"You're right. Those issues are a little more pressing. Unfortunately there don't seem to be many answers readily available, not that I would expect as much from glorified kidnappers. The energy claim is probably a lie to create a false sense of security. The free housing really plays into that idea."

Considering how easily Pepper replied to him, Stein assumed she was in the know (or as much as one could be with a piddling information packet to go on) and also found things suspicious.

"It just doesn't feel right..." Brow furrowed, Stein reached up and grasped the screw with one hand. He gave it two thoughtful turns--it creaked as he did so--and when the last turn ended with a click his face cleared.

"Ah! Of course the whole touching thing is flimsy at best. Maybe it's more about the people that have been brought here. Something everyone here has in common."

What that something was, he had no idea. Hey, even geniuses had to take things one step at a time, right?