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Crossfire (Prime)

2012-04-04T05:51:58Z

194.111.31.2: /* Animation and technical errors */ Yo ucan see it, you just need to watch closely.

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 33
|prev=Loose Cannons
|next=Nemesis Prime (episode)
|image=
|caption=
|title="Crossfire"
|airdate=[[March 31]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Shaunt Nigoghossian]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Airachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Airachnid]] muses to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] about [[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]]'s inevitable decryption of the [[Project Iacon|Iacon files,]] and requests for her tracking abilities to be enlisted in the search for the resulting coordinates. Megatron dismisses her, and Soundwave replays the audio of her suggestion to leave Megatron [[One Shall Rise, Part 2|earlier]]. He contacts [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]], who replies with an oath of loyalty. The leader orders him to perform a task he normally performs [[Rock Bottom|himself]], but now leaves to his first officer. The Seeker is confused, as Airachnid holds that position, but his mission becomes clear—he is to dispose of the treacherous spider.

[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]], Dreadwing, and Airachnid follow the trail of an unconfirmed [[energon]] deposit. Airachnid is amused at the heavy backup, and takes the opportunity to grill Breakdown on his lack of skill, and lack of eye. Dreadwing attempts to calm him, but another insult puts him into a frenzy. He jumps at the spider, but is webbed in the face. Dreadwing joins the fray, but is pinned to a tree by Airachnid's webbing, but not before he lets off a blast which collapses a tree on Airachnid, damaging one of her legs and forcing her to retreat. Breakdown gives chase, and finds her collapsed in a ravine, but as he raises his hammer to finish her, he is snagged by a webbing booby trap the renegade fembot has laid for him. Immobilized, Breakdown can do nothing to stop Airachnid from slicing him to pieces. She leaves his remains behind, which are presently discovered by a contingent of [[MECH]] soldiers.

In a cave, [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] pities his lot in life as he jumps for a meager scrap of energon. He is interrupted by a nearby rumbling that surprises him—it is an [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]], unearthing a large chunk of energon. He orders the brute to hand it over, but it attacks him, forcing him to hide. He witnesses the Insecticon bowing to another surprise—Airachnid. He makes himself known, and she makes her rogue status known, giving Starscream the idea to propose an alliance to overthrow Megatron with the help of her oversized herald. She proposes an alternative—she overthrows Megatron, and orders the Insecticon to destroy Starscream.

At the base, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] receives another [[Orion Pax, Part 2|high frequency signal with an embedded message,]] again from Starscream, who promises valuable intel in exchange for medical aid. His intel proves none-too-relevant until he mentions the Insecticon, and provides Airachnid's location. Back at base, [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] berates Ratchet and [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] for letting him go again, but [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] is confident in sparing helpless lifeforms, regardless of personal vendettas.

Airachnid contacts Megatron and proposes a challenge, which he accepts, forbidding Dreadwing to follow him. Making his way to the mine, the Decepticon leader is immediately assaulted by the Insecticon, who ignores Megatron's orders to stand down and begins to beat him down. Though his cannon is rendered useless by Airachnid's webbing and he initially does not seem to be faring well, it does not take long for the former gladiator to put himself on equal footing with the beast. The Autobots bridge in, and Arcee goes for Airachnid, chasing her off into the adjoining tunnels while the other Autobots watch as Megatron triumphs over the Insecticon, tearing off its limbs and head. The Autobot surround Megatron as he professes his superiority, but when he attempts to take a step forward, he collapses at Optimus's feet. Putting the lie into his earlier speech, Prime reveals his gun and seems about to finish him off, when suddenly, Dreadwing and a large detachment of [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] descend into the cavern. Prime agrees to trade the Autobots' lives for Megatron's, but once the trade is made, Megatron orders the Vehicons to attack, and departs with Dreadwing, noting his appreciation for Dreadwing's disregard of orders.

Arcee, meanwhile, follows Airachnid, but finds herself suddenly stuck in a trap. As her rival prepares to finish her, a missile streaks through the air and pushes Airachnid off Arcee. She escapes as Starscream—intent on payback—continues to fire. Now alone with Arcee, the Seeker recalls her decision to spare him earlier, and cuts her down to settle his debt.

Underground, even as she swears her vengeance, Airachnid comes upon the source of her warrior—an entire nest of Insecticons.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (10)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (11)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (12)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (13)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (14)
|c2=
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (2)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (3)
*[[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] (4)
*[[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]] (5)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (15)
|c3=
*[[MECH|MECH soldiers]] (6)
*[[MECH Commando]] (7)
|c4=
*[[Airachnid]] (1)
*[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] (8)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticon]] (9)
}}

==Quotes==

"I know we've never seen ''eyes-to-eye'', but that doesn't mean we can't ''patch'' things up."
:—'''Airachnid''' baits Breakdown with extra-strength puns.

"You dare turn your back on a superior life-form? I am Commander Starscream!"
:—'''Starscream''' using his former position to get others to do what he wants...''again''.

"You and your beast would do well to remember—''I honed my skills in the pits of [[Kaon]]!''"
:—'''Megatron''' reminds all that he is not so easily beaten.

"Never trust a 'Con. Kick Buckethead's bucket!"
:—'''Bulkhead''' on Megatron's physical appearance

"You disobeyed my orders in following me here. You will make a fine first lieutenant."
:—'''Megatron''' might have finally made a good choice for second-in-command.

==Notes==
=== Animation and technical errors ===
*When Bulkhead jumps out of the GroundBridge with Ratchet following behind, the wrecking ball on his left arm somehow transforms silently back to his hand.
*When the Insecticon throws Megatron into the air and slashes at him with its horn, it injures his shoulder and Energon/mech fluid is splattered from the wound. When Megatron recovers, the injury appears on his neck instead.

===Continuity errors===
*Soundwave's trace of Airachnid's signal appears to locate her around about Bolivia, while the Autobot trace of the same signal places it on the north coast of South America, in Guyana or Suriname.
*Starscream's missiles reappear on his arms after he fires them.

===Continuity notes===
*Arcee reminds the team yet again of how Airachnid took [[Tailgate (Prime)|Tailgate]] away from her, as well as how Starscream was responsible for [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper's]] demise.
*Starscream hasn't forgotten how Arcee let him live after their last encounter from "[[Partners]]".
*Soundwave plays dialogue from "[[One Shall Rise, Part 2]]" to remind Megatron what Airachnid thinks of him.
*MECH comes across the dismembered remains of Breakdown, and cites it as a "[[Operation: Breakdown|familiar face]]".
*Starscream contacts Ratchet the same way he did back in "[[Orion Pax, Part 2]]", and meets him and Bulkhead in what appears to be the same place. Both he and Bulkhead even reference the events of that episode.
*The events of the two-part episode "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1|Operation Bumblebee]]" are brought up while Starscream begs for treatment.
*The "task" Megatron normally performs himself—the disposal of treacherous soldiers—previously occurred in "[[Rock Bottom]]", where Starscream was the recipient.
*Megatron refers to his skills and training as a Kaon gladiator.

