Aquatic Base

[The Great Robotnik]

[Had to switch to threaded mode so if I somehow miss a post forgive me. For some reason this one topic page in linear mode is lagging my computer something awful.]

"Yes, but it is the last time I try to meddle with them. I promise.", Robo stated matter of factly, "Tell me, Kitty, do you think your viewers would approve of my new look?"

[Kitty O'Brien]

((You didn't miss a thing. And ironically, your post just broke a new page, so you can probably switch back to linear.))

Kitty rubbed her chin.

I don't trust him saying that. He's not known for keeping his promises. "I think they'll be pretty indifferent. With all due respect, Doctor, no matter what you look like, you're still an egomaniacal evil genius who's always plotting against the world."

Curiously, Kitty had said that last part rather calmly, as if she wasn't acknowledging the fact that she was insulting someone who was standing right next to her and wasn't likely to shrug it off.

[The Great Robotnik]

"Why thank you, Kitty. Flattery will get you everywhere. But you are wrong about my plotting against the world. I only fight those who don't recognize my superiority and ability to lead them towards a better life. Think about it, what good is it to have so many different governments running things with different rules for everything? It can get confusing, don't you think?"

[Kitty O'Brien]

Kitty paused for a moment, but she had a response ready.

Should've guessed he'd take that as a compliment. "I can understand your line of thinking, but having one government in charge of everything has its problems, too. Personally I'd rather be confused by seventeen governments than flattened by one sovereign government that decided to abuse its power."

[The Great Robotnik]

Robotnik gave a thoughtful look as he listened to Kitty.

"While true a single entity in charge may get its share of corruption accusations a unified power will be better for all in the end. One government in power with one set of laws rather than multiple entities each with their own set of laws and goals. That is how wars start, you know. Different groups grabbing for resources, land and power. That is why I need to be charge. I have the intelligence and resources to govern it all."

[Kitty O'Brien]

Kitty smiled slightly.

"With all due respect, Doctor, your past track record makes it a little hard to believe that you would rule over our planet in a just and respectable manner. I personally reported on the Shadow incident, and demolishing half the moon with a giant energy cannon and threatening to do the same to the Earth isn't exactly something you'd want to see on the resumé of a world leader."

[The Great Robotnik]

"While my past actions may seem rather wild and ill-concieved you cannot deny that they were passionate. But you should consider this, if I am willing to go to such extremes to get what I want then what lengths will I go to keep what I have safe? Aren't these qualities what the people would want in a leader?"

[Kitty O'Brien]

Kitty wouldn't back down in this little debate.

"Not necessarily. I can follow your logic, but if you take too many measures to keep the people 'safe,' they're going to resent you for repressing their freedom. If you keep a flower locked up in a steel safe for protection, it'll die due to lack of sun and water."

[The Great Robotnik]

Robotnik smirks and seems to roll his eyes a bit, "Now you're just stating the obvious. If you look around now you will already see people who resent what their governments are doing to keep them safe. It's a common give and take that all leaders have to juggle. A given amount of freedoms have to be given up to keep the people safe, no matter who's in charge."

[Kitty O'Brien]

Kitty wasn't entirely sure she was gaining much ground on the defensive, so she put her opponent on the spot.

"Well then, if it were up to you, what would you do?"