>>5141927You arrive in the <span class="mu-g">COMMONS</span> not long after. Pushing your way through the crowds of refugees searching for any distraction they can get, you can’t help but notice something, well, <span class="mu-i">off</span>.
“I know it don’t look like it,” Ly remarks as you walk past a crowd of citizens betting on a <span class="mu-g">RAT FIGHT,</span> “but there’s a <span class="mu-i">LOT</span> less people here den’ before!”
He’s right. <span class="mu-g">THE COMMONS</span> might still look like some kind of post-apocalyptic bazaar, but your bones aren’t wrong–the intricate network of corridors, walkways, and alleys seem a lot less crowded than usual. Maybe they’re sleeping somewhere?
“Sure,” Replies your bones as they borrow your shoulders to shrug, “or they <span class="mu-i">left</span>.”
Certainly possible! Passing a bullhorn-wielding man shouting something about ‘<span class="mu-i">Volunteer Scouts</span>’ to a growing group of refugees, you find yourself in front of where you began your ascent to <span class="mu-b">KARAOKE SUPERSTARDOM:</span><span class="mu-g">THE CANTEEN!</span>
Fighting off the urge to follow your nose to some delicious pub feed, you spot a nondescript door around the back of the establishment leading into the bunker walls.
“What are we doin’ here again?” Ly asks as you try the lock. It’s open! Lingering at the entrance, you summarize the basics for your layabout skeleton: you’re meeting with that <span class="mu-b">OPERATOR,</span> okay? The one on the radio?
“Oohh…” Ly remarks. “And we’re sure dis’ ain’t a trap?”
Well… <span class="mu-i">yea</span>, you mutter! They wanted to talk to you after meeting with the boss! It’s all above board, Ly–you got the directions and everything!
“Yea?” Your bones fire back. “From <span class="mu-i">WHO?</span>”
From <span class="mu-g">CHRISTY,</span> you groan, irritation welling up inside your head! The Personal Assistant, remember?
“Yep,” Ly sighs, clearly not enjoying the conversation either. “Da’ broad whose throat got trashed… by <span class="mu-i">US</span>, apparently.”
Right, you nod with a roll of your eyes, <span class="mu-i">THAT</span> one!
Ly sits in silence for a bit before responding. “Well gee, Stan, dat’ makes me feel <span class="mu-i">loads</span> better.”
Well it isn’t all about <span class="mu-i">him</span>, you sneer, but now that he brings it up you’re actually a little worried. Biting your lip as you peek through the door, all that awaits within is a shadowy corridor leading behind the eatery. Hypodermically-speaking, you whisper, what should you do if this <span class="mu-i">was</span> a trap?
“Leave?” Ly suggests in a dry tone. “I can check ahead, too–what were da’ instructions, anyways?”
They wanted you to press a button, you explain, your face blanching as you hear your own words. MAN, that <span class="mu-i">DOES</span> sound sketchy!
“Whatever we do, kid, just be <span class="mu-i">careful</span>.” Ly recommends.
What’s the plan?
>FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS. PRESS THE BUTTON IN THE ALLEY!>ENTER THE ALLEY AND LET LY SCOUT IT OUT!>HEAD INSIDE THE CANTEEN–SEE IF ANYTHING STANDS OUT!>JUST LEAVE–THIS IS A BAD IDEA!>WRITE-IN! 