Exodus pt1: Homecoming
Written by: Jesus Norberto Bonilla Rivera<<The scene opens in the Oracle chamber. The Time Gate has just closed and we see Prowl just arriving with Nightstalker on his shoulder and The Matrix of Leadership in hand. Noble and Mirage are already looking around the scene and assessing the situation. It seems they are at the base in a large Cathedral Cavern with a Golden Bridge high above.>>
Prowl: Where…where are we?
<<Noble clicks on his scanner and reads the readout.>>
Noble: I think the question should be not where but when.
Prowl: So we made it.
Noble: I believe so…yes.
<<Nightstalker stirs. Waking up from the blow Prowl gave her minutes ago as they escaped a Cybertron being invaded by Vehicons.>>
Nightstalker: uhh
<<Prowl goes to her side. Not knowing the reaction, she will have by him hitting her. Even though, it may have saved their lives >>
Prowl: Nightstalker?
<<She blinks and looks around her.. She then holds her head where the blow hit her.>>
Nightstalker: What…what happened?
Prowl: Huh…um…a..a…stray fire hit you pretty hard.
Nightstalker: A stray fire?
Prowl: Yup.
<<She all of a sudden struggles free as if she remembered something very important.>>
Nightstalker: …Cheetimus!
<<Mirage goes to her and calms her down>>
Mirage: Easy lass. Were not on Cybertron anymore. At least not the one we know of.
Nightstalker: We shouldn’t have left him.
Mirage: It wasn’t your fault. He made the decision. He sacrificed his life so we can save Cybertron. The best way we can honor that memory is if we don’t fail him. By finding the Oracle and retrieving The Cure.
<<She nods in agreement. Noble receives a transmission from his com. scanner>>
Noble: Um I think we have company.
Nightstalker: Get a scan.
<<He types in the command.>>
Noble: Five Maximal signatures.
Nightstalker: Can you get a readout?
<<He types in more commands>>
Noble: They’re in beast Mode. There's a Spider, Bat, Rat, Ape, and a…Cat.
<<He looks up at her. Not knowing how she would react at knowing Cheetimus was still alive in this time frame but not as Prime but as Cheetor.>>
Nightstalker: So we did make it.
Noble: Seems that way, yes.
Mirage: Over Here!
<<Mirage calls from the bridge up high and the others quickly join him.>>
Prowl: A wall of flame?
<<Nobles scanner beeps once more.>>
Noble: Shhh. Someone’s coming!
Nightstalker: To beast mode and Hide!
<<They revert to their Beast Modes and take cover behind columns>>
Prowl: Who is it?
<<Mirage eyes glows green as computer codes race from where his eyes are.>>
Mirage: Scanning. DataTracks say it’s the Vehicon General Tankor. And a Vehicon issue Diagnostic Drone.
Prowl: What are the Vehicons doing here?
Mirage: I don’t know but it can’t be any good.
<<Tankor rolls on the Bridge toward the fire as the Diagnostic Drone hovers besides him.>>
The Diagnostic Drone: Sire Megatron will be most suspicious about your disappearance. Not to mention mines.
Tankor: I have a more important task for you.
The Diagnostic Drone: Does that include smelting?
<<They arrive at the wall of flame>>
Tankor: Behold, The Oracle
<<He touches the wall of flame and the illusion quickly disappears to reveal a large circular superstructure with what seems to be a whole new world beyond it. It looks somewhat familiar to the Time-Gate with exception of it enormous size.>>
Nightstalker: The Oracle.
Noble: It does exist.
Prowl: Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t Tankor recorded by history as being..oh…I don’t know..
Mirage: Stupid.
Prowl: Yeah I think that was it.
Mirage: History is often obscured by the shadows of lies.
<<Tankor and the Diagnostic Drone continue towards the Oracle. Eagerly seeking to take its secrets>>
Tankor: The old Auto-bot history tracks refer to a sterile super computer known as…Vector Sigma.
The Diagnostic Drone: Do you believe this Oracle to be…this…Vector Sigma?
