The Diego Diaries: Trials and Tribulations (dd6 431)
-0-Courtroom
The door opened into the tense quiet room. The petit jury looked solemn and uneasy. Proteus walked in, took the stand and the oath, then mentally geared up to testify. Coln stared at him a moment, a once despised individual who had become a true inspiration for change in his mind. "Welcome, Proteus. We understand the chance you're taking with your anonymity. Thank you."
Proteus nodded. "I owe, Coln. I'm here to speak the truth."
Coln-2 nodded. "I would like you to tell us about yourself, your relationships with the defendants and anything you can tell us about the charges we're discussing now."
Proteus nodded. "I'm Proteus of Iacon, a Senator, and I will tell you things that I've never told anyone, things that will help this world understand not just these individuals but me, too, and what we have done. I'm guilty of many terrible things and I kept quiet many more. When Optimus Prime gave me another chance, I was overcome. During my incarceration in the prison, I came to understand what a futile life I had led, that the burden of what happened is a portion of my personal responsibility and that I was ready to face whatever punishment Lord Optimus could give me for what I'd done. I never in my wildest dreams understood that I could have another chance. I had never in my life seen such quality or grace as that moment when he gave me that chance to change and redeem myself. I'm finally the father of a son. My bond has come out of a terrible oppressive depression caused by me and I dedicate my life to them and our people in sheer sorrow and gratitude.
"I was so powerful in the Senate that I could make things happen by just saying so. I made coalitions to ensure that our caste's personal wealth and comfort was never overtaken by the needs of others. When Sentinel was Major, I bribed him and controlled him as head of security for Cybertron and the Empire, ensuring that what I needed and wanted came first." He paused to reflect with a sorrowful expression. "I shall continue. When Shockwave was a senator, before empurata and shadow play, during the time he acted on his conscience and hid dissident scientists … he railed against the treatment of what we all called 'the disposable classes'. I never listened and I actually thought him a traitor to our class because he cared about others and I didn't.
"I don't think I was capable of caring then. I had many chances to do the right thing and I never took them. I'm not sure I recognized them as such so deeply was I embedded in my own point of view. It was just the thing our family did. You were born, you grew up in privilege, you worked to keep it, and hang everything else. Anyone who didn't support that, especially those of our caste who didn't, they were the ones who were despicable. Not us who tore the world in two." He was silent a moment. "Poor Shockwave. I wish you could have known him before he was changed. He was such a good mech, a sincerely good mech who risked everything for the good of others regardless of caste." It was silent a moment, then he continued. "I … I'm going to say things that are terrible, Lord Optimus. I'm willing to do so because it's time and they're my responsibility. If it means that I pay a price for revealing them, then I bow to that inevitability."
It was leaden in the room as everyone watched with intense emotions. Ironhide gripped Ratchet's servo.
"I was the one who formed a group to try to take the Matrix for our own." A murmur filled the room, then subsided. Proteus looked almost relieved. "I never expected to tell that and all that I'm going to say but its true and I'm willing to pay a price for it if you wish. I have to clear my spark. It cleanses me, oddly enough, to tell such things out loud." He thought a moment, then stood straighter, resolved with the moment. "We wanted the Matrix for our own purposes, an act of blasphemy at the least and insanity at the most. Do you know what it means to be religious and go through the motions of religion without absorbing the meanings? It was a rote thing, my beliefs. I attended all the orns at Temple, I observed the Festivals when they were there, I made my duties to the shrines. I made all the appropriate gestures and mentions but they didn't reach my spark. Nothing did. I was dead inside and didn't know it.
"I … I helped Sentinel create a fake assassination attempt on Nominus so we could retrieve the Matrix when he was in the hospital before the Council of Ancients or even the Elders could. Everyone was rushing to get the Matrix. Some of them even cared about Its sovereignty. Neo did. I wanted It for my own purposes. I cannot tell you what a shock it was that it was fake." He grinned slightly. "It's rather humorous now. All of us 'smart' mechs working out a plan only to find out that Nominus had a fake Matrix. Where It was when we discovered this, we didn't know until later.
"We didn't know, you see. We were all there when a mech mocked Nominus and the Matrix once at a social gathering and he burned up for it. I remember looking at Nominus who was … he was amused in a way hard to explain … sort of a 'ha-ha, fool' sort of manner. Nominus was a lot of things, most of them terrible, but he was terribly religious. It meant a lot to him to bear the Matrix but I think even he knew It wasn't the real one. Certainly at the end when Sentinel killed him in the hospital he had to have known. Sentinel told me he did.
