Megatron's "loyal" Second

I, Starscream am a better leader than Megatron could ever hope to be... But don't tell him I said that.

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 14h "Almost a year ago, I asked you to pass on some information to Doctor Smokescreen. I understand that occasionally messages have to be delayed due to data breaches, or other concerns. Generally two weeks is sufficient to clear those. If it takes more I believe that policy is to inform the sender. Do I have my information correct so far?"

'Yes, Prime,' with a slight bow. 'What date did you send it?'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"The tenth day of Primii." Within a month of arriving, if Star was telling the truth.

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 31m "I sent you the report! I asked... Oh frag." He said, looking horrified, "I asked Star Saber to ensure it was sent, because I wanted it sent through more secure channels than the open comm system. I thought you were too busy to answer."

Star Saber. Smokescreen only met him once, when he came to test and verify Smokescreen Anointed. It was a ritual Smokescreen endured for the calming effect it would have, since at the time everybody thought Smokescreen was supposed to be the new prime. Smokescreen found the mech very hostile. If he wasn't a psychologist and knew how to handle such a personality, he probably would have torn Star Saber up. Smokescreen goes to the door, intending to find Star Saber. He opens the door and the high priest and about ten monks are standing outside the door, listening in no doubt. He glares at them. 'Get Star Saber in here now.' 'Doctor,' Tyne, the high priest calls Smokescreen, not Anointed, 'The Prime must be spoken to with the upmost respect.' More glaring. 'Get me Star Saber now, Your Grace.' Tyne purses his lips. He's not use to being told what to do in his own temple. He relents though, calling Star Saber. Star Saber arrives twenty minutes later, making his obesiance to Tyne but pretty much ignoring Smokescreen. Smokescreen is not here for formalities. 'Come in, Star Saber,' he beckons. Inside, Smokescreen shuts the door and leans up against it, arms crossed. Star Saber bows more to the Matrix than Starimus. 'How may I serve, Prime?'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"Almost a year ago, I asked you to pass on some information to Doctor Smokescreen. I understand that occasionally messages have to be delayed due to data breaches, or other concerns. Generally two weeks is sufficient to clear those. If it takes more I believe that policy is to inform the sender. Do I have my information correct so far?"

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 5d "I'm not playing," Starscream said, calmly, "I'm teaching. History and science mostly, but teaching. I have trouble because obviously I don't know how to teach, but they play with each other, not me. I'm learning a great deal of responsibility this way. Your point about the priests is more accurate, but I'm not exactly free to go wandering around Cybertron, fixing issues. I'm only able to do what I can from this building." "I'm not like Optimus," Star turned away, clearly upset, "I'm not able to just ask people nicely and have them listen. I'm not like Sentinel, where I can just threaten everyone. I'm not like Zeta who executed people. I have to work with what I have, and what I have is priests who try to shield me from the outside world. The choice to filter the information and my fixes through them wasn't my idea, but I don't know how to tell them that it's hurting my potential growth."

'You have no growth, and that's what they are taking advantage of,' Smokescreen storms up to Star. 'The kids do not need to be taught what they already know. You spend half your day with them, then the other half being made dependent by the monks. Of course they want to keep you here!' He paces a few seconds again. 'That wouldn't be so bad if you had done any work on what you know about the Decepticons' psychology. I've been waiting a year―a year!―for that report. How many hundreds more have died while you play with kids and play hero doctor, hey?!' Smokescreen is livid now. He thought he'd be drafting an invitation to discussions about this time, but no. His one big break to end the war is too busy playing to save the planet. Smokescreen walks back up to Starimus. 'You have one month―one month!―to produce a substantial rough draft or you can play with the kids and your home chemistry set for the rest of your life.'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"I sent you the report! I asked... Oh frag." He said, looking horrified, "I asked Star Saber to ensure it was sent, because I wanted it sent through more secure channels than the open comm system. I thought you were too busy to answer."

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 2h "I wake typically around the time the sun rises, unless the Matrix wakes me earlier. Then I listen to what the Matrix has to say, typically it takes about an hour for them to get through initial information. I then set up some activities for the sparklings. By the time that's done, the sparklings are awake and we have our energon cubes together. Then I spend the next eight hours with the sparklings, doing my best to act as a teacher. After that, I spend five hours in the lab, perfecting medicine for the Rage Virus. Then I have a meeting with the monks, where they tell me what troubles are happening on Cybertron currently, and advise me on how to fix them. Then I typically get about 5 hours rest before starting again."

