With the last Nightclub Patrons funneling outside, the fleeing student catches Markus by the sleeve and pulls him toward a staff-only corridor. Her grip is desperate, her eyes fixed on the sealed service entrance.
The Fleeing Student
There is a maintenance stairwell under the club. Nobody checks it anymore. I can hide there until that thing passes.
The nearest staff member steps between them and the corridor, one hand braced against the control panel. Behind her, two remaining staff keep the public exits clear while the barrier shudders again.
Staff Member 1
No. If you leave this panel, the routes can lock again. Anyone still inside could be stranded, and that door could open into a full evacuation.
The Fleeing Student
You do not understand. It is coming for me. If I stay here, your people become targets too.
The alarms pulse through Eclipse like a second heartbeat. The student remains at Markus's side, ready to lead him below, while the staff member refuses to surrender the panel or the club's last line of control.