(Inspiration credit goes to Sorida, who did the same challenge in their drabble fic '365 Days'. Check it out, it's awesome. Every drabble focuses on TFA Bumblebee, and can be funny one minute and absolutely gut-wrenching the next).

A/N HardyGal: In an attempt to discipline myself - stick to a schedule and be concise in my writing - I have taken on this challenge: write a drabble everyday for an entire year. (Each drabble takes place at any time within the TFPrime universe).

08.08.16

So, What was the Plan Exactly?

Smokescreen groaned as Bulkhead helped him to his pedes. "Ugh, ow…"

Bulkhead winced. "Sorry. How do you feel?"

"Primus, like I lost a one-on-one to Metroplex."

"That's to be expected," said Ratchet. "Seeing as you were just hurtled through a groundbridge at terminal velocity."

"Yeah, what exactly was your plan for catching me?"

Ratchet only grumbled in response.

"No plan then. Great."

"Well, at least we kept you from hitting the ground at terminal velocity," Arcee pointed out wryly.

Smokescreen chuckled painfully. "Yeah, thanks. I wasn't all that excited to see what the Phase Shifter could really do."

09.08.16

Screw Destiny!

The Matrix of Leadership shone from Optimus Prime's empty spark chamber, offering itself to a bot who felt no urge to accept it. Slaggit, he just wasn't ready! Not ready to let Optimus go, and most certainly not ready to bear the responsibilities of a Prime.

He, of all bots, not ready to accept what was clearly destiny? Primus, wasn't that ironic.

"This isn't how the story is supposed to end." Turning to the Forge of Solus Prime, Smokescreen came to a conclusion. He reached for the Forge handle.

"If my first act as Prime is to reject destiny, fine. You're coming back, Optimus."

10.08.16

Draw a Circle

His time at the Hall of Records had instilled a deep interest of history and lore within Smokescreen. Optimus soon recognized this, and it was suggested that Smokescreen learn more about Earth through its history.

While Jack was more than happy to act as Smokescreen's teacher, Miko had other ideas.

She promptly tossed out Jack's text book, saying, "You don't need some boring book to learn history! I have something way more fun! It's called 'Hetalia'."

"What's Hetalia?" Smokscreen asked.

Jack groaned, head sinking into his hands.

Miko grinned widely. "Dude, when we're done, you will never see history the same way again."

11.08.16

The Hall of Records

Plasma screens, adorning every inch of every wall, appeared to be the only source of light. They reflected off of polished floors, bathing everything in a soft blue glow, and did nothing to light up the dark corners of the Hall. These corners were instead filled with whispers, whispers that were spoken, not out of fear, but out of respect. Respect for the history contained within these walls, and respect for the fragile peace that accompanied it.

This feeling must have been contagious, because when Smokescreen spoke, he did so in a whisper. "…Maybe this assignment won't be so bad."

12.08.16

Gamble

The whole platoon watched as their sergeant stood over Smokescreen's stunned frame.

"Cadet, why do I allow gambling in this platoon?"

Smokescreen replied hoarsely, "Because the inevitable losses dealt to us are punishment enough, and eventually discourage us from being so cavalier with our possessions, sir."

"That's right! And do you agree with that, cadet?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then why in Pit are you being so 'cavalier' with your actions, cadet? You've failed this exercise three times now, but war is not a training exercise! You're dealt one loss, then you're dead! Now get up! You've got some energon tanks to scrub!"

13.08.16

Forgotten

Smokescreen shone his headlights into yet another abandoned storage unit. "Nothing here except more human junk. Why do they even keep any of this stuff?"

Bumblebee beeped and shrugged.

"Yeah, that makes sense. But if it means so much to them, why does it look so… neglected?"

Bumblebee hesitated, then said, *I guess… this stuff outlived the people who held it in such high value, leaving no one to remember it.*

Sobered, the two young bots silently regarded the storage unit's contents with new optics.

"Kinda makes you wonder if the same thing'll happen to us one day," Smokescreen murmured.

14.08.16

Distracted

"Guess your head's just not in the game today, kid," Bulkhead chuckled.

"Yeah, I know." Frustrated, Smokescreen got to his pedes. "Let's go again."

Bulkhead shook his helm, turning serious. "We've been at this for an hour, Smoke. You're distracted. I don't think you're gonna be beating me anytime soon. Maybe you should rest."

"I doubt the 'Cons are resting. I've just gotta concentrate. Work past all the distractions."

"You could always go for a drive."

"I don't have time for that. I need be ready!" Smokescreen took a battle stance. "C'mon, Bulk, let's rumble!"

Sighing, Bulkhead reluctantly prepared for yet another spar.

08.08.16: Bringing 'what if Smokescreen had been able to fall through the groundbridge in episode Inside Job' to its logical conclusion. I know I'm not the only one who's thought about this.

10.08.16: I sure hope there are some Hetalia fans out there who can appreciate this.

12.08.16: Set while Smokescreen's being trained by the Elite Guard, inspired by a one word prompt (per the recommendation of my sister) and a scene from the Tom Cruise film Edge of Tomorrow in which a master sergeant chews out his squad for gambling.

13.08.16: I'll ask the obvious question now - why were they going through storage units? Answer - No idea. It's not important to the story.

14.08.16: It's a metaphor for how frustrating this challenge already is. Kind of disturbing considering I've only just started.