The captain waits patiently for Jack and Walter to return safe and sound with the others. But there was a bit of doubt in his mind that the two scouts would not be able to find them. Or even make it back here after being out for quite a while.
It would have been for nothing if Jack and Walter had perished in the snow. But the captain still had a hit of hope there is still a chance for them to still make the impossible.
The engineers have been a lot of help, they were quick to suggest and provide plans and ways to further improve the heating. The captain had received many complaints about the winds coming down from up top.
A barrier of some kind would be suitable to counter the major problem lingering over their heads. One engineer was smart enough to reuse the canvas from the tents to drape over the edges between the roof of the houses.
Moving the heat from the generator to the housing is easy, but with the large open crater exposing them to the mercy of the winds.
A canvas roof in some section of the housing district would help make it more livable in the long run. The captain had already agreed to let the engineers work on this project for four houses, however, with the construction, it would slow down and take some time away from their main progress of improving New London.
Olivia had also mentioned to him that some of the others had also begun talking amongst themselves about Jack and Walter. And how the captain was foolish to send them out on a task that is deemed fruitless and a waste of manpower. It was understandable, no one is sane enough to brave out there. Nothing but the ice and snow, to accompany them as they tread through the land.
But Jack and Walter were brave enough, they took the job knowing full well of the dangers they may face, the fact that they have to go out without a radio for contact was terrifying enough as it is. The engineers had informed that a shortwave radio was already underway for Jack and Walter to use on their next mission, if they ever come back, of course.
And the food crisis, a hunting party would be plausible, but with so many still needed to work on building the city. Not many were available to do some hunting, and using their guns and ammunition for it was an even tougher choice to make. It was embarrassing to admit that there were no bows and arrows to use to conserve ammunition.
So the first hunters would have to make do with the noise and try to get what they can only hit. The captain had also addressed the importance of building some hunting gear for the hunters.
"Captain, the workshop is almost done. You might want to come over and see its completion." A worker called over to him.
"Thank you, of course, I'll come with you." The captain nods. He stops his train of thoughts and follows the worker to the construction site where the workshop would be. Since the city is planned to have specific districts, one of them being the industrial, mostly where the engineers would be working in.
"There has been lots of talk going around, captain. It's about that scout team you've assembled." The worker said, "They think it's a fruitless attempt. That they will find nothing out there."
"Jack and Walter understood their assignment, they knew the risks and took it with bravery and sacrifice. I have my own doubts too, but I, as their captain, cannot give up my hope on them. I was fortunate enough to have them volunteer, even if they don't have a full party." said the captain.
Normally, the captain couldn't afford to send those two out on their own, but with so little manpower and the possibility of saving lives was possible, it was a risk he and the others took.
"Do you believe in them that much, captain?" the worker asked.
The captain nodded firmly, "I do, more than anyone else in this crater." he said with confidence in his voice.
Arriving at the industrial district, there was a small crowd that was standing around the site where the workshop will be opening soon. The foreman was shouting orders as he did his best to keep track of everyone's progress.
Spotting a familiar face in the crowd, the captain walked over to him, "Finn, what are you doing out here? Thinking of becoming an engineer so soon?" The captain jokes as he shakes Finn's hand.
"Nah, my wife would be the reason I'm out here. 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." Finn explained, looking exhausted at mentioning it.
The captain chuckles, "I don't have a spouse, so I can't relate to that."
Finn responds by patting the captain on the back, "You're lucky you don't."
"Anyways, aside from personal problems, it's great that the engineers finally got a proper workspace to continue their research in. At least now we can use their old space to make more houses for the rest. But that damn blizzard blowing on top of us, some of the others were complaining about the cold coming in," the captain said, turning their attention back to the workshop.
Then, Finn thought of a suggestion and presented the captain with it, "You know, speaking about the cold wind problem, what about reusing those canvas tarps from our tents, to close up any holes to keep the heat in?"
The captain raised his brows at Finn, "You mean completely cover our homes? Wouldn't that be troublesome to move around with all the tarp in the way?" he asked.
