EPISODE 032

ACT ONE

In the jungles of the Yucatan, Scuba works his way through brush and trees until he comes across a series of small caves. He looks around, sighing, then steps forward.

SCUBA (sighing) Why am I doing this? Am I really going out here for information on the Seacons' ship?

Scuba stops at the entrance to the caves, then takes out his boomerang. Cautiously, he starts to enter the cave.

SCUBA Would I have even listened to the deal if it had been anyone else but Scylle?

Scuba steps inside the cave. As his footsteps crunch on the dirt at his feet, he looks around carefully. A few pieces of equipment are scattered about, the signs of a small camp. He steps over to it, and kneels to check it out.

SCUBA Scylle? Where are you?

SEA PHANTOM (voice) I'm sorry, but your little rendezvous has been cancelled.

Scuba turns quickly, facing Terromandar and Sea Phantom. They two already have their weapons out, and have the drop on him. Scylle is between them, looking uneasy.

SCYLLE Scuba – I –

SCUBA Scylle, why are you doing this?

SCYLLE (quietly) It wasn't my idea. I'm sorry.

Terromandar gives a look of disapproval to his comrade, but focuses more of his attention at the matter at hand.

TERROMANDAR Drop your weapon and no harm will come to you. It's not you that we're after anyway.

SCUBA (biting) I guess I don't really have a choice.

Scuba glares at Scylle, who looks down and away. As he does, however, he lets the boomerang hit the ground harmlessly. Terromandar and Sea Phantom move forward to take him into custody.

At the Star Voyager, Skywarp transforms to her robot mode, and lands in front of her brother, Lio Junior. The other Maximals present either continue working on the ship, or manning its stations. Skywarp, though, is distracted, and worried.

LIO JUNIOR No sign of him?

SKYWARP I know he went into sector eighteen, but something was jamming my scanners when I went in there.

LIO JUNIOR Someone's hiding in that area, then.

SKYWARP Looks like it. What do you want to do?

Before Lio Junior has a chance to answer, the alarms of the Star Voyager suddenly flare to life. Lio Junior and Skywarp each take out their weapons before a loud distant rumbling distracts them. Skywarp narrows her optics, focusing on something in the distance.

LIO JUNIOR What is it?

SKYWARP Predacon shuttlecraft. It's definitely closing.

LIO JUNIOR They must have detected the ship when we were repairing the engines and bleeding heat everywhere.

As Lio Junior tenses, the hatch to the Star Voyager opens. Lio Convoy and Diver each step out, weapons ready. Calmly, however, they move down and join Lio Junior and Skywarp.

LIO JUNIOR Your orders, sir?

SKYWARP Shouldn't we man the guns?

LIO CONVOY If they wanted to attack us, they wouldn't use a shuttlecraft to do it. They're here to talk.

The shuttlecraft moves forward slowly, then finally sets down on a clearing near the Star Voyager and the Maximal pyramid. Diver and Lio Junior ready their weapons as the hatchway opens up. Halfshell, Terromandar, and Sea Phantom each step down in their robot modes. Halfshell chuckles as he sees the Maximals' reaction.

HALFSHELL Come now, Maximals. We did not come bearing weapons. We are here to discuss certain matters.

LIO CONVOY Who are you?

HALFSHELL I am Halfshell, leader of the Seacon. Who commands you Maximals?

Lio Convoy clenches his fist and steps forward. The other Maximals do not let their guard down, however, and keep their weapons trained on Halfshell.

LIO CONVOY (impatient) I am Lio Convoy, leader of this group. What do you want with us?

HALFSHELL I'm here to offer you a challenge. I want a contest between your greatest warrior, and ours.

SKY WARP And what do you want out of this contest?

HALFSHELL (flatly) I want your ship.

The simple response draws surprise from the Maximals. Halfshell, however, remains flat in his expression, and simply crosses his arms as he awaits a response.

