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| =Beast Era timeline= | | =The Stage of Battle is the 2nd War... Beast Wars, Maximize!!= |
| [[File:Beast Era Compilation.jpg|thumb|upright=2.9|]]
| | {{comicstory |
| In [[1996]], the [[Transformers brand|''Transformers'' brand]] was given a complete overhaul in the form of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars: Transformers]]''. A radical departure from [[The Transformers (franchise)|all that had]] [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|come before]], ''Beast Wars'' was headlined by an [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|animated series of the same name]] and followed by a direct sequel, ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines: Transformers]]'', in late [[1999]]. Together, these two are the primary components of the "[[Beast Era]]" and thus make up the backbone of the '''Beast Era timeline'''.
| | |seriesissue=''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)|Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers]]'' catalog story |
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| | |image=BWIICatalogCover01.jpg |
| | |caption=You have NO idea how much strife this one little catalog story has caused. |
| | |title="The Stage of Battle is the 2nd War... Beast Wars, Maximize!!" |
| | |japanese=闘いの舞台は{{ruby|2|セカンド}}戦争... ...ビーストウォーズ、変身!! |
| | |romaji=Tatakai no Butai wa Sekando Sensō...Bīsuto Wōzu, Henshin!! |
| | |date=Spring [[1998]] |
| | |packaged with=Spring 1998 Japanese ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toy releases |
| | |continuity=[[Micro-continuity|Its own]] (see "Continuity" below) |
| | }} |
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| While early bios and packaging blurbs for the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toys originally set the series as a close follow-up to Generation 1 and 2 set on modern-day Earth, the cartoon established a new setting, declaring its main cast of [[Maximal]]s and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]] as distant-future descendants of the [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s of old, displaced through time to battle each other on Prehistoric Earth. ''Beast Machines'' would then shift the cast back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in the far future some 300 years after the 21st century. Later ''Beast Wars'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' toy bios and blurbs would be written to better reflect this world of the cartoons.
| | '''New leaders are appointed as a new war begins.''' |
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| Throughout the late 1990s and into the 2000s, additional stories that weaved in and around the two series were published for both the official ''Transformers'' fan convention [[BotCon]] and the [[Transformers Collectors' Club]], first by [[3H Productions]] and then by [[Fun Publications]]. These extra stories created a sprawling "expanded universe" for the Beast Era, further tying the ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' cartoons to certain events of the Generation 1 media of old, as well as exploring brand new avenues such as alternate timelines, points set long before and after the cartoons, and even across the [[multiverse]]!
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| However, between various parties all wanting to write their own take on the greater world of the cartoons, the Beast Era would evolve to encompass more than just a single universe, with each having their own timeline containing the same ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' cartoons surrounded by different supplementary media. Below is a chronology of the original, very first North American continuity of the Beast Era cartoon universe, consisting of the ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' cartoons and additional info gleaned from certain toy bios, packaging blurbs, stories by 3H Productions and Fun Publications, and select [[Transformers Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] character bios. For additional Beast Era timelines, see "[[#Other timelines|Other timelines]]" below.
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| {{bigquote|[[Covenant (group)|They]] waited and watched. Saw [[Primus]]' prison become [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], saw him populate it with [[Transformer|beings like themselves]], saw the great [[Cybertronian Civil Wars|Civil War]] begin and spread across the [[Milky Way|galaxy]] - most tellingly, to [[Earth]] - saw the return of [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]], who had also shaped his prison, saw the [[Matrix of Leadership]] pass from [[Primon]] to [[Prima]] to [[Prime Nova]] to [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinal Prime]] to [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], and ultimately to [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], saw the destruction of Unicron, saw the end of the Civil War, saw the restructuring of Cybertronian society into [[Maximal]] and [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] castes. Billions of years, and an intricate weave of events that formed the tapestry of the [[Grand Plan]].|An abridged overview of the Beast Era timeline, told from the perspective of the [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]] of Primus|"[[Covenant (story)|Covenant]]"}}
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| {{note|Events from outside the ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' cartoons are in italics.}}
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| {{TOC}} | | {{TOC}} |
| ==Main timeline== | | ==Synopsis== |
| ===Before the dawn of time===
| | While [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] are off fighting their own [[Beast Wars (event)|life-or-death struggle]], a new conflict, the "2nd War", is about to unfold on a [[Gaia|planet]] within a [[Solar System|star system]] located in a remote part of the [[Milky Way|galaxy]]. The participants of this conflict are members of the heroic [[Maximal]] Space Guard and the evil [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] Armored Corps, respectively. Their battle is fought over a mysterious weapon hidden in ancient ruins of the planet, a weapon known as the "[[Angolmois Energy|Great King of Angolmois]]". It is said that the victor of this conflict, be it Maximal or Predacon, will be decided in the [[July|seventh month]] of the Cosmic Year [[1999]]. |
| ''In an [[old realms|old universe]], predating the current one, therein dwelled energy beings who had evolved beyond their boundaries. They were [[Light God|gods]], omnipotent but not all-seeing. One of their number, named [[Unicron]], becomes a devourer of worlds. Having developed a hungry craving, Unicron desires to consume all that exists in this universe: Planets, galaxies, even the fabric of space itself. In their failure to fully recognize the threat Unicron posed, the gods themselves are consumed as well, for even they were not immortal.''
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| ''With his task completed, the [[Dark God]] Unicron is satiated, content to finally sleep within the absolute nothingness of the [[void]].'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} {{storylink|Paradox}}
| | The leaders of both sides of this new conflict are introduced by each of their immediate predecessors. Megatron introduces [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] as the [[Emperor of Destruction|New Emperor of Destruction]], and recalls a time when, back on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], the two once disagreed over how to conquer the universe. This led to a fight between the two, in which Galvatron bested Megatron after catching him off guard. Though he now acknowledges Galvatron's ambition and his care for those under his command, Megatron also begrudgingly admits that Galvatron may hold enough dignity to succeed him as Emperor. |
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| ''However...''
| | Meanwhile, Optimus Primal introduces the new Maximal leader, [[Lio Convoy (BW)|Lio Convoy]], who was originally an ace in the Maximal Space Guard. Optimus notes that he is strong, valiant, and even kind, but also, admittedly, a bit too frank at times. Nevertheless, Optimus considers him to be an ideal leader, and remains hopeful that he can count on Lio Convoy to do all that he can to help maintain peace throughout the universe. |
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| ===Dawn of time (billions of years ago)=== | | ==Featured characters== |
| ''Unicron had not been thorough enough: A meager speck of life lingers on to cause a subatomic chain reaction, the [[Big Bang]], that births a new universe filled with new life. And from this act of creation is birthed the universe's protector: [[Primus]],'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''last of the [[Light God]]s,'' {{storylink|Paradox}} ''and the antithesis of Unicron. There also exists the [[Chronarchitect]] (nicknamed the "Time Walker"), one of the old gods and kin to Primus and Unicron. Unlike them, the Chronarchitect exists abstractly rather than physically.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}}
| | {{featuredcharacters |
| | |h1=[[Maximal]]s|c1= |
| | *[[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] (3) |
| | *[[Lio Convoy (BW)|Lio Convoy]] (4) |
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| ====Theomachy==== | | |h2=[[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]]s|c2= |
| ''Furious at the sight of new life intruding upon the purity of the void, Unicron engages Primus in battle, a cosmic duel known as the "[[Theomachy]]". However, it soon becomes apparent to Primus that this new universe was not designed to contain such powerful beings like Unicron and himself. Their battle of epic proportions brings much collateral damage to many star systems, eradicating the many forms of life that Primus had been originally created to safeguard and protect. In time, Primus concocts a long-term plan to both end the threat of Unicron and keep the universe safe for all time. But before he can enact it, he prepares a trial run to test it.''
| | *[[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] (1) |
| | *[[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] (2) |
| | }} |
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| ''Primus selects a barren, uninhabited moon and plants a fragment of his lifeforce deep within its core. Over the course of three hundred thousand years, he psionically restructures the moon from the inside out, turning it into an advanced colony world of unparalleled technology and self-sufficient civilization. Then, using the very metal of the moon, and powered by tiny [[spark]]s of his own lifeforce, Primus creates twelve lifeforms: the [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]]. Before departing from the moon, now known as [[Protos]], Primus charges the Covenant to monitor and observe the ensuing events of his [[Grand Plan]], all while staying hidden from the rest of the universe. He also tasks them to prepare for a prophesized final battle known as [[Point Omega]] that will determine the future of the Grand Plan, which they must also protect.'' | | ==Quotes== |
| | '''Galvatron''': "Your time is over, Megatron!" |
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| ''With his dry run a success, Primus puts his plan into action. In his continuing battle with Unicron, Primus lures the Chaos Bringer away from the physical plane and into a [[astral plane|reality of the mind]]. Their duel continues and Unicron nearly triumphs, but Primus lures him back in the physical world and into his trap. Instead of returning to the bodies their minds had previous inhabited, Primus trapped both himself and Unicron inside two lifeless celestial body masses floating in the emptiness of space, inside which they could do no more harm to the universe.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} {{storylink|Paradox}}
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| ====Creation of Cybertron====
| | '''Lio Convoy''': "Please leave it to me! Optimus, sir!!" |
| ''According to the historical records of the Covenant, Primus's dimensional landing was a lifeless metal asteroid. Just as he had done with Protos, Primus psionically reshapes his prison, through sheer force of mental will, into a habitable world that he names [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]]. Over the course of centuries, Primus then created life, a race of Cybertronian beings that can change the shape of their bodies into other forms and configurations, called the [[Transformer]]s.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} {{storylink|Paradox}} | |
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| However, [[Oracle (BM)|other]] [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|sources]] state that Cybertron was originally a green, organic world filled with lush, plant-based ecosystems and animal wildlife. The first Transformers come to this planet and colonize it, gradually transforming it into the metallic world of Cybertron over time. They build vast cities over the planet's original nature, constructing layers upon layers of civilizations, until all traces of its original organic state are completely lost to time and buried within the planet's innermost layers. {{storylink|The Reformatting}} {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} {{storylink|Survivor}}
| | ==Continuity== |
| | This catalog story was originally written for the express purpose of explaining the premise of the then-upcoming Japanese-original series ''[[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers#Beast Wars II|Beast Wars II]]'', which had been created to fill the gap left by the delayed Japanese release of the second and third seasons of the American [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]]. Once the first season had finished airing, it would be succeeded by the ''Beast Wars II'' [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|animated series]], along with an accompanying [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (manga)|manga series]] published by ''[[Comic BomBom]]''. This little story was released about a month ahead the ''Beast Wars II'' cartoon's debut, and attempted to explain just how ''Beast Wars II'' was supposed to fit into the continuity of the American ''Beast Wars'' cartoon. |
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| ''[[Hacker X-9|Another source]] even claims that this organic planet was originally known as [[Skalorr]], and that it had been [[cyberforming|eco-structured]] into Cybertron by the alien [[Quintesson]]s.'' {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}} | | ===Timeframe=== |
| | [[File:MegatronGalvatronBW1.jpg|upright=1.4|left|thumb|This didn't happen.]] |
| | As described above in the Synopsis, it is stated that ''Beast Wars II'' is set concurrent to the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] fought between [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]] on what was, at the time, not yet revealed to be prehistoric [[Earth]]<ref>At least, in Japan. By March 1998, the English version of the American cartoon had already [[Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)|revealed]] the planet to be Earth.</ref> (in Japan, the planet was instead known as "[[Energoa]]" prior to its reveal as Earth). But, it was not initially made clear if this meant it took place during the same timeframe as the Beast Wars (since the time travel aspect had not yet been confirmed in the Japanese dub) or if took place in the far future timeframe that Optimus Primal and Megatron's crews had originally come from before traveling back in time to prehistoric Earth. Needless to say, the latter became the most widespread interpretation once it was made clear on both sides of the Pacific that the American ''Beast Wars'' cartoon was set on Earth in prehistoric times. Additional support for this interpretation came from the setting ''Beast Wars II'' itself, [[Gaia]]—a post-apocalyptic planet overrun by plant and wildlife—which bore a strong resemblance to Earth (with the manga making even more explicit hints to the planet's identity by featuring city ruins that heavily resembled [[Tokyo]]). The manga even featured guest appearances by Optimus Primal that depicted him as native to the timeframe of ''Beast Wars II''. This notion even bled back over into some American media, with the ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' toy bio for ''[[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]]'' [[Cybershark#TM2|Cybershark]] alluding to the ''Beast Wars II'' [[Seacon (BW)|Seacons]] as his contemporaries, while the ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (toyline)|Beast Machines]]'' bio for ''[[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]]'' [[Magmatron (BW)#Beast Machines|Magmatron]] positioned the events of ''Beast Wars Neo'' as having occurred before ''Beast Machines''. |
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| ''Whatever the origin, Primus creates a physical embodiment of himself to act as a gateway between himself and the earliest Cybertronians, the supercomputer [[Vector Sigma]].'' {{storylink|Disclosure}} ''The earliest Transformers [[reproduction|reproduce]] by unidivision, and among them are the [[Liege Maximo]] and [[Primon]], the first bearer of the [[Matrix of Leadership]] (also known as the "Creation Matrix"). At some point, however, the Matrix is stolen by the Liege Maximo, who rips it out of Primon's shattered remains. Luckily, it is (presumably) recovered and then passed to its rightful heir, [[Prima]]. And all the while, Unicron reshapes his own prison into a new transforming body of his own.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} | | By the [[Emissary of the Fourth Planet|thirty-sixth episode]] of ''Beast Wars II'', it was revealed that Gaia's ancient inhabitants hadn't lived on the planet for several tens of thousands of years, which placed ''Beast Wars II'' that far into the future. Conversely, the [[Dark Designs|thirteenth episode]] of the American ''Beast Wars'' cartoon stated that the cast of that show originally hailed from only three centuries into the future.<ref>Though, a later [[Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|episode from the ''Beast Wars'' sequel ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' stated the future era was set "eons" later.</ref> However, the specific "three centuries" line from the English version had actually been omitted from the Japanese dub of the episode, so there was no contradiction there. That said, a few discrepancies did eventually begin to crop up in the immediate sequel series to ''Beast Wars II'', ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]''. Namely, ''Beast Wars Neo'' [[Big Convoy, Move Out|opened]] with explicit confirmation that the Maximals and Predacons were at war with each other, and had been for some time, while in the [[Beast Wars (Part 1)|first episode]] of the American cartoon, Optimus Primal stated that the Maximals and Predacons were instead at peace with each other, and had been for centuries (this line was kept faithfully in the Japanese dub). Likewise, the supercomputer [[Vector Sigma]] was shown to be a known public figure on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]], residing in a [[Tower of Light|tower]] as the highest authority on the planet. By contrast, the [[The Reformatting|first episode]] of the American ''Beast Wars'' sequel series ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'' showed that Vector Sigma had long ago evolved into a new form called the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], and presented it as a long lost legend hidden deep within the planet (though, to be fair, since ''Beast Wars Neo'' was made first, there was no way the Japanese production staff could have predicted the future developments of ''Beast Machines''). |
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| ====Quintesson occupation==== | | ===Optimus Primal and Megatron=== |
| ''Centuries later, the alien [[Quintesson]]s locate Cybertron, having been hired by Unicron to find Primus's dimensional landing. However, the Quintessons forgo reporting Primus's whereabouts to their master and seize the opportunity to take control of Cybertron for their own gain. They enslave the existing population of Transformers, using the [[Plasma Energy Chamber]] to reprocess them in a failed attempt to directly control Primus himself. They also use it to try manufacturing their own creations, which result in the feral and uncontrollable [[Trans-Organic]]s. After numerous other failures, the Quintessons finally break ground when they realize the best way to control Primus is through his physical form, Vector Sigma. A shell program is constructed, one capable of fully cutting off Vector Sigma's power and guidance from the Transformers. Through this construct, dubbed the "[[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]]", the Quintessons at last gain full access to Primus's power.''
| | [[File:PrimalLioConvoyCatalog01.jpg|upright=1.4|thumb|This didn't happen either.]] |
| | Besides the timeframe discrepancies, there were other factors that ended up contradicting this catalog story's depiction of Optimus Primal and Megatron. The two are presented here as Maximal and Predacon authority figures in positions of power that allow them to appoint other individuals with official titles of leadership; Optimus in particular is treated as Lio Convoy's senior officer. This is in stark contrast to how, in the English version of ''Beast Wars'', Optimus was merely the captain of a science vessel, while Megatron was, indeed, originally perceived as the main leader of all Predacons in the cartoon's first season, but [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Megatron and the Predacons|changes]] made during the show's second season revealed that he was instead a wannabe tyrant with delusions of grandeur, and was considered a criminal on Cybertron even by his own people (but, like the Vector Sigma contradiction, there was no way the Japanese could have predicted what the second season would change after the first season). Nonetheless, the first-season depiction of Megatron as a true leader likely influenced the depictions of Predacon leaders [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] and [[Magmatron (BW)|Magmatron]] in ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Neo'', respectively. Both were the captains of their own spacefaring vessels, were known by all as fearsome emperors, and answered to no higher authorities within the Predacon ranks. This stood in contrast to how, later in ''Beast Wars'', the [[Tripredacus Council]] was revealed to be the true head of government for the Predacons, with Megatron being labeled a dangerous renegade. |
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| ''In time, Cybertron becomes the peak of Quintesson industry. As more and more Cybertronian Transformers are mass produced in factories and given life by Vector Sigma, profits continue to rise. Further developments lead to the use of a [[Divine Light|prism]] that can circumvent the Vector Sigma altogether and channel the power of Primus directly into the prism's wielder. Eventually, however, some of the Quintessons become aware of a certain danger to Primus's true power. They try to warn their brethren about the risks involved in their attempts to fully control the Cybertronians, and are duly "rewarded" for their warnings: They are tried for treason and banished to other worlds and dimensions.'' {{storylink|Disclosure}} ''Among those banished are [[Mirdane|Merdane]], who is sent to a formless void,'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} ''and the [[Quintesson Scientist|scientist]] [[Al-Badur]], who is sent to a distant ice world about ten star systems away.''
| | The early Japanese depiction of Optimus Primal and Megatron as high-ranking Maximal and Predacon leaders seems to have stemmed from an early perception of the two that originally pegged them as being the same characters as their Generation 1 namesakes, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. When the original [[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)|''Beast Wars'' toyline]] started up in [[1996]], the earliest toy bios and [[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!|pack-in comic]] presented the Maximals and Predacons on present-day Earth and as just [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s having been upgraded by "Bio-Genetic Engineering". While this idea was dropped when the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon came along, it seems Takara hadn't quite gotten the memo over in Japan, as the earliest Japanese toy bios for Optimus and Megatron were based on their earliest American toy bios, with both giving them the lofty titles of "Supreme Commander" and "Emperor of Destruction" just like their namesakes. Optimus Primal was even given the same Japanese name as Optimus Prime, "Convoy", and his toy bio treated him as if he was the same Convoy of old. Special Japanese-only redeco toys even mentioned a "trailer truck" and a "Walther P-38" as having been Primal and Megatron's previous [[alternate mode|altmodes]]. Likewise, the Maximal and Predacon factions themselves were given the same Japanese names as those of the Autobot and Decepticon faction, being "Cybertron" and "Destron", respectively, in a seeming attempt to remove as much distinction between the two sets of factions as possible. |
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| ''Over time, the warnings of those exiled are proven true. Primus's children develop full minds and wills of their own and assert their independence enough into launching a rebellion against their Quintesson overlords. An [[Alpha Trion (G1)|important figure]] in the rebellion opposes the Quintessons' [[Guardian robot|Dark Guardians]]. In the end, the rebellion is successful. The Quintessons are driven off the planet and Cybertron is left to the Transformers once more. Abandoned by its creators,'' {{storylink|Disclosure}} ''the Oracle becomes an extension of Primus'' {{storylink|OTFCC Live-Action Drama}} ''and an instrument of his will.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} | | This perception even appeared to bleed over into other Japanese ''Beast Wars'' media: The [[Free the Captured Matrix!|third chapter]] of the ''Beast Wars II'' manga featured a short bio for Optimus Primal that described him as "A fierce fighter who has fought against the Destron army for thousands of years."<ref>数千年にわたり、デストロン軍と戦いつづけで猛者。コンボイの称号を与える軍の評議会の一員でもある。エネルゴン探索の任務遂行中に消息をたったともいわれていたが...!?</ref> And when he later guest-starred in the [[Lio Convoy in Imminent Danger!|''Beast Wars II'' movie]], he was depicted as a "legendary Supreme Commander" that everyone knew and was in awe of, complete with his own [[Energon Matrix|Matrix]]. That same movie also had [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]] refer to a "Megatron" as "the greatest and most vicious legendary Transformer in history." But, it was never clarified if this grandiose description was in reference to Generation 1 or ''Beast Wars'' Megatron... likely because, at the time, the movie treated the two as if they were the same person, just as it seemed to do for Optimus (Although, when Lio Convoy and Optimus Primal first interacted with each other in the movie, Lio Convoy at one point asks "Please forgive me. But, who are you?" when looking directly at Optimus, casting some doubt over whether they actually knew each other beforehand like this catalog story claimed). |
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| ===Millions of years ago===
| | '''''BUT''''', within the Japanese dub of the ''Beast Wars'' cartoon's first season itself, this perception was ''not'' the case. While the dub did insert references to Optimus being a Supreme Commander and Megatron being Emperor of Destruction, the dub was more or less accurate on the matter to the original English version. The two were ''never'' described as being the same characters as their Generation 1 namesakes, and even when the Decepticon [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] made his [[Possession|famous guest appearance]], the episode's Japanese dub made it even ''more'' explicit than the English version that Megatron had ''no'' familiarity with him at all.<ref>In the Japanese dub of "[[Possession]]", when hearing [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] describe Starscream's history, Megatron actually says "I've never heard of him."</ref> Consequently, this show of restraint by the dub turned out to be fortuitous in the long run, as the later two seasons of the series made it [[The Agenda (Part III)|abundantly clear]] that Optimus Primal and Megatron were completely separate individuals from Optimus Prime and the original Megatron. |
| ''Over time, the Matrix of Leadership is eventually passed from Prima to [[Prime Nova]] and then to [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]].'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''Throughout the ages, the Primes are guided in wisdom by the one called [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]].'' {{storylink|Departure}} Many of Cybertron's legends come to be immortalized in a tome named the ''[[Covenant of Primus]]''. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}} | |
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| ''A village is raided by nomadic invaders'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Roulette profile}} {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' #2 Shadow Striker profile}} ''known as [[Maraudicon]]s.'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#June 25, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/06/25}} ''one of the casualties of this raid is the [[Roulette and Shadow Striker's sister|younger sister]] of [[twin]]s [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]] and [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]], who survive the ordeal.'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' #2 Shadow Striker profile}} ''While the tragedy invigorates Roulette to join Cybertron's law enforcement,'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Roulette profile}} ''Shadow Striker vowed never to be manipulated by anyone ever again, having been forced to watch her younger sister's death. She learned to survive and prosper in the streets, running errands for the criminal underworld.'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' #2 Shadow Striker profile}}
| | ===The Great King of Angolmois=== |
| | One last contradiction in this catalog story is the fact that it refers to a "weapon" called the "Great King of Angolmois" (アンゴルモアの大王 ''Angorumoa no Daiō'') that lies within ancient ruins of the planet. In both the cartoon and manga, it was instead a lava-like substance called "[[Angolmois Energy]]". Evidently, this was an early concept for the main plot device that was to be fought over by the forces of Lio Convoy and Galvatron, and even made it into the bio for [[Megastorm (BW)#Toys|Megastorm's toy]]; bios for later toys would instead reflect the cartoon and manga by referring to "Angolmois Energy". |
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| ''At some point, the [[IntraFormers Sharpshooting Competition]] is held. It is won by [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], earning him fame. Roulette also enters and, impressively, comes in second place. Other contestants include individuals that history would best remember by the names of [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. Roulette would eventually enroll at the [[Academy of Cybertronian Law Enforcement]], where she would rise through the ranks faster than any prior recruit.'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Roulette profile}} ''Meanwhile, a brash young bot named [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]] lives life in the fast lane, lying and cheating to get his way.'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Sideswipe profile}} ''In the gladiatorial pits of [[Polyhex]], a warrior named [[Buzzclaw (G1)|Buzzclaw]] fights as a member of the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticon]] clan.'' {{storylink|Buzzclaw (G1)#Toys|BotCon 2005 Buzzclaw toy bio}}
| | Interestingly, the concept of a powerful weapon hidden deep within ancient ruins on Earth would later be recycled wholesale and fully utilized just two years later in the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|''Car Robots'' cartoon]], with [[Fortress Maximus (RID)|Brave Maximus]] being said weapon. |
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| ====First Great War (9 million BC–onward)==== | | ===Conclusion=== |
| ''Nine million years ago, the first Great War is begun by Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. Among his earliest followers are [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]], a staunch believer in the Decepticon cause,'' {{storylink|Flamewar (G1)#Timelines 2|BotCon 2005 Flamewar toy bio}} {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''and the Insecticon clan.'' {{storylink|Buzzclaw (G1)#Toys|BotCon 2005 Buzzclaw toy bio}} {{storylink|Dirge (Timelines)#Toys|BotCon 2005 Dirge toy bio}} ''The Decepticons believe it is their divine right to seize power in the galaxy and ultimately rule the universe, for Primus has created them to be so powerful and adaptable. They aim to conquer Cybertron and use it as the seat of power for the greater Decepticon Empire. However, they are opposed by the benevolent Autobots, an army that fights for freedom and peace in the universe.'' {{storylink|Intimidation Game}} ''The outbreak of war cuts Roulette's law-enforcement education short as she signs up to fight with the Autobots.'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Roulette profile}} ''Sideswipe also joins the Autobots to fight for freedom against tyranny and oppression.''{{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Sideswipe profile}}
| | In the mid-2000s, [[TakaraTomy|Takara]] began to make some serious efforts to organize the ever-growing [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon timeline]] that included all of the cartoons from the [[Beast Era]]. Due to all of the contradictions laid out above, Takara made the decision to ignore this catalog story entirely, throwing out every claim and character-depiction it made in order to clean up all of the issues between the American and Japanese cartoons. Opting to lean into "several tens of thousands of years" statement given by ''Beast Wars II'', it was decided to relocate the two American cartoons away from the two Japanese ones, by acknowledging the "three centuries" statement given by the English version of ''Beast Wars'' that the Japanese dub had originally omitted. When fans in the west first learned of this timeline, the placement of ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Neo'' being set so long ''after'' the ''Beast Machines'' cartoon came as quite a startling shock, having long since taken both this catalog story and the ''Beast Machines'' Magmatron toy bio as gospel, since all the continuity issues described above were virtually unknown to anyone outside of Japan due to ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Neo'' having not yet been fully translated into English at the time. |
