[Tarn still doesn't understand. Instead, he shakes his head with a quiet scoff.]
When Cybertron began it's war, it became immediately clear that the senate were not the only ones aiming to keep Cybertronian's firmly under it's heel. An age long discrimination and hatred that spanned over thousands of organic races became quickly apparent. A racism that began long before Megatron began his uprising of the manual classes and before any sort of violence began to leak from our world.
We were thought to be lesser because we are a mechanical race-- less alive somehow. Calling us "Robots", or "AI", or "Droids". [He casts a glance at Luke]
This was millions of years ago. You may be under the impression that this situation has ebbed-- that we've moved on from this blantent disregard for the legitimacy of our species. But, in some ways it's gotten worse.
[Luke nods, expression placidly serious.] I'll be the first to admit I didn't understand your people at first. I made assumptions, and it's something I'm trying to overcome. I assume you don't want my apology, but you can have it anyway.
[He sighs.] It's another reason I'm trying to learn more about your culture and history. If I know more, I can help prevent future bloodshed. If I'd known more... [He sighs.] We might be having a very different conversation.
You're correct, apologies are useless. [Tarn surprisingly doesn't seem excessively angry. Sure he was in the past, but he has more important issues to worry about than Luke's previous racism.]
But, even if it hadn't been you, I would have found myself exactly where I am now. Someone else would have done something equally as ridiculous.
[Luke shakes his head, slow and sad.] No, you don't understand. Jedi are peacekeepers. It's our job to keep this sort of thing from happening. [He swallows.] I failed.
It is when I'm not willing to stand around passively.
[Tarn cocks his head. He would never admit it, but somehow he's found himself strangely endeared to this human.]
You may be a Jedi, Luke, but I'm a Decepticon. Just as I would never ask you to be anything else, I expect that you will respect my beliefs and duties to my own faction. I wouldn't consider that to be a failure.
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[He sighs.]
I can probably make an informed guess, but why don't you tell me?
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When Cybertron began it's war, it became immediately clear that the senate were not the only ones aiming to keep Cybertronian's firmly under it's heel. An age long discrimination and hatred that spanned over thousands of organic races became quickly apparent. A racism that began long before Megatron began his uprising of the manual classes and before any sort of violence began to leak from our world.
We were thought to be lesser because we are a mechanical race-- less alive somehow. Calling us "Robots", or "AI", or "Droids". [He casts a glance at Luke]
This was millions of years ago. You may be under the impression that this situation has ebbed-- that we've moved on from this blantent disregard for the legitimacy of our species. But, in some ways it's gotten worse.
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[He sighs.] It's another reason I'm trying to learn more about your culture and history. If I know more, I can help prevent future bloodshed. If I'd known more... [He sighs.] We might be having a very different conversation.
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But, even if it hadn't been you, I would have found myself exactly where I am now. Someone else would have done something equally as ridiculous.
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[But.]
Nothing is inescapable, Tarn.
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[Tarn cocks his head. He would never admit it, but somehow he's found himself strangely endeared to this human.]
You may be a Jedi, Luke, but I'm a Decepticon. Just as I would never ask you to be anything else, I expect that you will respect my beliefs and duties to my own faction. I wouldn't consider that to be a failure.
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I will. And when our beliefs put us at odds, I'll do my best to solve the situation peacefully. But I hope we can work together, like we have been.
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We will see.
[Tarn swallows his pride, avoiding eye contact. He's not good at this feeling thing that's happening.]
Thank you. For not leaving me behind in the Ingress back on Amississ-Re.
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[Uh, Luke. Luke.]
...That doesn't involve killing people.
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This is becoming far too chummy for his tastes.]
I don't think that will be necessary
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Good, I'm glad you're not planning on killing anyone.
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You're assistance is not required. I am fully capable of taking care of myself and my interests without your meddling.
[He'll kill as many people as he goddamn pleases.]
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I thanked you for your previous assistance, as is customary, but I don't believe we have much more to discuss.
[He's trying real hard to back-peddle out of this weird friendship.]
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