Decepticon Base - Echo

[Cybiscus]

Systems away from the Crescent Fortress, lies a massive Decepticon base with multiple Cybertronians at the helm, ready to respond to any assistance. Commander Fauxwing has requested one of the many interrogators to join her ranks. Just receiving her orders today, XNA finishes up her work and prepares to gather her necessities for the trip. But, before she does so, she takes the time to relax and ease her mind in the commons area of the base. Though, that quiet time for relaxing was soon cut short, when a peculiar mech catches the femme’s attention. Modulator was known to be a unique type of bot, bringing some of his fellow Decepticons a sense of the unknown. The mech seeks out information from his fellow Decepticons and has been assigned the mundane task of conducting standardized mental and emotional stability examinations to any willing participants he happens upon, some of which would describe the process as strange or unsettling, while others deem it unremarkable and a complete bore to sit through. Regardless of the wildly varying accounts of experience, most tend to give the curious mech a fair amount of distance. On this particular solar cycle, these two Decepticons happen to be at the same place, at the same time.

//Time: A week before the events of the present plot.
//Individuals: Modulator and XNA.

[Cybiscus]

It had been a long day on the job for XNA. The base had just received a full squadron of Autobots, with viable information to boot. It took some time for her to pry information out of them all, but it was still a success. The femme steps into the commons, making a beeline past her fellow soldiers towards the residential energon tank. She swipes up a cube before placing a servo on the nozzle of the faucet. As she raises the cube in front of her, she blinks at her faint reflection. There, she noticed a small drop of energon left on her cheek. Must have missed it during the cleanup. A sign that exhaustion was kicking in. She uses her free servo to wipe the drop away before resuming to turn the nozzle to fill her cube. With a vent, she moves on to one of the lone chairs of the room, plopping herself down on it and lean back.

There was a small click before her visor slides up into a small compartment in her helm. She blinks her optics a few times as they adjust to the brighter colors and lights. Her engine purrs as she takes a sip from the cube, optics glowing brightly from the energy entering her systems. XNA then sets the cube aside before bringing a datapad out, getting to work on jotting down the information she had received. Of course, she could send the memory that was recorded to her commanding officer, but she already received a warning about not saving the gritting details to herself. So, a cleaner version would have to do. Though at this time, the femme would rather send off the video and be done with it. She just wanted to relax for the rest of the day.

[Archivium]

The Decepticon commons may not have been all that crowded at this late cycle, which made the odd occupied seat in the area all the more apparent - especially in the case of the blank-helmed individual that sat off to XNA's right. If she found herself curious enough to shift her optics in that direction, she'd find he would just be sitting there with his hands neatly folded in front of him. The only real indication that his attention could possibly be directed anywhere was the set of geometric drones hovering about that completely featureless 'visage' of his: two where dimmed and cast downward, but the central drone was illuminated in a brilliant lime green tint which fixated on the femme unblinkingly.



Other that the odd twitch or flicker from the drone's lens, the mech remained completely still. How long had he been sitting there? An empty cube sat next to the folded servos, but that might have just added to the baffling imagery upon further inspection. No matter what conclusions were being drawn, this con seemed quite content to simply sit and observe for as long as he could.

[Cybiscus]

XNA’s clawed digits lightly tap away at the screen as she made her report, taking a couple of sips from her cube every now and then. Her gaze was set on the datapad, not aware of the mech near her yet. It would only take a few paragraphs before she felt a strange sensation. As if something was watching her. Her gaze flicks to the right, finally catching the view of the mech. He was just sitting there, like a statue to her. One of the drones picks more of her attention, as it was the only thing that was physically moving. Perhaps some other random individual would find this weird, or disturbing. The femme’s posture doesn’t falter even the slightest, however. She resumes to conjuring her report.

“Modulator.” She merely acknowledges the mech, derma still shaped into a neutral expression. She was well aware who the mech was. A lot of soldiers would call him the residential creep. XNA herself has heard of some of the stories. But honestly, she didn’t really believe any of them, or for the mech to be weird. The staring didn’t bother her either. In fact, if she weren’t as exhausted, she’d probably be doing the same thing to him, and try to examine every crevice in his armor. Of course, that was a no-go. The mood just wasn’t there.