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| ''During a battle at [[Jan-Ja]], a young Autobot warrior stands on the front lines. He picks up the banner of his fallen Monark and cries out "Never surrender!" in the face of an ongoing Decepticon phalanx. This young warrior later inherits the Matrix of Leadership from Sentinel Prime and becomes the new leader of the Autobots, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''He, like the Primes before him, is guided in wisdom by Alpha Trion.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''During an intense siege at an abandoned outpost on the far side of the [[Mithril Sea]], the Autobots and Decepticons battle each other to a stalemate. War correspondent [[Rook (Universe)|Rook]] uses his respected negotiation skills to convince first Optimus Prime and then Megatron to temporarily withdraw from the fortress and refocus their resources elsewhere.'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Rook profile}} ''In time, the Great War takes its toll on the planet, rendering it a ravaged husk.'' {{storylink|Intimidation Game}} | | There was, however, one ''more'' discrepancy created by this attempt to fix all of the others: With the relocation of ''Beast Machines'' set before ''Beast Wars II'' and ''Neo'', this now placed the [[Great Transformation|technorganic reformatting]] Cybertron underwent at the end of ''Beast Machines'' as happening ''before'' its appearances in ''Beast Wars Neo'' as a metallic planet. This last hole would be filled in [[2019]] by a ''[[Transformers Legends (comic)|Transformers Legends]]'' [[LG-EX Blue Big Convoy|pack-in comic]], which explained how and why Cybertron was turned back into a metallic world several eons after the end of ''Beast Machines''. |
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| =====Four million years ago=====
| | Thus, with the discarding of this catalog story from the [[Japanese Generation 1 cartoon continuity]], its events have since been relegated to a little [[micro-continuity]] all unto itself. If anything, it still somewhat fits with the ''Beast Wars II'' and ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (manga)|Beast Wars Neo]]'' manga, which stuck to the catalog story's placing all the characters in the same timeframe. Though, the subsequent ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Metals (manga)|Beast Wars Metals]]'' manga still treats Optimus Primal and Megatron as separate individuals from Optimus Prime and G1 Megatron, meaning they'd just be high-ranking Maximals and Predacons all on their own without any inherent ties to their namesakes. |
| [[File:Arkbw.jpg|upright=0.7|thumb|]] | |
| The Autobots construct a mighty vessel, the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', to carry its finest heroes on a voyage into space. However, during its journey through the stars, the ''Ark'' is intercepted by ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'', the flagship of the Decepticon space fleet. High above the planet [[Earth]], the two vessels engage in a fierce space battle, in which the ''Ark'' is ultimately shot down by the ''Nemesis'' before it too succumbs its battle scars. Both ships plummet to the planet below; the ''Ark'' crashes into the side of a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcanic mountain]] while ''Nemesis'' plunges into the deep depths of an ocean. For the next four million years, the Autobots and Decepticons aboard the ''Ark'' lie dormant in [[stasis lock|emergency stasis]], including the leaders Optimus Prime and Megatron. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} {{storylink|Master Blaster}} {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}
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| ''Back on Cybertron, the war continues without its leaders. The Autobot General [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] leads many successful campaigns against Decepticon incursions across the planet, decorating him with the highest military honors.'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' #2 Obsidian profile}} ''Among his troops is a valiant Autobot named [[Saber]].'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 15, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/15}} ''The Autobot [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]] also serves as part of the Autobot underground's crack troops.'' {{storylink|Chromia (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Chromia toy bio}}
| | ==Notes== |
| {{-}}
| | ===Transformers references=== |
| | *The "Maximize" in the title of this story is actually "Henshin" (変身), a Japanese word for "transformation" that was used in the Japanese dub of the [[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'' cartoon]] as the Japanese equivalent/replacement for both "Maximize" and "Terrorize" in the original English version. "Maximize", rather than "Transform", is used here to reflect that dubbing decision, and also because ''Beast Wars II'' would distinguish "Henshin" from "Transform" by specifically using the former for those with [[beast mode]]s, while the latter would be used by those with mechanical vehicle modes. |
| | *Also included in this catalog is a brief recap of the final events of "[[Other Voices, Part 2]]", which had, at the time, recently aired in Japan on [[March 25]], [[1998]]. Said recap is given the title of '''~Convoy's Great Explosion~''' (〜コンボイ大爆発編〜 ''~Konboi Dai Bakuhatsu-hen~''). At the bottom of this recap is also an ad for the then-new ''Beast Wars II'' [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|animated series]] and [[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (manga)|manga series]]. |
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| ====Other wars==== | | ===Real-world references=== |
| Obsidian and his consort Strika fight and win a thousand wars together. The two of them go on to be revered as the greatest generals in Cybertronian history. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}}
| | *The "seventh month of the Cosmic Year 1999" and "Great King of Angolmois" are both derived from ''{{w|Les Prophéties|The Prophecies}}'' of [[France|French]] seer {{w|Nostradamus}},<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20170430004120/http://www.maar.us/tenth_century_nostradamus_quatrains.html The text of Nostradamus's ''Prophecies'', Century X, in the original French with an English translation.] See Quatrain 72.</ref> whose prophecies were popular in [[Japan]] at the time. What these two bits actually ''mean'', however, is a ''lot'' to unpack, but most interpretations basically boil down to either a prophecy of doom brought about by either a tyrannical warlord like {{w|Genghis Khan}} or by terrorism, or a prophecy of prosperity brought about by either a rich philanthropist or a king like {{w|Francis I of France}}, occurring at some point in [[July]]–[[September]] of the year [[1999]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=PSiN-CVROJYC&q=Angolmois+mongolian&pg=PA67#v=snippet&q=Angolmois%20mongolian&f=false ''Saint Germain's Prophecy for the New Millennium: Includes Dramatic Prophecies from Nostradamus, Edgar Cayce and Mother Mary''] at Google Books</ref> In reality, it is still not entirely certain what, if anything, this prophecy referred to. |
| | *[[Lio Convoy (BW)|Lio Convoy]] addresses [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]] with the honorific of "{{w|Senpai and kōhai|senpai}}", which is used to refer to a person of senior experience, hierarchy, level, and/or age, who offers guidance, friendship, and general assistance to a newer, younger, and/or inexperienced person (known as the "{{w|Senpai and kōhai|kōhai}}") belonging to the same group, like a personal mentor. It is commonly used in the Japanese education system to refer to older students of higher grades by younger students of lower grades. In this case, it is used to indicate that Optimus Primal is Lio Convoy's personal mentor/superior (and is translated in the Quotes section above as "sir"). |
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| ===Distant past=== | | ===Other trivia=== |
| [[File:Standing stones chain of command.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
| | *Galvatron is depicted here mostly in shadow because, at the time, the color scheme for his toy had not yet been finalized. Indeed, his toy pictured elsewhere in the catalog is represented by an unpainted gray [[prototype|hardcopy]]. |
| [[File:Purple vok.jpg|thumb|upright=1.15]]
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| ''Many millennia ago,'' {{storylink|Abduction}} an alien race known as the [[Vok]] comes to the planet [[Earth]]. They begin an experiment with the planet, {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} seeding it with raw crystalline [[energon]] {{storylink|Before the Storm}} and placing several unnatural devices across the planet, including a set of [[Standing Stones]], {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}} a hidden [[Brigadoon|flying island]] guarded by traps and a powerful monument, {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}} an artificial [[Planet Buster|second moon]] orbiting the planet, {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}} a valley full of wild plantlife designed to metamorphose into a large [[Metal Hunter|flying fortress]], {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}} and a [[Golden Disk (Vok)|golden disk]] hidden inside a mountain {{storylink|Before the Storm}} designed to control said fortress. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}}
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| ''The exact nature of this experiment is unclear, but it is said by the Vok to be in service of Primus and safeguarding his Grand Plan. Described as a "new cosmic genesis",'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}} ''this project is but one of many carried out by the Vok, who have spread throughout the [[multiverse]] seeding each reality with such projects in preparation for the realization of Primus's vision for [['Til all are one|the one and the all]].'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 3}} ''These projects are also a means for the Vok to atone for the tragedy and destruction that they had wrought upon the galaxy in their previous life as the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]], actions that were committed in the Vok's past and which will be committed in a future time yet to come.'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}} {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 3}}
| | ==References== |
| | {{reflist}} |
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| ''At some point, a tear in the fabric of space-time is forced open within a deep cavern inside the Earth. From inside the rift, out pours the [[Dark Essence]] of Unicron, displaced through time following his destruction in the future Earth-year of [[2005]]. When the essence finishes its outpour, the time rift closes behind it, repairing any and all damage done to the fabric of reality. The Dark Essence lays to rest below the cavern's floor within a deep crater of its own making. It remains there, undisturbed for an interminable period of time, awaiting the day when it shall be found by one destined to claim its power.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}
| | <nowiki>[[Category:Beast Wars II media]] |
| | [[Category:Pack-in material]]</nowiki> |
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| ===180,000 BC<ref>[[Primeval Dawn Part 2]] and [[Primeval Dawn Part 3|Part 3]]</ref>===
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| ====Beast Wars====
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| [[File:Darksyde chase.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1.3]]
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| In space, above an unknown planet with two moons, two ships emerge from a [[unspace|transwarp]] portal. The first is a [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Darksyde (BW)|ship]] crewed by fugitives who stole a relic called the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]]. The second is a [[Maximal]] science vessel, the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]''. The two ships battle above the planet before crash-landing in different areas, with the ''Axalon'' ejecting many [[stasis pod]]s into orbit upon its descent. The planet is richly-seeded in raw, unstable [[energon]], so both crews adopt organic-skinned [[alternate mode|beast modes]] to protect themselves from the radiation. Believing they had come to the wrong planet, one of the Predacons, [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], challenges his commander, [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]], for Predacon leadership. For his insubordination, Dinobot is sent flying and kicked out of Megatron's crew.
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| [[File:BeastWars2 clash.jpg|upright=1.8|thumb|]]
| | <!--=Beast Era= |
| The Maximals—[[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]], [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]], [[Rattrap (BW)|Rattrap]], and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]]—are soon met by the Predacons—Megatron, [[Scorponok (BW)|Scorponok]], [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], and [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]]—and a battle ensues, sending the Maximals in retreat. En route back to their base, they are met by Dinobot, who blocks their path. He challenges Optimus Primal for Maximal leadership, {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} but their duel is cut short by another Predacon attack. This battle unearths a large deposit of energon on a faraway mountain and both teams race to secure it, with Dinobot joining the Maximals. At the mountain, both sides clash in beast mode until Megatron risks transforming to fire a missile at Optimus. But Dinobot deflects the missile to hit the energon, causing a massive explosion. Both sides retreat and Optimus declares that the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]] have only just begun. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 2)}} | | The '''Beast Era''' is an umbrella term used by fans to refer to |
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| A month later, Cheetor finds himself captured by the Predacon scientist Tarantulas, and has to be rescued by Rattrap. {{storylink|The Web}} Cheetor then gets himself teleported inside the Predacon base during a lightning storm, but uses his wits to escape. {{storylink|Equal Measures}} The Maximals later investigate a mysterious rock formation of [[Standing Stones|standing stones]] that bear an unnatural design. A battle with the Predacons triggers a hidden beacon within the stones that shoots up into outer space. An [[Vok probe|alien probe]] of some kind touches down at the standing stones that night and captures Optimus Primal. The next day, another altercation at the stones sets Optimus free of the probe, which mysteriously vanishes. {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}} The self-serving Terrorsaur makes a bid for power against Megatron when he finds a floating mountain full of raw energon that supercharges his body. However, his reign is cut short when Optimus and Rattrap blow up the mountain. {{storylink|Power Surge (episode)|Power Surge}}
| | ==Origin== |
| | How the Beast Era came about. |
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| [[File:Stasispod.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|left]] | | ==Franchises of the Beast Era== |
| Both sides soon gain a new addition to their ranks as two stasis pods crash down from the sky. The Maximals are joined by [[Tigatron]], {{storylink|Fallen Comrades}} while the Predacons add [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] to their ranks. {{storylink|Double Jeopardy}} The Maximals also create a new defense grid for their base in the form of [[Sentinel (BW)|Sentinel]], {{storylink|A Better Mousetrap}} while the Scorponok develops a virus that turns Optimus into a berserker. The Maximals unleash him on the Predacons and storm their base to acquire a cure for their leader. {{storylink|Gorilla Warfare}} Soon, a [[temporal probe]] arrives from [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] in search of Optimus Primal and his missing crew. The Maximals attempt to make contact with it, but are prevented by Megatron. {{storylink|The Probe}} The Predacons then fake their demise to trick the Maximals into looting their ship in order to repair the ''Axalon'', in hopes that the Predacons may steal the Maximal ship and leave the planet. But Dinobot discovers their treachery and a scuffle aboard the airborne ''Axalon'' sees it grounded once more. {{storylink|Victory (episode)|Victory}}
| | ===''Beast Wars: Transformers'' (1996–2001)=== |
| | [[File:Optimusprimalvsmegatronsplash.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.8|Before 'toon began, there was... the comic!]] |
| | In the very beginning, when the toyline debuted in 1996, the line presented itself as a complete reinvention of the ''Transformers'' brand, but one that was still set on [[Earth]] in the present day. Numerous references to "Bio-Genetic Engineering" being the source of the Maximals' and Predacons' organic [[beast mode]]s were given in the toys' packaging blurb, in a short [[Optimus Primal vs Megatron!|comic]] [[pack-in material|included]] with the very first [[Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Optimus Primal]] and [[Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars|Megatron]] toys, and in many of the toys' [[bio]]s. Combined with the bio for that first Optimus Primal toy closely paraphrasing the motto of the original [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#The Transformers|Optimus Prime toy]] from [[1984]] ("Freedom is the right of all sentient beings."), the original implication was that ''Beast Wars'' was simply another continuation of the [[The Transformers (franchise)|first]] [[Transformers: Generation 2 (franchise)|two]] iterations of the ''Transformers'' brand, with the Maximals and Predacons merely being genetically-enhanced Autobots and Decepticons, and Optimus Primal and Megatron being the very same individuals as their [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Generation 1]] [[Megatron (G1)|namesakes]]. |
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| Megatron then begins taking more experimental measures against the Maximals. First, he captures Rhinox and forcibly reprograms him into a Predacon. But, Rhinox proves too cunning for Megatron to control and begins taking each of the Predacons one by one, forcing Megatron to change him back into a Maximal. {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Megatron then creates a [[Clone One|clone of Dinobot]] in hopes of using him to bypass the Maximals' defense grid Sentinel. However, the clone is defeated by the real Dinobot. {{storylink|Double Dinobot}} Another stasis pod comes down and Rhinox nearly risks everything to keep the pod's damaged [[protoform]] from dying. His efforts are a success and [[Airazor (BW)|Airazor]] joins the Maximals. {{storylink|The Spark}}
| | Granted, the line wasn't ''explicit'' about this connection at the time, but there was no reason ''not'' to think so. Plus, the [[1997]] release of the Maximal [[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Beast Wars|Grimlock]] toy featured a bio that made it abundantly clear that he was, indeed, the very same Autobot [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] of old, which further reinforced these implications. But after the cartoon took off and cemented itself as the dominant ''Beast Wars'' fiction, the toyline gradually shifted away from its original continuity to one more closely resembling that of the cartoon. A number of 1997 toy bios mentioned "[[energon crystal]]s" (a prominent part of the cartoon's first season), while [[Drill Bit (BW)|Drill Bit]]'s bio referred to the ''Beast Wars'' setting not as "Earth" but instead "the mysterious planet" (as it was known in the cartoon's first season). By [[1998]], the original toy continuity was practically dropped entirely, with the packaging blurbs for the [[Transmetal]]s, [[Fuzor]]s, and [[1999]]'s [[Transmetal 2|Transmetals 2]] directly mentioning events specific to the cartoon's second and third seasons. |
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| ''Two weeks later, the Predacons develop an orbital weapons satellite that can target anywhere on the planet. The Maximals stop the satellite's launch and Airazor destroys it.'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge|The Razor's Edge prologue and epilogue}} ''From another stasis pod emerges the Predacon geochemist [[Fractyl]], who prefers to be out in the field.'' {{Storylink|Fractyl#Beast Wars|BotCon 1997 Fractyl profile}} ''The Maximals are also joined by [[Packrat]], who prefers to work alone.'' {{storylink|Packrat#Beast Wars|BotCon 1997 Packrat profile}} ''Having been a thief back on Cybertron who was stuffed into a stasis pod for his crimes,'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''he is a chronic hoarder and kleptomaniac who leaves the other Maximals wary of him.'' {{storylink|Packrat#Timelines|BotCon 2015 Packrat toy bio}}
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| [[Image:Beast Wars Flying Island.jpg|upright=1.5|thumb|]]
| | ===''Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers'' (1997–1999)=== |
| During one of Tigatron's field reports, he is attacked by the Predacon fliers Terrorsaur and [[Waspinator (BW)|Waspinator]], who blast him into a cloud-filled gorge. Inside the cloud, they discover a [[Brigadoon|flying island]] guarded by weapons of alien design. Tigatron seeks to protect this island and is joined first by Airazor {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 1}} and then Optimus and Rattrap. But Blackarachnia and Scorponok arrive and reach the island's control center first; Blackarachnia then seizes the island's power for herself. Tigatron is regrettably forced to destroy the island before she can use it to destroy the Maximal base. Upon the island's destruction, it sends a signal up to one of the planet's moons, which is then sent out into space. {{storylink|The Trigger, Part 2}} This ordeal puts Tarantulas on edge as he senses the planet's doom. He starts making plans to leave the planet as a new stasis pod crashes to the planet. He and Blackarachnia retrieve it and awaken the new Predacon [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]], but Tigatron destroys the pod to prevent Tarantulas from stealing it. {{storylink|Spider's Game}}
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| | ===''Animorphs'' (1999)=== |
| ''Fractyl develops a new [[energon armor]] from a substance called [[furmanite]]. It is them stolen by Packrat. When an explosive reaction with pure energon reveals the furmanite to be "anti-energon", Fractyl tries to stop Packrat from entering the energon-rich [[Badlands (Earth)|Badlands]]. Fractyl is knocked out by Packrat, but Rhinox convinces the thief to stand down and give up the furmanite.'' {{storylink|Ground Zero}} Later, the Predacons steal the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[rectifier coil]], forcing the Maximals to remain in beast mode as their base no longer shields them from the planet's energon. This causes them to act feral and animal-like until Tigatron helps to bring them back to sanity. As the Maximals battle the Predacons in a jungle, Airazor recovers the stolen rectifier coil. {{storylink|Call of the Wild}} An energon explosion leaves most of the Maximals blinded and in urgent need of repair. Rhinox leads them on a dangerous trek back to the base. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} The disembodied [[Spark]] of the [[Decepticon]] [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] arrives on the planet and possesses the body of Waspinator. He helps the Predacons take control of the ''Axalon'', but plots to betray Megatron and takes on Blackarachnia as an apprentice. However, Optimus and Dinobot retake the ''Axalon'' and Blackarachnia double-crosses Starscream, blasting his spark out of Waspinator and back into space. {{storylink|Possession}}
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| ''A new Predacon named [[Onyx Primal]] is rehabilitated as a Maximal and begrudgingly joins his new comrades. A former assassin for the [[Tripredacus Council]], he keeps his past secret in hopes to avoid termination by his ex-employers.'' {{storylink|Onyx Primal#Beast Wars|''BotCon: Beyond'' Onyx Primal profile}} A Predacon attack on the ''Axalon'' sees Tarantulas infect Rhinox with an [[energon discharge virus]]. Dinobot and Rattrap pursue Tarantulas for a cure. Thanks to some wild bean vines Rhinox had eaten, they succeed. That is all. {{storylink|The Low Road}} As the Maximals search for any more alien sites, a battle leads Tigatron to accidentally fire a stray shot at a mountain where his tiger friend [[Snowstalker]] is, causing an avalanche that claims her life. Grief-stricken, Tigatron takes a vow of pacifism and leaves the Beast Wars. Dinobot argues that the war is necessary to prevent Megatron from spreading more destruction to Cybertron and other planets, the Maximal/Predacon conflict being the legacy of the Autobots and Decepticons. Tigatron disagrees, but Optimus arrives to break the tension. He sympathizes with Tigatron and reminds him that the Maximals are the only one who can protect their friends and the planet from the Predacons. {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} | | ===''Beast Machines: Transformers'' (1999–2001)=== |
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| | ===''Transformers: Car Robots'' (2000)=== |
| An alien energy anomaly inside a mountain reveals a mysterious [[Golden Disk (Vok)|second golden disk]], which Inferno brings to Megatron. Wanting to analyze the disk, Megatron declares a truce with the Maximals. Skeptical, the Maximals have Tigatron sneak into the Predacon base to find out what's going on. He discovers the new disk and learns from its contents that the aliens who created the flying island and seeded the planet with energon... are on their way. Meanwhile, Tarantulas furthers his plans to leave the planet by stealing a [[Transwarp cell]] from the Predacon base. Megatron takes notice and secretly adds his own programming to the cell. {{storylink|Before the Storm}} Together with Blackarachnia, Tarantulas decides to steal a stasis pod from the ''Axalon'' while some of the Maximals are out investigating another energy anomaly. The anomaly creates a [[Bio-Dome|a domed structure]] inside which Optimus is captured; the aliens assume the visage of [[Unicron]] to speak with him. They declare that the Maximals and Predacons' presence on the planet has contaminated an experiment they've been conducting, and prepare to "sterilize" the planet. An energy beam shoots upward from the dome and strikes one of the moons, the ensuing energy surge knocking the remaining stasis pods from orbit.
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| [[File:Other Voices 1 Moon opening.jpg|upright=1.3|thumb|left]]
| | ==Related post-Beast Era franchises== |
| While this is going on, Tarantulas and Blackarachnia break into the ''Axalon'' {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 1}} and proceed to convert a stasis pod into a flight-capable vessel. The moon is transformed into a [[Planet Buster|planet-destroying machine]] and begins to superheat the planet in order to ignite its energon deposits. The Maximals discover the modified pod and Optimus decides to fly it up to the alien machine and destroy it with a transwarp explosion. However, Megatron's previous sabotage prevents Optimus from leaving the pod and is destroyed in the explosion along with the machine. {{storylink|Other Voices, Part 2}} The explosion creates a [[quantum surge]] that strikes the planet and drastically changes its environments; it also reformats several Maximals and Predacons into new forms called [[Transmetal]]s. {{storylink|Aftermath}} Two stasis pods that survived the mass planetfall had their [[DNA scanner]]s damaged, resulting in the [[Fuzor]]s: [[Quickstrike (BW)|Quickstrike]] and [[Silverbolt (Fuzor)|Silverbolt]]. Both are recruited to the Predacons by Megatron, but Silverbolt has his reservations. The Maximals recover another stasis pod but whose protoform is a [[blank]]; Tigatron and Airazor depart to go look for other pods. Rhinox then conducts a dangerous experiment to access the [[Transformer afterlife|Matrix]].
| | *'''''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|Transformers: Robots in Disguise]]''''' ([[2001]]–[[2003]]) |
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| [[File:Coming of the Fuzors 1 Megatron fuzors.jpg|upright=1.15|thumb]] | | *'''''[[Transformers: Expanded Universe]]''''' ([[2002]]) |
| Observing the presence of a single [[Moon (moon)|moon]], Dinobot deduces that this planet is actually [[Earth]]. He sneaks into the Predacon base and steals both Golden Disks. He returns to the Maximal base just as Cheetor calls in a Predacon attack. Rattrap and Dinobot come to his aid and a massive battle begins. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 1)}} Back at the Predacon base, Blackarachnia finds and downloads Megatron's backup data for the Golden Disks, and then destroys the computer. The battle goes well for the Predacons and their fliers take off for the ''Axalon''. The Maximals manage to stop them and spare Silverbolt's life. When Rhinox's experiment ends, he joins the others in time to be thoroughly overwhelmed by Predacon firepower. But the tide is turned by the miraculous return of Optimus Primal, reborn as a Transmetal by Rhinox's experiment with the blank protoform. Silverbolt also chooses to join to the Maximals. {{storylink|Coming of the Fuzors (Part 2)}} Despite losing the Golden Disks, the Predacons start building jamming towers to disrupt Maximal communications while Megatron plans for the future. {{storylink|Tangled Web}}
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| [[File:Dinobot GoldenDisk.jpg|upright=1.15|left|thumb|]]
| | *'''''[[The Transformers: Super Spychanger Lottery]]''''' (2003) |
| With the contents of the original Golden Disk weighing on his mind, Dinobot questions his place in the Beast Wars and considers rejoining the Predacons. He reluctantly returns the disk to Megatron as a test of loyalty, but ultimately chooses to remain a Maximal, unwilling to aid Megatron's "insane" ambition that will doom their race. He later discusses something urgent with Optimus. {{storylink|Maximal, No More}} Tigatron and Airazor find a valley with alien plantlife that abduct the pair into space. Megatron steals the alien Golden Disk back from Rhinox and Tarantulas declares himself no longer under Megatron's command, but also Megatron's only hope of surviving the oncoming alien attack. As both factions rendezvous at the abduction site, an [[Metal Hunter|alien spacecraft]] materializes. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 1)}} Megatron takes control of the ship and prepares to take it back to Cybertron. But, thanks to Tarantulas's help, the Maximals are able to destroy the vessel—along with the alien disk—before it leaves the planet. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}} ''A new Predacon named [[Vice Grip]] proves himself to be very loyal and reliable to Megatron, taking all of his missions seriously and having excellent tracking skills. The other Predacons come to respect him and look to him for advice and guidance.'' {{storylink|Vice Grip#Beast Wars|BotCon 1998 Vice Grip toy bio}}
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| [[File:VisitationsBattle.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.3]]
| | *'''''[[Transformers: Dinobots]]''''' (2003) |
| ''In a remote region of the planet,'' {{storylink|Visitations}} ''a transwarp portal brings the Maximal [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] from the future, following a tussle through time with the [[Vehicon general]] [[Mirage (BM)|Mirage]]. Observing his new surroundings, Apelinq notices that one or two of his belongings are missing.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Timewrecked}} ''One of them lands in Predacon territory, where it is found by Packrat and Onyx Primal and taken for an "artifact" of Predacon origin. The two Maximals are attacked by Fractyl and Vice Grip, but Rattrap and Silverbolt help fend them off.'' {{storylink|Visitations}} ''During the battle, the "artifact" is secretly taken by Apelinq.'' {{storylink|Visitations}} {{Storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Re-visitations}} ''After the battle, another transwarp portal suddenly opens to reveal a new female Predacon, [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]], who demands the artifact be given to her. Megatron and Optimus arrive and Antagony faces each of them before being felled and captured by Megatron.'' {{storylink|Visitations}} ''Having recovered his belongings, Apelinq opts to observe other Maximals and Predacons from afar.'' {{Storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Re-visitations}} ''At the Predacon base, Megatron's attempts to interrogate Antagony have proven futile. He knows she comes from a future time much farther than his own, but nothing more. He uses one of Tarantulas' inventions, the [[mind-drill]], to try prying more info from her mind, but a failsafe in her brain wipes it clean, denying Megatron any answers.'' {{storylink|Herald}} | | :x |
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| [[Image:BWDinobot decision.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]] | | *'''''[[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|Transformers: Universe]]''''' (2003–[[2008]]) |
| A massive stasis pod emblazoned with an X is discovered, containing the monstrous "[[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]]". The Maximals and Predacons fight over it, but an explosion separates Blackarachnia and Silverbolt from their respective teams. They work together to get back to the others, but run afoul the newly-awakened Protoform X. The Maximals and Blackarachnia defeat the monster and Megatron carves out a portion of X's spark to make him a loyal Predacon, naming him "[[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]]". {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Realizing the severity of Megatron's ability to alter history with the Golden Disk, Dinobot sacrifices his life to stop the Predacons from exterminating the early [[anthropoid|ancestors]] of [[human|humankind]], destroying the Golden Disk in the process. {{storylink|Code of Hero}} A new stasis pod damaged yields [[Transmutate (BW)|Transmutate]], a deformed creature whom both Rampage and Silverbolt seek to befriend. The two battle over Transmutate, who tries to stop their fight but gets caught in the crossfire and perishes. {{storylink|Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate}} Back when the aliens' "planet buster" was destroyed, it not only created the quantum surge but also a [[transwarp wavefront]] that was traveling forward in time {{storylink|Code of Hero}} and would soon reach Cybertron in the Maximals' home-time.
