When one is in a profession such as Tarns, they learn how to read the subtleties of body language. Tarn sees Drift preparing to launch forward, but it’s the upward tilt that catches him somewhat off guard. Regardless he manages to lunge forward a few steps in time to catch Drift in the stomach with his elbow, forcefully driving him back into the dirt. Vaulting over him was not something that Tarn would have expected. Maybe running forward before dodging to the side, or even foolishly trying for a frontal assault.

“Good try, Drift. Really.” He walks over to where the Autobot lays collapsed in the dust, stepping on the tip of one of his swords. “I never would have seen that coming.”