legalcy | Cyberformed Inbox

[ Placed outside of Magnus's door is a, of all things, a new waste bin with a gift bow taped to one side. Inside is a hand-made card that was really just a folded piece of paper. Written on it was: ]

M-

In the dumps without you.

-V

Edited 2021-10-22 03:45 (UTC)

Can I come out of murder time out? I've been in places with serial killers hiding in the vents like three times now.

Edited 2021-10-27 22:02 (UTC)

[He's in the middle of wiping up the hallway floor when he answers.]

Yes. I will send you the room number in which we will be meeting. Please be careful. [There's some noises of him putting away cleaning supplies.] But don't approach the scene of the crime. I don't think humans can inhale enough of this chemical gas and survive for long.

Careful in getting there, or take care to keep my mouth shut? [ Those were two very different things, and she wasn't sure she could juggle both. ]

Dammit, it's really that bad. Isn't it?

Be careful in your travels. We will be together during the meeting, but we don't want to risk another incident while getting there.

[He's not going to lose another friend.]

As good as I am at being in "incidents," I will do my best to get there without one.

[ A pause. ]

I'll be there in one piece, Mins.

[Magnus checks if all of the spelling and grammar is correct - which it isn't; this is only a phrase, not a full sentence. However, he appreciates the effort.

Perhaps he should take his time to formulate a response in retaliation.]

Title: The Excuse Most Often Provided for Why No One Follows the Rules

[He's going to see if he can delete this message immediately and leave no evidence for Misfire.]

Maccadam told me that it worked.

[Minimus doesn't get the context right away - they hadn't done anything yet. However, a part of Minimus' Spark dares to hope that this has to do with Brainstorm's experiment.]

Please clarify.

The last jump.

[He can't think of the best way to respond - elated? Hopeful that is the future he may experience? A false sense of security?]

Then there is a chance that you won't be taken away. ["From me", he wishes to add.]

One of me, anyway.

It seems I am the unfortunate soul who will remain. But I cannot complain. Not really.

This could end terribly for both of us, Megatron. We don't if I will leave on the ship or also remain on Cybertron.

I would not be surprised if you complained about your fate even for a moment.

After what I've done? I haven't the right.

[ He sighs, unseen. ]

I am willing to take that chance, if you are.

I am not talking about your legal rights. I'm talking about how you feel. Are you not upset that you will eventually have to leave me?

I am. More than you know.

I wished we lived in a different universe, Minimus. One where I'd made different choices and was a different person. We don't, though and I have to pay the price for my actions.

[ This is more difficult than he thought it would be. ]

I wish we had more time. You're intelligent, dutiful, thorough, good-natured, and ultimately kind. You want to make the universe a better place than you left it. I want to be able to get to know you more than I do now. I want to see you learn and grow and I already have been utterly, completely privileged to see you become more than what you were when I first came aboard the Lost Light.

It's a loss that I will mourn.

But I also know that the memory of our time together will keep me sane, for however long I remain locked in that prison.

[That is a major display of emotional honesty from Megatron. From anything regarding the two of them. Minimus needs a few minutes to lie down with the communicator pressed to his chassis and process everything that he's read.]

Thank you.

That is, I appreciate everything that you have said. I suppose I wanted to see this confirmed in writing.

I know that ultimately, this relationship may go nowhere, but after so many years living as someone else, I want to know what it is like to be selfish. If we could ignore everything else you had done during the war, no one would mind that I wish to spend my time with someone who understands me.

[And that's enough for his confession. Heavens, that is stressful.]

The fact that you wish to spend time with me at all seems a minor miracle to me.

But it is appreciated, all the same. Thank you, Minimus. For everything. For giving me another chance.

Of course I would give you another chance. Obviously, each mech should be provided the opportunity to demonstrate they have the capacity to improve themselves without immediate condemnation.

And, if I may be sentimental for a moment, your presence does make the stress of everyday life on this ship disappear.

I'm glad I can be that for you. You deserve it.

And it is rather touching to know that I am that important to you, I must say.

I don't know exactly what I deserve after the war, but the least I can have is your company.

Even though our positions do not require us to meet often, we should make time to see each other outside of working hours. I already miss our talks while reviewing ship logs.

I agree. I would like to see you when we're not on-duty. I'm sure we can find something to take up our time together.

So... remember when I was biting you a lot?

I certainly do.

Well, it really hurt my jaw, so you know. Both of us were hurt.

...

Anyway, I wanted to apologise. For that. And also talk to you about stuff back home.

I need a moment of quiet before I can fully accept the apology. [His audial processor needs to recalibrate after all that screaming.]

Is it urgent?

Okay. I won't bite you again. [he just hates getaway so much.] ...No, not really. Just let me know when you're ready.

It's, um. It's about back home.

[Minimus' energy returns in a small burst.]

About our universe? Which one?

The, uh, normal one? When I was dead I went back, somehow, and... yeah. What do you mean which one?

From which timeline do you come, I mean? Are you talking about Cybertron?

Yeah, and you. What timelines? There's only one where we're from, right?

Maccadam - the gentleman running the bar - said that the experiment was successful.

...Right, he only told Megatron so far.

...Oh. Yeah, I'm-- we just returned to Cybertron. Thought it had failed. It's been centuries.

[There's a small noise while Minimus check the timeline in his mind.]

I thought you hadn't gone through the jump.

We tried it and it failed, then we just went back to Cybertron. All of us.

[and minimus knows what happened to megatron after that.]

It's been a long time. Do you want to know what I saw you get up to or would you rather keep it a surprise?

[The temptation is strong. He knows a few details, that he defended Megatron, that they did not part in a sufficiently satisfying manner, and that he never saw Megatron again. The future is otherwise a mystery.]

I don't wish to know the details. It wouldn't be right to know so much of my future. [And it's not like Riptide remembers the details of the trial. The one other person who could help him improve his arguments refuses to escape his sentence. It's incredibly selfless and unfortunately alluring.] But if I can be idealistic for a moment, could you tell me if I am happy in whatever work I find after...things settle?

[there's a long pause as riptide clearly deliberates how to summarise that without giving too much away.]

Yeah. I think you are. You're living as Minimus, finally, not as Magnus. You're making a lot of mechs lives better.

Edited 2021-10-31 20:30 (UTC)

[Two statements he is happy to hear, as contradictory as they initially appear.]

So I find a new occupation. [His small stature would not help him as an enforcer.]

You do. But I'm not telling you any more, because you said you didn't want to know! You'll just have to go and live it!

Edited 2021-10-31 20:48 (UTC)

Ah- I did.

[Might as well spend the rest of this time here pondering over the various possibilities.]

Thank you, Riptide. And I trust that you will be happy in the future as well.

...Yeah. I'm good.

[he doesn't sound convincing.]

I just thought-- you'd like to know. And also... say sorry for biting you. Again!

Apology accepted.

[The hint of his future was a good enough peace offering.]

Be care, Riptide.

[Oh look, it's Prowl, looking very officious and sporting a fancy little patch job over the gaping hole where his eye used to be.]

Greetings, Ultra Magnus. It is my understanding that you are Head of Security on this ship. I believe it would benefit us both to reconvene when you have a moment.

