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

[onlytwoexpressions]

[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.

Comments

[knaval]

[riptide has enough energy that he could get back up and fight now, but he doesn't. he stays where magnus knocked him down. it's pathetic, and he knows it.]

Let him.

[it's not an admission of guilt, riptide knows what information he has won't be satisfying, but he knows what magnus is like. there's no point trying to delay the inevitable.]

[onlytwoexpressions]

I...am trying...!

I don't know what's going on...!

[Magnus stumbles back, releasing Riptide and stepping away from Megatron, causing him to fall backwards onto his aft.]

[aminerproblem]

[Megatron very nearly goes barreling forward with him, but manages to balance himself after one or two stumbling steps. Now that they were separated, he plants himself firmly the middle and gives them both a stern eyeful.]

Both of you - get up. Whatever may have happened back on the Lost Light, we're here now and we still need each other to get home. There will be time to discuss this all - properly - but now is not the time to be at each other's throats.

[knaval]

Or what, Megatron. Or what?!

[there it is there's the indignant anger that he's finally been energised enough to feel.

riptide clambers to his feet.]

He's already made his choice and I knew about it. I knew about it and didn't say anything to any of you.

[he's not lying, but he's certainly trying to goad one or both of them into... something.]

[onlytwoexpressions]

Riptide...how could...

[Magnus pushes himself to his full height, and it's taking everything in his power to not flatten Riptide right then and there.]

[aminerproblem]

[His arms lower as Riptide bites back, recognizing that angry outburst for what it was. He manages to keep his composure, though it was getting difficult.]

Riptide, you're stuck on a ship with the people you've hurt, so I suggest you shut your mouth before you somehow make this any worse.

[knaval]

How could this get any worse? You know what happens if you do decide to flatten me!

[he's lashing out, of course, but trying to make them hate him. then it'll be easier for them, right?]

What do you think you can do to me that Tarn hasn't already done?!

[onlytwoexpressions]

[That sort of catches Magnus off guard. Tarn had gotten to him...?]

[If that were the case, how could he possibly be alive right now? Tarn wasn't exactly known for his leniency.]

[Magnus vents loudly, trying to keep himself from lashing out.]

I am not like Tarn. I don't wish to hurt my--

...Those who were my friends.

[He turns his gaze to Megatron.]

My intent was to bring Riptide before you or Rodimus and...if neither if you could be effectively located, I would have take it upon myself as second-in-command to see this matter through to its conclusion.

I am glad you arrived, as I do not consider myself to be in a frame of mind where I can fairly deal with Riptide.

[He turns his gaze back to Riptide.]

...If you think for one moment that this is what I wanted, then I wonder what was going through your mind during all of the good times we celebrated. Everything we managed to accomplish. We may not have been a perfect crew, not by any standards but...

...but...

[Magnus turns his back.]

I was proud...

[aminerproblem]

[Megatron hears the betrayal, and the pain, and he forgets his anger with Riptide to instead step forward and try to help his sorrowful friend. A hand pulls at Magnus' shoulder, trying to get the Autobot to look at him.]

Magnus, please listen to me. A lot has happened since we arrived on this ship.

Riptide has suffered greatly at Tarn's hand. He tortured him - he nearly killed him for good. He's seen Trailcutter's remains after they were torn apart, he failed to rescue his friends from the DJD when he had a slim chance. Whatever may have transpired back home, I find it immensely difficult to believe that the Riptide I know would deliberately subject you and his other companions to the same pain he felt. Even if it meant getting rid of someone he despised.

He was never the mastermind, you said so yourself, and I believe that there is no way he could have known he was sending his comrades to their deaths. I can say this because it is clear to me that there is no one in this room who loathes Riptide for his actions more than himself. You can hear it in his voice.

What he needs isn't your rage, or your punishment, but your compassion. If you can find room in your spark to forgive me, after what I've done, you can find it in yourself to offer him the same. You're strong enough for that.

[knaval]

Damnit!

[riptide swears then punches the closest wall, the anxiety powers giving him enough strength to dent and crack it.]

Don't tell him my life story, just... hate me! I'm trying to make it easier for you!

[onlytwoexpressions]

[That draws a look from Magnus. If he had been killed...how was he here before them now?]

It...appears that there are a number of things I am still...confused about.

If possible...I would like to be dismissed for the moment to collect myself...

And I would very much like to speak later, Megatron.

Privately...

[aminerproblem]

Of course. Take the time you need.

[There was a lot of explaining that Magnus needed. He was just glad the Autobot had settled down.]

[He looks back at Riptide.]

There are apparently many things both of us need to be caught up on.