Walter was in a state of denial as he turned around again to see Jack's face, "Jack, I am telling you again. This is a very bad idea," He protested, his brows frowning under his goggles.
The little white bear cub was now nestled within Jack's backpack. It is a wonder how Jack had managed to fit that creature inside it. Walter can see its little head poking out curiously as it lets out another purr. Jack, behind himself, sees no danger regarding the little animal and continues to play with it.
Walter's skepticism was going through the clouds above them, and his tone was even more apparent than his gaze, "I can't believe you have done this. This is going to end badly." He added.
"It will be fine, Walter." Jack reassured Walter.
"Uh, no. It will not be fine, Jack. You are carrying a literal bear in your backpack. Are you crazy? Did you hit your head when that other bear attacked you?" Walter grumbled; his voice edged with clear frustration.
Jack only pouted at Walter in response, "Well, this bear has a name. And it's Boris." He said with pride.
Walter stopped in his tracks and turned his head again to confront Jack. "What did you just say? Do you mean to tell me that you have already named that thing!? Really!?"
Jack nodded happily, an annoying mischievous grin started to spread across his face, "Yup, I sure did. I think it fits him. What do you think, Boris? You like your name?" Jack asked the bear cub.
Boris gave a cute roar, resting its head on top of Jack's and hanging its paws over Jack's shoulders. A cute display, but not one that Walter was in the mood of.
Walter wiped the ice off from his goggles, his doubts were echoing in his mind. A part of him did want to grab the bear off of Jack and throw it away. But that would only make Jack sad, and possibly break his morale. Walter can't risk it. He would be doomed if Jack stopped smiling.
Yet, they had already come this far, and they are a little bit further away from New London. Turning back was not an option they could take as it would be more wasted time and energy. The best that Walter could do was to try again and convince Jack to get rid of it.
"It's going to kill us," Walter muttered.
Jack chuckled at Walter, his laughter cutting through the frigid air around them. "What? No way, Boris wouldn't do that to us."
Turning to the side, Jack posed a question with a funny gesture, "Does this look like it will kill us?" Jack asked as he now held up Boris as it emitted another tiny roar. Its innocence is evident in its eyes. A noticeable contrast from this unforgiving winter.
But Walter was not having it, he let out a sigh. The vapor from his breath was visible in the cold aur, "Alright, fine. But if Boris decides he's had enough of our company and decides to feast on us. Don't come crying to me and say I didn't warn you." Walter warns.
Jack grinned, putting Boris back in his backpack and readjusting his straps, "Boris is a good boy. He'll be on his best behavior, I promise." Jack said.
Walter's thoughts wandered back to their encounter with John, his group, and the bears earlier today. "Still, you were charging down that hill to stop a bear. You didn't even have a plan. You're lucky that I'm a good shot."
"I had to do something, Walter. She was in danger; they were in danger. I couldn't just lay there and watch them die." Jack reasoned.
"Yeah, but it was a pretty big risk. One that cost us our lives. I'm not the one who chose to fight a damn bear.
"Uh, it was two bears, actually." Jack corrected. Walter rolled his eyes, an exasperated sigh escaping his lips.
"I hope John and the others are on their way back to New London. I've already marked it on their map." Walter said.
"Better than that cave, even if it helps to block out the cold. But we did the right thing, Walter. They even called us heroes." Jack smiled at their accomplishment. How everyone was shaking their hands and hugging them for putting an end to their troubles.
Walter shook his head, "I don't know. I don't feel like a hero."
"But you are, whether you like it or not, people need hope, and there's not much of it. So, there is nothing wrong in giving them some," Jack insisted, his voice no longer sarcastic or playful. He was firm with his voice.
"Look, I get it. But let's never do that again next time, alright. That bear fighting stuff, not any other stupid dangerous things. New London needs us alive; they don't need martyrs. I am not keen on becoming one so soon." Walter said.
Jack nodded in agreement, "Alright."
"Okay, good. At least we can agree on that. But don't take this the wrong way about what I've said. It's only been three days, and I can't lose you. There are only a few people I can trust, and you are one of them." Walter confesses.