===Trivia===
*Starscream's arm-mounted missiles still work even with his T-Cog missing, since there's no transformation involved in firing them.

[[Category:Prime episodes]]

Star Saber (Armada)

2012-03-23T08:18:47Z

194.111.31.2: /* Foreign names */

{{picsneeded|appearances in fiction and toys}}
{{disambig3|Star Saber}}
[[Image:ArmStarSaberSword.jpg|right|175px|thumb|Star Saber! Give me sight beyond sight!]]
The '''Star Saber''' is a weapon created by the combination of the [[Mini-Con]] [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]. It is among the most powerful weapons in all existence: the only known defense against it is the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom shield]], though which would give first has yet to be determined. It is also unknown if the Star Saber packs more destructive power than the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]... but that's all really academic anyway. The point is, the Star Saber can slice and dice pretty much anything within reach, and don't you forget it.

In the hands of those with evil minds, the sword itself sometimes becomes tainted, forming the '''Dark Saber'''.

==Fiction==
===Toy pack-in comics===
After Galvatron captured the Air Defense Team in a trap, he forced them to combine into the Dark Saber. The weapon was of little help in battle with Optimus Prime and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]], who rescued the Mini-Cons by combining and kicking Galvatron away. {{Storylink|Armada Volume 3}}

===''Armada'' cartoon===
[[Image:Ruin-Star Saber Skyboom Shield.jpg|left|240px|thumb]]
The Star Saber was the source of nigh-unlimited power for an ancient civilization. It was later responsible for its destruction and sinking into the ocean. Sonar's Mini-Con panel was left there and later recovered by the Decepticons. {{storylink|Ruin}}
Later, after invading the Autobot base, [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] used Sonar to locate the other two Mini-Cons and eventually succeeded in forming the Star Saber for the first time in ages. His victory was shortlived as [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] stole it from Megatron. Hot Shot was shaky in his command of the saber and at first did not put up a good offensive against Megatron. After words of advice from [[Rad White]], Hot Shot harnessed the power of the Mini-Cons to defeat Megatron, cutting off his antenna in the process. {{storylink|Swoop (episode)|Swoop}}

Hot Shot continued fighting and defeating Decepticons with the use of the Star Saber. Each time in combat the Saber showed ease in slicing off pieces of his opponents. While in a swordfight with [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], he was hit once, but Starscream's sword was sliced again in two by the Saber. Even with the Saber in his possession, Hot Shot was no match for [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and was easily defeated. Afterward Scavenger hinted to Megatron about a legend of a [[Skyboom (Armada)|shield]] that could counter the Star Saber. {{storylink|Overmatch}}

[[Image:Hotshotstarsaber.jpg|thumb|right|240px|Insert your own Star Wars quote here.]]
Hot Shot practiced with the saber but struggled once again against Scavenger. He eventually used the sword to cut away an unfinished bridge, causing Scavenger to fall. {{storylink|Gale}} In another battle they were transported, along with [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]], to the Decepticon base after grabbing ahold of Megatron. After battling, Sideways was captured by Megatron, who offered a trade for the Star Saber. Hot Shot traded but with Sideways free called back the Star Saber in the form of its three components. Sideways then turned on Hot Shot and knocked it away to Starscream, who then took control of it. {{storylink|Credulous}}

With the Star Saber in hand, the Decepticons won many battles and captured more Mini-Cons. Megatron later tricked Starscream into attacking him and took the Star Saber as the Decepticon view shifted negatively against Starscream. {{storylink|Conspiracy}} Megatron used the Star Saber to attack [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] in super mode but had his attacks parried. He was later thrown into a crevasse, but kept the Star Saber in hand. {{storylink|Trust (Armada)|Trust}} Back at the moon base, Megatron chased around the other Decepticons, notably Sideways, for practice. {{storylink|Vacation}}

With the Star Saber, Megatron believed himself invincible. {{storylink|Reinforcement}} Megatron attacked Optimus Prime with both the Star Saber and the Skyboom Shield. Optimus Prime's gun was cut in two and his arm was damaged. With the help of [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]], Optimus was able to steal the Skyboom Shield away from Megatron. Then the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield collided, causing a beam of light to head off into space. {{storylink|Decisive Battle}}

The Autobots attempted to figure out the origins of the Star Saber while Megatron figured out new ways to attack using it. Optimus later commented that the power released when it hit the Skyboom Shield was due to the "screams of the Mini-Cons." {{storylink|Vow}} When Starscream contested Megatron for leadership of the Decepticons, Megatron bet the Star Saber to the winner. Megatron won the battle and kept the Star Saber for himself. {{storylink|Rebellion}}

[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] asked for the Star Saber as the only way to guarantee Decepticon victory. During the battle, he let Megatron use it and never actually took possession of it. {{storylink|Tactician}} Megatron found himself increasingly frustrated with his inability to harm the Autobots due to the Skyboom Shield. He wounded [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] once with it, but again found further hits parried by the shield. {{storylink|Linkup}}

The Star Saber was drawn toward the Skyboom Shield. Together they caused a signal that awakened the Mini-Cons that combined to create the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. {{storylink|Desperate}} Later in the jungle Starscream used it to battle Optimus Prime. The three component Mini-Cons turned the saber off to protest the fighting. {{storylink|Sacrifice}}

After changing sides, Starscream used the Star Saber to attack Megatron and [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] and used it to block a shot from the Requiem Blaster. Optimus Prime then took it to attack [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]]. {{storylink|Regeneration}} In the attack to save the Mini-Cons, Starscream again battled Megatron and was able to chop off Megatron's turret. {{storylink|Rescue}} On the adventure to Mars, Starscream threw a tantrum and sliced a few mountains with the saber. Later when in the prescence of the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster, all three weapons shone with light and then caused an explosion in space. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

When Starscream eventually changed sides again he took the Star Saber back to the Decepticon side. {{storylink|Crack}} He presented the saber to Megatron and was immediately threatened with it. All three weapons were then combined to power the ultimate weapon, the [[Hydra Cannon]]. {{storylink|Threaten}}

Armed with the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield, [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] led the attack on Cybertron and attacked Optimus Prime. {{storylink|Uprising}} Galvatron later almost handed the Star Saber to [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]], but instead used it to attack [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], who had infiltrated the base. [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] parried the attack. All this prevented Thrust from stealing the Star Saber so instead he ran off with the other two weapons. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}} When [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] was unable to catch the fleeing Thrust, Galvatron threatened him with the Star Saber. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}} Sideways then got angry at Thrust for not being able to secure the Star Saber with the Skyboom Shield and Requiem Blaster. {{storylink|Portent}}

