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Next Episode: The Storm Renewed, Part II
TEASER
FADE IN:
SUBTITLE: A.D. 2029
EXT. SPACE - DEVORON STATION
A space platform in the distant Devoron star system, run by
humanity's Earth Defense Command, is seen glittering in
space. It has a certain aesthetic beauty to it, glistening
in the darkness and vastness of space, but nevertheless
armed with several mounted turrets and surrounded by a
number of small fighter/shuttles.
We zoom in on one of those small ships, Delta Two, as it
maneuvers about the station in a defense pattern.
CONNORS (COMM VOICE)
Delta Two, do you copy?
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
We see the cockpit of Delta Two, piloted by Maxwell Reese,
a young, handsome, 22-year-old 2nd Lieutenant in the EDC.
REESE
Roger Devoron Station, this is
Delta Two. Moving into first
perimeter sweep, two four one mark
nine.
CONNORS (COMM VOICE)
Reese, we have some strange
readings coming out of the warp
gate at three oh six mark two. No
flights plans have been filed in
that sector... check it out and
see what's going on up there.
REESE
Copy, home base. Moving to three
oh six mark two.
EXT. SPACE - DELTA TWO
We see Delta Two STREAK away from its holding pattern
around the platform towards an empty region of space.
Suddenly, the space begins GLOWING and the warp gate BURSTS
open.
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
Through the cockpit window, from Reese's POV, we can see a
gigantic form EMERGING from the shimmering gate. Reese
turns the ship and, as he moves up, sees the shadow come
out into focus... the waist... the chest... and finally the
face of the giant, the Decepticon Galvatron.
REESE
My god.
(beat)
Delta Two to base! Delta Two to
base! Decepticon invasion!
Repeat, Decepticon --
He is cut off.
EXT. SPACE
A longer view... we now see that a Decepticon warship,
dwarfing the EDC vessels around it, has EMERGED from a warp
gate. Out of its open door, various Decepticons are
SPILLING out. Behind Galvatron are Cyclonus, Scourge,
Sixshot, the Combaticons, and various other Decepticons.
We can see the EDC platform mobilizing its ships and FIRING
its laser turrets and missiles to attack the Decepticon
invaders, but their attacks prove ineffective. They are
hopelessly outmatched as the Decepticons attack.
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
Reese realizes that the battle is hopeless. He pulls his
shuttle away from the fight, hoping to retreat and warn EDC
reinforcements of the attack. Through his window, we can
see the BURSTS of explosions from the battle. He cannot
see the final destruction of the station, but he feels its
explosive FLASH illuminate his face; he closes his eyes to
say a silent prayer and is gone.
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
-------------------------------------------------------
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
SUBTITLE: TWO DAYS EARLIER
EXT. SPACE - DEVORON STATION
We see the small fleet of ships around the Devoron Station,
and follow Delta Two as it ZOOMS across space from the
station towards one of the dry red planets in the system.
CONNORS (COMM VOICE)
Delta Two, do you copy?
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
REESE
This is Delta Two. Flight pattern
established, on course two niner
to Devoron Seven.
CONNORS (COMM VOICE)
Roger that, Delta Two.
REESE
(breaking formality)
So, Connors, are you going to tell
me what this is all about?
INT. DEVORON STATION
We see the hustle and bustle of a large space base, with
various uniformed EDC personnel at consoles, walking
through halls, passing reports... it's your everyday
futuristic military outpost. Connors is sitting at a
console talking to Reese via viewscreen.
CONNORS
Couldn't say, Reese. All I heard
is that Dr. Pilar and the science
team are all excited about some
new finding on the planet and that
they need to give Colonel
Faireborn an immediate sit-rep, in
person.
REESE (COMM VOICE)
And because of this I get stuck
with ferry duty? This had better
be some find.
CONNORS
Well, be sure to tell me all about
it when you get back.
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
REESE
(laughing)
As long as Faireborn doesn't stamp
it classified.
(notices beeps on his
console)
Entering atmosphere. Establishing
landing pattern.
CONNORS (COMM VOICE)
Roger that.
REESE
I'll talk to you when I get back.
Delta Two out.
EXT. SPACE - DEVORON SEVEN
Delta Two approaches the red planet. The surface is dusty
and arid, rocky, with jagged cliffs and rocky terrain.
