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Space bridge

2012-09-29T17:23:59Z

92.232.209.226: /* Fall of Cybertron */

The '''space bridge''' is a means of moving Transformers from one planet to another almost instantaneously, without the need for a spacecraft.

{{quote|It defies your laws of physics, and can transport matter through time and space.|Sentinel Prime describes what a space bridge does|[[Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon]]}}

{{note|Space bridge technology varies widely between continuities, as described below.}}

==Fiction==
===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
[[Image:DivideConquer Earth spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Colonel White has been looking for his control panel.]]
The space bridge was apparently first conceived by [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] in 1984, as a means of transport back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] for the [[Decepticon]]s stranded on [[Earth]], and to allow them to ferry [[energon cube]]s to revitalize the planet. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}}

The Cybertronic end of the space bridge is a fixture in [[Decepticon Headquarters (G1 Cybertron)|Shockwave's command center]], where it takes the form of a cylindrical tube, the top of which projects outside of the center's dome; it is through this open end that transportees enter or depart amid a geyser of energy. The Earth-based end of the space bridge is decidedly more flexible—the Decepticons frequently constructed new space bridges in various locations, normally in the form of large metal rings.

In early uses of the space bridge, the dimensional portal could only remain open and stable for a maximum of 11 minutes. Early Space Bridge travel likewise proved somewhat unstable, and required the use of a small vehicle to safely transport any cargo. The vehicle was rolled into the ring on a railed structure, and then had to be piloted along "a beam of light". [[Reflector (G1)|Some]] Decepticons displayed pronounced horror at being chosen for this unenviable task, as not staying on the light beam would cause the pilot and cargo to "cease to exist". {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} In the very first practice run of the mechanism, the villains opted to use the captive [[Spike Witwicky (G1)|Spike Witwicky]], rather than risk any of their number.

[[Image:SpaceBridgeCartoon1.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Indiana Jones and the Flower of Doom!]]
After being knocked into the bridge by accident, [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] proved able to traverse the bridge without a craft. {{storylink|Transport to Oblivion}} Several Autobots likewise survived the trip in their vehicle forms. {{storylink|Divide and Conquer}} After this, the need for the craft seems to have been removed, as many Transformers and various cargoes would travel by space bridge with no vessel and no difficulties. On one occasion, two humans in a convertible even made the trip with no ill effects. {{storylink|Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1}} The process could, however, still go wrong, as it did when the Decepticons attempted to convert a baseball field into a new space bridge site, and a malfunction blasted a small group of Transformers to an alien world of giants. {{storylink|Child's Play (episode)|Child's Play}}

It's never made clear exactly how the space bridge works. Typical activation sequences show what appears to be a dimensional portal in the sky above the bridge, opened up by a blast of energy from the bridge ring; the bridge's contents (along with a great deal of rock and detritus) were then drawn into the portal, which then closed with a large discharge of energy. On the Cybertron end, the arrival is marked by a beam or gusher of energy arriving from deep space.

[[Image:TransportOblivion Cybertron spacebridge.jpg|right|200px|thumb|That door wasn't there a moment ago.]]
The space bridge technology was taken to its ultimate extent when the Decepticons constructed three colossal pylons that would generate a "space pyramid", the apex of which extended to Cybertron's location in another galaxy. Using this, Cybertron was transported into Earth's orbit for a brief period. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 1}} Cybertron was later removed from Earth's orbit by an explosion; though never explicitly addressed, this event by rights should have left Cybertron ''much'' closer to Earth, possibly accounting for the ease of travel between the two planets thereafter. {{storylink|The Ultimate Doom, Part 3}}

The space bridge was used for planetary transportation once more when the [[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticon]] [[Onslaught (G1)|Onslaught]] wired his missile guidance systems into it and used its powers to redirect the orbit of Earth, intending to send it spiraling into the sun, only to be stopped by an [[Autobot]]-Decepticon team-up. {{storylink|The Revenge of Bruticus}}

The space bridge fell into disuse when the Autobots reclaimed Cybertron in 2005, and throughout 2006, both they and the Decepticons were shown to rely on more mundane means of space travel (shuttles, self-propelled flight) in addition to space bridge-like devices called "[[warp gate]]s" located throughout space. {{storylink|Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5}}

====''The Headmasters'' cartoon====
By the year 2011, the Autobots had studied and duplicated the space bridge technology for their own use. They developed their own space bridge network, allowing transport between Cybertron, Earth and the planet [[Athenia]], with fixed space bridge receptors in each base (the transport beam was, of course, now the traditional Autobot orange, as opposed to the Decepticons' iconic purple). {{storylink|Four Warriors Come out of the Sky}} They did not, however, destroy the original Decepticon space bridge, as the Decepticons were unable to use it to travel to the planet due to Vector Sigma maintaining an Autobot balance of power. This proved to be a mistake, however, when the [[Matrix of Leadership|Matrix]]'s energy was released in 2010 to cure the [[Hate Plague]]; this caused Vector Sigma to become destabilized, and the Decepticons were able to exploit this to use the space bridge to invade Cybertron. {{Storylink|The Mystery of Planet Master}}

When [[Mars (planet)|Mars]] was destroyed by [[Scorponok (G1)|Scorponok]], the gravimetric balance of the solar system was disrupted, making space bridge travel to Earth unstable. This soon ceased to be an issue, however, when the Decepticons headed off on an interplanetary energy raid; in order to slow the Autobots down, [[Sixshot]] destroyed the Earth-based space bridge, causing a chain reaction that detonated the entire network. {{storylink|Daniel Faces His Biggest Crisis Ever!!}}

The destruction of the space bridge left the only means to travel to Earth as the [[Trainbot]]s and [[Fortress Maximus (G1)|Battleship Maximus]] (or on one occasion, [[Broadside (G1)|Broadside]]). {{storylink|Terror! The Six Shadows}} This reduced ability to travel to Earth is one of the reasons for the heavy human involvement in the [[Masterforce War|following battles]], since Transformers are mostly unable to join the battle on Earth themselves. {{Storylink|Master File No, 1}}

===Marvel Generation 1 comics===
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Spacebridgemarvelcomic.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Get it? Space "bridge"? Ahahaha.]]
[[Image:Spanner2.JPG|left|180px|thumb|"Blow me up so that I may die with dignity."]]
The space bridge was built by [[Straxus (G1)|Lord Straxus]]'s Cybertronian Decepticons, in response to the discovery that [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s lost group of Decepticons were alive and had set up operations on Earth. The bridge, which resembles a normal Earthly suspension bridge when not in use, has two halves; one which which remains stationary on Cybertron, and another which teleports to Earth. Passing through the bridge's central arch transports objects across vast distances, instantly and painlessly. Although a properly functioning space bridge is a far more pleasant mode of transportation than the more fuel-efficient Autobot version, the [[trans-time dimensional portal]], an improperly calibrated space bridge will annihilate any object or being who attempts to pass through its arch. Lord Straxus illustrated this fact when [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] sent him over the edge during transit.

