Ep 1.5 Changeling (Closed)

[Optimus Prime]

The limited space permitted to them, had not hit a point where sharing quarters was a necessity. Thankfully everyone had their own areas they could retreat to, to find some semblance of quiet and privacy to rest. Granted, even if they were in such a situation? Even if everyone had to double up? Optimus would have still preferred Smokescreen be given his own room while under scrutiny. While he did not like to consider the threat of an unhinged individual trying to harm another in recharge? His calculative mind couldn't help but cross that road a couple times in protest.

Optimus trusted Smokescreen however, not letting the minor paranoia infect his actions. The base's occupants would probably be surprised if they knew how drastically his Processor whiplashed around, in part from the shadows in the Matrix that all wanted their voices to be heard once more. Externally he didn't show a speck of this, and as such just stood to the side in a formal stance, looking down upon Smokescreen.

He was happy to see Smokescreen was pleased with what he was given, though not so much about the reasons why such a tiny area was so superb. The idea of having a tendency to get stuck in stasis pods? Probably was not a very enjoyable thing to have to endure. Optimus himself only had to enter stasis pods on very rare occasions, and it was always just small blips in the grand scheme of things, never any time of notable value. It had to be unnerving to just lose huge chunks of time.

Something that was said next however, caught the Prime's attention. Much like before? His processor had shifted to calculate other factors, flicking over things he had to report or request of others. Though now? It was pulled back sharply to Smokescreen and what he was saying. The mention of Iacon could easily do that though, since it had been his home so very long ago.

"You served the Elite Guard in Iacon?"

He asked this flatly, though there was great interest hidden behind it.

[Deleted]

Iacon- Smokescreen blinked. Oh, sure. Yeah. He could talk about Iacon. Iacon was a safe topic as far as the young soldier was concerned.

"Yes sir, though there's not much to tell. After completing my training with the Elite Guard, I was drafted into guard duty at the Iacon hall of records. Boring stuff, not exactly the sort of work I thought I'd be doing as an Autobot. Most of my time was spent staring at the back of the heads of a bunch of old bots. It all came to ahead though when the Decepticons ramped up on their attacks on Iacon. It was my first time serving on active duty! I was ready to kick Decepticon tailpipe!" Smokescreen could still recall how excited he'd been, so hopeful. Ready for his chance to shine. Only for- "Got injured during the first wave of attacks," he deflated at the remembrance. "They stuck me in a stasis pod while I waiting repairs, only the hospital was bombed during a later attack, before I was brought back online. I got buried in the rubble and I guess whatever rescue squads came through just never found me," Smokescreen rubbed the back of his helm with a small, helpless shrug.

What happened, happened. Smokescreen had never begrudged the loss of time. He hadn't been awake for it. He gone offline in the middle of a Decepticon attack and woken up to find the city he was supposed to protect completely levelled.

"Some old mech pulled my pod out of the rubble," the young Autobot paused as he went over his memories, making certain he got the details right. "He was a funny mech. Had a really long beard for some bizarre reason, never gave me his name either. Taught me a lot of things though, stuff I didn't know about Cybertron and the war. Things they didn't teach me back in the Elite Guard. Like Alpha Trion petitioning the High Council to make you a Prime!"

Oh yeah, that was cool! Smokescreen could remember when he learnt that. It was weird that the history texts just skipped over such an important part of Autobot history. You'd think they'd mention how exactly the Autobot leader actually got to his position but noooo. Nothing. Nope. Nada.

It had been a great big question mark for the young Autobot who'd dedicated a -uh, more than considerable amount of time trying to learn as much as possible about his hero.

[Optimus Prime]

The Hall of Records?

Optimus' stance shifted some, squaring off with Smokescreen that much more to face him directly. The arms that had been folded upon the small of his back, now gradually dipped down to rest parallel to his sides, stilling into a neutral stance. He was very much interested in what the young soldier had to say on this subject, as the coincidence was something of note. It is because of this? His processor scrambled trying to recall if he had ever seen a guard around there back when he was Orion that matched the one before him, but came up with naught.

When he mentioned it wasn't the work he imagined being assigned to as an Autobot, it narrowed down the timetable a bit further. The reason he never saw him? Was because at that point he was acting as Prime without the Matrix. He didn't often go to the Hall of Records other than to speak to Alpha Trion, which often had guards outside of the room and thus incapable of being seen, or eavesdropping.

