upnorth

In the nearby cabin the injured man woke up again, feeling cold. Slowly rubbing and then opening his eyes, he took a look around the room, to find the embers of the fire about to go out. - Damn, the doc must have been gone for a while. I have to get more fuel on it or it will die on me... he thought to himself. With great effort and a lot of pain coursing through his body, reminding him to take more painkillers, he managed to get out of bed and get a few more logs on the fire. He needed to blow on the embers a few times to kick start the fire again, but eventually it started to grow on its own. Luckily there was good dry logs in the cabin. He shuddered at the thought of running out and having to venture out to find usable firewood in the middle of winter. On his way back to the bed, he made the effort to pick up the can he dropped on the floor before he passed out. Cleaning the rest would have to wait. The painkillers went down a little easier with the help of food. Slowly he felt the searing hot pain subside a little making it easier to think while at the same time feeling a little foggy. - I should rest some more, the doc's diagnosis was damn depressing but he's not gonna stand a chance of saving my sorry ass if i take myself out before he comes back. He said out loud to himself and whoever else might be listening in the universe. Laying down once more, the painkillers continued to help him relax. Just as he started to fall asleep, he suddenly heard what sounded like wolf howls in the distance. - Man, I hope the doc is ok, that sounded pretty close... His final thoughts as his exhausted body and mind finally fell asleep once again. Body and mind in a ragged state, but for the time being on a trajectory away from The Long Dark...

- Hey, look! Do you see what I see? Erik shouted to Christine as the truck slowly skid its tires over the slippery hill. As night had settled on the snowy forest, moonlight was suddenly illuminating the truck and its surroundings. At some distance there was a lot of movement, which Erik seemed to be looking at. - Yeah... is that a guy surrounded by wolves!? Christine replied. - Sure looks like it. Seems to have had one hell of a hell of a fight too, but he's still standing. Amy and Emma were now looking as well, the lone fighter with his hatchet and bleeding bandage in the snow surrounded by wolves was quite a sight. A grim sight to be sure, but still. Mocha had started to bark and Emma tried to calm her down, afraid that it would attract the wolves. - Hey! Are you ok? Can you run to the truck!? Erik shouted out of his window as the car was slowly getting closer. The man seemed to have noticed them at least but didn't reply. Just kept his defiant stance giving the approaching truck a glance but mainly focused on his current foes. - Damn, I think he's pretty wounded and tired. We're gonna have to help out but getting out of the truck is going to be risky. Erik thought out loud with a more stressed out voice than the group was used to. - Why don't you drive up as close as you can get and we'll try to scare off the wolves with the guns we have in here? Amy suggested. - Not a bad idea actually, we might have to get out anyway but the smaller the distance the better. Erik replied as he tried to increase speed along the snowed over road in the middle of nowhere on an island somewhere in the Canadian wilderness.

- Everyone ok? Erik finally spoke again after recovering from the shock. Everyone seemed fine. He wiped his eyes and took a look around the truck to get oriented. - I think we should get out and check if we lost any cargo. He continued after getting a grip of their new situation. - Good idea. I'll follow you. Christine answered. It was hard to tell but everything seemed to be in place. Well, a bit rearranged, but there. They did find a couple of items in the snow near the collapsed tunnel after noticing some sliding tracks and retrieved them. Suddenly Erik noticed something else. Movement. - Ok, lets get back, we are being stalked. Erik shouted to Christine. They both jogged back to the still running truck. - All good? Amy asked. - Yeah, we're fine. But I noticed movement in the shadows, we should get out of here. Erik answered as he slowly got the truck moving. Emma looked out of her window, she couldn't see anything. It both calmed and scared her. - I think there is an old side-road we can take, it's about half way back to town. Christine suggested. - Sounds good. The truck actually seems very sturdy, the repairs and upgrades seems to have helped. I suppose it also helps that we are driving on snow and will slide rather than roll over in situations like this. Well, as long as we don't slide into or over something I suppose. Erik remarked with a smirk. Everyone but Emma laughed at the very rare joke from Erik. She was still looking into the shadows. Amy felt a sense of home and comfort that she hadn't in a very long time. They continued to joke and talk a bit more easily as the truck found its way onto the old side-road and continued the journey towards the mysterious base.

- So, anyone knows any car games suitable for an apocalypse? Amy asked with a smirk after a couple of minutes. - What are car games? Emma asked. - Haha, well, a common one is to count cars of a certain color passing you by on the road. Since we are the only ones moving we might need an alternative... Amy replied, suddenly feeling a little guilty about her adult joke. - Ok, can we count rabbits instead? Emma replied. - Perhaps, but they aren't usually near the roads, especially when a car is approaching. Amy continued. - Hey kid, counting rabbits sounds pretty fun, how many can you see? Erik suddenly replied. - I don't know! Let me see! Emma replied more excited this time. Everyone in the truck was suddenly on a rabbit safari looking in various directions for small furry movement.