Tankor: The Data tracks also mention a Key to Vector Sigma. Which could turn organics into Techno-matter.
<<The Maximals are all in shock knowing that they have arrived at a pivotal point in Transformer history.>>
Nightstalker: The Key.
<<Tankor races to the oracle ready to leap into it>>
Tankor: Optimus and Megatron have no idea of its power!
<<He leaps and is shot back 100 feet and lands hard on the bridge.>>
Prowl: That’s gotta hurt.
<<The diagnostic Drone races to his new master>>
The Diagnostic Drone: Sadly…neither do you.
The Oracle: This unit does not contain the receptive spark. Access Denied.
The Diagnostic Drone: Pity. It seems we are in need of a receptive spark.
Tankor: Or perhaps…
<<He grabs the Diagnostic Drone and shoves him toward the direction of the Oracle>>
Tankor: One that has no spark at all!
The Diagnostic Drone: I see where this is going.
Tankor: Find the key
<<The Drone enters the Oracle>>
Prowl: Where did he go?
Nightstalker: Inside the Oracle, where we have to go if were to find Cybertrons cure.
<<He then emerges from it and Tankor quickly grabs him>>
Tankor: The Key where is it?!?
<<The Drone fires a number of letters and Binary Codes to Tankor>>
Tankor: This is just a computer code.
The Diagnostic Drone: Indeed. The code that controls the Key to vector Sigma.
<<A Hologram of the Key appears in Tankors hands. The oracle fires a beam to the Hologram and activates it>>
Tankor: Now. It must be tested.
<<Tankor and Diagnostic Drone leave towards the Maximals of this time. The Future Maximals come out of hiding and Transform to Robot mode>>
Mirage: He’s leaving.
Noble: Over to the Maximals. Should we…
Nightstalker: No. Were not to interfere with this timeline. Remember.
Prowl: Come-on we got work to do.
<<Nightstalker and the rest arrive in front of the Oracle>>
Prowl: So how do you turn it on.
Nightstalker: I…I…don’t know
Mirage: Well we have to figure out something fast. The more time we spend here the less time OUR Cybertron has.
Nightstalker: O.K. here goes nothing…
<<She leaps towards the Oracle…>>
Nightstalker: Ahhhhhhhh
<<…and is shot back just as Tankor was>>
Noble: Nightstalker!
This unit does not contain the receptive spark. Access Denied.
Mirage: You O.K.
Nightstalker: I’m alright.
<<She gets up>>
Noble: perhaps you are not using it correctly.
Prowl: Yeah Like it comes with instructions!
Mirage: Maybe you have to become Prime.
<<he hands her the Matrix>>
Nightstalker: No.
Mirage: But why else would Cheeti…
Nightstalker: I said no. If I use it that would mean I’ve lost fate that, he’s still alive. That somehow he won’t return to reclaim the Matrix. I can’t do that!
Prowl: But how do you know he’s still alive?
Nightstalker: I have a feeling.
Mirage: Maybe we should ask Optimus if he could help us. I mean I know we shouldn’t interfere with this timeline but…
Nightstalker: That would have to be our last option. There has to be another way.
Prowl: What about the Drone.
Nightstalker: Hmmm. Noble see if you can lock on its position.
<<He checks his scanner once again>>
Noble: Position locked. It’s heading towards the Citadel.
Nightstalker: Good. Now I need two volunteers.
Prowl: I’ll go.
Noble: So shall I.
Nightstalker: Alright be careful. We may be on Cybertron but were far from home.
Prowl: Got it.
Nightstalker: And try to remain in Beast Mode. Their scanners can’t pick you up in beast Mode.
Noble: Right.
<<They Transform and head to the surface>>
<<A sewer Grating is seen being opened and two figures emerge. Its Prowl and Noble. Nobles eyes go wide>>
Noble: Its…Its…
Prowl: Breathtaking?
Noble: I never knew the 24th century Cybertron was so…so…
Prowl: Technologically pure?
Noble: Metallic, Sterile, Mechanical, and lifeless were more the words I was looking for.
