Red eyes meet the chill of blue. He's quiet for a long moment considering his options.

As it stands, Tarn finds that honesty is the best choice. He's sure that Ratchet would know that any other answer was a lie. And no aliance should be built on a foundation of lies and mistrust.

"No. I cannot." Tarn doesn't flinch from the truth. He maintains eye contact determined to seem confident. "But you aren't me."