Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss

"Come on, touch me."

"I'm a love-hungry man."

"Living easy, loving free!"

"Honey, I ain't that naïve."

"She told me to go to hell."

"We'll set the world on fire."

"Oh, baby, I ain't got much."

"I'm on the highway to Hell."

"Tell me, who can you trust?"

"I'm gonna walk all over you."

"Paradise ain't far from there."

"If you want blood, you got it."

"Baby, I've got my eye on you."

"Asking nothing, leave me be."

"I know what you're looking for."

"'Cause you're much too much."

"Don't say that you love me, too."

"Nobody's gonna slow me down."

"Ah, you're the one I've waited for."

"How'd you expect me to believe?"

"Nobody's gonna mess me around."

"It wasn't the first, it wasn't the last."

"I was so satisfied deep down inside."

"I'm on the way to the promised land!"

"Was that a noise outside the window?"

"Don't need reason, don't need rhyme."

"No doubt about it, can't live without it."

"Take a chance with me and give it a try."

"And, there, you thought you'd seen it all."

"Remember those nights we spent alone?"

"My friends are gonna be there, too, yeah."

"Ain't it a shame to be shot down in flames?"

"I'm gonna give you just one more chance…"

"Take off the high heels, let down your hair."

"You're the meanest woman I've ever known."

"This damn woman's gonna drive me insane."

"Too much for my body, too much for my brain."

"So, gimme the stage, I'm gonna steal the show."

"She's like a lethal brand, too much for any man."

"Oh, she had the face of an angel, smiling with sin."

"Done everything I'm gonna do. The rest is up to you."

"You don't feel the steel 'til it's hanging out your back."

"Wish I knew what's on your mind and why you're being so unkind…"

"I've seen a million girls. Ain't one of them got what my lady, she's got."

"Smiling face and loving eyes… But you keep on telling me all those lies."

"Too scared to turn your light out, 'cause there's somethin' on your mind."

Once the moment passes, the logic of the move is obvious. A showy goodbye to a new 'client' now that they were back in public.

"Can't wait.~"

He plays back dutifully, ending the show for everyone who was no doubt getting their eyeful. And in one instance Longarm didn't catch, a recording.

Well, whatever the answers, he can see an increase of ticket requests in his HUD for his time.

Perfect.

Golden limo slowing to a crawl and finally, a stop as its turn at the drop off point arrived, and Echo is leaning to look out the window at the great estate that Longarm's invite hails from. Gorgeous home. Beautiful grounds and garden. Plenty of people ushered inside by staff or kept in check by security, all polished to various descriptions of 'a sheen', but all about to be blown out of the water.

.: Just arrived. Heading for the front doors :.

Limousine door hissing slightly as it slides back to allow its occupant out, and 'Shoreline' is nothing but charming smiles as he steps out from his seat; A full sand back and new coat of paint, polished and waxed to a beautiful facet finish, gold inlay accents along the edges of his chassis plates, but it was the sails of ironsilk that truly caught sparks in throats.

It was like he had caught the night sky in a translucent weave, and shrouded himself in it. With every raised servo in greeting to a familiar face, every step towards the usher and their guest list, or every turn to pose for the frantic clamoring of papparazi, and it was a little meteor shower of tiny diamonds catching the light.

It was like no war at all was going on for these bots. Gossip headlines and columns just FULL of speculations about Longarm Prime and the renown courtesan Shoreline.

Shockwave would be annoyed if it didn't mean convenient distraction for the Autobots. And hilarious consternation amongst Longarm's coworkers. Even Sentinel Prime had been left pouting about the whole 'affair'!

So for the Gala, Longarm put in a bit extra effort. Since Shoreline was his 'date' for the evening and all. Usually he just had a nice wax and polish, but this time he went ahead and got his paint job retouched. Black details given a matte finish to appear even darker. Teal details brightened. New treads.