"I don't mean like that, I meant like a pot, you use a cloth if there's no lid, a little heat might escape but the content inside will stay warmer a little longer. Maybe not over the houses, but to cover the gaps in between the houses," he said.
An idea formed in the captain's head as Finn described his suggestion, "I think that's a great suggestion, sir." Another voice rang out, causing both the captain, and Finn to turn around startled.
"Ah, you scared me there, missy. I didn't know you were standing there." Finn said as he messaged his heart. Elliana giggled, "I'm sorry. I'm Elliana, engineer." She offers her hand.
Finn shakes her hand in return, "Well, nice to meet you, Elliana. I'm Finn, the cook." Elliana nods and turns to the captain, "It is nice to meet your acquaintance, captain."
"Likewise, Elliana, how are you feeling about your new workplace?" the captain asked, joining in on the new conversation.
"Exciting, I can wait to see my new workplace, I've plenty of ideas to share with the rest of my colleagues once we set up. But there might not be enough rooms to store our prototypes." Elliana said.
"Well, it's only two floors for now, but we'll add in additional floors once we can get more resources. I'm thinking of setting up simple sawmills to collect some of the dead trees around the edges of the crater. Maybe after forming a hunting party to settle our food reserves." The captain said, with Finn nodding in agreement.
"Hm, speaking about hunting, I have overheard some of my seniors discussing the possibility of building airships again in the near future." Elliana whispers.
Intrigued, but cautious, the captain replies in a hush tone as well, "Airships might be too ambitious with our circumstances. Let's focus our resources on more important matters while we are ahead. I'll have a word with them on what they should prioritize more on." The captain said.
Elliana nods, "Of course, captain, you're in charge, after all."
"That's it, lads! Just one more pull!" The foreman shouted as he and the others pushed a cart to deliver the last few installments for the second floor. They brought the parts to the side of the building and attached it to a pulley system. There is a scaffolding where the others will be waiting for the parts to arrive, "Place it here!" the forman yelled.
Once everything was ready, the foreman gave the command. "Ready, pull!" The engineers held onto the rope as they raised it up.
"Okay, hold it there. We'll take it from here." The engineers standing on the scaffolding began to grab the parts and started on connecting the wires, plugs, and pipes into their place.
"Captain, just in time, you should give a speech for the new workshop, the lads worked hard on building this thing." Another worker came up and talked to him. The captain wanted to decline as it wasn't needed. But soon more had the same idea and urged him to step forward and say something for the occasion.
Annoyed, but reluctant, the captain agrees and walks out of the crowd to stand in front of them, he signals the engineers to halt on activating the power to the building.
The rest of the crowd began to stop their conversation as they noticed the captain in front of them, about to give his speech. "Alright, everyone. I won't drag this any further, 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 be so kind?" The captain gestures.
They nodded and proceeded to pull the lever. The sound of the steam and engines began to hum. Its warm orange glow began to brighten as the gears started moving, and the lightbulbs shine and illuminate inside the building. And the electrical cords light up to produce energy as it becomes alive.
"Everyone, the first new workshop has officially opened." Said the captain.
Everyone cheered for its completion, congratulating the engineers for having a new workplace and thanking the rest that contributed to its development. The captain felt accomplished. 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 over to the cookhouse for your dinner. I'm sure Finn has cooked up a nice meal today." It wasn't long as Finn raised his hand, "I'm right here, captain. And the pots are already cooking."
Everyone laughed as they left for that much-needed break from working and giving up their time to see the workshop. The captain returns back to Finn and Alliana. "Well, as much as it was, I hoped that was decent enough for the crowd, but there was no reason for me to be there to give a speech," he said.
"It's good for morale, captain. They need it. But I hope those two boys will be alright. I've packed a special serving that would keep them fed for more than a couple of days." Finn said, looking a little worried about Jack and Walter.
"I'm sure your efforts will keep them going, Finn. But right now, I want you to head back to the cookhouse because I see a lot of customers heading to your place." Said the captain.
