[ 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?

[manofiron]

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

[kore_npc]

It's what I would do.

[kore_npc]

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

[andifeelfine]

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

[manofiron]

A side-effect of what?

[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.

[kore_npc]

Power. Change. This is what happens when you play with things you don't understand.

[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.

[manofiron]

So clue me in. If you know any more than the rest of us.

[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]

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

[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.

[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.

[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.

[reluctantsword]

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

[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.

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.]

[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]

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

[kore_npc]

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

[kore_npc]

Safe from all of you.

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

audio:

[kore_npc]

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

[manofiron]

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

[villainized]

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