Jack looks at Walter in surprise, his eyes widening at Walter's admission.
"So don't go and die on me from your stupid stunts," Walter concluded, this check tinged with a faint blush. Not that Jack could see it through his ski mask.
"So, you do have a heart after all." Jack teased; a playful glint can be seen in his eyes. Causing Walter to turn around to hide his embarrassment.
"Shut up, and I'm still not trusting that thing." Walter said, his voice laced with a hint of annoyance.
Boris emitted a quiet, almost affectionate roar. Jack's laughter echoed through the frosty air. "I think Boris likes you too." Jack said.
"Shut up," Walter grumbled.
As they trudged through the snow, Walter couldn't help stealing glances at the bear cub peeking from the backpack. Boris seemed remarkably content, occasionally nuzzling against Jack's shoulder as if to reassure him.
"You know," Walter mused, "this might just be the most bizarre thing we've encountered."
"With you saying that I think Boris is the least of what we should expect."
/-/
Jack's stomach grumbled. He had to stop for a moment and nurse it. He felt a slight lingering hunger in his stomach. He had hoped that Walter didn't hear it through the snow.
"I heard that," Walter said, not even looking back to check what the noise was.
Clearing his throat, Jack decided to divert the attention away from his hunger, "So, how much longer till we reach this observatory?" He asked.
"Why do you ask? Are you getting tired? Hungry, perhaps?" Walter chuckles as he jokes. A playful smirk was on his lips.
Jack's cheeks were flushed as he tried to hide his embarrassment from his voice, "Uh."
Walter chuckles softly, as if he was no longer irritated by it, "You know what, I'm not even mad anymore." He spoke.
"Wait, you're not?" Jack asked.
Walter's smirk returns, "Well, you got food already there, right in your backpack."
Jack gasped in horror, his eyes widening, "Walter, you did not just say that to me."
"Uh, yeah. I just did. What are you going to do about it?" Walter retorted; his amusement was dancing in his eyes as he watched Jack's reaction.
"How could you, really. You know what, I take back what I have said from earlier. You don't have a heart. You're just cold hearted." Jack said.
"I'm just joking, I still got some rations with me. I didn't give away all of my food. But I bet you did." Walter said.
Jack winced, "Yeah."
"Hold on just a little longer. We'll eat when we find the observatory," Walter said.
"Is that it over there?" Jack said pointing ahead. His finger extended, pinpointing a prominent figure on the horizon. However, what lay ahead was a destroyed structure crowned by an oversized telescope.
As they reached a ridge overlooking their destination, the Observatory came into view. Its imposing structure barely stood against the snow. Coming out of the dome is a thin column of smoke. Someone must be inside it.
Walter double-checked his map, his brow furrowing in concentration. "I think this is it. The Observatory. I guess we made it."
Jack was worried as the structure didn't look so good. "It looks abandoned. But that smoke trail could mean there are people. But is it even safe to go near it? What are the chances that we'll encounter wolves?"
"What are the chances you will pick up another cub?" Walter counters.
"Oh, very funny of you. But still, wolves are a little more dangerous than Boris right now. Besides, we can see the building, but do we have to scout it?" Jack asked.
Walter unslung his rifle and gave it a firm, reassuring grip. "Only one way to find out. Stay close."
/-/
Approaching the Observatory, its true scale became apparent; what appeared small from a distance was now an imposing structure up close. But the building itself has been titled, and the snow has found its way inside it.
"Do you think there's anyone alive in there?" Jack's question hung in the chilly air.
Walter's head shook slowly. "I don't think so. But don't let your guard down."
Jack adjusted his pack, his fingers brushing against the cold metal of his revolver as he held it at the ready. He positioned himself slightly behind Walter, seeking the reassurance of his partner's presence.
"Okay, I see a large opening on the side of the building. We're going to enter through there. Are you ready?" Walter's voice was calm yet tinged with caution.
Jack's response was a determined nod, his focus unwavering. Boris let out a low, echoing roar, the sound bouncing off the surrounding icy terrain.
"I wasn't talking to you, Boris," Walter said.
With a steadying breath, Walter led the way into the building. The snow had crept inside, blanketing the floors and surfaces.