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| [[File:Agenda 2 Megatron Ravage.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]] | | *'''''[[Robotmasters (franchise)|Robotmasters]]''''' ([[2004]]–[[2006]]) |
| However, both the Maximals and Predacons are surpised to find that the one who arrives from Cybertron in response to the wavefront is ex-Decepticon [[Ravage (G1)|Covert Agent Ravage]] of the [[Predacon Alliance]]. He allies himself with the Maximals and helps them to finally arrest Megatron. Meanwhile, Blackarachia takes off for a distant location {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} and is pursued by Silverbolt. He tries to get her to leave the Predacons and join him as a Maximal, but she refuses. She tries to make him to leave, but he refuses. The two lovers from opposite sides arrive at a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcanic mountain]] where Megatron had previously dug a tunnel and sealed it back up. They work together to unearth it.
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| Back aboard [[Transwarp cruiser|Ravage's ship]], Megatron is interrogated in a holding cell. Tarantulas is revealed to have been an ally of Ravage all along, a member of the [[Predacon Secret Police]]. Megatron then reveals to Ravage the real reason he stole the Golden Disk from Cybertron: It not only contained the location of a large energon source, but also a secret message from the [[Megatron (G1)|original Megatron]]. Recalling his original loyalty to the Decepticon leader, Ravage frees his Predacon captive and joins forces with him. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
| | *'''''[[Transformers Timelines (franchise)|Transformers: Timelines]]''''' ([[2005]]–[[2016]]) / '''''[[Combiner Wars (franchise)|Transformers: Combiner Wars]]''''' ([[2015]]–[[2018]]) |
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| [[File:Ark BWAgenda1.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|left]]
| | *'''''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]''''' ([[2014]]–2016) |
| [[File:Agenda3 MegatronOptimusPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
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| The Predacons launch a full assault on the ''Axalon'', which the Maximals barely overcome, destroying Ravage and his ship in the process. Megatron retreats, but not back to his base. This worries Optimus, who orders a pursuit. At the mountain, Blackarachnia and Silverbolt discover what was buried there: The legendary Autobot spacecraft, the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', containing the still-sleeping Autobot and Decepticon ancestors of the Maximals and Predacons. Having previously acquired the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s access codes from her download of Megatron's backup Golden Disk files, Blackarachnia plans to take control of the ship for herself. However, Megatron arrives and threatens Silverbolt's life if Blackarachnia doesn't give him access to the ship. She begrudgingly complies and stalls the approaching Maximals with one of the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s cannons. Megatron enters the ship's bridge and finds his prize: the dormant body of Autobot leader [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]. With nothing left to lose, Megatron takes a gamble by blasting Prime's head to kill him, hoping to change the course of history. This creates a massive [[timestorm]] that threatens to erase all Maximals from existence. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}}
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| [[File:InTheBeginning-VectorPrime.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|left]] | | *''''''[[Transformers Legends (franchise)|Transformers: Legends]]''''' (2014–[[2019]]) |
| ''The effects of this temporal crisis are felt throughout the timestream, creating a paradox that sends the time deity, the [[Chronarchitect]], reeling in fatal agony.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''Invisible to all, divine intervention from [[Vector Prime]], the Guardian of Space-Time, helps to sustain Optimus Prime's life during the storm.'' {{storylink|Vector Prime: In the Beginning}} | | :x |
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| [[File:OptimalSituation Optimus flying in robot mode.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
| | *'''''[[Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (franchise)|Transformers: Rise of the Beasts]]''''' ([[2023]]) |
| Having been a Maximal protoform, Blackarachnia refuses to die for Megatron's sake and ejects him from the ''Ark'' with its security system. She and Silverbolt put Prime on life support, stabiling the storm. The other Maximals arrive and work to repair their ancestor's damaged form. Optimus Primal takes Prime's fading spark into his body to save it; this causes Primal to mutate into a new, larger "Optimal Optimus" form. The Predacons are driven off from the ''Ark'' but succeed in sinking the unguarded ''Axalon'' to the bottom of a deep river.
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| The Maximals salvage what they can from their former base and establish a new one inside the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s mountain to safeguard it. Blackarchnia joins Silverbolt as a Maximal-allied Predacon, Optimus Prime is repaired, and the timestorm finally ends. {{storylink|Optimal Situation}} ''Unbeknownst to all, however, the storm leaves behind a small tear in the fabric of space-time deep inside an underground cavern about two hundred miles away.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}
| | ==Commemoration franchises== |
| | *'''''[[Transformers: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary]]''''' (2006) |
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| Still hoping for a response to the transwarp wavefront from the [[Maximal Elder]]s, the Maximals are instead met with the surprise arrival of [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], who has come in pursuit of Protoform X (now Rampage). He becomes a reluctant ally to their cause. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Seeking to fortify their new base, the Maximals attempt to salvage Sentinel from the sunken ''Axalon''. However, their efforts are thwarted by the Predacons, who steal Sentinel and install it into their own base. {{storylink|Changing of the Guard}} Megatron creates [[cyber raptor]] drones to hunt the early-human [[anthropoid]]s in another attempt to prevent humanity's existence. As the Maximals work to protect the anthropoids and destroy the cyber raptors, Megatron launches an assault on the understaffed Maximal base. He is thwarted by Depth Charge. {{storylink|Cutting Edge}} ''From afar, Apelinq observes Megatron's attempts to breach the Ark and is sorely tempted to take him out, but resists for the sake of preserving the timeline.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|The Frontiers of Our History}} After acquiring a stasis pod, Megatron uses an alien [[Transmetal driver]] and the carved out spark fragment of Rampage to create another clone of Dinobot, [[Dinobot II|Transmetal 2 Dinobot]]. Cheetor and Depth charge steal the driver, but the former is caught in the overload of Megatron's organic Transmetal unit and is presumably killed.
| | *'''''[[Beast Wars Reborn]]''''' (2006) |
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| [[File:Dinobot2provinggrounds.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.3]] | | *'''''[[Transformers: Beast Wars Telemocha Series]]''''' ([[2007]]) |
| Back at the base, Depth Charge disposes of the driver, but Blackarachnia secretly saves it for herself. Meanwhile, a savage cyber-creature begins terrorizing Predacon and Maximal alike. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 1}} The creature is revealed to be Cheetor, having been mutated into a new "Transmetal 2" form. His beast mode is still feral, but Optimus helps bring him back to his senses. {{storylink|Feral Scream Part 2}} An examination of Blackarachnia reveals that the removal of her Predacon [[shell program]] could potentially wipe her [[core consciousness]]. Believing the others will force this procedure on her, Blackarachnia takes off on her own, only to be tracked by the new Dinobot. Silverbolt comes to her aid and Optimus explains that the procedure was always going to be her choice. {{storylink|Proving Grounds}} One of Cheetor's anthropoid friends, a young girl named [[Una]], is kidnapped by the Predacons. They use her to finish construction on their new [[disruptor cannon|Disuptor Ray]], but Una is rescued by Rattrap and Depth Charge. She also failed to install the cannon's stabilizer crystal, causing the weapon to explode. {{storylink|Go with the Flow}}
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| Using the Transmetal driver, Blackarachnia attempts to turn herself into a Transmetal 2. Silverbolt intervenes and her shell program begins to degrade. Before Rhinox attempts to remove it, Blackarachnia transfers the ''Ark''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s access codes to Optimus. Tarantulas finds out about the procedure and tries to disrupt it with a Predacon attack on the Maximal base. One of his safeguards in the shell program reaches Blackarachnia's core consciousness and leaves her braindead. Vengeful, Silverbolt pursues Tarantulas and near kills him in cold oil before Rampage steps in. However, the Transmetal driver revives Blackarachnia as a Transmetal 2 Maximal, allowing her to save Silverbolt from Rampage. {{storylink|Crossing the Rubicon}}
| | *'''''[[War for Cybertron: Kingdom]]''''' ([[2021]]) |
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| [[File:Megatrontm2render.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]] | | *'''''[[Vintage|Vintage Beast Wars]]''''' (2021–2023) |
| Megatron and Tarantulas use a control suit piloted by Quickstrike to possess Optimus's body. Megatron is granted access to the ''Ark'' and the Predacon leader takes the original Megatron's spark into his own body. Tarantulas has Quickstrike attempt to drown Megatron in a lava pool so that Tarantulas can rig the ''Ark'' to explode. But Megatron survives, upgraded into a new giant dragon form. Blackarachnia frees Optimus from Quickstrike's control and stops the ''Ark'' from blowing up. After a battle with Optimus, Megatron retreats, flying out of the mountain's volcano mouth. {{storylink|Master Blaster}}
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| ''From a distance, his retreat is observed by [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]], a [[Swoop (G1)|Maximal]]/[[Cub|Predacon]] hybrid from the far future who arrives via transwarp portal.'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} ''He had arrived after fighting and destroying his fission-brother, [[Cataclysm (BW)|Cataclysm]], who—like Antagony before him—served a future tyrant named [[Shokaract]]. Stranded in this time, Windrazor decides to search for what Cataclysm had been originally dispatched to this time to locate: a substance called the [[Dark Essence]]. Back at the the ''Ark'', Rhinox detects the newcomer's arrival. The Maximals go to search for him but are ambushed in a canyon by the Predacons, who had likewise detected the visitor. Elsewhere, Windrazor locates the Dark Essence in a pit deep inside an underground cavern; floating high above the pit is a swirling rift in the fabric of space-time that threatens to pull the Dark Essence up into the timestream. Windrazor is then attacked by Megatron, who identifies the Dark Essence as the lifeforce of the [[Dark God]] Unicron.'' | | *'''''[[Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers Again]]''''' (2023–[[2024]]) |
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| [[File:Unicrons dark essence.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.45]]
| | ==Notes== |
| ''As Optimus arrives and tries to save him, Windrazor is soon overcome by the Dark Essence, which possesses his body as a new host vessel for Unicron. The Chaos Bringer defeats both Optimus and Megatron before leaving to attack Maximal and Predacon alike. Optimus recovers and deduces that the Dark Essence must have been displaced through time to reside here in this cave following Unicron's destruction in [[2005]]. Before Unicron can finish off the Maximals, his essence is expelled from Windrazor's body, exorcized by the completed fusion of Windrazor's dual mind. The Dark Essence returns to its resting place and Windrazor can answer no questions before another transwarp portal opens: Out steps the future tyrant himself, Shokaract.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} ''And so begins [[Point Omega]], a battle prophesized to determine the fate of the future.''
| | *Machine Wars note |
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| [[File:Shokaract.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0]]
| | ==References== |
| ''Shokaract attacks the Maximals as Megatron watches from afar.'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''Nearby, the equally-unnoticed Apeling also observes the attack and considers leaving,'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Point of No Return}} ''but is stunned by the sudden arrival of legendary warriors known as the [[Covenant (group)|Covenant of Primus]]!'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Witness to the Covenant}} ''The Covenant attack Shokaract, but he slaughters many of them.'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''Inspired, Apelinq abandons his reservations and joins the fight with a cry of "WRECK AND RULE!"'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Beyond Point Omega}} ''Meanwhile, Megatron attacks the pit of the Dark Essence, spurring Shokaract to revive Antagony and Cataclysm. The two Heralds battle Apelinq and the Covenant while their master deals with Megatron.''
| | {{reflist}} |
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| ''Then, a warrior from the future named [[Sandstorm (BW)|Sandstorm]] arrives, reuniting with his comrade Windrazor. They and Optimus Primal are soon met by other Beast Warriors from other universes, brought here by Point Omega's timestorm. As Shokaract secures the Dark Essence and disables Megatron, he is blasted by these new arrivals and uses his [[Matrix of Conquest]] to destroy them. As the Covenant and Apelinq destroy Shokaract's heralds, Sandstom is revealed to be the Covenant's missing member Scorpius. He weakens Shokaract's defenses at the cost of his own life. The Covenant take advantage of Shokaract's new vulnerability by becoming pure energy and entering the Matrix of Conquest, wherein they destroy an apparition of Unicron. No longer bound to its resting place on Earth, the Dark Essence is pulled into the timestream via the overhanging rift. With the arrival of "Legends" from a place called [[J'nwan]], everyone fires on Shokaract, finally destroying him in a massive explosion.'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''Transwarp portals open to return all displaced participants back to their points of origin. Apelinq grabs Windrazor and disappears through time. The native Beast Warriors, however, are caught in the epicenter of the timequake and lose most of their of memories of this battle.'' {{storylink|Departure}}
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| [[File:Tarantulas death.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.4]]
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| Elsewhere in the universe, two members of the alien race known as the [[Vok]] notice a temporal disruption at "Nexus Earth". Still possessing the abducted Tigatron and Airazor, they fuse the two Maximals together into a new being, [[Tigerhawk]], whom they possess and dispatch to Earth to fix the disturbance. Having ''not'' forgotten Quickstrike's recent doublecross, Megatron puts the Fuzor on trial. The court is cut short by the sudden arrival of Tigerhawk, who destroys the Predacon base upon impact. He defeats all of the evacuated Predacons and is about to eliminate Megatron before Optimus arrives to stop him, since Megatron still possesses the original Megatron's spark. Tigerhawk deals with Optimus but is then subdued by Tarantulas. The spider tries to control the Vok emissary, but the two aliens emerge from Tigerhawk and enter Tarantulas; all three are killed by Tarantulas's own machine. Cheetor rescues Tigerhawk and the combined spark of Tigatron and Airazor takes its proper place within Tigerhawk's body. {{storylink|Other Victories}}
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| [[File:BWNemesisPt1 rises.jpg|thumb|upright=1.35]]
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| The Maximals observe that Tigerhawk's arrival coincides with a prophecy written in the [[datatrax]] of the [[Covenant of Primus]], suggesting the whole Beast Wars to have been preordained. Meanwhile, now lacking a base, the Predacons become more desperate than ever. Megatron sends Inferno, Quickstrike, and Waspinator to seek a new base while he, Dinobot, and Rampage explore one last option left by the late Tarantulas: At some point prior, the spider had uncovered and restored the sunken Decepticon warship ''[[Nemesis (G1)|Nemesis]]'' at the bottom of the sea. Now it falls into Megatron's hands. Meanwhile, Waspinator quits the Predacons after growing sick of all the suffering he's endured. The Maximals race to stop the ''Nemesis'' from launching and both Depth Charge and Rampage perish in a final duel with each other. The ''Nemesis'' rises from the sea {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} and begins attacking the land. Tigerhawk dies in a brave last stand against the vessel, Inferno and Quickstrike are caught in the blast of the ship's [[fusion cannon]], and the Maximals try futily to reactivate the ''Ark''. The ''Nemesis'' reaches the mountain and Optimus enters the ship to fight Megatron.
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| [[File:Nemesis2 Megatron on shuttle.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
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| [[File:RookWaspinatorGod.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
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| All the while, Dinobot develops a change of heart. Upon Rampage's passing, his spark became "complete" {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}, ''miraculously made whole by the consciousness of the first Dinobot.'' {{storylink|Transformers Hall of Fame/2010|Hall of Fame 2010 Dinobot nominee bio}} He secretly leaks word to the Maximals of an [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta|Autobot shuttle]] aboard the ''Ark'', and then refuses Megatron's order to fire on the ''Ark'' with the ''Nemesis''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s fully-charged fusion cannon.
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| Rhinox takes the Autobot shuttle and flies it up to the ''Nemesis''; he crashes through the warship's bridge, disabling the ''Nemesis'' and causing it to crash-land somewhere far beyond the horizon. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}} ''With Megatron finally defeated, the Maximals return the stolen spark of the original Megatron back to its rightful owner.'' {{storylink|Source:Ask_Vector_Prime/Facebook#July 23, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/07/23}} Four of the Maximals—Blackarachnia, Optimus, Rhinox, and Cheetor—meet with Waspinator in a jungle. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} Later, with Megatron shackled to its roof, the Autobot shuttle takes off and flies into transwarp space; the Maximals aboard declare the Beast Wars finally over. Back down below on the planet, Waspinator remains behind as the anthropoids' new ruler. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 2}}
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| {{-}}
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| ====After the Beast Wars====
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| [[File:Primal Prime Birth.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.3]]
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| ''In truth, Tarantulas was secretly a servant of Unicron and his death had been a ruse. He was able the capture the two Vok and infuse their powers into his very spark, reviving himself in an undead form. The Tripredacus agent Ravage is likewise restored to life in a new form, {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}} his spark having been salvaged by the Vok. {{storylink|Ravage (G1)/toys#TM2|''Beast Wars'' Transmetals 2 Tripredacus Agent toy bio}} Aware of this, other Vok take action to create new soldiers to combat Tarantulas's threat. Using the recovered Transmetal driver (which they call the "Datasphere"), Quickstrike's discarded control suit, and the [[Matrix of Leadership]] within the sleeping Optimus Prime, they create [[Primal Prime]] to be their champion. The Vok had also saved Tigerhawk's binary spark from death and use it to revive Airazor and Tigatron in new Transmetal bodies: Airazor from a stasis pod and Tigatron from the remains of Ravage's old body.'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}}
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| [[File:Primevaldawn2 tarantulas matrix.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2]]
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| [[File:Primal Prime Vok.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.0]]
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| ''Elsewhere on the planet are the Maximal Packrat and the Predacon Fractyl, both having survived the Beast Wars'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn II}} '' while, apparently, Vice Grip did not.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''Packrat has also since acquired a new Transmetal form through unknown means.'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn II}}
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| ''While out in the field, Primal Prime, Tigatron, and Airazor find a stasis pod from which emerges [[Ramulus]], an angry Maximal who assumes Optimus Primal had abandoned him. The four are soon attacked by Ravage, along with new Predacons [[Spittor (BW)|Spittor]], [[Iguanus (BW)|Iguanus]] and [[Razorclaw (BW)|Razorclaw]]. Tarantulas joins the fight and goes straight for Primal Prime, disabling him and seizing his real target: The Matrix of Leadership, which the Vok had placed into Primal Prime's body for protection.'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 2}}
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| ''With the Matrix in their possession, the Predacons scurry back to their base, a massively fortified cavern. They continue construction on a transwarp portal that will enable Tarantulas to bring the Matrix back to Unicron in the future. Back at the ''Ark'', Primal Prime is in a coma. Inside his mind, he receives a vision from the Vok, who explain their intentions to safeguard the [[Grand Plan]], the [[Primus|Creator's]] vision for [['Til all are one|the one and the all]], which is once again threatened by the [[Unicron|Enemy]]. The Vok choose to merge into a state of pure ener that rivals the Matrix itself, with Primal Prime as their vessel. Meanwhile, Ravage leads a Predacons attack on the ''Ark'' as Tarantulas's portal is nearly complete. When all hope seems lost, the revived and newly-empowered Primal Prime steps forward.'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 3}}
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| ''Known liar [[Sideways (Armada)|Sideways]] claims to have been sent back in time to witness this battle and, pretending to be [[Maximal Command Security Force|MCSF]], helps the Maximals fend off Ravage's forces. Sideways also claims that Tigatron and Airazor were so badly injured in the battle that he merged the pair back into a single composite being to save their lives. He claims to play a "long con" on Primal Prime by also pretending to have been sent by the Vok to aid the Maximals in their time of need. However, the validity of all these claims remains dubious.'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Sideways#July 6, 2015|Ask Sideways, 2015/06/06}}
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| At some point around this time, Waspinator grows bored of ruling the anthropoids, who likewise grow sick of worshipping him. They decide to kick him out of the tribe and send him off into the night. {{storylink|The Catalyst}} ''[[Packrat#TransTech|Someone]] observes this from afar.'' {{storylink|Collections}}
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| {{note|It is not fully known what all happens after this point. 3H Productions lost the license to produce ''Transformers'' fiction at this point and the storyline was never completed. In 2007, artist [[Dan Khanna]] revealed that the largely unscripted conclusion would see the Vok-empowered Primal Prime defeat Tarantulas in battle. Ramulus would recruit more allies in the form of Maximals [[Sonar (BW)|Sonar]] and Packrat and Predacons Fractyl and Waspinator. And "something" would happen to Airazor (perhaps an abduction by Unicron). Afterward, Primal Prime and all his remaining comrades would return to Cybertron in the future via Tarantulas's transwarp portal.<br>Plus, further clues from later-set stories reveal the following: Spittor apparently defects to side with the Maximals. Ravage, Iguanus, and Razorclaw are all presumably destroyed. The Matrix is recovered from Tarantulas and presumably placed back into Optimus Prime's body. Tarantulas survives and somehow makes back to Unicron (likely through his portal). Waspinator somehow gets back to Cybertron first (again, probably via the portal), well ahead of the others. Primal Prime's final team roster consists of himself, Tigatron, Ramulus, Sonar, Packrat, Fractyl, and Spittor. And finally, this team gets back to Cybertron in the future not simply via the portal but aboard a ship that travels through it. What this ship is and how they came to obtain it is not known.}}
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| ===Several thousand years ago===
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| [[File:Collections-Packrat-Thrustinator.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3]]
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| ''[[Packrat#TransTech|A duplicate copy of Packrat]] created prior to his Transmetalization is left behind on Earth. He devotes his time to scavenging and hoarding various objects (including many Maximal and Predacon body parts) left behind from the Beast Wars. He has even recovered and installed Sentinel within the Maximals' former volcano base. However his presence serves as a temporal anomaly that catches the attention of multiversal agent [[Waspinator (BW)|Thrustinator]]. Before Packrat can enact his plan to begin looting the ''Ark'', he is met and apprehended by Thrustinator, who brings him to the city of [[Axiom Nexus]] on [[Nexus 208.0 Epsilon|another universe's]] Cybertron, removing the anomaly from this universe's timeline.'' {{storylink|Collections}}
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| ''The Quintesson prism that had been used to channel Primus's power somehow ends up on the planet [[Akalo]], falling from out of the sky one day. It is revered by the primitive [[Akalouthan]]s as a "[[Divine Light]]".'' {{storylink|Betrayal}}
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| {{-}}
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| ===14th Century===
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| ''[[Akalouthan]] prophetic texts tell of a "[[Wreckers#3H comics|protective force]]" that will one day come to [[Akalo]] to safeguard the "[[Divine Light]]" from the "[[Quintesson|five-faced demons]]".'' {{storylink|Betrayal}}
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| ===20th–21st Century===
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| ====Second Great War (1984–2005)====
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| [[File:AgendaPart2 Voyager.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.5]]
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| In [[1984]], the eruption of a [[Mount St. Hilary|volcano]] on [[Earth]] awakens the dormant [[Autobot]]s and [[Decepticon]]s lying within the ''[[Ark (G1)|Ark]]'', the Autobot starship now embedded within the volcano's mountainside. The Autobots, led by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]], and the Decepticons, led by [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]], resume their age-old conflict of civil war between the two factions, igniting a secret conflict that history would later come to call "the [[Great War (G1)|Great War]]". {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} {{storylink|Master Blaster}} Around this time, the [[human]]s of Earth launch a spacecraft named ''[[Voyager spacecraft|Voyager]]'', upon which a [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|golden disk]] is carried out into space. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
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| ''Among the Autobots who fight alongside Optimus Prime on Earth is [[Swoop (G1)|one]] who also fights with a team of comrades'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} ''known as the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]].'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''Other Autobots include [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]],'' {{storylink|Visitations}} [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]], [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]], {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} ''[[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]],'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]], [[Skids (G1)|Skids]],'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''[[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]], [[Shadow Striker (Universe)|Shadow Striker]], [[Roulette (Universe)|Roulette]], [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]],'' {{storylink|Abduction}} ''[[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], [[Cosmos (G1)|Cosmos]],'' {{storylink|Voice Actor Drama}} ''[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]],'' {{storylink|Descent into Evil}} ''[[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]], and [[Hound (G1)|Hound]].'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''On the Decepticon side is [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], one of Megatron's most loyal and trusted warriors, who fights alongside him on Earth and with fellow Decepticon [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] on Cybertron.'' {{storylink|Buzzsaw (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Buzzsaw toy bio}} ''Other Decepticons include [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]],'' {{storylink|Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Laserbeak toy bio}} [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] {{storylink|Possession}} [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} ''[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]], [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]],'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} ''[[Blastcharge (BM)|Blastcharge]],'' {{storylink|Departure}} [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]], {{storylink|Dark Designs}} ''and [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]].'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| ''During this time, a human scientist named [[Doctor Fujiyama the Famous Scientist|Doctor Fujiyama]] creates a ninja robot named [[Nightbird (G1)|Nightbird]]. Bad things happen as a result.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''Throughout the Great War, an Autobot named [[Devcon (G1)|Devcon]] lives the life of a bounty hunter, hunting down the Decepticons that [[Autobot High Command]] deems too dangerous to be left alone.'' {{storylink|Betrayal|''The Wreckers'' #2 Devcon profile}} ''On Cybertron, a tyrant named [[Straxus (G1)|Straxus]] comes into power.'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} ''At the height of the Great War,''<ref>In the original [[BotCon 2002]] profile for Tap-Out, the war he is said to have been imprisoned during is referred to as "the third Great War". However, this was later amended to just "the Great War" when the profile was reprinted at [[OTFCC 2004]] in the "Director's Cut" reprint of "[[Betrayal]]", retconning away the original "third Great War" mention.</ref> ''a routine patrol mission sees an Autobot platoon captured by the Decepticons. Imprisoned at the infamous [[grease pits]] of [[Polyhex]], the Autobot captives are forced into gladiatorial combat against their fellow inmates for the entertainment of a Decepticon audience. The platoon's leader, [[Tap-Out (Universe)|Tap-Out]], protects his unit by frequently volunteering to do battle in place of his comrades.'' {{storylink|Tap-Out (Universe)#Expanded Universe|BotCon 2002 Tap-Out profile}} ''Around this time, an elite Autobot strike team called the [[Wreckers]] is assembled, of which [[Springer (G1)|Springer]] is a member.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''In time, Tap-Out and many of his fellow prisoners are freed by this Autobot strike force.'' {{storylink|Tap-Out (Universe)#Expanded Universe|BotCon 2002 Tap-Out profile}}
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| [[File:Hotspot-wreckers.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1]]
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| ''Over time, many technological developments made during the war create brand new types of Transformers, including [[Combiner]]s (like [[Hot Spot (G1)|Hot Spot]],'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''[[Motormaster (G1)|Motormaster]],'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''[[Sinnertwin (G1)|Sinnertwin]],'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}'' [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]], and [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}''), [[Headmaster (technology)|Headmasters]], [[Targetmaster (technology)|Targetmasters]] (such as [[Sureshot (G1)|Sureshot]], [[Crosshairs (G1)|Crosshairs]], [[Quake (G1)|Quake]],'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''and [[Quickmix (G1)|Quickmix]]'' {{storylink|Betrayal}}''), [[Clone (subgroup)|Clones]], [[Pretender]]s, [[Powermaster]]s, and [[Micromaster]]s. At some point after, the intergalactic Autobot freighter ''[[OTFCC (ship)|OTFCC]]''—crewed by Bumblebee, Tracks, and Cosmos—makes a voyage between Earth and Cybertron when, suddenly, it and its crew are inadvertently pulled into the far future by a temporal rift in the fabric of space and time. After a brief adventure with [[Maximal|some future Transformers]] and some from other universes, the ship and her crew are sent back here to their native time via another time rift. Not long afterward, yet another new breed of Transformers is created, a kind of Transformers that [[Action Master|don't even transform]]!'' {{storylink|Voice Actor Drama}} ''One of these is [[Rad (G1)|Rad]].'' {{storylink|Betrayal}}
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| ''As the war escalates, the Autobots form a unit known as the [[Firestormer]]s.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''Soon, the Transformers face a new horror in the form of the [[Swarm (G2)|Swarm]], a flailing mass of darkness that consumes all in its path and that threatens to ravage the whole galaxy. But then, a light of hope cleanses the darkness: the [[Matrix of Leadership|Creation Matrix]] is used (presumably by Optimus Prime) to purify the destructive madness of the Swarm, granting it a greater knowledge and understanding of life. Touched by the very essence of Primus, the newly-enlightened Swarm eventually evolves into a new form, a race of beings known simply as the [[Vok]]. As penance for the tragedy and destruction they once befell upon the universe as the Swarm, the Vok become guardians of [[Grand Plan]], devoting themselves to safeguarding Primus's dream in all realities.'' {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 1}} {{storylink|Primeval Dawn Part 3}}
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| [[File:G1Megatron Disc Agenda part2.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.6]]
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| ''From the ashes of war, a new hope gleams brightly as the Autobots establish [[Autobot City (G1)|Autobot City]] as a new base of operations on Earth.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} At some point, around the time of development for [[unspace|transwarp]] technology, Megatron intercepts the Earth spacecraft ''Voyager'' out in space. Hedging his bets should he lose the war, he inscribes a secret message onto the craft's golden disk, instructing any Decepticon descendants that may find the disk to use the new transwarp technology in order to ensure the Decepticons' total victory in the end. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
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| {{--}}
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| =====2005=====
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| [[File:Possession-Unicron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.6|]]
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| ''By the Earth year [[2005]], the dreaded [[Unicron/Generation 1|Unicron]] makes his return. The sudden [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|death of Optimus Prime]] leaves the ownership of the Matrix in flux.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''A new Decepticon leader, [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]], is born out of the legacy of Megatron, while Bombshell is [[reformatting|reformatted]] into a warrior named [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]], and Skywarp into [[Cyclonus's Armada]].'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} The traitorous Starscream is blasted into oblivion by Galvatron, after the former had betrayed the latter. {{storylink|Possession}} However, Starscream's spark possesses a mutant, indestructible quality that grants him a sense of immortality, {{storylink|Bad Spark}} enabling his spark to endure without the need of a physical body. {{storylink|Possession}} ''With the death of Optimus Prime and the imminent danger that Unicron poses to the Matrix, the [[Chronarchitect]] perceives this as a dire threat to Primus's [[Grand Plan]].''