BANG! *Sounds of a rifle reloading* BANG! The cougar seemed to get hit the first time but was ready and mainly scared off by the second shot. Erik looked to the side to find Christine still aiming with a wisp of smoke leaving the barrel. - Nice shooting. We should get going while we still can. Did you find the last stuff? He asked. - Yes, all good. I'll get the girls. Christine replied as she went back inside. A few moments later they reached an important milestone for their big goal set a few days earlier. All of them were finally packed tightly into Erik's truck with all the supplies they could make room for. Not really knowing what would come next the mood was relieved but somber as Erik started the truck and they slowly rolled away from Christine's house.

Thank you for your suggestion and contribution to the story! As mentioned in my DM the story is indeed rather long and complex at this point, but there are plans to deal with that. I would suggest consider each thread page a "chapter" and re-read parts of the story if needed, I hope everyone can enjoy it as is for the time being

Christine wandered around her semi packed-up house for few minutes looking for a crowbar and her old radio. The radio was easy to find and she took it into the kitchen for the time being. She remembered having used a crowbar for some renovations at some point but couldn't quite remember where it was. Eventually she realized it wasn't in the house, but out back. Leaned up against the wall beside the back door were a few different tools. In addition a sledge hammer for driving poles into the ground for fences, and a rusty saw. They had never got around to making a proper storage to get the tools out of the weather. She considered bringing more than the crowbar, but decided against it, the truck would be very heavy and she didn't have a bolt cutter anyway - the only tool she figured would have been more useful for a break-in. She brought it inside after glancing around looking for any predator, but it was clear. Not even any tracks. But being more vigilant was apparently already ingrained in muscle memory, she noted. She brought the crowbar back to the kitchen and sat down to have a quick look at the old radio while the others finished up, just to make sure it looked ok and didn't need any immediate repairs. Well, as thorough an inspection you could do without turning it on anyway, the sky being clear and deceptively blue and inviting. Going through the motions of having used Erik's radio a few days ago everything did seem to be in order.

They tied Mocha up between the house and the truck to be able to walk around somewhat freely while being easy to fetch in case they had to run inside quickly. - So, what do you really think about this enterprise, with no young ears around? Erik asked as he got his tools out. - It's a desperate measure for a desperate situation, as we discussed before. I think our odds are decent. We have a lot of supplies and a working truck. If this was an expedition by foot it would be a completely different situation. Christine answered calmly. - I suppose so. Perhaps we should at least teach Amy how to shoot properly. I agree that Emma is too young for an actual gun but Amy is not. Might make the difference in a pinch. Erik continued as he got started on switching out the damaged wheel. Christine being more focused on Mocha and monitoring their surroundings didn't answer right away. - Yeah, that's a good idea. She finally answered as if thinking about something else. - Can you hold this in place for a minute? Erik asked from under the truck. - Sure. Christine got down on her knees to find Erik holding a part he was trying to tighten that he needed both hands for. - What do you think the rest of the world is up to? That emergency message made this town go crazy, I bet we aren't alone. Erik asked as he finished up his current task. - Yeah, now that you mention it it's a little scary that no new message has been broadcasted. Things can't be going well. Christine answered resigned. - I'm kind of getting used to the company though, solitude is nice but risky. Might have lost my arm if you hadn't been around to do a proper job there. And Emma is a cool kid. Erik continued. - Hah, thanks, but I'm sure we aren't the highlight of the current company though. Christine answered with a smirk. Erik didn't reply. He stopped working for a second only to finish up the wheel repair and get up from under the truck a few moments later. - Right. Hard part done, just have to finish up. Any signs of wildlife yet? Erik changed the subject. - No, all clear. Mocha seems to have done her business. We should perhaps take her on a short walk before we leave. Christine answered while looking at their four-legged friend being eager to run around more. - I can do that. You should get your radio and a crowbar if you have one before we leave. Erik offered. - You think you will be alright with just the revolver? Christine asked before going inside. - Yeah, I'm a pretty good shot and a revolver is a good one-handed gun anyway. But I'm probably just going around the truck a couple of times so that we can run for the door easily. Erik noted as he untied Mocha.

- Are you all packed and ready to go Emma? Christine asked as they sat down to eat. - I think so. Emma answered too quickly with her mouth still full of food. - I might need some help with the truck. Both a guard against wildlife and probably go hand me tools as well. Anyone up for it? Erik inquired. - I'll give you a hand, Christine offered. - So what's the plan if we get to the base in one piece? Crowbar open a door or window? Climb in from the roof? Amy asked. - I guess we'll have to see. We can only hope that the tools and information we have is enough. I did notice some streams in the area that might be worth checking out, but we'll have to keep our eyes and ears open. Christine answered. - I suppose so. I can stay inside with Emma while you fix the truck, but could you take Mocha with you outside with the truck? She hasn't got as much walks as she needs lately. Amy answered slightly resigned. - Of course, she might even help us detect if wolves or the bear approaches. Christine quickly answered. They finished the meal while studying Christine's map, the military files and the scribbled note. Erik and Christine then went outside with a handgun and rifle respectively while Amy and Emma cleared the table. - So what do you think of all this Emma, is it scary? Amy asked. - The bear attacking you outside the door was really scary. Emma answered. - Yeah, we got lucky there. But at least you know how to use a flare gun now! Amy replied. - Yes! That was very fun! Emma answered with a smile and animating the practice shot with her hands. - I think we are just about finished here. Anything you want to do before we leave? Amy asked. - I want to show you my room! Emma replied with excitement. - Of course! Show me the way! Do you have any secrets in there? Amy put down the last dishes and wiped her hands as they went for the stairs. - Yes! But don't tell anyone, not even mommy! Emma answered. - Of course not! This should be fun! Amy answered with a wink.

