The children gathered around Jack, their eyes drawn to his smile like moths to a flame.
His expression brings out the joy in others. His smile gave them hope. It was a sign of reassurance to the kids, and they felt safe and happy. But not Walter, he had already seen plenty of it.
However, Jack's smile held meaning. It was a reminder that even in these harsh times, moments of safety and happiness could still be found in them. His genuine tone carried that sense of comfort to the weary and broken.
The thought of it danced around in their little minds. They couldn't help but notice Jack's unusual unwavering cheerfulness. How could someone like him continue to hold onto that precious smile? In a realm where survival was a daily struggle, gripped by the frost.
Jack's ability to radiate positivity was both a mystery and a gift. One that could ignite a spark of optimism within each of them, a small flame of hope that burned brightly against the cold darkness.
A small, curious child tugged at the fabric of Jack's coat.
Their innocent eyes fixed on his beaming smile. "Mister, why are you so happy?" asked the child.
Jack's shoulders lifted in a simple shrug, "I guess I just am," he replied, his tone light and genuine. "Nobody ever told me I should stop smiling." His words were simple as if his cheerful expression was as natural and unforced as the endless winter.
However, behind Jack's carefree demeanor, back in London, there was a depth of understanding born from witnessing countless children lose their innocence and smiles in the face of the approaching danger posed by the frost.
The children gathered around Boris, laughing as the adorable little bear cub roared. They looked very happy as they played with the furry creature.
The same little girl from before, her eyes wide with wonder, approached Jack again and couldn't contain her curiosity. "Where did you find him?" she asked.
Jack smiled as he recalled the events. "Well, Walter and I stumbled upon him after we rescued another group of survivors from a couple of bears," he explained. The words seemed to hang in the air, prompting a collective gasp of surprise from children and adults alike.
"Whoa, you fought a bear?" a young boy's voice carried a mix of amazement and disbelief, his eyes widening.
Jack chuckled, "Actually, it was two bears. Boris was just a tiny cub when we found him left behind by his parents. We couldn't leave him, so I took him in even though my partner Walter wasn't exactly thrilled about it."
The little girl frowns. "Your friend Walter sounds mean," she remarked.
"Well, he might seem a bit tough on the outside, but I don't mind. He saved my life when I almost got eaten by that bear. And Walter is a real deadeye shot with his rifle. And I remembered exactly how it happened. I charged down the ridge and attacked one of the bears with my ice ax. Stopping it from hurting that innocent woman. And he shot that bear off me by its ear from all the back up the ridge. I don't know how he did it. But it was so cool and scary on my part." Jack explained. Describing with his arms to express himself in telling his story.
The children's eyes widened in awe as they absorbed the tale, their faces lit up with wonder at the daring feat. Imagining the wild story with images of the icy confrontation.
"There's no way that's true. I'm not believing it for a second." One of the adults said.
"I get it," Jack responded, "It does sound like something out of a fairytale, doesn't it? But sometimes, life happens in the most extraordinary ways. But Walter did save my life today. And if you want, I can get Walter and that woman I saved to vouch for me."
The children's vices began to spike as they heard that Jack's bear story had happened on the same day.
One of the adults walks up to Jack, and her expression carries a mix of longing and uncertainty. "Will you and your friend take us back to the others?" she asked. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke.
The rest of the survivors nodded in agreement.
Jack rose to his feet, "Yes," he nodded. "We've established a home not too far from here. There's food, shelter, and heat. There will be enough for everyone."
A parent's concern resonated in the air as another voice chimed in, "But what about the children? Will they be forced into labor?"
"From what I've seen, the captain has allowed the children to choose their own paths. The engineers have taken it upon themselves to teach the younger ones the skills they need. It's not just about labor—it's about fostering growth and development." Jack explained.
Jack's words seemed to have caused a positive reaction among the adults, and it must lift off the weight of any uncertainty that had weighed on them. The notion of their children receiving proper education and the chance to determine their own destinies was a promise that held immeasurable value.
