[ What's a moment of awkward silence or three between friends? Neil is quite uncertain of what to do now, himself, since he feels he got off-target in the conversation. ]
[ Finally, after that long moment, he sits up straighter. ] If anyone comes to you about this, let me know. I've... talked to Ribbons, and he and his sister should both understand what's at stake for everyone here. [ And then, quieter but with a certain firmness. ] And he knows what I'll do to protect that.