[Quite literally, in IG-11's case. It's the reason that Admin thought it best to salvage his remains.]
Know that all that I do, I do for the benefit of you and the child. Your protection is my primary objective.
[And yet the Mandalorian didn't feel the need to tell IG-11 the details of his plans. He thinks back to the Mandalorian's explanation on why people lie. Did the Mandalorian feel... threatened? By the partnership that IG-11 had embarked upon with Connor, perhaps?]
[The droid hesitates. It's difficult for him to articulate what he felt or how he's feeling, but he'll try his best.]
I did not understand why you did not warn me in advance. It led me to believe that you did not trust me.
[If he knew exactly how to describe this sensation, how it made the droid feel... It hurt. But that is a sensation that he can't put words to, so instead, he settles for a simpler sentiment:]
[ once again, the mandalorian is at a loss for words. they were fighting just moments ago, or maybe that's what he thought it was. there's a rush of anger in him that has nowhere to go and he knows lashing out is wrong. damn droid. ]
I wanted to do it on my own, alright? [ he breathes in strong through his nose, then lets it go. his anger is directed into his tone. ] I was given the information - not by Grice, but by another. It was my decision, and my plan. Involving you would complicate things.
[Now the Mandalorian is starting to open up. IG-11 has his suspicions as to why the incident with Grice had affected him so strongly. Beyond his role as the child's protector, the Mandalorian had indicated that Grice reminded him of the foundlings of his tribe.
As to why IG-11's involvement would complicate things...]
[ the mandalorian grows quiet, unable to properly form a coherent answer to that. he slowly turns his body half-way to check on the child. still absorbed in the colorful picture world of the wild things, the child is resting a claw over one of the depictions of monsters howling to the moon.
finally- ]
Yes. [ he gives in, seeing no use in denying. ] That droid and its predecessor unit are locked in some kind of war. It doesn't concern me, but when I was told he shot Grice in the middle of that...
Because Falco Grice reminds you of the foundlings. It is possible he reminds you of yourself, as well.
[His voice is gentle. Encouraging, even.
IG-11 has been acutely aware of the Mandalorian's dislike of droids for as long as he's known him. It wasn't until this confrontation with Connor that he's finally started to understand why.
It's likely not his place to be inquiring, but...]
What happened, Mandalorian? What led you to hate droids?
[ he smirks a little painfully under the helmet at the logical conclusion IG-11 strings together. droids really are too smart for their own good. who ever thought to make a machine with this much intelligence, capacity for learning, and more? as cruel of a thought it is, maybe it's a good thing IG-11 was blown up. kuiil may have done too good of a job instilling the virtue of kindness in what was once an assassin.
the mandalorian turns back to the droid, looking up. ]
Did your manufacturer put in any records of galactic history? If they did, you'd know that before there was ever an Empire, there was a war. The Galactic Republic against the C.I.S. - the Separatists for short.
[There are bits and pieces of galactic history scrambled into IG-11's databanks, but history is written by the victors.
On the moisture farm, however, Kuiil had been a more impartial narrator. He'd worked a lifetime of servitude, and had a lifetime of stories to share with IG-11. Of his days spent in the shadow of the Empire, and of the days before its rise.]
[ so he does know. that will make his story a short one. all for the better - he remembers it like it was yesterday. recounted not on every day, but recollected with the sounds of war. ]
I was a young boy back then. Knew nothing of war but that it existed. It was a concept more than a reality. Or maybe I was sheltered from it.
[ he shrugs, voice full of casual uncertainty. most of his upbringing is lost to him now, and he knows why. it has been overtaken by his worst day. ]
What they don't tell you about war is that it is waged on all fronts. No one is spared, and attacks come without warning. The day the war came to my home was normal... then Separatist droids marched through our settlement.
[ then he stops again, mouth-half opened behind his helmet. ]
[Unsurprisingly, most of the data in his banks has to do with other models produced by his own manufacturer. The sleek lancers. The bulkier IG-RM enforcers. The fearsome IG-100 MagnaGuards. For whatever reason, there doesn't appear to be much data regarding Holowan Mechanicals' business partners or competitors.
One more knowledgeable in their galactic history might speculate it as a means for Holowan to distance themselves from their involvement in the Clone Wars. But for IG-11's purposes, he suspects it may be another memory lost to him after his neural harness was damaged.]
