When the Abbott is alone with Masklin, he says that he has a number of concerns about the future of the Store. Many years ago, the different departments fought for control of the Store. It was only when the Sationeri asserted that Arnold Bros. wanted the departments to live in peace that the wars ended. If the Stationeri is proved wrong about the existence of 'Outside', the other departments may start fighting again. Therefore, the Abbott must pretend that everything is normal to keep the peace.