Even something as simple as that little joke was enough to ease Optimus. Shockwave...just as he'd remembered him. There was so much he wanted to say, to tell his friend. Apologies, explanations...anything. But all that escapes is a vent of air. A silent chuckle.

"Only to a few."

Only to the ones who mattered.

The words were said affectionately. Even he couldn't have stopped that. Although he quiets again when Shockwave speaks, his eyes losing their glow just a touch. Empurata, Shadowplay...everything had been taken away from him.

"Shockwave. Are you...certain?"

Because he needs to know. He doesn't want the Senator to regret this later.