Simple details, but they all added up to making a rather debonair and dapper final product. One that had arrived earlier and was watching the host's reaction to being upstaged at their own party.

"That looks broken.."

Very loose.

And apparently he was stuck being called a 'deer' for the remainder of the conversation.

"....you can call me Shockwave."

He eventually says, pointedly ignoring her question about who had hurt him.

Autobots. Enemies. Obstacles. None of her business.

"And I am not a 'deer'."

He notes, lightly smirking back. 'Book Club' was all Shockwave had planned, considering the point of their meetings was intel sharing.

"I am indeed asking you out on a date. And do hope you'll shine as brightly as a gemstone for me on that night. The host will survive.~"

There is still the offer of the gala ... How many drinks to get Longarm a little more interested in present company? He's all but chassis height to Echo, shouldn't be too hard.

"Very well. I shall ensure that upon arrival I am short circuiting every functioning processor" 'Shoreline' smiles, mentally compiling a list of all the places he will need to go to get himself ready for such an event if his role is Distract. He'd need a new paint job, for starters. A full wax, buff and polish, ideally scented. He'd need to have his silks steamed and his accessories polished. Yes. He would ensure that not a single functional thought occurred for the first few hours of that event.

Under different circumstances? Who knows. The spy wouldn't be one to object, necessarily.

And in other situations, Shockwave was no stranger to using any level of seductions and coercion to get what he wanted.

But now? When he's this far into a multi-millennia long deep cover mission in enemy territory, where any oversights and mistakes could mean critical failure....? Longarm's a little too focused for such illogical distractions...

...so the opportunity is willfully left to fly over Longarm's helm without a care.

He's just glad he's acquired the other's cooperation for the Gala night and to work together moving forward.

"I look forward to seeing it.~" The Prime smiles.

As Echo signals their time is up, Longarm easily follows the prompt. Getting up from his seat and following the taller mech out. Already running several mental checklists that he can get started on completing once he leaves the establishment. Such as gaining access to and reviewing the schematics for the array he needs to sabotage. Setting up payment line to The Crystal Pavilion. What paperwork at the office needed to get done by end of day-

Oh, he'll give a reason.

Lowering his helm with a faint lean, and Echo was placing a gentle press of glossed lips above that cute little gemstone, and pulling back with a smug little hum. You want a reason Longarm Prime of the Intelligence Division is at the Crystal Pavilion? Why, him of course.

Once the moment passes, the logic of the move is obvious. A showy goodbye to a new 'client' now that they were back in public.

"Can't wait.~"

He plays back dutifully, ending the show for everyone who was no doubt getting their eyeful. And in one instance Longarm didn't catch, a recording.

It's not as if her personality suddenly flipped around or anything, but Shockwave could tell that something had changed in the femme's demeanor. Confidence, training, expertise-she knew what she was doing.

It was amazing how easily a lab space could be turned into a cooking space in the right servos, and it seemed that Mourningstar had said servos. Shockwave sitting back and simply watching his assistant as she puttered about, making a meal the likes of which he didn't expect to see so far from Cybertron.

"Now this, my dear, looks exquisite. I can only imagine what you could do in a real Cybertronian kitchen."

Not only was the femme familiar with the ingredients and how to prepare them, but being among elite-class bots had really done wonders for her flavor palette for someone who wasn't a very picky eater. Utilizing what they had, she managed to get the flavors, textures and consistency of each dish just right; it was cozy and comforting, yet had a level of sophistication that was a step up above the fuel.

No doubt that Mourningstar had been trained very well. As if she could be trained THIS well in culinary arts, then Shockwave very well could train her for other matters as well.

But first-!

"Absolutely delicious, my dear! I had no idea you possessed such talent! Truly my luck to have such a versatile assistant working at my side.~"

The hybrid even emanated a genuine purr of affection when Shockwave's claws gingerly held her willowy servo, earning a happy, soft squeak from the femme as she seemed to really cherish that gesture.

