[Oh dear, was that unnerving? Terribly sorry about that. It'd be a shame to add to that, wouldn't it?]
So indeed. Or, rather, we are left at the mercy of each other, so to speak. [:) :) :)]
[...But surely he didn't mean to sound ominous, since a second later he laughs lightly and makes a brief, dismissive gesture with one hand.]
These are unpleasant news, I realise, and I apologise that I cannot present a more uplifting picture. Being at each others' "mercy" at least comes with the benefit of everyone sharing the same predicament? The majority of the people here are eager to offer help in what ways they can.