"We do," Shade-Seeker answers, pausing as the waiter delivers their drinks; his soup has a fair bit in common with chili--it smells nicely spicy, for fans of hot foods, and eye-wateringly pungent to those with a milder palate. The akh looks like a foam-topped cappuccino, and smells like a fresh-baked cinnamon roll. "But in my experience, even an irrational fear may be addressed rationally. While idle, your friend can only sit and fret--but give him this task, and he will have peace of mind. What should happen if your shielding, your force-fields, your hull plates, all fail? What is the next line between the crew and death?"

The robed shoulders rise in a shrug. "The ship becomes more safe, and your friend gains, if not lasting peace of mind, then at least the reprieve of an engaging task, and the knowledge that he has done all he is able. In dark times, such small comforts can be worth much, I find."