Season 2 Episode 18: New Recruit
Two Autobots crash landed into the hard ground of the planet Earth. Both of them climbed out of the pod the used to escape from the Deception's transport ship.
"Ouch that hurt"
"Smokie, is that you?" the mech turned his head and looked at the femme and he opened his optics wide.
"Gail?" the femme was just about to hug the mech when blaster fire rained down around them. The two escaped into the woods and hid in the first in the first available place that could comfortable fit the two of them.
"I am very glad you're ok"
"So am I" The two Autobots remained in the cave patiently waiting until they were sure that the Decepticons had left the area.
Gail POV
"Do you have a clue where we are?"
"Not a clue, but we're going to have to get out of this hole sometime and find a better place to hide somewhere our signals can't be detected by the cons."
"It sounds quiet out there"
"It sure does I'll go first and you follow"
"Ok, but arrgh"
"Gail! What's going on?"
"My ankle, I think during our mad dash over here I must have torn a gear out of whack." I knew a bit about medicine so I checked myself over and deduced that what I felt was really a gear completely torn out of joint. But the gear was only slightly out of joint, but it didn't dull the pain any less.
"Can you transform?" I tried, but with that gear torn out of place my alternate mode of transport wouldn't work, so I reverted back to my bioped mode.
"Sorry Smoke no can do"
"That's ok just stay here I'll scout above ground and find some help."
"Smoke"
"Yes, Gail" he got close to me and I kissed him for a brief moment before withdrawing
"Be safe and don't be reckless"
"When am I ever reckless?"
"Do I need to tell you?" I gave a look and he laughed and kissed me back before exiting the cave. "Primus, please watch over him."
Smokescreen POV
I left the cave my lips still tingling from the kisses I received from my mate, but I quickly focused my attention on what I needed to do. Gail counted on me to get her something to help her ankle and I was determined to find some. That's when I noticed the cons that had shot at us earlier were now shooting at other bots I immediately recognized Bumblebee, as Gail and he were good friends even though they were assigned to different missions and graduated different years from the Elite Guard Training Camp. I knew that he was serving with Optimus Prime and scanning the rest of the group I found a field medic among them so I decided to help them out. I shot from behind the tree line until I could get a clear opening that led me to Bumblebee and a pink and blue femme bot.
"Incoming"
"Down in front" I jumped over them and continued to shoot off the enemy until one of my shots accidently hit the energon leaking from the escape pod. Ok not my best shot because it lit up the fuel.
"Fall back" I didn't argue with whoever said that and I barely escaped the explosion by jumping over a huge rock formation and ducking behind it. After the dust settled I looked at my handiwork, I can see that it had destroyed all of the cons.
"Woo, too hot for you cons?"
"Friend of yours?" I turned around and see the medic talking to Bumblebee
~don't look at me~ then he turned to the pink and blue femme.
"Never seen him before"
"Torching that energon leak, pretty good plan, right?"
"Except it wasn't your plan it was a random shot that almost fried us to a crisp." the blue and pink femme wasn't too happy with my accidentally shot.
"Worked out didn't it?"
"Thank you fellow Autobot you're . . . valor is to be commend" Gail's father was right here and once she reunited with him she would be ecstatic.
"Optimus Prime, sir it's a real honor"
"What is your name soldier?"
"Smokescreen, sir"
"Welcome to Earth, Smokescreen"
"Thank you, sir" I was awestruck that I was shaking hands with the last Prime.
"Now what? It's not like we can just bring him back to base."
"Wouldn't be the first time an ally turned out to be a plant." These bots must have been through hell on this planet. And because of that I was certain that they had to make sure I was really one of their own before allowing my access to their base. Optimus looked to my shoulder, probably noticing my insignia.
"I see that you received your training from Cybertrons elite guard."
"True enough, though it wasn't much more than a boot camp by the time I joined never even got a proper graduation ceremony." I wasn't mad at not having one, but it would have been great to graduate alongside Gail.
"There was a war going on"
"Hey, all I wanted was to be a soldier and serve the Autobot cause, but what I got was security detail at Iacon." Maybe mention where Gail and I were assigned would help me out, getting me closer to get help for her, but it seemed that they just thought that made me a bit more suspicious.
"The Hall of Records of all places, Optimus, do you not find this highly suspicious?"
"Smokescreen, what was your assignment inside the hall?"
"My partner and I were in charge of guarding Alpha Trion during what turned out to be the final days of the war."
"You and your friend served under that master archivist?"
"I wasn't thrilled about it at first, watching the back of some old bot instead of kicking con tailpipe!" I slammed my hands together both in excitement of battle and in anger at myself for not being there to help Alpha Trion. "Sorry, but the Big A turned out to be a great teacher and a true friend. I mean he was the one who petitioned Halligon and the High council to make you a Prime."
"Raphael, activate the ground bridge."
"That's it? That's all you need to hear before inviting him to the party?"
"If my former mentor shared this information it is because he considered Smokescreen a trusted ally."
"Thank you, sir, but I need you medics help"
"Are you injured?"
"No, but my friend is I was scouting above ground to find some medical supplies to treat her when I found you guys.
