Frostpunk: The Last City On Earth
Chapter 13: The Observatory (Part 3)
Jack and Walter work diligently to secure the steam core onto Jack's sled. The children eagerly help them, their tiny hands fumbling with ropes as they tie them down. Jack chuckles as he looks at their little efforts.
"The captain is in for a surprise when he sees what we brought back," Jack comments, a grin on his face.
Walter holds out a piece of paper and a pencil and starts to tally up their group. "Let's see," he begins, his voice thoughtful.
"Six children, fourteen engineers, sixteen workers, one astronomer, and a single steam core. We've also salvaged wood and cloth from the furniture, secured the doctor's research, and gathered some tools."
As he continues, Jack playfully rolls his eyes at Walter's meticulous counting. "Alright, alright, I get it. You're the smart one here. No need to rub it in," he teases, his tone light-hearted.
Walter stops and smirks at Jack's playful retort.
"I'm just making sure we don't miss anyone, Jack. Besides, leaving someone behind is not your strongest suit," he counters teasingly, his gaze shifting between the children and the workers as he continues to check his list.
Faraday returns to the group, a box strapped securely with a leather belt in his hands.
He heaves a sigh of relief as he sets it down on Walter's sled, wiping some sweat away from his head.
A telescope slings behind Faraday's back, its lavish design catching Jack's attention. He lets out a low whistle, admiration evident in his tone.
"That's a nice piece on your back there, doctor."
Faraday smiles at the compliment. "Thank you, Jack. This telescope was a gift from my colleague before we departed—Doctor Wayne Murphy."
The children gather around, their curious eyes fixated on the telescope that Faraday has brought with him. The sight of the intricate instrument captures their imagination, making whispers of awe and wonder.
Walter chimes in, his tone casual. "Sounds like a cool guy if he wanted to give you that."
Faraday's smile widens as he nods. "We were best friends back in our university days. Wayne always had a knack for surprising me with thoughtful gestures. I was usually the boring one. He was a lot like your friend, Jack."
Jack's face lights up at the comparison, clearly flattered by the association.
"I wouldn't say friends. We just started working together. Jack and I are just partners." Walter said.
However, Jack hears what Walter has said, but a faint smirk tug at the corner of his lips.
Faraday adjusted his glasses and gently nodded as he guided the children to prepare for departure. "Well, regardless of how you define it, I – we – are grateful for your help."
Jack and Walter nodded in unison.
A whistle from Jack pierced the air, and he called out, "Come on, Boris. It's time to go now." The little bear cub bounded over to Jack, a playful energy in his movements as he rejoined their group.
"You should let Boris stretch his legs a bit. The little guy has been cooped up in your pack ever since you got him," Walter suggested.
"But I like having him in my pack."
Walter raised an eyebrow, "No, you need all the energy to go home. We didn't get to eat Finn's food today. We gave it to the others earlier."
Jack sighs, "Alright then. I do hope the others from earlier are okay."
"I'm sure they are." Jack turns to the rest of the group, "Alright, everyone. Let's get moving."
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The journey back to New London fills with anticipation and quiet reflections. The wind remained calm, providing a sense of serenity amid the anticipation.
Walter led the group in the front, guiding the others through the frozen landscape. Jack was in the back, making sure no one was left behind.
Now hopeful and eager, the survivors chattered among themselves about the city. Jack took up the rear, his watchful eyes ensuring their safety from behind.
Doctor Faraday, however, remained immersed in his thoughts throughout the journey. He was oddly quiet the whole way, his gaze fixed on the path ahead, lost in his thoughts. Perhaps Faraday was thinking about what he should do when he makes it there, the choices that lay before him, and the role he could play in New London's struggle against the frost.
The sounds of crunching snow underneath their feet and the gentle whispers of conversation among the survivors accompany their quiet journey. Despite what they had endured, and the uncertainties awaited them in the city, there was a shared sense of hopefulness and relief.
The survivors' voices swelled with excitement and awe as the city's towering generator came into view on the horizon.
With its warm glow and promise of shelter, the sight of New London felt like a beacon of hope in the vast expanse of the frost-covered world. And while each group member had their thoughts and concerns, they were glad they could make it to the city.