Galvatron swiped at Starscream with the Star Saber then attacked Optimus Prime when Optimus attempted to negotiate a truce with the Decepticons. Optimus was able to catch the Star Saber in mid-swing. Starscream interrupted the battle, causing Galvatron to attack him. Starscream was able to dodge at first but then allowed himself to be run through. After pulling out the Star Saber from his chassis, Starscream attacked a hovering [[Unicron]]. Unicron retaliated, destroying Starscream utterly. Seeing this, Galvatron picked up the Star Saber and offered it to Optimus Prime, but Sideways appeared and stole it from his hand. {{storylink|Cramp}}

Returning to Unicron, Sideways shoved the saber into the ground, fully awakening him. {{storylink|Alliance}} It then became part of Unicron's body and the component Mini-Cons were said to be impossible to awake. Later when Galvatron and Optimus Prime invaded Unicron's interior, Galvatron saw the Star Saber and reached for it. Tentacles surrounding it attacked Galvatron, causing him to recoil. Eventually the saber was awakened by a Mini-Con song, splitting into the component Mini-Cons. {{storylink|Origin}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic===
[[Image:WorldsCollide3_StarSaber.jpg|thumb|250px|I HAVE THE POWER!!!]]
Feeling the desire for more power, Megatron ordered the Decepticons raising the [[Armstrong Meat Processing and Packaging plant]] to capture the [[Air Defense Mini-Con Team (Armada)|Air Defense Mini-Con Team]]. They were forcibly combined into the Star Saber. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 6}}

On the outskirts of [[Lincoln]], [[South Dakota]], Megatron used the Star Saber to slice into the ground, shaking the Autobase underneath. Megatron goaded [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] out, threatening to level the whole area. Optimus exited and was swiftly sliced by the Star Saber. Optimus somehow grabbed the Star Saber in the ground and pleaded for the individual Mini-Cons to resist whatever Megatron did to them. Megatron took the saber back but it split up into its individual Mini-Cons who turned their firepower against their former master. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 7}}

The team combined again for Megatron to help him defeat the dimension-hopping [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]]. Its power allowed Megatron to be able to block a blast from Galvatron's plasma cannon. Galvatron attempted to take control of the saber but its power only flowed through Megatron. Megatron then dealt a fatal blow through Galvatron's chest. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}} Megatron sliced Galvatron up and was ready to take on the rest of the world, but the [[Land Military Mini-Con Team|Land Military Team]] fired upon the Star Saber, knocking it out of his hand and letting it split apart. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}
{{-}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
After capturing its components, [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] assembled the Star Sabre {{sic}} so that he could use its power to overthrow [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. He shut off the Air Defence Team's personality chips in the process, which was not the best of ideas: without their minds to keep the Star Sabre's power in check, it quickly went out of control during a battle with [[Perceptor (Armada)|Perceptor]]. Lightning filled the air and Starscream couldn't let go off the sword, and it took [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] to force it out of his hands. The Star Sabre's power threatened to tear the Earth apart, but Prime successfully reached its components and convinced them to separate. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 7|The Two-Edged Blade!}}

==Toys==
{{picsneeded|toys}}
===Armada===
*'''Air Defense Team''' (Mini-Con Team, 2002/2003)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MM-02'''

: A trio of high-tech jets, [[Runway]], [[Jetstorm (Armada)|Jetstorm]] and [[Sonar (Armada)|Sonar]] can combine to form the Star Saber sword, which can be held by any other Transformer that has 5mm fist-holes. The Team's main body is cast in transparent plastic in order to utilize the light-up-fist gimmicks in Super Mode [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] and the [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] releases of [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]]. Unfortunately, because of the placement of opaque parts and the lack of a continuous light path from handle to tip, the light-up effect is less than successful.

: For the Team's [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] release, they were available both as an individual set, and in a multi-pack with Hot Shot.

: This mold-set was used to make the Takara [[Aerial Extermination Mini-Con Team|Air Assault Mini-Con Team]], and remolded to make the [[Energon Saber]], [[Blizzard Saber]], and the [[Sky Terror Mini-Con Team]].

*'''Air Defense Micron X-Dimension''' (Mini-Con Team, 2003)
** ''Japanese ID number:'' '''MM-07'''

: A [[redeco]] of the Air Defense Team was available in a shorter run in Japan. The [[X-Dimension Mini-Cons|X-Dimension]] Air Defense Team changed the opaque plastics to orange and red, and the paint trim to match. Though fans have dubbed the combined form the "Fire Saber", this name does not appear to be official.

*'''Air Defense Micron''' (Candy toy, 2003)

: Available only in individual boxes each with a small bag of sugar-pellet candy, the [[Kabaya]] [[candy toy]] version of the Team replaced the clear plastics with opaque white. This version is actually a completely new mold-set, with various small differences from the [[Hasbro]]/Takara releases.

*'''Air Defense Micron''' (Micron Booster, 2003)

: Part of the first [[Micron Booster]] set sold only in individual blind-packed boxes, this version of the Team is almost wholly identical to the normal retail release. The only difference is that this version is cast in slightly-sparkly plastic and uses slightly-sparkly paint. The difference is almost unnoticeable unless you look at the two versions side-by-side.

*'''Air Assault Team''' (Mini-Con Team, 2003)

: A "tainted by evil" redeco of the Team released by Hasbro, this version of the trio replaces the transparent plastic with opaque off-white, the other colors turning predominantly black and purple.

: This coloration was altered for the Takara [[Aerial Extermination Mini-Con Team|Air Assault Mini-Con Team]], who are separate characters from the Air Defense Team.

*'''Air Defense Micron Anime Color''' (Mini-Con Team, 2003)

: Cast entirely in blue and clear-blue plastics, this incarnation of the Team is supposed to represent the Star Saber as it appears in the cartoon, with a glowing blue "energy blade". It was only available as a pack-in with the CD single of the ''Micron Legend'' cartoon ending theme, "[[Never Ending Road]]".
{{--}}

==Merchandise==
===Armada===
[[Image:Starsaberroleplaytoy.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Auto! Auto! Auto! Autobots, HOOOOOOOOOO!!!]]
*'''Star Saber''' (Role-play toy, 2003)
*'''Dark Saber''' (Role-play toy, 2003)

: Two versions of the same mold in different colors (even with different [[Paint operation|paint application]] layouts), the role-play version of the Star Saber / Dark Saber is a toy blade about thirteen inches long. Swinging the toy causes electronic "whooshing" sounds followed by a "clank" of metal-on-metal; the Mini-Con sigil also lights up. Pulling down on the tailfin in the middle of the blade portion swings up a pair of clear-plastic "energy" blades to surround the main one, as well as activating power-up noises. In this form (which is not appreciably longer than the other), swinging the toy produces a more impressive-sounding "crashing" noise after the "whoosh".
{{-}}
===Super Collection Figure===
*'''Convoy Super Mode''' (2003)

: A special "chase" version of the Super Mode ''Armada'' [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] PVC figurine, from "ACT-9" of the [[Super Collection Figure]] series, holds the Star Saber rather than his normal hand-cannon.

