Fauxwing's Chambers

[Corvid]

For someone’s personal quarters, the room looked more like a conference room. Every piece of furniture- of which there was very little- was precisely placed, organized around a central desk at the back of the room where a single chair sat for the commander. The desk itself had a dull white glow underneath it in the front, accentuating details carved in the base of the desk that matched similar markings on the lower part of the room’s walls. The glowing light distracted from the upper half of the room, where a lot of negative space was left. A design that drew the attention of the room’s occupants to the commander when she sat at the desk.

A few seats sat to the side of the room, none looking especially luxurious or comfortable. They were functional, as was every piece of decor save the simple runic markings at the base of the room’s desk and the lower part of the room’s walls, but were unmarked and undecorated. Data pads sat in a neat pile on each corner of the desk facing the commander’s seat: data reports and statistics collected from the numerous outposts under Fauxwing’s command throughout the system. On the opposite side of the desk where any visitors might sit the desk was clear, no accumulation or assortment of items of any type to be made mention of. It was an unwelcoming environment for anyone not on Fauxwing’s side of the desk. All was by her design.

[The Legion]

Considering the commanders flare and desire for authority, it would have been reasonable to assume her chambers would be distinct, easily recognisable from a distance and suitably awe-inspiring.  In reality, though it couldn't be further from the truth.  Created with the same sturdy yet bland designs as the rest of the corridor, the doors leading to Fauxwing's chambers were completely interchangeable with any other in the base, lacking any real sign of their importance.  It was in that regard clearly an intentional decision and one that was understandable with how misleading it would be to an assailant.

Which was just one of the main reasons, Symphony had been chosen to guide Crimson here.  Although that was hardly a consolation considering her numerous skills that where currently wasted as she paced ahead, her long legs allowing her to move quickly without dramatically quickening her strides.  A necessity for the tankformers who had been chosen for their strength and size rather than any sliver of mobility, which now meant their position at the back of the group watching Crimson carefully was as much due to their inability to keep up with Symphony's own speed as it was their duty to watch the newcomer.

Eventually though, Symphony reached the door leading to Fauxwing's chambers as she came to a stop by performing a simple pivot that led to her facing Crimson with the door to her left.

"I hope you understand the importance of this meeting, it is very rare our commander deems to speak with someone outside of her own standing and even less so when the person in mention feels inclined to introduce themselves with an Autobot symbol on display."

Only giving an instance of thought to how Crimson might reply, Symphony activated her private comm with Fauxwing as she announced their arrival.

: Commander, we have arrived at your chambers.  Should I send them in now or prolong their time in my company? :

[Corvid]

Doors parted smoothly to reveal the similarly nondescript room, only the runic markings of the room catching Crimson's eye.

"You may enter," the unmistakable voice came from commander's quarters. As they did so, they would find the flier sitting at her desk, hands and eyes occupied with one of the few data pads on her desk as she browsed the latest reports her territory had to offer her. She let them wait before prying her eyes from the data pad. Not long- a few seconds, perhaps- but long enough to give the neutral the sense that she was in charge; she could afford to make people wait for her attention. She set the data pad down on the desk, gesturing toward two front-and-center seats positioned directly before her desk.

"No need to worry. I wasn't kept waiting long. Symphony, join us."  Her tone was softer now- no, not softer. Perhaps merely less harsh. Different from the last time she'd addressed Symphony. Her mood had improved since then, clearly, though the flat expression and critical gaze she now gave Crimson suggested that even in this improved state she wasn't going to sit by and let her time be wasted. "So, Crimson. What brings you to my Crescent Fortress?"

[aphidly]

Crimson followed Symphony quietly, the only sound being his footfall as he trailed the communications officer. When the modest chamber door came into view Crimson didnt seem fazed, simply stood thinking they would wait silently for Fauxwing to invite them in. Symphony instead decided to tell him how important the meeting was, as if she had any idea what it truly entailed, and then there was the mention of his badge. He would have gotten it removed long ago if there were still not benefits of at first glance appearing as an Autobot. Especially in his line of work, he was too big to sneak into a base undetected, but getting in under their noses wasnt a problem if he looked the part.

"I assure you, courier, your Commander knows I am not part of their crowd." he glared through his visor, a moment later the door opened. Fauxwing invited them in.