Prowl.

[Magnus has a docking device especially made for his communicator, which allows an optical, intimidating view of his upper torso while his hands are free to work on the slideshow presentation on his monitors.]

I agree.

[He doesn't know if it's a good thing hat he has another member on the security team, or that having Prowl report directly to him will be more of a hassle than it should be.]

There is a matter of the ship manual that I wish to discuss.

[Prowl has been staring at Optimus' gigantic torso for the better part of four million years and it never stopped him then.]

Let me guess - a code of conduct?

[What else would it be?]

Of course.

[He tilts the monitor to show off his current slide - a summary of Chapter 15, Section 4.]

I have already reviewed the document with Longarm Prime, but I still must prepare the public review process.

[a puzzled look]

You… want me to review it.

[Given how antagonistic their last Talk had been, he is surprised to have Magnus accept him so readily.

He had an explanation prepared and everything.]

Certainly. I can pass by your office later to examine the files.

I have to check on the Vehicons in an hour. Make it quick.

[It's easier to have Prowl involved in light edits than to talk about anything regarding what's happening at home. Perhaps he is from some point in the past. Perhaps he wishes to do something right for once in his life. Office talk is easy as long as he behaves.]

[Well. This is an unexpected turn of events. ]

I see. In that case, I will be there shortly.

[ The call cuts.

And well, for all of Prowl’s terrible flaws, he is at least incredibly punctual.

He arrives within the next few minutes, arriving in alt mode and transforming back once he makes it to the door.

He even knocks to announce his arrival. ]

Edited 2021-10-31 18:34 (UTC)

[There's nothing he's done on this ship so far that justifies anger. Yet. If Magnus is going to divorce everyone from their crime records in their homes universes, he has to extend this to Prowl.]

You may enter.

[And saves his current progress, still seated at his desk.]

[He does, stepping inside once the door slides open. Then, a measured survey of Magnus’ office, no doubt doing a very Prowlish analysis and cataloguing of all the details and effects.]

Well then, what sections of this manual do you wish for me to examine? I find myself with a lot of free time as of late.

[ He approaches the desk, looking quite put together aside from the lack of eye. ]

[Magnus pause to watch Prowl look around his office, which looks just as organized and put-together as one would expect from Minimus Ambus. Shelves of datapads, a few trunks that are meant to hold confiscated items in the future, and a shiny, new waste bin.]

There is a recent addition on violence aboard the R2. Recently, we have had several murders in the ship, but as those who died return to the space bridge the next day, I had to reword several clauses to better address the severity of the crime. The brig is still not in perfect condition, and I figured that having Getaway work with the Vehicons for the next several months would suffice until we have a proper process for determining punishments.

[He looks up.] You are aware that Getaway was responsible for two deaths and threatening several other mechs, correct?

Yes. Ratchet informed me of his erratic behavior. I have ordered him to stand down, but given his apparent delusions, I cannot guarantee how long that will last.

[ Prowl would have simply ordered a bullet to the head of a rogue agent were he back home. Sadly, it appears that is not an option here. ]

I should review the reports of these crimes as well before making any edits.

Hm. At least he will listen to you.

[He pulls out one of his work datapads and opens up the case folder.]

Of course. I will send you a copy right now. [Because of course he wrote up everything, including the autopsies, the investigation minutes, the damage done to one of the storage rooms that nearly caused a massive fire, the disappearing bodies, and the list of evidence.]

Very good. I trust it is quite thorough.

[ Prowl expects nothing less of him. ]

Have there also been threat assessments of the ship, outside of these investigations?

Not official ones, no. Background checks are rather difficult without official records. [See: Wasp's case.] Unofficially, we should keep out optics trained on those who have already been violent towards others - which mostly consist of Starscreams and Megatrons - but I have also heard of reports of Dark Energon being transported onto this ship.

[He folds his hands on the desk.]

Are you familiar with such a thing?

No. Nothing in the records I’m familiar with, anyway.

[And he’s got a very long memory and deep tendrils everywhere. ]

I can’t imagine it’s a good thing, with a name like that. An investigation would be more than warranted.

Speaking of threats, do you know what happened with Getaway’s nudge gun?

It's been damaged and is currently under lock and key in Longarm Prime's office. I suggest that it be destroyed before someone attempts to steal it back.

Destroying it must be your top priority. Getaway has abused a weapon that was meant for one narrow and specific application.

The fact that its existence is known has already made it incredibly dangerous.

[ He actually sounds… kind of pissed about that? Maybe it has something to do with being brain probed like 4 times. ]

Then it is the two of us. We speak with Longarm Prime as soon as possible and ensure that it can no longer be used.

[There, consensus. It's better than having one mech decide everything.]

Speak with Longarm, and we will find a place to smelt it down together.

I shall, though I imagine he will inquire about my place in the hierarchy of your team.

[awkwardly looks away.]

I suppose this will be an opportune moment to speak of my opinion on this.

[ he stares at nothing in particular, perhaps counting the number of bolts on a piece of wall while he speaks. ]

A old colleague of mine had pointed out to me that I tended to go in cycles. That I find my conscience for a while, and then forget it. He’s not wrong.

Events later led me to Luna-1, away from the chaos of Cybertron, and perhaps things were finally quiet enough to realize that the way to make it stick this time around is to… take a step back, so to speak.

Perhaps a role that is more advisory would be best.

[Magnus beings putting together a note for Longarm, thinking. Prowl has reason. He seemed to be doing well when he was sent to Luna-1, according to Fortress Maximus and Red Alert. Then again, he's not sure how well he could trust him after everything that happened with Overlord.]

So you wish to play a supporting role to Longarm and me. [He pulls his hands back from the keyboard.] I am not opposed to it. Both of us have plenty of work which with you can help, especially in these early days of forming a crew.

What will your title me? Assistant security officer?

['Assistant'??? Please be merciful with what little of his dignity he has left, Magnus.]

I believe Security Advisor would suffice.

[More systems analysis and detective work, less chasing idiots around through the hallways. This sounds good to him. He always did like his job in mechaforensics. ]

Noted.

[Several spreadsheets will be updated accordingly.]

Is that all? [He sure hopes it is.]

[he nods.]

I will leave you to your work.

[ Optimus sits at the end of a desk with his comm facing him. It's recording a little too early catching Optimus' collect his thoughts before. Before he nods to the camera. ]

I would hope I have reached Ultra Magnus' communicator. There is no emergency, but I had been told it would do me some good to become more acquainted with the crew especially since I thought of monitoring the halls these next few days.

I am the Optimus Prime of the same dimension as the Antler Megatron. I apologize for any advance and primarily his previous acts of aggression to the crew.

[How can he ignore someone who follows instructions. Magnus turns on his video feed in a conference room; he was just out checking on the cleanliness of the storage rooms.]

There is not need to apologize for his behavior. You are not personally responsible for all of his poor decisions.

Now, is there anything else you wished to relay to me?

There is only the check-in to make sure my warnings about the hence dubbed Antlers Megatron's ... interests... had been received.

I understand you must be stock-piled with reports given the recent deaths and fighting. So I think I should bring forward directly to you my concerns.

