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[Even though the prognosis had been very good, Bumblebee hadn't wanted to leave. He'd pleaded, given Ratchet his best "look at how pathetic I am take pity on me" sounds and even clung to the medic's leg, but hadn't been permitted to see Ironhide before Ratchet declared him well enough for visitors.

Sam had to leave the base; he had to go back home. Just about everybody was shocked when Bumblebee gently urged him to go ahead. "I'll catch up later," he'd texted directly into Sam's phone in response to the hurt look his charge gave him. Just this once, he couldn't babysit Sam.

Optimus was doing better than Ironhide, which was surprising when one considered just who had been clinically deceased for days just a week before, but Ironhide always did like to steal the spotlight when it came to falling over half-dead. That stubborn old goat.

Bumblebee sat forlornly outside of the hangar where Ironhide was resting until Ratchet emerged. Scrambling to his feet, Bumblebee chirped a question, and upon receiving a nod he hurries inside.]

Rrrrnhhhhhde?

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[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.

[Optimus nods, observing the soldiers with satisfaction as they assist with the clean up. Despite the flaws of the few, Optimus believes that they've made diligent and powerful allies in the humans.]

You and Arcee are to remain here to recover unless I specifically request your assistance. I understand that this is a difficult order for you to follow.

[But he trusted that Ironhide would. The old 'bot wasn't the type to appreciate or be content with sitting idly by knowing his comrades were in danger. Or, really, if there were Decepticons committing injustices elsewhere at all. Ironhide always hated to be left behind a battle, placed on guard duty. Anything that wasn't a position at the front lines was nearly torture.

But Ironhide would obey him. It was an honor Optimus did not -would not- take lightly.]

[Ironhide huffs, a scowl on his face. No, he doesn't like that. He hates it. He should be at the front of their forces, taking on what others couldn't. He should be the one to take the hard hits, and keep on going.]

[Which... is probably why he's lying here. But that's a logic he doesn't want to acknowledge.]

Yeah. It is. Hate it when you run off, leave me laying around like scrap.

[But he will. He'd give his life for Optimus, if asked. Or unasked. Because Optimus would never ask him to. That just wasn't Prime's way. But, such was the depth of his loyalty to this Autobot.]

It is only precaution.

[Optimus clasps his hands behind his back, a tinge of amusement tracing through his processors at the huff. For all his cantankerous posturing, Ironhide tended to be a particularly easy read if one merely paid attention.]

I do not believe the Decepticons will launch another assault so soon after such a crushing defeat. They have been cowed by the combined efforts of both Autobot and human alike; to test those powers again would be folly, and Megatron is no fool.

[Insane with power, twisted by dark ideals, yes. Not foolish. Ironhide would know that very, very well.

If Optimus had to guess, Megatron would most likely try to find a way to turn the humans against the Autobots. Separate them. It was a possibility of which he would need to remain aware.

Still...he wanted to offer Ironhide some form of comfort. He knew about which of the Autobots Ironhide worried the most.]

However, should something arise, I will not send Ratchet or Bumblebee unless absolutely necessary.

I know.

[He knows, but he doesn't like it. Everything Optimus says is true, as much as he'd like to believe Megatron was nothing more than a power-hungry pile of scrap metal... he knew what the Decepticon leader was capable of. They all did.]

[It's clear what Optimus is doing. And he appreciates it. So... in return, he offers up his own advice.]

Keep Sideswipe with Jolt, unless you have to separate them. Work well as a team... keep each other stable.

[He pauses, and, in a rare gesture, slides a hand across an empty portion of table, nearer their leader. Normally he'd have just clasped Prime on the arm, but this is about as much as he can manage.]

Appreciate it, Prime.

[Optimus turns back to Ironhide to nod again, both to recognize his gratitude and to acknowledge his suggestion. It was good, sound advice.

Optimus reaches over to rest a hand on Ironhide's forearm, just for a moment, before withdrawing and peering over the side of the cubicle at the ground below. There's a moment of silence until a quiet, embarrassed clicking noise sounds and Optimus hums.]

Yes, you may online your audio sensors now. However, perhaps it would be more prudent of you to simply remove yourself from the area to eliminate the temptation to eavesdrop, Bumblebee.

[Optimus turns back to Ironhide.]

Bumblebee has requested the honor of guarding you. [The tone in Optimus's voice is clear; he's mostly humoring Bumblebee, and asking Ironhide's permission. He knew the veteran appreciated his time alone and would order Bumblebee to give him space if Ironhide so desired it.]

[That brief contact is more than enough. Especially for Ironhide. He nods. Only to look completely confused when Optimus -- ah. Well. That explains it.]

[He just snorts -- more amused than anything. Had it been someone else listening in, he probably would have gotten up to crack them one over the head. Bumblebee gets the special privilege of grudging amusement, instead of cranky old anger. And he can't blame him for being concerned.]

Huh. Guess he earned it. Since he has all his parts together...

[Oh yes, he can hear that tone. No sense in not playing along, sounding as if he were considering turning down the offer. This is, of course, a sure sign he's feeling a lot more like himself.]

[There's a loud buzz from just over the wall that's half-indignant and half-grateful.

HE KNOWS WHAT YOU'RE DOING, IRONHIDE. AND HE STILL LOVES YOU.]

Very well.

[Optimus opens the hatch in the partition, pausing to turn back to Ironhide.]

I will return to debrief you once you have rested a bit longer. [And to catch Ironhide up on things and talk strategy with him. Just because his body wasn't ready for battle didn't mean his mind was incapable of it as well.]