The Maximals are preparing to place out a Predacon detection system, but Optimus postpones it due to a fierce storm. Cheetor is however again out to prove himself, and starts setting it up anyway - ignoring the storm until a freak lighting somehow transports him into the Predacon base.

Scorponok infects Optimus with a virus supposed to make him a coward, but it turns him into a battle-crazed berserker instead. Filled with fury, Optimus attacks the Predacon base alone.

Cheetor discovers a huge stasis pod, containing Protoform X - a failed Maximal experiment that created an indestructible spark but drove it insane in the process. When Predacons arrive, a fight breaks out over it, setting off an energon storm that leaves Blackarachnia and Silverbolt together damaged, having to fend for themselves - While Protoform X awakens, looking for a victim...

Using a newly discovered blank protoform, and his part of Rampage's spark, Megatron creates a clone of Dinobot incorporating his enhanced transmetal 2 technology. Discovering the experiment, Cheetor and Depthcharge try to destroy the equipment, but it is activated during the fight and blows up - the cat getting caught in the blast.