The city's generator emitted warm and calming heat against the cold frost.
Jack, Walter, and the group of survivors approached the city's edge, and a sense of relief washed over them.
The children's cheer of excitement echoed through the cold air. Walter guides them to the elevator and pulls the lever.
However, this time, there was something different in the air.
As the citizens eagerly awaited to welcome back their scouts, they soon realized that the returning group included more than Jack and Walter. At least, that's who they were expecting.
The exchange of surprise and curiosity rippled through the crowd as the newcomers came into view.
Excitement quickly swept through the crowd like wildfire. Voices rang out, spreading the news like a contagious enthusiasm. "They're back! Look, it's Jack and Walter, and they've brought other people with them!"
From a simple welcome back, they had transformed into a joyful celebration. With their expressions of astonishment and curiosity, more citizens rushed forward to see them. Even the survivors from the cave had already made it back safely to the city, greeting them as they shared this moment or reunion.
The news of Jack and Walter bringing back survivors and an astronomer from the Observatory wasn't the only thing that shocked everyone, but a working steam core that also caught everyone off guard.
"Did you see that telescope?" someone exclaimed, pointing at the ornate instrument that Faraday had brought.
"And some of our expeditions! They found more survivors out there!"
"Someone, get the captain!" another voice called out, their words echoing the crowd's sentiment. The call was taken up by others, spreading like a wave throughout the people.
Amidst the growing excitement, everyone was eager to hear about the details of this unexpected return. News traveled quickly. As the message reached the ears of the captain, he wasted no time and ran over to the elevator.
"The captain's on his way!"
Jack and Walter waited for his arrival.
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"And you brought it back!?" the captain's voice thundered, his frustration echoing through the room. Jack's shoulders tensed under the weight of the captain's gaze, but he stood his ground.
"Boris is just a little cub, Captain. He's harmless," Jack said, his tone earnest, "Walter can back me up." He cradled Boris gently in his arms, the bear cub's innocent eyes seemingly pleading for a chance to prove himself.
Walter let out a resigned sigh, his voice calm but firm, "Yes, Captain. Boris is harmless. He hasn't shown any aggression towards me or the children. He's actually been quite friendly with them."
The captain's frustration seemed to simmer beneath his expression, his brows furrowing in a mix of exasperation and concern.
"Harmless for now," he muttered, his voice laced with a tinge of resignation. "But mark my words, both of you, when this creature grows bigger, it's going to become a problem for all of us." He crossed his arms, his stance reflecting the weight of his worries.
Jack's smile was playful. "You worry too much, Captain. Boris will be a good boy, I promise." The captain's jaw dropped at Jack's response, caught off guard by the nonchalant assurance.
"Wait, Boris? You've already named that thing Boris?" The captain's tone was a mix of astonishment and disbelief, his frustration was clear for them to see. It looks like he did not hear the bear's name the first time.
Jack's expression shifted to genuine confusion. "Am I not supposed to?" he asked innocently, unaware of the potential issue.
Both the captain and Walter exchanged glances, their faces simultaneously meeting their palms in a display of shared exasperation.
With a hint of a smirk, Jack chimed in, "Oh, come on, guys. Boris the bear of New London." His playful tone aimed to diffuse the tension, adding a bit of humor into the situation.
Soon, the sound of small, eager footsteps approached the trio. "I want to see the bear, Mommy!" Rose pleaded.
However, Olivia wasn't about to let her child near the bear, her motherly concern stopping her. "No, Rose. It's still a wild one," she cautioned.
"Aww, no fair," the child pouted in response.
Jack noticed Rose's disappointment and stepped in, "Don't worry. Boris won't hurt you. He's still a young cub, just like you. Do you want to pet him?" Jack offered, his voice warm and reassuring as he knelt, still holding onto Boris.
Rose gasped in delight. "Yes, please!" She practically jumped in place, her eagerness and excitement were overflowing. She then turned to her mother, seeking approval.
Olivia sighed, momentarily exasperated. "Don't look at me like that."
"Please?" Rose's eyes were wide and hopeful.
