[he looks uncomfortable at being latched onto, but doesn't push her off.]

The very same. [megatron's expression pinches with distaste there, considering he was one that had to be taped back together.] During our last fight with him he came very close to killing us all despite our best efforts otherwise.

[quietly, he hopes nickel never finds out that he did so much dark energon.]

At the end of it, we were all teleported out of where we had been battling him, and Velocity later admitted to me that this was because he offered her our survival in exchange for her spark.

[his expression is only getting more severe as he speaks, but he keeps on.]

I imagine that's why he had contacted you when that swapping nonsense happened-- it seems he stepped his harassment up recently, as Velocity and that Optimus with the yellow optics were both taken away to kill slavers for his amusement. She has also told me that damnedable mind magic from that mission in the volcano twisted some of her processor functions to enjoy causing harm.

[fully aware that velocity is absolutely mortified next to him, he brings it to a close.]

I called you, Nickel, because I think you and I have the best chance of any productivity coming from this. I did not ask you here to list a series of unfortunate events as a humiliation exercise-- all of this remaining hidden is doing no favours. [he looks down at at velocity, finally, resting a hand on her shoulder.] It is allowing Writhe to win and get what he wants. Doubly so if you truly give up your medic position.