LIO CONVOY (amused) You're kidding.

LIO JUNIOR Look, I don't know how Predacons do things, but this is not how we Maximals work.

HALFSHELL Then you're willing to sacrifice Scuba?

At this, Lio Convoy starts. Skywarp draws in a nervous breath, bringing up her hands over her chest. Lio Convoy composes himself again, and almost instinctively lets out his claws.

LIO CONVOY (grim) Explain.

HALFSHELL Your comrade was lured into a trap by our lovely Scylle.

DIVER (quietly) Oh, Scuba.

HALFSHELL You beat our warrior in combat and we return him to you unharmed.

SEA PHANTOM And if the Seacons win, we get your ship.

Lio Convoy turns away, clearly upset. Lio Junior, however, rushes up, shaking his head.

LIO JUNIOR We can't do it. We can't risk sacrificing the ship.

LIO CONVOY Scuba's safety is more important than the ship, son.

Lio Junior is about to protest, but winds up just letting out tense breaths before turning and facing Halfshell more directly.

LIO JUNIOR (annoyed) How do we know you'll keep to your word?

HALFSHELL I do not issue these challenges lightly, Maximal. I wish to match our mettle, nothing more.

LIO CONVOY Then you have your answer. I'll meet your warrior.

Lio Junior looks over to Lio Convoy incredulously, but Lio Convoy remains firm. Halfshell, though, looks pleased by this result.

HALFSHELL You are confident, Lio Convoy. I will meet you at the blast field to north in one day. I look forward to this.

LIO CONVOY (icy) As do I, Halfshell.

Halfshell and his two minions turn away and start to head back into their shuttlecraft. When their hatch closes, Lio Junior turns to his father, clearly not pleased.

LIO JUNIOR Are you nuts? We can't trust them to this. Let me take Santon and Skywarp and we'll go free him ourselves.

LIO CONVOY Where do we begin looking?

SKYWARP We know what sectors the Seacons are hiding out of. I can fly over again and try to locate him.

LIO CONVOY No. I'm going through with the battle.

LIO JUNIOR Father, this isn't a good idea. We can't trust the Seacons at their word.

DIVER Yeah, Lio. They're pirates. Not exactly the most honest bunch.

LIO CONVOY True, but it's obvious that they don't think that they can take our ship by force. That means we do have an advantage that we can work with.

LIO JUNIOR Which is?

LIO CONVOY Have the other Maximals get ready. If the Seacons do anything out of step, we'll launch an assault against them immediately.

DIVER And what if the Seacons beat you fair and square?

LIO CONVOY Then I'll uphold my end of the deal. They'll get the ship.

Lio Junior is clearly not pleased with this decision, but it's obvious that Lio Convoy isn't about to back down now.

ACT TWO

Secured in the cave, Scuba looks downcast and angry. The Maximal officer struggles a little with his bonds, but it's obvious he's not strong enough to break free of them.

SCYLLE (voice) You should stop struggling, Scuba.

Scuba narrows his optics. In the distance, Scylle steps in, carrying a single energon cube. She kneels in front of him, and offers the cube to him quietly.

SCUBA (icy) Keep it. I'm not hungry.

SCYLLE I know you're hungry. You haven't taken any energon since we captured you.

SCUBA (biting) I feel sick.

Scylle looks to Scuba, and is obviously deeply hurt. She stands again, and turns away from her captive. Scuba looks down, sensing that he's gone a little far, but he offers no sort of apology.

SCYLLE (shaken) I told you it wasn't my idea.

SCUBA I can't believe I fell for it just like a raw cadet. To think I had any trust in you.

SCYLLE (softly) Don't do this to me, Scuba.

SCUBA (annoyed) You? I'm the one bound up here. Maybe some of you Predacons are into that sort of thing, but I prefer a little more romance in my relationships.