Walter chimed in, attempting to reassure Olivia, "It'll be fine, miss. I had a difficult time trusting this little furball, and Jack's been coddling it ever since we left. But Boris is alright." His words carried a sense of confidence and experience.
Olivia sighed and relented, "Fine, but don't come crying to me if he scratches you."
Defiance flashed in Rose's eyes as she put her hands on her hips, "I won't. I'm a big girl."
With determined steps, Rose approached Jack.
She slowly extended her hand, her nerves mixing with excitement. Boris immediately leaned forward, his curious nose sniffing her hand before he affectionately nuzzled it.
Rose's eyes lit up as she gently placed her hand on Boris's head, her tiny fingers patting him with a delicate touch.
Her joyful giggles filled the air, "He's so cute."
"He sure is." Jack smiles.
The captain walks over to Walter to discuss a few things, "That should be all of our people. I've asked everyone if there are still pockets of our group out there. It seems like everyone's here." he said.
"That's great then. But, captain, there is something else I should let you know," Walter whispers, "Doctor Faraday told us that there is a massive storm coming in less than a month."
The captain was shocked that Jack and Walter knew about the storm. "Get Jack and the doctor, meet me in my tent in ten minutes. We should discuss this."
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"Yes, I'm afraid it is inevitable. A massive cloud formation is coming, and with it, the coldest winds as low as negative hundred and forty. Or maybe lower than that." Faraday explained.
The captain slums back into his chair, rubbing his eyes in frustration.
Jack watches the captain's reaction as Boris falls asleep in his arms, Walter looks down at the floor, thinking about what they should do when the storm comes.
"So that's it, are we doomed?" The captain asked, "Is there no hope for us to survive this damn winter?" He looks at Faraday.
Jack and Walter looked at each other, and then to the doctor.
Faraday takes a deep breath and speaks, "Well, there is one way that could help us. But that would be in another city in this region. Yes, I believe our next course of action is to seek out this city and ask for help."
Jack's eyes lit up, "Another city? Which one, Winterhome?" He asked.
Faraday nods, "Yes, a logical choice would be to ask a senior city since they have been here longer than New London. Surely they would have some solutions to improve our conditions."
"Should we go there next, Captain? What do you think?" Walter asked, wanting to know of the captain's interest.
"I think that's best, we still have time to prepare ourselves before the storm hits the city. But let's keep this information between us, for now." The captain pleads.
Everyone nods, "Sure, we'll keep this a secret. I don't want everyone worrying about this too." Walter said.
"Our secret is safe, captain. We'll find a way before the storm hits." Jack said.
"It is not over for us, captain. This storm will not be the end of us." Faraday said.
The captain stands up his expression a little less grim than before, "Then that settles it then, Jack and Walter, you two will be heading straight for Winterhome and make contact. Let them know about the situation and let's hope that they can help us."
"You got it." Walter gives a thumbs up, "Should we leave first things in the morning?"
"Yes, please. I'm sorry but I need you guys out as soon as possible, we cannot afford to waste any time. I'll start building stock houses to build up our reserves on food, materials and coal. Maybe upgrade our generator too." Said the captain.
"I can assist you on that if you would allow me." Faraday volunteered.
The captain nods, "Of course, most of the other engineers are too busy with their own tasks. I can use another mind to help me."
"If that's the case, we're going to need to upgrade our sleds, or a snowmobile would be nice." Walter added.
The captain smirks at the possibility, "I can't promise you that right now, we don't have the resources to build them. I'll see what I can do. It's getting late, let's wrap it up here and get some rest. Especially you three, I'll see you all again in the morning."
Faraday and Jack were the first to leave, while Walter stayed behind, "I couldn't say this in front of Jack. Captain, what do you honestly think about our circumstances? Do you believe that we can survive this?" He asked.
"I don't know, Walter. But I can't just call it quits and end my life. Not when we got these people here to take care. I'm doing what I can, okay?" The captain answered.
"I know you are, I'm feeling just as doomed as you are. But like you said, these people need someone to do the impossible. Not easy in practice, but better to start from somewhere, right?"
"Right. Now get some rest, Walter. See you tomorrow."
"It's going to be a busy day. I can already feel it." Walter said.
A/N: Winterhome is coming next.
Thank you for reading.