- Just fix the truck and then off on an apocalyptic road trip to a mysterious base in the mountains? Amy continued. - Yeah. Pretty much. It's going to be a much heavier load than I usually use the truck with, but I'm hoping it will be good enough with the repairs. It should just barely fit us and all our supplies. Well done on packing it up yesterday by the way. Erik answered with a smile to Emma. - Do we have any way of communicating with the rest of the world in case things go sideways? We are leaving a perfectly good landline here after all. Amy continued with a smirk. - Good point! We should bring my old radio, it's a similar model to Erik's. It will at least work if there is an aurora. And feel free to try the landline if there is anyone you would like to try to reach before we leave. Christine answered. - If everyone has a flare gun we can shoot flares to find each other. Emma suggested quietly, looking at her mom. - It's a good idea, but I don't think we have enough flare guns honey. Christine answered. They finally sat down to eat the last normal breakfast in a while thinking about everyone they should try to reach on the landline, but worried what they might find out.

- Did you find what you were looking for? Amy asked as they all gathered in the kitchen again. - Actually yeah, at least as far as fixing the truck. We got lucky. Shouldn't take too long to do the repairs either. Erik answered with cautious enthusiasm. - What about the base, did you find anything useful in the store? Amy continued, looking at Christine now. - Well, not really. I did find some military paperwork but nothing obviously helpful. Although it would probably be a breach of security to have a set of instructions for how to get into a base being both documented and kept outside the base I guess. But we'll have a proper look at what I found, it might give us some clues at least. Christine said as she put down the paperwork on the table. - Daddy! Is that daddy? Emma shouted as she almost crawled on top of the table to get a better look and noticed the picture. - Haha, yes! Handsome isn't he! Christine replied. Amy having nothing better to do but sharing some of Erik's earlier skepticism started going through the rest. She didn't understand much, the base name seemed to be mentioned a couple of times as part of the assignment for Emma's father. Then the scribbled note fell out. - What's this? Amy asked. - Oh that, I honestly don't know. I initially thought it was some kind of radio code, but they wouldn't have been allowed to take sensitive information like that away from the base so it has to be something else. But I figured I should bring everything in the file to be safe, it might prove useful. Christine answered. Meanwhile Erik had gone outside to check the spare parts and the truck. It was getting dark so no use in trying to fix it this evening, but the house sometimes got too crowded for him and tinkering calmed him down. - Man, we've had some fun, haven't we? Thanks for saving us from the bear! Erik smiled and thought outloud as he went around the truck. He could hear some wolves howling in the distance but wasn't too worried being this close to the house. He would have to get up early to do the repairs, and have someone ready with a gun just to be safe, but otherwise it looked like they were ready to hit the road early the following day. The girls had actually done a pretty impressive job packing and securing their cargo! Erik went inside again, just in time for more of what he just left to avoid. Back in the kitchen, Emma was excited for more than new pictures of her dad. - Mom! Guess what I did today? Emma giving a mischievous glance to Amy, who smiled back. - I have no idea, did you draw something, the truck? Christine replied. - I shot a gun! Emma revealed excitedly. - What!? Where did you get a gun? Why didn't you tell me Amy? Christine was suddenly shocked and angry, having just spent a day worrying about not being able to protect Emma herself. - Not a handgun, she got to try a flare gun. I just figured it would be good for her to know how to use one if she gets lost in the woods or something. Amy replied and gave Emma a supportive wink who was now looking scared. - Actually, that's not a bad idea, they are pretty effective at scaring off wildlife too in a pinch. Erik noted as he suddenly joined the conversation. - I guess so... sorry, it's been a long day. I think I just need a break from all the craziness. Christine sat down, glancing at the picture in the personnel file with nostalgia. - We can go to my room and draw something? Emma suggested not really knowing what else to do. - Good idea Emma! Me and Amy can prepare supper tonight, you guys go and have some fun. Erik replied, knowing better than anyone what Christine had been going through that day. - Thank you! Christine said with a tired smile looking at Erik. As they both went to Emma's room to enjoy a few final normal moments before leaving the house, Erik got the stove lit as Amy studied the scribbled note. The only seemingly useful piece of information besides the maps, while also being a complete mystery.

