The quantum surge was an energy wave, one of the results of the destruction of the Vok Planet Buster at the end of the first season of the Beast Wars cartoon. Part shockwave and part energy/radiation wave- the radiation apparently modifying the affected Transformers to make them invisible to Vok defences-, the quantum surge was responsible for the creation of the first of the Transmetals, mutating Megatron, Cheetor, Rattrap and the temporarily mindless body of Tarantulas (his consciousness had been accidentally downloaded by Blackarachvia); Scorponok and Terrorsaur were apparently also affected, but fell into the lava pits near their base before the transformation could complete itself.