As Jack followed, his eyes caught a glint of light on the wall. His curiosity piqued, he approached the source and swiped away the frost to reveal it.
"Huh, the Arctic Observatory. Made by the Royal Society. The year is scratched, and I can't read it," Jack remarked, his voice a mixture of fascination and frustration.
Walter's sigh carried a weight of history and speculation. "They must have been here to learn about the great frost. I doubt they were here to just look at the stars." He decides to look elsewhere for clues.
Jack continued to look at the metal plate on the wall. He had heard about them, The Royal Society. A social group that focuses on studies ranging from plants to animals and their recent expansion, the stars, and the skies.
The Observatory's walls whispered the stories of those who had sought answers within its confines, a reminder of humanity's unyielding quest for knowledge in the face of adversity.
Suddenly, Jack's ears heard a piercing sound.
It sounded like the heart-wrenching cry of someone consumed by fear. Bringing his senses up, he turns his heels around and aims his revolver toward the source of the scream. His eyes glazed, locking onto the scene unfolding behind him.
And right there, in the middle of the stark backdrop of snow and steel. Walter stood firm, his grip unwavering on his rifle's cold wood and metal. And his finger, already on the trigger, waiting to fire.
His focus was fixed on a lone figure, shrouded in an otherworldly silhouette—the unmistakable form of a lab coat draped over a heavy winter garment.
The figure trembled, caught between the frigid winds of the unforgiving winter and the death stare of Walter and Jack's gun barrels. Jack's heart raced as he absorbed the heavy tension that hung in the air, a clash between survival instincts and the fear of what could happen next.
"Bloody hell," Jack muttered under his breath, his voice a mere whisper in the vast expanse around them.
Recognizing his coat, Jack lowers his revolver while keeping his gun in his hands just in case. But Walter was keeping his rifle up at the person who had snuck up behind them. He took a cautious step closer, eyes never leaving the scene, and slowly made his way to his companion.
"Walter," he called softly, a blend of concern and urgency threading through his words. "Take it easy now. Let's not jump to conclusions."
"I'm not taking any chances, Jack. He's probably wearing that coat to trick us." Walter said.
The figure's ragged and desperate breathing kept shifting his gaze between Jack and Walter. At that moment, time was almost standing still. Each passing second became more tense.
During this, Boris emitted a gentle roar, which echoed inside the dome. His curiosity and innocence watch as the three of them stare at each other.
Walter's gaze remained unflinching. His voice was low but firm, with both caution and authority. "Identify yourself, now."
As the figure's features began to come into focus, the obscurity of the lab coat yielded to reveal a face etched with weariness, lined with the harsh truths of this new world.
With a cautious exhale, the figure began to speak, words tumbling out in a tremulous cascade. "I... I didn't think I'd find anyone... anyone left. I thought it was just us. Please, we don't have much time."
As the figure attempts to move again, Walter stops him. "Hey! I didn't say you could move." He warned.
"Just take it easy, Walter," Jack interjected, his tone soothing. "I think he's just trying to show us something." Walter's grip on his rifle remained tense, but he hesitated, his gaze shifting between Jack and the figure before him.
"Don't shoot. I am not a bandit," the figure pleaded. "My name is Doctor Maxwell Faraday. My team and I were sent here to study the Earth's atmosphere. And what we've discovered is far from concerning."
Faraday's words hung in the cold air.
Jack looks at Walter, then to Faraday. The doctor's earnest plea and mention of his scientific mission created a fragile bridge between the two strangers in his Observatory. The gusts of wind seemed to echo the tension that swirled around them, waiting for the next move.
Walter grunted, his grip on the rifle relaxing as he lowered it to his side. The doctor exhaled audibly, a visible sigh of relief escaping his lips. The tension in the air disappears slightly, a small step toward a fragile understanding.
"Thank you," the doctor said, his voice filled with gratitude.
Walter's brows furrowed. "Jack saved your life. You should thank him instead," he stated firmly.
A worried expression crossed Faraday's face.
"Are you two raiders?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "I'm sorry. But I don't have anything valuable for you to take."