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| ''The Time Walker appears before the [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]] on [[Protos]] and issues a call to arms. The Covenant, who have waited eons for the destined battle of [[Point Omega]], ready themselves for war. However, their assistance is ultimately unneeded: The Matrix is passed to the new Autobot leader, [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], and is used to destroy Unicron. Thus, the Covenant stands down.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''Unbeknownst to all, however, the destruction of Unicron's corporeal form tears open a rupture in the fabric of [[unspace|overspace]] and displaces his [[Dark Essence|lifeforce]] through time and space, sending it into the far distant past to lie hidden within a deep underground cavern on prehistoric Earth.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}
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| ''The destruction of Unicron marks the end of this Great War. The Decepticons are fully driven off of Cybertron, allowing the planet to fall under Autobot control.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| {{-}}
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| ===21st Century===
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| ====2005====
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| [[File:Skidswreckers2.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.2]]
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| [[File:Sojournerspassageship.jpg|thumb|upright=0.95]]
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| ''Months after the destruction of Unicron, Cybertron exists in a state of peace. The Autobots have begun rebuilding their homeworld and Rodimus Prime initiates some postwar assessment projects. Namely, he spearheads in the construction of a small fleet of five research vessels built to carry out survey missions in outer space. They are to establish reconnaissance posts meant to monitor deep space and protect Cybertron from any new threats or "surprises" like Unicron. Some of his senior staff—which includes Perceptor, Skids, [[Kup (G1)|Kup]], Quickmix, and Rad—are opposed to this project, deeming it an excessive use of the Autobots' presently-limited resources, but Rodimus remains adamant. The first of these vessels is christened the "''[[Sojourner's Passage]]''", and two of its crewmembers—[[Glyph (Universe)|Glyph]] and [[Tap-Out (Universe)|Tap-Out]]—are eager and confident to begin their mission. Soon, the ship blasts off from Cybertron.''
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| ''Weeks later, the ''Sojourner's Passage'', captained by [[Windmill (G1)|Windmill]], continues its voyage in the [[Archa system]]. As its pilot, [[Crosscut (Autobot)|Crosscut]], steers the ship past [[Akalo|Archa Nine]], the ship is hit by some kind of energy pulse that causes a transwarp drive failure. The ship erupts in a streak of fire and crash-lands to the planet. Glyph and Tap-Out are the only survivors of the wreckage. Unable to contact Cybertron, they are forced to remain on Archa Nine (real name "[[Akalo]]") for the next three hundred years. While back on Cybertron, the other four research vessels are constructed and launched, but two of them are lost. Along with the ''Sojourner's Passage'', three of the five exploration teams are never heard from again.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}}
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| {{-}}
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| ====Third Great War====
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| ''Also known as the "[[Third Cybertronian War]]",'' {{storylink|Razorclaw (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2009 Razorclaw toy bio}} ''another Great War is fought between the Autobots on Cybertron and Earth and the Decepticons on [[Chaar]]. Cyclonus brings Galvatron back to lead the Decepticons (the latter had apparently gone missing in the aftermath of Unicron's destruction). Rodimus Prime instills hope in the Autobots as the war goes one. However, both leaders have the faults, with Rodimus constantly questioning his worthiness as the successor to Optimus Prime, while Galvatron suffers from mental instability and constantly lashes out at Cyclonus. Rodimus and Galvatron constantly clash on a weekly-to-biweekly basis.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| [[File:WreckersDweller.JPG|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
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| ''At the same time, a third faction plays its own role during the war: the alien [[Quintesson]]s, who seek to retake control of Cybertron for themselves.'' {{storylink|Disclosure}} ''Among the misadventures the Autobots experience with the Quintessons is one that involves a banishment chamber that sends a group of Autobots into "[[Menonia|a world filled with wizards and warriors, dungeons and dragons]]". The tale of this adventure is told by [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] to fellow Autobots Rodimus Prime and [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]].'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} ''Another encounter with the Quintessons occurs in [[2006]], in which the Transformers come under threat by a horrific [[Dweller (G1)|worm-like monster]] of Quintesson design,'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''which neither the Autobots nor the Decepticons are able to destroy.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} A virus known as the "[[Hate Plague]]" breaks out, which boosts one's adrenaline, suppresses the neocortex, and shuts off self-diagnostics. (Presumably, it is cured by the Matrix upon [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|the return of Optimus Prime]].) {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}
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| [[File:Departure-WheelieDaniel.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
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| ''At some point, Arcee undergoes the Headmaster process, wherein she is [[binary bonding|binary-bonded]] to her young human friend [[Daniel Witwicky (G1)|Daniel]].'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''After surviving a near-death experience, a young Autobot named [[Outback (G1)|Outback]] is given a new bodyform and adopts a new outlook on life. Renaming himself "[[Outback (G1)|Fallback]]", he devotes himself to being the best Autobot he can be, emulating such heroes as Ultra Magnus and Rodimus Prime.'' {{storylink|Outback (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Fallback toy bio}} ''Over time, Daniel grows up from a young boy to a young man, and accompanies the Autobots on various missions. He is good friends with Arcee and [[Wheelie (G1)|Wheelie]].''
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| ''One fateful Spring Break, Doctor Fujiyama creates a whole horde of Nightbirds that run well out of his control. Arcee, Daniel, and Wheelie lead a mission to save him from his creations, but the situation worsens. A rescue team of Hot Spot, Crosshairs, and Sureshot drops in from a [[Sky Garry (G1)|shuttle]] to retrieve Arcee and Fujiyama, but Daniel and Wheelie are surrounded by Nightbirds. Unable to save them, the shuttle's crew is forced to leave Daniel and Wheelie behind, much to Arcee's objections. Choosing to go out on their own terms in one final blaze of glory, Daniel and Wheelie sacrifice their lives to obliterate all of the Nightbirds in one big explosion. Their deaths leave Arcee in a traumatized state.'' {{storylink|Departure}}
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| ''At some point, Optimus Prime receives a new advantage in the war in the form of the [[Reconfiguration Matrix]].'' {{storylink|Ironhide (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Ironhide toy bio}} ''As the Great War moves into its later stages, more new Autobots join in the fight, such as [[High Beam]] and [[Skram (G2)|Skram]].'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 14|TCC magazine #14 ''The Max-Cops'' Getout profile}} ''The Autobot Ironhide is severely damaged in the battle of [[Moon Base Four]]. Optimus Prime uses the power of the Reconfiguration Matrix to save his life, regenerating Ironhide in a brand new bodyform.'' {{storylink|Ironhide (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Ironhide toy bio}} ''In time, the [[Decepticon Empire]] receives a new figure of authority in the form of [[Deathsaurus (G1)|Deathsaurus]], who bears the illustrious title of "[[Emperor of Destruction]]".'' {{storylink|Deathsaurus (G1)#Timelines 2|BotCon 2005 Deathsaurus toy bio}}
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| ''During Deathsaurus's reign,'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''a whole new race of Cybertronian Transformer comes into being. Born from [[Protoform]] technology forged in facilities called the "[[Matrix (facility)|Matrix]]" and the "[[Pit (BW)|Pit]]", where their sparks are joined to protoforms in a sacred ritual, these next-generation Transformers are the [[Maximal]]s and the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]]'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''(the latter may or may not have some kind of inherent relation to the previous [[Predacon (G1)|Decepticon subgroup of the same name]]'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}}''). Smaller in size and more energy efficient,'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} {{storylink|Departure}} ''the first Maximals and Predacons come online during the waning years of the Great War, with the Maximals aligned with the Autobots and Predacons with the Decepticons.'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|TCC magazine #13 ''The Max-Cops'' Switchblade profile}}
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| ''A conversion process that enables Autobots to upgrade into Maximals is brought about,'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''with the Maximal [[9K]] being one of the first in a line of transitionary models bridging the Autobot and Maximal designs.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|TCC magazine #13 ''The Max-Cops'' 9K profile}} ''As a result, some Autobots begin to undergo the "[[Great Upgrade|Maximal upgrade]]". Meanwhile, another of the first generation of Maximals to come online is [[Crossblades (BW)|Crossblades]], who is trained by the Autobots as a weapons specialist.'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''During the final years of the war, the Maximal [[Switchblade (BW)|Switchblade]] comes online to serve first as a pilot and then a tank operator.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|TCC magazine #13 ''The Max-Cops'' Switchblade profile}} ''The Maximal [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] also serves in the field of combat very late in the war.'' {{storylink|Apelinq (BM)#Beast Machines|OTFCC website Apelinq bio}} {{storylink|Disclosure|''The Wreckers'' #3 Apelinq profile}} ''On the Decepticons' side, an ambitious young Predacon named [[Cryotek (Universe)|Cryotek]] serves under Deathsaurus as a supply manager.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}}
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| [[File:Iacon.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1]]
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| ''On Cybertron, the city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]] becomes the last stronghold of the Autobots, along with the [[J'nwan|last outpost]] located in the most desolate region of the planet.'' {{storylink|Sandstorm (BW)#Toys|BotCon 1999 Sandstorm's Predacon war journal}} ''In the long run, however, Deathsaurus's reign ultimately comes to an end when he is finally defeated by an Autobot named [[Star Saber (G1)|Star Saber]].'' {{storylink|Deathsaurus (G1)#Timelines 2|BotCon 2005 Deathsaurus toy bio}} ''Following an ordeal in which the Transformers encounter the malevolent [[Liege Maximo]],'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} ''the Third Cybertronian War—the Great War—finally comes to an end. The Decepticon Empire is no more, with many Decepticons either destroyed or in hiding.'' {{storylink|Razorclaw (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2009 Razorclaw toy bio}} {{storylink|Deathsaurus (G1)#Timelines 2|BotCon 2005 Deathsaurus toy bio}} ''The Predacons revolt against and overthrow the Decepticon over-caste.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}}
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| ''Armistice is declared on Cybertron.'' {{storylink|Betrayal|''The Wreckers'' #2 Devcon profile}} A few Decepticons are granted amnesty, most of whom simply retire. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} ''The Predacons are also given amnesty, for having turned against their Decepticon masters in the end.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''On the Maximal side, Apelinq is decorated with a series of field commendations for meritorious conduct during his service.'' {{storylink|Apelinq (BM)#Beast Machines|OTFCC website Apelinq bio}} {{storylink|Disclosure|''The Wreckers'' #3 Apelinq profile}}
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| ''The last Autobot outpost of the war becomes a sacred place,'' {{storylink|Sandstorm (BW)#Toys|BotCon 1999 Sandstorm's Predacon war journal}} ''existing within a dimensional fissure in quantum flux, bordering the realms of the living and [[Transformer afterlife|the dead]]. Certain legendary heroes and villains of the war who had passed beyond the veil come to reside in the quasi-reality of this place, which comes to be known by the name of "[[J'nwan]]".'' {{storylink|Paradox}} ''Among the "Legends" who occupy this place are the Autobots Optimus Prime and Grimlock, and the Decepticons Megatron (having apparently reverted from Galvatron) and Soundwave.'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''
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| ===21st—22nd Century===
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| As a result of the Autobots defeating the Decepticon in the Great War, it is the Maximals who go on to become the ruling power on Cybertron, with the Predacons subordinate to their authority. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} ''The Maximals rise to power'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''and establish their own political nation, the [[Maximal Imperium]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot (BW)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Darksyde Dinobot toy bio}} {{storylink|Tigatron#Timelines 2|BotCon 2006 Unit 2 (Tigatron) toy bio}} {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Megatron profile}} {{storylink|Airazor (BW)#Timelines|TCC Chromia 10 Pilot (Airazor) toy bio}} {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} Organized as a [[democracy]], {{storylink|Chain of Command (BW)|Chain of Command}} the Maximals install a [[Maximal High Council|High Council]] to govern them. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} Over time, the members of this council become known as the [[Maximal Elder]]s. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} {{storylink|Master of the House}} ''The Autobots continue to support the Maximals with such organizations as Autobot Intelligence, of which Bumblebee eventually becomes Espionage Director.'' {{storylink|Descent into Evil}} {{storylink|Ricochet (Timelines)#Toys|BotCon 2005 Ricochet toy bio}}
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| ''As a fragile peace sweeps across Cybertron, the Maximal High Council creates new law enforcement organizations to maintain planetary order: the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s,'' {{storylink|Departure}} {{storylink|Betrayal|''The Wreckers'' #2 Devcon profile}} ''headed by Peace Marshal Command,'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|The Terror Begins}} ''and the [[Maximal Command Security Force]],'' {{storylink|Tigatron#Timelines 2|BotCon 2006 Unit 2 (Tigatron) toy bio}} ''headed by [[Maximal Defense Command]] (or just "Maximal Command" for short).'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}} ''The former Autobot bounty hunter Devcon surprises everyone by joining the Peace Marshals,'' {{storylink|Betrayal|''The Wreckers'' #2 Devcon profile}} ''while the Autobot High Beam undergoes the Maximal upgrade and joins the Security Force, in which he is promoted and demoted dozens of times.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 14|TCC magazine #14 ''The Max-Cops'' High Beam profile}} ''The Maximal 9K also joins the MCSF and rises to the rank of captain rather quickly.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|TCC magazine #13 ''The Max-Cops'' 9K profile}} ''The Maximal Switchblade undergoes a reformatting to become a MaxCop as well.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|TCC magazine #13 ''The Max-Cops'' Switchblade profile}}
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| ''In time, the High Council establishes a Research Cooperative in one of Cybertron's private sectors, in which Apelinq works a civilian career as a scientist and engineer, among several others like him. He becomes one of the planet's brightest independent researchers. One of his colleagues happens to be one of Cybertron's most gifted engineers: An young Predacon named Cryotek. During this time, Cryotek makes numerous technological advances that Apelinq comes to admire.'' {{storylink|Disclosure|''The Wreckers'' #3 Apelinq profile}} {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}} {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''However, ever the ambiitious one, Cryotek uses stolen materials taken from the supply depot that he worked at back during the Great War to buy himself the start of his own criminal empire. From deep in the shadows, his organization begins with petty smuggling and illegal gambling. Over time, however, it moves into racketeering and extortion.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}}
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| ''Eventually, some Decepticons living in retirement grow dissatisfied with the Maximal and Autobot rule of the planet and decide to take matters into their own hands. The Decepticons [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]], [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], and [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]] are approached by [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]], a member of the [[Predacon (G1)|original Predacons]] who was thought to have long ago been destroyed. Divebomb presents the three with an offer to join him in a new calling, complete with new forms and a new purpose. The three accept and are reprogrammed as rebuilt as [[Predacon (BW)|Predacons]].'' {{storylink|Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Laserbeak toy bio}} ''More importantly, the leader of the original Predacons, [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]], becomes the leader of the new Predacons and rallies them under his new calling. Declaring themselves the "Predacon Empire", the Predacons instigate several wars of their own against the Autobots and Maximals, aiming to conquer Cybertron and defeat the Autobots once and for all.'' {{storylink|Razorclaw (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2009 Razorclaw toy bio}} {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
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| ''During this time, a young Maximal named [[Optimus Primal (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Optimus Primal]]—in honor of Optimus Prime—attends the [[Maximal Military Academy]]. He studies the historical and scientific records of past generations, and graduates near the top of his class.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Optimus Primal profile}} Meanwhile, [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|a young Predacon]] reads excepts from the ''[[Covenant of Primus]]'' about a legendary figure named "[[Megatron (myth)|Megatron]]". Inspired by these legends, the Predacon takes the name for himself. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} As the name is also shared by the greatest leader of the Decepticons, {{storylink|Master Blaster}} ''the legends surrounding the exploits of the Decepticon leader [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] also serve as inspiration for this younger Predacon [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]].'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Megatron profile}} ''In time, Megatron comes to enter the criminal organization of one of his earliest mentors, Cryotek,'' {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}} ''whose empire has since moved into racketeering and extortion. More than just another minion, Megatron rises through the ranks to become Cryotek's pupil, apprentice, and right-hand bot. Although, Cryotek is keen to never fully trust his new new protégé.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}}
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| ====Last Great War====
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| ''Another "Great War" breaks out for the final time, this one fought by the Predacon Empire against the Autobots and Maximals. Led by Razorclaw, the Predacon army attacks Cybertron with a renewed ferocity.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Optimus Primal profile}} {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} {{storylink|Razorclaw (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2009 Razorclaw toy bio}} ''Optimus Primal serves with the Maximals and proves his mettle as both a soldier and a tactician time and time again.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Optimus Primal profile}} ''The young Megatron serves as a field commander in the Predacon army, where his experiences teach him much about strategy and tactics.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Megatron profile}} ''A Decepticon army also serves alongside the Predacon army,'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''fighting together as the "[[Decepticon/Predacon Alliance]]".'' {{storylink|Deathsaurus (G1)#Timelines 2|BotCon 2005 Deathsaurus toy bio}}
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| ''The former Emperor of Destruction Deathsaurus is recreated to serve as a general in the Decepticon army. He leads several successful campaigns until the Autobots and Maximals begin to overwhelm the Decepticon/Predacon Alliance in the long run.'' {{storylink|Deathsaurus (G1)#Timelines 2|BotCon 2005 Deathsaurus toy bio}} ''Eventually, Razorclaw is assassinated, taken out by a treacherous trio of generals who assume command of the Predacons. Together, the three of them become the Tripredacus Council.'' {{storylink|Razorclaw (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2009 Razorclaw toy bio}} ''Dissatisfied with his current role of serving under Divebomb, Ravage leaves his affiliation with Divebomb to instead pledge his allegiance to the Tripredacus Council, becoming one of their agents.'' {{storylink|Laserbeak (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Laserbeak toy bio}}
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| ''In the waning stellar cycles of the war, the remaining Decepticons pretty much abandon the fight altogether, leaving the Predacons to continue a now hopeless war by themselves. The Tripredacus Council spearheads a final campaign in the [[J'kozian sector]] of space. One by one, several planets are targeted for their resources: [[Chakar]], [[Loneedo]], [[Roliak]], [[Nibari]], [[S'elar]], and more. However, without the support of the Decepticon army, the Predacons are ultimately defeated by the more united Autobots and Maximals. The war ends with the Tripredacus Council's surrender. A set of terms for a temporary peace accord is drawn up until a formal peace treaty—the [[Pax Cybertronia]]—can be written. In time, the Predacon Empire becomes the Predacon Alliance.'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
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| An unstable "peace" between the Maximals and Predacons begins and lasts for "centuries". {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}}
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| ===22nd–23rd Century===
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| ''For the next fifty years, the Autobot [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]] travels the galaxy learning new forms of combat to enhance his battlefield rescue ability.'' {{storylink|Ratchet (G1)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Autobot Ratchet toy bio}} ''The Autobot rookie Flareup comes under the protection of Chromia, in order to honor her comrade and Flareup's mentor, Firestar.''<ref>From [http://web.archive.org/web/20200521092228/http://www.bwtf.com/toyreviews/timelines/descent/flareup Ben Yee's review of BotCon 2005 Flareup]: "I was going to mention that Firestar had been killed in the last Great War but ultimately opted to keep that out of the tech spec for fear Hasbro would not appreciate me "killing" one of their characters in any way."</ref> {{storylink|Chromia (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2005 Chromia toy bio}}
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| ''Despite the wars between the Maximals and Predacons having finally ended, some of the Predacon field generals refuse to lay down arms during this turbulent time of unstable peace, and continue to skirmish with the Maximal military'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} ''out of a dissatisfaction with the Tripredacus Council's surrender. Among these disgruntled misfits are Deathsaurus, the Insecticons [[Dirge (Timelines)|Dirge]] and [[Buzzclaw (G1)|Buzzclaw]]'' {{storylink|Descent into Evil}} ''and Cryotek's former pupil,'' {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}} ''the Predacon Megatron.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Megatron profile}} ''Cryotek himself is likewise displeased with the Council's apparently lackadaisical leadership, and expands his criminal activity further into the realms of extortion, theft, unlawful mayhem,'' {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}} ''and more than a few abductions.'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''In a conflict on [[Regulon Four]], the Insecticon Dirge suffers a humiliating defeat by Chromia and Flareup.'' {{storylink|Descent into Evil}}
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| ===23rd Century===
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| ''The young Autobot [[Ricochet (Timelines)|Ricochet]] becomes one of the top trainees at the espionage division of the Autobot Academy. He catches the attention of Espionage Director Bumblebee, who takes him under his wing as a spy and saboteur for Autobot Intelligence. Though, his cocky attitude often puts him at odds with his Autobots during missions.'' {{storylink|Ricochet (Timelines)#Toys|BotCon 2005 Ricochet toy bio}}
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| ====~209 [[AU]]====
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| ''The ancient Decepticon [[Flamewar (G1)|Flamewar]] is wanted by Autobot Intelligence. For the next five stellar cycles, she gives them a good chase, going undercover as an agent of the Tripredacus Council, and switching to a new bodyform'' {{storylink|Descent into Evil}} ''made from stolen Autobot plans.'' {{storylink|Flamewar (G1)#Timelines 2|BotCon 2005 Flamewar toy bio}}
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| ====~214 [[AU]]<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20160304194643/http://www.bwtf.com/comicbooks/funpub/descent/ Ben Yee's review of "Descent into Evil"]: "For those keeping track, I estimate this tale happening roughly one hundred years before Optimus Primal and gang take off in the Axalon."</ref>====
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| ''Wanting to restore the Decepticons to their former glorious empire, Deathsaurus establishes a base on [[Ceti Alpha Seven]] with the Insecticons Dirge and Buzzclaw. Together, the three of them work to produce a new army of Insecticon [[Virulent Clone]]s. Flamewar is sent by the Tripredacus Council to keep tabs on the operation, while a team of six Autobots is sent there to destroy the clone lab. Four of them—[[Outback (G1)|Fallback]], Ricochet, Chromia, and Flareup—are sent to the surface, where they are ambushed by Dirge and a horde of clones. The Autobots try to fight them off, until Deathsaurus steps in and overwhelms them. The remaining two Autobots—Ironhide and Ratchet—proceed to the surface to rescue their teammates, but are attacked by Buzzclaw and more clones. Ironhide disables Buzzclaw, but Deathsaurus reappears and battles Ironhide one-on-one. However, Flamewar, who had been watching everything, secretly takes out Ratchet and blasts Ironhide for Deathsaurus. He, however, is offended by her presence, believing the Tripredacus Council and their agents tarnish Megatron's memory.''
