The Autobot hit the deck in a shower of sparks, restraints locking tight around their arms and torso with a hydraulic clang. The corridor lights flickered back to full, revealing scorched metal, blast marks—and six Decepticons standing very still.

Megatron broke the silence first. He loomed over the captive, optics burning with restrained fury and calculating interest. “An Autobot,” he said slowly, savoring the word. “So far from home. Tell me—was this bravery, or stupidity?”

Starscream circled, wings twitching, a crooked smile stretched across his face. “Oh, clearly bravery, my lord. That heroic tendency toward self-destruction.” He leaned in close to the prisoner’s faceplate. “Although… Autobots do make excellent bargaining chips. Or warnings.”

Soundwave stood apart, silent as the void. A single optic beam swept over the captive, data scrolling invisibly. His head tilted a fraction. The restraints tightened another notch without him moving an inch.

Shockwave observed from behind, one clawed hand clasped behind his back. “Interrogation probability is high,” he said calmly. “Survivability decreases by forty-seven percent if conducted without preparation. I recommend controlled experimentation.” His optic brightened. “For efficiency.”

Knockout recoiled slightly, plating immaculate despite the chaos. “Ugh, must we be so grim about it?” He peered at the Autobot with clinical disdain. “Look at that finish. Scratched, dented—absolutely tragic. If we’re tearing them apart, I’d like a little warning. Some of us have standards.”

A heavy thud announced Breakdown stepping forward. He cracked his knuckles, optics blazing with restrained aggression. “Or,” he growled, “we let me ask the questions. Autobots crack easy when you stop being polite.”

Starscream scoffed. “Yes, because subtlety is your strongest trait.”

Megatron raised one hand. Silence snapped into place.

“The Autobots hide behind ideals,” he said, voice low and dangerous. “But even ideals have weak points.” He leaned closer to the captive, shadow swallowing them whole. “You will tell us what you know. The only question is how much of you remains afterward.”

Soundwave’s optic flickered once—recording.

Shockwave stepped closer, already calculating.

Knockout sighed dramatically.

Breakdown smiled.