"I know." And he very nearly laughed, looking at Malik with eyes almost purely helpless. "I am doing many things here that I know little of. It is like looking into the Apple. I see what can be done and what needs to be done to make it possible, but I haven't the skill. But I need to learn. This is not Masyaf - I cannot simply send down word and expect it all to be done. I must have my hands in it here.

"So far, I have established a watch to be aware of external threats. I have been urging people toward things that suit their talents. We had an illness sweep through, and I did what I could for the ill. Most here simply wish to leave. I..."

He had just been speaking to Takashi days before, and he had decided if a risk was to be taken, someone like him should be the one to take it. Now, at least for a while, he had Malik to take care of. He couldn't take that sort of risk until his oldest, dearest friend had something more steady under his feet.

"I do not mind it so badly, being here."