[ the mandalorian isn't surprised. he didn't know until he asked his rescuers. ]
They're heavy weapon battle droids, integrated with rocket launchers and wrist blasters built-in. Bounty droids like you are designed to be fast and efficient with minimal targets. B2's are large and slow, and can wipe out hundreds in a minute.
...And so they did. Everyone died. Only I was saved by the Mandalorians.
[This was the catalyst, then. Droids had taken everything away from him. His village. His friends and family. It is fortunate that the Mandalorians gave him newfound purpose. That they served as a new family for him. Still...]
That must have been very painful. ...I am sorry for what happened to you and your settlement.
[It may not be what the Mandalorian wants to hear, especially not from a droid. But IG-11 feels it's what he should say after hearing that story.]
You don't have to be. I wouldn't be the man I am today if not for the Mandalorians. I'm grateful they saved me.
[ the droid is not the first to hear his story, and may not be the last. the mandalorian does not go out of his way to tell it, but he is not so cagey about his past as people may believe. what happened is terrible, but he has lived through two massacres of his people now. life goes on still, and he carries his burdens with it. ]
Those B2's were only following their programming, performing their function. They were built to kill, and so they did.
[ he expels a hefty breath, because it reminds him: ] That successor Connor seems hellbent on killing his predecessor, and the predecessor... I think he wanted me to go after him. Maybe not intentionally, but when he realized I knew Grice - I could tell. He was hoping for this outcome.
I don't trust either of them. I don't think you should too. They're going to keep this up until the Admin gets sick of bringing them back.
[He can't help but agree. His sensor array does a quick perimeter scan - checking on the child and to make sure that there are no others in their immediate vicinity - before craning his head towards the Mandalorian in a conspiratorial gesture.]
Connor's primary mission is to terminate his deviant predecessor. If we do not interfere, there is less of a chance we will face reprisal for our actions.
However, we are but a handful of an island of captives, with seemingly no way to explore any other part of this planet. Realistically, it is unlikely we will be able to avoid them for long.
[A beat, then IG-11 pulls back, seeming to swell up in pride.]
Also fair.
[He doesn't recall everything about his former lifestyle, but there are still some remnants of Bondsman's Guild Protocol that haven't quite erased themselves.
No hunter shall ever interfere with another's hunt.
That was one facet of the creed he'd been programmed to follow. But IG-11 is no longer a hunter. And no matter what he decides to do, there's a strong possibility that he'll be drawn into the conflict between the two HRDs.]
I will be careful. You have my word.
[No matter what happens, he won't allow for his friends to be harmed. Not the child, nor the Mandalorian. That is the reason he still functions.]
[ his word. what does the word of a droid, performing their function as program, mean anyway? even as he thinks that, he believes IG-11. he trusts him. why?
the mandalorian is broken from these thoughts by a few soft tugs down at the tattered ends of his cape. he bobs his head down and, as expected, it is the child. the large hardcover book (large for the child at least) is beside him, dragged against the floor with little sound made. the mandalorian kneels down to pick up the child, and the book as well. ]
He seems to like the picture books the most. [ he looks to IG-11. ] You dressed him up as one of them, right? Some sort of hairy beast I think.
[ he saw the costume IG-11 dressed him up for that guy's party. the one he didn't go to because... well, he's not going to talk about how he teared up watching anime that night. ]
[That's right - the costume party hosted by Rufus was just two days prior to their confrontation with Connor. Talk about whiplash.]
Yes. A monkey named Curious George.
[IG-11 is a nurse droid, not a zoologist, but he's got a basic understanding of the creatures from Kowak. The one depicted in this story is different than the ones he's heard of - much less repulsive and reptilian in appearance and demeanor. It lends itself well to a charming and adorable costume for the child.]
He lived in the jungle until he encountered a man. The man grew fond of George and decided to take him to a new environment.
[ that's... weird. in a way he can't quite describe. the mandalorian looks down to the child, wide eyes focused between him and IG-11, wondering if he enjoyed his time at the party. maybe one day he'll tell them about it, and where he came from, among other things. ]
Glad it was a good time. Think he needed that. [ then he looks to IG-11 ] Thanks again for taking him. I'm... not really a party person.
