Frostpunk: The Last City On Earth
Chapter 4: The Workshop
The journey back to New London was serene, but everyone's hopes were high. They thought that they would have perished in the snow if Jack and Walter hadn't shown up in time.
While everyone was chatting with each other about how fortunate they were to make it, one of them walked up to Walter, who was guarding the front.
"Excuse me, young man. You're Walter, right?" He asked as he tapped his shoulder, getting his attention.
Walter turns to look at him, "Yes. I'm Walter." The man offers his hand to shake, and Walter quickly returns the gesture before returning to the front.
"I just wanted to say thank you again. If you didn't find us, we would've been done for out here. You two are a godsend." He said.
"Don't mention it. We were glad too when we found you. Jack would've been demoralized if we failed."
"The sun's going down," Jack said as he looked up at the sky. Walter looked up as well, examining the sun as it slowly goes down.
Walter turns to the group, "Alright, everyone. Switch on your lamps. It's getting dark soon." Everyone nods and switches on their lamps attached to their shoulders and chests. The small hand-held device hums as it activates, giving a warm glow and warmth surrounding them.
Fascinating little device. It was built shortly after the realization of the endless winter.
"Walter, do you think there could be other people out there?" Jack asked.
Walter thinks for a moment before giving his answer. He didn't want to say anything that could hurt Jack. So he settled with, "Maybe, we can't be sure until we find out. But hopefully. I'm sure."
Jack smiled and nodded at his response. "Yeah, I hope so. It's about time I could finally do some good for once, you know." Said Jack.
Jack continues to check the map while Walter was out scouting the area. He looks around and finds no visible landmarks to pinpoint their location. But there was something in the distance.
It looked like a tall frozen tree on a small hill.
Well, it was the only visible tree from the massive empty plains. And something seems to be dangling hanging from it.
Walter raises his rifle and aims his scope at the frozen tree. It's a giant dead tree. Devoid of its leaves, just any other tree in the snow plains. His focus shifts to the objects that are hanging on one of its thick branches.
They were bodies hanging on the tree.
He calls out to Jack, "Jack, have you seen that frozen tree before?"
The group stopped as Jack looks up from his map and follows where Walter's finger was pointing.
Jack was puzzled by Walter's sudden interest in the tree. "Why? What's so interesting about it?" He asked.
"I think I found something that I hope it isn't," Walter said as he lowers his rifle. Walter stood there, speechless. His eyes, just staring straight at the tree.
"Why? What did you see, Walter?" Jack asked, a little bit concerned when he saw Walter's expression change.
Walter didn't respond. And this made Jack more anxious.
"What's going on?" Someone from the group asked. The rest of them came up and wanted to see what was going on, "Young man, are you alright? What did you see up there?" A man in a red flat cap and glasses asked.
"There was, well. There was," Walter tries to explain, but he failed to find the right words to say to them.
Jack, not wanting to wait any further, took the rifle from his hands and aimed the scope at the tree. Walter tried to snatch his rifle back from him, but it was too late. Jack gasped and covered his mouth in horror.
"What is it?" Asked a little girl, gently tugging his coat to get his attention.
Jack looked at the girl and said, "Uh, just some uh. Something that uh, Well it's not, good but-" Jack paused, he wasn't going to be the one to explain something terrible to a little girl.
But his train of thoughts was shattered as Walter said something even worse.
"I'm going to check it out. You stay with the rest."
Jack snaps out of himself upon hearing that, "Wait, what! No, you can't be serious."
"I am serious, Jack."
Jack turned back to the tree, and his curiosity about the tree was growing even faster. He turns to the group and chooses a few men. "We're going up there to check it out. I need you guys to be in charge until we get back. Can you do that?" Jack asked.
"No, Jack. Don't." Walter tried to stop him.
The men nod, "You better make it quick, in case you've forgotten. The night is coming." He said.
"We'll be quick, don't worry. Come on, Walter. Let's check it out." Said Jack as he ran to the tree. Walter looks at Jack and sighs before running after him.
The two ran as fast as they could, the cold air brushing against their faces. And as they got closer, the sight was horrifying.
"Oh my god," Jack said as he looks at it.
Walter stares in disbelief.
"What the fuck," Was all could Walter say.
The three objects that were hanging from the tree were indeed bodies. But what was so horrifying to Jack and Walter was that these bloodied were mutilated and skinned. Flayed, peeled from them. Some of their limbs were missing, and their eye sockets gouged.
Their bodies were riddled with whip marks so deep that you could see their bones. Parts of their skin look like they were burning burned alive while getting whipped and hanged. It sends a shiver down their spines.
What cruel being would do such a horrible thing?
The sight was so revolting that Jack managed to spew just a little bit.
But what was the most disturbing thing so far out of the grotesque display before them?
The middle course had a sign wrapped around its chest and a crow resting on its deformed head.
"DO NOT CROSS THE FATHER." It reads, written in red, what looks like probable blood.
"We're not dealing with a cult here, are we?" Said Jack worriedly wiping his mouth.
Walter shakes his head. "We got to get out of this area. If they did this here, then that means they could still be around this area. Let's leave, NOW." Walter said. He immediately runs back to the group.
