Welcome to Dr. Smokescreen's Office

Please make yourself comfortable.

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thebestdecepticonleader 2d Star sadly let the sparkling be taken from his arms, as much as he wanted to hold and protect him. "The Matrix says his name is Skyspark. I know this is a weird request, and not typical for a Prime, but would I be able to hear updates about him? Just to know he's safe?"

'Anytime you wish to visit us, Matrix Bearer,' the priest answered quietly. 'None are barred from your presence unless you wish it.' A table is carried forward by two monks, an embroidered cover over some objects under it. The fourth and final test has arrived.

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thebestdecepticonleader 3d 17 May 2026, 04:55 · 4 days ago It was a choice between two evils, he had to try to pick one that he can at least find some way to minimise. He can't minimise anything if he's executed for failing the trials. "I'm sorry," he whispered to the sentio metallico, before placing his hands on the piece. He concentrated, letting power flow through him and bring warmth to the body. Slowly, the body started to take form. First the face with blue eyes and a facemask. Tiny legs, arms, and eventually tiny wings. A little seeker. When the forming was done, Starscream gathered the sparkling in his arms. This was supposed to be the most joyful test, and yet... it wasn't. In war, it couldn't be. He whispered to the tiny sparkling, that was now crying in his arms, "I'm so, so sorry. You will hate me one day, but I promise I will do everything I can to make your life a good one."

'The primus minor will be well-cared for. Rilex there,' pointing to an impossibly elderly mech festooned in honourary ribbons, 'is the one made by Optimus Prime.' Rilex is obviously giddy at watching how he was made so long ago. The high priest motions for two to come and take the sparkling an newest member of their order. Another two chants of praise for the miracle. This is the biggest day of their lives and the priesthood is not in a hurry. Only once, if one is lucky does one get to witness the emerging of a new representative of Primus.

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thebestdecepticonleader 22h That's somehow even worse. "And he doesn't get a choice? He just... has his life signed away, against his will, from the moment he comes into being? What happens if the war ends? Is he allowed to leave."

'But..he isn't the point,' the high priest trying to regain control of the ceremony again. 'He will be well-cared for, same as all the previous. If you do not do this, then you have failed the test.' No one has ever failed the tests. They've never had to figure out what to do with a Matrix Bearer that has failed the traditional tests.

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thebestdecepticonleader Apr 28 The next test was the one of life. A simple one in setup, unlike the earlier ones requiring a bunch of equipment, this one involved a lump of sentio metallico, the test was to set it on the path to forming a sparkling, by guiding a spark into it from the ether. "Priests of Primus, I am not sure this test is moral to be performed at this time, to bring a sparkling into the war. The Matrix is also conflicted by the idea."

'He will spend his life in the cloister,' the head priest answered, whether the child wants to be a monk or not. 'Being a direct descendant of Primus, he will be too precious to live in war.'

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hebestdecepticonleader 4d The next was a test of strategic value. Prior to Optimus it had been a formality for most of the Primes. Proof that they could follow the Matrix well enough to protect Cybertron if needed. It was a simulation of various ancient battles against the Quintessons. The idea was to allow the Matrix to guide you through the answers, not to find your own tactical answer. Star showed great promise at this. His affinity for listening to the Matrix was not as good as Optimus' had been, yet, but Optimus had been an extreme outlier in this test. Star's results were far better than a lot of other Primes, even ones who had been considered amazing military leaders in their own rights. If the Autobots ever trust him to lead them, militarily, he'd likely do a good job. It was odd though, because he had been shown to have trouble listening to the Matrix. The truth was that it wasn't the voices he had trouble with, but knowing how to prioritise who he listened to. By tuning into Starscream's knowledge of battle, he knew who to listen to for the greatest effect. The test taught him a valuable lesson, his previous person wasn't always something to ignore. It had some valuable insight, as long as he knew how to listen without getting lost in Starscream's evil values.

Another chant of praise celebrates Starimus' success. The priesthood is relishing this event, being at the crowning of a new representative of Primus on Cybertron. This is a once in a lifetime event and they are soaking up every second of the day.

Two tests done, two to go.

