TFE

Transporter and other Info

Copyright 2006, masterfwiffo. All rights reserved.

Transporter Technology

The basic need for Transporting technology came with the increased difficulty of warships to enter a planets atmosphere. Effective warships, by the very nature of their design, do not handle entering or leaving the atmosphere well. Shuttles provided a temporary, but ultimately inefficient solution. To solve the problems, both sides in the Autobot/Decepticon war began extensive research.

The Autobots delved deeply into 'space bridge' technology. Space Bridges are created by use of a warp hole, that instantly connects two points in space. Also called warp-gates, they allowed movements of large numbers of troops very fast, and very efficient- one warp gate could move hundreds. The range was particularly notable- one generator could connect point across the entirety of a small planet. But it had it's drawbacks. While the energy required to create one is small, it does take awhile for the warp-gate generator to recharge, making sending one or two bots on a lone mission ill-advisable. But the larger disadvantage was that anyone could use the warp gate- tactical retreats are made difficult due the willingness of the enemy to follow through the created space-bridge.

The Decepticons took an entirely different approach to the Transportation problem. Their ultimate solution, simply called Transporters, disassembled and reassembled matter from a single station to any point within a limited range. While the energy required is larger, Transportation beams work much, much faster, and transport with far more accuracy then their space-bridge counterparts. In addition, it is far, far harder for the enemy to follow during a retreat, as only objects connected through touch will transport with the primary target. The activation for the transporter is almost universally located in the Decepticon insignia all Decepticons are required to wear.

It is believed that still other forms of transporting exist, including rumored self-created warp gates that some have claimed to see with mysterious, shadowy figures that seem to creep up from time to time around the universe. But these instances are mostly regarded as myth.

Energon

Energon is a rare material found only in certain conditions. A highly radioactive, liquid form of Lithium, it can only be created in high temperatures and pressures existent in planet cores. The unique properties of Energon make is a solid energy container, often taking energy straight from the heat from which it was created. It becomes locked throughout the magma, and collects in pools. Deposits occasionally rise near the crust, where they can be drilled out. The energon is still locked within the magma, so it takes a complex filter to be able to draw the energon out into a stable form.

Energon is required by Transformers to live, and as an extension, to power their weapons (almost all power of which comes directly from their core systems). Several transformers have developed alternate ways of refueling, and energon substitutes are readily available. Energon substitutes require much energy to create, but can easily keep transformers alive with no ill effects. But when pure energon is consumed, the benefits are far greater- a Transformer can last a far longer time on pure energon then on any substitute.

Cybertron, the Transformer home-world, was the first planet where Energon was discovered, where the Transformers fed on it naturally. Unfortunately, with the escalation of the Autobot and Decepticon war, Energon reserves on Cybertron quickly dried up, and more sources were needed.

Most planets where Energon is discovered is quickly mined dry, either by the Autobots and Decepticons, or by the Quintessons. While the Quintessons have little use for the material, they do realize the profits that can be gained and quickly capitalize on any opportunity that presents itself.

Earth has one of the largest Energon deposits found in recent memory. The rumor of the amount found there lead Megatron to the planet. When word gets out of the resources available, the planet will become contested by all three of the major galactic powers.

-----