Alpha Trion

Alpha Trion is a fictional character in the Transformers franchise. Alpha Trion is one of the Thirteen Original Primes, thus all his portrayals are considered to be the same individual. He is generally depicted as an ancient mechanoid with a link to Optimus Prime. Alpha Trion first appeared in the 1984 animated Transformers series as the titular character in the episode "The Search for Alpha Trion" (1985) where he was the father-figure for Optimus Prime.^[1]

Versions of Alpha Trion have since appeared in nearly all retellings of the Transformers, even going so far as being added in to the series Robots in Disguise when he was imported from Japan as a dub of the animated Car Robots.^[2] Hasbro has registered the name Alpha Trion for Trademark in the U.S.^[3] Alpha Trion's status as one of the Thirteen is a retroactive alteration to the character's history, as the Thirteen Primes are a later concept developed in the Transformers franchise, and as such the concept was not referenced in the Generation One continuities. He is, however, depicted as having existed since nearly the beginnings of Cybertron's existence. He is one of the few Transformers depicted to visibly age, both in terms of physical appearance and in the sound of his voice, something that is largely untrue of the majority of Transformers, who seem to be ageless.

Alpha Trion is a self-sacrificing character in the Transformers story.^[4]

Cartoons

The Transformers

In The Transformers, Alpha Trion is "a first generation product of Vector Sigma." He is the appointed guardian of Cybertron.^[5] Once known as A-3, he spearheaded the rebellion against the Quintessons, turning their 'slave brand' into a symbol of freedom. Due to an attempt by the Quintessons in the year 2006 to alter history, A-3 was temporarily transported to the future, while a group of Autobots travelled back to his time and helped in the pre-arranged attack on the Quintesson city. At first, A-3 thought the future Transformers were Quintesson slaves until the Autobots saved his life. A-3 returned in time to activate the Coda Remote device hidden within his Autobot symbol, deactivating the Quintessons' Dark Guardians and turning the tide of the war. Eventually, the Quintessons were forced off the planet, and an age of peace began.^[6]

The consumer goods robots renamed themselves the Autobots, but the military hardware robots redubbed themselves Decepticons, and, lusting for power, began a civil war.

The Decepticons killed the current Autobot leader, and Alpha Trion gained possession of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership, hiding it away until the next leader emerged. When Megatron attacked an energy warehouse, fatally injuring several young Autobots, including one named Orion Pax, the time-displaced Aerialbots searched for help - and they found Alpha Trion. He had been working on a way to rebuild Autobots into configurations truly designed for battle, and was convinced to first employ it on Pax, who was rebuilt into Optimus Prime, to whom Alpha Trion gave the Matrix.^[7] He also rebuilt Pax's girlfriend, Ariel, into Elita One.^[8]

Over the course of the next four million years, after Optimus Prime, Megatron, and their troops were lost on Earth, Alpha Trion acted as a guide to Elita One's guerilla team of female Autobots. In the Earth year 1985, Elita One was captured by the Decepticons to lure Optimus Prime into a trap, but expended all her energy using her stasis powers to save Prime from death by acid. Knowing that only Alpha Trion could save her, Prime searched for the ancient Autobot, who knew that only Optimus's power supply could properly interface with Elita's. It became apparent that even though Trion remembered his hand in Prime's creation, Prime himself lacked that knowledge.^[9]

Later, the Decepticons attack Alpha Trion's workshop in search of the Key to Vector Sigma. Successfully obtaining it, Megatron uses Vector Sigma to give life to his Stunticons as Trion leads the Autobots into the depths of Cybertron. At Prime's suggestion, several Cybertronian shuttle craft are rebuilt to resemble Earth jets, to be used as a new team to combat the Stunticons. Without the key, Vector Sigma could not be activated, and so Alpha Trion sacrificed himself to activate Vector Sigma and give life to these jets - the Aerialbots. Trion merged with Vector Sigma, but also apparently coexisted both within the computer to inform Optimus of the key's destructive power on Earth. In The Return of Optimus Prime part 2 when the newly brought back to life Optimus Prime travels within the Matrix to find a cure for the hate-plague, the first Autobot he encounters is Alpha Trion (who appeared in different colors than he was in earlier episodes of the cartoon). Alpha Trion asks Prime why he has returned. Prime responds that it is to find a cure for the hate-plague. Alpha says he knows of none, soPrime travels further back. This suggests that Alpha Trion exists in both the Matrix and Vector Sigma at the same time.