Ah... the hospital. He recalled the report of it having been bombed. He was not too pleased to hear that they missed a survivor, but he threw that aside, trying to mask over it with the fact that obviously, Smokescreen did get out of that predicament. Everything that was said was rather standard information, all just business and not really what he had been hoping for, until that edge did surface. The following words hit at exactly what he wanted to hear, even if Smokescreen did not realize it.

Optimus' spark twisted in pain at newfound hope, for it was obvious to him the one that had pulled the soldier from the ruble? Was none other than Alpha Trion himself. This meant he survived up to that point, defying death despite everything that had been thrown at Iacon. While he didn’t appreciate how Smokescreen referred to him or the other older mechs that served, it was brushed aside at the last words uttered.

Ever so slightly, Optimus eased back, as if taken off guard by the revelation. If Alpha Trion had revealed this information to him? Then he must have seen Smokescreen as one that could truly be trustworthy and loyal. Nonetheless, he was apprehensive, his next question one he didn't know if he wanted the answer to, but he knew he HAD to ask. As such, he dared to speak, despite his worry his mentor was deceased.

"Smokescreen. Do you know of this mech's fate?"

[Deleted]

"Who? McBeardface?" Smokescreen uttered thoughtlessly, using the name he'd personally dubbed his mysterious rescuer in his processor. Mortified that he'd let that slip, Smokescreen tried to backtrack. "Uh, that's what I called him. Internally. Since you know, I didn't have a name for him."

Awkward.

The young Autobot's shoulders fell as he gave his answer. "I don't know. We...we were trying to get to an evac point during the Exodus. Got ambushed by a Decepticon patrol...and well. I woke up aboard the Avengeance after that. Never saw him in any of the containment pods in my section of the ship or, when I got out."

Where Smokescreen's teacher and friend had gotten to, the young Autobot did not know. He could only hope the McBeardface hadn't shared the same fate as him. Sometimes, the Avengeance crew had traded with alien civilizations. It possibly was the reason why they didn't just kill the prisoners immediately. If the race had a stockpile of energon that was too well defended, the Cons would trade prisoners in exchange for it instead. It wasn't a large crew, didn't need to be with the way the ship was setup, so there weren't enough of them to just take what they wanted. Smokescreen had long suspected that they had, in fact, gone rogue from Decepticon command.

Smokescreen frowned and shrugged, unhappy that he was no further use and not wanting to dwell on his unpleasant experience. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you anything more. I don't know if he was captured as well but he'd been a true friend. Did you know him?"

[Optimus Prime]

McBeardface...?




Mc...

Beard....

Face...?


It was a good thing Optimus' expression was already flattened, as it would have dropped to a blank look of aghast shock so fast it could be a form of whiplash. To hear someone call the Master Archivist, Alpha Trion, one of the original Thirteen, and his mentor, Mc... Beardface... just sent up multiple alarms of astonished unease as if Smokescreen had just personally insulted him.

He knew it was no intentional front against him, he knew there was nothing to be reeling over, and he was being unreasonable. It was because of this? Rational took charge of his physical frame, keeping him unphased to what was said except for perhaps the faintest contraction of the lens plates in his eyes. An action? That could be played off as adjusting to the lighting of their environment or trying to focus on a certain detail. But while he was seemingly collected, he was wanting to correct Smokescreen badly.

The mood whiplash however hit him again as the soldier continued, the revelation that Alpha Trion may be deceased due to an ambush, a sobering thought that erased prior affronted emotions like a blanking sweep of a wave. Optimus' could not help the grim look of disappointment to cross his features. While he had kept leveled before? This news? Forced him to glance aside and not make eye contact, trying to cope with the pain.

Hearing that he wasn't in any of the containment pods, was a hopeful idea, but... it was no evidence to his escape. Then again there was also no evidence to his death either. One had to try to hold out hope that one as clever and quick witted as him, could have gotten somewhere safe.

Optimus' attention was pulled back from his subdued grieving, when Smokescreen spoke once more, directing a question at him. He had to consider if he should say much, or if he should brush it aside as nothing. He didn't particularly speak of his time prior to being appointed the title of Prime, and even then? He shied away from even speaking about the void space between receiving the title, and actually getting the Matrix.

"I am led to believe who you spoke to was Alpha Trion himself, for very few knew of his direct involvement. He was my former Mentor."

Any traces of grief were long gone by now, returning to the stoic front he put up for all to see. In doing so? He tried to then disengage from the conversation. He didn’t want to think further on the grim news, and was under the assumption that it would be best if Smokescreen was permitted to settle. As such? He would try to.. somewhat politely... excuse himself.