Antlers must be kept at lengths end from any mechs who can powerlink. Especially if they are small. My Megatron has a habit of collecting small Mechs for his own usage and I know there is at least one small Mechs aboard who he might target.

Wasp who I have put in my care. Though he seems to of happily branched out to some of your verse's mechs. So I am not too worried for him at this time.

I would wish if you know of any other Minibot or Minicons aboard to be on guard.

[That's some key information to include in his report, and Ultra Magnus is glad to have specific warnings about this impudent Megatron.]

Interesting. What does powerlinking involve? Are there any signs for which I must be on a lookout? He doesn't have to be physically in contact with the mech, does he?

[The list of minibots is short - Wasp, who surrounds himself with Autobots. Tailgate, who is incredibly strong and has both Cyclonus and Whirl to protect him. Then, there is himself.

Oh. That might be a problem.] Yes.

But they both can defend themselves against a large enemy quite well.

Powerlinking takes on different forms depending on if you are dealing with a Bulk or Mini. With Bulks, it simply is wearing another as a suit or sharing half a body. I believe your terms would include it as a sort of Combiner.

With Minicons the situation is less mutual. Megatron has been known to force Minicons into their alt mode so he may attach them to his body and drain their energy for his own. He is also known when he comes across a Minicon who doesn't fit his standard to reformate entirely so they better attach and output power.

He has done this to my Minicon partner, Sparkplug, on more than one occasion... [ Optimus' voice gives into a dark anger there for a brief moment. ]

I do not want the same fate to befall anyone here.

Ah. Hm. [Forcing alt-modes, that certainly brings forth some terrible implications for a beastformer like himself.] That is extremely concerning.

We can include "forced transformation" into a list of punishable action in the code of conduct. Anything done without a person's consent is reprehensible, but it is best that we target this before it becomes a problem.

This is why I am glad I was reminded to speak to you. I had left some information with Longarm, but again I assume it became backlogged due to all the recent incidents.

And perhaps my lack of urging how terrifying a situation we could potentially have. Forgive me for not bringing this forward sooner and checking to see this did get to you.

I had my own preoccupations but this is no excuse for me to neglect the dangers we could all be put into if my Megatron had gotten bored enough to hunt down someone to link to.

[ He bows to the camera apologetically. ]

I am no expert, but as someone who is a Combiner and Powerlinker I am the closest we might have currently to one besides Antlers.

No, I am glad you brought this to my attention in the first place. There has been a lot happening recently. [At least he knows to be extra care not to reveal his true form to just anyone, even if Minimus becomes well known.] You should warn Tailgate and Wasp of this, as they may have questions of their own.

[Though...now is his chance.]

For curiosity's sake, is is possible for a minibot to dislodge himself from a Powerlink? How difficult is it to save him if Megatron were to take hold of him?

Of course. I will alert them right away.

As for if one can dislodge themselves. Yes, but I am afraid it takes much of their willpower or an outside force's intervention. There are some cases where a powerlink has sent the symbiotic partner into stasis for the duration of the powerlink.

In a rare few cases, a powerlink has allowed the symbiotic partner to take full control of the host due to the host's weaker will allowing themselves to escape.

By "will" do you mean by the strength of their Spark, or simply a mental challenge between the host and the victim?

It is hard to say. I must admit though, the stronger the Minicon, the less likely they are to release themselves from stasis.

There are Nine Minicons who combine into three objects who go into stasis. They are unable to free themselves from this state without outside interference.

The Starsaber, Skyboom Sheild, and Requiem Blaster. They are our most powerful minicons groups and yet I have never seen them be able to free themselves.

But given this is a new dimension with Minibots and Minicons who might not follow the same rule. Perhaps I should make properly documented notes one of these days on the nature of the Minicons and powerlinking. I feel you may appreciate that and could help to thwart any attempts of my Megatron usurping someone else's will.

[His Spark sinks. Of course he shouldn't have hoped it would be easy.]

Well. If you speak with one of the Medics, they should be able to help you in that regard. I do home that differences between our universes are enough to protect the crew from powerlinking.

I will go seek out a medic soon then.

Thank you for your time, Magnus.

[ What do you know. Its the small Prime head in his hands and then pushes his head out of them and looks to the screen. ]

I'm sorry, I still need to write up my report. But in the meantime, I'm afraid I need to alert about an incident in my training halls.

Grimlock, the young child, and another Mech I'm not familiar with, Dreadwing according to sign-ins.

They have destroyed a large portion of my training hall with fire and explosives. Breaking the Excessive force rule I had in place.

Grimlock I'm not sure reads that well, but the Decepticon must of.

[Just one day. He just wants one day without a flood, or attempted murder, or property damage, or terrible relationship drama. He wants a break.]

Thank you for notifying me. [He does not sound thankful at all.] Do you need them to clean up the training hall?

I had tried to order them before. But they never returned... I have mostly cleaned up already but, this job must be so tired some. I'm very sorry to bring this to you.. for now, I just think a report on them should be written in. If this happens again with the same mechs we can discipline and be prepared.

I'm sorry I troubled you...

Please do.

[Although he can offer to help this diligent, law-abiding mech.]

Is this a request for me to find Dreadwing and Grimlock?

Yes. If at the easiest portion, let it be known this is their first warning. I do not want to give a second.

[Is Ultra Magnus ready for a headache? Because headache incoming.]

Ultra Magnus, you are the head of security, I believe?

I would like to report an assault on my person during the Roomba Rumble by the one known as Drift, and I demand an investigation on the matter.

I know for certain that I can rely on you to be unbiased and objective on the matter, yes?

[Sometimes, Magnus wishes he could swear out loud. Verity is alive, yes, but he is not emotionally ready to deal with this.

Still, he manages to hold back a sigh.]

You have my word. I have the start of an investigative report, but I will need your account of the incident. [Just be professional. You can talk with Verity later.]

Most certainly.

[Smile.]

I am not available anytime soon however, so please contact Soundwave if you have any questions on the event.

[So the video explains a lot, and with all of these testimonies coming out, Magnus finally has enough information to reply to Megatron.]

I've reviewed the video and the proper parties will be addressed, however, I have to let you know that your actions fall under the "hit and run" clause. Typically, such crimes that result in death fact harsher sentences, but yours will be reduced somewhat.

[And now Magnus bangs on Megatron's door. Unlike Dreadwing, he knows how he looks like and where he prefers to reside.]

Open up!

Ultra Magnus, I am Optimus Prime, and I would like to speak with you about Tarn if you have a moment.

[He didn't think he'd have to do this, but since Tarn is somehow his responsibility in the loosest sense, he feels obligated to.]

[Actually, Magnus looks pretty pleased that someone is discussing this with him. It's better than getting no answers out of interrogating that Tarn.]

Please do. He's clearly not the one from my universe.

No, he is from mine, I know him well.

[Or as well as he can considering they'd only interacted for a few hours at most a few centuries ago.]

He is not of the Decepticon Justice Division, as your people seem to think. Rather, he was created along with thousands of others just like him by a Megatron from an alternate dimension who used the Allspark to create an entire army of "Perfect" Decepticons.

