CONCEPTS

 

Byte and the other advanced technologies created by the Mantell Institute are powered by vertex energy. An elusive property, vertex energy is the driving force of evolution. It is the very essence of change, of adaptation, and of the forward march of progress. Deep within Byte is a well of vertex energy, more than can ever be found in nature, and it is this which not only gives him life (or at least, life-like artificial intelligence), but which grants him his incredible abilities.

 

The vertex energy within Byte is an untapped well of phenomenal potential. Through the use of Evolution Keys, he can evolve into new forms, making use of the vertex energy in different ways to gain a range of powers. The Evolution Keys are used with a spherical device known as the Vertex Core - when a Key is inserted and turned, the Vertex Core is activated and the energy within Byte is triggered, bringing on the necessary evolution. These forms are larger than Byte's base form, growing him from Lagosuchus size to that of a large dog.

 

Byte escapes the Mantell Institute with the Vertex Core and one of the Evolution Keys, while five more are scattered across the world. Luke comes to handle the Vertex Core and the Keys, while Byte establishes a remote connection to Henry's tablet, allowing him to be monitored in combat. The tablet connection is also used in the teleporting, or porting, necessary to travel the globe to find the Keys - Henry locks into specific coordinates and Byte triggers the porting.

 

The Evolution Keys used in season 1 are:

 

Tycano Key - based on Tyrannosaurus rex*, this Key grants Byte the Tycano form and elemental fire powers. Byte has this Key with him when he escapes the Mantell Institute.

Tricerquake Key - based on Triceratops horridus, this Key grants Byte the Tricerquake form and elemental earth powers.

Pteranado Key - based on Pteranodon longiceps, this Key grants Byte the Pteranado form and elemental wind powers.

Stegizzard Key - based on Stegosaurus stenops, this Key grants Byte the Stegizzard form and elemental ice powers.

Brontonami Key - based on Brontosaurus excelsus, this Key grants Byte the Brontonami form and elemental water powers.

Velocistorm Key - based on Velociraptor mongoliensis, this Key grants Byte the Velocistorm form and elemental lightning powers.

 

Each Evolution Key has its own colour, with a unique design on the head and the full species name engraved on the shaft. The species name is also announced by the Vertex Core in a robotic voice when the Key is turned.

 

More Evolution Keys shall appear as the series continues, granting new forms and new powers to Byte.

 

*There is currently debate as to whether or not Tyrannosaurus had feathers, and if so, to what extent (though likely not full-body). Should the decision be made to use feathers on Byte's Tycano form, these could possibly be made of fire. Relatedly, the Velocistorm form should have feather details.