“ | But the world in which we live is a different one than previously imagined. One which has spawned its own Decepticons... in human skin. | „ |
~ Optimus Prime's reflection on their first encounter with MECH. |
M.E.C.H. is the secondary antagonistic organization of the Transformers Prime series. Its ultimate goal is to create a new world order with the "most radical" technology they can possess or steal. Upon discovering cybernetic life on Earth, MECH developed a new obsession to study the secrets behind Cybertronian life and harness their technology. Optimus Prime calls them Earth's own Decepticons in human skin. It is unknown as of now exactly what M.E.C.H. stands for, if anything.
The highest ranking officer seen so far is a man named Silas, the ex Special Tactics Colonel Leland Bishop. It is unknown if he is the leader or just high ranking. All other members were suspected by Agent Fowler to be former or current Special Tactics soldiers.
History[]
First impressions[]
MECH first appeared in the episode entitled "Convoy" where they attempted to steal the Dynamic Nuclear Generator System, D.N.G.S, to use as a WMD. In order to do so, they attacked Agent Fowler by shooting down his plane and forcing him to escort the DNGS via a convoy, which unknown to them was comprised of Autobots. When the Autobots transformed to fend off a Decepticon Trooper attack, Silas was intrigued by the discovery of living machines. MECH continued pursuit of the DNGS when it was relocated onto a train. The Autobots' allies Jack and Miko resecured the DNGS from MECH, displeased, Silas attempted to detonate the DNGS by shooting out the train tracks. However his attempt was stopped by Optimus Prime. Despite losing their opportunity to capture the generator, MECH had a new goal of studying these new mechanical lifeforms and secretly scanned Optimus Prime.
They later appeared in "Operation Breakdown". MECH interrupted a battle between Bulkhead and Breakdown. Though MECH only had the resources to capture one of them, so they chose the Decepticon and start dissecting him beginning with his right optic. Despite their differences, the Autobots recognized the threat MECH posed to all Cybertronian life and attempted to rescue Breakdown before MECH could learn much about their species. Eventually Bulkhead arrives to rescue Breakdown and destroys the lab. MECH attempted to recapture Breakdown, however their forces were overwhelmed by a wave of Decepticons. Begrudgingly, Silas once again ordered a retreat. Despite losing Breakdown, Silas claims that they have enough data to go forward with "Project Chimera".
They were seen again in the next episode called "Crisscross". Silas and a group of men fell for a trap set by Airachnid. Airachnid debated killing them for what they did to Breakdown, however, she instead makes a deal with them. If they help her capture Jack and Arcee, she will let them live and they can have whatever is left of Arcee when Airachnid is done with her. MECH scans camera footage from Airachnid’s ship and manages to fully identify Jack. They then go on to capture Jack's mother, June Darby as leverage. When Jack arrives on Arcee to save her, Arcee is restrained by Airachnid and then stunned by MECH soldiers. Airachnid gives Jack a sporting chance to rescue his mother by midnight. When midnight arrives Airachnid moves in to kill the humans. During this time, Silas suspects Airachnid’s disloyal nature, and orders the soldiers to dissect Arcee's heart. Undenounced to them, Arcee awoke prematurely from the stun and faked still being unconscious. When they removed her restraints, Arcee attacked the MECH soldiers and escaped to help Jack. Furthermore, Jack secretly stole Silas’ radio and alerted Agent Fowler to their location. Fowler and a small army arrive to stop Airachnid and forces MECH to retreat before they can get any part of Arcee. However Silas does catch a glimpse of Airachnid scanning a vehicle mode which Silas finds interesting.
