Having acquired Optimus Prime's mind on a disc, the Autobots on the Steelhaven were attempting to build a new body for the Autobot leader, and failing. Realizing they didn't have the resources to rebuild Prime, they approached Grimlock, leader of the Autobots on Earth. Grimlock didn't want to help, and instead demanded Fortress Maximus hand over the fugitive Goldbug. Once he had Goldbug, he challenged Fortress Maximus to one-on-one battle for the leadership of the Autobots under the Code of Combat.