The Diego Diaries: Slammer (dd3 443)
-0-On the stand
Optimus Prime considered the request, then began. "We make it very clear to everyone who comes here that by Primal Decree that the System is dead. It will never be revived. I had conversations about this with Kudon that the System was over and not coming back. He refused to accept that even though it was a legal decree by a Prime. He even remarked that perhaps the Council, all of whom were present here at the time should take the Matrix back and find another Prime."
A gasp was heard, then subsided. Even the high castes found that shocking.
"I told him that he was fighting for something that was already over, that he should concern himself with the well being of the colony and our people now rather than fight old battles to no avail. He was not mollified. For some reason Kudon decided to discuss this issue with Ratchet on the street one evening.
"He stopped Ratchet as he was catching up with his children and grandchildren on the way home. Kudon was aggressive in his discussion of his point. When Ratchet's sons came back to see if he was alright, it was heated. They felt their ada was in danger so they stepped in.
"Kudon made the mistake of making a derogatory remark about the infant at hand, Kaon. His ada struck him for it, a blow that would not have been fatal but for a flaw in Kudon's spark chamber that he knew about and ignored. He died. It was adjudicated in court and a sentence was handed down to the defendant."
"A sentence of 30 orns house arrest. What kind of sentence was that to someone so important and central to the history of our people and planet? Where would we all be without the efforts of Kudon?"
"Cybertron," Ironhide said loud enough for everyone to hear. Everyone turned to stare at him so he rose up in full menace.
Semi rapped. "Please, Ironhide … observe decorum or leave."
Ironhide nodded even as his father grinned at his son proudly.
Semi quashed his own urge to grin, then looked at Prime. "Continue, sir."
Prime nodded. "We discovered extenuating circumstances that led to a reduced sentence for the defendant. As for the individuals involved … all of them are equal so there cannot be a sentence for some and a greater one for the others. All are one here."
"The proper sentence is death," Fenix offered.
"Not under my governance. I have never held to the death penalty. How many times did Kudon and the Council impose it to hush dissent or to crush it? Too many to count. We are not barbarians. The death penalty is not going to happen as long as I am Prime."
"They were ready to make another Prime." Fenix considered Prime who didn't show any emotion.
Prowl shifted. He obviously was ready to explode.
Fenix looked at him. "Do you have something to offer, Prowl?"
Prowl looked at him with cold optics. "No mech or femme 'makes' a Prime. I am unclear how it is that you do not appear to understand the Matrix. It is holy. It is the purest form of life in the universe. It cannot be part of machinations nor can it be trifled with. It chooses Its host. It chose Optimus Prime. It's blasphemy for you to discuss Its hosting so cavalierly. Blasphemy and wrong."
Fenix considered that. "Kudon didn't think so. The other Councilors were ready to help."
"Ask them now. They saw the error of their ways and built the Temple. They're among the strongest supporters of this Prime that live here. They're priests now. Neo changed first, then they did. They're apparently capable of shame," Prowl said coldly as he sat tensely in his chair.
Fenix looked at Prime. "You, sir, say that there was extenuating circumstances. What were they?"
"Over the vorns and eons of war it would appear that a flaw in the CNA of our soldiers who are carriers began to appear that causes a crossover between their emotional subroutines and their parenting programming. It magnifies everything regarding their sparklings by a great deal. What you would have seen as an act of borish bad manners by Kudon was seen by the ada in contention as an act of aggression bordering on danger to his infant. He acted accordingly to protect what he perceived as his endangered infant and because Kudon was already weak in his spark chamber he died. It was an extenuating circumstance that mitigated his sentence."
"So we have dangerous mechs running around one fist fall away from killing others and you know this?" Fenix asked with genuine surprise.
"It was not known at the time." He glanced at Ratchet. "Our CMO can tell you more."
Fenix glanced at Ratchet. "You're still under oath. Tell us about this. I'm shocked that it seems to be a secret."
Ratchet felt a slow burn. "Actually, it's been known since the death of Kudon. We were able to locate the problem in the CNA of our soldiers who are adas. The strain and stress of unrelenting war and strife has had a physical impact on our soldiers. We've isolated the problem generally and hope to solve in it the near future.
"We have code readers working on it now so that we can devise a patch for it. Right now, they self monitor. We're working on helping our carrier-warriors with something that has come to afflict them as they've ever served us so diligently and at such great cost."
"Self monitor? They killed Kudon. How can they be allowed to go about without some form of control?" Fenix asked equally surprised.
"Because that's the level of awareness and trust we have. Would you have them all put into prison? How is it that when we needed them no one worried about their safety? Now you worry about them? Puh-lease." Ratchet looked at him with disgust.
"You're taking a chance with the lives of the population," Fenix remarked.
"No, we aren't. Don't bad mouth a child or family of anyone. Don't mock sparklings. How hard is it to avoid triggering this reaction? If you tell all of your followers to watch their pie holes no one will be harmed. None of our warrior-adas deserve to be jailed just because you and yours can't shut their big mouths and use basic manners."