The original space bridge was built from the vast body of [[Spanner (G1)|Spanner]], a neutral scientist who had been captured by Straxus's forces and forced to design the Bridge. {{storylink|The Bridge to Nowhere!}} ''After the space bridge was almost completely destroyed, a new Bridge was built to replace it.''

===Dreamwave Generation One comics===
The space bridge was developed by the Decepticons as a means of exploring (and presumably conquering) other worlds far away from Cybertron. These bridges were <s>[[wikipedia:Stargate_(device)|stargates]]</s> small portals that could only be programmed for a certain number of people. Megatron himself underwent the first test of the space bridge. However, [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] collided with him before he entered. As it had been only programmed to accept one, the space bridge exploded, and both leaders were presumed dead. {{storylink|Fragmentation}} In actuality, they had survived, and been transported to [[Quintessa]], where they remained for several millennia. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.4}} Passage through a space bridge left an "imprint" on [[infraspace]], so some Autobots invented the [[Dimensional Interface Assembly]] in hopes of finding where Prime ended up. {{storylink|The Age of Wrath Pt.3}}

===IDW Generation 1 comics===
Space bridge technology was invented by [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]. After being turned into a zombie by Jhiaxus, [[Sixshot]] obtained his space bridge schematics and traded them to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] in exchange for being returned to normal. {{storylink|Spotlight: Metroplex}} Megatron planned to create a web of space bridges across the galaxy, granting the Decepticons instant access to anything they needed. The first space bridge was constructed by [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] in the Decepticon-conquered [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10|All Hail Megatron #10}} After Megatron was put in a coma by Optimus Prime and Spike Witwicky and the Decepticons began to fall apart, Starscream put Shockwave in charge of developing a new space bridge which he completed just in time for Megatron to use. {{storylink|Revenge of the Decepticons Part 2: Altered Carbon}}

===''Robots in Disguise''===
{{main|Global Space Bridge}}

===Unicron Trilogy cartoon continuity===
Space bridges are the main mode of traveling in the [[Unicron Trilogy]]. Unlike their Generation 1 counterparts, they do not appear to need the use of a fixed device at both ends.

They appear to change in variation from series to series, although this is likely simply due to art direction. In ''[[Transformers: Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'', the Transformers are 'stretched' into warp gates, while in ''[[Transformers: Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' and ''[[Transformers: Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'', space bridges tend to appear as a large hole in the sky that may or may not have a clear ramp leading into it.

{{Stub}}
====Linkage====
The [[Mini-Con city]] was equipped with space bridge technology. {{storylink|Linkage Part 13}}

===Dreamwave Unicron Trilogy comics===
====''Armada'' comic====
[[Image:DWArmada10_OptimusPrime_Illbeback.jpg|thumb|left|200px|]]
Space bridges required an entrance portal but not an exit one, allowing you to materialize at any location. [[Decepticon Headquarters (Armada)|Decepticon Headquarters]] was equipped with an intergalactic space bridge which [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]] and his troops used to travel to [[Earth]] in search for [[Mini-Con]]s. The Autobots' [[Autobase|headquarters]] didn't have an operational one at the time, but [[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]] quickly rectified that so they could follow the Decepticons. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 3|Armada #3}} Both factions had new bridges built in their bases on Earth, but the Autobots couldn't use theirs to return to their hidden base on Cybertron since space bridge transportation was too easy for the Decepticons to trace. {{storylink|Dreamwave Armada issue 9|Armada #9}}

In order to open an interdimensional rift so that [[Unicron]] could enter this universe, his [[Herald of Unicron|Heralds]] invaded the [[space bridge nexus]], a hub of multiple space bridges at [[Decepticon Command Headquarters]] on Cybertron. They activated all the bridges, causing overlapping portals to open all across local dimensional space. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 2 of 4}} This brought terrible stress upon the whole inter-spatial network and prevented travel between Cybertron and Earth. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 1 of 4}} All the turmoil in the "space/time horizon" caused Optimus Prime to vanish into another universe, so the Autobots sent a search probe into [[subspace]] through a space bridge. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 3 of 4}} As the bridges began punching holes into completely different dimensions, [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]]'s Autobots on Cybertron finally dealt with the chaos by destroying the space bridge nexus. While this ended the stress on space-time, unfortunately it did not close Unicron's portal. {{storylink|Worlds Collide, Part 4 of 4}}

{{-}}
====''Energon'' comic====
When Optimus Prime returned to Earth ten years later, he stepped into a space bridge and suddenly received a message from Megatron, whose consciousness was imprisoned within Unicron's core but could call out for Prime during his time in space bridge transit. {{storylink|What Lies Beneath, Part Three}} The Autobots set up new bases on Earth equipped with space bridges, but when Optimus Prime chose to go back to Cybertron for reinforcements, the mind of Megatron intervened and somehow redirected the bridge's exit location, sending him to the interior of Unicron instead of the [[Halls of Justice]]. {{storylink|Omni-Potent}} By this time, the Autobots had their own space bridge nexus on Cybertron, which they used to send teams of Autobots to various Earth cities under attack from [[Terrorcon (Energon)|Terrorcons]]. {{storylink|Multiplicity, Pt. 2}}

===Panini ''Armada'' comic===
[[Image:PaniniArmada4_spacebridge.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Can you set it so it goes to Gensokyo?]]
[[Optimus Prime (Armada)|Optimus Prime]], [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], and their respective troops used space bridges to travel to [[Earth]] once they learned of the [[Mini-Con]]s awakening there. {{storylink|First Encounter!}} Once Megatron lost a duel with Prime, he also used one to flee. {{storylink|Friends and Foes!}} Prime's initial plan was to send the Mini-Cons they found back to [[Autobase|Autobase: Cybertron]] via their space bridge, but the bridge was destroyed in a Decepticon attack, stranding the Autobots on Earth. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 4|No Way Back!}}

