Sounds like they're winging it. Which Merrin isn't opposed to at all—if anything, experience with the Mantis crew has taught her that even the best-laid plans often go awry. If they have to lie, then they lie. If they have to fight, then they fight. She's adaptable.

So off they go. As she follows Jacob in the direction of the sanctuary, she asks in a low voice, "Fingers crossed? Why are you crossing your fingers?"

They should probably be focusing on their mission. Probably. But she hasn't heard that expression before—she may have grown up a bit sheltered—and she's nothing if not curious.