Thank you Armorock! Your feedback means a lot to me, seriously. I even took you up on your request for this next scene. Hope you enjoy!
FYI- Vibes is a real character from War Within:
http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/VibesI took some liberties on her personality as the comic provides very little insight to her character. Her dialogue is inspired by Tia Dalma (Calypso) from Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3.
One more thing, here's a rough sketch of Chromia's TFA redesign:
viewtopic.php?f=145&t=59049-----------------------------------------------------
CYBERTRON - DESERTED HIGHWAYIronhide, Cliffjumper and Brawn cruise down Cybertron’s equivalent of Route 66. The road stretches far across the planet’s southern hemisphere, dispersed with ghost towns, deserted recharge stations, and a few decrepit novelty diners still clinging to the hope of business from tourists. The Autobots pay no mind to these landmarks as they speed by, letting the partially lit neon lights shrink to merely a passing thought in their rear-view mirrors.
BRAWN
This blows. How much farther till we reach Kaon, Ironhide?
IRONHIDE
We’ll be able to see it just over the next rise, then it’s only a dozen kilometers or so from there. Haven’t you been to Kaon before, Brawn?
BRAWN
Not since before the war. I used to go there to watch the fights.
CLIFFJUMPER
You mean the gladiatorial fights?
BRAWN
(sarcastic)
No, I used to drive all the way out here just to watch drunkards brawlin’ in the alleys.
CLIFFJUMPER
Lucky son-of-a-glitch…you ever see one of Megatron’s fights?
BRAWN
Nah…only ever saw the pirated vids of him…that filthy slagger’s no joke in combat.
IRONHIDE
Don’t remind me…my chassis still aches from that punch. How’re yer injuries treatin‘ ya?
BRAWN
I‘m fine…but had I known Sentinel would be sendin’ me on mindless missions, I woulda figured out a way to stay in rehab longer.
CLIFFJUMPER
Frag that frequency, I’ll take scouting work any day over my maddeningly dull desk job.
IRONHIDE
So Sentinel thinks he’s punishing you with this assignment when he’s actually doin’ you a favor?
CLIFFJUMPER
You got it!
BRAWN
One would think your name might enlighten him on how your prefer to spend your time.
CLIFFJUMPER
(laughing)
Not when your chin is larger than your processor.
IRONHIDE
Cool yer carburetors you two, there’s something…or someone up ahead.
As the Autobots drift over the rise, a red and grey femme sitting lazily on a old rusted oil canister comes into view. Her colors dulled and her chassis in desperate need of some body work, but she'S obviously not bothered by such trivial downers as dings and scratches because she sports a carefree smile and waves casually at the three Autobots as they slow to a stop and transform before her.
BRAWN
Vibes?! Is’at you?
IRONHIDE
You know her?
BRAWN
Pit yeah, I know her. We fought together in the great war.
VIBES
‘Ello Brawn! ‘Ow ya dooin’?
BRAWN
Confused! What in the All Spark you doing out here?
She points her thumb at the run down building behind her.
VIBES
Am ‘elpin’ me cousin reopen da ol’ club, what wit da tourists comin’ roun’ again.
CLIFFJUMPER
What tourists? Nobody comes out here anymore.
VIBES
(crossing arms in a told-you-so manner)
I guess dat make you a nobody.
Cliffjumper opens his mouth in attempt to protest, but the femme continues before he can utter a word.
VIBES
Dee arenas of Kaon come to life with da sounds of clangin’ swords and cheerin’ crowds as of late. We see a new kine of ‘con fightin’ der just da udda day.
IRONHIDE
The ’cons? Who? Did you recognize any of ’em?
VIBES
Just da arms dealer playin‘ Master of Ceremonies.
BRAWN
Figures Swindle would have his slimy servos in on this. Where’s Blaster? He around?
VIBES
Him buying supplies in Iacon.
IRONHIDE
He left you here alone? Don’t you worry about the leaching empties trickling over from Kaon?