There is a small base built on the surface, along with a
landing pad, and Delta Two sets down. The side opens and
Reese gets out. The scientist Pilar and her two associates
also in full space suit, runs out to meet him.
REESE
Lieutenant Maxwell Reese, Earth
Defense Command, to ferry you back
to Devoron Station.
PILAR
Dr. Sandra Pilar. My associates,
Reg Watley and David Randolph.
REESE
Heard you had quite a find down
here.
PILAR
You could say that.
Reese and the scientists reenter Delta Two and the ship
lifts off.
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
PILAR
Head two two seven, northeast
sector. I'm assuming this craft
has subterranean maneuvering
capability?
REESE
(smiles)
Not to mention the best pilot in
the EDC.
Pilar sits impassively.
REESE
Okay...
PILAR
(points to a cave)
Take us in over there.
EXT. DEVORON SEVEN
The ship flies into a cave. Inside the dark cave, the
passages become long and winding, but the ship cleverly
maneuvers in and out of the passageways, obviously at the
hands of a real pro.
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
PILAR
Here we are.
From the ship's POV, we see its lights ILLUMINATE the base
of a large sealed metal gateway, clearly a technological
intrusion on the native rock, and one beyond human
standards. The lights slowly MOVE up to illuminate the
rest of the arch -- it must be a hundred feet tall --
finally stopping at the top. At its apex, the gate has a
face etched into its surface: the ominous skull-face of a
Quintesson.
REESE
What is it?
PILAR
No one's sure yet. None of our
sensors can penetrate it. It
appears to be some sort of
technology beyond our
comprehension. We're hoping to
get a larger science contingent
down here to study it.
EXT. DEVORON SEVEN
Delta Two emerges from the cave and flies up towards the
atmosphere.
EXT. SPACE
Delta Two leaves the planet's surface and FLIES back to
Devoron Station. As it docks, we see Devoron Station,
glittering in its glory, as we...
DISSOLVE TO:
... the present. We are still focused on Devoron Station,
but it is now a burned-out husk. Suddenly, jarringly, the
Decepticon flagship -- the Relentless -- FLIES in front of
us, domineering the landscape.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
-------------------------------------------------------
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
EXT. SPACE - RELENTLESS
The Relentless circles the remains of Devoron Station.
INT. RELENTLESS - BRIDGE
We see the Deception army here, attending to various
stations in the ship. Galvatron sits in the center command
chair, flanked by his lieutenants Cyclonus and Scourge.
Sitting in front, piloting the ship, are Soundwave and
Scapper; other Decepticons, such as Blitzwing and Sixshot,
are scattered throughout the ship.
GALVATRON
This was almost too easy, Scourge!
SCOURGE
Yes, mighty Galvatron.
(beat)
They were only human. And Prime
is still unaware of our recent
maneuvers.
CYCLONUS
As long as there is peace and
tranquility on Cybertron and
Earth, Optimus Prime and the
Autobots haven't concerned
themselves with tracking the
movements of our Decepticon fleet.
GALVATRON
Prime is a fool! And it will be a
mistake he will live to regret!
(beat)
But just barely!
SOUNDWAVE
Devoron system secure. Holding
position.
SIXSHOT
We should crush the humans, not
wait in this dusty little system.
Attack Earth and destroy it!
GALVATRON
Patience, Sixshot, patience. Why
settle for one planet when you can
have them all?
BLITZWING
Assuming your plan, whatever it
is, comes to pass. Optimus Prime
will learn of this soon, and we've
committed too many forces to this
to --
GALVATRON
You doubt too much, Blitzwing!
When our "allies" arrive, all will
be revealed. The Decepticons will
once again be masters of the
galaxy!
(with double meaning)
Now and forever, for all time!
(laughs maniacally)
INT. PROXIMA STATION - COMMANDER'S OFFICE
FAIREBORN
Decepticons. I hoped I would
never see them again.
The voice belongs to Colonel Marissa Faireborn, the red-
headed 47-year-old commanding officer of the EDC Proxima
Station outpost, who is sitting at her desk. Behind her
stands her XO, Lieutenant Colonel Warren Edwards.
EDWARDS
Two decades since the last
Cybertronian left the Earth
system, and now it comes down to
this.
On Faireborn's desk is a computer, whose monitor shows
Reese, disheveled, via viewscreen.