As they entered Crimson sensed the same arrogance many of those he has worked for had in Fauxwing, more subdued, but still ever present. As she addressed Symphony Crimson crossed his arms over his chest again, listening as she addressed him now. What was he there for? He would get to that in a moment, "Well, Commander Fauxwing, I have been around your ever orderly territory for a short time now, and as im sure you know, I am a trusted contact of your faction." he paused, "Im always at your service, if ever you have work." 

That wasnt it of course, Crimson still had something he wanted to address. "I do have one concern though. There is a neutral settlement, Decepticon leaning. They have been trying to contact you for a while, you havent responded." it was rather typical of faction commanders Crimson would admit, but that wasnt his issue. "They have been under total siege for a while by several bandit and marauder bands. Normally it would be simple for me to take care of it, however there is an odd number of bands, very high in frequency. With how aggressive the groups are I find it odd that they dont at least try to go toe to toe with some of your smaller mines and outposts, rather than scavenging what little hasn't been taken from the settlement." Crimson knew the military genius could put two and two together and only paused a moment before continuing, "Not that I am accusing some of my greatest allies of anything entirely malicious, though if I were, what would I be able to do about it?" he chuckled to himself a moment, "Whatever is going on is working out rather well for you."

[Corvid]

If his claims hadn't been so bold, she might have appreciated his comment to the order of her command- or to his formal address of "commander."
"Trusted... is bit of a stretch," she contradicted. "You have yet to earn my trust. Which is why I don't have work for you, which is why I haven't asked for you in my service." The slight was piercing, but not altogether uncalled for.

When his reason for contacting her came out, her lips pursed slightly. Her jaw went askew, a critical and disbelieving brow raising before both jaw and brow settled back into their places. Fauxwing swiveled her seat around, and the wall behind her changed.
Behind her could be seen the crater the base was situated upon. Paneling that provided live images from the base's exterior displayed what would have been the view from a windowed wall: and beyond the crater could be seen Iuclite, the planet itself. It was a rather beautiful view. Fauxwing fell silent. She seemed all too content to keep Crimson waiting longer, perhaps, or perhaps she was quelling her anger- Symphony may have assumed this, of the possibilities available to speculate on- or, she could have been contemplating her answer. Nevertheless, whatever her reason she remained silent. The silence made the air feel thick, stale.

When she finally spoke, it was with an unexpected calmness for how formal she was.

"Are you familiar with the world of Iuclite, Crimson?" she asked. Keeping her back turned to Crimson for the moment, she inclined her head toward where she knew Symphony to be standing behind her, silently, and obediently, observing. Without waiting for Crimson's response, she continued "Iuclite was inhabited. A small, primitive race of organics. Interestingly enough, moon worshippers." She turned, facing Crimson, and the sight of the crater faded as the wall view solidified. “When my predecessor, the former commander of the Crescent Fortress began his campaign, it was easy enough to wipe them out. In fact, this was the first world he conquered. According to those who played a part in his campaign, the last survivors of the race called to their moon, their god, to save them from their wretched fate.”

“The Decepticon commander responded by creating the fortress. He broke their spirit, and insulted their culture when he placed his throne atop their deity.” Here she stopped, and waited. While it might have been an interesting story, if unsettling, Crimson would have been right to question why she was telling it to him.

[aphidly]

Crimson was quiet for only a moment after her first comment, then he decided to speak up again, "Oh, I wasn't referring to you trusting me, I trust the Decepticons as a whole more than I trust almost anyone. I of course expect those who I have potential to work with to mistrust me as well." Not only for his status as a neutral, and the overall lack of information outside of what he himself has told them, but because he did wear the mark of an Autobot and the known mystery surrounding any past relations with the faction. It seemed though, Fauxwing would be one of the more skeptical Decepticons he has worked with.

The Decepticon in front of him began to speak again. What she spoke of disturbed him, he was glad his face was covered or his eyes would betray his otherwise completely neutral exterior. Crimson replied after a moment "How you show dominance to other species isn't my business. Though I do believe I get the message you are trying to convey." His arms dropped to his sides. 

[Corvid]

"Oh, you do, do you? How refreshing."  Immediately, she felt a pang of regret. She was being sarcastic, and it was uncalled for. But she continued. This would be a good outlet for the day she's had; a way to blow off steam after all the insubordination of those beneath her, and, well- after retrieving the Ceralyth Cores, she had plenty of power to spare- she could afford flaunting what she had at this point.