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Christine knew the town well so navigating back to her store was easy enough. But it pained her to see the state of things. Abandoned cars in the streets. Broken store fronts. She never really knew Doc Brown but it was a familiar face in town and had been good with Emma the few times they had to pay the pharmacy a visit after some overly ambitious playing. It was sad to hear that news too. - That's my store up ahead, I think we deserve a little break after this or we'll never make it back to the house before nightfall. Christine remarked. - Good. I'm not too tired with you helping me but it's no use in pushing too hard. Erik replied. - It's quite a truck you have, how did you come by it? Christine asked. - Ha! Long story, but the short-ish version is a passion for old army stuff and off-roading, at least in my younger days. Me and my brother replaced the notoriously bad engine and had some fun with it. After that it became a cool looking but not very convenient daily driver for me. Although after the aurora knocking out all the badly protected electronics in regular cars, it's of course very convenient. Erik answered with an enthusiasm he couldn't hide. - Are you and your brother close? Christine continued the conversation. Erik didn't answer, but instead looked into the ground before looking up to survey the streets and surrounding area. They were almost at the store at this point. Suddenly he stared to untie himself from his harness very quickly. - Lose the harness, wolves dead ahead, we have to run inside! Erik whispered as Christine wondered what he was doing. Christine didn't question him but started to get out of her own harness as fast as she could. - I have the keys to the back door. We should be able to lock ourselves in while we open the safe. Christine answered, trying to remain calm. They left the tobaggon and ran around the back of the store as the wolves approached, now growling. Christine ran up to the door and started fumbling with the keys, now stressed out. - Take it easy, you got this. I'll cover you. Erik said with a calm voice as he took aim with his rifle towards the corner they came around. Christine found the right key but hearing the growls come closer she panicked and dropped them in the snow. BAM! Erik fired his rifle with the calm of a seasoned hunter and a grey shape dropped to the ground a few meters from where they were hunched down. Scattered whimpering was heard from the rest of the pack running away. - We're good, for the time being, can you find the keys again? Erik asked with a calming voice, trying to help Christine focus as best he could. - Yes, yes, sorry! I got them. Christine answered as she finally managed to unlock the back door and get in. - I'll stay outside and keep them away. I don't think we scared them off completely. Erik replied. Christine didn't bother protesting, the door into the front of the store was seemingly still intact, but she didn't dare check for supplies in case the wolves would come in through the broken store front. She went straight for the safe. - Damn, this thing is usually tricky as it is, and usually I'm calm and not working in the cold. Christine muttered as she started to turn the dial. BAM! She suddenly heard yet another shot from outside. - Got another one! We might get some nice pelts from this actually! Erik joked after another successful shot. Christine needed a few more attempts than usual, but finally the safe swung open to a familiar sight inside. She pulled out the paperwork on the floor, mostly store supplier contracts and the ownership documents for the store. But she finally found her late husbands military papers. Seeing his face again made her shed a tear, but it would be nice to show Emma as well. Other than that mostly formalities. And a scribbled note. She almost threw it away but hesitated. - What is this? It looks like some kind of code? Could it be for decoding radio messages, but why would that be in our private safe? Christine was confounded. She decided to bring it, might prove useful. - I think I finally scared them off, losing two members of their pack seems to have killed their morale a bit haha! Erik suddenly walked through the door. - Good! Sorry for not being more focused, but I couldn't stop thinking about what would happen to Emma if I didn't make it back... Christine admitted, now relieved the situation was over. - Yeah, I can understand that. Honestly, it was fun hunting a bit again. I owed them some payback from earlier too! Erik chuckled, putting up his previously bit arm in the air. - Great, should we get going then? Christine asked now a bit more focused. - Sure, did you find what you were looking for? Erik asked, looking at mound of papers on the floor. - Not sure, but a few important things and some military paperwork that might prove useful. Christine noted. - I haven't checked the store for supplies though, it seemed risky in case the wolves would attack through the broken store front. Christine continued. - Good thinking! Come to think of it, we should probably leave the dead wolves or we might attract more if we try to harvest them. At least until we get the spare parts back to the house. Erik pondered. - Yeah... I think we want to get home as fast as we can now, we did find both fuel and tires for your truck after all. Christine agreed. - Shame, lots of useful things on a dead wolf. Oh well, next one I guess. Erik noted as he opened the door for Christine. The rest of the journey back to the house was uneventful but slow. To balance the tobaggon more Christine pushed from behind while Erik pulled, giving both more space to move and find purchase in the snowy ground. They kept looking for both wolves and the bear that had just revisited the town, but everything seemed calm. Perhaps the dead wolves behind the store ended up being more interesting for predators than themselves. Tired but relieved they finally pulled up the tobaggon next to the truck as the day turned to dusk. Since they had left it had been filled up with seemingly most of the packed supplies, the girls had been busy too. Erik gave the hood of the truck a pat before they both went inside closed the door behind them. Erik didn't think much of it, but for Christine it started to dawn on her that it might be the last time she stepped inside her home for a very long time, if ever. Emma running into her arms quickly put her at ease again though.

Great concept!

