Fauxwing's Chambers

[Corvid]

"Enter," a familiar voice answered her. The door parted ways, shifting to make way for XNA's entrance.

As could be expected, Fauxwing sat at her desk. She hadn't torn her attention away from the data pads on her desk- usually neatly piled, they now sat strewn out. If XNA got close enough, she could manage to make out the title of one of the documents opened on pads: "Notice of Asset Transfer from High Command, cc: Fauxwing." The unmistakable purple Decepticon insignia marked the top right corner of the document, of all the documents, though the rest were hidden from XNA's vision before she'd have the chance to read them as Fauxwing gathered the jumble of pads and tucked them away in a drawer, closing and locking it.

Without skipping a beat, she addressed XNA again.
"Your report?" she asked, tone uninterested. She continued scrolling through lines of reports on the last remaining data pad in front of her.

[Cybiscus]

XNA quietly greets with a bow after stepping up towards the commander, only catching a glimpse of the top file before the pads were stowed away. Nothing that she would be concerned about anyways. The whole “leading an army” business really wasn’t her forte.

“Of course,” the femme hums softly, standing up straight once more, giving a quick look over Fauxwing. Well, the details on her are just as beautiful up close. Though, it was disappointing to see the lack of any weak spots on her, with her armor being heavily fortified. As suspected of someone with such a status. With a light glow from her optics, XNA begins.

“After receiving details from the teams who were on the surface, and down in the mines, We’ve all reached a verdict. The group that attacked the Outpost did not lack in intelligence. They were smart enough to cut out the Outpost’s communications, and effectively take out every soldier that was present. We were not able to determine who, or what was responsible. The only thing that we could make out were the weapons that were used. Basic energy based weapons. However, we weren’t even sure if those weapons are even Cybertronian. On another note, we were able to rule out that random pirates were not the culprit. This is a group who had done everything perfect. Their marksmanship especially so, given the type of weapons that they were using.” XNA’s derma pulls to the side lightly, now wearing a small look of frustration.

“Unfortunately, that was all that was dug up. Though I’m certain, it will be easier to help pinpoint a smaller group of candidates that would fit.”

[Corvid]

Disinterested, she half listened, catching only snippets of the full report:
"After receiving details-" Ah, she would need to check if Symphony has reported the safe arrival of her fleet's new acquirement to command- "-cut out the outpost's communications-" The troops in the outer belt were requesting too many supplies for her liking; too much fuel for too few troops with too little to do. She would deny the request until she had the time to send someone to follow up and discern the cause for this influx- "-were not able to determine who-" Airburst needed to be notified of the successful allocation of resources to the new tower’s construction- "-basic energy based weapons..." Now XNA had her attention.

Letting the data pad down softly on her desk, eyes pried from the screen to meet XNA's, Fauxwing becoming a more intent audience. She devoured the information readily, expression changing with the slight twist of a reportedly highly capable, skilled group of assailants which- if she'd heard that right- they had yet to identify; a harsh, incredulous squint, with just the slightest suggestion of beguiled amusement. For what reason, XNA did not know; she couldn't have known. That Fauxwing, who would have normally taken this challenge to her power- her territory- as an insult, now saw it as an opportunity to utilize her new resources, was a secret only for Fauxwing, herself, to enjoy.

"Troubling," she began, voice's tone reflecting the intrigue worn on her face. "But if what you say is true, then there was no more to be done. Hmm. Did the presiding leader of the Response Team have anything further to say on the matter?"

[Cybiscus]

The femme raises an optic ridge at the last question, before looking up to the side, humming in thought. She scours her memory files to search for whatever was important. Though, all she could remember wasn’t important to the mission. To her, the last words that the team leader had said never came across as urgent. However, perhaps maybe Fauxwing would say otherwise. XNA turns her gaze back to her.

“Now that I think about it more...he did say that he was leaving some soldiers behind to guard the Outpost- until you decide on what to do with it. He also mentioned that he was needed elsewhere, but didn’t spare any details about that.” The femme tilts her helm lightly, leaving her optics fixed on the commander, “That was it, from him specifically.” Her claws clasp together behind her, idle now as she keeps her derma slightly pursed. She mostly remembered the leader being exhausted. And by the time she and Nexus arrived, he wasn’t as engaged with the situation. Even though she wanted to look over the Outpost herself, there really wasn’t much that she could find it would seem.

[Corvid]

"Typical of them," she said. "Considering everything, you've done as well as can be expected. I'd like you and Nexus to continue the investigation aboard the newest ship in my fleet, under Thunderdrum's supervision. A number of the fortress's personnel will also be devoted to the ship's crew, and I'll have one assigned as a guide to this system and its neutrals for you and Nexus, as well as for Thunderdrum. You'll have all the resources at your disposal to see this through to completion."

