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| Riosotto Nero | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Riosotto is a cheerful, obsessive problem-solver with a brilliant but eccentric mind. Though tiny, he refuses to be underestimated, approaching engineering with artistic passion. He’s curious to a fault, often tinkering with systems until they’re "perfect" (by his standards). While socially awkward, he’s deeply loyal to teammates—especially those who appreciate his work. His gender non-conformity and rare masculine design among XIAs make him quietly defiant, though he’d rather let his wrench do the talking.
Special Abilities
- Spatial Variance Reactor (SVR): Infinite power supply.
- Stabilizing Wings: Glide flight (72 kph sustained, 145 kph bursts).
- Micro-Tractor Beams: Manipulate objects 10x his size.
- Self-Healing Nanites: Repair minor damage autonomously.
- Tool Synthesizers: Morph hands into specialized tools.
Special Skills
- Doctorate-Level Engineering: Mechanical, electrical, and subspace systems.
- Jury-Rigging: Improvised fixes under pressure.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Pinpoint failures instantly.
- Nanite Programming: Custom modifications to his own systems.
Special Equipment
- Encapsulated Computer Core: Primary processor with decentralized nanite support.
- Micro-Laser Torches: Built-in for cutting/welding.
- Sentient Screwdriver "Tik-Tok": Self-repairing, semi-aware tool (gift from Itza).
- Extended Sensor Arrays: Detect faint energy signatures.
Background
Riosotto Nero was activated in 2382 as part of Excalibur Inc.'s final batch of XIA prototypes. While most of the models were generalists, his core programming specialized in micro-scale systems engineering. His early assignments involved maintaining environmental regulators and repairing data conduits—routine work that sharpened his diagnostic skills. What set him apart was his habit of quietly rewriting his own maintenance protocols, improving his efficiency by 12% within his first year. This self-modification caught the attention of senior engineers, though they chalked it up to clever programming rather than budding sentience. His first meaningful collaboration came about during the infamous "coffee machine incident"; it perfectly encapsulated their dynamic. When the morning crew's beloved brewer started failing, Riosotto spent hours tracing the fault to microscopic fractures in the heating element. Div, observing his frustration, silently modified the machine's nanoscale structure—resulting in what crew members swear is the best coffee they've ever tasted. To this day, Riosotto maintains the improvement was due to proper realignment of thermal transfer nodes, while Div simply smiles when asked.
Their partnership evolved into an effective, if sometimes tense, working relationship: Riosotto handling precision calibration while Div pushed the boundaries of material science. Together, they developed a self-sealing conduit patch still used in hazardous environments. His work with Itza, the brilliant but code-challenged mechanic, balanced his partnership with Div. Itza's encyclopedic knowledge of mechanical systems was matched only by her inability to write coherent documentation. During a thruster realignment project, Riosotto found himself translating her "intuitive fixes" into actual code while she rebuilt components with what looked like random scraps. The resulting hybrid system—part precision engineering, part "whatever works"—became surprisingly reliable. Their greatest success was retrofitting a damaged cargo loader: Riosotto programming the control systems while Itza rebuilt the actuators using, among other things, part of a food replicator. These days, Riosotto has carved out a unique niche as Nimbus Station's specialist for "impossible" repairs. His toolkit reflects his diverse experiences: nanoscale welders from his work with Div, a set of "persuasion tools" borrowed from Itza, and his own meticulously organized diagnostic suite. While he still prefers proper procedure, he's learned that sometimes the best solution involves a little improvisation—and knowing when to let a specialist work their magic. The growing collection of thank-you notes and small gifts tucked into his workstation suggests the crew now sees him as more than just a maintenance unit, but as a valued member of their team.