In contrast to version 1.0, this is not done through dialogue, but through a global script, that will switch the follower back to non-essential if they are currently engaged in combat with the player.

Because the script only executes every five seconds, it is possible that the companion may not die immediately if the player decides to kill them, instead falling unconscious. If that happens, just wait for them to get back up, choose a slow-to-kill weapon like a baseball bat or pistol and attack slowly until they turn hostile – they should then die provided you are in combat for more than five seconds.

If the player is not attacking the companion, they should remain ‘essential’ so long as their status is set to ‘hired’. The exceptions are Red, Shorty, Sticky and Sydney, who will remain ‘essential’ all the time they are not in combat with the player.

A general note:

When I make a mod, I make it the way I’d like to see it in my game. Usually, shortly before completion, I’ll add in any requested features or touches added by others to the WIP thread as a concession to other people who might want to use it. Other than requests (see above), I’m not making mods in the first instance for other people at all. As with request mods, if it’s an idea that fits in with my own personal game ideas, I’ll try to accommodate it in any updates. If it doesn’t run on your computer, or it doesn’t fit in with your personal preference to how the game should look, or it doesn’t have a feature that you would enjoy, I would respectfully suggest that you change the mod yourself to your liking in the construction set.