Finn turns back and sees the line beginning to pile up, "Ah, you don't have to tell me twice. See you later, captain. And you too, missy. It was nice talking with you two, let me know if those boys are back as soon as possible." Finn said.
"Yes, it was. I should be checking out the new place now. Goodbye Finn. And you too, captain." Said Elliana. The captain nodded, "Of course, see you two later." said the captain.
He left the workshop area and returned to his tent. Once again, inside his tent, he settles with his usual bedroll and desk. He sits down and resumes his planning for the city. A house for him has yet to be built, he would rather have the rest assorted before dealing with his own indulgences.
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. Early signs of frostbite are getting more 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 more facilities. 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. The guards begin their night shift to safeguard the city from any dangers lurking in the darkness.
He brushes that 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 love reading and want to forget about the awful world around them. That sounds wonderful.
But of course, all these good things have to take time.
Jack and Walter continue to linger in his mind as the time on his watch continues to click in the silence. He had hoped that they had found the others and are on their way back soon. He pushes those thoughts aside for now. He needed to finish these drafts and send them to the engineers.
/-/
Jack and Walter were both surprised to find the rest of the expedition huddled around a barely burning campfire, using whatever wood they had to keep themselves warm. First it was the relief faces that the others gave them, and after that were the crying faces of telling Jack and Walter about their struggle after their separation from the blizzard.
"Thank God, is it really true? Did the rest of you manage to reach the generator?" One of them asked.
Walter nods, "Yes, we did." he said, causing the rest to converse in happiness. Jack takes a good look at their current state, they look tired but hopeful. But it was obvious that they were on the brink of starvation. He doesn't see any food around them, mostly empty cans, discarded around their campsite.
What made Jack worried was the sight of bandages wrapped around them with signs of struggle from an attack. The kids were thankfully left untouched by whatever had harmed the others. "What happened here? Did something attack you guys?" Jack asked.
They collectively nod in silence, "It's the wolves. They come out here almost every night, trying to pick us off and wear us out. But we managed, just barely as you can see, we are on the brink, but now that you two are here, we can get out of this place and be somewhere safer." One of them explained.
"It was just a lone wolf, but then the next day it came back with its pack. We have a few gravely wounded and most of our energy has already been wasted by fighting them off as best we can." Another survivor joined in on the conversation.
"And the kids?" Jack asked.
"We never let them near them, only us. We barely have enough medicine and clean bandages left to tend to our wounded.
Jack sighs in relief. Walter looks at the injured and sees the damages himself, some of them were limping and walking with makeshift crutches. Claw marks were visible on their clothes and faces. It must have been brutal to endure such a dire situation.
Feeling sympathetic after hearing out their problems, Jack removes his pack and lays it on the ground, "Jack, what are you doing?" Walter asked as Jack continued to search through his pack to get something out. The smell from his rations were still strong and the aroma of it lingered into the noses of the starving survivors.
A few rolls and bottles of medicine were also taken out of Jack's pack, leaving Walter in a silent panic, those only meant for their use, given them for someone would mean that there would be little if not nothing left for them to use should they be in a similar situation.
Jack hands over his rations and bandages over to them, "You folks look hungry, here, eat this to gather your strength, take my bandages and medicine to heal yourselves too. We'll need everyone ready to pack up and leave as soon as you're done." Jack said, much to Walter's worry.
"Jack, those rations and medicines are meant for you, we're scouts, we need them too." Walter advised against it, but Jack was not listening to him, still holding out the rations to give to the survivors. But they were hesitant to take it from Jack.
"Can we really have them?" One of them asked. Jack simply smiled, "Absolutely, please, take them and share it out with the rest." he said. Walter remains quiet about his rations as it would be a dangerous idea to use up all of their rations to maintain their strength. But Walter could also see the starving faces as they took the ration pack from Jack's hands.
Their eyes looked at Jack like he was a saint or an angel. The survivors began to unwrap the ration and began feeding the young first and the oldest last. Sharing its content brings many smiles and tears in their faces, silently crying as they eat their meal. Walter felt a little guilty of not choosing to share his to these starving folk, but he also has to think of his and Jack's survival as well.
