"I don't know what cameras and drones are." There are crystal-bats, artificial creatures and tools of the Skeksis that they use for scouting and spying, but in the early years of the Gelfling resistance they're few in number. "But no one's being watched here, as far as I know. If there's a bad government where you're from...there are a lot of people here in the same boat. Worlds torn by war or people who are fleeing bad leaders."

The old birdlike creature who approaches Jack is clearly battered. His secondary limbs are bent roughly behind his back and tied so that he'll never be able to use them again, and there's a large metal nail that's been driven into his skull.

"I should know! I come from one such world. My name is skekGra the Heretic. I was exiled from my own people for my beliefs - though good riddance, if I do say so myself. Nasty creatures, Skeksis, and I say that as one myself! The Ritual-Master punishes anyone who steps too far out of line. Never any killing, but anything up to that is on the table. skekNa didn't put his own eye out, or cut off his own hand..."