VIBES
Dat is why I stay behind, country bot,…to protect club from squatters such as dem. Dey don’t dare mess wit me while I have dis beauty.
She pulls a blaster from her hip holster and holds it up to her optics which widen at its visage. The weapon shines in blatant contrast to her aged chassis.
All three Autobots are captivated by the alien weaponry.
BRAWN
Slag me sideways! Is that a Quintessonian piece?
VIBES
(handing the blaster to Brawn)
You betcha skid plate it is. Fresh off da factory line.
Brawn carefully slides the blaster from her grasp and inspects with it sheer reverence.
CLIFFJUMPER
Impossible! They stopped making those after the Great War ended.
VIBES
You call me a liar, shorty?
IRONHIDE
(elbowing Cliffjumper)
No, he’s not. Where did you get that?
VIBES
Is peace offering from Swindle.
BRAWN
(handing blaster back to Vibes)
Irony at its finest.
IRONHIDE
Why? What’s that dirty dealer up to?
VIBES
(makes a shooing motion with the hand holding the blaster)
Why don’t you go into city and ask him yourself?
CLIFFJUMPER
(grinds his fist into his palm)
I think we may just do that.
The old femme is not pleased with the scrapper’s insinuation and she quickly impales him with a threatening finger tip.
VIBES
Do not trow your military weight on him! (each of her words driven in by repeated pokes from her finger) Witout him, der’s no arenas, and witout arenas, ders no club. Peace is da way of da future.
IRONHIDE
How is an illegal fighting ring peaceful?
VIBES
Nobody die from fights. Is not like the past.
BRAWN
(grinning)
I’m starting to like this mission more and more. C’mon guys. Sentinel ordered us to monitor any unusual activity in Kaon, so let’s get a move on. (he transforms) Great to see ya, Vibes. I’ll be back to check out the club once it’s in full swing.
Ironhide and Cliffjumper respectfully nod at Vibes before transforming. She returns their courtesies with a halfhearted salute and crooked but genuine smile.
VIBES
Remember da truce between Iacon and Kaon, me bruddas, and keep da fighting in da ring.
IRONHIDE
This is simply a scouting mission, ma‘am. We have no intention of engaging in battle.
The Autobots pull onto the highway and speed off toward the city.
The old femme sees them off with the same wave as when she greeted them.
VIBES
Scouting mission my mud flaps.
(Insignia Transition - Autobot to Autobot)
KAON - GLADITORIAL ARENAThe three Autobots roll up to the massive scaffolding-lined walls of the large circular structure, which appears to be undergoing a massive makeover. They transform and cautiously walk up to the makings of a main entrance, uneasy by the absence of any sign of life.
CLIFFJUMPER
Why isn’t anyone here?
BRAWN
My guess would be their all passed out in the alleys…it’s pretty early in the day for the types attracted to a place like this.
They wander past the run down admission booths and come upon a large corridor that splits circularly down either side of the arena. Evenly dispersed along the corridor walls are towering arched doorways that lead to row after row of graduated stadium seats. Also lining the corridor walls are black and white images of past gladiators, which instantly captivate Cliffjumper.
CLIFFJUMPER
(strolling past several photos)
Wicked! And I mean literally! Most of these gladiators are Megatron’s current-day cronies.
IRONHIDE
Makes sense. He used this place to recruit his army.
CLIFFJUMPER
Whoa, check out this photo!
Ironhide and Brawn wander up to their hyper comrade to inspect his discovery.
IRONHIDE
Quintessons? How in blazes did they get involved?
BRAWN
Are you kidding me? There’s good profits to be made from fights. (he points at the photo) Speaking of profits, there’s Swindle looking greasy as ever. (squints in confusion at the photo) Who’s the femme next to him?
IRONHIDE
(taking a closer look)
It can’t be...
CLIFFJUMPER
Chromia?!
