Updated - 31~08~2020

And here we are! This is the end of this story. Now, any idea of what's spared for Smokescreen? No? Let's find out!

Hope you enjoy it!

Smokes-clean

Part 8

It seemed that calm had settled in the base, as everyone had returned to their things. The kids were playing their video games, Ratchet was back to his monitoring duty and Bulkhead had gone on an energon scouting mission with Optimus.

Arcee was just sat on the platform next to the kids, enjoying herself, from time to time, chatting with Bumblebee, who was standing not far from her. They lost track of time until some steps got their attention. Knockout made his entrance, closely followed by the rookie, who looked completely bothered, and nuisance noticeable while carrying a heavy box.

"Well, you can continue now with the main hall." The red mech instructed, signalling the stance. "Remember, don't forget the corners, specially those where there's equipment laying. Important, watch out for Ratchet's tools, those are delicate. Oh, and don't get too stack on this one, you still have 27 more chambers and 14 corridors to clean." He added amused, signalling the way they had come a click ago. "Go on, get to work."

The young doctor walked up to the rest. He rested his back and a pede on the wall, while rested an arm on the catwalk and the other one on his hip. Smokescreen left on the ground his cleaning material, directing the group a guilty look, though it had no desired effect on them. Finally, with a groan he got to work.

*So, how's the Infirmary?* 'Bee asked, with a light smile behind his mouth mask.

"Oh! What can I say... It had been left impeccable. You should see it!" The red mech gestured his servos up, delighted.

"Promising." Arcee smirked. "I wonder what he can do for the training hall or the energon storage."

"Those are next in the list." Knockout admitted.

*Wait. Wouldn't it be better to make them in order?* The scout wondered, frowning. *Closest ones first?*

"Yes, it would, but then it wouldn't be a proper reprimand." The former 'Con locked gazes with him. "In fact, it makes him well to go from one chamber to another, far away from the previous one while carrying all that cleaning material."

"And that would be because..." Arcee looked up at him.

"Because Smokescreen is a young Elite Guard who needs more training. Thus while he fulfils all his new duties, he exercises and gets fit. Isn't it just grand!"

*Oh, my! Knockout, you would be the worst dad in the universe!* 'Bumblebee looked at him shocked. The red mech didn't reply. He simples chuckled.

"Cleaver." The femme admitted. "Twisted, but cleaver."

"Thank you." He showed off. "I'm just that good."

"Yeah, of course." She scoffed. "Where did you get inspiration from? Was it from the Decepticon Punishment Protocol?"

"Yeah kind of. I doubt that even exists." He mocked. "But no, believe me, this was idea of mine. I'm creative, I always come up with good ones." He winked at her, and she just roller her optics. Then they remained in silence for a while, optics fixed on Smokey. "Besides, back in the Deceptions, cleaning 'duties' were horrible, a helmache. Don't make me talk about it." He smiled, glad of not facing it anymore.

Silence settled again, as they saw the novice moving onto the floor. He started scrubbing it, completely apathetic.

"Smokescreen, you better apply yourself to it." Arcee dragged his attention as he had stopped just to look at her. "I want it shiny. Shinier than Knockout's pristine paint job." His optics dimmed in horror, as his spark sank. That would be impossible to fulfil. Arcee then turned to the rest of the group. "How long you think it will take him?"

*At that pace... Three vorns.* 'Bee calculated.

Somekscreen stood up and threw the servo brush away, angry. "This is not fair! You all use the base as much as I do, and you even did it for longer than I. Why do I have to clean it up all alone?"

"You were the one who put it all upside down." Arcee replied, serene. "Is either that or not getting out of your room in a millennia."

The novice diverted his gaze for a moment before facing them again. "Can you at least help me with the main hall?" He opened his arms wide.

"If you didn't need help to make a mess, you don't need it either to clean up." It was the old medic's firm statement, who had turned to set optics on him, wrench waving in servo. "So take that brush and continue. You still have left much to do."

With a sight Smokescreen retook what he had been doing a moment ago, with a clear idea fixed in mind. He would never ever again touch other's things.