourself. We can all relate to that... there are always points in life where you feel like you don’t bring anything good to it, but you will find out that in the end, you are important to everyone around you.

NAUTICA sees RODIMUS tearing up as she speaks. RODIMUS doesn’t even know what to say. He wants to speak, but he can’t find the right words. NAUTICA notices this and hugs him tightly. RODIMUS cries on her shoulder, hugging her back. This relentless, violent warrior is like a child, lost in the streets and asking for help. NAUTICA can relate to that, the only difference is that she has managed to find help, but RODIMUS has not. Ever since he was a small sparkling, he has always been on his own. NAUTICA just lets him grieve, being quite understanding and mature, which isn’t a side that she has shown a lot of the time. She looks at RODIMUS.

NAUTICA
I... I know you don’t like talking that much, but remember... if there’s anything you need to get off of your chest... every Autobot here will help you. They all have lost something and felt miserable at some point in their lives, so they can relate to you a lot more than you even realize.

NAUTICA pats RODIMUS’ cheek and stands up, wiping her own tears as she walks out of the room. Then, we go back to the Autobots in the repair bay looking over their deactivated comrades.

BUMBLEBEE
It’s just so... eerie to see them like this.

DRIFT
Indeed... but at least they will be safe in there.

HOSEHEAD
I hope you’re right, sensei.

SIREN looks at SMOKESCREEN’s chamber silently. The others notice this. They know SMOKESCREEN and SIREN have disagreed and bickered with each other a whole lot, but now, they see that there is more to their bickering than meets the eye. SIREN tears up a bit as he sees his old friend there, unconscious.

SIREN
(his voice cracking)
Ya dumb idiot... ya shouldn’t be in theah. Yer tougher than thayut. Ya should be out heah, arguing with me lahk we always do... whah didja have ta deplete ya Energon lahk thayut?

SIREN almost collapses, but HOSEHEAD and DRIFT catch him, breaking his fall.

SIREN
(sadly)
Sorreh... ahm sorreh.

SIREN slowly walks out of the repair bay with his head down, showing vulnerability to the others for the first time in his life. BUMBLEBEE and HOSEHEAD look at him with rather saddened expressions.

BUMBLEBEE
Gosh... I’ve never seen the Sarge like this.

DRIFT
Never judge a book by its cover. Sometimes, even the strongest of people can be vulnerable.

HOSEHEAD
I guess they’ve managed to hit the Sarge right where it hurts.

DRIFT
Smokescreen and Siren met a long time ago on Cybertron. They served together and argued with each other ever since then, but deep down, they have an unwavering respect for one another that was enough to land them a position in the Elite Guard. But after the Guard started pursuing people with ties to other factions, they defected from the group, alongside an old friend... Thunder Clash.

HOSEHEAD
Roddy’s father?

DRIFT
Yes... they actually were very close. And until recently, they never even knew that they were allied with Thunder Clash’s son. After all, they had never seen the child after he was hatched. If they had, they certainly would have recognized him in his later years.

BUMBLEBEE and HOSEHEAD look at each other.

BUMBLEBEE
We... we never realized it was like that. All we thought when we saw the Sarge and Smokescreen arguing was that they were the bitterest of enemies.

DRIFT
They aren’t enemies... just opposites. The reason for their constant arguments is because of their clashing lifestyles. Smokescreen is more of a conman who plays by his own rules, Siren is proper and always wants respect and order in everything. But despite their differences, they have managed to stay close all these years, which is why it is so hard for them now.

While the two young Autobots are listening to the sagely martial arts expert, MINERVA starts setting up the reactivation chamber. She takes some cables from the chamber and connects them to the console. She starts pressing buttons on the console.

MINERVA
Okay, it’s all set... now to reroute all the Energon into the chamber.

ARCEE
(nodding, still sounding rather reluctant)
Do it.

ARCEE knows that this Energon is the weekly supply for every single Autobot, which means that the four Autobot troopers on life support will be inactive for the rest of the week. The risk is already high, they don’t know if this will work, and if it doesn’t, not only will they have wasted the weekly Energon of their inactive comrades and their own, but they can easily be slaughtered by the Decepticons if they get attacked.

ARCEE
(doubtful)
If this doesn’t work... I only have myself to blame.

