All the air rushes from Arcee's vents, it seems, at the impact -- she hits the wall and it explodes in a flurry of dust and glass and concrete around her. More than the shock of pain that ripples through her, the sheer ease with which Megatron tossed her aside makes her falter. This isn't like fighting Starscream, cocky and arrogant, always overstepping -- Megatron's confidence comes from the solid, unshakable knowledge that he can pummel anything in his immediate path, because he always has.

But Arcee can't afford to give up now. She grits her teeth, staggers to her feet -- and starts for Megatron again, ducking and weaving as she fires. She'll use her smaller size to her advantage -- get in close -- and when she launches herself into the air, gaining altitude off the wall of a nearby building, still firing away, it's with a foot extended to drive a solid kick right into Megatron's face.