*'''Convoy Normal Mode''' (Mega Super Collection Figure, 2003)
**''MSCF ID number:'' '''TF-12'''

: The non-super-mode version of MSCF ''Armada'' Optimus Prime comes with a large Star Saber accessory: its blade is mainly detail-less clear-blue plastic to resemble its cartoon appearance.
{{--}}

==Notes==
* In the English-language dub of the ''[[Energon (cartoon)|Energon]]'' animated series, the [[Energon Sword]] forged from Megatron's spark is mistakenly referred to as the Star Saber on one occasion.
* In the Dreamwave comics, the very concept of the Star Saber is coined by Megatron and it is under his ministrations that the Air Defense team develops this ability to combine. As a result, Megatron is the only individual to wield the Star Saber, and it only appears in its "evil" colors in spite of never being referred to as the Dark Saber.

===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Star Saber''' (スターセイバー ''Sutā Seibā'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Pengeél''' ("Blade's Edge")
*''Swedish:'' '''Stjärnsabeln'''
*''Polish:'' '''Gwiezdny miecz''' ("Stellar sword")
*''Finnish:'' '''Tähtimiekka''' ("Starsword")

[[Category:Armada weapons]]
[[Category:Blades]]
[[Category:Mini-Con weapons]]

Skyboom (Armada)

2012-03-23T08:15:45Z

194.111.31.2: /* Foreign names */

{{factions|minicon}}
{{disambig3|Skyboom}}

[[Image:ArmadaSkyboomShield.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"Why do we look like a spaceship?"]]
Formed from the [[Race Mini-Con Team]] members [[Dirt Boss (Armada)|Dirt Boss]], [[Downshift (Armada)|Downshift]] and [[Mirage (Armada)|Mirage]], the '''Skyboom''' shield is possibly the ultimate defensive force in the known universe. It is the only thing that can withstand the might of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]] and [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]] weapons, but the full limits of all three have never been tested.

==Fiction==
===''Armada'' cartoon===
[[Image:Skyboomshield stockfootage.jpg|left|150px|thumb|"Super Special Awesome Sexy Transformation Sequence GO!!!"]]
The existence of the Skyboom Shield was first revealed by [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] to [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] when the Decepticons manage to find a seemingly-unresponsive [[Mini-Con storage panel|Mini-Con panel]]. Reputedly, the shield had the ability to resist the power of the mighty [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber sword]]. {{storylink|Overmatch|Overmatch}}

[[Image:ArmadaMegs Starsaber Skyboom.jpg|right|150px|thumb|"Uh-huh...that's right...who's laughing now? WHO'S LAUGHING NOW?!"]]
Soon afterwards, the Decepticons managed to secure the remaining Mini-Con Race Team members, {{storylink|Reinforcement|Reinforcement}} and deployed the shield in battle. However to the surprise of both factions, when [[Sparkplug (Armada)|Sparkplug]] defended [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], the Skyboom Shield in turn defended the Autobot leader against Megatron's Star Saber. The resulting blows by the sword against the shield unleashed a beam of energy into deep space, similar to the Mini-Con signal that drew the Transformers to Earth. {{storylink|Decisive Battle|Decisive Battle}}

Afterwards, the Skyboom Shield remained in the possession of the Autobots and was entrusted in the care of [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]]. Smokescreen would fire the Shield from his shoulder mounted cannon in order to quickly transport it to a comrade in need.

The Skyboom Shield was drawn toward the Sky Saber. Together they caused a signal that awakened the three Mini-Cons that combined into the [[Requiem Blaster (Armada)|Requiem Blaster]]. {{storylink|Desperate}}

Smokescreen/Hoist used the Skyboom Shield to block a shot from the Requiem Blaster. He wished he had it [[Sacrifice|earlier]]. {{storylink|Rescue}} He then handed it off to Jetfire to use on the [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] mission. While in close proximity to the other two weapons, it glowed with light and then all three caused an explosion in space. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

[[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] asked Starscream to bring the Skyboom Shield back to lunar base. He was then accused by the Autobots of stealing it when in fact the Mini-Cons had gone into hiding. Eventually the kids returned the Mini-Cons to the Autobots and Hot Shot brought the shield into battle. Hoist threw it Optimus, but Starscream grabbed shield and warped away. {{storylink|Crack (episode)|Crack}}

On return to the Decepticons, Starscream presented the Skyboom Shield to Megatron. It was then combined with the other two weapons into the powerful [[Hydra Cannon]]. {{storylink|Threaten}} Later, armed with the Skyboom Shield and Star Saber, [[Megatron (Armada)|Galvatron]] led the attack on Cybertron. {{storylink|Uprising}}

Betraying the Decepticons, Thrust stole the Skyboom Shield with the Requiem Blaster to bring to [[Unicron]]. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}} He took them through a portal to the moon and set them upon the ground. {{storylink|Portent}}

The Skyboom was then considered part of Unicron's body and the component Mini-Cons unable to wake up. {{storylink|Union}} Tentacles covered the shield but the Mini-Cons were able to wake up during the Mini-Con song. {{storylink|Origin}} The Skyboom then flew in shield form out of Unicron. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
* '''Race Team''' (Mini-Con Team, 2002/2003)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''MM-05'''

: The Skyboom shield is formed out of all three Race Team members. Downshift forms the top of the shield, Dirt Boss forms the middle of the shield, and Mirage forms the lower portion of the shield. There is a fold-out handle with a 5mm peg for compatible figures to hold in their fists. The shield can also be mounted on a Mini-Con peg via the Mini-Con Powerlinx port on the underside of Downshift.

: These molds were [[redeco]]ed into the [[Speed Chaser Team]] and their combined mode, the [[Magnawing]].

*'''Grap & Lift with Race Micron''' (Multi-pack, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MS-02'''

: The Race Team was available in Japan both as an individual team, and in a multi-pack with [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]].

*'''Race Micron X-Dimension''' (Basic, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-10'''

: A limited-edition (but still regular-retail) [[redeco]] of the Race Team was made available in Japan. The entire Team was given a deco in varying shades of blue.

*'''"Race Team"''' (Micron Booster, 2003)

: Part of the first [[Micron Booster]] set, the entire Race Team is almost totally identical to the retail version, only this uses a slightly-sparkly plastic and paint.

*'''"Race Team"''' (Change Micron, 2003)

: Another nigh-identical Japanese release, these versions came as "[[Candy toy|candy toys]]" produced by [[Kabaya]] as part of the [[Change Micron]] assortment. These toys are actually a new molding, though based on the original mold.