The loss of the space bridge made it impossible for the Autobots to follow Megatron to the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]], forcing them to contact [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] on Cybertron. As Autobase: Cybertron had functional space bridges, he could send [[Scavenger (Armada)|Scavenger]] and [[Smokescreen (Armada)|Smokescreen]] to save the day, though neither of them enjoyed the feeling of being warped across space. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 6|Between Two Worlds!}}

Megatron continued to use the faraway Moon to his advantage, building a base there and firing missiles at the helpless Autobots on Earth. Though unable to stop the launch, Optimus Prime hatched a different plan and had [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]] hurry to repair their space bridge. In the meantime, Scavenger and Smokescreen broke into the Decepticon moonbase's space bridge control room and activated their bridge, connecting it to the Autobots' one on Earth. Hot Shot got their bridge working just in time for the missiles to arrive and fly straight into the portal, teleporting them straight back to the Decepticon base. {{storylink|Panini Armada issue 8|Earthshaker!}}

===Live-action film series===
====''Transformers'' RISK====
There is a location on Cybertron housing a stationary space bridge. This area is bordered by [[Perihex]] and [[Polyhex]], and is linked via a bridge to [[Kalis]]. It is in this location where [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] began his adventure. {{storylink|Risk}}

====IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics====
Space bridges (also known as "transpatial portals") were first used by the [[Dynasty of Primes]], allowing them to transport between dimensions. {{storylink|Defiance issue 4|Defiance #4}} [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]] had the ability to create space bridges, teleporting across worlds and between planets. {{storylink|Tales of the Fallen issue 3|Tales of the Fallen #3}} It was eventually discontinued in later models because of the excessive rate of failure. Apparently it was prone to catastrophic malfunction. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

Thousands of years after the fall of the Dynasty of Primes, [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] recreated space bridge technology, claiming it would allow the Autobots to win the war. {{storylink|Foundation issue 3|Foundation #3}} The [[pillar]]s that served as the basis of the technology were stored on the ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', but after it sustained damage in a Decepticon attack, they malfunctioned and began to warp the ship randomly across space and time until it crashed on [[Earth]]'s [[Moon (moon)|moon]]. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 1}}

[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]'s Decepticons subsequently recovered most of the pillars from the wrecked ship. [[Thundercracker (Movie)|Thundercracker]] used one of them to create a primitive space bridge on [[Mars (planet)|Mars]], allowing the Decepticons to travel back to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] through the passage created by the ''Ark''. {{storylink|Convergence chapter 4}} Because the ''Ark'' had done several "jumps", the Decepticons would have to pass through several corresponding nodes to return to their homeworld. {{storylink|The Reign of Starscream issue 2|The Reign of Starscream #2}}

====''Revenge of the Fallen'' film====
[[Image:ROTF Jetfire space bridge.jpg|thumb|right|300px]]
{{quote|You{{m-}}you blue-lighted us and something loud and painful and hallucinogenic happened and there was five seconds of Ted Nugent meets [[Thor]] and then...!|[[Sam Witwicky]] describes going through a space bridge.|[[Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|Revenge of the Fallen]]}}
[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] mentioned the Space Bridge by name shortly before he did a really half-assed job of throwing himself and the rest of the heroes halfway across the world to Egypt, wrecking Sam's hand in the process (Jetfire wasn't entirely sure they were still on the right planet). The even-more-ancient but significantly less senile [[The Fallen|Fallen]], one of the [[Thirteen|original Primes]], shows a similar ability where he teleports across short distances, seeming to use it as a form of flight. {{storylink|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Revenge of the Fallen}}

{{-}}
====''Dark of the Moon'' film====
During the last days of Cybertron's civil war, Autobot leader [[Sentinel Prime (ROTF)|Sentinel Prime]] developed a new space bridge technology which used [[Pillar|a system of pillars]] to provide instantaneous transport between any two points. It was hoped that the technology would be able to turn the tide of the war and defeat the Decepticons once and for all. But the technology was lost when Decepticon ships attacked the Autobot flagship ''[[Ark (DOTM)|Ark]]'', which was transporting both Sentinel and the pillars.

[[Image:DOTM-Moonspacebridge.jpg‎|thumb|250px|left|]]

In 1961, the ''Ark'' crash landed on Earth's [[Moon (moon)|moon]], sparking a space race between the [[United States of America]] and the [[Soviet Union]] in an effort to reach the wreck first. During this era, the Decepticons began removing hundreds of pillars from the crash site, an activity secretly recorded by Soviet space probes. Decades later, the Autobots learned of the ''Ark'''s presence on the Moon, and [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] traveled to the crash site to investigate. Once aboard, the two retrieved Sentinel Prime's body and five of the pillars, including the master pillar that controlled the bridge. Back on Earth, the pillars were confiscated by [[NEST]] out of fear that they would be used as weapons.

That fear was quickly realized when Sentinel attacked the Autobots and their human allies, revealing that he had made a truce with Megatron in order to save Cybertron from destruction. Stealing the five pillars, he activated them in front of the Lincoln Memorial, teleporting hundreds of Decepticons hiding on the Moon onto Earth. [[Chicago]] was soon conquered by the invading army, and there Sentinel and Megatron launched their master plan: using the pillars covertly taken from the ''Ark'' crash site, they would create a space bridge between Earth and Cybertron, bringing their homeworld into Earth's atmosphere. Earth would then be raided for its resources, and humanity would be enslaved and forced to rebuild Cybertron.

[[Image:DOTMCybertrontransit.jpg‎|thumb|300px|]]

NEST and the Autobots eventually arrived in Chicago to retake the war-torn city, and Optimus Prime was able to knock over the control pillar, deactivating the space bridge. It was only a temporary victory, though, as the Decepticon human ally [[Dylan Gould]] restarted the pillar and the transport sequence recommenced. Ultimately, Gould was killed by [[Sam Witwicky]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] and [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] destroyed the control pillar. With the bridge rendered inoperable, Cybertron collapsed and was completely destroyed. {{storylink|Transformers: Dark of the Moon (film)|Dark of the Moon}}
{{-}}

===''Animated''===
[[Image:TFA Space Bridge.jpg|left|180px|thumb|Chevron seven is locked.]]
Space bridges are used to travel around the galaxy. This incarnation takes the form of a large, forked structure and works by generating a sphere of energy between the two prongs.

