"Doubt anyone would take kindly to seeing their so-called protectors destroying their friends, whatever the reason."

Which they still are, at this point. Mostly. Barricade hopes so, anyway. Though it makes him stop and think, for a moment, and he balls one hand and finally looks up.

"And if anyone is going to be taking care of my friend, then by the All-Spark it is going to be me. At least then there can be some fragging dignity to it."

As much dignity as he could give it. Which won't change anything, or make the situation any better. Certainly won't make him feel better.

But if it's all he could offer, in the end...