*'''Road Assault Mini-Con Team''' (Basic, 2003)

: A late-series redeco of the Race Team — now named the [[Road Assault Mini-Con Team]] — was released alongside the [[Destruction Team|Road Wrecker Team]]. In Japan, individually-bagged members of this Team were given away randomly with the purchase of ''Armada'' [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] or [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] at Ito Yokaido stores in August.

===Universe===
:All three individual Race Team Mini-Cons were released in 2004 as [[Tiny Tin|Tiny Tins]] in their original ''Armada'' colors under the ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'' line.

===Energon===
*'''Race Mini-Con Team & Space Mini-Con Team''' (Multi-Pack, 2004)

: An unaltered version of the Road Assault Mini-Con Team (yet named the Race Team again) was released as part of an ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]''-series "Mini-Con 6-pack" with the [[Space Mini-Con Team]].

===Cybertron===
:In 2006, the individual Race Team members were redecoed with all-new colours and released with Tiny Tin carrying mini-cases in the ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' line. They were packed in special Walmart-exclusive sets with figures from the first two waves of ''Cybertron''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s Deluxe class.

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Cosmotector''' (コスモテクター ''Kosumotekutā'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Égbolt pajzs''' ("Skyscape shield")
*''Swedish:'' '''Skyboomskölden'''
*''Polish:'' '''Gwiezdna tarcza''' ("Stellar shield")
*''Finnish:'' '''Taivaan kilpi''' ("Shield of the sky")

[[Category:Armada weapons]]
[[Category:Cybertron weapons]]
[[Category:Energon weapons]]
[[Category:Mini-Con weapons]]
[[Category:Universe (2003)]]

Requiem Blaster (Armada)

2012-03-23T08:14:09Z

194.111.31.2: /* Foreign names */

{{disambigr|Requiem Blaster|the weapon from Aligned|Requiem Blaster (Prime)}}
[[Image:RequiemBlaster.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Not to be confused with [[Dirge (BWII)|Dirgegun]].]]

The '''Requiem Blaster''' is quite simply the most powerful energy weapon in the known galaxy. It is the combined form of the Mini-Cons [[Astroscope]], [[Payload (Armada)|Payload]], and [[Sky Blast]]. It utilizes Astroscope's transdimensional research to draw on the power of a super nova's energy, a quasar's sonic output, or a [[black hole]]'s gravity. This makes it EXTREMELY powerful. Only the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]] is able to diffuse an attack from the blaster.

==Fiction==
===''Armada'' cartoon===
The existence of the Requiem Blaster was first hinted at by [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] to [[Alexis Thi Dang|Alexis]] and [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]. {{storylink|Awakening}} When it was first created, a blast from it almost destroyed [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]. Later it allowed [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] to slow his fall and boil away the ocean below him without harming the ground underneath it while the recoil slowed him down. {{storylink|Desperate}}

While in possession of the Requiem Blaster the Autobots argued on how it should be used. [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]], [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]], and [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] wanted to use it to storm the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Runaway}} Megatron infiltrated the Autobot base and stole it from [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]]. It blasted a hole clear through Smokescreen and the wall behind him. With his prize in hand, Megatron retreated. {{storylink|Sacrifice}}

During the raid on the Decepticon base to save the Mini-Cons, Smokescreen (rebuilt as Hoist) blocked a shot from the Requiem Blaster with the [[Skyboom (Armada)|Skyboom Shield]]. He probably wished he had it earlier. {{storylink|Rescue}}

While attempting to get a Mini-Con on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], Megatron blasted some mountains with the blaster. After coming within close proximity of the Skyboom Shield and [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]], it started to glow with light before the energy created by all three exploded. {{storylink|Mars (episode)|Mars}}

With all three Mini-Con weapons in hand, [[Thrust (Armada)|Thrust]] combined them into an ultimate weapon, the [[Hydra Cannon]]. {{storylink|Threaten}}

En route to Cybertron, Megatron fired the Requiem Blaster at [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]]. The wake caused by the blast severely damaged Scavenger. Another shot at [[Side Swipe (Armada)|Side Swipe]] knocked him into an asteroid. It was then used to take aim at a newly revived Optimus Prime, but was never fired. {{storylink|Miracle}}

During the attack by [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], Megatron shot the attacker and blew it to pieces. Nemesis later revived and knocked the Requiem Blaster from Megatron's grasp. After Megatron transformed into Galvatron, he fired once again on Nemesis Prime before turning the weapon's destructive power upon the ''[[Axalon (Armada)|Axalon]]''. {{storylink|Puppet}}

Galvatron led the attack on Cybertron initially with just the Star Saber and Skyboom Shield, but eventually had Demolishor hand him the Requiem Blaster to continue the attack. {{storylink|Uprising}} Later while pretending to rebuild the Hydra Cannon, Thrust stole the Requiem Blaster along with the Skyboom Shield. {{storylink|Dash (episode)|Dash}} When [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] pursued, he was blasted to the pieces by the Requiem Blaster. Then, with some fancy time travel, he wasn't. Thrust instead shot the ceiling of the corridor, causing an avalanche. {{storylink|Drift (episode)|Drift}} Thrust then took the weapons through a portal to Cybertron's moon. There the kids attempted to wake up the component Mini-Cons, but to no avail. {{storylink|Portent}}

The Requiem Blaster was now considered part of [[Unicron]]'s body. It was said they would not wake up. {{storylink|Union}} Unicron had covered it entirely with tentacles, but when the Mini-Cons began to sing, it broke escaped and broke up into the component Mini-Cons. They combined once again for Optimus Prime to shoot and destroy [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]]. {{storylink|Origin}} The blaster later flew in gun form out of Unicron. {{storylink|Mortal Combat}}

===Dreamwave ''Armada'' comic===
{{storylink|More Than Meets The Eye (Armada)|More Than Meets The Eye}}
{{stub}}

===''TransTech''===
[[Ego]], a collector of [[Multiverse|multiversal]] artifacts, had a Requiem Blaster in his collection. [[Bulletbike (TransTech)|Bulletbike]] stole it and used it to kill the security guard [[Aurik]]. {{storylink|I, Lowtech}}

==Toys==
===Armada===
*'''Space Mini-Con Team''' (Basic, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-13'''

: The Requiem Blaster is formed by combining the three members of the [[Space Mini-Con Team]], with Astroscope and Sky Blast forming the barrel and Payload forming the handle. The cannon can be held by most Transformers who use [[5mm post|5mm mounting points]].

: The Requiem Blaster was [[redeco]]ed into the [[Deep Space Mini-Con Team]]'s [[Umbral Blaster]].

[[Image:2003-spacemicron-xdimension-toys.jpg|thumb|250px]]
*'''Space Micron X-Dimension''' (Basic, 2003)
**''Japanese ID number'': '''MM-14'''

:A somewhat more limited-edition—but still regular retail—[[redeco]] of the Space Team was released by [[Takara]] as part of the [[X-Dimension Mini-Cons]]. This set uses a primarily green and brown deco.

