"Take that back, ya ugly snake in the grass!" Rattrap had shouted.
"Make me, you bucktooth garbage eater!" Dinobot had snarled back.
Optimus heaved a sigh. There was no point shouting at them; that never worked. It was time for a new approach.
It took the bickering pair a few moments to realise that Optimus had moved next to them and was staring calmly at them. Having been caught off-guard, they stared blankly back at him.
"Rattrap," Optimus said with a light, airy tone "those screens aren't going to monitor themselves. And Dinobot, I believe we picked up some Predacon activity in the neighbouring sector, why don't you go check it out. Thank you both." Without another word, he turned on his heel and headed for his quarters. Hearing nothing behind him, he smirked at the mental image of the two Maximals scratching their heads. He was getting better and better at this leadership gig every day.
He passed Cheetor's quarters on the way, whose door was ajar. The cat jumped off his bed when he saw Optimus. "Hey, Big Bot!"
"Hi Cheetor," Optimus replied with a smile, still feeling rather pleased with himself.
"Listen, I'm not due for any kind of duty for a few megacycles now, and I've been doing my best when I am on duty..." All the while he shuffled his feet, looking down at the ground. Optimus inwardly laughed.
"If you want some time outside of the base," Optimus began expectantly. Judging by Cheetor's wide and pleading smile, he was right, "you've earned it. But maintain communication and stay within running distance of the base. Just in case."
Cheetor beamed, gratefully uttered his thanks, and was off like a blurry yellow shot.
"Yo, fearless leader," said Rattrap's voice over the com link.
Optimus sighed, holding back the temptation to tell the rat to sort out his own issues with Dinobot. "Go ahead Rattrap."
"I got some weird readings here, I think you oughta see fer yerself."