REESE
The Decepticons decimated Delta
Outpost, sir. We never stood a
chance.
FAIREBORN
Well, if they're making a full-
scale attack on Earth, they have
to come through us first, and
Proxima Station has a bit more
bite. With any luck, Delta
Outpost might have bought us some
time.
(beat)
We're readying our attack
squadrons. Rendezvous at Proxima
Station, Lieutenant. Faireborn
out.
EDWARDS
The Decepticons won't be far
behind.
He reaches into his pocket and half withdraws a disk,
marked clearly with the red Autobot logo.
EDWARDS
(quietly)
We may need help.
FAIREBORN
No. I'm not dragging humanity
back into the grip of those
robotic menaces. We've had twenty
years to prepare for this day.
It's time to show those metal
monsters that humanity isn't the
helpless target that they always
thought we were.
(presses a button on her desk
to activate loudspeaker)
Attention all personnel. We are
in a code red emergency. Repeat,
we are in a code red. Shields up,
ready all defenses, launch all
fighters.
(releases button)
I suppose we should be thankful
it's taken this long. Over twenty
years without one incident.
(with grim belief in the
triumph of the human spirit)
In a way, I welcome a chance to
show the Decepticons how far we've
come since then.
EXT. SPACE - PROXIMA STATION
Proxima Station is a far larger and more heavily armed
beast than Delta Outpost. We see various close-ups of
turrets and weapons platforms EMERGING from the station, as
well as a number fighters MOVING into formation in front of
it, along with several large capital ships (which hold
fighters and therefore dwarf them) MOVING into position.
A warp gate BURSTS open and Delta Two EMERGES from it,
MOVING towards the station. It FLIES towards the large
fleet, turns, and joins the front, as the fleet flies
towards the warp gate itself. We see the EDC fleet,
unified, FLYING onward as they disappear into the bright
BURST of the warp gate to meet their invaders.
EXT. SPACE
The warp gate BURSTS open at its other end in the Devoron
system and the EDC forces appear. The gate doesn't open up
directly near the station, so the fleet has time to
MANEUVER into attack formations and fighter groups before
it reaches the Decepticon invaders.
INT. RELENTLESS - BRIDGE
SOUNDWAVE
Alert. Alert. Incoming fleet of
human vessels approaching.
SIXSHOT
Humans. It's time to crush those
puny fleshlings and show them who
their masters are.
GALVATRON
Sixshot! Cyclonus! Scourge!
Transform and attack!
Sixshot opens a door to space and all three Decepticons
TRANSFORM into their fighter modes and FLY out to attack.
Other Decepticons with fighter modes, like Dirge, Ramjet,
and Thrust, also TRANSFORM to join the battle.
EXT. SPACE
The EDC forces have intercepted the Decepticon ships and
begin their attack. The EDC fighters far outnumber the
Decepticon's single flagship and are far more maneuverable,
BOBBING and WEAVING in and out to FIRE on the Decepticons.
The Relentless, however, is gigantic compared to the EDC
vessels; it appears to be an unstoppable juggernaut.
INT. DELTA TWO COCKPIT
We see the battle from Reese's cockpit, WEAVING in and out
with explosions everywhere around him, as the EDC begins to
open fire. Lasers and guided atomic missiles FLY towards
the Relentless and the transformed Decepticon attackers.
Reese moves in and locks onto a Sweep. The Decepticon jet
weaves in and out, but, from Reese's POV, we can see him
right on his tail. He targets weapons and FIRES. The
first barrage hits the Sweep's tail, knocking him into a
tailspin, leaving him vulnerable to a fired missile. It
hits, ANNIHILATING him in a brilliant explosion.
EXT. SPACE
Impressively enough, the shots from the EDC fighters and
the capital ships firing capital missiles EXPLODE with
impact, actually damaging the Decepticon vessels. We hear
the voices and cheers of the EDC personnel over comm
channels as they see their attack actually hurt the
Decepticons.
INT. RELENTLESS - BRIDGE
Inside the ship, we see explosions and burning consoles as
the ship shakes from the attacks. The damage is not
overwhelming, but the Decepticons, Galvatron in particular,
have an expression of wordless shock on their faces,
astounded that humans have managed to actually damage his
ship.
SCRAPPER
The humans are using atomic
weapons.
SOUNDWAVE
Shields have been penetrated.
