Input querey: [email protected]

The good Doctor doesn't seem to care about this sort of public interaction, so... What else am I going to do in my spare time?

[builttoofast]

Resurfacing

The robotic hedgehog had been rather busy over the latter half of December... What with taking down the various decorations around the base, dealing with minor lapses in processing, and avoiding most contact with those who knew him. But as the month, and year, came to a close, the automaton increasingly found himself with time on his hands he could not find non-social uses for. Irritating, to say the least; how could one effectively brood on a possible growing insanity if they had to actually interact with people who clearly were more bonkers than themselves on a daily basis? So, pushing aside the hesitation to interact, Metal ventured forth from the safety of the base once more. He didn't really know where he was going, or who he was going to run into, but he didn't really care, either. For now, this was stress relief time. Plus, he didn't want to shrug off certain connections so easily; hopefully he'd run into some of those, instead of those that would cause problems.

[builttoofast]

Open RP - Aftermath of Violence

[builttoofast]

With a ‘blink’, the artificial hedgehog tilts his head, his own voice returning to the monotone of his analytical systems.

“Teleportation via chaos energy correlates to technique well documented; ‘Chaos Control’. Temporal and spatial teleportation has been recorded when method of using energy is deployed, hypothetical use in trans-dimensional travel may be possible.”

A pause, before he adds, a bit unsure. “… The only issue being getting your hands on a Chaos Emerald, and I’m fairly sure most individuals with such objects would be willing to part with them.”

[eclipseddarkling-deactivated201]

“Hmmm…I might have to scan for large collections of chaos energy…” the cyborg dragon thinks to himself for a moment before coming up with a small idea.

“What if I create something like a Chaos Radar? Are there any parts nearby that could be used to make…then again, I’m not exactly a master at creating things” he laughed nervously before shaking his head.

“Do you have any suggestions on how to aquire one of our version’s chaos emeralds?”

[builttoofast]

Metal had to hide the faintest of 'smirks', idly thinking to himself just how dangerous that sort of search may be - The worst possible case being running into a Chaos themselves, and asking them for an emerald; that could only end well.

At the queries, he considers, his tone relatively normal at this time.

"... Well, 'chaos radar' is just a specific type of sensory array built for that specific purpose, but most other sensors - electromagnetic field, radiation detectors, and so on - ought to work just fine. They're not going to be quite so good at pinpointing the Emeralds, but you could locate collections of energy, sure.

As for an alternate of yourswith a Chaos Emerald? I've not run into many of you... Hell, I think you're the first of your kind I've ever seen, and the only one so far. So, I wouldn't know of where to look."

[builttoofast]

Open RP - Aftermath of Violence

[builttoofast]

“Time Eater…?” The automaton fell silent, checking over his access to the archives remotely…

“… No information on object, entity, or event known as ‘Time Eater’ present in unit’s archives… Access to primary archives shows limited data, yet is too corrupted to be of any use.” He shakes his head a little, the faintest hint of emotion coming to his voice. “… I wish I could help you further, but, I don’t think you could use garbled scan readouts.”

[eclipseddarkling-deactivated201]

Gamma sighed, before looking downcast at the situation. He desperatly needed a way, by which, he could traverse into other dimensions again.

He did however, notice there was a bit more emotion in Metal’s voice as he spoke that time. However, it was still not enough for him, to try and make an attack on the problem that troubled the fellow machine. Instead he continued to try to find a solution to his problem.

“Is there maybe another means by which I can travel to other zones?” the dragon spoke out this question, but then, suddenly remembered something from his encounter with that Shadow variation within Final Egg. 

“Hold on! I might just have an idea!” he smiled and seemed to become very excited as he spoke these next words:

“Someone I met recently, was able to teleport to other dimensions, with the use of chaos energy. I can…use chaos energy in a way…maybe its possible I could do it as well?”

[builttoofast]

With a 'blink', the artificial hedgehog tilts his head, his own voice returning to the monotone of his analytical systems.

"Teleportation via chaos energy correlates to technique well documented; 'Chaos Control'. Temporal and spatial teleportation has been recorded when method of using energy is deployed, hypothetical use in trans-dimensional travel may be possible."

A pause, before he adds, a bit unsure. "... The only issue being getting your hands on a Chaos Emerald, and I'm fairly sure most individuals with such objects would be willing to part with them."

