Dale just kept Joe close by, trusting no one else to watch out for him but himself.

"Jack," he said, "I will back you up to the best of my ability, but I think we need to put this one in your hands. This is your playing field, and you're the one who knows the rules here. We'll follow your lead."

He felt that 'keep the civilian safe' needn't be said. Especially when said civilian was Joe.