Beast Wars: Transformers (1996)

S01E05 Chain of Command

During a Predacon assault, a stone circle emits strange energon signals and gets activated, drawing the attention of an alien probe. As the Maximals explore the phenomenon, Optimus is unexpectedly disintegrated. This event sparks a heated argument among the remaining Maximals over who should take command, all while the Predacons gear up for their next offensive.