The room was cold with indignation but Ratchet didn't care. All of the faces of the affected mechs flashed before him including Hound, Sunstreaker, Prowl and his own. He glared at Fenix coldly. "Count me among the affected," he said.
"It explains a lot," Fenix said dryly.
A movement against the wall as Ironhide stepped forward was stopped by his father who caught his arm. Ironhide glared heatedly at Fenix, then reluctantly stepped back.
Semi rapped the table. "Fenix, get on track."
Fenix glanced at Semi then nodded. Looking at Prime, he considered the questions in his processor. Prime was unshakable. Prowl didn't used to be. Ratchet was Ratchet. "Tell us about Retro's murder please, sir. Why was he in prison for nearly his whole venture here?"
Prime considered that. "Retro was imprisoned for offenses that had happened off world. There are witnesses to offenses that I am not going to discuss in open court. He was awaiting trial when another of his victims who we did not know about shot him in the prison. He died on the spot. That mech is in custody and will be adjudicated when all of the details of his condition are ascertained."
"How did a mech get shot in prison?" Fenix asked.
"It is part of an ongoing investigation so I am not prepared to comment on any of the facts or circumstances surrounding it," Prime answered.
"There's nothing you can say about this, the second murder of a high caste in the city?" Fenix asked.
"Not in open court," Prime said. "You are aware of the reasons why as a lawyer."
Fenix nodded. Fenix considered the list before him. "There are mechs and femmes in this city who feel endangered. They feel that there's persecution against them, that their lives aren't very valuable. It may give some a sense of irony and amusement but to those affected, there's a sense of fear. Are you aware of this?"
"I am aware that we are becoming something new and different from the way it was on Cybertron. I am aware that there are many who find it difficult to change but the vast majority do not. We are a miracle rising from the ashes of hatred, caste abuse and ignorance. If there are those who feel endangered they have resources and agencies to go to for support and protection.
"I do not find the constant drumbeat of former high castes discussing their right to privileges that do not exist here helpful. I do not find the ignorant remarks of individuals regarding others who they feel are inferior to be helpful. We are in a transitional process here and it has been incredibly successful."
"You mentioned a convocation."
"If that is what it takes to settle this issue, then it will be done. I would prefer not to do so but understand me well. I will," Prime said with emphasis.
Fenix considered that, then looked at Semi. "I have no more questions."
Semi nodded. "Thank you, sir."
Prime nodded, then walked to his seat. Sitting down, he watched as Coln-2 and Fenix walked to Semi standing quietly as they had an internal conversation. Then both returned to their seats and sat.
Semi glanced at Silver. "Silver, please get the next witness."
He did. The door opened and a surly mech entered, one with an exquisite emerald green and stellar jay blue paint scheme. He stood there a moment taking in things, then turned to glare at Prime, Ratchet, Prowl and the others along the wall. The high castes in the middle tensed up. It was easy to pick out this mech's family. They watched him with frightened anguished optics.
Silver took his arm and tugged him to the witness stand. He stepped up, then glaring outward.
Fenix stood up, spoke internally a moment, then the youngling relaxed slightly. He took the oath reluctantly, as if to agree was surrender, then waited.
Coln-2 who was watching him stood up. "You are Sio?"
He nodded. "Yeah."
"Tell us of your participation in the altercation at Club Cybertron last night please."
"And if I don't?" he asked aggressively.
"Answer please," Fenix said calmly.
The youngster looked at him, then Coln-2. "We were having a good time. Then we didn't. Some slagger was messing with Haro-n's uncle."
Ratchet glanced at Smokey's family, Devcon in particular. He was the dangerous one in that group. He was a carrier-warrior, too. Dev's expression was calm. It wasn't a good sign. :Ironhide. Watch Dev will ya?:
Ironhide glanced at Dev, then Ratchet. :I will:
Ratchet returned to the strange kid in the witness box. He was a coiled bundle of danger. :Prowl, I asked Ironhide to intercept Dev and I think you and I better be ready to grab this one if he goes off:
:Affirmative: Prowl said with a grim expression.
"Mistermaster was dancing with a soldier." Coln-2 looked up from his list of questions to the mech.
"He was dancing with a slagger. That mech should have said no to Mistermaster."
"I've known Mistermaster for many years. Saying no to him isn't something he seems to understand," Coln-2 said.
"I don't expect you to understand what I'm saying here," the youngling said arrogantly.
Fenix winced and sent him a message to stay on course. Sio looked at him, then Coln-2 shrugging ofFenix's remarks. He was spoiling for a fight and he would have it.
"Is that so?" Coln-2 asked with a slight grin. "Why is that?"
"Objection, your honor," Fenix said rising tensely. "Counsel is trying to provoke the witness."
"How so, counselor?" Semi asked. "The witness has made a statement. Counsel is asking for clarification. Overruled. Continue."
Fenix sat frustrated.
Coln-2 continued. "Please elucidate, sir."
The youngling stared at him for a moment. "You're low caste."
A groan actually escaped the audience, then subsided quickly. Coln-2 bit back the seething rage that exploded in his skull. He had one of the greatest legal processors ever produced on Cybertron. He was fast tracked to the top when the Missionary movement exploded onto the scene at his University. He joined the fight for equality leaving behind the protection of University law professor and pro bono lawyer for the down and out that was making him a name as a force for good in a very dangerous unjust society. It also landed him in prison with Jetta, his very good, very close friend and comrade.
