[ Harold swallows hard. He's really gotten himself into it now. This is not at all the time to reiterate that he gives only directions, not orders. ]

I'd like you to keep this area secure, [ he decides on the fly, landing on something concrete as absolutely necessary. ] Without permanently harming anyone, please. [ Even attempting to give orders he's scrupulously polite, but he can't help that. He is who he is. He'd always said please to the Machine, too, who was literally programmed to obey him for most of her existence.

He has a stroke of inspiration and adds more firmly, ] For at least the next twelve hours. [ Carver needs time away from others, in a secluded and safe area, after Harold just set him off. And Harold can monitor it, too, of course, which will give him some peace of mind. ]

If I bring Bear to you, will that help? I can teach you his commands.

[ That's a much stronger statement of trust than giving him the device on their closed MeSH network, but Harold doesn't want him to be fully alone. Bear is both protection and company. Dogs can be such a source of solace... but maybe Carver won't see it that way, so he asks rather that orders on that one. ]