The Autobots continue to work for NEST, now no longer in secret. But after discovering a strange artifact during a mission in Chernobyl, it becomes apparent to Optimus Prime that the United States government has been less than forthright with them.

For the last thirteen years AJ has been behind bars, convicted of manslaughter for killing a man who intended to kill his best friend, Jack. Now released, AJ wants nothing more than to start a small business and live a crime-free life. Unfortunately, within hours of leaving prison, his oldest and best friend, Jack involves AJ in an accidental shooting in which a man is killed, forcing Jack to skip town.