The Autobots had been called back to base.

Something about a strategy meeting, increased Decepticon activity, the usual war stuff.

Jazz had been grumbling about it the entire time.

"Shouldn't take long," he had muttered, optics scanning Harry like he was physically restraining himself from just taking him with them. "You just stay put, alright? No doin' anything reckless."*

Harry had rolled his eyes. "Relax, Jazz. I'll be fine."

Jazz had not looked convinced.

And, in hindsight, he had every reason not to be.

Because Harry was not fine.

Harry was, in fact, currently upside down in a flipped car with a massive metal warlord standing over him.

"Well," Megatron rumbled, crimson optics gleaming as he loomed over the wreckage, "this is interesting."

Harry, still hanging upside down in his seatbelt, groaned. "Oh, fantastic. A giant metal war criminal. Exactly what I needed today."

Megatron blinked.

Then, very slowly, a sharp grin stretched across his face. "You are either very brave or very stupid, human."

Harry sighed, fumbling for the seatbelt release. "Bold of you to assume it's not both."

The belt snapped, and Harry dropped—landing in an undignified heap on the ground.

Megatron let out an amused huff. "Yes. I believe I like you."

"Great," Harry muttered, dusting himself off. "So, you gonna kill me, or just stand there monologuing?"

Megatron laughed. "I am not in the habit of wasting useful assets."

"Assets?" Harry arched a brow. "Buddy, I think you overestimate how much I care about your little robot war."

"Oh, I doubt that."

Harry turned—

And came face-to-face with a sleek, black and white Saleen Mustang, engine purring ominously.

The Decepticon logo glinted in the dim light.

Harry blinked. "Oh. You're pretty."

The Mustang revved—and then transformed, unfolding into a jagged, intimidating form with glowing red optics.

"I am Barricade," the bot said, voice rough but oddly smooth at the same time.

Harry, hands on his hips, looked him up and down. "So, what? You're Megatron's attack dog?"

Barricade tilted his head. "No."

Harry narrowed his eyes. "Then what are you?"

Barricade's optics flickered. "I believe I am your guardian now."

Harry stared.

Megatron smirked. "Oh, this is delightful."

Harry sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Jazz is going to have an aneurysm."