[Maria blinked in mild confusion as Shadow reached out to prevent her from opening the box. This only deepened her curiousity. Though his words shutting down her suggestion to try some of the more intellectual challenges caused her to pout slightly. She really did want to help somehow. But she wouldn't offer any complaint. He was just trying to protect her after all. Even the other Shadow at her side, telling her to save her points, spoke of his protectiveness.

Her Shadow's promise to return her home pulled a small smile on her face, though it faded as she looked down at her lap. She wasn't certain if he was referring to Etraya (a place she only knew the name of) or her own universe. She didn't want to think about what was waiting for her back on the Ark. Not right now. She clenched chilled fingers until her knuckles were white.]

Just be careful. [Maria said in soft concern to her Shadow.] Fight to defend yourself if you must, but please only to incapacitate. Don't take a life un-necessarily. [The dead aliens in the square when they first reunited came to mind, making her shiver. She could feel the other Shadow leaning into her and she was grateful for that, keeping herself tucked under his arm as she leaned a little back. She heard him say to Shadow to not keep her waiting.

She glanced to the side at him, wondering if she heard right that he'd stay with her while her Shadow went to the Casino to look for this flash drive.]