The technology is exclusively Autobot, and gave them a major strategic advantage over the Decepticons: thanks to the bridges, the Decepticon expansion was halted. {{storylink|Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac II|The AllSpark Almanac II}}

The [[AllSpark]] was thrown into one to keep it out of Decepticon hands. [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] and his [[Bumblebee (Animated)|small]] [[Bulkhead (Animated)|band]] [[Prowl (Animated)|of]] [[Ratchet (Animated)|Autobots]] were put in charge of repairing space bridges. {{storylink|Transform and Roll Out}}

[[Megatron (Animated)|Megatron]] planned to use some schematics to build his own, allowing him to [[transwarp]] to Cybertron and strike it without warning. He kidnapped [[Isaac Sumdac]] to design it {{storylink|The Elite Guard}} and used [[Mixmaster (Animated)|Mixmaster]] and [[Scrapper (Animated)|Scrapper]] to build it, but it wasn't enough. With [[Bulkhead (Animated)|some additional help]] he completed it, {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part I}} but as often is the case with Decepticon plans, it didn't end well. {{storylink|A Bridge Too Close, Part II}}

During the [[Decepticon Uprisings]], the Decepticons went after every space bridge on the periphery in a simultaneous assault. [[Team Chaar]] were the first squad to capture a bridge, but couldn't arrive at the [[Emirate Xarron Spacebridge Nexus|space bridge nexus]] on Cybertron as Shockwave, who held the access codes at the nexus, was waiting for Megatron's signal to begin the attack. The network was later shut down by the [[Cybertron Elite Guard]]. {{storylink|TransWarped}}

[[Blackarachnia (Animated)|Blackarachnia]] used components from a transwarp generator in order to create a teleportation pod which she used to transform [[Wasp]] into a [[Technorganic]] being; however, after its use, the chamber exploded. {{storylink|Predacons Rising}} Bulkhead along with Isaac Sumdac later attempted to work together in making a space bridge on Earth for the Autobots but faced many arguments on how to calibrate the equipment. Luckily, Sari Sumdac managed to activate the system which was later used to transport Optimus Prime onto the [[Sigma Supreme|Elite Guard flagship]] which had been taken over by the former Decepticon prisoners. {{storylink|Decepticon Air}}

===''Exodus''===
Space bridges were the foundation for Cybertron's [[Golden Age]], linking it to [[Velocitron]], [[Gigantion]], [[Junkion (planet)|Junkion]] and the [[Hub (G2)|Hub]]. As they grew less reliable, Cybertron's society stagnated and lost contact with its colonies. During the civil war, only one in Cybertron's orbit was still believed to be operational. When the ''[[Ark (Prime)|Ark]]'' and the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'' entered it, it separated the two ships to different parts of space. According to [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]], the space bridges work by tearing holes in the fabric of reality. {{storylink|Transformers: Exodus}}

===''Prime''===
====''Prime'' comic====
[[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] was assigned by [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] to find remnants of space bridges, and he successfully built one in [[Kaon]]. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] overloaded its systems, jumping through it and landing on [[Earth]]—as did Starscream—before it blew up. Meanwhile, [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] developed the [[GroundBridge]], to transport themselves across [[Earth]]. {{storylink|Transformers: Prime (comic)|Transformers: Prime}}

====''Prime'' cartoon====
[[Image:PrimeSpacebridge.jpg|thumb|''Stargate: Cybertron.'' Only on the Hub]]
During the [[Great Exodus]], [[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] stayed behind to reverse engineer the ancient space bridge technology. He succeeded in building one beneath [[Kaon]] and [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] intended to use it to reach [[Earth]] after intercepting a transmission from [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]]. The space bridge was sabotaged by [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]], who used it to travel to Earth moments before it exploded. {{storylink|Out of the Past}}

Starscream built a space bridge in Earth's orbit, which he used to bring back Megatron from his deep space [[Dark Energon]] expedition, {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 1}} Megatron intended to use Dark Energon to resurrect the Cybertronian dead and bring them to Earth via the space bridge. The Autobots discovered the Decepticons' plans for a space time vortex generator, indicating that they had built a space bridge. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 4}} The fact that the [[Trypticon (Prime)|Decepticon ship]]'s navigation sensors were damaged meant that the Decepticons had to use a radio dish array in [[Texas]] to target the space bridge at Cybertron. Once this was accomplished, Megatron heaved a big chunk of Dark Energon through and raised Cybertron's dead. This undead army began traversing the space bridge to Earth, however the Autobots had obtained the space bridge schematics, and were able to reverse the valve on the energon pump. The reversed power caused the space bridge to explode, taking the zombie army and possibly Megatron with it. {{storylink|Darkness Rising, Part 5}}

While observing [[Skyquake (Prime)|Skyquake]]'s battle with Optimus and Bumblebee, Soundwave picked up a Decepticon life signal near the remains of the space bridge, possibly Megatron's. Although initially trying to dismiss it, Starscream eventually went to investigate. At the space bridge debris field, he found Megatron, still alive thanks to the Dark Energon crystal he had placed within himself. Although Starscream intended to leave Megatron for dead, Soundwave, not trusting his comrade, sent his [[Deployer (Prime)|Deployer]] to also search the space bridge debris field, forcing Starscream to take Megatron back to the Decepticon ship. {{storylink|Masters & Students}}

Aiming to build a new space bridge, the Decepticons set about stealing the components they'd need, including a phase converter, plasma injector, neutron shield, tesseract and a suitable power source. {{storylink|One Shall Fall}} After the unfortunate incident with [[Unicron]], the Decepticons stole the necessary power source. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 1}}

The Autobots searched for the space bridge so they could use it to reach Cybertron. With Starscream's help, they located it in a disused energon mine and managed to secure it and send [[Jack Darby]] and [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] through. {{storylink|Orion Pax, Part 2}}

{{spoiler|Alpha/Omega|October 5, 2012}}
The space bridge was moved to the dark side of the [[Moon (moon)|Moon]] to hide it from both Autobots and humans. Megatron and [[Dreadwing (Prime)|Dreadwing]] used it to reach Cybertron so they could retrieve the arm of a Prime. {{storylink|Alpha/Omega}}

==Games==
===''The Transformers'' (PS2)===
After contact was lost with a team of Decepticons dispatched to [[Zel Samine]], [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] and [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] took a shuttle to the planet and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] would follow using a space bridge portal aboard the shuttle. Some technical problems occurred at first, leading to a rant from Starscream on how using a portable space bridge was asking for trouble. Soundwave assured him that the next attempt would work, but then, the portal blew up. Starscream enquired what had happened to Megatron, as he was on the bridge when the malfunction occurred. Soundwave detected that Megatron had been transported to only a slightly different location and Starscream suggested they go and fetch him.