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| ''Still, Deathsaurus brings the defeated Ironhide and Ratchet back to his base as captives. He explains that while the Autobots did destroy the first batch of clones, a second batch was made during the battle, giving Deathsaurus all that he needs to make more. No longer needing this base, he rigs it to explode and take the captured Autobots with it.'' ''However, once Deathsaurus departs, Ricochet reveals himself, having evaded capture. He frees Ironhide and Ratchet, who scoop up the other three Autobots, and all of them make their escape before the base is leveled in a massive explosion. High above the planet, Flamewar reports these events to the Tripredacus Council. But then, Director Bumblebee interrupts Flamewar's video call with the Council, revealing that, during the battle with Deathsaurus, Ricochet had secretly planted a virus made by Autobot Intelligence into each of the second-batch Virulent Clones, which will cause both them and any additional clones made from them to malfunction.''
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| ''With Flamewar's involvement in Deathsaurus's operation now known to the [[Maximal High Council|High Council]], the Tripredacus Council sees her as a liability and cut all ties to her by denoting her ship.'' {{storylink|Descent into Evil}} ''She survives, however, having used a personal forcefield to protect herself from the blast, but which knocks her into stasis lock.'' ''When she comes to, she awakens to find herself in what appears to be an Autobot prison cell on the planet [[Tantalus Five]]. Ricochet, along with the famous general Obsidian and the Maximal K-9, offer her a proposition: If she assassinates Deathsaurus, the three will let her go free, complete with a new bodyform that will make her unrecognizable even to the Tripredacus Council. Incredulous, Flamewar refuses. Though she hates him, Deathsaurus is still a Decepticon, and Flamewar remains loyal to the Decepticon cause, to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s vision.''
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| ''Her captors declare that the Decepticon army is no more, the Predacons are now fully ruled by the Tripredacus Council, and the Decepticon cause is lost. They also claim to have planted a bomb inside her, which will go off if she doesn't comply. Flamewar still refuses, preferring to die than serve any Autobot or Maximal. Convinced of her sincerity, Flamewar's captors reveal their true selves: Ricochet, Obsidian, and K-9 are actually the Predacons [[Scourge (BW)|Scourge]], [[Buzz Saw (BW)|Buzz Saw]], and [[BB (BW)|Max-B]], respectively. Their appearances, and the whole room, are revealed to have been an elaborate holographic projection. Scourge explains that this was all a test, for the three of them serve neither the Tripredacus Council nor Deathsaurus. Their master is the Predacon [[Megatron (BW)/Beast Wars cartoon continuity|Megatron]],'' {{storylink|Intimidation Game}} ''who now commands his own band of followers.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Megatron profile}}
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| ''Around the same time as these events, [[Saber]], an Autobot hero of the Great Wars, is abducted into the world between dimensions by [[Unicron]]. Refusing to fight for dishonorable sport on behalf of his abductor, Saber is imprisoned within Unicron's war arena, the [[Cauldron]]. He resists the Chaos Bringer's influence for a long time until about a century later,'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 15, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/15}} ''when a jailbreak is engineered within the Cauldron that frees Saber and many of his fellow prisoners.'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} ''Following his escape, Saber is returned to this time and world from which he had originally been taken. He would go on to have many further adventures afterward.'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#September 15, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/09/15}}
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| ====After ~214 AU====
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| ''In time, a new commander simply known as "the Leader" organizes a number of Predacon insurgents to begin attacking several Maximal outposts and several defenseless worlds in the [[J'kozian sector]], raiding them for their resources. Over the course of thirty Stellar Cycles, each of these worlds are attacked in the same order as they were back during the Predacons' final campaign of the last Great War: from Chakar to Loneedo, to Roliak, but stopping on Nibari instead of proceeding to S'elar. During this time, a young bot named [[Airazor (BW)|Wing Saber]] attends the [[Maximal Military Academy]] on Cybertron. On Nibari, a massive industrial project is underway: the [[Nibarian]]s are enslaved by the Predacons and several factories are built for refining energon and to manufacture of an army of [[Scavenger (BM)|sparkless drones]]. The Tripredacus Council deny any affiliation with these attacks, deeming them to be work of renegades.''
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| ''The timing of these attacks couldn't be worse, for the drafting of the the Pax Cybertronia is currently underway. Maximal Command sends multiple agents to help quell the various situations on these worlds. One such agent, Wing Saber, finds herself captured and interrogated by the Predacon [[Steelgrave]] during one of her recon operations, but manages to escape to her ship, the ''[[Chromia 10]]''. On Roliak, Crossblades and her partner [[Stiletto (BW)|Stiletto]] (who had first come online four stellar cycles ago and was trained by the Maximal military) deal with twenty-three rogue Predacons before they are reassigned by Maximal Command to team up with Wing Saber for a new mission. The three are to investigate and report on the situation at Nibari. Meanwhile, a small Nibarian resistance led by [[Ritash]] makes plans to sneak into the robotics plant in the city of [[Ro'kar]].''
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| ''Wing Saber, Crossblades, and Stiletto infiltrate the Predacons' headquarters on Nibari and eventually sneak into the aforementioned factory. After hacking into a maintenance panel, their suspicions about the drone army are confirmed. The Nibarian rebels then launch their attack on the Predacons and a battle ensues. The three Maximals join the fight to help the Nibarians, but come face to face with the Leader: the ancient Decepticon Megatron! As the Nibarians make their retreat, Ritash is left behind to ensure the safe escape of his allies. The Maximals grab Ritash and flee the factory as well. The three explain to Ritash the difference between Maximal and Predacon and promise to help liberate his planet. The three return to the factory and challenge Megatron to a trial by combat under Cybertronian law; the loser must leave Nibari forever. The challenge is held outside the city at a massive crater.''
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| ''Megatron is powerful and overwhelms all three Maximals, but not without taking significant damage; too much damage to be the real Megatron. Wing Saber manages to break Megatron's shoulder armor to reveal a completely different shoulder underneath. The drone army soon arrives, having been reprogrammed by the Nibarians. Ritash unleashes the drones' full payload on the Predacons and "Megatron", revealing the latter to actually be an exosuit disguise worn by the Decepticon Flamewar. The three Maximals recover and place Flamewar under arrest, planning to take her back to Cybertron. Wing Saber also decides to remain partners with Stiletto and Crossblades. Ritash thanks the three for their help and declares that the drones will be put to good use as construction robots.'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}}
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| ====Pax Cybertronia====
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| ''The Pax Cybertronia is finally ratified and signed by the Maximal Elders and the Tripredacus Council, at long last formalizing peace between the Maximal Imperium and the Predacon Alliance.'' {{storylink|The Razor's Edge}} Although, the Tripredacus Council secretly plots a long game, planning for such a time when the Predacons can finally rise up and take Cybertron for themselves. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Until that time, however, they must cooperate with the Maximal Elders. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} ''To protect this new fragile peace,'' {{storylink|Disclosure|''The Wreckers'' #3 Apelinq profile}} ''the Maximal Command Security Force'' {{storylink|Tigatron#Timelines 2|BotCon 2006 Unit 2 (Tigatron) toy bio}} ''and the Imperial Peace Marshals work to enforce the law and maintain planetary order.'' {{storylink|Departure}} {{storylink|Betrayal|''The Wreckers'' #2 Devcon profile}} ''Wing Saber and her team continue to work for the Maximal Imperium, operating as one of many squadrons sent on recon missions into Predacon space to prevent any rogue factions from operating outside the terms of the Pax Cybertronia.'' {{storylink|Airazor (BW)#Timelines|TCC Chromia 10 Pilot (Airazor) toy bio}}
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| ''Meanwhile, Apelinq is now a head official in a leading research facility, having spearheaded many advances in computer xenoscience.'' {{storylink|Apelinq (BM)#Beast Machines|BotCon 2000 Apelinq toy bio}} ''However, as planetwide peace is declared,'' {{storylink|Apelinq (BM)#Beast Machines|OTFCC website Apelinq bio}} ''he is called back to active duty by the Maximal High Council, who choose him to be the platoon commander of a legendary Autobot strike force, the [[Wreckers]].'' {{storylink|Disclosure|''The Wreckers'' #3 Apelinq profile}} ''This team is recommissioned as an ironic last resort the Council hopes to never have need of for open combat.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''Instead, the Wreckers are used to fight a secret war of politics behind the scenes of the planet's new cities and supposedly egalitarian government, in order to maintain peace and preserve Cybertron's future.'' {{storylink|Disclosure|''The Wreckers'' #3 Apelinq profile}}
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| ''Several months later, the Autobot Arcee still mourns the loss of her dear human friend Daniel. The former Rodimus Prime—now simply "Rodimus"—and fellow Autobot Springer attempt to help her move past her depression, but she dismisses them. All three undergo the Maximal Upgrade, which unlocks and magnifies their latent abilities. For Rodimus, the process manifests his abilities as a [[Matrix Templar]],'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''a legendary state of being held by five Transformers at a time, who each bear a special affinity with the [[Well of All Sparks]].'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 18, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/18}} ''For Arcee, however, the upgrade grants her a sense of precognition that lets her see a person's imminent death, an ability that nearly drives her mad. To keep her sanity, she disappears shortly after, secluding herself in isolation, not to be seen or heard from again for a long time.'' {{storylink|Departure}}
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| ===23rd–24th Century===
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| Eventually, Cybertron's population completes "the [[Great Upgrade|great upgrade]] from Autobot to Maximal," {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}} ''in which much of the planet's population is reborn as Maximals and Predacons,'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''downsizing to more energy-efficient forms.'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} ''By this point, the entire planet's society has been completely restructured into Maximal and Predacon castes.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} New city layers are built over the city-states of old, with the city of [[Cybertropolis]] built over the ancient Autobot city of Iacon. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}} However, some Autobots and Decepticons do still remain, living in retirement. {{storylink|Other Visits (Part 2)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}}
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| ''By now, Cryotek has become one of the most notorious outlaws on Cybertron.'' {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}} ''His empire moves into arms dealing and banned sciences.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''Obsessed with upgrading bodyframes, Cryotek believes that the Pax Cybertronia stifles Cybertronian evolutionary growth.'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''He pioneers in the development of several dangerous Predacon body upgrades that are technically still legal for construction and research purposes, thanks to some loopholes in the Pax Cybertronia's Combat Bodyframe ban. He even acquires his own body-retrofitting plant. Yet, despite their suspicions, the Maximal Security Force are never able to convict the crafty Cryotek of any criminal activity.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''Megatron also works in defiance of the Pax Cybertronia'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Megatron profile}} and in time becomes a publicly known criminal. {{storylink|Home Soil}}
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| At some point since its original launch into space centuries ago, the [[Golden Disk (Voyager)|Golden Disk]] of Planet Earth ends up on Cybertron and becomes the most carefully guarded relic on the planet, {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} ''locked away within the Hall of Records.'' {{storylink|Transformers Hall of Fame/2011|Hall of Fame 2011 Waspinator bio}} ''Two MaxCops and longtime friends, codenamed "[[Nitrostreak|Unit-1]]" and "[[Tigatron|Unit-2]]", are stationed at its location as security guards.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past|''Timelines'' #1 Maximal Command Security Force bio}} ''A thousand Maximals and Predacons attempt to hunt for this coveted disk, but every attempt ends in their demise.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}} Though certain historical records remain accessible to the public through the Chronicles of Cybertron, much knowledge of the planet's war history is classified by the [[Maximal Elder]]s, {{storylink|Possession}} with all travel to Earth-space forbidden by the High Council. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} However, these restrictions seem to apply less so for the Predacons, as [[Dinobot (BW)|one young Predacon]] studies Cybertron's military history. {{storylink|Possession}}
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| ===24th Century===
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| ====Temporary header for editing====
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| Cybertron remains at peace, with the Pax Cybertronian still in effect. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} Th planet and its Maximal populace are governed by the High Council of Maximal Elders {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} {{storylink|Deep Metal}} {{storylink|Master of the House}} from within the [[Council Citadel]] in [[Cybertropolis]], the central city of Cybertron. {{storylink|Master of the House}} Out in space, the Tripredacus Council rules the Predacons from their space station, [[Predacon Command Outpost One]]. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} ''Maximal law and order is maintained by the Imperial Peace Marshals'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''and the Maximal Command Security Force.'' {{storylink|Tigatron#Timelines 2|BotCon 2006 Unit 2 (Tigatron) toy bio}} while Predacon law is enforced by the [[Predacon Secret Police]]. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}}
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| During this time, the Great Wars of the past are most commonly referred to as a single event: the "Great War", {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|Law of the Jungle}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}} which is said to have been started by the Autobots and Decepticons on Earth in 1984, and said to have ended with the Autobots defeating the Decepticons {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} three centuries ago. Alternately, the events of the past are occasionally referenced in the plural as the "Great Wars". {{storylink|Dark Designs}} Much of the historical facts have been obscured by time (and by data manipulation {{storylink|Possession}}), regarded by the general populace as mostly the stuff of mere legends and myths. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part III)}} {{storylink|The Reformatting}} {{storylink|The Key}} {{storylink|End of the Line}}
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| ''It is a time of exploration and technological advancement.'' {{storylink|Departure}} The Maximals and Predacons reside both on Cybertron and on various space stations, such as [[Colony Omicron]] and [[Starbase Rugby]]. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}} Energon is mined as a natural resource in such places as the [[Vespa System]]. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} [[Stasis pod]]s equipped with [[DNA scanner]]s are used to carry protoforms on deep space missions to other planets, placed aboard vessels equipped with [[unspace|transwarp]] technology. {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} {{storylink|The Spark}} Once such vessel is the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'', {{storylink|Beast Wars (Part 1)}} ''whose [[Airraptor|navigator]] serves as an interplanetary surveyor.'' {{storylink|Airraptor#Toys|''Dinobots'' Airraptor toy bio}} [[Botanica's ship|Another ship]] captained by [[Botanica (BM)|a young scientist]] leaves Cybertron on a voyage of exploration; its crew settles on a planet inhabited by chlorophyll-based lifeforms, {{storylink|Home Soil}} ''the planet [[Regalis V]].'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} The crew acquires new [[alternate mode]]s based on the planet's local lifeforms, adopting the forms of sentient plants. {{storylink|Home Soil}}
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| ''New MaxCops have since joined the Maximal Security Force,'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|TCC magazine #13 ''The Max-Cops'' Overshoot profile}} ''such as [[Shatterpoint]], a former pollster.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 14|TCC magazine #14 ''The Max-Cops'' Shatterpoint profile}} ''[[Overshoot]] joins the force upon activation, his protoform having been deemed more suited for police work than planetary exploration.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13|TCC magazine #13 ''The Max-Cops'' Overshoot profile}} ''The young Maximal [[Getout]] becomes the MCSF's best flier,'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 14|TCC magazine #14 ''The Max-Cops'' Getout profile}} ''while the Maximal [[Stopgap]] joins after returning from a deep-space mission on the planet [[Edaps]], where he gathered scientific data on the local mechanoid lifeforms and culture, and made a living as a private investigator.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Stopgap profile}}
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| ''At some point, Cryotek comes to learn of the existence of the ancient [[Divine Light|prism]] the Quintessons had once used to channel the power of Primus during their occupation of Cybertron eons ago.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''He locates and reaches out to the Quintessons, now living in a rather sorry state of being'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''on the planet [[New Quintessa]]. Together, they enter into a business partnership and craft a long-term and rather elaborate plan to invade and conquer Cybertron in the not too distant future.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} {{storylink|Disclosure}} ''Cryotek also begins recruiting new minions into his organization.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Backslash profile}} {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Buzzbomb profile}} ''He approaches the ancient Decepticon Cyclonus with an offer to join him in his plan with the Quintessons, but doesn't seem to convince the old warrior.'' {{storylink|Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Expanded Universe|BotCon 2002 Cyclonus packaging art sequence}}
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| ''A young Predacon named [[Backslash]] comes online as a new recruit for the Predacon Police. However, he instead pursues a life of crime in the streets of Darkmount, becoming a petty thug who is so good at what he does that he has no criminal record. He catches the attention of Cryotek, who successfully brings Backslash into his organization as an enforcer.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Backslash profile}} ''A complacent dock hauler named [[Buzzbomb]] is approached by Cryotek with a more enticing offer than the life of tedium he currently lives. Shocking all of his coworkers, Buzzbomb drops a ten-ton crate on his foreman and terminates the dock's security team, creating enough of a spectacle for Cryotek's organization to step in and take control of the situation. Buzzbomb goes on to become Cryotek's top enforcer.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Buzzbomb profile}} ''Cryotek also gains a new right-hand-mech in [[Dirge (BW)|Dirge]], a sleazy Predacon who rises through the ranks of Cryotek's empire as a professional "finder of lost objects." {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Dirge profile}}
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| {{note|A bio for the [[Transformers Figure Subscription Service]] release of ''[[Combiner Wars (toyline)|Combiner Wars]]'' [[Scorponok (BW)#Combiner Wars|Scorponok]] was written with background information based on this continuity version of the character, but was ultimately unpublished, with two other bios published instead: one based on the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' version of Scorponok, and the other a tie-in to the [[BotCon 2016]] comic story "[[Dawn of the Predacus]]" set in the [[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)|2006 IDW Beast Wars timeline]].<br>The unpublished bio describes Scorponok as having first come online as a lab assistant to Cryotek. He is constantly passed over for a promotion, but fears the wrath of his boss should he ever decide to quit. His life is changed when, one day, he is reassigned from the lab to work with members of Cryotek's "other profession". Teamed up with the recently-recruited Backslash, Scorponok now works as a criminal sneaking through the shadows, and considers undergoing a body upgrade.}}
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| ====310 AU====
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| Maximal scientists conduct an experiment on a protoform, attempting to replicate the immortal qualities of the ancient Decepticon Starscream's mutant indestructible spark. The result is "[[Rampage (BW)|Protoform X]]", an uncontrollable monster incapable of being recycled. {{storylink|Bad Spark}} Protofom X escapes to Colony Omicron and massacres everyone there. The only survivor is [[Depth Charge (BW)|Depth Charge]], {{storylink|Deep Metal}} ''an Imperial Peace Marshal'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Pieces of a Puzzle}} who works as the colony's head of security. Filled with vengeance, Depth Charge proceeds to hunt X down for four stellar cycles. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}
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| ====310–314 AU====
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| Protoform X continues his rampage. He pays a visit to Starbase Rugby, where some of Depth Charge's friends reside. They are slaughtered too. {{storylink|Nemesis Part 1}}
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| A young [[Rattrap (BW)|Maximal]] works as an energon miner in the [[Vespa System]]. {{storylink|Dark Voyage}} ''He later works as a spy for Maximal Command, a career that sends him through the murky depths of Cybertron's sewers and earns him a great deal of infiltration experience.'' {{storylink|Rattrap (BW)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Axalon Rattrap toy bio}}
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| ====314 AU====
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| ''At some point, Apelinq pays a visit to Cryotek's lab at a research facility, and takes notice of some circuitry patterns of the Predacon's own making.'' {{storylink|Disclosure}} {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} Deeming the Predacon known as Megatron to be a dangerous rogue, {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} the Predacon Secret Police plants a mole, Lieutenant [[Tarantulas (BW)|Tarantulas]], into Megatron's criminal gang, in hopes that Tarantulas's infiltrating Megatron's operations may eventually lead to the Predacon criminal's inevitable capture. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 2)}} ''A Maximal thief named Packrat is apprehended by Peace Marshal Devcon, convicted of a long list of petty crimes, and sentenced to be shipped off-world inside a stasis pod aboard the ''Axalon''.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}}
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| ''A [[Cheetor (BW)|young cadet]] in the MCSF leaves the Security Force to pursue a new career, one he hopes that will take him on adventures in outer space.'' {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Axalon Cheetor toy bio}} ''As Optimus Primal begins his career as the new captain of the ''Axalon'','' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|TCC magazine #9 Optimus Primal profile}} ''he recruits the former cadet to join him as part of the ''Axalon''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s new crew, seeing potential in the young bot.'' {{storylink|Cheetor (BW)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Axalon Cheetor toy bio}} ''Also joining the crew is a [[Rattrap (BW)|former spy]] for Maximal Command, who sees the ''Axalon'' as a potential respite from his intrigue-filled life.'' {{storylink|Rattrap (BW)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Axalon Rattrap toy bio}} ''There is also a [[Rhinox (BW)|defense specialist]] among the new crew.'' {{storylink|Rhinox (BW)/toys#Timelines|BotCon 2006 Axalon Rhinox toy bio}}
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| After four long stellar cycles, Depth Charge finally captures the renegade monster Protoform X. He brings the creature back to Cybertron and asks the High Council to find a way for its spark to be destroyed. The Council, however, declines his request and instead turns Protoform X over to the science division to be placed into a stasis pod aboard the ''Axalon'' and be shipped off-world to be dumped someplace far away. Depth Charge is displeased with this decision and warns the Council that Optimus Primal, the captain of the ''Axalon'', is likely to botch the disposal of Protoform X. {{storylink|Deep Metal}} {{storylink|Bad Spark}}
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| ''The ancient Decepticon/Predacon Divebomb begins working a new machination, one that involves the theft of the fabled Golden Disk.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}} ''Cryotek also desires to steal the disk and plans to frame the theft on his old apprentice and pupil, Megatron.'' {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}} {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''Cryotek's agents "stumble" upon an escape ship needed for the theft,'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}} ''its location and accessibility having been leaked by Divebomb.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}} ''Cryotek also learns of the particular archive that contains all the information the Maximals have on the Golden Disk, including its location. He calls Megatron to his lair to discuss a partnership in stealing the disk.''{{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}} ''Megatron, however, secretly orchestrates a plot to steal the disk for himself.'' {{storylink|Transformers Hall of Fame/2012|Hall of Fame 2012 Megatron (Beast Wars) bio}} ''He and his associates (one of whom is named [[Waspinator (BW)|Wasp]]'' {{storylink|Transformers Hall of Fame/2011|Hall of Fame 2011 Waspinator bio}}'') team up with Cryotek's minions to carry out the heist that very night.''
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| ''Three teams are dispatched. Team Alpha—Backslash and [[Scorponok (BW)|his partner]]—takes out the power grid at [[Maximal Power Station B4-Y]], while Team Beta—Buzzbomb, Wasp, and a [[Terrorsaur (BW)|red 'bot]]—breaks into [[Predacon Transwarp Research Center D-F]] to secure the [[Darksyde (BW)|escape ship]]. At the power station, Backslash is caught in the explosion and abandoned by his partner. With the power offline, the third team—Megatron, [[Dinobot (BW)|his lieutenant]], and Dirge—break into the central branch of the [[Cybertropolis Maximal Data Archive]]. They locate the [[Data-Con|data-con]] containing the Golden Disk data and Megatron, in defiance of Cryotek's orders, secretly transmits the data to Tarantulas to decode it. However, a transmitter hidden in the archive secret attaches itself to Megatron while his lieutenant sets a time bomb to destroy the archives. Back with Team Beta, the red 'bot kills Buzzbomb and makes it look like one of the facility's security guards did it.