Jack stepped forward, but Walter's hand on his arm halted his advance.
"We're not raiders. We're scouts from New London," Jack explained, his voice steady. "We've heard about this place after rescuing some of our people left behind from our expedition."
Faraday's expression changed; his curiosity piqued. "Expedition? Would you happen to be sent from London?"
"Yeah, what about it?" Walter interjected, his voice guarded and questioning.
"Some of your people are staying in our quarters. I can lead you to them," Faraday offered.
"Really? There's still more of our people?" Jack's face lit up with a mixture of surprise and hope.
Walter positioned himself in front of Jack, his back facing him. He raised his rifle again towards Doctor Faraday, a clear stance of caution. "Alright, lead us, but you go first." His tone was firm, indicating that he was taking no chances.
/-/
Walter passed some of his ration to Jack, who eagerly took and devoured it, and gave a portion to Boris. In the dim light, Doctor Faraday began their descent down a narrow staircase, holding his lamp up to light the way.
"As you've probably realized, the breach in the walls not only left a gaping hole but also took our only generator, the steam core, to the heart of our facility, rendering our sanctuary vulnerable to the encroaching freeze," Faraday explained.
"And are you the only scientist here?" Walter asked.
The doctor nods his head. "It is as it seems, unfortunately, I could not keep my colleagues alive. However, it's been a struggle. With your arrival, we may finally have a glimmer of hope in these trying times."
Walter's expression remained unchanged. "When you mentioned that there isn't much time, what exactly did you mean by that? I don't quite like the sound of it." He asked.
Faraday's expression darkened as he continued, "I wasn't exaggerating the urgency. My statement meant both the dire condition of the survivors and, more ominously, the impending great storm that is set to arrive in less than a month."
Walter abruptly halted in his tracks, causing Jack to bump into him.
"What!?" Walter exclaimed, his shock echoing the gravity of the situation.
"I anticipated that kind of reaction," Faraday remarked with a touch of understanding in his voice.
"I think that's a fair reaction. Because nobody said that there would be a great storm. How bad is it? What can you tell us?" Walter asked desperately. His tone is filled with worry, and his expression in fear, this changes everything.
Faraday adjusted his glasses, "The impending storm is bound to be exceptionally severe, I'm afraid. I regret to inform you that it's inevitable, and its impact will be quite catastrophic. Temperatures would be too low that not even the human body could withstand them. The air would be so cold that it could turn into ice within seconds." He explained.
Jack looks down, his emotions mixed with sadness and realization as he absorbs the weight of the news. Boris noticed Jack's change in demeanor and gave a gentle nuzzle and a soft, reassuring roar, the bear cub offering comfort.
Walter's head shook slowly, his eyes wide and mixed with shock and denial. "This... this can't be true," he muttered, slowly leaning on the wall for support. Controlling his breathing as he tried not to burst out in madness.
Faraday's weary gaze settled upon Jack and Walter, his voice tinged with a heavy sigh. "I'm afraid there's no escaping that fact, young man. I wish there were a gentler way to put it. Regardless, we must move on. Time is of the essence. We must join the others and let them know of your arrival."
The Doctor continued to lead the way down the staircase, eventually reaching a metal door at the bottom. Jack and Walter exchanged glances before entering the chamber. Faraday reaches for the door handle and opens it, leading them into a larger room where makeshift beds and supplies were arranged, the basement storage. Bookshelves and broken furniture had been dismantled and repurposed as fuel for the fires.
Walter could see remnants of charred paper scattered around his feet. They must have burnt some of the books to keep them warm. It was a grim reminder that even knowledge could be a cost for survival. He had wondered if some of these books had anything still worth of value. The knowledge they could still retain.
A few heads were turned toward the basement entrance as Faraday entered, followed closely by Jack and Walter. But soon, several more followed, intrigued by the newcomers. The survivors shifted their attention, their expressions a blend of weariness, curiosity, and perhaps a hint of hope.
"Everyone, if I could have your attention," Faraday's voice carried through the air, commanding the room's focus. He stepped aside and gestured towards Jack and Walter. "These two are scouts from New London, and they've embarked on a mission to locate their missing companions."
