[He listens to Ratchet speak, feeling his own spark in turmoil. The truth was, he didn't want to go the final step and butcher Tarn on the floor. But leaving him alive meant more bodies. More dead. More horrific torture. Was Ratchet really willing to let that happen to protect him?]

[He finds his face wrinkle with distaste. He was tired of being told what he should and shouldn't do. Tired of having his choice taken from him - even if it's the wrong one. For the first time since they'd first met, he was tired of receiving the same lecture about his terrible future, ignoring what he'd said altogether. He's finding pure words are having far less of an effect the longer he stays here. Well, if words weren't working, then he needed to act.]

[His voice is a dangerously thin calm:]

Sixshot, be quiet.

[He steps in front of Tarn and seizes a grip on the axe, with Ratchet's hand and all. He doesn't pull it away, but he does push it back up above the medic's head with ease.]

I've heard you, Ratchet. I know perfectly well what I'm doing. I know the consequences. And no, I'm not going to allow to you shoulder all the responsibility to protect me from whatever fate happened in your time.

I've listened to you because I trust you, now I need you to trust me to make my own choices.