"Yes, you may tell River," Daneel says, after a moment's consideration. Ideally, in his mind, if something is to happen to him it won't happen to Ned, that he might be able to sacrifice himself to protect him. It might not happen that way, but if he must deactivate, die, then it should be for a purpose.

"She can be trusted with this information as well. I am not comfortable with it being widely known, but a trusted few should."