GALVATRON
Destroy them! Destroy them all!
EXT. SPACE
The Relentless starts UNLEASHING laser fire from all of its
turrets, focusing mainly on the capital ships. Small
fighters are picked off with by pinpoint Decepticon lasers
as well.
The transformed Decepticon fighters, led by Cyclonus, are
faster and more maneuverable. We see them WEAVE in and
out, FIRING on the EDC capital ships, and with them burning
and adrift, the smaller EDC ships lose their cover fire.
INT. EDC FLAGSHIP
Faireborn, on the bridge of the EDC flagship, sees that the
EDC is losing the battle. The bridge is smoky, burning
from flames LEAPING up here and there, sparks are FLYING
from the controls. The battle is lost, and she knows it.
FAIREBORN
All craft, begin retreat.
EXT. SPACE
The EDC vessels, many damaged and burning, turn around and
try to SPEED towards the warp gate leading out of the
system. The Decepticon ships take a few potshots at the
EDC fleet, but for the most part lets them escape. Sixshot
alone pursues the EDC, continuously FIRING on them.
INT. RELENTLESS - BRIDGE
SOUNDWAVE
The humans retreat!
SIXSHOT (COMM VOICE)
They are no match for us! We can
destroy them all!
BLITZWING
(checking his scanners)
We've suffered casualties. It
would be wise not to underestimate
the humans.
SCRAPPER
Impossible! The humans have never
been a match against our forces!
BLITZWING
Our actions will surely draw the
attention of the Autobots as well.
We have little time.
SIXSHOT (COMM VOICE)
No Decepticon cowers before
fleshlings! We have them on the
run! We can crush the fleshlings
and hold their entire miserable
planet hostage!
GALVATRON
No! Return to the Relentless! We
must fortify this sector now!
(beat)
The humans are irrelevant. Once
we control this system, the galaxy
will be ours!
SIXSHOT (COMM VOICE)
(half to himself, grumbling)
Any Decepticon who fears battle is
not fit to lead.
GALVATRON
I ordered you to return! Defy me
again and I will terminate your
worthless spark myself!
If Galvatron does not command respect, he at least commands
fear. The other Decepticons grow quiet, an unbearable
pause. Finally...
SIXSHOT (COMM VOICE)
(compelled to obey, but with
more than a trace of disdain
in his voice)
Yes, mighty Galvatron.
GALVATRON
(to Soundwave)
See that he returns. I must
consult with our "allies" and
inform them of our progress.
Galvatron RISES and LEAVES the back of the bridge.
INT. RELENTLESS - COMMUNICATIONS ROOM
Galvatron ENTERS the communication room. The room is dark
and empty, broken only by small blinking diodes on various
control panels. Galvatron taps buttons to activate the
holocommunicator.
A glowing holographic form APPEARS in the center of the
room. The figure is draped in shadow, but its squat, oval
form will later prove to be that of a Quintesson.
GALVATRON
We have taken the Devoron System.
QUINTESSON
Your victory was most impressive.
GALVATRON
Spare me your platitudes. We have
a deal in place, and it's time you
lived up to your end.
QUINTESSON
And so we shall. Our envoy is
moving to your location as we
speak.
GALVATRON
Be warned. If you try to cross
us, I will personally end your
worthless lives!
QUINTESSON
(blandly reassuring)
Don't worry. Soon, the portal
will be open and you shall have
the power you seek...
The figure moves out of shadow so we can see its full form
with its tentacles and its five faces, faces that match the
faces carved into the arc found on Devoron Seven. Of the
faces, the green skull, its deathly visage disturbingly
jarring with its calm words, views Galvatron head-on.
QUINTESSON
... courtesy of the Quintesson
Alliance.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
-------------------------------------------------------
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
INT. PROXIMA STATION - COMMANDER'S OFFICE
Faireborn, disheveled and drained, sits at her desk.
Edwards and Reese stand in front of her.
FAIREBORN
No. Bringing in the Autobots is
out of the question.
EDWARDS
Colonel, I understand your
feelings. I remember what
happened twenty years ago, and I
don't want to see another
Cybertronian, Autobot or
Decepticon, set foot on Earth
again either. But we're in a
desperate situation.
FAIREBORN
We can handle it. I've already
ordered reinforcements from
neighboring systems. And we've
proven today that we can hurt
those monsters. Lieutenant Reese
here proved that: the first human
to ever destroy a Transformer.
