Capsule

Chapter 6

After another four hours, Yonge has gathered all the supplies he and Synth need from the Terra Omega Outpost. During this time, Epsilon helped Synth prepare the curing solution for the pelts and helped Yonge build their charging cable. Together Synth, Yonge, and Epsilon develop a jack to lift the car's back wheels when they want to generate power. They also build a frame to attach the motor to the wheel. They detach Epsilon's carrier from the computer and detach the motor from the outpost's power grid. Then they drive back to the library in darkness.

"Yonge, did you convert this car to steam yourself?" Epsilon asks.

"Uh... yeah..." Yonge answers, mildly annoyed. "Who else would've?"

"Of course. Most Impressive."

"Thank you. Hey, with all this stuff we've made and found, I think we need a trailer."

"I agree. Please give me a moment to find instructions."

"Couldn't we just strip down another car and hook it up to the car?" Synth interjects.

"Yeah, I mean, we would burn through more wood to account for the extra load, but I think if we pick the right car, we could carry the extra wood," Yonge responds.

"instructions acquir—" Epsilon begins. "Wait, you already have a plan?"

"Yes." Synth responds.

"But the stripped-down car would not have a functioning lighting system."

"Epsilon, we are the last two human beings in existence," Yonge says. "Do we have to worry about having working turn signals?"

Epsilon pauses. While Yonge's response does not align with what their programming says is right, his logic checks out. Epsilon is baffled, but they realize Yonge is right.

"I am looking for the right words to say here," Epsilon says.

"I think the word you're looking for is 'touché,'" Synth says.

"Yes, that sounds right. Touché."

They arrive at the library. They leave everything in the car except for Epsilon. They stop the car and approach the library carrying a burning log. After spending five minutes working the rusty door, they enter the library. As they enter, Epsilon's photoreceptor scans the building.

"Millenium Library." Epsilon says in thought, "Winnipeg's nucleus of knowledge. After its complete reconstruction in 2738, it was considered the most structurally stable building in the city. It was a good idea to make camp here."

Synth has several pelts stretched across metal bookshelves, and as they settle in, he starts to apply the solution to the pelts. Yonge sets Epsilon down near the fireplace and starts a fire with the burning log. Synth eventually comes over.

"A lot is changing fast." Synth says. "When you stop and think about it, time sort of sped up once we met."

"I know. I was beginning to lose hope until I nearly hit you with my car." Yonge responds

"It sounds like time has been accelerating because you are enjoying yourselves." Epsilon comments.

"I know it's quoting an old saying, but it's right." Synth says, "Look, I know that going to B.C. is more of a survival thing than a personal thing. But, I would go anywhere with you, and I would do anything for you. I know we've only known each other for about a week, and under normal circumstances, this would be weird for me to say this, but...."

"It will still be strange," Epsilon interjects.

"Shut up, Epsilon." Synth and Yonge both exclaim.