When Megatron was found, Soundwave explained the effects of the solar system's sun, [[Paradius]], had been causing the problems with the shuttle and the space bridge and that they were forced to repair either one if they wished to leave the planet.

Meanwhile, [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] detected the space bridge energy and warned the other Autobots that the Decepticons were in the area too. {{storylink|The Transformers (PS2)|The Transformers}}

===''Fall of Cybertron''===
[[Jazz (Prime)|Jazz]] and [[Cliffjumper (Prime)|Cliffjumper]] were sent to find [[Grimlock (Prime)|Grimlock]] who had abandoned his post when they had discovered a Space Bridge tower, in the Sea of Rust, which [[Shockwave (Prime)|Shockwave]] had used to open a portal to prehistoric Earth. Shockwave then reported this to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] who had ordered it to be built in Kaon. Later, the [[Dinobot (Prime)|Dinobots]] discovered this as well, but when [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] ordered them back to base, they went against orders and destroyed it anyway. This caused the portal to desstabilise, and so the Autobots raced to the portal with the Decepticons trailing behind. Both factions and their respective vessels went through the portal, which closed after them.{{storylink|Transformers: Fall of Cybertron|Fall of Cybertron}}

==Merchandise==
* '''RISK TRANSFORMERS CYBERTRON Battle Edition''' (2007)
: The Space Bridge is one of the yellow zones on the board.

==Notes==
===Foreign names===
*''Japanese:'' '''Space bridge''' (スペースブリッジ ''supēsu burijji'')
*''German:'' '''Weltraumbrücke''' ("space bridge"), '''Raumbrücke''' (''Generation 2'', "space bridge")
*''Polish:'' '''Most kosmiczny''' ("space bridge")

[[Category:Animated technology]]
[[Category:Armada technology]]
[[Category:Generation 1 technology]]
[[Category:Cybertron technology]]
[[Category:Energon technology]]
[[Category:Movie technology]]
[[Category:Prime technology]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen technology]]
[[Category:Robots in Disguise technology]]
[[Category:War for Cybertron technology]]

New Recruit

2012-09-21T00:06:40Z

92.232.209.226: /* Trivia */

{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 44
|prev=Out of the Past
|next=The Human Factor
|image=NewRecruit-honortobehere.jpg
|caption=[[Superman]] meets [[Nolan North|Superboy]] for the first time.
|title="New Recruit"
|airdate=[[September 7]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Marty Isenberg]]
|directed by=[[Vinton Heuck]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}
'''A Decepticon escape pod lands on Earth and the Autobot Smokescreen emerges, while Starscream uses the Apex Armor to go on a quest for Red Energon.'''

==Synopsis==
[[Image:NewRecruit-exercise.jpg|left|thumb|300px|Jane Fonda would be doing a facepalm at this.]]

[[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] and [[Jack Darby|Jack]] cruise the [[Internet]] for pictures of [[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] to replace with tap-dancing monkey pictures, while [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] forces [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to exercise so his legs don't atrophy. Jack notices a picture which Raf identifies as a Cybertronian escape pod. [[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] suggests bringing in [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] as Bulkhead still isn't combat-ready, which [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] promptly shoots down due to [[Hurt|recent events]]. [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus]] orders Ratchet to come along with them instead, as there might be an injured Autobot in the pod. They [[GroundBridge]] into the crash site to find it's a Decepticon pod, and they're immediately under attack from their foe. The [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]], augmented by [[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]], turn out to be a challenge, but then a new figure appears running through the trees. The newcomer's fire accidentally hits the [[energon]] leaking from the pod, and the Autobots take cover as it explodes, taking out the Decepticons. The over-enthusiastic newcomer happens to be [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]], an Autobot rookie who becomes in awe when he meets ''the'' Optimus Prime. The Autobots are initially suspicious, remembering [[Con Job|the last time a new Autobot turned up]], but Smokescreen's tales of [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]] and guarding the Hall of Records convinces Prime that he is legitimate.

Back at base, Miko's excited to meet the new Autobot. Smokescreen relates the story of the last days of Iacon and how he was captured by Decepticons during the siege, before escaping from a Decepticon transport ship in an escape pod. Smokescreen thinks with him there they'll have the war ended in no time, and Bulkhead drags himself in to show the newcomer how the war is going. Miko volunteers Jack to show Smokescreen around.

[[Image:NewRecruit-Starscreammonkey.jpg|right|thumb|300px|So many gifs of animals, so little time.]]

In the ''[[Harbinger]]'', [[Starscream (Prime)|Starscream]] searches the Internet for interesting stuff and happens on an image of [[Red Energon]] at a construction site.

Jack shows Smokescreen around where the Cybertronian relics and [[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] are stored. Bulkhead is upset that the others have brought in a replacement for him, but as they point out, Smokescreen is a newbie and needs a lot of training. Raf finds the same Red Energon photo that Starscream did. Smokescreen's keen to go out on the mission, but the others point out his need for training and an [[alternate mode]].

Starscream arrives at the construction site, only to find it deserted and the Red Energon gone.

Smokescreen and Jack scope out vehicles driving near [[Jasper]], and the Autobot is disappointed in the available vehicle forms. Meanwhile, Prime, Arcee and Bumblebee arrive at the dock where the Red Energon's been moved, and discover Starscream is already there. The Decepticon activates the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] and Optimus sends Arcee and Bumblebee to get the energon while he takes on Starscream. He reports back to base what's happening, and Smokescreen wants to go help, but is overruled by Ratchet.

