Conversation · Microgrid Generator

"Smells like mazut." The kid taps on the open fuel cap on the side of the dynamo. "Heavy fuel shit."

The industrial smell of mazut rises from the fuel cap. This generator uses heavy oil.

An old cylindrical generator is nested above the ammo lift, with makeshift electrical wiring running out of its side and across the floor. The cables disappear into the wall to your right.

The lieutenant puts his hand on the metal barrel, checking for warmth...

"It's cold now," he concludes. "But someone has been maintaining it. The wiring has been repaired."

W-w-w-wait. Haven't you heard this before?

Cuno puts his hand on the generator. "This shit's cold."

N-n-n-no. This isn't right...

What's the matter?

'It's cold now,' he was supposed to say. 'But someone has been maintaining it. The wiring has been repaired'...

But he's not here to say it. Something else got in the way. Events intervened...

Ignore it.

You brush away the thought and turn back to the generator.

Put your hand on the machine.

It's cold. Rust flakes off and sticks to your palm.