Their faces held a reflection of sorrow, their shivering indicating the harsh cold and shadowed by an underlying sense of fear. But the sight alone weighed heavily on Jack's heart, bringing a deep sadness as he surveyed the starving children and adults before him. Just like the ones back when they first found the first group and the second at the cave.
Jack wondered how much more they have to find these people in such terrible conditions.
Walter's demeanor, however, remained unchanged, his expression carefully guarded, not wanting to let his emotions churn beneath his skin. He decided to keep his feelings hidden. Showing weakness to these people would only make it worse.
As far as the doctor had mentioned, they are supposed to be a part of their expedition. It is no use in denying that along the way, they had lost a lot of people. Most were frozen to death or were cut off from the main group.
Right now, it was a miracle to recover a few lost ones from this mess.
At this moment, Jack allowed his emotions to flow freely, tears welling up in his eyes as he grieved for the suffering of these survivors. His heart ached for them, and he didn't hold back his tears.
Walter remained composed, his stoic facade unbreaking.
It is not to say that the weight of the situation was not lost on him, but Walter couldn't afford to show his weakness to them as it would only make them feel worse considering their situation. These people need to be strong.
He needed to be strong, for everyone.
For now, he chose to bear this in silence.
This encounter starkly contrasted the previous groups that Jack and Walter had encountered. It carried a weight of desolation and a heavy melancholy in the air.
Jack gently carries Boris off from his backpack and places him down on the floor, allowing it to explore its new surroundings, shuffling over to the children. Despite the harsh surroundings, his tiny frame and innocent eyes made him appear more adorable than imposing.
Jack removes his headwear to better wipes away his tears. Despite the sorrow he feels, he gives a genuine smile to them as a sign of trust and openness.
Jack addressed the group, "We're not here to harm any of you," he said. His words carried the weight of his intentions and tone with sincerity and earnestness. "My name is Jack, and this is my partner, Walter. We're to help."
Walter mirrored Jack's gesture, removing his headgear to reveal his face. His grip on the rifle relaxed as he casually slung it across his back. With a watchful eye, he surveys the faces of the survivors, looking for signs of danger. Only to find none, there is hardly any danger aside from the cold around them.
The survivors eyed the bear cub with curiosity, and some were a little frightened at the sight. But a small child, one brave little girl, no older than eight, her eyes widened as she reached out and gently touched Boris's soft fur, approaching carefully.
Boris tilted his head, sniffing at her outstretched hand before nuzzling it affectionately. The little girl giggles, her voice filled with happiness.
"Are you really here to help us?" One of the survivors asked, his voice mixed with hope and skepticism. Jack nodded, "Yes, we're here to help. We're here to bring you home." He spoke. His voice carried the weight of his words.
Walter gave his own smile and a nod.
As the realization of Jack and Walter's sincerity settled in, their hesitance changed with newfound hope. They slowly rose from their makeshift resting places, and gathered around Jack and Walter, greeting them. Warm hugs and heartfelt handshakes intertwined with expressions of gratitude.
It was as though they regarded them as bringers of much-needed hope in a cold, harsh world. Some even found tears in their eyes as they stood before Jack and Walter.
/-/
Doctor Faraday had requested that Walter accompany him on his mission to retrieve his team's research stashed in his office. Walter decided to follow him, but getting there would require some strong arms as the way had been blocked by fallen debris after the building collapsed.
Walter was initially hesitant in following Faraday, he didn't want to leave Jack out of his sight. After a considerable amount of contemplating, Walter decided to leave Jack and Boris in the company of the survivors. But only for a while until he gets back.
It was a risky decision to make, but it was a practical one. It would allow Jack to extend his care to their people. They have mentioned that they got lost in the aftermath of the last blizzard, ultimately leading them to their unfortunate separation.
The Observatory had seen better days. While it was clearly inhospitable for a long-term stay, it did promise valuable knowledge that could benefit the captain and New London.
Doctor Faraday's role as an astronomer could prove to be immensely valuable. Faraday's expertise in the celestial phenomena could offer a crucial advantage in the face of the impending storm.
