TransWarp: Csirac - Issue #1 Script

TransWarp: Csirac
Issue #1

Page 1:

1. Optimus Primal, in his new Transmetals form, stands in the doorway of a chamber on board the Axalon, looking in at the device Rhinox used to bring his Spark back from the Allspark.

PNL: Earth. Circa 70,000 BC

2. From the reverse angle, we see the front of Optimus Primal and down the corridor, showing Rhinox and Rattrap approaching.

Rhinox: They're impressive new forms.

Optimus Primal: They'll certainly take some getting used to.

3. Back to the first angle, Optimus and Rhinox in the doorway frame the machine.

Optimus Primal: Thank you, old friend.

4. The chamber at large. Rhinox moves into the chamber and Rattrap takes a spot besides Optimus in the doorway.

Optimus Primal: So, what is it, exactly?

Rattrap: You mean besides ugly.

Optimus Primal: Shut up, Rattrap.


Page 2:

1. Rhinox picks up tools besides the machine. Optimus Primal enters the chamber.

Rhinox: It's a Laser Core Amplifier - invented by a Maximal scientist at the end of the Great War. And now that you've seen what it can do, you understand its danger.

2. Close up on Rattrap.

Rattrap: Danger? Are you kiddin'?

3. An angle over the top of Rattrap into the room, with Optimus and Rhinox on either side of the Amplifier.

Rattrap: We could bring back anyone! The Beast Wars would be over tomorrow!

Optimus Primal: But if the Predacons got hold of it, they could do the same thing.

4. Closer in on Rhinox and Optimus.

Rhinox: Exactly. Until the tear in Space-Time has healed, feats like this remain possible. The sooner I dismantle it the better.

Optimus Primal: Agreed.

Dialogue PNL: What?!


Page 3:

1. Close up on Rattrap.

Rattrap: Are you nuts?! Ya just gunna throw away our best hope of endin' this war anytime soon, huh?

2. Full body shot of Optimus Primal with his arms crossed and an unimpressed looked on his face.

3. A shot back down the corridor as Rattrap departs, leaving Rhinox and Optimus in the chamber.

Rattrap: Yeah yeah, I know. 'Shut up, Rattrap…'


Page 4:

1. Optimus studies the Amplifier as Rhinox begins the dismantling.

Optimus Primal: The Scientist. Who was he?

Rhinox: His name was Csirac. He was a good friend of mine.

2. Optimus Primal leaves the chamber; Rhinox stays and continues the disassembly.

Optimus Primal: Well, I owe him my thanks.

Rhinox: We all do.

3. Close up on Rhinox.

Rhinox: More than we know.


Page 5:

1. Inside a Maximal Research Facility. A wide shot taking in the room. To the left, three Maximal engineers (one of whom is Rhinox in a pre-Beast Wars form) are working on a large engine. At the opposite end of the room, a Maximal works alone at a table covered in equipment. There are other Maximals, large and small, busy around the room.

PNL: Cybertron. Circa: 179 AU

Maximal 1: I don't know how he keeps going.

2. With the 3 Maximals working on the engine in the foreground, in the distance we can see the lone Maximal at the other end of the room.

Maximal 1:    He's gonna burn himself out.

Rhinox: His work is all he's got left.

Maximal 1: I know there's a war on, but everyone needs to cool their processors every once in a while.

3. The two other Maximals, smiling slyly, look to Rhinox. Rhinox has a look of surprise on his face.

Maximal 2:     Someone should talk to him.

4. Rhinox's expression turns to anger.

Rhinox: Fine. But get this thing built.

5. Rhinox approaches the fourth Maximal, who is engrossed in his work. Behind the two of them is a large door.

Rhinox: Csirac, how is the Cell com-


Page 6:

1. An explosion rips through the facility's wall, sending the Maximals inside flying, including Rhinox, who is still in the air.

FX: KA-SHOOOOOOM!

Rhinox: -mmeerhhh…

2. A large, red Predacon stands in the hole in the wall as his troops swarm in and search the lab.

Magmatron: Find him! Leave the others, they're dead anyway!

3. One of the Predacon troops holds up the offline form of Csirac.

Ticker: Is this him?

4. Magmatron stands in the doorway, a big smile on his face, as Ticker, still holding Csirac, exits the chamber.

Magmatron: Finally you've done something right, Ticker! Bring him!

Dialogue PNL: Yes sir.


Page 7:

1. Looking over Magmatron's shoulder, we see another Predacon trooper holding up the form of Rhinox, with a gun pointed at him. The trooper is looking back over his shoulder to Magmatron, with a smile on his face.

Magmatron: Mangle! I said leave the others!

Mangle: Come on, Magmatron, this is too easy! I thought these little 'bots were meant to put up a good fight!

2. A close up of Magmatron's face, etched with anger.

Magmatron: Let's go!

3. Mangle drops Rhinox to the floor as he departs.

Mangle: Next time, Maximal.