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thebestdecepticonleader 2d ::I do not expect you to blindly trust me.:: Star said, able to guess at least part of the trouble, ::Thank you for your time.:: Then he ended the call. The next day was Star's coronation. Traditionally the celebration would be massive, bigger than the funeral yesterday had been, with hundreds, even thousands of dignitaries in attendance, with several hours of serious ceremony, followed by a massive party. This was not going to be like that. Even if it had been an Autobot it would have needed to be smaller than usual, but with a former Decepticon? It was more of a shame than a celebration. The ceremonial test of the Prime's capabilities were going to be less ceremonial than usual, with everyone looking for Star to stumble, and give an excuse to remove the Matrix for someone more "suitable". Star entered the chamber that had been prepared for the test, and Star Saber approached. "Greetings Primal Candidate." In the center was a chair, with a setup that looked similar to a Psychic Patch. To those who knew, including Star, the Psychic Patch had actually been developed as a bastardisation of this test. "You may refuse the test, but it will be considered an automatic failure, and the Matrix will be taken from you." Star sat on the chair, "That will not be necessary." Star Saber started plugging Star into the machine. As the machine started there was a burning in Star's chest, but somehow it didn't hurt. It felt... right, despite the fact that he knew there should be pain from the amount of burning he knew was happening. He was shielded by the Matrix, a sign of his strong affinity for the relic.

A chant of praise was started. When it ended, the High Priest came forward with the second test.

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thebestdecepticonleader 22h ::He's in deep cover. He's been an agent of the Decepticons since before the war started. The Matrix believes he is going to drop the disguise soon though.::

::Nnn,:: Ultra Magnus replied downward. He did not write that down. ::Thank you, Sir, for the information. I will update you as soon as we have progress,:: ending the call but he cannot hang up on the Prime-Elect. All this is the prime, is not the prime confusion will end tomorrow.

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thebestdecepticonleader 2h ::His Autobot name is Runner. He uses the same method that the Autobot Agent 113 does, he shoots Decepticons with bullets with data written on them. The Matrix believes he is currently carrying one of these bullets, so with careful planning you may be able to catch him. Starscream knew how to read the code, so I can teach any interested in learning, or translate.::

::Nnn...:: Magnus hummed as he writes things down. ::How long has he been operating?:: They need to know how long intel has been flowing out, and this might explain the Iacon siege's timing and ferocity.

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thebestdecepticonleader 18h ::The mech's name is Barricade. He is secretly a Decepticon agent. He carries a Decepticon badge in his subspace because he can't wear it.::

Ultra Magnus rolls the stylus between his fingers as he mulls that. Not something the Matrix would know (or care about), but Starscream would. ::What is his Autobot name? His method of transmission? Tell me all you can about him.:: Maybe not the funeral's saboteur, but certainly a problem.

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thebestdecepticonleader 2h Star can see that the conversation should have been left for later. ::Rest well and take care.:: Star then commed Ultra Magnus, ::The Matrix revealed the name of the saboteur, if you are willing to hear it. If you prefer to do investigations on your own, I understand.::

Ultra Magnus is very suspicous. It seems the Matrix has given up governing the planet for writing mystery novels. ::Tell me what you know,:: he says as he readies the datapad he's keeping the investigation notes on.

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thebestdecepticonleader 29m ::Yes, I am not talking about doing it right this moment. I just think it is something we need to consider. Or I need to consider. Is there someone I should ask instead of you, while you rest?::

::It's already considered. We need more than two hours to make it happen. Wait,:: Smokescreen's voice decidedly trailing off.

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thebestdecepticonleader 9h ::With the reactions at the funeral, I think I need to consider staying out off the public eye for now. I am not abandoning the Autobots, just so we are clear. I just do not think the majority of the army is ready for a former Decepticon to be a Prime. You and I know I am a different person, but they do not, and I think trying to prove I am different is making things harder for everyone. I am not suggesting I put myself in the brig, but if I was to stay in my room perhaps...::

::Stay there. Magnus and I will make other arrangements. Magnus is there to watch over you but stay out of sight. We've already cancelled all public aspects of the coronation.,:: Smokescreen meandered through thoughts.

