[ Open Video ] (Individual threads may have warnings. I will clearly mark them in the subject line.)

[kore_npc]

[ In the wake of the first tremors, Maria looks harried. Her hair is a mess and the video is shaking. ]

Listen to me very carefully. We need to get out of here! Whatever they have waiting for us out there is nothing on this.

[ She takes a deep breath, muttering more to herself than the video. ]

We're all going to die in here. They said I'd be safe.

[ It cuts out. ]

Comments

[andifeelfine]

[ Inquisitive, calm: ]

How do you know that?

[kore_npc]

It's what I would do.

[manofiron]

And what is this, exactly? Other than an earthquake.

[kore_npc]

It's not an earthquake. It's a side effect. It's a sign of the end.

[investigations]

You're going to be fine. [A lie, but it's at least a nice one.]

What do they have waiting for us out there?

[kore_npc]

Everything you're afraid of. Things you've never even heard of. What they're sitting on--what they can do... you can't imagine. Even that robot fellow can't touch what they have in terms of technological advancements.

[reluctantsword]

Wait, wait. Safe from what? What are you talking about?

[kore_npc]

Safe from all of you.

[ There's a sound of metal pieces sliding together. ]

audio:

[charring]

How specific and useful this information is. Truly, you've left nothing out.

[Charlie McGee: Sassin' kidnappers (or at least people she assumes are kidnappers) since she was eight.]

audio:

[kore_npc]

Oh, you're just so charming, aren't you? I can't imagine why they wanted you locked up.

[hung_garian]

Nothing like a spoonful of doom and gloom to help the earthquake go down. Mind elaborating some, sweetheart? I need a little more detail than that to get myself properly panicked.

[kore_npc]

I know what you are and I know what you're capable of and even you are no match for this thing.

[villainized]

We're not all going to die. You might, though.

[kore_npc]

Oh, sweetie, being the prince of darkness won't save you. You can die like anyone else. You're just harder to kill.

[noblexcompanion]

Um... slight problem with that suggestion... there is no way out of here...

[kore_npc]

I know ways out of here. Hypothetically.

[gleans]

We've -- we've tried, where've you been? They who?

[kore_npc]

You tried wrong. The people who've trapped you here left escape routes, but they're not in the woods, honey.

[plaidsamurai]

Someone promised you safety? Who? In exchange fer what? [Thanks for enforcing his spy paranoia.]

[kore_npc]

The people I work for told me I would be safe, even in this mad house, but it's happening again.

[audio] [private]

[redripoff]

[Having had a chance to eavesdrop on a few other conversations:] What would you hypothetically need from us as far as "help" is concerned?

[audio] [private]

[kore_npc]

We will very likely be fighting our way out.

[thelittlestbub]

[Jubilee has found a doorway. Doorways are awesome. She's from California.]

Dude, it's a little bit of a shake? I mean, disturbing, yeah, but c'mon.

[kore_npc]

Have you listened to anything I've said to the others? It's not an earthquake.

[afallenstar]

Have you got a plan?

[ Because if it's not a damn good one, like Hell is she letting anyone try that again. ]

[kore_npc]

I've got an idea of one. We're going to have to be ready for a few surprises.

[magnets]

Yo, it's just a earthquake. [ Duh. Jesse taps his two forefingers against his head. Thinking. ] I thought there was, like, lions and shit out there anyway.

[kore_npc]

There are saber-toothed cats. Have you not bothered to question where they came from?

[nevermindtherunning]

I think you're a wee bit paranoid. Where are you? If we stick together we can be safer. Don't be alone.

[kore_npc]

We won't be safe until we're out of here.

video;

[weboflies]

Why should we take your word?

[kore_npc]

Why shouldn't you? I'm the first person to tell you all even a fraction of the truth.

private vid

[agentx13]

Who said you would be safe, Maria?

[Sharon doesn't need this right now, Maria. Not at all. But she'll play along for now.]

[kore_npc]

My employers.