[Archivium]

Hearing that seemed to elicit more of a response from the stilled mech- or at least from the other preoccupied drones, which both lifted simultaneously to draw their lime tinted optics to narrow in on the femme their fellow drone had been watching previously. Both would remain at their maker's side, while central drone felt bold enough to drift forward and over to XNA, hovering in a wide arch behind her helm as its lens twitched about to try and get a glimpse of the screen's contents.



"Strange," came a voice, mellow and effortless, bordering on monotone, "I do believe I have seen you before, I was just trying to put a designation to your features, actually. It would seem you have beat me to it." His words whispered so very close to her auditory sensors, as if he were right behind her, and yet he was still seated at the table to the right from her. The faintest of movements were made then, those slender digits curling briefly as they scraped against the metal surface before resuming their neatly folded state.

[Cybiscus]

“Of course, you’ve made yourself quite the name here. And given your appearance and aura, I could’ve only assumed.” XNA sets her cube down, before moving her servo to gently poke at the screen to finish the last of her paragraph. She really didn’t mind if the drone was snooping at all. She registers the small whiz of the drone flying around her helm. The voice bothers her for a brief moment, not expecting to hear it right in her audials. However, she shakes the feeling of chills off for the sake of her own dignity.

The femme switches her datapad off after sending off the report, shrinking it down to a close and putting it away. She lets out a vent as she leans back into her chair, grabbing her cube to take another sip. Her optics rest entirely on Mod now. Or on his drones...it’ll probably take some time for her to figure it out. With work being done for the day, a smile finally returns on her faceplate, raising an optic ridge.

“So, have you been sitting here this whole time? Surely you have some work going on for yourself?” XNA inquires, kind of curious about what precisely this mech of social status does. For all she knew, he could be some sort of spy, solely created to gather intel with how silent and still he was. Those drones of his couldn’t possibly be used for anything else, right?

[Archivium]

"I have?" He sounded genuinely surprised to hear this news, though he did not question its validity, no hint of skepticism either; much less anything beyond that initial raise in tone before it was back to complete neutrality as he continued. "I have been here a while, yes. I must admit, I frequent this location as often as my work permits me to, you never know when a fascinating mind could end up strolling in that's worth observing a little more closely," all the while the drone lingers nearby, always trying to keep just out of sight, only allowing a glimpse of that lime-lit lens before it ducks behind her helm.



"As for going about my work in general, when I am not occupied with a client in my office, even here in a place suited for relaxation, you can be most assured that I am always working- Ah, X-N-A, is it?" The featureless faceplate tilts just the slightest increment to the side while the pair of drones accompanying him narrow their optics now that she was facing him fully. "Quite the promising mind you have, or so I've heard. Though I'm not one to base my findings off the information of others, I'd much rather pull them straight from the source. It's much more reliable that way," what was he purposing exactly? The strangely malformed mech decidedly left it vague.

[Cybiscus]

There’s no telling what could be running in the femme’s thoughts right now. Her faceplate was void of all emotion now. It happened as soon as Mod said his latest sentence. One might think that it was a sign of displeasure, but that was hardly the case. Perhaps it was more like she was thinking? Indeed, that was the case. She really was never aware of anyone talking about her around the base, to the point where it reached Mod. She might as well be just as surprised as the mech was. Yes, she would agree with herself that she could be eccentric at times. That’s precisely what she is, she just hasn’t noticed it at all.

With a small hum, XNA leans back some more, in a casual way, “Eeyup, that’s me. Good ol’ ‘zee-na’. A pleasure to meet you~” she takes another sip from her cube, dipping her helm back to intake the last drop. She even lifts it away from her helm a bit to let the glowing substance to drip onto her glossa. The femme sets the cube down, satisfied with the refuel. Mod receives her attention again, “Straight from the source, huh? Sounds a lot like the kind of stuff I do every day,” XNA gives a cheeky smirk, systems rumbling just from the thought of it. Her mind kept lingering on that last sentence. She never thought about ever sharing information about herself to a stranger. However, she was completely fine with sharing general stuff like her work, what she does, how she does it. The present is what’s important to her. On that note, there was information that was worth mentioning.