Scylle trembles, then turns on Scuba, ready to backhand him. Scuba doesn't bother bracing for it, and Scylle finds herself unable to actually cause him harm. Torn between rage and other feelings she cannot handle, she sinks in front of him again.

SCYLLE (quietly) You idiot. I am in love with you.

SCUBA I can't believe that.

SCYLLE (shaken) How do I prove it to you?

SCUBA You could let me go.

SCYLLE (shaken) I can't. Halfshell knows how I feel about you. He would kill me.

SCUBA (icy) There we are then.

Behind her, Halfshell stands waiting. He lets out a 'cough', catching Scylle's attention. The female Seacon stands again, then turns to face her commander.

HALFSHELL It's time, Scylle.

Scylle uneasily nods, then steps forward, leaving the cave. As she passes beyond its entrance, a series of energy bars powers into life, sealing the Maximal prisoner safely away.

HALFSHELL Something on your mind, Scylle?

SCYLLE What happens to Scuba if we win?

HALFSHELL I would let you keep him if you wished. But I don't think he would be too happy as your prisoner, Scylle.

Scylle pauses, then turns to look at the cave once more. More dejected than before, she slowly turns away and heads towards the Predacon shuttlecraft.

The clearing isn't large, but the remark about a 'blasted' clearing rings true. The earth has been scorched from a previous battle, leaving a barren spot within the jungle. Big Horn, Tasmania Kid, Lio Convoy, Ikard, Diver, Lio Junior, Skywarp, and Santon are all in attendance, waiting.

BIG HORN So, which one do you think they're going to throw at you?

LIO CONVOY From Diver's reports of their abilities, Halfshell would be the most likely opponent. He's powerful, but I'm confident that I can beat him.

IKARD I've got the ship's scanners up and online. If the Seacons try to pull anything on the field, we'll know about it.

LIO JUNIOR Santon, Skywarp and I are ready, just in case.

LIO CONVOY All right, then. All we have to do now, is wait for my opponent to show up.

Coming in low over the jungle trees, the Predacon shuttle finally arrives. She hovers a second before finally settling down on the far side of the clearing.

DIVER It was my grandfather's dying wish for me not to be involved in something like this.

TASMANIA KID Don't you ever get tired of saying that? Have some faith in Lio, Diver. He knows what he's doing.

IKARD Scanners are on. Everything seems up and up so far.

LIO CONVOY Any sign of Scuba?

IKARD No, they didn't bring him. It makes sense though.

Lio Convoy nods then regards the shuttle as her hatch opens. All five of the Seacons step forward, with Halfshell stepping in front of them. Lio Convoy steps forward as well, seeking to confront his opponent.

HALFSHELL Greetings, Lio Convoy. For a moment, I wasn't sure that you would actually show.

LIO CONVOY I keep my word, Halfshell. I can only hope that you will keep your word as well.

HALFSHELL I do know the meaning of 'honor', Lio Convoy.

LIO CONVOY Where's Scuba?

HALFSHELL He's secured not too far from here. You'll see him if you manage to win the fight.

LIO CONVOY Then let's get started, Halfshell.

HALFSHELL Me? Oh, I'm not the greatest warrior of the Seacons, Lio Convoy.

LIO CONVOY All right, then who is?

Diver watches carefully, then steps back as realization dawns on him. Lio Junior turns, worried.

LIO JUNIOR Diver? What is it? What's up?

DIVER (worried) They're going to –

Halfshell fans out his arms, and his minions flank either side of him. Lio Convoy narrows his optics, getting ready.

HALFSHELL Seacons, transform and merge into God Neptune!

SKYWARP Wait a minute!

The protests, however, come too late. Halfshell leaps up, transforming into a powerful central body. Scylle and Coelagon collapse on themselves and link up, forming legs. Sea Phantom and Terromandar expand slightly and reveal powerful fists as they complete the fusion. Finally, the head of the daunting God Neptune appears.