Having dealt with Optimus, Starscream climbs up the crane after Arcee and Bumblebee. At base, Bulkhead urges Ratchet to let him go help, but Ratchet ignores him until they realize Smokescreen is missing. Ratchet finds him in the storeroom looking at the [[phase shifter]]. Meanwhile, Starscream reaches Arcee, only for Optimus to punch him right off the crane. Starscream tries to grab some of the Red Energon on the way down, breaking off a chunk. As Optimus starts hauling up the basket with the energon in it, Starscream grabs the bottom of the crane and tips it. He's interrupted by the arrival of Smokescreen through the GroundBridge. Using the phase shifter, the new Autobot kicks Starscream right out of the Apex Armor. While Smokescreen stands triumphant, Starscream fires off a missile at the crane, the ensuing explosion destroying the Red Energon meteor. Though the Autobots atop it survive, Starscream gets away with a chunk of Red Energon he broke off.

After they return to base, Smokescreen returns the phase shifter and the Apex Armor, after which Optimus officially welcomes him to [[Team Prime]]. Bulkhead looks on sadly, and though Miko tries to give him some encouraging words, he turns and limps back down the corridor.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (1)
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (8)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (11)
|c2=
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (9)
*[[Insecticon (Prime)|Insecticons]] (10)
*[[Airachnid (Prime)|Airachnid]] (13)
|c3=
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (2)
*[[Jack Darby]] (3)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
|c4=
*[[Starscream (Prime) |Starscream]] (12)
}}

==Quotes==
"The tap-dancing monkey strikes again!"
:—'''Jack''' on Raf's latest anti-Bumblebee-sighting hack.

"All these Cons came out of one pod?" 
"Humans refer to the phenomenon as a 'clown car'!"
:—'''Arcee''' asks a question, and '''Ratchet''' offers an explanation.

"A million trigabytes of data, none of it useful!"
:—'''Starscream''' manages to sum up the internet in the best way possible.

'''Miko''': What's your story, Smoke? Where did you come from? How did you get here? How many blasters are you packing? 
'''Smokescreen''': So these are the lifeforms we're supposed to protect? Are they all like this? 
'''Ratchet''': Fortunately not.
:—'''Smokescreen''' meets '''Miko'''.

"The Red Energon is mine, humans, for you are powerless in the face of the mighty Star- What? Where is it?!"
:—'''Starscream'''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> melodramatic entrance is deflated.

"Any last words, Smokescreen?" 
"Just four—''kiss your armor goodbye!"
:—'''Starscream''' gets a last warning from '''Smokescreen''' before literally getting his tailpipe kicked.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
*Arm weapons silently transform twice in this episode; Optimus' when he's running from the exploding pod, and Bumblebee's when he's about to climb the crane.

===Continuity errors===
* The Insecticons seem to die ''very'' easily in this episode. Arcee and Bumblebee take out one in a few seconds when last time it took them an [[Tunnel Vision|entire episode]].
* As Optimus' report didn't mention the Apex Armor, how did Smokescreen know to take the phase shifter to defeat it?

===Continuity notes===
* Bumblebee has gained more pictures of himself on conspiracy websites since "[[One Shall Fall]]".
* The Autobots remember when [[Wheeljack (Prime)|Wheeljack]] first arrived [[Con Job|and how that turned out]].
* Ratchet is still upset at Wheeljack for pulling that "revenge stunt" with Miko in "[[Hurt]]".
* Bulkhead is still recovering from the injuries he suffered in "[[Toxicity]]". By now, he can walk unaided (albeit at a slow limp), and a conversation with Ratchet implies that he can transform and drive around to some extent.
* The [[Operation Bumblebee, Part 1|spark extractor]], [[Partners|immobilizer]], [[Tunnel Vision|phase shifter]], and [[Armada (episode)|Airachnid]] are part of Jack's tour.
* Starscream still has the Apex Armor he obtained in "[[Triangulation]]". Well, ''had''.

===Transformers references===
* Smokescreen references [[Constructicon (Prime)|Constructicons]], [[Halogen (Prime)|Halogen]], [[Alpha Trion (Prime)|Alpha Trion]], the [[Cybertron Elite Guard|Elite Guard]], and the [[Autobot High Council|High Council]].
* As in ''[[Transformers: Exodus]]'', Alpha Trion is the master archivist of Iacon's Hall of Records.
* Smokescreen bears the Autobot Elite Guard symbol from ''[[Transformers Animated (franchise)|Transformers Animated]]'', and upon scanning an Earth mode, [[Smokescreen (G1)|continues the tradition]] [[Smokescreen (Cybertron)|of Smokescreens wearing]] [[Smokescreen (Movie)|the number "38"]].
* In a likely coincidence (but with a chance of being intentional given the "[[Binder of Revelation]]"), the "Fast" [[Arms_Micron#Energon_Crystals|Energon Crystals]] of the [[TakaraTomy]] [[Transformers: Prime (toyline)|''Prime'' toyline]] are reddish-orange.
* The Decepticon warship Smokescreen was held captive aboard is similar in shape to [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]]' ship, ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]''.
* Smokescreen states that the Elite Guard was like a [[Autoboot Camp|boot camp]] for him.
* The recovery of an empty [[Decepticon]] escape pod, complete with a red; dirt covered [[Insignia|insignia]], could be a callback to the [[The Transformers (cartoon)|G1]] episode: "[[A Plague of Insecticons]]", which had a similar scene, and the appearance of [[Insecticons]].

===Real-world references===
* Ratchet mentions the human phenomenon of the clown car.
* Starscream searches for information on the internet, or as many refer to it, "The Information Superhighway."

===Trivia===
* Starscream finds Earth humor funny, [[Darkness Rising, Part 3|even though he previously said he didn't]]. Guess Ratchet [[One Shall Fall|isn't the only one]].
* As usual, the vehicle mode Smokescreen chooses completely [[Masters & Students|matches]] [[Crisscross|his]] [[Loose Cannons|body]]. However, this ''is'' the first time a Transformer changes his paint job after getting a new vehicle mode; Smokescreen's Elite Guard logos are exchanged for his number "38" and checker racer decal.
* A new kind of Energon has been introduced alongside the regular, [[Dark Energon|Dark]], [[Synthetic Energon|Synthetic]], and [[Tox-En|Toxic]] forms. Time will tell if using Red Energon has any negative effects...
[[Category:Prime episodes]]

The Human Factor

2012-09-17T19:15:26Z

92.232.209.226: /* Continuity notes */

{{disambig2|the episode of ''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]''|the story originally published in [[The Transformers (Marvel comic)|''The Transformers'' (Marvel US)]] #68|The Human Factor!}}
{{episode|
|otherseries=''[[Transformers: Prime (cartoon)|Transformers: Prime]]'' ep 45
|prev=New Recruit
|next=Legacy
|image=TheHumanFactor Cylas and Megatron.jpg
|caption=
|title="The Human Factor"
|airdate=[[September 14]], [[2012]]
|written by=[[Bob Skir|Robert N. Skir]]
|directed by=[[Scooter Tidwell]]
|animation studio=[[Polygon Pictures]]
|production company=[[Hasbro Studios]]
}}

'''Silas is given a new lease on life and approaches Megatron with a plan to join the Decepticon ranks.'''