4. Mangle runs past Magmatron and out the shattered doorway.

Magmatron: Move out!

5. A long shot of the chamber, which is still ablaze in spots. Some Maximals are hiding under desks.

6. A close up of Rhinox's face, fear in his eyes.

Rhinox: Oh no…


Page 8:

1. Space. A small ship in Cybertron's orbit.

PNL: 10…

Dialogue PNL: Lights are green across the board. The Cell is holding steady.

2. The shadowy cockpit of an adapted Maximal fighter.

PNL: 9…

Dialogue PNL: MAD Wing is reporting a clear scope. The sky is yours.


Page 9:

1. A Command Centre on Cybertron's surface is alive with activity. Monitors and all kind of sensor equipment monitor the ships systems.

PNL: 8…

Dialogue PNL: Reading small power fluctuations but they're within expected ranges.

2. Inside the cockpit of the fighter showing the pilots figure in the chair.

PNL: 7…

Dialogue PNL: Final checklist complete. Lights are still green. We are a GO, repeat GO!

3. External of the ship. The engines glow with life.

PNL: 6…

Dialogue PNL: Sequences locked in. Diverting engine power through the TransWarp Cell.


Page 10:

1. Maximals in the Command Centre study the readings on their monitors.

PNL: 5…

Dialogue PNL: Power surges through some minor systems. Vibrations throughout the ship.

2. The cockpit glows red as the alarm sounds.

PNL: 4…

FX: Woorp Woorp!

Maximal Pilot: Alarm! Major power fluctuations throughout the ship!

Dialogue PNL: Shut it down… Shut it down!

3. A Maximal Officer barks into a comm-link in the Command Room.

PNL: 3…

Dialogue PNL: Systems are crashing! The engines are continuing to draw power!

Dialogue PNL: The TransWarp Cell is going critical!

Maximal Officer: Bail, now! That's an order!


Page 11:

1. The Maximal pilot battles with the controls as they cut in and out.

PNL: 2…

Maximal Pilot: The computer is non-responsive!

Dialogue PNL: Get out of there!

2. The Command Room is at a frantic standstill, all optics staring at their monitors, expect for one, Csirac, who is looking at the main view screen, which displays the ship. His mouth is slightly agape, he knows he's completely powerless to stop what's about to happen.

PNL: 1…

Dialogue PNL: My darling…


Page 12:

1. A massive explosion in Cybertron's orbit tears through Space, sending out a huge shockwave.

FX: SSHHAA-FFOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!


Page 13:

1. Csirac comes back online with a start.

Csirac: Uuhhrrr…

Dialogue PNL: Ah, excellent, you're awake.

2. Csirac's POV. A large, blurry purple form approaches him.

Csirac: Peh.. Prehh..

Taranachus: Give it a moment. You're vocal subroutines are still coming back online.

3. Csirac's POV. The large purple form comes into sharp contrast and towers over him.

Csirac: …Predacon.

FX: Tihihihehe… (Taranachus' laughter)

Taranachus: Of sorts. I am Taranachus.


Page 14:

1. Csirac sits up, his systems still coming back online. He is on the floor of a dirty chamber. There is an Autobot-sized table and in the corner there is equipment of varied types.

Csirac: The lab... How did you...

2. Taranachus stands over him.

Taranachus: Oh, we know a lot of things, but that should be of no concern to you now.

3. Taranachus crouches down in front of Csirac.

Taranachus:   What you should be asking is..?

Csirac: What do you want with me?

FX: Tihihihehe … (Taranachus' laughter)

4. An alarm begins to sound on a panel at the door. Taranachus moves towards it.

FX: Breet Breet!

Taranachus: A much more interesting question, one with an easy answer, really - a TransWarp Cell.

5. Taranachus begins to type on a Control Panel on the wall of the chamber. Csirac gets to his feet, unsteadily.

Csirac: And supposing I refuse?

Taranachus: Then I'll extinguish your Spark and extract the information I require from your data-tracks.


Page 15:

1. Csirac looks at the equipment (mostly junk) in the far corner of the room while Taranachus continues to speedily type into the Control Panel.

Csirac: There's just one problem. Unless you hadn't noticed, we haven't got one to work yet.

2. Taranachus looks away from the panel for a moment to study Csirac. Taranachus is enjoying himself immensely.

Taranachus: Yes, we watched the last launch with great interest. The finale was spectacular!

3. The doors of the chamber suddenly open, surprising Taranachus, who spins around quickly.

Door FX: Sha-Knn

Taranachus:    Ghehh..

4. Two large Predacons drag a seemingly offline figure in and dump it on the floor.

SFX: Tham-Boom


Page 16:

1. The two big Predacons leave and Csirac approaches the Autobot that's been deposited on the floor.

2. Taranachus leans in and studies the form.

Taranachus: Allow me to introduce - Commander Silverbolt.

FX: Tihihihehe … (Taranachus' laughter)

3. Csirac puts his hands on the shoulder of the massive form, concern on his face.

Csirac: Is he..?

