Conversation · Microgrid Generator

This old cylindrical generator waits with its fuel cap open. Makeshift electrical wiring runs out of its side and across the floor.

"What does this mean? A generator here?"

"Fuck does Cuno know?"

Is it not the wisest man who knows he knows nothing?

"You have taught me the meaning of wisdom, Cuno."

"Yeah, Cuno's fucking wise like that. Cuno's gonna be a real wise pig."

Say nothing.

The wind outside picks up suddenly with a faint howl. Inside it's warm.

"I meant why is it here?"

"Probably because it's winter. Some bums who camp here don't wanna freeze to death? Maybe? Probably. Cuno's probably right..."

It's...

"The fire guy. Some kids told me about a guy here. A guy who made a fire."

"All right." He claps his hands. "We're on to something -- Cuno meant fire guy too."

"Do you know anything about a fire guy?"

"Yeah -- no." He quickly turns his attention back to the generator. "Cuno doesn't come here, I told you."

Where do these wires lead?

He looks at the wall socket. "Downstairs somewhere."

He looks at the wall socket. "Dunno, looks like downstairs somewhere..."

Downstairs somewhere -- or into the lighting perhaps? You can't tell.

"What does this mean? A generator here?"

"I don't know. I am not a philosopher."

That is his idea of a joke.

"I am. This generator proves the universe is material..." (Kick the generator.)

A small agony -- minuscule bones may have fractured -- but it proves the point.

"...ouch." (Grab your wounded toe.)

He nods approvingly. He even smiles.

"I meant why is it here?"

"Someone with basic electrical skills has restored it in order to keep the room warm. Maybe it's the fire guy..."

The wind outside picks up suddenly with a faint howl. Inside it's warm.

"Someone with basic electrical skills has restored it in order to keep the room warm."

Say nothing.

Tap on the side.

The tank is far from full, but there should be enough inside to keep it going for a day.

A hollow ring -- the canister is empty. Dust falls from the generator and down into the ammo lift.

[Leave.]

Pour fuel into the tank.

The lieutenant assists you, holding the canister up to the fuel tank as you tilt. Dark brown viscous fluid pours out and the room fills with a chemical smell.

There's a red starter switch on the side of the cylinder and a start rope on the other side -- the lieutenant flicks the switch.

Pull the rope.

The recoil start wakes the old generator up. The machine sputters like an old war horse before settling down to a rattle.

"That should do it."

The boy helps you out, holding the canister up to the fuel tank as you tilt. Dark brown viscous fluid pours out and the room fills with a chemical smell.

There's a red starter switch on the side of the cylinder and a start rope on the other side -- Cuno flicks the switch.

Pull the rope.

The recoil start wakes the old generator up instantly. The machine sputters like an old war horse before settling down to a rattle.

"We're in. We're doing this," he says over the sputter.

The room fills with a pervasive chemical smell as dark brown liquid flows into the tank. There's a red starter switch on one side of the cylinder and a start rope on the other.

Flick the switch.

A tiny red light glitters inside the burnt plastic.

Pull the rope.

The recoil start wakes the old generator up. The machine sputters like an old war horse before settling down to a rattle.

Nothing happens.

What kind of generator am I looking at?

"Liquid carbon, I would imagine it takes mazut." He points to the open fuel cap on the side of the dynamo.

"The kind that's favoured by vagrants and fuel thieves. It's been a long winter..."

The lieutenant pauses. Something seems to be pecking at the edge of his concentration. He gives you a sideways look before adding...

"... Long and cold."

There's no time to dwell on this moment. You've got to keep moving...

"The kind that's favoured by vagrants and fuel thieves. It's been a long winter... Long and cold."

If anyone's stayed here, they'd need a generator.