Transformers: Prime: Smokescreen's Destiny

Chapter 26: Payback Time

Back aboard the formidable Nemesis, the air resonated with the hum of machinery and the subdued atmosphere of repair. Knockout, the skilled Decepticon medic, meticulously mended his broken arm, while Smokescreen, the resilient warrior, received attention to his injured shoulder. The aftermath of Mayhem's betrayal left Megatron seething with fury, determined to ensure retribution for this act of treason within his ranks.

Megatron, a formidable figure with an air of authority, assured his adopted son, Smokescreen, that justice would prevail.

"Do not worry, Smokescreen. We'll find Mayhem and make sure he pays for his betrayal," Megatron declared, his tone laced with authority. Concerned for his newfound family, Smokescreen hesitated, seeking reassurance about Megatron's intentions. "Dad? You're not going to kill him, are you?" The question prompted a momentary reflection from Megatron, his mechanical visage betraying a hint of confusion. "Did you call me 'dad'? What's a dad?" Realizing the need for clarity, Smokescreen explained, "Oh, right. You don't know what a dad is. A dad is what humans refer to as their sires. I thought I'd call you 'dad' instead of 'father' or 'sire'."

Megatron, processing the novel term, responded with a semblance of understanding. "I see. Smokescreen... about what happened back on Cybertron when you discovered a forbidden place, and I was furious with you... I'm sorry that I frightened you." The exchange between Megatron and Smokescreen revealed a subtle shift in their relationship, a moment of connection beyond the usual boundaries of war and loyalty. "I forgive you, dad. Is Knockout going to be okay?" Smokescreen inquired, demonstrating genuine concern for his fellow Decepticon. Megatron, displaying a paternal concern rare for a leader of his stature, reassured, "Knockout is a strong mech. His broken arm will heal soon. As for you, I suggest you get some rest and stay in the Nemesis. I don't want you to get hurt. You're my adopted son, and I want you to be safe."

With those words, Megatron, the powerful and enigmatic leader, revealed a facet of himself not often seen – a protective instinct for the one he now called son. As the Nemesis continued its relentless journey through the Earth's sky, the dynamics among its occupants evolved, setting the stage for the battles yet to come. In the dimly lit quarters of the Nemesis, Smokescreen sat on his berth, his thoughts burdened with the recent revelation about Mayhem's true identity. His adopted father, Megatron, began prompting a serious discussion.

"Smokescreen, Knockout told me that you knew Mayhem when he was an Autobot named Tinker. Care to explain?" Megatron inquired, his voice carrying a weight of authority. The young Autobot-turned-Decepticon sighed before recounting his past encounters with Tinker, his friend, and mentor.

"Well, I met Tinker a long time ago back on Cybertron. Before I got security detail at the Iacon Hall of Records where I met Alpha Trion, I was training to become a member of the Autobot Elite Guard when I came to a boot camp where my friend and mentor, Tinker, taught me some of his moves, even his secret ones," Smokescreen began. "Tinker taught me how to shoot, showing that he has an excellent aim, and he gave me some of his bombs before he was abandoned by his comrades. The Autobots left Tinker to die when they were forced to retreat from the battlefield on Cybertron." Megatron listened intently, his optics narrowing slightly as he absorbed the details of Smokescreen's tale.

"What makes you think that Mayhem and Tinker are the same bot? Surely, Tinker perished during the Great War," Megatron questioned, seeking clarity. I thought he did. Yet somehow... Tinker returned from the dead. But now, he's a Decepticon renamed Mayhem," Smokescreen revealed, his voice laden with concern. Megatron sighed, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "I believe that I owe you an explanation of how Mayhem became a Decepticon and joined our faction during the war for Cybertron." The Decepticon leader went on to narrate the grim tale of Mayhem's transformation from a half-dead Autobot, abandoned by his comrades, to the Decepticon warrior he had become. Smokescreen's suspicions were confirmed – Mayhem was indeed Tinker, reprogrammed and reshaped into a Decepticon.