In 2007, Optimus Prime reactivated Vector Sigma with the Matrix's shell, and consulted Alpha Trion on the Plasma Energy Chamber, the key to which had become the centre of a battle. Alpha Trion told Prime that Vector Sigma itself had allowed Galvatron to learn of the key, as it would be instrumental in restoring the Golden Age of Cybertron.

Transformers: Headmasters

In the Japanese Headmasters series, Alpha Trion's ghost appeared to Optimus Prime as he was fighting his way through Cybertron's underground defences, in order to reach Vector Sigma, which had grown unstable. Prime was without the Matrix, however, having used all its energy to stop the Hate Plague. Alpha Trion then recharged it, turning Hot Rod back into Rodimus Prime, but Prime still had to sacrifice himself by merging with Vector Sigma to stabilize it.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

In 2001 TV series Transformers: Robots in Disguise, a subtle nod is given to Alpha Trion's status when Optimus Prime mentions that both he and his brother Ultra Magnus were created by Alpha Trion.

Transformers: Animated

Alpha Trion appears in Transformers: Animated'. According to Derrick J. Wyatt, Alpha Trion is the head of all the civilian guilds that make up the non-military portion of the Autobot High Council.^[10]

He first appears in the season three episode "Transwarped" where he is among the leaders of Cybertron under Ultra Magnus.

He next appears in "Decepticon Air", unsuccessfully attempting to convince Sentinel Prime not to take command in the wake of Shockwave's attack on Ultra Magnus.

During the episode "This Is Why I Hate Machines", Alpha Trion disagrees with Sentinel Prime's request to destroy Omega Supreme, and how his tyrannical rule as the new Magnus has affected Cybertron. Alpha Trion makes it clear the heroes of the day are Ratchet and Captain Fanzone, and openly states that if he could, he would remove Sentinel from office.

Transformers: Prime

Alpha Trion appears in Transformers: Prime episode "One Shall Rise, Part 1". He is one of the Thirteen Primes who defeated Unicron.

In "New Recruit", it was revealed that Alpha Trion was Optimus Prime's mentor. Also, the Autobot Smokescreen guarded Alpha Trion at the Vault of Iacon. When asked by Optimus Prime about what happened to Alpha Trion when the Decepticons attacked the Vault of Iacon, Smokescreen stated that he doesn't know what happened to Alpha Trion. There is also a reference that Alpha Trion had petitioned Halogen and the High Council to make Orion Pax into a Prime.

At the end of "Legacy", Optimus Prime holds up the Star Saber and states that he is receiving a message from Alpha Trion.

In "Alpha: Omega", Alpha Trion, via a mental link from the past of Cybertron, tells Optimus Prime that Iacon cannot withstand the next Decepticon attack and that he transported the Iacon relics to Earth not just to keep them out of Megatron's hands, but more to ensure that they reached Optimus Prime's. Alpha Trion tells Optimus Prime that the Covenant of Primus tells him about the future, but not what the outcome will be. Alpha Trion then tells Optimus Prime that he will launch the most powerful and significant artifacts called the Omega Keys to Earth which are needed to regenerate Cybertron.

In "Rebellion", Alpha Trion appears as a vision before Optimus Prime as the latter begins to die. Alpha Trion beckons him to join with the Allspark, saying the Matrix of Leadership will choose a new leader when he is gone. However, before he can decide, Smokescreen uses the remaining energy in the Forge of Solus Prime to repair Optimus, saving him from death. This scene may also infer that Alpha Trion is indeed deceased and one with the Allspark.