Meanwhile on a road somewhere close to town, the doctor felt his spirits lift a bit being able to increase his pace. Being a born and raised local (apart from his years in medical school and a few years of practice in the mainland), he was usually very comfortable out and about on the island. But something strange had happened the last few days. Besides the chaos at Black Rock, nature seemed changed at its core as well. Wolves no longer kept their distance to humans, bears were hunting in the winter!? He knew fast and relatively safe ways to travel across the island, but after a couple of close encounters near Black Rock he realized that he had to be much more careful than usual. Luckily the cabins weren't too far away if you knew the right paths and caves. Helping the wounded man out of the nearby helicopter crash made things more complicated, but they managed. - I hope the pharmacy has its usual pot of coffee going, I could really use some heating up! Alex muttered but with a bit of hope. The trek was fairly uneventful. He spotted a few rabbits and a deer on his way into town. But as he got closer he noticed something else. - What the hell... has there been a storm here or something? What's with all the broken store fronts? Alex wondered out loud. Being even more careful now, he slowly shuffled his way towards his destination between cars and around buildings, always looking and listening for any kind of threat. But he couldn't spot anything. He finally came close to the small pharmacy which looked as bad as everything else. - Man, I guess no coffee then? Alex muttered now without hope. The store seemed to be empty and as he entered his suspicions of a storm faded into something more scary. The pharmacy seemed to have been looted, and in a hurry as well. - What the hell happened here!? Alex was starting to get stressed out over the increasing evidence of major chaos and panic while having no idea at all what could have caused it. Collecting himself a bit, he started to analyze the situation (while looking intensively for the much needed pain killers and anything else he could find). The incident at Black Rock was very unusual. Seemed to have had something to do with the power but no one could understand it. Wildlife suddenly being more aggressive also seemed very odd. There might be a connection, but what!? He couldn't find anything useful on the shelves or floor of the pharmacy, but he ventured further in. Adjacent to the store was a small house where the pharmacist lived. The corridor there was usually a mess of empty supply crates and furniture, so people might not have thought it worth exploring. Well inside, he found no trace of the pharmacist. But he chuckled a bit when he found half a coffee pot, albeit cold. - Oh well, that's something! Alex said with relief as he attempted to put the heater back on to hopefully get his cup of Joe after all. But nothing happened. - Damn. I guess a fuse is burned or something? I don't have time for this, I need to find medication. Alex muttered as he got focused yet again. As he searched through the house, he finally found what he was looking for. The pharmacists bathroom had a medical cabinet with a few supplies: pain killers, antibiotics and some purification tablets. For good measure he took some potable water from the toilet and ripped up the curtains for bandages. Not the worst of crimes given the scene. Time to head back. As he left the store and started his careful journey back to the cabin, some movement caught his eye further into town, but being very careful to get back with all the supplies he opted not to investigate further and quickly dodged behind a wall and out of sight before continuing.

That evening was a mix of calm and hope after having found and properly inventoried a lot of useful supplies from the house, but also nervousness over the need to find parts and fuel for the truck to make the journey less dangerous and the risk of the base being a dead end if they could even reach it with the threat of wildlife on top of everything else. Before going to bed they decided that during the next day Christine and Erik would head out in town with a rifle each, newly cleaned and with plenty of ammo each. While Amy, Emma and Mocha stayed at the house finishing up the packing, boiling water and repairing as much clothing as they had sowing kits and materials for. They all fell asleep eventually. Emma and Mocha getting the best rest being the most unaware of the risks. Emma actually looking forward to reconnecting a little with memories of her dad, falling asleep thinking about her moms story.

- So like an old factory, you said? Erik mentioned during supper looking at Christine - What do you mean? Christine replied a bit confounded - The base, it's supposed to have low security akin to an old factory? Erik elaborated - Right, right! Yes. Unless they rebuilt or upgraded it a lot over the years, it shouldn't be too hard to get into. Christine answered - I'm worried that a simple crowbar wont be enough to gain access, it seems too simple. We can't use the truck too much to pull or bash anything in either, it's barely holding together as it is. Erik thought outloud - Hmm. I think my husband kept some work related paperwork in the store safe come to think of it, might be worth checking out. If I recall correctly it's things like id badge and some personnel files, but I'm not quite sure what he might have stored there. Christine replied - Ok, worth a shot I guess. We are betting everything on this base to solve all our problems so I just want to make sure we have the best possible odds to succeed. Breaking into a military base is not something kids do as a prank after all, we have to be both careful, smart and probably lucky too. Erik finished his sentence by staring out of the window into the snowy nature, wondering where this adventure might end.