A familiar smooth-talking voice emerges from behind them.
SWINDLE
It most certainly is.
The three Autobots practically whiplash to see the arms dealer strutting down the corridor followed by a tall cloaked mech.
SWINDLE
How’s she doing these days? Still slee-- I mean working her way up the ladder of justice.
Ironhide steps forward, holding his palms out to signal his non-hostile intentions. Swindle acknowledges with a nod and crooked smile.
IRONHIDE
Your grim reaper there better not be packin’.
SWINDLE
(elbowing the mystery mech)
Oh he’s harmless…well, at the moment anyway. C’mon buddy, take off the cloak…they can’t do scrap to you as long you’re in the city limits.
The stranger pulls his hood back to reveal a pair of beady purple optics and long green pincers lined with jagged teeth.
CLIFFJUMPER
Wasp?!
WASPINATOR
It’s Waspinator now, Cliff!
IRONHIDE
Swindle, you do realize the bounty Sentinel put on his head.
SWINDLE
Of course! I’m no fool, but he’s worth much more as my prize fighter rather than a lump rotting in the stockades.
IRONHIDE
But I thought he was on Earth.
WASPINATOR
Dealerbot find Waspinator on Earth and give Waspinator free ride to Cybertron.
SWINDLE
I don’t normally dish out free rides to anyone, but I took pity on him after realizing we shared a common disdain for a particular backstabbing femme. So how about it fellas!? What say you give my partner here a little warm-up before this evening events. I’ll even let you team up against him.
Brawn fearlessly steps up in front of Ironhide.
BRAWN
Pffff…I’ll take him solo!
IRONHIDE
No Brawn, we’re suppose to be on a mission.
Swindle glides up to Brawn, placing his hand on his back and guiding him toward an arched doorway.
SWINDLE
Come on, no one will ever know. You’ll be back in Iacon before the dinner bell and I know a great little place along the way that’ll pound out your dents and wax your chassis in a jiffy.
BRAWN
That won’t be necessary.
WASPINATOR
Thick littlebot talk big game. Waspinator will enjoy this.
Swindle, Brawn and the predacon make their way down the stadium steps toward the fighting grounds in the center.
Cliffjumper flashes a huge grin at Ironhide and eagerly follows the other three.
Ironhide reluctantly follows, shaking his head with skepticism.
AUTOBOT BASE - MAIN ROOMOptimus Prime stands over the computer console looking over satellite images of Detroit and Lake Eerie. He taps away into the keyboard and the map images switch to a loading screen with a progress bar that doesn’t appear to be making any progress. He slams his fists on the keyboards.
OPTIMUS PRIME
C’mon, how hard is it show me an map of the zoo?! I really miss Teletran One.
Ratchet curiously peers up in from his welding project.
RATCHET
You realize brute force has no effect on the speed of the human’s communication networks.
The medibot watches his leader step down off the monitoring platform and start pacing while squeezing his temples.
RATCHET
Somthin’ on yer processor?
OPTIMUS PRIME
Just…everything…Prowl, the Decepticons, Ultra Magnus…
RATCHET
(shaking his head)
You need to learn to tackle our current issues one at a time and stop being so…“emo” as Sari would say.
Ratchet’s earthly language brings Optimus to a halt and he looks questionably at the old bot.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Emo?
RATCHET
Yeah, as in get over yourself and be more proactive! You've been sulking around here all day. Go for a drive! Soak up some solar rays.
OPTIMUS PRIME
But…
RATCHET
No buts! As your medical adviser, I strongly suggest you follow my orders.
The Autobot leader is in no mood to argue with his stubborn colleague and raises his hands in surrender as he walks toward the exit.
OPTIMUS PRIME
You’re the docbot. Is there anything you need from town?
RATCHET
Yeah...more information about the procedure performed on Prowl.
OPTIMUS PRIME
(confused)
How...do you expect me to get that?
RATCHET
From a comm call to your "inside connection."