==Synopsis==
In a [[MECH]] base, a small team of surgeons and technicians hook [[Breakdown (Prime)|Breakdown]]'s reassembled remains up to their computer and infuse them with electricity and Energon. Breakdown awakens, only it's not Breakdown—MECH has implanted [[Silas]] within the Decepticon's corpse. Silas is impressed with their ingenuity, but decides that, as he is no longer human, he no longer needs their services, and slaughters them.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorCylas.jpg|thumb|left|250px]]
Some time later, Silas drives up to the entrance to a military facility, stopping at the gate to introduce himself. Meanwhile in the [[Autobot Outpost Omega One|Autobot base]], [[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] and [[Miko Nakadai|Miko]] are trying to encourage [[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] to keep up his recuperation, despite the Wrecker's belief that he is being replaced. [[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] suggests he uses the [[Apex Armor (Prime)|Apex Armor]] for extra strength and power, but Bulkhead sees it as a crutch and knocks it aside, causing it to damage the computer system. As Ratchet grumbles over the negative atmosphere, [[Jack Darby|Jack]] talks with [[Raf Esquivel|Raf]] on the phone and is surprised to learn that Raf's been grounded for his slipping grades.

The Decepticons on the ''[[Trypticon (Prime)|Nemesis]]'', namely [[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]], are likewise surprised when Breakdown's signal shows up on their scanners. Knock Out and some [[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] are sent to investigate and find the military base wrecked. Moments after they arrive, what appears to be Breakdown strides out of the smoke. In response to the Decepticons' reaction to his marred appearance, "Breakdown" asks in Silas's voice to be taken to [[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]].

[[William Fowler|Agent Fowler]] briefs the Autobots on the theft of the [[Project Damocles]] satellite apparently by Breakdown assisted by a human whom Fowler believes is Silas. Ratchet strongly dismisses the idea of Decepticons and humans pairing together, rebuffed only by Jack's reasoning of the alliance working for the Autobots. Aboard the warship, Megatron is introduced to the Breakdown/Silas combo, now calling himself Cylas: "Cybernetic Life Augmented by Symbiosis". Though Megatron is disgusted by such an abomination and Knock Out is keen to dissect Cylas as revenge for Breakdown, the MECH commander wants to strike a deal with the Decepticons and offers the Damocles weapon as a token of friendship. As Fowler's briefing in the Autobot base ends, the Autobots realize they must protect the satellite's interface codes, currently stored on servers in [[Colorado]].

[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] has already gotten to the Colorado base, clearing it using a recording of Fowler's voice, and by the time the Autobots get there, the place is already heavily guarded by Decepticons. Cylas points out to Megatron that since Soundwave is now connected to the mainframe, he can operate the satellite. The Damocles satellite is duly launched from the ''Nemesis'', and Soundwave starts targeting the Autobots on the ground. His first shot narrowly misses Smokescreen, and [[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] contacts base for backup. Bulkhead is ready to go but Ratchet stops him as Optimus is actually after ''technical'' help to disable the satellite. Ratchet decides Raf is required for this mission and so Raf gets unexpected visitors in the form of Fowler, Miko and Jack.

While the Autobots try to keep Soundwave distracted, Bulkhead attempts to talk Ratchet into sending him to help. Ratchet finally concedes, but has his own ideas. While Raf works on a way to crash the satellite and Fowler tries to work out a way to get to the toilet without Raf's mom seeing, the Decepticons detect Raf's hacking attempt. When they track the source to [[Jasper]], Megatron sends Cylas to deal with the matter, despite Cylas's chagrin. Cylas soon hauls up outside Raf's house and takes aim, only for Bulkhead to come barreling down the street and slam him into a nearby drainage canal. After a tense reintroduction, Bulkhead realizes his opponent is not Breakdown—and is shocked to find that it is actually Silas/Cylas operating the Con's body. The pair start fighting, but Bulkhead's weakness quickly begins to show.

[[Image:TheHumanFactorProjectDamocles.jpg|thumb|right|250px]]
Ratchet contacts Optimus who is still running from the Damocles beam, to report that Bulkhead needs backup. Indeed, the Wrecker is still not operating fully and not doing well against Cylas, but the addition of Smokescreen to the fight helps. Megatron, impatient at Cylas's failure, orders Soundwave to target the source of the hack. The Autobots take advantage of the cessation of the Damocles attack to try to storm the command center. The kids, meanwhile, see that the satellite has moved and is now aiming at them. Raf manages to get the satellite's thrusters under his control, and the shot does little more than knock the corner off the [[KO Burger]] sign before the satellite starts reentry. Their celebration is interrupted by Raf's mom, but luckily they break out the "study group" defense. Meanwhile, the Autobots break into the command center in time to see Soundwave leaving. Elsewhere, Cylas begins to lose his fight and is called back to the ''Nemesis''. Bulkhead and Smokescreen see the satellite's reentry and congratulate each other.

Back on the ship, Megatron announces that Cylas has earned his place at the table—Knock Out's dissection table, that is—explaining that the MECH commander was correct about the human factor tipping the war's scales, but in the Autobots' favor. Cylas is then zapped from behind and dragged away for "study", much to his fearful displeasure and Knock Out's delight.

==Featured characters==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Ratchet (Prime)|Ratchet]] (4)
*[[Bulkhead (Prime)|Bulkhead]] (6)
*[[Smokescreen (Prime)|Smokescreen]] (7)
*[[Arcee (Prime)|Arcee]] (16)
*[[Bumblebee (Prime)|Bumblebee]] (17)
*[[Optimus Prime (Prime)|Optimus Prime]] (18)

|c2=
*[[Knock Out (Prime)|Knock Out]] (11)
*[[Soundwave (Prime)|Soundwave]] (12)
*[[Megatron (Prime)|Megatron]] (13)
*[[Vehicon (Prime)|Vehicons]] (14)

|c3=
*[[MECH Commando]]s (1)
*[[MECH Surgeon]] (2)
*[[Miko Nakadai]] (5)
*[[Jack Darby]] (8)
*[[Raf Esquivel]] (9)
*[[Raf's mom]] (10)
*[[William Fowler]] (15)

|c4=
*[[Silas|Cylas]] (3)
}}

==Quotes==

"Thank you all for your dedication and a life time of service. But I now seem more suited to keep the elusive company... of titans"
:—'''"Cylas"''' before killing his own men. Cold.

