Decepticon Observation Deck

[The Legion]

Situated at the top of the main structure, at it's most south-eastern point, the Observation Deck was a wide open space that allowed a clear view of the environment outside due to the clear reinforced windows that took up one side of the room from floor to ceiling.  Just one of the design features that had gone into the creation of the room, which allowed a keen-sighted mech or femme to see the Anti-Air emplacements on the other side of the crater, a tactical decision which would provide at least some warning even if infiltrators were capable of disabling the defences more technological warning systems.

It was clear though despite that functionality the room was not purposed as part of an early warning system but rather as a place to allow users to rest and think, either staring out into the distance or appreciating the delicate crystal sculptures or calming waters of the fountain that served as a focal point of the room.  Surrounded by benches and finely sculpted blocks which had been designed for those who preferred to sit rather than stand.

[The Legion]

After her meeting with Fauxwing and the neutral Crimson, Symphony was almost relieved to leave their presence.  Her disdain for neutrals unwilling to choose a side was largely withheld from public knowledge but even then it had grated to be in the same room as a mercenary with so little respect for their cause.  The relationship between her and the current commander of Crescent Fortress was hardly friendly either, often swinging between begrudging respect and thinly-veiled disdain, it was irritating to know sometimes how close her career tipped on the knife-edge of her current usefulness.  It was certainly little wonder then that the meeting hadn't gone worse, although personally, she was waiting for the other shoe to drop, after the handling of that particular neutral it wasn't hard to assume they would have another enemy on their hands.  Thankfully just one of a few rather than a massive list, since at least in that regard Fauxwing had till now been wise enough to pick her battles, creating a web of allies and turning enemies against each other so the scraps could be dealt with effortlessly.

For now, though Symphony was here to ignore that or at least prolong her thoughts for a later time as she stood aside the fountain, the energon that sprouted from its tip a shade lighter and tinted with just enough chemicals it glowed a pretty magenta which couldn't be mistaken for less desirable forms of energon.  A decision she personally appreciated even if one or two of the more...  disdainful individuals within their roster might have appreciated a fountain of life-blood, Symphony had finer tastes.

Certainly, it was those same inclinations that had led her here, rather than the sometimes chaotic recreation rooms.  Here she blended in, easily mistaken as just another finely crafted sculpture, straight-backed with her servo's behind her and her optics calmly watching the ripples of the fountain when more droplets hit the pool underneath.

[kaijir]

Being around so many was still a harrowing task for Xencross to face. His own emotional wounds still healing yet the ever stoic mech seemed to take everything in stride. His large and imposing form, the weapon like limbs, and the beast like head tend to ward off companionship to most of those around him. That and the strips of metal welded over his mouth, his outer row of top denta peaking out between derma plating to accent his beast like appearance. He never appeared to be one for conversation. Letting out a rough sigh that sounded more like a rumbled hiss, the large mech strides into the room, his four optics dim as he seeks some sort of solace in the tranquility of the room. 

Pausing inside the room, his four optics settle on the other near the fountain, his silent loneliness pulling him to join her for company. It was impossible to resist, his imposing frame moving on its own, his heavy body making every step loud through the room on such small stilt like pedes. He didn't need to verbally make a sound to announce his presence as he moves to stand next to the fountain as well. Staring down into the fountain, he takes a moment to scan through comm frequencies, trying to find the other one present in the room, his talon like digits twitching beside him and clicking the back of his servo on the fusion canon adorning his right arm. He only seemed to relax slightly as he found it, cautiously opening a communications pathway to the other. 

::I am glad to see I am not the only one to find this room pleasing. I hope you don't mind company.:: The come came through, clearly not the other's voice as he remains silent where he stood. His helm tilts, letting his optics flick over to her, hoping she would welcome his company. Xencross may be fierce and imposing, but his whole being and demeanor screamed respectful, the long tank legs on his back lowering until the tips ghosted over the ground, the long appendages still partially subspaced even for his extreme height.

