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...I assume you mean whatever is making that noise. Which sounds a bit like an overly excitable turbofox?

And wow... [Thats one heck of a weapon.] Nice hammer. You never struck me as a melee type but then again I can't say I though that much about it.

The hammer had my name on it. I know hand-to-hand combat, but I've never really used melee weapons before.

...That would be because it is a turbofox.

Yes, there seem to be a number of things popping up with people's name one them. [He seems to have greatly mixed feelings about this, but among them suspicion is obvious.]

It's too bad I don't have much experience with long hafted weapons, though I have watched Axe's training sessions which would be an applicable style, and some of the Great Swords stances might apply... [He's thinking out loud now, and suddenly realizes it.] Err, assuming you want to learn to use it...

That's...amazing really! There's so little life on this world. [He leans forward as if to get a better look.] You don't want him? He seems to want you!

I've noticed. Some have had an unfortunate experience with it.

...As a matter of fact, I would like to learn. If you were willing to share some of your time.

[Ultra Magnus looks a little uncertain about those words.] ...Wants me. Why would anyone want me.

[He's still feeling pretty miserable all around.]

Edited 2012-12-26 21:16 (UTC)

Really? [Suspicions deepen!]

If you'd like, of course. You'd likely have twice the reach and 2-3 times the striking power compared to your fist.

But ah, not a lot of finesse. You swing that thing and you're really committing to put the hurt on something. [Assuming your aim is true.]

[Wing tilts his helm, more than a little saddened by those words. So he follows them with some genuine ones of his own.] I can think of lots of reasons.

But that little guy...doesn't seem to need many.

Blurr, particularly.

Hm. It'd be worth knowing how to use it. I don't know what else to do with it, though some have said it appears to, ah, suit me.

[Magnus looks down at the turbofox eager for attention. He sighs quietly.]

I'd... I'd be a poor caretaker.

Oh no, is he okay?! [All these mystery packages are starting to damage Wing's calm unnecessarily.]

Better to have an asset managed but go unused than be in need of it some day and fail at its potential. [Or needlessly hurt people because you're untrained.] We have a number of threats here that might...require heavy hitting, as loathe as I am to say it.

But it does compliment your paint scheme quite smartly. [That's what they meant by it suiting you, right Magnus?]

I don't know about that. I think you often take great care. A turbofox would be no different in my mind.

He certainly needs someone to look after him, he can't exactly hunt reliably here.

He's better. But it disturbed him a great deal.

I feel that way. It's... better I learn.

[He snorts softly.] Mm. Suppose that it does. Though really, it's because apparently I own a hammer in other universes. Something of a signature.

[He peers down at the turbofox, who paws at his hand.]

...I think I often fail to properly care when I ought to, and care when I should not.

Though I haven't found a suitable owner yet, I may not have a choice.

I'm glad to hear it, Blurr has been through enough of late.

[He nods.] I'm happy to teach what I know then, whenever you'd like to start.

Is that so? Well then it doubly suits you. [A snort isn't a laugh but it's part of the way there, Wing'll take it.]

[He watches the two, slightly amused.] I think he wants some attention.

It's not an uncommon thing. You're still learning how best to manage it. [He smiles, because that may seem absurd to one who's lived so long.] Even as old as we are Magnus, we are still--no--always works in progress. Life changes, we adapt.

I wouldn't give up on the idea just yet, but if you need some time--or more likely some quiet--to think it over, I can occupy the little guy for a while.

I know.

Hmm. Perhaps next week, after I'm certain I'm caught up with everything that requires my attention.

[He frowns a little, looking at the turbofox.]

Perhaps I will accept that offer of yours soon. I... don't foresee myself being an appropriate owner.

I need to refine myself. I've been too weak.

I have a practice ring on one of the upper platforms near Vector's temple. Whenever you are ready, let me know.

[A soft chuckle.] Ultra Magnus, how many times has life performed outside of your foreseen expectations? Even you can surprise yourself. More than that, he might surprise you. [His helm nods at the yippie blue thing at the enforcer's elbow.]

Refinement? How so?

I will contact you accordingly.

...Every time I surprise myself, I come to regret it. [Like smiling that one time. And Rodimus. All kinds of stuff.]

I've not been what's needed of me.

[He nods.] I look forward to it. Perhaps there are some things I can learn from you as well.