[builttoofast]

Open RP - Aftermath of Violence

[builttoofast]

As he’s asked why he wouldn’t tell Gamma his issue, Metal looks away briefly, probably considering… Before locking his gaze once more, expression flat.

“I assure you, I’m fine. I’ve dealt with the issue, and it’s behind me.”

He hesitates, before slightly shaking his head, and continuing. “… What do you need to know? If I’m able to give you the information, I will do so.”

[eclipseddarkling-deactivated201]

It was easy to see, even to Gamma, that Metal was hiding behind his emotionless logic. He had for a moment looked like he wanted to talk to the red and white cyborg. However, the hedgehog had quickly faded back, into his shell to run away from whatever problem was troubling him.

Gamma did want to dearly give aid in anyway he could, but knew that trying to force the issue, would get him no where. He would have to wait for a moment to strike…which was something E102 was an expert at.

“I am in need of information on something known as Time Eater. It was a creature Robotnik used, to try and erase Sonic and his friends. Lord Metal gave me the details, but what I want, is a means to manipulate Time Holes to create portals to other zones. Either that or some others means by which I am able to traverse Zones.” he sounded earnest, but at the same time was still waiting for a break in the hedgehog’s armour.

[builttoofast]

"Time Eater...?" The automaton fell silent, checking over his access to the archives remotely...

"... No information on object, entity, or event known as 'Time Eater' present in unit's archives... Access to primary archives shows limited data, yet is too corrupted to be of any use." He shakes his head a little, the faintest hint of emotion coming to his voice. "... I wish I could help you further, but, I don't think you could use garbled scan readouts."

[builttoofast]

Open RP - Aftermath of Violence

[builttoofast]

The presence of the other certainly was noticed, but Metal didn’t respond until he was spoken to. Glancing back over his shoulder, stance not really changing that much, he looked over the other entity.

“Gamma.” The tone he was using was the monotone, unfeeling one he’d used previously when repeating his logs… Though, his optics betrayed a hint of regret…

“Is there something I can assist you with, or is this a chance meeting?”

[eclipseddarkling-deactivated201]

“I needed to know something yes, but from what I can see, it is you who needs help far more than me.” there was a strong sense of kindness in the cyborg dragon’s voice. A kindness and generosity that seemed to counteract the monotone Metal Sonic now used.

“You don’t have to tell me. However, from one brother to another…why not tell me? After all we are the closest thing to family given our creation”

[builttoofast]

As he's asked why he wouldn't tell Gamma his issue, Metal looks away briefly, probably considering... Before locking his gaze once more, expression flat.

"I assure you, I'm fine. I've dealt with the issue, and it's behind me."

He hesitates, before slightly shaking his head, and continuing. "... What do you need to know? If I'm able to give you the information, I will do so."

[builttoofast]

Open RP - Aftermath of Violence

Those that would come across Metal over the next few days may notice he’s unusually silent… Well, more than usual, for the automaton. He appeared to be actively avoiding contact with others, and seemed lost in thought… Something had to have happened…

[eclipseddarkling-deactivated201]

Gamma was having little luck locating his brothers..

What’s worse, was that his search for a means of traversing zones, had sadly not gone well. The Final Egg’s power was too weak to allow the red and white cyborg to hack into Robotnik’s mainframe. Thus meaning, he could not gain the information he needed, on the Time Eater.

Luckily though, Gamma had the idea that maybe the Metal Sonic he met previously, might know something of the Time Eater. He could find him, get the information he needed and from there, continue his quest to locate his fellow E series. 

The only real problem was once he found the Metal Hedgehog again, he barely seemed to register him even though, he was stood very close by to him.

“I am back again…Metal…” the normal voice of the red dragon spoke out to his fellow machine.

[builttoofast]

The presence of the other certainly was noticed, but Metal didn't respond until he was spoken to. Glancing back over his shoulder, stance not really changing that much, he looked over the other entity.

"Gamma." The tone he was using was the monotone, unfeeling one he'd used previously when repeating his logs... Though, his optics betrayed a hint of regret...

"Is there something I can assist you with, or is this a chance meeting?"

[builttoofast]

Open RP - Aftermath of Violence

Those that would come across Metal over the next few days may notice he's unusually silent... Well, more than usual, for the automaton. He appeared to be actively avoiding contact with others, and seemed lost in thought... Something had to have happened...