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| ''As the power comes back on, Megatron's team is attacked by the Maximal Security Force just as they exit the archives. While he and his lieutenant fight off the MaxCops, Dirge takes the stolen data-con back to Cryotek. However, Cryotek reveals to Dirge that he had tipped off the MaxCops to Megatron's break-in at the archives so that they could arrest him. With the archive's destroyed, there is no evidence to trace the heist back to Cryotek. He had anticipated Megatron would betray him someday, and simply decided to betray Megatron first. However, Megatron did betray him first: upon opening the data-con, all Cryotek finds is only the transmitter from the archives, which leads the MaxCops directly to his lair. Elsewhere, Megatron, his lieutenant, and Backslash's former partner infiltrate the disk's secret location'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}} ''within the Hall of Records.'' {{storylink|Transformers Hall of Fame/2011|Hall of Fame 2011 Waspinator bio}} ''Once Megatron claims the disk for himself,''{{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk}} ''he and his teammates make their escape.''
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| ''The escape ship takes off from its hangar'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|Beast Wars: Theft of the Golden Disk Trailer}} ''and arrives to pick up Megatron and his teammates, the red 'bot having christened the vessel "''[[Darksyde (BW)|Darksyde]]''". Elsewhere, Divebomb instructs his agents, [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]], to ensure Megatron and his allies get away with the disk and reach their destination. [[Tigatron|Unit 2]] of the Maximal Security Force commandeers a vessel, the ''[[Chromia 10]]'', to pursuit Megatron's gang, its [[Airazor (BW)|pilot]] agreeing to help him give chase. Maximal Command discusses the recent theft, noting that the Tripredacus Council denies any involvement. Observing that the stolen ship is equipped with a [[Transwarp Drive|transwarp drive]], Command selects the ''Axalon'' as the only transwarp ship within range that can intercept Megatron. Aboard [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship|their own vessel]] in deep space, Laserbeak and Buzzsaw are instructed by Divebomb to prevent any pursuing Maximal vessels from stopping Megatron.''
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| ''Aboard a space station, the crew of the ''Axalon'' receives Protoform X's stasis pod. After it's loaded onto the ship, Optimus Primal announces to his crew a new mission to dump their new special cargo on a barren moon in the [[Alpha Quadrant]]. Suddenly, Maximal Command radios in, ordering the ''Axalon'' to pursue the stolen Predacon ship and retrieve the Golden Disk, which the High Council deems an even higher priority than the disposal of Protoform X. On the way, the ''Axalon'' is attacked by [[Buzzsaw and Laserbeak's ship]]. The ''Chromia 10'' arrives to provide assistance, but sustains critical damage in the battle. Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, and their ship are destroyed and the ''Axalon'' crew performs a remote spark core transfer in an attempt to save the wounded ''Chromia 10'' pilot and Unit 2, transferring their sparks into stasis pods containing [[blank|blank protoforms]] but losing much of their core mainframes in the process.''
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| ''Aboard the Predacon ship, Tarantulas begins analyzing the Golden Disk and reports some of his findings to the Tripredacus Council. The ''Axalon'' soon catches up to the ship and introductions are made as Megatron contacts his Maximal pursuers. The two ships engage one another as the Predacon ship activates its transwarp drive. A transwarp portal opens in space ahead and the Predacon ship enters, followed by the ''Axalon''. Both ships disappear through time.'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}} ''Back on Cybertron, the wanted Cryotek is finally taken into custody by the Maximal Security Force,'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''disappearing from the Cybertronian public.'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}}
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| ''However, with Megatron and the disk both gone, and with no living witnesses, the Maximals are only able to charge Cryotek with tax evasion and for operating a body-retrofitting facility without a license. Though finally sent to prison, Cryotek remains in full control of his criminal empire from behind bars.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''Dirge, meanwhile is extradited from the Maximals to the Predacons to stand trial for a long list of crimes.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Dirge profile}} ''Though he was blown up at the power plant, there were enough parts of Backslash for the MaxCops to recover. Reassembled, the comatose Backslash lies in intensive care at a Maximal hospital.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Backslash profile}}
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| Furious over the disappearance of the ''Axalon'', Depth Charge leaves Cybertron aboard a [[Starhopper]] to seek out the missing vessel himself and finish what he started, {{storylink|Deep Metal}} ''going against the orders of his superiors at Peace Marshal Command.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Pieces of a Puzzle}} In time, the Maximals send out [[temporal probe]]s to search for the missing ''Axalon'' across space and time. {{storylink|The Probe}} Unfortunately, the probes' searches reveal no findings of the ''Axalon''. {{storylink|The Agenda (Part 1)}} ''Meanwhile, an up-and-coming agent in the Tripredacus Council's assassination corps has a falling-out with his superiors. Fleeing to escape termination from his ex-employers, the [[Onyx Primal|fugitive]] somehow ends up going back in time to wind up in the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]].'' {{storylink|Onyx Primal#Beast Wars|''BotCon: Beyond'' Onyx Primal profile}}
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| A [[transwarp wavefront]] from the time of the Beast Wars travels into the future and arrives within Cybertron space about a deca-cycle<ref>The episode incorrectly used the term "mega-cycle", which is approximately one Earth hour. "Deca-cycle" was the likely intended term, as it is approximately one Earth month.</ref> after the disappearance of the ''Axalon'' and Megatron's ship. The wavefront hits Predacon Command Outpost One, where the Tripredacus Council identifies its signature as matching that of the ship stolen by Megatron. Wanting to rid themselves of the threat of Megatron once and for all, the Council sends one of their agents, [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], back in time aboard an experimental [[transwarp cruiser]] to eliminate Megatron and all witnesses to his mission. Wanting to handle this situation themselves, the Council also arranges for one of their satellites to "accidentally" explode in the path of the transwarp wavefront, preventing it from being detected by Maximal sensors on Cybertron.
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| ====314–316 AU====
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| Out in deep space, Depth Charge continues his search for the missing ''Axalon''. His Starhopper enters the forbidden Earth-space sector in defiance of the High Council. Conducting a quantum scan yields a positive detection of Protoform X's energy signature in the vicinity. Suddenly, a temporal anomaly materializes ahead; Depth Charge's ship is pulled into the vortex, which proceeds to [[Transmetal|Transmetalize]] Depth Charge. He and his ship disappear as the anomaly closes, pulling him back in time to the Beast Wars. {{storylink|Deep Metal}}
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| ''In the [[Mirtonian constellation]], an [[T-Wrecks|attack specialist]] is stationed in Sector 17.'' {{storylink|T-Wrecks#Beast Machines|''Dinobots'' T-Wrecks toy bio}} ''A famous Predacon named [[Magmatron]], known by all as an "[[Emperor of Destruction]]", embarks on an interplanetary quest for [[Angolmois Energy|energy capsules]]. He is presumably accompanied by his followers.'' {{storylink|Magmatron#Beast Machines|''Dinobots'' Magmatron toy bio}}
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| Back on Cybertron, the planet undergoes the [[Quantum Cycle Upgrade]], in which external DNA scanners and stasis pod technology are discarded in favor of incorporating internal DNA scanners directly into the superstructures of each Transformer, creating a more convenient method for scanning Beast Modes. {{storylink|Survivor}}
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| ====316 AU====
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| In [[unspace|transwarp space]], the Maximal victors of the Beast Wars travel back to their future home-time aboard [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta]], with the Predacon criminal Megatron bound to the ship's roof as their captive. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} ''Suddenly, their ship is hit by a disruption in the timestream, which loosens Megatron's bonds.'' {{storylink|Abduction}} Megatron manages to break free of his bonds and tumbles off and away from the ship, disappearing in transwarp space before a massive blast rocks the shuttle and its crew. Unbeknownst to the Maximals, Megatron lands back on Cybertron well ahead of his captors, {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} ''arriving through a transwarp anomaly.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Pieces of a Puzzle}} During this time, he somehow develops a strong distaste for his beast mode and all organic life in general. He makes it his life's mission to purge both himself and all of Cybertron of any and all organic material, to create a sense of pure technological perfection. {{storylink|Master of the House}}
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| ''On the distant moon of [[Protos]], [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]] leader [[Leonicus]] observes sunrise, a rare and fleeting occurrance due to Protos's synchronous orbit with its mother planet, the ancient world of [[Methuselah]]. Since their creation by Primus at the dawn of time, he and his fellows have continued to prepare for the fated battle of [[Point Omega]], which the now weary Leonicus wonders if it may ever come. Upon returning from the surface of Protos to subterranean home, the [[Sanctuary]], Leonicus soon receives an answer: A sudden wave of sensation washes over himself and his brethren, in which Leonicus witnesses many mental images of the past and a dark future. Leonicus takes this as a sign of the arrival of the Time Walker, the [[Chronarchitect]]. Locating the time god's point of arrival, Leonicus is startled to see it reeling in agony.''
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| ''The Chronarchitect appears to die in a reverse order of events, and warns Leonicus of a [[timestorm|great disruption]] to the timestream that has thrown all of history into chaos. The integrity of the [[Grand Plan]] is threatened, and time now flows to a critical, [[Point Omega|decisive point]]. The Time Walker leaves Leonicus with the cryptic entreaty "Return to the beginning." In the fallout, the Covenant hold a [[zemstvo]] to discuss the Chronarchitect's warning. Leonicus suspects that the Time Walker's dying words are a prelude of things to come, of Point Omega. He assigns tasks to other members to investigate this matter, to decipher the meaning of these words and to examining the now-corrupted timeline, searching for a specific temporal event to determine where and when Point Omega may come to pass, lest the whole Transformer race and the Grand Plan be forever doomed to oblivion.'' {{storylink|covenant (story)|Covenant}}
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| ''On the far side of Cybertron, Megatron takes up residence at [[Shuttle Complex Ohm]] in the city of [[Dodecahex]]. In this city, he creates and mass produces a new breed of Transformer, the [[Vehicon (BM)|Vehicon]]s, lifeless drones operated without the need of a spark. From within Shuttle Complex Ohm, Megatron amasses a great army of early-model Vehicons and disperses them out into other parts of the planet.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''In time, the Vehicons reach the outskirts of Cybertron's developmental sectors and begin their attacks. These acts of terrorism are met by the [[Imperial Peace Marshal]]s, who take control of the situation. The Council of Elders give their full attention to the matter, affording no time for other concerns. Meanwhile, the Maximal [[Wreckers|Wrecker]] [[Apelinq (BM)|Apelinq]] continues an investigation of his own,'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|The Terror Begins}} ''looking into the disappearance of the ''[[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]]'' and the rogue [[Depth Charge (BW)|Peace Marshal]] who left to pursue the missing vessel some time ago.''
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| ''Alas, Apelinq's trail run cold. He is left with little recourse but to return to investigating the recent transwarp anomaly that, unbeknownst to all, had brought Megatron back to Cybertron from the Beast Wars. All the while, more attacks continue to spread chaos across the planet.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Pieces of a Puzzle}} ''During these Vehicon attacks, the Predacon criminal [[Cryotek (Universe)|Cryotek]] manages to escape from prison.'' {{storylink|Theft of the Golden Disk|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Cryotek profile}} ''He is soon reunited with his former pupil, Megatron and strikes up a bargain with him: He attempts to "assist" Megatron in ridding him of him organic dragon beast mode, when Cryotek really seeks to take it for himself. However, the transfer process is more than Cryotek is prepared for and the [[Transmetal 2]] metamorphosis sends him into stasis lock. Megatron, meanwhile, seizes much of Cryotek's research and inventions, including the prized [[spark extractor]].'' {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}}
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| ''Armed with this new technology, Megatron assaults the ancient Decepticon [[Cyclonus (G1)|Cyclonus]]. In a torturous experiment, Cyclonus's spark is extracted and transferred into the body of a Vehicon [[Aero Drone]]. However, Cyclonus is not so easily cowed and escapes from Megatron's captivity, flying off to leave Cybertron altogether.'' {{storylink|Cyclonus (G1)/toys#Expanded Universe|BotCon 2002 Cyclonus packaging art sequence and toy bio}} ''As Megatron continues his Vehicon invasion, many more Cybertronians—including Peace Marshals—begin to go missing.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Crumbling Edges}} ''Among those captured and get their sparks placed into Vehicon bodies are the ancient Decepticon [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]], the Predacon [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]], and the Peace Marshal Devcon.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''As Apelinq's tracking of the transwarp anomaly yields little success, more Marshals continue to go missing. Apelinq's offers for the Wreckers to provide assistance are continually met with cordial rejection by Peace Marshal Command, much to the growing agitation of the Wreckers.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Crumbling Edges}}
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| ''An explosion at [[New Cybertropolis spaceport]] finally forces the Wreckers break protocol and investigate the attacks. The planetwide chaos has escalated to the point where the Tripredacus Council is now demanding martial law. And yet, Maximal Command remains confidant that the group responsible for these terrorist attacks is small and limited.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Chaos}} ''Soon, Megatron begins a plan to make his victory absolute. He develops an experimental [[Transformation virus|virus]] designed to inhibit one's [[transformation]] abilities and eventually induce permanent shutdown. However, when testing the new virus in its experimental form on four hapless [[Fuzor]]s, something goes wrong. While they remain trapped outside of their robot modes, the virus reconfigures their transformation abilities to now switch between two different beast modes. Calling themselves "[[Mutant (BW)|Mutants]]", the four of them—[[Icebird]], [[Poison Bite]], [[Razor Claw]], and [[Soundwave (BW)|Soundwave]]—band together to wage their own private little war against Megatron.'' {{storylink|Mutant (BW)|''Mutant Beast Wars'' packaging blurb}}
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| ''Megatron is soon met with more resistance when a jailbreak at one of his facilities sees the release of a few victims whose sparks had been transferred into Vehicon bodies. Among the escapees are Devcon, Skywarp, and Rotorbolt.'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''Megatron is finally revealed to the Cybertronian public as the mastermind behind the recent terrorist attacks. While the Maximal High Council is thrown into a frenzy over the news of Megatron's return, nearly thirty Peace Marshals break rank to go after Megatron and hunt him down.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|The Tyrant Returns}} ''However, the rogue Marshals are all killed and hordes of Vehicons begin sweeping the planet all at once. Wreckers leader [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]] has Apelinq remain at the [[Wrecker Command Base]] while he takes the rest of their team to face the Vehicons head on.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Wreck and Rule}}
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| =====Spark War=====
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| There is no warning. Having perfected his [[Transformation virus|anti-conversion virus]], Megatron sets it off, unleashing it all across the planet Cybertron, infecting and deactivating everyone in its path. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} ''The virus breaches every defense, sparing no one. The High Council, the Peace Marshals, everyone is helpless to stop its spread.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|The Virus Revealed}} {{storylink|Departure}} Then, the Vehicon drones swarm through Cybertropolis, hunting down any survivors {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}} to have their sparks extracted in special factories. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} ''No one is spared from this fate, not even incarcerated criminals,'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} ''nor Megatron's old ally [[Backslash]] who lies comatose in a Maximal hospital.'' {{storylink|Backslash|TCC website ''Max Cops'' Backslash profile}} Megatron soon installs himself as the new ruler of Cybertron inside the [[Council Citadel]], hooked up to a [[control harness|special harness]] that grants him full control over every facet of the planet. {{storylink|Master of the House}} ''He also develops a new kind of rapid pursuit vehicles inspired by ancient [[Quintesson]] technology: the [[Beast Rider]]s.'' {{storylink|Beast Rider|''Beast Machines'' Beast Riders packaging blurb}} ''He creates them to hunt down any remaining survivors on the planet and extract their sparks. In another failed attempt to rid himself of his organic beast mode, Megatron's personal chariot, [[Mechatron]], is given an appearance based on Megatron's dragon mode.'' {{storylink|Mechatron#Toys|''Beast Machines'' Mechatron toy bio}}
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| ''As the Vehicons overrun the planet, [[Magmatron]] returns to Cybertron from his quest.'' {{storylink|Magmatron#Beast Machines|''Dinobots'' Magmatron toy bio}} ''Also returning is the attack specialist from the [[Mirtonian constellation]].'' {{storylink|T-Wrecks#Beast Machines|''Dinobots'' T-Wrecks toy bio}} ''Both of them, along with six other survivors—[[Triceradon (BM)|Triceradon]], [[Airraptor]], [[Dinotron (BM)|Dinotron]], [[Striker]], [[Rapticon (BM)|Rapticon]], and [[Terranotron (BM)|Terranotron]]—are all reformatted by the ancient and legendary supercomputer, the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], in a desperate attempt to combat Megatron's virus. The eight are given new dinosaur-based forms using the DNA schematics of the deceased Maximal [[Dinobot (BW)|Dinobot]], creating a new team of [[technorganic]] [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]].'' {{storylink|Dinobot (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Dinobots packaging blurb}} ''The specialist, now named [[T-Wrecks]], is made the Dinobots' commander,'' {{storylink|T-Wrecks#Beast Machines|''Dinobots'' T-Wrecks toy bio}} ''with Triceradon chosen to be his second-in command.'' {{storylink|Triceradon (BM)#Beast Machines|''Dinobots'' Triceradon toy bio}} ''Though, Magmatron also serves above T-Wrecks as his boss.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''They emerge from deep within the planet to make trouble for Megatron.'' {{storylink|Departure}}
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| ''Meanwhile, all is quiet at Wrecker Command. As a dreadful silence spreads across Cybertron, Apelinq fears the worst. No word from Rodimus or the other Wreckers, no contact or any communication with the outside world, and no signs of any life on the on planet. In less than a Stellar Cycle, Megatron has reduced the whole of Cybertron into a lifeless husk, with Apelinq left to fear that he might be the last living Transformer on the planet.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Circle of Dread}} ''He determines that it was indeed a kind of stasis lock-inducing virus that Megatron had used to incapacitate the transformation and fighting abilities of everyone on the planet.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|The Virus Revealed}} ''Meanwhile, the newly-Transmetalized Cryotek had finally awoken from his time in stasis lock, only to find that all that had once been his criminal empire is now under Megatron's control, along with the rest of the planet.'' {{storylink|Cryotek (Universe)#Toys|''BotCon Online'' Cryotek profile}} ''He presumably leaves Cybertron to join up with the Quintessons on [[New Quintessa]] as part of a much bigger business venture between the two,'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''while the Decepticon Cyclonus is also recruited to their cause.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| High above Cybertron, [[Autobot Shuttle Omega Delta]] emerges from transwarp space only to be fired upon {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} and shot down by the planet's automated defenses. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}}. ''Maximal Wrecker Apelinq attempts to contact the shuttle, but it falls out of range.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Back from the Past}} The shuttle's Maximal crew is immediately set upon by Vehicon [[Tank Drone]]s that incapacitate each Maximal with Megatron's virus. While the paralyzed Rhinox and Silverbolt have their sparks taken, the other four are devolved from their [[Transmetal]] bodies back into their organic beast mode forms and cannot transform. {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} They go into hiding and go offline for a time. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}} They each awaken with amnesia, unaware of how they got back to Cybertron and why they're back in their older forms and cannot transform. Vehicons continue to hunt them down until a mysterious voice leads Optimus Primal to reunite with Rattrap, Cheetor, and Blackarachnia.
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| The voice guides them down deep into Cybertron's underground and reveals to them its identity as the [[Oracle (BM)|Oracle]], an ancient supercomputer. The Oracle reformats the Maximals into new [[technorganic]] bodies in which they must re-learn how to transform. {{storylink|The Reformatting}} Cheetor and Blackarachnia go topside to visit [[Cybertropolis]], only to find the whole city completely depopulated. Optimus investigates the [[Council Citadel]] for answers, but is shocked to find none other than Megatron inside and in full control of Cybertron! Megatron claims to have won the Beast Wars and has conquered all of Cybertron. The Vehicons are his sparkless creations, representing Megatron's vision of a technologically pure Cybertron devoid of the organic life that the Maximals represent. The Maximals best the Vehicons at first, but are forced to retreat. {{storylink|Master of the House}}
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| Frustrated with the Maximals continuing to defeat his Vehicons, Megatron creates the [[Vehicon general|Vehicon Generals]]—[[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]], [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]], and [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]]—from three stolen sparks. Meanwhile, Blackarachnia begins having flashes of the past that set her curious to discover what happened when she and the others first returned to Cybertron. She and Rattrap uncover their old Autobot shuttle, but its destruction prevents them from learning more beyond recovering their memories of Rhinox and Silverbolt. {{storylink|Fires of the Past}} ''Inside the Wrecker Command Base, Apelinq develops a shield suit to protect him from Megatron's virus, and decides to finally leave the base and determine to state of things on the rest of the planet.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|The Wait is Over}} ''He is elated to discover that Rodimus is still alive, having miraculously been immune to the virus! Rodimus informs Apelinq that the rest of the Wreckers, and the rest of the planet, are all dead. Yet, both are resolved to continue the fight against Megatron.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Two Against a World}}
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| The Vehicon Generals compete against each other in capturing the Maximals to receive a reward from Megatron. As the Maximals search for a potential survivor, Cheetor and Rattrap find the laboratory where Megatron created his virus. Rattrap uses a transformation enhancer to stimulate his transformation abilities, but his inability to control it gets all of the Maximals captured. Inside the Citadel, he manages to free himself and the others and a battle ensues. Optimus tries to contact Tankor's spark to sway him to the Maximals' side, but Megatron undoes Optimus's effort, restoring Tankor to normal. {{storylink|Mercenary Pursuits}} As Rattrap continues to struggle learning how to transform, his efforts are observed by a bat, who turns out to be a Maximal survivor. The bat leads them to an organic tree whose fruit has sustained him, but the fruit regresses the other Maximals to primitive, feral mindsets when they eat it. Cheetor is forced to destroy the tree and Optimus reformats the bat into a technorganic form, introducing himself as [[Nightscream (BM)|Nightscream]]. {{storylink|Forbidden Fruit}}
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| ''Using Rodimus's immunity, Apelinq is able to synthesize an inoculant for Megatron's virus.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|A Cure is Found}} At a Vehicon assembly plant, Rattrap finally learns how to transform, but find his body to be without weapons. He also causes an accident at the plant that sees a complete power outage for the whole city. Overhearing the other Maximals discuss Rattrap as a liability, he risks bargaining with a now weakened Megatron; in exchange for weapons, Rattrap promises no harm will come to Megatron until he's repaired himself. Megatron offers Rattrap to join his side for one night; should any harm befall Megatron, Rattrap gives up his weapons. The other Maximals arrive and mistake Rattrap for a traitor, unaware of his deal with Megatron. Dawn comes and Optimus arrives, arguing that Rattrap is stronger than everyone gives him credit for. Seeing that Rattrap kept his end of their bargain, Megatron does as well. Rattrap discards the weaponry and returns to the Maximals. {{storylink|The Weak Component}} During a field mission, the Maximals discover a factory yard full of bodies whose sparks were all removed.
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| A battle with the Vehicon Generals sees Blackarachnia trapped inside the factory alone with Thrust, who begins to show some unusual concern for her. Blackarachnia deduces that this factory was used by Megatron to steal everyone's sparks, and begins to suspect that Thrust's spark may actually be that of the missing Silverbolt. This leads the Maximals to realize that all three of the Generals must be saved instead of destroyed. {{storylink|Revelations Part I: Discovery|Discovery}} As Optimus seeks guidance from the Oracle, Cheetor leads a mission to try to get through to the sparks of the Vehicon Generals. While he and Rattrap target Tankor, Blackarachnia attempts to get through the Thrust. Rattrap taps into Tankor's old memories and discovers that the Tank General is none other than Rhinox. Meanwhile, Blackarachnia's spark is extracted by Jetstorm, {{storylink|Revelations Part II: Descent|Descent}} but Nightscream recovers it. Below ground, Optimus receives a couple of haunting, nightmarish visions from the Oracle. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} ''Secretly, these disturbing visions are the work of the [[Quintesson]]s tapping into the Oracle and using it to manipulate Optimus, but which is actually all part of an even greater plan by Primus—the ''true'' master behind the Oracle—manipulating the Quintessons.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| As the Maximals try to reach Rhinox's spark within Tankor, Optimus meets Rhinox on the mental plane and is devastated to hear his old friend side with Megatron. His spark having apparently been corrupted, Rhinox's personality asserts itself over Tankor and declares himself in agreement with Megatron's vision of technological perfection. Optimus arrives and convinces the other Maximals to accept Rhinox's choice. Back at the Maximals' base, Optimus tells them that he now believes that they were sent to Earth by the Matrix to fight in the Beast Wars and bring the organic elements in their bodies back to Cybertron, to restore nature to the planet. {{storylink|Revelations Part III: Apocalypse|Apocalypse}} ''Independently, the Mutants come to a similar but much more extreme conclusion from the Oracle, believing that their mission is to eliminate all technology in the name of attaining a total organic existence.'' {{storylink|Icebird#Mutant Beast Wars|''Mutant Beact Wars'' Icebird toy bio}} {{storylink|Razor Claw#Mutant Beast Wars|''Mutant Beact Wars'' Razor Claw toy bio}}
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| Determined to rid himself of his organic beast mode, Megatron decides to capture Nightscream and figure out how he acquired an organic beast mode on Cybertron and then reverse it. He sends his [[Diagnostic Drone]] with the Vehicon Generals, but while Jetstorm and Thrust battle the Maximals, the new Tankor-Rhinox begins his own agenda to overthrow Megatron and reprograms the Diagnostic Drone to serve him instead. During the battle, Optimus and Nightscream discover a deep underground cavern filled with fossilized animal skeletons from Cybertron's ancient past—where Nightscream must have scanned his beast mode. While the Diagnostic Drone pretends to still be loyal to Megatron, Tankor discovers the location and existence of the Oracle. {{storylink|Survivor}} However, Megatron is no fool and suspects Tankor's treachery. {{storylink|End of the Line}}
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| ''Megatron creates a new experimental general, [[Mirage (BM)|Mirage]], to breach the intelligence gap between the Vehicon Generals and their drones.'' {{storylink|Mirage (BM)#Beast Machines|''Beast Machines'' Mirage toy bio}} ''On the far side of Cybertron,'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''another transwarp portal opens closer to the planet's surface, releasing another ship that crash-lands in the [[Polyhex]] sector. Apelinq and Rodimus detect its arrival and head for the crash site.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Call From the Heavens}} ''Megatron also detects the new arrivals in Polyhex and assembles a large force of Vehicons to send there.'' {{storylink|VEHICON ALERT!}} ''When Apelinq and Rodimus reach Polyhex, they are met by Primal Prime and his crew. Apelinq prepares to close the transwarp portal before inoculating the newcomers with his cure for Megatron's virus, but is attacked by Mirage. The two are sent through the portal just as it closes behind them, leaving Rodimus the last Wrecker on Cybertron.''
