During a major battle, Wheeljack had become trapped under some rubble in the middle of an inferno. Hot Shot could not free his friend, and left, promising to return with help. However, Hot Shot's unit commander and his subordinate refused to help Wheeljack, saying that the flames were too hot to enter. Hot Shot objected and attempted to run back in, only to be obstructed by his fellow soldier and struck down by his officer. The officer cited that they could not risk the unit to save only one 'bot.