"Have you heard about what happened to my predecessor after Iuclite?" she asked, turning, beginning to slowly pace back around behind, and to the other side of her desk.
"Emboldened by his initial success here, he proceeded to extend his influence. The campaign was impressive, to be sure. After placing himself above a deity, he thought himself to be inexorable. He managed to claim more than half the system- before he fell."
"The neutrals, you see, were rallied to a cause: the cause of ceasing the Decepticons' brutal mission, and retaking the system from them. Despite the considerable resources at my predecessor's disposal- the very same resources that I now possess- he foolishly spread himself thin, overextending his hand." Allowing herself a rare indulgence, she spared Symphony a quick glance to send her subordinate a message: "This is for you, so pay attention," it said. "A lesson to everyone- not to speak so highly of yourself if you don't have the power, and the influence to back up your words."

"Iuclite was the first world he controlled, and by the time the neutrals of this system had their way with him, it was his last." Dangerously, Fauxwing leered at Crimson, practically daring him to give a more emotional response to what she had to say next- "Funny, but I don't recall hearing about a group of Decepticon-leaning unaligned reaching out to lend their aid when the Decepticons were on the losing side."
"So I'm glad to hear, then, that you understand why I can't respond to every puny cluster of unaligned Cybertronian claiming to be sympathetic to our cause. To be merely sympathetic-" she moved to pinch the bridge of her nose, sighing heavily "-is not enough. Just as you didn't share in the Decepticons' toil of clutching to every scrap of territory they could maintain, you have no right to revel in the glory of our victory." She was winding down now, but still the hints of a sharp tongue lingered in her words- words which would no doubt stick with Crimson, and sting. She sat herself back down, heaving a sigh as weighty as the robust seeker, and the influence she wielded over the system. Despite her delivery, Crimson couldn't wholly disagree with her; it wasn't reasonable to expect the benefits of a faction's resources without subscribing to all that being a part of the faction involved. Least of all, the Decepticons. Least of all, Fauxwing's Decepticons.

"But I am not without understanding. Anyone wearing a Decepticon insignia and pledging their fealty to myself, under Lord Megatron, will have my full protection. All others are responsible for their own circumstances. You can hardly hold me accountable if the neutrals have turned their attention away from the Decepticons after my adoption of a less... aggressive, strategy than my predecessor."

[aphidly]

Crimson's visor dimmed slightly as if he were squinting from behind it "Understood, Commander Fauxwing." Crimson was almost finished now, he had his answers, he didnt like them. Perhaps aiding the settlement in moving would be their best course of action now. "I figure you'll take in the few that've been interested in joining your faction." it was rather surprising that any of them at all still would have even the slightest faith in this commander, but other's natures rarely made sense. "The rest wont be asking for help anymore. I'll make sure they dont have reason to bother you anymore." The settlement would be too far to bother the likes of these Decepticons when Crimson was done calling upon favors owed. But Crimson was sure that the Decepticons will soon have annoyance burning within them. 

He moved a hand to his hip "I got what I came for. Is there anything else that you want to talk about?" He was hoping that there wasnt in fact anything else- but typically his luck with that wasnt so great. He never leaves on his terms from Decepticon bases, no always on whatever warmongering tyrant was in charge.

[Corvid]

With the amount of sensibility he had, Crimson could have easily seen the thin veil of practiced affability for the false pretense it was. Still, it remained. Since he'd backed down, the faux amicability in Fauxwing's tone of voice remained, lingering like sour energon to the mech.

"Of course. I'll see what I can do for them," she said cordially. By which she of course meant she would toss them in the Crescent Fortress's brig until she fancied a closer examination to ascertain their worth to her, and to the faction. Details she all too gleefully omitted from the conversation, for Crimson's sake.

For someone so large, his sentimentality made him feel to her like quite the finicky little thing, so eager was he to defend his band- and to go so far as to face the undisputed ruler of the system to do it- yet, so quick to back down. Well, credit where due. She'd laid it on thick. Doubtful anyone would have pushed farther than he had after her grandiose monologue, no matter size of body or spark. Doing such would not have been brave, but foolhardy. And where that was concerned, yes. She supposed he had demonstrated a more refined boldness, that which was tempered by sensibility. If not for the futility of his lopsided request, she might have even found the effort admirable.

Ah, and finally- just what she was waiting to hear. "Is there anything else?" Inside, the femme was dancing with anticipation. He's like a gift, wrapped and left on my doorstep, she thought. Outside, the unaffected expression pulled low into a frown. Crimson couldn't have known, but the show the Decepticon commander had put on wasn't over.

