Dickson literally throws himself in the way of a lethal blow to protect Dunban during the Battle of Sword Valley. his mission was only to get the Monado into Shulk’s hands to facilitate Zanza’s return; Dunban never had to be alive for that. Dickson could’ve just let Dunban die and retrieved the Monado after things died down but he didn’t. and Dickson’s not exactly characterised as a charitable person; risking his life for the sake of another isn’t something he’d do without a damn good reason, especially when doing so has no perceived benefit to his overall character motivations.