[ 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

[kore_npc]

I know a lot more and I'm not telling you anything until I'm safe. I'm not stupid. I worked hard to get to where I am.

[manofiron]

Who's going to protect you? Your scientist buddies? I mean, you are working together, right? Since they're promising you safety and not the rest of us.

[kore_npc]

Right now, I'm on the side that offers me the best protection.

[manofiron]

And we should stick our necks out for you because why?

[kore_npc]

Because otherwise, I can all but guarantee that you'll die. Do you want to get home or not?

[manofiron]

Right. See, trusting people isn't really a thing that I do. So you're going to have to do a little better than that. Especially since you obviously need our help or you wouldn't be trying to get it.

[kore_npc]

I suppose you've got me there, though doing this may be signing my death warrant from them, so I'm throwing myself in with you whether it's the smarter choice or not.

There are fail-safes and emergency exits. I can't get through any of them by myself, but we can do it with enough force.

[manofiron]

On the other side of the forest, right? If you're working for them, you probably already know that we've tried that. Twice.

[kore_npc]

No. The forest is by far the dumbest way to leave. I need to figure out a few things. I'll be in touch in a few hours.

[manofiron]

How about a show of good faith? What's a good direction to look in for a way out?

[kore_npc]

If not by land, then by sea.

[ She cuts the transmission ]