She cooperates for now

Lux feels like she should be arguing back, but this seems like a chance to start over. “Call me Lux,” she says. “Who are you? What is this place?”

“My name is Atara,” the woman says, “and don’t you ask me about ‘this place’ as if it owes you answers. It was here before you were born and will remain long after you’re gone, girl.” She shakes her head. “Hundreds of years ago, all of this was built as a refuge for a movement – followers of an ideal. They gave shape to their vision by forging the Great Machine, a powerful mechanical mind. The Great Machine has tended to us – its people – for generations.”

“It’s your god?” Lux asks.

“No, but that will do as far as your understanding goes,” Atara replies. “What matters now is that a group who were exiled from our community some years ago have found a way back – aided by the brigands who now raid on the surface. The ones who abducted you, I’m guessing. They’ve sabotaged the Great Machine. It cannot protect us until it is re-awakened.”

Lux nods. “Well, I’ll be happy to get out of your way, as soon as you can tell me how to get this stupid collar off.”

“And I’d be happy to take it from you,” Atara says, “if only to recover our stolen property. But that’s not going to be possible until we have more control over the situation. Come with me.”

She turns on her heel and marches away.