- Can everyone come to the kitchen for a second? Erik called out as he had closed the door and got undressed. The rest of them slowly gathered as they had to finish their respective tasks first. - What is it? Christine inquired. - I've assessed the state of the truck and there are a couple things we need or at least should try to fix before going to the base. We might need spare parts if we can find them. Erik started. - But we forgot about making an inventory as we discussed yesterday. Or at least to simply write down what we're packing as we go so that we can keep track of it. I for one was too focused on the truck this morning. Erik continued. - Yeah, I completely forgot about it too. Christine admitted. - I have pen and paper. Emma suggested nervously. - Very good! Could you please get some for us? Erik answered with a smile to encourage the little girl. Emma smiled back and ran off to get her precious supplies, happy that her little passion could help the adults. - On the bright side, I do think we have most of what we need as far as supplies goes. Me and Emma did secure a lot of medical supplies before the store got raided. With your contributions of food and what we already had at home from before all this, I don't think we're missing too many important things. Christine continued. Emma came back with paper and crayons. - Very good! But do you think you have a regular pen or pencil? They are a bit better to take notes with? Erik asked as gently as he could. - I don't know. Emma answered a bit insecure again, looking at her mom. - It's those we use when we write words in letters, like the sign we made together for the store. I think there are a couple on my desk, do you want to go check? Christine encouraged her. - Yes! Emma had already started running as she was happy to still be able to help. Emma found what she was looking for, and after making some coffee and tea they sat down to do initial inventory of already packed things and started to think ahead of what they would need.

Report by Parks Canada Agency: Survey of Hushed River Valley, Great Bear Island, Canada. Evaluation of fauna and flora for consideration as national park (part 2) After last summer's evaluation which showed some indication of protected fauna residing in the area, it’s been decided to do an additional evaluation during the winter to confirm that said fauna is present in the area all year round and that the observation was not a fluke. Access was a bit easier during the summer months, this time we had to airdrop with a helicopter. A preceding aerial survey spotted a part of the area with active wildlife and was determined suitable for further field studies. I was transported to the area at dusk in order to be able to conduct the field studies with good daylight as minimal equipment can be carried due to the challenging terrain. Pickup scheduled in the evening a few clicks away. One of the great perks working for the parks agency is to visit locations like this! After traversing through the initial drop zone through some cliff faces I was immediately greeted by a more open area featuring a tall waterfall. The sound seemed somewhat dampened by the snowy surroundings, but it suited the early and otherwise quiet hours of a new day. Barely having any safety equipment I began carefully traversing the cliffs to get further down the valley. After coming closer to the waterfall and frozen pond, the first find of the survey appeared - rabbits playing on the ice. I don’t suppose they are visible in the picture, I’ll have to get a closer look to determine their numbers and species. Getting close enough without scaring them off, I managed to hit one of them with my tranquilizer gun at fairly close range. It jumped a round a little before settling down, its friends scurried off though as they realized something was out of the ordinary. As usual I picked it up, removed the dart, and held it carefully for up-close inspection. A nice specimen, but nothing unusual. One of the most common types of rabbits in this area. Seems healthy. I chuckled a bit at my next “find”. Perhaps the least endangered flora of the Canadian wilds - cattails. But as per surveyor tradition I grabbed a few just to snack on before continuing. They do make for a great fire starter in case of an emergency and I can’t be too careful. Don’t taste too bad either, good for re-hydration as well. Almost like cucumber in a sense? An analysis for another time. Let's see if we can't confirm some of the summer’s findings. As I continued down the frozen stream, the landscape opened up even more and the next find appeared! A ravaged deer. Seemingly nothing special though. There are multiple species hunting deer but this was most likely wolves. No tracks of note but the carcass did seem to have been there for a while so any footprints would have snowed over by now. Looking over the edge of the cliff, I did see a few more deers below. All seemingly roaming about normally so no sign of illness or fear for that matter. I should be safe traversing further down. Although the terrain is starting to look really steep! Perhaps locations like this warrant some climbing gear, although heavy. But better tired than injured. I managed to traverse further down the frozen stream and was greeted by a few new finds: rose hips, the commonly known old man’s beard, and reishi mushrooms. All of them are very useful as various remedies, but also fairly plentiful. I’m starting to doubt that I will find anything to corroborate the summer’s findings, but besides that it surely is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited! If not so inaccessible it would be a nice site for camping in the summer actually. I have noticed some birds as well. Looks and sounds like crows, have not been able to spot one up close but you trust your instincts in these matters after a few years in the trade. Seemingly circling the carcasses. Continuing the survey, I found yet another deer carcass and some more rose hips. Still nothing out of the ordinary besides an active wildlife. But I might have to start looking more carefully at tracks in case there are active predators. They usually do avoid human contact but two deers killed so close by does suggest a more dense population. It would actually have been good to spot them, at least at a distance. With no visible signs to go on it’s hard to assess the predator in question. The beautiful landscape continues along with the survey. There are of course trees and some grass as well, but again nothing out of the ordinary. My recommendation will have to be to not pursue a protected status for Hushed River Valley. Although we should make note of a high predatory presence that might affect residents of Great Bear Island.

