melodiesofeternity | Anniversary Event: Defying Fate

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Anniversary Event: Defying Fate

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.

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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?

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.

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.

[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?

[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.

Edited 2019-03-29 03:36 (UTC)

[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.

[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.

...Do you?

[He can't see why anyone would.]

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?

[He crosses his arms.]

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

What if I'm beyond the ability to change?

[…]

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.]

That's the funny thing about the future, you never know what's gonna happen. Back home supposedly the world was going to end. And now here --

[He gestures with a bit of a shrug.]

The world has ended a couple times already.

[He folds his arms behind his back.]

Then, we must seek to prevent the world from ending again. [A pointed look.] Meaning that we all must cooperate to find an alternate path.

You're really boring you know that?

[And he thought Optimus Prime was the highest someone could go as far as 'boring' went.]

[Thanks for reminding him.]

...

Let us see to the events in Lavode.

And why would I do that?

We are seeking to quell any issues around the world in order to find a way to stop Bahamut.

Do I look like a hero to you? You're the one with the do-gooder badge. You go save people.

Now is not the time to take Cybertronian alliances into consideration. This world will not survive if we focus on our badges.

Let it burn. I don't even want to be here.

[How does one argue the moral obligation or protecting other planets than your own ? How does one get to the point that one's own safety is not a factor?]

And of yourself? You have nothing important on Cybertron to protect?

No. I don't even care if Cybertron falls.

[Ultimately the planet itself didn't matter. They could always rebuild elsewhere.]

Hm. I see that you would betray the entire race simply because you were dissatisfied.

[Starscream cares for no one, what a disappointing surprise.

...There is no reasoning with him, is there?]

I will speak with you after Bahamut is dealt with. Good day.

I never said anything about our race, I said Cybertron. A planet half left for dead by our people.

But whatever. Go off and save a bunch of people who probably won't care that you did anything for them to begin with.

(no subject)

legalcy - 2019-04-09 01:27 (UTC) - Expand

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