Woodland really wasn't sure how she kept getting caught up in stuff like this. Somehow, Dire and Manfred had convinced her to show them the top floor of the colony's main building- which was usually strictly off-limits for many reasons, and always closely guarded. Honestly, Woodland couldn't even pretend she wasn't curious herself, although she was usually more one to stick to the rules set in place. Manfred huffed besides her "I mean, it can't be *that* big a deal." to which Woodland shook her head "I mean- I'm pretty sure that's where we keep the expensive research equipment." Manfred rolled his eyes "It'll be fine, we won't damage anything. Don't *you* want to know what's up there?" Woodland sighed. She did want to know, quite badly actually. Most colonists didn't really know what was up there, and the few that did would dismiss any inquiries about what happened on the top floor, claiming that that stuff was "just boring machinery". This obviously did nothing to lessen the curiosity of the others. "I doubt it would hurt if we just took a little peek." Dire suggested. The two visitors had asked about the top level earlier, wanting to visit it

to see how far they could see over the canopy of the fungal forest. Matter had explained to them that a visit wouldn't be possible, but Manfred and Dire seemed determined. Woodland rolled her eyes, "Fine, but we'll have to distract the guards on that level." Manfred frowned "What are they hiding that they need guards up there?" "I mean, nothing really" Woodland shrugged, starting to climb the stairs. "But since it's the top level, it is a good vantage point." she peeked her head out as they reached the top floor. "Usually Judge or Guide keeps watch from here, just in case. Guarding the floor is kind of a second priority." "Are those the guards?" Dire asked, pointing at two black belemoids walking around near the stairway's exit. "The black-and-green one is Guide, the other Judge We'll have to convince them we got permission to be here." Woodland whispered to the others- just in time because Judge glanced over and noticed the trio trough the little window in the door, and came bounding over, with Guide in tow. They didn't look too pleased to see the three hanging out there. Judge acknowledged Woodland first with a small nod, "Woodland."

He nodded to the other two "Visitors- unfortunately this floor is off limits to most- which I'd assume Woodland would have told you by now." Dire nodded, "I suppose you might not have been informed yet- me and Manfred here were asked to check on some of the equipment stored on this level. Woodland has agreed to supervise us as we do so." Judge and Guide looked at each other, both seeming rather unsure. "We haven't heard anything about that from the usual mechanics *or* any of the colony leaders Who exactly gave you permission?" Woodland tried her best to look as confident as possible "Cause did! She came down earlier and said that some of her machinery had broken down, and Dire happened to know how to fix it! Really funny coincidence, actually. And Manfred just happened to have worked with that machine earlier so he agreed to-" She was cut off my an impatient Guide "Alright, alright. I suppose that checks out- Cause *was* up here earlier today, and seemed pretty pissed off about something " Judge nodded in agreement. "We can let you trough for now But if we find out you weren't supposed be here, you'll

be in trouble, Wood." Wood smiled at him, nodding. "I'll be okay! I'll make sure someone send you the details later!" The three pushed past the guards. "I can't believe that worked! I hope they don't check on that later, though And that Cause gets her equipment fixed eventually." Manfred shrugged, "I'm sure she'll be okay. She probably already asked someone else to come check it out, after all. I imagine she went straight to the mechanic's office." The three seemed quite satisfied as they looked over the fungal forest. Even Woodland, who had been hesitant at first enjoyed the view quite a bit.