video; un: Hob

[100more]

[The video shows Hob, sitting at home on a balcony of his apartment. He smiles, but there's a little uncertainty to his attempt at pleasantness. Something is bothering him.]

Hello, all. Uh, I don't mean to alarm everyone, but...

[That's usually how people cause alarm. Good work, Hob.]

I noticed something strange during my recent walks. I have a path I routinely take as I explore the city, walking different areas each day in case there's something out of the ordinary. Well, I typically stop in the same shops for some water or food, or to carry something home. When I went into one of the stores I frequent, I noticed the things I helped myself to previously haven't been replaced. It always was, before.

[It's hard to mask his concern.]

As more people typically arrive about once a month, if resources get scarcer... shouldn't we think of something?

[A quick smile.]

Or maybe it's all a fluke! A temporary disruption in services. That's all.

[That could be it, right? Hob doesn't have to eat to live, but starving is not a lot of fun.]

Comments

[100more]

Those are all good ideas. I'm not much of a gardener, but I could learn.

[ Hob is always willing to try, at least. ]

[inlovewithmycar]

I took up gardening back in the '70s, it's excellent for dealing with stress. All plants need is the right care, proper filtration, the right amount of light, and a little encouragement.

[100more]

[ A demon gardener? Hob can't help his amusement. ]

I didn't know you had such a green thumb.

[inlovewithmycar]

Well it's not exactly something you put on a demonic résumé now, is it?

Point being, if we need stuff grown in a pinch, I can get them up to snuff. Just need a good place for it. Keep an eye out for any greenhouses popping up, will you?

[100more]

[ A greenhouse? That's something Hob hadn't considered. ]

Could we make one? If we had the right equipment? The university that appeared might have supplies and there are plenty of empty classrooms.

[inlovewithmycar]

Don't see why not? Glass panes, wrought iron bits to hold them in place. Concrete for the floor. I'm no DIY expert, but I'm sure someone here has the engineering know-how on how to fit it all together.

The university could, temporarily, be a good place to house anything we decide to grow, but it's not a long-term solution. Water and soil don't exactly mix well with dry wall I reckon.

[100more]

That's a little beyond me. I'm not terrible with a hammer, but I couldn't design all that myself. But maybe someone can.

I've heard causing any damage has resulted in punishment to some here, though I don't know the details, so perhaps they wouldn't like it if we did any major renevating like.. tearing down walls and such or repurposing a building. Hard to say.

[inlovewithmycar]

Now I regret not reading those books on architecture. Oh well, like I said. Probably someone here who's got it all sorted.

Yeah. Punishment. I'd like to avoid dealing with anything the Powers That Be might be inclined to dish out. Better to just build our own stuff.