[He's going to protest... but it dies in his vocal processor. Argue though he might with Ratchet, this is Optimus. He can't argue with him. Well. He could. But not right now.]

... Yes, Prime.

[Ironhide falls silent again. He just watches their leader, half-wondering what's going through Prime's head. And half-figuring he already knows. Which is why he speaks up again, to reassure Prime, and promise himself he won't be stuck lying down if he doesn't have to be.]

If you need me, I will fight. You know that.