Hi, Blade!
Your mention of Smokescreen and Firestar potentially being an item really intrigued me, so, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Though, I hope I’m not stepping on your toes with my additions. I’m not very familiar on Firestar, so please correct me if my take on her is OOC (I’ll also be going back and forth between her Prime and G1 characterization, as well as referencing some of her other iterations).
From Firestar’s G1 wiki, particularly her appearance in The Search for Alpha Trion, she's characterized as “the level–headed girl–next–door”, but at the same time, her bio describes her as someone “reliable but also gungho, loves conflict, loves taking risks, etc.” To top it all off, she’s also said to be skilled in many things. Meanwhile, in Prime, her most valuable/noticeable attribute is her proactivity, and she’s unafraid to risk her life for missions.
Meanwhile, Prime Smokescreen is described as someone who “use(s) his wits when charging into a situation, rather than heading in firing blind”. While I lament that his Wiki doesn’t expand more on his positive attributes, such as his proactiveness, selflessness, and sheer loyalty...I can appreciate the emphasis on that bit, because that’s exactly one of the first things you should know about him! Funny how that's on his official Wiki yet the show (and some in the fandom) insists on portraying him otherwise…*sighs*.
It goes without saying that Firestar and Smokescreen have similar personality traits. Both are proactive, would risk their lives for missions (as well as others), and are gung–ho. Their proactiveness deserves more emphasis, especially since Firestar (both in G1 and Prime) kept her helm up and did everything she could even in the face of a “dead” Cybertron. Smokescreen’s situation bears a striking resemblance to hers, how he marched on despite the Autobot base’s destruction with ZERO idea of what happened to the others. Not only that, but he disobeyed Optimus’ orders to abandon base, only to return and saving him afterwards, and took it upon himself to infiltrate the Nemesis in order to obtain The Forge that was later used to revive Optimus.
In other words; those two are the embodiment of proactivity. I wouldn’t be surprised to know if Firestar had done/would so something similar.
Though, the difference is that Firestar loves conflicts and taking risks a tad bit too much, while Smokescreen, from what we saw, tends to keep to himself (despite his exuberance) and only take necessary risks. But all in all, from what I’ve seen, they can be pretty chill bots (more so on Smokescreen, given how Firestar’s “fiery” personality might show in some scenarios) but they won’t hesitate to take the initiative and do something that’d tip the situation in their team’s/faction’s favor.
((Note: This is a minor detail, but Firestar’s described as “unprepossessing”, and while I’m unsure why on her case, I can say that it applies to Smokescreen (mainly due to Team Prime’s cold reception of him, even if it’s a them problem). The way I interpret it is that they may appear like “another face in the background”, and for Smokey in particular, it’s the way he wishes to be part of something bigger before arriving on Earth. Though, unbeknownst to many, they have a hidden quality that’ll show up at just the right moment.
Plus, that bit about Firestar being good at many things (which likely refers to her combat abilities and, maybe, her hobby/interests as an artist as a nod to her IDW 2005 version?), once again, also applies to Smokescreen. Look no further than just how adaptive he is for someone who just emerged from stasis, how he quickly grasped the mechanics of the Phase Shifter, and his creative methods to beating opponents/obtaining items. There’s also the fact that he’s a history enthusiast! Since art and history tend to go hand–in–hand…it may serve as a good common ground for these two imho))
Personality aside, while they do have more differences in other aspects, their contrasts genuinely make them all the more interesting to me. Smokescreen turns into a sportscar while Firestar turns into a truck, Smokescreen has a more speedy and elusive fighting style while Firestar’s more direct and hands–on, Smokescreen specializes in stealth (and retrieving important items) while Firestar’s specializes in rescue missions (and her alt–mode’s handy for transporting large quantities of energon stolen from the ‘cons!), and while Smokescreen may be on the taller side (genetics), Firestar’s much taller than him.
(Note: I’m not sure if this was intentional/planned on your part, but…I’m only starting to notice that your AU’s Smokescreen is surrounded by tough ladies and looks up to them as role models/guardians! Funnily enough, this coincides with my own self–indulgent HC that Smokescreen would be considered as “one of the girls”, AKA someone, typically a guy, with a bunch of female friends/acquaintances. Smokescreen gives off that vibe, imho! That said, hope you don’t mind me listing these ladies. Keep in mind that Flareup's addition is due to the info I got from Firestar's bio!