{{-}}
*'''Mir''' (Candy toy, 2003)
*'''Apollo''' (Candy toy, 2003)
*'''Move''' (Candy toy, 2003)

:The Space Mini-Con Team was completely re-cast as new molds as part of the second wave of [[Kabaya]]'s [[Change Micron]] series. As these versions of the team members were sold separately, making the Requiem Blaster out of them was a slightly harder task.

===Energon===
*'''Ultra Magnus''' (Ultra, 2004)

:Another redeco of the Space Team, this time forming a black, gray and blue Requiem Blaster. They were packaged with ''[[Energon (toyline)|Energon]]'' [[Ultra Magnus (Energon)|Ultra Magnus]].

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Astro Blaster''' (アストロブラスター ''Asutoro Burasutā'')
*''Hungarian:'' '''Rekviem Romboló''' ("Requiem Destroyer")
*''Swedish:'' '''Rekviemkanonen'''
*''Polish:'' '''Rozpylacz''' ("Dustbringer")
*''Finnish:'' '''Tuomipäivän Tykki''' ("Doomsday Blaster")

[[Category:Armada weapons]]
[[Category:Energon weapons]]
[[Category:Mini-Con weapons]]

Rodimus Friend or Foe?

2012-02-14T08:35:51Z

194.111.31.2: /* Trivia */ Nobody noticed that?

{{episode|
|series=Energon
|ep=15
|prev=Energon Grid
|next=Go for Unicron!
|title="Rodimus Friend or Foe?"
|japanese=敵か? 味方か? ロディマスコンボイ
|romaji=Teki ka? Mikata ka? Rodimus Convoy
|translation=Enemy? Ally? Rodimus Convoy
|image=E15_titlecard.jpg
|caption=Even in ''Transformers'', F.O.E.!
|production code=
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Naoki Ōhira]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.|Actas]], [[Studio A-CAT]] (3D)
|airdate=[[April 16|16 April]] [[2004]] (Japanese) [[July 2]], 2004 (English)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''Megatron suspects Scorponok of lingering loyalty to Alpha Q, and Rodimus returns with a shocking secret.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] exuberantly "skis" through a field of space debris, leaving it ice-covered in his wake. Within [[Unicron]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] yawns. Cyclonus kicks some debris at [[Earth]]'s [[energon grid]], but the grid vaporizes it, before firing at him. [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] voices his concerns to Megatron that Cyclonus will get hurt, and that something is wrong with his head after his recent reformatting. Megatron agrees, but tells Demolishor never to question his orders. Oh, and Cyclonus is "Snow Cat" now.

[[Image:Energon-Megatron-Yawn.jpg‎|thumb|left|My yawn is more powerful than CGI rendering software!]]

Megatron says they're changing plans; instead of wasting time attacking Earth, they'll find [[energon (Energon)|energon]] elsewhere. [[Alpha Quintesson|Alpha Q]] suspects this means attacking ''him'', to get the energon within Unicron's head.

The [[Autobot]]s enjoy the show from the surface as debris detonates against the grid. [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] worries that Megatron will have a new scheme, and calls his troops together to plan their next move. [[Inferno (Energon)|Infernp]] asks [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] to take his place at the meeting; [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] says he'll cover for Ironhide, who reminds him of his own youthful self, aspiring to be just like [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]].

Megatron is tired of Alpha Q's interference, and orders him destroyed, even though his troops have no idea where he is. [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] captures a spying [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcon]], and Megatron realizes that Alpha Q has been watching him the whole time.

Optimus Prime tells the troops that they still have to destroy Unicron to stop Megatron. Soon they'll take the battle into space, thanks to Ironhide's tracking devices. [[Kicker Jones|Kicker]] doesn't look too happy about this.

Hot Shot is trying to communicate with [[Carlos Lopez|Carlos]], when an emergency communication comes in from Rodimus, who wants to speak to him in person.

[[Image:Energon-HotShot-Hand-Drawn.jpg|thumb|right|]]

Ironhide finds Kicker and tells him [[Misha Miramond|Misha]]'s worried about him, but is met with angry rebuke. Ironhide guesses that Kicker is scared of space. Further shouting is put aside when Kicker's hair glows, alerting him to a problem. The two run outside in time to see Hot Shot drive off onto the [[space bridge]] and vanish.

In space, Megatron is blowing up Terrorcons. Starscream tries to stop him, prompting Megatron to question his loyalty. When Starscream readily professes fealty, Megatron suspects Scorponok, and calls to him. On [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], Scorponok's Terrorcons are feeding, when he hears Megatron's call and prepares to depart.

Hot Shot arrives at the ruins of [[Mars City]]. He is surprised to find a mine shaft, the presence of which is soon explained by the arrival of Scorponok and the Terrorcons. The two have words, then Hot Shot starts destroying Terrorcons. Rodimus arrives just then... and stops him from doing further damage. Scorponok grumbles that Rodimus took his time arriving. He says he must continue obeying Megatron for now, and leaves. Hot Shot is incensed that Rodimus let him go, as the energon will be used to rebuild Unicron. Yet, to Hot Shot's shock, Rodimus says that Unicron ''must'' be rebuilt!

Ironhide, Kicker and a Skyblast arrive on Mars, looking for Hot Shot.

[[Image:Energon-Ironhide-Hand-Drawn.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Hey, this feels kinda good.]]

Rodimus explains that Unicron is being controlled by Alpha Q, who created the Terrorcons. Rodimus wants Hot Shot to hold off on attacking Unicron. Hot Shot says it's too much to ask, and if Rodimus tries to stop Optimus's team, he will become the enemy. Hot Shot raises his blaster, as the shocked Kicker and Ironhide watch.

Rodimus says they'd make a great team. He angrily orders Hot Shot to fire, but when he can't, Rodimus denounces him as weak and blasts him.

Ironhide and Kicker charge in; [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] revives Hot Shot. At Kicker's urging, Ironhide attacks Rodimus, who [[transformation|transforms]] and drives off. Ironhide and Kicker pursue; Rodimus notes the presence of the human and comments that it's "perfect".

Suddenly another figure appears over the horizon: [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]], readying his gun. A laser lasso snares Ironhide and puts him down. Skyblast supplies Kicker with a [[Energon Sword|Megatron Sword]], which he uses to free Ironhide. Prowl and Rodimus [[Powerlinx]]. Confident in his power, Rodimus invites Kicker to come with him, as Alpha Q has become interested in him.

Ironhide arrives then, defending Kicker with the [[Energon Saber]], but Rodimus easily knocks him away with a burst of energy, followed by a laser assault; Ironhide shields Kicker. The odds are made worse by the arrival of Landmine. Rodimus says to leave them, dismissing Optimus's team as amateurs. The three drive off, telling Kicker they'll meet again.

[[Image:Energon-Scorponok-Impact.jpg|thumb|right|The cel animation looks better than the CGI! But...that's...impossible!]]