"The real Matrix struck out at the one who mocked It from where It was hidden away. It struck him down in front of Nominus and all of us. I believe It was sending a message none of us could understand. I believe that It also shows how It cannot be manipulated by anyone even from a distance. It made an impression on all of us, but not really for the good. We actually thought we still could take It to use for our own projects like the simpletons we were," he said bitterly.
It was silent a moment. "The Matrix was hiding in Its Chamber in the Council of the Ancients Hall in the Imperium. That is to say, no one had the real one but the Matrix Itself. It had returned to Its chamber in the Hall and was there all along while the fake one was being manhandled by all of us. The whole focus had been on Nominus but when they went back in a turmoil that It might be lost, It was there hiding in plain site. I think It came back to view when Nominus died, waiting for you to come some fine orn, Lord Optimus. It knows how to protect Itself against manipulation, though at the time I didn't fully realize that. Now, I see what a colossal fool I was to think I could take It and do anything with It that wasn't honorable." He vented a sigh.
"There was a meeting at the Council among us, a rip roaring free-for-all and the end result was Sentinel Major becoming Prime. It was odd to me now that the Matrix allowed it but then, It was waiting for you," he said as he glanced at Prime.
"We held an emergency meeting of the steering committee of the Senate and discussed the Clampdown to follow so we could capitalize on the murder of Nominus. Ratbat, Contrail and Decimus were part of that committee along with Sentinel. We discussed it, feeling it would be a good way to stamp out opposition at all costs. We took freedom from The People, what few we allowed, and used it like a hammer. That's the first time I was there when you came to protest, Lord Optimus. A big youngling mech named Orion Pax interrupted us when he came through the doors, tossing guards aside. You railed at us to do the right thing, to ease up on The People and help them they were so dire. You said tightening the screws would be the worst possible course of action to take given how the Decepticons were making their way into the general population with their alternate views and plans and co-opting the peace movement with their lies. I will never forget it, though I did not catch your name at the time.
"I actually asked Sentinel to toss you out. You were dragged out. When I think of it now, you risked your life at that moment for everyone. It was one of the bravest things I could imagine doing to challenge us in our den of iniquity all alone. It's an image that I still carry in my memory. I didn't know your name or you would have been in a world of trouble, Lord Optimus. From there, the Clampdown happened, we never relented, it all was horrible. I don't know how much you knew about all of this. I know it was all a big mystery even now. I should have told of it sooner. I was just … just a coward. I'm happy now with my bond and son. I didn't know what happiness was until now. I'm a coward and a criminal."
"I knew about Nominus and Sentinel," Optimus said quietly.
Proteus turned to him, staring with surprise. "You did?"
Prime nodded. "I was told by Shockwave. He said you were the mastermind. I didn't have hard proof. I do now."
"But you gave me a chance," Proteus said. "Even though you knew?"
Prime nodded. "I know a lot of things, Proteus. I bear the greatest Matrix of them all. I never make an important decision without some level of buy in from It. It will never go along with anything that isn't honorable and just. I knew your spark was ready to change and prison would not have helped it along. Please continue."
Proteus looked at him a moment in despair and awe, then turned to Coln again. "There was a deeply embedded relationship between media, business and government. All of the independent media was curtailed by laws implemented to have the public believe what we wanted, lies and propaganda. Everyone was taking bribes from everyone. Me, Decimus, Contrail, Sentinel ... everyone. I don't believe Neo was. The Council of Ancients and Elders didn't. I remember thinking ..." He hung his helm in shame. "I remember thinking that there would be more for us."
"You're aware of the indictments, Proteus. What can you tell us about them relating to these two?" Coln asked.
He thought a moment. "I remember that after the ascension of Lord Optimus, Contrail and Ratbat didn't pretend to hide their real affections. They told us that Megatron would win and real power was with him. They tried to get us to cross over. I hated Megatron. It would never happen with me and most of the others. They both said they were leaving to assist him in a project. I asked what it was and they didn't tell me. Ratbat smirked. He said, 'Watch the news from Tarn and Vos.' Then they left. I never saw them again until three orns later Tarn and Vos fired on each other and the two cities fell to Megatron. By then, we were preparing to leave with Sentinel for his plan to repair and reclaim Cybertron from the inevitability of the Fall. We were supposed to be gone only a few decaorns.