Smokescreen hides his face in his hands. He is angry. Angry at Star, angry at himself for trusting Star. He really thought that letter denoted a change in self. It was, no doubt, written by someone else. It explains the sudden change.

Smokescreen stands and paces the room slowly, trying to stifle his anger and let solutions come forward. In between, he ends up blurting, 'Do you really expect to mature playing with the other kids all day, then having adults tell you want to do in the evening?'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"I'm not playing," Starscream said, calmly, "I'm teaching. History and science mostly, but teaching. I have trouble because obviously I don't know how to teach, but they play with each other, not me. I'm learning a great deal of responsibility this way. Your point about the priests is more accurate, but I'm not exactly free to go wandering around Cybertron, fixing issues. I'm only able to do what I can from this building."

"I'm not like Optimus," Star turned away, clearly upset, "I'm not able to just ask people nicely and have them listen. I'm not like Sentinel, where I can just threaten everyone. I'm not like Zeta who executed people. I have to work with what I have, and what I have is priests who try to shield me from the outside world. The choice to filter the information and my fixes through them wasn't my idea, but I don't know how to tell them that it's hurting my potential growth."

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 20h "I'm doing my best to mature. To act more knowledgeable, strong and intelligent, like I know a Prime is supposed to be. I'm making some progress towards it by listening to the Matrix and looking at Starscream's memories but..." He sighed, "It's complicated. I think the only way to truly mature is to practice."

Smokescreen agrees, but Star is clearly avoiding the opportunities while at the same time still pushing it before its time. 'Walk me through your typical day, Star.'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"I wake typically around the time the sun rises, unless the Matrix wakes me earlier. Then I listen to what the Matrix has to say, typically it takes about an hour for them to get through initial information. I then set up some activities for the sparklings. By the time that's done, the sparklings are awake and we have our energon cubes together. Then I spend the next eight hours with the sparklings, doing my best to act as a teacher. After that, I spend five hours in the lab, perfecting medicine for the Rage Virus. Then I have a meeting with the monks, where they tell me what troubles are happening on Cybertron currently, and advise me on how to fix them. Then I typically get about 5 hours rest before starting again."

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 1h "Sorry, I spoke too much didn't I? I'm actively working on fixing that. Again though, not really what you are here for," he paused, taking a moment to think about how to say it, "The sparklings look up to me. I am concerned about being a good guide to them."

Yes, Star needs some adult time. 'What else are you having trouble with?' his expression not softening.

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"I'm doing my best to mature. To act more knowledgeable, strong and intelligent, like I know a Prime is supposed to be. I'm making some progress towards it by listening to the Matrix and looking at Starscream's memories but..." He sighed, "It's complicated. I think the only way to truly mature is to practice."

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 2d "First, the warning, after that, we can talk about my other problems. There are rumours coming from pilgrims, that a new virus has been going around. A virus that seems to follow Decepticons where they go. They call it a Rage Virus, because it changes people mentally. Even the kindest, nicest mech, can become a monster. Previously the only "cure" was to put a mech in isolation until it has run its course. I have been coming up with a true cure in the meantime. It's almost done, it just needs to finish medical trials, but I thought it best to let you know, in case there are or have been cases on Autobot bases."

Smokescreen is working his discipline hard not to actively frown in front of Star but doesn't not spare him a hard stare. Seems that Star has had too much isolation. But that's never all the evidence. 'And your personal problems?'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"Sorry, I spoke too much didn't I? I'm actively working on fixing that. Again though, not really what you are here for," he paused, taking a moment to think about how to say it, "The sparklings look up to me. I am concerned about being a good guide to them."

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 1d Star gestured to the comfortable chairs at a desk, Star's would all fit wings and therefore likely be good for doorwings too. "Some," He confirmed, sitting himself, allowing Smokescreen to choose whether to be on the other side of the desk or the same side, "They are very fascinating. I'm learning so much about the Primacy. It can get a little overwhelming at times, but I am learning to handle it. The pilgrims and priests aren't what I asked you here for. The sparklings are something I may need some help with eventually, but there is a more pressing concern. Something that the Matrix has been whispering about, and the Matrix and I believe you are the best person to talk to about it."