"Lead the way"
"This way" It didn't take long for us to arrive at the cave I had left Gail in. I went in first followed by the medic whose name was Ratchet.
"Gail, are you ok"
"Except for my ankle I'm perfectly fine" I had to smile at her, she got really sarcastic when she was in pain.
"This is Ratchet"
"Don't worry Smokie I know every member of my dad's team"
"Well it is nice to see you again, now let me see to your ankle" Ratchet worked quickly and after he reset the gear he created a makeshift brace for it.
"I'll make a more permanent one when we get back to base"
"Thank you" She got up on her good ankle and I helped her walk out of the cave. It was a slow walk, but I didn't mind, and when we finally exited the cave all of our new friends were happy, but Prime was very excited.
Optimus Prime POV
When Smokescreen helped his friend out of the cave I couldn't believe who it was I had thought that she had perished on Cybertron.
"Shadow Storm"
"Hey Dad"
"Dad" My teammates, except for Ratchet, were shocked at what Storm said, but they would get over it soon.
"It is so good to see you, but let's continue this conversation at the base. Raphael, activate the ground bridge." Once we were back at base Ratchet started working on making Storm a sturdier brace for her ankle. Miko was super excited at the prospect of meeting the two new bots.
Shadow Storm POV
"We haven't had anyone new here since Wheeljack. What's your story? Where'd you both come from? How'd you both get here? How many blasters you packing?"
"So these are the life forms were supposed to protect? Are they all like this?" the little human was very excited and I couldn't blame her because I was also excited about being a part of Team Prime as well as having my mate being taken care of properly and that she was safe here.
"Fortunately not, but I too share Miko's fascination with how you came to arrive on Earth."
"In a Decepticon escape pod"
"Still got trust issues huh? Tough crowd."
"Oh come on Smokie just tell them what happened"
"You side as well?"
"Yep, I'll interrupt if I need to Smokey"
"Ok, Gail. Here it goes the main thrust of combat operation was at least twenty clicks from the Hall of Records. So things had been pretty quiet, but the situation went downhill fast. The cons launched a massive surge that wiped out the last line of defenses surrounding Iacon. I was the only thing left to hold them back, and let me tell you I was actually pretty scared because during my time at the academy I got to know my mate and since we were both assigned to Iacon I was really worried that she would get hurt if I didn't do my job so I put on a brave face and faced the first encounter I've ever had with the Decepticons a chance to really prove myself. Until everything went black cons took me prisoners and dumped me onto a transport ship. I had no idea where Shadow Storm was so I managed to give a guard the slip and unexpectedly ran into Gail and we both hopped into an escape pod together. Apparently it was a long distance pod, cause it knocked us into stasis. Next thing I know, we're hitting solid ground. Hard"
"The Decepticon warship must have picked up the pods beacon and guided it to Earth."
"Which would explain the welcoming committee you guys got?" The pink and blue bot whose name was Arcee smirked just a bit. "Bet those cons were disappointed not to find one of their own inside."
"Smokescreen, do you know of Alpha Trion's fate after the fall of Iacon?"
"I wish I did, Gail what happened to you."
"Well, there's not much to tell I was in recharge mode when I got jolted out of my berth and onto the ground. Immediately cons charged in and took me hostage and dumped me on the same transport ship that luckily you were on Smokey."
"Gail, Smokie what are these names?"
"Dad there our nicknames for each other Smokescreen's my mate as I'm his it was destiny."
"Well I'm glad you're only boyfriend and girlfriend."
"Dad we're married have been since the two of us graduated from the elite guard."
"Who married you?"
"Alpha Trion"
"He never communicated that with me?"
"I thought he did he told me that he did and him even played back a recording of you telling us that you were happy and that you wished that you could have been there." I then noticed my mate rubbing his head and I knew that he was hiding something.
"Smokescreen, what have not been telling me?"
"Well actually the recording that you heard was actually something that Big A compiled together from different recordings of your father."
"Ok, but why did he do that?"
"The Big A trained your father and knew him well so well if fact that he knew your dad wouldn't want you marrying me during the war."
"Ok, but why are you just telling me now?"
"Alpha Trion made me promise not to tell you unless we met up with father." I could sense my mate's fear at what my father might do to him and I wanted to get up and hug him, but with my ankle the way it was that wasn't possible at the moment. Smokie must have sensed what I wanted to do because he sat down beside and placed his arm protectively over my shoulder and I in turn placed my head on his shoulder.
"Smokie, I understand why you and Alpha Trion did that and though I am a little angry at you I'm even madder at Trion for doing that to me. I knew my father's view on me marrying during the war when I accepted your marriage proposal. That was my decision, but thank you for at least trying." I kissed his faceplate which made him a bot red in the face.
"Daughter"
"Dad, I know what you're going to say."
"I am not mad at you, my little sparkling, but I want you to promise me that you will never hide anything from me anymore."
"I will daddy I promise" my dad sat on the other side of me and after Smokescreen removed his arm. My father hugged me and we stayed that way for a long time.
"Well, now that you've got two more members, how hard can it be to end this war?"
