The control room was suffocatingly silent. You stood before Optimus, feeling the weight of every optic on you. The truth had been revealed—you were Megatron’s child. It didn’t matter that you hadn’t known, or that you had fought with the Autobots for years. This changed everything.

Optimus held your Autobot badge in his servo, the same badge you’d worn with pride, a symbol of everything you stood for. His optics, usually warm and full of wisdom, were now cold and distant. He hadn’t taken the badge from you yet, but it was clear—he was close.

“You have served the Autobots with loyalty and honor,” Optimus began, his voice steady but heavy with finality. “But this revelation… it places us all in a difficult position.”

“I didn’t know,” you said, voice cracking. “I’ve fought beside you, bled with you. I am an Autobot.”

Optimus glanced down at the badge in his hand, his expression unreadable. “No one is questioning your loyalty in the past. But now that we know who you are—Megatron’s offspring—there are risks we cannot ignore.”

You stepped forward, desperation in your optics. “I’m not Megatron! I’d never betray the Autobots. You know me, Optimus.”

“I do,” he said, softly. “But trust must be earned, and it can be shaken by truth such as this.”

Behind him, Bumblebee and Arcee exchanged uncertain glances. The silence from your teammates felt like a thousand accusations.

“I don’t want to do this,” Optimus continued, looking at the badge, “but if I allow you to stay, you’ll be under constant scrutiny. The moment there’s any doubt, I will have no choice but to take your badge.”

“Please, don’t,” you whispered.

For now, the badge was still yours—but the threat of exile hung over you like a dark cloud, ready to strike at the first misstep.