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

This felt like being back in the Tournament again - Metal Sonic and its specialmove… which involved picking its opponent from the ground, ascending, and then slamming them into the floor. Nack shuddered as he recalled it, and clung tighter to that robot arm.

Higher they rose - til all at once, the machine stopped dead in the air.

And then they were falling… falling.

As the wind whistled past them, blasting through his fur and sending his floppy ears flapping about his head, Nack screamed and attempted to wrap his legs around the robot. Yet, held as he was at arm’s length, he could barely reach. He succeeded only in a series of clumsy kicks, which bounced harmlessly off the being’s metal surface with a dull clunk clunk clunk…!

[builttoofast]

Down, down, down. It seemed like the robot had every intention of simply colliding with the ground.

Yet, just moments before 'impact' would occur, Metal's jet comes roaring back to full power, halting their decent with a sudden jerk. Probably caused some pretty bad whiplash, which wouldn't be helped by the sudden acceleration forward that followed.

Again, picking up speed, the robot stays perfectly silent... Before simply throwing Nack aside, at speed (around 60 miles per hour, at the time of release), to the rocky side of the road. Figuring this would be enough to kill, or at least maim the creature, Metal didn't look back as he sped off. He had to get back to base, for one thing. And these emotional shifts were becoming unusually common; he needed to look into that, at the very least.

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

Oh, right. Robo-hogs could fly, couldn’t they? He’d forgotten that - not that anyone would want to remember fighting Metal Sonic in the tournament anyways! - and now, they were ascending, up, up, up and into the sky. Nack gulped as, glancing down, he saw the ground falling away beneath them, and his stomach felt as though it had dropped away with it. Afraid that the robot would follow through its threat, he wrapped his arm tightly around its own - getting his fingers into the hinge of its elbow in his attempt to get a firmer grasp.

“DON’T DROP ME!!”

He was petrified to say the least. He may not be afraid of heights - of course, he’d flown all over the sky in the Marvellous Queen but.. this was really something else. 

[builttoofast]

The height wasn't REALLY that far - then again, to a disoriented individual, the difference between a mile and 100 feet would seem like nothing. The only reason the automaton hadn't bothered to go higher was... Well, that nagging pity again.

What use was this emotion he kept feeling, here? It only seemed to be interrupting his aim to destroy this pest... But... He couldn't help but shake the feeling that wasn't what he ought to do. That it wasn't worth it.

Of course, he didn't betray this internal conflict, picking a point above the flatter surface of the road beneath them to bring his engine to a 'stall', his ascent tapering off into a sudden, rapid free fall. Purely intended to either scare the Weasel into passing out, or letting the g-forces take care of that.

[builttoofast]

Well, now, the organic was showing competence. Refreshing change, there. Still, Metal simply ignored the mobian’s words, dismissing them with a ‘chuckle’ and a shake of the head. As he begun to speak again, a low whirring began to build within the robot’s chest…

“Yes, yes,I’m sure I have problems, but I’m not the one insulting another sentient being, now am I? Now, drop the weapon, before you end up hurting yourself.”

This tone was different… Taunting, cold… Almost maniacal.

Tightening his grip a little more, the robot’s optics narrow, almost seeming to indicate a smirk, as that whirring grows louder, to the point it’s a dull whine… Something within the machine was coming online…

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

Nack was damned if he was putting down his gun. He barely noticed the whirring sound the robot was making, at first. Instead, he simply continued to struggle - raising his foot to press against the robot’s chest, as he tried to get himself some leverage, and pry those metal fingers off him with a desperate clawing of his fingers.

Futile, of course.

It was then that Nack noticed the whirring, which rose steadily in volume. He flicked his ears and paused for a moment, listening. What was happening— was Metal-head overheating? Was it about to explode?! In a sudden panic, Nack raised his gun, and smacked its barrel into the robot’s head as hard as he could.

-clunk!!-

“LET ME GO YOU MALFUNCTIONING LITTLE FUCKER!”

[builttoofast]

Metal seemed to be about to respond, but was cut off by the knock on the head, a small burst of static almost like a wince coming from him. Glaring at the Weasel, the slightest of scuffs on his still rather smooth head, he leaps up, the turbine on his back activating with a small roar - the whine had been it powering up, it seemed.