MINERVA
Don’t... everyone consented to giving their weekly Energon reserves to activate this machine. My only prayer is that... we don’t have to use it ever again after this.

MINERVA presses the start button and the machine starts powering up.

MINERVA
There... I did it... now we can only hope that our luck has finally turned around.

ARCEE clasps her hands together and starts praying.

TRANSITION TO

DECEPTICON SHIP – THRONE ROOM

The DECEPTICONS are listening to SHOCKWAVE delivering a speech. The audience is composed of STARSCREAM, the Battlechargers, THUNDERHOOF, KNOCK OUT, TANKOR, SKY-BYTE, QUAKE, DELUGE, BLITZWING and the Vehicons.

SHOCKWAVE
My fellow Decepticons, we are finally about to write a new chapter in the history of Cybertron. We shall finally be able to accomplish our goal of total domination over Earth’s resources. Our logical destiny... is at hand.

THUNDERHOOF, RUNABOUT, DELUGE, QUAKE
(in unison)
ALL HAIL SHOCKWAVE!!!
ALL HAIL SHOCKWAVE!!!
ALL HAIL SHOCKWAVE!!!
ALL HAIL SHOCKWAVE!!!

SHOCKWAVE
Now, let us go into battle and get rid of these illogical nuisances so that our rule may finally start. The New Age of Cybertron begins today!!!

The Decepticons cheer and applaud once SHOCKWAVE finishes his speech. They are excited to finally get the chance to gain total victory over the Autobots.

RUNAMUCK, KNOCK OUT, BLITZWING, QUAKE
(with excitement)
AW, YEH, SON!!! WE IS GON’ BE THA WINNERS!!!
ABOUT FRAGGIN’ TIME!!!
FOR GLORY!!!
TIME TO SHOW ‘EM WHAT WE’RE MADE OF!!!

The Decepticons head out to the Autobot base.

TRANSITION TO

THE AUTOBOT BASE – ENTRANCE

BREAKAWAY and DAYTONUS are standing guard at the entrance. They are bored out of their minds. BREAKAWAY yawns while standing there.

BREAKAWAY
(yawning)
Man, this is so boring.

DAYTONUS
Yeh, but we have ta make shooh da ‘cons don’t come here.

NAUTICA walks in.

NAUTICA
Hey... cool guy? I... I need to talk to you.

DAYTONUS turns towards her.

DAYTONUS
Yeh? What is it?

There is a brief pause before NAUTICA speaks up.

NAUTICA
Well... I just... I wanted to thank you... for saving my life. It was the bravest thing anyone has ever done for me.

DAYTONUS
Oh, it wus nuttin’... just doin’ what had ta be done.

NAUTICA and DAYTONUS both look at each other and smile. BREAKAWAY looks at this and then rolls his eyes. He clears his throat afterwards.

BREAKAWAY
(clearing his throat)
Ahem!!!

DAYTONUS and NAUTICA turn towards him.

NAUTICA
Oh... Breakaway. Sorry...

BREAKAWAY
(with a cool tone)
It’s alright. I’m used to being neglected.

Then, the three youngsters hear vehicle motors going off. They look out the window and see the source: the Decepticons have taken advantage of this situation and are heading towards the Autobot base.

NAUTICA
Wow. This is such a bummer.

The Decepticons head at top speed towards the Autobot base as the screen immediately goes to black.

END OF ACT ONE

ACT TWO

FADE IN

AUTOBOT BASE – INTERIOR

NAUTICA runs into the corridor and presses a big red button, which activates the alarm. As the alarm is blaring, the remaining Autobots start running around and heading outside. The Autobots yell and mutter as they load their weapons. ARCEE and MINERVA stay inside to oversee NIGHTBEAT’s reactivation. WRECK-GAR transforms into motorcycle mode and REV hops on.

WRECK-GAR
(imitating JOHN WAYNE)
Let’s go, pilgrim!!!

WRECK-GAR rolls out at top speed while REV hangs on tightly, his body flailing everywhere.

REV
(hanging on)
WHOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

NAUTICA runs outside of the base and turns her wrench into a machine gun. She fires the machine gun at the approaching Decepticons. RODIMUS also comes out of the base and fires at the Decepticons.

RODIMUS
(angry)
YOU WON’T HARM MY PEOPLE, NOT WHILE I’M STILL ALIVE!!!