"Let me be clear about my expectations," she continued after a short pause, leaning forward now to stare deeply into XNA. "When you discover the identities of Purple Obsidian Outpost's assailants, Thunderdrum will carry out the swift extermination of them." She left no room for pause; XNA and Nexus would discover the assailants identities, and Fauxwing would not accept any other outcome. Relentless, albeit not without adequately supplying them with the exact instruments needed to accomplish the task.

[Cybiscus]

XNA’s optics glow a smidge brighter than previously. Did she hear that right? Another transfer, so soon? One of her optic ridges twitches just a little, almost breaking her expressionless stance while thoughts of who this ‘Thunderdrum' could be. For now, it doesn't matter. XNA’s attention was all on Fauxwing, a presence that was on the sides of foreboding and charm.

She won't disagree that this outcome of destroying those responsible for the Outpost was needed. In all honesty, it was befitting. And the femme couldn't wait to make that happen. Just imagining all the bits and pieces almost made her whole frame vibrate with excitement. As much as she would like to giggle over it now, all she could do now was contain herself, and bow her helm once more.

“Of course, Commander. We will see to it that they will be dealt with. To your expectations.” XNA lets a slight smirk slip, showing that it will be an absolute pleasure carrying these orders out.

[Corvid]

Relaxing somewhat in her seat, it felt good to have everything come together. Not forgotten, however, we're XNA's skills as an interrogator. Managing her expectations about what could be done, Fauxwing took a moment to weigh the risk and reward for playing games with her powerful new 'ally.' It didn't take long for her to make a decision.

"Excellent. You may take as much time conferring with your fellow officers before departing. I will ensure that Thunderdrum is informed of his assignment, and that you are to direct the progress of his ship's journey."

"One more thing before you are dismissed." She stood, rounding the corner of her desk to approach XNA as she spoke. Hands folded neatly behind her, posture prim, proper; chest out.

"Thunderdrum is a new captain under my command, and with him comes the possibility for some- shall we say- 'unique' opportunities for me." Walking past XNA, slowly turning behind her to face her back. "Opportunities that are somewhat of a gamble. I need to know if Thunderdrum can be trusted." Bending down, she leaned forward to put her head right next to XNA's, close enough to feel the warmth of each other's frames. As she whispered in XNA's audial, the looming closeness of her voice would tickle XNA’s senses.
_{"I want you to use your keen interrogator's eyes to watch him for me."}

Then, so slowly that the moments blended together in the mind's eye, she retracted herself and walked back around XNA's frame to speak with her subordinate directly. Once again, the image of a dignified commander.

"That is, if you think you're up for the task."

[Cybiscus]

The moment Fauxwing even got close to XNA, her spark was racing. With all of her willpower, she kept her stance and optics locking forward once the commander was out of her sight. Indeed, her voice sent shivers down the cyclist’s spine. Behind her rather flat visor, optics were slowly dilating, and her energon running through her fast. She listened to every word, and every sound, down to the last hum of her vocals. XNA blinks a couple of times before Fauxwing returns in front of her, the residual warmth on her back still sending shocks across her back. XNA quickly gives Fauxwing her attention again, looking straight up at her with a twitch of her winglets, wearing the same smile as ever, albeit a bit forced.

“Yes, I will be up to it. It will be my pleasure.” the femme nods her helm softly, this time, with her servo resting gently upon her chest-plating, “I assure you, I will be observing him every chance I get~ though of course, I’ll try to not draw attention to myself.”

[Corvid]

Another pleasant exchange for the day. Entrusting XNA with such a sensitive task, an officer which she hadn’t known long enough to truly trust, was a risk in itself, yet Fauxwing had read XNA’s files; she had the utmost confidence in her own ability to judge character, and XNA seemed like just the sort who she could put to use on Thunderdrum.

She had a Metrotitan, and XNA would help her find out whether or not she would have to pull strings to use them. A part of her hoped that she and Thunderdrum would be able to build a mutually beneficial partnership. That would certainly lead to the most orderly outcome.

Yet, a part of her couldn’t help but desire a challenge- that he’d resist, and justify her finding some way of manipulating him. Not nearly the neat way of controlling things that she preferred, but irregardless, an effective one… and not without its own benefits. XNA would help her decide which route to take.

A long pause as Fauxwing let the faintest and most satisfied of smiles be XNA’s answer, before finally declaring in an uncharacteristically lilting tone of approval:
“Dismissed, officer XNA.~”

[SystemLink]

A message blipped up on Fauxwing's datapad, from Airburst. It was neatly labeled and suggested a business approach than a more casual one. Opening said message will contain the following content:

    Fauxwing,

 Our newly arrived gunsmith and Combaticon has been granted a space for his weapon's workshop and will settle in within a short period. He also requests an audience with you to discuss. The subject matter he has yet to divulge any information on so I can not truly prepare you for the conversation to come.

