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Post by Mirage on Mar 27, 2008 23:27:20 GMT -5
Mirage gives Emirate Xaaron a considering look, "You are forgetting, Emirate, that I did choose the war. With my abilities and resources, I could have escaped the fate most neutrals suffered indefinitely, even left Cybertron entirely before things went truly pear-shaped. But I did not."
He swirls his energon in his cup, then sighs heavily. "Though that is splicing wires. I would have preferred the choice to be unnecessary in the first place."
"In my reality, we had both civilian and military builds. It was not something to question; it just was how things were." Mirage sips his drink. "Though it is worth noting that when the lines were drawn, most all the military builds sided with Megatron."
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Emirate Xaaron-3
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Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 28, 2008 8:01:45 GMT -5
Details, details, lost in the fractals spiraling beyond sight.
Emirate Xaaron takes another sip, as if to steady himself, and he explains, "Where I am headed.... where I am headed... is that what if the one who made us, like the ones who made Kup and his kindred, is the unjust one from the perspective of our society? What if the enemy we were designed to fight is, in fact, good, if its actions are reviewed carefully and without bias?"
Then he laughs and smiles, and he's such a harmless fellow, isn't he? "Of course, that's simply hypothetical, and I'd be quite lynched for even saying as much, I'm sure, if you weren't so delightfully laid back about such matters."
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Post by Mirage on Mar 29, 2008 21:10:37 GMT -5
Mirage actually gives some consideration to Emirate Xaaron's words. It is, Mirage supposes, a valid argument. After all, if one is created but to be a pawn, there is no way of knowing for sure the true motivations of one's creator/master/benefactor. The problem with this reasoning is that Mirage steadfastly refuses to believe that they are really just automatons living with the illusion of freedom. There must be more to their existence than that, surely there is.
"But then we are back to terms of good and evil, and their relevance to us personally. As for removing bias...that is simply not possible. We can claim to look at a situation without bias, but regardless of circumstances, any opinion will be colored by personal viewpoint. It is rumored that even Megatron began his endeavors with some sort of noble intention, but...," he shrugs, "the end does not justify the means."
Mirage fiddles with his glass, then says softly, "She is not what she once was, but I do not want to see Cybertron destroyed, Xaaron."
"And you are free to keep your beliefs as you see fit, as are we all. Far be it from me to judge another in such a manner; I get quite enough of such prejudice without inflicting it upon another."
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Emirate Xaaron-3
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Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 30, 2008 10:47:26 GMT -5
There is real fear, evident in the coward's optics and in how he shivers when Mirage mentions the destruction of Cybertron. He's been found out! Then, he calms himself. Emirate Xaaron hasn't said anything that incriminating, has he? If he panics, these Autobots will have reason to suspect. It's best to play it up as horror at the idea of Cybertron being destroyed, yes.
Nevermind that he'd be dancing when that day came.
Emirate Xaaron chides, "Destroy Cybertron? Why would you even say such a thing? It is true that Primus and Cybertron are one in the same in my reality, but destroying a whole planet is a bit extreme, isn't it?"
"Of course, I am the sort of person who doesn't even believe in a death penalty, that such matters are not for us to decide. There is no way I could pass judgement on the fate of a planet."
Such is for Unicron to decide, and Cybertron's fate was ordained before its creation.
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Post by Mirage on Mar 31, 2008 11:26:23 GMT -5
Mirage notes Emirate Xaaron's distress, but does misread it. After all, the destruction of Cybertron is a boggling concept. Mirage shakes his head.
"Extreme, yes, but apparently not impossible. Since my arrival, some- such as your alterate- have made a point of disavowing me of the notion that it can't happen. And then there was that native holo broadcast that randomly activated."
Xaaron's comments about judgement prompt a raised browridge from the spy. "Really? And so none have died at your whim or your order during your version of the war? Or died for you?"
Mirage downs the last of his drink, then continues, "But that is quite the personal topic, and you may ignore the questions if you wish." He eyes his empty glass. "I think I am done with imbibing for the evening. If you would like to continue this chat, I am willing, or I can return you to your loyal constable."
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Emirate Xaaron-3
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Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Mar 31, 2008 21:58:52 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron visibly cringes and curls in on himself, taking a sip that is perhaps too large.
"People have died because of me - good people, bad people, it was never my call to make. I'd like to say it was never on a whim, but I'm deep enough in the hole as it is. At least it has never been for me."
"So. I don't live up to my own beliefs. I am an ill person for it, I know. It's a slippery slope, and my ethics and dignity have slipped all the way down the slope into the gutter. I have constantly compromised myself and my beliefs, and what do I have to show for it? A better today for Cybertron? Peace in our time?" His voice turns very bitter and he brings up one of his hands as his face contorts into a sneer at himself. "Nothing. All I have to show for it is my own miserable life. It would be better if I had the courage to be a martyr." He chews on one of his stitches in the way that a trapped animal will chew on its own limbs. "Better that I had courage, full stop, but courage in the face of reality is insanity."
His expression blanks, he drops his hand, and he looks over at Mirage, head titled quizzically as he notes, "Swerve seems to be quite busy."
And then the Emirate is not looking at Mirage but through him, to some distant point in space.
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Post by Mirage on Apr 1, 2008 21:39:20 GMT -5
This time, Xaaron's obvious pain does prompt a response from Mirage, and the spy leans forward to lightly rest what he intends to be a comforting hand on the Emirate's knee. The concern is clear on his face as he speaks, voice soft.
"You were not required to answer, and while I appreciate the honesty, I do not intend to pick at what is obviously still an open wound. Please, let us change the subject." He sits back, removing his hand.