If they were to stand a chance against the storm, having a consistent and accurate update on the weather patterns could significantly benefit New London's chances of survival. Maybe even more advantageous for Jack and Walter in their roles as scouts, navigating through the plains and avoiding possible dangers would be so much easier for them.
As much as Walter wanted to leave as soon as possible, he couldn't help but feel his curiosity grow the more he remained inside the confines of the Observatory. Following Doctor Faraday, Walter felt compelled to follow his lead, venturing deeper into the facility to look for his research.
Walter kept a watchful eye on their surroundings as they explored the rest of the observatory.
Faraday spoke in a hushed tone as they walked, his words laden with relief and desperation. "I'm truly grateful that you've found us. Our situation here has been dire, to say the least. The cold seeps through every crack every day, and we've been struggling to keep the fire running. Food is scarce, and hope... well, it's a rare commodity these days."
"What happened to this place? If you don't mind me asking," Walter asked with curiosity.
"Well, it's quite a tale, one that stretches back before the great frost," Faraday paused for a moment before he began. With a softened voice, he carried a tinge of nostalgia.
"We were here long before the world was plunged into ice. Back then, our pursuits were centered on the celestial wonders above, studying the stars in the night sky. But as time turned and the frost descended, our focus shifted, our gaze directed towards the clouds that now dominate the horizon. Counting the clouds and measuring their density became our solemn task, an effort to grasp and understand the extent of the sun's blockade."
Faraday's voice wavered with the weight of memory, each word carrying a trace of the sorrow that accompanied their shift from stargazing to cloud counting. Walter remained in silence, his curiosity now mingling with a respectful understanding, as he allowed the Doctor to continue to tell his story of the Observatory's journey.
He understood the weight of Faraday's words and the effects of the cold that had taken place within these walls. In this moment, Walter felt the corridors of the Observatory echoes with the weight of their past, each step he took felt a blend of life and death.
The Doctor meticulously searched through shelves and drawers, his fingers carefully selecting papers that held profound meaning within their worn, delicate pages.
"I'd prefer not to delve into the harrowing details of the trials my team and I endured during those times," Faraday's voice carried a somber tone as he shared his memories.
"How many months have passed since the onset of the great frost? Nearly a year, perhaps? We were given assurances, promises that we would be relieved from our posts and reunited with our loved ones."
Faraday reaches into his coat and reveals a small picture of him and his family back in London, caressing his fingers along the frame as he reminisces on the photo.
"A promise that, as it turned out, was built upon falsehoods." Faraday carefully tucks the photo back into his coat and clenches his hands into fists.
"I stand now as the sole survivor of my team, the lone bearer of our collective endeavor. Despite the isolation and desolation that surrounded me, I alone persisted, carrying forth not only my own work but the legacy of my fallen colleagues. A sense of duty that pushed me forward, a determination to comprehend this unfortunate phenomenon that had gripped our world."
Faraday paused in his search, his gaze locking onto Walter's eyes. Walter nodded in response, somewhere he could relate to the doctor's suffering.
"I'm genuinely sorry to hear about the loss of your crew, Doctor," Walter's voice carried a rare sincere empathy. One that he normally doesn't show. "I, too, had a family once, but I was already alone, long before the frost came. The isolation, in a sense, was something I had gotten used to."
In that moment, as their eyes held a silent conversation, the Observatory's walls seemed to bear witness to their unspoken stories.
"I found myself at the brink, stripped of companionship, and my resilience waning," Faraday's voice carried the weight of his memories.
"The cold's relentless grip seemed hellbent to claim me, a battle it appeared I had lost. Yet, hope emerged from the darkness—distant cries and the faint glow of their lamps pierced through the icy haze."
The Doctor smiled and continued.
"At that moment, I knew I couldn't stop. With little resources at my disposal, I guided their attention towards this place. I used the final moments of the Observatory's dwindling electricity before it surrendered to the void, offering them refuge within these walls. It was a simple act, offering shelter to them, sharing the last of my resources, and even sacrificing precious books to kindle the flames that kept them warm."