I understand. And you are welcome. I am glad you were able to have a night of solitude.
[Even the most diligent and watchful of guardians needs time to recharge their batteries, whether they're a droid or not. IG-11's optics flit to the child, who looks back up at the both of them.]
I am pleased that Jeff had a wonderful time as well.
[ he repeats the name, the word, with a hollow shock. like he can't believe what he just heard because he can't. then, he does. he takes a step toward IG-11, sharply inhaling- ]
That is not his name, and the woman who said it was is a liar.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[Quite literally, in IG-11's case. It's the reason that Admin thought it best to salvage his remains.]
Know that all that I do, I do for the benefit of you and the child. Your protection is my primary objective.
[And yet the Mandalorian didn't feel the need to tell IG-11 the details of his plans. He thinks back to the Mandalorian's explanation on why people lie. Did the Mandalorian feel... threatened? By the partnership that IG-11 had embarked upon with Connor, perhaps?]
...I hope I have not disappointed you.
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[ don't hit that fucking mercy button IG-11, this isn't the way. ]
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I am not angry with you.
[The droid hesitates. It's difficult for him to articulate what he felt or how he's feeling, but he'll try his best.]
I did not understand why you did not warn me in advance. It led me to believe that you did not trust me.
[If he knew exactly how to describe this sensation, how it made the droid feel... It hurt. But that is a sensation that he can't put words to, so instead, he settles for a simpler sentiment:]
I did not like that.
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I wanted to do it on my own, alright? [ he breathes in strong through his nose, then lets it go. his anger is directed into his tone. ] I was given the information - not by Grice, but by another. It was my decision, and my plan. Involving you would complicate things.
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As to why IG-11's involvement would complicate things...]
Because your target was another droid?
[That appears to be the most logical conclusion.]
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finally- ]
Yes. [ he gives in, seeing no use in denying. ] That droid and its predecessor unit are locked in some kind of war. It doesn't concern me, but when I was told he shot Grice in the middle of that...
...I couldn't let it go.
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[His voice is gentle. Encouraging, even.
IG-11 has been acutely aware of the Mandalorian's dislike of droids for as long as he's known him. It wasn't until this confrontation with Connor that he's finally started to understand why.
It's likely not his place to be inquiring, but...]
What happened, Mandalorian? What led you to hate droids?
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the mandalorian turns back to the droid, looking up. ]
Did your manufacturer put in any records of galactic history? If they did, you'd know that before there was ever an Empire, there was a war. The Galactic Republic against the C.I.S. - the Separatists for short.
no subject
On the moisture farm, however, Kuiil had been a more impartial narrator. He'd worked a lifetime of servitude, and had a lifetime of stories to share with IG-11. Of his days spent in the shadow of the Empire, and of the days before its rise.]
The Clone Wars.
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I was a young boy back then. Knew nothing of war but that it existed. It was a concept more than a reality. Or maybe I was sheltered from it.
[ he shrugs, voice full of casual uncertainty. most of his upbringing is lost to him now, and he knows why. it has been overtaken by his worst day. ]
What they don't tell you about war is that it is waged on all fronts. No one is spared, and attacks come without warning. The day the war came to my home was normal... then Separatist droids marched through our settlement.
[ then he stops again, mouth-half opened behind his helmet. ]
Any records on B2-HA's in your banks?
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One more knowledgeable in their galactic history might speculate it as a means for Holowan to distance themselves from their involvement in the Clone Wars. But for IG-11's purposes, he suspects it may be another memory lost to him after his neural harness was damaged.]
I am unfamiliar.
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They're heavy weapon battle droids, integrated with rocket launchers and wrist blasters built-in. Bounty droids like you are designed to be fast and efficient with minimal targets. B2's are large and slow, and can wipe out hundreds in a minute.
...And so they did. Everyone died. Only I was saved by the Mandalorians.
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[This was the catalyst, then. Droids had taken everything away from him. His village. His friends and family. It is fortunate that the Mandalorians gave him newfound purpose. That they served as a new family for him. Still...]
That must have been very painful. ...I am sorry for what happened to you and your settlement.
[It may not be what the Mandalorian wants to hear, especially not from a droid. But IG-11 feels it's what he should say after hearing that story.]