The problem, of course, is to what to change the subject. Mirage is not given to idle chit chat, and Xaaron does not seem predisposed to such either. Instead Mirage follows the Emirate's gaze.
"Hmm, yes, he does at that. I...," Mirage turns back, "Xaaron?"
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Emirate Xaaron-3
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Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Apr 2, 2008 8:22:18 GMT -5
Touchy. Why does this Mirage have to be so touchy? Emirate Xaaron danced with the spy. Why isn't that good enough?
It snaps Emirate Xaaron out of his blanking staring, and he comments, "It's a shame that it isn't your Autobots who came for Swerve, that it was instead mine."
The universes don't work that way, he knows, but it's a nice thought, for all that it is.
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Post by Mirage on Apr 2, 2008 10:14:28 GMT -5
"Yes. This Swerve does seem to be the epitome of what some feel we stand for. Such a contrast to our own."
Quite the contrast, actually, though Mirage has seen a few hints of their Swerve in this alternate.
Mirage looks back at Emirate Xaaron. "I heard Swerve's recount of why he took up the Autobrand, but I don't understand why he remained such once all was revealed." Mirage leans back on his hands and eyes Xaaron critically, "Or why, exactly, he cast in his lot with yours. I find it interesting that you are able to inspire such loyalty despite your being...less than you once were."
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Emirate Xaaron-3
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Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Apr 2, 2008 18:48:48 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron does note Mirage's wording. It's very curious and telling. So there is division in the camp, ripe for exploitation.
Emirate Xaaron immediately excuses, "Perhaps he couldn't get out. Perhaps loyalty means so much to him that he could not bring himself to betray his Autobots. Perhaps to do so would have been certain death. I cannot say so for certain; I am not him. However, there are legitimate reasons to remain an Autobot, even in the worst of times, and I do not think him stained for the badge that he wears."
Yes, he's touchy about Swerve and Swerve's honour. They've already established that, haven't they?
As for the other point, he shrugs and notes, "Of a few dozen, I had the loyalty of one and command of none. It's not really that interesting. I think Swerve just wanted someone to look to who isn't a sadist, completely corrupt, or totally amoral. I'm pretty far fallen, down in the gutter as I am, but I haven't hit the planet's rotten core yet."
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Post by Mirage on Apr 3, 2008 9:58:58 GMT -5
That slight smile widens, and there is a touch of amusement in Mirage's tone as he says, "You really are quite taken with him, aren't you? Whether that interest be platonic or romantic, you should let him know of it. Our lives are too long to live them in regret." "Now, regrettably, I find I am quite out of topics to discuss that are not too touchy, and this party seems to be winding down." Mirage stands, holding out his hand to Emirate Xaaron. "We can get you a refill if you'd like, but whether he be busy or no, I think you'd be more comfortable by his side." "Shall we?" OOC: We can go a couple of more rounds, then fade out, to give Kup and Swerve time to wrap up their thread, if you like. Or Xaaron-3 can balk. Just let me know; I'm easy. And so is Mirage.
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Emirate Xaaron-3
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Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Apr 3, 2008 17:41:50 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron's optics widen, and he recoils, exclaiming, "I am not that cruel! I would never burden him so. Do you have any idea how horrendous it would be, if he did not feel the same? He is a good person, but he would feel had had failed me if he didn't reciprocate, and it would be all the worse if he did reciprocate. He deserves better than me."
He leans in and pleads, "Please don't tell him."
Emirate Xaaron takes Mirage's hands with no small amount of misgivings and agrees, "I could use a refill."
He's still not overcharged enough for this.
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Post by Mirage on Apr 3, 2008 22:14:42 GMT -5
Mirage looks slightly perturbed as he leads Xaaron back to the refreshment table. "Please, Xaaron, I would not think of such a thing. I am not some matchmaker for the lovelorn, meddling in the affairs of others for my own amusement. If you've no desire to tell him of the extent of your regard, then he'll not hear of it form me."
"Nor will anyone else, for that matter. I know the meaning of discretion."
Mirage pauses a moment in his step and looks down at the Emirate, "Though I will add that you might both be shortchanging each other and yourselves, with all your caution and forced distance."
He continues on, and when Mirage reaches table, he nods at any present, then fills the Emirate's glass for him. Mirage's own empty glass is left inverted on one side of the table.
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Emirate Xaaron-3
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Ate you alive since you were a child/That's when the monster first appeared in you
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Post by Emirate Xaaron-3 on Apr 4, 2008 14:09:43 GMT -5
Emirate Xaaron wrings his hands and reminds, as if he is reminding himself more than anyone else, "He looks to me as a leader. Any favouratism would be improper."
Emirate Xaaron takes the glass and says, "Thank you," but he doesn't bring it up to his lips. He notices how Mirage isn't getting a refill. Likely, the contents of Emirate Xaaron's glass will be quietly dumped out when no one is looking.
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Swerve-3
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Maintain the Light
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Post by Swerve-3 on Apr 4, 2008 21:40:01 GMT -5
Oblivious to the topic of conversation at the refreshment table, Swerve makes his way over, politely and deftly skirting whoever might happen to cross his path as he goes. A change of pace will probably be the most refreshing thing for the constable at this point in the (waxing ever later) evening. Second only to that lovely breeze, that is.
He says nothing on approach at first, hesitant to interrupt whatever it is Emirate Xaaron and Mirage might be discussing, and waits several seconds after breaking stride before speaking up.
"Having a good time so far?" he wonders of either. Or both. His curious gaze, however, falls solely on Emirate Xaaron.
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