"Yes, well there is one little matter..."
"Of payment." Slowly forsaking the space behind her desk, a domain that belonged distinctly to her, she began stepping closer to Crimson in front of it. It would feel like a parallel to where this conversation was going; she was forgetting her own belongings to entertain a desire for taking that which belonged to him. Money. Services. His ship. It didn't truthfully matter what payment was for Fauxwing, she had an abundance. Whatever she'd take from Crimson, it would already be more than he could afford to give when compared to the wealth that already lies at her feet.

"How, pray tell, do you intend to pay me back?" she continued, drawing ever closer- leaning in until she'd nearly invaded his space- and then stopping just short. "My time is- considerably- valuable."

[aphidly]

He carefully watched her reactions to his assumption, he knew more often than not the Decepticons were naturally adept at keeping facades and deceiving those around them, so it wouldnt have been a surprise if Fauxwing were hiding something. He would do his best to have contacts keep tabs on the willing soldiers, Deception graces in the past had a tendency to be hollow. 

Crimson seemed unaffected by her demand for payment. He had dealt with many who put themselves on the same pedestal as she, Crimson personally didnt think very much of their time, but walking out of bases at least in one piece was generally worth the price. "I should'a guessed. Im sure you would understand I dont have much to offer in material value, but my service is at your disposal." he knew that many found it less than satisfactory, but it was genuinely all he really could offer without putting his associate at risk of discovery, or putting him out of business and home. "I think we can work something out to fit your price." 'Lets hope you dont test what im willing to give, Fauxwing' he thought to himself as he took a step towards the two Decepticons, it wasnt a threatening gesture, but it wasnt passive either.

[Corvid]

Deliberation took time on that offer. Time that Fauxwing had already demonstrated belonged to her. He could wait for her; his time was inconsequential to her.

"Normally," she began, "Airburst would be my choice for a meeting like this for her expertise in cataloguing and valuing acquisition requirement. But she's tending to more important matters at the moment. So, Symphony." She turned to the femme.

"You're my communications officer. Give me your verdict. Is Crimson's offer satisfactory?" The added emphasis may have reminded her officer of a conversation earlier that day... and of the favor that very same phrase had brought by the one who used it then. The Decepticon commander stared Crimson down briefly, before turning that steely gaze to Symphony. It was all on her now. A look that told him his fate now rested in the hands of her communications officer.

[The Legion]

The mention of Symphony being a backup for Airburst who was currently occupied with something more 'important', caused a flicker of anger that the silent communication officer barely controlled as her face remained impartial despite the slight gleam in her optics that displayed her true feelings. Through a sudden force of will, however, even that was hidden, buried under solid steel as she forced herself to listen to every single word her commander spoke. She would not allow such petty comments to hinder her own abilities, even if it was tempting to simply ignore whatever came out of the other femme's intake. Nor would she allow for her own bias to detract from her decisions as she heard Fauxwing's request for her judgement of Crimson's offer.

It was a significant choice, one that could easily alter the standing of an entire community and whether they stood as allies free to grow with their own opinions and freedom, or whether they were shackled, forced under something greater than themselves for the betterment of the Decepticon Empire. Such a choice would have been difficult in any scenario, even more so here in a system where the Decepticons where forcefully restricting what they would conquer, while this communities spokesman entered clearly disillusioned about what power they held. She almost pitied the mech who believed this could have gone well for him, then she considered the buster he'd entered here trying to sling 'subtle' accusations and the pity vanished.

With her arm resting against her side, Symphony raised her servo to hold her chin in consideration before she tilted her head towards Crimson allowing a small glance at their figure. In a few moments though she seemed to have come to some conclusion as she raised her servo and turned to face Fauxwing.

"In truth, I find myself puzzled by this discussion. It would appear to my own receptors that two different conversations have occurred, only barely interlinked, enough that one may follow the other with the barest semblance of coherence. At least such was the case for the majority of the exchange." Symphony began, her voice conversational but thoughtful as she leaned slightly forward to lace her digits together.

"This offer though does not even attempt to relate with previous statements."

Shaking her head in dismay, Symphony tilted her head ever so slightly to the ceiling.

“Perhaps though, I am mistaken. There is a possibility that I have somehow misunderstood the current proposal. Surely that would make more sense than my understanding after all this mercenaries services would hardly be compensation when you, yourself have already declared unwilling to hire him due to a matter of trust even when credits are at stake.”

With that said, Symphony looked towards, Crimson gaging their current opinion as they considered the distance between them and the possibility of violence.

