Anniversary Event: Defying Fate

[eternitymods]

Who: Everyone
When: April 8th-11th
Where: Vaikuntha
What: The Heroes of Light relive the three days leading to the Apocalypse, again and again. With this come the chance for them to save the world, but also to explore opportunities otherwise out of reach. Will they find a way to save the world and prevent this terrible fate from coming true?
Warnings/Notes: Depends on the threads.

Comments

[legalcy]

Yes. This still counts as shoplifting!

[aerospacecommander]

But if it all ends up being un-done anyway, doesn't that mean it never happened and therefore can't be considered a crime?

[legalcy]

No, you actions have still occurred, but the universe resets. You have still stolen the item, and its return does not negate the crime.

[He points at the exit.]

Out.

[aerospacecommander]

Technically I put it back.

[How badly he can argue this?

But anyway, he's so not moving. Point all you want, Minimus.]

[legalcy]

You took it with the intent to steal.

[If only he could loom over Starscream!]

In addition, there is the charge of murder we must discuss.

[aerospacecommander]

Unless you can read minds you have no way of knowing my intent.

And murder? What murder?

[Oh he is pretty sure he knows what murder he's talking about]

[legalcy]

You shoved Megatron to his death.

[He shouldn't be upset at this happening to one of the worst mechs in history, but it was still illegal.]

[aerospacecommander]

He seemed alive and well the last I saw.

[legalcy]

He was murdered, then returned to life. Depending on where you are charged on Vaikuntha, the details will differ, but even if he were not considered to be killed, you still have to argue against the charge of attempted murder.

[aerospacecommander]

It's funny how you think you're the law here. Were you the same back in your world? Thinking that you're above everyone else?

[legalcy]

[He isn't, but he was also Magnus, symbol of the law. He had authority in his universe, and none here.

Minimus stiffens.]

I ensured that we all followed the rules, and I will continue to do so here. Megatron was not posing an immediate threat when you killed him.

[aerospacecommander]

Oh please. You don't actually believe him do you?

[... Though Starscream himself isn't really sure about that. Megatron hasn't torn him apart or really completely blown up like he expected him to.]

Megatron will always be a threat, you and I both know this.

[legalcy]

[Minimus knows that Megatron wasn't thinking of hurting anyone. Or. No, perhaps he was. He could and couldn't be trusted at the same time - how was he to believe that he hadn't intended to abandon Rodimus and him? How did he even being to see Megatron as a friend?

There was not enough evidence to regain the same level of trust, so why defend him?

The answer is simple: it's only fair to bring up Starscream's and Megatron's crimes. What Megatron could do was not relevant to the murder.]

That is irrelevant to the case. In addition, this Megatron is not the one from your universe, as I am unfamiliar with you and your actions. I am simply judging you based on your actions in Vaikuntha, and Megatron has not been involved in any criminal activity whatsoever during his stay here.

[aerospacecommander]

Yes, that is true. But are you going to be judge, jury, and executioner? Maybe that's it. Tell me ...

[He stalks closer to Minimus.]

Is that why you are Mr. High and Mighty? Do you get a thrill out of punishing those who commit wrong doings? Or are you too much of a coward to pull the trigger yourself? Maybe you do enjoy it. Maybe deep down you're just like all the rest of us. Everyone has that hidden piece of darkness just looking for an escape. But yours is deluded into thinking you are doing the right thing.

Is that it?

[legalcy]

Someone has to make sure we don't devolve into anarchy. [He says this quietly. That was his role as Ultra Magnus, and it is an important value to Minimus Ambus. He took on the mantle of the Enforcer of the Tyrest Accord because he cared about upholding the law. That, and it was a chance to have everything he ever wanted. Was it as Starscream said - that this is all a power thing?

No. It's not.]

If we are to end this cycle, then we are to cooperate, and that means curtailing behavior that inhibits teamwork. Murdering one another, no matter the flimsy justification, is counterproductive to this end.

[aerospacecommander]

And punishing me won't gain you any help either. If Megatron wants revenge, he's welcome to take it.

[He's probably been through worse anyway.]

But you --

[He gestures to point at Minimus.]

If you want some sort of grand justice at least make sure it's for something good. Do you want detailed descriptions of all the atrocities I've committed? I've done nothing here that even compares to what has happened back home. I haven't harmed anyone else in this world and I haven't made any attempt to.

[legalcy]

[He bristles, as much as his stiff posture allows him.]

This isn't about avenging Megatron. He doesn't deserve the honor to have someone defend him for personal reasons. [Minimus has to remind himself of that fact at times - he may be his...acquaintance, but he had done too much harm to have someone put themselves in harm's way for his sake.] This isn't about your past crimes or his past crimes - but I will not stop you from discussing your past transgressions. This is about how we are conducting ourselves in this universe. You may not have caused bodily harm to others, but even one misstep provides leeway into unacceptable behavior.

If you are not confronted for this murder, what next? Will you kill others during this loop and justify those? What about your behavior after this? Are you willing to commit immoral acts if you believe you are free on consequence?

[aerospacecommander]

[Somehow this conversation reminded him of one he had a long time ago, but that seemed like a lifetime away. And the person involved? Another story all together.]

Well, I am a Decepticon and we're evil, right? Slaughtering is what we do. Military, civilians -- doesn't matter. We make no distinction in our genocide. We destroy, we kill, all because we can.

Is that what you wanted to hear? That I'm the bad guy so that you can justify locking me up? Or whatever it is you hope to accomplish.

But do you really want to know the truth? I don't know anymore. Megatron ... Megatron was a whim. Maybe I let past grievances get in the way there. Maybe I shouldn't have done it. Maybe I just wanted to remind myself of who I'm supposed to be.

[legalcy]

[Oh, he wishes he could send the Starscream from his universe to court and put him on trail for all of his war crimes, but instead he's been made leader of Cybertron and has protected all of his sides with legalities. In a perfect world - as outlined in Terms of Peace - all Cybertronians would have their deeds investigated so that society could truly restart with all parameters accounted for.

But unfortunately, such justice cannot be sought on Vaikuntha.]

A dangerous whim, if it were one. I do not wish to see this sort of behavior from you in the future, Starscream, else a repeat offense will require more than a warning.

[aerospacecommander]

[Starscream's expression shifted to a smirk and he steps back.

New tactic time.]

Oh, I hope so. You know I love it when people get hostile with me. It gives me a bit of a thrill, ya know.

[legalcy]

...Do you?

[He can't see why anyone would.]

[aerospacecommander]

No.

[If only he were more fun to pick at. Starscream turns to leave the store, but stops briefly.]

One thing though -- if I don't listen to Megatron -- who, at least back home has a big ol' fusion cannon, what makes you think I'm actually going to listen to you?

[legalcy]

[He crosses his arms.]

I have no authority to force you to comply. You will make the decision to modify your own behavior.

[aerospacecommander]

What if I'm beyond the ability to change?

[legalcy]

[…]

I am not qualified to answer an undetermined future.

[He's not a psychologist. He can't tell if Starscream could be a better person or pretend to be one. He can't even tell if Megatron truly changed.]