It's easy to take that wry look as something self conscious, and equally easy to take it as Walter joking and pointing out that Russell could get more involved, if he's worried. Which he doesn't really want to do.

"Maybe I'll try offering him some encouraging words..."

It's more helpful than doing nothing, at least. Russell fidgets with how some things are laid out on the table, glancing around at the small number of numbered in the room so far.

"It might be stranger, for him, since he never talks on the network. Would he even know everyone here?"