Answering Machine

[lets_see_what_happens]

Hello. Please leave me a message here and I will respond as promptly as possible in the order in which they are received. If the matter is urgent, please let me know. Thank you.

Comments

[ultramatum]

Attention: Arbitration Officer Gregor Vorbarra
Subject: Re: Re: Inquiry Regarding Criminal Files

Gregor Vorbarra,

While I am disappointed to hear about the lack of official documents, I do understand the rationale behind your decision to abstain from recording such information. With that in mind, I must commend you on the thoroughness of your response, it has been extremely informative. Given your position, I willing to trust your objectivity on the matter. I apologize if this is not typically a concern of your department. It may have been more efficient to directly contact the crew members working in the hold, but my position is an attempt to rehabilitate criminals, and I assumed as arbitration officer you would be able to offer a more comprehensive view of the situation.

As Chara is, at this time, the only crew member I have been charged to work with, they are my primary concern. Would you be able to elaborate on Chara's legal status. I understand that 'minor' refers to a certain stage in organic life cycles, but am not familiar with how the term applies to humans. We do not have anything comparable on Cybertron, so more information on the subject would be appreciated.

Given your feedback on the matter, I will investigate Aurelia Hammerlock and Rinzler further as they seem to be the most likely to commit futher crimes. I have spoken with Rinzler and originally found him to enigmatic but otherwise perfectly tolerable, but certainly not above suspect. I know he works in the cargo bay, along with another person of interest I am already keeping a close watch on. As for Aurelia, it is certainly troubling to hear she shares your post. Charismatic troublemakers like this Loki are always a concern, and I have found it very difficult to reign in that sort of behavior in the past.

I will review Bruce Banner's situation, though the fact he is aware of the problem and assisting in dealing with it is very telling of his character. Based on your description, I agree that it is unlikely I will need to work with him in my capacity as Probation Officer. Thank you for mentioning him, regardless.

You previously mentioned that Aurelia Hammerlock may be in possession of multiple lethal weapons. I have found that the captains have been remarkably lax on controlling the circulation of weaponry around the ship. This is something I have already brought up with Personnel Officer Miles Vorkosigan, but it seems no actions was taken. My suggestion was for the most dangerous weapons to be kept under lock and key and that a registry be made to record what munitions each crew member possesses.

Thank you again for your assistance, your feedback has been invaluable.

-Ultra Magnus
Moira Repair Officer, Bailiff/Probation Officer, (Former) Second in Command of the Lost Light, Former Duly Appointed Enforcer of the Tyrest Accord

[lets_see_what_happens]

Attention: Ultra Magnus, in his capacity as Baliff/Probation Officer
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Inquiry Regarding Criminal Files

Ultra Magnus,

I appreciate your understanding, and will continue to update you privately as needed. If you discover a secure way to keep more detailed records, please let me know.

I am not entirely sure how Cybertronians develop but humans, generally speaking, are born and then grow until they reach maturity, at which point they are considered adults. The age at which that tipping point occurs can range wildly from culture to culture and has many different implied connotations, but generally occurs around the point at which an individual reaches reproductive maturity. Before one is an 'adult' one is considered a 'minor' and therefore the legal responsibility of their appointed guardians, whether that be their biological parents or someone else. Minors lack many of the legal rights as adults, but they also lack many of the legal responsibilities.

What this means as far as the legal theory goes is that Chara cannot be held fully responsible for their actions because they are too young to know better. I... cannot pretend to know Chara's motives, but while I certainly think they know exactly what they're doing, I am of the personal opinion that their reasons for it are complicated, and related to negative experiences they had when they were very small. If Cybertronians have no comparable state of childhood, this may be more difficult and complex to explain than the text of a memo will permit me, and I would prefer to speak with you about it in person.

As for the issue of containing, regulating, or otherwise having any control whatsoever of any of the letal weaponry on this ship, I believe that this problem may be insoluble at present unless you have a secret and extremely effective way of finding anything that could be considered 'lethal'. We have no way of controlling what comes through the Ingress, and an alarming number of deliveries appear to be weapons of some sort. Additionally, there are individuals on the ship actively building things, including weapons. We also do not have any way of forcing individuals to give up weapons they already have. Also, I hesitate to take all of the deadly weapons on the ship and put them in a single place--considering the abilities many of the crewmembers seem to have, it rather seems more like doing their legwork for them than it does a sane regulatory measure.

I deeply appreciate and share your concerns regarding this matter, but I have been turning it over for a while and have yet to produce a solution that is actually safer than the current self-regulation. I would be very pleased to hear your further thoughts.

Thank you for your patience and attention,
Gregor Vorbarra
Arbitration Officer