RODIMUS angrily keeps firing at the Decepticons. SHOCKWAVE flies in and fires at RODIMUS.

SHOCKWAVE
(firing at RODIMUS)
Then prepare for your destruction.

RODIMUS jumps aside as he fires at SHOCKWAVE. NAUTICA also fires at SHOCKWAVE.

SHOCKWAVE
(annoyed by NAUTICA’s blasts)
STARSCREAM, BLITZWING!!! Get that pesky brat!!!

BLITZWING
As you command, Shockwave.

BLITZWING and STARSCREAM begin to pursue NAUTICA, who fires back at them while running ahead. She manages to land a hit on STARSCREAM, who immediately crashes down after the blast hits him.

BLITZWING
You won’t stop me that easily, you brat!!!

BLITZWING fires at NAUTICA, hitting her in the abdomen.

NAUTICA
(getting hit)
DAAAIIIIGH!!!

NAUTICA keeps firing at BLITZWING, but oil is leaking out of her abdomen. While this happens, we manage to get a glimpse of DRIFT clashing swords with SKY-BYTE. THUNDERHOOF, KNOCK OUT and QUAKE advance towards SIDE BURN, SIREN and BUMBLEBEE.

KNOCK OUT
(with a grin)
Well, now... this is gonna be easy.

QUAKE
(grinning)
Very, very easy...

SIDE BURN
Yeah, for us.

SIDE BURN grabs KNOCK OUT and slams his head into the ground, SIREN starts fighting with THUNDERHOOF and BUMBLEBEE climbs on top of QUAKE and starts bopping his head with his fists like a conga drum. Then we focus on DELUGE, who is driving towards WRECK-GAR and REV. REV is firing at DELUGE.

REV
(ticked)
This guy is one of the reasons why I hate science.

WRECK-GAR
(with a rather dumb voice)
Hate makes stupid. AHUH-HUH (snort) AHUH-HUH (snort) AHUH-HUH!!!

REV
(ticked)
Shut up and drive.

WRECK-GAR keeps driving ahead while REV fires at DELUGE.

DELUGE
You vill be exterminated, you pesky Autobots!!!

Both DAYTONUS and HOSEHEAD drive past REV and WRECK-GAR, heading for DELUGE.

DAYTONUS, HOSEHEAD
(in unison)
STEALTH FORCE, ENGAGE!!!

DAYTONUS and HOSEHEAD start transforming into their Stealth Force modes. Panels open to reveal guns and launchers coming out of their vehicle modes, and the tires are now positioned in a way to make their vehicle modes more maneuverable and allow them to improve their aim. DELUGE transforms into robot mode and tries to attack, but HOSEHEAD and DAYTONUS open fire and hit DELUGE, who falls down as a result of the impact. Meanwhile, RODIMUS is violently engaging SHOCKWAVE in combat.

SHOCKWAVE
Give up, Rodimus. Your existence is illogical.

RODIMUS
(angry)
SHUT UP!!! I’M SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR LOGIC!!! SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR ONE EYED FACE!!! SICK AND TIRED OF YOU!!!

RODIMUS angrily punches SHOCKWAVE in the gut, but SHOCKWAVE just grabs him and tosses him aside effortlessly. RODIMUS lands on his back.

RODIMUS
(landing)
AAAGH!!!

SHOCKWAVE grabs RODIMUS by the neck and raises him in the air, the logic driven Decepticon starts strangling him.

SHOCKWAVE
At long last, Rodimus... I shall bring an end to your miserable and illogical existence.

SIDE BURN lands on top of SIREN after being tossed by THUNDERHOOF while QUAKE gets the better of BUMBLEBEE and is now holding him up by the back of his neck. BUMBLEBEE swings his arms around to try and land a punch on QUAKE.

BUMBLEBEE
Lemme go, you big bully!!!

QUAKE
Silence, chiquito.

KNOCK OUT
(grinning)
Well now... looks like ol’ one-eye was right. This really was the right time. Soon we’ll have total victory over the ‘bots.

As QUAKE keeps BUMBLEBEE at bay, BLITZWING is grabbing hold of NAUTICA.

NAUTICA
I’M GONNA GET YA FOR THIS, YA TRIPLE CHANGING BUM!!!