Is that because the results were genuinely bad or because they were unexpected?

[This, Wing can relate to, in more ways than Magnus knows.] Hnn, I understand. We're hard on ourselves, both of us. But the truth is that it's not an expectation we can meet 100% of the time. We can strive to do better, to do more, though not to the point that it renders us incapable.

[There's a certain blue bot who definitely needs to learn this.]

Perhaps, though I doubt I'll have your grace.

...Both.

[He exhales a little.] I am the Duly Appointed Enforcer of the Tyrest Accord and second-in-command of the Lost Light and its crew; I should be unchanging, unmoving. Simple, and able to uphold the law.

I've not... been that, as of late. I cannot remember the last time I have felt this way.

Thankfully it's not a requirement. [In truth, few do.]

Perhaps it's your perspective? Sometimes life throws unexpected things at us to challenge our view rather our response. Can you give me an example?

You are many things Ultra Magnus, all of which weigh greatly upon you. You shoulder those burdens far better than most. [It's an observation and a compliment, because he's seen others do far worse.]

But why must you be unchanging?

When Rodimus... propositioned me, and I accepted. It was a mistake of mine. I let myself become fond of him. It's been interfering with my work. It's not his fault, but it's been difficult to manage.

If I change, if I become. Softer. Then this means I cannot remain unbiased. To be an enforcer to the best of my ability, it is better to be detached, set apart from others. That way, no matter who it is, I can continue my work. No matter how I might personally view a person, or a situation, I can follow what is necessary.

If I change, that... that isn't. Good.

[Wing hadn't known the details of their relationship and hadn't pried, though he'd guessed that given Magnus's earlier expressed distaste for inter-rank relationships, that this was a spontaneous development.]

Are you certain you weren't already fond of him?

Are you certain the shape of your grief would have been lesser if you hadn't accepted? Or perhaps just...different?

[His voice is even and compassionate, but there's a heaviness to it.]

I ask as someone who made the choice you wish you had.

[In a way it's good, that Ultra Magnus questions. Even if it's only because his state is challenging him to do so. It's something Dai Atlas never had the perspective to see within himself.]

An intergalactic enforcer needs to be hardened. He purses hardened criminals in an unforgiving universe. But here, where we have so many people from all walks of life and many different worlds, some compassion and understanding may be necessary to maintain the peace.

It is possible to be compassionate and still be unbiased. But you must be certain that you bestow that compassion equally.

But more than that, detachment isn't strictly necessary. What it does is make things easier, because it spares you from feeling remorse and the temptation to be swayed. It's no easy feat, true. But you Ultra Magnus, of anyone, are strong enough to persist through it.

...I.

[He sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose.] I was already fond of him. I know that. Frankly, I'm aware that it wasn't entirely... mutual. Rodimus is-- was far too impulsive.

[To settle. Magnus is too old, he supposes, to really do much but settle. Not that it matters now.]

It'd be different. Maybe a fraction easier. I don't know. I'd like to think it wouldn't hurt so much right now.

Hm. ... Compassion. I am not one who has ever been able to do that easily. I enforce the law. Follow policies. Regulations. Whatever the Autobot code and the Tyrest Accord deem as necessary. Beyond that, I've...

I'm not sure what to be.

[But he's changing.

And he can't stop it. He supposes, maybe it frightens him.]

[A sad smile, but an understanding one.]

We always like to think the road not traveled is the better one. It might have been easier, or you might have been left wondering what you'd given up, regretting the missed opportunity. Who can say?

Sources of joy though, those have been few and far between in our history Magnus. One might argue that they're unnecessary, if but if that's so what are we living for? [When opportunity presents itself, do not hesitate.]

Having your own values Ultra Magnus, that's what's truly important. They are what guide you when all else fails. If they agree with the polices and regulations that you uphold, then that is perfection, but when those polices and regulations replace your own values, you stop being able to think for yourself and the potential for problems grows. Because though law and order is required, it cannot see what is needed by the people. Only we can. We are the checks and balances, people like you especially, who can truly see if those laws are serving their appropriate purpose.

Our society fell to ruin because we didn't see the need for change soon enough. We let the system--which began good and became flawed overtime--persist because it's what society, the Senate, dictated.

Dai Atlas even fell to it. He was so obsessive about maintaining the Circle's laws at Crystal City, that upholding them lead to preventable loss of life and freedom.

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