"I take it your universe is a bit different to here," says Andrew absently, backing away a step despite her assurances and the wagging tail -- or maybe because of the wagging tail; even that looks like a weapon. "Or his, at any rate. Ah -- don't take this the wrong way, but...."

And then he dodges around the other side of the shrub. He's not trying to leave, just get something between him and the Quarkbeast.