There is a saying, I think: Keep friends close and enemies closer. I do not necessarily agree with it but I am not so foolish that I do not understand the sentiment.

If any here are truly a danger to my being than I'd prefer to keep them e'er at my front than at my back. If they be allies then I've a friend and if they're foes? Well, then I'll have a better idea of what to expect.

[He drops his face back to his palm.]

So you see, knowing your neighbors in dire times is always the wisest path. What luck that it is also the most fun!