The Power Within - Transformers Prime (2)

Chapter Twenty-Three

[Amanda]

  "We haven't had somebody new here since Wheeljack!" Miko said as she ran up the stairs to the platform as the new comer walked alongside it. "What's your story, Smoke?Where'd you come from? How'd you get here? How many blasters you packin'?"

  The new comer looked a little overwhelmed. "So these are the life-forms we're supposed to protect? Are they all like this?"

  "Fortunately not." Ratchet said. "But I too share Miko's fascination with how you came to arrive on Earth."

  "In a Decepticon escape pod." Arcee added, suspicion in her tone. I was glad they were at least questioning this new guy. From my spot on the couch, I watched Smokescreen carefully, trying to get a gauge on him as he talked with the others.

  "Still got trust issues, huh? Tough crowd." He said, tone slightly prideful. "The main thrust of combat operations was at least 20 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, and I was the only thing left to hold them back, and let me tell you, I was pumped. I mean, this was my chance to see real action for the first time to prove myself. Until everything went black. Cons took me prisoner, and dumped me onto a transport ship, but I managed to give a guard the slip and hopped in an escape pod. Apparently, it was a long-distance pod, cause it knocked me into stasis. Next thing I knew, I'm hitting solid ground hard."

  I frowned, not liking his tone. Smokescreen sounded like an ignorant and big headed Autobot, but I could sense his story was true. Also, we really were in need of someone on our side.

  "The Decepticon warship must have picked up the pod's beacon and guided it to Earth," Ratchet thought out loud.

  Arcee walked forward. "Which would explain Smokescreen's welcoming committee. Bet those Cons were disappointed not to find one of their own inside."

  "Smokescreen," Optimus said, causing the new comer to turn rapidly. "Do you know of Alpha Trion's fate after the fall of Iacon?"

  He shook his head. "I wish I did, but that was the last I ever saw of him." Smokescreen sounded genuinely sad, and I saw disappointment and grief flicker over the Prime's face before he regained himself.

  "That's it." Smokescreen shrugged. "My life story. Not exactly the glory I envisioned for myself until now. Being here with Optimus Prime..." He grinned. "I knew I was destined for great things. I mean, now that you have help, how hard could it be to end this war?"

  I sucked in a breath, as did the others. Then the scraping of metal and grunting made us all turn to see Bulkhead struggling to drag his almost paralyzed leg along to stand in front of the group. Miko surged forward, but Jack caught her wrist, shaking his head. He was right to do so. Bulkhead had murder in his eyes.

  "Take a good look, Newbie." The wrecker growled. "This is how hard."

  The base went silent for a long moment before Optimus spoke up.

  "Smokescreen," The Prime said. "I would suggest that you take some time to become acclimated to your new surroundings. A tour of the base would be an excellent start." He glanced towards the five of us, who were in the living area.

  "Sure thing!" Miko said automatically before glancing at Bulkhead. "I mean, Jack and Finn here offer very informative tours. Take it away boys!"

  Jack gave Miko a look and Finn turned to me with 'help me' written all over his face. I just shrugged, biting back my smirk as they both walked down the platform and lead Smokescreen through the base. Once they left, I stood and followed Miko towards Bulkhead.