"It's so nice being able to share the experience of delicious fuels with another bot.~ I hope more will be able to indulge in finer things too," She ex-vented dreamily, glancing up towards the ceiling as if she could just imagine what it would be like if all Cybertronians could treat themselves every now-and-then. "Here, sir, I can handle clean-up," Mourningstar chimed, surprisingly excited despite it involving menial work.

So he just hums favorably and tilts his head in a curious way in response.

He's about to suggest that he do indeed help with clearing the plates, two were faster than one after all. When Mourningstar gave that reminder that she wasn't just a bot with a unique frame and look. Literally falling to pieces, sentient and self moving pieces!

"-Ah?!" To his credit, Shockwave doesn't yell his surprise. It's more just a loud ex-vent, not really a word but more than just a noise at the same time. Simply remaining seated as he watched every last bit of his assistant get to work and clear the eating area.

".....fascinating...!" He knew her parts could move and operate seeming independently, but this was something else!

It's not as if her personality suddenly flipped around or anything, but Shockwave could tell that something had changed in the femme's demeanor. Confidence, training, expertise-she knew what she was doing.

It was amazing how easily a lab space could be turned into a cooking space in the right servos, and it seemed that Mourningstar had said servos. Shockwave sitting back and simply watching his assistant as she puttered about, making a meal the likes of which he didn't expect to see so far from Cybertron.

"Now this, my dear, looks exquisite. I can only imagine what you could do in a real Cybertronian kitchen."

Not only was the femme familiar with the ingredients and how to prepare them, but being among elite-class bots had really done wonders for her flavor palette for someone who wasn't a very picky eater. Utilizing what they had, she managed to get the flavors, textures and consistency of each dish just right; it was cozy and comforting, yet had a level of sophistication that was a step up above the fuel.

No doubt that Mourningstar had been trained very well. As if she could be trained THIS well in culinary arts, then Shockwave very well could train her for other matters as well.

But first-!

"Absolutely delicious, my dear! I had no idea you possessed such talent! Truly my luck to have such a versatile assistant working at my side.~"

Simple things, at least. Nothing fancy. That's what company parties and galas were for.

"It's rather good fuel." He agrees. There was certaintly all sorts of goodies. Like jellies.

"Alright. Well I don't wanna set your digs on fire trying to cool something, so I get the shopping list and you cook if youre in the mood?" Otherwise, Longarm is just going to find him merrily munching on junk snacks for a meal. Or booze. Or both. High grade jelly jets are just ⭐👌. Chefs kiss. Now that is something he can make. Illicit nibblies. Pre boxed, add the wet stuff and some stuffi, and slap it in the oven.

... Can we get our boss high?

Shockwave didn't mind cooking- especially if it kept any accidents from happening.

"....we'll play what your schedule will be by audial. Dependent on what tasks I need you to look like you're doing, and what I actually need you to do."

He hums lightly, quickly deciding nebulous details would work best for now. At least until this new partnership of theirs settled into whatever routine it would settle into.

He notes, lightly smirking back. 'Book Club' was all Shockwave had planned, considering the point of their meetings was intel sharing.

"I am indeed asking you out on a date. And do hope you'll shine as brightly as a gemstone for me on that night. The host will survive.~"

There is still the offer of the gala ... How many drinks to get Longarm a little more interested in present company? He's all but chassis height to Echo, shouldn't be too hard.

"Very well. I shall ensure that upon arrival I am short circuiting every functioning processor" 'Shoreline' smiles, mentally compiling a list of all the places he will need to go to get himself ready for such an event if his role is Distract. He'd need a new paint job, for starters. A full wax, buff and polish, ideally scented. He'd need to have his silks steamed and his accessories polished. Yes. He would ensure that not a single functional thought occurred for the first few hours of that event.

Under different circumstances? Who knows. The spy wouldn't be one to object, necessarily.

