The stark admittance that he'd never intended to survive in the first place, in spite of the conversation they'd had before he'd left -- it weighs heavily on Arcee, and the fierce anger drains partially from her face. Arcee hadn't even been in command very long. If he'd never returned, what would have happened to the Autobots then?

"We'll find another way," Arcee says, the firmness of her tone surprising even her. It's full of more conviction than she is right now. "There's always another way, Optimus. And I -- we can't afford to lose you again, not now."