thisavrou | [VIDEO][001] - Backdated to Magnus' Arrival

[The video feed flickers to life, and despite the commotion, it's very much intentional. For those of you who know Riptide, you can see him frantically trying to escape from two hands that about as big as he is. Finally, one hand seizes Riptide and slams him to the floor. With some stability now, the camera is able to focus on Ultra Magnus. For those of you who don't know him, prepare to be bored. For those of you who do know him, it's possible that he's much much bigger than you remember, having had a few necessary upgrades recently.]

[He clears his vocalizer.]

Attention to all those who receive this broadcast. My name is Ultra Magnus. I have recently come aboard this ship and have been given the position of bailiff and parole officer. Let it be known that I have served as an officer of the law prior to my enlistment aboard the Moira, and as such, I promise that I will treat my duties and responsibilities with the utmost care, respect, and diligence that is befitting the position. I am fair and even-handed, and I look forward to working with all of you and becoming a productive member of the community.

That said, I have in my custody the one known as Riptide. He is a former comrade of mine, who served aboard the same ship as I did. Some of you may know him, and I am obligated to inform you that trusting this individual is a huge mistake. He is, as of now, being apprehended for being an accessory to mutiny.

[If Riptide wriggles, Magnus quickly presses his considerable weight down on him to make him stop.]

As I am still unfamiliar with the ship, I wish to know where the brig is located. I also wish to know everything about the due process aboard, as I intend to have this...this...ne'er-do-well answer for his crimes against his chain of command. In addition, if there are any forms and paperwork associated with the booking of prisoners so that they can be properly processed, I will more than happily fill out any and all necessary forms.

Again, I hope to make your acquaintance and let's all be sure to follow the new rules and expectations set forth by our current caregivers.

Magnus out.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I plan to.

Apprehending him makes it harder to dodge my questions.

There were other, more discreet methods to accomplishing this, Magnus. Publicly putting Riptide in the spotlight wasn't the correct way to go about it.

Perhaps.

I was merely attempting to let those on the Lost Light know that I have Riptide in custody while simultaneously addressing the ship to introduce myself.

I suppose I let my judgment slip in this unique situation.

It's not just that. Did you let Rodimus or Megatron know what you were doing beforehand? Did you ask what they wanted to do about the situation? If not, then are you not guilty of breaking your own chain of command?

Unfortunately, I had to make a snap decision. As second-in-command, I am still his commanding officer.

My intent is to apprehend him and bring him before Rodimus and Megatron so a decision can be made.

There was no snap decision to be made! He wasn't actively causing anyone harm! Think!

It's no wonder we have such a bad rep among the organics if we keep doing stunts like this.

"Stunts like this?"

What are you referring to?

Publicly causing a scene! By doing this we're once again dragging people who have no involvement into our affairs.

Has...this happened before aboard this ship?

This is us. Look at our history. Look at the idiots that we happen to have on this ship -exceptions granted to Ratchet and Megatron. Of course it has.

I expected better behavior from you. Maybe Rodimus' reckless streak is rubbing off on you.

Bumblebee...Riptide's actions...his decisions left us at the mercy of the Decepticon Justice Division. To be frank, I'm not even sure if any of us will make it out alive. We filmed and broadcast our last rites and wishes.

I apologize for causing a scene, as that was not my intent. However, I feel obligated to bring him in. He has to answer for his choices, especially if this is something he had prior knowledge to. Which, considering he stood with Getaway when they cheerfully waved goodbye to us, I am inclined to believe he has.

And no one has more sympathy for you all than I do. Dead guy over here, remember?

However, we can't just apprehend people before thinking about the larger consequences. Does he have to answer? Yes, eventually. Should he right now, given the circumstances we all find ourselves in?

Perhaps not. Don't let your anger and hurt at his betrayal cloud your sound judgment.

Don't you think we're all entitled to answers, though? Many of our crew are on this ship...and many of those here were the ones Riptide allowed to be booted off of the Lost Light.

I don't wish to make Riptide a martyr. And when things settle down I will apologize to him properly. But at the very least...I feel that those he betrayed are entitled to an explanation.

Just because I am entitled to answers doesn't necessarily mean I will get them. And I didn't say that you were necessarily wrong, just that you need to think about what you're doing rather than just doing it.

Who knows... If someone who had been oh I don't know... stealthy been in on this, could they not have found the means to bring Riptide to you willingly?

...I understand.

Up until the moment I arrived here, we were all collectively staring down the barrels of Tarn's fusion cannons.

Riptide's betrayal is still fresh...and his actions may have killed good, innocent bots.

But, you are correct. I acted rashly.

See? That wasn't so hard to admit to. Next time, strive to do better.

Unfortunately, we can't really put Riptide on trial here. Not if he hasn't committed the crime in his timeline yet. That wouldn't be real justice and I know you're big on that.

Still, in the end it's really more up for you all to decide. Maybe a court martial?

There's also the fact that, he may have known about the mutiny in the timeline that he's from.

If anything, he would be found guilty of conspiracy.

The sad fact of the matter is...I am burdened with the knowledge of what will come to pass. I simply do not know how...or if...we live to see how it's resolved.

That depends...

I have questions of my own to ask. But I don't do them here over a public channel.

I have no issues in that regard.

I'll be bringing Riptide along so that we can all figure out exactly what he knows.

Great. One big family team meeting...

I'm just jumping up and down for it.

I'm not exactly looking forward to this either, you know.

Since when can you identify sarcasm?

Megatron and I have been attempting to decipher the many levels of banter aboard the ship since we left Cybertron the second time around.

We believe we're making some headway.

[ Bee opens his mouth to speak... then shuts it. rubs at his helm. tries to speak again. ]

What a time to be alive. Megatron and Ultra Magnus. Besties.

That's not even a real word. Rodimus uses it to infuriate me.

Though, I admit, having gotten to know Megatron...the real Megatron and not the terrifying warlord...has been a rewarding experience.

video;

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