[Video | By the Lake]

[shutupndrive]

[While he hasn't been overly social as of late--outside of hanging out with Blades here and there and fanboying over Prime, Smokescreen has been at least keeping tabs on everything. So he knows that things have been kind of weird.

And now he's worried because he hasn't heard from or seen certain individuals in awhile.]

Has anyone seen Prime--my Prime, the one from mine and Bulkhead's home? I haven't been able to track him down.

[And he's worried. Because he doesn't want to lose his father figure leader.]

Not that I don't think Optimus can't take care of himself or anything...I'm just wanted to report in. You all know how it goes, right?

[He fidgets a bit, doorwings drooping some as he glances over at the lake.]

...Bulkhead? Wheeljack? Cliffjumper? You guys alright too?

Comments

[Audio]

[thelastprime]

Should this glyphless state affect me in any way that would seem harmful to those around us...

[You know where this is going, Smokey.]

[Audio]

[shutupndrive]

[For a second he doesn't react but then his optics dim, an upset look appearing on his face.]

Optimus I--

[He shakes his head, fists clenching a bit as he tries to get his determination back.]

That's not going to happen, Optimus. It won't. Everything's going to be fine.

[Audio]

[thelastprime]

[let dadbot hug you smokescreen

He wants to believe you...really, but not everything always seems to turn out the best for Primes. Or him.]

Will you do it for me.

[He wants to be sure.]

[Audio]

[shutupndrive]

[He needs a hug. Like whoa.

This..is possibly the hardest thing that he's ever been asked to do. And he wants to say no, wants to argue with Optimus and tell him that it won't get to that point but..

But...he isn't sure anymore if it's true or not.]

I don't...Optimus I..........



Yes...I can...I can.

[Audio]

[thelastprime]

...


[Smokescreen can't see it, but he closes his eyes in relief. He would much rather an Autobot end his life...mercifully, than a Decepticon. He hates to ask Smokescreen of all bots...but Bulkhead isn't recovered yet. And Arcee and Cliff aren't responding.]

Smokescreen.



Thank you.

[Audio]

[shutupndrive]

[It's taking everything he has to keep it together right now, to keep himself from just losing composure completely and doing the childish thing, denying that anything bad will happen.

But bad things always seem to happen to their group.

And he doesn't know if there's anything he or anyone else can do to stop the inevitable and it's killing him.]






...Not...sure if I want to be thanked for this but....you're welcome, Optimus.

[Audio]

[thelastprime]

I am sorry.

[His voice sound heavy. Deeply pained by all of this.]

I have failed you.

[Audio]

[shutupndrive]

You've never failed us, Optimus...We're the ones that have failed you.

[Because they can't find a way to fix this; because it might come down to them having to offline their Prime.]

[Audio]

[thelastprime]

I do not see it as such. You have done nothing wrong.

[He hates to give this burden to his team, but...]

Do not take me on alone. You will need all resources necessary.

[Audio]

[shutupndrive]

Yes sir..I won't I mean. I'll try and find the others just..in case..