Project Chimera[]
MECH reappears in Season 2 in "Operation: Bumblebee, Part 1" where they set up a trap for Cybertronians using a fake signal. The trap works and lures in Bumblebee. MECH stunned Bee and began dissecting him, all the while, Starscream observed this group from a far. Just before Bulkhead could arrive, MECH stole Bumblebee's T-Cog, an organ that allows Cybertronians to transform. MECH implanted the T-Cog inside a prototype robot and initiated a beta test. Initially the robot was functioning and scanned a vehicle mode, but failed to transform into it and subsequently powered-down. Starscream laughed at MECH's attempt before revealing his presence. MECH held Starscream at gun-point and questioned his intentions. Starscream proposed an alliance with MECH, he offered them information on Cybertronian biology if they stood down. Curious, Silas ordered his men to stand-down as Starscream revealed that the T-Cog requires Energon. Starscream continued, and explained that Energon is the fuel, ammunition, and life-blood for all Cybertronians. In return for his information, Starscream requested MECH use its resources to locate Energon sources for them both to share. Silas was determined to build an army with the Energon, and agreed.
MECH and Starscream partnered in "Operation: Bumblebee, Part 2". MECH managed to locate an Energon source while Starscream gleefully commented on the potential their alliance posed to their enemies. Though Silas and MECH ignored the former Decepticon, instead being mesmerized by the Energon they discovered. With the Energon fueling their prototype robot, MECH and Starscream attempted to conduct another transformation test. However, they were ambushed by Bumblebee, determined to reclaim his stolen organ. Bumblebee viciously attacked the MECH soldiers and ripped his T-Cog out of the prototype. With very little they could do against the Autobot, Silas ordered MECH to retreat and for Starscream to rendezvous with them after he secured the T-Cog. After the fight, when Starscream rendezvoused with MECH, Silas demanded the T-Cog. Starscream explained it was damaged in battle, earning a scowl from the leader. Starscream promised that they would retrieve a new one "soon enough". However, an impatient Silas refused to wait any longer. Silas then signaled to his men as MECH soldiers surrounded Starscream with their weapons charging up. Starscream screamed in pain as MECH stole his T-Cog and left him behind.
MECH made a very brief cameo in "Crossfire" where they stumbled upon the remains of Breakdown's body after he was murdered by Airachnid. They stole Breakdown's body with the intent to use it in one of their future projects.
In "Nemesis Prime", with Starscream's T-Cog and an Energon supply, MECH creates a robot clone that resembles Optimus Prime, albeit with muted colors and a rusty appearance, later nicknamed "Nemesis Prime" by Miko. Silas controls Nemesis remotely from an undisclosed base to commit their crimes from a far. MECH would use Nemesis to frame Optimus for various crimes they committed, sow distrust among the Autobots, and manipulate human trust in the Autobots. Those attacks being: An assassination attempt on Agent Fowler by running him off the road, concussing Arcee, and an attack on a military base (most likely killing dozens of soldiers in the process). However, as Ratchet pointed out: MECH may have mastered Cybertronian biology, but they did not possess their technology, ie: teleportation. Eventually, the Autobots were able to follow Nemesis Prime to the MECH base. There, Silas used Nemesis to attack the Autobots from a safe distance. Nemesis engaged Optimus in combat, where Nemesis overpowered Optimus due to possessing Silas' advanced combat training and a lack of pain. Nemesis stood over the weakened Optimus, where Silas explained through Nemesis MECH's plans for creating an army of Transformers. However, MECH's base was infiltrated by Agent Fowler, who attacked Silas directly in hand-to-hand combat. Despite MECH overwhelming Fowler, Fowler succeeded in distracting Silas long enough for Optimus to recover. Optimus reengaged Nemesis Prime and destroyed the clone by dropping it through the roof of the building they were fighting on. The clone fell on top of Silas and his control console, crushing and critically wounding him beyond human medicine. Despite their robot's defeat, MECH and Silas' body disappeared once again. MECH had taken Silas' body to a another secret base where they planned to save Silas' life by fusing him the remains of the Decepticon, Breakdown.
Disbanded[]
MECH doesn't appear again until "The Human Factor" where they are shown fueling Breakdown's body with electricity and Energon. The body awakens and analyzes its surroundings as M.E.C.H. Surgeon greets Silas in his new body. The MECH Surgeon explains the process of fusing Silas with Breakdown's body. Silas is pleased with their actions and thanks them all for their efforts. However, Silas immediately recognizes his newfound "superiority" and declares them all unfit to be aligned with him. With his newfound powers, Silas would kill all his MECH Soldiers and go on to create his own plans.