Ratchet tests the Synthetic Energon formula obtained by Bulkhead from the Data Cylinder on various engines. Feeling the desire to take a more active role in the missions, he injects himself with the formula. At first the results are positive, with the formula greatly increasing Ratchet's strength, speed and agility. But before long, the formula starts to have negative effects on his personality.

Unicron awakens, threatening to destroy the planet Earth, which is revealed to have formed around his very body in prehistoric times. He rejects Megatron as his servant, and decides to take matters into his own hands to finally fell the last of the Primes, Optimus.