“Well, if you wanna know one thing, I’m gonna be transferred soon. To some Fortress.” XNA catches the color of lime from the corner of her optic, lifting a servo as an attempt to catch the drone that was floating around her, “I’d hate to start making new friends now right before I leave. It would add more to the list of people I’ll miss~”

[Archivium]

His movements were so subtle, she may not have even picked up on them, but ever so slightly did the mech lean forward as he listened in and watched the femme intently. So much so, that the drone which had been lingering far too close for its own good soon found itself caught in XNA's clawed clutches when it dared to swivel just a bit too far into viewing range. The drone jolted when it was snared, but its feeble attempt to free itself was pitiful at best- either lacking defensive capabilities outright or perhaps risking the assumption that she'd not actually cause the construct any real harm.



The ocular lens dilates when drawn upward, its surface almost becoming mirror-like as it reflected the details of her faceplate, if she allowed it to, since she now controlled where the drone looked. There might have been the faintest hints of a flinch detected from Modulator when his drone was captured, but it was easily overshadowed by the reaction of the other two drones, who dipped and wobbled watching their counterpart get snatched up but they remain at their creator's side.



"A transfer? How exciting," the drone responds, though it carries no such indications of the emotion he mentions, just the same calm demeanor as before. "Was this made upon your request, or someone else's? Perhaps more than you may think have taken notice of this promising mind of yours." The lens begins to waver then, that blackened void filling up with a vibrant green glow as the streaks of fibrous filament within expand around the shrinking pupil, creating a dazzling pattern of lights weaving throughout the tiny mechanism.



After what felt like a lasting pause left between them, the mech's voice was heard through the drone once more, "I am sure you will be missed when you are gone, XNA. Very much so." Though the pitch and tone never changed, it was likely that these words were meant to be genuine, even if he may not have possessed much to base such a claim off of.

[Cybiscus]

The femme hums softly, taking the mechs words into consideration. Slowly, she looks the drone over, turning her servo in a way that the lens were facing her directly now. “Someone else’s orders. I wouldn’t think that they were looking for someone like me specifically. Just wanted the extra helping hands, is what it seems like. I wouldn’t mind the change of pace~” XNA’s optics slowly emit more of a glow as she stares at the lens. She didn’t notice the mech’s reaction to her yanking the drone, nor was she intending to look at him until she deemed it necessary. With her other servo, she lifts up a digit towards the drone, finding a surface of metal where she could run the tip of her digit over, petting the drone.

“I appreciate your words, Modulator. Truly.”

[Archivium]

Each of the smaller angular plates layering the top of the drones crown fold to conform along XNA's touch, the ocular lens twitching somewhat anxiously to try and keep an eye on her movements, yet it did not try squirming out of the femme's grasp. "How much longer do you have until you are set to depart?" A strange inquiry to be making, considering there was no reason for him to be privy to this information.



The drone would resume its focus forward and up at her optics shortly after that, those plates that had come to rest back against their shell now sought to press against her claws. "I only ask because I feel as though I'd be left rather disappointed, knowing I have missed my opportunity to schedule an evaluation with you. A terrible shame indeed..." Again, the words hinted at dismay, but there was nothing but monotone equilibrium to the vocal feed, and yet the drone seemed to portray a look befitting nothing short of giddy hopefulness. A curiously baffling combination to take in.

[Cybiscus]

She continues to stroke the drone with her digit, lowering her gaze somewhat. “In a few days.” Her response was simple, not much more needing to be added. It would seem, to her, the mech was pretty adamant about wanting to learn more about her. The more he mentioned ‘evaluations’, the more she thought about how she could use certain words to respond to any general question. XNA blinks once, her strokes developing into gentle taps onto the drone. Then, she lifts up her helm, turning her attention to Modulator with a glint in her optics. Alright, maybe she should entertain him.

