The order to disperse offlines Smokescreen's vocalizer as effectively as any virus. It's the Archives all over again, the 'Cons blasting everything he's supposed to protect, and him helpless. He almost balks when it's his turn to go, but with the Prime's field bracing his, all he can do is salute and obey.
Only when he emerges from the groundbridge, tires slipping on soft moss, does his impotence crystallize into denial. He can't leave Optimus — not like he left Alpha Trion, and Glazier.
She always said my first word was no, he thinks, turning back. Hope it's not my last.