Difficult Decision

"You! You despicable scoundrel! Do you even consider yourself a human being?" Cindy angrily shouted into the intercom. "Do you really think we're afraid of you? We have guns too. If needed, we'll fight you to the bitter end!"

"Cindy! Calm down!" Deborah hurriedly pulled Cindy back and, with a forced smile, addressed the intercom, "So, how do you propose we make a trade? We've been trapped down here for a long time, and we don't have anything valuable left. If you're looking for an exchange, we can only offer some jewelry and a few thousand dollars."

Deborah's words were a deliberate attempt to fish for information. If the person outside wanted money, it would indicate that the situation wasn't as terrifying as described. The social order might still be intact. In a collapsed society, money would be worthless, and no one would foolishly trade food for a pile of paper.