Laser scalpel

A laser scalpel is a Transformer surgical tool. It emits a variable laser beam that can be adjusted to cut or heat materials. It is not known what distinguishes laser scalpels from cyber-forceps; presumably the cutting mechanism used is preferable in some circumstances, though it may simply be an instance of Decepticon vs. Autobot technology.

Fiction

Marvel The Transformers comics

Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.

Ratchet had an assortment of laser scalpels, arc-welders, electron microscopes, electrical circuit sensors and fluid dispensers (both lubricating and super-cooled) at his disposal. Ratchet's Universe profile One laser scalpel was fitted into his right arm, which he could deploy into his palm or retract into his inner wrist. One time, he used it to roast wieners for a few humans. Soon after, he had to use it offensively alongside his cryogenic sprayer against Megatron, but couldn't so much as get a scratch in his armor. (Perhaps Decepticon surgeons start with a can opener?) Warrior School! The laser scalpel was more effective against the battle droid Guardian, as long as it was aimed at its weak spot on its neck. The Wrath of Guardian! It also worked pretty well against Shockwave's face. Distant Thunder!

About a year later, Ratchet used his laser scalpel during the operation that could restore Optimus Prime. It wouldn't be so, leaving Ratchet badly distraught. On First Aid's advice, Ratchet went to a car graveyard to collect replacement parts for other damaged Autobots, but ended up forced to act as a getaway car for two car thieves in order to keep his identity as a Transformer secret. To get rid of the cops following them, Ratchet used his laser scalpel on one of the police vehicles. Seeing as how one was busy driving and the other paralyzed with fear, Ratchet hoped the thieves didn't notice his aid. They did though, and the one named the Mechanic removed the laser scalpel along the cryogenic sprayer from Ratchet's interior.

To keep his cover, Ratchet did nothing until the thieves reached their garage, at which point he transformed and demanded his surgical instruments back. The Mechanic gave him a full dose of his cryogenic spray, then left the garage with his accomplice to follow the robot to his undoubtedly weapon-filled lair when he'd defrost. Funeral for a Friend!

Having gotten away with not only Ratchet's laser scalpel and cryogenic sprayer but also the power booster rod, the Mechanic had become a prime target for the Autobots. Using those tools to pull one amazing heist after another, the Mechanic also had become a prime target for the Portland Police Department. After picking up a signal from the power booster rod, Blaster and Goldbug were sent out to retrieve the weapons, but just before they could take them back, the police showed up and opened fire on them. The Mechanic and his accomplice made use of this by getting in the car, driving away and freezing the road behind them.

Despite that the police and Autobots decided to work together and managed to arrest the Mechanic's criminal circle, he himself got away with the tools. Mechanical Difficulties! The laser scalpel was never seen again, but presumably the Mechanic, if he was never apprehended, kept it.

Dreamwave Generation One continuity

First Aid had variable-level laser generators built into each of his fingers which he could use as laser scalpels for precision surgery or to fire concentrated laser blasts from his fists. First Aid's More than Meets the Eye profile Fixit carried an array of repair tools including laser-scalpels, welders, and circuitry repair patches. Fixit's More than Meets the Eye profile Ratchet was equipped with various medical tools including laser scalpels that could also be used for offensive purposes, though they were not particularly powerful. Ratchet's More than Meets the Eye profile Ratchet's quick deployment of the laser scalpels imbedded in his wrists was considered a special ability akin to teleportation. He once surprised Megatron with his laser scalpels and though the Decepticon leader was unfazed by the attack he was impressed by Ratchet's bravery. More than Meets the Eye special abilities profile

Animated shorts

So Prowl's weapon is a medical tool?

When Ratchet was repairing Bulkhead, he had Sari hand him a laser scalpel. Operating Table

Transformers (2010) toy bios

Ratchet has a laser scalpel, and Highbrow would like to teach him 20 different ways to use it as a weapon. Rescue Ratchet (2010)

Prime

Among other items, Starscream selected a laser scalpel to install his treacherous clone's T-cog on himself. He never got to use it, however, since he got curious when he detected the Decepticons dispatching four teams to locations around the globe. Triangulation

2005 IDW continuity

Returning to the Lost Light and determining that something fishy was going on, First Aid attempted to open a locked door in the ship's medibay with a laser scalpel. Full Circle When Breakdown's arm was infected by a surge of corrosive Prysmosian magic, Wheeljack used a laser scalpel to amputate the limb before it could spread further. Schismatic

Notes

• The laser scalpel in "Operating Table" is identical to Samurai Prowl's wicked samurai tire-knife, only much smaller. While the animators were probably just reusing a model at the time, Transformers Animated: The AllSpark Almanac later went ahead and declared that Prowl's weapon is a laser scalpel.