As much as Maine doesn't like the compulsion aspect of things (perhaps because he's surprisingly susceptible to it), he has to admit, it could be worse. The fact that this place is compelling them to touch when touch is necessary for their survival seems like more than a coincidence.

Maybe this place wants them here. Maybe it wants them to touch, and live, and win.

As if a place could want anything.

"Will call," Maine says. "Carolina, too."

In other words: he'll rely on both of them for contact. And he won't let Carolina turn into a statue, either.

"Sparring work?" For contact, he means. If so, keeping Carolina set will be easy.