"And that's not all. Recently, our engineers were encouraged to make something for the little ones. They're building toys in their spare time," he gestured with a fond smile toward the children. "Just a little something to bring a smile to their faces."
Jack looks up, meeting the eyes of the adults once more.
"We're doing all we can for our new home. It may not be like London. But we're making everything we know that feels like home, like we never left at all."
Another raised his hand from the back, "Is there a pub?" he wistfully asked. "I do miss going to the pub." A playful nudge from his wife drew chuckles from those nearby, and he shrugged. "They were all closed back in London."
"Well, I can't promise a pub just yet," he replied with a wink, "but that's for the captain to decide. Who knows, maybe he'll consider building one."
Jack was a little worried about his choice of words, he wasn't sure if New London had enough resources to take care of everyone. But he couldn't let their hope fade, Jack needed them happy and motivated to get out of the observatory.
From a first glance, it looked as if they were content on staying inside as it was the only shelter for miles. But with a little encouragement, Jack was able to get them up and moving about.
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Faraday and Walter moved through the corridors, their footsteps echoing softly against the wooden floor. That last conversation lingered inside Walter's mind as they ventured deeper.
As they reach Faraday's study room, the astronomer looks over the familiar surroundings, his eyes scanning the shelves and drawers for any more information he needs. "If I can recall correctly," Faraday began, his voice thoughtful, "The Observatory's steam core isn't exactly destroyed. It's just buried under a massive amount of snow. The freezing temperatures must have rendered it unable to activate."
Walter overtakes a seat on one of the ornate chairs, he relaxes himself as he considers the options. "Do you have any plans on rebuilding this place?" he asked, his tone casual yet curious.
Faraday shakes his head, "Highly unlikely. With our current state, it's best to salvage what we can and evacuate. As much as I will miss this place, we can't stay for much longer." He said.
"We could take that steam core with us back to New London." Walter suggested. It would be a waste to leave it here if it is still intact.
Faraday nods, "Yes, you're right. You may take it," he said. "I would assume that you and Jack have brought along some shovels to clear the snow?"
With a grin, Walter reached into his pack and pulled out a sturdy shovel, presenting it to Faraday. "We came prepared," he smirked.
"Clearing the snow won't be a problem. There's still enough time to get that steam core before it gets too dark. And until then, you should secure what's left of your research in a secure container. We can transport it easier with our sleds." Walter said as he tapped onto the wooden board strapped to his backpack.
Faraday nods, "Impressive, you're more prepared than I thought. It reminds me of another fine gentleman. He's more than a scout—he's an explorer. Dr. Fridtjof Nansen was his name. He and his crew were the ones who escorted the survivors here."
"Interesting. What else do you know about him?" Walter asked.
Faraday heaves some heavy boxes aside and pauses to catch his breath. "He's young, perhaps in his mid-20s. He told me he was on his first expedition back in his homeland when the Great Frost became more apparent. Came here to study it up close. Crazy, but you have to respect his thirst for knowledge. And no, I don't know which way he went. All I know is that he was determined to understand this winter." He explained.
"An expert on the snow, maybe he could help us. We have to find him again, he must have set up shop somewhere." Walter said.
"Trust me, Walter. Finding him would be like finding a needle in an endless snow plain. You should focus on other things that can be found." Faraday advised. Still, the thought of having someone like Nansen would prove even more beneficial for New London.
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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 one steam core. We've also salvaged wood and cloth from the furniture, secured the doctor's research, and gathered some tools. Books for learning."
As he continues, Jack listens to Walter's meticulous counting. "That's more survivors if we combine here and the others from the cave. They easily outnumbered our lost expedition." He pointed out.
"More people for us, and the captain to worry about. I'm surprised that you didn't want to joke about this." Walter said.
"Well, when we had our talk, I was beginning to slowly take in the facts and see our odds more frequently. And I'll admit, they are impossible to ignore. But I'm not going to let them break my spirits. It'll take more than that to break me." Jack said.