And in other situations, Shockwave was no stranger to using any level of seductions and coercion to get what he wanted.

But now? When he's this far into a multi-millennia long deep cover mission in enemy territory, where any oversights and mistakes could mean critical failure....? Longarm's a little too focused for such illogical distractions...

...so the opportunity is willfully left to fly over Longarm's helm without a care.

He's just glad he's acquired the other's cooperation for the Gala night and to work together moving forward.

"I look forward to seeing it.~" The Prime smiles.

As Echo signals their time is up, Longarm easily follows the prompt. Getting up from his seat and following the taller mech out. Already running several mental checklists that he can get started on completing once he leaves the establishment. Such as gaining access to and reviewing the schematics for the array he needs to sabotage. Setting up payment line to The Crystal Pavilion. What paperwork at the office needed to get done by end of day-

".....unfortunately, this is the way things need to be for now. Certain reports of possible 'Con activity do get diverted to field agents. But those like this last one, I prefer to handle directly. "

He explains, letting himself take on a paranoid air as he does. Poor Longarm, has handled things on his own for so long. With no one he trusted enough to give him assistance, until now....

"Maybe once you've healed and had some training, we can discuss who else I could trust to handle such assignments. Hnnn?"

A little helm dropping back against the plush backing of the lounge, and Weaselwing was drumming his good digits on the pillow idly. Could he just say Frag It and get a frame change? Become a ground based vehicle to shut everyone up? Would that make it better? Would that make it worse? Was giving up that sort of freedom worth acceptance among peers?

"There is no replacement for me."

He clears his throat after a beat and shrugs a shoulder, attempting to sound more tempered after that,

"That is, Command would be hard pressed to find someone who can handle things like I do quickly. But eventually.... "

He gestures vaguely before quickly continuing on,

The little child that clung to the Earth bound Autobot team.

So he was speaking with nothing but a nursery drone...

Although, this seemed more advanced than a mere drone....if the botched proposal attempt was any clue. Though it make Shockwave wonder what programming was rattling around in the bot before him.

"Anyone who wishes to join the cause is more than welcome to. Every bot has their purpose."

Longarm encourages with another smile, because it doesn't matter. This walking ball of earth electronics will not make or break the Decepticon victory. He was sure.

"So tell me, what did make you specifically feel so inspired to be an Autobot?"

"Well..." Roz's optics squinted sheepishly, "it...fell into my family's lap, I guess you could say." Twice, actually, fifty years apart. She supposed she owed her existence to the first one. "And with all due respect to all of you, sir...my family are my highest cause. But your Earth team have sworn to protect us. They are loyal to my highest cause, so I am loyal to them. But...aside from that, they have shown us the utmost kindness. And friendship."

Her servo went to her chassis for a moment. "Optimus Prime also once told me that freedom is the right of all sentient beings. And that......mm...resonates with me. For personal reasons..." The only one she had told of her...encounter with the Allspark that one time was Ratchet. It had to have had something to do with all of these changes in her processor...

Perhaps this was like the low sentience drones.....?

"Doing your best in whatever way you can, is more than enough. Optimus and his team are lucky to have such a dutiful caretaker among their number out here. As are the humans, ah, as are Sari and the Professor."

Longarm smiles at her and nods, managing to tack on the names of the organics at the last moment to sound more invested in Roz's personal focus. Shockwave was ambivalent to the organics running around, human or otherwise. So he considered the child of little interest other than as an emotional crutch to the Earth bots and her father interesting for his technical skills.

"Since you mention them, what abilities do you have....? If I may ask?"

Shockwave notes slowly, also intrigued when the crystals began to form. Huh, he hadn't thought that recipe would actually work with Earth materials.....

"Do you...know how to cook...?" He asks, optic looking at Mourningstar with curiosity. It seemed she did, from her pointed questions.

It honestly was. Shockwave nodded his helm as he thought about this information and quickly came to a decision.