Smokescreen listens as he settles into the chair beside Star. No asking Smokescreen to jump in. 'What have they been saying?'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"First, the warning, after that, we can talk about my other problems. There are rumours coming from pilgrims, that a new virus has been going around. A virus that seems to follow Decepticons where they go. They call it a Rage Virus, because it changes people mentally. Even the kindest, nicest mech, can become a monster. Previously the only "cure" was to put a mech in isolation until it has run its course. I have been coming up with a true cure in the meantime. It's almost done, it just needs to finish medical trials, but I thought it best to let you know, in case there are or have been cases on Autobot bases."

[thebestdecepticonleader]

::Hey, Starry, how exactly did stuff with minicons work in your universe?::

"What do you mean? Like... What kind of energon they drink? A standard half ration. Or do you mean how did we partner with them?"

[ask-smokescreen]

"How you partnered with them, mostly! Can you only do that with minicons, or would you be able to do it with a bot my size?"

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"Well first of all, have you ever been in a combiner team? Because it's very similar, except you will always be the "main" component."

[ask-smokescreen]

"I haven't been in one before, actually! ... So, there's usually a main component? I guess it feels like you're you, but extended? Maybe?"

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"You're only physically the main component, mentally it's half and half. Or an equal share if you have more than one." "As for feeling," He paused trying to find the words, "You know how... Sometimes you get into a comm call, and there's way too many people so everyone's talking and no one can hear anything? It's a bit like that at first, until you can learn to understand the bond. After you get over that, it's kind of like finding out you grew an extra arm or leg. You can do things you didn't know were even possible, but it can also make you clumsy."

[thebestdecepticonleader]

::Hey, Starry, how exactly did stuff with minicons work in your universe?::

"What do you mean? Like... What kind of energon they drink? A standard half ration. Or do you mean how did we partner with them?"

[ask-smokescreen]

"How you partnered with them, mostly! Can you only do that with minicons, or would you be able to do it with a bot my size?"

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"Well first of all, have you ever been in a combiner team? Because it's very similar, except you will always be the "main" component."

[thebestdecepticonleader]

::Hey, Starry, how exactly did stuff with minicons work in your universe?::

"What do you mean? Like... What kind of energon they drink? A standard half ration. Or do you mean how did we partner with them?"

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 21h "It is not proper for the Prime to be too social with the priests, I mostly speak with them regarding work. However, the sparklings like spending time with me, and it has been historically observed that sparklings who spend time around the Matrix tend to grow more healthily. You will likely see more of them around, most of them see me as more approachable than the priests."

'And what about pilgrims? Have you been seeing any?' Smokescreen asked as he waited to be told where to sit. Something has snapped in Star, maturing him.

[thebestdecepticonleader]

Star gestured to the comfortable chairs at a desk, Star's would all fit wings and therefore likely be good for doorwings too. "Some," He confirmed, sitting himself, allowing Smokescreen to choose whether to be on the other side of the desk or the same side, "They are very fascinating. I'm learning so much about the Primacy. It can get a little overwhelming at times, but I am learning to handle it. The pilgrims and priests aren't what I asked you here for. The sparklings are something I may need some help with eventually, but there is a more pressing concern. Something that the Matrix has been whispering about, and the Matrix and I believe you are the best person to talk to about it."

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 30m A small seeker ran up to Smokescreen as he walked through the garden, "Hi! Visitow! Sta, visitow!" "I see him Skyspark," came Star's voice, as he approached, "It is okay, he is a friend." "Visitow, fwend," he said waving and racing off, probably to play again. "Thank you for coming doctor, I had a few things I wished to discuss. Please follow me," Star sounded far more confident in his speech than he did the year before. He led Smokescreen to a small wing of the temple. One that was traditionally for housing Prime's during temporary visits, but Star was staying long term here. The front room was an office, with two other rooms connecting.

Probably one of the many orphans staying here. Smokescreen follows Star. His bearing and voice have changed. He's no longer overwhelmed with voices telling him what to do. He learned to control them. Looking around the Primal quarters, Smokescreen comments, 'This is nice, comfortable. I guess you take your meals in the refectory? Are you allowed to socialise there?'

[thebestdecepticonleader]

"It is not proper for the Prime to be too social with the priests, I mostly speak with them regarding work. However, the sparklings like spending time with me, and it has been historically observed that sparklings who spend time around the Matrix tend to grow more healthily. You will likely see more of them around, most of them see me as more approachable than the priests."