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thebestdecepticonleader 22h At the same time, Star came to a similar understanding on his own. He can't force the Autobots to accept him. As much as the Matrix might try to put him in situations to make him more acceptable to them, it isn't working. He needs to be in a position where he can still help in a moment's notice, if asked, but be otherwise out of the way. ::Doctor Smokescreen, do you have time to talk today? I wish to discuss a plan for moving forward.::

Smokescreen is settling in for an evening nap when the call comes in. ::Nnn, I'm listening,:: more or less.

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thebestdecepticonleader 25m :: But what about the saboteurs? They will be getting away.:: He paused, realising the mistake in that, :: No, you're right, if they had any brains they will have already escaped. I am leaving now.::

Smokescreen didn't answer, feeling defeat. He seriously doubts saboteurs too, since that debris ineptly missed the target. But the interruption has doomed Star.

As Iacon investigated the situation, Smokescreen came to an answer he didn't like. He didn't like it because it was a non answer. He radioed Ultra Magnus. They are going to have to stow Star away. He'll have a private, unbroadcasted coronation with the Circumprimus and then be given some modest home somewhere to wait the years out. They don't need to hide Star, but he needs to be kept out of sight till the Autobots are ready to accept him. It's not unusual to be without a prime and they still hold the Matrix. Ultra Magnus is a very capable commander if rough with words, but that's where Smokescreen is useful.

An exiled prime doesn't mean Smokescreen has to put his plans on hold though.

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thebestdecepticonleader 1d As they were nearing the end of the ceremony nothing had happened. Even as Optimus' body was about to be reclaimed, the Matrix didn't quieten down. If anything it had grown more jittery. Then in a flash Star suddenly knew what the Matrix was warning about. He jumped to his feet, shouting, "Everyone down!" Just as a boom was heard from the ceiling above. Without thinking, Star allowed the Matrix to fully take over. Starimus' optics glowed Matrix gold as a golden light came from his hands, in a barrier. A shield, preventing the ceiling from landing on everyone's heads. "Saboteurs up there. Someone find them before they find something else to destroy." Starimus started gently lowering the damaged parts of the ceiling down to the ground. He was strong enough to stop it from falling on anyone, but not strong enough to hold it indefinitely. As no one moved, he emphasised his request, "Please."

No one moved more than necessary to get out of the way of the debris, anger holding them in place. The damn Decepticon couldn't even let Optimus have a funeral without making it about him. While the pall bearers whisk away the coffin, the crowd of officers close in on Starimus. Several pull weapons from subspace.

Ratchet walks up on the stage, his mourning cloak covering every bit of red and white except his head, and that's enough for the crowd to pay attention. 'Back off. You still have heads attached because of Starimus.' They hesitate, knowing better than to cross Ratchet, but they are angry.

'No. Enough of this charade of a Decepticon prime!' one shouts. 'We're taking the Matrix back. Now!'

Smokescreen watches from his hospital bed. Mutiny. If the Matrix hadn't chosen him as well, if he didn't know better, he'd be standing with the rest of the officers. What would he want to hear?

Exile.

Smokescreen opens a channel to Star. ::Star, leave, now. Go back to whatever quarters they gave you. Do not go to the Primal Suites. It's not time yet. We have to wait till they want you.::

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Ohno, it seems someone has replaced the liquid in his cleaner bottles with paint stripper

Smokescreen pauses as he starts his shower today. His cleaner has a weird texture. Did too much water get in it? Maybe it's time to get some new solvent...

Unfortunately, he doesn't think anything of it until he finishes his shower, and sees his patchy self in the mirror with a look of horror.

"Why am I naked?!"

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Senior Smokescreen is walking down a hall and sees Young Smokescreen quickly move through a crossing hall, streaking. He just sighs without surprise and keeps on his way.

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alpha113nredshirteradicon 1d Allen smiled and poked Smokescreen back. "Like I could forget! We've been through a lot together!" Never mind him moving over and taking a seat with Smokescreen so he can lean his helm against the doctor's shoulder. "But yeah, I do need to visit more." He settles his helm comfortably on the other. "Miss you..."

And Smokescreen lets Allen lean on him. He doesn't care how many people see he has a friend.