[He says all this nonsense with utmost seriousness.]

While he isn't your Tarn of the DJD, he did betray me and try to conquer Cybertron, so he is, unquestionably, still a very dangerous person.

[His optics dim with uncertainty.]

He said that you and your Megatron were dead in his universe. It seems that he always betrays his superiors no matter from which dimension he comes.

[So not the one that tortured his brother. That’s…marginally better.]

Anyway [Back to sitting up straight and looking like he’s doing okay] tell me what types of crimes he commits. The Tarn I know focuses on prolonged torture and blatant violent displays, but as you said, he is not the same.

I suppose it is accurate to say that he is the same as any other megalomaniac that's ever wanted to conquer Cybertron. He has incited violence, lied and tricked his way towards a powerful artifact, used that artifact to enslave his own people, and put me in a fighting pit where I spent hours fighting for my life until I was rescued by Autobots and Decepticons alike.

[He's over all this, so explaining the torturous experience of being violently beaten for hours is hardly anything.]

However, the difficult thing about this is that he is from a point just before he commits all these atrocities and I come from a point long after. As of the time he is from, he has done virtually nothing wrong.

Oh. Then I can assume that he killed your counterparts in his universe?

[That nasty habit of murderers - hiding crucial facts behind incomplete truths.]

On this ship, one's history in their home universe is not meant to dictate how we treat them. Unless he partakes in dangerous activity, I cannot jail him or observe him any more than the other crew members. [He wants to say that he hopes that this Tarn won't become a mass murderer, but when does the best outcome ever happen?] Be careful, Optimus.

Yes, though the other version of me died a long, long time ago.

[It's a huge time and multiverse thing Magnus, they don't need to get into it.]

For now, I believe that Tarn will behave. I will take full responsibility for his behaviour.

[Within 48 hours, Magnus receives a document from Prowl containing his report of the events. Each event is timestamped and recorded with an efficient accuracy, starting with his initial action in aiding a (likely hallucinating) Grimlock interrupted by Verity's cry for help.

His observations of the scene follow: the spill patterns of the energon, Megatron's physical description as well as those of his accompanying Decepticons, Verity's condition as well as Drift's appearance. He didn't have time to get as much thorough detail as he usually did, but still fit in a fair amount.

Then the bleak countdown of events leading to her death: rushing Verity out of the event, hailing Ratchet, driving towards the medbay, and then meeting up with Minimus once she had died.

The official report states lack of clear evidence for intentionally harming her, but that given Megatron's history and apathy towards organic life, it should be considered a likely motive.]

[The video is darkly lit. Grimlock appears on-screen looking behind his shoulder, as if on guard against passers-by.]

Magnus?

[His voice is lower is volume than usual. He cringes, clearly embarrassed by what he is about to say.]

Me Grimlock think...me do bad thing.

[Magnus's optics widen. Not another crime. Not another incident. Everything is happening too quickly.

But he calms himself and responds in a steady voice:] What did you do?

You remember big roomba fight thing?

[He looks over his shoulder again. Nobody here. Good.]

Me make big mess there.

[He can't remember the details of the fight, exactly who was fighting who. But he does remember people screaming about Megatron, and then himself setting the wrong person on fire, as well as Misfire's anger afterwards.]

[Oh. That's more manageable. Magnus's face loses some tension.]

Thank you for letting me know. I heard that you were not in your best mind during the event. [Thanks, Prowl.] What happened?

Me feel weird. So me set things on fire.

[He won't admit how strange he felt, how vulnerable. Looking back, he can only call himself a fool for allowing himself to be so weak.]

Me...willing be punished.

[He admits, trying his best not to cringe in shame. He is a leader, a warrior. He will take responsibility for his mistakes.]

And me fix what me broke.

Weird in what way? [Was he sick? Was he stressed?] Grimlock, if you were in a poor emotional state, you aren't necessarily punished. Cleaning up the mess you created is a good first step.

[He's so proud! Grimlock is taking responsibility.]

I can help. I want to see what Misfire did with his secrete arena.

Me no know. Just weird.

[He lacks the words to describe exactly how he felt, for the bits that he can remember. Even though he's asked other Rumble attendees about the events, it still feels more like it happened to someone else and not him.]

...Me Grimlock just go there alone. Me no think showing Magnus secrets good.

[Straightforward as he might be, he still understands the concept of keeping a secret, especially if it concerns one of his friends.]

What secrets? [He's assuming he's talking about the arena, but one can't assume these things when Grimlock has a simple vocabulary.] Were you ashamed of letting me know what happened there?

[Ashamed? Yes, of course. Yet he is not so cowardly as to conceal his shame, which is why he contacted Magnus in the first place.]

Me Grimlock ashamed of self. But that no secret because me telling you right now. Magnus punish Grimlock as much as need. No go in secret arena place. That all Grimlock want say.

Secret arena place, you say?

[Leaning into the camera.]

Then who will inspect the area for clues?

Me Grimlock...find clues...and bring them to Magnus?

[He feels a chill up his spine. As a Dinobot, he has no fear, but he finds Ultra Magnus unnerving at the moment.]

Me can do it. Me find clues before.

Yes....find clues, like before. But bring Prowl or Longarm Prime with you to help.

[Claiming responsibility? How can he not encourage this?]

Be careful not to break anything.

[He visibly relaxes.]

Me say me should call Prowl.

[Prowl was there, probably. He remembers seeing him competing. There's less chance of bad news regarding Misfire making it back to Magnus this way.]

[Besides, as things stand, he like Prowl marginally better than Longarm.]

And me be very careful this time. No rip heads off.

Edited 2021-11-19 19:35 (UTC)

Hey Ultra Magnus.

Lot of things have been happening lately, are you doing okay?

[Because while Tailgate is responsible for quite a bit of trouble himself, he and UM are still Lost Lighters.]

[Minimus still has the vocal modulator turned on, but his voice is not booming as if he were in the armor.]

No.

I'm attempting to distance myself from all this work temporarily and organizing my office. [again]

Oh. Somehow I figured.

I have a movie here that I've been meaning to watch. Do you want to watch it with me?

I have time. [There's sounds of datapads going back into a shelf.] What movie is it?

Muppet's Christmas Carol!

[Tailgate says with more joy than you'd expect.]

I'll stop by Mac's and grab some snacks! Be there soon!

In which room?

[Great, he has about ten minutes to finish up this task, so it better not be too far form his office. "Soon" is a vague description of time, but it certainly does not mean "in one hour".

But once he gets a place, Minimus is power walking there with a bottle of flavored Energon. It's nothing wild, but it does taste a bit festive.]

[Tailgate decides to invite Minimus over to his and Cyclonus' room, figuring that Cyclonus will be spending the next few hours staring out windows and won't bother them.

By the time Minimus shows up, Tailgate has set up a projector and has a bowl of energon sweets from Maccadam. Don't worry, these ones aren't drugged.]

Hi! Come on in!

I wish Rewind were here, he's always super fun to watch things with.

[He can't help but lament a bit.]

Which is a great trait for our usual movie projector to have.