[The Legion]

Aeons ago, Symphony had modified her own sense of hearing far beyond the standard scope of a Cybertronian, certainly far enough she was able to hear the arriving Decepticon long before they entered the room.  Their heavy footsteps a blaring alarm that the lone femme had tuned out long before Xencross strode up to her.  A newer arrival than most, even without glancing at the other's mutilated form, Symphony recognised the mech who had arrived with another wave of troops only shortly before this current phase.  A benefit of her high-ranking position within the ranks of Fauxwing's intelligence and communication departments that had her often looking over the profiles of their troops, as well as her own need to memorise the distinctive features of those around her.

To a femme capable of recognising a mech by the patter of their feet against a metal floor then the twitch of Xencross's digits may as well have been solid smacks, alongside his appearance it was just one of the many reasons, she felt no particular need to greet him.  It did not, however, mean she felt a reason to be unnecessarily rude as declining the others comm signal certainly would be, instead the intelligence officer allowed it with little more than a thought.

"If the company has something to intrigue me with or remains silent, I would not oppose it.  I am in little mood for babbling, however."  The femme replied, her voice soft as though to raise her voice would disturb the calm surrounding, a grievous error she would disdain to cause.

After minutes of silence though, eventually the serenity of the room could not defy the turmoil of her deeply buried emotions. First only arising with a slight scrunch of her optical ridges, then later a full frown as she reflected on the earlier events. Many of which had been failures on both a tactical and strategic term as she considered her introduction to many of the newcomers as well as Fauxwing’s meeting with that neutral, the only conclusion she could reach was she had misjudged her importance to the current roster.

The idea burned; even though she could not deny it. She was not as irreplaceable as desired. Such though was a problem for another time and not easily fixed, rather it was important at this moment to cement what relationships she could. Something she could certainly do right now as she tilted her helm towards Xencross in contemplation.

“If you wouldn’t mind, I have a query I find myself incapable of answering and was hopeful you might assist.”

[kaijir]

Xencross rarely sought company and having his offered companionship turned down so quickly was disheartening to the silent mech. Giving Symphony a subtle nod, his comm line goes silent yet remains open if she should need it. His stoic gaze was locked upon the fountain as his tank legs relax fully, the tips of every spider like leg rests on the grough as his arms cross over his scarred chest. Falling silent to simply enjoy the tranquility of the room and soak up the rather tense company. Not expecting her to speak to him once more, he exvents with a ght rumble vibrating through his thick chest plating. 

::Of course. If I can be of assistance then by all means, I will listen and answer as best I can.:: His tank legs lift slightly, his helm lowering and turning to allow himself to gaze down at the femme. All four purple eyes were focused on her, showing the large walking tank was intent on helping. In this ship, in his situation, Xencross welcomed any nonhostile interaction. 

[The Legion]

Awaiting Xencross's response, Symphony remained silent until she gained permission through the comm channels to continue, though she did admittedly not begin speaking instantly, rather taking her time to consider her words before she continued.  For even now the theories and ideas that travelled through her head felt foolish, filled with paranoia and distrust for her own divisions ability to keep track of the world around them.  It was only the calm of the room then and her own need to vent that she was even considering voicing such thoughts as she began to pace, not intentionally but with a natural stride that spoke of a sub-conscious action.

"I find it difficult to admit but I possess certain...  uncertainties."  She said, almost tasting the final word as her expression soured in her mouth while her optics zoned out, narrowing on the dazzling vista of the moons surface and the space above.  "You see, it has taken time and effort to reach our current status of continued success.  Certainly, before Fauxwing's arrival, our forces here were forced to blunder under an incompetent fool.  Thankfully that time is over and I no longer find myself wondering if I shall die in a hopeless pursuit of power.  Now though I look upon what we've succeeded in and feel a certain hint of anxiety for the future."

At that admission Symphony came to a stop, forcing herself to stop pacing as her optics rose to zone in upon Xencross's face almost daring him to attempt lieing to her.

"It feels like Eons ago the Autobots interfered in what might have been our chance to conquer this sector of the galaxy, with the might of our leader, and under the full support of the Decepticon army when this area was a priority.  Instead, we were left with remnants of a mighty invasion force and dedicated to purging an even smaller military force.  We succeeded in that task then even if all other attempts to dominate the minor factions around here failed.  It was ultimately Fauxwing's own style that has benefited against insurrections and potential enemies with diplomacy many Decepticons around here have little patience for."

