Where do they go from here? That was a big question. People protecting people from each other created a dangerous cycle that constantly escalated. It was dangerous, and had to be nipped somewhere. And he hated that, in a moment of panic, he'd asked John to take part on their behalf. Even if he knew he'd choose items that weren't so harmful as the others.

He fidgeted a bit with his hat. "I think you did the best you could. Even if you freaked out once or twice."