“I suppose I could find some time to have a meeting with you. Whatever day works for you. Just don’t call me in on the day I depart~” There was a slight purr erupting from within her chest, her lips forming into a light smile. The amusement in her expression was easily recognizable. She had to admit it, she was curious to see how this mech does his evaluation. Especially with his reputation around the base. His reputation...perhaps it was a better idea to ask him of something else before even agreeing to a specific day for an appointment.

“How do you do them, exactly? Your evaluations?”

[Archivium]

"I am not one to disclose my methods outright, but you are free to analyse them during the session, as I'm sure you won't be able to help yourself with that inquisitive mind of yours," he reasoned, the drone still settled in her grasp, staring unblinkingly at XNA's faceplate, taking in every minute detail, while the featureless mech seemingly directed theirs towards her the whole time as he sat at the next table over remaining motionless as ever.



"I would endeavour to make the appointment now, if it'd not make me look too eager," he'd eventually add, the drone's brightly lit lime lens flickering finally, "I would not like to take up too much of your valuable time after all- as I'm sure your schedule is quite full already." For the first time since she had spotted him in the commons, Modulator finally started to move. In one fluid motion, the narrow mech straightened to his full height, the long strips of muted plating that made up his central frame smoothing out as he did so while his slender limbs coiled behind him. The two drones drifted up to join him as they hovered over those pointed shoulders, lenses never straying from the femme.



"My office is not far from here. You are more than welcome to accompany me, or seek me out when you have the time," he'd offer plainly through the drone she held, which stayed passive in her servos' grasp, despite its creator getting ready to depart.

[Cybiscus]

XNA keeps her gaze locked on the mech, just as his drones did with her. She wasn’t impressed by the answer. If anything was going to involve her mind, she would feel better if she had a least some hint of how he would go about things. However, her curiosity was welling up, letting herself lean forward slowly just as Modulator rose from his seat. Taking her time to consider, she slowly, though barely, squeezes the drone in her claws. There was a brief thought in her mind. Maybe she could persuade him to tell her his secrets by using one of his drones as bait? No- that really wouldn’t be civilized on her part. It would be too hostile and unnecessary for something such as this. “Alright, fine.”

With a light movement, she splays out her claws, carefully hoisting up her servo into the air to let the drone go freely. “I suppose I have some time to take this appointment. Got everything finished today, so…~” The femme stands up from her chair, taking the empty cube with her to dispose of it. She then twirls on her pede, facing her frame towards the mech she was about to accompany. “I’d love to see how your office looks. After you?” She gestures towards the exit, a light hum emitting from her chest. XNA wanted to get a handle on what this mech was supposedly like. Rumors around the base could only get her so far with finding judgment. She wanted to see if there are any sort of red flags to indicate that this might not be the brightest idea. It’s not like she could just ask others, or Modulator, if there were any other patients. If there were to be any indication that there’s something not right, she could always back out of it.

[Archivium]

The slender mech looms nearby, quite content to wait for XNA's response in silence, all while the drone she held onto scanned for hints at what her verdict was going to be. The reaction to the femme's grip tightening on its frame was hardly registered, and when it was eventually released, the drone would bring themselves to hover at optic level. "Most excellent," it concludes, then rotates around her and out of sight but did not seem to reunite with its creator.



Modulator slipped away from the table, leaving his empty cube there for someone else to take care of. Finally that smoothed faceplate turned away from her when he moved past the femme to lead them out of the common area. "You are interested in my office, or the laboratory connected to it? Perhaps if we have time, I can offer you a proper tour of my facility," despite him now being in front of her, his voice came from behind; a sign that the drone she had been holding onto had not left her side.



Despite how immaculately fitted and smooth his frame's design was, the back of his helm was comprised of a series of tightly woven wires and tubes that fed into the back of his elongated neck, which had all been left strangely exposed. With his servos held curled behind his straightened posture: narrowed and delicately formed digits folded together, with the exception of the index claws - which are disproportionately larger by comparison and curved to harshly pointed ends.