OPTIMUS PRIME
(he does an about face)
What do you mean “connection”? You can’t be referring to Blackarachnia?
RATCHET
No, I mean, phone up your old pal Megatron and request in writing how the experiment went down. OF COURSE I MEAN BLACKARACHINA.
OPTIMUS PRIME
She’s a lost cause, Ratchet. She put her own ambition over the value of human life, not to mention she’s responsible for Prowl’s unstable condition.
RATCHET
Seeing how Prowl’s able to get out and enjoy himself, I’d say his condition is better than yours.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Aren’t you the least bit worried about him? I mean, he threatened Sari’s life back at the mall.
RATCHET
Sari’s a big girl, she’s quite capable of handling herself, but don’t change the subject! If you’re not gonna get Blackarachnia on the comm, then I will.
Ratchet huffs over to the computer and starts tapping at the keypads.
RATCHET
I know you have her frequency stored in here somewhere.
Optimus worriedly raises his hands in a stop-motion at Ratchet.
OPTIMUS PRIME
No! Fine, I’ll do it, but you know we can't trust a word she says. For all I know, she could request a meeting in person then ambush me.
RATCHET
Don’t gimme that load a’scrap. You know her well enough to detect any sideways intentions. If she sounds insincere, don't agree to meet her.
Optimus stands silent for a thoughtful moment then reluctantly turns and heads to the exit door again.
OPTIMUS PRIME
(irritated)
You know something, Ratchet? You could indulge me once in a while and stop being so…right all the time.
Ratchet smiles as he watches his leader leave the base.
RATCHET
Why quit now when I’m on a roll.
Optimus steps outside and takes in the encouraging sunshine before transforming and revving up his powerful diesel engine. He pulls forward across the unkempt lawn and stops before reaching the street, sitting idle, even though there is no oncoming traffic.
STARSCREAM’S “NEW LABORATORY”Starscream and Blackarachnia are seated at the table working on the energon converter. The seeker is lost in computational thought, scribbling various equations on the electro-tablet while the predacon mindlessly strips wires of their plastic insulation.
Her tedious task is interrupted by the Autobot leader’s emerging voice through her private comm frequency.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Blackarachnia, this is Optimus…is it safe to talk?
All four arachnid optics widen as she glances over at Starscream then quickly rises from the table and exits the room without saying a word.
Starscream raises an optic brow enough to watch her leave, but shrugs his curiosity away and resumes his problem solving.
(Insignia Transition - Decepticon to Autobot)
DOWNTOWN DETROITIn the less populated outskirts of the city, a familiar red and blue rig pulls into an empty alleyway then transforms into the stately Autobot leader. Blackarachnia watches him approach from her stealthy nook in the rickety fire escape above. Upon seeing that he’s unarmed, the large spider lowers herself into view.
BLACKARACHNIA
What took you so long? You only had to travel across town. I had to cross a great lake!
Optimus senses the playful sarcasm in her voice which relaxes his tension toward the unpredictable meeting.
OPTIMUS PRIME
(cracking an awkward smile)
Apparently you haven’t dealt with Detroit‘s midday traffic…(expression eases to concern) Have I put you at risk of Megatron’s scorn by requesting this meeting?
She transforms and touches down on the concrete, slightly amused by his nervous tone of voice.
BLACKARACHNIA
Megatron can go slag himself.
This comment catches the Autobot off guard.
OPTIMUS PRIME
What do you mean? Are you no longer operating under his command?
BLACKARACHNIA
Yes, I’m still (mimicking his voice) ‘operating under his command’ but it doesn’t mean I agree with methods.
OPTIMUS PRIME
(disappointed)
But you’ll still carry out his abominable experiments at the expense of human life and Prowl’s dignity.
She defensively plants her hands on her hips.
BLACKARACHNIA
Look, if you called me here just to lecture me then I’m gone.
She turns her back to him and points her wrist upward.