Jack stared at the tree more time before running back.
"Those two better be back soon. We've wasted enough time as it is." Said one of the guys. "Now, now. No need to get your knickers in a twist. Look, they are already heading back to us." Said the elder.
He noticed them running back to them, "Well, what did you see? Is it bad?" He asked. Jack hesitated on answering. So Walter stepped in instead.
"Just a warning about some dangerous folks around here. It's not safe here. We should continue our way back." He said, turning to Jack.
Jack nodded, "Yeah, we should move while we still can. I don't wanna stick around and meet them." The elder nodded. Walter scowls and says, "Trust me, these are not the kind of people that you would wanna meet with."
That isn't a way to display law and order. This 'Father' or whoever he is, is extremely dangerous. They need to be careful.
The group leaves in haste, not wanting to spend any more time near the hanging tree.
In the distance, under the hanging tree was a hooded figure hiding in the snow, missed completely by Jack and Walter. He stands up and calls for his crow to come to him. He pulls out a small piece of paper and begins writing something.
"Interesting."
The crow flies from the tree and to the hooded figure. It lands on his shoulder as he gives the paper to hold it in its beak. "Fly back home, and tell the Father that we've got new guests to welcome."
He pets the crow. The crow looks at him one more time before flying off back to their home. The lone figure continues to watch the group slowly disappearing from his sight.
He chuckles to himself as he leaves the hanging tree.
/-/
"That sun is going down. How's your progress so far?" Said the Captain.
The engineer explains, "All good, sir. The circuits should be in place. All that's left now is the power it up with steam core, and we are all set."
"I trust the designs that I made were sufficient?"
"Yes, Captain. Even though we made a few tweaks here and there. But overall, it is better than what I used to work at, and my last boss hardly cared about our well-being. Thank you."
"It's nothing. I used to work in a workshop as a boy before I joined the military. I always hated that place."
"That's it, lads! Just one more pull!" The foreman shouted as he pulls the cart carrying the steam core. "Place it here!"
They brought the steam core to the side of the building and attached it to a pulley system. There is a scaffolding where the steam core will be.
Once everything was ready, the foreman gave the command. "Ready, pull!" The engineers held onto the rope as they raised the steam core.
"Okay, hold it there. We'll take it from here." The engineers standing on the scaffolding began to pull the steam core into its slot, connecting the wires and plugs.
Everyone gathered around to watch the full completion of the new and improved workshop. Elliana was in the crowd. Even Finn had come down from his cookhouse to see it. "Well, you guys certainly did a fine job." He said.
Elliana heard him and turn to him, "Don't praise them yet. They still need to see if the steam core works."
Finn was startled as he turns to her, "You scared me there, missy. I didn't know you were standing there." Elliana giggled, "I'm sorry. I'm Elliana, an engineer." She offers her hand.
Finn shakes her hand, "Well, nice to meet you, Elliana. I'm Finn, the cook."
"I know, I saw you working at your cookhouse, and you were smiling while you were cooking. I see you love your job a lot."
"Aye, before the winter, I used to own a small restaurant. My wife encouraged me to pursue my dreams of becoming a chef. It used to be a place filled with friends, families, and lovers." Finn's smile lessens.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"It's alright, missy. The new cookhouse was similar to my old one. Everyone was smiling, sharing stories, and spending time. A little crowded, something I never had before. It was like nothing changed." Finn explained. "You said you have a wife, so where is she? Isn't she supposed to be with you?"
"She's back at the cookhouse, and she wanted me to "stop touching that pot and get your ass outside," you know? I can't fight her sometimes."
Elliana giggles again, "I don't have a significant partner, so I can't relate to that."
"You're lucky you don't."
They stopped their conversation as they noticed the captain was about to give his speech. "Alright, everyone. I know my address will delay the opening of the new workshop. So I'll keep it brief. This achievement is the first of many to come, and so much more to be done. There will be a reward later on in the coming days, I'll assure you, but it'll take some time. Before you give your applause, engineers, would you kindly?" The captain gestures.
They nodded and proceeded to pull the lever. The sound of the steam core began to hum. Its warm orange glow began to brighten as the gears started moving, and the lightbulbs shine and illuminate the building. And the electrical cords lighted up to produce energy as it becomes alive.
"Everyone, the new workshop has officially opened." Said the captain.
Everyone cheered for its completion, congratulating the engineers for having a new workplace and thanking the captain for his contributions. Reputation was building high for the captain. He never felt more proud to see everyone working so hard to make this city their new home. He lets them celebrate for a while more before he releases them.
"Okay, okay, everyone. It's getting late. Head to the cookhouse for your dinner. I'm sure Finn is cooking up a good meal today."
It wasn't long as Finn raised his hand, "I'm right here, captain. And the pots are already everyone."
Everyone laughed as they left for that much-needed break from working and giving up their time to see the workshop.
The captain waves to Finn and Alliana. "You two are here, and I thought you are at the cookhouse."
"My wife told me to exercise."
"And you should head back 'cause I see a lot of customers heading to your place." Said the captain.
