[Ned's expression gradually shifts from one of fear to one of concern and apology.] No one's going to dismantle you, Daneel. [ He frowns, knowing that's a promise he can't keep. Ned knows all too well that it is a short and downhill path from fear and suspicion to senseless violence, made only the shorter if the victim can be dismissed as inhuman. In Daneel's case, that could happen easily enough, and from the sound of it, he wouldn't be able to defend himself if it did.]
What I mean is... if they try, they'll have to come through me, first.
[ Not that Ned would really prove much of an obstacle, but that's entirely beside the point. If the outcasts can't protect each other, who is going to protect them? Besides, Ned rather likes the idea of having an ally, someone to protect, rather than being the one who always needs protection. ]
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What I mean is... if they try, they'll have to come through me, first.
[ Not that Ned would really prove much of an obstacle, but that's entirely beside the point. If the outcasts can't protect each other, who is going to protect them? Besides, Ned rather likes the idea of having an ally, someone to protect, rather than being the one who always needs protection. ]