It's a smaller party than usual. [He would invite Megatron, but then the two of them would huddle together and leave Tailgate alone. He also must be incredibly busy at this moment.]

The movie, then. It's an adaptation of A Christmas Carol?

[He takes a seat next to Tailgate on the recharge slab, legs dangling over the sides.]

[Well if Tailgate had wanted to make a double date out of it, it would have been Him, Cyclonus, Minimus, and Megatron, all watching Muppet's Christmas Carol. With respect to all involved, he can't imagine that being very fun.]

I guess so? I haven't read the original. I think I only have the loosest conception of what Christmas is.

Must be super important to humans. They have a lot of Christmas movies.

[Tailgate pushes play and the movie starts.]

It's a widely acknowledged holiday, but from what I've learned, it's interpreted differently across regions.

[That cultural discussion will have to be put on hold as the movie begins and our Muppet narrators.]

Interesting choice of characters. I wonder when the frog will show up. [He's the most famous Muppet.]

Ultra Magnus?

[Although he is keeping it together, there's a quiver in his voice. He knows better than to cry, adults who aren't his family won't take him seriously if he does.]

A very important photo went missing in my room last night, and I can't find it anywhere. I think something might have taken it because it's not anywhere in my room.

[He sniffs and wipes his eyes.]

[Was Cody around when Minimus made his big reveal? Hopefully someone told him about the little green man answering his call with Magnus's voice.]

Someone broke into your room?! We have to alert the rest of the ship. Find Prowl, he can change the locks on your door. Honestly! On this ship!

[At least he's in a good enough mood to get straight to writing up a report instead of internally crying to himself.]

How big is this photo?

[Cody has no idea who this green man is.]

Uh.

About the size of my hand? I fell asleep last night with it on my bedside table, and it was gone when I woke up.

Um, does Ultra Magnus know you have his communicator?

[........................................No one has told this child.]

I am Ultra Magnus. Well, my name is Minimus Ambus, but Ultra Magnus is the identity by which others know me. [Vague handwaving.] Back to the issue, are you saying that this thief was able to sneak in without your knowing. It could have been someone with a holomatter avatar...but we'll have to launch an investigation of the crime scene.

....Okay.

[He's seen stranger!!!]

I'm in my room now if you want to come over and investigate.

Very well.

[He's still a bit too big for the room, huh.]

This is for a preliminary investigation, of course. Prowl may have to be called in if I need his expertise. I'll arrive in my holoform avatar.

...It looks like Verity.

[Poor kid is having a confusing day.]

[On the bright side, Cody isn't visibly sad anymore. On the other hand, he's very confused about all this, even as open-minded he is about most things.]

I've met Verity at least, so I know what she looks like.

I'll be here.

[Several minutes later, there's a knocking on the door, then Minimus's voice:] Cody! I will resting outside and sending my avatar in! Please open the door.

[There's a few noises while he sits down, and once Cody lets his guest in, a 2000's teenager walks in way too stiffly to convincingly look like an actual teenager.]

Where was this photo when you last saw it?

[This is really bizarre, but Cody tries to roll with it the best he can.]

Over here.

[He leads him over to his bed, which sits opposite of Starflight's. The room itself is filled with furniture that Starflight had spent a while putting together, with some evidence of someone trying to put homely touches, with some things on the wall and a rug. It's not messy, per say, but it does look like it could use some more setting up.

Cody gestures to his bedside table.]

I've looked everywhere for it, and Starflight wouldn't have taken it, he's a good roommate.

[Minimus - or Verity, whichever helps Cody - leans over the table and peers over the arrangement of items. It's clean. So clean. A clean criminal.]

Have you checked under the furniture? There are times when paper can fly away when a door is opened and fall into a crevice.

I've looked, but if you want to help me look again, I would appreciate it.

[Minimus is very thorough, so Cody thinks that if it's still in the room, it'll be found. So Cody starts pulling blankets and sheets off his bed and moving furniture around, hoping that he was wrong about being stolen and that it's actually still in the room.

However, no matter how long or how thoroughly they look, the photo just doesn't turn up.]

[Minimus goes through each set of furniture, investigates the crevices, and returns it to its original location, but better aligned. Then he does it one more time. No sign of a photo.]

Not here. [He stands up with his hips on his hands and looks up. At the vents.] They could have come in that way...

[Thankfully, he can easily change the size of his holomatter projection, so in a way that will totally not terrify Cody, he gets call enough to peek inside them, checking for signs of tampering.]

[This doesn't terrify him, but the entire process is really weirding him out. He keeps that to himself.]

Did they come through the vent?

[The vent isn't huge, but it shows obvious signs of tampering. Some very small hands had undid the screws and pushed it open.]

They'd have to be very-

[And Cody accidentally drops a chair on his bare foot. He lets out a yelp, followed by the Dire Wraith swear Whirl had taught him weeks before. It took a lot of work to get it to sound just right, and now Minimus gets to appreciate it.]

[These tools are extremely fine. Someone with delicate instruments and a tiny avatar-

Or it was someone very tiny with engineering skills.

One culprit comes to mind. Minimus turns around to Cody.] I have an idea-

[And he is nearly sent into cardiac arrest.]

Language, Cody!!

[Having been raised as a good boy, Cody's face immediately turns red at the admonishment. Whoops! Talk about the worst person to swear in front of.]

I'm sorry! It just slipped out.

I won't do it again.

[He remembers to shrink himself to a Verity-level size before standing in front of Cody like a very disappointed parent. Or older sister in this case.]

You do not speak of such things in polite company. I don't want to hear that kind of talk from you ever again.

What have you been listening to to learn such phrases?

[Cody endures the lecture with a hung head, knowing full well that he deserves it.]

Yessir.

I'm, um, learned them by listening to bots talk.

[It's a big fib, but he doesn't want Whirl to get in trouble.]

They speak Dire Wraith?

Sometimes?

Who?

[:(]

...

..........

.

Whirl.

[He looks so tired.]

Of course it was Whirl.

I'll have to talk to him. And you should be more careful of what you say.

Okay.

[:(]

[Getaway is getting bored of behaving and decides it's time to torment Ultra Magnus just a little bit. So he sneaks into Ultra Magnus' office using a surprising amount of his escapologist skills and leaves a note that starts with "To the #1 hottest truck on the R2" and ending it with "From your Secret Admirer." There's some gushy, meaningless nonsense inside written in very nondescript script.

He leaves, snickering to himself a little bit.]

[He know that Punished Megatron didn't write this. He'd never send him such drivel focusing on his armor. The questions is who on the ship would do such a thing?

Unfortunately, there are too many candidates. Magnus frantically searches his office as if the perpetrator was hiding here, then tears up the note. Better not think of this ever.]

[ There's a small adolescent-aged human in the security office. He shouts into the room and upon second glance the kid would be holding a dead scraplet in his arms. The thing is almost his full size. ]

Is the head of security here! I need to talk to someone about a pest I found! Hello! I don't want to wait, I walked a full mile with this thing!

Edited 2021-12-03 01:14 (UTC)

[Minimus almost throws himself into the armor at the sight of a scraplet before he realizes that it is dead and - most likely - cannot harm him. The next thing he does before he can properly respond is notice the small human that somehow carried this here.]

