"Transformation cog malfunction," Baelheit answers, noting with pleasure Newt's rapt attention. He likes it best when Newt is focused. "The organ that facilitates their ability to change shape. He was modelocked -- stuck in his vehicle mode, unable to revert to his main form, as a result of a skirmish he had been in. He allowed me to examine him, to diagnose the problem, even operate on him -- all in exchange for some very valuable information."

Baelheit taps the datapad in front of him again, bringing up just a portion of the synth-en formula -- what will fit on the screen, anyway. "An unfinished formula -- one which Dr. Frost and I were able to complete ourselves, and to great benefit at that...it is the key to producing a synthetic version of energon, their native fuel, one we now have at our disposal. This formula, and the data I've collected from Starscream since, has led to the genesis of a new generation of cybernetic prototypes at Mintaka."