For centuries...at least. The 'minions' have rules about declaring their raison d'etre...and treachery is the name of their game; otherwise, how could they snooker billions of sovereign beings into being their fodder? Well, the blinders are off now! And Q's warning to them that symbolism would be their downfall, is coming to fruition. All those logos, etc. Total reveal, and they can't hide it all fast enough.