While all this happens, ARCEE and MINERVA are inside, checking on the Energon levels.

MINERVA
We’ve almost used up all our energy.

ARCEE looks at this nervously, she hopes they’ll be done with this as soon as possible.

ARCEE
(on edge)
C’mon... c’mon... our guys are fighting out there, and they might lose all their energy in battle!!!

Then, the last bit of Energon goes into the chamber, a purple laser fires and powers NIGHTBEAT’s body. MINERVA crosses her fingers as she looks at this. But then, she sees a red light flashing on the console.

MINERVA
(worried)
The machine is overloading... we gotta end the process fast before it explodes!!!

ARCEE
Keep it online... we’re so close to fully rejuvenating him. Just remain calm and wait a little bit longer…

The machine starts overheating as the laser continues recharging NIGHTBEAT, and then, it starts smoking. Small flames can be seen burning away at the machine. As it does, ARCEE notices NIGHTBEAT’s hand is moving.

ARCEE
MINERVA!!! NOW!!!

MINERVA shuts down the machine and the laser is turned off, but the console immediately explodes and the screen fades to black.

END OF ACT TWO

ACT THREE

FADE IN

AUTOBOT BASE – EXTERIOR

NAUTICA falls to the ground and then we pan around and we see that most of the Autobots are badly damaged. RODIMUS is conscious, but he is being strangled by SHOCKWAVE. Then, DAYTONUS and HOSEHEAD head out to aid RODIMUS.

HOSEHEAD
Don’t worry, Roddy!!! Help is on the way!!!

BLITZWING instantly transforms into tank mode and fires at the two Autobots, knocking them back. BREAKAWAY flies in and fires at BLITZWING. TANKOR aims his shoulder cannon at BREAKAWAY and blasts him out of the sky. SHOCKWAVE takes a quick glance at this and then looks back at RODIMUS.

SHOCKWAVE
You see, Rodimus? Your Autobots are doomed... they will not be able to stop my rightful rule of Cybertron once I end you.

Suddenly, SHOCKWAVE is blasted by a triple-burst plasma shot, the noise it makes sounds rather familiar to us.

SHOCKWAVE
(being hit)
AAAAAAGH!!!

SHOCKWAVE drops RODIMUS and falls to the ground. The Decepticons look at the source of this blast. We immediately cut to a hand holding a smoking plasma cannon and twirling it. The Decepticons recognize the ‘bot holding the weapon.

THUNDERHOOF
(with disbelief)
No...

KNOCK OUT
(gulp)

QUAKE
(scared)
AYAYAYYYYYYYY!!!

RUNABOUT, RUNAMUCK
(in unison)
WE IS SCRAPPED!!!

DELUGE
This isn’t going to end well.

BLITZWING
(confused as to why everyone is scared of this ‘bot)
What? Who is that guy?

Then, we cut to a close up of the ‘bot holding the gun and zoom out, finally revealing to us who it is. NIGHTBEAT has returned, and he doesn’t look too happy. As he stands at the top of a hill, his voice booms as he speaks with authority.

NIGHTBEAT
(with an imposing tone)
Decepticons... leave my friends alone or die.

STARSCREAM runs in, his left arm in a sling after being blasted by NAUTICA. He aims the null ray in his right hand at NIGHTBEAT. NIGHTBEAT swiftly shoots STARSCREAM down, which causes him to fall down immediately.

KNOCK OUT
(yelling effeminately)
AAAAAGH!!! SAVE ME!!!

He jumps in QUAKE’s arms, but QUAKE immediately drops him. THUNDERHOOF walks in and, at the same time; both he and QUAKE draw their weapons and fire at NIGHTBEAT. NIGHTBEAT simply evades the blasts and fires back at the two. THUNDERHOOF is hit first and falls down. QUAKE is hit right after that and falls to pieces.

QUAKE
(falling to pieces)
AY, CARAMBAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

When QUAKE falls to pieces, NIGHTBEAT keeps advancing towards the rest of the Decepticons. RUNABOUT and RUNAMUCK are trying to blast him to oblivion, but their weapons don’t seem to have any effect on the angered Autobot detective.

NIGHTBEAT
(with a menacing tone)
Bad move, you stinking punks.

RUNABOUT
We is scrap!!!