"Are you sure you want that, now?"

He was starting to pick up speed,  still carrying the weasel... If he were to get enough speed to take off, he might be trying to throw the mobian from a greater altitude...

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

It’d only been two weeks since the last time he’d been clobbered in the head, and now it was happening all over again! Nack let out a high pitched screech at the top of his lungs:

“AAAAAAUUUUGH!”

Finding himself lifted from the floor, Nack flailed and kicked out with his feet, but was unable to free himself. His head was throbbing. He scrunched up his eye and clasped his good hand to his skull, rubbing at the point of impact. Shit he hoped he hadn’t got concussion again!

He had not even noticed the robot’s nose connect with his own… not, that was, until he noticed the trickle of blood running down his muzzle and into his mouth. “Bleuh,” he spat it out on the robot.

Luckily there was only a little of the red— he may have to lay off the coke for a couple of days, but… no major damage it seemed. Phew. Now that he was aware of it however, his nose was stinging… and his head still throbbed.

“I won’t regret this when you’re dead.”

Well, that did it. This robot was too dangerous - and too unstable - to be trusted. Unable to free himself Nack did the only thing he could.

He drew his revolver, and aimed it towards the droid that gripped him.

“NOW YOU LISTEN HERE, YA LITTLE HEAP OF SCRAP METAL,” ow ow ow, his head. Must try to ignore it. “You gots some serious issues, robot! So I’m tellin’ ya: PUT ME. THE FUCK. DOWN. And then switch yerself off!! …RIGHT … NOW!”

[builttoofast]

Well, now, the organic was showing competence. Refreshing change, there. Still, Metal simply ignored the mobian's words, dismissing them with a 'chuckle' and a shake of the head. As he begun to speak again, a low whirring began to build within the robot's chest...

"Yes, yes,I'm sure I have problems, but I'm not the one insulting another sentient being, now am I? Now, drop the weapon, before you end up hurting yourself."

This tone was different... Taunting, cold... Almost maniacal.

Tightening his grip a little more, the robot's optics narrow, almost seeming to indicate a smirk, as that whirring grows louder, to the point it's a dull whine... Something within the machine was coming online...

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

Those optical units had dimmed a little. Ooooh, power shortage? After a brief hesitation, Nack edged closer to the robot, studying it closely.

“What’s the matter, Metalhead? Batteries gone flat?” 

Edging closer still, he peered deeply into its face, his expression not unlike that of a mechanic attempting to discover the precise problem with a broken down car… as he tried his best to ascertain whether or not the droid was still active. It seemed… unresponsive—? Yeah, there had to be something wrong with it, but.. what? Slipping his hand out of his glove, Nack first waved his hand in front of the robot’s face - checking for any heat that might emanate from those optical units. He then followed this up by experimentally pressing his fingertips against the flat black surface of its robot eye.

[builttoofast]

As soon as the Weasel touched him, the robot's hand shot to grasp him by the neck, keeping his grip tight as the eyes flared brighter than before.

"No. I was thinking that if I don't have feelings..."

BAM. A headbutt from the robot would be bad enough, but that large nose of his probably would feel a bit of pain from the spike of a nose the robot had stabbing it for a second. He then held the Weasel at arm's length, lifting him off the ground and holding his other hand up, so that the weasel could see the sharpened fingers glinting in the light.

"I won't regret this when you're dead."

[builttoofast]

Satisfied, the robot firmly pushed the Weasel away as he released him, effectively tossing him to the ground as he spoke once more, his tone sounding… Well, closer to normal, but almost apologetic.

“I apologize, but how would you react if someone was giving you a look that implied they wanted to take you apart?”

He ‘sighs’, shaking his head as he looked down at the Weasel, almost with pity.

“Nevermind, you probably don’t think of things like that.”

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

Given a firm shove, Nack rolled back, hitting the ground with a thick thud. Suddenly he was on his back and on the floor. It took him a moment or so to gather himself, and to realise that the mechanoid was speaking to him again.

“I apologize, but how would you react if someone was giving you a look that implied they wanted to take you apart?”

…

“Nevermind, you probably don’t think of things like that.”