Grey Mother's diaries: an excerpt Summer 1969 "Life on Great Bear island isn’t too bad. At least we aren’t mainlanders! I have a loving husband and we just welcomed our first baby girl! We’re thinking about calling her Lilith, or Lily for short. The farm is getting into shape as well. Not too much fertile land on the island but I think we can make it work. Martin is a hard worker and the neighbors are helpful. I’m a bit worried for my mother in Milton though, she is getting old but refuses to leave her house and move in with us. She is a tough lady but she will be struggling more now that dad has passed away." … Summer 1979 "Today we followed Lily to her favorite climbing spot. I’m always nervous but Martin is teaching her how to do it safely so I guess I shouldn’t be too concerned. It is a pretty nice spot for a picnic though so I try to just enjoy the spectacular vistas of Great Bear or bring a book so that I can focus on something else." … Winter 1980 "Martin is still worried about next season's crops. We managed to produce just enough last season to get through this winter but I guess we got a bit lucky. He is right to be concerned, but what good will worrying for an entire winter do? I wish he could be more positive and spend more time with Lily instead, she does like to learn from him." … Summer 1980 "Father Thomas is such a gentle soul. I appreciate having someone of faith to talk to about life’s many challenges and worries. He doesn’t always say what you want to hear, but he always listens. But I guess he has a point. Sometimes you have to change your ways or your mind in order to move forward, even if it’s hard and disappointing sometimes." … Later that summer "Today Lily had a climbing accident, I was so worried! Martin says she will be ok but I don’t see why she can’t find a different hobby? She does seem really passionate about climbing but what if something worse had happened!?" … Winter 1981 "Life is good. We had a better season this year and Martin is talking about buying irrigation equipment to lower the risks of failing crops if we get another dry season. We do have a river nearby so it seems like a pretty good idea. Lily has been focusing more on school and less on climbing lately which I have to admit puts my mind at ease in more than one way." … Winter 1984 "My dear mother passed away. She stayed in her house in Milton until the end. I suppose that’s the best way to go, at home by your own hearth. She mentioned having worsened sight in her letters at the end, needing help to get both firewood and food. Luckily she has good neighbors, I just wish we could have visited her more often. Lily did spend a fair bit of time there climbing, she even has her own room with her climbing gear. I’m happy she got to grow up close to her grandmother. She even left the house to Lily in her will, such a nice gesture!" … Summer 1984 "Martin seems hopeful about this year's crops. The weather hasn’t been that great but we have been better prepared. Lily is still doing well in school, but she met a boy that seems to distract her a bit. He seems nice enough though, and she seems happy." … Autumn 1985 "My dear sweet Lily! She was barely 17, her whole life ahead of her! She was so distraught after the breakup, climbing is the last thing she should have been doing in her state of mind! Least of all alone! Why did Martin let her go out by herself, especially this time!? I don’t know what to do, Father Thomas has offered us counseling but no amount of thoughtful words will bring my baby back!" … Later that autumn "Lily now rests with her grandparents in Milton. Burying her was the most difficult day of my life. Why did Martin have to teach her such a dangerous sport!? Father Thomas says no one is to blame for Lily’s death. It’s so easy for him to say, always preaching about forgiveness and turning the other cheek - he doesn’t know what it feels like to lose a child! He says being angry at Martin won't bring her back. That we have to help each other through the sorrow." … Winter 1986 I don’t care how sorry Martin is, he could have listened to me and persuaded her to do something else! He wouldn’t even let her wear her beautiful necklace on her journey into the long dark, he wanted it locked up in a damn safe! … Summer 1986 "I can’t stay here any more! Martin always says we have to move on, that it’s what Lily would have wanted. But it’s barely been a year!? And I can’t stand everyone talking about “Heartbreak Bridge”! The nerve of some people - they were just kids! I think I have to move to my mother’s old house in Milton. At least I can visit Lily at her grave more often then…"

As they sat down to eat, Christine felt the need to clear the air. - Erik, I didn't mean to take you for granted providing the truck. Let me explain the situation and my plan a bit better. Christine started as they sat down to eat. This time with slightly more room for everyone than at Erik's. - The town is overrun and looted, I think you would agree? Not just by people but by a wounded bear with a temper, and wolves joining in as well. It's not safe here for Emma which is my main concern, but not really habitable for anyone else either. She continued. - The base is simply an opportunity. It's our best bet for more supplies, especially for fuel, which is the key to get off the island and long-term survival. Besides that it's not very well known by the locals. This is more a town for adventurers such as yourself these days. So not too much competition for the stuff we might need. She paused to look around the room at the reactions so far. Erik seemed less agitated but not convinced. - So assuming we can get there, how will we even get in? He inquired. - Right, I probably should have lead with that. As I mentioned, my late husband worked there, and took me for a civilian visit once to show me around. It's a fairly low security facility built a long time ago, so we should be able to find a door, window or air duct or similar to break up with a crowbar. Being secluded was the main line of defense if you will. It's more of an old factory than anything else. - Yeah, I guess you are right. Adventuring alone is why I came here, but I guess we are a party of adventurers now. It still feels like a long shot, but it is a shot. I can't think of a better option, or any option for that matter. Erik conceded. - What do you think Amy? Christine didn't want it to be a 2 person decision. - Well, we don't seem to have much choice. Amy answered, more focused on Mocha than the conversation. - We need to prepare though. Figure out as much as we can about the base and surrounding area. Check and fix the truck as much as possible, I don't want any surprises there. We should also make an inventory of what supplies we have and find out if we are missing something important. Erik suddenly said, taking some initiative. - Right, good idea. I do have some old hunting maps over Great Bear in the house that should cover the base area. There might be something useful in the safe of the store as well. Although it might not be worth the risk to go back there. Christine replied. With some breakfast for dinner, and a plan for what to do next, the mood lifted somewhat in the room. They all helped to clear the table and after Christine managed to find her hunting maps, which she and Erik spent the evening studying while Amy and Emma played with Mocha. A welcome moment of calm before the next storm.

