Transformers: Prime/Recap/S1/E10 Deus Ex Machina

Miko is failing to enjoy some detention when Bulkhead hauls up outside the school, blaring loud music. She takes advantage of an inattentive teacher to sneak out and join her Autobot buddy, who's obliged to act as her getaway car when a teacher approaches. They head for the Autobot base while Bulkhead tries to explain to Miko that she'll never get into college if she flunks out. At the base, Ratchet reports that he's found an Energon pulse in Greece.

Meanwhile, Knock Out has finally arrived on the Nemesis, which took some time as he had to drive (something Starscream disdains). Knock Out assumes he's been brought to provide Megatron with a laboratory assist, when Starscream takes him to the Decepticon leader's sick bed.

Bulkhead and Miko arrive at an excavation site in Greece, but to her disappointment, his intention in bringing her along was to give her a chance to complete research for her history report. Bulkhead says the humans have hit an Energon vein, but then he spots something Cybertronian in an ancient fresco among the ruins.

Meanwhile, on the Nemesis, Starscream explains Megatron's condition to Knock Out. While Starscream was content to let nature take its course with Megatron, the crew of the Nemesis took a vote and decided to bring in a specialist. Knock Out says things would be easier with his assistant, but Breakdown is on the trail of some Energon.

In Greece, Bulkhead identifies the object in the fresco as an Energon Harvester, but as Miko snaps a picture, they're interrupted by the arrival of Breakdown. Wondering if Bulkhead's new pet plays fetch, Breakdown throws a huge pillar at Miko. Bulkhead intercepts the pillar and is tackled by Breakdown, who slams him into the fresco, shattering it. The Decepticon races off, but Miko shows Bulkhead the image she snapped of the fresco.

Back at the Autobot base, Optimus Prime confirms that the depicted device is an Energon Harvester. The Autobots are relieved that the fresco was broken, as they think it means the Decepticons won't be able to find the Harvester, but Raf points out that there are photos of the thing online, as the actual Harvester is held in a museum as part of a Greek statue. The Autobots try to contact Agent Fowler for help, but he's away on a training retreat. Optimus says they'll have to obtain the Harvester themselves, and Miko volunteers the kids to help.

Soundwave has found the same photo using Breakdown's description of the Harvester, and Starscream says Megatron's revival will have to wait.

The Autobots move into position around the museum before the kids move in via Ground Bridge on a motorized scissor lift. Miko deals with a security camera by taking a picture of the Harvester and balancing her phone on top of the camera. While they move towards the statue holding the Harvester, Optimus has an encounter outside with Knock Out and Breakdown, the latter of whom fires a missile at the museum. Optimus manages to catch the missile, but Knock Out shocks him with an Energon staff. Breakdown barrels towards the museum entrance, with Bumblebee and Arcee failing to stop him. Bulkhead joins the fight as well, but the disturbance sets off the museum's alarms, alerting the security guard. The kids finally manage to get the Harvester onto their lift platform and head for the exit. Miko, scouting ahead on foot, is caught by the security guard, who whisks her away. Raf and Jack run toward a half-open loading ramp door, expecting Arcee, but instead it's Soundwave; he grabs the Harvester and departs. Knock Out and Breakdown spot him leaving and make their getaway as well. Meanwhile, Miko attempts to spin a yarn to the security guard about how she got locked in the museum while conducting research for her history report.

Believing that Starscream will attempt to use the Harvester to gather Energon as quickly as possible, Optimus, Bumblebee and Arcee move out in an attempt to intercept them. Ratchet works on a replica Harvester to return to the museum in place of the stolen one, while Bulkhead realizes that the Decepticons might be intending to go after the Energon seam in Greece.

Indeed, Starscream, Knock Out and Breakdown are at the excavation site. When the other two Decepticons attempt to correct him on who's to thank for the Harvester, Starscream demonstrates the device's effectiveness on a hapless Vehicon, and the pair are suddenly a lot more submissive. While Starscream starts tapping the Energon seam, Bulkhead attempts to sneak up behind the Decepticons but clumsily lets them know he's there. He manages to deal with Knock Out and Breakdown until Starscream turns the Harvester on him. Struggling to stay upright, Bulkhead reaches Starscream, smashes the 'Con in the face, and breaks the Harvester. He throws the device into the sky, where it explodes. The Decepticons are about to move in and finish the weakened Bulkhead when the rest of the Autobots arrive and chase them off.

Miko is starting to run out of Greek history to bore the museum security guard with when Fowler turns up to collect her. The guard is surprised when Fowler points out the replica Harvester in place on the statue. Outside, Miko is reunited with Bulkhead and tells him all about how she's going to write her report on how the Autobots interacted with ancient Greece.

Tropes:
"Fowler's Voicemail: You have reached Special Agent William Fowler. I'm currently on an intensive training retreat... Ratchet: I hate talking to machines."
 * Establishing Character Moment: Knock Out's first appearance highlights his vanity and he even approaches Optimus while wolf-whistling and complimenting the customization of his vehicle.
 * Ho Yay: Knock Out wolf-whistles at Optimus and compliments his body work.
 * Hypocritical Humor:


 * Imported Alien Phlebotinum: The Energon Harvester, which is mistaken for an ancient Greek artifact.
 * Police Are Useless: Despite having a lead of several hours, they don't make it before Agent Fowler does.