“Pfft,” said the weasel, and using his tail as a lever, slowly propelled himself back onto his feet. Pausing to examine his wrist for injury, he was relieved to find none, the pain of that metal grip already fading significantly now that it had been removed. He was a little winded from the fall, but not wounded - and neither was he angry particularly, so much as mildly irritated, yet still curious. The robot was clearly malfunctioning, and badly.  

“Bah,” said Nack, approaching the being again - albeit this time, somewhat more slowly and cautiously. “I think there’s one thing you don’t understand, robo-chops!” He wagged a finger at Metal. “And that’s that I’m a real person. So no one ever wanted to take me to bits. Ha ha! And you’re a machine. So. You don’t have feelings. Okay??”

[builttoofast]

As Nack approaches again, the robot's eyes are locked on him, again not moving. He had to admit, this mobian was persistent, if a little dim, but maybe if he ignored how dense he was being, he could at least associat-

“I think there’s one thing you don’t understand, robo-chops!"

...

“And that’s that I’m a real person."

... That... was enough to make the automaton flinch... Almost. If he'd been able to let himself move, he would have, but the amount of rage that little comment had sparked... Had to be restrained. He couldn't let this guy get to h-

"And you’re a machine. So. You don’t have feelings. Okay??”

... You know what? Nobody would miss this guy. It's been a long time since he had the chance to hurt something. He never had a reason to do anything like that.

Until now.

The robot didn't betray the sudden change of tone in his thoughts at all, staying completely silent... Optics even seeming to grow a little dimmer, as though he were losing power...

[builttoofast]

The quick reaction to the suggestion he’d hurt himself with a weapon was promising… So he WAS a gunman… And had gotten into a fight recently, as well. At least that mystery was cleared up…

As Nack brazenly steps closer, Metal stays nearly completely still, his finger stopping its tap, as stares the other in the eye.

“Got a few wires crossed inside, ey?”

… Alright, if there was one thing that would sour Metal’s mood rapidly? It was questioning the soundness of his function. As soon as the weasel had finished tapping that fist against his head, the robot’s arm shot up, to tightly grasp his wrist with a tension that was just on the edge of painful.

“Let me make it clear for you. Don’t fuck with me, and you won’t have to worry about me breaking your bones, one by one. Are we understood, meatsack.”

The robot’s tone was… Unnerving, at this point… Even to Metal himself…

He hadn’t acted this way for a long, long time…

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

A high pitched little squeal escaped the weasels’ maw, as those tough metal fingers gripped and tightened about his own wrist, and immediately began struggling to free himself, tugging in attempt to wrench his arm free. It was futile, of course; a mobian’s strength is no match for that of a robot.

“Let me make it clear for you. Don’t fuck with me, and you won’t have to worry about me breaking your bones, one by one. Are we understood, meatsack.”

The cold tone of the mechanoid would’ve sent a shiver down the spine of most mobians… but Nack was too dim-witted to be afraid of such things…. not to mention the lingering effect of this morning’s weed, still coursing through his system and dulling his senses. “Woah woah WOAH!!” he protested. “Time out, metal-man! I was just curious, ya know? Way to overreact!-“ yes it clearly had more than a few screws loose. “Will ya let me go? Ey? Metalhead?” 

[builttoofast]

Satisfied, the robot firmly pushed the Weasel away as he released him, effectively tossing him to the ground as he spoke once more, his tone sounding... Well, closer to normal, but almost apologetic.

"I apologize, but how would you react if someone was giving you a look that implied they wanted to take you apart?"

He 'sighs', shaking his head as he looked down at the Weasel, almost with pity.

"Nevermind, you probably don't think of things like that."

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

These were a lot of long words for the weasel to take in, and as the robot continued speaking at him, Nack slipped his fingers beneath his hat to scratch at his head thoughtfully.

“My AI is telling me that you’re a weapons user of some sort, which would explain your injuries, which otherwise are the result of an attack on your person.”

“What?!” Misunderstanding, Nack immediately jumped to defend himself. “I didn’t shoots meself, if that’s what you think. Pah!”

“It was some other fucker,” he gave the robot another sharp poke. Stupid machine. Perhaps it wasn’t as high-quality as he’d thought. It was talking nonsense.

“This, along with how direct you’re being about trying to learn my construction, would indicate someone took offense to something you did or said, and attacked you for it… Or vice versa. Qualities like this don’t exactly paint a very positive light on you, stranger…”

…

“Now, am I going to have to tell you to stop looking at me like I was some kind of scrap heap to inspect, or am I going to have to rely on action to deter you.”