"They didn't pay taxes. None of us did. They hid money and laundered their bribes through dummy companies. All of us did. They both profited off the war, especially Decimus because energon was critical. We knew that he did it without concern for the harm he caused. All of us did. Bribery was a way of life, stealing the public's property through laws designed to let corporations take businesses ... I'm aware that it harmed Springer and Ratchet's families. I won't live long enough to apologize."
He looked at both of them with sorrow on his face. "The Senate was a criminal organization that abandoned the public trust to enrich ourselves and keep the System of Exception in place, utilizing despised Functionalism to ensure we would come first. Our actions constituted war crimes, some of us more visibly like Contrail and Ratbat, some stupidly like Decimus. Some of us were more subtle. Those who died are weighed against us in future when we go to the Matrix.
"It was indeed murder and homicide of all manner. It weighs on me like the world. We all desserted our posts in a time of great controversy and war, just like you said, Prowl, and we committed treason when we did. All of us. I'm here to ensure that a payment no matter how small is made even if it includes me. I didn't tell you everything, Lord Optimus. I was too ashamed and afraid."
"I know," Optimus said quietly. "The Matrix filled me in."
Proteus whirled upon Prime, staring at him with astonishment. "YOU KNEW! YOU LET ME HAVE A CHANCE EVEN THOUGH YOU KNEW THE BURDEN AND MASS OF MY CRIMES!?"
Prime nodded. "I did. In consultation with the Matrix. You were confronted by the Pantheon in the last trial with special circumstances. If They did not feel you would become the new mech you have, if They did not feel that a balance has been achieved in some way amenable to Them, that you did not mean what you said ... you would not be here."
Proteus stared at Prime, shaking slightly with emotion and surprise. "Lord Optimus ... I'm ready to pay for my part. I can't bear it anymore. I'll tell the truth wherever it goes."
"I know that," Prime said with a nod. "So does the Pantheon and the Matrix. It is possible to change, to feel genuine remorse and to work for the betterment of all of us. The Powers have weighed in. I agree with them and so does the Matrix."
Proteus stared at him, then turned toward the others. "Ratchet ... I'm sorry ... so terribly sorry for what I did and had a part in. There are no words. I harmed you and Springer's family. I wish to beg you to forgive me if you can. I would like you at some time whenever you wish to think about it even if you never do. Maybe eons from now when I show you how sorry I am you will believe me. It's so small. The words are so small."
Ratchet stared at him, reading his aura, then nodded. "Not to me, Proteus."
He stepped slightly forward, reaching for Ratchet as if he could embrace him, then turned to Springer. He dropped to his knees. "You don't have to do it, Springer. But I beg you to forgive me someday."
Springer stared at him, the architect of his family's suffering. "I ... maybe, Proteus. Because you asked. But I don't think I can now."
Proteus nodded, then rose. "Because you might think about it, I'm gladdened." He turned to Prime, then stepped up again. Straightening, gathering his emotions, he nodded to Coln. "Ask me anything you wish to know."
Coln did. The damning trail of suffering, meanness and duplicity was laid out. Then he rested his questions of Proteus. That mech was oddly composed, his optics staring at the floor between questions. It was obvious he was haggard from the experience.
Ratchet glanced at Springer. The big youngster was conflicted. This was terrible to him, the harm befallen to his beloved family, but he liked Proteus. Maybe in time, Ratchet that. He, himself was still shimmering with emotions over things that he had already guessed were true. But he, like Prime was a believer in redemption and the second chance and he couldn't and wouldn't change now.
Coln sat. "I am through as of now, Lord Optimus, with this witness. I reserve the right to more questions at a later time."
Prime nodded. "Blackstone, do you have questions?"
Blackstone nodded as he stared at Proteus. "Proteus, you've laid out a damning trail of betrayal, lies, criminality, murder, bribery, treason, and general malaise in which nothing was sacred."
Proteus nodded. "I know."
"We have one testimony of direct evidentiary experience with these allegations from you. You do know that one testimony is usually not enough to find guilt beyond a reasonable without corroboration. We would also have to call into question your testimony as a participant. Part of telling and accepting commentary relating to the truth from someone is to be able to believe them and respect their integrity. You have shown none whatsoever in your testimony," Blackstone said. "Why should we believe anything you say now as truth when its clear you were as bad if not worse than my clients are alleged to be?"
