[He grows a little quiet at that, seemingly thinking about the difference in rules between natives and imPorts. All he can think is that it's a good thing those laws didn't apply to them right now. They had enough to deal with as it was.

The silence stretches even past the question for a few seconds. He's trying to figure out how to word this without saying too much.]

He's a stubborn idiot, so he's always trying to do everything himself. [He lets that settle for a few seconds as he thinks back on more recent, unfortunate memories.] I just want to help, but lately it doesn't really feel like I've done anything.

[Realizing that that's a little dampening, he perks himself up and looks over with a small smile.] Not that I'm giving up or anything! I'm going to do my best to help him here, too.