GOD NEPTUNE I am the most powerful Seacon warrior. You shall face God Neptune, Maximal. And you shall know defeat!

Incredulous glares come from the Maximals, but Big Horn gives voice to the opinion that most of them are sharing.

BIG HORN (annoyed) Those cheating bastards!

LIO CONVOY Cute. I suppose I should have seen this coming.

LIO JUNIOR You can't fight them like this. Let us form Magnaboss. If they want to use a giant, we can too. Skywarp, Santon –

LIO CONVOY (firmly) No, son.

Lio Junior looks stunned, then shakes his head, not understanding.

LIO JUNIOR Father, this isn't –

LIO CONVOY I agreed to the fight. I'll stick it out.

SKYWARP Against that giant? This isn't a fair match and they know it.

LIO CONVOY (firmly) Maximals, stand down.

GOD NEPTUNE You still wish to fight?

LIO CONVOY (firmly) I'll fight you, in order to win Scuba's freedom. I owe it to him, as his commander, and his friend.

God Neptune is taken aback by this, surprised at the tone Lio Convoy lets out, and his determination.

GOD NEPTUNE Very well, Maximal. I look forward to claiming your ship as my own.

God Neptune bears down, ready to strike at the Maximal Commander. Lio Convoy braces himself, extending his claws and narrowing his optics.

ACT THREE

Lio Convoy braces as God Neptune's fist comes pummeling down at him. He leaps aside, raking up with his claw along the giant Predacon's forearm. God Neptune scowls, turning his attention as Lio Convoy transforms to his lion mode.

GOD NEPTUNE You're quick.

LIO CONVOY Good thing, too.

Lio Convoy leaps forward, missiles revealing themselves from within his mane. As the Maximal commander confronts the giant, they launch. The power of the blast sends both combatants flying for a moment. Lio, being a cat, lands on all for feet. God Neptune, however, lands on his posterior.

GOD NEPTUNE Well played, Maximal. But if that is the limit of your power, then you are dead.

God Neptune sits up and opens up with his back-mounted cannon. Shells rush into the sky and start to rain around Lio Convoy. The Maximal Commander dodges as best as possible, but, inevitably, some of the shells slam into him. He growls out, knocked down hard by the blasts.

GOD NEPTUNE I have the power of all the Seacons. What force can a lone Maximal warrior hope to muster?

God Neptune rears back, summoning his great sword from nothingness. He rushes it forward, cutting fully into Lio Convoy's feline hide. The Maximal Commander screams out as the blade rips through the other side.

LIO CONVOY (pained) Lio Convoy, Maximize.

As Lio Convoy assumes his robot mode, the sword gives way. Robot pieces open up, freeing the blade, but also revealing the telling wound. Sparks fly from his torn metal waist. Cooling fluid flows out freely.

LIO JUNIOR Father!

TASMANIA KID Stand back, Lio said not to interfere.

LIO JUNIOR (worried) But he's hurt.

TASMANIA KID He's been through worse.

Despite Kid's reassurance, the worry on Lio Junior's face doesn't fade. God Neptune appears to have the drop on Lio Convoy, and he closes the short distance between them.

GOD NEPTUNE You are brave, Maximal. But bravery alone doesn't win battles.

LIO CONVOY I'm not quite done yet.

Lio Convoy leaps up, plunging both sets of his claws hard into God Neptune's chest. The giant Predacon screams out, angry, and hurt, as the armor plating tears away. God Neptune reaches out, grasping Lio Convoy with both hands, trying to crush him.

GOD NEPTUNE (growling) You will die.

LIO CONVOY Maybe. But not today.

The left panel on Lio Convoy's chest opens, revealing his matrix gem. God Neptune looks at it, uncertain, before it erupts into a massive energy discharge. For a moment, God Neptune tries to resist the energy, but it is too overwhelming. The giant screams out, letting go of Lio Convoy and falling back.

GOD NEPTUNE (pained) What power is this?