Proteus thought about that. "Because I have nothing to gain and everything to lose. I was anonymous before this and now I'm not. I was prepared to pay a legal penalty for my testimony and had no idea that the Prime would continue to be so merciful. I came here to do what I had to do to make the truth clear. You're right about me before. I had no integrity, no honor and no ethics. I'm striving every orn to find and hold them to my spark now."
"I'm going to have to impeach this witness, Lord Optimus. I'm asking that his testimony be given less weight, if any at all,given that there's no solid evidence to support it nor more witnesses to events he alleges. He's admitting his participation in crimes and thereby, he has no pass from me. Mechs lives hang on his word even though the Pantheon has weighed in on mercy. I cannot expect that what was granted to him will be granted to my clients.
"I'm asking that he be impeached and held hostile including his testimony," Blackstone said. "It's evident that the acts committed by the witness reach the level of severity that my clients are accused. His truthfulness and character are a part of his credibility and therefore, I wish this witness to be impeached on his lack of credibility due to his admission of being as guilty of the charges my clients face. This is one of the most significant trials ever held about the past and I believe it takes more than a single witness with hands as dirty as his to make allegations that have credibility. I would like any testimony taken to be stricken. If not stricken, then weighted to show the source."
Prime considered that, then turned to Semi and No-a. Barron waded in as well for the conversation as Blackstone stared at the tabletop where he sat. He felt like a rag over the move but he had few to use in this, a case as clear cut as any he ever tried. As he did, the room froze into place. Prime glanced around, then looked at the jury box. Sitting there were half a dozen of the Pantheon.
Solus grinned. "Hello, brother. Interesting case, I see."
"It is, Lady," Optimus replied. Glancing around, everyone was stilled like images on 3-D pictures.
"We are watching. It is intriguing and I have to say, Proteus has more character than I ever believed possible," Quintus said.
"Its rather time, brother," Onyx said. He looked at Prime. "He has got a point. Blackstone is having a hard time with this. He's rather a wonderfully kind individual. Hence, he defends."
"He is a remarkable mech. He suffered much at their hands but he still works for the truth and to give everyone, even them a chance," Optimus said.
"Sentinel follows this right away, correct? Will the same petit jury sit for him?" Solomus asked.
Prime nodded. "I want to give the verdicts at the same time. If You weigh in, I want it to be complete. I see no good point of extending the suffering and nothing good comes out of drawing this out."
"That is true. Its long overdue," Micronus said. "We are attending this closely and will weigh all of it. Do not think that this is your project alone. We all are attending to the atrocities against Primus. As for Proteus, The One and Primus have reached the outcome of his life together. They believe in redemption nearly as much as you do," he said with a chuckle as the room shifted and everyone was back.
No one noticed that anything had happened. Optimus glanced at Blackstone and two nervous mechs sitting with him and his team. "Blackstone, I am giving Coln-2 the opportunity to corroborate this testimony with other witnesses and written evidence. If that can be done, I will weight it accordingly. If not, then I will also take that into account. I am loathe to declare this witness impeached. I put the burden of corroboration on you, Coln-2. Those charged are to be considered innocent until proven guilty by a reasonable doubt. That is your burden, Coln-2." He looked at Proteus. "Your testimony is very intriguing, Proteus, but the prosecution has the burden of proof."
Proteus nodded. "I understand," he said.
"Blackstone? Continue," Prime said.
"I have no further questions at this time, Lord Optimus. I reserve the right to call him again at a future point," Blackstone said.
"You may go, Proteus," Prime said. Prime sent him a text as he walked to the door to step outside.
Proteus read it in the hallway, then ran for his home as fast as he could.
-0-Moments later
He burst through the door of his apartment glancing around hurriedly. Madura who was pacing with their son, startled. "Proteus. What happened? Did you ... is it alright?"
Proteus smiled like the sun. He walked to his bond and wrapped both of them in his arms. "There has never been a moment in my life, Maddie, that was ever better than this one." he said.
The message that Prime had sent him was a very simple declaration ...
:You are welcome in the congregation, Proteus of Iacon:
TBC 8-1-18 edited 8-3-18
Evidentiary: (ev-ih-den-tee-airy) dealing with evidence or truth
corroboration: (corr-ob-oh-ray-shun) something that backs something up.