Yes, speaking. [He stands on his chair to peer over the desk.]

Are you sure it's dead? Where did you find it?

[ Wow these things must really be an issue to make a mech jump like that. Security at that!

Kicker eyes the room and sets it on the floor. ]

Yeah, my buddy's cassette bird killed it. But I sensed it and I felt wrong leaving it as it was. I thought I should bring it here as evidence we might have a problem.

The saying goes where there's one there's sometimes twenty.

Yes. Of course.

[This will have to be brought to the attention of the Vehicons. Minimus is already starting on the email.]

I'll have the area closed off until we can find from where the pests are coming. You've done well to alert me.

I could be of assistance... I mean not that I care to be. But I did find it I might as well put myself to work locating threats. [ He scratches at his head and looks away. ]

You're Autobot right? Your side is okay? If so Optimus would want me to make my abilities known to the higher ups if need be, and this feels like a 'need be' situation.

Edited 2021-12-06 21:03 (UTC)

You'll need weapons to better defend yourself. Scraplets are vicious when they are hungry.

[He glances at the locked container of weapons.]

I don't think I have anything fit for human sizes. [And looking back at Kicker.] I don't report to Optimus, he's not even the Prime from my universe. We're meant to create a truce between the Autobots and Decepticons.

No shush. Listen to me. When I said I found the Scraplet I mean I sensed it without seeing it. I don't care about any of that other nonsense.

I came from a universe where we had ten years of peace between Con and Bot till Megs woke the fuck up. So your truce I'm not here to disrupt.

[ Kicker points up at Minimus. ]

I'm psychic, nimrod. And while I'm not gonna spill it to every Autobot ever, you seem like a guy that's trustworthy. So listen up. If I sensed that scraplet I could probably sense more.

[Well, give someone a helpful suggestion, and they get offended. Minimus wonders what in particular got the human angry.

He calmly finishes his email before responding to Kicker.]

Psychic. What kind of abilities do you have apart from sensing the locations of other beings?

[Might as well see how helpful he will be if he were to join the security team.]

I can track and locate Energon deposits. I was used a dowser for a while. But never mind that.

I can also get pins about future events, life lines, and well I never really got it I could talk to Alpha Q telepathically across space...

[ He crosses his arms. That'll teach him for trying to shove him off and dismiss his help.

At least that's what Kicker believed.... ]

[There's furious typing on the online form.]

In that case, you will need a partner for exterminating these Scraplets. The Vehicons are trained to maintain the ship systems, but they could use your help in finding their hiding places before preparations.

[...]

Hold on. I think the humans will want to be sure that I'm not hiring someone too young for this position. [It's easy to tell that Cody is a child. Verity was in a difficult age range.]

Yeah yeah. I'm sixteen, not a baby. I'm old enough to work. It's not like when I was a child and mined Energon. [ He crosses his arms and looks up at Minimus. ]

[He stares a bit.]

You mined Energon? Where? [He would comment on child labor laws, but those don't exist on his planet.]

Outer galaxy when I was little. Dad would take me to asteroid belts to see if I'd sense any...

But like Ironhide says. I gotta shove that aside. That's the past. I'm old enough to work and you'll need me if the Scraplets are as dangerous as Soundwave says.

So you were helped by Soundwave. I can have him as your partner as you-

[A familiar name!]

You knew Ironhide? How? Do you recognize anyone else on this ship?!

He's my partner back home. But from the sound of things he might not be the same as yours. My Ironhide is a rookie mech just making a name for himself with the Autobots. [ He shrugs ]

Though I do recognize an Optimus here and Hot Shot. But they have their old frames from when I was eight so .... they won't know me.

Ah. Yes. Ironhide is a well-established Autobot in my world. [Were humans even around when he was young?]

Then you may regret to know that the Megatron from your universe is also here. I don't know what happens to him by your time, but he has a violent habit. He's even killed some of our crewmates.

...

We all come back to life, however.

I'm not surprised but dammit, even here?! He was dead for ten years in my verse. But when he came back he reignited the war using Unicron's corpse as a base.

[ He gets a snarl ] I don't know if he's this bad yet, but don't let him be un-supervised. He has a habit of reformating and erasing his Decepticon's memories.

[A long, tired sigh.]

I will add that to his list of crimes.

He's been that much of a pain, huh? [ He sighs as well. ] As for partnering me up with Soundwave, he'd be like the small one. Small? You're all giant its so jarring to think of any of you as small...

The smallest one. [He will not deign to use any of the nicknames the rest of the crew created.] Have you made an official application with Captain Sparkarrow on what occupation you will have? There’s the security team, but I’ll need your official notice before I can officially send you on patrol. Until then, you have to plan out the attack yourself.

Yes sir. That I can do. Not the plan it myself, I'm not stupid... but the whole getting permissions.

[A nod.] Good. I will pass on this information to the Vehicons until then. Thank you for your notice.

[It's all just part of the formal process, after all.]

[On one hand: interacting with the head of the Wreckers is No. Abort. Go the other way. But also this is info he does want.

The (neo-cybex) text is properly formated into report formal.]

Ultra Magnus. Both Ravage and Starscream have informed me that if I desire information on the instances of the dead returning to life on the R2, you would be the mech to approach.
I merely wish to verify if this is true.

[It's difficult not to think of Vos and think of the mech that replaced his brother on the DJD. But like the Tarn here, Vos has not personally wronged him. Their crimes from their home universes do not apply here.]

That is correct. All who die reappear on the space bridge after a period of 24 hours. They may not recall the instance of death, but their memories are intact.

Not zombies like newling tales, then? Interesting.

Would you be willing to share some species details? I understand if you are not, nor will I ask for names.

Are you asking about how humans return from the dead, or about the non-Cybertronians among us?

Don't care about the organics, only Cybertronians. I take it no Cybertronians have died and returned?

Edited 2022-01-01 12:11 (UTC)

There have been Getaway, Anode, Riptide, the Antlered Megatron, the short Megatron, the young Optimus, one of the Starscreams, Smokescreen, and anyone else who I have not yet recorded.

Edited (forgot bambi...) 2022-01-01 23:12 (UTC)

Eight in total. Comforting enough.

Rest assured I won't be adding to the number.

Thank you for your time.

[He knows the assurance will sound hollow, but also: this one means it at least?]

Thank you for your commitment to keeping the ship safe.

[At least he has it in writing.]

[Getting a present reminds Grimlock it's Christmas. And so, he sets out to give everyone presents.]

[Ultra Magnus gets a bag of truck-shaped energon cookies, haphazardly slathered in red, white, and blue. Grimlock might not have baked them himself, but he did decorate them.]

Edited 2021-12-26 03:57 (UTC)

[ at an inconvenient hour of the day, Minimus gets a persistent caller from the security office.

Prowl’s voice had that imminent dressing down by Autobot High Command vibe:]

Magnus, your presence is requested at the office. Where are you?

[Minimus grumbles as his communicate lights up, sending him to the waking world at the ungodly time of just-before-noon. Not that he took notice of the time, but he figured he could sleep in just once.