“If that was, however, the case and I am not misinterpreting Crimson’s offer, then what greater insult is there to have your declaration ignored with a proposal that offers only what you have already denied, repackaged as though it is a gift to be worthy of your approval… Unless there is more to this offer than already stated.”

Subtly altering the positioning of her frame, Symphony kept her blades sheathed but ready to be unleashed if necessary as she ensured Crimson remained in her sight even as she clearly spoke to Fauxwing.

“There is the possibility after all that we have some more dangerous contracts that could be completed, although without a payment and only a need to repay his slight, there is the possibility that he and his crew might simply disappear without attempting the task at hand. It is not unusual however to ensure in mercenary contracts that some form of insurance is taken to ensure it’s completion. In this case, I think our friend here has even provided a reasonable form of insurance and a community of Decepticon sympathisers could perhaps make useful vassals. Certainly since without the completion of the contract we would be under no obligation to provide protection and the nature of their position would require some form of fee they would surely be willing to pay until their ally had paid his own debts.”

[Corvid]

Gradually appearing more and more disgruntled over her communication officer's long-windedness, Fauxwing nevertheless sat through the entire, drawn out ramble. She wasn't so self absorbed as to cut short her subordinate's opinion when asked for... but Primus, was she still going?

"Until their ally had paid his own-.”

just before Symphony could finish her long, well thought out, long reply, Fauxwing decided it was well past time for her to interject, after all.
"Yes, yes Symphony. That's quite enough, I'm sure." Closing her eyes, she sighed thoughtfully. Although difficult to glean from the long worded femme, Symphony did have a point. Her commander would freely admit it. "Summarily:" she finally replied, "Not satisfactory. It's decided, then."

"Symphony, contact the fleet. Instruct them that the Antithesis of Redoubt and its crew will be escorting Crimson here back to his group, and... watching over his humble little group of unaligned allies." She smiled coyly, folding her hands together as she leaned her hips against the desk beside her. Leisurely, when sentencing the incautious mercenary's group to unwilling imprisonment as leverage. "It seems like your little band will get the protection they seek after all,~" she finished.

The doors behind Crimson and Symphony opened, and Fauxwing pushed herself away from the desk, smile fading, as she adorned herself in her usual, more business-like demeanor once again. "Now, get out of my office."

[aphidly]

Crimson was glad that the two Decepticon officers who stood before him could not see as his optics rolled. Such high pedestals these beings put themselves on while the galaxy suffered for their own greed. If only they could hear themselves talk- would they still charge a fee for wasting their own time? This was ridiculous!

Then Symphony began to speak, causing Crimson to actually sigh as it became quickly apparent that it wasnt just a simple 'yes' or 'no'. Though he honestly could not tell the direct answer from Symphony, it wasnt that he was dumb, no not by a long shot. But her wording was awfully confusing for Crimson- or perhaps it was from the headache quickly taking over his head.

Just as 'can you dumb it down for me your pretentious scrap heap' formed in his head Fauxwing's own likeness of talking saved the day. Of course a new thought in his head almost bubbled out of his mouth, he thankfully had the self control at the moment to not ask Fauxwing to 'Kindly shut her over-glorious mouth' and now the headache was worse. Crimson was only a few milliseconds away from asking what she would rather take as payment when she spoke again, and he understood entirely. However he played along "I don't see how that's suppose to be my payment to you, but" he paused for a moment attempting to sound somewhat caught off guard and confused, "I guess thanks, Commander." he looked around a moment before letting himself be escorted back to the ship.

He sent out a message to his only associate, currently running evacuations back at the settlement "Evacs running well? 'Cause we need to make sure there is a warm welcome for some guests." 

[Cybiscus]

The hallway was exceptionally silent. Aside from a few soldiers here and there, the base had nothing much going on for the time. The only thing that was lively was XNA, who was merely humming a tune as she rolls down the hallway with confidence. She had just finished her much needed rest; half a day's worth was all she required to get her systems pumping to their fullest once more. There was no need to recite the report she was about to give to the commander, it was clear as day in her mind. One might think that she might have a little too much confidence, but that didn’t matter to her. She had a desire to impress the commander and hopefully get on her good side. Doing this perfectly is vital to gain the leeway for her own selfish desires.

With a straight back, XNA stops in front of the chambers and stands on her pedes gracefully, pressing the button on the intercom, the device sparkling to life, “Commander Fauxing? This is XNA, I’ve come to turn in the report if you’re available~?”