"You likely wish to establish your new environment."

[Deleted]

Whoa, whoa, wait. Stop. Back up there. Did Prime just say Alpha Trion? The Master Archivist himself? The Trion? The mech who had mentored Prime himself?

…

Holy frag.

All this time and, and Smokescreen hadn't even known!

"Whoa, wait! Really? Oh wow, I-uh. Wow. Just wow." Babbling. Great. He was going to babble and Smokescreen did not want to be reduced to babbling in Prime's presence. Or if he was going to babble, it would be preferable to be doing it about Prime.

But seriously though? Alpha Trion, Prime's mentor, had been Smokescreen's teacher as well. How cool was that? Oh Primus, if he'd known, he'd have paid double attention to all that stuff Trion had been talking about. He could have learnt so much more. You know. During all that non-existent spare time they had trying to survive on war ravaged Cybertron.

"You likely wish to establish your new environment."

Smokescreen glanced at his room. Then glanced back at Prime. It was great having some space to himself but it was, you know, a room. One that he was going to be spending a lot of time in. Four corners and a berth and nothing else really to it.

And Prime was well. Prime.

"Oh, yes I do! Do you mind if you show me round the base? I mean, aside from the med-bay and here, I don't really know where anything is." Smokescreen paused for a second, then realized it quite presumptuous to demand Optimus's continued attention when he probably was really quite busy. "If you've got the time, that is. I really, really haven't had the chance to stretch my legs. I mean, I had just barely left the escape pod when MECH rocked up. Then, you know, Air Raid shot me and I've been immobile in the med-bay since."

Smokescreen paused and thought for a second, doing some quick calculations. "Yeah, I'd say it's been since just before the Exodus that I've really had a chance to walk around normally."

[Optimus Prime]

The babbling didn't really faze Optimus. He just nixed it from his processor the moment he realized it was nonsensical response to the fact that this older mech? Was more than likely Alpha Trion. One never knew who they would cross paths with in this war torn existence their species had been plunged into. Because of this? Being polite and mindful of how one acts, should just be protocol, for one doesn't know if they would cross paths with a common civilian, or if they would come face to face with an individual of great notability before the war.

When Smokescreen asked him if he would mind showing him around? Optimus paused somewhat, peering down at him. It was indeed a bit presumptuous to request such a thing, especially from one that didn't know him personally yet. For all Smokescreen knew? He could be a lot more ridged and formal with everything overall, almost taking offense at the implication that he had nothing better to do. Luckily? Optimus wasn't this way, Sentinel yes... Nova yes... but not Optimus.

Despite this? He DID have things he had to do. So it wasn't that he wasn't ABOVE showing Smokescreen around, but... he really did not need to divide the time out that can be better spent elsewhere. Besides, there were others that would be far more applicable to the task, being more social and catching the mech up on current events with more ease than he himself.

"One of the humans should be around to do so."

A flat reply, and with it? Optimus turned and began to walk back down the hall towards the main passageway of the base. It could seem like he was departing, leaving Smokescreen to discover where said human was on his own, but this was not the case. The Prime continued to speak as he walked, it a means to imply that the other mech should follow.

"It will also permit you to learn of their species."

After this? He felt need to remind Smokescreen once more of something very important, his words continuing forth at a calm even tone. He didn’t think the young soldier would intentionally forget this, but he couldn't take the risk.

"Once more you must always be mindful of your step."

He refused to be put in such a situation where he had to deal with an Autobot that crushed Fowler or one of the children.

[Deleted]

The mention of humans brought Smokescreen to a stumbling halt. The events of the previous cycles had been trying. Leaving the med-bay and basking in Prime's presence had allow Smokescreen to temporarily put everything that had occurred to him at the back of his mind, to compartmentalize it even as he had given his report on the gruesome fate of the mecha aboard the Avengeance. He could handle things when he thought of them in mission terms, schooling himself with his Elite Guard training. He could pretend, if only for a little while, that this was back on Cybertron and he'd met Prime in the aftermath of a particularly difficult battle.

Smokescreen shuttered his optics for a brief moment. The illusion was gone. He was here on this organic planet and everything that had happened to him was real. Okay, okay, he could do this. Just another mission right? Learn about the humans so that he knew what he was dealing with when it came to MECH. Smokescreen felt that he'd already let Prime down by his admission that he wasn't fit for missions with MECH, he did not want to refuse so again. Though given the reminder to be careful again about his step suggested that the young Autobot could quite easily squish humans.