Think about it, his mother is the Drift, his sister is the tough–as–nails Infiltrator Chromia, he trained under Rocket Plume during his Academy days and befriended fellow Elite Guard Road Rage. There’s also Firestar, a close friend of his sister, as well as Flareup, Firestar’s protegee that Chromia’s “guarding”. Given their shared exuberance, it’s unsurprising to see Smokescreen befriending the bubbly sniper Moonracer. To top it all off, Smokescreen is a descendant of Solus Prime.
That’s…what, eight ladies? Yeah, Smokescreen’s definitely one of the girls imho. We thank you for being such a wonderful sister, and for raising him to become the bot that he is today, Chromia *salutes while teary–eyed*)
Moving on, and as I mentioned before, Firestar is apparently Chromia’s close friend. So…I’m thinking Smokescreen initially got acquainted with her via her close association with Chromia. I’m unsure of the details, but I imagine it must’ve been pretty awkward when Chromia found out that her baby brother and her close friend have something going on. But then again, Chromia knew better than to coddle Smokescreen, and she knew better than to side–eye her close friend. They’re both adults, and Chromia trusts they can make their own choices (though, these are all just my thinking and you’re to envision them however you want, Blade). Plus, envisioning Smokescreen being with someone taller who is READY to fight on his behalf is pretty cute ngl.
Anyways, those are my two cents on this interesting duo! Again, I’m looking forward to reading your thoughts on them, Blade! Thanks a lot for the vision, and I hope you have a great weekend!
Hi Jazzi! Thanks for the ask, and I hope you're doing well!
I'm glad it interested you - and the more I think about it, the more it makes sense, both with G1 and especially in Prime, for a Firestar x Smokescreen relationship. That said, I will attempt splitting Firestar into two characters for a couple of reasons: One, my introduction to Firestar was in "The Search for Alpha Trion", and as such I'm most familiar with her as she was presented in G1 (which would also make Firestar as I've known her for years better for Inferno both due to his toy bio and the Energon version of him I'm rather fond of.) And two, that way I won't have to feel bad about breaking up one of my oldest OTPS XD (also don't worry, I think you've got her mostly down pat.)
And given I've chosen the name Firewall and the idea(s) I've gotten since realizing how much she works for Smokescreen....it's perfect. (Smokescreen, Firewall...it just lines up so perfectly!)
First, the G1 script bio for Firestar.
Girl LITERALLY LIKES BREAKING THROUGH WALLS. That compensates for Smokescreen's sneakiness beautifully! And for another, her "being good at a number of things", all told that does work: if Firestar's talented enough in different fields, then she can keep up with Smokescreen's pace and not be left in the dust while following his lead. Add in her proactivity - which, to be quite honest, has always been a characteristic of Firestar, imo - then she and Smokescreen are virtually on the same wavelength! (Also the way they're both loyal to their leaders in their respective series *chef's kiss*)
Exactly! Smokescreen's intelligence and stealth is the perfect balance to Firewall's "punch it to smithereens" approach to a situation (I, too, am disappointed by TFWiki's lack of respect for Smokescreen. That said, not only is it common for TFWiki to be so...irreverent, shall we say, about most characters and their bios, but they also do have their moments of being more respectful than the fans. So, credit where it's due - especially since that single sentence is far more than the fandom can, has, or ever will give Smokescreen.)
But yes! They share a sense of proactivity, as well as selflessness in their willingness to risk their lives for the mission/others, and are gung-ho. That's also a good point: both Smokescreen and Firestar kept their heads high and soldiered on in spite of the staggering odds against them, and given how Firestar was rather chipper in G1 in spite of surviving their very much dead homeworld....oh sweet, Firestar/Firewall would understand Smokescreen and vice versa, and they could help the other when they recognize the signs of bottling up bad feelings! (Also, if Firestar/Firewall agreed with his stance, then she's joining him in disobeying orders for the greater good.)
They definitely are, and I'd bet you dollars to donuts that Firestar would do something similar, too!
Yes, Firestar/Firewall is a bit too eager to take risks and is - not quite the life of the party, but more...I guess willing to hang out with others, as opposed to how Smokey tends to just be left on the sidelines while doing the math before taking a risk (I fully blame the OG Team Prime/the writers on the former, btw. Smokescreen's a friendly guy, but when you're ostracized for just being overly friendly, it's hard to be involved in the "party" or what have you.) Firewall - I'm sorry, that's who she is now in my head; again, it's the differences between the versions of Firestar that's getting to me - and Smokescreen are definitely chill 'Bots, though Firewall is evidently more impulsive/fiery than Smokey. And yes, they'd both absolutely take the initiative to tip the scales in the Autobots' favor, whether the benefits of their actions are either long lasting or short term!
