User:JIP/The Rebirth (Transformers)

The Rebirth is a three-part episode in the Transformers cartoon. These episodes form both the pilot for the fourth season of the cartoon series, originally shown in November 1987, and also the last ever episodes in the original US cartoon series. The fourth season was supposed to promote the new Headmaster and Targetmaster Transformers toys, but because of lack of funding, the cartoon was forced to end directly after the pilot.

The Rebirth: episode I
After The Return of Optimus Prime, the Autobots are resting back in Autobot City, Earth. But not for long - an entire Decepticon force attacks them. While most of the Autobots and the Decepticons are fighting outside, Punch-Counterpunch spies the Decepticon Clones sneaking inside Autobot City to steal the key to the Plasma Energy Chamber. Having stolen the key, the Decepticons immediately retreat back to Cybertron.

Optimus Prime, recognising the Decepticon attack had an ulterior motive, orders the Autobots to follow the Decepticons back to Cybertron. Once there, they stop the Decepticons from reaching the Plasma Energy Chamber, but a power surge from the chamber knocks the Autobot ship on a wild course through space. They eventually end up on Nebulos, where the Nebulans mistake them for machines sent by The Hive, and arrest them.

The Decepticons, following the Autobots, also land on Nebulos, and this causes the Nebulans to realise their mistake and release the Autobots. After an unsuccessful battle, the Decepticons flee. The Autobots realise they can only defeat the Decepticons by co-operating with the Nebulans, and so they agree to become Headmasters.

The Rebirth: episode II
The Autobots attack the Decepticons, attempting to get the key back and drive the Decepticons away from Nebulos. While their ulterior mission fails, the Decepticons are so taken aback by their new capabilities that they flee the battle, accidentally running afoul of The Hive. The Hive captures the Decepticons, and they are forced to strike a deal with each other. In so doing, Cyclonus tells Lord Zarak, the leader of The Hive, that only the animal Decepticons may become Headmasters. The others become Targetmasters. Zarak is the only Hive member not to immediately bond with a Decepticon, as he has a further plan, involving the entire Hive city.

Meanwhile, back on Cybertron, the rest of the Autobots and the Decepticons are still fighting each other. Optimus Prime, having sensed something greater is at stake, travels to meet Vector Sigma, where Alpha Trion tells him the entire battle was part of Vector Sigma's plan. Having learned this, Optimus Prime arranges a strike force and travels to Nebulos to join his Autobot comrades.

On Nebulos, the Decepticons attack the Autobots with their new Headmaster and Targetmaster capabilities. Near the end of the battle, Zarak awakens Scorponok, who is intent on destroying all of the Autobots.