In his half-sleepy state, Minimus turns on the video while still lying down on his berth, trying to hide as much of the gray background as he can.]

I'm sorry. I don't think I can make it to the office today. [He tries to sound stern, but he sounds more relaxed and sleepy than anything.]

[ There's the impression of movement somewhere behind Minimus and then a voice - a low rumble that's probably a touch familiar. ]

Who wants you to come in today...?

Getting bombed with engex? Oversleeping and being tardy? This isn’t like you at all, Minimus.

[ it wasn’t like himself either, when he was going through those things. Prowl still manages to make it sound like a half-lecture.

Then, after an incredibly long pause: ]

Is someone else there?

[Minimus freezes. His optics dart to the person off-screen, then back at Prowl.]

I was up too late last night.

[Not answering the question.]

[ Megatron sees Minimus freeze up and he presses his lips into a thin line. ]

Does it really matter?

That’s Megatron.

[ and Prowl let’s the disapproving silence hang heavy in the air ]

I don’t think I need to tell you that I think you’ve gone truly mad.

[ the words are harsh, but there’s no teeth behind them. As much as he loathed Megatron, Minimus was someone he could respect. He won’t try to argue it. ]

Edited 2021-12-28 01:01 (UTC)

Yes, it is he.

[He wishes he could feel ashamed but he just had a great night and he won't let anyone bring down his mood.]

My private life is not your business. I will see you later.

[He shuts off the communicator, sets it aside, and turns around to hug Megatron and go back to sleep.]

[ Prowl, not one to be dissuaded by the act of being hung up on, turns to Longarm at the other side of the office. ]

Magnus won’t be coming in today. He apparently got a good fragging from Cybertron’s greatest mass murderer.

[ There's a derisive snort from the other side of the room. ]

If you said those exact words in that exact order on Cybertron in my universe, you'd be court martialed in seconds.

[ There was a grimace on his face as he continued, as much in response to the current situation as the terrible mental image of his bosses together. ]

At least it's the one who defected? I suppose?

On paper it is marginally better, but I will insist on him getting his brain module examined.

[ fearful of others’ authority? Not even a little bit. Not after a lifetime of sassing the head honcho of the Autobots as his job. ]

No arguments here, sir.

[ Verity sends Mins a selfie of herself posing in her new shows exactly 0.1 seconds before December 25th ]

Love ya, didn't read the instructions!

[Minimus was occupied when Verity sent the message and completely forgets about it until he reviews his inbox the next afternoon.

...oh. He supposed he should he disappointed that she broke the rule of gifts but he can't find it in himself to care.]

I see that you like them. I hope they are the correct size for you.

Oh, come ON! [ There's a loud thump of someone falling dramatically onto the nearest couch or bed ]

That was hilarious, I got you by a literal microsecond, Maggie!

A clever prank, but you must have opened it far in advance to have a photo to send at the exact moment before midnight.

[Minimus makes a pleased hum.]

So, you didn't exactly open it just before midnight, but I appreciate the thought behind your plot.

You're awfully cool about this.

Get into the Christmas cheer early, Mins?

Am...I?

[Oh no. He's probably been doing that big grin while talking again.]

Yes. I suppose that's true. Yesterday's decorating and festivities were quiet and uneventful. [And that's a very good thing. It gave him time to actually sit with Megatron.]

You and ol' Megan do some slam poetry?

[ She's not judging, she's just...Not Judging ]

[Oh he can tell from her tone that she is Trying Not the Judge.]

...We read poetry, yes.

[And they were slamming.]

Minimus, at your age? Well, don't pull anything uh...discussing couplets.

[ So who— Actually, she doesn't want to know. ]

...We were careful.

[It's all an euphemism, he knows that she knows they hardly had any constructive discussions last night. Minimus rubs his face and sighs.]

Look, I understand you are not happy with my choice in - partner, but both of us are happy with this arrangement and I will alert you if I am in any danger. Can we move past this topic?

Making me feel like I kicked a big, metal puppy. Jeee—zuuus.

[ She knows she's being difficult, but her Robot Dad—Uncle decided to date the manifestation of her nightmares. Well, some of them anyway. But, hey ]

Alright, alright. Le coeur a ses raisons and all that shit, right? I've gotten over it just don't hold your breath waiting for me to call him Dad.

We can change the subject. You got any plans for New Years?

As long as you don't ask about my private affairs, of course.

[She can hate Megatron all he wants, but he would like to keep the details of his night away from his daughter-niece.]

Not at all. I thought I should spend the evening at the bar and ensure no more fights occur. If Megatron would like to spend a few minutes with me, then I will agree, but I hope to sit down with you.

[As a friend, but Minimus would never phrase things to be overtly friendly.]

As much as I enjoy razzing you, I don't need the details.

[ For both their sakes. ]

Yeah, I was going to hang out there anyway if a fight breaks out, well hey, dinner and a show. Look, anytime I spend with you is time well spent. If you want to hold Megashi- Megatron's hand under the table while we do it I won't pitch a fit.

Cross my heart.

Edited 2022-01-02 03:41 (UTC)

Do you promise?

[He can't say he can avoid longing looks during the party, not when he's caught himself staring at the wall every few minutes. Some things about relationships make more sense once you're in one.]

And that you don't give him too much grief when I leave the table?

To behave? Yes. To not give him shit? No.

[ May as well lay all her cards out on the table if she was going to commit to the bratty step-child schtick Megatron of all people pigeonholed her into. ]

Yeah, yeah. I won't rag on him too hard when you're off keeping the peace between a bunch of drunk old machine queens.

[He should have expected this after hearing of her shovel talk to Megatron.]

You two will hopefully keep me from throwing everyone into the brig by the end of the night.

...But thank you, Verity. I am curious about these large festivities to welcome in the new year.

That's what I'm here for.

Keeping you all humble.

Ultra Magnus:

I have received a request from one of the Starscream to join the security team. He is concerned about faction bias. Please advise how you would like to proceed.

– Longarm Prime
Deputy Head of Safety and Security

Longarm Prime:

Set up an interview with both of us, and we can review his credentials. I believe having a Decepticon on our team will increase our credulity among the faction.

In fact, I have also been speaking to Ravage about having her work as a volunteer. She doesn't want to participate in the chain of command, but allowing her the priveledges of a team member while giving her obligations would improve our ship monitoring.

Ultra Magnus, Head of Security and Safety

Ultra Magnus:

Very well, I'll let him know.

I'm not familiar with Ravage, and the name is not one I recall from the records back home. What could you tell me about her?

– Longarm Prime
Deputy Head of Safety and Security

Longarm Prime:

She is a beastformer, feline alt most. You may have seen her in some group settings. She is skilled in spying and silently maneuvering through the ship. Her feelings on my Megatron are complicated from what I hear, but she is loyal to the Decepticons.

Ultra Magnus, Head of Security and Safety

[Another spy? He would have to be even more careful about maintaining cover if she was going to be lurking around.]

Ultra Magnus:

Thank you for the information. Are you certain a Decepticon spy is the best choice? Someone trained in espionage could be as much a liability as an asset.