Walter slings his rifle and begins doing the same thing and gives his rations from Finn to feed them. He had a few dried meat, and hard bread in his secret reverse so he will be fine without his ration for now. Medicine was too risky to spare, but a couple rolls of fresh bandages would be alright to share.
The survivors were surprised by Walter's initial intimidating behavior but were thankful nonetheless as they gratefully took his generosity as well. Jack himself was shocked to see Walter being charitable for once, "You did the right thing, Walter." Jack said, giving him a smile of admiration.
But Walter kept a stoic expression on his face, not giving anything more than a blank look on his face. But a simple nod was returned to Jack as needed. "I suggest that some of you should start with packing up your things. We'll have to move fast if we want to avoid the beasts lurking in the dark." Walter instructed, to which everyone nodded.
A few had gotten up and began tearing down the camp, "Give them a bit more time to eat, Walter." Jack asked, he could see a few of them shoving food down and began moving to get ready to leave.
"We're burning daylight, Jack. I'm not risking these people to deal with the wolves again if they get close. As much as I would like them to enjoy their meal, and heal their wounds, their lives are still at stake. Do you understand?" Walter said, his expressions bearing a concerned look.
Jack understood where Walter was heading and nodded in agreement.
As the rest were just about finishing up with their portion of the rations, the survivors began to tear down their camp and pack up for New London. Strapping what little belonging they had on their sleds and checking their heat lamps if it's still working. Some of them had already run out of power to provide sufficient warmth.
A few of their sleds had to be used to load up their wounded who were unfit to walk, leaving the rest to carry their luggage onto their packs.
Jack instinct wanted to give one of his two working lamps for the children, but Walter was quick to notice Jack's intentions and stop him. Despite the harsh decision, Walter knew the risks were starting to grow with the large party and the dwindling sunlight. He had hoped that the moon would still be able to shine brightly through the thick clouds above them.
"Is everyone ready?" Walter asked them, he had assigned one of them to be the last man and yelled if anyone was starting to lag behind. He needed Jack up front with him so as to not lose his partner, and he was the only other person that had some sense of direction on where to head back to New London.
Collective responses were heard followed with them giving their thumbs up to Walter. "Alright, stay close and don't lag behind. If you need to rest for a bit let me know. But don't rest too much, we can't stay out here.
"Which way do we go?" Jack asked. Walter pulls out his map and attempts to back track, "The dead forest is a bad idea, Wolves might reside there for shelter, going around it might be a safer choice." Walter suggested.
"But the dead forest is a large area, if we go around it, we might have to venture into parts of the map we haven't explored yet. It'll take us longer to get back to New London. And if we did choose to go around the forest, do we go left, or right?" Jack asked.
He did have a point, going around would take a longer time, but going though would be even more troublesome with its narrow trees and potential wolves inside. "We can go around, much safer that way, and easier for the rest to bring their wounded, we go left. I'm sure of it." Walter said.
"Alright, then left it is then." Jack agreed.
The tension in the air was thick as the survivors braced themselves for the impending wolf attack. Children whimpered, clutching their parents tightly, while the wounded readied makeshift weapons, their resolve steeled for another confrontation.
"The wolves are back," one of them murmured, fear palpable in their voice. Another cocked back the hammer of his rifle, his eyes scanning the darkness. "They want our wounded. If we don't find those wolves first, they are going to jump on us and kill us all."
"We don't have enough bullets, you'll waste a shot," Walter warned, his voice steady despite the urgency of the situation. Jack brandished his ice ax, poised to strike at any approaching threat. "Protect the children and wounded, form a circle!" Walter commanded.
The survivors obeyed, forming a defensive barrier with makeshift spears pointed outward, their eyes trained on the shadows encroaching upon them. "It's not alone, I can hear their paws running through the snow," a survivor whispered, his breath hitching with apprehension.