Faraday looks down at his worn frost covered gloves, "In those moments, as I worked to sustain their lives, a question gnawed at me: Had I made the right choice? Would my sacrifices be worthwhile?"
Walter didn't know what to say, and he had never been in that situation before. Walter found himself grappling with the weight of the doctor's unspoken plea for understanding.
All this was new, we all have our own problems to face. But the desperate look on Faraday's face looked like he needed an answer right here and now.
Searching for the right words, Walter's voice gave sincerity.
"Doctor Faraday, our world is fucked by the frost, and every choice we make is a gamble. I don't know what would happen to me. But what you did is not a mistake, you chose to protect these people. Your act of kindness, of lending a lifeline to those in need, your humanity, giving what little you have." Walter said, looking out the window of Faraday's office, seeing the vast snowy plains outside.
"And, while I don't really have an answer. It was your willingness to make that choice, to offer hope in a fucked-up world. Hope, Doctor, it's something we desperately need, especially now. If that's not what you think, then I don't know what is." Walter finishes.
As Walter's words hung in the air, offering solace and understanding. Faraday broke into a small laugh, his eyes filled with tears. It caught Walter completely off guard but let him finish his laughter. Faraday's laughter subsided, replaced by a contemplative expression.
"I suppose it's time for me to seek out a new home," Faraday's voice held a quiet resolve.
"Tell me, does New London have a place for an astronomer? Could my observations and insights find a purpose in your city's struggles?" His question, delivered with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty, hung in the air, the Observatory's shadows seemingly poised to unveil a new chapter in his journey.
/-/
A/N: The observatory with a little more context was intended as I needed some way to introduce a new character to the cast. Meet Doctor Johnathan Faraday. Same first name as the other guy from Tesla but it would be funny if that name was called, and they both answered at the same time.
Anyways, onto the chapter.
The observatory was originally a three part chapter covering the whole arc. Back then I was slowly carving out the story, and when I was just getting better at writing and storytelling. There wasn't really much for me to improve but I did do a little refining and fixing up tiny errors that make no sense.
Hopefully now the chapter would be much more smooth and easier to follow. But this chapter was already too long for my limit. So, I have to reduce the Observatory arc to two chapters, instead of three.
I had the idea of combining them all together but then there is something new I could probably add to the story in the next chapter.
For anyone that is new to Boris.
Boris is a support character for Jack and Walter. It was sort of a way to keep both of them accompanied. Boris is not the only companion for Jack and Walter's interactions. Boris is not in the game, nor did the game state that the bears had a child. But I did it to make the story more wholesome.
Boris will still be Boris. That little bear is not having many changes other than being adorable.
This encounter at the observatory is also another lesson for Walter and Jack to learn as they go on with their journey. Of course, all the good stuff would have to end eventually and then comes the hard part of the game. Winterhome.
Winterhome has been in the oven for years way back when the game came out. It was the most difficult part of the narrative and a crucial plot point in the game. And as for my novelization, with the addition of the DLC of Winterhome. I hit a block.
I have read your comments, thank you. And some were pretty good, and valuable points I am taking note of. And I have also forgotten about the Nansen guy until it was brought up. He only had a single location and very little was shown about him other than his outpost and a single letter.
As for Nikola Tesla, he was mentioned so much and had a whole city of his own. And by the time we met him, he was already dead. I was disappointed. The funny thing about my old draft was that Nikola was still alive and was hiding from his own people that turned Tesla city into an electro cult, using technology to conquer other people. It was a "What if" scenario where the electric dome was set up.
Some people lived while others died. This caused everyone to hate Nikola and changed into a cult. More like went insane due to the horrible outcome.
Electric Weapons, laser rifles, dreadnaught tanks. I was going crazy with it when I was younger. And Nikola is rescued by Jack and Walter. Pretty cool, but that was already diverting from the canon event switch I had to scrap.
As much as I wanted to add more factions, I have already made it clear to myself that I should work with what the game had already made. There are already interesting things that the devs have put in as well.
Maybe I can do a little change, while not canon in the game. It is still included, and I always say, "same things will still happen like in the game, just not in the same way".
Okay. I am done here.
Thank you all so much for reading.