[ Ford, at least, is used to an ungodly amount of strange things happening to him - largely because he's got this pesky habit of deliberately seeking them out. It's easy for him to stay calm.

... Granted, the confirmation that this place is actively tampering with their bodies damages that calm somewhat. He's not panicking yet, but his expression is deadly serious as he leans in closer to observe the porcelain that's replaced parts of Lysithea's skin. ]

'Speed is of the essence' indeed.

[ This presents a problem with her proposed plan, which Ford was otherwise just about to agree with. Limited mobility is troublesome in any situation, but in this one in particular it's bound to make searching for an exit more difficult. Especially since he's pretty sure he now knows the source of the slowly but steadily increasing stiffness in his joints. ]

I'd normally agree with your plan, but I believe staying together is the best course of action now. [ As for where to go... ] I've given each level a cursory sweep, and I've investigated this one thoroughly. If you think you can manage stairs, I say we start at the top and work our way down.