Ironhide is shocked to realize he's pulled a weapon on a superior officer. Hot Shot arrives and tells Ironhide he did the right thing, standing up for his teammates. Kicker tells him he'll be proud to go into space with Ironhide. In the Martian sky, a ship leaves for space.

Scorponok arrives back at Unicron with the Terrorcons, and is met by Tidal Wave and Starscream, who are there to ensure the energon goes where it's supposed to. Megatron questions Scorponok, who denies any loyalty to Alpha Q, or knowledge of his whereabouts. The watching Alpha Q wonders why Scorponok has betrayed him.

A while later, Megatron wonders if Alpha Q will come to rescue Scorponok, who is strapped to another artificial "comet", headed directly for Earth. Alpha Q watches, but says he can't risk his own safety for Scorponok's. The comet impacts the grid; Scorponok screams in agony as it explodes, begging Alpha Q to help him.
{{--}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
* [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] (5)
* [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] (6)
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
* [[Ironhide (Energon)|Ironhide]] (8)
* [[Inferno (Energon)|Inferno]] (12)
* [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] (17)
* [[Skyblast (Energon)|Skyblast]] (21)
* [[Prowl (Energon)|Prowl]] (22)
* [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] (26)

|c2=
* [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Snow Cat]] (1)
* [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (2)
* [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (3)
* [[Tidal Wave (Armada)|Tidal Wave]] (13)
* [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (15)
* [[Scorponok (Energon)|Scorponok]] (20)

|c3=
* [[Brian Jones (Energon)|Dr. Brian Jones]] (9)
* [[Kicker Jones]] (10)
* [[Misha Miramond]] (11)
* [[Carlos Lopez]] (16)

|c4=
* [[Alpha Quintesson]] (3)
* [[Blackout (Terrorcon)|Divebomb stealth drone]] (14)
* [[Divebomb (Energon)|Divebomb drones]] (18)
* [[Battle Ravage|Battle Ravage drones]] (19)
* [[Scattor (Energon)|Scattor]] (23)
* [[Skyboom (Energon)|Skyboom]] (24)
* [[Wreckage (Energon)|Wreckage]] (25)
}}

==Quotes==
"I'm really glad... we have Optimus on our side."
:—'''Kicker''' loved it. It was much better than "Cats". He's going to see it again, and again.

"I can't let those Terrorcons steal any more energon. So don't even attempt to revive Unicron. That's our new mission. And that's why I'm gonna have to ask you to leave."
:—'''Hot Shot''', getting "new" and "old" confused again.

"This Alpha Q character is having a little too much impact on my plans. I want you to find him and destroy him - now!" 
"But he's a needle in a haystack, sir." 
"Yes, because space is really big."
:—'''Megatron''', '''Demolishor''', and '''Tidal Wave''' on Alpha Q.

==Notes==
===Lost in translation===
* The dub version has Snow Cat firing standard glowing pink lasers to freeze the ice. ''Super Link'''s animation has a blue-white beam instead.
* The dub changes a rather mundane report from Demolishor to Megatron, and Megatron's calm reply, into an angry rebuke by Megatron.
* In ''Super Link'', Inferno doesn't order Ironhide to ''take his place''; he tells him to stay and stand watch. Hot Shot's offer to relieve him therefore makes a lot more sense.
* Megatron's conversation in space with Starscream is a little bit jumbled in the dub, but the gist still comes across.
* Likewise for Hot Shot's little speech to Scorponok, quoted above.
* Kicker's "that took longer than I thought", re: the space bridge trip, is originally a comment from Ironhide about the fall from the portal to the surface — one of the few acknowledgments of the bizarre physics of the whole arrangement.
* Rodimus's dismissive snubbing of Optimus's troops is purely a dub addition.
* Likewise for Hot Shot's "What Would Optimus Do" bit, though the gist of the conversation is similar.

===Pain count===
As usual, the numbers are inversely proportional to the general quality of the episode, which means the count here is pretty low:

* "Uh?": 10
* Stock footage: 2
* It's time to: 1

===Trivia===
*As can be seen from the above images, throughout this episode, there are moments in which Transformers are drawn by hand instead of computer-generated, apparently because the animators weren't able to get decent movement out of the CGI models. This cel animation is of very good quality; one wonders how good the series could have been if it was used throughout.
**At the start, Megatron's yawning at Snow Cat's antics.
**Hot Shot's face when he confronts Rodimus.
**Prowl when he drags Ironhide.
**Ironhide when engaged by Landmine's tow cable.
**Scorponok when the comet he's on crashes into the energon grid.
*Some pretty peppy background music in this one, especially during Snow Cat's freeze beam sequence.
*More spiffy generics appear during Optimus's briefing, but most don't get any large-scale screen time.
*Misha has glasses in this episode. Hubba hubba!

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2004 — ''Transformer: Super Link'' — Volume 004 ([[Interchannel]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Energon'' — The Ultimate Collection ([[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]])

[[Category:Energon episodes]]

Rebellion (Armada)

2012-02-08T06:28:23Z

194.111.31.2: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|series=Armada
|ep=23
|prev=Vow
|next=Chase (episode)
|title="Rebellion"
|furigana=かくご
|japanese=謀反
|romaji=Kakugo
|translation=Rebellion: Resolution
|image=Rebelliontitle.jpg
|caption=One small step for schemers, one giant leap to overthrow a guy called Megatron
|production code=TF: A-23
|production company=[[TV Tokyo]], [[Nihon Ad Systems|NAS]]
|writer=[[Akira Okeya]]
|director=[[Takashi Sano]]
|animation studio=[[Actas Inc.]]
|airdate=[[January 26]], [[2003]] (English) [[June 13|13 June]] [[2003]] (Japanese)
|continuity=[[Unicron Trilogy]]
}}

'''One fine day on the moon. Sideways manipulates, Starscream evaluates. Cyclonus snore, Megatron roar. You'll always have Demolishor!'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:Armada Rebellion Megs SS abuse1.jpg|left|180px|thumb|And the fangirls go WILD.]]
Alone on the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] makes note that [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]'s insufficient leadership is the key to the [[Decepticon]]s' recent string of losses—something that must be fixed if Sideways is to keep the conflict active. As he records, he gazes up to the sky, to a dark region of deep space devoid of stars.

Soon afterward, Megatron and the other Decepticons return from battle, called back by Sideways who claims to be suffering from damages in his leg. Megatron is unimpressed and annoyed, and even more annoyed when practically in mid-sentence, [[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] takes a nap.

[[Image:Rebellionbadreception.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Man, the Cartoon Network reception up here is terrible.]]
When [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] arrives, Megatron brutalizes and belittles Starscream as punishment for failing during battle (even though he was only obediently operating under direct orders from Megatron). [[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] blasts into the room and intervenes, possibly saving Starscream's life. Megatron leaves, and Starscream leaves on his own soon after. After briefly questioning Demolishor about his blind loyalty to Megatron, Sideways heads after Starscream. When even Cyclonus doesn't wake up, and even Megatron is taking a nap in his throne, Demolishor concedes that the Decepticon morale is embarrassing.

