Everyone's protection has been weighing heavily on Doc's mind. Especially the ladies, who are not defenceless by any stretch of the imagination, but he worries for them nonetheless. Miss Claire, Miss Ellie, Miss Daisy, Miss Zed, and who knows who else he hasn't yet had the chance to meet. Lives are precious. He should like to be able to save a few for once before his time is up.

"Would you kill me, if the time comes?" Doc asks, lifting his gaze from where he'd been touching the rim of his empty teacup like a claw, picking it up and putting it down absently to give his preferred smoking hand something to do.