"Point," he concedes, lips pressing into a thin line before relaxing. "Though, considering how -- how quiet things have been, thus far, I imagine our benefactors might be willing to talk, first."

Maybe. Whoever brought them here might not be so lenient, if and when they start talking back, fighting back, but at least they're not out to actively hurt them. Yet.

Either way, though, he shrugs, admits, "Not that I've seen even a hint of the man behind the curtain." Or not actively, anyway. The Merlaut just appearing smacks of outside influence, but he hasn't seen a literal hand in any of this.