"Ah, you don't have to tell me twice. See you later, captain. And you too, missy. It was nice talking with you."
"Yes, it was. I should be checking out the new place now. Goodbye Finn. And you too, captain." Said Elliana. "Goodbye, you two."
He left the workshop and returns to his tent. Once again, in his tent with his usual bedroll and desk. He sits down and resumes his planning for the city.
The captain had hoped to start building a more efficient hospital to treat people with minor and major problems. Along with better equipment for the staff, to better serve them. Frostbites are getting serious now. And many workers had to take longer breaks, slowing down the production time, to warm themselves up again.
And soon maybe, they will have real homes. These tents are not exactly going to last for very long. They have been stockpiling a lot of wood and steel for the past few days. Maybe it's time to start it sooner, perhaps after they rest up for a few days, of course.
The horn blows, "Rest time, put down your tools. Go and rest, everyone." Said the announcer. Workers have left for their homes, some picking up their children from school. But others had another job to perform.
A group of men had gathered around a black tent. A head guard walks out of his tent and stands among his men, "The night shift begins now, gather your weapons and head to your sectors, and keep a lookout for trouble. No guns. Your friends and family need to sleep. No need to wake them. Am I understood?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Good, as you were." He dismisses them. The men gathered around themselves, "Time to start the watch." One of them said, grabbing his spear. "Another night, another day goes by." Said another as he took his club and shield.
"The captain needs men for this. We can never trust the night." Said a young guard. "Besides, who knows what could be out there." They nodded and proceeded to their posts.
"I heard that the captain already planned on setting up more defenses around the crater. He said something about building a defensive wall around it, and it's a pretty big project if you ask me. Might take too long to build it." He said.
"Well, if it makes our home safer in the long run, then I support it. The captain looks out for everybody. Haven't you seen the new workshop the engineers got?" Another guard said.
"Hey, Gared. Where are you posted today?"
"Northside, why?" Said Gared.
"Dang, I'm stuck in the south today. I guess it's going to be boring tonight."
"Hey!" Another guard said.
Both of them laughed.
Their conversation went on. And the captain's tent was near the guard's. He could hear their conversation, "Those guards are getting loud tonight." The captain thought to himself.
He brushes it aside as he continues his work, but aside from building schools and hospitals, how about a little variety for the people? Like a pub, just like back home where friends and lovers can enjoy their downtime.
Or a garden where they can see the beautiful flowers and trees going healthy and safe, devoid of any snow.
There are lots of discarded wood around, enough to craft some toys for them.
Maybe even a library, for those who loved reading and want to forget about the awful world around them. That sounds wonderful.
But of course, all these good things and yet a terrible storm is coming.
He tried to push that thought aside. But the image of a possible death from the storm and the people of New London.
It was too much for the captain. Everything went to shit when this damn winter came. At least his mother passed before the snow. He would be damned if his mother died from this infernal winter.
Why? Why did this winter come? He never wanted this to happen. Nobody did.
And his father.
Like him, he too is a leader of another expedition. He is at Site 113, a place resting by the ocean cliffside, all the way to the north. And even further from London. His only family left who could still be alive is far away from where he is. He is one of the top leading scientists, and he did help design the generators.
He pushes those thoughts aside for now. He needed to finish these drafts and send them to the engineers.
/-/
Inside the medical tent, Eve had just finished treating a sick patient. "Thank you, nurse. I feel a lot better now." He said.
"Think nothing of it, for now, you should rest before you head home," said Eve as she smiled.
Her smile disappeared as she heard someone screaming.
"Ah!"
The patient sits up, "What's going on?"
Then, two guards came rushing into the tent. They were carrying another guard. "Argh! Watch it!" The man screamed as he holds his leg in pain, and he was bleeding badly.
Eve immediately stood up and helped him to a bed. "Lay him here gently, and don't touch your leg," Eve instructed. The guards placed him on the bed next to the other patient and stood back. Eve sat next to the injured man and started cleaning his wound.
"Can you tell me what happened to your leg?" She asked.
The man groans in pain before managing to speak, "I was patrolling up top, and then I was attacked by a wolf. It was a giant black wolf. Almost as big as a bear. I managed to injure it, but it wasn't enough, and bit me. It almost went for my neck. If it weren't for my guys, I would've died."
He flinches as Eve cleans and wraps his leg. The bite was huge, and it covered most of his leg, but luckily his foot is still okay. She managed to stop the bleeding. But with all that blood loss, it was a miracle he lasted this long.
Once his leg was all cleaned up and well wrapped in bandages, Eve gave him some medication and hot food before settling him down for the night. "Now, lie down and rest. I'll check with you back in the morning." She said.
He nodded, "Okay, and thank you."
"Well, it looks like he's not doing the watch for the rest of the night." Said one of his friends, still standing there. "We'll have to warn the others about this, especially to the captain. Before any more of us get attacked like this, we'll come back to check up on him."
They left shortly after. Eve looks back at the guard's leg. That bite mark was big, and it makes her wonder if there is anything worse than the wolves around here.
A/N: Thank you for reading.