Finally, Smokescreen gets it.

He sees at last what everything was for: the endless drills, the studying, even the stint in stasis. Destiny was preparing him for this post, to stand shoulder to shoulder with Optimus Prime — the Optimus Prime! — against the enemy. (Sort of. That is, if Optimus weren't hanging from a gantry overhead right now.) But never mind: time to play Kick the Con! Phase Shifter engaged, Smokescreen charges a startled Starscream, knocking him straight out of the Apex Armor and onto his skinny aft.

"Now that was a plan!" he exults.

Oh, yeah, Smokescreen's ready. Half-past ready.