Your first priority is to calm Jasper down, full stop. Their panic could jeopardize the whole mission, and you can’t afford to lose them. Nothing else can be done and the more you assess this situation and keep communication going.
You tell Jasper that you’re not going to sugarcoat things- this is a bad situation, but not as bad as it seems. You’re here to help, and have a bird’s eye view of the cavern- they have the information advantage, and that’s a big asset. They’re the only TCP in this situation that can be reached right now, and you’re going to guide them through this, the whole way.
Jasper tries to cool down, nodding at your words. You tell them that they have to be very quiet, and that signaling would probably be the best plan right now. One finger for yes, two for no, three for rephrase the question. Does that sound good?
Jasper holds up a single finger, and you tell them that’s perfect. This is going to be a sneaking mission, and you have full faith in their ability to pull it off. There is backup coming, and one way or another, they’re coming home safely. Info gathering would be crucial though, and the more they can pass on, the better their chances will be of getting out of this in one piece. As it stands, they have a pretty big choice to make.
They can run and regroup at the base, avoiding danger and getting backup, or they could stay and help rescue themse-
They cut you off, holding up a single finger without hesitation.
You ask if they’re sure. Seaspray is very possibly dead, or worse. Spit is a cruel god, and if she’s keeping them alive, it’s to make them suffer.
Jasper holds up their finger with even more emphasis, shaking their head and breaking their silence, keeping their voice low. They’re going to get their friends out of here. It was their stupid ass idea to come on a recon mission in the first place, and if they’re the only one left…
Then the answer’s obvious. They’re staying.
Getting them out of here is going to be difficult, possibly impossible, you warn. There’s more risk of death if they stay. They retort that they’d rather stay and help their friends, no matter what. And that’s that.
Then their biggest priority is finding both of the TCPs and exits. You ask if they can handle that, and they go back to signaling- one affirmative finger.