Chương 52: The Settlement’s New Layout

Jack waved off Vane's thanks. The lighting problem from the night before suddenly came back to him.

"By the way, did you see any lights while you were searching the storeroom?"

"Quite a few," Vane said.

"What kind?" Vane thought back.

"Outdoor lights, camping lights, decorative lights, and some lawn lights. Most of them seem to be solar-powered, and there are plenty in the storeroom."

"There were also several boxes with pictures of light bulbs on them, but I don't think those use solar power." Jack remembered the solar lights. They had come in with the camping supplies. The boxes of light bulbs, however, didn't sound familiar at all. He decided not to worry about it. They were probably another unexpected bonus left behind by the previous owner.

"Perfect. Bring out a few sets of solar lights," Jack said.

"With this much sunlight every day, it would be a waste not to use it." Vane went to the storeroom and soon came back with several sets of solar-powered outdoor lights. Not long after Vane left again, Jack began to feel tired. He lay back on the folding cot, closed his eyes, and soon fell asleep. Jack woke to the sound of his growling stomach. The sunlight outside had already faded, leaving only the ceiling lights inside the store. He rubbed his stomach and muttered, "I slept all afternoon.

No wonder you're complaining." He had just sat up when Elias walked in.

"You're awake," Elias said with a smile.

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better. Just hungry."

"Then you woke up at the right time. Marg just finished preparing dinner." Elias came over to help him up.

"Come eat outside with us. You can try what we normally eat." Jack was curious about their usual food, so he readily agreed. The moment he stepped outside, however, he stopped. In just one afternoon, the open area in front of the convenience store had completely changed. Eight two-person tents had been arranged beneath the canopies, their entrances facing roughly the same direction. A wide path ran between them, leaving enough room for everyone to move around.

The dome tent had been moved beside the windows on the right side of the store, blocking most of the glass there. The six-person tent now covered much of the other side. More canopies stretched out from the store and connected the entire tent area. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it. The sun had not fully set, but the newly installed lights were already coming on. Their soft light fell across the tents and the paths between them.

Jack studied the layout and soon understood that the tents had been placed that way for a reason. The two larger tents blocked the glass windows on either side of the convenience store, while the smaller tents surrounded the path leading to the entrance. Anyone approaching the store would have to pass through the living area first. No matter which direction they came from, someone outside would see them long before they reached the door.

"Come on," Elias said when he noticed Jack standing there. Jack finally looked at him.

"Did all of you arrange this?" Elias only smiled, but that was answer enough. The tents were not just a temporary place to live. They had also formed the first line of protection around the convenience store. Jack was silent for a moment before saying, "You put a lot of thought into this. Thank you."

"There's no need to thank us," Elias replied. Elias helped Jack over to the dining area beneath the canopies. Marg was already handing out dinner, while Cass had clearly grown tired of waiting.

"Jack, hurry up! You're the only one left." Ray shot him an annoyed look.

"Would it kill you to wait a little longer?" Cass ducked his head, making Jack laugh.

"Go ahead and eat. You don't have to wait for me." Once Elias had helped him sit down, Marg placed his dinner in front of him. It was a simple meal—several strips of dark brown dried meat and a few slices of the bread Jack had provided. Jack studied the dried meat.

"What kind of meat is this?"

"Gray-Eared Jumper," Cass said.

"What's that?"

"A small mutant animal that lives in the wasteland. They're not aggressive, and if we're lucky, we can catch one or two." Some kind of rabbit, maybe? Jack picked up a strip and tried a bite. The meat was tough and dry, with a faint gamey smell. He chewed for quite a while before finally tearing off a small piece. Marg had been watching him.

"Not used to it?" Jack shook his head.

"Not really."

"You'll get used to it after eating it a few times," Marg said with a laugh. Cass, meanwhile, was eating with obvious enjoyment.

"I think it tastes pretty good. At least it fills your stomach." Ray glanced at him.

"Even food can't keep your mouth shut." Jack smiled but said nothing and forced himself to finish the rest of the dried meat. After dinner, while the others cleared the table, he called Elias over to discuss the next day's work. They decided that Mort would continue making bricks, with Vane and Reed responsible for carrying them and laying them out to dry. Cass would operate the excavator and start digging the foundation for the wall.

Thomas would take a look at the outdoor faucet and see if he could add a few more. With more people moving in, one faucet would no longer be enough. Marg would prepare the meals, while Susan and Ray handled the cleaning and washed everyone's clothes in batches. Now that they were living here, they couldn't keep wearing the same clothes for days. Once everything had been arranged, Elias asked, "What about you?" Jack pointed at the bandages around his chest.

"Look at me. What else can I do? Obviously, I'll supervise." Elias laughed.

"You say that like it's perfectly reasonable."

"I'm injured. What choice do I have?" Jack laughed as well. Elias then explained the next day's assignments to everyone. When Ava heard that everyone had been given a job, she immediately asked, "Uncle Jack, what about me? I can help too." Jack pretended to think about it.

"Hmm… Then you can be in charge of spraying water into the big pit. How does that sound?" Ava immediately agreed.

"Okay!"

"Then thank you, Ava." She put on her most serious expression.

"You're welcome. It's what I should do." Her attempt to sound like an adult made everyone laugh. At that moment, the system's voice sounded in Jack's mind.