Ratchet is the only Autobot at NEST headquarters, and all of the human team members are asleep. He is firing his EMP blaster at a portable stereo in order to make adjustments, when he is contacted by Optimus Prime. Optimus notifies him that Lockdown is causing trouble in Mission City. Ratchet goes to confront the Decepticon.

Ratchet briefly chases Lockdown through the city until he is able to score a hit with his EMP blaster. They both transform and exchange words. Ratchet attempts to shoot Lockdown, but his EMP blaster malfunctions. Lockdown thrashes Ratchet with his hook, steals his EMP blaster, and gets away.