Maybe there wasn't much to be concerned about.

...he really needed a moment just to catch himself. Maybe he should have taken up Prime's offer to settle down. Too late to backtrack though, Smokescreen didn't want to make himself look like an idiot. The young Autobot obediently followed after his commanding officer.

"Are the humans really that small, sir?"

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus thought for a moment, and instead of just listing off a numerical value to represent the human's heights? He held up his hands. The squared off palms were held apart starting around three feet in human measurements, to about double that, implying that it changed from individual to individual. He held this measurement out as he walked; making sure Smokescreen viewed it before he spoke.

"Variable, most fall between shown ranges unless infantile."

After this was said, his forearms looped down once again, returning to his sides to swing idly with each step as a counter balance for his massive frame.

"This makes them liable to fall under foot. We have yet to have any accidents. The walkways installed aid in keeping them from where we stride, but not all reliably use them."

AKA Miko, and the other children. He did not know what the trio's excuses were exactly, why they were always down on ground level, but it was snagging hooks into his nerves. The only one to follow this request had been Fowler, who seemed to never (if not rarely) be off of the walkways, which Optimus greatly appreciated. He would have to thank him at some point for this.

"They also have no protective armor to even attempt to shield."

If they were just tiny? And being stepped on was an inconvenience that could just bruise or bend a limb out of place? That would be one thing. But no... no... humans were the epitome of fragile and if they were stepped on by a large enough mech? There'd be absolutely nothing left to even identify them by other than DNA testing.

Optimus rounded the corner, heading straight towards the Control Room, hoping that one of the children were currently there. He would be able to hand off Smokescreen to them, where they could easily communicate some of the differences in this world, while showing them around the base further. There wasn't really much to see though, it a small base.

[Deleted]

Smokescreen peered hard at Prime's hands, trying to comprehend life that small and...failing. He really hadn't had much experience beyond his life on Cybertron and xenobiology wasn't exactly a high priority for a soldier.

"Whoa," he said, in awe and blinking with just a touch of uncertainty. If they were that small and lacked any sort of protective shell...then did he really have much to fear?

Logically, yes. His processor was quick to remind him of Air Raid back in Ratchet's med-bay. Humans -MECH- had done that to him and surely the aerial was a capable and competent solider, he had to be to be part of Prime's forces here.

Which reminded him...

"What I saw with Air Raid...is any of that classified, Sir? Anything I shouldn't mention to other Autobots?" Smokescreen asked. It was more than unsettling to realise what could be done to them. And the young soldier felt that was information Command probably wanted to disseminate carefully to the rest of the forces.

The humans might be small. But small..didn't necessarily mean helpless. Never underestimate your opponents, a long gone instructor warned inside Smokescreen's helm. Judging by the vehicles he'd fought and destroyed and-oh wait, wasn't that some violation of the Tyrest Accord? Was the species even space faring yet? Smokescreen gave the back of Prime a stricken look.

"Sir? Optimus, did I violate the rules of engagement by destroying that MECH copter?" he asked nervously, coming to a halt just outside the control room. Smokescreen shuffled uncertainly on his feet, not yet sure he was up to meeting a human just yet and worried that he'd face repercussions for his actions.

[Optimus Prime]

Just like that the subject rounded back to something serious.

Optimus' optics dimmed ever so slightly with the mention of Air Raid and what should or should not be disclosed. He had to consider how much must be known to their team as a whole. He would not hide the information, He would not try to cover it up, but he also wished to respect the jet's privacy when it came to exactly what had happened. Then again it was somewhat difficult to hide the fact when he needed to also use what had happened as a warning to enforce just WHY he had the so called 'buddy system' in play at the moment.

There would always be those who looked at the team-up system with dismay, and those wanting to ignore it because they couldn't understand the threat. There would be those who saw humans only as tiny squishy natives, not knowing the terrors they could bring. Having Air Raid here? As living PROOF? Could do well to show them the rules were there for a reason.

"You need not keep secrets from your new team Smokescreen. However, I ask you be respectful of Air Raid. He is one of our own, and needs not be spoken of as a spectacle or anomaly."

Cyan optics remained locked ahead of him, considering this a bit more. He didn’t really have anything else to say though, it all fell under being respectful. If he heard Smokescreen was speaking of Air Raid like some kind of... monster... Optimus would NOT be pleased in the slightest and would likely need to have words. He would not tolerate anyone doing such things about a soldier downed and turned against them out of their will.

