[ His eyebrows jump in surprise. He says, slowly: ]

She could be if she wanted to.

[ He holds up a hand to preempt argument, tone gentle. ]

Not an accusation. I'm just establishing who has power here. They have a lot; we have a little. [ He has more than he's letting on. Takes one to know one, et cetera. ] But the folks who live here, the ones without tentacles? They've got none. Even the least of us is still a legend to them.

If you want an afterschool special takeaway, maybe have that one. We're worth more than we think.

[ He quirks that tired little smile. ]

So come on by if something locks up again. It gives me something to do.