OPTIMUS PRIME
(stepping toward her)
No, wait…please, that’s not why I contacted you…Blackarachnia, I’m really worried about Prowl and I want to know as much as possible about the experiment. What exactly did you do to him?
The concern in Optimus’ voice stops the predacon from retreating as she looks back over her shoulder and lowers her hand. She takes a moment to simmer down before responding.
BLACKARACHNIA
(sincere)
I know you don’t trust me anymore, but you must believe that I never wished this on Prowl.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Then why did you kidnap his body?
BLACKARACHNIA
Have you ever disobeyed a direct order from Megatron? It’s not a pleasant experience.
OPTIMUS PRIME
I don’t imagine that it is, but you don’t have to work for him.
BLACKARACHNIA
It’s better than being tried for treason and rotting in the stockades, which is exactly what’ll happen if I turn myself over to your cause.
OPTIMUS PRIME
If you turn yourself in now, the repercussions will be much less severe then if the Elite Guard captures you as an active participant in the Decepticon army.
BLACKARACHNIA
You paint such a pretty picture. I can just see it now…the scientists hovering over me, garbed head to servo in protective suits, poking and prying…
OPTIMUS PRIME
(interrupting)
I won’t let that happen!
BLACKARACHNIA
You won’t have the power to stop it, Optimus…You and I both know this.
He turns away, frustrated, searching his processor for a valid argument to prove her wrong, but comes up dry, knowing too well that she’s right.
OPTIMUS PRIME
(desperately)
I’ll help you restore your original form. I know a lot of good science bots on Cybertron, not to mention Ratchet…
BLACKARACHNIA
I don’t need your help…I’ve already found someone capable of curing me.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Who, Starscream!? Come on Blackarachnia, you’re smarter than that. (turning to face her again) Didn’t your mishap with Meltdown teach you anything?
BLACKARACHNIA
(crossing her arms)
You’re lecturing again…Now what exactly do you want to know about Prowl’s procedure that you haven’t already figured out?
Optimus reluctantly bites his tongue and vents a sigh before returning his focus on the reason for the meeting.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Is there a way to undo the damage?
BLACKARACHNIA
(almost offended)
What do mean by damage? The fact that he’s alive or that he’s infused with organic material?
OPTIMUS PRIME
Don’t go there…you know what I mean.
BLACKARACHNIA
My experiment wasn’t intended to be damaging and I certainly never expected Megatron to show up on my doorstep and glom onto my research for his own misdoings, so, to answer your question, no. I never bothered to invent a method of undoing the procedure.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Is it still possible to reverse it?
BLACKARACHNIA
Yeah…extinguish his spark.
OPTIMUS PRIME
No! There must be another way! (he paces in frustration) I can’t imagine Starscream is pleased to be melded with a human. How does he deal with it and is he working on a cure for himself?
BLACKARACHNIA
(she observes his mannerisms with slight amusement)
Starscream is using his human counterpart to his advantage, so he doesn’t want to be cured. He’s able to access the human’s scientific genius and somehow suppress the less desirable aspects such as emotions.
OPTIMUS PRIME
How can he do that?
BLACKARACHNIA
I’m guessing his mutated, inextinguishable spark was able to overpower the professor’s personality during the synthesizing of the two, which is why Starscream is still…(cringing) Starscream. Prowl, on the other hand, was completely offline to start with, so the convict’s brain may have left a deeper scar.
OPTIMUS PRIME
That’s not what I want to hear.
BLACKARACHNIA
However…I slaughtered the convict and removed his brain pre-maturely…
Optimus looks at her with disappointment.
BLACKARACHNIA
Oh come on, don’t try to guilt trip me for that…he was a disgrace to the human species.
The Autobot leader maintains his look of disapproval, which slightly morphs into pity.
BLACKARACHNIA
As I was saying, the convict’s brain sat around decaying for a while before we…before Megatron carried out the experiment.