In Predacons Rising, Optimus Prime reveals that Alpha Trion created an indestructible reliquary that he used to extract the AllSpark from Cybertron's core in order to launch it into space. Optimus retrieves this reliquary and, after taking the AllSpark's energies into the Matrix of Leadership, uses it to trap Unicron's Anti-Spark.

Publishings

3H Enterprises

In Transformers: Universe Alpha Trion is revived to help Primal Prime and the Wreckers.^[11]

Devil's Due Publishing

In the third volume of the Devil's due G.I. Joe vs the Transformers comics the android Serpentor downloads information on the history of Cybertron from Soundwave. Mentioned among that information is Alpha Trion.

Dreamwave Productions

Alpha Trion appeared as a prisoner of Shockwave in Dreamwave's Generation 1 comics. This series ended before this story could be concluded with Dreamwave going out of business.

Alpha Trion appears in the Transformers: Energon comic series by Dreamwave Productions. In Transformers: Energon #19, Alpha Trion gives Optimus Prime a vision of Unicron.

Alpha Trion is one of the characters who were going to get a biography in the Transformers: Energon More Than Meets The Eye series by Dreamwave comics, but with the closing of the company the book was never released. Artwork for this biography page was displayed at TransformerCon 2005 in Toronto, Canada.

IDW Publishing

Alpha Trion made his first appearance in IDW Publishing during Fastback and Bumper's funeral.

Fun Publications

Alpha Trion appears in the Transformers: Cybertron comic produced by Fun Publications. He leads the fight against Unicron in this continuity, summoning the mighty Vector Prime with news of the escape of Nemesis Prime and Ramjet, who were intent of resurrecting their master. It is he who suggests that they use the instabilities created by Unicron's death to find an ally - Sentinel Maximus, and bring him to the Cybertron universe. However, the two Heralds of Unicron chose that moment to attack, and Alpha Trion is badly wounded.

Placed in a CR tank by the two champions of Primus, it is hoped he would recover. The two evil warriors had another trick up their sleeves - Dark Scorponok, resurrected after his death at the hands of Megatron in the Energon comics, as a zombie-like creature that can drain the energy of others. Ramjet unleashes him on the chamber, hoping to kill Alpha Trion for good. The maddened creature is only defeated by the bravery of Sentinel Maximus and the autoguns controlled by the Mini-Con Over-Run, and Alpha Trion survives.

Shattered Glass

Timelines Alpha Trion.

A mirror universe reflection of Generation 1 Alpha Trion appears in the Shattered Glass universe by Fun Publications. Alpha Trion is an ancient mech who seeks to unite Cybertron under his rule. His troops include many Autobots and Decepticons.

In Transcendent Breakaway, Landquake and Skyfall arrive on a parallel Transtech Cybertron, in the city of Axiom Nexus. They are greeted by that world's Cheetor and Silverbolt, and are worried that Cliffjumper has gone missing. The arrivals are told that they are among many to arrive on this world and are brought to "processing." After processing the three Autobots are greeted by the ancient Autobot Alpha Trion and taught in the ways of outworlders in Axiom Nexus. Breakaway is then abducted by Transtech Shockwave. When Alpha Trion's forces raid the lab to free Skyfall with Breakaway and Landquake, they are opposed by Transtechs led by Megatron. Trion's group escape to another dimension, but not before he stabs Skyfall in the back.

In Reunification the escapees arrive at Alpha Trion's lab, where they are joined by several Autobots and Decepticons from his home world that are loyal to him. Alpha Trion then kills the Autobot Downshift, who had discovered their lair. Although Alpha Trion claims that Skyfall was shot in the escape by the Transtechs, Breakaway notices that the wound was caused by a blade like Alpha Trion's. Alpha Trion then orders his forces that Breakway, Landquake and Topspin must be restrained. The three make an escape, taking the body of Skyfall with them. When Rodimus' agents fail in an attempt to kill Optimus Prime, Alpha Trion attempts to finish the job with the aid of Sky Lynx and Nightscream. Optimus then has Omega Doom shoot Alpha Trion.