He was also mid caste. He said so. "You would be incorrect. I was mid caste."
"Not much difference," the youngling said intemperately.
"You were offended by Mistermaster's actions with a soldier and decided to do something about it." Coli schooled his expression. No one could affect a poker face in his profession like he could.
"We got up to get him back. Then it broke out into a fight. We were holding our own when Prowl came and broke it up. That slagger … that traitor to his class decided to end the fun." The youngling found the moment exhilarating and decided to go for broke. "What can you do about a dirt licking mixer?"
A stir in the audience from everyone was only exceeded by Venture who with outrage on his face stood up seething with anger.
Miler grabbed his arm and tried to pull him down but Venture was too strong. "YOU LITTLE FRAGGER! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO TALK ABOUT *MY SON* THAT WAY! WHAT THE FRAG HAVE YOU *EVER* DONE THAT COUNTS FOR ANYTHING, FRAGGER!?"
Miler stood to grip Venture as Ironhide walked back to him. He took Venture's other arm "Come on, Ven. Let's step out a moment."
"FRAGGER! WHO THE FRAG IS *HE* TO CALL *MY SON* NAMES! WHO IS *HE* TO CALL OUT THE PRIME OF CYBERTRON LIKE THAT! OPTIMUS IS *PRIME*! *ITS SLAGGING BLASPHEMY*! *I WILL KICK HIS AFT*! *IT IS MY DUTY AND RIGHT!*" Venture was almost in tears as he raged but he turned and with Miler, a shaken Tagg and a tearful Kestrel in tow, they all stepped out with Ironhide.
Dev and Smokescreen parted to let them pass, then Smokescreen followed, nodding to Dev. :I'll help Ironhide. Keep track, Devie:
Devcon nodded. :I will:
The hoo-haw settled, then Semi turned to the witness. "Mind your manners," he said.
A shaken Fenix turned from the door, then looked at Semi. "Sir, may I have a moment to talk to my client?"
"I don't want to talk. I'M SICK OF TALKING! Ask your questions, slagger," Sio said defiantly.
A mech with a beautiful paint scheme stood up uncertainly. "Sio," he began before the youngling cut him off. "I'm fine, Ada," he said with a grin. "Let them ask their questions."
His ada sat with real fear on his face.
It was quiet a moment, then Semi nodded. "Very well. Continue."
"Sir, I would most respectfully request a moment," Fenix said.
"I would grant it but your client has another mind on the matter," Semi said shrugging helplessly. He looked at Coln-2 who was watching the witness with some concern. "Coli, please continue."
Coln-2 nodded. "You were spoiling for a fight and carried it into the brig."
"So what?" Sio asked casually. "On Cybertron that wouldn't have happened. The slagger soldiers think they're so tough."
"There were front liners and Wreckers in the brig with you. You don't feel they're tough?" Coln-2 asked with a certain morbid fascination.
Sio shrugged. "They fight for us. They have their place. I have mine. I don't care about them otherwise."
Even the high castes listened with strained appalled expressions. They shifted slightly, then settled nervously.
Fenix watched appalled and tense. Even as mealy mouthed as he was, he was as speechless as the rest.
"They fought for Cybertron and to protect all of us. You don't feel anything about that?" Coln-2 asked.
"No. If they'd been good at it we'd still be on Cybertron. But its like that American said about his own army. You go to war with the army you have, not the one you want. Truer words never spoken. Our army was a loser and we lost. End of story."
The room was leaden. It was dark and dismal. Everyone sat captive to the comments of the youngling who was reveling in his moment, spewing what he believed without a clue to the effect it was making on others and his case. There was, indeed, something deeply wrong with this kid.
"In the brig you were highly argumentative and insulting to the others. You were removed to solitary confinement," Coln-2 began.
"I was standing up for my caste. I was standing up in front of the dirt for my family, my caste and Cybertron. I don't care who you are. Prowl is a dirt mixer and so are you, Ironhide. You and your atar came in and tried to make everyone afraid of you. I'M NOT! I'M NOT AFRAID OF YOU OR PRIME OR PROWL! FRAG YOU! ALL OF YOU! I'M A HIGH CASTE AND YOU'RE DIRT!"
It was silent a moment, then Coln-2 looked at Fenix. "Do you have anything to ask?"
Fenix who was sitting almost trance-like watching the youngling shook his helm. "No."
"Then you're in agreement with me that there has to be something done for this youngling?" Coln-2 asked.
Fenix looked at him, then Sio. "I think so."
Sio catching on immediately almost growled in disagreement. "NO WAY! I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE BUT HOME!"
The bailiff looking at Semi got the nod. He began to approach Sio but that bot jumped at him.
Ratchet rose swiftly with Prowl and rushed the back of Sio to grab him. The audience coming apart at the seams at the same time rose up almost as one in a howling cry of pain and intensely surprised terror.
-0-TBC September 22 2013 7-31-19