#traachon

[askvectorprime]

Vector prime sir

How many transformers have the title "trion" or "magnus"? And are they specifically autobot ranks or are they usable for both factions?

Or is it just a word?

Dear Honorific Haver,

The terms "Magnus" and "Trion" predate the formation of the Autobot and Decepticon factions. "Magnus" was originally a special and rare military appellation given to valiant Iaconians after a successful campaign, and carries the meaning of "Cybertron's greatest warrior". "Prime", "Dion" and "Trion" were political ranks. With the outbreak of war, these ranks took on a martial rank as well. These led to formal titles such as "Traachon, Dion of the 5th Autobot Army at Tyger Pax". However, with the high casualty rate of the war, the titles fell into disuse.

Decepticons on the other hand explicitly disavowed themselves of these ranks, seeing them as evidence of Autobot pomp and decadence. Megatron himself had been known to say, "Your rank is only as large as your fusion cannon." Direct challenges to leadership were the norm, with the result that at any moment, there may be several Decepticons calling themselves "Lord" or "Emperor of Destruction"!

[askvectorprime]

Dear Vector Prime, If Optimus was never made a Prime, Who do you think would've been given the title of 'Prime'?

Dear Interrogative Interregnum,

Across the multiverse, it is a quirk of fate that Optimus Prime is destined to take on his title—whether he is canonized in the Covenant as the Thirteenth of my brethren at Cybertron’s forging, or comes to bear the Matrix of Leadership in the modern era. But there are no true axioms to our existence, and there exist timelines where the laws of causality have prohibited this outcome—as well as those where other mortals have sought to deny Optimus.

One comes to mind: during a resource-scarce period of discord, General Traachon proposed that he himself become Prime instead of Optimus. At the time, he was military commander of Iacon's forces and believed his simulations and projections were more valuable than Optimus's experience on the battlefield. Though Optimus Prime already possessed the Matrix, Traachon’s motion went so far as to annul the status of Prime retroactively—as Traachon was a former Matrix-bearer, it would become as though he had never passed it on in the first place! He suggested that, should his former rank be restored, he be named "Liberatus Prime", as he believed that he was liberating Cybertron from war by refusing to intervene in the Vos/Tarn conflict.

Much to Optimus and Xaaron's frustration, this audacious revisionist reform was considered, and for a few cycles the title of "Prime" was suspended entirely pending Council hearings. Xaaron spoke fiercely in opposition to the proposal, and his speech "On the Suboptimal Considerations of Traachon" would become one of the most iconic works of rhetoric in Cybertronian history, with the motion thusly failing to gain traction. Eventually, after a series of poor strategic decisions brought the Decepticon army to Iacon’s doorstep, Traachon had to wholly concede military control over to Optimus Prime.

[askvectorprime]

Dear, Vector Prime.

Who is this TF that looks like Optimus in blue chest and red limbs? He was among the Decepticons that attacked the Ark in Marvel TF #1.

Dear Insurgent Invader,

This poor spark is Omicron Magnus, a former low-ranking Autobot Councilmember who suffered from a combination of Primus apotheosis and hubris. He even chose a paintjob with bolder colors to draw attention away from Optimus. During the famous Xaaron/Traachon debate, Omicron argued that there was enough energon for the ruling classes at least, and wondered if perhaps a deal could be struck with Megatron in order to spare Iacon. Optimus Prime tossed an energon drink at Omicron, who scrambled to catch it, spilling it over the Council floor. As Omicron tried to scoop up the energon in vain, Optimus lectured him: "Look how precious this fuel is to you. You, who would bargain your privilege with evil! Never. Never surrender!" The other Council members began to chant "Never surrender!" in unison with Optimus, and Omicron left in disgrace, later tendering his resignation.

Desperately seeking power, he approached Ravage with details about the Autobots' Ark launch plans. Megatron took him in as light infantry, enjoying the mockery produced by the former Autobot's appearance. In fact, when Omicron led a raid onto the Ark, the moment of surprise was just enough of a distraction to overwhelm the Autobots on the Ark's hull. He met his end when Ironhide turned an asteroid Pathblaster on him and obliterated him with one shot.