Lockout: A Transformers Story

Chapter 4: Respect

My gold optics dimmed in the dark of my new room, it was quiet, eerie, it felt... wrong, like I was missing something. Even though I had moved everything into my room from my quarters in Shockwave's Cybertron laboratory, it didn't feel the same. I was with the Decepticons, reunited, sure... but something did not settle right within my spark.

I began to unclasp some of the main pieces of my armor, then reached into one of my dresser drawers for a Cybertronian silk nightgown. I gazed at it for a moment, the color that resembling and reminding me of Shockwave. That deep, dark purple. I pulled it onto my frame, adjusting it. It fit so snug on my curves, honestly made me feel less self conscious about my frame, about any scars I had, about how light toned the metal of my body was compared to other femmes, about the way my curves seemed too... plump.

However, as I laid down, the bed suddenly felt too big. It felt so empty, so cold, so lonely. I had believed days ago that Shockwave and I were the last remaining Cybertronians alive, that we would have to become mates, be spark bonded, have sparklings. My spark ached, seemingly feeling so incredibly lost.

A knock interrupted my thoughts and I quickly got from the bed, shuffling over to the door and unlocking it, opening it gently. The thirty foot tall Decepticon scientist stood before me, his crimson optic looking me up and down for a moment. Shockwave pushed himself through the door, forcing me to take a few steps back from him.

"Shockwave-"

"No questions. Lay down." The scientist huffed. "Now."

I obeyed without question, climbing carefully into my bed and lying down, getting cozy in the galactic purple toned sheets. Shockwave followed suit, climbing in next to me and yanking me close to his frame. "Shockwave, what are you-"

"I said no questions. Sleep. I will be here to ensure you do not have a nightmare."

I cozied against the mech, keeping my mouth shut and obeying his command. I wasn't necessarily in the mood for an argument this late at night. The scientist's hand brushed through my hair once more, soothing me and reassuring me that he was there. I let my frame relax and sink into a deep sleep, my helm against his chest as it was the night before. Peaceful.

"Soundwave." I greeted as I stepped into the command center. The communications chief was busy at work, his crimson visor focused on me for a moment and he nodded his head in response. 

Megatron had requested my presence early this morning to assign me to a mission, real activity since I had returned to the Decepticon cause. Shockwave had already begun some of his latest projects in his lab. However, I was an assassin once before, now I was simply just a warrior.

My spark livened at getting to fight for my cause once more, doing something worth my while. The team was indeed joining me today, so I wasn't alone. I felt that I was ready to get back to work, ready to fight for the Decepticons as I always had. 

"Princess." I was greeted suddenly by a mech I had not seen in some time.

" 'Cade?" Barricade, my ex. The mech I still had feelings for somewhat deep down. There were days when I missed him. Missed us.

"It has been some time."

"You still owe me that drink." I breathed, golden optics shimmering softly. Barricade moved as close to me as he could, a little more than arms reach away. He brushed his fingers against my cheek.

"What happened? You never came through the groundbridge." Barricade sighed softly, his red orbs searching my face. "I thought I had lost you. Every single Decepticon was devastated. Well... except Starscream."

"Well.. I covered you. I ensured your safety. The Autobots had me pinned down so I was unable to follow you. I took quite a few hits and blacked out. Shockwave found me and carried me to safety, but by then, the Decepticons and Autobots had fled Cybertron. Shockwave protected me, wouldn't let me even leave the laboratory without him."

"Remind me to thank him." He folded his arms over his chest, his apple red optics focused on my frame.

"Indeed, I will." I nodded, respect in my movements. "After this mission, I don't suppose you'd join me for a drink?"

"Of course."