Allen stumbles back, and it takes him a moment to regain his bearings. By the time Childermass is quite done, Allen is readjusting the collar of his jacket irritably.

"The fear works to motivate them, I think. I'm not trying to make friends," Allen responds, brows drawn together, confused as to why anyone might want such a thing and concerned Childermass isn't aware friends are a terrible idea. Are they going to need to have a talk? "But we're not going to change the way things are around here if we don't all work together."