"Smokie, really" he looked at me and when he sees my face he realized what he had said and immediately was embarrassed. Then I heard the grating sound of metal scratching metal. Looking toward the sound I see Bulkhead limping into the room.
"Take a good look you two, this is how hard."
"It's good to see you again Bulk"
"I wish it was under a lot better circumstances"
"Don't we all"
"Smokescreen I would suggest that you become acclimated with your new surroundings. A tour of the base would be an excellent start."
"I've got it Optimus" The eldest human climbed down and started to head out of the base.
"What about Gail?"
"I can't walk around until my ankle heals, which will take a couple of days, but by that time you can show me the base yourself now go on." He kissed me goodbye and followed the human.
"Storm, I want you to get some sleep I'll help you into a berth alright."
"Thanks Ratchet see you later dad" my dad nodded his head and resumed his role as the team leader and a Prime.
"Ratchet, do you think my dad will like Smokescreen?"
"I really don't know Strom we'll just have to wait and see" I closed my optics and powered down. In my dreams I dreamed about what would have been if Megatron had not started the war. My family was happy together and with Smokescreen and I. I really couldn't wait until the two of us had a sparking of our own.
Storm slept for a long time long enough for Smokescreen to have finished his tour just when the bots had a new mission to accomplish. He couldn't go with them because he needed to have an Earth based vehicle so as to maintain the cover of the entire team. Before heading out he checked on his mate and before leaving he kissed her goodbye.
That was their thing back on Cybertron they would kiss each other before the day begin, but after what happened when they were captured by the Decepticons he took every chance he got to kiss her. That was as far as they went both had agreed that they wouldn't consider having a family unless the war was coming to a close.
Shadow Storm POV
I slowly opened my optics and woke up stretching what I could looking down at my ankle deduced that I could limp to the main room pretty easily. So I did, but when I made it to the entrance Smokie was able to see me and helped me to a seat.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm fine Smokie"
"That's good did you get a vehicle mode?"
"How'd you know?"
"Your doorwings are moving up and down that's a telltale sign that a bots getting used to his or her new parts. So where is everyone?"
"They found some red energon and they had to go and retrieve it before Megatron could."
"Why didn't you go with them?"
"I didn't have my vehicle form yet."
"Optimus is something wrong?"
"Starscream has come for red energon and I fear he will not be deterred in his quest." my mate as just walking into the room just as my dad was finishing telling Ratchet what was happening.
"Starscream I heard stories about that stiletto heeled creep back on Cybertron Send me in doc."
"When Optimus requires back up he will ask for it."
"Come on I got my vehicle mode and everything I'm supped up and ready to rol . . ."
"Ep, yep what part of further training did you not understand?" my sat back down on his haunches putting just a bit then he got back up and ran down the hallway like a bot on a mission.
"Optimus what is your status."
"Ratchet they need me I can do this"
"Arcee static Bumblebee static"
"Did you hear what I said?"
"I did and I'm ignoring it, this very well may be your opportunity Smokescreen. Where is Smokescreen?"
"He ran down that hall, he looked like he had a plan that would be able to save my father." Ratchet left the room the same way that my husband had and within moments the two of them returned and Ratchet started up the ground bridge.
"Smokescreen"
"I'm here my love what do you need?"
"You're not leaving until I get a kiss" He was not going on any mission every again before he gave me a goodbye kiss.
"Whoops" he quickly kissed me and I whispered into his audio receptors
"Be safe, don't be a hero I want you to come back to me alive."
"I will" he transformed into a racing car with double thirty-eight on the sides and headed into the ground bridge. There weren't any cameras that would show me how my husband was doing so I had to resort to waiting patiently for him to return.
When he finally comes through the gate he and the other Autobots were carrying a very big and empty suit of armor. Which I quickly realized that it was the Apex Armor from the vaults of Iacon I also noticed a new addition to Smokey's armor.
"Told ya, I only needed to borrow it for a while, Doc here thought I was here too steal your relics."
"Only until you explained your plan which I then sanction it's called protocol."
"Ratchet is correct. Standard procedure must be observed by every member of this team . . . however, I believe we must also commend Smokescreen. You have to be a quick study by choosing to place strategy over bravado."
"There's going to be no living with him now." Arcee commented to Bee and me
"Don't worry, I'll keep him in check I always have and I always will."
"While this may lack the proper pageantry of an elite guard ceremony I wish to welcome you to Team Prime and to my family." My mate was very happy and so I was, but I heard heavy breathing behind me and turning around I see Bulkhead gazing at the Apex Armor standing empty in the corner.
"Let's all get some rest Smokescreen do you want to recharge in the same room as Storm."
"No, I'm ok with recharging next door as long as I'm close to her I'm fine." I smiled at him as he helped me up and down the hallway to my new room. As soon as I lay in my berth fell asleep.
Optimus Prime POV
Smokescreen had proven to be a great addition to the team and to my family. Tomorrow, I need to make sure I call Agent Fowler and ask him to set up two more human identities for Smokescreen and my daughter as well as get a non transforming vehicle here for them in case they either wanted to get out of the base for a while or in the unlikely chance that we're under attack and they need a safe getaway.
"I'll get started on making holoforms for them tomorrow"
"Thank you old friend"