Below a nearby cliff beside a fire, an old man watched the events unfold. - Hope, fear, rage and cunning meeting in a single moment. Harsh to some, but natural. He thinks out loud. - The passing of an age indeed, and yet another soul meeting its fate. Returning home as the quiet apocalypse continues. He notes. He puts another log on his fire and looks up towards a beautiful night sky through his broken glasses.

Christine quickly went up the stairs towards Emma's room and the faint sounds of crying. She found her on her bed facing away from the door. - How are you doing kiddo? She asked as she gently sat down on her bed. Emma didn't answer. Christine laid down by her and began to stroke her to comfort her a bit. - Did I ever tell you when your father took me to his base to show me around? Christine suddenly asked, trying to come up with something lighthearted to distract Emma with, but also felt a sting of nostalgia and sadness herself. - We were so young, and he wanted to impress me. He had just got his post and since it was a fairly small and low security facility they could take visitors. She continued. Emma suddenly stopped crying. - I miss daddy. Emma replied. - Me too honey, me too. But we still have each other, I'm so thankful for that. You have been so brave these past few days with all the craziness. Christine continued, happy to have a normal conversation again. - What did he show you? Emma asked. - Haha, well. He was working in military intelligence, which is a fancy way of saying he helped build really good radios so that people could speak to each other safely while protecting our country. For that they needed antennas as high up as possible, so it works really well here in the mountains. He wanted to show me the view from a station he helped build. It was really quite amazing! Christine explained suddenly smiling of good memories. - I want to see it too! Can we go there? Emma asked again. - I would love that, but it's a bit long to walk and not safe anyway, and we don't have a car. Christine answered afraid to disappoint. - Erik's got a truck, perhaps we can borrow it? Emma persisted. Christine was stunned. That kid was smart. They did have access to transportation. She had even considered it herself not too many days ago before the latest craziness had happened. Come to think if it, with the store looted and the whole town going mad, paying a visit to the base might not be such a bad idea at all... there might be supplies! - That's true! Erik does have a truck! Good thinking Emma! Christine suddenly didn't have to pretend enthusiastic. - We have to ask Erik and Amy first of course, I would imagine that they also want to leave town now. But I'll tell you what. I think they will like it, so start packing a few things in case we have to be there for a few days, and remember your drawing things so that you can paint the views! Christine said as Emma jumped from the bed with a smile, dried her tears off on her arm and started packing. Thinking to herself, Christine tried to remember what she could of the military base. It was so long ago but it was indeed fairly low security being such a remote and small facility. There should be a fairly accessible window or something they could break into in case everything was locked...

Meanwhile back at Christine's, she sighed as she was about to break the enthusiasm of a beloved child who had already had a rough few days. - I'm sorry honey, but until we know that the bear has gone or been killed, I don't think it's safe for you to go outside. It's bad enough with wolves being unusually aggressive. Christine said as Emma was rushing back down the stairs. Emma stopped immediately, looked up at her mother in chock, then started crying as she slowly made her way back upstairs. - I wonder what it will take to bring that bear to its end. Between us and Erik we do have a few guns and rifles, but we probably need to fire them from safe positions... Christine thought for herself as she started to prepare a more mundane breakfast, hoping that Emma would get hungry and come back down. But she didn't want to make her. - Oh well, I have to try to reach the authorities anyway, one thing at a time. She thought as she set the table, looking out of the window to the familiar and beautiful landscape outside that she knew and loved. It didn't look as dangerous as it was.

Emma was not the only one in the group that had a shocking few days. Mocha was stressed out and tired from escaping and now trying to avoid their greatest threat so far. Luckily Amy seemed to have got inside Christine's house safely but navigating between a bear roaming the small town and wolfs in the surrounding forests was hard even with canine senses. Some parts was more familiar than others but beggars can't be choosers and to keep a safe distance from threats Mocha had to navigate through the night, getting back to Christine's didn't seem possible. Having darted to the side to avoid the bear attacking, Mocha had continued away from the path the bear seemed to be on. The scent was fairly fresh. Being stuck between that and avoiding nearby wolf packs, the only way forward soon hinted of Amy's and Erik's scents. Tracking them down lead to the path back to Erik's cabin. Mocha followed the path and soon found a familiar sight. The door was closed, Mocha tried scraping the door with her paws and making a few sounds, but nothing too loud to avoid attracting attackers. No answer. Erik's scent was very fresh so he must have just left recently. Mocha crawled up against the somewhat warmed up cabin wall heated from the new day's sunshine and rested, eating some snow to hydrate.