Somehow, Walter felt that there was some lie in Jack's statement. What is his breaking point then? Just how much can Jack handle the harsh reality he chooses to look away when it is right there in his face.
"Once we get back to New London, we'll talk to the captain again and plan our next move for Winterhome." Walter reassures.
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." Jack said, taking a good look at the device strapped to his back.
Faraday smiles at the compliment. "Thank you, Jack. This telescope was a gift from my colleague before we departed—Doctor Wayne Murphy. This ol' reliable has been in my office for quite some time, helping me with my research."
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." Jack said.
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 of 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. Walter knew what was going to happen and held a blank look on his face.
"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. Walter was having a sense of deja vu.
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 in desperation. 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 snowcat 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, there is that. And those survivors from Tesla. Maybe I could ask them a few questions. Their knowledge could prove useful for our engineers. But there is another problem, I have actually expressed this to anyone personally, but I think I can share this with you if you don't mind."
"Am I your personal advisor now?" Walter asked.
The captain chuckles for a bit, "Not exactly, but seeing as I am entrusting you with this concern, I would like to hear your opinion on this."
Walter nods, "Okay, say it."
"It's our population. We are growing too fast and not enough resources to cover everyone in time. I have run the numbers you and Jack brough in, and it is not looking too good in terms of our supplies. We can barely cover half of our numbers with how fast our people are scavenging." The captain said.
Walter sighs, "I knew this was going to happen eventually, I noticed the possible danger when we were at the cave with the Tesla survivors. It's great that we are finding people out there, but there is too much that we can take care of. I was hoping to tell Jack that we can't keep bringing every single person we find back to New London."
"At least you are seeing the big picture."
"How many of us now? Is it that bad?" Walter asked.
"At least more than a hundred and fifty of us, that's for sure. If we were closing next to three hundred, well, you know what kind of problem it would bring." The captain said.
Walter nods and shakes his head at the thought, "Yeah, too many to take care of if we don't have the proper facilities. If we do get more people coming in, do you think we can get some help with this scouting job?"
"If there are some brave and willing enough to go out there, then yeah. I'll put up another notice board to ask for new scouts to cover more ground. For now, I want you and Jack to reach Winterhome. We'll continue as planned, I can't ask another random scout team to do it."
"Okay, that sounds like a good plan. If Jack and I come across any resource we find, we'll pinpoint it for another scout team to come and collect. That way, we won't be wasting time going back and forth and keep moving." Walter suggested.
To which the captain nods, "Great, that would be easier for the others to travel. I don't think many are brave like you to venture into the unknown. I'll handle the rest for tonight. You and Jack did well today. Now get some rest, Walter. I'll see you at your tent tomorrow."
"It's going to be a busy day. I can already feel it." Walter said.
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A/N: There wasn't much for me to change, just the addition of more context and most of the questions answered. I like the captain and Walter to share these concerning issues and find common ground with both of their thinking.
Jack and Walter's interaction was slightly changed to feel a bit more realistic. And some of their conversation between each other felt too advanced so I had to slow it down a bit. They are still new to each other.
But if any of you want to know how much people are in New London as of this chapter. It is 187 in total. 101 workers. 51 engineers. 35 children. I think so. I was worried that they might be near 300 this early in the story which is too fast. But 187 is a good number to manage before the city gets bigger.
Maybe I should keep track of their numbers for later chapters.
Okay, Winterhome is next. The big one is coming but It won't be so quick to see the city just yet. Jack and Walter still need to make their way there. And the number of the survivors of Winterhome is a mixed answer. It depends on the player.
I haven't played the Fall of Winterhome in a while so I might have to look up playthroughs and get a plausible number. I'll need to check every detail before finalizing my finished outcome of Winterhome. Mostly a good ending? Maybe, but there must be losses to balance the wins.
Update on the next chapter would be slow. Just a heads up.
Okay, I am done here.
Thank you all so much for reading.