Hey! I was wondering about what you think Optimus is going do in your universe to train Smokescreen as a future Prime and leader. (Low key, I was super disappointed that they never interacted one-on-one to address what happened.) Since Primes are usually chosen when the previous one dies, this new role of mentor has got to be odd in more than one way. Can you also share what you think is his perspective on the whole deal is and how his view of Smokescreen changes from knowing the Matrix chose him? No need to rush too much on this since I was gone for a few days before.
Oooooo, that's a good question @kzele.
One of the major things Optimus would likely consider would be all the lack of help for his own ascension to the Primacy when training Smokescreen. Between Megatron's fall from grace, the War breaking out, and the utter barrier between him and Alpha Trion after that (correct me if I'm wrong, but AT was absent from Optimus' side post Matrix), Optimus was learning how to be a Prime on the fly. So when he needed guidance, he was probably getting shown the ropes by the Thirteen in his head - which, given all their personalities and behavior, was probably like going to receive help from your eccentric uncles and aunt.
Not a fun time for him.
So in a way, Optimus would be keeping Smokescreen close by so that if he had a question or theory, Optimus could quickly step in with advice or experience he'd learned the hard way. Optimus would probably feel a bit odd about the whole thing: it's one thing to raise Bumblebee to adulthood, but teaching your successor so he doesn't make the same mistakes you did or be adrift like you were is new. Makes him wonder how Alpha Trion pulled it off so easily on at least two occasions (himself and Smokescreen, of course.)
Optimus is also concerned at times that he might be overstepping, in part because he's really so protective that he wonders at times if he's being too strict or too distant. He's not Smokescreen's father, or related to him in any way; Chromia, though he knows her only through Prowl, clearly did the lion's share of raising him, and he doesn't want Smokescreen to think he's trying to replace her or the 'Bots who gave him shelter while she was busy earning a living for them.
For his part, Smokescreen is mostly unbothered by this. Getting a chance to be closer to Optimus (and cling to him when he overthinks his future as a Prime) is the second most important thing to him after reuniting with his older sister. Sometimes though, he does feel Optimus stresses some of the protocol too much. He usually gets over it by remembering what Alpha Trion told him, but sometimes he needs to tell Optimus, "I appreciate the reiteration, but I can remember things pretty well, Optimus."
It's never really heated between them. More mutual awkwardness, with lots of moments where they each feel like their falling short in the mentor-student relationship.
The real headache would come when Optimus realizes that, should they manage to reunite with surviving allies and defeat the Decepticons, Smokescreen's going to need more diplomatic training than he could hope to impart to him. Optimus' personal diplomatic skills are based off his ability to reach others through his genuinely meant hopes and dreams expressed through words, thereby granting him allies rather easily. While Smokescreen could probably do the same, it would not come quite as easily, in part due to the team's failure to make him feel welcome and thus making him doubt himself. Therefore, as much as it pains him to admit it, Optimus will have to seek out others for such learning. Accelerator would be the most trustworthy diplomat for a start, but there's still the fact that they will soon be dealing with at least four lost colony worlds with different cultures in the future, never mind throwing humanity in alongside them....
As for how Optimus views Smokescreen now, it's only marginally different. From the beginning, Optimus saw great potential: he adapted quickly, listened to orders well, always pulled his weight, and had a great deal to offer as both a combatant and as a friend. Now though, with the realization that he is a candidate for the Primacy, Optimus sees how those qualities actually aid him for the Primehood. Smokescreen's adaptive nature means he'll take change in stride, his attentiveness will allow him to listen to others, his eagerness to do what is right will grant him allies, and his combat abilities and friendly disposition will aid him in the future - perhaps even turn enemies into friends.
Thanks for the question! This was a blast!
