"Right, you lot," said Corliss quietly, nodding at Michael and Aurora. They had paused outside The Sharing building, looking around to make sure no one was in earshot, just before Kaitlyn started eavesdropping. Now they were walking along again, down the dark city street. The weather was warm, even for summer, but there was a pleasant breeze. "We need to talk. I'm sorry to have to drag the two of you into this, but really there's no other choice. If you want to leave, this is your last chance, and if you do--don't ever go back to The Sharing. It's not safe. Your world isn't safe anymore." He paused, waiting, then continued, speaking even more softly. "What I'm about to show you means you will have to leave everything and everyone you know behind. If not forever, then for the foreseeable future. I know it sounds mad, but there's a war going on, right here on your planet. A war to enslave your world. And I'm asking you if you want to be a part of it, on the side that's defending your people. Every human on this planet is in danger, and some of the creatures at fault want to try to save you instead of destroying you." He searched their faces. "Yes, it's some bloody X-Files ridiculousness. But it's also very dangerously real. You have to believe what I'm telling you. Or," he shrugged. "Forget it and never show your faces at that damn place again."