Then with a stretched arm she showed off the scene outside the base, looking out into the sky where ships of all types created a defensive net against the Decepticon headquarters.

"Now, I look outside and see the resources our people have gathered, the potential that still remains and all I can think is 'Where are the Autobots'?"  At that she shook her head in dismay, displeased with her own thoughts.  "Now I can only wonder whether it is paranoia or pessimism that awaits their arrival, for I do not know whether Fauxwing while is ready for their tactics if they do return.  It is a worrying thought for I am not sure whether I would fall to such delusions if those wishing to misguide our intelligence division where to point me in such direction.  Even now, I wonder whether the unknowns who assaulted Purple Obsidian where Autobots finally ready to make a move while we stand on the cusp of victory or if it is unrelated.  For if I can be mistaken here without any evidence then what shall be done if such factions attempt to plant things on a group that does not exist here."

[kaijir]

The large Decepticon remained still, his large helm sways slowly as his gaze followed the pacing femme in front of him. Silently, he listened to all she said, his body slowly straightening until he was standing at attention, his tank legs lifted as she stops to stare up at him. His own four optics gaze back, his expression unreadable as he waits for her to continue. Xencross' whole attention was on her, a deep rumbling vibrates through his chest in response to her attempt at intimidating the heavily armored mech. All the same, he lowered his helm once in a nod. The comm line remained silent until he was sure she was done. 

::You have much on your mind. I can understand.:: The mech sends the message through the comm after a moment, one large servo lifts, the talon like claws sliding over the heavy fusion canon on his other arm. ::We've made progress, impressive progress. Not knowing the enemy position can be nerve wracking. Intel can make or break an army.:: It felt a little hard to properly respond, Xencross was never one to be too informed, his duty winning out over seeking information, settling in as defense. Letting out a rumbling, tritoned sigh, he stares down at the blade like claws on the massive weapon. ::I cannot help you find this information, nor can I tell you if you are being pessimistic or not as healthy caution is safe... I can assure you that should the Autobots infiltrate the base, the must take me down before I let this base fall. Everything we have gained, I will do what I can to protect it.:: His gaze flicks back to her, his lip platings lifting and pulling at the welds as he subconsciously bares his sharp denta. While he could not comment on Fauxwing having yet to meet her face to face, the defense tank tries to provide some form of comfort using his own ability. A base guardian was meant to protect a base. A guardian should always fall before a base, fight to the end to protect what is theirs. Xencross' thoughts triggered the natural protectiveness the sharp edges of his digits leaving superficial grooves in the cannon surface. 

[The Legion]

Her right arm lowering, to cup her chin, Symphony's other arm wrapped around her front to hold her hip while allowing her right elbow to perch on the appendage so she could carry the weight of her helm more comfortably.  Effortlessly providing her with the opportunity to continue her calming observation of the view outside, which allowed her to instead focus on the words that Xencross was speaking.  A not exactly difficult task considering the nature of communicating over a comm link reduced the danger of mishearing what was said, although she still listened in carefully to ensure he was not misunderstood.

Her frame releasing a soft vent, she listened patiently to his platitudes, accepting his pleasantries even as she desired that he progress to more involving topics already well aware of her own nature to think upon things thoroughly.

With her mind focused on his words then, it was only due to her advanced hearing she clearly heard the mech tinkering with his fusion cannon, an action that led to her tilting her helm casually over her shoulder to look at the mech.  As survival instincts informed her of the danger of letting a relative unknown prepare a weapon behind her back, it was sadly a little surprising to realise the mech had no other motives out of what appeared to be a habit.  It was despite that then, Symphony forced her frame to turn around, her arms now loose at her side as she looked across towards the mech.

"I shall take your words into consideration then."  Her optics lingering on the grooves of his weapon, created from a repeated action, she did not allow herself to show her previous worries as she stepped forward to pat the mech upon his shoulder.  "Now if you excuse me, I believe I have spent long enough contemplating and the cause requires I return to my work.  It has been a pleasure Xencross."

Then with only one last pat upon his shoulder before she left, Symphony strode out of the room, her shoulders held high and confidence in her steps.