– Longarm Prime
Deputy Director of Safety and Security

Longarm Prime:

She does not serve the Megatron of my universe. Ravage has been adamant in refusing to act as an arm for a commander, and if she were to have any loyalties, it would be a personal attachment to Soundwave.

We need a variety of skillsets in our team, and I believe having a spy master who does not work for the Decepticons that have causing mayhem would be to our benefit.

- Ultra Magnus
Heat of Safety and security

Ultra Magnus:

I admit I still have my doubts, but I defer to your judgement and experience on this, sir. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Let me know if there's anything I can do to assist in getting Ravage up to speed.

– Longarm Prime
Deputy Head of Safety and Security

What is this about allowing Starscream on the security team?

[ gossip gets around fast in the office. ]

Prowl.

[He has to talk with Longarm about being clear in his unofficial communication.]

We have not yet allowed him to join us. He will go through an interview with all three of us and he will have to provide his credentials. None of us are from his universe and know his history well enough.

[ after letting the silence drag ]

It’s Starscream.

We can bring that up during his interview.

[ SCATHINGLY ]

Is this some sort of mock interview where we already know the outcome?

...Do you expect me to do such a thing?

I want everyone's input. I'm not denying Starscream a chance to apply because of his name.

[ SCOFFS ]

Since when have you gotten shy about turning away wayward characters? There is something more to this, isn't there?

[He's got him there.]

I'm not the same as I was when the Lost Light first launched. We are in a different time, one that must maintain a truce between Autobots and Decepticons. We can't claim we are a neutral office when all of the Cybertronians in Security are Autobots.

If a Decepticon wishes to change his ways, I will give him the chance.

I suspected as such.

[ it always comes down to politics. ]

He's making a fool of you, Magnus. Starscream renounced the Decepticon badge before he arrived here. Besides that, since when have other Decepticons respected him? I suspect that they view him as an opportunistic traitor, much the same as ours.

Not every Decepticon despises him. I'm certain there are those who don't want to follow their Megatron. After all, respect does not mean he is not skilled.

[There's a long silence.]

There is a personal life and a work life.

What - so this is your plan for dealing with Megatron, then? After everything he’s done? After Verity?

You’re throwing your lot in with Starscream?

[ he sounds… actually kind of pissed. ]

I hope you have something better hidden up those over-sized smoke stacks of yours.

We need all the help we can get. [He glares right back at Prowl.] Megatron has escaped justice for too long, and it's about time we get the help we need.

Starscream wants to be safe. He knows his Megatron better than any of us. We can stop another incident like Verity.

[ staring at his communicator. There are so many scathing things he wants to jab back with, but Magnus is not wrong here. ]

That's the first thing you've said that makes a lick of sense.

I am just unconvinced of the optics of giving him a public position.

I will record that as a positive response to my work.

[Finally. He and Prowl finally agree on something.]

We have some time until the interview. Prepare your questions.

Fine. We can continue this discussion after he's made his show.

[ oh he'll prepare some questions all right. ]

I am not opposed to Ravage, by the way. Wouldn't trust her as far as I could throw her, but it is wise to have a set of keen eyes aboard the ship.

She has no strong love for us, either, but she is obliged to assist me as she is Megatron's amica. She won't have an official position, but she will report to us if she notices anything.

[Even if she hates Prowl, she won't lie to Minimus.]

I would suggest keeping in mind a similar informant role for Starscream, rather than a face.

If you're looking for a token Decepticon to parade around and keep the rest of them from complaining, let me review our crew roster for options.

[ what a shame the constructicons arent around. they would be great for for being loud and purple in public. ]

[Magnus would wonder if there was some personal bias with the Constructicons.]

You may do that in your free time. We are still interviewing Starscream. I look forward to your list.

[Grimlock is angry. He's always angry over something or another, but right now, he's angry over something actually important]

[He more or less kicks open the door of the security office, makes a bee-line toward Magnus desk (the clean one, if he remembers right from the last time he was here), and slams his two fists down on the surface.]

Grimlock here with questions. What Magnus security team even do? Punish Autobots? Why no punish Decepticons? Only Autobots getting hurt. But never do nothing about Deceticons hurting them!

[It was a simple, sad fact that only Autobots deferred to Magnus' authority. The Decepticons didn't, and Magnus never took measures to make sure they would.]

[There's a long, tired groan. What happened this time?]

Was it the sleek Megatron again? The one they call "Skyguy"? We're still looking for him and Dreadwing. [He even fixed up the brig especially for them.]

We're a small team, and we don't know what happens behind closed doors. Trust me, Grimlock, I'm preparing everything once we manage to capture them.

[There's an entire subfolder dedicated to those two. Yet few people come to him for reports. He always has to find this out first-hand, and he was only able to intervene once - during the battle between Runt and Antlers.]

[Grimlock gets a confused look on his face.]

But...him Megatronus? No Megatron.

[He shakes his head to clear it, to re-focus on his anger.]

You always prepare. When you act? Optimus Prime hurt now. Better catch attacker.

We don't know where he is. From what I've gathered, he's ran away from the ship. The one mech who can help us is Astrotrain, and he refuses to speak to me.

[Considering that he jailed his friend Four, he doesn't want to help Security at all.]

If you want to help, find Dreadwing and take him to the brig. He has to spend plenty of time in there. [Not that he expects Grimlock to go through the proper procedure, but he hates being unable to stop all of these murders, and the frustration is growing with Grimlock's accusations.]

Me find him, alright.

[There's an ominous ring to his statement, something that promised blood and violence.]

Prepare brig. Prepare medic.

Don't kill him. We are not going to perpetuate a cycle of violence.

Save warning for Decepticons.

[Grimlock snarls as he turns to go.]

Grimlock.

[He stands up from behind his desk.]

Grimlock! Do not do this on your own!

[Too late. He's already out the door. Will he find Dreadwing before getting distracted by something else? Who knows?]

[It takes a few minutes for Strongarm to convince herself to do this, but when she does do it, she does it with great gusto!]

Hello! Ultra Magnus sir! It is an absolute honour to be on same ship as someone as lawfully famous as you!

[She thinks she's speaking in a completely cool and professional tone, but in reality she sounds breathless and fangirly.]

My name is Cadet Strongarm! I believe you are head of security? I worked in law enforcement back home, I would like to join security and work under you! Sir!

[Is this...respect he sees in her face? Someone is happy to see him? They admire him and wish to work under him? Is his life about to turn around?]

...Thank you for your enthusiasm. [The shock quickly wears off and he resumes his professional look.] You are correct in that I lead the security team. I will alert the deputy that we have a new applicant.

Cadet Strongarm, are you available for an interview this afternoon to discuss your credentials?

[Her insides are practically vibrating with excitement. Her outsides are also vibrating with excitement, it takes a lot of focus to keep her hands steady.]

Yes I am sir! I will be there, on the dot!

Thank you so much for this opportunity, sir! I won't let you down!

[ at yet another early morning phone call: ]

Slipstream has expressed interest in joining the team. As your advisor, I see her as a good addition to our number, and suggest reaching out sooner rather than later.

Yes.

[He has had a very stressful week. Short answers are fine until he gets a handle on everything.]

Schedule an interview, and I will review the code with her.

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