(Huh. I wouldn't have called either one of them "unprepossessing"....but it could be they have a "background face", as you said. And with Smokescreen, it's totally a Team Prime issue and nothing else, as well as his desire to be a part of a bigger picture [note for the haters: Smokescreen never made himself out to be at the top of that chain; rather, he saw himself as one of many components in the Autobot cause - "All I ever wanted was to do my part and serve the Autobot cause." How is that any different from Steve Rogers' "Look, just give me a chance, okay?" while a physical weakling.] And yes, their dual proactivity/personal traits of selflessness and initiative will come through at the right time - without fail, I might add!
Ooo, good point (I assume it's referencing her IDW2005 counterpart.) But yeah, if Firewall is an accomplished combatant and artist in one or more forms of art, then that plays off perfectly against Smokescreen's ingenuity and adaptivity. Like....it's all lining up so well for them as a pairing! (And yes, his love of history and her knowledge of the performing arts/arts would be a great bonding experience/common ground for them!)
Exactly! The differences between them compliment each other: Smokescreen's sports car mode, lean muscle, speed, evasive tactics, and retrieval of important items vs Firewall's massive, flatbed/longbed alt-mode, more combative fighting style, and skills in rescue missions and transportation. They balance each other out, and it works excellently! (And yes, Smokescreen's genes are good and while he did become tall, Firestar and Firewall both tower over him.)
(Side note, but here are a few things for Firewall that I've come up with. One, I'm envisioning Firewall turning into this 2024 Chevy Silverado 6500 HD Work Truck, and I think her personality marks her as a descendant of Nexus Prime. Thus, she's really big, and it explains her fiery disposition, talented nature, and alt-mode. Second, since I, personally, despise IDW2005's helm design for Firestar, I'm thinking of one of the two below for Firewall's helm design, and maybe use these pics as an overall reference for her build - though she does need to have somewhat thicker arms than the concepts I'm using for reference provided. Also, please read the image descriptions for some notes from me.)
(Oh. That's a good point - and honestly, I can see that. It would also explain how Smokescreen can be a little oblivious to girls crushing on him XD. He's so used to having "gal pals" that he doesn't notice their romantic interest in him - that, and Chromia glaring at them when Smokescreen's not looking, lol.)
Yep, Smokescreen knows lots of good and talented ladies - one of whom is his mother, another his older sister, and the other his ancestor XD. My only thing is that in my AU(s), Flareup is actually on Animatros from another ship that left Cybertron, and is actually the mom of one of my old OCs...and Flareup's older brother is Ironhide. I swear it makes sense in context, lol (funny you should mention Moonracer, I actually had them as friends from my initial rewrite of TFP, where Smokescreen was on a Wrecker ship that...somehow picked him up. But just to say too, Flareup would like Smokey for sure, and I'm not picking on you for adding her in!) Thank you for raising Smokescreen and doing such a good job of it, Chromia!
It makes sense; Firestar and Chromia were on the same team, and I can see Firewall being...maybe Firestar's protege who Chromia is looking after on behalf of Firestar, who is actually in a way a friend of Chromia's in my Reunion on Animatros and As Old And As True As the Sky fanfics. Chromia would definitely be a little surprised - and privately a little defensive - of the friendship between her brother and her friend/charge that's starting to develop beyond simple friendship. That said, Smokescreen has grown up now, and she can't and won't coddle him from trying to pursue a relationship down the line with Firewall. Likewise, Chromia knows better than to tell Firewall to get lost or otherwise threaten her away from her little brother. Should they begin courting - or when they do, Chromia's no dummy - she will still lay down some ground rules with Firewall. She may trust her far more than any other girl who's gotten twitterpated over her little brother, but Smokescreen is still her brother. And thus Firewall will get "the talk", but it will be much more tame than the ones she gave to some of the other girls they knew in the Mithril Sea - especially since, unlike in the past, Chromia is not chasing Firewall away like she did the other girls, who were either trouble or not as trustworthy as the very few others Chromia and Smokescreen knew growing up. (Yes, I agree - and frankly, that's just what Smokescreen needs: a girlfriend fully ready and willing to beat up people for him. Aside I think that's why I struggle with him and Windblade - she's not exactly hot-tempered or eager to fight in any series, though she's spunky.)
Thanks Jazzi, I enjoyed it, and you really helped me figure some things out! I hope I didn't miss anything, but let me know if I did!
Thanks, and I hope you have a good weekend, too!