    -Airburst

The seeker tacked away on her datapad quickly on the hall before sending that message in a quick manner. Her optics soon turned up from the screen to gaze at the large terra based former with a unique set of wheels... On his feet! Maybe that helped soften his steps? Maybe not, some had metal wheels and...

The nudge made her side step to regain her balance with a growing smile on her faceplate, "Would a bot who practiced a kick a thousand times be feared more than a bot who practiced a thousand weapons? Well... I still see your point in having a backup. So a pistol could work, shotgun pistol?" She shifted a hand onto a hip as they walked, looking ahead to Fauxwing's door to which she tacked a pad to open it up. "Plus I like to compensate people who do things for me. Makes me feel a little bit right that their services are rewarded rather than a simple thank you and then bugger off."

[Praefectus]

Terrashock didn't bother asking questions for now, if they were already heading towards Fauxwing's location, he was satisfied-Plus Airburst already proved to be quite capable, her work saved him a lot of time. So at least that seeker in specific was showing her skills in that area already, plus talking about weapons was a way to keep on his good side too. Her words only made the large mech chuckle and tap his own chestplating once in response to the question. "You know what is my answer dhere. Once you master many weapons, you become quite the threat, as long as you also have a chassis to carry all dhose weapons too of course." And even if he had plenty on his body, he didn't have -all- of his collection attached to his body, unfortunately his chassis was at his limit so he had to switch between them from time to time depending of the situation. "Pistol shotgun, hm?" Terrashock moved a servo under his chin pondering at her words before giving a slow nod. "I will see what I can do, a sidearm like dhat might work better for someone with a light frame." When they were at Faux's door, he tilted his helm a bit, clearly interested on what she said. "Ooh? Is dhat so? Well, I don't get compensations too often, so I do appreciate dhe dhough. Dhe only dhing I truly need are resources to build my weapons."

Now it was the time he was waiting for...A meeting with the leader, and discuss the plans he had for this crystal he heard of-And of course find out just what Fauxwing herself was expecting from him. After all Megatron always had some sort of expectation from his soldiers, or high ranks in general-Terra himself had expectations when leading the ambushes squads so...Now all he could do was prepare himself for this, after all he didn't get much information related to her behaviors or even her ideals yet. Soon enough the Combaticon moved into the room and performed a proper salute, slamming a closed servo against his own chestplating, resulting in a loud "CLANK!" while he spoke loud and clear. "Terrashock, reporting for duty. Ambush squad leader from Sector 76-B, Concrete Jungle."

[Corvid]

Ceremonial introductions aside, Fauxwing seemed unaffected by the Combaticon’s entrance. Motioning to Airburst to let the door slide shut behind them was her way of inviting the logistics officer to sit in, and the opened data pad on her desk would have let Airburst on to Fauxwing’s receival of the message declaring their arrival.

Introductions began. “Fauxwing, commander of the Crescent Fortress. At ease.”

Sitting at her desk, Fauxwing’s countenance trickled with power. A broad shouldered dark red and lavender finish loudly pronounced the sharp edges of her robust seeker frame. Mostly out of sight, only the tall tips of her large, elegant wings showed while tucked tight against her back.

“Airburst has informed me of the area we’re lending you for your workshop. A small matter for a fellow Decepticon.” She waved it off for the favor it was, shuttering closed her eyes and folding clawed digits together. When she opened her eyes back up, they seemed slightly brighter. A sharp pink that complimented her lavender nicely, but hid something dangerous behind them.

“Ceralyth Cores, however, are another matter.”

It took only six words to catch Airburst up on the reason for Terrashock’s arrival at the fortress. Having been there when Fauxwing acquired the cores, the flier had been present for Shadow-Strike’s regretful outburst. One which Fauxwing lamented as the cause for word getting out about the energy crystals to the rest of the empire so soon. She had hoped for more time before gaining the attention of vultures like Terrashock, seeking use of the crystals for their own personal agendas.

Alas, he was here. Likely the first of many, to Fauxwing’s exasperation.

[SystemLink]

The plating of her skirt shifted a bit when she hears that response, practice and you can become proficient in many areas. That much is true. A slight smile came to her faceplate soon enough, "Then I suppose I will need to train with my new weapons. Once I find the appropriate times to do so. Such is the life of running things smoothly here." Now she turned her helm ahead to ponder a bit on what sort of training she would get. She was more specialized in non combative roles, "I am a light frame.. So the pistol shotgun will work for me. A nice sized... caliber I suppose, would be great for me!"

Soon the door to Fauxwing's chambers opened up and she allowed Terrashock to enter first. She followed after him only to bounce a little upon the loud clank he gave in a salute. Such a thunderous noise he presented, not often she hears such! She had seen bowing and looks that didn't carry respect. Yet he recognized her importance. Airburst soon peered around the large mech to try and find Fauxwing.