Prowl: Well Noble…welcome home!
<<The scene cuts behind them as they overlook the city of Cybertropolis in all its metallic glory.>>
Prowl: Come on FlyBoy. This way.
<<The camera follows them as they trace the drone’s signature. Fading in and out, as they continue the march toward the Citadel. We come to Nobles P.O.V. as he sees The Diagnostic Drone accompanied by Tank Drones who are carrying Tankors body inside. The door closes behind them and locks.>>
Noble: Security alarms. Motion sensors.
Prowl: These security systems are way outdated. It’s a breeze to by pass the security code.
<<A few code punches into the system and the door opens and the red motion sensor beams deactivate.>>
Prowl: See piece of cake.
<<We continue to follow them until we arrive in the Central Core room. They hide on one of the many pipes the room has. Onlooking where The Diagnostic Drone is waiting with Tankors empty shell.>>
Noble: We must remain quite. They may not be able to detect us by radar but they can easily see and hear us.
<<Prowl shows a look of pain as if that comment hurt him>>
Prowl: Hey who do you think your speaking to?
Noble: That is why I reminded you.
<<He looks at his companion one eyebrow slanted>>
Prowl: Funny. Really it was.
Noble: Silence. Here they come.
<<The scene remains on their point of view but the scene cuts their and goes to the Center of the superstructure>>
<<Jetstorm and Thrust race by as a Large compartment opens high above the Chamber. Megatron is lowered by his Cables which connect him to Cybertron itself. He looks down at Tankors shell, then at the Diagnostic Drone.>>
Megatron: What happened?
The Diagnostic Drone: I shall commence an analysis at once.
<<He quickly leaves>>
Computer: Maximal Signature detected.
Megatron: What!?!, On screen.
<<A computer screen appears in front of the Dictator. He seems to be looking and hearing a conversation between some Maximals but were to far away to hear or see them. We do however hear his words>>
Megatron: Fortunately, the Fate of my world does not depend on drones alone!
<<He touches a number of buttons at his side>>
Megatron: Welcome to my new Cybertropolis. Its been waiting for you. Ha ha ha ha. You should feel honored. I have chosen you to test out the power of my New Cybertropolis.
<<The screens show a number of explosions and bangs. The POV changes to our time lost
Maximals.>>Prowl: Wish I could see what’s happening. And who he’s talking to.
Noble: Come on we have more important issues that need our attention.
Prowl: Yeah the Drone.
Noble: Do you see him?
Prowl: Nope.
Noble: What about scanning for him?
Prowl: O.K.
<<He scans them on his own scanner>>
Noble: Well?
Prowl: It looks like he’s hi-tailing it outta here.
Noble: Then perhaps we should also take our leave.
<<They are preparing to leave when they hear Megatron yell ferociously>>
Megatron: Ahhhhhhhhh!
Jetstorm: Cheer up Magnificence! Well track down the livestock in no time.
<<Prowl stops in his tracks at hearing Jetstorms words.>>
Prowl: Livestock!?!
Noble: Shhhhh.
Prowl: But he just called us Livestock! As in Cows!
Noble: Quiet!
<<But it’s too late the Computer overheard there conversation>>
Computer: Maximal Signature detected.
Megatron: Location
Computer: Sector 0,0
<<He eyes at his two Generals>>
Thrust: Don’t look at me. Last time I checked I was a Vehicon.
Jetstorm: No fleas on this Fly-Boy
<<Unable to take anymore insult, Prowl jumps from his hiding place and demands respect>>
Prowl: FLEAS!
Noble: So much for covert.
<<He jumps at his side>>
Megatron: There! Get them!
Jetstorm: As you command your worshipfullness!
Thrust: Thrust Overdrive!
Jetstorm: Jetstorm Afterburn!
<<Prowl realizing the severity of his mistakes begins running towards the exit with Noble by his side and Jetstorm and Thrust hot on their tail. They race in the Citadel>>
Prowl: Oh yeah this was a swell idea!
Noble: If only you had kept your mouth shut!
