[a steadying breath, nodding. All right, so he isn't fully being left to figure this out on his own. That's a relief.]

But I do not wish for anyone to suffer... indignity, under me. [haltingly] I need to find out how I can... protect people.

[saying it feels almost arrogant - as if that is something he can do, with his limited experience. As if he is worthy of someone contracting with.

But there is a small smile at that - 'people like us']

...you observe a lot.