Lio Convoy does not answer, instead just pulling back his claws and letting the blast continue. God Neptune's armor begins to smelt, and the giant begins to tremble from the stain.

GOD NEPTUNE Must, separate. Seacons, transform!

Desperately, the giant transforms back to the five Seacons, seeking some avenue of escape from the Matrix Blast. As they do, it ceases, and Lio Convoy falls to one knee, exhausted. Lio Junior quickly rushes over to his father and commander now.

LIO JUNIOR (worried) Are you all right? You know what using that does to you.

LIO CONVOY There wasn't that many options available.

Lio Junior And you yell at us for stupid stunts.

A short distance away, Halfshell and his team rouse themselves. All of them are severely damaged, and the shock of the attack takes a moment to wear off. Halfshell is the first to fully recover, and he looks over to his opponent, impressed.

LIO CONVOY (tired) It's over. Finished.

HALFSHELL (weakly) I did not think it was possible, but you have indeed won the day.

LIO JUNIOR Then you'll return Scuba.

HALFSHELL I will keep my word. You will find that he was unharmed during his stay with us.

Halfshell and his team finally rouse themselves, weakly. They being to work their way back to their shuttle, holding the worst of their injuries as they go. As Halfshell begins to pass Lio Convoy and his son, he stops a moment.

HALFSHELL You fought well, Lio Convoy. I shall not underestimate you again.

LIO CONVOY (icy) Nor I you, Halfshell.

Uneasily, Scuba reaches Lio Convoy's quarters. The door opens, and Skywarp heads out of it. Lio Convoy is lying down, recovering from his injuries. Scuba looks downcast at seeing this, but steps forward as requested of him.

SCUBA (uneasy) You wanted to see me, sir?

LIO CONVOY I've got a few things to say, Scuba.

Scuba stands near Lio Convoy's bed and braces himself to be chided. Lio Convoy sits up slowly and sighs.

LIO CONVOY You did something incredibly stupid today.

SCUBA I know, sir.

LIO CONVOY You let yourself become blinded by a female's attention, and it nearly got you killed, and put us all in jeopardy.

SCUBA (quietly) I'm sorry.

LIO CONVOY Scuba, after everything we've been through, I'm surprised at you. What were you thinking?

SCUBA I don't know. She's a Predacon, and I know she's a Predacon. I just hoped –

LIO CONVOY (tersely) I know what you hoped.

Scuba sinks even more at that. Lio Convoy then sighs once more, his expression softening a little bit.

LIO CONVOY Maybe in different times, if there were peace between the Maximals and Predacons, things would be different for you.

Scuba lowers his optics from Lio Convoy.

LIO CONVOY But right now she's an enemy. And we can't afford for any of us to lose sight of that, no matter what our personal feelings might be.

SCUBA (softly) I understand.

LIO CONVOY I hope you do, Scuba. I don't want to lose you again.

Aboard the still-wounded Raksha, Scylle sits in her quarters, in the dark. She does not respond when Halfshell enters the room, still wounded. She barely even looks at him when he crosses his arms directly in front of her.

SCYLLE I should get a lock for my door.

HALFSHELL Are you still angry?

SCYLLE (icy) Angry? That doesn't begin to express it.

Halfshell lets out a dark chuckle, amused more than angry. He shakes his head slowly, raising his finger to chide his subordinate.

HALFSHELL He's a Maximal. If you desired him so much, you could have simply had him when he was a prisoner.

SCYLLE (icy) What makes you think I didn't?

HALFSHELL You wouldn't be sulking here quite as much.

This draws a hateful glare from Scylle, but Halfshell doesn't relent. He merely crosses his arms again.

HALFSHELL I won't give you another warning, Scylle. He is a Maximal. Please remember what side you're on.

Scylle continues her glare, but it falters. Her face sinks into her hand, and, for now, Halfshell leaves her alone in the darkness.