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[ the droid is not the first to hear his story, and may not be the last. the mandalorian does not go out of his way to tell it, but he is not so cagey about his past as people may believe. what happened is terrible, but he has lived through two massacres of his people now. life goes on still, and he carries his burdens with it. ]
Those B2's were only following their programming, performing their function. They were built to kill, and so they did.
[ he expels a hefty breath, because it reminds him: ] That successor Connor seems hellbent on killing his predecessor, and the predecessor... I think he wanted me to go after him. Maybe not intentionally, but when he realized I knew Grice - I could tell. He was hoping for this outcome.
I don't trust either of them. I don't think you should too. They're going to keep this up until the Admin gets sick of bringing them back.
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[He can't help but agree. His sensor array does a quick perimeter scan - checking on the child and to make sure that there are no others in their immediate vicinity - before craning his head towards the Mandalorian in a conspiratorial gesture.]
Connor's primary mission is to terminate his deviant predecessor. If we do not interfere, there is less of a chance we will face reprisal for our actions.
However, we are but a handful of an island of captives, with seemingly no way to explore any other part of this planet. Realistically, it is unlikely we will be able to avoid them for long.
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[ both of them by now know his loathing of droids and that may steer them away. IG-11, however, is going to be someone they seek out no matter what. ]
Whatever you choose to do... be careful. [ he pauses, and then makes a gentle scoff. ] Then again, they're not much of a threat compared to you.
[ he got two free seats to IG-11's massacres. even as a nurse droid he can still gun down dozens in seconds. ]
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Also fair.
[He doesn't recall everything about his former lifestyle, but there are still some remnants of Bondsman's Guild Protocol that haven't quite erased themselves.
No hunter shall ever interfere with another's hunt.
That was one facet of the creed he'd been programmed to follow. But IG-11 is no longer a hunter. And no matter what he decides to do, there's a strong possibility that he'll be drawn into the conflict between the two HRDs.]
I will be careful. You have my word.
[No matter what happens, he won't allow for his friends to be harmed. Not the child, nor the Mandalorian. That is the reason he still functions.]
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the mandalorian is broken from these thoughts by a few soft tugs down at the tattered ends of his cape. he bobs his head down and, as expected, it is the child. the large hardcover book (large for the child at least) is beside him, dragged against the floor with little sound made. the mandalorian kneels down to pick up the child, and the book as well. ]
He seems to like the picture books the most. [ he looks to IG-11. ] You dressed him up as one of them, right? Some sort of hairy beast I think.
[ he saw the costume IG-11 dressed him up for that guy's party. the one he didn't go to because... well, he's not going to talk about how he teared up watching anime that night. ]
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Yes. A monkey named Curious George.
[IG-11 is a nurse droid, not a zoologist, but he's got a basic understanding of the creatures from Kowak. The one depicted in this story is different than the ones he's heard of - much less repulsive and reptilian in appearance and demeanor. It lends itself well to a charming and adorable costume for the child.]
He lived in the jungle until he encountered a man. The man grew fond of George and decided to take him to a new environment.
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[ that's... weird. in a way he can't quite describe. the mandalorian looks down to the child, wide eyes focused between him and IG-11, wondering if he enjoyed his time at the party. maybe one day he'll tell them about it, and where he came from, among other things. ]
Glad it was a good time. Think he needed that. [ then he looks to IG-11 ] Thanks again for taking him. I'm... not really a party person.
[ understatement of the day. ]
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[Even the most diligent and watchful of guardians needs time to recharge their batteries, whether they're a droid or not. IG-11's optics flit to the child, who looks back up at the both of them.]
I am pleased that Jeff had a wonderful time as well.
[Oh no.]
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Jeff.
[ he repeats the name, the word, with a hollow shock. like he can't believe what he just heard because he can't. then, he does. he takes a step toward IG-11, sharply inhaling- ]
That is not his name, and the woman who said it was is a liar.
[ damn you abby, damn you ]
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Which woman?
[There were multiple women that called him by this name that night.]
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IG. The Child's name is not Jeff. I need you to understand that. Do you?
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I understand now.
[Abby had been fairly insistent on that name, and after seeing the way the Mandalorian's reacted, he believes he gets why.]
She insists on the name in order to elicit a reaction from you. Correct?
[Look at him, learning social situations.]
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