[voice | private]

[10_20_15_5_50]

[locked to Soundwave]

Hey, Soundwave.

Would you happen to have a few minutes free?

[locked to Wing]

Wing, could we talk?

[later | locked to Breakdown]

Dude, I've got some stuff to talk to you about, whenever you're free for it.

Comments

[10_20_15_5_50]

Nothing too too serious [there's a hint of a smile in her voice, there] but some new developments I wanted you to hear about from me instead of anyone else.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

Yeah? And what would that be?

[10_20_15_5_50]

Mainly that I went to do some negotiating with Dirge, but this time around I took Wing as an escort. I wanted to get a hold of you and explain why that was before you heard about what transpired, cause it's not on account of any doubt or anything. The opposite, really.

If you had been there, the whole time you would've held a portion of Dirge's attention by being someone he should be worried by. I needed to have his whole attention on what I was saying. You there, I wouldn't've been the threat in the room.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[He's actually not offended at all that she called someone else...which mildly surprises him. But he's a soldier, everyone has their place, and she needed someone who would support her, but not draw all of Dirge's attention from her, so Wing made sense.]

Yeah? And how'd it go?

[10_20_15_5_50]

[Ah, but it's good to hear him unbothered. Breakdown being Breakdown, Sam's sure that it'd be audible if he were bothered. She'd hate for the big guy to think she didn't feel sufficiently safe with him, when nothing could be further from the truth.]

It went alright. I think it kind of did a number on Soundwave, and Wing might have mixed feelings about it forever, but it was the surest route to a satisfactory resolution and oh, it is satisfactory. [Putting the other mechs in the positions she had hadn't been the high road---anything but, if she'd be honest---but it had worked well. Her tone lightens a little as she elaborates.] I pretty much have Dirge's ass. You should see the contract I had him sign! And it gets better.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[Oh, yeah, she’d have heard it if he was upset or offended, but as she explained, it made sense to leave him. Really, he’s used to this sort of thing.]

Yeah? So tell me about it, unless you have a copy I can see.

[10_20_15_5_50]

I do have a copy you can see! Just a second.

[Bwip! There's a picture of the signed contract sent.]

I'm gonna get a print made and put it up in my living room.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[A pause as he reads.....and then he’s laughing.] That’s amazing, Sam.

[10_20_15_5_50]

[She's laughing as soon as he starts, because hey, it's a triumph.]

Thank you, thank you! Judicious application of both witchcraft and bitchcraft, what can I say? Besides---like I said---it gets better. You saw the signed copy; it's his own oil I had Dirge sign it in. You ever hear the phrase 'sympathetic magic,' seen something with Knock Out that maybe had voodoo dolls in it?

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

Yeah, I’ve heard of that sort of stuff. So you’ve basically got what you need to make a Dirge voodoo doll?

[10_20_15_5_50]

Not exactly, but I've basically got what I need to whammy him harder than I'd be able to otherwise and it works on the same principle. I'm pretty pleased.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

Whammy him?

Thought we learned that didn't work. [No, Breakdown, she can't hurt him, but the doesn't mean she can't do other things. Remember the taste thing?]

[10_20_15_5_50]

It's kind of an umbrella term---and yeah, yeah, I can't actually injure anybody who isn't flesh and blood, but that doesn't mean I can't hit him where it hurts.

[There's a satisfaction there---a sort of satisfaction, to go with the sort-of smile audible. Even someone like Sam has her sharp edges.]

If I can take his taste away once, I can do it again, and I know that for a fact. Touch, maybe; sight, for sure.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[Smirks] Remind me to never frag you off.

[10_20_15_5_50]

Ch, I don't think you could unless you tried, and you never seemed the sort.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

Ha! Bet I could, but I'd be a fool to try.

[10_20_15_5_50]

[Have her best Mona Lisa smile.]

I may be little, but I'm mean.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[He barks a laugh.]

Woman, you’re downright evil when you want to be.

[This doesn’t bother him at all.]

[10_20_15_5_50]

[see this is friendship]

Just playing to my strengths.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[He laughs] What? You’re deceptive charm?

I should name you an honorary Decepticon.

[10_20_15_5_50]

[Sam laughs in turn, tossing her hands apart.] I was thinking 'patience' but what the hell, 'deceptive charm' is good, I'll take that. Might as well. Can't talk my way out of what I've behaved my way into. [She shrugs, folding her hands.]

Oooh, resume-builder.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[He chuckles and shakes his head.]

Maybe best you don’t add that one to your resume. Dirge is a Decepticon too.

[10_20_15_5_50]

Pch, if I'm ever again needing to use a resume, it'll be in dealing with someone who's never met the guy. Pretty sure if I was dealing with someone who knew him, 'I'm the witch,' would work well.

It's the worst-kept secret, but I ain't even mad.

[a_little_red_in_the_face]

[Okay, that just makes him laugh.]

Sounds like your resume is perfect as it is.

[10_20_15_5_50]

Come to think of it... [She considers a moment, then shrugs, nodding.] It actually is pretty good. Or would be, if I needed to put it out.