4. Taranachus turns to leaves the chamber.

Taranachus: Just in Stasis. Fix him up...

5. The doors close behind Taranachus.

Taranachus:    I need him online.


Page 17:

1. High angle from the far corner of the room, looking down on the scene. Csirac is left alone in the chamber with Silverbolt, lifeless on the floor.

Dialogue PNL: If what you've told me of his knowledge is accurate, then for our sake I hope he's dead, and as his friend, you should too. But if they took him alive then reason would dictate that he remains so. They obviously have a use for him.

Dialogue PNL: So that's it?

Dialogue PNL: No.


Page 18:

1. The small figure of Rhinox sits at a desk in an Autobot Command room.

Dialogue PNL:    The relocation of the lab is underway as we speak.

2. Ultra Magnus is revealed sitting opposite Rhinox.

Ultra Magnus:    Let's hope this one stays a secret longer than the last, but I can't guarantee anything, and who knows if the Predacons will try this sort of thing again.

3. Ultra Magnus leans down behind the desk.

Ultra Magnus:    You're all going to have to take some matters into your own hands.

4. A close up of Rhinox's face. He's confused.

Rhinox: What does that mean?

5. From an angle beside Ultra Magnus, he produces two large (by Maximal standards) Chain Guns and places them on the desk in front of Rhinox, whose mouth is slightly agape at the sight of them.

Ultra Magnus: Welcome to the party.


Page 19:

1. Csirac is working on the shattered leg of Silverbolt, who is still face down on the floor of the chamber. Silverbolt mumbles and surprises Csirac, who jumps back.

Silverbolt: Maximal?

FX: Whehh…

2. Silverbolt puts his hands on the ground and tries to push himself up.

Csirac: Sorry, I thought you were still offline.

Silverbolt: Are you a Maximal?

3. Silverbolt rolls himself over onto his front and surveys the damage to his body.

Csirac: Yes. I'm Csirac.

Silverbolt: Silverbolt.

4. A close-up showing Csirac's handy-work on Silverbolt's leg.

Csirac: The joint is shattered. I was fusing it so you can at least stand, but I don't have the equipment to do it properly.  You'll have a limp worse than Kup.

Silverbolt: Knew Kup, did you?

5. Silverbolt sits up and looks at the equipment in the far corner.

Csirac: No, I've only heard stories.

Silverbolt: Well he had enough of them.

Link PNL     What is all that stuff?

Csirac: Maximal Tech. Most likely from Earth.

Silverbolt: They continue to surprise. Taking prisoners isn't usual Predacon practice. Where did they find you?


Page 20:

1. Silverbolt lies back down on the floor. Csirac stands at his side.

Silverbolt: Where did they find you?

Csirac: They raided a lab. I woke up here. And you?

Silverbolt: A raid? Led by a big red 'bot by any chance?

2. The doors of the chamber open and the Predacon Commander Razorclaw enters, flanked by two large Predacons. Silverbolt lifts his head to look.

3. Razorclaw towers over Csirac and looks down at him. Silverbolt sits up.

Razorclaw: We are in the presence of our own future, Silverbolt. No longer are we the pinnacle of technology.
Link PNL:     Never could we have imagined that our fate would look quite like this.

Csirac: I take it you're not a fan?

4. A close up of Razorclaw's face, looking down on the Autobot and Maximal.

Razorclaw: On the contrary. I foresee a day when every Spark on Cybertron will be clad in Proto-matter. Why else would I have tapped the rich supply of it on Earth?


Page 21:

1. Close up on Silverbolt's face. Rage etched across his face.

Silverbolt: Tapped?! You destroyed the planet! Killed billions of lives in the process!

2. An angle over Razorclaw's shoulder, looking down on the Autobot and Maximal.

Razorclaw: It was a brutal planet - always had been and was until its end. The humans were nothing more than savages.

3. A wider shot of Razorclaw, describing the scene with joy.

Razorclaw:      I watched them scramble over each other, trying to get aboard evacuation ships, hoping to escape - only to be shot down by our fighters waiting in orbit.

4. An angle from the side showing the full size difference between Razorclaw and Csirac.

Razorclaw: Our intelligence says that you were stationed there. Given your talents, and appearance, it's easy to surmise that you had a hand in the creation of the Proto-matter technology.

Csirac: Right so far. What else does it say?

Razorclaw: You're a... Pacifist.


Page 22:

1. A front angle on Razorclaw with the two large Predacons behind him.

FX: Hye heh heh… (Laughter from the two Predacons)

Razorclaw: Excuse my mentioning it but we have a different name for 'bots like you: Target Practice.

Dialogue PNL: Is that what I'm here for?

Razorclaw: No. I have a greater task for you.

2. Close up on Silverbolt's face.

Silverbolt: And what about me?

3. Razorclaw turns his back to the room and exits between the two large Predacons, who encroach on Silverbolt.

Razorclaw: You're here just so I can see the look of terror on your face.

Link PNL: Bring them.