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| ''In Apelinq's absence, Primal Prime assumes command'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|(Primal Prime) Assuming Command}} {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|Timewrecked}} ''and his crewmates become Wreckers as well.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''They also become acquainted with others who happened to be in Polyhex at the time, such as the secluded Autobot [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], and the Vehicon-bodied Predacon [[Rotorbolt (Universe)|Rotorbolt]] and Decepticon [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Cyclonus also turns up,'' {{storylink|VEHICON ALERT!}} ''having wandered Cybertron alone. He allies himself with fellow fugitives Rotorbolt and Skywarp.'' {{storylink|Betrayal|''The Wreckers'' #2 Cyclonus profile}} ''A [[Deployer (BM)|trio of sparkless combat drones]] and a [[Alpha Trion (G1)|mysterious entity]] are also reportedly sighted in Polyhex, as is the Vehicon-bodied Devcon.'' {{storylink|VEHICON ALERT!}} Having taken up residence within the [[fossil chamber]], the Maximals begin drilling for water but instead unearth [[organic goop]] from the planet's [[organic core|core]]. Meanwhile, Tankor uses the Diagnostic Drone to access the ancient [[Vector Sigma|Vector Sigma Core]] inside the Oracle to acquire a program for the [[Key to Vector Sigma]], one that can turn organics into [[living metal|technomatter]]. He tests it on the Maximals and seemingly perishes from the key program overloading.
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| However, he faked his death to throw himself off of both Optimus and Megatron's radars while he manipulates both sides to his own ends. Meanwhile, Cheetor becomes frustrated with Optimus's decisions and continues to butt heads with him. {{storylink|The Key}} ''In his frustration, he gets his hands on Megatron's Beast Rider blueprints and, creates his own Beast Rider, [[Che]], from a subterranean Quintessian alloy.'' {{storylink|Che#Beast Machines|''Beast Machines'' Che toy bio}} Once tensions subside, the Maximals hold a funeral for Rhinox, unaware that he faked his death. Wanting the Maximals and Megatron to destroy each other, Tankor enables Rattrap to find a catalyst program that rapidly increases plant growth. Cheetor uses it on some vines and Megatron decides to retaliated by downloading the Key to Vector Sigma program into his Tank Drones, all according to Tankor's plan. At the same time, Blackarachnia discovers that Thrust's spark is actually that of Waspinator, while Jetstorm's spark is Silverbolt's. Optimus also finds out that the Oracle has been tampered with. {{storylink|The Catalyst}} But when he hears about the Key program in the Tank Drones, Optimus throws caution to the wind and blindly follows a fake Oracle vision created by Tankor that leads the Maximals to the legendary [[Plasma Energy Chamber]], whose [[plasma energy|energy]] can overload any electro-mechanical system.
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| With Optimus and Megatron now each armed with a doomsday weapon, a great battle ensues. Both leaders confront each other before Tankor reveals himself as the mastermind behind this battle. However, Megatron was onto him all along and disables Tankor with a built-in failsafe. As the Tank Drones activate the Key program, Optimus unleashes the plasma energy, creating a storm of mixed energies that kills all three and threatens to destroy the whole planet. {{storylink|End of the Line}} Entering the Matrix, Optimus realizes his mistake and is consoled by the spirit of Rhinox, having been restored to his old self upon his death. Optimus is given a second chance to save Cybertron and redirects all the energies of both the Key program and the plasma energy through the Oracle into the Matrix. Cybertron is saved, but at the cost of Optimus's life. The other Maximals gather together and plead for Optimus to come back. Optimus now realizes that their mission is to create a balance of Cybertron between the organic and the technological, and is allowed by the Oracle to return to life. The Oracle then disappears from its chamber, {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}} placing itself inside Optimus, {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}} while an ominous flying fortress—the ''[[Grand Mal]]''—emerges from Megatron's citadel. {{storylink|Fallout (episode)|Fallout}}
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| Another Maximal survivor named [[Noble (BM)|Noble]] is found, along with a savage creature that attacks Maximal and Vehicon alike. It is revealed that both Noble and "Savage" are one and the same, a fully organic Transformer with two beast modes. {{storylink|Savage Noble}} ''On the far side of Cybertron, Primal Prime, Acting Commander of the Wreckers, reflects on events since he first arrived on Cybertron.'' {{storylink|Apelinq's War Journals|(Primal Prime) Assuming Command}} ''He and the other Wreckers busy themselves by attacking several of Megatron's key facilities on that side of the planet.'' {{storylink|Departure}} Noble begins exhibiting primal episodes where he uncontrollably tries to break into Megatron's citadel every night. On the sixth night, he successfully gets inside and reveals to everyone that he is really Megatron! Having finally split himself between his organic and mechanical halves, his spark ended up in the organic half. He transfers his spark into the ''Grand Mal'' and discards the organic Noble. {{storylink|Prometheus Unbound}} However, Noble develops an animal-like mind of his own and forms a bond with Nightscream. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}}
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| ''The time-lost Apeling finally returns from the past to find Primal Prime now in full command of the Wreckers. In time, the two of them find Shuttle Complex Ohm and begin retrofitting an old Autobot shuttle.'' {{storylink|Departure}} Now in command of his ''Grand Mal'' form, Megatron abducts Optimus and Cheetor, scanning the former to learn about the Oracle. Meanwhile, Blackarachnia takes matters into her own hands and uses a combination spark extractor/DNA scanner with some organic goop and bone fossils to reformat Jetstorm back into Silverbolt. However, he is less than grateful to her and full of vengeance toward Megatron. The two break into the ''Grand Mal'' and rescue Optimus and Cheetor. Silverbolt, however, is wracked with guilt over having secretly enjoyed his time as the villainous Jetstorm. {{storylink|In Darkest Knight}} Megatron spends his time studying his Oracle download from Optimus. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}} He also unleashes a new [[Hate Plague|hate-inducing virus]] on the Maximals to try to prove to Optimus how their chaotic existence goes against the Maximal leader's own ideals of harmony, but the Maximals overcome the viral infection. {{storylink|A Wolf in the Fold}}
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| Eventually, the technorganic orchard begins to wilt and die, just as a lost Cybertronian ship arrives and crashes near Cybertropolis. The Maximals race to get their ahead of Thrust and find the ship to be full of alien plant-life. A monstrous plant creature attacks them and bores down to the Oracle's chamber. Recognizing symptoms of Megatron's virus in the creature, Optimus reformats it, revealing it to be a female plant Maximal named [[Botanica (BM)|Botanica]]. She defends the chamber from invading Vehicons and uses her plant knowledge to revitalize the orchard. {{storylink|Home Soil}} The new addition to the Maximals prompts Megatron to create two new Vehicon Generals. Using the sparks of the two greatest generals in Cybertron history, Megatron brings forth [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]] and [[Strika (BM)|Strika]]. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. I: The Strike|The Strike}} ''He also creates [[Spy Streak]] from the spark of a lowly Predacon named Attack Bird.'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 28, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/28}} ''Optimus and Nightscream travel to the far side of Cybertron,'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''where latter discovers three ancient task drones, the [[Deployer (BM)|Deployers]]—[[Rav (BM)|Rav]], [[Dillo]], and [[Mol]]—buried deep underground.'' {{storylink|Deployer (BM)|''Beast Machines'' Deployers packaging blurb}} ''Nightscream forms a bond of friendship with the three.'' {{storylink|Rav (BM)#Beast Machines|''Beast Machines'' Rav toy bio}} {{storylink|Dillo#Beast Machines|''Beast Machines'' Dillo toy bio}}
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| ''On their way back to Cybertropolis, Optimus, Nightscream, and the Deployers are attacked by Vehicons and saved by the Wreckers Primal Prime, Apelinq, and Ramulus. The Wreckers escort them back to the Oracle's chamber, where the Oracle is suddenly active and issuing assignments to a large gathering of the Dinobots, the Mutants, and the other Wreckers. Optimus declares that this many allies could easily liberate Cybertron from Megatron, but the Oracle uncharacteristically wipes his and Nightscream's minds of this meeting. After delivering orders to the Dinobots and Mutants, the "Oracle" suddenly cries out "It has awakened! It has detected us!" A datastream of energy shoots out of the "Oracle" into Primal Prime's mind, mentally giving him the Wreckers' new mission. Meanwhile, Megatron continues to bolster his ranks with [[Quake (G1)|Quake]] and [[Blastcharge (BM)|Blastcharge]]. Back underground, the Wreckers locate the secluded Arcee and try to convince her to join their mission, but she refuses. The Predacon Fractyl shows empathy for her, but is shot by Quake and Blastcharge. This spurs Arcee into action, saving Fractyl's life by reformatting him into a Transmetal.''
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| ''At Shuttle Complex Ohm in Dodecahex, Apelinq leads the others to the old Autobot shuttle he and Primal Prime had been retrofitting. They are soon attacked by Spy Streak and a massive swarm of early-model Vehicon drones. Reinforcement comes for both sides with Blastcharge and Quake aiding the Vehicons while Rotorbolt, Cyclonus, and Skywarp assist the Wreckers. Tigatron destroys Quake, Arcee and Fractyl arrive with the latter slicing up Blastcharge, and Spy Streak is taken out by an explosive that blows up the whole place just as the shuttle takes off with all the Wreckers and their new allies aboard.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''Unbeknownst to them, Devcon had tracked Rotorbolt and Skywarp to Dodecahex and boarded the Wreckers' shuttle as a stowaway.'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''Back in the Oracle's chamber, the "[[Vector Sigma|Oracle]]" senses a threat to its plans and summons the spirit of [[Alpha Trion (G1)|Alpha Trion]] to guide Primal Prime on his mission.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''Aboard the shuttle, the hotheaded Devcon "introduces" himself to the Wreckers.'' {{storylink|Departure}} ''Rodimus and Apelinq calm him down and explain their situation. Devcon distrusts both Packrat and the Wreckers' new Decepticon allies.''
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| ''Fractyl, meanwhile, had been injured in the scuffle with Devcon and is brought to the repair bay. Apelinq uses his Transfer Interlink to create a medic in the form of [[CatSCAN]] to treat him. An explosion in the cargo hold spurs Packrat to make the rash decision to separate the shuttle's rear section, leaving Spittor, Sonar, and the Deployers to their fiery fates. Packrat is relieved of duty and the shuttle resumes its course. Primal Prime receives a vision from Alpha Trion, warning him of an eventual treachery.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} As Megatron's plans for Cybertron near their completion, he uses his Oracle download to send Optimus a false vision about the missing sparks, sending the Maximals on wild goose chases to lure them into Vehicon ambushes. In the abandoned city of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], Megatron uses a hologram of Optimus Prime to trick Optimus Primal into granting him full access to the Oracle, but which Optimus also uses to download from Megatron the location of the sparks into himself, revealing that they are inside the ''Grand Mal''. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. II: The Search|The Search}}
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| The Maximals prepare to storm the ''Grand Mal'' and liberate the sparks, but the reappearance of Noble complicates their plans. Nightscream is forced to get tough with him and orders him to stay behind. As the Maximals infiltrate the ''Grand Mal'', Megatron begins his grand ascension by absorbing all the sparks into his own. His spark rises from the fortress and lashes out at the Maximals. Before he can strike Nightscream, Noble arrives and saves him. Megatron impales the creature, who dies in Nightscream's arms. An anguished Nightscream fires a sonic scream directly at Megatron's spark, depolarizing it and causing it to release the sparks back into their [[spark containment unit|containment grid]]. The Maximals take control of the ''Grand Mal'' and eulogize Noble for his sacrifice that gave them this victory. {{storylink|Sparkwar Pt. III: The Siege|The Siege}} However, as the Maximals celebrate and work to restore life to Cybertron, a mysterious force possesses various fallen bodies and attacks Maximal and Vehicon alike. This force is revealed to be Megatron's depolarized spark, which Rattrap re-polarizes and traps within a Diagnostic Drone. The still-loyal Obsidian and Strika seize him and retreat. {{storylink|Spark of Darkness}}
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| ''On the planet [[Arkus]], the Dinobots find the planet in ruin, filled with [[energy vampire]]s and a [[Dweller (G1)|giant slug monster]].'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} ''Magmatron, Airraptor, and Rapticon are lost in the ensuing conflict, while Striker mysteriously vanishes. The remaining Dinobots barely escape the planet with their lives.'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''On the world of [[New Quintessa]], the Mutants are brought before a [[Quintesson Judge]], who sentences them to death by [[Sharkticon (species)|Sharkticons]]. In attendance of this court are the Predacon Cryotek and Judge [[Derodomontatus]], who discuss their current business arrangement. While the Dinobots and Mutants have been dealt with, Cryotek informs Derodomontatus that he has made sure that the Wreckers will not interfere with their plans for Cybertron. As the Wreckers' shuttle approaches the planet [[Akalo]], they detect an old Autobot signal on the planet. They land and find [[Glyph (Universe)|Glyph]] and [[Tap-Out (Universe)|Tap-Out]], the only two survivors of an old Autobot exploration mission. Glyph explains that the Wreckers' arrival coincides with an ancient Akalouthan prophecy about protectors who would come to safeguard a precious artifact known as the "[[Divine Light]]".''
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| ''However, the Wreckers are soon betrayed by Cyclonus, who kills Packrat, injures Rotorbolt, and steals the Divine Light for his master, Cryotek! Afterward, CatSCAN reconfigures Devcon from out of his Vehicon body back into his old Autobot body. Devcon then leaves Akalo to pursue the escaped Cyclonus.'' {{storylink|Betrayal}} On Cybertron, Megatron manufactures a massive army of Vehicon drones with Strika, Obsidian, and Thrust leading the charge. He also plans to build a new, more powerful body for himself. The Maximals work to defend the ''Grand Mal'' and prevent the Vehicons from accessing the sparks within, but eventually, the drones breach the fortress's shield and send it to crash-land into the Citadel. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. I: The Downward Spiral|The Downward Spiral}} As the Vehicons begin field repairs, Optimus confers with the Oracle one final time and receives a spark power boost that he passes on to the other Maximals. The final battle commences with the Vehicons' assault on the ''Grand Mal''. They attack underground as well, destroying the technorganic orchard and the fossil chamber. The Maximals defend both fronts, but Megatron uses his access to the Oracle to depower their spark boosts. Cheetor faces all three Generals at once, sending Strika and Obsidian into orbit with the ''Grand Mal''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s anti-gravity generators and uses a spark extractor to finish off Thrust.
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| As Megatron's new body is completed, the Maximals are overwhelmed and all but Optimus have their sparks extracted. Megatron reveals himself to Optimus in a recreation of his old "Optimal Optimus" body (sans Beast Mode). {{storylink|Endgame Pt. II: When Legends Fall|When Legends Fall}} The last two living beings on Cybertron, Optimus and Megatron duke it out in one final battle for the sparks. Megatron proves the victor and takes the fallen Optimus to the top of the Citadel, where he unleashes all of the sparks and absorbs them into his own, renewing his grand ascension. He then proceeds to activate the Oracle's Key to Vector Sigma program to fully mechanize the planet's organic core, but he cannot while he and Optimus are both still linked to the Oracle. Megatron severs Optimus's connection and fires the Key at the core, but the Oracle enables Optimus to reformat Megatron's throne into technorganic vines that ensnare Megatron. Optimus pushes him forward and blasts him free of the vines to send both of them plummeting down into the organic core. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}}
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| =====After the Spark War=====
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| The deaths of Optimus and Megatron, both still connected to the Oracle, triggers the Great Transformation, a planetwide reformatting into a completely technorganic state. The dawn of a new day reveals Optimus's Maximal comrades restored to life, along with the entire population of Cybertron's spark now restored to new bodies. Even Waspinator is revived in a diminutive Thrust-headed wasp body. The downed ''Grand Mal'' now lies as a mountain covered in plants and trees. {{storylink|Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future|Seeds of the Future}} ''It is renamed "[[Grand Mal|Mount Megatron]]" as a silent testament of Megatron's contribution.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} ''News journalist/reporter Rook is the first Autobot to return to Cybertron from the stars, and is quite shocked by the new state of the planet.'' {{storylink|Abduction}} ''Waspinator eventually comes under the command of [[Galvatron (BW)|Galvatron]], a Predacon leader who begins a massive construction project of building a fortified city at the new Predacon capital of [[Darkmount (Cybertron)|Darkmount]].'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| ''On Akalo, the Wreckers help the Akalouthans recover from the loss of the Divine Light. Primal Prime does some soul searching and determines the Wreckers' next course of action. The next morning, Glyph and CatSCAN opt to remain behind on Akalo as the Wreckers, now joined by Tap-Out, take off for their next destination. On New Quintessa, the Quintessons and Cryotek discuss the end of their business together, noting the recent reformatting of Cybertron and the sudden loss of the Oracle. Cryotek awaits only to escort the Quintessons back to Cybertron. In space, the Wreckers eventually land on a distant ice planet located ten star systems away, where they are met by [[Al-Badur]], a lone [[Quintesson Scientist]] living there in exile.''
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| ''Al-Badur explains to the Wreckers the history of the Quintessons' ancient rule of Cybertron, and reveals that the Oracle had originally been a Quintesson-built shell program meant to control Primus's physical form, Vector Sigma. Realizing it was Vector Sigma breaking through the "Oracle" who gave them their mission, the Wreckers are soon attacked by a platoon of Sharkticons. Defeating the horde, the Wreckers agree to bring Al-Badur with them in exchange for information on the true nature of the Divine Light: It is a prism that directly channels Primus's power into the prism's wielder. At the same time, Apelinq salvages a Sharkticon blaster weapon and examines its circuitry, noting that it looks familiar to him. Elsewhere, Devcon tracks down some individuals at [[Spaceport CSSB-16]] who could help him get revenge on Cyclonus, none other than the surviving Dinobots!'' {{storylink|Disclosure}}
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| =====Quintesson invasion=====
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| ''One week after the planet's reformatting, the Quintessons' invasion fleet arrives at Cybertron, accompanied by Cryotek.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} ''As Cybertropolis is overrun by Sharkticons, Maximals [[Snarl (BM)|Snarl]] and [[Longhorn]] make a call for reserve troops to rally in Polyhex. Meanwhile, Devcon and the Dinobots head back to Cybertron in new vessel, the ''Rusty Mace.'' Aboard the Wreckers' shuttle, Apelinq studies the recovered Sharkticon weapon and discovers that his old colleague Cryotek was the one who created it. Learning that Cryotek is now in league with the Quintessons and plans to use the Divine Light to control Primus's power, the Wreckers head straight for Cybertron. There, Cryotek affixes the Divine Light to his chest and is escorted underground by Derodomontatus. The Maximal reserve forces are soon joined by the arrival of the Dinobots and Devcon.'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''Still en route the Cybertron, Primal Prime has another vision from Alpha Trion, who assures him that the Oracle and the Technorganics are all part of Primus's plan. As the shuttle approaches Cybertron, the Wreckers are all shocked by the planet's newly-reformatted state.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| ''When they finally arrive, Primal Prime takes a small unit underground to confront Cryotek. They find him at an industrial access flue linked directly to the planet's core, where Cryotek prepares to draw Primus's power into himself. He unleashes a blast of primordial energy at Apelinq, but Primal Prime jumps in to take the blast himself; the divine energy envelopes the two and miraculously merges them together into a new being: [[Sentinel Maximus]]!'' {{storylink|The Wreckers: Finale Part 1}} ''Across the planet, the Quintessons face all kinds of resistance. Derodomontatus is killed by Cryotek's pet Deployer [[Chro]], whom Cryotek then mutates into a giant monster form. When the other Wreckers finally make landfall, Rodimus senses that they're needed underground and meet Cheetor on the way, who had likewise been summoned below by the Oracle.''<ref>The Oracle that summoned Cheetor was the ''real'' Oracle, the one that had previously hid itself inside Optimus Primal back in "[[Fallout (episode)|Fallout]]", rather than the one that the Quintessons and Cryotek used in "[[Departure]]" to send the Dinobots and Mutants on false missions.</ref> ''They join their comrades in the battle against Cryotek, Chro, and Cyclonus, until mysterious bolts of energy suddenly vaporize Skywarp and Tap-Out. On the surface, the Dinobot [[Triceradon (BM)|Triceradon]] and several Sharkticons all vanish as well. Snarl is also nowhere to be found, leaving behind the Beast Rider Che.''<ref name="Snarl">The implication in "[[Wreckers: Finale Part II]]" is that Snarl also vanished in the same way that Skywarp, Tap-Out, Triceradon, and the Sharkticons did, having all been abducted by Unicron. However, Snarl's profile in the later-set "[[Abduction]]" (published four years before "Wreckers: Finale Part II") describes his life on Cybertron during the time between ''Beast Machines'' and ''Universe'', meaning he originally wasn't supposed to disappear until the time of "Abduction".</ref>
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| ''Rodimus faces Cyclonus in personal combat while, high in orbit, a recovered Obsidian and Strika destroy a Quintesson warship with the planet's orbital defenses. Rodimus is gravely injured while the dying Cyclonus is finished off by Rotorbolt. Al-Badur brings the Wreckers and their allies to an ancient Quintesson banishment chamber, which he plans to use to finally destroy Cryotek. But when Sentinel Maximus arrives with the Predacon criminal, Al-Badur double-crosses the Wreckers by erecting a forcefield that ensnares both Maximus and Cryotek. He then opens a portal meant to pull the into into a formless void of nothingness. As the two combatants resist the pull of the portal, Ramulus sneaks behind Al-Badur and punches him into the forcefield, sending him helplessly through the portal. Cheetor and a dying Rodimus tap into their [[Matrix Templar]] abilities and drain Cryotek of his Primus power from the Divine Light. Cryotek destroys the Divine Light to stop them, but Sentinel Maximus manages to force both Cryotek and himself down into the portal, which finally shuts off as they disappear. Rodimus succumbs to his injuries and perishes; he is laid to rest by Arcee and Fractyl.''
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| ''On New Quintessa, the Mutants Icebird and [[Poison Bite]] reveal themselves to have survived their previous execution. Using Icebird as a vessel, Primus himself speaks through the Mutant leader to [[Heirodyus|Judge Heirodyus]], declaring that ''he'' had been the true mastermind behind the technorganic evolution of the Cybertronians, having manipulated the Quintessons into helping fulfill the prophesied Great Transformation. The two Mutants soon position themselves in charge of a gradually-reformatting New Quintessa, and use their Primus powers to grant the Sharkticons emotions of hope and joy. Back on Cybertron, the Quintessons are driven off the planet for good, with much of their forces destroyed and many of their retreating vessels obliterated by the orbital defenses.''
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| ''In the formless void, Cryotek survives on a fragment of Primus's power he still carries. He is left alone in the void (or is he?) as Sentinel Maximus is suddenly pulled away by Primus.'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}} ''Now a Matrix Templar himself (in succession of the late Rodimus),'' {{storylink|Source:Ask_Vector_Prime/Facebook#August 18, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/18}} ''Sentinel Maximus is met by Windrazor, whom Primus saved from oblivion when Shokaract's future was erased. Now a spirit guide in service of Primus, Windrazor sends Sentinel Maximus off to complete a new mission to protect Primus in [[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|another universe]].'' {{storylink|Wreckers: Finale Part II}}
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| ====316–317 AU====
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| ''Cybertron is restored to peace once more.'' {{storylink|Abduction}} ''Optimus Primal is revered as a legend among the populace,'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|''Universe'' #2 Optimus Primal profile}} ''while his surviving Maximal allies, such as Silverbolt, are hailed as heroes.'' {{storylink|Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Universe (2003)|''Universe'' Silverbolt toy bio}} ''Blackarachnia and Silverbolt live an idyllic life of happiness together,'' {{storylink|Blackarachnia (BW)/toys#Universe (2003)|''Universe'' Blackarachnia toy bio}} {{storylink|Silverbolt (Fuzor)#Universe (2003)|''Universe'' Silverbolt toy bio}} ''while Snarl (who had not disappeared after all)<ref name="Snarl"/> trains as a Matrix Templar under Alpha Trion, who has now become the avatar of Primus.'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Snarl profile}} ''Other Matrix Templars include Cheetor, [[Grizzly-1]], and their leader [[Magnaboss (BW)|Magnaboss]]'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 18, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/18}} ''who also sits as a member of the reinstated High Council.'' {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}}
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| ''The Oracle comes under the full control of Primus and Alpha Trion,'' {{storylink|Abduction}} ''but public knowledge of their existence is suppressed by Magnaboss and the rest of the Council, who believe that the general populace is not yet ready to accept the full reality of Primus and the legends surrounding him.'' {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}} ''Though the planet is finally united as [['Til all are one|one]],'' {{storylink|Abduction}} ''occasional, trivial border skirmishes between Maximal and Predacon still occur every now and then.'' {{storylink|Abduction|''Universe'' #1 Snarl profile}}
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| ====Universe War (317 AU–onward)====
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| ''On the one-year (or one-stellar cycle) anniversary of the Great Transformation,'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} ''a crowd of Maximals and Predacons gathers at the Memorial Spaceport to witness the return to Cybertron of five time-lost Autobots, veterans of the Great Wars. A ship lands and out steps Trailbreaker, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Roulette, and Shadow Striker. Just as the Maximals greet them, seven bolts of energy suddenly blast down from the sky and abduct the five Autobots, along with the Maximals Silverbolt and Blackarachnia. Deep inside Cybertron, Primus and Alpha Trion observe more abductions from both this and other universes; among which is the Maximal Snarl.<ref name="Snarl"/> The seven abductees from the spaceport are brought to a place called "[[Pit (Universe)|the Pit]]", where they are painfully and torturously rebuilt into new bodyforms. Emerging from the Pit, the seven are attacked by legions of [[Cauldron drone|drones]] that bring them to an arena called the [[Cauldron]], where they witness a battle to the death between [[Smokescreen (G1)|two]] [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreens]] overseen by generals Tankor, Obsidian, [[Razorclaw (Universe)|Razorclaw]], [[Reptilion]]—all from other realities—and the missing and now-brainwashed Dinobot Striker.''
