Genetronic Translink System
The GT System is a plot device from the Generation 1 continuity family.
The GT (Genetronic Translink) System is a device that allows a singular spark or laser-core to simultaneously control many duplicate bodies. Conceived of by Chip Chase during the Binaltech project, the principle was to place an Autobot's spark in subspace where it could access translink ports back to the real world, connecting to multiple Transformer bodies at once. This technology was used in different ways by several Autobots.
- Smokescreen was the first Autobot inputed with a GT system. He became capable of operating in up to four different bodies at once. Used sparingly, each of his bodies would gain new memories and experiences while active, and later download and consolidate these experiences into a single history.
- Jazz was given a GT system, but used it solely in conjunction with only one other Binaltech body. Nicknamed "Zoom-Zoom", this body was given its own AI in addition to being connected with Jazz, allowing it to function with varying degrees of skill even when Jazz is not "possessing" it.
- Wheeljack adapted the GT system to govern three unique bodies for himself. He maintained his original Autobot body, but installed a translink receiver in it so that he could also function in a second Binaltech upgraded form. These bodies were known as his "Alpha Unit" and "Beta Unit" bodies, with a third "Omega Unit" shrouded in secrecy. Wheeljack engineered this version of the process after learning of his own impending doom from the time-traveling Ravage. He believed this "Body Shop Project" could simultaneously preserve the timestream and save himself and the other Autobots fated to die.
- Prowl had a single back-up body known as the BT-15 GHS unit (Generic Host Shell). Not only could Prowl command the GHS, but it was also open to translinks from other Binaltech Autobots, enabling them to summon it as an emergency duplicate if necessary.
- Skids employed the GT system in a different way. Instead of using multiple copies of himself, he used the translink as an emergency escape system, allowing him to subspatially "beam out" of his body if substantially injured, and take over a new Binaltech body held in reserve at a secure location.
Early testing had demonstrated the possibility of personality problems and mental instability if the GT system was overused, but no official cases were ever disclosed.