Starscream, who accidentally fell down a hill, cries out in an expression of anguish. Sideways, nearby, sympathizes with Starscream about how Megatron is operating without rationalization. Before leaving again, Sideways alludes to a familiar concept: Starscream taking command of the Decepticons.

Megatron, hearing from Sideways a different perspective on his disciplinary actions, is manipulated. Sideways escalates the tension between Starscream and Megatron by suggesting Megatron's position is dependent on the possession of the [[Star Saber (Armada)|Star Saber]].

Starscream, questioning his position, projects his own doubt onto Demolishor and uses that as a re-assurance that they're both soldiers, even if he doesn't know the ideology and purpose to the war he was born into. Demolishor is confused by Starscream's rationalization, and comes to feel that the still napping Cyclonus is the only Decepticon without self-purpose issues.

[[Image:Armada Rebellion Megs SS fight.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Well, he still treats his troops better than G1 Galvatron.]]
In a hallway, Starscream has come to disregard his own misgivings and continue to obey Megatron. But Sideways pushes Starscream over the edge with a falsified order he claims to be relaying directly from Megatron. As Starscream storms out to find Megatron, Demolishor wakes Cyclonus so they can prevent the confrontation, but Cyclonus is more interested in being an audience to the bout.

Megatron wagers the Star Saber on his own victory. By the time Cyclonus arrives to watch, Starscream has lost his own sword and is receiving a beat-down from Megatron. Megatron picks Starscream off the ground and re-states what's at stake: Everything. After Megatron's speech, Starscream delivers an uppercut, and follows with several sound blows, getting cheers from Cyclonus. But a blow from Megatron sends Starscream through the air.

[[Image:Armada Rebellion grab.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Kiss me, you fool.]]
Megatron holds the Star Saber in Starscream's face, and despite his earlier promise, lets Starscream live, flaunting that he knows Starscream's psychological weakness. Sideways muses that Megatron had victory in his hands, but walked away from it. He saw weakness in Megatron through Starscream; he prophesies that one day the Decepticon leader will regret what happened here, and it will be his ruin.

The next time the Decepticons enter battle, they fight with a recharged vigor; somehow the conflict coming to a climax on the moon re-established Megatron as a leader, which was beneficial for the rest of the team.
{{-}}

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]] (8)

|c2=
*[[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] (1)
*[[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] (2)
*[[Cyclonus (Armada)|Cyclonus]] (3)
*[[Demolishor (Armada)|Demolishor]] (4)
*[[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]] (5)

|h4=[[Mini-Con]]s|c4=
*[[Mirror]] (6)
}}

==Quotes==
"There's gotta be a reason we fight. Because there's no point in continuing unless there is. This war is over ten million years old. In fact I've been a warrior ever since my spark left the Iacon chamber, and I was merged into the army of Megatron. The only difference between me and an Autobot is the way we do battle, and the code of the Decepticons. I guess I'm starting to get a little... confused. But you shouldn't be. We are soldiers sworn to obey Megatron; capture the Mini-Cons and return to Cybertron triumphant."
:—'''Starscream''', in [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]] rambling speech mode.

'''Demolishor:''' What is going on with everyone here? Ever since we lost that battle, everyone's gone loopy. 
''(glances at Cyclonus, who's still sleeping and snoring)'' 
Well, at least some things never change around here. But Cyclonus is starting to look like the only sane one.
:-You know the Decepticons are in deep doo-doo when the nutty guy's considered the 'only sane one'.

"This time, it's a fight to the finish, and I won't accept any of your lame excuses. Do you understand me, you worthless grunt? I hope to realize what is at stake here. The Star Saber and supreme command of the Decepticons go to the winner. Why, you could rule the universe if you were victorious. There is no greater prize, and this is your one chance to attain it, so don't blow it, dolt. But just remember this, Starscream, I won't show you mercy. You will be an example to my men, to prevent any further insubordination."
:—'''Megatron''', simultaneously insulting Starscream's pride and giving him incentive to fight harder.

"Ha, you had the upper hand, Megatron, and then you walked away before it was over. A true leader would never leave a fight half-fought. I see weakness and one day, it will come back to haunt you. And it will be your ''ruin''.
:—'''Sideways''' observing Megatron's refusal to finish off Starscream (with awesome delivery by [[Paul Dobson]])

==Notes==
===Differences with ''Micron Legend''===

===Animation and technical errors===
* The animation in this episode shifts from being of high quality (particularly for close ups and certain sequences), to average quality. This is especially evident as Megatron defeats Starscream, going from a high-quality shot of Starscream slowly falling to the ground, to a lower-quality shot of him landing.

* As Megatron turns away after this scene, his Decepticon symbols are missing from his shoulders and he is seriously lacking in drawn detail.

===Continuity errors===
* In his opening log entry, Sideways mentions the Autobots having the Star Saber, but Megatron still possesses the Star Saber at the time of this episode. Sideways also refers to an "Astro Blaster" which is the Japanese name for the Requiem Blaster. The Requiem Blaster will not be introduced till "[[Desperate]]".

===Real-world references===
* Sideways's log entry sequence is based upon the logs that characters in ''Star Trek'' make to provide exposition for the ongoing plot.

===Foreign localization===
'''Polish'''
:*''Title:'' "'''Rebelia'''" ("Rebellion")

===Trivia===
*"Rebellion" first aired in the United States on [[January 28]], [[2003]].
*Sideways' log also reveals that the Cybertronian date for this episode was "Astrodate Nimbus 3391", and that his Decepticon ID code is "002348".
*Sideways is missing hi's arm cannon all throught this episode. Meaby he had a problem to have his arms folded with them.
*The opening scene where Sideways gazes up at a dark, starless region of space is a clue to his true allegiance, which is revealed in the following episode.
*Few other episodes of ''Transformers'' have such a focus on exclusively the Decepticons, with a couple Autobots only having brief appearances at the end.
*Cyclonus is seen carrying Demolishor in vehicle mode, a practice he repeats in ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''. However, they never engage in this behavior in battle.

==Home video releases==
{{homevidnote}}
;DVD
[[Image:Flag of Japan.png|20px|Japan]] 2003 — ''Transformers: Micron Legend'' — Volume 6 ([[Columbia Music Entertainment]]) — Japanese audio only. 
[[Image:Flag of USA.png|20px|United States of America]] 2004 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Season One: Part One ([[Rhino Entertainment]]) 
[[Image:Flag of Germany.png|20px|Germany]] 2008 — ''Transformers: Armada'' — Volume One ([[New KSM]]) — English and German audio.

[[Category:Armada episodes]]