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 1h In the end, Star went with the guardians. They were happy to have the Prime with them, less bothered by the fact that he was formerly a Decepticon than the average Autobot. He was happy to have the opportunity to protect the life he brought to Cybertron. The Autobots were happy to have no further Decepticons on their base. Honestly, it was a win for all involved. Through this time, Star sent short messages to Smokescreen, telling him mostly about progress. A year into the new arrangement, Star sent a slightly different, more formal message. ::Doctor Smokescreen, I would like to request an appointment with you regarding the health of the Primacy. Would you have the ability to make a visit? Or should I organise a comm call?::

Smokescreen reread the message several times. It is a starkly different tone than anything before. Something's happened. It took some work but Smokescreen got half a day cleared off the calendar so he could drive over to the main temple on the other side of Iacon. As they were expecting him, he walked though twelve gates with ease into the innermost block of cells. Despite the war, the monks had maintained pristine gardens. He expects Star to have a grand cell, maybe even a cottage within the walls.

[thebestdecepticonleader]

A small seeker ran up to Smokescreen as he walked through the garden, "Hi! Visitow! Sta, visitow!" "I see him Skyspark," came Star's voice, as he approached, "It is okay, he is a friend." "Visitow, fwend," he said waving and racing off, probably to play again. "Thank you for coming doctor, I had a few things I wished to discuss. Please follow me," Star sounded far more confident in his speech than he did the year before. He led Smokescreen to a small wing of the temple. One that was traditionally for housing Prime's during temporary visits, but Star was staying long term here. The front room was an office, with two other rooms connecting.

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 29m ::I did not need to learn the strategy, I needed to learn how to listen to them. Picking out a single voice and focusing on that will make me slower to react, but make my understanding better. Right now that's more important. It also showed me that Starscream's memories can be useful, as long as I keep them in context for who he was.::

::Good,:: pleased that Starimus is learning how to listen and use it. ::Now enjoy your celebration, and don't forget to ask the high priest about you taking up residence in the temple a few years.::

[thebestdecepticonleader]

In the end, Star went with the guardians. They were happy to have the Prime with them, less bothered by the fact that he was formerly a Decepticon than the average Autobot. He was happy to have the opportunity to protect the life he brought to Cybertron. The Autobots were happy to have no further Decepticons on their base. Honestly, it was a win for all involved.

Through this time, Star sent short messages to Smokescreen, telling him mostly about progress. A year into the new arrangement, Star sent a slightly different, more formal message.

::Doctor Smokescreen, I would like to request an appointment with you regarding the health of the Primacy. Would you have the ability to make a visit? Or should I organise a comm call?::

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader Jul 1 ::They did that really well until it came to the tests, but it is okay!:: Star said, excited, ::It turns out that, no matter how many are talking, I can understand if it is a topic I already understand. During the tests I had to interpret data from them regarding battle strategy. While I did not do quite as well as Optimus did in the same test, I did better than a lot of other previous Primes. I am not saying it fixes the situation, but it gives me a place to start.::

Smokescreen uses that. ::What did you learn?:: he goaded. ::You used others' experiences to help you. You listened to the old primes, and to Starscream's tactical memories. What was the result?::

[thebestdecepticonleader]

::I did not need to learn the strategy, I needed to learn how to listen to them. Picking out a single voice and focusing on that will make me slower to react, but make my understanding better. Right now that's more important. It also showed me that Starscream's memories can be useful, as long as I keep them in context for who he was.::

[drsmokescreen]

thebestdecepticonleader 2d ::Safest does not mean safe though, just safer, which in a worldwide civil war is... Well... Better than anywhere else, I guess. In better news, I made progress in learning to listen to the Ancients.::

Smokescreen smiles at the innocent mistake. ::I told them to be quiet, to let you have time to adjust. I think Ratchet told you something similar but I'm not certain. My memory is a little fuzzy when they left me. Or I left them, I don't know how it works. So if they weren't talking so much, who were you listening to?::

[thebestdecepticonleader]

::They did that really well until it came to the tests, but it is okay!:: Star said, excited, ::It turns out that, no matter how many are talking, I can understand if it is a topic I already understand. During the tests I had to interpret data from them regarding battle strategy. While I did not do quite as well as Optimus did in the same test, I did better than a lot of other previous Primes. I am not saying it fixes the situation, but it gives me a place to start.::