OPTIMUS PRIME
What are you saying?
BLACKARACHNIA
I’m saying, Prowl may very well be the dominant personality.
OPTIMUS PRIME
But even the slightest trigger to the convict’s memory drastically disrupts him.
BLACKARACHNIA
Then he needs to avoid experiences that cause such triggers. The human brain is a creature of habit and it prefers to travel on familiar paths. The more Prowl accesses that convict’s memories, the more prominent they’ll become.
OPTIMUS PRIME
He definitely acts peculiar whenever the convict’s name is mentioned.
BLACKARACHNIA
Oh, you think? (Optimus scowls at her sarcasm) You need to take him to Cybertron where there‘ll be very little stimulation to the human‘s memories.
Optimus looks away and shakes his head in disagreement.
BLACKARACHNIA
What’s that? You think I’m wrong?
OPTIMUS PRIME
I’m not leaving Earth until we‘ve captured Megatron.
BLACKARACHNIA
Puh-lease! Your past triumphs over Megatron were always aided by one of Starscream’s treacherous stunts. You don’t stand a chance. For you own safety, I suggest you leave Megatron alone.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Was that a threat?!
BLACKARACHNIA
No, Optimus, it’s a recommendation because I don’t want to see you get slagged!
The Autobot is surprised by her display of concern, wondering if she meant to let her spark‘s true nature surface for a moment or if it acted against her will. Regardless of the cause, he wasn’t about to let it retreat without a fight.
OPTIMUS PRIME
(steps closer to her)
Then why don’t you help me take him down? You’re in a perfect position.
BLACKARACHNIA
Nu-uh! No way!
OPTIMUS PRIME
(frustrated)
Why!? You aren‘t one of them, Blackarachnia! I know you’re not!
BLACKARACHNIA
Why don’t you let me decide where my loyalties belong. Are we done here?
She turns to walk away but Optimus firmly grabs her hand and pulls her close to him.
BLACKARACHNIA
What are you doing?
In protest of his actions, she pushes her free hand against his chest and tries to yank the other from his hand.
The Autobot maintains a firm grip on her, but his demeanor is gentle as his hand calms the restless techno-organics claws by pressing them firmly against his chest.
She stops struggling but refuses to look the Autobot in the face.
BLACKARACHNIA
(nervous and unconvincing)
Don’t do this…please! I need to get back to base. Shockwave’s going to tattle my absence…
OPTIMUS PRIME
(smiling lightheartedly)
Then go.
He shifts his hand to the small of her back while the other presses her hand tighter against his chassis. This action pulls her in even closer and she awkwardly staggers her feet so as not to step on his. The warmth of his spark drifts up her arm and seeps into her chassis, melting away her apprehension and sending her back to a time when such intimacy could wear the guise of innocence. She musters the courage to meet his captivating gaze with her own. The sincerity in his optics seems to guide her movement as she reaches her free hand up and starts tracing his chin with her claws.
OPTIMUS PRIME
Is this the part where you sting me?
She lightly chuckles at this comment and continues to stare speechlessly into his face, but her smile quickly fades at the blaring contrast between her tainted claws and his noble face.
Optimus can sense her spark slipping back into the layers of darkness and pulls her tighter against him hoping to retrieve it with his own optimistic life force.
BLACKARACHNIA
This is a futile dream.
OPTIMUS PRIME
It doesn’t have to be.
She brushes her thumb across his mouth before stiffening her arm and firing a silken rope into the fire escape above.
BLACKARACHNIA
If only I shared your rose-tinted perception on reality.
The Autobot leader accepts the inevitable demise of the moment and reluctantly releases his hold on her. She lingers for a long nano-second then launches upward, leaving a gush of cold wind in her place.
He turns to watch her soar up several stories, searching for the right words to redirect her misguided loyalties, but not a single desperate outburst meets the standards set by his pride and he remains silent as she reaches the rooftop and vanishes from view.