Serenity Page 61

im rereading this comic and i think this is exactly where Jasper begins to rationalize his motive to feel important by saying he's just trying to keep everyone safe. Before he was only feeding them to feel useful while they all lived separately and independently, whereas now they will lose that independence while they rely on Jasper even more so than before. 
You wonder if he feels important because he is taking care of them, or taking care of them to feel important. 
I think he really does prioritize the safety of the group, I dont think he's feigning his priority for survival, but it's odd that he places survival above being kind. He wants them to live, but doesnt seem to value his "friends" properly. He's doing the bare minimum, and he doesnt care for the quality of their life (e.i., their happiness).