From 7d34765eeaa4e64cff4fbb6ed6e63336c040c10e Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: BodgeMaster <> Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:21:18 +0200 Subject: [PATCH] zd: Start working on a section about exploring Nova Metropolis --- zd-nova_metropolis.txt | 54 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 54 insertions(+) create mode 100644 zd-nova_metropolis.txt diff --git a/zd-nova_metropolis.txt b/zd-nova_metropolis.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..889b771 --- /dev/null +++ b/zd-nova_metropolis.txt @@ -0,0 +1,54 @@ +Michelle continues driving the bus for a couple hours without further incidents. +They pass a bunch of smaller towns, some of them being basically piles of wood and +rubble while others have buildings that are still standing. + + + +"Look, over there!" Michelle points to the left. +An undefined shape is visible in the far distance. She takes an exit onto another +highway in that direction. After a short while, the undefined shape turns into +the unmistakable skyline of a large city. + +The bus passes a large sign "Welcome to Nova Metropolis" and they reach the city outskirts. +Many of the single family homes in the area are still standing, some of them even in +remarkably good condition. The skyscrapers in the distance look like they’re all intact. + +The highway ends and transitions into a large road. Michelle decelerates the bus. +"Why are you going so slow?" +"Im going exactly 50 - perfectly normal city speed." +"50 km/h? That's faster than the speed limit in . It feels so slow..." +Michelle chuckles. +"Well Jack was right about the wind - I managed to go 120 most of the time." + +The buildings around them get taller and taller. The mix of smaller and medium-sized houses +turns into blocks of five-story buildings which in turn turn into blocks of even taller +buildings until the sides are lined with sky scrapers with facades of glass, concrete, and +steel towering over over the road. +Annie points them out: "They all look like they were just abandoned." +"You're right. Not even a smashed window..." +"Over there?" +"Okay, one smashed window." +Michelle pulls up at a bus stop and parks the bus. +"Time to wake up the guys." + +While enjoying a small meal, they decide to explore the time capsule that is Nova Metropolis. +Well, all of them but Jack. +"I thought sleep was for the weak?" Michelle teases him. +"I'm just gonna own that one today." +He throws himself diagonally into his bed. Through the mattress, they hear a muffled "Good night". + + + +"Jack is gone", Annie notices while entering the bus. +She goes to the kitchen area. +"There’s a note on the table: 'Will be back at 6:30'" +Michelle looks at the clock on the dashboard. +"It *is* 6:30." +"I guess there’s nothing to do but wait. He’ll show up soon enough." James chimes in. +They place their bags full of found goodies on the floor and sit down around the table. + +After a while, they hear a fast car approaching. Looking outside, they see an oldtimer by. +A moment later, it returns, braking so hard that it leaves tire marks on the road. Jack gets out +and waves at them through the window. He turns off the engine and walks to the front of the bus. +Annie opens the door. +"Where have you been?"