Seems likely. Croach was with the folks last month, then they all disappeared. Then his antenna showed up in the mail. I can only think that they took 'em somehow.

[He hadn't thought that far ahead, as displayed by the slightly pained expression that crosses his face as he realizes he hadn't thought so far ahead. A bunch of brainwashed Heroes is the last thing they need.]

Ugh, that... that is a distinct possibility. And they already got a big army as it is.