This conversation is just blow after blow to Drift's spark, his tanks starting to churn low in his chassis. Rodimus knows about Crystal City and he mentioned nothing to Drift? He's taken aback by that information enough that it takes him a moment to fumble for an answer.

"I... Of course I can," Drift says quietly, his frame sagging as if under a tremendous weight. "I only just heard about it myself from Ratchet. I never meant to... Well. I guess it doesn't matter, does it? No matter my intentions, it still happened."

Rodimus had a hand in it too, sure, but Drift knew it was a bad idea from the start. He should've pushed harder, should've put his foot down with Rodimus. But it's far too late for that now.

"Loadbearers? No, I can't say I have..." Drift's optics narrow slightly in confusion. "If you've been on since the beginning, why don't I recognize you?"