They'll think twice before they
attack us again.
EDWARDS
Colonel, we're lucky that we
escaped with our lives. We may
not be so lucky next time.
FAIREBORN
Ever since the last Transformer
left Earth twenty years ago, we
have had nothing but peace. But
as soon as we get dragged back
into the Transformers' war, all of
humanity will suffer. Our world
would become the front line again
in the Autobots and Decepticons'
never-ending war. No. I refuse
to let Earth become a
battleground. I will not destroy
Earth to save it.
EDWARDS
And I can't sit by while you save
Earth by destroying it.
FAIREBORN
Your objection is noted. My order
stands. Continue your
modifications on the weapons
platforms.
EDWARDS
But Colonel --
FAIREBORN
Dismissed.
INT. PROXIMA STATION - HALLWAY
Edwards and Reese EXIT the Colonel's office into the hall.
REESE
So what happens now?
EDWARDS
We carry out her orders.
REESE
Wait a minute, sir... if we can
get the Autobots on our side to
fight the Decepticons, let's do
it.
EDWARDS
(harshly)
We carry out her orders,
Lieutenant.
(more calmly)
You're probably too young to
remember the last battle between
the Autobots and Decepticons near
Earth. You don't know what it's
like to have lived through the
real thing. Colonel Faireborn is
right. We're not the main targets
in this war. The Decepticons just
attack us to get to the Autobots.
If there're no Autobots near
Earth, there're no Decepticons.
There hasn't been a single
incident in the last twenty years.
REESE
Until today.
(grimly)
I was at Devoron Station, sir. I
saw what the Decepticons did.
(beat)
I don't know what they want. I
don't know what they're after.
All I know is they've already
attacked us. We're already on the
front line. And we can't win this
war alone.
Edwards looks at Reese, hesitantly, waiting, thinking. He
knows his decision will have repercussions far beyond the
events of this one day. But as he weighs it in his mind,
he knows Reese is right. He reaches into his pocket and
WITHDRAWS the Autobot disk from his pocket, wordlessly
PASSES it to Reese, and turns sharply on his heel and WALKS
away.
INT. PROXIMA - MAIN DECK
EDC officers are RUNNING to and fro readying the station,
upgrading defenses, at computer terminals managing fleets,
etc. Through the main deck windows, large fleets of ships
can be seen FLYING in formation in preparation for battle.
Reese silently walks to a console and slips into the chair.
He takes the disk and slides it into the terminal.
On the screen, the words "Autobot Defense Protocol" APPEAR
in big letters along with a giant image of the Autobots'
red insignia. Graphs of communications, coordinates, and
various other words start spilling below. Underneath, the
protocol notes the date of its creation -- 2007 -- and the
signatures of its developers, General Thomas Halberd and
Captain Marissa Faireborn. Below it, a question -- "Do you
wish to proceed?" -- and a yes/no dialog box.
Reese stares, weighing in his mind, and presses yes. New
screens begin flashing in front of him, and he begins
typing away.
INT. AUTOBOT BASE
The grizzled old Autobot Kup is monitoring a console which
suddenly FLASHES red, an alert. Words and graphs spill
across the screen, and Kup draws grim. He knows what has
happened: the Decepticons have attacked.
He gets up and RUNS to the control center of the base to
give his report.
INT. AUTOBOT CONTROL CENTER
We can see Kup ENTER the center. In the foreground, we see
a familiar red arm ending in a blue hand on the armrest of
the command chair.
KUP
Emergency report.
VOICE (O.S.)
Go ahead.
KUP
The Decepticons have launched a
new offensive and have attacked
human outposts in the Devoron
System. It's the first attack on
the humans in nearly twenty
stellar cycles. The human Earth
Defense Command has requested our
help...
Now our angle moves, turning to see the rest of the red arm
on the armrest, moving up to the smokestack on the
shoulder, to the windows on the chest, and finally the face
of...
KUP
... Optimus Prime.
OPTIMUS
Autobots...
The rest of the room comes into view, as we see the faces
of Hot Rod, of Bumblebee, of Silverbolt, of Grimlock, of
the rest of the heroic Autobots.
OPTIMUS
... transform and roll out.
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
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Next Episode: The Storm Renewed, Part II