[ 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.

[andifeelfine]

Oh, no, I meant how do you know what's outside is better? Or that we're all going to die in here?

[kore_npc]

Unlike you, I've been outside and I know what they're planning. We need to get out. I can help you, but it won't be easy.

[andifeelfine]

What are they planning? I'm just curious. Unless it's like, too long of a list, and it would be easier to tell me in-person or something.

[kore_npc]

[ She laughs bitterly. ] You're cattle to them. You're not real people.

[andifeelfine]

I was more asking in the practical sense, and not in the soap opera dramatic sense, but that's okay, too! It must be upsetting to learn that they think of you that way.

[kore_npc]

You have no idea what they think of me, little girl.

[andifeelfine]

Well, I don't think you know much about me, either, but let's talk about you, not me! I'm really not that interesting, after all, and I'd like to do what I can to help you, if you'll let me.

[kore_npc]

[ Maria shakes her head. ]

I know more about you than you'd like to think. How are you going to help me?