"Bulkhead! I ''needed'' that!"
:—'''Ratchet''' ''still'' hasn't learned that saying that phrase won't change anything.

'''Jack''': You've got to be kidding, Raf! You of all people, grounded? 
'''Raf''': Big time. I misplaced some homework and blew a couple of tests. 
'''Miko''': Translation, A- instead of A.
:—'''Miko''' thinks '''Raf''' is Mr. Perfect when it comes to school, unlike herself.

"This is the human who dissected Breakdown!" 
''*Knock Out activates his circular saw*'' 
"Please, my liege, allow me to return the favor."
:—'''Knock Out''', finally confirming the fans' belief that he ''does'' care about his former partner.

"Megatron, relax." 
''*Megatron glares at Cylas*'' 
"''Lord'' Megatron."
:—'''Cylas''' learns that Megatron doesn't want to be his friend.

"What? No! If my mom sees you..." 
"Relax, I trained in covert ops." 
"I don't care if you were trained by ninja! My mom has eyes in the back of ''your'' head."
:—'''Raf''' tells '''Agent Fowler''' why he can't use the restroom.

'''Megatron''': Cylas, you have earned your place at the table. 
'''Cylas''': Lord Megatron, I am honored. 
'''Megatron''': Knock Out's dissection table! 
'''Knock Out''': Breakdown would be tickled.
:—Well, '''Knock Out''' finally got ''his'' wish.

"He will be a fascinating case for study." 
"I will leave no fiber or ''fiber optic'' unexamined."
:—'''Megatron''' and '''Knock Out''' get a new science project.

==Notes==
===Animation and technical errors===
* When Knock Out detects Breakdown's signal, the image of Breakdown on the screen is shows his current appearance, when logically the last image they should have had on file would be one with his optic patch. However, this may not be a mistake, since it is unclear how such images are obtained in the first place. Cybertronian self-portraits may well update themselves, much like real life technology is capable of similar things.
* On the same screen as Breakdown's image, the map of the United States shows the state of Louisiana inside Texas, with an empty spot where it's supposed to be. The same map error reappears when Soundwave begins operating the Damocles satellite.
* When Cylas targets the window of Raf's room, his zoomed-in view is from the wrong angle. To be able to see Jack and the others within, he would have to be firing from the opposite side.
* The final shot of the satellite fires parallel to Raf's house. To do this, the satellite would have to be in position below the equator. When it fires, it is shown to be above North America, and burns up in the skies above Jasper not long after. In addition, the beam is constant, even though it should be changing position with the satellite.
* Cylas can talk after being zapped with the energon prod, a phenomenon that didn't appear on other robots such as Optimus Prime. This may not be an error, as the human 'Silas' inside 'Breakdown' might not have been electrocuted.

===Continuity notes===
* The base in which Silas is revived is the same one used in "[[Operation Bumblebee, Part 2]]".
* The place in which Cylas, Bulkhead and Smokescreen fight is the same place Arcee and Bumblebee engaged the Vehicons back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 1]]".
* MECH was preparing to save Silas using Breakdown's corpse at the end of "[[Nemesis Prime (episode)|Nemesis Prime]]".
* Silas refers to his merger with Breakdown's corpse as "the perfect meld of man and machine", the same line he used to describe [[Nemesis Prime (Prime)|Nemesis Prime]] in its eponymous episode.
* Smokescreen offers Bulkhead the use of the Apex Armor, which he took from Starscream in the [[New Recruit|previous episode]]. Bulkhead's resentment of the newbie also started in that episode, but he seems to have resolved it by this one's end.
* Bulkhead uses the [[Cybertronian sport#Lobbing|lobbing]] ball from "[[Con Job]]" as a medicine ball.
* After taking crippling injuries in "[[Toxicity]]", Bulkhead is finally well enough to go out in the field. He's far from 100%, but he can put up a fight.
* Knock Out references the events of "[[Operation: Breakdown]]" and wants vengeance for it.
* Project Damocles, and Silas' role in it, was first mentioned in "[[Grill]]".
* Before fighting Bulkhead, Cylas states that the former will never again interfere with his operations, which references "Operation: Breakdown".
* Soundwave displays the picture he took of Jack, Miko, and Raf back in "[[Darkness Rising, Part 5]]".

===Transformers references===
* This isn't the [[Autobot Spike|first time]] a human mind was placed in a robot body to preserve it.
* Nor is this the [[Novo|first MECH operative]] who would control a mechanical body.
* Nor is it the [[Attack from Outer Space|first time]] the Decepticons attempted to target Autobots from space.

===Real-world references===
* The surging electricity and twitching hand during Silas' revival reflects toward the animation of [[Frankenstein's monster]].
* The missing-eye appearance on Breakdown's face resembles that of the ''Terminator''.
* Cylas' request of "take me to your leader" is a stereotypical phrase used in early sci-fi movies involving aliens arriving to Earth from another world.

===Trivia===
* This is the first episode of a non-Japanese ''Transformers'' cartoon to depict the killing of a human. There was a heavily ''implied'' death back in "Darkness Rising, Part 5", but here... well, even though we didn't directly witness it... it's pretty aggressively obvious that Cylas is murdering his old crew. In addition, considering the wreckage seen when Knock Out and the Vehicons arrive at the Damocles storage base and the fact there wasn't even time to alert the Autobots, things don't look good for the soldiers on that base.
* Aww, Knock Out is willing to avenge Breakdown.
* We learn Raf's full name in this episode.
* The satellite's name, Damocles, refers to the ancient anecdote referred to as "[[wikipedia:Damocles|the Sword of Damocles]]".
* One of Silas' biological eyes appears to be permanently dilated. Not only does it match Breakdown's missing-eye look, a permanently dilated pupil can also be a sign of serious cranial injury.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Human Factor}}
[[Category:Prime episodes]]