[color=9e0039]CORRINE DOOLAK[/color] - The Last Plank

"I [i]mean[/i] this town has enough trouble with them damn cultists. Now you're telling us we got to start turning on one another like animals? Just who the hell do you think you are anyway? I know I'm human, and I know the friends and neighbors I've lived with all my life are human and that's all there is to it. Its you mainlanders I'm concerned about and frankly, I'm starting to think you should all just get in a boat and go back where you came. Take your problems with you. Hows that sound?"

With that Longfellow stood up abruptly and stormed out of The Last Plank. Corrine cringed as the door slammed shut.  Other patrons turned towards the sound, then went back to their drinking and mumbling amongst themselves.  She swirled the whiskey in her glass as she contemplated everything Rose had just divulged to them.  When she suggested they meet for a drink and talk about "The Institute," she had no idea it would sound like the plot of one of the film reels salvaged from the old movie theatre.  Despite what she knew about Acadia and those who occupied it, Corrine didn't once consider trying to find out what being a "synth" really meant, and after everything she heard, she was sorry she had asked.

Longfellow certainly had that part right.  Mainlanders and their problems really should just stick to the mainland.  She cleared her throat.  "I'm sorry for your friend.  Ain't too many folk around here these days who haven't lost a friend, or a loved one, so in that way, many of us can relate."  Corrine took a swig of her whiskey.  The alcohol burn was a welcome feeling that oozed down her throat and into her core.  If only it chased the cold and stiffness from her other joints so easily.

"The codger's drunk, but he's right.  Many of us come from generations of folks who have toiled on this island, in the fog, against its creatures and worse.  We've got enough to handle on our own, and especially right now."  She tried to speak softly, though her words were harsh.  "You got someone stalkin' [i]you[/i]?  As of tomorrow, this whole town full of people may be dead or at least without a place to live.  You can go back to wherever yer home is, but us," she gestured to the rest of the patrons in the Plank, "this [i]is[/i] our home."

She drained her glass and placed it gently onto the table.  "I don't wish ya any ill will.  Sad to say, though, if Longfellow doesn't have a lead, chances aren't good there'll be more to do about this bad bit of business.  We've got other fish to fry."