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| ''Obsidian reveals that the Cauldron lies deep within the remains of Unicron, who feeds upon the sparks of those defeated in the arena, filled with hate and rage that will serve to revitalize the Chaos Bringer. Back on Cybertron, Primus and Alpha Trion decide to bring forth a champion that will fight on their behalf. Reaching into the core of Cybertron, Primus uses the Oracle to resurrect Optimus Primal!'' {{storylink|Abduction}} ''Alpha Trion explains the situation to Optimus and uses the Oracle to send him between dimensions where Unicron resides, so that he may liberate the captured Transformers inside the monster planet.'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} ''Once inside Unicron, Optimus meets a [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] and a [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] from other universes and informs them of Unicron's abductions. The three venture deeper into Unicron and are set upon by Striker and Reptilion. while Megatron and Grimlock hold them off, Optimus reaches the Cauldron in time to witness the start of a battle between Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. Striker and Reptilion catch up to Optimus, but so do Grimlock and Megatron. Together, the three subdue Striker and ward off Reptilion.'' {{storylink|OTFCC Live-Action Drama}}
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| ''Sideswipe and Sunstreaker's fight proceeds as Optimus tries and fails to heal Striker's corrupted mind. As Reptilion returns with Tankor and Obsidian, Megatron and Grimlock fight them as Optimus sneaks into the Cauldron. He is attacked by Razorclaw as Trailbreaker and Silverbolt try to break out of their cells by switching minds with each other. As Primal and Razorclaw duke it out, Trailbreaker and Silverbolt free all of the other prisoners—including the missing Snarl, Tap-Out, and Triceradon—inciting a massive jailbreak. The generals are all beaten back and the escapees make their way out of the Cauldron. However, Shadow Striker and Blackarachnia succumb to Unicron's influence and betray the others: Shadow Striker blasts away the bridge they're on and Blackarachnia abandons Silverbolt. As the generals give chase, Optimus uses Snarl's power as a Matrix Templar to reach out to Primus, who summons a portal of light into which the escapees flee. In the aftermath, Blackarachnia joins the generals and is brought to see a familiar face: Tarantulas!'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}}
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| ''Back on Cybertron, the Maximal High Council declines Optimus Primal's request to prepare Cybertron for the coming [[Universe War|war between the gods of order and chaos]], as he asks for too much to be taken on mere faith. Snarl goes behind the Council's back and brings Optimus to the Vector Sigma Chamber to meet with Primus and Alpha Trion. Trion informs Optimus of their plans to proceed without the Council; namely, the construction of an orbital platform to guard the planet, and a special unit to operate an "underground railroad" within Unicron. With the power to summon anyone from any time and place, Optimus asks for the revival of Rhinox and Depth Charge, who emerge from the other side of the Matrix via the Oracle. Rhinox is grateful for a chance to atone for his time as Tankor, but Depth Charge wants no part in this war. In his stead, Alpha Trion summons a warrior from another universe, [[Omega Prime]],'' {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|Homecoming}} ''who is ready and willing to fight against evil in any universe.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 8|TCC magazine #8 Optimus Prime profile}}
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| ''Unicron continues his abductions across the [[multiverse]], recruiting more victims to become his [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|minions]]. To combat this, Rhinox creates a device meant to deflect Unicron's efforts by intercepting the Dark God's tractor beams and depositing his would-be abductees somewhere away from him, where a retrieval/extraction team would be sent to rescue the redirected abductees. Two such attempts saw two teams of Autobots from different universes sent to an icy planetoid. A team consisting of Silverbolt, Rattrap, and Waspinator (now an ally of his former enemies) is sent to rescue them. However, a side effect from Rhinox's device also creates a temporal rift through which the Autobot stellar freighter ''[[OTFCC (Ship)|OTFCC]]''—crewed by Bumblebee, Tracks, and Cosmos—is sent from the past into this future time. The three time-displaced Autobots aid the two Maximals and Predacon in a battle against Reptilion and his forces. The two groups of stranded Autobots also join the battle and, together, all of the heroes fend off the villains as the ''OTFCC'' and her crew depart back to the past through another time rift.'' {{storylink|Voice Actor Drama}}
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| ''Depth Charge eventually has a change of mind and willingly joins the underground refugee network headed by [[King Atlas]],'' {{storylink|Homecoming (Universe)|''Universe'' #3 Depth Charge profile}} ''another warrior from [[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|a different universe]]'' {{storylink|Force of Habit}} ''who had been liberated from Unicron in the jailbreak.'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} ''With Alpha Trion's help, Optimus Primal began forming an aligned Maximal/Autobot army, the [[Child of Primus|Children of Primus]], to counter the growing roster of [[Minion of Unicron (Universe)|Minions of Unicron]]. Primal leads a lengthy campaign against Unicron, freeing many more abductees from several prison cities within the Chaos Bringer, leading missions into other universes to protect other would-be captives targeted by Unicron, and inspiring more Maximals and Autobots to take up arms and join his cause. However, continuous exposure to Unicron's domain only worsens a nanotech "[[Unicron virus]]" that gradually corrupts an contaminates the minds and bodies of Primal and all of his comrades. To counter this, Primus personally reformats all of the inflicted, rejuvenating them with new bodies and granting Optimus the all-cleansing [[Matrix of Purification]].''
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| ''Many months pass and both sides amass large armies. The Children of Primus and the Minions of Unicron go to full war against each other. The Maximal High Council continues to suppress word of this conflict from Cybertron's civilian populace, in order to maintain order and political stability. But, Unicron's hordes eventually incite "the [[Culling]]", a massive invasion of Cybertron in which many innocents, including the Council, are slaughtered and massacred, with their spark energies consumed by Unicron. Optimus Primal's forces are successful in driving off the invading armies, but a crippling blow is still dealt to Cybertron's population.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|TCC magazine #9 Optimus Primal profile}} ''With the death of Magnaboss in the recent carnage, he is succeeded as a Matrix Templar by King Atlas.'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 18, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/18}} ''However, the aftermath of the Culling soon brings to light a more startling revelation.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|TCC magazine #9 Optimus Primal profile}}
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| ''Back when Primus first brought Optimus Primal back to life, a side effect of his resurrection had also revived his eternal rival Megatron'' {{storylink|Escape (Universe)|Escape}} ''their fates fundamentally tied to one another.'' {{storylink|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal toy bio}} ''Since his return to life, Megatron worked to assume a position of power and prestige in the Predacon military hierarchy. Upon finally making his presence known to Optimus, he and Primal immediately resumed their bitter conflict,'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|TCC magazine #9 Optimus Primal profile}} ''waging war against each other across time and space throughout the multiverse.'' {{storylink|Optimus Primal (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Optimus Primal toy bio}} {{storylink|Megatron (BW)/toys#Beast Wars 10th Anniversary|''Beast Wars 10th Anniversary'' Megatron toy bio}} ''Finally realizing the greater threat of Unicron, Megatron eventually calls for a truce with Optimus to better unite the remaining Cybertron forces against the Minions of Unicron.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|TCC magazine #9 Optimus Primal profile}} ''In what turns out to be the final raid on Unicron, Optimus Primal leads the Children of Primus against the last of the Minions of Unicron inside the Pit when, suddenly, the whole place begins to collapse.''
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| ''Without warning, Unicron's body starts breaking down and disappearing, the result of his [[Unicron Singularity|destruction]] in [[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|another universe]]. His remaining Minions either fall into the Pit's ocean of [[Angolmois Energy]] and perish,'' {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}} {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 16, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/16}} ''or escape to parts unknown.'' {{storylink|Source:Ask Vector Prime/Facebook#August 7, 2015|Ask Vector Prime, 2015/08/07}} ''The Children of Primus scramble to evacuate the Pit, with those who can fly scooping up many who cannot, including Silverbolt finally saving Blackarachnia. Omega Prime sends others through a portal back to the technorganic Cybertron, but when he passes through the portal himself, he arrives instead on the Cybertron of a [[Unicron Trilogy cartoon timeline|completely different universe]], having been summoned there for another mission.'' {{storylink|Revelations Part 2}} ''With the Universe War finally over, Optimus Primal still has one final loose end to contend with: Megatron.'' {{storylink|Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 9|TCC magazine #9 Optimus Primal profile}}
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| ====After the Universe War====
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| ''At some point, years later in the future, a lone Predacon [[Shokaract|Hunter]] is pursued by some Maximal [[Skyblade]]s on a [[Earth|backwater planet]]. Forced to take cover behind a cliffside, the Hunter presses against the rock wall and unearths an ancient passage that leads to a dark cavern.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''At first, he thinks he hears a presence calling to him from deep within the darkness... but it's only the wind.'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}}
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| ===Many stellar cycles later===
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| ''About fifty-to-a-hundred years after Cybertron's reformatting,<ref>According to statements given by Pete Sinclair.</ref> the ancient Predacon leader [[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]] mysteriously returns, having somehow survived his apparent assassination by the Tripredacus Council all those stellar cycles ago.'' {{storylink|Razorclaw (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2009 Razorclaw toy bio}} ''He is brought up to speed on things by fellow survivor [[Divebomb (G1)|Divebomb]]'' {{storylink|Dawn of Future's Past}} ''and reassumes command of the renewed Predacon army, determined more than ever to conquer Cybertron and destroy the Maximals once and for all.'' {{storylink|Razorclaw (G1)#Timelines|BotCon 2009 Razorclaw toy bio}}
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| ==Shokaract's alternate timeline (erased)==
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| {{note|This timeline is basically identical to the one above, save for some minor differences in the Beast Wars and some major divergences during the 24th Century onward. It was all erased by the outcome of Point Omega given above.}}
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| ===180,000 BC===
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| ''The Beast Wars happen basically the same way, only without the timestorm ever happening, meaning the Dark Essence remains undisturbed on prehistoric Earth, so Point Omega doesn't happen either. Megatron still acquires his dragon form and still gets back to Cybertron ahead of the Maximals.'' {{storylink|Paradox}}
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| ===24th Century===
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| ''Megatron returns from the Beast Wars and still conquers Cybertron, but with Predacons instead of Vehicons. His reign over Cybertron lasts for many years, with Predacons regularly hunting down and executing hapless Maximals. It isn't until many years later that the Maximals begin to make a more concerted effort to fight back against the Predacons.'' {{storylink|Paradox}}
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| ''On the distant moon of [[Protos]], [[Covenant (group)|Covenant]] leader [[Leonicus]] observes sunrise, a rare and fleeting occurrance due to Protos's synchronous orbit with its mother planet, the ancient world of [[Methuselah]]. Since their creation by Primus at the dawn of time, he and his fellows have continued to prepare for the fated battle of [[Point Omega]], which the now weary Leonicus wonders if it may ever come. Upon returning from the surface of Protos to subterranean home, the [[Sanctuary]], Leonicus soon receives an answer: A sudden wave of sensation washes over himself and his brethren, in which Leonicus witnesses many mental images of the past and a dark future. Leonicus takes this as a sign of the arrival of the Time Walker, the [[Chronarchitect]]. Locating the time god's point of arrival, Leonicus is startled to see it reeling in agony.''
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| ''The Chronarchitect appears to die in a reverse order of events, and warns Leonicus of a [[timestorm|great disruption]] to the timestream that has thrown all of history into chaos. The integrity of the [[Grand Plan]] is threatened, and time now flows to a critical, [[Point Omega|decisive point]]. The Time Walker leaves Leonicus with the cryptic entreaty "Return to the beginning." In the fallout, the Covenant hold a [[zemstvo]] to discuss the Chronarchitect's warning. Leonicus suspects that the Time Walker's dying words are a prelude of things to come, of Point Omega. He assigns tasks to other members to investigate this matter, to decipher the meaning of these words and to examining the now-corrupted timeline, searching for a specific temporal event to determine where and when Point Omega may come to pass, lest the whole Transformer race and the Grand Plan be forever doomed to oblivion.'' {{storylink|covenant (story)|Covenant}}
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| ''At some point, years later in the future, a lone Predacon [[Shokaract|Hunter]] is pursued by some Maximal [[Skyblade]]s on a [[Earth|backwater planet]]. Forced to take cover behind a cliffside, the Hunter presses against the rock wall and unearths an ancient passage that leads to a dark cavern. A presence within calls to him and reveals the Dark Essence lying in wait.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} ''Fashioning an encased housing for the essence, the Hunter dubs it the "[[Matrix of Conquest|Decepticon Matrix of Conquest]]" in direct mockery of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, and comes to call himself "[[Shokaract]]".'' {{storylink|Shokaract#Beast Wars|BotCon 2000 Shokaract toy bio}}
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| ===26th Century===
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| ''Two hundred years after the Chronoarchitect had delivered his ominous warning, the Covenant continues to search for when and where Point Omega may come to pass. Four of their members have been dispatched through transwarp portals to search for the temporal event that will serve as the prelude to Point Omega, but only three have since returned. Leonicus observes the changing developments on Cybertron, as a new tyrant named Shokaract proceeds to conquer the planet. He wonders if this new crisis may in fact be the moment he and his brethren have awaited and prepared for for so long, but there is still no certainty of it. Though, he does take notice of the fact that this Shokaract person does bear the very same name that the Covenant's scriptures refer to as the alternate name of Point Omega.'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}}
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| ===26th–32nd Century===
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| ''At some point, the missing member of the Covenant, [[Sandstorm (BW)|Scorpius]], adopts the moniker of "[[Sandstorm (BW)|Sandstorm]]".'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''He plays a pivotal role in ending the conflict between the warring Maximals and Predacons on Cybertron, uniting them together against the tyrannical threat of Shokaract.'' {{storylink|Sandstorm (BW)#Toys|BotCon 1999 Sandstorm toy bio}} ''However, the dark cloak of Shokaract's Matrix of Conquest remains impenetrable.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''For more than a hundred years of civil war,'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} ''thousands of Transformers fall to its might; those that aren't instantly molecularized become mountains upon mountains of smoldering corpses.'' {{storylink|Covenant (story)|Covenant}} ''One of the proud [[Polities of Cybertron|city-states]] is even reduced to a ruined landscape of [[Badlands (Cybertron)|Badlands]] during the war. The united Maximal and Predacon rebels are eventually forced to wage a guerilla war from beneath the surface of Cybertron, their alliance shifting from one born out of convenience to one of necessity.'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}} ''In time, the very name of Shokaract's Matrix instills a sense of fear in all Transformers for centuries to come.'' {{storylink|Shokaract#Beast Wars|BotCon 2000 Shokaract toy bio}}
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| ===32nd Century===
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| ''By the 32nd century,'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''Shokaract has conquered all of Cybertron and more than half the known galaxy,''{{storylink|Herald}} ''having claimed the lives of billions in the process.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} ''Resistance pockets from Maximals and Predacons still wage war against him from underground bases hidden all across Cybertron, but these are little more than a nuisance to him. His powerbase is headquartered at the [[Royal Palace]] in [[Corumkan]], and each of his most loyal lieutenants are branded as a [[Herald of Shokaract]] in a ceremony of awakening known as the [[Ko-tu]]. One such Herald, [[Antagony (BW)|Antagony]], serves Shokaract loyally as [[Herald Maximo]], the highest-ranking Herald. As such, Antagony is often called away from Cybertron, her duties taking her to faraway planets and star systems ripe for conquest and colonization in the name of Shokaract. In her travels, she conquers [[Xeres]], [[Z'Gun]], [[Macron]],'' {{storylink|Herald}} ''and leads an especially brutal assault against the [[Kolar]].'' {{storylink|Paradox}}
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| ''A campaign against several rim worlds takes Antagony away from Cybertron for an extended period, during which time a new potential Herald named [[Cataclysm (BW)|Cataclysm]] makes his bid to gain Shokaract's favor.'' {{storylink|Herald}} ''Having risen through the ranks of Shokaract's army,'' {{storylink|Cataclysm (BW)|''BotCon: Beyond'' Cataclysm bio}}, ''Cataclysm infiltrates one of the main resistance cells, gaining their trust by eliminating hundreds of Shokaract's troops. Once ensconced, he makes plans for a dangerous gambit, a full assault on the Royal Palace to end the reign of Shokaract for good. However, the sixteen thousand resistance fighters under his command are betrayed by their own commander, who leads them into a trap in which all are deftly massacred. Shokaract rewards Cataclysm duly. For his Ko-tu, he effortlessly kills one of the toughest members of the Maximal/Predacon resistance as his alpha target, and is appointed as another Herald. Antagony witnesses this ceremony and develops a deep dislike of Cataclysm that quickly becomes a mutual hatred.''
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| ''Over the years, Antagony and Cataclysm's rivalry worsens, with the latter constantly outwitting the former at every turn. All attempts by Antagony to impress Shokaract are repeatedly twisted by Cataclysm into looking like they were his ideas, earning him honors that rightfully belonged to Antagony. As far as Shokaract knows, the two Heralds are committed allies working as one, unaware of their bitter hatred of each other. Despite the might of Shokaract's forces, one empire remains unyielding. A bio-synthetic despot named [[Horus]] had established a massive powerbase in the strategically-important [[Argos Cluster]], where his vast armies of fervently-devoted followers worship him as a living deity. Powered by raw solar energy channeled from the system's sun, Horus is a formidable foe who costs Shokaract two Heralds, sixteen [[Reaver]] divisions and over fifty thousand drones.''
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| ''Naturally, both Antagony and Cataclysm see the [[Horus Campaign]] as a chance for advancement, and each makes their own plan to take down Horus. Antagony sets up a series of diversions in the [[Falcon Nexus]] and a dense [[Crab Nebula]] to let her sneak into the Argos Cluster, board Horus's flagship on a stolen [[Helioflyer]], and engage him in personal combat. During their fight, Cataclysm just blows up the sun, decimating Horus's fleet and cutting him off from his power supply. Caught in the explosion, an injured Antagony finishes Horus off, but remains convinced that Cataclysm had mainly intended to kill her rather than Horus. Nonetheless, Shokaract commends both, believing the entire attack had been a cooperative effort between the two.''
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| ''In time, Antagony comes to learn of two weaknesses of Cataclysm's: His fear of time-travel, and his sponsorship of his [[Cub|fission-brother]] as an up-and-coming Herald. She exploits the first when, one day, Shokaract senses a [[timestorm|disruption]] to the timeline that threatens his very existence. Someone must travel back in time to Planet Earth and right the wrong that has befallen history, by locating a particular artifact capable of repairing the temporal damage in question, as well as to locate and secure the Dark Essence. For this mission, Antagony suggests Cataclysm, whose briefest show of hesitation is all Antagony needs for Shokaract to choose her instead. Before she departs, however, Antagony also exploits Cataclysm's second weakness. When the time comes to prepare for the Ko-tu of Cataclysm's brother, Antagony suggests his alpha target be a resilient Maximal warrior known only as "the [[Swoop (G1)|Veteran]]", whom Antagony secretly hopes will not only best the brother but also spare his life, forcing Cataclysm to have to kill his own kin. Though, Antagony sets off for the past prior to the Ko-tu, unable to witness its outcome.'' {{storylink|Herald}}
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| ''At some point, the Predacon resistance leader Sandstorm successfully infiltrates Shokaract's empire, becoming another one of his Heralds. But said heraldship is secretly a ruse; his true loyalties lie with the resistance (and with his [[Covenant (group)|brethren]]).'' {{storylink|Terminus (issue)|Terminus}} ''He also learns of an old bot who knows of the last outpost from the Great War many millennia ago. He waits for a rendezvous with his informant at the ancient stronghold of [[Iacon (polity)|Iacon]], but during the exchange of information, Sandstorm is betrayed. The informant had sold him out to Shokaract's sentry guards, who ambush Sandstorm along with another Herald. Sandstorm barely manages to evade being caught and found out, but does get away with the knowledge he seeks: The whereabouts of the fabled [[J'nwan]].'' {{storylink|Sandstorm (BW)#Toys|BotCon 1999 Sandstorm's Predacon war journal}}
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| ''The time comes for the Ko-tu of Cataclysm's brother, a Predacon simply known as the [[Cub]]. He tracks his alpha target, the Veteran, to the ruins of the Badlands. Their battle is fierce, but the Veteran is not so easily culled. Weary from eons of war, the Veteran spares the Cub's life, unknowingly sentencing him to a more deadly fate. Afterwards, the Veteran's Predacon counterpart, Sandstorm, proposes a crazy idea: That the Veteran merge his spark with the Cub's in order to access his knowledge of Shokaract's operations. Tracking the Cub's movements reveals the outcome of his failed Ko-tu: The Cub is sentenced to a brutal trial-by-combat against his sponsor and brother, Cataclysm, who leaves him in a near-dead state. When the dust settles, the resistance moves in and, after some contemplation, the Veteran agrees to Sandstorm's plan. As the fusion begins, the Cub and Veteran squabble on the mental plane until the Veteran assures him that this is not a possession, that the Cub will live on with his free will intact. Coming to an understanding, the Veteran and Cub complete the fusion and [[Windrazor (BW)|Windrazor]] is born.'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}}
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| ''Windrazor tells the rebels of Shokaract's weakness, of a temporal imbalance in the past that must be corrected. He informs them that Cataclysm is to travel back in time to complete the mission that Antagony started but from which she never returned.'' {{storylink|Paradox}} ''While Windrazor is sent to stop Cataclysm, Sandstorm prepares his troops for another mission: They are to search for the mythical region of J'nwan. At the Royal Palace in Corumkan, Cataclysm cautiously prepares to step through a transwarp portal inside the palace's [[Empire Room]]. He is to travel to Earth's past, discover Antagony's fate, and locate the [[Dark Essence]]. Suddenly, Windrazor bursts into the room and attacks, sending both Cataclysm and himself through the portal. A battle ensues within the quantum tunnel of [[unspace|overspace]], Cataclysm besting Windrazor until accidentally tearing a rupture in the tunnel. Windrazor sends Cataclysm through the rupture, scattering his base components across the eons. Windrazor struggles to survive the quantum tunnel's collapse until he finally emerges on prehistoric Earth during the [[Beast Wars (event)|Beast Wars]].'' {{storylink|Schism (story)|Schism}}
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| ''On Protos, Leonicus grows anxious as the situation on Cybertron worsens. He feels that Point Omega may have to be a judgment call, that the Covenant may have to choose to step in and stop Shokaract themselves, for his name is the same as the alternate name of Point Omega. Reflecting on these matters, he is urged by [[Ariex (BW)|Ariex]], another of the Covenant, to look at something. Leonicus witnesses a recording of the creation of Windrazor, of his telling the Maximal/Predacon resistance about Cataclysm's temporal mission, of his hasty bid for the Royal Palace and his tussle through time with Cataclysm. Realizing the potential significance of these events, Leonicus concludes that this could be a sign of the moment they have long awaited and prepared for, and readies his brethren to depart for Windrazor's destination.''
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| ''Back on Cybertron, Sandstorm leads the rebels on a dangerous journey to J'nwan. The terrain is treacherous, in a state of ever-changing quantum flux. Detection by Shokaract's legions looms as a constant threat. Nevertheless, the rebels press on despite the difficulty, holding onto the final hope that the myths of J'nwan were true, that it was home to "Legends", ancient heroes who had long since passed beyond the veil but could possibly return to help end the terror of Shokaract's reign. Eventually, the region takes its toll on the rebels, with Sandstorm the only one left, his eons of intense training with the Covenant having better prepared him for this mission. Fighting to keep his sanity, he reaches a great cliff wall and proceeds to climb upward.''
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| ''After what seems like an eternity, Sandstorm reaches the top and is met by "the [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Authority]]". Sandstorm pleads with him, requesting that the Legends help to defend Primus's Grand Plan. The Authority communes with the other Legends and solemnly declines Sandstorm's request. Declaring the death of Primus's dream, an upset Sandstorm leaves J'nwan and returns to the rebels. He receives a report that Shokaract himself is going back in time, to Point Omega!'' {{storylink|Paradox}}
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| ==Other timelines==
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| Among the myriad alternate timelines in which the ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' cartoons are a part of, the following are the most major ones:
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| *[[Generation 1 cartoon timeline (Japan)|Japanese Generation 1 cartoon timeline]]—One of, if not ''the'', biggest chronologies in the whole [[Transformers brand|brand]], this is the timeline containing the Japanese dubs of ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (cartoon)#Japan|Beast Wars]]'' and ''[[Beast Machines: Transformers (cartoon)#Japanese release|Beast Machines]]'', as well as the Japanese-original Beast Era series ''[[Beast Wars II: Super Lifeform Transformers (cartoon)|Beast Wars II]]'', ''[[Super Lifeform Transformers: Beast Wars Neo (cartoon)|Beast Wars Neo]]'', and (yes, really) ''[[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)|Car Robots]]''.
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| *[[Dreamwave timeline]]—The chronology of the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Generation One comics]] published by [[Dreamwave Productions]] from [[2002]] to [[2004]], which the ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' cartoons were strongly intimated to be a part of.
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| *[[Beast Wars timeline (IDW)]]—The expanded universe of the ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' cartoons as presented by comics published by [[IDW Publishing]] from [[2006]] to [[2008]], and briefly revisited in [[2016]]. Also contains "[[Dawn of Future's Past]]".
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| *[[Transformers: Wings Universe#Timeline|Wings Universe timeline]]—Another expanded universe by Fun Publications, one based heavily on the world of the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon]], featuring not only ''Beast Wars'' and ''Beast Machines'' but also "Dawn of Future's Past" and elements of 3H Productions' pre-''Universe'' stories.
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| ==Footnotes==
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| {{reflist}}
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