"...well, why do you work for them? I mean, do they have a great benefits package? Good dental?" He's just plain curious about it. Why would someone who had the skills and the know-how to get to this artifact what to work for them if they didn't buy into the whole mission and vision?

"Wish circumstances could be a little better than this, but...good to meet you all the same. I mean, I could still have gotten the artifact without you, but..." It's a big smile. "You ain't so half-bad at this work, yourself."