Optics found what they were looking for before becoming a half lid upon hearing what the subject matter will be discussed. She ensured the door was closed first before preparing for a potential outburst while at the same time checking in on the logs for the crystals themselves, best to make sure they are accounted for! Either way, this Combaticon ambusher could make very lethal weapons. That made her anxious to approve or disallow the use of them with him.

[Praefectus]

The Combaticon simply responded to Airburst's previous words brief nod after his salute, as they were in a whole different place he couldn't properly express his opinion about her plans, but it was clear he approved them. Instead his attention focused on the form not too far away from them, with those six optics focusing on it while he slowly made his way forward to properly inspect the one he would be calling "commander" from now on. While he already suspected the leader of this base was a seeker based on their name, but he still wasn't sure just how competent or loyal they truly were to the cause. But the moment he had the chance to see her...That's when things got interesting, if not confusing; after all this was the first time he had the chance to see a seeker that bulky and large! Even if she was still sitting at her desk, it was easy to tell she was at least around his height, and with the looks that did fit her position. Her tone and stance was giving quite the noticeable aura, something that didn't intimidate him-No, if anything it was...Alluring. The sudden clanking of his extra plates against his chassis was the only reaction he gave to her presence-Now what that meant obviously was something others wouldn't understand, as normally he had full control over those but there were some rare occasions they reacted on their own like a body reaction. The reason behind the sudden clanking being the seeker, as that alluring presence did affect him more than he expected-But at least the clanking helped him to snap out of it and simply give a slow nod in response to her words. "Of course, and I do appreciate dhe assistance to move in so quickly. She did an amazing job." The Combaticon  glanced at Airburst once more before returning his attention to Fauxwing, remaining with his arms pressed against the sides of his chassis to keep that proud posture and ready for combat.

The mech simply gave a slow nod and carefully made his way closer to her desk. "I am well aware of dhe situation, commander. But first I would like to at least let you know of my intentions before you also tell me about your own expectations." With that the Combaticon reached for a projector and placed it on her desk to let her see part of the blueprint he had going. "I am not here for a little 'visit' to rob dhis crystal of yours, no. I see dhe future of dhe Decepticons behind dhat fine material. And end to dhis war and a new Cybertron we had been figdhing for so long." He gestured towards the hologram of gel tubes being shown on the desk while he continued to explain. "It is an easy task to make a single weapon based on dhis Core, sure. But what I truly want to create here is an army carrying core-infused weapons." Now one of the tubes on the projector had a representation of the core being dissolved inside it while he continued to explain. "Rare materials should be studied, disassembled and multiplied. And dhat's what I intended to do, to keep it in one of my tanks until it dissolves in the liquid so I can understand its components and mass-produce it." While he already had a project of his own called "Infirium", he couldn't find more samples of said material in that planet...So this could be the real deal. "But as I am sure you still carry your doubts about handing me over something so powerful, tell me what you expect from me." He already intended to produce weapons for the soldiers of the facility, and make sure that even the Vehicons were well-armed so he could only guess just what sort of demand she had in mind.

[Corvid]

“Airburst is a reliable officer. It is to be expected.” In her own way, she was giving the logistics officer the most genuine compliment she could pay to a subordinate. Upholding expectations was tantamount to perfection. Pleasantries aside, Fauxwing’s optics hooded slightly as she paid Terrashock the respect of her undivided attention.

“My intentions,” his words rang in her mind. His expectations were exactly what she anticipated facing, from the very start making her the empty reassurance that he wouldn’t be stealing any of her resources in his climb to glory. However, what followed was different. An optic cocked in intrigue at mention of the war, of building a future for the Decepticons, and of Cybertron. She allowed herself the rare smirk, amused; he was certainly ambitious, if nothing else. Not surprising in and of itself, but the focus of his ambition gave it substance which was as surprising as it was refreshing- if he was to be believed. She could risk exploring his sincerity firsthand. After all, of all the power hungry Decepticons in the system, she was the most auspicious of them all.

“We have not one crystal, but eight. Three of which are spoken for, already in weapons development. Our science division is hard at work searching for a solution to the crystals’ instability. But you are correct. I do have my reservations.” Here she leaned forward, fingers intertwining, remaining rigid in their spiky mesh.

“As to your intentions. Replicating the crystals, should it be found possible, I will permit on one condition.”
“You stay true to your word. This project benefits the Decepticon cause, and the Decepticon cause only. You will be accredited for whatever discoveries you make in researching the energy crystals, but will disown any role or status to be gained by the potential success of the weapons that result from your research.”

A gamble, perhaps, but not without calculation; she cautiously anticipated a negative response, the claim that she was being too harsh in the admittedly one-sided deal. All the better if he subverted expectations; if he agreed, she might have found a Decepticon loyalist who shared a passion equal to hers for the Decepticons.