I'm playing Frostpunk in Arknights

Alina seemed to trust Wang Zhan a little too much. While this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, given her lack of experience with such crises, promises shouldn't be made lightly. Wouldn't it have been better if she had said, "The Generator Master is already drafting a plan" instead?

Wang Zhan frowned, an old habit from work resurfacing. Since Alina had spoken so confidently, he now had to give her the means to back up those words. While her claim that he had a strategy might have been a bluff to calm the crowd, it would be far more effective if they offered concrete solutions to reassure everyone.

Relying on vague reassurances from the infected would only lead to discontent.

"You said the Generator Master has a plan," Eno interjected, seizing an opportunity to shine. "So why not share it with us?"

Karl glared at Eno, annoyed. Did he not realize the situation was urgent? Why was he stirring the pot now?

Alina's stern demeanor suddenly shifted. A sense of calm washed over her as Wang Zhan's voice came through, outlining a solution. Relief spread across her face. The Generator Master truly did have a plan! She'd only invoked his authority in a moment of desperation to stabilize the situation—now, she owed him a heartfelt apology and thanks.

"I'm sure everyone has heard the news of the storm," Alina began confidently. Her newfound poise surprised even herself. "This storm is far more severe than I initially anticipated. Even with the protection of the Generator, survival through it is uncertain."

Could it really be that serious? Alina wondered but decided it was best to continue listening.

The infected froze in shock. Even with warm blankets, tents, bonfires, and the Generator itself, survival was uncertain?

"Are you admitting you can't protect us?"

Eno's smugness grew. If the Generator Master admitted defeat, then Eno had been right all along. He scanned the crowd, seeking approval but finding only silence.

Had he miscalculated?

Even the Generator's power wouldn't suffice against this storm? That implied certain death for the infected.

Eno chuckled nervously. Perhaps he shouldn't have pushed for an answer… It was his fault for asking too many questions.

"Ahem. I never said I couldn't protect everyone," Wang Zhan's voice cut through the tension.

The infected looked up, their eyes filled with hope. At that moment, Alina became the embodiment of their future.

"This storm exceeds anything we've ever faced. It will obliterate everything on the Northern Plains. Even the mobile cities will tremble before its might. Where else could you go to escape its wrath?"

Some infected grumbled in defiance but couldn't deny the logic. If even the mobile cities couldn't withstand the storm, how could they hope to outrun it on foot? It was foolish to think otherwise.

"But I can ensure your survival," Wang Zhan's voice carried determination. "The current Generator may not suffice, but that doesn't mean tomorrow's Generator can't."

[Key Steps to Survival:]

The Generator will operate continuously for 24 hours after the storm's arrival.

I will enhance the Generator to raise ambient temperatures and expand its range, ensuring warmth for all shelters.

The textile mill will produce winter clothing and firefly lanterns for everyone before the storm hits.

Current tents are inadequate for the cold. I will upgrade each campsite to insulated shelters.

Sufficient food will be prepared to sustain everyone through the storm, and outdoor work will be suspended on the storm's arrival day.

"I will do my utmost to help everyone survive. This is my promise to you and my duty to the Patriot," Wang Zhan declared. "However, I will need everyone's cooperation."

Hope, teetering on the brink, surged by 20%. The infected chose to believe in him, deciding to stay.

"I'm confident we can survive this storm," one infected said with a grin, as though Wang Zhan's promises were already fulfilled.

The Generator Master had never failed them. Everything he promised, he delivered. This time would be no different.

The somber atmosphere lifted, replaced by renewed energy. Alina watched the smiles return to their faces and felt a weight lift from her chest. No one had chosen to leave. The days ahead would undoubtedly be busy, but the camp was united.

She hadn't expected the Generator Master to make so many promises in one breath. She couldn't imagine having that kind of resolve herself. Just remembering all those commitments was a challenge.

Alina's admiration for Wang Zhan grew, along with her sense of pride. She resolved to work even harder.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhan chuckled. After all that, the key point was in his final line: "I will need everyone's cooperation." Now he had a legitimate reason to demand overtime from the infected.

"Excuse me, is this—?"

A voice interrupted the infected's jubilance. They turned to see a broad-faced man in a heavy coat tapping one of them on the shoulder. He had bear-like ears, brown eyes, and a tuft of hair beneath his nose. He held out a letter.

"Sorry, this letter directed me here but didn't specify the place's name."

"A letter? Directed here?"

The infected were baffled. This was their territory, kept secret with great care. How had an outsider learned its location?

"A spy! Seize him!"

Still caught up in their optimism, the infected immediately tackled the man, pinning him to the ground.

"It was you who recruited me! What are you doing?" the man shouted.

Wang Zhan smacked his forehead. Oh, right. Gatling was supposed to arrive today, but he'd completely forgotten amidst the chaos.

Poor guy.

"Stop!"

Alina's voice rang out. The infected obediently stepped back. The man dusted off his coat and glanced warily at the crowd before turning to Alina.

"Are you Gatling?" she asked.

"Yes. Are you the one who recruited me?"

Alina shook her head and gestured toward the Generator. "He recruited you."

Gatling caught a glimmer of reverence in her eyes. Was this some kind of cult?

Iron Tower Faith?

"Please don't joke," Gatling grumbled. "I came here because I'm infected and didn't want to end up in a mining camp." He scanned the crowd. "If this is some sort of cult, let me leave. Deal?"