This mostly went over the weasel’s head. The mechanoid’s manner and vocabulary was too fancy for this weasel, and all it earned Metal was a roll of the eye and a haughty snort. As the robot crossed its arm and tapped its finger, Nack sniffed and edged closer to the machine, til his face was mere inches away from its own.

It mimicked the mannerisms of the living well enough, but something was obviously lacking inside its mechanical brain.

“Got a few wires crossed inside, ey?” Raising his hand once more, he clenched his fist, and lightly rapped on its head, as one would knock upon a door.

“HELLO!?! What’re you talkin’ about?! Stupid!”

[builttoofast]

The quick reaction to the suggestion he'd hurt himself with a weapon was promising... So he WAS a gunman... And had gotten into a fight recently, as well. At least that mystery was cleared up...

As Nack brazenly steps closer, Metal stays nearly completely still, his finger stopping its tap, as stares the other in the eye.

“Got a few wires crossed inside, ey?”

... Alright, if there was one thing that would sour Metal's mood rapidly? It was questioning the soundness of his function. As soon as the weasel had finished tapping that fist against his head, the robot's arm shot up, to tightly grasp his wrist with a tension that was just on the edge of painful.

"Let me make it clear for you. Don't fuck with me, and you won't have to worry about me breaking your bones, one by one. Are we understood, meatsack."

The robot's tone was... Unnerving, at this point... Even to Metal himself...

He hadn't acted this way for a long, long time...

[builttoofast]

The robot gives a small start at the sudden hug, hesitantly patting the ‘hedgehog’s back. “Erm… Well, you do realize… Most males don’t bother with clothing… So that would be a little ‘weird’, to be honest.”

He glances Maria over again, considering. “… But, if it’s really bothering you that much, you could easily pass as someone that came from a zone where clothes were the norm, if you manage to find some.”

[ark-spectre-deactivated20130802]

“Metal you have no idea of how to thank you, if you need anything just say the word!” Maria seemed so happy to have metal on her side and then she asked eagerly. “Metal, you’re the one who knows about this please, just, lead the way” 

[builttoofast]

Nodding, the robot glances around, considering. "... Well, I dunno anywhere on the station we can find these things... So..." He glances back, pausing. "... We could check on the planet..."

[toothylittlebastard-deactivated]

“Oh, good. The name’s Niva!” Nack cheerfully lied. “Nice to meet ya, Metal!” He gave the robot a friendly thump on the shoulder with his good hand - not too hard, of course, for that hide was made of metal. But hard enough to make a light -clunk-!

“Sooooo,” the weasel continued - far more interested in discovering further details about the mechanoid, than he was in relating information about himself - especially to a robot, that could probably retain all memories in some kind of data bank. “You’re one of ol’ Robotnik’s droids, huh? Well well.”

He had guessed as much, and knew that the doctor’s creations tended to be of particularly high quality. This one seemed a little slow on the uptake, but as he examined first its shining blue surface and then, peered curiously into its glowing red eyes, Nack decided that that perhaps should work to his advantage. “How’s your AI?” he queried. “What’s your reaction time like? Where can I find your off switch?”

[builttoofast]

The pat on the shoulder doesn't really ease Metal's tensions... And the words sure as hell don't help.

Shrugging the hand off of him, the robotic hedgehog's optics 'narrow' as he hears the final few questions. As soon as Nack says the word "off", Metal takes a small step to the side, one hand flexing slightly as eyed the weasel's own.

"My reaction time is just fine, and I don't have an off switch, if you must know." His words are far from pleasant, now, taking on a cold, analytical air. "My AI is telling me that you're a weapons user of some sort, which would explain your injuries, which otherwise are the result of an attack on your person. This, along with how direct you're being about trying to learn my construction, would indicate someone took offense to something you did or said, and attacked you for it... Or vice versa. Qualities like this don't exactly paint a very positive light on you, stranger..."

The metal hedgehog crosses his arms, the sharp points of his fingers resting against his upper arms, one tapping lightly against the metal cylinder.

"Now, am I going to have to tell you to stop looking at me like I was some kind of scrap heap to inspect, or am I going to have to rely on action to deter you."