What was said next however? Did cause the Prime to pause. His walk eased to a stop just outside the doorway, and he turned his frame around to square off with Smokescreen. He thought over the rules and regulations a moment, his gaze falling down onto the young Autobot. In one hand? He was somewhat pleased Smokescreen admitted to it, rather than just hiding it away. The honesty was a good trait and something he appreciated. On the other? He had likely killed those two humans, an affront that burned at the back of his mind in protest.

He had to consider the big picture though, and look at it from Smokescreen's perspectives. If he didn't? Than he would be unjustified in whatever he could say or do in response to this crime. It is because of this he drew in a bit of a ventilation, it filtering out a moment later before he finally found words.

"Given the situation, it was an act of self preservation from a fate worse than deactivation. You will not face repercussions. That said, I will declare I have little patience for the slaying of the native species, and will not tolerate it out of dire necessity for survival."

There was a faint edge to his voice that was not typically there. The kindness easing back and changing to authoritative power towards the end of his words. He did try to relay that it was ok, and that Smokescreen was not going to be in trouble for his first trying hour on this planet. An hour? That was coated in stress, twists, and turns. But after this had been said? His tone had changed, trying to impact the true fact that he would not be so forgiving if the situation was any different.

[Deleted]

"Wouldn't dream of it, Optimus," Smokescreen assured. He had no quarrel with Air Raid. Sure, it sucked being blasted by a shotgun but Smokescreen had survived and that's all the counted in the end. He understood the mech was not in his right mind and not responsible for his actions. The young Autobot merely wanted to know what Command's stance was on the aerial. Smokescreen did not know much about the Omega base or how it functioned and thought it prudent to ask in case questions came up from his fellow Autobots. "It wasn't his fault, sir, I know that."

When Optimus came to a stop though and turned to him, pinning Smokescreen with an inscrutable gaze, the young Autobot straightened and stood at attention. It would have been easier to keep quiet and wait until Prime brought it up perhaps, at a later date. But it was far too late to hide his actions, Smokescreen had in fact reported the deed during his rescue. Now he could only be upfront about it, face the consequences and hope that Prime would be lenient.

Smokescreen waited and listened carefully to Optimus's response. He was prepared to accept whatever judgement the Prime passed on. He was relieved to hear that there would be no repercussions or disciplinary action over the destruction of the MECH copter and the likely deaths of its crew. Smokescreen caught the warning clear in Optimus's voice, while he was getting a free pass now, such actions would not be accepted in the future unless it was a last resort.

"Understood sir," he replied smartly.

Feeling chastised, even though Prime hadn't outright berated him, Smokescreen fell quiet, waiting for Prime to continue leading him on, down the hallway.

[Optimus Prime]

Optimus was pleased by Smokescreens assurances he would not demonize Air Raid. He hoped the understanding it was not the jet's fault translated into forgiveness for the actions and not just a begrudging acceptance, but there was no use dwelling over such things. So long as no new troubles would befall the team for the confrontation, than all was well enough during these trying times. If there was resentment, than it could be handled when air Raid was functional... WHEN...

Nonetheless, this single free pass for Smokescreens actions was indeed a onetime thing. This wasn't simply because Optimus despised the loss of life, no. While that was a massive element in play here, there were other things to be concerned over. Even if Optimus was far more lenient on the taking of a life, the humans had their own laws and rules to uphold. They should decide the fate of their own criminals, and for all they knew? The ones in the helicopter could have been valuable to the government.

If the team unintentionally killed a high value target, than it was Optimus who had to take the blame for it, and try to pacify the backlash that would come. Overall it was these two factors that not only made avoidance of such senseless murder morally correct, but also tactically sound to not upset the natives that had been so hospitable to provide a home to them on this planet.

Cyan optics settled down upon Smokescreen, trying to not let the weight of what 'could have been' drag him down into being needlessly blunt to one that was so young. It is because of this Optimus took a step back mentally, helm tilting down and to the side to peer upon the entrance to the main room. He could hear some chatting inside, what sounded like some of the children possibly bantering over a movie or whatever it was they did. He then glanced back at Smokescreen without tilting his helm away from the entryway.

"Given time, I am sure you will integrate well into the team. For now, I believe the children will be eager to meet a new Cybertronian..."

He motioned politely towards the door, trying to urge Smokescreen to go through.