NIGHTBEAT grabs both of the Battlechargers and bashes their heads together. DELUGE tries to use his wrist blade against NIGHTBEAT, but the detective just backhands him in the face.

DELUGE
(getting backhanded)
DAAUGH!!!

SKY-BYTE and TANKOR also try to make a last ditch attempt to fire at NIGHTBEAT, but the experienced Autobot fires back at them, managing to take them down easily. BLITZWING draws his sword and tries to slice NIGHTBEAT with it. Of course, NIGHTBEAT has never seen this Decepticon before, as BLITZWING first came to Earth while he was deactivated. However, the fact that he is a Decepticon means that he has to be stopped. NIGHTBEAT grabs BLITZWING by the turret sticking out from the back of his head and slams him to the ground.

NIGHTBEAT
New member, same old incompetence.

Then, the Vehicon Drones start firing at the revived Autobot, who turns to face them and glares daggers at them, looking extremely annoyed as he was fired at.

NIGHTBEAT
You guys have no respect for your elders, do you?

NIGHTBEAT opens fire and an endless maelstrom of triple-burst shots end up destroying drone after drone. SHOCKWAVE stands up and sees this. He clutches his head. He is so close to total victory and yet, this lone Autobot has managed to ruin his perfectly laid out plans and has turned the tide in the Autobots’ favor.

SHOCKWAVE
You annoying worm. You shall pay for this!!!

SHOCKWAVE charges towards NIGHTBEAT, who just stands there and grabs him with ease.

NIGHTBEAT
Sorry, eye face, but we already paid at the office.

NIGHTBEAT tosses SHOCKWAVE into the distance. SHOCKWAVE flies off and KNOCK OUT looks at this with fear. He turns around and sees NIGHTBEAT standing there.

NIGHTBEAT
Your turn, biology boy.

KNOCK OUT
(scared)
Listen, pal... I... I’m gone... I’m gone.

KNOCK OUT runs away, yelling effeminately. NIGHTBEAT grins at this. The wounded Decepticons get back up as SHOCKWAVE gives out the fateful order.

SHOCKWAVE
Initiate strategic withdrawal!!!

The Decepticons limp away. NIGHTBEAT helps RODIMUS up. RODIMUS looks at him.

RODIMUS
You don’t know how glad I am to see your ugly mug again.

NIGHTBEAT
(grinning)
Believe me, it’s great to be back.

MINERVA and ARCEE come out of the base, all covered in soot. MINERVA runs towards NIGHTBEAT. They both hug and kiss each other.

ARCEE
We managed to revive him before the console blew up. At last, after all these moments of misfortune, we finally received our reward in the end.

RODIMUS
Did we?

ARCEE looks at him and sighs. He knows that she has grown to fear his unpredictability. She just walks back to the base, a sad expression drawn on her face. RODIMUS sighs sadly. He wishes he was the same man she once loved, but with all the past nightmares, it seems like their relationship will never be fixed. While this is going on, NIGHTBEAT releases the kiss and smiles at MINERVA.

NIGHTBEAT
It’s so nice to see your pretty face again.

MINERVA smiles and blushes. NIGHTBEAT kisses her cheek, then turns around and walks away. The other Autobots stand up and greet them. NIGHTBEAT shakes hands with all of them.

SIDE BURN
Nice to see ya again, ‘Beat.

SIREN
Welcome back, second-in-command.

NIGHTBEAT
Great to see you again, guys.

NAUTICA walks towards MINERVA and pats her back, happy that she got her loved one back. Once he finishes his reunion with the other Autobots, NIGHTBEAT heads off. While he walks off, we see a surviving JET DRONE aiming a sniper rifle at NIGHTBEAT. Then, we cut to the inside of the rifle’s gun barrel, following NIGHTBEAT as he walks to the side. NIGHTBEAT instantly turns around and fires at the drone. The screen is covered in a purplish-blue liquid while NIGHTBEAT stands still as DURAN DURAN’s “A View to a Kill” starts playing. The credits roll as the theme plays. When the credits and theme end, the screen fades to black.

THE END

END OF ACT THREE

 

[VintageToonFan]

Aaaaand, it's a wrap.

Again, I hope to hear from you, which stories did you like most during this season, which were your favorite characters and your favorite moments in each story.

Stay tuned for season four.