Prowl: Oh give me a break!
<<They shoot their way out the Citadel doors and run through the streets of Cybertropolis. An explosion interrupts their getaway as Jetstorm hovers in front of them>>
Jetstorm: I don’t know who you are or where you came from, But you wont live long enough to tell me!
<<He charges at Prowl and they engage in hand to hand combat. We then go to Thrust and Noble who are also in a high-speed chase. Noble in the air and Thrust racing in the ground firing shots at him.>>
Thrust: Here birdy birdy birdy. Want a Cracker?
Noble: I am Transformed!
<<He Transforms into Robot mode and then the scene changes to Prowl and Jetstorm>>
Jetstorm: Ohh look mom a puppy! Can I keep him! Let’s see if he can play DEAD!
Prowl: I am Transformed!
Prowl: Play with this!
<<He takes his sword and swipes at Jetstorm. Jetstorm ducks but flies uncontrollably toward a wall>>
Jetstorm: Ahhhhhhhhhhh!
<<Explosion. The scen then changes to Noble who prepares his wing missiles to fire.>>
Noble: Rockets away!
Thrust: Huh!
<<Thrust ducks 5 rockets but the last Rocket hits him and he lands near Jetstorm. They both shake off their headaches and yell into their com links.>>
Thrust: Cycle Drones!
Jetstorm: Aero Drones!
<<Two squadrons appear consisting of Aero and Cycle Drones. The Maximals quickly turn and run toward cover and race through the streets of Cybertropolis once again.>>
Prowl: They’re too many!
Noble: We have to retreat!
Prowl: Over here!
Noble: Right behind you!
<<They reach the sewers where they came from and close it behind them. Jetstorm and Thrust stop just in front of it.>>
Jetstorm: You let them get away!
Thrust: I let them get away?
Jetstorm: Yes I know.
Thrust: What?
Jetstorm: I forgive you.
Thrust: Why you little…
<<The scene cuts>>
<<Scene changes to Nightstalker who hears Prowl in the distance>>
Prowl: Honey I’m home!
Nightstalker: Did you find anything?
Prowl: Nope. Except for an army of Vehicons hightailing it up our…
Mirage: She sends you on an errand to find and retrieve the Drone and you not only make yourself known to the Vehicons but also decide to play tag with them!
Prowl: Cute. Verrrry cute.
Noble: What of the Oracle?
This unit does not contain the receptive spark. Access denied.
Nightstalker: Does that answer your question?
Mirage: It won’t let her interface with it.
Prowl: Which means?
Nightstalker: We may have to try one more time at taking the Drone.
Noble: And if that fails?
Nightstalker: Then I have no choice than to use the Matrix.
Prowl: All right now your talking!
Noble: But how will we be able to retrieve the Drone? Megatron will surly double his defenses.
Mirage: Not unless he cannot see his adversary.
Prowl: What?
Mirage: I am a chameleon. Otherwise undetectable by scanner and visually. Let me go and remain there as a spy. Incase the Drone returns there.
Nightstalker: Done. Be careful. The rest of you. This is what we have to do.
<<Mirage walks away as the Maximals huddle to formulate a plan.>>
<<The scene changes to Megatron who is in conference with his Diagnostic Drone.>>
The Diagnostic Drone: My lord it seems as the intruders have fled.
Megatron: The Organics are gain power everyday. Not only has my Tank General seem to have gone off-line but it would seem that I now have two more survivors of my plague! HOW!
Tatanka: Perhaps I can explain.
Megatron: Who’s there!?!
Tatanka: The names Tatanka.
<<Tatanka emerges from the Shadows and the screen fades black except for her eyes which glow red>>
<<Fade to black>>
Disclaimer: Megatron, Optimus, Cybertron, Rodimus, Prime, Cybertronian, Nightscream, Rattrap, Matrix of leadership, Trypticon and all other names places and Objects from G1, Beast Wars and Beast Machines are property and Copyright of Hasbro and Mainframe. I take no responsibility for the creation of these characters save my own.
