Optimus' face lit up at the smile, even if most of the expression was hidden under his mask; and if the quick glance was any indication, then Elita's shift for attention received the desired result. Then, reluctantly, he focused on business, leading them out onto the floor as the center of attention, Ironhide following just behind. He didn't show it, but given that Elita was attached to his arm, she could probably feel the growing tension in his frame as optics turned their way, not all of them awed or even benevolent. A number of them swarmed the Prime the moment it was polite to do so, and Optimus reluctantly braced himself.

Still, he managed the political minefield without floundering, going so far as to 'cheat', drawing on what peace and wisdom he could get from the Matrix itself. The humming briefly surged, before retreating just as quickly, leaving a marginally more relaxed Prime in it's wake.

"-No, I agree that the situation has a number of issues, and I'm sure we can reach an accord, once in a more official setting. Yes, thank you."

A polite nod, and the last of the initial swarm faded back into the crowd. Optimus vented a relieved sigh, cautiously glancing over at the femme he simply hadn't been able to talk with for the past cycle.