I'm really not sure what I'd do if a coworker fled the area to avoid being compelled to do their job, threatened to murder anyone who tried to get them to do their job, then showed back up at work. It's just totally beyond the pale. But I can't really blame someone for being uncomfortable in the situation.
Imagine you're a safety inspector for a manned spacecraft launch, and know that launching today will result in everyone onboard dying. However, through bureaucratic incompetence, you do not have the ability to get this information to someone who can cancel or delay the launch. There is no backup for the position you hold, and if you fail to appear on the day of the launch the launch will be cancelled.
Is showing up to work that day doing your job?
It's not a perfect analogy, but in my opinion it fits.