Alpha Trion appears in a flashback in The Coming Storm.^[12]

Cyber Missions

Alpha Trion is mentioned by Optimus Prime as the Great Autobot Historian who preserves Vector Sigma.

Novels

Alpha Trion is the narrative voice in Transformers: The Covenant of Primus, which recounts Cybertron's history from his viewpoint. His narrative includes the birth of the Transformer race followed by Primus's slumber, the defeat of Unicron, the population of Cybertron, and the conflict with the Quintessons.

Alpha Trion appears in Transformers: Exodus, where he is an archivist and one of the Thirteen Primes. He is also the teacher and mentor of Orion Pax/Optimus Prime. Wielder of the Quill, he chronicles the history of Cybertron in the Covenant of Primus, which also contains vague information concerning Cybertron's future. At the time that the Decepticon movement is taking shape, Alpha Trion is at odds with current Autobot leader Sentinel Prime, who ignores Alpha Trion's warnings. When Orion Pax begins communicating with Megatron, Alpha Trion guides him and later recommends that the High Council of Cybertron name him the next Prime following Sentinel's disappearance. He continues to serve as Optimus' adviser throughout the fighting on Cybertron, and elects to remain on the planet after helping build the Ark. It is only as he is about to depart that Optimus learns of Alpha Trion's true identity as one of the Thirteen.

Alpha Trion reappears during Transformers: Exiles, chronicling events occurring on Cybertron during Optimus's absence, and eventually aids in sending a Transformer to Optimus's forces via an improvised one-way spacebridge. This Transformer carries with him a relic of Cybertron's past and is later revealed to be part of Nexus Prime, another of the original Thirteen, whose true nature was hidden even from Alpha Trion, though he remarks that he feels there is a great destiny ahead for this particular Transformer. He is also preoccupied with thoughts of the artifacts of the Thirteen, and by Shockwave's continued encroachments.

Transformers: Retribution finds Alpha Trion a prisoner of Shockwave, who attempts to use him as an alternate means of accessing Vector Sigma (similar to what Alpha Trion himself did in the original cartoon series). However, his efforts open the way for a Quintesson invasion of Cybertron, and Alpha Trion is subsequently rescued by the Wreckers. Determined to stop the Quintessons from gaining any more power, Alpha Trion prepares to destroy the Iacon Hall of Records, only to be confronted by Shockwave over his act of launching many of Cybertron's sacred artifacts to Earth (setting up the plot of Transformers: Prime season 2). The unexpected route of the Quintesson invasion leads to Alpha Trion and the Wreckers' escape, with Alpha Trion commenting on visions of Earth, the planet that he sent the relics to and which he believes Optimus Prime and Megatron will eventually reach.

Toys

• Universe Deluxe Alpha Trion (unreleased)

There were plans to create a Transformers: Universe Botcon-exclusive toy called Alpha Trion who was a repaint of Beast Machines Snarl. Prototypes of this item were painted and shown on the Internet, but this item was never made. An original hand painted sample of this figure appeared on eBay in December of 2008 and fetched over $700 in bids.^[13]

• Timelines Voyager Alpha Trion with Beta Maxx (2007)

There is a 2007 BotCon-exclusive repaint of Vector Prime that has a unique head mold that is shaped like the original Alpha Trion's. This repaint even comes with Beta Maxx, a repaint of Safeguard, with "A3" having a mainly purple paintjob with red, pink, and white highlights, and Beta Maxx being purple with some white and yellow. The sword of Alpha Trion is Purple as well. He came together with Timelines Weirdwolf. They were limited to only 1400 produced. After being sold at BotCon a limited number of Alpha Trion and Weirdwolf sets were sold on the Transformers Collectors Club web site.^[14]

References

General

• Furman, Simon (2004). Transformers: The Ultimate Guide. DK Publishing Inc. p. 36. ISBN 1-4053-0461-8. 

External links

• Alpha Trion at the Transformers Wiki