[He realizes with Lydia's reaction that he should have said it more carefully. He doesn't want them to hurt anymore than they already are, but if it comes down to them or him? Scott knows his answer. He always knows the answer to that question.]

Okay. Yeah. That'll probably work, but guys - if it doesn't--

[He looks down at his hands, clasped between his knees, and wets his lips. When he looks back up at them, he's a little resigned, but he's determined.]

I'd rather deal with the death toll than hurt anyone.

[He doesn't mention that the last time they were on that Barge, the death toll was breaking. Everything was breaking. He doesn't want them to worry more than they already are.]

This is just an in case, though. [He tries to lighten his expression, eyebrows up, mouth pulling at the corners.] The mountain ash will probably be fine. And I may not even be affected, you know?

[He's not a fatalist, he never could be. But he's not as naive as he used to be, either: faith in everything working out isn't enough.]