From the darkness emerged the menacing figures of the wolves, their low growls sending shivers down the spines of the survivors. Glowing eyes pierced the night, fangs bared as they closed in on their prey. "Come on! Fight me!" one survivor taunted, his grip tight on his spear, a testament to his resilience.
Walter felt a chill run down his spine as one of the wolves locked eyes with him, his finger hovering over the trigger of his rifle. Before he could react, an arrow pierced through the darkness, striking the wolf mid-pounce and sending it crashing to the ground in a lifeless heap. "What?" Walter exclaimed, his confusion mirroring that of the other survivors.
Another arrow followed, finding its mark and felling a second wolf in quick succession. It became evident that the wolves were outmatched, unable to withstand the unseen assailant's precise strikes. With a final howl of defeat, they retreated into the shadows, leaving the survivors shaken but alive.
"Who shot that arrow? Was it one of you?" Walter asked, not taking his eyes off his spot in the circle. But no one in the group had confirmed using a bow, which means that there might be someone else that is near them, "Who's out here? Show yourselves!" Walter gave a verbal warning.
Perched atop a hill, two shadowy figures lay hidden in the snow, their keen eyes fixed on the unfolding scene below. "Two kills, enough meat to bring back to base. That's if those survivors don't grab it, of course," remarked one of them, his voice carrying a distinct Texan drawl.
Slowly rising from his sniping position, he surveyed Jack and Walter as they hurriedly mobilized the group. It had been a while since new faces appeared in these parts, but these folks seemed harmless enough. "Someone new, about time someone came and picked them up. What do you reckon?" his partner inquired.
With a nod, the first figure slung his bow onto his back and began descending the hill to retrieve their arrows and the spoils of their hunt. "Take the wolves back to base. I'm going to stay out here and make sure they make it back safe and sound," he declared, his resolve unwavering. "Too many wolves tonight, and I'm not letting these good folks die."
"What, are you playing the hero now? Ain't like that of you," his younger partner remarked, his tone tinged with skepticism.
"Load them up on your sled and get moving, I'll come back as soon as I can."
"Alright then, I'm just saying you seem overly concerned about their well-being. They're just Brits, Dexter. That ain't our problem. We've got our own folks to take care of."
"Enough, Cooper. Do as I say and get moving. We're rangers, we protect whoever we can," Dexter retorted firmly, underscoring his commitment to their duty. Cooper rolled his eyes as he did as he was told.
/-/
A/N: Rewriting some of these scenes, I have noticed how little I had written and not alot of context to show. But I like the new changes with more thoughts from the captain and the issues in the city. And more character interactions.
While I am following the game mechanics of the story, it wouldn't be interesting if it was just the same as the game so I spiced it up with using my own idea of using the canvas tents to create for heat retention.
And I have changed the old writing of using a steamcore for a workshop, I don't remember why I did that last time.
And, that little tension with the mysterious figure watching Jack and Walter, I decided to change it from the old idea.
In the game, the lost expedition appeared mostly unscathed by any dangers other than starvation, the wolves would be an obvious problem for the survivors, and mentioning the damages the wolves had done, a bit more dramatization and emotional stuff that worked well this time around. At least this was more engaging than the original.
But this is where I put more emphasis and the contrast between Jack and Walter's goals. Jack is made to be optimistic, and Walter being the opposite of his views. This contrast is important to show their character and their development as the story goes on.
While Jack is the ideal attitude for the situation in Frostpunk, he is also very naive at times and almost unaware of the dangerous things that are happening. Walter is there to balance Jack and his cautious and selfish demeanor is also dangerous if he is let to continue his behavior.
In every story of survival, there are two very common types of attitudes, optimistic and pessimistic. Jack and Walter are the embodiment of that and using them as the main drive for the story and as their roles of scouts, I am able to write more interesting things that we don't get to know more of outside the city builder game.
I have always been intrigued with the scout logs and what they find out there, but pictures and paragraphs of text were not enough to satisfy my curiosity.
Anyways, I hope you guys like the new addition to the cast and more characters in the mix. These rangers were just what I needed to help replace the old idea.
Okay I'm done here.
Thank you all so much for reading.