"Could you perhaps show me a few of these recipe attempts? I'm curious to see what Cybertronian meals can actually be made with supplies from an organic planet."

Plus, possible food beyond pure energon rations. Shockwave truly didn't mind just basic fuel when on mission, he had chronic workmode syndrome really. BUT! At the same time.....SNACKS?! Something good to chew?!

"Gladly, sir...!" She agreed, making sure to turn off the burners before moving over to a makeshift wash station to clean her servos. The first, most vital step of a chef's process. "Hmmm... I recognize some of the minerals and metals gathered from the earth, I think I have enough here to make a sampler meal for two! I'll do my best to make sure not to use too much of the materials, a good chef knows to minimize waste and use only what's needed," Mourningstar recited, simply giddy as she flit around to make some simple gourmet recipes.

It's not as if her personality suddenly flipped around or anything, but Shockwave could tell that something had changed in the femme's demeanor. Confidence, training, expertise-she knew what she was doing.

It was amazing how easily a lab space could be turned into a cooking space in the right servos, and it seemed that Mourningstar had said servos. Shockwave sitting back and simply watching his assistant as she puttered about, making a meal the likes of which he didn't expect to see so far from Cybertron.

"Now this, my dear, looks exquisite. I can only imagine what you could do in a real Cybertronian kitchen."

Longarm lets out a soft satisfied hum as he takes another measured bite of his meal. This place never disappointed.

"Complete false alarm. All this mess because of a fragging break light on a malfunctioning satellite."

Bad arm acting as a brace for the container, to better balance it on the pillow, and he's slowly getting the hang of scooping noodles with your non dominant servo. Can fire a blaster with it, but struggling to get a decent mouthful!

"... As much as it sucks in war to not catch a Decepticon? I am kind of glad it was a bust? If it was real, who knows how long you'd have been out in the field for and I would ... Well, I don't know if I'd have even still been here when you got back" Just shy of 48 hours had been enough trouble. If Longarm had been gone days with no communication to lower ranks? He certainly wouldn't have dropped the mission to come 'rescue' his assistant in the grand schemes.

".....unfortunately, this is the way things need to be for now. Certain reports of possible 'Con activity do get diverted to field agents. But those like this last one, I prefer to handle directly. "

He explains, letting himself take on a paranoid air as he does. Poor Longarm, has handled things on his own for so long. With no one he trusted enough to give him assistance, until now....

"Maybe once you've healed and had some training, we can discuss who else I could trust to handle such assignments. Hnnn?"

He's more than happy to lay claim to the nuggets. They went well with his burger....

"Rations from cafeteria mess or groceries from home if I'm not ordering take out."

He shrugs his shoulders lightly.

"I don't really go out of my way for fuel unless it's for the occasional craving. Or if Longarm has to impress at some important dinner."

Simple things, at least. Nothing fancy. That's what company parties and galas were for.

"It's rather good fuel." He agrees. There was certaintly all sorts of goodies. Like jellies.

Now that Longarm knew who his contact exactly was, he was more than willing to play along for both of their benefits. It would be genuinely impossible to hide when they met, so the best strategy would be to just fully lean into it.

Actually -

"As a matter of fact, there's this upcoming gala meant to celebrate the completion of a new deep space communications array. I plan to attend to make sure absolutely nothing goes wrong with it when it launches operation that night...~"

He starts, raising an optic bridge at Shoreline,

"Why, Longarm, Sir, are you asking me out on a date?" Echo mock gasps, a servo coming to splay across his chassis in jest of shock. But he will indeed clear his schedule for that evening. If Longarm is asking him to attend, it is not for free high grade. There is someone or something he needs, and it is a two mech job.

He notes, lightly smirking back. 'Book Club' was all Shockwave had planned, considering the point of their meetings was intel sharing.

"I am indeed asking you out on a date. And do hope you'll shine as brightly as a gemstone for me on that night. The host will survive.~"