VIDEO;

[thehardway]

[Ultra Magnus can be seen sitting at his desk. Placed across it is a giant war hammer, glowing faintly.

Oh, and there's something yipping in the background. Not quite like a dog, not really. Some might recognize it as the sounds of a lively turbofox.

Really, Magnus just looks exasperated.]

I don't suppose someone wants to take this creature off my hands. I've no use for it.

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[Video]

[thehardway]

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.

[Video]

[winged_knight]

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?

[Video][Private]

[thehardway]

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.

[Video][Private]

[winged_knight]

[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.

[Video][Private]

[thehardway]

...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.]

[Video][Private]

[winged_knight]

[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.